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Aviva plc

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FY2018 Annual Report · Aviva plc
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Aviva plc

 Annual report 
 and accounts 
 2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreword 
The Strategic report on pages 1 to 38 contains information about 
Aviva, how we create value and how we run our business. It includes 
our strategy, business model, market outlook and key performance 
indicators, as well as our approach to sustainability and risk. 

The digital format of this report ensures we are ready for guidelines 
relating to the Financial Reporting Council’s Digital Reporting and 
ESMA European Single Electronic Format. 

To supplement the regulatory disclosures in this report, you can 
find more regular news and insights into Aviva throughout the year 
on our website at www.aviva.com. 

The Strategic report is only part of the Annual report and accounts 
2018. The Strategic report was approved by the Board on 6 March 
2019 and signed on its behalf by Sir Adrian Montague, Chairman. 

Non-Financial Reporting Regulations 
Under sections 414CA and 414CB of the Companies Act 2006, as 
introduced by the Companies, Partnerships and Groups (Accounts 
and Non-Financial Reporting) Regulations 2016, Aviva is required 
to include, in its Strategic Report, a non-financial statement. 
Information required by these Regulations is included in Key 
performance indicators from page 5, Business model from page 8, 
Our people from page 11, Risk and risk management from page 30 
and Corporate responsibility from page 34.  

Contents 

Strategic Report 
01  
02 
05 
07 
08 
09 
11 
13 
17 
30 
34 
37 

Chairman’s statement 
Chairman’s review 
Key performance indicators 
The horizon 
Business model 
Our strategy 
Our people 
Chief Financial Officer’s review 
Market review 
Risk and risk management 
Corporate responsibility 
Our climate-related financial disclosure 

Governance 
40 
42 
44 
68 

Chairman’s Governance Letter 
Our Board of Directors biographies 
Directors’ and Corporate Governance report 
Directors’ remuneration report 

Independent auditors’ report 
Accounting policies 

IFRS financial statements 
94 
102 
116  Consolidated financial statements 
242   Financial statements of the Company  

Other information 
Alternative Performance Measures 
254 
259 
Shareholder services 
260  Cautionary statement 

As a reminder 

Reporting currency: 
We use £ sterling. 

Unless otherwise stated, all figures referenced in this report relate to Group. 

A glossary explaining key terms used in this report is available on www.aviva.com/glossary. 

The Company’s registered office is St Helen’s, 1 Undershaft, London, EC3P 3DQ 
The Company’s telephone number is +44 (0)20 7283 2000 

Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Chairman’s statement 

Chairman’s 
statement 

Aviva has a vital social purpose; we help people to handle life’s 
uncertainties with confidence. Last year we paid £32.9 billion in 
claims and benefits on behalf of our 33 million customers. This 
purpose is becoming all the more important when one considers 
the growing pace of global change. Whether it is economic, political, 
technological or environmental challenge, our customers are facing 
unprecedented change in the way our societies work.  

Our people 
Ultimately, I am confident we can and will unlock our full potential, 
both through the focus of our new Chief Executive Officer and the 
skills, commitment and values of our people.  

It is our people who make Aviva and who are there to deliver on our 
purpose, which is why a strong culture is so important. Overall our 
employee engagement score is consistent with 2017 at 76% 
globally. I’m pleased to note that in the last year, colleagues have 
seen significant positive shifts in the culture at Aviva with a 12-point 
increase in the headline culture measure which is an output of a 
suite of metrics including customer focus, leadership and 
operational simplicity. For 2019 we will work to further strengthen 
the culture through simplifying the way we do things and further 
promoting inclusive diversity, on which you can read more in the 
people section on page 11. 

Against this backdrop, Aviva has the experience and strength, the 
values and the people to do the right thing for our customers and 
our shareholders. By working harder to deliver outstanding service, 
we also have the potential do to even better.  

Our communities 
We also remain determined to be a responsible, sustainable 
business. It is important for us to contribute to the communities 
where we work as well as the customers we are here to serve.  

New leadership 
I am delighted that on 4 March 2019 we announced the 
appointment of Maurice Tulloch as Aviva’s new Chief Executive 
Officer. Maurice joined Aviva in 1992 and was previously Aviva’s 
Chief Executive Officer, International Insurance with responsibility 
for our life insurance and general insurance operations in France, 
Canada, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Turkey and India. Prior to that he was 
Chief Executive Officer of Aviva UK and Ireland General Insurance, 
one of the largest businesses in the Aviva group. Having spent 26 
years with the Company, Maurice knows the Aviva business inside 
out, knows our strengths, and where we need to improve. He is 
exceptionally well qualified to re-energise Aviva and deliver long-
term growth. 

Maurice’s appointment follows on from the announcement in 
October that Mark Wilson would step down from the Board. Mark 
was brought in to deliver the turnaround of Aviva. He succeeded 
admirably, leaving us in a strong financial position and with an 
enduring set of values. But the time is right for new leadership to 
take us to the next phase of Aviva’s development. 

Board changes 
We announced in January that Michael Hawker will retire from the 
Board as a Non-Executive Director, and as Chairman of the Risk 
Committee and as a member of the Audit and Nominations 
Committees, with effect from 31 March 2019. He has served as a 
Non-Executive Director since January 2010. We would like to thank 
Michael for his enormous contribution to Aviva over the past nine 
years. He has brought to the Board a wealth of knowledge and 
experience gained over a long career in the banking and insurance 
industries in both executive and non-executive roles in Europe, Asia 
and Australia, and has been a distinguished Chairman of the Risk 
Committee. The appointment of the new Risk Committee Chair is 
well advanced, and will be announced following the completion of 
the relevant regulatory approval process. 

We have campaigned successfully on behalf of consumers to tackle 
fraud in Canada, Ireland and the UK. We have reduced our carbon 
footprint by 60% since 2010 and have developed our relationship 
with the British Red Cross to sign up volunteers to help their 
neighbours when a crisis hits. The Aviva Community Fund is active 
in ten markets around the world and our newly created Aviva 
Foundation has ambitious plans, helping us support over 2.5 million 
people through our community activities by 2020. 

As a long-term business, we care not only about today’s 
communities, but also tomorrow’s. To that end, I am particularly 
proud that in October 2018 the United Nations Foundation 
presented Aviva with its prestigious leadership award, recognising 
our work to promote the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. 

Looking ahead 
At the time of writing, Brexit is looming large as the biggest change 
that many will have experienced for a generation. We still do not 
know how events will play out, but our structure means that we 
expect Britain’s departure from the EU to have no significant 
operational impact on Aviva. We have put in place detailed plans 
to make sure we will be there for our customers, come what may. 

There will no doubt be more shifts in our operating environment in 
the months and years to come, just as there has been in our more 
than 300-year history. Amidst the change, our strategy will evolve, 
but our commitment to our customers remains constant.  

Sir Adrian Montague 
Chairman  
6 March 2019 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
01 

Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Chairman’s review 

Chairman’s 
review 

Overview 
Saving for the future, drawing a secure pension income, or 
protecting against unforeseen events, all these are fundamental to 
our customers’ well-being. Supporting customers in these areas, 
and more, is Aviva’s lifeblood and, through this commitment to 
serving customers, we will earn the returns our shareholders expect.  

To provide customers with security and peace of mind, it is 
imperative to have strong financial foundations. Our capital 
position makes Aviva a partner that our customers can count on. 
In 2018, our Solvency II capital surplus4 remained strong at £12.0 
billion, equivalent to a Solvency II shareholder cover ratio2,4 of 
204%. We increased our Solvency II shareholder cover ratio2,4 in 
2018 despite weaker investment markets and deploying £1.5 billion 
to repay debt and repurchase shares. And, in 2018, Group adjusted 
operating profit1 rose 2% to £3.1 billion, while operating earnings 
per share2,3 increased 7% to 58.4 pence. IFRS profit before tax 
attributable to shareholders’ profits was £2,129 million  
(2017: £2,003 million). 

In view of Aviva’s continued financial strength and steady 
performance, the Board of Directors has proposed a 9% increase in 
the full year dividend to 30.0 pence per share. We are moving to a 
progressive dividend policy. Moderating the rate of dividend per 
share growth will enhance our flexibility to repay debt and invest in 
business improvement. The future trajectory of the dividend will 
reflect performance against our strategic objectives. 

There were a number of operational highlights during the year 
In 2018, Aviva’s businesses maintained a disciplined approach in 
competitive markets.  

In the UK, our business has consolidated its position and we are 
seeing encouraging results across long-term savings, bulk purchase 
annuity and general insurance product lines. In 2018, a strong 
pipeline of workplace pension scheme wins helped to sustain long-
term savings flows and we wrote our largest ever bulk purchase 
annuity contract, a £925 million transaction with Marks and 
Spencer. We launched AvivaPlus, our new subscription style 
insurance that offers greater flexibility and choice, giving our 
customers even more control and rewarding their loyalty.  

Our European businesses have been invigorated through intelligent 
choices on product design and mix and a focus on expanding our 
distribution footprint. In France, we have begun the process of 
bringing our multi-channel distribution under the Aviva brand, and 
there is more work to do on that in the coming year. In Italy, our 
success in the financial adviser channel has paved the way for 
sustained growth in sales volumes. In Ireland, we completed the 
acquisition of Friends First, strengthening our position in life 
insurance.  

In our general insurance businesses, we have continued to prioritise 
profitability over sales volumes. While our Canadian motor 
insurance portfolio is in the early stages of its recovery and an 

increase in weather related claims provided a headwind for profits 
across all of our general insurance businesses, the Group combined 
operating ratio2 of 96.6% remained acceptable. 

In Asia, we have a mix of established and emerging businesses and 
we have continued to invest in their development. In our largest 
Asian business, Singapore, our advisory distribution network has 
continued to expand, providing customers with wider product 
choice and stimulating growth in sales and profits. 

Digital remains an important element of Aviva’s strategy of 
improving customer experience. In the UK, the number of active 
customers registered on MyAviva rose 48% to 4.2 million with 
700,000 customers logging into MyAviva each month to transact 
online or to check policy information. We have launched new 
propositions with AvivaPlus, MyAviva Workplace and Wealthify 
creating a strong platform for the future. In Hong Kong, following 
receipt of regulatory approval, we launched “Blue”, our digital 
insurance venture with Tencent and Hillhouse, which offers 
customers in Hong Kong a new way to buy insurance. 

But we also faced a number of challenges 
Externally, uncertainty in the political and economic backdrop 
intensified during the year and this was reflected in a difficult year 
for investment market performance across most asset classes. In 
our home market, the UK, the prolonged and fraught process of 
negotiating Britain’s exit from the European Union has weighed 
down on growth in the economy. But Aviva is well placed to deal 
with this; our locally incorporated and locally regulated businesses 
in Europe have prepared to minimise the potential operational 
impact. 

The regulatory environment also continues to evolve, requiring our 
businesses to adapt and, in some cases, provide remediation for 
past practices. The shifting external environment, coupled with 
competitive insurance and savings markets, has provided a 
challenging macro-environment in which to operate. The resilience 
built into Aviva’s capital position and operating model over recent 
years has allowed us to overcome these challenges and continue to 
serve customers across all our markets. 

There were also challenges of our own making, including our 
announcement in March 2018 that we were “evaluating 
alternatives” for the Aviva plc and General Accident plc preference 
shares. While we responded quickly to certain investor concerns by 
withdrawing from further action and paid £10 million in goodwill 
and administration costs to compensate those who incurred losses 
from selling these securities during this period, it was a 
disappointing episode and lessons have been learned.  

We also responded to challenges in our UK business. We 
encountered disruption during the migration of our independent 
financial adviser platform to a new supplier, which adversely 
affected our service standards. Our teams worked hard to resolve 
these challenges and advisers are now starting to benefit from the 
improved functionality and processing capability that the new 
platform offers. We also increased the amount set aside for 
customer redress in relation to historical advised sales by Friends 
Provident to £250 million (2017: £75 million). Over 90% of cases 
identified are pre-2002. 

Financial performance was steady 
2018 has been a year of steady performance overall for Aviva. Our 
businesses have delivered broad-based growth, with six out of our 
eight major markets increasing adjusted operating profit1 in 2018.  

1  Group adjusted operating profit is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which is used by the Group to supplement the required disclosures under IFRS. Please refer to note B in the ‘Accounting Policies’ section and to the 

‘Other Information’ section within the Annual report and accounts for further information. 

2  This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which provides useful information to supplement an understanding of our financial performance. Further information on APMs, including a reconciliation to the financial 

statements (where possible), can be found in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts. 

3  This measure is derived from the Group adjusted operating profit APM. Further details of this measure are included in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts. 
4  The estimated Solvency II position represents the shareholder view. Please refer to note 57 and the ‘Other information’ section of the Annual report and accounts for more information. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
02 

Strategic report 
Strategic report 
Strategic report 

Governance 
Governance 
Governance 

IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 

Other information 
Other information 
Other information 

Chairman’s review 

Continued 

We have maintained profit momentum in our UK and European 
insurance businesses and Canada has responded well to the 
challenges in the auto insurance portfolio that emerged in 2017. 
Aviva Investors was set back by a difficult investment market 
backdrop, though we have chosen to continue investing to facilitate 
the long-term expansion of our third-party franchise. 

In the UK, our results have continued to benefit from releases of 
provisions arising from changes in UK longevity trends. However, as 
in 2017, we continued to use this additional profitability to increase 
spending to advance our digital innovation agenda and accelerate 
the transformation programme in IT and Finance that will provide 
benefits to Aviva in the years to come.  

Outlook 
The coming year is shaping up as an important period for Aviva. The 
arrival of our new Chief Executive will have a galvanising effect on 
our organisation, providing renewed clarity of purpose. Aviva has 
abundant strengths: committed and energetic staff, depth in 
technical expertise, supportive partners and most importantly, 33 
million customers. Our challenge is to capitalise on these strengths 
to become a better, simpler, more efficient company known for 
excellence in serving customers. This will require significant 
improvements by Aviva. It will also entail choices with respect to 
resource allocation. However, our strong existing foundations give 
us all we need to ensure the new phase Aviva is embarking on will 
be a success. 

Sir Adrian Montague 
Chairman  
6 March 2019 

Leadership and priorities 
In October 2018, we announced that Mark Wilson would step down 
from his role as Chief Executive Officer. In almost six years under 
Mark’s leadership, Aviva transformed its capital strength, refined its 
focus towards those markets with the strongest returns and growth 
prospects and invested in digital capabilities and propositions that 
will differentiate Aviva in the insurance and savings market place in 
the coming years.  

From these strong foundations, Aviva is entering a new phase of its 
development. We recently announced the appointment of Maurice 
Tulloch as Chief Executive Officer. Maurice will work with the Board 
to establish and refine the strategy that will take Aviva forward in 
the coming years.  

Maurice will be an outstanding Chief Executive of Aviva. He knows 
the business inside out. He has led our businesses in the UK and 
internationally and built strong teams across life insurance and 
general insurance. Maurice knows our strengths, knows where we 
need to improve and has a deep understanding of insurance and 
customers’ needs. He is exceptionally well qualified to re-energise 
Aviva and deliver long-term growth. 

Having made Aviva stronger, the focus of the next phase is to make 
Aviva a better company. This means re-emphasising the 
fundamentals: customer service, distribution, product mix and 
pricing, and managing expenses. There is much more we can and 
will achieve. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
03 

Strategic report 
Strategic report 
Strategic report 

Governance 
Governance 
Governance 

IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 

Other information 
Other information 
Other information 

Chairman’s review 

Continued 

Delivering on a clear plan of action 

What we 
achieved 

Financial & Strategic 

Customers 

Culture and Society 

For our key metrics, we have: 
• Increased Group adjusted operating 
profit1 by 2% to £3,116 million (2017: 
£3,068 million) 

• Increased operating earnings per 

share (EPS)2,3 by 7% to 58.4p (2017: 
54.8p) 

• Increased profit before tax 

attributable to shareholders’ profit by 
6% to £2,129 million (2017: £2,003
million) and increased basic EPS by 
9% to 38.2p (2017: 35.0p)

• Increased cash remittances2 to 
Group by 31% to £3,137 million 
(2017: £2,398 million) 

• Increased total dividend per share 

by 9% to 30.00p (2017: 27.40p)

• Delivered a robust Solvency II capital 
position with an estimated Solvency II 
shareholder cover ratio2,5 that has
increased by 6pp to 204% (2017:
198%), despite £1.5 billion of capital 
deployment. This includes operating 
capital generation2 in the year of £3.2 
billion 

• Reported total assets under 

management2 of £470 billion – a 
decrease of £17 billion on 2017 
• Grown MyAviva active customer 
registrations to 5.3 million (2017: 
3.6 million4)

Acquisitions and disposals: 
• We completed our acquisition of 

Friends First in Ireland 

• We completed the sale of our Spanish 
joint ventures: Caja Murcia Vida, Caja 
Granada Vida and Pelayo Vida; our 
Taiwanese joint venture First Aviva 
Life; and completed the sale of our 
joint venture in Italy, Avipop 
Assicurazioni S.p.A., and its wholly 
owned subsidiary Avipop Vita S.p.A. 
• We sold a Real Estate Multi-Manager 
business which was strategically non-
core to our Aviva Investors business 

For our customers, we have: 
• Paid out £32.9 billion in claims and 

For our people, we have: 
• Improved employee engagement to 

benefits 

• Supported our customers through 
difficult times including notable UK 
storm “the Beast from the East”, as 
well as poor weather in Canada 
• Launched AvivaPlus in the UK in 

December 2018, our new subscription 
style insurance that offers greater 
flexibility and choice, giving our 
customers even more control and 
rewarding their loyalty 

• Announced a majority shareholding 

in Neos, the smart technology 
insurance provider which helps 
customers to monitor and protect 
their homes through connected 
devices 

• Successfully piloted “Mid-life MOT” 
which offers guidance and help to 
over 45s on the topics of wealth, work 
and wellbeing 

• Our successful Road to Reform 

campaign helped bring significant 
changes to the personal injury 
compensation system in the UK, 
culminating in the civil liability bill 
passing into law 

• Launched Blue, our new digital 

insurance joint venture in Hong Kong, 
offering zero commission insurance 
• Introduced a smartphone dashcam 
through our UK Aviva Drive app 
• Won a number of awards including 
Insurance Times General Insurer of 
the year and Insurance Post customer 
care award 

76% (2017: 75%) and we have achieved 
a 12-point increase in our 
Organisational Health questionnaire 
(our headline culture metric) 
• Extended our flagship leadership 

programme to all leaders with 1,500 
people leaders starting it in 2018 
• Launched our employee inclusion 
communities across all markets 
• Continued to build a culture and 
environment which attracts and 
retains people with the right 
capabilities for the future 

For society, we have: 
• Supported over 3,000 community 
projects, helping over 1.5 million 
people on a range of issues from social 
inclusion and diversity to supporting 
SMEs and water sanitation 

• Won the UN Foundation’s leadership 

award in recognition of Aviva’s work to 
support the UN’s Sustainable 
Development Goals (SDGs) 

• Launched the World Benchmarking 

Alliance to establish public, 
transparent and authoritative league 
tables of companies’ contribution to 
the SDGs 

• Since 2010 we have reduced carbon 

emissions (CO2e) from our day-to-day 
operations by 60% beating our 2020 
target early. We are a carbon neutral 
company, offsetting the remaining 
emissions through projects that have 
benefitted the lives of over one million 
people 

• Invested £1.8 billion in the transition to 

a low carbon economy 

• Over 7,000 of our employees 

contributed more than 57,500 hours of 
volunteering time, giving and 
fundraising to the total of £2.1 million 

What we  
plan to do 

• Further simplify processes and 
operating model, investing in 
modernisation to improve agility and 
efficiency 

• Improve customer experience 

• Allow our people to manage the 

through simplification of customer 
journeys, digitisation and automation 

fundamentals to ensure we can deliver 
continued growth for Aviva 

• Roll out AvivaPlus for our UK 

• Develop great leaders with a focus on 

• Aim to repay £1.5 billion of maturing 

customers 

agility and execution 

debt between 2019-2022 

• Continue to reallocate capital to 

• Continue to focus on developing an 

• Move to a progressive dividend policy 
• Target an estimated Solvency II 

focus on what we do best and drive 
higher returns 

inclusive workforce which is fit for the 
future 

shareholder cover ratio2,5 working 
range of 160%-180% 

1  Group adjusted operating profit is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which is used by the Group to supplement the required disclosures under IFRS. Please refer to note B in the ‘Accounting Policies’ section and to the 

‘Other Information’ section within the Annual report and accounts for further information. 

2  This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which provides useful information to supplement an understanding of our financial performance. Further information on APMs, including a reconciliation to the financial 

statements (where possible), can be found in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts. 

3  This measure is derived from the Group adjusted operating profit APM. Further details of this measure are included in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts. 
4  The 2017 MyAviva active registrations number (7.5 million as previously reported) has been restated to now only include customers who hold at least one policy with us and have been active on MyAviva in the last 365 days. On 

the restated basis, 2017 active customer registrations were 3.6 million. 

5   The estimated Solvency II position represents the shareholder view. Please refer to note 57 and the ‘Other information’ section of the Annual report and accounts for more information.

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
04 

Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Key performance indicators 

Key performance 
indicators 

We use a range of financial and non-financial metrics to measure our performance, financial strength, customer advocacy, employee 
engagement and impact on society. These include Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) which are non-GAAP measures that are not 
bound by the requirements of IFRS. These metrics are reviewed annually and updated as appropriate to ensure they remain an effective 
measure of delivery against our objectives.  

Further guidance in respect of the APMs used by the Group to measure our performance and financial strength is included within the 
‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts. This guidance includes definitions and, where possible, reconciliations to 
relevant line items or sub-totals in the financial statements. The financial commentary included in this Strategic report should be read in 
conjunction with this guidance. 

Customer Net Promoter Score® (NPS®) 

R 

NPS® is our measure of customer advocacy and we use it in nine of our markets1 to measure 
the likelihood of a customer recommending Aviva. Our relationship NPS® survey shows three 
years of sustained high levels of customer advocacy, with modest improvement in the last 
12 months. We are working hard to boost customers’ loyalty by making things simple for 
customers and putting them in control, for example with the launch of AvivaPlus. 

Engagement  

R 

We give our people the freedom to act in line with our values to create an environment 
in which they can thrive through collaboration and recognition. We measure this through 
our annual global ‘Voice of Aviva’ survey. Engagement is up one percentage point to 76%. 
In the last year, colleagues have seen significant positive shifts in the culture at Aviva with 
a 12-point increase in the headline culture measure reflecting this although we recognise 
there is still plenty of opportunity to reduce complexity across the business. 

Carbon emissions reduction 

Since 2010 we have reduced carbon emissions (CO2e) from our day-to- day operations by 
60% beating our 2020 target of a 50% reduction earlier than planned. We are a carbon-
neutral company, offsetting the remaining emissions through projects that have benefitted 
the lives of over one million people since 2012. In 2018 we have continued to reduce 
our operational carbon emissions through energy efficient technology, buildings and 
development of onsite renewable electricity generation. We have also added £1.8 billion in 
low carbon infrastructure investments over the year. CO2e data includes emissions from our 
buildings, business travel, water and waste to landfill. 
MyAviva active customer registrations2 

R 

We continue to make progress with our digital transformation and MyAviva remains at its 
heart. Active customer registrations is the number of global users of MyAviva and other 
digital platforms, who have at least one product and have logged-in at least once during 
the previous 365 days. Active customer registrations have increased by 47% to 5.3 million 
(2017: 3.6 million2) driven mainly by growth in the UK. 

R 

Symbol denotes key performance indicators used as a base to determine or modify remuneration. 

Number of markets in 2018: 
at or above market average: 8 

2017: 7  

 2016: 9 

below market average: 1 

2017: 2  

 2016: 0 

2018: 
76% 

2017: 75% 
2016: 74% 

2018: 
60% 
Reduction since 2010 

2017: 53% 
2016: 46% 

2018: 
5.3 million 

2017: 3.6 million2 
2016: 2.7 million2 

1  All comparators have been restated as we have reduced the number of markets covered in the survey from ten to nine markets as India was not surveyed in 2018. 
2  The 2017 and 2016 MyAviva active registrations numbers (7.5 million and 5.2 million respectively as previously reported) have been restated to now only include customers who hold at least one policy with us and have been 

active on MyAviva in the last 365 days. On the restated basis, 2017 active customer registrations were 3.6 million (2016: 2.7 million). Active registrations previously included guests as well as customers. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
05 

Strategic report 
Strategic report 

Governance 
Governance 

IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 

Other information 
Other information 

Key performance indicators 

Continued 

Group adjusted operating profit1 

R 

Group adjusted operating profit1 increased by 2% to £3,116 million. Major markets’ Group 
adjusted operating profit1 increased by 7% to £3,669 million, with all major markets except 
Aviva Investors and Canada experiencing earnings growth.  

Operating earnings per share2,4 

R 

Operating earnings per share2,4 increased by 7% to 58.4p. This reflects the growth in Group 
adjusted operating profit1 and the impact of our share buy-back and debt reduction 
programme. We have met our target to deliver higher than 5% growth in operating earnings 
per share2,4 in 2018. 

Profit before tax attributable to shareholders’ profit (PBT) 

Profit before tax attributable to shareholders’ profit increased by 6% to £2,129 million due 
to an increase in Group adjusted operating profit1 and other items, partly offset by adverse 
investment variances. 

Cash remittances2 

R 

Sustainable cash remittances2 from our businesses are a key financial priority. Remittances 
from markets increased 31% to £3,137 million. This was primarily driven by the UK3 
businesses which contributed £2,549 million including £1.25 billion special remittances, 
comprising a £500 million special remittance following the Friends Life integration and an 
additional £750 million special remittance. Including disposal proceeds from Spain and 
Avipop, we achieved £7.9 billion in cash remittances for 2016-2018 falling slightly short of 
our £8.0 billion target. This primarily reflects the delay in the completion of the disposal of 
Friends Provident International Limited and our decision to retain proceeds from the sale of 
Avipop in our Italian subsidiary given the high market volatility environment.  

Estimated Solvency II shareholder cover ratio2,5 

We continue to maintain our strong financial position. During the year the estimated 
Solvency II shareholder coverage ratio2,5 has strengthened from 198% to 204% primarily due 
to the positive impact of Operating Capital Generation (OCG)2, a key remuneration metric 
for the Group, partly offset by the payment of dividends, the £600 million share buy-back 
programme and the repayment of hybrid debt. 

Value of new business on an adjusted Solvency II basis2 

Value of new business on an adjusted Solvency II basis (VNB)2 measures growth and is the 
source of future cash flows in our life businesses. VNB2 decreased by 3% to £1,202 million, 
however excluding disposals VNB2 increased by 2%. Growth was mainly driven by the hybrid 
savings product in Italy and bulk purchase annuities in the UK. 

Combined operating ratio2 

The combined operating ratio (COR)2 is a measure of general insurance profitability. The 
lower the COR2 is below 100%, the more profitable we are. Reported COR2 is broadly in line 
with 2017 for all markets. 

2018: 
£3,116 million 

2017: £3,068 million 
2016: £3,010 million 

 2018: 
58.4p 

2017: 54.8p 
2016: 51.1p 

2018: 
£2,129 million 

2017: £2,003 million 
2016: £1,193 million 

2018: 
£3,137 million 

2017: £2,398 million 
2016: £1,805 million 

2018: 
204% 

2017: 198% 
2016: 189% 

2018: 
£1,202 million 

2017: £1,243 million 
2016: £992 million 

2018: 
96.6% 

2017: 96.6% 
2016: 94.2% 

R 

Symbol denotes key performance indicators used as a base to determine or modify remuneration. 

1  Group adjusted operating profit is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which is used by the Group to supplement the required disclosures under IFRS. Please refer to note B in the ‘Accounting Policies’ section and to the 

‘Other Information’ section within the Annual report and accounts for further information. 

2  This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which provides useful information to supplement an understanding of our financial performance. Further information on APMs, including a reconciliation to the financial 

statements (where possible), can be found in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts. 

3  Cash remitted to Group is managed at a legal entity level. As Ireland constitutes a branch of the United Kingdom business, cash remittances from Ireland were not aligned to the management structure within Europe, but they 

were reported within the United Kingdom. 

4  This measure is derived from the Group adjusted operating profit APM. Further details of this measure are included in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts. 
5   The estimated Solvency II position represents the shareholder view. Please refer to note 57 and the ‘Other information’ section of the Annual report and accounts for more information. 

Read about our performance at www.aviva.com/about-us

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

The horizon: where the world is going 

The horizon:  
where the world is going 

Our strategy has been defined to anticipate these long-term trends which will impact our industry in the future. We acknowledge the risks 
they present and aim to turn these trends into opportunities for future growth.  

The power of communities 
Government influence is reducing as the role of ‘communities’ of 
mutual interests and connected networks, both virtual and local, 
increases. 

 Daily active Facebook users on average 
1.5 billion 
Source: facebook.com, stats, September 2018 

Ever-changing planet  
Changing climate and extreme weather events will have a 
significant impact on both society and business. 

Shifting wealth 
Developing markets will have a much larger share of the world’s 
savings and assets pool. 

 Economic loss in US dollars caused by global natural disasters in 
2018 
$160 billion 
Source: Munich Re, catastrophe losses, January 2019 

 Estimated Global Insurance premium share of growth from 
emerging economies by 2025 
47% 
Source: Munich Re, April 2017 

Older and healthier 
People will live longer and be healthier. Markets will be driven 
increasingly by attitudes and needs as family structures evolve and 
pressures on social care increase. 

 Increase in UK’s average life expectancy at birth between 2016 and 
2066 
6.6 years 
Source: Office for National Statistics, December 2017 

Health across an evolving world 
The way people access healthcare is evolving, with many markets 
shifting towards a more self-reliant model and private healthcare. 

No place like home 
Home ownership, and its place as a wealth accumulation vehicle, 
begins to evolve as mindsets towards ownership shift and 
affordability affects accessibility. 

New threats in a connected world  
The proliferation of connected devices and the dominant role of 
social networks in modern life is raising the threat from cyber 
attacks and infringements to privacy. 

 Average increase in UK and French doctors recommending 
smartphone apps to patients (for their own use/evaluation) 
between 2015 and 2017 
30% 
Source: Ipsos Mori, May 2017 

Proportion of UK households that will be rented privately by 2021 
25% 
Source: Knight Frank, August 2017 

 Average cost of a data breach 
US$3.62 million 
Source: EY Global Information Security Survey 2018-2019 

Mobility 
Disruption to radically change the transport ecosystem, with 
consumers accessing, owning and using transport in different ways. 

 Number of fewer cars required in the US and Europe by 2030 
138 million 

Source: PWC, January 2018 

Blurring of sector boundaries  
The clear boundaries between sectors no longer exist, from 
technology companies offering financial services to telecom 
providers creating media content. 

 Increase in Apple Pay transactions in 2018 vs 2017 
3x 

Source: Apple, November 2018 

Read about where the world is going at www.aviva.com/about-us

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Business model 

Business model 

Aviva exists to help our 33 million customers have the confidence and control to be ready for life’s opportunities and challenges.  
We are the only large-scale multi-line insurer in the UK, our home market. We also have a strong presence in Europe, North America  
and South-East Asia. 

We have a distinctive approach. It defines and differentiates us. It helps us meet our customers’ needs … 

Values 
Our values are at the heart of 
how we do business. They are 
how we must operate: 
• Care More 
• Kill Complexity 
• Never Rest 
• Create Legacy 

Strengths  
We have unique strengths as a 
business that gives us a significant 
competitive advantage: 
• Distinctive brand 
• Financial strength 
• Customer understanding 
• Multi-distribution 
• Multi-product 

Skills  
We have a wide range and blend 
of skills: 
• Customer experience 
• Underwriting 
• Risk management 
• Claims management 
• Digital innovation 
• Data science 
• Asset & liability management 
• Capital allocation 

Strategy  
Our strategy focuses on the 
things that really matter and 
puts the customer at the heart of 
what we do: 
• True Customer Composite 
• Digital First 
• Not Everywhere 

… through our products, services and markets … 

Life insurance 
Retirement income, savings  
and pensions 

General insurance  
Home, motor, travel and 
commercial 

Health and protection 
Private medical, life, critical 
illness and income protection 

Asset management 
Investing for external clients and 
investing for Aviva 

… where premiums and cash are reinvested … 

Customers pay insurance 
premiums which we use to pay 
claims. Our scale enables us to 
pool the risks. We maintain 
capital strength so we can be 
there for our customers in the 
future. 

Customers invest their savings 
with us. We manage these 
investments to provide them 
with an income for a more secure 
future. 

We also invest the insurance 
premiums we receive to 
generate income to meet our 
obligations to customers and to 
generate value for shareholders. 

Enabling customers to stay with 
us for the long term is important 
to the future success of our 
business. 

… creating sustainable value for … 

Customers benefit from a range 
of products to meet their needs, 
with easy access when and how 
they want it. 

We create value for shareholders 
by using our profit to reinvest and 
grow the business and pay out 
dividends. 

Our aim is for our people to 
achieve their potential within 
a diverse, collaborative and 
customer-focused organisation.  

We play a significant role in our 
communities, including as a 
major employer and a long-term 
responsible investor. 

£32.9 billion 
Paid out in benefits and claims 
to our customers in 2018 

30.0 pence 
Total dividend up 9% 

76% 
Increased our employee 
engagement score by one 
percentage point 

Over 3,000 
Community projects supported 
in 2018, helping over 1.5 million 
people 

Read about our business at www.aviva.com/about-us/our-markets

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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Other information 

Our strategy 

Our strategy 

Since 2014, we have defined our strategy in three key areas: 
•  True Customer Composite 
•  Digital First 
•  Not Everywhere 

Following the appointment of our new Group CEO, Maurice 
Tulloch, on 4 March 2019, he will undertake a review of the 
Group’s strategic priorities. We will update the market on our 
future strategic priorities later in 2019. The following section 
takes a look at developments in 2018 across the key areas of our 
existing strategy. 

True Customer Composite 
We are a True Customer Composite: multi-channel and multi-
product. Our customers are at the core of what we do, and drive 
all our thinking. We believe in delivering what our customers 
truly need in a dynamic and ever-changing world.  

We help protect what matters the most to our customers 
through life, general and health insurance products while 
helping people save for their future through our savings and 
asset management offerings. 

Why it’s important 
Customers often find themselves dealing with multiple insurers. 
This makes things complicated, adding to the time they have to 
spend arranging for their needs rather than enjoying the things 
that matter most in life. 

True Customer Composite means that we can support the well-
being of our customers in many ways. We bring simplicity. We 
add value. We can both protect our customers and help them 
save for their futures. We can also reward our customers for their 
loyalty, offering multi-product discounts. 

True Customer Composite gives us a real competitive advantage 
in a digital world. Our digital solutions, such as MyAviva, are 
simple and intuitive, allowing customers to access multiple 
products and discounts and supporting our partners and 
intermediaries in an evolving distribution landscape. 

How we’ve progressed 
We continue to expand our range of customer propositions to be 
a True Customer Composite across our markets, making it easy 
and more rewarding for customers to manage multiple products 
through Aviva. 

Systems thinking 
True Customer Composite is also about creating the right 
customer experiences across our business. Systems thinking is 
a global method for us to re-think and re-design customer 
journeys. Systems thinking brings together colleagues 
throughout the organisation to help solve problems and make it 
easier for customers to interact with us. 

UK Workplace 
We continue to improve our offerings in the UK where we offer 
corporate clients pensions, protection, bulk purchase annuities, 
as well as health and general insurance.  

With financial and health wellbeing of employees an increasingly 
important area for employers, we have continued to increase 
our capability to help our customers through the workplace. For 

example, we have further developed our Aviva Wellbeing 
proposition, including the launch in 2018 of the Digital GP app. 
This offers a range of services such as digital consultations and 
repeat prescriptions. By offering this support we are becoming 
increasingly engaged with employers and their employees.  

Ireland 
In Ireland, we completed the acquisition of Friends First where 
the integration is progressing ahead of schedule. This 
acquisition strengthens our life insurance capability and extends 
our range of investment products, enhancing our position as a 
True Customer Composite in Ireland.  

AvivaPlus 
In December 2018, we announced we were launching AvivaPlus, 
an industry-first, subscription-style insurance for our UK 
customers. AvivaPlus is the way insurance should be. 

We are breaking free of insurance industry norms, rewarding our 
customers for their loyalty. We are putting the customer in 
control with monthly payments which can be cancelled anytime, 
allowing customers to get the cover they need when they need 
it. AvivaPlus customers pay the same or less at renewal than if 
they were new to AvivaPlus. 

Offered initially on certain general insurance products, we aim to 
build this into our broader True Customer Composite offering. 
AvivaPlus is a significant shift for insurance, creating value, and 
driving engagement. 

AvivaPlus creates one of our simplest customer journeys yet. We 
believe that simple propositions, designed with customer ease 
at their heart, will increase customers’ loyalty and advocacy. 

Digital First 
In an increasingly digital, data-driven world, our customers’ 
needs are changing. From individual customers, to intermediary 
partners and large corporate clients, our customers want 
innovative products and services, which are easy-to-use and 
provide a positive customer experience. Digital First is our 
strategic approach to creating a group which can respond to 
those demands. 

Why it’s important 
Digital First is about making sure Aviva is an, efficient insurance 
company which delivers attractive products and services for our 
customers. The launch of AvivaPlus at the end of the year is an 
example of our commitment to lead the way to meet this 
challenge.  

We are in an age of rapid increases in data production and 
availability. The ability to assess and use this data appropriately 
and responsibly is a key competitive advantage today, allowing 
us to design, create and underwrite the best possible products 
for our customers. Investing in our data science capabilities at 
Aviva Quantum ensures that we can stay ahead of the game.  

How we’ve progressed 
In 2018, our focus on being Digital First moved from a period of 
significant innovation and development into launch and 
increasing scale, providing our customers with the right set of 
products through an enhanced multi-channel experience.  

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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 
Other information 
Other information 

Our strategy 

Continued 

MyAviva  
Our focus on scaling digital growth in the year was best 
demonstrated by MyAviva in the UK, which achieved growth in 
active registrations to 4.2 million, representing more than a 
quarter of all our UK customers. MyAviva lets customers deal 
with us in a direct, efficient way across a wide range of product 
needs from general insurance, health insurance, life insurance, 
pensions to long-term savings and helped drive strong growth in 
digital interactions. 

Quantum 
Digital First is not only about engaging with customers online 
but about harnessing the benefits of data. Aviva Quantum is our 
internal data science team. They work to improve our 
understanding of risks, allow more accurate pricing, increase 
fraud prevention and personalise MyAviva quotes. Quantum is at 
the heart of developing Ask-it-Never, our ambition to make 
insurance simpler and easier for customers by asking fewer 
questions when they buy a policy. 

Blue 
2018 was an intense period for launch activity of disruptive, new 
services. Our new joint venture in Hong Kong, with our partners 
Hillhouse and Tencent, launched in September with a simple 
proposition, designed to disrupt traditionally expensive 
distribution through intermediaries. Blue is the first digital life 
insurer in Hong Kong and offers three simple, flexible and fully 
online life protection products.  

Not Everywhere 
Not Everywhere means that we focus our capital where we can 
achieve the greatest return. We do not aspire to offer everything, 
to everyone. We are focused in the places where we will win. 
Having largely reshaped the Group in recent years, we are now 
focused on our major markets and strategic investments. 

Why it’s important 
We aspire to be the best at what we do in all our markets. This 
means being focused and committed to the right markets and 
the right products. 

How we’ve progressed 
In 2018, we completed the latest restructuring phase of our 
businesses. 

As well as the completion of the acquisition of Friends First in 
Ireland and the launch of our Blue joint venture (see above), we 
completed the exit of our three remaining businesses in Spain, 
Caja Murcia Vida, Caja Granada Vida and Pelayo Vida, ending our 
involvement here. In Italy, we completed the sale of our joint 
venture, Avipop Assicurazioni S.p.A., and its wholly owned 
subsidiary Avipop Vita S.p.A. We completed our exit from 
Taiwan, following the sale of our joint venture First Aviva Life. 
Lastly, Aviva Investors sold a Real Estate Multi-Manager business 
which was strategically non-core. 

Major markets and strategic investments  
Our major markets and strategic investments categorisation 
shows how Aviva’s markets and business lines contribute to our 
overall portfolio, both now and in the future. 

Major markets: solid growth, sustainable cash 
We are focused on eight attractive, growing markets where we 
are, or have the potential to be the best in class. Our major 
markets are: 
• UK – number one composite insurer providing a core growth 

engine and high levels of sustainable cash flow 

• France – a cash generator underpinned by strong distribution
• Canada – leading general insurance franchise with attractive 

returns over the long term 

• Poland – high return on equity (ROE) business with strong 

distribution and digital credentials 

• Italy – composite player in large European insurance market 
• Ireland – a leading brand with an improved composite model 
• Singapore – composite player with distribution through 

growing financial advisory channel 

• Aviva Investors – global asset manager with expertise and 

solutions in real assets, multi-assets, equity and fixed income 

Strategic investments: future, fast growth 
We have made a number of strategic investments that will 
accelerate growth and provide increased value over the long 
term. These investments are: 
• Digital – developing intellectual property (IP) to be rolled out 

across our markets 

• China – delivering growth in sales and adjusted operating 
profit1 in one of the world’s largest insurance markets 
• Hong Kong – Blue, our joint venture with Tencent and 

Hillhouse focused on digital disruption 

• Turkey – leading position in the life and pensions market and 

exposure to a large, young and growing population 
• Indonesia – bancassurance joint venture in an under-

penetrated, high growth emerging market 

• India – continuing to assess our options 
• Vietnam – leading business in one of the fastest growing Asian 

economies 

• Global Corporate Solutions (GCS) – selective expansion 

provides a natural extension to our existing strength in retail 
and commercial lines 

Read about our businesses at www.aviva.com/investors/our-
strategy 

1  Adjusted operating profit is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which is used by the Group to supplement the required disclosures under IFRS. Please refer to note B in the ‘Accounting Policies’ section and to the ‘Other 

Information’ section within the Annual report and accounts for further information.

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Our people 

Our people 

We have a clear purpose to give our customers the confidence and 
control to be ready for life’s opportunities and challenges. This 
commitment to customers, high levels of people engagement and 
skills, and Aviva’s values helps contribute to our strong financial 
performance. 

The focus for 2018 has been on our culture and ensuring we are an 
inclusive workforce who put the customer first.  

We employ 31,703 people globally and continue to support the 
regional economies in our home market the UK, where we employ 
more than 15,000 people. 

Our strategy 
Our global people strategy sets out how we will accelerate our 
performance. We will: 
•  Focus on our customers by connecting the day-to-day activities of 

our people with our purpose 

•  Give our people the freedom to act in line with our values 
•  Make leadership a way of life so all our people contribute to 

delivering our strategy and think independently. We want leaders 
who are ambitious and achieve results in everything they do 

•  Create an inclusive and diverse environment so that everyone can 

be themselves 

•  Actively invest in the skills, mind-sets and future capabilities we 

need to win in a digital age 

Our values 
Our values guide everything we do and the decisions we take: 

Care More 
We start with the customer and prioritise delivering a great outcome 
for them. We do the right thing, making sure we and those around 
us are acting with positive intent. We don’t shrink from the tough 
conversations. We’re in it together. 

Kill Complexity 
We can list our priorities on one hand, picking a few things to do 
brilliantly. We make the call with the right information. We join 
forces and build it once.  

Never Rest 
We fail fast and learn fast, testing and learning at pace. We embrace 
digital. We are dissatisfied with the way things are done now. We get 
it done at pace. 

Create Legacy 
We invest with courage, taking smart risks and making good 
decisions to ensure we allocate our resources where they can do 
most. We think like an owner, taking responsibility. We go for more 
than quick wins. We take the long view. 

Developing our people 
Developing our people remains core to the work we do. In 2018, we 
continued to implement our three-year talent programme by: 
•  Our flagship leadership programme has been extended to all 

leaders in Aviva. 1,500 leaders have started Leading For Growth (of 
which 900 have completed the programme so far) with a further 
500 scheduled to commence in Q1 2019. The programme is 
expected to roll out to the remaining 2,000 leaders during 2019. 
We believe this investment has contributed to our strong 
engagement scores and our improvement in the healthiness of 

our culture. We continue to invest in talent throughout the 
business and this year launched a programme to spot and 
develop our new generation of leaders much earlier in their 
career. 

•  ‘Grow’, our global digital learning portal, has 100% adoption in all 

our key markets. We continue to improve our digital based 
learning with a plan in place to deliver innovative bite-sized 
content, mobile learning and curated external thought leadership. 
Our online Leadership hub has received over 245,000 views. We 
are co-creating an online coaching tool with our Digital Garage 
partners at Founders Factory. Quantum University, our global 
data science learning practice, is now established and is building 
capability with c.700 practitioners globally. 

•  Over 120 women in Aviva have completed our ‘women in 

leadership’ programme. Since the programme launched we have 
seen more women take on broader roles and being promoted. 
This is one of the initiatives that will help us close the gender pay 
gap. 

•  We continue to have a successful year with our Global Graduate 
scheme with 36 people starting in September 2018, including 17 
females. 

•  In 2018, we adapted our approach to Performance Management, 
especially in our customer-facing roles. A bigger emphasis was 
placed on coaching and in-the-moment recognition, either by 
immediate management or the Group Executive, removing the 
need for unnecessary calibration of our people. 

Engaging our people 
In 2018 our global Voice of Aviva survey focused on key areas of 
insight to drive growth: engagement, culture and leadership. 
Employee engagement in Aviva remains strong and steady with 
continued notable improvements in our UK and France markets, as 
well as across our finance function globally, although slightly down 
in Canada and Ireland following integration and restructuring. 
Overall, however, employee engagement is consistent with 2017 at 
76% globally.  

In the last year, colleagues have seen significant positive shifts in 
the culture at Aviva with a 12-point increase in the headline culture 
measure reflecting this. Colleagues are much more likely to say that 
people around them are moving quickly to put good ideas into 
action, have the freedom to make decisions in their jobs and are 
comfortable taking appropriate risks/trying new ideas. The focus in 
2019 will be to continue to embed a culture of greater customer 
focus, innovation and simplicity.  

Feedback on people leaders living up to Aviva’s ‘Leadership 
Expectations’ is mostly very positive. These are the behaviours we 
expect all leaders to demonstrate, with over 1,000 leaders receiving 
a rating of over 80% from their teams on related metrics. Leaders 
rate most positively on metrics related to taking action to remove 
barriers to their teams doing their job and encouraging them to 
think and make decisions from the customer’s point of view. The 
data also gives us clear areas to focus on. Developing great 
leadership and improving engagement with our strategy continue 
to be priorities for 2019. We are also working on fostering more of a 
listening culture characterised by open and honest conversations 
with front line teams.  

At Aviva we have a positive and constructive relationship with the 
trade union Unite as well as a fully elected all-employee 
representative body (Your Forum). Within Aviva we take our 
responsibility to consult very seriously. The existence of Your Forum 
within Aviva is a key way of recognising that we all have a part to 
play in contributing to the debate on issues and opportunities 
impacting on our people and our organisation.  

The representative bodies meet regularly with the Members of the 
Group Executive Committee (GEC) throughout the year as well as 

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Governance 
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IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 

Other information 
Other information 
Other information 

Our people 

  Continued 

the Chair of the Remuneration Committee. We believe that by doing 
so we encourage a culture of trust, and open and honest 
communication that will help us ensure that our organisation is a 
better place to be. In 2018, we cemented our relationship with Unite 
the Union by signing a Learning Agreement. This is a collaborative 
approach to the ongoing development of our people and jointly 
encourages employees of all ages and genders to seek out 
opportunities through our Apprenticeship Levy contribution. In 
addition, we also launched a new Conflict Resolution and Mediation 
approach as part of our cultural transformation to move away from 
an adversarial approach to fostering greater dialogue amongst our 
people.  

We continue to provide an employee share scheme and all 
employees have the opportunity to engage with senior leaders 
through weekly #Uncut (a 30 minute no holds barred interview with 
senior leaders) and our live results presentations. This ensures 
everyone at Aviva is aware of significant changes in the business as 
well as financial and economic factors affecting the business. 

Inclusive diversity 
Inclusive diversity is key to Aviva being a sustainable, successful 
business. An inclusive culture ensures employees are happier, act as 
themselves and work towards achieving their and the organisation’s 
goals. Aviva’s employees need to reflect our customer base and we 
continue to make sure all our customers are represented inside the 
organisation.  

At the end of 2018, we exceeded our target of achieving 30% female 
leaders (leaders are the top 1,300 employees) by 2020; we reached 
31% across all markets by the end of 2018. This is being achieved 
through targeted female development programmes, diverse 
shortlists and a leadership team committed to change. We are also 
committed to improving ethnic diversity within our leadership 
population. 

In November, we celebrated the first anniversary of our equal 
parental leave policy. This policy has seen us as a first-mover in the 
majority of our markets, with the result that our people can see our 
commitment to them outside, as well as inside the workplace. 

Our drive to have an inclusive culture comes through our employee 
communities which were launched across all markets in 2018. There 
are six communities covering: race and religion, gender, sexuality, 
caring responsibilities, age, and mental and physical health. In the 
first year over 5,000 employees have joined these communities. 
They act as a lobby group and conscience to the organisation and 
are actively sponsored by members of the Group Executive. Some of 
the notable contributions from the communities have been the 
Workplace Adjustment Passport (an individual record of any 
adjustments an employee requires to their working arrangements, 
for example accessibility or caring commitments), Black History 
month events and a part-time transition to retirement scheme in 
Canada. 

Health and wellbeing 
We remain focused on our employee health and wellbeing as a key 
driver to our success and growth. 2018 has been a year of 
embedding for our Wellbeing@Aviva strategy, and continues to 
deliver under our four areas – mental, physical and financial 
wellbeing and community connectivity. All the activities we 
launched in 2017 continued in 2018, but some specific highlights 
include: 

Mental wellbeing 
•  70% of our people leaders have now received mental health 
training. As a result, over 90% of leaders feel that they are 

comfortable having conversations about mental health with their 
team/peers and managers, know about and are comfortable 
signposting colleagues to the resources available to them 
•  4,000 colleagues have taken advantage of the free access to 
Headspace (a global meditation app) offered, collectively 
completing over 66,000 sessions since launch 

Physical wellbeing 
•  8% of colleagues have taken advantage of our discounted fitness 
proposition which launched in 2018, and they’ve certainly been 
active, clocking up over 31,000 gym visits, and the equivalent of 
970 days worth of exercise! 

•  21% of colleagues use our digital health checks each time they 

visit the office, with support then offered on an individual basis for 
issues identified by the health checks 

Financial wellbeing 
•  After successful pilot seminars for employees (Mid-Life MOT and 
My Retirement, My Way) we will be rolling these out more widely 
in 2019 

•  We have provided access to Aviva Financial Advice for colleagues 
during working hours for an initial, or more detailed discussion, to 
help with their personal financial planning 

Our plans for 2019 
In 2019, the People function’s focus will be around managing the 
fundamentals of our business and enabling growth to ensure Aviva 
and its people are best set to deliver the future strategy.  

We are still on a journey to make Aviva a company that puts the 
customers at the heart of everything we do and our focus will be on 
ensuring our people can deliver in an innovative and simple way.  

In 2019 we will continue to focus on developing an inclusive 
workforce which is fit for the future. 

At 31 December 2018, we had the following gender split: 

Board membership 
Male 
8 

Female 
3 

Senior management 
Male 
938 

Female 
423 

Aviva Group employees 
Male 
15,575 

Female 
16,128 

The average number of employees during 2018 was 31,232. 

Read more about our approach to responsible and sustainable 
business in the ‘Corporate Responsibility’ section of this report and 
our people strategy at www.aviva.com/about-us/our-people

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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Chief Financial Officer’s review 

Chief Financial 
Officer’s review 

Key financial metrics 
A summary of the financial metrics used to measure our 
performance, including key performance indicators and alternative 
performance measures (APMs) where appropriate, is shown below. 
Further guidance in respect of the APMs used by the Group is 
included in the ‘Other information’ section of the Annual report and 
accounts. 

Group adjusted operating profit1  
Operating earnings per share2,3 
Profit before tax attributable to 

shareholders’ profit 

Cash remittances2  
Estimated Solvency II shareholder cover 

2018  
£m 

2017  
£m 

Sterling 
Change 

Sterling% 
change 

3,116  3,068 
58.4p  54.8p 

48 
3.6p 

2,129  2,003 
3,137  2,398 

126 
739 

2% 
7% 

6% 
31% 

ratio2,4 

204%  198% 

— 

6.0pp 

Value of new business on an adjusted 

Solvency II basis2  

Combined operating ratio2  

1,202  1,243 
96.6%  96.6% 

(41)
— 

(3)% 
— 

Overview 
In 2018, Aviva delivered growth while investing to improve the 
fundamentals of the business and maintaining a prudent approach 
to pricing and risk management.  

Group adjusted operating profit1 increased 2% to £3,116 million 
(2017: £3,068 million) while operating earnings per share2,3 rose 7% 
to 58.4 pence (2017: 54.8 pence). IFRS profit after tax was £1,687 
million (2017: £1,646 million), leading to basic earnings per share of 
38.2 pence (2017: 35.0 pence). Our operating results continue to 
benefit from broad based growth from our major markets together 
with releases of longevity provisions in our UK annuity portfolio. 
However, as in previous years, we have used the additional 
profitability provided by longevity releases to accelerate investment 
in digital, IT and finance change initiatives and to strengthen 
provisions in areas related to past practices. 

In late 2018, the Civil Liability Bill, which determines how personal 
injury compensation awards are set in the UK, received Royal 
Assent. While confirmation of the new “Ogden” rate will be provided 
in 2019, following passage of the legislation we have revised the 
discount rate used in determining our personal injury claims 
reserves in the UK to 0%, from -0.75% previously, giving rise to non-
operating profit of £190 million. Offsetting this are adverse 
investment variances due to widening sovereign and corporate 
credit spreads and a mark-to-market impact from our hedging 
programme, which protects Solvency II capital4. Despite heightened 
investment market volatility in late 2018, investment variances were 
broadly flat in the second half of the year despite an increase in the 
Brexit related property allowance to c.£400 million (2017: c.£300 
million) in addition to other customary reserves. 

During 2018, we repaid £0.9 billion of subordinated debt and 
completed a £0.6 billion share repurchase programme, leading to 
the cancellation of approximately 3% of our shares in issue. Despite 
this £1.5 billion of capital deployment, our solvency capital surplus4 
remained robust at £12.0 billion (2017: £12.2 billion) and Solvency II 
shareholder cover ratio2,4 increased to 204% (2017: 198%).  

As we embark on the next phase under a new Chief Executive, we do 
so from strong foundations, with businesses that are well 
established in their respective markets, a capital position that 
provides security for today and flexibility for the future and a well 
funded, sustainable dividend. However, there are opportunities to 
reignite the self-help agenda, focusing on cost efficiency, business 
complexity and prioritising further reduction in debt leverage.  

United Kingdom 
Aviva is the UK’s largest insurer and is unique in operating at scale 
across life insurance, savings, general insurance, health insurance 
and retirement markets. In 2018, adjusted operating profit1 from our 
UK Insurance businesses increased 7% to £2,324 million (2017: 
£2,164 million). The UK Insurance result continued to benefit from 
elevated levels of reserve releases relating to the slowing rate of 
improvement in life expectancy in our annuity portfolio and this is 
reflected in a higher contribution from “other”. Excluding the 
contribution from “other”, our five main operating segments in the 
UK delivered aggregate adjusted operating profit1 of £1,974 million 
(2017: £1,904 million), an increase of 4%. 

Annuity and equity release provides significant long-term growth 
opportunities as companies look to transfer their defined benefit 
pension obligations to the insurance sector and individuals seek 
to secure income and unlock equity in their retirement. In 2018, 
annuity and equity release sales rose 12% to £4.8 billion (2017: 
£4.3 billion) due to higher volumes in bulk purchase annuities. 
The increase in sales helped to deliver a 7% increase in adjusted 
operating profit1 to £779 million (2017: £725 million). The result 
benefitted from favourable experience variances relating to 
longevity trends though this was offset by lower income from asset 
mix optimisation. While we have increased our annuity and equity 
release sales volumes in 2018, we have been selective in expanding 
our appetite and reflected the uncertain political and economic 
backdrop in our investment portfolio. We will maintain a prudent 
approach in 2019. 

In long-term savings, adjusted operating profit1 rose 7% to £198 
million (2017: £185 million). Net fund inflows2 were £5.0 billion (2017: 
£5.6 billion) equating to 4.2% of opening assets under 
administration2. Having integrated digital features into our 
workplace pension propositions, we increased new scheme wins 
with large corporates and delivered higher net fund flows2. This was 
offset by lower net fund flows2 into the adviser platform, as 
migration to a new IT service provider caused disruption for both 
IFAs and customers. Weak investment markets towards the end of 
2018 constrained growth in assets under administration2, which 
ended the year at £116 billion (2017: £118 billion). As fee income is 
linked to assets under administration2, this may weigh on adjusted 
operating profit1 growth in 2019. Nonetheless, we see compelling 
long-term growth opportunities from rising participation and higher 
contribution rates in workplace savings. 

1  Group adjusted operating profit is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which is used by the Group to supplement the required disclosures under IFRS. Please refer to note B in the ‘Accounting Policies’ section, note 5 

‘Segmental Information’ and ‘Other Information’ within the Annual report and accounts for further information. 

2  This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which provides useful information to supplement an understanding of our financial performance. Further information on APMs, including a reconciliation to the financial 

statements (where possible), can be found in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts. 

3  This measure is derived from the Group adjusted operating profit APM. Further details of this measure are included in the “Other information” section of the Annual report and accounts. 
4  The estimated Solvency II position represents the shareholder view. Please refer to note 57 and the ‘Other information’ section of the Annual report and accounts for more information.   

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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Strategic report 
Strategic report 
Strategic report 

Governance 
Governance 
Governance 

IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 

Other information 
Other information 
Other information 

Chief Financial Officer’s review 

  Continued 

In protection, we adapted to changing market conditions, resulting 
in adjusted operating profit1 remaining stable at £226 million (2017: 
£227 million). Results from group protection improved in 2018 
following actions taken to address adverse claims experience in 
2017. This offset weaker results in individual protection, where new 
business volumes fell 8% in response to heightened competition 
while margins were compressed by higher reinsurance costs. We 
will continue to manage our protection business with a focus on 
maximising profit over the cycle rather than volume. 

Aviva’s UK general insurance business maintained its track record of 
delivering consistent, attractive underwriting results in 2018. The 
combined operating ratio2 was 93.8% (2017: 93.9%) as higher levels 
of prior year reserve releases offset an increase in weather related 
claims. Net written premiums rose 3% to £4,193 million (2017: 
£4,078 million) due to progress in Global Corporate and Specialty 
(GCS) and Small and Medium Sized Enterprise (SME) markets. The 
underwriting result rose 3% to £253 million (2017: £246 million), 
which in turn helped to underpin a 4% increase in adjusted 
operating profit1 to £415 million (2017: £400 million). 

Our legacy portfolio performed in line with expectations in 2018, 
with adjusted operating profit1 declining 4% to £318 million (2017: 
£331 million). The UK with-profits portfolio, which makes a 
significant contribution to the legacy performance, saw total assets 
decline to £48.9 billion (2017: £58.2 billion) reflecting the weak 
investment market environment.  

Each year, our UK results include the impact of assumption 
changes, adjustments to provisions and management actions to 
increase or accelerate value emergence from our capital-intensive 
businesses. We ordinarily expect this to provide between £150 
million and £200 million per annum benefit to our results. In 2018, 
the contribution remained above this range at £350 million (2017: 
£260 million). The largest driver of this result was the release of 
longevity provisions totalling £728 million (2017: £710 million) due 
to changes in life expectancy trends. This was partially offset by 
increased provisions and remediation costs, including those 
pertaining to historical advised sales by Friends Provident, with  
over 90% of cases identified being pre-2002, where we increased  
the amount set aside for customer redress to £250 million  
(2017: £75 million). 

International 
Aviva’s International markets comprise Europe, where we have 
focused multi-line franchises, and Canada, where we are the second 
largest general insurer by premiums written. Excluding the impact 
of businesses divested in 2017 and 2018, adjusted operating profit1 
from our International businesses increased 9% to £1,080 million 
(2017: £990 million).  

In France, we maintained our operating momentum in 2018, 
delivering higher sales, improved product mix and better  
efficiency. Adjusted operating profit1 in France was £546 million  
(2017: £507 million), up 7% in local currency terms. In our life 
insurance business, increased demand for savings products helped 
to deliver 6% growth in new business volumes to £4.3 billion  
(2017: £4.0 billion). With higher average asset balances supporting 
fee revenues and operating expense2 growth of just 1%, our French 
life insurance business grew adjusted operating profit1 7% to £436 
million (2017: £403 million). In general insurance, adjusted operating 
profit1 rose 5% to £110 million (2017: £104 million). Net written 
premiums were £1,118 million (2017: £1,053 million) with growth 

mainly derived from commercial lines. The combined operating 
ratio2 was maintained at 94.5% (2017: 94.5%) despite higher claims 
from weather and natural catastrophe events. Our French 
leadership team have begun to align our distribution channels 
under the Aviva brand and we expect to increase investment in 
brand, distribution and digitisation in 2019. 

In Poland, Aviva responded to subdued trends in the life insurance 
market by implementing a targeted product strategy with our 
distribution partners, delivering record levels of customer retention 
and managing expenses tightly. As a result, despite lower industry 
sales, our life insurance business increased new business volumes 
by 3% and adjusted operating profit1 rose 8% to £170 million. The 
higher life insurance result helped propel our total adjusted 
operating profit1 in Poland to £190 million (2017: £177 million), an 
increase of 6% in local currency terms. In general insurance, 
adjusted operating profit1 was £20 million (2017: £21 million) due to 
lower profitability in motor insurance. Our general insurance 
business lacks scale, though we are targeting growth through multi-
cover policies, encouraging digital engagement, utilising our 
existing distribution scale in life insurance and developing the price 
comparison website market. 

In Canada, the focus of our team in 2018 was on setting the 
business on the path to recovery following the challenges 
experienced in 2017, where results were adversely affected by 
heightened claims inflation in motor insurance. We have taken a 
range of actions including increases in premium rates, cancellation 
of some broker relationships and adjustments to underwriting 
appetite. While these actions have begun to yield results, adjusted 
operating profit1 in Canada was flat at £46 million (2017: £46 million). 
Elevated weather and large loss experience, persistent challenges in 
motor insurance and costs relating to the completion of the RBC 
Insurance integration kept the combined operating ratio2 elevated 
at 102.4% (2017: 102.2%), despite an improvement in prior year 
development.  

Aviva recently received regulatory approval for further increases 
in premium rates in Ontario motor insurance which will move us 
toward rate adequacy. The regulatory approved premium rate 
increase of 8.6% in the Aviva portfolio and 16.8% in the RBC 
portfolio will be implemented from the first quarter of 2019 and 
should begin to benefit results in the latter part of this year and in 
2020. In addition, we will continue to work with provincial 
governments and regulators to drive much needed reform in the 
Canadian insurance market. In summary, we expect our actions 
to deliver progress in our financial results in 2019 and we remain 
confident that we can achieve our sub-96% combined operating 
ratio2 goal in 2020. 

Aviva made further strategic and financial progress in Italy in 2018. 
Our focus on diversifying distribution and providing customers with 
innovative products has delivered higher sales, positive net fund 
flows2 and growth in adjusted operating profit1. On a like-for-like 
basis (excluding the divested Avipop business), adjusted operating 
profit1 increased 16% to £188 million (2017: £162 million). In life 
insurance, sales rose 37% in local currency terms to £6.3 billion 
(2017: £4.5 billion). Hybrid products, which provide customers a 
combination of with-profit, unit linked and protection coverage, 
achieved growth of 161% and contributed 44% of our total life sales 
(2017: 23%). We also expanded our distribution capability; in 2018, 
non-bank channels accounted for greater than 40% of life insurance 
sales.  

1  Group adjusted operating profit is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which is used by the Group to supplement the required disclosures under IFRS. Please refer to note B in the ‘Accounting Policies’ section, note 5 

‘Segmental Information’ and ‘Other Information’ within the Annual report and accounts for further information. 

2  This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which provides useful information to supplement an understanding of our financial performance. Further information on APMs, including a reconciliation to the financial 

statements (where possible), can be found in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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Strategic report 
Strategic report 
Strategic report 

Governance 
Governance 
Governance 

IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 

Other information 
Other information 
Other information 

Chief Financial Officer’s review 

  Continued 

The sustained strength in sales has taken our new business share of the 
Italian life insurance market to approximately 6% and generated 
significant positive net fund flows2. As a result, life insurance adjusted 
operating profit1 rose 14% to £156 million (2017: £136 million). In general 
insurance, Aviva has a niche position in the Italian market. Net written 
premiums in this business fell 7% to £317 million (2017: £337 million) as 
we took underwriting actions on the motor insurance portfolio. These 
actions contributed to improved underwriting margins, which helped 
lift adjusted operating profit1 to £32 million (2017: £26 million). 

In Ireland, adjusted operating profit1 was £100 million (2017: £86 
million) and we extended our sponsorship of the Aviva Stadium, a 
key element of our Group brand strategy. The main driver of growth 
in adjusted operating profit1 was the Friends First business, which 
was acquired by Aviva on 1 June 2018. Benefits from the integration 
of Friends First supported higher adjusted operating profit1 in life 
insurance, compensating for lower sales in annuities. In general 
insurance, Aviva has continued to focus on protecting profitability 
as the pricing cycle has begun to soften. Net written premium fell 
2% to £430 million (2017: £436 million) though underwriting margins 
remained attractive, with a combined operating ratio2 of 91.5% 
(2017: 91.4%). As a result, general insurance adjusted operating 
profit1 rose slightly to £56 million (2017: £53 million). During 2018, we 
also completed important structural changes in our Irish business, 
with the establishment of a locally incorporated legal entity. This 
was an important component of our Brexit preparations. 

Aviva Investors 
In a challenging year for the fund management industry, Aviva 
Investors top-line growth slowed, with revenue up 4% to £597 million 
(2017: £577 million). However, we chose to continue to invest in 
building a more valuable diversified long-term business, particularly 
in our Equities and Real Assets capabilities. This continued 
investment, together with the absorption of MiFID II costs, which we 
did not pass onto clients, resulted in adjusted operating profit1 of 
£150 million (2017: £168 million). We also realised a non-operating 
profit of £27 million on the sale of a part of our real estate business. 
Over the year, assets under management2 declined due to the 
aforementioned business disposal, adverse market movements  
and expected net outflows on Aviva’s legacy life insurance books.  
The AIMS range of funds saw assets reduce to £10.3 billion  
(2017: £12.6 billion) as difficult market conditions weighed on 
performance. 

Singapore 
In Singapore, we continue to grow our distribution network, including 
Aviva Financial Advisors with 816 advisers (2017: 673) and Professional 
Investment Advisory Services Pte Ltd, with 724 advisers (2017: 593). As 
a result, we have maintained positive momentum in life insurance. 
New business volumes increased 11% to £1,279 million  
(2017: £1,164 million) and adjusted operating profit1 from our life 
insurance operations grew 21% in local currency terms to £141 
million (2017: £118 million). We believe the financial advisory model 
provides enhanced flexibility and choice for both advisers and 
customers and we will continue to invest in its development in 2019. 
In general insurance and health, adjusted operating loss1 widened to 
£16 million (2017: £8 million) due to adverse claims experience in our 
health insurance portfolio. We are taking steps to improve the health 
insurance portfolio and this will continue in 2019. 

Strategic investments 
Aviva’s strategic investments include our Digital operations together 
with our joint venture businesses in China, Hong Kong, India, 

Turkey, Vietnam and Indonesia. In 2018, the aggregate adjusted 
operating loss1 from these businesses widened to £142 million 
(2017: £85 million). The primary driver of this was our digital business 
in the UK, where we invested further in digital innovation, and 
customer proposition development and engagement. This has 
given rise to a sharp uplift in customer activity levels; UK MyAviva 
active customer registrations have risen 48% and we are seeing 
higher volumes of online customer traffic. However, this did not 
translate through to higher levels of profitability reflecting the soft 
market conditions in 2018. Excluding Digital, results from our 
Strategic Investment markets improved. In China and Turkey, we 
delivered growth in adjusted operating profit1 in local currency 
terms while losses narrowed in our less mature businesses in South 
East Asia. 

Capital and cash 
At the end of 2018, our Solvency II shareholder cover ratio2,3 was 
204% (2017: 198%). The increase in the ratio was achieved despite 
significant capital management actions undertaken during the year, 
with the £0.9 billion repayment of subordinated debt and £0.6 
billion share repurchase equating to a 13 percentage point drag on 
the opening solvency position. 

Operating capital generation2 totalled £3.2 billion (2017: £2.6 billion). 
Underlying  operating capital generation2 was £1.5 billion  
(2017: £1.7 billion), the decline resulting from business disposals, 
higher capital strain from new business growth and increased 
business investment spend. Other operating capital generation2  
of £1.7 billion (2017: £0.9 billion) comprised UK longevity releases 
together with capital benefits from the inclusion of dynamic 
volatility adjustment in our Group Solvency II position and model 
changes in France, Poland and the UK. 

Net cash remittances2 increased to £3.1 billion (2017: £2.4 billion) on 
the back of a significant uplift in dividends from the UK Insurance 
business. Special remittances from UK Insurance were £1.25 billion 
(2017: £500 million) and comprised £500 million related to Friends Life 
integration synergies and an additional £750 million that was made 
possible by the strength of our local entity solvency position.  

At our Capital Markets Day in November 2017, we upgraded our 
target for cumulative cash remittances2 over the three year period 
ending in December 2018 to £8 billion (from £7 billion previously). 
We fell slightly short of the upgraded target, achieving £7.9 billion 
of cumulative cash flows to Group centre from remittances and 
divestiture proceeds. This reflects the delay in completing the sale 
of Friends Provident International and our decision to retain the 
£0.2 billion of proceeds from the sale of Avipop in our Italian 
subsidiary to support capital given growth in the business and 
recent trends in Italian Government bond spreads. 

In conjunction with the higher remittances, excess centre cash flow2 in 
2018 was £2,437 million (2017: £1,656 million). Even after adjusting for 
special remittances, recurring excess centre cash flow2 was sufficient 
to fund Aviva’s ordinary dividend. At the end of February 2019, Group 
centre liquidity was £1.6 billion (2017: £2.0 billion). Our intention is to 
maintain the Group centre liquidity balance in a range of £1 billion to 
£2 billion over time. Additional cash may also be set aside at Group 
centre for the purpose of defeasing subordinated debt maturities in 
2020 and beyond. In 2018, we raised €750 million of senior debt with 
maturity in 2027 and a coupon of 1.875%. This was used to redeem 
€350 million of maturing senior debt and reduce commercial paper 
balances and was therefore neutral to our net debt position, while 
extending our liability profile. 

1  Group adjusted operating profit is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which is used by the Group to supplement the required disclosures under IFRS. Please refer to note B in the ‘Accounting Policies’ section, note 5 

‘Segmental Information’ and ‘Other Information’ within the Annual report and accounts for further information. 

2  This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which provides useful information to supplement an understanding of our financial performance. Further information on APMs, including a reconciliation to the financial 

statements (where possible), can be found in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts.  

3  The estimated Solvency II position represents the shareholder view. Please refer to note 57 and the ‘Other information’ section of the Annual report and accounts for more information.  

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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Strategic report 
Strategic report 
Strategic report 

Governance 
Governance 
Governance 

IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 

Other information 
Other information 
Other information 

Chief Financial Officer’s review 

  Continued 

In November 2017, we outlined an ambition to deploy £3 billion of 
cash by the end of 2019. In 2018, our deployment initiatives totalled 
£1.7 billion, comprising £0.9 billion of subordinated debt retirement, 
£0.6 billion of capital returned to shareholders via a share 
repurchase programme and £0.2 billion on M&A initiatives, the 
largest of which was the acquisition of Friends First in Ireland. Of the 
remaining £1.3 billion of cash we had anticipated deploying, we are 
extending the time-line beyond 2019 and will prioritise 
reinvestment in our existing operations and debt deleveraging. 
Based on our current outlook, there is less appetite for bolt-on 
acquisitions in 2019.  

Between 2019 and 2022, Aviva has c£3.0 billion of maturing debt, of 
which we currently expect to repay without refinancing £1.5 billion. 
On a pro forma basis, this would reduce our outstanding debt 
balances by approximately 20%, reduce our ratio of debt to 
Solvency II own funds by 4 percentage points to 29%, and reduce 
our Solvency II shareholder cover ratio2,4 by 10 percentage points to 
194%. We estimate this would give rise to cash interest expense 
savings of approximately £90 million per annum, improving Group 
adjusted operating profit1, operating capital generation2 and excess 
centre cash flow2. We continue to manage the company consistent 
with double-A financial metrics. 

We expect to fund the reduction of debt balances from internal 
sources, including regular cash remittances from our business units, 
special remittances associated with our capital structure 
optimisation initiatives and proceeds from divestiture activity. 

Dividend 
In light of our results and the strength of our financial position, we 
have increased our total dividend per share by 9% to 30.0 pence 
(2017: 27.4 pence). This is the fifth consecutive year of significant 
annual growth in the dividend, with the 2018 level representing 
double the level paid for 2013 (15.0 pence).  

Having achieved our 50% dividend payout ratio target relative to 
operating EPS2,3 in 2017, this year we have increased the dividend 
payout ratio to 51.4%. Looking forward, the Board of Directors has 
decided to move from a policy targeting a pay-out ratio tied to 
operating EPS2,3 to a progressive dividend policy. This change will 
afford the new CEO greater flexibility to implement his strategic 
agenda while protecting the current dividend per share for our 
existing shareholders. 

At Aviva, a “progressive” dividend policy means that, under ordinary 
circumstances, the Board of Directors would at least maintain the 
then-current annual ordinary dividend per share, while seeking to 
grow the dividend per share over time based on the Board of 
Directors’ periodic assessment of the Group’s financial performance 
and future outlook. In practice, this might result in a higher or lower 
dividend pay-out ratio relative to earnings, which could fluctuate, 

while the dividend per share remains steady or grows under 
ordinary circumstances. Aviva’s annual ordinary dividend per share 
has doubled from 2013 to 2018, and the Company expects that 
future percentage growth rates of the dividend per share will be 
more modest than those in the recent past. 

Outlook 
Given current uncertainties, including the unknown future impacts 
of Brexit on the economies of the United Kingdom and Europe, our 
near-term outlook entering 2019 is more muted than our outlook a 
year ago. While we achieved 7% operating EPS2,3 growth in each of 
the past two years, it will be difficult to sustain this momentum in 
2019. 

In terms of currently identifiable result drivers, we cite potential 
headwinds from weak investment markets in late 2018 on fee 
income in our asset gathering businesses including UK long-term 
savings, European life and Aviva Investors, and a possible increase 
in the blended tax rate due to changes in the business mix of Group 
adjusted operating profit1. On the other side of the ledger, we 
expect results to benefit from improved profitability in Canada in 
addition to lower interest expense and a reduction in weighted 
average shares in issue following capital management initiatives 
undertaken in 2018. Our results will also depend on the degree of 
offset between benefits from changing longevity trends in the UK 
and costs associated with investment and change spend. 

In conjunction with the appointment of a new Chief Executive, we 
are reallocating resources and making changes to our priorities. 
This process has begun, though it will receive further impetus now 
that the new Chief Executive has been appointed. Areas of focus 
include potential changes to our business model to drive further 
efficiency, opportunities to optimise our product and market 
portfolio and the prioritisation of debt deleveraging announced in 
today’s results. The new Chief Executive will expand on our plans 
and outline refreshed targets in the near future. 

In conclusion, we approach 2019 with strong fundamentals; our 
balance sheet is robust and resilient, our businesses are well 
positioned in their respective markets and overall performance has 
been steady. This provides a strong platform on which the incoming 
Chief Executive can build, with renewed focus on efficiency, 
complexity and customer to drive future performance. 

Thomas D. Stoddard 

Chief Financial Officer 
6 March 2019 

1  Group adjusted operating profit is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which is used by the Group to supplement the required disclosures under IFRS. Please refer to note B in the ‘Accounting Policies’ section, note 5 

‘Segmental Information’ and ‘Other Information’ within the Annual report and accounts for further information. 

2  This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which provides useful information to supplement an understanding of our financial performance. Further information on APMs, including a reconciliation to the financial 

statements (where possible), can be found in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts. 

3  This measure is derived from the Group adjusted operating profit APM. Further details of this measure are included in the “Other information” section of the Annual report and accounts. 
4  The estimated Solvency II position represents the shareholder view. Please refer to note 57 and the ‘Other information’ section of the Annual report and accounts for more information.

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Market review 

UK 

Overview 
Aviva is the UK’s largest insurer with a 17%1 share of the UK Life and 
savings market and a 10%2 share of the UK General insurance and 
health market, with 15 million customers in the UK. As a ‘multi-line’ 
insurer we have a clear strategic advantage, providing individual 
and corporate customers with a wide range of insurance and 
savings products, from car, home and health insurance to pensions, 
investments and asset management. We have a strong core 
capability in managing existing books of business and have one of 
the largest customer bases in the UK life and pensions market.  

We are here to help our customers, protect what’s important to 
them and to help save for their long-term goals. Helping our 
customers provide for a more comfortable retirement and with a 
better understanding of the financial choices they face is a priority 
for us. We provide a secure income to 1.2 million customers in the 
form of an annuity, paying out over £2.6 billion each year. We are 
also a leading supplier1 of equity release (lifetime mortgages), 
lending over £700 million in 2018, helping people to raise money 
to fund whatever matters most in life. 

We focus on the customer, with market leading service at the heart of 
our business. We insure 2.5 million motor customers and 3.2 million 
home customers. Through the launch of AvivaPlus, an innovative 
general insurance proposition, customers can pick and choose the 
cover they need, with no interest or administration fees. The renewal 
price guarantee means we review each customer’s price at renewal to 
make sure they pay no more than if they were new to AvivaPlus. 

Over 5 million people rely on us to protect them and their families 
during some of the most difficult times in their lives, such as 
bereavement and serious illness. We are proud not only of the scale 
of the financial and wider support that our protection products 
provide, but the care with which claims are managed. We continue 
to win several awards recognising our achievements, including Best 
Protection Provider for the second consecutive year from Money 
Marketing and Best Individual Critical Illness Provider at both the 
Cover Excellence and Health Insurance awards. 

In 2018 we published our first UK claims report, encouraging the 
industry to join us in publishing comprehensive information about 
how insurers manage customer claims, why some claims are 
declined and how consumers can do more themselves to 
understand whether the cover they have is what they need. In the 
UK, we paid out 96% of all claims received in 2017 and as high as 
99% in motor and life insurance. That equated to £3.6 billion to help 
our customers across motor, home, travel, protection, health and 
commercial business insurance. 

We are the largest UK corporate pensions provider1, servicing over 
3.8 million customers, including 22%1 of the workplace pensions 
market. We are proud to receive external recognition3 for excellent 
service in the pensions marketplace. We offer pensions, protection, 
and bulk purchase annuity propositions to both large and small 
companies, as well as health and general insurance.  

We also provide general insurance to a wide range of businesses, 
with over 650,000 policies in force. In addition to our well 
established Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) client base, our 
Global Corporate & Specialty (GCS) business is focused on building 
the right solutions for large corporate clients and their brokers, 
working together to provide a tailor-made package that meets their 
requirements in the UK and across the globe. In 2018 retention of 
our existing customer base was over 90% and we were successful in 
winning the multi-national business of large UK corporates. We 
continue to support clients in improving their risk management 
through our prevention agenda and our highly valued claims 
service. 

Financial and health wellbeing is top of employer agendas and 
we continue to support them and their employees with further 
development of Aviva Wellbeing, a set of services aimed at helping 
employers build healthier, happier and more productive 
workforces. In 2018 we launched Aviva Digital GP, an innovative 
proposition offering around the clock access to GP video 
consultations and chat features, pharmacy services and repeat 
NHS prescriptions.  

We have 4.2 million customers in the UK actively registered on 
MyAviva, allowing them to manage their policies online, an increase 
of 48% on 2017. We are accessible to new and existing personal and 
corporate customers however they want to engage with us. We have 
an unparalleled distribution network, with a growing digital direct 
offering for sales and service, strong relationships with independent 
financial advisers, brokers, employee benefit consultants, banks 
and other partners such as estate agencies. 

We continue to win many awards, including ‘General Insurer of the Year’ 
from Insurance Times for the fifth year running and Insurance Post for 
the second year, and ‘Health Insurer of the Year’ at the Health Insurance 
Awards for the ninth year running. We also won Moneywise’s ‘Best 
Pensions Education Initiative’, an award to highlight the efforts being 
made by financial providers to educate their customers, and the public, 
about pensions and retirement planning. 

Financial performance 

Adjusted operating profit4,6  
Life 
General Insurance 
Health  

Cash remitted to Group5,7,8  
Life 
General Insurance and Health 

Expenses 
Operating expenses5  
Integration and restructuring costs 

New business 
Present value of new business premiums (PVNBP)5 
Value of new business on an adjusted Solvency II basis 

(VNB)5  

General Insurance 
Combined operating ratio (COR)5  
Net written premiums (NWP) 

2018 
£m 

2017 
£m 

1,871  
415  
38  
2,324  

2,170  
379  
2,549  

1,613  
— 
1,613  

1,728  
411  
36  
2,175  

1,366  
434  
1,800  

1,493  
76  
1,569  

23,946  

23,764  

481  

527  

93.8% 
4,193  

93.9% 
4,078  

1  Association of British Insurers (ABI) 12 months to end Q318. 
2  GlobalData plc online database. 
3  Aviva Corporate Operations were awarded the Thomson Online Benefits 5-star service rating in May 2018. 
4  Adjusted operating profit is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which is used by the Group to supplement the required disclosures under IFRS. Please refer to note B in the ‘Accounting Policies’ section, note 5 

‘Segmental Information’ and ‘Other Information’ within the Annual report and accounts for further information. 

5  This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which provides useful information to enhance the understanding of financial performance. Further information on APMs, including a reconciliation to the financial statements 

(where possible), can be found in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts. 

6  The amounts shown above in respect of adjusted operating profit do not reconcile to the corresponding amounts in note 5 ‘Segmental information’ within the Annual report and accounts due to the inclusion of our Health 

business within UK General insurance. 

7  2018 general insurance cash remittances include amounts of £331 million received from UK General Insurance in February 2019 in respect of 2018 activity. 
8  Cash remitted to Group is managed at legal entity level. As Ireland constitutes a branch of the United Kingdom business, cash remittances from Ireland were not aligned to our management structure within Europe, but they 

were reported within United Kingdom. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 
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IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 
Other information 
Other information 
Other information 

Market review 

Continued 

Profit 
UK Life adjusted operating profit1,7 increased by 8% to £1,871 
million (2017: £1,728 million) due to further benefits from changes in 
longevity assumptions and the continued growth of long-term 
savings and bulk purchase annuities (BPA). 

The UK’s adjusted operating profit1,7 across new and existing 
business can be analysed by segment as shown below: 

Adjusted operating profit1,7 
Long-term savings2  
Annuities and equity release 
Protection 
Legacy3  
Other4  
Life 
Underwriting result 
Long-term investment return 
Other5  
General Insurance 
Health 
Total adjusted operating 

profit1,7 

New 
business 

Existing 
business 

2018 
£m 

Total 
£m 

New 
business 

Existing 
business 

2017 
£m 

Total 
£m 

(96) 
363  
91  
— 
— 

294  
198 
416  
779  
135  
226  
318  
318  
350  
350  
358   1,513   1,871  
253  
161  
1  
415  
38  

(74)
335  
130  
— 
— 

259 
185  
390  
725  
97  
227  
331  
331  
260  
260  
391   1,337   1,728  
246  
163  
2  
411  
36  

2,324  

2,175  

The increase in adjusted operating profit1,7 is offset by an adverse 
movement in investment variances and economic assumption 
changes leading to a reduction in profit before tax attributable to 
shareholders’ profits7 of our life business of £1,399 million (2017: 
£1,619 million). 

UK General Insurance adjusted operating profit1,7 was up 1% at £415 
million (2017: £411 million), including a 3% increase in underwriting 
profit as the business has grown while maintaining a stable COR6. 

UK Health adjusted operating profit1,7 increased by 6% to £38 
million (2017: £36 million) due to improved underlying margins. 

Long-term savings 
Long-term savings adjusted operating profit1,7 increased by 7% to 
£198 million (2017: £185 million) with positive net fund inflows6 of 
£5.0 billion (2017: £5.6 billion) while maintaining a stable in-force 
profit margin. Average assets under management (AUM6) across the 
year grew to £118 billion (2017: £111 billion). However, weak 
investment markets towards the end of 2018 constrained growth in 
AUM6, which ended the year at £116 billion (2017: £118 billion). Along 
with growth in workplace pension net fund flows6, driven by new 
scheme wins with large corporates, we delivered continued positive 
platform net fund flows6 of £3.9 billion (2017: £6.2 billion) despite a 
difficult market environment and functionality problems impacting 
advisers and customers during the migration of the adviser platform 
to a new service provider. Platform assets under management6 grew 
by 12% in the year to £22.6 billion (2017: £20.2 billion). The increase 
in new business strain reflects our workplace pensions growth and 
the continued investment in the Aviva Financial Advisers network. 

Annuities and Equity Release  
Annuities and equity release adjusted operating profit1 increased by 
7% to £779 million (2017: £725 million). BPA trading drove a 12% 
increase in volumes to £4,784 million (2017: £4,287 million), 
including Aviva’s largest BPA deal to date of £925 million with Marks 
and Spencer, leading to an 8% increase in new business profits to 

£363 million (2017: £335 million). Existing business adjusted 
operating profit1,7 increased by £26 million to £416 million (2017: 
£390 million) due to favourable longevity experience partly offset by 
a reduction to £24 million (2017: £86 million) in the benefit from the 
optimisation of the asset mix by increasing the proportion of illiquid 
assets backing the in-force portfolio.  

Protection 
Protection adjusted operating profit1,7 remained stable at 
£226 million (2017: £227 million). The benefit of improved claims 
experience in Group Protection following actions taken to mitigate 
2017 adverse experience was offset by an 8% reduction in new 
business volumes to £1,799 million PVNBP6 (2017: £1,964 million) 
and fall in new business profits in a competitive individual 
protection market including the impact of hardening reinsurance 
rates. 

Legacy 
Legacy contributed adjusted operating profit1,7 of £318 million 
(2017: £331 million). The expected reduction in AUM6 as policies 
mature was partly offset by favourable market movements in 2017 
that drove higher opening 2018 AUM6. We continue to expect 
adjusted operating profit1 from the legacy business to decline by 
approximately 10% per annum over the medium term. 

Other 
In 2018, the contribution from Other was £350 million. The largest 
driver of this result was the release of longevity provisions totalling 
£728 million due to changes in life expectancy trends8. This was 
partly offset by the recognition of an additional £175 million 
provision relating to potential redress for advised sales by Friends 
Provident (of which over 90% of cases relate to pre-2002, with the 
total provision recognised being £250 million) and a £119 million 
adverse impact in respect of the settlement of certain legacy 
reinsurance arrangements. 

In 2017, Other of £260 million mainly related to the release of 
longevity assumptions totaling £710 million8. This was partly offset 
by the impact of recognition of a £75 million provision relating to 
potential redress for advised sales by Friends Provident, 
strengthening of maintenance expense reserves of £89 million, 
recognition of future costs reserves of £125 million and modelling 
impacts totalling £131 million. 

General insurance 
UK General Insurance adjusted operating profit1,7 was up 1% at 
£415 million (2017: £411 million).  

The underwriting result increased 3% to £253 million (2017: 
£246 million), reflecting an improved underlying performance, 
as we maintained a disciplined approach to underwriting and 
distribution. The impact of less favourable weather compared to 
2017, (although weather remained favourable to the long-term 
average), was offset by higher prior year reserve releases. 

Long-term investment return (LTIR) declined by £2 million to 
£161 million (2017: £163 million), with the reduction in the internal 
loan return (net neutral to Group) broadly offset by the impact of an 
updated investment mix.  

Adjusted operating profit1,7 is a key driver for the improvement in profit 
before tax attributable to shareholders’ profits of £450 million (2017: 
£336 million), partially offset by increased adverse market movements. 

1   Adjusted operating profit is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which is used by the Group to supplement the required disclosures under IFRS. Please refer to note B in the ‘Accounting Policies’ section, note 5 

‘Segmental Information’ and ‘Other Information’ within the Annual report and accounts for further information. 
Includes pensions and the savings Platforms. 

2  
3   Legacy represents products no longer actively marketed, including With-Profits and Bonds. 
4  Other Life represents changes in assumptions and modelling, non-recurring items, and non-product specific items. 
5   Other General Insurance includes unwind of discount and pension scheme net finance costs. 
6   This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which provides useful information to enhance the understanding of financial performance. Further information on APMs, including a reconciliation to the financial statements 

(where possible), can be found in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts. 

7  The amounts shown above in respect of adjusted operating profit and profit before tax attributable to shareholders’ profits do not reconcile to the corresponding amounts in note 5 ‘Segmental information’ within the Annual 

report and accounts due to reclassification of health business to general insurance. 

8  Please refer to note 47 ‘Effect of changes in assumptions and estimates during the year’ within the Annual report and accounts. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
18 

Strategic report 
Strategic report 
Strategic report 
Strategic report 

Governance 
Governance 
Governance 
Governance 

IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 
Other information 
Other information 
Other information 

Market review 

Continued 

In December 2018, the Civil Liability Bill became an Act of 
Parliament, which includes a change in the way the discount rate 
used to calculate lump sum compensation in personal injury cases 
(the ‘Ogden rate’) is set. Although the rate remains uncertain, it is 
anticipated that the Government will set a discount rate which is 
higher than the current -0.75% rate. At this stage, following a review 
of a range of outcomes, Aviva has adopted a rate of 0.0% within the 
full year 2018 reserves. The positive impact of this reserve change 
(£190 million) has been excluded from the 2018 adjusted operating 
profit1, a consistent treatment with the previous rate change 
in 2016. 

Cash 
Cash remitted to Group2 was £2,549 million (2017: £1,800 million). 
2018 includes an additional £500 million (2017: £500 million) of 
Friends Life integration remittance taking the total Friends Life 
integration remittances to £1.25 billion, exceeding the target of 
£1 billion, along with further special remittances of £750 million, 
reflecting the strong capital position of UK Life following recent 
positive longevity developments and management actions. 

Expenses  
Total expenses increased 3% year on year to £1,613 million (2017: 
£1,569 million) as we continue to focus on operational efficiency and 
invest in growth and simplification initiatives including building our 
BPA capability, updating our IT infrastructure, improvements to 
customer experience while also implementing mandatory 
requirements such as IFRS 17 and GDPR. Excluding these initiatives, 
expenses were broadly flat. 

New business  

Gross of tax and non-controlling 
interests 

PVNBP2 

2017 
£m 

2018 
£m 

Long-term savings 
16,829  16,813 
Annuities and equity release  4,784  4,287 
1,799  1,964 
Protection 
700 
Health and Other 

534 

Total 

23,946  23,764 

VNB2  New Business Margin 

2017 
£m 

2018 
% 

153  0.7% 
157  4.1% 
183  7.8% 
34  6.4% 

2017 
% 

0.9% 
3.7% 
9.3% 
4.9% 

527  2.0% 

2.2% 

2018 
£m 

111 
196 
140 
34 

481 

PVNBP2 increased 1% to £23,946 million (2017: £23,764 million) as 
the growth in BPA and workplace pensions was offset by lower Platform, 
Protection and Health volumes. However, VNB2 decreased by 9% to £481 
million (2017: £527 million). The increase in PVNBP2 is primarily due to BPA 
growth, including Aviva’s largest BPA deal to date of £925 million with 
Marks and Spencer, while the overall reduction in VNB2 reflects falls in 
protection and long-term savings. 

Long-term savings VNB2 reduction is mainly driven by lower Savings 
Platform volumes during and after service provider transition. It also 
reflects a reduction in workplace pension VNB2, as an increase in 
volumes has been offset by a change in mix towards lower margin, 
larger pension schemes. 

Annuities and equity release VNB2 increased 25% to £196 million 
(2017: £157 million) driven by growth in BPA volumes with improved 
margins as we continued to participate in the market on a selective 
basis. Annuity VNB2 includes an £85 million (2017: £96 million) 
impact of new business on the calculation of UK Life’s transitional 
measures. 

Protection VNB2 reduced by 23% to £140 million (2017: £183 million) 
driven by an 8% reduction in sales to £1,799 million (2017: £1,964 

million) in a competitive individual protection market and the 
impact of hardening reinsurance rates. 

Health and Other VNB2 was stable at £34 million (2017: £34 million) 
with a fall in volumes, as we exited the International PMI market, 
offset by increased margins. 

Net written premiums (NWP) and combined operating ratio (COR)2 

United Kingdom General insurance 

Personal motor 
Personal non-motor 
UK Personal lines 

Commercial motor 
Commercial non-motor 
UK Commercial lines 

Total 

Net written premiums  Combined operating ratio 

2018 
£m 

1,125  
1,369  
2,494  

532  
1,167  
1,699  

2017 
£m 

2018 
% 

2017 
% 

1,142  
1,359  
2,501   92.4% 

514  
1,063  
1,577   96.1% 

92.0% 

96.7% 

4,193  

4,078   93.8% 

93.9% 

NWP 
NWP increased 3% to £4,193 million (2017: £4,078 million), the fourth 
consecutive year of growth, as we continue to focus on our 
preferred products and channels.  

UK Personal lines was broadly in line with the prior year with a 1% 
fall in motor reflecting lower average premiums in the softer market, 
while non-motor increased 1% driven by growth in home.  

UK Commercial lines increased 8%, driven by a 10% increase in 
Commercial non-motor, with solid growth in SME and Global 
Corporate Specialty (GCS) while commercial motor increased 4%. 

COR2 
UK General Insurance COR2 of 93.8% is a 0.1pp improvement on 
prior year against the backdrop of the Beast from the East and the 
softer motor market. Improved underlying performance and higher 
prior year reserve releases, primarily from favourable experience 
in attritional and large injury claims, was partly offset by less 
favourable weather experience compared to prior year, although 
this was still favourable to the long term average. 

UK Personal lines COR2 of 92.4% was 0.4pp higher year on year, 
reflecting higher weather costs partly offset by higher prior year 
reserve releases and improved business mix. 

UK Commercial lines COR2 of 96.1% improved 0.6pp year on year, 
as our underlying performance improved from the continued 
disciplined underwriting and growth combined with higher prior 
year reserve releases, partly offset by higher weather costs. 

Operational highlights  
•  Following the phased launch in 2018, we continue to deliver our 
new AvivaPlus proposition to more customers. The innovative 
general insurance proposition is simple to use, flexible and 
rewards loyalty. Our revolutionary new approach to insurance 
ensures existing home and motor customers get the same or 
better price than new customers, instant claims, no fees for 
paying monthly, fast quotes with fewer questions and 
customisable cover to ensure they stay in control. 

•  Through Quantum, our data science practice, we continue to 

simplify how customers buy from us. This capability is being used 
across life and general insurance, for individual, SME and partners 
such as HSBC and Barclays. We ask fewer questions and make it 
as simple as possible for our customers to find the best solution 
to suit their needs. 

1  Adjusted operating profit is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which is used by the Group to supplement the required disclosures under IFRS. Please refer to note B in the ‘Accounting Policies’ section, note 5 

‘Segmental Information’ and ‘Other Information’ within the Annual report and accounts for further information  

2   This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which provides useful information to enhance the understanding of financial performance. Further information on APM’s, including a reconciliation to the financial statements 

(where possible), can be found in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 
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Governance 
Governance 
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Governance 

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Other information 
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Market review 

Continued 

• Our GCS business has continued to build capability that allows us 
to better service UK corporates with overseas exposure, delivering 
a multi-national proposition, which is important in future-
proofing our business. Additionally, our client council is a market 
first, and helping to drive strong loyalty. Prevention is at the heart 
of our client proposition, with risk management improvements 
and innovative technological advancements that we have 
provided to our clients in 2018 having delivered over £60 million 
in known loss avoidance. Advancements include the use of 
drones, thermographic cameras and leak detection sensors. 
• In January 2019 we launched our new SME Midmarket proposition, 

offering personalised advice, business insights based on data 
analytics and access to innovative technology to support mid-market 
brokers and customers access the right risk management expertise 
and insight to manage growth, as well as existing and emerging risks. 

• We continue to invest in digital technology to help customers 

protect what’s important to them; with our award winning Aviva 
Drive app with DashCam functionality, customers can get a 
discount on their car insurance and have an independent witness 
on-board to help in the event of an accident. With our Alexa skill 
we make it easier for our pensions customers to get their latest 
pension value from the comfort of their sofa and we can help 
customers protect their home while away with smart devices that 
alert you to leaks, smoke and intruders via our new Connected 
Home app. 

• We are using robotics and automation to simplify our processes. 
Our protection customers are now able to provide consent to 
obtain medical information digitally, with 73% of customers 
responding within 24 hours, compared to a previous average of 
30 days. We have used robotics to move almost 40,000 employees 
for one of our largest workplace pension clients onto our pension 
platform, reducing a 150-hour manual process to 10 hours and we 
have digitised payment and fund switching for around 1.75 
million pension customers as part of our new easy transfer 
process for customers with pots below £30,000. 

• In January 2018 we made a significant investment in our platform 
technology and migrated over 200,000 customers with 345,000 
accounts and £20 billion of assets to a new provider. Despite some 
technical issues, our customers are now benefiting from improved 
reporting, extended investment choice and simpler online 
processes. Significant progress has been made to address the 
problems caused by the migration and to ensure any customers are 
not disadvantaged. Growth of the platform has been resilient 
throughout this period with assets under administration1 up 12% 
in 2018 to £22.6 billion and net fund flows1 continue to be positive 
at £3.9 billion. 

• We are a trusted partner for individuals to manage their transition 
into and through retirement, with market leading propositions 
(investment, drawdown, annuity, equity release), online guides 
and tools and our in-house advice service, Aviva Financial Advice. 
In 2018 we launched a ‘Mid-Life MOT’ service for our own 
employees aged 45 and over, providing targeted guidance on 
wealth, work and wellbeing. We will use the findings from this 
pilot to help inform discussions with government and the 
business community about how best to support UK employees 
more broadly as they approach retirement. 

• We continue to build on our defined benefit (DB) de-risking and 
bulk purchase annuity capabilities, supporting our business 
customers looking to reduce risk. In 2018 we wrote £2.6 billion 
of bulk purchase annuities, an increase of over 27% on 2017. 

Market context and challenges 
• We are well prepared for Britain’s exit from the EU, despite the 
continued uncertainties as to the outcome of the negotiations. 
• 2018 saw significant regulatory change in our UK markets, with 

the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID), the 
Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD) and the General Data 
Protection Regulation (GDPR) coming into force. 

• We promote strong regulation that is effectively targeted, 
efficiently delivered, and supports sustainable growth and 
innovation. Through active engagement with our regulator, we 
hope to see further improvements in the market over the next two 
to three years, including a fairer pension taxation system and a 
simpler regulatory environment which allows us to better serve 
the needs of our customers. 

• April 2019 will see a further rise in auto-enrolment minimum 

contributions from 3% in 2018 to 5%, supporting better retirement 
prospects for all UK workers. Enquiries from small and medium sized 
businesses or their advisers about moving to a new auto-enrolment 
workplace pension provider have increased 80% year on year as 
companies realise the importance of workplace benefits. 

• In 2018 the PRA launched a consultation process in respect of the 
capital required by firms offering equity release mortgages. We will 
continue to engage with the PRA throughout the consultation. We 
believe equity release is a valuable product for certain customers 
aged over 55, helping homeowners access money in their later life. 
• In general insurance, market conditions have remained competitive 
across our entire product range, particularly a softening personal 
motor market. We believe injured motor claimants should be fully 
compensated for any injuries they receive, but it is also vital that 
individuals are not over-compensated to a level which increases the 
cost of insurance premiums for individuals and businesses, large 
and small. We have continued to support the need for motor 
insurance reform through our Road to Reform campaign. In 2018 
the Civil Liability Bill, which will reform compensation for whiplash 
injuries from 2020, and the Ogden rate, used by the courts to 
determine awards for significant bodily injury claims, completed its 
passage through Parliament. Aviva has promised to pass on 100% 
of the savings to its customers. 

• We fully support the FCA review on pricing practices for new and 
existing customers in the general insurance industry and are 
leading the market in tackling unfair pricing through our AvivaPlus 
proposition. 

• We continue to improve prevention and detection of general 

insurance fraud for our customers. In 2018 we avoided over 15,000 
fraudulent policies (20% more than 2017). We also repudiated 
£85 million in suspect fraudulent claims and have prosecuted 
58 cases. 

• We are committed to providing an excellent service for all our 
customers, but we know that sometimes things can go wrong. 
Where we fail to meet customers’ expectations our first priority 
is to resolve the matter as quickly as possible and to act on the 
feedback we receive. We constantly work to improve our 
customer service, taking learnings from dissatisfaction and 
analysing the root cause of complaints in order to improve 
our customer performance. Following an industry wide 
miscategorisation issue in 2018 we have been working to ensure 
we categorise our complaints correctly, which has resulted in an 
increase in our regulated complaint numbers.

1   This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which provides useful information to enhance the understanding of financial performance. Further information on APM’s, including a reconciliation to the financial statements 

(where possible), can be found in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts.

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
20 

Strategic report 
Strategic report 
Strategic report 
Strategic report 

Governance 
Governance 
Governance 
Governance 

IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 

Other information 
Other information 
Other information 
Other information 

Market review 

Continued 

Priorities for 2019 
•  To deliver growth in the UK by extending our advantage across 
products and intermediary partners, leveraging the power of 
Aviva’s breadth of offering, while investing in future growth 
strategies. 

•  Build on our strong employer proposition and become the 

provider of choice in the workplace for employee investments and 
insurance. 

•  Build on our reputation as a trusted partner for individuals 
managing their transition into and through retirement. 
•  Focus on simplicity for customers and build simple digital 

solutions using our data and analytics capabilities (Quantum) to 
make it easier for our customers to do business with us. 

•  Drive operational efficiency, underpinned by a sustainable and 

robust IT infrastructure. Completing our data centre migration will 
be fundamental to supporting the level of service we offer. 

•  Build on our strong position with intermediaries by striving to be 

their partner of choice.  

•  We will continue to lead the industry on the big customer issues: 
simplifying our products and customer experience, increasing 
transparency and putting the customer at the heart of everything 
we do. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
21 

 
 
 
 
Strategic report 
Strategic report 
Strategic report 
Strategic report 

Governance 
Governance 
Governance 
Governance 

IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 

Other information 
Other information 
Other information 
Other information 

Market review 

Continued 

International 

CANADA 
Overview 
We are the second largest general insurance provider in the 
market place, providing a range of personal and commercial 
lines products to over 2.7 million customers with a 10% market 
share1. Our business is primarily intermediated, sold through a 
network of 1,000 independent broker partners and, following our 
acquisition of RBC General Insurance (RBC GI) in 2016, RBC 
insurance agents. 

Profitability of the business deteriorated in early 2017, 
principally due to increased physical damage and injury claims 
costs in our motor insurance line of business, and the trend of 
favourable reserve releases ceased. As Canadian motor 
insurance is heavily regulated, we had difficulty achieving rate 
increases quickly enough to offset the claims costs. In addition, 
2017 and 2018 saw natural catastrophe losses above budget. 
As a result, adjusted operating profit2,4 in 2018 did not recover 
from the 2017 level despite the actions taken. 

In 2018, we achieved significant rate increases in personal lines 
business, not all of which will have earned into the 2018 
adjusted operating profit2,4. We also reduced the number of 
intermediaries with access to our products as well as tightened 
underwriting criteria where appropriate. In commercial lines, 
our focus was on better risk selection which has hampered net 
written premium growth, although we are receiving higher 
premium for much of our renewed business. We expect the 
combination of rate increases, pricing sophistication and 
expense management to continue until we achieve our sub-96% 
target combined operating ratio3. 

Financial performance 

Adjusted operating profit2,4  

Cash remitted to Group3  

Expenses  
Operating expenses3  
Integration and restructuring costs 

2018 
£m 

46  

28  

477  
— 
477  

2017 
£m 

46  

55  

478  
15  
493  

Combined operating ratio (COR)3  
Net written premiums (NWP) 

102.4%  102.2% 
3,028  

2,928  

During 2018, adjusted operating profit2,4 remained flat compared 
to the prior year at £46 million (2017: £46 million). The business 
also continued to experience challenges in the Canadian motor 
market and adverse weather conditions. Towards the end of 
2017, an extensive profit remediation plan was put in place with 
ongoing actions around pricing, indemnity management and 
risk selection. The impacts of our extensive profitability actions 
have started to flow through our 2018 results. In the second half 

of the year, our combined operating ratio3 for the six months to 
December 2018 improved to 100.2% (HY18: 104.6%). 

All percentage movements below are quoted in constant 
currency unless otherwise stated. 

Profit 

Adjusted operating profit2,4  

Underwriting result 
Long-term investment return 
Other5  
Total adjusted operating profit2,4 

2018 
£m 

(70)
121  
(5)

46  

2017 
£m 

(64)
115 
(5)

46  

In 2018, the underwriting result was a loss of £70 million (2017: 
loss of £64 million), mainly driven by increased claims frequency 
and severity in our personal motor business, slightly adverse 
weather conditions compared to the long-term average and the 
inclusion of RBC GI integration costs within operating expenses3, 
partially offset by favourable prior year reserve development. 

The underwriting loss, along with adverse market movements 
were the key drivers of the current year loss before tax 
attributable to shareholders’ profits4 of £74 million (2017: 
£54 million). 

Cash 
Cash remittances3 during the year decreased to £28 million 
(2017: £55 million), reflective of our underwriting performance. 

Expenses  
Operating expenses3 remained broadly flat at £477 million 
(2017: £478 million), which includes costs of £11 million related to 
the completion of RBC GI systems migration and staff relocation. 
These costs were reported within integration and restructuring 
costs in 2017.  

Net written premiums (NWP) and combined operating ratio 
(COR)3 

Personal lines 
Commercial lines 

Total 

Net written premiums 

Combined operating ratio3 

2018 
£m 

2,107  
821  

2,928  

2017 
£m 

2018 
% 

2017 
% 

2,171   104.2% 
97.8% 

857  

102.5% 
101.2% 

3,028   102.4% 

102.2% 

NWP 
Net written premiums were down 3% to £2,928 million (2017: 
£3,028 million) but flat on a constant currency basis. In personal 
lines, lower new business sales were offset by rate increases. 
Commercial lines premiums reduced slightly over the prior year 
as rate increases were offset by lower new business sales and 
retention as we tightened our underwriting risk appetite. 

COR3 
The COR3 increased slightly to 102.4% (2017: 102.2%) due to 
elevated claims frequency and severity, particularly in motor, 
partially offset by favourable prior year reserve development.  

1   Market Security & Analysis inc. 2017 online database  
2  Adjusted operating profit is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which is used by the Group to supplement the required disclosures under IFRS. Please refer to note B in the ‘Accounting Policies’ section, note 5 – 

‘Segmental Information’ and ‘Other Information’ within the Annual report and accounts for further information 

3  This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which provides useful information to enhance the understanding of financial performance. Further information on APMs, including a reconciliation to the financial statements 

(where possible), can be found in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts. 

4  The amounts shown above in respect of adjusted operating profit and lost before tax attributable to shareholders’ profits do not reconcile to the corresponding amounts in note 5 – ‘Segmental information’ within the Annual 

report and accounts due to the reclassification of non-insurance business to Other Group activities 
Includes unwind of discount and pension scheme net finance costs 

5 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
22 

Strategic report 
Strategic report 
Strategic report 
Strategic report 

Governance 
Governance 
Governance 
Governance 

IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 

Other information 
Other information 
Other information 
Other information 

Market review 

Continued 

Operational highlights 
•  Launched a profitability action plan with over 30 distinct actions 

Financial performance 

to improve financial performance.  

•  Completed 155 rate changes in personal lines. 
•  Piloted automated quoting for small commercial lines business. 
•  Completed the integration of RBC GI, decommissioning legacy 

RBC GI systems and processes and successfully migrated all RBC 
GI policies into our Guidewire (policy and claims) system. 

•  Reduced our number of offices from 27 to 21 which reduced our 

operational footprint (square footage) by 25%. 

Market context and challenges 
During 2018, adjusted operating profit1 remained flat compared to 
the prior year as we continue to experience poor results in the 
Canadian motor market. Regulatory challenges, including 
restrictions on price increases, are faced in both the provinces of 
Ontario and Alberta, affecting the speed of our turnaround. Impacts 
from adverse weather conditions continue with current year 
catastrophe losses of £77 million well above the 5-year historical 
average of £58 million. 

Priorities for 2019 
•  Our primary focus is to improve profitability across all lines of 

business. 

•  We will diversify our products more towards commercial lines and 

personal property. 

•  We will continue to invest in pricing analytics and claims 

management. 

EUROPE 
Overview 
Aviva has a focused approach in Europe with insurance operations 
in France, Italy, Poland, Ireland and Turkey. In the year we have 
completed our disposal of Spain and one of our joint ventures in 
Italy and acquired Friends First in Ireland. 

Our European markets are a major contributor to the Group, 
providing a valuable source of diversification. 

We have over 10 million customers and operate a multi-line model 
across all our European businesses except for Turkey where we offer 
life and savings products. 

We are present in attractive markets where we have a competitive 
advantage and ability to source skills. We believe this offers us clear 
potential for future profitable growth. 

We remain cognisant of low interest rates and challenging 
regulatory environments, and believe we are well positioned to 
succeed. 

Adjusted operating profit1,2  
Life 
General insurance & health 

Cash remitted to Group3,4  
Expenses  
Operating expenses3  
Integration and restructuring costs 

New business 
Present value of new business premiums (PVNBP)3 
Value of new business on an adjusted Solvency II basis 

(VNB)3  

General Insurance 
Combined operating ratio (COR)3  
Net written premiums (NWP) 

2018 
£m 

2017 
£m 

831  
220  
1,051  

873  
223  
1,096  

447  

485  

847  
— 
847  

820  
36  
856  

12,641  

12,065  

517  

533  

93.4% 
1,985  

93.3% 
2,018  

All percentage movements below are quoted in constant currency 
unless otherwise stated. 

Overall adjusted operating profit1,2 in Europe was down by 5% 
to £1,051 million (2017: £1,096 million). However excluding  
disposals, adjusted operating profit1,2 grew 10% to £1,034 million  
(2017: £944 million), driven primarily by our life businesses which 
continue to grow revenue, improve product mix and focus on 
expense efficiencies.  

Profit 

Adjusted operating profit1,2  
France (excl. Antarius) 
Poland 
Italy (excl. Avipop) 
Ireland 
Other Europe (excl. Spain)5  
Total (excl. Antarius, 
Avipop, Spain) 

Antarius 
Avipop 
Spain 

Total adjusted operating 

profit1,2 

2018 
£m 
436  
170  
156  
44  
10  

816  

— 
6  
9  

831  

Life 

General insurance & health 

2017 
£m 
403  
156  
136  
33  
12  

740  

22  
32  
79  

873  

2018 
£m 
110  
20  
32  
56  
— 

218  

— 
2  
— 

220  

2017 
£m 
104  
21  
26  
53  
— 

204  

— 
19  
— 

223  

1  Adjusted operating profit is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which is used by the Group to supplement the required disclosures under IFRS. Please refer to note B in the ‘Accounting Policies’ section, note 5 

‘Segmental Information’ and ‘Other Information’ within the Annual report and accounts for further information 

2  The amounts shown above in respect of adjusted operating profit and profit before tax attributable to shareholders’ profits do not reconcile to the corresponding amounts in note 5 – ‘Segmental information’ within the Annual 

report and accounts due to the reclassification of Other operations to Other Group activities. 

3  This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which provides useful information to enhance the understanding of financial performance. Further information on APMs, including a reconciliation to the financial statements 

(where possible), can be found in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts. 

4  Cash remitted to Group is managed at legal entity level. As Ireland constitutes a branch of the United Kingdom business, cash remittances from Ireland are not aligned to our management structure within Europe, but they are 

reported within the United Kingdom 
Includes Turkey. 

5 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 
Strategic report 
Strategic report 
Strategic report 

Governance 
Governance 
Governance 
Governance 

IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 

Other information 
Other information 
Other information 
Other information 

Market review 

Continued 

Excluding the impact of disposals, the adjusted operating profit1,2 of 
our life businesses grew by 10% to £816 million (2017: £740 million). 
Dealing with each of the markets in turn: 
•  In France, adjusted operating profit1,2 was up 7% to £436 million 
(2017: £403 million), due to increase in new business volumes of 
our unit-linked savings products. 

•  In Poland, adjusted operating profit1,2 was £170 million (2017: 
£156 million), an increase of 8% as a result of the favourable 
impact of equity market movements on assets under 
management3 increasing fee income and an improved mix 
towards protection business. 

•  In Italy, adjusted operating profit1,2 was £156 million (2017: 

£136 million), an increase of 14% with significant net inflows 
mainly driven by an increase in new business volumes of our 
hybrid product. 

•  In Ireland, adjusted operating profit1,2 increased to £44 million 
(2017: £33 million), an increase of 31% mainly driven by the 
acquisition of Friends First, longevity releases and asset mix 
optimisation on the annuity book, partially offset by lower sales of 
annuity products. 

•  In Turkey, adjusted operating profit1,2 was lower at £10 million 

(2017: £12 million), due to adverse foreign exchange movements. 
However on a constant currency basis, profits were up 8% due to 
growth in protection products. 

Excluding disposals, the adjusted operating profit1,2 of our General 
insurance businesses grew by 6% to £218 million (2017: 
£204 million). Dealing with each of the markets in turn: 
•  In France, adjusted operating profit1,2 was £110 million (2017: 
£104 million), an increase of 5%, due to growth, particularly in 
commercial lines, turnaround of the health business and expense 
efficiencies, partially offset by higher large losses and weather-
related claims. 

•  In Poland, adjusted operating profit1,2 was £20 million (2017: 

£21 million) with the slight decrease mainly due to motor business 
with improved performance in other lines of business. 

•  In Italy, adjusted operating profit1,2 increased to £32 million (2017: 
£26 million) mainly driven by claims management actions on the 
motor book. 

•  In Ireland, adjusted operating profit1,2 increased to £56 million 
(2017: £53 million) driven by improvements to product mix and 
higher earned premiums, partially offset by an increase in large 
claims. 

Profit before tax attributable to shareholders’ profits2 has reduced 
to £995 million (2017: £1,044 million) as a result of lower profits on 
disposal compared to 2017, partially offset by lower adverse 
investment variances and economic assumption changes. 

Cash 
Cash remitted to the Group3,4 was £447 million (2017: £485 million). 
Higher dividends from France and Poland were offset by Italy, where 
the dividend was withheld to withstand the volatile market 
conditions experienced in the year. 

Expenses 
Total operating expenses3 were up 2% to £847 million (2017: 
£820 million) due to the inclusion of the Friends First business in 

Ireland for the first time and the absorption of integration costs into 
operating expenses3 in 2018, partly offset by a reduction due to the 
disposal of our Spanish businesses. Excluding these items, 
operating expenses3 are flat year on year. 

New business 
Excluding disposals, PVNBP3 was up by 20% to £12,625 million 
(2017: £10,552 million) and VNB3 increased by 13%. In Italy VNB3 
growth of 36% was mainly due to continued growth in sales of our 
hybrid savings product. In France, PVNBP3 was up 6% reflecting 
growth in sales of savings products, although VNB3 was down 4% 
primarily due to reduced protection volumes and new business 
margin reflecting increased competition in this market.  

Net written premiums (NWP)  
Excluding Avipop, NWP was broadly flat with growth in France offset 
by decreases in Poland, Italy and Ireland, as we maintained strong 
underwriting discipline. In France, NWP grew to £1,118 million (2017: 
£1,053 million) with growth mainly in commercial lines. In Poland, 
NWP decreased by 10% to £106 million (2017: £117 million) 
reflecting a change in product mix from bancassurance business. In 
Italy, NWP decreased by 7% due to continued underwriting action 
taken on segments of the motor book. In Ireland, NWP was down 
2% mainly due to rate reductions in a softening motor market. 

Combined operating ratio (COR)3 
Excluding the disposal of Avipop, COR3 in Europe has improved by 
0.4pp to 93.5% primarily reflecting an improved performance in Italy 
as underwriting action on the motor book takes effect. 

Operational highlights 
•  In 2018, we completed the sale of our shareholdings in Caja 

Murcia Vida, Caja Granada Vida and Pelayo Vida, concluding the 
exit of our Spanish businesses. In Italy, we completed the sale of 
our shareholdings in Avipop Assicurazioni S.p.A and Avipop Vita 
S.p.A. (collectively known as Avipop) in March 2018. In Ireland, we 
completed our acquisition of Friends First Life Assurance 
Company in June 2018.  

•  In France we achieved strong profit growth and continued to 
outperform the market by shifting our product mix towards 
capital-efficient unit-linked products. In 2018, we realigned under 
a single brand and made it easy for our customers to get the same 
products at the same price no matter which distribution channel 
they choose. We were also the first insurer to be granted a license 
to transfer our pensions business into a supplementary 
occupational pension fund (known as FRPS), improving our 
capital efficiency and providing a unique offering to retirement 
and pensions customers. 

•  In Italy our hybrid product continued to be highly successful, 
supported by our continued innovation and top performing 
funds, driving strong value of new business on an adjusted 
Solvency II basis (VNB)3 growth and net flows in the Group. 

•  Our Polish business has experienced profit growth due mainly to 

positive macroeconomic factors and supported by a strong 
reputation in the market. MyAviva platform has increased both 
the unique user base and the number of online transactions. The 
Santander relationship in Poland has been improved and there is 
a good level of growth from ING Poland. 

1  Adjusted operating profit is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which is used by the Group to supplement the required disclosures under IFRS. Please refer to note B in the ‘Accounting Policies’ section, note 5 

‘Segmental Information’ and ‘Other Information’ within the Annual report and accounts for further information 

2  The amounts shown above in respect of adjusted operating profit and profit before tax attributable to shareholders’ profits do not reconcile to the corresponding amounts in note 5 – ‘Segmental information’ within the Annual 

report and accounts due to the reclassification of Other operations to Other Group activities. 

3  This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which provides useful information to enhance the understanding of financial performance. Further information on APMs, including a reconciliation to the financial statements 

(where possible), can be found in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts. 

4  Cash remitted to Group is managed at legal entity level. As Ireland constitutes a branch of the United Kingdom business, cash remittances from Ireland are not aligned to our management structure within Europe, but they are 

reported within the United Kingdom 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 
Strategic report 
Strategic report 
Strategic report 

Governance 
Governance 
Governance 
Governance 

IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 

Other information 
Other information 
Other information 
Other information 

Market review 

Continued 

• In Ireland we completed the acquisition of Friends First and 

made significant progress with the integration. The integration 
programme is ahead of expectations with benefits in 2018 
continuing in 2019 and 2020. Our strong brand continued to 
shine as we achieved the most trusted insurance brand of 20181. 

• In Turkey we developed a new distribution model, launched in 
February 2019, that allows our direct sales force to sell general 
insurance and health products, manufactured by other insurers, 
alongside Aviva life insurance products 

Market context and challenges 
• In France we offer a full range of life, general insurance, protection 

and health insurance products with strength in distribution 
through AFER, the number 1 savers association2, UFF the number 
2 financial adviser network2 and through our number 2 direct 
general insurance business2. In late 2018 the French government 
proposed new laws that seek to shift savings and investment 
towards the real economy, bringing about further opportunities 
for our savings and retirement business. 

• In Italy we offer life, general and health insurance, with 

distribution through two major bancassurance partnerships, 
multi-agents and independent financial advisers. Political 
uncertainty and a change of government have caused volatility in 
financial markets. 

• In Poland we are one of the leading life insurers3 with one of the 
largest tied agent salesforces on the market. We provide general 
insurance distributed through a direct sales network, financial 
advisers and two key bancassurance partnerships. 

• In Ireland we are a market leading composite insurer4, and 

continue to benefit from a strong macroeconomic environment 
with high GDP and low unemployment. Despite softening in the 
general insurance market, we achieved a 92% combined 
operating ratio (COR)5 demonstrating the strength of our 
underwriting capability. 

• In Turkey we have a life insurance business through our joint 
venture with Sabanci. Our business has responded well to the 
political instability and financial volatility in the second half of 
2018. 

Priorities for 2019 
• In France we will leverage the benefits of our single brand with 
focus on four customer propositions (digital, professionals, 
affluent and partnerships). We will also look to strengthen our 
broker distribution and develop savings solutions aligned to 
customer needs and the real economy, continuing to shift our 
product mix towards unit-linked products and grow our 
protection business. 

• In Italy we will focus on brand awareness, growing the non-motor 
general insurance business in an under-penetrated market; invest 
in our direct channel to drive forward our new SME propositions, 
and continue growth in hybrid sales. 

• In Poland we remain focused on digitising through both self-
service and IFA platforms. We will continue expansion of 
bancassurance partnerships with additional product launches in 
pipeline and also look to exploit profitable and growing niches in 
group life business and commercial lines general insurance. 
• In Ireland we will focus on delivering the benefits of a strong 

combined life insurance business with the integration of Friends 
First. In particular, we will invest in new propositions and 
improved customer journeys to meet the changing needs of our 
customers. We will maintain a market leading position in general 
insurance by leveraging our best-in-class underwriting, pricing 
and indemnity management capabilities, and will continue to 
invest in digitisation to improve efficiency and our customer 
experience. 

• In Turkey we will closely monitor the impact of current political 

and financial uncertainty and take action where required. We will 
simplify our portfolio and implement cross-sell initiatives to 
maximise the potential of our partnership with Sabanci. 

1  Aviva Global Brand Tracker Quarter 4 2018 – Ireland 
2  AFER website, UFF website and French Insurance Federation 
3  Polish Insurance association. 
4 
5  This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which provides useful information to enhance the understanding of financial performance. Further information on APMs, including a reconciliation to the financial statements 

Insurance Ireland Industry Statistics, GI and Milliman Temperature Gauge, Life.  

(where possible), can be found in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts.  

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
25 

Strategic report 
Strategic report 
Strategic report 
Strategic report 

Governance 
Governance 
Governance 
Governance 

IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 

Other information 
Other information 
Other information 
Other information 

Market review 

Continued 

Asia 

Overview 
We are focused on six key markets: four large populous nations 
China, India, Indonesia and Vietnam, and two advanced regional 
wealth management centres in Hong Kong and Singapore. These 
markets provide an accessible population of over 3 billion people 
with relatively low insurance penetrations compared to more 
developed Western markets. This offers us tremendous growth 
opportunities in the region. 

We currently provide life and health insurance solutions to over 4.5 
million customers across our markets in Asia and a multi-product 
offering including general insurance in Singapore. We operate a 
multi-distribution strategy which includes tied agency, financial 
advisers, bancassurance, digital, affinity partnerships, telemarketing 
and direct sales force. 

Our core strategy is to disrupt current market practices by placing 
a greater emphasis on our customers and offering products, 
individually or in tailored combinations, to meet their preferences 
to create real value. 

Investment in Asia’s distribution, digital and analytics capabilities 
continued throughout 2018. Singapore continues to grow its 
distribution network, including our financial adviser subsidiaries Aviva 
Financial Advisers with 816 (2017: 673) advisers and Professional 
Investment Advisory Services with 724 (2017: 593) advisers on board. 
Aviva-COFCO, our joint venture in China, posted a modest growth in 
adjusted operating profit1,3 amid regulatory tightening and an economic 
slowdown. In Hong Kong, we launched Blue, our new digital life joint 
venture with Tencent and Hillhouse in September 2018, which is 
expected to disrupt the insurance market. Aviva Vietnam, which is now 
a wholly owned subsidiary, is accelerating its business via a stronger 
partnership with Vietinbank. In 2018, we also completed the sale of our 
entire 49% shareholding in a joint venture in Taiwan.  

Financial performance 

Adjusted operating profit1,3  
Life 
General insurance & health 

Cash remitted to Group2  
Expenses  
Operating expenses2,4  
Integration and restructuring costs 

2018 
£m 

2017 
£m 

300  
(16)
284  

235  
(8)
227  

6  

— 

186  
— 
186  

207  
— 
207  

New business 
Present value of new business premiums (PVNBP)2 
Value of new business on an adjusted Solvency II basis (VNB)2  

2,656  
189  

2,719  
162  

General Insurance 
Combined Operating Ratio (COR)2  
Net written premiums (NWP) 

122.1%  123.2% 
13  

13  

All percentage movements below are quoted in constant currency 
unless otherwise stated. 

Profit 

Adjusted operating profit1,3  

Life adjusted operating profit1,3 
Singapore 
Other Asia (excl. FPI, Taiwan) 

Total (excl. FPI, Taiwan) 
General insurance & health adjusted operating 

profit1,3 

Total adjusted operating profit1,3 (excl. FPI, Taiwan) 
FPI5  
Taiwan6  
Total adjusted operating profit1,3 

2018 
£m 

141  
8  

149  
(16)

133  

151  
— 

284  

2017 
£m 

118  
(3) 

115  
(8)

107  

119  
1  

227  

Adjusted operating profit1,3 from our life and general insurance and 
health businesses was £284 million (2017: £227 million). Excluding 
FPI and Taiwan, life adjusted operating profit1,3 increased by 31% to 
£149 million (2017: £115 million). Within this, Singapore’s adjusted 
operating profit1,3 improved by 21% to £141 million (2017: £118 
million), which was mainly due to a higher contribution from the 
financial advisory channel. Improved results in China, Indonesia and 
Vietnam were partly offset by the initial set up costs of Blue in Hong 
Kong. Life adjusted operating profit1,3 for FPI improved from £119 
million to £151 million as a result of improved operational 
performance and cost reductions.  

The general insurance and health business reported a £16 million 
adjusted operating loss1,3 (2017: £8 million loss) as a result of higher 
claims experience in our health business in Singapore. Management 
has identified a number of actions, including re-pricing, product 
design changes and cost containment measures to improve the 
portfolio performance. These remediation actions have 
commenced in 2018 and will continue throughout 2019. 

Profit before tax attributable to shareholders’ profit3 of £101 million 
has increased from a loss of £146 million in 2017, due in part to the 
improved adjusted operating profit1,3 and also to the non-
recurrence of the £118 million initial remeasurement loss 
recognised on FPI in 2017. 

Cash 
Cash remitted to Group2 in 2018 was £6 million (2017: £nil) as the 
successful progress of our business in Singapore has allowed the 
business to resume paying a dividend. 

Expenses  
Total operating expenses2 for Asia were £186 million (2017: £207 
million). Excluding FPI, operating expenses2 were £143 million (2017: 
£150 million). The decrease is mainly as a result of cost saving 
initiatives as well as lower project development and IT costs. 

New business 

Gross of tax and non-controlling 
interests 

Singapore 
Other Asia 

2018 
£m 

1,279 
929 

Total (excl. FPI, Taiwan)  2,208 
FPI5  
Taiwan6  

448 
— 

PVNBP 

2017 
£m 

1,164 
930 

2,094 

467 
158 

2018 
£m 

152 
39 

191 

(2)
— 

VNB2  New Business Margin 

2017 
£m 

2018 
% 

2017 
% 

123  11.9%  10.6% 
4.0% 
4.2% 
38 

161 

8.6% 

7.7% 

(6)  (0.3)% 
— 
7 

(1.2)%
4.4% 

Total 

2,656 

2,719 

189 

162 

7.1% 

6.0% 

1  Adjusted operating profit is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which is used by the Group to supplement the required disclosures under IFRS. Please refer to note B in the ‘Accounting Policies’ section, note 5 

‘Segmental Information’ and ‘Other Information’ within the Annual report and accounts for further information 

2  This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which provides useful information to enhance the understanding of financial performance. Further information on APMs, including a reconciliation to the financial statements 

(where possible), can be found in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts. 

3  The amounts shown above in respect of adjusted operating profit and profit before tax attributable to shareholders’ profits do not reconcile to the corresponding amounts in note 5 – ‘Segmental information’ within the Annual 

report and accounts due to the reclassification of non-insurance business to Other Group activities. 

4  Operating expenses relate to subsidiaries and exclude joint ventures.
5 
6 

In July 2017, Aviva announced the sale of Friends Provident International Limited (FPI). The subsidiary has been classified as held for sale from July 2017, when management were committed to a plan to sell the business.
In 2018 Aviva completed the sale of our entire 49% shareholding in a joint venture in Taiwan.

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
26 

Strategic report 
Strategic report 
Strategic report 
Strategic report 

Governance 
Governance 
Governance 
Governance 

IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 

Other information 
Other information 
Other information 
Other information 

Market review 

Continued 

While PVNBP1 has remained stable at £2,656 million in 2018, 
estimated VNB1 increased by 18% to £189 million (2017: £162 
million). Excluding FPI and Taiwan, VNB1 increased 22% to £191 
million (2017: £161 million), primarily driven by Singapore where 
higher new business volumes from the financial advisory channel 
and an improved product mix towards protection products 
improved VNB1 to £152 million (2017: £123 million). 

Market context and challenges 
We continue to believe that the long-term favourable trends of the 
emerging middle-class, increasing awareness of retirement 
planning and a growing market in healthcare will persist across the 
region. We also believe Asia will continue to outperform other 
markets in insurance growth towards 2020. Rising interest rates 
could also potentially benefit life insurers. 

Net written premiums (NWP) and combined operating ratio (COR1) 
General insurance NWP were flat at £13 million (2017: £13 million). 
The general insurance COR1 improved by 1.1pp to 122.1% 
(2017: 123.2%) as a result of improved claims experience. 

Operational highlights 
•  In May 2018, we were the first and only insurer in Singapore to 
launch eCall assistance service in collaboration with Bosch for 
our motor clients. This eCall assistance is expected to be quicker 
by 40% compared to the average emergency response 

•  In July 2018, we launched Aviva’s global data science practice in 
Singapore, Quantum Asia Hub, to use data and technology to 
better understand customer experience and provide tailored 
products and services to help our customers manage uncertainty 

•  We launched Blue, our digital insurance joint venture with 

Hillhouse Capital and Tencent in Hong Kong, in September 2018 
to fundamentally change the traditional insurance market with 
zero commission, no intermediaries and easy-to-use, digital 
insurance. 

Asia is experiencing rapid growth in internet, social media and 
mobile activity, and China is leading in the technology revolution 
and digital applications. Today, digital has become an essential part 
of our daily lives and we are strongly encouraged by the Asian 
governments’ support of Fintech and consumers’ continued rapid 
adoption. 

Priorities for 2019 
•  We will continue to invest in our independent financial adviser 

model in Singapore to accelerate growth while looking to capture 
similar opportunities in other Asian markets 

•  We will continue to invest in our digital capabilities which will help 
us to drive customer engagement, improve customer experiences 
and increase operational efficiency 

•  We will further embrace the True Customer Composite model in 
Asia to serve our customers in life, health, general insurance and 
asset management 

•  Our focus in China is to accelerate growth by enhancing our 
agency programme and geographical branch expansion 

•  We will continue to implement remediation actions to improve 
the portfolio performance of our health business in Singapore. 

1  This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which provides useful information to enhance the understanding of financial performance. Further information on APMs, including a reconciliation to the financial statements 

(where possible), can be found in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 
Strategic report 
Strategic report 
Strategic report 

Governance 
Governance 
Governance 
Governance 

IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 

Other information 
Other information 
Other information 
Other information 

Market review 

Continued 

Aviva Investors 

Overview 
We are Aviva’s global asset management business with expertise 
in multi-asset, fixed income, equity, real assets and solutions. 
We currently invest £331 billion on behalf of our customers across 
a number of major markets. This gives us the size and scale to 
successfully seek out opportunities that will deliver specific 
investor outcomes. 

Aviva Investors’ strategy is to be a global leader in outcome-
orientated solutions. Being an integral part of the Group, we provide 
asset management services and solutions to both internal and 
external customers, while at the same time building our external 
base of institutional and wholesale clients around the world. 
We combine our insurance heritage and DNA with our skills and 
experience in asset allocation, portfolio construction and risk 
management to provide asset management solutions to 
institutional, wholesale and Aviva’s end retail clients. These 
solutions deliver the investment outcomes clients are looking for. 

In a world of low interest rates and Solvency II, we provide the 
solutions for investors to achieve the returns they need. We offer 
solutions to the Group and external investors alike. 

Financial performance 

Revenue: Fee income 
Expenses 
Operating expenses2  
Integration and restructuring costs 

Adjusted operating profit1,2  
Fund management 
Other operations 

Assets under management2  

Cash remitted to Group2  

2018 
£m 

597  

447  
— 
447  

150  
— 
150  

2017 
£m 

577  

409  
3  
412  

168  
32  
200  

331bn 

351bn 

92  

58  

We continue to invest in growing our investment capabilities across 
all asset classes and propositions, particularly in strengthening 
Equities. During the year, we created a new Real Assets division, 
focused on direct real estate and infrastructure investing. We further 
expanded our distribution capability, particularly in the US. As a 
result, we have experienced new business wins across a broader 
range of products, creating a more diversified client base. 

Revenue 
Revenue increased by 4% to £597 million (2017: £577 million) driven 
by sales across the business including £2.3 billion of Stewardship 
fund assets in 2018 which were previously externally managed.  

Expenses 
Operating expenses2 in Aviva Investors were £447 million (2017: 
£409 million). The increase in expenses reflects our investment in 
our front office capabilities and expanded distribution reach. It also 
reflects increased costs due to regulatory changes.  

Profit 
Fund management adjusted operating profit1 decreased by 
£18 million to £150 million (2017: £168 million) due to continued 
investment in capabilities (equities and real assets), expansion of 
our global distribution reach and absorption of regulatory costs 
(particularly MiFID II) which we did not pass on to our clients. Profit 
before tax attributable to shareholders’ profit has reduced to 
£170 million (2017: £188 million) due to the lower fund management 
adjusted operating profit1. £32 million of insurance recoveries 
included in 2017 adjusted operating profit1 are largely offset by the 
2018 gain on disposal recognised on the transfer of the Real Estate 
Multi-Manager business and our interest in the management of a 
pan-European commercial property fund to another leading real 
estate global asset manager3. 

Cash 
Cash remitted to Group2 was £92 million in 2018, an increase of 
£34 million from 2017 (2017: £58 million). 

Assets under management and under administration2 
Assets under management2 represents all assets managed by Aviva 
Investors. These comprise Aviva (internal) assets which are included 
within the Group’s statement of financial position and those 
belonging to external clients outside the Aviva Group which are 
therefore not included in the Group’s statement of financial 
position. These assets under management2 exclude those funds 
that are managed by third parties. Assets under administration2 
comprise assets managed by Aviva Investors and by third parties 
on platforms administered by Aviva Investors. 

Assets under management2 decreased by £20.0 billion to 
£330.7 billion (2017: £350.7 billion) during the period. This is due to 
£6.3 billion of disposals3, £12.4 billion adverse market and foreign 
exchange movements and £1.3 billion net outflows. Assets under 
management and administration2 at 31 December 2018 were 
£359.8 billion (2017: £381.2 billion). 

Operational highlights 
• We took a decision to strengthen our Equity team in 2018. David 

Cumming was hired to head the area and we added an additional 
14 portfolio managers to bolster both our standalone Equity 
propositions and idea generation for our multi-asset solutions. 
• We created an integrated Real Assets business in May, combining 
our Real Estate and Alternative Income Solutions functions. We 
are already at a position of strength, as we have a long history in 
this area and £40 billion of assets under management2. With 
global allocations to private assets expected to double by 2025, 
we now have the right structure in place to deliver opportunities 
for clients. 

• As part of the integration of our Real Assets business, we 

transferred our indirect Real Estate Multi-Manager business and 
our interest in the management of a pan-European commercial 
property fund to another leading real estate global asset 
manager. 

• We successfully onboarded the management of £2.3 billion in 

Stewardship funds in 2018, which had previously been 
outsourced. 

• We also created a new solutions function under Al Denholm, 
focused on insurance solutions and environmental, social 
thinking and governance (ESG) capabilities while working across 
our broad capability set to deliver tailored outcome-orientated 
solutions for the Group and external clients. 

1  Adjusted operating profit is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which is used by the Group to supplement the required disclosures under IFRS. Please refer to note B in the ‘Accounting Policies’ section, note 5 

‘Segmental Information’ and ‘Other Information’ within the Annual report and accounts for further information 

2  This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which provides useful information to enhance the understanding of financial performance. Further information on APMs, including a reconciliation to the financial statements 

(where possible), can be found in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts. 

3  On 5 November 2018, Aviva Investors completed the sale of an indirect Real Estate Multi-Manager business and our interest in the management of a pan-European commercial property fund to another leading real estate 

global asset manager. 

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Market review 

Continued 

Market context and challenges 
Brexit uncertainty continues to present challenges for the asset 
management industry. We continue to plan for all eventualities 
but believe Aviva Investors is already well placed both globally, 
and particularly within Europe, as we have a significant and long-
standing established presence in France, Luxembourg and Poland. 
Our preparations are also well underway for the outcomes of the 
FCA’s Asset Management Market Study and the Senior Manager 
and Certification Regime. 

Market conditions have been volatile due to uncertainty around 
Brexit and growing trade tensions between the US and the rest of 
the world. This led to investment performance in certain areas of 
the business not meeting expectations. We have however taken 
steps to enhance our investment capabilities in 2018, including 
adding additional resource to our Multi-Asset team and investing 
heavily in our Equities capability, primarily to enhance our equity 
performance but also idea generation into our broader solutions 
including AIMS. We believe we are at something of an inflection 
point in markets as the period of quantitative easing draws to a 
close and we transition to an environment of quantitative 
tightening. We expect global growth to ease in 2019. 

In a slowing growth environment, market participants are likely to 
focus even more on the downside risks. That should provide a basis 
for positive, but likely mixed returns across risk assets. 

Priorities for 2019 
We will continue to build our investment capabilities, while also 
selectively diversifying our business. Our key focus is on enhancing 
investment returns for our clients. We will do this by: 
•  Building our Real Asset manufacturing capability across Europe 
•  Continuing to invest in our Equity proposition to add value to our 

Multi-Asset propositions 

•  Continuing to build our solutions business. Our insurance DNA for 
both the Group and our external clients should help us win in this 
space 

•  Continuing to build out our distribution efforts in key markets 
including third party insurers and partnerships with global 
financial institutions 

•  Continuing to simplify and streamline our operating model 

delivering a single Middle office, reducing fund complexity and 
using proprietary digital tools as a foundation to enhance our 
client and staff experience.

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Types of risk inherent to our business model 
Risks customers transfer to us 
•  Life insurance risk includes longevity risk (annuity customers 

living longer than we expect), mortality risk (customers with life 
protection), critical illness risk, expense risk (the amount it costs 
us to administer policies) and persistency risk (customers lapsing 
or surrendering their policies) 

•  General insurance risk is the risk arising from loss events (fire, 

flooding, windstorms, accidents etc) 

•  Accident and Health insurance risk covers healthcare costs and 

loss of earnings arising from customers falling ill 

Risks arising from our investments 
•  Credit risks (actual defaults and market expectation of defaults) 
create uncertainty in our ability to offer a minimum investment 
return on our investments 

•  Liquidity risk is the risk of not being able to make payments as 
they become due because there are insufficient assets in cash 
form 

•  Market risks result from fluctuations in asset values, including 
equity prices, property prices, foreign exchange, inflation and 
interest rates 

Risks from our operations and other business risks 
•  Operational risk is the risk of direct or indirect loss, arising from 
inadequate or failed internal processes, people and systems, or 
external events including changes in the regulatory environment 
•  Asset management risk is the risk of customers redeeming funds, 
not investing with us, or switching funds, resulting in reduced fee 
income 

Risk and risk management 

Risk and risk 
management 

Risk management is key to Aviva’s success. We accept the risks 
inherent to our core business lines of life, general, health and 
protection and asset management. We diversify these risks through 
our scale, geographic spread, the variety of the products and 
services we offer and the channels through which we sell them. 

We receive premiums which we invest to maximise risk-adjusted 
returns, so that we can fulfil our promises to customers while 
providing a return to our shareholders.  

In doing so we have a preference for retaining those risks we believe 
we are capable of managing to generate a return. 

Looking forward, these risks may be magnified or dampened by 
current and emerging external trends (for example, climate change, 
cyber crime and political risks, such as Brexit) which may impact 
upon our current and longer term profitability and viability, in 
particular our ability to write profitable new business.  

This includes the risk of failing to adapt our business model to take 
advantage of these trends. The ‘Principal risk trends and causal 
factors’ table in this section describes these trends, their impact, 
future outlook and how we manage these risks. 

How we manage risk 
Rigorous and consistent risk management is embedded across the 
Group through our Risk Management Framework, comprising our 
systems of governance, risk management processes and risk 
appetite framework. 

Our governance 
This includes risk policies and business standards, risk oversight 
committees and roles and responsibilities. Line management in the 
business is accountable for risk management which, together with 
the risk function and internal audit, form our ‘three lines of defence’. 
The roles and responsibilities of the Board Governance, Audit and 
Risk Committees and management’s Disclosure, Asset Liability and 
Operational Risk Committees in relation to the oversight of risk 
management and internal control is set out in the ‘Directors’ and 
corporate governance report’ in the Annual report and accounts. 

Our process 
The processes we use to identify, measure, manage, monitor and 
report risks, including the use of our risk models, and stress and 
scenario testing, are designed to enable dynamic risk-based 
decision-making and effective day-to-day risk management. Having 
identified and measured the risks of our business, depending on our 
risk appetite, we either accept these risks or take action to reduce, 
transfer or mitigate them. 

Our risk appetite framework 
This refers to the risks that we select in pursuit of return on capital 
deployed, the risks we accept but seek to minimise and the risks we 
seek to avoid or transfer to third parties, including quantitative 
expressions of the level of risk we can support (e.g. the amount of 
capital we are prepared to put at risk). 

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Risk and risk management 

Continued 

Principal risk types 
The types of risk to which the Group is exposed, described in the table below, have not changed significantly over the year. All of the risks 
below, and in particular operational risks, may have an adverse impact on our brand and reputation. 

Risk type 

Risk preference 

Mitigation 

Credit risk 
•  Credit spread1 
•  Credit default 

Market risk 
•  Equity price1 
•  Property 
•  Interest rate 
•  Foreign exchange 
•  Inflation 

Life insurance risk 
•  Longevity1 
•  Persistency 
•  Mortality 
•  Expenses 

General insurance 
risk 
•  GI catastrophe 
•  GI reserving (latent 
and non-latent) 
•  GI underwriting 
•  Expenses 

Liquidity risk2 

Asset management 
risk 
•  Fund liquidity, 

performance and 
margin, Product, 
and Persistency 
risks 

Operational risk 
•  Conduct 
•  Legal & regulatory 
•  People 
•  Process 
•  Data security 
•  Technology 

We like credit risk as we believe 
we have the expertise to manage 
it and the structural investment 
advantages conferred to insurers 
with long-dated, relatively illiquid 
liabilities enable us to earn 
superior investment returns. 

We actively seek some market 
risks as part of our investment 
and product strategy. We have a 
limited appetite for interest rate, 
foreign exchange and inflation 
risks as we do not believe that 
these are adequately rewarded. 

We take measured amounts of life 
insurance risk provided we have 
the appropriate core skills in 
underwriting and pricing. We like 
longevity risk as it diversifies well 
(i.e. has little or no correlation 
against other risks we retain). 
We take general insurance risk in 
measured amounts for explicit 
reward, in line with our core skills 
in underwriting and pricing. We 
have a preference for those risks 
that we understand well, that are 
intrinsically well managed and 
where there is a spread of risks in 
the same category. GI risk 
diversifies well with our Life 
Insurance and other risks.  

The relatively illiquid nature of 
insurance liabilities is a potential 
source of additional investment 
return by allowing us to invest in 
higher yielding, but less liquid, 
assets such as commercial 
mortgages. 

Operational risks specific to asset 
management should generally be 
reduced to as low a level as is 
commercially sensible, on the 
basis that taking on these risks 
will rarely provide us with an 
upside. 

•  Risk appetites set to limit overall level of credit risk 
•  Credit limit framework imposes limits on credit concentration by issuer, 

sector and type of instrument 

•  Investment restrictions on certain sovereign and corporate exposures 
•  Credit risk hedging programme 
•  Specific asset de-risking 

•  Risk appetites set to limit exposures to key market risks 
•  Active asset management and hedging in business units 
•  Scalable Group-level equity and foreign exchange hedging programme 
•  Pension fund active risk management 
•  Asset and liability duration matching limits impact of interest rate changes 

and actions taken to manage guarantee risk, through product design 

•  Risk selection and underwriting on acceptance of new business 
•  Aviva’s staff pension scheme longevity swap covering approximately 

£5 billion of pensioner-in-payment scheme liabilities 

•  Product design that ensures products and propositions meet customer 

needs 

•  Use of reinsurance to mitigate mortality/morbidity risks and, since 2016, 

longevity risk for bulk purchase annuities and guaranteed annuity options 

•  Use of reinsurance to reduce the financial impact of a catastrophe and 

manage earnings volatility 

•  Application of robust and consistent reserving framework to derive best 
estimate with results subject to internal and external review, including 
independent reviews and audit reviews 

•  Extensive use of data, financial models and analysis to improve pricing and 

risk selection 

•  Underwriting appetite framework linked to delegations of authority that 

govern underwriting decisions and underwriting limits 

•  Product development and management framework that ensures products 

and propositions meet customer needs 

•  Formal and documented claims management procedures 
•  Maintaining committed borrowing facilities (£1.65 billion) from banks 
•  Asset liability matching methodology develops optimal asset portfolio 

maturity structures in our businesses to ensure cash flows are sufficient to 
meet liabilities 

•  Commercial paper issuance 
•  Use of our limit framework covering minimum liquidity cover ratio and 

minimum central liquidity 

•  Contingency funding plan in place to address liquidity funding requirements 

in a significant stress scenario 

•  Product development and review process 
•  Investment performance and risk management oversight and review process 
•  Propositions based on customer needs 
•  Client relationship teams managing client retention risk 

Operational risk should generally 
be reduced to as low a level as is 
commercially sensible, on the 
basis that taking operational risk 
will rarely provide us with an 
upside. 

•  Application of enhanced business standards covering key processes 
•  Our Operational Risk & Control Management Framework which includes the 
tools, processes and standardised reporting necessary to identify, measure, 
manage, monitor and report on the operational risks and the controls in 
place to mitigate those risks within centrally set tolerances 

•  Enhanced scenario-based approach to determine appropriate level of capital 

to be held in respect of operational risks 

•  On-going investment in simplifying our technology estate to improve the 

resilience and reliability of our systems and in IT security to protect ours and 
our customers’ data 

1  Top three risks ranked by diversified Solvency II Solvency Capital Requirement 
2  Not quantifiable in terms of economic capital  

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Risk and risk management 

Continued 

Principal risk trends and causal factors 
This table describes the external trends and causal factors impacting our inherent risks, their impact, future outlook and how we take 
action to manage these risks: 

Key trends and movement 

Risk management 

Outlook 

Economic & credit cycle – 
uncertainty over prospects for future 
macroeconomic growth, credit and 
interest rates, and the response of 
Central Banks, could adversely 
impact the valuation of our 
investments or credit default 
experience as well as the level of the 
returns we can offer to customers. 

Trend: Increasing 

Risks impacted: Credit risk, Market 
risks, Liquidity risk 

UK-EU relations (Brexit 
uncertainty) – there remains 
considerable uncertainty over the 
UK’s future relationship with the EU, 
and the implications for economic 
growth and productivity and in the 
longer term for financial services 
regulation, including Solvency II. 

Trend: Volatile 

Risks impacted: Credit risk, 
Market risks, Operational risk 

Changes in public policy – any 
change in public policy (government 
or regulatory) could influence the 
demand for, and profitability of, our 
products. In some markets there are 
(or could be in the future) restrictions 
and controls on premium rates, 
rating factors and charges. 

Trend: Volatile 

Risks impacted: Operational risk 
(developing the right strategy, 
regulatory compliance) 

Over the last few years we have taken significant 
steps to reduce the sensitivity of our balance sheet 
to investment risks. We aim to closely duration-
match assets and liabilities and take additional 
measures to limit interest rate risk. We hold 
substantial capital against market risks, and we 
protect our capital with a variety of hedging 
strategies to reduce our sensitivity to shocks. We 
regularly monitor our exposures and employ both 
formal and ad hoc processes to evaluate changing 
market conditions. Other actions taken in the past 
include reducing sales of products with 
guarantees and shifting our sales towards 
protection and unit-linked products. 
Brexit is not expected to have a significant operational 
impact on Aviva. We have been actively engaged to 
ensure the interests of our customers, the Company 
and the industry are appropriately taken into account. 
We have addressed the loss of our ability to passport 
business into the EU through insurance portfolio 
transfers to our business in Ireland and expansion of 
our business in Luxembourg to serve our EEA asset 
management clients and funds. We have reviewed and 
are amending contractual terms for data sharing and 
transfers to allow continued uninterrupted flow of 
personal data between our EU businesses and the UK. 
Our Financial Event Response Plan ensures that we will 
be able to respond swiftly and effectively to any severe 
adverse financial event. 

While interest rates are still well below pre-
financial crisis levels, during 2018 the US Federal 
Reserve raised interest rates on four occasions, 
in August the Bank of England raised its base 
rate and in December the European Central 
Bank ended its asset purchase programme. 
While rates may remain below pre-2008 financial 
crisis levels in the EU and UK for some time to 
come, there is a risk that a rapid increase in rates 
and a deterioration in companies’ fundamentals 
could result in a re-rating of financial assets 
leading to a collapse in bond prices, widening 
spreads or credit defaults and reducing asset 
prices. 
UK Parliamentary approval of the EU Withdrawal 
agreement remains uncertain and there are a 
number of possible alternative outcomes 
including departure from the EU without a deal, 
deferral of the UK’s departure and a renegotiated 
deal or even continuing membership of the EU 
after a second referendum. 

Uncertainty over UK-EU relations will continue 
if as planned the UK withdraws on 29 March 
2019, as the UK and EU start to negotiate their 
future free trade agreement. While these 
negotiations are intended to complete by 
31 December 2020, the end of the transition 
period under the withdrawal agreement, there 
is a risk they may need to be extended.  

We actively engage with governments and 
regulators in the development of public policy and 
regulation. We do this to understand how public 
policy may change and to help ensure better 
outcomes for our customers and the Company. 
The Group’s multi-channel distribution and 
product strategy and geographic diversification 
underpin the Group’s adaptability to public policy 
risk, and often provides a hedge to the risk. For 
example, since the end of compulsory 
annuitisation in 2015 in the UK we have 
compensated for falling sales of individual 
annuities by increasing sales of other life and 
pension products including bulk purchase 
annuities. 

The UK government’s lack of parliamentary 
majority and Brexit divisions could trigger a 
general election and change of government 
resulting in a shift in public policy with 
consequences for the products we sell and our 
investment strategy. Planned key UK regulatory 
changes include Guaranteed Minimum Pension 
equalisation, renewal pricing, Equity Release 
Mortgage regulation, changes to the Ogden 
rate and Whiplash Reform. In our other 
markets: general elections will be held in 
Canada and Poland in 2019; in France the Pacte 
Law 1 will significantly change the French 
savings market; and Italy-EU relations may 
remain volatile over Italian fiscal policy.  

New technologies & data – failure 
to understand and react to the 
impact of new technology and its 
effect on customer behaviour and 
how we distribute products could 
potentially result in our business 
model becoming obsolete. Failure to 
keep pace with the use of data to 
price more accurately and to detect 
insurance fraud could lead to loss of 
competitive advantage and 
underwriting losses. 

Trend: Increasing 

Risks impacted: Operational risk 
(developing the right strategy) 

Aviva’s strategy is focused on transformation into 
a digital leader by taking an enterprise-wide 
approach to digital and automation, focused on: 
[1] Digital customer centric propositions (e.g. 
AvivaPlus) [2] A single view of the customer, 
consolidating individual and company data on a 
single platform [3] MyAviva, our digital portal for 
customers and intermediaries [4] Quantum, our 
data science practice facilitating market leading 
innovation in use of data analytics to significantly 
improve the customer journey (e.g. Ask it Never), 
improve our understanding of how customers 
interact with us, and improve underwriting 
margins. Our Data Charter sets out our public 
commitment to use data responsibly and securely. 
Considerable work is going into modernising our 
legacy infrastructure.  

Data creation is likely to continue to grow, 
while effective use of “Big data” through 
artificial intelligence and advanced analytics 
will increasingly become a critical driver of 
competitive advantage for insurers, and subject 
to increasing regulatory scrutiny. 

The competitive threat to traditional insurers is 
likely to increase with the potential for big 
technology companies and low cost innovative 
digital start-ups to enter the insurance market, 
where previously underwriting capability, risk 
selection and required capital have proven to 
be a sufficient barrier to entry.  

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Risk and risk management 

Continued 

Key trends and movement 

Risk management 

Outlook 

Climate change – potentially 
resulting in higher than expected 
weather-related claims (including 
business continuity claims) and 
inaccurate pricing of general 
insurance risk, as well as adversely 
impacting economic growth and 
investment markets. 

Trend: Increasing 

Risks impacted: General insurance 
risk, Credit risk, Market risk 

Medical advances and healthier 
life styles – these contribute to an 
increase in life expectancy of our 
annuity customers and thus future 
payments over their lifetime may be 
higher than we currently expect. 

Trend: Decreasing 

Risks impacted: Life insurance risk 
(longevity) 

Cyber crime – criminals may 
attempt to access our IT systems to 
steal or utilise company and 
customer data, or plant malware 
viruses, in order to access customer 
or company funds, and/or damage 
our reputation and brand. 

Trend: Increasing 

Risks impacted: Operational risk 
(fraud, business interruption) 

Changes in customer behaviour – 
will impact how customers wish to 
interact with us and the product 
offering they expect, including the 
exercise of options embedded in 
contracts already sold by us. 

Trend: Stable 

Risks impacted: Operational risk 
(developing the right strategy, 
regulatory compliance) 

Outsourcing – we rely on a number 
of outsourcing providers for business 
processes, customer servicing, 
investment operations and IT 
support. The failure of a critical 
outsourcing provider could 
significantly disrupt our operations.  

Trend: Increasing 

Risks impacted: Operational risk 

We are actively engaged in public policy debate 
on the risks and impacts of climate change to 
our business and customers. We use 
reinsurance to reduce the financial impact of 
catastrophic weather events. In the UK, our 
flood mapping analytics helps us identify 
properties most at risk and improve our risk 
selection. Our responsible investment strategy 
ensures climate change, as well as other 
environmental and social issues are integrated 
into our investment decisions. You can read 
more about the physical, transition and liability 
risks we face as an asset owner, insurer and 
asset manager in our ‘Climate-related financial 
disclosure’. 

We monitor our own experience carefully and 
analyse external population data to identify 
emerging trends. Detailed analysis of the factors 
that influence mortality informs our pricing and 
reserving policies. We add qualitative medical 
expert inputs to our statistical analysis and 
analyse factors influencing mortality and trends 
in mortality by cause of death. We also use 
longevity swaps to hedge some of the longevity 
risk from the Aviva Staff Pension Scheme and 
longevity reinsurance for bulk purchase 
annuities and guaranteed annuity options.  
We are not complacent. We continue to invest 
significantly in IT Security, introducing 
additional automated controls to protect our 
data, detect and prevent cyber-attacks. In 
addition to implementing secure development 
practices we employ our own ‘white hat’ 
hackers to regularly test our IT security 
defences. We undertake regular activities with 
our people to promote awareness of cyber and 
data security, including: employee phishing 
exercises, computer-based training and more 
regular communications about specific threats 
as they are identified. 

Not only do we listen to our customers to 
ensure we meet their needs, we also seek to 
transform the customer experience through our 
digital strategy, creating an effortless customer 
experience. Our new vulnerable customer 
policy recognises the needs of our less digitally 
aware customers. For information on how we 
are mitigating this risk through the execution of 
Digital First and True Customer Composite 
strategies refer to ‘Our strategy’. 

Global average temperatures over the last five 
years have been the hottest on record. Despite 
the UNFCCC Paris agreement, the current trend 
of increasing CO2e emissions is expected to 
continue with global temperatures likely to 
exceed pre-industrial levels by at least 2oC and 
weather events (floods, droughts, windstorms) 
increasing in frequency and severity. Disclosure 
of potential impacts against various climate 
scenarios and time horizons will become 
increasingly common for all companies.  

There is considerable uncertainty as to whether 
the improvements in life expectancy that has 
been experienced over the last 40 years will 
continue into the future. Despite continued 
medical advances emerging, dietary changes, 
increasing obesity and strains on public health 
services have begun to slow this trend, leading 
in the UK to some significant industry-wide 
longevity reserve releases in 2018, and in the 
longer term may even result in a reversal in the 
trend of increasing life expectancy. 

In 2018 there continued to be several high 
profile cyber security incidents for corporates in 
the UK and elsewhere, and we expect this to 
further increase in 2019 as the multiple threat 
sources, including cyber criminals and rogue 
states, become ever more sophisticated and 
given the growing importance of digital 
automation in business strategy. We will 
continuously review the near-to-mid-term 
threat environment to ensure that our cyber 
investment remains appropriate to mitigate the 
continued and changing nature of the cyber 
threat. 

We expect customers will be much more in 
control, expecting to self-service and self-solve. 
They will want to access data and insight and 
use it to guide their own decisions. However, we 
also expect regulatory scrutiny to increase to 
ensure we continue to serve and treat fairly our 
existing customers who are vulnerable and less 
digitally aware.  

Our businesses are required to identify business 
critical outsourced functions (internal and 
external) and for each to have exit and 
termination plans and business continuity and 
disaster recovery plans in the event of supplier 
failure, which are reviewed annually. Business 
continuity and disaster recovery plans are 
subject to at least annual testing. We also carry 
out supplier financial stability reviews at least 
annually. 

In 2018, the insolvency of Carillion, which was 
not a direct supplier of services to Aviva, and 
financial difficulties faced by other outsourcing 
providers, as well as customer service issues 
following the migration of our third party 
provided investment platform has brought 
added focus to this risk and we expect 
regulatory scrutiny of outsourcing 
arrangements to increase. 

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Corporate responsibility 

Corporate 
responsibility 

Defying uncertainty 
Aviva’s purpose to Defy Uncertainty means helping our customers 
look to the future with confidence. To do that we have to be a 
responsible, sustainable business so that we can help protect and 
improve the future for everyone.  

Doing the right thing for our customers, our communities and the 
wider society we serve underpins the long-term growth of our 
business. We need a healthy planet, strong communities and a 
sustainable global economy so that we can all continue to thrive.  

As a result we are committed to helping tackle some of the world’s 
most pressing social and environmental challenges, from the 
implications of aging populations to climate change. We were 
particularly proud this year to receive the UN Foundation’s 
leadership award in recognition of our work to support the UN’s 
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  

Putting the customer at the centre of everything we do 
It all starts with helping our 33 million customers protect what’s 
important to them and save for the future. In 2018 we paid out 
£32.9 billion in benefits and claims around the world. We pay out 
98%1 of all claims. We are improving our digital technology to pay 
our customers more quickly and simplifying language so our 
customers can better understand what their policy covers. We 
have also enhanced our support for vulnerable customers.  

Globally, we have 50 environmental and social products or 
services which enable our customers to be more environmentally 
responsible or gives them easier access to the protection they need 
for themselves and their families. 

For example, the ‘Build back better’ programme in Canada uses 
10% of the total loss to commercial property to upgrade the rebuild 
and ensure it is more resilient to prevent future losses. In Poland, 
we launched an anti-smog campaign and funded 300 external air 
quality sensors. Also in Poland, we extended our cover to include 
cancer treatments during the early stages of the illness. In the UK, 
we are working in partnership with a leading cancer charity to 
speed up the handling of critical illness claims for cancer patients 
from 60 days to just 24 hours.  

During 2018, Aviva Ventures, our global capital investment business, 
invested in a number of start-ups that have a positive social impact 
such as Biofourmis, a personalised healthcare analytics platform 
that uses Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to predict 
health deterioration. 

We work hard to offer great customer service and this is reflected in 
our NPS score® which measures the likelihood of our customers to 
recommend Aviva. Eight out of nine of our businesses are at or 
above the market average which is an increase on last year. We have 
renewed our strategic partnership with the British Red Cross (BRC) 
for a further two years. Through this partnership, we have trained 
our frontline service team in crisis response to better respond to our 
customers’ personal emergencies (watch the video at 
https://youtu.be/KRUDNSvmmfI). As a result, those who received 

the psychosocial training from the BRC secured a 6% uplift in 
customer satisfaction. 

We know that we do not always get it right and we take any 
complaints and feedback we receive seriously and investigate them 
thoroughly. Our customer service commitment is reflected in the 
Customer Experience Business Standard all our markets abide by 
(see the policies section of www.aviva.com/social-purpose). 

Making a difference in communities 
The Aviva Community Fund (ACF) is now launched in ten markets 
and helps local communities on a range of issues from social 
inclusion and diversity to supporting small and medium enterprises 
(SMEs) and water sanitation.  

In 2018, we increased our community investment by 47%, totalling 
£17.6 million (2017: £11.9 million), helping to benefit more than 1.5 
million people and supporting over 3,000 local projects. We have 
now helped over 7,000 projects since 2015, exceeding our target of 
5,000 projects by 2020. Aviva France is incorporating La Fabrique 
Aviva, their local version of ACF, into their Corporate and SME 
strategy, offering discounts on essential insurances needed by start-
ups. ACF applications for funding in Canada are up almost 20%, 
with more than 800 high-quality powerful social purpose projects 
submitted. 

Aviva’s people continue to make a difference in communities 
around the world. Over 7,000 employees contributed more than 
57,500 hours of volunteering time and gave or fundraised over 
£2.1 million. 

In 2018, through the British Red Cross partnership, our 
#mapamillion campaign mapped buildings in North Indonesia 
following the devastating earthquake and tsunami. In 2018 we 
reached our goal of putting one million people on the map, 
ensuring future aid work can be channelled to the point of need.  

The Community Reserve Volunteer project aims to register 10,000 
volunteers by the end of 2019 to support their local communities in 
times of need. We have already signed up nearly 6,000 volunteers 
including customers and our people. In 2019, we will increase the 
impact of the Aviva Community Fund and BRC work across the 
world and aim to support over 2.5 million beneficiaries through 
our community activities by 2020.  

Good governance and business ethics 
We are committed to the highest standards of ethical behaviour as 
outlined by our Business Ethics Code. This underscores our 
commitment to operate responsibly and transparently. We require 
all our people, at every level, to read and sign-up to our Code every 
year (99% of our employees did so in 2018).  

We have a zero-tolerance approach to acts of bribery and 
corruption and to manage this we have a risk management 
framework which sets policies and standards across all markets. 
These policies and standards apply to everyone at Aviva and it is the 
responsibility of CEOs (or equivalent) to ensure that their business 
operates in line with them.  

The Financial Crime Business Standard guides our risk-based 
financial crime programmes. These seek to prevent, detect and 
report financial crime, including any instances of bribery and 
corruption, while complying fully with relevant legislation and 
regulation. We use risk-based training to ensure employees and 
others acting on Aviva’s behalf know what is expected of them and 
how they should manage bribery and corruption risks.  

1  The percentage was calculated by dividing all paid and rejected claims by the total number of claims received between 1 January and 31 December 2017. The figure includes all insurance product lines across all our 

businesses and excludes benefits and pensions, which have a payout ratio of 100%. It also excludes invalid or incomplete claims, such as instances where claims were opened in error, abandoned or withdrawn by customers. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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Governance 
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Governance 

IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 

Other information 
Other information 
Other information 
Other information 
Other information 
Other information 

Corporate responsibility 

Continued 

At a Group level, the Chief Risk Officer provides Aviva’s Board 
Governance Committee with regular reporting on financial crime 
matters. These include Aviva’s anti-bribery and anti-corruption 
programme.  

Our malpractice helpline, Speak Up, makes it easy to report any 
concerns in confidence, with all reports referred to an independent 
investigation team. In 2018, 50 cases were reported through Speak 
Up (previously known as Right Call) (2017: 25), with zero related to 
bribery and corruption concerns. 37 cases reached conclusion, and 
13 remain under investigation. There has been no material litigation 
arising from any case reported in 2018.  

We conduct due diligence when recruiting and when engaging 
external partners. In 2018, 82% of Group and UK managed suppliers 
agreed to our Code of Behaviour (or had their own equivalent code 
of behaviour) which requires compliance with all applicable 
financial crime laws and regulations. In 2018, we engaged 95% of 
our managed suppliers on corporate responsibility issues (including 
modern slavery).  

Our Board Governance Committee oversees our responsible and 
sustainable business strategy and the policies that underpin it. 
Aviva plc is subject to the UK Corporate Governance Code (the 
Code), which we aim to comply with fully.  

Details of the Company’s compliance with the Code can be found in 
the Directors’ and Corporate Governance Report in the Annual 
report and accounts and online at 
www.aviva.com/investors/corporate-governance. The activities of 
the Board Governance Committee can be found in the Governance 
Committee Report in the Annual report and accounts.  

We have assessed the environmental risks that we face as a 
business. The most significant of these is the potential impact of 
climate change on our customers’ lives and our company’s assets. 
More detail can be found in this report in the ‘Risk and risk 
management’ section and in ‘Our climate-related financial 
disclosure’ section below.  

We also manage the risks associated with our community 
investment activities through the controls outlined in our 
overarching Corporate Responsibility Business Standard. This 
includes a governance framework for our charitable donations and 
partnerships and details of how we manage the risks associated 
with employee volunteering (for example, through safeguarding). 
This standard is reviewed each year and communicated to all 
Aviva businesses.  

Caring more about human rights: Respecting human rights is the 
right thing to do and it makes commercial sense. We support 
initiatives such as the Corporate Human Rights Benchmark and 
participate in forums, such as the UK Home Office ‘Business Against 
Slavery’.  

Our human rights policy (www.aviva.com/content/dam/aviva-
corporate/documents/socialpurpose/pdfs/policies-
responses/20171025-Human-Rights-Policy-Final.pdf) identifies our 
main stakeholders as well as the most salient human rights issues 
for our business. The scope of this policy is group-wide and sets out 
the Group’s commitment to respect human rights.  

Our approach to modern slavery is part our overall approach to 
human rights. In 2018, we:  
• Expanded the scope of our work to include Canada, Poland, 
Ireland, France, Italy and Singapore. Procurement teams, 
company secretaries, and corporate responsibility representatives 
from these markets were briefed on our responsibilities regarding 
modern slavery. We engaged our key suppliers in these markets 
covering areas such as diversity and inclusion, awareness of the 

1 

Includes assessments, training, and other meaningful engagement with suppliers 

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), human rights and 
modern slavery issues 

• Completed modern slavery threat assessments on eight suppliers 

to include a review of recruitment processes, policies and 
procedures. These assessments were carried out with two 
suppliers in Singapore, two in Poland, and four in the UK across 
the following services: car valeting, cleaning, media production 
and digitisation 

• Collaborated with the UN Global Compact as part of the UK 

working group on modern slavery (which brings together peers 
from across different industry sectors to share information to 
support our work in tackling modern slavery). We peer-reviewed 
participants’ modern slavery statements, received training and 
shared experiences from within civil society and government 
organisations 

• Contributed to the review of the Modern Slavery Act (MSA) 2015 

commissioned by the UK Government to strengthen and enhance 
the current legislation. We participated in a number of high level 
forums in 2018, including a workshop organised by the Home 
Office and the Modern Slavery Review Secretariat 2015. Our Group 
Company Secretary also participated in the UN Forum on 
Business and Human Rights in Geneva to discuss due diligence, 
emerging practice and challenges to accelerate progress and 
support survivors. 

We have adopted the following performance indicators to track 
Aviva’s impact on preventing modern slavery issues. 

Number of cases of modern slavery discovered at Aviva or in our 

supply chain 

Number of risk of modern slavery assessments conducted on 

suppliers 

2018 

— 

8 

From 2019, we will also report on two additional KPIs: % of supplier 
and contract owners in Aviva that have received training on modern 
slavery during the year and number of suppliers engaged by Aviva 
that declare they have improved their management of MSA risks as 
a result of this engagement1.  

For our complete modern slavery statement, please see: 
www.aviva.com/modernslaverystatement 

Towards a more sustainable future 
Responsible investment is central to the way we deliver on Aviva’s 
values to care more and create legacy. We use Environmental, 
Social and Governance (ESG) insight to re-orientate capital away 
from short-term thinking and actively promote good practice 
among the companies in which we invest. We aim to identify and 
reduce ESG risks in our portfolios by understanding the quality of 
the Board of directors of a company and its strategy on issues, such 
as climate change, human rights or the Living Wage. This helps us 
gauge how well prepared they are to deal with current or emerging 
ESG issues.  

We believe the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can 
guide us, our customers and society towards a brighter, more 
sustainable future. In September 2018 Aviva launched the World 
Benchmarking Alliance, along with the Index Initiative and the 
United Nations Foundation. The Alliance will establish public, 
transparent and authoritative league tables, ranking companies on 
their contribution to the SDGs. The first set of benchmarks will be 
published in 2020 and will address food and agriculture, climate 
and energy, digital inclusion and gender equality and 
empowerment. The alliance is supported by the Governments of 
the UK, the Netherlands and Denmark and was named as one of the 
10 winning initiatives at the November 2018 Paris Peace Forum.  

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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Governance 
Governance 
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Governance 
Governance 

IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 

Other information 
Other information 
Other information 
Other information 
Other information 
Other information 

Corporate responsibility 

Continued 

We continue to engage with a range of governments and wider 
stakeholders worldwide, to drive market reform. This work included 
co-convening a Finance Summit in July with HRH the Prince of 
Wales at St James’ Palace and participating in the G20 Investor 
Summit in Buenos Aires.  

In 2014 Aviva France launched Aviva Impact Investing France. It 
became the first financial institution in the country to create an 
investment fund dedicated to financing socially and 
environmentally responsible companies. This fund is now endowed 
with €30 million and has invested in 48 enterprises. At the 7th 
edition of the ‘Instil Invest Crowns’ Aviva France was awarded ‘Best 
Initiative in Impact Investing’ in the ‘Major Themes’ category. This 
reward recognises that investments can create social good as well 
as healthy financial earnings. 

We use our role as responsible shareholders to engage on issues such 
as Anti Microbial Resistance (AMR) and climate change. We worked 
with our investee companies, predominantly in the pharmaceutical 
and food sectors, to develop a robust policy on AMR and phase out 
antibiotic use across their supply chains. We also fulfilled the 
Chairman’s promise made at the AGM, working with other investors, 
to engage with the Polish coal mining sector on climate risk and the 
need for greater transparency and disclosure.  

As a further example of our commitment to the environment, Aviva 
Investors became one of the largest shareholders in DS Smith, a 
disruptor in the packaging and recycling industry with the majority of 
their packaging materials now coming from recovered resources, 
contributing to a reduction in waste to landfill. Aviva’s operations in 
the UK continue to uphold our zero to landfill commitment which we 
achieved in 2015. In 2018 we pledged to avoid single-use plastics in all 
our sites which has resulted in a 50-tonne reduction in waste per year.  

Our investments also support the transition to a low-carbon 
economy (see below for more details). In 2018, Aviva assigned 
£1.8 billion of new investment in wind, solar, biomass and energy 
efficiency. We also set an associated carbon savings target for this 
investment of 100,000 tonnes of CO2e annually. Aviva also hold 
nearly £1.3 billion in green bonds to support the transition to a  
low-carbon economy.  

Leading by example on our own sustainability record 
As the first financial services company to be a carbon neutral 
company we continue to offset 100% of any remaining carbon 
emissions. Our offsetting projects have helped over one million 
people since 2012 live better lives (e.g. through provision of clean 
cook-stoves in Kenya, providing safe water, improving health, 
creating jobs and stimulating local economies).  

We continue to manage the impact of our business on the 
environment. Our Corporate Responsibility, Environment and 
Climate change business standard focuses on the most material 
operational environmental impacts, which we have identified as 
greenhouse gas emissions. We report these as carbon dioxide 
equivalent emissions (CO2e) on an operational basis in respect of 
Aviva’s Group-wide operations. See the table below.  

For example, in 2017 our Canadian head office moved into a Gold 
LEED certified building and in 2018 we merged four other locations 
into one energy efficient office site. Over 1,800 employees were 
merged into the new office space reducing our operational footprint 
(square footage) by 25%.  

includes the property portfolio of our investment funds managed by 
Aviva Investors.  

Across the UK more than 400 employees have signed up to our car 
share programme and there are 180 active car-sharing groups. We 
have also introduced electric vehicle charging points at eight UK 
locations and moved 30% of our car fleet to hybrid. In the past year 
this has helped save 4,257 kg of CO2 emissions.  

In addition to the car share, we have been granted planning 
permission to install a car park solar system at our Horizon building in 
Norwich. This will be the first of its kind anywhere in the UK and will 
make Horizon energy self-sufficient when the sun is shining. The array 
will be made up of 1,908 solar panels which will generate 528,148 kWh 
per year. The Horizon building will consume 68% of this clean energy 
and will export the remainder into the national grid. The annual 
carbon emissions saved will be around 232 tonnes per annum. Last 
year, Aviva Investors made a £400 million investment to help fund the 
construction of what will be the world’s largest offshore windfarm 
(www.avivainvestors.com/en-gb/about/company-
news/2018/11/aviva-investors-finances-construction-of-hornsea-1).  

More details of our environmental KPI data and our 
independent assurance process can be found at  
www. aviva.com/CRkpisandassurance2018 

Operational global greenhouse gas emissions data boundaries 
Our carbon footprint boundaries show the scope of the data we 
monitor and the emissions we offset. We report on Greenhouse Gas 
(GHG) emission sources on a carbon dioxide emissions equivalents 
basis (CO2e) as required under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic 
report and Directors’ reports) 2013 Regulations. We also refer to the 
GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard, and 
emission factors from the UK Government’s GHG Conversion 
Factors for Company Reporting 2018. The table below shows the 
absolute operational carbon emissions: 

Tonnes CO2e 

Scope 1 
Scope 2 
Scope 3 
Absolute CO2e* 
Carbon offsetting** 
Total net emissions 

2018 

2017 

2016 

16,198  17,915  19,210 
25,012  31,280  41,008 
17,739  19,305  19,193 
58,949  68,500  79,410 
(58,949)  (68,500)  (79,410) 
— 

— 

— 

Scope 1 – natural gas, fugitive emissions (leakage of gases from air 
conditioning and refrigeration systems), oil, and company owned 
cars. 

Scope 2 – electricity. 

Scope 3 – business travel and grey fleet (private cars used for 
business), waste and water. 

The following table shows the carbon intensity of our operations: 

2018 
2017 
2016 

CO2e 
tonnes per 
employee 

1.6 
1.6 
2.0 

CO2e per  
£m GWP 

2.06 
2.48 
3.12 

*  2018 Assurance provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP available at 

www.aviva.com/CRkpisandassurance2018 

**   Carbon offsetting through the acquisition and surrender of emissions units on the voluntary and 

compliance markets. 

To date globally we have achieved a 60% reduction in CO2e against 
our 2010 baseline, meeting our 2020 target (of 50%) early. We 
continue to work towards our ambitious long-term target of a 70% 
reduction by 2030. Under the Carbon Reduction Commitment 
Energy Efficiency Scheme, we reported total emissions of 82,278 
tonnes of CO2e in 2018 costing £1.4 million. This mandatory scheme 
is limited to UK business emissions from building energy, and 

Corporate responsibility (CR) key performance indicators (including 
2016-2018 figures) and the accompanying limited assurance 
statement by PwC can be found on www.aviva.com/social-purpose, 
alongside Aviva’s 2018 CR Summary and Environmental, Social and 
Governance Data sheet. More details of our internal diversity, 
inclusion and wellbeing approach can be found in the ‘Our People’ 
section of this report. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
36 

Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Our climate-related financial disclosure 

Our climate-related 
financial disclosure 

As an international insurance group1, our sustainability and financial 
strength is underpinned by an effective risk management framework. 
Our business is directly impacted by the effects of climate change. 
Aviva believes that unmitigated climate-related risks present a 
systemic threat to financial stability over the coming decades. 

We have reported on climate change in our Annual Report and 
Accounts since 2004. Our 2018 disclosure reflects Aviva’s response 
to the recommendations of the Taskforce on Climate-related 
Financial Disclosures, published in June 2017, and reflects our 
multiple roles as an asset owner, an insurer and an asset manager. 
This response sets out how Aviva incorporates climate-related risks 
and opportunities into our governance, strategy, risk management, 
metrics and targets and how we disclose our exposure. These 
pages, along with the expanded version of our response, are 
available at www.aviva.com/TCFD. 

Governance 
Acknowledging the increasing impact of climate-related changes, 
Aviva has built a strong system of governance, with effective and 
robust controls. Aviva’s Chief Risk Officer and Group General 
Counsel and Company Secretary are the executive sponsors 
overseeing this disclosure. However, other group executives and 
local markets are responsible for managing specific areas of the 
business which may impact or be impacted by climate change: 
insurance, asset management, operations and finance.  

At Board level, the Board Risk Committee and Board Governance 
Committee oversee our management of climate-related risks and 
opportunities. 
•  The Board Risk Committee met 5 times in 2018 to review, 

manage and monitor all aspects of risk management, including 
climate-related risks. Climate change is classified as an emerging 
risk and it is assessed for its proximity and significance to Aviva as 
part of our emerging risk processes.  

•  The Board Governance Committee met 4 times in 2018 to 

oversee how Aviva meets its corporate and societal obligations 
and formally considered Aviva’s strategic approach to climate 
change during the year. This includes setting the guidance, 
direction and policies for Aviva’s customer and corporate 
responsibility agenda and advising the Board and management. 

In December 2018, as part of our regular training programme, Aviva’s 
climate-related risks and opportunities were presented to the Board. 
The Board will use this training to give appropriate direction to the 
Company and ensure actions are taken to identify, measure, manage, 
monitor and report these risks and opportunities. 

Strategy 
This response focuses on the key climate-related risk factors and 
related opportunities (i.e. physical, transition, and liability) described 
in the Prudential Regulation Authority 2015 report2. The materiality 
and horizons over which these risks and opportunities impact our 
business depend on the specific insurance products, geographies and 
investments being considered or decisions being made.  

For example, our general insurance business considers risks in the 
underwriting and pricing processes and setting the reinsurance 
strategy based on a relatively short time horizon (one to three 
years). Aviva recognises that the increased severity and frequency of 
weather-related losses has the potential to negatively impact our 
profitability. Consequently, large catastrophic losses are already 
explicitly considered in our economic capital modelling to ensure 
resilience to such catastrophic scenarios.  

In contrast, when developing our new product strategy and 
updating Aviva’s overall business plan, the impacts of these risks 
need to be considered over the medium term (three to five years). 
With respect to life and pensions, when setting premium rates and 
reserves for annuities in payment as well as our investment strategy 
to back those insurance liabilities, the impacts of these risks need to 
be considered over a much longer time horizon (five years plus). 

In our Strategic Response to Climate Change, published in 2015, we 
have focused on five pillars: 
•  Integrating climate risk into investment considerations – Aviva 

committed in 2012 to integrate Environmental, Social and Governance 
factors across all asset classes and regions, to deliver long-term 
sustainable and superior investment outcomes for our customers 
•  Investment in lower carbon infrastructure – Aviva announced 
in 2015 an investment target of £500 million annually for the next 
five years in lower carbon infrastructure 

•  Supporting strong policy action – Aviva continues to provide 
strong and vocal support for capital market reform, to mobilise 
the trillions of pounds required to transition to a low carbon 
economy and properly correct existing market failures with 
respect to climate change 

•  Active stewardship on climate risk – Aviva actively engages with 

companies to achieve climate resilient business strategies 

•  Divestment where necessary – Aviva aims to use our 

shareholder influence to encourage companies to transition to a 
low carbon economy and divest highly carbon-intensive fossil fuel 
companies where they are not making sufficient progress towards 
the engagement goals set. 

Alongside this strategic investment response, Aviva has continued 
to further integrate consideration of climate-related risks and 
opportunities into our insurance products. For example:  
•  GI reinsurance is now set on an annual aggregate basis and on a 

per occurrence basis, taking into account the possibility of 
extreme weather events 

•  Our exposure to flood risk for UK residential customers is 

managed by ceding policies to FloodRe 

•  Promote customer awareness and risk prevention measures of 
climate-related issues such as air pollution. For example, Aviva 
Poland has installed air monitors in local communities to enable 
their customers to access up to date information about air 
pollution levels on their smartphones. 

•  Help customers to build resilience to extreme weather such as 
the upgrade to Commercial Property Insurance in Canada which 
provides a ‘build back better’ element 

•  Provide products and services that support customers’ 

choices to reduce their environmental impact, such as bespoke 
electric vehicle policies and supporting the sharing economy  
•  Limit our exposure to underwriting the most carbon intensive 

elements of the economy through restrictions in the terms of our 
Group Underwriting Boundaries for sectors such as mining and 
power generation. In line with our commitments to manage 
climate change, Aviva’s Global Corporate and Specialty team has 
announced an immediate move away from insuring fossil fuel 
power production to renewable energy generation in the UK. 

1  Aviva is an asset owner with assets under management to the value of £470 billion, an insurer with gross written premiums of £28.7 billion, and Aviva Investors has assets under management of £331 billion.  
2  www.bankofengland.co.uk/-/media/boe/files/prudential-regulation/publication/impact-of-climate-change-on-the-uk-insurance-sector.pdf 

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IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 
IFRS financial statements 

Other information 
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Our climate-related financial disclosure 

Continued 

Aviva continues to deliver in all areas of our current climate change 
strategy. However, in the light of the latest Intergovernmental Panel 
on Climate Change (IPCC) report1 and the risk of climate tipping 
points being reached that could cause runaway warming, as well as 
the findings from our internal analysis of potential climate change 
impacts, our strategy is being refreshed to accelerate our ambition 
to be aligned to a 2°C (or lower) transition.  

Risk management  
Rigorous and consistent risk management is embedded across 
Aviva through our Risk Management Framework, comprising our 
systems of governance, risk management processes and risk 
appetite framework. This framework sets out how Aviva identifies, 
measures, manages, monitors and reports on the risks to which it is, 
or could be, exposed (including climate-related risks). It also defines 
the accountabilities of management, the risk function and internal 
audit with respect to enterprise-wide risk management. 

Aviva considers climate change to be a material long-term risk to 
our business model, and a proximate risk, because its impacts are 
already being felt. We are therefore taking action now to mitigate 
and manage the impacts of climate change both today and in the 
future. Through these actions, Aviva continues to build resilience to 
climate-related transition, physical and liability risks. 

In conjunction with the United Nations Environment Programme 
Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), Aviva has developed models and 
scenario analysis tools to assess the potential impact on our 
business of the four IPCC scenarios. Outputs include financial 
metrics such as direct/indirect emission costs, additional capital 
expenditure, and revenue implications broken down by sector and 
geography. Each scenario describes a potential trajectory for future 
levels of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants and can be 
mapped to likely temperature rises (levels of mitigation required): 
1.5°C (emissions halved by 2050), 2°C (emissions stabilise at half 
today’s levels by 2060), 3°C (emissions rise to 2080 then fall) and 4°C 
(emissions continue rising at current rates). 

To assess the impact of climate change on our business, Aviva is 
calculating a Climate Value-at-Risk (Climate VaR) from the model 
outputs for each IPCC scenario to assess the climate-related risks 
and opportunities over the next 15 years with the ability to look at 
shorter time periods (three to five years) where appropriate. A range 
of different financial indicators are used to assess the impact on our 
investments and insurance liabilities. These impacts are aggregated 
together to determine the overall impact of climate-related risks 
and opportunities across all scenarios by assigning relative 
likelihoods or probabilities to each scenario. 

The Climate VaR includes the financial impact of transition risks and 
opportunities. This covers the projected costs of policy action related 
to limiting greenhouse gas emissions as well as projected profit from 
green revenues arising from developing new technologies and 
patents. In addition, it captures the financial impact of physical risks 
from extreme weather (e.g. flood, windstorm and wildfires) as well as 
the impact of rising sea levels and mean temperatures, although we 
recognise that the most extreme physical effects may only be felt in 
the second half of the century. Aviva also recognises the growing 
trend in climate-related litigation and has assessed its potential 
exposure to litigation risks accordingly.  

Metrics and targets 
In addition to Climate VaR, Aviva uses a variety of other metrics to 
manage, monitor and report its alignment with global or national 
targets on climate change mitigation and the associated potential 
financial impact on our business. These are covered below. 

We use carbon foot-printing and weighted average carbon 
intensity data (tCO2e/£m sales) to assess and manage the exposure 
of our assets to a potential increase in carbon prices. In addition, we 
measure our operational carbon emissions and we have already 
reduced our emissions by 60% since 2010 and have a long-term 
reduction target of 70% by 2030 compared to this baseline. In 2018, 
Aviva was recognised as one of 20 companies that reported 100% 
of their Scope 12 emissions. These figures can be found in the 
expanded version of this report (www.aviva.com/social-
purpose/policies). 

We divest where necessary. To date we have divested Aviva’s own 
assets from 17 thermal coal mining and power generation 
companies from the Coal 403. In addition in 2018, we were asked by 
Urgewald, an environmental and human rights non-governmental 
organisation (NGO), to review our holdings against their CoalExit list 
of 120 coal companies. Aviva actively-manages positions within our 
beneficial holdings in 15 of these companies with a total market 
value of £415 million or 0.09% of our total assets. Ten of the 120 
companies on the list are companies that we have put on our 
investment stoplist. More details of this engagement can be found 
on www.aviva.com/social-purpose. 

Aviva is also committed to investing in lower carbon 
infrastructure, amounting to £2.5 billion in the period between 
2015-2020, with the intention of delivering 100,000 tonnes of CO2 
savings per year. Aviva currently holds more than £4.3 billion of 
green assets, including £3.1 billion in low carbon infrastructure 
investments (mainly solar, wind and waste-to-heat biomass) and 
£1.3 billion in green bonds. 

Aviva has used Carbon Delta’s warming potential metric to assess 
our corporate bond and equity holdings’ alignment with the Paris 
agreement 2°C target. This warming potential methodology 
captures investments’ Scope 12 emissions as well as investments in 
low-carbon technology to provide a forward-looking perspective. 
We plan to extend this analysis to our whole portfolio over time. 

Aviva has used Notre-Dame University’s Notre Dame-Global 
Adaptation Index measure for country climate change risk to assess 
the physical risk profile of Sovereign holdings. This measure 
considers exposure and vulnerability to climate change; readiness 
and adaptation; ability to raise money for mitigation and post-
disaster repair; ability to raise money via taxation and debt; reliance 
on foreign aid and support of the International Monetary Fund and 
other supra-national bodies. 

Aviva uses the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark to 
understand climate resilience and broader sustainability 
performance of individual properties and real estate funds within 
our investment portfolio. In 2018, we assessed the performance of 
18 property funds and Aviva Investors have achieved 32 green stars. 
Whilst three funds have improved their performance over the year, 
the remaining fifteen recorded a small reduction in their overall 
score. This is because the benchmark is designed to encourage 
continual improvement in the entities that it is assessing, and as 
such the scoring methodology becomes more challenging each 
year. We will continue to work in new areas to maintain and 
improve our scores. 

We build the possibility of extreme weather events into our 
planning to ensure our pricing is adequate. Catastrophic event 
model results are supplemented by in-house disaster scenarios. We 
have purchased property catastrophe protection up to a 1-in-250-
year return period or beyond that limits Aviva’s losses depending on 
the territory to a relatively low retention level (£150 million on a per 
occurrence basis and £175 million on an annual aggregate basis). 

1  www.ipcc.ch/sr15/ 
2  Scope 1 emissions cover: natural gas, fugitive emissions, oil and company owned cars 
3  Coal 40 – 40 thermal coal mining and power generation companies selected from Aviva’s beneficial holdings for targeted engagement in an effort to influence the transition to a lower carbon economy 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
38 

 
 
Strategic report 

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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Governance 

In this section 
Chairman’s Governance Letter 
Our Board of Directors 
Directors’ and Corporate Governance Report 
Directors’ Remuneration Report 

Page 
40 
42 
44 
68 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
39 

Strategic report 

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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Chairman’s Governance Letter 

Chairman’s 
Governance Letter 

Our governance 
Good governance is the foundation of what we do at Aviva. It 
underpins our values, our culture and the way we operate our 
businesses. Without good governance, we would be unable to 
deliver on our core purpose to help our customers ‘Defy 
Uncertainty.’  

In July 2018 the Financial Reporting Council introduced a revised 
UK Corporate Governance Code. The revised Code emphasises the 
requirement for boards to adopt a longer-term time horizon when 
considering issues and making decisions. Our company has been 
operating successfully for more than three hundred years because 
we understand the importance of long-term thinking, and the Board 
will continue to govern the Company in this way. 

The revised Code also places emphasis on the role the Board plays 
in creating a positive, responsible and responsive culture and we 
welcome the importance the new Code affords to workforce 
engagement and the representation of the employee voice in the 
boardroom. We have a wide range of processes and mechanisms 
that speak to this requirement and are particularly proud of the 
ongoing dialogue between board members and the Evolution 
Council (a diverse group of high calibre leaders from across the 
business), and Your Forum, a broad-based body which represents 
UK and European employees and includes trade union 
representatives. A description of our stakeholder engagement 
activities appear later in this report. 

Our Preference shareholders  
There were challenges of our own making during the year, including 
our announcement in March 2018 that we were “evaluating 
alternatives” for the Aviva plc and General Accident plc preference 
shares. While we responded quickly to certain investor concerns by 
confirming we would take no action, and put in place a goodwill 
payments scheme for eligible preference shareholders who incurred 
losses from selling these securities during the period, it was a 
disappointing episode and lessons have been learned.  

Our external environment 
We constantly strive to make sure that our approach to risk 
management is effective, extending beyond financial risk to a wider 
range of operational risks. There is a full report on our activities in 
this area in our ‘Risk and risk management report.’ We have worked 
hard to ensure that Aviva is appropriately positioned for all 
eventualities in relation to Brexit. The political climate in the UK is 
possibly the most uncertain it has been for several decades, and we 
have factored that uncertainty into our Board discussions and 
specifically into determining how we can best position our business 
to continue providing excellent service to all our customers. The 
range of outcomes on Brexit, and the consequences of the final 
decision, will continue to be a focus for the Board during our 
strategic discussions in 2019. 

The Board also remains committed to ensuring that Aviva operates 
as a responsible corporate citizen, and we have taken steps to 
minimise our impact on the environment wherever we operate. 
This includes our commitment to avoid the use of single use 
plastics in our offices. We also see it as a vital part of our wider 
corporate purpose to support organisations such as the Red Cross, 
providing funds and volunteers to help victims of natural disasters 
and other emergencies both in the UK and globally (see our 
‘Corporate responsibility’ report for more detail). In uncertain times 
our core purpose to ‘Defy Uncertainty’ is more pertinent and more 
important than ever. 

During 2018 we have created the Aviva Foundation. Its goals are to 
promote financial capability and inclusion, develop community 
resilience and enable sustainable finance. To support the 
Foundation we have released dormant assets held on our share 
register for a minimum of twelve years. This is an ongoing 
programme, and I look forward to being able to provide further 
updates on the achievements of the Foundation. 

Changes to the Board 
On 9 October 2018, Mark Wilson stepped down as Group CEO of 
Aviva and I became Executive Chairman whilst the search for a new 
CEO was underway. We were pleased to be able to interview a 
number of excellent internal and external candidates for the 
position in a thorough and highly competitive process. In this task, 
we were guided by the recommendations of our Nomination 
Committee who ensured that there was a diverse selection of 
candidates and that all the candidates aligned with the culture and 
value set of the company. This process led to a unanimous 
conclusion with the appointment of Maurice Tulloch as Group 
Chief Executive on 4 March 2019. 

Maurice is appointed at a time of great challenge but also of great 
possibility, and we look forward to the future under his leadership 
with confidence and excitement.  

Maurice joined Aviva in 1992 and was appointed to the Board of 
Aviva plc in June 2017. Maurice was previously Aviva’s Chief 
Executive Officer, International Insurance. Maurice had 
responsibility for Aviva’s life insurance and general insurance 
operations in France, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Turkey and 
India. Prior to that Maurice was Chief Executive Officer of Aviva UK 
and Ireland General Insurance, one of the largest businesses in the 
Aviva group. 

Following the appointment of Maurice as Group CEO, I returned to 
my previous role of Non-Executive Chairman. 

We announced in January 2019 that, following nine years on the 
Board, Michael Hawker would retire from the Board as a Non-
Executive Director, and as Chairman of the Risk Committee and as a 
member of the Audit and Nomination Committees with effect from 
31 March 2019. Michael has brought to the Board a wealth of 
knowledge and experience gained over a long career in the banking 
and insurance industries in both executive and non-executive roles 
in Europe, Asia and Australia, and was a distinguished Chairman of 
the Risk Committee. I would like to thank him for the enormous 
contribution he has made to Aviva. The appointment of the new 
Risk Committee Chair is well advanced, and will be announced 
following completion of the relevant regulatory approval process. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Chairman’s Governance Letter 

Continued 

Board and Group Executive diversity 
The charts below illustrate the diversity of the Board and senior 
management as at the date of this report. 

Board of Directors 

Group Executive 

Non-Executive 

Executive 

Future appointments to the Board and Group Executive will be 
made in line with the Board Diversity and Inclusion Statement, and 
for the Group Executive to be consistent with our Global Inclusive 
Diversity Strategy, which is described in the Directors’ and corporate 
governance report. 

Sir Adrian Montague CBE 
Chairman 
6 March 2019 

  Composition 

  Total 

  Gender 

  Male 
  Female 
  Experience and Skills1 

  Insurance  
  Banking 
  Actuarial 
  Transformation  
  Law 
  Government 

  Customer 
  IT/Digital 
  Strategy 
  International experience1 
  Europe 
  Asia Pacific 

  The Americas 
  Middle East & Africa 

  Tenure 

  >10 years 
  5-10 years 

  4 years 
  3 years 
  2 years 
  1 year 
  <1 year 

  Age 

  30-39 
  40-49 
  50-59 
  60+ 

8 

5 
3 

7 
6 
6 
8 
6 
7 

8 
8 
8 

8 
3 

1 
1 

— 
5 

— 
2 
1 
— 
— 

— 
1 
3 
4 

3 

3 
— 

3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
2 

3 
2 
3 

3 
1 

2 
— 

— 
— 

1 
1 
— 
1 
— 

— 
— 
3 
— 

9   

6   
3   

8   
6   
5   
3   
3   
1   

5   
1   
6   

8   
2   

3   
1   

—   
4   

2   
2   
—   
—   
1   

—   
1   
7   
1   

1 

Individual directors may fall into one or more categories 

Diversity remains an important area of focus, with the revised Code  
stressing the importance of diversity in creating a successful and 
sustainable business. The Board and I are committed to improving 
diversity in its widest sense, including gender, ethnicity, diversity of 
thought, tenure, age, experience, skills, geographical expertise, 
educational and professional background. 

We continue to support the target for women to represent a 
minimum of 33% of our Board, and a minimum of 33% of Executive 
Committee members and direct reports, by 2020. As at the date of 
this report the percentage of women on the Board is 27%. Female 
representation on our Group Executive stands at 33%. 

I am proud to be an active member of the FTSE 100 30% Club and 
that we are part of the Future Boards Scheme. Our Board Diversity 
and Inclusion Statement was published in May 2017 and reflects the 
continued support for the diversity and inclusiveness programme 
throughout the business. You can find the statement on our website 
at www.aviva.com/corporate-governance. 

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Andy Briggs n 
Position: Chief Executive Officer, UK Insurance 
Nationality: British 
Committee Membership: N/A 
Tenure: 3 years 11 months. Appointed to the Board as Executive 
Director in April 2015 
Qualifications: Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries 
Skills and Experience: Andy is the CEO of UK Insurance and is 
responsible for all Aviva’s insurance businesses in the UK. Previously 
CEO of the Friends Life business, Andy’s knowledge and experience 
of the UK insurance sector is invaluable to the Board. His role as 
Senior Independent Director, and previously Chairman, of the 
Association of British Insurers gives him a unique perspective of the 
UK insurance industry and regulatory environment. 
External Appointments: Chairman of the NSPCC’s Fundraising 
Committee and a member of the Board of Trustees and Senior 
Independent Director of the Association of British Insurers. Andy is 
also the Government’s Business Champion for Older Workers. 

Claudia Arney ▲ 
Position: Independent Non-Executive Director 
Nationality: British 
Committee Membership: Governance Committee (Chair), 
Nomination Committee, Remuneration Committee, Risk Committee 
Tenure: 3 years 1 month. Appointed to the Board in February 2016 
Qualifications: MBA (INSEAD) 
Skills and Experience: Claudia has significant experience of building 
digital businesses, strategy formulation, business transformation 
and customer strategy. Claudia previously worked for the Financial 
Times, where she was part of the team that launched FT.com. In 
addition, Claudia acted as CEO of the internet start up, 
TheStreet.co.uk. 
External Appointments: Non-Executive Director of Kingfisher plc, 
Derwent London plc, Halfords Group plc (until 1 March 2019) and 
the Premier League. 

Glyn Barker ▲ 
Position: Senior Independent Non-Executive Director 
Nationality: British 
Committee Membership: Audit Committee, Nomination Committee, 
Risk Committee, Governance Committee, Remuneration Committee 
Tenure: 7 years 1 month. Appointed to the Board in February 2012 
and became Senior Independent Non-Executive Director in May 
2017 
Qualifications: Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of 
England and Wales (ICAEW); BSc Economics and Accounting (Bristol 
University) 
Skills and Experience: Glyn’s knowledge of the Aviva Group and his 
in depth understanding of the issues that may affect shareholders 
and other stakeholders of the company provides him with the skills 
to fulfil the role of Senior Independent Director. His experience 
enables him to support the Chairman and the Board in driving the 
appropriate culture and values throughout the Company. Glyn was 
previously a Vice Chairman of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) 
and was responsible for leading the strategy and business 
development for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India. 
External Appointments: Chairman of Irwin Mitchell Holdings Ltd 
and Interserve plc, Senior Independent Non-Executive Director of 
Berkeley Group Holdings plc and Non-Executive Director of 
Transocean Ltd. 

Our Board of Directors: Biographies 

Our Board of 
Directors  

Sir Adrian Montague, CBE ▲ 
Position: Chairman 
Nationality: British 
Committee Membership: Nomination Committee (Chair) 
Tenure: 6 years 2 months. Appointed to the Board as a Non-
Executive Director in January 2013, as Chairman in April 2015 and 
Executive Chairman from October 2018 to March 2019 
Qualifications: MA, Law (Cambridge); Qualified Solicitor 
Skills and Experience: In October 2018 Sir Adrian was asked by the 
Board to assume executive responsibilities during the search for, 
and transition period to, a new Group Chief Executive Officer. After 
the appointment of the new Group Chief Executive Officer, Sir 
Adrian reverted to the role of Non-Executive Chairman. Having held 
appointments as Chairman of Anglian Water Group Ltd, Friends 
Provident plc, British Energy Group plc, Michael Page International 
plc and Crossrail Ltd, Sir Adrian possesses a wealth of experience as 
a Chairman. He has extensive leadership skills, together with deep 
knowledge of the financial services industry, government affairs and 
regulatory matters. His diverse skill-set and strategic awareness 
facilitate open discussion and allow for constructive challenge in 
the boardroom. 
External Appointments: Chairman of The Manchester Airports 
Group and Cadent Gas Ltd and trustee of the Commonwealth War 
Graves Foundation.  

Maurice Tulloch n 
Position: Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 
Nationality: British/Canadian 
Committee Membership: N/A 
Tenure: 1 year 9 months. Appointed to the Board as an Executive 
Director in June 2017 and as CEO in March 2019 
Qualifications: Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CMA); Master’s 
degree in Business Administration (MBA) (Heriot-Watt University, 
Edinburgh); BA Economics (University of Waterloo, Ontario) 
Skills and Experience: Maurice has more than 25 years’ experience 
within Aviva and most recently held the role of CEO of International 
Insurance. Maurice had responsibility for Aviva’s life insurance and 
general insurance operations in France, Canada, Ireland, Italy, 
Poland, Turkey and India, together with our Global Corporate and 
Speciality (GCS) business. He brings deep expertise of general 
insurance and the Group’s International businesses into the 
Boardroom. 
External Appointments: Non-Executive Director of Pool Reinsurance 
Company Ltd and a member of the Insurance Development Forum. 

Thomas Stoddard n 
Position: Chief Financial Officer 
Nationality: American 
Committee Membership: N/A 
Tenure: 4 years 11 months. Appointed to the Board and as 
Chief Financial Officer in April 2014 
Qualifications: BA Economics (Swarthmore College); Juris Doctor 
(University of Chicago Law School) 
Skills and Experience: Tom’s financial expertise and strategic 
decision-making skills play a fundamental role in driving Aviva 
to attain its financial goals. As a result of Tom’s work Aviva has 
strengthened its financial position and now has sufficient financial 
flexibility to withstand stress and invest in opportunity. Prior to 
joining Aviva, Tom worked in senior positions as an investment 
banker in highly respected US firms, including Blackstone Advisory 
Partners LP, where he was responsible for successfully driving 
Blackstone’s business advising banks, insurers and other financial 
institutions globally. 
External Appointments: N/A.

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Our Board of Directors: Biographies 

Continued 

Patricia Cross ▲ 
Position: Independent Non-Executive Director 
Nationality: Australian 
Committee Membership: Remuneration Committee (Chair), Audit 
Committee, Nomination Committee 
Tenure: 5 years 3 months. Appointed to the Board in December 
2013 
Qualifications: BSc (Hons), International Economics (Georgetown 
University); Life fellow of the Australian Institute of Company 
Directors 
Skills and Experience: Patricia is an experienced company director 
with over 20 years’ experience of serving on multiple ASX-30 Boards 
including Macquarie Group Ltd and Macquarie Bank Ltd, National 
Australia Bank, Wesfarmers Ltd, AMP Ltd, and Qantas Airways Ltd. 
She is the founding Chair of the 30% Club in Australia. Patricia has 
held a number of Australian government positions, including with 
the Financial Sector Advisory Council, Companies and Securities 
Advisory Committee, Panel of Experts to Australia as a Financial 
Centre Forum and Sydney APEC Business Advisory Council. Patricia 
has served on a wide range of not for profit boards, including the 
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, and she was a founding 
Director of The Grattan Institute. In 2001, Patricia received the 
Australian Centenary Medal for service to Australian society through 
the finance industry and was awarded Life Fellowship of the 
Australian Institute of Company Directors in 2018. Having started 
her career in the U.S. Government working in foreign affairs, Patricia 
had a long career in senior executive roles in very large international 
banking and investment management organisations. She has lived 
and worked in seven countries in Europe, the U.S. and Australia.  
External Appointments: Chair of the Commonwealth 
Superannuation Corporation, and Ambassador for the Australian 
Indigenous Education Foundation. 

Belén Romana García ▲ 
Position: Independent Non-Executive Director 
Nationality: Spanish 
Committee Membership: Governance Committee, Nomination 
Committee, Risk Committee 
Tenure: 3 years 8 months. Appointed to the Board in June 2015 
Qualifications: BSc, Business and Economics (Universidad 
Autonomo de Madrid) 
Skills and Experience: Belén has extensive governmental and 
regulatory experience and a detailed knowledge of the financial 
services industry and European regulation and she brings this 
expertise to the Boardroom. Belén has held senior positions at the 
Spanish Treasury and represented the Spanish government at the 
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. 
External Appointments: Independent Non-Executive Director of 
Banco Santander. 

Michael Hawker, AM* ▲ 
Position: Independent Non-Executive Director 
Nationality: Australian 
Committee Membership: Risk Committee (Chair), Audit Committee, 
Nomination Committee 
Tenure: 9 years 2 months. Appointed to the Board in January 2010 
Qualifications: BSc (University of Sydney); Senior Fellow of the 
Financial Services Institute of Australia 
Skills and Experience: Michael brings to the Board broad experience 
from his career in both the banking and insurance industries within 
Europe, Asia and Australia, which included seven years as CEO of 
Australia’s largest general insurer (IAG). Michael’s tenure at Aviva 
makes him well placed to determine the nature and extent of the 
potential risks that could stop Aviva achieving its strategic 
objectives and maintaining sound risk management and internal 
controls. 
External Appointments: Non-Executive Director of Macquarie Group 
Ltd, Macquarie Bank Ltd, Washington H Soul Pattinson Pty and 
Company Limited (an investment house) and Rugby World Cup Ltd. 
Michael is also Chairman of The George Institute for Global Health. 

*Michael Hawker will retire from the Board with effect from 31 March 2019. 

Michael Mire ▲ 
Position: Independent Non-Executive Director 
Nationality: British 
Committee Membership: Governance Committee, Nomination 
Committee, Remuneration Committee, Risk Committee 
Tenure: 5 years 6 months. Appointed to the Board in September 
2013 
Qualifications: MBA, (Harvard) 
Skills and Experience: Michael has a detailed understanding of the 
financial services sector and a wealth of experience in business 
transformation and developing strategies for retail and financial 
services companies, which alongside his governmental experience, 
allows Michael to bring a unique perspective and insight to the 
Board. 
External Appointments: Chairman of HM Land Registry, Non-
Executive Director of the Department of Health and Social Care, and 
senior adviser to Lazard. 

Keith Williams ▲ 
Position: Independent Non-Executive Director 
Nationality: British 
Committee Membership: Audit Committee (Chair), Governance 
Committee, Nomination Committee, Risk Committee 
Tenure: 2 years 7 months. Appointed to the Board in August 2016 
Qualifications: Associate member of the Institute of Chartered 
Accountants (ICAEW) 
Skills and Experience: Keith has significant financial experience 
including a detailed knowledge of business planning, capital 
projects and project finance gained in a number of industries. Keith 
has more than ten years of executive experience as CFO and CEO at 
British Airways plc until 2016 and, during that time, Keith 
transformed the company into a customer focused organisation. 
External Appointments: Non-Executive Chairman of Halfords Group 
plc, Non-Executive Deputy Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, 
Non-Executive Director of Royal Mail plc and member of the Audit 
Committee of the British Museum. Keith is also Independent Chair 
of the UK Transport Department’s Rail Review. 

Kirstine Cooper u 
Position: Group General Counsel and Company Secretary 
Nationality: British 
Committee Membership: N/A 
Tenure: 8 years 3 months. Appointed as Company Secretary in 
December 2010 and a member of the Group Executive in May 2012 
Qualifications: Bachelor of Laws degree (Glasgow University); 
Qualified Solicitor; Graduate of the General Manager Programme 
(INSEAD) 
Skills and Experience: Kirstine has over 25 years’ experience at Aviva 
and is a trusted advisor to the Board. As a qualified solicitor Kirstine 
is able to execute the role of Company Secretary by advising the 
Board on governance issues and the regulatory environment. 
Kirstine established the legal and secretarial function as a global 
team and is responsible for the provision of legal services to the 
Group. She also leads the team on public policy and corporate 
responsibility. During March 2016 to March 2017, Kirstine was the 
Commissioner on the Cabinet Office’s Dormant Assets Commission 
which was tasked with identifying new pools of dormant assets and 
working with industry to encourage the contribution of these assets 
to good causes. 
External Appointments: Trustee of the Royal Opera House and Non-
Executive Director of HM Land Registry. Kirstine is also Insurance 
and Pension champion for the Dormant Assets Commission. 

The full biographies for all our Board and Group Executive committee 
members are available online at www.aviva.com/about-us 

Key 
n Executive 
▲ Non-Executive 

uGroup General Counsel and Company Secretary 

Mark Wilson stepped down from the Board and as Chief Executive Officer of the Group on 9 October 2018 and 
will remain with the Group until April 2019.

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
43 

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Directors’ and Corporate Governance report 

Directors’ and 
Corporate 
Governance report  

The UK Corporate Governance Code 
As a UK Premium Listed company, Aviva’s governance structure is 
based on the principles of the 2016 UK Corporate Governance Code 
(2016 Code). Details of how we have applied the principles of the 
2016 Code and complied with its provisions are set out in this report 
and the Directors’ Remuneration Report. The Board can confirm 
that the Company was compliant with the 2016 Code throughout 
the financial year under review, with the exception of the interim 
change in status for Sir Adrian Montague from Non-Executive 
Chairman to Executive Chairman from 9 October 2018 until the 
appointment of Maurice Tulloch as our new Group Chief Executive 
Officer (Group CEO) on 4 March 2019. As a result, the company was 
non-compliant with Provision A.2.1 of the 2016 Code for this interim 
period. Further details of the role of the Executive Chairman are 
given below.  

The Board welcomes the introduction of the 2018 UK Corporate 
Governance Code (2018 Code) which applies to the Company for its 
financial year beginning 1 January 2019. The Company will report 
on its compliance with the 2018 Code in the 2019 Annual report and 
accounts. 

Changes to the Board 
On 9 October 2018, Mark Wilson stepped down as the Group CEO. 
Sir Adrian Montague, the Non-Executive Chairman of Aviva, 
assumed the role of Executive Chairman whilst the search for a new 
Group CEO was undertaken. The Board considered a number of 
options for the interim leadership of the Group, and agreed that the 
appointment of the Chairman as Executive Chairman would provide 
continuity in the leadership of the Group and would support the 
transition of responsibilities to the new Group CEO. Whilst 
discharging these responsibilities, Sir Adrian led a Chairman’s 
Committee comprised of the three executive directors, Andy Briggs 
(CEO, UK Insurance), Tom Stoddard (Chief Financial Officer) and 
Maurice Tulloch (CEO, International Insurance). Sir Adrian Montague 
reverted to the role of Non-Executive Chairman of Aviva upon 
appointment of the new Group CEO. These interim arrangements 
were discussed and agreed with our regulators.  

The role profile for the position of Executive Chairman included 
arrangements for potential conflicts of interest in the execution of 
Sir Adrian’s executive responsibilities within the company alongside 
his role as Chairman of the Board. The role profile for the Senior 
Independent Director, Glyn Barker, was also amended to include 
additional responsibilities around assisting Sir Adrian in his 
Chairman’s role, and monitoring any issues around conflicts. No 
conflicts were identified in the discharge of the role of Executive 
Chairman. No additional remuneration was paid in respect of these 
additional responsibilities, as set out in the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report, and there were no other changes in the terms of any other 
directors during this period. 

The Nomination Committee led the process to appoint a new Group 
CEO and interviewed a number of excellent internal and external 
candidates for the position in a thorough and highly competitive 
process. The Nomination Committee ensured that there was a 
diverse selection of candidates and that all the candidates aligned 

with the culture and values set of the company. This process led to 
a unanimous conclusion with the appointment of Maurice Tulloch 
as Group Chief Executive.  

We announced in January that Michael Hawker will retire from the 
Board as a Non-Executive Director, as Chairman of the Risk 
Committee and as a member of the Audit and Nomination 
Committees, with effect from 31 March 2019. He has served as a 
Non-Executive Director since January 2010. We would like to thank 
Michael for his enormous contribution to Aviva over the past nine 
years. He has brought to the Board a wealth of knowledge and 
experience gained over a long career in the banking and insurance 
industries in both executive and non-executive roles in Europe, Asia 
and Australia, and has been a distinguished Chairman of the Risk 
Committee. The appointment of the new Risk Committee Chair is 
well advanced, and will be announced following the completion of 
the relevant regulatory approval process. 

The Board 
As at the date of this report the Board is comprised of the Chairman, 
three Executive Directors and seven Independent Non-Executive 
Directors (NEDs). As noted above Michael Hawker will be retiring 
from the Board and the committees he serves on 31 March 2019. 
Details of the role of the Board and its committees are described in 
this report. The duties of the Board and of each of its committees 
are set out in the respective Terms of Reference. Our committees’ 
Terms of Reference can be found on the Company’s website at 
www.aviva.com/committees and are also available on request from 
the Group Company Secretary. The Terms of Reference list both 
matters that are specifically reserved for decision by our Board and 
those matters that must be reported to it. The Board delegates 
clearly defined responsibilities to various committees and reports 
from the Audit, Governance, Nomination and Risk Committees are 
contained in this report. A report from the Remuneration 
Committee is included in the Directors’ Remuneration Report. 

Board diversity and inclusion 
Diversity and inclusion are integral parts of Aviva’s culture, and our 
Board seeks to reflect this. The Board agreed a Diversity and 
Inclusion Statement in May 2017 and this supports the Nomination 
Committee in its approach to succession planning, and was 
incorporated into the Committee’s approach to identifying Maurice 
Tulloch as our new Group CEO. The statement sets out our beliefs 
around the importance of diversity and inclusion in the Group, and 
aligns with our Global Inclusive Diversity Strategy (Diversity 
Strategy). The Diversity and Inclusion Statement can be found on 
the Company’s website at www.aviva.com/corporate-governance. 

The approach to Board diversity is monitored by the Nomination 
Committee which reviews the balance of skills, knowledge, 
experience and diversity on the Board; leads on succession 
planning for appointments to the Board and the senior executive 
team; and oversees the talent development and broader talent 
pipeline across the Group. The Board’s approach to NED succession 
planning was refreshed during the year to further enhance the 
periodic review of tenure, skills and capabilities, delivering a more 
continuous succession review cycle. The Board’s skills matrix 
supports this approach by enabling us to map the broad diversity of 
skills, knowledge and experience of the Board and to link these to 
our strategy. The Nomination Committee continued to review the 
internal and external talent pipeline for senior executive positions, 
both for immediate readiness to take on roles, and for the medium 
term. This included making progress in the development 
programmes that supported the talent development pipeline. 

We recognise that the Board sets the tone for inclusion and diversity 
across the Group and believe that a diverse leadership team 
supports good decision making. At Aviva, diversity encompasses a 
broad range of factors including experience, skills, tenure, age, 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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Other information 

Directors’ and Corporate Governance report 

Continued 

geographical expertise, professional background, ethnicity, 
disability and sexual orientation. As at the date of this report, the 
percentage of women Board members has increased to 27%. We 
continue to support our target of at least 33% women on the Board 
by 2020, as evidenced from our participation in initiatives such as 
the Women in Finance Charter and the 30% Club. The diversity 
charts in the Chairman’s Governance Letter show that the Board 
has a broad mix of financial services experience, relevant 
professional skills and international business exposure. 

Board activities during 2018 
Board strategy and business plans  
•  Approved the 2019-2021 Group Plan and received presentations 
and reports from our businesses in respect of strategy execution 
and performance against the Group Plan 

•  Held an annual dedicated two day offsite strategy session in June 

2018, supplemented by further specific strategy sessions, to 
review and further develop the Group’s strategy 

•  Reviewed and constructively challenged reports from the Group 
CEO and CFO, proposals for significant transactions, changes in 
senior management, regulatory developments, the control 
environment, and progress against the Group Plan and the 
Group’s strategy 

•  Discussed regular updates from the Chairman (or Executive 

Chairman when appointed) on Board matters for which he is 
responsible, such as Board composition  

Stakeholder Engagement 
•  Customer 

–  Received updates on customer metrics, strategies and 

challenged action plans to reduce customer complaints 

–  Undertook deep dives into renewal pricing, customer 
experience journeys, and customer operations and 
transformation 

–  Monitored customer reputation issues in relation to IT platform 

migrations 

–  Discussed reports from the Governance Committee on 

customer conduct issues 

•  Shareholders 

–  Considered the views of major shareholders on company 

strategy and performance, and assessed investor sentiment 
more broadly in conjunction with the Group’s corporate 
brokers 

–  Reviewed and agreed our investor relations strategy 

•  Government and regulators 

–  Discussed and provided input into dialogue with regulatory 

and governmental authorities in the UK 

–  Engaged with the regulatory authorities in our key markets 

•  Our people 

–  Discussed reports from the Evolution Council on various 

matters including strategy, cyber risk and Aviva’s products, 
and held several informal discussions with the Council 

Oversight of risk and risk management 
•  Scrutinised reports from the Chief Risk Officer (CRO), and assessed 
the Group’s significant risks and regulatory issues, approved the 
Group’s risk appetite, approved the Group risk policies which 
provide the risk framework for managing risk across the Group, 
and received updates on the Group’s capital and liquidity position 

•  Reviewed and discussed the strategy for the simplification and 

rationalisation of legacy IT systems 

•  Undertook regular reviews of the Group’s cyber risk profile 
•  Discussed updates on the operational impact of Brexit on the 

company; considered and agreed a risk management approach to 
Brexit planning 

•  Monitored reports on the migration to a cloud based IT 

architecture 

Corporate governance 
•  Discussed regular updates from Board committees and 

management on legislation and proposed consultations that will 
affect the Group’s legal and regulatory obligations, including 
the 2018 Code 

•  Received assurance that governance structures remained 

appropriate for the businesses and the global markets in which 
we operate, while supporting the Group’s overall strategy and 
culture  

•  Discussed and agreed strategies around the management of the 

Group’s preference shares, and the subsequent goodwill payment 
programme launched in July 2018 

Significant transactions and expenditure 
•  Approved financial matters in line with the Group Funding Plan, 

including a capital return to shareholders via a £600 million share 
buyback programme, the redemption of the €500 million Tier 2 
debt instrument, and the redemption of US$575 million perpetual 
subordinated loan notes issued by Friends Life Holdings plc (a 
Group subsidiary) 

•  Approved strategic M&A activities including the disposal of the 

Group’s two Spanish joint ventures to Bankia, and the launch of a 
digital insurance joint venture in Hong Kong with Hillhouse 
Capital Group and Tencent Holdings Limited. Concluded the 
disposal of Aviva’s shareholding in its joint venture in Italy, Avipop 
Assicurazioni S.p.A. to Banco BPM S.p.A. in March 2018 

Financial reporting and controls, capital structure and dividend 
policy 
•  Monitored the Group’s financial performance, financial results, 

and approved dividend payments 

•  Assessed the Group capital and liquidity requirements, arising 

from the Group’s strategy and Group Plan 

•  Discussed reports provided by its committees on key matters of 
financial reporting, providing the opportunity for the Board to 
input and challenge where necessary 

•  Approved the full year results and Annual report and accounts, 

and the half year results 

People, culture, succession planning and Board effectiveness 
•  Reviewed and discussed the succession plan for the Board, with 
particular emphasis on identifying Maurice Tulloch, our new 
Group CEO 

•  Undertook an external evaluation of the Board’s effectiveness, the 

effectiveness of each committee and individual directors and 
implemented an action plan in accordance with its 
recommendations 

•  Reviewed the results of the 2018 Voice of Aviva survey, and 

discussed them in respect of culture 

•  Regularly discussed the current Group culture, its alignment with 
strategy, and how it has been further strengthened during the 
year 

•  Approved the new Board succession planning process 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
45 

 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ and Corporate Governance report 

Continued 

Board appointments 
Maurice Tulloch was appointed as Group CEO on 4 March 2019. 
Maurice was appointed following an extensive search that produced 
a shortlist of exceptional external and internal candidates. Maurice 
brings a deep understanding of insurance, both general and life 
insurance, to the board. He is exceptionally well qualified to re-
energise Aviva and deliver long term growth. 

The Board has processes in place to appoint NEDs who can apply 
their wider business skills, knowledge and experience to the 
oversight of the Group, and provide input and challenge in the 
boardroom to assist in the development and execution of the 
Board’s strategy. Similarly, Executive Director appointments are 
made to ensure the effective formulation and implementation of 
the Group’s strategy. The Nomination Committee, on behalf of the 
Board, reviews the skills of Board members at least annually, 
identifying any areas of skills, experience and knowledge that we 
can further strengthen. All director appointments are made by the 
Board and are subject to a formal, rigorous, and transparent 

Board and Committee structure 

process, and to the appropriate regulatory approvals. No new NED 
appointments were made during the year. 

The Nomination Committee report sets out the process that would 
be adopted to identify and appoint new NEDs, which includes 
consideration of diversity criteria. The NEDs assist management in 
the development of the Group’s strategy, so it is important that they 
have experience of strategy formulation, business planning and 
transformation. To be effective, it is the Board’s view that the 
majority of our NEDs should also have a sound understanding of 
the financial services industry to be able to fully understand the 
strategic issues and opportunities the Company faces so that they 
can provide appropriate challenge. All Board appointments are 
also subject to continued satisfactory performance following the 
Board’s annual effectiveness review, and the Company’s articles 
of association (Articles), which prescribe that all serving directors 
will retire and stand for election or re-election at each Annual 
General Meeting (AGM).

Aviva plc Board 
Collectively responsible for promoting the long-term sustainability of the Company, generating value for shareholders 
in a manner which also allows it to discharge its responsibilities to its stakeholders. The Board sets the Group’s 
purpose, strategy and values, and seeks to ensure that the culture of the Group is aligned with these. The Board sets 
the Group’s risk appetite and satisfies itself that financial controls and risk management systems are robust, whilst 
ensuring the Group is adequately resourced.  

n = Board committee 

Board independence 
The Nomination Committee, having considered the matter 
carefully, is of the opinion that the current NEDs remain 
independent, in line with the definition set out in the 2016 Code, 
and are free from any relationship or circumstances that could 
affect, or appear to affect, their independent judgement. Over half 
of the Board members, excluding the Chairman, are independent 
NEDs.  

Michael Hawker has served as a director since his appointment in 
January 2010 and Glyn Barker since his appointment in February 
2012. In accordance with Provision B.1.1 of the 2016 Code, the 
independence of Michael Hawker and Glyn Barker was subject to a 
particularly stringent review by the Nomination Committee. The 
review recognised Michael Hawker’s deep knowledge of Aviva and 
his extensive operational experience of the insurance industry 
which he brings to his role as Chair of the Risk Committee and to the 
Board. Glyn’s deep understanding of accounting and regulatory 
issues and his extensive experience as a business leader means he 
also continues to provide independent insight and challenge in the 
boardroom. After careful consideration, it was agreed that both 
Michael and Glyn remain independent and continue to make a 
valuable contribution to the Board. Michael Hawker will step down 
from the Board and its committees on 31 March 2019. The 
appointment of the new Risk Committee Chair is well advanced, 
and will be announced following the completion of the relevant 
regulatory approval process. 

The review of the directors’ other interests, examined the ‘cross 
directorships’ of Keith Williams and Claudia Arney who both sat on 
the Board of Halfords plc (Keith Williams is Non-Executive 
Chairman). The Nomination Committee was satisfied that the cross 
directorships did not impact the independence of either Claudia 

Arney or Keith Williams or their ability to carry out their role as 
directors of the Company and Claudia Arney stepped down from 
the board of Halfords plc on 1 March 2019. The Nomination 
Committee also examined the cross directorships of Patricia Cross 
and Michael Hawker on the board of Macquarie Group and was 
satisfied that the cross directorships did not impact the 
independence of either Patricia Cross or Michael Hawker or their 
ability to carry out their role as directors of the Company. Patricia 
Cross stepped off the Macquarie Group Board during 2018. The 
Nomination Committee examined Glyn Barker’s former position as 
a partner at the Group’s current auditors and was satisfied this did 
not affect the judgement or independence of Glyn Barker as a 
director.  

Time commitment 
Each NED must be able to devote sufficient time to the role in order 
to discharge his or her responsibilities effectively. The Chairman 
assesses the time commitment of the NEDs as part of the annual 
review of their effectiveness, and the Senior Independent Director 
(SID) reviews the time commitment of the Chairman. This 
assessment takes into account the number of external 
commitments each director has and considers whether each 
director has demonstrated that they have sufficient time to devote 
to their present role within Aviva including under potential periods 
of corporate stress.  

Prior to accepting the role of interim Executive Chairman, Sir Adrian 
discussed how he would discharge the role with the Executive and 
Non-Executive Directors, and also with our regulators. This included 
the creation of a Chairman’s Committee, composed of the Executive 
Chairman and Executive Directors, to advise the Executive 
Chairman on the strategic, monitoring and control aspects of the 
day to day management of the Group. In addition the role of the 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ and Corporate Governance report 

Continued 

Senior Independent Director was expanded to ensure that any 
potential conflicts between the Chairman’s role as Executive 
Chairman and Non-Executive Chairman were managed 
appropriately. The creation of the Chairman’s Committee, an 
increased personal time commitment to Aviva, and the interim 
nature of the role, enabled Sir Adrian to effectively discharge the 
role of Executive Chairman. 

According to the Board’s policy, Executive Directors may hold one 
external directorship and must obtain the prior consent of the 
Board before accepting a non-executive directorship in any other 
company. During the year, this procedure was followed when 
former Group CEO Mark Wilson became a non-executive director of 
BlackRock, Inc. the US-based asset manager in March 2018. The 
time commitment and potential conflicts involved were carefully 
examined and the appointment was approved on the basis that 
exposure to BlackRock’s businesses for Mark would be to the 
benefit of Aviva, particularly in terms of developing Mark’s exposure 
to the priorities of strategic investors. In addition the potential 
conflicts could be adequately managed by the Chairman and Chief 
Financial Officer. 

Conflicts of interest 
In accordance with the Companies Act 2006, the Company’s Articles 
of Association allow the Board to authorise potential conflicts of 
interest that may arise and to impose such limits or conditions as it 
thinks fit. The decision to authorise a conflict of interest can only be 
made by non-conflicted directors (those who have no interest in the 
matter being considered) and in making such a decision the 
directors must act in a way they consider, in good faith, will be most 
likely to promote the Company’s success for the benefit of its 
shareholders as a whole. 

The Board’s procedure is to review and approve actual and 
potential conflicts of interest as they arise. This procedure operated 
effectively during the year, including the review of Mark Wilson’s 
appointment as a Non-Executive Director of BlackRock, Inc. in 
March 2018, and the review of any potential conflicts resulting from 
Sir Adrian Montague’s assumption of the Executive Chairman role in 
October 2018. In both cases, nothing was found to exist to prevent 
acceptance of these roles, with appropriate mitigation being put in 
place should any conflict arise which would include being recused 
from certain discussions that could give rise to a conflict. 

Independent advice 
All directors have access to the advice and services of the Group 
Company Secretary and directors wishing to do so may take 
independent professional advice at the Company’s expense. During 
the year, the Board took independent advice to further inform and 
support its discussions with management on the Company’s 
strategy. The Company arranges appropriate insurance cover in 
respect of legal actions against its directors. The Company has also 
entered into indemnities with its directors as described in the Other 
Statutory Information section in this report. 

Executive Chairman, non-Executive Chairman, and Group Chief 
Executive Officer 
Consistent with the Board Terms of Reference and those of the 
Chairman’s Committee while it operated, and separately with the 
Senior Insurance Managers Regime (SIMR), there are role profiles for 

the Non-Executive Chairman, Executive Chairman (when 
appointed), and the Group CEO which set out the duties of each 
role. The Non-Executive Chairman’s priority is to lead the Board, 
monitor the Group’s culture and ensure its effectiveness. The 
priority of the Group CEO and the interim Executive Chairman is the 
management of the Group. The Board has delegated the day-to-day 
running of the Group to the Group CEO or the interim Executive 
Chairman within certain limits, above which matters must be 
escalated to the Board for determination. Summaries of the role 
profiles for the Chairman, Executive Chairman, SID, Group CEO and 
NEDs are available on the Company’s website at 
www.aviva.com/about-us/roles. 

Senior independent director (SID) 
The SID’s role is to act as a sounding board for the Chairman, to 
serve as an intermediary for the other directors where necessary 
and to be available to shareholders should they have concerns they 
have been unable to resolve through normal channels, or when 
such channels would be inappropriate. In addition, Glyn Barker met 
each NED from time to time, providing a forum in which they could 
raise matters. The SID role profile was also amended to enhance his 
role in managing any potential conflicts of interest following the 
appointment of an Executive Chairman. 

Induction, training and development 
The Board believes strongly in the professional development of the 
directors and all the Group’s employees. Each director commits to 
continuing their professional development as part of their service 
contract. During the year, the directors attended a number of 
internal training sessions on topics including longevity 
assumptions, cash and operating capital generation and 
responsible investing. Training sessions have been built into the 
Board and Committees’ plans for 2019. The Chairman ensures that 
any new directors receive a comprehensive induction programme 
over a number of months, tailored to their particular needs. All new 
directors would receive induction materials, which include: the 
current strategic and operational plan; recent Board and committee 
minutes and meeting packs; organisation structure charts; role 
profiles; a history of the Group; and relevant policies, procedures 
and governance material. Any knowledge or skill enhancements 
identified during the director’s regulatory application process 
would also be addressed through their induction programme. No 
new non-executive directors were appointed during the year. 

Board calendar 
During 2018, 14 Board meetings were held, of which nine were 
scheduled meetings and five were additional meetings called at 
short notice. In addition, the Board delegated responsibility for 
certain items to specially created Board committees, which met 
twice only to discuss these particular items. 

The Board visits different markets each year and during 2018 held a 
Board meeting at our Italian head office. This gave the Board the 
opportunity to meet the senior management teams and to gain a 
deeper understanding of the operations and performance of the 
Italian market. In June 2018, the Board held its annual two-day 
strategy meeting offsite in the UK to set and monitor progress 
against the Group’s strategic plan. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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Directors’ and Corporate Governance report 

Continued 

Board and Committee meetings attendance during 2018 

Number of meetings held1 

Executive Chairman (interim) 
Sir Adrian Montague2 

Executive Directors  
Mark Wilson3 

Tom Stoddard 

Andy Briggs  

Maurice Tulloch 

Non-Executive Directors  
Glyn Barker4, 6 
Patricia Cross5 
Belén Romana García4 
Michael Hawker4,7 

Michael Mire 
Claudia Arney6 

Keith Williams 

Board1 
14 

Audit  
Committee 
7 

Governance 
Committee 
4 

Nomination 
Committee 
3 

Remuneration 
Committee 
7 

Risk  
Committee 
5 

14/14 

11/11 

14/14 

14/14 

14/14 

12/14 

14/14 

13/14 

13/14 

14/14 

14/14 

14/14 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

7/7 

6/7 

— 

7/7 

— 

— 

7/7 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

4/4 

— 

4/4 

— 

4/4 

4/4 

4/4 

3/3 

— 

— 

— 

— 

3/3 

3/3 

3/3 

3/3 

3/3 

3/3 

3/3 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

6/7 

7/7 

— 

— 

7/7 

6/7 

— 

—  

— 

— 

— 

— 

5/5 

— 

5/5 

5/5 

5/5 

5/5 

5/5 

1  During the year there were 14 Board meetings, of which 9 were scheduled meetings and 5 were called at short notice. In addition, there were two further Board sub-committee meetings held at short notice and attended by 

the Chairman and the NEDs.  

2  Sir Adrian Montague assumed executive responsibilities on 9 October 2018 immediately after Mark Wilson stepped down as Group CEO. He reverted to the role of Non-Executive Chairman upon appointment of the new Chief Executive Officer on 

4 March 2019. 

3  Mark Wilson stepped down as the Chief Executive Officer of the Group on 9 October 2018.  
4  The Board meeting on 22 March 2018 was called at short notice and, due to this, Glyn Barker, Michael Hawker, and Belén Romana García were unable to attend due to other prior commitments. The Board meeting on 

8 October 2018 was also called at short notice and due to this Glyn Barker was unable to attend due to other prior commitments. Papers were circulated to all directors before the meetings and those unable to attend could 
raise issues and give comments to the Chairman in advance of the meetings taking place.  

5  Patricia Cross was unable to attend the Audit Committee meeting on 8 May 2018 due to medical reasons. 
6  Claudia Arney was unable to attend the Remuneration Committee meeting on 2 October 2018, and Glyn Barker was unable to attend the Remuneration Committee meeting on 6 October 2018, both due to other prior 

commitments as the meetings were called at short notice. 

7  Michael Hawker will retire from the Board of Aviva on 31 March 2019. 

Board priorities  
The Board made solid progress during 2018 on a number of the 
objectives set at the beginning of the year. These included the 
execution of capital management strategies to reduce expensive 
subordinated debt; the buy-back of £600m of ordinary shares and 
further increase in value for our shareholders by implementing the 
fourth consecutive year of double digit dividend growth. Succession 
planning was also a focus of activity in relation to the departure of 
Mark Wilson and the identification of a new Group CEO. 

The Board continued to monitor customer metrics to ensure that 
we deliver on our purpose to Defy Uncertainty through our 
comprehensive product offering and customer service. The Board 
also engaged, challenged and worked with management when the 
Group did not meet our customer and stakeholder expectations, 
such as in the migration of some of our digital platforms to a new 
vendor system. 

Consistent with our Digital First ambition and linking to our 
customer agenda, in October 2018 we launched Blue, our Hong 
Kong digital insurance joint venture together with Hillhouse Capital 
and Tencent Holdings Limited. These items were in addition to the 
Board’s routine standing agenda which includes financial reporting 
and strategic planning. 

During the year, the Board was supported by the Evolution Council, 
made up of high calibre developing leaders from across the 
business, which provided insights from an employee perspective on 
digital, brand and customer.  

During 2019, the Board’s agenda will focus on further orientating 
the organisation towards our customers, embedding our new CEO, 
continuing to evolve our strategy and simplifying our IT estate. The 
Board will continue to drive progress to achieve consistently 
excellent customer service and a comprehensive product offering 
that meets customers’ evolving needs. Digital First will remain our 
preferred approach, for example through our new AvivaPlus 
proposition. We will continue to monitor our risks and controls 
around IT and Cyber Security, the operational impact of Brexit, and 
developments in our IT platforms that will simplify and support 
digitising our service delivery to customers. Offsite strategy days are 
used to set, and reflect on progress against the Company’s strategy. 
In these sessions the Board discusses the strategic priorities for the 
year ahead and sets the three-year strategic plan and these sessions 
will continue to occur in 2019. 

The Audit, Governance and Risk Committees will continue to 
consider the opportunities and risks associated with each market 
and the Remuneration Committee will assess any consequential 
impact on reward decisions. As part of our employee engagement 
commitments, the Board will continue to interact with the Evolution 
Council, ‘Your Forum’, and other employee forums and to carefully 
consider and respond to the annual all-employee survey, ‘Voice of 
Aviva’. Succession planning and the continued development of the 
talent pipeline will continue to be a focus for both the Board and 
the Nomination Committee. 

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Continued 

Board evaluation 
The effectiveness of the Board is vital to the success of the Group. 
The Board undertakes a rigorous evaluation process each year to 
assess how it, its committees and individual directors are 
performing. During 2017, an external evaluation was conducted, 
with a series of outcomes reported during 2018. A follow up external 
evaluation was conducted in 2018, with the outcomes reported in 
2019. Both external evaluations were facilitated by Independent 
Board Evaluation (IBE). IBE is an external board evaluation 
facilitator which has no other connection with Aviva. Although the 
2016 Code only requires an externally facilitated evaluation every 
three years, the Board considered that an externally facilitated 
evaluation in 2018 would support its strategic thinking, and further 

Outcomes and steps taken in 2018 

Focus area  

Theme 

Feedback/actions 

develop its effectiveness. Interviews were conducted with every 
Board member, according to a set agenda tailored for the Board, 
which had been agreed with the Chairman and the Group Company 
Secretary. In addition, interviews were held with senior managers 
and advisers. Following the final report, recommendations were 
considered by the Board and shared with each committee, and a 
further action plan for areas of focus was agreed. The 2018 actions 
are outlined in the table below. These will be reviewed during 2019.  

In addition, during the year the NEDs, led by the Chairman, met to 
discuss the executives’ performance. The NEDs, led by the SID Glyn 
Barker, also met without the Chairman present to consider the 
Chairman’s performance.  

Strategic focus 

Focussing on strategic 
themes and 
incorporating 
investors’ input 

The Board prioritised discussions on strategy during 2018 and held in depth strategy 
discussions in June and September. The Board undertook an investor survey to garner 
investor thoughts and feedback. This feedback was incorporated into Board discussions 
on strategy and into the areas of focus for the Board during the year.  

Succession planning  Board and executive 

level succession 
planning 

Governance 

Developing the 
relationship between 
Aviva plc and 
subsidiary boards 

International focus 

Strategic priorities 

Culture 

Diversity and inclusion 

The identification of Maurice Tulloch as our new Group CEO built on the succession 
planning work carried out by the Board in previous years. The Board also considered 
ways in which a pipeline of suitable candidates for executive and non-executive 
directorships could be maintained and enhanced, and refreshed and strengthened its 
NED succession framework during the year. 

The annual Chairman’s conference was held in November 2018, allowing the Board to 
engage with subsidiary company board members. The appointment of Non-Executive 
Directors from the Board to the Group’s material subsidiaries has strengthened 
communications and strategic linkages between Group companies. During the course of 
the year, the Board received reports and deep dives into different business areas and 
markets and held a Board meeting in Italy to get a greater insight into the Italian business 
and to meet with the Italian board. A number of Aviva plc directors also attended 
subsidiary board meetings. 

The Board has enhanced its focus on its international markets through business unit 
presentations from key international markets and visits to offices outside the UK. This 
was supported by Maurice Tulloch’s appointment to the Board in June 2017. 

The Board is committed to playing a leading role in maintaining a culture which values 
diversity and inclusion throughout the Group. It uses information from the Voice of Aviva 
all-employee engagement survey, input from the Evolution Council and from NED 
participation in the ‘Your Forum’ employee forum to increase insight into our Group’s 
culture. The Board monitors closely feedback from the Group employee survey and the 
progress of culture development programmes. 

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Continued 

Our stakeholders 
The Board understands that the long-term sustainable success of Aviva is dependent on effective engagement with our key stakeholders. 
We recognise the role that each stakeholder group plays in our success and our responsibilities towards them. Building strong stakeholder 
engagement mechanisms, based on dialogue and participation, is a foundational part of our social ‘licence to operate.’ The table below 
identifies those key stakeholders and sets out how the Board engages with them.  

Our stakeholders 

Why they are important to us 

How are we engaging  

Customers 

Our people 

Our customers are the users of our 
products and services and are 
those who we support to ‘Defy 
Uncertainty.’ 
We serve customers in our eight 
major markets and in other 
jurisdictions where we have 
strategic investments.  

Our people are essential to 
meeting our purpose to help our 
customers to Defy Uncertainty and 
deliver simple, innovative and 
customer centric products and 
services.  

The Board received two formal presentations on customer issues during 
the year and focused on customer issues during the Board’s strategy 
offsite meetings. The Governance Committee, working in support of the 
Board, considers customer matters at every meeting to ensure a 
consistent and deep focus on the customer experience and on customer 
issues. As noted in the Directors’ Remuneration Report, customer 
measures have been introduced into the annual bonus element of 
executive directors’ pay, to further encourage a more customer centric 
approach. As a business we conduct extensive direct customer testing and 
during 2019 the Board has made the customer a priority area of focus. 

The Board engages with our people in several ways. The Board receives 
regular updates on the culture and engagement of our employees. We 
have a fully elected employee forum ‘Your Forum’ representing UK and 
European employees, which meets with one of our Non-Executive 
Directors annually. We also have the ‘Evolution Council,’ made up of high 
calibre developing leaders from across the business, that provides insight 
on digital, brand and strategy. The Executive Chairman chairs all meetings 
of the Evolution Council and two other Non-Executive Directors have also 
attended meetings. We also engage with our people through forums such 
as ‘Uncut’, unscripted Q&A sessions with senior managers streamed live, 
and a programme of town hall meetings. 

Business 
partners/suppliers 

Shareholders 

Regulators 

Communities 

Our business suppliers and 
partners provide us with the tools 
and services we need to deliver for 
our customers.  

Our Procurement function conducts supplier surveys and supports a 
programme of supplier engagement, some of which is linked to our 
annual statement on Modern Slavery. During 2019 the Board will continue 
to review this engagement activity. 

Our shareholders are the ultimate 
owners of the Company and are 
involved with certain stewardship 
activities.  

Aviva is subject to financial 
services regulations in all the 
markets it operates and requires 
regulatory approval to operate.  

The Board meets with shareholders at the Annual General Meeting which 
provides an opportunity, predominantly for our retail shareholders, to 
engage directly with the Board. The Chairman and Executive Directors 
have a programme of meetings with institutional investors during the 
year. The Board also receives weekly reports from the Investor Relations 
team and briefings from our corporate brokers on investor views.  

Aviva is subject to close and continuous supervision from its regulators. 
This includes a programme of regular meetings between Board members 
and our regulators. 

Aviva approaches business in a 
responsible and sustainable way 
that aligns with our purpose and 
values and supports the 
communities in which we operate. 

The Board receives regular updates on our community activities, such as 
our partnership with the Red Cross, and the establishment of the Aviva 
Foundation. The Governance Committee supports the Board in this area 
and approves the corporate responsibility strategy for the Group and 
oversees the implementation of that strategy. 

Employee engagement  
The 2018 Code, which Aviva will report against in our 2019 Annual report and accounts, sets out three ways in which companies can engage 
with the workforce. The Board will consider its approach during the year and currently the company is applying a hybrid arrangement. This 
consists of engagement with ‘Your Forum’, our workforce engagement forum, which is supplemented by attendance from Non-Executive 
Directors where appropriate. The Evolution Council provides a further employee engagement forum and is also attended by Board 
members. This enables the Board attendees to share output from these employee bodies with the wider Board and provide feedback to the 
Your Forum and Evolution Council. In addition to these arrangements the Board meets with employees at ‘Talent Breakfasts’ and regularly 
conducts business unit meetings to engage with a wider pool of employees. 

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Continued 

Committee effectiveness 
As part of the Board effectiveness review process, each committee 
considers the feedback from the Board evaluation exercise and 
develops an action plan as appropriate. 

Frameworks for risk management and internal control 
The Board is responsible for promoting the long-term success of the 
Company for the benefit of shareholders, as well as taking account 
of other stakeholders including employees and customers. This 
includes ensuring that an appropriate system of risk governance is 
in place throughout the Group. To discharge this responsibility, the 
Board has established frameworks for risk management and 
internal control using a ‘three lines of defence’ model and reserves 
for itself the setting of the Group’s risk appetite. Further details are 
contained on the following pages.  

In-depth monitoring of the establishment and operation of prudent 
and effective controls in order to assess and manage risks 
associated with the Group’s operations is delegated to the Risk, 
Governance and Audit Committees which report regularly to the 
Board. However, the Board retains ultimate responsibility for the 
Group’s systems of internal control and risk management and has 
reviewed their effectiveness for the year. The frameworks for risk 
management and internal control play a key role in the 
management of risks that may impact the fulfilment of the Board’s 
objectives. They are designed to identify and manage, rather than 
eliminate, the risk of the Group failing to achieve its business 
objectives and can only provide reasonable and not absolute 
assurance against material misstatement and loss. The frameworks 
are regularly reviewed and were in place for the financial year under 
review and up to the date of this report. They help ensure the Group 
complies with the Financial Reporting Council’s (FRC) guidance on 
Risk Management, Internal Controls and Related Financial and 
Business Reporting. 

A robust assessment was conducted by the Board of the principal 
risks facing the Company, including consideration by the Risk 
Committee of those emerging risks that could impact the Group’s 
business model, future performance, solvency and liquidity. In 2018 
the Risk Committee reviewed a number of emerging risk scenarios 
and focused on Brexit (regular updates), systemic cloud risk and 
‘silent cyber’, competitive threats from technology companies 
entering the insurance market, risks posed by climate change, 
outsourcing supplier collapse risk and other emerging risks and 
sources of market uncertainty. Further information is contained in 
the Risk Committee report.  

Risk management framework 
The Risk Management Framework (RMF) is designed to identify, 
measure, manage, monitor and report the principal risks to the 
achievement of the Group’s business objectives and is embedded 
throughout the Group. It is codified through risk policies and 
business standards which set out the risk strategy, appetite, 
framework and minimum requirements and controls for the 
Group’s worldwide operations. Further detail is set out in note 59. 

Internal controls 
Internal controls facilitate effective and efficient operations, the 
development of robust and reliable internal reporting and 
compliance with laws and regulations. Group reporting manuals 
in relation to IFRS and Solvency II reporting requirements and a 
Financial Reporting Control Framework (FRCF) are in place across 
the Group. FRCF relates to the preparation of reliable financial 
reporting, covering both IFRS and Solvency II reporting activity. 
The FRCF process follows a risk-based approach, with management 
identification, assessment (documentation and testing), 
remediation (as required), reporting and certification over key 
financial reporting related controls. Management regularly 
undertakes quality assurance procedures over the application of 
the FRCF process and controls. 

In 2018, the Group was focused on reinforcing its operational 
resilience by driving major control improvements in a number of 
areas, including continued investment in the Group’s IT estate, 
disaster recovery capability and the strengthening of its cyber 
security controls. This work will continue through 2019. More 
broadly, the Group seeks to continue to monitor and further 
enhance its control frameworks across the business, including 
financial crime prevention and data privacy. Further information 
can be found in the Audit and Risk Committee reports. 

First line – management monitoring 
The Group Executive members and each market Chief Executive 
Officer are responsible for the application of the RMF, for 
implementing and monitoring the operation of the system 
of internal control and for providing assurance to the Audit, 
Governance and Risk Committees and the Board. 

Second line – risk management, compliance and actuarial functions 
The Risk Management function is accountable for the quantitative 
and qualitative oversight and challenge of the identification, 
measurement, monitoring and reporting of principal risks and for 
developing the RMF. 

The Actuarial function is accountable for the Group wide actuarial 
methodology, reporting to the relevant governing body on the 
adequacy of reserves and capital requirements, as well as 
underwriting and reinsurance arrangements. The Compliance 
function supports and advises the business on the identification, 
measurement and management of its regulatory, financial crime 
and conduct risks. It is accountable for maintaining the compliance 
standards and framework within which the Group operates, and 
monitoring and reporting on its compliance risk profile. 

Third line – internal audit 
The third line of defence is Internal Audit. This function provides 
independent and objective assessment on the robustness of the 
RMF and the appropriateness and effectiveness of internal control 
to the Audit, Governance and Risk Committees, market audit 
committees and the Board. Further information can be found in the 
Audit Committee report. 

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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ and Corporate Governance report 

Continued 

The principal committees that oversee risk management are as follows 

The Risk Committee 

The Governance Committee 

The Audit Committee 

Assists the Board in its oversight of risk and 
risk management across the Group and 
makes recommendations on risk appetite 
to the Board. Reviews the effectiveness of 
the Risk Management Framework, and the 
methodology in determining the Group’s 
capital and liquidity requirements.  
Ensures that risk management is properly 
considered in setting remuneration policy. 

Works closely with the Risk Committee and 
is responsible for assisting the Board in its 
oversight of operational risk across the 
Group, particularly the risk of not delivering 
good customer outcomes and compliance 
with our corporate governance principles. 

Works closely with the Risk Committee and 
is responsible for assisting the Board in 
discharging its responsibilities for the integrity 
of the Company’s financial statements, the 
effectiveness of the system of internal controls 
and for monitoring the effectiveness, 
performance and objectivity of the internal 
and external auditors. 

The risk management framework of a small number of our joint 
ventures and strategic equity holdings differs from the RMF outlined 
in this report. We continue to work with these entities to understand 
how their risks are managed and to align them, where possible, with 
our framework. 

Communication with shareholders 
The Company places considerable importance on communication 
with shareholders. The Executive Directors have an ongoing 
dialogue and a programme of meetings with institutional investors, 
fund managers and analysts which are managed by the Company’s 
Investor Relations function. The Chairman met a number of the 
Company’s major shareholders during 2018. At these meetings a 
range of issues were discussed within the constraints of information 
already made public, to understand shareholders’ perspectives. 
Shareholders’ views are regularly communicated to the Board 
through the Group CEO’s, or Executive Chairman’s, and CFO’s 
reports and weekly briefings from the corporate brokers and the 
Investor Relations function. The SID was available to meet with 
major investors to discuss any concerns that could not be resolved 
through normal channels. 

2019 AGM 
The 2019 AGM will be held on Thursday 23 May 2019 and the Notice 
of AGM and related papers will, unless otherwise noted, be sent to 
shareholders at least 20 working days before the meeting. The AGM 
provides a valuable opportunity for the Board to communicate with 
private shareholders. All serving directors attended the Company’s 
2018 AGM, and plan to attend the 2019 AGM. A presentation on the 
Group’s performance will be given at the 2019 AGM and made 
available on the Company’s website after the meeting at 
www.aviva.com/agm. 

Shareholders are invited to ask questions related to the business of 
the meeting at the AGM and have an opportunity to meet with the 
directors following the conclusion of the meeting. Further details on 
the AGM are provided in the Shareholder Services section of this 
report.

Board oversight of risk management 
The Board’s delegated responsibilities regarding oversight of risk 
management and the approach to internal controls are set out on 
the previous pages. There are good working relationships between 
the Board committees and they provide regular reports to the 
Board on their activities and escalate significant matters where 
appropriate. The responsibilities and activities of each Board 
committee are set out in the committee reports. 

Assessment of effectiveness of risk management 
Each business unit Chief Executive Officer and Chief Risk Officer is 
required to make a declaration that the Group’s governance and 
system of internal controls are effective and are fit for purpose for 
their business and that they are kept under review through the year. 

Any material risks not previously identified, control weaknesses or 
non-compliance with the Group’s risk policies or local delegations 
of authority must be highlighted as part of this process. This is 
supplemented by investigations carried out at Group level and a 
Group CEO and CRO declaration for Aviva plc.  

The effectiveness assessment also draws on the regular cycle of 
assurance activity conducted during the year, as well as the results 
of the annual assessment process. During 2018, this has been 
supported by the application of the Group’s Operational Risk & 
Control Management framework. Through this the Group has 
defined a common system and methodology for the management 
of operational risks and the controls to be deployed throughout the 
Group. This framework includes tools, processes and standardised 
reporting necessary to identify, measure, manage, monitor and 
report on the operational risks to which the business is, or could be, 
exposed and the controls in place to mitigate those risks within 
centrally set tolerances. The details of key failings or weaknesses 
are reported to the Audit Committee and the Board on a regular 
basis and are summarised annually to enable them to carry out an 
effectiveness assessment. 

The Audit Committee, working closely with the Risk Committee on 
behalf of the Board, carried out a full review of the effectiveness of 
the systems of internal control and risk management in March 2018 
covering all material controls, including financial, operational and 
compliance controls and the Risk Management Framework (RMF). 
There has been regular reporting to the committee throughout the 
year to ensure that outstanding areas of improvement are both 
identified and remediated. Whilst there has been substantial 
progress during the year there remains a number of areas where 
significant work is still required. The reports to the committee refer 
to the need to embed controls in a number of areas and the need to 
make significant improvement in areas which represent key aspects 
of the Group’s control environment, such as cyber security, IT 
resilience and disaster recovery, as well as financial crime 
prevention, data management, UK Insurance complaints 
management (including data migrations) and ongoing 
improvements in Canada. The Audit Committee on behalf of the 
Board will continue to monitor progress throughout 2019. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ and Corporate Governance report 

  Continued 

Nomination 
Committee  
report 

Committee focus during 2018  
I am pleased to present the Nomination Committee’s report for the 
year ended 31 December 2018. 

During the year, the Committee reviewed and refreshed the Non-
Executive Director succession process and reviewed the succession 
and talent development framework for senior executives.  

On 9 October 2018, the Group Chief Executive Officer (Group CEO) 
Mark Wilson stepped down from the Board and during the 
remainder of the year, the Committee was focused on overseeing 
the selection process for the new Group CEO.  

Committee membership 
The members of the Committee are shown in the table below. 
Details of their experience and qualifications are shown in the 
Directors’ biographies, and their attendance at Committee 
meetings during the year is shown within the Directors’ and 
Corporate Governance report. There were no changes to the 
composition of the Committee during 2018. 

In January 2019, we announced that Michael Hawker would retire 
from the Board as a Non-Executive Director and as Chairman of the 
Risk Committee and as a member of the Audit and Nomination 
Committees with effect from 31 March 2019. The appointment of 
the new Risk Committee Chair is well advanced and will be 
announced following completion of the relevant regulatory 
approval process. 

The Committee determines a Non-Executive Director’s 
independence by evaluating their character and judgement, in line 
with the 2016 UK Corporate Governance Code.  

The Committee conducted a rigorous review of Glyn Barker, who 
has served on the Board for more than six years, and concluded that 
he remains independent. Glyn has a deep understanding of 
accounting and regulatory issues and extensive experience as a 
business leader and continues to provide independent oversight 
and challenge in the boardroom.  

The Committee also reviews the appointment of Executive Directors 
to external positions. During the year Mark Wilson, at the time Group 
CEO, was invited to become a Non-Executive Director of BlackRock 
Inc. Aviva’s policy is to permit Executive Directors to hold one 
external Non-Executive role, provided there are no conflicts with the 
interests of Aviva, and to retain any fees from such appointments. 
The Committee considered the time commitment required by the 
BlackRock role and any potential conflicts of interest that might be 
created. Following a review of the proposed role and a discussion of 
the potential conflicts, the Committee authorised Mark’s 
acceptance of the BlackRock Non-Executive Director role, subject to 
certain safeguards being put in place around potential conflicts of 
interest. These included the Group CEO recusing himself from any 
meetings that were held with BlackRock as a shareholder in the 
Company, with the Chairman and CFO assuming this responsibility. 
In addition the day-to-day management of Aviva Investors, the 
Group’s asset management business, was carried out directly by the 
management and Board of Aviva Investors. 

Board and executive succession planning  
In July 2018, the Financial Reporting Council introduced the revised 
UK Corporate Governance Code (the 2018 Code). The new Code 
places greater emphasis on succession planning and, in 
preparation for the 2018 Code, the Committee has built on its 
existing processes to enhance its focus in this area. To support 
effective future succession and appointments, the Committee will 
continue to engage with external stakeholders (including 
shareholders and regulators) when appropriate.  

Name 

Sir Adrian Montague1 

Claudia Arney 

Glyn Barker 

Patricia Cross 

Belén Romana García 
Michael Hawker2 

Michael Mire 

Keith Williams 

Member Since 

06/03/2013 

08/02/2016 

01/07/2012 

01/12/2013 

26/06/2015 

01/07/2012 

12/09/2013 

01/08/2016 

Years on the 
Committee 

6 

3 

6 

5 

3 

6 

5 

2 

CEO Appointment 
Maurice Tulloch was appointed as Group CEO on 4 March 2019 and 
was selected following an extensive search that produced a shortlist 
of exceptional candidates. The Committee appointed Spencer 
Stuart to support the search and interviewed a number of excellent 
internal and external candidates for the position in a thorough and 
highly competitive process. The Committee ensured that there was 
a diverse selection of candidates and that all the candidates aligned 
with the culture and value set of the Company. This process led to a 
unanimous conclusion with the Committee recommending the 
appointment of Maurice Tulloch as Group CEO. 

1  Chair 
2  Michael Hawker will retire from the Nomination Committee with effect from 31 March 2019. 

Committee Purpose 
The main purpose of the Committee is to monitor and maintain an 
appropriate balance of skills, knowledge, experience and diversity 
amongst the Directors. To assist in identifying and nominating 
candidates for the Board, the Committee oversees succession 
planning for the Executive and Non-Executive Directors and Senior 
Management. The Nomination Committee also has responsibility 
for the oversight of talent development throughout the Group.  

Independence 
During 2018, the Committee reviewed the balance of skills, 
experience and independence of the Board. For Non-Executive 
Directors, independence in thought and judgement is vital to 
facilitating constructive and challenging debate in the boardroom, 
and is essential to the operational effectiveness of the Board and 
Committees of Aviva. 

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Committee activities during 2018 
Evaluation and annual assessment 
•  Assessed the Non-Executive Directors’ independence 
•  Considered and recommended to the Board the election/re-

election of each continuing director ahead of their election/re-
election by shareholders at the Company’s 2018 AGM 

•  Reviewed and made recommendations to the Board in respect of 
each Directors actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interests 

Board composition and diversity 
•  Led the search process for the new Group CEO 
•  Reviewed the composition of the Board and its committees and 
whether the Board required additional skills and experience 
which would complement those of the existing members and the 
Company’s risk profile and strategy 

•  Considered specific steps to be taken in relation to diversity in 

Board and executive succession planning 

Succession planning 
•  Continued to focus on succession planning arrangements at both 
Board and executive level, against a specification for the role and 
capabilities required for the position and the composition of the 
Board 

•  Considered plans for succession for each Group Executive 

member, including talent development below Group Executive 
level 

•  Recommended the new succession planning framework to the 

Board for approval 

Talent pipeline 
•  Reviewed the career and development plans for the Group 
Executive to ensure that there is an adequate talent pool of 
potential executive directors 

•  Provided oversight of talent development throughout the Group 
and ensured there is a sufficient and diverse pipeline of talent 
available to execute the Company’s current and future strategy

Directors’ and Corporate Governance report 

Continued 

Talent Management 
The Committee also maintains close involvement in the managing 
and strengthening of the talent pipeline across the Group. During 
the year the Committee reviewed the Group talent development 
framework and discussed executive succession, senior leadership 
capability, and the Group’s leadership development programmes. 
The framework also aims to improve diversity in our talent pipeline: 
for example, through our ‘Women in Leadership’ programme, we 
target development of future female leaders. Members of the 
Committee have also been involved in various initiatives including 
an ongoing programme of ‘Talent Breakfasts’ where high potential 
employees meet the Board. 

Diversity 
We believe at Aviva that a diverse board better understands its 
customer base and its business. The Board is committed to having a 
diverse and inclusive leadership team which provides a range of 
perspectives, insights and the challenge needed to support good 
decision making. Diversity at Aviva is not limited to gender; but is 
inclusive of all strands of diversity including skills and experience, 
geographical expertise, ethnicity, disability, and sexual orientation. 
The Board is supportive of the recommendations set out in the 
Parker Review and we aim to increase the ethnic diversity of the 
Board by 2021, as well as monitoring ethnic diversity in our 
leadership pipeline. As a global business Aviva recognises the 
importance of reflecting the diversity of the customers we serve in 
the composition of our Board and the senior management of the 
markets we operate in. 

At the date of the report the representation of women on the Board 
was 27%. As part of our goal for diversity, we actively support 
women advancing into senior roles, with the Chairman an active 
member of the 30% Club. We are a charter signatory of HM 
Treasury’s Women in Finance Charter, which commits financial 
services companies to a range of measures to improve gender 
diversity amongst senior management. During 2018, Aviva 
sponsored ‘The Female FTSE Board Report 2018’ produced by 
Cranfield University, examining changes in women’s representation 
on Boards and measures that could be used to accelerate progress. 

In May 2017, the Board adopted a Diversity and Inclusion statement 
which supports the Committee in its approach to succession 
planning. This Diversity and Inclusion statement, which is in line 
with the overall Group Diversity and Inclusion strategy, is available 
on the Company’s website at www.aviva.com/corporate-
governance. 

Board effectiveness review 
The Committee undertakes a review of its effectiveness annually. 
More information can be found in the Directors’ and Corporate 
Governance report.  

2019 priorities 
In 2019 the Committee will continue to focus on succession 
planning both for the Board and at senior management level, and 
will continue to develop a strong talent pipeline and associated 
leadership programmes. 

Sir Adrian Montague 
Chair of the Nomination Committee  
6 March 2019 

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Directors’ and Corporate Governance report 

Continued 

Risk Committee 
report 

Committee focus during 2018  
I am pleased to present the Committee’s report for the year ended 
31 December 2018. 

The Company’s approach to risk and risk management together 
with the principal risks that face the Group are explained within the 
Risk and risk management section of this report. 

During the year the Committee’s focus remained on the political 
environment, in particular Brexit planning, economic outlook, 
outsourcer contagion risk, the emerging strategic risks posed by 
technology changes, risks posed by climate change, the heightened 
risk of cyber threats and data security, together with ongoing 
regulatory change.  

The Company’s overall risk profile has remained fairly constant 
throughout 2018. The Committee continued to review and oversee 
the strengthening of the Group’s operational risk environment and 
ongoing monitoring of the businesses’ capacity to deliver a number 
of mandatory and strategic change projects underway.  

The Committee continues to monitor the current risk environment, 
with IT and operational risk remaining as significant themes. This 
aligns to the Committee’s focus on cyber and IT, which includes 
cyber security, transformation of IT infrastructure, and the ability 
to deliver data digitally to meet the needs of our customers.  

Due to the ongoing Brexit negotiations between the United 
Kingdom and the European Union, the political landscape has 
remained volatile in 2018, with the Committee continuing to 
monitor the political environment, Brexit planning and preparation 
activities. 

Committee membership 
The members of the Committee are shown in the table below. 
Details of their experience and qualifications are shown in the 
Directors’ biographies, and attendance at Committee meetings 
during the year is shown within the Directors’ and Corporate 
Governance report. There were no changes to the composition 
of the Committee during 2018. 

Name 

Michael Hawker1 

Glyn Barker  

Belén Romana García  

Michael Mire 

Claudia Arney 

Keith Williams  

Member Since 

01/01/2010 

02/05/2012 

26/06/2015 

12/09/2013 

01/01/2017 

03/08/2017 

Years on the 
Committee 

9 

6 

3 

5 

2 

1 

1  Chair. Michael Hawker will retire from the Risk Committee with effect from 31 March 2019. The appointment 
of the new Risk Committee Chair is well advanced, and will be announced following completion of the 
relevant regulatory approval process. 

Committee purpose 
The main purpose of the Committee is to assist the Board in its 
oversight of risk within the Group, with particular focus on reviewing 
the Group’s risk appetite and risk profile in relation to capital, 
liquidity and franchise value and reviewing the effectiveness of the 
Group’s Risk Management Framework. The Committee reviews the 
methodology used in determining the Group’s capital requirements 
and stress testing and ensures that due diligence appraisals are 
carried out on strategic or significant transactions. In addition to the 

risks inherent in the Group’s investment portfolio, the Committee 
reviews the Group’s operational risks, and significant ongoing 
changes to the regulatory framework, while monitoring the 
prudential regulatory requirements across the Group. The 
Committee also works with the Remuneration Committee to ensure 
that risk management is properly considered in setting the 
Remuneration Policy, and is responsible for promoting a risk 
awareness culture for the Group.  

Cyber 
Given the importance of cyber security to the Group, all cyber 
activity is governed in one portfolio of transformation activity to 
ensure efficiency, transparency and the ongoing ability to manage 
the holistic execution alongside specific people, process and 
technology delivery. During the year the Committee reviewed the 
linkage between the Group’s cyber environment and customer 
satisfaction, which remained a key theme of the Cyber Major 
Control Improvement Topic (MCIT).  

The Committee reviewed the Group’s Cyber Dashboard, which 
focused on seven capabilities (threat led strategy, governance, 
security engineering, detect and respond, assurance, culture and 
recovery) and further enhanced how the Group assesses and 
manages cyber risk. The dashboard provides the Group with a 
strong framework and a simplified process with consistent 
measures which enables the Committee to review the progress of 
the Group’s capabilities for the benefit of all stakeholders. The 
Group also recently completed external benchmarking on the Cyber 
Controls and reviewed these controls within the Operational Risk & 
Control Management (ORCM) framework to provide increased 
clarity, rigour and understanding within the business units of the 
Group’s requirements.  

Work is progressing to further strengthen the cyber and disaster 
recovery controls, which the Committee will monitor closely to 
ensure they continue to evolve with changes in the shifting 
environment and threats as they emerge. 

IT infrastructure and security  
A particular focus for the Committee during 2018 was the 
monitoring of the IT security culture within the Group and it was 
recognised that the culture had further improved through the 
delivery of a refreshed training programme and strengthened 
security awareness. Service improvement was also a key area of 
focus in 2018 with significant effort on identifying, understanding 
and addressing the underlying causes of IT service matters. In 
recognition of the fundamental and long-term nature of the 
challenges around IT security, the Committee continues to review 
the strategic approach to IT service remediation and improvement.  

During the year the Committee challenged the risk management 
of the Group’s IT estate and ensured business focus on network 
availability remained a priority to support our customer and 
business needs. The proposed transformation of the IT 
infrastructure in 2019 is a key part of supporting the end to end 
business process and provides enhanced capacity for the future. 
The Committee recognises that the risk cultural awareness in the 
businesses has been strengthened further, especially in relation to 
overall application governance and business prioritisation and 
remains satisfied that the appropriate steps are being taken to 
mitigate the risks of a complex IT estate. 

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Directors’ and Corporate Governance report 

Continued 

Data migration 
During the year a number of data migration and functional service 
activities had not delivered the customer service outcomes we 
expected or required. The Committee reviewed the lessons learned 
from these activities and used the insights gained to further 
enhance risk assessments and monitoring ahead of future 
migration activity. The Company’s data migration risk profile has 
been driven largely by the Group’s external regulatory and conduct 
environment, and the impact of previous data migration projects. 
The Committee has further increased its focus on risk management 
within UK Insurance and Group-wide IT and change projects 
underway. The risks, governance, regulatory accountability, 
resource allocation, business prioritisation and project 
management around the Company’s overall change agenda was a 
particular focus of the Committee’s meeting agenda in 2018, and 
will continue to be a focus as we go into 2019. As a result, the 
Committee has requested that an enhanced governance structure 
be established for the most material Group change programmes. 
This enhanced structure has brought together members of the 
Board, Non-Executive Director representatives from key operating 
and regulated group boards, as well as senior executive 
management. This structure was further supplemented by 
representatives of the second and third line oversight functions 
(Risk and Internal Audit) with external third party assurance where 
appropriate. The enhanced structure supplemented the Committee 
Chair’s ongoing engagement with the Risk Committee Chairs in a 
number of our regulated subsidiaries.  

Capital and liquidity 
During the year the Committee reviewed the current and projected 
liquidity position, risk environment and risk profile including credit 
cycle analysis and the economic outlook.  

While reviewing the risk profile the Committee oversaw the analysis 
of the Group’s current and projected Solvency II capital and liquidity 
position, which included reviewing forecasted operating capital 
generation over the plan period. The Committee reviewed the 
different levels of risk appetite and capital ranges across the Group 
and reviewed the capital positions in the Group’s subsidiaries and 
Group sensitivities. 

Brexit 
During the year the Committee monitored the ongoing Brexit 
negotiations between the UK and EU, and reviewed the Group’s 
operational readiness planning ahead of the scheduled UK 
departure on 29 March 2019. Specifically, this included reviewing 
progress in executing the necessary insurance portfolio transfers to 
subsidiaries in the Republic of Ireland and establishing our fund 
management business in Luxembourg, which will be the Group’s 
hub to serve clients located in the European Economic Area (EEA). 
More generally the Committee has also reviewed the Group’s 
contingency plans to ensure continuous service to customers in the 
event of a hard Brexit, and considered the impact on supply chain. 
The Committee also considered the potential risk that Brexit could 
trigger an early general election in the UK. Brexit will remain on the 
Committee’s agenda throughout 2019, whilst we monitor 
developments and the impacts, both on the external environment 
and on our business. 

Committee effectiveness review 
The Committee undertakes a review of its effectiveness annually. 
More information can be found in the Directors’ and Corporate 
Governance report. 

2019 priorities  
The Committee will continue to monitor the political environment, the 
expected exit of the UK from the EU, and the current global economic 
cycle, particularly the impact around perceived inflated asset values. It 
will also focus on the economic and market impacts on the Group 
operationally, together with managing any balance sheet volatility that 
these may bring. There will be an ongoing and significant focus on 
further strengthening the control framework, particularly in relation to 
change management, cyber risk reduction and disaster recovery 
capabilities of the Group. Particular attention will also remain on 
emerging risks, and the potential benefits that could be derived from 
them, particularly around advances in technology across financial 
services, automotive and healthcare. 

Michael Hawker 
Chair of the Risk Committee 
6 March 2019 

Committee activities during 2018 
Risk appetite, risk management and risk reporting 
•  Reviewed reports from the Chief Risk Officer (CRO), which 
included updates on significant risks facing the Group, the 
Group’s capital and liquidity position, the control environment, 
emerging risks and risk profile, liquidity risk appetite and 
operational, regulatory and conduct risk 

•  Reviewed and recommended the Group’s risk policies for Board 

approval  

•  Reviewed reports on the updated audit approach under the 

Group’s ORCM Methodology 

•  Reviewed and recommended for Board approval the Group’s 

Solvency II (SII) Capital and Liquidity risk appetite 

•  Approved the Group’s foreign exchange risk appetite and SII 

capital risk tolerances by risk type 

Group capital and liquidity, financial plan and stress testing  
•  Approved the 2018 Group Capital and Liquidity Plan and 

subsequent updates 

•  Reviewed capital and liquidity projections including the Group’s 

Solvency II shareholder cover ratio and liquidity cover ratio 
•  Reviewed updates on credit risk and the Company’s credit 

exposure and reviewed mitigating actions 

•  Received updates on the asset portfolio; including global 

economics, assessment of macro economic impacts on the equity 
release market and investment updates 

•  Approved the Global Systemically Important Insurer Plans, 

including Recovery Plan and Liquidity Risk Management Plan 
•  Received the scenarios for group-wide stress testing to support 

the Group Recovery Plan 

•  Reviewed the 2019-2021 Group Plan  

Internal model  
•  Undertook a review of the internal model components, reviewed 

internal model validation reports and governance updates 

External factors  
•  Reviewed regular updates on the performance of the Group’s 

investment portfolios and on the external economic environment, 
and assessed the implications on the Group’s asset portfolio 
•  Monitored the risk for cyber security, the progress against cyber 

risks and reviewed the results of simulated security attacks 
against the Group 

•  Monitored the potential impact of Brexit, in particular the exit 

scenarios and regularly reviewed updates regarding the potential 
impact on our customers and capital and liquidity 

•  Reviewed the most significant emerging risk scenarios affecting 

the delivery of the Company’s strategy, including EU GDPR 

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Other information 

Directors’ and Corporate Governance report 

Continued 

Regulatory, governance and internal audit  
•  Received updates from the UK Business Units  
•  Reviewed the Group Own Risk and Solvency Assessment 

•  Approved the refresh of certain Group Business Standards 
•  Approved the annual objectives of the CRO 
•  Reviewed the effectiveness of the systems of internal control and 

Supervisory Report and approved its submission to the regulator 

risk management 

•  Received updates on the disaster recovery, IT security, 

outsourcing and cyber risk MCITs, and monitored and challenged 
progress by management 

•  Received quarterly reports from the Chief Audit Officer (CAO) on 
internal audit which included progress on improving the control 
environment, progress on MCITs, and the review of the Internal 
Audit function  

•  Recommended the 2019 Risk and Control Goal for approval by the 

Remuneration Committee 

•  Reviewed the adequacy and quality of the risk management 

function 

•  Assessed the performance of all Group Business Units against the 

2018 Group Risk and Control Goal

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Other information 

Committee member requirements  
The Committee annually reviews how its members meet the 
expertise criteria set out in the 2016 UK Corporate Governance Code 
(the 2016 Code) and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency 
Rules (DTRs). Following the review undertaken for 2018, a 
recommendation was made to the Board that I, as Committee 
Chair, continued to fulfil the Code requirement for recent and 
relevant financial experience and the DTR requirement for 
competence in accounting and auditing, as did Glyn Barker. Patricia 
Cross and Michael Hawker confirmed that they meet the Code 
requirement for recent and relevant financial experience. The 
Committee as a whole has competence relevant to both the 
insurance and financial services industry.  

Committee purpose 
The main purpose of the Committee is to assist the Board in 
discharging its responsibilities for monitoring the: 
•  integrity of the Company’s financial statements; 
•  adequacy and effectiveness of our systems of internal control 

including whistleblowing provisions; and, 

•  monitoring the effectiveness, performance and objectivity of our 

internal and external auditors.  

The Committee acts independently of management and works 
closely with the Governance, Remuneration and Risk Committees. 
There is cross-membership between these Committees to ensure 
a good understanding and efficient communication of the work 
of each. 

Directors’ and Corporate Governance report 

Continued 

Audit Committee 
report 

Committee focus during 2018 
I am pleased to present the Audit Committee’s report for the year 
ended 31 December 2018.  

2018 has been a year of continued political and business turbulence 
as uncertainty around Brexit continued to impact financial markets 
and business planning. Against this background, the Committee 
has continued to focus on the fundamentals of financial reporting, 
our system of internal controls and the performance of the internal 
and external auditors. The potential impact of a number of new 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), including the 
new insurance accounting standard (IFRS 17) on the Company’s 
financial operations and financial reporting has remained under 
close review by the Committee. 

The Committee continued to provide oversight on behalf of the 
Board of all the Major Control Improvement Topics (MCITs) on 
Cyber Security, Compliance Effectiveness, Data Governance, 
Disaster Recovery, Outsourcing and Fraud Management. The 
Committee has specific accountability for the Fraud Management 
MCIT. Four MCITs were closed during 2017 and are now monitored 
as part of our business as usual processes. The remaining Cyber 
Security and Disaster Recovery MCITs remain in operation and will 
continue to be overseen by the Risk Committee. The MCIT 
programme was designed to assist management in providing even 
greater focus on enhancing our control environment around the six 
thematic areas identified. 

Committee membership 
The members of the Committee are shown in the table below. 
Details of their experience, qualifications and attendance at 
Committee meetings, together with the number of Committee 
meetings held, during the year are shown in the Directors’ 
Biographies and Directors’ and Corporate Governance report. There 
were no changes of the composition of the Committee during 2018. 

Name 

Keith Williams1 

Glyn Barker 

Patricia Cross  
Michael Hawker2  

Member Since 

01/08/2016 

08/08/2012 

01/12/2013 

01/09/2011 

Years on the 
Committee 

2 

6 

5 

7 

1  Chair 
2  Michael Hawker will retire from the Committee with effect from 31 March 2019. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
58 

 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ and Corporate Governance report 

Continued 

Significant issues  
The significant issues that the Committee considered during the year are set out in the table below.  

Areas of focus 

Actions taken by the Committee 

IFRS and Solvency II 
(SII) key issues and 
judgements 

Longer Term  
Viability Statement 
(the Statement) 

New IFRS 

IFRS and SII Life technical 
provisions and reserves  

IFRS and SII GI reserving  
issues and judgements 

Challenged estimates and judgements for IFRS and SII reporting bases. IFRS judgements included goodwill and intangible 
asset impairment reviews, valuation for hard to value investments, reserving for insurance contracts and the additional 
liability arising in the UK defined benefit pension schemes for Guaranteed Minimum Pensions (GMPs), following the High 
Court judgement in October 2018. The Committee also reviewed the product governance provision in respect of historical 
advised sales by Friends Provident.  

Reviewed and challenged the principles underpinning the Statement for 2018, and concluded that the Company and its 
subsidiaries will be able to continue in operation and meet their liabilities as they become due over the period covered by the 
Statement. The Committee continues to consider it appropriate that the Statement covers a three year period. 

Prepared for the implementation of new IFRS, including IFRS 17, the new insurance accounting standard, IFRS 15, in respect of 
revenue from contracts, IFRS 9 on financial instruments, and IFRS 16 on leases. The Committee assessed the impact of each 
on the Group’s financial position, processes, systems and data. While the impact of adopting IFRS 17 has yet to be fully 
assessed it is expected that it will have a significant impact on the measurement and disclosure of insurance contracts. It is 
not yet possible to assess the effect of adopting IFRS 9 as the Group has elected to apply the deferral approach permitted by 
IFRS 4 (with the result that the Standard will be considered alongside IFRS 17). The adoption of IFRS 15 in 2018 and IFRS 16 in 
2019 does not have a significant impact on the Group. 

Challenged the assumptions used in the calculation of the Best Estimate Liability component of the technical provisions and 
the reserves required under SII. Reviewed and challenged the longevity, expense and credit default assumptions used for the 
2018 half and full year. The challenge around the setting of longevity assumptions was a particularly significant area for 
review. During 2018, a detailed analysis was conducted, and reviewed by the Committee, to validate changes observed in 
recent mortality experience and the resulting impact on our existing longevity assumptions. In particular, the Committee 
reviewed the rate of annuitant mortality improvement reflecting recent experience in the UK market. The Committee met with 
the Chair of the UK Life Audit Committee, which had conducted its own ‘deep dive’ on longevity assumptions, together with 
the UK Life Chief Financial Officer. Following assessment of the proposed assumption changes the Committee considered the 
associated release of margins and the timing of recognition of changes in longevity experience in the financial statements. 
During the year the Committee considered, reviewed and approved the adoption of the relevant industry tables for the Bulk 
Purchase Annuity business in the UK. The Committee also reviewed proposals for adoption of CMI 2017 model for mortality 
improvement including the selection of parameters within the CMI model. The Committee also reviewed the implementation 
of a new actuarial modelling system in the UK. During 2018, annuities and certain protection products were transferred onto 
the new model. In addition, the Committee continued to review the allowance for the possible adverse impact of the decision 
for the UK to leave the European Union. 

Reviewed and challenged the principal assumptions in the calculation of the GI reserves, in particular the continued 
appropriateness of maintaining the provision for bodily injury claims, which was first made in the 2016 financial statements. 
The Committee continued to monitor progress in the changes in Ogden rate, noting the passing of the Civil Liability bill, and 
the range of estimates for the change in the rate.  

Global Finance for The Future  The Committee reviewed and challenged management’s plans for the creation of a ‘Global Finance for the Future’ (GFF) 

Internal controls  

Preference shares 

model for the Group’s internal finance functions. The primary objective of GFF is to simplify and consolidate finance systems 
and operations to a single model and underlying IT systems, driving simplicity and lower cost.  

The Committee continued to challenge and drive the ongoing implementation of the Operational Risk and Control 
Management framework (ORCM) to ensure ORCM is adopted across the Group and to further support a risk aware culture.  

The Committee received and reviewed the disclosures relating to our ability to cancel our preference shares following a 
shareholder and court approved reduction of capital. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
59 

 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ and Corporate Governance report 

Continued 

External auditor  
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) was appointed as the Group’s 
External Auditor (Auditor) in 2012 following a formal tender process. 
In line with the Company’s policy for the external audit contract to 
be put out to tender at least every ten years, and in conformance 
with European rules on mandatory audit rotation, the Committee 
propose that a competitive tender process will next be completed 
no later than for the 2022 year end. While there is no requirement 
to rotate audit firms until the current auditor has served a maximum 
of 20 years, in determining the timing of a tender process the 
Committee is mindful that it is necessary to allow the selected 
auditor appropriate time to become independent should the 
Committee propose that an auditor other than PwC be selected to 
serve shareholders going forwards. For this reason, it is currently 
proposed that a tender process be completed in the 2020 financial 
year for the 2022 year end. The Committee will continue to monitor 
the effectiveness and independence of PwC, as well as considering 
whether this proposed timing remains appropriate in light of 
business developments.  

The external audit is currently led by the PwC audit partner, Marcus 
Hine who has held the role for four years. The role of audit partner 
will be rotated after completion of the 2018 year end reporting 
process. The incoming PwC audit partner for the year ending 
31 December 2019 has been agreed and a transition plan is in place.  

An annual review of the Auditor was undertaken through 
completion of a questionnaire by the Committee, senior 
management, and members of the Group’s finance community. 
The Committee concluded that PwC continued to perform 
effectively and is recommended to shareholders for reappointment 
at the 2019 AGM. 

The Company has complied with the Statutory Audit Services 
for Large Companies Market Investigation (Mandatory Use of 
Competitive Tender Processes and Audit Committee 
Responsibilities) Order 2014 for the year ended 31 December 2018. 

The Company has an External Auditor Business Standard 
(Standard) in place which is aimed at safeguarding and supporting 
the independence and objectivity of the Auditor. The Standard is 
compliant with all UK and International Federation of Accountants 
rules and takes into account the FRC’s Revised Ethical Standard 
2016 and the EU Audit Directive (2014/56/EU).  

Non-audit fees  
In 2018 the Group paid PwC £20.4 million (2017: £22.3 million) for 
audit and audit-related assurance services, a saving of £1.9 million 
following completion of the Friends Life Part VII transfer in 2017. 
In addition, PwC were paid £1.9 million (2017: £3.0 million) for 
other services, including £0.9 million (2017: £2.2 million) for other 
assurance services, giving a total fee to PwC of £22.3 million 
(2017: £25.3 million).  

In line with the Standard, our Committee satisfied itself that for all 
non-audit engagements, robust controls were in place through a 
quarterly review process for audit related and non-audit services 
provided, to ensure that PwC’s objectivity and independence was 
safeguarded, and concluded that it was in the interests of the 
Company to purchase these services from PwC due to their specific 
expertise. Further details are provided in note 13 of the financial 
statements.  

Internal control 
The Committee is responsible for supporting the Board in ensuring 
a robust system of internal control and risk management in the 
Group. The Committee receives regular reports on the status of the 
control environment, reports on our remaining Group MCIT, and 
updates on the management of operational risks and controls 
under ORCM. More information about our system of internal control 

and risk management can be found in the Directors’ and Corporate 
Governance report.  

The Committee also receives quarterly control reports from the 
Internal Audit function and reviews and challenges management on 
the actions being taken to improve the quality of the overall control 
environment and the risk control culture across the Group.  

The Committee reviews and approves the bi-annual Internal Audit 
Plan. It also conducts an annual review of the Internal Audit 
Function to assess its effectiveness and to satisfy itself that the 
quality, experience and expertise of the Internal Audit function is 
appropriate for the business. This is carried out by reviewing reports 
issued by Internal Audit and the output of an annual stakeholder 
effectiveness survey. This formal process is supplemented by 
regular private discussions with executive management, the 
Internal Auditor, and the External Auditor. In 2018, the Internal 
Audit function also undertook an external quality assurance review, 
and the Committee assessed the outcome of this review. The 
Committee concluded that for 2018 the function performed well 
and remained effective.  

For the financial year under review, the Company met the relevant 
provisions of the 2016 Code relating to internal controls, and the 
FRC’s 2014 ‘Guidance on Risk Management, Internal Control and 
Related Financial and Business Reporting’. 

The Committee is also supported in its work by the Audit 
Committees that operate in the Group’s regulated subsidiary 
entities. These subsidiary Audit Committees review the operation 
of internal controls, and actively challenge judgement made by 
management, strengthening the overall governance and control 
framework for the Group. The Committee Chair has engaged with 
subsidiary company entity chairs during the year on Group matters. 

Whistleblowing 
The Committee Chair is the whistleblowers’ champion for the Group 
and has responsibility to oversee the integrity, independence and 
effectiveness of the Group’s policies. The Committee as a whole is 
responsible for establishing and overseeing the effectiveness of 
controls put in place in accordance with regulatory requirements in 
respect of whistleblowing. The Board annually receives a formal 
report in respect of whistleblowing activity and compliance in line 
with our regulatory requirements.  

Committee effectiveness review 
The Committee undertakes a rigorous review of its effectiveness 
annually. More information can be found in the ‘Directors’ and 
Corporate Governance report’ in this report. 

2019 priorities 
In 2019, in addition to carrying out its principal function, the 
Committee will continue to monitor the implementation of the new 
IFRS, with particular focus on IFRS 17, regarding the accounting 
treatment of insurance contracts, ahead of its expected effective 
date of 1 January 2022. The Committee will also closely monitor the 
developments related to the impact of Brexit, changes in the 
Ogden rate and will continue to support the development of the 
ORCM framework. 

Keith Williams 
Chair of the Audit Committee 
6 March 2019 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
60 

 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ and Corporate Governance report 

Continued 

Committee activities during 2018 
Financial Statements and accounting policies  
•  Recommended to the Board for approval the 2018 half and full 

Internal audit  
•  Reviewed reports from the Chief Audit Officer (CAO) 
•  Reviewed and approved changes to our Internal Audit Charter and 

year results  

•  Approved the IFRS and SII technical provisions with the 2018 half 

and full year results 

•  Recommended to the Board for approval the SII Solvency and 

Financial Condition Report 

•  Reviewed and challenged the reserve positions relating to our 

UK Life and GI operations 

•  Reviewed and challenged the treatment and recoverability of 

goodwill and other intangible assets 

Business Standard 

•  Reviewed and approved our Internal Audit Plan  
•  Assessed the independence of the CAO 
•  Held private meetings with the CAO without management present  
•  Reviewed the objectives of the CAO 

Internal controls, including financial reporting control framework 
and financial reporting developments  
•  Received quarterly updates on the effectiveness of our FRCF 

•  Reviewed the Chief Financial Officer’s reports which included: 

framework and rectification of controls 

•  Reviewed management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our 

risk management and control environment 

•  Oversaw the MCIT programme  
•  Reviewed the Internal Audit function report to ensure adequacy of 

our systems of internal control and risk management 

•  Ensured an appropriate whistleblowing framework was in place 

IFRS and SII key issues and judgements; accounting 
developments with particular regard to the new IFRSs; and 
overview of internal control and risk management over financial 
reporting 

•  Reviewed and challenged the going concern assumptions for 

2018 and the principles underpinning our Longer Term Viability 
Statement 

•  Reviewed and prepared for changes in the Ogden rate 
•  Reviewed the Group Risk Actuary’s report on significant issues 

related to the technical provisions of SII and IFRS 

•  Assessed that the Annual Report was considered fair, balanced 

and understandable 

External audit, auditor engagement and policy  
•  Reviewed the effectiveness of the External Auditor and was 

satisfied that the services it provided remained effective, objective 
and fit for purpose 

•  Reviewed the External Auditor’s compliance with the 

independence criteria set out in the Code 

•  Monitored compliance with our External Auditor Business 

Standard on a quarterly basis 

•  Refreshed our External Auditor Business Standard to reflect new 

regulatory requirements 

•  Held private meetings with the External Auditor without 

management present to provide an appropriate forum for issues 
to be raised 

•  Approved auditor terms of engagement and remuneration  
•  Reviewed reports from the External Auditor with regard to: the 
2018 Audit Plan and progress against plan and reports on the 
audit of the 2018 half and full year results including key 
assumptions used and outcomes of the audit 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
61 

 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ and Corporate Governance report 

Continued 

Governance 
Committee report  

Data 
Ahead of the implementation date of the General Data 
Protection Regulation (GDPR) the Committee reviewed our data 
governance arrangements and monitored our implementation 
preparations.  

The Committee has also reviewed our broader approach to data 
privacy to assess how Aviva demonstrates that it uses customer 
information appropriately. 

Committee focus during 2018  
I am pleased to present the Governance Committee’s report for 
the year ended 31 December 2018.  

Conduct agenda 
In the past year the Committee has continued to pay close 
attention to Aviva’s conduct risk agenda.  

In addition to UK conduct risks, the Committee has also 
reviewed conduct and compliance risks across our markets. 
During the year, the Committee received a deep dive on conduct 
risk in our Singapore business from the Chief Risk Officer of Aviva 
Singapore and in our Polish business from the Chief Executive 
Officer of Aviva Poland.  

Governance  
The Committee focused on changes in the internal governance 
of the Group, particularly governance within our subsidiary 
businesses. A set of subsidiary governance principles were put in 
place in 2016 within the Group to provide a consistent 
governance framework. As part of a review and refresh of the 
principles, in 2018 a succession management framework was 
established for subsidiary entities to consider board succession 
planning, non-executive director tenure profiling and the skills 
and composition of the boards. The Committee has provided 
oversight of the succession framework and this has led to 
enhanced visibility of the subsidiary boards.  

The Committee also reviewed the outcomes of the board 
evaluations completed by subsidiaries across the Group, and 
monitors the action plans developed by subsidiary boards to 
reflect those outcomes.  

Compliance 
The Committee has monitored material compliance 
developments and changes in the regulatory landscape from 
a conduct risk perspective. The Committee also approves the 
annual Group Compliance Plan and reviews performance against 
this plan. The Committee continued to monitor the financial crime 
risks for the Group, and associated action plans and during the 
year particularly focused on further strengthening first line anti-
fraud controls. The Committee also monitored the Financial Crime 
Transformation Programme that built on the existing financial 
crime structures. 

During 2018, the Committee considered and monitored a range 
of matters which included our treatment of our customers, our 
corporate responsibility agenda, our governance operations, 
and stakeholder engagement. The customer conduct oversight 
for Aviva UK Digital (UKD) transitioned during the year from the 
Committee to the UKD Board following the establishment of a 
Conduct Committee, with Non-Executive Director membership, 
to monitor and review conduct and governance matters relating 
to the UKD business.  

Committee membership 
The members of the Committee are shown in the table below. 
Details of their experience, qualifications and attendance at 
Committee meetings during the year are shown within the 
Directors’ and Corporate Governance report. There were no 
changes to the composition of the Committee during 2018.  

Name 
Claudia Arney1 

Glyn Barker 

Michael Mire 

Belén Romana García 

Keith Williams 

1  Chair 

Member  
Since 

Years on  
the Committee 

01/06/2016 

10/05/2017 

12/09/2013 

26/06/2015 

01/08/2016 

2 

1 

5 

3 

2 

Committee purpose 
The main purpose of the Committee is to assist the Board in 
overseeing our customer and conduct obligations, our data 
governance, compliance with our corporate governance 
principles, our broader compliance activities and shaping the 
culture and ethical values of the Group and our approach to 
corporate responsibility.  

Customers 
During 2018, the Committee received regular updates from 
management on how we measure customer satisfaction and 
brand metrics. The regular review of a dashboard of customer 
data metrics helps us better understand our customers’ needs, 
the challenges they face and how we can address these.  

In addition to these enhancements, the Committee has 
conducted ‘deep dives’ into customer complaints when our 
products and services have not met our customers’ expectations 
for any reason, and monitored the resulting upskilling of our 
people and improvements in our IT systems as we support our 
customer contact colleagues.  

The Committee has also been updated on the culture action 
programme which aims to drive delivery of our customer first 
and operational simplicity goals. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
62 

 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ and Corporate Governance report 

Continued 

Corporate responsibility 
The Committee continued to monitor our approach to corporate 
responsibility and the corporate responsibility strategy to build 
pride and trust in our company. During the year, the Committee 
reviewed Aviva’s reporting on modern slavery and also received 
updates on the Aviva Foundation, which has been established to 
distribute the proceeds of our share forfeiture programme which 
became operational in 2018. At the end of 2018, £3 million had 
been raised for the Aviva Foundation. 

Aviva is committed to behaving as a responsible corporate 
citizen and the Committee sets the guidance, direction and 
policies for the Group’s corporate responsibility agenda. We 
supported the launch of the World Benchmarking Alliance with 
the aim of helping businesses to do more to achieve the UN 
Sustainable Development Goals. Further information on our 
integrated responsibility and sustainable business approach can 
be found on the Company’s website at: www.aviva.com/social-
purpose.  

Committee effectiveness review 
The Committee undertakes a review of its effectiveness annually. 
More information can be found in the Directors’ and Corporate 
Governance report.  

2019 priorities 
In 2019, the Committee will continue to review the customer 
agenda, concentrating on further improving the experience we 
provide to customers and reviewing customer conduct risk 
matters.  

We will also review the scope and potential outcomes from a 
governance review of our UK businesses and how this might be 
reflected in changes to our governance framework across the 
Aviva Group. 

The Committee will also monitor the wellbeing and engagement 
of our people through responses to the Voice of Aviva surveys 
and the embedding of our culture action programme. 

Claudia Arney 
Chair of the Governance Committee 
6 March 2019 

Committee activities during 2018 
Customer and risk  
•  Focused on the customer agenda and received regular 

updates and monitored progress on customer metrics relating 
to customer complaints and the conduct agenda, sales, 
retention and claims experience 

Corporate responsibility  
•  Continued to drive the corporate responsibility agenda and 

monitored compliance with the Group’s corporate 
responsibility strategy  

•  Reviewed the Group’s modern slavery statement, annual 

corporate responsibility reporting and the Group’s Financial 
Crime, Regulatory Business and Corporate Responsibility, 
Environment and Climate Change Business Standards 

•  Received updates on the Group’s health and safety 

performance 

Governance 
•  Considered regular updates from the Group Company 

Secretary on governance matters, legal and litigation risks 
which had the potential to impact the reputation of the Group 

•  Monitored the Group’s compliance with the UK Corporate 

Governance Code and other areas of regulation and guidance 

•  Reviewed and where appropriate approved changes to the 

composition of the material subsidiary boards  

•  Discussed the outcomes of the 2018 effectiveness review  
•  Considered succession planning for material subsidiaries 

around the Group 

People  
•  Reviewed the results of the Voice of Aviva surveys  
•  Reviewed and considered the talent development 

programmes for leadership across the Group, with particular 
focus on diversity  

•  Approved the Business Ethics Code 

Regulatory and financial crime  
•  Regularly reviewed updates from the Group Compliance 

Oversight Director 

•  Reviewed potential financial crime risks and any actions 

required in response 

•  Monitored data governance  
•  Monitored the Group’s relationship and interaction with 

regulatory bodies and actions taken in respect of regulatory 
developments 

•  Reviewed and challenged management’s explanations and 

actions in response to issues/events 

UK Digital (UKD)  
•  Reviewed the Chief Risk Officer’s report and Internal Audit 

Report on UKD 

•  During 2018 the UKD Board established a conduct committee 
and the Committee’s role and oversight of the conduct agenda 
for UKD was transitioned to the UKD Board  

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
63 

 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ and Corporate Governance report 

Continued 

Other statutory 
information 

The directors submit their annual report and accounts for Aviva plc, 
together with the consolidated financial statements of the Aviva 
group of companies, for the year ended 31 December 2018. 

The Directors’ report required under the Companies Act 2006 
comprises this Directors’ and Corporate Governance report, the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report and the following disclosures in 
the Strategic report: 
• Corporate responsibility – Disclosure of our greenhouse gas 

emissions 

• Our people – Inclusive diversity – details of our employment 

policies 

• Our people – Engaging with our people – details of employee 

engagement 

• Our strategy – Delivering on a clear plan of action 
• Important events since the financial year end 

Details of significant post balance sheet events that have occurred 
after 31 December 2018 are disclosed in note 65. 

The management report required under Disclosure and 
Transparency Rule 4.1.5R comprises the Strategic report (which 
includes the principal risks relating to our business) and details of 
material acquisitions and disposals made by the Group during the 
year which are included in notes 3 and 4. This Directors’ and 
Corporate Governance report fulfils the requirements of the 
corporate governance statement under Disclosure and 
Transparency Rule 7.2.1. 

Our policy on hedging 
The hedging policy is disclosed in note 60. 

Related party transactions 
Related party transactions are disclosed in note 62 which is 
incorporated into this report by reference. 

Dividends 
Dividends for ordinary shareholders of Aviva plc are as follows: 
• Paid interim dividend of 9.25 pence per ordinary share 

(2017: 8.4 pence) 

• Proposed final dividend of 20.75 pence per ordinary share 

(2017: 19.00 pence) 

• Total ordinary dividend of 30.00 pence per ordinary share 

(2017: 27.40 pence) 

• Total cost of ordinary dividends paid in 2018 was £1,128 million 

(2017: £983 million) 

Subject to shareholder approval at the 2019 AGM, the final dividend 
for 2018 will become due and payable on 30 May 2019 to all holders 
of ordinary shares on the Register of Members at the close of 
business on 12 April 2019 (payment date approximately four 
business days later for holders of the Company’s American 
Depositary Shares (ADS)). In compliance with the rules issued by the 
Prudential Regulation Authority in relation to the implementation of 
the Solvency II regime, the dividend is required to remain 
cancellable at any point prior to becoming due and payable and to 
be cancelled if, prior to payment, the Group ceases to hold capital 
resources equal to or in excess of its Solvency Capital Requirement, 

or if that would be the case if the dividend was paid. Details of any 
dividend waivers are disclosed in note 34. 

Dividend policy 
For the full year dividend for 2018 the Board of Directors has 
proposed a 9% increase to 30.0 pence per share. We are moving to 
a progressive dividend policy. Moderating the rate of dividend per 
share growth will enhance our flexibility to repay debt and invest in 
business improvement.  

Under UK company law, we may only pay dividends if the Company 
has ‘distributable profits’ available. ‘Distributable profits’ are 
accumulated, realised profits/(losses) not previously distributed or 
capitalised, less accumulated, unrealised losses not previously 
written off based on IFRS. Even if distributable profits are available, 
we pay dividends only if the amount of our net assets is not less 
than the aggregate of our called-up share capital and 
undistributable reserves and the payment of the dividend does not 
reduce the amount of our net assets to less than that aggregate.  

As a holding company, the Company is dependent upon dividends 
and interest from our subsidiaries to pay cash dividends. Many of 
the Company’s subsidiaries are subject to insurance regulations 
that restrict the amount of dividends that they can pay to us.  

Historically, the Company has declared an interim and a final 
dividend for each year (with the final dividend being paid in the year 
following the year to which it relates). Subject to the restrictions set 
out above, the payment of interim dividends on ordinary shares is 
made at the discretion of the Board, while payment of any final 
dividend requires the approval of the Company’s shareholders at a 
general meeting. Dividends on preference shares are made at the 
discretion of the Board. 

The Company pays cash dividends in pounds sterling and euros, 
although the articles of association permit payment of dividends on 
ordinary shares in any currency and in forms other than cash, such 
as ordinary shares.  

Interim dividends have previously been paid in November of each 
year. Following feedback from shareholders, to bring Aviva’s 
practice in line with its peers and to reduce the gap between the 
interim results announcement and dividend payment, from 2018 
interim dividends are paid in September, subject to declaration by 
the Board. A final dividend is typically proposed by the Company’s 
Board after the end of the relevant year and generally paid in May. 
The following table shows certain information regarding the 
dividends that we paid on ordinary shares. 

Year 

2013 

2014 

2015 

2016 

2017 

2018 

Interim 
dividend  
per share 
 (pence) 

Interim 
dividend  
per share  
(cents)1 

Final  
dividend  
per share 
(pence) 

5.60 

5.85 

6.75 

7.42 

8.40 

9.25 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

9.50 

10.25 

9.40 

12.25 

14.05 

15.88 

19.00 

xx.xx

Final  
dividend  
per share  
(cents)1 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

18.71 

21.77 

–  

1  Euro dividend rate per share 

Distributable reserves 
Under UK company law, dividends can only be paid if a company 
has distributable reserves sufficient to cover the dividend. At 31 
December 2018, Aviva plc itself had distributable reserves of greater 
than £4.1 billion. In UK Life, our largest operating subsidiary, 
distributable reserves, which could be paid to Aviva plc via its 
intermediate holding company, are based on the updated 
Companies Act 2006 (Distributions of Insurance Companies) 
Regulations 2016 which uses an adjusted Solvency II Own Funds 
measure in determining profits available for distribution. While the 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
64 

Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ and Corporate Governance report 

Continued 

UK insurance regulatory laws applicable to UK Life and our other UK 
subsidiaries impose no statutory restrictions on an insurer’s ability 
to declare a dividend, the rules require maintenance of each 
insurance company’s solvency margin, which might impact their 
ability to pay dividends to the parent company. Our other life, 
general insurance, and fund management subsidiaries’ ability to 
pay dividends and make loans to the parent company is similarly 
restricted by local corporate or insurance laws and regulations. In 
all jurisdictions, when paying dividends, the relevant subsidiary 
must take into account its capital position and must set the level of 
dividend to maintain sufficient capital to meet minimum solvency 
requirements and any additional target capital expected by local 
regulators. We do not believe that the legal and regulatory 
restrictions constitute a material limitation on the ability of our 
businesses to meet their obligations or to pay dividends to the 
parent company, Aviva plc. 

Acquisition of own shares 
A share re-purchase programme was one method by which we 
intended to return capital to shareholders. Our capital strength 
provided us with significant flexibility in terms of capital allocation, 
and as a result we outlined plans to commence a share buy-back of 
ordinary shares. The Board believed that a buy-back was a 
compelling use of Aviva’s excess capital.  

During 2018, the Company re-purchased 119,491,188 ordinary 
shares of 25 pence each for an average of £5.0213 per share and an 
aggregate amount of £600 million. The purchased shares represent 
2.54% of called-up share capital as at 31 December 2018. All shares 
purchased have been cancelled.  

Details of shares purchased, held or disposed by employee share 
plan trusts on behalf of the Company in 2018 are set out in note 34.  

Share class and listing 
All the Company’s shares in issue are fully paid up and the ordinary 
and preference shares have a Premium and Standard listing 
respectively on the London Stock Exchange.  

Details of the Company’s share capital and shares under option at 
31 December 2018 and shares issued during the year are given in 
notes 32 to 35. The calculation of earnings per share and the impact 
of the share buy-back on the number of shares in issue is included 
in note 15. 

Share capital 
During the year, 119,491,188 ordinary shares were cancelled 
following re-purchase by the Company as outlined above, and 
9,160,708 ordinary shares were allotted to satisfy amounts under 
the Group’s employee share and incentive plans. At 31 December 
2018 the: 
•  issued ordinary share capital totalled 3,902,352,211 shares of 

25 pence each (83% of total share capital) 

•  issued preference share capital totalled 200,000,000 shares of 

£1 each (17% of total share capital) 

Further details on the ordinary share capital of the Company are 
shown in note 32. 

Rights and obligations attaching to the Company’s ordinary shares 
and preference shares 
Rights and obligations attaching to the Company’s shares together 
with the powers of the Company’s directors are set out in the 
Company’s articles of association (the Articles), copies of which can 
be obtained from Companies House and the Company’s website at 
www.aviva.com/articles, or by writing to the Group Company 
Secretary. The powers of the Company’s directors are subject to 
relevant legislation and, in certain circumstances (including in 
relation to the issue or buying back by the Company of its shares), 

are subject to authority being given to the directors by shareholders 
at a general meeting. At the 2019 AGM, shareholders will be asked to 
renew the directors’ authority to allot new securities. Details are 
contained in the Notice of 2019 Annual General Meeting (Notice of 
AGM). 

Restrictions on transfer of securities 
With the exception of restrictions under the Company’s employee 
share incentive plans, while the shares are subject to the plan rules, 
there are no restrictions on the voting rights attaching to the 
Company’s ordinary shares or the transfer of securities in the 
Company. 

Where, under an employee share incentive plan operated by the 
Company, participants are the beneficial owners of shares but not 
the registered owners, the voting rights are normally exercised at 
the discretion of the participants. No person holds securities in the 
Company carrying special rights with regard to control of the 
Company. The Company is not aware of any agreements between 
holders of securities that may result in restrictions on the transfer of 
securities or voting rights. 

Significant agreements – change of control 
There are a number of agreements that take effect, alter or 
terminate upon a change of control of the Company following a 
takeover bid, such as commercial contracts and joint venture 
agreements. None are considered to be significant in terms of their 
potential impact on the business of the Group as a whole. All of the 
Company’s employee share incentive plans contain provisions 
relating to a change of control. Outstanding awards and options 
would normally vest and become exercisable on a change of 
control, subject to the satisfaction of any performance conditions 
and pro rata reduction as may be applicable under the rules of the 
employee share incentive plans. 

Authority to purchase own shares 
Details of shares purchased during 2018 are outlined above. At the 
2019 AGM, shareholders will be asked to renew these authorities 
for another year and the resolution will once again propose a 
maximum aggregate number of ordinary shares which the 
Company can purchase of less than 10% of the issued ordinary 
share capital. Details are contained in the Notice of AGM available at 
www.aviva.com/agm. The Company held no treasury shares during 
the year or up to the date of this report. 

Disclosure guidance and transparency rule 5 – major shareholders 
The table below shows the holdings of major shareholders in the 
Company’s issued ordinary share capital in accordance with the 
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules as at 31 December 
2018 and 6 March 2019. 

Shareholding interest 

Shareholder 
BlackRock, Inc1 

Notified holdings  Nature of holding  Notified holdings  Nature of holding 

Above 5% 

Indirect 

Above 5% 

Indirect 

At 31 December 2018 

At 6 March 2019 

1  Holding includes holdings of subsidiaries. 

Directors 
The directors as at the date of this report, together with their 
biographical details and details of Board appointments, 
resignations and retirements during the year are shown earlier 
in the report.  

The rules regarding the appointment and removal of directors are 
contained in the Company’s Articles. Under the Articles, the Board 
can appoint additional directors or appoint a director to fill a casual 
vacancy. The new director must retire at the first AGM following 
their appointment and can only continue as a director if they are 
elected by shareholders at the AGM. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
65 

 
 
Strategic report 

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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ and Corporate Governance report 

Continued 

At no time during the year did any director hold a material interest in 
any contract of significance with the Company or any of its subsidiary 
undertakings other than an indemnity provision between each 
director and the Company and employment contracts between each 
executive director and a Group company. The Company has 
purchased and maintained throughout the year directors’ and 
officers’ liability insurance in respect of itself, its directors and others. 

in the strategic report. The performance review includes the Risk 
and risk management section. In addition, the financial statements 
sections include notes on the Group’s borrowings (note 52); its 
contingent liabilities and other risk factors (note 55); its capital 
management (note 57); management of its risks including market, 
credit and liquidity risk (note 59); and derivative financial 
instruments (note 60).  

The Company has also executed deeds of indemnity for the benefit of 
each director of the Company, and each person who was a director of 
the Company during the year, in respect of liabilities that may attach 
to them in their capacity as directors of the Company or of associated 
companies. The Articles allow such indemnities to be granted. These 
indemnities were granted at different times according to the law in 
place at the time and where relevant are qualifying third-party 
indemnity provisions as defined by section 234 of the Companies Act 
2006. These indemnities were in force throughout the year and are 
currently in force. Details of directors’ remuneration, service contracts, 
employment contracts and interests in the shares of the Company are 
set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report. 

The Company has also granted indemnities by way of a deed poll to 
the directors of the Group’s subsidiary companies, including former 
directors who retired during the year and directors appointed 
during the year, which is a ‘qualifying third party indemnity’ for the 
purposes of the applicable sections 309A to 309C of the Companies 
Act 1985. The deed poll indemnity was in force throughout the year 
and remains in force. 

Financial instruments 
Group companies use financial instruments to manage certain 
types of risks, including those relating to credit, foreign currency 
exchange, cash flow, liquidity, interest rates, and equity and 
property prices. Details of the objectives and management of these 
instruments are contained in the risk and capital management 
section and in note 59 on risk management. 

Political donations 
Aviva did not make any political donations during 2018. 

Disclosure of information to the auditor 
In accordance with section 418 of the Companies Act 2006, the 
directors in office at the date of approval of this report confirm that, 
so far as they are each aware, there is no relevant audit information 
of which the Company’s External Auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers 
(PwC), is unaware and each director has taken all steps that ought 
to have been taken as a director in order to make themselves aware 
of any relevant audit information and to establish that PwC is aware 
of that information. 

Annual general meeting 
The 2019 AGM of the Company will be held on Thursday 23 May 
2019 at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre, Broad Sanctuary, 
Westminster, London SW1P 3EE at 11am. The Notice of AGM 
convening the meeting describes the business to be conducted 
thereat. Any proxy voting instruction, whether provided online, 
by post or via CREST, must be received by our Registrar, 
Computershare Investor Services PLC, by no later than 11am 
on Tuesday 21 May 2019. Further details can be found in the 
shareholder information section of the Notice of AGM. 

Articles of association 
Unless expressly stated to the contrary in the Articles, the Company’s 
Articles may only be amended by special resolution of the shareholders. 
The Company’s current Articles were adopted on 10 May 2018.  

Going concern 
The Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely to 
affect its future development, performance and position are set out 

The Group has considerable financial resources together with a 
diversified business model, with a spread of businesses and 
geographical reach. The directors believe the Group is well placed 
to manage its business risks successfully.  

After making enquiries, the directors have a reasonable expectation 
that the Company and the Group as a whole have adequate resources 
to continue in operational existence for a period of at least 12 months 
from the date of approval of the financial statements. For this reason, 
they continue to adopt, and to consider appropriate, the going 
concern basis in preparing the financial statements.  

Longer-term viability statement 
It is fundamental to the Group’s longer-term strategy that the 
directors manage and monitor risk, taking into account all key risks 
the Group faces, including longer-term insurance risks, so that it can 
continue to meet its obligations to policyholders. The Group is also 
subject to extensive regulation and supervision including Solvency II 
from 1 January 2016, as a result of being designated a Global 
Systemically Important Insurer by the Financial Stability Board. 

Against this background, the directors have assessed the prospects 
of the Group in accordance with provision C.2.2 of the 2016 Code, 
with reference to the Group’s current position and prospects, its 
strategy, risk appetite, and the potential impact of the principal 
risks and how these are managed (as detailed in the ‘Risk and risk 
management’ section of the Strategic report as well as note 59 of 
the IFRS financial statements). 

The assessment of the Group’s prospects by the directors covers the 
three years to 2021 and is underpinned by management’s 2019-
2021 business plan which includes projections of the Group’s 
capital, liquidity and solvency. 

The Group’s stress and scenario testing considers the Group’s 
capacity to respond to a series of relevant financial, insurance (e.g., 
catastrophe) or operational shocks should future circumstances or 
events differ from these current assumptions. The Group addresses 
the impacts of contingent management actions designed to maintain 
or restore key capital, liquidity and solvency metrics to within the 
Group’s approved risk appetites over the planning period. 

Based on this assessment, the directors have a reasonable expectation 
that the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its 
liabilities as they fall due over the three year assessment period. 

Fair, balanced and understandable 
To support the directors’ statement below that the annual report 
and accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and 
understandable, the Board considered the process followed to draft 
the annual report and accounts: 
• Each section of the annual report and accounts is prepared by a 
member of management with appropriate knowledge, seniority 
and experience. Each preparer receives guidance on the 
requirement for content included in the annual report and 
accounts to be fair, balanced and understandable 

• The overall co-ordination of the production of the Annual report 

and accounts is overseen by the Chief Accounting Officer to 
ensure consistency across the document 

• An extensive verification process is undertaken to ensure factual 

accuracy 

• Comprehensive reviews of drafts of the annual report and 

accounts are undertaken by members of the Group Executive and 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
66 

Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ and Corporate Governance report 

Continued 

other members of senior management and, in relation to certain 
parts of the report external legal advisers and the External Auditor 

• An advanced draft is considered and reviewed by the Disclosure 

Committee 

Listing requirements 
For the purposes of Listing Rule (LR) 9.8.4C R, the information 
required to be disclosed by LR 9.8.4 R can be found in the following 
locations: 

• The final draft is reviewed by the Audit Committee prior to 

consideration by the Board 

• Board members receive drafts of the Annual report and accounts 

for their review and input. This includes the opportunity to discuss 
the drafts with both management and the External Auditor, 
challenging the disclosures where appropriate. 

Section in  
LR 9.8.4C R 

12 

13 

Topic 
Shareholder waivers of dividends 

Location in the Annual report and 
accounts 
IFRS Financial 
Statements – note 34 

Shareholder waivers of future dividends IFRS Financial 

Statements – note 34 

By order of the Board on 6 March 2019. 

Tom Stoddard 
Chief Financial Officer  

Directors’ responsibilities 
The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual report and 
accounts, the directors’ remuneration report and the financial 
statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. 

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements 
for each financial year. Under that law the directors have prepared 
the Group and parent company financial statements in accordance 
with IFRS as adopted by the EU. 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 Company and of the profit or loss for that period. In preparing 
these financial statements, the directors are required to: 
• select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently
• make reasonable and prudent judgements and accounting 

estimates 

• state whether applicable IFRSs as adopted by the EU have been 

followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and 
explained in the financial statements 

• prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis 
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company and 
Group will continue in business. 

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the Company and Group and enable them to 
ensure that the financial statements and the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report comply with the Companies Act 2006 and, as 
regards the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS 
Regulation. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of 
the Company and Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for 
the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

The directors are responsible for making, and continuing to make, 
the Company’s Annual report and accounts available on the 
Company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing 
the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may 
differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. 

The directors consider that the Annual report and accounts, taken 
as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the 
information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s and 
the Company’s position and performance, business model and 
strategy. 

Each of the current Directors, whose names and functions are 
detailed in the ‘Our Board of Directors’ section in the Directors’ and 
Corporate Governance report confirm that, to the best of their 
knowledge: the Group financial statements, which have been 
prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU, give a true 
and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of 
the Group; and the Strategic report and the Directors’ and 
Corporate Governance report in this Annual report include a fair 
review of the development and performance of the business and 
the position of the Group, together with a description of the 
principal risks and uncertainties that it faces. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
67 

Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Remuneration 
Committee report 

On behalf of the Remuneration Committee (Committee), I am 
pleased to present the Directors’ Remuneration Report (DRR), for 
the year ended 31 December 2018. 

Company performance during 2018 
2018 has been a year of steady performance overall for Aviva. The 
Group’s businesses have delivered broad-based growth, with six out 
of our eight major markets increasing Group adjusted operating 
profit1 in 2018, while continuing to invest in improving the 
fundamentals of the business and maintaining a prudent approach 
to pricing and risk management. 

Aviva’s progress in recent years has positioned the Group well, 
putting in place strong financial foundations from which to grow. 
Solvency II capital surplus remained strong, with an increase in the 
Group’s cover ratio during 2018, despite weaker investment markets 
and the deployment of £1.5 billion to repay debt and repurchase 
shares. Profitability has also continued to grow, with Group 
adjusted operating profit1 before tax rising 2%, while operating 
Earnings Per Share (EPS)2 increased 7%. Aviva’s continued financial 
strength and satisfactory performance has contributed to the Board 
proposing a 9% increase in the full-year dividend.  

Externally, the Committee recognises that challenges remain. 
Uncertainty in the political and economic backdrop persists, while 
the regulatory environment also continues to evolve. Coupled with 
competitive insurance and savings markets, this has provided a 
challenging macro-environment for the Group. 

There were certain challenges of our making during the year, 
including our announcement in March 2018 that we were 
“evaluating alternatives” for the Aviva plc and General Accident plc 
preference shares. While we responded quickly to certain investor 
concerns by confirming we would take no action, and put in place a 
goodwill payments scheme for eligible preference shareholders 
who incurred losses from selling these securities during this period, 
it was a disappointing episode and lessons have been learned. 

In addition, there were operational challenges in the UK savings 
business, with UK platform migration issues adversely affecting 
service standards for customers, although our team worked quickly 
to resolve these challenges.  

The Committee has carefully taken Group, business unit and the 
individual performance of the Executive Directors (ED) into account 
in reaching their decisions on remuneration for 2018. At all times we 
have sought to ensure that executive pay is aligned with Aviva’s 
overall performance during the year. 

Remuneration decisions for 2018 
2018 Annual Bonus 
In considering outcomes under the annual bonus scorecard, the 
Committee has reflected on the financial and strategic performance 
of the Group during 2018, including: 

•  Operating EPS2, operating capital generation2 and cash 

remittances2 performance were strong, with out-turns on all three 
showing healthy year-on-year improvement.  

•  The Group continued its digital transformation in 2018. Growth of 
47% in MyAviva active customers resulted in performance between 
threshold and target. The number of customers with Multiple 
Product Holdings (MPH) also grew, although performance was 
below threshold on this element, falling short of the stretching 
targets set by the Committee at the start of the year.  

As a result of this performance, the formulaic outcome against the 
2018 bonus scorecard prior to downward adjustments was 137.8% 
(out of a maximum of 200%). 

Separately, however, the Committee was mindful that when the 
government announced its decision in February 2017 to reduce the 
Ogden rate3, the degree of uncertainty around where the rate would 
finally land meant that we delayed the impact on remuneration 
outcomes. On 20 March 2018 the Government announced it will 
introduce the Civil Liability Bill (Bill) which includes provisions to 
amend the Ogden discount rate. In December 2018, the Bill became 
an Act of Parliament, meaning that the new rate will be set by the 
Lord Chancellor in 2019. While there is certainty that there will be a 
change in the Ogden rate in 2019, uncertainty remains around the 
amount and timing of the final rate. In the Group accounts the 
claims reserves have been calculated using a discount rate of 0.0%, 
though the rate to be announced by the Lord Chancellor later this 
year may result in a different discount rate. The Committee is 
satisfied that it is appropriate now to reflect this change in the 
annual bonus pools for 2018. 

Accordingly, the assumed discount rate of 0.0% in 2018 has reduced 
the outcome under the operating EPS2 measure, resulting in a 
reduction in the bonus scorecard outcome of 31.3% (to 106.5%). 
Adjustments may be considered in future years should the final 
Ogden rate be different from 0.0%.  

Under our remuneration framework, the annual bonus scorecard 
outcome is also subject to (i) a quality of earnings review, (ii) 
performance against non-financial modifiers focused on employee 
engagement, customer outcomes, and risk and controls, and (iii) 
individual performance. The Committee was satisfied that the quality 
of earnings assessment was appropriately robust, but determined 
that a 5% downward adjustment should be applied to the scorecard 
outcome (to 101.5%) under the Risk & Control modifier.  

In its assessment of the individual performance of the EDs during 
the year, while the Committee recognised that strong performance 
was delivered in a number of areas with notable financial, strategic 
and other achievements across their scorecards, the Group 
experienced several events during 2018 which had an impact on our 
customers, our shareholders, and our broader stakeholder 
community. Firstly, we recognise the negative impact that our 
March 2018 announcement on preference shares had on the Group. 
Secondly, our UK savings business encountered disruption during 
the migration of our independent financial advisor platform to a 
new supplier, which adversely affected our service standards. 
Thirdly, the Committee is conscious that our oversight in some 
areas of the Canadian business fell below our high standards and 
contributed to the issues in financial performance experienced. 

Taking these issues into account, the Committee applied a 
downward adjustment under the individual assessment of 17.5% of 
the scorecard outcome for all EDs. 

1  Group adjusted operating profit is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which is used by the Group to supplement the required disclosures under IFRS. Please refer to note B in the ‘Accounting Policies’ section and 

‘Other Information’ within the Annual report and accounts for further information. 

2  This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which provides useful information to enhance the understanding of financial performance. Further information on APMs, including a reconciliation to the financial statements 

(where possible), can be found in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts. 

3  The Ogden discount rate is set by the Lord Chancellor and is applied when calculating the present value of future care costs and loss of earnings for claims settlement purposes. In December 2018, the Civil Liability Bill became 
an Act of Parliament, and it includes a change in the way the Ogden discount rate is set. Although the rate remains uncertain, it is anticipated that the Government will set a discount rate which is higher than the current -0.75% 
rate. Aviva has adopted a rate of 0.0% within the full year 2018 reserves. For remuneration purposes, the net impact of the 2016 and 2018 rate changes are incorporated. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
68 

 
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Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Continued 

As a result, annual bonuses for the EDs were 84% of salary.  

As a final check, the Committee reviewed whether the proposed 
annual bonuses aligned with the wider circumstances and 
performance context of the Group during 2018. The Committee 
were satisfied that no further adjustments were required, noting 
that there has been a 43% reduction in the overall annual bonus 
amount paid to the EDs (when measured on a like-for-like basis to 
reflect part-year service). The actions taken by the Committee to 
address the events of 2018 provide us with a strong platform for 
Maurice to take the Group forward in 2019.  

Mark received an annual bonus in respect of 2018, pro-rated to 
reflect the period prior to being placed on garden leave, for six 
months, from 9 October 2018. His annual bonus was calculated in 
the same manner as for the continuing EDs, as outlined above. Mark 
is not eligible to receive an annual bonus in relation to 2019. 

Upon appointment as Executive Chairman following the departure 
of Mark, Sir Adrian Montague assumed executive responsibilities. No 
changes were made to his existing remuneration arrangements or 
conditions during this period, and as such he was not eligible for an 
annual bonus or LTIP award in respect of 2018 or 2019.  

2016-18 Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) 
As a result of our three-year performance over the 2016-18 period, 
the 2016 LTIP vested at 50% of maximum. This reflected strong 
performance against the adjusted Return on Equity (RoE)1 
performance condition, while the relative Total Shareholder Return 
(TSR) condition lapsed. The outcome also reflects the impact of an 
assumed Ogden rate of 0.0%, although this made no difference to 
the final level of vesting. 

Appointment of new Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 
As announced on 4 March 2019, the Board appointed Maurice 
Tulloch as our new Group CEO with immediate effect. The 
Committee gave careful consideration to the remuneration package 
for Maurice, in doing so taking into account the terms of our 
Remuneration Policy (Policy), Maurice’s current remuneration 
arrangements, shareholder expectations, and the provisions of the 
2018 UK Corporate Governance Code (2018 Code). 

Maurice’s remuneration consists of: 
•  A salary of £975,000 per annum 
•  Our standard benefits package for EDs, including private family 

medical insurance, life insurance, and reasonable travel benefits 

•  Pension contributions of 14% of salary 
•  An annual bonus opportunity of 200% of salary, with one-third of 
any bonus earned paid in cash after the year end, and two-thirds 
deferred into shares which will vest in equal annual tranches over 
three years  

•  For 2019, Maurice will be eligible for the grant of an award under 

the LTIP of 300% of basic salary  

•  Assistance with relocation from Canada to the UK, of an amount 
up to £250,000 exclusive of tax, payable against receipted costs 
incurred within a period of 24 months from the date of 
appointment 

•  Maurice is also subject to the Group CEO shareholding 

requirement of 300% of salary 

In approving these remuneration terms, the Committee has been 
mindful of the views of shareholders. Maurice’s salary is below that 
for Mark prior to his departure, reflecting that Maurice is new to the 
role. We have also reduced Maurice’s pension provision to align 
with the majority of our UK workforce, and he will not be eligible for 
a car allowance. Finally, Maurice’s 2019 LTIP opportunity of 300% is 
lower than that permitted under our Policy, but in line with awards 
made in recent years.  

Departure of Mark Wilson 
On 9 October 2018, Mark stepped down as the Group CEO. The 
Committee carefully considered the treatment to be applied to 
Mark’s remuneration arrangements as a result of his departure. 

As announced on 9 October 2018, the Committee, in its discretion, 
determined that all of Mark’s outstanding LTIP awards should lapse 
as at the date of departure. Mark retained his deferred bonus shares 
under the Annual Bonus Plan (ABP) as the Committee’s view was 
that these had been earned based on previous performance under 
the ABP. All awards remain subject to malus and clawback. 

Revised Corporate Governance Code 
In July 2018, the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) published the 
2018 Code. The Committee welcomes the 2018 Code and is pleased 
that in several areas our practice is already aligned with the new 
provisions. For example, approval of the remuneration for the 
Group Executive (GE) already falls within our remit; our Policy 
provides unfettered ability to apply discretion to incentive 
outcomes and; our malus and clawback provisions are aligned with 
those suggested under the 2018 Code. 

Nevertheless, during the latter half of 2018, we discussed at length 
how the remaining provisions of the 2018 Code could be 
implemented in the most effective manner for the Company and all 
our stakeholders. To this end, we have made several changes and 
will continue to work towards identifying areas where our processes 
could be improved during 2019, as set out below: 
•  Post-cessation shareholding guidelines: the Committee 

recognises the importance of ensuring that our EDs are aligned 
with long-term shareholder interests. Our existing shareholding 
guidelines, which apply during employment, require EDs to build 
up and maintain an appropriate level of shareholding in Aviva. 
To complement these the Committee have reviewed a proposed 
policy for post employment shareholdings. This will be 
implemented during 2019 and align to developing market 
practice. The current expectation is that EDs will be required to 
hold shares for a further two years following their departure from 
the Group and this will also apply to the GE. We have set the post-
cessation guideline at the same level as the current (within 
employment) guideline. 

•  Wider workforce pay and conditions: the Committee currently 
receives information from various sources in this area, but during 
2019 we will work towards ensuring that we have access to a 
broader and more detailed suite of data regarding remuneration-
related policies throughout the wider workforce, ensuring that 
this is appropriately taken into account when considering 
incentive outcomes for EDs. This is in addition to the various 
workforce engagement mechanics currently in operation. 

•  Pensions: as outlined above the Committee took into account 

the new guidance around pension provision in setting 
arrangements for Maurice upon appointment in March 2019, 
aligning his provisions with that for the majority of our UK 
workforce. We will continue to keep the position under review for 
our other EDs during 2019 and beyond. 

CEO Pay Ratio 
In addition to the changes introduced by the 2018 Code, last year 
also saw the introduction of the Companies (Miscellaneous 
Reporting) Regulations 2018, requiring UK companies to publish 
information on the pay ratio of the Group CEO to UK employees 
from 2019. We have chosen to voluntarily disclose this information 
for 2018 and further details can be found on page 81. 

Gender Pay Gap Report (GPGR) 
Last year we outlined our commitment to increasing the focus on 
our diversity agenda at Aviva and our ambition of achieving 

1  Adjusted RoE relate to the 2016 LTIP award only and represent RoE calculated as IFRS profit after tax and non-controlling interest but excluding investment variances, economic assumption changes, pension scheme income/ 

charge over average IFRS equity (excluding pension scheme net surplus/ deficit). 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
69 

 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Continued 

inclusivity across the Group. This continues to be central to our 
values and critical to the success of our business. We welcomed the 
introduction of gender pay gap reporting last year and released our 
second GPGR in January 2019, along with details of actions we are 
taking to drive change and close the gender pay gap. The report can 
be found at www.aviva.com/gpgr. 

Annual General Meeting (AGM). Nevertheless, we will take on board 
the view of the new Group CEO on our current remuneration 
framework and whether it supports Maurice’s vision for the next 
stage of Aviva’s development. If, as a result of this, there is appetite 
to make any changes a year early in 2020 we would of course 
consult with shareholders on any proposals ahead of this.  

I look forward to seeing shareholders at the 2019 AGM. 

Patricia Cross 
Chair of the Remuneration Committee 
6 March 2019

Remuneration in 2019 
Salary 
Aside from Maurice, the other EDs received salary increases of 2% 
for 2019, consistent with other Aviva employees in the UK. 

Bonus 
Customer and financial outcomes continue to be the focus for the 
Company as critical drivers of our short and longer term success. 
Consequently, 70% of the bonus will continue to be based on 
financial performance, although we have changed the balance of 
the relative weightings, increasing the emphasis on cash 
remittances1. 

30% will remain subject to customer-focused measures. For 2019, 
we have revised these measures to align them with our current 
areas of focus as follows: 
•  Growth in MPH is retained as 10% of the overall annual bonus, as 
it is a key measure of our most valuable customers. Our research 
demonstrates that customers with more than one product tend to 
stay with us for longer. 

•  Relationship Net Promoter Score (RNPS) is introduced as the 

second measure in place of MyAviva active customers, accounting 
for 20% of the bonus. RNPS is an important measure of the quality 
of our interactions with customers, reflecting the extent to which 
our customers are willing to be an advocate for the Group and our 
brand. Performance will be measured in each of our key markets. 
The higher weighting of RNPS is to ensure that the primary driver 
for understanding progress in customer outcomes is derived from 
the views of our customers. 

RNPS has been replaced within the Customer non-financial 
modifier with a measure of brand trust. The employee engagement 
and risk and control modifiers remain unchanged.  

The Committee considers that these changes are important to 
ensure that remuneration is aligned with and supports our strategic 
focus on driving continuous improvement in our customer 
performance. 

2019 LTIP 
Award levels under the LTIP for EDs in 2019 will be in line with those 
in previous years. The Committee considers that the current 
performance measures remain fit for purpose and no changes are 
proposed for this year. As detailed in last year’s report, as we move 
forward the Committee continues to keep under review the 
potential to base a portion of the LTIP award on strategic measures, 
with a view to supporting our focus in this area. Any change would 
only be made following appropriate consultation with our 
shareholders. 

2019 focus areas 
2019 promises to be another busy year for the Committee. We 
continue to place a strong emphasis on ensuring that remuneration 
at Aviva aligns with the overall performance of the Group and the 
experience of our shareholders. In addition, we will continue to 
develop our implementation of the 2018 Code, with a view to 
ensuring that any changes we make are fully aligned with the spirit 
of the Code’s provisions and are appropriate for Aviva.  

In terms of the broader remuneration framework, the current 
intention is to continue with our current Policy until the 2021 

1  This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which provides useful information to enhance the understanding of financial performance. Further information on APMs, including a reconciliation to the financial statements 

(where possible), can be found in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
70 

 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Continued 

Annual report on 
remuneration  

This section of the report sets out how Aviva has implemented its 
Policy for EDs during the course of 2018. This is in accordance with 
the requirements of the Large & Medium Sized Companies and 
Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 (as amended).  

The full terms of reference for the Committee can be found on the 
Company’s website at www.aviva.com/remuneration-committee 
and are also available from the Group General Counsel and 
Company Secretary. 

Committee membership 
The members of the Committee are shown below. There have been 
no changes during 2018. 

Patricia Cross1 

Michael Mire 

Claudia Arney 

Glyn Barker 

1  Chair from 19 February 2014. 

Member Since 

01/12/2013 

14/05/2015 

01/06/2016 

10/05/2017 

Years on the 
Committee 

5 

3 

2 

1 

The Committee met seven times during 2018, of which four were 
scheduled meetings and three were additional meetings outside of 
the normal timetable. Details of attendance at Committee meetings 
are shown on page 48. 

The Group Chairman attended all meetings of the Committee. The 
Group General Counsel and Company Secretary acted as secretary 
to the Committee. The Chair of the Committee reported to 
subsequent meetings of the Board on the Committee’s work and 
the Board received a copy of the agenda and the minutes of each 
meeting of the Committee. 

During the year, the Committee received assistance in considering 
executive remuneration from a number of senior managers, who 
attended certain meetings (or parts thereof) by invitation during the 
year, including: 
•  the former Group CEO; 
•  the Chief Financial Officer (CFO); 
•  the Chief People Officer; 
•  the Group Reward Director; 
•  the Chief Accounting Officer; 
•  the Chief Audit Officer; 
•  the Group Chief Risk Officer; and  
•  the Remuneration Committee Chair of Aviva Investors 

No person was present during any discussion relating to their own 
remuneration. 

During the year, the Committee received advice on executive 
remuneration matters from Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP were 
approved as advisors to the Committee in 2012 following a 
competitive tender process. The Committee regularly reviews and 
satisfies itself that the advice received from Deloitte LLP is 
independent and objective. The Committee notes they are a 
member of the Remuneration Consultants Group and adhere to its 
Code of Conduct. During the year, Deloitte LLP also provided advice 
to the Group on taxation, financial due diligence, risk, compliance 
and other consulting advisory services (including technology 

transformation and cyber). Tapestry Compliance LLP, appointed by 
the Company, provided advice on share incentive plan related 
matters, including on senior executive remuneration matters and 
views on shareholder perspectives. 

During the year, Deloitte LLP were paid fees totalling £141,600 and 
Tapestry Compliance LLP were paid fees totalling £60,630 for their 
advice to the Committee on these matters. Fees were charged on a 
time plus expenses basis. 

The Committee reflects on the quality of the advice provided and 
whether it properly addresses the issues under consideration as 
part of its normal deliberations. The Committee is satisfied that the 
advice received during the year was objective and independent. 

The Committee’s decisions are taken in the context of the Reward 
Governance Framework, which sets out the key policies, guidelines 
and internal controls and is summarised on the next page. 

Committee performance and effectiveness 
During 2018, the Committee undertook an external evaluation of 
its effectiveness, alongside the exercise undertaken by the Board. 
Further details on how this has been carried out and the actions arising 
are contained in the Directors and Corporate Governance report.  

Committee activities during 2018 
Governance, regulatory issues and reporting policy 
•  Formulated and delivered a proposed new Policy, approved by 

shareholders at the 2018 AGM 

•  Focused on the alignment of the Policy with an appropriate risk 

culture and to appropriate sustainability metrics 

•  Engaged external advisors to advise on changes in the regulatory 
environment including the 2018 Code, and to benchmark the 
Company’s remuneration policies and practices against industry 
best practice 

•  Approved our approach to the new requirements for CEO pay ratio 
reporting introduced by the Companies (Miscellaneous Reporting) 
Regulations 2018, and to other changes to reporting in remuneration 
•  Regularly reviewed the results of engagements with key investors, 

including discussions on the relationship between senior 
management remuneration policies and the Group’s strategic 
objectives 

•  Reviewed and approved the Remuneration Governance 

Framework Policies 

•  Approved our 2018 GPGR and considered steps we could take to 

seek to decrease the gap 

•  Considered and agreed the remuneration package for the 

departing Group CEO and associated regulatory disclosures 

Senior management objectives, bonus target setting and pay decisions 
•  Using external advisors, reviewed and benchmarked the EDs’ 

remuneration in relation to their performance in 2018 and against 
both a FTSE 50 and a financial services peer group 

•  Reviewed and approved the individual remuneration for each 
member of the GE for 2018 in relation to their performance 
against personal targets 

•  Approved the Aviva Investors 2018 Bonus Deferral Plan and the 

identification of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) 
Remuneration Code Staff/Material Risk Takers 

•  Reviewed the Risk and Internal Audit 2018 Performance Opinion 

in relation to remuneration 

•  Discussed and approved the overall maximum bonus pool available to 
senior managers for the 2018 performance year, taking into account 
metrics on culture and risk as well as on financial performance 

•  Discussed and approved the ABP targets for 2018 in relation to the 
financial targets set in the 2018-2020 Group plan. Reviewed the 
strategic ambition targets set for 2018 in relation to the 
Company’s Digital First strategy including the number of active 
digital registrations and the volume of sales made 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
71 

 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Continued 

Share plan operation and performance testing 
•  Reviewed performance testing of all existing LTIP awards, and 

approved targets for the 2018 LTIP awards 

•  Approved vesting of the 2015 LTIP and noted the interim testing 

for the 2016, 2017 and 2018 awards 

•  Reviewed the proposed changes to future LTIP grants 
•  Approved the terms of the Aviva Savings Related Share Option 
Scheme 2018 (SAYE) and the Aviva Ireland Save as You Earn 
Scheme, the Ireland Profit Share Scheme, and the invitation terms 
for eligible employees 

•  Reviewed and approved the Aviva Investors Carried Interest Plan, 

Deferred Plan rules and Code Staff list 

•  Reviewed and approved any application of malus/clawback 

provisions under incentive plans 

Reward governance framework 

Terms of reference, policies and guidelines 

Control and assurance 

Terms of Reference 

be delegated but which still retain Committee oversight 

Sets out the Committee’s scope and responsibilities, including authorities which may 

Remuneration Committee terms of reference 

Overarching Policy 

Subsidiary Board Remuneration Committee terms of reference 

Sets out the Subsidiary Remuneration Committee’s scope and responsibilities 

Global Remuneration Policy 

Approved by the Remuneration 

Committee, applies to all employees in 
entities within Aviva Group 

Directors’ Remuneration Policy 

Approved by the shareholders, 
applies to the Directors of Aviva plc 

Supporting Policies 

Identification of 
Remuneration 
Regulated Staff 

Variable Pay and Risk 
Adjustment 

(includes bonus, LTIP, buy-out, 
retention, recognition awards and 
funding) 

Malus and clawback 

Internal Guidelines 
and non-
Remuneration 
Committee 
approved policies 
(examples) 

New Hires & Buyouts 

Terminations 

Risk Adjustment 

Retention plans 

Recognition Awards 

Global Mobility 

Remuneration 
Business 
Standard 

Reward 
Approvals 
Matrix 

Assurance 
framework to 
attest Reward 
operations are 
conducted 
within the 
Global 
Remuneration 
Policy, Directors’ 
Remuneration 
Policy and 
supporting 
policies 

Approval 
requirements 
to ensure 
Reward 
operations are 
conducted 
within the 
Global 
Remuneration 
Policy, 
Directors’ 
Remuneration 
Policy and 
supporting 
policies 

Key 

Element of the Reward Governance Framework managed 
as part of the business of the Committee 

Element of the Reward Governance Framework managed 
mainly under delegated authority from the Committee 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
72 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Continued 

Single total figures of remuneration for 2018 
The table below sets out the total remuneration for 2018 and 2017 for each of our EDs. Sir Adrian Montague remained on his Non-Executive 
Chairman remuneration arrangements while acting as Executive Chairman for the period 9 October 2018 to 31 December 2018. Given that 
he was not performing the role of Group CEO and did not receive a typical CEO remuneration package, he is not shown in this table, and is 
instead shown in table 9. 

1  Total 2018 remuneration – Executive Directors (audited information) 

Basic Salary1 
Benefits2 
Annual Bonus3 
LTIP4 
Pension5 
Total 

Former Executive Director 
Mark Wilson6 

2018 
£000 

816 
99 
692 
–  
229 

1,836 

2017 
£000 

1,028 
107 
1,945 
950 
288 

4,318 

Tom Stoddard 

Andy Briggs 

Maurice Tulloch7 

2018 
£000 

728 
85 
616 
650 
204 

2017 
£000 

708 
86 
997 
491 
198 

2018 
£000 

746 
44 
632 
666 
209 

2,283 

2,480 

2,297 

2017 
£000 

726 
53 
1,022 
503 
203 

2,507 

2018 
£000 

706 
51 
598 
642 
198 

2017 
£000 

373 
39 
456 
69 
104 

2,195 

1,041 

Total emoluments of 
Executive Directors8 

2018 
£000 

2,996 
279 
2,538 
1,958 
840 

8,611 

2017 
£000 

2,835 
285 
4,420 
2,013 
793 

10,346 

1  Basic salary received during 2018. 
2  The benefits disclosure includes the cost, where relevant, of private medical insurance, life insurance, accommodation, travel and car benefits. In the case of Mark and Andy this also includes benefits resulting from the UK 
HMRC tax-advantaged SAYE plan, and for Andy the UK HMRC tax-advantaged share incentive plan, the All Employee Share Ownership Plan (AESOP), in which they participate on the same basis as all eligible employees. All 
numbers disclosed include the tax charged on the benefits, where applicable.  

3  Bonus payable in respect of the financial year including any deferred element at the face value at the date of award. The deferred element is made under the ABP. 
4  The value of the LTIP for 2018 relates to the 2016 award, which had a three-year performance period ending 31 December 2018. 50% of the award will vest in March 2019. An assumed share price of 415.20 pence has been used 
to determine the value of the award based on the average share price over the final quarter of the 2018 financial year. In a similar manner, the LTIP amounts shown in last year’s report in respect of the LTIPs awarded in 2015 
were calculated with an assumed share price of 502.19 pence. The actual share price at vesting was 493.78 pence, and the table has been updated to reflect this change. The estimated value of the awards for the EDs was 
£2,046,000; the actual value was £2,013,000 (decrease of £33,000). Additional information on these awards can be found in Table 18.  

5  Pension contributions consist of employer defined contribution benefits, excluding salary exchange contributions made by the employees, plus cash payments in lieu of pension. EDs are eligible to participate in a defined 

contribution plan and receive pension contributions and/or a cash pension allowance from the Company in aggregate totaling 28% of basic salary (14% of salary for Maurice following appointment as Group CEO). No ED has 
prospective entitlement to benefit in a defined benefit scheme. 

6  Mark stepped down as Group CEO and left the Board on 9 October 2018; values for 2018 relate to the period whilst he was an ED. Details of Mark’s leaving arrangements are set out on page 79. 
7  For Maurice, his 2017 values only relate to his qualifying services as a Director of Aviva from 20 June 2017, when he was appointed as an ED. His basic salary, bonus and benefits are set in Canadian dollars and have been 

converted to sterling using an average exchange rate for 2018 of CAD 1.73. 

8  Year on year decrease is primarily driven by the lower bonus outcomes and prorating of Mark and the lapse of his LTIP award. 

Additional disclosures in respect of the single total figure of remuneration table 
Malus and clawback 
As part of the annual pay review process, the Committee has considered whether any recovery or withholding under the malus and 
clawback provisions of Aviva’s incentive plans is required by any current circumstances. No incidents concerning the EDs are currently 
subject to action under Aviva’s malus and clawback policy. 

Other items of remuneration 
The EDs have not received any items in the nature of remuneration other than those disclosed in table 1. 

2018 annual bonus outcomes 
The chart below summarises how our annual bonus operates.  

Step I – Bonus scorecard 

Step II – Non-financial performance modifiers 

Employee 
engagement 

Customer 

Risk & Controls 

The bonus scorecard outcome as 
determined under step 1 may be modified by 
consideration of performance in these areas. 

Typically, any adjustments would be in the 
range of +/- 15%, but may be larger for major 
customer and/or risk & controls issues. 

Performance 
against financial 
measures subject 
to a quality of 
earnings 
assessment. 

Step III – Individual performance 
The modified bonus scorecard outcome provides a pool for funding for 
bonuses. Actual bonus decisions are made based on: 
• Individual contribution and achievements; 
• How the individual has assisted the Group achieve progress against its 

strategic objectives; 

• The leadership they have exhibited; and 
• How the individual has demonstrated Aviva’s values. 

The impact of individual performance is not determined in a formulaic 
manner, with the Committee instead applying judgement as to whether 
any adjustment is warranted. In recent years adjustments have been in the 
region of +/-10%. 

Performance is assessed against defined minimum, target 
and maximum targets. The scorecard contains a business 
unit modifier for EDs other than the Group CEO. 

Discretion 
The Committee retains overarching discretion to adjust outcomes upwards or downwards in order to align remuneration for the overall performance of 
the Group and wider circumstances.

1  This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which provides useful information to enhance the understanding of financial performance. Further information on APMs, including a reconciliation to the financial statements 

(where possible), can be found in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
73 

30% 
Operating  
EPS1 

25% 
Operating capital 
generation1 

15% 
Cash  
remittances1 

15% 
Multiple product 
holdings 

15% 
MyAviva active 
customers 

s
e
r
u
s
a
e
m

l
a
i
c
n
a
n
i
F

s
e
r
u
s
a
e
m
c
i
g
e
t
a
r
t
S

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Continued 

Step I – Bonus scorecard 
The table below sets out performance against financial and non-financial targets under the bonus scorecard. The overall scorecard 
outcome percentage applies to all of the EDs.  

As outlined in the Chair’s letter on page 68, the Committee was mindful that when the Government announced its decision in February 2017 
to reduce the Ogden rate, the degree of uncertainty around where the rate would finally land meant that we delayed the impact on 
remuneration outcomes. On 20 March 2018 the Government announced it will introduce the Bill which includes provisions to amend the 
Ogden discount rate. In December 2018, the Bill became an Act of Parliament, meaning that the new rate will be set by the Lord Chancellor 
in 2019. While there is certainty that there will be a change in the Ogden rate in 2019, uncertainty remains around the amount and timing of 
the final rate. In the Group accounts the claims reserves have been calculated using a discount rate of 0.0%, though the rate to be 
announced by the Lord Chancellor later this year may result in a different discount rate. The Committee is satisfied that it is appropriate to 
reflect this change in the annual bonus pools for 2018. 

Accordingly, the assumed discount rate of 0.0% in 2018 has reduced the outcome, under the operating EPS1 measures, resulting in a 
reduction in the bonus scorecard outcome of 31.3% (to 106.5%). The Committee would highlight that adjustments may be considered in 
future years should the final Ogden rate be different from 0.0%.  

2  2018 performance against bonus scorecard for Executive Directors’ bonuses 

Measure 

Financial measures (70% of total) 

Operating EPS1 
Cash remittances1  
Operating capital generation1 
Total financial measures 

Strategic measures (30% of total) 

MPH (% growth) 
MyAviva active customers (m) 
Total strategic measures 
Scorecard outcome  

Weighting 

Minimum 

Target 

Maximum 

Pre-Ogden 
outcome 

Post-Ogden 
outcome 

 Outcome  

30.0% 
15.0% 

25.0% 

70.0% 

15.0% 
15.0% 
30.0% 

100.0% 

51.2p 
£2,753m 

55.4p 
£2,976m 

59.6p 
£3,199m 

58.2p 
£3,137m 

52.5p 
£3,137m 

£1,848m 

£2,048m 

£2,248m 

£3,200m 

£3,200m 

— 

— 

— 

—  

—  

3.0% 
4.9m 
— 

6.0% 
5.7m 
— 

9.0% 
6.5m 
— 

0.4% 
5.3m 
—  

0.4% 
5.3m 
—  

19.7% 
50.0% 

25.8% 

95.5% 

0.0% 
11.0% 
11.0% 

106.5% 

1  This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which provides useful information to enhance the understanding of financial performance. Further information on APMs, including a reconciliation to the financial statements 

(where possible), can be found in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts. 

1  This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which provides useful information to enhance the understanding of financial performance. Further information on APMs, including a reconciliation to the financial statements 

(where possible), can be found in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
74 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Continued 

Step II – Non-financial performance modifiers 
The Committee considered Group performance against the non-financial modifiers set out below, the outcome of which may result in an 
adjustment to the bonus scorecard outcome if considered appropriate.  

3  2018 non-financial modifiers relating to bonus scorecard 

Modifier 
Employee 
Employee engagement. 

Customer 
Performance against our RNPS targets and our overall 
focus on customer outcomes. 

Risk & Controls 
Aviva’s reward strategy includes specific risk and control 
objectives for senior management and EDs. The aim is to 
help drive and reward effective risk management and a 
robust control environment across the Group. 

The bonus scorecard outcome was revised to 101.5%. 

Assessment 
Employee engagement is up one percentage point to 76% with continued 
notable improvements in UK Insurance (UKI), France and Finance, although 
slightly down in Canada and Ireland after integration and restructuring in 
those markets. There have been strong improvements in culture in many parts 
of the business through initiatives taken to tackle complexity, simplify ways of 
working and develop innovative solutions that improve the customer 
experience. 

Our RNPS survey shows three years of sustained high levels of customer 
advocacy, with modest improvements in the last 12 months. We are working 
hard to recognise customer loyalty by keeping things simple for customers 
and putting them in control, for example, with the launch of AvivaPlus. 

Most of our businesses/functions were rated as not falling short, against 
their overall goal in relation to risk, conduct and control outcomes. The 
assessments performed by our Risk and Internal Audit functions looked at the 
effectiveness and robustness of the risk framework and control environment. 
The outputs of the assessments were shared with the Risk and Audit 
Committees ahead of decisions being made on impacts to bonus. It was 
concluded that some specific business areas had been identified that would 
warrant bonus pool adjustments as part of determining incentive awards for 
2018. As a result, the Committee applied a downward adjustment of 5% to the 
bonus scorecard outcome in respect of this modifier. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
75 

 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Continued 

Step III – Individual performance 
The Committee assessed EDs on their individual performance in the year. Details of each individual’s achievements are set out in the table 
below. 

Mark Wilson 
Mark was Group CEO until 8 October 2018. Over this period Mark led 
the organisation to deliver strong financial results, continued 
progress on improving the culture and employee engagement, and 
oversaw our IT roadmap. There were a number of notable milestones 
in 2018: 
•  Achieved 9% Group adjusted operating profit1 growth in our 
international markets, 7% in the UK, and 14% in Singapore 

•  Continued strong balance sheet management, with the Solvency II 
shareholder cover ratio2 well above the working range at 204% 
•  Robust execution of key IT deliveries, including Cloud migrations 

and IT service improvements 

Tom Stoddard 
Tom continued to provide strong leadership to the finance function 
and was critical to many initiatives that supported delivery of the 
Group’s strategy, including:  
•  Delivered growth in operating EPS2 and cash dividends consistent 

with the Group’s targets, while increasing the Group’s overall 
Solvency II shareholder cover ratio2 and returning £1.5 billion of 
capital to investors  

•  Extended oversight of the finance function to coordinate improved 

delivery of Operational Risk and Control Management (ORCM) 
throughout the business 

•  Drove the implementation of Zero Based Budgeting concepts into 

•  Improved employee engagement and positive shift in our culture 
•  Continued progress towards our digital ambitions, including 

AvivaPlus, providing a solution to the UK market practice of pricing 
new business below that of renewing business and the launch of 
Blue, our joint venture with Hillhouse and Tencent in Hong Kong 

the organisation to benefit future results 

•  Executed capital management actions including completing the 

share repurchase programme, completion of several M&A 
transactions and a reduction in our debt profile 

•  Led the finance functional change programme in response to IFRS 

•  Completed the acquisition of Friends First in Ireland, and the 

17 and the need to modernise finance IT systems 

divestment of our businesses in Taiwan and Spain. In addition, 
completed a £600 million share repurchase programme, the 
redemption of €500 million Tier 2 debt instrument and redeemed 
US$575 million Friends Life Holdings Plc subordinated notes  

Andy Briggs 
Andy is the CEO of Aviva UKI combining our UK based life, General 
Insurance (GI) and health businesses. Andy provided strong 
leadership in the UK throughout 2018 and key deliveries included: 
•  Strong financial performance in UKI with adjusted operating profit1 
growth of 7% strong capital generation and cash remittances2 up 
42% to £2.6 billion despite market headwinds in personal lines 

•  Improved employee engagement, empowering colleagues to 
simplify and put the customer at the heart of decision-making 
•  Continued progress made via True Customer Composite (TCC) 

among corporate customers. Strong growth in workplace pensions, 
bulk annuities, with our largest ever schemes in both these, and in 
commercial and corporate GI 

•  Launched AvivaPlus, which will provide a solution to the UK market 
practice of pricing new business below that of renewing business 

•  Sponsored the new Aviva ‘Origins’ community to promote diversity 

and inclusion in respect of race, ethnicity, religion, and social 
mobility 

Maurice Tulloch 
As CEO International, Maurice provided strong leadership, with some 
notable achievements:  
•  Achieved 9% adjusted operating profit1 growth across International 

markets 

•  Appointed new CEOs and rolled out new strategies in Italy and 

Canada resulting in strong net flows in Italy, and a positive shift in 
business mix, diversified distribution and increased efficiency  

•  The recovery in the Canadian business is on track and accelerating 

to deliver sub 96% target combined operating ratio2 by 2020 
•  Contined growth and execution of our strategy in France with a 
significantly improved capital position and balance sheet, new 
customer proposition (“Client Unique”), and a single customer 
point serving all customer demands  

•  Growth continued in Ireland with the financial benefits of 

•  Strong balance sheet management 
•  Sponsored the ‘Generations’ community to promote a culture 

integrating Friends First. The Brexit transformation is on track with 
Part VII transfers underway 

where age is not a barrier to achievement 

•  Achieved significant top and bottom line growth in Global 

Corporate & Specialty and strong progress towards our strategic 
aims  

•  Improved employee engagement and oversaw a positive shift in 
our culture across European markets; France, Italy and Poland. 
Maintained engagement through periods of change in other 
markets 

•  Maurice is proactively involved in the Aviva ‘Carers’ Community and 

is the sponsor for the Global Graduate Scheme 

Notwithstanding these achievements, the Committee was conscious that the Group experienced several events during 2018 which had an 
impact on our customers, our shareholders, and our broader stakeholder community. Firstly, we recognise the negative impact that our 
March 2018 announcement on preference shares had on the Group. Secondly, it is recognised that our UK savings business encountered 
disruption during the migration of our independent adviser platform to a new supplier, which adversely affected our service standards. 
Thirdly, the Committee is conscious that our oversight in some areas of the Canadian business fell below our high standards and 
contributed to the issues in the financial performance experienced. 

These issues were all taken into account in the individual performance assessments for the EDs and reflected in their annual bonuses.  
This resulted in a downward adjustment of 17.5% to the scorecard outcome for all EDs. As a result, annual bonuses for the EDs were 84%  
of salary.  

Table 4 provides further detail of how these adjustments have been applied. 

1  Group adjusted operating profit is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which is used by the Group to supplement the required disclosures under IFRS. Please refer to note B in the ‘Accounting Policies’ section and 

‘Other Information’ within the Annual report and accounts for further information. 

2  This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which provides useful information to enhance the understanding of financial performance. Further information on APMs, including a reconciliation to the financial statements 

(where possible), can be found in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
76 

 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Continued 

4  2018 bonus outcomes for Executive Directors 

Bonus scorecard (0% – 200%) 
Pre-Ogden1 
– Ogden 

– Non-financial modifiers 
– Individual adjustment 

Final Outcome 

Target opportunity 

Maximum opportunity 

Final bonus outcomes 
– % of salary 

– % of maximum 
– £ amount 

Mark Wilson 

Tom Stoddard 

Andy Briggs 

Maurice Tulloch 

137.8% 
(31.3%) 

(5.0%) 
(17.5%) 

84.0% 

137.8% 
(31.3%) 

(5.0%) 
(17.5%) 

84.0% 

137.8% 
(31.3%) 

(5.0%) 
(17.5%) 

84.0% 

137.8% 
(31.3%) 

(5.0%) 
(17.5%) 

84.0% 

100% of salary 
200% of salary 

100% of salary 
150% of salary 

100% of salary 
100% of salary 
150% of salary   150% of salary 

84.0% 

42.0% 
£691,6082 

84.0% 

56.0% 
£616,022 

84.0% 

56.0% 
£631,596 

84.0% 

56.0% 
£602,817 

1  This outcome includes the financial impact of the goodwill payment scheme in relation to preference shareholders, which had the effect of reducing IFRS operating EPS by 0.2p and the overall bonus scorecard outcome by 

0.7% (from 138.5% to 137.8%). 

2  This outcome is pro-rated to reflect the time served in the Group CEO role. 

Discretion 
The Committee is conscious of the provisions of the 2018 Code, with remuneration committees being encouraged to review incentive 
outcomes against individual and company performance, together with any wider circumstances, and to exercise independent judgement 
and discretion in relation to remuneration outcomes. This reflects our current practice at Aviva. Taking into account the impact of the 
assumed discount rate of 0.0%, the outcome of the quality of earnings assessment and the non-financial modifiers, and an assessment of 
individual performance, the Committee is of the view that these outcomes appropriately reflect the overall performance of Aviva during the 
year and are aligned with the experience of shareholders over this period. Compared to 2017, there has been a 43% reduction in the overall 
annual bonus amount paid to the EDs (when measured on a like-for-like basis to reflect part-year service). 

2016 LTIP vesting in respect of performance period 2016-2018 
All references to adjusted RoE relate to the 2016 LTIP award only and represent RoE calculated as IFRS profit after tax and non-controlling 
interest but excluding investment variances, economic assumption changes, pension scheme income/ charge over average IFRS equity 
(excluding pension scheme net surplus/ deficit). The adjusted RoE1 and TSR2 outcome for the 2016 LTIP are detailed in the table below. 
50% of the award will vest in March 2019. 

5  2016 LTIP award – performance conditions 

Adjusted RoE Performance 
Relative TSR Performance 

Weighting 

Threshold 
(20% vest) 

Maximum 
(100% vest) 

50% 
50% 

24.5% 

30% 
Median  Upper quintile and above 

Vesting 
 (% of 
maximum) 

100% 
0% 

Outcome 

31.8% 
13/14 

1  2016 adjusted RoE performance outcome excludes the positive impact of the £300m share buy-back, increasing shareholders’ equity, and further excludes the re-measurement loss on Friends Provident International which 

will be recognised in 2019 upon completion of the sale. 

2  TSR is a measure of share price growth, calculated as the difference between the share price at the vesting date and the 90 day average for the period immediately preceeding the start of the three year performance period. 

Quality of earnings assessment – 2018 remuneration decisions 
The Committee discussed those items that impacted the overall results in 2018 including foreign exchange, acquisitions and disposals, life 
assumption and modelling changes, prior year reserve development, and other items that are non-recurring in nature. This process 
provides the Committee with an understanding of the core profitability of the business taking these factors into account. 

The 2016 LTIP vesting outcome also reflects the impact of an assumed Ogden rate of 0.0%, although it made no difference to the final level 
of vesting. 

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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Continued 

6  Awards granted during the year (audited information) 
Share and option awards granted to EDs during the year are set out below. 

Mark Wilson 

Tom Stoddard 

Andy Briggs 

Maurice Tulloch 

Date of Award 

11 May 2018 
26 Mar 2018 

11 May 2018 
26 Mar 2018 

11 May 2018 
26 Mar 2018 

Award 
Type1 

LTIP3 
ABP 

LTIP 
ABP 

LTIP 
ABP 

Face Value 
(% of basic 
salary)2 

300% 
125% 

225% 
93% 

225% 
93% 

£3,103,904 
£1,296,742 

£1,601,999 
£664,529 

£1,642,496 
£681,332 

14 Oct 2016 

AESOP 

0.39% 

£3,005 

11 May 2018 
26 Mar 2018 

LTIP 
ABP 

225% 
80% 

£1,556,750 
£557,066 

Threshold  
Performance 
(% of face 
value) 

Maximum 
Performance 
(% of face 
value) 

Face Value 
(£)2 

End of  
 performance period 

End of vesting/ 
holding period 

20% 
N/A 

20% 
N/A 

20% 
N/A 

N/A 

20% 
N/A 

100% 

31 Dec 2020 

100% 

31 Dec 2020 

100% 

31 Dec 2020 

100% 

31 Dec 2020 

26 Mar 2023 
26 Mar 2021 

26 Mar 2023 
26 Mar 2021 

26 Mar 2023 
26 Mar 2021 

12 Dec 2021 

27 Mar 2023 
27 Mar 2021 

1  ABP and LTIP awards have been granted as share awards. The LTIP is a conditional right to receive shares based on a three-year performance period, with an additional two-year holding period. ABP represents the portion of 
the 2017 bonus deferred into shares for three years. Shares issued in lieu of dividends accrue on ABP and LTIP awards during the ABP deferral period and the LTIP performance period. AESOP includes partnership, matching 
and dividend share awards which vest after three years. Further details are provided in Tables 16 and 18. 

2  Face value for the awards granted on 26 March 2018 has been calculated using the average of the middle-market closing price of an Aviva ordinary share on the three consecutive business days immediately preceding the 

main date of grant, on 26 March 2018 of 504.00 pence. AESOP has been calculated using the average price achieved at purchase of the partnership shares throughout 2018 of 483.00 pence. 

3  Mark’s 2018 LTIP award ceased to be capable of vesting on 9 October 2018 when he stepped down as Group CEO and will lapse when he leaves the Company.  

Operating EPS1 targets for awards made in 2018 
Operating EPS1 performance determines the vesting of 50% of the LTIP award. Three-year targets are set annually within the context of the 
Company’s strategic plan. The 2018 targets are provided below.  

7  2018 LTIP operating EPS1 targets 

Achievement of Operating EPS1 targets over the three-year performance period 

Percentage of shares in award that vests based on achievement of Operating EPS1 targets 

Less than 4% p.a. 
4% p.a. 
Between 4% p.a. and 10.0% p.a. 
10% p.a. and above 

0% 
10% 
Pro-rata between 10% and 50% on a straight line basis 
50% 

Any vesting of the operating EPS1 element of the LTIP is subject to two gateway hurdles – RoE1 and Solvency II shareholder cover ratio1. The 
RoE1 hurdle is 12% p.a. and the Solvency II shareholder cover ratio1 is to meet or exceed the minimum of the stated working range (in 2018, 
this was 150% to 180%). 

TSR targets for awards made in 2018 
Relative TSR performance determines the vesting of the other 50% of the LTIP award. For the 2018 grant, Aviva’s TSR performance will be 
assessed against that of the following companies: Aegon, Allianz, Assicurazioni Generali, AXA, CNP Assurances, Direct Line Group, Legal & 
General, Lloyds Banking Group, Old Mutual, Phoenix, Prudential, RSA, Standard Life Aberdeen and Zurich Insurance.  

The performance period for the TSR performance condition is the three years beginning 1 January 2018. For the purposes of measuring the 
TSR performance condition, the Company’s TSR and that of the comparator group will be based on the 90-day average TSR for the period 
immediately preceding the start and end of the performance period. The vesting schedule is set out in the table below. 

8  TSR vesting schedule for the 2018 LTIP award 

TSR position over the three-year performance period 

Below median 
Median 
Between median and upper quintile 
Upper quintile and above 

Percentage of shares in award that vest based on achievement of TSR targets 

0% 
10% 
Pro-rata between 10% and 50% on a straight line basis 
50% 

New Group CEO appointment 
As announced on 4 March 2019, the Board appointed Maurice Tulloch as our new Group CEO with immediate effect. Maurice’s 
remuneration as Group CEO is in accordance with our Policy, as approved by shareholders at our 2018 AGM, and consists of: 
•  A salary of £975,000 per annum 
•  Our standard benefits package for executive directors, including private family medical insurance, life insurance, and reasonable travel benefits 
•  Pension contributions of 14% of salary, in line with the majority of our UK workforce 
•  An annual bonus opportunity of 200% of salary, with one-third of any bonus earned paid in cash after the year end, and two-thirds deferred 
into shares which will vest in equal annual tranches over three years. His annual bonus opportunity for 2019 will be pro-rated to reflect the 
time spent in each role.  

•  Maurice will be eligible for the grant of an award under the LTIP for 2019 of 300% of basic salary  
•  In taking on the role of Group CEO, Maurice is relocating from Canada to the UK. He will receive assistance with this relocation, of an 

amount up to £250,000 exclusive of tax, payable against receipted costs incurred within a period of 24 months from the date of 
appointment. Maurice is also subject to the Group CEO shareholding requirement of 300% of salary. 

1  This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which provides useful information to enhance the understanding of financial performance. Further information on APMs, including a reconciliation to the financial statements 

(where possible), can be found in the ‘Other Information’ section fo the annual report and accounts. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Continued 

Payments to past directors (audited information) 
Russell Walls retired from the Board with effect from 8 May 2013. 
•  Russell was appointed as a Non-Executive Director (NED) of Aviva Italia Holdings S.p.A on 4 December 2014 and on 30 April 2015 was 

appointed as Chair 

•  On 13 April 2015 Russell was appointed as a NED of Aviva Annuity UK Limited, Aviva Life Holdings UK Limited, Aviva Life & Pensions UK 

Limited, Friends Life and Pensions Limited and Friends Life Limited each of which are subsidiary companies of Aviva plc. Russell 
subsequently stepped down from all these boards on 28 February 2018 

•  On 31 October 2017 Russell was also appointed as a NED of Aviva Insurance Limited (AIL), also a subsidiary company of Aviva plc. Russell 

subsequently stepped down from AIL on 28 February 2018 

•  The emoluments he received in respect of all these directorships for the 2018 financial year were £35,000 and €90,000 (as Chair of Aviva 

Italia Holdings S.p.A) 

Payments for loss of office (audited information) 
We announced on 9 October 2018 that the Board had agreed with Mark that he would step down as Group CEO and as a Director of the 
Company with immediate effect. Mark was placed on garden leave for six months with effect from 9 October 2018. During this period, 
he continues to receive his salary and contractual benefits. For the remainder of 2018, these amounts totalled £319,866. At the end of his 
garden leave period (9 April 2019), Mark’s employment will terminate and the Company, at its discretion, will make a payment in lieu of 
notice of six months basic salary, pension entitlement and contractual benefits in monthly instalments, over the remainder of his 
contractual 12-month notice period. We expect Mark to mitigate his loss during the last six months of this notice period, by seeking 
alternative employment, or engagement. The total amount during 2019 in respect of the remainder of Mark’s garden leave and payment in 
lieu of notice is expected to be £1,102,954. This includes the continued provision of Mark’s private medical insurance, on the same terms, 
for the remainder of his contractual notice period. The total value of this benefit is anticipated to be in the region of £30,000. 

Mark received a pro-rated bonus in respect of 2018, reflecting the portion of the year worked prior to going on garden leave. No bonus will 
be payable in relation to 2019. 

Mark’s unvested LTIP awards ceased to be capable of vesting on 9 October 2018 and no further LTIP awards will be made. Mark’s 2015 LTIP 
award, which had already vested at the point of departure remains subject to the additional holding period. His outstanding deferred share 
awards under the ABP will continue and will vest on the normal vesting dates. All awards will remain subject to malus and clawback.  

In line with Policy, Mark will be entitled to a capped contribution of £10,000 (excluding VAT) towards legal fees incurred in connection with 
his departure. 

9  Total 2018 remuneration for Non-Executive Directors (audited information)  
The table below sets out the total remuneration earned by each NED who served during 2018 for Group-related activities. 

Chairman 
Sir Adrian Montague 
Non-Executive Directors 
Claudia Arney2 
Glyn Barker 
Patricia Cross 
Belén Romana García 
Michael Hawker 
Michael Mire 
Keith Williams 
Total emoluments of NEDs 

2018 
£000 

550 

155 
168 
128 
105 
138 
118 
150 

 Fees 

2017 
£000 

550 

140 
164 
128 
105 
138 
117 
124 

2018 
£000 

88 

2 
3 
— 
10 
— 
1 
2 

1,512 

1,466 

106 

 Benefits1 

2017 
£000 

67 

1 
3 
— 
8 
— 
1 
3 

83 

 Aviva plc total 

 Subsidiaries fees 

 Group total 

2018 
£000 

638 

157 
171 
128 
115 
138 
119 
152 

2017 
£000 

617 

141 
167 
128 
113 
138 
118 
127 

2018 
£000 

2017 
£000 

— 

78 
— 
60 
40 
— 
— 
— 

— 

40 
— 
53 
1 
15 
— 
— 

2018 
£000 

638 

235 
171 
188 
155 
138 
119 
152 

2017 
£000 

617 

181 
167 
181 
114 
153 
118 
127 

1,618 

1,549 

178 

109 

1,796 

1,658 

1  Benefits include the gross taxable value of expenses relating to accommodation, travel and other expenses incurred on Company business in accordance with our expense policy and may vary year-on-year dependent on the 

time required to be spent in the UK. 

2  The 2018 Aviva plc fee payment includes £15,000 in arrears from Risk Committee fees which were omitted from payment in 2017 and paid in Q1 2018. The 2018 subsidiaries fees includes £7,345 in arrears from 2017 Chair fees 

paid in 2018. 

The Aviva plc total amount paid to NEDs in 2018 was £1,618,000 which is within the limits set in the Company’s Articles of Association, as 
previously approved by shareholders. 

Subsidiary company board memberships  
During the year, the following NEDs were appointed as directors of subsidiary companies to support and further enhance the flow of 
information between material subsidiaries and the Group. The additional emoluments received in respect of these roles are detailed below: 
•  Claudia Arney received an additional fee of £78,346 (2017: £40,000) in respect of her duties as Non-Executive Chairman and Conduct 

Committee member of Aviva UK Digital Limited 

•  Patricia Cross received an additional fee of £60,000 (2017: £52,808) in respect of her duties as Senior Independent Director of Aviva 

Investors Holdings Limited  

•  Belén Romana García received an additional fee of €44,712 (2017: €1,068) in respect of her duties as a Board member of Aviva Italia 

Holding S.p.A., and as a committee member of the Audit and Risk Committees. Belén joined the Board on 19 December 2017 

•  Sir Adrian Montague became a director of Aviva Group Holdings Ltd on 9 October 2018. He received no fees in respect of this appointment  

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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Continued 

Percentage change in remuneration of the former Group CEO 
The table below sets out the increase in the basic salary, bonus and benefits of the former Group CEO and that of the wider workforce. The 
UK employee workforce was chosen as a suitable comparator group, as the former Group CEO and the majority of EDs are based in the UK 
(albeit with global responsibilities), and pay changes across the Group vary widely depending on local market conditions. Given that he 
served for a part-year only in 2018, the former Group CEO’s pay for the year has been annualised so as to provide an appropriate 
comparison with 2017. 

10  Percentage change in remuneration of former Group CEO 

Former Group CEO1 
All UK-based employees2 

% change in basic salary 2017-2018 

% change in bonus 2017-2018 

% change in benefits 2017-2018 

3.0% 
6.1% 

-53.8% 
0.4% 

13.5% 
-5.2% 

1  Salary, annual bonus and benefit amounts for 2018 for the former Group CEO have been pro-rated up to reflect what they would have been over a full 12-month period. This provides a comparable basis with 2017. 
2  

In terms of the UK based employee figures, the increase shown for salary and the decrease in benefits reflects that car allowances were rolled up into salaries during 2018. 

Historical TSR performance and Group CEO remuneration outcomes  
Table 11 compares the TSR performance of the Company over the past ten years against the TSR of the FTSE 100. This index has been 
chosen because it is a recognised equity market index of which Aviva is a member. In addition, median TSR performance for the LTIP 
comparator group has been shown. The companies which comprise the current LTIP comparator group for TSR purposes are listed above 
Table 8. 

11  Aviva plc ten-year TSR performance against the FTSE 100 and the median of the comparator group 

Aviva

FTSE 100

Comparator group median

)
0
0
1
o
t
d
e
s
a
b
e
r
(
R
S
T

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

The table below summarises the historical Group CEO single figure for total remuneration, and annual bonus and LTIP oucomes as a 
percentage of maximum over this period. 

12  Historical Group CEO remuneration outcomes 

Annual bonus payout (as a % 
of maximum opportunity) 

LTIP vesting (as a % of maximum 

opportunity) 

Group CEO single figure of 
remuneration (£000) 

Group CEO 

Mark Wilson1 
Andrew Moss2 

Mark Wilson 

Andrew Moss 

Mark Wilson 

Andrew Moss 

2009 

— 

2010 

— 

2011 

— 

74.2% 

74.3% 

81% 

— 

— 

— 

50.0% 

72.3% 

81.7% 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

2016 

2017 

75.0% 

86.7% 

91.0% 

91.0% 

94.0% 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

53% 

41.3% 

36.9% 

— 

— 

— 

2018 

42% 

— 

— 

— 

2,615 

2,600 

5,438 

4,523 

4,334 

1,836 

2,591 

2,748 

3,477 

554 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

1  Mark joined the Board as an ED with effect from 1 December 2012 and became Group CEO on 1 January 2013. Mark stepped down as Group CEO and left the Board on 9 October 2018. 
2  Andrew resigned from the Board with effect from 8 May 2012 and left the Company on 31 May 2012. 

Sir Adrian Montague remained on his Non-Executive Chairman remuneration arrangements while acting as Executive Chairman for the 
period 9 October 2018 to 31 December 2018. Given that he was not performing the role of Group CEO and did not receive a typical CEO 
remuneration package, he is not shown in this table. 

Pay ratio reporting 
New UK legislation requires companies to publish information on the pay ratio of the Group CEO to UK employees. While formally taking 
effect from our next reporting year, we have chosen to voluntarily disclose this information a year early as we recognise that it is important 
to take a lead in this area and some shareholders may find the information to be a useful reference point. In line with the new regulatory 
requirements, the table below sets out the ratio at median, 25th and 75th percentile of the total remuneration received by the Group CEO 
compared to the total remuneration received by our UK employees. Total remuneration reflects all remuneration received by an individual 
in respect of the relevant years, and includes salary, benefits, pension, and value received from incentive plans. 

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Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Continued 

13  Pay ratio table 

Year 

2018 

Method 

Option A 

P25 (lower quartile) 

P50 (median)  

P75 (upper quartile) 

76:1 

53:1 

32:1 

We would highlight the following in terms of the approach taken: 
•  In calculating the Group CEO data, we have used an aggregated figure which is the sum of the amount shown in the single figure table for 
Mark (£1,835,716) in respect of his services from the start of the year to 8 October 2018, and the pro rata fees paid to Sir Adrian Montague 
in his role as Executive Chairman for the period 9 October to 31 December 2018. This approach is consistent with legislative requirements 
that will apply from next year. However, recognising that 2018 is an atypical year for Aviva, we have also provided an additional ratio 
below, calculated on a full-year basis using total target remuneration for Mark 

•  The lower quartile, median and upper quartile employees were calculated based on full-time equivalent data as at 31 December 2018  
•  Out of the three alternatives available for calculating the ratio, we chose to use Option A as it is considered to be the most accurate way of 

identifying employees at P25, P50 and P75, and is aligned with investor expectations. Under this approach we calculate total 
remuneration on a full-time equivalent basis for all of our UK employees and rank them accordingly 

The table below provides further information on the total remuneration figure used for each quartile employee, and the salary component 
within this. 

14  Salary and total remuneration used in the pay ratio calculations 

Year 

2018 

Pay element 

P25 (lower quartile) 

P50 (median) 

P75 (upper quartile) 

Salary 

Total remuneration 

£21,309 

£25,969 

£30,404 

£37,454 

£51,769 

£62,528 

In reviewing the employee pay data, the Committee is comfortable that the P25, P50 and P75 individuals identified appropriately reflect the 
employee pay profile at those quartiles, and that the overall picture presented by the ratios is consistent with our pay, reward and 
progression policies for UK employees. 

As referred to above, we recognise that 2018 is an unusual year for Aviva resulting in a Group CEO pay ratio which is likely to be lower than 
we might typically expect. Shareholders may find it helpful to consider what the ratio might have been in a more normal year, recognising 
that the ratio may well vary significantly from year-to-year. Specifically, we have considered the ratio if Mark had been employed for the full 
year and had received an on-target annual bonus of 100% of salary (half of maximum) and LTIP vesting at 150% of salary (half of maximum). 

These circumstances would lead to a total single figure for the Group CEO of £4,139,784 and the following Group CEO pay ratios. 

Year 

2018 (illustrative based on a notional ‘target’ package) 

P25 (lower quartile) 

P50 (median) 

P75 (upper quartile) 

159:1 

111:1 

66:1 

At Aviva, we consider that we are equally focused on our colleagues as we are on our customers. We work hard to recognise the individual 
needs of colleagues, in just the same manner as we do for our customers. In this context, we are proud of the reward, benefits and overall 
career packages that we offer our colleagues: 
•  In the UK, we have been an accredited Living Wage employer since April 2014 
•  We have a structured salary progression scheme for our frontline colleagues, providing incremental salary increases over the first few 

years in role as individuals develop and gain experience 

•  We conduct regular market reviews of our salary ranges in order to maintain competitiveness to market rates, and we move everyone 

who is below a band to at least the minimum of that range each year 

•  We have a comprehensive flexible benefits offering, providing colleagues with the opportunity to select the benefits that matter most 

to them 

•  Our competitive pension scheme provides a top rate employer contribution of 14% of salary (subject to the level of employee 

contribution). Above this level, we share employer National Insurance savings with our colleagues 

•  Our broader Wellbeing offering aims to promote health and wellness among our colleagues. We listen to colleagues and focus in-depth 
on a new area each year depending on the feedback we receive. During 2018, for example, our programme had a particular emphasis on 
financial education 

•  UK colleagues are eligible to participate in our SAYE and AESOP offerings. These are tax-efficient share plans that allow our UK colleagues 

to share in the success of Aviva. We also have similar plans operating for many of our overseas colleagues. We are proud of the 
participation rates in these plans, with over 50% of UK employees participating in the SAYE and over 70% in the AESOP 

Relative importance of spend on pay 
Table 15 outlines Group adjusted operating profit1, dividends paid to shareholders and share buy-backs, compared to overall spend on pay 
in total. This measure of profit has been chosen as it is used for decision-making and the internal performance management of the Group’s 
operating segments. 

1  Group adjusted operating profit is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which is used by the Group to supplement the required disclosures under IFRS. Please refer to note B in the ‘Accounting Policies’ section and 

‘Other Information’ within the Annual report and accounts for further information. 

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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Continued 

15  Relative importance of spend on pay 

Group adjusted operating profit1 
Dividends paid2 
Share buy-backs3 
Total staff costs4 

Year end 
31 December  
2016 
£m 

Year end 
31 December  
2017 
£m 

Year end 
31 December  
2018 
£m 

3,010 
871 
— 
1,764 

3,068 
983 
300 
1,942 

3,116 
1,128 
600 
1,974 

% 
change  
between 
2017 & 2018 

2% 
15% 
100% 
1% 

1  Group adjusted operating profit is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which is used by the Group to supplement the required disclosures under IFRS. Please refer to accounting policy B in the ‘Accounting Policies’ 

section and to the ‘Other Information’ section within the Annual report and accounts for further information. 

2  The total cost of ordinary dividends paid to shareholders. 
3  A share buy-back of ordinary shares for an aggregate purchase price of £600 million was undertaken during the year, as described in more detail in note 32. A share buy-back of ordinary shares for an aggregate purchase price 

of £300 million was undertaken during 2017. 

4  Total staff costs from continuing operations includes wages and salaries, social security costs, post-retirement obligations, profit sharing and incentive plans, equity compensation plans and termination benefits. The average 

number of employees in continuing operations was 31,232 (2018) and 30,332 (2017). 

External board appointments 
•  Andy Briggs was appointed a Senior Independent Director of the Association of British Insurers on 7 June 2018, after having been 

Chairman since 14 September 2011. He is Chairman of the NSPCC’s Fundraising Committee and on the Board of Trustees of the NSPCC, 
and is the Government’s Business Champion for Older Workers. He received no fees in respect of these appointments 

•  Maurice Tulloch is a NED of Pool Reinsurance Company Limited. He received fees of £41,500 (2017: £41,500) in respect of this appointment 

during 2018. He is also a member of the Insurance Development Forum 

•  Mark Wilson was a NED of BlackRock Inc. from 15 March 2018. He received cash and shares in the amount of US$223,814 in the period 

15 March 2018 to 9 October 2018 

Statement of directors’ shareholdings and share interests  
EDs share ownership requirements 
The Company requires the Group CEO to build a shareholding in the Company equivalent to 300% of basic salary and each ED to build 
a shareholding in the Company equivalent to 200% of basic salary. 
•  The EDs are required to retain 50% of the net shares released from ABP and LTIP awards until the shareholding requirement is met 
•  The shareholding requirement needs to be built up over a five-year period 
•  Unvested share awards, including shares held in connection with bonus deferrals, are not taken into account in applying this test 
•  In response to the new provisions of the 2018 Code, during 2019 we will implement post-cessation shareholding guidelines for our EDs. 

The current expectation is that EDs will be required to retain their full guideline holding for two years following cessation of employment 
(or their holding on departure if lower). The Committee will retain the discretion to waive part or all of the guideline where considered 
appropriate, for example in exceptional or compassionate circumstances. 

16  Executive directors – share ownership requirement (audited information) 

Executive Directors  
Mark Wilson6 
Tom Stoddard 
Andy Briggs 
Maurice Tulloch7 

Owned 
outright1 

728,532 
312,532 
331,301 
348,797 

Unvested and  
subject to  
performance 
conditions2 

1,793,397 
926,154 
949,396 
906,232 

Shares held 

Unvested and  
subject to 
continued 
employment3 

733,540 
370,530 
344,225 
259,237 

Options held 

Unvested and  
subject to continued 
employment4 

Vested but 
not exercised 

Shareholding 
requirement 
(% of salary) 

Current 
shareholding5 
(% of salary) 

Requirement  
met 

6,179 
— 
5,128 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 

300 
200 
200 
200 

257 
160 
165 
183 

No 
No 
No 
No 

1  Directors’ beneficial holdings in the ordinary shares of the Company. This information includes holdings of any connected persons. For Andy Briggs it also includes partnership shares purchased under the AESOP, under which 
participants can currently contribute up to £150 every month. Shares are purchased on a monthly basis, and have to be held in the AESOP trust for three years. These vest after three years providing the ED does not leave and 
the related partnership shares are not withdrawn from the AESOP trust. 

2  Awards granted under the Aviva LTIPs which vest only if the performance conditions are achieved. 
3  Awards arising through the ABP. Under this plan, some of the earned bonuses are paid in the form of conditional shares and deferred for three years. The transfer of the shares to the director at the end of the period is not 

subject to the attainment of performance conditions but the shares can be forfeited if the ED leaves service before the end of the period.  

4  Savings-related options (without performance conditions) over shares granted under the SAYE plan. 
5  Based on the closing middle-market price of an ordinary share of the Company on 31 December 2018 of 375.5 pence. The closing middle-market price of an ordinary share of the Company during the year ranged from 

364.6 pence to 552.0 pence.  

6  Mark’s outstanding LTIPs ceased to be capable of vesting on 9 October 2018 when he stepped down as Group CEO, and they will lapse upon leaving. 
7  Maurice’s basic salary and benefits are set in Canadian dollars and have been converted to sterling using an average exchange rate for 2018 of CAD $1.73. 

There were no changes to the EDs interests in Aviva shares during the period 1 January 2019 to 6 March 2019, with the exception of 
Andy Briggs’ continued participation in the AESOP. 

17  Non-Executive Directors’ shareholdings1 (audited information) 

Sir Adrian Montague 
Claudia Arney 
Glyn Barker 
Patricia Cross 
Belén Romana García 
Michael Hawker 
Michael Mire 
Keith Williams 

1  This information includes holdings of any connected persons. 

There were no changes to the NEDs interests in Aviva shares during the period 1 January 2019 to 6 March 2019.

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
82 

1 January 2018 

 31 December 2018 

42,385 
14,000 
22,700 
12,383 
 790 
20,000 
50,000 
10,000 

58,553 
14,000 
22,700 
25,112 
4,475 
20,000 
50,000 
10,000 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Continued 

Share awards and share options 
Details of the EDs who were in office for any part of the 2018 financial year and hold or held outstanding share awards or options over 
ordinary shares of the Company pursuant to the Company’s share based incentive plans are set out in table 18. EDs are eligible to 
participate in the Company’s broad-based employee share plans on the same basis as other eligible employees. Details of awards and 
options granted to EDs under these plans are also included in tables 1, 6 and 16 (and SAYE options are included in table 18). More 
information around HMRC tax-advantaged plans can also be found in note 33. 

18  LTIP, ABP and options over Aviva shares (audited information) 

At 1January 2018 
(number) 

Options/ 
awards granted 
during year1 
(number) 

Options/awards 
exercised/vesting 
during year 
(number) 

Options/awards 
lapsing during year  
(number) 

At 31 December  
2018 
(number) 

Market price  
at date awards 
granted2 
(number) 

Exercise price 
(options) 
(pence) 

Market price at  
date awards 
vested/option 
exercised 
(pence) 

Normal 
 vesting date/ 
exercise  
period5 

Tom Stoddard 
LTIP3,4 
2015 
2016 
2017 
2018 
ABP 
2015 
2016 
2017 
2018 

Andy Briggs 
LTIP3,4 
2015 
2016 
2017 
2018 
ABP 
2016 
2017 
2018 
SAYE6 
2016 

Maurice Tulloch 
LTIP3,4 
2015 
2016 
2017 
2018 
ABP 
2015 
2016 
2017 
2018 

Mark Wilson 
LTIP3,4,5 
2015 
2016 
2017 
2018 
ABP 
2015 
2016 
2017 
2018 
SAYE6 
2014 
2016 

269,281 
313,144 
295,153 
— 

62,228 
120,618 
118,061 
— 

276,014 
320,972 
302,532 
— 

92,510 
116,530 
— 

— 
— 
— 
317,857 

— 
— 
— 
131,851 

— 
— 
— 
325,892 

— 
— 
135,185 

5,128 

— 

212,765 
309,278 
286,091 
— 

43,439 
63,144 
85,564 
— 

521,276 
606,185 
571,538 
— 

150,591 
245,168 
231,082 
— 

3,615 
2,564 

— 
— 
— 
310,863 

— 
— 
— 
110,529 

— 
— 
— 
615,854 

— 
— 
— 
257,290 

— 
— 

112,2207 
— 
— 
— 

70,2807 
— 
— 
— 

169,918 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 

 115,0267 
— 
— 
— 

174,165 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 

94,8407 
— 
— 
— 

50,2627 
— 
— 
— 

217,2397 
— 
— 
— 

 170,0767 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 

134,256 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 

328,925 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
313,144 
295,153 
317,857 

— 
120,618 
118,061 
131,851 

— 
320,972 
302,532 
325,892 

92,510 
116,530 
135,185 

535.00 
475.20 
523.00 
542.60 

535.00 
475.20 
523.00 
494.10 

535.00 
475.20 
523.00 
542.60 

475.20 
523.00 
494.10 

5,128 

— 

351.00 

535.00 
475.20 
523.00 
542.60 

535.00 
475.20 
523.00 
494.10 

535.00 
475.20 
523.00 
542.60 

535.00 
475.20 
523.00 
494.10 

— 
309,278 
286,091 
310,863 

— 
63,144 
85,564 
110,529 

— 
606,185 
571,358 
615,854 

— 
245,168 
231,082 
257,290 

2,564  
2,564 

 493.10 
— 
— 
 —  

493.10 
— 
— 
— 

493.10 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 

493.10 
— 
— 
— 

493.10 
— 
— 
— 

493.10 
— 
— 
— 

493.10 
— 
— 
— 

Mar-18 
Mar-19 
Mar-20 
Mar-21 

Mar-18 
Mar-19 
Mar-20 
Mar-21 

Mar-18 
Mar-19 
Mar-20 
Mar-21 

Mar-19 
Mar-20 
Mar-21 

Dec 19 – May-20 

Mar-18 
Mar-19 
Mar-20 
Mar-21 

Mar-18 
Mar-19 
Mar-20 
Mar-21 

Mar-18 
Mar-19 
Mar-20 
Mar-21 

Mar-18 
Mar-19 
Mar-20 
Mar-21 

 — 
— 

419.00 
351.00 

— 
— 

Dec 19 – May 20 
Dec 19 – May 20 

1  The aggregate net value of share awards granted to the EDs in the period was £11.1 million (2017: £10.6 million). The net value has been calculated by reference to the closing middle-market price of an ordinary share of the 

Company at the date of grant. 

2  The actual price used to calculate the ABP and LTIP awards is based on a three-day average closing middle-market price of an ordinary share of the Company, prior to grant date. These were in 2015: 564 pence, 2016: 485 

pence, 2017: 530 pence and 2018: 504 pence 

3   For the 2015, 2016 and 2017 LTIP grant, the TSR comparator group consisted of the following companies: Aegon, Allianz, Assicurazioni Generali, Axa, CNP Assurances, Direct Line Group, Legal & General, MetLife, NN Group, 
Old Mutual, Prudential, RSA Insurance Group, Standard Life and Zurich Financial. For the 2018 LTIP, the comparator group is: Aegon, Allianz, Assicurazioni Generali, Axa, CNP Assurances, Direct Line Group, Legal & General, 
Lloyds Banking Group, Old Mutual, Phoenix, Prudential, RSA, Standard Life Aberdeen, Zurich Insurance. 

4   The performance periods for these awards begin at the commencement of the financial year in which the award is granted and run for a three-year period. 
5  Mark Wilson’s 2016, 2017 and 2018 LTIP awards ceased to be capable of vesting on 9 October 2018 when he stepped down as Group CEO and will lapse when he leaves the Company. 
6  Any unexercised options will lapse at the end of the exercise period. 

Options are not subject to performance conditions. The option price was fixed by reference to a three day average closing middle-market price of an ordinary share of the Company, prior to invitation date, with a discount 
of 20% as permitted under the SAYE plan. Options granted under the SAYE are normally exercisable during the six-month period following the end of the relevant (3 or 5 year) savings contract. 

7   The shares comprised in these vested awards include shares issued in lieu of dividends accrued during the deferral period.  

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Continued 

Dilution 
Awards granted under Aviva employee share plans are generally met by issuing new shares as agreed by the Board. Shares are held in 
employee trusts, details of which are set out in note 34. 

The Company monitors the number of shares issued under the Aviva employee share plans and their impact on dilution limits. The 
Company’s usage of shares compared to the relevant dilution limits set by the Investment Association in respect of all share plans 
(10% in any rolling ten-year period) and executive share plans (5% in any rolling ten-year period) was 3.07% and 1.83% respectively 
on 31 December 2018. 

Governance Regulatory Remuneration Code 
Aviva Investors and two small ‘firms’ (as defined by the FCA) within the UK Insurance business are subject to the Capital Requirements 
Directive IV (CRD IV) and the FCA Remuneration Code (SYSC 19A). Additionally, there are two Aviva Investors ‘firms’ in the UK, Friends Life 
Funds Limited and Aviva Investors UK Funds Services Ltd, subject to the Alternative Investment Fund Management Directive (AIFMD), the 
Undertakings for Collective Investments in Transferrable Securities (UCITS V) directive and the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II 
(MiFID II). Remuneration Code requirements include an annual disclosure. For AIFMD and UCITS V the disclosure is part of the Financial 
Statements and/or Annual accounts of the Alternative Investment Funds or UCITS V. For CRD IV requirements the most recent Aviva 
Investors disclosure can be found in Section 5 of the Pillar 3 Disclosure available at www.aviva.com/pillar3 and a link to the disclosure for 
the UK Insurance firms can be found at www.aviva.com/remuneration-committee.  

Solvency II remuneration 
Remuneration Requirements (PRA PS22/16 & SS10/16) apply to the Aviva Group. Our remuneration structures have been designed in a way 
so that they are compliant with these requirements for all senior managers across the Group, not just those identified as being specifically 
covered by the requirements of the regulation. Such employees at Aviva are termed ‘Covered Employees’. We are required to complete a 
Remuneration Policy Statement, which outlines how we have complied with each of the requirements, this document was approved by the 
Group Remuneration Committee and submitted to the Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA). 

The Solvency II reporting requirements for the year ended 31 December 2018 necessitate firms to produce the Solvency and Financial 
Condition Report (SFCR) which contains remuneration information and is publicly available. Aviva’s reward principles and arrangements 
are designed to incentivise and reward employees for achieving stated business goals in a manner that is consistent with the Company’s 
approach to sound and effective risk management. 

Statement of voting at AGM 
The result of the shareholder vote at the Company’s 2018 AGM in respect of the 2018 Directors’ Remuneration Policy and the 2018 Directors’ 
Remuneration Report is set out in table 19. The Committee was pleased with the level of support received from shareholders for both 
the resolutions. 

19  Results of votes at 2018 AGM 

Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
Directors’ Remuneration Report 

Percentage of votes cast 

Number of votes cast 

For 

97.13% 
97.13% 

Against 

2.87% 
2.87% 

For 

Against 

Votes withheld 

2,809,661,298 
2,808,999,968 

83,164,398 
83,109,802 

3,970,718 
4,671,678 

Approach to NED fees for 2019 
NED fees are reviewed annually. No changes were made to the current fee levels, as set out in the table below. As detailed elsewhere in this 
report, Sir Adrian Montague did not receive any additional remuneration for assuming the role of Executive Chairman upon the departure of 
Mark on 9 October 2018. 

20  Non-Executive Directors’ fees 

Role 

Chairman of the Company1 
Board membership fee 
Additional fees are paid as follows: 
Senior Independent Director 
Committee Chair (inclusive of committee membership fee): 
•  Audit 
•  Governance 
•  Remuneration 
•  Risk 
Committee membership: 
•  Audit 
•  Governance 
•  Nomination 
•  Remuneration 
•  Risk 

1 

Inclusive of Board membership fee and any committee membership fees, and committee chair of the Nomination Committee. 

Fee from  
1 April 2019 

Fee from  
1 April 2018 

£550,000  £550,000 
£70,000 
£70,000 

£35,000 

£35,000 

£45,000 
£35,000 
£35,000 
£45,000 

£15,000 
£12,500 
£7,500 
£12,500 
£15,000 

£45,000 
£35,000 
£35,000 
£45,000 

£15,000 
£12,500 
£7,500 
£12,500 
£15,000 

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Other information 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Continued 

21 Implementation of Policy in 2019 
The implementation of the Policy will be consistent with that outlined in table 22. 

2019 

2020 

2021 

2022 

2023 

2024 

Key Element 

Phasing 
Salary1 

Bonus4 

1/3rd 
paid in 
cash 

2/3rds deferred into shares vesting in 
three equal tranches over three years 

Released 
after 1 year 

Released 
after 2 years 

Released 
after 3 years 

Implementation in 2019 
  •  Group CEO – £975,000 per annum 
•  CFO – £748,027 per annum 
•  CEO UKI – £766,938 per annum 

  •  One-year performance assessed against critical financial 

and non-financial performance measures 

•  Measures largely unchanged from 2018, although customer 
metrics were refined to ensure they are aligned with and 
support our strategic focus on driving continuous 
improvement in our customer performance 

Financial measures (70% of total): 
•  20% – Operating EPS2 
•  25% – Cash remittances2 
•  25% – Operating capital generation2 

Customer-focused strategic measures (30% of total): 
•  20% – RNPS 
•  10% – MPH  
•  A quality of earnings assessment will be undertaken by the 

Committee to provide assurance that bonus payouts 
appropriately reflect underlying performance and the 
shareholder experience 

•  Performance against a number of other non-financial 
modifiers will be considered when determining bonus 
payouts (employee engagement, customer and risk). Within 
customer, RNPS has been replaced by a measure of brand 
trust; employee engagement and risk modifiers remain 
unchanged 

•  Personal performance during the year will be taken into 

account 

LTIP 

2-year holding period 

Award 
released 

  •  Group CEO – 300% of salary 
•  CFO and CEO – 225% of salary 

Performance measures unchanged from 2018: 
•  50% operating EPS2 growth subject to two gateway hurdles 

– RoE2 and Solvency II shareholder cover ratio2 
•  50% relative TSR against a comparator group3  

TSR Ranking 

Below median 
Median 

50% TSR target 

Vesting level 

0% 
10% 

Three-year Operating EPS2 growth 

Vesting level 

50% Operating EPS2 target 

Less than 4.0% p.a. 
4.0% p.a 

Between 4.0% p.a. 
and 10.0% p.a. 
10.0% p.a and above 

0% 
10% 

10-50% (straight line) 

Between median and  

upper quintile 

Pro rata between 10% and 50% 

on a straight line basis 

50% 

Upper quintile and above 

50% 

1  Salary for Group CEO will be effective from 4 March 2019, while for the  CFO and CEO UKI,the change will be effective from 1 April 2019. 
2  This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which provides useful information to enhance the understanding of financial performance. Further information on APMs, including a reconciliation to the financial statements 

(where possible), can be found in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts. 

3  2019 LTIP Comparator Group: Aegon, Allianz, Assicurazioni Generali, Axa, CNP Assurances, Direct Line Group, Legal & General, Lloyds Banking Group, Old Mutual, Phoenix, Prudential, RSA, Standard Life Aberdeen, Zurich 

Insurance. 

4  The target ranges are considered by the Board to be commercially sensitive, although will be disclosed in the 2019 DRR. 

LTIP vesting – gateway hurdle conditions for the element linked to Operating EPS1 
Any vesting of the operating EPS1 element of the LTIP is subject to two gateway hurdles – RoE1 and Solvency II shareholder cover ratio1. For 
the 2019 awards, the RoE1 hurdle is 12% p.a. and the Solvency II shareholder cover ratio1 is to meet or exceed the minimum of the stated 
working range (currently 160% to 180%). 

Approval by the Board 
This Directors’ Remuneration Report was reviewed and approved by the Board on 6 March 2019. 

Patricia Cross 
Chair, Remuneration Committee

1  This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which provides useful information to enhance the understanding of financial performance. Further information on APMs, including a reconciliation to the financial statements 

(where possible), can be found in the ‘Other Information’ section of the Annual report and accounts. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
85 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Continued 

Directors’ Remuneration Policy 

Our Remuneration Policy was approved by shareholders at our AGM on 10 May 2018 and will apply for a period of up to three years. The full 
and definitive Policy is therefore set out in our 2017 Annual Report, which can be found on our website at 
https://www.aviva.com/investors/annual-report-2017/ 

The following section reproduces the Policy for convenience, although the original Policy referred to above remains our formally approved 
Policy and should be consulted where this is required. In addition, we have taken the opportunity to update the scenario charts to reflect 
2019 remuneration arrangements for our EDs, as well as appointment end dates for NEDs. 

Alignment of Group strategy with executive remuneration 
The Committee considers that alignment between Group strategy and the remuneration of its EDs is critical. Our Remuneration Policy 
provides market competitive remuneration, and incentivises EDs to achieve both the annual business plan and the longer-term strategic 
objectives of the Group. Significant levels of deferral and an aggregate shareholding requirement align EDs’ interests with those of 
shareholders and aid retention of key personnel. As well as rewarding the achievement of objectives, variable remuneration can be zero 
if performance thresholds are not met. 

Table 22 below provides an overview of the Policy for EDs. For an overview of the Policy for NEDs, see table 24. 

22  Key aspects of the Remuneration Policy for Executive Directors  

Element 
Basic salary 

Purpose 
To provide core market related pay to attract and retain the required level 
of talent. 

Operation 
Annual review, with changes normally taking effect from – 1 April each 
year. The review is informed by: 

• Individual and business performance
• Levels of increase for the broader employee population
• Relevant pay data including market practice among relevant FTSE listed 

companies of comparable size to Aviva in terms of market 
capitalisation, large European and global insurers, and UK financial 
services companies 

Maximum opportunity 
There is no maximum increase within the Policy. 
However, basic salary increases take account of the 
average basic salary increase awarded to the broader 
employee population. Different levels of increase may be 
agreed in certain circumstances at the Committee’s 
discretion, such as: 

• An increase in job scope and responsibility
• Development of the individual in the role
• A significant increase in the size, value or complexity of

the Group 

Assessment of performance 
Any movement in basic salary takes account of the 
performance of the individual and the Group. 

Annual bonus 

Purpose 
To reward EDs for achievement against the Company’s strategic 
objectives and for demonstrating the Aviva values and behaviours. 

Maximum opportunity 
200% of basic salary for Group CEO 
150% of basic salary for other EDs 

Deferral provides alignment with shareholder interests and aids retention 
of key personnel.  

Operation 
Awards are based on performance in the year. Targets are set annually 
and pay-out levels are determined by the Committee based on 
performance against those targets and a quality of earnings assessment 
and risk review. 

Form & timing of payment 
• One-third of any bonus is payable in cash at the end of the year
• Two-thirds of any bonus awarded is deferred into shares which vest in

three equal annual tranches 

Additional shares are awarded at vesting in lieu of dividends paid on the 
deferred shares. 

Malus and clawback 
Cash and deferred awards are subject to malus and clawback. Details of 
when these may be applied are set out in the notes below. 

Outcome at threshold and on target 
Performance is assessed against multiple metrics. 
Threshold performance against a single metric would 
result in a bonus payment of no more than 25% of basic 
salary. 

100% of basic salary is payable for on target 
performance.  

Assessment of performance 
Performance is assessed against a range of relevant 
financial, employee, customer and risk targets designed 
to incentivise the achievement of our strategy, as well as 
individual strategic objectives as set by the Committee.  

Although financial performance is the major factor in 
considering overall expenditure on bonuses, 
performance against non-financial measures including 
progress towards our strategic priorities and behaviours 
in line with our values will also be taken into 
consideration. 

Discretion 
The Committee has discretion to amend vesting levels to 
prevent unreasonable outcomes, which it may use 
taking into account a range of factors, including the 
management of risk and good governance and, in all 
cases, the experience of shareholders. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
86 

Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Continued 

Element 
Long-term 
incentive plan 

Purpose 
To reward EDs for achievement against the Company’s longer-term 
objectives; to align EDs’ interests with those of shareholders and to aid the 
retention of key personnel and to encourage focus on long-term growth in 
enterprise value. 

Operation 
Shares are awarded annually which vest dependent on the achievement 
of performance conditions. Vesting is subject to an assessment of quality 
of earnings, the stewardship of capital and risk review. 

Performance period 
Three years. Additional shares are awarded at vesting in lieu of dividends 
on any shares which vest. 

Additional holding period 
Two years. 

Malus and clawback 
Awards are subject to malus and clawback. Details of when these may be 
applied are set out in the notes below. 

Pension 

Purpose 
To give a market competitive level of provision for post retirement 
income. 

Operation 
EDs are eligible to participate in a defined contribution plan up to the 
annual limit.  

Any amounts above annual or lifetime limits are paid in cash. 

Maximum opportunity 
350% of basic salary. 

Performance measures 
Awards will vest based on a combination of financial, 
strategic and TSR performance metrics. For the 2018 awards 
the measures and weightings will be: 
• 50% Operating EPS1 growth subject to two gateway 

hurdles – RoE1 and Solvency II shareholder cover ratio1 

• 50% TSR against a comparator group

The financial metric combined with TSR will be a 
minimum of 80% of the total LTIP award. If, in 
subsequent years, shareholders indicate support for 
strategic measures, the Policy will allow for up to 20% of 
the LTIP to be awarded on the basis of strategic 
measures and this will be fully disclosed in the DRR. 

Vesting at threshold 
20% of award for each performance measure. 

Discretion 
The Committee has discretion to amend vesting levels to 
prevent unreasonable outcomes, which it may use 
taking into account a range of factors, including the 
management of risk and good governance and, in all 
cases, the experience of shareholders. 

Maximum opportunity 
If suitable employee contributions are made, the 
Company contributes:  
• 20% of basic salary for new ED appointments
• 28% of basic salary for existing EDs (into pension or

paid as cash as applicable) 

Benefits 

Purpose 
To provide EDs with a suitable but reasonable package of benefits as part of a 
competitive remuneration package. This involves both core executive benefits, 
and the opportunity to participate in flexible benefits programmes offered by 
the Company (via salary sacrifice). 

Maximum opportunity 
Set at a level which the Committee considers 
appropriate against comparable roles in companies of a 
similar size and complexity to provide a reasonable level 
of benefit. 

This enables us to attract and retain the right level of talent necessary to 
deliver the Company’s strategy. 

Operation 
Benefits are provided on a market related basis. The Company reserves 
the right to deliver benefits to EDs depending on their individual 
circumstances, which may include a cash car allowance, life insurance, 
private medical insurance and access to a company car and driver for 
business use. In the case of non-UK executives, the Committee may 
consider additional allowances in line with standard relevant market 
practice. 

EDs are eligible to participate in the Company’s broad based employee share 
plans on the same basis as other eligible employees. 

Costs would normally be limited to providing a cash car 
allowance, private medical insurance, life insurance, and 
reasonable travel benefits (including the tax cost where 
applicable). In addition, there may be one-off or 
exceptional items on a case by case basis, which would 
be disclosed in the DRR. 

Relocation and 
mobility 

Purpose 
To assist with mobility across the Group to ensure the appropriate talent 
is available to execute strategy locally. 

Operation 
Employees who are relocated or reassigned from one location to another 
receive relevant benefits to assist them and their dependants in moving 
home and settling in-to the new location. 

Maximum opportunity 
Dependent on location and family size, benefits are 
market related and time bound. They are not 
compensation for performing the role but to defray costs 
of a relocation or residence outside the home country. 

The Committee would reward no more than it judged 
reasonably necessary, in the light of all applicable 
circumstances. 

Shareholding 
requirements 

Purpose 
To align EDs’ interests with those of shareholders. 

Operation 
A requirement to build a shareholding in the Company equivalent to 300% 
of basic salary for the Group CEO and 200% of basic salary for other EDs.  

This shareholding is normally to be built up over a period not exceeding 
5 years (subject to the Committee’s discretion where personal 
circumstances dictate). 

1  This is an Alternative Performance Measure (APM) which provides useful information to enhance the understanding of financial performance. Further information on APMs, including a reconciliation to the financial statements 

(where possible), can be found in the ‘Other information’ section of the annual report and accounts. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
87 

Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Continued 

Notes to the table: 
Performance measures 
For the annual bonus, performance measures are chosen to align to some of the Group’s KPIs and include financial, strategic, risk, 
employee and customer measures. Achievement against individual strategic objectives is also taken into account. 

LTIP performance measures are chosen to provide an indication of both absolute and relative return generated for shareholders. In terms 
of target setting, a number of reference points are taken into account each year including, but not limited to, the Group’s business plan and 
external market expectations of the Company. Maximum payouts require performance that significantly exceeds expected performance 
under both the annual bonus and the LTIP.  

Quality of Earnings assessments 
Throughout the year, the Committee engages in a regular quality of earnings assessment. A quality of earnings assessment sign-off is the 
final step in determining annual bonus scorecard outcomes, and in making decisions on LTIP vesting. This sign-off is undertaken before 
decisions are made on the modifiers for risk, customer and employee engagement under the annual bonus, and before vesting is 
determined against financial metrics under the LTIP.  

As a minimum, at any Committee meeting where LTIP vesting or annual bonus scorecard decisions are considered, the Chief Accounting 
Officer prepares a report to the Committee on the quality of earnings reflected in the results being assessed, against performance targets. 
Extensive information from the audited accounts is used to explain the vesting and scorecard outcomes – ranging from movements in 
reserves, capital management decisions, consistency of accounting treatment and period to period comparability. The Chief Accounting 
Officer attends the Committee meeting to answer any questions that any member of the Committee may choose to ask. Any vesting 
decision or confirmation of awards is made after this process has been undertaken. 

Malus and Clawback 
The circumstances when malus (the forfeiture or reduction of unvested shares awarded under the Annual Bonus Plan (ABP) and LTIP) and 
clawback (the recovery of cash and share awards after release) may apply include (but are not limited to) where the Committee considers 
that the employee concerned has been involved in or partially/wholly responsible for: 
•  A materially adverse misstatement of the Company’s financial statements, or a misleading representation of performance; 
•  A significant failure of risk management and/or controls; 
•  A scenario or event which causes material reputational damage to the Company; 
•  Misconduct which, in the opinion of the Committee, ought to result in the complete or partial lapse of an award; 
•  Conduct which resulted in significant loss(es); 
•  Failure to meet appropriate standards of fitness and propriety; 
•  Any other circumstance required by local regulatory obligations. 

The clawback period runs for two years from the date of payment in the case of the cash element of any annual bonus award. 

For deferred bonus elements and LTIP awards, the overall malus and clawback period is five years from the date of grant. 

Discretions 
The discretions the Committee has in relation to the operation of the ABP and LTIP are set out in the plan rules. These include (but are not 
limited to) the ability to set additional conditions (and the discretion to change or waive those conditions). In relation to the LTIP and in 
accordance with its terms, the Committee has discretion in relation to vesting and to waive or change a performance condition if anything 
happens which causes the Committee reasonably to consider it appropriate to do so. Such discretions would only be applied in 
exceptional circumstances, to ensure that awards properly reflect underlying business performance. Any use of the discretions and how 
they were exercised will be disclosed, where relevant, in the DRR and, where appropriate, be subject to consultation with Aviva’s 
shareholders. 

Change in control 
In the event of a change in control, unless a new award is granted in exchange for an existing award, or if there is a significant corporate 
event like a demerger, awards under the LTIP would normally vest to the extent that the performance conditions have been satisfied as at 
the date of the change in control, and unless the Committee decides otherwise, would be pro-rated to reflect the time between the start of 
the performance period and the change in control event. Awards under the ABP would normally vest on the date of the change in control 
and may vest if there is a significant corporate event. 

Consistency of executive Policy across the Group 
The Policy for our EDs is designed as part of the remuneration philosophy and principles that underpin remuneration for the wider Group. 
Remuneration arrangements for employees below the EDs take account of the seniority and nature of the role, individual performance and 
local market practice. The components and levels of remuneration for different employees may therefore differ from the Policy for EDs. Any 
such elements are reviewed against market practice and approved in line with internal guidelines and frameworks. 

Differentiation in reward outcomes based on performance and behaviour that is consistent with the Aviva values is a feature of how Aviva 
operates its annual bonus plan for its senior leaders and managers globally. A disciplined approach is taken to moderation across the 
Company in order to recognise and reward the key contributors. The allocation of LTIP awards also involves strong differentiation, with 
expected contribution and ability to collaborate effectively in implementation of the strategy driving award levels. 

Legacy payments 
The Committee reserves the right to make any remuneration payments and payments for loss of office (including exercising any discretions 
available to it in connection with such payments) notwithstanding that they are not in line with the Policy set out above, where the terms of 
the payment were agreed (i) before May 2014 (the date the Company’s first Policy came into effect), (ii) before the Policy set out above came 

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Continued 

into effect, provided that the terms of the payment were consistent with the Policy in force at the time they were agreed, or (iii) at a time 
when the relevant individual was not a director of the Company and, in the opinion of the Committee, the payment was not in 
consideration for the individual becoming a director of the Company. For these purposes, ‘payments’ includes the Committee satisfying 
awards of variable remuneration and, in relation to an award over shares, the terms of the payment are ‘agreed’ at the time the award is 
granted. 

Approach to recruitment remuneration 
On hiring a new ED, the Committee would align the proposed remuneration package with the Policy in place for EDs at the time of the 
appointment. 

In determining the actual remuneration for a new ED, the Committee would consider the package in totality, taking into account elements 
such as the skills and experience of the individual, local market benchmarks, remuneration practice, and the existing remuneration of other 
senior executives. The Committee would ensure any arrangements agreed would be in the best interests of Aviva and its shareholders. It 
would seek not to pay more than necessary to secure the right candidate. 

Where considered appropriate the Committee may make awards on hiring an external candidate to ‘buyout’ remuneration arrangements 
forfeited on leaving a previous employer. In doing so, the Committee would take account of relevant factors including any performance 
conditions attached to these awards, the form in which it was paid (e.g. cash or shares) and the timeframe of awards. Buyout awards would 
be awarded on a ‘like for like’ basis compared to remuneration being forfeited, and would be capped to reflect the value being forfeited. 
The Committee considers that a buyout award is a significant investment in human capital by Aviva, and any buyout decision will involve 
careful consideration of the contribution that is expected from the individual.  

The maximum level of variable pay which could be awarded to a new ED, excluding any buyouts, would be in line with the Policy set out 
above and would therefore be no more than 550% of basic salary for the Group CEO (200% of basic salary annual bonus opportunity and 
350% of basic salary as the face value of a LTIP grant) and 500% of basic salary for other EDs (150% of basic salary annual bonus 
opportunity and 350% of basic salary as the face value of a LTIP grant). 

All other elements of remuneration will also be in line with the Policy set out above. 

Should the Company have any prior commitments outside of this Policy in respect of an employee promoted internally to an ED position, 
the Committee may continue to honour these for a period of time. Where an ED is appointed from within the organisation, the normal 
policy of the Company is that any legacy arrangements would be honoured in line with the original terms and conditions. Similarly, if an ED 
is appointed following Aviva’s acquisition of, or merger with, another company, legacy terms and conditions may be honoured. 

On appointing a new NED, the Committee would align the remuneration package with the Policy for NEDs, outlined in table 24, including 
fees and travel benefits. 

Illustration of the Policy  
The charts below illustrate how much EDs could earn under different performance scenarios in one financial year: 
•  Minimum – basic salary, pension or cash in lieu of pension and benefits, no bonus and no vesting of the LTIP 
•  Target – basic salary, pension or cash in lieu of pension, benefits, and: 

–  A bonus of 100% and an LTIP of 300% of basic salary (with notional LTIP vesting at 50% of maximum) for the Group CEO; and 
–  A bonus of 100% and an LTIP of 225% of basic salary (with notional LTIP vesting at 50% of maximum) for the CFO and CEO UKI. 

•  Maximum – basic salary, pension or cash in lieu of pension, benefits, and: 

–  A bonus of 200% and an LTIP of 300% of basic salary (with notional LTIP vesting at maximum) for the Group CEO; and 
–  A bonus of 150% and an LTIP of 225% of basic salary (with notional LTIP vesting at maximum) for the CFO and CEO UKI. 

Maurice Tulloch 
Potential earnings  
by pay element 

Tom Stoddard 
Potential earnings  
by pay element 

Andy Briggs 
Potential earnings  
by pay element 

£m 
7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

£6.0 

48% 

32% 

20% 

£3.6 

41% 

27% 

32% 

£1.2 

100% 

£2.6 
32% 

28% 

40% 

£1.0 

100% 

£3.8 

44% 

29% 

27% 

£2.7 

32% 

29% 

39% 

£1.0 

100% 

£3.9 

44% 

29% 

27% 

2019
Minimum

2019
Target

2019
Maximum

2019
Minimum

2019
Target

2019
Maximum

2019
Minimum

2019
Target

2019
Maximum

Fixed

Annual Bonus

LTIP

Fixed

Annual Bonus

LTIP

Fixed

Annual Bonus

LTIP

Notes to the charts 
Fixed pay consists of basic salary, pension as described in Table 22, and estimated value of benefits provided under the Remuneration Policy, excluding any one offs. Actual figures may vary in future years. 
The value of the LTIP and deferred element of the annual bonus assumes a constant share price and does not include additional shares awarded in lieu of dividends that may have been accrued during the vesting period. 
LTIP as awarded in 2019.  

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Continued 

Employment contracts and letters of appointment 
ED employment contracts and NED letters of appointment are available for inspection at the Company’s registered office during normal 
hours of business, and at the place of the Company’s 2019 AGM on 23 May from 10.45am until the close of the meeting. 

The key employment terms and conditions of the current EDs, and those who served during the year, as stipulated in their employment 
contracts, are set out in the table below. 

23  Executive Directors’ key conditions of employment 

Provision 

Notice period 
By the ED 
By the Company 

Termination Payment 

Policy 

6 months. 
12 months, rolling. No notice or payment in lieu of notice to be paid where the Company terminates for 
cause. 

Pay in lieu of notice up to a maximum of 12 months’ basic salary.  
Any payment is subject to phasing and mitigation requirements. An ED would be expected to mitigate the 
loss of office by seeking alternative employment. Any payments in lieu of notice would be reduced, 
potentially to zero, by any salary received from such employment. 

Remuneration and Benefits 

The operation of the annual bonus and LTIP is at the Company’s discretion. 

Expenses 

Car Allowance 

Reimbursement of expenses reasonably incurred in accordance with their duties. 

In the case of Tom and Andy, a cash car allowance is received, as varied from time to time. 

Holiday entitlement 

30 working days plus public holidays. 

Private medical insurance 

Private medical insurance is provided for the ED and their family. The ED can choose to opt out of this 
benefit or take a lower level of cover. However, no payments are made in lieu of reduced or no cover. 

Other benefits 

Sickness 

Non-compete 

Contract dates 

Other benefits include participation in the Company’s staff pension scheme, life insurance and, where 
applicable, access to a Company car and driver for business related use. 

In the case of Tom and Andy, 100% of basic salary for 52 weeks, and 75% thereafter for a further 52 weeks. 
In the case of Maurice, 100% of salary for the first 52 weeks, and 50% thereafter for a further five years. 

During employment and for six months after leaving (less any period of garden leave) without the prior 
written consent of the Company. 

Director 
Maurice Tulloch 
Tom Stoddard  
Andy Briggs 

Date current contract commenced 
4 March 2019 
28 April 2014 
13 April 2015 

Policy on payment for loss of office 
There are no pre-determined ED special provisions for compensation for loss of office. The Committee has the ability to exercise its 
discretion on the final amount actually paid. Any compensation would be based on basic salary, pension entitlement and other contractual 
benefits during the notice period, or a payment made in lieu of notice, depending on whether the notice is worked. 

Where notice of termination of a contract is given, payments to the ED would continue for the period worked during the notice period. 
Alternatively, the contract may be terminated and phased monthly payments made in lieu of notice for, or for the balance of, the 12 
months’ notice period. During this period, EDs would be expected to mitigate their loss by seeking alternative employment. Payments in 
lieu of notice would be reduced by the salary received from any alternative employment, potentially to zero. The Company would typically 
make a reasonable contribution towards an ED’s legal fees in connection with advice on the terms of their departure. 

There is no automatic entitlement to an annual bonus for the year in which loss of office occurs. The Committee may determine that an ED 
may receive a pro-rata bonus in respect of the period of employment during the year loss of office occurs based on an assessment of 
performance. Where an ED leaves the Company by reason of death, disability or ill health, or any other reason determined by the 
Committee, there may be a payment of a pro rata bonus for the relevant year at the discretion of the Committee. 

The treatment of leavers under the ABP and LTIP is determined by the rules of the relevant plans. Good leaver status under these plans 
would be granted in the event of, for example, the death of an ED. Good leaver status for other leaving reasons is at the discretion of the 
Committee, taking into account the circumstances of the individual’s departure, but would typically include planned retirement, or their 
departure on ill health grounds. In circumstances where good leaver status has been granted, awards may still be subject to malus and 
clawback in the event that inappropriate conduct of the ED is subsequently discovered post departure. If good leaver status is not granted, 
all outstanding awards will lapse. 

In the case of LTIPs, where the Committee determines EDs to be good leavers, vesting is normally based on the extent to which 
performance conditions have been met at the end of the relevant performance period, and the proportion of the award that vests is pro-
rated for the time from the date of grant to final date of service (unless the Committee decides otherwise). Any decision not to apply this 
would only be made in exceptional circumstances, and would be fully disclosed. It is not the practice to allow such treatment. 

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Continued 

Consideration of wider employee pay and shareholder views  
When determining the Policy and arrangements for our EDs, the Committee considers: 
•  Pay and employment conditions elsewhere in the Group to ensure that pay structures are suitably aligned and that levels of 

remuneration remain appropriate. The Committee reviews levels of basic salary increases for other employees and executives based in 
their respective locations. It reviews changes in overall bonus pool funding and long-term incentive grants. The Committee considers 
feedback on pay matters from sources including the employee opinion survey and employee forums. The Committee also takes into 
account information provided by the people function and external advisers and the Committee Chair has in place a programme of 
consultation and meetings with employee forums including the Evolution Council and Your Forum to discuss remuneration. 

•  In its ongoing dialogue with shareholders, the Committee seeks shareholder views and takes them into account when any significant 

changes are being proposed to remuneration arrangements and when formulating and implementing the Policy. 

Non-Executive Directors 
The table below, sets out details of our Policy for NEDs. 

24  Key aspects of the Policy for Non-Executive Directors 

Element 

Chairman and NEDs’ fees 

Chairman’s Travel 
Benefits 

NED Travel and 
Accommodation 

Purpose 
To attract individuals with the required range of skills 
and experience to serve as a Chairman or as a NED. 

Operation 
NEDs receive a basic annual fee in respect of their 
Board duties. Further fees are paid for membership 
and, where appropriate, chairing Board committees. 
The Chairman receives a fixed annual fee. Fees are 
reviewed annually taking into account market data 
and trends and the scope of specific Board duties. 
NEDs are able to use up to 100 percent of their post-
tax base fees to acquire shares in Aviva plc. 
The Chairman and NEDs do not participate in any 
incentive or performance plans or pension 
arrangements and do not receive an expense 
allowance. 
NEDs are reimbursed for reasonable expenses, and 
any tax arising on those expenses is settled directly by 
Aviva. To the extent that these are deemed taxable 
benefits, they will be included in the DRR, as required. 

Purpose 
To provide the Chairman with suitable travel 
arrangements for him to discharge his duties 
effectively. 

Purpose 
To reimburse NEDs for appropriate business travel 
and accommodation, including attending Board and 
committee meetings. 

Maximum opportunity 
The Company’s Articles of Association provide that 
the total aggregate remuneration paid to the 
Chairman of the Company and NEDs will be 
determined by the Board within the limits set by 
shareholders and detailed in the Company’s Articles 
of Association. 

The Chairman has access to a company car and driver 
for business use. Where these are deemed a taxable 
benefit, the tax is paid by the Company. 

Operation 
Reasonable costs of travel and accommodation for 
business purposes are reimbursed to NEDs. On the 
limited occasions when it is appropriate for a NED’s 
spouse or partner to attend, such as to a business 
event, the Company will meet these costs. The 
Company will meet any tax liabilities that may arise 
on such expenses. 

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Continued 

The NEDs, including the Chairman of the Company, have letters of appointment which set out their duties and responsibilities. The key 
terms of the appointments are set out in table below. 

25  Non-Executive Directors’ key terms of appointment 

Provision 

Period  

Termination 

Fees 

Expenses 

Policy 

In line with the requirement of the Code, all NEDs, including the Chairman, are subject to annual  
re-election by shareholders at each AGM. 

By the director or the Company at their discretion without compensation upon giving one month’s 
written notice for NEDs and three months written notice for the Chairman of the Company. 

As set out in table 20. 

Reimbursement of travel and other expenses reasonably incurred in the performance of their duties. 

Time commitment 

Each director must be able to devote sufficient time to the role in order to discharge his or her 
responsibilities effectively. 

  Committee appointments 

Appointment date1 

Appointment end date2 

Director 

Nomination 

Audit 

Governance 

Remuneration 

Sir Adrian Montague 

Claudia Arney 

Glyn Barker 

Patricia Cross 

Belén Romana García 

Michael Hawker 

Michael Mire 

Keith Williams 

C 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 

✓ 
✓ 

✓ 

C 

C 
✓ 

✓ 

✓ 
✓ 

✓ 
✓ 
C 

✓ 

Risk 

✓ 
✓ 

14 January 2013 

8 February 2016 

27 February 2012 

1 December 2013 

26 June 2015 

✓ 
C 
1 January 2010 
✓  12 September 2013 
✓ 
1 August 2016 

AGM 2019 

AGM 2019 

AGM 2019 

AGM 2019 

AGM 2019 

31 March 2019 

AGM 2019 

AGM 2019 

Key 
C  Chair of Committee 
✓  Committee  
1  The dates shown above reflect the date the individual was appointed to the Aviva plc Board. 
2  Appointment end dates are in accordance with letters of appointment, with the exception of Michael Hawker who is retiring from the board on 31 March 2019.  

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IFRS financial 
statements 

In this section 
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Aviva plc 
Accounting policies 

Consolidated financial statements 
Consolidated income statement 
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
Reconciliation of Group adjusted operating profit to profit 
for the year 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
Consolidated statement of financial position 
Consolidated statement of cash flows 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 
1 
2 
3 

Presentation changes 
Exchange rates 
Subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates – 
acquisitions 
Subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates – 
disposals and held for sale 
Segmental information 
Details of income 
Details of expenses 
Finance costs 
Life business investment variances and economic 
assumption changes 
Non-life business: short-term fluctuations in return 
on investments 
Employee information 
Directors 
Auditors’ remuneration 
Tax 
Earnings per share 
Dividends and appropriations 
Goodwill 
Acquired value of in-force business (AVIF) and 
intangible assets 
Interests in, and loans to, joint ventures 
Interests in, and loans to, associates 
Property and equipment 
Investment property 
Fair value methodology 
Loans 
Securitised mortgages and related assets 
Interest in structured entities 
Financial investments 
Receivables 
Deferred acquisition costs 

4 

5 
6 
7 
8 
9 

10 

11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 

19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
25 
26 
27 
28 
29 

94 
102 

116 
117 
118 

120 
121 
122 

123 
123 
124 

125 

127 
134 
135 
136 
136 

138 

140 
140 
141 
142 
144 
145 
146 
148 

149 
150 
152 
153 
153 
160 
161 
162 
164 
168 
168 

30 

31 
32 
33 
34 
35 
36 
37 
38 
39 
40 
41 
42 
43 
44 
45 
46 
47 

48 
49 
50 
51 
52 
53 
54 
55 
56 
57 
58 
59 
60 
61 

62 
63 
64 
65 

Pension surpluses, other assets, prepayments and 
accrued income 
Assets held to cover linked liabilities 
Ordinary share capital 
Group’s share plans 
Treasury shares 
Preference share capital 
Direct capital instrument and tier 1 notes 
Merger reserve 
Currency translation and other reserves 
Retained earnings 
Non-controlling interests 
Contract liabilities and associated reinsurance 
Insurance liabilities 
Insurance liabilities methodology and assumptions 
Liability for investment contracts 
Financial guarantees and options 
Reinsurance assets 
Effect of changes in assumptions and estimates 
during the year 
Unallocated divisible surplus 
Tax assets and liabilities 
Pension deficits and other provisions 
Pension obligations 
Borrowings 
Payables and other financial liabilities 
Other liabilities 
Contingent liabilities and other risk factors 
Commitments 
Group capital management 
Statement of cash flows 
Risk management 
Derivative financial instruments and hedging 
Financial assets and liabilities subject to offsetting, 
enforceable master netting arrangements and 
similar agreements 
Related party transactions 
Organisational structure 
Related undertakings 
Subsequent events 

Financial statements of the Company 
Income statement 
Statement of comprehensive income 
Statement of changes in equity 
Statement of financial position 
Statement of cash flows 
Notes to the Company’s financial statements 

169 

169 
170 
171 
174 
174 
175 
175 
176 
176 
177 
177 
179 
184 
188 
189 
191 
194 

195 
195 
197 
198 
203 
206 
207 
207 
208 
209 
212 
213 
226 
228 

230 
231 
233 
241 

242 
242 
243 
244 
245 
246 

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Independent auditors’ report to the members of Aviva plc 

Report on the audit of the financial statements  
Opinion 
In our opinion, Aviva plc’s Group financial statements and Company financial statements (the ‘financial statements’): 
•  give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2018 and of the Group’s and the 

Company’s profit and cash flows for the year then ended; 

•  have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) as adopted by the European Union; 

and 

•  have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the Group financial statements, 

Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. 

We have audited the financial statements, included within the Annual report and accounts (the ‘Annual report’) which comprise: 
•  the Consolidated and Company statements of financial position as at 31 December 2018; 
•  the Consolidated and Company income statements and statements of comprehensive income for the year then ended; 
•  the Reconciliation of Group adjusted operating profit to profit for the year then ended; 
•  the Consolidated and Company statements of changes in equity for the year then ended; 
•  the Consolidated and Company statements of cash flows for the year then ended; 
•  the principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements; and 
•  the notes to the financial statements, which include other explanatory information. 

Our opinion is consistent with our reporting to the Audit Committee. 

Basis for opinion 
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (‘ISAs (UK)’) and applicable law. Our responsibilities 
under ISAs (UK) are further described in the Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We 
believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

Independence 
We remained independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial 
statements in the UK, which includes the FRC’s Ethical Standard, as applicable to listed public interest entities, and we have fulfilled our 
other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. 

To the best of our knowledge and belief, we declare that non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided to 
the Group or the Company. 

Other than those disclosed in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements, we have provided no non-audit services to the Group or the 
Company in the period from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018. 

Our audit approach 
Overview 
•  Overall Group materiality: £156.0 million (2017: £147.0 million), based on 5% of Group adjusted operating profit before tax attributable to 

shareholders’ profits after the deduction of integration and restructuring costs. 

•  Overall Company materiality: £105.0 million (2017: £55.5 million), based on 5% of IFRS profit before tax. 
•  Based on the output of our risk assessment, along with our understanding of the Aviva Group structure, we performed full scope audits 

over the following components; UK Life, UK General Insurance, Canada and France Life. 

•  We identified a further two components, Aviva Investors and Italy Life, where specific account balances were considered to be significant 

in size in relation to the Group, and scoped our audit to include detailed testing of those account balances. 

•  We completed review procedures over other components not subject to full scope audits, including the remaining components that 

make up Aviva’s eight major markets. 

•  We also performed audit procedures over the head office operations and the consolidation process, as well as over certain other group 

activities, including specific account balances in the Aviva Employment Services and Aviva Group Holdings components. 

•  Our risk assessment analysis identified the following as areas of focus for the financial statements: 

–  Valuation of life insurance contract liabilities  
–  Valuation of non-life insurance contract liabilities  
–  Valuation of hard to value investments  
–  Valuation of a specific UK Life provision  

The scope of our audit  
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements. In 
particular, we looked at where the directors made subjective judgements, for example in respect of significant accounting estimates that 
involved making assumptions and considering future events that are inherently uncertain.  

Capability of the audit in detecting irregularities, including fraud 
Based on our understanding of the Group, Company and its industry, we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and 
regulations related to breaches of UK and European regulatory principles, such as those governed by the Prudential Regulation Authority 
and the Financial Conduct Authority, and we considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial 
statements of the Group and Company. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the financial 
statements of the Group and Company such as the Companies Act 2006, the Listing Rules, the Prudential Regulation Authority’s 
regulations, the Pensions Regulator legislation, the UK tax legislation and equivalent local laws and regulations applicable to in scope 
components. 

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Other information 

Independent auditors’ report to the members of Aviva plc 

Continued 

We have also evaluated management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk 
of override of controls) and determined that the principal risks were related to management bias in accounting estimates and judgmental areas 
of the financial statements as shown in our “Key Audit Matters”. Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included: 

Discussions with the Board, management, internal audit, senior management involved in the Risk and Compliance functions and the Group and 
Company’s legal function, including consideration of known or suspected instances of non-compliance with laws and regulation and fraud; 
• Evaluation and testing of the operating effectiveness of management’s controls designed to prevent and detect irregularities;
• Assessment of matters reported on the Group and Company’s whistleblowing helpline and fraud register and the results of 

management’s investigation of such matters; 

• Reading key correspondence with the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority in relation to compliance with 

laws and regulations; 

• Reviewing relevant meeting minutes including those of the Risk Committee and Audit Committee; 
• Making enquiries of the Group Investigations team who are responsible for independently reviewing fraudulent activity across the group, 

utilising activities including, but not limited to, whistle blowing hotlines and data analytics; 

• Identifying and testing journal entries, in particular any journal entries posted with unusual account combinations or posted by senior 

management; 

• Designing audit procedures to incorporate unpredictability around the nature, timing or extent of our testing; and 
• Testing transactions entered into outside of the normal course of the Group and Company’s business specifically in respect of the 

acquisitions and disposals 

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations 
is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it. Also, the risk of not 
detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve 
deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion. 

Key audit matters 
Key audit matters are those matters that, in the auditors’ professional judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the financial 
statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) 
identified by the auditors, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the 
audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters, and any comments we make on the results of our procedures 
thereon, were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do 
not provide a separate opinion on these matters. This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit. 

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Valuation of life insurance contract liabilities (Group) 
Refer to the Audit Committees’ Report, Accounting policy (L) Insurance and participating investment contract liabilities – Long-term business provisions and note 42 Insurance liabilities (b) Long-term business liabilities. 

For UK Life insurance contract liabilities, the Directors’ valuation 
of the provisions for the settlement of future claims, involves 
complex and subjective judgements about future events, both 
internal and external to the business, for which small changes in 
assumptions can result in material impacts to the valuation of 
these liabilities. 

The work to address the valuation of the UK Life insurance contract 
liabilities included the following procedures: 
• We understood the governance process in place to determine the 
insurance contract liabilities, including testing the associated 
financial reporting control framework. 

• We tested the design and operating effectiveness of controls over 

the accuracy and completeness of the data used. 

• Using our actuarial specialist team members, we applied our 
industry knowledge and experience and we compared the 
methodology, models and assumptions used against recognised 
actuarial practices. 

• We tested the key judgements and controls over the preparation of 

the liability, including manually calculated components. We focused 
on the consistency in treatment and methodology period-on-period 
and with reference to recognised actuarial practice. 

• We used the results of an independent PwC annual benchmarking 
survey of assumptions to further challenge the assumption setting 
process by comparing certain assumptions used relative to the 
Group’s industry peers. 

• We assessed the disclosures in the financial statements. 

As part of our consideration of the entire set of assumptions, we focused 
particularly on the annuitant mortality, credit default and expense 
assumptions for the UK Life component given their significance to the 
Group’s result and the level of judgement involved. We have also 
evaluated the implementation of a new actuarial model used to calculate 
certain life insurance contract liabilities for the UK Life component. These 
aspects of our work have been considered in greater detail below. 

Based on the work performed and the evidence obtained, we consider 
the assumptions used and the output from the new actuarial model to 
be appropriate. 

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Continued 

Key audit matter 
Annuitant mortality assumptions (Group) 
Refer to the Audit Committees’ Report, Accounting policy (L) Insurance and participating investment contract liabilities – Long-term business provisions and note 43 Insurance liabilities methodology and assumptions (a) Long-term 
business.

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Annuitant mortality assumptions require a high degree of 
judgement due to the number of factors which may influence 
mortality experience. The differing factors which affect the 
assumptions are underlying mortality experience (in the portfolio), 
industry and management views on the future rate of mortality 
improvements and external factors arising from developments in 
the annuity market. 

There are two main components to the annuitant mortality 
assumptions: 
• Mortality base assumption: this component is typically less 

subjective as it is derived using external Continuous Mortality 
Investigation (CMI) tables or an equivalent, adjusted for internal 
experience. However, judgement is required in choosing the 
appropriate table and fitting internal experience to this table. 

• Rate of mortality improvements: this component is more 

subjective given the lack of data and the uncertainty over how life 
expectancy will change in the future. Management has adopted 
the most recent CMI 2017 model and dataset in setting this 
assumption with specific parameters for the long term rate of 
improvement and tapering at older ages and adjustments to 
reflect the profile of their portfolio. This reflects their views on the 
rate of mortality improvement. 

In addition, a margin for prudence is applied to the annuitant 
mortality assumptions. 

In respect of the annuitant mortality assumptions, we performed the 
following: 
• We tested the methodology used by management to derive the 

assumptions with reference to relevant rules and actuarial 
guidance and by applying our industry knowledge and experience. 
This included evaluating management’s choice of, and fitting to, 
the CMI or equivalent base tables and the adoption of the CMI 2017 
model and dataset for improvements, together with associated 
parameters and the margin for prudence. 

• We assessed the results of the experience investigations carried out 

by UK Life management for the annuity business to determine 
whether they provided support for the assumptions used by 
management. 

• We compared the mortality assumptions selected by UK Life 

against those used by their peers. 

Based on the work performed and the evidence obtained, we consider 
the assumptions used for annuitant mortality to be appropriate. 

Credit default assumptions for illiquid assets, specifically: Commercial mortgages and equity release mortgages (Group) 
Refer to the Audit Committees’ Report, Accounting policy (L) Insurance and participating investment contract liabilities – Long-term business provisions and note 43 Insurance liabilities methodology and assumptions (a) Long-term 
business.

UK Life has substantial holdings in illiquid asset classes with 
significant credit risk, notably commercial mortgages and equity 
release mortgages.  

In addition to the procedures above, in respect of the credit default 
assumptions, we performed the following: 
• We tested the methodology and credit risk pricing models used by 

Management use an active approach to setting the assumptions. 
A long term deduction for credit default is made from the current 
market yields and a supplementary allowance is also held to cover 
the risk of higher short term default rates along with a margin for 
prudence. 

management for commercial and equity release mortgages to derive 
the assumptions with reference to relevant rules and actuarial 
guidance, including the adoption of an appropriate prudence margin 
and by applying our industry knowledge and experience. 

• We validated significant assumptions used by management by 

ensuring consistency with the assumptions used for the valuation 
of the assets, and against market observable data (to the extent 
available and relevant) and our experience of market practices. 

Based on the work performed and the evidence obtained, we consider 
the allowance for credit default risk to be appropriate. 

Expense assumptions (Group) 
Refer to the Audit Committees’ Report, Accounting policy (L) Insurance and participating investment contract liabilities – Long-term business provisions and note 43 Insurance liabilities methodology and assumptions (a) Long-term 
business.

Future maintenance expenses and expense inflation assumptions 
are used in the measurement of life insurance contract liabilities. 
The assumptions reflect the expected future expenses that will be 
required to maintain the in-force policies at the balance sheet 
date, including an allowance for project costs and a margin for 
prudence. The assumptions used require significant judgement. 

In addition to the procedures above, in respect of the expense 
assumptions, we performed the following: 
• We tested the methodology used by management to derive the 

assumptions with reference to relevant rules and actuarial 
guidance and by applying our industry knowledge and experience. 
This included testing the split of expenses between acquisition and 
maintenance by agreeing a sample to supporting evidence. 
• We validated significant assumptions used by management, 

including the margin for prudence and the rate of inflation against 
past experience, market observable data (to the extent available 
and relevant) and our experience of market practices. 

• We tested that the assumptions appropriately reflect the expected 
future expenses for maintaining policies in force at the balance 
sheet date, which includes consideration of the allowance for 
project costs. 

Based on the work performed and the evidence obtained, we consider 
the expense assumptions to be appropriate. 

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Continued 

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Implementation of new actuarial modelling system (Group) 
Refer to the Audit Committees’ Report and note 59 Risk management (e) Life and health insurance risk. 

UK Life has implemented a new actuarial modelling system for 
non-profit business. During the year ended 31 December 2018, 
annuities and certain protection products were transferred onto 
this new modelling system. 

There is a risk that the new model may not measure the insurance 
liabilities appropriately due to, for example, the methodology not 
following relevant rules and actuarial guidance, calculation errors 
or the incorrect application of policyholder data and actuarial 
assumptions. 

We performed the following: 
• We assessed the changes to the methodology as a result of 

adopting the new model relative to relevant rules and actuarial 
guidance, including understanding the rationale for any differences 
identified in the liabilities between the new and existing models. 
• We examined the testing performed by management to check the 
appropriateness of the liabilities generated by the new model and 
the comparison to the liabilities from the existing model. 

• We performed independent testing of the new model by developing 

our own independent model and recalculating the insurance 
liabilities for a proportion of the transferred liabilities. 

Based on the work performed and the evidence obtained, we consider 
the output from the new actuarial model to be appropriate in 
measuring the relevant insurance contract liabilities. 

Valuation of non-life insurance contract liabilities (Group) 
Refer to the Audit Committees’ Report, Accounting policy (L) Insurance and participating investment contract liabilities – General insurance and health provisions and note 43 Insurance liabilities methodology and assumptions (b) General 
insurance and health. 

The estimation of non-life insurance contract liabilities involves a 
significant degree of judgement. The liabilities are based on the 
estimated ultimate cost of all claims incurred but not settled at 
31 December 2018, whether reported or not, together with the 
related claims handling costs. 

A range of methods, including stochastic projections, may be used 
to determine these provisions. Underlying these methods are a 
number of explicit or implicit assumptions relating to the expected 
settlement amount and settlement patterns of claims. This 
includes assumptions relating to the settlement of personal injury 
lump sum compensation amounts. 

Given their size in relation to the consolidated Group and the 
complexity of the judgements involved, our work focused on the 
liabilities in the UK General Insurance and Canada General 
Insurance components. 

In the UK General Insurance and Canada markets, we assessed the 
Directors’ calculation of the non-life insurance liabilities by 
performing the following procedures:  
• We tested the underlying data to source documentation on a 

sample basis. 

• Using our actuarial specialist team members, we applied our 
industry knowledge and experience and we compared the 
methodology, models and assumptions used against recognised 
actuarial practices. 

• We understood and tested the governance process in place to 

determine the insurance contract liabilities, including testing the 
associated financial reporting control framework. 

• Using our actuarial specialist team members, we independently 

estimated the reserves on selected classes of business, particularly 
focusing on the largest and most uncertain reserves. For these 
classes we compared our estimated reserves to those booked by 
management, and sought to understand any significant differences. 

• For the remaining classes we evaluated the methodology and 
assumptions, or performed a diagnostic check to identify and 
investigate any anomalies. 

• We assessed the disclosures in the financial statements. 

Based on the work performed and evidence obtained, we consider the 
methodology and assumptions used to value the non-life insurance 
contract liabilities to be appropriate. 

Valuation for hard to value investments (Group) 
Refer to Audit Committees’ Report, Accounting policies (F), (T) and (U) and note 23 Fair Value methodology, note 25 Securitised mortgages and related assets and note 27 Financial Investments. 

The valuation of the investment portfolio involves judgement and 
continues to be an area of inherent risk. The risk is not uniform for 
all investment types and is greatest for the following, where the 
investments are hard to value because quoted prices are not 
readily available: 
• Commercial mortgage loans (UK Life). 
• Equity release and UK securitised mortgage loans (UK Life).
• Structured bond-type investments (France Life). 
• Collateralised loan obligations and non-recourse loans (UK Life). 

We assessed the Directors’ approach to valuation for these hard to 
value investments by performing the following procedures: 
• We agreed data inputs used in the valuation models to underlying 

documentation on a sample basis. 

• We evaluated the methodology and assumptions used by 

management, including yield curves, discounted cash flows, 
property growth rates, longevity and liquidity premiums as relevant 
to each asset class. 

• We tested the operation of data integrity and change management 

controls for the models, which we baseline every three years. 

• Using our valuation experts, we performed independent valuations 

for a sample of collateralised loans, non-recourse loans and 
structured bonds. 

• We assessed the disclosures in the financial statements. 

Based on the work performed and the evidence obtained, we consider 
the methodology and assumptions used by management to be 
appropriate. 

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Continued 

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Valuation of a specific UK Life provision (Group) 
Refer to Audit Committees’ Report, Accounting policies (AA) and note 50 Pension deficits and other provisions (b) Movements on restructuring and other provisions. 

UK Life hold a provision relating to a historical issue over pension 
arrangement advice given by Friends Provident. 

The valuation of this provision involves a high degree of 
judgement and estimation uncertainty due to the time that has 
elapsed since the advice was given. This increases the potential 
for the valuation to change as investigations continue. 

We assessed the Directors’ approach to valuation for this provision by 
performing the following procedures:  
• We agreed data inputs to underlying documentation on a sample 

basis. 

• We evaluated the methodology and key assumptions used by 
management, including populations of policies impacted. 

• We tested the calculation of the provision based on the 

assumptions applied. 

• We assessed the disclosures in the financial statements. 

Based on the work performed and the evidence obtained, we consider 
the assumptions used by management to be appropriate. 

We determined that there were no key audit matters applicable to the Company to communicate in our report. 

How we tailored the audit scope 
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed sufficient work to be able to give an opinion on the financial statements as a 
whole, taking into account the structure of the Group and the Company, the financial reporting process and controls, and the industry in 
which they operate. 

Using the outputs of our risk assessment, along with our understanding of Aviva, we scoped our audit based on the significance of the 
results and financial position of individual components relative to the Group result and financial position. In doing so, we also considered 
qualitative factors and ensured we had obtained sufficient coverage across all financial statement line items in the consolidated financial 
statements. Our scoping provided us with audit coverage of over 80% for both IFRS profit before tax and Group adjusted operating profit 
before tax and after the deduction of integration and restructuring costs (2017: 80%). We also obtained audit coverage of 83% for Gross 
Written Premiums (2017: 80%) and 82% for Total Assets (2017: 84%). 

The Group’s primary reporting format aggregates individual operating segments into market reporting lines with supplementary 
information being given by business activity. The operating segments or ‘markets’ of the Group are ‘United Kingdom’ (Life and General 
Insurance), France, Poland, ‘Italy, Ireland, Spain and Other’, Canada, Asia, Aviva Investors and ‘Other group activities’. Individual 
components that are used in our risk assessment are a more granular subset of the Group’s operating segments. In establishing the overall 
approach to the Group audit, we determined the type of work that needed to be performed at each of the components by us, as the Group 
audit team, or auditors of the components within PwC UK or from other PwC network firms operating under our instructions.  

As the Group audit team, we determined the level of involvement required at those components to be able to conclude whether sufficient 
and appropriate audit evidence had been obtained as a basis for our opinion on the financial statements as a whole. In our role as Group 
auditors, we exercised oversight over the work performed by auditors of the components including performing the following procedures:  
• Maintained an active dialogue with reporting component audit teams throughout the year, including holding a workshop for those teams 

in London during the planning phase of the audit; 

• Visited all in-scope components and undertook a detailed review of audit working papers; 
• Attended meetings with local management; and 
• Attended certain component Audit Committee meetings 

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Continued 

Materiality 
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. These, 
together with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit 
procedures on the individual financial statement line items and disclosures and in evaluating the effect of misstatements, both individually 
and in aggregate on the financial statements as a whole.  

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows: 

Overall materiality 

How we determined it 

Rationale for benchmark applied 

Group financial statements 

Company financial statements 

£156.0 million (2017: £147.0 million). 

£105.0 million (2017: £55.5 million). 

5% of Group adjusted operating profit 
before tax attributable to shareholders’ 
profits after the deduction of integration and 
restructuring costs (rounded up to the 
nearest £’million). 
In determining our materiality, we 
considered financial metrics which we 
believed to be relevant, and concluded, 
consistent with last year that Group adjusted 
operating profit before tax and after the 
deduction of integration and restructuring 
costs was the most relevant benchmark.  

Group adjusted operating profit presents a 
longer-term assessment of the performance 
of the entity which is more in line with the 
operations and time horizons of an insurer 
where insurance contracts and customer 
relationships span over multiple years. 

5% of IFRS profit before tax.  

In determining our materiality, we 
considered financial metrics which we 
believed to be relevant, and concluded, 
consistent with last year that profit before 
tax was the most relevant benchmark as the 
Company is profit-orientated and users of 
the financial statements will be focused on 
this benchmark. 

For each component in the scope of our Group audit, we allocated a materiality that is less than our overall Group materiality. The range of 
materiality allocated across components was between £20 million and £120 million. Certain components were audited to a local statutory 
audit materiality that was also less than our overall Group materiality. 

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above £7 million (Group 
audit) (2017: £5 million) and £5.2 million (Company audit) (2017: £2.8 million) as well as misstatements below those amounts that, in our 
view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons. 

Going concern 
In accordance with ISAs (UK) we report as follows: 

Reporting obligation 
We are required to report if we have anything material to add or 
draw attention to in respect of the directors’ statement in the 
financial statements about whether the directors considered it 
appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in 
preparing the financial statements and the directors’ identification 
of any material uncertainties to the Group’s and the Company’s 
ability to continue as a going concern over a period of at least 
twelve months from the date of approval of the financial 
statements. 

Outcome 
We have nothing material to add or to draw attention to. However, 
because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, this 
statement is not a guarantee as to the Group’s and Company’s ability 
to continue as a going concern. For example, the terms on which the 
United Kingdom may withdraw from the European Union, which is 
currently due to occur on 29 March 2019, are not clear, and, in 
common with other companies, it is difficult to evaluate all of the 
potential implications on the Group and Company’s business, 
customers, suppliers and the wider economy. 

We are required to report if the directors’ statement relating to 
Going Concern in accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.6R(3) is 
materially inconsistent with our knowledge obtained in the audit. 

We have nothing to report. 

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Continued 

Reporting on other information 
The other information comprises all of the information in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our auditors’ report 
thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other 
information and, accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion or, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in this report, any form 
of assurance thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider 
whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise 
appears to be materially misstated. If we identify an apparent material inconsistency or material misstatement, we are required to perform 
procedures to conclude whether there is a material misstatement of the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other 
information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are 
required to report that fact. We have nothing to report based on these responsibilities. 

With respect to the Strategic Report and Directors’ and Corporate Governance Report, we also considered whether the disclosures required 
by the UK Companies Act 2006 have been included. 

Based on the responsibilities described above and our work undertaken in the course of the audit, the Companies Act 2006, (CA06), ISAs 
(UK) and the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) require us also to report certain opinions and matters as described 
below (required by ISAs (UK) unless otherwise stated). 

Strategic report and Directors’ and corporate governance report 
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, the information given in the Strategic report and Directors’ and 
Corporate Governance Report for the year ended 31 December 2018 is consistent with the financial statements and has been prepared in 
accordance with applicable legal requirements. (CA06) 

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and Company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we did 
not identify any material misstatements in the Strategic report and Directors’ and Corporate Governance Report. (CA06) 

The directors’ assessment of the prospects of the Group and of the principal risks that would threaten the solvency or liquidity of the 
Group 
We have nothing material to add or draw attention to regarding: 
• The directors’ confirmation on page 51 of the Annual Report that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing 

the Group, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity. 

• The disclosures in the Annual Report that describe those risks and explain how they are being managed or mitigated. 
• The directors’ explanation on page 66 of the Annual Report as to how they have assessed the prospects of the Group, over what period 
they have done so and why they consider that period to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether they have a reasonable 
expectation that the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their 
assessment, including any related disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions. 

We have nothing to report having performed a review of the directors’ statement that they have carried out a robust assessment of the 
principal risks facing the Group and statement in relation to the longer-term viability of the Group. Our review was substantially less in 
scope than an audit and only consisted of making inquiries and considering the directors’ process supporting their statements; checking 
that the statements are in alignment with the relevant provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code (the ‘Code’); and considering 
whether the statements are consistent with the knowledge and understanding of the Group and Company and their environment obtained 
in the course of the audit. (Listing Rules) 

Other Code Provisions 
We have nothing to report in respect of our responsibility to report when: 
• The statement given by the directors, on page 66, that they consider the Annual report taken as a whole to be fair, balanced and 

understandable, and provides the information necessary for the members to assess the Group’s and the Company’s position and 
performance, business model and strategy is materially inconsistent with our knowledge of the Group and the Company obtained in 
the course of performing our audit. 

• The section of the Annual report on page 59 describing the work of the Audit Committee does not appropriately address matters 

communicated by us to the Audit Committee. 

• The directors’ statement relating to the Company’s compliance with the Code does not properly disclose a departure from a relevant 

provision of the Code specified, under the Listing Rules, for review by the auditors. 

Directors’ Remuneration 
In our opinion, the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies 
Act 2006. (CA06) 

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Continued 

Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit 
Responsibilities of the directors for the financial statements 
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement set out on page 67, the directors are responsible for the preparation 
of the financial statements in accordance with the applicable framework and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. The 
directors are also responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that 
are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s and the Company’s ability to continue as a 
going concern, disclosing as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the 
directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors’ report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, 
but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. 
Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be 
expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.  

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the FRC’s website at: 
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditors’ report. 

Use of this report 
This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the Company’s members as a body in accordance with Chapter 3 of 
Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume responsibility for any 
other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our 
prior consent in writing. 

Other required reporting 
Companies Act 2006 exception reporting 
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion: 
• we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or 
• adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from 

branches not visited by us; or 

• certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or 
• the Company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in agreement with the 

accounting records and returns. 

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility. 

Appointment 
Following the recommendation of the audit committee, we were appointed by the members on 3 May 2012 to audit the financial 
statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 and subsequent financial periods. The period of total uninterrupted engagement is seven 
years, covering the years ended 31 December 2012 to 31 December 2018. 

Marcus Hine (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 
London 
6 March 2019 

1  The maintenance and integrity of the Aviva plc website is the responsibility of the directors; the work carried out by the auditors does not involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly the auditors accept no 

responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the full annual financial statements since they were initially presented on the website. 

2  Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

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Accounting policies 

Aviva plc (the ‘Company’), a public limited company incorporated 
and domiciled in the United Kingdom (UK), together with its 
subsidiaries (collectively, the ‘Group’ or ‘Aviva’) transacts life 
assurance and long-term savings business, fund management and 
most classes of general insurance and health business through its 
subsidiaries, joint ventures, associates and branches in the UK, 
Ireland, continental Europe, Canada and Asia.  

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

(A) Basis of preparation 
The consolidated financial statements and those of the Company 
have been prepared and approved by the Directors in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as endorsed 
by the European Union (EU), and those parts of the Companies Act 
2006 applicable to those reporting under IFRS. The consolidated 
financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost 
convention, as modified by the revaluation of land and buildings, 
investment property, available-for-sale financial assets, and 
financial assets and financial liabilities (including derivative 
instruments) at fair value through profit or loss. 

In accordance with IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts, the Group has 
applied existing accounting practices for insurance and 
participating investment contracts, modified as appropriate to 
comply with the IFRS framework and applicable standards. Further 
details are given in accounting policy L.  

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s 
entities are measured in the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which that entity operates (the functional currency). 
The consolidated financial statements are stated in pounds sterling, 
which is the Company’s functional and presentational currency. 
Unless otherwise noted, the amounts shown in these financial 
statements are in millions of pounds sterling (£m). The separate 
financial statements of the Company are on pages 242 to 252. 

Comparative figures have been restated for adjustments as detailed 
in note 1. 

New standards, interpretations and amendments to published 
standards that have been adopted by the Group 
The Group and/or the Company has adopted the following 
amendments to standards which became effective for the annual 
reporting period beginning on 1 January 2018:  

(i) 

Amendments to IFRS 4, Insurance Contracts 
In September 2016, the IASB published amendments to IFRS 4 
Insurance Contracts that address the accounting 
consequences of the application of IFRS 9 to insurers prior to 
implementing the new accounting standard for insurance 
contracts, IFRS 17, which replaces IFRS 4. The amendments 
introduce two options for insurers: the deferral approach and 
the overlay approach. The deferral approach provides an 
entity, if eligible, with a temporary exemption from applying 
IFRS 9. The overlay approach allows an entity to remove from 
profit or loss the effects of some of the accounting 
mismatches that may occur before the new insurance 
contracts standard is applied. In November 2018 the IASB 
recommended an amendment to IFRS 17 to defer the effective 
date to 1 January 2022. At the same time, they recommended 
an extension to the fixed expiry date for the temporary 
exemption for insurers from applying IFRS 9 until 1 January 
2022. These amendments are subject to IASB’s due process 
and will be included in an exposure draft expected to be 
published later in 2019. 

(ii) 

The carrying amount of the Group’s liabilities connected with 
insurance exceeded 90% of the carrying amount of the 
Group’s total liabilities as at 31 December 2015, when the 
assessment was performed in accordance with the date 
specified in the amendments to IFRS 4. As such, the Group is 
eligible to apply the deferral approach, as defined by the 
amendments to IFRS 4. The Group has opted to apply this 
deferral from 2018. At 31 December 2015 the Group’s total 
liabilities were £369,642 million and liabilities connected with 
insurance in the statement of financial position at this date 
primarily included insurance and participating investment 
contracts within the scope of IFRS 4 (£218,604 million), non-
participating investment contract liabilities (£103,125 million), 
unallocated divisible surplus (£8,811 million), borrowings 
(£8,770 million), and certain amounts within payables and 
other financial liabilities which arise in the course of writing 
insurance business (£10,285 million). 

IFRS 9 information relating to entities within the Group which 
have applied the standard from 1 January 2018 can be found 
in the entities’ publicly available individual financial 
statements. 

IFRS 9, Financial Instruments (Company only) 
In July 2014, the IASB published IFRS 9, Financial Instruments 
which replaced IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and 
Measurement. The standard incorporates new classification 
and measurement requirements for financial assets, the 
introduction of an expected credit loss impairment model 
which will replace the incurred loss model of IAS 39, and new 
hedge accounting requirements. Under IFRS 9, all financial 
assets will be measured at either amortised cost or fair value. 
The basis of classification will depend on the business model 
and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial 
assets. The standard retains most of IAS 39’s requirements for 
financial liabilities except for those designated at fair value 
through profit or loss whereby that part of the fair value 
changes attributable to own credit is to be recognised in other 
comprehensive income instead of the income statement. The 
hedge accounting requirements are more closely aligned with 
risk management practices and follow a more principle based 
approach.  

The Group has opted to defer the adoption of IFRS 9 from 
2018. The impact of the adoption of IFRS 9 on the Group’s 
consolidated financial statements will be largely dependent 
on the interaction with the new insurance contracts standard 
IFRS 17. As such, it is not possible to fully assess the effect of 
the adoption of IFRS 9. IFRS 9 has been endorsed by the EU. 

The Group has however been required to apply the additional 
disclosure requirements of IFRS 9 which are set out in note 53 
and note 59. 

Although the Group has opted to defer adoption of IFRS 9 as 
its activities are predominantly related to insurance, the 
Company is not eligible to apply this deferral option and IFRS 
9 was effective for the Company from 1 January 2019. The 
adoption of IFRS 9 has not had a significant impact on the 
Company.  

(iii) 

IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers 
In May 2014, the IASB issued IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts 
with Customers. This standard applies to annual reporting 
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018 and has been 
endorsed by the EU. This standard replaces IAS 18 Revenue. 

The scope of IFRS 15 includes all contracts where an Aviva 
company has agreed to provide goods or services to a 
customer, except for the following: 

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Other information 

Accounting policies 

Continued  

•  Insurance contracts (IFRS 4) 
•  Financial instruments (IAS 39/IFRS 9) 
•  Leases (IAS 17) 

The adoption of this standard has resulted in the following 
minor amendments to the Group accounting policies: 
•  (I) Other investment contract fee revenue – updated to 

clarify that fees related to investment management services 
are recognised as revenue over time, as performance 
obligations are satisfied. Variable consideration, such as 
performance fees and commission subject to clawback 
arrangements, are only recorded as revenue to the extent it 
is highly probable that it will not be subject to significant 
reversal. 

•  (J) Other fee and commission income – updated to clarify 

that all other fee and commission income is recognised over 
time as the services are provided. 

The retrospective impact of the adoption of IFRS 15 on prior 
reporting periods is not material to the Group, and prior 
period comparative figures have not been restated as a result. 
The adoption of IFRS 15 does not have a significant impact on 
the Group’s consolidated financial statements. 

The following amendments to existing standards and IFRIC 
interpretations have been issued, and are effective from 1 
January 2018 or earlier, and do not have an impact on the 
Group’s consolidated financial statements as the clarifications 
are consistent with our existing interpretation. 

(iv)  Amendments to IFRS 2: Classification and Measurement of 

Share-based Payment Transactions 
In June 2016, the IASB issued amendments to IFRS 2 Share-
based Payment. The amendments were endorsed by the EU in 
February 2018 and are effective from 1 January 2018.  

(v) 

Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2014-2016 
These improvements consist of amendments to three IFRSs 
including IFRS 1 First-time Adoption of International Financial 
Reporting Standards, IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other 
Entities and IAS 28 Investments in Associates. The amendment 
to IFRS 12 was effective for annual reporting periods beginning 
on or after 1 January 2017. The amendments to IFRS 1 and IAS 
28 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or 
after 1 January 2018. The amendments were endorsed by the 
EU in February 2018. 

(ii) 

(vi)  Amendments to IAS 40 – Transfers of Investment Property 

In December 2016, the IASB published amendments to IAS 40 
Investment Property. The amendments are effective from 
1 January 2018 and have been endorsed by the EU. 

(vii) 

IFRIC 22, Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance 
Consideration 
In December 2016, the IASB published IFRIC 22 Foreign 
Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration. The 
standard is effective for annual reporting beginning on or 
after 1 January 2018 and has been endorsed by the EU. 

Standards, interpretations and amendments to published 
standards that are not yet effective and have not been adopted 
early by the Group or the Company 
The following new standards and amendments to existing standards 
have been issued, are not yet effective and have not been adopted 
early by the Group: 

contracts covering recognition and measurement, 
presentation and disclosure. Once effective, IFRS 17 will 
replace IFRS 4 that was issued in 2005. IFRS 17 applies to all 
types of insurance contracts as well as to certain guarantees 
and financial instruments with discretionary participation 
features. In contrast to the requirements in IFRS 4, which are 
largely based on grandfathering of previous local accounting 
policies, IFRS 17 provides a comprehensive and consistent 
approach to insurance contracts. The core of IFRS 17 is the 
general model, supplemented by a specific adaption for 
contracts with direct participation features (the variable fee 
approach) and a simplified approach (the premium allocation 
approach) mainly for short-duration contracts.  

The main features of the new accounting model for insurance 
contracts are, as follows: the measurement of the present 
value of future cash flows incorporating an explicit risk 
adjustment and remeasured at each reporting period (the 
fulfilment cash flows); a contractual service margin that is 
equal and opposite to any day one gain in the fulfilment cash 
flows of a group of contracts, representing the unearned profit 
of the insurance contracts to be recognised in profit or loss 
over the service period (coverage period); the presentation of 
insurance revenue and insurance service expenses in the 
statement of comprehensive income based on the concept of 
insurance services provided during the period; and extensive 
disclosures to provide information on the recognised amounts 
from insurance contracts and the nature and extent of risks 
arising from these contracts. 

The impact of the adoption of IFRS 17 has yet to be fully 
assessed by the Group but it is expected there will be 
significant impacts relating to the measurement and 
presentation of the contracts in scope of the standard. It is 
expected that the standard will apply to annual reporting 
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2022 and this 
standard has not yet been endorsed by the EU. 

IFRS 16, Leases 
In January 2016, the IASB published IFRS 16 Leases which will 
replace IAS 17 Leases. IFRS 16 introduces a definition of a 
lease with a single lessee accounting model eliminating the 
classification of either operating or finance leases. Lessees will 
be required to account for all leases in a similar manner to the 
current finance lease accounting recognising lease assets and 
liabilities on the statement of financial position. Lessor 
accounting remains similar to current practice. 

The impact of the adoption of IFRS 16 on the Group has been 
assessed. The Group has chosen to adopt the modified 
retrospective approach on transition permitted by IFRS 16. It is 
expected that the adoption of the standard will result in a 
reduction of retained earnings of between £120m and £140m 
at 1 January 2019. This arises from the value of right of use 
assets brought onto the balance sheet being lower than the 
value of lease liabilities due to the different rates of run-off. 
The gross impact on assets/liabilities is expected to be less 
than £500m. The impact on profit before tax and group 
adjusted operating profit is not expected to be material. This 
standard is applied to annual reporting periods beginning on 
or after 1 January 2019 and has been endorsed by the EU. 

The following new standards and amendments to existing standards 
have been issued, are not yet effective and are not expected to have 
a significant impact on the Group’s consolidated financial 
statements: 

(i) 

IFRS 17, Insurance Contracts 
In May 2017, the IASB published IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts, 
a comprehensive new accounting standard for insurance 

(iii) 

IFRIC 23, Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments 
In June 2017, the IASB published IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over 
Income Tax Treatments. The standard is effective for annual 

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Accounting policies 

Continued  

(iv)

(v)

(vi)

reporting beginning on or after 1 January 2019 and has been 
endorsed by the EU. 

Amendments to IAS 19 – Plan Amendment, Curtailment or 
Settlement 
In February 2018, the IASB published Plan Amendment, 
Curtailment or Settlement (Amendments to IAS 19). The
amendments are effective for annual reporting beginning 
on or after 1 January 2019 and have not yet been endorsed 
by the EU. 

Amendments to IAS 28: Long-term Interests in Associates and 
Joint Ventures 
In October 2017, the IASB published Long-term Interests in 
Associates and Joint Ventures (Amendments to IAS 28). The 
amendments are effective for annual reporting beginning on 
or after 1 January 2019 and have been endorsed by the EU. 

Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2015-2017 Cycle 
These improvements consist of amendments to four IFRSs 
including IFRS 3 Business Combinations, IFRS 11 Joint
Arrangements, IAS 12 Income taxes and IAS 23 Borrowing Costs. 
The amendments are effective for annual reporting beginning 
on or after 1 January 2019 and have not yet been endorsed by 
the EU. 

(vii) Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in 

IFRS Standards 
Published by the IASB in March 2018. The amendments are 
effective for annual reporting beginning on or after 1 January 
2020 and have not yet been endorsed by the EU. 

(viii) Amendment to IFRS 3, Business Combinations, IAS 1 and IAS 8: 

Definition of material 
Published by the IASB in October 2018. The amendments are 
effective for annual reporting beginning on or after 1 January 
2020 and have not yet been endorsed by the EU. 

(B) Group adjusted operating profit
The long-term nature of much of the Group’s operations means 
that, for management’s decision-making and internal performance 
management of our operating segments, the Group focuses on 
Group adjusted operating profit, a non-GAAP alternative 
performance measure (APM) which is not bound by IFRS. The APM 
incorporates the expected return on investments which supports its 
long-term and non-long-term businesses.  

Group adjusted operating profit for long-term business is based on 
expected investment returns on financial investments backing 
shareholder and policyholder funds over the reporting period, with 
allowance for the corresponding expected movements in liabilities. 
Variances between actual and expected investment returns, and the 
impact of changes in economic assumptions on liabilities, are 
disclosed separately outside Group adjusted operating profit. For 
non-long-term business, the total investment income, including 
realised and unrealised gains, is analysed between that calculated 
using a longer-term return and short-term fluctuations from that 
level. The exclusion of short-term realised and unrealised 
investment gains and losses from the Group adjusted operating 
profit APM reflects the long-term nature of much of our business and 
presents separately the operating profit APM which is used in 
managing the performance of our operating segments from the 
impact of economic factors. Further details of this analysis and the 
assumptions used are given in notes 9 and 10. 

Group adjusted operating profit is presented before and after 
integration and restructuring costs. These costs are only reported to 
the extent that they are significant, and not otherwise absorbed 
within operating costs. 

Group adjusted operating profit also excludes impairment of 
goodwill, associates and joint ventures; amortisation and 
impairment of other intangibles; amortisation and impairment of 
acquired value of in-force business; and the profit or loss on 
disposal and remeasurement of subsidiaries, joint ventures and 
associates. These items principally relate to mergers and acquisition 
activity which we view as strategic in nature, hence they are 
excluded from the operating profit APM as this is principally used to 
manage the performance of our operating segments when reporting 
to the Group’s chief operating decision maker. Other items are those 
items that, in the Directors’ view, are required to be separately 
disclosed by virtue of their nature or incidence to enable a full 
understanding of the Group’s financial performance. Details of these 
items, including an explanation of the rationale for their exclusion, 
are provided in the Alternative Performance Measures section within 
‘Other information’. 

The Group adjusted operating profit APM should be viewed as 
complementary to IFRS GAAP measures. It is important to consider 
Group adjusted operating profit and profit before tax together to 
understand the performance of the business in the period.  

(C) Critical accounting policies and the use of
estimates
Critical accounting policies 
The preparation of financial statements requires the Group to select 
accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that 
affect items reported in the consolidated income statement, 
consolidated statement of financial position, other primary 
statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements.  

The Audit Committee reviews the reasonableness of judgements 
and assumptions applied and the appropriateness of significant 
accounting policies. The significant issues considered by the 
Committee in the year are included within the Audit Committee 
Report on page 58. 

The following accounting policies are those that have the most 
significant impact on the amounts recognised in the financial 
statements, with those judgements involving estimation 
summarised thereafter. 

Item 

Critical accounting judgement 

Accounting policy 

Consolidation 

Assessment of whether the Group 
controls the underlying entities including 
consideration of its decision making 
authority and rights to the variable 
returns from the entity 

Insurance and 
participating 
investment 
contract 
liabilities 

Assessment of the significance of 
insurance risk transferred to the Group in 
determining whether a contract should 
be accounted for as insurance or 
investment contract 

Financial 
investments 

Classification of investments including 
the application of the fair value option 

D 

G 

T 

All estimates are based on management’s knowledge of current 
facts and circumstances, assumptions based on that knowledge and 
their predictions of future events and actions. Actual results may 
differ from those estimates, possibly significantly. 

The table below sets out those items considered particularly 
susceptible to changes in estimates and assumptions, and the 
relevant accounting policy and note disclosures.

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Accounting policies 

Continued  

Item 

Critical accounting estimates 

Measurement of 
insurance and 
participating 
investment 
contract 
liabilities 

Acquired value 
of in-force 
business (AVIF) 
and intangible 
assets 

Fair value of 
financial 
instruments and 
investment 
property 

Deferred 
acquisition 
costs 

Valuation of a 
specific UK Life 
provision 

Principal assumptions used in 
the calculation of life insurance 
and participating investment 
contract liabilities include those 
in respect of annuitant 
mortality, expenses, valuation 
interest rates and credit default 
allowances on corporate bonds 
and other non-sovereign 
credit assets.  
Principal assumptions used in the 
calculation of general insurance and 
health liabilities include the discount 
rates used in determining our latent 
claim and structured settlements 
liabilities, and the assumption that 
past claims experience can be used 
as a basis to project future claims 
(estimated using a range of standard 
actuarial claims projection 
techniques). 

AVIF is recognised, amortised and 
tested for impairment by reference to 
the present value of estimated future 
profits.  
Other intangible assets are 
recognised and tested for impairment 
using an income approach method. 
Significant estimates include forecast 
cash flows, discount rates and 
determination of useful lives. 

Where quoted market prices are not 
available, valuation techniques are 
used to value financial instruments 
and investment property. These 
include broker quotes and models 
using both observable and 
unobservable market inputs. The 
valuation techniques involve 
judgement with regard to the 
valuation models used and the inputs 
to these models can lead to a range 
of plausible valuation for financial 
investments.  

Management use estimation 
techniques to determine the 
amortisation profile and impairment 
test by reference to the present value 
of estimated future profits. These 
tests are sensitive to expense and 
lapse assumptions. 

UK Life hold a product governance 
provision relating to a historical issue 
over pension arrangement advised 
sales by Friends Provident. 
The amount of provision is 
determined based on the Group’s 
estimation of the expenditure 
required to settle the obligation at 
the statement of financial position 
date. 
The valuation of the provision 
involves a high degree of judgement 
and estimation uncertainty due to the 
time that has elapsed since the 
advice was given. 

Accounting 
policy 

L 

Note 

43(a)  

(D) Consolidation principles 
Subsidiaries 
Subsidiaries are those entities over which the Group has control. 
The Group controls an investee if and only if the Group has all of the 
following: 
•  power over the investee, 
•  exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with 

the investee, and 

•  the ability to use its power over the investee to affect its returns. 

43(b) 

The Group considers all relevant facts and circumstances in 
assessing whether it has power over an investee, including: the 
purpose and design of an investee, relevant activities, substantive 
and protective rights, and voting rights and potential voting rights.  

O 

18(a)  

18(b) 

F,T,U 

23(g) 

X 

29(b) 

AA 

50 

The Group reassesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts 
and circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more of 
the three elements of control. Subsidiaries are consolidated from 
the date the Group obtains control and are excluded from 
consolidation from the date the Group loses control. All 
intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised surpluses and 
deficits on transactions between Group companies have been 
eliminated. Accounting policies of subsidiaries are aligned on 
acquisition to ensure consistency with Group policies.  

The Group is required to use the acquisition method of accounting for 
business combinations. Under this method, the Group recognises 
identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities at fair value, and 
any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. For each business 
combination, the Group has the option to measure the non-controlling 
interest in the acquiree either at fair value or at the proportionate share 
of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. The excess of the consideration 
transferred over the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired 
is recorded as goodwill (see accounting policy O below). Acquisition-
related costs are expensed as incurred.  

Transactions with non-controlling interests that lead to changes in 
the ownership interests in a subsidiary but do not result in a loss of 
control are treated as equity transactions.  

Merger accounting and the merger reserve 
Prior to 1 January 2004, the date of first time adoption of IFRS, 
certain significant business combinations were accounted for using 
the ‘pooling of interests method’ (or merger accounting), which 
treats the merged groups as if they had been combined throughout 
the current and comparative accounting periods. Merger accounting 
principles for these combinations gave rise to a merger reserve in 
the consolidated statement of financial position, being the 
difference between the nominal value of new shares issued by the 
Parent Company for the acquisition of the shares of the subsidiary 
and the subsidiary’s own share capital and share premium account. 
These transactions have not been restated, as permitted by the 
IFRS 1 transitional arrangements.  

The merger reserve is also used where more than 90% of the shares 
in a subsidiary are acquired and the consideration includes the issue 
of new shares by the Company, thereby attracting merger relief 
under the Companies Act 1985 and, from 1 October 2009, the 
Companies Act 2006. 

Investment vehicles 
In several countries, the Group has invested in a number of 
specialised investment vehicles such as Open-ended Investment 
Companies (OEICs) and unit trusts. These invest mainly in equities, 
bonds, cash and cash equivalents, and properties, and distribute 
most of their income. The Group’s percentage ownership in these 
vehicles can fluctuate from day to day according to the Group’s and 
third-party participation in them. When assessing control over 
investment vehicles, along with the factors determining control 

During the year management reassessed the critical estimates 
previously provided and, based on their assessment of qualitative 
and quantitative risk factors, resolved that an additional critical 
estimate should be added to cover the valuation of a specific UK Life 
provision. 

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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Accounting policies 

Continued  

outlined above, the Group considers the scope of its decision-
making authority including its ability to direct the relevant activities 
of the fund and exposure to variability of returns from the 
perspective of an investor in the fund and of the asset manager. In 
addition, the Group assesses rights held by other parties including 
substantive removal rights that may affect the Group’s ability to 
direct the relevant activities and indicate that the Group does not 
have power. Where the Group is deemed to control such vehicles, 
they are consolidated, with the interests of parties other than Aviva 
being classified as liabilities. These appear as ‘Net asset value 
attributable to unitholders’ in the consolidated statement of 
financial position.  

Where the Group does not control such vehicles, and these 
investments are held by its insurance or investment funds, they are 
carried at fair value through profit or loss within financial 
investments in the consolidated statement of financial position, in 
accordance with IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and 
Measurement. 

As part of their investment strategy, long-term business policyholder 
funds have invested in a number of property limited partnerships 
(PLPs), either directly or via property unit trusts (PUTs), through a 
mix of capital and loans. The PLPs are managed by general partners 
(GPs), in which the long-term business shareholder companies hold 
equity stakes and which themselves hold nominal stakes in the 
PLPs. The PUTs are managed by a Group subsidiary. 

Accounting for the PUTs and PLPs as subsidiaries, joint ventures, 
associates or other financial investments depends on whether the 
Group is deemed to have control or joint control over the PUTs and 
PLPs’ shareholdings in the GPs and the terms of each partnership 
agreement are considered along with other factors that determine 
control, as outlined above. Where the Group exerts control over a 
PUT or a PLP, it has been treated as a subsidiary and its results, 
assets and liabilities have been consolidated. Where the partnership 
is managed by an agreement such that there is joint control 
between the parties, notwithstanding that the Group’s partnership 
share in the PLP (including its indirect stake via the relevant PUT and 
GP) may be lower or higher than 50%, such PUTs and PLPs have 
been classified as joint ventures (see below). Where the Group has 
significant influence over the PUT or PLP, as defined in the following 
section, the PUT or PLP is classified as an associate. Where the 
Group holds non-controlling interests in PLPs, with no significant 
influence or control over their associated GPs, the relevant 
investments are carried at fair value through profit or loss within 
financial investments. 

Associates and joint ventures  
Associates are entities over which the Group has significant 
influence. Significant influence is the power to participate in the 
financial and operating policy decisions of the investee, but is not 
control or joint control. Generally, it is presumed that the Group has 
significant influence if it has between 20% and 50% of voting rights. 
Joint ventures are joint arrangements whereby the Group and other 
parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the 
net assets of the joint venture. Joint control is the contractually 
agreed sharing of control of an arrangement, which exists only when 
decisions about the relevant activities require unanimous consent of 
the parties sharing control. In a number of these, the Group’s share 
of the underlying assets and liabilities may be greater or less than 
50% but the terms of the relevant agreements make it clear that 
control is not exercised. Such jointly controlled entities are referred 
to as joint ventures in these financial statements. 

Gains on transactions between the Group and its associates and 
joint ventures are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in 
the associates and joint ventures. Losses are also eliminated, unless 

the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset 
transferred between entities. 

Other than investments in investment vehicles which are carried at 
fair value through profit or loss, investments in associates and joint 
ventures are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. 
Under this method, the cost of the investment in a given associate 
or joint venture, together with the Group’s share of that entity’s 
post-acquisition changes to shareholders’ funds, is included as an 
asset in the consolidated statement of financial position. As 
explained in accounting policy O, the cost includes goodwill 
recognised on acquisition. The Group’s share of their post-
acquisition profit or losses is recognised in the income statement 
and its share of post-acquisition movements in reserves is 
recognised in reserves. Equity accounting is discontinued when the 
Group no longer has significant influence or joint control over the 
investment. 

If the Group’s share of losses in an associate or joint venture equals 
or exceeds its interest in the undertaking, the Group does not 
recognise further losses unless it has incurred obligations or made 
payments on behalf of the entity. 

The Company’s investments 
In the Company’s statement of financial position, subsidiaries, 
associates and joint ventures are stated at cost less impairment. 
Investments are reviewed annually to test whether any indicators of 
impairment exist. Where there is objective evidence of such an asset 
being impaired the investment is impaired to its recoverable value 
and any unrealised loss is recorded in the income statement. 

(E) Foreign currency translation 
Income statements and cash flows of foreign entities are translated 
into the Group’s presentation currency at average exchange rates for 
the year while their statements of financial position are translated at 
the year-end exchange rates. Exchange differences arising from the 
translation of the net investment in foreign subsidiaries, associates 
and joint ventures, and of borrowings and other currency 
instruments designated as hedges of such investments, are 
recognised in other comprehensive income and taken to the 
currency translation reserve within equity. On disposal of a foreign 
entity, such exchange differences are transferred out of this reserve 
and are recognised in the income statement as part of the gain or 
loss on sale. The cumulative translation differences were deemed to 
be zero at the transition date to IFRS. 

Foreign currency transactions are accounted for at the exchange 
rates prevailing at the date of the transactions. Gains and losses 
resulting from the settlement of such transactions, and from the 
translation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign 
currencies, are recognised in the income statement. 

Translation differences on debt securities and other monetary 
financial assets measured at fair value and designated as held at fair 
value through profit or loss (FVTPL) (see accounting policy T) are 
included in foreign exchange gains and losses in the income 
statement. For monetary financial assets designated as available for 
sale (AFS), translation differences are calculated as if they were 
carried at amortised cost and so are recognised in the income 
statement, while foreign exchange differences arising from fair value 
gains and losses are recognised in other comprehensive income and 
included in the investment valuation reserve within equity. 
Translation differences on non-monetary items, such as equities 
which are designated as FVTPL, are reported as part of the fair value 
gain or loss, whereas such differences on AFS equities are included 
in the investment valuation reserve. 

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Other information 

Accounting policies 

Continued  

(F) Fair value measurement 
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid 
to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market 
participants at the measurement date, regardless of whether that 
price is directly observable or estimated using another valuation 
technique. This presumes that the transaction takes place in the 
principal (or most advantageous) market under current market 
conditions. Fair value is a market-based measure and in the absence 
of observable market prices in an active market, it is measured using 
the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing 
the asset or liability. 

The fair value of a non-financial asset is determined based on its 
highest and best use from a market participant’s perspective. When 
using this approach, the Group takes into account the asset’s use that 
is physically possible, legally permissible and financially feasible. 

The best evidence of the fair value of a financial instrument at initial 
recognition is normally the transaction price i.e. the fair value of the 
consideration given or received. In certain circumstances, the fair 
value at initial recognition may differ from the transaction price. If 
the fair value is evidenced by comparison with other observable 
current market transactions in the same instrument (i.e. without 
modification or repackaging), or is based on a valuation technique 
whose variables include only data from observable markets, then 
the difference between the fair value at initial recognition and the 
transaction price is recognised as a gain or loss in the income 
statement. When unobservable market data has a significant impact 
on the valuation of financial instruments, the difference between the 
fair value at initial recognition and the transaction price is not 
recognised immediately in the income statement, but deferred and 
recognised in the income statement on an appropriate basis over 
the life of the instrument but no later than when the valuation is 
supported wholly by observable market data or the transaction is 
closed out or otherwise matured. 

If an asset or a liability measured at fair value has a bid price and an 
ask price, the price within the bid-ask spread that is most 
representative of fair value in the circumstances is used to measure 
fair value. 

(G) Product classification 
Insurance contracts are defined as those containing significant 
insurance risk if, and only if, an insured event could cause an insurer 
to make significant additional payments in any scenario, excluding 
scenarios that lack commercial substance, at the inception of the 
contract. Such contracts remain insurance contracts until all rights 
and obligations are extinguished or expire. Contracts can be 
reclassified as insurance contracts after inception if insurance risk 
becomes significant. Any contracts not considered to be insurance 
contracts under IFRS are classified as investment contracts. Some 
insurance and investment contracts contain a discretionary 
participation feature, which is a contractual right to receive 
additional benefits as a supplement to guaranteed benefits. These 
are referred to as participating contracts. 

As noted in accounting policy A, insurance contracts and 
participating investment contracts in general continue to be 
measured and accounted for under existing accounting practices at 
the later of the date of transition to IFRS (‘grandfathered’) or the 
date of the acquisition of the entity, in accordance with IFRS 4. IFRS 
accounting for insurance contracts in UK companies was 
grandfathered at the date of transition to IFRS and determined in 
accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice issued by 
the Association of British Insurers (subsequently withdrawn by the 
ABI in 2015). 

In certain businesses, the accounting policies or accounting 
estimates have been changed, as permitted by IFRS 4 and IAS 8 
respectively, to remeasure designated insurance liabilities to reflect 

current market interest rates and changes to regulatory capital 
requirements. When accounting policies or accounting estimates 
have been changed, and adjustments to the measurement basis 
have occurred, the financial statements of that year will have 
disclosed the impacts accordingly. One such example is our 
adoption of Financial Reporting Standard 27 Life Assurance (FRS 27) 
which was issued by the UK’s Accounting Standards Board (ASB) in 
December 2004 (subsequently withdrawn by the ASB in 2015). 

(H) Premiums earned 
Premiums on long-term insurance contracts and participating 
investment contracts are recognised as income when receivable, 
except for investment-linked premiums which are accounted for 
when the corresponding liabilities are recognised. For single 
premium business, this is the date from which the policy is effective. 
For regular premium contracts, receivables are recognised at the 
date when payments are due. Premiums are shown before 
deduction of commission and before any sales-based taxes or 
duties. Where policies lapse due to non-receipt of premiums, then 
all the related premium income accrued but not received from the 
date they are deemed to have lapsed is offset against premiums. 

General insurance and health premiums written reflect business 
incepted during the year, and exclude any sales-based taxes or 
duties. Unearned premiums are those proportions of the premiums 
written in a year that relate to periods of risk after the statement of 
financial position date. Unearned premiums are calculated on either 
a daily or monthly pro rata basis. Premiums collected by 
intermediaries, but not yet received, are assessed based on 
estimates from underwriting or past experience, and are included in 
premiums written. 

Deposits collected under investment contracts without a 
discretionary participation feature (non-participating contracts) are 
not accounted for through the income statement, except for the fee 
income (covered in accounting policy I) and the investment income 
attributable to those contracts, but are accounted for directly 
through the statement of financial position as an adjustment to the 
investment contract liability.  

(I) Other investment contract fee revenue 
Investment contract policyholders are charged fees for policy 
administration, investment management, surrenders or other 
contract services. The fees may be for fixed amounts or vary with the 
amounts being managed, and will generally be charged as an 
adjustment to the policyholder’s balance. Fees related to 
investment management services are recognised as revenue over 
time, as performance obligations are satisfied. In most cases this 
revenue is recognised in the same period in which the fees are 
charged to the policyholder. Fees that are related to services to be 
provided in future periods are deferred and recognised when the 
performance obligation is fulfilled. Variable consideration, such as 
performance fees and commission subject to clawback 
arrangements, is not recognised as revenue until it is reasonably 
certain that no significant reversal of amounts recognised would 
occur. 

Initiation and other ‘front-end’ fees (fees that are assessed against 
the policyholder balance as consideration for origination of the 
contract) are charged on some non-participating investment and 
investment fund management contracts. Where the investment 
contract is recorded at amortised cost, these fees are deferred and 
recognised over the expected term of the policy by an adjustment to 
the effective yield. Where the investment contract is measured at fair 
value, the front-end fees that relate to the provision of investment 
management services are deferred and recognised as the services 
are provided. Origination fees are recognised immediately where the 
sale of fund interests represent a separate performance obligation. 

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(J) Other fee and commission income 
Other fee and commission income consists primarily of fund 
management fees, distribution fees from mutual funds, 
commissions on reinsurance ceded, commission revenue from the 
sale of mutual fund shares and transfer agent fees for shareholder 
record keeping. Reinsurance commissions receivable are deferred in 
the same way as acquisition costs, as described in accounting policy 
X. All other fee and commission income is recognised over time as 
the services are provided. 

(K) Net investment income 
Investment income consists of dividends, interest and rents 
receivable for the year, movements in amortised cost on debt 
securities, realised gains and losses, and unrealised gains and losses 
on FVTPL investments (as defined in accounting policy T). Dividends 
on equity securities are recorded as revenue on the ex-dividend 
date. Interest income is recognised as it accrues, taking into account 
the effective yield on the investment. It includes the interest rate 
differential on forward foreign exchange contracts. Rental income is 
recognised on an accruals basis, and is recognised on a straight line 
basis unless there is compelling evidence that benefits do not 
accrue evenly over the period of the lease. 

A gain or loss on a financial investment is only realised on disposal 
or transfer, and is the difference between the proceeds received, net 
of transaction costs, and its original cost or amortised cost, as 
appropriate. 

Unrealised gains and losses, arising on investments which have not 
been derecognised as a result of disposal or transfer, represent the 
difference between the carrying value at the year end and the 
carrying value at the previous year end or purchase value during the 
year, less the reversal of previously recognised unrealised gains and 
losses in respect of disposals made during the year. Realised gains 
or losses on investment property represent the difference between 
the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the property. 

(L) Insurance and participating investment contract 
liabilities 
Claims 
Long-term business claims reflect the cost of all claims arising 
during the year, including claims handling costs, as well as 
policyholder bonuses accrued in anticipation of bonus declarations. 

General insurance and health claims incurred include all losses 
occurring during the year, whether reported or not, related handling 
costs, a reduction for the value of salvage and other recoveries, and 
any adjustments to claims outstanding from previous years. 

Claims handling costs include internal and external costs incurred in 
connection with the negotiation and settlement of claims. Internal 
costs include all direct expenses of the claims department and any 
part of the general administrative costs directly attributable to the 
claims function. 

represents a determination within a range of possible outcomes, 
where the assumptions used in the calculations depend on the 
circumstances prevailing in each life operation. The principal 
assumptions are disclosed in note 43(a). For the UK with-profits 
funds, FRS 27 required liabilities to be calculated on the realistic 
basis adjusted to remove the shareholders’ share of future bonuses. 
FRS 27 was grandfathered from UK regulatory requirements prior to 
the adoption of Solvency II. For UK non-profit insurance contracts, 
the liabilities are calculated using the gross premium valuation 
method. This method uses the amount of contractual premiums 
payable and includes explicit assumptions for interest and discount 
rates, mortality and morbidity, persistency and future expenses. 
These assumptions are set on a prudent basis and can vary by 
contract type and reflect current and expected future experience. 
These estimates depend upon the outcome of future events and 
may need to be revised as circumstances change. The liabilities are 
based on the UK regulatory requirements prior to the adoption of 
Solvency II, adjusted to remove certain regulatory reserves and 
margins in assumptions, notably for annuity business. 

Unallocated divisible surplus 
In certain participating long-term insurance and investment 
business, the nature of the policy benefits is such that the division 
between shareholder reserves and policyholder liabilities is 
uncertain. Amounts whose allocation to either policyholders or 
shareholders has not been determined by the end of the financial 
year are held within liabilities as an unallocated divisible surplus. 

If the aggregate carrying value of liabilities for a particular 
participating business fund is in excess of the aggregate carrying 
value of its assets, then the difference is held as a negative 
unallocated divisible surplus balance, subject to recoverability from 
margins in that fund’s participating business. Any excess of this 
difference over the recoverable amount is charged to net income in 
the reporting period. 

Embedded derivatives  
Embedded derivatives that meet the definition of an insurance 
contract or correspond to options to surrender insurance contracts 
for a set amount (or based on a fixed amount and an interest rate) 
are not separately measured. All other embedded derivatives are 
separated and measured at fair value if they are not considered 
closely related to the host insurance contract or do not meet the 
definition of an insurance contract. Fair value reflects own credit risk 
to the extent the embedded derivative is not fully collateralised.  

Liability adequacy 
At each reporting date, an assessment is made of whether the 
recognised long-term business provisions are adequate, using 
current estimates of future cash flows. If that assessment shows that 
the carrying amount of the liabilities (less related assets) is 
insufficient in light of the estimated future cash flows, the deficiency 
is recognised in the income statement by setting up an additional 
provision in the statement of financial position. 

Long-term business provisions 
Under current IFRS requirements, insurance and participating 
investment contract liabilities are measured using accounting 
policies consistent with those adopted previously under existing 
accounting practices, with the exception of liabilities remeasured to 
reflect current market interest rates to be consistent with the value 
of the backing assets, and those relating to UK with-profits and non-
profit contracts. 

The long-term business provisions are calculated separately for 
each life operation, based either on local regulatory requirements or 
existing local GAAP (at the later of the date of transition to IFRS or 
the date of the acquisition of the entity); and actuarial principles 
consistent with those applied in each local market. Each calculation 

General insurance and health provisions 
Outstanding claims provisions 
General insurance and health outstanding claims provisions are 
based on the estimated ultimate cost of all claims incurred but not 
settled at the statement of financial position date, whether reported 
or not, together with related claims handling costs. Significant 
delays are experienced in the notification and settlement of certain 
types of general insurance claims, particularly in respect of liability 
business, including environmental and pollution exposures, the 
ultimate cost of which cannot be known with certainty at the 
statement of financial position date. As such, booked claim 
provisions for general insurance and health insurance are based on 
the best estimate of the cost of future claim payments plus an 

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explicit allowance for risk and uncertainty. Any estimate represents a 
determination within a range of possible outcomes. Further details 
of estimation techniques are given in note 43(b). 

Provisions for latent claims and claims that are settled on an annuity 
type basis such as structured settlements are discounted, in the 
relevant currency at the reporting date, having regard to the expected 
settlement dates of the claims and the nature of the liabilities. The 
discount rate is set at the start of the accounting period with any 
change in rates between the start and end of the accounting period 
being reflected below operating profit as an economic assumption 
change. The range of discount rates used is described in note 43(b). 
Outstanding claims provisions are valued net of an allowance for 
expected future recoveries. Recoveries include non-insurance assets 
that have been acquired by exercising rights to salvage and 
subrogation under the terms of insurance contracts. Where material, 
anticipated recoveries are disclosed under receivables and not 
deducted from outstanding claims provisions. 

Provision for unearned premiums  
The proportion of written premiums, gross of commission payable 
to intermediaries, attributable to subsequent periods is deferred as 
a provision for unearned premiums. The change in this provision is 
taken to the income statement as recognition of revenue over the 
period of risk. 

Liability adequacy  
At each reporting date, the Group reviews its unexpired risks and 
carries out a liability adequacy test for any overall excess of 
expected claims and deferred acquisition costs over unearned 
premiums, using the current estimates of future cash flows under its 
contracts after taking account of the investment return expected to 
arise on assets relating to the relevant general business provisions. If 
these estimates show that the carrying amount of its insurance 
liabilities (less related deferred acquisition costs) is insufficient in 
light of the estimated future cash flows, the deficiency is recognised 
in the income statement by setting up a provision in the statement 
of financial position. 

Other assessments and levies 
The Group is subject to various periodic insurance-related 
assessments or guarantee fund levies. Related provisions are 
established where there is a present obligation (legal or 
constructive) as a result of a past event. Such amounts are not 
included in insurance liabilities but are included under ‘Pension 
deficits and other provisions’ in the statement of financial position. 

(M) Non-participating investment contract liabilities 
Claims 
For non-participating investment contracts with an account 
balance, claims reflect the excess of amounts paid over the account 
balance released. 

Contract liabilities 
Deposits collected under non-participating investment contracts are 
not accounted for through the income statement, except for the 
investment income attributable to those contracts, but are 
accounted for directly through the statement of financial position as 
an adjustment to the investment contract liability. 

The majority of the Group’s contracts classified as non-participating 
investment contracts are unit-linked contracts and are measured at 
fair value. Certain liabilities for non-linked non-participating 
contracts are measured at amortised cost. 

to the surrender value. For unit-linked contracts, the fair value 
liability is equal to the current unit fund value, including any 
unfunded units. In addition, if required, non-unit reserves are held 
based on a discounted cash flow analysis. For non-linked contracts, 
the fair value liability is based on a discounted cash flow analysis, 
with allowance for risk calibrated to match the market price for risk. 

Amortised cost is calculated as the fair value of consideration 
received at the date of initial recognition, less the net effect of 
payments such as transaction costs and front-end fees, plus or 
minus the cumulative amortisation (using the effective interest rate 
method) of any difference between that initial amount and the 
maturity value, and less any write-down for surrender payments. 
The effective interest rate is the one that equates the discounted 
cash payments to the initial amount. At each reporting date, the 
amortised cost liability is determined as the value of future best 
estimate cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate. 

(N) Reinsurance 
The Group assumes and cedes reinsurance in the normal course of 
business, with retention limits varying by line of business. Premiums 
on reinsurance assumed are recognised as revenue in the same 
manner as they would be if the reinsurance were considered direct 
business, taking into account the product classification of the 
reinsured business. The cost of reinsurance related to long-duration 
contracts is accounted for over the life of the underlying reinsured 
policies, using assumptions consistent with those used to account 
for these policies. 

Where general insurance liabilities are discounted, any 
corresponding reinsurance assets are also discounted using 
consistent assumptions. 

Gains or losses on buying retroactive reinsurance are recognised in 
the income statement immediately at the date of purchase and are 
not amortised. Premiums ceded and claims reimbursed are 
presented on a gross basis in the consolidated income statement 
and statement of financial position as appropriate. 

Reinsurance assets primarily include balances due from both 
insurance and reinsurance companies for ceded insurance and 
investment contract liabilities. This includes balances in respect of 
investment contracts which are legally reinsurance contracts but do 
not meet the definition of a reinsurance contract under IFRS. 
Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner 
consistent with the underlying contract liabilities, outstanding 
claims provisions or settled claims associated with the reinsured 
policies and in accordance with the relevant reinsurance contract. 

Reinsurance of non-participating investment contracts and reinsurance 
contracts that principally transfer financial risk are accounted for directly 
through the statement of financial position. A deposit asset or liability is 
recognised, based on the consideration paid or received less any 
explicitly identified premiums or fees to be retained by the reinsured. 
These deposit assets or liabilities are shown within reinsurance assets in 
the consolidated statement of financial position. 

If a reinsurance asset is impaired, the Group reduces the carrying 
amount accordingly and recognises that impairment loss in the 
income statement. A reinsurance asset is impaired if there is 
objective evidence, as a result of an event that occurred after initial 
recognition of the reinsurance asset, that the Group may not receive 
all amounts due to it under the terms of the contract, and the event 
has a reliably measurable impact on the amounts that the Group 
will receive from the reinsurer. 

The liability’s fair value is determined using a valuation technique to 
provide a reliable estimate of the amount for which the liability 
could be transferred in an orderly transaction between market 
participants at the measurement date, subject to a minimum equal 

(O) Goodwill, AVIF and intangible assets 
Goodwill 
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the 
fair value of the Group’s share of the net assets of the acquired 

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subsidiary, associate or joint venture at the date of acquisition. 
Goodwill arising on the Group’s investments in subsidiaries is shown 
as a separate asset, while that on associates and joint ventures is 
included within the carrying value of those investments. 

Goodwill on acquisitions prior to 1 January 2004 (the date of 
transition to IFRS) is carried at its book value (original cost less 
cumulative amortisation) on that date, less any impairment 
subsequently incurred. Goodwill arising before 1 January 1998 was 
eliminated against reserves and has not been reinstated. 

Where negative goodwill arises on an acquisition, this is recognised 
immediately in the consolidated income statement. 

Acquired value of in-force business (AVIF) 
The present value of future profits on a portfolio of long-term 
insurance and investment contracts, acquired either directly or 
through the purchase of a subsidiary, is recognised as an asset.  

If the AVIF results from the acquisition of an investment in a joint 
venture or an associate, it is held within the carrying amount of that 
investment. In all cases, the AVIF is amortised over the useful lifetime 
of the related contracts in the portfolio on a systematic basis. The 
rate of amortisation is chosen by considering the profile of the 
additional value of in-force business acquired and the expected 
depletion in its value. 

Non-participating investment contract AVIF is reviewed for evidence 
of impairment, consistent with reviews conducted for other finite life 
intangible assets. Insurance and participating investment contract 
AVIF is reviewed for impairment at each reporting date as part of the 
liability adequacy requirements of IFRS 4 (see accounting policy L). 
AVIF is reviewed for evidence of impairment and impairment tested 
at product portfolio level by reference to a projection of future 
profits arising from the portfolio.  

Intangible assets 
Intangible assets consist primarily of contractual relationships such 
as access to distribution networks, customer lists and software. The 
economic lives of these are determined by considering relevant 
factors such as usage of the asset, typical product life cycles, 
potential obsolescence, maintenance costs, the stability of the 
industry, competitive position and the period of control over the 
assets. These intangibles are amortised over their useful lives, which 
range from three to 30 years, using the straight-line method. 

The amortisation charge for the year is included in the income 
statement under ‘Other expenses’. For intangibles with finite lives, 
impairment charges will be recognised in the income statement 
where evidence of such impairment is observed. Intangibles with 
indefinite lives are subject to regular impairment testing, as 
described below. 

Impairment testing 
For impairment testing, goodwill and intangible assets with 
indefinite useful lives have been allocated to cash-generating units. 
The carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets with 
indefinite useful lives is reviewed at least annually or when 
circumstances or events indicate there may be uncertainty over this 
value. Goodwill and indefinite life intangibles are written down for 
impairment where the recoverable amount is insufficient to support 
its carrying value. Further details on goodwill allocation and 
impairment testing are given in note 17. Any impairments are 
charged as expenses in the income statement. 

(P) Property and equipment 
Owner-occupied properties are carried at their revalued amounts, 
and movements are recognised in other comprehensive income and 
taken to a separate reserve within equity. When such properties are 
sold, the accumulated revaluation surpluses are transferred from 

this reserve to retained earnings. These properties are depreciated 
down to their estimated residual values over their useful lives. All 
other items classed as property and equipment within the 
statement of financial position are carried at historical cost less 
accumulated depreciation.  

Investment properties under construction are included within 
property and equipment until completion, and are stated at cost 
less any provision for impairment in their values until construction is 
completed or fair value becomes reliably measurable. 

Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method to write down 
the cost of other assets to their residual values over their estimated 
useful lives as follows: 
•  Properties under construction 
•  Owner-occupied properties, and 
related mechanical and electrical 
equipment 
•  Motor vehicles 

No depreciation 
25 years  

Three years, or lease term 
(up to useful life) if longer 
Three to five years 
Three to five years 

•  Computer equipment 
•  Other assets 

The assets’ residual values, useful lives and method of depreciation 
are reviewed regularly, and at least at each financial year end, and 
adjusted if appropriate. Where the carrying amount of an asset is 
greater than its estimated recoverable amount, it is written down 
immediately to its recoverable amount. Gains and losses on 
disposal of property and equipment are determined by reference to 
their carrying amount. 

Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition and 
construction of property and equipment are capitalised. All repair 
and maintenance costs are charged to the income statement during 
the financial period in which they are incurred. The cost of major 
renovations is included in the carrying amount of the asset when it is 
probable that future economic benefits in excess of the most 
recently assessed standard of performance of the existing asset will 
flow to the Group and the renovation replaces an identifiable part of 
the asset. Major renovations are depreciated over the remaining 
useful life of the related asset. 

(Q) Investment property 
Investment property is held for long-term rental yields and is not 
occupied by the Group. Completed investment property is stated at 
its fair value, as assessed by qualified external valuers or by qualified 
staff of the Group. Changes in fair values are recorded in the income 
statement in net investment income. 

As described in accounting policy P above, investment properties 
under construction are included within property and equipment, and 
are stated at cost less any impairment in their values until 
construction is completed or fair value becomes reliably measurable. 

(R) Impairment of non-financial assets 
Property and equipment and other non-financial assets are 
reviewed for impairment losses whenever events or changes in 
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be 
recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised in the income 
statement for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset 
exceeds its recoverable amount, which is the higher of an asset’s fair 
value less costs of disposal and value in use. For the purposes of 
assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest level for 
which there are separately identifiable cash flows. Non-financial 
assets, except goodwill which have suffered an impairment, are 
reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at each reporting 
date. 

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(S) Derecognition and offset of financial assets and 
financial liabilities 
A financial asset (or, where applicable, a part of a financial asset or 
part of a group of similar financial assets) is derecognised where: 
•  The rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired; 
•  The Group retains the right to receive cash flows from the asset, 

but has assumed an obligation to pay them in full without 
material delay to a third party under a ‘pass-through’ 
arrangement; or 

•  The Group has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the 

asset and has either transferred substantially all the risks and 
rewards of the asset, or has neither transferred nor retained 
substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, but has 
transferred control of the asset. 

A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation under the 
liability is discharged or cancelled or expires.  

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount 
reported in the statement of financial position when there is a 
currently enforceable legal right to set off the recognised amounts 
and there is the ability and intention to settle on a net basis, or 
realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. 

(T) Financial investments 
The Group classifies its investments as either FVTPL or AFS. The 
classification depends on the purpose for which the investments 
were acquired, and is determined by local management at initial 
recognition. The FVTPL category has two subcategories – those that 
meet the definition as being held for trading and those the Group 
chooses to designate as FVTPL (referred to in this accounting policy 
as ‘other than trading’) upon initial recognition. 

In general, the other than trading category is used as, in most cases, 
the Group’s investment or risk management strategy is to manage 
its financial investments on a fair value basis. Debt securities and 
equity securities, which the Group acquires with the intention to 
resell in the short term, are classified as trading, as are non-hedge 
derivatives (see accounting policy U below). The AFS category is 
used where the relevant long-term business liability (including 
shareholders’ funds) is passively managed, as well as in certain fund 
management and non-insurance operations. 

Purchases and sales of investments are recognised on the trade 
date, which is the date that the Group commits to purchase or sell 
the assets, at their fair values. Debt securities are initially recorded at 
their fair value, which is taken to be amortised cost, with 
amortisation credited or charged to the income statement. 
Investments classified as trading, other than trading and AFS, are 
subsequently carried at fair value. Changes in the fair value of 
trading and other than trading investments are included in the 
income statement in the period in which they arise. 

Changes in the fair value of securities classified as AFS are 
recognised in other comprehensive income and recorded in a 
separate investment valuation reserve within equity. When 
securities classified as AFS are sold or impaired, the accumulated 
fair value adjustments are transferred out of the investment 
valuation reserve to the income statement with a corresponding 
movement through other comprehensive income. 

Impairment 
The Group reviews the carrying value of its AFS investments on a 
regular basis. If the carrying value of an AFS investment is greater 
than the recoverable amount, the carrying value is reduced through 
a charge to the income statement in the period of impairment. The 
following policies are used to determine the level of any 
impairment, some of which involve considerable judgement. 

AFS debt securities 
An AFS debt security is impaired if there is objective evidence that a 
loss event has occurred which has impaired the expected cash 
flows, i.e. where all amounts due according to the contractual terms 
of the security are not considered collectible. An impairment charge, 
measured as the difference between the security’s fair value and 
amortised cost, is recognised when the issuer is known to be either 
in default or in financial difficulty. Determining when an issuer is in 
financial difficulty requires the use of judgement, and we consider a 
number of factors including industry risk factors, financial condition, 
liquidity position and near-term prospects of the issuer, credit rating 
declines and a breach of contract. A decline in fair value below 
amortised cost due to changes in risk-free interest rates does not 
necessarily represent objective evidence of a loss event. 

For securities identified as being impaired, the cumulative 
unrealised loss previously recognised within the investment 
valuation reserve is transferred to realised losses for the year, with a 
corresponding movement through other comprehensive income. 
Any subsequent increase in fair value of these impaired securities is 
recognised in other comprehensive income and recorded in the 
investment valuation reserve unless this increase represents a 
decrease in the impairment loss that can be objectively related to an 
event occurring after the impairment loss was recognised in the 
income statement. In such an event, the reversal of the impairment 
loss is recognised as a gain in the income statement. 

AFS equity securities  
An AFS equity security is considered impaired if there is objective 
evidence that the cost may not be recovered. In addition to 
qualitative impairment criteria, such evidence includes a significant 
or prolonged decline in fair value below cost. Unless there is 
evidence to the contrary, an equity security is considered impaired if 
the decline in fair value relative to cost has been either at least 20% 
for a continuous six-month period or more than 40% at the end of 
the reporting period, or been in an unrealised loss position for a 
continuous period of more than 12 months at the end of the 
reporting period. We also review our largest equity holdings for 
evidence of impairment, as well as individual equity holdings in 
industry sectors known to be in difficulty. Where there is objective 
evidence that impairment exists, the security is written down 
regardless of the size of the unrealised loss. 

For securities identified as being impaired, the cumulative 
unrealised loss previously recognised within the investment 
valuation reserve is transferred to realised losses for the year with a 
corresponding movement through other comprehensive income. 
Any subsequent increase in fair value of these impaired securities is 
recognised in other comprehensive income and recorded in the 
investment valuation reserve. 

Reversals of impairments on any of these assets are only recognised 
where the decrease in the impairment can be objectively related to 
an event occurring after the write-down (such as an improvement in 
the debtor’s credit rating), and are not recognised in respect of 
equity instruments. 

(U) Derivative financial instruments and hedging 
Derivative financial instruments include foreign exchange contracts, 
interest rate futures, currency and interest rate swaps, currency and 
interest rate options (both written and purchased) and other 
financial instruments that derive their value mainly from underlying 
interest rates, foreign exchange rates, credit or equity indices, 
commodity values or equity instruments.  

All derivatives are initially recognised in the statement of financial 
position at their fair value, which usually represents their cost. They 
are subsequently remeasured at their fair value, with the method of 
recognising movements in this value depending on whether they are 
designated as hedging instruments and, if so, the nature of the item 

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being hedged. Fair values are obtained from quoted market prices or, 
if these are not available, by using valuation techniques such as 
discounted cash flow models or option pricing models. All derivatives 
are carried as assets when the fair values are positive and as liabilities 
when the fair values are negative. Premiums paid for derivatives are 
recorded as an asset on the statement of financial position at the date 
of purchase, representing their fair value at that date. 

Derivative contracts may be traded on an exchange or over-the-
counter (OTC). Exchange-traded derivatives are standardised and 
include certain futures and option contracts. OTC derivative 
contracts are individually negotiated between contracting parties 
and include forwards, swaps, caps and floors. Derivatives are subject 
to various risks including market, liquidity and credit risk, similar to 
those related to the underlying financial instruments. Many OTC 
transactions are contracted and documented under International 
Swaps and Derivatives Association master agreements or their 
equivalent, which are designed to provide legally enforceable set-off 
in the event of default, reducing the Group’s exposure to credit risk. 

The notional or contractual amounts associated with derivative 
financial instruments are not recorded as assets or liabilities on the 
statement of financial position as they do not represent the fair value 
of these transactions. These amounts are disclosed in note 60(b). 

The Group has collateral agreements in place between the 
individual Group entities and relevant counterparties. Accounting 
policy W covers collateral, both received and pledged, in respect of 
these derivatives. 

Interest rate and currency swaps 
Interest rate swaps are contractual agreements between two parties to 
exchange fixed rate and floating rate interest by means of periodic 
payments, calculated on a specified notional amount and defined 
interest rates. Most interest rate swap payments are netted against each 
other, with the difference between the fixed and floating rate interest 
payments paid by one party. Currency swaps, in their simplest form, are 
contractual agreements that involve the exchange of both periodic and 
final amounts in two different currencies. Both types of swap contracts 
may include the net exchange of principal. Exposure to gain or loss on 
these contracts will increase or decrease over their respective lives as a 
function of maturity dates, interest and foreign exchange rates, and the 
timing of payments. 

Interest rate futures, forwards and options contracts 
Interest rate futures are exchange-traded instruments and represent 
commitments to purchase or sell a designated security or money 
market instrument at a specified future date and price. Interest rate 
forward agreements are OTC contracts in which two parties agree 
on an interest rate and other terms that will become a reference 
point in determining, in concert with an agreed notional principal 
amount, a net payment to be made by one party to the other, 
depending upon what rate prevails at a future point in time. Interest 
rate options, which consist primarily of caps and floors, are interest 
rate protection instruments that involve the potential obligation of 
the seller to pay the buyer an interest rate differential in exchange 
for a premium paid by the buyer. This differential represents the 
difference between current rate and an agreed rate applied to a 
notional amount. Exposure to gain or loss on all interest rate 
contracts will increase or decrease over their respective lives as 
interest rates fluctuate. Certain contracts, known as swaptions, 
contain features which can act as swaps or options. 

Foreign exchange contracts 
Foreign exchange contracts, which include spot, forward and futures 
contracts, represent agreements to exchange the currency of one 
country for the currency of another country at an agreed price and 
settlement date. Foreign exchange option contracts are similar to 

interest rate option contracts, except that they are based on 
currencies, rather than interest rates. 

Derivative instruments for hedging 
On the date a derivative contract is entered into, the Group 
designates certain derivatives as either: 
(i)   a hedge of the fair value of a recognised asset or liability (fair 

value hedge); 

(ii)  a hedge of a future cash flow attributable to a recognised asset 
or liability, a highly probable forecast transaction or a firm 
commitment (cash flow hedge); or 

(iii)  a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation (net 

investment hedge). 

Hedge accounting is used for derivatives designated in this way, 
provided certain criteria are met. At the inception of the transaction, 
the Group documents the relationship between the hedging 
instrument and the hedged item, as well as the risk management 
objective and the strategy for undertaking the hedge transaction. 
The Group also documents its assessment of whether the hedge is 
expected to be, and has been, highly effective in offsetting the risk in 
the hedged item, both at inception and on an ongoing basis. 

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and 
qualify as net investment or cash flow hedges, and that prove to be 
highly effective in relation to the hedged risk, are recognised in other 
comprehensive income and a separate reserve within equity. Gains 
and losses accumulated in this reserve are included in the income 
statement on disposal of the relevant investment or occurrence of 
the cash flow as appropriate.  

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and 
qualify as fair value hedges are recognised in the income statement. 
The gain or loss on the hedged item that is attributable to the 
hedged risk is recognised in the income statement. This applies 
even if the hedged item is an available for sale financial asset or is 
measured at amortised cost. If a hedging relationship no longer 
meets the criteria for hedge accounting, the cumulative adjustment 
made to the carrying amount of the hedged item is amortised to the 
income statement, based on a recalculated effective interest rate 
over the residual period to maturity. In cases where the hedged item 
has been derecognised, the cumulative adjustment is released to 
the income statement immediately.  

For a variety of reasons, certain derivative transactions, while 
providing effective economic hedges under the Group’s risk 
management positions, do not qualify for hedge accounting under 
the specific IFRS rules and are therefore treated as derivatives held 
for trading. Their fair value gains and losses are recognised 
immediately in net investment income. 

(V) Loans 
Loans with fixed maturities, including policyholder loans, mortgage 
loans on investment property, securitised mortgages and collateral 
loans, are recognised when cash is advanced to borrowers. Certain 
loans are carried at their unpaid principal balances and adjusted for 
amortisation of premium or discount, non-refundable loan fees and 
related direct costs. These amounts are deferred and amortised over 
the life of the loan as an adjustment to loan yield using the effective 
interest rate method. 

However, for the majority of mortgage loans, the Group has taken 
advantage of the fair value option under IAS 39 to present the 
mortgages, associated borrowings and derivative financial 
instruments at fair value, since they are managed as a portfolio on a 
fair value basis. This presentation provides more relevant 
information and eliminates any accounting mismatch that would 
otherwise arise from using different measurement bases for these 
three items. The fair values of these mortgages are estimated using 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
112 

 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Accounting policies 

Continued  

discounted cash flow models, based on a risk-adjusted discount 
rate which reflects the risks associated with these products. They are 
revalued at each period end, with movements in their fair values 
being taken to the income statement. 

accounting policy L). For non-participating investment and 
investment fund management contracts, incremental acquisition 
costs and sales enhancements that are directly attributable to 
securing an investment management service are also deferred. 

At each reporting date, we review loans carried at amortised cost for 
objective evidence that they are impaired and uncollectable, either at 
the level of an individual security or collectively within a group of loans 
with similar credit risk characteristics. To the extent that a loan is 
uncollectable, it is written down as impaired to its recoverable amount, 
measured as the present value of expected future cash flows discounted 
at the original effective interest rate of the loan, taking into account the 
fair value of the underlying collateral through an impairment provision 
account. Subsequent recoveries in excess of the loan’s written-down 
carrying value are credited to the income statement. 

The Company classifies and measures loans at either amortised 
cost, fair value through other comprehensive income, or fair value 
through profit or loss based on the outcome of an assessment of the 
Company’s business model for managing financial assets and the 
extent to which the financial assets’ contractual cash flows are 
solely payment of principal and interest. 

The Company calculates expected credit losses for all financial 
assets held at either amortised cost or fair value through other 
comprehensive income. Expected credit losses are calculated on 
either a 12-month or lifetime basis depending on the extent to which 
credit risk has increased significantly since initial recognition. 

Long-term business deferred acquisition costs are amortised 
systematically over a period no longer than that in which they are 
expected to be recoverable out of these future margins. Deferred 
acquisition costs for non-participating investment and investment 
fund management contracts are amortised over the period in which 
the service is provided. General insurance and health deferred 
acquisition costs are amortised over the period in which the related 
revenues are earned. The reinsurers’ share of deferred acquisition 
costs is amortised in the same manner as the underlying asset. 

Deferred acquisition costs are reviewed by category of business at 
the end of each reporting period and are written-off where they are 
no longer considered to be recoverable. 

Where such business is reinsured, an appropriate proportion of the 
deferred acquisition costs is attributed to the reinsurer. 
Recoverability is assessed net of reinsurance, and may result in 
deferred acquisition costs being written-off if any liability recognised 
for the reinsurer’s share is insufficient. 

Other receivables and payables are initially recognised at cost, being 
fair value. Subsequent to initial measurement they are measured at 
amortised cost. 

(W) Collateral
The Group receives and pledges collateral in the form of cash or 
non-cash assets in respect of stock lending transactions, certain 
derivative contracts and loans, in order to reduce the credit risk of 
these transactions. Collateral is also pledged as security for bank 
letters of credit. The amount and type of collateral required depends 
on an assessment of the credit risk of the counterparty. 

Collateral received in the form of cash, which is not legally segregated 
from the Group, is recognised as an asset in the statement of financial 
position with a corresponding liability for the repayment in financial 
liabilities (note 61). However, where the Group has a currently 
enforceable legal right of set-off and the ability and intent to net settle, 
the collateral liability and associated derivative balances are shown net. 
Non-cash collateral received is not recognised in the statement of 
financial position unless the transfer of the collateral meets the 
derecognition criteria from the perspective of the transferor. Such 
collateral is typically recognised when the Group either (a) sells or 
repledges these assets in the absence of default, at which point the 
obligation to return this collateral is recognised as a liability; or (b) the 
counterparty to the arrangement defaults, at which point the collateral 
is seized and recognised as an asset. 

Collateral pledged in the form of cash, which is legally segregated 
from the Group, is derecognised from the statement of financial 
position with a corresponding receivable recognised for its return. 
Non-cash collateral pledged is not derecognised from the statement 
of financial position unless the Group defaults on its obligations 
under the relevant agreement, and therefore continues to be 
recognised in the statement of financial position within the 
appropriate asset classification. 

(X) Deferred acquisition costs and other assets
Costs relating to the acquisition of new business for insurance and 
participating investment contracts are deferred in line with existing 
local accounting practices, to the extent that they are expected to be 
recovered out of future margins in revenues on these contracts. For 
participating contracts written in the UK, acquisition costs are 
generally not deferred as the liability for these contracts is 
calculated on a realistic basis which was grandfathered from UK 
regulatory requirements prior to the adoption of Solvency II (see 

(Y) Statement of cash flows
Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash at bank and in hand, deposits 
held at call with banks, treasury bills and other short-term highly liquid 
investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and 
which are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value. Such 
investments are those with less than three months’ maturity from the 
date of acquisition, or which are redeemable on demand with only an 
insignificant change in their fair values. 

For the purposes of the statement of cash flows, cash and cash 
equivalents also include bank overdrafts, which are included in payables 
and other financial liabilities on the statement of financial position. 

Operating cash flows 
Purchases and sales of investment property, loans and financial 
investments are included within operating cash flows as the 
purchases are funded from cash flows associated with the 
origination of insurance and investment contracts, net of payments 
of related benefits and claims. 

(Z) Leases
Leases, where a significant portion of the risks and rewards of 
ownership is retained by the lessor, are classified as operating 
leases. Where the Group is the lessee, payments made under 
operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) are 
charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the 
term of the relevant leases.  

Where the Group is the lessor, lease income from operating leases is 
recognised in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the 
lease term.  

When assets are subject to finance leases, the present value of the 
lease payments, together with any unguaranteed residual value, is 
recognised as a receivable. The Group has not entered into any 
material finance lease arrangements either as lessor or lessee.  

(AA) Provisions and contingent liabilities 
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present legal or 
constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is more probable 
than not that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
113 

Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Accounting policies 

Continued  

will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate of the 
amount of the obligation can be made. Restructuring provisions 
include lease termination penalties and employee termination 
payments. They comprise only the direct expenditures arising from 
the restructuring, which are those that are necessarily entailed by the 
restructuring; and not associated with the ongoing activities of the 
entity. The amount recorded as a provision is the best estimate of the 
expenditure required to settle the present obligation at the balance 
sheet date. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the 
provision is the present value of the expected expenditure. Provisions 
are not recognised for future operating losses. 

Where the Group expects a provision to be reimbursed, for example 
under an insurance contract, the reimbursement is recognised as a 
separate asset but only when the reimbursement is virtually certain. 

The Group recognises a provision for onerous contracts when the 
expected benefits to be derived from a contract are less than the 
unavoidable costs of meeting the obligations under the contract. 
Contingent liabilities are disclosed if there is a possible future 
obligation as a result of a past event, or if there is a present 
obligation as a result of a past event but either a payment is not 
probable or the amount cannot be reasonably estimated.  

(AB) Employee benefits 
Pension obligations 
The Group operates a number of pension schemes, whose members 
receive benefits on either a defined benefit or defined contribution 
basis. Under a defined contribution plan, the Group’s legal or 
constructive obligation is limited to the amount it agrees to contribute 
to a fund and there is no obligation to pay further contributions if the 
fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay benefits. A defined benefit 
pension plan is a pension plan that is not a defined contribution plan 
and typically defines the amount of pension benefit that an employee 
will receive on retirement.  

The defined benefit obligation is calculated by independent actuaries 
using the projected unit credit method. The pension obligation is 
measured as the present value of the estimated future cash outflows, 
using a discount rate based on market yields for high-quality corporate 
bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be 
paid and that have terms to maturity approximating to the terms of the 
related pension liability. The resultant net surplus or deficit recognised 
as an asset or liability on the statement of financial position is the 
present value of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the 
reporting period less the fair value of plan assets.  

Plan assets exclude unpaid contributions due from Group entities to the 
schemes, and any non-transferrable financial instruments issued by a 
Group entity and held by the schemes. If the fair value of plan assets 
exceeds the present value of the defined benefit obligation, the resultant 
asset is limited to the asset ceiling defined as present value of economic 
benefits available in the form of future refunds from the plan or 
reductions in contributions to the plan. In order to calculate the present 
value of economic benefits, consideration is given to any minimum 
funding requirements that apply to any plan in the Group.  

Remeasurements of defined benefit plans comprise actuarial gains and 
losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial 
assumptions, the return on plan assets (excluding net interest) and the 
effect of the asset ceiling (if any). The Group recognises remeasurements 
immediately in other comprehensive income and does not reclassify 
them to the income statement in subsequent periods.  

Service costs comprising current service costs, past service costs, gains 
and losses on curtailments and net interest expense/income are 
charged or credited to the income statement.  

Past service costs are recognised at the earlier of the date the plan 
amendment or curtailment occurs or when related restructuring 
costs are recognised.  

The Group determines the net interest expense/income on the net 
defined benefit liability/asset for the period by applying the discount 
rate used to measure the defined benefit obligation at the beginning 
of the year to the net defined benefit liability/asset. Net interest 
expense is charged to finance costs, whereas, net interest income is 
credited to investment income. 

For defined contribution plans, the Group pays contributions to 
publicly or privately administered pension plans. Once the 
contributions have been paid, the Group, as employer, has no 
further payment obligations. The Group’s contributions are charged 
to the income statement in the year to which they relate and are 
included in staff costs. 

Equity compensation plans 
The Group offers share award and option plans over the Company’s 
ordinary shares for certain employees, including a Save As You Earn 
plan (SAYE plan), details of which are given in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report and in note 33. 

The Group accounts for options and awards under equity 
compensation plans, which were granted after 7 November 2002, 
until such time as they are fully vested, using the fair value based 
method of accounting (the ‘fair value method’). Under this method, 
the cost of providing equity compensation plans is based on the fair 
value of the share awards or option plans at date of grant, which is 
recognised in the income statement over the expected vesting 
period of the related employees and credited to the equity 
compensation reserve, part of shareholders’ funds. In certain 
jurisdictions, awards must be settled in cash instead of shares, and 
the credit is taken to liabilities rather than reserves. The fair value of 
these cash-settled awards is recalculated each year, with the income 
statement charge and liability being adjusted accordingly. 

Shares purchased by employee share trusts to fund these awards 
are shown as deduction from shareholders’ equity at their weighted 
average cost. 

When the options are exercised and new shares are issued, the proceeds 
received, net of any transaction costs, are credited to share capital (par 
value) and the balance to share premium. Where the shares are already 
held by employee trusts, the net proceeds are credited against the cost 
of these shares, with the difference between cost and proceeds being 
taken to retained earnings. In both cases, the relevant amount in the 
equity compensation reserve is then credited to retained earnings. 

(AC) Income taxes 
The current tax expense is based on the taxable profits for the year, 
after any adjustments in respect of prior years. Tax, including tax 
relief for losses if applicable, is allocated over profits before taxation 
and amounts charged or credited to components of other 
comprehensive income and equity, as appropriate. 

Provision is made for deferred tax liabilities, or credit taken for 
deferred tax assets, using the liability method, on all material 
temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities 
and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. 

The rates enacted or substantively enacted at the statement of financial 
position date are used to value the deferred tax assets and liabilities. 

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that 
future taxable profit will be available against which the temporary 
differences can be utilised. Where there is a history of tax losses, deferred 
tax assets are only recognised in excess of deferred tax liabilities if there 
is convincing evidence that future profits will be available. 

Deferred tax is provided on any temporary differences arising from 
investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, except 
where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference can be 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
114 

Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Accounting policies 

Continued  

controlled and it is probable that the difference will not reverse in 
the foreseeable future. 

Deferred taxes are not provided in respect of temporary differences 
arising from the initial recognition of goodwill, or from the initial 
recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction which is not a 
business combination and affects neither accounting profit nor 
taxable profit or loss at the time of the transaction. 

Current and deferred tax relating to items recognised in other 
comprehensive income and directly in equity are similarly recognised 
in other comprehensive income and directly in equity respectively. 
Deferred tax related to fair value re-measurement of available for sale 
investments, pensions and other post-retirement obligations and 
other amounts charged or credited directly to other comprehensive 
income is recognised in the statement of financial position as a 
deferred tax asset or liability. Current tax on interest paid on the direct 
capital instrument and tier 1 notes is credited directly in equity. 

Current and deferred tax includes amounts provided in respect of 
uncertain tax positions, where management expects it is more likely 
than not that an economic outflow will occur as a result of 
examination by a relevant tax authority. Provisions reflect 
management’s best estimate of the ultimate liability based on their 
interpretation of tax law, precedent and guidance, informed by 
external tax advice as necessary. The final amounts of tax due may 
ultimately differ from management’s best estimate at the balance 
sheet date. Changes in facts and circumstances underlying these 
provisions are reassessed at each balance sheet date, and the 
provisions are re-measured as required to reflect current information. 

In addition to paying tax on shareholders’ profits (‘shareholder tax’), 
the Group’s life businesses in the UK, Ireland and Singapore pay tax on 
policyholders’ investment returns (‘policyholder tax’) on certain 
products at policyholder tax rates. The incremental tax borne by the 
Group represents income tax on policyholder’s investment return. In 
jurisdictions where policyholder tax is applicable, the total tax charge 
in the income statement is allocated between shareholder tax and 
policyholder tax. The shareholder tax is calculated by applying the 
corporate tax rate to the shareholder profit. The difference between 
the total tax charge and shareholder tax is allocated to policyholder 
tax. This calculation methodology is consistent with the legislation 
relating to the calculation of tax on shareholder profits. The Group has 
decided to show separately the amounts of policyholder tax to 
provide a meaningful measure of the tax the Group pays on its profit. 
In the pro forma reconciliations, the Group adjusted operating profit 
has been calculated after charging policyholder tax. 

(AD) Borrowings 
Borrowings are classified as being for either core structural or 
operational purposes. They are recognised initially at their issue 
proceeds less transaction costs incurred. Subsequently, most 
borrowings are stated at amortised cost, and any difference 
between net proceeds and the redemption value is recognised in 
the income statement over the period of the borrowings using the 
effective interest rate method. All borrowing costs are expensed as 
they are incurred except where they are directly attributable to the 
acquisition or construction of property and equipment as described 
in accounting policy P. 

Where loan notes have been issued in connection with certain 
securitised mortgage loans, the Group has taken advantage of the 
fair value option under IAS 39 to present the mortgages, associated 
liabilities and derivative financial instruments at fair value, since 
they are managed as a portfolio on a fair value basis. This 
presentation provides more relevant information and eliminates any 
accounting mismatch which would otherwise arise from using 
different measurement bases for these three items. 

(AE) Share capital and treasury shares 
Equity instruments 
An equity instrument is a contract that evidences a residual interest 
in the assets of an entity after deducting all its liabilities. 
Accordingly, a financial instrument is treated as equity if: 
(i)  there is no contractual obligation to deliver cash or other 

financial assets or to exchange financial assets or liabilities on 
terms that may be unfavourable; and 

(ii)  the instrument is a non-derivative that contains no contractual 

obligation to deliver a variable number of shares or is a 
derivative that will be settled only by the Group exchanging a 
fixed amount of cash or other assets for a fixed number of the 
Group’s own equity instruments. 

Share issue costs 
Incremental external costs directly attributable to the issue of new 
shares are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the 
proceeds of the issue and disclosed where material. 

Dividends 
Interim dividends on ordinary shares are recognised in equity in the 
period in which they are paid. Final dividends on these shares are 
recognised when they have been approved by shareholders. 
Dividends on preference shares are recognised in the period in 
which they are declared and appropriately approved. 

Treasury shares 
Where the Company or its subsidiaries purchase the Company’s 
share capital or obtain rights to purchase its share capital, the 
consideration paid (including any attributable transaction costs net 
of income taxes) is shown as a deduction from total shareholders’ 
equity. Gains and losses on own shares are charged or credited to 
the treasury share account in equity. 

(AF) Fiduciary activities 
Assets and income arising from fiduciary activities, together with 
related undertakings to return such assets to customers, are 
excluded from these financial statements where the Group has no 
contractual rights in the assets and acts in a fiduciary capacity such 
as nominee, trustee or agent. 

(AG) Earnings per share 
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income 
available to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number 
of ordinary shares in issue during the year, excluding the weighted 
average number of treasury shares. 

Earnings per share has also been calculated on Group adjusted 
operating profit attributable to ordinary shareholders, net of tax, 
non-controlling interests, preference dividends, the direct capital 
instrument (the DCI) and tier one notes as the directors believe this 
figure provides a better indication of operating performance. Details 
are given in note 15. 

For the diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of 
ordinary shares in issue is adjusted to assume conversion of all 
dilutive potential ordinary shares, such as convertible debt and 
share options granted to employees.  

Potential or contingent share issuances are treated as dilutive when 
their conversion to shares would decrease net earnings per share. 

(AH) Operations held for sale 
Assets and liabilities held for disposal as part of operations which are 
held for sale are shown separately in the consolidated statement of 
financial position. Operations held for sale are recorded at the lower of 
their carrying amount and their fair value less the estimated selling 
costs.

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
115 

Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Consolidated financial statements 

Consolidated income statement 
For the year ended 31 December 2018 

Income 
Gross written premiums 
Premiums ceded to reinsurers 

Premiums written net of reinsurance 
Net change in provision for unearned premiums 

Net earned premiums 
Fee and commission income 
Net investment (expense)/income 
Share of profit after tax of joint ventures and associates 
Profit on the disposal and remeasurement of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates 

Expenses 
Claims and benefits paid, net of recoveries from reinsurers 
Change in insurance liabilities, net of reinsurance 
Change in investment contract provisions 
Change in unallocated divisible surplus 
Fee and commission expense 
Other expenses 
Finance costs 

Profit before tax 

Tax attributable to policyholders’ returns 

Profit before tax attributable to shareholders’ profits 

Tax credit/(expense) 
Less: tax attributable to policyholders’ returns 
Tax attributable to shareholders’ profits 

Profit for the year 

Attributable to: 
Equity holders of Aviva plc 
Non-controlling interests 

Profit for the year 

Earnings per share 
Basic (pence per share) 
Diluted (pence per share) 

Note 

6 

H 

I & J 

K 

4(a) 

7 

41(b) 

48 

8 

14(d) 

AC & 14 

14(d) 

14(d) 

40 

AG & 15 

2018 
£m 

2017 
£m 

28,659  
(2,326) 

26,333  
(81)

26,252  
2,180  
(10,847) 
112  
102  

27,606  
(2,229) 

25,377  
(153)

25,224  
2,187  
22,066  
41  
135  

17,799  

49,653  

(23,142) 
6,246  
5,321  
3,237  
(3,393) 
(3,843) 
(573)

(24,113) 
(1,074) 
(13,837) 
294  
(4,329) 
(3,537) 
(683)

(16,147) 

(47,279) 

1,652  

477  

2,129  

35  
(477)
(442)

2,374  

(371) 

2,003  

(728) 
371 
(357)

1,687  

1,646  

1,568  
119  

1,687  

1,497  
149  

1,646  

38.2p 
37.8p 

35.0p 
34.6p 

The accounting policies (identified alphabetically) on pages 102 to 115 and notes (identified numerically) on pages 123 to 241 are an 
integral part of the financial statements. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
116 

Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Consolidated financial statements 

Continued  

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income  
For the year ended 31 December 2018  

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income: 
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to income statement 
Investments classified as available for sale 

Fair value gains/(losses) 
Fair value gains transferred to profit on disposals 

Share of other comprehensive (loss)/income of joint ventures and associates 
Foreign exchange rate movements 
Aggregate tax effect – shareholder tax on items that may be reclassified subsequently to income statement 

Items that will not be reclassified to income statement 
Owner-occupied properties – fair value gains/(losses) 
Remeasurements of pension schemes 
Aggregate tax effect – shareholder tax on items that will not be reclassified subsequently to income statement 

Total other comprehensive income, net of tax 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Attributable to: 
Equity holders of Aviva plc 
Non-controlling interests 

Note 

2018 
£m 

 2017 
£m 

1,687  

1,646  

38 

38 

38 

38, 40 

14(b) 

38 

39 

14(b) 

57  
(78) 
(10) 
5  
8  

1  
(279) 
43  

(253) 

(7) 
(2) 
6  
68  
5  

(1) 
(5) 
5  

69  

1,434  

1,715  

1,310  
124  

1,434  

1,523  
192  

1,715  

The accounting policies (identified alphabetically) on pages 102 to 115 and notes (identified numerically) on pages 123 to 241 are an 
integral part of the financial statements. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
117 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Consolidated financial statements 

Continued  

Reconciliation of Group adjusted operating profit to profit for the year 
For the year ended 31 December 2018 

Group adjusted operating profit before tax attributable to shareholders’ profits 
Life business1  
General insurance and health1  
Fund management 
Other: 

Other operations1  
Corporate centre 
Group debt costs and other interest 

Group adjusted operating profit before tax attributable to shareholders’ profits 

Integration and restructuring costs 

Group adjusted operating profit before tax attributable to shareholders’ profits after integration and restructuring 

costs 

Adjusted for the following: 
Life business: Investment variances and economic assumption changes 
Non-life business: Short-term fluctuation in return on investments 
General insurance and health business: Economic assumption changes 
Impairment of goodwill, joint ventures, associates and other amounts expensed 
Amortisation and impairment of intangibles 
Amortisation and impairment of acquired value of in-force business 
Profit on the disposal and remeasurement of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates 
Other2  
Adjusting items before tax 

Profit before tax attributable to shareholders’ profits 
Tax on operating profit 
Tax on other activities 

Profit for the year 

Note 

 2018 
£m 

 2017 
£m 

2,999  
704  
146  

(237) 
(216) 
(280) 

3,116  

— 

2,852  
704  
164  

(143) 
(184) 
(325) 

3,068  

(141) 

3,116  

2,927  

(197) 
(476) 
1  
(13) 
(209) 
(426) 
102  
231  

(987) 

2,129  
(647) 
205  
(442) 

1,687  

34  
(345) 
(7) 
(49) 
(197) 
(495) 
135  
— 

(924) 

2,003  
(639) 
282  
(357) 

1,646  

7 

9 

10(a) 

10(a) 

17(a) 

18 

18 

4(a) 

15(a)(i) 

15(a)(i) 

1  Non-insurance businesses in the UK previously included within ‘Other operations’, such as the savings business, have been reclassified to life business and general insurance and health segments as this presentation is 

consistent with how the business is managed. See note 1 for further details. The impact of this change was to reduce life business operating profit by £80 million (2017: £30 million) and increase general insurance and health 
operating profit by £4 million (2017: £4 million).  

2  Other includes a movement in the discount rate used for estimating lump sum payments in the settlement of bodily injury claims which resulted in a gain of £190 million (see note 43(b)), a provision release of £78 million 

relating to the sale of Aviva USA in 2013, a gain of £36 million relating to negative goodwill on the acquisition of Friends First (see note 3), a charge of £63 million relating to the UK defined benefit pension scheme as a result of 
the requirement to equalise members’ benefits for the effects of Guaranteed Minimum Pension (see note 51(b)) and a charge of £10 million relating to goodwill payments to preference shareholders, which was announced on 
30 April 2018, and associated administration costs (see note 35). 

The accounting policies (identified alphabetically) on pages 102 to 115 and notes (identified numerically) on pages 123 to 241 are an 
integral part of the financial statements. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
118 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Consolidated financial statements 

Continued  

Reconciliation of Group adjusted operating profit to profit for the year continued 
Group adjusted operating profit can be further analysed into the following segments (details of segments can be found in note 5): 

Year ended 31 December 2018 
United Kingdom1 
Canada 
France 
Poland 
Italy, Ireland, Spain and Other 
Asia 
Aviva Investors 
Other Group activities 

Corporate Centre 
Group debt costs and other interest 

Total  

Year ended 31 December 2017 
United Kingdom1  
Canada 
France 
Poland 
Italy, Ireland, Spain and Other 
Asia 
Aviva Investors 
Other Group activities 

Corporate Centre 
Group debt costs and other interest 

Total 

Long-term 
business 
£m 

General 
insurance and 
health 
£m 

Fund 
management 
£m 

Other 
operations 
£m 

1,871  
— 
436  
170  
225  
300  
1  
(4) 

2,999  

453  
46  
110  
20  
90  
(16) 
— 
1  

704  

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
(4) 
150  
— 

146  

— 
1  
(35) 
9  
(14) 
(18) 
— 
(180) 

(237) 

Long-term 
business 
£m 

General 
insurance and 
health 
£m 

Fund 
management 
£m 

Other 
operations  
£m 

1,728  
— 
425  
156  
292  
235  
1  
15  

2,852  

447  
46  
104  
21  
98  
(8) 
— 
(4) 

704  

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
(4) 
168  
— 

164  

— 
— 
(29) 
6  
(14) 
(32) 
32  
(106) 

(143) 

Total 
£m 

2,324  
47  
511  
199  
301  
262  
151  
(183) 

3,612  

(216) 
(280) 

3,116  

Total 
£m 

2,175  
46  
500  
183  
376  
191  
201  
(95) 

3,577  

(184) 
(325) 

3,068  

1  Non-insurance businesses in the UK previously included within ‘Other operations’, such as the savings business, have been reclassified to long-term business and general insurance and health segments as this presentation is 
consistent with how the business is managed. See note 1 for further details. The impact of this change was to reduce long-term business operating profit by £80 million (2017: £30 million) and increase general insurance and 
health operating profit by £4 million (2017: £4 million). 

The accounting policies (identified alphabetically) on pages 102 to 115 and notes (identified numerically) on pages 123 to 241 are an 
integral part of the financial statements. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
119 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Consolidated financial statements 

Continued  

Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
For the year ended 31 December 2018 

Ordinary 
share 
capital  
note 32 
£m 

Preference 
share 
capital  
note 35 
£m 

Capital 
reserves1 
note 32b, 37 
£m 

Treasury 
shares  
note 34 
£m 

Currency 
translation 
reserve  
note 38 
£m 

Other 
reserves 
note 38 
£m 

Retained 
earnings 
note 39 
£m 

DCI and  
tier 1 notes 
note 36 
£m 

Total equity 
excluding 
non-
controlling 
interests 
£m 

Non-
controlling 
interests 
note 40 
£m 

Total equity 
£m 

Balance at 1 January 
Profit for the year 
Other comprehensive income 
Total comprehensive income for the year 
Dividends and appropriations 
Non-controlling interests share of dividends 

declared in the year  

Shares purchased in buy-back2  
Transfer to profit on disposal of subsidiaries, joint 

ventures and associates 

Changes in non-controlling interests in 

subsidiaries  

Reserves credit for equity compensation plans  
Shares issued under equity compensation plans  
Capital contributions from non-controlling 

interests  

Forfeited dividend income 
Reclassification of tier 1 notes to financial 

liabilities 

Treasury shares held by subsidiary companies 
Owner-occupied properties fair value gains 

transferred to retained earnings on disposals 

Aggregate tax effect – shareholder tax  

1,003  
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
(30) 

— 

— 
— 
2  

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

200   10,195  
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 

(14) 
— 
— 
— 
— 

1,141  
— 
28  
28  
— 

(274) 
— 
(50) 
(50) 
— 

4,918  
1,568  
(236) 
1,332  
(1,189) 

731   17,900  
1,568  
(258) 
1,310  
(1,189) 

— 
— 
— 
— 

1,235   19,135  
1,687  
(253) 
1,434  
(1,189) 

119  
5  
124  
— 

— 
— 

— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
30  

— 

— 
— 
7  

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 

— 
— 
(1) 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
(600) 

(40) 

36  

(7) 
— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
64  
(55) 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 

1  
— 
49  

— 
4  

— 
— 

— 
8  

— 
— 

— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
(600) 

(90) 
— 

(90) 
(600) 

(4) 

(6) 
64  
2  

— 
4  

— 
— 

— 
8  

— 

(4) 

(306) 
— 
— 

(312) 
64  
2  

3  
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

3  
4  

— 
— 

— 
8  

Balance at 31 December 

975  

200   10,232  

(15) 

1,122  

(279) 

4,523  

731   17,489  

966   18,455  

1   Capital reserves consist of share premium of £1,214 million, a capital redemption reserve of £44 million and a merger reserve of £8,974 million.  
2  On 1 May 2018, the Group announced a share buy-back of ordinary shares for an aggregate purchase price of up to £600 million. On completion in 2018 of this buy-back, £600 million of shares had been purchased and shares 

with a nominal value of £30 million have been cancelled, giving rise to an additional capital redemption reserve of an equivalent amount. See note 32 for further details of the shares purchased in buy-back. 

For the year ended 31 December 2017  

Ordinary 
share capital 
note 32 
£m 

Preference 
share capital 
note 35 
£m 

Capital 
reserves1 
note 32b, 37 
£m 

Treasury 
shares  
note 34 
£m 

Balance at 1 January 
Profit for the year 
Other comprehensive income 
Total comprehensive income for the year 
Dividends and appropriations 
Non-controlling interests share of dividends 

declared in the year  

Shares purchased in buy-back2  
Transfer to profit on disposal of subsidiaries, joint 

ventures and associates 

Changes in non-controlling interests in 

subsidiaries  

Reserves credit for equity compensation plans  
Shares issued under equity compensation plans  
Capital contributions from non-controlling 

interests  

Reclassification of tier 1 notes to financial 

liabilities3  

Treasury shares held by subsidiary companies 
Owner-occupied properties fair value gains 

transferred to retained earnings on disposals 

Aggregate tax effect – shareholder tax  

1,015  
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
(14) 

— 

— 
— 
2  

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

200   10,171  
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 

— 

— 
— 
— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
14  

— 

— 
— 
10  

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

(15) 
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 

— 

— 
— 
— 

— 

— 
1  

— 
— 

Currency 
translation 
reserve  
note 38 
£m 

1,146  
— 
121  
121  
— 

Other 
reserves  
note 38 
£m 

Retained 
earnings 
note 39 
£m 

DCI and  
tier 1 notes  
note 36 
£m 

Total equity 
excluding 
non-
controlling 
interests 
£m 

Non-
controlling 
interests 
note 40 
£m 

Total equity 
£m 

(349) 
— 
(93) 
(93) 
— 

4,835  
1,497  
(2) 
1,495  
(1,081) 

1,123   18,126  
1,497  
26  
1,523  
(1,081) 

— 
— 
— 
— 

1,425   19,551  
1,646  
69  
1,715  
(1,081) 

149  
43  
192  
— 

— 
(300) 

(103) 
— 

(103) 
(300) 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
(300) 

(126) 

137  

— 
— 
— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
77  
(44) 

— 

— 
— 

(2) 
— 

1  

— 
— 
42  

— 

(92) 
— 

2  
16  

— 
— 

— 

— 
— 
— 

— 

12  

— 
77  
10  

— 

(392) 
— 

(484) 
1  

— 
— 

— 
16  

— 

12  

(315) 
— 
— 

(315) 
77  
10  

36  

36  

— 
— 

— 
— 

(484) 
1  

— 
16  

Balance at 31 December 

1,003  

200   10,195  

(14) 

1,141  

(274) 

4,918  

731   17,900  

1,235   19,135  

1   Capital reserves consist of share premium of £1,207 million, a capital redemption reserve of £14 million and a merger reserve of £8,974 million. 
2  On 25 May 2017, the Group announced a share buy-back of ordinary shares for an aggregate purchase price of up to £300 million. On completion in 2017 of this buy-back, £300 million of shares had been purchased and shares 

with a nominal value of £14 million have been cancelled, giving rise to a capital redemption reserve of an equivalent amount. See note 32 for further details of the shares purchased in buy-back. 

3  On 28 September 2017, notification was given that the Group would redeem the $650 million fixed rate tier 1 notes. At that date, the instrument was reclassified as a financial liability of £484 million, representing its fair value 

on translation into sterling on that date. The resulting foreign exchange loss of £92 million has been charged to retained earnings.  

The accounting policies (identified alphabetically) on pages 102 to 115 and notes (identified numerically) on pages 123 to 241 are an 
integral part of the financial statements. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
120 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Consolidated financial statements 

Continued  

Consolidated statement of financial position 
As at 31 December 2018 

Assets 
Goodwill 
Acquired value of in-force business and intangible assets 
Interests in, and loans to, joint ventures  
Interests in, and loans to, associates 
Property and equipment 
Investment property 
Loans 
Financial investments 
Reinsurance assets 
Deferred tax assets  
Current tax assets 
Receivables  
Deferred acquisition costs 
Pension surpluses and other assets 
Prepayments and accrued income  
Cash and cash equivalents 
Assets of operations classified as held for sale 

Total assets 

Equity 
Capital 

Ordinary share capital 
Preference share capital 

Capital reserves 

Share premium 
Capital redemption reserve 
Merger reserve 

Treasury shares 
Currency translation reserve 
Other reserves 
Retained earnings 

Equity attributable to shareholders of Aviva plc 
Direct capital instrument and tier 1 notes 

Equity excluding non-controlling interests 
Non-controlling interests 

Total equity 

Liabilities 
Gross insurance liabilities 
Gross liabilities for investment contracts 
Unallocated divisible surplus 
Net asset value attributable to unitholders 
Pension deficits and other provisions 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Current tax liabilities 
Borrowings 
Payables and other financial liabilities 
Other liabilities 
Liabilities of operations classified as held for sale 

Total liabilities 

Total equity and liabilities 

Approved by the Board on 6 March 2019 

Thomas D. Stoddard 
Chief Financial Officer 

Company number: 2468686 

Note 

O & 17 

O & 18 

D & 19 

D & 20 

P & 21 

Q & 22 

V & 24 

S, T, U & 27 

N & 46 

AC & 49 

28 

X & 29 

X & 30 

X & 30(b) 

Y & 58(d) 

AH & 4(c) 

 2018 
£m 

 2017 
£m 

1,872  
3,201  
1,214  
304  
548  
11,482  
28,785  
297,585  
11,755  
185  
76  
8,879  
2,965  
3,341  
2,947  
46,484  
8,855  

1,876  
3,455  
1,221  
421  
509  
10,797  
27,857  
311,082  
13,492  
144  
94  
8,285  
2,906  
3,468  
2,860  
43,347  
10,871  

430,478  

442,685  

AE 

32 

35 

32(b) 

32(b) 

D & 37 

34 

38 

38 

39 

36 

40 

975  
200  
1,175  

1,214  
44  
8,974  
10,232  
(15) 
1,122  
(279) 
4,523  

16,758  
731  

17,489  
966  

18,455  

1,003  
200  
1,203  

1,207  
14  
8,974  
10,195  
(14) 
1,141  
(274) 
4,918  

17,169  
731  

17,900  
1,235  

19,135  

L & 42 

M & 44 

L & 48 

D 

AA, AB & 50 

AC & 49 

AD & 52 

S & 53 

54 

AH & 4(c) 

144,077  
202,468  
5,949  
18,125  
1,399  
1,885  
254  
9,420  
16,882  
3,043  
8,521  

148,650  
203,986  
9,082  
18,327  
1,429  
2,377  
290  
10,286  
16,459  
2,791  
9,873  

412,023  

423,550  

430,478  

442,685  

The accounting policies (identified alphabetically) on pages 102 to 115 and notes (identified numerically) on pages 123 to 241 are an 
integral part of the financial statements. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
121 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Consolidated financial statements 

Continued  

Consolidated statement of cash flows 
For the year ended 31 December 2018 

The cash flows presented in this statement cover all the Group’s activities and include flows from both policyholder and shareholder 
activities. All cash and cash equivalents are available for use by the Group. 

Cash flows from operating activities1  
Cash generated from operating activities 
Tax paid 

Total net cash from operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities 
Acquisitions of, and additions to, subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, net of cash acquired 
Disposals of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, net of cash transferred 
Purchases of property and equipment 
Proceeds on sale of property and equipment 
Purchases of intangible assets 

Total net cash from/(used in) investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities 
Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares 
Shares purchased in buy-back 
Treasury shares purchased for employee trusts 
New borrowings drawn down, net of expenses 
Repayment of borrowings2  
Net repayment of borrowings 
Interest paid on borrowings 
Preference dividends paid 
Ordinary dividends paid 
Forfeited dividend income 
Coupon payments on direct capital instrument and tier 1 notes 
Capital contributions from non-controlling interests of subsidiaries 
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests of subsidiaries 
Other3  
Total net cash used in financing activities 

Total net increase in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 

Note 

58(a) 

58(b) 

58(c) 

21 

32 

52(e) 

16 

16 

16 

40 

40 

 2018 
£m 

 2017 
£m 

6,405  
(447) 

5,958  

8,361  
(620) 

7,741  

192  
381  
(87) 
15  
(64) 

437  

8  
(600) 
(4) 
3,148  
(4,181) 
(1,033) 
(551) 
(17) 
(1,128) 
4  
(44) 
3  
(90) 
(13) 

(3,465) 

25  
(49) 
(69) 
5  
(107) 

(195) 

12  
(300) 
— 
1,320  
(1,904) 
(584) 
(610) 
(17) 
(983) 
— 
(81) 
36  
(103) 
— 

(2,630) 

2,930  
43,587  

4,916  
38,405  

92  

266  

58(d) 

46,609  

43,587  

1  Cash flows from operating activities include interest received of £5,093 million (2017: £5,302 million) and dividends received of £4,648 million (2017: £2,606 million). 
2  Repayment of borrowings includes the redemption of €500 million 6.875% subordinated notes and $575 million 7.875% undated subordinated notes in full at first call dates and the maturity of €350 million 0.100% senior 

3 

notes. 
Includes £10 million related to goodwill payments to preference shareholders, which was announced on 30 April 2018, and associated administration costs (see note 35) and a £3 million donation of forfeited dividend income 
to a charitable foundation. 

The accounting policies (identified alphabetically) on pages 102 to 115 and notes (identified numerically) on pages 123 to 241 are an 
integral part of the financial statements. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
122 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

1 – Presentation changes 
During 2018, non-insurance business in the UK which was previously reported within the Other products and services segment, such as the 
savings business, are now reported within the long-term business or general insurance and health segments, as appropriate, as this is more 
reflective of the Group’s operating segments and consistent with how the businesses are managed. Comparative information in the 
products and services segmental note 5(b) has been restated to reflect this change. This resulted in a loss before tax of £80 million (2017: 
£30 million) and profit before tax of £4 million (2017: £4 million) being transferred from the Other products and services segment to the long-
term business and general insurance and health segments respectively. The corresponding net assets amount is £55 million (2017: £140 
million). This change has no impact on the Group’s adjusted operating profit, profit before tax, net assets or on the operating segmental 
disclosures in note 5(a). 

2 – Exchange rates 
The Group’s principal overseas operations during the year were located within the eurozone, Canada and Poland. The results and cash 
flows of these operations have been translated into sterling at the average rates for the year, and the assets and liabilities have been 
translated at the year end rates as follows: 

Eurozone 
Average rate (€1 equals) 
Year end rate (€1 equals) 
Canada 
Average rate ($CAD1 equals) 
Year end rate ($CAD1 equals) 
Poland 
Average rate (PLN1 equals) 
Year end rate (PLN1 equals) 

2018 

2017 

£0.88 
£0.90 

£0.58 
£0.57 

£0.21 
£0.21 

£0.88 
£0.89 

£0.60 
£0.59 

£0.21 
£0.21 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
123 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

3 – Subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates – acquisitions 
This note provides details of the acquisitions of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates that the Group has made during the year.  

(i)  Wealthify 
On 8 February 2018, Aviva acquired a majority shareholding in Wealthify Group Limited, the holding company of Wealthify, for a cash 
consideration of £17 million. The investment is part of Aviva’s strategy to build customer loyalty by providing customers with a wide range 
of insurance and investment services, all managed through the convenience and simplicity of Aviva’s digital hub, MyAviva. 

(ii)  Friends First 
On 13 November 2017, Aviva plc announced the acquisition of Friends First Life Assurance Company DAC (Friends First), an Irish insurer, for 
a consideration of €146 million (approximately £129 million). Following completion of the transaction on 1 June 2018, Friends First is now a 
wholly owned subsidiary. As a result of this acquisition, Aviva is now one of the largest composite insurers in Ireland. 

The following table summarises the consideration for the acquisition, the fair value of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and resulting 
allocation to goodwill. 

Assets 
Acquired value of in-force business and intangible assets 
Property and equipment 
Investment property 
Financial investments 
Reinsurance assets 
Receivables 
Tax assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total identifiable assets 

Liabilities 
Gross Insurance liabilities 
Gross liabilities for investment contracts 
Unallocated divisible surplus 
Payables and other financial liabilities 
Other liabilities 

Total identifiable liabilities 

Net identifiable assets acquired 

Consideration 

Negative goodwill arising on acquisition 

1 June 2018 
Fair Value 
£m 

96 
3 
424 
3,207 
502 
33 
3 
354 

4,622 

1,409 
2,921 
66 
33 
28 

4,457 

165 

129 

36 

The acquisition resulted in a gain from negative goodwill of £36 million, as the fair value of the net assets acquired of £165 million exceeded 
the consideration paid of £129 million. The gain arose primarily due to differences between the valuation of the pension scheme liability 
used to determine the transaction price and the recognition and measurement principles defined by IAS 19. The gain has been recognised 
immediately in the income statement as required by IFRS 3. The receivables balance of £33 million is made up of other receivables, 
prepayments and accrued income, measured at fair value and assessed as fully recoverable. 

In the period 1 June 2018 to 31 December 2018, the profits of the acquired Friends First company have contributed net earned premiums 
and fees and commission income of £68 million and a loss before tax attributable to shareholders of £0.4 million. 

If the acquisition had been effective on 1 January 2018, on a pro-forma basis the contribution to the Group’s net earned premiums is 
estimated at £102 million and profit before tax attributable to shareholders is estimated at £5 million. In determining this amount, 
management has assumed that the fair value adjustments that arose on the date of acquisition would have been the same if the 
acquisition occurred on 1 January 2018. The pro-forma results are provided for information purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the 
actual results that would have occurred had the acquisition taken place on 1 January 2018, nor are they necessarily indicative of the future 
results of the combined Group. 

Subsequent events 
On 30 January 2019, Aviva acquired a majority holding in Neos Ventures Limited for a cash consideration of £9 million. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
124 

 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

4 – Subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates – disposals and held for sale 
This note provides details of the disposals of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates that the Group has made during the year, together 
with details of businesses held for sale at the year end. 

(a)  Summary 
The profit on the disposal and remeasurement of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates comprises: 

Disposals 
Held for sale remeasurements 
Remeasurements due to change in control status 

Total profit on disposal and remeasurement 

 2018 
£m 

113  
(13) 
2  

102  

 2017 
£m 

237  
(125) 
23  

135  

The profit on disposal in the period of £113 million (2017: £237 million) primarily relates to the disposals of Italy Avipop and three businesses 
in Spain (see note 4(b)(i) and (ii) below for further details respectively). There has been a £13 million remeasurement loss in relation to 
Friends Provident International Limited (FPI) (see note 4(c)(i) for further details) and a £2 million remeasurement gain due to change in 
control status of the Hong Kong business (see note 4(d) for further details). 

(b)  Disposals of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates 
The following businesses were disposed of in 2018: 

Assets 
Goodwill, acquired value of in-force business and intangible assets 
Investments 
Receivables and other financial assets 
Reinsurance assets 
Deferred acquisition costs 
Prepayments and accrued income 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

Liabilities 
Gross insurance liabilities 
Payables and other financial liabilities 
Tax liabilities 
Other liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Non-controlling interests before disposal 

Group’s share of net assets disposed 

Cash consideration 
Less: transaction costs 

Net consideration 

Reserves recycled to the income statement 

Profit on disposal 

Other small disposals (iii) 

Total profit on disposal 

Italy – Avipop 
(i)  
£m 

Spain (ii)  
£m 

439  
376  
17  
75  
15  
— 
42  

964  

376  
2  
143  
6  

527  

437  

(213) 

224  

235  
(3) 

232  

16  

24  

213  
457  
4  
6  
— 
6  
18  

704  

381  
19  
48  
21  

469  

235  

(128) 

107  

189  
(4) 

185  

(14) 

64  

Total  
£m 

652  
833  
21  
81  
15  
6  
60  

1,668  

757  
21  
191  
27  

996  

672  

(341) 

331  

424  
(7) 

417  

2  

88  

25  

113  

Italy – Avipop 

(i) 
On 29 March 2018, Aviva announced that it had completed the sale of its entire shareholding of Avipop Assicurazioni S.p.A and Avipop Vita 
S.p.A to Banco BPM for cash consideration of €265 million (approximately £235 million). The transaction resulted in a total gain on disposal 
of £24 million. 

(ii)  Spain 
On 11 July 2018, Aviva announced that it had completed the sale of its entire shareholding in life insurance and pension joint ventures 
Caja Murcia Vida and Caja Granada Vida to Bankia for a total consideration of €203 million (approximately £180 million). In addition, on 
1 October 2018, Aviva completed the sale of its entire 50% shareholding in the small life insurance operation Pelayo Vida to Santa Lucia 
for a total consideration of €10 million (approximately £9 million). These transactions resulted in a total gain on disposal of £64 million. 

(iii) Other  
On 19 January 2018, Aviva announced that it had completed the sale of its entire 49% shareholding in its joint venture in Taiwan, First Aviva 
Life (Aviva Taiwan) to Aviva’s joint venture partner, First Financial Holding Company Limited (FFH) for cash consideration of $1. The 
transaction resulted in a gain of £7 million arising from reserves recycled to the Income Statement. Remeasurement losses arising from the 
classification of Aviva Taiwan as held for sale were recognised in 2017. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
125 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

4 – Subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates – disposals and held for sale continued 
On 5 November 2018, Aviva Investors completed the sale of its Real Estate Multi-Manager business to LaSalle Investment Management and 
exited its partnership arrangement in Encore+, a pan-European commercial property fund, also with LaSalle. The assets disposed of 
represent customer related intangible assets. The gain on disposal was £27 million. 

The remaining balance of £9 million loss primarily relates to other currency translation reserve recycling adjustments. 

(iv) Disposals of other investments 
In the second half of 2018, Aviva France disposed of its investments in the asset management company Primonial Real Estate Investment 
Management and the breakdown assistance company Opteven. The realised gains on disposal of these investments recognised in net 
investment income was €107 million (approximately £94 million). 

(c) Assets and liabilities of operations classified as held for sale 
The assets and liabilities of operations classified as held for sale as at 31 December 2018 are as follows: 

Assets 
Goodwill, acquired value of in-force and other intangibles 
Property and equipment 
Loans 
Financial investments 
Reinsurance assets 
Other assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

Liabilities 
Gross insurance liabilities 
Gross liability for investment contracts 
Unallocated divisible surplus 
Other liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

 2018 
£m 

 2017 
£m 

660  
5  
— 
7,251  
45  
206  
688  

8,855  

121  
8,341  
— 
59  

8,521  

334  

1,467  
5  
6  
8,306  
123  
225  
739  

10,871  

914  
8,663  
19  
277  

9,873  

998  

Assets and liabilities of operations classified as held for sale as at 31 December 2018 relate to the expected disposal of the international 
operations of FPI. See below for further details. Assets and liabilities of operations classified as held for sale during 2017 relate to Italy 
Avipop, Aviva Taiwan and Spain which were disposed of in 2018 and FPI.  

(i) FPI 
On 19 July 2017, Aviva announced the sale of FPI to RL360 Holding Company Limited, a subsidiary of International Financial Group Limited, 
for a total consideration of £340 million. The conditions defined in IFRS 5 for a subsidiary to be classified as held for sale include the 
presumption that the sale will be completed within 12 months of the date of reclassification. The transaction remains subject to regulatory 
approvals and is now expected to complete in the first half of 2019. As such, the subsidiary continues to be classified as held for sale and 
has been remeasured at fair value based on the expected sale price less costs to sell, calculated as £334 million. This resulted in a total loss 
on remeasurement of £118 million in 2017, and an additional remeasurement loss of £13 million in 2018 (see note 18). The goodwill 
attributable to FPI was fully impaired in 2017 (see note 17). The business remains a consolidated subsidiary of Aviva at the balance sheet 
date. 

(d) Remeasurements due to change in control status 
On 13 February 2018, Aviva announced that it has completed the transaction to develop a digital insurance joint venture in Hong Kong 
(Blue) with Hillhouse Capital Group (Hillhouse) and Tencent Holdings Limited (Tencent). The joint venture commenced operating under its 
new corporate structure during the first half of 2018. The transaction included the sale of 60% of the shareholding in Aviva Life Insurance 
Company Limited (Aviva Hong Kong) for cash consideration of HKD 301 million (approximately £29 million). The transaction resulted in a 
remeasurement gain of £2 million mainly arising through the recycling of reserves to the income statement and, additionally, a loss of 
£4 million in equity in accordance with IFRS 10 as Aviva has retained control of certain activities under the sale agreement. 

(e) Significant restrictions 
In certain jurisdictions the ability of subsidiaries to transfer funds to the Group in the form of cash dividends or to repay loans and advances 
is subject to local corporate or insurance laws and regulations and solvency requirements. There are no protective rights of non-controlling 
interests which significantly restrict the Group’s ability to access or use the assets and settle the liabilities of the Group.

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
126 

Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

5 – Segmental information 
The Group’s results can be segmented either by activity or by geography. Our primary reporting format is along market reporting lines, with 
supplementary information being given by business activity. This note provides segmental information on the consolidated income 
statement and consolidated statement of financial position. 

(a) Operating segments

United Kingdom 
The United Kingdom comprises two operating segments – Life and General Insurance. The principal activities of our UK Life operations are 
life insurance, long-term health and accident insurance, savings, pensions and annuity business. UK General Insurance provides insurance 
cover to individuals and businesses, for risks associated mainly with motor vehicles, property and liability (such as employers’ liability and 
professional indemnity liability) and medical expenses. 

Canada 
The principal activity of our operation in Canada is general insurance. In particular it provides personal and commercial lines insurance 
products principally distributed through insurance brokers.  

France 
The principal activities of our operations in France are long-term business and general insurance. The long-term business offers a range of 
long-term insurance and savings products, primarily for individuals, with a focus on the unit-linked market. The general insurance business 
predominantly sells personal and small commercial lines insurance products through agents and a direct insurer.  

Poland 
Activities in Poland comprise long-term business and general insurance and includes our long-term business in Lithuania. 

Italy, Ireland, Spain and Other 
These countries are not individually significant at a Group level, so have been aggregated into a single reporting segment in line with IFRS 8. 
The principal activities of our operations in Italy and Ireland are long-term business and general insurance. The principal activity of our 
operation in Spain was the sale of accident and health insurance and a selection of savings products. Our ‘Other’ operations include our life 
operations in Turkey. This segment also includes Friends First, which was acquired on 1 June 2018 (see note 3). The results of entities within 
Spain are included up to the date of disposal (Unicorp Vida and Caja España Vida on 15 September 2017, Caja Murcia Vida and Caja 
Granada Vida on 11 July 2018 and Pelayo Vida on 1 October 2018) and the results of Avipop, part of our operations in Italy, have been 
included up to the date of disposal on 29 March 2018 (see note 4). 

Asia 
Our activities in Asia principally comprise our long-term business operations in China, India, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Indonesia, 
Taiwan (up to 19 January 2018, (see note 4(b))) and FPI (see note 4(c)). This segment also includes general insurance and health operations 
in Singapore and health operations in Indonesia. This segment includes the results of the digital insurance joint venture in Hong Kong, 
which commenced operating under its new corporate structure during the first half of 2018. 

Aviva Investors 
Aviva Investors operates in most of the markets in which the Group operates, in particular the UK, France, North America and Asia Pacific. 
Aviva Investors manages policyholders’ and shareholders’ invested funds, provides investment management services for institutional 
pension fund mandates and manages a range of retail investment products. These include investment funds, unit trusts, open-ended 
investment companies and individual savings accounts.  

Other Group activities 
Investment return on centrally held assets and head office expenses, such as Group treasury and finance functions, together with certain 
taxes and financing costs arising on central borrowings are included in ‘Other Group activities’, along with central core structural 
borrowings and certain tax balances in the segmental statement of financial position. The results of our internal reinsurance and digital 
broker operations and the Group’s interest in Wealthify (see note 3) are also included in this segment, as are the elimination entries for 
certain inter-segment transactions. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
127 

Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

5 – Segmental information continued 
Measurement basis 
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those for the Group as a whole. Any transactions between the business segments 
are subject to normal commercial terms and market conditions. The Group evaluates performance of operating segments on the basis of:  
(i)  profit or loss from operations before tax attributable to shareholders 
(ii)  profit or loss from operations before tax attributable to shareholders, adjusted for items outside the segment management’s control, 

including investment market performance and fiscal policy changes. 

(a) (i) Segmental income statement for the year ended 31 December 2018 

Gross written premiums 
Premiums ceded to reinsurers 
Internal reinsurance revenue 

Premiums written net of reinsurance 
Net change in provision for unearned premiums 

Net earned premiums 
Fee and commission income 

Net investment (expense)/income 
Inter-segment revenue 
Share of profit of joint ventures and associates 
Profit/(loss) on the disposal and remeasurement of 

subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates 

Segmental income1  

United 
Kingdom 

Life 
£m 

GI 
£m 

7,302  
(1,666) 
— 

5,636  
14  

5,650  
939  

6,589  
(6,693) 
— 
78  

4,504  
(317) 
6  

4,193  
(87) 

4,106  
122  

4,228  
16  
— 
— 

Canada2 
£m 

3,047  
(119) 
— 

2,928  
27  

2,955  
24  

2,979  
51  
— 
1  

France 
£m 

Poland 
£m 

5,584  
(77) 
— 

5,507  
(38) 

5,469  
313  

5,782  
(2,302) 
— 
9  

616  
(12) 
— 

604  
7  

611  
94  

705  
(73) 
— 
— 

Europe 

Italy, 
Ireland, 
Spain and 
Other 
£m 

6,504  
(113) 
(2) 

6,389  
9  

6,398  
113  

6,511  
(1,111) 
— 
10  

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

89  

(26) 

4,244  

3,031  

3,489  

632  

5,499  

Claims and benefits paid, net of recoveries from reinsurers 
Change in insurance liabilities, net of reinsurance 
Change in investment contract provisions 
Change in unallocated divisible surplus 
Fee and commission expense 
Other expenses 
Inter-segment expenses 
Finance costs 

(10,184) 
6,184  
7,540  
270  
(741) 
(1,687) 
(232) 
(157) 

(2,731) 
351  
— 
— 
(1,225) 
(220) 
(5) 
(1) 

(1,989) 
(133) 
— 
— 
(791) 
(182) 
(6) 
(5) 

(4,659) 
557  
27  
1,754  
(484) 
(256) 
(1) 
(1) 

(356) 
148  
— 
12  
(146) 
(106) 
(6) 
— 

(2,595) 
(872) 
(2,249) 
1,063  
(343) 
(188) 
(7) 
(5) 

Segmental expenses 

Profit/(loss) before tax 
Tax attributable to policyholders’ returns 

Profit/(loss) before tax attributable to shareholders’ 

993  

(3,831) 

(3,106) 

(3,063) 

(454) 

(5,196) 

967  
469  

413  
— 

(75) 
— 

426  
— 

178  
— 

303  
1  

Asia 
£m 

Aviva 
Investors3 
£m 

Other Group 
activities4 
£m 

Total 
£m 

1,102  
(20) 
(7) 

1,075  
(13) 

1,062  
202  

1,264  
(286) 
— 
14  

(5) 

987  

(570) 
(40) 
42  
138  
(199) 
(272) 
— 
(3) 

(904) 

83  
7  

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
368  

368  
37  
259  
— 

27  

691  

— 
— 
(39) 
— 
(33) 
(449) 
— 
— 

(521) 

170  
— 

—  28,659  
(2) 
(2,326) 
3  
— 

1   26,333  
— 
(81) 

1   26,252  
5  
2,180  

6   28,432  
(486)  (10,847) 
259  
112  

— 
— 

(9) 

102  

(489)  18,058  

(58)  (23,142) 
51  
6,246  
— 
5,321  
— 
3,237  
569  
(3,393) 
(483) 
(3,843) 
(2) 
(259) 
(401) 
(573) 

(324)  (16,406) 

(813) 
— 

1,652  
477  

profits 

1,436  

413  

(75) 

426  

178  

304  

90  

170  

(813) 

2,129  

Adjusting items: 
Reclassification of corporate costs and unallocated interest 
Life business: Investment variances and economic 

assumption changes 

Non-life business: Short-term fluctuation in return on 

investments 

General insurance and health business: Economic 

assumption changes 

Impairment of goodwill, joint ventures, associates and 

other amounts expensed 

Amortisation and impairment of intangibles 
Amortisation and impairment of AVIF 
(Profit)/loss on the disposal and remeasurement of 

subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates 

Other5  

Group adjusted operating profit/(loss) before tax 

attributable to shareholders’ profits after integration 
and restructuring costs 

Integration and restructuring costs  

Group adjusted operating profit/(loss) before tax 

attributable to shareholders’ profits 

— 

(16) 

115  

— 

— 

— 

— 
73  
285  

172  

4  

— 
32  
— 

— 
— 

— 
(190) 

1,909  

415  

— 

— 

31  

— 

45  

— 

— 
46  
— 

— 
— 

47  

— 

48  

(6) 

44  

(5) 

— 
2  
2  

— 
— 

— 

10  

2  

— 

2  
7  
— 

— 
— 

(1) 

57  

57  

— 

— 
3  
6  

(89) 
(36) 

— 

21  

— 

— 

3  
13  
130  

5  
— 

5  

(67) 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 
3  
— 

(27) 
— 

— 

197  

156  

476  

— 

8  
30  
3  

9  
(5) 

(1) 

13  
209  
426  

(102) 
(231) 

511  

199  

301  

262  

151  

(679) 

3,116  

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

1,909  

415  

47  

511  

199  

301  

262  

151  

(679) 

3,116  

1  Total reported income, excluding inter-segment revenue, includes £4,412 million from the United Kingdom (Aviva plc’s country of domicile). Income is attributed on the basis of geographical origin which does not differ 

materially from revenue by geographical destination, as most risks are located in the countries where the contracts were written. 

2  Canada adjusted operating profit includes £1 million relating to non-insurance activities. 
3  Aviva Investors adjusted operating profit includes £1 million profit relating to Aviva Investors Pooled Pensions business. 
4  Other Group activities include Group Reinsurance and net expenses of £99 million associated with supporting the development of the Group’s digital business written through its UK insurance intermediary which places 

business primarily on behalf of UK General Insurance. 

5   Other includes a movement in the discount rate used for estimating lump sum payments in settlement of bodily injury claims which resulted in a gain of £190 million (see note 43(b)), a provision release of £78 million relating 
to the sale of Aviva USA in 2013, a gain of £36 million relating to negative goodwill on the acquisition of Friends First (see note 3), a charge of £63 million relating to the UK defined benefit pension scheme as a result of the 
requirement to equalise members’ benefits for the effects of Guaranteed Minimum Pension (see note 51(b)) and a charge of £10 million relating to goodwill payments to preference shareholders, which was announced on 30 
April 2018, and associated administration costs (see note 35). 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
128 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

5 – Segmental information continued 
(a) (ii) Segmental income statement for the year ended 31 December 2017 

Gross written premiums 
Premiums ceded to reinsurers 
Internal reinsurance revenue 

Premiums written net of reinsurance 
Net change in provision for unearned premiums 

Net earned premiums 
Fee and commission income 

Net investment income 
Inter-segment revenue 
Share of profit/(loss) of joint ventures and associates 
Profit/(loss) on the disposal and remeasurement of 

subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates 

Segmental income1  

United 
Kingdom 

GI 
£m 

4,355  
(271) 
(6) 

4,078  
(63) 

4,015  
121  

4,136  
138  
— 
— 

Life 
£m 

6,872  
(1,531) 
— 

5,341  
— 

5,341  
906  

6,247  
16,202  
— 
72  

Canada 
£m 

3,138  
(110) 
— 

3,028  
(84) 

2,944  
24  

2,968  
86  
— 
— 

France 
£m 

5,692  
(78) 
— 

5,614  
23  

5,637  
316  

5,953  
2,613  
— 
14  

Europe 

Italy, Ireland, 
Spain and 
Other 
£m 

Poland 
£m 

594  
(11) 
— 

583  
3  

586  
83  

669  
292  
— 
— 

5,923  
(101) 
(9) 

5,813  
(21) 

5,792  
141  

5,933  
811  
— 
12  

Asia 
£m 

1,032  
(127) 
(10) 

895  
(11) 

884  
193  

1,077  
1,465  
— 
(57) 

— 

— 

— 

216  

16  

28  

(118) 

22,521  

4,274  

3,054  

8,796  

977  

6,784  

2,367  

Claims and benefits paid, net of recoveries from reinsurers 
Change in insurance liabilities, net of reinsurance 
Change in investment contract provisions 
Change in unallocated divisible surplus 
Fee and commission expense 
Other expenses 
Inter-segment expenses 
Finance costs 

(10,783) 
1,380  
(9,041) 
195  
(496) 
(1,385) 
(207) 
(233) 

(2,547) 
78  
— 
— 
(1,268) 
(221) 
(8) 
(1) 

(1,902) 
(221) 
— 
— 
(796) 
(178) 
(6) 
(5) 

(5,145) 
(804) 
(1,591) 
153  
(703) 
(281) 
2  
(1) 

(397) 
(134) 
— 
(2) 
(134) 
(102) 
(6) 
— 

(2,799) 
(928) 
(2,121) 
85  
(421) 
(229) 
(12) 
(7) 

(526) 
(450) 
(947) 
(137) 
(144) 
(298) 
— 
(3) 

Aviva 
Investors2 
£m 

Other Group 
Activities3 
£m 

Total 
£m 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
407  

407  
136  
239  
— 

— 

782  

— 
— 
(137) 
— 
(39) 
(418) 
— 
— 

— 
— 
25  

27,606  
(2,229) 
— 

25   25,377  
(153) 
— 

25   25,224  
2,187  
(4) 

21   27,411  
323   22,066  
239  
41  

— 
— 

(7) 

135  

337   49,892  

(14)  (24,113) 
(1,074) 
(13,837) 
294  
(4,329) 
(3,537) 
(239) 
(683) 

5  
— 
— 
(328) 
(425) 
(2) 
(433) 

Segmental expenses 

(20,570) 

(3,967) 

(3,108) 

(8,370) 

(775) 

(6,432) 

(2,505) 

(594) 

(1,197)  (47,518) 

Profit/(loss) before tax 
Tax attributable to policyholders’ returns 

1,951  
(330) 

307  
— 

(54) 
— 

426  
— 

202  
— 

352  
(4) 

(138) 
(37) 

188  
— 

(860) 
— 

2,374  
(371) 

Profit/(loss) before tax attributable to shareholders’ 

profits 

1,621  

307  

(54) 

426  

202  

348  

(175) 

188  

(860) 

2,003  

Adjusting items: 
Reclassification of corporate costs and unallocated interest 
Life business: Investment variances and economic 

assumption changes 

Non-life business: Short-term fluctuation in return on 

investments 

General insurance and health business: Economic 

assumption changes 

Impairment of goodwill, joint ventures, associates and 

other amounts expensed 

Amortisation and impairment of intangibles 
Amortisation and impairment of AVIF 
(Profit)/loss on the disposal and remeasurement of 

subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates 

Group adjusted operating profit/(loss) before tax 

attributable to shareholders’ profits after integration 
and restructuring costs 

Integration and restructuring costs  

Group adjusted operating profit/(loss) before tax 

attributable to shareholders’ profits 

— 

(12) 

(323) 

— 

— 

— 
74  
327  

— 

— 

56  

18  

— 
31  
— 

— 

28  

— 

7  

(2) 

2  
50  
— 

48  

249  

(26) 

(9) 

— 
1  
2  

— 

(7) 

(3) 

— 

— 
7  
— 

— 

12  

27  

— 

— 
5  
1  

— 

38  

— 

— 

47  
9  
154  

— 

(216) 

(16) 

(28) 

118  

5  

(69) 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 
5  
— 

— 

(3) 

(34) 

284  

345  

— 

— 
15  
11  

7  

49  
197  
495  

7  

(135) 

1,699  

65  

400  

11  

31  

15  

475  

25  

183  

— 

365  

11  

191  

— 

198  

(615) 

2,927  

3  

11  

141  

1,764  

411  

46  

500  

183  

376  

191  

201  

(604) 

3,068  

1  Total reported income, excluding inter-segment revenue, includes £26,949 million from the United Kingdom (Aviva plc’s country of domicile). Income is attributed on the basis of geographical origin which does not differ 

materially from revenue by geographical destination, as most risks are located in the countries where the contracts were written. 

2  Aviva Investors adjusted operating profit includes £1 million profit relating to the Aviva Investors Pooled Pensions business. 
3  Other Group activities include Group Reinsurance and net expenses of £48 million associated with supporting the development of the Group’s digital business written through its UK insurance intermediary which places 

business primarily on behalf of UK General Insurance. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
129 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

5 – Segmental information continued 
(a) (iii) Segmental statement of financial position as at 31 December 2018 

United 
Kingdom 

Life 
£m 

GI 
£m 

Canada 
£m 

France 
£m 

Poland 
£m 

Europe 

Italy, 
Ireland, 
Spain and 
Other 
£m 

Asia 
£m 

Aviva 
Investors 
£m 

Other Group 
activities 
£m 

Total 
£m 

Goodwill 
Acquired value of in-force business and intangible assets 
Interests in, and loans to, joint ventures and associates 
Property and equipment 
Investment property 
Loans  
Financial investments 
Deferred acquisition costs 
Other assets 
Assets of operations classified as held for sale 

663  
2,424  
859  
71  
6,124  
27,619  
169,221  
1,361  
38,240  
— 

924  
154  
— 
29  
436  
— 
3,627  
489  
5,311  
— 

82  
220  
8  
50  
— 
164  

— 
98  
117  
258  
3,595  
710  
4,696   71,903  
354  
8,355  
— 

367  
1,225  
— 

27  
72  
— 
4  
— 
— 

125  
96  
55  
5  
807  
255  
3,423   32,842  
259  
4,840  
— 

124  
304  
— 

51  
25  
479  
5  
— 
37  
5,422  
11  
525  
8,855  

— 
5  
— 
4  
616  
— 
343  
— 

— 
1,872  
107  
3,201  
— 
1,518  
122  
548  
(96)  11,482  
—  28,785  
6,108   297,585  
2,965  
1,267   13,600   73,667  
8,855  

— 

— 

— 

Total assets 

Insurance liabilities 

Long-term business and outstanding claims provisions 
Unearned premiums  
Other insurance liabilities 

Gross liabilities for investment contracts 
Unallocated divisible surplus 
Net asset value attributable to unitholders  
External borrowings 
Other liabilities, including inter-segment liabilities 
Liabilities of operations classified as held for sale 

Total liabilities 

Total equity 

Total equity and liabilities 

246,582   10,970  

6,812   85,390  

3,954   39,284   15,410  

2,235   19,841   430,478  

94,181  
214  
— 
123,406  
2,244  
25  
1,660  
13,667  
— 

4,914  
2,104  
16  
— 
— 
— 
10  
(255) 
— 

3,455   16,778  
501  
1,517  
— 
— 
—  54,159  
3,518  
— 
2,427  
— 
— 
— 
5,350  
1,011  
— 
— 

3,068   12,646  
410  
109  
— 
— 
4   23,874  
(78) 
— 
46  
944  
— 

55  
— 
— 
230  
— 

4,069  
91  
— 
— 
210  
— 
— 
801  
8,521  

4   139,115  
— 
— 
— 
4,946  
— 
— 
16  
—  202,468  
1,025  
— 
— 
5,949  
—  15,673   18,125  
— 
7,704  
9,420  
1,126   23,463  
589  
— 
8,521  

— 

235,397  

6,789  

5,983   82,733  

3,466   37,842   13,692  

1,614   24,507   412,023  

(a) (iv) Segmental statement of financial position as at 31 December 2017 

United 
Kingdom 

Life 
£m 

GI 
£m 

Canada 
£m 

France 
£m 

Poland 
£m 

Europe 

Italy, Ireland, 
Spain and 
Other 
£m 

Goodwill 
Acquired value of in-force business and intangible assets 
Interests in, and loans to, joint ventures and associates 
Property and equipment 
Investment property 
Loans  
Financial investments 
Deferred acquisition costs 
Other assets 
Assets of operations classified as held for sale 

663  
2,751  
936  
52  
6,242  
26,695  
184,428  
1,364  
38,800  
— 

924  
152  
— 
30  
324  
5  
4,184  
487  
5,370  
— 

84  
258  
9  
46  
— 
180  

— 
90  
184  
253  
3,322  
739  
4,592   72,886  
322  
8,567  
— 

383  
1,338  
— 

29  
78  
— 
4  
— 
7  

124  
4  
68  
3  
215  
197  
3,775   27,403  
222  
3,591  
1,685  

118  
244  
— 

Asia 
£m 

52  
26  
445  
8  
— 
34  
5,007  
8  
765  
9,186  

  18,455  

  430,478  

Aviva 
Investors 
£m 

Other Group 
activities 
£m 

Total 
£m 

— 
4  
— 
4  
788  
— 
400  
2  

1,876  
— 
3,455  
92  
1,642  
— 
109  
509  
(94)  10,797  
27,857  
— 
8,407   311,082  
2,906  
1,020   11,995   71,690  
10,871  

— 

— 

— 

Total assets 

Insurance liabilities 

Long-term business and outstanding claims provisions1 
Unearned premiums  
Other insurance liabilities1 

Gross liabilities for investment contracts 
Unallocated divisible surplus 
Net asset value attributable to unitholders  
External borrowings 
Other liabilities, including inter-segment liabilities 
Liabilities of operations classified as held for sale 

Total liabilities 

Total equity 

Total equity and liabilities 

261,931   11,476  

6,890   86,363  

4,255   33,512   15,531  

2,218   20,509   442,685  

100,183  
228  
— 
130,890  
2,514  
57  
1,566  
14,234  
— 

5,360  
2,003  
13  
— 
— 
— 
— 
(294) 
— 

3,449   17,213  
458  
1,578  
— 
— 
53,529  
— 
5,239  
— 
2,472  
— 
1  
— 
4,927  
971  
— 
— 

3,275   10,110  
520  
119  
— 
— 
2   18,335  
922  
68  
— 
— 
70  
— 
869  
253  
1,021  
— 

4,056  
74  
— 
— 
339  
— 
— 
618  
8,852  

— 
— 
— 
1,230  
— 
— 
— 
392  
— 

11   143,657  
4,980  
— 
— 
13  
—  203,986  
9,082  
— 
15,798   18,327  
8,649   10,286  
1,376   23,346  
9,873  

— 

249,672  

7,082  

5,998   83,839  

3,717   31,847   13,939  

1,622   25,834   423,550  

19,135  

  442,685  

1  Following a review, 2017 comparative amounts have been amended, with a reclassification of £244 million made from ‘Other insurance liabilities’ to ‘Long-term business and outstanding claims provisions’ in order to align 

with note 42(a). 

(b) Further analysis by products and services 
The Group’s results can be further analysed by products and services which comprise long-term business, general insurance and health, 
fund management and other activities. Non-insurance businesses in the UK previously included within ‘Other’, such as the savings 
business, have been reclassified to the long-term business or general insurance and health segments, as appropriate, as this presentation is 
consistent with how the business is managed (see note 1 for further details). Results for the year ended 31 December 2017 have been 
restated accordingly. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
130 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

5 – Segmental information continued 
Long-term business 
Our long-term business comprises life insurance, long-term health and accident insurance, savings, pensions and annuity business written 
by our life insurance subsidiaries, including managed pension fund business. Long-term business also includes our share of the other life 
and related business written in our associates and joint ventures, as well as lifetime mortgage business written in the UK. 

General insurance and health 
Our general insurance and health business provides insurance cover to individuals and to small and medium-sized businesses, for risks 
associated mainly with motor vehicles, property and liability, such as employers’ liability and professional indemnity liability, and medical 
expenses. 

Fund management  
Our fund management business invests policyholders’ and shareholders’ funds and provides investment management services for 
institutional pension fund mandates. It manages a range of retail investment products, including investment funds, unit trusts, open-ended 
investment companies and individual savings accounts. Clients include Aviva Group businesses and third-party financial institutions, 
pension funds, public sector organisations, investment professionals and private investors.  

Other 
‘Other’ includes service companies, head office expenses such as Group treasury and finance functions, and certain financing costs and 
taxes not allocated to business segments and elimination entries for certain inter-segment transactions. 

(b) (i) Segmental income statement – products and services for the year ended 31 December 2018 

Gross written premiums1  
Premiums ceded to reinsurers 

Premiums written net of reinsurance 
Net change in provision for unearned premiums 

Net earned premiums 
Fee and commission income 

Net investment (expense)/income 
Inter-segment revenue 
Share of profit/(loss) of joint ventures and associates 
Profit/(loss) on the disposal and remeasurement of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates 

Segmental income 

Claims and benefits paid, net of recoveries from reinsurers 
Change in insurance liabilities, net of reinsurance 
Change in investment contract provisions 
Change in unallocated divisible surplus 
Fee and commission expense 
Other expenses 
Inter-segment expenses 
Finance costs 

Segmental expenses 

Profit/(loss) before tax 
Tax attributable to policyholders’ returns 

Profit/(loss) before tax attributable to shareholders’ profits 
Adjusting items 

Group adjusted operating profit/(loss) before tax attributable to shareholders’ profits 

Long-term   
 business2 
£m   

General   
 insurance   
 and   
Health2,3 
£m   

Fund 
management 
£m 

18,140   
(1,775)   

10,519   
(551)  

16,365  
—  

16,365   
1,496   

17,861   
(10,375)  
—  
112   
84   

9,968  
(81)  

9,887   
138   

10,025   
63   
—  
—  
—  

7,682   

10,088   

(16,540)  
6,044  
5,321   
3,237   
(1,248)  
(2,152)  
(249)  
(164)  

(6,602)  
202   
—  
—  
(2,592)  
(596)  
(12)  
(6)  

(5,751)  

(9,606)  

1,931   
477   

2,408   
591   

2,999   

482   
—  

482   
222   

704   

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
365  

365  
(1) 
263  
— 
27  

654  

— 
— 
— 
— 
(31) 
(461) 
— 
— 

(492) 

162  
— 

162  
(16) 

146  

Other2,4 
£m  

Total 
£m 

—  
—  

—  
—  

—  
181   

181   
(534)  
—  
—  
(9)  

28,659  
(2,326) 

26,333  
(81) 

26,252  
2,180  

28,432  
(10,847) 
263  
112  
102  

(362)  

18,062  

—  
—  
—  
—  
478  
(634)  
(2)  
(403)  

(23,142) 
6,246  
5,321  
3,237  
(3,393) 
(3,843) 
(263) 
(573) 

(561)  

(16,410) 

(923)  
—  

(923)  
190  

(733)  

1,652  
477  

2,129  
987  

3,116  

1  Gross written premiums include inward reinsurance premiums assumed from other companies amounting to £56 million, which all relates to property and liability insurance. 
2  Non-insurance business in the UK previously included within Other operations, such as the savings business, have been reclassified to long-term business and general insurance and health segments as this presentation is 

consistent with how the business is managed. See note 1 for further details. The impact of this change was to reduce long-term operating profit by £80 million and increase general insurance and health operating profit by £4 
million.  

3  General insurance and health business segment includes gross written premiums of £879 million relating to health business. The remaining business relates to property and liability insurance. 
4   Other includes net expenses of £99 million associated with supporting the development of the Group’s digital business written through its UK insurance intermediary which places business primarily on behalf of UK General 

Insurance. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
131 

 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

5 – Segmental information continued 
(b) (ii) Segmental income statement – products and services for the year ended 31 December 2017 – restated1 

Gross written premiums2  
Premiums ceded to reinsurers 

Premiums written net of reinsurance 
Net change in provision for unearned premiums 

Net earned premiums 
Fee and commission income 

Net investment income/(expense) 
Inter-segment revenue 
Share of profit of joint ventures and associates 
Profit/(loss) on the disposal and remeasurement of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates 

Segmental income 

Claims and benefits paid, net of recoveries from reinsurers 
Change in insurance liabilities, net of reinsurance 
Change in investment contract provisions 
Change in unallocated divisible surplus 
Fee and commission expense 
Other expenses 
Inter-segment expenses 
Finance costs 

Segmental expenses 

Profit/(loss) before tax 
Tax attributable to policyholders’ returns 

Profit/(loss) before tax attributable to shareholders’ profits 
Adjusting items 

Group adjusted operating profit/(loss) before tax attributable to shareholders’ profits 

Long-term 
business 
£m 

General 
insurance and 
health3 
£m 

Fund 
management 
£m 

17,083  
(1,741) 

15,342  
— 

15,342  
1,486  

16,828  
21,468  
— 
41  
100  

10,523  
(488) 

10,035  
(153) 

9,882  
134  

10,016  
331  
— 
— 
42  

38,437  

10,389  

(17,791) 
(863) 
(13,837) 
294  
(1,210) 
(1,919) 
(226) 
(240) 

(35,792) 

2,645  
(371) 

2,274  
578  

2,852  

(6,322) 
(211) 
— 
— 
(2,668) 
(626) 
(15) 
(6) 

(9,848) 

541  
— 

541  
163  

704  

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
369  

369  
(1) 
244  
— 
— 

612  

— 
— 
— 
— 
(36) 
(425) 
— 
— 

(461) 

151  
— 

151  
13  

164  

Other4 
£m 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
198  

198  
268  
— 
— 
(7) 

459  

— 
— 
— 
— 
(415) 
(567) 
(3) 
(437) 

Total 
£m 

27,606  
(2,229) 

25,377  
(153) 

25,224  
2,187  

27,411  
22,066  
244  
41  
135  

49,897  

(24,113) 
(1,074) 
(13,837) 
294  
(4,329) 
(3,537) 
(244) 
(683) 

(1,422) 

(47,523) 

(963) 
— 

(963) 
311  

(652) 

2,374  
(371) 

2,003  
1,065  

3,068  

1  Non-insurance business in the UK previously included within ‘Other’, such as the savings business, have been reclassified to the long-term business and general insurance and health segments as this presentation is 

consistent with how the business is managed. See note 1 for further details. The impact of this change was to reduce long-term operating profit by £30 million and increase general insurance and health operating profit by 
£4 million. 

2  Gross written premiums include inward reinsurance premiums assumed from other companies amounting to £91 million, of which £73 million relates to property and liability insurance and £18 million relates to long-term 

business. 

3  General insurance and health business segment includes gross written premiums of £914 million relating to health business. The remaining business relates to property and liability insurance. 
4   Other includes net expenses of £48 million associated with supporting the development of the Group’s digital business written through its UK insurance intermediary which places business primarily on behalf of UK General 

Insurance. 

(b) (iii) Segmental statement of financial position – products and services as at 31 December 2018 

Long-term  
business1 
£m 

General 
insurance and  
health1 
£m 

Fund 
management 
£m 

Other1 
£m 

Total 
£m 

Goodwill 
Acquired value of in-force business and intangible assets 
Interests in, and loans to, joint ventures and associates 
Property and equipment 
Investment property 
Loans  
Financial investments 
Deferred acquisition costs 
Other assets 
Assets of operations classified as held for sale 

Total assets 

Gross insurance liabilities 
Gross liabilities for investment contracts 
Unallocated divisible surplus 
Net asset value attributable to unitholders  
External borrowings 
Other liabilities, including inter-segment liabilities 
Liabilities of operations classified as held for sale 

Total liabilities 

Total equity 

Total equity and liabilities 

722  
2,688  
1,502  
260  
10,995  
28,620  
280,130  
1,877  
49,316  
8,855  

1,083  
403  
8  
147  
584  
165  
11,279  
1,088  
9,243  
— 

— 
5  
— 
4  
— 
— 
66  
— 
1,117  
— 

67  
105  
8  
137  
(97) 
— 

1,872  
3,201  
1,518  
548  
11,482  
28,785  
6,110   297,585  
2,965  
73,667  
8,855  

— 
13,991  
— 

384,965  

24,000  

1,192  

20,321   430,478  

127,709  
202,468  
5,949  
2,451  
1,706  
19,124  
8,521  

16,368  
— 
— 
— 
10  
1,373  
— 

367,928  

17,751  

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
574  
— 

574  

— 
— 
— 
15,674  
7,704  
2,392  
— 

144,077  
202,468  
5,949  
18,125  
9,420  
23,463  
8,521  

25,770   412,023  

18,455  

430,478  

1  Non-insurance business in the UK previously included within ‘Other’, such as the savings business, have been reclassified to the long-term business and general insurance and health segments as this presentation is consistent 

with how the business is managed. See note 1 for further details. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
132 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

5 – Segmental information continued 
(b) (iv) Segmental statement of financial position – products and services as at 31 December 2017 – restated1 

Goodwill 
Acquired value of in-force business and intangible assets 
Interests in, and loans to, joint ventures and associates 
Property and equipment 
Investment property 
Loans  
Financial investments 
Deferred acquisition costs 
Other assets 
Assets of operations classified as held for sale 

Total assets 

Gross insurance liabilities 
Gross liabilities for investment contracts 
Unallocated divisible surplus 
Net asset value attributable to unitholders  
External borrowings 
Other liabilities, including inter-segment liabilities 
Liabilities of operations classified as held for sale 

Total liabilities 

Total equity 

Total equity and liabilities 

General 
insurance and 
health 
£m 

Fund 
management 
£m 

Long-term 
business 
£m 

720  
2,922  
1,617  
240  
10,392  
27,671  
290,840  
1,804  
49,118  
10,552  

395,876  

131,987  
203,986  
9,082  
2,529  
1,601  
18,828  
9,694  

1,084  
439  
9  
136  
499  
186  
11,934  
1,100  
9,283  
319  

24,989  

16,663  
— 
— 
— 
— 
1,413  
179  

377,707  

18,255  

3  
4  
— 
4  
— 
— 
54  
2  
905  
— 

972  

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
376  
— 

376  

Other 
£m 

69  
90  
16  
129  
(94) 
— 
8,254  
— 
12,384  
— 

Total 
£m 

1,876  
3,455  
1,642  
509  
10,797  
27,857  
311,082  
2,906  
71,690  
10,871  

20,848  

442,685  

— 
— 
— 
15,798  
8,685  
2,729  
— 

148,650  
203,986  
9,082  
18,327  
10,286  
23,346  
9,873  

27,212  

423,550  

19,135  

442,685  

1  Non-insurance business in the UK previously included within ‘Other’, such as the savings business, have been reclassified to the long-term business and general insurance and health segments as this presentation is 

consistent with how the business is managed. See note 1 for further details. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
133 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

6 – Details of income 
This note gives further detail on the items appearing in the income section of the consolidated income statement. 

Gross written premiums 
Long-term: 

Insurance contracts 
Participating investment contracts 

General insurance and health 

Less: premiums ceded to reinsurers 
Gross change in provision for unearned premiums (note 42(c)(iv)) 
Reinsurers’ share of change in provision for unearned premiums (note 46(c)(iii)) 
Net change in provision for unearned premiums 

Net earned premiums 

Fee and commission income 
Fee income from investment contract business 
Fund management fee income  
Other fee income 
Reinsurance commissions receivable 
Other commission income  
Net change in deferred revenue  

Total revenue 

Net investment income 
Interest and similar income 

From financial instruments designated as trading and other than trading 
From AFS investments and financial instruments at amortised cost 

Dividend income 
Other income from investments designated as trading 

Realised (losses)/gains on disposals  
Unrealised gains and losses (see accounting policy K) 

(Losses)/gains arising in the year 
Gains/(losses) recognised now realised 

Other income from investments designated as other than trading  

Realised gains on disposals 
Unrealised gains and losses (see accounting policy K) 

(Losses)/gains arising in the year 
Losses recognised now realised 

Realised gains on AFS investments 

Gains recognised in prior periods as unrealised in equity  

Net income from investment properties 

Rent 
Expenses relating to these properties 
Realised gains on disposal 
Fair value gains on investment properties (note 22) 

Foreign exchange gains/(losses) on investments other than trading 
Other investment expenses 

Net investment (expense)/income 

Share of profit after tax of joint ventures (note 19(a)(i)) 
Share of profit/(loss) after tax of associates (note 20(a)(i)) 
Share of profit after tax of joint ventures and associates 
Profit on disposal and remeasurement of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates (note 4(a)) 

Total income 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
134 

 2018 
£m 

 2017 
£m 

11,064  
7,076  
10,519  

28,659  
(2,326) 
(98) 
17  
(81) 

11,192  
5,891  
10,523  

27,606  
(2,229) 
(158) 
5  
(153) 

26,252  

25,224  

1,059  
527  
405  
26  
164  
(1) 

2,180  

1,062  
512  
422  
33  
161  
(3) 

2,187  

28,432  

27,411  

5,051  
54  
5,105  
4,649  

4,994  
42  
5,036  
2,542  

(922) 

511  

(1,726) 
922  
(804) 
(1,726) 

436  
(511) 
(75) 
436  

7,278  

6,198  

(19,919) 
(7,278) 
(27,197) 
(19,919) 

13,153  
(6,198) 
6,955  
13,153  

78  

2  

583  
(121) 
69  
307  
838  
192  
(64) 

574  
(101) 
30  
481  
984  
(12) 
(75) 

(10,847) 

22,066  

91  
21  
112  
102  

89  
(48) 
41  
135  

17,799  

49,653  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

7 – Details of expenses 
This note gives further detail on the items appearing in the expenses section of the consolidated income statement. 

Claims and benefits paid 
Claims and benefits paid to policyholders on long-term business 

Insurance contracts 
Participating investment contracts 
Non-participating investment contracts 

Claims and benefits paid to policyholders on general insurance and health business 

Less: Claim recoveries from reinsurers 

Insurance contracts 
Participating investment contracts 

Claims and benefits paid, net of recoveries from reinsurers 

Change in insurance liabilities 

Change in insurance liabilities (note 41(b)) 
Change in reinsurance asset for insurance provisions (note 41(b)) 

Change in insurance liabilities, net of reinsurance 

Change in investment contract provisions 
Investment income allocated to investment contracts 
Other changes in provisions 

Participating investment contracts (note 44(c)(i)) 
Non-participating investment contracts  

Change in reinsurance asset for investment contract provisions 

Change in investment contract provisions 

Change in unallocated divisible surplus (note 48) 

Fee and commission expense  
Acquisition costs 

Commission expenses for insurance and participating investment contracts 
Change in deferred acquisition costs for insurance and participating investment contracts 
Deferrable costs for non-participating investment contracts 
Other acquisition costs  
Change in deferred acquisition costs for non-participating investment contracts 

Investment (income)/expense attributable to unitholders 
Reinsurance commissions and other fee and commission expense 

Other expenses  
Other operating expenses  
Staff costs (note 11(b)) 
Central costs and sharesave schemes 
Depreciation 
Impairment of goodwill on subsidiaries (note 17(a))  
Amortisation of acquired value of in-force business on insurance/investment contracts (note 18) 
Amortisation of intangible assets (note 18) 
Net impairment of acquired value of in-force business (note 18) 
Impairment of intangible assets (note 18) 
Integration and restructuring costs 
Other expenses (see below) 

Impairments 

Net impairment on loans 
Net impairment on financial investments 
Net impairment on receivables and other financial assets 
Net impairment on non-financial assets 

Other net foreign exchange losses 

Other expenses 

Finance costs (note 8) 

Total expenses 

 2018 
£m 

 2017 
£m 

12,163  
6,117  
8  
6,913  

25,201  

13,547  
5,694  
20  
6,647  

25,908  

(1,984) 
(75) 

(1,772) 
(23) 

23,142  

24,113  

(6,415) 
169  

(6,246) 

623  
451  

1,074  

(6,128) 

9,899  

540  
272  
(5) 

2,684  
1,247  
7  

(5,321) 

13,837  

(3,237) 

(294) 

2,678  
(183) 
32  
996  
84  
(704) 
490  

3,393  

1,172  
216  
40  
13  
426  
209  
— 
— 
— 
1,729  

1  
— 
9  
— 
28  

2,776  
(182) 
33  
958  
(206) 
496  
454  

4,329  

1,115  
184  
35  
2  
468  
186  
8  
7  
141  
1,335  

2  
— 
4  
1  
49  

3,843  

573  

3,537  

683  

16,147  

47,279  

Other types of expenses were £1,729 million (2017: £1,335 million) which mainly included costs relating to property, IT and other items. 
Other items included a provision release of £78 million relating to the sale of Aviva USA in 2013, a gain of £36 million relating to negative 
goodwill on the acquisition of Friends First, a charge of £63 million relating to the UK defined benefit pension scheme as a result of the 
requirement to equalise members’ benefits for the effects of Guaranteed Minimum Pension and a charge of £10 million relating to goodwill 
payments to preference shareholders, which was announced on 30 April 2018, and associated administration costs (see note 35). 

The change in insurance liabilities line includes a gain of £190 million relating to the movement in the discount rate used for estimating 
lump sum payments in settlement of bodily injury claims (see note 43(b)). 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
135 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

8 – Finance costs 
This note analyses the interest costs on our borrowings (which are described in note 52) and similar charges. Finance costs comprise: 

Interest expense on core structural borrowings 

Subordinated debt  
Long term senior debt  
Commercial paper 

Interest expense on operational borrowings 
Amounts owed to financial institutions 
Securitised mortgage loan notes at fair value 

Interest on collateral received 
Net finance charge on pension schemes (note 51(b)(i)) 
Unwind of discount on GI reserves 
Extinguishment of debt 
Other similar charges 

Total finance costs 

 2018 
£m 

364  
6  
(2) 

368  

20  
95  

115  

8  
22  
— 
— 
60  

 2017 
£m 

391  
4  
(2) 

393  

34  
83  

117  

9  
24  
2  
47  
91  

573  

683  

9 – Life business investment variances and economic assumption changes 
The long-term nature of much of the Group’s operations means that, for management’s decision-making and internal performance 
management, the effects of short-term economic volatility are treated as adjusting items. The Group focuses instead on a Group adjusted 
operating profit measure that incorporates an expected return on investments supporting its life business, as described below. 

(a)  Definitions 
Group adjusted operating profit for life business is based on expected investment returns on financial investments backing shareholder and 
policyholder funds over the reporting period, with consistent allowance for the corresponding expected movements in liabilities. Group 
adjusted operating profit includes the effect of variance in experience for non-economic items, such as mortality, persistency and expenses, 
and the effect of changes in non-economic assumptions, where not treated as other items. Changes due to economic items, such as market 
value movements and interest rate changes, which give rise to variances between actual and expected investment returns, and the impact 
of changes in economic assumptions on liabilities, are disclosed separately outside Group adjusted operating profit. 

(b)  Economic volatility 
The investment variances and economic assumption changes excluded from Group adjusted operating profit for life businesses are as 
follows: 

Life business 

Investment variances and economic assumptions 

 2018 
£m 

(197) 

 2017 
£m 

34  

Investment variances and economic assumption changes were £197 million negative (2017: £34 million positive), primarily due to negative 
variances in the UK and Italy. In the UK, these variances were mainly due to an increase in yields, the widening of corporate bond spreads 
and an increase in the allowance for the possible adverse impact of the decision for the UK to leave the European Union, partially offset by 
the beneficial impact of our equity hedges. The negative variance in Italy was primarily driven by a widening of sovereign credit spreads and 
a fall in equity markets. 

The Group has kept under review the allowance in our long-term assumptions for future property prices and rental income for the possible 
adverse impact of the decision for the UK to leave the European Union. This allowance has been determined in line with previous periods 
and is £395 million as at 31 December 2018, an increase of £109 million from 31 December 2017. 

The variance in 2017 was driven by positive variances in the UK, partially offset by negative variances in France. Positive variances in the 
UK were mainly due to economic modelling developments implemented in 2017. These included developments to align the approach 
to calculating valuation interest rates across the heritage Aviva and Friends Life portfolios and also a development to the approach to 
calculating the valuation interest rate for certain deferred annuity business. The negative variance in France was primarily due to an 
increase in life annuity pension reserves, resulting from a reduction to the discount rate cap used in the calculation of these reserves.  

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
136 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

9 – Life business investment variances and economic assumption changes continued 
(c)  Methodology 
The expected investment returns and corresponding expected movements in life business liabilities are calculated separately for each 
principal life business unit. 

The expected return on investments for both policyholders’ and shareholders’ funds is based on opening economic assumptions applied to 
the expected funds under management over the reporting period. Expected investment return assumptions are derived actively, based on 
market yields on risk-free fixed interest assets at the end of each financial year. The same margins are applied on a consistent basis across 
the Group to gross risk-free yields, to obtain investment return assumptions for equity and property. Expected funds under management 
are equal to the opening value of funds under management, adjusted for sales and purchases during the period arising from expected 
operating experience.  

The actual investment return is affected by differences between the actual and expected funds under management and changes in asset 
mix, as well as movements in interest rates. To the extent that these differences arise from the operating experience of the life business, or 
management decisions to change asset mix, the effect is included in the Group adjusted operating profit. The residual difference between 
actual and expected investment return is included in investment variances, outside Group adjusted operating profit but included in profit 
before tax. 

The movement in liabilities included in Group adjusted operating profit reflects both the change in liabilities due to the expected return on 
investments and the impact of experience variances and assumption changes for non-economic items. This would include movements in 
liabilities due to changes in the discount rate arising from discretionary management decisions that impact on product profitability over 
the lifetime of products. 

The effect of differences between actual and expected economic experience on liabilities, and changes to economic assumptions used to 
value liabilities, are taken outside Group adjusted operating profit. For many types of life business, including unit-linked and with-profits 
funds, movements in asset values are offset by corresponding changes in liabilities, limiting the net impact on profit. The profit impact of 
economic volatility on other life business depends on the degree of matching of assets and liabilities, and exposure to financial options and 
guarantees. 

(d)  Assumptions 
The expected rate of investment return is determined using consistent assumptions between operations, having regard to local economic 
and market forecasts of investment return and asset classification under IFRS. 

The principal assumptions underlying the calculation of the expected investment return for equity and property are: 

United Kingdom 
Eurozone 

2018 
% 

4.8 
4.4 

Equity 

2017 
% 

4.8 
4.2 

2018 
% 

3.3 
2.9 

Property 

2017 
% 

3.3 
2.7 

The expected return on equity and property has been calculated by reference to the ten year mid-price swap rate for an AA-rated bank in 
the relevant currency plus a risk premium. The use of risk premium reflects management’s long-term expectations of asset return in excess 
of the swap yield from investing in different asset classes. The asset risk premiums are set out in the table below: 

All territories 

Equity risk premium 
Property risk premium 

The ten year mid-price swap rates as at the start of the period are set out in the table below: 

Territories 

United Kingdom 
Eurozone 

 2018 
% 

3.5 
2.0 

2018 
% 

1.3 
0.9 

2017 
% 

3.5 
2.0 

2017 
% 

1.3 
0.7 

For fixed interest securities classified as fair value through profit or loss, the expected investment returns are based on average prospective 
yields for the actual assets held less an adjustment for credit risk (assessed on a best estimate basis); this includes an adjustment for credit 
risk on all eurozone sovereign debt. Where such securities are classified as held for sale, the expected investment return comprises the 
expected interest or dividend payments and amortisation of the premium or discount at purchase.

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

10 – Non-life business: short-term fluctuations in return on investments 
Group adjusted operating profit for non-life business is based on an expected long-term investment return over the period. Any variance 
between the total investment return (including realised and unrealised gains) and the expected return over the period is disclosed 
separately outside Group adjusted operating profit, in short-term fluctuations. The long-term investment return and economic assumption 
changes for our non-life business is described in more detail below. 

(a)  The short-term fluctuations in investment return and economic assumption changes attributable to the non-life business result and 
reported outside operating profit were as follows: 

Non-life business 

Short-term fluctuations in investment return (see (b) below) 
Economic assumption changes (see (g) below) 

(b)  The long-term investment return and short-term fluctuation are as follows: 

Non-life business 

Analysis of investment income: 
Net investment (expenses)/income 
Foreign exchange losses and other charges 

Analysed between: 
Long-term investment return, reported within operating profit 
Short-term fluctuation in investment return, reported outside operating profit 
General insurance and health 
Other operations1  

 2018 
£m 

(476)
1  

(475)

 2018 
£m 

(88)
(8)

(96)

 2017 
£m 

(345)
(7)

(352)

 2017 
£m 

49 
(24)

25 

380  

370  

(315)
(161)
(476)

(96)

(57)
(288)
(345)

25 

1  Represents short-term fluctuations on assets backing non-life business in Group centre investments, including the centre hedging programme and Group external borrowings.  

(c)  The long-term investment return is calculated separately for each principal non-life market. In respect of equities and investment 
properties, the return is calculated by multiplying the opening market value of the investments, adjusted for sales and purchases during the 
year, by the long-term rate of investment return. 

The long-term rate of investment return is determined using consistent assumptions between operations, having regard to local economic 
and market forecasts of investment return. The allocated long-term return for other investments (including debt securities) is the actual 
income receivable for the year. Actual income and long-term investment return both contain the amortisation of the discounts/premium 
arising on the acquisition of fixed income securities. For other operations, the long-term return reflects assets backing non-life business 
held in Group centre investments. 

Market value movements which give rise to variances between actual and long-term investment returns are disclosed separately in short-
term fluctuations outside operating profit. 

The impact of realised and unrealised gains and losses on Group centre investments, including the centre hedging programme which is 
designed to economically protect the total Group’s capital against adverse equity and foreign exchange movements, is included in short-
term fluctuations on other operations. 

The short-term fluctuation of a £476 million loss during 2018 was primarily due to adverse market conditions across most of our major 
markets. This resulted in losses on fixed interest income securities driven by interest rate increases and widening credit spreads plus 
significant falls in equities and other adverse market movements on Group centre holdings. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
138 

Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

10 – Non-life business: short-term fluctuations in return on investments continued 
(d)  The total assets supporting the general insurance and health business, which contribute towards the long-term return, are: 

Debt securities 
Equity securities 
Investment properties 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Other1  

Assets supporting general insurance and health business 
Assets supporting other non-life business2  

Total assets supporting non-life business 

Includes the internal loan to Group from UK Insurance.  

1 
2  Represents assets backing non-life business in Group centre investments, including the centre hedging programme. 

The principal assumptions underlying the calculation of the long-term investment return are: 

United Kingdom 
Eurozone 
Canada 

 2018 
£m 

9,271  
866  
584  
1,294  
2,349  

 2017 
£m 

10,054  
772  
499  
1,115  
2,498  

14,364  

14,938  

812  

685  

15,176  

15,623  

Long-term rates of return 
Equities 

Long-term rates of return 
Investment properties  

2018  
% 

4.8 
4.4 
5.9 

2017  
% 

4.8 
4.2 
5.5 

2018  
% 

3.3 
2.9 
4.4 

2017  
% 

3.3 
2.7 
4.0 

The long-term rates of return on equities and investment properties have been calculated by reference to the ten-year mid-price swap rate 
for an AA-rated bank in the relevant currency plus a risk premium. The underlying reference rates and risk premiums for the United 
Kingdom and Eurozone are shown in note 9. 

(e)  The table below compares the actual return on investments attributable to the non-life business, after deducting investment 
management expenses and charges, with the aggregate long-term return over a five-year period.  

Actual return attributable to shareholders 
Long-term return credited to operating results 

Excess of actual returns over long-term returns 

2014-2018 
£m 

2013-2017 
£m 

821  
(1,983) 

(1,162) 

1,148  
(2,170) 

(1,022) 

Management continues to view the excess of actual returns over long-term returns as short-term fluctuations. The principal assumptions 
underlying the calculation of the long-term investment returns are reviewed on a regular basis, having regard to local economic and market 
forecasts, and are considered appropriate for the purpose of decision making and internal performance management by the Group chief 
operating decision maker. 

(f)  The table below shows the sensitivity of the Group’s adjusted non-life business Group adjusted operating profit before tax to changes in 
the long-term rates of return: 

Movement in investment return for 

Equities 
Investment properties 

By 

Change in 

1% higher/lower 
1% higher/lower 

Group adjusted operating profit before tax 
Group adjusted operating profit before tax 

 2018 
£m 

8  
5  

 2017 
£m 

3  
3  

(g)  The economic assumption changes of £1 million (2017: £7 million adverse) arise as a result of a slight increases in interest rates used to 
value claims reserves for periodic payment orders (PPOs) and latent claims.  

As explained in accounting policy L, provisions for latent claims are discounted, using rates based on the relevant swap curve, in the 
relevant currency at the reporting date, having regard to the duration of the expected settlement of the claims. The discount rate is set at 
the start of the accounting period, with any change in rates between the start and end of the accounting period being reflected below 
Group adjusted operating profit as an economic assumption change. The range of discount rates used is disclosed in note 42.

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

11 – Employee information 
This note shows where our staff are employed throughout the world, excluding staff employed by our joint ventures and associates, and 
analyses the total staff costs.  

(a)  Employee numbers 
The number of persons employed by the Group, including directors under a service contract, was: 

United Kingdom 
Canada 
France 
Poland 
Italy, Ireland, Spain and Other 
Asia 
Aviva Investors 
Other Group activities 

Total employee numbers 

At 31 
December 

Average for 

the year1  

2018 
Number 

15,746  
4,334  
3,928  
1,708  
1,950  
1,832  
1,471  
734  

2017  
Number2  

2018 
Number 

14,639  
4,336  
3,959  
1,718  
1,687  
1,789  
1,437  
764  

15,414  
4,330  
3,911  
1,716  
1,864  
1,817  
1,460  
720  

2017 
Number2  

14,785  
4,320  
3,962  
1,715  
1,723  
1,729  
1,350  
748  

31,703  

30,329  

31,232  

30,332  

1  Average employee numbers have been calculated using a monthly average that takes into account recruitment, leavers, transfers, acquisitions and disposals of businesses during the year. 
2  Following a review of employee numbers, comparative amounts have been amended from those previously reported. The effect of this change is to increase the number of employees in Canada by 77, Asia by 231 and in Total 

by 308, and to increase the average number of employees in Canada by 78, Asia by 164 and in Total by 242. 

(b)  Staff costs 

Wages and salaries  
Social security costs  
Post-retirement obligations 

Defined benefit schemes (note 51(d)) 
Defined contribution schemes (note 51(d)) 

Profit sharing and incentive plans 
Equity compensation plans (note 33(d)) 
Termination benefits 

Total staff costs 

Staff costs are charged within: 

Acquisition costs  
Claims handling expenses 
Central costs and sharesave schemes 
Other operating expenses (note 7) 
Integration and restructuring costs 

Total staff costs 

 2018 
£m 

1,260  
233  

23  
163  
221  
64  
10  

 2017 
£m 

1,241  
224  

23  
146  
208  
77  
23  

1,974  

1,942  

 2018 
£m 

565  
161  
76  
1,172  
— 

1,974  

 2017 
£m 

526  
164  
100  
1,115  
37  

1,942  

12 – Directors  
Information concerning individual directors’ emoluments, interests and transactions is given in the Directors’ Remuneration Report in the 
‘Corporate governance’ section of this report. For the purposes of the disclosure required by Schedule 5 to the Companies Act 2006, the 
total aggregate emoluments of the directors in respect of 2018 was £10 million (2017: £12 million). Employer contributions to pensions for 
executive directors for qualifying periods were £165,373 (2017: £50,336). The aggregate net value of share awards granted to the directors in 
the period was £10.2 million (2017: £10.6 million). The net value has been calculated by reference to the closing middle market price of an 
ordinary share at the date of grant. During the year, no share options were exercised by directors (2017: no share options). 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
140 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

13 – Auditors’ remuneration  
This note shows the total remuneration payable by the Group, excluding VAT and any overseas equivalent thereof, to our auditors. 

Fees payable to PwC LLP and its associates for the statutory audit of the Aviva Group and Company financial statements 
Fees payable to PwC LLP and its associates for other services 

Audit of Group subsidiaries 
Additional fees related to the prior year audit of Group subsidiaries 

Total audit fees 
Audit related assurance 
Other assurance services 

Total audit and assurance fees 

Tax compliance services 
Tax advisory services 
Services relating to corporate finance transactions 
Other non-audit services not covered above 

Fees payable to PwC LLP and its associates for services to Group companies  

Fees payable to BDO LLP and its associates for the statutory audit of Group subsidiaries in Poland 

Fees payable to PwC LLP, BDO LLP and their associates for services to Group companies 

Fees payable to PwC LLP and its associates for Group occupational pensions scheme audits 

 2018 
£m 

1.9 

13.4 
0.4 

15.7 
4.7 
0.9 

21.3 

— 
— 
— 
1.0 

22.3 

0.2 

22.5 

0.3 

 2017 
£m 

2.6 

14.1 
0.9 

17.6 
4.7 
2.2 

24.5 

— 
— 
— 
0.8 

25.3 

— 

25.3 

0.3 

The table above reflects the disclosure requirements of SI2011/2198 – The Companies (Disclosure of Auditor Remuneration and Liability 
Limitation Agreements) (Amendment) Regulations 2011. 

Fees payable for the audit of the Group’s subsidiaries include fees for the statutory audit of the subsidiaries, both inside and outside the UK, 
and for the work performed by the principal auditors in respect of the subsidiaries for the purpose of the consolidated financial statements 
of the Group. 

Audit related assurance comprises services in relation to statutory and regulatory filings. These include fees for the audit of the Group’s 
Solvency II regulatory returns for 2018, services for the audit of other regulatory returns of the Group’s subsidiaries and review of interim 
financial information under the Listing Rules of the UK Listing Authority. Total audit fees (excluding additional fees relating to the prior year 
audits of Group subsidiaries) and audit-related assurance fees were £20.0 million (2017: £21.5 million). 

Other assurance services in 2018 of £0.9 million (2017: £2.2 million) mainly include fees relating to the independent review of the Solvency II 
internal model that the Company believes is most appropriately performed by the principal auditors. 

The 2018 fees for other non-audit services of £1.0 million include a number of individually smaller services. 

Details of the Group’s process for safeguarding and supporting the independence and objectivity of the external auditors are given in the 
Audit Committee report.

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
141 

 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

14 – Tax 
This note analyses the tax charge for the year and explains the factors that affect it. 

(a)  Tax (credited)/charged to the income statement 
(i)  The total tax (credit)/charge comprises: 

Current tax 
For the period 
Prior period adjustments 

Total current tax 

Deferred tax 
Origination and reversal of temporary differences 
Changes in tax rates or tax laws 
Write (back) of deferred tax assets 

Total deferred tax 

Total tax (credited)/charged to income statement 

 2018 
£m 

559  
(49) 

510  

(531) 
(13) 
(1) 

(545) 

(35) 

(ii)  The Group, as a proxy for policyholders in the UK, Ireland and Singapore, is required to record taxes on investment income and 
gains each year. Accordingly, the tax benefit or expense attributable to UK, Ireland and Singapore life insurance policyholder returns is 
included in the tax charge. The tax credit attributable to policyholder returns included in the credit above is £477 million (2017: charge 
of £371 million). 

(iii)  The tax credit above, comprising current and deferred tax, can be analysed as follows: 

UK tax 
Overseas tax 

 2018 
£m 

(236) 
201  

(35) 

(iv)  Unrecognised tax losses and temporary differences of previous years were used to reduce the current tax expense and deferred tax 
credit by £nil million and £nil million (2017: £13 million and £nil million), respectively. 

(v)  Deferred tax (credited)/charged to the income statement represents movements on the following items: 

Long-term business technical provisions and other insurance items 
Deferred acquisition costs 
Unrealised (losses) on investments 
Pensions and other post-retirement obligations 
Unused losses and tax credits 
Subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures 
Intangibles and additional value of in-force long-term business 
Provisions and other temporary differences 

Total deferred tax (credited)/charged to income statement 

(b)  Tax (credited)/charged to other comprehensive income 
(i)  The total tax (credit)/charge comprises: 

Current tax 

In respect of pensions and other post-retirement obligations 
In respect of foreign exchange movements 

Deferred tax 

In respect of pensions and other post-retirement obligations 
In respect of fair value (losses) on owner-occupied properties 
In respect of unrealised (losses) on investments 

Total tax (credited) to other comprehensive income 

(ii)   The tax charge attributable to policyholders’ returns included above is £nil (2017: £nil). 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
142 

 2017 
£m 

651  
(46) 

605  

134  
(8) 
(3) 

123  

728  

 2017 
£m 

528  
200  

728  

 2017 
£m 

37 
(2) 
(33) 
19 
19 
(4) 
(85) 
172 

123 

 2018 
£m 

907 
3  
(1,453) 
2 
7 
(7) 
(64) 
60 

(545) 

 2018 
£m 

 2017 
£m 

(59) 
(1) 
(60) 

16  
— 
(7) 
9  

(51) 

(45) 
4  
(41) 

42  
(2) 
(9) 
31  

(10) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

14 – Tax continued 
(c)  Tax credited to equity 
Tax credited directly to equity in the year in respect of coupon payments on the direct capital instrument and tier 1 notes amounted to 
£8 million (2017: £16 million).  

(d)  Tax reconciliation 
The tax on the Group’s profit before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the tax rate of the home country of the 
Company as follows: 

Total profit before tax 

Tax calculated at standard UK corporation tax rate of 19.00% (2017: 19.25%) 
Reconciling items 

Different basis of tax – policyholders 
Adjustment to tax charge in respect of prior periods 
Non-assessable income and items not taxed at the full statutory rate 
Non-taxable profit on sale of subsidiaries and associates 
Disallowable expenses 
Different local basis of tax on overseas profits  
Change in future local statutory tax rates 
Movement in deferred tax not recognised 
Tax effect of profit from joint ventures and associates 
Other 

Total tax (credited)/charged to income statement 

Shareholder 
£m 

Policyholder 
£m 

 2018 
£m 

Shareholder 
£m 

Policyholder 
£m 

 2017 
£m 

2,129  

(477) 

1,652  

2,003  

371  

2,374  

405  

(91) 

314  

386  

— 
(16) 
(4) 
(59) 
50  
71  
— 
(3) 
(6) 
4  

442  

(385) 
— 
— 
— 
— 
(1) 
— 
— 
— 
— 

(477) 

(385) 
(16) 
(4) 
(59) 
50  
70  
— 
(3) 
(6) 
4  

(35) 

— 
(44) 
(47) 
(27) 
47  
82  
(36) 
(3) 
(3) 
2  

357  

71  

301  
— 
— 
— 
— 
(1) 
— 
— 
— 
— 

371  

457  

301  
(44) 
(47) 
(27) 
47  
81  
(36) 
(3) 
(3) 
2  

728  

The tax (credit)/charge attributable to policyholder returns is removed from the Group’s total profit before tax in arriving at the Group’s 
profit before tax attributable to shareholders’ profits. As the net of tax profits attributable to with-profits and unit-linked policyholders is 
zero, the Group’s pre-tax profit attributable to policyholders is an amount equal and opposite to the tax charge/(credit) attributable to 
policyholders included in the total tax charge.  

Finance Act 2016 introduced legislation reducing the UK corporation tax rate from 1 April 2020 to 17%. In addition, in France the rate of 
corporation tax was reduced from 34.43% to 32.02% from 1 January 2019, to 27.37% from 1 January 2021 and 25.83% from 1 January 2022. 
These reduced rates were used in the calculation of the Group’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 
2017.

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
143 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

15 – Earnings per share 
This note shows how to calculate earnings per share on profit attributable to ordinary shareholders, based both on the present shares in 
issue (the basic earnings per share) and the potential future shares in issue, including conversion of share options granted to employees 
(the diluted earnings per share). We have also shown the same calculations based on our Group adjusted operating profit as we believe this 
gives an important indication of operating performance. Consideration of both these measures gives a full picture of the performance of 
the business in the period. 

(a)  Basic earnings per share 
(i)  The profit attributable to ordinary shareholders is: 

Profit before tax attributable to shareholders’ profits 
Tax attributable to shareholders’ profit 

Profit for the year 
Amount attributable to non-controlling interests 
Cumulative preference dividends for the year 
Coupon payments in respect of the direct capital instrument (DCI) and tier 1 notes  

(net of tax) 

Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders 

(ii)  Basic earnings per share is calculated as follows: 

Group adjusted operating profit attributable to ordinary shareholders  
Integration and restructuring costs 

Group adjusted operating profit attributable to ordinary shareholders after integration 

and restructuring costs 

Adjusting items: 

Group 
adjusted 
operating 
profit 
£m 

3,116  
(647) 

2,469  
(100) 
(17) 

Adjusting 
items 
£m 

(987) 
205  

(782) 
(19) 
— 

2018 

Total 
£m 

2,129  
(442) 

1,687  
(119) 
(17) 

Group  
adjusted 
operating  
profit 
£m 

3,068  
(639) 

2,429  
(134) 
(17) 

Adjusting  
items 
£m 

(1,065) 
282  

(783) 
(15) 
— 

2017 

Total 
£m 

2,003  
(357) 

1,646  
(149) 
(17) 

(36) 

— 

(36) 

(65) 

— 

(65) 

2,316  

(801) 

1,515  

2,213  

(798) 

1,415  

2018 

2017 

Net of tax, NCI, 
preference 
dividends and  
DCI1 
£m 

Per share  
p 

Before tax  
£m 

Net of tax, NCI, 
preference 
dividends and 
 DCI1 
£m 

2,316  
— 

58.4  
— 

3,068  
(141) 

2,213  
(111) 

Before tax  
£m 

3,116  
— 

Per share  
p 

54.8  
(2.8) 

3,116  

2,316  

58.4  

2,927  

2,102  

52.0  

Investment variances and economic assumption changes 
Non-life business: Short-term fluctuation in return on investments 
General insurance and health business: Economic assumption changes 
Impairment of goodwill, joint ventures, associates and other amounts expensed 
Amortisation and impairment of intangibles 
Amortisation and impairment of acquired value of in-force business 
Profit on disposal and remeasurement of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates 
Other2  

(197) 
(476) 
1  
(13) 
(209) 
(426) 
102  
231  

(198) 
(378) 
(1) 
(13) 
(172) 
(371) 
102  
230  

(5.0) 
(9.6) 
— 
(0.3) 
(4.3) 
(9.4) 
2.6  
5.8  

34  
(345) 
(7) 
(49) 
(197) 
(495) 
135  
— 

86  
(250) 
(6) 
(49) 
(151) 
(430) 
113  
— 

Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders 

2,129  

1,515  

38.2  

2,003  

1,415  

2.1  
(6.3) 
(0.1) 
(1.2) 
(3.7) 
(10.6) 
2.8  
— 

35.0  

1  DCI includes the direct capital instrument and tier 1 notes. 
2  Other includes a movement in the discount rate used for estimating lump sum payments in the settlement of bodily injury claims which resulted in a gain of £190 million (see note 43(b)), a provision release of £78 million 

relating to the sale of Aviva USA in 2013, a gain of £36 million relating to negative goodwill on the acquisition of Friends First (see note 3), a charge of £63 million relating to the UK defined benefit pension scheme as a result of 
the requirement to equalise members’ benefits for the effects of Guaranteed Minimum Pension (see note 51(b)) and a charge of £10 million relating to goodwill payments to preference shareholders, which was announced on 
30 April 2018, and associated administration costs (see note 35). 

(iii)  The calculation of basic earnings per share uses a weighted average of 3,963 million (2017: 4,041 million) ordinary shares in issue, 
after deducting treasury shares. The actual number of shares in issue at 31 December 2018 was 3,902 million (2017: 4,013 million) and 
3,899 million (2017: 4,010 million) excluding treasury shares. 

(iv)  On 1 May 2018 Aviva announced a share buy-back of ordinary shares for an aggregate purchase price of up to £600 million (2017: 
£300 million), which was carried out in full during the period from 1 May 2018 to 17 September 2018. The number of shares in issue has 
reduced by 119 million as at 31 December 2018 in respect of shares acquired and cancelled under the buy-back programme. Net of new 
shares issued during the period, the number of shares in issue reduced by 110 million (2017: 49 million). 

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Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

15 – Earnings per share continued 
(b)  Diluted earnings per share 
(i)  Diluted earnings per share is calculated as follows: 

Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders  
Dilutive effect of share awards and options 

Diluted earnings per share  

Weighted 
average 
number of 
shares 
million 

3,963  
47  

4,010  

Total  
£m 

1,515  
— 

1,515  

2018 

2017 

Per share  
p 

38.2  
(0.4) 

37.8  

Total  
£m 

1,415  
— 

1,415  

Weighted 
average 
number of 
shares  
million 

4,041  
48  

4,089  

Per share  
p 

35.0  
(0.4) 

34.6  

(ii)  Diluted earnings per share on Group adjusted operating profit attributable to ordinary shareholders is calculated as follows: 

Group adjusted operating profit attributable to ordinary shareholders  
Dilutive effect of share awards and options 

Diluted group adjusted operating profit per share 

Weighted 
average 
number of 
shares  
million 

3,963  
47  

4,010  

Total  
£m 

2,316  
— 

2,316  

2018 

2017 

Per share  
p 

58.4  
(0.6) 

57.8  

Total  
£m 

2,213  
— 

2,213  

Weighted 
average 
number of 
shares  
million 

4,041  
48  

4,089  

Per share  
p 

54.8  
(0.7) 

54.1  

16 – Dividends and appropriations 
This note analyses the total dividends and other appropriations paid during the year. The table below does not include the final dividend 
proposed after the year end because it is not accrued in these financial statements. 

Ordinary dividends declared and charged to equity in the year 
Final 2017 – 19.00 pence per share, paid on 17 May 2018 
Final 2016 – 15.88 pence per share, paid on 17 May 2017 
Interim 2018 – 9.25 pence per share, paid on 24 September 2018 
Interim 2017 – 8.40 pence per share, paid on 17 November 2017 

Preference dividends declared and charged to equity in the year 
Coupon payments on DCI and tier 1 notes 

2018  
£m 

764  
— 
364  
— 

1,128  
17  
44  

1,189  

2017  
£m 

— 
646  
— 
337  

983  
17  
81  

1,081  

Subsequent to 31 December 2018, the directors proposed a final dividend for 2018 of 20.75 pence per ordinary share (2017: 19.00 pence), 
amounting to £810 million (2017: £764 million) in total. Subject to approval by shareholders at the AGM, the dividend will be paid on 30 May 
2019 and will be accounted for as an appropriation of retained earnings in the year ending 31 December 2019. 

Interest on the direct capital instrument and tier 1 notes is treated as an appropriation of retained profits and, accordingly, is accounted for 
when paid. Tax relief is obtained at a rate of 19% (2017: 19.25%).

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

17 – Goodwill 
This note analyses the changes to the carrying amount of goodwill during the year, and details the results of our impairment testing on 
both goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives.  

(a)  Carrying amount 

Gross amount 
At 1 January 
Acquisitions and additions  
Disposals 
Foreign exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 

Accumulated impairment 
At 1 January 
Impairment charges 
Disposals 
Foreign exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 

Carrying amount at 1 January 

Carrying amount at 31 December 

Less: Assets classified as held for sale 

Carrying amount at 31 December 

 2018 
£m 

 2017 
£m 

2,080  
8  
(99) 
2  

1,991  

(168) 
(13) 
63  
(1) 

(119) 

1,912  

1,872  

— 

2,292  
11  
(241) 
18  

2,080  

(247) 
(10) 
96  
(7) 

(168) 

2,045  

1,912  

(36) 

1,872  

1,876  

Goodwill from acquisitions and additions in 2018 arose from the acquisition of Wealthify. Goodwill from acquisitions and additions in 2017 
arose on the acquisition of VietinBank’s 50% shareholding in VietinBank Aviva Life Insurance Company Limited (Aviva Vietnam) which 
resulted in Aviva Vietnam becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of the Group. Negative goodwill of £36 million arose from the purchase of 
Friends First and was recognised immediately in the income statement (see note 3). 

Disposals in 2018 include the disposal of the Italy Avipop business as well as the remainder of the business in Spain (see note 4). 

The total impairment of goodwill in 2018 is a charge of £13 million comprised of impairments of goodwill relating to business in the UK, 
Asia and Poland. The total impairment of goodwill in 2017 was a charge of £10 million relating to business in Canada and the held for sale 
adjustments for Friends Provident International Limited (FPI). Impairment tests on goodwill were conducted as described in note 17(b) 
below. 

(b)  Goodwill allocation and impairment testing 
A summary of the goodwill and intangibles with indefinite useful lives allocated to groups of cash generating units is presented below. 

United Kingdom – long-term business 
United Kingdom – general insurance and health 
Canada 
France – long-term business 
Poland 
Italy – general insurance and health 
Italy – long-term business 
Ireland – general insurance and health 
Spain – long-term business 
Asia 

Carrying 
amount of 
goodwill 

 2017 
£m 

663  
924  
84  
— 
29  
29  
8  
98  
25  
52  

 2018 
£m 

663  
924  
82  
— 
27  
26  
— 
99  
— 
51  

1,872  

1,912  

Carrying 
amount of 
intangibles 
with indefinite 
useful lives 
(detailed in 
note 18) 

 2018 
£m 

— 
— 
— 
56  
7  
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

63  

 2017 
£m 

— 
— 
— 
55  
7  
— 
— 
— 
190  
— 

252  

 2018 
£m 

663  
924  
82  
56  
34  
26  
— 
99  
— 
51  

Total 

 2017 
£m 

663  
924  
84  
55  
36  
29  
8  
98  
215  
52  

1,935  

2,164  

Goodwill in all business units is tested for impairment by comparing the carrying value of the cash generating unit to which the goodwill 
relates, to the recoverable value of that cash generating unit. The recoverable amount is the value in use of the cash generating unit unless 
otherwise stated. The classification of FPI in Asia remains as held for sale (see note 4(c)). The Group measured the recoverable amount of 
FPI at the estimated fair value less costs to sell. 

Long-term business  
Value in use has been calculated based on a shareholder value of the business calculated in accordance with Solvency II principles, 
adjusted where Solvency II does not represent a best estimate of shareholders’ interests. The principal adjustments relate to the exclusion 
of the benefit of transitional measures on technical provisions and the volatility adjustment under Solvency II, modification of the Solvency 
II risk margin to an economic view and removal of restrictions on contract boundaries or business scope.  

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

17 – Goodwill continued 
The present value of expected profits arising from future new business may be included within the shareholder value and is calculated on 
an adjusted Solvency II basis, using profit projections based on the most recent three year business plans approved by management. These 
plans reflect management’s best estimate of future profits based on both historical experience and expected growth rates for the relevant 
cash generating unit. The underlying assumptions of these projections include market share, customer numbers, mortality, morbidity and 
persistency.  

Future new business profits beyond the initial three years are extrapolated using a steady growth rate. Growth rates and expected future 
profits are set with regards to management estimates, past experience and relevant available market statistics. 

Expected profits from future new business are discounted using a risk adjusted discount rate. The discount rate is a combination of a risk-
free rate and a risk margin to make prudent allowance for the risk that experience in future years for new business may differ from that 
assumed. 

Key assumptions 
The Solvency II non-economic assumptions in relation to mortality, morbidity, persistency and expenses and other items are derived 
actively, based on management’s best estimate assumptions. Economic assumptions are based on market data as at the end of each 
reporting period. The basic risk-free rate curves used to value the technical provisions reflect the curves, credit risk adjustment and 
fundamental spread for the matching adjustment published by EIOPA on their website. For the purposes of calculating value in use, the 
Solvency II risk margin has been modified to an economic view, with a cost of capital rate of 2%. 

For the goodwill in the UK Life long-term business that arose on the Friends Life acquisition, the value of the business was sufficient to 
demonstrate goodwill recoverability on its own. As such it was not necessary to estimate the present value of expected profits from future 
new business.  

General insurance, health, fund management and other businesses 
Value in use is calculated as the discounted value of expected future profits of each business. The calculation uses cash flow projections 
based on business plans approved by management covering a three year period. These plans reflect management’s best estimate of future 
profits based on both historical experience and expected growth rates for the relevant cash generating unit. The underlying assumptions of 
these projections include market share, customer numbers, premium rate and fee income changes, claims inflation and commission rates. 

Cash flows beyond that three year period are extrapolated using a steady growth rate. Growth rates and expected future profits are set with 
regards to past experience and relevant available market statistics. 

Future profits are discounted using a risk adjusted discount rate. 

Key assumptions 

United Kingdom general insurance and health  
Ireland general insurance and health  
Italy general insurance and health  
Canada general insurance 

Extrapolated future  
profits growth rate 

Future profits  
discount rate 

2018  
% 

1 
Nil 
Nil 
4 

2017 
% 

1 
Nil 
1 
4 

2018  
(Pre-tax)  
% 

6.3 
6.9 
12.5 
7.8 

2017  
(Pre-tax)  
% 

5.8 
6.2 
11.2 
7.0 

Indefinite life intangible asset 
France 
The recoverable amount of the indefinite life intangible asset has been assessed based on the fair value less costs to sell of the cash 
generating unit to which it relates. The fair value less costs to sell was determined based on the quoted market value of Aviva’s share of the 
subsidiary to which it relates. 

Results of impairment testing 
As a result of the announced sale of the Group’s entire shareholding in FPI, the recoverable amount of FPI within the wider Asian cash 
generating unit was determined based on the agreed consideration less costs to sell. This indicated an impairment of goodwill and AVIF 
related to non-participating investment contracts of £8 million and £110 million respectively in 2017 (see note 18) as a result of the shortfall 
of £118 million between FPI’s carrying amount and its fair value less costs to sell of £334 million. The estimate of fair value less costs to sell 
was calculated on the basis of the agreed sales consideration of £340 million (see note 4(c)(i)) after deducting a £6 million reinsurance 
recapture fee between FPI and Aviva Re Limited which is embedded in the sale agreement. The FPI goodwill balance is fully written down, 
however, there has been a further impairment of £13 million to AVIF in 2018 (see note 18). 

Review of a UK business within the other Group activities operating segment identified the need to impair a balance of £8 million of 
goodwill due to the current and forecast performance of the related cash generating unit being below the original financial plan. 

Management’s impairment review in relation to the goodwill allocated to the Asian operating segment indicated the need to write down 
a balance of £3 million as a result of the current and forecast financial performance of the related cash generating units. 

A further impairment of £2 million was identified to the goodwill allocated to the Polish business due to the deterioration of the financial 
position and forecast financial performance of one of the cash generating units.  

Other than for the cash generating units noted above, the recoverable amount exceeds the carrying value of the cash generating units 
including goodwill, and there is no further impairment of goodwill in 2018. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

18 – Acquired value of in-force business (AVIF) and intangible assets  
This note shows the movements in cost, amortisation and impairment of the acquired value of in-force business and intangible assets 
during the year. 

Gross amount 
At 1 January 2017 
Additions and transfers 
Disposals 
Foreign exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 2017 
Additions and transfers 
Disposals 
Foreign exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 2018 

Accumulated amortisation 
At 1 January 2017 
Amortisation for the year 
Disposals and transfers 
Foreign exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 2017 
Amortisation for the year 
Disposals and transfers 
Foreign exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 2018 

Accumulated Impairment 
At 1 January 2017 
Impairment losses charged to expenses 
Disposals 
Foreign exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 2017 
Impairment charges3  
Disposals 
Foreign exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 2018 

Carrying amount 
At 1 January 2017 
At 31 December 2017 

At 31 December 2018 

Less: Assets classified as held for sale 

AVIF on 
insurance 
contracts1 (a) 
£m 

AVIF on 
investment 
contracts2 (a) 
£m 

Other 
intangible 
assets with 
finite useful 
lives (b) 
£m 

Intangible 
assets with 
indefinite useful 
lives (c) 
£m 

2,639  
8  
(40) 
13  

2,620  
67  
— 
5  

2,692 

(870) 
(206) 
28  
(12) 

(1,060) 
(183) 
— 
(4) 

(1,247) 

(19) 
(8) 
— 
— 

(27) 
— 
— 
— 

(27) 

1,750 
1,533 

1,418 

(5) 

1,413 

2,704  
— 
(7) 
— 

2,697  
30  
— 
(1) 

2,726 

(583) 
(262) 
7  
— 

(838) 
(243) 
— 
— 

(1,081) 

(24) 
(110) 
— 
— 

(134) 
(13) 
— 
— 

(147) 

2,097 
1,725 

1,498 

(649) 

849 

1,976  
184  
(208) 
14  

1,966  
153  
(488) 
(8) 

1,623 

(504) 
(186) 
146  
— 

(544) 
(209) 
48  
2  

(703) 

(81) 
(7) 
43  
(1) 

(46) 
— 
8  
— 

(38) 

1,391 
1,376 

882 

(6) 

876 

367  
— 
— 
13  

380  
(57) 
(189) 
— 

134 

(57) 
— 
— 
— 

(57) 
— 
57  
— 

— 

(68) 
— 
— 
(3) 

(71) 
— 
— 
— 

(71) 

242 
252 

63 

— 

63 

Total 
£m 

7,686  
192  
(255) 
40  

7,663  
193  
(677) 
(4) 

7,175 

(2,014) 
(654) 
181  
(12) 

(2,499) 
(635) 
105  
(2) 

(3,031) 

(192) 
(125) 
43  
(4) 

(278) 
(13) 
8  
— 

(283) 

5,480 
4,886 

3,861 

(660) 

3,201 

1  On insurance and participating investment contracts.  
2  On non-participating investment contracts. 
3 

Impairment charges comprise £13 million of AVIF impairment in respect of FPI recognised within profit/(loss) on the disposal and remeasurement of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates due to FPI’s classification as held 
for sale (see note 4 and 17(b)). 

(a)  Acquired value of in-force business 
AVIF on insurance and investment contracts is generally recoverable in more than one year. Of the total AVIF of £2,916 million,  
£2,904 million (2017: £2,142 million) is expected to be recovered more than one year after the statement of financial position date.  
In 2018, the additions relate to the acquisition of Friends First (see note 3). 

Non-participating investment contract AVIF is reviewed for evidence of impairment, consistent with reviews conducted for other finite life 
intangible assets. Insurance and participating investment contract AVIF is reviewed for impairment at each reporting date as part of the 
liability adequacy requirements of IFRS 4. AVIF is reviewed for evidence of impairment and impairment tested at product portfolio level 
by reference to the value of future profits in accordance with Solvency II principles, adjusted where Solvency II does not represent a best 
estimate of shareholders’ interests, consistent with the impairment test for goodwill for long-term business (see note 17(b)).  

In 2018, an impairment charge of £13 million (2017: £110 million) was recognised in relation to the AVIF on non-participating investment 
contracts relating to FPI, to write down the AVIF balance to its recoverable amount as explained in note 17(b). In addition, in 2017 £8 million 
of AVIF on insurance contracts in relation to the book of business reinsured by FPI to Aviva Re Limited was considered to be non-
recoverable and was written-off. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
148 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

18 – Acquired value of in-force business (AVIF) and intangible assets continued 
(b)  Other intangible assets with finite useful lives 
Other intangible assets with finite useful lives consist mainly of the value of bancassurance and other distribution agreements and 
capitalised software. Additions of intangibles with finite lives in 2018 relate to capitalisation of software costs in relation to the Group’s 
digital initiatives primarily undertaken by the Group’s digital company Aviva UK Digital Limited. 

Additions of intangibles with finite lives in 2017 related to capitalisation of software costs in relation to the Group’s digital initiatives as well 
as additions of finite life intangibles on the Group balance sheet following the full consolidation of the Group’s previously equity accounted 
joint ventures in Poland. 

Disposals in 2018 relate to the sale of the Italy Avipop business (see note 4). Disposals in 2017 relate to the derecognition of intangible 
assets with finite useful lives in relation to the disposal of part of the Group’s Spanish business. 

The amortisation charge for 2018 is £209 million (2017: £186 million). No Impairment losses arose in 2018 (2017: £7 million) on intangible 
assets with finite lives.  

(c)  Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives 
Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives primarily comprise the value of distribution channel Union Financière de France Banque in 
France where the existing life of the asset supports this classification. Impairment testing of these intangible assets is covered in note 17(b). 
No impairment has been recognised in 2018. 

Disposals in 2018 relate to the sale of the Spanish business (see note 4). 

19 – Interests in, and loans to, joint ventures 
In several businesses, Group companies and other parties jointly control certain entities. This note analyses these interests and describes 
the principal joint ventures in which we are involved. 

(a)  Carrying amount and details of joint ventures 
(i)  The movements in the carrying amount comprised: 

At 1 January 
Share of results before tax 
Share of tax 

Share of results after tax 
Amortisation of intangibles1  
Loss on remeasurement of joint venture 

Share of (loss)/profit after tax 
Reclassification from/(to) subsidiary 
Additions 
Disposals 
Share of (losses)/gains taken to other comprehensive income 
Dividends received from joint ventures 
Foreign exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 

Goodwill and 
intangibles 
£m 

57  
— 
— 

— 
(5) 
— 

(5) 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
(6) 

Equity 
interests 
£m 

1,164  
99  
(3) 

96  
— 
— 

96  
5  
33  
(79) 
(10) 
(35) 
(6) 

2018 

Total 
£m 

1,221  
99  
(3) 

96  
(5) 
— 

91  
5  
33  
(79) 
(10) 
(35) 
(12) 

46  

1,168  

1,214  

Goodwill and 
intangibles 
£m 

92  
— 
— 

— 
(7) 
— 

(7) 
(23) 
— 
— 
— 
— 
(5) 

57  

Equity  
interests 
£m 

1,512  
99  
(3) 

96  
— 
(7) 

89  
(34) 
55  
(409) 
6  
(38) 
(17) 

2017 

Total 
£m 

1,604  
99  
(3) 

96  
(7) 
(7) 

82  
(57) 
55  
(409) 
6  
(38) 
(22) 

1,164  

1,221  

1  Comprises amortisation of AVIF on insurance contracts of £nil million (2017: £1 million) and other intangibles of £5 million (2017: £6 million). 

Additions and disposals during the year relate mainly to the Group’s holdings in property management undertakings. £20 million of the 
additions relate to a capital injection into the new Hong Kong JV as detailed below. 

On 13 February 2018, Aviva announced that it has completed the transaction to develop a digital insurance joint venture in Hong Kong with 
Hillhouse Capital Group (Hillhouse) and Tencent Holdings Limited (Tencent). The joint venture commenced operating under its new 
corporate structure during the first half of 2018. The transaction included the sale of 60% of the shareholding in Aviva Life Insurance 
Company Limited (Aviva Hong Kong) as detailed in note 4(d). This is reflected as reclassification from subsidiary of £5 million and new 
capital addition of £20 million in 2018. 

In 2017, reclassification to subsidiary reflects changes in the Group’s holdings in its Poland and Vietnam undertakings. 

On 19 January 2018, Aviva announced that it had completed the sale of its entire 49% shareholding in its joint venture in Taiwan, First Aviva 
Life (Aviva Taiwan) to Aviva’s joint venture partner, First Financial Holding Company Limited (FFH) for cash consideration of $1. The 
transaction resulted in a gain of £7 million arising from reserves recycled to the Income Statement. Remeasurement losses arising from the 
classification of Aviva Taiwan as held for sale were recognised in 2017, as explained in note 4(b)(iii). 

The Group’s share of total comprehensive income related to joint venture entities is £81 million (2017: £88 million). 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

19 – Interests in, and loans to, joint ventures continued 
(ii)  The carrying amount at 31 December comprised: 

Goodwill and 
intangibles 
£m 

Equity 
interests 
£m 

Property management undertakings 
Long-term business undertakings 
General insurance and health undertakings 

Total 

— 
46  
— 

46  

797  
363  
8  

1,168  

1,214  

2018 

Total 
£m 

797  
409  
8  

Goodwill and 
intangibles 
£m 

— 
57  
— 

57  

Equity  
interests 
£m 

820  
335  
9  

2017 

Total 
£m 

820  
392  
9  

1,164  

1,221  

The property management undertakings perform property ownership and management activities, and are incorporated and operate in the 
UK. All such investments are held by subsidiary entities. 

The long-term business undertakings perform life insurance activities. All investments in such undertakings are unlisted with the exception  
of AvivaSA Emeklilik ve Hayat A.S which has issued publicly a minority portion of shares. All investments in such undertakings are held by 
subsidiaries, except for the shares in the Chinese joint venture, Aviva-COFCO Life Insurance Company Ltd., which are held by Aviva plc.  
The Group’s share of net assets of that company is £294 million (2017: £274 million) and it has a carrying value at cost of £123 million  
(2017: £123 million). 

The investment in general insurance and health undertakings relates to the health insurance operations in our Indonesian joint venture. 

(iii)  No joint ventures are considered to be material from a Group perspective (2017: none). The Group’s principal joint ventures are as follows: 

Name 
Ascot Real Estate Investments LP 
2-10 Mortimer Street Limited Partnership 
Southgate LP 
Aviva-COFCO Life Insurance Company Ltd. 
Aviva Life Insurance Company Limited 
PT Astra Aviva Life 
AvivaSA Emeklilik ve Hayat A.S 

Nature of activities  
Property management  
Property management  
Property management 
Life insurance 
Life insurance 
Life and Health insurance 
Life insurance 

Principal place of business 
UK 
UK 
UK 
China 
Hong Kong 
Indonesia 
Turkey  

Proportion of  
ownership interest  

 2018 
50.00% 
50.00% 
50.00% 
50.00% 
40.00% 
50.00% 
40.00% 

2017 
50.00% 
50.00% 
50.00% 
50.00% 
100.00% 
50.00% 
40.00% 

The Group has no joint ventures whose non-controlling interest (NCI) is material on the basis of their share of profit/(loss). 

(iv)  The joint ventures have no significant contingent liabilities to which the Group is exposed. The Group has commitments to provide 
funding to property management joint ventures of £13 million (2017: £6 million). 

In certain jurisdictions the ability of joint ventures to transfer funds in the form of cash dividends or to repay loans and advances made by 
the Group is subject to local corporate or insurance laws and regulations and solvency requirements. 

(b)  Impairment testing 
Interests in joint ventures are tested for impairment of goodwill and intangibles when there is an indicator of impairment. They are tested 
for impairment by comparing the carrying value of the cash generating unit to which the goodwill or intangible relates to the recoverable 
value of that cash generating unit. Recoverable amount for long-term and general insurance businesses is calculated on a consistent basis 
with that used for impairment testing of goodwill, as set out in note 17(b). The recoverable amount of property management undertakings 
is the fair value less costs to sell of the joint venture, measured in accordance with the Group’s accounting policy for investment property 
(see accounting policy Q). 

20 – Interests in, and loans to, associates 
This note analyses our interests in entities which we do not control but where we have significant influence. 

(a)  Carrying amount and details of associates 
(i)  The movements in the carrying amount comprised: 

At 1 January 
Share of results before tax 
Share of tax 

Share of results after tax 
Impairment  

Share of profit/(loss) after tax 
Additions 
Reduction in Group interest 
Reclassification to investment 
Dividends received from associates 
Foreign exchange rate movements 

Movements in carrying amount 

At 31 December 

Goodwill and 
intangibles 
£m 

Equity 
interests 
£m 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 

— 

421  
22  
(1) 

21  
— 

21  
2  
(78) 
(54) 
(8) 
— 

(117) 

304  

2018 

Total 
£m 

421  
22  
(1) 

21  
— 

21  
2  
(78) 
(54) 
(8) 
— 

(117) 

304  

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
150 

Goodwill and 
intangibles 
£m 

Equity  
interests 
£m 

416  
22  
(5) 

17  
— 

17  
2  
(5) 
— 
(13) 
4  

5  

65  
— 
— 

— 
(65) 

(65) 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

(65) 

— 

2017 

Total 
£m 

481  
22  
(5) 

17  
(65) 

(48) 
2  
(5) 
— 
(13) 
4  

(60) 

421  

421  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

20 – Interests in, and loans to, associates continued 
The Group’s share of total comprehensive income related to associates is £21 million (2017: £48 million expense). 

(ii)  No associates are considered to be material from a Group perspective (2017: none). All investments in principal associates are held by 
subsidiaries. The Group’s principal associates are as follows: 

Name 

Nature of activities 

Principal place of business 

Aviva Life Insurance Company India Limited 
SCPI Ufifrance Immobilier 
SCPI Logipierre 1  
Lend Lease JEM Partners Fund Limited 
AI UK Commercial Real Estate Debt Fund1  

Life insurance 
Property Management 
Property Management 
Investment holding 
Property Management 

India 
France 
France 
Singapore 
UK 

1  The Group has significant influence over AI UK Commercial Real Estate Debt Fund so it is therefore accounted for as an associate. 

Proportion of 
ownership interest 

2018 

2017 

49.00% 
20.40% 
44.46% 
22.50% 
17.16% 

49.00% 
20.40% 
44.46% 
22.50% 
15.90% 

A principal property management associate SCPI Selectipierre 2 was disposed of externally to the Group during 2018. The proportion of 
ownership interest in 2017 was 28.67%. 

On 5 November 2018, Aviva Investors exited its partnership arrangement in Encore+, a pan-European commercial property fund, with 
LaSalle Investment Management, as detailed in note 4(b)(iii). As a result, the Group’s 4.8% shareholding in Encore+ has been reclassified 
from associates to financial investments as the Group no longer has significant influence. 

(iii) The associates have no significant contingent liabilities to which the Group is exposed. The Group has commitments to provide funding 
to property management associates of £5 million (2017: £2 million). 

In certain jurisdictions the ability of associates to transfer funds in the form of cash dividends or to repay loans and advances made by the 
Group is subject to local corporate or insurance laws and regulations and solvency requirements. 

(b)  Impairment testing 
The recoverable amount of property management undertakings is the fair value less costs to sell of the associate, measured in accordance 
with the Group’s accounting policy for investment property (see accounting policy Q). 

In 2017, the Group determined that the goodwill of £47 million and AVIF of £18 million of its investment in Aviva Life Insurance Company 
India Limited (Aviva India) were fully impaired following management’s annual impairment review. The total impairment of £65 million was 
recognised within the income statement as a component of share of profit after tax of joint ventures and associates. 

The recoverable amount of Aviva India was determined based on its value in use which was calculated on an embedded value (EV) basis in 
line with Actuarial Practice Standard 10 (APS 10) as defined by the Institute of Actuaries of India. The EV cash flow projections, based on 
business plans covering a three year period, were adjusted to reflect a more prudent view of the value of the in-force business by applying 
higher expense overruns over an extended 7 year period on a run-off rate of 14% and pre-tax discount rate of 12%. 

The recoverable amount determined based on this adjusted embedded value calculation and allocated to Aviva’s 49% shareholding was 
£93 million which upon comparison with Aviva India’s carrying amount at the time of the impairment assessment indicated that its 
goodwill and AVIF balances were fully impaired.

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
151 

 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

21 – Property and equipment 
This note analyses our property and equipment, which are primarily properties occupied by Group companies. 

Cost or valuation 
At 1 January 2017 
Additions 
Disposals1  
Transfers (to)/from investment property (note 22) 
Fair value losses 
Foreign exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 2017 
Additions 
Disposals 
Transfers (to)/from investment property (note 22) 
Fair value gains 
Foreign exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 2018 

Depreciation and impairment 
At 1 January 2017 
Charge for the year 
Disposals1 
Impairment charge 
Foreign exchange rate movements  

At 31 December 2017 
Charge for the year 
Disposals  
Impairment charge 
Foreign exchange rate movements  

At 31 December 2018 

Carrying amount 
At 31 December 2017 

At 31 December 2018 

Less: Amounts classified as held for sale 

At 31 December 2018 

Properties 
under 
construction 
£m 

Owner-
occupied 
properties 
£m 

Motor vehicles 
£m 

Computer 
equipment 
£m 

Other assets 
£m 

Total 
£m 

5  
1  
— 
(5) 
— 
— 

1  
1  
(2) 
— 
— 
— 

— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 

1  

— 

— 

— 

341  
3  
(20) 
11  
(4) 
9  

340  
21  
(8) 
— 
3  
3  

359  

(20) 
— 
15  
2  
— 

(3) 
— 
— 
— 
— 

(3) 

337  

356  

(4) 

352  

3  
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

3  
1  
— 
— 
— 
— 

4  

(2) 
— 
— 
— 
— 

(2) 
(1) 
— 
— 
— 

(3) 

1  

1  

— 

1  

270  
18  
(134) 
— 
— 
1  

155  
24  
(7) 
— 
— 
3  

175  

(246) 
(13) 
134  
— 
— 

(125) 
(14) 
6  
— 
(4) 

277  
47  
(61) 
— 
— 
2  

265  
40  
(6) 
— 
— 
7  

306  

(141) 
(22) 
54  
(8) 
(3) 

(120) 
(25) 
2  
— 
(5) 

896  
69  
(215) 
6  
(4) 
12  

764  
87  
(23) 
— 
3  
13  

844  

(409) 
(35) 
203  
(6) 
(3) 

(250) 
(40) 
8  
— 
(9) 

(137) 

(148) 

(291) 

30  

38  

— 

38  

145  

158  

(1) 

157  

514  

553  

(5) 

548  

1  Disposals of computer equipment primarily comprise exhausted assets within Aviva Central Services. 

Total net fair value gains of £3 million on owner-occupied properties consist of £1 million of losses in the year (2017: £6 million losses) which 
have been taken to the income statement and £3 million reversal of losses (2017: £3 million reversal) taken to the income statement in 
previous years and £1 million gains (2017: £1 million losses) which have been taken to other comprehensive income. 

Owner-occupied properties are stated at their revalued amounts, as assessed by qualified external valuers. These values are assessed in 
accordance with the relevant parts of the current Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Appraisal and Valuation Standards in the UK, and 
with current local valuation practices in other countries. This assessment is in accordance with UK Valuations Standards (‘Red book’), and is 
the estimated amount for which a property should exchange on the date of valuation between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an 
arm’s-length transaction, after proper marketing wherein the parties had acted knowledgeably and without compulsion, on the basis of the 
highest and best use of asset that is physically possible, legally permissible and financially feasible. The valuation assessment adopts 
market-based evidence and is in line with guidance from the International Valuation Standards Committee and the requirements of IAS 16 
Property, Plant and Equipment. 

Similar considerations apply to properties under construction, where an estimate is made of valuation when complete, adjusted for 
anticipated costs to completion, profit and risk, reflecting market conditions at the valuation date. 

If owner-occupied properties were stated on a historical cost basis, the carrying amount would be £364 million (2017: £349 million). 

The Group has no material finance leases for property and equipment. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
152 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

22 – Investment property 
This note gives details of the properties we hold for long-term rental yields or capital appreciation.  

Freehold 
£m 

Leasehold 
£m 

Carrying value 
At 1 January 
Acquisitions 
Additions 
Capitalised expenditure on existing properties 
Fair value gains 
Disposals 
Transfers to property and equipment (note 21) 
Reclassification1  
Foreign exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 

9,147  
218  
543  
136  
307  
(713) 
— 
(82) 
45  

9,601  

2018 

Total 
£m 

10,797  
426  
640  
151  
307  
(890) 
— 
— 
51  

1,650  
208  
97  
15  
— 
(177) 
— 
82  
6  

1,881  

11,482  

Freehold 
£m 

Leasehold 
£m 

9,169  
— 
530  
99  
440  
(1,216) 
(6) 
— 
131  

9,147  

1,647  
— 
12  
31  
41  
(85) 
— 
— 
4  

1,650  

2017 

Total 
£m 

10,816  
— 
542  
130  
481  
(1,301) 
(6) 
— 
135  

10,797  

1  A review of part leasehold/part freehold properties held by the Group has resulted in the reclassification of £82m from freehold to leasehold properties in 2018. 

Please see note 23 ‘Fair value methodology’ for further information on the fair value measurement and valuation techniques of investment 
property. 

The fair value of investment properties leased to third parties under operating leases at 31 December 2018 was £11,172 million (2017: 
£10,513 million). Future contractual aggregate minimum lease rentals receivable under the non-cancellable portion of these leases are 
given in note 56(b)(i). 

23 – Fair value methodology 
This note explains the methodology for valuing our assets and liabilities measured at fair value, and for fair value disclosures. It also 
provides an analysis of these according to a ‘fair value hierarchy’, determined by the market observability of valuation inputs.  

(a)  Basis for determining fair value hierarchy 
All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the financial statements are categorised within the ‘fair value 
hierarchy’ described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole: 

Level 1 
Inputs to Level 1 fair values are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets and liabilities that the entity can access at 
the measurement date. 

Level 2 
Inputs to Level 2 fair values are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either 
directly or indirectly. If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, a Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full 
term of the instrument. Level 2 inputs include the following: 
•  Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets. 
•  Quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, the prices are not current, or price quotations 

vary substantially either over time or among market makers, or in which little information is released publicly. 

•  Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (for example, interest rates and yield curves observable at 

commonly quoted intervals, implied volatilities, and credit spreads). 

•  Market-corroborated inputs. 

Where we use broker quotes and no information as to the observability of inputs is provided by the broker, the investments are classified 
as follows: 
•  Where the broker price is validated by using internal models with market observable inputs and the values are similar, we classify the 

investment as Level 2. 

•  In circumstances where internal models are not used to validate broker prices, or the observability of inputs used by brokers is 

unavailable, the investment is classified as Level 3. 

Level 3 
Inputs to Level 3 fair values are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs may have been used to measure fair 
value to the extent that observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for 
the asset or liability at the measurement date. However, the fair value measurement objective remains the same, i.e. an exit price at the 
measurement date from the perspective of a market participant that holds the asset or owes the liability. Unobservable inputs reflect the 
assumptions the business unit considers that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Examples are investment 
properties and commercial and equity release mortgage loans. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
153 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

23 – Fair value methodology continued 
The majority of the Group’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value are based on quoted market information or observable market 
data. Of the total assets and liabilities measured at fair value 17.7% (2017: 15.7%) of assets and 3.4% (2017: 3.2%) of liabilities are based on 
estimates and recorded as Level 3. Where estimates are used, these are based on a combination of independent third-party evidence and 
internally developed models, calibrated to market observable data where possible. Third-party valuations using significant unobservable 
inputs validated against Level 2 internally modelled valuations are classified as Level 3, where there is a significant difference between the 
third-party price and the internally modelled value. Where the difference is insignificant, the instrument would be classified as Level 2. 

(b)  Changes to valuation techniques 
There were no changes in the valuation techniques during the year compared to those described in the 2017 annual consolidated financial 
statements. 

(c)  Comparison of the carrying amount and fair values of financial instruments 
Set out below is a comparison of the carrying amounts and fair values of financial assets and liabilities, excluding those classified as held for 
sale. These amounts may differ where the assets or liabilities are carried on a measurement basis other than fair value, e.g. amortised cost. 

 2018 

Carrying 
amount 
£m 

Fair value 
£m 

2017 

Carrying 
amount 
£m 

Fair value 
£m 

Financial assets 
Loans (note 24(a)) 
Financial investments (note 27(a)) 

Fixed maturity securities  
Equity securities 
Other investments (including derivatives) 

Financial liabilities 
Non-participating investment contracts (note 44(a)) 
Net asset value attributable to unitholders 
Borrowings (note 52(a))1  
Derivative liabilities (note 60(b)) 

28,731  

28,785  
297,585   297,585  
169,289   169,289  
82,128  
46,168  

82,128  
46,168  

27,796  
311,082  
174,808  
89,968  
46,306  

27,857  
311,082  
174,808  
89,968  
46,306  

112,013   112,013  
18,125  
9,420  
5,571  

18,125  
9,826  
5,571  

116,332  
18,327  
11,538  
5,751  

116,332  
18,327  
10,286  
5,751  

1  Within the fair value total, the estimated fair value has been provided for the portion of loans and borrowings that are carried at amortised cost as disclosed in note 23 (h). 

Fair value of the following assets and liabilities approximate to their carrying amounts: 
•  Receivables 
•  Cash and cash equivalents 
•  Payables and other financial liabilities 

As set out in accounting policy A, the Group has chosen to defer application of IFRS 9 due to its activities being predominantly connected 
with insurance. To facilitate comparison with entities applying IFRS 9 in full, the table below splits the Group’s financial instruments as at 
the reporting date between those which are considered to have contractual terms which are solely payments of principal and interest 
(SPPI) on the principal amount outstanding (excluding instruments held for trading or managed and evaluated on a fair value basis), and all 
other instruments not falling into this category. 

Debt securities 
Equity securities 
Loans 
Receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Accrued income and Interest 
Other financial assets 

Total 

SPPI –  
Fair value 

Non-SPPI – 

 fair value1  

273   169,413  
82,338  
26,271  
3,041  
33,926  
2,217  
52,802  

— 
2,460  
5,849  
13,246  
193  
10  

22,031   370,008  

1 

Instruments within this category include financial assets that meet the definition of held for trading, financial assets that are managed and evaluated on a fair value basis, and instruments with contractual terms that do not 
give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding. 

There has been a £7 million decrease in the fair value of SPPI instruments, and a £23,645 million decrease in the fair value of non-SPPI 
instruments during the reporting period. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
154 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

23 – Fair value methodology continued 
(d)  Fair value hierarchy analysis 
An analysis of assets and liabilities measured at amortised cost and fair value categorised by fair value hierarchy is given below. 

2018 

Recurring fair value measurements 
Investment property (note 22) 
Loans (note 24(a)) 
Financial investments measured at fair value (note 27(a)) 

Fixed maturity securities 
Equity securities 
Other investments (including derivatives) 

Financial assets of operations classified as held for sale 

Total  

Financial liabilities measured at fair value 

Non-participating investment contracts1 (note 44(a)) 
Net asset value attributable to unit holders 
Borrowings (note 52(a)) 
Derivative liabilities (note 60(b)) 

Financial liabilities of operations classified as held for sale 

Total  

Fair value 
hierarchy 

Level 1 
£m 

Level 2 
£m 

Level 3 
£m 

Sub-total  
Fair value 
£m 

Amortised 
cost 
£m 

Total  
carrying  
value 
£m 

— 
— 

— 
518  

11,482  
25,008  

11,482  
25,526  

— 
3,259  

11,482  
28,785  

102,979  
81,714  
37,780  
5,240  

48,732  
— 
4,281  
19  

17,578   169,289  
82,128  
46,168  
7,251  

414  
4,107  
1,992  

— 
— 
— 
— 

169,289  
82,128  
46,168  
7,251  

227,713  

53,550  

60,581   341,844  

3,259   345,103  

111,966  
18,100  
— 
466  
5,241  

135,773  

47  
— 
— 
4,571  
— 

4,618  

— 
25  
1,225  
534  
3,100  

112,013  
18,125  
1,225  
5,571  
8,341  

— 
— 
8,195  
— 
— 

112,013  
18,125  
9,420  
5,571  
8,341  

4,884   145,275  

8,195   153,470  

1 

In addition to the balances in this table, included within reinsurance assets in the statement of financial position and note 41 are £4,009 million of non-participating investment contracts, which are legally reinsurance but do 
not meet the definition of a reinsurance contract under IFRS. These assets are financial instruments measured at fair value through profit and loss and are classified as Level 1 assets. 

2018 

Non-recurring fair value measurement 
Properties occupied by group companies 

Total 

Fair value 
hierarchy 

Level 1 
£m 

Level 2 
£m 

Level 3 
£m 

Total  
fair value 
£m 

— 

— 

— 

— 

352  

352  

352  

352  

IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement, permits assets and liabilities to be measured at fair value on either a recurring or non-recurring basis. 
Recurring fair value measurements are those that other IFRSs require or permit in the statement of financial position at the end of each 
reporting period, whereas non-recurring fair value measurements of assets or liabilities are those that other IFRSs require or permit in the 
statement of financial position in particular circumstances. The value of owner-occupied properties measured on a non-recurring basis at 
31 December 2018 was £352 million (2017: £333 million), stated at their revalued amounts in line with the requirements of IAS 16 Property, 
Plant and Equipment. 

2017 

Recurring fair value measurements 
Investment property (note 22) 
Loans (note 24(a)) 
Financial investments measured at fair value (note 27(a)) 

Fixed maturity securities 
Equity securities 
Other investments (including derivatives) 

Financial assets of operations classified as held for sale 

Total  

Financial liabilities measured at fair value 

Non-participating investment contracts1 (note 44(a)) 
Net asset value attributable to unit holders 
Borrowings (note 52(a)) 
Derivative liabilities (note 60(b)) 

Financial liabilities of operations classified as held for sale 

Total  

Fair value 
hierarchy 

Level 1 
£m 

Level 2 
£m 

Level 3 
£m 

Sub-total  
Fair value 
£m 

Amortised cost 
£m 

Total  
carrying  
value 
£m 

— 
— 

— 
443  

10,797  
23,949  

10,797  
24,392  

— 
3,465  

10,797  
27,857  

107,771  
89,192  
38,249  
6,192  

51,900  
— 
5,194  
27  

15,137  
776  
2,863  
2,093  

174,808  
89,968  
46,306  
8,312  

— 
— 
— 
— 

174,808  
89,968  
46,306  
8,312  

241,404  

57,564  

55,615  

354,583  

3,465  

358,048  

116,123  
18,314  
— 
521  
5,346  

140,304  

209  
— 
— 
4,872  
26  

5,107  

— 
13  
1,180  
358  
3,306  

116,332  
18,327  
1,180  
5,751  
8,678  

— 
— 
9,106  
— 
— 

116,332  
18,327  
10,286  
5,751  
8,678  

4,857  

150,268  

9,106  

159,374  

1 

In addition to the balances in this table, included within reinsurance assets in the statement of financial position and note 41 are £6,094 million of non-participating investment contracts, which are legally reinsurance but do 
not meet the definition of a reinsurance contract under IFRS. These assets are financial instruments measured at fair value through profit and loss and are classified as Level 1 assets 

2017 

Non-recurring fair value measurement 
Properties occupied by group companies 

Total 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
155 

Fair value 
hierarchy 

Level 1 
£m 

Level 2 
£m 

Level 3 
£m 

Total  
fair value 
£m 

— 

— 

— 

— 

333  

333  

333  

333  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

23 – Fair value methodology continued 
(e)  Valuation approach for fair value assets and liabilities classified as Level 2 
Please see note 23(a) for a description of typical Level 2 inputs. 

Debt securities, in line with market practice, are generally valued using an independent pricing service. These valuations are determined 
using independent external quotations from multiple sources and are subject to a number of monitoring controls, such as monthly price 
variances, stale price reviews and variance analysis. Pricing services, where available, are used to obtain the third-party broker quotes. 
Where pricing services providers are used, a single valuation is obtained and applied. When prices are not available from pricing services, 
quotes are sourced from brokers. 

Over-the-counter derivatives are valued using broker quotes or models such as option pricing models, simulation models or a combination 
of models. The inputs for these models include a range of factors which are deemed to be observable, including current market and 
contractual prices for underlying instruments, period to maturity, correlations, yield curves and volatility of the underlying instruments. 

Unit Trusts and other investment funds included under the other investments category are valued using net asset values which are not 
subject to a significant adjustment for restrictions on redemption or for limited trading activity. 

(f)  Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy 
For financial instruments that are recognised at fair value on a recurring basis, the Group determines whether transfers have occurred 
between levels of the fair value hierarchy by re-assessing categorisation (based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value 
measurement as a whole) at the end of the reporting period. 

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

Transfers to/from Level 3 
£1.4 billion of assets transferred into Level 3 and £0.6 billion of assets transferred out of Level 3 relate principally to debt securities held by 
our businesses in the UK and France. These are transferred between Levels 2 and 3 depending on the availability of observable inputs and 
whether the counterparty and broker quotes are corroborated using valuation models with observable inputs. 

There were no significant transfers of liabilities into and out of Level 3 during the year. 

(g)  Further information on Level 3 assets and liabilities:  
The table below shows movement in the Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value. 

2018 

Opening balance at 1 January 2018 
Total net gains/(losses) recognised in the 

income statement1  

Purchases 
Issuances 
Disposals 
Transfers into Level 3 
Transfers out of Level 3 
Reclassification to held for sale 
Foreign exchange rate movements 

Investment 
Property 
£m 

Loans 
£m 

Debt 
securities 
£m 

Equity 
securities 
£m 

Assets 

Financial 
assets of 
operations 
classified 
as held for 
sale 
£m 

Other 
investments 
(including 
derivatives) 
£m 

Non 
participating 
investment 
contracts 
£m 

Net asset 
value 
attributable 
to unitholders 
£m 

Derivative 
liabilities 
£m 

Borrowings 
£m 

Liabilities 

Financial 
liabilities of 
operations 
classified 
as held for 
sale 
£m 

10,797   23,949   15,137  

776  

2,863   2,093  

— 

(13) 

(358) 

(1,180)  (3,306) 

— 

376  

(530) 
(363) 
1,185   3,451   3,175  
200  
— 
(927)  (2,065)  (1,221) 
1,242  
— 
(503) 
— 
— 
— 
111  
3  

— 
— 
— 
51  

(102) 
189  
— 
(544) 
95  
(2) 
— 
2  

(69) 
1,761  
— 
(554) 
77  
— 
— 
29  

(73) 
201  
— 
(191) 
20  
(58) 
— 
— 

— 
(108) 
— 
108  
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 

— 
— 
— 
(12) 
— 
— 
— 
— 

(25) 

(136) 
(59) 
— 
20  
— 
— 
— 
(1) 

(81) 
— 
— 
36  
— 
— 
— 
— 

74  
(95) 
— 
189  
(20) 
58  
— 
— 

(534) 

(1,225)  (3,100) 

Balance at 31 December 2018 

11,482   25,008   17,578  

414  

4,107   1,992  

1  Total net gains/(losses) recognised in the income statement includes realised gains/(losses) on disposals. 

2017 

Opening balance at 1 January 2017 
Total net gains/(losses) recognised in the 

income statement1  

Purchases 
Issuances 
Disposals 
Transfers into Level 3 
Transfers out of Level 3 
Reclassification to held for sale 
Foreign exchange rate movements 

Balance at 31 December 2017 

Investment 
Property 
£m 

Loans 
£m 

Debt 
securities 
£m 

Equity 
securities 
£m 

Assets 

Financial 
assets of 
operations 
classified  
as held for  
sale 
£m 

Other 
investments 
(including 
derivatives) 
£m 

Non 
participating 
investment 
contracts 
£m 

Net asset  
value 
attributable  
to unitholders 
£m 

Derivative 
liabilities 
£m 

Borrowings 
£m 

Liabilities 

Financial 
liabilities of 
operations 
classified as 
held for sale 
£m 

10,768   20,923   16,447  

913  

4,001  

980  

(3,408) 

(20) 

(1,600) 

(1,110) 

— 

511  
672  
— 
(1,289) 
— 
— 
— 
135  

643  
3,252  
151  
(1,025) 
— 
— 
— 
5  

(795) 
1,745  
— 
(1,771) 
899  
(1,399) 
(340) 
351  

10,797   23,949   15,137  

(179) 
66  
— 
(12) 
2  
— 
(19) 
5  

776  

55  
944  
— 
(439) 
10  
(83) 

162  
267  
(1) 
(1,383) 
132  
(135) 
(1,682)  2,041  
30  

57  

— 
(153) 
— 
153  
— 
— 
3,408  
— 

7  
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

(105) 
(9) 
— 
180  
(164) 
1,342  
— 
(2) 

(97) 
— 
— 
27  
— 
— 
— 
— 

(165) 
(113) 
— 
377  
(132) 
135  
(3,408) 
— 

2,863  

2,093  

— 

(13) 

(358) 

(1,180) 

(3,306) 

1  Total net gains/(losses) recognised in the income statement includes realised gains/(losses) on disposals. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
156 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

23 – Fair value methodology continued 
Total net losses recognised in the income statement in the year ended 31 December 2018 in respect of Level 3 assets measured at fair 
value amounted to £761 million (2017: net gains of £397 million) with net losses in respect of liabilities of £143 million (2017: net losses of 
£360 million). Net losses of £529 million (2017: net gains of £200 million) attributable to assets and net losses of £178 million (2017: net losses 
of £212 million) attributable to liabilities relate to those still held at the end of the year. 

The principal assets classified as Level 3, and the valuation techniques applied to them, are described below. 

Investment property 

(i) 
•  Investment property is valued in the UK at least annually by external chartered surveyors in accordance with guidance issued by The 

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and using estimates during the intervening period. Outside the UK, valuations are produced by 
external qualified professional appraisers in the countries concerned. Investment properties are valued on an income approach that is 
based on current rental income plus anticipated uplifts at the next rent review, lease expiry, or break options taking into consideration 
lease incentives and assuming no further growth in the estimated rental value of the property. The uplift and discount rates are derived 
from rates implied by recent market transactions on similar properties. These inputs are deemed unobservable. 

(ii)  Loans 
•  Commercial mortgage loans and Primary Healthcare loans held by our UK Life business are valued using a Portfolio Credit Risk Model. 
This model calculates a Credit Risk Adjusted Value for each loan. The risk adjusted cash flows are discounted using a yield curve, taking 
into account the term dependent gilt yield curve and global assumptions for the liquidity premium. Loans valued using this model have 
been classified as Level 3 as the liquidity premium is deemed to be non-market observable. The liquidity premium used in the discount 
rate ranges between 65 bps to 195 bps. 

•  Equity release mortgage loans held by our UK Life business are valued using an internal model, with fair value initially being equal to the 
transaction price. The value of these loans is dependent on the expected term of the mortgage and the forecast property value at the end 
of the term, and is calculated by adjusting future cash flows for credit risk and discounting using a yield curve plus an allowance for 
illiquidity. At 31 December 2018 the illiquidity premium used in the discount rate was 210 bps. 
The mortgages have a no negative equity guarantee (‘NNEG’) such that the cost of any potential shortfall between the value of the loan 
and the realised value of the property, at the end of the term, is recognised by a deduction to the value of the loan. Property valuations 
at the reporting date are obtained by taking the most recent valuation for the property and indexing using market observable regional 
house price indices. 
NNEG is calculated using base property growth rates reduced for the cost of potential dilapidations, using a stochastic model. In addition, 
a cost of capital charge is applied to reflect the variability in these cashflows. The base property growth rate assumption is RPI +0.75% 
which equates to a long-term average growth rate of 4.3% pa. After applying the cost of capital charge, dilapidations and the stochastic 
distribution, the effective net long-term growth rate equates to 0.6% pa. 

•  Mortgage loan assumptions for future property prices and rental income also include an allowance for the possible adverse impact of the 

decision for the UK to leave the European Union (see note 9). 

•  Infrastructure and Private Finance Initiative (PFI) loans held by our UK Life business are valued using a discounted cash flow model. This adds 

spreads for credit and illiquidity to a risk-free discount rate. Credit spreads used in the discount rate are calculated using an internally 
developed methodology which depends on the credit rating of each loan, credit spreads on publicly traded bonds and an estimated recovery 
rate in event of default and are deemed to be unobservable. The liquidity premium used in the discount rate is 65 bps. 

(iii) Debt securities 
•  Structured bond-type and non-standard debt products held by our business in France and bonds held by our UK business have no active 
market. These debt securities are valued either using counterparty or broker quotes and validated against internal or third-party models. 
These bonds have been classified as Level 3 because either (i) the third-party models includes a significant unobservable liquidity 
adjustment, or (ii) differences between the valuation provided by the counterparty and broker quotes and the validation model are 
sufficiently significant to result in a Level 3 classification. 

•  Privately placed notes held by our UK Life business have been valued using broker quotes or a discounted cash flow model using 

discount factors based on swap curves of similar maturity, plus internally derived spreads for credit risk. As these spreads have been 
deemed to be unobservable these notes have been classified as Level 3. 

•  Debt securities held by our French business and by our UK and Asia businesses which are not traded in an active market have been valued 

using third party or counterparty valuations. These prices are considered to be unobservable due to infrequent market transactions. 

(iv) Equity securities 
•  Equity securities which primarily comprise private equity holdings held in the UK are valued by a number of third party specialists. These 
are valued using a range of techniques, including earnings multiples, forecast cash flows and price/earnings ratios which are deemed to 
be unobservable. 

(v)  Property Funds 
•  Property funds are valued based on external valuation reports received from fund managers. 

(vi) Financial assets of operations classified as held for sale 
•  Financial assets of operations classified as held for sale are held by our Asia business and consist primarily of discretionary managed 
funds of £1.4 billion (2017: £1.6 billion) and debt securities which are not traded in an active market and have been valued using third 
party or counterparty valuations of £0.4 billion (2017: £0.4 billion). These assets are included within the relevant asset category within the 
sensitivity table below. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

23 – Fair value methodology continued  
(vii)  Liabilities 
The principal liabilities classified as Level 3, and the valuation techniques applied to them, are: 
•  £3.1 billion (2017: £3.3 billion) of non-participating investment contract liabilities which are included within financial liabilities of 

operations classified as held for sale. These are classified as Level 3, either because the underlying unit funds are classified as Level 3 or 
because the liability relates to unfunded units or other non-unit adjustments which are based on a discounted cash flow analysis using 
unobservable market data and assumptions. These liabilities are included within the relevant asset category within the sensitivity table 
below. 

•  Securitised mortgage loan notes, presented within Borrowings, are valued using a similar technique to the related Level 3 securitised 

mortgage assets. 

Where these valuations are at a date other than the balance sheet date, as in the case of some private equity funds, adjustments are made 
to reflect items such as subsequent drawdowns and distributions and the fund manager’s carried interest. 

Sensitivities 
Where possible, the Group tests the sensitivity of the fair values of Level 3 assets and liabilities to changes in unobservable inputs to 
reasonable alternatives. Level 3 valuations are sourced from independent third parties when available and, where appropriate, validated 
against internally-modelled valuations, third-party models or broker quotes. Where third-party pricing sources are unwilling to provide a 
sensitivity analysis for their valuations, the Group undertakes, where feasible, sensitivity analysis on the following basis: 
•  For third-party valuations validated against internally-modelled valuations using significant unobservable inputs, the sensitivity of the 

internally-modelled valuation to changes in unobservable inputs to a reasonable alternative is determined. 

•  For third-party valuations either not validated or validated against a third-party model or broker quote, the third-party valuation in its 

entirety is considered an unobservable input. Sensitivities are determined by flexing inputs of internal models to a reasonable alternative, 
including the yield, NAV multiple or other suitable valuation multiples of the financial instrument implied by the third-party valuation. For 
example, for a fixed income security the implied yield would be the rate of return which discounts the security’s contractual cash flows to 
equal the third-party valuation. 

The table below shows the sensitivity of the fair value of Level 3 assets and liabilities at 31 December 2018 to changes in unobservable 
inputs to a reasonable alternative: 

Investment property 

Loans 
Commercial mortgage loans and Primary Healthcare loans 
Equity release mortgage loans 

2018 
Fair value 

£bn    Most significant unobservable input 

11.6     Equivalent rental yields 

11.5    

Illiquidity premium 
9.7     Base property growth rate 

    Current property market values 

Infrastructure and Private Finance Initiative (PFI) loans 
Other 

3.4    
0.4    

Illiquidity premium 
Illiquidity premium 

Reasonable 
alternative 

+/- 5-10% 

+/- 20 bps 
+/- 10% 
+/- 10% 
+/- 25 bps1 
+/- 25 bps1 

Debt securities 
Structured bond-type and non-standard debt products 
Privately placed notes 
Other debt securities 

Equity securities 

Other investments 
Property Funds 
Other investments (including derivatives) 

Liabilities 
Non-participating investment contract liabilities 
Borrowings 
Other liabilities (including derivatives) 

Total Level 3 investments 

1  On discount spreads. 
2  Dependent on investment category. 

6.6     Market spread (credit, liquidity and other) 
1.6     Credit spreads 
9.8     Credit and liquidity spreads 

0.3     Market spread (credit, liquidity and other) 

+/- 25 bps 
+/- 25 bps1 
+/- 20-25 bps 

+/- 25 bps 

0.8     Market multiples applied to net asset values 
4.9     Market multiples applied to net asset values 

+/- 15-20% 
+/- 10-40%2  

(3.1)   Fair value of the underlying unit funds 
(1.2)  
(0.6)  

Illiquidity premium 
Independent valuation vs counterparty 

+/- 20-25% 
+/- 50 bps 
       N/A 

55.7    

Sensitivities 

Positive 
Impact  
£bn 

Negative 
Impact  
£bn 

0.9  

(0.9) 

0.2  
0.5  
0.3  
0.1  
— 

0.1  
0.1  
0.4  

— 

0.1  
0.7  

0.4  
— 
— 

3.8  

(0.2) 
(0.5) 
(0.4) 
(0.1) 
— 

(0.1) 
— 
(0.4) 

— 

(0.1) 
(0.6) 

(0.4) 
— 
— 

(3.7) 

The above table demonstrates the effect of a change in one unobservable input while other assumptions remain unchanged. In reality, 
there may be a correlation between the unobservable inputs and other factors. It should also be noted that some of these sensitivities are 
non-linear, and larger or smaller impacts should not be interpolated or extrapolated from these results. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
158 

 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

23 – Fair value methodology continued 
(h)  Assets and liabilities not carried at fair value for which fair value is disclosed 
The table below shows the fair value and fair value hierarchy for those assets and liabilities not carried at fair value. 

2018 

Assets and liabilities not carried at fair value 
Loans 
Borrowings 

2017 

Assets and liabilities not carried at fair value 
Loans 
Borrowings 

Fair value hierarchy 

As recognised 
in the 
consolidated 
statement of 
financial 
position line 
item 

Level 1 
£m 

Level 2 
£m 

Level 3 
£m 

Total fair value 
£m 

3,259 
8,195 

— 
7,979 

1,454 
213 

1,751 
409 

3,205 
8,601 

Fair value hierarchy 

As recognised 
in the 
consolidated 
statement of 
financial 
position line 
item 

Level 1 
£m 

Level 2 
£m 

Level 3 
£m 

Total fair value 
£m 

3,465 
9,106 

— 
9,779 

1,280 
205 

2,124 
374 

3,404 
10,358 

Notes 

24(b) 

52(a) 

Notes 

24(b) 

52(a) 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

24 – Loans 
This note analyses the loans our Group companies have made, the majority of which are mortgage loans. 

(a)  Carrying amounts 
The carrying amounts of loans at 31 December 2018 and 2017 were as follows: 

2018 

2017 

Policy loans 
Loans to banks 
Healthcare, infrastructure & PFI other loans 
UK securitised mortgage loans (see note 25) 
Non-securitised mortgage loans 
Loans to brokers and other intermediaries 
Other loans 

Total 

1  
303  
5,358  
2,437  
17,427  
— 
— 

25,526 

At fair value 
through profit 
or loss other 
than trading 
£m 

At amortised 
cost 
£m 

At fair value 
through profit 
or loss other 
than trading 
£m 

At amortised 
cost 
£m 

Total 
£m 

770  
1,923  
5,358  
2,437  
17,427  
164  
706  

769  
1,620  
— 
— 
— 
164  
706  

1  
554  
3,563  
2,463  
17,817  
— 
— 

3,259 

28,785 

24,398 

Total 
£m 

793  
2,524  
3,563  
2,463  
17,817  
180  
523  

27,863 

(6) 

792  
1,970  
— 
— 
— 
180  
523  

3,465 

— 

Less: Amounts classified as held for sale  

— 

— 

— 

(6) 

25,526 

3,259 

28,785 

24,392 

3,465 

27,857 

Of the above total loans, £26,696 million (2017: £26,206 million) are due to be recovered in more than one year after the statement of 
financial position date. 

Loans at fair value 
Fair values have been calculated by using cash flow models appropriate for each portfolio of mortgages. Further details of the fair value 
methodology and models utilised are given in note 23 (g). 

The cumulative change in fair value of loans attributable to changes in credit risk to 31 December 2018 was a £1,304 million loss (2017: 
£1,090 million loss). 

Non-securitised mortgage loans include £7.3 billion (2017: £6.8 billion) of residential equity release mortgages, £7.3 billion (2017: £7.6 billion) 
of commercial mortgages and £2.8 billion (2017: £3.4 billion) relating to UK primary healthcare and PFI businesses. The healthcare and PFI 
mortgage loans are secured against General Practitioner premises, other primary health-related premises or other emergency services 
related premises. For all such loans, government support is provided through either direct funding or reimbursement of rental payments to 
the tenants to meet income service and provide for the debt to be reduced substantially over the term of the loan. Although the loan 
principal is not government-guaranteed, the nature of these businesses and premises provides considerable comfort of an ongoing 
business model and low risk of default. 

Healthcare, Infrastructure and PFI other loans of £5.4 billion (2017: £3.6 billion) are secured against the income from healthcare and 
educational premises. 

Loans at amortised cost 
The fair value of these loans at 31 December 2018 was £3,205 million (2017: £3,404 million). 

(b) Analysis of loans carried at amortised cost 

Policy loans 
Loans to banks 
Non-securitised mortgage loans 
Loans to brokers and other intermediaries 
Other loans 

Total 

2018 

2017 

Amortised 
Cost 
£m 

769  
1,620  
9  
164  
707  

3,269 

Impairment 
£m 

Carrying Value 
£m 

Amortised Cost 
£m 

Impairment 
£m 

Carrying Value 
£m 

— 
— 
(9) 
— 
(1) 

(10) 

769  
1,620  
— 
164  
706  

3,259 

792  
1,970  
9  
180  
523  

3,474 

— 
— 
(9) 
— 
— 

(9) 

792  
1,970  
— 
180  
523  

3,465 

The movements in the impairment provisions on these loans for the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017 were as follows:  

At 1 January 
Increase during the year 

At 31 December 

 2018 
£m 

(9) 
(1) 

(10) 

 2017 
£m 

(7) 
(2) 

(9) 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
160 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

24 – Loans continued 
(c)  Collateral 
Loans to banks include cash collateral received under stock lending arrangements (see note 61 for further discussion regarding these 
collateral positions). The obligation to repay this collateral is included in payables and other financial liabilities (note 53). 

The Group holds collateral in respect of loans where it is considered appropriate in order to reduce the risk of non-recovery. This collateral 
generally takes the form of liens or charges over properties and, in the case of policy loans, the underlying policy for the majority of the loan 
balances above. In all other situations, the collateral must be in a readily realisable form, such as listed securities, and is held in segregated 
accounts. 

25 – Securitised mortgages and related assets 
The Group, in its UK Life business, has loans receivable, secured by mortgages, which have then been securitised through non-recourse 
borrowings. This note gives details of the relevant transactions. 

(a)  Description of current arrangements 
In a UK long-term business subsidiary, Aviva Equity Release UK Limited (AER), the beneficial interest in certain portfolios of lifetime 
mortgages has been transferred to five special purpose securitisation companies (the ERF companies), in return for initial consideration 
and, at later dates, deferred consideration. The deferred consideration represents receipts accrued within the ERF companies after meeting 
all their obligations to the note holders, loan providers and other third parties in the priority of payments. The purchases of the mortgages 
were funded by the issue of fixed and floating rate notes by the ERF companies. 

All the shares in the ERF companies are held by independent companies, whose shares are held on trust. Although AER does not own, 
directly or indirectly, any of the share capital of the ERF companies or their parent companies, it has control of the securitisation 
companies, and they have therefore been treated as subsidiaries in the consolidated financial statements. AER has no right to repurchase 
the benefit of any of the securitised mortgage loans, other than in certain circumstances where AER is in breach of warranty or loans are 
substituted in order to effect a further advance. 

AER has purchased subordinated notes and granted subordinated loans to some of the ERF companies. In addition, Group companies have 
invested £239 million (2017: £231 million) in loan notes issued by the ERF companies. These have been eliminated on consolidation through 
offset against the borrowings of the ERF companies in the consolidated statement of financial position. 

In all of the above transactions, the Company and its subsidiaries are not obliged to support any losses that may be suffered by the note 
holders and do not intend to provide such support. Additionally, the notes were issued on the basis that note holders are only entitled to 
obtain payment, of both principal and interest, to the extent that the available resources of the respective special purpose securitisation 
companies, including funds due from customers in respect of the securitised loans, are sufficient and that note holders have no recourse 
whatsoever to other companies in the Aviva Group. 

(b)  Carrying values 
The following table summarises the securitisation arrangements: 

Securitised mortgage loans (note 24) and loan notes issued 
Other securitisation assets/(liabilities) 

Loan notes held by third parties are as follows: 

Total loan notes issued, as above 
Less: Loan notes held by Group companies 

Loan notes held by third parties (note 52(c)(i)) 

Securitised 
assets 
£m 

2,437  
266  

2,703  

2018 

Securitised 
liabilities 
£m 

(1,464) 
(1,239) 

(2,703) 

Securitised 
assets 
£m 

2,463  
265  

2,728  

2017 

Securitised 
liabilities 
£m 

(1,411) 
(1,317) 

(2,728) 

 2018 
£m 

1,464 
(239) 

1,225 

 2017 
£m 

1,411 
(231) 

1,180 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

26 – Interests in structured entities 
A structured entity is defined as an entity that has been designed so that voting or similar rights are not the dominant factor in deciding 
who controls the entity, such as when any voting rights relate to administrative tasks only, or when the relevant activities are directed by 
means of contractual arrangements. The Group has interests in both consolidated and unconsolidated structured entities as described 
below. 
The Group holds redeemable shares or units in investment vehicles, which consist of: 
•  Debt securities comprising securitisation vehicles that Aviva does not originate. These investments are comprised of a variety of debt 

instruments, including asset-backed securities and other structured securities. 

•  Investment funds which include: hedge funds, liquidity funds, private equity funds, unit trusts, mutual funds and Private Finance 

Initiatives (PFIs). 

•  Specialised investment vehicles include Open Ended Investment Companies (OEICs), Property Limited Partnerships (PLPs), Sociétés 

d’Investissement a Capital Variable (SICAVs), Tax Transparent Funds (TTFs) and other investment vehicles. 

The Group’s holdings in investment vehicles are subject to the terms and conditions of the respective investment vehicle’s offering 
documentation and are susceptible to market price risk arising from uncertainties about future values of those investment vehicles. The 
investment manager makes investment decisions after extensive due diligence of the underlying investment vehicle including 
consideration of its strategy and the overall quality of the underlying investment vehicle’s manager. 

All of the investment vehicles in the investment portfolio are managed by portfolio managers who are compensated by the respective 
investment vehicles for their services. Such compensation generally consists of an asset-based fee and a performance-based incentive fee, 
and is reflected in the valuation of the investment vehicles. 

(a)  Interests in consolidated structured entities 
The Group has determined that where it has control over investment vehicles, these investments are consolidated structured entities. As at 
31 December 2018 the Group has granted loans to consolidated PLPs for a total of £84 million (2017: £82 million). The purpose of these 
loans is to assist the consolidated PLPs to purchase or construct properties. The Group has also provided support, without having a 
contractual obligation to do so, to certain consolidated PLPs via letters of support amounting to £51 million (2017: £72 million). The Group 
has no commitments to provide funding to consolidated structured entities (2017: £nil). 

The Group has also given support to five special purpose securitisation companies (the ERF companies) that are consolidated structured 
entities. As set out in note 25, at the inception of the securitisation vehicles, the UK subsidiary, Aviva Equity Release UK Limited (AER), has 
granted subordinated loan facilities to some of the ERF companies. AER receives various fees in return for the services provided to the 
entities. AER receives cash management fees based on the outstanding loan balance at the start of each quarter for the administration of 
the loan note liabilities. AER receives portfolio administration fees as compensation for managing the mortgage assets. Refer to note 25 for 
details of securitised mortgages and related assets as at 31 December 2018. 

As at the reporting date, the Group has no intentions to provide financial or other support in relation to any other investment vehicles. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
162 

 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

26 – Interests in structured entities continued 
(b)  Interests in unconsolidated structured entities 
As part of its investment activities, the Group invests in unconsolidated structured entities. As at 31 December 2018, the Group’s total 
interest in unconsolidated structured entities was £59.0 billion (2017 : £57.5 billion) on the Group’s statement of financial position. The 
Group’s total interest in unconsolidated structured entities is classified as ‘Interests in and loans to joint ventures and associates’ and 
‘financial investments held at fair value through profit or loss’. The Group does not sponsor any of the unconsolidated structured entities. 

As at 31 December 2018, a summary of the Group’s interest in unconsolidated structured entities is as follows:  

 2018 
£m 

 2017 
£m1  

Interest in, 
and loans 
to, joint 
ventures 

Interest in, 
and loans 
to, 
associates 

Financial 
investments 

Loans 

Total 
assets 

Interest in, 
and loans 
to, joint 
ventures 

Interest in, 
and loans 
to, 
associates 

Structured debt securities2  
Other investments and equity securities 

Analysed as: 
Unit trust and other investment vehicles 
PLPs and property funds 
Other (Including other funds and equity securities) 

Loans3  

Total 

— 
797 

— 
797 
— 
— 

797 

— 

3,434 
217  47,663 

— 
3,434 
—  48,677 

—  45,212 
1,975 
476 

—  45,212 
— 
2,989 
— 
476 
—  6,886 
6,886 

217 
— 
— 

217  51,097  6,886  58,997 

— 
820 

— 
820 
— 
— 

820 

— 
326 

— 
326 
— 
— 

326 

Financial 
investments 

3,482 
47,609 

Loans 

Total  
assets 

— 
3,482 
—  48,755 

45,666 
1,435 
508 
— 

—  45,666 
2,581 
— 
508 
— 
5,283 
5,283 

51,091 

5,283  57,520 

1  Following a review of the Group’s investment classifications, comparative amounts in respect of structured debt securities have been amended from those previously reported to include certain government and corporate 

debt securities that meet the definition of structured entities. The effect of this change is to increase the reported 2017 structured debt securities by £424 million.  

2  Primarily reported within ‘other debt securities’ in note 27a. 
3  Loans include Healthcare, infrastructure & PFI other loans along with certain non-securitised mortgage loans. 

The Group’s maximum exposure to loss related to the interests in unconsolidated structured entities is £59.0 billion (2017: £57.5 billion). 

The majority of debt securities above are investment grade securities held by the UK business. In some cases, the Group may be required to 
absorb losses from an unconsolidated structured entity before other parties when and if Aviva’s interest is more subordinated with respect 
to other owners of the same security. 

For commitments to property management joint ventures and associates, please refer to notes 19 and 20, respectively. The Group has not 
provided any other financial or other support in addition to that described above as at the reporting date, and there are no intentions to 
provide support in relation to any other unconsolidated structured entities in the foreseeable future. 

In relation to risk management, disclosures on debt securities and investment vehicles are given in note 59(b)(ii) ‘Risk management’. In 
relation to other guarantees and commitments that the Group provides in the course of its business, please refer to note 55(f) ‘Contingent 
liabilities and other risk factors’. 

Aviva’s interest in unconsolidated structured entities that it also manages at 31 December 2018 is £2.1 billion (2017: £1.9 billion) and the 
total funds under management relating to these investments at 31 December 2018 is £16.8 billion (2017: £16.2 billion). 

(c)  Other interests in unconsolidated structured entities 
The Group receives management fees and other fees in respect of its asset management businesses. The Group does not sponsor any of 
the funds or investment vehicles from which it receives fees. Management fees received for investments that the Group manages but does 
not have a holding in also represent an interest in unconsolidated structured entities. As these investments are not held by the Group, the 
investment risk is borne by the external investors and therefore the Group’s maximum exposure to loss relates to future management fees. 
The table below shows the assets under management of entities that the Group manages but does not have a holding in and the fees 
earned from those entities. 

Investment funds1 

Specialised investment vehicles: 
Analysed as: 
OEICs 
PLPs 
SICAVs 

Total 

1  

Investment funds relate primarily to the Group’s Polish pension funds.

2018 

Investment 
Management 
Fees 
£m 

Assets Under 
Management  
£m 

2017 

Investment 
Management 
Fees  
£m 

Assets Under 
Management  
£m 

7,473 

3,541 

944 
2,597 
— 

11,014 

38 

6 

1 
5 
— 

44 

9,411 

3,877 

1,177 
2,666 
34 

13,288 

67 

12 

3 
9 
— 

79 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
163 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

27 – Financial investments 
This note analyses our financial investments by type and shows their cost and fair value. These will change from one period to the next as a 
result of new business written, claims paid and market movements. 

(a)  Carrying amount 
Financial investments comprise: 

Fixed maturity securities  
Debt securities 
UK government 
UK local authorities 
Non-UK government (note 27(d)) 
Corporate bonds 
Public utilities 
Other corporate 

Convertibles and bonds with warrants attached 
Other 

Certificates of deposit 

Equity securities  
Ordinary shares 
Public utilities 
Banks, trusts and insurance companies1  
Industrial miscellaneous and all other1  

Non-redeemable preference shares 

2018 

At fair value 
through profit 
or loss 

Other than 
trading 
£m 

Trading 
£m 

Available  
for sale 
£m 

Total 
£m 

Trading 
£m 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 

— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 

— 

27,665  
191  
52,799  

10,786  
65,151  
— 
10,291  

— 
— 
1,287  

17  
291  
— 
— 

27,665  
191  
54,086  

10,803  
65,442  
— 
10,291  

166,883  
1,123  

1,595   168,478  
1,208  

85  

168,006  

1,680   169,686  

2,383  
18,039  
61,719  

82,141  
196  

82,337  

45,211  
— 
155  
1,975  
475  
1  

— 
1  
— 

1  
— 

1  

1  
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

1  

2,383  
18,040  
61,719  

82,142  
196  

82,338  

45,212  
4,994  
155  
1,975  
475  
1  

52,812  

4,994  

47,817  

At fair value 
through profit 
or loss 

Other than 
trading 
£m 

30,242  
19  
51,399  

11,105  
69,700  
9  
10,801  

173,275  
947  

174,222  

2,402  
18,852  
68,656  

89,910  
244  

90,154  

45,665  
— 
161  
1,435  
507  
1  

47,769  

2017 

Total 
£m 

30,242  
19  
52,741  

11,129  
69,981  
9  
10,801  

Available  
for sale 
£m 

— 
— 
1,342  

24  
281  
— 
— 

1,647  
79  

174,922  
1,026  

1,726  

175,948  

— 
1  
8  

9  
— 

9  

1  
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

1  

2,402  
18,853  
68,664  

89,919  
244  

90,163  

45,666  
5,507  
161  
1,435  
507  
1  

53,277  

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 

— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 

— 

— 
5,507  
— 
— 
— 
— 

5,507  

Other investments 
Unit trusts and other investment vehicles 
Derivative financial instruments (note 60) 
Deposits with credit institutions 
Minority holdings in property management undertakings 
Other investments – long-term 
Other investments – short-term 

— 
4,994  
— 
— 
— 
— 

Total financial investments 
Less: assets classified as held for sale 

Fixed maturity securities 
Equity securities 
Other investments  

4,994   298,160  

1,682   304,836  

5,507  

312,145  

1,736  

319,388  

— 
— 
— 
— 

(397) 
(210) 
(6,644) 
(7,251) 

— 
— 
— 
— 

(397) 
(210) 
(6,644) 
(7,251) 

— 
— 
(8) 
(8) 

(1,140) 
(195) 
(6,963) 
(8,298) 

— 
— 
— 
— 

(1,140) 
(195) 
(6,971) 
(8,306) 

4,994   290,909  

1,682   297,585  

5,499  

303,847  

1,736  

311,082  

1  Following a review of the Group’s investment classifications, comparative amounts in the table have been revised. This review has resulted in a reclassification of £5,443 million in Equity securities previously classified as 

Banks, trusts and insurance companies to Industrial miscellaneous and all other. There is no impact on total Equity securities. 

Of the above total, £144,001 million (2017: £154,835 million) is due to be recovered in more than one year after the statement of financial 
position date. 

Other debt securities of £10,291 million (2017: £10,801 million) include residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, as well as 
other structured credit securities. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
164 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

27 – Financial investments continued 
(b)  Cost, unrealised gains and fair value 
The following is a summary of the cost/amortised cost, gross unrealised gains and losses and fair value of financial investments: 

Fixed maturity securities 
Equity securities 
Other investments 

2018 

Cost/amortised 
cost 
£m 

Unrealised 
gains 
£m 

Unrealised 
losses and 
impairments 
£m 

Fair value 
£m 

Cost/amortised 
cost 
£m 

162,254  
80,917  

15,784  
7,763  

(8,352)  169,686  
(6,342) 
82,338  

162,092  
75,060  

Unit trusts and other investment vehicles 
Derivative financial instruments 
Deposits with credit institutions 
Minority holdings in property management undertakings  
Other investments – long-term 
Other investments – short-term 

41,703  
1,274  
155  
1,784  
473  
1  

6,841  
4,697  
— 
241  
33  
— 

(3,332) 
(977) 
— 
(50) 
(31) 
— 

45,212  
4,994  
155  
1,975  
475  
1  

34,271  
1,328  
161  
1,332  
477  
1  

Unrealised 
losses and 
impairments 
£m 

2017 

Fair value 
£m 

(6,388) 
(1,716) 

175,948  
90,163  

275  
(390) 
— 
(77) 
(31) 
— 

45,666  
5,507  
161  
1,435  
507  
1  

Unrealised 
gains 
£m 

20,244  
16,819  

11,120  
4,569  
— 
180  
61  
— 

These are further analysed as follows: 
At fair value through profit or loss 
Available for sale 

288,561  

35,359  

(19,084)  304,836  

274,722  

52,993  

(8,327) 

319,388  

286,959  
1,602  

35,274  
85  

(19,079)  303,154  
1,682  

(5) 

273,087  
1,635  

288,561  

35,359  

(19,084)  304,836  

274,722  

52,891  
102  

52,993  

(8,326) 
(1) 

317,652  
1,736  

(8,327) 

319,388  

All unrealised gains and losses and impairments on financial investments classified as fair value through profit or loss have been recognised 
in the income statement. 

Unrealised gains and losses on financial investments classified as at fair value through profit or loss, recognised in the income statement in 
the year, were a net loss of £28,001 million (2017: £6,880 million net gain). Of this net loss, £27,197 million net loss (2017: £6,955 million net 
gain) related to investments designated as other than trading and £804 million net loss (2017: £75 million net loss) related to financial 
investments designated as trading. 

The movement in the unrealised gain/loss position reported in the statement of financial position during the year, shown in the table 
above, includes foreign exchange movements on the translation of unrealised gains and losses on financial investments held by foreign 
subsidiaries, which are recognised in other comprehensive income, as well as transfers due to the realisation of gains and losses on 
disposal and the recognition of impairment losses. 

(c)  Financial investment arrangements 
(i)  Stock lending arrangements 
The Group has entered into stock lending arrangements in the UK and overseas in accordance with established market conventions. 
The majority of the Group’s stock lending transactions occur in the UK, where investments are lent to EEA-regulated, locally domiciled 
counterparties and governed by agreements written under English law. 

The Group receives collateral in order to reduce the credit risk of these arrangements, either in the form of securities or cash. See note 61 
for further discussion regarding collateral positions held by the Group. 

(ii)  Other arrangements 
In carrying on its bulk purchase annuity business, the Group’s UK Life operation is required to place certain investments in trust on behalf 
of the policyholders. Amounts become payable from the trust funds to the trustees if the Group were to be in breach of its payment 
obligations in respect of policyholder benefits. At 31 December 2018, £2,313 million (2017: £2,402 million) of financial investments were 
restricted in this way. 

Certain financial investments are also required to be deposited under local laws in various overseas countries as security for the holders 
of policies issued in those countries. Other investments are pledged as security collateral for bank letters of credit. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
165 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

27 – Financial investments continued 
(d)  Non-UK Government Debt Securities (gross of non-controlling interests) 
The following is a summary of non-UK government debt by issuer as at 31 December 2018, analysed by policyholder, participating and 
shareholder funds. 

Policyholder 

  Participating 

Shareholder 

Non-UK Government Debt Securities 

Austria 
Belgium 
France 
Germany 
Ireland 
Italy 
Netherlands 
Poland 
Portugal 
Spain 
European Supranational debt 
Other European countries 

Europe 

Canada 
United States 

North America 

Singapore 
Other 

Asia Pacific and other 

Total 

Assets of operations classified as held for sale 

 2018 
£m 

10 
27 
128 
126 
3 
177 
32 
749 
23 
84 
151 
245 

1,755 

29 
813 

842 

5 
2,282 

2,287 

4,884 

9 

 2017 
£m 

5 
22 
133 
127 
3 
183 
43 
845 
2 
87 
213 
176 

1,839 

23 
1,443 

1,466 

14 
2,396 

2,410 

5,715 

1 

 2018 
£m 

572 
863 
13,992 
1,685 
840 
9,526 
605 
687 
135 
514 
1,733 
1,426 

32,578 

118 
294 

412 

658 
3,567 

4,225 

 2017 
£m 

550 
967 
13,454 
1,437 
679 
8,223 
88 
790 
136 
314 
1,841 
2,104 

30,583 

53 
661 

714 

558 
3,520 

4,078 

 2018 
£m 

167 
268 
2,036 
490 
138 
772 
340 
538 
— 
94 
1,759 
639 

7,241 

2,947 
719 

3,666 

342 
738 

1,080 

 2017 
£m 

127 
314 
2,093 
615 
84 
823 
322 
598 
— 
233 
1,777 
917 

7,903 

2,512 
531 

3,043 

297 
408 

705 

 2018 
£m 

749 
1,158 
16,156 
2,301 
981 
10,475 
977 
1,974 
158 
692 
3,643 
2,310 

41,574 

3,094 
1,826 

4,920 

1,005 
6,587 

7,592 

Total 

 2017 
£m 

682 
1,303 
15,680 
2,179 
766 
9,229 
453 
2,233 
138 
634 
3,831 
3,197 

40,325 

2,588 
2,635 

5,223 

869 
6,324 

7,193 

37,215 

35,375 

11,987 

11,651 

54,086 

52,741 

— 

— 

1 

531 

10 

532 

Total (excluding assets held for sale) 

4,875 

5,714 

37,215 

35,375 

11,986 

11,120 

54,076 

52,209 

At 31 December 2018, the Group’s total government (non-UK) debt securities stood at £54.1 billion (2017: £52.7 billion). The significant 
majority of these holdings are within our participating funds where the risk to our shareholders is governed by the nature and extent of our 
participation within those funds. 

Our direct shareholder asset exposure to government (non-UK) debt securities amounts to £12.0 billion (2017: £11.7 billion). The primary 
exposures, relative to total shareholder (non-UK) government debt exposure, are to Canadian (25%), French (17%), Italian (6%), US (6%), 
Polish (4%) and German (4%) government debt securities. 

The participating funds exposure to (non-UK) government debt amounts to £37.2 billion (2017: £35.4 billion). The primary exposures, relative 
to total (non-UK) government debt exposures included within our participating funds, are to the (non-UK) government debt securities of 
France (38%), Italy (26%), Germany (5%), Belgium (2%), Ireland (2%) and Poland (2%). 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
166 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

27 – Financial investments continued 
(e)  Exposure to worldwide banks – debt securities 
Direct shareholder and participating fund assets exposures to worldwide bank debt securities (net of non-controlling interests, 
excluding policyholder assets) 

2018 

Australia 
Denmark 
France 
Germany 
Italy 
Netherlands 
Spain 
Sweden 
Switzerland 
United Kingdom 
United States 
Other 

Total 

Assets of operations classified as held for sale 

Total (excluding assets held for sale) 

2017 Total 

Shareholder assets 

Participating fund assets 

Total senior 
debt  
£bn  

Total 
subordinated 
debt  
£bn 

Total senior 
debt  
£bn  

Total 
subordinated 
debt  
£bn 

Total debt  
£bn 

Total debt  
£bn 

0.2 
— 
0.5 
— 
— 
0.3 
0.4 
0.1 
— 
1.3 
1.0 
0.4 

4.2 

— 

4.2 

4.4 

— 
— 
0.1 
— 
— 
0.2 
— 
— 
— 
0.4 
0.2 
0.1 

1.0 

— 

1.0 

1.0 

0.2 
— 
0.6 
— 
— 
0.5 
0.4 
0.1 
— 
1.7 
1.2 
0.5 

5.2 

— 

5.2 

5.4 

0.8 
0.5 
2.6 
0.6 
0.1 
1.4 
0.5 
0.3 
0.7 
1.1 
1.5 
1.8 

11.9 

— 

11.9 

12.1 

0.2 
— 
0.4 
0.2 
— 
0.2 
0.1 
0.1 
— 
0.5 
0.1 
0.2 

2.0 

— 

2.0 

2.5 

1.0 
0.5 
3.0 
0.8 
0.1 
1.6 
0.6 
0.4 
0.7 
1.6 
1.6 
2.0 

13.9 

— 

13.9 

14.6 

Net of non-controlling interests, our direct shareholder assets exposure to worldwide bank debt securities is £5.2 billion (2017: £5.4 billion). 
The majority of our holding (81%) is in senior debt. The primary exposures are to UK (33%), US (23%), French (12%) and Dutch (10%) banks. 

Net of non-controlling interests, the participating fund exposures to worldwide bank debt securities, where the risk to our shareholders is 
governed by the nature and extent of our participation within those funds, is £13.9 billion (2017: £14.6 billion). The majority of the exposure 
(86%) is in senior debt. Participating funds are the most exposed to French (22%), UK (12%), Dutch (12%) and US (12%) banks. 

Direct shareholder and participating fund assets exposures to worldwide bank debt securities (gross of non-controlling interests, 
excluding policyholder assets) 

2018 

Australia 
Denmark 
France 
Germany 
Italy 
Netherlands 
Spain 
Sweden 
Switzerland 
United Kingdom 
United States 
Other 

Total 

Assets of operations classified as held for sale 

Total (excluding assets held for sale) 

2017 Total 

Shareholder assets 

Participating fund assets 

Total senior 
debt  
£bn  

Total 
subordinated 
debt  
£bn 

Total senior 
debt  
£bn  

Total 
subordinated 
debt  
£bn 

Total debt  
£bn 

Total debt  
£bn 

0.2 
— 
0.5 
— 
— 
0.3 
0.4 
0.1 
— 
1.3 
1.0 
0.4 

4.2 

— 

4.2 

4.4 

— 
— 
0.1 
— 
— 
0.2 
— 
— 
— 
0.4 
0.2 
0.1 

1.0 

— 

1.0 

1.0 

0.2 
— 
0.6 
— 
— 
0.5 
0.4 
0.1 
— 
1.7 
1.2 
0.5 

5.2 

— 

5.2 

5.4 

0.8 
0.5 
2.7 
0.7 
0.2 
1.5 
0.5 
0.3 
0.7 
1.2 
1.6 
1.9 

12.6 

— 

12.6 

12.5 

0.2 
— 
0.4 
0.2 
— 
0.2 
0.1 
0.1 
— 
0.5 
0.1 
0.2 

2.0 

— 

2.0 

2.5 

1.0 
0.5 
3.1 
0.9 
0.2 
1.7 
0.6 
0.4 
0.7 
1.7 
1.7 
2.1 

14.6 

— 

14.6 

15.0 

Gross of non-controlling interests, our direct shareholder assets exposure to worldwide bank debt securities is £5.2 billion (2017: £5.4 
billion). The majority of our holding (81%) is in senior debt. The primary exposures are to UK (33%), US (23%), French (12%) and Dutch (10%) 
banks. 

Gross of non-controlling interests, the participating fund exposures to worldwide bank debt securities, where the risk to our shareholders is 
governed by the nature and extent of our participation within those funds, is £14.6 billion (2017: £15.0 billion). The majority of the exposure 
(86%) is in senior debt. Participating funds are most exposed to French (21%), UK (12%), Dutch (12%) and US (12%) banks. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

28 – Receivables 
This note analyses our total receivables. 

Amounts owed by contract holders 
Amounts owed by intermediaries 
Deposits with ceding undertakings 
Amounts due from reinsurers 
Amounts due from brokers for investment sales 
Amounts receivable for collateral pledged 
Amounts due from government, social security and taxes 
Other receivables 

Total 

Less: Amounts classified as held for sale 

Expected to be recovered in less than one year 
Expected to be recovered in more than one year 

 2018 
£m 

2,142  
1,318  
93  
311  
295  
2,752  
762  
1,217  

8,890  

 2017 
£m 

2,154  
1,235  
103  
348  
206  
2,515  
744  
1,018  

8,323  

(11) 

(38) 

8,879  

8,855  
35  

8,890  

8,285  

8,278  
45  

8,323  

Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables are limited due to the size and spread of the Group’s trading base. No further credit 
risk provision is therefore required in excess of provisions already recognised for doubtful receivables. 

29 – Deferred acquisition costs 
(a)  Deferred acquisition costs – carrying amount  
The carrying amount of deferred acquisition costs was as follows: 

Deferred acquisition costs in respect of: 

Insurance contracts – Long-term business 
Insurance contracts – General insurance and health business 
Participating investment contracts – Long-term business 
Non-participating investment contracts – Long-term business 
Retail fund management business 

Total 

Less: Amounts classified as held for sale 

 2018 
£m 

 2017 
£m 

931 
1,088  
101 
1,036 
— 

3,156 

(191) 

2,965 

858 
1,110 
33 
1,071 
2 

3,074 

(168) 

2,906 

Deferred acquisition costs (DAC) on long-term business are generally recoverable in more than one year whereas such costs on general 
insurance and health business are generally recoverable within one year. Of the above total, £1,879 million (2017: £1,521 million) is expected 
to be recovered in more than one year after the statement of financial position date. For long-term business where amortisation of the DAC 
balance depends on projected profits, the amount expected to be recovered is estimated and actual experience will differ. 

(b)  Deferred acquisition costs – movements in the year 
The movements in deferred acquisition costs during the year were: 

2018 

Carrying amount at 1 January 
Acquisition costs deferred during the year 
Amortisation 
Impact of assumption changes 
Effect of portfolio transfers, acquisitions and disposals 
Foreign exchange rate movements  
Other movements1  

Carrying amount at 31 December 

Less: Amounts classified as held for sale 

Long-term business 

Insurance 
contracts 
£m 

Participating 
investment 
contracts 
£m 

Non-
participating 
investment 
contracts 
£m 

General 
insurance  
and health 
business 
£m 

Retail fund 
management 
business 
£m 

858  
265  
(141) 
14  
(5) 
2  
(62) 

931  

— 

931  

33  
13  
(9) 
1  
— 
1  
62  

101  

— 

101  

1,071  
87  
(140) 
16  
— 
2  
— 

1,036  

(191) 

845  

1,110  
2,279  
(2,282) 
— 
(10) 
(9) 
— 

1,088  

— 

1,088  

2  
— 
(2) 
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 

— 

— 

Total 
£m 

3,074  
2,644  
(2,574) 
31  
(15) 
(4) 
— 

3,156  

(191) 

2,965  

1  Following the adoption of IFRS 15, the categorisation of DAC balances has been analysed resulting in a transfer of £62m from insurance contracts to participating investment contracts.  

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
168 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

29 – Deferred acquisition costs continued 

2017 

Carrying amount at 1 January 
Acquisition costs deferred during the year 
Amortisation 
Impact of assumption changes 
Effect of portfolio transfers, acquisitions and disposals 
Foreign exchange rate movements  
Other movements 

Carrying amount at 31 December 

Less: Amounts classified as held for sale 

Long-term business 

Insurance 
contracts 
£m 

Participating 
investment 
contracts 
£m 

Non-
participating 
investment 
contracts 
£m 

General 
insurance  
and health  
business 
£m 

Retail fund 
management 
business 
£m 

694  
200  
(76) 
— 
26  
14  
— 

858  

(34) 

824  

19  
— 
14  
— 
— 
— 
— 

33  

— 

33  

861  
106  
(92) 
192  
— 
4  
— 

1,071  

(124) 

947  

1,037  
2,418  
(2,369) 
— 
25  
1  
(2) 

1,110  

(10) 

1,100  

3  
— 
(1) 
— 
— 
— 
— 

2  

— 

2  

Total 
£m 

2,614  
2,724  
(2,524) 
192  
51  
19  
(2) 

3,074  

(168) 

2,906  

DAC for long-term business increased over 2018 mainly due to new business sales across various European markets. DAC for general 
insurance and health business decreased slightly over 2018 mainly due to the disposal of Avipop in Italy. 

Where amortisation of the DAC balance depends on projected profits, changes to economic conditions may lead to a movement in the DAC 
balance and a corresponding impact on profit. It is estimated that the movement in the DAC balance would reduce profit by £40 million 
(2017: £38 million) if market yields on fixed income investments were to increase by 1% and increase profit by £39 million (2017: £29 million) 
if yields were to reduce by 1%. At both 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017 the DAC balance has been restricted by the value of 
projected future profits and hence is more sensitive to changes in the value of those projected profits.  

30 – Pension surpluses, other assets, prepayments and accrued income 
(a)  Pension surpluses and other assets – carrying amount 
The carrying amount comprises:  

Surpluses in the staff pension schemes (note 51(a)) 
Other assets 

Total 

Less: Amounts classified as held for sale 

 2018 
£m 

3,256 
85  

3,341 

— 

 2017 
£m 

3,399 
71 

3,470 

(2) 

3,341 

3,468 

Surpluses in the staff pension schemes and £1 million (2017: £9 million) of other assets are recoverable more than one year after the 
statement of financial position date. 

(b)  Prepayments and accrued income 
Prepayments and accrued income of £2,951 million (2017: £2,876 million) include assets classified as held for sale of £4 million (2017: £16 
million) and £9 million (2017: £7 million) that is expected to be recovered more than one year after the statement of financial position date. 

31 – Assets held to cover linked liabilities 
Certain unit-linked products have been classified as investment contracts, while some are included within the definition of an insurance 
contract. The assets backing these unit-linked liabilities are included within the relevant balances in the consolidated statement of financial 
position, while the liabilities are included within insurance and investment contract provisions. This note analyses the carrying values of 
assets backing these liabilities. 

Loans 
Debt securities 
Equity securities 
Reinsurance assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Units trusts and other investment vehicles 
Other 

Total 

Less: Assets classified as held for sale 

 2018 
£m 

9  
29,472  
67,152  
4,099  
14,455  
41,954  
8,043  

 2017 
£m 

8  
30,987  
74,110  
6,103  
12,000  
42,368  
7,059  

165,184 

172,635 

(7,784) 

(8,013) 

157,400 

164,622 

The reinsurance assets balance in the table above includes £4,009 million (2017: £6,094 million) of non-participating investment contracts, 
which are legally reinsurance but do not meet the definition of a reinsurance contract under IFRS. These assets are financial instruments 
measured at fair value through profit and loss and are classified as Level 1 assets.

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
169 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

32 – Ordinary share capital 
This note gives details of Aviva plc’s ordinary share capital and shows the movements during the year. 

(a)  Details of the Company’s ordinary share capital are as follows:

The allotted, called up and fully paid share capital of the Company at 31 December 2018 was: 
3,902,352,211 (2017: 4,012,682,691) ordinary shares of 25 pence each 

 2018 
£m 

 2017 
£m 

975  

1,003  

At the 2018 Annual General Meeting, the Company was authorised to allot up to a further maximum nominal amount of: 
• £668,883,564 of which £334,441,782 can be in connection with an offer by way of a rights issue 
• £100 million of new ordinary shares in relation to any issue of Solvency II compliant capital instruments 

(b)  During 2018, a total of 119,491,188 ordinary shares of 25 pence each were cancelled and 9,160,708 were allotted and issued by the 
Company as follows: 

At 1 January 
Shares issued under the Group’s Employee and 

Executive Share Option Schemes 
Shares cancelled through buy-back 

At 31 December 

Number of  
shares 

Share capital 
£m 

4,012,682,691  

1,003  

9,160,708  
(119,491,188) 

3,902,352,211  

2  
(30) 

975  

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£m 

2018 

Share 
premium 
£m 

Number of  
shares 

Share capital 
£m 

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£m 

14  

— 
30 

44  

1,207  

4,061,539,206  

1,015  

7  
— 

8,867,985  
(57,724,500) 

2  
(14)

1,214  

4,012,682,691  

1,003  

— 

— 
14 

14  

2017 

Share  
premium 
£m 

1,197  

10  
— 

1,207  

Ordinary shares in issue in the Company rank pari passu with any new ordinary shares issued in the Company. All the ordinary shares in 
issue carry the same right to receive all dividends and other distributions declared, made or paid by the Company. 

On 18 September 2018, the Company announced that it had successfully completed the share buy-back programme (the 2018 programme) 
which was notified to the market on 1 May 2018. As a result of the 2018 programme, Aviva acquired 119,491,188 shares at an average price 
of £5.0213 per share. These shares with a nominal value of £30 million were bought back and subsequently cancelled during the year, giving 
rise to a capital redemption reserve of an equivalent amount as required by the Companies Act 2006. The aggregate consideration paid was 
£600 million which is reflected in retained earnings (see note 39). 

On 20 September 2017, the Company announced that it had successfully completed the share buy-back programme (the 2017 programme) 
which was notified to the market on 25 May 2017. As a result of the 2017 programme, Aviva acquired 57,724,500 shares at an average price 
of £5.20 per share. These shares with a nominal value of £14 million were bought back and subsequently cancelled during the year, giving 
rise to a capital redemption reserve of an equivalent amount as required by the Companies Act 2006. The aggregate consideration paid was 
£300 million which is reflected in retained earnings (see note 39). 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
170 

Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

33 – Group’s share plans 
This note describes various equity compensation plans operated by the Group, and shows how the Group values the options and awards of 
shares in the Company. 

(a)  Description of the plans 
The Group maintains a number of active share option and award plans and schemes (the Group’s share plans). These are as follows: 

(i)  Savings-related options 
These are options granted under the tax-advantaged Save As You Earn (SAYE) share option scheme in the UK and Irish revenue-approved 
SAYE share option scheme in Ireland. The SAYE allows eligible employees to acquire options over the Company’s shares at a discount of up 
to 20% of their market value at the date of grant. 

Options are normally exercisable during the six month period following either the third or fifth anniversary of the start of the relevant 
savings contract. Seven year contracts were offered prior to 2012. Savings contracts are subject to the statutory savings limits of £500 per 
month in the UK and €500 per month in Ireland. A limit of £250 per month was applied to contracts in the UK prior to 2016. 

(ii)  Aviva long-term incentive plan awards 
These awards have been made under the Aviva Long-Term Incentive Plan 2011 (LTIP), and are described in section (b) below and in the 
directors’ remuneration report. 

(iii) Aviva annual bonus plan awards 
These awards have been made under the Aviva Annual Bonus Plan 2011 (ABP), and are described in section (b) below and in the directors’ 
remuneration report. 

(iv)  Aviva recruitment and retention share plan awards 
These are conditional awards granted under the Aviva Recruitment and Retention Share Award plan (RRSAP) in relation to the recruitment 
or retention of senior managers excluding executive directors. The awards vest in tranches on various dates and vesting is conditional upon 
the participant being employed by the Group on the vesting date and not having served notice of resignation. Some awards can be subject 
to performance conditions. If a participant’s employment is terminated due to resignation or dismissal, any tranche of the award which has 
vested within the 12 months prior to the termination date will be subject to clawback and any unvested tranches of the award will lapse in 
full. 

(v)   Aviva Investors deferred share award plan awards 
These awards have been made under the Aviva Investors Deferred Share Award Plan (AI DSAP), where employees can choose to have the 
deferred element of their bonus deferred into awards over Aviva shares. The awards vest in three equal tranches on the second, third and 
fourth year following the year of grant. 

(vi) Aviva Investors long-term incentive plan awards 
These awards have been made under the Aviva Investors Long-Term Incentive Plan 2015 (AI LTIP) 

(vii)  Various all employee share plans 
The Company maintains a number of active stock option and share award voluntary schemes: 
a)  The global matching share plan 
b)  Aviva Group employee share ownership scheme 
c)  Aviva France employee profit sharing scheme. 

No new Aviva plc ordinary shares will be issued to satisfy awards made under plans iv, v, vi, vii b) or vii c). 

(b)  Outstanding options and awards 
(i)  Share options 
At 31 December 2018, options to subscribe for ordinary shares of 25 pence each in the Company were outstanding as follows: 

Aviva savings related share option 
scheme 

Option price  
p 

Aviva Ireland savings related share 
option scheme (in euros) 

268 
312 
380 
419 

Option price 
c 

369 
518 
527 

Number  
of shares 

145,323 
267,209 
3,856,295 
400,885 

Number  
of shares 

8,259 
107,293 
11,489 

Normally 
exercisable 

2018 
2018 
2018 or 2020 
2019 

Normally  
exercisable 

2018 
2018 or 2020 
2019 

Option price  
p 

351 
409 
387 

Option price 
c 

418 
447 
432 

Number 
of shares 

10,508,734 
4,694,393 
7,563,395 

Number 
of shares 

436,262 
233,305 
425,184 

Normally 
exercisable 

2019 or 2021 
2020 or 2022 
2021 or 2023 

Normally 
exercisable 

2019 or 2021 
2020 or 2022 
2021 or 2023 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
171 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

33 – Group’s share plans continued 
The following table summarises information about options outstanding at 31 December 2018: 

Range of exercise prices 

£2.66 – £3.16 
£3.17 – £3.67 
£3.68 – £4.19 

The comparative figures as at 31 December 2017 were: 

Range of exercise prices 

£2.66 – £3.16 
£3.17 – £3.67 
£3.68 – £4.19 

Outstanding  
options  
Number 

420,791 
10,944,996 
17,292,239 

Outstanding  
options  
Number 

960,378 
12,227,442 
11,908,758 

Weighted average  
remaining  
contractual life  
Years  

1 
2 
2 

Weighted average 
remaining 
contractual life  
Years  

1 
3 
3 

Weighted average 
exercise price  
p 

296.80 
351.00 
392.43 

Weighted average  
exercise price  
p 

288.10 
351.00 
397.83 

(ii)  Share awards 
At 31 December 2018, awards issued under the Company’s executive incentive plans over ordinary shares of 25 pence each in the Company 
were outstanding as follows: 

Aviva long-term incentive plan 2011 

Aviva annual bonus plan 2011 

Number of shares 

Year of vesting 

9,151,821 
6,745,024 
7,898,212 

2019 
2020 
2021 

Number of shares 

Year of vesting 

5,452,009 
2,764,620 
2,008,514 

2019 
2020 
2021 

Aviva recruitment and retention share award plan 

Number of shares 

Year of vesting 

Aviva Investors deferred share award plan 

Aviva Investors long-term incentive plan 2015 

The global matching share plan 

706,643 
268,812 
83,855 
17,269 

2019 
2020 
2021 
2022 

Number of shares 

Year of vesting 

101,695 
86,024 
50,300 

2019 
2020 
2021 

Number of shares 

313,419 

Year of vesting 

2020 

Number of shares 

Year of vesting 

20,421 
682,944 
629,422 

2019 
2020 
2021 

The vesting of awards under the LTIP is subject to the attainment of performance conditions as described in the directors’ remuneration 
report. 

No performance conditions are attached to the awards under the ABP, AI DSAP or some of the awards under the RRSAP except as outlined 
below. There are no performance conditions attached to LTIP awards granted since 2017, with the exception of grants made to the Group 
Executive. 

Under the RRSAP, some shares are subject to the attainment of the same performance conditions that apply to the LTIP grants as follows: 
•  Shares which vest in 2019: 

–  102,602 are subject to the same performance conditions that apply to the 2016 LTIP grant 
–  144,980 are subject to the performance conditions relating to the performance of the participant’s previous employer 

•  Shares which vest in 2020: 

–  53,246 are subject to the performance conditions relating to the performance of the participant’s previous employer 

•  Shares which vest in 2021: 

–  5,305 are subject to the performance conditions relating to the performance of the participant’s previous employer 

These performance conditions are as outlined in the relevant year’s directors’ remuneration report. Shares which do not vest will lapse. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
172 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

33 – Group’s share plans continued 
(iii) Shares to satisfy awards and options 
New issue shares are now generally used to satisfy all awards and options granted under plans that have received shareholder approval 
and where local regulations permit. Further details are given in note 32. 

(c)  Movements in the year 
A summary of the status of the option plans as at 31 December 2017 and 2018, and changes during the years ended on those dates, is 
shown below. 

Outstanding at 1 January 
Granted during the year 
Exercised during the year 
Forfeited during the year 
Cancelled during the year 
Expired during the year 

Outstanding at 31 December 

Exercisable at 31 December 

2018 

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 
p 
370.81 
387.00 
361.96 
385.00 
364.93 
381.97 

Number of options 
25,096,578 
8,139,367 
(2,111,514) 
(1,855,638) 
(495,646) 
(115,121) 

2017 

Weighted 
average 
exercise price  
p 
355.08 
409.00 
327.04 
364.03 
361.90 
355.32 

Number of options 
24,253,209 
5,998,098 
(3,094,372) 
(944,431) 
(1,004,017) 
(111,909) 

28,658,026 

375.20 

3,457,732 

369.88 

25,096,578 

911,019 

370.81 

366.51 

(d)  Expense charged to the income statement 
The total expense recognised for the year arising from equity compensation plans were as follows: 

Equity-settled expense 
Cash-settled expense 

Total (note 11(b)) 

 2018 
£m 

64  
— 

64  

 2017 
£m 

77  
— 

77  

(e)  Fair value of options and awards granted after 7 November 2002 
The weighted average fair values of options and awards granted during the year, estimated by using the Binomial option pricing model and 
Monte Carlo Simulation model, were £0.78 and £4.84 (2017: £1.00 and £4.94) respectively. 

(i)  Share options 
The fair value of the options was estimated on the date of grant, based on the following weighted average assumptions: 

Weighted average assumption 

Share price 
Exercise price 
Expected volatility 
Expected life 
Expected dividend yield 
Risk-free interest rate 

2018 

2017 

480p 
387p 
24.85% 

506p 
409p 
26.04% 
3.67 years  3.70 years 
4.61% 
0.55% 

5.88% 
1.05% 

The expected volatility used was based on the historical volatility of the share price over a period equivalent to the expected life of the 
option prior to its date of grant. The risk-free interest rate was based on the yields available on UK government bonds as at the date of 
grant. The bonds chosen were those with a similar remaining term to the expected life of the options. 2,111,514 options granted after 7 
November 2002 were exercised during the year (2017: 3,094,372). 

(ii)  Share awards 
The fair value of the awards was estimated on the date of grant based on the following weighted average assumptions: 

Weighted average assumption 

Share price 
Expected volatility1 
Expected volatility of comparator companies’ share price1 
Correlation between Aviva and comparator competitors’ share price1 
Expected life1 
Expected dividend yield2 
Risk-free interest rate1 

2018 

2017 

500p 
25% 
25% 
64% 

523p 
28% 
26% 
59% 
2.64 years  2.76 years 
0.00% 
0.59% 

0.00% 
0.80% 

1  For awards with market-based performance conditions only. 
2  Expected dividend yield assumption was only used to fair value LTIP awards issued in France. In 2017, LTIP awards with no market performance conditions were issued in France therefore this assumption was not used in the 

year. 

The expected volatility used was based on the historical volatility of the share price over a period equivalent to the expected life of the share 
award prior to its date of grant. The risk-free interest rate was based on the yields available on UK government bonds as at the date 
of grant. The bonds chosen were those with a similar remaining term to the expected life of the share awards. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
173 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

34 – Treasury shares 
The following table summarises information about treasury shares at 31 December 2018: 

Shares held by employee trusts 
Shares held by subsidiary companies 

Number 

455,986  
2,435,983  

2,891,969  

2018 

£m 

Number 

2  

295,906  
13   2,471,599  

15   2,767,505  

2017 

£m 

1  
13  

14  

(a)  Shares held by employee trusts 
Prior to 2014, we satisfied awards and options granted under the Group’s share plans primarily through shares purchased in the market and 
held by employee share trusts. From 2014 we primarily issue new shares except where it is necessary to use shares held by an employee 
share trust. This note gives details of the shares held in these trusts. Movements in the carrying value of shares held by employee trusts 
comprise: 

Cost debited to shareholders’ funds 
At 1 January 
Acquired in the year 
Distributed in the year 

Balance at 31 December 

Number 

295,906  
765,582  
(605,502) 

455,986  

2018 

£m 

Number 

1   1,127,473  
4  
236,585  
(3) (1,068,152) 

2  

295,906  

2017 

£m 

1  
1  
(1) 

1  

The shares are owned by employee share trusts with an undertaking to satisfy awards of shares in the Company under the Company’s share 
plans and schemes. Details of the features of the plans can be found in the directors’ remuneration report and/or in note 33. 

These shares were either purchased in the market or, in 2015, new shares were issued to the trust and are carried at weighted average cost. 
At 31 December 2018, they had an aggregate nominal value of £113,997 (2017: £73,977) and a market value of £1,712,227 (2017: £1,498,764). 
The trustees have waived their rights to dividends on the shares held in the trusts. 

(b)  Shares held by subsidiary companies 
At 31 December 2018, the balance of shares held by subsidiary companies of 2,435,983 (2017: 2,471,599 shares) had an aggregate nominal 
value of £608,996 (2017: £617,900) and a market value of £9,148,336 (2017: £13,295,284). 

35 – Preference share capital 
This note gives details of Aviva plc’s preference share capital. 

The preference share capital of the Company at 31 December was: 

Issued and paid up 
100,000,000 8.375% cumulative irredeemable preference shares of £1 each 
100,000,000 8.75% cumulative irredeemable preference shares of £1 each 

 2018 
£m 

100  
100  

200  

 2017 
£m 

100  
100  

200  

The issued preference shares are non-voting except where their dividends are in arrears, on a winding up or where their rights are altered. 

On a winding up, they carry a preferential right of return of capital ahead of the ordinary shares. Holders are entitled to receive dividends 
out of the profits available for distribution and resolved to be distributed in priority to the payment of dividends to holders of ordinary 
shares. The Company does not have a contractual obligation to deliver cash or other financial assets to the preference shareholders and 
therefore the directors may make dividend payments at their discretion. 

At the end of 2018 the fair value of Aviva plc’s preference share capital was £264 million (2017: £348 million). 

Following our statement at the full year 2017 results that we “have the ability to cancel our preference shares”, Aviva listened to the views of 
investors, who expressed concerns, and as a result Aviva subsequently announced on 23 March 2018 that it had decided to take “no action 
to cancel its preference shares”. Under current regulation the preference shares will no longer count as regulatory capital in 2026. Aviva will 
work towards obtaining regulatory approval for the preference shares, or a suitable substitute, to qualify as capital from 2026 onwards. If as 
we approach 2026 Aviva needs to reconsider this position, it will do so after taking into account the fair market value of the preference 
shares at that time. 

On 30 April 2018 Aviva announced a charge of £14 million relating to a provision for the goodwill payment scheme to those preference 
shareholders who sold preference shares in the period from 8 and 22 March (inclusive) at a share price that was lower than the price that 
the preference shares returned to following the announcement on 23 March 2018. The total cost of the goodwill payment scheme was 
£10 million relating to the goodwill payments to preference shareholders, and associated administration costs, against our initial estimate 
of £14 million. The nature of these costs and the restricted time-period that defines eligibility to receive a payment demonstrates that they 
are non-recurrent and are not reflective of the Group’s ongoing financial performance. 

At the 2015 Annual General Meeting, the Company was authorised to allot sterling new preference shares, as defined in the Company’s 
articles of association, up to a maximum nominal value of £500 million.

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
174 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

36 – Direct capital instrument and tier 1 notes 

Notional amount 

5.9021% £500 million direct capital instrument – Issued November 2004 
6.875% £210 million STICS – Issued November 2003 

Total 

 2018 
£m 

500  
231  

731  

 2017 
£m 

500  
231  

731  

The direct capital instrument (the DCI) was issued on 25 November 2004. The DCI has no fixed redemption date but the Company may, at 
its sole option, redeem all (but not part) of the principal amount on 27 July 2020, at which date the interest rate changes to a variable rate, 
or on any respective coupon payment date thereafter. The variable rate will be the six month sterling deposit rate plus margin. 

The Step-up Tier one Insurance Capital Securities (‘STICS’) were issued on 21 November 2003 by Friends Life Holdings plc, substituted as 
issuer by Aviva plc on 1 October 2015. The STICS are irrevocably guaranteed on a subordinated basis by Aviva Life & Pensions UK Limited. 
Prior to the Part VII transfer of the Friends Life business into UK Life on 1 October 2017 the guarantor for the STICS was Friends Life Limited. 
The STICS have no fixed redemption date but the Company may, at its sole option, redeem the instrument (in whole or in part) on 
21 November 2019, or on the coupon payment date falling on successive fifth anniversaries from this date. For each coupon period 
beginning 21 November 2019, the STICS will bear interest reset every five years at the rate per annum which is the aggregate of 2.97% 
and the Gross Redemption Yield of the Benchmark Gilt. 

The Company has the option to defer coupon payments on the DCI and the STICS on any relevant payment date. 

In relation to the DCI, deferred coupons shall only be satisfied should the Company exercise its sole option to redeem the instruments. 

In relation to the STICS, deferred coupons may be satisfied at any time, at the sole option of the Company. The Company is required to 
satisfy deferred coupons upon the earliest of the following: 
• Resumption of payment of coupons on the STICS; or 
• Redemption; or 
• The commencement of winding up of the issuer. 

No interest will accrue on any deferred coupon on the DCI. Interest will accrue on deferred coupons on the STICS at the then current rate of 
interest on the STICS. 

Deferred coupons on the DCI and the STICS will be satisfied by the issue and sale of ordinary shares in the Company at their prevailing 
market value, to a sum as near as practicable to (and at least equal to) the relevant deferred coupons. In the event of any coupon deferral, 
the Company will not declare or pay any dividend on its ordinary or preference share capital. These instruments have been treated as 
equity. Please refer to accounting policy AE. 

At the end of 2018 the fair value of the DCI and the STICS was £722 million (2017: £778 million).

37 – Merger reserve 
Prior to 1 January 2004, certain significant business combinations were accounted for using the ‘pooling of interests method’ (or merger 
accounting), which treats the merged groups as if they had been combined throughout the current and comparative accounting periods. 
Merger accounting principles for these combinations gave rise to a merger reserve in the consolidated statement of financial position, 
being the difference between the nominal value of new shares issued by the Parent Company for the acquisition of the shares of the 
subsidiary and the subsidiary’s own share capital and share premium account. 

The merger reserve is also used where more than 90% of the shares in a subsidiary are acquired and the consideration includes the issue 
of new shares by the Company, thereby attracting merger relief under the Companies Act 1985 and, from 1 October 2009, the Companies 
Act 2006. 

The balance of the merger reserve at 31 December 2018 is £8,974 million (2017: £8,974 million). 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
175 

Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

38 – Currency translation and other reserves 
This note gives details of the currency translation and other reserves forming part of the Group’s consolidated equity and shows the 
movements during the year net of non-controlling interests: 

Balance at 1 January 2017 
Arising in the year through other comprehensive income: 
Fair value losses 
Fair value gains transferred to profit on disposals 
Share of other comprehensive income of joint ventures and associates  
Foreign exchange rate movements1  
Aggregate tax effect – shareholders’ tax 

Total other comprehensive income for the year 
Fair value gains transferred to retained earnings on disposals 
Transfer to profit on disposal of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates 
Changes in non-controlling interests in subsidiaries 
Reserves credit for equity compensation plans 
Shares issued under equity compensation plans 

Balance at 31 December 2017 
Arising in the year through other comprehensive income: 
Fair value gains 
Fair value gains transferred to profit on disposals 
Share of other comprehensive income of joint ventures and associates 
Foreign exchange rate movements1  
Aggregate tax effect – shareholders’ tax 

Total other comprehensive income for the year 
Fair value gains transferred to retained earnings on disposals 
Transfer to profit on disposal of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates  
Changes in non-controlling interests in subsidiaries 
Reserves credit for equity compensation plans 
Shares issued under equity compensation plans 

  Other reserves 

Currency 
translation 
reserve (see 
accounting 
policy E) 
£m 

Owner 
occupied 
properties 
reserve (see 
accounting 
policy P) 
£m 

Investment 
valuation 
reserve (see 
accounting 
policy T) 
£m 

Hedging 
instruments 
reserve (see 
accounting 
policy U) 
£m 

Equity 
compensation 
reserve (see 
accounting 
policy AB) 
£m 

1,146  

28  

59  

(514) 

78  

— 
— 
— 
125  
(4) 

121  
— 
(126) 
— 
— 
— 

(1) 
— 
— 
— 
2  

1  
(2) 
(1) 
— 
— 
— 

(7) 
(2) 
6  
— 
9  

6  
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
(100) 
— 

(100) 
— 
138  
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
77  
(44) 

Total 
£m 

(349) 

(8) 
(2) 
6  
(100) 
11  

(93) 
(2) 
137  
— 
77  
(44) 

1,141  

26  

65  

(476) 

111  

(274) 

— 
— 
— 
27  
1  

28  
— 
(40) 
(7) 
— 
— 

1  
— 
— 
— 
— 

1  
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

57  
(78) 
(10) 
— 
7  

(24) 
— 
(1) 
— 
— 
— 

40  

— 
— 
— 
(27) 
— 

(27) 
— 
37  
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
64  
(55) 

58  
(78) 
(10) 
(27) 
7  

(50) 
— 
36  
— 
64  
(55) 

(466) 

120  

(279) 

Balance at 31 December 2018 

1,122  

27  

1  Foreign exchange rate movements recorded in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income of £5 million (2017: £68 million) relate to the currency translation reserve of £27 million (2017: £125 million), the hedging 

instrument reserve of £(27) million (2017: £(100) million) and non-controlling interests (refer to note 40) of £5 million (2017: £43 million). 

39 – Retained earnings 
This note analyses the movements in the consolidated retained earnings during the year. 

Balance at 1 January 
Profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders 
Remeasurements of pension schemes1 (note 51) 
Dividends and appropriations (note 16) 
Shares purchased in buy-back (note 32) 
Net shares issued under equity compensation plans 
Effect of changes in non-controlling interests in existing subsidiaries 
Forfeited dividend income2  
Transfer from other reserves on disposal of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates (note 38) 
Reclassification of tier 1 notes to financial liabilities (note 36) 
Fair value gains realised from other reserves (note 38) 
Aggregate tax effect 

Balance at 31 December 

 2018 
£m 

4,918  
1,568  
(279) 
(1,189) 
(600) 
49  
1  
4  
— 
— 
— 
51  

4,523  

 2017 
£m 

4,835  
1,497  
(5) 
(1,081) 
(300) 
42  
— 
— 
1  
(92) 
2  
19  

4,918  

1  Net remeasurements of pension schemes recorded in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income of £279 million loss (2017: £5 million loss) includes £280 million of remeasurement losses (2017: £5 million losses) on 

the main pension schemes (refer to note 51) with a small amount of gains in relation to other schemes. 

2   The Group has commenced a shareholder forfeiture programme, where the shares of shareholders with whom Aviva has lost contact over the last 12 years will be forfeited and sold on. Any associated unclaimed dividends will 

be reclaimed by the Group. After covering administration costs, the majority of the money will be put into a charitable foundation. 

The Group’s regulated subsidiaries are required to hold sufficient capital to meet acceptable solvency levels based on applicable local 
regulations. Their ability to transfer retained earnings to the UK parent companies is therefore restricted to the extent these earnings form 
part of local regulatory capital. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
176 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

40 – Non-controlling interests 
This note gives details of the Group’s non-controlling interests and shows the movements during the year. 

Non-controlling interests at 31 December comprised: 

Equity shares in subsidiaries 
Share of earnings 
Share of other reserves 

Preference shares in General Accident plc 

Movements in the year comprised: 

Balance at 1 January 
Profit for the year attributable to non-controlling interests 
Foreign exchange rate movements  
Total comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests 
Capital contributions from non-controlling interests 
Non-controlling interests share of dividends declared in the year 
Changes in non-controlling interests in subsidiaries1  

Balance at 31 December 

 2018 
£m 

288  
415  
13  

716  

250  

966  

 2018 
£m 

1,235  
119  
5  
124  
3  
(90) 
(306) 

966  

 2017 
£m 

423  
288  
274  

985  

250  

1,235  

 2017 
£m 

1,425  
149  
43  
192  
36  
(103) 
(315) 

1,235  

1  Changes in non-controlling interests in 2018 primarily relate to the sale of the Group’s shareholdings in Avipop (Italy), the sale of the life insurance and pension joint ventures Caja Murcia Vida and Caja Granada Vida (Spain) 

and the change in control status of Hong Kong. Refer to note 4 for more information. Changes in non-controlling interests in 2017 primarily relate to Aviva’s sale of its 50% shareholding in Antarius (France), the sale of its 50% 
shareholding in life insurance and pension partnerships Unicorp Vida and Caja España Vida (Spain) and the consolidation of joint venture insurance operations in Poland, effective 1 January 2017, as a result of changes to the 
shareholders’ agreement.  

The Group has no subsidiaries whose non-controlling interest is material on the basis of their share of profit or loss. 

41 – Contract liabilities and associated reinsurance 
The Group’s liabilities for insurance and investment contracts it has sold, and the associated reinsurance, is covered in the following notes: 
•  Note 42 covers insurance liabilities 
•  Note 43 covers the methodology and assumptions used in calculating the insurance liabilities 
•  Note 44 covers liabilities for investment contracts 
•  Note 45 details the financial guarantees and options on certain contracts 
•  Note 46 details the associated reinsurance assets on these liabilities 
•  Note 47 shows the effects of changes in the assumptions on the liabilities 

(a)  Carrying amount 
The following is a summary of the contract liabilities and related reinsurance assets as at 31 December.  

Long-term business 
Insurance liabilities 
Liabilities for participating investment contracts 
Liabilities for non-participating investment contracts 

Outstanding claims provisions 

General insurance and health 
Outstanding claims provisions 
Provisions for claims incurred but not reported 

Provision for unearned premiums 
Provision arising from liability adequacy tests1  

Total 

Less: Amounts classified as held for sale 

Gross 
provisions 
£m 

Reinsurance 
assets 
£m 

2018 

Net 
£m 

Gross 
provisions 
£m 

Reinsurance 
assets 
£m 

2017 

Net 
£m 

(125,829) 
(90,455) 
(120,354) 

(336,638) 
(2,001) 

5,836   (119,993) 
(90,454) 
4,009   (116,345) 

1  

(130,972) 
(87,654) 
(124,995) 

5,469  
2  
6,094  

(125,503) 
(87,652) 
(118,901) 

9,846   (326,792) 
(1,912) 

89  

(343,621) 
(1,798) 

11,565  
64  

(332,056) 
(1,734) 

(338,639) 

9,935   (328,704) 

(345,419) 

11,629  

(333,790) 

(9,046) 
(2,360) 

(11,406) 
(4,946) 
(16) 

789  
822  

1,611  
254  
— 

(8,257) 
(1,538) 

(9,795) 
(4,692) 
(16) 

(8,964) 
(2,837) 

(11,801) 
(4,980) 
(13) 

845  
884  

1,729  
257  
— 

(8,119) 
(1,953) 

(10,072) 
(4,723) 
(13) 

(16,368) 

1,865  

(14,503) 

(16,794) 

1,986  

(14,808) 

(355,007) 

11,800   (343,207) 

(362,213) 

13,615  

(348,598) 

8,462  

(45) 

8,417  

9,577  

(123) 

9,454  

(346,545) 

11,755   (334,790) 

(352,636) 

13,492  

(339,144) 

1  Provision arising from liability adequacy tests relates to general insurance business only. Liability adequacy test provisions for life operations, where applicable, are included in other line items. At 31 December 2018 this 

provision is nil for the life operations. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
177 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

41 – Contract liabilities and associated reinsurance continued 
(b)  Change in contract liabilities, net of reinsurance, recognised as an expense 
The purpose of the following table is to reconcile the change in insurance liabilities, net of reinsurance, shown on the income statement 
(note 7), to the change in insurance liabilities recognised as an expense in the relevant movement tables in the following notes. The 
components of the reconciliation are the change in provision for outstanding claims on long-term business (which is not included in a 
separate movement table), and the unwind of discounting on general insurance reserves (which is included within finance costs in the 
income statement). For general insurance and health, the change in the provision for unearned premiums is not included in the 
reconciliation as, within the income statement, this is included within earned premiums. 

2018 

Long-term business 
Change in insurance liabilities (note 42(b)(iii)) 
Change in provision for outstanding claims 

General insurance and health 
Change in insurance liabilities (note 42(c)(iii) and 46(c)(ii))1  
Less: Unwind of discount 

Total change in insurance liabilities (note 7) 

Gross 
£m 

Reinsurance 
£m 

Net 
£m 

(6,284) 
190  

(6,094) 

(313) 
(8) 

(321) 

(6,415) 

61  
(11) 

50  

111  
8  

119  

169  

(6,223) 
179  

(6,044) 

(202) 
— 

(202) 

(6,246) 

1 

Includes £(190) million in the UK General Insurance and health business relating to a change in the discount rate used for estimating lump sum payments in the settlement of bodily injury claims. 

2017 

Long-term business 
Change in insurance liabilities (note 42(b)(iii)) 
Change in provision for outstanding claims 

General insurance and health 
Change in insurance liabilities (note 42(c)(iii) and 46(c)(ii)) 
Less: Unwind of discount 

Total change in insurance liabilities (note 7) 

Gross 
£m 

Reinsurance 
£m 

624  
(65) 

559  

73  
(9) 

64  

623  

315  
(11) 

304  

138  
9  

147  

451  

Net 
£m 

939  
(76) 

863  

211  
— 

211  

1,074  

For non-participating investment contracts, deposits collected and amounts withdrawn are not shown on the income statement, but are 
accounted for directly through the statement of financial position as an adjustment to the gross liabilities for investment contracts. The 
associated change in investment contract provisions shown on the income statement consists of the attributed investment return. For 
participating investment contracts, the change in investment contract provisions on the income statement primarily consists of the 
movement in participating investment contract liabilities (net of reinsurance) over the reporting period.

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
178 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

42 – Insurance liabilities 
This note analyses the Group’s gross insurance contract liabilities for the long-term and general insurance and health business, describes 
how the Group calculates these liabilities and presents the movement in these liabilities during the year. 

(a)  Carrying amount 
Insurance liabilities (gross of reinsurance) at 31 December comprised:  

Long-term business 
Participating insurance liabilities 
Unit-linked non-participating insurance liabilities 
Other non-participating insurance liabilities 

Outstanding claims provisions 

General insurance and health 
Outstanding claims provisions 
Provision for claims incurred but not reported 

Provision for unearned premiums 
Provision arising from liability adequacy tests1  

Total 

Less: Amounts classified as held for sale 

 2018 
£m 

 2017 
£m 

40,840  
14,480  
70,509  

49,928  
16,040  
65,004  

125,829  
2,001  

130,972  
1,798  

127,830  

132,770  

9,046  
2,360  

11,406  
4,946  
16  

8,964  
2,837  

11,801  
4,980  
13  

16,368  

16,794  

144,198  

149,564  

(121) 

(914) 

144,077  

148,650  

1  Provision arising from liability adequacy tests relates to general insurance business only. Liability adequacy test provisions for life operations, where applicable, are included in other line items. At 31 December 2018 this 

provision is nil for the life operations.  

(b)  Long-term business liabilities 
(i)  Business description 
The Group underwrites long-term business in a number of countries as follows: 
•  In the UK, long-term business is mainly written in the ‘Non-Profit’ fund and in a number of ‘With-Profits’ sub-funds. In the ‘Non-Profit’ fund 
shareholders are entitled to 100% of the distributed profits. In the ‘With-Profits’ sub-funds the with-profits policyholders are entitled to 
between 40% and 100% of distributed profits, depending on the fund rules. There is also the Reattributed Inherited Estate External 
Support Account (RIEESA), which does not itself underwrite any business, but provides capital support to one of the with-profits sub-
funds and receives any surplus or deficit emerging from it. In the RIEESA, shareholders are entitled to 100% of the distributed profits, but 
these cannot be distributed until the ‘lock-in’ criteria set by the Reattribution Scheme have been met 

•  In France, the majority of policyholders’ benefits are determined by investment performance, subject to certain guarantees, and 

shareholders’ profits are derived largely from management fees. In addition, a substantial number of policies participate in investment 
returns, with the balance being attributable to shareholders 

•  In other operations in Europe and Asia, a range of long-term insurance and savings products are written 

(ii)  Group practice 
The long-term business liabilities are calculated separately for each of the Group’s life operations. The provisions for overseas subsidiaries 
have generally been included on the basis of local regulatory requirements, modified where necessary to reflect the requirements of the 
Companies Act 2006. 

Material judgement is required in calculating the liabilities and is exercised particularly through the choice of assumptions where discretion 
is permitted. In turn, the assumptions used depend on the circumstances prevailing in each of the life operations. Provisions are most 
sensitive to assumptions regarding discount rates, mortality and morbidity rates. Where discount rate assumptions are based on current 
market yields on fixed interest securities, allowance is made for default risk implicit in the yields on the underlying assets. 

Bonuses paid during the year are reflected in claims paid, whereas those allocated as part of the bonus declaration are included in the 
movements in the long-term business liabilities. 

A description of the main methodology and most material valuation assumptions can be found in note 43. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
179 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

42 – Insurance liabilities continued 
(iii) Movements 
The following movements have occurred in the gross long-term business liabilities during the year:  

Carrying amount at 1 January 
Liabilities in respect of new business  
Expected change in existing business 
Variance between actual and expected experience 
Impact of operating assumption changes 
Impact of economic assumption changes 
Other movements recognised as an expense1  
Change in liability recognised as an expense (note 41(b)) 
Effect of portfolio transfers, acquisitions and disposals2  
Foreign exchange rate movements 
Other movements3  

Carrying amount at 31 December 

 2018 
£m 

 2017 
£m 

130,972  
6,190  
(7,952) 
(1,844) 
(1,456) 
(959) 
(263) 
(6,284) 
788  
413  
(60) 

137,218  
5,731  
(7,747) 
1,520  
(1,175) 
2,115  
180  
624  
(8,124) 
1,252  
2  

125,829  

130,972  

1  Other movements during 2017 and 2018 primarily relate to a special bonus distribution to with-profits policyholders in the UK. 
2  The movement during 2018 includes the acquisition of Friends First in Ireland offset by the disposal of Spain and Avipop in Italy. The movement during 2017 primarily relates to the disposal of Antarius in France and a major 

share of the business in Spain offset by the consolidation of the Poland and Vietnam joint ventures. 

3  Other movements during 2018 include the reclassification in France from insurance to participating investment contracts (£(56) million). 

For many types of long-term business, including unit-linked and participating insurance liabilities, movements in asset values are offset 
by corresponding changes in liabilities, limiting the net impact on profit. The gross long-term business liabilities decreased by £5.1 billion 
during 2018 (2017: £6.2 billion decrease) mainly driven by the variance between actual and expected experience of £(1.8) billion, which was 
mainly due to adverse equity returns in France and the reduction in with-profits and unit-linked liabilities in the UK; the impact of non-
economic assumption changes of £(1.5) billion mainly due to updates to longevity assumptions (with the impact on profit partially offset by 
a corresponding reduction in reinsurance assets) in the UK; and the economic assumption changes of £(1.0) billion, which reflects an 
increase in valuation interest rates in response to widening credit spreads, primarily in respect of immediate annuity and participating 
insurance contracts in the UK. 

For participating insurance liabilities, a movement in liabilities is generally offset by a corresponding adjustment to the unallocated 
divisible surplus and does not impact profit. Where assumption changes impact profit, these are included in the effect of changes in 
assumptions and estimates during the year (shown in note 47), together with the impact of movements in related non-financial assets. 

(c)  General insurance and health liabilities 
(i)  Business description 
The Group underwrites general insurance and health business in a number of countries as follows: 
•  In the UK, providing individual and corporate customers with a wide range of insurance products 
•  In Canada, providing a range of personal and commercial lines products 
•  In Europe and Asia, providing a range of general insurance and health products 

(ii)  Group practice 
Delays occur in the notification and settlement of claims and a substantial measure of experience and judgement is involved in assessing 
outstanding liabilities, the ultimate cost of which cannot be known with certainty at the statement of financial position date. The liabilities 
for general insurance and health business are based on information currently available. However, it is inherent in the nature of the business 
written that the ultimate liabilities may vary as a result of subsequent developments.  

Provisions for outstanding claims are established to cover the outstanding expected ultimate liability for losses and loss adjustment 
expenses (LAE) in respect of all claims that have already occurred. The provisions established cover reported claims and associated LAE, as 
well as claims incurred but not yet reported and associated LAE. 

The Group only establishes reserves for losses that have already occurred. The Group therefore does not establish catastrophe equalisation 
reserves that defer a share of income in respect of certain lines of business from years in which a catastrophe does not occur to future 
periods in which catastrophes may occur. When calculating reserves, the Group takes into account estimated future recoveries from 
salvage and subrogation, and a separate asset is recorded for expected future recoveries from reinsurers after considering their 
collectability. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
180 

 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

42 – Insurance liabilities continued 
The table below shows the total general insurance and health liabilities split by outstanding claim provisions and provision for claims 
incurred but not reported (IBNR provisions), gross of reinsurance, by major line of business.  

Motor 
Property 
Liability 
Creditor 
Other 

As at 31 
December 
2018 

As at 31 
December  
2017 

Outstanding 
claim 
provisions 
£m 

IBNR 
provisions 
£m 

Total claim 
provisions 
£m 

Outstanding 
claim 
provisions 
£m 

IBNR  
provisions 
£m 

Total claim 
provisions 
£m 

5,019  
1,833  
1,856  
4  
334  

9,046  

963  
104  
1,164  
7  
122  

5,982  
1,937  
3,020  
11  
456  

2,360  

11,406  

5,039  
1,734  
1,814  
24  
353  

8,964  

1,339  
114  
1,270  
11  
103  

2,837  

6,378  
1,848  
3,084  
35  
456  

11,801  

Outstanding claims provisions are based on undiscounted estimates of future claim payments, except for the following classes of business 
for which discounted provisions are held:  

Class 

Reinsured London Market business 
Latent claims  
Structured settlements 

2018 

1.0% to 2.9% 
1.0% to 2.6% 
1.0% to 3.0% 

Discount rate 

2017 

0.7% to 2.6% 
0.7% to 1.9% 
0.5% to 3.0% 

2018 

10 years 
11 to 18 years 
9 to 37 years 

Mean term of liabilities 

2017 

9 years 
8 to 17 years 
7 to 39 years 

The gross outstanding claims provision before discounting was £10,955 million (2017: £11,346 million). The period of time which will elapse 
before the liabilities are settled has been estimated by modelling the settlement patterns of the underlying claims. 

The discount rate that has been applied to latent claims reserves and reinsured London Market business is based on the swap curve in the 
relevant currency having regard to the expected settlement dates of the claims. The range of discount rates used depends on the duration 
of the claims and is given in the table above. The duration of the claims span over 35 years, with the average duration being between 10 and 
18 years depending on the geographical region. 

Any change in discount rates between the start and the end of the accounting period is reflected outside of Group adjusted operating profit 
as an economic assumption change. 

(iii) Movements in general insurance and health claims liabilities 
The following changes have occurred in the general insurance and health claims liabilities during the year:  

Carrying amount at 1 January 
Impact of changes in assumptions1  
Claim losses and expenses incurred in the current year 
Decrease in estimated claim losses and expenses incurred in prior periods 

Incurred claims losses and expenses 
Less: 

Payments made on claims incurred in the current year 
Payments made on claims incurred in prior periods 
Recoveries on claim payments 

Claims payments made in the period, net of recoveries 
Unwind of discounting 

Changes in claims reserve recognised as an expense (note 41(b)) 
Effect of portfolio transfers, acquisitions and disposals2  
Foreign exchange rate movements 

Carrying amount at 31 December 

1  Shown gross of reinsurance. The impact of reinsurance was £23 million, resulting in a net impact of £1 million as per note 47. 
2  The movement during 2018 relates to the disposal of Avipop in Italy. 

(iv)  Movements in general insurance and health unearned premiums 
The following changes have occurred in the liabilities for unearned premiums (UPR) during the year:  

Carrying amount at 1 January 
Premiums written during the year 
Less: Premiums earned during the year 

Changes in UPR recognised as an expense/(income) 
Gross portfolio transfers and acquisitions1  
Foreign exchange rate movements 

Carrying amount at 31 December 

1  The movement during 2018 relates to the disposal of Avipop in Italy. The £46 million in respect of 2017 relates to the full consolidation of the Poland Joint Venture. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
181 

 2018 
£m 

11,801  
(22) 
7,158  
(544) 

 2017 
£m 

11,709  
(7) 
6,890  
(172) 

6,592  

6,711  

(3,927) 
(3,343) 
357  

(6,913) 
8  

(313) 
(29) 
(53) 

(3,642) 
(3,283) 
278  

(6,647) 
9  

73  
3  
16  

11,406  

11,801  

 2018 
£m 

 2017 
£m 

4,980  
10,519  
(10,421) 

4,766  
10,523  
(10,365) 

98  
(103) 
(29) 

158  
46  
10  

4,946  

4,980  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

42 – Insurance liabilities continued 
(v)  Analysis of general insurance and health claims development 
The tables that follow present the development of claims payments and the estimated ultimate cost of claims for the accident years 2009 
to 2018. The upper half of the tables shows the cumulative amounts paid during successive years related to each accident year, while the 
lower section of the tables shows the original estimated ultimate cost of claims and how these original estimates have increased or 
decreased, as more information becomes known about the individual claims and overall claim frequency and severity. 

Key elements of the development of prior accident year general insurance and health net provisions during 2018 were: 
•  £372 million release from the UK due to a change in the discount rate used for estimating lump sum payments in settlement of bodily 

injury claims (for further details see note 43) and favourable claims experience in Personal and Commercial motor 

•  £78 million release from Canada primarily due to favourable claims experience on personal motor and aligning RBC claims practices with 

that of the Aviva book 

•  £127 million release from Europe (including Ireland) mainly due to continued favourable development in France 

Key elements of the development of prior accident year general insurance and health net provisions during 2017 were: 
•  £107 million release from UK due to favourable claims experience in Personal Motor offset by the less favourable experience in 2017 of 

Commercial Liability claims and large claims in Personal and Commercial Property 

•  £2 million strengthening from Canada due to the better than expected claims experience following the 2010 Ontario auto reforms tailing 
off, unfavourable development in the Ontario Accident Benefits coverage in the RBC book in 2017, deterioration of experience in Alberta 
Auto Bodily Injury and Newfoundland Auto Bodily Injury 

•  £79 million release from Europe (including Ireland) mainly due to continued favourable development in France and Italy 

Gross of reinsurance 
Before the effect of reinsurance, the loss development table is:  

All prior 
years 
£m 

2009 
£m 

2010 
£m 

2011 
£m 

2012 
£m 

2013 
£m 

2014 
£m 

2015 
£m 

2016 
£m 

 2017 
£m 

 2018 
£m 

Total 
£m 

Accident year 

Gross cumulative claim payments 

At end of accident year 
One year later 
Two years later 
Three years later 
Four years later 
Five years later 
Six years later 
Seven years later 
Eight years later 
Nine years later 

Estimate of gross ultimate claims 

At end of accident year 
One year later 
Two years later 
Three years later 
Four years later 
Five years later 
Six years later 
Seven years later 
Eight years later 
Nine years later 

Estimate of gross ultimate claims 
Cumulative payments 

Effect of discounting 

Present value 
Cumulative effect of foreign exchange 

movements 

Effect of acquisitions 

Present value recognised in the 

2,388  
(411) 

1,977  

— 
11  

(3,780) 
(5,464) 
(6,102) 
(6,393) 
(6,672) 
(6,836) 
(6,958) 
(7,043) 
(7,078) 
(7,100) 

7,364  
7,297  
7,281  
7,215  
7,204  
7,239  
7,217  
7,256  
7,228  
7,227  
7,227  
(7,100) 

127  
(14) 

113  

— 
(1) 

(3,502) 
(5,466) 
(5,875) 
(6,163) 
(6,405) 
(6,564) 
(6,649) 
(6,690) 
(6,718) 

6,911  
7,006  
6,950  
6,914  
6,912  
6,906  
6,926  
6,913  
6,877  

(3,420) 
(4,765) 
(5,150) 
(5,457) 
(5,712) 
(5,864) 
(5,978) 
(6,032) 

(3,055) 
(4,373) 
(4,812) 
(5,118) 
(5,376) 
(5,556) 
(5,635) 

(3,068) 
(4,476) 
(4,916) 
(5,221) 
(5,467) 
(5,645) 

(3,102) 
(4,295) 
(4,681) 
(4,974) 
(5,244) 

6,428  
6,330  
6,315  
6,292  
6,262  
6,265  
6,265  
6,223  

6,201  
6,028  
6,002  
5,952  
6,002  
5,979  
5,910  

6,122  
6,039  
6,029  
6,067  
6,034  
5,996  

5,896  
5,833  
5,865  
5,842  
5,772  

(2,991) 
(4,285) 
(4,710) 
(4,997) 

(3,534) 
(4,972) 
(5,435) 

(3,517) 
(4,952) 

(3,769) 

5,851  
5,930  
5,912  
5,814  

6,947  
6,931  
6,864  

6,894  
6,796  

7,185  

6,877  
(6,718) 

6,223  
(6,032) 

5,910 
(5,635) 

5,996  
(5,645) 

5, 772  
(5,244) 

5,814  
(4,997) 

6,864  
(5,435) 

6,796  
(4,952) 

7,185  
(3,769) 

159  
(25) 

134  

(1) 
2  

191  
(2) 

189  

2  
12  

275  
— 

275  

6  
15  

351  
(1) 

350  

12  
17  

528  
— 

528  

31  
38  

817  
— 

817  

101  
57  

1,429  
— 

1,429  

1,844  
— 

1,844  

3,416   11,525  
(453) 

— 

3,416   11,072  

(7) 
51  

(12) 
— 

— 
— 

132  
202  

statement of financial position 

1,988  

112  

135  

203  

296  

379  

597  

975  

1,473  

1,832  

3,416   11,406  

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

42 – Insurance liabilities continued 
Net of reinsurance 
After the effect of reinsurance, the loss development table is:  

Accident year 

Net cumulative claim payments 

At end of accident year 
One year later 
Two years later 
Three years later 
Four years later 
Five years later 
Six years later 
Seven years later 
Eight years later 
Nine years later 

Estimate of net ultimate claims 

At end of accident year 
One year later 
Two years later 
Three years later 
Four years later 
Five years later 
Six years later 
Seven years later 
Eight years later 
Nine years later 

Estimate of net ultimate claims 
Cumulative payments 

Effect of discounting 

Present value 
Cumulative effect of foreign exchange 

movements 

Effect of acquisitions 

Present value recognised in the 

statement of financial position 

All prior 
years 
£m 

2009 
£m 

2010 
£m 

2011 
£m 

2012 
£m 

2013 
£m 

2014 
£m 

2015 
£m 

2016 
£m 

 2017 
£m 

 2018 
£m 

Total 
£m 

(3,650) 
(5,286) 
(5,885) 
(6,177) 
(6,410) 
(6,568) 
(6,657) 
(6,708) 
(6,744) 
(6,771) 

7,115  
7,067  
7,036  
6,978  
6,940  
6,977  
6,908  
6,897  
6,896  
6,901  
6,901 
(6,771) 

130  
(12) 

118  

— 
(1) 

907  
(157) 

750  

— 
12  

(3,386) 
(5,242) 
(5,637) 
(5,905) 
(6,137) 
(6,278) 
(6,361) 
(6,411) 
(6,440) 

6,650  
6,751  
6,685  
6,644  
6,634  
6,614  
6,624  
6,615  
6,590  

(3,300) 
(4,578) 
(4,963) 
(5,263) 
(5,485) 
(5,626) 
(5,740) 
(5,798) 

(2,925) 
(4,166) 
(4,575) 
(4,870) 
(5,110) 
(5,289) 
(5,371) 

(2,905) 
(4,240) 
(4,649) 
(4,918) 
(5,159) 
(5,324) 

(2,972) 
(4,079) 
(4,432) 
(4,720) 
(4,973) 

6,202  
6,103  
6,095  
6,077  
6,034  
6,005  
6,003  
5,967  

5,941  
5,765  
5,728  
5,683  
5,717  
5,680  
5,631  

5,838  
5,745  
5,752  
5,733  
5,689  
5,653  

5,613  
5,575  
5,591  
5,559  
5,490  

(2,867) 
(4,061) 
(4,452) 
(4,725) 

(3,309) 
(4,591) 
(5,012) 

(3,483) 
(4,843) 

(3,718) 

5,548  
5,635  
5,608  
5,517  

6,489  
6,458  
6,377  

6,714  
6,591  

6,997  

6,590 
(6,440) 

5,967  
(5,798) 

5,631  
(5,371) 

5,653  
(5,324) 

5,490  
(4,973) 

5,517  
(4,725) 

6,377  
(5,012) 

6,591  
(4,843) 

6,997  
(3,718) 

150  
(21) 

129  

(1) 
2  

169  
3  

172  

1  
12  

260  
— 

260  

6  
15  

329  
4  

333  

11  
17  

517  
— 

517  

30  
39  

792  
— 

792  

99  
57  

1,365  
— 

1,748  
— 

3,279  
— 

9,646  
(183) 

1,365  

1,748  

3,279  

9,463  

(6) 
51  

(12) 
— 

— 
— 

128  
204  

762  

117  

130  

185  

281  

361  

586  

948  

1,410  

1,736  

3,279  

9,795  

In the loss development tables shown above, the cumulative claim payments and estimates of cumulative claims for each accident year are 
translated into sterling at the exchange rates that applied at the end of that accident year. The impact of using varying exchange rates is 
shown at the bottom of each table. Disposals are dealt with by treating all outstanding and IBNR claims of the disposed entity as ‘paid’ at 
the date of disposal. 

The loss development tables above include information on asbestos and environmental pollution claims provisions from business written 
before 2008. The undiscounted claim provisions, net of reinsurance, in respect of this business at 31 December 2018 were £94 million (2017: 
£95 million). The movement in the year reflects a reduction of £6 million due to favourable claims development, claim payments net of 
reinsurance recoveries and foreign exchange movements.

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
183 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

43 – Insurance liabilities methodology and assumptions  
(a)  Long-term business 
The main method used for the actuarial valuation of long-term insurance liabilities is the gross premium method which involves the 
discounting of projected future cash flows. The cash flows are calculated using the contractual premiums payable together with explicit 
assumptions for investment returns, discount rates, inflation, mortality, morbidity, persistency and future expenses. These assumptions can 
vary by contract type and reflect current and expected future experience with an allowance for prudence. 

The methodology and assumptions described below relate to the UK and France insurance businesses only.  

(i)  UK 
Non-profit business  
The valuation of non-profit business is based on grandfathered regulatory requirements under IFRS 4 prior to the adoption of Solvency II, 
adjusted to remove certain regulatory reserves and margins in assumptions, notably for annuity business. Conventional non-profit 
contracts, including those written in the with-profits funds, are valued using the gross premium method.	For non-profit business in the ex. 
Friends Life with-profits funds, the liabilities are measured on a realistic basis with implicit recognition of the present value of future profits. 

For unit-linked and some unitised with-profits business, the provisions are valued by adding a prospective non-unit reserve to the bid value 
of units. The prospective non-unit reserve is calculated by projecting the future non-unit cash flows using prudent assumptions and on the 
assumption that future premiums cease, unless it is more onerous to assume that they continue. 

Discount rates 
Valuation discount rate assumptions are set with regard to yields on the supporting assets and the general level of long-term interest rates 
as measured by gilt yields. An explicit allowance for risk is included by making an explicit deduction from the yields on corporate bonds, 
mortgages and deposits, based on historical default experience of each asset class. For equity release assets, the risk allowances are 
consistent with those used in the fair value asset methodology, as described in note 23. A further margin for risk is then deducted for all 
asset classes. 

Valuation discount rates for business in the non-profit funds are as follows: 

Valuation discount rates 
(Gross of investment expenses) 

Assurances 

Life conventional non-profit 
Pensions conventional non-profit 

Annuities  

Conventional immediate and deferred annuities 

Non-unit reserves on unit-linked business 

Life 
Pensions 

Income Protection 

Active lives 
Claims in payment (level and index linked) 

2018 

2017 

0.9% to 2.6% 
1.1% to 2.1% 

0.8% to 2.5% 
1.0% to 2.4% 

1.2% to 3.0% 

1.0% to 2.8% 

0.9% to 1.3% 
0.9% to 1.6% 

0.8% to 1.2% 
0.8% to 1.5% 

1.1% to 2.6% 
1.3% to 1.6% 

1.0% to 2.5% 
1.0% to 1.5% 

The valuation discount rates are after a reduction for risk, but before allowance for investment expenses. For conventional immediate 
annuity business, the allowance for risk comprises long-term assumptions on a prudent basis for defaults or (in the case of equity release 
assets) expected losses arising from the No-Negative-Equity Guarantee. These allowances vary by asset category and for some asset classes 
by rating. 

The risk allowances made for corporate bonds, mortgages (including healthcare mortgages, commercial mortgages and infrastructure 
assets), and equity release equated to 50 bps, 39-41 bps, and 112 bps respectively at 31 December 2018 (2017: 47-48 bps, 33- 40 bps, and 102 
bps respectively).  

The total valuation allowance in respect of corporate bonds and mortgages, including healthcare mortgages but excluding equity release, 
was £1.9 billion (2017: £1.8 billion) over the remaining term of the portfolio at 31 December 2018. The total valuation allowance in respect of 
equity release assets was £1.3 billion at 31 December 2018 (2017: £1.2 billion). Total liabilities for the annuity business were £53.7 billion at 
31 December 2018 (2017: £52.0 billion). 

Expenses 
Maintenance expense assumptions for non-profit business are generally expressed as a ‘per policy’ charge set with regards to an allocation 
of current year expense levels by broad category of business and using the policy counts for in-force business. The assumptions also 
include an allowance for prudence and increase by future expense inflation over the lifetime of each contract. Expense inflation is assumed 
to be in line with RPI, and in line with external agreements for business administered externally. An additional liability is held if projected 
per-policy expenses in future years are expected to exceed current assumptions. Further, explicit project expense liabilities are held for non-
discretionary project costs that typically relate to mandatory requirements. Expense-related liabilities are only held where expenses are not 
covered by anticipated future profits in the liability methodology, notably for unit-linked contracts. Investment expense assumptions are 
generally expressed as a proportion of the assets backing the liabilities. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

43 – Insurance liabilities methodology and assumptions continued 
Mortality 
Mortality assumptions for non-profit business are set with regard to recent Company experience and general industry trends. The mortality 
tables used in the valuation are summarised below: 

Mortality tables used 

Assurances 
Non-profit 

Pure endowments and deferred annuities before vesting 
Annuities in payment 
Pensions business and general annuity business 

Bulk purchase annuities 

2018 

2017 

AM00/AF00 or TM08/TF08 adjusted 
for smoker status and age/sex 
specific factors 

AM00/AF00 or TM00/TF00 adjusted  
for smoker status and age/sex 
specific factors 

AM00/AF00 adjusted 

AM00/AF00 adjusted 

PMA08 HAMWP/PFA08 HAMWP 
adjusted plus allowance for future 
mortality improvement 
CV2 

PCMA00/PCFA00 adjusted plus 
allowance for future mortality 
improvement 
PCMA00/PCFA00/CV2 

For the largest portfolio of pensions annuity business, the underlying mortality assumptions for males are 105.8% of PMA08 HAMWP 
adjusted (2017: 104.0% of PCMA00 adjusted) with base year 2008; for females the underlying mortality assumptions are 99.0% of PFA08 
HAMWP adjusted (2017: 94.5% of PCFA00 adjusted) with base year 2008.  

Improvements are based on ‘CMI_2017 (S=7.5) Advanced with adjustments’ (2017: ‘CMI_2016 (S=7.5) Advanced with adjustments’) with a 
long-term improvement rate of 1.75% (2017: 1.75%) for males and 1.5% (2017: 1.5%) for females, both with an additional improvement for 
prudence of 0.5% (2017: 0.5%) to all future annual improvement adjustments. The CMI_2017 tables have been adjusted by adding 0.25% 
(2017: 0.25%) and 0.35% (2017: 0.35%) to the initial rate of mortality improvements for males and females respectively (to allow for greater 
mortality improvements in the annuitant population relative to the general population on which CMI_2017 is based), and uses the 
advanced parameters to taper the long-term improvement rates to zero between ages 90 and 115 (the ‘core’ parameters taper the long-
term improvement rates to zero between ages 85 and 110). In addition, on a significant proportion of individual annuity business, year-
specific adjustments are made to allow for potential selection effects due to the development of the Enhanced Annuity market and 
covering possible selection effects from pension freedom reforms. 

With-profits business 
The Group’s UK with-profits funds are evaluated by reference to FRS 27, which was grandfathered under IFRS 4, prior to the adoption of 
Solvency II. This uses an approach of calculating the realistic liabilities for the contracts. The realistic liabilities include the with-profits 
benefit reserve (WPBR), and an additional provision for the expected cost of any guarantees and options in excess of the WPBR. 

The WPBR for an individual contract is generally calculated on a retrospective basis, and represents the accumulation of the premiums paid 
on the contract, allowing for investment return, taxation, expenses and any other charges levied on the contract. 

Provisions for guarantees and options within realistic liabilities are measured using market-consistent stochastic models. A stochastic 
approach includes measuring the time value of guarantees and options, which represents the additional cost arising from uncertainty 
surrounding future economic conditions. Non-market-related assumptions (for example, persistency, mortality and expenses) are assessed 
on a best estimate basis with reference to Company and wider industry experience, adjusted to take into account future trends. 

The with-profits business is valued by adjusting Solvency II Best Estimate Liabilities and results in a valuation in accordance with FRS 27. 

Future investment return 
A ‘risk-free’ rate equal to the spot yield on UK swaps is used for the valuation of with-profits business. The rates vary according to the 
outstanding term of the policy, with a typical rate as at 31 December 2018 of 1.44% (2017: 1.29%) for a policy with ten years outstanding. 

Volatility of investment return 
Volatility assumptions are set with reference to implied volatility data on traded market instruments, where available, or on a best estimate 
basis where not. 

Volatility 

Equity returns 
Property returns 

2018 

2017 

18.0% 
15.8% 

20.9% 
16.4% 

The equity volatility used depends on term, money-ness and region. The figure shown is for a sample UK equity, at the money, with a ten-
year term. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
185 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

43 – Insurance liabilities methodology and assumptions continued 
Future regular bonuses 
Annual bonus assumptions for 2019 have been set consistently with the year-end 2018 declaration. Future annual bonus rates reflect 
the principles and practices of each fund. In particular, the level is set with regard to the projected margin for final bonus and the change 
from one year to the next is limited to a level consistent with past practice. 

Mortality 
Mortality assumptions for with-profits business are set with regard to recent Company experience and general industry trends. 
The mortality tables used in the valuation are summarised below: 

Mortality table used 

2018 

2017 

Assurances, pure endowments and deferred annuities before vesting 

Nil or Axx00 adjusted 

Nil or Axx00 adjusted 

Pensions business after vesting and pensions annuities in payment 

PMA08 HAMWP/PFA08 HAMWP 
adjusted plus allowance for future 
mortality improvement 

PCMA00/PCFA00 adjusted plus 
allowance for future mortality 
improvement 

Allowance for future mortality improvement is in line with the rates for non-profit business. 

Expenses 
Maintenance expense assumptions for with-profits business are generally expressed as a fixed ‘per policy’ charge in line with agreements 
between Aviva Life Services UK Limited (UKLS) and Aviva Life & Pensions UK Limited (AVLAP). The assumptions increase by a future inflation 
charge over the lifetime of each contract, which is 50% RPI, 100% RPI or 100% RPI + 1% depending on product type. Any excess of expenses 
charged by UKLS to AVLAP over the charges specified by the agreements is borne by the non-profit business. 

Guarantees and options 
The provisions held in respect of guaranteed annuity options for the with-profits and the non-profit business are a prudent assessment of 
the additional liability incurred under the option on a basis and method consistent with that used to value basic policy liabilities, and 
includes a prudent assessment of the proportion of policyholders who will choose to exercise the option. For further details see note 45. 

(ii)  France 
The majority of reserves arise from single premium savings products and are based on the accumulated fund values, adjusted to maintain 
consistency with the value of the assets backing the policyholder liabilities. For traditional business, the net premium method is used for 
prospective valuations, in accordance with local regulation, where the valuation assumptions depend on the date of issue of the contract. 
The valuation discount rate also depends on the original duration of the contract and mortality rates are based on industry tables. 

Life assurances 
Annuities 

Valuation discount rates 

Mortality tables used 

2018 

2017  

2018 and 2017 

  TD73-77,TD88-90,TH00-02 
TF00-02, 
H_AVDBS,F_AVDBS 
H_SSDBS, F_SSDBS 
TGF05/TGH05 

0% to 4.5% 
0% to 2% 

0% to 4.5% 
0% to 2% 

(b)  General insurance and health 
Outstanding claims provisions are estimated based on known facts at the date of estimation. Case estimates are set by skilled claims 
technicians and established case setting procedures. Claims above certain limits are referred to senior claims handlers for estimate 
authorisation. 

No adjustments are made to the claims technicians’ case estimates included in booked claim provisions, except for rare occasions when 
the estimated ultimate cost of individual large or unusual claims may be adjusted, subject to internal reserve committee approval, to allow 
for uncertainty regarding, for example, the outcome of a court case. The ultimate cost of outstanding claims is then estimated by using a 
range of standard actuarial claims projection techniques, such as the Chain Ladder and Bornhuetter-Ferguson methods. Historical claims 
development is mainly analysed by accident period, although underwriting or notification period is also used where this is considered 
appropriate. 

The assumptions used in most non-life actuarial projection techniques, including future rates of claims inflation or loss ratio assumptions, 
are implicit in the historical claims development data on which the projections are based. Additional qualitative judgement is used to 
assess the extent to which past trends may not apply in the future in order to arrive at a point estimate for the ultimate cost of claims that 
represents the likely outcome, from a range of possible outcomes, taking account of all the uncertainties involved. The range of possible 
outcomes does not, however, result in the quantification of a reserve range. The following explicit assumptions are made which could 
materially impact the level of booked net reserves: 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
186 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

43 – Insurance liabilities methodology and assumptions continued 
UK mesothelioma claims 
The level of uncertainty associated with latent claims is considerable due to the relatively small number of claims and the long-tail nature 
of the liabilities. UK mesothelioma claims account for a large proportion of the Group’s latent claims. The key assumptions underlying the 
estimation of these claims include claim numbers, the base average cost per claim, future inflation in the average cost of claims and legal 
fees. 

The best estimate of the liabilities reflects the latest available market information and studies. Many different scenarios can be derived by 
flexing these key assumptions and applying different combinations of these assumptions. An upper and lower scenario can be derived by 
making reasonably likely changes to these assumptions, resulting in an estimate of £20 million (2017: £35 million) greater than the best 
estimate, or £30 million (2017: £40 million) lower than the best estimate. These scenarios do not, however, constitute an upper or lower 
bound on these liabilities. 

Interest rates used to discount latent claim liabilities and structured settlements 
The discount rates used in determining our latent claim liabilities and structured settlements are based on the swap curve in the relevant 
currency at the reporting date, having regard to the duration of the expected settlement of claims. The range of discount rates used (for 
further details see note 42(c)(ii)) depends on the duration of the claim and the reporting date. At 31 December 2018, it is estimated that 
a 1% fall in the discount rates used would increase net claim reserves by approximately £104 million (2017: £110 million), excluding the 
offsetting effect on asset values as assets are not hypothecated across classes of business. 

Allowance for risk and uncertainty 
The uncertainties involved in estimating loss reserves are allowed for in the reserving process and by the estimation of explicit reserve 
uncertainty distributions. The reserve estimation basis requires all non-life businesses to calculate booked claim provisions as the best 
estimate of the cost of future claim payments, plus an explicit allowance for risk and uncertainty. The allowance for risk and uncertainty is 
calculated by each business unit in accordance with the requirements of the Group non-life reserving policy, taking into account the risks 
and uncertainties specific to each line of business and type of claim in that territory. The requirements of the Group non-life reserving policy 
also seek to ensure that the allowance for risk and uncertainty is set consistently across both business units and reporting periods. 

Lump sum payments in settlement of bodily injury claims that are decided by the UK courts are calculated in accordance with the Ogden 
Tables and discount rate. The Ogden discount rate is set by the Lord Chancellor and is applied when calculating the present value of future 
care costs and loss of earnings for claims settlement purposes. Following the announcement by the Ministry of Justice on 27 February 2017 
to decrease the Ogden rate from 2.75% to -0.75%, balance sheet reserves have been calculated using a rate of -0.75%. On 20 March 2018, 
the Government announced that it will introduce the Civil Liability Bill (the Bill), which includes provisions to amend the discount rate. In 
December 2018 the Bill became an Act of Parliament, meaning that a new Ogden discount rate will be set by the Lord Chancellor in 2019. 

Based upon this, there is certainty that there will be a change in the Ogden rate in 2019, but uncertainty remains around the amount and 
timing of the final rate. At December 2018, the claim reserves in the UK have been calculated using a discount rate of 0.00% (2017: -0.75%) 
resulting in a release of £190 million, though the rate to be announced by the Lord Chancellor later this year may result in a different 
discount rate. By way of illustration, should the Ogden discount rate announced in the future be 0.50% then this would be expected to 
reduce reserves by approximately £80 million with an equivalent positive impact on profit before tax. Alternatively, should the Ogden 
discount rate announced in the future be -0.50% then this would be expected to increase reserves by approximately £110 million with an 
equivalent negative impact on profit before tax. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

44 – Liabilities for investment contracts 
This note analyses our gross liabilities for investment contracts by type of product and describes the calculation of these liabilities. 

(a)  Carrying amount  
The liabilities for investment contracts (gross of reinsurance) at 31 December comprised: 

Long-term business 
Liabilities for participating investment contracts 
Liabilities for non-participating investment contracts 

Total 

Less: Amounts classified as held for sale 

 2018 
£m 

 2017 
£m 

90,455  
120,354  

87,654  
124,995  

210,809  

212,649  

(8,341) 

(8,663) 

202,468  

203,986  

(b)  Group practice 
Investment contracts are those that do not transfer significant insurance risk from the contract holder to the issuer, and are therefore 
treated as financial instruments under IFRS. 

Many investment contracts contain a discretionary participation feature in which the contract holder has a contractual right to receive 
additional benefits as a supplement to guaranteed benefits. These are referred to as participating contracts and are measured according 
to the methodology for long-term business liabilities as described in note 43. They are not measured at fair value as there is currently no 
agreed definition of fair valuation for discretionary participation features under IFRS. In the absence of such a definition, it is not possible 
to provide a range of estimates within which a fair value is likely to fall. The IASB deferred consideration of participating contracts to the 
IFRS 17 insurance standard, which is expected to be implemented on 1 January 2022. 

For participating business, the discretionary participation feature is recognised separately from the guaranteed element and is classified as 
a liability, referred to as unallocated divisible surplus, except for the with-profits sub-fund supported by the RIEESA. Guarantees on long-
term investment products are discussed in note 45. 

Investment contracts that do not contain a discretionary participation feature are referred to as non-participating contracts and the liability 
is measured at either fair value or amortised cost. We currently have no non-participating investment contracts measured at amortised 
cost. 

Of the non-participating investment contracts measured at fair value, £119,402 million at 31 December 2018 (2017: £123,916 million) are 
unit-linked in structure and the fair value liability is equal to the current unit fund value, including any unfunded units, plus if required, 
additional non-unit reserves based on a discounted cash flow analysis. These contracts are generally classified as ‘Level 1’ in the fair value 
hierarchy, as the unit reserve is calculated as the publicly quoted unit price multiplied by the number of units in issue, and any non-unit 
reserve is insignificant. 

For unit-linked business, a deferred acquisition cost asset and deferred income reserve liability are recognised in respect of transaction 
costs and front-end fees respectively, that relate to the provision of investment management services, and which are amortised on a 
systematic basis over the contract term. The amount of the related deferred acquisition cost asset is shown in note 29 and the deferred 
income liability is shown in note 54. 

For non-participating investment contracts acquired in a business combination, an acquired value of in-force business asset is recognised 
in respect of the fair value of the investment management services component of the contracts, which is amortised on a systematic basis 
over the useful lifetime of the related contracts. The amount of the acquired value of in-force business asset is shown in note 18, which 
relates primarily to the acquisition of Friends Life in 2015 and Friends First in 2018. 

(c)  Movements in the year 
The following movements have occurred in the gross provisions for investment contracts in the year: 

(i)  Participating investment contracts  

Carrying amount at 1 January 
Liabilities in respect of new business 
Expected change in existing business 
Variance between actual and expected experience 
Impact of operating assumption changes 
Impact of economic assumption changes 
Other movements recognised as an expense1  
Change in liability recognised as an expense2  
Effect of portfolio transfers, acquisitions and disposals3  
Foreign exchange rate movements 
Other movements4  
Carrying amount at 31 December 

 2018 
£m 

87,654  
6,301  
(4,491) 
(1,441) 
59  
(40) 
152  
540  
427  
774  
1,060  

 2017 
£m 

89,739  
5,193  
(4,986) 
2,072  
10  
411  
(16) 
2,684  
(7,243) 
2,452  
22  

90,455  

87,654  

1  Other movements during 2018 and 2017 primarily relate to a special bonus distribution to with-profits policyholders in UK Life.  
2  Total interest expense for participating investment contracts recognised in profit or loss is £(419) million (2017: £2,489 million). 
3  The movement during 2018 relates to the acquisition of Friends First in Ireland. The movement during 2017 relates to the disposal of Antarius in France. 
4  The movement during 2018 relates to the reclassification in France from non- participating investment contracts to participating investment contracts (£151m) and from insurance to participating investment contracts (£56m) 

and to a reclassification from non-participating investment contracts to participating investment contracts in the UK (£853m). 

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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

44 – Liabilities for investment contracts continued 
For many types of long-term business, including unit-linked and participating funds, movements in asset values are offset by corresponding 
changes in liabilities, limiting the net impact on profit. 

The variance between actual and expected experience in 2018 of £(1.4) billion is primarily driven by adverse equity returns in the UK and 
France. 

The impact of assumption changes in the analysis shows the resulting movement in the carrying value of participating investment contract 
liabilities. For participating business, a movement in liabilities is generally offset by a corresponding adjustment to the unallocated divisible 
surplus and does not impact profit. Where assumption changes do impact profit, these are included in the effect of changes in assumptions 
and estimates during the year shown in note 47, together with the impact of movements in related non-financial assets. 

(ii)  Non-participating investment contracts 

Carrying amount at 1 January 
Liabilities in respect of new business 
Expected change in existing business 
Variance between actual and expected experience 
Impact of operating assumption changes 
Impact of economic assumption changes 
Other movements recognised as an expense 
Change in liability  
Effect of portfolio transfers, acquisitions and disposals1  
Foreign exchange rate movements 
Other movements2  

Carrying amount at 31 December 

 2018 
£m 

 2017 
£m 

124,995  
4,869  
(5,509) 
(5,539) 
(10) 
(81) 
6  
(6,264) 
2,494  
133  
(1,004) 

114,531  
4,484  
(4,427) 
10,115  
2  
(1) 
10  
10,183  
(4) 
277  
8  

120,354  

124,995  

1  The movement during 2018 relates to the acquisition of Friends First in Ireland. The movement during 2017 relates to the disposal of Antarius in France. 
2  The movement during 2018 relates to the reclassification in France from non- participating investment contracts to participating investment contracts (£(151)m) and to a reclassification from non-participating investment 

contracts to participating investment contracts in the UK (£(853)m). 

For unit-linked investment contracts, movements in asset values are offset by corresponding changes in liabilities, limiting the net impact 
on profit. The variance between actual and expected experience in 2018 of £(5.5) billion is primarily driven by the impact of negative equity 
returns in the UK and Ireland. 

The impact of assumption changes in the above analysis shows the resulting movement in the carrying value of non-participating 
investment contract liabilities. The impacts of assumption changes on profit are included in the effect of changes in assumptions and 
estimates during the year shown in note 47, which combines participating and non-participating investment contracts together with the 
impact of movements in related non-financial assets. 

45 – Financial guarantees and options 
This note details the financial guarantees and options inherent in some of our insurance and investment contracts. 

As a part of their operating activities, various Group companies have provided guarantees and options, including investment return 
guarantees, on certain long-term insurance and fund management products. 

(a)  UK non-profit business 
The Group’s UK non-profit funds are evaluated by reference to statutory reserving rules, which are based on the UK regulatory requirements 
(grandfathered under IFRS 4), prior to the adoption of Solvency II, adjusted to remove certain regulatory reserves and margins in 
assumptions, notably for annuity business. 

(i)  Guaranteed annuity options 
The Group’s UK non-profit funds have written contracts which contain guaranteed annuity rate options (GAOs), where the policyholder 
has the option to take the benefits from a policy in the form of an annuity based on guaranteed conversion rates. Provision for these 
guarantees do not materially differ from a provision based on a market-consistent stochastic model, and amounts to £87 million at 
31 December 2018 (2017: £100 million). 

(ii)  Guaranteed unit price on certain products 
Certain pension products linked to long-term life insurance funds provide policyholders with guaranteed benefits at retirement or death. 
No additional provision is made for this guarantee as the investment management strategy for these funds is designed to ensure that the 
guarantee can be met from the fund, mitigating the impact of large falls in investment values and interest rates. 

(iii) Return of Premium guarantees 
German pension products sold in Friends Life between 2006 and 2014 are subject to a Return of Premium guarantee whereby the product 
guarantees to return the maximum of the unit fund value or total premiums paid (before deductions). Provisions for this guarantee are 
calculated using a market-consistent stochastic model and amount to £153 million at 31 December 2018 (2017: £132 million). 

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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

45 – Financial guarantees and options continued 
(b)  UK with-profits business 
The Group’s UK with-profits liabilities are evaluated by reference to FRS 27, which was grandfathered under IFRS 4, prior to the adoption of 
Solvency II. Under the PRA’s rules, provision for guarantees and options within realistic liabilities are measured using market-consistent 
stochastic models. A stochastic approach includes measuring the time value of guarantees and options, which represents the additional 
cost arising from uncertainty surrounding future economic conditions. 

The material guarantees and options relating to this provision are: 

(i)  Maturity value and death benefit guarantees 
Significant conventional and unitised with-profits business have minimum maturity (and in some cases death benefit) values reflecting the 
sum assured plus declared annual bonus. In addition, maturity value guarantees are offered on certain unit-linked products. For some 
unitised with-profits life contracts the amount paid after the fifth policy anniversary is guaranteed to be at least as high as the premium 
paid increased in line with the rise in RPI or CPI. 

(ii)  No market valuation reduction (MVR) guarantees 
For unitised business, there are circumstances where a ‘no MVR’ guarantee is applied, for example on certain policy anniversaries, 
guaranteeing that no market value reduction will be applied to reflect the difference between the accumulated value of units and the 
market value of the underlying assets. 

(iii) Guaranteed annuity options 
The Group’s UK with-profits funds have written individual and group pension contracts which contain GAOs, where the policyholder has the 
option to take the benefits from a policy in the form of an annuity based on guaranteed conversion rates. The Group also has exposure to 
GAOs and similar options on deferred annuities. 

Realistic liabilities for GAOs in the UK with-profits funds were £1,644 million at 31 December 2018 (2017: £2,186 million). With the exception 
of the with-profits sub-fund supported by the RIEESA, movements in the realistic liabilities in the with-profits funds are offset by a 
corresponding movement in the unallocated divisible surplus, with no net impact on IFRS profit. Realistic liabilities for GAOs in the with-
profits sub-fund supported by the RIEESA were £155 million at 31 December 2018 (2017: £206 million). 

(iv) Guaranteed minimum pension 
The Group’s UK with-profits funds also have certain policies that contain a guaranteed minimum level of pension as part of the condition of 
the original transfer from state benefits to the policy. 

(v)  Guaranteed minimum maturity payments on mortgage endowments 
The with-profits funds made promises to certain policyholders in relation to their with-profits mortgage endowments. Top-up payments 
will be made on these policies at maturity to meet the mortgage value up to a maximum of the 31 December 1999 illustrated shortfall. 

(c)  Overseas life businesses 
In addition to guarantees written in the Group’s UK businesses, our overseas businesses have also written contracts containing guarantees 
and options. Details of the significant guarantees and options provided by overseas life businesses are set out below. 

(i)  France 
Guaranteed surrender value, guaranteed minimum bonuses and options 
Aviva France has written a number of contracts with a guaranteed surrender value and guaranteed minimum bonuses. The guaranteed 
surrender value is the accumulated value of the contract including accrued bonuses. Bonuses are based on accounting income from 
amortised bond portfolios, where the duration of bond portfolios is set in relation to the expected duration of the policies, plus income and 
releases from realised gains on equity-type investments. Policy reserves are equal to guaranteed surrender values. Local statutory 
accounting envisages the establishment of a reserve, ‘Provision pour Aléas Financiers’ (PAF), when accounting income is less than 125% of 
guaranteed minimum credited returns. No PAF was established at full year 2018 (2017: no PAF was established). 

The most significant of these contracts is the AFER Eurofund which has total liabilities of £39 billion at 31 December 2018 (2017: £38 billion). 
The guaranteed minimum bonus is agreed between Aviva France and the AFER association at the end of each year, in respect of the 
following year. The bonus was 2.25% for 2018 (2017: 2.40%) compared with an accounting income from the fund of 2.74% (2017: 2.89%). 

Non-AFER contracts with guaranteed surrender values had liabilities of £11 billion at 31 December 2018 (2017: £11 billion) and all 
guaranteed annual bonus rates are between 0% and 4.5% (2017: 0% to 4.5%). For non-AFER business the accounting income return 
exceeded guaranteed bonus rates in 2018 (2017: the accounting income return exceeded guaranteed bonus rates). 

In addition, there are a small proportion of contracts with a switch-loss option. Consistent with previous years, the risks associated with 
switch-loss options are allowed for in the liabilities in accordance with local regulations and IFRS 4.  

Guaranteed death and maturity benefits 
The Group has also sold a small proportion of unit-linked policies where the death and/or maturity benefit is guaranteed to be at least 
equal to the premiums paid. The reserve held in the Group’s consolidated statement of financial position is calculated on a prudent basis 
and is in excess of the economic liability.   

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

45 – Financial guarantees and options continued 
(ii)  Italy  
Guaranteed investment returns and guaranteed surrender values  
The Group has written contracts containing guaranteed investment returns and guaranteed surrender values in Italy. Liabilities are 
generally taken as the face value of the contract plus, if required, an explicit provision for guarantees calculated in accordance with local 
regulations and IFRS 4. 

(iii) Ireland  
Guaranteed annuity options and guaranteed maturity values  
As in the UK, the Group’s with-profits liabilities in Ireland are measured on a realistic basis, including realistic liabilities for guarantees and 
options. Guarantees and options in Ireland include GAOs, minimum maturity values on conventional with-profits business, guaranteed 
minimum bonus rates on unitised with profits business, and a ‘no MVR’ guarantee that may apply at certain policy anniversaries.  

46 – Reinsurance assets 
This note details the reinsurance assets on our insurance and investment contract liabilities.  

(a)  Carrying amount 
The reinsurance assets at 31 December comprised:  

Long-term business 
Insurance contracts 
Participating investment contracts 
Non-participating investment contracts1  

Outstanding claims provisions 

General insurance and health 
Outstanding claims provisions 
Provisions for claims incurred but not reported 

Provisions for unearned premiums 

Less: Amounts classified as held for sale 

Total 

 2018 
£m 

 2017 
£m 

5,836  
1  
4,009  

9,846  
89  

9,935  

789  
822  

1,611  
254  

1,865  

5,469  
2  
6,094  

11,565  
64  

11,629  

845  
884  

1,729  
257  

1,986  

11,800  
(45) 

13,615  
(123) 

11,755  

13,492  

1  Balances in respect of all reinsurance treaties are included under reinsurance assets, regardless of whether they transfer significant insurance risk. The reinsurance assets classified as non-participating investment contracts 

are financial instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss. During 2018, £3,840 million of reinsurance assets have been reclassified as collective investments in unit-linked funds following a restructure of a 
reinsurance treaty in UK Life. This is a continuation of activity undertaken in 2017 (£14,353 million).  

Of the above total, £10,800 million (2017: £12,302 million) is expected to be recovered more than one year after this statement of financial 
position. 

(b)  Assumptions 
The assumptions, including discount rates, used for reinsurance contracts follow those used for insurance liabilities. Reinsurance assets are 
valued net of an allowance for recoverability. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

46 – Reinsurance assets continued 
(c)  Movements 
The following movements have occurred in the reinsurance assets during the year:  

(i)  Long-term business liabilities 

Carrying amount at 1 January 
Assets in respect of new business 
Expected change in existing business assets 
Variance between actual and expected experience 
Impact of non-economic assumption changes 
Impact of economic assumption changes 
Other movements1  
Change in assets2  
Effect of portfolio transfers, acquisitions and disposals3  
Foreign exchange rate movements 

Carrying amount at 31 December 

 2018 
£m 

11,565  
1,766  
(22) 
431  
(460) 
21  
(3,877) 

(2,141) 
399  
23  

 2017 
£m 

24,554  
1,004  
(786) 
2,264  
(634) 
94  
(14,529) 

(12,587) 
(410) 
8  

9,846  

11,565  

1  The movement during 2018 includes £3,840 million of reinsurance assets being reclassified as collective investments in unit-linked funds following the restructure of a reinsurance treaty in UK Life. This is a continuation of 

activity undertaken in 2017 (£14,353 million). 

2  Change in assets does not reconcile with values in note 41(b) due to the inclusion of reinsurance assets classified as non-participating investment contracts where, for such contracts, deposit accounting is applied on the 

income statement. 

3  The movement during 2018 primarily relates to the acquisition of Friends First in Ireland. The movement during 2017 primarily relates to the disposal of Antarius in France. 

The impact of assumption changes in the above analysis shows the resulting movement in the carrying value of reinsurance assets, with 
corresponding movements in gross insurance contract liabilities. For participating businesses, a movement in reinsurance assets is 
generally offset by a corresponding adjustment to the unallocated divisible surplus and does not impact profit. Where assumption changes 
impact profit, these are included in the effect of changes in assumptions and estimates during the year (shown in note 47), together with 
the impact of movements in related liabilities and other non-financial assets. 

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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

46 – Reinsurance assets continued 
(ii) General insurance and health claims liabilities

Carrying amount at 1 January 
Impact of changes in assumptions 
Reinsurers’ share of claim losses and expenses 

Incurred in current year 
Incurred in prior years 

Reinsurers’ share of incurred claim losses and expenses  
Less: 
Reinsurance recoveries received on claims 

Incurred in current year 
Incurred in prior years 

Reinsurance recoveries received in the year 
Unwind of discounting 

Change in reinsurance asset recognised as income (note 41(b)) 
Effect of portfolio transfers, acquisitions and disposals1  
Foreign exchange rate movements 

Carrying amount at 31 December 

1  The movement during 2018 relates to the proportion of reinsurance assets held by Avipop sold by Italy GI. 

(iii)  General insurance and health unearned premiums

Carrying amount at 1 January 
Premiums ceded to reinsurers in the year 
Less: Reinsurers’ share of premiums earned during the year 
Changes in reinsurance asset recognised as income 
Reinsurers’ share of portfolio transfers and acquisitions1  
Foreign exchange rate movements 

Carrying amount at 31 December 

1  The movement during 2018 relates to the proportion of Avipop sold by Italy GI that was ceded to reinsurers.

 2018 
£m 

1,729  
(22)

176  
40  
216  

(54)
(259)
(313)
8  

(111)
(9)
2  

 2017 
£m 

1,885  
(15)

179  
15  
194  

(32)
(293)
(325)
8 

(138)
—
(18) 

1,611  

1,729  

 2018 
£m 

257  
392  
(375)
17  
(21)
1  

254 

 2017 
£m 

250  
489  
(484)
5  
—
2  

257 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
193 

Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

47 – Effect of changes in assumptions and estimates during the year 
Estimates and assumptions used in determining the liabilities for insurance and investment contracts were changed from 2017 to 2018, 
affecting the liabilities with an equivalent impact on profit recognised during the year. This note analyses the impact of these changes on 
liabilities for insurance and investment contracts, and related assets and liabilities, such as unallocated divisible surplus, reinsurance, 
deferred acquisition costs and acquired value of in-force business, and does not allow for offsetting movements in the value of backing 
financial assets. 

Assumptions 
Long-term insurance business 
Interest rates  
Expenses  
Persistency rates  
Mortality and morbidity for assurance contracts  
Mortality for annuity contracts  
Tax and other assumptions  
Long-term investment business 
Expenses  
General insurance and health business 
Change in discount rate assumptions  

Total  

Effect on profit 2018 
£m 

Effect on profit 2017 
£m 

1,061  
9  
23  
24  
780  
18  

(1) 

1  

(1,720) 
(128) 
(79) 
113  
779  
2  

— 

(7) 

1,915  

(1,040) 

The impact of interest rates on long-term business relates primarily to annuities in the UK (including any change in credit default and 
reinvestment risk provisions), where an increase in the valuation interest rate in response to widening of credit spreads, has decreased 
liabilities.  

The impact of mortality for annuitant contracts on long-term business relates primarily to the UK. In 2018, there has been a reduction in 
reserves due to longevity assumptions and modelling which include: updates to mortality to reflect recent experience including the 2008 
series tables for individual annuities of £345 million, updates to the rate of mortality improvements including CMI 2017 of £251 million, 
refinements to modelling of bulk purchase annuities together with a change to base mortality and improvements of £132 million and other 
less significant movements of £24 million. In Ireland and Singapore there was a slight reduction in the reserves of £28 million following a 
review of recent experience. 

In 2017 the impact of mortality for annuitant contracts on long-term business relates primarily to the UK. This resulted in a reduction in 
reserves due to recognition of benefits from changes in longevity assumptions including: the impact of completing our review of the 
allowance for anti-selection risk of £170 million, updates reflecting our recent experience of £200 million, updates to the rate of historic and 
future mortality improvements, including the adoption of CMI 2016, of £340 million, and other less significant movements of £31 million. In 
Ireland there was a reduction of £38 million following a review of recent experience.

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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

48 – Unallocated divisible surplus 
An unallocated divisible surplus (UDS) is established where the nature of policy benefits is such that the division between shareholder 
reserves and policyholder liabilities is uncertain at the reporting date. Therefore, the expected duration for settlement of the UDS is 
undefined. 

This note shows the movements in the UDS during the year. 

Carrying amount at 1 January  
Change in participating fund assets  
Change in participating fund liabilities  
Other movements  
Change in liability recognised as an expense  
Effect of portfolio transfers, acquisition and disposals1  
Foreign exchange rate movements  

Less: Amounts classified as held for sale2  

Carrying amount at 31 December 

 2018 
£m 

9,101  
(4,139) 
902  
— 
(3,237) 
48  
37  

 2017 
£m 

10,208  
406  
(710) 
10  
(294) 
(1,076) 
263  

5,949  

9,101  

— 

(19) 

5,949  

9,082  

1  The movement during 2018 relates to the acquisition of Friends First (£66 million), and the disposal of the remainder of the Spanish business (£18 million). The movement during 2017 relates to the disposal of Antarius (£832 

million) and majority of Spanish business (£244 million). 

2  The amount classified as held for sale in 2017 relates to the remainder of the Spanish business (£19 million). 

The amount of UDS at 31 December 2018 has decreased to £5.9 billion (2017: £9.1 billion). The decrease is mainly due to adverse market 
movements in Europe with credit spreads widening and a reduction in equity markets. 

Where the aggregate amount of participating assets is less than the participating liabilities within a fund then the shortfall may be held as 
negative UDS, subject to recoverability testing as part of the liability adequacy requirements of IFRS 4. As at 31 December 2018 there is 
negative UDS in five funds in Italy totalling £355 million (2017: no negative UDS). These balances were tested for recoverability and all but 
one is considered to be recoverable by comparing the excess of IFRS participating liabilities net of any related DAC or AVIF over the adjusted 
Solvency II best estimate liabilities for the relevant contracts. The Solvency II best estimate liabilities were adjusted where Solvency II does 
not represent a best estimate of shareholders’ interests consistent with the impairment test for goodwill for long-term business (see note 
17) and for AVIF on insurance contracts (see note 18). An impairment of £8 million was applied to one fund to reflect no recoverability.  

49 – Tax assets and liabilities 
This note analyses the tax assets and liabilities that appear in the statement of financial position and explains the movements in these 
balances in the year. 

(a)  Current tax 
Current tax assets recoverable and liabilities payable in more than one year are £24 million and £9 million (2017: £19 million and £14 million), 
respectively. 

Included within uncertain tax provisions is the impact on the Group as a party to the CFC & Dividend Group Litigation Order, of which 
Prudential was the test case. The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom delivered its judgement on this case on 25 July 2018 which 
confirmed the taxpayer had successfully challenged the tax treatment of portfolio dividends received from non-UK entities before 2009. The 
Group is attempting to recover claims from HMRC covered by this judgement and is also pursuing connected claims in respect of a number 
of other periods, but there remains significant uncertainty over their recoverability. 

The successful claims predominately relate to policyholder funds, where the benefit is not expected to exceed £131 million. There is no 
current expectation of a material future impact on profit before tax attributable to shareholders’ profits or the Group’s total equity. 

The uncertainty in respect of the remaining claims has resulted in no recoverable amounts being recognised at either 31 December 2017 or 
31 December 2018. 

(b)  Deferred tax 
(i)  The balances at 31 December comprise: 

Deferred tax assets 
Deferred tax liabilities 

Net deferred tax liability 

Less: Amounts classified as held for sale  

 2018 
£m 

185  
(1,885) 

(1,700) 

— 

 2017 
£m 

146  
(2,562) 

(2,416) 

183  

(1,700) 

(2,233) 

There are no amounts classified as held for sale within deferred tax at 31 December 2018 (2017: deferred tax assets £2 million and deferred 
tax liabilities £185 million). 

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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

49 – Tax assets and liabilities continued 
(ii)  The net deferred tax liability arises on the following items: 

Long-term business technical provisions and other insurance items 
Deferred acquisition costs 
Unrealised gains on investments  
Pensions and other post-retirement obligations 
Unused losses and tax credits 
Subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures 
Intangibles and additional value of in-force long-term business 
Provisions and other temporary differences 

Net deferred tax liability 

Less: Amounts classified as held for sale  

(iii)  The movement in the net deferred tax liability was as follows: 

Net liability at 1 January 
Acquisition and disposal of subsidiaries1  
Amounts credited/(charged) to income statement (note 14(a)) 
Amounts (charged) to other comprehensive income (note 14(b)) 
Foreign exchange rate movements 
Other movements 

Net liability at 31 December 

1  The movement during 2018 relates mainly to the disposal of Avipop Assicurazioni SpA and Avipop Vita SpA. 

 2018 
£m 

663  
(199) 
(1,430) 
(499) 
147  
(9) 
(475) 
102  

(1,700) 

— 

 2017 
£m 

1,582  
(199) 
(2,899) 
(502) 
166  
(16) 
(721) 
173  

(2,416) 

183  

(1,700) 

(2,233) 

 2018 
£m 

(2,416) 
184  
545  
(9) 
(10) 
6  

(1,700) 

 2017 
£m 

(2,231) 
(6) 
(123) 
(31) 
(18) 
(7) 

(2,416) 

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the temporary 
differences can be utilised. In countries where there is a history of tax losses, deferred tax assets are only recognised in excess of deferred 
tax liabilities if there is convincing evidence that future taxable profits will be available. Where this is the case, the directors have relied on 
business plans supporting future profits. 

The Group has unrecognised gross tax losses (excluding capital losses) and other temporary differences of £798 million (2017: £787 million) 
to carry forward against future taxable income of the necessary category in the companies concerned. Of these, trading losses of £34 
million will expire within the next 20 years. The remaining losses have no expiry date. 

In addition, the Group has unrecognised gross capital losses of £452 million (2017: £443 million). These have no expiry date. 

There are no temporary differences in respect of unremitted overseas retained earnings for which deferred tax liabilities have not been 
recognised at 31 December 2018 (2017: £nil).

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

50 – Pension deficits and other provisions 
This note details the non-insurance provisions that the Group holds, and shows the movements in these during the year. 

(a)  Carrying amounts 

Total IAS 19 obligations to main staff pension schemes (note 51(a)) 
Deficits in other staff pension schemes 

Total IAS 19 obligations to staff pension schemes 
Restructuring provisions 
Other provisions 

Total provisions 

Less: Amounts classified as held for sale  

 2018 
£m 

693  
65  

758  
64  
577  

 2017 
£m 

764  
64  

828  
92  
515  

1,399  

1,435  

— 

(6) 

1,399  

1,429  

Other provisions primarily include amounts set aside throughout the Group relating to product governance rectification and staff 
entitlements.  

(b)  Movements on restructuring and other provisions 

At 1 January 
Additional provisions 
Provisions released during the period 
Change due to discounting 

Charge to income statement 
Utilised during the year 
Acquisition/(disposal) of subsidiaries 
Foreign exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 

 Restructuring 
provisions 
£m 

Other 
provisions 
£m 

92  
1  
— 
— 

1  
(29) 
— 
— 

64  

515  
269  
(128) 
— 

141  
(89) 
5  
5  

577  

2018 

Total 
£m 

607  
270  
(128) 
— 

142  
(118) 
5  
5 

641  

 Restructuring 
provisions 
£m 

Other 
provisions 
£m 

111  
31  
(1) 
2  

32  
(53) 
— 
2  

92  

501  
161  
(37) 
— 

124  
(98) 
(3) 
(9) 

515  

2017 

Total 
£m 

612  
192  
(38) 
2  

156  
(151) 
(3) 
(7) 

607  

Of the total restructuring and other provisions, £402 million (2017: £182 million) is expected to be settled more than one year after the 
statement of financial position date.  

Other provisions have increased during the period under review mainly due to an increase of £175 million in respect of a product 
governance provision in the UK, which is in addition to the £75 million provision set aside at 31 December 2017. This provision relates to 
a historical issue with over 90% of cases identified being pre-2002 and is limited to advised sales by Friends Provident, where a number of 
external defined benefit pension arrangements transferred into Friends Provident pension arrangements. We are in the final stages of 
completing a thorough and detailed review of the suitability of the advice given, and we will ensure that no affected customers are 
financially disadvantaged. The valuation of this provision involves a high degree of judgement and estimation uncertainty due to the time 
that has elapsed since the advice was given. The issue does not affect any other part of our business. The Group has notified its professional 
indemnity insurers and intends to make a claim on its insurance to mitigate the financial impact. This impact on other provisions has been 
partially offset by a £78 million release of a provision related to the sale of Aviva USA in 2013.

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Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

51 – Pension obligations  
(a)  Introduction 
The Group operates a number of defined benefit and defined contribution pension schemes. The material defined benefit schemes are in 
the UK, Ireland and Canada. The assets and liabilities of these defined benefit schemes as at 31 December 2018 are shown below. 

Total fair value of scheme assets (see b(ii) below) 
Present value of defined benefit obligation 

Net IAS 19 surpluses/(deficits) in the schemes 

Surpluses included in other assets (note 30) 
Deficits included in provisions (note 50) 

Net IAS 19 surpluses/(deficits) in the schemes 

UK 
£m 

17,059 
(14,246) 

2,813 

3,256 
(443) 

2,813 

Ireland 
£m 

775 
(950) 

(175) 

— 
(175) 

(175) 

Canada 
£m 

2018 

Total 
£m 

UK 
£m 

249 
(324) 

18,083 
(15,520) 

17,744 
(14,824) 

(75) 

2,563 

2,920 

— 
(75) 

(75) 

3,256 
(693) 

2,563 

3,399 
(479) 

2,920 

Ireland 
£m 

658 
(847) 

(189) 

— 
(189) 

(189) 

Canada 
£m 

276 
(372) 

(96) 

2017 

Total 
£m 

18,678 
(16,043) 

2,635 

— 
(96) 

(96) 

3,399 
(764) 

2,635 

This note relates to the defined benefit pension schemes included in the table above. There are a number of smaller schemes that are also 
measured under IAS 19. These are included as a total within Deficits in other staff pension schemes (see note 50). Similarly, while the 
charges to the income statement for the main schemes are shown in section (b)(i) below, the total charges for all pension schemes are 
disclosed in section (d) below.  

Under the IAS 19 valuation basis, the Group applies the principles of IFRIC 14, ‘IAS 19 – The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding 
Requirements and their Interaction’, whereby a surplus is only recognised to the extent that the Company is able to access the surplus either 
through an unconditional right of refund to the surplus or through reduced future contributions relating to ongoing service, which have 
been substantively enacted or contractually agreed. The Group has determined that it can derive economic benefit from the surplus in the 
ASPS via a reduction to future employer contributions for DC members, which could theoretically be paid from the surplus funds in the 
ASPS. In the RAC and FPPS, the Group has determined that the rules set out in the schemes’ governing documentation provide for an 
unconditional right to a refund from any future surplus funds in the schemes. 

The assets of the UK, Irish and Canadian schemes are held in separate trustee-administered funds to meet long-term pension liabilities to 
past and present employees. In all schemes, the appointment of trustees of the funds is determined by their trust documentation and they 
are required to act in the best interests of the schemes’ beneficiaries. The long-term investment objectives of the trustees and the 
employers are to limit the risk of the assets failing to meet the liabilities of the schemes over the long term, and to maximise returns 
consistent with an acceptable level of risk so as to control the long-term costs of these schemes. 

A funding actuarial valuation of each of the defined benefit schemes is carried out at least every three years for the benefit of scheme 
trustees and members. Actuarial reports have been submitted for each scheme within this period, using appropriate methods for the 
respective countries on local funding bases. 

The number of scheme members was as follows: 

Deferred members 
Pensioners 

Total members 

 United Kingdom 

2018  
Number 

47,977 
38,433 

86,410 

2017  
Number 

50,737 
37,840 

88,577 

2018  
Number 

2,544 
897 

3,441 

Ireland 

2017  
Number 

1,855 
801 

2,656 

2018 
Number 

519 
1,318 

1,837 

Canada 

2017  
Number 

581 
1,334 

1,915 

All schemes are closed to future accrual. Closure of the schemes has removed the volatility associated with additional future accrual for 
active members. 

(i)  UK schemes 
In the UK, the Group operates three main pension schemes, the Aviva Staff Pension Scheme (ASPS), the smaller RAC (2003) Pension Scheme 
which was retained after the sale of RAC Limited in September 2011 and the Friends Provident Pension Scheme (FPPS) which was acquired 
as part of the Friends Life acquisition in 2015. As the defined benefit section of the UK schemes are now closed to both new members and 
future accrual, existing deferred members in active service and new entrants participate in the defined contribution section of the ASPS. 
The UK schemes operate within the UK pensions’ regulatory framework.  

(ii)  Other schemes  
In Ireland, the Group operates two main pension schemes, the Aviva Ireland Staff Pension Fund (AISPF) and the Friends First Group 
Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme (FFPS) which was acquired as part of the Friends First acquisition in June 2018 (see note 3). Future 
accruals for the AISPF and FFPS schemes ceased with effect from 30 April 2013 and 1 April 2014 respectively. The Irish schemes are 
regulated by the Pensions Authority in Ireland.  

The Canadian defined benefit schemes ceased with effect from 31 December 2011. The main Canadian plan is a Registered Pension Plan in 
Canada and as such is registered with the Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Services Commission of Ontario and is required to comply 
with the Income Tax of Canada and the various provincial Pension Acts within Canada.  

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
198 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

51 – Pension obligations continued 
(b)  IAS 19 disclosures 
Disclosures under IAS 19 for the material defined benefit schemes in the UK, Ireland and Canada, are given below. Where schemes provide both 
defined benefit and defined contribution pensions, the assets and liabilities shown exclude those relating to defined contribution pensions.  

(i)  Movements in the scheme surpluses and deficits 
Movements in the pension schemes’ surpluses and deficits comprise: 

2018 
Net IAS 19 surplus in the schemes at 1 January  
Past service costs – amendments1  
Administrative expenses2  
Total pension cost charged to net operating expenses 
Net interest credited/(charged) to investment income/(finance costs)3  

Total recognised in income 

Remeasurements: 
Actual return on these assets 
Less: Interest income on scheme assets 
Return on scheme assets excluding amounts in interest income 
Gains from change in financial assumptions 
Losses from change in demographic assumptions 
Experience losses 

Total recognised in other comprehensive income 

Acquisitions 
Employer contributions 
Plan participant contributions 
Benefits paid 
Administrative expenses paid from scheme assets2  
Foreign exchange rate movements 

Net IAS 19 surplus in the schemes at 31 December 

Fair Value of 
Scheme Assets 
£m 

Present Value 
of defined 
benefit 
obligation 
£m 

IAS 19 
Pensions net 
surplus/ 
(deficits) 
£m 

18,678 
— 
— 

(16,043) 
(63) 
(19) 

— 
442 

442 

(182) 
(442) 
(624) 
— 
— 
— 

(624) 

87 
236 
9 
(724) 
(23) 
2 

(82) 
(375) 

(457) 

— 
— 
— 
622 
(185) 
(93) 

344 

(96) 
— 
(9) 
724 
19 
(2) 

2,635 
(63) 
(19) 

(82) 
67 

(15) 

(182) 
(442) 
(624) 
622 
(185) 
(93) 

(280) 

(9) 
236 
— 
— 
(4) 
— 

18,083 

(15,520) 

2,563 

1  Past service costs include a charge of £63 million relating to the estimated additional liability arising in the UK defined benefit pension schemes as a result of the requirement to equalise members’ benefits for the effects of 

Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP). This additional liability has arisen following the High Court judgement in October 2018 in the case involving Lloyds Banking Group. 

2  Administrative expenses are expensed as incurred.  
3  Net interest income of £89 million has been credited to investment income and net interest expense of £22 million has been charged to finance costs (see note 8).  

The present value of unfunded post-retirement benefit obligations included in the table above is £115 million at 31 December 2018 
(2017: £129 million). 

The decrease in the surplus during the period is primarily due to remeasurements recognised in other comprehensive income relating to 
updated demographic assumptions in the ASPS, partially offset by employer contributions paid into the schemes.  

2017 

Net IAS 19 surplus in the schemes at 1 January  
Past service costs – amendments 
Administrative expenses1  

Total pension cost charged to net operating expenses 
Net interest credited/(charged) to investment income/(finance costs)2  

Total recognised in income 

Remeasurements: 
Actual return on these assets 
Less: Interest income on scheme assets 

Return on scheme assets excluding amounts in interest income 
Losses from change in financial assumptions 
Losses from change in demographic assumptions 
Experience losses 

Total recognised in other comprehensive income 

Employer contributions 
Plan participant contributions 
Benefits paid 
Administrative expenses paid from scheme assets1  
Foreign exchange rate movements 

Net IAS 19 surplus in the schemes at 31 December 

1  Administrative expenses are expensed as incurred.  
2  Net interest income of £87 million has been credited to investment income and net interest expense of £24 million has been charged to finance costs (see note 8).  

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
199 

Fair Value of 
Scheme Assets 
£m 

Present Value 
of defined 
benefit 
obligation 
£m 

IAS 19  
Pensions net 
surplus/ 
(deficits) 
£m 

19,694 
— 
— 

(17,347) 
(1) 
(18) 

— 
470 

470 

740 
(470) 

270 
— 
— 
— 

270 

(19) 
(407) 

(426) 

— 
— 

— 
(182) 
(30) 
(63) 

(275) 

259 
9 
(2,021) 
(21) 
18 

— 
(9) 
2,021 
18 
(25) 

2,347 
(1) 
(18) 

(19) 
63 

44 

740 
(470) 

270 
(182) 
(30) 
(63) 

(5) 

259 
— 
— 
(3) 
(7) 

18,678 

(16,043) 

2,635 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

51 – Pension obligations continued 
(ii)  Scheme assets  
Scheme assets are stated at their fair values at 31 December 2018. 

Total scheme assets are comprised by scheme as follows: 

UK 
£m 

Ireland 
£m 

Canada 
£m 

Bonds  

Fixed interest  
Index-linked 

Equities  
Property  
Pooled investment vehicles 
Derivatives 
Cash and other1  
Total fair value of scheme assets  
Less: consolidation elimination for non-transferable Group 

insurance policy2  

Total IAS 19 fair value of scheme assets 

6,121 
10,409 
— 
353 
4,738 
(65) 
(3,877) 

17,679 

(620) 

17,059 

493 
293 
— 
— 
555 
4 
(570) 

775 

— 

775 

UK 
£m 

Ireland 
£m 

Canada 
£m 

2018 

Total 
£m 

6,762 
10,702 
— 
353 
5,393 
(61) 
(4,446) 

6,925 
11,744 
129 
365 
4,955 
(34) 
(5,710) 

148 
— 
— 
— 
100 
— 
1 

249 

18,703 

18,374 

— 

(620) 

(630) 

249 

18,083 

17,744 

2017 

Total 
£m 

7,496 
12,036 
129 
365 
5,300 
(30) 
(5,988) 

19,308 

(630) 

18,678 

408 
292 
— 
— 
238 
4 
(284) 

658 

— 

658 

163 
— 
— 
— 
107 
— 
6 

276 

— 

276 

1  Cash and other assets comprise cash at bank, insurance policies, receivables, payables and repurchase agreements. At 31 December 2018, cash and other assets primarily consist of repurchase agreements of £3,741 million 

(2017: £5,386 million). 

2  As at 31 December 2018, the FPPS’s cash and other balances include an insurance policy of £620 million (2017: £630 million) issued by a Group company that is not transferable under IAS 19 and is consequently eliminated 

from the Group’s IAS 19 scheme assets.  

Total scheme assets are analysed by those that have a quoted market price in an active market and other as follows: 

Total  
Quoted 
£m 

Total 
Unquoted 
£m 

Bonds 

Fixed interest  
Index-linked  

Equities  
Property 
Pooled investment vehicles 
Derivatives 
Cash and other1  
Total fair value of scheme assets  
Less: consolidation elimination for non-transferable Group insurance policy2  

Total IAS 19 fair value of scheme assets 

3,569 
10,278 
— 
— 
478 
(9) 
(1,195) 

13,121 
— 

13,121 

3,193 
424 
— 
353 
4,915 
(52) 
(3,251) 

5,582 
(620) 

4,962 

18,083 

2018 

Total 
£m 

6,762 
10,702 
— 
353 
5,393 
(61) 
(4,446) 

18,703 
(620) 

Total  
Quoted 
£m 

Total  
Unquoted 
£m 

4,334 
11,627 
35 
— 
167 
4 
(1,801) 

14,366 
— 

14,366 

3,162 
409 
94 
365 
5,133 
(34) 
(4,187) 

4,942 
(630) 

4,312 

2017 

Total 
£m 

7,496 
12,036 
129 
365 
5,300 
(30) 
(5,988) 

19,308 
(630) 

18,678 

1  Cash and other assets comprise cash at bank, insurance policies, receivables, payables and repurchase agreements. At 31 December 2018, cash and other assets primarily consist of repurchase agreements of £3,741 million 

(2017: £5,386 million). 

2  As at 31 December 2018, the FPPS’s cash and other balances includes an insurance policy of £620 million (2017: £630 million) issued by a Group company that is not transferable under IAS 19 and is consequently eliminated 

from the Group’s IAS 19 scheme assets.  

IAS 19 plan assets include investments in Group-managed funds in the consolidated statement of financial position of £2,730 million (2017: 
£2,091 million) and transferable insurance policies with other Group companies of £156 million (2017: £172 million) in the ASPS. Where the 
investment and insurance policies are in segregated funds with specific asset allocations, they are included in the appropriate line in the 
table above, otherwise they appear in ‘Cash and other’. There are no significant judgements involved in the valuation of the scheme assets.  

(iii) Assumptions on scheme liabilities 
The valuations used for accounting under IAS 19 have been based on the most recent funding actuarial valuations, updated to take 
account of the standard’s requirements in order to assess the liabilities of the material schemes at 31 December 2018. 

The projected unit credit method 
The inherent uncertainties affecting the measurement of scheme liabilities require these to be measured on an actuarial basis. This 
involves discounting the best estimate of future cash flows to be paid out by the scheme using the projected unit credit method. This is an 
accrued benefits valuation method which calculates the past service liability to members and makes allowance for their projected future 
earnings. It is based on a number of actuarial assumptions, which vary according to the economic conditions of the countries in which the 
relevant businesses are situated, and changes in these assumptions can materially affect the measurement of the pension obligations. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
200 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

51 – Pension obligations continued 
Financial assumptions 
The main financial assumptions used to calculate scheme liabilities under IAS 19 are:  

Inflation rate1  
General salary increases2 
Pension increases3  
Deferred pension increases3  
Discount rate4, 5  

Basis of discount rate 

2018 

UK 

2017 

3.3%/2.2% 
5.1% 
3.3%/2.2% 
3.3%/2.2% 
2.7%/ 
2.6%(pensioners)/ 
2.7%(deferred) 

3.2%/2.1% 
5.0% 
3.2%/2.1% 
3.2%/2.1% 
2.4%/ 
2.4%(pensioners)/ 
2.4%(deferred) 
AA-rated corporate bonds 

2018 

1.6% 
3.1% 
0.4% 
1.6% 
1.8%/1.9% 

Ireland 

2017 

1.7% 
3.2% 
0.4% 
1.7% 
1.9% 

2018 

2.0% 
2.5% 
1.25% 
— 
3.75% 

Canada 

2017 

2.0% 
2.5% 
1.25% 
— 
3.25% 

AA-rated corporate bonds 

AA-rated corporate bonds 

1  For the UK schemes, assumptions provided for RPI/CPI. In the UK, the assumptions for the ASPS and RAC schemes are the single rates for RPI/CPI; for FPPS, relevant RPI/CPI swap curves are used, which are broadly equivalent 

to these single rates.  
In the UK, the only remaining linkage between pension benefits and general salary increases is in respect of a small amount of Guaranteed Minimum Pension benefits, in line with National Average Earnings.  

2 
3  For the UK schemes, assumptions provided for RPI/CPI. In the UK, the assumptions for the ASPS and RAC schemes are single rates for RPI/CPI; for FPPS, relevant RPI/CPI swap curves are used, which are broadly equivalent to 

these single rates. The assumptions are also adjusted to reflect the relevant caps/floors and the inflation volatility. 

4  To calculate scheme liabilities in the UK, a single discount rate is used in ASPS/RAC, whereas in FPPS, separate discount rates are used for the defined benefit obligation for pensioners and deferred.  
5  For the Irish schemes, a discount rate of 1.8% and 1.9% is used for AISPF and FFPS respectively, reflecting the differences in the duration of the liabilities between the two schemes. 

The discount rate and pension increase rate are the two assumptions that have the largest impact on the value of the liabilities, with the 
difference between them being known as the net discount rate. For each country, the discount rate is based on current average yields of 
high-quality debt instruments taking account of the maturities of the defined benefit obligations.  

Mortality assumptions 
Mortality assumptions are material in measuring the Group’s obligations under its defined benefit schemes. The assumptions used are 
summarised in the table below and have been selected to reflect the characteristics and experience of the membership of these schemes. 

The mortality tables, average life expectancy and pension duration used at 31 December 2018 for scheme members are as follows: 

Mortality table 

UK – ASPS 

Club Vita pooled experience, including an allowance for future improvements 

  – RAC 

SAPS, including allowances for future improvement 

  – FPPS  

SAPS, including allowances for future improvement 

Ireland – AISPF  89% PNA00 with allowance for future improvements 

           – FFPS 

88%/91% ILT15 with allowance for future improvements 

Canada 

Canadian Pensioners’ Mortality 2014 Private Table, including allowance for future 
improvements 

Life expectancy/(pension  
duration) at NRA of a male 

Life expectancy/(pension 
duration) at NRA of a female 

Normal 
retirement age 
(NRA) 

Currently aged 
NRA  

20 years 
younger than 
NRA 

Currently aged 
NRA 

20 years 
younger than 
NRA 

60 

65 

60 

61 

68 

65 

88.8 
(28.8) 
87.1 
(22.1) 
87.9 
(27.9) 

88.6 
(27.6) 
86.8 
(18.8) 

87.0 
(22.0) 

90.7 
(30.7) 
89.0 
(24.0) 
90.4 
(30.4) 

92.0 
(31.0) 
89.1 
(21.1) 

88.4 
(23.4) 

90.2 
(30.2) 
89.0 
(24.0) 
90.5 
(30.5) 

91.5 
(30.5) 
89.1 
(21.1) 

89.5 
(24.5) 

92.5 
(32.5) 
90.6 
(25.6) 
92.6 
(32.6) 

94.8 
(33.8) 
91.1 
(23.1) 

90.8 
(25.8) 

The assumptions above are based on commonly used mortality tables. The tables make allowance for observed variations in such factors 
as age, gender, pension amount, salary and postcode-based lifestyle group, and have been adjusted to reflect recent research into 
mortality experience. However, the extent of future improvements in longevity is subject to considerable uncertainty and judgement is 
required in setting this assumption. For the ASPS, which is the most material scheme to the Group, the allowance for mortality 
improvement is per the actuarial profession’s ‘CMI_2017 (S=7.5) Advanced with adjustments’ model (2017: ‘CMI_2016 (S=7.5) Advanced with 
adjustments’), with a long-term improvement rate of 1.75% (2017: 1.75%) for males and 1.5% (2017: 1.5%) for females. The CMI_2017 tables 
have been adjusted by adding 0.25% (2017: 0.25%) and 0.35% (2017: 0.35%) to the initial rate of mortality improvements for males and 
females respectively (to allow for greater mortality improvements in the pension scheme membership relative to the general population on 
which CMI_2017 is based), and uses the advanced parameters to taper the long-term improvement rates to zero between ages 90 and 115 
(the ‘core’ parameters taper the long-term improvement rates to zero between ages 85 and 110).  

Sensitivity analysis 
Significant actuarial assumptions for the determination of the defined benefit obligation are discount rate, inflation rate and mortality. The 
sensitivity analysis below has been determined by changing the respective assumptions whilst holding all other assumptions constant. The 
following table summarises how the defined benefit obligation would have increased/(decreased) as a result of the change in the 
respective assumptions:  

Impact on present value of defined benefit obligation 

Impact on present value of defined benefit obligation at 31 December 2018 
Impact on present value of defined benefit obligation at 31 December 2017 

1  The effect of assuming all members in the schemes were one year younger.  

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
201 

Increase in 
discount rate 
+1%  
£m 

Decrease in 
discount rate 
 -1%  
£m 

Increase in 
inflation rate 
+1%  
£m 

Decrease in 
inflation rate 
 -1%  
£m 

(2,502) 
(2,680) 

3,317 
3,576 

2,275 
2,526 

(1,788) 
(1,929) 

1 year  
younger1  

£m 

536 
565 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

51 – Pension obligations continued 
It is unlikely that the changes in assumptions would occur in isolation of one another as some of the assumptions may be correlated. 
Furthermore, the present value of the defined benefit obligation has been calculated using the projected unit credit method, which is the 
same as that applied in calculating the defined benefit obligation recognised within the consolidated statement of financial position. In 
addition, the sensitivities shown are for liabilities only and ignore the impact on assets, which would significantly mitigate the net interest 
rate and inflation sensitivity impact on the net surplus. 

Maturity profile of the defined benefit obligation 
The discounted scheme liabilities have an average duration of 19 years in ASPS, 20 years in FPPS, 18 years in the RAC scheme, 19 years in 
AISPF, 28 years in FFPS and 11 years in the Canadian scheme. The expected undiscounted benefits payable from the main UK defined 
benefit scheme, ASPS, is shown in the chart below: 

Undiscounted benefit payments (£m) 

(iv) Risk management and asset allocation strategy  
As noted above, the long-term investment objectives of the trustees and the employers are to limit the risk of the assets failing to meet the 
liabilities of the schemes over the long-term, and to maximise returns consistent with an acceptable level of risk so as to control the long-
term costs of these schemes. To meet these objectives, the schemes’ assets are invested in a portfolio, consisting primarily of debt 
securities as detailed in section (b)(ii). The investment strategy will continue to evolve over time and is expected to match the liability 
profile increasingly closely with swap overlays to improve interest rate and inflation matching. The schemes are generally matched to 
interest rate risk relative to the funding bases. 

Main UK scheme 
The Company works closely with the trustee, who is required to consult with the Company on the investment strategy.  

Interest rate and inflation rate risks are managed using a combination of liability-matching assets and swaps. Exposure to equity risk has 
been reducing over time and credit risk is managed within risk appetite. Currency risk is relatively small and is largely hedged. The other 
principal risk is longevity risk. This risk has reduced due to the ASPS entering into a longevity swap in 2014 covering approximately £5 billion 
of pensioner in payment scheme liabilities.  

Other schemes 
The other schemes are considerably less material but their risks are managed in a similar way to those in the main UK scheme. In 2015, the 
RAC pension scheme entered into a longevity swap covering approximately £600 million of pensioner in payment scheme liabilities. 

(v)  Funding  
Formal actuarial valuations normally take place every three years and where there is a deficit, the Group and the trustees would agree a 
deficit recovery plan. The assumptions adopted for triennial actuarial valuations are determined by the trustees and agreed with the Group 
and are normally more prudent than the assumptions adopted for IAS19 purposes, which are best estimate.  

For the ASPS, following the latest formal actuarial valuation (with an effective date of 31 March 2015) a schedule of contributions was 
agreed with the trustees, even though the ASPS was fully funded on its technical provisions basis consistent with the requirements of the 
UK pension regulations. The ASPS is currently undergoing a triennial actuarial valuation as at 31 March 2018.  

Total employer contributions for all schemes in 2019 are currently expected to be £0.2 billion.  

(c)  Defined contribution (money purchase) section of the ASPS 
The trustees have responsibility for selecting a range of suitable funds in which the members can choose to invest in and for monitoring the 
performance of the available investment funds. Members are responsible for reviewing the level of contributions they pay and the choice of 
investment fund to ensure these are appropriate to their risk appetite and their retirement plans. Members of this section contribute at 
least 2% of their pensionable salaries, and depending on the percentage chosen, the Group contributes up to a maximum 14%, together 
with the cost of the death-in-service benefits. These contribution rates remained unchanged until June 2017. From 1 July 2017, for every 1% 
additional employee contribution, the Group will contribute an additional 0.1% employer contribution. The amount recognised as an 
expense for defined contribution schemes is shown in section (d) below.  

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
202 

 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

51 – Pension obligations continued 
(d)  Charge to staff costs in the income statement 
The total pension charge to staff costs for all of the Group’s defined benefit and defined contribution schemes were: 

Continuing operations 
UK defined benefit schemes  
Overseas defined benefit schemes  
Total defined benefit schemes (note 11(b)) 
UK defined contribution schemes  
Overseas defined contribution schemes  

Total defined contribution schemes (note 11(b)) 

Total charge for pension schemes 

2018 
£m 

22 
1 
23 
143 
20 

163 

186 

2017 
£m 

22 
1 
23 
121 
25 

146 

169 

There were no significant contributions payable or prepaid in the consolidated statement of financial position as at either 31 December 
2018 or 2017. 

52 – Borrowings 
Our borrowings are classified as either core structural borrowings, which are included within the Group’s capital employed, or operational 
borrowings drawn by operating subsidiaries. This note shows the carrying values and contractual maturity amounts of each type, and 
explains their main features and movements during the year. 

(a)  Analysis of total borrowings 
Total borrowings comprise: 

Core structural borrowings, at amortised cost 
Operational borrowings, at amortised cost 
Operational borrowings, at fair value 

(b)  Core structural borrowings 
(i)  The carrying amounts of these borrowings are:  

Subordinated debt 
6.125% £700 million subordinated notes 2036 
6.125% £800 million undated subordinated notes 
6.875% £600 million subordinated notes 2058 
6.875% €500 million subordinated notes 2038 
12.000% £162 million subordinated notes 2021 
8.250% £500 million subordinated notes 2022 
6.625% £450 million subordinated notes 2041 
7.875% $575 million undated subordinated notes 
6.125% €650 million subordinated notes 2043 
3.875% €700 million subordinated notes 2044 
5.125% £400 million subordinated notes 2050 
3.375% €900 million subordinated notes 2045 
4.500% C$450 million subordinated notes 2021 
4.375% £400 million subordinated notes 2049 

Senior notes 
0.100% €350 million senior notes 2018 
0.625% €500 million senior notes 2023 
1.875% €750 million senior notes 2027 

Commercial paper 

Less: Amount held by Group companies 

Total 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
203 

 2018 
£m 

7,699 
496 
1,225 
1,721 

9,420 

 2017 
£m 

8,640 
466 
1,180 
1,646 

10,286 

 2018 
£m 

694  
797  
594  
— 
191  
563  
449  
— 
582  
625  
395  
799  
257  
394  

 2017 
£m 

694  
796  
594  
444  
202  
581  
448  
437  
575  
618  
394  
789  
264  
394  

6,340  

7,230  

— 
446  
667  

1,113  

251  

310  
441  
— 

751  

668  

7,704  

8,649  

(5) 

(9) 

7,699  

8,640  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

52 – Borrowings continued 
In 2018 the Group redeemed two subordinated debt instruments in full at their first call date, reduced the outstanding commercial paper 
balance and issued further senior debt. Further details are set out below:  
•  On 22 May 2018, the Group redeemed its €500 million 6.875% subordinated notes in full at first call date 
•  On 8 November 2018, the Group redeemed its $575 million 7.875% undated subordinated notes in full at first call date  
•  On 13 November 2018, Aviva plc issued €750 million of senior notes at 1.875% which mature in 2027  
•  On 13 December 2018, the Group’s €350 million 0.100% senior notes matured  
•  The outstanding commercial paper balance was reduced to £251 million (2017: £668 million) during 2018  

All the above borrowings are stated at amortised cost. 

(ii)  The contractual maturity dates of undiscounted cash flows for these borrowings are: 

Within one year 
1 to 5 years 
5 to 10 years 
10 to 15 years 
Over 15 years 

Total contractual undiscounted cash flows 

Principal 
£m 

251  
1,370  
673  
— 
5,365  

7,659  

Interest 
£m 

376  
1,353  
1,490  
1,441  
2,923  

2018 

Total 
£m 

627  
2,723  
2,163  
1,441  
8,287  

7,583  

15,241  

Principal 
£m 

978  
928  
444  
— 
6,216  

8,566  

Interest 
£m 

427  
1,627  
1,759  
1,756  
3,282  

8,851  

2017 

Total 
£m 

1,405  
2,555  
2,203  
1,756  
9,498  

17,417  

Borrowings are considered current if the contractual maturity dates are within a year. Where subordinated debt is undated or loan notes 
are perpetual, the interest payments have not been included beyond 15 years. Annual interest payments in future years for these 
borrowings are £49 million (2017: £82 million).  

Contractual undiscounted interest payments are calculated based on underlying fixed interest rates or prevailing market floating rates as 
applicable. Year end exchange rates have been used for interest projections on loans in foreign currencies. 

(c)  Operational borrowings 
(i)  The carrying amounts of these borrowings are: 

Amounts owed to financial institutions 
Loans 

Securitised mortgage loan notes 
UK lifetime mortgage business (note 25(b)) 

Total 

 2018 
£m 

 2017 
£m 

496  

466  

1,225  

1,721  

1,180  

1,646  

All the above borrowings are stated at amortised cost, except for the loan notes issued in connection with the UK lifetime mortgage 
business of £1,225 million (2017: £1,180 million). These loan notes are carried at fair value, their values are modelled on risk-adjusted cash 
flows for defaults discounted at a risk-free rate plus a market-determined liquidity premium, and are therefore classified as ‘Level 3’ in the 
fair value hierarchy. The risk allowances are consistent with those used in the fair value asset methodology, as described in note 23. These 
have been designated at fair value through profit and loss in order to present the relevant mortgages, borrowings and derivative financial 
instruments at fair value, since they are managed as a portfolio on a fair value basis. This presentation provides more relevant information 
and eliminates any accounting mismatch. 

The securitised mortgage loan notes are at various fixed, floating and index-linked rates. Further details about these notes are given in 
note 25. 

(ii)  The contractual maturity dates of undiscounted cash flows for these borrowings are: 

Within one year 
1 to 5 years 
5 to 10 years 
10 to 15 years 
Over 15 years 

Total contractual undiscounted cash flows 

Principal 
£m 

Interest 
£m 

257  
535  
555  
180  
136  

1,663  

49  
185  
163  
142  
154  

693  

2018 

Total 
£m 

306  
720  
718  
322  
290  

Principal 
£m 

Interest 
£m 

174  
547  
548  
325  
208  

52  
202  
178  
140  
144  

716  

2017 

Total 
£m 

226  
749  
726  
465  
352  

2,518  

2,356  

1,802  

Contractual undiscounted interest payments are calculated based on underlying fixed interest rates or prevailing market floating rates as 
applicable. Year-end exchange rates have been used for interest projections on loans in foreign currencies. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
204 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

52 – Borrowings continued 
(d)  Description and features 
(i)  Subordinated debt 
A description of each of the subordinated notes is set out in the table below: 

Notional amount 
£700 million 
£800 million 
£600 million 
£162 million 
£500 million 
£450 million 
€650 million 
€700 million 
£400 million 
€900 million 
C$450 million 
£400 million 

 Issue date 
 14 Nov 2001 
 29 Sep 2003 
20 May 2008 
21 May 2009 
21 April 2011 
26 May 2011 
5 July 2013 
3 July 2014 
4 June 2015 
4 June 2015 
9 May 2016 
12 September 2016 

 Redemption date 
 14 Nov 2036 
 Undated 
20 May 2058 
21 May 2021 
21 April 2022 
3 June 2041 
5 July 2043 
3 July 2044 
4 June 2050 
4 December 2045 
10 May 2021 
12 September 2049 

 Callable at par at option of the 
Company from 
 16 Nov 2026 
 29 Sep 2022 
20 May 2038 
N/A 
N/A 
3 June 2021 
5 July 2023 
3 July 2024 
4 December 2030 
4 December 2025 
N/A 
12 September 2029 

In the event the Company does not call the notes, 
the coupon will reset at each applicable  
reset date to 
 5 year Benchmark Gilt + 2.85% 
 5 year Benchmark Gilt + 2.40% 
3 month LIBOR + 3.26% 
N/A 
N/A 
6 Month LIBOR + 4.136% 
5 year EUR mid-swaps + 5.13% 
5 year EUR mid-swaps + 3.48% 
3 month Euribor + 4.022% 
3 month Euribor + 3.55% 
N/A 
3 month LIBOR + 4.721% 

Subordinated notes issued by the Company rank below its senior obligations and ahead of its preference shares and ordinary share capital. 
The dated subordinated notes rank ahead of the undated subordinated notes. The fair value of notes at 31 December 2018 was £6,610 
million (2017: £8,348 million), calculated with reference to quoted prices.  

(ii)  Senior notes 
All senior notes are at fixed rates and their total fair value at 31 December 2018 was £1,113 million (2017: £756 million). 

(iii) Commercial paper 
The commercial paper consists of £251 million issued by the Company (2017: £668 million) and is considered core structural funding. The 
fair value of the commercial paper is considered to be the same as its carrying value and all issuances are repayable within one year. 

(iv) Loans 
Loans owed to financial institutions comprise: 

Non-recourse  

Loans to property partnerships  
UK Life reassurance 
Other non-recourse loans 

Other loans 

 2018 
£m 

61  
177  
52  

290  
206  

496  

 2017 
£m 

61  
111  
58  

230  
236  

466  

As explained in accounting policy D, the UK long-term business policyholder funds have invested in a number of property funds and 
structures (the ‘Property Funds’), some of which have raised external debt, secured on the relevant Property Fund’s property portfolio. The 
lenders are only entitled to obtain payment of interest and principal to the extent there are sufficient resources in the relevant Property 
Fund and they have no recourse whatsoever to the policyholder or shareholders’ funds of any companies in the Group. Loans of £61 million 
(2017: £61 million) included in the table above relate to Property Funds.  

At 31 December 2018 the obligations to repay third parties arising out of financial reinsurance operations were £177 million (2017: £111 
million).  

Other non-recourse loans primarily include external debt raised by special purpose vehicles in the UK long-term business. The lenders have 
no recourse whatsoever to the shareholders’ funds of any companies in the Group. The outstanding balance of these loans at 31 December 
2018 was £52 million (2017: £58 million).  

Other loans of £206 million (2017: £236 million) include external debt raised by overseas long-term businesses to fund operations. 

(v)  Securitised mortgage loan notes 
Loan notes have been issued by special purpose securitisation companies in the UK. Details are given in note 25. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

52 – Borrowings continued 
(e)  Movements during the year 
Movements in borrowings during the year were:  

New borrowings drawn down, excluding commercial paper, net of expenses  
Repayment of borrowings, excluding commercial paper1  
Movement in commercial paper2  
Net cash outflow  
Foreign exchange rate movements 
Borrowings reclassified/(loans repaid) for non-cash consideration 
Fair value movements 
Amortisation of discounts and other non-cash items 
Movements in debt held by Group companies3  

Movements in the year 
Balance at 1 January 

Balance at 31 December 

Core 
Structural 
£m 

649  
(1,178) 
(419) 

(948) 
42  
— 
— 
(35) 
— 

(941) 
8,640  

7,699  

Operational 
£m 

126  
(211) 
— 

(85) 
6  
65 
89  
—  
— 

75  
1,646  

1,721  

2018 

Total 
£m 

775  
(1,389) 
(419) 

(1,033) 
48  
65 
89  
(35) 
— 

(866) 
10,286  

9,420  

Core  
Structural 
£m 

Operational 
£m 

2017 

Total 
£m 

55  
(639) 
— 

(584) 
87  
471  
108  
(53) 
(38) 

55  
(151) 
— 

(96) 
(17) 
(13) 
108  
(16) 
(38) 

(72) 
1,718  

1,646  

(9) 
10,295  

10,286  

— 
(488) 
— 

(488) 
104  
484  
— 
(37) 
— 

63  
8,577  

8,640  

1  On 28 September 2017, notification was given that the Group would redeem the $650 million fixed rate tier 1 notes. At that date, the instrument was reclassified as a financial liability of £484 million, representing its fair value 

on translation into Sterling at that date. On 3 November 2017 the instrument was redeemed in full at a cost of £488 million.  

2  Gross issuances of commercial paper were £2,372 million in 2018 (2017: £1,265 million), offset by repayments of £2,791 million (2017: £1,265 million). 
3  Certain subsidiary companies have purchased issued subordinated notes and securitised loan notes as part of their investment portfolios. In the consolidated statement of financial position, borrowings are shown net of 

these holdings but movements in such holdings over the year are reflected in the tables above. 

All movements in fair value in 2017 and 2018 on securitised mortgage loan notes designated as fair value through profit or loss were 
attributable to changes in market conditions.  

(f)  Undrawn borrowings 
The Group has the following undrawn committed central borrowing facilities available to them, which are used to support the commercial 
paper programme: 

Expiring within one year 
Expiring beyond one year 

53 – Payables and other financial liabilities 
This note analyses our payables and other financial liabilities at the end of the year.  

Payables arising out of direct insurance 
Payables arising out of reinsurance operations 
Deposits and advances received from reinsurers 
Bank overdrafts (see below) 
Derivative liabilities (note 60) 
Amounts due to brokers for investment purchases 
Obligations for repayment of cash collateral received 
Other financial liabilities 

Total 

Less: Amounts classified as held for sale 

Expected to be settled within one year 
Expected to be settled in more than one year 

 2018 
£m 

— 
1,650  

1,650  

 2017 
£m 

— 
1,650  

1,650  

 2018 
£m 

1,374  
464  
129  
563  
5,571  
240  
6,714  
1,853  

 2017 
£m 

1,276  
304  
129  
499  
5,766  
112  
6,817  
1,598  

16,908  

16,501  

(26) 

(42) 

16,882  

16,459  

10,800  
6,108  

11,460  
5,041  

16,908  

16,501  

Bank overdrafts amount to £153 million (2017: £115 million) in life business operations and £410 million (2017: £384 million) in general 
insurance business and other operations. 

All payables and other financial liabilities are carried at cost, which approximates to fair value, except for derivative liabilities, which are 
carried at their fair values. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

54 – Other liabilities  
This note analyses our other liabilities at the end of the year. 

Deferred income 
Reinsurers’ share of deferred acquisition costs 
Accruals 
Other liabilities 

Total 

Less: Amounts classified as held for sale 

Expected to be settled within one year 
Expected to be settled in more than one year 

 2018 
£m 

138  
19  
1,266  
1,653  

3,076  

 2017 
£m 

133  
17  
1,236  
1,440  

2,826  

(33) 

(35) 

3,043  

2,451  
625  

3,076  

2,791  

2,276  
550  

2,826  

55 – Contingent liabilities and other risk factors 
This note sets out the main areas of uncertainty over the calculation of our liabilities. 

(a)  Uncertainty over claims provisions 
Note 43 gives details of the estimation techniques used by the Group to determine the general insurance business outstanding claims 
provisions and of the methodology and assumptions used in determining the long-term business provisions. These approaches are designed 
to allow for the appropriate cost of policy-related liabilities, with a degree of prudence, to give a result within the normal range of outcomes. 
However, the actual cost of settling these liabilities may differ, for example because experience may be worse than that assumed, or future 
general insurance business claims inflation may differ from that expected, and hence there is uncertainty in respect of these liabilities.  

(b)  Asbestos, pollution and social environmental hazards 
In the course of conducting insurance business, various companies within the Group receive general insurance liability claims, and become 
involved in actual or threatened related litigation arising therefrom, including claims in respect of pollution and other environmental 
hazards. Amongst these are claims in respect of asbestos production and handling in various jurisdictions, including Europe, Canada and 
Australia. Given the significant delays that are experienced in the notification of these claims, the potential number of incidents they cover 
and the uncertainties associated with establishing liability, the ultimate cost cannot be determined with certainty. However, on the basis of 
current information having regard to the level of provisions made for general insurance claims and substantial reinsurance cover now in 
place, the directors consider that any additional costs arising are not likely to have a material impact on the financial position of the Group. 

(c)  Guarantees on long-term savings products 
As a normal part of their operating activities, various Group companies have given guarantees and options, including interest rate guarantees, 
in respect of certain long-term insurance and investment products. Note 45 gives details of these guarantees and options. In providing these 
guarantees and options, the Group’s capital position is sensitive to fluctuations in financial variables including foreign currency exchange rates, 
interest rates, property values and equity prices. Interest rate guaranteed returns, such as those available on guaranteed annuity options, are 
sensitive to interest rates falling below the guaranteed level. Other guarantees, such as maturity value guarantees and guarantees in relation to 
minimum rates of return, are sensitive to fluctuations in the investment return below the level assumed when the guarantee was made. The 
directors continue to believe that the existing provisions for such guarantees and options are sufficient. 

(d)  Regulatory compliance 
The Group’s insurance and investment business is subject to local regulation in each of the countries in which it operates. A number of the 
Group’s UK subsidiaries are dual regulated (directly authorised by both the PRA (for prudential regulation) and the FCA (for conduct 
regulation) while others are solo regulated (regulated solely by the FCA for both prudential and conduct regulation). Between them, the 
PRA and FCA have broad powers including the authority to grant, vary the terms of, or cancel a regulated firm’s authorisation; to investigate 
marketing and sales practices; and to require the maintenance of adequate financial resources. The Group’s regulators outside the UK 
typically have similar powers, but in some cases they also operate a system of ‘prior product approval’. 

The Group’s regulated businesses have compliance resources to respond to regulatory enquiries in a constructive way, and take corrective 
action when warranted. However, all regulated financial services companies face the risk that their regulator could find that they have failed 
to comply with applicable regulations or have not undertaken corrective action as required. 

The impact of any such finding (whether in the UK or overseas) could have a negative impact on the Group’s reported results or on its 
relations with current and potential customers. Regulatory action against a member of the Group could result in adverse publicity for, or 
negative perceptions regarding, the Group, or could have a material adverse effect on the business of the Group, its results, operations 
and/or financial condition and divert management’s attention from the day-to-day management of the business. 

(e)  Structured settlements  
The Group has purchased annuities from licensed Canadian life insurers to provide for fixed and recurring payments to claimants. As a 
result of these arrangements, the Group is exposed to credit risk to the extent that any of the life insurers fail to fulfill their obligations. The 
Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk for these types of arrangements is approximately CAD$1,235 million as at 31 December 2018 
(2017: CAD$1,213 million). Credit risk is managed by acquiring annuities from a diverse portfolio of life insurers with proven financial stability. 
This risk is reduced to the extent of coverage provided by Assuris, the Canadian life insurance industry compensation plan. As at 
31 December 2018, no information has come to the Group’s attention that would suggest any weakness or failure in life insurers from which 
it has purchased annuities and consequently no provision for credit risk is required. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

55 – Contingent liabilities and other risk factors continued 
(f)  Other 
In the course of conducting insurance and investment business, various Group companies receive liability claims, and become involved in 
actual or threatened related litigation. In the opinion of the directors, adequate provisions have been established for such claims and no 
material loss will arise in this respect. 

In addition, in line with standard business practice, various Group companies have given guarantees, indemnities and warranties in 
connection with disposals in recent years of subsidiaries and associates to parties outside the Aviva Group. In the opinion of the directors, 
no material unprovisioned loss will arise in respect of these guarantees, indemnities and warranties. 

There are a number of charges registered over the assets of Group companies in favour of other Group companies or third parties. In 
addition, certain of the Company’s assets are charged in favour of certain of its subsidiaries as security for intra-Group loans. 

56 – Commitments 
This note gives details of our commitments to capital expenditure and under operating leases. 

(a)  Capital commitments 
Contractual commitments for acquisitions or capital expenditures of infrastructure loans, equity funds, investment property and property 
and equipment, which have not been recognised in the financial statements, are as follows: 

Infrastructure loan advances 
Investment property 
Property and equipment 
Other investment vehicles1  

 2018 
£m 

898  
42  
77  
266  

 2017 
£m 

782  
42  
53  
265  

1,283  

1,142  

1  Represents commitments for further investment in certain private equity vehicles. Such commitments do not expose the Group to the risk of future losses in excess of its investment. 

Contractual obligations for future repairs and maintenance on investment properties are £nil (2017: £nil). Notes 19 and 20 set out the 
commitments the Group has to its joint ventures and associates. 

(b)  Operating lease commitments 
(i)  Future contractual aggregate minimum lease rentals receivable under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows: 

Within 1 year 
Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years 
Later than 5 years 

(ii)  Future contractual aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows: 

Within 1 year 
Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years 
Later than 5 years 

Total future minimum sub-lease payments expected to be received under non-cancellable sub-leases 

 2018 
£m 

294  
921  
1,430  

2,645  

 2017 
£m 

317  
980  
1,408  

2,705  

 2018 
£m 

94  
321  
313  

728  

33  

 2017 
£m 

101  
339  
413  

853  

44  

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

57 – Group capital management  
(a)  Introduction 
Group capital is represented by Solvency II own funds1. At 31 December 2018, the estimated Solvency II shareholder own funds amounts to 
£23.6 billion (2017: £24.7 billion). The Solvency II position disclosed is based on a ‘shareholder view’. The shareholder view is considered by 
management to be more representative of the shareholders’ risk exposure and the Group’s ability to cover the Solvency Capital 
Requirement (SCR) with eligible own funds and aligns with management’s approach to dynamically manage its capital position.  

In arriving at the shareholder position, the following adjustments are typically made to the regulatory Solvency II own funds: 
•  The contribution to the Group’s own funds of the most material fully ring fenced with-profits funds of £2.6 billion at 31 December 2018 

(2017: £3.3 billion) and staff pension schemes in surplus of £1.1 billion at 31 December 2018 (2017: £1.5 billion) are excluded. These 
exclusions have no impact on Solvency II surplus. The most material fully ring fenced with-profit funds and staff pension schemes are self-
supporting on a Solvency II capital basis with any surplus capital above Solvency Capital Requirements (‘SCR’) not recognised in the 
Group position. 

•  A notional reset of the transitional measure on technical provisions (TMTP), calculated using the same method as used for formal TMTP 
resets. This presentation avoids step changes to Solvency II own funds that arise only when the formal TMTP reset points are triggered. 
The 31 December 2018 Solvency II own funds include a notional reset (£0.1 billion decrease in own funds) while the 31 December 2017 
Solvency II own funds included a formal, rather than notional, reset of the TMTP in line with the regulatory requirement to reset the TMTP 
at least every two years or in the event of a material change in the risk profile. The TMTP is amortised on a straight-line basis over 16 years 
from 1 January 2016 in line with the Solvency II rules. 

•  Pro forma adjustments are made if the Solvency II shareholder cover ratio does not fully reflect the effect of transactions or capital 

actions that are known as at each reporting date. Such adjustments may be required in respect of planned acquisitions and disposals, 
group reorganisations and adjustments to the Solvency II valuation basis arising from changes to the underlying regulations or updated 
interpretations provided by EIOPA. The 31 December 2018 Solvency II own funds include two pro forma adjustments to reflect known or 
highly likely events that could materially impact the Group’s solvency position post 31 December 2018. These pro forma adjustments 
relate to the disposal of FPI (£0.1 billion reduction in own funds) and the potential impact of an expected change to Solvency II 
regulations on the treatment of equity release mortgages (£nil impact on own funds as at 31 December 2018). The 31 December 2017 
Solvency II own funds included the pro forma impact of the disposals of FPI (£0.1 billion reduction in own funds) and Avipop in Italy (£0.1 
billion increase in own funds). 

Solvency II own funds are comprised of a combination of shareholders’ funds, preference share capital, direct capital instrument, tier 1 
notes, subordinated debt, and deferred tax assets measured on a Solvency II basis. Refer to note 57(c) for further details on Solvency II. 

Management also considers a capital employed metric prepared on an IFRS basis in managing capital and measuring business unit 
performance. The total capital employed comprises of similar items to Solvency II own funds but measured in accordance with IFRS and 
includes senior debt. In particular, analysis of return on equity calculated based on the capital employed has been used as one of the 
inputs to management’s decision making process for capital allocation purposes. 

The primary objective of capital management is to maintain an efficient capital structure, in a manner consistent with our risk profile and 
the regulatory and market requirements of our business. 

Capital is a primary consideration across a wide range of business activities, including product development, pricing, business planning, 
merger and acquisition transactions and asset and liability management. A Capital Management Standard, applicable Group-wide, sets out 
minimum standards and guidelines over responsibility for capital management including considerations for capital management decisions 
and requirements for management information, capital monitoring, reporting, forecasting, planning and overall governance. 

1  Own funds is capital available to cover the Solvency Capital Requirement (SCR) and Minimum Capital Requirement (MCR) under Solvency II. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

57 – Group capital management continued 
The Group manages capital in conjunction with solvency capital requirements, and seeks to, on a consistent basis:  
•  Match the profile of our assets and liabilities, taking into account the risks inherent in each business 
•  Maintain sufficient, but not excessive, financial strength in accordance with risk appetite, to support new business growth and satisfy the 
requirements of our regulators and other stakeholders giving both our customers and shareholders assurance of our financial strength. 
Refer to note 59 for more information about the Group’s risk management approach 

•  Retain financial flexibility by maintaining strong liquidity, access to a range of capital markets and significant unutilised committed credit 

lines 

•  Allocate capital rigorously to support value adding growth and repatriate excess capital where appropriate 
•  Declare dividends with reference to factors including growth in cash flow and earnings 

(b)  IFRS basis 
The table below shows how our capital is deployed by market and how that capital is funded. 

Life business 
United Kingdom1  
France 
Poland 
Italy 
Other Europe 
Europe 
Asia 

General insurance & health 
United Kingdom General Insurance1,2  
United Kingdom Health1  
Canada 
France 
Poland 
Italy 
Other Europe 
Europe 
Asia 

Fund management 
Corporate and other business1,2,3  
Total capital employed 

Financed by 
Equity shareholders’ funds 
Non-controlling interests 
Direct capital instrument and tier 1 notes 
Preference shares 
Subordinated debt4  
Senior debt 
Total capital employed5  

2018 Capital 
employed  
£m 

2017 Capital 
employed  
£m 

10,266  
2,885  
319  
686  
380  
4,270  
1,691  
16,227  

1,509  
122  
1,290  
585  
131  
148  
185  
1,049  
— 
3,970  

545  
5,412  
26,154  

16,558  
966  
731  
200  
6,335  
1,364  
26,154  

11,493  
2,704  
352  
954  
422  
4,432  
1,558  

17,483  

1,872  
106  
1,364  
589  
140  
319  
203  
1,251  
10  

4,603  
520  
5,169  

27,775  

16,969  
1,235  
731  
200  
7,221  
1,419  

27,775  

1  Non-insurance operations relating to the UK have been reclassified to their respective market segments to better reflect the management of the underlying businesses consistent with the segmental analysis shown in note 5.  
2  Capital employed for United Kingdom General Insurance excludes c.£0.9 billion (2017: c.£0.9 billion) of goodwill which does not support the general insurance business for capital purposes and is included in Corporate and 

other business. 

3  Corporate and other business includes centrally held tangible net assets, the main UK staff pension scheme surplus and also reflects internal lending arrangements. These internal lending arrangements, which net out on 

consolidation, include the formal loan arrangement between Aviva Group Holdings Limited and Aviva Insurance Limited. 

4  Subordinated debt excludes amounts held by Group companies of £5 million (2017: £9 million). 
5  Goodwill, AVIF and other intangibles are maintained within the capital base. Goodwill includes goodwill in subsidiaries of £1,872 million (2017: £1,876 million), goodwill in joint ventures of £13 million (2017: £17 million) and 

goodwill in associates of £nil (2017: £nil). AVIF and other intangibles comprise £3,201 million (2017: £3,455 million) of intangibles in subsidiaries, £33 million (2017: £40 million) of intangibles in joint ventures and £nil (2017: £nil) of 
intangibles in associates, net of deferred tax liabilities of £(475) million (2017: £(721) million) and the non-controlling interest share of intangibles of £(31) million (2017: £(254) million). 

Total capital employed is financed by a combination of equity shareholders’ funds, preference capital, subordinated debt and other 
borrowings. At 31 December 2018, the Group had £26.2 billion (2017: £27.8 billion) of total capital employed in our trading operations 
measured on an IFRS basis. 

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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

57 – Group capital management continued 
During 2018, Aviva has undertaken a number of actions to deploy its excess capital. 

On 1 May 2018, the Group announced a share buy-back of ordinary shares, which was completed for an aggregate purchase price of £600 
million. Shares totalling 119,491,188 (2017: 57,724,500 shares) were purchased and subsequently cancelled bringing the total cancelled 
under the programme to 177,215,688 shares, completing the share buy-back programme for an aggregate price of £900 million. 

During the year, the Group also redeemed two subordinated debt instruments in full at their first call date, reduced the outstanding 
commercial paper balance and issued one senior debt. Further details are set out below:  
•  On 22 May 2018, the Group redeemed its €500 million 6.875% subordinated notes in full at first call date 
•  On 8 November 2018, the Group redeemed its $575 million 7.875% undated subordinated notes in full at first call date 
•  On 13 November 2018, Aviva plc issued €750 million of senior notes at 1.875% which mature in 2027 
•  On 13 December 2018, the Group’s €350 million 0.100% senior notes matured 
•  The outstanding commercial paper balance was reduced to £251 million (2017: £668 million) 

At 31 December 2018, the market value of our external debt (subordinated debt and senior debt), preference shares (including both Aviva 
plc preference shares of £200 million and General Accident plc preference shares, within non-controlling interests, of £250 million), and 
direct capital instrument and tier 1 notes was £9,278 million (2017: £11,311 million). 

(c)  Solvency II basis 
Solvency II is the Europe-wide prudential regulatory framework that came into force on 1 January 2016 and put in place a consistent 
solvency framework for insurers across Europe. This capital regime requires insurers to calculate regulatory capital adequacy at both 
individual regulated subsidiaries and an aggregate Group level. Non-EEA entities have been included in Group solvency in line with 
Solvency II requirements. Other financial sector entities (including fund management) are included at their proportional share of the capital 
requirement according to the relevant sectoral values. 

Solvency II surplus at the Group level represents the excess of eligible Solvency II own funds over the Group’s solvency capital requirements 
calculated in accordance with Solvency II requirements. The Group maintained capital in excess of the solvency capital requirement (SCR) 
at all times during 2018. Further information on the Group’s Solvency II position, including details of available capital resources and 
solvency surplus, determined using the shareholder view of Solvency II, can be found in the Other information section. This information is 
estimated and is therefore subject to change. It is also unaudited. 

In addition, non-EEA businesses including Canada, Hong Kong and Singapore, are subject to the locally applicable capital requirements in 
the jurisdictions in which they operate.  

All regulated subsidiaries complied with their capital requirements throughout the year. 

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Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

58 – Statement of cash flows  
This note gives further detail behind the figures in the statement of cash flows.  

(a)  The reconciliation of profit before tax to the net cash inflow from operating activities is: 

Profit before tax 
Adjustments for: 
Share of profits of joint ventures and associates  
Dividends received from joint ventures and associates 
(Profit)/loss on sale of: 
Investment property 
Property and equipment  
Subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates 
Investments  

Fair value (gains)/losses on: 
Investment property  
Investments  
Borrowings  

Depreciation of property and equipment  
Equity compensation plans, equity settled expense 
Impairment and expensing of: 
Goodwill on subsidiaries  
 Financial investments, loans and other assets  
Acquired value of in-force business and intangibles 
Non-financial assets  

Amortisation of: 

Premium/discount on debt securities  
Premium/discount on borrowings 
Premium/discount on non-participating investment contracts 
Financial instruments 
Acquired value of in-force business and intangibles  

Change in unallocated divisible surplus  
Interest expense on borrowings  
Net finance income on pension schemes 
Foreign currency exchange (gains)/losses 

Changes in working capital 
Decrease in reinsurance assets  
(Increase) in deferred acquisition costs  
(Decrease)/increase in insurance liabilities and investment contracts  
(Increase)/decrease in other assets 

Net purchases of operating assets 
Net purchases of investment property 
Net proceeds on sale of investment property  
Net sales of financial investments  

Total cash generated from operating activities 

 2018 
£m 

 2017 
£m 

1,652 

2,374 

(112) 
43 

(41) 
51 

(69) 
1 
(102) 
(6,434) 
(6,604) 

(307) 
27,909 
89 
27,691 
40 
64 

13 
10 
— 
— 
23 

587 
(35) 
243 
16 
392 
1,203 
(3,237) 
551 
(67) 
(164) 

(30) 
— 
(135) 
(6,711) 
(6,876) 

(481) 
(6,983) 
108 
(7,356) 
35 
77 

2 
6 
15 
7 
30 

720 
(53) 
262 
26 
392 
1,347 
(294) 
610 
(63) 
61 

2,191 
(98) 
(11,808) 
(1,708) 
(11,423) 

12,707 
(389) 
13,658 
2,174 
28,150 

(791) 
959 
(3,423) 
(3,255) 

(672) 
1,065 
(10,137) 
(9,744) 

6,405 

8,361 

The cash flows presented in this statement cover all the Group’s activities and include flows from both policyholder and shareholder 
activities. Operating cash flows reflect the movement in both policyholder and shareholder controlled cash and cash equivalent balances. 

During the year the net operating cash inflow reflects a number of factors, including the level of premium income, payments of claims, 
creditors and surrenders and purchases and sales of operating assets including financial investments. It also includes changes in the size 
and value of consolidated cash investment funds and changes in the Group participation in these funds. 

(b)  Cash flows in respect of the acquisition of, and additions to, subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates comprised: 

Cash consideration for subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates acquired and additions 
Less: Cash and cash equivalents acquired with subsidiaries 

Total cash flow on acquisitions and additions 

 2018 
£m 

(165) 
357 

192 

 2017 
£m 

(32) 
57 

25 

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Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

58 – Statement of cash flows continued 
(c)  Cash flows in respect of the disposal of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates comprised: 

Cash proceeds from disposal of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates  
Less: Net cash and cash equivalents divested with subsidiaries  

Total cash flow on disposals 

The above figures form part of cash flows from investing activities.  

(d)  Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows at 31 December comprised: 

Cash at bank and in hand  
Cash equivalents  

Bank overdrafts  

Cash and cash equivalents reconciles to the statement of financial position as follows: 

Cash and cash equivalents (excluding bank overdrafts) 
Less: Assets classified as held for sale 

 2018 
£m 

441 
(60) 

381 

 2017 
£m 

861 
(910) 

(49) 

 2018 
£m 

7,615 
39,557 
47,172 
(563) 

 2017 
£m 

6,293 
37,793 
44,086 
(499) 

46,609 

43,587 

 2018 
£m 

 2017 
£m 

47,172 
(688) 

44,086 
(739) 

46,484 

43,347 

59 – Risk management  
This note sets out the major risks our businesses and our shareholders face and describes the Group’s approach to managing these. It also 
gives sensitivity analysis around the major economic and non-economic assumptions that can cause volatility in the Group’s earnings and 
capital position.  

(a)  Risk management framework 
The risk management framework in Aviva forms an integral part of the management and Board processes and decision-making framework 
across the Group. The key elements of our risk management framework comprise risk appetite; risk governance, including risk policies and 
business standards, risk oversight committees and roles and responsibilities; and the processes we use to identify, measure, manage, 
monitor and report risks, including the use of our risk models and stress and scenario testing. 

For the purposes of risk identification and measurement, and aligned to Aviva’s risk policies, risks are usually grouped by risk type: credit, 
market, liquidity, life insurance (including long-term health), general insurance (including short-term health), asset management and 
operational risk. Risks falling within these types may affect a number of metrics including those relating to balance sheet strength, liquidity 
and profit. They may also affect the performance of the products we deliver to our customers and the service to our customers and 
distributors, which can be categorised as risks to our brand and reputation or as conduct risk. 

To promote a consistent and rigorous approach to risk management across all businesses we have a set of risk policies and business 
standards which set out the risk strategy, appetite, framework and minimum requirements for the Group’s worldwide operations. The 
business chief executive officers make an annual declaration supported by an opinion from the business chief risk officers that the system 
of governance and internal controls was effective and fit for purpose for their business throughout the year. 

A regular top-down key risk identification and assessment process is carried out by the risk function. This includes the consideration of 
emerging risks and is supported by deeper thematic reviews. This process is replicated at the business unit level. The risk assessment 
processes are used to generate risk reports which are shared with the relevant risk committees. 

Risk models are an important tool in our measurement of risks and are used to support the monitoring and reporting of the risk profile and 
in the consideration of the risk management actions available. We carry out a range of stress (where one risk factor, such as equity returns, 
is assumed to vary) and scenario (where combinations of risk factors are assumed to vary) tests to evaluate their impact on the business 
and the management actions available to respond to the conditions envisaged. For those risk types managed through the holding of 
capital, being our principal risk types except for liquidity risk, we measure and monitor our risk profile on the basis of the Solvency II 
solvency capital requirement. 

Roles and responsibilities for risk management in Aviva are based around the ‘three lines of defence model’ where ownership for risk is 
taken at all levels in the Group. Line management in the business is accountable for risk management, including the implementation of the 
risk management framework and embedding of the risk culture. The risk function is accountable for quantitative and qualitative oversight 
and challenge of the risk identification, measurement, monitoring, management and reporting processes and for developing the risk 
management framework. Internal Audit provides an independent assessment of the risk framework and internal control processes. 

Board oversight of risk and risk management across the Group is maintained on a regular basis through its Risk Committee and Governance 
Committee. The Board has overall responsibility for determining risk appetite, which is an expression of the risk the business is willing to 
take. Risk appetites are set relative to capital and liquidity at Group and in the business units.  

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Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

59 – Risk management continued 
Risk appetites, requiring management action if breached, are also set for interest rate and foreign exchange risk (calculated on the basis of 
the Solvency II solvency capital requirement), and liquidity risk (based on stressing forecast central liquid assets and cash inflows and 
outflows over a specified time horizon). For other risk types the Group sets Solvency II capital tolerances. The Group’s position against risk 
appetite and capital tolerances is monitored and reported to the Board on a regular basis. Long-term sustainability depends upon the 
protection of franchise value and good customer relationships. As such, Aviva has a risk preference that we will not accept risks that 
materially impair the reputation of the Group and requires that customers are always treated with integrity. The oversight of risk and risk 
management at the Group level is supported by the Asset Liability Committee, which focuses on business and financial risks, and the 
Operational Risk Committee which focuses on operational and reputational risks. Similar committee structures with equivalent terms of 
reference exist in the business units.  

The risk management framework of a small number of our joint ventures and strategic equity holdings differs from the Aviva framework 
outlined in this note. We work with these entities to understand how their risks are managed and to align them, where possible, with Aviva’s 
framework. 

Further information on the types and management of specific risk types is given in sections (b) to (j) below. 

(b)  Credit risk  
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss as a result of the default or failure of third parties to meet their payment obligations to Aviva, or 
variations in market values as a result of changes in expectations related to these risks. Credit risk is taken so that we can provide the 
returns required to satisfy policyholder liabilities and to generate returns for our shareholders. In general we prefer to take credit risk over 
equity and property risks, due to the better expected risk adjusted return, our credit risk analysis capability and the structural investment 
advantages conferred to insurers with long-dated, relatively illiquid liabilities. 

Our approach to managing credit risk recognises that there is a risk of adverse financial impact resulting from fluctuations in credit quality 
of third parties including default, rating transition and credit spread movements. Our credit risks arise principally through exposures to debt 
security investments, structured asset investments, bank deposits, derivative counterparties, mortgage lending and reinsurance 
counterparties.  

The Group manages its credit risk at business unit and Group level. All business units are required to implement credit risk management 
processes (including limits frameworks), operate specific risk management committees, and ensure detailed reporting and monitoring of 
their exposures against pre-established risk criteria. At Group level, we manage and monitor all exposures across our business units on a 
consolidated basis, and operate a Group limit framework that must be adhered to by all. 

A detailed breakdown of the Group’s current credit exposure by credit quality is shown below. 

(i)  Financial exposures by credit ratings 
Financial assets are graded according to current external credit ratings issued. AAA is the highest possible rating. Investment grade financial 
assets are classified within the range of AAA to BBB ratings. Financial assets which fall outside this range are classified as sub-investment 
grade. The following table provides information regarding the aggregated credit risk exposure of the Group for financial assets with external 
credit ratings. ‘Not rated’ assets capture assets not rated by external ratings agencies.  

As at 31 December 2018 

Debt securities  
Reinsurance assets  
Other investments  
Loans  

Total 

As at 31 December 2017 

Debt securities  
Reinsurance assets  
Other investments  
Loans  

Total 

AAA  

AA 

A 

BBB 

Below BBB 

Not rated 

Carrying value 
including held 
for sale 
£m 

Less: Amounts 
classified as 
held for sale 
£m 

Carrying value 
£m 

10.3%  
— 
0.2%  
— 

33.6%  
83.1%  
0.1%  
5.6%  

18.2%  
10.0%  
0.3%  
— 

25.1%  
2.7%  
0.1%  
— 

6.5%  
— 
— 
— 

6.3%   169,686  
11,800  
4.2%  
52,812  
99.3%  
28,785  
94.4%  

(397)  169,289  
11,755  
46,168  
28,785  

(45) 
(6,644) 
— 

AAA  

AA 

A 

BBB 

Below BBB 

Not rated 

263,083  

(7,086)  255,997  

Carrying value 
including held 
for sale 
£m 

Less: Amounts 
classified as 
held for sale 
£m 

Carrying value 
£m 

10.6%  
— 
— 
— 

32.5%  
87.3%  
0.2%  
7.1%  

20.0%  
8.2%  
0.3%  
— 

23.3%  
1.9%  
0.1%  
— 

7.8%  
— 
— 
— 

5.8%  
2.6%  
99.4%  
92.9%  

175,948  
13,615  
53,277  
27,863  

(1,140) 
(123) 
(6,971) 
(6) 

174,808  
13,492  
46,306  
27,857  

270,703  

(8,240) 

262,463  

The majority of non-rated debt securities within shareholder assets are held by our businesses in the UK. Of these securities most are 
allocated an internal rating using a methodology largely consistent with that adopted by an external rating agency, and are considered to 
be of investment grade credit quality; these include £3.6 billion (2017: £2.0 billion) of debt securities held in our UK Life business, 
predominantly made up of private placements and other corporate bonds, which have been internally rated as investment grade.  

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Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

59 – Risk management continued 
The following table provides information on the Group’s exposure by credit ratings to financial assets that meet the definition of ‘solely 
payment of principal and interest’ (SPPI). Further information on the assessment criteria for SPPI may be found in note 23(c). 

Loans  
Receivables 
Accrued income & interest 
Other financial assets 

Total 

AAA 
£m  

— 
6  
—  
— 

6  

AA 
£m 

1,620  
213  
—  
— 

1,833  

A 
£m 

— 
294  
18  
10  

322  

BBB 
£m 

— 
214  
—  
— 

214  

Below BBB 
£m 

Not rated 
£m 

— 
— 
— 
— 

— 

894  
5,122  
175  
— 

6,191  

At the period end, the Group held cash and cash equivalents of £13,246 million that met the SPPI criteria, of which £13,231 million is placed 
with financial institutions with issuer ratings within the range of AAA to BBB. Further information on the extent to which unrated 
receivables, including those that meet the SPPI criteria, are past due may be found in section (ix) of this note. 

The Group continues to hold a series of macro credit hedges to reduce the overall credit risk exposure. The Group’s maximum exposure to 
credit risk of financial assets, without taking collateral or these hedges into account, is represented by the carrying value of the financial 
instruments in the statement of financial position. These comprise debt securities, reinsurance assets, derivative assets, loans and 
receivables. The carrying values of these assets are disclosed in the relevant notes: financial investments (note 27), reinsurance assets (note 
46), loans (note 24) and receivables (note 28). The collateral in place for these credit exposures is disclosed in note 61 Financial assets and 
liabilities subject to offsetting, enforceable master netting arrangements and similar agreements. 

(ii)  Other investments 
Other investments (including assets of operations classified as held for sale) include unit trusts and other investment vehicles; derivative 
financial instruments, representing positions to mitigate the impact of adverse market movements; and other assets, including deposits 
with credit institutions and minority holdings in property management undertakings. 

The credit quality of the underlying debt securities within investment vehicles is managed by the safeguards built into the investment 
mandates for these funds which determine the funds’ risk profiles. At the Group level, we also monitor the asset quality of unit trusts and 
other investment vehicles against Group set limits. 

A proportion of the assets underlying these investments are represented by equities and so credit ratings are not generally applicable. Equity 
exposures are managed against agreed benchmarks that are set with reference to overall appetite for market risk. 

(iii) Loans 
The Group loan portfolio principally comprises: 
•  Policy loans which are generally collateralised by a lien or charge over the underlying policy; 
•  Loans and advances to banks which primarily relate to loans of cash collateral received in stock lending transactions. These loans are 

fully collateralised by other securities; 

•  Healthcare, infrastructure and PFI loans secured against healthcare, education, social housing and emergency services related premises; and  
•  Mortgage loans collateralised by property assets.  

We use loan to value, interest and debt service cover, and diversity and quality of the tenant base metrics to internally monitor our 
exposures to mortgage loans. We use credit quality, based on dynamic market measures, and collateralisation rules to manage our stock 
lending activities. Policy loans are loans and advances made to policyholders, and are collateralised by the underlying policies. 

(iv) Credit concentration risk 
The long-term and general insurance businesses are generally not individually exposed to significant concentrations of credit risk due to 
the regulations applicable in most markets and the Group credit policy and limits framework, which limit investments in individual assets 
and asset classes. Credit concentrations are monitored as part of the regular credit monitoring process and are reported to the Group Asset 
Liability Committee (ALCO). With the exception of government bonds the largest aggregated counterparty exposure within shareholder 
assets is to the Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd (including subsidiaries), representing approximately 2.3% of the total shareholder assets.  

(v)  Reinsurance credit exposures 
The Group is exposed to concentrations of risk with individual reinsurers due to the nature of the reinsurance market and the restricted 
range of reinsurers that have acceptable credit ratings. The Group operates a policy to manage its reinsurance counterparty exposures, by 
limiting the reinsurers that may be used and applying strict limits to each reinsurer. Reinsurance exposures are aggregated with other 
exposures to ensure that the overall risk is within appetite. The Group Capital and Group Risk teams have an active monitoring role with 
escalation to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Risk Officer (CRO), Group ALCO and the Board Risk Committee as appropriate. 

The Group’s largest reinsurance counterparty is Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd (including subsidiaries). At 31 December 2018, the 
reinsurance asset recoverable, including debtor balances, from Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd was £2,835 million (2017: £2,902 million). 
Up until late 2018, BlackRock Life Ltd had been the Group’s largest reinsurance counterparty as a result of the BlackRock funds offered to 
UK Life customers via unit-linked contracts. However, as a result of action taken to restructure the agreements with BlackRock Life Ltd the 
reinsurance asset recoverable, including debtor balances, from BlackRock Life Ltd as at 31 December 2018 has been reduced to £2,457 
million (2017: £5,307 million). 

(vi) Securities finance 
The Group has significant securities financing operations within the UK and smaller operations in some other businesses. The risks within 
this activity are mitigated by collateralisation and minimum counterparty credit quality requirements.

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Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

59 – Risk management continued 
(vii) Derivative credit exposures 
The Group is exposed to counterparty credit risk through derivative trades. This risk is generally mitigated through holding collateral for 
most trades. Residual exposures are captured within the Group’s credit management framework. 

(viii) Unit-linked business 
In unit-linked business the policyholder bears the direct market risk and credit risk on investment assets in the unit funds and the 
shareholders’ exposure to credit risk is limited to the extent of the income arising from asset management charges based on the value 
of assets in the fund. 

(ix) Impairment of financial assets 
In assessing whether financial assets carried at amortised cost or classified as available for sale are impaired, due consideration is given 
to the factors outlined in accounting policies (T) and (V). The following table provides information regarding the carrying value of financial 
assets subject to impairment testing that have been impaired and the ageing of those assets that are past due but not impaired. The table 
excludes assets carried at fair value through profit or loss and held for sale. 

As at 31 December 2018 

Debt securities  
Reinsurance assets  
Other investments  
Loans  
Receivables and other financial assets 

As at 31 December 2017 

Debt securities  
Reinsurance assets  
Other investments  
Loans  
Receivables and other financial assets 

Financial assets that are past due but not impaired 

0–3 months 
£m 

3–6 months 
£m 

6 months– 
1 year 
£m 

Greater than  
1 year 
£m 

— 
— 
— 
— 
74  

— 
— 
— 
— 
16  

5  
— 
— 
— 
11  

— 
— 
— 
— 
2  

Financial assets that are past due but not impaired 

0–3 months 
£m 

3–6 months 
£m 

6 months– 
1 year 
£m 

Greater than  
1 year 
£m 

— 
— 
— 
— 
78  

— 
— 
— 
— 
12  

— 
— 
— 
— 
5  

— 
— 
— 
— 
5  

Neither past 
due nor 
impaired 
£m 

1,675  
7,791  
1  
3,259  
8,776  

Neither past 
due nor 
impaired 
£m 

1,726  
7,521  
1  
3,465  
8,185  

Financial 
assets that 
have been 
impaired 
£m 

Carrying value 
£m 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

1,680  
7,791  
1  
3,259  
8,879  

Financial  
assets that 
have been 
impaired 
£m 

Carrying value 
£m 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

1,726  
7,521  
1  
3,465  
8,285  

Excluded from the tables above are financial and reinsurance assets carried at fair value through profit or loss that are not subject to 
impairment testing, as follows: £168.0 billion of debt securities (2017: £174.2 billion), £52.8 billion of other investments (2017: £53.3 billion), 
£25.5 billion of loans (2017: £24.4 billion) and £4.0 billion of reinsurance assets (2017: £6.1 billion). 

Where assets have been classed as ‘past due and impaired’, an analysis is made of the risk of default and a decision is made whether to seek to 
mitigate the risk. There were no material financial assets that would have been past due or impaired had the terms not been renegotiated. 

(c)  Market risk 
Market risk is the risk of adverse financial impact resulting, directly or indirectly from fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, foreign currency 
exchange rates, equity and property prices. Market risk arises in business units due to fluctuations in both the value of liabilities and the 
value of investments held. At Group level, it also arises in relation to the overall portfolio of international businesses and in the value of 
investment assets owned directly by the shareholders. We actively seek some market risks as part of our investment and product strategy. 
However, we have limited appetite for interest rate risk as we do not believe it is adequately rewarded. 

The management of market risk is undertaken at business unit and at Group level. Businesses manage market risks locally using the Group 
market risk framework and within local regulatory constraints. Group Capital is responsible for monitoring and managing market risk at 
Group level and has established criteria for matching assets and liabilities to limit the impact of mismatches due to market movements. 

In addition, where the Group’s long-term savings businesses have written insurance and investment products where the majority of 
investment risks are borne by its policyholders, these risks are managed in line with local regulations and marketing literature, in order to 
satisfy the policyholders’ risk and reward objectives. The Group writes unit-linked business in a number of its operations. The shareholders’ 
exposure to market risk on this business is limited to the extent that income arising from asset management charges is based on the value 
of assets in the fund. 

The most material types of market risk that the Group is exposed to are described below. 

(i)  Equity price risk 
The Group is subject to direct equity price risk arising from changes in the market values of its equity securities portfolio. Our most material 
indirect equity price risk exposures are to policyholder unit-linked funds, which are exposed to a fall in the value of the fund thereby 
reducing the fees we earn on those funds, and participating contracts, which are exposed to a fall in the value of the funds thereby 
increasing our costs for policyholder guarantees. We also have some equity exposure in shareholder funds through equities held to match 
inflation-linked liabilities.  

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 Continued  

59 – Risk management continued 
We continue to limit our direct equity exposure in line with our risk preferences. At a business unit level, investment limits and local 
investment regulations require that business units hold diversified portfolios of assets thereby reducing exposure to individual equities. 
The Group does not have material holdings of unquoted equity securities. 

Equity risk is also managed using a variety of derivative instruments, including futures and options. Businesses actively model the 
performance of equities through the use of risk models, in particular to understand the impact of equity performance on guarantees, 
options and bonus rates. An equity hedging strategy remains in place to help control the Group’s overall direct and indirect exposure to 
equities. At 31 December 2018 the Group continues to hold a series of macro equity hedges to reduce the overall shareholder equity risk 
exposure. 

Sensitivity to changes in equity prices is given in section (j) Risk and capital management, below. 

(ii)  Property price risk 
The Group is subject to property price risk directly due to holdings of investment properties in a variety of locations worldwide and 
indirectly through investments in mortgages and mortgage backed securities. Investment in property is managed at business unit level, and 
is subject to local regulations on investments, liquidity requirements and the expectations of policyholders. 

As at 31 December 2018, no material derivative contracts had been entered into to mitigate the effects of changes in property prices. 
Exposure to property risk on equity release mortgages from sustained underperformance in the UK House Price Index (HPI) is mitigated by 
capping loan to value on origination at low levels and regularly monitoring the performance of the mortgage portfolio. 

Sensitivity to changes in property prices is given in section (j) Risk and capital management, below. 

(iii) Interest rate risk 
Interest rate risk arises primarily from the Group’s investments in long-term debt and fixed income securities and their movement relative 
to the value placed on the insurance liabilities. A number of policyholder product features have an influence on the Group’s interest rate 
risk. The major features include guaranteed surrender values, guaranteed annuity options, and minimum surrender and maturity values. 
Details of material guarantees and options are given in note 45.  

Exposure to interest rate risk is monitored through several measures that include duration, capital modelling, sensitivity testing and stress 
and scenario testing. The impact of exposure to sustained low interest rates is considered within our scenario testing. 

The Group typically manages interest rate risk by investing in fixed interest securities which closely match the interest rate sensitivity of the 
liabilities where such investments are available. In particular, a key objective is to at least match the duration of our annuity liabilities with 
assets of the same duration, and in some cases where appropriate cash flow matching has been used. These assets include corporate 
bonds, residential mortgages and commercial mortgages. Should they default before maturity, it is assumed that the Group can reinvest in 
assets of a similar risk and return profile, which is subject to market conditions. Interest rate risk is also managed in some business units 
using a variety of derivative instruments, including futures, options, swaps, caps and floors. 

Some of the Group’s products, principally participating contracts, expose us to the risk that changes in interest rates will impact on profits 
through a change in the interest spread (the difference between the amounts that we are required to pay under the contracts and the 
investment income we are able to earn on the investments supporting our obligations under those contracts). The primary markets where 
Aviva is exposed to this risk are the UK, France and Italy. 

Despite the continued pick up in market interest rates from the historical lows experienced in 2016, the continued low interest rate 
environment in a number of markets around the world has resulted in our current reinvestment yields being lower than the overall current 
portfolio yield, primarily for our investments in fixed income securities and commercial mortgage loans. As long as market yields remain 
below the current portfolio level, the portfolio yield, and as a result net investment income, will continue to decline. While we anticipate 
interest rates may remain below historical averages before the 2008 financial crisis for some time to come, it is also possible that further 
future increases in interest rates or market anticipation of such increases, if larger and more rapid than expected, could adversely impact 
market values of our portfolio of fixed income securities and increase the risk of credit defaults and downgrades. 

Other product lines of the Group, such as protection, are not significantly sensitive to interest rate or market movements. For unit-linked 
business, the shareholder margins emerging are typically a mixture of annual management fees and risk/expense charges. Risk and 
expense margins will be largely unaffected by low interest rates. Annual management fees may increase in the short term as the move 
towards low interest rates increases the value of unit funds. However, in the medium term, unit funds will grow at a lower rate which will 
reduce fund charges. For the UK annuities business interest rate exposure is mitigated by closely matching the duration of liabilities with 
assets of the same duration. 

The UK participating business includes contracts with features such as guaranteed surrender values, guaranteed annuity options, and 
minimum surrender and maturity values. These liabilities are managed through duration matching of assets and liabilities and the use of 
derivatives, including swaptions. As a result, the Group’s exposure to sustained low interest rates on this portfolio is not material. The 
Group’s key exposure to low interest rates arises through its other participating contracts, principally in Italy and France. Some of these 
contracts also include features such as guaranteed minimum bonuses, guaranteed investment returns and guaranteed surrender values. In 
a low interest rate environment there is a risk that the yield on assets might not be sufficient to cover these obligations. For certain of its 
participating contracts the Group is able to amend guaranteed crediting rates. Our ability to lower crediting rates may be limited by 
competition, bonus mechanisms and contractual arrangements. 

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59 – Risk management continued 
Details of material guarantees and options are given in note 45. In addition, the following table summarises the weighted average minimum 
guaranteed crediting rates and weighted average book value yields on assets as at 31 December 2018 for our Italian and French 
participating contracts, where the Group’s key exposure to sustained low interest rates arises. 

France 
Italy 
Other1  

Total 

1 

‘Other’ includes UK participating business 

Weighted 
average 
minimum 
guaranteed 
crediting rate 

Weighted 
average book 
value yield on 
assets 

Participating 
contract 
liabilities 
£m 

0.70% 
0.48% 
N/A 

N/A 

2.67% 
3.52% 
N/A 

67,956  
19,010  
44,329  

N/A 

131,295  

Profit before tax on General Insurance and Health Insurance business is generally a mixture of insurance, expense and investment returns. 
The asset portfolio is invested primarily in fixed income securities and the reduction in interest rates over the last decade has reduced the 
investment component of profit, although in 2018 there was a small partial reversal in this long term trend. The portfolio investment yield 
and average total invested assets in our general insurance and health business are set out in the table below. 

2016 
2017 
2018 

1 

 Before realised and unrealised gains and losses and investment expenses  

Portfolio 
investment 

yield1  

2.47% 
2.07% 
2.28% 

Average  
assets 
£m 

14,369  
14,770  
14,651  

The nature of the business means that prices in certain circumstances can be increased to maintain overall profitability. This is subject to 
the competitive environment in each market. To the extent that there are further falls in interest rates the investment yield would be 
expected to decrease further in future periods. 

Sensitivity to changes in interest rates is given in section (j) Risk and capital management, below. 

(iv) Inflation risk 
Inflation risk arises primarily from the Group’s exposure to general insurance claims inflation, to inflation linked benefits within the defined 
benefit staff pension schemes and within the UK annuity portfolio and to expense inflation. Increases in long-term inflation expectations 
are closely linked to long-term interest rates and so are frequently considered with interest rate risk. Exposure to inflation risk is monitored 
through capital modelling, sensitivity testing and stress and scenario testing. The Group typically manages inflation risk through its 
investment strategy and, in particular, by investing in inflation linked securities and through a variety of derivative instruments, including 
inflation linked swaps. 

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59 – Risk management continued 
(v)  Currency risk 
The Group has minimal exposure to currency risk from financial instruments held by business units in currencies other than their functional 
currencies, as nearly all such holdings are backing either unit-linked or with-profits contract liabilities or are hedged. As a result the foreign 
exchange gains and losses on investments are largely offset by changes in unit-linked and with-profits liabilities and fair value changes in 
derivatives attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates recognised in the income statement.  

The Group operates internationally and as a result is exposed to foreign currency exchange risk arising from fluctuations in exchange rates 
of various currencies. Approximately 59% of the Group’s premium income arises in currencies other than sterling and the Group’s net assets 
are denominated in a variety of currencies, of which the largest are sterling, euro and Canadian dollars. The Group does not hedge foreign 
currency revenues as these are substantially retained locally to support the growth of the Group’s business and meet local regulatory and 
market requirements. However, the Group does use foreign currency forward contracts to hedge planned dividends from its subsidiaries. 

Businesses aim to maintain sufficient assets in local currency to meet local currency liabilities, however movements may impact the value 
of the Group’s consolidated shareholders’ equity which is expressed in sterling. This aspect of foreign exchange risk is monitored and 
managed centrally, against pre-determined limits. These exposures are managed by aligning the deployment of regulatory capital by 
currency with the Group’s regulatory capital requirements by currency. Currency borrowings and derivatives are used to manage exposures 
within the limits that have been set. Except where the Group has applied net investment hedge accounting (see note 60(a)), foreign 
exchange gains and losses on foreign currency borrowings are recognised in the income statement, whereas foreign exchange gains and 
losses arising on consolidation from the translation of assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are recognised in other comprehensive 
income. At 31 December 2018 and 2017, the Group’s total equity deployment by currency including assets ‘held for sale’ was:  

Capital 31 December 2018 
Capital 31 December 2017 

Sterling 
£m 

15,720  
16,776  

Euro 
£m 

611  
444  

CAD$ 
£m 

311  
309  

Other 
£m 

Total 
£m 

1,813  
1,606  

18,455  
19,135  

A 10% change in sterling to euro/Canada$ (CAD$) period-end foreign exchange rates would have had the following impact on total equity. 

Net assets at 31 December 2018 
Net assets at 31 December 2017 

10% increase in 
sterling/euro 
rate 
£m 

10% decrease 
in sterling/euro 
rate 
£m 

10% increase in 
sterling/CAD$ 
rate 
£m 

10% decrease in 
sterling/CAD$ 
rate 
£m 

(61) 
(44) 

77  
44  

(31) 
(31) 

31  
31  

A 10% change in sterling to euro/Canada$ (CAD$) average foreign exchange rates applied to translate foreign currency profits would have 
had the following impact on profit before tax, including resulting gains and losses on foreign exchange hedges. 

Impact on profit before tax 31 December 2018 
Impact on profit before tax 31 December 2017 

10% increase in 
sterling/euro 
rate 
£m 

10% decrease 
in sterling/euro 
rate 
£m 

10% increase in 
sterling/CAD$ 
rate  
£m 

10% decrease in 
sterling/CAD$ 
rate  
£m 

(60) 
(78) 

85  
95  

8 
6 

(9) 
(7) 

The balance sheet changes arise from retranslation of business unit statements of financial position from their functional currencies into 
sterling, with above movements being taken through the currency translation reserve. These balance sheet movements in exchange rates 
therefore have no impact on profit. Net asset and profit before tax figures are stated after taking account of the effect of currency hedging 
activities. 

(vi)  Derivatives risk 
Derivatives are used by a number of the businesses. Derivatives are primarily used for efficient investment management, risk hedging 
purposes, or to structure specific retail savings products. Activity is overseen by the Group Capital and Group Risk teams, which monitor 
exposure levels and approve large or complex transactions. 

The Group applies strict requirements to the administration and valuation processes it uses, and has a control framework that is consistent 
with market and industry practice for the activity that is undertaken. 

(vii)  Correlation risk 
The Group recognises that lapse behaviour and potential increases in consumer expectations are sensitive to and interdependent with 
market movements and interest rates. These interdependencies are taken into consideration in the internal capital model and in scenario 
analysis. 

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59 – Risk management continued 
(d)  Liquidity risk  
Liquidity risk is the risk of not being able to make payments as they become due because there are insufficient assets in cash form. The 
relatively illiquid nature of insurance liabilities is a potential source of additional investment return by allowing us to invest in higher 
yielding, but less liquid assets such as commercial mortgages and infrastructure loans. The Group seeks to ensure that it maintains 
sufficient financial resources to meet its obligations as they fall due through the application of a Group liquidity risk policy and business 
standard and through the development of its liquidity risk management plan. At Group and business unit level, there is a liquidity risk 
appetite which requires that sufficient liquid resources be maintained to cover net outflows in a stress scenario. In addition to the existing 
liquid resources and expected inflows, the Group maintains significant undrawn committed borrowing facilities (£1,650 million) from a 
range of leading international banks to further mitigate this risk. 

Maturity analyses 
The following tables show the maturities of our insurance and investment contract liabilities, and of the financial and reinsurance assets 
held to meet them. A maturity analysis of the contractual amounts payable for borrowings and non-hedge derivatives is given in notes 52 
and 60, respectively. Contractual obligations under operating leases and capital commitments are given in note 56. 

(i)  Analysis of maturity of insurance and investment contract liabilities  
For non-linked insurance business, the following table shows the gross liability at 31 December 2018 and 2017 analysed by remaining 
duration. The total liability is split by remaining duration in proportion to the cash-flows expected to arise during that period, as permitted 
under IFRS 4, Insurance Contracts. 

Almost all linked business and non-linked investment contracts may be surrendered or transferred on demand. For such contracts, the 
earliest contractual maturity date is therefore the current statement of financial position date, for a surrender amount approximately equal 
to the current statement of financial position liability. However, we expect surrenders, transfers and maturities to occur over many years, 
and therefore the tables below reflect the expected cash flows for these contracts, rather than their contractual maturity date. This table 
includes amounts held for sale. 

As at 31 December 2018 

Long-term business 
Insurance contracts – non-linked  
Investment contracts – non-linked  
Linked business 
General insurance and health 

Total contract liabilities 

As at 31 December 2017 

Long-term business 
Insurance contracts – non-linked  
Investment contracts – non-linked  
Linked business 
General insurance and health 

Total contract liabilities 

On demand or 
within 1 year 
£m 

Total 
£m 

1-5 years 
£m 

5-15 years 
£m 

Over 15 years 
£m 

106,622  
75,158  
156,859 
16,368  

8,421  
5,547  
15,559 
6,859  

25,940  
19,199  
23,901  
6,758  

40,548  
28,572  
52,656 
2,217  

31,713  
21,840  
64,743 
534  

355,007  

36,386 

75,798 

123,993 

118,830 

On demand or 
within 1 year 
£m 

Total 
£m 

1-5 years 
£m 

5-15 years 
£m 

Over 15 years 
£m 

109,900  
71,948  
163,571  
16,794  

362,213  

10,105  
5,370  
17,609  
6,877  

39,961  

27,278  
17,088  
27,632  
6,838  

41,720  
26,300  
55,519  
2,462  

30,797  
23,190  
62,811  
617  

78,836  

126,001  

117,415  

(ii)  Analysis of maturity of financial assets 
The following table provides an analysis, by maturity date of the principal, of the carrying value of financial assets which are available to 
fund the repayment of liabilities as they crystallise. This table excludes assets held for sale. 

As at 31 December 2018 

Debt securities 
Equity securities 
Other investments 
Loans 
Cash and cash equivalents 

As at 31 December 2017 

Debt securities 
Equity securities 
Other investments 
Loans 
Cash and cash equivalents 

On demand or 
within 1 year 
£m 

Total 
£m 

1-5 years 
£m 

Over 5 years 
£m 

No fixed term 
(perpetual) 
£m 

169,289  
82,128  
46,168  
28,785  
46,484  

31,282  
— 
41,027  
2,089  
46,484  

43,876  
— 
77  
4,236  
— 

92,985  
— 
4,301  
22,457  
— 

1,146  
82,128  
763  
3  
— 

372,854   120,882  

48,189   119,743  

84,040  

On demand or 
within 1 year 
£m 

Total 
£m 

1-5 years 
£m 

Over 5 years 
£m 

No fixed term 
(perpetual) 
£m 

174,808  
89,968  
46,306  
27,857  
43,347  

28,037  
— 
40,500  
1,651  
43,347  

47,289  
— 
364  
5,053  
— 

99,078  
— 
4,680  
21,149  
— 

382,286  

113,535  

52,706  

124,907  

404  
89,968  
762  
4  
— 

91,138  

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59 – Risk management continued 
The assets above are analysed in accordance with the earliest possible redemption date of the instrument at the initiation of the Group. 
Where an instrument is transferable back to the issuer on demand, such as most unit trusts or similar types of investment vehicle, it is 
included in the ‘On demand or within 1 year’ column. Debt securities with no fixed contractual maturity date are generally callable at the 
option of the issuer at the date the coupon rate is reset under the contractual terms of the instrument. The terms for resetting the coupon 
are such that we expect the securities to be redeemed at this date, as it would be uneconomic for the issuer not to do so, and for liquidity 
management purposes we manage these securities on this basis. The first repricing and call date is normally ten years or more after the 
date of issuance. Most of the Group’s investments in equity securities and fixed maturity securities are market traded and therefore, if 
required, can be liquidated for cash at short notice. 

(e)  Life and health insurance risk  
Life insurance risk in the Group arises through its exposure to mortality risk and exposure to worse than anticipated operating experience 
on factors such as persistency levels, exercising of policyholder options and management and administration expenses. The Group’s health 
insurance business (including private health insurance, critical illness cover, income protection and personal accident insurance, as well as 
a range of corporate healthcare products) exposes the Group to morbidity risk (the proportion of our customers falling sick) and medical 
expense inflation. The Group chooses to take measured amounts of life and health insurance risk provided that the relevant business has 
the appropriate core skills to assess and price the risk and adequate returns are available. The Group’s underwriting strategy and appetite 
is communicated via specific policy statements, related business standards and guidelines. Life insurance risk is managed primarily at 
business unit level with oversight at the Group level. 

The underlying risk profile of our life and health insurance risks, primarily persistency, longevity, mortality and expense risk, has remained 
stable during 2018, although the current continued relatively low levels of interest rates have increased our sensitivity to longevity shocks 
compared to historical norms. We are also exposed to longevity risk through the Aviva Staff Pension Scheme, to which our economic 
exposure has been reduced since 2014 by entering into a longevity swap covering approximately £5 billion of pensioner in payment scheme 
liabilities. Longevity risk remains the Group’s most significant life insurance risk, while persistency risk remains significant and continues to 
have a volatile outlook with underlying performance linked to some degree to economic conditions. However, businesses across the Group 
have continued to make progress with a range of customer retention activities. The Group has continued to write considerable volumes of 
life protection business, and to utilise reinsurance to reduce exposure to potential losses. More generally, life insurance risks are believed to 
provide a significant diversification against other risks in the portfolio. Life insurance risks are modelled within the internal capital model 
and subject to sensitivity and stress and scenario testing. Our UK Life business is in the process of implementing a new actuarial modelling 
system for non-profit business. During the year ended 31 December 2018, annuities and certain protection products were transferred into 
the new modelling system which had minimal financial impact. 

The assumption and management of life and health insurance risks is governed by the Group-wide business standards covering 
underwriting, pricing, product design and management, in-force management, claims handling, and reinsurance. The individual life and 
health insurance risks are managed as follows: 
•  Mortality and morbidity risks are mitigated by use of reinsurance. The Group allows businesses to select reinsurers, from those approved 
by the Group, based on local factors, but retains oversight of the overall exposures and monitors that the aggregation of risk ceded is 
within credit risk appetite. 

•  Longevity risk and internal experience analysis are monitored against the latest external industry data and emerging trends. Whilst 

individual businesses are responsible for reserving and pricing for annuity business, the Group monitors the exposure to this risk and any 
associated capital implications. The Group has used reinsurance solutions to reduce the risks from longevity and continually monitors 
and evaluates emerging market solutions to mitigate this risk further. 

•  Persistency risk is managed at a business unit level through frequent monitoring of company experience, and benchmarked against local 

market information. Generally, persistency risk arises from customers lapsing their policies earlier than has been assumed. Where 
possible the financial impact of lapses is reduced through appropriate product design. Businesses also implement specific initiatives to 
improve the retention of policies which may otherwise lapse. The Group has developed guidelines on persistency management. 

•  Expense risk is primarily managed by the business units through the assessment of business unit profitability and frequent monitoring of 

expense levels. 

Embedded derivatives 
The Group is exposed to the risk of changes in policyholder behaviour due to the exercise of options, guarantees and other product features 
embedded in its long-term savings products. These product features offer policyholders varying degrees of guaranteed benefits at maturity 
or on early surrender, along with options to convert their benefits into different products on pre-agreed terms. The extent of the impact of 
these embedded derivatives differs considerably between business units and exposes Aviva to changes in policyholder behaviour in the 
exercise of options as well as market risk. 

Examples of each type of embedded derivative affecting the Group are: 
•  Options: call, put, surrender and maturity options, guaranteed annuity options, options to cease premium payment, options for 

withdrawals free of market value adjustment, annuity options, and guaranteed insurability options. 

•  Guarantees: embedded floor (guaranteed return), maturity guarantee, guaranteed death benefit, and guaranteed minimum rate of 

annuity payment. 

•  Other: indexed interest or principal payments, maturity value, loyalty bonus. 

The impact of these is reflected in the capital model and managed as part of the asset liability framework. Further disclosure on financial 
guarantees and options embedded in contracts and their inclusion in insurance and investment contract liabilities is provided in note 45. 

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59 – Risk management continued 
(f) General insurance risk 
Types of risk 
General insurance risk in the Group arises from: 
• Fluctuations in the timing, frequency and severity of claims and claim settlements relative to expectations; 
• Unexpected claims arising from a single source or cause; 
• Inaccurate pricing of risks or inappropriate underwriting of risks when underwritten; and
• Inadequate reinsurance protection or other risk transfer techniques. 

Aviva has a preference for general insurance risk in measured amounts for explicit reward, in line with our core skills in underwriting and 
pricing. The majority of the general insurance business underwritten by the Group continues to be short tail in nature such as motor, 
household and commercial property insurances. The Group’s underwriting strategy and appetite is communicated via specific policy 
statements, related business standards and guidelines. General insurance risk is managed primarily at business unit level with oversight at 
the Group level. Claims reserving is undertaken by local actuaries in the various general insurance businesses and is also subject to periodic 
external reviews. Reserving processes are further detailed in note 42 Insurance liabilities. 

The vast majority of the Group’s general insurance business is managed and priced in the same country as the domicile of the customer. 

Management of general insurance risks 
Significant insurance risks will be reported under the risk management framework. Additionally, the capital model is used to assess the 
risks that each general insurance business unit, and the Group as a whole, is exposed to, quantifying their impact and calculating 
appropriate capital requirements.  

Business units have developed mechanisms that identify, quantify and manage accumulated exposures to contain them within the limits of 
the appetite of the Group. The business units are assisted by the General Insurance Council which provides technical input for major 
decisions which fall outside individual delegated limits or escalations outside group risk preferences, group risk accumulation, 
concentration and profitability limits. 

Reinsurance strategy 
Significant reinsurance purchases are reviewed annually at both business unit and Group level to verify that the levels of protection being 
bought reflect any developments in exposure and the risk appetite of the Group. The basis of these purchases is underpinned by analysis of 
capital, earnings and capital volatility, cash flow and liquidity and the Group’s franchise value.  

Detailed actuarial analysis is used to calculate the Group’s extreme risk profile and then design cost and capital efficient reinsurance 
programmes to mitigate these risks to within agreed appetites. For businesses writing general insurance we analyse the natural 
catastrophe exposure using our own internal probabilistic catastrophe model which is benchmarked against external catastrophe models 
widely used by the rest of the (re)insurance industry. 

The Group cedes much of its worldwide catastrophe risk to third-party reinsurers through excess of loss and aggregate excess of loss 
structures. The Group purchases a Group-wide catastrophe reinsurance programme to protect against catastrophe losses exceeding a 1 in 
200 year return period. The total Group potential retained loss from its most concentrated catastrophe exposure peril (Northern Europe 
Windstorm) is approximately £150 million on a per occurrence basis and £175 million on an annual aggregate basis. Any losses above these 
levels are covered by the group-wide catastrophe reinsurance programme to a level in excess of a 1 in 200 year return period. In addition 
the Group purchases a number of GI business line specific reinsurance programmes with various retention levels to protect both capital 
and earnings, and has reinsured 100% of its latent exposures to its historic UK employers’ liability and public liability business written prior 
to 31 December 2000. 

(g) Asset management risk 
Aviva is directly exposed to the risks associated with operating an asset management business through its ownership of Aviva Investors. The 
underlying risk profile of our asset management risk is derived from investment performance, specialist investment professionals and 
leadership, product development capabilities, fund liquidity, margin, client retention, regulatory developments, fiduciary and contractual 
responsibilities. Funds invested in illiquid assets such as commercial property are particularly exposed to liquidity risk. The risk profile is 
regularly monitored. 

A client relationship team is in place to manage client retention risk, while all new asset management products undergo a review and 
approval process at each stage of the product development process, including approvals from legal, compliance and risk functions. 
Investment performance against client objectives relative to agreed benchmarks is monitored as part of our investment performance and 
risk management process, and subject to further independent oversight and challenge by a specialist risk team, reporting directly to the 
Aviva Investors’ Chief Risk Officer. 

(h) Operational risk 
Operational risk is the risk of direct or indirect loss, arising from inadequate or failed internal processes, people and systems, or external 
events including changes in the regulatory environment. We have limited appetite for operational risk and aim to reduce these risks as far 
as is commercially sensible. 

Our business units are primarily responsible for identifying and managing operational risks within their businesses, within the Group-wide 
operational risk framework including the risk and control self-assessment process. Businesses must be satisfied that all material risks falling 
outside our risk tolerances are being mitigated, monitored and reported to an appropriate level. Any risks with a high potential impact are 
monitored centrally on a regular basis. Businesses use key indicator data to help monitor the status of the risk and control environment. 
They also identify and capture loss events, taking appropriate action to address actual control breakdowns and promote internal learning. 

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 Continued  

59 – Risk management continued 
The increasing importance to our strategy of digital interaction with our customers and advanced data analytics, the conduct, data 
protection and financial crime agenda of the European institutions, the FCA and other regulators, as well as the increasing cyber security 
threat, as evidenced by continuing instances of high profile cyber security breaches for other corporates in the UK and elsewhere, mean 
that the Group’s inherent risk exposure to risks such as data theft, conduct regulatory breaches (including financial crime) and customer 
service interruption due to IT systems failure increased in 2018 and is expected to continue to increase into the future. The risk of customer 
service interruption is increased by the age and complexity of the Group’s IT infrastructure, which at times during the first half of 2018 
resulted in disruption to continuous service to our customers, while our UK long-term savings business also experienced some functionality 
issues during its update of its platform capability. During 2018 we have continued to take action to reduce our residual exposure to these 
risks and improve our operational resilience through our conduct risk management framework, financial crime risk mitigation programme 
and significant investment in upgrading our IT infrastructure (including migrations to a new data centre infrastructure provider and to the 
Cloud) and IT Security Transformation programme, and by ensuring appropriate consideration of IT infrastructure and security risks in 
developing our digital strategy, and will continue to do so into the future. 

(i)  Brand and reputation risk 
We are exposed to the risk that litigation, employee misconduct, operational failures, the outcome of regulatory investigations, media 
speculation and negative publicity, disclosure of confidential client information, inadequate services, whether or not founded, could 
impact our brands or reputation. Any of our brands or our reputation could also be affected if products or services recommended by us (or 
any of our intermediaries) do not perform as expected (whether or not the expectations are founded) or customers’ expectations for the 
product change. We seek to reduce this risk to as low a level as commercially sensible. 

The FCA regularly considers whether we are meeting the requirement to treat our customers fairly and we make use of various metrics to 
assess our own performance, including customer advocacy, retention and complaints. Failure to meet these requirements could also 
impact our brands or reputation. 

If we do not manage the perception of our brands and reputation successfully, it could cause existing customers or agents to withdraw 
from our business and potential customers or agents to choose not to do business with us. 

(j)  Risk and capital management  
(i)  Sensitivity test analysis 
The Group uses a number of sensitivity tests to understand the volatility of earnings, the volatility of its capital requirements, and to 
manage its capital more efficiently. Sensitivities to economic and operating experience are regularly produced on the Group’s key financial 
performance metrics to inform the Group’s decision making and planning processes, and as part of the framework for identifying and 
quantifying the risks to which each of its business units, and the Group as a whole, are exposed. 

(ii)  Life insurance and investment contracts 
The nature of long-term business is such that a number of assumptions are made in compiling these financial statements. Assumptions are 
made about investment returns, expenses, mortality rates and persistency in connection with the in-force policies for each business unit. 
Assumptions are best estimates based on historic and expected experience of the business. A number of the key assumptions for the 
Group’s central scenario are disclosed elsewhere in these statements. 

(iii) General insurance and health business 
General insurance and health claim liabilities are estimated by using standard actuarial claims projection techniques. These methods 
extrapolate the claims development for each accident year based on the observed development of earlier years. In most cases, no explicit 
assumptions are made as projections are based on assumptions implicit in the historic claims. 

(iv) Sensitivity test results 
Illustrative results of sensitivity testing for long-term business, general insurance and health business and the fund management and non-
insurance business are set out below. For each sensitivity test the impact of a reasonably possible change in a single factor is shown, with 
other assumptions left unchanged. 

Sensitivity factor 

Description of sensitivity factor applied 

Interest rate and investment return 

Credit spreads 

Equity/property market values 
Expenses 
Assurance mortality/morbidity (life insurance only) 
Annuitant mortality (long-term insurance only) 
Gross loss ratios (non-long-term insurance only) 

The impact of a change in market interest rates by a 1% increase or decrease. The test allows 
consistently for similar changes to investment returns and movements in the market value of 
backing fixed interest securities. 
The impact of a 0.5% increase in credit spreads over risk-free interest rates on corporate bonds 
and other non-sovereign credit assets. The test allows for any consequential impact on liability 
valuations. 
The impact of a change in equity/property market values by ± 10%. 
The impact of an increase in maintenance expenses by 10%. 
The impact of an increase in mortality/morbidity rates for assurance contracts by 5%. 
The impact of a reduction in mortality rates for annuity contracts by 5%. 
The impact of an increase in gross loss ratios for general insurance and health business by 5%. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

59 – Risk management continued 
Long-term business 
Sensitivities as at 31 December 2018 

31 December 2018 Impact on profit before tax £m 

Insurance participating 
Insurance non-participating 
Investment participating 
Investment non-participating 
Assets backing life shareholders’ funds 

Total 

31 December 2018 Impact on shareholders’ equity before tax £m 

Insurance participating 
Insurance non-participating 
Investment participating 
Investment non-participating 
Assets backing life shareholders’ funds 

Total  

Sensitivities as at 31 December 2017 

31 December 2017 Impact on profit before tax £m 

Insurance participating 
Insurance non-participating 
Investment participating 
Investment non-participating 
Assets backing life shareholders’ funds 

Total  

31 December 2017 Impact on shareholders’ equity before tax £m 

Insurance participating 
Insurance non-participating 
Investment participating 
Investment non-participating 
Assets backing life shareholders’ funds 

Total  

Interest rates 
+1% 

Interest rates  
-1% 

Credit spreads 
+0.5% 

Equity/ 
property  
+10% 

Equity/ 
property  
-10% 

Expenses 
+10% 

Assurance 
mortality  
+5% 

Annuitant 
mortality  
-5% 

(75) 
(975) 
(40) 
— 
(95) 

(1,185) 

35  
1,130  
40  
— 
105  

1,310  

(15) 
(695) 
(10) 
— 
(25) 

(745) 

(105) 
(125) 
(15) 
10  
20  

(215) 

70  
105  
(15) 
(25) 
(20) 

115  

(20) 
(210) 
(15) 
(20) 
— 

(265) 

(5) 
(115) 
— 
— 
— 

(120) 

(5) 
(865) 
— 
— 
— 

(870) 

Interest rates 
+1% 

Interest rates  
-1% 

Credit spreads 
+0.5% 

Equity/ 
property  
+10% 

Equity/ 
property  
-10% 

Expenses 
+10% 

Assurance 
mortality  
+5% 

Annuitant 
mortality  
-5% 

(75) 
(975) 
(40) 
— 
(145) 

(1,235) 

35  
1,130  
40  
— 
150  

1,355  

(15) 
(695) 
(10) 
— 
(25) 

(745) 

(105) 
(125) 
(15) 
10  
25  

(210) 

70  
105  
(15) 
(25) 
(25) 

110  

(20) 
(210) 
(15) 
(20) 
— 

(265) 

(5) 
(115) 
— 
— 
— 

(120) 

(5) 
(865) 
— 
— 
— 

(870) 

Interest rates 
+1% 

Interest rates  
-1% 

Credit spreads 
+0.5% 

Equity/ 
property 
 +10% 

Equity/ 
property  
-10% 

Expenses 
 +10% 

Assurance 
mortality  
+5% 

Annuitant 
mortality 
 -5% 

(45) 
(475) 
— 
— 
(90) 

(610) 

25  
485  
10  
(10) 
115  

625  

(15) 
(790) 
(5) 
(5) 
(25) 

(840) 

(20) 
(135) 
(5) 
10  
20  

(130) 

(40) 
115  
— 
(10) 
(20) 

45  

(25) 
(215) 
(15) 
(30) 
— 

(285) 

(5) 
(105) 
— 
— 
— 

(110) 

(10) 
(905) 
— 
— 
— 

(915) 

Interest rates 
+1% 

Interest rates  
-1% 

Credit spreads 
+0.5% 

Equity/ 
property  
+10% 

Equity/ 
property  
-10% 

Expenses 
 +10% 

Assurance 
mortality  
+5% 

Annuitant 
mortality  
-5% 

(45) 
(475) 
— 
— 
(150) 

(670) 

25  
485  
10  
(10) 
175  

685  

(15) 
(790) 
(5) 
(5) 
(35) 

(850) 

(20) 
(135) 
(5) 
10  
20  

(130) 

(40) 
115  
— 
(10) 
(20) 

45  

(25) 
(215) 
(15) 
(30) 
— 

(285) 

(5) 
(105) 
— 
— 
— 

(110) 

(10) 
(905) 
— 
— 
— 

(915) 

Changes in sensitivities between 2018 and 2017 reflect underlying movements in the value of assets and liabilities, the relative duration of 
assets and liabilities and asset liability management actions. The sensitivities to economic and demographic movements relate mainly to 
business in the UK. Our sensitivity to interest rates has increased over the period mainly due to the impacts of our hedging programme 
which protects Solvency II capital and increased exposure in the UK, predominantly as a result of surplus assets originated in 2018 to back 
new business in 2019 that would otherwise be invested in cash.  

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

59 – Risk management continued 
General insurance and health business sensitivities as at 31 December 2018 

31 December 2018 Impact on profit before tax £m 

Gross of reinsurance 

Net of reinsurance 

31 December 2018 Impact on shareholders’ equity before tax £m 

Gross of reinsurance 

Net of reinsurance 

Sensitivities as at 31 December 2017 

31 December 2017 Impact on profit before tax £m 

Gross of reinsurance 

Net of reinsurance  

31 December 2017 Impact on shareholders’ equity before tax £m 

Gross of reinsurance  

Net of reinsurance  

Interest rates 
+1% 

Interest rates  
-1% 

Credit spreads 
+0.5% 

(240) 

(305) 

235  

295  

(115) 

(115) 

Interest rates 
+1% 

Interest rates  
-1% 

Credit spreads 
+0.5% 

(240) 

(305) 

235  

295  

(115) 

(115) 

Interest rates 
+1% 

Interest rates  
-1% 

Credit spreads 
+0.5% 

(285) 

(345) 

300  

355  

(130) 

(130) 

Interest rates 
+1% 

Interest rates  
-1% 

Credit spreads 
+0.5% 

(285) 

(345) 

300  

355  

(130) 

(130) 

Equity/ 
property  
+10% 

165  

165  

Equity/ 
property 
+10% 

170  

170  

Equity/ 
property  
+10% 

165  

165  

Equity/ 
property 
 +10% 

165  

165  

Equity/ 
property  
-10% 

(165) 

(165) 

Equity/ 
property  
-10% 

(170) 

(170) 

Equity/ 
property  
-10% 

(165) 

(165) 

Equity/ 
property  
-10% 

(165) 

(165) 

Expenses 
+10% 

(120) 

(120) 

Expenses 
+10% 

(25) 

(25) 

Expenses  
+10% 

(120) 

(120) 

Expenses  
+10% 

(25) 

(25) 

Gross loss 
ratios  
+5% 

(325) 

(315) 

Gross loss 
ratios  
+5% 

(325) 

(315) 

Gross loss 
ratios  
+5% 

(335) 

(325) 

Gross loss 
ratios  
+5% 

(335) 

(325) 

For general insurance and health, the impact of the expense sensitivity on profit also includes the increase in ongoing administration 
expenses, in addition to the increase in the claims handling expense provision. 

Fund management and non-insurance business sensitivities as at 31 December 2018 

31 December 2018 Impact on profit before tax £m 

Total  

31 December 2018 Impact on shareholders’ equity before tax £m 

Total  

Sensitivities as at 31 December 2017 

31 December 2017 Impact on profit before tax £m 

Total  

31 December 2017 Impact on shareholders’ equity before tax £m 

Total  

Interest rates 
+1% 

Interest rates  
-1% 

Credit spreads 
+0.5% 

Equity/ 
property  
+10% 

Equity/ 
property  
-10% 

(25) 

20  

30  

(20) 

35  

Interest rates 
+1% 

Interest rates  
-1% 

Credit spreads 
+0.5% 

Equity/ 
property  
+10% 

Equity/ 
property  
-10% 

(20) 

15  

30  

(20) 

30  

Interest rates 
+1% 

Interest rates  
-1% 

Credit spreads 
+0.5% 

Equity/ 
property  
+10% 

Equity/ 
property  
-10% 

(30) 

30  

80  

(10) 

20  

Interest rates 
+1% 

Interest rates  
-1% 

Credit spreads 
+0.5% 

Equity/ 
property  
+10% 

Equity/ 
property  
-10% 

(25) 

25  

80  

(10) 

15  

Limitations of sensitivity analysis 
The above tables demonstrate the effect of a change in a key assumption while other assumptions remain unchanged. In reality, there is a 
correlation between the assumptions and other factors. It should also be noted that these sensitivities are non-linear, and larger or smaller 
impacts should not be interpolated or extrapolated from these results. 

The sensitivity analyses do not take into consideration that the Group’s assets and liabilities are actively managed. Additionally, the 
financial position of the Group may vary at the time that any actual market movement occurs. For example, the Group’s financial risk 
management strategy aims to manage the exposure to market fluctuations. 

As investment markets move past various trigger levels, management actions could include selling investments, changing investment 
portfolio allocation, adjusting bonuses credited to policyholders, and taking other protective action. 

A number of the business units use passive assumptions to calculate their long-term business liabilities. Consequently, a change in the 
underlying assumptions may not have any impact on the liabilities, whereas assets held at market value in the statement of financial 
position will be affected. In these circumstances, the different measurement bases for liabilities and assets may lead to volatility in 
shareholder equity. Similarly, for general insurance liabilities, the interest rate sensitivities only affect profit and equity where explicit 
assumptions are made regarding interest (discount) rates or future inflation. 

Other limitations in the above sensitivity analyses include the use of hypothetical market movements to demonstrate potential risk that 
only represent the Group’s view of possible near-term market changes that cannot be predicted with any certainty, and the assumption 
that all interest rates move in an identical fashion.

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

60 – Derivative financial instruments and hedging 
This note gives details of the various financial instruments the Group uses to mitigate risk. 

The Group uses a variety of derivative financial instruments, including both exchange traded and over-the-counter instruments, in line with 
the Group’s overall risk management strategy. The objectives include managing exposure to market, foreign currency and/or interest rate 
risk on existing assets or liabilities, as well as planned or anticipated investment purchases.  

In the narrative and tables below, figures are given for both the notional amounts and fair values of these instruments. The notional 
amounts reflect the aggregate of individual derivative positions on a gross basis and so give an indication of the overall scale of the 
derivative transaction. They do not reflect current market values of the open positions. The fair values represent the gross carrying values 
at the year end for each class of derivative contract held (or issued) by the Group. 

The fair values do not provide an indication of credit risk, as many over-the-counter transactions are contracted and documented under 
ISDA (International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc.) master agreements or their equivalent. Such agreements are designed to 
provide a legally enforceable set-off in the event of default, which reduces credit exposure. In addition, the Group has collateral agreements 
in place between the individual Group entities and relevant counterparties. Refer to note 61 for further information on collateral and net 
credit risk of derivative instruments. 

(a) Instruments qualifying for hedge accounting 
The Group has formally assessed and documented the hedge effectiveness in accordance with IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition 
and Measurement.

Net investment hedges 
To reduce its exposure to foreign currency risk, the Group has designated a portion of its euro denominated debt as hedge instruments to 
hedge a net investment in its European subsidiaries. No material disposals are expected prior to the maturity of the euro denominated debt 
and the hedge effectiveness is prospectively expected to remain between 80% and 125%. The carrying value of the debt at 31 December 
2018 was £2,468 million (2017: £2,885 million) and its fair value at that date was £2,515 million (2017: £3,202 million). 

Foreign exchange losses of £27 million (2017: loss of £98 million) on translation of the debt to sterling at the statement of financial position 
date in respect of the effective portion have been recognised in the hedging instruments reserve in shareholders’ equity. A gain of £4 million 
(2017: loss of £13 million) has been recognised in the income statement due to the termination of a net investment hedge.  

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
226 

Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

60 – Derivative financial instruments and hedging continued 
(b)  Derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting 
Certain derivatives either do not qualify for hedge accounting under IAS 39 or the option to designate them as hedge instruments has not 
been taken. These are referred to below as non-hedge derivatives. 

(i)  The Group’s non-hedge derivatives at 31 December 2018 and 2017 were as follows:  

Foreign exchange contracts 
OTC 

Forwards 
Interest rate and currency swaps  
Options 

Total 

Interest rate contracts 
OTC 

Forwards 
Swaps 
Options 
Swaptions 
Exchange traded 

Futures 

Total 

Equity/Index contracts 
OTC 

Options 

Exchange traded 

Futures 
Options 

Total 

Credit contracts 
Other 

Total at 31 December 

Contract/ 
notional 
amount 
£m 

17,529  
7,908  
174  

25,611  

2018 

2017 

Fair value 
asset 
£m 

Fair value 
liability 
£m 

Contract/ 
notional 
amount 
£m 

Fair value  
asset 
£m  

Fair value 
liability 
£m 

73  
29  
9  

111  

(117) 
(708) 
— 

(825) 

10,281  
7,336  
— 

17,617  

87  
176  
— 

263  

(34) 
(568) 
— 

(602) 

283  
50,316  
203  
358  

11  
3,651  
1  
126  

— 
(2,120) 
(20) 
(5) 

280  
52,464  
178  
1,220  

4  
4,370  
15  
143  

(2) 
(2,539) 
(11) 
(7) 

5,297  

53  

(34) 

4,577  

11  

(17) 

56,457  

3,842  

(2,179) 

58,719  

4,543  

(2,576) 

132  

10,888  
3,156  

14,176  

10,756  
14,327  

58  

185  
441  

684  

12  
345  

(1) 

593  

(197) 
(13) 

(211) 

(227) 
(2,129) 

16,279  
2,560  

19,432  

9,920  
15,395  

29  

254  
175  

458  

15  
228  

121,327  

4,994  

(5,571) 

121,083  

5,507  

(2) 

(249) 
(5) 

(256) 

(261) 
(2,071) 

(5,766) 

Fair value assets of £4,994 million (2017: £5,507 million) are recognised as ‘Derivative financial instruments’ in note 27(a), while fair value 
liabilities of £5,571 million (2017: £5,766 million) are recognised as ‘Derivative liabilities’ in note 53. 

The Group’s derivative risk management policies are outlined in note 59. 

(ii)  The contractual undiscounted cash flows in relation to non-hedge derivative liabilities have the following maturities: 

Within 1 year 
Between 1 and 2 years 
Between 2 and 3 years 
Between 3 and 4 years 
Between 4 and 5 years 
After 5 years 

 2018 
£m 

1,224  
512  
445  
384  
301  
3,359  

6,225  

 2017 
£m 

1,071  
597  
503  
404  
328  
3,461  

6,364  

(c)  Collateral 
Certain derivative contracts, primarily interest rate and currency swaps, involve the receipt or pledging of cash and non-cash collateral. 
The amounts of cash collateral receivable or repayable are included in notes 28 and 53 respectively. Collateral received and pledged by the 
Group is detailed in note 61. 

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Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

61 – Financial assets and liabilities subject to offsetting, enforceable master netting agreements and 
similar arrangements  
(a)  Offsetting arrangements 
Financial assets and liabilities are offset in the statement of financial position when the Group has a legally enforceable right to offset and 
has the intention to settle the asset and liability on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.  

Aviva mitigates credit risk in derivative contracts by entering into collateral agreements, where practical, and into ISDA master netting 
agreements for each of the legal entities to facilitate its right to offset credit risk exposure. The credit support agreement will normally 
dictate the threshold over which collateral needs to be pledged by Aviva or its counterparty.  

Derivative transactions requiring Aviva or its counterparty to post collateral are typically the result of over-the-counter derivative trades, 
comprised mostly of interest rate swaps, currency swaps and credit default swaps. These transactions are conducted under terms that are 
usual and customary to standard long-term borrowing, derivative, securities lending and securities borrowing activities. The derivative 
assets and liabilities in the table below are made up of the contracts described in detail in note 60.  

Aviva participates in a number of stock lending and repurchase arrangements. In some of these arrangements cash is exchanged by Aviva 
for securities and a related receivable is recognised within ‘Loans to banks’ in note 24. These arrangements are reflected in the tables 
below. In instances where the collateral is recognised on the statement of financial position, the obligation for its return is included within 
‘Payables and other financial liabilities’ in note 53. 

In other arrangements, securities are exchanged for other securities. The collateral received must be in a readily realisable form such as 
listed securities and is held in segregated accounts. Transfer of title always occurs for the collateral received. In many instances, however, 
no market risk or economic benefit is exchanged and these transactions are not recognised on the statement of financial position in 
accordance with our accounting policies, and accordingly not included in the tables below.  

2018 

Financial assets 
Derivative financial assets 
Loans to banks and repurchase arrangements 

Total financial assets 

Financial liabilities 
Derivative financial liabilities 
Other financial liabilities  

Total financial liabilities 

Offset under IAS 32 

Amounts subject to enforceable netting arrangements 

Amounts under a master netting agreement  
but not offset under IAS 32 

Gross 
amounts 
£m 

Amounts 
offset 
£m 

Net amounts 
reported in 
the statement 
of financial 
position 
£m 

Financial 
instruments 
£m 

Cash collateral 
£m 

Securities 
collateral 
received/ 
pledged 
£m 

Net amount 
£m 

3,978  
1,923  

5,901  

(4,701) 
(3,314) 

(8,015) 

— 
— 

— 

— 
— 

— 

3,978  
1,923  

5,901  

(2,831) 
— 

(2,831) 

(657) 
(300) 

(957) 

(186) 
(1,614) 

(1,800) 

(4,701) 
(3,314) 

(8,015) 

2,896  
— 

2,896  

7  
— 

7  

1,288  
3,314  

4,602  

304  
9  

313  

(510) 
— 

(510) 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
228 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

61 – Financial assets and liabilities subject to offsetting, enforceable master netting arrangements and 
similar agreements continued 

2017 

Financial assets 
Derivative financial assets 
Loans to banks and repurchase arrangements 

Total financial assets 

Financial liabilities 
Derivative financial liabilities 
Other financial liabilities  

Total financial liabilities 

Offset under IAS 32 

Gross  
amounts 
£m 

Amounts  
offset 
£m 

Net amounts 
reported in the 
statement of 
financial 
position 
£m 

Amounts subject to enforceable netting arrangements 

Amounts under a master netting agreement  
but not offset under IAS 32 

Financial 
instruments 
£m 

Cash collateral 
£m 

Securities 
collateral 
received/ 
pledged 
£m 

Net amount 
£m 

4,605  
2,524  

7,129  

(4,790) 
(2,961) 

(7,751) 

— 
— 

— 

— 
— 

— 

4,605  
2,524  

7,129  

(3,162) 
— 

(3,162) 

(830) 
— 

(830) 

(291) 
(2,502) 

(2,793) 

(4,790) 
(2,961) 

(7,751) 

3,233  
— 

3,233  

17  
— 

17  

1,120  
2,961  

4,081  

322  
22  

344  

(420) 
— 

(420) 

Derivative assets are recognised as ‘Derivative financial instruments’ in note 27(a), while fair value liabilities are recognised as ‘Derivative 
liabilities’ in note 53. £1,016 million (2017: £902 million) of derivative assets and £870 million (2017: £976 million) of derivative liabilities are 
not subject to master netting agreements and are therefore excluded from the table above. 

Amounts receivable related to securities lending and reverse-repurchase arrangements totalling £1,923 million (2017: £2,524 million) are 
recognised within ‘Loans to banks’ in note 24.  

Other financial liabilities presented above represent liabilities related to repurchase arrangements recognised within ‘Obligations for 
repayment of cash collateral received’ in note 53.  

(b)  Collateral 
In the tables above, the amounts of assets or liabilities presented in the consolidated statement of financial position are offset first by 
financial instruments that have the right of offset under master netting or similar arrangements with any remaining amount reduced by the 
amount of cash and securities collateral. The actual amount of collateral may be greater than amounts presented in the tables above in the 
case of over collateralisation. 

The total amount of collateral received which the Group is permitted to sell or repledge in the absence of default, excluding collateral 
related to balances recognised within ‘Loans to banks’ disclosed in note 24, was £19,504 million (2017: £22,978 million), all of which other 
than £4,058 million (2017: £4,780 million) is related to securities lending arrangements. Collateral of £1,914 million (2017: £2,697 million) has 
been received related to balances recognised within ‘Loans to banks’ in note 24. The value of collateral that was actually sold or repledged 
in the absence of default was £nil (2017: £nil). 

The level of collateral held is monitored regularly, with further collateral obtained where this is considered necessary to manage the 
Group’s risk exposure.

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

62 – Related party transactions 
This note gives details of the transactions between Group companies and related parties which comprise our joint ventures, associates and 
staff pension schemes. 

The Group undertakes transactions with related parties in the normal course of business. Loans to related parties are made on normal 
arm’s-length commercial terms. 

Services provided to, and by related parties  

Associates  
Joint ventures  
Employee pension schemes  

Income earned 
in the year 
£m 

Expenses 
incurred in  
the year 
£m 

Payable at 
year end 
£m 

Receivable at 
year end 
£m 

Income earned 
in the year 
£m 

Expenses 
incurred in  
the year 
£m 

Payable at  
year end 
£m 

Receivable at 
year end 
£m 

2018 

2017 

1  
49  
10  

60  

— 
— 
— 

— 

— 
(1) 
— 

(1) 

2  
2  
7  

11  

4  
49  
12  

65  

(4) 
— 
— 

(4) 

— 
— 
— 

— 

— 
2  
14  

16  

Transactions with joint ventures in the UK relate to the property management undertakings, the most material of which are listed in note 
19(a)(iii). The Group has equity interests in these joint ventures, together with the provision of administration services and financial 
management to many of them. Our fund management companies also charge fees to these joint ventures for administration services and 
for arranging external finance.  

Key management personnel of the Company may from time to time purchase insurance, savings, asset management or annuity products 
marketed by group companies on equivalent terms to those available to all employees of the Group. In 2018, other transactions with key 
management personnel were not deemed to be significant either by size or in the context of their individual financial positions. 

Our UK fund management companies manage most of the assets held by the Group’s main UK staff pension scheme, for which they charge 
fees based on the level of funds under management. The main UK scheme holds investments in Group-managed funds and insurance 
policies with other group companies, as explained in note 51(b)(ii). As at 31 December 2018, the Friends Provident Pension Scheme (‘FPPS’), 
acquired in 2015 as part of the acquisition of the Friends Life business, held an insurance policy of £620 million (2017: £630 million) issued by 
a group company, which eliminates on consolidation.  

The related parties’ receivables are not secured and no guarantees were received in respect thereof. The receivables will be settled in 
accordance with normal credit terms. 

Key management compensation  
The total compensation to those employees classified as key management, being those having authority and responsibility for planning, 
directing and controlling the activities of the Group, including the executive and non-executive directors is as follows: 

Salary and other short-term benefits 
Other long-term benefits 
Post-employment benefits 
Equity compensation plans 
Termination benefits 

Total  

2018  
£m 

7.9 
8.6 
1.5 
10.5 
— 

28.5 

2017 
£m 

12.5 
5.4 
1.5 
16.4 
0.4 

36.2 

Information concerning individual directors’ emoluments, interests and transactions is given in the Directors’ Remuneration Report.

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
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IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

63 – Organisational structure  
The following chart shows, in simplified form, the organisational structure of the Group as at 31 December 2018. Aviva plc is the holding 
company of the Group. 

Parent company 
Aviva plc 

Subsidiaries 
The principal subsidiaries of the Company at 31 December 2018 are listed below by country of incorporation. 

A complete list of the Group’s related undertakings comprising of subsidiaries, joint ventures, associates and other significant holdings is 
contained within note 64. 

Incorporated in England and Wales 
Incorporated in People’s Republic of China. 

* 
** 
***  Incorporated in Scotland 

United Kingdom 
Aviva Central Services UK Limited 
Aviva Employment Services Limited 
Aviva Equity Release UK Limited 
Aviva Health UK Limited 
Aviva Insurance Limited 
Aviva International Insurance Limited 
Aviva Investors Global Services Limited 
Aviva Investors Pensions Limited 
Aviva Investors UK Fund Services Limited 
Aviva Life & Pensions UK Limited 
Aviva Life Services UK Limited 
Aviva Pension Trustees UK Limited 
Aviva UK Digital Limited 
Aviva Wrap UK Limited 
Gresham Insurance Company Limited 
The Ocean Marine Insurance Company Limited 
Aviva Management Services UK Limited 
Aviva Administration Limited 
Friends Provident International Limited1 

Barbados 
Victoria Reinsurance Company Ltd 

Bermuda 
Aviva Re Limited 

Canada 
Aviva Canada Inc. and its principal subsidiaries:  

Aviva Insurance Company of Canada  
Aviva General Insurance Company 
Elite Insurance Company  
Pilot Insurance Company  
Scottish & York Insurance Co. Limited  
S&Y Insurance Company  
Traders General Insurance Company 

France 
Aviva France SA (99.99%) and its principal subsidiaries: 

Aviva Assurances SA (99.9%) 
Aviva Investors France SA (99.9%) 
Aviva Vie SA (99.9%) 
Aviva Epargne Retraite (99.9%) 
Aviva Retraite Professionnelle SA (99.9%) 
Union Financière de France Banque (Banking) (75%) 

Ireland  
Friends First Life Assurance Company DAC (Friends First) 

1  See note 4(c) for further details in respect of operations classified as held for sale 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
231 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

63 – Organisational structure continued 
Italy 
Aviva Italia Holding S.p.A and its principal subsidiaries: 

Aviva S.p.A (51%) 
Aviva Italia S.p.A 
Aviva Life S.p.A 
Aviva Vita S.p.A (80%) 

Lithuania 
Uždaroji akcinė gyvybės draudimo ir pensijų bendrovė ‘Aviva 
Lietuva’ (90%) 

Poland 
Aviva Powszechne Towarzystwo Emerytalne Aviva Santander S.A. 
(81%) 
Aviva Towarzystwo Ubezpieczen na Zycie S.A. (90%) 
Aviva Towarzystwo Ubezpieczen Ogolnych S.A. (90%) 
Santander Aviva Towarzystwo Ubezpieczeń S.A. (51%) 
Santander Aviva Towarzystwo Ubezpieczeń na Życie S.A. (51%) 

Singapore 
Aviva Ltd 

Vietnam 
Aviva Vietnam Life Insurance Company Limited 

Branches 
The Group also operates through branches, the most significant of 
which is based in Ireland. 

Associates and joint ventures 
The Group has ongoing interests in the following operations that are 
classified as joint ventures or associates. Further details of those 
operations that were most significant in 2018 are set out in notes 19 
and 20 to the financial statements. 

United Kingdom 
The Group has interests in several property limited partnerships. 
Further details are provided in notes 19, 20 and 26 to the financial 
statements. 

China 
Aviva-COFCO Life Insurance Company Ltd (50%) 

Hong Kong  
Aviva Life Insurance Company Limited (40%) 

India 
Aviva Life Insurance Company India Limited (49%) 

Indonesia 
PT Astra Aviva Life (50%) 

Turkey 
AvivaSA Emeklilik ve Hayat A.S (40%) 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
232 

 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

64 – Related Undertakings 
The Companies Act 2006 requires disclosure of certain information about the Group’s related undertakings which is set out in this note. 
Related undertakings comprise subsidiaries, joint ventures, associates and other significant holdings. Significant holdings are where the 
Group either has a shareholding greater than or equal to 20% of the nominal value of any share class, or a book value greater than 20% of 
the Group’s assets. 

The definition of a subsidiary undertaking in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 is different from the definition under IFRS. As a result, 
the related undertakings included within the list below may not be the same as the undertakings consolidated in the Group IFRS financial 
statements. See accounting policies (D) Consolidation principles for further detail on principles of consolidation and definition of joint 
ventures. 

The Group’s related undertakings along with the country of incorporation, the registered address, the classes of shares held and the 
effective percentage of equity owned at 31 December 2018 are disclosed below. 

The direct related undertakings of the Company as at 31 December 2018 are listed below: 

Name of undertaking 

Country of 
incorporation 

Registered address 

Aviva-COFCO Life Insurance Company Ltd2  China 

General Accident plc 

United Kingdom 

12/F,Block A,Landgent Centre, 20 East Third Ring Middle Road,  
Beijing, 100022 
Pitheavlis, Perth, Perthshire, PH2 0NH 

Aviva Group Holdings Limited 

United Kingdom 

St Helen’s, 1 Undershaft, London, EC3P 3DQ 

Share class1 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

% held 

50 

100 

100 

The indirect related undertakings of the Company as at 31 December 2018 are listed below: 

Company name 
Barbados  
c/o USA Risk Group (Barbados) Ltd.,  
6th Floor, CGI Tower, Warrens, St. Michael, 
BB22026 
Victoria Reinsurance Company Ltd. 
Belgium 
Avenue Louise 326, Boîte 30, 1050 Ixelles 
Parnasse Square Invest 
Bermuda  
Canon’s Court, 22 Victoria Street, Hamilton, HM 
12 
Aviva Re Limited 
Trinity Hall, 43 Cedar Avenue, Hamilton HM 12 
Lend Lease JEM Partners Fund Limited 
Canada 
10 Aviva Way, Suite 100, Markham On  
L6G 0G1 
9543864 Canada Inc. 
Aviva Canada Inc. 
Aviva General Insurance Company 
Aviva Insurance Company of Canada 
Aviva Warranty Services Inc. 
Elite Insurance Company 
Insurance Agent Service Inc. 
National Home Warranty Group Inc. 
OIS Ontario Insurance Service Limited 
Pilot Insurance Company 
S&Y Insurance Company 
Scottish & York Insurance Co. Limited 
Traders General Insurance Company 
Wayfarer Insurance Brokers Limited 
100 King Street West, Suite 4900, Toronto On 
M5X 2A2 
Aviva Investors Canada Inc. 
100, 10325 Bonaventure Drive S.E., Calgary T2J 
7E4 
A-Win Insurance Ltd. 
328 Mill Street, Unit 11, Beaverton L0K 1A0 
Bay-Mill Specialty Insurance Adjusters Inc. 
480 University Avenue, Suite 800, Toronto On 
M5G 1V2 
LMS Prolink Limited2 
555 Chabanel Ouest, Bureau 900, Montreal QC 
H2N 2H8 
Aviva Agency Services Inc. 
600 Cochrane Drive, Suite 205, Markham On 
L3R 5K3 
Westmount Guarantee Services Inc. 
Cayman Islands 
115 East 57th Street, Suite 1019,New York NY 
10022  
Belmont Global Trend Fund Ltd 

Share Class1 

% held 

Common Shares 

100 

Ordinary Shares 

99 

Ordinary Shares 

100 

Ordinary Shares 

23 

Common Shares 
Voting Interest 
Common Shares 
Common Shares 
Common Shares 
Common Shares 
Common Shares 
Common Shares 
Common Shares 
Common Shares 
Common Shares 
Common Shares 
Common Shares 
Common Shares 

100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

Common Shares 

100 

Ordinary Shares 

Common Shares 

100 

100 

Common A Shares 

34 

Common A Shares 

100 

Common A Shares 

33 

Mutual Fund 

14 

Company name 
China 
Units 1805-1807, 18th Floor, Block H Office 
Building, Phoenix Land Plaza, No. A5 Yard, 
Shuguangxili, Chaoyang District, Beijing 
Aviva-Cofco Yi Li Asset Management Co Ltd2 
Czech Republic  
5/482, Ve Svahu, Prague 4, 14700  
AIEREF Renewable Energy s.r.o. 
France  
3 Boulevard Saint Martin 
Aviva Impact Investing France 
128 Boulevard Raspail, 75006, Paris 
UFF Oblicontext 2021-A (UFFo21A) 
UFF Oblicontext 2023 A (UFFo23A) 
UFF Obligations 3-5 A 
13 Rue du Moulin Bailly, 92270, Bois Colombes 
11 Rue De L’Echelle 
Agents 3A 
Aviva Assurances, Société Anonyme d’Assurances 
Incendie, Accidents et Risques Divers 
13, Avenue Lebrun, 92188, Antony Cedex 
Pierrevenus 
14 Rue Roquépine, 75008, Paris 
AFER – SFER 
Aviva Convertibles 
Aviva Europe 
Aviva Developpement 
Aviva Diversifie 
Aviva Investors France 
Aviva Oblig International 
Aviva Oblirea 
Aviva Patrimoine 
Aviva Rendement Europe 
Aviva Valeurs Francaises 
Aviva Valeurs Immobilieres 
153, Boulevard Haussmann, 75008, Paris 
Selectus 
17 Rue du Cirque, 75008, Paris 
Financiere Du Carrousel 
Infinitis 
20 Place Vendôme, 75001, Paris 
AXA Lbo Fund IV Feeder 
AXA UK Infrastructure Investment SAS 
Croissance Pme A C. 
24 Rue de la Pépinière, 75008 Paris 
Aviva Investors Euro Crédit Bonds 1-3 HDR 
Afer Actions Amerique Fcp 
Afer Actions Euro A 
Afer Actions Monde 
Afer Convertibles C. 
Afer Diversifie Durable 
Afer Marches Emergents Fcp 
Afer Multi Foncier 
Afer Obl Md Ent C. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
233 

Share Class1 

% held 

Ordinary Shares 

21 

Ordinary Shares 

99 

Ordinary Shares 

100 

FCP 
FCP 
FCP 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares  
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

FCP 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Private Equity Fund 
Ordinary Shares 
FCP  

FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 

98 
98 
88 

100 
50 
100 

74 

50 
86 
96 
99 
95 
99 
72 
85 
92 
90 
83 
41 

96 

74 
74 

35 
100 
97 

39 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

Company name 
Afer Patrimoine 
Afer-Flore 
Afer-Sfer 
Aviva Actions Croissance 
Aviva Actions Euro 
Aviva Actions Europe ISR 
Aviva Actions France 
Aviva Amerique 
Aviva Asie 
Aviva Convertibles 
Aviva Conviction Opportunites 
Aviva Conviction Patrimoine 
Aviva Developpement 
Aviva Diversifié 
Aviva Eur Corp Senior Debts 
Aviva Europe 
Aviva Flexible (AVIFLEX) 
Aviva Flexible Emergents A FCP 
Aviva France Opportunites 
Aviva Grdes Marq A C. 
Aviva Interoblig 
Aviva Investors Actions Euro 
Aviva Investors Alpha Taux A 
Aviva Investors Alpha Yield 
Aviva Investors Britannia (D) 
Aviva Investors Conviction 
Aviva Investors Euro Aggregate 
Aviva Investors Euro Com R E D 
Aviva Investors Euro Crédit Bonds 1-3  
Aviva Investors Japan 
Aviva Investors Portefeuille 
Aviva Investors Reference Div 
Aviva Investors Repo (avirepo) 
Aviva Investors Selection 
Aviva Investors Valeurs 
Aviva Investors Valeurs Europe 
Aviva Investors Yield Curve Abs Rt R 
Aviva Monetaire Isr (A) 
Aviva Multigestion 
Aviva Oblig International 
Aviva Oblirea 
Aviva Patrimoine 
Aviva Performance 
Aviva Rebond 
Aviva Rendement Europe 
Aviva Selection Opportunites 
Aviva Selection Patrimoine 
Aviva Signatures Europe 
Aviva Structure Index 1 C. 
Aviva Structure Index 2 
Aviva Structure Index 4 C. 
Aviva Structure Index3 
Aviva Small & Mid Caps Euro ISR 
Aviva Valeurs Francaises 
Aviva Valeurs Immobilieres 
Aviva Valorisation Opportunite 
Aviva Valorisation Patrimoine 
FPE Aviva Eur Corp Senior Db2 
FPE Aviva Small & Midcap ASAM 
UFF Cap Defensif 
UFF Eu-Val 0-100 A C. 
UFF Obligations 5-7 A 
UFF Rendement Diversifie A 
24-26 Rue De La Pépinière, 75008, Paris 
100 Courcelles 
AFER Immo 
AFER Immo 2 
Aviva Commerce Europe 
Aviva Immo Selection 
Aviva Investors Real Estate France S.A. 
Aviva Investors Real Estate France SGP 
Aviva Patrimoine Immobilier 
Logiprime Europe 
Primotel Europe 
SCI La Coupole Des Halles 
SCI Pergola 
Société Civile Immobilière Thomas Edison 
Société Civile Immobilière Pleyel R2 
Sapphire Ile de France SCI 
Afer Avenir Senior 
Aviva Investors Commercial Real Estate Debt Fun 
Aviva Investors Inflation Euro Hd 

Share Class1 
FCP 
FCP 
SICAV 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
SICAV 
FCP 
FCP 
SICAV 
SICAV 
FCT 
SICAV 
FPS 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
SICAV 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
SICAV 
SICAV 
SICAV 
FCP 
FCP 
SICAV 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FIPS 
FPS 
FCP 
SICAV 
SICAV 
FCP 
FCP 
Mutual Fund 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary A Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Euro 1 Each Shares 
SICAV 
FCP 
FCP 

% held 
100 
98 
100 
100 
98 
100 
79 
97 
100 
98 
100 
100 
99 
94 
100 
96 
100 
100 
83 
99 
100 
83 
100 
92 
98 
100 
76 
100 
77 
95 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
74 
100 
98 
100 
90 
97 
98 
100 
88 
95 
99 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
98 
79 
99 
100 
31 
100 
97 
98 
99 
100 

100 
100 
100 
65 
99 
100 
100 
93 
 98 
99 
98 
100 
50 
50 
100 
100 
68 
50 

Company name 
Aviva Investors Monétaire 
Aviva Investors Valorisation 
Aviva Japan 
Aviva Messine 5 
Aviva Performance Divers.Fcp 
Aviva Valeurs Responsable A 
32, Avenue d’Iéna, 75116 Paris 
Aviva Capital Planete (Avicapa) 
CGP Entrepreneurs 
Myria Asset Management 
UFF Selection Alpha-A (Ufselaa) 
UFF Actions France-Aeur (UFFacfa) 
UFF Allocation Optimum 
UFF Cap Diversifie (UCAPDIV) 
UFF Capital Planete A (Aviufcp) 
UFF Croissance Pme A (Ucapcro) 
UFF Emergence-A (UFFemga) 
UFF Europe Opportunites-Aeur (UFFgeua) 
UFF Euro Valeur A 
UFF Global Allocation A 
UFF Global Foncieres-A (Ufgf70A) 
UFF Global Multi-Strategie-A (Ufglmsa) 
UFF Global Obligations-A (Ufgf30A) 
UFF Global Reactif-A (Ufgf10A) 
UFF Liberty-A (UFFliba) 
UFF Selection Premium A (Uavfran) 
Ufifrance Gestion 
Ufifrance Patrimoine 
UFF Privilège A 
Union Financière de France Banque 
36 Rue De Naples 75008 Paris 
Cybele Am – Bellatrix-C (THIPATC) 
Cybele Am Betelgeuse (BETGUSV) 
Ufifrance Immobilier 
37 Avenue des Champs Elysées, 75008, Paris  
Cybele Europe Israel Croissance (FRAISCR) 
Société Française de Gestion et d’Investissement 
Sirius 
41 Rue Capitaine Guynemer, 92400, Courbevoie  
Logipierre 1 
47 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008,  
Paris 
Aviva Selection (Edmasio) 
CGU Equilibre 
L’Antenne-U (Edmlanu) 
UFF Global Convertibles A 
53 Avenue d’Iéna 
UFF Valeurs Pme-A (Fintrma) 
62 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008, Paris 
Diapason 1 
7 Rue Auber, 75009, Paris  
Vip Conseils 
70 Avenue De L’Europe, 92270 Bois-Colombes 
Aviva Epargne Retraite 
Aviva France Ventures 
Aviva Investissements 
Aviva Retraite Professionnelle 
Aviva Vie, Société Anonyme d’Assurances Vie et de 
Capitalisation 
Epargne Actuelle 
Newco 3 
Newco 5 
Société Civile Immobilière Carpe Diem 
Societe Civile Immobiliere Charles Hermite 
Societe Civile Immobiliere Montaigne 
Zelmis 
80 Avenue De L’Europe, 92270 Bois-Colombes 
Aviva France 
Aviva Solutions 
Croissance Pierre II 
Groupement D’Interet Economique du Groupe 
Aviva France 
Locamat SAS 
Newco 
SCI Pesaro 
Selectinvie – Societe Civile Immobiliere 
Selectipierre – Société Civile 
Societe Concessionaire des Immeubles de la 
Pepiniere 
Victoire Immo 1- Société Civile 
Voltaire S.A.S 
90 Boulevard Pasteur, 75015, Paris 
Aviva Actions S2 C. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
234 

Share Class1 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 

% held 
55 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

FCP 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
FCP 
Ordinary Shares 

SICAV 
SICAV 
Ordinary Shares 

SICAV 
Ordinary B Shares 
SICAV 

Ordinary Shares 

FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 

FCP 

FCP 

Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

FCP 

100 
74 
74 
98 
99 
99 
51 
98 
100 
99 
99 
100 
100 
98 
99 
97 
95 
100 
98 
74 
74 
29 
74 

78 
92 
20 

85 
67 
98 

44 

100 
81 
97 
99 

98 

84 

34 

100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

100 
100 
100 
50 
56 
92 
100 

100 
100 
100 
100 

100 
100 
79 
100 
94 
100 

100 
100 

100 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

Company name 
Aviva Couv Actions C. 
91-93 Boulevard Pasteur, 75015, Paris 
SCI Campus Medicis St Denis 
SCI Campus Rimbaud St Denis 
Tour Majunga – La Défense 9, 6 place de la 
Pyramide 
AXA Premiere Categorie  
9 Rue Newton, 75116 Paris 
Pretons Ensemble 
14 Rue Bergère, 75009 Paris 
Afer Actions PME 
Aviva Perspective 2021-2025 
Aviva Perspective 2026-2030 
Aviva Perspective 2031-2035 
Aviva Perspective 2036-2040 
24 Rue de la Pépinière, 75008 Paris 
Aviva Valeurs Responsables 
3 Rue Alexandre Fleming  
France 
92260 
Kroknet S. a. r. l. 
Germany 
c/o Wswp Weinert GmbH, Theatinerstr. 31, 
80333, Munich 
FPB Holdings GmbH 

Eschenheimer Anlage 1, 60316, Frankfurt 
Reschop Carré Hattingen GmbH 
Reschop Carré Marketing GmbH 
Max-Planck-Strasse, 3,85609 Aschheim-
Dornach  
ASF German Retail GmbH & Co. KG 
German Retail Investment Properties Sarl 
German Retail I GmbH 
German Retail II GmbH 
German Retail IV GmbH 
German Retail IX GmbH 
German Retail V GmbH 
German Retail VII GmbH 
German Retail VIII GmbH 
Speditionstraße 23, 40221 Düsseldorf 
Projektgesellschaft Hafenspitze mbH 
Guernsey  
Dorey Court Admiral Park, St Peter Port, 
Guernsey, GY1 2HT 
First Meridian Cautious Balanced Fund GBP 
First Meridian Cautious Balanced Fund USD 
The Fincrest Global Equity Fund 
PO Box 255, Trafalgar Court, Les Banques, St. 
Peter Port, GY1 3QL 
AXA Property Trust Ltd 
F&C Commercial Property Trust Limited 
St Martin’s House, Le Bordage, St Peter Port 
Paragon Insurance Company Guernsey Limited 
80 George Street, 
F&C Commercial Property Trust Ltd 

Hong Kong  
21st Floor, Chater House, 8 Connaught Road 
Central 
JPMorgan Indonesia Fund 
30/F, One Kowloon, 1 Wang Yuen Street, 
Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong 
Aviva Life Insurance Company Limited 
India  
2nd Floor, Prakash Deep Building 7, Tolstoy 
Marg, New Delhi, Delhi, 110001 
CGU Project Services Private Limited 
Aviva Life Insurance Company India Limited2 
A-47 (L.G.F), Hauz Khas, New Delhi, Delhi 
Sesame Group India Private Limited 
Pune Office Addresses 103/P3, Pentagon, 
Magarpatta City, Hadapsar, Pune – 411013 
A.G.S. Customer Services (India) Private Limited 
Indonesia  
Pondok Indah Office Tower 3, 1st Floor, Jl. 
Sultan Iskandar Muda Kav. V-TA, Pondok Indah, 
Jakarta Selatan, Jakarta, 12310 
PT Astra Aviva Life2 
Ireland  
25/28 North Wall Quay, Dublin 
CGWM Select Affinity Fund 

Share Class1 
FCP 

% held 
100 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

SICAV 

FPS 

FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 
FCP 

FCP 

30 
30 

85 

50 

100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

100 

Ordinary Shares 

90 

Series A Shares, Series B 
Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 

OEIC 
OEIC 
OEIC 

OEIC 
OEIC 

Ordinary Shares 

Closed Ended Investment 
Company 

Unit Trust 

Ordinary Shares 

100 

95 
100 

98 
98 
98 
98 
98 
98 
98 
98 
98 

94 

29 
20 
23 

28 
47 

47 

20 

25 

40 

Rs.10 Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 

100 
49 

100 

Ordinary Shares 

100 

Ordinary Shares 

50 

OEIC 

23 

Share Class1 
OEIC 
OEIC 
OEIC 
OEIC 
Ordinary Shares 
ICVC 
ICVC 

% held 
60 
39 
51 
42 
100 
81 
98 

ICVC 
ICVC 

OEICS 

Company name 
CGWM Select Global Affinity Fund 
CGWM Select Global Diversity Fund 
CGWM Select Global Opportunity Fund 
CGWM Select Opportunity Fund 
Anna Livia Properties Limited  
Aviva Investors Euro Liquidity Fund 
Aviva Investors Sterling Government Liquidity 
Fund 
Aviva Investors Sterling Liquidity Fund 
Aviva Investors Sterling Liquidity Plus Fund 
Central Quey, Riverside IV4, Sir John 
Rogerson’s Quey, Dublin 2 
BMO Multi-Strategy Global Equity Fund 
Georges Court, 54-62 Townsend Street, Dublin 
2 
FPPE Fund Public Limited Company 

FPPE – Private Equity 
Guild House, Guild Street, IFRS, Dublin 1 
Aviva Irl Merrion Exempt Trust – Managed Fund 
One Park Place, Hatch Street, Dublin 2 
Area Life International Assurance dac 
Aviva Direct Ireland Limited 
Aviva Driving School Ireland Limited 
Aviva Group Ireland Limited 
Aviva Group Services Ireland Limited 
Aviva Insurance Ireland Designated Activity 
Company 
Aviva Life Services Ireland Limited 
Aviva Trustee Company Ireland Designated Activity 
Company 
Aviva Undershaft Four Limited 
Peak Re Designated Activity Company 
Charlotte House, Charlemont St 
Mercer Diversified Retirement Fund 
3rd Floor, 2 Harbourmaster Place, IFSC 
KBI Institutional Fund ICAV – KBI Institutional 
Eurozone Equity Fund 
Behan House 
10 Mount Street Lower 
Dublin 2 
Ireland 
CALM Eurozone Equity Sub Fund 
AG10 Currency Fund 
78 Sir John Rogersons Quay Dublin 2 Ireland 
State Street IUT Balanced Fund S30 
SSgA GRU Euro Index Equity Fund 
One Coleman Street, London EC2R 5AA, United 
Kingdom 
Legal & General ICAV – L&G World Equity Index 
Fund 
Legal & General ICAV – L&G Multi-Index EUR V Fund 
Legal & General ICAV – L&G Multi-Index EUR IV 
Fund 
Legal & General ICAV – L&G Multi-Index EUR III 
Fund 
Friends First House 
Cherrywood Science & Technology Park 
Loughlinstown 
Co. Dublin 
Ireland 
Ashtown Management Company Limited 
Atrium Nominees Limited 
Friends First Life Assurance Company DAC (Friends 
First) 
Friends First Life Assurance Company Designated 
Activity Company 
Friends First Managed Pensions Funds Designated 
Activity Company 
Friends First US Property Company Limited 
Isle of Man  
Royal Court, Castletown, IM9 1RA 
Friends Provident International Limited 

Friends Provident International Services Limited 
Italy  
Piazzetta Guastalla 1, 20122, Milan 
Banca Network Investimenti SPA 
Via Scarsellini 14, 20161, Milan 
Aviva Italia Holding S.p.A 
Aviva Italia S.p.A 
Aviva Italia Servizi Scarl 
Aviva Life SPA 
Aviva SPA 

Shares Of No Par Value Shares, 
1 Subscriber Euro €1 Shares 
Private Equity 

Unit Trust 

A Shares, B Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

OEIC 

OEIC 

OEIC 
OEIC 

Unit Trust 
 Unit Trust 

OEIC 

OEIC 
OEIC 

OEIC 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares-A 
Ordinary Shares-B 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary B Shares, Ordinary 
Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

78 
78 

93 

100 

100 

37 

100 
100 
100 
100 
92 
100 

92 
92 

100 
100 

22 

43 

91 
93 

30 
47 

39 

95 
100 

100 

50 
100 
100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

25 

100 
100 
36 
100 
51 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
235 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

Company name 
Aviva Vita S.p.A 
Petunia Spa 
Milano, Piazza Lina Bo Bardi n. 3 
Aviva Immobiliare 
Jersey  
19-21 Broad Street, St Helier, JE1 3PB 
11-12 Hanover Square UT2 
130 Fenchurch Street UT2 
30 Warwick Street UT2 
30-31 Golden Square UT2 
Aviva Investors Jersey Unit Trusts Management 
Limited 
Barratt House UT2 
Chancery House London UT2 
Irongate House UT2 
New Broad Street House UT2 
Pegasus House and Nuffield House UT2 
W Nine UT2 
3rd Floor Walker House, 28-34 Hill Street, St 
Helier, JE4 8PN 
1 Fitzroy Place Jersey Unit Trust2 
2 Fitzroy Place Jersey Unit Trust2 
Le Masurier House, La Rue Le Masurier, St 
Helier, JE2 4YE  
Yatra – (Saffron) 
Lime Grove House , Green Street, St Helier, JE1 
2ST 
20 Gracechurch Unit Trust 
COW Real Estate Investment Unit Trust 
Designer Retail Outlet Centres (Mansfield) Unit 
Trust 
Designer Retail Outlet Centres (York) Unit Trust 
Designer Retail Outlet Centres Unit Trust 
Quantum Property Unit Trust2 
Serviced Offices UK Unit Trust2 
Southgate Unit Trust 
3rd Floor, One The Esplanade, Jersey, JE2 3QA 
Crieff Road Limited 
FF UK Select Limited 
Lithuania  
Lvovo g. 25, Vilnius, LT-09320 
Uždaroji akcinė gyvybės draudimo ir pensijų 
bendrovė "Aviva Lietuva" (Joint Stock Limited Life 
Insurance and Pension Company Aviva Lietuva) 
Luxembourg  
10 Rue du Fort Bourbon, L-1249 
VH German Mandate  
11 Rue du Fort Bourbon, L-1249  
Centaurus Sarl 
14 Rue du Fort Bourbon, L-1249  
Aviva Investors European Renewable Energy S.A. 
15 Rue du Fort Bourbon, L-1249 
Aviva Investors European Secondary Infrastructure 
Credit SV S.A 
16 Avenue de la Gare, 1610 
Aviva Investors Luxembourg Services S.à r.l. 
Aviva Investors Polish Retail S.à r.l. 
16 Rue Jean-Pierre Brasseur, L-1258  
VAM Funds (Lux) – International Real Estate Equity 
Fund 
VAM Managed Funds (Lux) – Close Brothers 
Growth Fund 
19 Rue du Fort Bourbon, L-1249 
Lend Lease Retail Partners 
1c Rue Gabriel Lippmann 
Patriarch Classic B&W Global Freestyle 
2 Boulevard de la Foire, L-1528 
Pramerica Pan-European Real Estate Fund 
2 Rue de Bitbourg, L-1273 
Henderson Horizon – European Growth Fund 
2 Rue du Fort Bourbon, L-1249 
AFRP S.à r.l. 
AIEREF Holding 1 S.a.r.l 
AIEREF Holding 2 S.a.r.l 
Aviva Investors Alternative Income Solutions 
General Partner S.à r.l. 
Aviva Investors Alternative Income Solutions 
Limited Partnership 
Aviva Investors Asian Equity Income Fund 
Aviva Investors CELLs Danone Sarl 
Aviva Investors Investment Solutions Emerging 
Markets Debt Fund 
Aviva Investors Cells (GP) S.à r.l. 

Share Class1 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary A Shares 

% held 
80 
51 

Real Estate Fund 

100 

Unit Trust 
Unit Trust 
Unit Trust 
Unit Trust 
Ordinary Shares 

Unit Trust 
Unit Trust 
Unit Trust 
Unit Trust 
Unit Trust 
Unit Trust 

Unit Trust 
Unit Trust 

Ordinary Shares 

Unit Trust 
Unit Trust 
Unit Trust 

Unit Trust 
Unit Trust 
Unit Trust 
Unit Trust 
Unit Trust 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

50 
50 
50 
50 
100 

50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 

50 
50 

27 

100 
100 
97 

97 
97 
50 
50 
50 

100 
100 

Ordinary Shares 

90 

Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

SICAV 

SICAV 

Ordinary Shares 

FCP 

Ordinary Shares 

SICAV 

Ordinary Shares 
Equity Shares 
Equity Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Limited Partnership 

SICAV  
SICAV 
SICAV 

Ordinary Shares 

100 

100 

100 

67 

100 
100 

33 

20 

26 

31 

76 

32 

100 
44 
100 
100 

55 

99  
100 
100 

100 

Company name 
Aviva Investors CELLS Holding Sarl  
Aviva Investors CELLS SCSp 
Aviva Investors CELLS Stern Sarl 
Aviva Infrastructure Debt Europe I S.A 
Aviva Investors EBC S.à r.l. 
Aviva Investors Emerging Markets Bond Fund 
Aviva Investors Emerging Markets Corporate Bond 
Fund 
Aviva Investors Emerging Markets Equity Income 
Fund 
Aviva Investors Emerging Markets Equity Small 
Cap Fund 
Aviva Investors Emerging Markets Local Currency 
Bond Fund 
Aviva Investors European Corporate Bond Fund 
Aviva Investors European Equity Fund 
Aviva Investors European Equity Income Fund 
Aviva Investors European Infrastructure Debt Str 
Aviva Investors European Real Estate Securities 
Fund 
Aviva Investors Global Aggregate Bond Fund 
Aviva Investors Global Investment Grade 
Corporate Bond Fund 
Aviva Investors Global Convertibles Absolute 
Return Fund 
Aviva Investors Global Convertibles Fund 
Aviva Investors Global Emerging Markets Index 
Fund 
Aviva Investors Global Equity Endurance Fund  
Aviva Investors Global High Yield Bond Fund 
Aviva Investors Luxembourg 
Aviva Investors Multi-Strategy Fixed Income Fund 
Aviva Investors Short Duration Global High Yield 
Bond Fund 
Aviva Investors UK Equity Focus Fund 
Aviva Investors US Equity Income Fund 
Centaurus CER (Aviva Investors) Sarl 
Hexagone S.à r.l. 
Sapphire Ile de France 1 S.à.r.l. 
Sapphire Ile de France 2 S.à r.l. 
Victor Hugo 1 S.à r.l. 
3 Rue des Labours, L-1912 
Haspa Trendkonzept 
42 Rue de la Vallée, L-2661  
World Investment Opportunities Funds – China 
Performance Fund 
47 Avenue John F Kennedy  
Goodman European Business Park Fund (Lux) 
S.àr.l. 
49 Avenue J.F. Kennedy, L-1855 
AXA World Funds II – North American Equities 
BMO Global Equity Market Neutral V10 Fund 
BMO Global Total Return Bond Fund 
6 Rue du Fort Bourbon, L-1249 
German Retail Associate Property Fund FCP-SIF 
German Retail III GmbH 
Sachsenfonds GmbH 
9 Rue du Fort Bourbon, L-1249 
EPI NU Sarl 
Boulevard Konrad Adenauer 
Deutsche European Property Fund 
Xtrackers II Eurozone Government Bond 15-30 
UCITS ETF 
c/o CACEIS BANK Lux, 5, Allée Scheffer, L-2520  
PI EMU EQUITY-XEURND (PIEMUXE) 
Tikehau Italy Retail Fund Ii Scsp-Area12 
28-32, Place de la Gare, L-1616 Luxembourg 
Ver Capital Credit Partners IV SICAV – SIF 
Ver Capital Credit VI – Sub Fund A 
Ver Capital Credit VI – Sub Fund B 
Jupiter Asset Management Ltd., 70 Victoria 
Street, The Zig Zag Building 
Jupiter Global Fund – Jupiter Global Financials 
Jupiter Global Fund – Jupiter New Europe 
2c, rue Albert Borschette, L-1246, Luxembourg 
Grand Duchy of Luxembourg 
AQR Systematic Total Return Fund II 
47 Avenue John F. Kennedy 
Luxembourg 
L – 1855 
Centaurus CER (Aviva Investors) Sarl 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
236 

Share Class1 
Ordinary Shares 
Limited Partnership 
Ordinary Shares 
SICAV 
Ordinary Shares 
SICAV 
SICAV 

% held 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
89 
66 

SICAV 

SICAV 

SICAV 

SICAV 
SICAV 
SICAV 
FIAR 
SICAV 

SICAV 
SICAV 

SICAV 

SICAV 
SICAV 

SICAV 
SICAV 
Nominal Par Value Shares 
SICAV 
SICAV 

SICAV 
SICAV 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Each Eur 25 Shares 

FCP 

SICAV 

98 

89 

91 

65 
62 
100 
22 
67 

95 
97 

81 

39 
100 

100 
69 
100 
70 
45 

91 
70 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

40 

36 

Ordinary Shares 

100 

 SICAV 
SICAV 
SICAV 

FCP 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

20 
52 
66 

98 
98 
98 

Ordinary Shares 

100 

Ordinary Shares 
SICAV 

OEIC 
FCP 

SICAV 
SICAV 
SICAV 

SICAV 
SICAV 

SICAV 

20 
36 

22 
31 

22 
43 
43 

21 
55 

41 

Ordinary Shares 

100 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

Company name 
Malta  
184 St. Lucia Street, Valletta, VLT 1189 
Herakles 
Mauritius  
4th Floor, Raffles Tower, 19 Cybercity, Ebene  
Reliance Emergent India Fund 
Les Cascades, Edith Cavell Street, Port Louis  
Actis China Investment Company Limited 
Norway 
Tollbugate 27,0157 Oslo 
Aviva Investors CELLs Norway Holding AS 
Aviva Investors CELLs Norway AS 
Kongsgard Alle 20 AS 
Poland 
Al. Jana Pawła II 25, 00-854 , Warszawa  
Focus Park Piotrków Trybunalski sp.z o.o 
Focus Mall Zielona Gora Sp. Z o.o. 
Lodz BC Sp. z o.o 
Wroclaw BC sp. z.o.o 
Inflancka 4b, 00-189 Warszawa 
Aviva Investors FIO Aktywnej Alokacji 
Aviva Investors Fio Depozyt Plus 
Aviva Investors Fio Nowoczesnych Technologii 
Aviva Investors Fio Nowych Spolek 
Aviva Investors Fio Obligacji 
Aviva Investors Fio Polskich Akcji 
Aviva Investors FIO Subfundusz Aviva Investors 
Obligacji Dynamiczny 
Aviva Investors Sfio Akcyjny 
Aviva Investors Sfio Aviva Lokacyjny 
Aviva Investors Sfio Dluzny 
Aviva Investors Sfio Pap Nieskarbowych 
Aviva Investors Sfio Pieniezny 
Aviva Investors Sfio Spolek Dywidend 
Aviva Sfio Subfundusz Aviva Oszczędnościowy 
Aviva Investors Fio Malych Spolek 
Ul. Burakowska 5/7, 01-066 , Warszawa 
Berkley Investments S.A. 
Porowneo.Pl Sp. Z O.O 
Ul. Prosta 69, 00-838 Warsaw, 00-838, Warsaw 
AdRate Sp. z o.o. 
Expander Advisors Sp. z o.o. 
Life Plus Sp. z o.o. 
Ul.Inflancka 4B, 00-189, Warsaw 
Aviva Investors Poland Towarzystwo Funduszy 
Inwestycyjnych S.A. 
Aviva Powszechne Towarzystwo Emerytalne Aviva 
Santander S.A. 
Aviva Services Spółka z ograniczoną 
odpowiedzialnością 
Aviva Spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością 
Aviva Towarzystwo Ubezpieczen Na Zycie S.A. 
Aviva Towarzystwo Ubezpieczen Ogolnych S.A. 
Santander Aviva Towarzystwo Ubezpieczeń na 
Życie Spółka Akcyjna 
Santander Towarzystwo Ubezpieczeń Spółka 
Akcyjna 

Saudi Arabia  
Riyad Capital, 6775 Takhassusi Street – Olaya, 
Riyadh 12331 – 3712 
Al Hadi Sharia Compliant Fund 
Al Mokdam Sharia Compliant Fund 
Al Shamekh Fund 
Al Shuja’a Sharia Compliant Fund 
Singapore  
12 Marina View, #18-02 Asia Square Tower 2, 
018961 
Nikko AM Shenton Asia Pacific Fund 
Nikko AM Shenton Income Fund 
Nikko AM Shenton Global Green Bond Fund 
4 Shenton Way, #01-01 SGX Centre 2, 
Singapore, 068807 
Aviva Ltd 
Navigator Investment Services Limited 
6 Shenton Way, #09-08, OUE Downtown, 
068809 
Professional Advisory Holdings Ltd. 
Professional Investment Advisory Services Pte Ltd 
6 Temasek Boulevard, #29-00, Suntec Tower 4, 
038986 
Aviva Asia Digital Pte. Ltd. 

Share Class1 

% held 

SICAV 

60 

OEIC 

Us$ A Shares 

Cells Fund  
Cells Fund 
Cells Fund 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

UCITS 
UCITS 
UCITS 
UCITS 
UCITS 
UCITS 
UCITS 

Non UCITS 
Non UCITS 
Non UCITS 
Non UCITS 
Non UCITS 
Non UCITS 
Non UCITS 
UCITS 

Ordinary A Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary D shares 

Ordianry A Shares 

88 

50 

100 
100 
100 

100 
100 
100 
100 

24 
38 
72 
86 
78 
56 
22 

100 
71 
100 
99 
100 
100 
70 
69 

90 
90 

90 
90 
90 

95 

81 

Ordinary 1,000 Pln Shares 

100 

Ordinary Shares 
Parent Interest 
Ordinary Shares 

Series A Ordinary 
Series B Ordinary 
Ordinary Shares 

Mutual Fund 
Mutual Fund 
Mutual Fund 
Mutual Fund 

Unit Trust 
Unit Trust 
Unit Trust 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary A Shares 
Ordinary A Shares 

90 
90 
90 

51 

51 

83 
77 
70 
77 

65 
65 
53 

100 
100 

92 
92 

Ordinary Shares 

100 

Company name 
Aviva Asia Pte Ltd 
Aviva Financial Advisers Pte. Ltd 
Aviva Global Services (Management Services) 
Private Ltd. 
Spain  
Avda Andalucia, 10-12, Malaga 
Ahorro Andaluz, S.A 
Avda de Bruselas – Numero 13, Edificio, 
America, Piso 1, Puerta d,Alcobendas 28-
Madrid  
Eólica Almatret S.L. 
Nanclares de Oca, numero 1-B 
Spain 28022 
San Ramon Hoteles 
Todo Real Est Investments 
Switzerland  
Stockerstrasse, 38 8002 , Zurich 
Aviva Investors Schweiz GmbH 
Turkey  
Saray Mah., Adnan Büyüjdeniz Cad. No:12 
34768 Umraniye, Istanbul 
AvivaSA Emeklilik ve Hayat A.S2 
United Kingdom 
1 Dorset Street, Southampton, Hampshire, 
SO15 2DP  
Building a Future (Newham Schools) Limited 
Mill NU Properties Limited 
NU Developments (Brighton) Limited 
NU Local Care Centres (Bradford) Limited 
NU Local Care Centres (Chichester No.1) Limited 
NU Local Care Centres (Chichester No.2) Limited 
NU Local Care Centres (Chichester No.3) Limited 
NU Local Care Centres (Chichester No.4) Limited 
NU Local Care Centres (Chichester No.5) Limited 
NU Local Care Centres (Chichester No.6) Limited 
NU Local Care Centres (Farnham) Limited 
Centrium 1, Griffiths Way 
St Albans, United Kingdom, AL1 2RD 
Opal (UK) Holdings Limited 
Opal Information Systems Limited 
Outsourced Professional Administration Limited 
Synergy Financial Products Limited 
29 Queen Anne’s Gate, London SW1H 9BU  
CF Bentley Global Growth 
30 Finsbury Square, London, EC2P 2YU 
Defined Returns Limited 
Invesco Emerging Markets Equity Fund 
Invesco Global Health Care Fund 
Invesco Funds Series – Invesco UK Equity Fund 
NDF Administration Limited 

United Kingdom Temperance and General 
Provident Institution 
42 Dingwall Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 2NE 
Ballard Investment Company Limited 
Health & Case Management Limited 

43-45 Portman Square, London, W1H 6LY 
Quantum Property Partnership (General Partner) 
Limited2 
Quantum Property Partnership (Nominee) 
Limited2 
4th Floor, New London House, 6 London Street, 
London, EC3R 7LP 
Polaris U.K. Limited 
5 Lister Hill, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 5AZ 
Aspire Financial Management Limited 
Living in Retirement Limited 
Sinfonia Asset Management Limited 
Tenet Business Solutions Limited 
Tenet Client Services Limited 
Tenet Financial Services Limited 

Tenet Group Limited 
Tenet Limited 
Tenet Platform Services Limited 
TenetConnect Limited 
TenetConnect Services Limited 
TenetFinancial Solutions Limited 
TenetLime Limited 
TenetSelect Limited 
5 Old Broad Street, London EC2N 1A 
Architas Multi-Manager Diversified Protector 70 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
237 

Share Class1 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

% held 
100 
100 
100 

Ordinary Shares 

46 

Ordinary Shares 

45 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

100 
100 

Interest Shares 

100 

Ordinary Shares 

40 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary A Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

OEIC 

Ordinary Shares 
Unit Trust 
Unit Trust 
Unit Trust 
Ordinary Shares, Non Voting B 
Shares 
Company Limited by 
Guarantee 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares, Preference 
Shares 

Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
A Ordinary 
Redeemable Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary B Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary A Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

OEIC 

100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

29 
29 
29 
29 

29 

57 
25 
35 
27 
67 

100 

25 
25 

50 

50 

39 

47 
47 
47 
47 
47 
37 

47 
47 
47 
47 
47 
47 
47 
47 

48 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

Company name 
Architas Multi-Manager Diversified Protector 80 
50 Stratton Street, London, W1J 8LL 
Lazard Multicap UK Income Fund 
7 Lochside View, Edinburgh, EH12 9DH 
Origo Services Limited 
7 Newgate Street, EC1A 7NX 
AXA Ethical Distribution Fund 
AXA Rosenberg American 
AXA Rosenberg Asia Pacific Ex Japan 
AXA Rosenberg Global 
AXA Rosenberg Japan 
8 Surrey Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 3NG  
Aviva Central Services UK Limited 
Aviva Consumer Products UK Limited 
Aviva Health UK Limited 
Aviva Insurance UK Limited 
Aviva UKGI Investments Limited 
Gresham Insurance Company Limited 
Healthcare Purchasing Alliance Limited2 
London and Edinburgh Insurance Company 
Limited 
RAC Pension Trustees Limited 
Solus (London) Limited 
Synergy Sunrise (Broadlands) Limited 
Argyll House, All Saints Passage, London, SW18 
1EP 
Freetricity Southeast Limited 
c/o Anesco Limited, The Green Easter Park, 
Benyon Road , Reading, RG7 2PQ 
Homesun 2 Limited 
Homesun 3 Limited 
Homesun 4 Limited 
Homesun 5 Limited 
Homesun Limited 
c/o James Fletcher, Mainstay, Whittington Hall, 
Whittington Road, Worcester, WR5 2ZX 
Aviva Investors GR SPV 1 Limited 
Aviva Investors GR SPV 2 Limited 
Aviva Investors GR SPV 3 Limited 
Aviva Investors GR SPV 4 Limited 
Aviva Investors GR SPV 5 Limited 
Aviva Investors GR SPV 6 Limited 
Aviva Investors GR SPV 7 Limited 
Aviva Investors GR SPV 8 Limited 
Aviva Investors GR SPV 9 Limited 
Aviva Investors GR SPV 10 Limited 
Aviva Investors GR SPV 11 Limited 
Aviva Investors GR SPV 12 Limited 
Aviva Investors GR SPV 13 Limited 
Aviva Investors GR SPV 14 Limited 
Aviva Investors GR SPV 15 Limited 
Aviva Investors GR SPV 16 Limited 
Aviva Investors GR SPV 17 Limited 
East Farmhouse, Cams Hall Estate, Fareham, 
PO16 8UT 
IQUO Limited 
Exchange House, Primrose Street, EC2A 2HS 
BMO European Growth & Income Fund 
BMO MM Navigator Balanced Fund 
F&C European Capital Partners 
Nations House, 3rd Floor, 103 Wigmore Street, 
London, W1U 1WH  
Cannock Designer Outlet (GP Holdings) Limited 
Cannock Designer Outlet (GP) Limited 
Cannock Designer Outlet (Nominee 1) Limited 
Cannock Designer Outlet (Nominee 2) Limited 
Pitheavlis, Perth, Perthshire, PH2 0NH  
Aviva (Peak No.1) UK Limited 
Aviva Insurance Limited 
Aviva Investors (FP) Limited 
Aviva Investors (GP) Scotland Limited 
Pixham End, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1QA  
Aviva Administration Limited 
Aviva Investment Solutions UK Limited 
Aviva Management Services UK Limited 
Bankhall Support Services Limited 
DBS Financial Management Limited 
DBS Management Limited 
Friends AEL Trustees Limited 
Friends AELLAS Limited 
Friends AELRIS Limited 
Friends Life and Pensions Limited 
Friends Life Assurance Society Limited 

Share Class1 
OEIC 

% held 
35 

OEIC 

Ordinary Shares 

OEIC 
OEIC 
OEIC 
OEIC 
OEIC 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary A Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

49 

22 

32 
83 
93 
86 
93 

100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
50 
100 

100 
100 
100 

Ordinary Shares 

100 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary A Shares 

SICAV 
OEIC 
Private Equity 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
£1 Stock Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

67 

79 
20 
30 

100 
100 
100 
100 

100 
100 
100 
100 

100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

Company name 
Friends Life Company Limited 
Friends Life Distribution Limited 
Friends Life FPG Limited 
Friends Life FPL Limited 
Friends Life FPLMA Limited 
Friends Life Holdings plc 
Friends Life Limited 
Friends Life WL Limited 
Friends Provident Distribution Holdings Limited 
Friends Provident Investment Holdings Limited 
Friends Provident Life Assurance Limited 
Friends Provident Managed Pension Funds 
Limited 
Friends SL Nominees Limited 
Friends SLUA Limited 
Gateway Specialist Advice Services Limited 
Hengrove Park Bristol (Phase I) Management 
Company Limited 
London and Manchester Group Limited 
Premier Mortgage Service Limited 
SB Loan Administration Limited 
Sesame Bankhall Group Limited 
Sesame Bankhall Valuation Services Limited 
Sesame General Insurance Services Limited 
Sesame Limited 
Sesame Regulatory Services Limited 
Sesame Services Limited 
Suntrust Limited 
Undershaft FAL Limited 
Undershaft FPLLA Limited 
Undershaft SLPM Limited 
Wealth Limited 
St Helen’s, 1 Undershaft, London, EC3P 3DQ 
1 Fitzroy Place Limited Partnership2 
10-11 GNS Limited 
11-12 Hanover Square LP2 
11-12 Hanover Square Nominee 1 Limited2 
11-12 Hanover Square Nominee 2 Limited2 
130 Fenchurch Street LP2 
130 Fenchurch Street Nominee 1 Limited2 
130 Fenchurch Street Nominee 2 Limited2 
1-5 Lowndes Square Management Company 
Limited 
2 Fitzroy Place Limited Partnership2 
20 Gracechurch (General Partner) Limited 
20 Gracechurch Limited Partnership 
20 Lowndes Square Management Company 
Limited 
2-10 Mortimer Street (GP No 1) Limited2 
2-10 Mortimer Street GP Limited2 
2-10 Mortimer Street Limited Partnership2 
30 Warwick Street LP2 
30 Warwick Street Nominee 1 Limited2 
30 Warwick Street Nominee 2 Limited2 
30-31 Golden Square LP2 
30-31 Golden Square Nominee 1 Limited2 
30-31 Golden Square Nominee 2 Limited2 
41-42 Lowndes Square Management Company 
Limited 
43 Lowndes Square Management Company 
Limited 
44-49 Lowndes Square Management Company 
Limited 
6-10 Lowndes Square Management Company 
Limited 
AI Special PFI SPV Limited 
Ascot Real Estate Investments LP2 
Ascot Real Estate Investments GP LLP2 
Atlas Park Management Company Limited 
Aviva Brands Limited 
Aviva Commercial Finance Limited 
Aviva Company Secretarial Services Limited 
Aviva Credit Services UK Limited 
Aviva Employment Services Limited 
Aviva Europe SE 
Aviva Insurance Services UK Limited 
Aviva International Holdings Limited 
Aviva International Insurance Limited 
Aviva Investors 30 70 GLobal Eq Ccy Hedged Ind 
Fund 
Aviva Investors 40 60 Global Equity Index Fund 
Aviva Investors 50 50 Global Equity Index Fund 
Aviva Investors 60 40 Global Equity Index Fund 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
238 

Share Class1 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary A Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary A Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary A Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Limited Partnership 
Ordinary Shares 
Limited Partnership 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Limited Partnership 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Limited Partnership 
General Partner 
Limited Partnership 
A Shares, B Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Limited Partnership 
Limited Partnership 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Limited Partnership 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Limited Partnership 
Limited Partnership 
Limited By Guarantee  
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
ACS 

ACS 
ACS 
ACS 

% held 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

100 
100 
100 
100 

100 
100 
100 
100 
75 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

50 
100 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
100 

50 
100 
100 
100 

50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
100 

100 

100 

100 

100 
50 
50 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
92 
100 
100 
100 
100 

100 
100 
100 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

Company name 
Aviva Investors Asia Pacific ex Japan Fund 
Aviva Investors Asia Pacific Property Fund 
Aviva Investors Balanced Life Fund 
Aviva Investors Balanced Pension Fund 
Aviva Investors Cash Fund 
Aviva Investors Cautious Pension Fund 
Aviva Investors Commercial Assets Nominee 
Limited 
Aviva Investors Commercial Assets GP Limited 
Aviva Investors Continental Euro Equity Index 
Fund 
Aviva Investors Continental European Eq Alpha 
Fund 
Aviva Investors Corporate Bond Fund 
Aviva Investors Dev Asia Pacific Ex Japan Eq Ind 
Fund 
Aviva Investors Dev Euro Ex UK Equity Index Fund 
Aviva Investors Dev World Ex UK Equity Index Fund 
Aviva Investors Developd Overseas Gov Bd Ex UK 
Ind Fund 
Aviva Investors Distribution Life Fund 
Aviva Investors EBC GP Limited 
Aviva Investors EBC Limited Partnership 
Aviva Investors Employment Services Limited 
Aviva Investors Europe Equity ex UK Fund 
Aviva Investors European Property Fund 
Aviva Investors Global Equity Alpha Fund 
Aviva Investors Global Equity Fund 
Aviva Investors Global Equity Income Fund 
Aviva Investors Global Services Limited 
Aviva Investors Ground Rent GP Limited 
Aviva Investors Ground Rent Holdco Limited 
Aviva Investors Holdings Limited 
Aviva Investors Idx-Lkd Gilts Ovr 5 Yrs Idx Fund 
Aviva Investors Index Linked Gilt Fund 
Aviva Investors Infrastructure GP Limited 
Aviva Investors Infrastructure Income Midco 6.1 
Limited 
Aviva Investors Infrastructure Income No.6B 
Limited 
Aviva Investors International Index Tracking Fund 
Aviva Investors Japan Equity Alpha Fund 

Aviva Investors Japan Equity Fund 
Aviva Investors Japan Equity MoM 1 Fund 
Aviva Investors Japanese Equity Index Fund 
Aviva Investors London Limited 
Aviva Investors Managed High Income Fund 
Aviva Investors Money Market VNAV Fund 
Aviva Investors Multi-Asset 40 85 Shares Index 
Fund 
Aviva Investors Multi-Asset III Fund 
Aviva Investors Multi-Asset IV Fund 
Aviva Investors Multi-Manager 20-60% Shares 
Fund 
Aviva Investors Multi-Manager 40-85% Shares 
Fund 
Aviva Investors Multi-Manager Flexible Fund 
Aviva Investors Multi-Strategy Target Income Fund 
Aviva Investors Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund 
Aviva Investors Non-Gilt Bond All Stocks Index 
Fund 
Aviva Investors Non-Gilt Bond Over 15 Yrs Index 
Fund 
Aviva Investors Non-Gilt Bond Up To 5 Years Index 
Fund 
Aviva Investors North American Equity Fund 
Aviva Investors North American Equity Index Fund 
Aviva Investors Pacific Ex-Japan Equity Index Fund 

Aviva Investors Pensions Limited 
Aviva Investors Polish Retail GP Limited 
Aviva Investors Polish Retail Limited Partnership 
Aviva Investors Pre-Annuity Fixed Interest Fund 
Aviva Investors Private Equity Programme 2008 
Partnership 
Aviva Investors Property Fund Management 
Limited 
Aviva Investors Real Estate Finance Limited 
Aviva Investors Real Estate Limited 
Aviva Investors Realm Energy Centres GP Limited 
Aviva Investors REaLM Energy Centres No.1 LP 

Aviva Investors Realm Infrastructure No.1 Limited 

Share Class1 
ACS 
OEIC 
ACS 
ACS 
OEIC 
ACS 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
ACS 

ACS 

OEIC 
ACS 

ACS 
ACS 
ACS 

ACS 
Ordinary Shares 
Limited Partnership 
Ordinary Shares 
ACS 
OEIC 
ACS 
ACS 
OEIC 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
ACS 
ACS 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 

OEIC 

ACS 
ACS 
OEIC 
ACS 
Ordinary Shares 
OEIC 
ACS 
ACS 

OEIC 
OEIC 
OEIC 

OEIC 

OEIC 
OEIC 
OEIC 
ACS 

ACS 

ACS 

ACS 
ACS 

ACS 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Limited Partnership 
ACS 
Limited Partnership 

Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Limited Partnership 
Ordinary Shares 

% held 
100 
80 
100 
100 
56 
100 
100 

Company name 
Aviva Investors Realm Infrastructure No.2 Limited 
Aviva Investors Realm Infrastructure No.3 Limited 
Aviva Investors Realm Infrastructure No.4A Limited 
Aviva Investors Realm Infrastructure No.4B Limited 
Aviva Investors Social Housing GP Limited 
Aviva Investors Social Housing Limited 

Aviva Investors Sterling Corporate Bond Fund 
Aviva Investors Sterling Gilt Fund 
Aviva Investors Stewardship Fixed Interest Fund 
Aviva Investors Stewardship International Equity 
Fund 
Aviva Investors Stewardship UK Equity Fund 
Aviva Investors Stewardship UK Equity Income 
Fund 
Aviva Investors Strategic Bond Fund 
Aviva Investors Strategic Global Equity Fund 
Aviva Investors UK Commercial Real Estate Senior 
Debt LP 
Aviva Investors UK CRESD GP Limited 
Aviva Investors UK Eq Ex Aviva Inv Trusts Index 
Fund 
Aviva Investors UK Equity Alpha Fund 
Aviva Investors UK Equity Income Fund 
Aviva Investors UK Equity Income Fund 
Aviva Investors UK Equity Index Fund 
Aviva Investors UK Equity MoM 1 Fund 
Aviva Investors UK Fund Services Limited 
Aviva Investors UK Funds Limited 
Aviva Investors UK Gilts All Stocks Index Fund 
Aviva Investors UK Gilts Over 15 Years Index Fund 
Aviva Investors UK Gilts Upto 5 Years Index Fund 

Aviva Investors UK Index Tracking Fund 
Aviva Investors UK Nominees Limited 
Aviva Investors UK Opportunities Fund 
Aviva Investors US Equity Index Fund 
Aviva Investors US Large Cap Equity Fund 
Aviva Overseas Holdings Limited 
Aviva Public Private Finance Limited 
Aviva Special PFI GP Limited 
Aviva Special PFI LP 
Aviva Staff Pension Trustee Limited 
Aviva UK Digital Limited 
Aviva UKLAP De-risking Limited 
Axcess 10 Management Company Limited 
Barratt House LP2 
Barratt House Nominee 1 Limited2 
Barratt House Nominee 2 Limited2 
Barwell Business Park Nominee Limited 
BIOMASS UK NO. 3 Limited 

Biomass UK NO.1 LLP 
Biomass UK No.2 Limited 

Boston Biomass Limited 
Boston Wood Recovery Limited 
Capital Residential Fund 
Capital Residential Fund Nominee No.1 Limited 
Capital Residential Fund Nominee No.2 Limited 

Cardiff Bay Gp Limited 
Cardiff Bay Limited Partnership 
CGU International Holdings BV 
Chancery House London LP2 
Chancery House London Nominee 1 Limited2 
Chancery House London Nominee 2 Limited2 
Chesterford Park2 
Chesterford Park (General Partner) Limited2 
Chesterford Park (Nominee) Limited2 
Chichester Health (Holdings) Limited 
Commercial Union Corporate Member Limited 
Commercial Union Life Assurance Company 
Limited 
Commercial Union Trustees Limited 
Cornerford Limited 
COW Real Estate Investment General Partner 
Limited 
COW Real Estate Investment Limited Partnership 
COW Real Estate Investment Nominee Limited 
EES Operations 1 Limited 

100 
100 

100 

93 
100 

100 
100 
100 

100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
73 
100 
100 
81 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
59 

59 

45 

100 
100 
73 
100 
100 
63 
100 
100 

50 
41 
74 

70 

81 
82 
47 
100 

100 

100 

100 
100 

100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
40 

100 

100 
100 
100 

100 
100 

Share Class1 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Company Limited by 
Guarantee 
ACS 
ACS 
ACS 
ACS 

ACS 
ACS 

OEIC 
ACS 
Limited Partnership 

Ordinary Shares 
ACS 

ACS 
ACS 
OEIC 
ACS 
OEIC 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
ACS 
ACS 

ACS 
OEIC 
Ordinary Shares 
OEIC 
ACS 
ACS 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Limited Partnership 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Limited By Guarantee  
Limited Partnership 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary A Shares 
Deferred Shares 
Limited Liability Partnership 
‘A Shares  
B Shares  
C Shares  
Deferred Shares’ 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Unit Trust 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Limited Partnership 
Ordinary Shares 
Limited Partnership 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Limited Partnership 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Limited Partnership 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

% held 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

100 
100 
100 
100 

100 
100 

41 
100 
21 

100 
100 

100 
100 
51 
100 
87 
100 
100 
100 
100 

100 
68 
100 
95 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
95 
100 
100 
100 
100 
50 
50 
50 
100 
100 

100 

100 

100 
100 
88 
100 

100 
100 
100 
100 
50 
50 
50 
50 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

100 
100 
100 

100 
100 
100 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
239 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

Company name 
Fitzroy Place GP 2 Limited2 
Fitzroy Place Management Co Limited2 
Fitzroy Place Residential Limited2 
Free Solar (Stage 2) Limited 
Free Solar Holdco Limited 
Friends Life Funds Limited 
General Accident Executor and Trustee Company 
Limited 
Gobafoss General Partner Limited 
Gobafoss Partnership Nominee No 1 Ltd 
Hemel Hempstead Estate Management Limited 
Hillswood Management Limited 
Hooton Bio Power Limited 
Houlton Commercial Management Company 
Limited 
Igloo Regeneration (Butcher Street) Limited2 
Igloo Regeneration (General Partner) Limited2 
Igloo Regeneration (Nominee) Limited2 
Igloo Regeneration Developments (General 
Partner) Limited2 
Igloo Regeneration Developments (Nominees) 
Limited2 
Igloo Regeneration Developments LP2 
Igloo Regeneration Partnership2 
Igloo Regeneration Property Unit Trust2 
IPE BV 
Irongate House LP2 
Irongate House Nominee 1 Limited2 
Irongate House Nominee 2 Limited2 
Lime Property Fund (General Partner) Limited 
Lime Property Fund (Nominee) Limited 
Lombard (London) 1 Limited  
Lombard (London) 2 Limited  
LUC Holdings Limited 
Matthew Parker Street (Nominee No 1) Limited 
Matthew Parker Street (Nominee No 2) Limited 
Medium Scale Wind No.1 Limited 
Mortimer Street Associated Co 1 Limited2 
Mortimer Street Associated Co 2 Limited2 
Mortimer Street Nominee 1 Limited2 
Mortimer Street Nominee 2 Limited2 
Mortimer Street Nominee 3 Limited2 
New Broad Street House LP2 
New Broad Street House Nominee 1 Limited2 
New Broad Street House Nominee 2 Limited2 
Norwich Union (Shareholder GP) Limited 
Norwich Union Public Private Partnership Fund 
NU 3PS Limited 
NU Library For Brighton Limited 
NU Offices for Redcar Limited 
NU Schools for Redbridge Limited 
NU Technology and Learning Centres (Hackney) 
Limited 
NUPPP (Care Technology and Learning Centres) 
Limited 
NUPPP (GP) Limited 
NUPPP Nominees Limited 
Opus Park Management Limited 
Opus Park Management Limited  
ORN Capital Services Limited 
Paddington Central III GP Ltd 
Paddington Central III Limited Partnership 
Pegasus House and Nuffield House LP2 
Pegasus House and Nuffield House Nominee 1 
Limited2 
Pegasus House and Nuffield House Nominee 2 
Limited2 
Porth Teigr Management Company Limited2 
Property Management Company (Croydon) Ltd 
Quantum Property Partnership2 
Quarryvale One Limited 
Quarryvale Three Limited 
Renewable Clean Energy Limited 
Rugby Radio Station (General Partner) Limited2 
Rugby Radio Station (Nominee) Limited2 
Rugby Radio Station Limited Partnership2 
SE11 PEP Limited 
Serviced Offices UK (Services) Limited2 
Serviced Offices UK GP Limited2 
Serviced Offices UK Limited Partnership2 
Serviced Offices UK Nominee Limited2 
Solar Clean Energy Limited 
Southgate General Partner Limited 

Share Class1 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

% held 
50 
50 
50 
100 
100 
100 
100 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Limited by Guarantee 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 

Limited Partnership 
Limited Partnership 
Unit Trust 
Ordinary Shares 
Limited Partnership 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Limited Partnership 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Limited Partnership 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Limited By Guarantee  
Limited Partnership 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Limited Partnership 
Limited Partnership 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Limited Partnership 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary B Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Limited Partnership 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Limited Partnership 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary A Shares 

100 
100 
100 
24 
56 
50 

50 
50 
50 
50 

50 

50 
40 
50 
100 
50 
50 
50 
100 
100 
100 
100 
20 
100 
100 
100 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

100 

100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
50 
50 

50 

50 
100 
50 
100 
100 
100 
50 
50 
50 
100 
50 
50 
50 
50 
100 
50 

Company name 
Southgate Limited Partnership 
Southgate LP (Nominee 1) Limited 
Southgate LP (Nominee 2) Limited 
Stonebridge Cross Management Company Limited  
Stonebridge Cross Management Limited 
SUE Developments Limited Partnership2 
SUE GP LLP2 
SUE GP Nominee Limited2 
Sunrise Renewables (Barry) Limited 
Swan Valley Management Limited 
The Designer Retail Outlet Centres (General 
Partner) Limited 
The Designer Retail Outlet Centres (Mansfield) 
General Partner Limited 
The Designer Retail Outlet Centres (Mansfield) LP 
The Designer Retail Outlet Centres (York) General 
Partner Limited 
The Designer Retail Outlet Centres (York) LP 
The Gobafoss Partnership 
The Ocean Marine Insurance Company Limited 
The Square Brighton Limited 
Tyne Assets (No 2) Limited 
Tyne Assets Limited 
Undershaft Limited 
W Nine LP2 
W Nine Nominee 1 Limited2 
W Nine Nominee 2 Limited2 
The Welsh Insurance Corporation Limited 
The Yorkshire Insurance Company Limited  
Aviva Investors UK Equity Dividend Fund 
Chichester Health plc 
Aviva Investors Energy Centres No.1 GP Limited 
Swan Court Waterman’s Business Park, 
Kingsbury Crescent, Staines, Surrey, TW18 3BA 
Healthcode Limited 

The Green, Easter Park, Benyon Road, Reading, 
Berkshire, RG7 2PQ 
Anesco Mid Devon Limited 
Anesco South West Limited 
Free Solar (Stage 1) Limited 
New Energy Residential Solar Limited 
Norton Energy SLS Limited 
TGHC Limited 
Wellington Row, York, YO90 1WR 
Aviva (Peak No.2) UK Limited 
Aviva Annuity UK Limited 
Aviva Client Nominees UK Limited 
Aviva Equity Release UK Limited 
Aviva ERFA 15 UK Limited 
Aviva Life & Pensions UK Limited 
Aviva Life Holdings UK Limited 
Aviva Life Investments International (Recovery) 
Limited 
Aviva Life Services UK Limited 
Aviva Pension Trustees UK Limited 
Aviva Trustees UK Limited 
Aviva Wrap UK Limited 
CGNU Life Assurance Limited 
Friends Provident Pension Scheme Trustees 
Limited 
The Lancashire and Yorkshire Reversionary 
Interest Company Limited 
The Norwich Union Life Insurance Company 
Limited 
Synergy Sunrise (Sentinel House) Limited 
Undershaft (NULLA) Limited 
Whittington Hall, Whittington Road, Worcester, 
Worecestershire, WR5 2ZX 
Aviva Investors GR SPV16 Limited 
61 Conduit Street London W1S 2GB 
AKO Global UCITS-BF (AKOGUBF) 
12 Throgmorton Avenue 
BlackRock US Dynamic Fund 
BlackRock Market Advantage Fund 
Artemis Fund Managers Limited, 57-59 St 
James’s Street, London SW1A 1LD 
Artemis UK Special Situations Fund 
Liontrust Fund Partners LLP, 2 Savoy Court 
London WC2R 0EZ 
Liontrust Sustainable Future Corporate Bond 
Fund 
Liontrust Sustainable Future UK Growth Fund 

Share Class1 
Limited Partnership 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Limited by Guarantee 
Limited By Guarantee  
Limited Partnership 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary A Shares 

Ordinary Shares 

Limited Partnership 
Ordinary Shares 

Limited Partnership 
Limited Partnership 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Limited Partnership 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Collective Investment Scheme 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary C Shares, Ordinary E 
Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

% held 
50 
50 
50 
100 
100 
50 
50 
50 
100 
100 
50 

100 

97 
100 

97 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
50 
50 
50 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

20 

100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

100 

100 

100 
100 

Ordinary Shares 

100 

Mutual Fund 

Unit Trust 
Unit Trust 

Unit Trust 

OEIC 

OEIC 

73 

21 
52 

22 

40 

49 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
240 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

 Continued  

Company name 
Liontrust Sustainable Future European Growth 
Fund 
Liontrust Sustainable Future Global Growth Fund 
Liontrust Sustainable Future Absolute Growth 
Fund 
Liontrust UK Ethical Fund 
Liontrust Sustainable Future Managed Fund 
1 London Wall Place, London, UK 
Schroder QEP US Core Fund 
BlackRock Pensions,  
33 King William Street 
Undrly Aquila Cnt CcyH Glb Eq108010 2L 
c/o Harper MacLeod Llp 
The Cadoro, 45 Gordon Street 
United Kingdom G1 3PE 
Brockloch Rig Windfarm Limited 
Crystal Rig III Limited 
Old Bourchiers Hall New Road 
Aldham, Essex 
United Kingdom C06 3QU 
County Broadband Holdings Limited 

2nd Floor, 64-65 Vincent Square 
United Kingdom SW1P 2NU 
Fred. Olsen CBH Limited 
Midlands House 4 Rock Road 
Keynsham, England 
United Kingdom BS31 1BL 
Truespeed Communications LTD 

Share Class1 
OEIC 

% held 
52 

Company name 

Share Class1 
Redeemable E1 

% held 

OEIC 
OEIC 

OEIC 
OEIC 

Unit Trust 

OEIC 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

A Ordinary Shares Shares  
B Ordinary Shares 

54 
64 

72 
76 

40 

65 

49 
49 

59 

Ordinary Shares 

49 

B Ordinary Shares  
C Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares D1 

26 

Tec Marina Terra Nova Way 
Penarth, Wales 
United Kingdom CF64 1SA 
Wealthify Group Limited 

Wealthify Limited 
Pitheavlis, PERTH, Perthshire, PH2 0NH, United 
Kingdom 
Aviva Investors (FP) LP 
United States 
1209 Orange Street, City of Wilmington 
DE 19801,  
Aviva Investors Americas LLC 
2222 Grand Avenue, Des Moines IA 50312 
Aviva Investors North America Holdings, Inc 

2711 Centreville Road, Suite 400, Wilmington, 
New Castle, DE, 19808 
UKP Holdings Inc. 
AI-RECAP GP I, LLC 
National Corporate Research Limited, 850 New 
Burton Road, Suite 201, Dover, Delaware Kent 
County 19904 
Exeter Properties Inc. 
Winslade Investments Inc. 
Vietnam 
10th Floor, Handi Resco Building, No. 521 Kim 
Ma, Ba Dinh, Hanoi 
Aviva Vietnam Life Insurance Company Limited 

A Ordinary Shares 
B Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

60 

60 

Limited Partnership 

100 

Sole Member 

Common Stock Of No Par 
Value Shares 

Common Stock Shares 
Limited Partnership 

Common Stock Wpv Shares 
Common Stock Wpv Shares 

100 

100 

100 
100 

95 
100 

Non-Listed Shares 

90 

1 

Investment Company with Variable Capital (‘ICVC’) 
Fond Common de Placement (‘FCP’) 
Open Ended Investment Fund (‘OEIC’) 
Société d ‘Investment à Capital Variable (‘SICAV’) 
Undertaking for Collective Investment in Transferrable Securities (‘UCITS’) 
Irish Collective Asset Management Vehicle (‘ICAV’) 
Authorised Contractual Scheme (‘ACS’) 
Organisme de Placement Collectif Immobilier (‘OPCI’) 
Sociétés Civiles de Placement Immobilier (‘SCPI’) 

2  Please see accounting policies (D) Consolidation principles, for further details on Joint Ventures and the factors on which joint management is based. 

65 – Subsequent events 
For details of subsequent events relating to: 
•  Acquisitions – refer to note 3

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
241 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Financial statements of the Company  

Income statement 
For the year ended 31 December 2018 

Income 
Net investment income 

Expenses  
Operating expenses 
Other expenses1 
Finance costs 

Profit for the year before tax 
Tax credit 

Profit for the year after tax 

Note 

2018 
£m 

2017 
£m 

B 

C 

D 

E 

2,874  

2,874 

(246) 
(8) 
(519) 

(773) 

2,101 
96 

2,197 

1,856  

1,856  

(217) 
— 
(527) 

(744) 

1,112  
113  

1,225  

1  Other expenses include a charge of £8 million relating to goodwill payments to preference shareholders, which was announced on 30 April 2018, and associated administration costs (see note 35). 

Statement of comprehensive income  
For the year ended 31 December 2018 

Profit for the year 

Items that will not be reclassified to income statement 
Remeasurements of pension schemes 
Forfeited dividend income 

Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Note 

I 

I 

2018 
£m 

2,197 

2017 
restated1  
£m 

1,225  

2  
4  

6 

(2) 
— 

(2) 

2,203 

1,223  

1  The Company has made a change in accounting policy whereby investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures held as available for sale investments under IAS 39 have been reclassified to being held at cost under IAS 27.  

As a result, comparatives have been restated. See note A for further details. 

Where applicable, the accounting policies of the Company are the same as those of the Group on pages 102 to 115. The notes identified 
alphabetically on pages 246 to 252 are an integral part of these separate financial statements. Where the same items appear in the Group 
financial statements, reference is made to the notes (identified numerically) on pages 123 to 241. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
242 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Financial statements of the Company 

Continued  

Statement of changes in equity 
For the year ended 31 December 2018 

Balance at 1 January (restated)1  
Profit for the year 
Other comprehensive income 
Total comprehensive income for the year 
Dividends and appropriations 
Reserves credit for equity compensation plans 
Shares issued under equity compensation plans 
Shares purchased in buy-back 
Redemption of fixed rate tier 1 notes 
Aggregate tax effect 

Balance at 31 December 

For the year ended 31 December 2017 (restated)1 

Balance at 1 January  
Profit for the year 
Other comprehensive loss 
Total comprehensive income for the year 
Dividends and appropriations 
Reserves credit for equity compensation plans 
Shares issued under equity compensation plans 
Shares purchased in buy-back 
Redemption of fixed rate tier 1 notes 
Aggregate tax effect 

Balance at 31 December 

Ordinary 
share 
capital 
£m 

Preference 
share 
capital 
£m 

Share 
premium 
£m 

Capital 
redemption 
Reserve 
£m 

Merger 
reserve 
£m 

Equity 
compensation 
reserve 
£m 

Retained 
earnings 
£m 

Note 

Direct 
capital 
instrument 
and fixed 
rate tier 1 
notes 
£m 

Total 
equity 
£m 

1,003  
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
2  
(30) 
— 
— 

200   1,207  
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
7  
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

975  

200   1,214  

16 

33 

32 

32 

36,I 

E 

14   6,438  
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
30  
— 
— 
— 
— 

44   6,438  

111   3,555  
—  2,197  
6  
— 
—  2,203  
—  (1,189) 
— 
64  
49  
(55) 
(600) 
— 
— 
— 
8  
— 

724   13,252  
—  2,197  
— 
6  
—  2,203  
—  (1,189) 
— 
64  
— 
3  
— 
(600) 
— 
— 
— 
8  

120   4,026  

724   13,741  

Ordinary 
share 
capital 
£m 

Preference 
share 
capital 
£m 

Share 
premium 
£m 

Capital 
redemption 
Reserve 
£m 

Merger 
reserve 
£m 

Equity 
compensation 
reserve 
£m 

Retained 
earnings 
£m 

Note 

Direct 
capital 
instrument 
and fixed 
rate tier 1 
notes 
£m 

Total 
equity 
£m 

1,015  
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
2  
(14) 
— 
— 

1,003  

200   1,197  
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
10  
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

200   1,207  

16 

33 

32 

32 

36,I 

E 

—  6,438  
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
14  
— 
— 
— 
— 

14   6,438  

78   3,747  
—  1,225  
— 
(2) 
—  1,223  
—  (1,081) 
— 
77  
42  
(44) 
(300) 
— 
(92) 
— 
16  
— 

1,116   13,791  
1,225  
(2) 
1,223  
(1,081) 
77  
10  
(300) 
(484) 
16  

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
(392) 
— 

111   3,555  

724   13,252  

1  The Company has made a change in accounting policy whereby investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures held as available for sale investments under IAS 39 have been reclassified to being held at cost under IAS 27.  

As a result, comparatives have been restated. See note A for further details. 

Where applicable, the accounting policies of the Company are the same as those of the Group on pages 102 to 115. The notes identified 
alphabetically on pages 246 to 252 are an integral part of these separate financial statements. Where the same items appear in the Group 
financial statements, reference is made to the notes (identified numerically) on pages 123 to 241. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
243 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Financial statements of the Company 

Continued  

Statement of financial position 
As at 31 December 2018 

Assets 
Non-current assets 
Investments in subsidiaries 
Investment in joint venture 
Receivables and other financial assets 
Deferred tax assets 
Current tax assets 

Current assets 
Receivables and other financial assets 
Prepayments and accrued income 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

Equity 
Ordinary share capital 
Preference share capital 
Called up capital 
Share premium 
Capital redemption reserve 
Merger reserve 
Equity compensation reserve 
Retained earnings 
Direct capital instrument and tier 1 notes 

Total equity 

Liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 
Borrowings 
Payables and other financial liabilities 
Tax liabilities 
Pension deficits and other provisions 

Current liabilities 
Borrowings 
Payables and other financial liabilities 
Pension deficits and other provisions 
Other liabilities 

Total liabilities  

Total equity and liabilities 

Note 

2018 
£m 

2017 
restated1  
£m 

1 January 2017 
restated1 
£m 

F 

F 

G 

H 

H 

G 

32 

35 

32(b) 

32(b) 

I 

I 

I 

36,M 

K 

L 

H 

J 

K 

L 

J 

31,788  
123  
5,401  
9  
89  

31,788  
123  
3,680  
9  
255  

31,788  
123  
5,941  
156  
135  

37,410  

35,855  

38,143  

414  
10  
15  

2,028  
9  
87  

321  
11  
82  

37,849  

37,979  

38,557  

975  
200  
1,175  
1,214  
44  
6,438  
120  
4,026  
724  

1,003  
200  
1,203  
1,207  
14  
6,438  
111  
3,555  
724  

1,015  
200  
1,215  
1,197  
— 
6,438  
78  
3,747  
1,116  

13,741  

13,252  

13,791  

6,699  
12,815  
— 
45  

6,450  
9,900  
— 
48  

19,559  

16,398  

251  
4,206  
— 
92  

978  
7,192  
5  
154  

6,638  
13,098  
4  
42  

19,782  

642  
4,198  
5  
139  

24,108  

24,727  

24,766  

37,849  

37,979  

38,557  

1  The Company has made a change in accounting policy whereby investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures held as available for sale investments under IAS 39 have been reclassified to being held at cost under IAS 27. As a 

result, comparatives have been restated. See note A for further details. 

Approved by the Board on 6 March 2019 

Thomas D. Stoddard 
Chief Financial Officer 

Where applicable, the accounting policies of the Company are the same as those of the Group on pages 102 to 115. The notes identified 
alphabetically on pages 246 to 252 are an integral part of these separate financial statements. Where the same items appear in the Group 
financial statements, reference is made to the notes (identified numerically) on pages 123 to 241. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
244 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Financial statements of the Company 

Continued  

Statement of cash flows 
For the year ended 31 December 2018 

All the Company’s operating cash requirements are met by subsidiary companies and settled through intercompany loan accounts. As the 
direct method of presentation has been adopted for these activities, no further disclosure is required. In respect of financing and investing 
activities, the following items pass through the Company’s own bank accounts. 

Cash flows from financing activities 
Shares purchased in buy-back 
Treasury shares purchased for employee trusts 
Funding provided from subsidiaries 
Repayment of loans owed to subsidiaries 
New borrowings drawn down, net of expenses 
Repayment of borrowings 
Net repayment of borrowings1  
Preference dividends paid 
Ordinary dividends paid 
Forfeited dividend income 
Coupon payments on direct capital instrument and tier 1 notes 
Interest paid on borrowings 
Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares 
Other2  

Net cash (used in)/generated from financing activities 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January  
Exchange gains on cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 

2018 
£m 

2017 
£m 

(600) 
(4) 
2,564  
— 
3,023  
(3,536) 
(513) 
(17) 
(1,128) 
4  
(44) 
(335) 
8  
(13) 

(78) 

(78) 
87  
6  

15  

(300) 
— 
2,365  
(156) 
1,265  
(1,753) 
(488) 
(17) 
(983) 
— 
(81) 
(346) 
10  
— 

4  

4  
82  
1  

87  

1  On 28 September 2017, notification was given that the Group would redeem the $650 million fixed rate tier 1 notes. At that date, the instrument was reclassified as a financial liability of £484 million, representing its fair value 

on translation into Sterling at that date. On 3 November 2017 the instrument was redeemed in full at a cost of £488 million. This included £4 million exchange losses subsequent to the reclassification which are included within 
other operating costs within the income statement. 
Includes £10 million relating to goodwill payments to preference shareholders, which was announced on 30 April 2018, and associated administration costs (see note 35) and a £3 million donation of forfeited dividend income 
to a charitable foundation. 

2 

Where applicable, the accounting policies of the Company are the same as those of the Group on pages 102 to 115. The notes identified 
alphabetically on pages 246 to 252 are an integral part of these separate financial statements. Where the same items appear in the Group 
financial statements, reference is made to the notes (identified numerically) on pages 123 to 241. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
245 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the financial statements of the Company  

A – Changes in accounting policies 
The Company has made a change in accounting policy whereby investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures held as available for sale 
investments under IAS 39 have been reclassified to being held at cost under IAS 27. As per Group accounting policy D, investments in 
subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures are recognised at cost less impairment. Investments are reviewed annually to test whether any 
indicators of impairment exist. Where there is objective evidence that such an asset is impaired, the investment is impaired to its 
recoverable value and any unrealised loss is recorded in the income statement. The revised policy provides more relevant and reliable 
information as reserves are better aligned with distributable profits and cost is a factual measure which is complete, neutral and requires 
less judgement. 

The impact of the changes on the affected line items in the financial statements is set out below.  

Impact of changes on income statement 

(i) 
There is no impact on the Company’s income statement. 

(ii)  Impact of changes on statement of comprehensive income 

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income 
Effect analysed as: 
 Fair value gains on investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures 
 Remeasurements of pension schemes 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

(iii) Impact of changes on statement of financial position 

Total assets 
Effect analysed as: 
 Investment in subsidiaries 
 Investment in joint venture 
Total equity and liabilities 

Total equity  
Effect analysed as: 
 Investment valuation reserve 
Total Liabilities 

B – Net investment income 

Dividends received from subsidiaries 
Interest receivable from group company loans held at amortised cost 
Other income 

Total 

C – Operating expenses 
(i)  Operating expenses  
Operating expenses comprise: 

Staff costs and other employee related expenditure (see (ii) below) 
Other operating costs 
Net foreign exchange losses 

Total 

(ii)  Staff costs  
Total staff costs were: 

Wages and salaries  
Social security costs  
Defined contribution schemes  
Equity compensation plans (see (iii) below) 
Termination benefits 

Total 

31 December 2017 

Effect of 
changes 
£m 

— 

(707) 

(707) 
— 

(707) 

Restated 
£m 

1,225  

(2) 

— 
(2) 

1,223  

As reported 
£m 

1,225 

705 

707 
(2) 

1,930 

31 December 2017 

As reported 
£m 

Effect of 
changes 
£m 

Restated 
£m 

As reported 
£m 

1 January 2017 

Effect of 
changes 
£m 

Restated 
£m 

47,807  

(9,828) 

37,979  

47,678  

(9,121) 

38,557  

41,192  
547  
47,807  

23,080  

9,828  
24,727  

(9,404) 
(424) 
(9,828) 

31,788  
123  
37,979  

(9,828) 

13,252  

40,521  
511  
47,678  

22,912  

(8,733) 
(388) 
(9,121) 

(9,121) 

31,788  
123  
38,557  

13,791  

(9,828) 
— 

— 
24,727  

9,121  
24,766  

(9,121) 
— 

— 
24,766  

Note 

P(iii) 

P(i) 

2018 
£m 

2,780  
92  
2  

2,874 

2017 
£m 

1,740  
116  
— 

1,856  

2018 
£m 

19  
227  
— 

246  

2018 
£m 

— 
— 
— 
19  
— 

19  

2017 
£m 

107  
105  
5  

217  

2017 
£m 

54  
7  
8  
30  
8  

107  

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
246 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the financial statements of the Company 

Continued  

C – Operating expenses continued 
(ii)  Staff costs continued 
The Company is no longer charged staff costs directly by the UK employing entity. Staff costs in 2018 are included within other operating 
costs as part of the overall recharges from the service company within the Group. 

(iii) Equity compensation plans 
All transactions in the Group’s equity compensation plans, which involve options and awards for ordinary shares of the Company, are 
included in other operating costs. Full disclosure of these plans is given in the Group consolidated financial statements, note 33. The cost of 
such options and awards is borne by all participating businesses and, where relevant, the Company bears an appropriate charge. As the 
majority of the charge to the Company relates to directors’ options and awards, for which full disclosure is made in the directors’ 
remuneration report, no further disclosure is given here. 

D – Finance costs  

Interest payable on borrowings 
Interest payable to group companies 

Total 

E – Tax  
(i)  Tax credited to the income statement 
The total tax credit comprises: 

Current tax 
For this year 
Prior year adjustments 

Total current tax 

Deferred tax 
Origination and reversal of temporary differences 

Total deferred tax 

Total tax credited to income statement 

Note 

P(ii) 

2018 
£m 

325  
194  

519  

2017 
£m 

352  
175  

527  

2018 
£m 

(94) 
(2) 

(96) 

— 

— 

(96) 

2017 
£m 

(253) 
(3) 

(256) 

143  

143  

(113) 

Unrecognised tax losses and temporary differences of previous years were used to reduce the deferred tax expense by £nil (2017: £nil). 

(ii)  Tax credited to other comprehensive income 
There was no tax credited or charged to other comprehensive income in either 2018 or 2017.  

(iii) Tax credited to equity  
Tax credited directly to equity in the year, in respect of coupon payments on the direct capital instrument and fixed rate tier 1 notes, 
amounted to £8 million (2017: £16 million). 

(iv) Tax reconciliation 
The tax on the Company’s profit before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the tax rate of the home country of 
the Company as follows: 

Profit before tax 

Tax calculated at standard UK corporation tax rate of 19.00% (2017: 19.25%) 
Reconciling items 
Adjustment to tax charge in respect of prior years 
Non-assessable dividend income 
Disallowable expenses 
Different local basis of tax on overseas profits 
Change in future local statutory tax rates 
Losses surrendered intra-group for nil value 

Total tax credited to income statement 

2018 
£m 

2017 
£m 

2,101 

1,112  

399  

214  

(2) 
(528) 
7  
— 
— 
28  

(96) 

(3) 
(335) 
8  
(4) 
(19) 
26  

(113) 

Finance Act 2016, which received Royal Assent on 15 September 2016, will reduce the rate of corporation tax to 17% from 1 April 2020. The 
reduction in rate from 19% to 17% has been used in the calculation of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at 31 December 
2018.  

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
247 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the financial statements of the Company 

Continued  

F – Investments in subsidiaries and joint venture 
(i)  Subsidiaries 
Movements in the Company’s investments in its subsidiaries are as follows: 

At 1 January 

At 31 December 

2018 
£m 

2017 
restated 
£m 

31,788  

31,788  

31,788  

31,788  

At 31 December 2018, the Company has two wholly owned subsidiaries, both incorporated in the UK. These are General Accident plc and 
Aviva Group Holdings Limited. Aviva Group Holdings Limited is an intermediate holding company, while General Accident plc has 
preference shares listed on the London Stock Exchange. The principal subsidiaries of the Aviva Group at 31 December 2018 are set out in 
note 63 to the Group consolidated financial statements.  

(ii)  Joint venture 
At 31 December 2018, the Company’s investment in the joint venture, Aviva-COFCO Life Insurance Co. Limited has a cost of £123 million  
(2017: £123 million).  

G – Receivables and other financial assets 

Loans due from subsidiaries held at amortised cost 
Amount due from subsidiaries held at amortised cost 

Total 

Expected to be recovered in less than one year 
Expected to be recovered in more than one year 

Fair value of these assets approximate to their carrying amounts. 

H – Tax assets and liabilities 
(i)  Current tax 
Current tax assets recoverable in more than one year are £89 million (2017: £255 million). 

(ii)  Deferred tax 
(a)  The balance at 31 December comprises: 

Deferred tax assets 

Net deferred tax assets 

(b)  The net deferred tax asset arises on the following items: 

Pensions and other post retirement obligations 

Net deferred tax assets 

Note 

P(i) 

P(iii) 

2018 
£m 

5,401  
414  

5,815  

414  
5,401  

5,815  

2017 
£m 

5,410  
298  

5,708  

2,028  
3,680  

5,708  

2018 
£m 

9  

9  

2018 
£m 

9  

9  

2017 
£m 

9  

9  

2017 
£m 

9  

9  

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
248 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the financial statements of the Company 

Continued  

I – Reserves 

Balance at 1 January 2017 (restated)2  
Arising in the year: 
Profit for the year 
Remeasurements of pension schemes 
Dividends and appropriations 
Reserves credit for equity compensation plans 
Issue of share capital under equity compensation scheme 
Shares purchased in buy-back 
Redemption of fixed rate tier 1 notes3  
Aggregate tax effect 
Balance at 31 December 2017 (restated)2  
Arising in the year: 
Profit for the year 
Remeasurements 
Forfeited dividend income4  
Dividends and appropriations 
Reserves credit for equity compensation plans 
Issue of share capital under equity compensation scheme 
Shares purchased in buy-back 
Aggregate tax effect 

Balance at 31 December 2018 

Merger  
reserve 
£m 

6,438  

Equity 
compensation  
reserve1  
£m 

Retained 
earnings 
£m 

78  

3,747  

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
77  
(44) 
— 
— 
— 

6,438  

111  

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
64  
(55) 
— 
— 

1,225  
(2) 
(1,081) 
— 
42  
(300) 
(92) 
16  

3,555  

2,197  
2  
4  
(1,189) 
— 
49  
(600) 
8  

6,438  

120  

4,026  

1   See notes 33(d) and 38 for further details of balances included in Equity compensation reserve. 
2   The Company has made a change in accounting policy whereby investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures held as available for sale investments under IAS 39 have been reclassified to being held at cost under IAS 27. As a 

result, comparatives have been restated. See note A for further details. 

3   On 28 September 2017, notification was given that the Group would redeem the 8.25% US $650 million fixed rate tier 1 notes. At that date, the instrument was reclassified as a financial liability of £484 million, representing its 

fair value on translation into Sterling at that date. The resulting foreign exchange loss of £92 million has been charged to retained earnings.  

4   The Company has commenced a shareholder forfeiture programme, where the shares of shareholders who Aviva has lost contact with over the last 12 years will be forfeited and sold on. Any associated unclaimed dividends 

will be reclaimed by the Company. After covering administration costs, the majority of the money will be put into a charitable foundation. 

The tax effect of £8 million (2017: £16 million) is recognised in respect of coupon payments of £44 million (2017: £81 million) on the direct 
capital instrument and tier 1 notes.  

J – Pension deficits and other provisions 
(i)  Carrying amounts 

Total IAS 19 obligations to staff pension schemes 
Other provisions 

Total provisions 

Other provisions primarily include amounts set aside for costs of compensation, litigation and staff entitlements. 

(ii)  Movements on other provisions 

At 1 January 
Additional provisions 
Unused amounts reversed 
Charge to income statement 
Utilised during the year 

At 31 December 

K – Borrowings 
The Company’s borrowings comprise: 

Subordinated debt 
Senior notes 
Commercial paper 
Total 

All the above borrowings are stated at amortised cost. 

2018 
£m 

45  
— 

45  

2018 
£m 

5 
10  
(2) 
8  
(13) 

— 

2017 
£m 

48  
5 

53  

2017 
£m 

— 
5 
— 
5 
— 

5  

2018 
£m 

5,586  
1,113  
251  

6,950  

2017 
£m 

6,009  
751  
668  

7,428  

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
249 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the financial statements of the Company 

Continued  

K – Borrowings continued 
Maturity analysis of contractual undiscounted cash flows: 

Within 1 year 
1 – 5 years 
5 – 10 years 
10 – 15 years 
Over 15 years 

Total contractual undiscounted cash flows 

Principal 
£m 

251  
708  
673  
— 
5,365  

6,997  

Interest 
£m 

315  
1,231  
1,490  
1,441  
2,923  

2018 

Total 
£m 

566  
1,939  
2,163  
1,441  
8,288  

7,400  

14,397  

Principal 
£m 

978  
266  
444  
— 
5,791  

7,479  

Interest 
£m 

333  
1,311  
1,591  
1,589  
3,282  

8,106  

2017 

Total 
£m 

1,311  
1,577  
2,035  
1,589  
9,073  

15,585  

Where subordinated debt is undated, the interest payments have not been included beyond 15 years. Annual interest payments in future 
years for these borrowings are £49 million (2017: £49 million). 

The fair value of the subordinated debt at 31 December 2018 was £5,831 million (2017: £7,046 million), calculated with reference to quoted 
prices. The fair value of the senior debt at 31 December 2018 was £1,113 million (2017: £756 million), calculated with reference to quoted 
prices. The fair value of the commercial paper is considered to be the same as its carrying value.  

Further details of these borrowings and undrawn committed facilities can be found in the Group consolidated financial statements,  
note 52, with details of the fair value hierarchy in relation to these borrowings in note 23. 

L – Payables and other financial liabilities 

Loans due to subsidiaries 
Amount due to subsidiaries 

Total 

Expected to be recovered in less than one year 
Expected to be recovered in more than one year 

Note 

P(ii) 

P(iii) 

2018 
£m 

12,815  
4,206  

17,021  

4,206  
12,815  

2017 
£m 

13,008  
4,084  

17,092  

7,192  
9,900  

17,021  

17,092  

M – Direct capital instrument and tier 1 notes 
Details of the direct capital instrument and tier 1 notes are given in the Group consolidated financial statements, note 36. The 6.875% 
£210 million STICS are reflected in the Company financial statements at a value of £224 million (2017: £224 million) following the transfer at 
fair value from Friends Life Holdings plc on 1 October 2015. 

N – Contingent liabilities 
Details of the Company’s contingent liabilities are given in the Group consolidated financial statements, note 55. 

O – Risk management  
Risk management in the context of the Group is considered in the Group consolidated financial statements, note 59. 
The business of the Company is managing its investments in subsidiaries and joint venture operations. Its risks are considered to be the 
same as those in the operations themselves, and full details of the major risks and the Group’s approach to managing these are given in the 
Group consolidated financial statements, note 59. Such investments are held by the Company at cost in accordance with accounting  
policy D. 

Financial assets, other than investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures, largely consist of amounts due from subsidiaries. As at the 
balance sheet date, these receivable amounts were neither past due nor impaired. The credit quality of receivables and other financial 
assets is monitored by the Company, and provisions are made for expected credit losses. There are no material expected credit losses over 
the lifetime of the financial assets. 

Financial liabilities owed by the Company as at the balance sheet date are largely in respect of borrowings (details of which are provided in 
note K and the Group consolidated financial statements, note 52) and loans owed to subsidiaries. Loans owed to subsidiaries were within 
agreed credit terms as at the balance sheet date. 

Interest rate risk 
Loans to and from subsidiaries are at either fixed or floating rates of interest, with the latter being exposed to fluctuations in these rates. 
The choice of rates is designed to match the characteristics of financial investments (which are also exposed to interest rate fluctuations) 
held in both the Company and the relevant subsidiary, to mitigate as far as possible each company’s net exposure. 

All of the Company’s long-term external borrowings are at fixed rates of interest and are therefore not exposed to changes in these rates. 
However, for short term commercial paper, the Company is affected by changes in these rates to the extent the redemption of these 
borrowings is funded by the issuance of new commercial paper or other borrowings. Further details of the Company’s borrowings are 
provided in note K and the Group consolidated financial statements, note 52. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
250 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the financial statements of the Company 

Continued  

O – Risk management continued 
Interest rate risk continued 
The effect of a 100 basis point increase/decrease in interest rates on floating rate loans due to and from subsidiaries and on refinancing 
short term commercial paper as it matures would be a decrease/increase in profit before tax of £104 million (2017: decrease/increase of 
£114 million). The net asset value of the Company’s financial resources is not materially affected by fluctuations in interest rates. 

Currency risk 
The Company’s direct subsidiaries are exposed to foreign currency risk arising from fluctuations in exchange rates during the course of 
providing insurance and asset management services around the world. The exposure of the subsidiaries to currency risk is considered from 
a Group perspective in the Group consolidated financial statements, note 59(c)(v). 

The Company faces exposure to foreign currency risk through some of its borrowings which are denominated in Euros. However, most of 
these borrowings have been on-lent to a subsidiary which holds investments in Euros, generating the net investment hedge described in 
the Group consolidated financial statements, note 60(a). 

Liquidity risk 
Liquidity risk is the risk of not being able to make payments as they become due because there are insufficient assets in cash form. The 
Company’s main sources of liquidity are liquid assets held within the Company and its subsidiary Aviva Group Holdings Limited, and 
dividends received from the Group’s insurance and asset management businesses. Sources of liquidity in normal markets also include a 
variety of short and long-term instruments including commercial papers and medium and long-term debt. In addition to the existing liquid 
resources and expected inflows, the Company maintains significant undrawn committed borrowing facilities from a range of leading 
international banks to further mitigate this risk. 

Maturity analysis of external borrowings and amounts due to and by subsidiaries are provided in notes G and K respectively. 

P – Related party transactions 
The Company had the following related party transactions. 

Loans to and from subsidiaries are made on normal arm’s-length commercial terms. The maturity analysis of the related party loans is as 
follows: 

(i)  Loans owed by subsidiaries 

Maturity analysis 

Within 1 year 
1 – 5 years 
Over 5 years 

Total 

2018 
£m 

— 
3,485  
1,916  

5,401  

2017 
£m 

1,730  
754  
2,926  

5,410  

The interest received on these loans is £92 million (2017: £116 million). See note B. 

On 1 January 2013, Aviva International Holdings Limited, an indirect subsidiary, transferred the following loan liabilities with the Company 
to Aviva Group Holdings Limited, its direct subsidiary:  
•  An unsecured loan of €250 million, entered into on 7 May 2003 accruing interest at fixed rate of 5.5% with settlement to be paid at 
maturity in May 2033. As at the statement of financial position date, the total amount drawn down on the facility was £224 million  
(2017: £222 million). 

On 23 December 2014, the Company provided an unsecured revolving credit facility of £2,000 million to Aviva Group Holdings Limited, its 
subsidiary, with an initial maturity date of 3 September 2018 which was subsequently extended to 31 December 2023. The facility accrues 
interest at 75 basis points above 6 month LIBOR. As at the statement of financial position date, the total amount drawn down on the facility 
was £1,752 million (2017: £1,286 million). 

On 27 June 2016, the Company provided an unsecured loan of C$446 million to Aviva Group Holdings Limited, its subsidiary, with a 
maturity date of 27 June 2046. The loan accrues interest at 348 basis points above 6 month CDOR. As at the statement of financial position 
date, the total amount drawn was £256 million (2017: £263 million). 

On 30 September 2016, the Company provided the following loans to Aviva Group Holdings Limited, its subsidiary: 
•  An unsecured loan of €850 million with a maturity date of 30 September 2021. The loan accrues interest at 115 basis points above  

12 month EURIBOR with settlement to be paid at maturity. As at the statement of financial position date, the total amount drawn was 
£700 million (2017: £754 million).  

•  An unsecured loan of €650 million with a maturity date of 5 July 2023. The loan accrues interest at a fixed rate of 1.54% with settlement to 

be paid at maturity. As at the statement of financial position date, the total amount drawn down on the facility was  
£584 million (2017: £577 million).  

•  An unsecured loan of €700 million with a maturity date of 3 July 2024. The loan accrues interest at a fixed rate of 1.64% with settlement to 

be paid at maturity. As at the statement of financial position date, the total amount drawn down on the facility was  
£628 million (2017: £621 million).  

•  An unsecured loan of €900 million with a maturity date of 4 December 2025. The loan accrues interest at a fixed rate of 1.74% with 
settlement to be paid at maturity. As at the statement of financial position date, the total amount drawn down on the facility was  
£808 million (2017: £799 million). 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
251 

 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Notes to the financial statements of the Company 

Continued  

P – Related party transactions continued 
(i)  Loans owed by subsidiaries continued 
On 21 November 2016, the Company provided an unsecured loan of €500 million to Aviva Group Holdings Limited, its subsidiary, with a 
maturity date of 27 October 2023. The loan accrues interest at a fixed rate of 1.75% with settlement to be paid at maturity. As at the 
statement of financial position date, the total amount drawn was £449 million (2017: £444 million). 

(ii)   Loans owed to subsidiaries 

Maturity analysis of contractual undiscounted cash flows: 

Within 1 year 
1 – 5 years 
Over 5 years 

Total 

Principal 
£m  

— 
12,815  
— 

12,815  

Interest 
£m  

131  
514  
— 

645  

2018 

Total 
£m 

131  
13,329  
— 

Principal 
£m  

3,108  
9,900  
— 

13,460  

13,008  

Interest 
£m  

122  
390  
— 

512  

2017 

Total 
£m 

3,230  
10,290  
— 

13,520  

The interest paid on these loans is £194 million (2017: £175 million). See note D. 

On 3 September 2013 Aviva Group Holdings Limited, its subsidiary, provided an unsecured rolling credit facility of €250 million to the 
Company, accruing interest at 75 basis points above 6 month LIBOR and with an initial maturity date of 3 September 2018, which was 
subsequently extended to 31 December 2023. The total amount drawn down on the facility at 31 December 2018 was £nil (2017: £nil). 

On 14 December 2017, the Company renewed its facility with GA plc, its subsidiary, of £9,990 million and the Board approved the extension 
of the maturity of the loan by five years from 31 December 2017 to 31 December 2022. The other terms of the loan will remain unchanged, 
including the rate of interest payable by the Company to GA plc (65 basis points above 3 month LIBOR and in the event that the LIBOR rate 
is less than zero, the rate shall be deemed to be zero). As at 31 December 2018, the loan balance outstanding was £9,770 million  
(2017: £9,900 million). This loan is secured against the ordinary share capital of Aviva Group Holdings Limited. The loan agreement also 
includes a penalty interest charge of 1% above the interest rate if any amounts payable under the loan agreement remain outstanding. 

(iii) Other transactions 

Services provided to related parties 

Subsidiaries 

Income 
earned  
in year 
£m 

2,780  

2018 

Receivable  
at year end 
£m 

Income  
earned  
in year 
£m 

20171  

Receivable 
at year end 
£m 

414  

1,740  

298  

1  Following a review of the Company’s related party classifications, comparative amounts in respect of services provided to related parties have been amended from those previously reported. The balances exclude loans owed 

by subsidiaries. 

Income earned relates to dividends. The Company incurred expenses in the year of £0.5 million (2017: £0.2 million) representing audit fees 
paid by the Company on behalf of subsidiaries. The Company did not recharge subsidiaries for these expenses. 

The related parties’ receivables are not secured and no guarantees were received in respect thereof. The receivables will be settled in 
accordance with normal credit terms.  

Services provided by related parties 

Subsidiaries 

Expense 
incurred  
in year 
£m 

2018 

Payable 
at year end 
£m 

Expense 
incurred  
in year 
£m 

20171  

Payable 
at year end 
£m 

224 

4,206  

182 

4,084  

1  Following a review of the Company’s related party classifications, comparative amounts in respect of services provided by related parties have been amended from those previously reported. The balances exclude loans owed 

to subsidiaries. 

Expenses incurred relates to operating expenses. All the Company’s operating cash requirements are met by subsidiary companies and 
settled through intercompany loans.  

The related parties’ payables are not secured and no guarantees were given in respect thereof. The payables will be settled in accordance 
with normal credit terms. Details of guarantees, indemnities and warranties given by the Company on behalf of related parties are given in 
note 55(f).  

Key management 
The directors and key management of the Company are considered to be the same as for the Group. Information on both the Company and 
Group key management compensation can be found in note 62. 

Q – Subsequent events 
There are no subsequent events to report. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
252 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Other information 

In this section 
Alternative performance measures 
Shareholder services 

Page 
254 
259 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
253 

Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Alternative Performance Measures  

Alternative 
Performance 
Measures 

In order to fully explain the performance of our business, we discuss 
and analyse our results in terms of financial measures which include 
a number of alternative performance measures (APMs). APMs are 
non-GAAP measures which are used to supplement the disclosures 
prepared in accordance with other regulations such as International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Solvency II. We believe 
these measures provide useful information to enhance the 
understanding of our financial performance. However, APMs should 
be viewed as complementary to, rather than as a substitute for, the 
figures determined according to other regulations. 

The APMs utilised by Aviva may not be the same as those used by 
other insurers and may change over time. These metrics are 
reviewed annually and updated as appropriate to ensure they 
remain an effective measurement that underpins the objectives for 
the Group. 

This section includes a definition of each APM and additional 
information, including a reconciliation to the relevant amounts in 
the IFRS Financial Statements and, where appropriate, commentary 
on the material reconciling items.  

There are no new APMs or changes to existing APMs in 2018. 

Assets under management (AUM) and assets under administration 
(AUA) 
Assets under management (AUM) represent all assets managed or 
administered by or on behalf of the Group, including those assets 
managed by third parties. AUM include managed assets that are 
reported within the Group’s statement of financial position and 
those assets belonging to external clients outside the Aviva Group 
which are therefore not included in the Group’s statement of 
financial position.  

Consistent with previous years, assets under administration (AUA) 
comprise AUM plus assets managed by third parties on platforms 
administered by Aviva Investors. 

Both AUM and AUA are monitored as they reflect the potential 
earnings arising from investment returns and fee and commission 
income and measure the size and scale of the Group’s fund 
management business. 

A reconciliation of AUM to amounts appearing in the Group’s 
statement of financial position is shown below. 

AUM managed on behalf of Group companies 
Assets included in statement of financial position1 
Financial investments 
Investment properties 
Loans 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Other 

Less: third party funds included above 

AUM managed on behalf of third parties2 
Aviva Investors3 
UK Platform4 
Other 

Total AUM 

2018  
£bn 

2017  
£bn 

305 
11 
29 
47 
1 

393 

(19) 

374 

64 
23 
9 

96 

470 

319 
11 
28 
44 
1 

403 

(19) 

384 

72 
20 
11 

103 

487 

Includes assets classified as held for sale. 

1 
2  AUM managed on behalf of third parties cannot be directly reconciled to the financial statements.  
3  Following a review of AUM managed on behalf of third parties, comparative amounts for Aviva Investors 
have been amended from those previously reported to reflect the fact that certain crossholdings had not 
been correctly eliminated on consolidation. The effect of this change is to reduce total AUM by £2.5 billion at 
31 December 2017. 

4  UK Platform relates to the assets under management in the UK long-term savings business. 

Cash remittances‡ # 
Cash paid by our operating businesses to the Group, comprised of 
dividends and interest on internal loans. Dividend payments by 
operating businesses may be subject to insurance regulations that 
restrict the amount that can be paid. The business monitors total 
cash remittances at a Group level and in each of its markets. 

Cash remittances eliminate on consolidation and hence are not directly 
reconcilable to the Group’s IFRS consolidated statement of cash flows. 

Combined operating ratio (COR)‡ 
A financial measure of general insurance underwriting profitability 
calculated as total underwriting costs in our insurance entities 
expressed as a percentage of net earned premiums. A COR below 
100% indicates profitable underwriting.  

The COR does not include the impact of any changes in the discount 
rate used for estimating lump sum payments in settlement of bodily 
injury claims. 

The Group reported COR is shown below. 

Incurred claims – GI & Health (as per note 5)1 
Adjusted for the following: 
Incurred claims – Health 
Impact of change in the discount rate used in 

settlement of bodily injury claims 

Total incurred claims (included in COR) 
Total commissions and expenses (included in COR)2 

Total underwriting costs  

Net earned premiums – GI & Health (as per note 5) 
Adjusted for: 

Net earned premiums – Health 

Net earned premiums (included in COR) 

Combined operating ratio 

2018 
 £m 

2017 
 £m 

(6,400) 

(6,533) 

633 

(190) 

677 

— 

(5,957) 
(2,765) 

(5,856) 
(2,813) 

(8,722) 

(8,669) 

9,887 

9,882 

(857) 

(906) 

9,030 

8,976 

96.6% 

96.6% 

1  Corresponds to the sum of claims and benefits paid, net of recoveries from reinsurers and the change in 

insurance liabilities, net of reinsurance per note 5. 

2  Commission and expenses consists of fee and commission income, fee and commission expense and other 
operating expenses included within the general insurance & health segmental income statement (per note 
5) adjusted to an earned basis and to remove the health business.

# symbol denotes key performance indicators used as a base to determine or modify remuneration. 
‡ denotes APMs which are key performance indicators. There have been no changes to the APMs used by the Group during period under review.
.

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
254 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Alternative Performance Measures 

Continued  

The normalised accident year combined operating ratio is derived 
from the COR (as defined in this section) with adjustments made to 
exclude the impact of prior year reserve development and weather 
claims variations versus expectations, gross of the impact of profit 
sharing arrangements. These adjustments are made so that the 
underlying performance of the Group can be assessed excluding 
factors that might distort the trend in the claims ratio on a year on 
year basis. 

Claims ratio 
A financial measure of the performance of our general insurance 
business which is calculated as incurred claims expressed as a 
percentage of net earned premiums, which can be derived from the 
COR table above.  

Excess centre cash flow  
This represents the cash remitted by business units to the Group 
centre less central operating expenses and debt financing costs. 
Excess centre cash flow is a measure of the cash available to pay 
dividends, reduce debt or invest back into our business. 

These amounts eliminate on consolidation and hence are not 
directly reconcilable to the Group’s IFRS consolidated statement of 
cash flows. 

Group adjusted operating profit‡#  
Group adjusted operating profit is a non-GAAP APM which 
is reported to the Group chief operting decision maker for the 
purpose of decision making and for internal performance 
management of the Group’s operating segments that incorporates 
an expected return on investments supporting the life and non-life 
insurance businesses. The various items excluded from group 
adjusted operating profit, but included in IFRS profit before tax, are: 

Investment variances, economic assumption changes and short-
term fluctuation in return on investments 
Group adjusted operating profit for the life insurance business is 
based on expected investment returns on financial investments 
backing shareholder and policyholder funds over the reporting 
period, with allowance for the corresponding expected movements 
in liabilities. The expected rate of return is determined using 
consistent assumptions between operations, having regard to local 
economic and market forecasts of investment return and asset 
classification. For fixed interest securities classified as fair value 
through profit or loss, the expected investment returns are based 
on average prospective yields for the actual assets held less an 
adjustment for credit risk. Where such securities are classified as 
available for sale the expected return comprises interest or dividend 
payments and amortisation of the premium or discount at 
purchase. The expected return on equities and properties is 
calculated by reference to the opening 10-year swap rate in the 
relevant currency plus an appropriate risk margin.  

Group adjusted operating profit includes the effect of variances in 
experience for non-economic items, such as mortality, persistency 
and expenses, and the effect of changes in non-economic 
assumptions. This would include movements in liabilities due to 
changes in discount rate arising from discretionary management 
decisions that impact on product profitability over the lifetime of 
products. Changes due to economic items, such as market value 
movement and interest rate changes, which give rise to variances 
between actual and expected investment returns, and the impact of 
changes in economic assumptions on liabilities, are disclosed 
separately outside Group adjusted operating profit.  

Group adjusted operating profit for the non-life insurance business 
is based on expected investment returns on financial investments 
backing shareholder funds over the period. Expected investment 
returns are calculated for equities and properties by multiplying the 
opening market value of the investments, adjusted for sales and 

purchases during the year, by the long-term rate of return. This rate 
of return is the same as that applied for the long-term business 
expected returns. The long-term return for other investments is the 
actual income receivable for the period.  

Changes due to market value movements and interest rate changes, 
which give rise to variances between actual and expected 
investment returns, are disclosed separately outside Group adjusted 
operating profit. The impact of changes in the discount rate applied 
to claims provisions is also disclosed outside Group adjusted 
operating profit. 

The exclusion of short-term investment variances from this APM 
reflects the long-term nature of much of our business. The Group 
adjusted operating profit which is used in managing the 
performance of our operating segments excludes the impact of 
economic factors, to provide a comparable measure year on year. 

Impairment, amortisation and profit or loss on disposal 
Group adjusted operating profit also excludes impairment of 
goodwill, associates and joint ventures; amortisation and 
impairment of other intangibles; amortisation and impairment of 
acquired value of in-force business; and the profit or loss on 
disposal and remeasurement of subsidiaries, joint ventures and 
associates. These items principally relate to merger and acquisition 
activity which we view as strategic in nature, hence they are 
excluded from the Group adjusted operating profit APM as this is 
principally used to manage the performance of our operating 
segments when reporting to the Group chief operating decision 
maker.  

Other items 
These items are, in the Directors’ view, required to be separately 
disclosed by virtue of their nature or incidence to enable a full 
understanding of the Group’s financial performance. Other items at 
2018 comprise: 
• A movement in the discount rate used for estimating lump sum 

payments in settlement of bodily injury claims which resulted in a 
gain of £190 million (see note 43(b)). Consistent with the 
presentation of the change in the Ogden discount rate in 2016, this 
is reported outside of Group adjusted operating profit 

• A charge of £63 million relating to the UK defined benefit pension 

scheme as a result of the requirement to equalise members’ 
benefits for the effects of Guaranteed Minimum Pension (see note 
51(b)). This is reported outside of Group adjusted operating profit 
as the additional liability arose as a consequence of a High Court 
judgement in October 2018 in the case involving Lloyds Banking 
Group; and does not reflect the financial performance of the 
Group for the year 

• A charge of £10 million relating to goodwill payments to 

preference shareholders, which was announced on 30 April 2018, 
and associated administration costs (see note 35) 

• A release of a provision of £78 million relating to the sale of Aviva 
USA in 2013, which represents the reversal of an item previously 
excluded from Group adjusted operating profit 

• A gain of £36 million relating to negative goodwill on the 

acquisition of Friends First (see note 3), which is excluded from 
Group adjusted operating profit for consistency with the 
treatment of impairment of goodwill 

There were no Other items in 2017. 

Group adjusted operating profit is presented before and after 
integration and restructuring costs. These costs are only reported to 
the extent that they are significant, and not otherwise absorbed 
within operating costs.  

The Group adjusted operating profit APM should be viewed as 
complementary to IFRS GAAP measures. It is important to consider 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
255 

 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Alternative Performance Measures 

  Continued  

Group adjusted operating profit and profit before tax together to 
understand the performance of the business in the period.  

The table below presents a reconciliation between our consolidated 
operating profit and profit before tax attributable to shareholders’ 
profits. 

United Kingdom – Life 
United Kingdom – General Insurance  
Canada 
Europe 
Asia 
Aviva Investors 
Other Group activities 

Group adjusted operating profit before tax attributable 

to shareholders’ profits  

Integration and restructuring costs 

Group adjusted operating profit before tax after 

integration and restructuring costs 

Adjusted for the following: 
Investment return variances and economic assumption 

changes on life business 

Short-term fluctuation in return on investments on non-

life business 

Economic assumption changes on general insurance 

and health business 

Impairment of goodwill, associates and joint ventures 

and other amounts expensed 

Amortisation and impairment of intangibles 
Amortisation and impairment of acquired value of in-

force business 

Profit on the disposal and re-measurement of 
subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates 

Other 

Adjusting items before tax  

2018 
£m 

1,909  
415  
47  
1,011  
262  
151  
(679) 

2017 
£m 

1,764  
411  
46  
1,059  
191  
201  
(604) 

3,116  

3,068  

— 

(141) 

3,116  

2,927  

(197) 

34  

(476) 

(345) 

1  

(7) 

(13) 
(209) 

(49) 
(197) 

(426) 

(495) 

102  
231  

135  
— 

(987) 

(924) 

Profit before tax attributable to shareholders’ profits 

2,129  

2,003  

Net asset value (NAV) per share  
NAV per share is calculated as the equity attributable to 
shareholders of Aviva plc, less preference share capital (both within 
the consolidated statement of financial position), divided by the 
actual number of shares in issue as at the balance sheet date. 

NAV per share is used to monitor the value generated by the 
Company in terms of the equity shareholders’ face value per share 
investment and enables comparability. 

Net fund flows 
Net fund flows is one of the measures of growth used by 
management and is a component of the movement in the life and 
platform business managed assets (excluding UK with-profits) 
during the period. It is the difference between the inflows (being 
IFRS net written premiums plus deposits received under investment 
contracts) and outflows (being IFRS net paid claims plus 
redemptions and surrenders under investment contracts). 
It excludes market and other movements. 

Operating expenses  
The day-to-day expenses involved in running the business are 
classified as operating expenses. A reconciliation of operating 
expenses to the IFRS consolidated income statement is set out 
below:  

Other expenses (IFRS income statement) 
Less: amortisation and impairment 
Less: foreign exchange gains/(losses) 
Other acquisition costs 
Claims handling costs 
Integration and restructuring costs 
Less: Other costs 

Operating expenses 

2018 
£m 

3,843  
(658) 
(28) 
954  
336  
— 
(421) 

4,026  

2017 
£m 

3,537  
(678) 
(49) 
892  
330  
(141) 
(113) 

3,778  

Operating expenses exclude impairment of goodwill, associates and 
joint ventures; amortisation and impairment of other intangible 
assets; amortisation and impairment of acquired value of in-force 
business; and the profit or loss on disposal and remeasurement of 
subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates. These items relate to 
merger and acquisition activity which we view as strategic in nature, 
hence they are excluded from the operating expenses APM as this is 
principally used to manage the performance of our operating 
segments.  

Other acquisition costs and claims handling costs are included as 
these are considered to be controllable by the operating segments 
and directly impact their performance. 

There have been no costs classified as integration and restructuring 
in the year. In 2017, these costs relate to integration costs in the UK 
and Canada, and restructuring costs in the UK and Europe. It is 
possible that significant integration and restructuring activity 
undertaken in the future may result in the related costs being 
excluded from operating profit. 

Operating expenses excludes other costs based on management’s 
assessment of their nature or incidence that are not representative 
of underlying operating expenses and would distort the year on year 
operating expenses trend. Other costs represent a reallocation 
based on management’s assessment of ongoing maintenance of 
business units and in 2018 includes movements in provisions set 
aside in respect of ongoing regulatory compliance as well as an 
increase of £175 million product governance provision relating to a 
historical issue over pension arrangement advised sales by Friends 
Provident, of which over 90% of cases relate to pre-2002 (see note 50 
– Pension deficits and other provisions).  

Operating earnings per share (EPS)‡#  
Operating EPS1 is calculated based on the Group adjusted operating 
profit attributable to ordinary shareholders net of tax, deducting 
non-controlling interests, preference dividends and the direct 
capital instrument (DCI) and tier 1 note coupons divided by the 
weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue, after 
deducting treasury shares. Operating EPS is used by management to 
determine the dividend payout ratio target and hence a useful APM 
for users of the financial statements. A reconciliation between 
Operating EPS and Basic EPS can be found in note 15.  

1 

In 2016 and 2017 adjustments were made to the Group calculation of Operating EPS for the purposes of 
calculating Executive Directors' bonus and long-term incentive plans. These adjustments are described in 
the Annual Report on Remuneration.  

Present value of new business premiums (PVNBP) 
PVNBP measures the additional value to shareholders of sales in the 
Group’s life insurance business. PVNBP is derived from the present 
value of new regular premiums expected to be received over the 
term of the new contracts plus 100% of single premiums from new 
business written in the financial period and is expressed at the point 
of sale. The discounted value of regular premiums is calculated 
using the same methodology as for Value of new business on an 
adjusted Solvency II basis (VNB). PVNBP also includes any changes 
to existing contracts which were not anticipated at the outset of the 
contract that generate additional shareholder risk and associated 
premium income of the nature of a new policy.  

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
256 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Alternative Performance Measures 

  Continued  

The table below presents a reconciliation of sales to IFRS net written 
premiums. 

Present value of new business premiums 
Investment sales  
General insurance and health net written premiums  
Long-term health and collectives business 

Total sales 
Effect of capitalisation factor on regular premium long-

term business1  
JVs and associates2  
Annualisation impact of regular premium long-term 

business3  

Deposits4  
Investment sales5  
IFRS gross written premiums from existing long-term 

business6  

Long-term insurance and savings business premiums 

ceded to reinsurers 

Total IFRS net written premiums 

Analysed as: 
Long-term insurance and savings net written premiums 
General insurance and health net written premiums 

 2018 
£m 

 2017 
£m 

40,763 
4,799 
9,968 
(3,840) 

40,795 
7,888 
10,035 
(5,213) 

51,690 

53,505 

(12,726) 
(257) 

(11,412) 
(618) 

(247) 
(10,329) 
(4,799) 

(281) 
(10,953) 
(7,888) 

4,776 

4,765 

(1,775) 

(1,741) 

26,333 

25,377 

16,365 
9,968 

15,342 
10,035 

26,333 

25,377 

1  Discounted value of regular premiums expected to be received over the term of the new contract, adjusted 

for expected levels of persistency.  

2  Total long-term new business sales include our share of sales from joint ventures and associates. Under 

IFRS, premiums from these sales are excluded. 

3  The impact of annualisation is removed in order to reconcile the non-GAAP new business sales to IFRS 

premiums. 

4  Under IFRS, only the margin earned from non-participating investment contracts is recognised in the IFRS 

5 

income statement. 
Investment sales included in total sales represent the cash inflows received from customers investing in 
mutual fund type products such as unit trusts and OEICs. 

6  The non-GAAP measure of sales focuses on new business written in the period under review while the IFRS 

income statement includes premiums received from all business, both new and existing. 

Return on Equity (RoE)#  
The RoE1 calculation is based on Group adjusted operating profit, 
after tax attributable to ordinary shareholders expressed as a 
percentage of weighted average ordinary shareholders’ equity 
(excluding non-controlling interests, preference share capital and 
direct capital instrument and tier 1 notes). 

1 

In 2016 and 2017 adjustments were made to the Group calculation of RoE for the purposes of calculating 
Executive Directors' bonus and long-term incentive plans. These adjustments are described in the Annual 
Report on Remuneration.  

Solvency II 
Available capital resources determined under Solvency II are 
referred to as ‘own funds’. This includes the excess of assets over 
liabilities in the Solvency II balance sheet, calculated on best 
estimate, market consistent assumptions and net of transitional 
measures on technical provisions (TMTP), subordinated liabilities 
that qualify as capital under Solvency II, and off-balance sheet own 
funds. 

The Solvency II regime requires insurers to hold own funds in excess 
of the Solvency Capital Requirement (SCR). The SCR is calculated at 
Group level using a risk based capital model which is calibrated to 
reflect the cost of mitigating the risk of insolvency to a 99.5% 
confidence level over a one year time horizon – equivalent to a 1 in 
200 year event – against financial and non-financial shocks. As a 
number of subsidiaries utilise the standard formula rather than a 
risk based capital model to assess capital requirements, the overall 
Group SCR is calculated using a partial internal model, and it is 
shown after the impact of diversification benefit. 

The reconciliation from total Group equity on an IFRS basis to 
Solvency II own funds is presented below. 

Total Group equity on an IFRS basis 
Elimination of goodwill and other intangible assets1  
Liability valuation differences (net of transitional 

deductions)2  

Inclusion of risk margin (net of transitional deductions) 
Net deferred tax3  
Revaluation of subordinated liabilities 
Other accounting differences4  

Estimated Solvency II net assets (gross of  

non-controlling interests) 

Difference between Solvency II net assets and own 

funds5 

Estimated Solvency II own funds6 

2018  
£bn 

18.5 
(7.8) 

 19.2 
(3.3) 
(1.1) 
(0.6) 
(0.3) 

2017  
£bn 

19.1 
(9.8) 

22.0 
(3.2) 
(1.3) 
(0.7) 
(0.1) 

24.6 

26.0 

(1.0) 

23.6 

(1.3) 

24.7 

1 

2 

Includes £1.8 billion (2017: £1.9 billion) of goodwill and £6.0 billion (2017 £7.9 billion) of other intangible 
assets comprising acquired value of in-force business of £2.9 billion (2017: £3.3 billion), deferred acquisition 
costs (net of deferred income) of £2.8 billion (2017: £2.9 billion) and other intangibles of £0.3 billion (2017: 
£1.7 billion). 
Includes the adjustments required to reflect market consistent principles under Solvency II whereby non-
insurance assets and liabilities are measured using market value and liabilities arising from insurance 
contracts are valued on a best estimate basis using market-implied assumptions. 

3  Net deferred tax includes the tax effect of all other reconciling items in the table above which are shown 

gross of tax. 

4     Includes valuation adjustments and the impact of the difference between consolidation methodologies 

under Solvency II and IFRS.  

5  Regulatory adjustments to bridge from Solvency II net assets to own funds include recognition of 

subordinated debt capital and non-controlling interests.  

6  The estimated Solvency II position represents the shareholder view only.  

A number of key performance metrics relating to Solvency II are 
utilised to measure and monitor the Group’s performance and 
financial strength: 
•  Solvency II shareholder cover ratio‡  
•  Value of new business on an adjusted Solvency II basis (VNB)‡  
•  Operating Capital Generation (OCG)#  

Definitions and additional information in respect of each of these 
metrics is included within this section. 

Solvency II shareholder cover ratio‡ 
The estimated Solvency II shareholder cover ratio is an indicator of 
the Group’s balance sheet strength which is derived from own funds 
divided by the SCR using a ‘shareholder view’. The shareholder view 
is considered by management to be more representative of the 
shareholders’ risk-exposure and the Group’s ability to cover the SCR 
with eligible own funds, and aligns with management’s approach to 
dynamically manage its capital position. In arriving at the 
shareholder position, the following adjustments are typically made 
to the regulatory Solvency II position: 
•  The contribution to the Group’s SCR and own funds of the most 
material fully ring fenced with-profits funds and staff pension 
schemes in surplus are excluded. These exclusions have no impact 
on Solvency II surplus as these funds are self-supporting on a 
Solvency II capital basis with any surplus capital above SCR not 
recognised.  

•  A notional reset of the transitional measure on technical 

provisions (TMTP), calculated using the same method as used for 
formal TMTP resets. This presentation avoids step changes to the 
Solvency II position that arise only when the formal TMTP reset 
points are triggered. The TMTP is amortised on a straight-line 
basis over 16 years from 1 January 2016 in line with the Solvency II 
rules. 

•  Pro forma adjustments are made if the Solvency II shareholder 
cover ratio does not fully reflect the effect of transactions or 
capital actions that are known as at each reporting date. Such 
adjustments may be required in respect of planned acquisitions 
and disposals, group reorganisations and adjustments to the 
Solvency II valuation basis arising from changes to the underlying 
regulations or updated interpretations provided by EIOPA. These 
adjustments have been made in order to show a more 
representative view of the Group’s solvency position.  

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
257 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Alternative Performance Measures 

  Continued  

A summary of the Group’s Solvency II position is shown in the table 
below. 

Own Funds 
Solvency Capital Requirement 

Estimated Solvency II Surplus at 31 December 

Estimated Shareholder Cover Ratio 

2018 
£bn 

2017 
£bn 

23.6 
(11.6) 

24.7 
(12.5) 

12.0 
204% 

12.2 
198% 

Value of new business on an adjusted Solvency II basis (VNB)‡ 
VNB measures the additional value to shareholders created through 
the writing of new life business in the period. It reflects Solvency II 
assumptions and allowance for risk and is defined as the increase in 
Solvency II own funds resulting from business written in the period, 
including the impact of interactions between in-force and new 
business, adjusted to:  
i) 

remove the impact of the contract boundary restrictions under 
Solvency II; 

ii)  allow for businesses which are not within the scope of the 

Solvency II own funds (e.g. UK and Asia Healthcare, retail fund 
management and UK equity release); and  

iii)  include the impacts of tax and ‘look through profits’ in service 
companies (where not included in Solvency II) and deduct the 
impacts of non-controlling interests.  

These adjustments are considered to reflect a more realistic basis 
than the prudential Solvency II rules. The VNB is derived from the 
present value of projected pre-tax distributable profits generated by 
new business plus a risk margin.  

Operating assumptions 
The operating assumptions used are derived from an analysis of 
recent operating experience to give a best estimate of future 
experience. When these assumptions are updated, the year-to-date 
VNB will capture the impact of the assumption change on all 
business sold that year.  

Economic assumptions 
VNB is calculated using economic assumptions as at the point of 
sale, taken as those appropriate to the start of each quarter. For 
contracts that are repriced more frequently, weekly or monthly 
economic assumptions have been used. Dealing with each of the 
principal economic assumptions in turn: 
•  The risk-free interest rate curves used to calculate VNB reflect the 

basic risk-free interest rate curves (including the credit risk 
adjustment) published by EIOPA on their website. 

•  The volatility adjustment is intended to reflect temporary 

distortions in spreads on government bonds based on rates 
prescribed by EIOPA. 

•  The matching adjustment (MA) is an increase applied to the risk-
free rate used to value insurance liabilities where the cash flows 
are relatively fixed and well matched by assets intended to be held 
to maturity with relatively fixed cash flows (resulting in additional 
yield from illiquidity risk).  

Matching adjustment (MA) 
A MA is applied to certain obligations based on the expected 
allocation of assets backing new business at each year-end date. 
This allocation may be different to the MA applied at the portfolio 
level. Aviva applies a MA to certain obligations in UK Life, using 
methodology which is set out in the Solvency and Financial 
Condition Report. 

The matching adjustment used for 2018 UK new business (where 
applicable) was 105 bps (2017 restated1: 132 bps). 

1  The 2017 matching adjustment has been restated to reflect an allowance for credit risk and investment 

expenses. 

New business margin 
New business margin is calculated as value of new business on an 
adjusted Solvency II basis (VNB) divided by the present value of new 
business premiums (PVNBP), and expressed as a percentage. 

Operating capital generation (OCG)# 
OCG is the Solvency II surplus movement in the period due to 
operating items. The calculation of OCG is consistent with previous 
years. 

For life business, OCG is split into the impact of new business, 
earnings from existing business and other OCG, where other OCG 
includes the impact of capital actions and non-economic 
assumption changes. OCG excludes economic variances and 
economic assumption changes. The expected investment returns 
assumed within earnings from existing business are consistent with 
the returns within Group adjusted operating profit.  

An analysis of the components of OCG is presented below: 

Adjusted Solvency II VNB (gross of tax and  
non-controlling interests)  
Allowance for Solvency II contract boundary rules 
Differences due to change in business in scope 
Tax & Other1 
Solvency II Own Funds impact of new business 
(net of tax and non-controlling interests) 

Solvency II SCR impact of new business 

Solvency II surplus impact of new business 

Life earnings from existing business 
Life Other OCG2 

Life Solvency II OCG 

GI, Health, FM & Other Solvency II OCG 

Total Solvency II OCG 

2018  
£bn 

1.2 

— 
(0.2) 
(0.3) 

0.7 

(0.9) 

(0.2) 

1.6 

1.8 

3.2 
— 

3.2 

2017  
£bn 

1.2 

— 
(0.2) 
(0.3) 

0.7 

(0.8) 

(0.1) 

1.6 

0.9 

2.4 

0.2 

2.6 

1  Other includes the impact of ‘look through profits’ in service companies (where not included in Solvency II) 

and the reduction in value when moving to a net of non-controlling interests basis. 

2  Other OCG includes the impact of capital actions and non-economic assumption changes. 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
258 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

Shareholder services  

Shareholder 
services 

2019 Financial Calendar 

Ordinary dividend timetable: 

Final 

Interim** 

Ordinary ex-dividend date 

11 April 2019 

15 August 2019  

Dividend record date 

 12 April 2019 

16 August 2019  

Last day for Dividend Reinvestment 

8 May 2019 

5 September 2019  

Plan and currency election 

Dividend payment date*  

30 May 2019  26 September 2019  

Other key dates: 

Annual General Meeting  

2018 interim results announcement 

11 am on 23 May 2019 

8 August 2019 

*  Please note that the ADR local payment date will be approximately four business days after the proposed 

dividend date for ordinary shares. 

**  These dates are provisional and subject to change  

Dividend payment options 
Shareholders are able to receive their dividends in the following 
ways: 
• Directly into a nominated UK bank account 
• Directly into a nominated Eurozone bank account 
• The Global Payment Service provided by our Registrar, 

Computershare. This enables shareholders living outside of the 
UK and the Single Euro Payments Area to elect to receive their 
dividends or interest payments in a choice of over 125 
international currencies 

• The Dividend Reinvestment Plan enables eligible shareholders to 
reinvest their cash dividend in additional Aviva ordinary shares 

You can find further details regarding these payment options at 
www.aviva.com/dividends and register your choice by contacting 
Computershare using the contact details opposite, online at 
www.aviva.com/online or by returning a dividend mandate form. 
You must register for one of these payment options to receive any 
dividend payments from Aviva. 

Manage your shareholding online 
www.aviva.com/shareholders: 
General information for shareholders. 

www.aviva.com/online: 
You can access Computershare online services and log in using your 
Computershare details to: 
• Change your address 
• Change payment options 
• Switch to electronic communications 
• View your shareholding 
• View any outstanding payments 

Annual General Meeting (AGM) 
The 2019 AGM will be held at The Queen Elizabeth II Centre, Broad 
Sanctuary, Westminster, London SW1P 3EE, on Thursday, 23 May 
2019, at 11am. 

Details of each resolution to be considered at the meeting and 
voting instructions are provided in the Notice of AGM, which is 
available on the Company’s website at www.aviva.com/agm. The 
voting results of the 2019 AGM will be accessible on the Company’s 
website at www.aviva.com/agm shortly after the meeting. 

Aviva plc strategic report 
The strategic report sets out a review of Aviva’s business, addressing 
key issues such as its business model, strategy and principal risks 
and uncertainties facing the business. The strategic report forms 
part of the annual report and accounts. However, shareholders can 
also elect to receive Aviva’s standalone strategic report as an 
alternative to the full annual report and accounts by contacting 
Computershare using the contact details below. 

Shareholder contacts: 
Ordinary and preference shares – Contact: 
For any queries regarding your shareholding, please contact 
Computershare: 
• By telephone: 0371 495 0105 

We are open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm UK time, 
excluding public holidays. Please call +44 117 378 8361 if calling 
from outside of the UK 

• By email: AvivaSHARES@computershare.co.uk 
• In writing: Computershare Investor Services PLC, The Pavilions, 

Bridgwater Road, Bristol, BS99 6ZZ 

American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) – Contact: 
For any queries regarding Aviva ADRs, please contact Citibank 
Shareholder Services (Citibank): 
• By telephone: 1 877 248 4237 (1 877-CITI-ADR)

We are open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm US Eastern 
Standard Time, excluding public holidays. Please call +1 781 575 
4555 if calling from outside of the US 

• By email: Citibank@shareholders-online.com 
• In writing: Citibank Shareholder Services, PO Box 43077, 

Providence, Rhode Island, 02940-3077 USA 

Group Company Secretary 
Shareholders may contact the Group Company Secretary: 
• By email: Aviva.shareholders@aviva.com 
• In writing: Kirstine Cooper, Group Company Secretary, St Helen’s, 

1 Undershaft, London, EC3P 3DQ 
• By telephone: +44 (0)20 7283 2000

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
259 

Strategic report 

Governance 

IFRS financial statements 

Other information 

deduction of charges for our unit-linked products that may require 
retrospective compensation to our customers; the effect of 
fluctuations in share price as a result of general market conditions 
or otherwise; the effect of simplifying our operating structure and 
activities; the effect of a decline in any of our ratings by rating 
agencies on our standing among customers, broker-dealers, agents, 
wholesalers and other distributors of our products and services; 
changes to our brand and reputation; changes in government 
regulations or tax laws in jurisdictions where we conduct business, 
including decreased demand for annuities in the UK due to changes 
in UK law; the inability to protect our intellectual property; the effect 
of undisclosed liabilities, integration issues and other risks 
associated with our acquisitions; and the timing/regulatory 
approval impact, integration risk and other uncertainties, such as 
non-realisation of expected benefits or diversion of management 
attention and other resources, relating to announced acquisitions 
and pending disposals and relating to future acquisitions, 
combinations or disposals within relevant industries, the policies, 
decisions and actions of government or regulatory authorities in the 
UK, the EU, the US or elsewhere, including the implementation of 
key legislation and regulation. For a more detailed description of 
these risks, uncertainties and other factors, please see the ‘Risk and 
risk management’ section of the strategic report. 

Aviva undertakes no obligation to update the forward looking 
statements in this announcement or any other forward-looking 
statements we may make. Forward-looking statements in this 
report are current only as of the date on which such statements are 
made. 

This report has been prepared for, and only for, the members of the 
Company, as a body, and no other persons. The Company, its 
directors, employees, agents or advisers do not accept or assume 
responsibility to any other person to who this document is shown or 
into whose hands it may come, and any such responsibility or 
liability is expressly disclaimed. 

Cautionary statement  

This document should be read in conjunction with the documents 
distributed by Aviva plc (the ‘Company’ or ‘Aviva’) through The 
Regulatory News Service (RNS).  

This announcement contains, and we may make other verbal or 
written ‘forward-looking statements’ with respect to certain of 
Aviva’s plans and current goals and expectations relating to future 
financial condition, performance, results, strategic initiatives and 
objectives. Statements containing the words ‘believes’, ‘intends’, 
‘expects’, ‘projects’, ‘plans’, ‘will’, ‘seeks’, ‘aims’, ‘may’, ‘could’, 
‘outlook’, ‘likely’, ‘target’, ‘goal’, ‘guidance’, ‘trends’, ‘future’, 
‘estimates’, ‘potential’ and ‘anticipates’, and words of similar 
meaning, are forward-looking. By their nature, all forward-looking 
statements involve risk and uncertainty. Accordingly, there are or 
will be important factors that could cause actual results to differ 
materially from those indicated in these statements. Aviva believes 
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from 
those indicated in forward-looking statements in the 
announcement include, but are not limited to: the impact of 
ongoing difficult conditions in the global financial markets and the 
economy generally; the impact of simplifying our operating 
structure and activities; the impact of various local and 
international political, regulatory and economic conditions; market 
developments and government actions (including those arising 
from the referendum on UK membership of the European Union); 
the effect of credit spread volatility on the net unrealised value of 
the investment portfolio; the effect of losses due to defaults by 
counterparties, including potential sovereign debt defaults or 
restructurings, on the value of our investments; changes in interest 
rates that may cause policyholders to surrender their contracts, 
reduce the value of our portfolio and impact our asset and liability 
matching; the impact of changes in short or long-term inflation; the 
impact of changes in equity or property prices on our investment 
portfolio; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; the effect of 
market fluctuations on the value of options and guarantees 
embedded in some of our life insurance products and the value of 
the assets backing their reserves; the amount of allowances and 
impairments taken on our investments; the effect of adverse capital 
and credit market conditions on our ability to meet liquidity needs 
and our access to capital; changes in, or restrictions on, our ability 
to initiate capital management initiatives; changes in or inaccuracy 
of assumptions in pricing and reserving for insurance business 
(particularly with regard to mortality and morbidity trends, lapse 
rates and policy renewal rates), longevity and endowments; a 
cyclical downturn of the insurance industry; the impact of natural 
and man-made catastrophic events on our business activities and 
results of operations; our reliance on information and technology 
and third-party service providers for our operations and systems; 
the inability of reinsurers to meet obligations or unavailability of 
reinsurance coverage; increased competition in the UK and in other 
countries where we have significant operations; regulatory approval 
of extension of use of the Group’s internal model for calculation of 
regulatory capital under the European Union’s Solvency II rules; the 
impact of actual experience differing from estimates used in valuing 
and amortising deferred acquisition costs (DAC) and acquired value 
of in-force business (AVIF); the impact of recognising an impairment 
of our goodwill or intangibles with indefinite lives; changes in 
valuation methodologies, estimates and assumptions used in the 
valuation of investment securities; the effect of legal proceedings 
and regulatory investigations; the impact of operational risks, 
including inadequate or failed internal and external processes, 
systems and human error or from external events (including cyber 
attack); risks associated with arrangements with third parties, 
including joint ventures; our reliance on third-party distribution 
channels to deliver our products; funding risks associated with our 
participation in defined benefit staff pension schemes; the failure to 
attract or retain the necessary key personnel; the effect of systems 
errors or regulatory changes on the calculation of unit prices or 

Aviva plc Annual report and accounts 2018 
260 

 
 
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The cover of this report is printed on Revive 100 
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Aviva plc
St Helen’s, 1 Undershaft
London EC3P 3DQ
+44 (0)20 7283 2000
www.aviva.com

Registered in England
Number 2468686

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