Quarterlytics / Financial Services / Asset Management - Income / Brewin Dolphin Holdings plc

Brewin Dolphin Holdings plc

brw · LSE Financial Services
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Sector Financial Services
Industry Asset Management - Income
Employees 1001-5000
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FY2019 Annual Report · Brewin Dolphin Holdings plc
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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

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Innovating for growth

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic Report
4
6
7
8
9
10
12
14
18
20
22
28
34
39
41
43

Chairman’s Statement
Our Results
Our Investment Proposition
About Us
Our Services
Business Model
Our Market
Chief Executive’s Review
Our Strategy
Key Performance Indicators
Q&As
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
Financial Review
Our People
Corporate Responsibility
Non-Financial Information Statement

Governance
46
48
50
56
57
58
60
66
83
87
88

Board of Directors
Chairman’s Introduction to Corporate Governance
Corporate Governance Report
Executive Committee Report
Nomination Committee Report
Risk Committee Report
Audit Committee Report
Directors’ Remuneration Report
Directors’ Report
Statement of Directors’ Responsibility
Independent Auditor’s Report

Financial Statements
97
Consolidated Financial Statements
107 Notes to the Financial Statements

Other Information
156  Five Year Record
157 Appendix – Calculation of Key Performance Indicators
158 Shareholder Information
159 Glossary
160 Offices

Innovating  
for growth 

We will meet our clients’ needs 
and realise our vision by delivering 
proposition innovation that is 
client-focused and advice-led. 

By focusing on these areas we will 
grow and continue to deliver value 
for both clients and investors. 

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

1

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationI have the greatest 
confidence…in your team…
who have always shown the 
same care, perfect manners 
and attention to detail.”

A Brewin Dolphin client, Newcastle Office

S
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Chairman’s Statement

Culture and strategy: 
a resilient business 

Simon Miller 
Simon Miller 
Chairman 
Chairman 

Summary 
•  A good year for the business, driven by our strategy.

•  A culture well-aligned to deal with the shifting public 

expectations of the industry.

•  Acquisitions adding to the depth of advice-led offerings 

and increasing geographical reach.

Dear Shareholder
This has been a good year for Brewin Dolphin, notwithstanding 
the challenging external environment, our culture, strategy and 
strong execution have all contributed to our results. 

Discretionary funds increased to £40.1 billion, driven by strong 
net inflows from new business and creditable investment 
performance. Total funds grew to £45.0 billion. These results 
confirm the Group’s position as one of the UK’s leading wealth 
managers. The Chief Executive’s report contains a detailed 
account of the year and is set out on pages 14 to 17. 

The Board is proposing a final dividend of 12p per share, to be 
paid on 12 February 2020 to shareholders on the register on 
10 January 2020. The ex-dividend date is 9 January 2020. 
This will bring the total dividend for 2019 to 16.4p per share. 
The payout ratio of dividends to earnings of 80% is at the top of 
our target ratio of 60%-80% of annual adjusted diluted earnings 
per share. In considering the dividend, we also have regard for 
our dividend cover. Our dividend policy is set to balance our 
requirements for investment in the business and growing the 
dividend in line with future expected earnings, subject to our 
payout ratio, and to maintain a strong balance sheet. 

Values underpin success 
There is a fundamental connection between the purpose and 
values of a firm and its continued success. I welcome the broad 
public discussion underway about the role of business in society. 
Businesses that recognise and successfully balance the needs 
of different stakeholders are those that will flourish over the 
longer term. 

In previous annual reports, I have emphasised the importance 
of culture and our employees. As a Board, we are committed 
to embedding our strong culture across the Group and 
ensuring that those who work for Brewin Dolphin understand 
its importance. Our values provide a framework that enables 
our colleagues to work in ways that support our purpose. 

4

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

We recognise those who embody these values at our annual 
People Awards. See page 39 for further details.

Reflecting on the importance of culture, Brewin Dolphin 
continues to invest heavily in leadership, education and training. 
This ensures that the next generation of leaders have both the 
appropriate skillset and values. 

It is satisfying to report employee engagement levels of 87% 
which is firmly above our peers, and continued high client 
satisfaction scores. Such outcomes are correlated with 
financial performance. 

The close connection between Brewin Dolphin and the 
communities in which it operates is an important demonstration 
of how the business approaches its wider responsibilities. 
This year has seen a notable increase in the level of activity 
undertaken across a range of community focused areas. 
These include volunteering, fundraising and payroll giving. 
Further information can be found on pages 41 and 42. 

Strategic acquisitions
We are an advice-led business, and continue to make good 
progress on extending our advice proposition. We have made 
a number of acquisitions over the last year which enhance our 
business. As a Board we were pleased to complete the 
acquisition of Investec’s wealth management business in Ireland 
on 31 October 2019. The business will be merged into our 
existing Dublin-based office and strengthen our position in this 

Dividend policy 
The Company’s policy 
is to grow dividends in line 
with adjusted1 earnings, 
with a target payout ratio 
of between 60% and 80% 
of annual adjusted diluted 
earnings per share.

The policy is intended to 
ensure that shareholders 
benefit from growth. 
The Board recognises the 
importance of dividends to 
shareholders and the benefit 
of providing sustainable 
shareholder returns.

The payout range has been 
adopted to provide sufficient 
flexibility for the Board to 
remunerate shareholders 
for their investment whilst 
recognising that there may 
be a requirement, at times,
to retain capital within 
the Group.

See page 38 for more 
information.

1.  See page 34 for an explanation of adjusted measures.

I believe there is a fundamental 
connection between the purpose  
and values of a firm and its  
continued success.” 

vibrant market. Ireland has a young population with high savings 
rates. The wealth management market in Ireland is under-served, 
and our advice-led proposition will bring much value. 

The acquisition of the assets and staff of Bath-based Epoch 
Wealth Management brings more high-quality financial planning 
skills to the Group and enhances our coverage in the West 
Country. The purchase of IFA, Aylwin, establishes Brewin Dolphin 
in Winchester and provides better reach into the Thames Valley. 
Finally, the acquisition of Mathieson, a consultancy business 
providing expert witness reports on pension valuations, broadens 
our professional services offering.

Strong execution
Client survey results attest to the strength and consistency  
of delivery every day across the business. 

We have invested the same energy into the implementation  
of evolving regulation. MiFID II costs and charges letters  
were distributed to all our clients early in 2019 and have  
provided greater transparency between ourselves and clients.  
We undertook extensive preparations for the implementation  
of SMCR, designed to ensure clear lines of accountability 
throughout our business, which comes into effect on  
9 December 2019. 

Our culture has influenced how we have embraced both of these 
important regulatory changes; the intention of both pieces of 
regulation has been to ensure good conduct. Regulation has 
become increasingly complex and it is businesses such as 
Brewin Dolphin, which can absorb such change efficiently. 

Board changes
There were some changes made to the Board during the year.  
Siobhan Boylan joined the Board as Chief Financial Officer on  
4 March 2019, Ian Dewar became Senior Independent Director  
on 26 July 2019, taking over from Kath Cates who continues  
to serve as the chair of the Risk Committee. 

Paul Wilson resigned as a Non-Executive Director and stepped 
down from the Board on 9 October 2019, after six years’ service. 
The Board would like to thank him for his contribution. Further 
information can be found in the Governance section starting on 
page 46.

Looking forward 
Two of the dominant influences on the market over the past year 
have been Brexit and the US trade war with China. It is impossible 
to gauge the impact of these on the various indices, although 
worth noting that during the past 12 months the FTSE index fell  
to 6,585 and rose to 7,687, demonstrating substantial volatility. 

The Group’s results are partly affected by market movements.  
We are however more importantly impacted by the retention and 
flow of business, which is a function of the consistency and quality 
of our offering to clients. The business is well prepared and will 
continue to serve its clients within the changing landscape.

As I mentioned above, client satisfaction levels are high and you 
will see from the results that we continue to retain and attract  
new business. 

Annual General Meeting (AGM)
This year’s AGM will be held on 7 February 2020 in  
Haberdasher’s Hall, 18 West Smithfield, London EC1A 9HQ,  
a short walk from our head office. I do hope you will be able  
to attend. Light refreshments will be provided after the meeting.  
If you are not able to be with us, please write to me with any 
questions or comments you may have, and I will ensure that  
you receive a timely response. 

We endeavour to maintain a regular dialogue with our 
shareholders, large and small, and your views are always most 
welcome. Further details can be found in the Notice of AGM.

Simon Miller
Chairman

26 November 2019

Dividend history (p)

 Interim  

 Final

FY2015
12.00

8.25

FY2016
13.00

9.15

FY2017
15.00

10.75

FY2018
16.40

12.00

FY2019
16.40

12.00

3.75

3.85

4.25

4.40

4.40

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

5

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationOur Results

Highlights 

Consistent year on year funds growth, underpinned by our robust business model  
is supporting investment initiatives in both our propositions and infrastructure.

Total income

£339.1m

2018: £329.0m

Adjusted1 profit before tax

£75.0m 

2018: £77.5m 

Discretionary funds

£40.1bn

2018: £37.6bn

Statutory profit before tax 

£62.6m

2018: £68.5m

Adjusted1 profit before tax margin

Statutory profit before tax margin

22.1%

2018: 23.6%

18.5%

2018: 20.8%

Adjusted1 earnings per share – diluted2 

Statutory earnings per share – diluted2 

20.5p

2018: 21.7p

Dividend payout ratio

80%

2018: 75.6% 

16.6p

2018: 18.9p

Full year dividend

16.4p

2018: 16.4p

1.  Adjusted items are amortisation of client relationships and brand, defined benefit pension scheme past service costs, acquisition costs, incentivisation awards, 

onerous contracts, FSCS levy refund and other gains and losses.

2.  See note 12 to the Financial Statements. 

Continued funds growth 

We are on track to meet the 5 year discretionary organic funds growth 
target we set in 2015 (see page 15). Total discretionary funds grew by  
6.6% to £40.1 billion, driven by strong net funds inflows of £1.4 billion.  
This represents a 3.7% growth rate which, whilst below our 5.0% target,  
is credible against the backdrop of economic uncertainty. 

Client offering expanded 

With 1762 from Brewin Dolphin, WealthPilot and BPS, we have a broader 
range of services for a broader range of clients.

Investment initiatives in technology  
to support growth 

We are investing substantially in the Group’s infrastructure to provide  
an efficient platform, including replacing our core custody and settlement 
system which is on track and on budget. 

Inorganic growth – acquisitions 

The Group has made several strategic acquisitions in the year –  
increasing funds, advice-led capacity and geographical footprint. 

6

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Our Investment Proposition

We are a leading wealth manager 
with a clear focus on growth 

Our brand is recognised  
and known for trusted advice  
and investment expertise 

During our long history as a respected provider of high-quality financial 
services to clients, we have earned a reputation for integrity and 
trustworthiness that stands us in good stead for the future. We continue to 
build on this with our significant investment in financial planning capability. 

The future direction of our market 
place is positive 

As the role of the State diminishes, people need increasingly to take 
responsibility for their financial affairs such as savings, investments, and 
planning for retirement and long-term care. Demand for financial advice 
services and investment management is growing as a result, creating good 
long-term prospects for continued growth. 

Our scale and investment in 
our people enable us to stand out 

We are one of the largest wealth management companies in the UK and 
Ireland with a strong branch network. We attract, develop and retain the 
best talent to strengthen existing relationships, win new clients and help  
us build an even stronger organisation. 

We are making good progress 
with our strategy and investing 
for the future 

We have significantly strengthened our operations and improved our 
operational efficiency in recent years. We are now progressing with our 
strategy for growth, investing to widen our proposition and increase the 
number of clients we serve and the proportion of their wealth that 
we manage. 

Total funds (£bn) 

 Discretionary  

 Other 

Total income (£m) 

FY2017
40.1

6.3

33.8

FY2018
42.8

5.2

37.6

FY2019
45.0

4.9

40.1

FY2017

304.5

FY2018

329.0

FY2019

339.1

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

7

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationAbout Us

Building a modern business 

Our foundations may have a long history, but 
we have always been a forward-looking firm, 
committed to serving the interests of our clients 
by navigating them through times of change. 

Over 
250
years’  
experience

1,864
employees

32
offices

Independent minds 
We offer unbiased recommendations.  
Our research team undertakes 
independent research across markets, 
asset classes and individual companies. 
They develop unconstrained views and 
insights for our advisers to draw upon.

As long-term investors, we review and 
challenge companies that we invest in  
as part of our client portfolios. As well  
as monitoring their performance,  
results and objectives. 

Who we are 
Founded in 1762, we have grown 
to become one of the leading 
wealth managers in the UK and Ireland. 
We are listed on the London Stock 
Exchange as a member of the FTSE 250. 

What we do differently 
We have 32 offices across the UK and 
Ireland which create a strong presence 
and enable us to combine the best of 
local understanding with national scale 
and perspective.

We manage the interests of clients  
who have had wealth for generations,  
and those who are the first in their family 
to need a wealth manager.

Individual and personal service is central 
to everything we do. Our success has 
been built on the strength of our 
relationships with our clients. 

Our ability to build strong long-term 
relationships and provide integrated 
advice-led propositions means we can 
create bespoke financial plans and 
investment portfolios that meet client 
needs, delivering peace of mind.

Our propositions are evolving to ensure 
that they remain relevant in today’s 
environment and create growth 
opportunities for the Group. 

We have the right skills to capitalise  
on opportunities to protect and grow 
wealth for our clients and implement  
our growth strategy. 

8

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Our Services

Evolving our services 

The table below outlines our services that support our propositions:

Available to

Direct private 
individuals 

Private 
individuals via 
intermediaries  Corporates 

Charities 

Wealth Management 
Integrated approach to protecting and growing wealth that combines 
both Financial Planning and Investment Management. 

Investment Management 
Designed for clients who want to benefit from a personal focus  
on their investment portfolio but do not require financial planning. 

Financial Planning 
This service helps address our clients’ wider financial  
planning needs including advice on investment,  
protection or retirement requirements. 

Managed Portfolio Service (‘MPS’) 
This service is available for financial advisers, offering a suite of risk 
rated model portfolios designed for their clients who do not require, 
or for whom it is not cost effective to have, a personalised solution. 
The service can also be accessed by direct clients through a Brewin 
Dolphin financial planner. 

Brewin Portfolio Service (‘BPS’) 
A cost effective service for clients with smaller sums to invest  
and who do not need advice. It combines the investment expertise  
of Brewin Dolphin with the freedom for individuals who are happy 
making their own risk decisions and investment choices. It gives 
access to six risk rated portfolios which are primarily invested in 
passive funds. 

Execution Only 
Custody, trade execution and settlement services for clients who 
have no need for advice and prefer to make their own investment 
decisions. This service is limited and we no longer provide it on  
a standalone basis to new clients. 

Expert Witness Report Service 
An independent report writing service for clients to value their 
pension assets. 

Advisory 
The service provided is either ‘Advisory Managed’, where we 
provide advice on both the structure of the portfolio and the 
individual investments within it, or ‘Dealing with Advice’ where 
advice is provided on a transactional basis only. We no longer  
offer this service for new clients, other than on an exceptional basis. 

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

9

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationBusiness Model 

Designed for long-term growth 

Resources and relationships 
We actively engage with our stakeholders 
throughout our business cycle. 

Propositions
Innovation and strong client relationships 
are central to our strategy.

Employees 
Our strength is in our people, both client-facing colleagues 
and those who provide support to them. We have a strong 
commitment to development and we use initiatives such  
as the employee engagement survey to understand what  
is working well and what can be improved. See ‘Our People’ 
on page 39 for more detail. 

Clients 
We help to protect and grow the wealth of our clients and 
maintaining close formal relationships with them is key to our 
business. We are consistently listening to client views and 
undertake an annual client survey to seek client views. 

Investors 
We engage with our shareholders and potential investors  
on a one to one basis and at events such as the Company’s 
AGM and roadshows. 

Suppliers 
We actively engage with our suppliers which ensures 
commitment and transparency between all parties. 

Regulators 
We maintain a regular proactive dialogue with regulatory 
bodies and can therefore adapt to the changing regulatory 
landscape and identify where these changes can provide 
opportunities for the business. 

Advice 
Our people devote time to establishing strong client 
relationships based on a full understanding of each 
client’s circumstances. This enables us to build a tailored 
financial solution. 

The tailored financial solution may include our integrated 
wealth management service, financial planning or our 
investment solutions, depending on client needs and how 
they want to access our services. 

Investment solutions 
We are independent, which means we can look across  
a wide range of financial products to choose the best  
and most appropriate options from the market place.

Our direct portfolios and our model portfolio services  
are underpinned by our in-house research as well as  
our Group-wide asset allocation framework. 

See page 9 for more information on ‘Our Services’. 

Delivered by 
our distribution 
model

Channel

Available to

Services

Direct 
(via our network of 32 offices; 
referrals from professional  
service firms; and online) 

Private individuals,  
charities and corporates 

Indirect 
(via our network of 32 offices) 

 Intermediaries 

10

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Wealth Management 

Financial Planning 

Investment Management 

Brewin Portfolio Service (‘BPS’) 

Expert Witness Report Service 

Investment Management 

Managed Portfolio Service (‘MPS’) 

Our business model is underpinned by: 
•  Our culture and values (page 39).

•  Our Strategy (page 18).

•  Our Risk Management Framework (page 29).

•  Our high standards of corporate governance (page 46).

Creating value 
The creation of value for our clients  
is inextricably linked to our  
business interests. 

Putting value to use 
The value we create generates additional 
capacity for us to invest further in our 
business to deliver long-term growth. 

Clients with advice 
Clients with advice are able to access wealth management, 
investment management and financial planning services.  
We help clients achieve their long-term goals by managing 
their wealth.

Each client is different, so we assess their individual  
needs and develop personalised plans. We guide them 
through today’s complex financial services environment, 
helping them nurture their wealth.

Clients without advice 
BPS gives clients a low-cost alternative to the full  
wealth management service, whilst still enabling them  
to benefit from the research and investment expertise  
of Brewin Dolphin. 

Intermediaries 
Both MPS and our discretionary investment management 
service allow intermediaries to effectively outsource the 
investment management of their clients’ portfolios whilst 
retaining the full client relationship. Our national business 
development team and network of offices mean we can 
support advisers and their clients face-to-face across  
the UK. 

Investors 
We earn income from services based on the amount  
of funds we manage, fees charged for financial planning or 
the investment business we transact on behalf of our clients. 

Our personalised approach to client service combined with 
the expertise of our professionally qualified and experienced 
staff drives the value of our services and helps us earn  
the trust of clients and create loyal client relationships.  
This creates value through brand enhancement and the 
generation of new leads via referrals. 

Our client relationships are a key source of long-term value 
for the Group. 

Investments 
Investments are made to support the Group’s growth strategy 
and must meet financial criteria. Investment priorities are 
determined in line with strategic plans and goals. Investment 
requirements may include elevated operational expenditure as 
well as capital expenditure for distinct periods of time to deliver 
our long-term growth strategy. 

See the Financial Review from page 34, for more information. 

Acquisitions 
We monitor the market for potential strategic inorganic growth 
opportunities and in considering such opportunities we are 
mindful of the importance of cultural fit. We are well positioned 
to take advantage of opportunities where they are 
strategically aligned. 

See the Chief Executive’s Review on page 16 for further information.

Training and development of our people 
Investment here ensures that we offer the best advice to clients, 
offer rewarding careers to our people and continue to attract 
new clients. 

See page 40 for more information. 

Capital retention 
Capital is retained for both regulatory requirements and 
investment needs. 

Returns to shareholders 
The Group has an established dividend policy. 

See pages 4 and 38 for further information. 

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

11

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationOur Market

Market review 

The financial services industry is undergoing a significant change which 
provides opportunities and challenges for our business – societal, economic, 
regulatory and technological. Our strategy aims to take advantage of these. 

Societal change 
•  How people save and invest 
to meet their needs is directly 
affected by societal influences. 

•  Factors range from changing 

Government policy to evolving 
consumer preferences including 
environmental, social and 
governance (‘ESG’).

Economic environment 
•  Economic forces shape the 
investment environment and 
competitive landscape. 

•  The environment is influenced 
by national and world events 
that are impossible to control, 
such as Brexit. 

Regulatory developments 
•  As regulators focus on protecting 

consumers, legislation is becoming 
increasingly stringent.

•  The level of public scrutiny on 

conduct and cost is increasing. 

Market challenges 
The need to comply with changing 
regulation, such as SMCR, means 
companies face significant cost and 
resource challenges in areas including 
information technology, compliance and 
operations. Following the introduction of 
MiFID II last year, clients can more easily 
view the cost of the services they receive. 
In addition, pension freedom rules and 
other changes are leading more 
individuals to seek professional  
financial advice. 

Our response 
We see regulation and culture as 
interconnected. Holding ourselves to the 
right standards of conduct aligns us to 
the changing regulatory requirements. 
We have been proactive in reinforcing 
our culture. We have been preparing for 
SMCR and training our staff appropriately.

Brewin Dolphin has the scale needed to 
absorb the cost of investment and to 
allocate resources appropriately, as well 
as the expertise to adapt efficiently to new 
regulation. More broadly, we continue to 
provide comprehensive training to ensure 
our people provide regulation-compliant 
advice to our clients (see page 40). 

Market challenges 
In the UK, more than a decade of low 
interest rates has created challenges  
for people seeking a low-risk means  
of maintaining and growing their capital. 
Geopolitical uncertainties are also highly 
influential. Heightened risk and volatility 
can have negative short-term impacts on 
business and stock market performance. 
The UK wealth management industry is 
highly fragmented and constantly 
changing, with former participants in the 
financial services sector returning to the 
advice market. 

Our response 
Our ability to adapt to changing client 
needs and market environments helps  
us to manage investment performance. 

Within the fragmented UK investment 
environment, Brewin Dolphin’s trusted 
brand and established reputation for 
delivering sound advice and consistent 
performance enable us to sustain 
long-term client relationships and  
remain relevant. 

In 2019 we have experienced a period  
of marked uncertainty. Brexit, closer to 
home, and the US-China trade dispute 
more broadly, have cast gloom over the 
markets leading to increased volatility.  
We have predicted these pressures and 
we have responded well, and across the 
year we have been able to continue to 
grow our funds (see page 35). 

Market challenges 
The Government’s long-term social care 
policies continue to place less emphasis 
on state provision, and employers 
continue to withdraw from final salary 
pension schemes, making people more 
self-reliant in planning for their long-term 
needs. Many have generated substantial 
personal and familial wealth that they wish 
to protect and grow. Individuals are 
increasingly seeking outcome-oriented 
solutions that help them fulfil their 
personal ambitions. 

Our response 
Greater self-reliance has created the 
opportunity for Brewin Dolphin to help 
growing numbers of individuals via our 
advice-led, long-term relationship and 
needs-based propositions. We design 
tailored solutions, including responsible or 
restricted investment options, based on 
in-depth knowledge and understanding  
of individual client needs. 

We actively engage with a number of 
agencies who produce ESG ratings.

The fully bespoke, advice-led wealth 
management service we offer enables us 
to take advantage of the trend towards 
outcome-oriented solutions. Critically, our 
continued focus on addressing individual 
client needs ensures that our offering 
remains relevant over the long term. 

We have broadened the range of clients 
we can help with 1762 from Brewin 
Dolphin and WealthPilot (see page 15). 
WealthPilot, in particular, provides us with 
the ability to engage with people who 
require simplified advice. 

12

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Technological advances 
•  Technology is a differentiator that 
can radically affect a company’s 
service to clients and operating 
models for employees. 

•  We are using technology to 

improve the efficiency and ease 
with which we interact with clients. 

Market challenges 
New technology and business models 
can be powerful enablers but also 
a threat, particularly in financial services 
where they have the potential to 
transform many aspects of the wealth 
management industry. 

Our response 
Our overriding emphasis on client 
relationships makes enhanced 
communication an important role 
for technology as we aim increasingly 
to complement face-to-face client contact 
with digital alternatives. By developing 
both our office network and our online 
apps and portals we are responding 
to the evolving needs of our clients. 
Our hybrid approach is designed to 
marry the benefits of a face-to-face 
service with the convenience of 
technology. We believe this approach 
will gain over pure digital offers. 

Our new client management system and 
core custody and settlement system will 
both provide operational efficiencies and 
rejuvenate our core technology, as well 
as providing better tools for our people. 
These are key components of the 
strategic investment that the Group  
is making to develop its services and 
client proposition.

With a strong technology foundation, 
we can create greater possibilities for 
client-focused innovation in the future. 

How we stand amongst our UK wealth 
management peers*

Funds 

£112.8bn

£52.0bn

£45.3bn

£45.0bn

£42.4bn

£41.0bn

£24.6bn

£24.0bn

£21.4bn

£13.3bn
£11.9bn
£9.2bn

St James’s Place 

Schroders1

Quilter2 

Brewin Dolphin 

Rathbones3

Investec Wealth & Investment4

Charles Stanley 

Tilney Bestinvest 

Smith and Williamson 

Brooks Macdonald 
Close Brothers Asset Management5 
JM Finn 

1.  Wealth management only. 
2.  Advice & wealth management only. 
3.  Investment management only. 
4.  UK and other.
5.  Managed assets only. 

*  Latest published annual financial, interim or quarterly trading update where 
available, otherwise per the entity’s website as at 19 November 2019. 

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

13

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationChief Executive’s Review

Building an 
innovative business 

Performance 
This year has seen economic uncertainty resulting in subdued 
client activity, however, the performance of the business has held 
up very well. We have delivered organic net discretionary funds 
growth of 3.7%, bringing our total funds to £45.0 billion and we 
remain on track to meet our target to grow new discretionary 
funds organically by a third by the end of FY 2020. 

Our business has continued to broaden and this is demonstrated 
by our strong net discretionary inflows of £1.4 billion balanced 
across our direct and intermediaries channels and MPS service. 
As a result of this well balanced growth our revenue is up 3.1% 
to £339.1 million driven by an increase in financial planning and 
MPS in particular. Our financial planning income has grown by 
12.2% to £27.5 million. Our integrated wealth management 
service continues to be attractive with over 50% of new private 
client business now on this proposition. 

We have continued to invest in our business in a careful and 
disciplined way. The expected increase in costs has been into 
growth initiatives and infrastructure projects which will lay the 
foundations for future growth. The infrastructure projects will be 
delivered over the next twelve to eighteen months. Adjusted profit 
before tax was £75.0 million, down 3.2% from £77.5 million, 
reflecting the increased investment that has been made. 
Statutory profit before tax was £62.6 million, down 8.6%, 
reflecting this investment and one-off items (see page 34). 

David Nicol 
Chief Executive

Summary 
•  Robust performance across the business.

•  Over 40% of new direct business was through 
our integrated wealth management service.

•  Strategic acquisitions enhance services 

and broaden coverage.

•  1762 from Brewin Dolphin gaining momentum.

•  Innovation in service proposition for indirect clients.

•  Technology platform for WealthPilot to be launched 

in the Spring.

•  Significant investments in talent and technology 

are positioning the business for next stage of growth.

•  Well positioned to capture future growth opportunities.

This has been another good year for the business. Despite 
economic uncertainty, we have delivered a robust performance. 
We have made significant progress against our strategy, building 
a modern business that is well positioned for continued growth.

We have been focused on delivering: 

GROWTH

INNOVATION

DISCIPLINED 
INVESTMENT

Our focus has enabled us to ensure that we invest in those
areas that we believe are strategically important, will drive future 
growth and complement our existing business. This is particularly 
important in the acquisitions we have made this year which 
are in strategically attractive markets and provide future 
growth opportunities.

14

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Despite economic uncertainty,  
we have delivered a robust 
performance and made significant 
progress against our strategy, 
building a modern business that is 
well positioned for continued growth.” 

Demand for advice 
At our heart we are an advice-led business. We have made 
significant progress in growing our financial planning business 
over the past five years.

We know that good advice can help people achieve their  
financial objectives and outcomes. There is an increased onus  
on individuals to provide for their own retirement and partly as  
a result there is an increased demand for financial advice across 
a broad range of society – from mass market to mass affluent 
and high net worth. However, many people in the UK who have 
financial needs currently choose not to, or are unwilling to,  
take advice. We see this as a strategic opportunity and the  
basis for a widening service offer that means we can meet the 
specific needs of an increasingly broad spectrum of clients.

Over recent years we have strengthened our financial planning 
resources considerably. We now have 105 qualified financial 
planners operating across the business, supported by  
129 paraplanners and assistants. We offer financial planning  
from every office in the UK and Ireland. Our income from financial 
planning has doubled in the past four years, but that alone does 
not tell the whole story as financial planning relationships provide 
access to further investment opportunities. 

This year, in delivering our strategy, we have made significant 
progress on our advice-led growth initiatives and made  
strategic acquisitions.

Direct clients 
Two years ago, we began the design and test implementation  
of WealthPilot, our cost-effective, simplified wealth planning  
and investment advice service. Last year, we launched  
1762 from Brewin Dolphin, our advice-led proposition for clients 
with more sophisticated and complex needs and we continue  
to develop both services.

The WealthPilot team has expanded from 12 to 15 employees  
as we have added clients. We have learned more about the types 
of people the service appeals to, and we have further tested and 
evolved the systems and processes that sit behind it. Following 
an evaluation of potential technology platforms, we appointed 
Focus Solutions as our provider. We are now working with them 
to launch the online platform in Spring 2020, which will provide  
a modern portal for prospective clients to use.

We recognise that people want to access services in different 
ways for different tasks, so WealthPilot allows clients to access 
the service either digitally or more personally. We are confident 
that combining the two enhances WealthPilot’s potential to 
provide simplified cost-effective advice.

1762 from Brewin Dolphin is now fully up and running. It is 
gaining traction and we have attracted a number of individuals 
with a range of skills to join us, all attracted by our ambitious 
growth plans and innovative services. The team now stands  
at 44, up from 17 at launch.

Through 1762 from Brewin Dolphin we have introduced two new 
services for people with more complex requirements. The first is 
our core and conviction portfolio which combines a funds-based 
portfolio approach together with access to direct equities. It is an 
example of innovative thinking – offering an integrated investment 
approach that provides more cost-effective access to our equity 
investment expertise. The second is a liquidity management 
service, designed for clients with significant short-term cash 
holdings. We will introduce further value-enhancing propositions 
in the year ahead to create opportunities for growth. 

Five year discretionary organic funds growth – a third over five years (£bn)

 Growth  

 Target

8.2

7.1

FY2015

FY2016

FY2017

FY2018

FY2019

FY2020

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

15

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationChief Executive’s Review continued

While 1762 from Brewin Dolphin is designed for clients with the 
most complex needs, our non-advised online investment service, 
Brewin Portfolio Service (BPS), is for those with straightforward 
requirements. We continue to add new clients and attract further 
investment from existing clients. We see BPS as an adjacent 
proposition to WealthPilot and our core services, enabling clients 
to access our investment services from as little as £2,000.

Indirect clients 
We have continued our strong track record of innovation for  
our indirect clients, further developing our services in this area 
that can be accessed via intermediaries. We unitised the funds  
in our Managed Portfolio Service (MPS), a move that has 
continued to deliver cost benefits for our intermediaries’ clients.

As part of our intermediaries strategy, we have entered into  
three new partnerships in different target market segments  
in order to broaden our MPS distribution channels. We have 
achieved this by pursuing new avenues to extract value from  
our award-winning investment expertise, licensing our investment 
know-how to other businesses under the Powered by brand.  
In January 2019, we signed an agreement with Guinness Asset 
Management to provide our asset allocation and fund selection 
expertise for their new multi-asset funds. Since then we have 
concluded two similar agreements with consolidator, Fairstone 
and regional IFA, Eden Park. This has been an innovative way  
of monetising the quality of thinking in our research team and we 
see further opportunities for this proposition.

We have also introduced several additional lower-risk portfolios  
to MPS, providing our indirect clients with more choice.

Office network and acquisitions 
As well as developing our propositions, we are seeking to reach 
more people by strategically focusing on geographic areas  
of affluence that are home to potential new clients. This year  
we have developed our existing office network and bolstered  
it with strategically important acquisitions that add capability  
and capacity.

Our office network has always been an important part of how  
we access clients and local business communities, differentiating 
us from many of our peers. We have reorganised our offices in 
the south of England, especially those to the south of London. 
We opened an office in Winchester, bringing together our existing 
Bournemouth office with Basingstoke-based IFA, Aylwin Limited, 
which we acquired in March 2019. We have opened a new office 
in Tunbridge Wells to improve our footprint in the South East and 
we are also relocating our Reigate office to Gatwick.

To the north of London, we have increased the size of our 
Cambridge office space as we see great further client 
opportunities in this region.

In the West Country, we acquired the staff and assets of 
Bath-based Epoch in August 2019, an independent financial 
planning firm with 38 members of staff. This provides a significant 
increase in our financial planning capacity and adds to our office 
footprint in an important part of the country.

All these new offices are led by financial planners. This once 
again highlights our commitment to advice-led growth, whilst also 
benefiting from our investment management expertise. 

16

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Many people in this country who have 
financial needs and means are 
currently choosing to not take advice. 
We see this as a strategic opportunity 
and the basis for a widening service 
offer that means we can meet the 
specific needs of an increasingly 
broad spectrum of clients.” 

We are expanding our presence and scale in Ireland with the 
acquisition of Investec’s Irish wealth management business, 
which completed on 31 October 2019. This makes us the 
third-largest discretionary wealth manager in the country.  
Ireland has a young, affluent population, and the market there 
has a growing demand for discretionary and advice-led wealth 
management services.

When acquiring these businesses, we assess each opportunity 
through three lenses: strategic fit with our business; commercial 
and financial benefits; and cultural fit. This third point is an 
important and often overlooked element of bringing businesses 
together. Having recognised that each of these businesses 
shares our values, we are confident that we can integrate them 
successfully into the Group, retaining their people and clients, 
and securing the commercial benefits.

Professional services 
Two years ago, we launched our professional services 
proposition, with a particular focus on family lawyers and 
corporate advisers. Since then, we have built successful 
relationships with many professionals in these areas and we  
are now seeing introductions and a strong flow of business. 

To expand the Group’s professional service offering further,  
we acquired Mathieson Consulting Limited in April 2019,  
a consultancy business that provides expert witness reports on 
pension valuations. This is a business that we have known and 
worked alongside for some time; we are comfortable with its 
values and it has clear opportunities for expansion. While it will 
continue to operate independently as a separate brand within  
the Brewin Dolphin Group, it complements the core business. 
There have already been opportunities to make introductions  
to the broader firm. 

Scale matters 
In our industry it is becoming ever more apparent that scale 
matters, as the cost of regulatory compliance increases  
in particular. Our relative scale therefore is a point of value,  
not just to ourselves, but also to smaller businesses that we 
provide services for through our intermediary channel, who can 
also benefit from our scale. 

As regulation continues to expand – in areas such as the Senior 
Managers & Certification Regime (‘SMCR’) – our size means we 
can continue to manage the complexity that smaller businesses 
find more burdensome.

Our new London office
To deliver our growth strategy and accommodate our planned 
expansion, we will be moving our head office in 2022 to a new 
site opposite St Paul’s Cathedral. We have secured this new 
building at a similar cost per square foot to refurbishing  
and remaining in our current office in Smithfield. It will offer  
a high-quality environment in a central location.

Looking ahead
The progress we have made over the past year means we can 
look ahead with considerable optimism. 

Over the coming year our priorities will be to integrate our new 
acquisitions and drive ongoing organic growth. We will also 
continue to commit considerable resource to delivering the 
change and technology projects that we are confident will put  
us in a strong position for the future.

With respect to Brexit, we are prepared and will take appropriate 
measures to address any eventualities that emerge, for our 
employees, clients and the business as a whole. We are well 
positioned to withstand market-wide stresses which may be 
triggered by Brexit.

All of this gives me confidence as I look forward. Brewin Dolphin 
is a business of great heritage. It is also focused on evolving  
as a modern business, empowering us to realise our vision 
of becoming the leading discretionary wealth manager in the 
UK and Ireland.

David Nicol 
Chief Executive 

26 November 2019

Investments in technology 
Last year we indicated that we would begin to make significant 
investments in our technology infrastructure, including the 
replacement of our core custody and settlement system, and our 
client management system. That development is now well under 
way and will provide a platform to support our future growth.

Our new client management system, Client Engage, will be 
delivered in Spring 2020. This has been a complex project  
which has required considerable investment over the last two 
years. The new platform will enable our advisers to become more 
effective and efficient in their handling of client relationships and 
client information.

In April 2019, we announced that we had appointed Avaloq  
to replace our core custody and settlement system. Avaloq is  
a pre-eminent provider of core software and digital technology  
to banks and wealth managers. Its robust and scalable software 
is used by over 150 wealth managers and banks globally.  
We expect the system to go live towards the end of 2020.

These two systems are key components of the strategic 
investment the Group is making to develop its services and client 
proposition. They will enable us to enhance the experience we 
provide for our clients and our own people and improve the 
efficiency of our business.

As part of these large programmes we have put in place 
governance to monitor and manage the delivery. This also 
ensures best practice procedures are used from top to bottom, 
with full control over risk management and spending.

During the year we made improvements to our MyBrewin client 
portal, with the release of MyBrewin apps for phones and tablets, 
enhancing our clients’ experience. We recognise that people 
increasingly want to use a range of communication channels  
for different aspects of their relationship with us. Our clients see 
technology and a physical office network as complementary parts 
of an integrated client experience.

Talent
As the Chairman has already discussed, our culture is incredibly 
important to our business. Ensuring we have the right talent  
in place is a fundamental aspect of this and we continue to  
focus on ensuring that a high ratio of staff is in direct client 
support roles. 

This year we have seen continued success from our Financial 
Planning Academy, part-funded by the Apprenticeship Levy, 
which has taken its third intake and is an important part of 
developing our financial planning capability and capacity. We are 
also into the third year of our Executive Leadership Programme. 
By the end of this year more than 50 of our senior managers will 
have benefited from this high-quality bespoke programme. 

The progress we have made and the 
amount we have achieved over the 
past year means we can look ahead 
with considerable optimism.” 

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

17

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationOur Strategy

Continued focus on 
innovation and growth

Our strategy for growth is designed to enable us to realise 
our vision of becoming the UK and Ireland’s leading provider 
of personalised wealth and investment management 
services, delivering a compelling client proposition, 
rewarding careers and sustainable shareholder returns. 

Rearticulating our strategy
Our strategy can be captured in the four 
objectives set out opposite.

We have previously described our 
strategy through the outcomes of revenue 
growth, improved efficiency, capital 
sufficiency and dividend growth; these 
outcomes of our strategy remain 
consistent. We have, however, 
amalgamated the capital sufficiency  
and dividend growth outcome into one 
outcome – capital efficiency and 
shareholder return. 

All of the items we said we would do at 
the end of last year have been transcribed 
into the four pillars which demonstrates 
the consistency of our strategy.

Performance against strategy is a factor in 
remuneration decision making, see page 71.

For measurement of progress, see our KPIs 
on page 20.

For discussion on priorities, see the Chief 
Executive’s Review on page 14.

For more information regarding our strategic 
objectives and risk, see page 28.

For more information on our dividend policy, 
see pages 4 and 38.

18

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

What we said we would do 

Measured by

2019 progress 

Future focus 

1. Provide more choice for more clients

•  Continue development and roll out  

•  Net promoter 

of 1762 from Brewin Dolphin and WealthPilot 

score 

•  Maintain focus on innovation 
•  Continue to develop and grow depth and 

number of intermediary relationships 

•  Continue investment in client facing new hires 

•  Discretionary 
funds inflows 

RG  

RG  

2. Further develop our client centric experience and proposition 

•  Further investment in technology to streamline 

client communication and acquisition 

•  Overall client 
satisfaction 

•  Discretionary funds 

per CF30 

RG  

IE  

3. Maintain a culture we are proud of

•  Increased capacity of 1762 from Brewin Dolphin with  

•  Develop and enhance our propositions in 1762 from Brewin 

targeted hires 

Dolphin, MPS and Powered by solutions 

•  Selected technology platform for WealthPilot, which once 

•  Acquisitions integrated and benefits delivered (see page 16)

rolled out will provide increased capacity for this service

•  Delivered core and conviction proposition 

•  Signed three agreements with different types of intermediaries 

under the Powered by range

•  Enhanced MyBrewin portal and released MyBrewin app

•  Develop and deliver an enhanced WealthPilot offering  

•  Engaged with technology firm to build WealthPilot

and automation 

•  Client management system configured to streamline client 

•  Develop and deliver digital capabilities including MyBrewin  

onboarding and increase efficiency 

app and website upgrades 

•  Continue investment in developing employee 

•  Employee 

IE  

•  Delivered phase 1 of client relationship training 

•  Roll out phase 2 client relationship training 

expertise and business development capabilities 

engagement 

•  Delivered SMCR training 

•  Ongoing investment in management and leadership training 

•  Leadership training at Cranfield MBA course at Saïd Business 

•  Increased commitment to diversity and inclusion 

School at Oxford University 

4. Build a platform for growth

•  Identify vendor and progress towards 
replacement of our core custody and  
settlement system 

•  Manage development and implementation  

of client management system 

•  Maintain capital at a level that enables 
investment in emerging opportunities 

•  Adjusted 

PBT margin 

•  Capital adequacy 
risk appetite ratio 

IE  

CS  

•  Contracted with Avaloq to replace our custody and  

•  Deliver new core custody and settlement system 

•  Signed heads of terms for 25 Cannon St, our new head office,  

•  Maintain regulatory compliance 

•  Signed three agreements with different types of intermediaries 

•  ICIIL integration

settlement system

to create additional capacity

under the Powered by range

•  Implement client management system 

•  Client management system configured to streamline client 

onboarding and increase efficiency

•  Several strategic acquisitions made (see page 16)  

£1.4bn

Net discretionary 
funds inflows 

RG

RG  Revenue growth 

IE  Improved efficiency 

CS   Capital efficiency  

and shareholder return v

1.  See page 34 for an explanation  

of adjusted measures.

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  our target m

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Strategic 
outcomes

s

pital efficiency & sh a r e h o l d

I

m

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e r return

IE 22.1%

Adjusted1 PBT margin

CS 291%

Capital adequacy risk 
appetite ratio

What we said we would do 

Measured by

2019 progress 

Future focus 

1. Provide more choice for more clients

•  Continue development and roll out  

•  Net promoter 

of 1762 from Brewin Dolphin and WealthPilot 

score 

•  Maintain focus on innovation 

•  Continue to develop and grow depth and 

number of intermediary relationships 

•  Continue investment in client facing new hires 

•  Discretionary 

funds inflows 

2. Further develop our client centric experience and proposition 

•  Further investment in technology to streamline 

•  Overall client 

client communication and acquisition 

satisfaction 

•  Discretionary funds 

per CF30 

3. Maintain a culture we are proud of

•  Continue investment in developing employee 

•  Employee 

IE  

expertise and business development capabilities 

engagement 

4. Build a platform for growth

•  Identify vendor and progress towards 

replacement of our core custody and  

settlement system 

•  Manage development and implementation  

of client management system 

•  Maintain capital at a level that enables 

investment in emerging opportunities 

•  Adjusted 

PBT margin 

•  Capital adequacy 

risk appetite ratio 

RG  

RG  

RG  

IE  

IE  

CS  

•  Increased capacity of 1762 from Brewin Dolphin with  

•  Develop and enhance our propositions in 1762 from Brewin 

targeted hires 

•  Selected technology platform for WealthPilot, which once 
rolled out will provide increased capacity for this service

•  Delivered core and conviction proposition 
•  Signed three agreements with different types of intermediaries 

under the Powered by range

Dolphin, MPS and Powered by solutions 

•  Acquisitions integrated and benefits delivered (see page 16)

•  Enhanced MyBrewin portal and released MyBrewin app
•  Engaged with technology firm to build WealthPilot
•  Client management system configured to streamline client 

onboarding and increase efficiency 

•  Develop and deliver an enhanced WealthPilot offering  

and automation 

•  Develop and deliver digital capabilities including MyBrewin  

app and website upgrades 

•  Delivered phase 1 of client relationship training 
•  Delivered SMCR training 
•  Leadership training at Cranfield MBA course at Saïd Business 

•  Roll out phase 2 client relationship training 
•  Ongoing investment in management and leadership training 
•  Increased commitment to diversity and inclusion 

School at Oxford University 

•  Contracted with Avaloq to replace our custody and  

settlement system

•  Signed heads of terms for 25 Cannon St, our new head office,  

to create additional capacity

•  Signed three agreements with different types of intermediaries 

under the Powered by range

•  Client management system configured to streamline client 

onboarding and increase efficiency

•  Several strategic acquisitions made (see page 16)  

•  Deliver new core custody and settlement system 
•  Implement client management system 
•  Maintain regulatory compliance 
•  ICIIL integration

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

19

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
 
 
 
 
 
Key Performance Indicators

Measuring the success 
of our strategy

Delivery of our strategy is measured through focused and select KPIs that demonstrate 
continued progress to build and grow our business.

Measuring our performance
Key Performance Indicators (‘KPIs’) are used to measure  
both the progress and success of our strategy implementation. 
The KPIs are set out below, with a measure of our performance 
to date and an indication of potential challenges to success 
where applicable. 

Changes to KPIs
During the year, we have reviewed our measurements to ensure 
that they are appropriate for our strategy. We have removed the 
following KPIs as we believe they are no longer relevant and have 
explained why below:

•  Discretionary service yield: this is an output of the charge  

we make to clients and as such is not a target.

•  Average client portfolio size: the metric is an output rather than 
an efficiency metric and we believe discretionary funds per 
CF30 is a better metric.

Additionally, the KPI for dividend which was shown as the total 
dividend for the year has been replaced with the dividend payout 
ratio. This ratio, along with the capital adequacy risk appetite ratio 
and adjusted1 diluted EPS measure, have been presented as part 
of capital efficiency and shareholder return.

KPIs and remuneration
The KPIs for discretionary funds inflow and adjusted1 PBT margin 
are included in remuneration decision making, see page 70 for 
further details.

A detailed explanation of the calculations used for KPIs is contained 
in the Appendix on page 157.

Revenue growth

RG

Discretionary funds  
inflows (%)

Net promoter  
score (%)

Overall client  
satisfaction

Target 5% 
Definition The value of annual net 
inflows as a percentage of opening funds 
for our discretionary service.

Performance during the year Positive 
net fund inflows of £1.4 billion. Though 
2019 net inflows are tracking behind  
our 5% target, it is a resilient result 
against the backdrop of challenging 
market conditions.

Potential challenges Failure to 
successfully execute on the growth 
strategy for attracting direct inflows.

Benchmark 46.0%
Definition An indication of how likely 
clients are to recommend us. Scored 
from -100% to +100%, measured by  
a client survey conducted by an 
independent third party.

Performance during the year This year 
saw a score of 51.2%, up on last year,  
as in previous years this is significantly 
ahead of the industry benchmark  
of 46.0%.

Potential challenges Failure to maintain 
a positive reputation may adversely 
impact client loyalty.

Benchmark 8.5/10
Definition An indication of overall client 
satisfaction as a score out of 10, 
measured by a client satisfaction survey 
conducted by an independent third party.

Performance during the year This year 
saw a score of 8.6/10, above the 2019 
industry benchmark of 8.5. This score 
is consistent with prior years, reflecting 
our continued dedication to serving  
our clients.

3.7

2019

2018

2017

6.8

8.0

2019

2018

2017

51.2

44.3

47.9

2019

2018

2017

8.6

8.5

8.5

20

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Improved efficiency

Adjusted1 PBT  
margin (%)

Target 25%
Definition Reported total  
annual adjusted profit before tax  
as a percentage of total income.

Performance during the year Adjusted 
PBT margin is lower than 2018. Income 
growth has been offset by increase in 
operating costs resulting from targeted 
investment spend supporting growth 
initiatives and infrastructure investment.

Potential challenges Failure  
to achieve further growth combined with 
changes in investment market and 
economic conditions.

IE

Discretionary funds  
per CF30 (£m)

Employee  
engagement (%)

Target £100m
Definition The year end total value of 
client funds in our discretionary service 
divided by the year end number of 
client-facing professional investment 
managers and financial planning  
staff (‘CF30s’).

Performance during the year As part 
of the growth strategy, the Group has 
increased the number of CF30s in the 
year, this has been offset by continued 
positive net flows and investment 
performance resulting in a marginal 
increase in the efficiency measure.

Benchmark 77%
Definition A survey that measures 
overall employee engagement on  
matters that affect them, measured by  
a specialist external company. The survey 
is benchmarked against other financial 
services firms.

Performance during the year The 
employee engagement survey 
undertaken in 2019 resulted in a score  
of 87%, a significant 4 percentage point 
increase over the 2018 result – see page 
39 for more details.

Potential challenges Failure to engage 
our employees effectively could impact 
productivity and could result in loss  
of key staff.

2019

2018

2017

22.1

23.6

23.0

2019

2018

2017

81

80

75

2019

2018

2017

87

83

82

Capital efficiency and shareholder return

CS

Capital adequacy risk  
appetite ratio (%)

Adjusted1,2 diluted  
EPS (p)

Dividend payout  
ratio (%)

Minimum 150%
Definition The risk appetite is defined  
as a percentage of the Group’s year end 
total regulatory capital resources to the 
year end minimum total regulatory capital 
requirement.

Performance during the year Our 
capital adequacy risk appetite ratio 
remains well above the risk appetite 
of 150%. 

Target n/a
Definition The reported adjusted diluted 
earnings per share.

Performance during the year The 
adjusted diluted EPS was lower year on 
year following the issue of capital to fund 
an acquisition and lower profits.

Potential challenges In the longer term, 
failure to effectively execute our growth 
strategy. In the short term, investment 
market conditions are the biggest driver 
of our income and therefore of earnings. 

Target 60-80%
Definition The total annual dividend per 
share (interim and final) as a percentage 
of annual adjusted diluted EPS.

Performance during the year The 
dividend payout ratio for the year is at the 
top end of the target range.

Potential challenges Need to retain 
capital for investments. Failure to 
maintain capital strength and profitability.

2019

2018

2017

291

234

232

2019

2018

2017

20.5

21.7

19.6

2019

2018

2017

80

76

77

1.  Adjusted items are amortisation of client relationships and brand, defined benefit pension scheme past service costs, acquisition costs, incentivisation  

awards, onerous contracts, FSCS levy refund and other gains and losses.

2.  See note 12 to the Financial Statements. 

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

21

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationQ&As

We have developed 
propositions that enable  
us to serve a wider group  
of clients within society.” 

Charlie Ferry 
Managing Director of Private Clients

Client-focused innovation 

22

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

i

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Client-focused innovation 

Charlie Ferry 
Managing Director of 
Private Clients 

Q

A

Q

A

What are the client opportunities for 
Brewin Dolphin? 

In a world where people increasingly have to look 
after themselves financially, not taking advice or 
action can be bad for their financial wellbeing. 
In 2018, the FCA found that only 4.5m people 
in the UK had received regulated financial advice 
in the previous 12 months. Many still hold their 
money in cash rather than investments – £267bn 
is held in cash ISAs1. This highlights how much 
needs to be done to demonstrate that long-term 
financial advice is in people’s best interests. 
It is also a challenge for society, which will see 
a growing and ageing population over the coming 
decades. Those who can provide advice and 
savings solutions for each stage of life should 
therefore be in a position to flourish. 

Q How are you responding to this opportunity? 

A

We have developed propositions that enable us 
to serve a wider group of clients within society. 

With Brewin Portfolio Service (BPS), WealthPilot 
and 1762 from Brewin Dolphin now available 
alongside our core financial planning and 
discretionary investment management business, 
we now have a series of propositions designed 
to meet people’s differing needs. We can look 
after people with £2,000 to invest right through 
to those with the most complex needs. 

BPS is our simple non-advised passive 
investment service, which so far has 5,000 
accounts. We have learned that while it works 
as a standalone service and for those wishing to 
make their first investments – for example through 
Junior ISAs – it is also attractive to those taking 
full advice but who wish to have access to 
a lower-price passive service for a proportion 
of their investments. It is therefore a valuable 
component as we continue to expand our 
breadth of services. 

How are you helping people to engage with 
Brewin Dolphin? 

This has always been a people business. While 
proximity matters and our offices have always 
been important, they are not the only way in 
which our clients wish to engage with us. We are 
now building hybrid propositions which blend the 
contact our clients have via our offices with 
round-the-clock access through our online 
portals and apps.

We are taking steps to be physically closer 
to clients in the parts of the country where 
there is greatest opportunity. That is why 
we bought Aylwin, combining that business 
with our Bournemouth office to create a new, 
larger Winchester office. This enables better 
access to people in the Thames Valley. We have 
also focused on expanding our presence in the 
affluent areas south of London, opening an 
office in Tunbridge Wells and also moving our 
Reigate office to a new larger location near 
Gatwick Airport. 

This year we have also moved to a bigger office 
in Cambridge, an area which we believe offers 
an attractive opportunity. The city has been 
growing fast, is an attractive place to live and 
work, and has a reputation as a prime spot for 
technology companies.

We now have an office in Bath, having completed 
the acquisition of the assets and staff of an 
independent financial planning firm, Epoch. 
The financial planning expertise we have 
acquired significantly increases our capabilities 
to provide integrated advice to people in that part 
of the country. 

Beyond face-to-face, this year we have improved 
our digital access. Recognising the continued 
shift to mobile access for digital services, this year 
we launched apps for MyBrewin that allow 
access by mobile, tablet and smart watch. 

1.  Office for National Statistics, (April 2019) Individual Savings Account (ISA) Statistics

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

23

 
 
 
Q&As

Clients are looking for 
solutions that blend direct 
personal contact with the 
convenience of technology.” 

Nick Fitzgerald 
Managing Director of Financial Planning

Advice-led innovation 

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Nick Fitzgerald 
Managing Director of 
Financial Planning

Q

A

How are you helping more people access 
financial advice? 

People take financial advice because they have 
life goals they want to achieve. Whether that is 
helping their children to leave university debt-free, 
preparing for a prosperous retirement or planning 
to pass their wealth on to their family, taking 
financial advice is important at every stage in life. 
We are seeing that people recognise these tasks 
are too complex to do themselves. 

We are meeting the requirements of different 
types of clients with both our newer advice-led 
services – WealthPilot, our low-cost simplified 
advice platform, and 1762 from Brewin Dolphin, 
our service for clients with the most 
complex needs. 

Q Who is WealthPilot for? 

A

There are two groups for whom WealthPilot 
works well. 

There are those we can reach earlier in their 
wealth journey, by offering the simpler advice 
they need now and then developing with them. 
It gives us the opportunity to make them 
a Brewin Dolphin client sooner. We are confident 
we can retain them when their requirements 
then change, by enabling them to move to our 
other propositions.

We are also seeing a group of older people 
with lower fund levels than our traditional core 
clients. They need advice, but discretionary 
fund management would not be suitable. 
Through WealthPilot, we can now meet their 
needs and do so cost-efficiently. 

Q What will WealthPilot’s technology offer? 

A

Wealth managers have found it challenging 
to provide advice and engage with people who 
are less affluent than the traditional clients 
of a discretionary fund manager – but there is 
a huge need here that is not currently well-served. 
We see a significant advice gap in the market. 

We are using technology to provide more 
client-friendly ways to engage with us, including 
offering more convenient times and locations. 

The digital financial planning platform from Focus 
Solutions that we are introducing allows people to 
explore and learn, while not incurring cost for us. 

This means they can start a conversation with 
more knowledge than before, while the data 
they have provided in the platform is available 
to the adviser before the discussion begins. 
This enables a better initial conversation, 
which benefits both parties. It is more efficient, 
reducing the cost to serve, and the technology 
integrates with other providers so we can 
automate our processes. This is a service that 
we can scale up cost-efficiently. 

However, technology in isolation is not 
necessarily the answer. Clients are looking for 
solutions that blend direct personal contact with 
the convenience of technology. We also want 
to use technology to make person-to-person 
interaction more cost-effective, not to remove it. 
Clients increasingly bring their experience of other 
brands with them; we recognise we need to 
match those experiences.

In the last two years we have proved the concept, 
tested the model and adapted it through working 
on real cases. This has helped us improve our 
processes and has demonstrated that the service 
is starting to find a real demand. Society needs 
services that provide good advice, so there is 
a commercial opportunity there. 

Q What does this offer to the business? 

A

Q

A

If we can help a younger demographic as they 
build their wealth, they should become the next 
discretionary client base. We are therefore 
building a business with considerable opportunity 
to grow over the long term. 

How has 1762 from Brewin Dolphin
developed this year? 

1762 from Brewin Dolphin is focused on a far 
smaller set of potential clients, offering them 
a holistic perspective on their finances. We think 
of it as being their financial chief operating officer 
– bringing together all their advisers to meet their 
needs in the most effective way. 

It continues to build traction, attracting 
considerable interest in the marketplace. Over the 
past year, we have built our team with some very 
strong hires. We continue to develop the central 
proposition and the specific services available 
through it. 

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

25

 
 
 
Q&As

Proposition innovation 

Brewin Dolphin is a whole  
new way of thinking about 
where we can create value 
and opens up a revenue 
stream that had not  
previously been considered.” 

Robin Beer
Managing Director of Investment Solutions  
and Distribution 

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Robin Beer 
Managing Director of 
Investment Solutions 
and Distribution

Q

A

Q

A

How are you innovating your services 
for clients? 

Clients across the board, both direct and 
indirect, are looking for modern, cost-effective 
solutions that continue to deliver high-quality 
investment expertise.

Our response has been to continue identifying 
opportunities for innovation that enable us to 
develop compelling services for all our clients.

We enhanced our Managed Portfolio Service 
(MPS) in May 2018, with a manager-of-managers 
structure so that we could use our institutional 
scale to lower costs. We designed the model so 
that these cost savings are passed back to our 
intermediaries’ clients. It’s a very powerful 
example of how doing what’s right for clients 
means we can create positive outcomes for our 
business as well. We now have £3.8 billion 
managed within the MPS. 

Responding to market feedback from our 
intermediary clients, during the year we also 
added two more models to both our MPS and 
MPS Passive Plus services for end clients with 
lower risk appetites.

We have also developed our core and conviction 
portfolios. We launched these through 1762 from 
Brewin Dolphin, and we have seen strong interest 
in them. This is an innovative way for us to bring 
direct equity picks alongside fund selections to 
deliver a cost-effective portfolio solution.

Past innovations are also beginning to pay off. 
Two years ago, we launched several propositions 
created to meet the needs of lawyers who advise 
clients in family law and divorce matters. 
Designed after extensive research and testing, 
these targeted services have now gained traction 
and we are seeing a good stream of business 
from them. 

Q

A

How else are you monetising Brewin Dolphin’s 
wealth management expertise? 

On the intermediary side of our business, 
we looked this year at our distribution model. 
In January, we announced an agreement with 
Guinness Asset Management, allowing them 
to use our asset allocation and fund selection 
expertise for their new multi-asset funds. This is 
the first time we have made our MPS strategies 
available as a fund. It is also the first time that 
we are not running the assets ourselves.

This new ‘Powered by Brewin Dolphin’ 
proposition enables us to license our intellectual 
property to non-competing firms. 

We have subsequently reached similar 
agreements with consolidator Fairstone and 
regional IFA Eden Park. This is a whole new 
way of thinking about where we can create 
value and opens up a revenue stream that 
had not previously been considered. It is in 
a structure that can be white-labelled for 
other potential partners.

We are demonstrating our ability to innovate 
and create a structure that has value for other 
organisations with direct client relationships. 
This is testament to the quality of thought from 
our research team and shows that we are 
thinking differently about the value we have 
within our business and how to monetise it. 

In the context of this innovation, how 
important is service now? 

We have always been a people business, 
and we know that service continues to be a key 
differentiator for us. When we provide investment 
services to an intermediary who owns the client 
relationship, the value and effectiveness of our 
support at every level – from investment thinking 
to administration – continues to be a vital 
component in differentiating our proposition 
from those of our competitors. 

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

27

 
 
 
Principal Risks and Uncertainties

Managing our risks 

Effective risk management is key to the success of delivering our strategic objectives.  
Our risk culture continues to strengthen; it ensures identification, assessment,  
and management of the principal risks to our business. 

Risk Management Framework
The Board has established a Risk Management Framework to 
ensure there is effective risk governance. The Board promotes  
a strong risk culture and expects every employee within the 
Group to adhere to the standards established by the Board. 

The Board encourages a strong risk culture throughout the 
business by promoting:

•  A distinct and consistent tone from the top;
•  Clear accountabilities for those managing risk;
•  Prompt sharing and reporting of risk information;
•  A commitment to ethical principles;
•  Appropriate levels of conduct and considered risk  

taking behaviour;

•  Recognition of the importance of knowledge, skill and 

experience in risk management;

•  Members of staff at all levels to escalate events and make 
suggestions for improving processes and controls; and

•  An acceptance of the importance of continuous management 
of risk, including clear accountability for and ownership of 
specific risks.

The benefits of establishing a strong risk culture are evident with 
our employees self-identifying and escalating risk events and 
potential issues to mitigate the probability of risks crystallising.

We follow industry practice for risk management through the 
“three lines of defence” model. The first line is the business that 
owns and manages the risk, the second consists of the control 
functions that monitor and facilitate the implementation of 
effective risk management practices, and the third line is 
independent assurance provided by internal audit. 

The Board reviews the effectiveness of this Risk Management 
Framework, receiving reports on internal control from the Audit 
and Risk Committees and debating key risks for the Group 
following more detailed work by the Risk Committee.

The key parties involved in the risk management process within 
the Group, their respective responsibilities and an explanation of 
how risk management is structured are set out opposite. 

We have a defined risk appetite which enables us to effectively 
manage the potential upside and downside risks of our strategy.

A number of our principal risks correspond to our growth 
strategy. Examples include where we continue to develop  
new propositions, increasing the spectrum of our offerings,  
to meet a broader range of client needs, and where we have 
undertaken acquisitions resulting in inorganic growth. In addition, 
our Change Management Programme is focused on enhancing 
our technology infrastructure to support future growth.

The primary objectives of risk management at Brewin Dolphin are 
to ensure that there is: 

•  a strong risk culture so that employees are able to identify, 
assess, manage and report against the risks the business  
is faced with; 

•  a defined risk appetite within which risks are managed; 
•  a swift and effective response to incidents in order to 

minimise impact; and

•  an appropriate balance between risk and the cost of control.

Our approach is to maintain a strong control framework to 
identify, monitor and manage the principal risks we face, 
adequately quantify them and ensure we retain sufficient capital 
in the business to support our strategy for growth.

We assess our principal risks regularly to ensure that our  
risk profile is within our risk appetite which is set by the Board. 
Annual risk workshops are attended by both the Risk Committee 
and the Executive Committee.

Risk management process
We categorise risks into risk groups covering potential 
impacts to clients, revenue, capital and reputation.  
The three risk groups are: 

BUSINESS 
RISKS

FINANCIAL 
RISKS

OPERATIONAL 
RISKS

Our risk management process involves the identification  
and assessment of specific risks within these risk groups, 
mitigation and management of these risks, and monitoring 
and reporting against these risks, which provides the 
foundation to enable us to deliver against our  
strategic objectives. 

28

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Risk Management Framework

Top down risk 
management

Board
•  Responsible for ensuring there 
is an adequate and appropriate 
risk management framework 
and culture in place.
•  Sets risk appetite and 

is responsible for ensuring 
alignment with the Group’s 
business strategy.
•  Approves the ICAAP.

Risk Committee
•  Oversees the Risk 

Management Framework.

•  Assists the Board in its 

responsibilities for the integrity 
of internal control and risk 
management systems.
•  Recommends the ICAAP 
to the Board for approval.

Audit Committee
•  Assists the Board in gaining 
assurance as to the integrity 
of the financial statements and 
the effectiveness of the system 
of internal controls.

•  Monitors the effectiveness 
and objectivity of internal 
and external auditors.

Risk Management 
Committee
•  Executive level committee 
oversight and monitoring 
of the adequacy and 
effectiveness of the Risk 
Management Framework.

•  Monitors current and 

emerging risks and themes.

•  Oversees the Group’s 
Policy Framework.

Risk identification and 
assessment
•  Risk and Control Self 

Assessments to identify the key 
risks for each department and 
for business change activities.

•  Assessment of inherent 

(pre-control) and residual risk 
(post-control).

Risk mitigation and 
management
•  Management of events that have 
a potential or actual financial, 
regulatory, operational or 
client impact.

•  Agreeing action plans to mitigate

risk issues.

Risk monitoring and 
reporting
•  The business community 
is primarily responsible for 
monitoring risks.

•  Risk trends are monitored

and analysed.

•  Key risk indicators are 
reviewed monthly.

Risk assurance
•  Internal auditors evaluate the 
adequacy of process and 
systems, and test the operating 
effectiveness of key controls.

Business risks
These are the risks that we 
do not set the right strategy, 
a material business decision 
fails or external market 
factors impact the viability 
of the business.

Financial risks
These are the risks facing 
our business in terms 
of inadequate or failed 
management of finances 
and the risk introduced by 
external factors that could 
have a detrimental impact 
on our cash flow, capital 
and liquidity.

Operational risks
This is the risk of loss 
resulting from inadequate 
or failed internal processes, 
people and systems, 
or from external events.

Bottom up risk management

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

29

 
 
 
Principal Risks and Uncertainties continued

Principal risks – gross risk assessment 
Factors which reduce these risks are provided in the principal risks and uncertainties table. The risks are shown on an inherent 
basis (before mitigating controls):

y
t
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P

4 Regulatory & 

legal compliance 

5 Change management 

2 Acquisitions 

7 Operational resilience 

6 Conduct 

1 New propositions 

3 Counterparty default

Business risks
1:  New propositions

2:  Acquisitions

Impact

Financial risks
3: Counterparty default

Operational risks
4: Regulatory & legal compliance 

5: Change management 

6: Conduct 

7: Operational resilience 

Responding to risks
•  We have developed our approach to horizon scanning, 

enhancing the processes for identification, assessment and 
monitoring of potential and planned external changes that 
potentially impact the firm and its clients.

•  We once again conducted an in-depth risk workshop with our 
Risk Committee and Executive Committee members to review 
the risks facing the Group.

•  Uncertainty in financial markets has continued along with  

a changing political environment in the UK: 
•  We model severe market wide scenarios to stress test funds 

under management, profit, cash, and regulatory capital. 
•  We have a Brexit Steering Committee in place to coordinate 

the Group’s preparation for EU withdrawal.
•  We have enhanced governance and Board level  

oversight of change management, including acquisitions, 
providing oversight and management of associated risks. 

•  We continue to focus on the pipeline of regulatory change, 

including our preparations for SMCR, which comes into effect 
in December 2019.

•  To further develop our operational resilience, we have 

continued to train our crisis management teams and test  
our strategic, tactical and operational responses to potential 
scenarios. We have developed our testing of physical security, 
systems, processes and people, by engaging an independent 
party to act undercover and simulate attacks. In addition,  
we have increased focus on vendors, with a third-party security 
specialist in place to verify that the third parties we engage with 
have acceptable resilience capabilities.

•  We have been embedding a monitoring dashboard which 

covers an array of portfolio metrics to reduce conduct risk.  
The dashboard is overseen by our first line monitoring  
team, our Regional Directors and Heads of Office, 
and governance committees. 

•  In addition, we have been focusing on the alignment and 

aggregation of all risk-related data into a single application  
to provide a holistic view and new insights into potential risks.

30

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Principal Risks and Uncertainties 
The tables below detail the principal risks and uncertainties we have identified, it is not an exhaustive list of all of the risks the Group 
faces. We have a process to regularly report key risk indicators and identify changes in the profile of these principal risks. We also 
consider emerging risks as part of this process. In addition to the principal risks specified, we monitor the external environment and 
model the potential impact of different potential geopolitical scenarios as part of our stress testing programme. 

Key to our strategic outcomes 

RG  Revenue growth 

IE  Improved efficiency 

CS  Capital efficiency and shareholder return v

See page 18 for ‘Our Strategy’ and page 20 for KPIs for further information in relation to the primary strategic impact.

Business risks 
These are the risks that we do not set the right strategy, a material business decision fails, or external market factors impact the viability of 
the business. This could include an inability to introduce or enter into new business lines effectively, to expand organically or through 
merger/acquisition, or to enhance the effectiveness of our operational infrastructure. 

Mitigating factors 

Examples of risk 
metrics monitored 

Movement in 
the year 

Primary 
strategic 
impact 

RG

Principal risk 
and risk  
owner(s) 

1

New 
propositions 

(Risk owner: 
Proposition 
Executive Sponsor) 

2

Acquisitions

(Risk owner: 
Acquisition 
Executive Sponsor) 

Nature and 
potential 
impact  
of the risk 

The risk of new 
propositions 
being 
uncompetitive 
and not meeting 
the needs of our 
clients, resulting 
in a failure  
to attract  
new clients. 

The risk of 
acquisitions  
not achieving 
strategic 
objectives or 
resulting in 
unidentified 
liabilities post 
completion. 

•  Dedicated resources to develop,  

test and launch new service offerings. 
•  New service offerings are piloted before 

broader rollout. 

•  Number of new 
clients, client 
pipeline, net flows, 
funds under 
management. 

RG

•  Acquisitions form part of the change 

management programme governance. 
•  Post completion metrics are monitored. 

•  Income, client and 
staff retention, 
client complaints. 

New 
propositions 
are in  
their infancy. 

We have 
undertaken  
a number of 
acquisitions  
in the period.

Financial risks 
These are the risks facing our business in terms of inadequate or failed management of finances and the risk introduced by external factors 
that could have a detrimental impact to our cash flow, capital and liquidity. 

Primary 
strategic 
impact 

CS

Principal risk 
and risk 
owner(s) 

3 Counterparty

(Risk owner: Chief 
Financial Officer)

Nature and 
potential 
impact  
of the risk 

Default by our 
banking 
counterparties 
could put our 
own or our 
client’s cash 
deposits or 
assets at risk 
of loss. 

Mitigating factors 

Examples of risk 
metrics monitored 

Movement  
in the year 

•  A Financial Risk Management Framework is in 
place which includes managing the Group’s 
exposure to counterparty credit risk; setting 
and monitoring counterparty limits.

•  Diversity across our banking counterparties.
•  Due diligence is undertaken for all banking 

counterparties. 

•  A Financial Risk Committee provides oversight 
of the Financial Risk Management Framework. 

•  Proportion of 
money held  
per banking 
counterparty. 

•  Banking 

counterparty 
ratings. 
•  Changes in  

the risk profile  
of banking 
counterparties. 

Financial risks 
remain at  
a similar level 
to last year. 

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

31

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationPrincipal Risks and Uncertainties continued

Operational risks 
This is the risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people and systems, or from external events. 

Primary 
strategic 
impact 

CS

Mitigating factors 

Examples of risk 
metrics monitored 

Movement  
in the year 

•  Compliance and Legal functions monitor  

and oversee fulfilment of our regulatory and 
legislative requirements and interactions with 
our key regulators. 

•  The Group has a Compliance Monitoring 

programme, approved by the Audit 
Committee and reviewed by the Risk 
Management Committee. Monitoring is carried 
out by a dedicated second line team. 

IE

•  Change management is centralised within 

a Change and Transformation team.

•  A Business Change Board with Executive 

Committee representatives oversee  
and challenge the change  
management programme. 

CS

CS

•  Tone from the top sets a culture which puts 

delivering fair outcomes for clients at the core 
of the Group’s activities/ethos.

•  A conduct risk framework sets our approach 
to conduct risk governance and the ongoing 
assessment, monitoring against key metrics 
and reporting of conduct risk.

•  A conduct risk dashboard is in place,  

enabling detailed monitoring and oversight  
of conduct risk at an individual employee level.
•  A risk based client on-boarding process which 
ensures that we understand our clients’ needs 
and attitudes to risk.

•  A quality assurance process to identify and 
address any instances where the best 
outcomes for clients are not achieved.

•  Robust investment governance supported by 
an Investment Governance Committee and  
a dedicated research department. 

•  A dedicated Information Security,  

Data Protection and Operational Resilience 
team report directly to the Chief Risk Officer.
•  Crisis management scenarios are undertaken 
with external providers to test the roles and 
responsibilities of the crisis management 
response teams. We engage independent 
parties to act undercover and  
simulate attacks. 

•  We have a third party security specialist in 
place to ensure the resilience capabilities  
of our third parties.

•  Business recovery plans are a core part  

of business change projects. 

•  We have built 
dashboards  
to monitor each 
regulatory risk 
which includes 
assessment of the 
control 
environment, 
regulatory 
interaction, issues 
and breaches. 

•  Project status 
taking into 
account risks, 
issues, budget, 
resources, internal 
and vendor 
deliverables. 

•  Quality of Advice. 
•  Portfolio Turnover. 
•  Asset Allocation. 
•  Client Complaints. 

•  Technology 

resilience and 
potential 
vulnerabilities. 

•  Key Person 

Dependencies. 

•  Service 

Disruptions. 

The net risk 
has reduced 
as we 
continue  
to strengthen  
our control 
environment. 

We are 
undertaking 
technology 
infrastructure 
replacement 
projects to 
achieve our 
strategic 
objectives. 
Our 
governance 
and Board 
level oversight 
has increased 
in response. 

We continue 
to embed our 
monitoring 
dashboard  
of portfolio 
metrics,  
to address 
conduct risk. 

The external 
threat of 
operational 
disruption 
increases.  
We continue 
to enhance 
our approach 
to mitigating 
this risk. 

Nature and 
potential 
impact  
of the risk 

This is the risk 
that we are not 
compliant with  
all existing 
applicable 
regulation and 
legislation,  
which could  
lead to regulatory 
enforcement 
action. 

The risk that 
business and 
regulatory 
changes are not 
delivered. This 
could restrict the 
firm’s ability to 
achieve its 
strategic 
objectives of 
revenue growth 
and operational 
efficiency. Failure 
to deliver 
regulatory 
change could 
result in 
sanctions.

This is the risk of 
not delivering fair 
outcomes for 
clients. 

Principal risk 
and risk 
owner(s) 

4

Regulatory & 
Legal 
Compliance 

(Risk owner: Chief 
Risk Officer) 

5

Change 
Management 

(Risk owners: Chief 
Operating Officer 
and Chief Risk 
Officer) 

6 Conduct

(Risk owner: 
Investment 
Solutions and 
Distribution 
Managing Director) 

7 Operational 
Resilience

(Risk owners: Chief 
Operating Officer 
and Chief Risk 
Officer)

This is the risk 
that the Group 
does not have 
the ability to 
prevent, detect, 
respond to, 
recover and learn 
from operational 
disruption to core 
business 
activities, 
including cyber 
attacks, failed 
business change 
or wider market 
disruption.

32

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Viability Statement
The Directors have assessed the outlook of the Group over  
a longer period than the 12 months required by the going 
concern statement in accordance with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code.

Going concern
The Group’s business activities, performance and position, 
together with the factors likely to affect its future development  
are set out in the Chairman’s Statement, the Strategic Report 
and the report of the Risk Committee.

The Group’s objectives, policies and processes for managing  
its capital; its financial risk management objectives; details of its 
financial instruments and its exposure to credit risk and liquidity 
risk are described in note 27 to the Financial Statements.

The Directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage  
its business risks successfully. The Group’s forecasts and 
projections, taking account of possible adverse changes  
in trading performance, show that the Group has adequate 
resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable 
future. Accordingly, the Directors continue to adopt the going 
concern basis for the preparation of the Financial Statements.  
In forming their view, the Directors have considered the Group’s 
prospects for a period exceeding 12 months from the date on 
which the Financial Statements are approved.

The assessment is based on the Group’s Medium Term Plan 
(‘MTP’), the Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process 
(‘ICAAP’) and the evaluation of the Group’s principal risks and 
uncertainties (see page 31), including those risks that could 
threaten its business model, future performance or solvency. 

The Group maintains a five-year MTP as part of its corporate 
planning process, which is a financial articulation of the Group’s 
strategy. The financial forecasting model is predicated on  
a detailed year-one budget and higher level forecasts for years  
two to five. 

As a matter of good practice and as part of the ICAAP required 
by the Financial Conduct Authority (‘FCA’), the Group performs  
a range of stress tests including reverse stress tests. These 
assess the Group’s ability to withstand a market-wide stress,  
a Group-specific (idiosyncratic) stress and a combined stress 
taking into account both market-wide and Group-specific events. 
The stress tests are derived through discussions with senior 
management, are deemed to be severe but plausible, after 
considering the principal risks and uncertainties faced by the 
Group. The scenarios involved are refreshed on an at least  
annual basis or sooner if a trigger event occurs to ensure they 
remain current. 

The stress tests enable the Group to model the impact of  
a variety of external and internal events on the MTP; to identify 
the potential impact of stress events on the Group’s income, 
costs, cash flow and capital; and the Board to assess the 
effectiveness of any management actions that may be taken  
to mitigate the impact of the stress events. 

The reverse stress tests allow the Board to assess scenarios and 
circumstances that would render its business model unviable. 
This enables the identification of potential business vulnerabilities 
and the development of potentially mitigating actions. 

Throughout the year the Group has continued to evaluate the 
potential risks and opportunities of the UK leaving the European 
Union. Although there still remains uncertainty on the final 
outcome of the negotiations, a range of potential scenarios  
have been considered and the potential impacts on our clients, 
the Group and the wider industry have been assessed. This 
analysis does not present any reason to believe the Group will 
not remain viable over the longer term. The Group will continue  
to engage with industry bodies, regulators and clients to further 
understand these impacts and manage the associated risks. 

Following the assessment of the above, the Board concluded 
that the Viability Statement should cover a period of five years. 
While the Directors have no reason to believe that the Group will 
not be viable over a longer period, this period has been chosen 
to be consistent with the MTP used as part of the Group’s 
corporate planning process. 

Taking account of the Group’s current position and principal risks 
and the Board’s assessment of the Group’s prospects, 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 a period of at least five years.

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

33

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationFinancial Review

Delivering a robust  
financial performance

Results for the year 
The Group’s financial performance for the year to  
30 September 2019 was robust against a backdrop of economic 
uncertainty, delivering organic growth across both our channels. 

Profit before tax and adjusted items (‘adjusted PBT’) was 
£75.0 million (2018: £77.5 million) reflecting the investment  
the Group continues to make in growth initiatives and its 
infrastructure in line with its strategic objectives. The adjusted 
PBT margin was 22.1% (2018: 23.6%) as the Group makes 
investments for future growth. 

Statutory profit before tax (‘statutory PBT’) was 8.6% lower than 
last year at £62.6 million (2018: £68.5 million). Statutory PBT 
margin for the period was 18.5% (2018: 20.8%).

Adjusted diluted earnings per share (‘EPS’) fell by 5.5% to 20.5p 
(2018: 21.7p), partly reflecting the increased number of shares 
following the equity share issue in May 2019, ahead of the 
completion of the acquisition of Investec Capital & Investments 
(Ireland) Limited (‘ICIIL’). Statutory diluted EPS was 16.6p  
(2018: 18.9p). 

2019 
£’m
339.1 
(126.7)
(58.2)

2018 
£’m
329.0 
(117.1)
(57.7)

 Change
3.1%
8.2%
0.9%

(80.8)

(77.5)

4.3%

73.4 

76.7 

(4.3)% 

1.6 

0.8 

100%

75.0 
(12.4)
62.6 
(14.5)
48.1 

77.5 
(9.0)
68.5 
(15.0)
53.5 

(3.2)% 
37.8%
(8.6)% 
(3.3)% 
(10.1)% 

Income
Fixed staff costs
Variable staff costs
Other operating costs excluding 
adjusted1 items
Operating profit before  
adjusted1 items
Net finance costs and other gains 
and losses
Profit before tax and  
adjusted1 items
Adjusted items
Profit before tax
Taxation
Profit after tax

Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
Adjusted2 earnings per share
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

21.2p 
20.5p 

22.5p 
21.7p 

(5.8)% 
(5.5)% 

1.  Adjusted items are amortisation of client relationships and brand, defined 

benefit pension scheme past service costs, acquisition costs, incentivisation 
awards, onerous contracts, FSCS levy refund and other gains and losses.

2.  See note 12 to the Financial Statements. 

34

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Explanation of profit before tax and adjusted items 
and reconciliation to Financial Statements 
Profit before tax and adjusted items (‘adjusted PBT’), adjusted 
diluted EPS and adjusted PBT margin (‘adjusted measures’)  
are used to measure and report on the underlying financial 
performance of the Group, aiding comparability between 
reporting periods. The Board and management use adjusted 
measures for planning and reporting. They are also useful 
measures for investors and analysts.

Additionally, some of the adjusted performance measures are 
used as Key Performance Indicators, as well as for performance 
measures for various incentive schemes, including the annual 
bonuses of Executive Directors and long-term incentive plans.

These adjusted profit measures are calculated based on statutory 
PBT adjusted to exclude various infrequent or unusual items  
of income or expense. The Directors consider such items to be 
outside the ordinary course of business. Income or expenditure 
adjusted for are shown in the reconciliation below and meet  
the criteria.

Some adjusted for items of income or expense may, like onerous 
contracts costs, recur from one period to the next. Although 
these may recur over one or more periods, they are the result  
of events or decisions which the Directors consider to be outside 
the ordinary course of business, such as material restructuring 
decisions to reduce the ongoing cost base of the Group that do 
not represent long-term expenses of the business. Likewise, 
costs related to acquisitions are also infrequent by their nature 
and therefore are excluded. Incentivisation awards costs in 
relation to acquisitions that are payable for a predetermined 
period of time, are adjusted for on this basis.

Additionally, the amortisation of acquired client relationships  
and brand is an expense which investors and analysts typically 
add back when considering profit before tax or earnings per 
share ratios.

Reconciliation of profit before tax and adjusted 
items to statutory profit before tax

Acquisition costs
Defined benefit pension scheme past 
service costs
Onerous contracts
Incentivisation awards
Impairment of available-for-sale assets
FSCS levy refund
Amortisation of intangible assets – client 
relationships and brand

Total adjusted items 
Statutory profit before tax 

2019 
£’m
75.0 

(2.3)

(1.9)
(1.0)
(0.3)
–
–

(6.9)
(12.4)
62.6 

2018 
£’m
77.5 

–

–
(0.2)
(1.3)
(0.2)
0.3 

(7.6)
(9.0)
68.5 

17.0p 
16.6p 

19.5p 
18.9p 

(12.8)% 
(12.2)% 

Profit before tax and adjusted items 
Adjusted items 

 
 
Funds

£’bn

Private clients
Charities & corporates
Direct discretionary
Intermediaries
MPS
Indirect discretionary
Total discretionary
Execution only
BPS 
Advisory
Total funds

30 September
 2018

Inflows

Outflows

Internal 
transfers

Net flows

Growth rate

Acquired 

Investment 
performance

30 September 
2019

20.4
4.7
25.1
9.5
3.0
12.5
37.6
3.9
0.1
1.2
42.8

1.0
0.2
1.2
0.9
0.7
1.6
2.8
0.2
0.1
–
3.1

(0.6)
(0.1)
(0.7)
(0.5)
–
(0.5)
(1.2)
(0.5)
–
(0.1)
(1.8)

(0.2)
–
(0.2)
–
–
–
(0.2)
0.5
–
(0.3)
–

0.2
0.1
0.3
0.4
0.7
1.1
1.4
0.2
0.1
(0.4)
1.3

1.0%
2.1%
1.2%
4.2%
23.3%
8.8%
3.7%
5.1%
100.0%
(33.3)%
3.0%

0.3
–
0.3
–
–
–
0.3
–
–
–
0.3

0.5
0.1
0.6
0.1
0.1
0.2
0.8
(0.2)
–
–
0.6

21.4
4.9
26.3
10.0
3.8
13.8
40.1
3.9
0.2
0.8
45.0

Change

4.9%
4.3%
4.8%
5.3%
26.7%
10.4%
6.6%
–%
100.0%
(33.3)%
5.1%

30 September  

2018
1,612

7,510

30 September 
2019
1,665

Change
3.3%

7,408

(1.4)%

Private client direct discretionary funds (excluding acquired) grew 
3.4% to £21.1 billion (2018: £20.4 billion). Inflows from integrated 
wealth management services accounted for over 50% of total 
private client inflows with 21% of private clients’ funds now in  
this service. Flows from 1762 from Brewin Dolphin are starting  
to gain momentum.

Growth in direct discretionary charities and corporates  
of 4.3% remains in line with previous years. 

Indirect funds grew 10.4% to £13.8 billion (2018: £12.5 billion). 
The intermediaries business saw lower gross inflows of  
£0.9 billion (2018: £1.5 billion) in line with subdued client activity 
seen across the industry. Outflows of £0.5 billion remain stable 
and in line with prior year. MPS had another outstanding year  
and grew by 26.7% to £3.8 billion and accounted for 63.6%  
of indirect net flows in the year. 

Indices
MSCI WMA Private Investor Balanced Index

FTSE 100

Total funds grew by 5.1% to £45.0 billion as at 30 September 
2019 (2018: £42.8 billion) driven by strong total net flows  
of £1.3 billion, investment performance of £0.6 billion and 
acquired funds of £0.3 billion as a result of the acquisition  
of the client relationships of Epoch in August 2019. 

Total discretionary funds grew by 6.6% to £40.1 billion including 
acquired funds of £0.3 billion. Gross inflows were £2.8 billion 
(2018: £3.2 billion) with 43% now coming from direct business 
(2018: 34%). Gross outflows reduced to £1.2 billion  
(2018: £1.3 billion) and internal transfers were £(0.2) billion,  
a reduction from last year which saw significant internal transfers 
from the advisory service into discretionary services. Net fund 
inflows of £1.4 billion (2018: £2.3 billion) represents a growth  
rate of 3.7% (2018: 6.8%), a resilient result considering  
market conditions. 

Total direct organic discretionary funds increased 3.6%  
to £26.0 billion, excluding acquired funds of £0.3 billion  
(2018: £25.1 billion). The growth in direct funds was driven  
by another year of strong organic gross inflows of £1.2 billion  
(2018: £1.1 billion). Gross outflows were lower at £0.7 billion  
(2018: £0.9 billion) reflecting strong client retention. Net new 
funds into this service (excluding transfers) of £0.5 billion  
(2018: £0.2 billion) represent a significant increase in the growth 
of the direct discretionary business. Acquired funds of £0.3 billion 
brings total direct discretionary funds to £26.3 billion in total,  
a growth of 4.8%. 

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

35

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationFinancial Review continued

Income
Total income increased by 3.1% to £339.1 million (2018: £329.0 million) and is analysed as follows:

£m
Private clients
Charities & corporates
Direct discretionary
Intermediaries
MPS
Indirect discretionary
Total discretionary
Financial planning
Execution only
BPS
Advisory
Other Income
Income

Fees
136.6
19.4
156.0
66.6
9.1
75.7
231.7
n/a
4.1
1.2
2.1
n/a
239.1

2019

Commission
58.6
2.9
61.5
1.1
n/a
1.1
62.6
n/a
6.2
n/a
0.4
n/a
69.2

Total
195.2
22.3
217.5
67.7
9.1
76.8
294.3
27.5
10.3
1.2
2.5
3.3
339.1

Fees
133.5
19.5
153.0
63.1
7.6
70.7
223.7
n/a
4.4
1.1
4.7
n/a
233.9

2018

Commission
55.6
3.0
58.6
1.1
n/a
1.1
59.7
n/a
6.3
n/a
1.8
n/a
67.8

Total
189.1
22.5
211.6
64.2
7.6
71.8
283.4
24.5
10.7
1.1
6.5
2.8
329.0

Fees
2.3%
(0.5)%
2.0%
5.5%
19.7%
7.1%
3.6%
n/a
(6.8)%
9.1%
(55.3)%
n/a
2.2%

Change

Commission
5.4%
(3.3)%
4.9%
–%
n/a
–%
4.9%
n/a
(1.6)%
n/a

Total
3.2%
(0.9)%
2.8%
5.5%
19.7%
7.0%
3.8%
12.2%
(3.7)%
9.1%
(77.8)% (61.5)%
17.9%
3.1%

n/a
2.1%

Direct discretionary income grew by 2.8% to £217.5 million 
(2018: £211.6 million) driven by direct discretionary funds growth, 
excluding acquired funds, of 3.6% (2018: 7.3%) with much of the 
growth coming from direct private clients.

Income from our indirect discretionary business grew by 7.0%  
to £76.8 million (2018: £71.8 million) and remains resilient in light 
of the recognised industry slowdown in the intermediaries sector. 

MPS income grew strongly to £9.1 million (2018: £7.6 million) 
with the business continuing to attract new inflows from a range 
of platforms. This now represents 11.8% of indirect discretionary 
income (2018: 10.6%).

Financial planning income increased by 12.2% to £27.5 million 
(2018: £24.5 million) reflecting the continued growth of our 
advice-led wealth management service, a key element of the 
Group’s strategy for growth.

Advisory income fell, as expected, by £4.0 million to £2.5 million 
in line with the lower advisory funds.

Other income consists of interest income and fee income  
from Mathieson Consulting Limited, the newly acquired expert 
witness report writing business. The increase of £0.5 million  
to £3.3 million (2018: £2.8 million) is wholly attributable to this 
new business which is performing well with good demand  
for its service.

Total discretionary fee income grew by 3.6% to £231.7 million 
(2018: £223.7 million) driven by the growth in total organic 
discretionary funds of 5.9%. Total discretionary commission 
income increased by £2.9 million to £62.6 million  
(2018: £59.7 million) as a result of a small increase in activity.

Income margin1
Overall income margin at 71.8bps was slightly lower than 2018 (72.5bps).

(bps)
Private clients
Charities & corporates
Direct discretionary
Intermediaries
MPS
Total discretionary
BPS
Execution only
Advisory
Overall

Fees
67.0 
40.9 
62.1 
69.4 
27.0 
60.8 
68.6 
10.8 
23.8 
55.7 

2019

Commission
28.8 
6.1 
24.5 
1.1 
– 
16.4 
– 
16.2 
4.3 
16.1 

Total
95.8 
47.0 
86.6 
70.5 
27.0 
77.2 
68.6 
27.0 
28.1 
71.8 

Fees
67.8 
42.2 
62.9 
70.5 
27.9 
62.1 
70.3 
11.4 
29.2 
56.2 

2018

Commission
28.2 
6.5 
24.1 
1.3 
– 
16.6 
– 
16.5 
10.9 
16.3 

Total
96.0 
48.7 
87.0 
71.8 
27.9 
78.7 
70.3 
27.9 
40.1 
72.5 

1.  The 2019 income margins are calculated as total income over the average funds at the end of each fee billing quarter for the year and the 2018 income margins 

were calculated as total income over the average funds at the end of each calendar quarter for the year.

The overall blended margin across all our discretionary services 
declined to 77.2bps (2018: 78.7bps), largely attributable to the 
changing mix of our business, our strategy of focusing on 
financial planning advice and tiering across our pricing bands  
as our business and client funds grow. 

The margin for direct discretionary business reflects the changing 
business mix as the proportion of integrated service increases. 
This revenue mix is expected to continue to change over time 

as financial planning income together with 1762 from Brewin 
Dolphin becomes a larger part of our business. 

The blended margin for MPS has decreased to 27.0bps  
(2018: 27.9bps) due to the impact of tiering as the MPS  
funds grow. 

36

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

 
Costs (excluding adjusted1 items)

Staff costs
Non-staff costs
Fixed costs
Variable staff costs
Total costs

2019 
£’m
(126.7)
(80.8)
(207.5)
(58.2)
(265.7)

2018 
£’m
(117.1)
(77.5)
(194.6)
(57.7)
(252.3)

Acquisitions
During the year to 30 September 2019 we completed three 
acquisitions that further broaden and enhance our financial 
planning capabilities, diversify our routes to market and  
broaden our footprint in strategically attractive parts of the UK. 
These resulted in a total financial commitment of £24.6 million  
of which £12.7 million has been settled in the year and the 
balance is deferred and contingent on performance conditions.

Capital expenditure

16.7 

8.3 

1.  Adjusted items are amortisation of client relationships and brand, defined 

benefit pension scheme past service costs, acquisition costs, incentivisation 
awards, onerous contracts, FSCS levy refund and other gains/losses.

Total operating costs before adjusted items were 5.3% higher at 
£265.7 million (2018: £252.3 million) driven by investment spend 
into key growth and infrastructure initiatives. 

These comprised £126.7 million of fixed staff costs  
(2018: £117.1 million) and £80.8 million of other operating costs 
(2018: £77.5 million). The increase in staff costs of £9.6 million 
reflects increased headcount in 1762 from Brewin Dolphin, 
financial planning, the impact of acquisitions in the year and 
salary inflation. In addition, we have increased headcount to 
manage the delivery of our infrastructure projects; our new client 
management system and the replacement of our custody and 
settlement system.

The increase in non-staff costs reflects a full year of 8 Waterloo 
Place property costs, a higher FSCS levy of £3.1 million 
consistent with the increase experienced across the industry  
and higher infrastructure project costs.

Variable staff costs are 0.9% higher year on year and include 
profit share, share based payments related costs for prior  
years deferred profit share awards and long-term incentive  
plan awards.

The Group has incurred £16.7 million of capital expenditure in 
2019, significantly higher than the £8.3 million in 2018. This is in 
line with the strategy to invest in growth initiatives, infrastructure 
and client facing systems. Included within capital expenditure are 
£4.0 million of costs for 8 Waterloo Place and the increased office 
network in the south of England. The replacement of our core 
custody and settlement system is on track and making good 
progress. We expect to invest a further £30.0 million in 2020 on 
this infrastructure upgrade. Two-thirds of this is expected be in 
the custody and settlement system, in addition to the £5.6 million 
in the current year, and is expected to be capitalised as a 
software intangible asset on the balance sheet. The remainder 
will be in both property and the client management system. 

Adjusted items 
Adjusted items for the year were higher at £12.4 million 
(2018: £9.0 million) and included one-off costs in relation  
to past service costs for the defined benefit pension scheme  
of £1.9 million and acquisition costs of £2.3 million for the 
acquisitions during the year. 

Other adjusted items were in relation to incentivisation awards  
of £0.3 million and onerous contracts of £1.0 million following  
a reassessment of the likelihood of subletting the onerous space 
in Newcastle and the recognition of a new onerous lease.

Amortisation of client relationships reduced to £6.8 million 
(2018: £7.6 million) as previously acquired client relationships 
reached the end of their amortisation periods. With the new 
acquisitions in 2019 the amortisation charge will increase  
next year.

Both the acquisition of Epoch and Aylwin are financial planning 
businesses and deepen our capabilities. The acquisition of 
Mathieson Consulting, an expert witness report writing business, 
broadens our professional services offering. Further details of the 
acquisitions are provided in note 26 to the Financial Statements. 

On 31 October 2019, the Group completed the acquisition  
of Investec Capital & Investments (Ireland) Limited (‘ICIIL’); the 
wealth management business of Investec Group in the Republic 
of Ireland. The net consideration after adjustments for surplus 
capital was €44.1 million. Assets under management and  
advice were €3.1 billion as at 30 September 2019.

The impact of all these acquisitions is expected to contribute 
approximately £7.0 million in profit before adjusted items and tax 
for 2020.

Defined benefit pension scheme (the ‘Scheme’) 
The final salary pension scheme surplus has increased to  
£17.4 million (2018: £11.4 million). The actuarial gain for the year 
was £5.6 million (2018: £3.8 million). A past service cost of  
£1.9 million in relation to the equalisation of Guaranteed Minimum 
Pensions (‘GMP’) across males and females has been recognised 
in the Income Statement and excluded from adjusted measures, 
as it is a one-off item.

Under International Accounting Standard 19 (‘IAS 19’), large 
annual fluctuations can occur. The increase in the surplus has 
been driven by contributions to the Scheme updated post-
retirement mortality assumptions that incorporate the latest 
mortality projection models, and asset returns have been higher 
than expected over the year mainly as a result of hedging assets 
matching the Scheme’s funding liabilities. These increases were 
partially offset by a significant increase in the value of liabilities 
reflecting the application of a lower discount rate as a result of 
the fall in corporate bond yields. The increases were also offset 
by the impact of the equalisation of GMP.

The Group has agreed to pay additional contributions of 
£1.25 million per annum until December 2020 into the Scheme 
(see note 17 to the Financial Statements for further detail).

IFRS 16 Leases
A new accounting standard for leases will be applicable to the 
Group next year. The standard relates to operating leases; all  
of the properties used by the Group are on operating leases.  
The standard will result in the recognition of a right of use asset 
and corresponding lease liability on the Group’s balance sheet. 
Additionally, the standard changes the pattern of recognition of 
costs in relation to these assets; instead of expensing the rental 
cost on a straight line basis within operating expenses, there will 
be both depreciation and finance costs. The operating leases 
being more expensive in their earlier years reflecting the finance 
costs. See note 2c to the Financial Statements for the expected 
impact to the Balance Sheet. The impact of this change in 
accounting is expected to decrease profit before tax by 
approximately £1.0 million in 2020 based on the lease portfolio  
of the Group.

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

37

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationFinancial Review continued

Dividend 
The Group’s dividend policy is set out in the Chairman’s 
Statement, on page 4.

In determining the level of dividend in any year, the Board 
considers a number of factors such as: the level of distributable 
reserves; the future cash commitments and investments needed 
to sustain the long-term growth of the Group; the level of 
dividend cover; and anticipated regulatory capital requirements.

The Company is the parent company of the Group and is  
a non-trading investment holding company. It derives its 
distributable reserves from dividends received from its 
subsidiaries, of which Brewin Dolphin Limited is the principal 
operating subsidiary.

Before the Board proposes any interim or final dividend it satisfies 
itself that there will be sufficient distributable reserves in the 
Company at the respective payment dates.

The distributable reserves of the Company comprise £38.4 million 
of the merger reserve (see note 25 to the Financial Statements) 
and the majority of the balance of the profit and loss reserve.

The Group is well positioned to continue funding dividend 
payments in accordance with the Dividend policy. The ability  
to maintain future dividends will be influenced by a number of the 
principal risks identified on pages 31 to 32 that could adversely 
impact the performance of the Group. 

The majority of the cash resources are held by the principal 
operating subsidiary Brewin Dolphin Limited. Further details of 
the Group’s cash flow can be found below. Details of the Group’s 
continuing viability and going concern are both on page 33.

Capital resources and regulatory capital
The Group’s financial position remains very strong with  
net assets increasing to £337.7 million at 30 September 2019 
(2018: £273.7 million). The increase in net assets is in part 
attributable to the cash raised in May 2019 following the share 
placing ahead of the acquisition of ICIIL which completed post  
30 September 2019; the total cash raised was £58.4 million  
after costs. 

At 30 September 2019, the Group had regulatory capital 
resources of £215.9 million (2018: £180.8 million), see note 27  
to the Financial Statements. The Group’s primary regulator is the 
Financial Conduct Authority (‘FCA’). The FCA’s rules determine 
the calculation of the Group’s regulatory capital resources and 
regulatory capital requirements. As required under FCA rules,  
we perform an Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process 
(‘ICAAP’) which includes performing a range of stress tests to 
determine the appropriate level of regulatory capital that the 
Group needs to hold.

Following the completion of the acquisition of ICIIL, the  
regulatory capital resources of the Group on a proforma basis  
are £183.1 million. 

The Group’s Pillar III disclosures are published annually on our 
website and provide further details about regulatory capital 
resources and requirements.

Cash flow 
The Group had a cash inflow for the period of £43.0 million 
(2018: £16.2 million) and total net cash balances of £229.2 
million as at 30 September 2019 (2018: £186.2 million).

The Group raised capital of £58.4 million in the year through  
an equity placing of Brewin Dolphin Holdings PLC shares in  
May 2019. 

Adjusted EBITDA (see table below) was £85.1 million  
(2018: £92.0 million). Capital expenditure of £15.3 million was 
significantly higher than last year (2018: £8.2 million), as a result 
of the infrastructure spend. The purchase of client relationships  
of £10.0 million (2018: £0.1 million) resulted from the acquisition  
of Epoch. The contribution to the defined benefit pension scheme 
of £2.0 million was £1.0 million lower year on year.

Cash outflow for own share ‘matching’ purchases in the year  
of £8.9 million to match the awards made in 2018 for the 
Deferred Profit Share Plan (DPSP) awards was lower than  
2018 (£13.5 million) which included the purchase of shares  
to cover the Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) awards granted  
in December 2014, 2015 and 2016 as well as the matching 
shares for the DPSP awards for 2017. All past awards are  
largely matched except for the December 2017 and 2018 LTIP 
awards. Shares were also purchased (£0.2 million) for the Share 
Incentive Plan. 

Dividends paid in the period increased by 10.6% to £46.0 million 
(2018: £41.6 million). 

Profit before tax and adjusted items 
Finance income and costs 
Operating profit before adjusted 
items (EBIT) 
Share-based payments 
Depreciation and amortisation 
Adjusted EBITDA 
Capital expenditure 
Purchase of client relationships 
Acquisition of subsidiary 
Acquisition costs 
Proceeds from disposal / purchase 
of investments 
Pension funding 
Working capital 
Interest and taxation 
Adjusted items 
Shares purchased and disposed of 
Placing of shares
Shares issued for cash
Cash flow pre-dividends 
Dividends paid 
Cash flow 
Opening firm’s cash 
Closing firm’s cash 

2019 
£’m
75.0 
(1.6)

73.4 
7.8 
3.9 
85.1 
(15.3)
(10.0)
(2.7)
(2.3)

0.8 
(2.0)
(2.4)
(10.9)
(0.9)
(8.9)
58.4 
0.1 
89.0 
(46.0)
43.0 
186.2 
229.2 

2018 
£’m
77.5 
(0.8)

76.7 
8.9 
6.4 
92.0 
(8.2)
(0.1)
–
–

(0.3)
(3.0)
5.0 
(11.6)
(2.7)
(13.5)
– 
0.2
57.8 
(41.6)
16.2 
170.0 
186.2 

38

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Our People

From engagement  
to growth

It is a key part of our long-term strategy for growth that we have 
an inclusive culture in which our employees are highly valued and 
engaged. This provides us with the foundations to meet individual 
client needs, which is a key motivator, clear differentiator and 
important source of advantage for us in the financial services 
market place.

It is important that we are recognised internally and externally  
for respecting our people, listening to them and enabling them  
to meet their personal and collective goals. Having such  
a reputation is a key aspect in attracting and retaining the  
best talent.

We pay attention to doing business in a way that is both ethically 
sound and reflects our corporate values: Genuine, Expert and 
Ambitious. We believe that achieving this makes ‘doing the right 
thing’ an automatic element of how we treat all our stakeholders 
and the communities in which we operate.

The continued authenticity of our culture and our ability to deliver 
against these values clearly depend on identifying and attracting 
the right people at every level of the organisation, and helping 
them develop their talents and enjoy a satisfying career over the 
long term. This is of significant benefit to us, not just financially 
and commercially, but also in terms of our reputation.

There are many facets to our employee retention strategies, 
starting with selection and induction processes in which our 
culture and values play a prominent role. We also take great care 
when making acquisitions, of which there were several during 
2019, to ensure that our culture and values are aligned, both at  
a corporate level and throughout the organisation. 

We are committed to giving our people opportunities to learn 
continuously throughout their careers with us, providing a wide 
range of development initiatives. These include a particular focus 
on leadership, to give us strength at all management levels and 
feed into our succession planning processes. We believe this 
approach is increasingly giving us a quality of leadership that 
further differentiates us from our competitors.

Our approach to Corporate Responsibility (CR) provides another 
key means of engaging our people, enabling them to contribute 
effectively to the communities where they live and work. Our 
community activities also provide an important opportunity for 
people outside the organisation to see our values in action –  
see page 41 for a full report on CR. 

Initiatives like these have the added benefit of encouraging 
diverse and creative thinking, which in turn enables our people  
to combine innovation and doing the right thing. We believe that 
this will help drive Brewin Dolphin’s growth in the years ahead. 
We continue to see engagement as a key objective for 
management at all levels.

Genuine
Heartfelt advice 
delivered by 
people 
who care

Expert
Skilfully facilitating 
important 
decisions

Our core 
values

Ambitious
Making more of life’s 
opportunities

Culture and values
Our values of Genuine, Expert and Ambitious mean  
in practice that:

•  the way we act reflects the authenticity of our belief in  
always working in the best interests of our clients and  
other stakeholders;

•  all our people are experts in their roles, from the financial 

planners and advisers who work directly with our clients to our 
support staff and leaders at every level of the organisation; and

•  we push ourselves to develop and deliver effective and 
innovative ways of helping our clients gain the best  
possible outcomes.

We ran the second iteration of the Brewin Dolphin People Awards 
this year, in which our people nominate individual colleagues 
whose work best demonstrates our values in action or who  
have made particularly strong contributions to their communities.  
This was even more successful than the previous year,  
with significantly more nominations and a slight rise in the  
number of awards made.

For several years, our annual Employee Engagement survey  
has shown steady improvement in a number of key metrics as 
well as being ahead of the financial services industry benchmark. 
This year’s score rose by a significant four percentage points (pp) 
from 83 to 87,10pp ahead of the industry benchmark. 

This improvement was driven by a particularly strong 
performance in several areas, including pride and purpose, career 
opportunities and alignment with client interests. There was also 
a strongly positive response to the opportunity to do good at 
Brewin Dolphin and the ability for team members to be involved 
in community activities.

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

39

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Informationworkshops in addition to our established Women at Brewin 
events. These have now become part of our annual calendar  
as a means of enabling employees to discuss what matters to 
them as they progress in their careers.

This year we became members of ‘myGwork’, a network for 
LGBT+ professionals and allies. All our job vacancies are 
advertised through this network. This is one way we have refined 
our recruitment processes to ensure that we attract people from 
all backgrounds. Other examples include our apprenticeship 
programmes which enable us to reach out to new employees 
from a range of social backgrounds and the work our Diversity 
and Inclusion Committee has been doing to ensure we are a 
welcoming employer to people of all ethnicities. For example,  
our East Midlands team have partnered with De Montfort 
University on a 3-year programme to increase BAME  
recruitment and leadership.

We joined the Government’s Disability Confident scheme in 2019, 
which helps companies draw from the widest possible pool of 
talent and makes it easy for employees, clients and other 
stakeholders to identify employers who are truly committed  
to equality in the workplace.

We have introduced new employee benefits to our more  
junior employees, with the aim of harmonising reward packages. 
This has aligned private health insurance and death in service 
benefits. We very much see this as a case of ‘doing the right 
thing’ for our people at every level of the organisation. Female 
and male employees are now entitled to the same pay when they 
take time off to care for their child in the first 12 months.

Employee wellbeing
We embedded a nationwide network of Wellbeing Champions 
who are professionally trained mental health first-aiders. They 
provide a first port of call for employees who are feeling stressed 
or anxious. They also deliver a variety of wellbeing activities 
across our offices.

Recognising that the majority of our employees are not specialist 
wealth advisers, we have also put in place a range of financial 
wellbeing advice and learning resources to help our people make 
the most of their money and avoid any financial distress.

These moves have helped contribute to an employee wellbeing 
score of 76% in our engagement survey, 7pp ahead of the 
benchmark for the financial services industry.

Succession planning
We continue to plan proactively for succession at Board and 
senior levels. This ensures we continually have in place the talent 
pipeline of tomorrow, made up of individuals who have been 
identified and developed to take on the most senior roles in the 
organisation.

This year, in addition, we have involved managers at more  
junior levels taking succession planning further down into  
the organisation, which is creating a deeper bench of talent  
and enables us to put in place development for our high  
potential employees. 

Our People 

Learning and development
Recognising that the quality of our people is a powerful 
competitive advantage, we again made significant investments 
during 2019 in developing our people. In doing so, we aim  
to ensure we remain best in class.

The year’s most important initiatives, designed to help us achieve 
our long-term growth ambitions, include:

•  launch of the ‘Grow’ digital learning platform, aimed at 
developing management skills and supporting personal 
growth. Grow is designed to complement face-to-face 
learning, and in its first three months it provided access  
to some 15,000 resources;

•  the Cranfield executive MBA course, part-funded by the 

Apprenticeship Levy, as we fully support its purpose to upskill 
UK industry;

•  internal training course for middle management called Aspire 

Management;

•  an Executive Leadership Programme, part of our wider 

succession planning processes (see below);

•  delivery of the third iteration of our Financial Planning Academy 
during the year. In an important development, we shortened 
the time taken to graduate from 24 to 18 months. This enables 
us to ‘unleash’ successful talent more rapidly, benefiting the 
business, the candidates and our clients. This initiative is 
funded by the Apprenticeship Levy;

•  providing our Regional Directors with the Advanced 

Management Training programme at Saïd Business School, 
Oxford University;

•  continuing the ‘Science of Clients’ client skills training 

programme. Following the implementation of MiFID II, this 
focused on transparency around fees charged and value 
delivered, with the aim of enhancing trust and driving improved 
retention of clients; and

•  members of our Brewin Portfolio Service team gaining 
qualifications from the Institute of Customer Service. 

Diversity and inclusion
In the 2018 report, we said: “We believe that an inclusive culture 
in which employees are highly engaged enables everybody to 
thrive.” Inclusivity starts at the very top of the organisation.  
We are members of the 30% Club, with its goal of achieving  
a minimum of 30% women on FTSE boards and senior teams. 
We committed to achieving 33% under the Women in Finance 
Charter and have already achieved this target for our Board and 
senior management team. 

In 2019, Hampton Alexander, the independent review body that 
aims to increase the number of women on FTSE boards, ranked 
Brewin Dolphin 6th out of the companies in the FTSE 250 for the 
proportion of women on its Board, up from 27th in 2018.

We are proud members of the 30% Club Cross Company 
Mentoring Scheme, with a second year of mentors and mentees. 
This year, we also became a founder member of the WealthiHer 
Network, alongside companies like Credit Suisse, Barclays and  
J.P.Morgan, established to champion the diversity of women’s 
wealth with the goal of providing female investors with an 
improved service.

With a view to enabling everybody in the Group to ensure  
their careers with us are always on the right track, we launched 
an online ‘Careers Hub’ in 2019 giving everyone access to 
high-quality careers resources. We also ran 15 inclusion 

40

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Corporate Responsibility

Enabling responsible behaviour

Newcastle 
team
Painting and 
decorating for 
MS Research & 
Relief Fund

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We have had another strong year in our corporate responsibility 
programme, with record levels of giving and involvement by staff 
right across the business.

One of the principles of our programme is to create close 
relationships between our people and the communities where 
we live and work, above and beyond the simple giving of money. 
Our business understands the value of people interacting with 
others, and that is a principle we have applied to the communities 
and charities we support. This means sharing our time and
our expertise. 

We do support fundraising as well, but it is a principle of our 
programme that we want Brewin Dolphin and its employees to 
be at the heart of our communities. We are an active contributor 
to society – helping to inspire futures and positively impact those 
around us. 

Highlights of the year – individuals 

Volunteering 
Brewin Dolphin employees volunteered for a total of 6,105 hours 
during 2019, up by 925 from the previous year, with 841 people 
supporting 91 charities and causes. That is almost half of our 
employees, well ahead of our 2020 target. Some of the year’s 
highlights included over 50 volunteers from our Newcastle office 
working with eight local charities throughout the complete 
‘12 Days of Christmas’ period, and our legal team in London 
visiting Bromley-by-Bow Centre where they reviewed CVs and 
provided interview advice. 

Charitable giving 
We divide our approach to charitable giving in three ways. 
The first is to encourage our people to give through the 
convenience of payroll giving; the second to support their own 
fundraising activities through fundraising matching; and the third 
to increase their engagement with local charities that matter 
to them personally through the gifting of small grants. 

Payroll giving 
This scheme gives all our employees the opportunity to 
contribute directly to charities from their pre-tax salaries. 
During 2019, we had an average of c.400 donors each month, 
up from c.300 in 2018. The total raised by employees during the 
year increased to £163,600. Brewin Dolphin raised its matching 
donations from £20 to £30 each month, increasing the total 
to £85,500. Having won Gold awards for three years in a row 
at the National Payroll Giving Excellence Awards, this time we 
won Platinum. 

Fundraising matching 
We recognise the great endeavours that our employees make 
to their charitable fundraising efforts, by adding to what they have 
raised. This year, employees raised £110,000 and the Group 
donated £39,700 in support of 75 charities, all of which reflected 
what people have chosen to do in their own time. Much of this 
is done individually; sometimes this is done by colleagues coming 
together in teams. One example was in Manchester where 
a team undertook a series of cycling challenges, raising £10,000 
for The Mayor of Greater Manchester’s Charity. 

Small grants 
We continued to donate to local charities that are important 
to our employees, with good causes receiving a collective total 
of £25,500 during 2019. Notable examples include Edinburgh’s 
Tiphereth autism charity and Birmingham’s Martineau Gardens, 
which provide a therapeutic environment for people with mental 
health or addiction issues.

Highlights of the year – local partnerships 
In 2019 we gave our offices increased levels of autonomy and 
responsibility for local decision-making on CR matters,
and this has led to significant improvements in all areas of our
CR performance. 

Offices are also encouraged to support and undertake local 
initiatives, helped by our national branch-based network of CR 

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

41

 
 
 
Corporate Responsibility continued 

‘ambassadors’ to build longer-term partnerships with local 
charities and to work towards fundraising goals. For example, 
our Cardiff office has been supporting the Dreams & Wishes 
charity, which helps seriously ill children, since 2011.

Highlights of the year – national partnerships
Alongside our local engagement, we continue to operate  
a number of national partnerships in England, Scotland and 
Ireland. These are focused on improving opportunities for young 
people, through education and skills development. 

In England we continue to work closely with Skills Builder 
(formerly Enabling Enterprise), which equips students with the 
essential skills they need to succeed. Working with Career Ready 
we also provided mentors from our Cardiff and Ipswich offices  
to support local young people. In Scotland we work with the 
Winning Scotland Foundation, and in Ireland our partnership 
continues with An Cosán. 

We also work closely with the Charities Aid Foundation and 
Business in the Community to help ensure we are supporting  
the right charities in the best and most effective ways.

Our evolving strategy next year will see us focus nationally on the 
School for Social Entrepreneurs. We will be working with 
individual social entrepreneurs in or close to the towns in which 
we operate, in order to further our local connection with those 
areas. We are helping people to help the community, further 
tightening the engagement of our staff. Where this is successful, 
we will want to continue working with these individuals in 
the future.

Understanding vulnerable clients
Towards the end of 2018, we established a Vulnerable Clients 
Committee to challenge ourselves to ensure that we consider the 
needs of vulnerable stakeholders on a consistent basis across 
the business. This aligns with this summer’s FCA consultation  
on the fair treatment of vulnerable clients. We recognise that 
vulnerabilities can be broader and more transient than the 
definitions some firms have traditionally used; and that we should 
be aware of potential vulnerability as well as actual instances. The 
Committee is drawn from across the business and focuses our 
thinking in terms of how we recognise and identify vulnerability, 
the ongoing education and development of our people’s 
understanding of vulnerability, and the creation of policies in 
response. In addition, we have established a Vulnerable Clients 
Forum, which provides advice to client relationship managers on 
how to manage specific cases of client vulnerability.

42

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

East Midlands 
team
Litter picking as 
part of the office’s 
‘Go Green for 
Halloween’ 
initiative

Our approach to stewardship
Our approach to stewardship is well established and aims to 
promote the long-term success of companies in such a way that 
the ultimate providers of capital (i.e. the shareholders, our clients) 
prosper. We engage with our investee companies through 
purposeful dialogue on these matters as well as on issues that 
are the immediate subject of the vote at general meetings.

Since 2014, we have had a Stewardship Committee which has 
the broader aim of ensuring that our clients’ interests as holders 
of securities are protected and, where appropriate, ensuring 
proactive shareholder action is taken in the best interest  
of those clients. Our Stewardship Policy can be found on  
our website.

Tax strategy 
Our tax strategy, as published on our website, outlines our 
governance arrangements, our approach to tax risk and tax 
planning, and how we interact with tax authorities. We manage 
tax risk within our Group-wide risk management and governance 
framework. Our appetite for tax risk is low and we do not 
participate in aggressive tax planning or condone abusive tax 
practices which would contravene our ethics and culture.  
We always aim to pay the right amount of tax in all the  
territories in which we operate and we believe in maintaining  
a transparent and professional working relationship with  
HM Revenue & Customs (‘HMRC’) and other tax authorities.

Ipswich team
Sorting foodbank donations for Fareshare

Ethical investments
We play a role in enabling clients to invest responsibly,  
by providing portfolios that take their investment preferences  
into account. During the year, we enhanced our technology  
so that clients can now deselect certain stocks in their portfolios 
and build personalised ethical investment portfolios.

Environmental, social and governance (ESG)
We have initiated a Group-wide review, sponsored by our  
Board and managed by our Executive Committee, of how the 
Group addresses and responds to ESG issues; both how we 
behave as a Group and what we do for our clients.

We actively engage with a number of third party agencies who 
produce independent ESG ratings. These agencies cover topics 
from responsible investment for our clients to providing a 
rewarding and supportive environment for our staff, protecting all 
our data to giving back to the community and our environmental 
impact. We are pleased to note that on 4 November 2019 the 
Group received an MSCI ESG Rating of AA.

Our ESG Reference Guide can be found on our Investor 
Relations website. 

The environment 
At Brewin Dolphin, our main environmental impacts are largely 
through UK-based travel and the consumption of resources  
and emissions at the buildings in our branch network. We do  
all we can to reduce any such impacts through sensible policies 
and initiatives including Green IT and recycling programmes.  
See page 85 for details of Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

In 2019, we recycled over 2,000 items of technology equipment, 
including desktop computers, monitors and items of network 
infrastructure. We also significantly reduced the amount of 
printing in our offices, by 44%.

Supplier initiatives 
We are a largely UK-based provider of financial services,  
meaning we do not produce, manufacture or sell any physical 
goods. We also do not have a long or complex supply chain.  
Our main suppliers provide support services like information 
technology, market data and property services.

We consider our suppliers to be at a relatively low risk of 
engaging in practices of modern slavery or human trafficking.  
We nonetheless remain committed to preventing any such 
practices from occurring in our business or supply chain.  
You can find our Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking 
Statement on our website.

Non-Financial Information Statement
The following section summarises the key areas of disclosure 
in this Annual Report required by the Non-Financial Reporting 
Directive. All policies are reviewed periodically by the 
appropriate committee and updated where necessary  
to ensure they remain fit for purpose.

Business model, policies, principal risks and non-
financial KPIs
The Group uses non-financial information in all aspects of its 
business, from development of its business model and strategy 
to reviewing and measuring the principal risks and the 
performance of the business.

Further detail in relation to the business model and details 
of principal risks start on pages 10 and 28, respectively.  
Key non-financial KPIs relate to client satisfaction and 
employee engagement; more information can be found on 
pages 20 and 21.

The Risk Committee and Audit Committee consider non-
financial matters as a matter of routine; their reports can be 
found on pages 58 and 60 respectively. 

Human rights, anti-corruption and anti-bribery related 
matters
Our exposure to human rights issues is limited, so we do not 
have specific policies for this. We take a zero tolerance stance 
on slavery and human trafficking within our workforce and 
supply chain and a rigorous vendor due diligence is completed 
on all suppliers. The Group’s Modern Slavery and Human 
Trafficking Statement can be found on our website.

The Group operates anti-bribery policies and training 
programmes which are in full compliance with the UK Bribery 
Act and extend to all of our business operations. We are 

committed to conducting our operations free from anti-bribery 
and corruption. The Group has a Gifts and Hospitality Policy 
and associated processes to raise awareness of corruption. 
We have a Whistleblowing Policy which encourages employees 
to report matters of significant concern to the Chair of the  
Audit Committee.

Environmental, social and employee related matters
As set out in the Corporate Responsibility section, our impact 
on the environment is largely through UK-based travel and the 
consumption of resources and emissions at the buildings in our 
branch network. Further details of our policies and initiatives 
are set out above. The Group’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions 
report can be found on page 85. 

The Group does not have specific policies in relation to social 
matters. However, as detailed in this section, we strive to make 
meaningful contributions to the local communities in which  
we operate.

The Group values its people and their wellbeing. It is strongly 
committed to the engagement, development and recognition 
of its employees and is mindful of the impact of culture. 
Further details on HR policies and employee related outcomes 
can be found on pages 40 and 41. 

Diversity policy and approach
The Board believes providing an inclusive and supportive 
environment allows the Group to benefit from the variety 
of experience, backgrounds and viewpoints that a diverse 
workforce can bring. For more detail of the Group’s initiatives 
in relation to diversity, see page 40. The Group has a Diversity 
Policy and a Diversity and Inclusion Committee with four 
distinct objectives, further details can be found on  
page 54. 

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

43

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Board of Directors

A leadership team creating 
sustainable shareholder value 

Simon Miller 
N

R

Chairman

Appointed: Chairman March 
2013, Chair of the Nomination 
Committee, Deputy Chairman 
and Senior Independent 
Director 2012. Joined the 
Board in 2005.

Key areas of experience:
An Independent 
Non-Executive Director with 
a wide range of experience in 
the financial services sector, 
including wealth management 
and investment management.

Current external 
appointments: Chairman 
of Blackrock North American 
Income Trust PLC and Senior 
Independent Director of STV 
Group PLC.

Previous experience: Called 
to the Bar and subsequently 
worked for Lazard Brothers 
and County NatWest. 
Chairman of Dunedin
Capital Partners. 

David Nicol 

Siobhan Boylan  

Executive Director

Executive Director 

Appointed: Chief Executive 
March 2013, Non-Executive 
Director March 2012.

Key areas of experience:
Finance, strategy, financial 
services, operations and 
investment management.

Current external 
appointments: Chairman 
of the appointment committee 
of the Hermes Property Unit 
Trust and Trustee of the 
Urology Foundation.

Previous experience: Director 
and Chief Admin Officer of 
Morgan Stanley International 
PLC, Non-Executive Director 
of Euroclear plc, Board member 
of the Chartered Institute of 
Securities and Investments. 
Member of Council of ICAS. 
Qualified as a chartered 
accountant (ICAS) at EY. 

Length of tenure 

1

1

9 years+

6-9 years

3-6 years

0-3 years

4

3

Appointed: Chief Financial 
Officer March 2019.

Key areas of experience:
Finance, investment 
management and
financial services. 

Previous experience: CFO 
at Legal & General Investment 
Management, CFO of Aviva 
North America and Aviva 
Investors. Qualified as an 
accountant (ICAEW) at 
PricewaterhouseCoopers. 

Ian Dewar 
RK
A

N

R

Senior Independent 
Director
Appointed: November 2013, 
Chairman of Audit Committee 
March 2014. Appointed 
Senior Independent Director 
July 2019.

Key areas of experience:
Finance, financial services, 
audit, risk management 
and not-for-profit.

Current external 
appointments:
Non-Executive Director 
of Manchester Building 
Society and Non-Executive 
Director of Arbuthnot 
Banking Group PLC.

Previous experience:
Partner of KPMG and 
Non-Executive Trustee 
of a charity. Qualified as 
a chartered accountant 
(ICAEW) at KPMG.

Balance of Executive 
and Non-Executive 
Directors

Board diversity

Male

Female

56%

44%

1

2

6

Chairman  

Executive 

Independent Non-Executive 

As at 30 September 2019

46

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Committee 
membership 

A   Audit Committee 

N   Nomination Committee 

R   Remuneration Committee 

RK   Risk Committee 

   *Denotes Chairman 

of Committee 

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Michael Kellard
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Simonetta Rigo
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Caroline Taylor
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Non-Executive 
Director
Appointed: December 
2017.

Non-Executive 
Director
Appointed: June 
2018.

Key areas of 
experience: Financial 
services, wealth 
management, pensions 
and life sector, sales 
and digital financial 
service platforms.

Current external 
appointments:
Member of Scottish 
Future Growth Council. 
Director Brae Lea 
Financial Ltd.

Previous experience:
CEO of AXA Wealth 
Management, CEO 
of Winterthur Life and 
CEO and Sales 
Director and 
Distribution Director 
for the Life and 
Pensions division 
of Norwich Union. 

Key areas of 
experience: Financial 
services, marketing, 
product, digital 
branding, customer 
relationships
and strategy.

Current external 
appointments: Interim 
Chief Customer Officer 
at Tesco Bank and 
Advisory Board 
Membership at Surrey 
Business School.

Previous experience:
SVP Global Brand, 
Marketing and 
Customer Engagement 
at Western Union and 
board member at 
Western Union 
Foundation, senior 
positions at Bupa 
International, American 
Express and McKinsey 
and holds an MBA 
from INSEAD. 

Non-Executive 
Director
Appointed: May 2014, 
Chair of Remuneration 
Committee October 
2018.

Key areas of 
experience:
Remuneration, financial 
services, investment 
management, 
operations and 
compliance.

Current external 
appointments:
Non-Executive Director 
of Ecclesiastical 
Insurance Office PLC, 
Ecclesiastical 
Insurance Group PLC 
and Floors Castle 
Outdoor Events 
Limited.

Previous experience:
Director of Goldman 
Sachs Asset 
Management 
International and 
Director of GS 
Luxembourg and 
Dublin Mutual Funds. 

Non-Executive 
Director
Appointed: December 
2014, Chair of the 
Risk Committee 
September 2015. 
Senior Independent 
Director until 
July 2019. 

Key areas of 
experience: Risk, 
international financial 
services, operations, 
corporate governance, 
investment 
management
and insurance.

Current external 
appointments:
Non-Executive Director 
and Chair of the 
remuneration 
committee for RSA 
Insurance Group plc, 
Non-Executive Director 
of Threadneedle 
Investment Services 
Limited and 
Non-Executive Director 
of Threadneedle Asset 
Management Holdings 
S.A.R.L and 
Threadneedle Pensions 
Limited.

Previous experience:
COO in wholesale 
banking for Standard 
Chartered Bank and 
spent 22 years in 
various roles at UBS, 
including Global Head 
of Compliance. 

Paul Wilson 
RK

Non-Executive 
Director
Resigned: 9 October 
2019.

Appointed: December 
2013.

Key areas of 
experience: Financial 
services, insurance, 
and international 
development NGOs.

Current external 
appointments: CEO 
of the World Platinum 
Investment Council, 
Senior Independent 
Director of AXA XL UK 
Insurance Companies, 
Director of Unigestion 
Group (Geneva), Chair 
of Unigestion (UK) 
Limited and Chairman 
of Action Against 
Hunger (UK).

Previous experience:
Senior partner at Bain 
& Company and holds 
an MBA from Harvard 
Business School. 

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

47

 
 
 
 
Chairman’s Introduction to Corporate Governance

Corporate governance –
the foundations for
a sustainable business 

Q&A with our Chairman, Simon Miller 

Q

What value does the Board place on the Board 
Evaluation process?

A  The Board values the opportunity to reflect on its 

performance aided by an independent review which 
provides an objective input to Board discussion and 
enables clear action plans to be developed.

During the year, we ran a Board and committee effectiveness 
review with Lintstock in order to ensure that we are performing 
effectively and acting on the findings of previous reviews. 
The outcome of the review can be found on page 53.

We have continued our practice of holding Board meetings 
outside London at least twice a year. This year we met 
in Newcastle and Cardiff. Both visits gave the Board the 
opportunity to gain insight into the regions’ performance and 
challenges and at the same time gave employees at these 
offices the opportunity to meet members of the Board and 
provide feedback.

The Group is considering ESG from a business, employer and 
responsible investor perspective. Internal governance structures 
are being reviewed to take account of ESG. Please see pages 
41-43 on how we interact with our wider communities. 

I encourage shareholders to attend our AGM on 7 February 
2020. It provides an opportunity to discuss any issues they 
may wish to raise. 

As a Group we continue to look for opportunities to improve our 
governance structure and pay attention to the developing 
interests of our stakeholders and this will remain the focus for the 
year ahead. 

Simon Miller 
Chairman

26 November 2019 

Simon Miller 
Chairman

Chairman’s overview
The Board remains committed to ensuring that it provides 
effective leadership within the framework of our governance 
structure and core values. It understands that good governance 
underpins Brewin Dolphin’s ability to deliver sustainable future 
growth and therefore creates long-term value for our 
stakeholders. Further information on stakeholders can be found 
on pages 10 and 55.

We firmly believe that the culture and conduct of the Group and 
our employees is as important as the service that we provide to 
clients. The Board remains committed to the promotion of our 
core values of Genuine, Expert and Ambitious. These are 
continually reinforced through both leadership within the business 
and our communications. As part of the annual performance 
process, all employees are assessed using these values. 
Our culture guides the way we operate and ensures that we have 
a sustainable model for the future. During the year we ran the 
Brewin Dolphin People Awards which recognise employees who 
best represent our culture and values. For further information see 
‘Our People’ section on page 40. 

In 2019, we ran the fifth Employee Engagement Survey which 
helps us to understand the views of our employees as enhanced 
employee engagement leads to enhanced business performance. 
This year our score increased again. 

The Board has continued to benefit from the diverse wealth 
of experience brought by our Non-Executive Directors. 
New appointments enhance the debate around the Board table 
and we will continue to review the composition of the Board in 
the coming year. Paul Wilson left the Board in October 2019 and 
we are currently searching for a new Non-Executive Director 
as part of our broader succession planning. 

Our stakeholders are important to us and we remain committed 
to open dialogue and effective communication as it builds an 
understanding of views and opinions. We welcome the provision 
in the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code to ensure the Board 
effectively engages with the workforce. Caroline Taylor was 
appointed during the year as the Non-Executive Director 
responsible for employee engagement and she will report her 
findings to the Board. 

48

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

UK Corporate Governance Code Compliance statement 
We have complied with all principles and provisions of the 2016 UK Corporate Governance Code (‘the Code’) throughout the financial 
year ended 30 September 2019. The Corporate Governance Statement and the cross-referenced reports within it set out the Board’s 
approach to applying the Code. The 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code (‘the 2018 Code’) is first applicable for our financial year 
ending 30 September 2020. The Board has considered the principles and provisions of the new code, principally:

•  the consideration of the interests of all stakeholders in accordance with section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 including workforce 

engagement;

•  creating a culture which aligns company values with strategy;
•  the diversity of the Board and succession planning; and
•  executive remuneration.

We have evaluated current policies and procedures and will make changes where required in order to comply with the new principles 
and provisions and will provide an update in the next Annual Report and Accounts. Under the 2018 Code, which applies to Brewin 
Dolphin for the year ending 30 September 2020, there is a maximum tenure of nine years for chairmen from the date of joining the 
Board, although it allows for the period to be extended for a limited time. Our Chairman joined the Board in 2005 and became Chairman 
in 2013. As a result, this is a key consideration in the context of the Board’s overall succession planning.

Decision making process

Acquisition of Investec Capital & Investments Ireland 
Limited (‘ICIIL’) 

During the year, we announced the acquisition of ICIIL.  
In deciding to proceed with the acquisition, the Board 
considered the Group’s strategic aims and whether ICIIL  
would be a good strategic fit. The financial business case,  
the Group’s risk appetite and culture were among the most 
important factors in deciding whether to make the acquisition. 

The acquisition was conducted via a competitive tender 
process. There were distinct stages and clear progress points 
for the Board to be updated by the executive team. At these 
points, the Board reassessed and reconfirmed its appetite  
to continue with the acquisition. The executive team engaged 
advisers for tax, accounting, legal and corporate finance,  
all of whom provided input to the Board discussions.

After challenging and seeking assurance from the Executive 
Directors, the Board agreed to acquire ICIIL as it believed that 
it was in the best interests of the Group.

The time between announcement and completion was used  
to develop the integration plans and finalise how the newly 
acquired business would operate when integrated into the 
Group. This included updating procedures and processes.  
The Group, where appropriate, considers all acquisitions  
as an opportunity to learn more efficient ways to perform 
certain procedures. This allows our business model to adapt 
and support a sustainable as well as competitive business  
in an ever-changing market.

The acquisition completed on 31 October 2019. 

Presentation from broker to 
executives and the Board

Meeting between Group executives  
and senior management at ICIIL

Discussion at Disclosure Committee 
on MAR obligations

Board decision on whether to proceed

Due diligence of ICIIL starts

Board challenge and debate on strategic and  
cultural fit as well as financials of ICIIL

Board approval of the purchase of ICIIL

Announcement issued to market

Integration planning

Acquisition completion 31.10.19

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

49

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationCorporate Governance Report 

Governance framework –  
leading from the top 

Board 

The Board has principal responsibility for promoting the long-term strategy and success of the Group and provides strategic 
leadership. It sets the Group’s values and standards which underpins our culture. 

The Board delegates certain responsibilities to the formal Board Committees below, whilst maintaining an appropriate level  
of oversight through regular reports from Committee Chairs. 

The Matters Reserved for the Board and the Terms of Reference for the Board Committees can be found on the Investor Relations 
section of the website media.brewin.co.uk/investor-relations. 

Delegated Committees 

Audit Committee 
The Committee helps the 
Board meet its 
responsibilities for the 
integrity of the Group’s 
financial reporting, 
including the effectiveness 
of its internal financial 
control system, and for 
monitoring the 
effectiveness and 
objectivity of the internal 
and external auditors. 

Nomination 
Committee 
The Committee ensures 
that the Board retains an 
appropriate balance of skills 
to support the strategic 
objectives of the Group and 
that there are appropriate 
procedures in place for the 
nomination, selection, 
training and evaluation of 
Board members. It also 
ensures that there is an 
effective framework for 
succession planning. 

Risk Committee 
The Committee provides 
oversight of the Risk 
Management Framework  
of the Group and assists 
the Board with its 
responsibilities for ensuring 
the integrity of the Group’s 
internal control and risk 
management systems. 

Remuneration 
Committee 
The Committee exercises 
independent judgement on 
remuneration policies and 
practices, and the 
incentives created to 
manage risk, capital and 
liquidity. It also oversees 
personal objectives, 
performance appraisal and 
individual compensation 
packages for the Chairman 
and Executive Directors. 

Executive Committee 

The purpose of the Executive Committee is to support the Chief Executive in the implementation and formation of strategy, as well 
as overseeing the day-to-day running of the Group. It agrees operational decisions that are not otherwise reserved for the Board. 
The Committee consists of the Chief Executive, Chief Financial Officer and members of senior management from different areas  
of the business. The Committee meets monthly. 

Disclosure Committee 

The Disclosure Committee focuses on discharging the Company’s duties in accordance with the EU Market Abuse Regulation.  
It comprises the Chief Executive, Chief Financial Officer, either the Company Secretary or Head of Legal (as alternate), plus either 
the Chief Risk Officer or the Head of Compliance (as alternate). 

50

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

A clear division of responsibilities 
The Board has a majority of Independent Non-Executive Directors. Further information on the Directors’ range of skills and expertise 
can be found on pages 46 to 47. 

Chairman 
Provides leadership to the Board, promoting constructive debate 
and challenge between the Executive and Non-Executive 
Directors.

Ensures that there is a good information flow to the Board,  
and from the Board to its key stakeholders.

Supports and advises the Chief Executive, particularly on the 
development of strategy.

Builds an effective and complementary Board, regularly 
considering its composition and balance, diversity and 
succession planning. 

Chief Executive 
Provides leadership to the Group.

Develops strategy proposals for recommendation to the Board 
and is accountable for business performance.

Maintains a dialogue with the Chairman on all important matters 
and strategic issues facing the Group.

Ensures that there is an effective framework of internal controls, 
including risk management, covering all business activities. 

Ensures that the Board is fully informed of all key matters. 

Chief Financial Officer 
Supports the Chief Executive in 
developing and implementing strategy.

Oversees the financial delivery and 
performance of the Group and provides 
insightful financial analysis that informs 
key decision making.

Senior Independent Director 
Acts as a sounding board for the 
Chairman and serves, when required,  
as an intermediary for the other Directors.

Independent 
Non-Executive Directors
Constructively challenges management 
and decisions taken at Board level.

Meets with the Non-Executive Directors 
(without the Chairman present) at least 
once a year.

Leads investor relations activities and 
communication with investors alongside 
the Chief Executive.

Leads the Board in the ongoing 
monitoring and annual evaluation of the 
Chairman’s performance.

Oversees the performance of 
management in meeting agreed goals.

Supports the Chairman and Executive 
Directors in instilling appropriate culture, 
values and behaviours in the boardroom 
and across the Group.

Works with the Chief Executive to develop 
budgets and medium-term plans to 
support the agreed strategy. 

Available to meet with major shareholders 
and act as a point of contact for 
shareholders and other stakeholders. 

Challenges the adequacy and quality  
of information received prior to  
Board meetings. 

Meetings

Board and committee attendance record for the year1

Executive Directors
David Nicol
Siobhan Boylan2
Non-Executive Directors
Simon Miller
Ian Dewar
Kath Cates
Mike Kellard
Simonetta Rigo
Caroline Taylor
Paul Wilson3

Independent 
N
N

Board
8/8
4/4

Audit
n/a
n/a

N
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y

8/8
8/8
8/8
8/8
8/8
8/8
8/8

n/a
7/7
7/7
6/7
n/a
7/7
n/a

Risk
n/a
n/a

n/a
5/5
5/5
n/a
5/5
n/a
5/5

Remuneration 
n/a
n/a

Nomination 
n/a
n/a

5/6
6/6
n/a
n/a
1/1
6/6
n/a

3/3
n/a
3/3
n/a
n/a
3/3
3/3

1. The table shows attendance at scheduled meetings only; the Board and Committees also meet on an ad hoc basis when required. 
2. Siobhan Boylan was appointed to the Board on 4 March 2019 and attended all Board meetings held from that date.
3. Paul Wilson resigned from the Board on 9 October 2019 and attended all Board meetings to that date.

Effectiveness 
For the Directors to discharge their responsibilities as set out in the Matters Reserved for the Board, the Board meets at least eight 
times a year. A full list of Matters Reserved for the Board can be found on our website. In addition, the Board attends a strategy day 
with executive management to discuss in depth the Group’s direction. Details of the Board and committee attendance at scheduled 
meetings can be found above. The Board and committees also meet on an ad hoc basis when required. 

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

51

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationCorporate Governance Report continued

How the Board spent its time 

Key considerations  Key activities 

In practice1 

Strategy 

•  Strategy day – considered the 

Group’s strategic aims

•  Assessed performance of Group 

against previously agreed 
strategic objectives and agreed 
risk tolerances

Board Strategy Day (Objective 2)
The Board received presentations on technology initiatives that were 
currently in place or being considered by the Executive Committee. 
The Board analysed and challenged the strategic fit of the initiatives  
as well as the opportunities provided by the technology to widen the 
existing client base. The Board agreed that initiatives such as 
WealthPilot and the MyBrewin app should continue to receive further 
investment. It also agreed to the implementation of a new core 
custody and settlement system and client management system.

Finance 

Risk and 
compliance

People and  
culture

•  Received reports from the CFO 
including the medium-term plan

•  Reviewed and considered the 

proposal to raise capital
•  Cancellation of the share 

premium account

Placing of shares to fund ICIIL acquisition (Objective 4)
The Board evaluated the options for raising capital to fund the 
acquisition of ICIIL and ways to maintain a strong regulatory capital 
level for the Group. It concluded that a placing of shares was the 
preferred option to ensure a strong regulatory capital base was 
maintained. 

•  Received reports from the  
Chief Risk Officer (‘CRO’)
•  Considered cyber security  

for the Group

•  Received reports from Head  

of CASS
•  Risk training

•  Received updates from the 

Group HR Director

•  Assessed succession planning
•  Approved the appointment  

of the CFO

•  Considered the results of the 
employee engagement survey
•  Approved the relocation of the 

head office from Smithfield Street

Reports from CRO (Objective 1)
The CRO attended each Board meeting to review the Key Risk 
Indicators that relate to the Risk Appetite Statements. The report 
includes a summary of the key risks crystalising during the period  
and any proposed amendments to regulatory capital. 

Employee Engagement Survey (Objective 3)
The Group HR Director presented the results of the annual 
engagement survey which showed high engagement across the 
Group. The Board drilled down into the results and received assurance 
from the employee feedback that investments made to develop 
employees personally and professionally were valued. Based on the 
feedback, the Group will continue to invest in training, development 
and diversity initiatives. 

SMCR Training (Objective 3)
The Board received training sessions from external legal firms that 
included senior manager responsibilities, overview of the conduct 
rules, reasonable steps in practice and the Training and Competence 
policy. This was to ensure the Board is prepared for the introduction  
of SMCR. 

Governance 

•  UK Corporate Governance Code 

2018 review

•  Consideration, challenge and 

approval of acquisitions
•  Stakeholder engagement 
•  Reviewed committee 

composition

•  Evaluated Board and committee 

performance

•  Oversight of change agenda 

including the new core custody 
and settlement system 

Focus for 2020

Strategy 

Governance 

•  Implementing new technology 
•  Embedding acquisitions 
•  Considering further growth opportunities 

•  Environment, Social and Governance 
•  Succession 
•  UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 reporting 
•  Changes to regulations 

1.  Please refer to objectives as set out on pages 18 and 19.

52

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Board evaluation 
The Board and its committees undertake an annual evaluation  
of their performance. The process provides an opportunity to 
appraise effectiveness and to identify areas of development,  
as well as follow up on actions raised by the previous review. 

The Board engaged the services of Lintstock to assist with  
the annual 2019 review of Board performance, following up on 
the interview-driven evaluation conducted in 2018. Lintstock is  
a corporate governance advisory firm specialising in board 
reviews, and has no other relationship with Brewin Dolphin.

The first stage of the review involved Lintstock engaging with the 
Chairman and Company Secretary to set the context for the 
evaluation and to tailor the survey content to the specific 
circumstances of the Group. All Board members and regular 
meeting attendees were then invited to complete an online survey 
to assess the performance of the Board and its committees. 

The exercise was weighted to ensure that core areas of Board 
and committee performance were addressed, as well as having  
a particular focus on the following areas:

•  the level of ambition expressed in the Group’s strategic plan, 
the effectiveness with which the Board supports, challenges 
and develops strategy, and views on the key strategic priorities 
facing the business; 

•  the understanding of technological opportunities and threats 

amongst Board members, as well as the technological 
capabilities within the business itself; 

2019 performance  
evaluation outcomes 

Actions taken

•  the composition of the Board, with a particular focus on the 
diversity of backgrounds amongst current members, the 
adequacy of succession plans for key roles at senior levels, 
and the changes that should be made to the composition  
of the Board over the next 3-5 years;

•  the clarity of the Group’s priorities in the area of ESG in line 
with views of key stakeholders, and the effectiveness with 
which the Board oversees performance in this area; and
•  the effectiveness of risk discussions at Board meetings,  
and the delegation of risk oversight between the Board,  
its committees and management committees. 

Lintstock produced reports considering the performance  
of the Board, committees and the Chairman. The findings  
were discussed with the Chairman and the committee reports 
circulated to the committee chairs. A Lintstock Partner  
facilitated the resulting discussion at the Board meeting held  
in September 2019. 

As a result of the review, the most significant findings were 
presented to the Board. These included sequencing of 
succession plans for key roles, the allocation of time to business 
and strategy topics at the Board meetings, and the mechanisms 
by which the Directors oversee change management and engage 
with the business outside of meetings. 

The progress made on these actions will be included in next 
year’s report. 

Technology oversight
Ensure consistent  
oversight of technology 
implementation 
improvements via 
enhanced reporting and 
governance.

Strategic oversight
Strengthen mechanisms  
to evaluate strategic 
outcomes.

Board skillset and 
composition
Promote the continued 
development of skills 
amongst Board members 
that match strategic goals 
with ongoing review.

Business engagement
Enhance engagement with 
senior management and 
regional offices.

•  Enhancements were made to management 

information and reporting.

•  Improvements in technology oversight 

demonstrated through the establishment  
of a Business Change Committee to enhance 
oversight of the Change programme. Sought 
external independent assurance specifically  
of the new core custody and settlement system.

•  Improvements made to strategic oversight by 
enhanced engagement with the business and 
improved tracking of initiatives by management. 

•  A presentation was given on various strategic 

initiatives at the Board Strategy Day in  
June 2019.

•  Changes made to composition of committees 

and roles within the Board to align and develop 
existing skillsets and to ensure there are robust 
succession plans in place for the future.
•  Training provided to Board members on  
cyber security, the ICAAP and CASS.

Actions for 2020

Oversight of change management 
by the Board 
Ensure continued consistent  
oversight of technological 
implementation through enhanced 
reporting and governance.

Allocation of time to business  
and strategic topics at the Board 
meetings 
Review format and content of Board 
and committee papers and agendas  
to enhance information flow, effective 
debate, decision making and ensure 
focus on strategic development.

Sequencing of succession 
Continued evaluation of tenure  
and succession for Board and key 
management positions.

•  Greatly enhanced engagement through more 

regional office visits by Board members. Board 
meetings were held outside London twice a year 
to further improve engagement and develop  
the relationships. 

Engagement with the business  
outside meetings 
Provide the Board with greater 
exposure to key business managers.

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

53

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationCorporate Governance Report continued

Director induction 
The induction programme for the Chief Financial Officer, 
included presentations and discussions on the following 
areas of the Group. In addition, she had one-to-one 
meetings with fellow Board members, members of the 
Executive Committee and other senior management.

Board and 
governance

•  Board procedures
•  Governance framework
•  Evaluation process
•  Director training programme

•  Structure
•  Strategy
•  Market environment

Business 
introduction

•  Budget and forecast
•  Management accounts
•  Internal audit function
•  Analyst/Investor overview

Finance

•  Regulatory landscape
•  ICAAP
•  Operational risk framework

Risk and 
regulation

Other

•  Legal updates
•  Culture
•  People
•  Information technology and cyber 

security issues
•  External auditors 

Time commitment 
The expectation of the Non-Executive Directors’ time 
commitment is set out in their letters of appointment. Copies are 
available for inspection at the Company’s Registered Office and 
will also be available at the AGM. Their attendance, along with 
Executive Directors, at meetings during the year is set out in the 
table on page 51.

Directors’ conflicts of interest 
The Board has a policy in place for managing and, where 
appropriate, approving conflicts or potential conflicts of interest. 
All Directors are provided with an opportunity to disclose any 
changes in conflicts at the start of every meeting.

54

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Independence of Directors 
All Non-Executive Directors are independent in character and 
judgement. They do not hold any positions that conflict with their 
responsibilities with the Group.

Information flow 
As part of the annual cycle, all Board committees forward-plan 
their agendas for the year to ensure that important issues are 
addressed. The chairman of each committee works closely with 
Company Secretariat and other relevant members of senior 
management to agree areas of discussion or approval.

Director evaluation 
During the year, the Chairman evaluated the performance of all 
Directors in one-to-one meetings and the Senior Independent 
Director evaluated the performance of the Chairman. It was 
confirmed that each Director continued to deliver the required 
commitment to his or her role and made an effective and valuable 
contribution to the Group. 

Accountability
An overview of the Group’s Principal Risks and Uncertainties and 
a description of the risk management framework can be found on 
pages 28 to 32 in the Strategic Report.

A description of how the Board has discharged its responsibilities 
in relation to internal controls and risk management is set out on 
page 84 of the Directors’ Report.

Diversity
The Nomination Committee considers the succession planning 
for the Board as well as receiving the executive succession plan 
for review and challenge. As part of this process, diversity is 
considered in respect of race, gender, ability, background and 
thought as well as the required skillset and experience to ensure 
that the most suitable appointment is made. We are aware of the 
recommendation of the Parker Review to increase ethnic diversity 
on UK Boards and participated in the survey issued by the 
Department of Business Energy and Industrial Strategy. Ethnic 
diversity is considered as part of recruitment and succession, 
however, we currently have no members of the Board who fulfill 
the ethnic diversity criteria as stipulated in the review.

The Hampton Alexander Review is committed to achieving a 33% 
target for women on boards and in leadership teams of FTSE 350 
companies by 2020. In the FTSE 250 the average number of 
women on Boards in 2019 is 29.6%. The average number on 
Executive Committees and their direct reports is 27.9%. We are 
pleased to confirm that we ranked 6th in the FTSE 250 for our 
representation of women in senior leadership roles, our Board 
currently is at 50% and our Executive Committee and direct 
reports at 34.6%. 

The Group’s Diversity Policy is implemented through the Diversity 
and Inclusion Committee which meets quarterly. Its four distinct 
objectives are to:

•  encourage all employees to promote workplace diversity and 

inclusion; recognise value and respect differences.

•  create a working environment that supports the effective 

contribution of everyone.

•  ensure our people policies and processes are aligned to and 
drive diversity and inclusion goals and values in support  
of business strategy.

•  improve diversity in the talent pipeline and at senior levels.

Details of diversity activities for the period can be found in the 
‘Our People’ report on page 40. 

Stakeholder engagement
We recognise the need to consider stakeholders when formulating the Group’s strategy and acknowledge that this is wider than just 
shareholders. We have concluded that the following four stakeholder groups are key to us. 

Our stakeholders 

Why we listen?

How we hear them?

•  Client engagement reports. 
•  Weekly updates of news articles about the Group. 
•  Results of the annual client survey. 
•  Updates from the Director of Marketing & Communications. 

•  Updates from the designated Non-Executive Director Employee 

Representative, Caroline Taylor. 

•  Reports from the Group HR Director. 
•  Results from the Employee Engagement Survey. 
•  Holding events like ‘Women@Brewin’. 

See page 39 for more detail 

Clients
Our clients’ financial 
wellbeing is at the 
heart of our business. 
We know that a close 
relationship between our 
employees and clients is 
key to ensuring that their 
financial needs are met.

Employees
Our strength is in the 
service provided by our 
people. We have a 
strong commitment to 
developing our people.

•  To ensure that the 

business is operating with 
a ‘client first’ attitude 

•  To assess our  

Group performance
•  To respond to our  

clients’ needs

•  To identify change required 
and deliver improvements
•  To deliver a quality service 
•  To maintain our reputation 

for high standards

•  To maintain an engaged 
and motivated workforce

•  To be a ‘favoured 

employer’ in the wealth 
management sector

•  To have a culture which is 

Genuine, Expert and 
Ambitious throughout the 
Group

•  To improve internal 

processes and procedures 
based on feedback  
to improve efficiency  
and robustness

Shareholders
As a FTSE 250 listed 
Company it is important 
to provide our 
shareholders with 
open and transparent 
information. 

•  To maintain a loyal 
shareholder base

•  The Chairman and Chief Executive and Chair of the Remuneration 

Committee engaged with the Group’s major shareholders.

•  To enhance long term 

•  Consultations with shareholders about significant changes, such as 

shareholder value

changes to Executive Directors’ remuneration.

•  To maintain our credibility
•  To allow our  

shareholders to make 
informed decisions

•  The Chairman communicates shareholder feedback to the Board.
•  Regular broker reports detailing shareholder feedback.
•  At the Company’s AGM where shareholders are given the 

opportunity to meet and ask Directors questions. 

Regulators
Operating a business 
in the Financial Services 
sector requires open 
engagement with 
our regulators. 

•  To ensure that the Group 

is well positioned to 
pre-empt, respond and 
adapt to changes in 
legislation and regulation
•  To ensure our operating 

model is robust

•  To help shape services  
for the long-term benefit  
of clients

•  Regulatory updates provided by the CRO. 
•  Governance updates provided by the Company Secretary. 
•  Presentations from external advisers on changes in legislation and 

how the Group can best prepare. 

•  Reports from the business where views have been shared with trade 

bodies, agencies and supervisory bodies.

•  Chairman and the Chief Executive met with the FCA during the year. 

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

55

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationExecutive Committee Report

Delivering 
strategy

The purpose of the Executive Committee is to support the Chief 
Executive in the implementation and formation of strategy as well 
as overseeing the day to day running of the Group. It has formal 
Terms of Reference which are reviewed by the Board annually.

Committee meetings
The Committee meets on a monthly basis and meetings are 
minuted by the Group Company Secretary. The internal auditor 
is a standing attendee. Non-committee members are regularly 
invited to attend and report on particular areas of the business 
which are pertinent to the Group’s strategy. 

Key areas of focus for 2019 

Strategy

•  Inorganic and organic growth 

opportunities

•  1762 from Brewin Dolphin
•  WealthPilot

Marketing

•  Feedback on client service levels

Operational

•  Change management
•  New premises

Risk & 
Compliance

•  FCA interaction
•  CASS
•  Key risks
•  Risk appetite
•  SMCR

Finance

•  Business performance
•  Budgeting

Employees

•  Engagement survey results
•  Learning and development 

initiatives

•  Succession planning

Priorities for 2020
•  Performance against strategy
•  Implementation of new custody and settlement system 

and new CMS
•  Integration of ICIIL
•  The Group’s position on ESG

56

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Executive Committee Members 

David Nicol, Chairman

Siobhan Boylan 

Executive Director 
See page 46

Executive Director 
See page 46

Susan Beckett 

Robin Beer 

Chief Risk Officer 
Appointed: Joined the 
Group and Committee 
in September 2014.
Previous experience: 
Kleinwort Benson and 
Blackrock. 30 plus 
years’ Financial 
Services experience. 

Managing Director 
of Investment Solutions 
and Distribution 
Appointed: Joined the 
Group in 2008 and the 
Committee in February 2016.
Previous experience:
Barclays Wealth and 
National Bank of Australia. 
20 plus years’ Financial 
Services experience. 

Richard Buxton 

Charlie Ferry 

Group HR Director 
Appointed: Joined the 
Group and Committee 
in February 2015.
Previous experience:
Lloyds Banking Group 
and Bank of America. 
20 plus years’ Financial 
Services experience. 

Managing Director 
of Private Clients 
Appointed: Joined the 
Group in 2008 and 
the Committee in 
February 2016.
Previous experience:
Barclays Wealth and Gerrard. 
20 plus years’ Financial 
Services experience. 

Nick Fitzgerald 

Grant Parkinson 

Managing Director 
of Financial Planning 
Appointed: Joined the 
Group in 2008 and 
the Committee in 
February 2016.
Previous experience:
Barclays Wealth and Gerrard. 
20 plus years’ Financial 
Services experience.

Chief Operating Officer 
Appointed: Joined the 
Group and Committee 
in September 2017.
Previous experience:
Coutts & Co, 
Barclays Wealth. 
25 plus years’ Financial 
Services experience. 

i

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Nomination Committee Report

Expanding the Board skillset 

Simon Miller
Chairman

Chairman’s overview
The Committee reviews the effectiveness and composition of the 
Board in light of the skills required and considers specifically 
succession plans for the roles of the Chairman, the Executive 
Directors and the committee chairs. During the year various 
changes have taken place.

As reported last year, Andrew Westenberger stepped down from 
the Board in May 2018. Odgers Berndston, a market leader in 
executive searches, which has no connection to the Group, was 
appointed to lead the search for a replacement CFO. Siobhan 
Boylan was shortlisted for the role. After a thorough process that 
included specially convened meetings of the Nomination 
Committee, an external assessment and the identification of 
development needs, the Committee recommended her 
appointment to the Board. 

Paul Wilson resigned in October 2019 after nearly six years on 
the Board. Recognising the importance of developing a Board 
with the appropriate balance of skills, knowledge and experience, 
the Board has engaged Ridgeway Partners to search for a new 
Non-Executive Director. The Board recognises the importance 
of all areas of diversity, which includes: gender; ethnicity; skillset; 
background; and thought. It will continue to make appointments 
based on ability to perform the role and at the same time giving 
consideration to all areas of diversity. 

Following a review of the committee composition during the year, 
Ian Dewar replaced Kath Cates as Senior Independent Director 
in July 2019. Simonetta Rigo was appointed to the Remuneration 
Committee, Ian Dewar to the Nomination Committee and 
Caroline Taylor, Chairman of the Remuneration Committee, 
stepped down from the Audit Committee.

The Committee will continue to evaluate and ensure that the 
Board and its committees have the appropriate balance of 
experience and skill to perform their roles. As part of Board 

Committee composition 
The Committee during the year comprised Simon Miller, 
Caroline Taylor, Paul Wilson (resigned 9 October 2019), Kath 
Cates, and Ian Dewar was appointed on 26 July 2019.

The Chief Executive and Group Human Resources Director 
are standing attendees at Committee meetings; the Chief 
Executive and the Chairman exclude themselves from 
discussions relating to their own appointments. Further details 
of membership and attendance can be found on pages 46 
and 51.

Q&A with our Chairman of the Nomination 
Committee

Q

How does the Nomination Committee consider 
diversity in its recruitment processes? 

A Whilst it is not the sole consideration for new 
appointments, it plays an important role in ensuring 
our Board and its committees are diversified in 
their thinking.

succession planning, consideration is being given to the 
requirements of the 2018 Code (see page 49 for further details) 
and, in particular, the tenure of the Chairman. 

The Committee conducted an externally facilitated review of its 
performance via Lintstock. The review concluded that it was 
operating well but there were areas for improvement such as 
periodic review of succession plans to ensure the correct skillsets 
were in place for the Board and its committees. 

During the year, the Committee met with the Group HR Director 
to review and discuss succession and skillset of senior 
management and the Executive Directors. The Committee was 
updated on the senior management talent pool and leadership 
development programmes available as well as the barriers that 
limit succession. This includes the Executive Leadership 
Programme, open to a selected group of employees across 
various business streams. The Committee agreed to further focus 
on enhancing employees’ breadth of experience through training 
and development and improving the frequency and quality of 
conversations about succession. It would also review succession 
of more junior roles in the organisation going forward. 

Simon Miller 
Chairman of the Nomination Committee

26 November 2019 

The responsibilities of the Committee are defined in the 
Committee’s Terms of Reference, a copy of which can be 
found at brewinmedia.co.uk/investor-relations. 

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

57

 
 
 
Risk Committee Report

Overseeing the Risk 
Management Framework 

Kath Cates 
Chairman of the Risk 
Committee 

Chairman’s overview 
2019 has been another year of significant change with some key 
regulatory change projects culminating this year notably in 
MiFID II costs and charges letters and preparation for SMCR. 
The Group has also an extensive change programme and the 
Committee provided oversight and challenge over the 
programme as a whole in addition to focusing on particular 
key initiatives. Areas of focus included adequacy of resourcing,
IT and operational resilience. The Committee has continued to 
focus its oversight on the key risks facing the Group, including 
horizon scanning for emerging risks, that might threaten the 
Group’s strategy or operations. The Committee’s responsibility 
is to annually review and recommend the Group’s key risks and 
recommend risk appetite to the Board for approval. 

An area of great focus during the year has been the oversight of 
the change management agenda which includes the replacement 
of the Group’s core custody and settlement system. Avaloq was 
engaged to deliver our new settlement and custody system 
during the year. The Committee has provided oversight of this 
significant change programme including meeting with the 
independent consulting firm to review their project quality 
assurance report. 

We analysed the risk of insufficient skilled resources to support 
the implementation and execution of the change management 
agenda. We also incorporated the risk of being unable to support 
existing IT systems into the Group’s key risks. 

The Group has been busy preparing for the introduction of 
SMCR. As part of the process we have taken the opportunity 
to train our managers on the importance of culture and ensure 
they exhibit the correct values and behaviours. The Committee 
has overseen the delivery of this project and will continue to 

Committee composition 
The Committee during the year comprised Kath Cates (Chair), 
Paul Wilson (resigned 9 October 2019), Ian Dewar and 
Simonetta Rigo. There is cross-membership between this 
Committee and the Audit and Remuneration Committees 
to ensure that agendas are aligned, and key information 
is appropriately shared across the Board Committees. The 
Chairman of the Risk Committee attends the Remuneration 
Committee at least once a year and is also a member of the 
Audit Committee. 

58

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Q&A with our Chairman of the Risk Committee 
What has been a priority this year from the 
perspective of the Risk Committee? 

Q

A  With the significant volume of change in the business, 
a focus has been on ensuring that we have regular 
updates on progress of the change programme. 
To assist in this we have also obtained 
independent assurance. 

monitor its effectiveness to ensure SMCR has been embedded 
fully post implementation. 

We hold an annual risk workshop attended by members of the 
Board and Executive Committee. It is a dedicated session to 
review the Group’s key risks and risk appetite for each of those 
risks, with the Committee. This review forms the foundation of the 
Group’s Internal Adequacy Assessment process (ICAAP). It is 
used to select the operational risk scenarios, stress testing and 
reverse stress testing. Changes this year included the 
incorporation of business risks associated with new propositions 
and acquisitions into the Group key risks. 

The Committee undertakes an ongoing training programme and 
this year we received training on the ICAAP and facilitated training 
for the Board on cyber security. 

Lintstock performed a review of the Committee as part of its 
annual Board effectiveness review. I am pleased to tell you that 
the Committee improved its performance over the year. Areas for 
development included maintaining the balance of escalating key 
risks, the overall review and deep dives on high value topics. 

Kath Cates 
Chairman of the Risk Committee 

26 November 2019 

Standing attendees at Committee meetings include the Chief 
Executive, Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Risk Officer. 
Further details of membership and attendance can be found 
on pages 46 and 51.

The responsibilities of the Committee are outlined in the 
Committee’s Terms of Reference, a copy of which can be 
found at brewinmedia.co.uk/investor-relations. 

The Committee’s key areas of focus: 

Key risks & risk 
appetite 

The Committee invited the Board and members of the Executive Committee to review the key 
risks facing the Group and debated potential risks on the horizon as well as the Group’s appetite 
for risk. The Committee recommended the Risk Appetite Statement, the Risk Policy Framework 
and the Group Risk Management Framework to the Board for approval. These help to set the 
agenda for the following year for key areas of discussion. 

ICAAP and joint 
meeting with Audit 
Committee 

The key components of the ICAAP were challenged in a six-monthly review, exploring scenarios, 
impacts of acquisitions and stress tests. We conducted a forecast of our regulatory capital and 
stress testing taking into account the potential acquisitions to be made by the Group. As a result, 
we raised £60m in the form of a placing in May 2019. There was a joint meeting with the Audit 
Committee prior to recommendation to the Board. 

Change programme 

In recognition of the increase in volume and complexity of the change programme, the Committee 
has engaged with an external independent consultancy to provide assurance and monitoring of 
the introduction of our new custody and settlement system. The independent consultancy reports 
and attends the Committee on a regular basis.

Conduct risk 

The Committee continues to oversee progress with the conduct risk frameworks. There was  
a demonstration of the client outcomes dashboard which enables client facing staff to oversee 
key indicators and tolerances more efficiently to ensure positive client outcomes. Progress had 
been made in the year in the governance and control environment and it was demonstrated that 
client facing employees were able to analyse information more efficiently.

Cyber risk

The Committee continues to oversee the work of the five point cyber plan that has been 
formulated and is underway to support delivery of the enhanced cyber security programme.

Regulatory change 

The Committee reviewed the key risks in relation to regulatory change legislation including MiFID 
II, the Data Protection Act and SMCR. It will continue to monitor, with particular attention on the 
embedding of new processes to ensure compliance and accountability. 

Routine matters 

The Committee held Non-Executive Director only sessions before each meeting and met the  
Chief Risk Officer, External Auditor, Internal Auditor and the Head of CASS on an individual basis.  
It reviewed the Terms of Reference for the Committee and disclosures for the Annual Report  
in addition to dealing with routine governance matters. The Committee underwent a formal 
evaluation of its performance during the year. The results were discussed by the Committee and 
have helped to inform forward-looking agendas. 

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

59

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationAudit Committee Report

Ensuring confidence in the 
Company’s financial sustainability

Ian Dewar 
Ian Dewar 
Chairman of the Audit 
Chairman of the Audit 
Committee 
Committee 

Chairman’s overview 
It has been a particularly busy year for the Audit Committee 
in an environment where ‘audit failure’ seems to have been 
constantly in the news. Rightly, the role of auditors and audit 
committees has received increased scrutiny as shareholders and 
investors have increased demands for oversight and challenge. 
We welcome this and believe we are well placed to respond to 
the challenge. 

In addition to our routine work we spent six months conducting a 
rigorous external audit tender process, as our existing auditors, 
Deloitte, will rotate after the 2020 audit to tie in with our current 
audit partner’s last permissible years as audit partner. Having 
completed that process we will recommend that at the AGM in 
February 2021, EY be appointed as our new auditors. We would 
like to take this opportunity to thank all the firms who participated 
in the tender for the huge commitment they showed in the 
process. We learned a great deal from the tender and it has 
helped us form our own views on changes that should take place 
in the audit market. We have set these out in our response to the 
Competition and Markets Authority (‘CMA’) review.

Q&A with our Chairman of the Audit 
Committee, Ian Dewar 

Q

How do you seek assurance in the integrity of the 
Group’s financial statements? 

A We maintain regular interaction with the internal and 
external auditors who provide assurance of the 
controls and processes, challenge the key areas of 
judgement and provide an understanding of the overall 
control environment.

The Committee’s performance was evaluated during the year 
as part of the Lintstock review and feedback from the evaluation 
has identified areas for focus in 2020. We are conscious that the 
External Audit Tender took up a significant amount of time and 
having successfully completed that process, Internal Audit is an 
area of specific focus over the next year. 

Mike Kellard joined the Committee at the start of the financial 
year and Caroline Taylor stepped down in July 2019. I would like 
to welcome Mike to the Committee and thank Caroline for her 
contribution over the past 5 years. 

Ian Dewar 
Chairman of the Audit Committee 

26 November 2019 

Committee composition 
The Committee comprises only independent Non-Executive 
Directors. The members during the year comprised Ian Dewar 
(Chair), Kath Cates, Mike Kellard and Caroline Taylor (until July 
2019). There is a cross-membership with the Risk Committee, 
to help ensure that agendas are aligned, and key information is 
shared appropriately across the Board Committees. Further 
details of membership and attendance can be found on pages 
46 and 51.

The Chief Executive, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Risk 
Officer are invited to attend at the Committee’s request. 

In addition, all Non-Executive Directors including the Chairman 
are entitled to attend. The external audit partner and our 
internal audit partner are both standing attendees. We have 
considered the Financial Reporting Council (‘FRC’) requirement 
for the Committee to have competence relevant to the financial 
services sector and have concluded that the Committee, 
as a whole, satisfies this requirement.

The responsibilities of the Committee are outlined in the 
Committee’s Terms of Reference, a copy of which can be 
found at brewinmedia.co.uk/investor-relations. 

60

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

The Committee’s key areas of focus 

The Committee has a set agenda for the year although it will adapt to take account of changes in the business and the Board’s strategy 
to ensure that there is challenge and oversight from an audit perspective and to ensure a strong control environment. The Committee’s 
key areas of focus for 2019 were:

Financial reporting 

Reviewed the Annual Report and Accounts, the quarterly trading updates, the Interim 
Report and the investor presentations. Received reports on the key judgements and 
accounting policies followed in the preparation of the Financial Statements.

Reviewed reports from the external auditor on the Financial Statements. This included the 
significant audit risks, areas of audit focus, the appropriateness of the significant 
management judgements used in preparing the accounts and the effectiveness of systems 
of internal financial control.

Received updates on changes to guidance regarding financial reporting.

Reviewed the Group’s Going Concern assumption and Viability Statement.

IFRS 16 transition.

External auditor 

Approved the external audit plan, the external auditor’s terms of engagement and the fees 
to be paid to the external auditor for the audit of the 30 September 2019 Annual Report.

Assessed the independence, objectivity and effectiveness of the external auditor.

Enforced and approved the policy relating to non-audit services provided by the 
external auditor. 

Received reports on the Financial Statements.

External audit tender

Conducted an External Audit tender for FY2021 onwards. (see page 65 for further details). 

Internal auditors 

Assessed the effectiveness of the internal auditor and reviewed and approved the internal 
audit plan for the year.

Received quarterly internal audit reports, challenged the robustness of their findings and 
agreed appropriate actions.

Reviewed how issues identified for action, whether arising from internal audit reports or from 
internal control processes, are identified, progressed and reported; this ensures there is an 
effective framework for the management of issues within the Group. 

Control oversight 

Received, reviewed and discussed the Group’s annual whistleblowing report, the control 
environment report, the six-monthly money laundering and financial crime report.

Reviewed and discussed the six-monthly updates for both the Client Money and Assets 
report (‘CASS’) and Audit Assurance Faculty report (‘AAF’). 

ICAAP 

Other 

The Audit Committee reviewed the ICAAP jointly with the Risk Committee. After reviewing 
and challenging the ICAAP and its key components, the Committee recommended its 
approval to the Board. 

Reviewed the Committee’s performance. 

Reviewed and approved the Committee’s terms of reference and minutes. 

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

61

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationAudit Committee Report continued

Key sources of estimation uncertainty related to the Financial Statements
We reviewed the significant issues set out below in relation to the Group’s Financial Statements for the year ended 30 September 2019. 
We discussed these issues at various stages with management during the financial year and during the preparation and approval of the 
Financial Statements. We are satisfied that the Financial Statements appropriately address the critical judgements and key estimates,  
in respect both of the amounts reported and the disclosures made, following review and consideration of the presentations and reports 
presented by management. We also reviewed these issues with the external auditor during the audit-planning process and at the 
conclusion of the year-end audit. We are satisfied that our conclusions in relation to these issues are in line with those drawn by the 
external auditor. 

Issue

Key considerations

Role of the Committee

Conclusion

Business combinations  
(see notes 4.a.i and 4.b.i to 
the Financial Statements).

Appropriate application of IFRS  
in relation to the recent 
acquisitions, specifically:

•  Establishing whether each 
acquisition constituted a 
business or a group of assets; 
and 

•  Establishing the fair value of all 
the assets/liabilities acquired in 
each business combination. 

Amortisation of client 
relationships (see note 4.b.ii 
to the Financial Statements). 

Determination of the useful 
economic life of client 
relationships, which  
establishes the quantum  
of the amortisation expense. 

Assumptions underlying the 
calculation of the defined 
benefit pension scheme 
asset (see note 4.b.iii to the 
Financial Statements).

Determination of the actuarial 
assumptions such as the 
discount rate, the life expectancy 
of scheme members and the 
inflation rate used when 
calculating the defined benefit 
pension scheme asset. 

Likelihood of meeting 
performance conditions for 
the long-term incentive plan 
(see note 4.b.iv to the 
Financial Statements). 

Determining the likelihood of 
meeting the performance 
conditions which impact the 
quantum of the expense in 
the period. 

Assumptions underlying the 
estimation of the provision 
relating to onerous leases 
(see note 4.b.v to the 
Financial Statements). 

Appropriate application of IFRS 
and underlying recognition 
principles.

Determining the best estimate of 
the likely cash flows and other 
assumptions. 

We considered management’s 
proposed accounting treatment 
for each acquisition (see note 26, 
to the Financial Statements) 
including the determining factors 
as to whether the transactions 
should be accounted for as a 
business combination or as a 
purchase of a group of assets 
under IFRS 3. 

We challenged whether the fair 
value attributed to the client 
relationships and brand shown  
in the Financial Statements was 
set correctly. 

We considered the paper 
prepared by management on the 
average client tenure and useful 
economic life expectations.  
We challenged whether the 
metrics used were set to the 
appropriate level. 

We considered management’s 
paper explaining the assumptions 
used in the calculation and the 
resulting impact on the balance 
sheet. We challenged whether 
the assumptions remained 
appropriate given the surplus  
in the scheme. 

We considered management’s 
paper explaining the assumptions 
for the likelihood of meeting the 
performance conditions. We 
challenged whether the 
assumptions were appropriate as 
awards do not always vest in full. 

We reviewed management’s 
paper explaining the assumptions 
and calculation methodologies 
applied in determining the 
provisions. This included 
ensuring that the provisions 
represent present obligations 
arising from past events.

We challenged whether the 
procedures performed by 
management were robust  
and comprehensive. 

We concluded firstly, that it was 
appropriate to account for the 
acquisitions as business 
combinations and secondly,  
that the determination of the fair 
value of the assets was set to the 
appropriate level. 

We concluded that the 
assumptions and judgements 
used were reasonable and we 
were satisfied that the useful 
economic life expectations  
were appropriate. 

We concluded that the 
assumptions and judgements 
used in determining the defined 
benefit pension scheme asset 
were appropriate. 

We concluded that the 
assumptions used in calculating 
the expense were appropriate. 

We concluded that the provisions 
were appropriate and complete 
for the obligations that existed at 
the year end. We were satisfied 
with Management’s responses  
to our challenge on their internal 
controls and procedures. We 
asked Management to confirm 
that there had been no new 
information following the year 
end that would result in an 
adjustment to the provision. 

62

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Fair, balanced and understandable Report and Accounts 
The Committee has performed a review of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts to ensure that it is fair, balanced and 
understandable. What is meant by these terms, and the questions that the Committee considers as part of this review,  
are shown below:

Description

Questions

Term

Fair

Balanced

•  Not exhibiting  

any bias

•  Reasonable  
or impartial

•  Performed according 

to the rules

•  Even-handed
•  Taking account of all 
sides on their merits 
without prejudice 
or favouritism

Understandable

•  Having a meaning or 
nature that can be 
understood

•  Able to be accepted 

as normal

•  Is the whole story being presented?
•  Have any sensitive material areas  

been omitted?

•  Is there a good level of consistency 

between the front and back sections of 
the Annual Report?

•  Does the reader get the same message 

from reading the two sections 
independently? 

•  Is there a balance between positive and 
negative messages in the narrative?

•  Are the key judgements referred to in the 
narrative reports and the significant issues 
reported in the Audit Committee Report 
consistent with the disclosures of key 
estimates and uncertainties and  
critical judgements set out in the  
Financial Statements?

•  Is there a clear and cohesive framework 

for the Annual Report?
•  Is the report written in  
accessible language?

•  Are the messages clearly drawn out?

Committee’s conclusions

The Committee is of the opinion that 
the Annual Report and Accounts 
articulates how the Group has 
performed during the year, providing 
full disclosure and forward looking 
statements. Therefore, we are of the 
opinion that the disclosures present  
a fair reflection of the performance  
of the Group.

There is consistency between the 
narrative sections and the financial 
statements and an appropriate 
balance of positive and negative 
messaging in the narrative reporting.

Enhancements have been made to 
the governance section of the report 
from last year in order to make the 
report clearer.

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

63

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationAudit Committee Report continued

Internal audit
The Group’s internal audit function is outsourced to BDO, who directly report to the Committee and were appointed in 2016.  
The Committee continues to believe that the outsourcing model delivers enhanced benefits including the availability of a wider range  
of skills and resources than an internal model could provide. Christian Bellairs, a senior partner at BDO, attends the Executive 
Committee meetings as a standing attendee.

The Committee approves the internal audit plan at the start of the financial year. The plan for the year was created based on the key 
risks identified by the Board as well as other key areas identified by the Executive Committee members. The plan was presented to the 
Committee at the start of the financial year for approval and the Committee receives quarterly reports on all internal audits conducted 
and progress against the plan. The plan is reviewed midway through the year to ensure it remains relevant and committee members  
are given the opportunity to change the scheduling or topics for consideration. All internal audit reports are available to the Committee 
and Board. 

The Committee is responsible for monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the Internal Auditor. At the end of the year the 
Committee conducted an effectiveness review of the Internal Auditor. Questionnaires were sent to Committee members, Executive 
Committee members and employees who had interacted with the internal auditor during the year. Overall BDO received a ‘Good’ rating 
and Christian Bellairs received an “Excellent” rating. 

The areas considered were: engagement with audit partner and team, audit planning, execution, communication, insights and value, 
independence, objectivity and the firm. 

The outcomes were reviewed by the Committee in October 2019 and the recommendations made were put in place. A further review 
will take place during 2020 to assess progress against these recommendations. 

Based on the review, the Committee is satisfied that BDO continues to provide an effective service. 

External auditor
The Audit Committee is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring the Group’s policy on external audit. The policy sets 
out the categories of any pre-approved non-audit services which the external auditor is authorised to undertake. It also provides an 
approval process for the provision of any other non-audit services. This policy is available to view on the Investor Relations section  
of the Group’s website, under the Board committees subsection.

The Board generally only uses the external auditor for audit and related activities. If there is a business case to use the external  
auditor to provide non-audit services, prior permission is required from the Committee. In such an instance, the Committee will  
review the proposal to ensure that it will not impact the auditor’s objectivity and independence. The majority of tax advisory and  
similar work is carried out by another major accountancy firm. An analysis of the auditor’s remuneration is provided in note 8 to the 
Financial Statements.

The external auditor meets privately with the Committee at least twice a year without senior executive management being present and 
regularly with the Audit Committee Chairman.

External auditor effectiveness
The Committee assesses the effectiveness of the external auditor on an annual basis, taking account of the following factors:
Factor

Assessment

The role of management 

That information provided by management to the external auditor is timely and correct, that it has proper 
supporting papers and that accounting systems and internal controls work effectively. 

The audit partner 

The audit team 

The audit approach 

The communications  
and formal reporting  
by the auditor 

The independence and 
objectivity of the auditor 

The extent to which the partner demonstrates a strong understanding of the business, the industry and 
the challenges faced by the business. The length of time the partner acts as the lead engagement partner. 

The extent to which the audit team understands the business and industry and is properly resourced 
and experienced. 

That the audit approach is discussed with management, targets the significant issues early,  
is communicated properly, is appropriate for the business and industry and includes an appropriate level 
of materiality. 

That management and the Committee are kept appropriately informed as the audit progresses and that 
the formal report is appropriate and contains all relevant material matters. 

That the auditor complies with the FRC’s ethical standards, has the required degree of objectivity 
(including their arrangements to identify, report and manage any conflicts of interest), and that the overall 
extent of non-audit services provided by the external auditor does not compromise independence. 

The Committee is satisfied that Deloitte LLP has conducted an effective audit for the 2018/19 financial year. The Committee has 
therefore recommended to the Board that Deloitte be reappointed at the 2020 AGM for its final year as the Group’s external auditor.

The Committee has considered the likelihood of the incumbent and proposed external auditor firms withdrawing from the market and 
has noted that there are no contractual obligations to restrict the choice of replacement external auditor. 

64

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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Selection criteria 
•  The proposed team, their experience and personal 

credentials, including seniority of team, enthusiasm and 
succession planning.

•  Understanding of the organisation, our culture and 
experience of the wealth management industry

•  Service approach, including transition, planning and 

delivery. To include:
•  Detailed and well prepared audit plan
•  Robustness of proposed audit
•  Communication plan
•  Process for challenge and raising issues
•  Involvement of specialists and technical support
•  Form and content of audit committee reporting
•  Responsiveness and availability
•  Transition proposals

•  Approach to quality assurance
•  Other considerations:

•  Pro-activity
•  Value-add, including fees

External audit tender 
The Committee considered the Competition and Markets 
Authority (‘CMA’) and EU requirements for mandatory 
tendering and rotation of the audit firm. 

Deloitte LLP were appointed as our auditors in 2002 and the 
last year that they can remain auditors is 2022. During the year 
the Committee conducted an audit tender process as 
indicated last year.

We invited Ernst & Young LLP (‘EY’), KPMG LLP (‘KPMG’), 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (‘PwC’) and BDO LLP (‘BDO’)  
to tender for the Group audit. 

Shortlisted firms were asked to submit a tender document 
(RFP). Each firm was given access to key Brewin Dolphin 
contacts, including Committee members and Executive 
management at site meetings. The meetings were designed 
both to allow the audit firms to learn about the Group’s 
business and for the Group to assess the audit firms’ 
capabilities, experience and suitability before submitting  
their RFPs. 

Additionally, the audit firms were asked to critique our annual 
report and to present their findings to management which 
allowed management to assess their performance and style.

The Committee received presentations from each of the 
shortlisted audit firms and also considered the RFPs,  
feedback from the site meetings from management, as well  
as the presentation documents when reaching its decision.  
The selection criteria are set out opposite.

The Committee debated the merits of each firm and a final 
shortlist of two audit firms was presented to the Board in  
July by the Committee. The Board concluded that EY should 
be appointed as external auditor with effect from FY2021 and 
agreed EY should shadow Deloitte for the Group’s FY2020 
audit. Feedback to KPMG, PwC and BDO was given once  
the decision was reached and an announcement made to  
the market. 

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

65

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationDirectors’ Remuneration Report 

Aligning remuneration to best 
practice and shareholders’ interests
practice and shareholders’ interests
practice and shareholders’ interests

Caroline Taylor 
Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee 

On behalf of the Remuneration Committee (the ‘Committee’) and 
the Board, I am pleased to present the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report for the year ended 30 September 2019. At the 2020 
AGM, the Directors’ Remuneration Policy will be submitted for 
the triennial binding vote, and the remainder of the report will 
be submitted for the usual advisory vote. 

Amended Directors’ Remuneration Policy (the 
‘Policy’) for shareholder approval at 2020 AGM
At the AGM held on 3 February 2017, shareholders approved 
the current Policy with 98.61% of votes in favour. During 2019, 
the Committee has reviewed the Policy in preparation for the next 
triennial vote at the 2020 AGM. The Committee decided to 
propose some amendments to: further align with shareholders; 
take account of the recent changes to the Corporate Governance 
Code; and to review the gap between Brewin Dolphin’s 
remuneration and other companies in our sector of a similar size. 

We consulted with shareholders on initial proposals to increase 
the maximum annual bonus, accompanied by a reduction in 
on-target bonus percentage. This proposed increase in maximum 
bonus was in the context of the Executive Directors’ low fixed 
remuneration, comprising minimal benefits, below-median base 
salaries and a standard 3% of qualifying earnings pension 
contribution for Executive Directors. 

Shareholders understood and generally supported the increase 
in variable pay. However, there was a preference for the increase 
to apply to the LTIP, rather than the annual bonus. After careful 
consideration of the feedback received from shareholders, 
the Committee has decided to adapt its original proposal and to 
propose the following amendments to the Policy. The amended 
Policy will apply to awards in respect of the financial year ended 
30 September 2020 onwards for all Executive Directors.

Q&A with the Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee, Caroline Taylor 

Q

How does Brewin Dolphin ensure that its 
Directors’ remuneration is in line with 
shareholders’ interests, while ensuring that 
it is sufficient to attract, retain and motivate 
the best talent? 

A We have recently held an extensive shareholder 
consultation as we look to update our Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy. We listened to the feedback 
from our major shareholders and proxy voting 
agencies. This helped inform our decisions. 
We externally benchmark against our peers for all 
elements of Directors’ remuneration. When setting 
targets for annual bonuses and LTIP, we set 
suitably stretching targets to appropriately motivate 
our Executives.

Amendments:
•  Increase the Minimum Shareholding Requirement to 200% 

of base salary for all Executive Directors, from the current levels 
of 150% of base salary for the Chief Executive and 100% 
of base salary for the Chief Financial Officer (‘CFO’).
•  Introduce a post-employment Minimum Shareholding 
Requirement to apply for two years post-cessation.
•  Reduce bonus payout for on-target performance to 

60% of maximum bonus from the current level of 67%, 
whilst leaving the maximum annual bonus unchanged 
at 150% of base salary.

•  Increase maximum LTIP to 150% of base salary from the 
current level of 100% of base salary. Note that the current 
Policy already allows for LTIP awards of up to 150% of base 
salary in exceptional circumstances; under the new Policy, 
the maximum LTIP level will be 150% of base salary. 

Committee composition 
The Committee comprises independent Non-Executive 
Directors, and the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board, 
who was independent upon his appointment in March 2013. 
Caroline Taylor was appointed as Committee Chair on 
1 October 2018. Caroline was a member of the Committee 
for four years prior to being appointed as Chair. The other 
Committee members are Simon Miller, Ian Dewar and 
Simonetta Rigo. There is cross-membership with the Risk 
Committee to help ensure alignment between the Group’s key 
risks and its Remuneration Policy. The Chairman of the Risk 

Committee attends the relevant Remuneration Committee 
meeting in order to advise the Committee on risk 
and compliance factors when finalising remuneration. 
The Chairman of the Remuneration Committee also attends 
Risk Committee meetings, at least annually. Further details 
of Remuneration Committee membership and attendance 
can be found on pages 46 and 51.

The responsibilities of the Committee are outlined in the 
Committee’s Terms of Reference, a copy of which can be 
found at brewinmedia.co.uk/investor-relations. 

66

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Board and Committee changes
Siobhan Boylan was appointed the Chief Financial Officer and 
joined the Board on 4 March 2019. Her remuneration for the 
period she served as a Director during the year is included in  
this report.

Simonetta Rigo joined the Committee in September 2019. 

Base salary and pension
The Committee reviewed the Chief Executive’s base salary 
effective 1 January 2019, and decided to increase his base  
salary by £10,000 to £435,000, an increase of 2.35% which  
was consistent with the levels of increase for the remainder  
of our employees. 

From 1 January 2020, the Committee has increased the Chief 
Executive’s base salary by 2.3% to £445,000, and increased the 
Chief Financial Officer’s base salary by 2.46% to £333,000, 
consistent with the levels of increase awarded to other 
employees. The Executive Directors’ new base salaries remain 
below the market median for companies of Brewin Dolphin’s size.

In marked contrast to normal market practice, our Executive 
Directors do not receive any significant pension allowance: the 
Chief Financial Officer receives the statutory minimum pension 
contribution (currently 3% of qualifying earnings) and the Chief 
Executive elects to receive zero pension allowance.

Annual bonus outcome for 2019
Annual bonus for FY19 was weighted 60% based on financial 
metrics (adjusted profit before tax (PBT) and net funds inflow), 
with equal weighting and 40% based on challenging operational, 
strategic and personal objectives. 

2019 adjusted PBT was £75.0 million, and discretionary funds 
net inflow growth of 4.3% excluding transfers. This was a robust 
performance in challenging market conditions, whilst many of our 
competitors have experienced flat or negative net funds flow. 
Good performance was achieved in a range of challenging 
non-financial objectives. As a result, of both financial and 
non-financial performance, a total bonus of 86.4% of base salary 
was awarded. Note that, when applied to the below-median base 
salaries, the monetary value of the annual bonus paid is 
significantly lower than the market median.

A significant portion of the bonus is deferred into shares for  
three years to further enhance alignment with our shareholders’ 
interests, as detailed in our Directors’ Remuneration Policy.

LTIP granted in December 2016
The 2016 LTIP was weighted 50% on compound growth  
in adjusted EPS and 50% based on average discretionary  
funds inflow. The three-year EPS growth was 6.9% per annum, 
and the average organic discretionary funds inflow averaged 
6.0% per annum. The overall vesting level was 61.8% of 
maximum. The vested shares, net of sales to settle income tax  
on vesting, are subject to a two-year post-vesting holding period.

Discretion
The Committee agreed that the bonus and LTIP payment and 
vesting value outcomes were a fair reflection of the overall 
performance achieved, and no discretion to override these 
outcomes was necessary.

LTIP granted in December 2018
In December 2018, the Chief Executive received an LTIP grant of 
100% of base salary during the year. 50% of the award is based 
on EPS growth and 50% is based on organic funds inflow. 

The performance period is for three years ending 30 September 
2021. A two-year post-vesting holding period applies. The Chief 
Financial Officer was not eligible for this award. 

Engagement with shareholders 
The Committee receives regular updates on the views of major 
shareholders and investor representative bodies, and changes  
in market practice. During the year, the Committee consulted 
with major shareholders and proxy voting agencies on the 
proposed amendments to the Policy. 

Shareholder consultation
During the year we held a shareholder consultation with our 
top shareholders and proxy voting agencies, to discuss the 
proposed changes to the Policy. 

•  The Committee received presentations on 

upcoming changes in remuneration requirements  
for Executive Directors. 

•  Benchmarking reports were provided to the Committee  
to understand how peers approached the changes. 
•  The Committee received advice from Aon on which 

options would be most appropriate for the Company. 
•  Management developed a proposed policy based on the 
advice. The Committee considered and approved it for 
consultation with stakeholders.

•  The Committee requested the Company Secretary issue  
a communication to top shareholders and proxy voting 
agencies on the proposals. 

•  The Committee Chairman and Company Secretary 

gathered and analysed the responses. 

•  The Committee Chairman held meetings with consultees 

to discuss the policy changes. 

•  The Committee Chairman reported feedback received  
to the Committee and the Committee agreed to revise  
the Policy. 

•  The Committee updated the consultees with the  

revised Policy. 

•  The Committee approved the proposed Policy for 
inclusion into the Annual Report and Accounts. 

TSR performance
Brewin Dolphin’s sustained TSR performance has been very 
strong; £100 invested in the Company at the end of September 
2009 has delivered a return of 198% by 2019, far ahead of the 
FTSE All Share Financials Index which delivered 78% and the 
FTSE All Share of 123%.

Conclusion
I thank shareholders for supporting our remuneration resolutions 
in previous years. I hope you find this year’s Report informative, 
and that you will support our Annual Report on Remuneration 
and the amended Policy at the forthcoming AGM.

Caroline Taylor
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

26 November 2019

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

67

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationDirectors’ Remuneration Report continued

What the Committee has focused on during the year 

Area

Action in the meeting

Result

Executive 
Directors’ 
remuneration 

•  Reviewed and amended the Policy to be submitted to the  

2020 AGM

•  Reviewed the Executive Directors’ salaries, bonus and  

other awards

•  Held shareholder consultations 

The Policy was updated based  
on decisions made at meetings  
and feedback from  
shareholder consultations. 

Share based  
awards 

•  Assessed and approved the 2016 LTIP vesting
•  Approved the LTIP performance criteria and other share-based 

incentive plan awards 

Governance 

•  Assessed the effectiveness of the external advisers, Aon
•  Discussed the outcome of the Committee performance 

evaluation report

•  Reviewed and updated the Terms of Reference for  

the Committee

Core 
compliance 

Regulatory 

•  Assessed and approved annual bonus outcomes, including 

deferral awards under the Deferred Profit Share Plan

•  Reviewed share plan rules in light of changes in regulation
•  Reviewed the Directors’ Remuneration Report for the  

Annual Report

•  Reviewed the Group’s remuneration budget and other 

employee incentives

•  Identified and approved the individual compensation for the 

Material Risk Takers (‘MRTs’)

•  Reviewed the process and guidelines of the annual 

remuneration review process for the entire employee workforce

•  Received reports from the Chief Risk Officer on conduct risk
•  Approved the changes to the Remuneration Policy Statement 

for submission to the FCA and Pillar III disclosures

•  Received updates on changes in regulation and trends  
in remuneration, such as the Chief Executive pay ratio

•  Discussed the Group policy on gender pay and considered  
the result of the Gender Pay Gap Report as well as diversity 
and inclusion initiatives

The performance metrics of the LTIP 
were reviewed to ensure that they 
remained appropriate and stretching. 
The Committee was satisfied that  
it remained an effective  
reward mechanism.

Outcomes from the 2019 Committee 
evaluation were discussed and an 
action plan agreed.

Share plan rules were updated to 
ensure compliance with the UK 
Corporate Governance Code 2018. 

The Committee received an update 
from the Chief Risk Officer on conduct 
risk for Executive Directors, Executive 
Committee members, the Company 
Secretary and MRTs. The outcomes 
were then used to inform bonus 
allocations.

The Committee decided to disclose the 
Chief Executive pay ratio in the Annual 
Report and Accounts, ahead of the 
regulatory requirement. 

68

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Annual Report on Remuneration

This part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report has been prepared in accordance with Part 3 of the revised Schedule 8 set out in the 
Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013, and 9.8.6 of the Listing 
Rules. The financial information in this part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report has been audited where indicated.

Total remuneration for the financial year to 30 September 2019 (Audited)

£’000
Executive Directors
David Nicol

Siobhan Boylan5
Andrew Westenberger8
Non-Executive Chairman
Simon Miller

Non-Executive Directors
Kath Cates

Ian Dewar

Caroline Taylor

Paul Wilsonb

Mike Kellard6,9

Simonetta Rigo7

Total
Total

Year

Salary & Feesa

Benefits1 Pension2

Annual 
bonus3

Long term 
incentive4

Other5

Total 
excluding 
value in 
‘Other’

2019
2018
2019
2018 

2019
2018

2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018

432
425
187
241

180
180

83
85
77
75
70
70
60
70
60
50
60
19
1,209
1,215

1
1
1
2

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
2
3

–
–
1
–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1
–

376
453
162
200

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
538
653

282
320
–
265

n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
282
585

–
–
730
–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
730
–

–
–
351

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
351
–

Total

1,091
1,199
1,081
708

180
180

83
85
77
75
70
70
60
70
60
50
60
19
2,761
2,456

1.  Benefits relate to death-in-service insurance and private medical insurance. Executives can also elect to use part of their total fixed remuneration to fund additional 

benefits. These amounts are disclosed as part of the ‘salary and fees’ figure.

2.  Executives can elect to sacrifice part of their annual bonus into the Group’s defined contribution pension scheme. Where employees choose to do this, the Group 
contributes 13.8% of the sacrificed amount, equal to the employer’s national insurance that would have been due had the amount been paid as bonus. Any sums 
sacrificed from bonus have been shown in the pension column, with the related employer contribution of 13.8% shown in the pension column.

3.  This relates to the payment of the annual bonus which is subject to a mandatory deferral policy as set out on page 72.
4.  The value of the long-term incentive is the value of shares for the award where the performance period ends in the year, that would have been received during the 
three-year performance period. 61.8% of the 2016 LTIP has vested in the period. The figures for 2019 have been calculated using the average of the Group’s  
Q4 share price in the three-month period to 30 September 2019, being £3.09 (rounded). The actual vesting date of the LTIP award is 3 December 2019. 
  The figures presented for 2018 have been updated from the three-month average figures used in last year’s report (being £341,661 for David Nicol based on  

a share price of £3.52 (rounded)) to take into account the Group’s share price on the date of vesting, 3 December 2018, being £3.30 (rounded).

  The LTIP figure for 2019 in the table above includes £19,672 for David Nicol, which is attributable to the movement in the share price between the grant date,  

(1 December 2016) and the end of the performance period (30 September 2019). This amounts to 6.15% of the vesting amount shown in the table. 

  The LTIP figure for 2018 in the table above includes the following: £59,208 for David Nicol and £48,944 for Andrew Westenberger, which are attributable to the 

movement in the share price between the grant date (3 December 2015) and the end of the performance period (30 September 2018). This amounted to 18.48% 
of the vesting amount shown in the table.

5.  Siobhan Boylan commenced her employment with the Group on 11 February 2019 and was appointed CFO and joined the Board on 4 March 2019, once 

regulatory approval was received. The figures for 2019 in the table represent the amount of base salary and benefits, and annual bonus, earned for services as  
a Board Director. £580,000 worth of shares were granted to Siobhan Boylan during the year, to replace the share awards forfeited on leaving her previous 
employer. These awards will vest over a four-year period from 2019 to 2022. She also received £150,000 to replace the forfeited cash bonus from her previous 
employer. This is included in the ‘Other’ column above.

6.  Mike Kellard was appointed to the Board on 1 December 2017.
7.  Simonetta Rigo was appointed to the Board on 6 June 2018.
8.  Andrew Westenberger stepped down from the Board on 16 May 2018.
9.  In addition to the fees set out above which are in relation to his Brewin Dolphin Holdings PLC directorship, Mike Kellard receives an annual fee of €40,000 in 

relation to his position as a Non Executive Director of Brewin Dolphin Wealth Management Limited (BDWM), the Group’s Irish subsidiary. He was appointed to the 
Board of BDWM on 11 July 2019.

a. For Andrew Westenberger, his salary and fees include compensation for loss of office of £5,000.
b. Paul Wilson resigned from the Board on 9 October 2019.

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

69

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationDirectors’ Remuneration Report continued

Appointment of Siobhan Boylan as the Chief Financial Officer (Audited)
Siobhan Boylan was appointed as CFO and joined the Board on 4 March 2019. Her remuneration package for 2019 was as follows:

•  Base salary £325,000.
•  Pension contribution of 3% of qualifying salary (statutory minimum pension contribution).
•  Annual bonus up to a maximum of 150% of base salary, subject to performance conditions, three-year deferral and time-proration  

for the period worked during the year.

•  Siobhan Boylan did not receive any LTIP awards during the financial year ended 30 September 2019. She will be eligible for LTIP 

awards of up to 150% (subject to shareholder approval of the new Policy) of base salary for the financial year ended 30 September 
2020 onwards, subject to performance conditions measured over three years and a two-year post-vesting holding period (net of tax). 

•  Siobhan Boylan received a cash payment of £150,000 and share-based recruitment awards under Listing Rule 9.4.2(2), to replace 
cash and deferred bonuses and long term incentive awards she forfeited on leaving her previous employer to join Brewin Dolphin.  
The share-based recruitment awards, which were granted on 29 March 2019, are subject to the key terms set out in the Brewin 
Dolphin LTIP rules but vesting is modified to mirror the vesting profile of the awards sacrificed. These awards, and the replacement 
for the cash bonus, were necessary to secure her appointment, and the value of the recruitment awards was calculated taking 
account of the nature of the forfeited awards and any performance conditions that applied. The total value was £150,000 in cash and 
£580,000 in Brewin Dolphin shares, vesting over the four-year period from 2019 to 2022, subject to Siobhan’s continued 
employment. An additional condition of the awards is a requirement to retain a significant portion of the shares, on a ‘net-of-tax 
basis’, towards meeting the minimum shareholding requirement (which is proposed as 200% of base salary in the new Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy).

Base salary review (Audited)
Salaries are normally reviewed in Q4, to take effect from 1 January each year. An increase of 2.35% (£10,000) was awarded to the 
Chief Executive, effective from 1 January 2019. This was consistent with the levels of percentage increase awarded to our other 
employees. Effective from 1 January 2020, base salaries for the Chief Executive and the Chief Financial Officer will be increased to 
£445,000 (2.3% increase) and £333,000 (2.46% increase) respectively, consistent with the levels of increase to other employees. 

David Nicol
Siobhan Boylan

Salary as at 
30 September 
2019
£435,000
£325,000

Salary as at 
30 September 
2018
£425,000
–

Change
2.35%
–

Annual variable pay outcomes for 2019
Annual bonuses for the Executive Directors are determined by the Committee based on an assessment of performance relative to Key 
Performance Indicators (‘KPIs’), which are selected to achieve a direct relationship between progress towards the Group’s strategic 
goals and the bonuses that are awarded. The maximum annual bonus for each individual Executive Director is 150% of base salary.  
For the financial year ended 30 September 2019, the bonus award opportunity for on-target performance was 100% of base salary. 
The Committee has the discretion to adjust the final outcome to take account of overall Group performance and exceptional events.

Overall outcome

Criteria
Financial
Non-financial
Total

Weighting
60.0%
40.0%

% of salary  

at maximum
90.0%
60.0%
150.0%

% of maximum  
bonus paid 
40.4%
83.3%
57.6%

% of base  

salary
36.4%
50.0%
86.4%

Performance for financial criteria

Key Performance 
Indicator
Adjusted1 PBT

Weighting
30.0%

Threshold 25%  

On-target 100%  

Maximum 150%  

of salary
£68m

of salary
£84.0m

of salary
£90.0m

Actual for  
year ending 30 
September 2019
£75.0m

30.0%

2.5%

6.0%

9.0%

4.3%2

Discretionary 
net funds inflow

Outcome

% of salary 
awarded for this 

criterion Comment
17.3% Targets set 
in relation  
to prior year 
performance 
and budget
19.1% Targets set 
in relation  
to prior year 
performance 
and budget

36.4%

1.  See explanation of adjusted performance measures on page 34.
2.  Adjusted to exclude internal service transfers. 

70

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Performance for non-financial criteria 

Criteria 
(equally weighted)

Performance achieved

Rating for  

each criterion
(out of 5)

Strategy

•  Successful integration of acquisitions (Mathieson, Aylwin and Epoch) largely completed, with all 

4/5

completed transactions showing a return on an annualised basis, in line with expectations. ICIIL is on 
track.

•  1762 from Brewin Dolphin has positive funds growth and is building its integrated advice-led offering. 

A high calibre team is in place.

•  Brewin Portfolio Service has grown by 1,436 clients to 5,001 clients (2018: 3,565 clients) and funds 
have grown by £26.0 million to £187.0 million (2018: £161.0 million). Managed Portfolio Service 
(‘MPS’) has increased its funds by £0.8 billion to £3.8 billion (2018: £3.0 billion). 

Talent

•  Employee engagement score increased to 87% from 83% last year and is 10 percentage points 

5/5

above the Financial Services benchmark. Improved Glassdoor rating from 2.8 to 3.6.

•  Management of retention rates for the year within risk parameters: 7.53% overall, 2.72% Investment 

Managers and 8.6% Financial Planners.

•  Successful development of a new succession plan to identify future talent and plan their learning and 

development needs.

•  Launched an online learning platform to improve learning resources for all employees, with 1,155 

active users to date. Over 18,000 resources have been accessed.

•  Invested in leadership development training across all management levels through sponsored MBAs, 

management training and the Executive Leadership Programme.

•  Successful implementation of an improved wellbeing benefits programme, creating greater equality 
amongst all employees and several other benefits. Introduction of enhanced shared parental leave.
•  Employees volunteered for 6,277 hours during the year (compared to 5,180 in 2018). Achieved the 

Platinum Quality Mark for payroll giving.

•  20 participants in the 30% Club mentoring programme.
•  Results from the Hampton Alexander Review have ranked the Group 6th in the FTSE 250 for our 

representation of women in senior leadership roles, up from 27th in 2018. We are ranked 4th of the 
23 Financial Services firms in the FTSE 350 for female representation in ExCo and their direct reports. 
Exceeded the 33% Women in Finance Charter target, with 34.6% achieved. Board figure of 44%, 
Executive Director figure of 50% and Executive Committee figure of 25%.

Client service •  Industry awards won during the year: Five regional star awards, Investment Week’s Gold Standard 
Awards’ Best Wealth Manager 2018, and Professional Adviser’s Best Discretionary Fund Manager 
(DFM) 2018.

4/5

•  Direct client fund outflows of £673m, which was significantly lower than the £800m expected.
•  Won Best Discretionary Fund Manager for MPS on platform and Best DFM bespoke 2019.
•  Overall client satisfaction score of 87%, which is 10 percentage points higher than the UK 

benchmark.

•  Net promoter score of 51.2%, 22.7% higher than the UK benchmark and up from 44.3% in 2018.
•  Continued low levels of client complaints, 32% upheld for 2019 (46% for 2018). 

Risk 
management 
and 
compliance

•  Successful completion of the assurance report on internal controls over custodial services in 

4.5/5

accordance with ICAEW technical standard AAF 01/06 (AAF) and ICAAP, including satisfying the 
regulatory capital requirement.

•  Significant improvement to underlying processes which have enhanced our compliance with 

regulatory requirements. 

•  Rollout of comprehensive training for managers on the importance of culture as part of SMCR. 
Specialist external trainer engaged to provide high quality training to all employees impacted by 
SMCR.

•  Critical elements of GDPR were implemented in May 2018 and the data mapping is near completion. 

This will be embedded in 2020.

Technology 
and 
infrastructure

•  Implementation of the new Client Management System is progressing with a firm delivery date in early 

3/5

2020.

•  Migrating client data onto the new core custody and settlement system – Avaloq is on track, with the 

project expected to deliver in line with previously disclosed expectations. 

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

71

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationDirectors’ Remuneration Report continued

Criteria 
(equally weighted) Performance achieved

Personal 
performance

Chief Executive:
•  Avid and visible leader of initiatives which creates a strong and sustainable culture. Demonstrating 

Brewin Dolphin values continuously. CEO approval rating on Glassdoor of 80%.

•  Continues to demonstrate strong and consistent leadership. For example, by personally championing 

leadership development, diversity and corporate responsibility.

•  The employee survey question ‘Senior Leaders provide a clear vision of the overall direction of the 

Company’ rose from 65% to 74%, an increase of 9% year-on-year, 12% above the financial services 
benchmark.

•  Successfully built a collegiate and high performing Executive Committee, bolstered by the recruitment 

of the new CFO.

•  Took a leading role in industry initiative to share best practice with peers and understand how the 

industry is evolving, and how Brewin Dolphin can benefit from and take advantage of these 
opportunities. Attended numerous networking events, roundtable discussions and peer to peer 
meetings to understand how competitors and the industry are evolving and the resulting impact on 
the Group. 

Chief Financial Officer:
•  Managed delivery of half year results and the placing of shares transaction in an accelerated timeline.
•  Successfully maintained our critical banking diversification targets.
•  Optimised the structure of the internal finance team to enhance support to the business.
•  Good progress in building external relationships with all shareholders through developing an investor 

relations programme.

Rating for  

each criterion

4.5/5

4.5/5

Percentage of maximum bonus for non-financial performance (straight average)

83.3%

Bonus outcomes (Audited)
Based on assessment of performance, the Committee has awarded the following annual bonuses to the Chief Executive and the CFO, 
with the split between cash and deferred shares as indicated in the table below. The Executive Directors receive part of their annual 
variable pay under the Deferred Profit Share Plan (‘DPSP’) as a deferred award in Group shares, normally in the form of a nil-cost 
option. The options vest and become exercisable three years from the date of grant. 

Both the share and cash elements of the bonus are subject to malus and clawback provisions. Please see the Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy table on page 78 for further details. The Committee has the discretion to adjust the final outcome to take account of overall 
Group performance and exceptional events. The Committee did not make any such adjustment for the bonuses in respect of the 
financial year ended 30 September 2019.

Name
David Nicol
Siobhan Boylan2

Role
Chief Executive
Chief Financial Officer

Cash
£267,227
£124,371

Deferred shares1
£108,613
£37,185

Total
£375,840
£161,556

% of base salary
86.4%
86.4%

1.  See deferral table below.
2.  Siobhan Boylan’s total bonus figure is prorated for the period she worked as an Executive Director during the year.

Portion of variable pay
Up to £50,000
Between £50,000 and 1 x salary
Above 1 x salary

Fraction deferred
None
One-third
Two-thirds

Vested LTIP outcome for the three-year performance period ended 30 September 2019 (Audited)
The Chief Executive received a conditional share award granted under the LTIP in December 2016. The performance period for the 
grant was the three years ended 30 September 2019 and the performance criteria set are shown below:

Criteria
Adjusted EPS Compound 
Annual Growth Rate (‘CAGR’)
Average annual discretionary net 
funds growth2
Blended pay out total

Weighting

Threshold target

Full vesting target

Actual performance 
achieved 
to year ended 
30 September 2019

% of award to vest

50.0%

50.0%

5%

2.5%

15%1

7.5%

6.9%

6.0%

38.9%

84.7%
61.8%3

1.  The stretch target of 15% CAGR is calculated from the starting point of 16.8p for 2015-16. 
2.  Average annual net inflows in discretionary funds expressed as a % of prior year discretionary funds.
3. No discretion was exercised to override the vesting outcome, as the outcome is a fair reflection of performance achieved.

72

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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Chief Executive pay for performance comparison 
The graph below shows the value by 30 September 2019, of £100 invested in Brewin Dolphin Holdings PLC on 28 September 2009, 
compared with the Total Remuneration figures of the Chief Executive, rebased to £100 on the same date. The other points plotted are 
the values at intervening financial year-ends. Brewin Dolphin’s TSR has been compared against the FTSE All Share Financial Index, 
reflecting the Company’s sector and listing.

TSR, Chief Executive total pay and FTSE All Share – Financial Services Index 

Source: FactSet 

300

250

200

150

100

50

)

d
e
s
a
b
e
r
(
e
u
a
V

l

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

  Brewin Dolphin Holdings PLC 

  Chief Executive single figure (Indexed)  

  FTSE All Share Financials  

The total remuneration figure for the Director undertaking the role of Chief Executive during each of the previous financial years is shown 
below. The total remuneration figure includes the annual bonus which was awarded based on performance in those years. Where this 
bonus was subject to deferral, the deferral amount is shown in the year in which it was awarded. The annual bonus is shown as a 
percentage of the maximum for 2012 to 2019 only as there was no maximum amount for bonus in the preceding years. 

Total remuneration (£’000)
Annual bonus (% max)
LTIP vesting (% of award)

2010
643
n/a
n/a

2011
593
n/a
n/a

Year ended 30 September

2012
557
39
n/a

2013
577
63
n/a

2014
770
80
n/a

2015
702
67
n/a

2016
713
60
nil

2017
1,025
82.6
16.2

2018
1,199
71.1
74.6

2019
1,091
57.6
61.8

The movement in the salary and annual bonus for the Chief Executive, who is the highest paid Director, between the current and 
previous financial year compared to that for the average UK Group employee is shown below. Executive Directors receive minimal 
benefits, other than those they purchase from their base salary. As such, an analysis of the movement in benefits for the Chief Executive 
and the average employee was not considered to be practical or meaningful and has not been included in the below comparison.

Chief Executive
Salary
Bonus
Average per employee
Salary
Bonus

2019

2018

% change

£435,000
£375,840

£425,000
£453,475

2.35%
(17.12)%

£53,860
£31,178

£52,856
£35,162

1.9%
(11.33)%

Chief Executive pay ratio
New regulations require companies to publish information on the ratio of the Chief Executive’s pay to that of other UK employees in the 
Group. This requirement takes effect from our next reporting year. However, we have chosen to voluntarily disclose this information  
a year early. 

In accordance with the new regulatory requirements, the table below sets out the ratio between the Chief Executive’s total remuneration 
and the median, 25th and 75th percentile of the total remuneration amongst our UK employees. Total remuneration reflects all 
remuneration received by an individual in respect of the relevant year, including base salary, benefits, pension, annual bonus awarded, 
and the value vested from any long-term incentive. Out of the three alternative methods available under the regulations for calculating 
the ratio, we chose to use Option A. It is the most precise way of identifying employees at 25th percentile, median and 75th percentile, 
and is generally preferred under shareholder guidelines. Under this approach we calculated total remuneration on a full-time equivalent 
basis for all of our UK employees and ranked these figures to arrive at the median and the other percentiles.

Percentile
25th percentile
50th percentile
75th percentile

Total 
remuneration
£31,412
£52,536
£100,435

Ratio
34:1
20:1
10:1

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

73

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

The table below provides further information on the total remuneration figure for each percentile employee, and the base salary 
component within this.

Percentile
25th percentile
50th percentile
75th percentile

Salary
£24,757
£38,253
£66,527

Ratio
17:1
11:1
6:1

Our ratio of 20:1 to the median employee pay is significantly lower than the median of the ratios in other FTSE 350 companies, which is 
approximately 50:1 based on data disclosed so far. Our Chief Executive’s total remuneration package is relatively low compared to 
other companies of our size, with below-market median salary, zero pension benefit, and relatively low maximum variable pay, to date.  
It is important to recognise that the ratio is likely to fluctuate from year to year, especially as it is influenced by LTIP vesting value 
outcomes which vary with share price as well as performance outcomes. There may also be an increase in the future as a result of the 
changes we are proposing this year to our Directors’ Remuneration Policy to bring the quantum of LTIP more in line with market levels.

Directors’ share interests (Audited) 

Outstanding share options and conditional share awards
The tables below set out details of Executive Directors’ outstanding share awards (which will vest in future years subject 
to performance and/or continued service). The share price at 30 September 2019 was £3.168. 

Share options – Deferred Profit Share Plan (‘DPSP’)

Number 
of share  
options as at  
1 October  

Grant date Exercise price

2018

Granted  
during
year1

Exercised  

Lapsed  

during year

during year

Number of  
share options  
as at 30  
September  
2019 

End of  
performance  

End of exercise  

period

Maturity date

period

0.00p 
0.00p
0.00p
0.00p

37,174 
33,344
54,907
–
125,425

–
–
–
44,715
44,715

37,174
–
–
–
37,174

–
–
–
–
–

– 
33,344
54,907
44,715
132,966

n/a 03/12/2018 03/12/2021
n/a 01/12/2019 01/12/2022
n/a 30/11/2020 30/11/2023
n/a 29/11/2021 29/11/2024

1.  Options under the Deferred Profit Share Plan were granted, in respect of a portion of the annual bonus earned for performance in FY 2018.

Conditional share awards – Long Term Performance Plan (‘LTIP’) 

Grant date

Number  
of share  
awards as at  
1 October  

2018

Granted  
during
year2

Vested  
during
year1

Lapsed  
during
year

Number of  
share awards  
as at 30  
September  

End of 
 performance  

2019

period

Vesting date

Plan
David Nicol
DPSP
DPSP
DPSP
DPSP
Total

03/12/2015
01/12/2016
30/11/2017
29/11/2018

Plan
David Nicol
LTIP1
LTIP
LTIP
Total

01/12/2016
14/12/2017
29/11/2018

147,877 
109,536 
–
257,413

–  91,387 
– 
–
–
131,987
91,387
131,987

56,490
– 
–
56,490

– 30/09/2019 01/12/2019
109,536 30/09/2020 14/12/2020
131,987 31/09/2021 29/11/2021
241,523

1.  Actual vesting date is 1 December 2019. Figures shown are the number of shares vested at the end of the three-year performance period, 30 September 2019.
2.  The Chief Executive received awards under the LTIP with a face value of 100% of base salary. The awards are subject to the performance conditions as set out in 

last year’s Remuneration Report. 25% of the award vests for threshold performance and 100% for stretch performance.

Share Award Agreement (‘SAA’) 

Grant date

Plan
Siobhan Boylan 
SAA
SAA
SAA
SAA
SAA
Total

29/03/2019
29/03/2019
29/03/2019
29/03/2019
29/03/2019

Number  
of share  
awards as at  
1 October  

2018

Granted  
during
year

Vested  
during
year

Lapsed  
during  
year

Number of  
share awards  
as at 30  
September  

2019

Vesting date

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
–

38,416
63,415
45,810
32,278
7,287
187,206

38,416
–
–
– 
–
38,416

–
–
–
– 
–
–

– 14/05/2019
63,415 30/04/2020
45,810 30/04/2021
32,278 02/05/2022
7,287 29/03/2022

148,790

Share awards granted to Siobhan Boylan during the year to replace the share awards forfeited on leaving her previous employer.  
These awards will vest from 2019 to 2022. Please see note 28 to the Financial Statements for more information.

74

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Beneficial interests
To further align the interests of Executive Directors with shareholders, Executive Directors are required to build up a shareholding within 
five years of appointment date (21 March 2013 for David Nicol and 4 March 2019 for Siobhan Boylan). The current minimum 
shareholding requirement for the Chief Executive is 150% of base salary and the minimum shareholding requirement for the Chief 
Financial Officer is 100% of base salary. There is a proposal to increase this to 200% of base salary for both Executive Directors in the 
new Directors’ Remuneration Policy.

Shares that count towards these requirements include shares owned outright by the Executive Director, the amount equal to the net  
of tax value of unvested awards granted under the deferred bonus (DPSP) as they are unfettered by performance criteria, and net of tax 
LTIP share awards that have vested and been retained.

Director
Kath Cates
Siobhan Boylan3
Ian Dewar
Mike Kellard1
Simon Miller
David Nicol
Simonetta Rigo
Caroline Taylor
Paul Wilson

Beneficially 
owned as at 30
September 
20191
5,587
53,400
6,358
5,493
80,000
207,215
6,000
10,000
8,596

Percentage of 
shareholding
target held2,5
n/a
128%
n/a
n/a
n/a
213%
n/a
n/a
n/a

Outstanding 
DPSP 
awards
–
–
–
–
–
132,966
–
–
–

Outstanding
 LTIP 
awards
–
–
–
–
–
241,523
–
–
–

Share Award 
Agreement
–
148,790
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Beneficially 
owned as at 
22 November 
2019
5,587
53,400
6,358
5,493
80,000
207,3194
6,000
10,000
n/a

Beneficially 
owned as at 30
September 2018
5,587 
–
6,358
5,493
80,000
136,090
6,000
10,000
8,596 

1.  Holdings as at year end or date of appointment/resignation if relevant.
2.  Includes 53% of outstanding DPSP options and 53% of the 2016 LTIP award which will vest at 61.8% on 1 December 2019 but met its performance criteria on 

30 September 2019. These are included on a net of tax basis.

3.  Siobhan Boylan was appointed on 4 March 2019. Her shareholding includes shares awarded under the Share Award Agreement column, which replaces the 

shares forfeited on leaving her former employer.

4.  The increase of 104 shares was as a result of two monthly Share Incentive Plan purchases. 
5.  The percentage shown is based on the current minimum shareholding requirements that apply.

Deferred bonus
The Executive Directors receive part of their annual variable pay under the DPSP as a deferred award in Company shares, normally in 
the form of a nil-cost option. The option vests and becomes exercisable three years from the date of grant.

Share Incentive Plan (‘SIP’)
Employees may use funds from their gross salary up to a maximum of 10% of their gross salary in regular monthly payments  
(being not less than £10 and not greater than £150) to acquire Ordinary Shares in the Group (‘Partnership Shares’). Partnership Shares 
are acquired monthly. For every Partnership Share purchased, the employee receives one Matching Share up to a total value of £20.  
These shares are held in an employee benefit trust (the ‘Trust’). Market purchase shares are used to satisfy all shares purchased under 
the SIP and it is the intention of the Directors to continue this practice for the forthcoming financial year.

Dilution
By agreement with shareholders, the aggregate number of shares which may be issued at any date of grant, when aggregated with 
shares issued or issuable pursuant to options or awards granted in the preceding 10 years under any employee share plan operated  
by the Group, shall not exceed 10% of the issued share capital. Within this 10% limit, the aggregate number of shares which may be 
issued under discretionary schemes targeted at executives and other key roles shall not exceed 5% of the issued share capital in any 
10-year rolling period. The current cumulative dilution level over the 10-year period to 30 September 2019 is 1.33%.

Material contracts with Directors
There were no material contracts between the Group and the Directors, except for their contracts of employment or letters 
of appointment. The Directors undertake transactions in stocks and shares in the ordinary course of the Group’s business for their own 
account. The transactions are not material to the Group in the context of its operations. £nil was outstanding in respect of these 
transactions at 30 September 2019 and 30 September 2018.

Total pension entitlements
Executive Directors may opt to waive part of their salary and receive an equivalent defined pension contribution instead. They may  
also receive part of their annual bonus in the form of pension contribution. David Nicol has not made contributions to the scheme  
and does not receive any benefits under the scheme. Siobhan Boylan receives the statutory minimum contribution of 3% of her 
qualifying earnings.

Defined benefit pension scheme
Entry to the Group defined benefit pension scheme was withdrawn in 2004 for new employees. 

Death-in-service benefits
Executive Directors are eligible for death-in-service benefit cover which is equal to six times their individual base salary. David Nicol has 
elected not to receive this benefit.

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

75

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationDirectors’ Remuneration Report continued

Private Medical Insurance (‘PMI’)
Executive Directors are eligible for PMI cover at a rate of single cover. They may elect to add dependants to the policy at their own cost.

Group Income Protection (‘GIP’)
Executive Directors are eligible for GIP cover at the rate of 25% of their base salary. They may elect to increase this cover to 50%  
of base salary at their own cost. David Nicol has elected not to receive this benefit.

Relative importance of the spend on pay (Audited)

Staff costs
Dividends

2019 
’000
£166,830
£48,394

2018 
’000
£157,268
£45,081

Change
6.1%
7.3%

Average salary per employee has increased by 1.9% and the average bonus per employee has reduced by 11.33% respectively (see 
page 73).

External advisers
The Remuneration Committee is advised by the Executive Compensation Practice of Aon plc, appointed by the Committee. Aon is  
a member of the Remuneration Consultants Group and abides by its code of conduct which requires its advice to be impartial and 
objective. Aon has no other connections with the Group. The total fees paid to Aon in respect of its services to the Committee during 
the year were £124,318.

External directorships
Details of external directorships held by the Executive Directors during the year and any fees that they received in respect of their 
services are shown below:

Executive Director
David Nicol

Company
Hermes Property Unit Trust

Position
Chair of appointment committee

2019
£40,000

2018
£40,000

Statement of shareholder voting
The Directors’ Annual Report on Remuneration received the following votes from shareholders at the 2019 AGM:

Votes cast in favour
Votes cast against
Total votes cast
Abstentions

No.
189,513,759
8,817,409
198,331,168
4,766,637

%
95.55
4.45

How the new policy will be applied from 2020 onwards

Fees for the Chairman and the Non-Executive Directors 
As detailed in the Policy, the Group’s approach to setting Non-Executive Directors’ remuneration is with reference to the market levels 
in similar-sized FTSE companies, levels of responsibility and time commitments.

The Non-Executive Directors’ fees were reviewed during the year. Following a review by the Chairman, Chief Executive and CFO in 
2019, the Board agreed to increase the Non-Executive Directors’ base fee to £62,000 (the last increase was January 2017) and 
Committee chairs to receive a fee of £15,000 per annum, with effect from 1 October 2019. The Remuneration Committee agreed to 
increase the Chairman’s fee to £200,000 with effect from 1 October 2019.

Chairman
Base fee
Senior Independent Director
Committee chair

30 September 2019
£180,000
£60,000
£10,000
£10,000-£15,000

30 September 2018
£180,000
£60,000
£10,000
£10,000-£15,000

Change 
in fees
–
–
–
–

76

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Performance targets for the 2019/20 annual bonus and LTIP awards to be granted in the 2020 financial year
For the 2020 financial year, the annual bonus will be based on performance against a balanced scorecard comprising three key 
performance areas.

Key performance areas
Adjusted PBT1
Organic discretionary funds net inflows
Non-financial targets

Weighting (each 
measured 
independently)
30%
30%
40%

1. See explanation of adjusted performance measures on page 34.

Targets for the 2019/20 annual bonus will be disclosed in next year’s Annual Report on Remuneration.

The LTIP awards to be granted in the 2020 financial year will be subject to two separate performance metrics shown below, each 
accounting for one-half of the award. The targets have been set with reference to market consensus and internal medium-term plans.
There is also a general underpin that the Committee will assess the overall health of the business and whether prudent risk management 
has been applied and may scale back the vesting level if it considers this to be appropriate.

LTIP performance metric
Adjusted EPS CAGR

Weighting (each 
measured 
independently)
50%

Threshold (25% 
vesting)
5%

Stretch 
(100% 
vesting)

Measurement period

15% CAGR measured over the three financial 

Average annual organic discretionary net 
funds growth

50%

2.5%

7.5%

Proposed Directors’ Remuneration Policy (the ‘Policy’)

years 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021/22 using 
2018/19 as the base year.
Average over the three financial years 
2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021/22.

This Policy describes the policies, principles and structures that provide the parameters for the Remuneration Committee’s decision-
making in executive remuneration. The current Policy was approved by the shareholders at the 2017 AGM and has applied to FY2017-
2019. The Committee carried out a detailed review of the current Policy during 2019, taking into account the 2018 UK Corporate 
Governance Code and feedback received during the year. 

Following the review, the Committee decided to propose a number of amendments to the Policy to ensure the Policy continues to be in 
line with best practice and shareholder expectations. If approved, the amended Policy will apply to awards in respect of the 2020 
performance year onwards for all Executive Directors. A summary of the proposed amendments to the current Policy is provided below:

•  Increase our Minimum Shareholding Requirement to 200% of base salary for all Executive Directors, from the current levels of 150% 

of base salary for the Chief Executive and 100% of base salary for the Chief Financial Officer.

•  Introduce a post-employment Minimum Shareholding Requirement to apply for two years post-cessation.
•  Reduce the bonus payout for on-target performance to 60% of maximum bonus from the current level of 67%, whilst leaving the 

maximum annual bonus unchanged at 150% of base salary.

•  Increase the maximum LTIP payout to 150% of base salary from the current level of 100% of base salary. Note that the current Policy 

already allows for LTIP awards of up to 150% of base salary in exceptional circumstances.

Remuneration principles and objectives
The primary objectives of the Policy are:

•  To attract, retain and motivate talented executives of the calibre required to manage the business successfully, whilst seeking to avoid 

paying more than is necessary to meet this objective.

•  To motivate and reward good performance.
•  To meet relevant regulatory requirements, including the requirements of the FCA Remuneration Code so far as these apply to the 

Group.

The main principles of the Policy are:

•  To ensure that total remuneration is set at a level that is market competitive by benchmarking against relevant external comparators, 

taking account of size, complexity and sector, and to ensure that the overall package takes account of market practice.

•  To maintain appropriate proportions of fixed and performance-related pay, to help to drive performance over the short and longer 

term, maintain a flexible cost base, and avoid creating incentives for excessive risk taking.

•  To align incentive plans with the business strategy, prudent risk management and shareholder interests.
•  To achieve consistency with the general remuneration philosophy applied to the Group’s employees as a whole.

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

77

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationDirectors’ Remuneration Report continued

Proposed Remuneration Policy for Executive Directors

Element

Fixed pay

Purpose and  
link to short  
and long-term  
strategy

Provides a level 
of fixed 
remuneration 
sufficient to 
recruit and retain 
necessary talent, 
and to permit a 
zero variable pay 
award should 
that be 
appropriate. 

Maximum  
opportunity

Base salary is 
benchmarked against 
relevant peers, and is 
targeted to be not 
more than the 
approximate median 
of relevant 
comparators. 

Operation, performance measures  
and periods, deferral and clawback

Executive Directors receive a base salary plus Private Medical 
Insurance (PMI) at single cover. They are eligible to participate 
in the Group Death in Service insurance, plus the Group 
Income Protection (GIP) in line with other employees. In 
addition, they can elect to purchase additional PMI and GIP 
benefits from net salary. 

Executive Directors can choose to sacrifice salary into the 
Group’s defined contribution pension scheme. The Company 
does not provide any other pension allowance for contribution 
for the Executive Directors other than the statutory  
auto-enrolment minimum. The Company can reimburse 
Directors’ reasonable business expenses (including tax 
thereon if applicable).

Individual levels of base salary are reviewed annually, with any 
increases normally effective from 1 January, unless there  
are exceptional reasons for an increase at another time  
of the year. 

Any increases are generally targeted at around the general 
level of salary inflation in the Group, but may vary from this for 
exceptional reasons such as a change in the individual’s role 
or responsibilities, or a need to bring an individual’s 
remuneration to a market competitive level.

Annual 
variable pay 
(Discretionary)

Rewards annual 
Group and 
personal 
performance, 
and, through the 
use of deferral 
into shares, also 
aligns reward 
with longer-term 
performance. 

Performance measures, targets and weightings are reviewed 
annually and set in line with the annual business plan. Actual 
measures and weightings may change from year to year to 
reflect the business priorities at that time. 

The maximum 
individual award of 
annual variable pay is 
150% of base salary. 

Portion of annual bonus

Up to £50,000

Between £50,000 and 1 x fixed 
remuneration

What fraction is deferred?

None

One-third

Above 1 x fixed remuneration

Two-thirds

60% of maximum 
opportunity may be 
payable for on-target 
performance 
(previously 67%). 

The Committee has the discretion to override formulaic bonus 
outcomes, where necessary, under both the financial and 
non-financial performance metrics, to take account of wider 
factors. 

Malus and clawback provisions may apply in exceptional 
situations, such as misstatement of performance, failure of 
risk management, serious misconduct, serious reputational 
damage, corporate failure resulting from executive actions or 
failure to act. 

78

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Element

LTIP 
(Discretionary)

Purpose and  
link to short  
and long-term  
strategy

Rewards 
achievement 
of long-term 
performance 
objectives. 

Minimum 
Shareholding 
Requirement

Post-
employment 
Shareholding 
Requirement

To ensure 
alignment of the 
long-term 
interests of 
Executive 
Directors and 
shareholders 

To ensure 
alignment of 
Executive 
Directors 
post-cessation 
and shareholder 
interests 

Operation, performance measures  
and periods, deferral and clawback

Executive Directors will be eligible to be considered each year 
for a conditional award of shares, which will vest in one 
tranche, normally no earlier than three years from the date  
of award. 

Vesting will be subject to performance conditions and targets 
set prior to each grant by the Committee. These performance 
conditions will be related to financial performance (e.g. EPS 
growth and net discretionary funds flow) and will be aligned to 
the business strategy. For each performance metric used, 
there will be a threshold level of performance at which no 
more than 25% of the portion of the award relating to that KPI 
will vest, and a stretch level of performance, at which 100% of 
the portion of the award relating to that KPI will vest. 

Executive Directors will be required to hold net of tax vested 
shares for a period of two years following vesting.

The Committee has the discretion to override formulaic LTIP 
vesting outcomes, where necessary, taking account of the 
overall or underlying Company performance. 

Malus and clawback provisions may apply in exceptional 
situations, such as misstatement of performance, failure of 
risk management, serious misconduct, serious reputational 
damage, corporate failure resulting from executive actions  
or failure to act. 

Executive Directors are required to build and maintain  
a shareholding equivalent to 200% of base salary,  
normally within five years of appointment. 

Previously the requirements were 150% for CEO  
and 100% for CFO. 

Executive Directors are required to maintain a shareholding  
of 200% of base salary (or the actual holding on departure,  
if lower) for the first year post-cessation, and 100% of base 
salary for the second year (or the actual holding on departure, 
if lower).

The Committee has discretion to make adjustments to the 
post-employment shareholding requirement in exceptional 
circumstances. 

Maximum  
opportunity

The maximum annual 
award under the LTIP 
is 150% of base 
salary (in face value 
of shares at grant).

Previously the 
maximum was 100% 
or 150% in 
exceptional 
circumstances. 

n/a

n/a

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

79

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationDirectors’ Remuneration Report continued

Illustrations of the application of Remuneration Policy

)
s
0
0
0
’
£
(

n
o
i
t
a
r
e
n
u
m
e
R

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0

2,114
47%

1,780
38%

38%

32%

1,263
33%

32%

445
100%

35%

24%

21%

1,593
47%

1,343
37%

37%

31%

26%

22%

956
32%

31%

37%

335
100%

Minimum

Target

Maximum Max +50%

Minimum

Target

Maximum

growth

Max +50%
growth

Chief Executive

Chief Financial Officer

  Fixed pay 

  Annual bonus 

  Long-term incentives 

The potential reward opportunities illustrated above were calculated using base salary effective from 1 January 2019. Illustrations are 
intended to provide further information to shareholders regarding the pay for performance relationship; however, actual pay delivered 
will be influenced by changes in share price and the vesting period of awards. The assumptions below have been made in compiling  
the above charts:

Assumption

Fixed pay

Minimum

Target

Maximum

Total fixed remuneration. 

Total fixed remuneration.

Total fixed remuneration.

Annual bonus

No annual bonus payable.

On-target annual bonus of 
90% of base salary.

Maximum annual bonus of 
150% of base salary.

LTIP

Zero vesting – threshold  
not achieved.

Share award of 150% of base 
salary. On-target vesting (62% 
of award).

Share award of 150% of base 
salary. Full vesting (100% of 
award).

Remuneration Committee discretion
The Committee will operate the incentive plans according to the rules of each respective plan, and consistent with normal market 
practice and the Listing Rules, where relevant. The Committee has flexibility in a number of areas regarding the operation and 
administration of these plans, subject to the plan rules, including (but not limited to) the following:

•  Participants in the plans;
•  Timing of awards, payments and vesting;
•  The size of an award or a payment, or the level of vesting, taking account of the overall or underlying Company performance;
•  The treatment of awards in the event of change of control or restructuring of the Group;
•  Whether a Director is a good or bad leaver for incentive plan purposes and the extent of, and timing of, any vesting; and
•  How and whether an award or performance condition may be adjusted in certain exceptional circumstances (for example, in the 

event of extreme share price movement).

How the views of shareholders are taken into account
The Remuneration Committee compares the Policy with shareholder guidelines and takes account of shareholder voting. The 
Remuneration Committee Chair consults with major investors ahead of any material changes to the Policy and, along with the Company 
Secretary, is available to meet with institutional shareholders to discuss any of the policy-related disclosures or outcomes contained in 
this Directors’ Remuneration Report.

Details of votes cast for and against the resolution to approve last year’s Remuneration Report are provided on page 76. 

Consideration of employment conditions elsewhere in the Group
A consistent remuneration philosophy for employees is applied at all levels and the aggregate rate of base salary increase for all 
employees is one of the factors considered when determining increases in fixed pay for Directors. All employees are eligible for 
discretionary performance-related annual bonuses and the principle of bonus deferral applies to employees whose bonuses exceed 
certain thresholds. A formal employee consultation on remuneration is not operated; however, employees are able to provide direct 
feedback on the Group’s remuneration policies to their managers or the Human Resources department and as part of an annual 
employee engagement survey. The Group Human Resources Director is a standing attendee at Remuneration Committee meetings and 
presents regular reports on people strategy, including the effectiveness of the Group’s remuneration policies and how they are viewed 
by employees. 

80

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

 
Caroline Taylor was appointed during the year as the Non-Executive Director responsible for employee engagement and she will report 
her findings to the Board.

Fixed ratios between the total remuneration levels of different roles in the Group are not applied, as this would prevent us from recruiting 
and retaining the necessary talent in a highly competitive employment market. 

Benchmarking
The Remuneration Committee takes account of market benchmark data when setting total remuneration packages for Executive 
Directors and comparisons are made with other FTSE listed companies of similar size and business profile to the Group. Practices in 
the wealth management sector and other related sectors are also considered. Benchmark data is used as a reference point, alongside 
other factors such as the individual’s role, experience and performance, rather than as a direct determinant of pay levels.

Differences in remuneration policy for Executive Directors compared to other employees
The approach to remuneration for the Executive Directors is generally consistent with that for employees across the Group as a whole. 
However, there are some differences which the Remuneration Committee believes are necessary to reflect the different responsibilities 
of employees across the Group, and the need to recruit, retain and motivate employees in a variety of roles. For example, below 
Executive Director level, the portion of annual variable pay that is deferred is structured differently and is capped at one-third rather than 
the two-thirds deferral that applies to Executive Directors. Awards of market purchased shares are made to selected individuals from 
time to time, excluding Executive Directors, which vest subject to continued service, to recognise individuals’ value to the Group and to 
create further alignment with shareholders.

External non-executive director positions
Executive Directors are permitted to serve as non-executive directors of other companies, as this can help to broaden the skills and 
experience of the Director, provided there is no competition with the Group’s business activities and where these duties do not interfere 
with the individual’s ability to perform their duties for the Group. The number of external directorships an Executive Director can hold is 
limited to two non-executive directorships. Where an outside appointment is accepted in furtherance of the Group’s business, any fees 
received are remitted to the Group. If the appointment is not connected to the Group’s business, the Executive Director is entitled to 
retain any fees received.

Approach to remuneration for new Executive Director appointments
The remuneration package for a new Executive Director is set in accordance with the terms and maximum levels of the Group’s 
approved remuneration policy in force at the time of appointment. The Committee may also offer additional cash and/or share-based 
elements when it considers these to be in the best interests of the Group and shareholders, for the purpose of replacing awards or 
potential foreseeable earnings which are forgone by the individual on becoming an Executive Director. This includes the use of awards 
made under 9.4.2 of the Listing Rules. In considering any such payments the Remuneration Committee would take account of the 
amount of remuneration forgone and the nature, vesting dates and any performance requirements attached to the remuneration 
forgone. Shareholders will be informed of any such payments and the rationale for these. For an internal appointment, any deferred pay 
element awarded in respect of the prior role may be allowed to pay out according to its terms, adjusted as relevant to take into account 
the appointment. In addition, ongoing remuneration obligations existing prior to appointment may be permitted to continue where this is 
considered to be in the best interests of the Group and shareholders. For external and internal appointments, the Group may meet 
certain relocation expenses as appropriate. 

Service contracts and loss of office payments
Service contracts normally continue until the Executive Director’s agreed retirement date or such other date as the parties agree.  
The service contracts contain provision for early termination.

In summary, the contractual provisions are:
Provision

Detailed terms

Notice period

Six months. 

Termination payment in the 
event of termination by the 
Company without due notice

Total fixed pay in respect of the unexpired period of contractual notice, in addition to any 
amounts to which they are legally entitled. In certain cases the Committee may also consider  
a discretionary award of annual variable pay, subject to performance, in respect of the portion 
of any financial year that the individual has been working with the Group, although not for the 
period of any payment in lieu of notice or ‘garden leave’.

Change of control

Same terms as above on termination.

The Group has power to enter into settlement agreements with executives and to pay compensation to settle potential legal claims.  
Any outstanding share-based entitlements granted to an Executive Director under the Group’s LTIP or other share plans will be 
determined based on the relevant plan rules. The default treatment is that any outstanding awards lapse on cessation of employment. 
However, in certain prescribed circumstances, such as death, disability, redundancy, retirement or other circumstances at the discretion 
of the Committee (taking into account the individual’s performance and the reasons for their departure), ‘good leaver’ status can be 
applied. In such cases, the normal practice, unless there are exceptional circumstances, is for any LTIP awards held to be pro-rated for 
the period of the performance period that has expired, and the performance conditions would continue to apply. Share awards under 
the DPSP will vest in full on the original vesting schedule. An Executive Director’s service contract may be terminated without notice and 
without any further payment or compensation, except for sums accrued up to the date of termination, on the occurrence of certain 
events such as gross misconduct.

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

81

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationDirectors’ Remuneration Report continued

Legacy arrangements
For the avoidance of doubt, the Directors’ Remuneration Policy includes authority for the Group to honour any commitments entered 
into with current or former Directors that have been disclosed to shareholders in previous Remuneration Reports. Details of any 
payments to former Directors will be set out in the implementation section of this report as they arise. 

Policy for the Chairman and other Non-Executive Directors

Element

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Maximum

Chairman fee

To pay a market competitive 
all-inclusive fee that takes account 
of the role and responsibilities.

Non-Executive  
Director fees

To pay a market competitive basic 
fee, and supplements for 
significant additional 
responsibilities such as 
Committee Chairmanships.

The maximum aggregate fee for 
Non-Executive Directors is as 
listed in the Articles of 
Association. This is subject to 
change periodically though any 
increase in aggregate fee would 
be subject to approval by 
shareholders. 

As above.

The Chairman is paid a single fee 
for all his responsibilities. The level 
of the fee is reviewed periodically 
by the Committee, with reference 
to market levels in comparably-
sized FTSE companies, without 
the Chairman being present.

The Non-Executives are 
paid a basic fee. There are also 
supplements for Committee 
Chairmanships and the Senior 
Independent Director. The fee 
levels are reviewed periodically  
by the Chairman and  
Executive Directors.

Non-Executive Directors are engaged under letters of appointment; they do not have contracts of service and are not entitled to 
compensation on early termination of their appointment. The Group can reimburse Non-Executive Directors’ reasonable business 
expenses (including tax thereon if applicable).

Compliance with the FCA Remuneration Code
The Remuneration Committee regularly reviews its Remuneration Policy’s compliance with the principles of the Remuneration Code  
of the UK financial services regulator, as applicable to the Group. The Remuneration Policy is designed to be consistent with the 
prudent management of risk and the sustained long-term performance of the Group.

This Directors’ Remuneration Report, including both the Policy and Annual Remuneration Report, has been approved by the Board  
of Directors.

Caroline Taylor
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

26 November 2019

82

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Directors’ Report 

Index to principal Directors’ Report and Listing Rule disclosures 
Relevant information required to be disclosed in the Directors’ Report and as set out in Listing Rule 9.8.4 R (information to be included 
in the Annual Report and Accounts) may be found in the following sections: 

Information 
Business Review
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
Disclosure information to auditor
Directors in office during the year
Dividend recommendation for the year
Directors’ Insurance
Corporate Responsibility
Greenhouse gas emissions
Risk management objectives and policies
Future developments of the Company
Employment policies and employee involvement
Non-financial information statement
Structure of share capital, including restrictions on the 
transfer of securities, voting rights and significant 
shareholders
Rules governing the appointment of Directors
Powers of Directors
Rules governing changes to the Articles of Association
Shareholder waiver of dividends

Section in Annual Report 
Strategic Report
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Corporate Governance Report
Chairman’s Statement
Directors’ Report
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Note 27 to the Financial Statements
Strategic Report
Strategic Report
Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report
Corporate Governance Report
Corporate Governance Report
Directors’ Report
Note 23 to the Financial Statements

Pages 
14-17, 20-21
28-32
86
46-47
4
84
41-43
85
144
14-19
39-43
43

83
57
51
84
138

Relevant information related to Companies (Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 2018 may be found in the following sections:

•  Stakeholder Engagement, Corporate Governance Report page 55.
•  Employee Engagement, Corporate Governance Report page 48.

The above information is incorporated by reference and together with the information on pages 83 to 86 forms the Directors’ Report  
in accordance with section 415 of the Companies Act 2006.

Strategic Report
The Strategic Report is set out on pages 4 to 43 and was approved by the Board on 26 November 2019. It is signed on behalf of the 
Board by David Nicol, Chief Executive.

Cautionary statement
The review of the business and its future development in the Annual Report has been prepared solely to provide additional information 
to shareholders to assess the Group’s strategies and the potential for these strategies to succeed. It should not be relied on by any 
other party for any other purpose. The review contains forward looking statements which are made by the Directors in good faith based 
on information available to them up to the time of the approval of these reports and should be treated with caution due to inherent 
uncertainties associated with such statements. The Directors, in preparing the Strategic Report, have complied with section 417 of the 
Companies Act 2006.

Share capital
Details of the Company’s authorised and issued share capital, together with details of the movements therein, are set out in note 23  
to the Financial Statements. This includes the rights and obligations attaching to shares and restrictions on the transfer of shares.

The Company has one class of Ordinary Shares which carry no right to fixed income. There are no specific restrictions on the size of  
a holding nor on the transfer of shares, which are both governed by the general provisions of the Articles of Association and prevailing 
legislation. The Directors are not aware of any agreements between holders of the Company’s shares that may result in restrictions on 
the transfer of securities or on voting rights.

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

83

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationDirectors’ Report continued

Employee share plans
Details of employee share plans are set out in note 28 to the Financial Statements. Under the rules of the Group’s Share Incentive Plan 
(‘SIP’), shares are held in trust for participants by Equiniti Share Plan Trustees Limited (the ‘Trustee’). Voting rights are exercised by the 
Trustee on receipt of a participant’s instructions; if no such instruction is received by the Trustee then no vote is registered. No person 
has any special rights of control over the Company’s share capital and all issued shares are fully paid.

Articles of Association
The Articles of Association may be amended by special resolution of the shareholders.

Substantial shareholdings
As at 30 September 2019, the Company had received notifications in accordance with the FCA’s Disclosures and Transparency Rule 
5.1.2 of the following interests of 3% or more in the voting rights of the Company.

Shareholder 
Kabouter Management LLC
Royal London Asset Management 
Henderson Group PLC
Aberforth Partners
FIL Investment International
Janus Henderson Group PLC
BlackRock, Inc.
FIL Limited
J O Hambro Capital Management
Legal & General
Kames Capital

Number of voting rights 
16,560,820
17,178,725
14,426,962
14,390,759
12,477,394
Below 5%
Below 5%
14,092,698
13,847,348
8,563,901
8,756,747

% of voting rights 
5.84%
5.67%
5.09
5.08%
5.00%
Below 5%
Below 5%
4.97%
4.89%
3.99%
3.08%

Annual General Meeting
The AGM will be held at 11.30am on 7 February 2020 at Haberdashers’ Hall, 18 West Smithfield, London EC1A 9HQ.

Purchase of own shares
At the AGM on 1 February 2019, shareholders approved a resolution for the Company to make purchases of its own shares  
to a maximum of 10% of its issued Ordinary Shares. This resolution remains valid until the conclusion of the next AGM in 2020.  
As at 26 November 2019 the Directors had not used this authority.

Directors’ Insurance
The Group has in place a Directors and Officers Liability Insurance Policy which provides cover for the personal liability which the 
Company’s directors and officers may face. This remains in force at the date of this report.

Employees
The average number of persons, including Directors, employed by the Group and their remuneration is set out in note 7 to the Financial 
Statements. Other information about the Group’s employee engagement, diversity and inclusion policies is set out in the Our People 
and Corporate Responsibility Reports starting on page 39. The Group-wide gender diversity split as at 30 September 2019 was  
45% female and 55% male.

Internal control and risk management
The Directors confirm 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 Board considers that the information it receives enables it to 
review the effectiveness of the Group’s internal controls in accordance with the FRC’s Guidance on Risk Management, Internal Control 
and Related Financial and Business Reporting. Areas where internal controls can be improved are identified and appropriate actions 
agreed as part of our internal control systems. Senior management, the Board and the Audit Committee regularly monitor progress 
towards completion of these actions. The Board considers that none of the identified areas for improvement constitute a significant 
failing or weakness. 

84

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Greenhouse Gas Emissions (‘GHG’)
The Group recognises and strives to minimise its impact on the environment. As a financial services provider, our main environmental 
focus is on our network of offices and employee travel.

Global GHG emissions for the period ended 30 September 2019

Emissions from:
Combustion of fuel & operation of facilities
Electricity purchased for own use
Fugitive emissions – refrigerant losses
Mobile combustion – business travel from leased assets
Total emissions
Company’s chosen intensity measurement: Emissions per full-time employee

T CO2e 
GWP Scope 1,2,3  

T CO2e 
GWP Scope 1,2,3  

2018-2019
390
875
–
20
1,285
0.63

2017-2018
577
1,034
–
20
1,631
1.0

The reduction in electricity emissions comes mainly from a lower emission factor being relevant, whilst the reduction in combustion  
of fuel and operations of facilities is because we carried out an audit of locations and removed estimated emissions from gas for those 
where no gas was found to be used. Our FTE figure has grown this year, so these are pleasing results.

General methodology and additional information
The table above reports our annual GHG emissions from sources as required under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and 
Directors’ Reports) Regulations 2013. These sources fall within our consolidated financial statement. We have included most of the 
emission sources that we have responsibility for but have omitted some emission sources based on materiality and a lack of data. 
Details of the emissions which we have omitted are given in the “Emission sources not reported” section below. The Scope 2 emissions 
calculations for purchased electricity follow the location-based methodology of the GHG Protocol.

This is our sixth year of reporting as a quoted company under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors’ Reports) 
Regulations 2013. We have used SoFi software, from thinkstep, to gather energy use data (natural gas and electricity) as well as data 
on hydrofluorocarbons and upstream leased assets and have applied emission factors from the August 2019 update to the Defra 
impact profile in SoFi. For Brewin Dolphin’s international operations (i.e. Dublin), please note, Defra is no longer including IEA’s factors 
for international electricity consumption in their own dataset. Thinkstep negotiated an agreement with the IEA that allows them to 
continue to include IEA factors in the SoFi Impact libraries. These factors are the most up-to-date IEA overseas emission factors 
currently available which date back to country-specific physical consumption of the electricity in 2015.

In this reporting year (2018/2019) no fugitive emissions, i.e. emissions from refrigerant losses, occurred as there have not been any 
replacements of our Direct Expansion systems.

As in the previous reporting year, emissions from mobile combustion related to business travel was estimated to amount to an average 
of 30% of total mileage. This is our own conservative assumption.

Emission sources not reported
This section of the report details the emission sources that we have not reported on and provides the reasons behind our decisions. 
Only some of the offices we operate directly make use of gas and we have included this in our emissions from combustion of fuel.  
We do not have distinct data on heat/steam for our other offices as this is most likely embedded in the office service charges that we 
pay. As a result, we have not currently reported on purchased heat or steam. In future we will devise a methodology to estimate the 
emissions associated with heating requirements that we are responsible for.

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

85

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationDirectors’ Report continued

Data quality for electricity and gas consumption
Our data for electricity as well as gas consumptions comes from two main sources;

•  consumption bills from suppliers/reports from property agents etc (exact data); and
•  our approximations based on exact data (estimated data).

We have used estimated data in some cases because we were unable to get complete data for all our offices for the current reporting 
period. The section below details the approach that we have taken to fill the gaps in consumption data.

We identified that there were some offices that had incomplete electricity or gas consumption figures for certain months over the  
current reporting period. In such situations, we chose the following approach to estimate the consumption data for the missing months. 
We identified the month(s) in the dataset with electricity consumption, calculated the daily consumption figure and applied this daily 
figure to the month(s) that had missing data.

In some other cases, there were offices that we had no electricity and or gas consumption data for. In these situations, we used an 
average consumption intensity per square foot across offices with reliable data in the current reporting period. We then used these 
average annual consumptions per square foot intensities to estimate the annual electricity/gas consumption of the offices with no 
electricity/gas consumption data, based on individual floor areas.

Disclosure of information to auditors
Each of the persons who is a Director at the date of approval of this Annual Report confirms that:

•  so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s auditor is unaware; and
•  the Director has taken all steps that he/she ought to have taken as a Director in order to make himself/herself aware of any relevant 

audit information and to establish that the Company’s auditor is aware of that information.

This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of section 418 of the Companies Act 2006.

Independent Auditor
The auditor, Deloitte LLP has expressed its willingness to continue in office as auditor and a resolution to reappoint them will be 
proposed at the forthcoming AGM.

Approved for and on behalf of the Board.

Tiffany Brill
Company Secretary 
Brewin Dolphin Holdings PLC 
Company Number: 02685806 

26 November 2019 

86

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

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

Company law requires the Directors to prepare such financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors are 
required to prepare the Group Financial Statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRSs’) as adopted 
by the European Union and Article 4 of the IAS and have also chosen to prepare the parent company Financial Statements under IFRSs 
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 Company and of the profit or loss of the Company for that period.

In preparing the Parent Company Financial Statements, the Directors are required to:

•  select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
•  make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
•  prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue  

in business.

In preparing the Group Financial Statements, International Accounting Standard 1 requires that Directors:

•  properly select and apply accounting policies;
•  present information, including accounting policies, in a manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and  

understandable information;

•  provide additional disclosures when compliance with the specific requirements in IFRSs are insufficient to enable users to understand 

the impact of particular transactions, other events and conditions on the entity’s financial position and financial performance; and

•  make an assessment of the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

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 enable them to ensure that 
the Financial Statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company 
and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Company’s 
website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of Financial Statements may differ from 
legislation in other jurisdictions.

Directors’ responsibility statement
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

•  the Financial Statements, prepared in accordance with the relevant financial reporting framework, give a true and fair view of the 
assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken  
as a whole;

•  the Strategic Report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Company and 
the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the Principal Risks and Uncertainties 
that they face; and

•  the Annual Report and Financial Statements, taken as a whole, are fair, balanced and understandable and provide the information 

necessary for shareholders to assess the Company’s position and performance, business model and strategy.

This responsibility statement was approved by the Board of Directors on 26 November 2019 and is signed on its behalf by

David Nicol
Chief Executive

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

87

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationIndependent Auditor’s Report 

Report on the audit of the financial statements 

Opinion 

In our opinion:
•  the financial statements of Brewin Dolphin Holdings PLC (the ‘parent company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘group’) give a true and 
fair view of the state of the group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 30 September 2019 and of the group’s profit for 
the year then ended;

•  the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 

(IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union;

•  the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European 

Union and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and

•  the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards 

the group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

We have audited the financial statements which comprise:

•  the consolidated income statement;
•  the consolidated statement of comprehensive income;
•  the consolidated and parent company balance sheets;
•  the consolidated and parent company statements of changes in equity;
•  the consolidated and parent company cash flow statements; and
•  the related notes 1 to 34.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the group financial statements is applicable law and IFRSs 
as adopted by the European Union and, as regards the parent company financial statements, as applied in accordance with the 
provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities 
under those standards are further described in the auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. 

We are independent of the group and the parent company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of 
the financial statements in the UK, including the Financial Reporting Council’s (the ‘FRC’s’) Ethical Standard as applied to listed public 
interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We confirm that the 
non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided to the group or the parent company.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

Summary of our audit approach 

Key audit matters 

Materiality 

Scoping 

The key audit matters that we identified in the current year which are consistent with 
the prior year were: 
•  Revenue recognition; 
•  Impairment of goodwill and client relationships; and 
•  Assumptions underlying the calculation of the pension scheme liability.

The materiality that we used for the group financial statements was £3.1m, which was 
determined on the basis of 5% of profit before tax from continuing operations and is 
consistent with our approach for the 2018 audit.

The scope of our audit covered substantially the entire group, with the following 
entities in scope, in addition to the parent company: 
•  Brewin Dolphin Limited; 
•  Brewin Dolphin Wealth Management Limited; and 
•  Brewin Dolphin MP.

Significant changes  
in our approach

There have been no significant changes in our audit approach in 2019. 

88

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Conclusions relating to going concern, principal risks and viability statement 

Going concern
We have reviewed the directors’ statement in note 3d to the financial statements about whether they 
considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing them and their 
identification of any material uncertainties to the group’s and parent company’s ability to continue to  
do so over a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements.

We confirm that we 
have nothing material 
to report, add or draw 
attention to in respect 
of these matters. 

We considered as part of our risk assessment the nature of the group, its business model and related  
risks including where relevant the impact of Brexit, the requirements of the applicable financial reporting 
framework and the system of internal control. We evaluated the directors’ assessment of the group’s ability 
to continue as a going concern, including challenging the underlying data and key assumptions used to 
make the assessment, and evaluated the directors’ plans for future actions in relation to their going  
concern assessment.

We are required to state whether we have anything material to add or draw attention to in relation to that 
statement required by Listing Rule 9.8.6R(3) and report if the statement is materially inconsistent with our 
knowledge obtained in the audit. 

Principal risks and viability statement
Based solely on reading the directors’ statements and considering whether they were consistent with the 
knowledge we obtained in the course of the audit, including the knowledge obtained in the evaluation of the 
directors’ assessment of the group’s and the company’s ability to continue as a going concern, we are 
required to state whether we have anything material to add or draw attention to in relation to:

We confirm that we 
have nothing material 
to report, add or draw 
attention to in respect 
of these matters. 

•  the disclosures on pages 28-33 that describe the principal risks and explain how they are being managed 

or mitigated;

•  the directors’ confirmation on page 33 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; or

•  the directors’ explanation on page 33 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 are also required to report whether the directors’ statement relating to the prospects of the group 
required by Listing Rule 9.8.6R(3) is materially inconsistent with our knowledge obtained in the audit. 

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

89

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationIndependent Auditor’s Report continued 

Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our 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) 
that we identified. These matters included those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources 
in the audit; and directing the efforts of the audit team.

These matters 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.

Revenue recognition 

Key audit matter 
description

As detailed in the summary of significant accounting policies in note 3, revenue comprises investment 
management fees of £239.1m (2018: £233.9m), commissions of £69.1m (2018: £67.8m) and other income 
of £30.9m (2018: £27.3m). 

Investment management fees account for approximately 71% of total revenue and are based on  
a percentage of individual clients’ funds under management. There is a risk that incorrect rates or fund 
valuations are used to calculate management fees. This risk increases where amendments are required to 
be made to system calculated fees due to the requirement for manual intervention. We have also identified 
this as a risk relating to fraud.

How the scope of our 
audit responded to 
the key audit matter 

We evaluated the design and implementation and tested the operating effectiveness of relevant controls 
over the calculation of management fees. This included controls over system generated investment 
management fees, including associated IT controls and controls over amendments to client fees. 

We selected a sample of quarterly investment management fee calculations for individual clients and 
recalculated the system generated amount. We agreed a sample of the rates used to client contracts and 
the value of funds under management to third party sources including the rationale and authorisation of any 
amendments to the system generated fee. We reviewed client communications, new accounts and 
transfers for a sample of clients to challenge the completeness of manual fee amendments. 

Key observations 

Through our testing, we concluded that management fees were appropriately stated for the year ended  
30 September 2019. 

Impairment of goodwill and client relationships 

Key audit matter 
description 

How the scope of our 
audit responded to 
the key audit matter 

Historically, the group has expanded through acquisitions leading to the recognition of goodwill and client 
relationships of £103.2m (2018: £83.2m). 
As detailed in the summary of significant accounting policies in note 3 and note 13 intangible assets,  
client relationships are reviewed for indicators of impairment at each reporting date and, if an indicator  
of impairment exists, an impairment test is performed. Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually, 
whether or not indicators of impairment exist. 
The impairment test requires an estimation of the recoverable amount for each of the group’s cash-
generating units (“CGUs”) and where the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount an impairment 
should be recorded. This assessment is based on estimates of the fair value less costs to sell of CGUs 
based on a percentage of funds under management (“FUM”). The percentages used are inherently 
judgemental. We have also identified this as a risk relating to fraud.
Given the amortisation of client relationships and growth in FUM, the impairment tests at the balance sheet 
date were not sensitive to reasonably possible changes in the percentages applied to FUM. Consequently, 
management has determined that the estimation of the percentages applied to FUM is not a “key source 
of estimation uncertainty”. However, given the size of the balance, the level of management judgement in 
the overall impairment assessment and the amount of audit effort in this area, we still consider this to be  
a key audit matter. 

We evaluated the design and implementation and tested the operating effectiveness of relevant controls 
over the production of funds under management data, designed to ensure its completeness and accuracy. 
In assessing management’s impairment assessment for intangible assets, we have reviewed their 
methodology for compliance with the requirements of IAS 36 “Impairment of Assets” and challenged the 
assumptions and judgements made. 
This included challenging the percentages management applied to market values of FUM to determine  
fair value, and validating these against percentages derived from recent public acquisitions of fund 
management businesses and the sensitivity of the impairment assessment to changes in the  
percentages applied.

Key observations 

Through our testing, we concurred with management’s assessment that no impairments were required  
to goodwill or client relationships. We also concurred with management’s judgement that the percentages 
applied to FUM are not a key source of estimation uncertainty.

90

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Assumptions underlying the calculation of the pension scheme liability

Key audit matter 
description

The group has recognised a defined benefit pension surplus of £17.4m (2018: £11.4m surplus).  
The net surplus comprises assets of £125.2m and liabilities of £106.9m.
The calculation of the liability is sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions and is considered to be  
a key source of estimation uncertainty for the group as detailed in note 4, disclosed in note 17 and has 
been considered by the Audit Committee on page 62. 
The key assumptions are the discount rate, inflation rate and mortality rate where small changes to these 
assumptions could result in a material change to the pension liability valuation.

How the scope of our 
audit responded to 
the key audit matter

In order to evaluate the appropriateness of the assumptions used by management, we evaluated the 
design and tested the implementation of relevant controls over the review of assumptions and used our 
own actuarial experts to make direct enquiries of the group’s actuary and review the key actuarial 
assumptions adopted in the IAS 19 (“Employee Benefits”) pension valuation. In particular we compared the 
discount rate, inflation rate and mortality assumptions to our independently determined benchmarks 
derived using market and other data.

Key observations

Through the work performed, we concluded that the assumptions underlying the pension scheme liability 
for the year ended 30 September 2019 were within the middle of our range of independently determined 
reasonable benchmarks. 

Our application of materiality 
We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements that makes it probable that the economic decisions 
of a reasonably knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced. We use materiality both in planning the scope of our audit work 
and in evaluating the results of our work.  

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:

Materiality 

Basis for 
determining 
materiality 

Rationale for the 
benchmark applied

Group financial statements

Parent company financial statements

£3.1m (2018: £3.4m) 

£2.6m (2018: £2.5m) 

5% of profit before tax from continuing operations 
which is consistent with our approach for the prior 
year audit. 

Profit before tax was used as the basis for 
determining materiality as this is the key metric 
used by members of the parent company  
and other relevant stakeholders in assessing 
financial performance. 

We determined materiality based on 1%  
of net assets.

The parent company primarily holds the 
investments in group entities and, therefore,  
net assets is considered to be the key focus  
for users of the financial statements. 

We set performance materiality at a level lower than materiality to reduce the probability that, in aggregate, uncorrected and undetected 
misstatements exceed the materiality for the financial statements as a whole. Group performance materiality was set at 70% of group 
materiality for the 2019 audit (2018: 70%). In determining performance materiality, we considered factors including:

•  our risk assessment, including our assessment of the group’s overall control environment and that we consider it appropriate to rely 

on controls over a number of business processes; and

•  our past experience of the audit, which has indicated a low number of corrected and uncorrected misstatements identified  

in prior periods

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the Committee all audit differences in excess of 5% of materiality 
£156,000 (2018: 5% of materiality £170,000), as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting  
on qualitative grounds. We also report to the Audit Committee on disclosure matters that we identified when assessing the overall 
presentation of the financial statements. 

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

91

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report continued 

An overview of the scope of our audit
Our group audit was scoped by obtaining an understanding of the group and its environment, including group-wide controls and 
assessing the risks of material misstatement at the group level. 

Based on our understanding of the group-wide control environment, we elected to test controls, including associated IT controls,  
in the following areas:

•  Discretionary investment management fee income;
•  Advisory investment management commission income;
•  Execution only fee income;
•  Other operating costs; and
•  Trade debtors and creditors.

The group consists of the main trading subsidiary, Brewin Dolphin Limited along with Brewin Dolphin Wealth Management Limited, 
Brewin Dolphin MP Limited, and BDDL Limited. We focused our group audit scope primarily on Brewin Dolphin Limited which was 
subject to a full audit, and Brewin Dolphin Wealth Management Limited and Brewin Dolphin MP were subject to an audit of specified 
account balances. BDDL limited was scoped out for this year’s audit which is consistent with the prior year following the transfer of net 
assets to Brewin Dolphin Limited. 

Our full scope audits and audits of specified balances covered 99% (2018: 99%) of the group’s revenue and profit before tax. Our audit 
of Brewin Dolphin Limited used a component materiality of £3.1m (2018: £3.3m).

The majority of the operations of the group are based in the United Kingdom and are audited by Deloitte LLP. The only exception to this 
is Brewin Dolphin Wealth Management Limited, an Irish company, which represents less than 3.1% (2018: 2.5%) of revenue and is 
audited by another Deloitte member firm which is consistent with the prior year.

Other information

The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information 
included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent 
otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

We have nothing  
to report in respect  
of these matters.

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 such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to 
determine whether there is a material misstatement in 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.

In this context, matters that we are specifically required to report to you as uncorrected material 
misstatements of the other information include where we conclude that:

•  Fair, balanced and understandable – the statement given by the directors that they consider the annual 
report and financial statements taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the 
information necessary for shareholders to assess the group’s position and performance, business model 
and strategy, is materially inconsistent with our knowledge obtained in the audit; or

•  Audit committee reporting – the section describing the work of the audit committee does not 

appropriately address matters communicated by us to the audit committee; or

•  Directors’ statement of compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code – the parts of the directors’ 
statement required under the Listing Rules relating to the company’s compliance with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code containing provisions specified for review by the auditor in accordance with Listing 
Rule 9.8.10R(2) do not properly disclose a departure from a relevant provision of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code.

92

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial 
statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors 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 parent 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 parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic 
alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s 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 auditor’s 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.

Details of the extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud are set out below.

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 auditor’s report. 

Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud
We identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and then design 
and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, including obtaining audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide  
a basis for our opinion.

Identifying and assessing potential risks related to irregularities
In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and 
regulations, our procedures included the following:

•  enquiring of management, internal audit and the audit committee, including obtaining and reviewing supporting documentation, 

concerning the group’s policies and procedures relating to:
•  identifying, evaluating and complying with laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance;
•  detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud;
•  the internal controls established to mitigate risks related to fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations;

•  discussing among the engagement team and involving relevant internal specialists, including tax, pensions and IT regarding how and 
where fraud might occur in the financial statements and any potential indicators of fraud. As part of this discussion, we identified 
potential for fraud in the following areas: revenue recognition, management override of controls and the impairment of goodwill and 
client relationships; and

•  obtaining an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that the group operates in, focusing on those laws and regulations 
that had a direct effect on the financial statements or that had a fundamental effect on the operations of the group. The key laws and 
regulations we considered in this context included the Financial Conduct Authority’s regulations, the UK Companies Act, Listing 
Rules, pensions legislation and tax legislation In addition, the group’s regulatory solvency requirements were considered in assessing 
the directors’ going concern statement.

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

93

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationIndependent Auditor’s Report continued 

Audit response to risks identified
As a result of performing the above, we identified revenue recognition and impairment of goodwill and client relationships as key audit 
matters. The key audit matters section of our report explains the matters in more detail and also describes the specific procedures we 
performed in response to those key audit matters. 

In addition to the above, our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following:

•  reviewing the financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with relevant laws  

and regulations discussed above;

•  enquiring of management, the audit committee and in-house and external legal counsel concerning actual and potential litigation  

and claims;

•  performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatement 

due to fraud;

•  reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance, reviewing internal audit reports and reviewing correspondence with 

HMRC and the Financial Conduct Authority; and

•  in addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, testing the appropriateness of journal entries and other 
adjustments; assessing whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and 
evaluating the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.

We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members including 
internal specialists and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.

Report on other legal and regulatory requirements 

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006.

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

•  the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ report for the financial year for which the financial statements are 

prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

•  the strategic report and the directors’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and of the parent company and their environment obtained in the course 
of the audit, we have not identified any material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’ report.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception

Adequacy of explanations received and accounting records

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:

We have nothing  
to report in respect  
of these matters.

•  we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our 

audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or

•  the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns.

Directors’ remuneration
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are also required to report if in our opinion certain disclosures of 
directors’ remuneration have not been made or the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited 
is not in agreement with the accounting records and returns.

We have nothing  
to report in respect  
of these matters.

94

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Other matters

Auditor tenure
Following the recommendation of the audit committee, we were appointed by the Shareholders at the Annual General Meeting in  
April 2002 to audit the financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2002 and subsequent financial periods. The period  
of total uninterrupted engagement including previous renewals and reappointments of the firm is 18 years, covering the years ended  
30 September 2002 to 2019.

Consistency of the audit report with the additional report to the audit committee
Our audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the audit committee we are required to provide in accordance with  
ISAs (UK).

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

Robert Topley FCA (Senior statutory auditor)
for and on behalf of Deloitte LLP 
Statutory Auditor 
London, United Kingdom

26 November 2019

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

95

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Informationi

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

 
Contents

Consolidated Income Statement 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 
Consolidated Balance Sheet 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 
Company Balance Sheet 
Company Statement of Changes in Equity 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement 
Company Cash Flow Statement 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
1
2

3
4

General information
Application of new and revised International Financial Reporting 
Standards (‘IFRSs’) and changes in accounting policies
Significant accounting policies
Critical accounting judgements and key sources  
of estimation uncertainty
Income
Segmental information
Staff costs
Profit for the year
Finance income and finance costs
Income tax expense
Dividends
Earnings per share
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investment in subsidiaries
Trade and other receivables
Defined benefit pension scheme
Net deferred tax liability
Financial instruments
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other payables
Provisions
Share capital
Own shares
Other reserves
Business combinations
Risk management
Share-based payments
Operating lease arrangements
Contractual commitments
Notes to the Cash Flow Statement 
Impact of application of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments 
Post balance sheet events 
Related party transactions 

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
30
31
32
33
34
Five Year Record (unaudited) 
Appendix – calculation of KPIs 

99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
107

107
111

119
121
121
122
123
124
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
135
136
136
137
137
138
140
140
141
144
151
152
153
153
154
155
155
156
157

98

Brewin Dolphin
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Consolidated Income Statement

Year ended 30 September 2019

Revenue
Other operating income
Income

Staff costs
Amortisation of intangible assets – client relationships and brand
Defined benefit pension scheme past service costs 
Acquisition costs
Incentivisation awards
Onerous contracts
FSCS levy refund
Other operating costs
Operating expenses

Operating profit
Finance income
Other gains and losses
Finance costs
Profit before tax
Tax
Profit for the year

Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent

Earnings per share
Basic
Diluted

Note
5
5

7
13
17
26

9

9

10

2019  
£’000
336,301
2,808
339,109

2018  
£’000
326,226
2,801
329,027

(184,896)
(6,858)
(1,909)
(2,337)
(340)
(996)
–
(80,812)
(278,148)

60,961
1,708
1
(146)
62,524
(14,457)
48,067

(174,822)
(7,619)
–
–
(1,318)
(170)
288
(77,506)
(261,147)

67,880
903
(162)
(117)
68,504
(15,008)
53,496

48,067
48,067

53,496
53,496

12
12

17.0p
16.6p

19.5p
18.9p

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

99

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationConsolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 

Year ended 30 September 2019 

Profit for the year
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit and loss:
Actuarial gain on defined benefit pension scheme
Deferred tax charge on actuarial gain on defined benefit pension scheme
Fair value gain on investments in equity instruments designated as  
at fair value through other comprehensive income
Gain on disposal of investments in debt instruments designated as  
at fair value through other comprehensive income
Tax on gain on disposal of investments in debt instruments designated as  
at fair value through other comprehensive income

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit and loss:
Revaluation of available-for-sale investments
Reversal of revaluation of available-for-sale investments
Deferred tax charge on revaluation of available-for-sale investments
Loss on cash flow hedge
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Other comprehensive income for the year net of tax
Total comprehensive income for the year
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent

Note

17
18

19

19
19
18
27

2019  
£’000
48,067

2018  
£’000
53,496

5,601
(945)

3,765
(577)

1

200

(38)
4,819

–
–
–
(24)
(67)
(91)
4,728
52,795

52,795
52,795

–

–

–
3,188

2
106
(21)
–
35
122
3,310
56,806

56,806
56,806

100 Brewin Dolphin

Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Consolidated Balance Sheet 

As at 30 September 2019 

Assets
Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Defined benefit pension scheme
Net deferred tax asset
Total non-current assets

Current assets
Trade and other receivables
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income
Available-for-sale investments
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Trading investments
Cash and cash equivalents
Total current assets
Total assets

Liabilities
Trade and other payables
Current tax liabilities
Provisions
Total current liabilities
Net current assets

Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Shares to be issued
Net deferred tax liability
Provisions
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets

Equity
Share capital
Share premium account
Own shares
Hedging reserve
Revaluation reserve
Merger reserve
Profit and loss account
Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent

Note 

2019  
£’000

As at  
1 October  
20181  
£’000

At  
30 September  
2018  
£’000

13
14
17
18

16
19
19
19
19
20

21

22

21
13
18
22

23
23
24
25
25
25

117,246
10,659
17,373
–
145,278

216,212
79
–
373
–
229,199
445,863
591,141

220,921
6,035
4,350
231,306
214,557

832
3,668
2,699
14,933
22,132
253,438
337,703

3,032
58,238
(25,214)
(24)
3
70,553
231,115
337,703

85,719
8,110
11,408
4,141
109,378

171,145
676
–
356
–
186,222
358,399
467,777

176,104
5,352
3,424
184,880
173,519

926
–
–
8,234
9,160
194,040
273,737

2,834
152,477
(26,060)
–
2
70,553
73,931
273,737

85,719
8,110
11,408
4,141
109,378

171,145
–
676
–
356
186,222
358,399
467,777

176,104
5,352
3,424
184,880
173,519

926
–
–
8,234
9,160
194,040
273,737

2,834
152,477
(26,060)
–
2
70,553
73,931
273,737

1.  Presented following the adoption of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments – see notes 2 and 32 for more detail. 

Approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 26 November 2019. 

Signed on its behalf by 

David Nicol
Chief Executive

Siobhan Boylan
Chief Financial Officer

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

101

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationConsolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 

Year ended 30 September 2019 

At 30 September 2017
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income for the year

Deferred and current tax on other 
comprehensive income
Actuarial gain on defined benefit 
pension scheme
Revaluation of available-for-sale 
investments
Exchange differences on translation  
of foreign operations

Total comprehensive income for the year
Dividends 
Issue of share capital
Own shares acquired in the year
Own shares disposed of on exercise  
of options
Share-based payments
Tax on share-based payments
At 30 September 2018
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income for the year

Deferred and current tax on other 
comprehensive income
Actuarial gain on defined benefit 
pension scheme
Fair value movement on investments  
in equity instruments designated  
as at fair value through other 
comprehensive income
Gain on disposal of investments  
in debt instruments designated  
as at fair value through other 
comprehensive income
Loss on cash flow hedge
Exchange differences on translation  
of foreign operations

Total comprehensive (expense)/income 
for the year
Dividends 
Issue of share capital
Placing of shares
Own shares acquired in the year
Own shares disposed of on exercise  
of options
Share-based payments
Share premium reduction (see note 23)
Tax on share-based payments
At 30 September 2019

Attributable to the equity holders of the parent 

Share  
capital  
£’000
2,833
–

Share  
premium  
account  
£’000
152,320
–

Own  
shares  
£’000
(25,921)
–

Hedging  
reserve  
£’000
–
–

Revaluation  
reserve  
£’000
(85)
–

Merger  
reserve  
£’000
70,553
–

Profit 
and loss 
account1 
£’000
62,876
53,496

Total  
£’000
262,576
53,496

–

–

–

–
–
–
1
–

–

–

–

–
–
–
157
–

–
–
–
2,834
–

–
–
–
152,477
–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
(13,507)

13,368
–
–
(26,060)
–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–
2
196
–

–
–
95
58,181
–

–
–
–
–
(8,898)

–
–
–
–
– (152,515)
–
–
58,238
3,032

9,744
–
–
–
(25,214)

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–
(24)

–

(24)
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
(24)

(21)

–

108

–
87
–
–
–

–
–
–
2
–

–

–

1

–
–

–

1
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
3

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
70,553
–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
70,553

(577)

(598)

3,765

3,765

–

108

35
56,719
(41,599)
–
–

(13,368)
8,915
388
73,931
48,067

35
56,806
(41,599)
158
(13,507)

–
8,915
388
273,737
48,067

(983)

(983)

5,601

5,601

–

1

200
–

(67)

200
(24)

(67)

52,818
(45,986)
–
–
–

(9,744)
7,769
152,515
(188)
231,115

52,795
(45,986)
97
58,377
(8,898)

–
7,769
–
(188)
337,703

1.  A cumulative debit of £81k has been recognised in the profit and loss account reserve as at 30 September 2019 for exchange differences on translation of foreign 

operations (2018: £14k debit, 2017: £49k debit).

102 Brewin Dolphin

Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Company Balance Sheet 

As at 30 September 2019 

Assets
Non-current assets
Investment in subsidiaries
Total non-current assets

Current assets
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Total current assets
Total assets

Liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Total current liabilities
Net current assets

Non-current liabilities
Shares to be issued
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets

Equity
Share capital
Share premium account
Own shares
Hedging reserve
Merger reserve
Profit and loss account
Equity attributable to equity holders

Approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 26 November 2019. 

Signed on its behalf by 

David Nicol 
Chief Executive

Brewin Dolphin Holdings PLC 
Company Number: 02685806

Siobhan Boylan
Chief Financial Officer

Note

15

16
20

21

23
23
24
25
25
25

2019  
£’000

2018  
£’000

192,215
192,215

188,491
188,491

38,967
47,000
85,967
278,182

72,679
1,445
74,124
262,615

13,039
13,039
72,928

11,700
11,700
62,424

3,668
3,668
16,707
261,475

–
–
11,700
250,915

3,032
58,238
(25,214)
(24)
70,838
154,605
261,475

2,834
152,477
(26,060)
–
70,838
50,826
250,915

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

103

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationCompany Statement of Changes in Equity 

Year ended 30 September 2019 

At 30 September 2017
Profit for the year
Total comprehensive income for the year
Dividends
Issue of share capital
Own shares acquired in the year
Own shares disposed of on exercise of options
Share-based payments
At 30 September 2018
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive expense for the year

Loss on cash flow hedge

Total comprehensive expense for the year
Dividends
Issue of share capital
Placing of shares
Own shares acquired in the year
Own shares disposed of on exercise of options
Share premium reduction (see note 23)
Share-based payments
At 30 September 2019

Attributable to the equity holders of the Company

Share  
capital  
£’000
2,833
–
–
–
1
–
–
–
2,834
–

Share  
premium  
account  
£’000
152,320
–
–
–
157
–
–
–
152,477
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
95
2
58,181
196
–
–
–
–
– (152,515)
–
–
58,238
3,032

Own  
shares  
£’000
(25,921)
–
–
–
–
(13,507)
13,368
–
(26,060)
–

–
–
–
–
–
(8,898)
9,744
–
–
(25,214)

Hedging  
reserve  
£’000
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

(24)
(24)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(24)

Merger  
reserve  
£’000
70,838
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
70,838
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
70,838

Profit  
and loss  
account  
£’000
35,485
61,393
61,393
(41,599)
–
–
(13,368)
8,915
50,826
(775)

–
(775)
(45,986)
–
–
–
(9,744)
152,515
7,769
154,605

Total  
£’000
235,555
61,393
61,393
(41,599)
158
(13,507)
–
8,915
250,915
(775)

(24)
(799)
(45,986)
97
58,377
(8,898)
–
–
7,769
261,475

104 Brewin Dolphin

Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement 

Year ended 30 September 2019

Net cash inflow from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of intangible assets – client relationships
Purchase of intangible assets – software
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Acquisition of subsidiaries
Purchase of financial assets at fair value through profit and loss
Proceed on disposal of financial instruments at fair value through other  
comprehensive income

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid to equity shareholders
Purchase of own shares
Cash flow hedge
Proceeds on issue of shares

Net cash from/(used) in financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 October

Effect of foreign exchange rates

Cash and cash equivalents at 30 September

Note
31

2019  
£’000
66,647

2018  
£’000
79,705

(10,011)
(10,064)
(5,249)
(2,680)
–

799
(27,205)

(45,986)
(8,898)
(24)
58,474
3,566

(121)
(1,076)
(7,081)
–
(300)

6
(8,572)

(41,599)
(13,507)
–
158
(54,948)

43,008

16,185

186,222
(31)
229,199

169,995
42
186,222

11
24
27
23

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

105

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationCompany Cash Flow Statement 

Year ended 30 September 2019 

Net cash inflow from operating activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid to equity shareholders
Cash flow hedge
Proceeds on issue of shares
Net cash from/(used) in financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 October
Cash and cash equivalents at 30 September

Note
31

11
27
23

2019  
£’000
33,091

2018  
£’000
42,453

(45,986)
(24)
58,474
12,464

(41,599)
–
158
(41,441)

45,555

1,012

1,445
47,000

433
1,445

106 Brewin Dolphin

Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Notes to the Financial Statements 

1.  General information
The consolidated financial statements of Brewin Dolphin Holdings PLC (the ‘Company’) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the ‘Group’)  
for the year ended 30 September 2019 were authorised for issue by the Directors on 26 November 2019.

The Company is incorporated in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act 2006. The nature of the Group’s operations and its 
principal activities are set out in the Strategic Report. The Company is registered in England and Wales. The address of the registered 
office is 12 Smithfield Street, London EC1A 9BD. The separate financial statements of the Company are also reported.

Note 15 identifies the subsidiaries that have taken advantage under s479A of the Companies Act 2006 of the exemption from audit.

The significant accounting policies have been disclosed below. The accounting policies for the Group and the Company are consistent 
unless otherwise stated.

2. 

 Application of new and revised International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRSs’) and changes in 
accounting policies

a.  New standards, amendments and interpretations adopted
The following new and revised standards and interpretations have been applied in the current year:

•  IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers; and
•  IFRS 9 Financial Instruments.

Both standards were adopted from 1 October 2018 and under the transition methods chosen, comparative information has not been 
restated, however, the Balance Sheet has been reclassified. Further information and changes to significant accounting policies as  
a result of the application of these standards for the first time are described below in note 2b.

The Group adopted the amendments to IFRS 2 Classification and Measurement of Share Based Payments Transactions in the current 
period. This did not result in a significant impact on the amounts reported in these financial statements.

b.  Changes in accounting policies
There have been no changes to accounting policies in the year except for the changes described below:

(i) IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers
IFRS 15 replaced IAS 18 Revenue, IAS 11 Construction Contracts and IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programmes. The core principle  
of IFRS 15 is that revenue reflects the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which 
an entity expects to be entitled.

Revenue is recognised in accordance with a principle based five-step model applied to all contracts with customers. The model 
determines when and how much revenue to recognise. Revenue is recognised when (or as) an entity satisfies a performance obligation 
by transferring promised goods or services to a customer at the amount to which the entity expects to be entitled. Depending on 
whether performance obligations expressed in the customer contracts are fulfilled, revenue is recognised either over time, in a manner 
that best reflects the entity’s performance of those obligations, or at a point in time, when control of the goods or services is transferred 
to the customer. Any incremental cost of obtaining a customer contract is capitalised if that cost is expected to be recovered. 

Transition
The Group has applied IFRS 15 using the cumulative effect method as an adjustment to the opening balance of equity at 1 October 
2018. There have been no adjustments to opening retained reserves on transition. The comparative information has not been adjusted 
and continues to be reported under IAS 18.

Impact
The details of the significant changes and the conclusions adopted by the Group in applying the requirements of IFRS 15 to determine 
the transaction price and performance obligations specified in contracts with customers are explained below.

Transaction price
Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in customer contracts, excluding amounts collected on behalf of third 
parties, that the Group is entitled to in exchange for transferring services to a customer. Where a contract contains variable 
consideration and provides the services over time the Group estimates the amount to which it is entitled under the contract. The Group 
constrains the estimate where there is a risk of significant revenue reversal and reassesses this estimate at the end of the relevant billing 
period when the variable consideration amount is known.

Services
The Group has considered when its services are delivered in determining when revenue is recognised. Its services are delivered both 
over time and at a point in time.

The Group has assessed all the services expressed in its contracts with customers and has identified several series of distinct services 
that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer to the customer. All the services are highly interrelated and 
interdependent and are integrated to provide an overall service to the customer. The Group has identified bundles of services that 
constitute separate performance obligations; the majority of the performance obligations identified are satisfied over time.

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

107

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Financial Statements continued 

2. 

 Application of new and revised International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRSs’) and changes in 
accounting policies continued

For performance obligations that are satisfied over time the Group measures progress towards complete satisfaction of the 
performance obligations equally over time. It recognises income when the relevant performance obligation has been satisfied as the 
customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits of the services. For the performance obligations for services that are 
delivered at a point in time, the Group satisfies the performance obligations at the point of delivery and is simultaneously entitled to  
the revenue.

See note 5 on income for further information on the performance obligations and timing of revenue recognition.

Contract costs
The Group has assessed if payments to employees under various reward schemes meet the new criteria for capitalising incremental 
costs under IFRS 15. The Group has determined that it does not currently make incremental payments to employees to secure 
investment management or financial planning contracts. Consequently, none of the awards made under these schemes should be 
capitalised and the costs of these awards continue to be expensed through staff costs. 

Introducer fees which are incremental costs incurred to obtain a contract with a client are capitalised if they meet the criteria for 
capitalising under the standard. These costs are amortised over the useful life of the client relationships.

Practical expedients
The Group does not have any financing arrangements in any of its contracts with customers and has adopted the practical expedient 
not to account for significant financing arrangements in any of its contracts with customers where consideration is received for services 
rendered within 12 months.

(ii) IFRS 9 Financial Instruments 
IFRS 9 is effective for periods commencing on or after 1 January 2018 and replaces IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and 
Measurement. The standard addresses classification, measurement and derecognition of financial assets and liabilities by introducing  
a new principle-based approach driven by the cash flow characteristics of the asset and the business model in which it is held. It also 
replaces the ‘incurred loss’ approach for impairment of financial assets under IAS 39 to a more forward looking ‘expected credit  
loss’ model. Under IFRS 9, the general hedge accounting requirements align hedge accounting more closely with risk  
management practices.

Transition
The Group has taken advantage of the exemption from restating comparative information for prior periods with respect to classification 
and measurement (including impairment) requirements. Under the exemption, differences in the carrying amounts of financial assets  
and financial liabilities resulting from the adoption of IFRS 9 are recognised in retained earnings as at 1 October 2018.

Impact
The details of the significant changes are set out below. Details of the quantitative impact of IFRS 9 are provided in note 32.

Classification and measurement
IFRS 9 requires financial assets to be classified into one of the following three measurement categories: fair value through profit or loss 
(‘FVTPL’), fair value through other comprehensive income (‘FVTOCI’) and amortised cost. The held to maturity, loans and receivables 
and available-for-sale categories available under IAS 39 have been withdrawn. Classification is made on the basis of the objectives  
of the entity’s business model for managing its financial assets and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the instruments.

The basis of classification for financial liabilities under IFRS 9 remains unchanged from under IAS 39 except for those designated  
at FVTPL. The Group has continued to classify all financial liabilities at amortised cost under IFRS 9, with no impact on measurement.

The following table shows the original measurement categories under IAS 39 and the new measurement categories and identified 
business models under IFRS 9 for each class of the Group’s financial assets as at 1 October 2018. The majority of the Group’s financial 
assets as at 1 October 2018 were managed within business models whose objective is solely to collect contractual cash flows (held to 
collect), except for those specified below.

Financial assets
Held-for-trading investments
Equity securities
Asset-backed debt securities
Current loans and receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

IAS 39 classification
FVTPL
Available-for-sale investments
Available-for-sale investments
Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables

IFRS 9 classification
FVTPL
Designated as at FVTOCI
FVTOCI
Amortised cost
Amortised cost

Business model
Held-for-trading
Other
Held to collect and sell
Held to collect
Held to collect

Derecognition
The requirements for derecognition of financial assets and liabilities are broadly unchanged from IAS 39.

108 Brewin Dolphin

Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Impairment of financial assets
IFRS 9 makes fundamental changes to the impairment of financial assets measured at amortised cost or at fair value through other 
comprehensive income, lease receivables and certain commitments to extend credit and financial guarantee contracts. It is no longer 
necessary for a credit event to have occurred before credit losses are recognised. Instead, under IFRS 9, an entity always accounts for 
expected credit losses (ECLs), and any changes in those ECLs. The ECL approach requires an allowance to be established upon initial 
recognition of an asset reflecting the level of losses anticipated after having regard to the Group’s historical credit loss experience and 
its expectation of future economic conditions.

Expected credit loss impairment model
The Group has applied a simplified approach to determine ECLs for trade receivables as permitted by IFRS 9. It has adopted the 
practical expedient to use a single loss-rate approach to determine lifetime expected credit losses since the Group has historically 
experienced low levels of bad debts from its trade debtors which are short term and do not contain significant financing components.

Applying the single loss-rate approach as at 1 October 2018 would have resulted in an immaterial ECL provision; consequently opening 
reserves have not been adjusted.

Presentation of ECL provision and impairment losses
Loss allowances for financial assets measured at amortised cost are deducted from the gross carrying amount of the assets.

Impairment losses for financial assets (including trade debtors) are charged to the Income Statement.

c.  New standards, amendments and interpretations issued but not effective
The table below sets out changes to accounting standards which will be effective for periods beginning on or after:

New or revised standards
IFRS 16
IFRS 171
New or revised interpretations
IFRIC 23
Amendments
IFRS 9
IAS 281
Annual Improvements to IFRS1
IAS 191
Conceptual framework references1
IAS 1 and IAS 8 –
Definition of Material1
IFRS 3 – Definition of a Business 

Leases
Insurance Contracts

Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments

Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation
Long-term Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures
Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2015–2018 Cycle
Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement
Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards
Presentation of Financial Statements and Accounting Policies, Changes in
Accounting Estimates and Errors
Business Combination

1 January 

2019
2021

2019

2019
2019
2019
2019
2020

2020
2020

1.  These amendments have not yet been endorsed by the EU.

The Directors are reviewing the impact of these new standards, amendments and interpretations and do not intend to adopt the 
standards early. It is not currently expected that these will have a material impact on the financial statements of the Group except  
as noted below. 

The Directors have reviewed the impact of IFRS 16 Leases and an estimate of the expected impact on the consolidated financial 
statements of the Group is set out below. 

IFRS 16 Leases
IFRS 16 supersedes IAS 17 Leases and was endorsed by the European Union during 2017. The standard is effective for periods 
commencing on or after 1 January 2019 and will first be applicable to the Group’s accounting period ending 30 September 2020.  
IFRS 16 represents a significant change in the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases and 
requires lessees to account for most leases under a single lessee accounting model.

Under the single lessee accounting model, a right of use asset and corresponding lease liability will be recognised which represents 
future lease payables with movements through the Income Statement. The movements through the Income Statement will be for 
depreciation, additions or releases on the liability and unwinding of the discount for all leases unless the underlying asset has a low 
value, or the remaining lease term is less than twelve months at the date of transition.

Lessor accounting under IFRS 16 is substantially unchanged from IAS 17. Lessors will continue to classify leases as either operating  
or finance leases using similar principles as in IAS 17.

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

109

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Financial Statements continued 

2. 

 Application of new and revised International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRSs’) and changes in 
accounting policies continued

Transition
On transition to IFRS 16, the Group can choose to apply one of two transition methods:

•  the full retrospective transition method, whereby IFRS 16 is applied to all its contracts as if it had always applied; or
•  the modified retrospective approach with optional practical expedients.

The Group has considered the available transition options and has decided to apply the modified retrospective approach and the 
practical expedient that allows an entity not to reassess whether a contract is, or contains, a lease at the date of initial application of the 
standard. 

The Group will adopt certain optional exemptions available under IFRS 16 for short-term (less than 12 months) and low-value (< £5,000) 
leases. These leases will continue to be off balance sheet with rentals charged to the Income Statement on a straight-line basis over the 
lease term.

Impact
The Group is primarily a lessee and is also a sub-lessor for a small number of property leases that have been identified as onerous.  
On adoption, lease agreements will give rise to both a right of use (‘ROU’) asset and a lease liability which represents the present value 
obligation of future lease payments.

Right of use assets
The ROU asset will be assessed for impairment annually (incorporating any onerous lease assessments) and will be depreciated on  
a straight-line basis over the shorter of the expected life of the asset and the lease term, adjusted for any remeasurements of the lease 
liability. The depreciation charge will be recognised in the Income Statement.

Lease liabilities
The lease liability will be reduced by lease payments, offset by the unwinding of the liability over the lease term and amended for the 
impact of any lease modifications. Interest recognised on the lease liability will be charged to the Income Statement.

Impact on Group’s Financial Statements
The adoption of IFRS 16 will result in a significant increase in the Group’s reported assets and liabilities on the balance sheet.  
The depreciation (of the ROU asset) and interest charges (unwind of the discounted lease liability) will replace the lease costs  
currently charged to other operating costs in the Income Statement on a straight-line basis. This will result in a change to the profile  
of the charge recognised in the Income Statement over the life of the lease; higher expenses will be recognised in earlier years of the 
lease, with a reduction in the annual expenses in the later years of the lease owing to the application of the actuarial method of 
accounting for the lease liability.

Subleases
The Group has identified certain property leases as onerous where there is surplus office space. For some of the onerous property 
leases, it sublets this surplus space and in these instances the Group acts as an intermediate lessor in the sublease. The Group expects 
to reclassify some of its subleases previously recognised as an operating lease under IAS 17 as a finance lease per IFRS 16.

Lessor accounting
As a result of the Group being an intermediate lessor for its finance subleases, it will derecognise the right-of-use asset relating to the 
head lease that it transfers to the sublessees and recognise the net investment in the subleases. Any differences between the right-of-
use asset and the net investment in the subleases will be recognised in the Income Statement. The Group will retain the lease liabilities 
relating to the head leases on its Consolidated Balance Sheet, which represents the lease payments payable to the head lessor.

For subleases which are classified as an operating lease, the Group will retain the lease liability and the right-of-use asset relating to the 
head lease on its Consolidated Balance Sheet and recognises lease income from the sublease.

Assessment of the accounting impact of IFRS 16
The implementation of the new standard will have a material impact on the consolidated results of the Group. All leases will be 
recognised on a cumulative retrospective basis using the modified transition approach. Based on the information currently available, 
which is subject to change until the Group presents its first full financial statements that include the date of application, the Group 
estimates that it will recognise right of use assets of £42.5 million, lease liabilities of £57.8 million and a finance lease receivable of  
£2.2 million at 1 October 2019; as well as an adjustment to the opening retained reserves of £6.6 million net of deferred tax assets, 
onerous provisions and trade payables and receivables adjustments.

110 Brewin Dolphin

Annual Report and Accounts 2019

3.  Significant accounting policies

Statement of compliance

a. 
The consolidated financial statements for both the Group and the Company have been prepared in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards adopted by the European Union, Article 4 of the EU IAS Regulation and the Companies Act 2006.

b.  Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements are presented in pounds sterling, the functional currency of the Company, rounded to the nearest 
thousand pounds (£’000) except where otherwise indicated. The foreign operations have been translated into the functional currency  
at a spot rate of 1.1303 for the Balance Sheet at 30 September 2019 (2018: 1.1227) and the average exchange rate of 1.1326 for the 
Income Statement items for the financial year ending 30 September 2019 (2018: 1.1321).

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of certain financial 
instruments. Historical cost is generally based on the fair value of the consideration given in exchange for the goods and services.

Basis of consolidation

c. 
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities controlled by the Company  
(its subsidiaries).

Consolidation of a subsidiary begins when the Company obtains control over the subsidiary and ceases when the Company loses 
control of the subsidiary. Specifically, the results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated 
Income Statement from the date the Company gains control until the date when the Company ceases to control the subsidiary.

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies into line with those 
used by the Group.

All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.

In accordance with Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 Brewin Dolphin Holdings PLC has taken advantage of the legal 
dispensation not to present its own Statement of Comprehensive Income or Income Statement. The amount of the profit for the 
financial period dealt with in the financial statements of the Company is disclosed in the Company Statement of Changes in Equity.

d.  Going concern
The Directors have, at the time of approving the financial statements, a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have 
adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis 
of accounting in preparing the financial statements. Further detail is contained in the going concern statement and the Viability 
Statement included in the Strategic Report on page 33.

Business combinations

e. 
Acquisitions of subsidiaries and businesses are accounted for using the acquisition method. The consideration for each acquisition  
is measured at the aggregate of the fair values (at the date of exchange) of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity 
instruments issued by the Group in exchange for control of the acquiree. Acquisition related costs such as legal and professional costs 
are recognised in the Income Statement as incurred.

At the acquisition date, the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed are recognised at their fair value at the acquisition 
date.

Goodwill is measured as the excess of the sum of the consideration transferred over the net of the acquisition-date amounts of the 
identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If, after reassessment, the net of the acquisition-date amounts of the identifiable 
assets acquired and liabilities assumed exceeds the sum of the consideration transferred the excess is recognised immediately in the 
Income Statement as a bargain purchase gain.

Where applicable, the consideration for the acquisition includes any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration 
arrangement, measured at its acquisition-date fair value. Subsequent changes in such fair values are adjusted against the cost  
of acquisition where they qualify as measurement period adjustments. All other subsequent changes in the fair value of contingent 
consideration classified as an asset or liability are accounted for in accordance with relevant IFRSs. Changes in the fair value  
of contingent consideration classified as equity are not recognised.

Transaction date accounting

f. 
All securities transactions entered into on behalf of both clients and the Group are recorded in the accounts on the date of the 
transaction. The underlying investments are not shown in the financial statements of the Group.

Foreign currencies

g. 
In preparing the financial statements of the individual entities, transactions in currencies other than the entity’s functional currency 
(foreign currencies) are recognised at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates of the transactions. At each balance sheet date, 
monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing at that date.  
Non-monetary items carried at fair value that are denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rates prevailing at the  
date when the fair value was determined. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency  
are not retranslated.

Exchange differences are recognised in the Income Statement in the period in which they arise.

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3.  Significant accounting policies continued 
For the purpose of presenting consolidated financial statements, the assets and liabilities of the Group’s foreign operations are 
translated at exchange rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange 
rates for the period, unless exchange rates fluctuate significantly during that period, in which case the exchange rates at the transaction 
dates are used. Exchange differences arising, if any, are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity.

h.  Revenue recognition
Revenue represents investment management fees, investment management commissions, financial planning income, execution only fee 
and commission income and expert report writing service income, excluding VAT.

Identification of performance obligations
The Group assesses all the services expressed in its contracts with customers to identify performance obligations. The Group delivers 
several series of distinct services that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer to the customer. All the services 
are highly interrelated and interdependent and are integrated to provide an overall service to the customer. The Group bundles series  
of services into specific performance obligations where the services have the same pattern of transfer to the customer.

Transaction price
Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in customer contracts excluding amounts collected on behalf of third 
parties, that the Group is entitled to in exchange for transferring services to a customer.

The transaction price for services provided over time is variable as it is based on the value of customers’ assets at a specific billing 
point.

Payment is typically due for services within 3 months.

Satisfaction of performance obligations
The Group recognises revenue when it transfers control over a service to a customer and satisfies its performance obligations,  
this can be at a point in time or over time.

For performance obligations satisfied over time the Group measures progress towards complete satisfaction of the performance 
obligations equally over time. The Group recognises revenue when the relevant performance obligation has been satisfied and the 
customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits of the services. Where a contract contains variable consideration, the 
Group estimates the amount to which it is entitled under the contract. The Group constrains the estimate where there is a risk of 
significant revenue reversal and reassesses this estimate at the end of the relevant billing period when the variable consideration amount 
is known.

For the performance obligations delivered at a point in time, the Group simultaneously satisfies the performance obligations and 
recognises revenue at the point the trade is executed which is when the customer receives control of the services.

Nature of services
The following are the principal activities from which the Group generates its revenue.

Investment management
The Group recognises management fees and commissions from its direct or indirect clients on fulfilment of its discretionary investment 
management, advisory investment management, Brewin Portfolio Service (‘BPS’) or Model Portfolio Service (‘MPS’) performance 
obligations.

All investment management performance obligations are satisfied over time except for trade execution services provided to advisory 
clients which are satisfied at a point in time.

Financial planning
The Group recognises financial planning income (initial fees, initial commissions and ongoing advice fees) on fulfilment of its financial 
planning advisory, initial or transactional services performance obligations. The performance obligations are satisfied over time.

Execution only
The Group recognises fees and trade execution commission on fulfilment of its performance obligations. Performance obligations  
for custody services are satisfied over time and trade execution service performance obligations are satisfied at a point in time.

Expert witness report service
The Group recognises fees for the provision of expert witness reports on fulfilment of its performance obligations which are satisfied  
at a point in time.

Contract costs
Introducer fees which are incremental costs incurred to obtain a contract with a customer are capitalised. These costs are amortised 
over the useful life of the client relationships intangible asset.

Interest income

i. 
Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable,  
which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to that asset’s  
net carrying amount.

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Dividend income

j. 
Dividend income from investments is recognised when the shareholders’ rights to receive payment have been established.

Dividends received and receivable are credited to the Income Statement to the extent that they represent a realised profit for the 
Company.

k.  Other operating income
Interest receivable and payable on client money balances is netted to calculate the Group’s share of interest receivable and included 
under the heading ‘Other operating income’.

Leases

l. 
Rentals on operating leases are charged to the Income Statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Benefits received and 
receivable as an incentive to enter into an operating lease are recognised as a liability. The aggregate benefit of incentives is spread  
on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

m.  Share-based payments
Equity-settled share-based payments to employees are measured at fair value of the equity instruments at the date of grant. The fair 
value excludes the effect of non-market-based vesting conditions. Details regarding the determination of the fair value of equity–settled 
share-based transactions are set out in note 28.

Fair value is measured by use of the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The expected life used in the model has been adjusted,  
based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations.

The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based payments is expensed on a straight-line basis over the 
vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of the number of shares that will eventually vest. At each balance sheet date, the Group 
revises its estimate of the shares expected to vest as a result of the effect of non-market based vesting conditions. The impact of the 
revision of the original estimates, if any, is recognised in the Income Statement such that the cumulative expense reflects the revised 
estimate, with a corresponding adjustment to equity reserves.

Taxation

n. 
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

Current tax
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the Income 
Statement because it excludes items of income or expenses that are taxable or deductible in other years and items that are never 
taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted by the balance sheet 
date.

Deferred tax
Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities  
in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit and is accounted for using the 
balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax 
assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary 
differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from goodwill or from the 
initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the taxable 
profit nor the accounting profit.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer 
probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised 
based on tax laws and rates that have been substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

The measurement of deferred tax liabilities and assets reflects the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in which the 
Group expects, at the end of the reporting period, to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax 
liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Group intends to settle its current tax 
assets and liabilities on a net basis.

Current and deferred tax for the year
Current and deferred tax is charged or credited in the Income Statement, except when it relates to items charged or credited in other 
comprehensive income, in which case the current and deferred tax is also dealt with in other comprehensive income.

Investments in subsidiaries

o. 
In the Company’s financial statements investments in subsidiary undertakings are stated at cost less any provision for impairment.

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3.  Significant accounting policies continued 
p. 

Intangible assets 

Goodwill
Goodwill is initially measured at cost, being the excess of the sum of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling 
interest in the acquiree and the fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest (if any) in the entity over the net of the 
identifiable assets and liabilities at the date of acquisition.

Goodwill is subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill which is recognised as an asset  
is reviewed for impairment at least annually. Any impairment is recognised immediately in the Income Statement and is not reversed  
in a subsequent period (see note 3r for the Impairment accounting policy).

When the consideration transferred by the Group is deferred or contingent, this is valued at its acquisition date fair value, and is included 
in the consideration transferred in a business combination. The consideration may be settled in shares or cash (see note 3v for the 
Shares to be issued accounting policy). Changes in the deferred or contingent consideration, which occur in the measurement period, 
are adjusted retrospectively, with corresponding adjustments to goodwill. Subsequent to the measurement period, the deferred and 
contingent considerations are revised annually at the balance sheet date and any corresponding adjustments are posted to the Income 
Statement.

Client relationships
Intangible assets classified as ‘client relationships’ are recognised when acquired as part of a business combination. The initial cost  
of client relationships is the fair value at the acquisition date. Following initial recognition, intangible assets are carried at cost less 
accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses.

When the consideration transferred by the Group is deferred or contingent as a result of a business combination, the consideration may 
be settled in shares or cash (see note 3v for the Shares to be issued accounting policy). Subsequent to the measurement period, the 
deferred and contingent considerations are revised annually at the balance sheet date and any corresponding adjustments are posted 
to the Income Statement.

Client relationships acquired separately are initially recognised at cost. Following initial recognition, these are carried at cost less 
accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses. See note 3h for the contract costs capitalised.

Client relationships are amortised on a straight line basis over five to fifteen years, dependent upon the assessment of the estimated 
useful life of the client relationships.

Brand
Intangible assets classified as ‘brand’ are recognised when acquired as part of a business combination. The initial cost of a brand is the 
fair value at the acquisition date. Following initial recognition, the intangible asset is carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and 
any accumulated impairment losses.

Brands are amortised on a straight line basis over ten years, dependent upon the assessment of the estimated useful life of the brand. 
The estimated useful life and amortisation method are reviewed at the end of each reporting period, with the effect of any changes in 
estimates being accounted for on a prospective basis.

Computer software
Computer software which is not an integral part of the related hardware is classified as an intangible asset. Costs of acquiring and 
developing computer software are treated as an intangible asset and amortised over three to ten years, dependent upon the 
assessment of the expected useful life of the software, on a straight-line basis from the date the software is operating as management 
intended.

The assessment of the expected useful life of computer software is performed annually and based on the contractual terms or where 
appropriate past experience of the life of similar assets, with the effect of any changes in estimates being accounted for on a 
prospective basis.

Property, plant and equipment

q. 
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any recognised impairment. Depreciation has been 
provided on the basis of equal annual instalments to write off the cost less estimated residual values of tangible fixed assets over their 
estimated useful lives as follows:

Computer equipment
Office equipment
Leasehold improvements

3 to 4 years
4 to 10 years
to the earlier of the expected lease term or 10 years

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount 
of the asset and is recognised in the Income Statement.

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Impairment of tangible and intangible assets

r. 
At each balance sheet date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there  
is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset  
is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash 
flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of 
money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted. Where the asset does 
not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating 
unit (‘CGU’) to which the asset belongs.

For the purposes of impairment testing, client relationships, brand and goodwill are allocated to each of the Group’s cash-generating 
units. Fair value is established by valuing clients’ funds in each of the cash-generating units at the period end; the percentages of funds 
being used depend on values attributed in recent public transactions for the purchase of advisory and discretionary funds. If the carrying 
amount relating to any cash-generating unit exceeds the calculated fair value less costs to sell, a value in use is calculated using a 
discounted cash flow method. If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than the carrying amount of the unit, the 
impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of the 
unit pro-rata on the basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit.

If the recoverable amount of any asset other than client relationships, brand or goodwill is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, 
the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised as an expense immediately, 
unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.

Fair value measurement

s. 
The Group measures financial instruments and certain non-financial assets at fair value at each balance sheet date.

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. In estimating the fair value of an asset or a liability, the Group takes into account the characteristics of the asset or liability  
if market participants would take those characteristics into account when pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date.  
Fair value for measurement and/or disclosure purposes in these consolidated financial statements is determined on such a basis, 
except for share-based payment transactions that are within the scope of IFRS 2, leasing transactions that are within the scope  
of IAS 17, and measurements that have some similarities to fair value but are not fair value, such as value in use in IAS 36.

In addition, for financial reporting purposes, fair value measurements are categorised into Level 1, 2 or 3 based on the degree to which 
the inputs to the fair value measurements are observable and the significance of the inputs to the fair value measurement in its entirety, 
which are described as follows:

•  Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the 

measurement date;

•  Level 2 inputs are inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly 

or indirectly; and

•  Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

Financial instruments

t. 
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when a Group entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the 
instruments. Financial assets can include equity and debt instruments.

Financial assets and financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value. Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition 
or issue of financial assets and financial liabilities (other than financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss) are 
added to or deducted from the fair value of the financial assets or financial liabilities, as appropriate, on initial recognition. Transaction 
costs directly attributable to the acquisition of financial assets or financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are recognised 
immediately in the Income Statement.

Financial assets
All recognised financial assets are subsequently measured in their entirety at either amortised cost or fair value, depending on the 
classification of the financial assets.

(a)  Classification of financial assets
Financial assets that meet the following conditions are subsequently measured at amortised cost (see (i) below):

•  the financial asset is held within a business model whose objective is to hold financial assets in order to collect contractual cash flows; 

and

•  the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest 

on the principal amount outstanding.

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3.  Significant accounting policies continued
Financial assets that meet the following conditions are subsequently measured at fair value through other comprehensive income 
(‘FVTOCI’) (see (ii) & (iii) below):

•  the financial asset is held within a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling 

the financial assets; and

•  the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest 

on the principal amount outstanding.

All other financial assets are subsequently measured at fair value through profit and loss (’FVTPL’) (see (iv) below). However, the Group 
may make the following irrevocable election/designation at initial recognition of a financial asset:

•  to present subsequent changes in fair value of an equity investment in other comprehensive income if certain criteria are met (see (iii) 

below); and

•  to designate a debt investment that meets the amortised cost or FVTOCI criteria as measured at FVTPL if doing so eliminates  

or significantly reduces an accounting mismatch (see (iv) below).

Financial assets at amortised cost 

(i) 
The amortised cost of a financial asset is the amount at which the financial asset is measured at initial recognition minus the principal 
repayments and the cumulative amortisation using the effective interest method of any difference between that initial amount and the 
maturity amount, adjusted for any loss allowance.

(ii)  Debt instruments classified as at FVTOCI 
Redeemable loan notes held by the Group are classified as FVTOCI. Fair value is determined in the manner described in note 3s.  
The redeemable loan notes are initially measured at fair value plus transaction costs. Subsequently changes in the carrying amount  
of the redeemable loan notes as a result of both foreign exchange gains and losses and impairment gains or losses are recognised  
in the Income Statement. The amounts that are recognised in the Income Statement are the same as the amounts that would have 
been recognised in the Income Statement if the redeemable loan notes had been measured at amortised cost. All other changes in the 
carrying amount of these redeemable loan notes are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated under the heading  
of revaluation reserve. When these redeemable loan notes are derecognised the cumulative gains or losses previously recognised in 
other comprehensive income are reclassified to the Income Statement.

(iii)  Equity instruments designated as at FVTOCI 
On initial recognition, the Group may make an irrevocable election (on an instrument-by-instrument basis) to designate investments  
in equity instruments as FVTOCI.

Investments in equity instruments at FVTOCI are initially measured at fair value plus transaction costs. Subsequently, they are measured 
at fair value with gains and losses arising from changes in fair value recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the 
revaluation reserve. The cumulative gains and losses are not reclassified to the Income Statement on disposal of the equity investments, 
instead, they are transferred to retained earnings.

The Group has designated all investments in equity instruments that are not held-for-trading as at FVTOCI on initial application 
of IFRS 9.

Dividends on these investments in equity instruments are recognised in the Income Statement when the Group’s right to receive the 
dividends is established in accordance with the Group’s revenue policy (see note 3h), unless the dividends clearly represent a recovery 
of part of the cost of the investment. Dividends are included in the ‘Finance income’ line item in the Income Statement.

(iv)  Financial assets at FVTPL
Financial assets that do not meet the criteria for being measured at amortised cost or FVTOCI (see (i) to (iii) above) are measured at 
FVTPL.

The Group holds all held-for-trading equity instruments at FVTPL, unless the Group designates an equity investment that is neither 
held-for-trading nor a contingent consideration arising from a business combination as at FVTOCI on initial recognition (see (iii) above).

Financial assets at FVTPL are measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period, with any fair value gains or losses recognised 
in the Income Statement. The net gain or loss recognised in the Income Statement includes any dividend or interest earned on the 
financial asset and is included in the ‘other gains and losses’ line item. Fair value is determined in the manner described in note 3s.

Impairment of financial assets

(b) 
Expected credit losses are recognised for trade debtors, other financial assets held at amortised cost and financial assets measured  
at FVTOCI. At initial recognition, an allowance is made for expected lifetime credit losses using the simplified single loss-rate approach. 
The expected credit loss is determined to be the difference between all contractual cash flows that are due to the Group and all the 
cash flows that the Group expects to receive, adjusted for the value of any collateral held. Consideration is also given to the Group’s 
historical credit loss experience, adjusted as necessary to reflect current and future economic conditions, for the relevant financial asset.

The expected credit loss allowance is adjusted as necessary at each balance sheet date to reflect changes in circumstances such as 
default events that provide objective evidence of impairment. The Group determines financial assets are in default when a payment is  
90 days past due. An assessment of whether credit risk has increased significantly since initial recognition is not required under the 
simplified approach.

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Trade debtors are normally written off, either partially or in full, against the related allowance when there is no realistic prospect  
of recovery, and the amount of the loss has been determined following the disposal of any collateral held. Subsequent recoveries  
of amounts previously written off decrease the amount of impairment losses recorded in the Income Statement.

(c)  Derecognition of financial assets
The Group derecognises a financial asset only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset are received, or when  
it transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset to another party.

On derecognition of a financial asset measured at amortised cost, any difference between the carrying amount of the asset and the sum 
of the consideration received is recognised in the Income Statement.

On derecognition of an investment in a debt instrument classified as at FVTOCI, the cumulative gain or loss previously accumulated in 
the associated revaluation reserve is reclassified to the Income Statement.

On derecognition of an investment in an equity instrument which the Group has elected on initial recognition to measure at FVTOCI,  
the cumulative gain or loss previously accumulated in the revaluation reserve is not reclassified to the Income Statement but is 
transferred to retained earnings.

On derecognition of a financial asset measured at FVTPL the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the sum of the 
consideration received is recognised in the Income Statement.

Typically, the Group holds financial assets in business models where the value of the financial assets is recovered by collecting 
contractual cash flows and/or selling the instrument. Hence these financial assets are derecognised once all the contractual cash flows 
have been received or the financial asset has been sold or transferred.

Financial liabilities and equity

(a)  Classification
Financial liabilities and equity are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into.

(b)  Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs. No gain or loss  
is recognised in the Income Statement on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of the Company’s own equity instruments.

Financial liabilities

(c) 
Financial liabilities are subsequently measured as either financial liabilities ‘at FVTPL’ or ‘amortised cost’. The Group holds all financial 
liabilities at amortised cost and at FVTPL.

Financial liabilities subsequently measured at amortised cost
Financial liabilities that are not contingent consideration of an acquirer in a business combination, held-for-trading, or designated  
as at FVTPL, are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Financial liabilities subsequently measured at FVTPL
Contingent consideration, resulting from business combinations, is valued at fair value at the acquisition date as part of the business 
combination. When the contingent consideration meets the definition of a financial liability, it is subsequently remeasured to fair value at 
each reporting date. The determination of the fair value is based on discounted cash flows. The key assumptions take into consideration 
the probability of meeting each performance target and the discount factor (see note 26 Business Combinations for further information).

(d)  Derecognition of financial liabilities
The Group derecognises financial liabilities when, and only when, the Group’s obligations are discharged, cancelled or they expire.  
The difference between the carrying amount of the financial liability derecognised and the consideration paid and payable, including any 
non-cash assets transferred or liabilities assumed, is recognised in the Income Statement.

u.  Derivative financial instruments (derivatives) and hedging activities
Derivatives are contracts or agreements whose value is derived from one or more underlying indices or asset values inherent in the 
contract or agreement, which require no or little initial net investment and are settled at a future date. Derivatives are occasionally held 
for risk management purposes.

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into, and they are subsequently remeasured 
to their fair value at the end of each reporting period. The accounting for subsequent changes in fair value depends on whether the 
derivative is designated as a hedging instrument and, if so, the nature of the item being hedged. The Group applies hedge accounting  
in accordance with IAS 39 and designates certain derivatives as either:

•  hedges of the fair value of recognised assets or liabilities or a firm commitment (fair value hedges); or 
•  hedges of a particular risk associated with the cash flows of recognised assets and liabilities and highly probable forecast transactions 

(cash flow hedges), or

•  hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation (net investment hedges). 

The Group designates derivatives in respect of foreign currency risk, as cash flow hedges.

At inception of the hedge relationship, the Group documents the economic relationship between hedging instruments and hedged 
items, including whether changes in the cash flows of the hedging instruments are expected to offset changes in the cash flows  
of hedged items. The Group documents its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking its hedge transactions.

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3.  Significant accounting policies continued 
Note 27 sets out details of the fair values of the derivative instruments used for hedging purposes. Movements in the hedging reserve  
in equity are detailed in note 25.

Cash flow hedges
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of foreign currency forward contracts that are designated and qualify as cash flow 
hedges is recognised in other comprehensive income. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately  
in profit or loss and is included in the ‘other gains and losses’ line item.

Amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity are reclassified to profit or loss in the periods 
when the hedged item is recognised in profit or loss, in the same line of the Income Statement as the recognised hedged item.

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the Group revokes the hedging relationship, the hedging instrument expires or is sold, 
terminated, or exercised, or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. Any gain or loss recognised in other comprehensive income at 
that time is accumulated in equity and is recognised when the forecast transaction is ultimately recognised in profit or loss. When a 
forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the gain or loss accumulated in equity is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

Shares to be issued including premium

v. 
Shares to be issued represent the Company’s best estimate of the amount of ordinary shares in the Company, which are likely to be 
issued following business combinations or the acquisition of client relationships which involve deferred payments in the Company’s 
shares. The sum payable which will be converted into shares of equivalent value is discounted to present value using a pre-tax  
discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and is revised annually in the light of actual results. 
The resulting interest charge from the unwind of the discount is included within finance costs. Where shares are due to be issued within 
a year the sum is included in current liabilities.

w.  Netting of balances 
Amounts due to and from counterparties due to settle on balance are shown net where there is a currently enforceable legal right to set 
off the recognised amounts and an operational intention to settle net. Amounts due to and from counterparties due to settle against 
delivery of stock are shown gross.

x. 

Post-retirement benefits 

Costs 
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense when employees have rendered services 
entitling them to the contributions.

For defined benefit retirement benefit schemes, the cost of providing benefits is determined using the Projected Unit Method, with 
actuarial valuations being carried out at each balance sheet date. Remeasurements comprising actuarial gains and losses and the 
return on scheme assets (excluding interest) are recognised immediately in the Balance Sheet with a charge or credit to the Statement 
of Other Comprehensive Income in the period in which they occur. Remeasurement recorded in the Statement of Other Comprehensive 
Income is not recycled.

Net interest is calculated by applying a discount rate to the net defined benefit liability or asset and net interest expense or income  
is recognised within finance costs (see note 9).

Defined benefit pension scheme asset/liability 
The defined benefit pension scheme asset/liability recognised on the Balance Sheet represents the present value of the defined benefit 
pension scheme obligation, and as reduced by the fair value of scheme assets. Any asset resulting from this calculation is limited to 
past service cost, plus the present value of available refunds and reductions in future contributions to the scheme.

Any asset recognised is only recognised to the extent that the Group is able, without condition or restriction placed on it by the trustees, 
to run the Scheme until the last member dies, without benefits being augmented; wind up the Scheme at that point; and reclaim any 
remaining monies.

Provisions 

y. 
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event; it is probable that 
the Group will be required to settle that obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the balance 
sheet date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where a provision is measured using the cash 
flows estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those cash flows (where the effect of the time 
value of money is material).

Where some or all of the economic benefits required to settle a provision are expected to be recovered from a third party, a receivable  
is recognised as an asset if it is virtually certain that the reimbursement will be received and the amount receivable can be measured 
reliably.

Onerous contracts 
Present obligations arising under onerous contracts are recognised and measured as provisions. An onerous contract is considered  
to exist where the Group has a contract under which the unavoidable costs of meeting the obligations under the contract exceed the 
economic benefits expected to be received under it. 

118 Brewin Dolphin

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Employee share ownership trusts

z. 
Brewin Dolphin Limited is the sponsoring employer of the Brewin Dolphin Share Incentive Plan Trust and the Brewin Dolphin Holdings 
PLC Employee Share Ownership Trust. The assets and liabilities of the trusts are recognised as those of Brewin Dolphin Holdings PLC 
and obligations of the trusts are regarded as obligations of Brewin Dolphin Holdings PLC. Shares of Brewin Dolphin Holdings PLC held 
by the trusts are treated as own shares held and shown as a deduction in equity.

4.  Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty 
In the application of the Group’s accounting policies, which are described in note 3, the Directors are required to make judgements, 
estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.  
The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. 
Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the 
year in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that year, or in the year of the revision and future years if the revision 
affects both current and future years.

a.  Critical judgements in applying the Group’s accounting policies

Business combinations

i. 
The Group applies judgement in determining whether a transaction is a business combination, which includes consideration  
as to whether the Group has acquired a business or a group of assets. In making this judgement, the Group assesses the assets, 
liabilities, operations and processes that were the subject of the transaction against the definition of a business in IFRS 3.

The Group has during the year acquired the following:

•  On 11 March 2019, the Group’s principal operating subsidiary, Brewin Dolphin Limited (‘BDL’), acquired 100% of the ordinary share 
capital of Aylwin Limited (‘Aylwin’), an unlisted company based in Hampshire which specialises in the provision of financial planning 
services.

•  On 1 April 2019, BDL acquired 100% of the ordinary share capital of Mathieson Consulting Limited (‘MC’), a consultancy business, 

that provides an expert witness report service covering pensions.

•  On 9 August 2019, BDL acquired the assets and staff of Epoch Wealth Management LLP (‘Epoch’), an IFA firm based in Bath.

It has been judged that all of the above acquisitions should be accounted for as business combinations. Separate legal entities were 
acquired for both Aylwin and MC, including control of processes, assets and liabilities assumed. Whilst a legal entity was not acquired 
for Epoch, the trade and assets purchased constituted a business rather than a group of assets.

See note 26 for additional information.

b.  Key sources of estimation uncertainty

Business combinations

i. 
As part of any business combination the Group recognises all assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair 
values, including any separately identifiable intangible assets such as the client relationship intangibles recognised as part of the  
Aylwin and Epoch acquisitions and the brand intangible asset recognised as part of the MC acquisition (as set out in note 4.a.i. above).

The value attributed to the client relationships and brand affects the amount of goodwill recognised. This value together with the 
assessment of useful economic lives of these intangible assets determines the future amortisation charges.

The valuation of the client relationship and brand intangible assets gives rise to estimation uncertainty. Certain assumptions regarding 
the amount, timing and discounting of future cash flows have been adopted in order to determine these fair values.

The Group has recognised the following separately identifiable intangible assets in relation to each of the acquisitions:

Acquisition
Aylwin
MC
Epoch

Intangible asset recognised
Client relationships arising from the business relationship with its clients
Brand arising from the reputation of the business in its field
Client relationships arising from the business relationship with its clients

See notes 13 and 26 for further information.

£’000
3,912
1,388
18,792

An increase of 10% in the expected cash flows, applied equally over the cash flows in each period, would increase intangible assets 
recognised by £7,680,000 approximately, whereas a decrease of 10% in the expected cash flows would reduce the intangible assets 
by £7,100,000 approximately. An increase or decrease of 10% in the discount rate would increase or decrease intangible assets by 
approximately £3,000,000, respectively. 

Amortisation of client relationships

ii. 
The useful economic life over which client relationships are amortised is determined by the expected duration of the client relationships 
which are determined with reference to past experience of account closures, in particular the average life of those relationships, and 
future expectations. During the year, client relationships were amortised over periods ranging from 5 to 15 years.

The amortisation for the year was £6,858,000 (2018: £7,619,000). A reduction in the average amortisation period by one year would 
increase the amortisation expense for the year by £1,218,000 (2018: £1,583,000).

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

119

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Financial Statements continued 

4.  Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty continued 
iii.  Defined benefit pension scheme
The calculation of the present value of the defined benefit pension scheme is determined by using actuarial valuations.  
Management makes key assumptions in determining the inputs into the actuarial valuations, which may differ from actual experience  
in the future. These assumptions are governed by IAS 19 Employee Benefits, and include the determination of the discount rate,  
life expectancies, inflation rates and future salary increases. Due to the complexities in the valuation, the defined benefit pension  
scheme obligation is highly sensitive to changes in these assumptions. The detailed assumptions, including a sensitivity analysis,  
are set out in note 17.

The defined benefit pension scheme has a surplus of £17,373,000 (2018: £11,408,000). See page 132 ‘Defined benefit pension 
scheme asset recognition basis’ for further detail.

iv.  Share-based payments

Long Term Incentive Plan (‘LTIP’)
Awards are granted under the LTIP. The scheme includes performance-based vesting conditions, which impact the amount of benefit 
paid, such as:

•  Average annual net inflows in discretionary funds; and
•  Growth in adjusted diluted EPS over the performance period.

Assumptions are made on the likelihood of meeting certain average and stretch targets over the remaining service periods in 
determining the expense in the year. The Directors consider that the LTIP is qualitatively material. The charge for the year was £415,000 
(2018: £1,830,000). 

If all of the performance conditions were assumed to be met, the charge for the year would increase by £1,576,000 (2018: £519,000); 
an increase of 10% in the vesting assumptions would increase the charge for the year by £248,000 (2018: £295,000).

Further information on the scheme is disclosed in note 28.

v. 
Provisions
Onerous leases
The Group recognises a provision for several onerous property leases of £4,840,000 (2018: £4,664,000). The valuation of an onerous 
lease is based on the best estimate of the likely future costs discounted to present value. Where the provision is in relation to premises 
and it is more likely than not that the premises will be sublet, an allowance for sublease income has been included in the valuation.  
The ultimate amount of the provision is dependent on the timing of any sublet and the associated terms of the sublet achieved. 

If the assumptions regarding unconfirmed sublet income are removed, the provision would increase by £4,587,000 (2018: £3,917,000) 
to £9,427,000 (2018: £8,581,000). A delay of one year to the assumed sublets would increase the onerous lease provision and Income 
Statement expense for the year by £1,531,000 (2018: £1,259,000). Further information is disclosed in note 22. 

120 Brewin Dolphin

Annual Report and Accounts 2019

5. 

Income

Group
The following table presents revenue disaggregated by service and timing of revenue recognition:

Discretionary investment management fee income
Discretionary investment management commission income
Execution only fee income
Execution only commission income1
Advisory investment management fee income
Advisory investment management commission income1
BPS2 investment management fee income
Expert witness report service1
Financial planning income
Revenue
Other operating income
Income

1.  Services transferred at a point in time.
2.  Brewin Portfolio Service.

Services transferred at a point in time
Services transferred over time
Revenue

2019  
£’000
231,711
62,569
4,105
6,185
2,093
378
1,186
528
27,546
336,301
2,808
339,109

2018  
£’000
223,697
59,725
4,352
6,301
4,752
1,776
1,101
–
24,522
326,226
2,801
329,027

2019  
£’000
7,091
329,210
336,301

2018  
£’000
8,077
318,149
326,226

Contract balances
The Group does not have contract assets as it does not enter into contracts where revenue is conditional on the fulfilment  
of a contingent event.

Contract liabilities
Contract liabilities relate to the advance consideration received from customers for services still to be delivered. The Group 
derecognises contract liabilities (and recognises revenue) when it transfers services and satisfies its performance obligations  
(see note 21).

Unsatisfied performance obligations
The Group does not have material unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) performance obligations at the reporting date, as the majority  
of the Group’s performance obligations are satisfied equally over time.

6.  Segmental information

Group
For management reporting purposes the Group currently has a single operating segment: the Wealth Management division. This forms 
the reportable segment of the Group for the year. Please refer to the Consolidated Income Statement on page 99 and the Consolidated 
Balance Sheet on page 101 for numerical information.

The Group’s operations are carried out in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Republic of Ireland. The operations in the 
Channel Islands and the Republic of Ireland are not material and accordingly geographical segmental disclosures are not included.  
All segmental income related to external clients. The accounting policies of the operating segment are the same as those of the Group.

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

121

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Financial Statements continued 

7.  Staff costs 

Group 

The average monthly number of employees (including Executive Directors) by category was:
Client facing
Business support

The aggregate remuneration (including Executive Directors) comprised:
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Share-based payments
Apprenticeship levy
Termination benefits – redundancy costs
Defined contribution pension scheme and death in service contributions

Company
The Company does not have any employees (2018: none).

2019  
No.

2018  
No.

1,113
808
1,921

2019  
£’000

146,966
17,406
7,769
660
759
11,336
184,896

1,040
723
1,763

2018  
£’000

137,011
16,896
8,915
658
937
10,405
174,822

122 Brewin Dolphin

Annual Report and Accounts 2019

8.  Profit for the year

Group
Profit for the year has been arrived at after charging/(crediting):

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (note 14)
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Amortisation of intangible assets – client relationships (note 13)
Amortisation of intangible assets – brand (note 13)
Amortisation of intangible assets – software (note 13)
Allowance for credit impaired assets/(reversal of allowance for
credit impaired assets) for trade receivables (note 16)
Expected credit loss allowance on trade debtors and accrued
income (see note 16)
Impairment of available–for–sale assets (note 19)
Staff costs (note 7)
Auditor’s remuneration (see analysis below)

Analysis of auditor’s remuneration:

Audit services
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the Company’s annual accounts
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of its subsidiaries

Assurance services
Regulatory assurance work
Additional fees for regulatory assurance work
Interim review
Other assurance services

Other non–audit services
AAF 01/06 – controls assurance report
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for AAF scope changes

Total auditor’s remuneration

2019  
£’000
2,823
–
6,789
69
1,105
6

2018  
£’000
2,468
20
7,619
–
3,855
(4)

8
–
184,896
850

–
162
174,822
812

2019  
£’000

2018  
£’000

81
397
478

177
–
56
28
261

111
–
111
850

71
315
386

157
40
54
27
278

98
50
148
812

Details of the Group’s policy on the use of the auditor for non-audit services are set out in the Audit Committee Report on page 64.

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

123

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Financial Statements continued 

9.  Finance income and finance costs 

Group 

Finance income
Interest income on defined benefit pension scheme (see note 17)
Interest on bank deposits

Finance costs
Unwind of discounts on provisions (see note 22)
Unwind of discounts on shares to be issued
Interest on bank overdrafts

10. 

Income tax expense

Group

Current tax
United Kingdom:

Charge for the year
Adjustments in respect of prior years

Overseas:

Charge for the year
Adjustments in respect of prior years

Total current tax

Deferred tax 
United Kingdom:

Charge for the year
Adjustments in respect of prior years

Total deferred tax (see note 18)

Tax charged to the Income Statement 

2019  
£’000

2018  
£’000

294
1,414
1,708

130
10
6
146

156
747
903

102
–
15
117

2019  
£’000

2018  
£’000

13,133
(151)

275
1
13,258

13,074
211

260
–
13,545

1,279
(80)
1,199

1,743
(280)
1,463

14,457

15,008

United Kingdom corporation tax is calculated at 19.0% (2019: 19.0%) of the estimated taxable profit for the year. The Finance Act 2015 
applied a 20% rate up to 31 March 2018 and Finance (No.2) Act 2015 reduced the rate applicable thereafter to 19%. The Finance Act 
2016 reduces the rate still further from 1 April 2020 to 17%.

Taxation for other jurisdictions is calculated at the relevant prevailing rates in the respective jurisdictions.

The charge for the year can be reconciled to the profit per the Income Statement as follows:

Profit before tax
Tax at the UK corporation tax rate of 19% (2018: 19%)
Tax effect of:
Expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit
Leasehold property
Share-based payments
Over provision for tax in previous years
Lower taxation rates in subsidiaries
Impact of deferred tax rate change
Tax expense for the year
Effective tax rate for the year

2019  
£’000
62,524
11,880

2,687
46
285
(230)
(147)
(64)
14,457
23.1%

2018  
£’000
68,504
13,016

1,776
170
222
(69)
(141)
34
15,008
21.9%

Expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit include amortisation of client relationships and brand, acquisition costs, 
hospitality costs and professional fees that are capital in nature. 

There are no material uncertainties within the calculation of corporation tax. The tax provisions are based on tax legislations in the 
relevant jurisdictions and have not required any judgements or material estimates.

124 Brewin Dolphin

Annual Report and Accounts 2019

11.  Dividends

Group and Company

Amounts recognised as distributions to equity shareholders in the year: 

2017/18 Final dividend paid 6 February 2019, 12.00p per share (2018: 10.75p per share)
2018/19 Interim dividend paid 14 June 2019, 4.4p per share (2018: 4.4p per share)

Proposed final dividend for the year ended 30 September 2019 of 12.0p (2018: 12.0p) per share based on 
shares in issue at 22 November 2019 (2018: 22 November 2018)

2019  
£’000

2018  
£’000

33,009 
12,977 
45,986 

29,516
12,083
41,599

35,417

32,998

The proposed final dividend for the year ended 30 September 2019 of 12.0p per share is subject to approval by shareholders at the 
Annual General Meeting and has not been included as a liability in these financial statements.

Under an arrangement dated 1 April 2011, Computershare Trustees (Jersey) Limited (the ‘Trustee’), holds 8,047,595 Ordinary Shares 
representing 2.7% of the Company’s called up share capital in relation to employee share plans, has agreed to waive all dividends due 
to the Trustee. 

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

125

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Financial Statements continued 

12.  Earnings per share

Group
The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following data:

Number of shares
Basic
Weighted average number of shares in issue in the year
Diluted
Effect of weighted average number of options outstanding for the year
Diluted weighted average number of options and shares for the year
Adjusted1 diluted
Effect of full dilution of employee share options which are contingently issuable or have future attributable 
service costs
Effect of estimated weighted average number of shares to be earned under contingent  
consideration arrangements
Adjusted1 diluted weighted average number of options and shares for the year

Earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders
Profit for the purpose of diluted earnings per share
Finance costs of deferred consideration2 

less tax 

Profit for the purpose of basic earnings per share
Onerous contracts
Amortisation of intangible assets – client relationships and brand
Defined benefit pension scheme past service costs
Acquisition costs
Incentivisation awards
FSCS levy refund
Other gains and losses

less tax effect of above

Adjusted profit for the purpose of basic earnings per share
Finance costs of deferred consideration2 

less tax 

Adjusted profit for the purpose of diluted earnings per share

Earnings per share
Basic
Diluted

Adjusted3 earnings per share
Basic
Adjusted1 diluted

2019  
‘000

2018  
‘000

282,718

274,484

6,630
289,348

8,262
282,746

3,344

2,186

–
292,692

–
284,932

2019  
£’000

2018  
£’000

48,067
10
(2)
48,075
996
6,858
1,909
2,337
340
–
(1)
(510)
60,004
(10)
2
59,996

53,496
–
–
53,496
170
7,619
–
–
1,318
(288)
162
(683)
61,794
–
–
61,794

2019

2018

17.0p 
16.6p 

19.5p 
18.9p 

21.2p 
20.5p 

22.5p 
21.7p 

1.  The dilutive shares used for this measure differ from that used for statutory dilutive earnings per share; the future value of service costs attributable to employee 
share options is ignored and contingently issuable shares for Long Term Incentive Plan (‘LTIP’) options are assumed to fully vest. The Directors have selected  
this measure as it represents the underlying effective dilution by offsetting the impact to the calculation of basic shares of the purchase of shares by the Employee 
Share Ownership Trust (‘ESOT’) to satisfy options.

2.  Finance costs of deferred or contingent consideration are added back where the issues of shares is more dilutive than the interest cost saved.
3.  Excluding onerous contracts costs, amortisation of client relationships and brand, acquisition costs, incentivisation awards, FSCS levy refund, defined benefit 

pension scheme past service costs and other gains and losses.

126 Brewin Dolphin

Annual Report and Accounts 2019

13. 

Intangible assets

Group

Cost
At 30 September 2017

Additions 
Exchange differences
Disposals

At 30 September 2018

Additions 
Exchange differences
At 30 September 2019

Accumulated amortisation and impairment losses
At 30 September 2017

Amortisation charge for the year
Exchange differences
Disposals

At 30 September 2018

Amortisation charge for the year
Exchange differences
At 30 September 2019

Net book value
At 30 September 2019
At 30 September 2018
At 30 September 2017

Goodwill  
£’000 

Client 
relationships  

£’000

Brand  
£’000

Software  
costs  
£’000

Total  
£’000

48,637
–
–
–
48,637
4,096
–
52,733

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

133,613
325
3
–
133,941
22,716
(1)
156,656

91,757
7,619
2
–
99,378
6,789
(1)
106,166

–
–
–
–
–
1,388
–
1,388

–
–
–
–
–
69
–
69

19,085
1,076
–
(968)
19,193
11,290
–
30,483

13,787
3,855
–
(968)
16,674
1,105
–
17,779

201,335
1,401
3
(968)
201,771
39,490
(1)
241,260

105,544
11,474
2
(968)
116,052
7,963
(1)
124,014

52,733
48,637
48,637

50,490
34,563
41,856

1,319
–
–

12,704
2,519
5,298

117,246
85,719
95,791

Client relationship additions are made up as follows:

Cash paid for client relationships acquired in current year
Cash paid for client relationships acquired in prior years
Deferred and contingent consideration in the form of cash for client relationships acquired in the  
current year
Contingent consideration in the form of shares to be issued1 for client relationships acquired in the  
current year
Adjustment client relationships acquired in prior years
Total additions

2019  
£’000 
11,944
11

7,103

3,658
–
22,716

2018  
£’000
121
–

208

–
(4)
325

1. Being the fair value of shares to be issued excluding the unwinding of discounting applied in the period, with this recognised as Finance Costs in the Income 

Statement, see note 9.

The following table splits out the significant client relationship assets: 

Carrying amount at year end
Brewin Dolphin Wealth Management Limited (formerly known as Tilman Brewin Dolphin Limited)1
South East investment management team2
Bath branch3
Other investment management teams4

£’000

11,027
16,807
18,525
4,131
50,490

1.  Amortisation period remaining 6 years 10 months.
2.  Amortisation period remaining 4 years 7 months.
3.  Amortisation period remaining 9 years 10 months.
4.  None of the constituent parts of the goodwill or client relationships relating to the other investment management teams is individually significant in comparison  

to the total value of goodwill or client relationships respectively.

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

127

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Financial Statements continued 

13. 

Intangible assets continued 

Goodwill impairment testing
The table below shows the goodwill allocated to groups of cash-generating units (‘CGUs’):

Carrying amount at year end

Midland Branch 1
Midland Branch 2
Northern Branch 1
South East Branch 1
Other Branches

Groups of  
CGUs 
No.

Goodwill  
£’000

1
1
1
1
17
21

5,149
5,284
6,432
12,800
23,068
52,733

In accordance with IFRS, the Group performs impairment testing for goodwill on an annual basis or more frequently when there are 
indications of impairment. Client relationships and brand intangible assets are reviewed for indicators of impairment at each reporting 
date. See note 3r for further details.

The recoverable amount for each of the CGUs is the fair value less costs of disposal. The fair value is determined by applying 
percentages to the funds for each CGU. The percentages applied are a Level 2 input based on recent observable market transactions. 
Discretionary funds are valued at 3% and advisory funds are valued at 1%.

Sensitivity analysis of the key assumptions
All of the CGUs within the Group have sufficient headroom (i.e. where the recoverable amount of the CGU is in excess of the carrying 
value), such that they are insensitive to all reasonable possible changes to the value of funds used for the purpose of goodwill 
impairment testing.

14.  Property, plant and equipment

Group

Cost
At 30 September 2017
Additions
Exchange differences
Disposals
At 30 September 2018
Additions
Exchange differences
Disposals
At 30 September 2019

Accumulated depreciation and impairment losses
At 30 September 2017
Charge for the year
Exchange differences
Eliminated on disposal
At 30 September 2018
Charge for the year
Exchange differences
Eliminated on disposal
At 30 September 2019

Net book value
At 30 September 2019
At 30 September 2018
At 30 September 2017

128 Brewin Dolphin

Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Leasehold  
improvements  

£’000

Office  
equipment  

£’000

Computer  
equipment  

£’000

Total  
£’000

13,706
1,957
3
(379)
15,287
3,986
(3)
(23)
19,247

10,832
926
2
(359)
11,401
1,164
–
(23)
12,542

6,705
3,886
2,874

13,394
345
8
(1,842)
11,905
325
(3)
–
12,227

13,011
219
7
(1,842)
11,395
231
(1)
–
11,625

602
510
383

34,298
4,454
–
(3,813)
34,939
1,066
–
–
36,005

33,715
1,323
–
(3,813)
31,225
1,428
–
–
32,653

3,352
3,714
583

61,398
6,756
11
(6,034)
62,131
5,377
(6)
(23)
67,479

57,558
2,468
9
(6,014)
54,021
2,823
(1)
(23)
56,820

10,659
8,110
3,840

Investment in subsidiaries

15. 
The following are the Group’s subsidiary undertakings, all of which are owned 100% directly or indirectly by the Company and are 
included in the consolidated financial statements:

Country of  
registration 

Activity 
Investment Manager England & Wales
Dormant Nominee
England & Wales
Investment Manager England & Wales
England & Wales
Client Nominee
Scotland
Dormant
England & Wales
Dormant
Jersey
England & Wales
England & Wales
Jersey

Name of subsidiary 
Aylwin Limited1
B.L.Nominees Limited1
BDDL Limited1
BDS Nominees Limited1
Bell Lawrie White & Co. Limited2
Brewin (1762) Limited1
Brewin 1762 Nominees (Channel Islands) Limited3  Dormant Nominee
Brewin 1762 Nominees Limited1
Brewin Broking Limited1,5
Brewin Dolphin (Channel Islands) Limited3
Brewin Dolphin Limited1,5
Brewin Dolphin MP1
Brewin Dolphin Securities Limited1
Brewin Dolphin Wealth Management Limited4,5
Brewin Nominees (Channel Islands) Limited3
Brewin Nominees Limited1
DDY Nominees Limited1
Dunlaw Nominees Limited1
Erskine Nominees Limited2
Giltspur Nominees Limited1
Mathieson Consulting Limited1
North Castle Street (Nominees) Limited2
Robert White & Co. Limited2,5
Shareline (Yorkshire) Limited1
Smittco Nominees Limited1
Brewin Dolphin Wealth Management
Tilman Brewin Dolphin Nominees Limited4
Webrich Limited1,5
Wise Nominees Limited1

Client Nominee
Dormant
Dormant
Investment Manager England & Wales
Investment Manager England & Wales
England & Wales
Dormant
Ireland
Investment Manager
Jersey
Client Nominee
England & Wales
Client Nominee
England & Wales
Dormant Nominee
England & Wales
Dormant Nominee
Scotland
Dormant Nominee
Client Nominee
England & Wales
Investment Manager England & Wales
Client Nominee
Dormant
Dormant
Firm Nominee
Investment Manager
Client Nominee
Trustee
Dormant Nominee

Scotland
Scotland
England & Wales
England & Wales
Ireland
Ireland
England & Wales
England & Wales

Wise Speke Financial Services Limited1

Dormant

England & Wales

1.  Registered office: 12 Smithfield Street, London, EC1A 9BD.
2.  Registered office: Atria One, 144 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8BR.
3.  Registered office: 2nd Floor, Kingsgate House, 55 The Esplanade, St Helier JE2 3QB.
4.  Registered office: 3 Richview Office Park, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14.
5.  Indicates subsidiaries held directly.

Class of  
share capital 
Ordinary/A Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
A Ordinary/B Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
A Ordinary/B Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary/A Shares
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary/A Shares
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary A Voting/
Ordinary B Voting/
Ordinary C
Ordinary

Aggregate 
nominal value 
£1
£1
£1
£1
£0.01
£1
£1
£1
£1
£1
£1
£0.01
£1
€1.50/€0.01
£1
£1
£1
£1
£1
£1
£1
£1
£1
£1
£1
€1.50/€0.01
£1
£1

£1
£1

All of the subsidiaries listed above are entitled to the exemption from audit under s479A of the Companies Act 2006, with the exception 
of BDDL Limited, Brewin Dolphin Limited, Brewin Dolphin MP, Aylwin Limited, Mathieson Consulting Limited and Brewin Dolphin Wealth 
Management Limited (formerly known as Tilman Brewin Dolphin Limited).

Company

At 1 October
Capital contribution to Brewin Dolphin Limited in respect of share–based payments
Increase in investment in Brewin Dolphin Limited1
At 30 September

1. Due to shares to be issued.

2019
£’000
188,491
56
3,668
192,215

2018
£’000
192,020
(3,529)
–
188,491

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

129

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Financial Statements continued 

16.  Trade and other receivables

Group

Current assets
Trade debtors
Loss allowance

Loans1
Accrued income
Other debtors
Prepayments
Trade and other receivables

2019  
£’000

2018  
£’000

143,135
(43)
143,092
280
61,770
1,352
9,718
216,212

101,247
(29)
101,218
289
58,622
2,527
8,489
171,145

1.  All loans are to staff and the Directors believe that the balances are fully recoverable.

Trade debtors relate to either market or client transactions and are considered to be past due once the date for settlement has passed. 
The date for settlement is determined when the trade is booked. It is expected that some transactions may become past due in the 
normal course of business. Fees owed by clients are considered to be past due when they remain unpaid after 30 days after the 
relevant billing date. An allowance for credit impaired assets is recognised for trade debtors that are older than 90 days unless collateral 
is held. The maximum exposure to credit risk is the carrying value as above (see note 27 for details of the Group’s credit risk).

Ageing of past due but not impaired trade debtors 

Not past due
Up to 15 days past due
16 to 30 days past due
31 to 45 days past due
More than 45 days past due

Individually impaired trade debtors 

Individually impaired trade debtors
Loss allowance

Trade debtors

Movements in loss allowance 

At 1 October
Net charge/(release) to the Income Statement
Loss allowance utilised
At 30 September

2019  
£’000
141,762
995
81
23
95
142,956

2018  
£’000
99,808
1,104
55
13
58
101,038

2019  
£’000
179
(43)
136

2018  
£’000
209
(29)
180

143,092

101,218

Credit impaired  
assets allowance  

Expected credit  
loss allowance  

£’000
29
6
–
35

£’000
–
8
–
8

2019  
£’000
29
14
–
43

2018  
£’000
38
(4)
(5)
29

No other financial assets of the Group or the Company, other than doubtful debts, are impaired.

Company 

Current assets
Amounts due from subsidiary undertakings
Trade and other receivables

2019  
£’000

2018  
£’000

38,967
38,967

72,679
72,679

130 Brewin Dolphin

Annual Report and Accounts 2019

17.  Defined benefit pension scheme

Group
The Group operates a registered Defined Contribution Scheme (the ‘Brewin Dolphin Senior Staff Pension Fund’) and a registered 
Defined Benefit Scheme (the ‘Brewin Dolphin Limited RBS’) in the UK which both offer pensions in retirement and death benefits  
to members. The disclosures provided are in respect of the Defined Benefit Scheme only (the ‘Scheme’).

The Scheme is a HMRC registered pension scheme and is subject to standard UK pensions and tax law. This means that the payment 
of contributions and benefits are subject to the appropriate tax treatments and restrictions and the Scheme is subject to the scheme 
funding requirements outlined in section 224 of the Pensions Act 2004.

The Scheme was established under trust and is governed by the Scheme’s Trust Deed and Rules. In accordance with UK trust and 
pensions law, the Scheme has appointed Trustees. Although the Group bears the financial cost of the Scheme, the responsibility for the 
management and governance of the Scheme lies with the Trustees, who have a duty to act in the best interest of members at all times.

Pension benefits are related to the members’ final salary at retirement and their length of service. The pension is payable for life and has 
elements increasing in payment in line with inflation up to a maximum of 5% per annum. Since 1 April 2003 the Scheme has been 
closed to new members. Members under age 55 at 1 April 2004 ceased to accrue further service in the Scheme from that date. 
There is no future benefit accrual since all in-service members have retired. Contributions to the Scheme for the year beginning 
1 October 2019 are expected to be £1.25 million.

Valuation for funding purposes
The valuation as at 31 December 2017:

Value of scheme assets
Actuarial value of scheme liabilities in respect of:

In-service members
Deferred pensioners
Current pensioners and dependants

Value of scheme liabilities
Scheme surplus
Funding level

£’000
110,335

(14,813)
(38,852)
(49,473)
(103,138)
7,197
107%

The Scheme is valued for funding purposes at intervals of not more than three years by an independent qualified actuary. The latest 
valuation for funding purposes was as at 31 December 2017. The actuarial valuation is used to assess the money the Group needs  
to put into the pension scheme.

The Scheme was in deficit measured on the Scheme’s funding basis as at 31 December 2014, the 2014 funding valuation. As a result, 
the Group agreed to pay additional contributions into the Scheme following the 2014 funding valuation and this resulted in a scheme 
surplus at the latest funding valuation as at 31 December 2017, ahead of expectations.

As part of the latest valuation, it was agreed that the Scheme would de-risk its investment strategy and the Group would continue  
to pay contributions of £250,000 per month from 1 January 2018 until 28 February 2019 (as was previously agreed following the  
2014 valuation to eliminate the deficit at that time). In addition to this, the Group has also agreed to pay additional contributions of  
£1.25 million per annum from 1 March 2019 to 31 December 2020 so that the Scheme may continue to de-risk and lock in the funding 
needed to pay out all future benefits in combination with a lower risk investment strategy.

The next actuarial valuation of the Scheme is due as at 31 December 2020, where the funding position of the Scheme will be reviewed. 
The administration costs of the Scheme, including investment management fees and Scheme levy payments, are currently paid by 
Brewin Dolphin Limited as they fall due.

Maturity of the Scheme
The liabilities of the Scheme are based on the current value of expected benefit payment cash flows to members of the Scheme over 
the next 60 years or so. The average duration of the liabilities is approximately nineteen years.

Summary of amounts recognised in the financial statements under IAS 19
In the consolidated financial statements, the Group accounts for pension costs, other post-retirement benefits and related redundancy 
provisions in accordance with IAS 19 Employee Benefits. Under the standard, the difference between the market values of Scheme 
assets and the present value of Scheme liabilities is reported as a surplus (asset) (to the extent a surplus may be seen) or deficit (liability) 
in the Balance Sheet. The accounting value shown on the Balance Sheet will always be different from the result obtained using the 
funding basis.

The pension valuation under IAS 19 as at 30 September 2019 was carried out by a qualified independent actuary.

In the preparation of the valuations under IAS 19 referred to in this note, the actuary has used the assumptions indicated below,  
which the Group has directed for the purposes of accounting and disclosure under IAS 19. 

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

131

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Financial Statements continued 

17.  Defined benefit pension scheme continued
Amount, timing and uncertainty of future Scheme cash flows
A sensitivity analysis of the principal assumptions used to measure the Scheme’s defined benefit obligation as at 30 September 2019  
is set out further below. The sensitivities cover the key assumptions shown. The inflation assumption sensitivity factors in the impact  
of changes to RPI inflation which will impact on future expectations of increases in final pensionable salary (which are capped at RPI 
increases), pension increases and CPI inflation.

Explanation of the variance between funding valuation and IAS 19 valuation
The accounts show the Scheme has a surplus of £17.4 million under IAS 19 as at 30 September 2019 compared to the surplus  
of £7.2 million revealed by the last funding valuation as at 31 December 2017. The main reason for the difference in surplus is due  
to the different assumptions used to value the liabilities in the accounting and funding valuations for the Scheme, the funding valuation 
uses more cautious assumptions to value the liabilities while the accounting assumptions are derived in line with IAS 19. The positive 
actuarial experience of the Scheme over the period from 31 December 2017 and 30 September 2019 has also been a factor.

Defined benefit pension scheme asset recognition basis
Under IAS 19 the net defined benefit pension scheme asset that can be recognised is the lower of the surplus and the asset ceiling  
(i.e. the economic benefits available in the form of refunds or reductions in future contributions or a combination of both, in accordance 
with IFRIC 14 ‘IAS 19— The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their Interaction’). Under the 
Scheme’s Trust Deeds and Rules the Group is able, without condition or restriction placed on it by the Trustees, to run the Scheme 
until the last member dies, without benefits being augmented; wind up the Scheme at that point; and reclaim any remaining monies. 
Consequently, the Group recognises the full surplus calculated in accordance with IAS 19 and IFRIC 14.

Risks
The main risks to which the Group is exposed in relation to the pension scheme are:

Mortality risk – the assumptions adopted by the Group make allowance for future improvements in life expectancy. However, if life 
expectancy improves at a faster rate than assumed, this would result in greater payments from the Scheme and consequently increases 
in the Scheme’s liabilities. The Group and the Scheme’s Trustees review the mortality assumption on a regular basis to minimise this 
risk.

Investment risk – the Scheme invests its assets in a diversified portfolio of assets. There are risks that the assets underperform relative 
to increases in the value of the Scheme’s liabilities increasing the cost to the Group of the benefit provision. There is a risk that the 
assets invested in do not sufficiently match the characteristics of the Scheme’s liabilities and so a fall in asset values is not similarly 
matched by a fall in the value of the liabilities. While certain assets are chosen that match the characteristics of the Scheme’s liabilities 
and membership profile, the Scheme currently invests in a high proportion of equity and assets that are not expected to closely match 
the majority of the Scheme’s liabilities. The Scheme invests in derivatives, predominantly interest rate and inflation rate swaps that are 
used to provide a liability matching overlay so that the value of these swaps and the gilts held match the majority of the movement in the 
liabilities to changes in interest rates and inflation. The Scheme’s Trustees review the performance of the assets and structure of the 
portfolio on a regular basis to ensure the risks being taken under investment are commensurate with normal Trustees’ principles and the 
ability of the Group to mitigate adverse investment experience.

Price inflation risk – some of the Scheme’s benefits increase in line with price inflation and so if inflation is greater than expected,  
the costs of providing these benefits will increase. The Scheme holds government bonds with payments also linked to inflation to assist 
in mitigating this risk.

Financial derivatives risk – the Scheme directly holds derivatives in the form of interest rate swaps, inflation swaps and total return 
swaps with the aim of enhancing how the Trustees’ matching assets match changes in the Scheme’s liabilities on the funding basis. 
These are managed by the investment manager as well as all other assets and the Scheme Trustees determine the level of overall 
liability hedging that is employed. Other than these derivatives used for liability matching and reducing risks, the Scheme does not 
directly hold any financial derivatives, but these may be held by some of the investment funds that the Scheme invests in. The main risks 
associated with financial derivatives include losses may exceed the initial margin; counterparty risk where the other party defaults on the 
contract; and liquidity risk where it may be difficult to close out a contract prior to expiry. These risks are managed indirectly by the 
investment managers of the Scheme who will review the Scheme’s return seeking assets and the level of investment risk taking to 
ensure it remains appropriate taking account of the Trustees’ investment objectives.

The surplus recognised on the accounting basis is exposed to the risks that increases or decreases in the assets do not match those  
of the liabilities measured on the accounting basis. The asset liability matching is based on the Scheme’s funding basis and so to the 
extent that the Group’s measure for the liabilities in line with IAS 19 requirements changes relative to the measure of the liabilities on the 
funding basis which the assets are hedging, this could impact on the accounting surplus. The funding position on the funding basis  
is protected to some degree by the level of hedging that is adopted and the Trustees’ plans to de-risk in future years as the funding 
position improves.

Scheme investment strategy and level of matching
The Scheme’s investment strategy is to invest broadly 60% in higher return seeking assets (e.g. equities, high yielding bonds etc.)  
and 40% in matching assets (e.g. fixed interest gilts and index-linked gilts). The objective is to target an investment return of 1.8% per 
annum (net of fees) in excess of a portfolio of gilts that closely matches the behaviour of the Scheme’s liabilities, falling to 0.5% per 
annum (net of fees) as the proportion of pensioner members increases to 100%. The Scheme also has a liability matching overlay to 
mirror the majority of the movement in the matching portfolio. This strategy reflects the Scheme’s liability profile and the Trustees’ and 
Group’s attitude to risk. The asset allocations as at 30 September 2019 and 30 September 2018 are provided below, disaggregated 
between assets that are believed to have a quoted market price in an active market.

132 Brewin Dolphin

Annual Report and Accounts 2019

The Scheme was hedging up to 100% of interest rate risk and inflation risk as at 30 September 2019 to reduce financial risks to the 
Scheme and the risks of additional contribution requirement for the Group. The current longer-term objective is to continue to hedge 
around 100% of both the interest rate risk and inflation risk of the liabilities; this will help to further reduce funding level volatility.

None of the assets of the pension schemes are invested in the Group’s own financial instruments and none of the assets are properties 
or other assets used by the Group.

Assumptions
A full actuarial valuation of the Scheme was carried out as at 31 December 2017 and has been updated to 30 September 2019 by  
a qualified independent actuary.

The major assumptions used by the actuary were (in nominal terms) as follows:

Discount rate
RPI inflation assumption
CPI inflation assumption
Rate of increase in salaries
LPI pension increases 

Average assumed life expectancies for members on retirement at age 65.
Retiring today:

Males 
Females

Retiring in 20 years:

Males 
Females

Scheme assets and liabilities
The assets in the Scheme were:

Equities and property (quoted)
Fixed interest bonds (quoted)
Index linked bonds (quoted)
Liability hedging (quoted)
Currency hedging (quoted)
Alternatives (quoted)
Cash and cash equivalents
Fair value of scheme assets

Net asset recognised on the Balance Sheet: 

Present value of funded obligations
Fair value of scheme assets
Surplus in funded scheme and net asset on the Balance Sheet

Reconciliation of opening and closing balances of the present value of the defined benefit obligation: 

Benefit obligation at beginning of year
Past service cost1
Interest cost
Contributions by scheme participants
Net remeasurement gains – demographic
Net remeasurement losses/(gains) – financial
Net remeasurement (gains)/losses – experience
Benefits paid
Benefit obligation at end of year

1. The past service cost relates to the equalisation of the Guaranteed Minimum Pensions.

As at  
30 September 
2019
1.80%
3.10%
2.10%
3.10%
3.00%

As at  
30 September 
2018
2.80%
3.30%
2.30%
3.30%
3.20%

 86.9 years 
 89.2 years 

88.4 years
89.5 years

 88.3 years 
 90.7 years 

89.7 years
91.0 years

2019  
£’000
36,189
30,978
29,505
7,188
(100)
13,007
8,468
125,235

2019  
£’000
(107,862)
125,235
17,373

2019  
£’000
95,470
1,909
2,673
–
(4,916)
16,834
(242)
(3,866)
107,862

2018  
£’000
30,214
26,024
18,067
(1,583)
(161)
17,661
16,656
106,878

2018  
£’000
(95,470)
106,878
11,408

2018  
£’000
101,853
–
2,590
–
(876)
(3,736)
140
(4,501)
95,470

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

133

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Financial Statements continued 

17.  Defined benefit pension scheme continued
Reconciliation of opening and closing balances of the fair value of plan assets:

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
Interest income on scheme assets
Return on assets, excluding interest income
Contributions by employers
Contributions by scheme participants
Benefits paid
Fair value of scheme assets at end of year

The amounts recognised in the Income Statement are:

Past service cost1
Net interest income on the net defined benefit asset
Settlements and curtailments
Total (expense)/income

1. The past service cost relates to the equalisation of the Guaranteed Minimum Pensions.

Remeasurements of the net defined benefit asset included in Other Comprehensive Income (‘OCI’)

Net remeasurement – demographic
Net remeasurement – financial
Net remeasurement – experience
Return on assets, excluding interest income
Total remeasurement of the net defined benefit asset included in OCI

2019  
£’000
106,878
2,967
17,277
1,979
–
(3,866)
125,235

2019  
£’000
(1,909)
294
–
(1,615)

2019  
£’000
4,916
(16,834)
242
17,277
5,601

2018  
£’000
106,340
2,746
(707)
3,000
–
(4,501)
106,878

2018  
£’000
–
156
–
156

2018  
£’000
876
3,736
(140)
(707)
3,765

Sensitivity analysis
It should be noted that the methodology and assumptions prescribed for the purposes of IAS 19 mean that the disclosures will be 
inherently volatile, varying greatly according to investment market conditions at each accounting date.

A sensitivity analysis of the principal assumptions used to measure the defined benefit pension scheme as at 30 September 2019 is set 
out below.

Change in assumption
Assumption
Discount rate
Decrease by 0.25%
Rate of inflation (RPI, CPI, inflation linked pension increases and salary increases) Increase by 0.25%
Assumed life expectancy

Impact on scheme liabilities
Increase by £ 5.4 million
Increase by £ 3.9 million
Members live 1 year longerIncrease by £ 5.3 million

The average duration of the pension scheme liabilities is in the region of nineteen years.

The sensitivity figures have been calculated using the same method used for the calculation of the disclosed liabilities as at  
30 September 2019. There are no material limitations of the method used to calculate the sensitivities relative to the disclosed liabilities.

Following the announcement from the Government that there will be a consultation on when and how the Retail Prices Index should  
be aligned with ‘CPIH’ (a variant of the Consumer Prices Index (‘CPI’) allowing for occupiers’ housing costs) at some point after 2025, 
there is uncertainty over the future level of RPI inflation and CPI inflation and therefore the Scheme’s future benefit increases. In light  
of this uncertainty, the Group commissioned a high level analysis to determine the potential impact of any changes on the value of its 
pension scheme liabilities measured in line with IAS 19. This analysis has shown that there is a range of possible outcomes for how  
the IAS 19 liabilities could be affected but any deviation from the year end liability figures disclosed is not expected to be material.

134 Brewin Dolphin

Annual Report and Accounts 2019

18.  Net deferred tax liability

Group
In addition to the amount debited to the Income Statement, deferred tax relating to the actuarial gain in the defined benefit pension 
scheme amounting to £945,000 has been debited to other comprehensive income (2018: £577,000 debited to other comprehensive 
income relating to the actuarial gain). Deferred tax on share-based payments of £600,000 has been debited to profit and loss reserves 
(2018: £541,000 debited to profit and loss reserves).

The following are the major deferred tax assets/(liabilities) recognised by the Group and movements thereon during the current and prior 
reporting year:

At 30 September 2017
(Charge)/credit in the year to the Income 
Statement
Charge in the year to the Statement of 
Comprehensive Income
Charge in the year to the Statement of 
Changes in Equity
At 30 September 2018
Additions
Charge in the year to the Income 
Statement
Charge in the year to the Statement of 
Comprehensive Income
Charge in the year to the Statement of 
Changes in Equity
At 30 September 2019

Capital  
allowances  

£’000
1,569

(301)

 Revaluation  

£’000
20

–

–

(21)

–
1,268
–

(304)

–

–
964

–
(1)
–

–

–

–
(1)

Other  
short-term  
timing  
differences  

£’000
901

 Defined  
pension  
benefit  
scheme  
£’000
(763)

 Share-based  
payments  

£’000
6,153

 Incentivisation  
awards  
£’000
–

 Intangible  
asset  
amortisation  

£’000
(1,137)

 Total  
£’000
6,743

26

–

–
927
–

(599)

(996)

(577)

–

–
(1,939)
–

(541)
4,616
–

95

–

–
95
–

312

(1,463)

–

(598)

–
(825)
(4,096)

(541)
4,141
(4,096)

(99)

(69)

(313)

(64)

(350)

(1,199)

–

(945)

–

–
828

–
(2,953)

(600)
3,703

–

–
31

–

(945)

–
(5,271)

(600)
(2,699)

Deferred income taxes are calculated using substantially enacted rates of UK corporate tax expected to be in force at the time assets 
are realised as follows:

Between 1 April 2018 and 31 March 2020
After 1 April 2020

19%
17%

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

135

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Financial Statements continued 

19.  Financial instruments

Group

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss (‘FVTPL’)1
Level 1

Listed investments
Financial assets at FVTPL

1. See note 32 for previous classification under IAS 39.

2019  
£’000
373
373

2018  
£’000
356
356

The fair value of financial assets at FVTPL is determined directly by reference to published prices in an active market where available. 
They are held in an unregulated subsidiary, Brewin Dolphin MP, whose sole objective is to provide seed capital to the model portfolios 
managed under an investment mandate by Brewin Dolphin Limited. See note 27 for details of financial instruments risk management.

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (‘FVTOCI’)1 
Level 3

At 30 September 2017

Impairment
Net gain from changes in fair value recognised in equity
Reversal of accumulated fair value losses recognised in equity on impairment
Disposals

At 30 September 2018

Net gain from changes in fair value recognised in equity
Disposals

At 30 September 2019

Equity
Asset-backed security 
Financial assets at FVTOCI

1. See note 32 for previous classification under IAS 39.

20.  Cash and cash equivalents

Group 

Cash and cash equivalents

Company

Cash and cash equivalents

Unlisted  
investments  

£’000
736
(162)
2
106
(6)
676
1
(598)
79

2018  
£’000
90
586
676

2019  
£’000
79
–
79

2019  
£’000
229,199

2018  
£’000
186,222

2019  
£’000
47,000

2018  
£’000
1,445

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at banks. The carrying amount of these assets is equivalent to their fair value.

136 Brewin Dolphin

Annual Report and Accounts 2019

21.  Trade and other payables 

Group 

Current liabilities
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Other taxes and social security
Accruals
Contract liabilities
Trade and other payables

Non-current liabilities
Other creditors
Trade and other payables

2019  
£’000

2018  
£’000

141,523
2,159
10,547
66,653
39
220,921

2019  
£’000

832
832

99,189
842
11,923
64,123
27
176,104

2018  
£’000

926
926

Trade creditors relate to either market or client transactions; the date for settlement is determined when the trade is booked. 

Company

Current liabilities
Accruals
Deferred income
Amounts payable to subsidiary undertakings
Trade and other payables

22.  Provisions

Group

Sundry claims and associated costs
Onerous contracts
Social security and levies on share awards
Incentivisation awards
Deferred and/or contingent consideration
Leasehold dilapidations

Sundry claims and associated costs
Onerous contracts
Social security and levies on share awards
Incentivisation awards
Deferred and/or contingent consideration
Leasehold dilapidations
At 30 September 2019

At 30  
September  
2018  
£’000 
746
4,664
3,455
496
210
2,087
11,658

Current 
liability  
£’000
338
613
1,326
533
1,403
137
4,350

Additions  

Utilisation of 
provision  

Unwinding of 
discount  

£’000
–
48
–
18
30
34
130

£’000
138
1,071
1,034
340
7,766
330
10,679

Non-current  
liability  
£’000
–
4,227
1,696
320
6,485
2,205
14,933

£’000
(503)
(868)
(1,364)
–
(118)
(33)
(2,886)

Total  
£’000
338
4,840
3,022
853
7,888
2,342
19,283

2019  
£’000

2018  
£’000

154
5,551
7,334
13,039

–
4,366
7,334
11,700

Unused 
amounts  
reversed  

£’000
(43)
(75)
(104)
–
–
(76)
(298)

At 30 
September  
2019  
£’000
338
4,840
3,021
854
7,888
2,342
19,283

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

137

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Financial Statements continued 

22.  Provisions continued 
The Group recognises provisions for the following:

Sundry claims and associated costs
The timing of the settlements is unknown, but it is expected that they will be resolved within 12 months.

Onerous contracts
The provision is in respect of surplus office space. The valuation of an onerous contract is based on the best estimate of the likely costs 
discounted to present value. Where the provision is in relation to leasehold obligations on premises and it is more likely than not that the 
premises will be sublet, an allowance for sublease income has been included in the valuation.

The maximum exposure is approximately £9.9 million as at 30 September 2019 (2018: £9.8 million) and represents the current 
estimated amount that the Group would have to pay to meet the future obligations under these lease contracts if the assumption 
regarding future uncommitted sublets is removed and the time value of money is ignored. The longest lease term has 13.5 years 
remaining and accounts for £7.0 million of the maximum exposure.

Social security and levies on share awards
The provision is in respect of Employer’s National Insurance and Apprenticeship Levy on share awards outstanding at the end of the 
year. The provision is based on the Group’s share price, the amount of time passed and likelihood of the share awards vesting and 
represents the best estimate of the expected future cost.

Incentivisation awards
The provision is in respect of incentivisation awards that are payable to employees in relation to the retention and acquisition of funds 
and is based on the best estimate of the likely future obligation discounted for the time value of money.

Deferred and/or contingent consideration
The provision is for deferred and/or contingent consideration relating to the acquisition of both subsidiaries and asset purchases.  
It is based on the best estimate of the likely future obligation discounted for the time value of money.

Leasehold dilapidations
The provision is in respect of the expected dilapidated costs that will arise at the end of the lease. The leases covered by the provision 
have a maximum remaining term of 13.5 years.

See note 4b.v. for key sources of estimation uncertainty impacting the provisions.

23.  Share capital

Group and Company

Authorised:
Ordinary shares of 1p each
Allotted, issued and fully paid: Ordinary shares of 1p each

During the year the following shares were issued:

2019  
No.

2018  
No.

2019  
£’000

2018  
£’000

500,000,000 500,000,000
303,171,134 283,440,000

5,000
3,032

5,000
2,834

Date

No. 
of shares
283,440,000

Exercise price/Issue price  

Share capital  

(pence)

At 1 October 2018
Share premium reduction
Placing
Cost of issue of shares
Issue of options
At 30 September 2019

28 February 2019
10 May 2019
Various
Various

19,672,131

305.0p

59,003
303,171,134

131.3p-165.7p

Share premium 
account  
£’000
152,477
(152,515)
59,804
(1,623)
95
58,238

Total  
£’000
155,311
(152,515)
60,000
(1,623)
97
61,270

£’000
2,834
–
196
–
2
3,032

A capital reduction was approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting held on 1 February 2019 and became effective  
on 28 February 2019 after the High Court of Justice in England and Wales made an order confirming the cancellation of the amount 
standing to the credit of the Company’s share premium account under section 648 of the Companies Act 2006. The balance from  
the share premium account was transferred to the profit and loss account.

The rights and obligations attached to the ordinary shares of 1 penny each in the Company are as follows:

•  In terms of voting every member who is present in person or by proxy at a general meeting of the Company shall have one vote on  

a show of hands and one vote for every share held on a poll.

•  As regards dividends, all shares in issue at the year end rank pari passu for dividends. Shareholders shall be entitled to receive 

dividends following declaration by the Company. Dividends are not payable in respect of any nil paid shares that may be held by the 
Trustees in Brewin Dolphin Holdings PLC Employee Share Ownership Trust (the ‘Trust’).

•  The Trustees of the Brewin Dolphin Holdings PLC Employee Share Ownership Trust have agreed to waive all dividends due on the 

shares held in the Trust, 8,047,595 ordinary shares as at 30 September 2019 (2018: 8,491,582).

•  There are no special rights for the ordinary shares in relation to control of the Company.

138 Brewin Dolphin

Annual Report and Accounts 2019

On a change of control, the following criteria will apply:

•  2004 Approved Share Option Schemes: Options can be exercised within 30 days of control being obtained. The options will lapse 

after six months.

•  Long Term Incentive Plan: Awards will automatically vest upon change of control and options will become exercisable from the date 

of change of control and will remain exercisable for one month, after which the options will lapse.

•  Deferred Profit Share Plan: A replacement award could be made over shares in the acquiring company, otherwise the shares will vest 

in full and can be exercised within six months of control being obtained.

•  Share Incentive Plan: No Matching Shares shall be forfeited as a consequence of a change of control.
•  Equity Award Plan: Awards will automatically vest upon change of control and options will become exercisable from the date  

of change of control and will remain exercisable for one month, after which the options will lapse.

The following options and awards have been granted and remain outstanding:

Scheme
2004 Approved Share Option Scheme:

Grant date

Exercise price

2019  
No.

2018  
No.

Deferred Profit Share Plan1:

Equity Award Plan1:

Long-term Incentive Plan2:

Share Award Agreement1: 

December 2009
December 2010
December 2011

December 2012
December 2013
December 2014
December 2015
December 2016
December 2017
December 2018

December 2015
February 2017
August 2017
May 2018
December 2018
January 2019
March 2019
June 2019

December 2015
December 2016
December 2017
December 2018

March 2019

165.7p
148p
131.3p

Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil

Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil

Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil

Nil

50,503
42,807
15,500
108,810

–
38,374
99,718
361,631
1,900,619
2,053,963
2,478,216
6,932,521

–
47,908
6,422
3,032
109,441
22,608
64,143
4,138
257,692

95,256
54,807
18,000
168,063

129,820
128,068
155,706
2,146,309
1,943,540
2,094,097
–
6,597,540

240,901
47,908
17,423
3,032
–
–
–
–
309,264

–
1,029,938
806,692
978,243
2,814,873

148,790
148,790

986,503
1,039,424
820,378
–
2,846,305

–
–

Total options and awards outstanding as at 30 September

10,262,686

9,921,172

1.  These options do not count towards dilution limits because the shares have been purchased in the market by the Brewin Dolphin Holdings PLC Employee Share 

Ownership Trust.

2.  These options may be purchased in the market by the Brewin Dolphin Holdings PLC Employee Share Ownership Trust, in these circumstances they do not count 

towards dilution limits.

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

139

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

24.  Own shares

Group and Company
The own shares reserve represents the matching shares purchased in the market and held by the Brewin Dolphin Share Incentive Plan 
and shares purchased by the Brewin Dolphin Holdings PLC Employee Share Ownership Trust (‘ESOT’).

Balance at 30 September 2017

Acquired in the year
Own shares disposed of on exercise of options

Balance at 30 September 2018

Acquired in the year
Own shares disposed of on exercise of options

Balance at 30 September 2019

Shares held by:

Brewin Dolphin Holdings PLC ESOT
Brewin Dolphin Share Incentive Plan

Balance at 30 September

25.  Other reserves

No. of shares 
9,977,466
3,585,494
(4,915,048)
8,647,912
2,689,230
(3,131,166)
8,205,976

£’000 
25,921
13,507
(13,368)
26,060
8,898
(9,744)
25,214

2019  
No. 

2018  
No.

8,047,595
158,381
8,205,976

8,491,582
156,330
8,647,912

Merger reserve
The merger reserve is used where more than 90% of the share capital in a subsidiary is acquired and the consideration includes the 
issue of new shares by the Company, thereby attracting merger relief under Section 612 of the Companies Act 2006. £38.4 million  
of the merger reserve arose on a placing of the Company’s shares and forms part of the distributable reserves.

Group

Balance at 30 September 2018
Balance at 30 September 2019

Company 

Balance at 30 September 2018
Balance at 30 September 2019

Profit and loss account
The profit and loss reserve forms part of distributable reserves, subject to the profits being realised.

Company 

Balance at 30 September 2018
Balance at 30 September 2019

Revaluation reserve
The revaluation reserve represents the cumulative fair value movements on FVTOCI financial instruments recognised in other 
comprehensive income and does not form part of distributable reserves.

Group 

Balance at 30 September 2018
Balance at 30 September 2019

£’000
70,553
70,553

£’000
70,838
70,838

£’000
50,826
154,605

£’000
2
3

Hedging reserve 
The hedging reserve represents the cumulative fair value movements on FVTOCI financial derivatives recognised in other comprehensive 
income and does not form part of distributable reserves.

Group and Company 

Balance at 30 September 2018
Balance at 30 September 2019

140 Brewin Dolphin

Annual Report and Accounts 2019

£’000
–
(24)

26.  Business combinations

Group

Aylwin Limited

a. 
On 11 March 2019, the Group’s principal operating subsidiary, Brewin Dolphin Limited, acquired 100% of the ordinary share capital  
of Aylwin Limited (‘Aylwin’), an unlisted company based in Surrey which specialises in the provision of financial planning services.

Aylwin was acquired to expand the Group’s financial planning activities in Southern England and contribute to the delivery of the 
Group’s strategic objectives. In turn, Aylwin’s clients will benefit from access to Brewin Dolphin’s broader product and service offering.

The acquisition has been accounted for using the acquisition method. Details of the purchase consideration, the fair value of the net 
assets and intangible assets acquired, and the net cash outflow arising on acquisition are as follows: 

Purchase consideration: 

Cash paid
Net assets acquired for cash
Deferred consideration (see ii below)
Total purchase consideration

£’000
1,944
428
1,968
4,340

The fair value of the assets and liabilities recognised as a result of the acquisition are provisional and may be subject to change during 
the measurement period: 

Amounts recognised: 

Non-current assets

Intangible asset – client relationships1

Current assets

Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Non-current liabilities
Identifiable net assets acquired
Goodwill

£’000

3,912

133
511

(216)
(665)
3,675
665

1.  The fair value of Aylwin’s client relationship intangible assets has been measured using a multi-period excess earnings method. The model uses estimates of client 
longevity and the level of activity driving commission income to derive a forecast series of cash flows, which are discounted to a present value to determine the fair 
value of the client relationships acquired. 

Net cash outflow arising on acquisition: 

Consideration paid in cash

Less: net assets acquired for cash

Total net cash outflow1

£’000
2,372
(428)
1,944

1. Shown in the line item ‘Acquisition of subsidiaries’ within the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement. 

i.  Acquisition-related costs 

Acquisition-related costs amounting to £73,800 have been recognised as an expense in the Income Statement in the current year.

ii. Deferred consideration 

The deferred consideration comprises two cash payments of £1 million each, due on the first and second completion anniversaries. 
The fair value of the deferred consideration payments has been estimated to be £1,944,000 after calculating the present value of the 
future cash flows.

iii. Revenue and profit contribution 

Aylwin contributed revenues of £645,000 and profit after tax of £130,000 to the Group for the period from 12 March 2019 to  
30 September 2019. If the acquisition had occurred on 1 October 2018, consolidated revenue and consolidated profit after tax for 
the year to 30 September 2019 would have been £1,257,000 and £265,000 higher respectively.

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

141

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Financial Statements continued 

26.  Business combinations continued 
b.  Mathieson Consulting Limited 
On 1 April 2019, Brewin Dolphin Limited acquired 100% of the ordinary share capital of Mathieson Consulting Limited (‘MC’),  
a consultancy business, that provides an expert witness report service covering pensions. MC was acquired to expand the Group’s 
professional service offering and contribute to the delivery of the Group’s strategic objectives.

The acquisition has been accounted for using the acquisition method. Details of the purchase consideration, the fair value of the net 
assets and intangible assets acquired, and the net cash outflow arising on acquisition are as follows:

Purchase consideration:

Cash paid
Net assets acquired for cash
Deferred consideration (see ii below)
Total purchase consideration

£’000
736
413
652
1,801

The fair value of the assets and liabilities recognised as a result of the acquisition are provisional and may be subject to change during 
the measurement period:

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible asset – brand1

Current assets

Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Non-current liabilities
Identifiable net assets acquired
Goodwill 

£’000

12
1,388

192
362

(153)
(236)
1,565
236

1.  The fair value of MC’s brand intangible asset has been measured using a multi-period excess earnings method. The model uses the expected level of activity 

driving commission income to derive a forecast series of cash flows, which are discounted to a present value to determine the fair value of the brand acquired. 

Net cash outflow arising on acquisition:

Consideration paid in cash

Less: net assets acquired for cash

Total net cash outflow1

£’000
1,149
(413)
736

1.  Shown in the line item ‘Acquisition of subsidiaries’ within the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement.

i.  Acquisition-related costs 

Acquisition-related costs amounting to £68,300 have been recognised as an expense in the Income Statement in the current year.

ii. Deferred consideration 

The deferred consideration comprises three payments, on each of the first three completion anniversaries. The fair value of the 
payments has been estimated to be £652,000 after calculating the present value of the future cash flows. 

iii. Revenue and profit contribution 

MC contributed revenues of £528,000 and profit after tax of £57,000 to the Group for the period from 1 April 2019 to 30 September 
2019. If the acquisition had occurred on 1 October 2018, consolidated revenue and consolidated profit after tax for the year to 30 
September 2019 would have been £1,031,000 and £120,000 higher respectively. 

142 Brewin Dolphin

Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Epoch

c. 
On 9 August 2019, Brewin Dolphin Limited acquired the assets and staff of Epoch Wealth Management LLP, an IFA firm based in Bath, 
for an initial payment of £10.0 million, an estimated deferred consideration of £1.5 million and an estimated contingent consideration  
of £7.75 million which is subject to performance conditions. The acquisition is expected to increase the Group’s market share.

The acquisition has been accounted for using the acquisition method. Details of the purchase consideration, the fair value of the net 
assets and intangible assets acquired, and the net cash outflow arising on acquisition are as follows:

Purchase consideration:

Cash paid
Contingent consideration (see ii below)
Total purchase consideration

£’000
10,000
8,792
18,792

The fair value of the assets and liabilities recognised as a result of the acquisition are provisional and may be subject to change during 
the measurement period:

Non-current assets

Intangible asset – client relationships1

Non-current liabilities
Identifiable net assets acquired
Goodwill

£’000

18,792
(3,195)
15,597
3,195

1. The fair value of Epoch’s client relationship intangible assets has been measured using a multi-period excess earnings method. The model uses estimates of client 
longevity and the level of activity driving commission income to derive a forecast series of cash flows, which are discounted to a present value to determine the fair 
value of the client relationships acquired. 

Net cash outflow arising on acquisition:

Consideration paid in cash
Total net cash outflow1

£’000
10,000
10,000

1.  Shown in the line item ‘Purchase of intangible assets – client relationships’ within the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement. 

i.  Acquisition-related costs 

Acquisition-related costs of £461,000 have been recognised as an expense in the Income Statement in the current year.

ii. Contingent consideration 

The contingent consideration comprises three separate payments. The estimated first contingent consideration comprises a single 
cash payment due 18 months following the acquisition date. The fair value of the payment has been estimated to be £1,476,000  
after calculating the present value of the future cash flows. The estimated second contingent consideration has been fair valued  
at £7,316,000 and will be settled in both cash and the Company’s shares, upon satisfaction of the performance conditions.  
This contingent consideration is payable at the end of the twelve-month performance period to 30 September 2022; the 
measurement of performance can be delayed under certain circumstances by the seller. A third contingent consideration will  
be settled in both cash and the Company’s shares at the end of 30 September 2024 if performance conditions are met. As at  
30 September 2019, it is not expected that this contingent consideration will be payable, therefore it has been estimated as £nil. 

iii. Acquired tangible assets and other assets 

The fair value of the acquired Property, Plant and Equipment and other assets is £nil.

iv. Revenue and net profit 

The acquired business contributed revenues of £618,000 and profit after tax of £130,000 to the Group for the period from  
9 August 2019 to 30 September 2019. If the acquisition had occurred on 1 October 2018, consolidated revenue and consolidated 
profit after tax for the year to 30 September 2019 would have been £4,339,000 and £467,000 higher respectively.

Investec Capital & Investments (Ireland) Limited 

d. 
The acquisition completed on 31 October 2019, see note 33 for further details. Acquisition-related costs of £1,734,000 are included  
in the Income Statement in the current year. 

2018

Group
There were no business combinations during 2018.

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

143

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Financial Statements continued 

27.  Risk management

Overview
This note presents information about the Group’s exposure to each of the financial instrument key risks (market risk, credit risk and 
liquidity risk), the Group’s policy and procedures for measuring and managing risk and the Group’s management of capital.

Risk management
The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for establishing and overseeing the Group’s Risk Management Framework and  
risk appetite.

The Board has established a clear relationship between the Group’s strategic objectives and its willingness to take risk through a Risk 
Appetite Statement. The Risk Appetite Statement is an expression of limits (qualitative and/or quantitative) giving clear guidance on the 
nature and quantum of risk that the Board wishes the Group to bear (its ‘risk appetite’) in order to achieve its strategic objectives whilst 
remaining within all regulatory constraints and its own defined levels of capital and liquidity. The Board reviews the statement and 
related qualitative and quantitative measures on at least an annual basis to ensure the document continues to reflect the Board’s 
appetite for risk within the context of the environment in which the Group operates.

The Group’s Risk Committee provides oversight of the adequacy of the Group’s Risk Management Framework based on the risks to 
which the Group is exposed. It monitors how management complies with the Group’s risk management policies and procedures. It is 
assisted in the discharge of this duty by the Group’s Risk & Compliance Department which has responsibility for monitoring the overall 
risk environment of the Group. The Risk Committee also regularly monitors exposure against the Group’s Risk Appetite.

The Group’s Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the financial statements and working closely with the Risk Committee,  
for both review and oversight of internal controls. The Audit Committee is assisted in the discharge of its obligations by Internal Audit 
who undertake periodic and ad-hoc reviews on the effectiveness of controls and compliance with risk management policies.

The Group’s risk management policies are intended to ensure that risks are identified, evaluated and subject to ongoing monitoring and 
mitigation (where appropriate). The risk management policies also serve to set the appropriate control framework. The aim is to promote 
a robust risk culture with employees across the Group understanding their role and obligations under the framework.

Capital structure and capital management
The capital structure of the Group and Company consists of issued share capital, reserves and retained earnings as disclosed in the 
Consolidated and Company Statement of Changes in Equity.

Capital generated from the business is both reinvested in the business to generate future growth and returned to shareholders, 
principally in the form of dividends. Capital adequacy is given a high level of focus to ensure not only that regulatory capital requirements 
are met, but that the Group is sufficiently capitalised against the risks to which it is currently exposed, as well as to withstand a range  
of potential stress events.

There were no changes in the Group’s approach to capital management during the year.

Regulatory capital requirements
The Group conducts an Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (‘ICAAP’), as required by the Financial Conduct Authority 
(‘FCA’) to assess the appropriate amount of regulatory capital to be held by the Group. There are two active regulated entities in the 
Group: Brewin Dolphin Limited (‘BDL’) regulated by the FCA and Brewin Dolphin Wealth Management Limited (formerly known as 
Tilman Brewin Dolphin Limited) regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. The Jersey branch of BDL is regulated by the Jersey Financial 
Services Commission.

The Pillar II capital assessment of the ICAAP is the Board of Directors’ opinion of the level of capital the Group should hold against the 
risks to which the Group is exposed. The ICAAP is kept updated throughout the year to take account of changes to the profile of the 
risks facing the Group and for any material changes to strategy or business plans. The ICAAP is discussed and approved at a Brewin 
Dolphin Holdings PLC Board meeting at least annually.

Regulatory capital adequacy is monitored by management. The Group uses the standardised approach to credit risk to calculate Pillar I 
requirements. The Group complied with the FCA’s regulatory capital requirements throughout the year.

144 Brewin Dolphin

Annual Report and Accounts 2019

The regulatory capital resources of the Group were as follows: 

Share capital
Share premium account
Own shares
Hedging reserve
Revaluation reserve
Merger reserve
Profit and loss account

Shares to be issued 
Regulatory capital resources before deductions
Deduction – Intangible assets (net of deferred tax liability)
Deduction – Defined benefit pension scheme asset (net of deferred tax liability)
Deduction – Free deliveries
Total regulatory capital resources after deductions at 30 September

2019  
£’000
3,032
58,238
(25,214)
(24)
3
70,553
231,115
337,703
3,668
341,371
(111,042)
(14,420)
(11)
215,898

2018  
£’000
2,834
152,477
(26,060)
–
2
70,553
73,931
273,737
–
273,737
(83,476)
(9,469)
(14)
180,778

Information disclosure under Pillar 3 of the Capital Requirements Directive will be published on the Group’s website before  
31 December 2019 at www.brewin.co.uk.

Significant accounting policies
Details of the significant accounting policies, including the criteria for recognition, the basis of measurement and the basis on which 
income and expenses are recognised, in respect of each financial asset and financial liability, are disclosed in note 3t to the financial 
statements.

Categories of financial instruments

Group

Financial assets
Financial assets at FVTOCI1
Financial assets at FVTPL1
Current loans and receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
At 30 September

Financial liabilities
Shares to be issued including premium
Financial liabilities at FVTPL – deferred and contingent consideration
Amortised cost
At 30 September

1. See note 32 for previous classification under IAS 39.

Company 

Financial assets
Current loans and receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
At 30 September

Financial liabilities
Shares to be issued including premium
Amortised cost
At 30 September

Carrying value

2019  
£’000 

2018  
£’000 

79 
373
206,494
229,199
436,145

676 
356
162,656
186,222
349,910

3,668
7,888
202,924
214,480

–
–
156,364
156,364

Carrying value

2019  
£’000 

2018  
£’000 

38,967
47,000
85,967

3,668
7,346
11,014

72,679
1,445
74,124

–
7,334
7,334

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

145

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Financial Statements continued 

27.  Risk management continued 
Market risk
Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange rates, interest rates and equity prices, will affect the 
Group’s income or the value of its holdings of financial instruments. The objective of the Group’s market risk management is to both 
control and manage exposure within the Group’s risk appetite whilst accepting the inherent risk of market fluctuations.

The Group undertakes trades on an agency basis on behalf of its clients. The Group holds financial instruments as principal but does 
not trade as principal. All trades are matched in the market (see note 16).

The Group transacts foreign currency deals in order to fulfil our client obligations and any non-sterling costs to our business.  
Foreign currency exposure is matched intra-day and at the end of each day.

The total net foreign exchange exposure resulting from income yet to be converted to sterling at the year end was a debtor  
of £804,000 (2018: £687,000).

The Group is exposed to translation risk in respect of the foreign currency value of the net assets of Brewin Dolphin Wealth 
Management Limited (‘BDWM’) (formerly known as Tilman Brewin Dolphin Limited). At the year end BDWM had net assets  
of £5.1 million (2018: £4.7 million) denominated in its local currency (Euros).

There has been no change to the Group’s exposure to market risks or the manner in which it manages and measures the risk during 
the year with the exception of the cash flow hedge detailed below.

Cash flow hedge
During the year, the Group undertook a short-term cash flow hedge for €52.0 million (see below) to mitigate foreign exchange risk, 
ahead of the completion of an acquisition (see note 33). This was the only derivative held during the year (2018: none).

Timing profile of the nominal amount of the hedging instruments
i.  Hedging instruments
The following table shows the maturity and foreign exchange risk profile of the Group’s hedging instrument used in its cash flow hedge 
during the year:

Foreign exchange price risk
Forward contract

ii. Average price or rate of the hedging instruments 

Foreign exchange price risk
Forward contract

Average price or  
strike price

1.12972

Maturity  

date

Up to  
6 months 
 £’000

Total  
£’000

27 September 2019

 46,005 

 46,005 

Hedge effectiveness
The following table shows the hedging gains or losses of the reporting period that were recognised in other comprehensive income: 

Hedging 
loss  
recognised 
in OCI  
£’000

Hedge  
ineffectiveness  
recognised in  
profit or loss  

£’000

Line item in the  
statement of  
comprehensive  
income that  
includes hedge  
ineffectiveness  

£’000

Amount 
reclassified  
to P&L because  
hedged future  
cash flows are no  
longer expected  
to occur  
£’000

Foreign exchange price risk
Forward contract

(24)

–

n/a

n/a

Amount 
reclassified  
to P&L because  
hedged item has  
affected P&L  

£’000

n/a

Line item that  
includes the  
reclassification  
adjustments  

£’000

Hedging gain or  
loss recognised  
in separate line  
item for hedges  
of net position  

£’000

n/a

(24)

Reconciliation of hedging reserve
The table below shows the impact of the hedging activity on the cash flow hedging reserve:

At 30 September 2018
Hedging loss
At 30 September 2019

146 Brewin Dolphin

Annual Report and Accounts 2019

£’000
–
(24)
(24)

Equity price risk
The Group is exposed to equity price risk arising from both FVTOCI and FVTPL investments (see note 19).

Equity price sensitivity analysis
The sensitivity analyses below have been determined based on the exposure to equity price risk at the reporting date.

If equity prices had been 5% higher/lower:

•  Pre-tax profit for the year ended 30 September 2019 would have been £18,650 higher/lower (2018: £17,750 higher/lower) due  

to changes in the fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss; and

•  Other equity reserves as at 30 September 2019 would increase/decrease by £3,900 (2018: increase/decrease by £4,500) pre-tax  

for the Group as a result of the changes in fair value of financial assets through other comprehensive income.

The Group’s sensitivity to equity prices has not changed significantly from the prior year.

Interest rate risk
The Group is exposed to interest rate risk in respect of the Group’s cash and in respect of client deposits. The Group holds client and 
firm deposits on demand and in either 30 and 95 day notice accounts and 32 and 35 day notice accounts (variable interest rates), 
respectively. Client deposits are fully segregated from the Group’s deposits and held in separate accounts. During the year a 1% 
increase in base rate would have increased pre-tax profit by £1,159,000 (2018: £1,040,000).

Credit risk
Credit risk refers to the risk that a client or other counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the 
Group. The Group’s exposure to credit risk arises principally from the settlement of client and market transactions (‘settlement risk’)  
and cash deposited at banks.

The Company has credit risk resulting from intercompany balances held with its subsidiaries; these are reviewed for impairment at each 
reporting date.

Settlement risk
Exposures to settlement risk are spread across a large number of counterparties and clients. A delivery versus payment (‘DVP’) 
settlement method is also used for the majority of transactions, ensuring that securities and cash are exchanged within a short period  
of time. Consequently, no residual maturity analysis is presented. The Group also holds collateral in the form of cash, as well as equity 
and bonds which are quoted on recognised exchanges. This collateral is held, principally, in Group nominee accounts.

Concentration of credit risk
The Group has no significant concentration of credit risk with the exception of cash where the majority is spread across four major 
banking groups.

Maximum exposure
The maximum exposure to credit risk at the end of the reporting year is equal to the Balance Sheet figure.

Credit exposure
Credit exposure in relation to settlement risk is monitored daily. The Group’s exposure to large trades is limited with an average bargain 
size in the current year of £16,403 (2018: £16,633). 

Impaired assets
The total gross amount of individually impaired assets in relation to trade receivables at the year end was £179,000 (2018: £209,000). 
Collateral valued at fair value by the Group in relation to these impaired assets was £136,000 (2018: £180,000). This collateral is stock 
held in the clients’ account which per our client terms and conditions can be sold to meet any unpaid liabilities falling due. The net 
difference has been provided as an allowance for credit impaired assets (see note 16). Note 16 details amounts past due but  
not impaired.

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

147

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Financial Statements continued 

27.  Risk management continued
Non-impaired assets
Financial assets that are neither past due nor impaired in respect of trade receivables relate mainly to bonds and equity trades quoted 
on a recognised exchange, which are matched in the market, and are either traded on a DVP basis or against a client’s portfolio in 
respect of which any one trade would normally be a small percentage of the client’s collateral held by the Group’s nominees. At the year 
end no financial assets that would otherwise be past due or impaired had been renegotiated (2018: none).

Loans to employees are repayable over a maximum of 3 years (see note 16).

The credit risk on liquid funds, cash and cash equivalents is limited as deposits are diversified across a panel of major banks.  
This ensures that the Group is not excessively exposed to an individual counterparty. The Group’s policy requires cash deposits  
to be placed with banks with a minimum short-term credit rating of A-2 (S&P) / P-2 (Moody’s) / F-2 (Fitch), excluding Brewin Dolphin 
Wealth Management Limited (formerly known as Tilman Brewin Dolphin Limited). Requirements and limits are reviewed on a regular 
basis. The Group’s allocation of cash and cash equivalents to S&P rating grades has been outlined in the below table:

Cash and cash equivalents

A-1+ 
0.3%

A-1 
97.3%

A-2 
2.4%

Below A-2 
0.0%

The Group maintains a set of Credit Risk policies which are regularly reviewed by the Board. A due diligence review is also performed 
on all counterparties on an annual basis, at a minimum. The investment of cash is managed by the Treasury Team.

There has been no material change to the Group’s exposure to credit risk during the year.

Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk refers to the risk that the Group will be unable to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Group maintains 
adequate cash resources to meet its financial obligations at all times. When investing cash belonging to the Group or its clients,  
the focus is on security of principal and the maintenance of liquidity. Client money is held in segregated client bank accounts with strict 
limits on deposit tenors, in accordance within regulatory guidelines designed to minimise liquidity risk.

The Group has a Liquidity Policy which is reviewed by the Board regularly. The Group’s intention, at all times is to operate with an 
amount of liquid resources which provides significant headroom above that required to meet its obligations. Group cash resources  
are monitored on a daily basis through position reports and liquidity requirements are analysed over a variety of forecast horizons. 
Liquidity stress tests are regularly conducted to ensure ongoing liquidity adequacy, and a Contingency Funding Plan is also maintained 
to provide backup liquidity in the unlikely event of a severe liquidity stress event.

At 30 September 2019, the Group had access to a revolving credit facility of £10 million (2018: £10 million overdraft).

There has been no change to the Group’s exposure to liquidity risk or the manner in which it manages and measures the risk during  
the year. 

148 Brewin Dolphin

Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Group
The following are the undiscounted cash flows of financial liabilities based on the earliest date on which the Group can be required  
to pay.

At 30 September 2019 

Financial liabilities
Shares to be issued including premium 
Financial liabilities at FVTPL – deferred and 
contingent consideration
Amortised cost

At 30 September 2018

Financial liabilities
Amortised cost

Up to  
1 month 
£’000

1 month 
to 3 months 
£’000

3 months
 to 1 year 
£’000

1 to 5  
years 
£’000

Over 5  
years
 £’000

–

–

–

3,668

–
150,044
150,044

–
31,808
31,808

Up to  
1 month 
£’000

1 month 
to 3 months 
£’000

105,951
105,951

33,003
33,003

1,403
19,920
21,323

3 months
 to 1 year 
£’000

16,484
16,484

6,485
1,152
11,305

1 to 5  
years 
£’000

926
926

Total 
£’000

3,668

7,888
202,924
214,480

–

–
–
–

Over 5  
years
 £’000

Total 
£’000

–
–

156,364
156,364

Company
The following are the undiscounted cash flows of financial liabilities based on the earliest date on which the Company can be required  
to pay.

At 30 September 2019

Financial liabilities 
Shares to be issued including premium
Amortised cost

At 30 September 2018

Financial liabilities
Amortised cost

Up to 
1 month  
£’000

1 month 
to 3 months  

£’000

3 months 
to 1 year  

£’000

1 to 5 
years  
£’000

Over 
5 years  
£’000

–
7,346
7,346

–
–
–

–
–
–

Up to
1 month  
£’000 

1 month  
to 3 months  
£’000 

3 months  
to 1 year  
£’000

7,334
7,334

–
–

–
–

3,668
–
3,668

1 to 5 
years  
£’000

–
–

–
–
–

Over 
5 years
£’000

–
–

Total  
£’000

3,668
7,346
11,014

Total
£’000

7,334
7,334

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

149

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Financial Statements continued 

27.  Risk management continued

Fair value of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis1
Some of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period. The following table 
gives information about how the fair values of these financial assets and liabilities are determined.

Fair value  
as at  
30 September 
2019 
£’000

Fair value  
as at  
30 September  
2018 
£’000

Valuation technique(s)  
and key input(s)

Significant  
unobservable input(s)

Relationship of unobservable 
inputs to fair value

Level 1
Financial assets at 
FVTPL
Level 3
Financial assets at 
FVTOCI – Equity

Financial assets at 
FVTOCI – Equity

373

356 Quoted bid prices in an active 

n/a

n/a

market.

48

31

59

31

The valuation is based on 
published monthly NAVs.

Marketability discount 
up to 30%.

As the marketability 
discount increases the 
valuation decreases.
As the marketability 
discount increases the 
valuation decreases.

Marketability discount 
ranging between 
30-50%.

Financial assets at 
FVTOCI – Asset-
backed securities

–

586

Marketability discount 
ranging between 
30-50%.

As the marketability 
discount increases the 
valuation decreases.

The valuation is based on the 
net assets as presented in 
the most recent audited 
financial statements of the 
company. 

A marketability discount is 
applied as this investment is 
highly illiquid.
The valuation is based on the 
fair value of the loan notes as 
presented in the most recent 
audited financial statements 
of the company. 

A marketability discount is 
applied as this investment is 
highly illiquid.

1. See note 32 for previous classification under IAS 39. 

Sensitivity analysis
A sensitivity analysis of the significant unobservable inputs used in valuing the Level 3 financial instruments is set out below:

Financial asset
Current assets – financial assets at FVTOCI – Equity Marketability discount

Assumption

Change in assumption
Increase by 5%

Impact on valuation
Decrease by £2,400

Fair value hierarchy 
At 30 September 2019 

Financial assets at FVTPL
Equities
Financial assets at FVTOCI
Equities
Total

At 30 September 2018

Held-for-trading
Equities
Available-for-sale financial assets
Equities
Asset-backed securities
Total

150 Brewin Dolphin

Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Level 1  
£’000

Level 2  
£’000

Level 3  
£’000

Total  
£’000

373

–
373

–

–
–

–

79
79

Level 1  
£’000

Level 2  
£’000

Level 3  
£’000

356

–
–
356

–

–
–
–

–

90
586
676

373

79
452

Total  
£’000

356

90
586
1,032

 
 
Reconciliation of Level 3 fair value measurement of financial assets: 
Financial assets at FVTOCI1

Balance at 30 September 2017
Impairment
Reversal of accumulated fair value losses recognised in equity on impairment
Net gain from changes in fair value recognised in equity
Disposals
Balance at 30 September 2018
Net gain from changes in fair value recognised in equity
Disposals
Balance at 30 September 2019

1.  See note 32 for previous classification under IAS 39.

Total  
£’000
736
(162)
106
2
(6)
676
1
(598)
79

28.  Share-based payments
The Group recognised total expenses in the year of £7,769,000 (2018: £8,915,000) related to equity-settled share-based payment 
transactions. For a summary of all options and awards outstanding at the year end see note 23.

Equity-settled share option schemes
The Group has one plan, the 2004 Approved Option Scheme (‘the Scheme’), for the granting of non-transferable options to employees. 
All options granted have fully vested and the services received from employees entitled to options under the Scheme have been  
fully expensed.

Other equity-settled share-based payment plans

Long Term Incentive Plan (‘LTIP’)
The LTIP is a conditional arrangement under which contingent share awards can be made to selected senior management, including 
the Executive Directors. Details regarding the awards to the Executive Directors are set out in the Remuneration Report. The award will 
vest in one tranche, no earlier than three years from the grant date. Vesting will be subject to performance conditions which are set prior 
to each grant by the Remuneration Committee. The performance conditions will be related to the financial performance of the Group.

During 2019, the Group granted 978,243 LTIP awards which have an aggregate fair value of £2,626,000 at the date of grant.  
The Black-Scholes model is used to fair value the LTIP at the date of grant. The inputs into the Black-Scholes model used for the 
purposes of determining fair value were as follows:

Weighted average share price
Weighted average exercise price
Expected volatility
Expected life (yrs)
Risk free rate 
Expected dividend yield

322p
0.0p
1.24%
3
20.46%
6.07%

Share Incentive Plan (‘SIP’)
Employees who have been employed for longer than six months and are subject to PAYE are invited to join the SIP. Employees may 
use funds from their gross salary (being not less than £10 and not greater than £150) to purchase ordinary shares in the Company 
(‘Partnership Shares’). For every Partnership Share purchased, the employee receives matching shares (up to a total value of £20 per 
month). Employees are offered an annual opportunity to top up contributions to the maximum annual limit of £1,800 (or 10% of salary  
if lower). All shares to date awarded under this scheme have been purchased in the market monthly. It is the intention of the Directors  
to continue this policy in the year to 30 September 2020.

Deferred Profit Share Plan (‘DPSP’)
The DPSP provides for eligible employees to defer part of their annual profit share entitlement into an award over ordinary shares  
(an ‘Award’). Current policy is that employees receiving annual profit share in excess of £50,000 are required to defer 33% of any profit 
share in excess of this amount for a period of three years. Additional deferral requirements apply to Executive Directors which are set 
out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report. Awards are generally in the form of nil cost options to acquire ordinary shares, although at 
the discretion of the Remuneration Committee they may also take the form of a conditional right to receive ordinary shares. Awards in 
the form of mandatory deferrals made to the employees who leave the Group at any time prior to vesting lapse unless the employee 
leaves as a result of good leaver provisions. It is the intention of the Board to recommend our Trustees to purchase the shares in the 
market to satisfy options awarded under this scheme in order to avoid dilution in the year to 30 September 2020.

During 2019, the Group granted 2,520,124 DPSP options which have an aggregate fair value of £8,114,799 at the date of grant.

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

151

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Financial Statements continued 

28.  Share-based payments continued 
Equity Award Plan (‘EAP’)
The EAP is a discretionary arrangement under which contingent share awards can be made to selected employees within the Group 
below Board level, for example to reward exceptional performance on behalf of the Group or in certain circumstances to aid key staff  
retention. Awards are generally in the form of conditional share awards, although at the discretion of the Remuneration Committee they 
may also take the form of share options. Awards will normally vest three years after grant subject to continued service provisions. 
Awards will only be capable of being satisfied with existing shares sourced via the Company’s employee benefit trust. No newly issued 
shares and/or treasury shares can be used under the EAP. Only non-director employees are eligible for selection to participate in the 
plan.

During 2019, the Group granted 211,453 EAP awards which have an aggregate fair value of £666,100 at the date of grant.

Share Award Agreement (SAA)
The SAA was established specifically to facilitate the recruitment of the Chief Financial Officer and mirrors the rules of the LTIP subject to 
variations as set out in the SAA. The SAA was made in the form of conditional share awards with varying vesting dates. No performance 
conditions were attached to the SAA. The SAA is only capable of being settled by the transfer of existing shares via the ESOT and no 
newly issued or treasury shares can be used to satisfy the awards.

During 2019, the Group granted an award over 187,206 shares which have an aggregate fair value of £580,000 at the date of grant.

29.  Operating lease arrangements

Group
The Group recognised operating lease payments as an expense in the year as follows:

Lease payments 

2019

Land and  
buildings  

Hire of  
equipment  

£’000
7,744
7,744

£’000
297
297

2018

Land and  
buildings  
£’000
6,884
6,884

Hire of  
equipment  

£’000
332
332

The Group has significant operating lease arrangements with respect to the premises it occupies. Hire of equipment is in relation  
to multifunctional printers and vending machines.

At the balance sheet date, the Group had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable 
operating leases, which fall due as follows:

Amounts payable under operating leases:
Within one year
In the second to fifth years inclusive
After five years

2019

Land and  
buildings  

£’000

Hire of  
equipment  

£’000

2018

Land and  
buildings  
£’000

Hire of  
equipment  

£’000

8,828
33,334
27,468
69,630

221
30
–
251

8,569
31,603
25,696
65,868

216
156
–
372

The balances disclosed above include future minimum onerous operating lease payments which are included in the onerous contracts 
provision calculation (see note 22).

As at 30 September 2019, there was £6.6 million (2018: £7.1 million) of future minimum sublease payments expected to be received 
under non-cancellable subleases. These expected future sublease receipts have been deducted in arriving at the onerous contracts 
provision (see note 22). 

152 Brewin Dolphin

Annual Report and Accounts 2019

30.  Contractual commitments

Group
Capital expenditure authorised and contracted for at 30 September 2019 but not provided in the Financial Statements amounted to  
£7.8 million (2018: £2.1 million).

31.  Notes to the Cash Flow Statement

Group

Operating profit
Adjustments for:

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Amortisation of intangible assets – client relationships and brand
Amortisation of intangible assets – software
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
Defined benefit pension scheme past service costs
Defined benefit pension scheme cash contributions
Share-based payment expense
Translation adjustments
Interest income
Interest expense

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital
Increase/(decrease) in payables and provisions
(Increase)/decrease in receivables and trading investments
Cash generated by operating activities
Tax paid
Net cash inflow from operating activities

Company

Operating (loss)/profit
Operating cash flows before movements in working capital
Interest income
Increase/(decrease) in payables
Decrease/(increase) in receivables
Cash generated by operating activities
Tax paid
Net cash inflow from operating activities

2019  
£’000
60,961

2018  
£’000
67,880

2,823
6,858
1,105
–
1,909
(1,979)
7,769
(31)
1,414
(16)
80,813
43,227
(45,084)
78,956
(12,309)
66,647

2019  
£’000
(799)
(799)
26
152
33,712
33,091
–
33,091

2,468
7,619
3,855
20
–
(3,000)
8,915
(8)
747
(15)
88,481
(68,695)
72,179
91,965
(12,260)
79,705

2018  
£’000
61,393
61,393
–
(63)
(18,877)
42,453
–
42,453

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

153

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Financial Statements continued 

Impact of application of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments

32. 
The Group adopted IFRS 9 from 1 October 2018. In accordance with the transition requirements of IFRS 9, comparative information  
for 2018 has not been restated.

The impact of adoption of IFRS 9 on the results for year to 30 September 2019 is to decrease the profit before tax by £8,000.

The initial application of IFRS 9 has impacted the classification and measurement of the Group’s financial assets as follows:

•  the redeemable loan notes held by the Group that were classified as available-for-sale financial assets under IAS 39 have been 

classified as financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (‘FVTOCI’) as they are held within a business model 
whose objective is both to collect the contractual cash flows and to sell the debt instruments, and they have contractual cash flows 
that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding. The change in fair value on these redeemable 
notes continues to be accumulated in the revaluation reserve until they are derecognised or reclassified;

•  the Group’s investments in equity instruments (neither held-for-trading nor a contingent consideration arising from a business 

combination) that were previously classified as available-for-sale financial assets and measured at fair value at each reporting date 
under IAS 39 have been designated as at FVTOCI. The change in fair value on these equity instruments continues to be accumulated 
in the revaluation reserve;

•  financial assets classified as loans and receivables under IAS 39 continue to be measured at amortised cost under IFRS 9 as they are 

held within a business model to collect contractual cash flows which consist solely of payments of principal and interest on the 
principal amount outstanding; and

•  financial assets measured at fair value through profit and loss (‘FVTPL’) under IAS 39 continue to be measured as such under IFRS 9.

The application of IFRS 9 has had no impact on either the consolidated cash flows of the Group or the basic and diluted earnings per 
share for the Group.

Note (a) below outlines the change in classification of the Group’s financial assets upon application of IFRS 9.

(a) Disclosures in relation to the initial application of IFRS 9
The table below illustrates the classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities under IFRS 9 and IAS 39 at the 
date of initial application, 1 October 2018.

Financial instrument
Financial assets 
Held-for-trading investments 

Equity securities

Asset-backed debt securities

Current loans and receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

IAS 39 classification

IFRS 9 classification

IAS 39  
carrying amount 
£’000

IFRS 9  
carrying amount 
£’000

Business model 

Fair value through profit  
and loss
Designated Fair value 
through OCI 
Fair value through OCI

Fair value through  
profit and loss 
Available-for-sale  
investments
Available-for-sale  
investments 
Loans and receivables Amortised cost
Loans and receivables Amortised cost

356

90

356

90

Held-for-trading

Other

586
171,145
186,222

586 Held to collect and sell
Held to collect
Held to collect

171,145
186,222

(b) Impairment of financial assets
In relation to the impairment of financial assets, IFRS 9 requires entities to adopt an ‘expected credit loss’ model as opposed to an 
‘incurred credit loss’ model under IAS 39. The expected loss model requires the Group to account for expected credit losses and 
changes in those expected credit losses at each reporting date to reflect changes in credit risk since initial recognition of the financial 
assets. It is no longer necessary for a credit event to have occurred before credit losses are recognised.

The Group has applied the simplified approach provided by IFRS 9 to measure the loss allowance at an amount equal to lifetime 
expected credit loss for trade receivables; these financial assets are short term and do not contain significant financing components.

As at 1 October 2018, an expected credit loss allowance rate was determined by reviewing the Group’s historical credit loss experience 
and future expectation of credit losses. This rate was applied to financial asset balances at transition and adjusted for asset specific 
credit risks to determine the expected loss allowance.

The expected credit loss allowance at 1 October 2018 was immaterial and has not been recognised against retained earnings.  
The application of the IFRS 9 impairment requirements has resulted in an expected credit loss allowance of £8,000 in the current year. 
The expected credit loss allowance is offset against the respective financial asset.

154 Brewin Dolphin

Annual Report and Accounts 2019

(c) Financial impact of initial application of IFRS 9
The reclassification of financial assets and liabilities has had no impact on the Group’s Balance Sheet or retained earnings. The table 
below shows the amount of adjustment for each financial statement line item affected by the application of IFRS 9 for the current and 
prior years.

Current assets
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income
Available-for-sale investments
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Trading investments

33.  Post balance sheet events

 30 September  
2018  
£’000 

 Reclassification  

£’000

 1 October  
2018  
£’000 

–
676
–
356

676
(676)
356
(356)

676
–
356
–

Group
On 31 October 2019, Brewin Dolphin Wealth Management Limited, a subsidiary, based in the Republic of Ireland, completed the 
acquisition of Investec Capital & Investments (Ireland) Limited; the wealth management business of Investec Group in the Republic  
of Ireland. The total consideration was €50.2 million comprising of net assets of €13.0 million and surplus capital of €6.2 million.

Company
There have been no post balance sheet events.

34.  Related party transactions
Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation. The primary 
statements of the Company include amounts attributable to subsidiaries. These amounts have been disclosed in aggregate in the 
relevant notes to the financial statements of the Company and in detail in the following table:

Bell Lawrie White & Co. Limited
Brewin Dolphin Limited
Brewin Broking Limited

Amounts owed by related parties 

Amounts owed to related parties

2019  
£’000
–
38,967
–
38,967

2018  
£’000
–
72,679
–
72,679

2019  
£’000
2,434
–
4,900
7,334

2018  
£’000
2,434
–
4,900
7,334

All amounts owed by related parties are interest free and repayable on demand.

The only effect of related party transactions on the profit and loss of the Company was in respect of dividends. The Company received 
dividends of £nil (2018: £60,500,000) from Brewin Dolphin Limited and £1,067,250 (2018: £1,001,650) from Brewin Dolphin Wealth 
Management Limited (formerly known as Tilman Brewin Dolphin Limited).

The Group companies did not enter into any transactions with related parties who are not members of the Group during the year, save 
as disclosed elsewhere in these financial statements.

All amounts outstanding with related parties are unsecured and will be settled in cash. No guarantees have been given or received.

No provisions have been made for doubtful debts in respect of the amounts owed by related parties.

Remuneration of key management personnel (‘KMP’)
Key management personnel are responsible for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group. Key management 
personnel for the Group have been determined to be the Directors and members of the Executive Committee. 

The remuneration expense for key management personnel is as follows: 

Short-term employee benefits
Post-employment benefits
Share-based payment:

Lapses where KMP have left the Group
Continuing KMP

2019  
£’000
4,968
16

–
1,047
6,031

2018  
£’000
4,764
26

(31)
2,054
6,813

The remuneration of individual Directors is set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 69 in addition to the disclosure above.

A number of the Group’s key management personnel and their close family members make use of the services provided by companies 
within the Group. Charges for such services are made at various staff rates.

Directors’ transactions
There are no contracts, loans to Directors or other related party transactions with Directors.

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

155

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationFive Year Record (unaudited) 

Revenue
Other operating income
Income

Staff costs
Other operating costs
Adjusted items
FSCS levy
Redundancy costs
Onerous contracts
One-off migration costs
Defined benefit pension scheme past service costs
Acquisition costs
Incentivisation awards
Amortisation of intangible assets – client relationships  
and brand

Operating expenses

2019  
£’000
336,301
2,808
339,109

2018  
£’000
326,226
2,801
329,027

2017  
£’000
303,896
568
304,464

2016  
£’000
280,484
1,866
282,350

2015  
£’000
280,196
3,495
283,691

(184,896)
(80,812)

(174,822)
(77,506)

(162,689)
(71,766)

(152,175)
(69,458)

(152,982)
(68,975)

–
–
(996)
–
(1,909)
(2,337)
(340)

288
–
(170)
–
–
–
(1,318)

–
(742)
(1,969)
–
–
(1,683)
(1,297)

–
(2,780)
(311)
(1,596)
–
–
–

1,160
(2,432)
(433)
–
–
–
–

(6,858)
(278,148)

(7,619)
(261,147)

(6,650)
(246,796)

(6,287)
(232,607)

(9,219)
(232,881)

Operating profit
Net finance income/(expense) and other gains and losses
Profit before tax
Tax

60,961
1,563
62,524
(14,457)

67,880
624
68,504
(15,008)

57,668
(25)
57,643
(12,490)

49,743
319
50,062
(11,095)

50,810
10,190
61,000
(12,729)

Profit attributable to equity shareholders of the parent

48,067

53,496

45,153

38,967

48,271

Dividend per share
Adjusted1 earnings per share
Basic
Adjusted1 diluted

1.  See note 12.

16.4p

16.4p

15.0p

13.0p

12.0p

21.2p
20.5p

22.5p
21.7p

20.5p
19.6p

17.7p
16.8p

18.0p
17.1p

156 Brewin Dolphin

Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Appendix – calculation of KPIs 

Revenue growth 
1. Discretionary funds inflows are calculated from the Group’s 
client database. The growth in net inflows is derived from the 
total new client accounts opened, closed or transferred 
between services categories during the year. Net fund flows  
of £1.4 billion over the opening discretionary funds value  
of £37.6 billion show a growth rate of 3.7%.

Improved efficiency 
2. Adjusted1 PBT margin is calculated by taking the adjusted1 
profit before tax of £75.0 million in 2019 (2018: £77.5 million) 
over the total income of £339.1 million (2018: £329.0 million) 
resulting in an adjusted1 PBT margin of 22.1% (2018: 23.6%).

3. Discretionary funds per CF30 of £81 million (2018: £80 

million) is based on the total of discretionary funds excluding 
MPS over the total number of registered CF30s (Investment 
Managers and Financial Planners) for the Group of 448  
(2018: 433).

Capital efficiency and shareholder return 
4. Capital adequacy risk appetite ratio is calculated by dividing 
regulatory capital resources over the assessment of regulatory 
capital requirements (see note 27 to the Financial Statements).

5. Adjusted1 diluted earnings per share, the diluted earnings  

per share is 20.5p (2018: 21.7p).

6. Dividend payout ratio is calculated by adding the interim and 
final dividend per share paid by the Group 16.4p (2018: 16.4p) 
and dividing by adjusted1 diluted EPS 20.5p (2018: 21.7p).

1.  Adjusted items are amortisation of client relationships and brand, defined 

benefit pension scheme past service costs, acquisition costs, incentivisation 
awards, onerous contracts, FSCS levy refund and other gains and losses.

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

157

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationShareholder information

Electronic communications
Shareholders have previously passed a resolution enabling 
Brewin Dolphin to take advantage of provisions in the  
Companies Act 2006 that allow us to supply documents such  
as the Annual Report and Accounts to our shareholders via our 
website www.brewin.co.uk. This helps to reduce the cost and 
environmental impact of producing and distributing printed 
documents. Shareholders that wish to continue to receive 
shareholder documents in hard copy can request this by writing 
to the registrar, Equiniti.

All shareholder communications, including the Company’s Annual 
Report and Accounts, are made available to shareholders on the 
Brewin Dolphin website and you may opt to receive email 
notification that documents and information are available to  
view and download. If you would like to sign up for this service, 
visit Equiniti’s website. You may change the way you receive 
communications at any time by contacting Equiniti.

Annual General Meeting
The 2020 Annual General Meeting of Brewin Dolphin Holdings 
PLC will be held in Haberdashers’ Hall, 18 West Smithfield, 
London EC1A 9HQ on Friday 7 February 2020 at 11.30am.

Investor information
Visit our website, www.brewin.co.uk, for investor information  
and Company news. In addition to accessing financial data,  
you can view and download annual and interim reports,  
analyst presentations and access the best of our research  
and investment views, plus lifestyle news and interviews.

You can also subscribe to an email news alert service to 
automatically receive an email when significant announcements 
are made.

Shareholding information
Please contact our registrars, Equiniti, directly for all enquiries 
about your shareholding. Visit their Investor Centre website 
www.shareview.co.uk for online information about your 
shareholding (you will need your shareholder reference number 
which can be found on your share certificate or dividend tax 
voucher), or telephone the registrars direct: 0371 384 2237 
or + 44 (0) 121 415 7047.

Dividend mandate
Shareholders can arrange to have their dividends paid directly 
into their bank or building society account by completing a bank 
mandate form. The advantages to using this service are:  
the payment is more secure than sending a cheque through the 
post; it avoids the inconvenience of paying in a cheque; and there 
is no risk of lost, stolen or out-of-date cheques.

A mandate form can be obtained from Equiniti or you will find one 
on the reverse of the tax voucher of your last dividend payment.

Useful contacts

Registered Office:
12 Smithfield Street, London ECIA 9BD. +44(0) 20 7248 4400

Company Registration Number:
02685806

Company Secretary:
T Brill 0.Cosec@brewin.co.uk

Head of Investor Relations:
D Orford investor.relations@brewin.co.uk

Registrar:
Equiniti Limited, Aspect House, Spencer Road, Lancing, West Sussex BN99 6DA. +44 (0) 121 415 7047

Online help:
shareview.co.uk – from here, you will be able to securely email Equiniti with your enquiry.

158 Brewin Dolphin

Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Other InformationGlossary

AGM 

Annual General Meeting

ASOP 

Approved Share Options Plan

Aylwin 

Aylwin Limited

BDH 

BDL 

Brewin Dolphin Holdings PLC/Brewin Dolphin

Brewin Dolphin Limited

BDMP 

Brewin Dolphin MP

BDO LLP 

Internal Auditor

BDWM 

 Brewin Dolphin Wealth Management Limited 
(formerly known as Tilman Brewin Dolphin Limited)

bps 

BPS 

CASS 

CF30 

CFO 

CGU 

CMA 

CR 

CRO 

Basis points

Brewin Portfolio Service

Client Money & Assets

 Client-facing professional Investment Manager  
and Financial Planner

Chief Financial Officer

Cash generating unit

Competition and Markets Authority

Corporate Responsibility

Chief Risk Officer

Deloitte LLP External Auditor

DPSP 

Deferred Profit Share Plan

EAP 

Equity Award Plan

EBITDA 

 Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation 
and amortisation

Epoch  

Epoch Wealth Management LLP

EPS  

ESG 

Earnings per share

Environment, Social, Governance

Equiniti 

The Company’s Registrar

FCA 

FRC 

Financial Conduct Authority

Financial Reporting Council

FSCS 

Financial Services Compensation Scheme

GDPR 

General Data Protection Regulation

GHG 

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Group 

 Brewin Dolphin Holdings PLC (the ‘Company’) 
and its subsidiaries

IAS 

International Accounting Standards

ICAAP 

Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process

ICIIL 

IFA 

KPIs 

KRIs 

L&D 

LSE 

LTIP 

Investec Capital & Investments (Ireland) Limited

Independent Financial Adviser

Key Performance Indicators

Key Risk Indicators

Learning and Development

London Stock Exchange

 The Company’s long term incentive plan, 
the ‘Long Term Performance Plan’

MAR 

Market Abuse Regulation

Mathieson  Mathieson Consulting Limited

MiFID II 

Markets in Financial Instruments Directive 

MPS 

MTP 

PBT 

Managed Portfolio Service

Medium Term Plan

Profit Before Tax

PDMR 

Persons Discharging Managerial Responsibility

RMF 

Risk Management Framework

SMCR 

Senior Managers & Certification Regime

TSR 

XO 

Total Shareholder Return

Execution Only

Brewin Dolphin
www.brewin.co.uk

159

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationO∞ces1 

Brewin Dolphin Limited

Aberdeen
0122 426 7900

Bath
0122 548 7772

Belfast
0289 044 6000

Birmingham  
0121 710 3500

Bristol
0117 968 9500

Cambridge
0122 345 5408

Cardiff
0292 034 0100

Cheltenham
0124 257 7677

Dundee
0138 231 7200

Edinburgh 
0131 225 2566

Exeter
0139 244 0450

Glasgow
0141 221 7733

Ipswich
0147 326 7200

Jersey
0153 470 3000

Leeds
0113 245 9341

Lincoln
0152 250 3000

London - City
0203 201 3900

Newcastle 
0191 279 7300

Nottingham
0115 852 5580

Norwich  
0160 396 4236

Oxford
0186 525 5750

Penrith
0176 886 1710

Plymouth 
0175 233 4650

Royal Tunbridge Wells 
0189 273 9580

London – West End
0203 201 4000

Manchester
0161 839 4222

Marlborough 
0167 251 9600

Shrewsbury 
0174 339 9000

Truro
0187 222 8080

Winchester 
0196 279 8000

Brewin Dolphin Wealth Management Limited 

Dublin
+353(0) 126 00080

Mathieson Consulting Limited 

Birmingham 
0121 710 3500 

1.  www.brewin.co.uk/our-offices/

160 Brewin Dolphin

Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Other InformationThis document is printed on Essential Velvet, 
a paper containing fibre sourced from well 
managed, responsible, FSC® certified forests, 
and other controlled sources. The pulp used 
in this product is bleached using an elemental 
chlorine free (ECF) process.

Printed by Park Communications.

Designed and produced by Black Sun Plc.

Brewin Dolphin Holdings PLC 
12 Smithfield Street
London EC1A 9BD
T 020 7248 4400
W brewin.co.uk
E info@brewin.co.uk

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