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FY1999 Annual Report · Commonwealth Bank of Australia
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of Australia

Annual Report 1999

This  Annual  Report includes  the  disclosure  requirements  for  both
the  United  States  Securities  and  Exchange
Australia  and 
Commission  (SEC).  It  will  be  lodged  with  the  SEC  as  an  Annual
Report on Form 20F.

If  as  a  shareholder  you  wish  to  continue  to  receive  this  Annual
Report please complete the enclosed form.

All  shareholders  will  receive  a  Report  to  Shareholders  (Concise
Financial Report), unless they request otherwise.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia
ACN 123 123 124

1

Financial Information and Analysis
For the year ended 30 June 1999

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Form 20-F Cross Reference Index.............................................................................................................................. 3
Review of Operations .................................................................................................................................................. 4
Strategic Vision and Business Goals ........................................................................................................................ 5
Description of Business.............................................................................................................................................. 6
Financial Review........................................................................................................................................................ 19
Selected Consolidated Financial Data ................................................................................................................ 19
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations................................ 25
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................. 25
Integrated Risk Management .............................................................................................................................. 26
Capital Management ........................................................................................................................................... 27
Credit Rating ....................................................................................................................................................... 27
Expansion ........................................................................................................................................................... 27
Guarantee ........................................................................................................................................................... 28
Year 2000 Systems Compliance ......................................................................................................................... 28
Net Interest Income............................................................................................................................................. 29
Bad and Doubtful Debts ...................................................................................................................................... 31
Non Interest Income............................................................................................................................................ 31
Operating Expenses............................................................................................................................................ 32
Occupancy and Equipment Expenses ................................................................................................................ 33
Information Technology Services ........................................................................................................................ 33
Income Tax Expense .......................................................................................................................................... 33
Abnormal Items ................................................................................................................................................... 33
Net Income.......................................................................................................................................................... 34
Capital Adequacy ................................................................................................................................................ 34
Funding and Liquidity .......................................................................................................................................... 35
Cross Border Outstandings by Industry Category ............................................................................................... 36
Corporate Governance.............................................................................................................................................. 37
Directors’ Report ....................................................................................................................................................... 40
Selected Financial Data for Five Years .................................................................................................................... 46
Financial Statements................................................................................................................................................. 48
Statements of Profit & Loss................................................................................................................................. 49
Balance Sheets ................................................................................................................................................... 50
Changes in Shareholders’ Equity ........................................................................................................................ 51
Statements of Cash Flows .................................................................................................................................. 52
Notes to and Forming Part of the Accounts......................................................................................................... 53
Directors’ Declaration.............................................................................................................................................. 151
Independent Audit Report....................................................................................................................................... 152
Shareholding Information ....................................................................................................................................... 153

2

Form 20-F Cross Reference Index (for purpose of filing with US Securities and Exchange Commission)

Page
Currency of Presentation Exchange Rates And Certain Definitions..................................................................... 157
Part I
Description Of Business..................................................................................................................... 6-18
Item 1
Description Of Property ........................................................................................................................ 12
Item 2
Legal Proceedings ................................................................................................................................ 18
Item 3
Control Of Registrant .......................................................................................................................... 154
Item 4
Nature Of Trading Market ................................................................................................................... 155
Item 5
Exchange Controls Affecting Security Holders ................................................................................... 158
Item 6
Taxation.............................................................................................................................................. 158
Item 7
Selected Consolidated Financial And Operating Data ..................................................................... 19-22
Item 8
Item 9
Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations.......... 25-36
Item 9A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ............................................. 26-27,113-125
Directors And Officers of Registrant ................................................................................................... 156
Item 10
Item 11
Compensation Of Directors And Executive Officers ........................................................................... 157
Item 12 Options To Purchase Securities From Registrant Or Subsidiaries ......................................... 44,100-102
Item 13
Interests Of Management In Certain Transactions ................................................................. 44,130-132
Part II
Item 14
Part III
Item 15
Item 16
Part IV
Item 17
Item 18
Item 19
Signatures............................................................................................................................................................ 160

Financial Statements (4)
Financial Statements ..................................................................................................................... 49-151
Financial Statements And Exhibits (4)

Defaults Upon Senior Securities (2)
Changes In Securities And Changes In Security For Registered Securities (3)

Description Of Securities To Be Registered (1)

Consolidated Statements of Income for years ended 30 June 1999, 1998 and 1997............................................ 49
Consolidated Balance Sheets as at 30 June 1999 and 1998................................................................................. 50
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for years ended 30 June 1999, 1998 and 1997.... 51
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for years ended 30 June 1999, 1998 and 1997 ..................................... 52
Notes to and Forming Part of the Accounts ........................................................................................................... 53
Report of Independent Auditors ........................................................................................................................... 152

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

Not required in this Annual Report.
(a)(b) None.
(a)(b) none (c) not applicable (d) no changes.
Not applicable as item 18 complied with.

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
(Required  in  the  context  of  filings  with  the  US
Securities and Exchange Commission.)

the 

under 

Certain 

statements 

captions
‘Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial
Condition  and  Results  of  Operations’,  ‘Disclosure  of
Quantitative and Qualitative Information about Market
Risk  Inherent  in  Derivative  Financial  Instruments,
Other  Financial 
and  Derivative
Instruments, 
Commodity Instruments’ and elsewhere in this Annual
Report  constitute  ‘forward-looking  statements’  within
the  meaning  of  the  US  Private  Securities  Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements
including  economic  forecasts  and  assumptions  and
business and financial projections involve known  and
unknown  risks,  uncertainties  and  other  factors  that
results,  performance  or
may  cause 

the  actual 

factors 
in  competitive  conditions 

achievements  of  the  Bank  to  be  materially  different
from any future results, performance or achievements
expressed  or 
forward-looking
implied  by  such 
include  demographic
statements.  Such 
changes,  changes 
in
Australia, New Zealand, Asia, United States or United
Kingdom,  changes  in  the  regulatory  structure  of  the
banking  industry  in  Australia,  New  Zealand  or  Asia,
changes in political, social and economic conditions in
Australia,  legislative  proposals  for  reform  of  the
banking  industry  in  Australia,  and  various  other
factors  beyond  the  Bank’s  control.  Given  these  risks,
uncertainties and other factors, potential investors are
cautioned  not  to  place  undue  reliance  on  such
forward-looking statements.

3

Review of Operations

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Profits

$1,422 million  after  tax  and  before  abnormal
items,  up  14%  on  1997/98,  and  up  30%  on 1997/98
after abnormal items.

Return on equity
20.54%  before  abnormal  items,  up  from  18.48%  in
1997/98.

1422

Shareholders

The result reflects:
• 
• 
• 

increased lending volumes across all products;
strong growth in financial services business;
a  one  off  profit  on  the  sale  of  infrastructure
assets;
continued  cost  containment  and  productivity
gains;
increased coverage for impaired assets; and
a  strong  performance  by  ASB  Bank  in  New
Zealand.

• 

• 
• 

Net Profit ($m)

1206

1251

1422

1078

1090

1997

1998

1999

after tax but before abnormal items

after tax and abnormal items

Earnings per Share
153.4  cents  before  abnormal  items,  up  14%  on
1997/98  of  134.5  cents.  1996/97  earnings  per  share
before abnormal items was 131.2 cents.

Assets

$138.1 billion,  up  6%  on  1997/98  of  $130.5

billion, which was up from $120.1 billion for 1996/97.

The  Group  showed  strong  growth  in  its  key
lending  products;  Home  Loans  up  11% 
to
$52.6 billion, Term Loans up 13% to $34.9 billion and
Credit  Cards  up  13%  to  $2.7 billion.  Balance  sheet
growth 
interest  earnings  by
$363 million, however, this was offset by a decline in
interest margins reducing net interest income growth
to $130 million.

increased  net 

Dividends

The  Bank  continues  to  maintain  its  record  of
strong  payout  ratios  with  a  1998/99  dividend  payout
ratio of  75%.  A  final  dividend  of 66  cents  per  share,
fully franked brought the total dividend for 1998/99 to
115  cents,  up  11  cents  from  104  cents  for  1997/98.
1996/97 total dividend was 102 cents.

4

Return on Equity (%)
before abnormal items

20.5

18.5

18.2

1997

1998

1999

Combining dividends and the appreciation in the
value of the Bank’s shares, total shareholder return for
the  year  was  34.3%  compared  with  25.3%  in  1998.
The dividend yield based on 30 June 1999 share price
of $24.05 and  calculated  on  the  1998/99  dividends  of
49 cents and 66 cents was 4.78%.

Over the last five  years,  the  Bank  has  produced
an annual return to shareholders in the top quartile of
all  banks  within  the  Banks  and  Finance  Index.  Going
forward, the aim is to retain this position.

Credit Ratings

Standard & Poor’s Corporation
Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
Fitch IBCA
Moody’s Bank Financial Strength
Rating
Fitch IBCA Individual Rating

Capital Management

Short
Term

Long
Term

A-1+
P-1
F1+

AA-
Aa3
AA

B

A/B

As  part  of  its  capital  management  program,  the
Bank  also  conducted  a  successful  off  market  share
buyback in March 1999. The Bank bought back 2.9%
of its ordinary shares for $650 million. This brings the
total of share buybacks to $2.3 billion since 1996.

Year 2000 Compliance

The Bank’s Year 2000 compliance program is

progressing to plan.

Goods and Services Tax

The  Goods  and  Services  Tax  (GST)  legislation
was  enacted  on  8 July 1999,  and  will  apply  from
1 July 2000. The Bank has commenced a  program  to
implement GST. With the exception of the areas of the
Bank  involved  in  general  insurance  and 
leasing
services,  the  GST  will  not  directly  impact  the  Bank’s
services until 1 July 2000.

Strategic Vision And Business Goals

 Strategic Vision: Commonwealth Bank aims to

help customers manage and build wealth.

We will achieve this by:

Retaining our lowest cost structure

Competitive  pressure  from  existing  and  new
market  entrants, 
together  with  new  distribution
technology  innovations,  will  continue  to  impact  on  the
margins 
traditional  core  businesses.  Our
strategic initiatives will remain focused on ensuring we
retain our low unit cost structure advantage.

in  our 

• 
• 
• 

• 

Key achievements
Cost to Asset ratio has improved to 2.22%.
Cost to Income ratio has improved to 55.6%.
The  Woolworths  Ezy  Banking  initiative  is  being
implemented  to  provide  an  alternative  low  cost
distribution  channel  to  meet  the  needs  of  our
existing and new customers looking for a simple,
fresh banking solution.
Focus  on  telephone  and  online  banking  and
financial  solutions  that  provide  more  efficient
service  for  a  lower  cost  to  the  customer  and  the
Bank.

Expanding our share of customers through online
and direct leadership

Maintaining  a  competitive  cost  structure  means
growing  our  customer  base 
for  greater  scale
advantage.  Internet-based  products  and  services  will
be  key  growth  businesses  of  the  future,  providing
customers  with  superior  offerings  at  lower  cost.  The
Bank 
these
developments  and  is  determined  to  continue  to  lead
the way.

is  currently  at 

forefront  of 

the 

Key achievements
The  number  of  customers  registered  for  Share
Direct grew by 71%.
NetBank  customers  more  than  doubled  to  over
89,000.
The  number  of  customers  registered  for  our
direct (telephone) operations increased by almost
50% to 2.7 million.
Establishment  of  eComm  and  development  of
detailed  strategies  for  growing  our  online  and
direct businesses.
Vodafone alliance for mobile phone banking.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Providing more of the financial services our
customers need

Our customer base is the largest of any financial
institution  in  Australia  (7.7 million  including  2 million
young  Australians)  and  we’re  continuing  to  grow.  We
can  provide  more  of 
financial  services  our
the 
customers  need  through  a  wider  variety  of  products.
improving  our
This  will  be  achieved 
understanding of the needs of each customer, focusing
on 
improving  service  quality  and  efficiency,  and
developing  new  products  and  services  that  are  better
attuned to meeting these needs.

through 

Key achievements
Growth  in  funds  under  management  to  over
$27 billion.
Restructure  of  the  retail  Bank  to  support  a
customer-led business focus.
Customer  information  management  programme
to  provide  a  better  understanding  of  customer
needs.
Listing of Commonwealth Property Office Fund.

• 

• 

• 

• 

Building offshore value

Our business has been focused on Australia and
New  Zealand.  To  maximise  returns  for  shareholders
we  need  to  supplement  this  business  with  new
revenue  streams  from  larger  and 
faster  growing
markets. As online communication technologies gather
pace,  financial  services  are  increasingly  becoming
global in their reach and accessibility.

Our  analysis  suggests  that  the  Bank  is  well
placed  in  the  technology  revolution  globally.  As  such,
we  are  exploring  options  to  leverage  this  ‘know  how’
into emerging high growth online markets.

Our long term goal is to derive 25% of our market

value from offshore businesses.

• 

• 

Key achievements
ASB  Bank,  our  presence  in  New  Zealand,  has
continued  to  grow  as  a  full  service  bank.  During
the year the life insurance and financial  services
company Sovereign Limited was acquired.
Online  entry  strategies 
markets are under consideration.

for  other  overseas

Implementing Best Practice People Management

Meeting  the  needs  of  our  many  customers  and
shareholders requires strong leadership, shared vision
and  a  ‘Make  it  happen’  determination  by  our  people.
Our  Best-Practice  People  Management  strategy  is
about  ensuring  our  people  and  business  models  are
mutually self-reinforcing through:
• 
• 
• 

line-management leadership and accountability;
fair treatment and safe work;
appropriately 
recognising 
contribution; and
attracting  the  right  people  and  developing  their
talent.
Key achievements
During the year a significant investment has been
made  in  the  rollout  of  a  leadership  program  to
establish  a  common 
leadership
(over  3,000
behaviour  across 
executives  and  senior  executives  have  participated  in
these training programmes).

the  organisation 

framework 

rewarding

and 

for 

• 

5

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

line  delivery  services.  Commonwealth  Bank  has
Australia’s  most  accessed  financial  services  internet
sites.

The  Institutional  Banking  division  focuses  on
Australasia’s largest corporations, government bodies
institutions  and  has  banking
and  other  major 
relationships  with  over  1,000  of 
these  entities.
Through  a  partnership  approach 
to  relationship
banking,  Institutional  Banking  delivers  innovative  and
tailored financial solutions to its institutional clients.

The  Technology,  Operations  and  Property
division operates as a discrete business unit to ensure
that  Bank  staff  dealing  directly  with  customers  are
provided  with  best  in  class  technology,  infrastructure
and  support  services  and  are  able  to  focus  on
understanding and fulfilling customers’ needs.

Over  the  last  five  years,  the  Group’s  return  on
equity  has  increased  from  15.69%  for  Financial  Year
1995  to  20.54%  for  Financial  Year  1999.  Over  the
same  period  the  Group’s  return  on  average  assets
has  increased  from  1.01%  to  1.06%.  The  Group  has
remained capitalised at over 9% of total risk weighted
assets  for  the  last  five  years,  which  is  above  the
Reserve Bank regulatory requirement of 8%.

The  Group’s  net  interest  margin  has  gradually
contracted  from  4.03%  for  Financial  Year  1995  to
3.09% for Financial Year 1999. The outlook for the net
interest  margin 
to
‘Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial
Condition And Results Of Operations’.

subdued.  Refer 

remains 

The re-engineering of the Bank’s processes has
seen  branch  and  service  centre  numbers  fall  from
1,474 at 30 June 1995 to 1,162 at 30 June 1999, and
staff numbers, on a full time equivalent basis, fall from
34,383 to 28,964 over the same period.

Staff productivity (total operating income per full
time  equivalent  employee)  has  increased  by  46%
between  Financial  Year  1995  and  Financial  Year
1999  and  total  operating  expenses  versus 
total
operating  income  has  fallen  from  61.3%  in  Financial
Year 1995 to 55.6% in Financial Year 1999.

The  following  table  sets  forth a  summary  of  the
Group’s  key  ratios  for  Financial  Years  1995,  1996,
1997, 1998 and 1999.

Description of Business

Overview

finance  company  activities,  and 

Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  provides  a
wide  range of  banking,  financial  and  related  services
primarily  in  Australia.  These  services  include  general
life
banking, 
insurance  and  funds  management.  The  Bank  is
Australia’s largest bank in terms of housing loans and
retail  deposits  and  is  the  second  largest  in  terms  of
Australian assets. The Group is one of the four major
banking groups that collectively control approximately
two-thirds of total assets within the Australian banking
total
industry.  At  30 June 1999, 
consolidated  assets  of  $138 billion  and 
loans
outstanding  of  $102 billion.  The  Group’s  net  profit
after tax was $1,422 million for Financial Year 1999.

the  Group  had 

The  Group’s  banking  operations  contributed
approximately  88%  of  its  total  net  profit  for  Financial
Year 1999 and represented approximately 95% of the
Group’s  total  assets  at  30 June 1999.  The  Group’s
banking  operations  consist  of  the  operations  of  the
Bank,  ASB  Bank  and  Commonwealth  Development
Bank.

The operations of the core business functions of
the  Bank  are  carried  out  by  Banking  and  Financial
Services,  Customer  Service  Division  and  Institutional
Banking.

Banking  and  Financial  Services  is  responsible
for  understanding  the  needs  of  our  personal  and
business  customers  and 
the  marketing  and
development  of  products  and  services.  Products  and
services  include  banking,  insurance  and  financial
services,  and  are  distributed  to  our  customers  by
Customer Service Division.

The Customer Service Division is responsible for
providing  quality  sales  and  service  to  the  Bank’s
customers and managing the most extensive financial
services distribution network in Australia. Services are
provided  to  over  7.7 million  customers  through  a
national  network  of  almost  100,000  service  points,
including  the  largest  branch  and  agency  network  in
the country (over 1,150 branches and 3,900 agencies
and  over  100  business  banking  centres  as  at
30 June 1999),  115  mobile  bankers,  over  2,600
teller  machines  (‘ATMs’),  over  90,000
automatic 
EFTPOS terminals and expanding telephone and on-

6

Key Financial Data

Return on average shareholders’ equity (1)
Return on average total assets (1)
Capital adequacy
Net interest margin

Full time staff equivalent
Branches/service centres (Australia)
Total operating income
per full time (equivalent) employees (A$)
Total operating expenses/total operating income (2)

Y E A R   E N D E D   3 0   J U N E

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

20.54%
1.06%
9.38%
3.09%

 28,964
 1,162

16.10%
0.87%
10.49%
3.33%

 30,743
 1,218

16.39%
0.94%
10.89%
3.53%

 33,543
 1,334

16.27%
1.06%
12.71%
4.01%

 34,518
 1,390

15.69%
1.01%
11.15%
4.03%

 34,383
 1,474

 190,720
55.6%

 170,120
58.1%

 145,515
59.9%

 137,667
59.4%

 130,995
61.3%

(1) 

(2) 

Calculations based on operating profit after tax and outside equity interests applied to average shareholders’ equity.

Total operating expenses excluding goodwill amortisation.

Y E A R   E N D E D   3 0   J U N E

Geographic segments
Revenue (1)
Australia
New Zealand
Other Countries

Net Profit
Australia
New Zealand
Other Countries

Assets (at year end)
Australia
New Zealand
Other Countries

US$M

 5,818
 645
 436
 6,899

 838
 53
 48
 939

 8,801
 976
 660
 10,437

 1,270
 80
 72
 1,422

 76,364
 8,625
 6,306
 91,295

 115,510
 13,046
 9,540
 138,096

1999

1998
(A$ millions, except where indicated)
%

%

 84.3
 9.4
 6.3
 100.0

 89.3
 5.6
 5.1
 100.0

 83.6
 9.5
 6.9
 100.0

 9,514
 1,115
 657
 11,286

 1,044
 73
(27)
 1,090

 110,120
 10,846
 9,578
 130,544

 84.3
 9.9
 5.8
 100.0

 95.8
 6.7
(2.5)
 100.0

 84.4
 8.3
 7.3
 100.0

 9,484
 977
 448
 10,909

 990
 63
 25
 1,078

 101,202
 9,994
 8,907
 120,103

1997

%

 86.9
 9.0
 4.1
 100.0

 91.9
 5.8
 2.3
 100.0

 84.3
 8.3
 7.4
 100.0

(1) 

Revenue for this table represents total interest income plus total non interest income and proceeds from disposal of assets,
refer Note 2 to Financial Statements for details.

The address of the Bank’s principal executive office is
48  Martin  Place,  Sydney,  New  South  Wales,  1155,
Australia 
is
and 
(612) 9378 2000.

telephone 

number 

its 

History and Ownership

The  origins  of  the  Bank  lie  in  the  former
Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  which  was
established  in  1911  by  Act  of  Parliament  to  conduct
commercial  and  savings  banking  business. 
Its
functions were later expanded to encompass those of
a central bank. Subsequent legislative amendment  in
1959 created a separate Reserve Bank of Australia to
take over the central bank functions.

In  December  1990,  the  Commonwealth  Banks
Restructuring  Act  1990  was  passed,  which  provided
for:

• 

• 

the  Bank 

into  a  public
the  conversion  of 
company  with  a  share  capital,  governed  by  its
Memorandum  and  Articles  of  Association  but
subject  to  certain  overriding  provisions  of  the
Banking  Act  -  this  conversion  occurring  on
17 April 1991;
the Bank to become the successor in law of the
State Bank  of  Victoria  (SBV)  -  this  occurring on
1 January 1991; and
the issue of shares in the Bank to the public.
An offer of just under 30% of  the issued  shares
in  the  Bank  was  made  to  members  of  the  Australian
public  and  staff  of  the  Bank  in  July/August  1991  to
strengthen  the  Bank’s  capital  base 
its
acquisition of SBV and to provide a sound foundation
for further development of the Bank’s business.

following 

• 

7

Description of Business

In  October  1993,  the  Commonwealth  sold  a
portion  of  its  shareholding  in  the  Bank,  thereby
reducing its shareholding to 50.4% of the total number
of issued voting shares.

• 

in 

In 

shares 

June/July 

June/July 

the  public  offer  of 

the  Commonwealth  of  Australia,  agreed 

the  Commonwealth
1996, 
Government  made  a  public  offer  of  its  remaining
50.4%  shareholding  in  the  Bank.  The  offer  was  fully
subscribed.  In  conjunction  with  this  offer,  the  Bank,
pursuant  to  a buyback  Agreement between  the  Bank
and 
to
buyback  100 million  shares  in  the  Bank  from  the
Commonwealth.  The  public  offer  and  buyback  were
completed on 22 July 1996.
In  connection  with 

the
Commonwealth’s 
1996,
transitional  arrangements  were  implemented  which
provide that:
• 

all demand and term deposits will be guaranteed
for  a  period  of  three  years  from  19 July 1996,
when the Commonwealth of Australia ceased to
hold more than 50% of the total voting shares in
the  Bank,  with  term  deposits  outstanding  at  the
end  of  that  three  year  period  being  guaranteed
until maturity; and
all other amounts  payable under  a  contract  that
was entered into before, or under an instrument
executed,  issued,  endorsed  or  accepted  by  the
Bank and outstanding at 19 July 1996, would be
guaranteed  by  the  Commonwealth  Government
until their maturity.
Under  the  terms  of  an  agreement  reached
between the Commonwealth and the Bank,  the  Bank
will report to the Commonwealth annually on the level
and maturity profile of outstanding liabilities which are
subject 
the  Commonwealth’s  guarantee.  The
agreement  also  includes  an  undertaking  from  the
Bank that it will not seek to extend the maturity profile
of  its  deposit  liabilities  beyond  that  required  in  the
normal  course  of  business  during  the  three  years
following  the  effective  time.  The  liabilities  of  the
Bank’s subsidiary Commonwealth Development Bank
Limited  will  continue  to  remain  guaranteed  by  the
Commonwealth.  For  full  details  of  all  guarantee
arrangements 
the  Financial
Statements.

refer  Note  25 

to 

in 

Australian Banking Operations

The  overall  structure  of  the  Australian  Banking
operations  is  comprised  of  three  main  operating
segments:  Retail  Financial  Services, 
Institutional
Banking  and  Corporate.  Retail  Financial  Services  is
comprised  of 
two  divisions,  Customer  Services
Division  and  Banking  and  Financial  Services.
Institutional  Banking  is  a  stand  alone  division,  while
Corporate  comprises  the  divisions  of  Financial  and
Risk  Management,  Technology,  Operations  and
Property,  Group  Human  Resources  and  Group
Planning and Development.

Banking and Financial Services

The  Banking  and  Financial  Services  division  is
product

for  marketing 

services, 

responsible 

8

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

development  and  brand  management  for  the  retail
and  small  and  medium  business  segments.  The
division  focuses  on  assessing  customer  needs  and
servicing  those  needs  for  banking,  insurance,  funds
management and related products and services.

The  Bank  provides  a  full  range  of  financial
services  to  over  7.7 million  customers  throughout
Australia,  including  savings  and  cheque  accounts,
demand  and  term  deposits,  credit  cards,  personal
loans  and  housing 
loans,  superannuation,  and
investment  and  life  insurance  products.  The  Bank
offers  a  full  range  of  commercial  products  including
equipment  and 
rural  and
agribusiness products. A team of trained and licensed
investment  advisers,  conveniently  located  throughout
the  branch  network,  provide  information  and  advice
on financial and retirement planning.

finance,  and 

trade 

Home  lending  forms  a  major  part  of  the  Bank’s
business  and  the  Bank  continues  to  be  Australia’s
leading home loan provider. As the market leader the
Bank  offers  a  variety  of  home  loan  products  to  meet
the  requirements  of  over  900,000  Australians.  The
One  Year  Guaranteed  Home  Loan  has  proved  very
popular. This was complemented during the year by a
series  of  zero  establishment  fee  and  interest  rate
offers that maintained our competitive position.

The  Bank’s  leading  position  in  the  Personal
Loan market was maintained during the year following
rates  and  processing
a 
improvements  to  increase  the  competitiveness  of  the
product.

reduction 

interest 

in 

has 

The  Bank 

approximately 
544,000
relationships  with  small 
to  medium  enterprises,
serviced  through  its  branch  and  Business  Banking
Centre  networks.  Around  70%  are  very  small
businesses  serviced  through  the  branch  network,
while  the  larger  enterprises  are  serviced  by  the
network of 104 Business Banking Centres.

Commercial  lending  approvals  to  these  clients
were  up  8.2%  in  Financial  Year  1999  and  the  Bank
has  total  commercial  assets  of  $27.3 billion  as  at
30 June 1999.

the  year,  reinforcing 

A  full  range  of  products  is  offered  to  meet  the
diverse needs of the Bank’s business customers. The
Better  Business  Package  offers  reduced  overdraft
rates  and  an  innovative  range  of  product  solutions,
transaction accounts and business planning software.
New features were added to the Commonwealth Bank
Business  Card  during 
the
product’s  unique  positioning  in  the  business  finance
market.  Business  customers  can  now  choose
between  two  types  of  revolving  credit  facility  in
addition  to  the  standard  purchasing  card  offering.
Quickline  users  grew  by  91%  during 
the  year,
attesting to the fact that the software product provides
business customers with the convenience and ease of
completing  banking  transactions  from  their  home  or
office, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A range of rural
and  agribusiness  products  along  with  equipment  and
trade  finance  is  offered  to  meet  various  business
needs.

The  Commonwealth  Bank  was  named  1999
Bank  of  the  Year  in  the  Personal  Investor  awards
announced on 28 July 1999.

The  Bank  has  increased  its  focus  on  Internet
and online financial services through the formation of
eComm,  an  e-commerce  centre  of  excellence  that
manages  the  Bank’s  online  activities  from  strategy
through to marketing.

its 

The  Commonwealth  Bank  already  has  around
200,000 online customers utilising its NetBank, Share
Direct, Funds Direct, Quickline and Diammond online
services.  Since 
inception,  eComm  has  also
launched Dot.comm, an internet site designed to meet
the  needs  of 
the  youth  market,  and  signed  a
partnership  with  Vodafone  to  provide  a  banking
transaction service via Short Messaging Service direct
to mobile digital handsets.
eComm  will  drive 

further  development  of
Commonwealth  Bank’s  online  services  and  develop
and  manage  partnerships  in  the  online  world.  It  will
work across the Bank integrating the Group’s banking,
investment  and  broking  services 
the  Bank’s
7.7 million personal and business customers.

to 

Housing Loans

The  Bank’s  principal  retail  lending  product  is
housing loans, most of which consist of financing the
purchase  of  owner  occupied  housing.  The  Bank  is
Australia’s 
housing  with
lender 
approximately  900,000  home  loan  customers  and
$45.5 billion 
in  outstanding  balances  as  at
30 June 1999.

largest 

for 

Historically  in  Australia,  housing  loans  have
been subject to a variable interest rate for a term from
five to thirty years, secured by way of a first mortgage
over  the  property  being  purchased.  In  more  recent
years  the  Bank  has  sought  to  provide  its  customers
with additional  choices  in  connection  with  its  housing
loans.  In  1989,  the  Bank  introduced  a  fixed  rate
represents
loan  product  which  now 
housing 
approximately 30% ($13.7 billion) of total housing loan
outstandings.  In  December  1995  a  Basic  Variable
Rate Home loan option (known as ‘Economiser’) was
also  introduced  (September  1997  for  Investment
Home Loans). This allowed clients who did not require
a  full  range  of  options  (ie,  split  loans,  portability,  the
ability  to  make  unlimited  special  repayments)  to
reduce  their  interest  rate.  The  Economiser  now
represents  approximately  7%  ($3.4 billion)  of  total
housing  loan  balances.  The  Home  Equity  Facility
(HEF) was relaunched in July 1997 to compete in the
growing  line  of  credit  market.  HEF  has  been  very
successful  with  balances  of  $1.4 billion  as  at
30 June 1999.

Investment  Home  Loans  total  $9.0 billion  as  at
30 June 1999,  following  strong  growth  of  36%  in  the
year  to  30 June 1999.  The  Bank  in  October  1998
released an interactive CD ROM ‘Investment Place’, a
new  step  by  step  guide  to  all  aspects  of  residential
property  investment.  It  assists  clients  throughout  the
decision,  purchasing,  maintenance  and  sales  stages
of an investment property and its financing.

It  seeks  to  position  the  Bank  as  the  leading
provider  of  information  and  advice  on  residential
property investment.

The Bank provides housing finance up to 80% of
the  value  of the property.  Above  this  level  (to  a  95%
insurance  would
maximum), 
normally  be 
the  Housing  Loan
Insurance  Corporation  (‘HLIC’).  In June 1999,  loans
with total balances of $7 billion were covered by HLIC
insurance, being 16% of the total portfolio.

lenders’  mortgage 
taken  out  with 

Through  Commonwealth  Insurance  Limited,  a
wholly  owned  subsidiary  of  the  Bank,  customers  (not
only  Bank  customers)  can  purchase  home,  contents
and  personal  valuables  cover  at  competitive
premiums.

In the year to May 1999, the Bank increased its
lead  in  market  share  (All  Lenders)  for  home  loan
outstandings by 0.6% to be 4.0% ahead of its nearest
competitor.  Market  share  for  May  1999  stands  at
20.2% (All Lenders).

Intense  competition  is  expected  to  continue  to
place pressure on the Bank’s margin on housing loan
products. Increased competition is expected also from
new  entrants  to  the  rapidly  growing  online  market.
Margin income in 1998/99 has  been  affected  by  very
aggressive 
fee
discounting.  This  is  expected  to  continue  during
1999/00.

including  widespread 

pricing 

Deposit Products

to  maintain 

By  continuing 

the  broadest
representation  network  of  any  bank  in  Australia,  the
Bank  has  a  relative  advantage  over  competitors  in
sourcing retail deposit funds. As at 30 June 1999, the
Bank’s  retail  deposit  base  stood  at  approximately
$67 billion,  making  the  Bank  the  largest  holder  of
deposits  in  Australia,  with  a  market  share  of  22%
(RBA,  May  1999).  Term,  demand  and  non  interest
bearing  deposits  accounted  for  23.7%,  70.0%  and
6.3% of this total respectively. There was a 3% shift in
this deposit mix during the year towards lower interest
cost  products  away  from  term  deposits.  This  was  a
function  of  increased  demand  for  the  Award  Saver
product  and  a  reduction  in  carded  term  deposits.
Customer  preferences  caused  a  shift  from  fixed term
to  more  flexible  current  accounts.  Over  the  past  five
years  the  Bank’s  reliance  on  funding  from  domestic
retail  sources  has  remained  relatively  stable  while  its
market  share  in  this  sector  has  fallen  from  over  24%
to 
increased
competition  within  the  banking  industry  and  from  the
funds management industry.

the  current  22.5%, 

reflecting 

the 

Credit Cards

The Bank is the largest issuer of  credit  cards  in
Australia  with  approximately  2.34 million  credit
account  holders  (Visa,  MasterCard  and  Bankcard)  at
30 June 1999,  approximately  50%  more  than  the
nearest competitor. The Bank’s cardholder base grew
by  3.7%  during  Financial  Year  1999.  Credit  card
outstandings grew by 13.2% to stand at $2.5 billion at
30 June 1999.

9

Description of Business

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

in 

Competition 

the  credit  card  market  has
increased  as  it  has  become  more  segmented  and
niche driven by new entrants and the diversification by
mortgage  originators 
In  addition,
into 
existing  card  issuing  banks  have  continued  to  seek
third party co-brand and alliance opportunities, adding
to  competition  in  credit  card  based  loyalty  reward
programs.  The  Bank’s  own  credit  card 
loyalty
program,  ‘True  Awards’,  was  launched  during  1997
and has over 820,000 members to date.

this  area. 

In  addition  to  its  card  offerings  to  the  broader
market,  the  Bank  targets  specific  high  net  worth
market  segments  through  a  range  of  ‘affinity’  card
programs, 
including  arrangements  with  several
professional  associations,  such  as  the  Australian
Medical  Association,  and  the  Law  Societies  of  NSW,
Victoria and Queensland.

By virtue of its shareholding in Mondex Australia
Pty  Limited,  the  Bank  is  an  original  global  founder  in
the  Mondex  smart  card  scheme  and  participated  in
MasterCard  and  Visa  pilots  of  stored  value  cards  in
1996. These are microchip based smart cards offering
an  electronic  alternative 
for  small
transactions.  Management  believes  that  smart  card
to  offer  significant
technology  has 
benefits 
transmission  processing
efficiencies  via  the  potential  integration  of  customer
information  within  the  microchip,  it  also  offers  wider
opportunities 
relationship
development.

terms  of  customer 

the  potential 

terms  of 

to  cash 

in 

in 

Financial Services

The Group provides funds management and life
insurance  products  to  a  broad  range  of  customers
through  its  Commonwealth  Financial  Services  (CFS)
group  of  companies.  Commonwealth  Financial
Services  is  the  registered  business  name  used  by
Commonwealth  Life  Limited  (CLL),  Commonwealth
Funds  Management  Limited  and  Commonwealth
Custodial  Services  Limited.  Retail  products  are  sold
through 
to  over
the  Bank’s  distribution  network 
557,000 customers (as at 30 June 1999). The Bank is
continuing 
its
distribution system.

integrate  CFS  products 

into 

to 

The Group is the fifth largest funds manager and
second  largest  retail  funds  manager  in  Australia.
Funds  under  management  totalled  $27.2 billion  as  at
30 June 1999,  comprising  retail  funds  of  $15.6 billion
and  wholesale  funds  of  $11.6 billion.  Commonwealth
Investment  Management  manages  wholesale  funds
on behalf of major Australian companies, government
funds, 
the  Bank’s  staff
superannuation fund. In addition, the group  manages
the funds of individual investors in the life company’s
statutory  fund  and  through  CFS’  retail  unit  trust
product range.

friendly  societies  and 

trained  and 

Approximately  800 

licensed
investment  advisers,  located  throughout  the  branch
network,  are  available  to  meet  the  investment  needs
of  clients.  In  Financial  Year  1999  gross  sales  of
$8.3 billion in managed products, superannuation and
other investment products were achieved.

10

CLL 

offers 

insurance 

policies,
term 
superannuation/pensions,  annuities  and  investment
products  to  the  retail  market.  CLL is  the  sixth  largest
life insurance company in Australia and is the second
largest rollover and personal superannuation manager
as  well  as  being  the  leading  allocated  pension  fund
provider. Annual life insurance premiums have grown
by  19%  over  1998/99,  following  growth  of  24%  in
1997/98.

Due to the fee based nature of the business, the
main profit driver for the funds management company
is  the  ability  to  increase  funds  under  management
while controlling operating costs.

The Bank is well under way in converting its unit
trust  business  into  managed  investment  schemes  as
required  by  the  Managed  Investments  Act  1998.  All
fund  managers  must  comply  with  the  new  law  by
30 June 2000,  however,  it  is  our  intention  that  the
retail funds will be compliant with new law by October
1999.

Commonwealth 

(CIL)
(previously  Commonwealth  Connect 
Insurance
Limited),  is  a  wholly  owned  subsidiary  of  the  Bank,
specialising in general insurance.

Insurance 

Limited 

CIL  has  been  ranked  18  out  of  top  20  Private
Direct General Insurers. This is  the first  time  that  the
company  has 
(analysis
in 
undertaken  by  Deloitte  Touche  Tohmatsu,  based  on
1997 and 1998 Net Premium Revenue). Net Premium
Income for 1999 increased by 16.4%.

top  20 

ranked 

the 

CIL  currently  provides  buildings,  contents  and
personal  valuables  cover.  CIL’s  customer  base  is
predominantly  comprised  of  Bank  customers  who
have purchased insurance at a branch or as part of a
home  loan  interview.  Two  thirds  of  new  business  is
generated  through  the  network  in  this  manner;  the
remainder is generated directly with CIL’s  centralised
call centre.

Initiatives  undertaken  during  1998/99  include
expansion  of  flexible  payment  options  to  include
automated  monthly  payment  by  credit  card,
‘Honeymoon’ prices for new policyholders, as well as
extending  contents  coverage  to  stand  alone  policies
for  owner  occupiers  and  for  renters.  Simplified  policy
documents  were  introduced  in  November  1998  in
conjunction  with  the  company’s  name  change  to
Commonwealth Insurance Limited.

Business Services

CBFC  Limited 

(‘CBFC’),  a  wholly  owned
subsidiary  of  the  Bank,  is  a  specialist  provider  of
vehicle and equipment finance. CBFC’s primary focus
is  on  the  business  sector.  Hire  purchase,  finance
leases  and  operating  leases,  including  fleet  leasing
arrangements, are the dominant product groups.  The
primary  product  distribution  channel  is  the  Bank’s
branch  and  business  banking  centre  network
throughout Australia.

CBFC  has  total  assets  of  $5.5 billion  principally
loan  receivables,  representing  a

comprising  net 
growth of 12% compared with 30 June 1998.

Equipment  finance  receivables  are  well  spread
with the maturity of outstanding receivables averaging
less than three years.

CBFC  finances  its  asset  portfolio  through  the
issue  of  secured  debentures  to  retail  investors  (and
wholesale  investors  to  a  lesser  extent),  and  related
party borrowings from within the Group.

Commonwealth  Development  Bank  of  Australia
Limited (‘CDBL’)

to  manage 

CDBL  was  established 

the
outstanding  assets  of  the  former  Commonwealth
Development  Bank  of  Australia  (‘CDB’),  a  statutory
corporation of the Commonwealth of Australia  whose
initial share capital was 92% owned by the Bank and
the  Commonwealth.  The  Bank
8%  owned  by 
purchased  the  Commonwealth’s  8%  share  of  CDB
in July 1996.  Principal  activities  of  CDB  were  the
provision of finance and advice to the small business
market  in  Australia,  including  primary  producers.
CDBL is not writing new business and its assets have
decreased  progressively  due 
to  maturity  and
repayment.

As  at  30 June 1999,  CDBL  has  total  assets  of
$342 million  and  shareholders’  equity  of  $84 million.
Operating profit after tax for the year was $11 million.

Alliances

In  December  1998,  the  Bank  signed  a  10  year
strategic  alliance  agreement  with  a  major  Australian
retailer,  Woolworths  Limited,  to  deliver  co-branded
financial  services  products  through  its  640  retail
outlets.  Woolworths  has  the  largest  share  of  the
Australian  retail  grocery  market  and  the  alliance  will
further  enhance  the  Bank’s  position  as  Australia’s
most  accessible  bank.  The  co-branded  products  will
be  developed  and  serviced  by 
the  Bank  and
distributed  through  Woolworths’  outlets.  Customer
financial  contracts  arising  via  the  alliance  will  be
obligations of the Bank, and the Bank will maintain all
customer information. The Bank also has a number of
existing in-store  branches  with Franklins  Ltd, another
major Australian retailer.

The Bank has also entered into an alliance with
Vodafone  to  supply  financial  services  information  via
the Vodafone network to mobile telephony.

The Bank has entered into a two year agreement
with  ninemsn  as  a  preferred  supplier  of  financial
services to their sites. The ninemsn sites are the most
visited Internet sites in Australia.

Customer Service Division

the 

largest 

Customer  Service  Division  is  responsible  for
providing  quality  sales  and  service  to  the  Bank’s
financial
customers  and  managing 
services  distribution  network  in  the  country.  The
network includes the largest number of branches and
agencies,  proprietary  ATMs  and  EFTPOS  terminals
as  well  as  an  expanding  array  of  telephone  and
direct/online  services.  The  distribution  network
provides  sales  and  service  related 
to
customers  embracing 
full  range  of  financial
the 
products  and  services  such  as  savings  and  cheque
accounts,  demand  and  term  deposits,  credit  card
services, personal loans and housing loans as well as

functions 

life 

insurance
investment  and 
superannuation, 
products.  The  sale  of  various  commercial  products  –
Electronic  Services  (such  as  EFTPOS,  Diammond,
BPayTM),  Equipment  Finance  (CBFC,  Leaseway,
Fleetcare),  Commercial  Products  (Factoring,  Trade
and
Finance, 
Rural/Agribusiness  products/services  also  fall  under
the responsibility of Customer Service Division.

Business 

Finance) 

Asset 

Within the Division, Direct Banking operates one
of the largest call centre  and  help desk  operations  in
Australia  handling  over  6.4 million  calls  per  month.
Approximately  1,300  telephone  service  and  support
staff are employed to answer customer enquiries and
to promote and sell a range of financial products and
services.

Customer  Service  Division  operates  through  an
Australia  wide  network  of  over  1,150  branches,
approximately  100  business  banking  centres,  over
2,600  ATMs,  over  90,000  EFTPOS  terminals,  115
mobile  bankers  and  expanding  telephone  and  online
delivery  services.  The  Bank’s  branch  and  service
centre  network  is  complemented  by  over  3,900
agencies  (primarily  Australia  Post  offices)  offering  a
more  limited  range  of  banking  services.  The  majority
of  the  Bank’s  branches  and  agencies  are  located  in
the eastern states of Australia.

Electronic Banking:  Over  recent  years  the  Bank
has  made  good  progress  in  reducing  the  costs  of
providing  retail  transaction  services  by  migrating
customer  transactions  out  of  the  more  costly  branch
network  to  electronic  and  telephone  channels.  The
ratio  of  customer 
to  electronic
transactions has improved from 40/60 in June 1995 to
22/78 in June 1999.

initiated  branch 

in 

the  country,  with 

The Bank continues to invest in the development
and  expansion  of  its  electronic  distribution  network.
The  Bank  operates  the  largest  proprietary  ATM
network 
terminal  numbers
increasing by  4%  during  Financial  Year  1999  to  over
2,600 as at 30 June 1999. The ATM network currently
handles approximately 680,000 transactions a day, an
increase of 8% since 30 June 1998. In addition to this
terminal 
reciprocal
arrangements  with  banks,  credit  unions  and  building
societies allowing our customers access to almost all
ATM’s in Australia.

the  Bank 

network, 

has 

to  directly  debit 

The  Bank  maintains  an  extensive  EFTPOS
the  Bank’s  debit  and  credit
network  allowing 
their
cardholders 
purchases 
from  retailers  such  as  supermarkets,
service stations and fast food chains. Cash withdrawal
facilities  are  also  available  through  the  EFTPOS
network.  The  Bank’s  EFTPOS  terminal  population
continues  to  grow  rapidly  with  terminal  numbers
increasing 10% over the year, to over 90,000.

the  cost  of 

EFTPOS  in  Australia  permits  customers  of  any
of  the  country’s  banks  to  utilise  the  system.  At
31 March  1999  the  total  domestic  EFTPOS  terminal
population  numbered  over  250,000  with  the  Bank
accounting for some 35% of all terminals at that time.

11

Description of Business

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

the  Bank 

In  addition  to  its  domestic  ATM  and  EFTPOS
networks, 
the
international  MasterCard,  Cirrus/Maestro  and  VISA
Plus  International  networks  providing  its  customers
with  access  to  over  460,000  ATMs  and  4.1 million
EFTPOS terminals worldwide.

is  also  a  member  of 

Telephone  Banking:  The  Bank  provides  a
comprehensive  range  of  services  via  the  telephone,
offering  customers  access  to  account  and  product
details and the ability to transfer funds seven days per
week. The Bank’s telephone-based Customer Service
Centres  averaged  more  than  1.4 million  calls  per
week  during  Financial  Year  1999,  an  increase  of
almost  50%  over  the  previous  twelve  months.  Sales
increased
through 
significantly during the year.

telephone  channel  also 

the 

Mobile  Banking:  As  at  30 June 1999  the  Bank
had 115 Mobile Bankers, providing customers with the
flexibility  to  apply  for  a  home  loan  at  a  time  and
location convenient to them.

Internet  Banking:  Customers  can  also  access
the  Bank’s  internet  banking  service  –  NetBank  (at
www.commbank.com.au)  to  transfer  funds  between
accounts,  pay  bills,  view  statements  and  apply  for
home loans or credit cards. The number of customers
using  NetBank  more  than  doubled  over  the  year  to
over  89,000  and  the  annual  number  of  transactions
increased to 13.8 million.

Technology, Operations and Property

The  Group  functions  of  Group  Technology,
Banking  Operations  and  Commonwealth  Property
operate  as  a  discrete  business  unit  to  ensure  that
Bank  staff  dealing  directly  with  customers  are
provided  with  best  in  class  technology,  infrastructure
and  support  services  and  are  able  to  focus  on
understanding and fulfilling customers’ needs.

future 

The  Bank’s  Group  Technology  area  facilitates
the  delivery  of  current  and 
information
technology  and  telecommunications  services  for  the
Group.  Its  activities  are  focused  on  the  management
of  the  relationship  with  our  technology  partner  EDS
Australia,  with  the  objective  of  ensuring  that  the
Group’s  business  units  continue  to  be  provided  with
flexible  and  cost  efficient
the  most  responsive, 
service.  The  Group  outsourced 
information
its 
technology  requirements  to  EDSA  for  an  initial  ten
year  period  in  October  1997,  and  acquired  a  35%
equity  position  in  EDSA.  To  date  the  outsourcing
arrangement  with  EDS  has  reduced  costs,  improved
service  levels  and  opened  up  a  number  of  new  joint
business opportunities.

is 

to
Banking  Operations’  primary  purpose 
provide  a  full  service  item  processing  and  back
office/operational  support  function.  Specialist  centres
across Australia process cheques, vouchers, financial
services  transactions,  home,  personal  and  business
loans,  credit  cards  and  international  payment/trade
transactions, and manage the prevention of fraud and
arrears. The focus across all processing centres is to
continually  improve  productivity  using  economies  of
improvement,
scale,  site  consolidation,  process 
benchmarking 
practice
comparisons, 
management  techniques  and  improved  technology.

best 

12

An  emerging  opportunity  has  seen  several  external
organisations outsourcing their processing work to the
Bank,  enabling 
internal
efficiencies  through  increasing  scale.  The  vision  is  to
be,  by  measure  and  reputation,  the  best  practice
processor in terms of cost, speed and quality.

improvement 

further 

in 

At 30 June 1999, Banking Operations comprised
10  operations  processing  centres,  5  loan  processing
centres,  5  international  trade  processing  centres,  a
cards operations  centre and employed approximately
4,200 staff.

Description of Property
The Bank operates a large retail based network
extending throughout Australia and, as a result, it has
a  substantial  holding  of  freehold  land  and  buildings.
These  premises,  which 
include  major  owned
commercial  properties,  other  properties,  including
branches  and  other  administration  centres  and
residences,  had  a  carrying  value  at  30 June 1999  of
(1998: $1,337 million).  This  carrying
$709 million 
value  is  established  by  the  Directors  based  on  an
annual revaluation of the portfolio to assessed values
into  account  prevailing  economic
and 
conditions. 
the
independent market valuation amount.

is  established  at  or  below 

taking 

It 

is
The  Commonwealth  Property  Division 
responsible  for  the  management  of  the  Group’s
freehold  and  leasehold  properties  and  all  aspects  of
facilities  management.  The  Group  also  includes  the
property  investment  funds  management  operation,
making  it  one  of  the  leading  funds  management
groups  in  Australia.  The  Group  manages  both  listed
and  unlisted  funds  for  wholesale  and  retail  property
investors.

Commonwealth  Property 

investment  and  corporate 

is  a  highly  skilled
property 
real  estate
services  group.  Its  focus  is  on  improving  returns  to
investors  and  corporate  owners  of  real  estate.  The
group also provides facilities management services to
the  Bank,  with  an  emphasis  on  achieving  reduced
occupancy costs for the Bank.

The  Commonwealth  Property  Office  Fund,  with
total  assets  of  $633 million,  was 
the
Australian  Stock  Exchange.  Certain  properties
previously  owned  by  the  Bank  were  sold  into  the
Fund. The Bank does not hold any ownership interest
in the Fund.

listed  on 

As  at  30 June 1999  Commonwealth  Property

had $3.4 billion property funds under management.

Institutional Banking

The  Institutional  Banking  division  focuses  on
Australasia’s largest corporations, government entities
and  other  major  institutions.  In  addition,  Institutional
Banking provides specific products to the Banking and
Financial  Services’  customers  of  the  Bank.  The
products offered  by  Institutional  Banking  facilitate  the
linking  of  providers  and  users  of  capital.  Products
financial  markets,  securities  underwriting,
include 
trading  and  distribution,  corporate  finance,  equities,
payments  and 
investment
management and custody.

transaction  services, 

 
 
its 

Using 

international  network, 

the  Bank
provides  Financial  Markets  products  on  a  24  hour
basis.  These  include  the  structuring  and  delivery  of
foreign  exchange,  money  market  and  short  term
trading, 
trading,  and
securities 
derivatives 
international
thereon.  The  Division’s 
strategy  is  to  maintain  the  Bank’s  presence  in  major
financial  centres  and 
financial  markets
business  through  contact  with  clients  and  major
investors,  including  multinational  corporations  with
interests in Australasia.

facilitate 

interest 

fixed 

overall 

Financial  Markets’ 

income  was
$370 million  of  which  78%  was  non  interest  income.
Underlying trading income increased by 13% over the
prior  corresponding  year.  A  provision  for  market  and
liquidity  risks  has  been  raised.  The  increase  was
broadly  based  across  interest  rate  and  currency
markets.  Trading  activities  capitalised  on  the  global
decline in interest rates over most of the year.

The  introduction  of  the  Euro  in  January  went
without  incident.  Whilst  some  European  countries
experienced  payment  problems  initially,  the  Bank’s
payments 
the  start.  Many
corporations  also  began  utilising  the  new  currency
immediately.

ran  smoothly 

from 

During  the  year,  the  range  of  Currency  and
Interest Rate Option products the Bank is able to offer
has  been  expanded.  We  have  also  extended  the
range  of  currency  pairs  where  we  are  prepared  to
make  option  prices.  This  has  substantially  improved
our ability to develop customised solutions specifically
tailored  to  individual  client  requirements.  They  have
enhanced  our  core  revenue  streams  and  helped  to
build  our  image  in  the  minds  of  clients  as  an
innovative bank capable of providing unique solutions
to the most complex of financial problems.

The  Bank  has  also  introduced  an  FX  Margin
product, which provides clients with the ability to deal
in Foreign Exchange, whilst ensuring the Bank’s credit
exposure is fully collateralised.

The  Bank  has  achieved  leading  arranger  and
underwriter status in the Australian bond market. The
largest  corporate  bond  transaction  for  the  year  was
the  Australia  Post  $530 million  offering  which  was
lead  managed  by  the  Bank.  The  5  and  10  year
financing  was  highly  successful,  setting  new
benchmarks for duration, credit quality and liquidity in
the local bond market.

The  Bank’s  pioneering  work  on  the  Kangaroo
bond market continued, with a key lead management
role in the first $1 billion issue by Asian Development
Bank.  Lead  manager  and  arranger  roles  were  also
the  AAA/Aaa  rated
mandated 
Kreditanstalt  fur  Wiederaufbau  (KfW),  Frankfurt  and
Bayerische Landesbank of Munich.

the  Bank  by 

to 

In September 1998, the Bank arranged and lead
managed  a  $303 million  mortgage  backed  securities
issue  through  the  Medallion  Trust,  a  master  trust

structure  managed  by 
the  Bank’s  subsidiary,
Securitisation  Advisory  Services  Pty  Limited.  The
securities  are  secured  over  a  portfolio  of  residential
mortgages  owned  by  the  trust  and  originated  by  the
Bank.  In June 1999,  the  Bank  launched  a  $1.5 billion
securitisation  of  Australian  and  offshore  corporate
issue  of
credit  exposures.  This 
$180 million  credit 
institutional
investors. The transaction involved the Bank entering
into  a  credit  swap  with  the  Medallion  Trust.  This
innovative  transaction  is  a  first  for  the  Australian
market  and  demonstrates 
the  Bank’s  capital
management capabilities.

involved 
linked  notes 

the 
to 

Another  initiative  is  the  Coupon  TIC  synthetic
instrument which securitises the yields available in the
swap  market.  It  has  been  developed  as  a  service  to
our institutional clients looking for higher yields in the
short term fixed interest market.

During 

the  year 

to  provide 

the  Bank  established  a
commodities  and  energy  desk 
risk
management capabilities for clients in these markets.
A  key  feature  of  this  initiative  is  the  establishment  of
an  alliance  with  ScotiaMocatta 
(a  member  of
Canada’s Scotiabank Group). Under this arrangement
ScotiaMocatta provides  hedging  facilities  to  the  Bank
in 
the  precious  and  base  metals  markets.
ScotiaMocatta  is  a  global  leader  in  bullion  banking
and base metals trading.

The Bank recently announced that it was the first
Australian  bank  to  obtain  a  full  Japanese  Securities
registration  to  strengthen  its  ability  to  offer  Japanese
investors’ access to Australian and  NZ  debt  markets.
The  dual  banking  and  securities  presence  will
facilitate  the  development  of  the  Bank’s  financial
markets  business  to  a  wider  range  of  Japanese
investors under recent deregulated requirements.

The Bank has continued to operate successfully
in  the  increasingly  competitive  infrastructure  and
privatisation markets, completing a number of deals in
Australia and  New  Zealand  for property  development
and financing as well as significant utilities funding.

IB  Transaction  Services  is  looking  to  the  latest
Internet technologies to significantly enhance the way
information  is  transmitted  between  the  Bank  and  its
clients. This will encompass payment instructions and
other 
activities  where
traditional forms of communication currently dominate,
in
further  enhancing 
eCommerce.

the  Bank’s  positioning 

transactional/information 

Credit Lyonnais
In July 1999  the  Bank  acquired  Credit  Lyonnais
Holding  Australia  Limited.  Within  this  group,  Credit
(a  money  market
Lyonnais  Australia  Limited 
corporation)  is  the  only  operating  entity.  Whilst  a
modest acquisition for the Bank, value will derive from
the existing loan portfolio and niche activities including
securitisation and various structured finance activities.

13

Description of Business

Infrastructure Sales
the  year 
During 

as 

as  well 

construction 

the  Bank  sold 

its  equity
investments  in  Statewide  Roads  (M4  Tollroad)  and
Interlink  (M5  Tollroad).  This  sale  represents  the
conclusion  of  the  Bank’s  joint  sponsorship  role  in
developing  these  landmark  private  sector  transport
projects. As joint sponsor, the Bank took an innovative
role  by  participating  in  the  initial  tender,  the  design
and 
the
phase 
commencement  of  successful  operations.  The  Bank
sold  its  interests  to  institutional  investors,  including
Hastings  Fund  Management  with  whom  an  ongoing
relationship is maintained.
Computer Fleet
In October 1998 the Bank established a 15 year
exclusive  alliance  with  Computer  Fleet  Management
Pty Ltd to provide information technology leasing and
asset  management  services 
to  corporate  and
government  organisations  throughout  Australia  and
New  Zealand.  The  alliance  combines  the  Bank’s
strength 
leasing  solutions  with
Computer Fleet’s world leading technology and value
added  services.  Computer  Fleet  employs  a  unique
management tool, AssetXpress, which enables clients
to  keep  an  online  register  of  their  technology  assets.
Success  has  been  substantial  and  the  business  is
expected to continue to grow.

in  cost  effective 

Commonwealth Securities Limited
Commonwealth  Securities,  known  as  ComSec,
continued to grow strongly, achieving the number one
ranking out of 90 brokers in terms of trading activity in
May  1999.  It  currently  employs  255  full  time  staff,
which is an increase of 126 over the comparable date
last  year.  This  is  due  to  the  growth  in  the  business
requiring additional staff for client inquiries. The share
the  ASX
of 
total  number  of 
in June 1999  was  7.1% 
to  4.1%
in June 1998.
For 

the  year,  ComSec  processed  almost
800,000 transactions,  split  evenly  between  telephone
and  Internet  orders.  The  Internet  represents  an
increasing proportion of total trades. In June 1999, the
total  average  daily  number  of  trades  was  3,200  with
the Internet representing 51.7% of the total.

transactions  on 
compared 

ComSec  has  developed  a  fledgling  Advisory
business, which currently has 12 advisers, 8 based in
Sydney and 4 in Melbourne.

Funds Direct
This  initiative  was  launched  on  24  February
1999  as  an  Internet  site  providing  clients  with  a
sophisticated tool  to analyse,  compare  and  purchase
investments in more than 250 managed funds from 28
leading  Australian  fund  managers.  Investors  utilising
this  Internet  facility  pay  little  or  no  entry  fees  if  they
choose to invest in one of the funds. The Funds Direct
site receives an average of 800 visitors per day. Since
launch, over 14,000 prospectuses have been ordered
and over 2,000 investments made.

Margin Lending
Launched in January 1999 to continue to provide
our clients with access to debt funding of equities and
unit  trust  investments,  this  initiative  has  had  an
excellent response.

14

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

US Share Trading
To meet the demands of clients for international
investment  opportunities,  Commonwealth  Securities
launched a 24 hour service  for  trading  shares  on  the
major  US  Stock  Exchanges  including  the  New  York
Stock  Exchange  and  NASDAQ.  It  was  launched  on
30 March  1999  and  already  over  500  clients  have
registered to use the service. It also provides a stock
custody service in co-operation with the Bank of New
York.

Commonwealth Direct Investment Account
On 21 June 1999, the Bank launched a new and
enhanced  investment  account  designed  to  meet  the
special  needs  of  investors  who  trade  securities,
particularly those who trade on the Internet.

Banking. 

Institutional 

Investment Management and Administration
The  Commonwealth  Bank  Group’s  investment
management  activities  are  a  separate  business  unit
within 
Commonwealth
Investment  Management  is  one  of  the  top  five
institutional  investment  managers  in  Australia.  Client
funds  under  management  as  at  30 June 1999  total
$27.2 billion  of  which  $11.6 billion  are  wholesale
funds.  Over  the  12  months  to  June,  the  business
experienced  significant  success  in  attracting  new
business  with  growth  in  funds  under  management  of
almost  $5.2 billion.  The  business  was  awarded  first
place  in  the  Global  Unit  Trusts  category  of  Money
Management’s  1998  Fund  Manager  of  the  Year
award, and third place overall.

to 

to 

custody 

services 

external 
funds  and  offshore 

Fund  Services  provides  wholesale  investment
administration  and 
the
Commonwealth  Bank 
investment  management
business 
and 
fund  managers,
in
superannuation 
Australia.  As  at  30 June 1999,  Fund  Services
administered  over  $41 billion  of  assets.  The  group  is
poised  for  growth  over  the  coming  year  with  the
implementation  of  the  Managed  Investments  Act,  the
growing  trend  for  investment  managers  to  outsource
their back office processes and an increase in the use
of master custodians by superannuation funds.

investors 

New Zealand Banking Operations

The  Bank’s  operations  in  New  Zealand  have
been  restructured  with  the  formation  of  the  ASB
Group  Limited  comprising 
the  primary  operating
entities  of  ASB  Bank  Limited  and  Sovereign  Limited.
ASB Group Limited is a 75% owned subsidiary of the
Bank  with  the  remaining  25%  held  by  the  ASB  Bank
Community  Trust,  an  independent  entity  within  New
Zealand.  An  arrangement  exists  between  the  Bank
and  the  Trust  giving  each  preemptive  rights  over  the
other’s shareholding in the event of a desire to sell by
either party.

ASB Bank is New Zealand’s longest established
bank.  It  was  founded  in  1847  and  for  most  of  its
history  was  a  regional  savings  bank  servicing  the
Auckland and  Northland  areas  of  New  Zealand.  ASB
Bank  now  provides  personal,  business  and  rural
banking  services  through  a  network  of  122  branches
throughout  New  Zealand.  ASB  Bank  employs
approximately  2,700  people  on  a  full  time  equivalent
basis.

ASB  Bank’s  primary  business  is  retail  banking
with  lending  for  housing,  its  largest  single  line  of
business. ASB Bank accounts for approximately 4.9%
of Group net income in Financial Year 1999 and 9.3%
of total assets. Compared with  the  Bank’s  operations
in  Australia,  ASB  Bank  has  a  larger  proportion  of  its
business in retail banking and correspondingly less in
corporate and institutional banking.

At  30 June 1999,  ASB  Bank  had  total  assets  of
NZ$14.8 billion  ($11.9 billion)  and  total  advances  of
NZ$12.5 billion  ($10.1 billion).  ASB  Bank’s  net  profit
for  the  year  to  30 June 1999  was  NZ$116.9 million
($94.1 million),  an  increase  of  8.3%  compared  with
the  NZ$107.9 million  ($93.7 million)  net  profit  for  the
year to 30 June 1998.

life 

listed  New  Zealand 

On  4  December  1998,  the  Group  acquired  the
insurance  and
publicly 
financial  services  provider  Sovereign  Limited 
for
NZ$238.4 million  ($205 million).  Sovereign  Limited
operates  as  a  stand  alone  company  maintaining  its
own  brand  profile.  The  acquisition  of  Sovereign  will
complement  the  operations  of  ASB  Bank  through
innovative life assurance activities.

total  premium 

superannuation, 

Sovereign  is  a  leading  provider  of  personal  risk
income,
assurance  business  with 
NZ$397 million
including 
($320 million) 
fifteen  months  ending
30 June 1999.  Sovereign  currently  accounts  for  15%
of all new personal life insurance business generated
by the New Zealand insurance industry. This includes
a 19% share of the term life assurance market. Other
business activities include funds management.

the 

for 

of 

Competition

is  highly
The  Australian  banking  market 
life
transparent  and  competitive.  The  banks, 
companies  and  non  bank 
institutions
compete  for  customer  deposits,  the  provision  of
lending,  funds  management,  life  insurance  and  other
services.

financial 

Banks  in  Australia  can  be  divided  into  three
broad  categories:  major  banks,  regional  banks  and
foreign-owned  banks.  CBA,  NAB,  Westpac  and  ANZ
are  typically  referred  to  as  Australia’s  major  banks.
Each of the major banks offers a full range of financial
through  branch  networks
products  and  services 
across  Australia. 
their  domestic
In  addition 
operations,  two  of  the  major  banks  have  significant
operations and investments offshore.

to 

The  regional  banks  had  their  origins  as  either
State  government-owned  banks  or  building  societies
whose operations were largely state-based.

significant 

At  present, 

rationalisation 

the  regional  banking  sector 

is
undergoing 
and
consolidation.  Reflecting  their  state-origins,  the  small
regional  banks  have  typically  limited  their  operations
to  servicing  customers  in  a particular  state  or  region.
Increasingly,  however,  they  are  targeting  interstate
customers  and  expanding  their  operations  across
state  borders.  Some  of  the  larger  regional  banks
operate  in  several  States.  Typically  their  competitive
advantage has been their local community focus.

At  30 June 1999,  there  were  31  foreign-owned
banking groups operating in Australia through either a
branch  or  locally  incorporated  bank  subsidiary.  Most
of  the  foreign-owned  banks  initially  focused  their
activities  on  the  provision  of  banking  services  to  the
Australian  clients  of  their  overseas  parent  bank.
Today  most  have  now  diversified  their  operations
offering  local  clients  a  broad  range  of  financial
products and services.

The Bank also faces competition from non bank
financial  institutions,  which  compete  vigorously  for
customer  investments,  deposits  and  the  provision  of
lending  and  other  services.  Non  bank 
financial
intermediaries  such  as  building  societies  and  credit
unions  compete  strongly  in  the  areas  of  accepting
deposits and  residential  mortgage  lending,  mainly  for
owner-occupied 
State-based
institutions  are  making  headway  in  achieving  multi-
state  coverage  partly  encouraged  by  a  more
conducive  regulatory  environment.  Specialist  non
bank  mortgage  originators  have  acquired  some
prominence in the residential lending market.

housing. 

These 

A 

recent 

the
development 
establishment of local single branch banks collectively
referred  to  as  ‘community  banks’.  Their  presence
adds  another  dimension  to  the  competitive  dynamics
of the market.

been 

has 

funds  management  markets 

life  companies)  have  expanded 

The Bank has for some time operated in the life
in
insurance  and 
competition  with  a  range  of  non  bank  financial
institutions.  Similarly,  non  bank  financial  institutions
(including 
their
operations  into  banking,  with  a  view  to  offering  their
financial  services.
customers  a  broad  suite  of 
International  fund  managers  (and  global  investment
banks) are also increasing their presence in Australia.
Changes  in  the  financial  needs  of  consumers,
deregulation, and technology developments have also
changed  the  mode  of  competition.  In  particular,  the
development  of  electronic  delivery  channels  and  the
reduced  reliance  on  a  physical  network  facilitate  the
entry  of  new  players  from  related  industries,  such  as
retailers,  telecommunication  companies  and  utilities.
Technological  change  is  encouraging  new  entrants
with  differing  combinations  of  expertise  and  an
unbundling of the value chain.

Deregulation has led to further disintermediation
in  the  Australian  finance  industry.  Traditionally,  the
banking  industry  has  been  the  major  intermediary
between the providers of funds (ie depositors) and the
users of funds (ie borrowers).

The 

factor 

within 

especially 

A  significant 

in  disintermediation 

in
Australia  has  been  the  substantial  growth  in  funds
under  management, 
the
superannuation (pension funds) industry.
Australian  Government’s 

continued
encouragement  of 
through
superannuation,  by  means  of  taxation  concessions
and  a  mandatory  superannuation  guarantee  levy  on
employers,  is  expected  to  underpin  strong  growth  in
funds  under  management.  This  growth  potential
continues to attract new entrants to this market.

term  saving 

long 

15

Description of Business

Growth  in  the  funds  management  industry  has
also  contributed  to  disintermediation  through  the
direct  use  of  capital  markets  by  borrowers  as  an
alternative  to  bank  finance.  The  corporate  bond
market in Australia has benefited from this growth with
many  of  the  major  Australian  corporates  directly
accessing capital markets in Australia and around the
world.  The  Bank,  in  competition  with  numerous
domestic and foreign banks, is actively involved as an
originator  of  corporate  debt  in  the  capital  markets
especially in the Euro-AUD and Euro-NZD sector and
in the creation of new financing structures including as
arranger  and  underwriter 
infrastructure
projects undertaken by the corporate sector.

in  major 

New  Zealand  banking  activities  are  led  by  five
financial services groups, all owned or  largely  owned
by  UK  or  Australian-based  banks  operating  through
nation-wide branch networks.

Like Australia, the New Zealand banking system
is characterised by strong competition. Banks in New
Zealand  are  free  to  compete  in  almost  any  area  of
financial  activity.  As  in  Australia,  there  is  strong
competition  with non bank  financial  institutions  in  the
areas  of  funds  management  and  the  provision  of
insurance services.

The  Group’s  major  competitors  in  New  Zealand
are  ANZ,  Bank  of  New  Zealand  (a  wholly  owned
subsidiary of NAB), National Bank of New Zealand (a
wholly  owned  subsidiary  of  Lloyds  Bank  plc)  and
(a  wholly  owned  subsidiary  of
Westpac  Trust 
Westpac).  In  addition,  there  are  several  financial
institutions operating largely in the wholesale banking
sector  including  Bankers  Trust  New  Zealand  Limited
(now part of the Deutsche Bank AG Group) and AMP
(Australia’s largest insurance group).

With  the  acquisition  of  Sovereign  Group,  ASB
Bank  Group  now  competes  in  the  New  Zealand
insurance  and  investment  market,  where  Colonial
Group, Royal Sun Alliance and Tower Corporation are
additional major competitors.

By 

involving
following  a  growth  strategy, 
nationwide  market  expansion,  a  focused  sales  and
service  strategy  and 
recruitment  of  additional
specialist  commercial  and  rural  banking  staff,  the
Bank’s New Zealand subsidiary, ASB Bank has been
able to significantly increase its market share in retail,
commercial  and  rural  banking  during  the  past  five
years.  ASB  Bank  is  also  diversifying  its  income
funds
streams  with 
management and insurance services.

in  direct  banking, 

initiatives 

Employees

The  Group  currently  employs  approximately
29,000  permanent  full  time  equivalent  employees.
Between  30 June 1995  and  30 June 1999  employee
numbers 
5,400
by 
measured on a full time equivalent basis.

approximately 

decreased 

In  recent  years,  a  significant  change  has
occurred  in  the  Australian  labour  market  with  a
system  of  enterprise  bargaining 
the
centralised wage fixation system.

replacing 

Three Enterprise Bargaining Agreements (EBAs)
covering  Bank  staff  were  ratified  by  the  Australian
Industrial Relations Commission in April 1998. These

16

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

included  a  ‘core’  agreement  covering  the  majority  of
staff,  and  separate  agreements  for  the  Bank’s  Direct
Banking  and  Technology  Operations  and  Property
areas.  These  agreements  are  effective  until  April
2000.

• 

• 

flexibility 

future  change 

Key outcomes of the agreements include:
increased  staffing 
to  better  meet
customer needs through the removal of limits on
the  use  of  part  time/casual  staff,  and  through
greater  scope  to  redeploy  staff  in  structural
change;
the  establishment  of  an  employment  framework
which  supports 
through  3
separate  EBAs,  along  with  the  potential  to
negotiate further site agreements as required. In
addition,  the  current  agreements  provide  scope
to  negotiate  further  changes  to  a  range  of
employment  systems  to  better  align  them  with
the Bank’s business systems;
the  variable  proportion  of
maximisation  of 
employment  costs  through  greater  use  of  part
time/casual  staff  and  through  increased  use  of
performance  based  pay 
targeted  work
groups; and
containment  of  salary  increases  with  a  3.5%
increase in May 1998 and a further 4.5% in May
1999.
The  identification  and  implementation  of  cost
efficiency  and  staff  reduction  opportunities  provided
is  being  progressively
by 
implemented.

the  new  agreements 

for 

• 

• 

The Bank continues to offer individual Australian
Workplace  Agreements  to  managerial  staff  and  to
targeted  work  groups.  The  number  of  agreements
signed thus far is in excess of 1,300. Once approved
by  the  Employment  Advocate,  these  agreements
override awards and collective agreements.

In  addition  to  the  above,  the  Bank’s  850  Senior
Executive  and  Executive  staff  and  over  1,000
specialists are on contract arrangements.

The  Bank  has  made  a  significant  investment  in
the  rollout  of  a  leadership  program  to  establish  a
common  framework  for  leadership  behaviour  across
the organisation.

Going forward, the Bank will continue to place a
high  priority  on  enhancing  its  leadership  capability,
redesigning  its  employment  systems  to  better  align
them  with  its  business  systems  and  securing  and
developing its talent pool for current and future needs.

Financial System Regulation

(the 

‘Wallis 

Inquiry’), 
introduced  a  new 

Australia  has  a  high  quality  system  of  financial
regulation  by  international  standards.  Following  a
comprehensive  inquiry  into  the  Australian  financial
the  Australian
system 
Government 
for
framework 
regulating 
financial  system.  The  previous
framework, which applied regulations according to the
type  of  institution  being  regulated,  resulted  in  similar
regulated  differently.  The  new
products  being 
regulates  products  equally
functional  approach 
regardless  of 
institutions
providing them.

the  particular 

type  of 

the 

• 

• 

for 

the 

new 

companies 

Since July 1998, 

these  agencies  has 

regulatory
three  separate
arrangements  have  comprised 
agencies:  The  Reserve  Bank  of  Australia, 
the
Australian  Prudential  Regulation  Authority  and  the
Australian  Securities  and  Investments  Commission.
Each  of 
system  wide
responsibilities 
the  different  objectives  of
government  intervention  in  the  financial  system.  A
description  of  these  agencies  and  their  general
responsibilities and functions is set out below:
• 

Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) - is responsible
for  monetary  policy,  financial  system  stability
and regulation of the payments system;
Australian  Prudential  Regulation  Authority
(APRA) - has comprehensive powers to regulate
prudentially  banks  and  other  deposit-taking
institutions, 
and
insurance 
superannuation  (pension 
funds).  Unless  an
institution  is  authorised  under  the  Banking  Act
1959 or exempted by APRA, it is prohibited from
engaging  in  the  general  business  of  deposit-
taking; and
Australian 
Investments
for
Commission  (ASIC)  -  has  responsibility 
market  conduct,  consumer  protection  and
corporate 
the
financial  system 
investment,
including 
insurance and superannuation products and the
providers of these products.
Within  the  powers  vested  in  them  by  the  new
legislation, the regulators are developing policies and
streamlining regulations to give effect to the objectives
of  the  functional  approach  to  regulation  and  other
In  particular,
recommendations. 
Wallis 
guidelines  for  the  regulation  of  conglomerates  and
access to  the  payments  system  are  being developed
in consultation with industry.
Financial  market 

in
various  emerging  market  economies,  has  led  to
intense scrutiny of global financial markets and highly
leveraged  institutions.  There  is  some  pressure  for
of 
fundamental 
financial
future  crises.  Government
architecture 
officials  and  industry  practitioners  in  Australia  are
actively  involved  in  international  fora  in  furthering
these reforms.

functions  across 
for 

instability,  particularly 

reform 
to  avert 

international 

Securities 

regulation 

Inquiry 

and 

Supervision of banks
The  Bank 

is  an  authorised  deposit-taking
institution  under  the  Banking  Act  and  is  subject  to
prudential  regulation  by  APRA  as  a  bank.  The
prudential framework applied by APRA is embodied in
a series of prudential standards including:

Capital Adequacy
Under  APRA  capital  adequacy  guidelines,
Australian  banks  are  required  to  maintain  a  ratio  of
capital 
(comprising  Tier  1  and  Tier  2  capital
components) to risk weighted assets of at least 8%, of
which  at  least  half  must  be  Tier  1  capital.  These
guidelines are generally consistent with those agreed

upon  by 
the  Basle  Committee  on  Banking
Supervision. For information on the capital position of
the  Bank,  see 
‘Management’s  Discussion  and
Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of
Operations – Capital Adequacy’.
Liquidity Management
For  an  explanation  of 

the  Bank’s 

liquidity

policies, refer to Note 37 to the Financial Statements.

Large Credit Exposures
APRA requires banks to ensure that, other than
in  exceptional  circumstances, 
individual  credit
exposures  to  non  bank,  non-government  clients  do
not  exceed  30%  of  Tier 1  and  Tier 2  capital.  Prior
notification  must  be  given  to  APRA  if  a  bank  intends
to  exceed  this  limit.  For  information  on  the  Bank’s
large  exposures,  refer  Note  14  to  the  Financial
Statements.

that 

the  principle 

for  authorised  deposit 

Ownership and Control
In pursuit of transparency and risk minimisation,
(Shareholding)  Act  1998
the  Financial  Sector 
embodies 
financial
regulated 
institutions  should  maintain  widespread  ownership.
The  Act  applies  a  common  15  per  cent  shareholding
institutions,
limit 
insurance  companies  and  their  holding  companies.
The Treasurer has the power to approve acquisitions
exceeding  15  per  cent  where  this  is  in  the  national
interest, taking into account advice from the Australian
Competition and Consumer Commission in relation to
competition  considerations  and  APRA  on  prudential
matters.  The  Treasurer  may  also  delegate  approval
powers to APRA where one financial institution seeks
to acquire another.

taking 

The Government’s present policy is that mergers
among the four major banks will not be permitted until
the Government is satisfied that competition from new
and  established  participants  in  the  financial  industry,
particularly  in  respect  of  small  business  lending,  has
increased sufficiently.

Proposals  for  foreign  acquisition  of  Australian
banks are subject to approval by the Treasurer under
the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975.

Banks’ Association With Non banks
There  are 

formal  guidelines  which  control
investments by banks in subsidiaries and  associates.
A  bank’s  equity  associations  with  other  institutions
should  normally  be  in  the  field  of  finance.  APRA  has
expressed an unwillingness to allow subsidiaries of a
bank  to  exceed  a  size  which  would  endanger  the
stability  of  the  parent.  No  bank  can  enter  into  any
agreements  or  arrangements  for  the  sale  or  disposal
of  its  business,  or  effect  a  reconstruction  or  carry  on
business in partnership with another bank, without the
consent of the Commonwealth Treasurer.

In  carrying  out  its  prudential  responsibilities,
APRA  closely  monitors  the  operations  of  banks  to
ensure 
the  prudential
they  operate  within 
framework it has laid down and that they follow sound
management practices.

that 

17

Description of Business

APRA currently supervises banks by a system of
off-site examination. It closely monitors the operations
of  banks  through  the  collection  of  regular  statistical
returns and regular prudential consultations with each
bank’s management. APRA also conducts a program
of specialised on-site visits to assess the adequacy of
individual  banks’  systems  for  identifying,  measuring
and  controlling  risks  associated  with  the  conduct  of
these activities.

In addition, APRA has established arrangements
under  which  each  bank’s  external  auditor  reports  to
APRA  regarding  observance  of  prudential  standards
and other supervisory requirements.

Supervision of non bank group entities
The  operations  of  Commonwealth  Life  Ltd  and
Commonwealth  Insurance  Ltd  (the  life  insurance
company 
company
subsidiaries  of  the  Group)  also  come  within  the
supervisory purview of APRA.

insurance 

general 

and 

APRA’s  prudential  supervision  of  both 

life
insurance  and  general 
is
exercised  through  the  setting  of  minimum  standards
for  solvency  and 
to  ensure
obligations to policy holders can be met.

insurance  companies 

financial  strength 

life 

The 

financial  condition  of 

insurance
companies  is  monitored  through  regular  financial
lodgment  of  audited  accounts  and
reporting, 
supervisory 
inspections.  Compliance  with  APRA
is
regulation 
monitored through regular returns and lodgment of an
audited annual return.

insurance  companies 

for  general 

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Goods and Services Tax

The  Goods  and  Services  Tax  (GST)  legislation
was  enacted  on  8 July 1999,  and  will  apply  from
1 July 2000.  Sales  tax  will  be  abolished  from  that
date,  with  delayed  abolition  of  Financial  Institutions
Duty (FID) to follow from 1 July 2001 and debits taxes
from  1 July 2005.  The  delay  beyond  1 July 2000  in
abolition of state taxes will result in estimated costs in
2000/01  of  $190 million  in  FID  and  $200 million  in
debits  tax.  These  costs  are  passed  onto  the  Bank’s
customers.  The  Bank  will  incur  FID  and  debits  tax
costs of $8.5 million pa in its own right.

taxes 

similar 

Consistent  with 

in  other
jurisdictions, most of the Bank’s activities will be ‘input
taxed’,  meaning  that  GST  will  not  be  added  to  the
charge for the services to the customer, but the Bank
cannot  claim  back  GST  charged  to  it  by  suppliers.
Apart  from  areas  of  the  Bank  involved  in  providing
general  insurance  and  leasing  services  (which  either
receive  upfront  payments  or  face  other  ‘transitional’
issues),  the  GST  will  not  directly  impact  the  Bank’s
services until 1 July 2000.

Legal Proceedings

Neither  the  Commonwealth  Bank  nor  any  of  its
controlled entities is engaged in any litigation or claim
which  is  likely  to have  a  materially  adverse  effect  on
the  business,  financial  condition  or  operating  results
of  the  Commonwealth  Bank  or  any  of  its  controlled
entities. Where some loss is probable  an  appropriate
provision has been made.

18

Financial Review

Selected Consolidated Financial And Operating Data

Selected Consolidated Income Statement Data

US$M

1999

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

(A$ millions, except where indicated)

Y E A R   E N D E D   3 0   J U N E

Australian GAAP
  Interest income
  Interest expense
Net Interest income
  Charge for bad and doubtful debts
  Non interest income
  Operating expenses (incl. Goodwill)
Operating profit before income
tax and abnormal items
Income tax expense attributable to
operating profit before abnormal items
Operating profit after income
tax and before abnormal items
  Abnormal (expense)/income
  before income tax
  Abnormal income tax (expense)/credit
Operating profit after
income tax and abnormal items
Outside equity interest
Net income

Earnings per share before abnormal items (cents)
Earnings per share after abnormal items (cents)
Dividends per share (cents)
Dividends payout ratio (%) (1)

Adjusted for US GAAP
Operating profit after income tax
Earnings per share after abnormal items (cents)

5,120
(2,789)
2,331
(163)
1,320
(2,061)

7,745
(4,218)
3,527
(247)
1,997
(3,117)

7,605
(4,208)
3,397
(233)
1,833
(3,085)

7,989
(4,597)
3,392
(98)
1,489
(2,967)

7,716
(4,319)
3,397
(113)
1,355
(2,863)

6,609
(3,445)
3,164
(182)
1,340
(2,799)

1,427

2,160

1,912

1,816

1,776

1,523

(472)

(714)

(641)

(588)

(635)

(493)

955

1,446

1,271

1,228

1,141

1,030

-
-

955
(16)
939

-
-

1,446
(24)
1,422

153.4
153.4
115
75.0

(570)
409

1,110
(20)
1,090

134.5
117.2
104
77.3

(200)
72

1,100
(22)
1,078

131.2
117.2
102
77.7

-
-

1,141
(22)
1,119

115.2
115.2
90
78.1

-
(28)

1,002
(19)
983

109.2
106.2
82
75.1

988
106.6

1,494
161.2

796
85.6

1,082
118.0

1,230
127.0

892
96.5

(1)

Dividends per share divided by earnings per share (before abnormal items).

Exchange Rates

For each of the Bank’s financial years indicated, the year end, average, high and low Noon Buying Rates are set

out below.

At Period End
Average Rate
High
Low

Y E A R   E N D E D   3 0   J U N E

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

(expressed in US dollars per $1.00)

 0.6611
 0.6273
 0.6712
 0.5550

 0.6208
 0.6809
 0.7537
 0.5867

 0.7550
 0.7814
 0.8180
 0.7455

 0.7856
 0.7628
 0.8026
 0.7100

 0.7108
 0.7412
 0.7778
 0.7108

On 5 August 1999, the Noon Buying Rate was US$0.6545 = $1.00.

19

Financial Review

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data
(at year end)

Australian GAAP
Assets
  Cash and short term liquid assets
  Due from other banks
  Trading securities
  Investment securities
  Loans, advances and other receivables
  Bank acceptances of customers
  Statutory deposits with Central Banks
  Property, plant and equipment
  Investments in associates
  Goodwill
  Other assets
Total Assets

Liabilities
  Deposits and other public borrowings
  Due to other banks
  Bank acceptances
  Provision for dividend
  Income tax liability
  Other provisions
  Debt issues
  Bills payable and other liabilities

  Loan capital (1)
Total liabilities and loan capital
Total Shareholders’ Equity (2)

Adjusted for US GAAP
Total Assets
Shareholders’ equity (3)

Consolidated Operating Data
(number) (at year end)
Full time staff
Part time staff
Full time staff equivalent
Branches/service centres (Australia)
Agencies (Australia)

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

1999

US$M

 1,199
 797
 3,112
 4,751
 67,324
 6,394
 630
 662
 186
 325
 5,915
 91,295

 61,765
 2,148
 6,394
 312
 932
 532
 7,115
 5,624
 84,822
 1,870
 86,692
 4,603

1999
(A$ millions, except where indicated)

1998

1997

A T   3 0   J U N E

1996

1995

 1,814
 1,206
 4,708
 7,187
 101,837
 9,672
 953
 1,001
 281
 491
 8,946
 138,096

 93,428
 3,249
 9,672
 472
 1,410
 805
 10,763
 8,507
 128,306
 2,828
 131,134
 6,962

 1,526
 3,448
 4,009
 6,858
 89,816
 9,727
 832
 1,662
 276
 531
 11,859
 130,544

 83,886
 3,397
 9,727
 321
 1,099
 875
 10,608
 10,746
 120,659
 2,996
 123,655
 6,889

 2,007
 4,839
 2,635
 9,233
 81,632
 8,874
 797
 2,010
-
 574
 7,502
 120,103

 77,880
 3,621
 8,874
 291
 925
 835
 10,154
 7,698
 110,278
 2,801
 113,079
 7,024

 3,065
 5,713
 2,883
 8,394
 70,042
 10,057
 711
 2,578
-
 574
 5,268
 109,285

 71,381
 2,852
 10,057
 301
 1,050
 858
 6,673
 5,992
 99,164
 2,754
 101,918
 7,367

 2,545
 5,033
 4,812
 7,596
 62,707
 10,317
 659
 2,706
-
 608
 5,791
 102,774

 67,824
 3,802
 10,317
 240
 898
 874
 4,921
 5,602
 94,478
 1,601
 96,079
 6,695

 98,540
 5,063

 149,054
 7,659

 139,460
 7,631

 128,253
 7,783

 116,375
 8,062

 108,885
 7,235

 26,394
 6,655
 28,964
 1,162
 3,934

 28,034
 6,968
 30,743
 1,218
 4,015

 30,566
 7,364
 33,543
 1,334
 4,205

 31,455
 7,964
 34,518
 1,390
 4,214

 31,333
 7,602
 34,383
 1,474
 4,282

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

Represents interest bearing liabilities qualifying as regulatory capital.
Including minority interests.
Exclusive of minority interests.

20

Consolidated Ratios and Operating Data

US$M

1999

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

(A$ millions, except where indicated)

Y E A R   E N D E D   3 0   J U N E

Australian GAAP
Profitability
Net Interest Margin (%) (1)
Interest Spread (%) (2)
Return on average shareholders’ equity (3)
  before abnormal items (%)
  after abnormal items (%)
Return on average total assets (3)
  before abnormal items (%)
  after abnormal items (%)

Productivity
Total operating income per full time (equivalent)
employee ($)
Staff expense/total operating income (%) (4)
Total operating expenses excluding goodwill
amortisation/total operating income (%) (4)

Capital Adequacy (at year end)
Risk weighted assets
Tier 1 capital
Tier 2 capital
Total capital (5)
Tier 1 capital/risk weighted assets (%)
Tier 2 capital/risk weighted assets (%)
Total capital/risk weighted assets (%)
Average shareholders’ equity/average total assets (%)

Adjusted for US GAAP
Net income as a percentage of year end:
Total assets
Shareholders’ equity
Dividends as a percentage of net income
Shareholders’ equity as a percentage of total assets

 3.09
 2.69

 3.33
 2.85

 3.53
 2.92

 4.01
 3.33

 4.03
 3.45

 20.54
 20.54

 18.48
 16.10

 18.16
 16.39

 16.27
 16.27

 16.13
 15.69

 1.06
 1.06

 1.01
 0.87

 1.05
 0.94

 1.06
 1.06

 1.04
 1.01

 126,085  190,720  170,120  145,515  137,667  130,995

 29.0

 55.6

31.0

58.1

34.0

59.9

33.3

59.4

33.8

61.3

 65,816
 4,642
 2,055
 6,176

 99,556
 7,021
 3,109
 9,342
 7.05
 3.12
 9.38
 5.14

94,431
7,617
2,666
9,902
8.07
2.82
10.49
 5.70

86,468
7,468
2,437
9,418
8.64
2.82
10.89
5.79

77,246
7,764
2,297
9,822
10.05
2.97
12.71
6.63

70,383
7,212
917
7,847
10.25
1.30
11.15
6.64

 1.00
 19.51
 71.15
 5.14

0.57
10.43
119.97
5.47

0.84
13.90
86.97
6.07

1.06
15.26
67.64
6.93

0.08
12.33
86.64
6.65

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

interest

interest 

income  divided  by  average 

Net 
earning assets for the year.
Difference  between  the  average  interest  rate  earned
and the average interest rate paid on funds.
Calculations  based  on  operating  profit  after  tax  and
outside  equity 
average
shareholders’ equity/average total assets.
Total operating income represents net interest income
before  deducting  charges  for  bad  and  doubtful  debts
plus non interest income.

interests 

applied 

to 

(5) 

Represents  Tier  1  capital  and  Tier  2  capital  less
deductions  under  statutory  guidelines  imposed  by  the
include
Reserve  Bank  of  Australia.  Deductions 
investment 
Limited,
Commonwealth 
Insurance  Limited,  Commonwealth
Funds  Management  Limited  and  IPAC  Securities
Limited and other banks’ capital instruments.

in  Commonwealth 

Life 

21

Financial Review

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Y E A R   E N D E D   3 0   J U N E

1999

US$M

 379
 389
 182
 715
 207

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

1999

1996
(A$ millions, except where indicated)

1997

1998 (8)

 574
 589
 275
 1,081
 314
 0.9
 0.2
 0.4
 4.5
 230.2
 1.1

 742
 742
 279
 1,076
 466
 1.0
 0.2
 0.5
 6.8
 182.6
 1.1

 797
 797
 241
 690
 556
 0.8
 0.1
 0.6
 7.9
 116.8
 0.8

 997
 1,062
 318
 613
 744
 0.9
 0.1
 0.9
 10.1
 87.7
 0.8

1995

 1,504
 1,583
 511
 476
 1,073
 1.0
 0.2
 1.5
 16.0
 62.4
 0.7

Total  impaired  assets  comprise  non  accrual  loans,
restructured loans, Other Real Estate Owned (OREO)
assets  and  Other  Assets  Acquired  Through  Security
Enforcement (OAATSE).
Specific  provisions  for  impairment  include  provisions
raised against off balance sheet credit risk.
Average  credit  risk  is  based  on  gross  credit  risk  less
unearned income. Averages are based on current and
previous year end balances.

(7)  Gross credit risk less unearned income.
(8) 

Numbers  and  ratios  for  30 June 1998  have  been
restated  based  on  the  amended  definition  of  non
accruals  introduced  with  effect  from  31 December
1998.  When  a  client  is  experiencing  difficulties  the
account  is  classified  as  a  non  accrual  only  where  a
loss  is  expected,  taking  into  account  the  level  of
security held.    

Consolidated Ratios And Operating Data

Australian GAAP
Asset Quality Data (1) (2)
Non accrual loans (3)
Total impaired assets (net of interest reserved) (4)
Specific provisions for impairment (5)
General provisions for impairment
Net impaired assets (net of interest reserved)
Total provisions for impairment/average credit risk (%) (6)
Charge for bad and doubtful debts/average credit risk (%) (6)
Gross impaired assets/credit risk (%) (7)
Net impaired assets/total shareholders’ equity (%)
Total provisions for impairment/gross impaired assets (%)
General provision for impairment/risk weighted assets (%)

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

The  Bank  adopted  the  disclosure  requirements  for
Impaired  Assets  contained  in  AASB  1032  ‘Specific
Disclosures  by  Financial  Institutions’  with  effect  from
the  1997  Financial  Year.  The  policies  introduced  by
the  Bank  with  effect  from  1 July 1994,  incorporating
the  Reserve  Bank  guidelines  issued  in  December
1993, meet the requirements of AASB 1032. Previous
data  for  Financial  Years  1995  and  1996  has  been
adjusted  for  comparative  purposes  with  adoption  of
AASB 1032.
All  impaired  asset  balances  and  ratios  are  net  of
interest reserved.
Non accrual facilities comprise any credit risk exposure
where  a  specific  provision  for  impairment  has  been
raised,  or  is  maintained  on  a  cash  basis  because  of
significant  deterioration  in  the  financial  position  of  the
borrower,  or  where  loss  of  principal  or  interest  is
anticipated.

22

Segment Performance

Profit and Loss

Net interest income
Fees and commissions
Trading income
Life insurance and funds management
Other income
Internal charges (1)
Total operating income

Provisions for impairment

Staff expenses
  Provisions (non cash)
  Other
Total Staff expenses
Occupancy and equipment expenses
  Depreciation
  Other
Total Occupancy and equipment expenses
Information technology services
Other expenses
Internal charges (1)
Total operating expenses
Amortisation of goodwill
Abnormal items
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Outside equity interest
Profit after tax

Balance Sheet

Total Assets
Total Liabilities

Y E A R   E N D E D   3 0   J U N E   1 9 9 9

G R O U P

Institutional
Banking

ASB Corporate

Total

A$M

 273
 240
 253
 16
 75
 167
 1,024

 62

 4
 212
 216

 8
 42
 50
 104
 48
 171
 589
-
-
 373
 68
-
 305

A$M

A$M

A$M

US$M

 279
 94
 18
 7
 9
-
 407

 11

 1
 124
 125

 25
 27
 52
 21
 47
-
 245
-
-
 151
 47
 24
 80

 206
 8
 2
 8
 46
 520
 790

 3,527
 1,281
 273
 254
 189
-
 5,524

 2,332
 847
 180
 168
 125
-
 3,652

 2

 247

 163

 4
 205
 209

 3
 13
 16
 14
 131
(2)
 368
 40
-
 380
 183
-
 197

 42
 1,562
 1,604

 145
 310
 455
 505
 506
-
 3,070
 47
-
 2,160
 714
 24
 1,422

 28
 1,033
 1,061

 96
 205
 301
 334
 335
-
 2,031
 31
-
 1,427
 472
 16
 939

Retail
Financial
Services
A$M

 2,769
 939
                  -
 223
 59
 159
 4,149

 172

 33
 1,021
 1,054

 109
 228
 337
 366
 280
 678
 2,715
 7
-
 1,255
 416
-
 839

 81,583
 57,390

 40,697
 34,251

 12,855
 11,992

 2,961
 27,501

 138,096
 131,134

 91,295
 86,693

(1) 

Internal charges are eliminated on consolidation.

23

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Financial Review

Segment Performance continued

Profit and Loss

Net interest income
Fees and commissions
Trading income
Life insurance and funds management
Other income
Internal charges (1)
Total operating income

Provisions for impairment

Staff expenses
  Provisions (non cash)
  Other
Total Staff expenses
Occupancy and equipment expenses
  Depreciation
  Other
Total Occupancy and equipment expenses
Information technology services
Other expenses
Internal charges (1)
Total operating expenses
Amortisation of goodwill
Abnormal items
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Outside equity interest
Profit after tax

Balance Sheet

Total Assets
Total Liabilities

Y E A R   E N D E D   3 0   J U N E   1 9 9 8

G R O U P

Institutional
Banking

ASB Corporate

Total

A$M

A$M

 242
 223
 229
 17
 99
 140
 950

 132

 4
 191
 195

 5
 48
 53
 101
 30
 168
 547
-
-
 271
 78
-
 193

 282
 90
 14
 1
 4
-
 391

 9

 1
 111
 112

 22
 30
 52
 21
 48
-
 233
-
-
 149
 50
 25
 74

A$M

 143
 3
-
(1)
 64
 556
 765

A$M

US$M

 3,397
 1,150
 243
 205
 235
-
 5,230

 2,109
 714
 151
 127
 146
-
 3,247

(45)

 233

 145

(4)
 248
 244

(23)
 29
 6
 32
 95
(3)
 374
 45
 570
(179)
(270)
(5)
 96

 25
 1,597
 1,622

 132
 341
 473
 476
 468
-
 3,039
 46
 570
 1,342
 232
 20
 1,090

 16
 991
 1,007

 82
 212
 294
 296
 291
-
 1,888
 29
 354
 831
 144
 12
 675

Retail
Financial
Services
A$M

 2,730
 834
-
 188
 68
 141
 3,961

 137

 24
 1,047
 1,071

 128
 234
 362
 322
 295
 672
 2,722
 1
-
 1,101
 374
-
 727

 75,329
 56,894

 41,622
 35,928

 10,793
 10,147

 2,800
 20,686

 130,544
 123,655

 81,042
 76,765

(1) 

Internal charges are eliminated on consolidation.

for 

the 

Segment 

information 

financial  year
ended  30 June 1997  is  not  available  in  the  above
classifications.  The  Group  undertook  a  major
restructuring program during the financial year ended
30 June 1998.  As  part  of  the  restructuring  program,
the  previous  business  units  of  Personal  Banking,
Business  Banking  and  Commonwealth  Financial
Services were reorganised into two new divisions: the
specialist areas of marketing, customer segmentation
and  product  development  became  the  Banking  and

the  various
Financial  Services  Division,  while 
distribution  arms  were  brought  together  to  form  the
Customer  Services  Division.  The  Institutional  Banking
Division remained largely  unchanged.  Retail  Financial
Services  is  comprised  of  two  divisions,  Customer
Services Division and Banking and Financial Services
Division. Corporate  comprises  the  various  head  office
functions  as  well  as  Technology,  Operations  and
Property.

24

Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial
Condition And Results Of Operations

The 

is  based  on 

following  discussion 

the
Financial  Statements  as  prepared  under  Australian
GAAP  and  included  on pages  49  through  151  of this
Annual Report to Shareholders for the Financial Year
ended  30 June 1999.  A  discussion  of  the  differences
between  Australian  GAAP  and  US  GAAP,  and  the
the  Financial
impact  of 
Statements,  is  set  out  in  Note  47  in  the  Financial
Statements.

those  differences  on 

Overview

Business Description
The  Commonwealth  Bank 

integrated
financial  services  business,  providing  a  full  range  of
banking  and  financial  services  to  over  7.7 million
Australians and 800,000 New Zealanders via its 75%
owned New Zealand subsidiary, ASB Group Limited.

is  an 

As at 30 June 1999, the Commonwealth Bank of

Australia Group had:
• 

• 

total  consolidated  assets  of  over  $138 billion;
and
over  $41 billion  in  assets  under  administration,
including  over  $27 billion  of 
funds  under
management.
The Group’s operations  are  conducted primarily
in  Australia.  For  Financial  Year  1999,  Australia
contributed 84% of revenue, 89%  of  net  profit  and  at
period end accounted for 84% of the Group’s assets.
The  Group  is  represented  internationally  through
branches  in  London,  New  York,  Singapore,  Tokyo,
Hong  Kong  and  Grand  Cayman  and  representative
offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Hanoi and Jakarta. It also
has  a 
joint  venture  arrangement  with  Bank
Internasional in Indonesia.
The  Group’s 

revenue  and  net  profit  are
principally derived  from  its  banking  operations,  which
comprise 92% of revenue and 88% of net profit  on  a
Group  basis  for  Financial  Year  1999.  However,  fee
based 
funds
including 
management  and  finance  operations  represent  a
growing  proportion  of  the  Group’s  revenue  and  net
profit (12% of net profit).

insurance, 

activities 

In  a  recent  study,  the  Commonwealth  Bank  of
Australia  was  ranked  17th  among  the  major  financial
institutions  in  the  world  on  the  basis  of  its  total
shareholder return/risk performance and 26th in terms
of creation of shareholder value.1

Economy
Being  predominantly  domiciled  in  Australia,  the
profitability  of  the  Bank  is  significantly  influenced  by
the  state  of  the  Australian  economy,  especially  with
regard  to  the  level  of  interest  rates,  consumer  and
business confidence, and growth of the economy. The
Bank’s exposure to Asia represents only 2.7% of total
Credit  Risk.  (The  Bank  has  no  direct  exposure  to
Russia  or  Latin  America.  In  addition,  the  Bank’s
exposures  to  Eastern  Europe  and  the  Middle  East
represent 0.1% of total Credit Risk.)

1

Oliver Wyman and Company (1999)

growth 

consumer 

The  current  domestic  economic  outlook 
in
Australia is for continued low inflation and low interest
rates. The strong growth of  the  past  year is  currently
forecast  to  continue  but  at  a  less  buoyant  pace.
to  be  maintained  by
is  expected 
Momentum 
respectable 
spending,
in 
underpinned by  moderate growth  in employment  and
real  wages  (secured  against  a  backdrop  of  low
robust  productivity  gains).  The
inflation  and 
international  outlook  has 
the
finely  balanced.  There  are  some
situation 
in  Japan  and  other  Asian
encouraging  signs 
economies.  Together  with  a  strengthening 
in
European growth, these trends should help offset any
possible  slowdown  in  the  US  economy.  However,
actual results could differ from these expectations due
to  a  number  of  risks,  uncertainties  and  other  factors.
See  ‘Special  Note  Regarding  Forward  –  Looking
Statements’.

improved  although 

is 

Relatively 
for 

low 
interest 
loans  and  deposit 

rates  and  strong
competition 
funds  within
Australia  have  placed  pressure  on  interest  margins.
The  competitive  outlook  is  likely  to  see  margins
remain under some pressure.

In  previous  economic  cycles,  the  interest  rate
environment  had  a  beneficial 
impact  on  bank
profitability  through  its  effect  on  the  overall  level  of
economic  activity.  While  the  historically  low  levels  to
which  interest  rates  have  fallen  has  placed  pressure
on  net  interest  margins,  this  has  been  accompanied
by  sound  growth  in  financial  assets  and  historically
low  levels  of  bad  debts.  Bank  profitability  has  also
been  assisted  by  diversification  into  new  fee  based
activities and material reductions in cost structures.

Assuming  continued  strong  economic  growth,
albeit  with  some  easing,  low  inflation  and  continued
gains in productivity, the business outlook for financial
services looks generally favourable.

The  financial  performance  of  the  Bank  is  also
influenced  by  government  policies 
the
taxation  regime  and  the  level  of  regulation  in  the
banking and financial services industries.

including 

Strategy
The  Group  adopts  a  strong  shareholder  value
driven  focus.  The  Bank  has  a  comprehensive  and
coordinated  strategy  in  place  to  achieve  its  vision  of
helping its  customers  manage  and  build  wealth.  This
vision  is  being  pursued  by  leveraging  its  position  as
the leading distributor in Australia of  a broad  base of
the  largest
financial  products  and  services  with 
customer  base  and 
to  help
customers migrate rapidly into the world of online and
direct distribution.
Brand
Technological  changes  allow  financial  service
customers 
their  banking
activities remotely  from  bank  branches.  This  reduced
reliance  on  branches  for  customer  services  enables
non banks to offer products and services which were
formerly the province of banks, potentially weakening
banks’ existing customer relationships.

to  undertake  many  of 

lowest  unit  costs 

25

                                                          
COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

infrastructure  that  can  adapt  as  the  online  world
evolves.

Online options are being considered to increase
the  retail  financial  services  revenues  from  offshore
sources.

Risk Management
The 

• 

• 

of 

adjusted 

introduction  of  more  sophisticated  risk
measurement  disciplines  has  seen  developments  in
risk/return  management.  In  recent  years,  the  Group
has  successfully  grown  profitability  with  low  earnings
volatility, assisted by:
• 

strong  portfolio  management  disciplines  and
application 
return
risk 
methodologies;
a domestic loan book with an emphasis on lower
risk  housing  lending  as  opposed  to  higher-risk
commercial lending; and
a  bottom  up  approach 
risk
measurement  which  develops  an  increasingly
risk-aware management culture.
Best Practice People Management
Success  in  this  information  based  business
means  providing  the  very  best  creative  solutions  to
meet  customers’  diverse  needs.  This  will  depend
leadership  and  appropriately
critically  on  sound 
skilled,  well  trained,  motivated  and  rewarded  staff
willing  to  accept  responsibility  and  accountability.  To
meet  this  requirement,  the  Group  has  in  place
comprehensive  leadership,  management  and  training
levels.  An
programs  to  develop  its  staff  at  all 
increasing  component  of  total  remuneration  is  also
being provided on the basis  of  performance  linked  to
enhancing overall Bank profitability.

to  operating 

Integrated Risk Management

• 

• 

• 

The  Bank  has  implemented  an  Integrated  Risk
Management Framework,  to  measure  risk  and  return
on a consistent basis.
The framework:
Provides  for  all  risk  management  policies  to  be
coordinated  within 
the  Financial  and  Risk
Management  Division,  with  the  oversight  of  the
Risk Committee of the Board.
Identifies  and  measures  risk  in  the  form  of
Economic Equity.
Applies  risk  adjusted  returns  to  allocated  equity
on  a  consistent  basis  to  derive  performance
measures 
comparable  between
businesses.
The  management  of  risk  and  return  is  the
responsibility  of  Business  Units,  operating  within  the
Integrated  Risk  Management  Framework  policies.
Overall  compliance  with  policies  is  monitored  by
the  Financial  &  Risk
specialist  areas  within 
Management  Division  (including  Group  Audit).  This
Division  also  ensures 
is  consistency
that 
between risk policies and measurement processes.

that  are 

there 

Financial Review

The need for the Group to retain a ‘top of mind’
relationship  with  customers  is  therefore  paramount.
The  Group  sees  the  consistent  delivery  of  its  brand
vision  as  critical  to  its  ongoing  success,  especially  in
an  online  environment.  The  Group  has  introduced  a
comprehensive brand strategy to align all its activities
to deliver the Brand promise.

Lowest Cost Structure
The  Commonwealth  Bank’s  distribution  network
has undergone significant reconfiguration over recent
years. Outlets have been realigned to meet the needs
of personal and business customers, while technology
and  changing  customer  preferences  have  caused  a
major  increase  in  the  proportion  of  transactions
provided by electronic channels. The Group continues
to  assist  customers  to  migrate  to  lower  cost  forms  of
distribution made possible by technological advances.
Internally, the long term outsourcing/joint venture
partnership  with  EDS  is  a  key  initiative  aimed  at
reducing  technology  costs  while  remaining  at  the
forefront  of  financial  services  business  applications.
The  Group  will  continue  to  look  for  opportunities  to
enhance  productivity  through  process-reengineering
to  maintain  a  productivity  cost  advantage.  This  will
allow the maintenance of a low cost structure while it
invests  in  the  online  business  model.  The  Group
continuously benchmarks its operations against world
best practice to identify further efficiency gains.

Financial Services
Through a series of initiatives aimed at providing
differentiated advice and decision support information
together  with  a  broader  range  of  financial  service
offerings,  the  Group  aims  to  better  serve  its  large
customer  base  to  provide  for  the  growing  financial
services needs of the Australian community.

By  enhancing  collection  and  use  of  customer
information  and  packaging  products  and  services
around  customer  needs  and  major  events  in  their
lives,  the  Group  seeks  to  increase  the  average
number of products per customer.

This  will  enable  the  Group  to  increase  the
proportion  of  income  from  non  bank  businesses  to
assist in addressing the interest margin compression.

Online Financial Services
New  technology  is  being  embraced  to  provide
more efficient and relevant services for clients, with an
emphasis  on  online  services.  The  goal  is  to  enable
customers to conduct a full range of financial services
anywhere, anytime in a seamless global environment.
Through  online  services,  supplemented  by  direct
channels,  the  objective  is  to  increase  market  share
and  provide  a  broad  range  of  cost  effective  financial
services to each client segment.

The  Bank  is  developing  its  online  banking  as  a
new  business  model,  not  as  just  another  distribution
channel.  The  Bank’s  internet  banking  and  broking
sites are amongst the most actively used of any sites
in  Australia.  The  online  strategy  is  based  on  flexible

26

The  composition  of  diversified  Economic  Equity

of the Bank is currently:

Operational
27%

Market
13%

Credit
60%

Economic Equity is defined as:

A  risk  measure,  over  a  one  year  time  horizon,
consistent  with  a  solvency  standard  equal  to  a  AA
debt  rating  (expected  default  frequency  of  5  basis
points).  Economic  Equity 
the
underlying exposures to Credit Risk, Market Risk, and
Operational Risk, allowing for inter-risk diversification.

is  derived 

from 

(i)

Credit Risk
The  measurement  of  the  Bank’s  credit  risk
capital  requirement  is  based  on  the  Bank’s  internal
Credit  Risk  Rating  system,  and  utilises  techniques
such  as  the  KMV  Portfolio  Manager  analytics  to
calculate  Unexpected  and  Expected  loss  for  the
diversified portfolio.

A  description  of  the  management  of  the  Bank’s
credit  risk  is  set  out  in  Note  14  to  the  Financial
Statements.

(ii) Market Risk

Risk  capital 

is
measured  separately  for  ‘Traded’  and  ‘Non  Traded’
(banking book) market risk.

the  Bank’s  market  risk 

for 

Traded  market  risk  capital  is  measured  by  a
market  risk  engine  which  has  been  approved  by
APRA  for  use  to  identify  Regulatory  Capital  required
to support traded market risk.

Non  traded  market  risk  capital  is  calculated
utilising  the  same  methodology  as  for  traded  market
risk, taking into account the different characteristics of
this risk.

A description of the management of  market  risk
is  set  out  in  Note  37:  Market  Risk  of  the  Financial
Statements beginning on page 113.

(iii) Operational Risk

Operational  Risk  is  defined  broadly  as  all  risks
other  than  credit  and  market  risk,  which  could  cause
volatility of the revenues, expenses and values of the
Bank’s  business.  Potential  volatility 
is  quantified
though  both  a  bottom  up  indicative  method,  and  top
down deductive method.

To  measure  operational  risk,  business  divisions
utilise a risk incident database to assess plausibility of
risk  scenarios.  Probability  of  loss  is  estimated  based
on 
the  mitigating  effects  of
preventative  and  impact  controls,  and  applied  to  a
individual
selected  probability  distribution.  The 

risk  and 

inherent 

operational risks are aggregated using a Monte Carlo
simulation.

The  potential  loss  for  individual  risk  is  used  to
assess  large  operational  risk  exposures,  while  the
aggregated  loss  amount  is  a  portfolio  measure  of
economic equity for operational risk.

Operational  risks  are  categorised  as  strategic
and  business  risks  (eg  economic  cycle,  reputation,
policy  formulation,  competitive  environment,  clients
etc);  external  event  risks  (eg  natural  disasters  and
supplier  risk);  internal  controls  and  compliance  risks
(regulatory,  political,  personnel,  information  etc);  and
technology risks.

Capital Management

The Bank’s capital management philosophy is to
generate  sustainable  returns 
to
maintain  a  buffer  above  the  regulatory  minimum
capital  in  support  of  risk  and  to  distribute  excess
capital back to shareholders. The decision to execute
a further buyback of shares in March 1999 illustrated
this philosophy in action.

to  shareholders, 

The buyback of shares from the Commonwealth
in July 1996,  as  part  of  the  Australian  Government’s
sale  of  its  remaining  shareholding  in  the  Bank,
reduced  equity  by  approximately  $1,000 million.  A
further  buyback  of  38.1 million  shares  occurred  on
29 December  1997,  which  reduced  shareholders’
equity  by  $650 million.  In  March  1999  the  Bank
bought  back  another  27.4 million  shares  which
reduced 
further
$650 million.

shareholders’ 

equity 

by 

a 

Credit Ratings
The Bank’s credit ratings at 30 June 1999 are:

Standard & Poor’s Corporation
Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
Fitch IBCA
Moody’s Bank Financial Strength
Rating
Fitch IBCA Individual Rating

Expansion

Short
Term

Long
Term

A-1+
P-1
F1+

AA-
Aa3
AA

B

A/B

The Bank’s primary growth objective has been to
maintain  and,  where  commercially  sustainable,
face  of  vigorous
in 
expand  market  share 
competition in the market.

the 

In the Australian market, the Bank has expanded
into  growth  areas  primarily  by  organic  means.  The
Bank  was  a  pioneer  in  online  services  creating
successful  online  businesses  from  the  ground  up.  Its
online  site 
is  Australia’s  busiest  online  banking
service. Commonwealth  Securities,  the  Bank’s  online
broking arm, is Australia’s largest Internet broker.

The  Bank  has  supplemented  organic  growth  by
its

to  complement 

acquiring  specific  businesses 
existing financial services range.

It  acquired  Commonwealth  Funds  Management
in 1996; a 50% equity  share in  the  financial  planning
the
firm 

IPAC  Securities  Limited 

in  1997;  and 

27

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

be from factors external to the Bank. The risks to the
Bank  have  been  largely  minimised  due  to  ongoing
communications  and  dialogue  with  key  service
providers and the strong focus on business continuity
plan  (BCP).  These  plans  target  all  critical  customer
functions  to  ensure  minimal  disruption  to  the  day  to
day operations of the Bank. In addition to the internal
BCP planning, the Bank is working closely with other
institutions and the Reserve Bank of Australia to put in
place  contingency  plans  at  an  industry  level.  The
latter  activity  includes  active  follow  up  with  the
industry’s  critical  suppliers  with  regard  to  their  Year
2000  readiness  and  contingency  planning.  These
business continuity plans and disaster recovery plans
will continue to be reviewed and refined beyond 2000
as  part  of  the  Bank’s  overall  risk  management
strategy.

In  addition  to  business  continuity  planning,  the
Bank  is  initiating  a  bank  wide  productions  systems
freeze commencing on 1 October 1999 until 3 March
2000. The aim of this freeze is to preserve the Bank’s
Year  2000  readiness  in  our  own  internal  production
environments and also with systems that are essential
to  our  participation  in  the  industry  wide  payments
systems.  A  number  of  other  preservation  strategies
are  also  in  place  to  ensure  the  ongoing  Year  2000
readiness of the Bank’s systems.

A  comprehensive  communication  programme
has  commenced 
targeting  both  business  and
consumer  client  segments  with  the  shared  objectives
of  raising  awareness  and  building  confidence  in  the
Bank’s  ability  to  maintain  normal  banking  services
through  the  century  change.  This  programme  has
included  the  sponsorship  of  a  web  site  with  the
Institute  of  Engineers  Australia  containing  details  of
to  help
suitably  qualified  engineers  available 
businesses  with 
remediation
activities.

their  Year  2000 

The  Bank  has  previously  estimated 

total
rectification  costs 
issues  at
$115 million.  We  expect  to  complete  the  overall
program in line with this  estimate.  Expenditure  to  the
end of June 1999 was $87 million.

for  Year  2000 

The  Bank  has  reported  to  the  Australian  Stock
Exchange  in  March  1999  that  depositors’  funds  will
not be at risk from Year 2000 issues.

Financial Review

Australian  merchant  banking  operations  of  Credit
Lyonnais in July 1999.

The  Bank  has  expanded  strongly 

in  New
Zealand  through  its  75%  owned  subsidiary,  ASB
Bank,  which  has  achieved  significant  organic  growth
and  developed  leading  direct  banking  capabilities.
ASB Bank expanded its activities in life insurance and
funds  management 
the  acquisition  of
through 
Sovereign Ltd in 1998.

Guarantee
The 

of 

withdrawal 

progressive 

the
Commonwealth’s  guarantee  has  not  had  any
significant impact on the Bank’s overall cost of funds.
As  at  30 June 1999,  the  weighted  average  term  to
maturity  of  that  part  of  the  wholesale  borrowing
program which remains guaranteed until maturity was
approximately  5  years  and  3  months  (excluding  the
Undated  Notes,  which  do  not  have  a  fixed  maturity
date).

Year 2000 Systems Compliance

to  plan.  The 

The  Bank’s  Year  2000  programme 
three  phases  of 

is
the
progressing 
in  1996,  have  been
programme,  commenced 
completed.  They  incorporated  a  disaster  recovery
phase which included a full inventory of hardware and
software,  a  planning  phase  involving  the  compilation
of remedial methods, cost strategies and remediation
included
plans  and 
remediation  and  comprehensive  testing  of  all  critical
applications.

remedy  phase  which 

the 

in 

fully 

involved 

The  Bank  has  been 

the
interorganisational testing programme being managed
by  the  Australian  Payments  Clearing  Association.
Testing of the five interorganisational clearing streams
commenced in November 1998 and was successfully
completed in June 1999. The Bank has also  been  an
testing
active 
Futures
programmes, 
Exchange,  SWIFT  International  and  global  payment
system  testing  through  the  main  New  York  clearing
houses.

in 
including 

the  Sydney 

participant 

external 

other 

The  Bank’s  building  management  systems
by

achieved  Year 

readiness 

2000 

project 
30 June 1999.

The  Bank  believes  the  most  likely  worst  case
scenario in respect of a Year 2000 breakdown would

28

Results of Operations for the Financial Year 1999 versus Financial Year 1998 and Financial Year 1998 versus
Financial Year 1997

Net Interest Income

The following table sets forth the Group’s net interest income for Financial Years 1997, 1998 and 1999.

Interest income
Interest expense
Net interest income

Y E A R   E N D E D   3 0   J U N E

1999
$M

 7,745
 4,218
 3,527

1998
$M

 7,605
 4,208
 3,397

1997
$M

 7,989
 4,597
 3,392

The  following  table  sets  forth  the  effect  on  the
Group’s  net  interest  income  for  Financial  Year  1998
and  Financial  Year  1999  of  changes  in  (i)  the

average volume of interest earning assets and interest
bearing liabilities and (ii) their respective interest rates
during the relevant years.

Due to changes in average volume of
interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities
Due to changes in average interest rates
Change in net interest income

Net  interest  income  increased  to  $3,527 million
in  Financial  Year  1999  compared  with  $3,397 million
in  Financial  Year  1998.  Increased  interest  earning
assets, which increased by 11.8% to $114.3 billion in
Financial  Year  1999  from  $102.2 billion  in  Financial
Year  1998  more than  offset  the  fall  in  Group  interest
margin.  The  increase  in  average  interest  earning
assets of $12 billion contributed growth of $363 million
in net interest income. This volume effect was partially
offset  by  the  $233 million  impact  of  interest  rate
change which reduced net interest margin.

Net 

to
$3,397 million  in  Financial  Year  1998  compared  to

increased  slightly 

interest 

income 

F I N A N C I A L   Y E A R
1 9 9 9   V S .   1 9 9 8
I N C R E A S E /
( D E C R E A S E )
$M

F I N A N C I A L   Y E A R
1 9 9 8   V S .   1 9 9 7
I N C R E A S E /
( D E C R E A S E )
$M

 363
(233)
 130

 156
(151)
 5

$3,392 million  in  Financial  Year  1997.  Increased
interest  earning  assets,  which  increased  by  6.2%  to
$102.2 billion in Financial Year 1998 from $96.2 billion
in  Financial  Year  1997  more  than  offset  the  fall  in
Group  interest  margin.  The  increase  in  average
interest earning assets of $6 billion contributed growth
of  $156 million  in  net  interest  income.  This  volume
effect was partially offset by the $151 million impact of
interest rate changes.
following 

the  Group’s
table  sets 
interest  spread  and  net  interest  margin  for  the
Financial Years 1997, 1998 and 1999.

forth 

The 

Interest spread before deduction of interest forgone on
non accrual and restructured loans
Interest forgone on non accrual and restructured loans (1)
Interest spread (2)
Benefit of net interest free liabilities, provisions and equity (3)
Net interest margin (4)

(1) 

(2) 

Represents  interest  forgone  on  loans  on  which  the
Group  earns  no  interest  or  interest  at  below  market
rates.
Difference  between  the  average  interest  rate  earned
and the average interest rate paid on funds.

(3) 

(4) 

1999
%

 2.71
(0.02)
 2.69
 0.40
 3.09

Y E A R   E N D E D   3 0   J U N E

1998
%

 2.89
(0.04)
 2.85
 0.48
 3.33

1997
%

 2.98
(0.06)
 2.92
 0.61
 3.53

A  portion  of  the  Group’s  interest  earning  assets  is
funded by net interest free liabilities and shareholders’
equity. The benefit to the  Group  of these  interest  free
funds  is  the  amount  it  would  cost  to  replace  them  at
the average cost of funds.
Net 
earning assets for the period.

income  divided  by  average 

interest 

interest

29

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Financial Review

The  Group’s  net  interest  margin  has  been
compressed  due  to  lowering  of  interest  rates  on
assets and to a lesser extent on liabilities.

The  average  interest  rate  on  interest  earning
assets for Financial Years 1997, 1998 and 1999 was
8.3%,  7.4%  and  6.8%,  respectively.  The  average
interest rate on interest bearing liabilities for Financial
Years  1997,  1998  and  1999  was  5.4%,  4.6%  and
4.1%,  respectively.  Changes  in  the  average  interest
rate  on  interest  earning  assets  and  interest  bearing
in  market
liabilities  primarily 
interest 
levels  of
competition.

reflect  movements 
rates  and  sustained  high 

The  impact  of  interest  forgone  on  non  accrual
and  restructured  loans  on  the  Group’s  net  interest
margin declined from 0.06% in Financial Year 1997 to

Australia
Interest spread before deduction of interest forgone on non accrual
and restructured loans
Interest forgone on non accrual and restructured loans (1)
Interest spread (2)
Benefit of net interest free liabilities, provisions and equity (3)
Net interest margin (4)

Overseas
Interest spread before deduction of interest forgone on non accrual
and restructured loans
Interest forgone on non accrual and restructured loans (1)
Interest spread (2)
Benefit of net interest free liabilities, provisions and equity (3)
Net interest margin (4)

0.04% in Financial Year 1998 and 0.02% in Financial
Year 1999. The reduction in interest forgone is in line
with  a  general  improvement  in  the  Group’s  asset
quality.

The  benefit  from  net  interest  free  liabilities,
provisions  and  equity  was  0.61%  in  Financial  Year
1997,  0.48%  in  Financial  Year  1998  and  0.40%  in
Financial Year  1999.  The decrease  in  Financial  Year
1999  reflects  the  effect  of  share  buybacks  and  the
lower  interest  rate  environment.  The  decrease  in
Financial  Year  1998  reflects  the  effect  of  the  share
buyback in December 1997 and the lower interest rate
environment.

On  a  geographical  basis,  the  Group’s  interest
spreads  and  net  interest  margins  are  set  forth  in  the
following table.

Y E A R   E N D E D   3 0   J U N E

1999
%

1998
%

 3.0

 3.2

                  -

                  -

 3.0
 0.4
 3.4

 3.2
 0.4
 3.6

1997
%

 3.3
(0.1)
 3.2
 0.6
 3.8

 1.4

 1.4

 1.4

                  -

                  -

                  -

 1.4
 0.4
 1.8

 1.4
 0.6
 2.0

 1.4
 0.4
 1.8

(1) 

(2) 

Represents  interest  forgone  on  loans  on  which  the
Group  earns  no  interest  or  interest  at  below  market
rates.
Difference  between  the  average  interest  rate  earned
and the average interest rate paid on funds.

(3) 

(4) 

A  portion  of  the  Group’s  interest  earning  assets  is
funded by net interest free liabilities and shareholders’
equity. The benefit to the  Group  of these  interest  free
funds  is  the  amount  it  would  cost  to  replace  them  at
the average cost of funds.
Net 
earning assets for the period.

income  divided  by  average 

interest 

interest

The difference in margins and spreads between
the  Australian  and  overseas  operations  reflects  the
different  nature  of  the  Group’s  business  in  each  of
these  geographic  areas.  The  overseas  operations

includes  significant  wholesale  loans  from  a  funding
base  that  predominantly  consists  of  raising  funds  in
the  wholesale  markets.  The  resulting  margins  are
much narrower.

30

Charge for Bad and Doubtful Debts
The following table sets out the charge for bad and doubtful debts for Financial Years 1997, 1998 and 1999.

Specific Provisioning
New and increased provisioning
Less provisions no longer required
Net specific provisioning
Provided from general provision
Charge to profit and loss

General provisioning
Direct write offs
Recoveries of amounts previously written off
Movement in general provision
Funding of specific provisions
Charge of profit and loss
Total Charge for Bad and Doubtful Debts

Net charge for bad and doubtful debts  increased
by  6%  to  $247 million  in  Financial  Year  1999  from
$233 million in Financial Year 1998.

Net charge for bad and doubtful debts  increased
by  138%  to  $233 million  in  Financial  Year  1998  from
$98 million  in  Financial  Year  1997,  largely  due  to
increased  provisioning 
for  Asian  exposures  and
continuing  reduction  in  the  level  of  writebacks  and
recoveries  of  bad  debts.  Included  within  abnormal
items 
is  a  charge  of
$370 million  relating  to  the  general  provision  for  bad
and  doubtful  debts  resulting  from  the  introduction  of
Dynamic Provisioning – see Abnormal Items.

for  Financial  Year  1998 

The  ratio  of  general  provisions  to  risk  weighted
assets decreased to 1.09% in Financial Year 1999. The
ratio  of  specific  provisions  to  gross  impaired  assets
increased  from  37.6%  at  Financial  Year  end  1998  to
46.7% at Financial Year end 1999. The ratio of specific
provisions  to  gross  impaired  assets  increased  from
30.2%  at  Financial  Year  end  1997  to  37.6%  at
Financial Year end 1998.

Total  Provisions  for  Impairment  for  the  Group  at
30 June 1999 are $1,356 million, no significant change

Lending fees
Commission and other fees
Foreign exchange earnings
Net gain/(loss) on investment securities
Net profit on financing instruments - trading securities
Life insurance surplus and funds management fees
Other income
Total non interest income

The  Group’s  non  interest  income  increased
9.0% over the prior year to $1,997 million in Financial
Year  1999  and  23.1%  over 
to
from
$1,833 million 

in  Financial  Year  1998 

the  prior  year 

1999
$M

 284
(45)
 239
(239)
                  -

 44
(51)
 15
 239
 247
 247

Y E A R   E N D E D   3 0   J U N E

1998
$M

 280
(57)
 223
(155)
 68

 42
(48)
 16
 155
 165
 233

1997
$M

 152
(90)
 62
                  -
 62

 41
(80)
 75
                  -
 36
 98

on  the  total  at  30 June 1998  of  $1,355 million.  This
level  of  provisioning  is  considered  adequate  for  the
Group  given  the  credit  risks  identified  in  the  Credit
Portfolio.

have 

Specific 

reduced 

provisions 

from
$279 million  to  $275 million,  a  decrease  of  1%,  while
gross  impaired  assets  less  interest  reserved  have
reduced 21%. The increase in the coverage ratio from
37.6%  to  46.7%  is  primarily  the  result  of  higher
provisioning  required  on  the  Asia  portfolio  remaining
after significant writeoff and realisation activity.
The  general  provision  has 

to
$1,081 million  at  30 June 1999  from  $1,076 million  at
30 June 1998, an increase of 0.5%. Total Assets have
increased by 6%  over  the  year.  The  lower  increase  in
the general provision than total assets primarily reflects
use  of 
to  meet  special
provisioning requirements, primarily Asia.

the  general  provision 

increased 

Non Interest Income

The  following  table  sets  forth  the  Group’s  non
interest  income  for  Financial  Years  1997,  1998  and
1999.

Y E A R   E N D E D   3 0   J U N E

1999
$M

 474
 807
 155
 79
 118
 254
 110
 1,997

1998
$M

 472
 678
 161
 101
 82
 205
 134
 1,833

1997
$M

 439
 541
 70
 4
 104
 197
 134
 1,489

$1,489 million in Financial Year 1997. The increase in
Financial  Year  1999  is  principally  due  to  higher  fee
income, improved trading income and higher levels of
life insurance and funds management income.

31

Financial Review

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

and $2,967 million in Financial Year 1997. The ratio of
operating  expenses,  excluding  goodwill  amortisation,
to total operating income (before deducting the charge
for  bad  and  doubtful  debts)  was  55.6%  in  Financial
Year 1999 compared to 58.1% in Financial Year 1998
and 59.9% in Financial Year 1997. This improvement
in Financial Year 1999 was  due  to the growth in  non
interest income together with ongoing programmes to
contain costs.

Included  within  abnormal  items  for  Financial
Year 1998 is a charge of $200 million for restructuring
costs,  and 
for
included  within  abnormal 
Financial  Year  1997  is  a  charge  of  $200 million  for
write down of computer equipment. Further details are
provided under discussion of Abnormal Items.

items 

The 

following 

the  Group’s
table  sets 
operating  expenses  for  Financial  Years  1997,  1998
and 1999.

forth 

1999
$M

 1,604
 455
 505
 112
 394
 3,070
 47
 3,117

Y E A R   E N D E D   3 0   J U N E

1998
$M

 1,622
 473
 476
 116
 352
 3,039
 46
 3,085

1997
$M

 1,663
 547
 255
 92
 367
 2,924
 43
 2,967

implementation  of  the  new  organisational  structure
and reconfiguration of delivery systems.

Full  time  equivalent  staff  numbers,  on  a  Group
basis,  decreased  from  33,543  employees  as  at
30 June 1997  to  30,743  employees  at  30 June 1998
and  28,964  at  30 June 1999,  an  overall  reduction  of
13.6%  over  the  two  year  period.  Accompanying  the
overall reduction in the number of full time equivalent
staff over the period Financial Year 1997 to Financial
Year  1999,  the  Bank’s  part  time  employees  have
increased  to  20.1%  of  the  Group’s  work  force  as
shown in the following table.

Full time equivalent staff have been weighted for
the  lower  costs  per  employee  of  staff  on  extended
leave;  for  example,  maternity  leave,  unpaid  sick  pay
or  career  break.  Comparatives  have  been  similarly
adjusted.

1999

1998

1997

A T   3 0   J U N E

(number of employees, except percentages)
 30,566
 7,364
 33,543
80.6%
19.4%

 26,394
 6,655
 28,964
79.9%
20.1%

 28,034
 6,968
 30,743
80.1%
19.9%

the 

increase 

financial  year  whilst 

Lending  fees  have  remained  steady  during  the
current 
in
commission and other fees is due to changes made to
fee structures in the previous financial year. Card fees
have increased due to higher numbers of and activity
by  cardholders  and  merchants.  The  increase  in
foreign  exchange  earnings  was  due  to  continued
volatility  in  foreign  exchange  markets,  and  higher
levels  of  customer  business.  The  higher  levels  of  life
insurance and  funds  management  fees  resulted  from
increased  business  volumes  and  higher  funds  under
management balances.

The  increase  in  Financial  Year  1998  included

gains on sales of investment securities.

Operating Expenses

The Group’s total operating expenses (including
the  amortisation  of  goodwill  but  before  abnormal
items) for Financial Year 1999 were $3,117 million, as
compared  with  $3,085 million  in  Financial  Year  1998

Staff expenses
Occupancy and equipment expenses
Information Technology Services
Fees and commissions
Other expenses
Total operating expenses
Amortisation of Goodwill
Total operating expenses and amortisation of goodwill

Staff  expenses  decreased  by  1.1%  in  Financial
Year  1999  due  to  reductions  in  staff  numbers,  which
were  partially  offset  by  increases  in  average  staff
costs.  Staff  numbers  decreased  by  1,779  net  (with
400 staff acquired through Sovereign Ltd in December
1998)  or  5.8%  in  Financial  Year  1999  with  the
continuation  of  group  wide 
reorganisation  and
rationalisation of processes.

Staff  expenses  decreased  by  2.5%  in  Financial
Year 1998 largely due to reductions in staff numbers.
in
Staff  numbers  decreased  by  2,800  or  8.3% 
Financial  Year  1998.  This  reduction  includes  the
transfer  of  1,400  staff 
the
outsourcing  of 
technology  and  800
redundancies which were part of the rationalisation of
functions,
processing 

administration 

information 

to  EDSA 

following 

and 

Full time staff
Part time staff
Full time staff equivalent
Full time staff/total staff
Part time staff/total staff

32

The  Group’s  superannuation  costs 
(post
retirement  benefits)  were  $1 million  in  Financial  Year
1999, $1 million in Financial Year 1998 and $2 million
in  Financial  Year  1997.  This  reflects  actuarial  advice
that,  having  regard  to  the  surplus  in  the  principal
superannuation  fund,  the  Officers’  Superannuation
Fund (OSF), the Bank may cease contributions.

An  actuarial  assessment  of 

the  Officers’
Superannuation Fund (OSF) as at 30 June 1997  was
completed during the Financial Year 1998. In line with
the actuarial advice contained in this assessment, the
Bank  does  not  intend  to  make  contributions  to  the
OSF  until  after  consideration  of  the  next  actuarial
assessment of the OSF as at 30 June 2000.

Occupancy and Equipment Expenses

Occupancy and equipment expenses decreased
by 4% in Financial Year 1999 due to rationalisation of
premises  occupied  by  the  Group  and  the  full  year
effect  of  the  sale  of  computer  and  communications
equipment  to  EDSA.  During  the  year  the  Bank
continued  its  property  sale  and  leaseback  program,
including the sale of major office properties as part of
the Commonwealth Office Property Fund listing as at
29  April  1999.  This  program  increases  rental  costs
which are offset by reduced depreciation and holding
costs,  and  also  assists  in  lowering  the  Bank’s  risk
profile and in its capital management program.

Occupancy and equipment expenses decreased
by 14% in Financial Year 1998 largely due to  the  fall
in depreciation and repairs and maintenance costs on
equipment  following  the  sale  of  the  Bank’s  computer
and  communications  equipment  to  EDSA  as  part  of
outsourcing  of  the  information  technology  function  to
EDSA.  This  was  partially  offset  by  an  increase  in
operating  lease  rental  from  the  continuing  property
sale and lease back program.

Information Technology Services

functions 

Comparison  with  prior  years  is  not  meaningful.
The  outsourcing  of  most  of  the  Bank’s  information
technology 
in  October  1997  makes
comparison with prior years difficult. This arrangement
has  increased  costs  in  the  information  technology
services category which are offset in all other expense
categories.  The  scope  of  work  performed  by  EDSA
has remained similar to that performed by the Bank’s
information  technology  division  prior  to  outsourcing,
with savings realised over what the Bank expected to
spend had outsourcing not proceeded.

Income Tax Expense

Before  abnormals, 

tax  expense
increased  by  11.4%  in  Financial  Year  1999  due  to
increased  profit  before  tax  partially  offset  by  a
reduction in the effective rate from 33.5% in Financial

income 

Year  1998  to  33.1%  in  Financial  Year  1999.  Before
abnormals income tax expense increased by 9.0%, in
Financial  Year  1998  compared  with  Financial  Year
1997.

Abnormal Items (including Abnormal Income Tax
Expense)

Abnormal  items  of  revenue  or  expense  are
included  in  operating  profit  after  income  tax  and
considered abnormal by reason of size  and  effect  on
operating profit after income tax for the financial year.
There were no abnormal items of income or expense
in  Financial  Year  1999;  however, 
following
amounts were included in previous Financial Years.

the 

Restructuring Costs (1998)
Restructuring costs of  $200 million  ($128 million
after  tax)  were  charged  to  profit  and  loss  in  the
Financial Year 1998.

General Provision Charge for Bad and

Doubtful Debts (1998)

from 

With 

1998 

effect 

1 January 

the
methodology  used  to  estimate  the  provisions  for
impairment  has  been 
refined  by  adopting  a
statistically  based  technique  referred  to  as  Dynamic
Provisioning.  This  takes  into  account  historical  loss
experience  and  current  economic  factors  to  assess
the balance required in the general provision to cover
expected losses in the credit portfolio. Initial adoption
of this technique resulted in an abnormal expense for
bad  and  doubtful  debts  of  $370 million  in  respect  of
the general provision which was charged to profit and
loss in the Financial Year 1998.

Tax Effecting General Provision for Bad and

Doubtful Debts (1998)

The general provision for bad and doubtful debts
was  tax  effected  as  at  1 January  1998.  This  reflects
the  adoption  of  a  balance  sheet  risk  based  Dynamic
Provisioning  methodology  which 
the
recognition requirement that utilisation of the provision
be assured beyond reasonable doubt.

satisfies 

An  abnormal  credit 

tax  expense  of
$337 million was booked to profit and loss in Financial
Year 1998.

to 

Information Technology Equipment Values

(1997)

For the Financial Year 1997, in anticipation of a
restructuring  of  the  Bank’s  information  technology
processing,  including  investment  in  an  information
technology business, the carrying value of the Bank’s
computer  and  communications  equipment  was
reduced.  This  reduction  was  undertaken  having
regard to the sale of equipment to a global technology
company.  As  a  result,  an  abnormal  expense  of
$200 million  ($128 million  after  tax)  was  charged  to
profit and loss in Financial Year 1997.

33

Financial Review

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Net Income

Capital Adequacy

Net  income  increased  30.5%  in  Financial  Year
1999 to $1,422 million from $1,090 million in Financial
Year  1998.  Net  income  increased  1.1%  in  Financial
Year  1998  to  $1,090 million  from  $1,078 million  in
Financial  Year  1997.  The  increase  in  net  income  in
the  Financial  Year  1999  was  due  to  growth  in  both
interest  and  non 
income  coupled  with
containment  of  costs.  The  increase  in  net  income  in
the Financial Year 1998 was due to a growth in fees,
commissions,  trading  income  and  sale  of  investment
securities  offset  by  Abnormal  Expenses  of
$161 million net of tax.

interest 

In  August  1988  the  Reserve  Bank  established
guidelines  for  the  capital  adequacy  of  Australian
banks,  to  strengthen  their  soundness  and  stability.
These  guidelines  are  generally  consistent  with  those
proposed  by  the  Committee  on  Banking  Regulations
and  Supervisory  Practices  of 
for
International  Settlements.  Full  details  of  the  Group’s
capital  adequacy  position  is  disclosed  in  Note  30  to
the Financial Statements.

the  Bank 

Risk Weighted Capital Ratios (percentages)
Tier One
Tier Two
Less Deductions
Total

Tier One Capital
Tier Two Capital
Tier One and Tier Two Capital
Less: Deductions
Total Regulatory Capital

Y E A R   E N D E D   3 0   J U N E

1999

1998

1997

($ millions, except percentages)

 7.05
 3.12
(0.79)
 9.38

 7,021
 3,109
 10,130
(788)
 9,342

 8.07
 2.82
(0.40)
 10.49

 7,617
 2,666
 10,283
(381)
 9,902

 8.64
 2.82
(0.57)
 10.89

 7,468
 2,437
 9,905
(487)
 9,418

The maturity profile of eligible loan capital as at 30 June, 1999 was as follows:

Tier One
Tier Two (1)
Total

M A T U R I N G   I N   Y E A R

2000
$M

2001
$M

After 2002
$M

 270
                  -
 270

 78
                  -
 78

 290
 2,335
 2,625

Total
$M

 638
 2,335
 2,973

(1) 

For  capital  adequacy  purposes  Tier  2  loan  capital  is  reduced  each  year  by  20%  of  the  original  amount  during  the  last  five
years to maturity.

Total  Tier  1  capital  decreased  by  7.8%  to
$7 billion  at  30 June 1999 
from  $7.6 billion  at
30 June 1998, primarily reflecting the $650 million off
market  share  buyback  in  March  1999,  and  the
maturity  of  approximately  $574 million  in  Tier  1  loan
capital.

Total Tier 2 capital increased by $443 million to
$3.1 billion  at  30 June 1999  from  $2.67 billion  at
30 June 1998.  Tier  2  eligible  loan  capital  increased
by  $450 million  to  $2,335 million  at  30 June 1999,

from  $1,885 million  at  30 June 1998  primarily  a  result
of  the  issuing  of  approximately  $575 million  in  debt
capital.  The  $40 million  of  ASB  Bank  preference
shares is included as Tier 2 capital.

to
Total  regulatory  capital  decreased  5.7% 
$9,342 million  at  30 June 1999  from  $9,902 million  at
30 June 1998. The Group’s Tier 1 ratio also decreased
to  7.05%  at  30 June 1999 
from  8.07%  at
30 June 1998.  The  total  capital  ratio  decreased  to
9.38% at 30 June 1999 from 10.49% at 30 June 1998.

34

included  eligible 

The  Group’s  Tier  1  and  Tier  2  capital  at
30 June 1999 
loan  capital  of
$638 million  and  $2,335 million,  respectively.  In  the
aggregate,  such  eligible  loan  capital  at  30 June 1999
constituted  9.1%,  75.1%  and  31.8%  of  the  Group’s
Tier  1,  Tier  2  and  Total  Regulatory  capital,
respectively. Approximately $938 million of the Bank’s
eligible 
the  subject  of  separate
agreements  with  the  Commonwealth  which  provide,
under  certain  circumstances,  for  the  Bank  to  issue
either 
the
Commonwealth,  or  with 
the  Commonwealth’s
consent,  rights  to  all  shareholders  to  subscribe  for
fully  paid  Ordinary  Shares  of  the  Bank.  Management
believes  that  the  possibility  that  such  circumstances
will arise is remote.

paid  Ordinary  Shares 

loan  capital 

fully 

to 

is 

Funding and Liquidity

In  addition  to  its  imposition  of  capital  adequacy
requirements,  APRA  exercises  liquidity  control  by
requiring  the  banks  it  regulates  to  hold  prime  assets
(cash,  balances  with 
the  Reserve  Bank  or
Commonwealth  and  semi  government  securities)
equivalent  to  not  less  than  3%  of  a  bank’s  total
liabilities (other than capital). As discussed in Note 37,
this  ratio  is  called  the  Prime  Assets  Requirement.
APRA  also  requires  banks  to  hold  an  adequate  level
of  suitable  assets  to  meet  day  to  day  fluctuations  in
liquidity.

At  30 June 1999  the  Bank  held  domestically
$1,722 million in cash and short term liquid assets, on
a  Group  basis,  up  16%  on  the  comparable  figure  at
30 June 1998.  Approximately  44%  of  this  holding
($752 million)  comprised  notes,  coins  and  cash  at
bankers.  In  addition,  trading  securities  with  a  market
value  of  $3,219 million  were  held  domestically,  up
46%  on  the  comparable  figure  at  30 June 1998.  Of
these 
trading  securities  $650 million  comprised
Commonwealth  and  Australian  State  government
publicly  issued  securities  with  the  largest  component
27.6%  being  bills  of  exchange.  As  at  30 June 1999,
investment  securities  with  a  book  value  of
$3,147 million (market value $3,141 million) were also
the
held  domestically,  virtually  unchanged  on 
comparable  figure  at  30 June 1998.  Approximately
84%  by  book  and  by  market  value of  the  holdings  of
those 
investment  securities  were  Commonwealth
public listed securities.

Overseas holdings of cash and short term liquid
assets  totalled  $92 million  as  at  30 June 1999,  up
$52 million on the comparable figure at 30 June 1998.
As  at  30 June 1999,  trading  securities  with  a  market
value  of  $1,489 million  were  held  by  the  Bank,  down
17% on the comparable figure as at 30 June 1998. As
at  30 June 1999  investment  securities  with  a  book

value  of  $4,040 million  (market  value  $4,055 million)
the  Bank,  up  9%  and  up  6%
were  held  by 
respectively,  on 
figures  at
30 June 1998.

comparable 

the 

in 

the  Bank  manages 

Because of the differences between its domestic
its
and  offshore  operations, 
liquidity 
the  domestic  and  offshore  markets
separately.  The  Bank  has  followed  a  deliberate
strategy of diversifying its sources of foreign currency
funding into a range of markets in order to avoid over-
reliance  on  any  one  market  or  maturity  term.  It  has
imposed  internal  prudential  limits  on  the  relative  mix
of its offshore sources of funds.

from 

funding 

The  Bank  obtains  a  large  proportion  of  its
domestic 
retail  deposits,  primarily
demand and short term deposits, which have a lower
interest cost than wholesale funds. Over the past five
years,  the  proportion  of  the  Bank’s  domestic  funding
that has come from retail sources has been over 70%
and,  as  at  30 June 1999, 
the  proportion  was
approximately  63%.  The  relative  size  of  the  Bank’s
retail  base  has  enabled  it  to  source  funds  at  a  lower
average  rate  of 
the  other  major
Australian  banks.  However,  some  of  this  benefit  is
offset by the cost of the Bank’s retail network and the
Bank’s large share (approximately 40%) of pensioner
deeming  accounts  which,  in  the  current  interest  rate
environment  are  incurring  an  interest  cost  above
normal retail deposit accounts.

interest 

than 

the  percentage  of 

The  Bank’s  cost  of  funds  for  Financial  Year
1999,  calculated  as 
interest
expense  to  average  interest  bearing  liabilities,  was
4.1%  on  a  Group  basis  compared  with  4.6%  for
Financial  Year  1998.  In  recent  years,  the  Bank  has
experienced  a  movement  of  retail  deposit  balances
reflecting
into  higher 
increased  customer  awareness  of 
investment
opportunities  in  an  environment  where  the  level  of
interest rates has remained lower and relatively more
stable  when  compared  with  the  interest  rate  cycle  of
1980s and early 1990s.

interest  bearing  accounts, 

for 

the  domestic  balance  sheet 

The  Bank  obtains  a  growing  proportion  of  its
from
funding 
wholesale  sources  –  approximately  22%,  excluding
Bank  Acceptances  and  Other  Liabilities.  The  cost  of
funds  raised  in  the  wholesale  markets  is  affected  by
independently assessed credit ratings.

The 

removal 

progressive 

the
Commonwealth’s  guarantee  has  not  had  a  material
impact  on  the  Bank’s  overall  cost  of  funds  as  the
proportion  of  the  Bank’s  funding  raised  from  the
wholesale markets with the benefit of the guarantee is
low.

of 

35

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

local  currency.  Local 

domicile  of  the  borrower  or  guarantor  of  the  ultimate
risk.  Outstandings  include  loans,  acceptances  and
other monetary assets denominated in other than the
currency
counterparties’ 
activities with local residents by foreign branches and
controlled entities of the Bank are excluded. The table
excludes  irrecoverable  letters  of  credit,  amounts  of
which  are  immaterial,  and  includes  all  local  currency
in
outstandings  with 
Australia.

foreign  subsidiaries 

located 

A T   3 0   J U N E

1999

1998

1997

($ millions, except where indicated)

Japan(1)

Japan(1)

                  -
                  -
                  -
                  -
                  -

                  -
 1,303
 110
 1,413
1.1%

                  -
 2,032
 17
 2,049
1.7%

Financial Review

Cross Border Outstandings by Industry Category

The  following  table  sets  forth  the  aggregate
cross  border  outstandings  of  the  Group  by  industry
category  at  30 June 1997,  1998  and  1999.  The  table
includes those outstandings due from countries where
such  outstandings  individually  exceed  1%  of  the
Group’s  total  assets.  At  30 June 1999  there  are  no
countries where cross border outstandings, as defined
below, exceed 1% of total assets.

For  the  purposes  of  this  presentation,  cross
border  outstandings  are  based  on  the  country  of

Country

Government
Banks and other financial institutions
Other commercial and industrial

Total outstandings for Japan as a percentage of total Bank assets

(1)  Australia has an extensive trading relationship with Japan.

36

Corporate Governance

Board of Directors

The  Board  of  Directors  assumes  responsibility
for corporate governance of the Bank. It oversees the
business  and  affairs  of the  Bank,  establishes  the
strategies and financial objectives to be  implemented

by  management  and  monitors 
performance directly and through its committees.

standards  of

The  Board  currently  consists  of  ten  Directors.
Membership  of  the  Board  and  its  Committees  is  set
out below:

DIRECTOR

BOARD MEMBERSHIP

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

Nominations

Remuneration

Audit

Risk

Chairman
Deputy Chairman
Managing Director

Chairman
Member
Member

M A Besley, AO
J T Ralph, AO
D V Murray
N R Adler, AO
A C Booth
R J Clairs, AO
K E Cowley, AO
J M Schubert
F J Swan
B K Ward

Non executive
Non executive
Executive
Non executive
Non executive
Non executive
Non executive
Non executive
Non executive
Non executive

Chairman

Member
Member

Member

Chairman

Member

Member

Member
Member

Chairman

Member

Member

Details  of  experience,  qualifications,  special
responsibilities  and  attendance  at  meetings  of  the
Directors are set out in the Directors’ Report on pages
40 to 42.

Mr  Clairs  was  appointed  as  a  non  executive
director  on  1 March 1999.  In  accordance  with  the
Bank’s  Constitution  and  ASX  Listing  Rules,  Mr Clairs
will  stand  for  election  as  a  director  at  the  Annual
General Meeting to be held on 28 October 1999.

Mr  G  H  Slee,  AM  retired  from  the  Board  on

28 February 1999.

• 

• 

The Constitution of the Bank specifies that:
the  managing  director  and  any  other  executive
directors shall not be eligible to stand for election
as Chairman of the Bank;
the number of directors shall be not less than 9
nor more than 13 (or such lower number as the
Board  may  from  time  to  time  determine).  The
Board has determined that for the time being the
number of directors shall be 10; and
at  each  Annual  General  Meeting,  one-third  of
directors (other than the managing director) shall
retire from office and may stand for re-election.
In  February  1999,  the  Board  adopted  a  policy
that,  with  a phasing  in  provision  dealing  with  existing
directors, 
term  of  appointment  of
directors  to  the  Board  would  normally  be  limited  to
twelve years.

the  maximum 

• 

The  Nominations  Committee  of 

the  Board
critically  reviews,  at  least  annually,  the  corporate
governance  procedures  of 
the
composition  and  effectiveness  of  the  Commonwealth
Bank Board and the boards of the major wholly owned
subsidiaries.  The  policy  of  the  Board  is  that  the
Committee shall consist of a majority of non executive
directors  and  that  the  Chairman  of  the  Bank  shall be
Chairman of the Committee.

the  Bank  and 

The  Nominations  Committee  has  developed  a
set  of  criteria  for  director  appointments  which  have
been  adopted  by the  Board.  The  criteria  set  the
objective  of  the  Board  as  being  as  effective,  and
preferably  more  effective  than  the  best  boards  in  the
comparable  peer  group.  These  criteria,  which  are

reviewed  annually,  ensure  that  any  new  appointee  is
able to  contribute  to the ongoing  effectiveness  of  the
Board,  has  the  ability  to  exercise  sound  business
judgment, to think strategically and has demonstrated
leadership experience, high levels of professional skill
and appropriate personal qualities.

by 

Candidates  for  appointment  as  directors  are
the  Nominations  Committee,
considered 
recommended  for  decision  by  the  Board  and,  if
appointed,  stand  for  election,  in  accordance  with  the
Constitution, 
general  meeting
of shareholders.

next 

the 

at 

Remuneration Arrangements

The  Constitution  and  the  ASX  Listing  Rules
specify  that  the  aggregate  remuneration  of  non
executive  directors  shall  be  determined  from  time  to
time by a general meeting. An amount not exceeding
the  amount  determined,  is  divided  between 
the
directors as they agree. The policy of the Board is that
the aggregate amount should be  set at  a level  which
provides  the  Bank  with  the  necessary  degree  of
flexibility to enable it to attract and retain the services
of  directors  of 
latest
determination  was  at  the  Annual  General  Meeting
held  on  30  October  1997  when  shareholders
approved  an  aggregate  remuneration  of  $1,000,000
per  year.  The  Nominations  Committee  reviews  the
fees  payable  to  non  executive  directors.  Details  of
individual  directors’  remuneration  and  the  bands  of
remuneration  are  set  out  in  Note  43.  Directors’  fees
do  not  incorporate  a  bonus  element  related 
to
performance.

the  highest  calibre.  The 

The  remuneration  of  Mr  Murray  (Managing
Director)  is  fixed  by  the  Board,  pursuant  to  the
Constitution, as part of the terms and conditions of his
appointment. Those terms and conditions are subject
to review, from time to time, by the Board.

37

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

• 

• 

the financial statements and their conformity with
accounting standards, other mandatory reporting
requirements and statutory requirements; and
the quality of the accounting policies applied and
any other significant judgements made.
The  Committee  periodically  meets  separately
with the Group Auditor and the external auditor in the
absence of management.

The  Committee 

processes
governing  advisory  work  undertaken  by  the  external
auditor  to  ensure  that  the  independence  of  the
external auditor is not affected by conflicts.

reviews 

the 

The  scope  of  the  audit  is  agreed  between  the
Committee and the auditor. The external audit partner
attends meetings of the Audit Committee by invitation
and attends the Board meetings when the annual and
half yearly accounts are signed.

Risk Management

The  Risk  Committee  oversights  credit,  market
and  operational  risks  assumed  by  the  Bank  in  the
course of carrying on its business.

risk/return  expectations. 

The  Committee  considers  the  Group’s  credit
policies  and  ensures  that  management  maintains  a
set  of  credit  underwriting  standards  designed  to
the
achieve  portfolio  outcomes  consistent  with 
Group’s 
the
In addition, 
Committee  reviews  the  Group’s  credit  portfolios  and
recommends provisioning for bad and doubtful debts.
The  Committee  examines  risk  management
policies  and  procedures  for  market,  funding  and
liquidity  risks  incurred  or likely  to  be  incurred  in  the
Group’s business. The Committee reviews progress in
implementing  management 
and
identifying  new  areas  of  exposure  relating  to  market,
funding and liquidity risk.

procedures 

The  Committee  ratifies  the  Group’s  operational
risk  policies  for  approval  by  the  Board  and  reviews
and  informs  the  Board  of  the  measurement  and
management of operational risk. Operational risk is a
basic line management responsibility within the Group
consistent  with 
the
Committee. A  range of  insurance  policies  maintained
by the Group mitigates some operational risks.

the  policies  established  by 

Independent Professional Advice

The  Bank  has  in  place  a  procedure  whereby,
after appropriate consultation, directors are entitled to
seek independent professional advice, at the expense
of the Bank, to assist them to carry out their duties as
directors.  The  policy  of  the  Bank  provides  that  any
such advice is made available to all directors.

Access to Information

the
The  Board  has  an  agreed  policy  on 
circumstances in which directors are entitled to obtain
access to company documents and information.

Corporate Governance

There  is  in  place  a  retirement  scheme  which
provides  for  benefits  to  be  paid  to  non  executive
directors  after  service  of  a  qualifying  period.  The
terms  of  this  scheme,  which  were  approved  by
shareholders  at  the  1997  Annual  General  Meeting,
allow for a benefit on a pro rata basis  to  a  maximum
of  four  years’  total  emoluments  after  twelve  years’
service.

The  Board  has  established  a  Remuneration

Committee to:
• 

• 
• 

consider  remuneration  policy  for  the  Bank’s
senior executives and executives;
consider senior executive appointments; and
consider  arrangements  in  the  level  or  structure
of remuneration and benefits for staff generally.
The  policy  of  the  Board  is  that  the  Committee

shall consist of a majority of non executive directors.

The  Committee  has  an  established  work  plan
which  allows  it  to  review  all  major  human  resource
policies, strategies and outcomes.

The  Bank’s  remuneration  policy  in  respect  of
executives  includes  provisions  that  remuneration  will
be  competitively  set  so  that  the  Bank  can  seek  to
attract,  motivate  and  retain  high  quality  local  and
international executive staff and that remuneration will
incorporate,  to  a  significant  degree,  variable  pay  for
performance elements. A full statement of the Bank’s
remuneration  policy  for  executives  and  details  of  the
remuneration  paid  to  six  members  of  the  senior
executive  team  who  were  officers  of  the  Bank  at
30 June 1999 are set out in Note 44.

Audit Arrangements

Ernst  & Young  was  appointed  as  the  auditor  of
the  Bank  at  the  1996  Annual  General  Meeting  and
continues to fulfil that office.

is  not  Chairman  of 

The Board’s Audit Committee consists entirely of
non  executive  Directors  and  the  Chairman  of  the
Committee 
the  Bank.  This
structure  reflects  the  Board’s  policy.  The  Managing
Director  attends  Committee  meetings  by invitation.
The Committee oversees the adequacy of the overall
internal  control 
internal  audit
functions  within  the  Group  and  their  relationship  to
external audit.

functions  and 

the 

current 

policies 

accounting 

ensure
relevant

In carrying out these functions, the Committee:
reviews  the  financial  statements  and  reports  of
the Group;
to 
reviews 
compliance  with 
laws, 
regulations and accounting standards;
reviews,  as  necessary,  the  policy  in  relation  to
internal  audit  services  within  the  Group  and
reviews internal audit plans for Group members;
reviews  reports  from  external  auditors  and  the
Group’s internal auditor; and
conducts  any  investigations  relating  to  financial
matters,  records,  accounts  and  reports  which  it
considers appropriate.
The  Committee  regularly  considers, 

the
absence of management and the external auditor, the
quality  of  the  information  received  by  the  Committee
and, 
financial  statements,
the 
discusses with management and the external auditor:

in  considering 

in 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

38

Ethical Standards

• 

• 

The  Bank  has  adopted  a  Statement  of
Professional  Practice  which  sets  standards  of
behaviour required including:
• 

to  act  properly  and  efficiently  in  pursuing  the
objectives of the Bank;
to  avoid  situations  which  may  give  rise  to  a
conflict of interests;
to  know  and  adhere  to 
Employment Opportunity policy and programs;
to  maintain  confidentiality  in  the  affairs  of  the
Bank and its customers; and
to  be  absolutely  honest 
activities.
These standards are regularly communicated to
staff.  In  addition,  the  Bank  has  established  insider
trading guidelines for staff to ensure that unpublished
price  sensitive  information  about  the  Bank  or  any
other company is not used in an illegal manner.

in  all  professional

the  Bank’s  Equal

• 

• 

The  restrictions  imposed  by  law  on  dealings  by
directors  in  the  securities  of  the  Bank  have  been
supplemented  by  the  Board  of  Directors  adopting
guidelines  which  further  limit  any  such  dealings  by
directors,  their  spouses,  any  dependent  child,  family

company and family trust. The guidelines provide, that
in addition to the requirement that directors not deal in
the  securities  of  the  Bank  or  any  related  company
when  they  have  or  may  be  perceived  as  having
relevant  unpublished  price  sensitive 
information,
directors  are  only  permitted  to  deal  within  certain
periods.  These  periods  include  between  3 and  30
days  after  the  announcement  of  half  yearly  and  final
results  and  from  3  days  after  release  of  the  Annual
Report  until  30  days  after 
the  Annual  General
Meeting. Further, the guidelines require that directors
not deal on the basis of considerations of a short term
nature or to the extent of trading in those securities.

Non  executive  directors  are  not  entitled  to

participate in current employee share plans.

In  accordance  with  the  Constitution  and  the
Corporations Law, directors disclose to the Board any
material contract in which they may have an interest.
In  compliance  with  Section  232A  of  the  Corporations
Law any director with a material personal interest in a
matter  being  considered  by  the  Board  will  not  be
present when the matter is being considered and will
not vote on the matter.

39

Directors’ Report

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

The  Directors  of  the  Commonwealth  Bank  of
Australia  submit 
the
their  report, 
financial  statements  of  the  Commonwealth  Bank  of
Australia (the Bank) and of the Group, being the Bank
and 
the  year  ended
30 June 1999.

its  controlled  entities, 

together  with 

for 

The names of the Directors holding office during
the financial year and until the date of this  report  are
set  out  below  together  with  details  of  Directors’
experience, qualifications, special responsibilities and
organisations  in  which  each  of  the  Directors  has
declared an interest.

M A (Tim) Besley, AO. Chairman
Mr  Besley  has  been  Chairman  and  a  member  of  the
Board since 1988. He holds Bachelor degrees in Civil
Engineering  and  Legal  Studies  and  has  forty  six
years’  experience  in  engineering,  finance  and  public
service. Mr Besley is Chairman of the Remuneration,
Risk and Nominations Committees.
Chairman: Leighton Holdings Limited.
Director: O’Connell Street Associates Pty Ltd.
Other  Interests:  Macquarie  University  (Chancellor),
Australian  Academy  of  Technological  Sciences  and
Engineering  (President),  Australian  National  Gallery
Foundation  (Council  of  Governors),  Legacy  Torch
Bearers Committee (Member), Salvation Army - NSW
Advisory  Board  and  Red  Shield  Appeal  Committee
(Member),  Royal  Botanic  Gardens  Sydney
Foundation (Trustee), Sir Ian McLennan Achievement
for  Industry  Award  (Trustee),  and  World  Vision  of
Australia Board of Reference (Member). Mr Besley is
a resident of New South Wales. Age 72.

John T Ralph, AO. Deputy Chairman
Mr  Ralph  has  been  a  member  of  the  Board  since
1985  and  is  Chairman  of  the  Audit  Committee  and
member  of the Nominations  Committee.  He 
is  a
Fellow of the Australian Society of Certified Practicing
forty  seven  years’
Accountants  and  has  over 
experience in the mining and finance industries.
Chairman:  Foster’s  Brewing  Group  Limited  and
Pacific Dunlop Limited.
Deputy Chairman: Telstra Corporation Limited.
Director:  Pioneer 
Limited.
Other 
Interests:  Melbourne  University  Business
School  (Board  of  Management),  The  Queen’s  Trust
for Young Australians (National Chairman), Australian
(Chairman),  Australian
Foundation 
Institute of Company Directors (Fellow), and Advisory
Council  of  The  Global  Foundation 
(Member).
Mr Ralph is a resident of Victoria. Age 66.

International  Limited  and  BHP

for  Science 

David V Murray, Managing Director
Mr  Murray  has  been  a  member  of  the  Board  and
Managing  Director  since June 1992.  He  holds  a
Bachelor  of  Business  and  Master  of  Business
Administration  and  has  thirty  three  years’  experience
in  banking.  Mr  Murray 
the
Remuneration, Risk and Nominations Committees.

is  a  member  of 

40

Life 
Services 

Commonwealth 
Investment 

Limited,
Chairman: 
Commonwealth 
Limited,
Commonwealth  Insurance  Limited,  Commonwealth
Custodial Services Limited and Commonwealth Funds
Management Limited.
Director: International Monetary Conference.
Other 
Interests:  Asian  Bankers’  Association
(Member), Australian Bankers’ Association (Member),
Asian  Pacific  Bankers’  Club  (Member),  Australian
Coalition  of  Service  Industries  (Member),  Australian
Institute  of  Banking  and  Finance 
(President),
Business  Council  of  Australia 
(Member),  World
Economic  Forum  (Member),  St Mary’s  Cathedral
Appeals Committee (Chairman), Macquarie University
Graduate  School  of  Management  (Advisory  Board),
General  Motors  Australian  Advisory  Council
(Member),  APEC  Business  Advisory  Council
(Member)  and  Financial  Sector  Advisory  Council
(Member).  Mr  Murray  is  a  resident  of  New  South
Wales. Age 50.

Limited 

N R (Ross) Adler, AO
Mr Adler has been a member of the Board since 1990
and is a member of the Remuneration Committee. He
holds  a  Bachelor  of  Commerce  and  a  Master  of
Business  Administration.  Mr  Adler 
is  currently
Managing  Director  of  Santos  Limited.  He  has
experience 
in  various  commercial  enterprises,
more recently in the oil and gas industry.
Director:  QCT  Resources  Limited  Group  Companies,
Santos 
(Group)  Companies,  Telstra
Corporation Limited,  Australian  Institute  of  Petroleum
Limited,  Shelrey  Pty  Ltd,  South  Blackwater  Coal
Limited and Tereny Investments Pty Ltd.
Interests:  Art  Gallery  of  South  Australia
Other 
(Chairman),  National  Institute  of  Labour  Studies,
Flinders  University  of  South  Australia  (Governor),
University  of  Adelaide  (Council  Member),  Business
Council  of  Australia  (Member),  Corporations  and
Securities Panel  (Member) and  Australian  Institute  of
Company  Directors  (Member).  Mr  Adler  is  a  resident
of South Australia. Age 54.

Anna C Booth
Ms  Booth  has  been  a  member  of  the  Board  since
1990  and  is  a  member  of  the  Risk  Committee.  She
holds  a  Bachelor  of  Economics  (Hons)  and  has
seventeen  years’  experience  in  the  trade  union
movement  and  most  recently  as  General  Manager
Corporate  Communications  of  the  Sydney  Harbour
Casino.
Director: Ausflag Limited.
Other Interests: Tourism Council of Australia (National
Councillor),  Shopping  Centres  Council  of  Australia
(Special Advisor), Breast Cancer Institute of Australia
(Member),  Sydney
Research 
Organising  Committee 
the  Olympic  Games
Labour  Management  Studies
(Member) 
(Fellow).
Foundation  of  Macquarie  University 
Ms Booth is a resident of New South Wales. Age 43.

for  Life  Appeal 

and 

for 

in 

Reg J Clairs, AO
Mr  Clairs  has  been  a  member  of  the  Board  since
1 March  1999.  He  has  thirty  three  years’  extensive
experience 
retailing,  branding  and  customer
service. Mr Clairs is currently a board member of the
Royal Children’s  Hospital Foundation of  Queensland,
Chairman  and  a  foundation  member  of  the  Prime
Minister’s  Supermarket  to  Asia  Council.  He  is  also
Deputy Chairman  of  Woolstock  Australia  Limited and
a  director  to  the  Boards  of  David  Jones  Ltd  and
Howard  Smith  Ltd.  Mr  Clairs 
is  a  resident  of
Queensland. Age 61.

in 

the  media 

is  a  member  of 

Ken E Cowley, AO
Mr  Cowley  has  been  a  member  of  the  Board  since
September  1997  and 
the
Remuneration  Committee.  He  has  thirty  three  years’
industry,  having  been
experience 
since  1976  and
Director  of  News  Limited 
that
until July 1997,  was  Executive  Chairman  of 
company.
Chairman:  PMP  Communications  Limited,  R  M
Williams  Holdings  Limited,  Ansett  New  Zealand
International  Limited,  Melbourne
Limited,  Ansett 
Storm  Football  Club  Pty  Ltd  and  Nardell  Coal
Corporation.
Director: The News Corporation Limited, Independent
Newspapers  Limited,  Ansett  Australia  Limited  and
Foxtel Management Pty Limited.
Other Interests: Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame &
Outback Heritage Centre NSW (Chairman) and Royal
Agricultural  Society  (Councillor).  Mr  Cowley  is  a
resident of New South Wales. Age 64.

John M Schubert
Dr  Schubert  has  been  a  member  of  the  Board  since
1991  and  is  a  member  of  the  Audit  and  Risk
Committees. He holds a Bachelor Degree and PhD in
Chemical  Engineering  and  has  experience  in  the
petroleum,  mining  and  building  materials  industries.
Dr Schubert is currently Managing Director and Chief
Executive Officer of Pioneer International Limited.
Director: Australian  Graduate  School  of  Management
Ltd.
Other  Interests:  Academy  of  Technological  Science
(Fellow).
Dr  Schubert  is  a  resident  of  New  South  Wales.
Age 56.

Graham H Slee, AM
Mr Slee was a member of the Board from 1986 and a
member  of  the  Risk  Committee  until  his  retirement
from  the  Board  on  28  February  1999.  He  holds  a
Bachelor  of  Mechanical  Engineering  and  has  thirty
seven  years’  experience 
in  engineering  and
manufacturing industries.
Chairman:  McNee  Holdings  Pty  Limited  and  Sheet
Metal Supplies Pty Ltd. Mr  Slee  is  a  resident  of  New
South Wales. Age 62.

is  a  member  of 

Frank J Swan
the  Board
Mr  Swan  has  been  a  member  of 
since July 1997  and 
the  Risk
Committee.  He  holds  a  Bachelor  of  Science  degree
and  has  twenty  three  years’  senior  management
experience in the food and beverage industries.
Director: Foster’s Brewing Group Limited and National
Foods  Limited.  Mr  Swan  is  a  resident  of  Victoria.
Age 58.

Barbara K Ward
Ms Ward has been a member of the Board since 1994
and is a member of the Audit Committee. She holds a
Bachelor  of  Economics  and  Master  of  Political
Economy  and  has  six  years’  experience  in  policy
development  and  public  administration  as  a  senior
ministerial adviser and twelve years’ experience in the
transport  and  aviation  industries,  most  recently  as
Chief  Executive  of  Ansett  Worldwide  Aviation
Services. Since 1998, she has pursued a career as a
company director.
Chairman: HWW Limited.
Director: Delta Electricity, Rail Services Australia, and
Data Advantage Limited.
Other Interests: Sydney Opera House Trust (Trustee)
and  Australia  Day  Council  of  New  South  Wales
(Member).
Ms Ward is a resident of New South Wales. Age 45.

41

Directors’ Report

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Directors’ Meetings
The number of Directors’ meetings (including meetings of committees of Directors) and number of meetings attended
by each of the Directors of the Commonwealth Bank during the financial year were:

DIRECTOR

M A Besley
J T Ralph
D V Murray
N R Adler
A C Booth
R J Clairs ##
K E Cowley
J M Schubert
G H Slee #
F J Swan
B K Ward

DIRECTORS’ MEETINGS

No. of Meetings
Held*

No. of Meetings
Attended

13
13
13
13
13
4
13
13
9
13
13

13
13
13
10
13
2
12
12
9
12
13

The number of meetings held during the time the Director held office during the year.
Mr Slee retired 28 February 1999

*
#
## Mr Clairs was appointed Director 1 March 1999

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Risk Committee

Audit Committee

Remuneration Committee

No. of Meetings
Held *

No. of Meetings
Attended

No. of Meetings
Held *

No. of Meetings
Attended

No. of Meetings
Held *

No. of Meetings
Attended

M A Besley
J T Ralph
D V Murray
N R Adler
A C Booth ♦
K E Cowley (cid:1)
J M Schubert (cid:2)
G H Slee #
F J Swan
B K Ward

9

9

3

3
6
9

9

9

3

3
6
8

4

4

4

4

4

4

6

6
6
5
1

6

6
6
5
1

Nominations Committee

No. of Meetings
Held *

No. of Meetings
Attended

M A Besley
J T Ralph
D V Murray

5
5
5

5
5
5

*
#
♦

The number of meetings held during the time the Director was a member of the relevant committee.
Mr Slee retired as Director 28 February 1999.
Ms Booth moved from Remuneration Committee to Risk Committee on 1 March 1999.
Mr Cowley was appointed to Remuneration Committee on 1 March 1999.
Dr Schubert was appointed to Risk Committee on 1 March 1999.

42

(cid:1)
(cid:2)
Principal Activities

The  principal  activities  of  the  Commonwealth

Bank Group during the financial year were:

for  marketing 

Banking  &  Financial  Services  Division  – 

is
responsible 
product
development and brand management for the retail and
small  and  medium  business  segments.  The  Division
focuses  on  assessing  customer  needs  and  servicing
those 
funds
management and related products and services.

insurance, 

services, 

banking, 

needs 

for 

Customer  Service  Division  –  provides  quality
sales  and  service  to  the  Bank’s  customers  and  is
focused  on  managing  the  branch,  agency  networks
and  electronic  delivery  such  as  ATM,  EFTPOS,
telephone and direct/online services.

Institutional  Banking  –  provides  corporate  and
general  banking, 
financing  (including
international 
trade and project financing),  merchant  and  investment
banking  and  stockbroking. 
Institutional  Banking
maintains  banking 
relationships  with  1,000  of
Australasia’s  largest  corporations,  government  bodies
and other major institutions.

Technology Operations and Property –  facilitates
the  delivery  of  current  and 
Information
Technology  and  Telecommunication  services  for  the
Bank,  provides  a  full  service  transaction  processing
function,  and
and  back  office/operation  support 
manages  the  property  investment  and  corporate  real
estate services of the Bank.

future 

Financial  and  Risk  Management  –  provides
integrated  financial,  risk  and  capital  management
services to support the activities of the Bank.

ASB  Group  Limited  –  75%  owned  by 
the
Commonwealth  Bank,  provides  personal,  business,
corporate and rural banking and life insurance services
in New Zealand.

The only significant change in these activities was
the  acquisition  within  the  ASB  Group  Limited  in
December 1998 of Sovereign  Limited, a  New  Zealand
life  insurance  company,  for  $205 million.  There  has
been no other significant change in the nature of these
activities during the year.

Consolidated Profit

Consolidated  operating  profit  after 

tax  and
outside  equity  interests  for  the  financial  year  ended
30 June  1999  was  $1,422  million  (1998:  $1,090
million).  There  were  no  abnormal  items  for  the  year
ended 30 June 1999.

The  1998  result  was  affected  by  a  number  of
abnormal  items,  including  an  abnormal  expense  for
restructuring  costs  of  $128 million  after  tax  related  to
rationalisation  of  processing  and  administration
functions,  implementation  of  a  new  organisational
structure  and  reconfiguration  of  delivery  systems.
Further  with  effect  from  1  January  1998  the  general
provision for bad and doubtful debts is assessed using
a  statistical  dynamic  provisioning  methodology.  An
abnormal  expense  for  bad  and  doubtful  debts  of
$370 million  in  1998  in  this  regard  was  charged  to
profit  and  loss.  Following  this  change  in  general
provisioning  methodology  the  general  provision  was

income 

tax  effected  resulting  in  an  abnormal  tax  credit  of
$337 million.  The  1999  consolidated  operating  profit
before  abnormal 
tax  was
items  and 
$2,160 million  (1998: $1,912 million).  The  1999  result
represents  a  13%  increase  over  the  prior  year  on  a
before abnormal items basis. The principal contributing
factors  to  this  increase  were  a  growth  in  net  interest
income  reflecting  a  13%  growth  in  lending  assets
together  with  growth  in  commissions,  life  insurance
and funds management income and trading income.

Dividends

The  Directors  have  declared  a  fully  franked
(at 36%)  final  dividend  of  66  cents  per  share
amounting  to  $605 million.  The  dividend  will  be
payable  on  30  September  1999.  Dividends  paid
since the end of the previous financial year:
• 

as  provided  for  in  last  year’s  report,  a  fully
franked  final  dividend  of  58  cents  per  share
amounting 
to  $535 million  was  paid  on
30 September  1998.  The  payment  comprised
cash  disbursements  of  $310 million  with
$225 million  being  reinvested  by  participants
through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan; and
in  respect  of  the  current  year,  a  fully  franked
interim dividend of 49 cents per share amounting
to  $458 million  was  paid  on  26 March  1999.  The
payment  comprised  cash  disbursements  of
$258 million with $200 million being reinvested by
participants  through  the  Dividend  Reinvestment
Plan.

• 

Review of Operations

An analysis of operations for the financial year is

set out in the Review of Operations on page 4.

Changes in State of Affairs

The Bank’s shareholders’ equity was  reduced  by
the

$650 million  on  24 March  1999  pursuant 
buyback of 27.4 million shares.

to 

There  were  no  other  significant  changes  in  the

state of affairs of the Group during the financial year.

Events Subsequent to Balance Date

Other  than  the  acquisition  of  Credit  Lyonnais
Holding  Australia  Limited  in July 1999,  referred  to  in
Note  1  to  the  Financial  Report,  the  Directors  are  not
aware  of  any  other  matter  or  circumstance  that  has
occurred  since  the  end  of  the  financial  year  that  has
significantly  affected  or  may  significantly  affect  the
operations of the Group, the results of those operations
or  the  state  of  affairs  of  the  Group  in  subsequent
financial years.

Future Developments and Results

Major  developments  which  may  affect 
the
operations  of  the  Group  in  subsequent  financial  years
are referred to in the Review of Operations on page 4.
In the opinion of the Directors, disclosure of any further
information on likely developments in operations would
be  unreasonably  prejudicial  to  the  interests  of  the
Group.

43

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

the  Court  grants  relief  to  the  person  under  the
Corporations Law, provided that the director, officer or
employee  has  obtained  the  company’s  prior  written
approval  (which  shall  not  be  unreasonably  withheld)
to  incur  the  costs  and  expenses  in relation  to  the
proceedings’.

The  Corporations  Law  (Section  241)  prohibits  a
company from indemnifying directors, secretaries and
executive officers against a liability:
• 

except for  liability  to  another person  (other than
the company or a related body corporate) unless
the liability arises out of conduct involving a lack
of good faith; and
except  for  a  liability  for  costs  and  expenses
incurred  in  defending  proceedings  in  which  the
person is successful.
indemnity 
An 

for  employees,  who  are  not
directors,  secretaries  or  executive  officers,  is  not
expressly  restricted  in  any  way  by  the  Corporations
Law.

• 

The  Directors,  as  named  on  pages  40  to  41  of
this report, and the Secretaries of the Commonwealth
Bank,  being  J  D  Hatton  (Secretary)  and  K  G  Bourke
(Assistant Company Secretary) are indemnified under
Article  19  as  are  all  the  executive  officers  and
employees of the Commonwealth Bank.

Deeds  of  Indemnity  have  been  executed  by
Commonwealth  Bank  in  terms  of  Article  19  above  in
favour of each director.

Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance

the
The  Commonwealth  Bank  has,  during 
financial  year,  paid  an  insurance  premium  in  respect
of an insurance policy for the benefit of those named
the  directors,  secretaries,  executive
above  and 
officers  and  employees  of  any 
related  bodies
corporate  as  defined  in  the  insurance  policy.  The
insurance grants indemnity against liabilities permitted
to  be  indemnified  by  the  company  under  Section
241A(1) of the Corporations Law. In  accordance  with
commercial  practice,  the  insurance  policy  prohibits
disclosure  of  the  terms  of  the  policy  including  the
nature  of  the  liability  insured against  and  the  amount
of the premium.

Directors’ and other Officers’ Emoluments

Details  of  the  Bank’s  remuneration  policy  in
respect  of  the  Directors  and  executives  is  set  out
under 
the
‘Corporate Governance’ section of this report.

‘Remuneration  Arrangements’  within 

Details on emoluments paid to each director are
detailed in Note 43 of the Financial Report. Details on
emoluments  paid  to  the  executive  director  and  the
other  five  most  highest  paid  executive  officers  of  the
Bank  and  the  Group  are  disclosed  in  Note  44  of  the
Financial Report.

Directors’ Report

Environmental Regulation

The  Bank  and  its  controlled  entities  are  not
subject  to  any  particular  or  significant  environmental
regulation  under  a  law  of  the  Commonwealth  or  of  a
State or Territory.

Directors’ Shareholdings

Particulars of shares in the Commonwealth Bank
or  in  a  related  body  corporate  are  set  out  in  a
separate  section  at  the  end  of  the  Financial  Report
titled 
to  be
regarded as contained in this report.

Information’  which 

‘Shareholding 

is 

Options

An  Executive  Option  Plan  was  approved  by
shareholders  at  the  Annual  General  Meeting  on
8 October  1996.  On  30 September  1998,  the  Bank
granted  options  over  3,275,000  unissued  ordinary
shares  to  32  executives  under  the  Executive  Option
Plan.  On  31  May  1999,  26,000  shares  were  allotted
consequent  to  an  exercise  of  options  granted  under
the  Plan.  Full  details  of  the  Plan  are  disclosed  in
Note 28 to the Financial Statements.

The  names  of  persons  who  currently  hold
options  in  the  Plan  are  entered  in  the  register  of
options kept by the Bank pursuant to Section 216C of
the Corporations Law. The register may be inspected
free of charge.

For  details  of  the  options  granted  to  a  director,
refer  to  the  separate  section  at  the  end  of  the
Financial  Report 
Information’
which is to be regarded as contained in this report.

‘Shareholding 

titled 

Directors’ Interests in Contracts

A  number  of  Directors  have  given  written
notices,  stating  that  they  hold  office  in  specified
companies  and  accordingly  are  to  be  regarded  as
having  an 
in  any  contract  or proposed
contract that may be made between the Bank and any
of those companies.

interest 

Directors’ and Officers’ Indemnity

Article  19  of 

the  Commonwealth  Bank’s
Constitution provides: ‘To the extent permitted by law,
the  company  indemnifies  every  director,  officer  and
employee of the company against any liability incurred
by that person (a) in his or her capacity as a director,
officer  or  employee  of  the  company  and  (b)  to  a
person  other  than  the  company  or  a  related  body
corporate  of  the  company.  The  company  indemnifies
every  director,  officer  and  employee  of  the  company
against  any  liability  for  costs  and  expenses  incurred
by  the  person  in  his  or  her  capacity  as a  director,
officer  or  employee  of  the  company  (a)  in  defending
any  proceedings,  whether  civil  or  criminal,  in  which
judgment  is  given  in  favour  of  the  person or in  which
the  person  is  acquitted  or  (b)  in  connection  with  an
application,  in  relation  to  such  proceedings,  in  which

44

Incorporation of Additional Material

This  report  incorporates  the  Review  of  Operations,  Corporate  Governance  and  Shareholding  Information

sections of this Annual Report.

Roundings

The  amounts  contained  in  this  report  and  the  financial  statements  have  been  rounded  to  the  nearest million

dollars unless otherwise stated, under the option available to the Company under ASIC Class Order 98/100.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.

M A Besley AO
Chairman

11 August 1999

D V Murray
Managing Director

45

Selected Financial Data for Five Years

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

1999
$M

1998
$M

1997
$M

1996
$M

1995
$M

3,527
1,997
5,524
247
3,117
2,160
-

714
-
1,446
24
1,422

1,143
104
68
1,315
122
56
1,493
(47)
(24)
1,422
-
1,422

3,397
1,833
5,230
233
3,085
1,912
(570)

641
(409)
1,110
20
1,090

1,096
98
(30)
1,164
87
66
1,317
(46)
(20)
1,251
(161)
1,090

3,392
1,489
4,881
98
2,967
1,816
(200)

588
(72)
1,100
22
1,078

1,028
85
21
1,134
75
62
1,271
(43)
(22)
1,206
(128)
1,078

3,397
1,355
4,752
113
2,863
1,776
-

635
-
1,141
22
1,119

984
71
20
1,075
59
48
1,182
(41)
(22)
1,119
-
1,119

3,164
1,340
4,504
182
2,799
1,523
-

493
28
1,002
19
983

907
63
(2)
968
49
52
1,069
(39)
(19)
1,011
(28)
983

101,837
138,096
93,428
131,134
6,735
6,471
99,556
114,271
103,130

89,816
130,544
83,886
123,655
6,712
6,358
94,431
102,165
91,650

81,632
120,103
77,880
113,079
6,846
6,450
86,468
96,163
85,296

70,042
109,285
71,381
101,918
7,190
6,793
77,246
84,770
74,879

62,707
102,774
67,824
96,079
6,568
6,087
70,383
78,461
69,300

115,510
13,046
9,540
138,096

110,120
10,846
9,578
130,544

101,202
9,994
8,907
120,103

92,456
7,903
8,926
109,285

86,191
6,986
9,597
102,774

Profit and Loss
Net interest income
Other operating income
Total operating income
Charge for bad and doubtful debts
Total operating expenses (including goodwill)
Operating profit before abnormal items and income tax expense
Abnormal items
Income tax expense (credit)
  Operating profit before abnormal items
  Abnormal items
Operating profit after income tax
Outside equity interests
Operating profit after income tax attributable to shareholders

Contributions to profit
Banking
  Australia
  New Zealand (ASB Bank)
  Other countries

Life insurance and funds management
Finance
Profit on operations
Goodwill amortisation
Outside equity interests
Operating profit after income tax before abnormal items
Abnormal expense (after income tax)
Operating profit after income tax and abnormal items

Balance sheet
Loans, advances and other receivables
Total assets
Deposits and other public borrowings
Total liabilities
Shareholders’ equity
Net tangible assets
Risk weighted assets
Average interest earning assets
Average interest bearing liabilities
Assets (on balance sheet)
  Australia
  New Zealand
  Other
Total Assets

46

Shareholder Summary
Dividends per share (cents) - fully franked
Dividends provided for, reserved or paid ($million)
Dividend cover (times)
Earnings per share (cents)
  before abnormal items
  after abnormal items
Dividend payout ratio (%) (1)
  before abnormal items
  after abnormal items
Net tangible assets per share ($)
Weighted average number of shares (basic)
Number of shareholders
Share prices for the year ($)
  Trading high
  Trading low
  End (closing price)

Performance Ratios (%)
Return on average shareholders’ equity (2)
  before abnormal items
  after abnormal items
Return on average total assets (2)
  before abnormal items
  after abnormal items
Capital adequacy - Tier 1
Capital adequacy - Tier 2
Deductions
Capital adequacy - Total
Net interest margin

Other Information (numbers)
Full time staff
Part time staff
Full time staff equivalent
Branches/service centres (Australia)
Agencies (Australia)
ATMs
EFTPOS terminals

Productivity
Total Operating Income per full time (equivalent) employee ($)
Staff Expense/Total Operating Income (%)
Total Operating Expenses (3) /Total Operating Income (%)

(1) 

(2) 

Dividends per share divided by earnings per share.
Calculations  based  on  operating  profit  after  tax  and
average
outside  equity 
shareholders’ equity/average total assets.

interests 

applied 

to 

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

 115
 1,063
 1.3

 104
 955
 1.1

 102
 941
 1.1

 90
 832
 1.3

 82
 772
 1.3

 153.4
 153.4

 134.5
 117.2

 131.2
 117.2

 115.2
 115.2

 109.2
 106.2

 75.0
 75.0
 6.82
927m

75.1
77.2
 6.28
924m
 404,728  419,926  426,229  275,204  274,247

78.1
78.1
 6.68
969m

77.7
 87.0
 6.74
917m

 77.3
 88.7
 6.70
930m

 28.76
 18.00
 24.05

 19.66
 13.70
 18.84

 16.00
 9.93
 16.00

 12.05
 9.20
 10.46

 9.58
 7.05
 9.33

 20.54
 20.54

 18.48
 16.10

 18.16
 16.39

 16.27
 16.27

 16.13
 15.69

 1.06
 1.06
 7.05
 3.12
(0.79)
 9.38
 3.09

 1.01
 0.87
 8.07
 2.82
(0.40)
 10.49
 3.33

 1.05
 0.94
 8.64
 2.82
(0.57)
 10.89
 3.53

 1.06
 1.06
 10.05
 2.97
(0.31)
 12.71
 4.01

 1.04
 1.01
 10.25
 1.30
(0.40)
 11.15
 4.03

 26,394
 6,655
 28,964
 1,162
 3,934
 2,602
 90,152

 28,034
 6,968
 30,743
 1,218
 4,015
 2,501
 83,038

 30,566
 7,364
 33,543
 1,334
 4,205
 2,301
 63,370

 31,455
 7,964
 34,518
 1,390
 4,214
 2,113
 43,703

 31,333
 7,602
 34,383
 1,474
 4,282
 1,643
 20,250

 190,720  170,120  145,515  137,667  130,995
 33.8
 61.3

 33.3
 59.4

 29.0
 55.6

 31.0
 58.1

 34.0
 59.9

(3) 

Total  Operating  Expenses  excluding  goodwill
amortisation.

47

Financial Statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Statements of Profit and Loss ...............................................................................................................................49
Balance Sheets .......................................................................................................................................................50
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity .........................................................................51
Statements of Cash Flows .....................................................................................................................................52
Notes to and Forming Part of the Accounts.........................................................................................................53
1  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies......................................................................................................53
2  Operating Profit .................................................................................................................................................61
3  Average Balance Sheet and Related Interest....................................................................................................63
4  Abnormal Items .................................................................................................................................................66
5 
Income Tax Expense .........................................................................................................................................67
6  Dividends, Provided For, Reserved or Paid.......................................................................................................68
7  Earnings Per Share ...........................................................................................................................................68
8  Cash and Liquid Assets .....................................................................................................................................69
9  Receivables from Other Financial Institutions ...................................................................................................69
10  Trading Securities .............................................................................................................................................69
11 
Investment Securities  .......................................................................................................................................70
12  Loans, Advances and Other Receivables..........................................................................................................73
13  Provisions for Impairment ..................................................................................................................................75
14  Credit Risk Concentrations ................................................................................................................................80
15  Asset Quality .....................................................................................................................................................87
16  Deposits with Regulatory Authorities .................................................................................................................93
17  Shares in and Loans to Controlled Entities........................................................................................................93
18  Property, Plant and Equipment..........................................................................................................................93
19  Goodwill.............................................................................................................................................................94
20  Other Assets......................................................................................................................................................94
21  Deposits and Other Public Borrowings ..............................................................................................................94
22  Payables to Other Financial Institutions.............................................................................................................95
Income Tax Liability...........................................................................................................................................95
23 
24  Other Provisions ................................................................................................................................................95
25  Debt Issues........................................................................................................................................................96
26  Bills Payable and Other Liabilities .....................................................................................................................98
27  Loan Capital ......................................................................................................................................................99
28  Share Capital...................................................................................................................................................100
29  Outside Equity Interests...................................................................................................................................102
30  Capital Adequacy ............................................................................................................................................103
31  Maturity Analysis of Monetary Assets and Liabilities .......................................................................................105
32  Financial Reporting by Segments....................................................................................................................107
33  Remuneration of Auditors ................................................................................................................................110
34  Commitments for Capital Expenditure Not Provided for in the Accounts .........................................................110
35  Lease Commitments - Property, Plant and Equipment....................................................................................110
36  Contingent Liabilities........................................................................................................................................111
37  Market Risk......................................................................................................................................................113
38  Superannuation Commitments ........................................................................................................................126
39  Controlled Entities ...........................................................................................................................................127
40 
Investments in Associated Entities ..................................................................................................................129
41  Standby Arrangements and Unused Credit Facilities ......................................................................................129
42  Related Party Disclosures ...............................................................................................................................130
43  Remuneration of Directors...............................................................................................................................132
44  Remuneration of Executives............................................................................................................................133
45  Statements of Cash Flows...............................................................................................................................136
46  Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments ....................................................................................137
47  Differences between Australian and United States Accounting Principles.......................................................140
Directors’ Declaration ..........................................................................................................................................151
Independent Audit Report....................................................................................................................................152
Shareholder Information ......................................................................................................................................153

48

Statements of Profit & Loss
For the year ended 30 June 1999

Interest income
Interest expense
Net interest income
Other operating income
Total operating income
Charge for bad and doubtful debts
Total operating income after charge for bad and doubtful debts
Total operating expenses
Operating profit before goodwill amortisation, abnormal
items and income tax
Goodwill amortisation
Operating profit before abnormal items and income tax
Abnormal expense
Operating profit before income tax
Income tax expense (credit)
  Operating profit
  Abnormal items
Income tax expense
Operating profit after income tax
Outside equity interests in operating profit after income tax

Operating profit after income tax attributable to
members of the Bank
Retained profits at the beginning of the financial year
Adjustment on adoption of ISC Life Insurance Rules
Buyback
Transfers from reserves
Total available for appropriation
Transfers to reserves
Dividends (fully franked)
  Transfer to dividend reinvestment plan reserve
  Provided for payment in cash or paid
Dividends provided for, reserved or paid
Retained profits at the end of the financial year

Earnings per share based on operating profit after
income tax attributable to members of the Bank:
Dividends provided for, reserved or paid per share attributable
to members of the Bank:

1999
$M

7,745
4,218
3,527
1,997
5,524
247
5,277
3,070

2,207
47
2,160
-
2,160

714
-
714
1,446
24

1,422
755
-
(404)
1,087
2,860
99

316
747
1,063
1,698

G R O U P

1997
$M

7,989
4,597
3,392
1,489
4,881
98
4,783
2,924

1,859
43
1,816
200
1,616

588
(72)
516
1,100
22

1,078
794
(11)
-
74
1,935
86

419
522
941
908

1998
$M

7,605
4,208
3,397
1,833
5,230
233
4,997
3,039

1,958
46
1,912
570
1,342

641
(409)
232
1,110
20

1,090
908
-
(384)
170
1,784
74

403
552
955
755

1999
$M

6,352
3,451
2,901
2,161
5,062
78
4,984
2,755

2,229
39
2,190
-
2,190

645
-
645
1,545
-

1,545
216
-
(404)
1,001
2,358
-

316
747
1,063
1,295

B A N K

1998
$M

6,012
3,227
2,785
1,639
4,424
224
4,200
2,611

1,589
39
1,550
570
980

506
(409)
97
883
-

883
472
-
(384)
200
1,171
-

403
552
955
216

Cents per share

 153.4

 117.2

 117.2

 115.0

 104.0

 102.0

Note

2
2
2
2
2
2,13

2

2
2
4

5
4
5

39

1(oo)

6

7

6

The Notes to and forming part of the accounts are an integral part of these accounts.

49

Balance Sheets
As at 30 June 1999

Assets
Cash and liquid assets
Receivables due from other financial institutions
Trading securities
Investment securities
Loans, advances and other receivables
Bank acceptances of customers
Deposits with regulatory authorities
Shares in and loans to controlled entities
Property, plant and equipment
Investment in associates
Goodwill
Other assets
Total Assets

Liabilities
Deposits and other public borrowings
Payables due to other financial institutions
Bank acceptances
Due to controlled entities
Provision for dividend
Income tax liability
Other provisions
Debt issues
Bills payable and other liabilities

Loan Capital
Total Liabilities

Net Assets

Shareholders’ Equity
  Share Capital
  Reserves
  Retained profits
Shareholders’ equity attributable to members of the Bank
Outside equity interests in controlled entities
Total Shareholders’ Equity

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

G R O U P

1998
$M

1999
$M

1999
$M

B A N K

1998
$M

Note

8
9
10
11
12

16
17
18
40
19
20

21
22

6
23
24
25
26

27

28

29

 1,814
 1,206
 4,708
 7,187
 101,837
 9,672
 953
                -
 1,001
 281
 491
 8,946
 138,096

 1,526
 3,448
 4,009
 6,858
 89,816
 9,727
 832
                -
 1,662
 276
 531
 11,859
 130,544

 93,428
 3,249
 9,672
                -
 472
 1,410
 805
 10,763
 8,507
 128,306
 2,828
 131,134

 83,886
 3,397
 9,727
                -
 321
 1,099
 875
 10,608
 10,746
 120,659
 2,996
 123,655

 1,746
 1,182
 3,251
 6,708
 82,952
 9,672
 952
 7,108
 796
 292
 451
 7,952
 123,062

 80,940
 2,886
 9,672
 4,276
 472
 897
 742
 6,340
 7,525
 113,750
 2,828
 116,578

 1,393
 3,205
 2,698
 5,949
 72,949
 9,737
 828
 5,583
 1,438
 278
 490
 11,402
 115,950

 72,944
 3,008
 9,737
 359
 321
 642
 830
 9,239
 10,234
 107,314
 2,996
 110,310

 6,962

 6,889

 6,484

 5,640

 3,526
 1,511
 1,698
 6,735
 227
 6,962

 1,845
 4,112
 755
 6,712

 3,526
 1,663
 1,295
 6,484
 177                 -
 6,484

 6,889

 1,845
 3,579
 216
 5,640
                -
 5,640

The Notes to and forming part of the accounts are an integral part of these accounts.

50

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
As at 30 June 1999

Issued and paid up capital
Opening balance
Transfer from share premium reserve
Buyback
Dividend reinvestment plan
Employee share ownership schemes
Issue costs
Closing balance
Retained profits
Opening balance
Adjustments to opening balance
Buyback
Transfers from reserves
Operating profit attributable to members of Bank
Total available for appropriation
Transfers to reserves
Interim dividend - cash component only
Interim dividend - appropriated to dividend reinvestment plan reserve
Provision for final dividend - cash component only
Final dividend - appropriated to dividend reinvestment plan reserve
Closing balance
Reserves
General Reserve
Opening balance
Appropriation from profits
Transfer to retained profits
Closing balance
Capital Reserve
Opening balance
Transfers from reserves
Closing balance
Asset Revaluation Reserve
Revaluation of investments
Transfers to capital reserve
Closing balance
Share Premium Reserve
Opening balance
Buyback
Premium from share issues
Employee share acquisition plan issue
Buyback costs and other adjustments
Transfer to capital reserve
Transfer to issued capital
Closing balance
Dividend Reinvestment Plan Reserve
Opening balance
Conversion to share capital
Appropriation from profits
Closing balance
Foreign Currency Translation Reserve
Opening balance
Currency translation adjustments
Transfer to retained profits
Closing balance

Note

28

1(oo)

G R O U P

1999
$M

1998
$M

1997
$M

1999
$M

1,845
1,499
(246)
426
5
(3)
3,526

755
-
(404)
1,087
1,422
2,860
99
275
183
472
133
1,698

1,860
-
(76)
57
4
-
1,845

908
-
(384)
170
1,090
1,784
74
231
189
321
214
755

1,981
-
(200)
74
5
-
1,860

794
(11)
-
74
1,078
1,935
86
231
180
291
239
908

1,845
1,499
(246)
426
5
(3)
3,526

216
-
(404)
1,001
1,545
2,358
-
275
183
472
133
1,295

B A N K

1998
$M

1,860
-
(76)
57
4
-
1,845

472
-
(384)
200
883
1,171
-
231
189
321
214
216

2,069
99
(1,088)
1,080

2,195
74
(200)
2,069

2,182
86
(73)
2,195

1,572
-
(1,002)
570

1,772
-
(200)
1,572

289
-
289

-
-
-

1,499
-
-
-
-
-
(1,499)
-

214
(397)
316
133

41
(33)
1
9

288
1
289

-
-
-

1,300
(191)
396
(3)
(2)
(1)
-
1,499

239
(428)
403
214

56
(45)
30
41

289
(1)
288

-
-
-

1,754
(801)
357
(5)
(5)
-
-
1,300

162
(342)
419
239

28
28
-
56

277
665
942

665
(665)
-

1,499
-
-
-
-
-
(1,499)
-

214
(397)
316
133

17
-
1
18

277
-
277

-
-
-

1,298
(191)
396
(3)
-
(1)
-
1,499

239
(428)
403
214

-
17
-
17

Total Reserves
Shareholders’ equity attributable to members of the Bank

1,511
6,735

4,112
6,712

4,078
6,846

1,663
6,484

3,579
5,640

The Notes to and forming part of the accounts are an integral part of these accounts.

51

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Statements of Cash Flows
For the year ended 30 June 1999

Cash Flow From Operating Activities
Interest received
Dividends received
Interest paid
Other operating income received
Staff expenses paid
Occupancy and equipment expenses paid
Information technology services expenses paid
Other expenses paid
Income taxes paid
Tax losses purchased from controlled entities
Net decrease (increase) in trading securities
Net Cash provided by Operating Activities

Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Payments for acquisition of entities
Net movement in investment securities:
  Purchases
  Proceeds from sale
  Proceeds at or close to maturity
Lodgment of deposits with regulatory authorities
Net increase  in loans, advances and other receivables
Net amounts paid to controlled entities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Net decrease (increase) in receivables due from other financial
institutions not at call
Net decrease (increase) in securities purchased under agreements
to resell
Net decrease (increase) in other assets
Net Cash used in Investing Activities

Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Buyback of shares
Proceeds from issue of shares
Net increase in deposits and other borrowings
Proceeds from long term debt issues
Repayment of long term debt issues
Net increase (decrease) in short term debt issues
Dividends paid
Payments from provisions
Net increase (decrease) in payables due to other financial
institutions not at call
Net increase (decrease) in securities sold under agreements to
repurchase
Proceeds from (repayment of) loan capital
Other
Net Cash provided by Financing Activities
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and Cash Equivalents at end of year

1999
$M

1998
$M

 7,796
 6
(4,071)
 1,972
(1,510)
(313)
(481)
(452)
(363)

 7,557
 18
(4,065)
 1,152
(1,705)
(289)
(503)
(416)
(216)
               -                -
(646)
 887

(408)
 2,176

G R O U P

1997
$M

 8,054
 18
(4,342)
 1,273
(1,614)
(310)
(251)
(364)
(629)
              -
 556
 2,391

1999
$M

 6,343
 584
(3,219)
 1,652
(1,353)
(279)
(456)
(358)
(292)
(40)
(209)
 2,373

B A N K

1998
$M

 6,084
 106
(3,187)
 769
(1,467)
(246)
(476)
(313)
(134)
(28)
(591)
 517

(196)                -

(66)

(196)

            -

(13,337)
 146
 11,993
(121)
(11,819)

(8,505)
 1,787
 8,681
(35)
(9,882)
               -                -
 196
(78)
 809

 652
(81)
 229

(8,887)
 1,172
 7,013
(86)
(11,353)
              -
 307
(180)
 750

(13,129)
 147
 12,305
(124)
(10,380)
 2,191
 640
(55)
 229

(7,981)
 1,666
 8,364
(42)
(8,190)
(184)
 167
(51)
 809

(465)

 347

 641

(465)

 347

(423)
(13,422)

 1,175
(5,505)

(432)
(11,121)

(694)
(9,531)

 1,118
(3,977)

(650)
 6
 9,476
 131
(118)
 386
(571)
(138)
(477)

(651)
 5
 6,683
 1,355
(1,230)
(970)
(502)
(10)
(869)

(1,001)
 12
 6,892
 1,414
(299)
 1,905
(452)
(59)
 325

(650)
 6
 9,367
 131
(118)
(2,762)
(568)
(110)
(477)

(651)
 3
 5,177
 1,290
(1,175)
(1,005)
(502)
(11)
(869)

(43)

(52)

(783)

(43)

(52)

(317)                -
(496)
 3,263
(1,355)
 3,318
 1,963

 1,041
 8,726
(2,520)
 1,963
(557)

              -
(207)
 7,747
(983)
 4,301
 3,318

(317)
 437
 4,896
(2,262)
 1,975
(287)

            -
(185)
 2,020
(1,440)
 3,415
 1,975

Details of Reconciliation of Cash and Reconciliation of Operating Profit After Income Tax to Net Cash Provided

by Operating Activities are provided in Note 45.

The Notes to and forming part of the accounts are an integral part of these accounts.
It should be noted that the Bank does not use this accounting Statement of Cash Flows in the internal

management of its liquidity positions.

52

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Bases of accounting

In this Financial Report Commonwealth Bank of
Australia  is  referred  to  as  the  ‘Bank’  or  ‘Company’,
and the ‘Group’ or the ‘Consolidated Entity’ consists of
the  Bank  and  its  controlled  entities.  The  Financial
Report  is  a general  purpose  financial  report  which
complies  with  the  requirements  of  the  Banking  Act,
Corporations  Law,  applicable  Accounting  Standards
and other mandatory reporting requirements so far as
the  requirements  are  considered  appropriate  to  a
banking corporation.

The  accounting  policies  applied  are  consistent
with  those  of  the  previous  year,  except  for  the
capitalisation  of  computer  software  costs,  refer  (u)
Other Assets below.

Further, in accordance with revised International
Accounting  Standard  IAS1,  Presentation  of  Financial
Statements,  certain  income  and  expense  items  have
been  presented  on  a  net  basis.  The  principal  items
involved are the netting of card issuer reimbursement
costs  against  merchant  service  fees.  There  is  no
effect on profit and loss.

of  assets  the  relevant  cash  flows  have  not  been
discounted  to  their  present  value  unless  otherwise
stated.

(c) Consolidation

The  consolidated  financial  statements  include
the  financial  statements  of  the  Bank  and  all  entities
where  there  is a determined  capacity  to  control  as
defined  in  AASB  1024:  Consolidated  Accounts.  All
balances  and  transactions  between  Group  entities
have been eliminated on consolidation.

(d)

Investments in associated companies
Associated  companies  are  defined  as  those
entities over which the Group has significant influence
but there  is no capacity  to  control.  Details  of  material
associated companies are shown in Note 40.

Investments  in  associates  are  carried  at  cost
plus  the  Group’s  share  of  post  acquisition  profit  or
loss. The Group’s share of profit or loss of associates
is included in the Profit and Loss Statement.

The  Financial  Report  also  includes  disclosures
required  by 
the  United  States  Securities  and
Exchange  Commission  (SEC)  in  respect  of  foreign
registrants. The  Statements  of  Cash  Flows  has  been
prepared 
International
Accounting Standard IAS7, Cash Flow Statements.

in  accordance  with 

the 

The  preparation  of  the  Financial  Report  in
conformity  with  generally  accepted  accounting
principles  requires  management  to  make  estimates
and  assumptions  that  affect  the  amounts  reported  in
the  financial  statements  and  accompanying  notes.
Actual  results  could  differ  from 
these  estimates
although  it  is  not  anticipated  that  such  differences
would be material.

Unless  otherwise  indicated,  all  amounts  are
shown  in  $ million  and  are  expressed  in  Australian
currency.

(b) Historical cost

The  financial  statements  of  the  Bank  and  the
consolidated financial statements have been prepared
in accordance with the historical cost convention and,
except  where 
reflect  current
indicated,  do  not 
valuations  of  non  monetary  assets.  Domestic  bills
discounted which are included in loans, advances and
other  receivables  and  held  by the Company  and
securities  and  derivatives  held  for  trading  purposes
have  been  marked  to  market.  The carrying  amounts
of  all  non  current  assets  are  reviewed  to  determine
whether  they  are  in  excess  of  their  recoverable
amount  at  balance  date.  If  the  carrying  amount  of  a
non  current  asset  exceeds  the  recoverable  amount,
the  asset  is  written  down  to the  lower  amount.  In
assessing  recoverable  amounts  for  particular  classes

(e)

Foreign currency translations
All 

foreign  currency  monetary  assets  and
liabilities are revalued at rates of exchange prevailing
at  balance  date.  Foreign  currency  forward,  futures,
swaps  and  option  positions  are  valued  at 
the
appropriate  market  rates  applying  at  balance  date.
Unrealised  gains  and  losses  arising  from 
these
revaluations and gains and losses arising from foreign
exchange dealings are included in profit and loss.

The  foreign  currency  assets  and  liabilities  of
overseas  branches  and  overseas  controlled  entities
are  converted  to Australian currency  at  30 June 1999
in accordance with the current rate method. Profit and
loss  items  for  overseas  branches  and  overseas
controlled  entities  are  converted  to  Australian  dollars
progressively  throughout  the  year  at  the  exchange
rate current at the last calendar day of each month.

shareholders’ 

Translation  differences  arising  from  conversion
of  opening  balances  of 
funds
of overseas  controlled  entities  at  year  end  exchange
rates  are  excluded  from  profit  and  loss  and  reflected
in a Foreign Currency Translation Reserve. The Bank
maintains  a  substantially  matched  position  in  assets
and liabilities in foreign currencies and the level of net
foreign  currency  exposure  does  not  have  a  material
effect on its financial condition.

(f)

Roundings
The  amounts  contained  in  this  report  and  the
the
financial  statements  have  been  rounded 
nearest million dollars  unless  otherwise  stated, under
the  option  available  to  the  Company  under  ASIC
Class Order 98/100.

to 

53

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued

diminution  in the value  of  investment  securities  are
recognised in profit and loss and the recorded values
of those securities adjusted accordingly.

Investment  securities  are  recorded  on  a  trade
date basis. The relationship between book and net fair
values of investment securities is shown in Note 11.

(l)

Repurchase agreements
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
are retained within the investment or trading portfolios
and  accounted  for accordingly.  Liability  accounts  are
used  to  record  the  obligation  to  repurchase  and  are
disclosed  as  deposits  and  other  public  borrowings.
Securities held under reverse repurchase agreements
are recorded as liquid assets.

In the average balance sheet and profit and loss,
repurchase  agreements  and  their  related  interest
expense  were  previously  netted  against  investment
and  trading  securities.  Repurchase  agreements  and
related interest expense have been reclassified within
other  demand  deposits.  Comparative  figures  have
been adjusted.

(m) Loans, advances and other receivables

the 

term 

loans, 

leasing,  bill 

Loans,  advances  and  other  receivables  include
overdrafts,  home,  credit  card  and  other  personal
lending, 
financing,
redeemable  preference  shares  and  leverage  leases.
They  are  carried  at 
recoverable  amount
represented  by  the  gross  value  of  the  outstanding
balance  adjusted  for   provisions  for  bad  and  doubtful
debts, interest reserved and unearned tax remissions
on leverage leases. Interest and yield related fees are
reflected in profit and loss when earned. Yield related
fees  received  in  advance  are  deferred,  included  as
part of the carrying value of the loan and amortised to
profit  and  loss  as  ‘Interest  Income’  over  the  term
of the  loan.  Note  1(n)  provides  additional  information
with respect to leasing and leveraged leasing.

Non Accrual Facilities
Non accrual facilities (primarily loans) are placed
on  a  cash  basis  for  recognition  of  income.  Upon
classification  as  non  accrual,  all  interest  charged  in
the current financial period is reversed from profit and
loss and reserved if it has not been received in cash.

If necessary, a specific  provision  for impairment
is recognised  so  that  the  carrying  amount  of  the
facility  does  not  exceed  the  expected  future  cash
flows.  In  subsequent  periods,  interest in  arrears/due
on  non  accrual  facilities  is  taken  to profit  and  loss
when  a  cash  payment  is  received/realised  and  the
amount  is not  designated  as  a  principal  payment.
Non accrual facilities are restored to an accrual basis
when  all  principal  and  interest  payments  are  current
and full collection is probable.

(g)

Financial instruments
The  Group  is  a  full  service  financial  institution
which  offers  an  extensive  range  of  on  balance  sheet
and off balance sheet financial instruments. For  each
class  of  financial  instrument  listed  below,  except  for
restructured 
in  Note 1(m),
financial instruments  are  transacted on  a  commercial
basis 
yield/cost  with
terms and conditions having due regard to the nature
of the transaction and the risks involved.

to  derive  an 

referred to 

facilities 

interest 

(h) Cash and liquid assets

Cash  and 

liquid  assets 
branches, cash at bankers and money at short call.

includes  cash  at

They are brought to account at the face value or
the  gross  value  of  the  outstanding  balance  where
appropriate.

Interest is taken to profit and loss when earned.

due 

from 

other 

financial

(i)

Receivables 
institutions
Receivables 

financial 

from  other 

institutions
includes 
loans,  nostro  balances  and  settlement
account  balances  due  from other  banks.  They  are
brought 
the
outstanding  balance.  Interest  is  taken  to  profit  and
loss when earned.

the  gross  value  of 

to  account  at 

(j)

Trading securities
Trading  securities  are  short  and  long  term
public, bank, other debt securities and equities which
are acquired and held for trading purposes.  They  are
brought to account at net fair  value based  on  quoted
market  prices,  broker  or  dealer  price quotations.
Realised gains and losses on disposal and unrealised
fair value  adjustments  are  reflected  in  ‘Other Income’
within profit  and  loss.  Interest  on  trading  securities  is
reported  in  net  interest  earnings.  Trading  securities
are recorded on a trade date basis.

(k)

Investment securities
Investment  securities  are  securities  purchased

with the intent of being held to maturity.

Investment  securities  are  short  and  long  term
public,  bank  and  other  securities  and  include  bonds,
bills  of exchange,  commercial  paper,  certificates  of
deposit and equities. These securities are recorded at
cost  or  amortised  cost.  Premiums  and discounts  are
amortised  through  profit  and  loss  each  year  from  the
their
date  of  purchase  so  that  securities  attain 
redemption values  by  maturity  date. 
is
reflected in profit and loss when earned. Dividends on
equities  are  brought  to account  in  profit  and  loss  on
declaration  date.  Any profits  or  losses  arising  from
disposal prior to maturity are taken to profit and loss in
the  period  in  which  they  are  realised.  The  cost  of
securities sold is calculated on a specific identification
to  permanent
basis.  Unrealised 

Interest 

related 

losses 

54

NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued

Restructured Facilities
When facilities (primarily loans) have the original
contractual  terms  modified,  the  accounts  become
classified  as restructured.  Such  accounts  will  have
interest  accrued  to  profit  as  long  as  the  facility  is
performing  on  the  modified  basis  in  accordance  with
the 
is  not
maintained,  or  collection  of  interest  and/or  principal
is no longer  probable,  the  account  will  be  returned  to
the  non  accrual  classification.  Facilities  are  generally
kept  as  non  accrual  until  they  are  returned  to
performing basis.

If  performance 

restructured 

terms. 

Assets Acquired through Securities

Enforcement (AATSE)

Assets  acquired  in  satisfaction  of  facilities  in
default  (primarily  loans)  are  recorded  at  net  market
value  at 
the  date  of acquisition.  Any  difference
between the carrying amount of the facility and the net
market value of the assets acquired is represented as
a  specific  provision  for  diminution  of  value  or  written
off. AATSE are further classified as Other Real Estate
Owned  (OREO)  or  Other  Assets  Acquired  through
Security  Enforcement  (OAATSE).  Such  assets  are
classified in the appropriate asset classifications in the
balance sheet.

Bad Debts
Bad  debts  are  written  off  in  the  period  in  which
they are recognised. Bad debts previously specifically
provided for are written off against the related specific
provisions,  while  bad  debts  not  provided  for  are
written  off 
the  general  provision.  Any
subsequent  cash  recovery  is  credited  to  the  general
provision.

through 

(n)

Leasing and leveraged leasing
Finance  leases  are  accounted  for  using  the
finance  method  and  are  included  in  loans,  advances
and  other  receivables.  Income,  determined  on  an
actuarial  basis,  is  taken  to  account  over  the  term  of
the  lease  in  relation  to  the  outstanding  investment
balance.

The  finance  method  also  applies  to  leveraged
leases  but  with  income  being  brought  to  account  at
the  rate  which  yields  a constant  rate  of  return  on  the
outstanding  investment  balance  over  the  life  of  the
transaction  so  as  to  reflect  the  underlying  assets,
liabilities,  revenue  and  expenses  that  flow  from  the
the
arrangements.  Where  a  change  occurs 
estimated lease cash flows or available tax benefits at
any stage during the term of the lease, the total lease
profit  is recalculated  for  the  entire  lease  term  and
apportioned over the remaining lease term.

in 

In accordance with amendments to AASB 1008:
Leases,  all  new  leveraged  leases  with  a  lease  term
beginning  from  1 July 1999  will  be  accounted  for  as
finance 
to  account
progressively over the lease term.

income  brought 

leases  with 

Leveraged lease receivables are recorded under
loans,  advances  and  other  receivables  at  amounts
which reflect the equity participation in the lease. The
debt provider in the transaction has no recourse other
the
than 
equipment under lease.

the  unremitted 

rentals  and 

lease 

to 

Operating  lease  rental  revenue  and  expense  is
recognised  in  the  profit  and  loss  in  equal  periodic
amounts over the effective lease term.

(o) Provisions for impairment

Provisions for credit losses are maintained at an
amount  adequate  to  cover  anticipated  credit  related
losses.  Credit  losses  arise  primarily  from  loans  but
also  from  other  credit  instruments  such  as  bank
acceptances, 
financial
instruments  and  investments  and  assets  acquired
through security enforcement.

contingent 

liabilities, 

Specific  provisions  are  established  where  full
recovery  of  principal  is  considered  doubtful.  Specific
provisions are made against individual facilities in the
credit  risk  rated  managed  segment  where  exposure
aggregates  to  $250,000  or  more,  and  a  loss  of
$10,000  or  more  is  expected.  A  specific  provision  is
also  established  against  each  statistically  managed
portfolio in the statistically managed segment to cover
facilities which are not well secured and past due 180
days  or  more,  against  the  credit  risk  rated  managed
segment  for  exposures  aggregating  to  less  than
$250,000 and 90 days past due or more, and against
emerging credit risks identified in specific segments in
the  credit  risk  rated  managed  portfolio.  These
provisions  are 
to
historical ratios of write offs to balances in default.

funded  primarily  by  reference 

General  provisions  for  bad  and  doubtful  debts
are maintained to cover non identified probable losses
and  latent  risks  inherent  in  the  overall  portfolio  of
transactions.  The
advances  and  other  credit 
to the
regard 
provisions  are  determined  having 
general  risk  profile  of  the  credit  portfolio,  historical
loss experience, economic  conditions  and  a  range  of
other criteria.

The amounts required to bring the provisions for
impairment to their assessed levels are taken to profit
and  loss.  The balance  of  provisions  for  impairment
and movements therein are set out in Note 13.

All  facilities  subject  to  a  specific  provision  are
classified as non accrual and interest is only taken to
profit when received in cash.

Abnormal  Item  –  General  Provision  Charge  for

Bad and Doubtful Debts (1998)

This 

takes 

to  estimate 

the  methodology  used 

into  account  historical 

With  effect  from  1 January  1998  the  Group
refined 
the
provisions  for  impairment  by  adopting  a  statistically
based technique referred to as Dynamic Provisioning.
loss
experience  and  current  economic  factors  to  assess
the balance required in the general provision to cover
expected losses in the credit portfolio. Initial adoption
of this technique resulted in an abnormal expense for
bad  and  doubtful  debts  of  $370 million  in  respect  of
the general provision which was charged to profit and
loss in the year ended 30 June 1998.

Subsequent requirements for specific  provisions
are funded via the general provision. Accordingly, it is
appropriate to tax effect the general provisioning refer
Note 1(y). Refer also Notes 4 and 13.

55

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued

The useful lives of major depreciable assets are

as follows:

Buildings
Shell
Integral plant and equipment
- carpets
- all other (air conditioning, lifts)
Non integral plant and equipment
-

fixtures and fittings

Leasehold improvements

Maximum 30 years

10 years
20 years

10 years

Lesser of unexpired
lease term or lives as
above

Equipment
- Security surveillance systems
- Furniture
- Office machinery
- EFTPOS machines

10 years
8 years
5 years
3 years

The  Bank  has  outsourced  the  majority  of  its
information processing and does not own any material
amounts of computer or communications equipment.
Abnormal Item - Information Technology

Equipment Values (1997)

technology 

processing, 

In  anticipation  of  a  restructuring  of  the  Bank’s
information 
including
investment in an information technology business, the
carrying  value  of 
the  Bank’s  computer  and
communications  equipment  as  at  30 June 1997  was
reduced.  This  reduction  was  undertaken  having
regard to the sale of equipment to a global technology
company.

As a result, an abnormal expense of $200 million
($128 million after tax) was charged to profit and loss
in the year ended 30 June 1997. Also refer Note 4.

(t) Goodwill

Goodwill,  representing  the  excess  of  purchase
consideration  plus  incidental  expenses  over  the  fair
value  of  the  identifiable  net  assets  at  the  time  of
acquisition  of  an  entity,  is  capitalised  and  brought  to
account in the balance sheet.

The  goodwill  so  determined  is  amortised  on  a
straight line basis over the period of expected benefit
but  not  exceeding  20 years.  Purchased  goodwill
arising from the merger with the State Bank of Victoria
in  1991  is  being  amortised  over  20  years,  and
goodwill  on  acquisition  of  Commonwealth  Funds
Management  in  December  1996,  Micropay  in  1995
and  Leaseway  in  April  1997  is  being  amortised  over
10,  7  and  5  years 
respectively.  The  periods
of goodwill amortisation are subject to review annually
by the Directors.

(p) Bank acceptances of customers

The  exposure  arising  from  the  acceptance  of
bills  of  exchange  that  are  sold  into  the  market  is
brought  to  account  as a liability.  An  asset  of  equal
value  is  raised  to  reflect  the  offsetting  claim  against
the drawer of the bill. Bank acceptances generate fee
income which is taken to profit and loss when earned.

In  several  countries 

(q) Deposits with regulatory authorities
in  which 

the  Group
operates,  the  law  requires  that  the  Group  lodge
regulatory  deposits  with  the  local  central  bank  at  a
rate  of  interest  below  that  generally  prevailing  in  that
market.  The  amount  of  the  deposit  and  the  interest
rate receivable are  calculated  in accordance  with  the
requirements  of  the  local  central  bank.  Interest  is
taken to profit and loss when earned.

(r)

Shares in and loans to controlled entities
These  investments  are recorded  at  the  lower  of

cost or recoverable amount.

(s) Property, plant and equipment

than 

(other 

holdings 

At  year  end,  independent  market  valuations,
reflecting current use, were obtained for  all  individual
property 
leasehold
improvements).  Directors  adopt  a  valuation  at  or
below the independent valuation. Adjustments arising
from  revaluation  are  reflected  in  Asset  Revaluation
Reserve, except to the extent the adjustment reverses
a revaluation previously recognised in profit and loss.
For  the  current  year  the  revaluation  had  no  effect on
the level of the reserve.

Depreciation on owned buildings is based on the
assessed useful life of each building. The book value
of buildings demolished as part of the  redevelopment
of a site is written off in the financial year in which the
buildings  are  demolished.  Leasehold  improvements
are  capitalised  and  depreciated  over  the  unexpired
term of the current lease.

Equipment  is  shown  at  cost  less  depreciation
calculated  principally  on  a  category  basis  at  rates
applicable to each category’s useful life. Depreciation
is  calculated  using  the  straight  line  method.  It  is
treated as an operating expense and charged to profit
and loss.  The  amounts  charged  for  the  year  are
shown  in  Note 2.  Profit  or  loss  on  sale  of  property  is
treated  as  operating  income  or  expense.  Realised
amounts 
in  Asset  Revaluation  Reserve  are
transferred to Capital Reserve.

56

NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued

(u) Other assets

Other  assets  includes  all  other  financial  assets
and  includes  interest,  fees,  market  revaluation  of
income
trading  derivatives  and other  unrealised 
receivable  and  securities  sold  not  delivered.  These
assets  are  recorded  at  the  cash  value  to  be  realised
when settled.

Capitalisation of Computer Software Costs
In  accordance  with  the  American  Institute  of
Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position 98-
1  ‘Accounting  for  the  Costs  of  Computer  Software
Developed  or  Obtained  for  Internal  Use’,  the  Group
has  capitalised  $22 million  of  costs 
to
developing or acquiring computer software for internal
use  as  from  1 July 1998.  The  amortisation  period  for
software  will  be  2½  years  except  for  certain  longer
term  projects.  Software  maintenance  costs  and  Year
2000  project  costs  will  continue  to  be  expensed  as
incurred.

related 

(v) Deposits and other public borrowings

Deposits  and  other  public  borrowings  includes
term  deposits,  savings
certificates  of  deposits, 
deposits,  cheque  and  other demand  deposits,
debentures  and  other 
funds  raised  publicly  by
borrowing  corporations.  They  are  brought  to account
at the gross value of the outstanding balance. Interest
is taken to profit and loss when incurred.

(w) Payables due to other financial institutions

financial 

Payables  due 

institutions
to  other 
includes  deposits,  vostro  balances  and  settlement
to other banks.  They  are
account  balances  due 
brought 
the
the  gross  value  of 
to  account  at 
outstanding  balance.  Interest  is  taken  to  profit  and
loss when incurred.

(x) Provision for dividend
The  provision 

for  dividend 

the
maximum  expected  cash  component  of  the  declared
final dividend. The remaining portion of the dividend is
appropriated 
the  Dividend  Reinvestment  Plan
Reserve.

represents 

to 

(y)

tax  effect  of 

Income taxes
The  Group  has  adopted  the  liability  method  of
tax  effect  accounting.  The 
timing
differences  which  arise  from  items  being  brought  to
account  in  different  periods  for  income  tax  and
accounting  purposes  is disclosed  as  a  future  income
tax  benefit  or  a  provision  for  deferred  income  tax.
Amounts  are  offset  where  the  tax  payable  and
realisable  benefit  are  expected  to  occur  in  the  same
financial period. The future income tax benefit relating
to  tax  losses  and  timing  differences  is  not  carried
forward  as  an  asset  unless  the  benefit  is  virtually
certain of being realised. (Note 20).

Abnormal  Credit  –  Tax  Effecting  General

Provision for Bad and Doubtful Debts (1998)

The general provision for bad and doubtful debts
was  tax  effected  as  at  1 January  1998.  This  reflects
the  adoption  of  a  balance  sheet  risk  based  dynamic

provisioning  methodology  which 
the
recognition requirement that utilisation of the provision
be assured beyond reasonable doubt.

satisfies 

An  abnormal  credit 

tax  expense  of
$337 million was booked to profit and loss in the year
ended 30 June 1998. Refer also Note 4.

to 

(z)

Provisions for employee entitlements
The provision for long service leave is subject to
actuarial  review  and  is  maintained  at  a  level  that
accords with actuarial advice.

The  provision  for  annual  leave  represents  the
liability  as  at  balance  date.  Actual
in
the year are 

included 

outstanding 
payments  made  during 
Salaries and Wages.

The  provision  for  other  employee  entitlements
represents  liabilities  for  staff  housing  loan  benefits
and a subsidy to a registered health fund with respect
to retired employees and current employees.

The 

level  of 

these  provisions  has  been
determined  in  accordance  with  the  requirements  of
AASB 1028, Accounting for Employee Entitlements.

(aa) Provision for restructuring

for 

The 

provision 
technology 

restructuring 
transition  costs 

covers
information 
to  EDS
(Australia)  and  other  outsourcing  arrangements,
further rationalisation of processing and administration
functions,  implementation  of  the  new  organisational
structure  and  reconfiguration  of  delivery  systems.
Each  of  these  programmes  has  associated  costs,
principally in the areas of redundancy and property.

Abnormal Item – Restructuring Costs (1998)
An  abnormal  expense  for  restructuring  costs  of
$200 million  ($128 million  after  tax)  was  charged  to
profit and loss in the year ended 30 June 1998. Refer
also Notes 4, 24 and 47(d).

(bb) Provision for self insurance

Actuarial  reviews  are  carried  out  at  regular
intervals with provisioning effected in accordance with
actuarial  advice.  The provision  for  self  insurance
covers certain non lending losses and non transferred
insurance risks.

(cc) Debt issues

Debt issues are short and long term debt issues
of the Group including commercial paper, notes, term
loans  and medium  term  notes  which  are  recorded  at
cost  or  amortised  cost.  Premiums,  discounts  and
associated  issue  expenses  are  amortised  through
profit  and  loss  each  year  from  the  date  of  issue  so
that  securities  attain 
redemption  values
by maturity date.

their 

Interest is reflected in profit and loss as incurred.
Any  profits  or losses  arising  from  redemption prior to
maturity  are  taken  to profit  and  loss  in  the  period  in
which they are realised.

Further  details  of  the  Group’s  debt  issues  are

shown in Note 25.

57

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued

(dd) Bills payable and other liabilities

Bills  payable  and  other  liabilities  includes  all
other  financial  liabilities  and  includes  interest,  fees,
market  revaluation  of trading  derivatives  and  other
unrealised 
securities
expenses 
purchased not delivered.

payable 

and 

These  liabilities  are  recorded  at  the  cash  value

to be realised when settled.

(ee) Loan capital

Loan  capital  is  debt  issued  by  the  Group  with
terms  and  conditions,  such  as  being  undated
or subordinated,  which  qualify  the  debt  issue  for
inclusion  as  capital  under  APRA.  Loan  capital
debt issues  are recorded  at  cost  or  amortised  cost.
Premiums,  discounts  and  associated  issue  expenses
are  amortised  through profit  and  loss each  year  from
the  date  of  issue  so  that  securities  attain  their
is
redemption  values  by  maturity  date. 
reflected  in profit  and  loss  as  incurred.  Any  profits  or
losses  arising  from  redemption  prior  to  maturity  are
taken to profit and loss in the period in which they are
realised.

Interest 

Further  details  of  the  Group’s  loan  capital  debt

issues are shown in Note 27.

(ff) Shareholders’ equity

Ordinary  share  capital  is  the  amount  of  paid  up

capital from the issue of ordinary shares.

General  reserve  is  derived  from  revenue  profits
and is available for dividend except for undistributable
profits  in respect  of  Commonwealth  Life  Limited  of
$231 million (1998: $219 million , 1997: $168 million).
Capital  reserve  is  derived  from  capital  profits

and is available for dividend.

plan 

Dividend 

for  distribution 

It  was  not  available 

Share  premium  reserve  was  derived  from  the
premium  over  par  value  received  from  the  issue  of
to
shares. 
shareholders in the form of a cash dividend. Following
changes  to  the  Corporations  Law  on  1 July 1998,
shares  have  no  par  value  and  the  related  Share
Premium Reserve becomes part of share capital.
reserve 
reinvestment 

is
appropriated from revenue profits. The amount of the
reserve  represents  the  estimate  of  the  minimum
expected amount that will be reinvested in the Bank’s
dividend  reinvestment  plan.  The  allotment  of  shares
under  the  plan  is  subsequently  applied  against  the
reserve.  This  accounting 
the
probability that a fairly stable proportion of the Bank’s
final  dividend  will  be  reinvested  in  equity  via  the
dividend  reinvestment  plan.  This  internal  accounting
methodology  for  the  dividend  reinvestment  plan  was
introduced with the appropriation of the 1995 profit for
the final dividend.

treatment 

reflects 

Further  details  of  share  capital,  outside  equity
interests and reserves are shown in Notes 28, 29 and
in
Consolidated 
Shareholders’ Equity.

Statements 

Changes 

of 

(gg) Derivative financial instruments

The  Group  enters  into  a  significant  volume  of
derivative  financial  instruments  which  include  foreign

58

exchange contracts, forward rate agreements, futures,
options  and  interest  rate,  currency,  equity  and  credit
swaps.  Derivative  financial  instruments  are  used  as
part  of  the  Group’s  trading  activities  and  to  hedge
certain assets and liabilities.

Derivative  financial  instruments  held  or  issued

for trading purposes

financial 

Traded  derivative 

instruments  are
recorded  at  net  fair  value  based  on  quoted  market
prices,  broker  or  dealer  price  quotations.  A  positive
revaluation  amount  of  a  contract  is  reported  as  an
asset and a negative revaluation amount of a contract
as a liability. Changes in net fair value are reflected in
profit and loss immediately they occur.

Derivative  financial  instruments  held  or  issued

for purposes other than trading

The  principal  objective  in  holding  or  issuing
derivative  financial  instruments  for  purposes  other
than trading is to manage balance sheet interest rate,
exchange  rate  and  credit  risk  associated  with  certain
assets  and 
investment
liabilities  such  as loans, 
securities,  deposits  and  debt  issues.  To  be  effective
as hedges, the derivatives are identified and allocated
against  the  underlying  hedged  item  or  class  of  items
and generally modify the interest rate, exchange  rate
or credit  characteristics  of 
the  hedged  asset  or
liability.  Such  derivative  financial  instruments  are
purchased  with  the  intent  of  being  held  to  maturity.
Derivatives  that  are  designated  and  effective  as
hedges  are  accounted  for  on  the  same  basis  as  the
instruments they are hedging.

Swaps
Interest  rate  swap  receipts  and  payments  are
accrued  to  profit  and  loss  as  interest  of  the  hedged
item or class of items being hedged over the term for
which  the  swap  is  effective  as  a  hedge  of  that
designated  item.  Premiums  or discounts  to  market
interest rates which are received or made in advance
are deferred and amortised to profit and loss over the
term for which the swap is effective as a hedge of the
underlying hedged item or class of items.

Similarly with cross currency swaps, interest rate
receipts and payments are brought to account on the
same  basis  outlined  in  the  previous  paragraph.  In
addition, the initial principal flows are reported net and
revalued  to  market  at  the  current  market  exchange
rate. Revaluation gains and losses are taken to profit
and  loss  against  revaluation  losses  and  gains  of  the
underlying hedged item or class of items.

Credit  default  swaps  are  utilised  to  manage
credit  risk  in  the  asset  portfolio.  Premiums  are
accrued  to  profit  and  loss  as  interest  of  the  hedged
item or class of items being hedged over the term for
which  the  instrument  is  effective  as a hedge.  Any
principal cash flow on default is brought to account on
the same basis as the designated item being hedged.
Credit  default  swaps  held  at  balance  date  are
immaterial.

NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued

the  capital 

Equity  swaps  are  utilised  to  manage  the  risk
asso7ciated  with  both 
in
equities  and  the  related  yield.  These  swaps  enable
the  income  stream  to  be  reflected  in  profit  and  loss
when  earned.  Any  capital  gain  or  loss  at  maturity  of
the swap is brought to account on the same basis as
the underlying equity being hedged.

investment 

Forward rate agreements and futures
Realised  gains  and  losses  on  forward  rate
agreements  and  futures  contracts  are  deferred  and
included  as  part  of the  carrying  value  of  the hedged
item or class of items being hedged. The cash flow is
amortised to profit and loss as interest of the hedged
item or class of items being hedged over the term for
which the instrument is effective as a hedge.

Options
Where options are utilised in the management of
balance  sheet  risk,  premiums  on  options  and  any
realised  gains  and  losses  on  exercise  are  deferred
and  included  as  part  of  the  carrying  value  of  the
hedged item or class of items being hedged. The cash
flows are amortised to profit and loss as interest of the
hedged item or class of items being hedged over the
term for which the instrument is effective as a hedge.

Early termination
Where  a  derivative 

instrument  hedge 

is
terminated  prior  to  its  ‘maturity  date’,  realised  gains
and  losses  are  deferred  and included  as  part  of  the
carrying  value  of  the  hedged  item  or  class  of  items
being  hedged.  The  cash  flows  are  amortised  to
profit and loss as interest of the hedged item or class
of  items  being  hedged  over  the  period  for  which  the
the
hedge  would  have  been  effective.  Where 
underlying  hedged  item  or  class  of  items  being
hedged  ceases  to exist,  the  derivative  instrument
hedge  is terminated  and  realised  and  unamortised
gains or losses taken to profit and loss.

Further 

information  on  derivative 

financial

instruments is shown in Note 37.

(hh) Commitments to extend credit, letters of credit,

guarantees, warranties and indemnities issued
These  financial  instruments  generally  relate  to
credit  risk  and  attract  fees  in  line  with  market  prices
for similar arrangements. They are not sold or traded.
The  items  generally  do  not  involve  cash  payments
other  than  in  the  event of default.  The  fee  pricing  is
set as part of the broader customer credit process and
reflects  the  probability  of default.  They  are  recorded
as  contingent  liabilities  at  their  face  value.  Further
information is shown in Note 36.

(ii) Revenue recognition

Revenue  is  recognised  to  the  extent  that  it  is
probable  that  the  economic  benefits  will  flow  to  the
entity and the revenue can be reliably measured. The
principal  sources  of  revenue  are  interest  income  and
fees and commissions.

Interest income
Interest  income  is  reflected  in  profit  and  loss
when earned on an accrual basis. Further information

is  included  in  Notes  1(k)  Investment  securities,  1(m)
Loans,  advances  and  other  receivables  and  1(n)
Leasing and leveraged leasing.

costs 

Fee income
Lending fees
Material non refundable front end loan fees that
are  yield  related  and  do  not  represent  cost  recovery,
are taken to profit and loss over the period of the loan.
lending
incurred 
Associated 
transactions  are  deferred  and  netted  against yield
related  loan  fees.  Where  non  refundable  front  end
loan fees are received that represent cost recovery or
charges for services not directly related to the yield on
a loan, they are taken to income in the period in which
they  are  received.  Where  fees  are  received  on  an
ongoing  basis  and  represent  the  recoupment  of  the
costs of maintaining and administering existing loans,
these fees are taken to income on an accrual basis.

these 

in 

Commission and other fees
When  commission  charges  and  fees  relate  to
specific  transactions  or  events,  they  are  recognised
as  income  in  the  period  in  which  they  are  received.
for  services
However,  when 
provided  over  a  period,  they  are  taken  to  income  on
an accrual basis.

they  are  charged 

Other income
Trading  income  is  brought  to  account  when
earned based on changes in net fair value of financial
instruments  and  recorded  from  trade  date.  Further
information is included in Notes 1(e) Foreign currency
transactions,  1(j)  Trading  securities  and  1(gg)
Derivative 
insurance
business income recognition is explained in Note 1(jj)
below.

instruments.  Life 

financial 

(jj)

Life insurance business
The  Group  conducts  life  insurance  business
through  Commonwealth  Life  Limited  (CLL)  which  is
subject  to the provisions  of  the  Life  Insurance  Act
1995. The shareholders’ interest in CLL, consisting of
the  shareholders’  fund  and  the  shareholders’  interest
in  the  statutory  funds,  is  included  in  the  financial
statements of the Group and has been subject to the
stated principles of consolidation.

The shareholders’ interest in the statutory funds
is  carried  at  cost.  Policyholders’  interest  in  the
statutory  funds  is not  included  in  the  consolidated
financial  statements  as  the  Group  does  not  have
control  of  such  funds  as defined  by  AASB 1024:
Consolidated Accounts.

The  profits  from  the  statutory  funds  are  brought
to  account  in  the  profit  and  loss  of  the  Group.
The profits  have  been  determined  according  to  the
‘Margin  on  Services’  methodology  for  valuation  of
policy  liabilities  under  Actuarial  Standard  AS  1.01
issued  by  the  Life  Insurance  Actuarial  Standards
Board.  These  profits  are  then  transferred  to  general
reserves as they are not fully available for distribution
until  all  requirements  of  the  Life  Insurance  Act  are
met.

59

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued

The  superannuation  contributions  expense
principally represents  the annual funding,  determined
after  having  regard  to actuarial  advice,  to  provide  for
future  obligations  of  defined  benefit  plans.
Contributions to all superannuation plans are made in
accordance with the rules of the plans.

(mm)Comparative figures

Where  necessary,  comparative  figures  have
in

to  conform  with  changes 

been  adjusted 
presentation in these financial statements.

(nn) Definitions
‘Overseas’ 

represents  amounts  booked 
branches and controlled entities outside Australia.

in

‘Borrowing Corporation’ as defined by Section 9
is  CBFC  Limited  and

the  Corporations  Law 

of 
controlled entities.

‘Net  Fair  Value’  represents  the  fair  or  market

value adjusted for transaction costs.

‘Abnormal 

items’  are 

items  of  revenue  or
expense  included  in  operating  profit  after  income  tax
and considered abnormal by reason of size and effect
on  operating  profit  after  income  tax  for  the  financial
year.

(oo) Adjustments to retained earnings

Commonwealth  Life  Limited  adopted  the  new
Insurance and Superannuation Commission Rules for
financial  reporting  for  the  year  ended  30 June 1997.
This  resulted  in  an  $11 million  debit  adjustment  to
retained  earnings  in  accordance  with  ASC  Class
Order No. 97/171 dated 17 February 1997.

(pp) Events Subsequent to Balance Date

In July 1999  the  Bank  acquired  Credit  Lyonnais
Holding  Australia  Limited  (CLHAL)  which  was  the
holding  company  for  the  Australian  operations  of
total  assets  of
Credit  Lyonnais.  CLHAL  has 
$1.5 billion.  The  company  was  acquired  on  an
adjusted net assets basis.

A new related accounting standard AASB 1038:
Life Insurance Business will become operative for the
Bank  as  from  1 July 1999.  The  standard  will  require
all life insurance assets and liabilities to be carried at
market  value  and  the  first  time  consolidation  of
approximately  $10 billion  of  assets  and  liabilities  in
statutory funds.

to  Commonwealth 

As  part  of  an  internal  Group  restructuring  the
Bank  has  sold  its  investment  in  Commonwealth  Life
Limited 
Insurance  Holdings
Limited,  a  life  insurance  wholly  owned  entity  as  at
30 June 1999.  The  sale  price  was  at  market  value
based  on  independent  advice.  The  capital  gain  on
sale  eliminates  on  consolidation  at  30 June 1999.
Under the new life insurance accounting standard this
investment  in  Commonwealth  Life  Limited  will  be
carried at market value in the future. This will result in
an  increase  in  the  Group’s  retained  earnings  of
$432 million as from 1 July 1999.

(kk) Fiduciary activities

The Bank and designated  controlled entities  act
as  Trustee  and/or  Manager  and/or  Custodian  for  a
and
number 
Investment  Funds,  Trusts  and  Approved  Deposit
Funds. Further details are shown in Note 36.

of  Wholesale,  Superannuation 

The  assets  and  liabilities  of  these  Trusts  and
Funds  are  not  included  in  the  consolidated  financial
statements  as  the  Bank  does  not  have  direct  or
indirect control of the Trusts and Funds as defined by
AASB 1024. Commissions and fees earned in respect
of  the  activities  are  included  in  the  profit  and  loss  of
the Group and the designated controlled entity.

(ll) Superannuation plans

The Group sponsors a  range of  superannuation
plans  for  its  employees.  The  assets  and  liabilities  of
these  plans  are  not  included  in  the  consolidated
financial statements.

60

NOTE 2 Operating Profit
Operating profit before income tax has been determined as follows:

Interest Income
  Loans
  Other financial institutions
  Cash and liquid assets
  Trading securities
  Investment securities
  Dividends on redeemable preference shares
  Controlled entities
  Statutory deposits
  Other
Total Interest Income

Interest Expense
  Deposits
  Other financial institutions
  Short term debt issues
  Long term debt issues
  Controlled entities
  Loan capital
  Other
Total Interest Expense
Net Interest Income

Other Operating Income
  Lending fees
  Commission and other fees
  Trading income
    Foreign exchange earnings
    Trading securities
    Other financial instruments (incl derivatives)
  Dividends - controlled entities
                   - other
 Net gain (loss) on investment securities
 Net profit on sale of property, plant and equipment
 Life insurance and funds management
 General insurance premium income
 Less general insurance claims paid
 Other
Total Other Operating Income
Total Operating Income

Charge for Bad and Doubtful Debts (Note 13)
  General provisions
  Specific provisions
Total Charge for Bad and Doubtful Debts

1999
$M

1998
$M

G R O U P

1997
$M

 6,806
 165
 58
 246
 425
 42
             -
             -
 3
 7,745

 3,353
 207
 393
 106
             -
 155
 4
 4,218
 3,527

 6,588
 241
 88
 213
 409
 59
           -
           -
 7
 7,605

 3,343
 218
 293
 183
           -
 166
 5
 4,208
 3,397

 6,794
 286
 141
 108
 591
 47
           -
 11
 11
 7,989

 3,660
 226
 291
 234
           -
 170
 16
 4,597
 3,392

1999
$M

 5,456
 153
 53
 173
 365
(36)
 186
             -
 2
 6,352

 2,651
 182
 305
 93
 62
 155
 3
 3,451
 2,901

 474
 807

 472
 678

 439
 541

 444
 672

 155
 66
 52
             -
 6
 79
 24
 254
 94
(63)
 49
 1,997
 5,524

 161
 35
 47
           -
 18
 101
 34
 205
 79
(46)
 49
 1,833
 5,230

 70
 57
 47
           -
 18
 4
 44
 197
 64
(44)
 52
 1,489
 4,881

 137
 68
 52
 463
 6
 84
 23
             -
             -
             -
 212
 2,161
 5,062

B A N K

1998
$M

 5,126
 226
 88
 110
 344
(34)
 150
          -
 2
 6,012

 2,464
 192
 226
 163
 11
 167
 4
 3,227
 2,785

 438
 571

 147
 35
 47
 156
 18
 119
 31
          -
          -
          -
 77
 1,639
 4,424

 247
             -
 247

 165
 68
 233

 36
 62
 98

 78
             -
 78

 164
 60
 224

61

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 2 Operating Profit continued

Staff Expenses
  Salaries and wages
  Superannuation contributions
  Provision for long service leave
  Provision for annual leave
  Provisions for other employee entitlements
  Payroll tax
  Fringe benefits tax
  Other staff expenses
Total Staff Expenses

Occupancy and Equipment Expenses
  Operating lease rentals
  Depreciation
    Buildings
    Leasehold improvements
    Equipment
  Repairs and maintenance
  Other
Total Occupancy and Equipment Expenses

Information Technology Services
  Projects and development
  Data processing
  Desktop
  Communications
Total Information Technology Services

Other Expenses
  Postage
  Stationery
  Fees and commissions
  Other
Total Other Expenses
Total Operating Expenses
Amortisation of Goodwill
Operating Profit before Abnormal Items

1999
$M

1998
$M

 1,406
 1
 42
 2
(2)
 77
 34
 44
 1,604

 1,412
 1
 32
(7)
           -
 83
 42
 59
 1,622

 158

 51
 26
 68
 64
 88
 455

 145
 141
 90
 129
 505

 76
 69
 112
 249
 506
 3,070
 47
 2,160

 141

 62
 22
 103
 69
 76
 473

 164
 102
 89
 121
 476

 75
 53
 116
 224
 468
 3,039
 46
 1,912

G R O U P

1997
$M

 1,386
 2
 46
 11
(3)
 86
 70
 65
 1,663

 133

 61
 16
 160
 104
 73
 547

 152 )
)
)

           -
           -
 103
 255

 72
 57
 92
 238
 459
 2,924
 43
 1,816

1999
$M

 1,265
             -
 41
 1
(2)
 74
 34
 32
 1,445

 152

 47
 24
 47
 51
 72
 393

 137
 131
 89
 122
 479

 70
 57
 100
 211
 438
 2,755
 39
 2,190

B A N K

1998
$M

 1,223
(7)
 30
(3)
          -
 76
 39
 34
 1,392

 126

 58
 20
 80
 55
 61
 400

 180
 69
 87
 113
 449

 67
 43
 94
 166
 370
 2,611
 39
 1,550

The  Bank  outsourced  most  of  its  information
technology  functions  to  EDS  (Australia)  in  October
1997.  This  has  changed 
the  mix  of  operating
expenses and has required a change in categorisation

of expenses to more appropriately reflect expenditure
into  the  future.  Line  by  line  comparison  with  prior
periods is less meaningful in some instances.

Revenue from Operating Activities

Interest income
Fee and commissions
Trading income
Life insurance and funds management
Dividends
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of investment securities
Other income

 7,745
 1,281
 273
 254
 6
 652
 146
 80
 10,437

 7,605
 1,150
 243
 205
 18
 196
 1,787
 82
 11,286

 7,989
 980
 174
 197
 18
 307
 1,172
 72
 10,909

 6,352
 1,116
 257
             -
 469
 640
 147
 212
 9,193

 6,012
 1,009
 229
          -
 174
 167
 1,666
 77
 9,334

There were no sources of revenue from non operating activities.

62

NOTE 3 Average Balance Sheet and Related Interest

The  table  lists  the  major  categories  of  interest
earning  assets  and  interest  bearing  liabilities  of  the
Group together with the respective interest earned or
paid and the average interest rates for each of 1997,
1998  and  1999.  Averages  used  are  predominantly
daily  averages.  The  overseas  component  comprises
the  Bank  and overseas
overseas  branches  of 

domiciled  controlled  entities.  Overseas  intergroup
borrowings  have  been  adjusted  into  the  interest
spread and margin calculations to more appropriately
reflect the overseas cost of  funds.  Non accrual  loans
are  included  in  Interest  Earning  Assets  under  loans,
advances and other receivables.

1999

1998

1997

Average Interest Average Average Interest Average Average Interest Average
Rate
Balance
$M
%

Rate Balance
$M

Rate Balance
$M

$M

$M

$M

%

%

Average Assets and Interest Income
Interest Earning Assets
Cash and liquid assets
  Australia
  Overseas
Receivables due from other financial
institutions
  Australia
  Overseas
Deposits with regulatory authorities
  Australia
  Overseas
Trading securities
  Australia
  Overseas
Investment securities
  Australia
  Overseas
Loans, advances and other receivables
  Australia
  Overseas
Other interest earning assets
Intragroup loans
  Australia
Average interest earning assets and
interest income including intragroup
Intragroup eliminations
Total average interest earning assets
and interest income
Non Interest Earning Assets
Bank acceptances
  Australia
  Overseas
Property, plant and equipment
  Australia
  Overseas
Other assets
  Australia
  Overseas
Provisions for impairment
  Australia
  Overseas
Total average non interest
earning assets
Total Average Assets
Percentage of total average assets
applicable to overseas operations

 1,468
 119

 1,481
 1,522

 892
 2

 2,720
 1,700

 3,052
 4,659

 58
-

 79
 86

-
-

 149
 97

 171
 254

 4.0
-

 1,942
 156

 86
 2

 4.4
 1.3

 2,188
 68

 138
 3

 5.3
 5.7

 1,882
 1,977

 106
 135

 5.6
 6.8

 2,361
 2,747

 135
 151

-
-

 5.5
 5.7

 5.6
 5.5

 809
-

 1,297
 1,709

 2,987
 3,662

-
-

 83
 130

 183
 226

-
-

 6.4
 7.6

 6.1
 6.2

 7.5
 9.2

n/a

 756
-

 1,511
 357

 5,083
 4,068

 11
-

 96
 12

 303
 288

 67,292
 9,732
-

 5,959
 882
 11

 6.3
 4.4

 5.7
 5.5

 1.5
-

 6.4
 3.4

 6.0
 7.1

 8.9
 9.1

n/a

 83,350
 13,306
-

 5,899
 949
 3

 7.1  73,797
 7.1  11,947
-
n/a

 5,542
 1,105
 7

 414

 23

 5.6

 713

 43

 6.0

 739

 46

 6.2

114,685
(414)

 7,768
(23)

 6.8 102,878
(713)
 5.6

 7,648
(43)

 7.4
 6.0

 96,902
(739)

 8,035
(46)

 8.3
 6.2

114,271

 7,745

 6.8 102,165

 7,605

 7.4

 96,163

 7,989

 8.3

 9,971
 32

 1,240
 211

 9,739
 2,085

(1,210)
(158)

 21,910
136,181

17.2%

 9,660
 34

 1,625
 209

 8,883
 2,015

(950)
(86)

 21,390
123,555

17.5%

 9,825
 55

 2,188
 235

 5,646
 1,267

(938)
(83)

 18,195
114,358

16.1%

63

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

NOTE 3 Average Balance Sheet and Related Interest continued

1999

1998
Average Interest Average Average Interest Average Average Interest Average
Rate
Balance
%
$M

Rate Balance
$M

Rate Balance
$M

1997

$M

$M

$M

%

%

Average Liabilities and
Interest Expense
Interest Bearing Liabilities and
Loan Capital
Time Deposits
  Australia
  Overseas
Savings Deposits
  Australia
  Overseas
Other demand deposits
  Australia
  Overseas
Payables due to other
financial institutions
  Australia
  Overseas
Short term borrowings
  Australia
  Overseas
Long term borrowings
  Australia
  Overseas
Loan capital
  Australia
Other interest bearing liabilities
Intragroup borrowings
  Overseas
Average interest bearing liabilities
and loan capital and interest expense
including intragroup
Intragroup eliminations
Total average interest bearing liabilities
and loan capital and interest expense
Non Interest Bearing Liabilities
Deposits not bearing interest
  Australia
  Overseas
Liability on acceptances
  Australia
  Overseas
Other liabilities
  Australia
  Overseas
Total average non interest
bearing liabilities
Total average liabilities and loan capital
Shareholders’ equity
Total average liabilities, loan capital
and shareholders’ equity

Percentage of total average liabilities
applicable to overseas operations

64

 31,119
 9,201

 1,597
 591

 24,378
 2,120

 17,247
 1,682

 643
 3,367

 6,005
 2,130

 1,684
 808

 2,746
-

 418
 81

 626
 40

 35
 172

 319
 74

 76
 30

 155
 4

 26,055
 8,300

 1,464
 718

 5.1
 6.4

 1.7
 3.8

 3.6
 2.4

 5.4
 5.1

 5.3
 3.5

 4.5
 3.7

 22,970
 1,680

 15,865
 1,375

 481
 3,175

 3,640
 1,656

 2,631
 874

 5.6
n/a

 2,891
 57

 403
 104

 630
 24

 17
 201

 220
 73

 133
 50

 166
 5

 5.6
 8.7

 1.8
 6.2

 4.0
 1.7

 3.5
 6.3

 6.0
 4.4

 5.1
 5.7

 5.7
 8.8

 26,600
 6,487

 1,768
 529

 21,106
 1,696

 13,344
 1,321

 221
 3,463

 3,445
 1,354

 2,524
 968

 2,752
 15

 538
 103

 696
 26

 7
 219

 215
 76

 191
 43

 170
 16

 6.6
 8.2

 2.5
 6.1

 5.2
 2.0

 3.2
 6.3

 6.2
 5.6

 7.6
 4.4

 6.2
n/a

 414

 23

 5.6

 713

 43

 6.0

 739

 46

 6.2

 103,544
(414)

 4,241
(23)

 4.1
 5.6

 92,363
(713)

 4,251
(43)

 4.6
 6.0

 86,035
(739)

 4,643
(46)

 103,130

 4,218

 4.1

 91,650

 4,208

 4.6

 85,296

 4,597

 5.4
 6.2

 5.4

 3,952
 76

 9,971
 32

 9,632
 2,383

 26,046
 129,176
 7,005

 136,181

16.9%

 3,738
 58

 9,660
 34

 9,377
 1,990

 24,857
 116,507
 7,048

 123,555

16.5%

 3,566
 53

 9,825
 55

 7,504
 1,438

 22,441
 107,737
 6,621

 114,358

15.6%

NOTE 3 Average Balance Sheet and Related Interest continued

Changes in Net Interest Income:
Volume and Rate Analysis

Interest Earning Assets
Cash and liquid assets
  Australia
  Overseas
Receivables due from other financial institutions
  Australia
  Overseas
Deposits with regulatory authorities
  Australia
  Overseas
Trading securities
  Australia
  Overseas
Investment securities
  Australia
  Overseas
Loans, advances and other receivables
  Australia
  Overseas
Other interest earning assets
Intragroup loans
  Australia
Change in interest income including intragroup
Intragroup eliminations
Change in interest income
Interest Bearing Liabilities and Loan Capital
Time deposits
  Australia
  Overseas
Saving deposits
  Australia
  Overseas
Other demand deposits
  Australia
  Overseas
Payables due to other financial institutions
  Australia
  Overseas
Short term borrowings
  Australia
  Overseas
Long term borrowings
  Australia
  Overseas
Loan capital
  Australia
Other interest bearing liabilities
Intragroup borrowings
  Overseas
Change in interest expense including intragroup
Intragroup eliminations
Change in interest expense
Change in net interest income

Year ended 30 June 1999
versus 1998
Rate
$M

Volume
$M

Total
$M

Year ended 30 June 1998
versus 1997
Rate
$M

Volume
$M

Total
$M

(20)
-

(22)
(28)

-
-

 85
(1)

 4
 58

 697
 111
-

(17)
 839
 17
 861

 272
 68

 24
 22

 53
 6

 7
 11

 134
 19

(45)
(3)

(8)
-

(17)
 486
 17
 498
 363

(8)
(2)

(5)
(21)

-
-

(19)
(32)

(16)
(30)

(340)
(267)
(4)

(3)
(719)
 3
(721)

(139)
(195)

(9)
(45)

(57)
 10

 11
(40)

(35)
(18)

(12)
(17)

(3)
(1)

(3)
(496)
 3
(488)
(233)

(28)
(2)

(27)
(49)

-
-

 66
(33)

(12)
 28

 357
(156)
(4)

(20)
 120
 20
 140

 133
(127)

 15
(23)

(4)
 16

 18
(29)

 99
 1

(57)
(20)

(11)
(1)

(20)
(10)
 20
 10
 130

(13)
 3

(27)
(47)

-
-

(14)
 74

(127)
(27)

 532
 203
-

(2)
 470
 2
 473

(33)
 152

 40
(1)

 116
 1

 9
(18)

 12
 15

 7
(5)

 8
-

(2)
 316
 2
 317
 156

(39)
(4)

(2)
 31

(11)
-

 1
 44

 7
(35)

(949)
 20
(4)

(1)
(857)
 1
(857)

(271)
 37

(175)
 2

(182)
(3)

 1
-

(7)
(18)

(65)
 12

(12)
(11)

(1)
(708)
 1
(706)
(151)

(52)
(1)

(29)
(16)

(11)
-

(13)
 118

(120)
(62)

(417)
 223
(4)

(3)
(387)
 3
(384)

(304)
 189

(135)
 1

(66)
(2)

 10
(18)

 5
(3)

(58)
 7

(4)
(11)

(3)
(392)
 3
(389)
 5

65

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 3 Average Balance Sheet and Related Interest continued

Changes in Net Interest Income: Volume and Rate Analysis
The  preceding  table  allocates  changes  in  net
interest  income  between  changes  in  volume  and
changes  in  rate  over  the  previous  year.  Volume
variances  have  been  calculated  by  multiplying  the
average  of  both  years’  average  interest  rates,  on
average interest  earning assets  and  average  interest
bearing  liabilities,  by  the  movement  in  average  asset

and  liability  balances.  Rate  variances  have  been
calculated  by  multiplying  the  average  of  the  average
asset and liability balances by the change in average
interest rates. The volume and rate variances for both
total  interest  earning  assets  and  liabilities  have  been
calculated  separately  (rather  than  being  the  sum  of
the individual categories).

Net interest income
Average interest earnings assets

Interest Margins and Spreads

1999
$M

1998
$M

G R O U P

1997
$M

 3,527
 114,271

 3,397
 102,165

 3,392
 96,163

Interest  spread  represents  the  difference  between  the  average  interest  rate  earned  and  the  average  interest

rate paid on funds.

Interest  margin  represents  net  interest  income  as  a  percentage  of  average  interest  earning  assets.  The

calculations for Australia and Overseas include intragroup cross border loans/borrowings and associated interest.

%

%

%

Australia
Interest spread adjusted for interest forgone on non accrual and restructured loans
Interest forgone on non accrual and restructured loans
Interest Spread
Benefit of net free liabilities, provisions and equity
Australia Interest Margin

Overseas
Interest spread adjusted for interest forgone on non accrual and restructured loans
Interest forgone on non accrual and restructured loans
Interest spread
Benefit of net free liabilities, provisions and equity
Overseas Interest Margin

Group
Interest spread adjusted for interest forgone on non accrual and restructured loans
Interest forgone on non accrual and restructured loans
Interest spread
Benefit of net free liabilities, provisions and equity
Group Interest Margin

 3.00
(0.02)
 2.98
 0.39
 3.37

 1.45
(0.06)
 1.39
 0.38
 1.77

 2.71
(0.02)
 2.69
 0.40
 3.09

 3.22
(0.04)
 3.18
 0.43
 3.61

 1.44
(0.04)
 1.40
 0.57
 1.97

 2.89
(0.04)
 2.85
 0.48
 3.33

NOTE 4 Abnormal Items

Abnormal expense item:
Restructuring costs (Note 1(aa))
General provision charge for bad and doubtful debts (Note 1(o))
Write down of computer equipment (Note 1(s))
Total Abnormal Items Before Tax
Abnormal tax expense (credit) items:
Restructuring costs (Note 1(aa))
Tax effecting general provision (Note 1(y))
Write down of computer equipment (Note 1(s))
Total abnormal income tax expense (credit)
Total Abnormal Items After Tax

G R O U P

1999
$M

1998
$M

1997
$M

1999
$M

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-

 200
 370
-
 570

(72)
(337)
-
(409)
 161

-
-
 200
 200

-
-
(72)
(72)
 128

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-

 3.30
(0.07)
 3.23
 0.64
 3.87

 1.41
(0.02)
 1.39
 0.36
 1.75

 2.98
(0.06)
 2.92
 0.61
 3.53

B A N K

1998
$M

 200
 370
-
 570

(72)
(337)
-
(409)
 161

66

NOTE 5 Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense shown in the financial statements differs from  the prima  facie  tax  charge  calculated  at  current
taxation rates on operating profit.

Operating profit before abnormal items and income tax
Prima facie income tax at 36%
Add (or deduct) permanent differences expressed on
a tax effect basis:
Current Period
Increase in general provisions for bad and doubtful debts
Specific provisions for offshore bad and doubtful debts not tax effected
Non deductible depreciation on buildings
Taxation rebates (net of accruals)
Non assessable income - life insurance surplus
Non deductible goodwill amortisation
Employee share acquisition plan
Other

Prior Periods
Other
Income tax attributable to operating profit
Abnormal income tax expense (credit)  (Note 4)
Income tax expense

Income tax expense comprises:
Current taxation provision
Deferred income (benefit)/tax provision
Future income tax benefit
Notional tax expense - leveraged leases
Other
Total Income Tax Expense
The components of income tax expense consist of the following:
Current    Australia
                Overseas

Deferred   Australia
                 Overseas

The significant temporary differences are as follows:
Deferred income tax assets arising from:
Provisions not tax deductible until expense incurred
Other
Future income tax benefits (Note 20)
Deferred income tax liabilities arising from:
Leveraged leasing
Lease financing
Accelerated tax depreciation
Other
Total deferred income tax liabilities (Note 23)
Future income tax benefits attributable to tax losses
carried forward as an asset

Future income tax benefits not taken to account
Valuation allowance
Opening balance
Prior year adjustments
Benefits now taken to account
Benefits not recognised
Closing balance (Note 20)

G R O U P

1999
$M

1998
$M

1997
$M

1999
$M

2,160
777

1,912
688

1,816
654

2,190
789

B A N K

1998
$M

1,550
558

-
1
7
(27)
(36)
17
-
(19)
(57)

(6)
714
-
714

 744
(24)
(34)
 8
 20
 714

 710
 34
 744
(46)
 16
(30)

 255
 78
 333

 461
 209
 41
 222
 933

9
35
9
(33)
(27)
16
(10)
(13)
(14)

(33)
641
(409)
232

 245
 128
(158)
 16
 1
 232

 194
 51
 245
(13)
-
(13)

 272
 53
 325

 437
 185
 47
 214
 883

28
-
9
(35)
(27)
15
(10)
(23)
(43)

(23)
588
(72)
516

 375
 97
 22
 22
-
 516

 326
 49
 375
 141
-
 141

 82
 85
 167

 439
 175
 74
 67
 755

-
-
7
(170)
-
14
-
5
(144)

-
645
-
645

 640
(25)
 13
 8
 9
 645

 640
-
 640
 5
-
 5

 216
 46
 262

 198
 56
 40
 173
 467

9
28
8
(44)
-
14
(10)
(25)
(20)

(32)
506
(409)
97

 189
 43
(146)
 9
 2
 97

 189
-
 189
(92)
-
(92)

 261
 32
 293

 191
 36
 47
 162
 436

-

-

-

-

-

 132
(12)
(10)
 36
 146

 96
 6
(4)
 34
 132

 83
 7
(2)
 8
 96

 121
(12)
(5)
 36
 140

 96
 6
(4)
 23
 121

67

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 6 Dividends Provided For, Reserved or Paid

Interim dividend (fully franked) of 49 cents per share
(1998: 46 cents, 1997: 45 cents)
  Provision for interim dividend - cash component only
Declared final dividend (fully franked) of 66 cents per share
(1998: 58 cents, 1997: 57 cents)
  Provision for final dividend - cash component only
Dividends provided for payments in cash or paid
Appropriations to Dividend Reinvestment Plan Reserve
  Interim dividend
  Final dividend
Dividends appropriated to Dividend Reinvestment Plan Reserve
Total Dividends Provided for, Reserved or Paid

Dividend Franking Account

The amount of franking credits available for
subsequent  financial  years  stands  at  $96 million.
This  figure  represents  the  extent  to  which  future
dividends  could  be  fully  franked  at  36%,  and  is
franking  account  at
based  on 
for
30 June 1999,  which  has  been  adjusted 
franking credits that will arise from the payment of

the  Bank’s 

G R O U P

1999
$M

1998
$M

1997
$M

1999
$M

B A N K

1998
$M

 275

 231

 231

 275

 231

 472
 747

 183
 133
 316
 1,063

 321
 552

 189
 214
 403
 955

 291
 522

 180
 239
 419
 941

 472
 747

 183
 133
 316
 1,063

 321
 552

 189
 214
 403
 955

income  tax  payable  on profits  of  the  financial  year
ended 30 June 1999, franking debits that will arise
from  the  payment  of  dividends  proposed  as  at
30 June 1999  and  franking  credits  that  the  Bank
may  be  prevented  from  distributing  in  subsequent
financial periods.

NOTE 7 Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Ordinary Share (basic and fully diluted)

Reconciliation of earnings used in the calculation of earnings per share
Operating profit after income tax
Less: Outside equity interests
Earnings used in calculation of earnings per share

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used
in the calculation of earnings per share

1999
c

 153.4
$M

 1,446
(24)
 1,422

1998
c

 117.2
$M

 1,110
(20)
 1,090

G R O U P

1997
c

 117.2
 $M

 1,100
(22)
 1,078

Number of Shares
M

M

 M

 927

 930

 917

68

NOTE 8 Cash and Liquid Assets

Australia
Notes, coins and cash at bankers
Money at short call
Securities purchased under agreements to resell
Bills receivable and remittances in transit
Total Australia

Overseas
Notes, coins and cash at bankers
Money at short call
Bills receivable and remittances in transit
Total Overseas
Total Cash and Liquid Assets

G R O U P

1998
$M

1999
$M

1999
$M

B A N K

1998
$M

 752
 39
 793
 138
 1,722

 31
 58
 3
 92
 1,814

 921
 96
 328
 141
 1,486

 30
 10
           -
 40
 1,526

 757
-
 793
 138
 1,688

 909
                -
 328
 140
 1,377

-
 58
-
 58
 1,746

                -
 16
                -
 16
 1,393

NOTE 9 Receivables from Other Financial Institutions

Australia
Overseas
Total Receivables from Other Financial Institutions

 621
 585
 1,206

 2,382
 1,066
 3,448

 627
 555
 1,182

 2,371
 834
 3,205

NOTE 10 Trading Securities

Australia
Listed:
Australian Public Securities
  Commonwealth and States
  Local and semi government
Unlisted:
Commercial paper
Certificates of deposit
Bills of exchange
Medium term notes
Other securities
Total Australia

Overseas
Listed:
Government securities
Eurobonds
Bills of exchange
Other securities
Unlisted:
Government securities
Commercial paper
Other securities
Total Overseas
Total Trading Securities

603
47

176
642
890
693
168
3,219

-
212
814
32

22
340
69
1,489
4,708

237
282

336
146
656
263
290
2,210

413
306
514
73

4
402
87
1,799
4,009

317
47

176
642
890
693
168
2,933

-
212
-
32

-
6
68
318
3,251

237
281

336
146
656
263
290
2,209

59
306
-
73

-
1
50
489
2,698

69

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

1999
$M

1998
$M

G R O U P

1997
$M

1999
$M

B A N K

1998
$M

 2,635

 1,960
                -                 -
 578

 282

 3,769

 2,611

 1,914
 20                 -                 -
 527
 278

 564

                -                 -
                -                 -
 17
                -
                -                 -
 141
 455
 3,151

 160
 70
 3,147

 8                 -                 -
 17                 -                 -
 34                 -                 -
 5                 -                 -
 141
 13
 2,595

 160
 9
 3,058

 115
 301
 4,833

 234
 5
                -
 583
 484

 179
 5
 547
 539
 447

 323
 5

 234
 5
 923                 -
 583
 367
 484
 687

 179
 5
 547
 539
 447

 1

 25
                -                 -
                -                 -
 648
 227

 1
 25
 38
 333
 1                 -
 435                 -                 -
 647
 1,228
 227
 317
 29
 27
 182
 228
 527
 542
 3,354
 3,650
 5,949
 6,708

 64
 78
 29                 -
 351
 796
 4,400
 9,233

 182
 879
 3,707
 6,858

 1,228
 317
 27
 228
 933
 4,040
 7,187

NOTE 11 Investment Securities

Australia
Listed:
Australian Public Securities
  Commonwealth and States
  Treasury notes
Other securities and equity investments
Unlisted:
Australian Public Securities
  Commonwealth and States
  Treasury notes
Bills of exchange
Certificates of deposit
Medium term notes
Other securities and equity investments
Total Australia

Overseas
Listed:
Government securities
Treasury notes
Certificates of deposit
Eurobonds
Other securities
Unlisted:
Government securities
Treasury notes
Bills of exchange
Certificates of deposit
Eurobonds
Medium term notes
Commercial paper
Other securities and equity investments
Total Overseas
Total Investment Securities

70

NOTE 11 Investment Securities continued

Market Value
Australia
Australian Public Securities
  Commonwealth and States
  Treasury notes
Bills of exchange
Certificates of deposit
Medium term notes
Other securities and equity investment
Total Australia

Overseas
Government securities
Treasury notes
Bills of exchange
Certificates of deposit
Eurobonds
Medium term notes
Other securities and equity investments
Total Overseas
Total Investment Securities
Net Unrealised Surplus/(Deficit)

Gross Unrealised Gains and Losses of Group

G R O U P

M A R K E T   V A L U E   A T   3 0   J U N E

1999
$M

1998
$M

1997
$M

 2,637
                  -
                  -
                  -
 171
 333
 3,141

 1,994
                  -
 17
                  -
 159
 1,092
 3,262

 3,907
 37
 34
 5
 128
 944
 5,055

 243
 5
                  -
 1,236
 924
 20
 1,627
 4,055
 7,196
 9

 231
 5
                  -
 1,201
 811
 25
 1,544
 3,817
 7,079
 221

 376
 339
 436
 990
 464
                  -
 1,902
 4,507
 9,562
 329

A T   3 0   J U N E   1 9 9 9

A T   3 0   J U N E   1 9 9 8

Amortised
Cost
$M

Gross Unrealised
Losses
Gains
$M
$M

Fair Amortised
Cost
$M

Value
$M

Gross Unrealised
Losses
Gains
$M
$M

Fair
Value
$M

Australia
Australian Public Securities
  Commonwealth and States
Bills of exchange
Medium term notes
Other securities and
equity investments
Total Australia

Overseas
Government securities
Treasury notes
Certificates of deposit
Eurobonds
Medium term notes
Other securities and
equity investments
Total Overseas
Total Investment Securities

2,635
-
160

352
3,147

235
5
1,228
900
27

1,645
4,040
7,187

13
-
11

-
24

10
-
46
46
-

-
102
126

11
-
-

19
30

2
-
38
22
7

18
87
117

2,637
-
171

333
3,141

243
5
1,236
924
20

1,627
4,055
7,196

1,960
17
141

1,033
3,151

204
5
1,195
766
29

1,508
3,707
6,858

34
-
18

59
111

30
-
7
53
-

83
173
284

-
-
-

-
-

3
-
1
8
4

47
63
63

1,994
17
159

1,092
3,262

231
5
1,201
811
25

1,544
3,817
7,079

71

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

NOTE 11 Investment Securities continued

Investment  securities  are  carried  at  cost  or
amortised  cost  and  are  purchased  with  the  intent  of
being  held  to  maturity.  The investment  portfolio  is
managed in the context of the full balance sheet of the
Bank.

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

these  contracts 

Equity  derivatives  are  in  place  to  hedge  equity
market  risk.  There  are  $19 million  of  net  deferred
gains  on 
(1998: $50 million  net
deferred  losses)  which  offset  the  above  unrealised
losses and these are disclosed within Note 37. At the
end  of  the  financial  year  $71 million  of  net  deferred
losses 
the
amortised cost value.

(1998: $80 million)  are 

included 

in 

Maturity Distribution and Average Yield

The table analyses the maturities and weighted average yields of the Group’s holdings of investment securities.

1 to 12 months
 %
 $M

1 to 5 years
 %

 $M

5 to 10 years
 %

 $M

10 years or more
 %

 $M

Total
$M

M A T U R I T Y   P E R I O D   A T   3 0   J U N E   1 9 9 9

Australia
Australian Public  Securities
  Commonwealth and States
Medium term notes
Other securities, commercial
paper and equity investments
Total Australia

Overseas
Government securities
Treasury notes
Certificates of Deposit
Eurobonds
Medium term notes
Other securities, commercial
paper and equity investments
Total Overseas
Total Investment Securities
Maturities at Fair Value

552
-

90
642

1
5
1,228
145
-

274
1,653
2,295
2,299

6.51
-

5.09

5.72
1.20
5.21
8.78
-

5.23

1,661
102

258
2,021

163
-
-
222
27

624
1,036
3,057
3,033

5.19
8.33

3.62

2.32
-
-
6.69
5.19

7.45

422
58

4
484

71
-
-
533
-

697
1,301
1,785
1,814

6.14
9.80

6.52

5.62
-
-
5.75
-

2.97

-
-

-
-

-
-
-
-
-

50
50
50
50

-
-

-

-
-
-
-
-

5.53

2,635
160

352
3,147

235
5
1,228
900
27

1,645
4,040
7,187
7,196

Proceeds  at  or  close  to  maturity  of  investment  securities  were  $12,431 million  (1998: $8,681 million,

1997: $7,013 million).

Proceeds from sale of investment securities were $146 million (1998: $1,787 million, 1997: $1,172 million).
Realised capital gains were $85 million and realised capital losses were $6 million (1998: realised capital gains

$65 million, 1997: realised capital gains $12 million and realised capital losses $8 million).

72

NOTE 12 Loans, Advances and Other Receivables

Australia
Overdrafts
Housing loans
Credit card outstandings
Lease financing
Bills discounted
Term loans
Redeemable preference share financing
Equity participation in leveraged leases
Other lending
Total Australia

Overseas
Overdrafts
Housing loans
Credit card outstandings
Lease financing
Bills discounted
Term loans
Redeemable preference share financing
Other lending
Total Overseas
Gross Loans, Advances and Other Receivables
Less -
Provisions for impairment  (Note 13)
  General provision
  Specific provision against loans and advances
Unearned income
  Term loans
  Lease financing
  Leveraged leases
Interest reserved
Unearned tax remissions on leveraged leases

Net Loans, Advances and Other Receivables

Lease receivables, net of unearned income
(included above)
Current
Non current

G R O U P

1998
$M

1999
$M

1999
$M

B A N K

1998
$M

 3,821
 45,495
 2,510
 3,966
 1,650
 29,607
 682
 1,737
 1,607
 91,075

 2,841
 41,137
 2,218
 3,594
 916
 25,676
 740
 1,615
 1,290
 80,027

 3,821
 45,495
 2,510
 1,207
 1,654
 25,535
 89
 774
 1,052
 82,137

 2,876
 41,137
 2,217
 1,123
 917
 22,173
 125
 769
 738
 72,075

 6,273

 519                 -                 -
 760
 125
 85
 7,151
 134                 -                 -
 162
 60                 -                 -
 166
 4
 2
 2
 2,131
 2,260
 5,250
-
 369                 -                 -
-                 -                 -                 -
 2,389
 74,464

 12,548
 92,575

 2,218
 84,355

 4
 5,189

 13,491
 104,566

(1,081)
(275)

(1,076)
(279)

(932)
(209)

(995)
(232)

(437)
(489)
(243)
(68)
(136)
(2,729)
 101,837

(425)                 -                 -
(130)
(142)
(473)
(42)
(38)
(295)
(93)
(62)
(102)
(23)
(20)
(109)
(1,515)
(1,403)
(2,759)
 72,949
 82,952
 89,816

 1,250
 2,393
 3,643

 932
 2,249
 3,181

 348
 717
 1,065

 281
 712
 993

73

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 12 Loans, Advances and Other Receivables continued

Maturity Distribution of Loans
The following table sets forth the maturity distribution of the Group’s loans, advances and other receivables
(excluding bank acceptances) at 30 June 1999.

M A T U R I T Y   P E R I O D   A T   3 0   J U N E   1 9 9 9

G R O U P

Australia
Government and Public Authorities
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
Financial, Investment and Insurance
Real Estate
  Mortgage (1)
  Construction (2)
Personal
Lease Financing
Other Commercial and Industrial
Total Australia

Overseas
Government and Public Authorities
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
Financial, Investment and Insurance
Real Estate
  Mortgage (1)
  Construction (2)
Personal
Lease Financing
Other Commercial and Industrial
Total Overseas
Gross Loans, Advances and Other Receivables

Interest Rate Sensitivity of Lending
Variable Interest Rates
  Australia
  Overseas
Total

Fixed Interest Rates
  Australia
  Overseas
Total
Gross Loans, Advances and Other Receivables

Maturing
One Year
or Less
$M

Maturing
Between
One & Five
Years
$M

 272
 1,464
 1,588

 3,018
 942
 3,307
 1,144
 10,428
 22,163

 84
 205
 456

 794
 315
 47
 18
 1,506
 3,425
 25,588

 12,021
 2,510
 14,531

 10,141
 916
 11,057
 25,588

 844
 2,046
 1,524

 7,832
 939
 7,531
 905
 8,423
 30,044

 40
 628
 525

 2,605
 112
 88
 52
 719
 4,769
 34,813

 11,825
 2,928
 14,753

 18,218
 1,842
 20,060
 34,813

Maturing
After Five
Years
$M

 611
 693
 936

 23,475
 224
 8,912
 1,051
 2,966
 38,868

 33
                  -
 526

 4,014
                  -
 142
 121
 461
 5,297
 44,165

 20,065
 889
 20,954

 18,804
 4,407
 23,211
 44,165

Total
$M

 1,727
 4,203
 4,048

 34,325
 2,105
 19,750
 3,100
 21,817
 91,075

 157
 833
 1,507

 7,413
 427
 277
 191
 2,686
 13,491
 104,566

 43,911
 6,327
 50,238

 47,163
 7,165
 54,328
 104,566

(1) 

Principally  owner  occupied  housing.  While  most  of
these loans would have a contractual term of 20 years
or more, the actual average term of the portfolio is less
than 5 years.

(2) 

Financing real estate and land development projects.

74

NOTE 13 Provisions For Impairment

Provisions for Impairment
General Provisions
Opening balance
Abnormal charge
Charge against profit and loss
Transfer to specific provisions
Bad debts recovered
Adjustments for exchange rate fluctuations

Bad debts written off
Closing balance

Specific Provisions
Opening balance
Charge against profit and loss
  New and increased provisions
  Writeback of provisions no longer required
Transfer from general provision for
  New and increased provisioning
  Less writeback of provisions no longer required
Net transfer

Adjustments for exchange rate fluctuations and other items

Bad debts written off
Closing balance
Total Provisions for Impairment

Specific provisions for impairment comprise the
following segments:
Provisions against loans and advances
Provisions for diminution
Total

Provision Ratios (1)
Specific provisions for impairment as % of gross impaired
assets net of interest reserved
Total provisions for impairment as % of gross impaired
assets net of interest reserved
General provisions as % of risk weighted assets

Charge to profit and loss for bad and doubtful debts
comprises:
General provisions
Specific provisions
Total Charge for Bad and Doubtful Debts

Ratio of net charge offs during the period to Average
gross loans, advances and other receivables
outstanding during the period

1999
$M

1998
$M

1997
$M

1996
$M

1995
$M

1999
$M

G R O U P

B A N K

1998
$M

 1,076
-
 247
(239)
 51
(7)

 690
 370
 165
(155)
 48
-
 1,128  1,118
(42)
 1,081  1,076

(47)

 613
-
 36
-
 80
 2
 731
(41)
 690

 476
-
 99
-
 74
(3)
 646
(33)
 613

 396
-
 15
-
 105
 1
 517
(41)
 476

 995
-
 78
(159)
 43
-

 604
 370
 164
(152)
 38
 2
 957  1,026
(31)
 995

(25)
 932

 279

 241

 318

 511

 713

 262

 211

 152
(90)

 155
(141)

 333
(166)

-
-

-
-

 284
(45)
 239

 105
(37)

 175
(20)
 155

(8)
 510
(235)
 275

(6)
 458
(179)
 279
 1,356  1,355

-
-
-

 6
 386
(145)
 241
 931

-
-
-

(4)
 521
(203)
 318
 931

 94
(34)

 169
(17)
 152

-
-
-

 198
(39)
 159

(7)
(29)
 17
 416
 392
 897
(154)
(183)
(386)
 511
 262
 209
 987  1,141  1,257

 275
-
 275

 279
-
 279

 241
-
 241

 310
 8
 318

 498
 13
 511

 209
-
 209

 232
 30
 262

 %

 %

 %

 %

 %

 %

 %

 46.69  37.60  30.24  29.94  32.28  42.65  37.11

 230.22  182.61  116.81  87.66  62.35  232.86  201.44
 1.14
 0.79

 0.68

 0.79

 1.09

 1.14

 1.09

 $M

 $M

 $M

 $M

 $M

 $M

 $M

 247
-
 247

 165
 68
 233

 36
 62
 98

 99
 14
 113

 15
 167
 182

 78
-
 78

 164
 60
 224

0.3%

0.3%

0.1%

0.2%

0.3%

0.1%

0.3%

(1) 

Ratios have been restated for 1998 based on the amended definition of non accruals introduced with effect from 31 December
1998.

75

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 13 Provisions For Impairment continued

Total charge for bad and doubtful debts

The charge is required for

Specific Provisioning
  New and increased provisioning
  Less provisions no longer required
Net specific provisioning
Provided from general provision
Charge to profit and loss

General Provisioning
  Direct write offs
  Recoveries of amounts previously written off
  Movement in general provision
  Funding of specific provisions
Charge to profit and loss
Total Charge for Bad and Doubtful Debts

1999
$M

 247

G R O U P

1998
$M

 233

1999
$M

 78

B A N K

1998
$M

 224

 284
(45)
 239
(239)
                -

 44
(51)
 15
 239
 247
 247

 280
(57)
 223
(155)
 68

 42
(48)
 16
 155
 165
 233

 198
(39)
 159
(159)
                -

 25
(43)
(63)
 159
 78
 78

 263
(51)
 212
(152)
 60

 31
(38)
 19
 152
 164
 224

76

NOTE 13 Provisions For Impairment continued

Specific Provisions for Impairment by Industry Category
The following table sets forth the Group’s specific provisions for impairment by industry category as at 30 June 1995,
1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999.

1999

%

1998

1997

($ millions, except where indicated)

%

%

1996

%

A T   3 0   J U N E

1995

%

              -               -

      -

         -

      -

         -

      -

         -

      -

         -

 15

 23

 4
 35
 15
 4

 82
 178

 5.4

 8.4

 1.5
 12.7
 5.4
 1.5

 29.8
 64.7

 20

 16

 3
 8
 14
      -

 113
 174

 7.1

 5.7

 1.1
 2.9
 5.0

         -

 40.5
 62.3

 21

 22

 4
 11
 12
      -

 152
 222

 8.7

 9.1

 1.7
 4.6
 5.0

         -

 34

 50

 3
 16
 17
 1

 10.7

 15.7

 0.9
 5.0
 5.3
 0.3

 86

 77

 2
 53
 26
 8

 63.0
 92.1

 185
 306

 58.3
 96.2

 227
 479

 16.8

 15.0

 0.4
 10.4
 5.1
 1.6

 44.4
 93.7

              -               -

      -

         -

      -

         -

      -

         -

      -

         -

Australia
Government and
Public Authorities
Agriculture, Forestry
and Fishing
Financial, Investment
and Insurance
Real Estate
  Mortgage (1)
  Construction (2)
Personal
Lease Financing
Other Commercial
and Industrial
Total Australia

Overseas
Government and
Public Authorities
Agriculture, Forestry
and Fishing
Financial, Investment
and Insurance
Real Estate
  Mortgage (1)
  Construction (2)
Personal
Lease Financing
Other Commercial
and Industrial
Total Overseas
Total Specific Provisions

              -               -

 1

 0.4

              -               -

      -

         -

 3

 1.1
              -               -
 0.7
              -               -

 2

 92
 97
 275

 33.5
 35.3
 100.0

 5
 10
      -
      -

 89
 105
 279

 1.8
 3.6

         -
         -

 31.9
 37.7
 100.0

(1) 

(2) 

Principally owner occupied housing.
Financing real estate and land development projects.

 1

 2

      -
      -
      -
      -

 16
 19
 241

 0.4

 0.8

         -
         -
         -
         -

 6.7
 7.9
 100.0

 1

 2

      -
 1
      -
      -

 8
 12
 318

 0.3

 0.6

         -

 0.3

         -
         -

 2.6
 3.8
 100.0

 1

 3

      -
 3
      -
      -

 25
 32
 511

 0.2

 0.6

         -

 0.6

         -
         -

 4.9
 6.3
 100.0

77

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 13 Provisions For Impairment continued

Bad Debts Written Off by Industry Category
The following table sets forth the Group’s bad debts written off and bad debts recovered for Financial Years 1995,
1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999.

Y E A R   E N D E D   3 0   J U N E

Australia
Government and
Public Authorities
Agriculture, Forestry
and Fishing
Financial, Investment
and Insurance
Real Estate
  Mortgage (1)
  Construction (2)
Personal
Lease Financing
Other Commercial
and Industrial
Total Australia

Overseas
Government and
Public Authorities
Agriculture, Forestry
and Fishing
Financial, Investment
and Insurance
Real Estate
  Mortgage (1)
  Construction (2)
Personal
Lease Financing
Other Commercial
and Industrial
Total Overseas

1999

%

-

2.5

1.4

3.2
2.5
33.3
3.9

25.2
72.0

-

-

-

0.4
5.0
-
1.0

21.6
28.0

1998

1997

($ millions, except where indicated)

%

-

4.1

1.8

5.0
2.7
38.9
2.7

35.7
90.9

-

-

1.4

0.5
-
2.7
-

4.5
9.1

-

15

4

9
14
58
5

69
174

-

-

-

1
2
3
-

6
12

%

-

8.1

2.2

4.8
7.5
31.2
2.7

37.1
93.6

-

-

-

0.5
1.1
1.6
-

3.2
6.4

-

20

25

5
17
52
4

93
216

-

-

1

-
-
3
-

16
20

-

9

4

11
6
86
6

79
201

-

-

3

1
-
6
-

10
20

1996

%

-

8.5

10.6

2.1
7.2
22.0
1.7

39.4
91.5

-

-

0.4

-
-
1.3
-

6.8
8.5

-

28

67

7
43
79
5

159
388

-

-

7

-
11
2
-

19
39

1995

%

-

6.6

15.7

1.6
10.1
18.5
1.2

37.2
90.9

-

-

1.6

-
2.6
0.5
-

4.4
9.1

-

7

4

9
7
94
11

71
203

-

-

-

1
14
-
3

61
79

Gross Bad Debts Written Off

282

100.0

221

100.0

186

100.0

236

100.0

427

100.0

Bad Debts Recovered
Australia
Overseas
  Bad Debts Recovered
Net Bad Debts Written Off

48
3
51
231

46
2
48
173

63
17
80
106

65
9
74
162

84
21
105
322

(1) 

(2) 

Principally owner occupied housing.
Financing real estate and land development projects.

78

NOTE 13 Provisions For Impairment continued

Bad Debts Recovered by Industry Category
The following table sets forth the Group’s bad debts recovered by industry category for Financial Years 1995, 1996,
1997, 1998 and 1999.

1999

%

-

 3.9

 3.9

-
 2.0
 52.9
 3.9

 27.5
 94.1

-

-

-

-
-
 5.9
-

-
 5.9

-

 2

 2

-
 1
 27
 2

 14
 48

-

-

-

-
-
 3
-

-
 3

1998

1997

($ millions, except where indicated)

%

%

1996

%

1995

%

Y E A R   E N D E D   3 0   J U N E

    -

         -

    -

         -

    -

         -

      -

           -

 4

 6

    -
 1
 21
 2

 12
 46

 8.3

 12.5

         -

 2.1
 43.7
 4.2

 25.0
 95.8

 5

 8

    -
 1
 16
 2

 31
 63

 6.3

 10.0

         -

 1.2
 20.0
 2.5

 38.8
 78.8

 5

 7

    -
 1
 16
 2

 34
 65

 6.8

 9.5

         -

 1.3
 21.6
 2.7

 45.9
 87.8

 5

 8

      -
 4
 8
 5

 54
 84

 4.8

 7.6

           -

 3.8
 7.6
 4.8

 51.4
 80.0

    -

         -

    -

         -

    -

         -

      -

           -

    -

         -

    -

         -

    -

         -

      -

           -

    -

         -

    -
    -
 2
    -

    -
 2

         -
         -

 4.2

         -

         -

 4.2

 2

    -
 2
 1
    -

 12
 17

 2.5

         -

 2.5
 1.2

         -

 15.0
 21.2

 3

    -
 2
 1
    -

 3
 9

 4.1

 17

 16.2

         -

 2.7
 1.3

         -

 4.1
 12.2

      -
 1
 1
      -

 2
 21

           -

 1.0
 1.0

           -

 1.8
 20.0

Australia
Government and
Public Authorities
Agriculture, Forestry
and Fishing
Financial, Investment
and Insurance
Real Estate
  Mortgage (1)
  Construction (2)
Personal
Lease Financing
Other Commercial
and Industrial
Total Australia

Overseas
Government and
Public Authorities
Agriculture, Forestry
and Fishing
Financial, Investment
and Insurance
Real Estate
  Mortgage (1)
  Construction (2)
Personal
Lease Financing
Other Commercial
and Industrial
Total Overseas

Bad Debts Recovered

 51

 100.0

 48

 100.0

 80

 100.0

 74

 100.0

 105

 100.0

(1) 

(2) 

Principally owner occupied housing.
Financing real estate and land development projects.

79

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

NOTE 14 Credit Risk Concentrations

in 

Facilities 

the  credit  risk  rated  managed
segment become classified for remedial management
by  centralised units  based  on  assessment  in  the  risk
rating  system,  which  for  each  exposure  makes  an
assessment of the risk of default, and then the risk of
loss  if  default  should  occur.  Impaired  assets  in  this
segment  are  those  ‘classified’  facilities  where  either
a specific  provision  for  impairment  has  been  raised,
the  facility  is  maintained  on  a  cash  basis,  a  loss  of
principal or interest is anticipated, facilities have been
restructured  or  other  assets  have  been  accepted  in
satisfaction  of an outstanding  debt.  Loans  are
generally classified as non accrual when receivership,
insolvency  or  bankruptcy  occurs.  Provisions 
for
impairment  are  raised  for  an  amount  equal  to  the
difference  between  the  exposure  and  the  estimated
the  security  net  of
realisable  market  value  of 
estimated realisation costs. Most loans that are rated
as 
impaired  are  managed  by
centralised and specialised units.

troublesome  or 

A  centralised  exposure  management  system
records all significant credit risks borne by the Group.
This  system  is  used  to  monitor  concentrations  by
client, 
other
geography 
concentrations where increased risk is apparent.

industry, 

and 

any 

Aggregated  credit  limits  apply  for  debtors  or

counterparties (refer ‘Large Exposures’).

The  Risk  Committee  of  the  Board  operates
under  a  charter  of  the  Board  in  terms  of  which  the
Committee  oversees  the  Bank’s  credit  management
policies  and  practices.  The  Committee  usually  meets
on a monthly basis and more often if required.

to  control 

limits  and 

The  Group  uses  a  portfolio  approach  to  the
management of its credit risk. A key element is a well
diversified  portfolio.  The  Group  has  a  system  of
industry 
industry
targets 
concentration. The Group has a large credit exposure
policy  for  commercial  and  industrial  credit  risk,  tiered
by credit risk rating and loan duration. The Bank has a
system of country limits in place to control geographic
concentration  of  credit  risk.  These  policies  are  to
ensure  diversification  of  the  credit  portfolio.  The
Group is using various portfolio management tools to
diversify  the  credit  portfolio.  The  Bank  is  involved  in
credit  derivative  transactions,  has  purchased  various
assets  in  the  market,  has  carried  out  various  asset
securitisations  and  has 
recently  concluded  a
Collateralised Loan Obligation issue.

• 

Management of the Credit Business
Credit risk is the potential for loss arising from:
• 

failure  of  a  debtor  or  counterparty  to  meet  their
contractual obligations; and
failure  to  recover  the  recorded  value  of  equity
investments arising from individual transactions.
The Group has clearly defined credit policies for
the  approval  and  management  of  credit  risk.  Credit
incorporate
underwriting 
income/repayment  capacity,  acceptable  terms  and
security  and  loan  documentation  tests  exist  for  all
products.

standards, 

which 

to  meet 

its  contracted 

integrity  and  ability  of 

The  Group  relies,  in  the  first  instance,  on  the
the  debtor  or
assessed 
counterparty 
financial
obligations  for  repayment.  Collateral  security,  in  the
form of real property or a floating charge is  generally
for  major
taken 
government,  bank  and  corporate  counterparties  of
strong  financial  standing.  Longer  term  consumer
finance is generally secured against real estate while
short  term  revolving  consumer  credit  is  generally
unsecured.

for  business  credit  except 

The  credit  risk  portfolio  is  divided  into  two
segments,  statistically  managed  and  credit  risk  rate
managed.  Statistically  managed  exposures  are
generally  not  individually  reviewed  unless  arrears
occur.  Statistically  managed  portfolios  are  reviewed
by  business  unit  Credit  Support  and  Monitoring  units
with  an  overview  by  the  Risk  Asset  Review  unit.
Credit  risk  rated  managed  exposures  are  required  to
be reviewed at least annually. The risk rated segment
is subject to inspection by the Risk Asset Review unit,
which is independent of the business units and which
reports  quarterly  on  its  findings  to  the  Board  Risk
Committee. Most risk rated portfolios are reviewed on
a random basis, usually within a period of twenty four
months,  by  the  Risk  Asset  Review  unit.  High  risk
portfolios  are 
frequently.  Credit
processes, 
including  compliance  with  policy  and
underwriting standards, and application of risk ratings,
are  examined  and  reported  on  where  cases  of  non
compliance are observed.

reviewed  more 

Facilities  in  the  statistically  managed  segment
become  classified 
for  remedial  management  by
centralised  units  based  on  arrears  status.  Impaired
assets  in  this  segment  are  those  ‘classified’  facilities
which are not well secured and past due 180 days or
more.

80

NOTE 14 Credit Risk Concentrations continued

Total Gross Credit Risk by Industry

The following table sets out the Group’s Total Gross Credit Risk by industry as at 30 June 1996, 1997, 1998
and 1999. Comparative figures are not available for Financial Year 1995. The industry profile of the loans, advances
and other receivables content for the five financial years to 30 June 1999 is shown on page 86.

Industry
Australia
Government and Public Authorities
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
Financial, Investment and Insurance
Real Estate
  Mortgage
  Construction
Personal
Lease Financing
Other Commercial and Industrial
Total Australia

Overseas
Government and Public Authorities
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
Financial, Investment and Insurance
Real Estate
  Mortgage
  Construction
Personal
Lease Financing
Other Commercial and Industrial
Total Overseas
Total Gross Credit Risk
Less unearned income
Total Credit Risk

1999
$M

1998
$M

A T   3 0   J U N E

1997
$M

1996
$M

 6,162
 5,303
 15,430

 37,980
 3,830
 20,294
 3,100
 36,519
 128,618

 493
 833
 5,631

 7,414
 579
 280
 191
 7,945
 23,366
 151,984
(1,169)
 150,815

 5,200
 4,791
 17,654

 34,599
 2,790
 14,362
 1,940
 35,074
 116,410

 819
 640
 7,012

 6,686
 3,743
 14,878

 32,990
 2,705
 11,060
 4,277
 29,747
 106,086

 1,048
 595
 7,147

 6,247
 6,306
 166
 505
 259
 148
 173                     -
 6,759
 22,110
 128,196
(1,019)
 127,177

 8,091
 23,805
 140,215
(1,193)
 139,022

 6,080
 3,741
 13,642

 30,556
 2,635
 9,869
 4,245
 24,821
 95,589

 806
 376
 7,005

 4,545
 233
 256
 1
 5,143
 18,365
 113,954
(963)
 112,991

81

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

NOTE 14 Credit Risk Concentrations continued
The following tables set out the credit risk concentrations of the Group.

R I S K   C O N C E N T R A T I O N   O F   T H E   G R O U P   B Y   A S S E T   C L A S S   3 0   J U N E   1 9 9 9

Industry

Trading Investment

Loans
Advances
and Other Acceptances Contingent

Bank

Securities
$M

Securities Receivables of Customers
$M

$M

$M

Liabilities Derivatives
$M

$M

Total
$M

Australia
Government and Public Authorities
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
Financial, Investment and Insurance
Real Estate
  Mortgage
  Construction
Personal
Lease Financing
Other Commercial and Industrial
Total Australia

Overseas
Government and Public Authorities
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
Financial, Investment and Insurance
Real Estate
  Mortgage
  Construction
Personal
Lease Financing
Other Commercial and Industrial
Total Overseas
Gross Balances
Other Risk Concentrations
  Receivables due from other financial
  institutions
  Deposits with regulatory authorities
Total Gross Credit Risk

 650
               -

 2,635
                -
 1,532                 -

               -
               -
               -
               -
 1,037
 3,219

                -
                -
                -
                -
 512
 3,147

 22
               -
 814

 240
                -
 1,228

               -
               -
               -
               -
 653
 1,489
 4,708

                -
                -
                -
                -
 2,572
 4,040
 7,187

 1,727
 4,203
 4,048

 34,325
 2,105
 19,750
 3,100
 21,817
 91,075

 157
 833
 1,507

 7,413
 427
 277
 191
 2,686
 13,491
 104,566

 387
 859
 2,594

 126
 743
 208
-
 4,717
 9,634

 625
 220
 1,176

 138
 21
 4,507

 3,529                -
 969
 13
 336                -
               -
 957
 5,636

-
 7,479
 14,334

-
-
-

 69
-
 276

 5
               -
 1,220

-
-
-
-
 38
 38
 9,672

 1                -
 152                -
 3                -
               -
-
 1,912
 84
 1,309
 2,413
 6,945
 16,747

 6,162
 5,303
 13,857

 37,980
 3,830
 20,294
 3,100
 36,519
 127,045

 493
 833
 5,045

 7,414
 579
 280
 191
 7,945
 22,780
 149,825

 1,206
 953
 151,984

Risk  concentrations  for  contingent  liabilities  and  derivatives  are  based  on  the  credit  equivalent  balance  in

Note 36, Contingent Liabilities and Note 37, Market Risk respectively.

82

NOTE 14 Credit Risk Concentrations continued

R I S K   C O N C E N T R A T I O N   O F   T H E   G R O U P   B Y   A S S E T   C L A S S   3 0   J U N E   1 9 9 8

Industry

Trading Investment

Loans
Advances
and Other Acceptances Contingent

Bank

Securities Securities Receivables of Customers
$M

$M

$M

$M

Australia
Government and Public Authorities
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
Financial, Investment and Insurance
Real Estate
  Mortgage
  Construction
Personal
Lease Financing
Other Commercial and Industrial
Total Australia

Overseas
Government and Public Authorities
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
Financial, Investment and Insurance
Real Estate
  Mortgage
  Construction
Personal
Lease Financing
Other Commercial and Industrial
Total Overseas
Gross Balances
Other Risk Concentrations
  Receivables due from other financial
  institutions
  Deposits with regulatory authorities
Total Gross Credit Risk

 544
-
 484

 1,698
-
 17

-
-
-                 -
-                 -
-                 -
 1,436
 3,151

 1,182
 2,210

 74

 208
-                 -
 1,195

 916

-                 -
-                 -
-                 -
-                 -
 2,304
 3,707
 6,858

 809
 1,799
 4,009

 1,216
 4,128
 2,490

 34,505
 1,197
 14,063
 1,940
 20,488
 80,027

 105
 640
 1,449

 6,304
 318
 217
 173
 3,342
 12,548
 92,575

Liabilities Derivatives
$M

$M

Total
$M

 1,034
 82
 2,358

 343
 58
 6,543

 5,200
 4,791
 14,441

-

 34,599
               -
 2,790
 708                -
 14,362
 57                -
 1,940
-
 1,303
 35,074
 8,247  113,197

-
 5,623
 9,862

 365
 523
 2,549

 94
 885
 242
-
 5,042
 9,700

-
-
-

 312
-
 451

 120
               -
 1,934

 819
 640
 5,945

-
-
-
-
 27
 27
 9,727

 2                -
 187                -
 38
               -
 29
 2,121

 6,306
 505
 259
 173
 8,091
 22,738
 10,368  135,935

 4
-
 1,580
 2,536
 12,398

 3,448
 832
 140,215

83

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

NOTE 14 Credit Risk Concentrations continued

R I S K   C O N C E N T R A T I O N   O F   T H E   G R O U P ’ S   I M P A I R E D   A S S E T S   3 0   J U N E   1 9 9 9

Industry

Total
Risk
$M

Impaired
Assets
$M

Provisions for

Impairment Write offs
$M

$M

Recoveries
$M

Net
Write offs
$M

 6,162                   -
 55
 5,303
 47
 13,857

                       -
 15
 23

                -
 7
 4

 37,980                   -
 101
 10
 5
 278
 496

 3,830
 20,294
 3,100
 36,519
 127,045

 4
 35
 15
 4
 82
 178

 9
 7
 94
 11
 71
 203

 493                   -
 833

 5,045                   -

                       -
 1                        -
                       -

 7,414                   -
 579                   -
 280                   -
 191                   -
 160
 161
 657

 7,945
 22,780
 149,825

 3
                       -
 2
                       -
 92
 97
 275

 1,206
 953
 151,984

                -
                -
                -

 1
 14
                -
 3
 61
 79
 282

-
(2)
(2)

-
(1)
(27)
(2)
(14)
(48)

-
 5
 2

 9
 6
 67
 9
 57
 155

-
-
-

               -
               -
               -

-
-
(3)
-
-
(3)
(51)

 1
 14
(3)
 3
 61
 76
 231

Australia
Government and Public Authorities
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
Financial, Investment and Insurance
Real Estate
  Mortgage
  Construction
Personal
Lease Financing
Other Commercial and Industrial
Total Australia

Overseas
Government and Public Authorities
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
Financial, Investment and Insurance
Real Estate
  Mortgage
  Construction
Personal
Lease Financing
Other Commercial and Industrial
Total Overseas
Gross Balances
Receivables due from other financial
institutions
Deposits with regulatory authorities
Total Gross Credit Risk

84

NOTE 14 Credit Risk Concentrations continued

R I S K   C O N C E N T R A T I O N   O F   T H E   G R O U P ’ S   I M P A I R E D   A S S E T S   3 0   J U N E   1 9 9 8

Industry

Total
Risk
$M

Impaired Provisions for

Assets
$M

Impairment Write offs
$M

$M

Recoveries
 $M

Australia
Government and Public Authorities
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
Financial, Investment and Insurance
Real Estate
  Mortgage
  Construction
Personal
Lease Financing
Other Commercial and Industrial
Total Australia

Overseas
Government and Public Authorities
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
Financial, Investment and Insurance
Real Estate
  Mortgage
  Construction
Personal
Lease Financing
Other Commercial and Industrial
Total Overseas
Gross Balances
Receivables due from other financial
institutions
Deposits with regulatory authorities
Total Gross Credit Risk

Large Exposures

 5,200
 4,791
 14,441

                  -
 66
 65

 34,599
 2,790
 14,362
 1,940
 35,074
 113,197

                  -
 102
 9
 2
 372
 616

-
 20
 16

                -
 9
 4

 3
 8
 14
-
 113
 174

 11
 6
 86
 6
 79
 201

 819
 640
 5,945

                  -
 3
 2

                -
-
 1                 -
 3
-

                  -
 3
 2
                  -
 300
 310
 926

 6,306
 505
 259
 173
 8,091
 22,738
 135,935

 3,448
 832
 140,215

 5

 1
 10                 -
 6
                -
 10
 20
 221

-
-
 89
 105
 279

-
(4)
(6)

-
(1)
(21)
(2)
(12)
(46)

-
-
-

-
-
(2)
-
-
(2)
(48)

Net
Write offs
 $M

               -
 5
(2)

 11
 5
 65
 4
 67
 155

               -
               -
 3

 1
               -
 4
               -
 10
 18
 173

Concentration of exposure to any debtor or counterparty, other than to governments and banks, is controlled by

the Large Credit Exposure Policy. All exposures outside the policy are approved by the Board Risk Committee.

The  following  table  shows  the  aggregate  number  of  the  Group’s  corporate  exposures  (including  direct  and
contingent  exposure)  which  individually  were  greater  than  5%  of  the  Group’s  capital  resources  (Tier  1  and  Tier  2
capital):

10% to less than 15% of Group’s capital resources
5% to less than 10% of Group’s capital resources

 1
 7

 1
 7

 1
 4

 1
 4

 2
 6

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

Number

Number

Number

Number

Number

85

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

NOTE 14 Credit Risk Concentrations continued

Credit Portfolio

Industry Profile

The following table sets forth the distribution of the Group’s loans, advances and other receivables  (excluding

bank acceptances) classified by industry category at 30 June 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999.

1999

%

1.6

4.0

3.9

32.8
2.0
18.9
3.0

20.9
87.1

0.1

0.8

1.4

7.1
0.4
0.3
0.2

1,216

4,128

2,490

34,505
1,197
14,063
1,940

20,488
80,027

105

640

1,449

6,304
318
217
173

1,727

4,203

4,048

34,325
2,105
19,750
3,100

21,817
91,075

157

833

1,507

7,413
427
277
191

1998

1997

($ millions, except where indicated)

%

%

1996

%

A T   3 0   J U N E

1995

%

1.3

4.4

2.7

37.3
1.3
15.2
2.1

22.1
86.4

0.1

0.7

1.6

6.8
0.3
0.2
0.2

1,955

3,185

1,859

32,892
1,138
10,740
4,277

16,675
72,721

28

547

1,494

6,247
151
133
-

2.3

3.8

2.2

39.3
1.4
12.8
5.1

19.9
86.8

-

0.7

1.8

7.4
0.2
0.2
-

1,477

2,896

2,211

28,963
1,065
9,456
4,245

13,024
63,337

310

376

1,134

4,545
205
240
1

2,000
8,811

2.0

4.0

3.1

40.1
1.5
13.1
5.9

18.1
87.8

0.4

0.5

1.6

6.3
0.3
0.3
-

2.8
12.2

874

2,538

1,641

26,808
1,084
8,669
3,749

11,262
56,625

274

224

956

3,701
359
168
2

2,474
8,158

1.3

3.9

2.5

41.4
1.7
13.4
5.8

17.4
87.4

0.4

0.3

1.5

5.7
0.6
0.3
-

3.8
12.6

2,686
13,491

2.6
12.9

3,342
12,548

3.7
13.6

2,469
11,069

2.9
13.2

104,566

100.0

92,575

100.0

83,790

100.0

72,148

100.0

64,783

100.0

(2,729)

101,837

(2,759)

89,816

(2,158)

81,632

(2,106)

70,042

(2,076)

62,707

Australia
Government and
Public Authorities
Agriculture, Forestry
and Fishing
Financial, Investment
and Insurance
Real Estate
  Mortgage (1)
  Construction (2)
Personal
Lease Financing
Other Commercial
and Industrial
Total Australia

Overseas
Government and
Public Authorities
Agriculture, Forestry
and Fishing
Financial, Investment
and Insurance
Real Estate
  Mortgage (1)
  Construction (2)
Personal
Lease Financing
Other Commercial
and Industrial
Total Overseas
Gross Loans, Advances
and Other Receivables
Provisions for bad
And doubtful debts,
Unearned income,
interest reserved
and unearned tax
remissions on
leverage leases
Net Loans, Advances
and Other Receivables

(1)  Principally owner occupied housing.
(2)  Financing real estate and land development projects.

86

NOTE 15 Asset Quality

Credit Portfolio

The  Group  manages  its  credit  portfolio  in  two

segments:

Statistically Managed Segment
This  segment  comprises  selected  products
where 
than
$250,000. This segment is dominated by the  housing
portfolio.  Credit  facilities  are  approved  using  credit
scoring and check sheet techniques.

the  exposures  are  generally 

less 

Risk Rated Managed Segment
This segment comprises all credit exposures not

statistically managed.

Management  of  this  segment  is  based  on  the
credit  risk  rating  system,  which  for  each  exposure
makes an assessment of the risk of default, and then
the risk of loss if default should occur.

The Group’s credit risk portfolio is as follows:
1997
$M

1999
$M

1998
$M

Total gross credit risk (Note 14)
Less unearned income (Note 12)
Credit Risk

Credit Segments
Statistically managed
Risk rated managed
Credit Risk

 151,984
(1,169)
 150,815

 54,556
 96,259
 150,815

 140,215
(1,193)
 139,022

 50,264
 88,758
 139,022

    128,196
      (1,019)
    127,177

      46,795
      80,382
    127,177

Charge for bad and doubtful debts for each segment was:

Credit Segments

Charge
1999
$M

Loss Rate
1999
%pa

Charge
1998
$M

Loss Rate
1998
%pa

Charge
1997
$M

Loss Rate
1997
%pa

Statistically managed
Risk rated managed
Sub total
Funding to general provisions
Total charge for bad and doubtful debts

 81
 151
 232
 15
 247

 0.15
 0.16
 0.15
 0.01
 0.16

 80
 137
 217
 16
 233

 0.16
 0.15
 0.16
 0.01
 0.17

 61
(38)
 23
 75
 98

 0.13
(0.05)
 0.02
 0.06
 0.08

The  loss  rate  is  the  charge  as  a  percentage  of  the
credit segments.

Impaired Assets

for 

Impaired  Assets  contained 

The  Group  adopted  the  Australian  disclosure
in
requirements 
‘Specific  Disclosures  by  Financial
AASB1032 
Institutions’ with effect from Financial Year 1997. The
Group’s  policies  incorporate  the  Reserve  Bank  of
Australia guidelines  issued in  December 1993,  which
meet the requirements of AASB1032.

There  are 

three  classifications  of 

Impaired

Assets:
(a) Non accruals, comprising:

• 

• 

• 

any  credit  risk  facility  against  which  a
specific  provision  for  impairment  has  been
raised;
any credit risk facility maintained on a cash
basis because of significant deterioration in
the financial position of the borrower; and
any  credit  risk 
facility  where 
principal or interest is anticipated.

loss  of

At  31  December  1998  the  definition  of  non  accruals
was  amended  to  align  more  closely  with  APRA
(formerly  RBA)  guidelines  and 
industry  practice.
When  a  client  is  experiencing  difficulties  the  account
is  classified  as  a  non  accrual  only  where  a  loss  is
expected,  taking  into  account  the  level  of  security
held.  To  provide  comparable  provisioning  and  asset
quality  ratios  at  30 June 1998  and  30 June 1999,
impaired  assets  at  30 June 1998  have  also  been
disclosed under the amended definition.

All  interest  charged  in  the  current  financial
period that has not been received in cash is reversed
from  profit  and  loss  when  facilities  become  classified
as  non  accrual.  Interest  on  these  facilities  is  only
taken to profit if received in cash.

(b) Restructured Facilities

Credit  risk 

facilities  on  which 

the  original
contractual terms have been modified due to financial
difficulties  of the borrower.  Interest  on  these  facilities
is taken to profit and loss. Failure to comply fully with
immediate
the  modified 
reclassification to non accruals.

terms  will 

result 

in 

87

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 15 Asset Quality continued

Impaired Assets continued
(c) Assets Acquired Through Security Enforcement (AATSE), includes:

• 

• 

Other Real Estate Owned (OREO), comprising real estate where the Bank has assumed ownership or
foreclosed in settlement of a debt; and
Other  Assets  Acquired  Through  Security  Enforcement  (OAATSE),  comprising  assets  other  than  real
estate where the Bank has assumed ownership or foreclosed in settlement of a debt.

Impaired Asset Ratios (1)
Gross impaired assets net of interest reserved as % of
credit risk net of interest reserved
Net impaired assets as % of:
  Risk weighted assets
  Total shareholders’ equity

1999
%

1998
%

G R O U P

1997
%

 0.39

 0.32
 4.52

 0.53

 0.49
 6.76

 0.63

 0.64
 7.92

(1) 

Ratios  have  been  restated  from  1998  based  on  amended  definition  of  non  accruals  introduced  with  effect  from
31 December 1998.

US GAAP SFAS 114 and 118 - Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of Loans

Impaired Loans
 - including non accruals

Impaired Loans with allowance for credit losses
 - allowance for credit losses

Impaired Loans with no allowance for credit loss

Average investment in Impaired Loans

Income recognised on Impaired Loans

Y E A R   E N D E D   3 0   J U N E

1998
$M

920
920

726
259

 194

 908

 34

1997
$M

896
896

670
226

 226

 1,008

 50

1999
$M

636
636

505
255

 131

 778

 33

88

NOTE 15 Asset Quality continued

Impaired Assets

The following table sets forth the Group’s impaired assets as at 30 June 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999.

Australia
Non accrual loans:
  Gross balances
  Less interest reserved
  Gross balance (net of interest reserved)
  Less provisions for impairment
  Net non accrual loans

Restructured loans:
  Gross balances
  Less interest reserved
  Gross balance (net of interest reserved)
  Less specific provisions
  Net restructured loans

Other Assets Acquired Through Security
Enforcement (OAATSE):
  Gross balances
  Less provisions for impairment
  Net OAATSE
  Net Australian impaired assets

Overseas
Non accrual loans:
  Gross balances
  Less interest reserved
  Gross balance (net of interest reserved)
  Less provisions for impairment
  Net non accrual loans

Restructured loans:
  Gross balances
  Less interest reserved
  Gross balance (net of interest reserved)
  Less specific provisions
  Net restructured loans

Other Real Estate Owned (OREO)
  Gross balances
  Less provisions for impairment
  Net OREO
  Net Overseas impaired assets
Total net impaired assets

1999
$M

 495
(66)
 429
(178)
 251

 1
        -
 1
        -
 1

        -
        -
        -
 252

 147
(2)
 145
(97)
 48

        -
        -
        -
        -
        -

 14
        -
 14
 62
 314

1998 (1)
$M

 616
(85)
 531
(174)
 357

        -
        -
        -
        -
        -

        -
        -
        -
 357

 310
(17)
 293
(105)
 188

        -
        -
        -
        -
        -

        -
        -
        -
 188
 545

1997
$M

 831
(100)
 731
(222)
 509

        -
        -
        -
        -
        -

        -
        -
        -
 509

 75
(9)
 66
(19)
 47

        -
        -
        -
        -
        -

        -
        -
        -
 47
 556

A T   3 0   J U N E

1996
$M

1995
$M

 1,060
(108)
 952
(300)
 652

 1,500
(129)
 1,371
(473)
 898

 29
(9)
 20
         -
 20

 37
(11)
 26
                   -
 26

 6
(6)
         -
 672

 6
(6)
                   -
 924

 51
(6)
 45
(10)
 35

 142
(9)
 133
(26)
 107

         -
         -
         -
         -
         -

                   -
                   -
                   -
                   -
                   -

 39
(2)
 37
 72
 744

 47
(5)
 42
 149
 1,073

(1) 

Under revised definition of non accrual assets introduced 31 December 1998 net impaired assets at 30 June 1998 would have
been $466 million.

89

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 15 Asset Quality continued

Movement in Impaired Asset Balances
The following table provides an analysis of the movement in the gross impaired asset balances for Financial Years 1995,
1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999.

Gross impaired assets at period beginning
New and increased
Balances written off
Returned to performing or repaid
Gross impaired assets at period end

1999
$M

 926
 415
(280)
(404) (1)
 657

1998
$M

 906
 689
(216)
(453)
 926

Y E A R   E N D E D   3 0   J U N E

1996
$M

 1,732
 390
(269)
(668)
 1,185

1995
$M

 2,555
 773
(541)
(1,055)
 1,732

1997
$M

 1,185
 487
(190)
(576)
 906

(1) 

Includes $99 million reduction due to revised definition of non accruals introduced 31 December 1998.

Loans Accruing But Past Due 90 Days or More

Accruing loans past due 90 days or more
Housing loans
Other loans
Total

Interest Income Forgone on Impaired Assets

Interest income forgone
Australia Non Accrual Facilities
Overseas Non Accrual Facilities
Total

Interest Taken to Profit and Loss on Impaired Assets

Australia
Non Accrual Facilities
Restructured Facilities
Overseas
Non Accrual Facilities
OREO
Total Interest to Profit and Loss

1999
$M

 182
 23
 205

1999
$M

 17
 10
 27

1999
$M

 33
-

-
-
 33

1998
$M

 249
 41
 290

1998
$M

 34
 7
 41

1998
$M

 34
-

-
-
 34

A T   3 0   J U N E

1996
$M

 336
 29
 365

1995
$M

 257
 44
 301

Y E A R   E N D E D   3 0   J U N E

1996
$M

 75
 5
 80

1995
$M

 112
 11
 123

Y E A R   E N D E D   3 0   J U N E

1996
$M

1995
$M

 70
 5

-
 6
 81

 62
-

 1
-
 63

1997
$M

 267
 37
 304

1997
$M

 52
 3
 55

1997
$M

 50
-

-
 5
 55

90

NOTE 15 Asset Quality continued

Impaired Assets

Non Accrual Loans
  With provisions
  Without provisions
Gross Balances
Less interest reserved
Net Balances
Less provisions for impairment
Net Non Accrual Loans

Restructured Loans
Gross Balances
Less interest reserved
Net Balances
Less provisions for impairment
Net Restructured Loans

Other Real Estate Owned (OREO)
Gross Balances
Less provisions for impairment
Net OREO

Other Assets Acquired Through Security
Enforcement (OAATSE)
Gross Balances
Less provisions for impairment
Net OAATSE

Total Impaired Assets
Gross Balances
Less interest reserved
Net Balances
Less provisions for impairment
Net Impaired Assets

Non Accrual Loans by Size of Loan
Less than $1 million
$1 million to $10 million
Greater than $10 million
Total

G R O U P

G R O U P

Australia Overseas
1999
$M

1999
$M

Total
1999
$M

Australia Overseas
1998
$M

1998
$M

 366
 129
 495
(66)
 429
(178)
 251

 145
 2
 147
(2)
 145
(97)
 48

 511
 131
 642
(68)
 574
(275)
 299

 439
 177
 616
(85)
 531
(174)
 357

 293
 17
 310
(17)
 293
(105)
 188

Total
1998
$M

 732
 194
 926
(102)
 824
(279)
 545

           -
           -
           -
           -
           -

           -
           -
           -

           -
           -
           -

-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-

 616
(85)
 531
(174)
 357

 274
 183
 159
 616

 310
(17)
 293
(105)
 188

 5
 43
 262
 310

 926
(102)
 824 (1)
(279)
 545 (1)

 279
 226
 421
 926

 1
-
 1
-
 1

-
-
-

-
-
-

 496
(66)
 430
(178)
 252

 173
 142
 180
 495

-
-
-
-
-

 1
               -
 1
               -
 1

 14
-
 14

 14
               -
 14

-
-
-

               -
               -
               -

 161
(2)
 159
(97)
 62

 5
 27
 115
 147

 657
(68)
 589
(275)
 314

 178
 169
 295
 642

(1) 

Under the revised definition of non accrual assets introduced at 31 December 1998, Net Balances would be $742 million, and
Net Impaired Assets $466 million.

Accruing Loans 90 days past due or more
These are loans which are well secured and
not classified as impaired assets but which
are in arrears 90 days or more. Interest on
these loans continues to be taken to profit.

 182

 23

 205

 265

 25

 290

91

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

NOTE 15 Asset Quality continued

Asian and Other Regional Exposures

Approximately 65% of the Bank’s Asian exposures relate to counterparties rated investment grade equivalent or
better.  Almost  47%  of  total  exposures  relate  to  financial  institutions.  Exposures  to  Indonesia,  Thailand  and  Korea
have reduced by 24% in the Financial Year 1999 and represent approximately 23% of the Bank’s Asian credit risk.

The Group’s credit risk exposure to Asian countries as at 30 June 1999 is set out below.

Country

Finance

Corporate/ Government

Customer Type

China
Hong Kong

Japan
Malaysia
Singapore
Taiwan
Other

Indonesia
South Korea
Thailand

Total

Country

China
Hong Kong

Japan
Malaysia
Singapore
Taiwan
Other

Indonesia
South Korea
Thailand

Total

$M

 21
 205
 226
 968
 7
 361
 5
 5
 1,346
 61
 264
 24
 349
 1,921

Multinational
$M

 85
 554
 639
 291
 60
 103
 16
 4
 474
 162
 92
 128
 382
 1,495

$M

                  -
 45
 45
 223
                  -
 1
                  -
                  -
 224
 50
                  -
 17
 67
 336

Product Category

Trade
Finance
$M

Lending Bkd Other Comm
Lending
outside Asia
$M
$M

 13
 1
 14
-
-
-
 4
 1
 5
-
 110
 1
 111
 130

 41
 277
 318
 287
 1
 21
-
-
 309
 5
-
-
 5
 632

 51
 371
 422
 220
 7
 404
 16
 8
 655
 358
 73
 143
 574
 1,651

Total  Exposure  -  The  maximum  of  the  limit  or
balance  utilised  for  committed  facilities,  whichever  is
highest,  and  the  balance  utilised  for  uncommitted
facilities.  For  derivative 
for
30 June 1998  were  reported  based  on  the  RBA
‘original exposure’ method, from 1 July 1998 balances
are  reported  on  a  ‘mark  to  market  plus  potential
exposure’ basis.

facilities,  balances 

Project  Finance  -  Long  term  lending  for  large
scale  projects  (such  as  mining,  infrastructure)  where
repayment  is  primarily  reliant  on  the  cash  flow  from
the project for repayment.

Trade  Finance  -  Trade  related  documentary

letters of credit and other trade products.

92

Project
Finance
$M

                  -
                  -
                  -
                  -
                  -
                  -
                  -
                  -
                  -
 94
                  -
                  -
 94
 94

APL/NZPL

$M

 1
 164
 165
                  -
 4
 38
                  -
                  -
 42
 50
                  -
                  -
 50
 257

APL/NZPL

$M

 1
 164
 165
                  -
 4
 38
                  -
                  -
 42
 50
                  -
                  -
 50
 257

Treasury/
Securities
$M

 1
 155
 156
 975
 59
 40
 1
                  -
 1,075
 4
 173
 25
 202
 1,433

1999
Total
Exposure
$M

1998
Total
Exposure
$M

 107
 968
 1,075
 1,482
 71
 503
 21
 9
 2,086
 417
 356
 169
 942
 4,103

 225
 979
 1,204
 2,574
 78
 749
 45
 13
 3,459
 618
 370
 254
 1,242
 5,905

1999
Total
Exposure
$M

1998
Total
Exposure
$M

 107
 968
 1,075
 1,482
 71
 503
 21
 9
 2,086
 417
 356
 169
 942
 4,103

 225
 979
 1,204
 2,574
 78
 749
 45
 13
 3,459
 618
 370
 254
 1,242
 5,905

APL/NZPL  -  These  are  facilities  to  persons
supported primarily by residential property in Australia
and New Zealand.

Lending  Bkd  outside  Asia  -  Lending  Booked
outside  Asia  are  indirect  exposures  booked  outside
Asia  where  there  is a relationship  with  the  parent
of
through 
entity 
awareness/letter of comfort.

guarantee 

letter 

or 

a 

Other  -  Countries  with  total  exposure  of  less

than $10 million.
The  Group  had  total  exposures  at  30 June 1999  of
$163 million to Eastern Europe, Latin America and the
Middle East.

NOTE 16 Deposits with Regulatory Authorities

Reserve Bank of Australia
Central Banks Overseas
Total Deposits with Regulatory Authorities

1999
$M

 952
 1
 953

G R O U P

1998
$M

 831
 1
 832

1999
$M

 951
 1
 952

B A N K

1998
$M

 827
 1
 828

Deposits with the RBA are non callable deposits which are required to be maintained at a level equivalent to 1% of
the liabilities of the Bank in Australia.

NOTE 17 Shares in and Loans to Controlled Entities

Shares in controlled entities
Loans to controlled entities
Total Shares in and Loans to Controlled Entities

                -                 -
                -                 -
                -                 -

 3,065
 4,043
 7,108

 3,052
 2,531
 5,583

NOTE 18 Property, Plant and Equipment

(a)  Land and Buildings
       Land
         At 30 June 1999 valuation
         At 30 June 1998 valuation
        Closing balance
      Buildings
        At 30 June 1999 valuation
        At 30 June 1998 valuation
        Closing balance
      Total Land and Buildings

 239
-
 239

 470
-
 470
 709

-
 373
 373

-
 964
 964
 1,337

 216
 -
 216

 358
-
 358
 574

-
 347
 347

-
 856
 856
 1,203

These valuations were established by the Directors and are lower than valuations prepared by independent valuers.
No adjustments have been taken to asset revaluation reserve in 1999 or 1998.

(b)  Leasehold Improvements
       At cost
       Provision for depreciation
       Closing balance

(c)  Equipment
      At cost
      Provision for depreciation
      Closing balance
      Total Property, Plant and Equipment

 344
(191)
 153

 254
(129)
 125

 505
(366)
 139
 1,001

 539
(339)
 200
 1,662

 311
(176)
 135

 339
(252)
 87
 796

 242
(126)
 116

 335
(216)
 119
 1,438

93

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 19 Goodwill

Purchased goodwill
Accumulated amortisation
Total Goodwill

NOTE 20 Other Assets

Accrued interest receivable
Shares in other companies
Accrued fees/reimbursements receivable
Securities sold not delivered
Future income tax benefits
Unrealised gains on trading derivatives (Note 37)
Other
Total Other Assets

1999
$M

 841
(350)
 491

G R O U P
1998
$M

 835
(304)
 531

1999
$M

 784
(333)
 451

B A N K
1998
$M

 784
(294)
 490

 795
 123
 233
 350
 333
 4,978
 2,134
 8,946

 794
 103
 114
 1,076
 325
 8,297
 1,150
 11,859

 791
 23
 198
 290
 262
 4,978
 1,410
 7,952

 868
 8
 32
 1,033
 293
 8,297
 871
 11,402

Potential  future  income  tax  benefits  of  the  Company  arising  from  tax  losses  in  offshore  centres  and  timing
differences have not been recognised as assets because recovery is not virtually certain. These benefits, which could
amount to $146 million (1998: $132 million) will only be obtained if:
• 

The Company derives future assessable income of a nature and of an amount sufficient to enable the benefit
from the deductions for the losses to be realised;
The Company continues to comply with the conditions for deductibility imposed by tax legislation; and
No changes in tax legislation adversely affect the Company in realising the benefit from the deductions for the
losses.

• 
• 

NOTE 21 Deposits and Other Public Borrowings

Australia
Certificates of deposit
Term deposits
On demand and short term deposits
Deposits not bearing interest
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Other
Total Australia

Overseas
Certificates of deposit
Term deposits
On demand and short term deposits
Deposits not bearing interest
Total Overseas
Total Deposits and Other Public Borrowings

11,000
23,871
41,454
4,555
619
7
81,506

2,295
5,692
3,878
57
11,922
93,428

2,156
24,522
40,337
3,936
662
7
71,620

2,938
6,201
3,057
70
12,266
83,886

11,000
21,188
41,305
4,555
619
-
78,667

534
1,723
10
6
2,273
80,940

2,156
21,679
40,229
4,962
662
-
69,688

975
2,230
39
12
3,256
72,944

Term deposit balances include $2,683 million (1998: $2,852 million) of borrowings secured by charges over the
assets of CBFC Limited Group, a controlled entity of the Bank.

94

NOTE 21 Deposits and Other Public Borrowings continued

Maturity Distribution of Certificates of Deposit and Time Deposits

The following table sets forth the maturity distribution of the Group’s certificates of deposits and time deposits as

at 30 June 1999.

A T   3 0   J U N E   1 9 9 9

Maturing
Three
Months or
Less
$M

Maturing
Between
Three & Six
Months
$M

Maturing
Between
Six &
Twelve
Months
$M

Maturing
After
Twelve
Months
$M

Australia
Certificates of deposit (1)
Time deposits
Total Australia

Overseas
Certificates of deposit (1)
Time deposits
Total Overseas
Total Certificates of Deposit and Time Deposits

 4,030
 10,799
 14,829

 1,405
 4,321
 5,726
 20,555

 1,541
 5,296
 6,837

 583
 643
 1,226
 8,063

-
 4,374
 4,374

 248
 571
 819
 5,193

(1) 

All certificates of deposit issued by the Bank are for amounts greater than $100,000.

NOTE 22 Payables to Other Financial Institutions

Australia
Overseas
Total Payables to Other Financial Institutions

1999
$M

 879
 2,370
 3,249

G R O U P

1998
$M

 1,281
 2,116
 3,397

 5,429
 3,402
 8,831

 59
 157
 216
 9,047

1999
$M

 799
 2,087
 2,886

NOTE 23 Income Tax Liability

Australia
Provision for income tax
Provision for deferred income tax
Total Australia

Overseas
Provision for income tax
Provision for deferred income tax
Total Overseas
Total Income Tax Liability

NOTE 24 Other Provisions

Provision for:
Long service leave
Annual leave
Other employee entitlements
Restructuring costs
General insurance claims
Self insurance/non lending losses
Other
Total Other Provisions

 472
 933
 1,405

 215
 883
 1,098

 428
 467
 895

 5
               -
 5
 1,410

 1
               -
 1
 1,099

 2
                -
 2
 897

 286
 129
 200
 57
 57
 35
 41
 805

 289
 129
 218
 122

 285
 124
 200
 57
 35                 -
 35
 30
 41
 52
 742
 875

Total
$M

 11,000
 23,871
 34,871

 2,295
 5,692
 7,987
 42,858

B A N K

1998
$M

 1,252
 1,756
 3,008

 205
 436
 641

 1
-
 1
 642

 288
 123
 218
 122
-
 30
 49
 830

95

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 25 Debt Issues

Short term debt issues
Long term debt issues
Total Debt Issues

Short Term Debt Issues
AUD Promissory Notes
NZD Promissory Notes
US Commercial Paper
Euro Commercial Paper and Certificates of Deposit
Long Term Debt Issues with less than
One Year to Maturity
Total Short Term Debt Issues

Long Term Debt Issues
USD Medium Term Notes
AUD Medium Term Notes
JPY Medium Term Notes
Other Currencies Medium Term Notes
Offshore Loans (all JPY)
Eurobonds (all AUD)
Develop Australia Bonds (all AUD)
Total Long Term Debt Issues

Maturity Distribution of Debt Issues
Less than 3 months
3 months to 12 months
Between 1 and 5 years
Greater than 5 years
Total Debt Issues

1999
$M

 8,009
 2,754
 10,763

G R O U P

1998
$M

 6,758
 3,850
 10,608

 576
 119
 4,491
 1,582

 1,241
 8,009

 124
 525
 665
 399
 313
 200
 528
 2,754

 319
-
 4,219
 1,365

 855
 6,758

 460
 681
 813
 509
 558
 301
 528
 3,850

 6,179
 1,830
 1,588
 1,166
 10,763

 4,653
 2,105
 2,376
 1,474
 10,608

1999
$M

 4,118
 2,222
 6,340

-
-
 1,557
 1,320

 1,241
 4,118

 124
 525
 665
 395
 313
 200
-
 2,222

 3,215
 903
 1,519
 703
 6,340

B A N K

1998
$M

 6,190
 3,049
 9,239

-
-
 4,219
 1,245

 726
 6,190

 460
 624
 813
 293
 558
 301
-
 3,049

 4,085
 2,105
 2,160
 889
 9,239

it  may 

The  Bank  has  a  Euro  Medium  Term  Note
programme  under  which 
issue  notes
(EuroMTNs)  up 
to  an  aggregate  amount  of
is
USD5 billion.  At  30 June 1999,  USD3.0 billion 
outstanding  under  this  programme.  Notes  issued
under  the  programme  are  both  fixed  and  variable
rate.  Interest  rate  risk  associated  with  the  notes  is
incorporated  within  the  Bank’s  interest  rate  risk
framework.

Where any debt is booked in an offshore branch
or  subsidiary,  the  amounts  have  first  been  converted
into  the  base  currency  of  the  branch  at  a  branch
defined exchange rate, before being converted into the
AUD equivalent.

in
When  proceeds  have  been  employed 
currencies  other  than  that  of  the  ultimate  repayment
liability, swap or other hedge arrangements have been
entered into.

96

NOTE 25 Debt Issues continued

Short Term Borrowings
The following table analyses the Group’s short term borrowings for the Financial Years ended 30 June 1997, 1998
and 1999.

US Commercial Paper
Outstanding at period end (1)
Maximum amount outstanding at any month end (2)
Approximate average amount outstanding (2)
Approximate weighted average rate on:
  Average amount outstanding
  Outstanding at period end

Euro Commercial Paper
Outstanding at period end (1)
Maximum amount outstanding at any month end (2)
Approximate average amount outstanding (2)
Approximate weighted average rate on:
  Average amount outstanding
  Outstanding at period end

Other Commercial Paper
Outstanding at period end (1)
Maximum amount outstanding at any month end (2)
Approximate average amount outstanding (2)
Approximate weighted average rate on:
  Average amount outstanding
  Outstanding at period end

Y E A R   E N D E D   3 0   J U N E

1999

1998

1997

($ millions, except where indicated)

 4,491
 5,408
 4,419

5.2%
5.0%

 1,582
 2,267
 1,714

4.5%
4.4%

 695
 781
 324

4.6%
4.9%

 4,219
 4,256
 2,501

5.7%
5.6%

 1,365
 2,813
 1,544

5.7%
5.3%

 319
 604
 466

5.2%
5.1%

 3,074
 3,553
 2,519

5.5%
5.7%

 1,922
 2,089
 1,484

5.6%
5.7%

 827
 867
 776

6.3%
5.7%

(1) 

(2) 

The amount outstanding at period end is reported on a book value basis.
The maximum and average amounts over the  period  are  reported  on  a  face value  basis  because the  book values  of  these
amounts are not available.

Exchange Rates Utilised

AUD 1.00 =

USD
GBP
JPY
NZD
HKD
DEM
CHF
IDR

30 June 1999
.6599
.4190
79.7934
1.2478
5.1197
1.2487
1.0228
4432

30 June 1998
.6128
.3675
86.3201
1.1930
4.7486
1.1091
.9337
8000

97

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

NOTE 25 Debt Issues continued

Guarantee Arrangements

Commonwealth Bank of Australia
The  due  payment  of  all  monies  payable  by  the
Bank  was  guaranteed  by  the  Commonwealth  of
Australia  under  Section  117  of  the  Commonwealth
Bank’s Act 1959 (as amended) at 30 June 1996. This
guarantee  has  been  progressively  phased  out
following 
the  Commonwealth’s
of 
sale 
shareholding in the Bank on 19 July 1996.

the 

The  transitional  arrangements  for  phasing  out
the  Commonwealth’s  guarantee  are  contained  in  the
Commonwealth Bank Sale Act 1995.

In  relation  to the  Commonwealth’s  guarantee  of
transitional  arrangements

liabilities, 

the  Bank’s 
provided that:
• 

• 

the  end  of 

all demand deposits and term deposits would be
guaranteed  until 
the  day  on
19 July 1999,  with  term  deposits  outstanding  at
the  end  of  the  day  on  19 July 1999  being
guaranteed until maturity; and
all other amounts  payable under  a  contract  that
was  entered 
instrument
executed,  issued,  endorsed  or  accepted  by  the
Bank  before  19 July 1996  are  guaranteed  until
their maturity.
Under  the  terms  of  an  agreement  reached
between the Commonwealth and the Bank,  the  Bank
will report to the Commonwealth annually on the level

into,  or  under  an 

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

and maturity profile of outstanding liabilities which are
subject to the Commonwealth’s guarantee.

Commonwealth Development Bank
On  24 July 1996, 

the  Commonwealth  of
Australia  sold 
the
Commonwealth Development Bank Limited (CDBL) to
the Bank for $12.5 million.

its  8.1%  shareholding 

in 

• 

• 

remain

liabilities  continue 

in  CDBL,  consistent  with 

Under the arrangements relating to the purchase
by  the  Bank  of  the  Commonwealth’s  shareholding  in
the CDBL:
• 

all lending assets as at 30 June 1996 have been
quarantined 
the
Charter terms on which they were written;
the  CDBL’s 
to 
guaranteed by the Commonwealth; and
CDBL  ceased  to  write  new  business  or  incur
additional  liabilities  from  1 July 1996.  From  that
date,  new  business  that  would  have  previously
been  written  by  CDBL  is  being  written  by  the
rural arm of the Bank.
The  due  payment  of  all  monies  payable  by
the  Commonwealth  of
CDBL 
Australia  under  Section  117  of the  Commonwealth
Bank’s  Act  1959  (as  amended).  This  guarantee  will
continue to be provided by the Commonwealth whilst
quarantined  assets  are  held.  The  value  of 
the
the  guarantee  will  diminish  as
liabilities  under 
quarantined assets reach maturity and are repaid.

is  guaranteed  by 

NOTE 26 Bills Payable and Other Liabilities

Bills payable
Accrued interest payable
Accrued fees and other items payable
Securities purchased not delivered
Unrealised losses on trading derivatives (Note 37)
Other liabilities
Total Bills Payable and Other Liabilities

1999
$M

 1,226
 782
 615
 296
 4,687
 901
 8,507

G R O U P

1998
$M

 547
 817
 500
 650
 7,790
 442
 10,746

1999
$M

 575
 639
 601
 239
 4,687
 784
 7,525

B A N K

1998
$M

 531
 592
 458
 609
 7,790
 254
 10,234

98

NOTE 27 Loan Capital

1999
$M

1998
$M

G R O U P

1997
$M

1999
$M

1998
$M

B A N K

1997
$M

Tier 1 Capital

Exchangeable
Exchangeable
Undated

Tier 2 Capital
Extendible
Extendible
Subordinated
Subordinated
Subordinated
Subordinated
Subordinated
Subordinated
Subordinated

Total Loan Capital

Currency
Amount (M)
USD300
USD400
USD100

FRNs
FRNs
FRNs

USD125
AUD300
AUD185
AUD115
AUD25

FRNs
FRNs
MTNs
FRNs
FRNs
Euro MTNs JPY20,000
Euro MTNs USD400
Euro MTNs GBP200
Euro MTNs JPY30,000

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

(10)

 113
 330
 152
 595

             -
 300
185
115
25
251
 501
 408
 448
 2,233
 2,828

 422
 563
 163
 1,148

 156
 300
-
-
-
-
 501
 408
 483
 1,848
 2,996

 388
 517
 134
 1,039

 156
 300
         -
         -
         -
         -
 501
 408
 397
 1,762
 2,801

 113
 330
 152
 595

             -
 300
185
115
25
251
 501
 408
 448
 2,233
 2,828

 422
 563
 163
 1,148

 156
 300
           -
           -
           -
           -
 501
 408
 483
 1,848
 2,996

 388
 517
 134
 1,039

 156
 300
           -
           -
           -
           -
 501
 408
 397
 1,762
 2,801

(1)

(2)

USD 300 million Undated Floating Rate Notes (FRNs)
issued 11 July 1988 exchangeable into Dated FRNs.
Outstanding notes at 30 June 1999 were:
USD19 million
:
Due July 1999
USD48.25 million
:
Due July 2000
USD1.5 million
:
Due July 2003
Undated
USD5.5 million
:
USD  400 million  Undated  FRNs  issued  22 February
1989 exchangeable into Dated FRNs.
Outstanding notes at 30 June 1999 were:
: USD176 million
Due February 2000
Undated
: USD71 million
USD  100 million  Undated  Capital  Notes  issued  on
15 October 1986.
The  Bank  has  entered  into  separate  agreements  with
the Commonwealth of Australia relating to each of the above
issues (the ‘Agreements’) which qualify the issues as Tier 1
capital.

(3)

The Agreements provide that,  upon the  occurrence  of
certain  events  listed  below,  the  Bank  may  issue  either  fully
paid  ordinary  shares  to  the  Commonwealth  or  (with  the
consent  of  the  Commonwealth)  rights  to  all  shareholders
to subscribe  for  fully  paid  ordinary  shares  up  to  an  amount
equal to the outstanding principal value of the  relevant  note
issue or issues plus any interest paid in respect of the notes
for the most  recent  financial  year  and  accrued  interest. The
issue price of such shares will be determined by reference to
the prevailing market price for the Bank’s shares.

Any  one  or  more  of  the  following  events  may  trigger

the issue of shares to the Commonwealth or a rights issue:

• 

• 

• 

• 

a relevant event of default (discussed below) occurs in
respect of a note issue and the Trustee of the relevant
notes  gives  notice  to  the  Bank  that  the  notes  are
immediately due and payable;
the most recent audited annual financial statements of
the Group show a loss (as defined in the Agreements);
the Bank does not declare a dividend in respect of its
ordinary shares;
the  Bank,  if  required  by  the  Commonwealth  and
subject  to  the  agreement  of  the  APRA,  exercises  its
option to redeem a note issue; or
in  respect  of  Undated  FRNs  which  have  been
exchanged to Dated FRNs, the Dated FRNs mature.
Any payment made by the Commonwealth pursuant to
its guarantee in respect of the relevant notes will trigger the
issue  of  shares  to  the  Commonwealth  to  the  value  of  such
payment.

• 

The relevant events of default differ depending on the
relevant  Agreement.  In  summary,  they  cover  events  such
as failure  of  the  Bank  to  meet  its  monetary  obligation  in
respect of the relevant notes; the insolvency of the Bank; any
law being passed to dissolve the Bank  or the Bank  ceasing
to  carry  on  general  banking  business  in  Australia;  and  the
Commonwealth  ceasing  to  guarantee  the  relevant  notes.  In
relation  to  Dated  FRN’s  which  have  matured  to  date,  the
Bank and the Commonwealth agreed to amend the relevant
Agreement to reflect that the Commonwealth was not called
upon  to  subscribe  for  fully  paid  ordinary  shares  up  to  an
amount equal to the principal value of the maturing FRNs.

99

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 27 Loan Capital continued
(4)

to 

the  above 

AUD 300 million Extendible Floating Rate Stock issued
December 1989; due December 2004.
The Bank has entered into a separate agreement with
the  Commonwealth  relating 
issue
(the ‘Agreement’)  which  qualifies  the  issue  as  Tier  2
capital.  For  capital  adequacy  purposes  Tier  2  debt
based  capital  is reduced  each  year  by  20%  of  the
original amount during the last 5 years to maturity.
The  Agreement  provides  for  the  Bank  to  issue  either
fully paid ordinary shares to the Commonwealth or (with the
consent  of  the  Commonwealth)  rights  to  all  shareholders  to
subscribe  for  fully  paid  ordinary  shares  up  to  an  amount
equal  to  the  outstanding  principal  value  of  the  note  issue
plus  any  interest  paid  in  respect  of  the  notes  for  the  most
recent  financial  year  and  accrued  interest.  The  issue  price
will be determined by reference to the prevailing market price
for the Bank’s shares.

Any one or more of the following events will trigger the

issue of shares to the Commonwealth or a rights issue:
• 

a relevant event of default occurs in respect of the note
issue  and,  where  applicable, the  Trustee  of  the  notes
gives notice of such to the Bank; or

NOTE 28 Share Capital

Issued and Paid Up Capital
Opening balance
Transfer from share premium reserve
Buyback
Dividend reinvestment plan
Employee Share Acquisition Plan
Employee Share Subscription Plan
Issue costs
Closing balance

Shares on Issue
As at 30 June 1998
Buyback
Dividend reinvestment plan issues:
1998 final dividend fully paid ordinary shares at $18.79
1999 interim dividend fully paid ordinary shares at $24.50
Exercise under Executive Option Plan
Employee Share Subscription Plan issues
Total shares on issue at 30 June 1999

• 

the  Bank,  if  required  by  the  Commonwealth  and
subject  to  the  agreement  of  the  APRA,  exercises  its
option to redeem such issue.
Any payment made by the Commonwealth pursuant to
its guarantee in respect of the  issue  will  trigger the  issue  of
shares to the Commonwealth to the value of such payment.
(5)

AUD300 million  Subordinated  Notes,  issued  February
1999;  due  February  2009,  split  into  $185 million  fixed
rate notes and $115 million floating rate notes.
AUD25 million  Subordinated  FRN,  issued  April 1999,
due April 2029.
JPY20 billion  Perpetual  Subordinated  Euro  MTN,
issued February 1999.
USD400 million 
issued June 1996; due July 2006.
GBP200 million Subordinated Euro MTN issued March
1996; due December 2006.
JPY30 billion  Subordinated  Euro MTN  issued  October
1995; due October 2015.

Subordinated 

Euro 

MTN

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

(10)

1999
$M

B A N K

1998
$M

 1,845
 1,499
(246)
 426
                -
 5
(3)
 3,526

 1,860
                -
(76)
 57
 4
                -
                -
 1,845

Number
 922,658,274
(27,366,447)

 12,114,896
 8,260,352
 26,000
 275,550
 915,968,625

Options to purchase securities from registrant or subsidiaries

• 
• 
• 

The Bank has in place the following employee share plans:
Employee Share Acquisition Plan;
Employee Share Subscription Plan; and
Executive Option Plan,
each of which was approved for a 3 year period by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 8 October
1996. Continuation of each  of  the  plans  for  another  3  years  was  approved  by  shareholders  at  the  Annual  General
Meeting on 29 October 1998.

100

NOTE 28 Share Capital continued

Employee Share Acquisition Plan

The Employee Share Acquisition Plan provides employees of the Bank with up to $1,000 worth of free shares
per  annum  subject  to  a  performance  target  being  met.  The  performance  target  is  growth  in  annual  profit  of  the
greater of 5% or consumer price index plus 2%. Details of issues under this plan are:

Issue Date

1996 Offer
2 January 1997
18 March 1997

1997 Offer
11 December 1997
3 February 1998

Total Ordinary
Shares Issued(1)

Total Bonus
Ordinary Shares
Issued(2)

No. of Eligible
Employees
Participating

Shares Issued
to each
Participant

27,755
13

3,025

2,275,910
1,066

1,637,273
232

27,755
13

28,281
4

83
83

58
58

Issue
Price(3)

$12.04
$12.04

$17.16
$17.16

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

New employee shareholders are granted one ordinary
share  with  the  remainder  of  shares  issued  as  Bonus
Ordinary Shares.
The bonus shares were fully paid up as issued shares
utilising the Share Premium Reserve.
The  Issue  Price  x  Shares  issued  to  each  Participant
effectively represents $1,000 of free shares.

Under  the  Plan  a  further  grant  of  up  to  $1,000
was possible during the year if the Bank had achieved
the  year  ended
the  performance 
30 June 1998.  As  the  target  was  not  achieved,  no
allotments occurred under this Plan during the year.

target 

for 

Employee Share Subscription Plan

The Employee Share Subscription Plan provides
employees  of  the  Bank  with  the  opportunity  to
purchase  ordinary  shares  at  a  5%  discount  to  the
market  price  of  the  shares  at  the  time  of  purchase,
subject to a one year restriction on the disposal of the
shares. At the Board’s discretion up to 300 shares per
annum can be acquired by employees who have had
at  least  one  year’s  service,  excluding  casual  and
overseas  resident  employees.  The  opportunity  to
acquire  the  shares  is  available  twice  a  year  within  a
period commencing two days and expiring thirty days
after  the  Bank’s  half  yearly  and  annual  results  are
announced.  Details  of  allotments  to  date  under  this
plan are:

Issue Date

27 March 1997
25 September 1997
27 March 1998
30 September 1998
26 March 1999

No. of
Ordinary
Shares Issued

No. of Eligible
Employees
Participating

Purchase
Price(1)

Offer Date

Market Value
at Issue Date

209,400
171,000
158,600
81,450
194,100

1,149
971
815
511
1,027

$12.74
$14.84
$16.80
$18.60
$23.36

25 February 1997
26 August 1997
24 February 1998
25 August 1998
23 February 1999

$12.75
$17.22
$18.07
$19.97
$26.25

(1) 

The Purchase Price was 95% of the weighted average market price of Commonwealth Bank shares on the ASX during the
five trading days immediately before the Offer Date.

101

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

NOTE 28 Share Capital continued

Executive Option Plan

Under  the  Executive  Option  Plan,  the  Bank  will
grant  options  to  purchase  ordinary  shares  to  those
key  executives  who,  are  able,  by  virtue  of  their
responsibility,  experience  and  skill,  to  influence  the
generation of shareholder wealth, are declared by the
Board  of  Directors  to  be  eligible  to  participate  in  the
Plan.  Non  executive  directors  are  not  eligible  to
participate in the Executive Option Plan.

Eligible  executives  must  hold  a  minimum
number of shares as determined by the Board before
they  are  permitted  to  take  up  any  options.  The
minimum  holding  must  be  maintained  during  the  five
year  life  of  the  options.  The  options  cannot  be
exercised  before  each  respective  exercise  period
other  than at  Board  discretion in  terms  of  Plan  rules,
and  exercise  is  conditional  on  the  Bank  achieving  a

reach 

prescribed  performance  hurdle.  To 
the
performance  hurdle,  the  Bank’s  Total  Shareholder
Return (broadly, growth in share  price  plus  dividends
reinvested)  over  a  minimum  three  year  period,  must
equal  or  exceed  the  index  of  Total  Shareholder
Return  achieved  by  companies  represented  in  the
ASX’s  ‘Bank’s  and  Finance  Accumulation  Index’,
excluding  the  Bank.  If  the  performance  hurdle  is  not
reached  within  that  three  years,  the  options  may
nevertheless  be  exercisable  only  where  the  hurdle  is
subsequently reached  within  the  remaining  life  of the
options.  The  Plan  is  limited  to  no  more  than  50
executives.  The  options  do  not  grant  rights  to  the
option  holders  to  participate  in  a  share  issue  of  any
other body corporate. Details of issues under this Plan
are:

Issue Date

16/12/96
11/12/97
30/09/98

Total Options
Issued

Eligible
Executives
Participating

2,100,000
2,875,000
3,275,000

25
27
32

Exercise
Price(1)

$11.85
$15.53(2)
$19.58(2)

Expiry Date

Grant Date

Market Price at
Issue Date

12/11/01
03/11/02
25/08/03

12/11/96
03/11/97
25/08/98

$11.93
$16.85
$19.97

Share Buyback

to 

The Bank’s shareholders’ equity was reduced by
$650 million  on  24 March  1999  pursuant 
the
buyback  of  27.4 million  shares.  The  price  per  share
paid by the Bank for the buyback shares was $23.78
calculated  in  accordance  with  the  buyback  offer.  In
accordance  with  an  agreement  reached  with  the
Australian  Taxation  Office  $9  per  share  of 
the
consideration  for  each  share  bought  back  has  been
charged to paid up capital ($246 million). The balance
of  $14.78  per  share  is  deemed  to  be  a  fully  franked
dividend 
profits
($404 million).

retained 

charged 

and 

to 

1999
$M

1998
$M

G R O U P

1997
$M

 203

 118

 130
                -                 -                 -
 48
 178

 24
 227

 59
 177

(1)  Market  Value  at  the  Grant  Date.  Market  Value  is
defined as the weighted average of the prices at which
the  Bank’s  ordinary  shares  were  traded  on  the  ASX
during the one week period before the Grant Date.
(2)  Will be adjusted by the premium formula (based on the
actual  differences  between  the  dividend  and  bond
yields at the date of the vesting of the right to exercise
the options).

682,500  options,  from  all  grants  to  date,  have
been  forfeited  as  at  the  date  of  this  report.  26,000
options from the 1996 grant, have been exercised as
at the date of this report. There are 7,541,500 options
outstanding at the date of this report.

NOTE 29 Outside Equity Interests

Share Capital
Reserves
Retained profits
Total Outside Equity Interests

102

NOTE 30 Capital Adequacy

In  August  1988  the  Reserve  Bank  of  Australia
(RBA) established guidelines for the capital adequacy
of  Australian  banks,  to strengthen  their  soundness
and stability. These guidelines have been adopted by
APRA,  and  they  are  generally  consistent  with  those
proposed  by 
the  Basle  Committee  on  Banking
Supervision. They require Australian banks to have a
ratio of capital (comprising ‘Tier 1’ and ‘Tier 2’ capital)
to  risk  adjusted  assets  and  off  balance  sheet
exposures, determined on a risk weighted basis, of at
least 8 per cent, of which at least half must be Tier 1
capital.

Tier 1, or core, capital includes paid up ordinary
shares,  retained  earnings,  reserves,  other  approved
capital resources and minority interest in subsidiaries,
less  goodwill.  Tier  2,  or  supplementary,  capital
includes general provisions for bad and doubtful debts
and  dated  bond  and  note 
issues.  For  capital
adequacy  purposes  Tier  2  debt  based  capital  is
reduced  each  year  by  20%  of  the  original  amount
during the last five years to maturity.

Risk  weighted  assets  compiled  for  credit  risk
purposes  are  calculated  by  applying  one  of  four
approved  categories  of risk  weight  (0,  20,  50  or  100

Risk Weighted Capital Ratios
Tier one
Tier two
Less deductions
Total

Tier One Capital
Total Shareholders’ Equity
Eligible Loan Capital
Total Shareholders’ Equity and Loan Capital
Less Goodwill
Less Preference Shares
Total Tier One Capital

Tier Two Capital
General provisions for bad and doubtful debts
FITB related to general provision
Dated note and bond issues (eligible loan capital)
Preference shares
Total Tier Two Capital
Tier One and Tier Two Capital
Less deductions
Total Tier One and Tier Two Capital

per  cent)  to  the  assets  of  the  Group, based primarily
on  the  calibre  of  the  counterparty.  Off  balance  sheet
exposures  are  firstly  converted  to  on  balance  sheet
credit  equivalents  using  credit  conversion  factors
relating  to  the  nature of  the  exposure,  then  weighted
the  same  manner  as  balance  sheet  assets.
in 
The only  exception 
for  derivatives  where  a
maximum weighting of 50% applies.

is 

In  addition  to  the  capital  requirements  for  credit
risk  purposes,  effective 
from  1 January  1998,
Australian  banks  are  also  required  to  hold  sufficient
levels  of  capital  to  cover  market  risk  of  their  trading
books.  Market  risk  is  defined  as  the  risk  of losses  in
on  and  off  balance  sheet  positions  arising  from
movements in market price.

APRA  require  the  measure  of  market  risk  to  be
multiplied  by  12.5  (ie  the  reciprocal  of  the  minimum
capital ratio of 8 per cent) to determine a notional Risk
Weighted Asset figure.

The  capital  adequacy  ratio  is  calculated  by
taking the total risk weighted assets (credit risk assets
plus  notional  market  risk  assets)  as  the  denominator
and the Group’s capital base as the numerator.

1999
Actual
%

 7.05
 3.12
(0.79)
 9.38

1999
$M

 6,962
 638
 7,600
(491)
(88)
 7,021

 1,081
(347)
 2,335
 40
 3,109
 10,130
(788)
 9,342

1998
Actual
%

 8.07
 2.82
(0.40)
 10.49

G R O U P

1998
$M

 6,889
 1,306
 8,195
(531)
(47)
 7,617

 1,076
(337)
 1,885
 42
 2,666
 10,283
(381)
 9,902

103

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

NOTE 30 Capital Adequacy continued

Risk weighted assets

On balance sheet assets
Cash, claims on Reserve Bank, short term claims on
Australian Commonwealth and State Government and
Territories, and other zero weighted assets (1)
Longer term claims on Australian Commonwealth, State
and Territory Governments
Claims on OECD banks and local governments
Advances secured by residential property (2)
All other assets (3) (4)
Total on balance sheet assets - credit risk

(2) 

(1998: 

(1)  Other  zero  weighted  assets  include  gross  unrealised
gains  on  trading  derivative  financial  instruments  of
$8,297  million).  APRA
$4,978 million 
announced  on  28  August  1998 
that  claims  on
Australian  Commonwealth,  State  and  Territory
Governments  are  risk  weighted  at  zero  per  cent
irrespective of terms.
For  loans  secured  by  residential  mortgages  approved
after 5 September 1994, a risk weight of 100 per cent
applied where the loan to valuation ratio is in excess of
80  per  cent.  Effective  from  28  August  1998,  a  risk
weight of 50 per cent applies to these loans if they are
totally  insured  by  an  acceptable  lender’s  mortgage
insurer.  Loans  that  are  risk  weighted  at  100  per  cent
are reported under ‘All Other Assets’.

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Face Value

1999
$M

1998
$M

Risk
Weights

%

Risk Weighted
Balance
1998
$M

1999
$M

 14,533

 10,732

0%                -

               -

                -
 6,697
 57,478
 55,481
 134,189

 4,954
 7,566
 46,158
 57,004
 126,414

10%                -
20%
 1,339
50%  28,739
100%  55,481
 85,559

 495
 1,513
 23,079
 57,004
 82,091

(3) 

(4) 

The difference between total on balance  sheet  assets
and the Group’s balance sheet reflects the  alternative
treatment of some assets and provisions as prescribed
in  APRA’s  capital  adequacy  guidelines,  principally
goodwill  and  general  provisions  for  bad  and  doubtful
debts.
Total on balance sheet assets exclude debt and equity
securities in the trading book and all on balance sheet
positions  in  commodities  as  they  are  included  in  the
calculation of notional market risk weighted assets.

F a c e   V a l u e

1999
$M

1998
$M

C r e d i t
E q u i v a l e n t
1998
$M

1999
$M

R i s k   W e i g h t e d
B a l a n c e
1998
$M

1999
$M

Off balance sheet exposures
Direct credit substitutes
Trade and performance related items
Commitments
Foreign exchange, interest rate and other
market related transactions
Total off balance sheet exposures - credit risk
Total risk weighted assets - credit risk
Risk weighted assets - market risk
Total risk weighted assets

 3,027
 1,704
 32,970

 2,729
 1,593
 23,669

 3,027
 779
 12,941

 2,729
 655
 9,014

 283,646
 321,347

 276,051
 304,042

 6,598
 23,345

 9,813
 22,211

 2,424
 770
 8,366

 1,852
 13,412
 98,971
 585
 99,556

 2,188
 608
 6,010

 2,921
 11,727
 93,818
 613
 94,431

104

NOTE 31 Maturity Analysis of Monetary Assets and Liabilities

The  maturity  distribution  of  monetary  assets  and  liabilities  is  based  on  contractual  terms.  The  majority  of  the
longer term monetary assets are variable rate products. Therefore this information is not relied on by the Bank in the
management of its interest rate risk.

M a t u r i t y   P e r i o d   A t   3 0   J u n e   1 9 9 9

G R O U P

Assets
Cash and liquid assets
Receivables due from other financial
institutions
Trading securities (1)
Investment securities
Loans, advances and other receivables (2)
Bank acceptances of customers
Other monetary assets
Total monetary assets

Liabilities
Deposits and other public borrowings (3)
Payables due to other financial institutions
Bank acceptances
Debt issues and loan capital
Other monetary liabilities
Total monetary liabilities

3 to 12
At Call Overdrafts months months
$M

0 to 3

$M

$M

$M

1 to 5
years
$M

Over

Not
5 years specified
$M

$M

Total
$M

 864

-

 950

-

-

-

             -

 1,814

 88
-
-
 1,498
        -
 173
 2,623

 49,947
 657
-
-
 235
 50,839

-
-
-
 2,900
-
-
 2,900

-
-
-
-
-
-

 1,026
 4,708
 1,802
 7,982
 8,804
 6,404
 31,676

 21,178
 2,270
 8,804
 6,040
 7,613
 45,905

 92
-
 493
 11,624
 868
 2
 13,079

 13,256
 320
 868
 2,222
 9
 16,675

-
-
 3,057
 35,496
-
 12
 38,565

 8,890
 2
-
 2,127
 237
 11,256

-
-

             -
             -
 1,835              -

 1,206
 4,708
 7,187
(943)  101,837
             -
 9,672
 8,238
 665
(278)  134,662

 43,280
-
 982
 46,097

 93,428
 157              -
 3,249
             -
 9,672
             -
 13,591
 517
 295
 8,769
 812  128,709

-
-
 2,685
 380
 3,222

(1) 

(2) 

Trading securities are purchased without the intention
to hold until maturity and are categorised as maturing
within 3 months.
$36 billion  of  this  figure  represents  principally  owner
occupied  housing  loans.  While  most  of  these  loans
would  have  a contractual  term  of  20  years  or  more,
and  are  analysed  accordingly,  the  actual  average
term of the portfolio is less than 5 years.

(3) 

Includes  substantial 
‘core’  deposits  which  are
contractually  at  call  customer  savings  and  cheque
accounts. History demonstrates such accounts provide
a stable source of long term funding for the Bank. Also
refer to Interest Rate Risk Sensitivity table in Note 37.

105

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

NOTE 31 Maturity Analysis of Monetary Assets and Liabilities continued

G R O U P

M a t u r i t y   P e r i o d   A t   3 0   J u n e   1 9 9 8

0 to 3
At Call Overdrafts months
$M

$M

$M

3 to 12
months
$M

1 to 5
years
$M

Over

Not
5 years specified
$M

$M

Total
$M

Assets
Cash and liquid assets
Receivables due from other financial
institutions
Trading securities (1)
Investment securities
Loans, advances and other receivables (2)
Bank acceptances of customers
Other monetary assets
Total monetary assets

 1,041

 115
-
-
 485
-
 110
 1,751

Liabilities
Deposits and other public borrowings (3)
Payables due to other financial institutions
Bank acceptances
Debt issues and loan capital
Other monetary liabilities
Total monetary liabilities

 47,373
 431
-
-
 174
 47,978

-

 485

-

-

-

-

 1,526

-
-
-
 2,841
-
-

 3,280
 4,009
 1,383
 5,070
 8,849
 10,444
 2,841  33,520

 895
 11,940

 51                -
-                -
 2,626

-
-
 1,934
 33,052  37,266
-
 856
 35,757  40,056

 878                -
 79

 2
 13,766

 2
-
 20
(838)
-
 497
(319)

 3,448
 4,009
 6,858
 89,816
 9,727
 11,988
 127,372

-
-
-
-
-
-

 19,788
 2,648
 8,849
 1,783
 10,837
 43,905

 6,094
 9,260
 312
 6
 878                -
 2,544
 130
 8,774

 5,891
 34
 16,375

 1,371
-
-
 3,203
-
 4,574

-
-
-
 183
 139
 322

 83,886
 3,397
 9,727
 13,604
 11,314
 121,928

(1) 

(2) 

Trading securities are purchased without the intention
to hold until maturity and are categorised as maturing
within 3 months.
$35 billion  of  this  figure  represents  principally  owner
occupied  housing  loans.  While  most  of  these  loans
would  have  a contractual  term  of  20  years  or  more,
and  are  analysed  accordingly,  the  actual  average
term of the portfolio is less than 5 years.

(3) 

‘core’  deposits  which  are
Includes  substantial 
contractually  at  call  customer  savings  and  cheque
accounts. History demonstrates such accounts provide
a stable source of long term funding for the Bank. Also
refer to Interest Rate Risk Sensitivity table in Note 37.

106

NOTE 32 Financial Reporting by Segments

1999
%

$M

1998
%

$M

G R O U P
1997
%

$M

(a)  Geographical segments
       Revenue
         Australia
         New Zealand
         Other Countries (1)

       Operating profit  before tax
         Australia
         New Zealand
         Other Countries (1)

       Operating profit after tax and outside equity interests
         Australia
         New Zealand
         Other Countries (1)

       Assets
         Australia
         New Zealand
         Other Countries (1)

(b)  Industry segments
       Revenue
         Banking
         Life Insurance and Funds Management
         Finance

       Operating profit before tax
         Banking
         Life Insurance and Funds Management
         Finance

       Operating profit after tax and outside equity interests
         Banking
         Life Insurance and Funds Management
         Finance

       Assets
         Banking
         Life Insurance and Funds Management
         Finance

 8,801
 976
 660

 84.3
 9.4
 6.3
 10,437  100.0

 9,514
 1,115
 657

 84.3
 9.9
 5.8
 11,286  100.0

 9,484
 977
 448

 86.9
 9.0
 4.1
 10,909  100.0

 1,933
 151
 76

 89.5
 7.0
 3.5
 2,160  100.0

 1,221
 148
(27)

 91.0
 11.0
(2.0)
 1,342  100.0

 1,454
 128
 34

 90.0
 7.9
 2.1
 1,616  100.0

 1,270
 80
 72

 89.3
 5.6
 5.1
 1,422  100.0

 1,044
 73
(27)

 95.8
 6.7
(2.5)
 1,090  100.0

 990
 63
 25

 91.9
 5.8
 2.3
 1,078  100.0

 115,510
 13,046
 9,540

 84.3
 8.3
 7.4
 138,096  100.0  130,544  100.0  120,103  100.0

 83.6  110,120
 10,846
 9,578

 84.4  101,202
 9,994
 8,907

 9.5
 6.9

 8.3
 7.3

 9,576
 360
 501

 91.8
 3.4
 4.8
 10,437  100.0

 10,563
 214
 509

 93.6
 1.9
 4.5
 11,286  100.0

 10,293
 202
 414

 94.3
 1.9
 3.8
 10,909  100.0

 1,944
 127
 89

 90.0
 5.9
 4.1
 2,160  100.0

 1,158
 81
 103

 86.3
 6.0
 7.7
 1,342  100.0

 1,443
 74
 99

 89.3
 4.6
 6.1
 1,616  100.0

 1,252
 117
 53

 88.1
 8.2
 3.7
 1,422  100.0

 940
 84
 66

 86.2
 7.7
 6.1
 1,090  100.0

 941
 75
 62

 87.2
 7.0
 5.8
 1,078  100.0

 131,043
 1,309
 5,744

 96.1
 0.3
 3.6
 138,096  100.0  130,544  100.0  120,103  100.0

 94.9  124,765
 427
 5,352

 95.6  115,368
 359
 4,376

 0.3
 4.1

 0.9
 4.2

(1)  Other Countries are:

United  Kingdom,  United  States  of  America,  Japan,  Singapore,  Hong  Kong,  Grand  Cayman,  Netherlands  Antilles  and
Papua New Guinea.
These operations have a greater proportion of wholesale business with a funding base from predominantly wholesale markets
where margins are very fine. The overseas balance sheet also supports trading activities.
The geographical segments represent the location in which the transaction was booked.

107

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 32 Financial Reporting by Segments continued

Detailed below is Segment Information required
in  accordance  with  US  SFAS  131  Disclosure  about
Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.

Operating segments are defined as components
of  an  enterprise  about  which  separate  financial
information is available that is evaluated regularly by
the  chief  operating  decision  maker  or  decision
making  group, 
In
accordance with the new standard, results have been
presented  based  on  segments  as  reviewed  by  the
the  Managing
chief  operating  decision  maker, 

in  assessing  performance. 

Director,  as  well  as  other  members  of  senior
management.

The  Bank  segments  are:  Retail  Financial
Services,  Institutional  Banking,  ASB  Bank  Limited
(ASB)  and  Corporate.  Retail  Financial  Services
comprises  the  Bank’s  Customer  Service  Division  and
Banking  and  Financial  Services.  Institutional  Banking
comprises  debt  funding,  corporate  finance,  financial
market activities and the securities business. ASB is a
stand  alone  bank 
in  New  Zealand.  Corporate
comprises head office and service functions.

Profit and Loss

Net interest income
Fees and commissions
Trading income
Life insurance and funds management
Other income
Internal charges (1)
Total operating income

Provisions for impairment

Staff expenses
  Provisions (non cash)
  Other
Total Staff expenses
Occupancy and equipment expenses
  Depreciation
  Other
Total Occupancy and equipment expenses
Information technology services
Other expenses
Internal charges (1)
Total operating expenses
Amortisation of goodwill
Abnormal items
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Outside equity interest
Profit after tax

Balance Sheet

Total Assets
Total Liabilities

Performance Ratios (%)

Retail
Financial
Services
$M

2,769
939
-
223
59
159
4,149

172

33
1,021
1,054

109
228
337
366
280
678
2,715
7
-
1,255
416
-
839

Institutional
Banking

$M

273
240
253
16
75
167
1,024

62

4
212
216

8
42
50
104
48
171
589
-
-
373
68
-
305

G R O U P

Y E A R   E N D E D   3 0   J U N E   1 9 9 9

ASB

Corporate

Total

$M

279
94
18
7
9
-
407

11

1
124
125

25
27
52
21
47
-
245
-
-
151
47
24
80

$M

206
8
2
8
46
520
790

2

4
205
209

3
13
16
14
131
(2)
368
40
-
380
183
-
197

$M

3,527
1,281
273
254
189
-
5,524

247

42
1,562
1,604

145
310
455
505
506
-
3,070
47
-
2,160
714
24
1,422

81,583
57,390

40,697
34,251

12,855
11,992

2,961
27,501

138,096
131,134

Total operating expenses/Total operating income
Asset growth

65.44%
8.30%

57.52%
(2.22%)

60.20%
19.10%

46.58%
5.75%

55.58%
5.78%

(1) 

Internal charges are eliminated on consolidation.

108

NOTE 32 Financial Reporting by Segments continued

Profit and Loss

Net interest income
Fees and commissions
Trading income
Life insurance and funds management
Other income
Internal charges (1)
Total operating income

Provisions for impairment

Staff expenses
  Provisions (non cash)
  Other
Total Staff expenses
Occupancy and equipment expenses
  Depreciation
  Other
Total Occupancy and equipment expenses
Information technology services
Other expenses
Internal charges (1)
Total operating expenses
Amortisation of goodwill
Abnormal items
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Outside equity interest
Profit after tax

Balance Sheet

Total Assets
Total Liabilities

Performance Ratios (%)

G R O U P

Y E A R   E N D E D   3 0   J U N E   1 9 9 8

ASB

Corporate

Total

Institutional
Banking

$M

$M

 242
 223
 229
 17
 99
 140
 950

 132

 4
 191
 195

 5
 48
 53
 101
 30
 168
 547
-
-
 271
 78
-
 193

 282
 90
 14
 1
 4
-
 391

 9

 1
 111
 112

 22
 30
 52
 21
 48
-
 233
-
-
 149
 50
 25
 74

$M

 143
 3
-
(1)
 64
 556
 765

(45)

(4)
 248
 244

(23)
 29
 6
 32
 95
(3)
 374
 45
 570
(179)
(270)
(5)
 96

$M

 3,397
 1,150
 243
 205
 235
-
 5,230

 233

 25
 1,597
 1,622

 132
 341
 473
 476
 468
-
 3,039
 46
 570
 1,342
 232
 20
 1,090

Retail
Financial
Services
$M

 2,730
 834
-
 188
 68
 141
 3,961

 137

 24
 1,047
 1,071

 128
 234
 362
 322
 295
 672
 2,722
 1
-
 1,101
 374
-
 727

 75,329
 56,894

 41,622
 35,928

 10,793
 10,147

 2,800
 20,686

 130,544
 123,655

Total operating expenses/Total operating income
Asset growth

68.72%
N/A

57.58%
N/A

59.59%
N/A

48.89%
N/A

58.11%
N/A

(1) 

Internal charges are eliminated on consolidation.

for 

the 

Segment 

information 

financial  year
ending  30 June 1997  is  not  available  in  the  above
classifications.  The  Group  undertook  a  major
restructuring program during the financial year ended
30 June 1998.  As  part  of  the  restructuring  program,
the  previous  business  units  of  Personal  Banking,
Business  Banking  and  Commonwealth  Financial
Services were reorganised into two new divisions: the
specialist areas of marketing, customer segmentation
and  product  development  became  the  Banking  and

Financial  Services  Division,  while 
the  various
distribution  arms  were  brought  together  to  form  the
Customer  Services  Division.  The  Institutional  Banking
Division remained largely  unchanged.  Retail  Financial
Services  is  comprised  of  two  divisions,  Customer
Services Division and Banking and Financial Services
Division. Corporate  comprises  the  various  head  office
functions  as  well  as  Technology,  Operations  and
Property.

109

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 33 Remuneration of Auditors

Amounts paid or due and payable for audit services to:
Auditors of the Bank
Other auditors

Amounts paid or due and payable for other services to:
Auditors of the Bank

G R O U P

1998
$’000

1999
$’000

1999
$’000

B A N K

1998
$’000

 2,593
 300
 2,893

 2,540
 250
 2,790

 1,753
-
 1,753

 1,671
-
 1,671

 5,011

 5,040

 4,905

 5,004

Total Remuneration of Auditors

 7,904

 7,830

 6,658

 6,675

NOTE 34 Commitments for Capital Expenditure Not Provided for in the Accounts

$M

$M

$M

$M

Not later than one year
Later than one year but not later than two years
Later than two years but not later than five years
Later than five years
Total Commitments for Capital Expenditure Not Provided
for in the Accounts

NOTE 35 Lease Commitments - Property, Plant and Equipment

Commitments in respect of non cancellable operating lease
agreements due -
Not later than one year
Later than one year but not later than two years
Later than two years but not later than five years
Later than five years
Total Lease Commitments - Property, Plant and Equipment

Group’s share of lease commitments of
associated entities -
Not later than one year
Later than one year but not later than two years
Later than two years but not later than five years
Later than five years
Total Lease Commitments - Property, Plant and Equipment

 7
-
-
-

 7

 25
-
-
-

 25

 172
 143
 347
 303
 965

 147
 116
 254
 234
 751

 9
-
-
-

 9

 197
 164
 394
 363
 1,118

 8
 6
 16
 14
 44

 25
-
-
-

 25

 171
 136
 304
 302
 913

 9
 5
 9
 11
 34

110

NOTE 36 Contingent Liabilities

The Group is involved in a range of transactions
that  give  rise  to  contingent  and/or  future  liabilities.
These  transactions  meet  the  financing  requirements
of customers and include endorsed bills of exchange,
letters  of  credit,  guarantees  and  commitments  to
provide credit.

These  transactions  combine  varying  levels  of
credit, interest rate, foreign exchange and liquidity risk.
In  accordance  with  Bank  policy,  exposure  to  any  of
these transactions is not carried at a level which would
have a material effect on the financial condition of the
Bank and its controlled entities.

Details of contingent liabilities and off balance sheet
business (excluding Derivatives – Note 37) are:

Credit risk related instruments
Guarantees
Standby letters of credit
Bill endorsements
Documentary letters of credit
Performance related contingents
Commitments to provide credit
Other commitments
Total credit risk related instruments

Face Value
1998
$M

1999
$M

G R O U P

Credit Equivalent
1998
1999
$M
$M

 2,030
 487
 510
 244
 1,460
 32,151
 819
 37,701

 1,878
 396
 455
 474
 1,120
 22,693
 975
 27,991

 2,030
 487
 510
 49
 730
 12,155
 786
 16,747

 1,878
 396
 455
 95
 560
 8,069
 945
 12,398

Contingent 

increased  by
liabilities  have 
$9.7 billion primarily  due to  the  APRA  requirement  to
include  the  value  of  any  redraw  facilities  for  owner
occupied  and 
in
commitments to provide credit.

investment  housing 

loans 

Guarantees  represent  conditional  undertakings
by the Group to support the financial obligations of its
customers to third parties.

Standby letters of credit are undertakings by the
Group  to  repay  a  loan  obligation  in  the  event  of  a
default by a customer.

Bill  endorsements  relate  to  bills  of  exchange
which  have  been  confirmed  by  the  Group  and
represent  liabilities  in  the  event  of  default  by  the
acceptor and the drawer of the bill.

Documentary 

letters  of  credit  represent  an
undertaking  to  pay  an  overseas  supplier  of  goods  in
the  event  of payment  default  by  a  customer  who  is
importing the goods.

related 

Performance 

involve
undertakings  by  the  Group  to  pay  third  parties  if  a
customer  fails  to  fulfil  a  contractual  non  monetary
obligation.

contingents 

Commitments 

include  all
obligations on the part of the Group to provide funding
facilities.

to  provide  credit 

Other 

commitments 

the  Group’s
obligations  under  sale  and  repurchase  agreements,
outright  forward  purchases  and  forward  deposits  and
underwriting facilities.

include 

The  transactions  are  categorised  and  credit
equivalents calculated under APRA guidelines for the

risk  based  measurement  of  capital  adequacy.  The
credit  equivalent  amounts  are  a  measure  of  the
potential  loss  to the  Group  in  the  event  of  possible
non performance by a counterparty.

The  potential  loss  (exposure)  from  direct  credit
substitutes  (guarantees,  standby  letters  of  credit  and
bill endorsements) is the face value of the transaction,
where  as  the  exposure  to  documentary  letters  of
credit  and  performance  related  contingents  is  20%
and 50% respectively of the face value. The exposure
to  commitments  to provide  credit  is  calculated  by
applying  given  credit  conversion  factors  to  the  face
value  to  reflect  the  duration,  the  nature  and  the
certainty of the contractual undertaking to provide the
facility.

Where 

the  potential 

loss  depends  on 

the
performance of a counterparty, the Group utilises the
same  credit  policies  and  assessment  criteria  for  off
balance  sheet  business  as  it  does  for  on  balance
sheet  business  and  if  it  is  deemed  necessary,
collateral  is  obtained  based  on  management’s  credit
evaluation  of  the  counterparty.  If  a  probable  loss  is
identified, suitable provisions are generated.

Litigation

Neither  the  Commonwealth  Bank  nor  any  of  its
controlled entities is engaged in any litigation or claim
which  is  likely  to have  a  materially  adverse  effect  on
the  business,  financial  condition  or  operating  results
of  the  Commonwealth  Bank  or  any  of  its  controlled
entities. Where some loss is probable  an  appropriate
provision has been made.

111

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

controlled  trusts.  CFM  has  incurred  liabilities  in  its
capacity  as  Trustee,  however  it  has  a  right  of
indemnity  against  the  assets  of  the  respective  trusts
and  as  at  30 June 1999  the  assets  of  the  trusts
exceeds those liabilities incurred.

Commonwealth  Managed  Investments  Limited
(CMIL)  is  a  company  established  to  act  as  the
Responsible Entity of the Bank’s managed investment
schemes.  CMIL  as  Trustee  of  the  Commonwealth
Property  Office  Fund  has  incurred  liabilities  in  its
capacity  as  Trustee.  However,  it  has  a  right  of
indemnity  against  the  Trust  and  at  30 June 1999  the
assets of the Trust exceeded those liabilities.

EDSA Contract

In  1997,  the  Bank  entered  into  a  ten  year
contract  with  an  associated  entity,  EDSA,  relating  to
the  provision  of  information  technology  services.  The
exact  amount  of  the  contract  is  unable  to  be  reliably
determined as it is dependent upon business volumes
over the period of the contract.

Liquidity support

clearing 

governing 

In  accordance  with 

the  Regulations  and
Procedures 
arrangements
contained within the Australian Paper Clearing Stream
(Clearing  Stream  1)  and  the  Bulk  Electronic  Clearing
the  Australian
Stream 
Payments  Clearing  Association  Limited,  the  Bank  is
subject to a commitment to provide liquidity support to
these  clearing  streams  in  the  event  of  a  failure  to
settle by a member institution.

(Clearing  Stream  2)  of 

Year 2000 systems compliance

The  Bank  has  previously  estimated 

total
rectification  costs 
issues  at
$115 million.  The  Bank  expects  to  complete  the
this  estimate.
overall  programme 
Expenditure to the end of June 1999 was $87 million.

for  Year  2000 

line  with 

in 

The  Bank  reported  to  the  Australian  Stock
Exchange  in  March  1999,  that  depositors’  funds  will
not be at risk from Year 2000 issues.

Service agreements

The maximum contingent liability  for  termination
benefits  in  respect  of  service  agreements  with  the
the
Managing  Director  and  other  executives  of 
Company  and  its  controlled  entities  at  30 June 1999
was $10 million (1998: $10 million).

NOTE 36 Contingent Liabilities continued

Fiduciary activities

The  Group  conducts  investment  management
and  other  fiduciary  activities  as  responsible  entity,
for  numerous
trustee,  custodian  or  manager 
investment funds and trusts, including superannuation
and approved deposit funds, wholesale and retail unit
trusts.  The  amounts  of  funds  concerned,  which  are
not  included  in  the  Group’s  balance  sheet,  are  as
follows:

Funds under trusteeship
Funds under management
Funds under custody

1999
$M

10,740
27,189
23,965

1998
$M

10,385
21,983
22,300

As an  obligation arises  under  each  type  of duty
the  amount  of  funds  has  been  included  where  that
duty  arises.  This  may  lead  to  the  same  funds  being
shown  more  than  once  where  either  Commonwealth
Investment  Services  Limited,  Commonwealth  Funds
Management  Limited  or  Commonwealth  Custodial
Services  Limited  acts  in  more  than  one  capacity  in
relation to those funds, eg manager and trustee.

Commonwealth Custodial Services Limited, acts
as  Trustee  of  the  Commonwealth  Bank  Approved
Deposit Fund and of State Bank Supersafe Approved
Deposit Fund. In terms of the relevant Trust Deeds of
those  Funds,  the  Trustee  has  an  obligation  to  repay
deposits  in  the  Funds.  It  is  not  envisaged  that  any
material  irrecoverable  liabilities  will  result  from  these
obligations.

Commonwealth  Custodial  Services  Limited  also
acts as Trustee for various controlled superannuation
funds  and  wholesale  unit  trusts.  The  Commonwealth
Bank of Australia does not guarantee the performance
or obligations of its subsidiaries including the Trustee
of these funds and unit trusts.

Commonwealth 

Investment  Services  Limited
(CISL)  and  Commonwealth  Funds  Management
Limited (CFM), as Managers of the various controlled
investment  funds  and  retail  and  wholesale  unit  trusts
have  an  obligation  under  the  Trust  Deeds  of  those
funds,  upon  request  of  a  unitholder,  to  repurchase
units  of  those  funds  or  to  arrange  for  the  relevant
Trustee to redeem units from the assets of the trusts.
It is considered unlikely that CISL or CFM would need
to repurchase units from their own funds.

Commonwealth  Funds  Management  Limited
(CFM)  acts  as  trustee  and  manager  of  various

112

NOTE 37 Market Risk

The Group in its  daily  operations  is  exposed  to
a number of market risks. A market risk is the risk of
an  adverse  event  in the  financial  markets  that  may
result  in  a  loss  of  earnings  to  the  Bank,  eg  an
adverse interest rate movement.

Within  the  Group,  market  risk  exists  in  its
balance  sheet  structure  and  in  financial  markets
trading.

Market risk in the balance sheet

Market  risk  in  the  balance  sheet  includes
liquidity  risk,  funding  risk,  interest  rate  risk  and
foreign exchange rate risk.

Liquidity risk
Balance  sheet  liquidity  risk  is  the  risk  of  being
unable to meet  financial  obligations  as  they  fall due.
The  Group  manages  liquidity  risk  separately  for  its
domestic AUD obligations and for its foreign currency
obligations.  In  both  domestic  and  foreign  currency
operations,  liquidity  policies  are  in  place  to  manage
liquidity  both  in  a  day  to  day  sense,  and  also  under
crisis assumptions.

Domestically,  each  bank 

in  Australia  must
maintain  at  all  times  a  minimum  proportion  of  its
balance sheet in specified highly liquifiable assets as
an emergency source of liquidity. This ratio,  referred
to  as 
(‘PAR’),
the  Prime  Assets  Requirement 
currently  requires  the  banks  to  hold  prime  assets
equivalent to not less than 3% of total liabilities (other
than  capital)  that  are  invested  in  Australian  dollar
assets within Australia. Eligible PAR assets comprise
the  Reserve  Bank,
cash, 
and
securities 
Commonwealth  Government 
Australian  dollar  denominated  securities  issued  by
the  central  borrowing  authorities  of  State  and
Territory governments. In addition to observing PAR,
banks  are  expected  to  hold  a  stock  of  high  quality
liquid  assets  sufficient  to  meet  day  to  day  liquidity
needs  and  protect  against  an  unexpected  outflow  of
funds.

balances  with 

In April 1998, the RBA announced that the PAR
ratio  requirement  will  be  abolished  once  liquidity
for  a  non  PAR
management  policies  (suitable 
environment) are agreed with individual banks. APRA
is currently in the midst of discussions with the banks
and it is expected new liquidity arrangements will be
in place by end 1999.

Foreign  currency  liquidity  risk  is  managed  by
ensuring that a positive cumulative cash flow always
exists  for  the  next  7 days’  operations.  This  means
that  should  a  crisis  situation  arise,  the  Bank  would
not  need  to  access  new  funding  from  wholesale
markets for at least one week. There is also a cap on
the maximum level of cumulative negative cash flows
at day 28. A stock of liquid assets is included in this
protective measure.

Funding risk
Funding  risk  is  the  risk  of  over  reliance  on  a
funding  source  to  the  extent  that  change  in  that
funding  source  would  increase  funding  cost  or  cause
difficulty  in  raising  funds.  The  Group  has  a  policy  of
funding  diversification  to  ensure  that  over  reliance  is
not placed on any one market sector.

Domestically,  the  Bank  continues  to  obtain  the
majority of its AUD funding from its stable retail deposit
base, primarily demand and short term deposits, which
have  a  lower  interest  cost  than  wholesale  funds.  The
retail  funding  percentage  has  fallen  over  recent  years
from 69% in June 1998 to 63% in June 1999 (monthly
averages).  The  relative  size  of  the  Bank’s  retail  base
has enabled it to source funds at a lower average rate
of  interest  than  the  other  major  Australian  banks.
However,  some  of  this  benefit  is  offset  by  the  cost  of
the  Bank’s  retail  network  and  the  Bank’s  large  share
(approximately  40%)  of  pensioner  deeming  accounts
which,  in  the  current  interest  rate  environment  are
incurring  an  interest  cost  above  normal  retail  deposit
accounts.

In  recent  years,  the  Bank  has  experienced  a
into  higher
movement  of  retail  deposit  balances 
interest  bearing  accounts, 
increased
reflecting 
customer awareness of investment opportunities in an
environment  where  the  level  of  interest  rates  has
remained  lower  and  relatively  more  stable  when
compared  with  the  interest  rate  cycles  of  the  1980s
and early 1990s.

The Bank’s cost of funds for Financial Year 1999,
calculated  as  the  percentage  of  interest  expense  to
average  interest  bearing  liabilities,  was  4.1%  on  a
Group basis compared with 4.6% on a Group basis for
Financial Year 1998.

The  Bank  obtains  a  growing  proportion  of  its
funding for the domestic balance sheet from wholesale
sources  –  approximately  22%,  excluding  Bank
Acceptances.  The  cost  of 
the
wholesale  markets 
independently
assessed  credit  ratings.  Previously,  the  Bank  has
benefited 
the  Commonwealth  of  Australia’s
guarantee of its liabilities in terms of both credit ratings
and the resultant cost of wholesale funds.

is  affected  by 

raised 

funds 

from 

in 

the  date  on  which 

Under  the  Commonwealth  Bank  Sale  Act  1995,
this guarantee is being  phased  out,  over  a three  year
the
period  commencing  on 
Commonwealth’s  shareholding  in  the  Bank  fell  below
50%  (ie  19 July 1996).  All  liabilities  incurred  prior  to
that time continue to be guaranteed until maturity and,
for a period of three years from that time, all deposits
made  in  that  period  continue  to  be  guaranteed.  Time
deposits outstanding at the end of the transition period
are guaranteed until maturity.

113

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

any ‘natural’ offshore funding base means the Bank is
principally reliant on money market and capital market
sources  for  funding.  The  Bank  has  imposed  internal
prudential limits on the relative mix of offshore sources
of funds.

The following table outlines the range of financial
instruments  used  by  the  Group  to  raise  deposits  and
borrowings both within Australia and overseas.  Funds
are raised from well diversified  sources  and  there  are
no material concentrations in these categories.

1999
$M

 12,104
 24,961
 23,871
 8,789
 5,980
 9,634
 11,000
 2,828
 619
 1,041
 100,827

 14,292
 3,758
 1,025
 38
 19,113
 119,940
 11,194
 131,134

G R O U P

1998
$M

 11,824
 23,471
 24,531
 8,651
 8,078
 9,700
 2,156
 2,996
 662
 1,606
 93,675

 14,382
 1,270
 1,260
 27
 16,939
 110,614
 13,041
 123,655

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

NOTE 37 Market Risk continued

of 

The 

removal 

progressive 

the
Commonwealth’s  guarantee  has  not  had  a  material
impact  on  the  Bank’s  overall  cost  of  funds  as  the
proportion  of  the  Bank’s  funding  raised  from  the
wholesale  markets  with  the  benefit  of  the  guarantee
the
following 
is 
Commonwealth’s 
on
guarantee 
19 July 1999, negligible change has occurred in retail
deposit funding costs.

the  removal  of 
deposits 

low.  Similarly, 

on 

A  funding  diversification  policy  is  particularly
important  in  offshore  markets  where  the  absence  of

Australia
Cheque Accounts
Savings Accounts
Term Deposits
Cash Management Accounts
Debt Issues
Bank Acceptances
Certificates of Deposit
Loan Capital
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase
Other
Total Australia

Overseas
Deposits and Interbank
Commercial Paper
Other Debt Issues
Bank Acceptances and Other
Total Overseas
Total Funding Sources
Provisions and Other Liabilities
Total Liabilities

114

NOTE 37 Market Risk continued

Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk in the balance sheet arises from
the potential for a change in interest rates to have an
adverse effect on the net interest earnings of the Bank
in  the  current  reporting  period,  and  in  future  years.
Interest  rate  risk  arises  from  the  structure  and
characteristics  of  the  Group’s  assets,  liabilities  and
equity,  and  in  the  mismatch  in  repricing  dates  of  its
assets  and  liabilities.  The  objective  is  to  manage  the
interest rate risk to secure stable and sustainable net
interest earnings in the long term.

The  Group  measures  and  manages  balance

sheet interest rate risk from two perspectives:
(a) Next 12 months’ earnings

least  a monthly  basis.  Risk 

The  risk  to  the  net  interest  earnings  over  the
next  12  months  from  a  change  in  interest  rates  is
measured  on  at 
is
immediate  1%  parallel
measured  assuming  an 
movement in interest rates across the full yield curve
as well as other interest rate scenarios with variations
in  the  size  and  timing  of  interest  rate  movements.
Potential  variations 
interest  earnings  are
to  net 
measured  using  a  simulation  model  which  takes  into
account  the  projected  change  in  balance  sheet  level
and  mix.  Assets  and  liabilities  with  pricing  directly
based on market rates are repriced based on the full
extent of the rate shock that is applied. Risk on other
assets and liabilities (those priced at the discretion of
the  Group)  is measured  by  taking  into  account  both
the manner in which the products have repriced in the
past as well as the expected change in price based on
the current competitive market environment.

The  figures  in  the  table  represent  the  potential
change  to  net  interest  earnings  (expressed  as  a
percentage  of  expected  net  interest  earnings  in  the
next  12  months)  based  on  a  1%  parallel  rate  shock
and  the  expected  change  in  price  of  assets  and
liabilities held for purposes other than trading.

(expressed as a % of expected
next 12 months’ earnings)

Average monthly exposure
High month exposure
Low month exposure

1999
%

 2.1
 2.9
 1.5

1998
%

 2.8
 3.4
 2.3

(b) Economic value

Some  of  the  Group’s  assets  and  liabilities  have
interest  rate  risk  that  is  not  captured  within  the
measure  of  risk  to  next  12 month’s  earnings,  as  the
risk  is  beyond  the  next  12  months.  To  measure  this
longer term sensitivity, the Group utilises an economic

value  at  risk  analysis.  This  analysis  measures  the
potential change in the net present value of cashflows
of  assets  and  liabilities.  Cashflows  for  fixed  rate
products  are  included  on  a  contractual  basis,  after
adjustment 
activity.
Cashflows  for  products  repriced  at  the  discretion  of
the  Group  are  based  on  the  expected  repricing
characteristics of the products.

prepayment 

forecast 

for 

The  total  cashflows  are  revalued under  a  range
of  possible  interest  rate  scenarios  using  a  Value  at
Risk  (VaR)  methodology.  The  interest  rate  scenarios
are  based  on  actual  interest  rate  movements  that
have  occurred  over  1  year  and  5  year  historical
observation periods.  The  measured  VaR  exposure  is
an  estimate  to  a  97.5%  confidence  level  (one  tail)  of
the potential loss that could occur if the balance sheet
positions were to be held unchanged for a one month
holding period. For example, value at risk exposure of
$1 million  means  that  in  97.5  cases  out  of  100,  the
expected net present value will not decrease by more
than  $1 million  given  the  historical  movement  in
interest rates.

The  figures  in  the  following  table  represent  the
net  present  value  of  the  expected  change  in  future
earnings in all future periods for the remaining term of
these  existing  assets  and  liabilities  held  for  purposes
other than trading.

Exposure as at 30 June
Average monthly exposure
High month exposure
Low month exposure

1999
$M

 54
 48
 65
 31

1998
$M

 78
 25
 78
 7

at 

as 

and 

The 

30 June 1999 

table  following  represents 

the  Group’s
contractual  interest  rate  risk  sensitivity  from  repricing
mismatches 
the
corresponding  weighted  average  effective  interest
rates.  The  net  mismatch  represents  the  net  value  of
assets,  liabilities  and  off  balance  sheet  instruments
which may be repriced in the time periods shown. The 
Bank  does  not  use 
repricing
information to manage its interest rate risk; the risk is
managed  using  the  ‘Next  12  months’  earnings’  and
‘Economic  Value’  perspectives  outlined  above.  All
assets  and 
to
contractual repricing dates. Options are shown  in the
mismatch report using delta equivalents of the option
face values.

liabilities  are  shown  according 

this  contractual 

115

 
 
 
 
 
COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

NOTE 37 Market Risk continued

Interest Rate Risk Sensitivity

R E P R I C I N G   P E R I O D   A T   3 0   J U N E   1 9 9 9

Balance
6 to 12
1 to 3
Sheet
Total month months months months
$M
$M

3 to 6

0 to 1

$M

$M

$M

1 to 5
years
$M

over 5 Interest
years Bearing
$M

$M

Not Weighted
Average
Rate
%

Australia
Assets
Cash and liquid assets
Receivables due from other
financial institutions
Trading securities
Investment securities
Loans, advances and other receivables
Bank acceptances of customers
Deposits with regulatory authorities
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill
Other assets
Total Assets

Liabilities
Deposits and other public borrowings
Payables due to other
financial institutions
Bank acceptances
Provision for dividend
Income tax liability
Other provisions
Debt issues
Bills payable and other liabilities

Loan Capital
Total Liabilities

Shareholders’ Equity
Outside equity interests in
controlled entities
Total Shareholders’ Equity

Off Balance Sheet Items
Swaps
FRAs
Futures
Net Mismatch
Cumulative Mismatch

#
*

no rate applicable
no balance sheet amount applicable

1,722

859

-

-

-

-

-

863

621
3,219
3,147

215
3,219
1,414
88,500 44,457
-
952
-
-
-
117,071 51,116

9,634
952
806
491
7,979

206
-
20
4,869
-
-
-
-
-
5,095

159
-
-

-
-
-
-
332
931
5,830 10,403 22,291
-
-
-
-
-
5,989 10,735 23,222

-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-

-
-
450
1,634
-
-
-
-
-

41
-
-
(984)
9,634
-
806
491
7,979
2,084 18,830

81,506 48,174

7,714

7,916

5,244

5,169

2,734

4,555

879
9,634
472
1,405
804
5,980
7,443

645
-
-
-
-
1,075
-

17
-
-
1
-
1,880
-

2,828

789
110,951 50,237 10,401

343

6,735

-
6,735

-

-
-

-

-
-

61
-
-
-
-
440
-

152
8,569

-

-
-

153
-
-
-
-
1,061
-

-
6,458

-

-
-

2
-
-
-
-
1,319
-

185
6,675

-

-
-

-
-
-
-
-
205
-

1
9,634
472
1,404
804
-
7,443

1,359
-
4,298 24,313

-

-
-

6,735

-
6,735

*
*
*
*
*

(4,537)
(181)
-

2,917
(6,076)
269
(271)
(2,000)
2,000
(3,839) (13,653)
2,606
(3,839) (17,492) (14,886)

2,006
183
-

2,651
-
-
6,466 19,198
(8,420) 10,778 11,603

-
-
-
825 (12,218)
(615)

3,039
-
-

1.42

8.08
3.99
6.64
6.92
-
-
-
-
-
5.58

3.28

4.55
-
-
-
-
5.03
-

5.59
2.86

#
#
#
#
#

As noted above the cumulative mismatch reflects contractual repricing periods. The balance sheet is managed based
on assessments of expected pricing behaviour having regard to historical trends and competitive positioning.

116

NOTE 37 Market Risk continued

R E P R I C I N G   P E R I O D   A T   3 0   J U N E   1 9 9 9

Balance
Sheet
1 to 3
Total month months months months
$M
$M

Not Weighted
3 to 6 6 to 12 1 to 5 over 5 Interest Average
Rate
%

years Bearing
$M

years
$M

0 to 1

$M

$M

$M

$M

Overseas
Assets
Cash and liquid assets
Receivables due from other
financial institutions
Trading securities
Investment securities
Loans, advances and other receivables
Bank acceptances of customers
Deposits with regulatory authorities
Property, plant and equipment
Other assets
Total Assets

Liabilities
Deposits and other public borrowings
Payables due to other
financial institutions
Bank acceptances
Income tax liability
Other provisions
Debt issues
Bills payable and other liabilities

Loan Capital
Total Liabilities

Shareholders’ Equity
Outside equity interests in
controlled entities
Total Shareholders’ Equity

Off Balance Sheet Items
Swaps
Options
FRAs
Futures
Net Mismatch
Cumulative Mismatch

#
*

no rate applicable
no balance sheet amount applicable

92

34

58

-

-

-

-

-

585
1,489
4,040
13,337
38
1
195
1,248
21,025

289
474
656
5,407
38
-
-
-
6,898

233
452
982
1,014
-
-
-
-
2,739

39
262
55
1,415
-
-
-
-
1,771

-
90
124

-
-
184
27
978 1,245
213
-
-
-
-
1,479 5,291 1,485

1,265 4,129
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

11,922

7,043

2,591

1,195

837

216

-

2,370
38
5
1
4,783
1,064

1,717
38
-
-
1,356
376

-

-
20,183 10,530

-

227
227

-

-
-

358
-
-
-
1,861
212

-
5,022

-

-
-

145
-
-
-
706
-

3
-
-
-
239
-

-
2,046

-
1,079

-

-
-

-

-
-

-
-
-
-
292
24

-
532

-

-
-

-
-
-
-
329
19

-
348

-

-
-

*
*
*
*
*
*

1,159
-
(339)
-
(2,812)
(2,812)

2,150
-
138
275
280
(2,532)

(8)
-
56
(515)
(742)
(3,274)

96 (3,059)
-
-
-
145
217
11
858 1,711
(705)

(2,416)

(338)
-
-
12
811
106

24
-
-
(106)
-
1
195
1,248
1,362

40

147
-
5
1
-
433

-
626

-

227
227

-
-
-
-
509
615

2.08

5.07
4.90
5.29
7.15
-
-
-
-
6.05

4.16

4.99
-
-
-
4.79
1.84

-
4.28

#
#
#
#
#
#

117

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 37 Market Risk continued

R E P R I C I N G   P E R I O D   A T   3 0   J U N E   1 9 9 8

Balance
Sheet
6 to 12
1 to 3
Total month months months months
$M
$M

0 to 1

3 to 6

$M

$M

$M

1 to 5
years
$M

Not Weighted
over 5 Interest Average
Rate
years Bearing
%
$M

$M

Australia
Assets
Cash and liquid assets
Receivables due from other
financial institutions
Trading securities
Investment securities
Loans, advances and other receivables
Bank acceptances of customers
Deposits with regulatory authorities
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill
Other assets

Total Assets

Liabilities
Deposits and other public borrowings
Payables due to other
financial institutions
Bank acceptances
Provision for dividend
Income tax liability
Other provisions
Debt issues
Bills payable and other liabilities

 1,486

 642

-

-

-

-

-

 844

 1.28

 2,382  1,676
 2,210  2,210
 3,151  1,095
 77,443  38,845
-
 831
-
-
 87
 110,120  45,386

 9,700
 831
 1,448
 531
 10,938

 680
-
 53
 4,974
-
-
-
-
-
 5,707

 24
-
 322
 5,858
-
-
-
-
-
 6,204

-
-
 332

-
-
 660
 7,500  18,578
-
-
-
-
-
 7,832  19,238

-
-
-
-
-

 7.67
 4.73
 5.58
 7.49

-
 2
-
-
 161
 528
(1,258)
 2,946
 9,700               -
-
              -
-
 1,448               -
-
-
 531               -
 6  10,845               -

-

 3,482  22,271

 5.71

 71,620  45,934

 6,542

 6,250

 2,417  4,787

 735  4,955

 3.43

 1,281
 9,700
 321
 1,098
 869

 945
-
-
-
-
 8,078  1,777
 90

 10,120

 165
-
-
-
-
 1,594
-

-
-
-
 4
-
 1,474
-

 165
-
-
-
-

 6
-
-
-
-
 486  2,152
-

-

-

 4.17

 9,700               -
 321               -
 1,094               -
 869               -

-
-
-
-
-
 595

-
 23  10,007               -

 5.22

Loan Capital

Total Liabilities

 2,996

 480
 106,083  49,226

 953
 9,254

 367
 8,095

-

-
 3,068  6,945

 1,196
-
 2,549  26,946

 7.30
 2.97

Shareholders’ Equity
Outside equity interests in
controlled entities

Total Shareholders’ Equity

Off Balance Sheet Items
Swaps
FRAs
Futures

Net Mismatch
Cumulative Mismatch

 6,712

 5
 6,717

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 6,712

 5
 6,717

 *
 *
 *

 *
 *

 441
(1,330)
-

(4,729)
(4,729)

(3,811)
 595
-

 598
 735
(650)

(641)
-
 650

 2,042
-
-

 1,371
-
-

-
-
-

(6,763)
(11,492)

(1,208)
(12,700)

 4,773  14,335
(7,927)
 6,408

 2,304 (11,392)
(2,680)
 8,712

 #
 #
 #

 #
 #

#
*

no rate applicable
no balance sheet amount applicable

118

NOTE 37 Market Risk continued

R E P R I C I N G   P E R I O D   A T   3 0   J U N E   1 9 9 8

Balance
Sheet
6 to 12
Total month months months months
$M
$M

0 to 1

1 to 3

3 to 6

$M

$M

$M

1 to 5
years
$M

Not Weighted
over 5 Interest Average
Rate
years Bearing
%
$M

$M

Total Assets

 20,424

 5,540

 4,657

Overseas
Assets
Cash and liquid assets
Receivables due from other
financial institutions
Trading securities
Investment securities
Loans, advances and other receivables
Bank acceptances of customers
Deposits with regulatory authorities
Property, plant and equipment
Other assets

Liabilities
Deposits and other public borrowings
Payables due to other
financial institutions
Bank acceptances
Income tax liability
Other provisions
Debt issues
Bills payable and other liabilities

Loan Capital

Total Liabilities

Shareholders’ Equity
Outside equity interests in
controlled entities

Total Shareholders’ Equity

Off Balance Sheet Items
Swaps
Options
FRAs
Futures

Net Mismatch
Cumulative Mismatch

#
*

no rate applicable
no balance sheet amount applicable

 40

 24

-               -               -               -               -

 16               -

 1,066
 1,799
 3,707
 12,373
 27
 1
 214
 1,197

 496
 367
 1,200
 3,136
 27
-
 197
 93

 471
 680
 653
 2,853

 397
 272
 1,292

 41
 132
 1,132

 302
 700
 3,997

 51               -               -               -

 48
 12               -
 750               -
(93)

 5.92
 7.23
 8.62
 8.37
-               -               -               -               -               -               -
 1               -
-               -               -               -               -
 17               -
-               -               -               -               -
 1,104               -
-               -               -               -               -
 818

 1,093

 4,999

 2,012

 1,305

 7.58

 56

 12,266

 6,067

 3,735

 1,501

 609

 265

 26

 63

 6.22

 2,116
 27
 1
 6
 2,530
 626

 1,657
 27
(1)
 5
 894
 209

-
 17,572

-
 8,858

 310

 353

 1

 105

 6.28
 43               -               -
-               -               -               -               -               -               -
 2               -
-               -               -               -               -
 1               -
-               -               -               -               -
 4.76
 417               -

-               -               -               -               -

 428               -

 479

 311

 65

-               -               -               -               -               -               -
 5.78

 1,917

 484

 717

 454

 744

 4,398

-

 172

 172

 *
 *
 *
 *

 *
 *

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 172

 172

 989
-
(507)
(2)

 1,687
-
(78)
(695)

 266
 270
 590
 680

(2,285)

(299)
(358)               -
(270)               -               -               -
(13)               -               -
 7               -
 11

 8
(1)

(2,838)
(2,838)

 1,173
(1,665)

 1,901
 236

 26
 262

 1,968
 2,230

 13
 2,243

 437
 2,680

 #
 #
 #
 #

 #
 #

119

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

NOTE 37 Market Risk continued

Foreign exchange risk
Foreign  exchange  risk  is  the  risk  to  earnings

caused by a change in foreign exchange rates.

The  Group  hedges  all  balance  sheet  foreign
exchange  risk  except  for  long  term  investments  in
offshore  subsidiaries.  An  adverse  movement  of  10%
in  foreign  exchange  rates  would  cause  the  Group’s
capital  adequacy  ratio  to  deteriorate  by  less  than
0.3% (1998: less than 0.3%).

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Net deferred gains and losses
Net  deferred  realised  and  unrealised  gains  and
losses  arising 
from  derivative  hedging  contracts
entered  into  in order  to  manage  the  risk  arising  from
assets,  liabilities,  commitments  or  anticipated  future
transactions,  together  with  the  expected  term  of
deferral are shown below.

A s   a t   3 0   J u n e

Within 6 months
Within 6 months - 1 year
Within 1-2 years
Within 2-5 years
After 5 years
Net deferred gain (loss)

E x c h a n g e   R a t e
R e l a t e d   C o n t r a c t s
1998
$M

1999
$M

I n t e r e s t   R a t e
R e l a t e d   C o n t r a c t s
1998
$M

1999
$M

 86
 68
(71)
 22
 233
 338

 67
 39
 181
(20)
 348
 615

 80
 6
(64)
(134)
(172)
(284)

 63
(6)
 12
(63)
(14)
(8)

1999
$M

 166
 74
(135)
(112)
 61
 54

T o t a l
1998
$M

 130
 33
 193
(83)
 334
 607

Net  deferred  gains  and  losses  are  only  in
respect  of  derivatives  and  must  be  considered  in  the
context of the total interest rate and foreign exchange
risk  of  the  balance  sheet.  The  deferred  gains  and
losses  on  both  derivatives  and  on balance  sheet
assets  and  liabilities  are  included  in  the  economic
value at risk measure outlined above.

Additionally, there are $19 million of net deferred
gains  on  derivatives  (1998: $50 million  net  deferred
losses)  used  to  hedge  equity  risk  on  investments
disclosed within Note 11.

Market risk in financial markets trading

Traded  market  risk  is  the  risk  of  loss  from
adverse movements in the level or volatility of market
prices  in  interest  rate,  foreign  exchange,  equity  and
commodity markets.

Nature of trading activities

The  Group’s  policy  is  that  exposure  to  market
risk from trading activities is managed in the Financial
Markets  area  of  Institutional  Banking.  The  Group
trades and  distributes  financial  markets  products  and
provides  risk  management  services  to  clients  on  a
global basis.

The  objectives  of  the  Group’s  financial  markets

activities are to:
• 

• 
• 

Provide risk management products and services
to customers;
Manage the Group’s own market risks; and
Conduct  controlled  trading  in  pursuit  of  profit,
leveraging  off  the  Bank’s  market  presence  and
expertise.
The  Group  maintains  access  to  markets  by
quoting bid and offer prices with other market makers

instruments, 

and  carries  an  inventory  of  treasury  and  capital
market 
including  a  broad  range  of
securities  and  derivatives.  In  foreign  exchange,  the
Group is a participant in all major currencies and is a
major  participant  in  the  Australian  dollar  market,
providing  services  for  central  banks,  institutional,
corporate  and  retail  customers.  Positions  are  also
taken in the interest rate, debt, equity and commodity
markets based on views of future market movements.
in

Trading  securities  are 

further  detailed 

Note 10.

Derivatives

Derivative 

instruments  are  contracts  whose
value is derived from one or more underlying financial
the  contract.
indices  defined 
instruments  or 
Derivatives  entered  into  for  trading  purposes  include
swaps, forward rate agreements, futures, options and
combinations of these instruments.

in 

The  sale  of  derivatives  to  customers  as  risk
management  products  and  their  use  for  trading
purposes  is  integral  to  the  Group’s  financial  markets
activities.  Derivatives  are  also  used  to  manage  the
Group’s  own  exposure  to  fluctuations  in  interest  and
exchange  rates.  The  Group  participates  in  both
exchange traded and OTC derivatives markets.

Exchange  traded  derivatives:  The  Group  buys
and  sells  exchange  traded  financial  instruments,
primarily  financial  futures  and  options  on  financial
futures. 
have
standardised terms and require lodgment of initial and
variation  margins  in  cash  or  other  collateral  at  the
exchange, which guarantees ultimate settlement.

derivatives 

Exchange 

traded 

120

NOTE 37 Market Risk continued

Derivatives continued

these 

OTC  traded  derivatives:  The  Group  buys  and
sells  financial  instruments  that  are  traded  ‘over  the
counter’,  rather  than  on  recognised  exchanges.  The
terms  and  conditions  of 
transactions  are
negotiated between the parties, although the majority
conform  to  accepted  market  conventions.  Industry
standard  documentation  is  used,  most  commonly  in
form  of  a  master  agreement  supported  by
the 
individual 
The
documentation  protects  the  Group’s  interests  should
the  counterparty  default,  and  provides  the  ability  to
net  outstanding  balances  in  jurisdictions  where  the
relevant law allows.

confirmations. 

transaction 

Profit contribution
Income 

is  earned 

from  spreads  achieved
through  market  making  and  from  changes  in  market
value caused by movements in interest and exchange
rates,  equity  prices  and  other  market  prices.  All
trading  positions  are  valued  and  taken  to  profit  and
loss  on  a  mark  to  market  basis.  Trading  profits  also

take  account  of interest,  dividends  and  funding  costs
relating to trading activities.

Note 2 details Financial Markets Trading Income
contribution of $273 million (1998: $243 million) to the
income of the Bank. The contribution is significant and
provides  important  diversification  benefits  within  the
Group’s  overall  earnings.  The  risk/reward  balance  is
highlighted  by  comparing  the  income  contribution  of
$273 million  to  the  ‘value  at  risk’  (VaR)  measure,
explained 
following,  which  has
averaged  approximately  $2.36 million  for  the  year
ended  30 June 1999.  The  VaR  measure  highlights
that  trading  activity  is  undertaken  within  a  tightly
controlled  environment  where  exposure  to  revenue
loss  from  market  price  movements  is  restricted  to
tolerable levels based on statistical experience.

the  section 

in 

The  distribution  of  daily  earnings  for  the  year
ended  30 June 1999  is  set  out  in  the  following
histogram:

Distribution of Daily Financial Markets Income

s
y
a
D

f

o

r
e
b
m
u
N

50

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

-

>-3.0

>-1.5

>-1.0

>-0.5

>0

>0.5

>1.0
$m

>1.5

>2.0

>2.5

>3.0

>3.5

>4.0

>4.5

Risks and controls
The  broad  categories  of  risks  associated  with
financial market products are credit risk, liquidity risk,
and  market  risk.  These  risks  are 
independently
monitored,  controlled  and  mitigated  by  a  system  of
limits,  the  use  of  various  hedging  strategies,  credit
liquidity
control,  daily 
management  and  a  regime  of  accounting  and
systems controls.

revaluations  of  positions, 

Credit  risk  occurs  if  a  counterparty  defaults  in
performance  of  its  obligations.  Credit  risk  related  to
financial market products is assessed on a total basis

for  each  client  as  part  of  the  Group’s  overall  credit
require
management  process.  The  Group  may 
lodgment  of  collateral  for  credit  exposures  arising
from  derivative  products,  although  this  is  not  a
common practice.

Liquidity  risk  arises  from  the  possibility  that
market  changes  could  prevent  the  Group  readily
obtaining  prices  to  allow  it  to  close  out  its  position.
This risk is controlled by concentrating trading activity
in highly liquid markets and limiting the Bank’s volume
of activity in less liquid markets.

121

 
 
Notes to and forming part of the accounts

NOTE 37 Market Risk continued

Risks and controls continued
Market  risk  is  the  risk  of  loss  arising  due  to
adverse  price  movements  in  financial  markets.  The
Group’s  major  market  risks  are  interest  rate  risk  and
exchange rate risk.

The  Risk  Committee  of  the  Board  recommends
for  Board  approval  the  market  risk  management
policies of the Group and overall market risk appetite.
The  Risk  Committee  allocates  a  total  VaR  limit  and
delegates  the  day  to  day  control  and  monitoring  of
market  risk  to  management  who  set  limits  for  each
trading portfolio. The approval of trading limits and the
monitoring  of  compliance  are  the  responsibility  of  a
function  within
separate  Risk  Management 
Institutional  Banking.  Institutional  Banking  reports
regularly on its trading activity to the Risk Committee.
An independent Market Risk Policy Unit  monitors  the
Group  market  risk  profile  and  integrates  policy  on
market  related  exposures  across  the  Group.  The
effectiveness  of  controls  is  reviewed  regularly  by
internal audit.

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Value at risk (VaR)
The Group uses a VaR measure as the primary
mechanism  for  controlling  market  risk.  VaR  is  an
estimate  to a  97.5%  confidence  level  of  the  potential
loss that could occur if  the  Group’s  positions  were to
be  held  unchanged  for  one  business  day.  The  VaR
measure takes into account correlation between risks,
ie where an exposure in one portfolio may be offset in
whole  or  in  part  by  an  exposure  in  another  portfolio.
Actual  outcomes  are  independently  monitored  and
daily  backtesting  performed  to  confirm  the  validity  of
the assumptions made in the calculation of VaR.

In addition to the daily report of aggregate VaR,

there are daily risk reports by:
• 

• 
• 

Risk  type,  that  is  interest  rate,  exchange  rate,
equity, volatility;
Product; and
Business unit.
The  following  table  shows  the  VaR  for  each
financial  year  ended

the 

trading  day  during 
30 June 1999.

Daily Value-at-Risk

2 9-J ul-9 8

2 6- A u g-9 8

2 3- S e p-9 8

2 1- O ct-9 8

1 8- N

o v-9 8

1 6- D

e c-9 8

1 3-J a n-9 9

1 0- F e b-9 9

1 0- M

ar-9 9

7- A pr-9 9

5- M

a y-9 9

2-J u n-9 9

3 0-J u n-9 9

$6,000,000

$5,000,000

$4,000,000

$3,000,000

$2,000,000

$1,000,000

$0

1-J ul-9 8

122

NOTE 37 Market Risk continued

The  Group  trades  in  numerous  products  and  markets.  This  provides  significant  diversification  of  risk.  The

following table provides a summary of VaR by product:

Risk Type

VaR During Half Year to
30 June 1999

VaR During Half Year to
31 Dec 1998

VaR During Half Year to
30 June 1998

High *
$M

Avg
$M

Low *
$M

High *
$M

Interest rate risk
Foreign exchange risk
Implied volatility risk
Equities risk
Commodities risk
Diversification benefit
Total

2.97
2.15
0.83
0.10
0.14
-
3.37

2.02
0.83
0.53
0.04
0.11
(1.33)
2.20

1.34
0.08
0.38
0.01
0.00
-
1.41

3.04
4.73
0.81
0.81
-
-
5.18

Avg
$M

1.97
1.35
0.58
0.14
-

(1.51)
2.53

Low *
$M

High *
$M

1.30
0.43
0.33
0.00
-
-
1.65

4.55
2.08
0.89
0.37
-
-
4.41

Avg
$M

2.92
1.12
0.30
0.13
-

(1.29)
3.18

Low *
$M

1.94
0.47
0.16
0.00
-
-
2.26

Actual**
VaR as at
31 Dec 1997

$M

4.55
0.95
0.16
0.00
-

(1.26)
4.40

*

**

The  high  and  low  figures  for  each  risk  category  may
not  occur  on  the  same  day.  A  diversification  benefit
therefore cannot be calculated.
Comparative  data  is  not  available  for  the  half  year
ended 31 December 1997 due to a material change in
the  basis  of  measurement  from  2  January  1998.  The
ignored  correlation
previous  VaR 
between  risks.  The  actual  VaR  as  at  31  December
1997  has  been  calculated  and 
for
comparative purposes.

risk  measure 

is  supplied 

In managing the risk the Group aligns itself with
industry  experts.  These  industry  experts  ensure  that
the residual value of equipment is prudently estimated
at  the  start  of  the  lease  and  the  Group  realises  the
maximum value of the equipment at lease expiry.

Derivative contracts
following 

The 

the  Group’s
outstanding  derivative  contracts  as  at  the  end  of  the
year.

table  details 

In  addition  to  monitoring  VaR  at  a  97.5%
confidence level, monitoring is also performed daily at
a  99%  confidence  level  and  for  the  worst  case
outcome  over  the  two  year  historical  period  used  for
simulation.  This  additional  monitoring  provides  a
deeper understanding of the risk  profile and  provides
a  perspective  on  possible  stress  scenarios  that  may
adversely impact the trading portfolio.

that  could  potentially  arise 

VaR provides a statistical estimate of the risk at
the  chosen  confidence  level,  and  not  the  size  of
losses 
in  extreme
conditions. Recognising this limitation of VaR, monthly
stress  tests  covering  a  variety  of  scenarios  are  also
performed  to  simulate  the  impact  of  extreme  market
movements on the trading portfolios.

leases 

Residual Value Risk on Operating Leases
The  Group  provides  operating 

to
customers  on  equipment  such  as  motor  vehicles,
computers and industrial equipment. A residual value
risk arises when equipment is not fully depreciated at
lease  expiry.  Residual  value  risk  is  the  risk  that  the
amount  recouped  by  selling  the  equipment  at  lease
expiry  will  be  less  than  the  residual  value  on  the
lease.

Each derivative type is split between those held
for  ‘Trading’  purposes  and  for  ‘Other  than  Trading’
purposes.  Derivatives  classified,  as 
than
Trading’  are  transactions  entered  into  in  order  to
manage  the  risks  arising  from  non  traded  assets,
liabilities  and  commitments  in  Australia  and  our
offshore centres.

‘Other 

The  ‘Face  Value’  is  the  notional  or  contractual
amount  of 
is  not
the  derivatives.  This  amount 
necessarily  exchanged  and  predominantly  acts  as  a
reference value upon which interest payments and net
settlements  can  be  calculated  and  on  which
revaluation is based.

The  ‘Credit  Equivalent’  is  a  number  calculated
using  a  standard  Reserve  Bank  of  Australia  formula
and  is  disclosed  for  each product  class.  This  amount
is a measure of the on balance sheet loan equivalent
of the derivative contracts, which includes a specified
percentage of the face value of each contract plus the
market  value  of  all  contracts  with  an  unrealised
gain at balance date.  The  Credit  Equivalent  does  not
take into account any benefits of netting exposures to
individual counterparties.

The  accounting  policy  for  derivative  financial

instruments is set out in Note 1(gg).

123

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

1999
$M

Face Value
1998
$M

G R O U P

Credit Equivalent
1998
$M

1999
$M

 92,721
 43
 92,764

 12,244
 6,050
 18,294

 218
                -
 218

 41,028
                -
 41,028
 152,304

 6,863
 8,527
 15,390

 56,534
 36,343
 92,877

 44,602
 454
 45,056

 8,471
 61
 8,532
 161,855

 119,979
                -
 119,979

 2,521
                -
 2,521

 5,880
                -
 5,880

 11,940
 5,231
 17,171

 84
                -
 84

 35,272
                -
 35,272
 172,506

 11,739
 2,586
 14,325

 37,849
 30,128
 67,977

 39,410
 726
 40,136

 7,030
 65
 7,095
 129,533

 954
 810
 1,764

                -
                -
                -

 662
                -
 662
 4,947

 1
                -
 1

 1,261
 634
 1,895

 775
 1,146
 1,921

                -
                -
                -

 824
                -
 824
 8,625

 4
-
 4

 1,005
 608
 1,613

                -
                -
                -

                -
                -
                -

 41
 61
 102
 1,998

 51
 65
 116
 1,733

 278
 278
 314,437

 449
 449
 302,488

                -
                -
 6,945

 10
 10
 10,368

NOTE 37 Market Risk continued

Derivatives
Exchange rate related contracts
Forwards
Trading
Other than trading
Total Forwards
Swaps
Trading
Other than trading
Total Swaps
Futures
Trading
Other than trading
Total Futures
Options purchased and sold
Trading
Other than trading
Total options purchased and sold
Total exchange rate related contracts

Interest rate related contracts
Forwards
Trading
Other than trading
Total Forwards
Swaps
Trading
Other than trading
Total Swaps
Futures
Trading
Other than trading
Total Futures
Options purchased and sold
Trading
Other than trading
Total options purchased and sold
Total interest rate related contracts

Equity risk related contracts
Options purchased and sold
Other than trading
Total equity risk related contracts
Total derivatives exposures

124

NOTE 37 Market Risk continued

The  fair  or  market  value  of  trading  derivative
contracts,  disaggregated  into  gross  unrealised  gains
and gross unrealised losses, are shown below. In line
with  the  Group’s  accounting  policy,  these  unrealised
gains  and  losses  are  recognised  immediately  in
profit and loss, and together with net realised gains on

Exchange rate related contracts
Forward contracts
  Gross unrealised gains
  Gross unrealised losses

Swaps
  Gross unrealised gains
  Gross unrealised losses

Futures
  Gross unrealised gains
  Gross unrealised losses

Options purchased and sold
  Gross unrealised gains
  Gross unrealised losses

Net Unrealised Gains on Exchange Rate Related Contracts

Interest rate related contracts
Forward contracts
  Gross unrealised gains
  Gross unrealised losses

Swaps
  Gross unrealised gains
  Gross unrealised losses

Futures
  Gross unrealised gains
  Gross unrealised losses

Options purchased and sold
  Gross unrealised gains
  Gross unrealised losses

Net Unrealised Losses on Interest Rate Related Contracts
Net Unrealised Gains (Losses) on Trading Derivative Contracts

trading  derivatives  and  realised  and  unrealised  gains
and  losses  on  trading securities,  are  reported  within
trading  income  under  foreign  exchange  earnings  or
2).
instruments 
other 
In aggregate, derivatives trading was profitable for the
Group during the year.

(refer  Note 

financial 

G R O U P

Fair Value
1998
 $M

1999
$M

Average Fair Value
1998
 $M

1999
$M

 1,804
(1,473)
 331

 1,181
(1,165)
 16

 14
(16)
(2)

 409
(293)
 116
 461

 4,332
(3,697)
 635

 1,662
(1,925)
(263)

 5
(4)
 1

 602
(406)
 196
 569

 2
(3)
(1)

 5
(7)
(2)

 2,490
(1,902)
 588

 1,656
(1,727)
(71)

 3,988
(3,687)
 301

 1,218
(1,326)
(108)

 12
(13)

 2
(2)
(1)                 -

 536
(374)
 162
 678

 3
(6)
(3)

 401
(297)
 104
 297

 5
(9)
(4)

 1,530
(1,697)
(167)

 1,648
(1,725)
(77)

 1,806
(1,930)
(124)

 1,596
(1,681)
(85)

 16
(11)
 5

 22
(29)
(7)
(170)
 291

 7
(10)
(3)

 36
(16)
 20
(62)
 507

 20
(11)
 9

 31
(20)
 11
(107)
 571

 13
(14)
(1)

 41
(12)
 30
(60)
 237

In accordance with the accounting policy set out in Note 1(gg) the above trading derivative contract revaluations have
been presented on a gross basis on the balance sheet.

Unrealised gains on trading derivatives (Note 20)
Unrealised losses on trading derivatives (Note 26)
Net unrealised gains (losses) on trading derivatives

 4,978
(4,687)
 291

 8,297
(7,790)
 507

125

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 38 Superannuation Commitments

The Group sponsors a range of superannuation plans for its employees worldwide. Details of major plans with

assets in excess of $10 million are:

Name of Plan

Type

Form of Benefit

Officers’ Superannuation Fund (OSF)
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (UK)
Staff Benefits Scheme (CBA(UK)SBS)

Defined Benefits and Accumulation
Defined Benefits and Accumulation

Indexed pensions and lump sums
Indexed pensions and lump sums

Financial Details of Defined Benefits Plans

Net Market Value of Assets
Present Value of Accrued Benefits
Difference between Net Market Value of Assets
and Present Value of Accrued Benefits
Difference as a percentage of plan assets
Value of Vested Benefits

The  above  values  have  been  extracted  from
financial  statements  and  actuarial  assessments  of
each  plan,  which  have  been  prepared  in  accordance
with  relevant  accounting  and  actuarial  standards  and
practices.

Contributions

For the plans listed in the above table, entities of
the  Group  contribute  to  the  respective  plans  in
accordance with the Trust Deeds following the receipt
of actuarial advice.
the 

contributions
exception 
corresponding  to  salary  sacrifice  benefits,  the  Bank
ceased  contributions  to  the  OSF  from  8 July 1994.
Further,  the  Bank  ceased  contributions  to  the  OSF

With 

of 

OSF
30 June 1997
$M

CBA(UK)SBS
1 January 1997
$M

 5,302
 4,022

 1,280
24%
 4,022

 75
 47

 28
37%
 39

Total
$M

 5,377
 4,069

 1,308
24%
 4,061

corresponding 
1 July 1997.

to  salary  sacrifice  benefits 

from

An  actuarial  assessment  of  the  OSF,  as  at
30 June 1997  was  completed  during  the  year  ended
30 June 1998. 
the  actuarial  advice
contained  in  the  assessment,  the  Bank  does  not
intend  to  make  contributions  to  the  OSF  until  after
consideration of the next actuarial assessment  of  the
OSF as at 30 June 2000.

line  with 

In 

Management of OSF

The Board of Directors of the Trustee of the OSF
comprises  an  equal  number  of  member  and  Bank
representatives.

126

NOTE 39 Controlled Entities

AUSTRALIA
(a) Banking
     Commonwealth Bank of Australia (Australia only)
     Controlled Entities:
     Commonwealth Development Bank of Australia Limited
     CBA Investments Limited
     Antarctic Shipping Pty Ltd *
     Australian Bank Limited
     Balga Pty Limited *
     Binya Pty Limited *
     Brookhollow Ave Pty Limited *
     CBA Specialised Financing Limited
     Share Investments Pty Limited
     CBA EDSA IT Assets Partnership
     CBA Investments (No 2) Pty Ltd
     CBA Indemnity Co. Pty Limited *
     CBA International Finance Pty Limited
     Collateral Leasing Pty Limited
     Chullora Equity Investments (No.2) Pty Limited *
     Chullora Equity Investments (No.3) Pty Limited *
     Commonwealth Insurance Limited (1)
     Commonwealth Investments Pty Limited *
     Hazelwood Investment Company Pty Limited *
     Commonwealth Managed Property Limited
     Darontin Pty Limited *
     Infravest (No. 1) Limited
     Infravest (No. 2) Limited
     Micropay Pty Limited
     Perpetual Stock Pty Limited *
     Retail Investor Pty Limited
     Sparad (No. 16) Pty Limited * (5)
     Sparad (No. 20) Pty Limited *
     Sparad (No. 24) Pty Limited
     Sparad (No. 29) Pty Limited *
     Sparad (No. 30) Pty Limited *
     Sparad (No. 31) Pty Limited *
(b) Finance
     CBFC Group
       CBFC Limited
       CBFC Leasing Pty Limited
     Commonwealth Securities Limited Group
       Commonwealth Securities Limited
       Share Direct Nominees Pty Limited *
       Comsec Nominees Pty Limited *
     Fleet Care Services Pty Limited  *
     Leaseway Australia Pty Limited

Incorporated in

Extent of
Beneficial
Interest if
not 100%

Contribution to
Consolidated Profit
1998
$M

1999
 $M

 1,104

 897

Australia

Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia

Australia
Australia

Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia

 49

 62

127

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 39 Controlled Entities continued

(c) Life Insurance and Funds Management
     Commonwealth Custodial Services Limited
     Commonwealth Insurance Holdings Limited
       Commonwealth Life Limited
     CLL Investments Limited
     CIF (Hazelwood) Pty Limited
     Commonwealth Investment Services Limited Group
       Commonwealth Investment Services Limited
       Commonwealth Managed Investments Limited
       CISL (Hazelwood) Pty Limited
     Commonwealth Funds Management Limited Group
       Commonwealth Funds Management Limited
       CFM (ADF) Limited
       CFML Nominees Pty Limited

NEW ZEALAND
(a) Banking
#
     ASB Group Limited (2) 
       ASB Bank Limited
       ASB Finance Limited
       ASB Management Services Limited
       ASB Properties Limited
       ASB Superannuation Nominees Limited
     CBA Funding (NZ) Limited
(b) Life Insurance
     ASB Group Limited (2) #
       ASB Life Limited
          Sovereign Limited

OTHER OVERSEAS
(a) Banking
     Commonwealth Bank of Australia (Offshore Branches)
     CBA Asia Limited
     CBA (Europe) Finance Limited
     CBA (Delaware) Finance Incorporated
     Brigidina Investments Limited (3) (5)
     Senator House Investments (UK) Limited (4)
     Commonwealth Securities (Japan) Pty Limited
(b) Finance
     Central Real Estate Holdings Group
       Central Real Estate Holdings Corporation
       Wilshire 10880 Corporation
       Wilshire 10960 Corporation
     CTB Australia Limited
     SBV Asia Limited
Operating Profit After Tax and Outside Equity Interests

Incorporated in

Extent of
Beneficial
Interest if
not 100%

Contribution to
Consolidated Profit
1998
$M

1999
 $M

 117

 84

75%
75%
75%
75%
75%
75%

75%
75%
75%

Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia

Australia
Australia
Australia

Australia
Australia
Australia

New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand

New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand

Singapore
United Kingdom
USA
Jersey
United Kingdom
Japan

USA
USA
USA
Hong Kong
Hong Kong

 80

 73

 68

(30)

 4

 4

 1,422

 1,090

Non-operating controlled entities are excluded from the above list.
(1) 

(2) 

During the year Commonwealth Connect Insurance Limited changed its name to Commonwealth Insurance Limited.
ASB Group Limited is a 75% owned subsidiary of the Bank. ASB Group Limited owns 100% of ASB Bank Limited and ASB
Life Limited.

(3)  Wholly owned subsidiary of Share Investments Pty Limited.
(4)  Wholly owned subsidiary of CBA International Finance Pty Limited.
(5) 
#

Disposed of during the 1999 Financial Year.

Controlled entities not audited by Ernst & Young.
Small proprietary companies not requiring audit.

*

128

NOTE 40 Investments in Associated Entities

Extent of Principal Activities

Book
Value Ownership
Interest
%

$M

Balance Date

EDS (Australia) Pty Limited
IPAC Securities Limited
PT Bank BII Commonwealth
Electronic Financial Technologies Pty Ltd
Corporate Fleet Management

 238
 23
 13
         -
7

Information Technology Services
 35
 50
Funds Manager
 50 Banking in Indonesia
 50
50 Desktop IT Lease Management

Financial Technology Development

31 December
30 June
31 December
30 June
30 June

Share of associates’ profits (losses) after notional goodwill amortisation
  Operating profits before income tax
  Income tax expense
  Operating profits after income tax

Carrying amount of investments in associated entities
  Opening balance
  New investments
  Share of associates’ profits (losses)
  Foreign exchange adjustment
  Dividends paid
  Closing Balance

1999
$M

G R O U P

1998
$M

(1)
 1
              -

 276
 6
              -
              -
(1)
 281

 2
(4)
(2)

 60
 248
(2)
(30)
              -
 276

NOTE 41 Standby Arrangements and Unused Credit Facilities
(of controlled entities that are borrowing corporations and entities subject to the Financial Corporations Act 1974)

(a)  Financing arrangements accessible
       Bank overdraft
       Bill facilities

(b)  Financing arrangements provided
       Wholesale finance
       Other facilities

1999
$M

G R O U P

1998
$M

Available

Unused

Available

Unused

 50
 5
 55

-
-
-

-
 1
 1

-
-
-

 17
 5
 22

-
 1
 1

 1
            -
 1

            -
            -
            -

129

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 42 Related Party Disclosures

Australian  banks,  parent  entities  of  Australian
banks and controlled entities of Australian banks have
been  exempted,  subject  to  certain  conditions,  under
an  ASIC  Order  No. 98/110  dated  10 July 1998,  from
making  disclosures  of  any  loan  made,  guaranteed  or
secured  by  a  bank  to  related  parties  (other  than
directors) and financial instrument transactions (other
than  shares  and  share  options)  of  a  bank  where  a
director of the relevant entity is not a party and where
the loan or financial instrument  transaction  is  lawfully
made  and  occurs  in  the  ordinary  course  of banking
business  and either  on  an arm’s  length  basis  or  with
the  approval  of  a  general  meeting  of  the  relevant
entity  and  its  ultimate  parent  entity  (if  any).  The
exemption does not cover transactions which relate to
the supply of goods and services to a bank, other than
financial assets or services.

The  Class  Order  does  not  apply  to  a  loan  or
financial  instrument  transaction  which  any  director  of
the relevant entity should reasonably be aware that if
not  disclosed  would  have  the  potential  to  adversely
affect  the  decisions  made  by  users  of  the  financial
statements about the allocation of scarce resources.

A  condition  of  the  Class  Order  is  that  the  Bank
must  lodge  a  statutory  declaration,  signed  by  two
directors,  with 
the  Australian  Securities  and
Investments  Commission  accompanying  the  Annual

Report. The declaration provides confirmation that the
bank  has  systems  of  internal  control  and  procedures
to  provide  assurance  that  any  financial  instrument
transactions  of  a  bank  which  are  not  entered  into  on
an arm’s length basis are drawn to the attention of the
Directors so that they may be disclosed.

Directors

The name of each person holding the position of
Director  of  the  Commonwealth  Bank  during  the
financial year is:

M A Besley, AO 
J T Ralph, AO 
D V Murray 
N R Adler, AO
A C Booth
R J Clairs, AO
K E Cowley, AO
J M Schubert
G H Slee, AM
F J Swan
B K Ward

(Chairman)
(Deputy Chairman)
(Managing Director)

(Appointed 1 March 1999)

(Retired 28 February 1999)

Details  of  remuneration  received  or  due  and

receivable by Directors are set out in Note 43.

Loans to Directors

Loans  are  made  to  Directors  in  the  ordinary  course  of  business  of  the  Bank  and  on  an  arm’s  length  basis.

Loans to Executive Directors have been made on normal commercial terms and conditions.

Under  the  Australian  Securities  and  Investments  Commission  Class  Order  referred  to  above,  disclosure  is

the Bank to its Directors;
banks which are controlled entities to their Directors; and
non bank controlled entities to Directors (and their related parties) of those entities.

limited to the aggregate amount of loans made, guaranteed or secured by:
• 
• 
• 
The aggregate amount of such loans outstanding at 30 June 1999 was:
$1,863,945 to Directors of the Bank (1998: $468,000); and
• 
$1,084,533 to Directors of related entities (1998: $1,191,900).
• 
The aggregate amount of such loans received and repayments made was:

Directors of the CBA
  Normal terms and conditions (1)
Directors of related entities
  Normal terms and conditions (2)

(1) 

(2) 

Directors: A C Booth, K E Cowley and B K Ward
Directors: G J Judd, R J Norris, G A Thorby and W W Moyes

L O A N S   R E C E I V E D

R E P A Y M E N T S   M A D E

1999
$

1998
$

1999
$

1998
$

 1,600,000                    -

 204,055

 111,000

 123,886

 186,663

 231,252

 154,522

130

NOTE 42 Related Party Disclosures continued

Shares of Directors

The  aggregate  number  of  shares  acquired  by,  disposed  of  and  held  by  Directors  and  their  director  related

entities in the Commonwealth Bank during the financial year ended 30 June 1999, were:

Director

M A Besley
J T Ralph
D V Murray
N R Adler
A C Booth
K E Cowley
J M Schubert
G H Slee (retired 28/02/99)
F J Swan
B K Ward

Held
30 June 1998
Ordinary

10,602
10,942
47,530
9,946
1,021
8,000
5,261
2,538
1,908
1,660

All shares were acquired by Directors on normal
terms  and  conditions  or  under  the  employee  share
scheme,  as appropriate.  Additionally  D V Murray  was
granted  500,000  options  during  the  year  bringing  his
total  holdings 
the  Executive
to 1,300,000  under 
Option Plan. Refer Note 28 for details.

Other  Transactions  of  Directors  and  Other  Related
Parties

Financial Instrument Transactions
Financial  instrument  transactions  (other  than
loans and shares disclosed above) of Directors of the
Bank  and  other  banks  which  are  controlled  entities
occur in the ordinary course of business of the banks
on an arm’s length basis.

Under the Australian Securities and Investments
to  above,
Commission  Class  Order 
transactions
disclosure  of 
regularly  made  by  a  bank  is  limited  to  disclosure  of
such 
the  entity
concerned.

transactions  with  a  Director  of 

referred 
instrument 

financial 

All  such  financial  instrument  transactions  that
have occurred between the banks and their Directors
have  been  trivial  or domestic  and  were  in  the  nature
of normal personal banking and deposit transactions.

Transactions  other  than  Financial  Instrument

Transactions of Banks

All  other  transactions  with  Directors,  director
related  entities  and  other 
related  parties  are
conducted  on  an  arm’s  length  basis  in  the  normal
course  of  business  and  on  commercial  terms  and
conditions.  These  transactions  principally  involve  the
provision of financial and investment services  by  non
bank controlled entities.

All  such  transactions  that  have  occurred  with
Directors,  director  related  entities  and  other  related

Shares Acquired

Shares Disposed Of

Ordinary Ordinary

547
122
2,512
388
54
-
273

99
87

993
-
1,250
1,159
-
-
-

179
-

Held
30 June 1999
Ordinary

10,156
11,064
48,792
9,175
1,075
8,000
5,534

1,828
1,747

parties have been trivial or  domestic  and  were in  the
nature of lodgment of deposit monies.

Controlled Entities

Transactions  with  related  parties  in  the  Group
are conducted on an arm’s length basis in the normal
course  of business  and  on  commercial  terms  and
conditions. These transactions principally arise out of
the  provision  of  banking  services,  the  acceptance  of
funds  on  deposit,  the  granting  of  loans  and  other
associated financial activities.

to  Commonwealth 

As  part  of  an  internal  Group  restructuring,  the
Bank  has  sold  its  investment  in  Commonwealth  Life
Limited 
Insurance  Holdings
Limited,  a  life  insurance  wholly  owned  entity  as  at
30 June 1999.  The  sale  price  was  at  market  value
based  on  independent  advice.  The  capital  profit  is
reserve  at
included 
30 June 1999.  The  capital  reserve  is  eliminated  on
consolidation. Also refer Note 1(jj).

the  Bank’s 

capital 

in 

Support services are provided by the Bank such
as provision of premises and/or equipment, availability
of  transfer  payment  and  accounting  facilities  through
data  processing  etc,  and  are  transfer  charged  to  the
respective user entity at commercial rates.

Refer to Note 39 for details of controlled entities.
The Bank’s aggregate investment in and loans to
controlled  entities  are disclosed  in  Note 17.  Amounts
due to controlled entities are disclosed in the balance
sheet of the Bank.

Details  of  amounts  paid  to  or  received  from
related parties, in the form of dividends or interest, are
set out in Note 2.

All  transactions  between  Group  entities  are

eliminated on consolidation.

131

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

NOTE 42 Related Party Disclosures continued

Commonwealth Guarantee of the Bank’s Liabilities

The  liabilities  of  the  Bank  and  its  controlled
entity,  Commonwealth  Development  Bank  of
Australia, as at 30 June 1996 were guaranteed by the
Commonwealth  under  a  statute  of  the  Australian
Parliament.

NOTE 43 Remuneration of Directors

Such  guarantee  is  being  progressively  phased
out 
sell-down  on
following 
full  details  of
19 July 1996.  Refer  Note 25 
transitional  measures.  The  removal  of  the  guarantee
has not materially affected either the borrowing costs
or the borrowing capabilities of the Bank.

the  Government 
for 

Total amount  received  or  due  and  receivable  by  non  executive  Directors  of  the  Company  for  the  year  ended

30 June 1999 was:

Non executive Directors
Mr M A Besley, AO
Mr J T Ralph, AO
Mr N R Adler, AO
Ms A C Booth
Mr R J Clairs, AO(3)
Mr K E Cowley, AO
Dr J M Schubert
Mr G H Slee, AM(2)
Mr F J Swan
Ms B K Ward

Executive Director
Mr D V Murray (refer Note 44)

Base Fee/Pay
$

Committee Fee
$

Superannuation (1)
$

Total Remuneration
$

200,000
90,000
60,000
60,000
20,054
60,000
60,000
46,589
60,000
60,000

-
15,000
10,000
15,014
-
3,342
23,356
10,000
25,000
15,000

-
7,350
4,900
5,250
1,404
4,435
5,835
3,961
5,950
5,250

200,000
112,350
74,900
80,264
21,458
67,777
89,191
60,550
90,950
80,250

(1) 

The Bank is currently not contributing to the Officers’ Superannuation Fund. A notional cost of superannuation has been
determined on an individual basis for certain of the Directors. Other Directors have superannuation contributions made to
other funds.

(2)  Mr Slee retired 28 February 1999.
(3)  Mr Clairs was appointed Director 1 March 1999.

Retirement Benefit

The aggregate amount of ‘prescribed benefits’ (as defined by Section 237 of the Corporations Law) given by the
Bank  during  the  year  ended  30 June 1999  was  $287,708  being  a  payment  made  to  Mr  G  H  Slee  pursuant  to  the
Directors’ Retirement Allowance Scheme approved by shareholders at the 1997 Annual General Meeting.

1999
$

B A N K
1998
$

Total amount received or due and receivable by executive and non executive Directors
(includes accumulated benefits due to Directors who retired during the year)

3,156,330

3,477,583

The number of executive and non executive Directors whose remuneration fell within these bands was:

Remuneration (Dollars)
30,000
20,001 - $
$
40,001 - $
$
50,000
60,001 - $
$
70,000
70,001 - $
$
80,000
80,001 - $
$
90,000
$
90,001 - $ 100,000
$ 110,001 - $ 120,000
$ 160,001 - $ 170,000
$ 190,001 - $ 200,000
$ 340,001 - $ 350,000
$1,060,001 - $1,070,000
$1,710,001 - $1,720,000
$1,990,001 - $2,000,000

Number
1
-
1
1
3
1
1
-
1
1 *
-
-
1
11

Number
-
1
4
2
-
1
-
1
-
-
1 #
1
-
11

*
#

Remuneration includes retirement payment to Mr G H Slee who retired on 28 February 1999.
Remuneration includes retirement payment to Mr I K Payne who retired on 11 July 1997.

132

NOTE 43 Remuneration of Directors continued

Total amount received or due and receivable by executive
and non executive Directors of the Bank and controlled entities

1999
$

G R O U P

1998
$

4,902,942

4,142,444

NOTE 44 Remuneration of Executives

The following table shows remuneration for the executive director and five highest paid other members of the senior
executive team who were officers of the Bank and the Group for the year ended 30 June 1999.

Senior Executive Team

Name & Position

Year

Base Pay(1)

Bonus

D V Murray
Managing Director &
CEO
M J Ullmer
Group General
Manager
Financial & Risk
Management
M A Katz
Head of Institutional
Banking
A E Long
Head of Customer
Service Division
J F Mulcahy
Head of Banking &
Financial Services
R J Scrimshaw
Head of Technology,
Operations & Property

1999
1998

1999
1998

1999
1998

1999
1998

1999
1998

1999
1998

$
1,000,000
1,000,000

$
700,000
450,000

Super-
annuation(2)
$
41,332
97,200

Other
Compensation(3)
$
249,600
168,500

Total
Remuneration
$
1,990,932
1,715,700

Option
Grant(4)
Number
500,000
500,000

700,000
(5)496,712

250,000
150,000

126,000
89,408

159,600
156,032

1,235,600
892,152

200,000
200,000

600,000
600,000

340,000
160,000

500,000
500,000

270,000
175,000

600,000
500,000

320,000
200,000

420,000
(6)163,288

230,000
130,000

45,000
45,000

20,178
42,120

45,000
37,500

25,200
12,247

129,600
88,500

210,441
181,453

9,600
88,500

9,600
3,470

1,114,600
893,500

250,000
250,000

1,000,619
898,573

175,000
150,000

974,600
826,000

250,000
250,000

684,800
309,005

125,000
n/a

(1)  Base  Pay  is  calculated  on  a  Total  Cost  basis  and  includes  any  FBT  charges  related  to  employee  benefits  including  motor

vehicles.

(2)  The Bank is currently not contributing to the Officers’ Superannuation Fund (OSF) – refer Note 38. For 1999, notional cost of
superannuation  has  been  determined  on  an  individual  basis for  each  executive.  In  1998,  a  notional  cost  of  superannuation
spread across all members of the relevant Division of the OSF was used.

(3)  Other compensation includes, where applicable, housing (including FBT), car parking (including FBT) and other payments.
(4)  Option Grants are a right to buy ordinary shares at an exercise price which is the Market Value (as defined in the Plan Rules)
at the date of commencement of the options, plus a premium representing the time value component of the value of options.
The  ability  to  exercise  is  conditional  on  the  Bank  achieving  a  prescribed  performance  hurdle.  To  reach  the  performance
hurdle, the Bank’s Total Shareholder Return (broadly, growth in share price plus dividends reinvested) over a minimum three
year period, must  equal  or  exceed the index  of Total  Shareholder  Return  achieved  by companies  represented in  the  ASX’s
‘Bank’s and Finance Accumulation Index’, excluding the Bank. If the performance hurdle is not met, the options will have nil
value. The options have a maximum term of five years and are exercisable after three years. Options issued during the year to
executives  under  the  Executive  Option  Plan  have  an  exercise  price  equivalent  to  the  Market  Value  of  the  Bank’s  ordinary
shares as at the Grant Date of the options. Market  Value  is  defined  as  the  weighted  average  of  the  prices  at  which shares
were traded on the ASX during the one week period before the Grant Date. Additionally, options granted in 1997 and 1998 will
be adjusted by a premium formula (based on the actual differences between the dividend and bond yields at the date of the
vesting of the right to exercise the options). As the options are subject to a performance hurdle, the achievement of which is
uncertain, the amount included as remuneration in the above table is nil. Under the Bank’s US GAAP disclosures, fair value of
options for purposes of inclusion in the potential compensation expense has been determined using the Black-Scholes option
pricing model, being $1.05 per option issued on 30 September 1998 and 89c per option issued on 11 December 1997. Refer
Notes 28 and 47(c) for further details.

(5)  From commencement of employment in October 1997.
(6)  From commencement of employment in February 1998.

133

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 44 Remuneration of Executives continued

The following table shows the number of executives whose remuneration fell within the stated bands:

1999
 Number

G R O U P

1998
 Number

1999
 Number

B A N K

1998
 Number

Remuneration (Dollars)

$     120,000
$     150,000
$     200,000
$     250,000
$     260,000
$     280,000
$     290,000
$     300,000
$     320,000
$     340,000
$     350,000
$     360,000
$     370,000
$     380,000
$     390,000
$     400,000
$     410,000
$     430,000
$     440,000
$     450,000
$     460,000
$     470,000
$     480,000
$     490,000
$     500,000
$     510,000
$     550,000
$     570,000
$     600,000
$     630,000
$     650,000
$     680,000
$     710,000
$     770,000
$     820,000
$     890,000
$     930,000
$     970,000
$  1,000,000
$  1,060,000
$  1,070,000
$  1,110,000
$  1,230,000
$  1,710,000
$  1,990,000

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

$     129,999
$     159,999
$     209,999
$     259,999
$     269,999
$     289,999
$     299,999
$     309,999
$     329,999
$     349,999
$     359,999
$     369,999
$     379,999
$     389,999
$     399,999
$     409,999
$     419,999
$     439,999
$     449,999
$     459,999
$     469,999
$     479,999
$     489,999
$     499,999
$     509,999
$     519,999
$     559,999
$     579,999
$     609,999
$     639,999
$     659,999
$     689,999
$     719,999
$     779,999
$     829,999
$     899,999
$     939,999
$     979,999
$  1,009,999
$  1,069,999
$  1,079,999
$  1,119,999
$  1,239,999
$  1,719,999
$  1,999,999

-
 1 *
-
-
 1
-
 2
-
 1
-
-
-
-
 1
 2
 1
 1
 1
-
 1
 1
 1
 2
 2
 1
 1
 1
-
-
 1
 1
 1
 1
-
-
-
 1
 1
 1
-
-
 1
 1
-
 1

 1
-
 1
 2
-
 1
-
 2
 1 #
 1
 1
 3 #
 3
 1
-
 4
 1
 1
 3
-
-
-
-
-
-
 1
-
 1
 1
-
-
-
-
 1
 1
 3
-
-
-
 1 #
 1 #
-
-
 1
-

-
 1 *
-
-
 1
-
 2
-
 1
-
-
-
-
 1
 2
 1
 1
 1
-
 1
 1
 1
 2
 2
 1
 1
 1
-
-
 1
 1
 1
 1
-
-
-
 1
 1
 1
-
-
 1
 1
-
 1

 1
-
 1
 2
-
 1
-
 2
 1 #
 1
 1
 3 #
 3
 1
-
 4
 1
 1
 3
-
-
-
-
-
-
 1
-
 1
 1
-
-
-
-
 1
 1
 3
-
-
-
 1 #
 1 #
-
-
 1
-

Total number of executives

 31

 37

 31

 37

134

NOTE 44 Remuneration of Executives continued

Total amount received or due and receivable by
executives (includes accumulated benefits due
to executives who retired during the year).

1999
$M

G R O U P
1998
$M

1999
$M

B A N K
1998
$M

18,623,129

 19,058,944

18,623,129

 19,058,944

*

Includes termination payment to 1 retired, resigned, or
retrenched  executive  during  the  1998/99  financial
year.

#

Includes termination payments to 4 retired, resigned or
retrenched  executives  during  the  1997/98  financial
year.

An executive is a person who works in Australia
and  is  either  a  participant  in  the  Bank’s  Executive
Option  Plan  or  is  otherwise  directly  accountable  and
responsible  to  the  Managing  Director  for  strategic
direction or operational management functions.

Participation  in  the  Executive  Option  Plan  is
limited  to  executives  who,  in  the  opinion  of  the
Managing Director and the Board are able by virtue of
their  responsibility,  experience  and  skill  to  influence
the generation of shareholder wealth.

Remuneration  is  based  on  amounts  paid  and
accrued  with  respect  to  the  financial  year.  1998
comparatives have been restated where appropriate.

The  Group’s  Policy  in  respect  of  executives  is

that:
• 

• 

Remuneration  will  be  competitively  set  so  that
the  Group  can  seek  to  attract,  motivate  and
retain  high  quality 
international
executive staff;
Remuneration  will  incorporate,  to  a  significant
degree,  variable  pay  for  performance  elements,
both  short  term  and  long  term  focused  as
appropriate, which will:

local  and 

• 

• 

• 

• 

individual 

performance 

reward executives for Group, business unit
and 
against
appropriate benchmarks/goals,
align the interests of executives with those
of shareholders,
link  executive  reward  with  the  strategic
goals and performance of the Group,
ensure total remuneration is competitive by
market standards;

• 

• 

• 

the  market  and 

Remuneration  will  be  reviewed  annually  by  the
Remuneration Committee through a process that
considers  Group,  business  unit  and  individual
performance, relevant comparative remuneration
in 
internal  and,  where
appropriate,  external  advice  on  policies  and
practices;
Remuneration  systems  will  complement  and
reinforce the Group’s leadership and succession
planning systems; and
terms  and  conditions  of
Remuneration  and 
employment  will  be  specified  in  an  individual
contract  of  employment  and  signed  by  the
executive and the Bank.

135

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 45 Statements of Cash Flows

Note (a) Reconciliation of Cash

1999
$M

1998
$M

G R O U P
1997
$M

1999
$M

B A N K
1998
$M

For the purposes of the Statements of Cash Flows, cash includes cash at bankers, money at short call, at call

deposits with other financial institutions and settlement account balances with other banks.

Notes, coins and cash at bankers
Other short term liquid assets
Receivables due from other financial institutions - at call
Payables due to other financial institutions - at call
Cash and Cash Equivalents at end of year

 784
 238
 912
(2,491)
(557)

 951
 247
 2,925
(2,160)
 1,963

 1,091
 241
 3,502
(1,516)
 3,318

 757
 197
 886
(2,127)
(287)

 909
 157
 2,681
(1,772)
 1,975

Note (b) Cash Flows presented on a Net Basis

Cash  flows  arising  from  the  following  activities
are presented on a net basis in the Statement of Cash
Flows:
• 

customer deposits to and withdrawals from
deposit accounts;

• 

• 

• 

loans,

borrowings  and  repayments  on 
advances and other receivables;
sales  and  purchases  of  trading  securities;
and
proceeds from and repayment of short term
debt issues.

Note (c) Reconciliation of Operating Profit After
Income Tax to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

1999
$M

Operating profit after income tax
(Increase) decrease in interest receivable
Increase (decrease) in interest payable
Net (increase) decrease in trading securities
Net (gain) loss on sale of investment securities
Charge for bad and doubtful debts
Depreciation and amortisation
Other provisions
Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable
Increase (decrease) in deferred income taxes payable
(Increase) decrease in future income tax benefits
Amortisation of discount on debt issues
Amortisation of premium (discount) on investment securities
Unrealised (gain) loss on revaluation of trading securities
Abnormal item
Other
Net Cash provided by Operating Activities

 1,446
(1)
(35)
(408)
(79)
 247
 192
 68
 261
 50
(8)
 206
 57
 216
                -
(36)
 2,176

1998
$M

 1,110
(13)
 75
(646)
(101)
 233
 233
(74)
 46
 128
(158)
 261
 26
(484)
 492
(241)
 887

G R O U P

1997
$M

1999
$M

 1,545
 1,100
 77
 80
 47
 5
(209)
 556
(84)
(4)
 78
 98
 157
 280
 19
 36
 224
(222)
 31
 97
 31
 22
 206
 256
 53
(13)
(147)
 216
 200                 -
(18)
 2,373

 47
 2,391

B A N K

1998
$M

 883
(33)
(32)
(591)
(119)
 224
 197
(71)
 45
 43
(146)
 260
 29
(484)
 492
(180)
 517

Note (d) Non cash Financing and Investing Activities

Shares  issued  under  the  Dividend  Reinvestment  Plan  $426 million  (1998: $452 million)  and  Employee  Share

Acquisition Plan - nil (1998: $28 million).

136

NOTE 45 Statements of Cash Flows continued

Note (e) Acquisition of Controlled Entities

In December 1998, the Group acquired 100% of
life

the  Share  Capital  of  Sovereign  Limited,  a 
insurance company.

During  1997,  the  Group  acquired  100%  of  the
share  capital  of  Commonwealth  Funds  Management

1999
$M

1998
$M

G R O U P
1997
$M

and  Leaseway  and  the  8.1%  minority  interest  in
Commonwealth Development Bank.

Details  of  controlled  entities  acquired  during  the

financial year are as follows:

Consideration
Cash paid on acquisition
Fair value of net tangible assets acquired
Cash
Investment securities
Loans, advances and other receivables
Property, plant and equipment
Other assets
Outside equity interest
Borrowings
Income tax liability
Other provisions
Bills payable and other liabilities
Policy liabilities

Excess market value over net assets of life insurance subsidiary
Discount on acquisition
Goodwill

Outflow of cash on acquisition
Cash payments
Less cash and cash equivalents acquired

Note (f) Financing Facilities

 205

                -

 88

 9
 260
 671
 4
 28
(28)
(460)
                -
(4)
(72)
(358)
 50
 155
                -
                -
 205

                -
                -
                -
                -
                -
                -
                -
                -
                -
                -
                -
                -
                -
                -
                -
                -

 22
 2
 15
 4
 6
 28
                -
(3)
(5)
(6)
                -
 63
                -
(16)
 41
 88

 205
(9)
 196

                -
                -
                -

 88
(22)
 66

Standby  funding  lines  with  overseas  banks  as  at  30 June 1999  amounted  to  AUD  equivalent  $24 million

(1998: $21 million).

NOTE 46 Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

These  amounts  represent  estimates  of  net  fair
values  at  a  point  in  time.  Significant  estimates
regarding  economic  conditions,  loss experience,  risk
characteristics  associated  with  particular  financial
instruments  and  other  factors  were  used  for  the
purposes  of this  disclosure.  These  estimates  are
subjective in nature and involve matters  of judgment.
Therefore,  they  cannot  be  determined  with  precision.
Changes  in  the  assumptions  could  have  a  material
impact on the amounts estimated.

While  the  estimated  net  fair  value  amounts  are
designed  to  represent  estimates  at  which  these
in a current
instruments 
transaction  between  willing  parties,  many  of  the

be exchanged 

could 

Group’s financial instruments lack an available trading
market as characterised by willing parties engaging in
an  exchange  transaction.  In  addition,  it  is  the  Bank’s
intent  to  hold  most  of  its  financial  instruments  to
maturity  and  therefore  it  is  not  probable  that  the  net
fair  values  shown  will  be  realised  in  a  current
transaction.

The  estimated  net  fair  values  disclosed  do  not
reflect  the  value  of  assets  and  liabilities  that  are  not
considered  financial  instruments.  In  addition,  the
value of long term relationships with  depositors  (core
deposit  intangibles)  and  other  customers  (credit card
intangibles)  are  not  reflected.  The  value  of  these
items is significant.

137

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 46 Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments continued

Because  of 

range  of  valuation
the  wide 
techniques  and  the  numerous  estimates  which  must
be  made,  it  may  be difficult  to  make  reasonable
comparisons  of  the  Bank’s  net  fair  value  information
with  that  of  other  financial  institutions.  It  is  important
the many  uncertainties  discussed  above  be
that 

considered  when  using  the  estimated  net  fair  value
disclosures  and  to  realise  that  because  of  these
uncertainties,  the  aggregate  net  fair  value  amount
should  in  no  way  be construed  as  representative  of
the  underlying  value  of  the  Commonwealth  Bank  of
Australia.

Carrying
Value
$M

 1,814
 1,206
 4,708
 7,187
 101,837
 9,672
 953
 9,046

1999
Net Fair
Value
$M

 1,814
 1,206
 4,708
 7,196
 105,768
 9,672
 953
 9,489

Carrying
Value
$M

 1,526
 3,448
 4,009
 6,858
 89,816
 9,727
 832
 12,054

 93,428
 3,249
 9,672
 10,763
 8,451
 2,828
                  -

 93,737
 3,249
 9,672
 10,791
 8,558
 2,862
 73

 83,886
 3,397
 9,727
 10,608
 10,616
 2,996
              -

G R O U P
1998
Net Fair
Value
$M

 1,526
 3,448
 4,009
 7,079
 92,646
 9,727
 832
 12,518

 84,305
 3,397
 9,727
 10,828
 10,856
 3,170
 557

models (ie the net present value of the portfolio future
principal  and  interest  cash  flows),  based  on  the
maturity of the loans. The discount rates applied were
based  on  the  current  benchmark  rate  offered  for  the
average  remaining  term  of  the  portfolio  plus  an  add-
on  of  the  average  credit  margin  of  the  existing
portfolio, where appropriate.

The  net 

fair  value  of 

loans  was
calculated by discounting expected cash flows using a
rate  which  includes  a premium  for the  uncertainty  of
the flows.

impaired 

For  shares  in  companies,  the  estimated  net  fair

values are based on quoted market prices.

Statutory deposits with central banks

In Australia, and several other countries in which
the  Group  operates,  the  law  requires  that  the  Group
lodge  regulatory  deposits  with  the  local  central  bank
at a rate of interest  below  that  generally  prevailing  in
that market. The net fair value is assumed to be equal
to  the  carrying  value  as  the  Group  is  only  able  to
continue as a going concern with the maintenance of
these deposits.

Assets
Cash and liquid assets
Receivables due from other financial institutions
Trading securities
Investment securities
Loans, advances and other receivables
Bank acceptances of customers
Deposit accounts with regulatory authorities
Other assets

Liabilities
Deposits and other public borrowings
Payables due to other financial institutions
Bank acceptances
Debt issues
Bills payable and other liabilities
Loan Capital
Asset and liability hedges - unrealised gains/(losses)
(Refer Note 37)

The net fair value estimates were determined by

the following methodologies and assumptions:

Liquid assets and bank acceptances of customers

The  carrying  values  of  cash  and  liquid  assets,
receivables  due  from  other  financial  institutions  and
bank acceptances of customers approximate their net
fair  value  as  they  are  short  term  in  nature  or  are
receivable on demand.

Securities

Trading  securities  are  carried  at  net  market/net
fair value and investment securities have their net fair
value  determined  based  on quoted  market  prices,
broker or dealer price quotations.

Loans, advances and other receivables

The carrying value of loans, advances and other
receivables  is  net  of  general  and  specific  provisions
for doubtful debts and interest/fees reserved.

For  variable  rate 

loans,  excluding  impaired
loans, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of
net  fair  value.  The net  fair  value for  fixed  rate  loans
was  calculated  by  utilising  discounted  cash  flow

138

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 46 Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments continued

All other financial assets

Included  in  this  category  are  fees  receivable,
unrealised  income  and  investments  in  associates  of
$281 million  (1998: $276 million),  where  the  carrying
amount is considered to be a  reasonable  estimate  of
net fair value.

Other financial assets are net of goodwill, future
income  tax  benefits  and  prepayments/unamortised
payments,  as  these  do  not  constitute  a  financial
instrument.

Deposits and other public borrowings

The  net  fair  value  of  non  interest  bearing,  call
and  variable  rate  deposits,  and  fixed  rate  deposits
repricing within six months, is the carrying value as at
30 June.  Discounted  cash  flow  models  based  upon
deposit  type  and  its  related  maturity  were  used  to
calculate the net fair value of other term deposits.

Short term liabilities

The  carrying  value  of  payables  due  to  other
financial 
acceptances
and 
approximate their net fair value as they are short term
in nature and reprice frequently.

institutions 

bank 

Debt issues and loan capital

The  net  fair  values  of  debt  issues  and  loan
capital  were  calculated  based  on  quoted  market
prices  as  at  30 June.  For  those  debt  issues  where
quoted market prices were not available, a discounted
cash flow model using a yield curve appropriate to the
remaining maturity of the instrument was used.

All other financial liabilities

This  category  includes  interest  payable  and
unrealised  expenses  payable  for  which  the  carrying
amount  is  considered  to be a  reasonable  estimate  of
net  fair  value.  For  liabilities  which  are  long  term,  net
fair  values  have  been  estimated  using  the  rates

currently  offered  for  similar  liabilities  with  remaining
maturities.

Other provisions including provision for dividend,
income  tax  liability  and  unamortised  receipts  are  not
considered financial instruments.

Asset and liability hedges

Net  fair  value  of  asset  and  liability  hedges  is
based on quoted market prices, broker or dealer price
quotations.

Commitments  to  extend  credit,  letters  of  credit,
guarantees, warranties and indemnities issued

The  net  fair  value  of  these  items  was  not
calculated  as  estimated  fair  values  are  not  readily
ascertainable.  These  financial  instruments  generally
relate to credit risk and attract fees in line with market
for  similar  arrangements.  They  are  not
prices 
presently  sold  or  traded.  The  items  generally  do  not
involve  cash  payments  other  than  in  the  event  of
default.  The  fee  pricing  is  set  as  part  of  the  broader
customer credit process and reflects the probability of
default. The net fair value may be represented by the
present  value  of  fees  expected  to  be  received,  less
associated costs. The overall level of fees involved is
not material.

Other off balance sheet financial instruments

The  net  fair  value  of  trading  and  investment
derivative  contracts  (foreign  exchange  contracts,
currency  swaps,  exchange  rate  futures,  currency
options, forward rate agreements, interest rate swaps,
interest  rate  futures,  interest  rate  options),  were
obtained from quoted market prices, discounted cash
flow models or option pricing models as appropriate.

The fair value of these instruments are disclosed

in Note 37.

139

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

NOTE 47 Differences between Australian and United States Accounting Principles

The  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the
Group  are  prepared  in  accordance  with  Generally
Accepted  Accounting  Principles 
in  Australia
(‘Australian GAAP’, refer Note 1) which differ in some
respects 
from  Generally  Accepted  Accounting
Principles in the United States (‘US GAAP’).

The 

following  are  significant  adjustments
between  net  profit,  shareholders’  equity  and
consolidated 
in
these financial  statements  and  which  would  be
reported in accordance with US GAAP.

disclosed 

balance 

sheets 

Footnote

1999
$M

1998
$M

1997
$M

1,422
-
(27)
65
38
(4)
-
1,494

1,090
(248)
(1)
(65)
20
-
-
796

1,078
28
(57)
-
44
-
(11)
1,082

(20)

(10)

18

(206)
(51)
(257)
(277)
1,217
161.2

229
10
239
229
1,025
85.6

18
(3)
15
33
1,115
118.0

6,735
(3)

6,712
(15)

6,846
(20)

-
472
-
6
708
(255)
(4)
7,659

-
321
(65)
263
648
(233)
-
7,631

248
291
-
24
616
(222)
-
7,783

138,096 130,544 120,103

-
10,241
9
708

248
7,249
37
616
149,054 139,460 128,253

-
7,959
309
648

Consolidated Statements of Profit and Loss
Net profit reported under Australian GAAP
Tax effect of increase in general provision for bad and doubtful debts
Employee share compensation
Unrealised net gain on available for sale securities
Pension expense adjustment
Goodwill amortisation
Adjustment on adoption of new ISC Life Insurance Rules
Net income according to US GAAP

Other Comprehensive Income
Foreign currency translation reserve

Unrealised holding gains on available for sale securities
Less reclassification adjustment for gains/losses included in net income

Total other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income according to US GAAP
Basic and diluted earnings per share on net income according to US GAAP (cents)

Shareholders’ Equity
Shareholders’ equity reported under Australian GAAP, excluding outside
equity interests
Tax effect of foreign currency translation reserve
Reinstatement of the deferred tax asset relating to general provision for
bad and doubtful debts
Provision for final cash dividend
Unrealised net gain on trading securities transferred to available for sale securities
Unrealised net gain on other available for sale securities
Prepaid pension cost
Tax effect of prepaid pension cost
Goodwill amortisation
Shareholders’ equity according to US GAAP

Consolidated Balance Sheets
Total assets reported under Australian GAAP
Reinstatement of the deferred tax asset relating to general provision for
bad and doubtful debts at year end
Assets relating to life insurance statutory funds
Unrealised net gain(loss) on available for sale securities
Prepaid pension cost
Total assets according to US GAAP

(a)
(c)
(f)
(i)
(k)
(p)

(a)

(a)
(d)
(f)
(f)
(i)
(i)
(k)

(a)
(e)
(f)
(i)

140

NOTE 47 Differences between Australian and United States Accounting Principles continued

Income Tax

(a)
Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities

tax-effect  of 

Australian  GAAP  follows  the  liability  method  of
timing
tax-effect  accounting.  The 
differences  which  arise  from  items  being  brought  to
account  in  different  periods  for  income  tax  and
accounting  purposes  is  disclosed  as  a  future  income
tax  benefit  (FITB)  or  a  provision  for  deferred  income
tax. Amounts are offset where the tax payable and the
realisable  benefit  are  expected  to  occur  in  the  same
period.  Permanent  differences  are  differences
between taxable income and pre-tax accounting profit
where the related income or expense items will never
be  included  in  either  taxable  income  or  pre-tax
accounting profit.

The  Group  has  applied  SFAS  109  ‘Accounting
for Income Taxes’ in  the  preparation  of its  US  GAAP
information.

• 

the  criterion 

the  change  will  occur 

The  differences  between  the  effect  of  applying
the provisions of SFAS 109 and the accounting policy
adopted in the Australian Financial Statements are as
follows:
• 

for
Under  Australian  GAAP 
recognition  of  timing  differences  is  assurance
beyond any reasonable doubt and for tax losses
‘virtual certainty’. The recognition criterion under
US GAAP is that the tax benefit is probable.
Australian GAAP requires that an announcement
of the Government’s intention to change the rate
of company income tax in advance of periods in
which 
is  adequate
evidence  for  the  deferred  tax  balances  to  be
restated.  This  treatment  is  not  permitted  under
SFAS 109 ‘Accounting for Income Taxes’ which
requires  that  the  deferred  tax  liabilities  and
assets be adjusted in the financial year in which
a change in the tax rate is enacted.
The general provision for bad and doubtful debts
has  been  tax  effected  as  at  1 January  1998.  This
reflects  the  adoption  of  a  balance  sheet  risk  based
dynamic provisioning methodology which satisfies the
recognition requirement that utilisation of the provision
be  assured  beyond  reasonable  doubt.  Previously  the
related deferred tax asset associated with the Group’s
general  provision  was  not  recognised.  For  US  GAAP
recognition  purposes,  the  related  deferred  tax  asset
income
is recognised.  The  1998  US  GAAP  net 
adjustment  of  $248 million  represents  the  cumulative
deferred  tax  asset  previously  recognised  as  income
for US GAAP. (Also refer Note 1(o)). Similarly for US
GAAP purposes, the tax effect of the foreign currency
translation  reserve  is  booked  as  a  deferred  tax
liability.

Investment Securities

Income  from  tax  exempt  securities  does  not

exceed $500,000.
Tax  related 

securities  sales 
1997: $1.4 million).

to  gains/losses  on 

investment
is  $28 million  (1998: $3.7 million,

(b) Pension Plans

In 

accordance  with  Australian  GAAP,
contributions  to  company  sponsored  defined  benefit
pension  plans  are  expensed  as  incurred.  Other  than
by  way  of  a  note  to  the  financial  statements,  any
surplus  or  deficit  is  not  reflected  in  the  consolidated
accounts.

US  GAAP  pension  expense,  for  defined  benefit
pension  plans, 
is  determined  using  defined
methodology  that  is  based  on  concepts  of  accrual
accounting. This methodology, which requires several
types  of  actuarial  measurements,  results 
in  net
amounts  of  expense  and  the  related  plan  surplus  or
deficiency  being  recorded  in  the  financial  statements
of the sponsor systematically over the working lives of
the  employees  covered  by  the  plan.  As  a  result  US
GAAP  reconciliation  adjustments  are  required.  The
disclosure  requirements  of  SFAS  87 
‘Employers
Accounting  for  Pensions’  and  SFAS  132  ‘Employers
Disclosures  about  Pensions  and  Other  Post
Retirement  Benefits’  have  been  included  at  footnote
(i) within this note.

The  Group  adopted  SFAS  87  later  than  the
effective date specified in the accounting standard. To
introduce the information required under SFAS 87 as
from  the  effective  date  was  not  feasible.  Accordingly
an allocation of the pension obligation/asset has been
taken directly to equity based on the number of years
elapsed  between  the  effective  date  and  the  date  of
adoption  by  the  Group.  The  adoption  date  for  the
purposes of the US GAAP reconciliation information is
1 July 1994  and  the  remaining  amortisation  period  at
the adoption date was ten years.

(c) Employee Share Compensation

issue 

is  shown  as  a  reduction 

In  the  Consolidated  Statements  of  Changes  in
Shareholders’ Equity the Employee Share Acquisition
Plan  share 
to
shareholder  reserves.  Under  US  GAAP,  SFAS123
‘Accounting  for  Stock  Based  Compensation’,  this
employee share scheme would be considered as part
of employee compensation and charged to  profit  and
loss.

The  grants  of  shares  are  in  respect  of  the

Group’s performance for the prior years.

Further, under US GAAP, in accordance with the
Employee  Share  Acquisition  Plan  an  accrual  for  the
probable  grant  of  shares  is  required.  For  1999  a  US
GAAP adjustment of $25 million has been included.

141

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 47 Differences between Australian and United States Accounting Principles continued

(c) Employee Share Compensation continued

Also  under  US  GAAP,  the  fair  value  of  the
options  issued  under  the  Executive  Option  Plan  is
included  as  part  of  employee  compensation  and
charged  to  profit  and  loss.  For  1999  a  US  GAAP
adjustment of $2 million has been included.

fair 

The 

value  of  options 

(issued  on
16 December  1996),  being  45¢  per  option,  has  been
determined  using  the  Black-Scholes  option  pricing
model  with  the  following  assumptions  at  the  date  of
issue:  expected  volatility  of  17.5%,  risk  free  interest
rate of 6.94%, dividend rate of 8.18%, expected life of
39 months and a 50% probability for the performance
hurdle.

The 

(issued  on
11 December  1997),  being  89¢  per  option,  has  been

value  of  options 

fair 

determined  using  the  Black-Scholes  option  pricing
model  with  the  following  assumptions  at  the  date  of
issue:  expected  volatility  of  19.1%,  risk  free  interest
rate of 5.88%, dividend rate of 5.96%, expected life of
39 months and a 50% probability for the performance
hurdle.

fair 

The 

value  of  options 

(issued  on
30 September 1998), being $1.05 per option, has also
been  determined  using  the  Black-Scholes  option
pricing  model  with  the  following  assumptions  at  the
date  of  issue:  expected  volatility  of  19.4%,  risk  free
interest  rate  of  4.79%,  dividend  rate  of  5.99%,
expected  life  of  39  months  and  a  50%  probability  for
the performance hurdle.

Movement in Executive Options during
the year

1999

Weighted Average
Exercise Price*

1998

Weighted Average
Exercise Price*

Options Outstanding at the start of the year
Options Granted during the year
Options Forfeited during the year
Options Exercised during the year
Options Outstanding at the end of the year

4,675,000
3,275,000
382,500
26,000
7,541,500

$14.05
$19.58
$14.66
$11.85
$16.43

2,100,000
2,875,000
300,000

4,675,000

$11.85
$15.53
$12.77

$14.05

The  exercise  price  for  options  granted  in  1997  and  1998  will  be  adjusted  by  the  premium  formula  (based  on  the  actual

*
difference between the dividend and bond yields at the date of vesting).

Outstanding Options at 30 June 1999

Number

Exercise Price

Expiry Date

December 1996 Options
December 1997 Options
September 1998 Options

1,704,000
2,612,500
3,225,000

$11.85
$15.53
$19.58

12 Nov 2001
3 Nov 2002
25 Aug 2003

for 

The  provision 

Under  US  GAAP,  dividends  are  recorded  as
liabilities  only  if  formally  declared  prior  to  balance
date. This difference in treatment has been  amended
in the US GAAP reconciliation of shareholders’ equity.
restructuring  costs  at
30 June 1999  of  $57 million  (refer  Note  24)  includes
staff redundancy costs of $31 million with the balance
relating  principally 
to  occupancy  and  equipment
expenses.  This  represents  the  remaining  portion  of
the  $200 million  abnormal 
restructuring  charge
booked  during  the  year  ended  30 June 1998.  It  is
planned that this remaining provision be  substantially
utilised during the year ended 30 June 2000.

The accounting policy adopted by the Group for

restructuring provisions is detailed in Note 1(aa).

The weighted average exercise price for options

outstanding at 30 June 1999 is $16.43.

The weighted average remaining contractual life

of these options is 3 years and 4 months.

The other disclosure requirements of SFAS 123
‘Accounting 
in
respect  of  the  employee  share  plans  are  included  in
Note 28.

for  Stock-Based  Compensation’ 

(d) Provisions

The term ‘provisions’ is used in Australian GAAP
to  designate  accrued  expenses  with  no  definitive
payment  date.  Provisions,  principally  disclosed  in
Note 24 comply in all material respects with US GAAP
with  the  exception  of  the  provision  for  the  final  cash
dividend (Note 6), which is not formally declared until
the meeting of directors shortly after the balance date.

142

NOTE 47 Differences between Australian and United States Accounting Principles continued

(e)  Life Insurance Controlled Entity

the 

For Australian GAAP the assets of the statutory
funds  and 
its
liabilities  of 
policyholders  are  excluded  from  the  consolidated
balance  sheet  (Note  1  (jj)).  An  adjustment  has  been
made  for  this  in  relation  to  US  GAAP.  All  related
investments are brought to account at market values.

funds 

the 

to 

Life Insurance Statutory Fund Assets
The following fair value table of the investments
of the life company shows the unrealised gains/losses
by major category:

Investments
Government securities
  Australia
  Overseas
Local and semi government
securities
Equity investments
Promissory notes
Certificates of deposit
Bank accepted bills
Other investments
Cash
Other assets

At 30 June 1999
Fair Gross Unrealised Amortised
Cost
$M

Losses
$M

Gains
$M

Value
$M

Fair
Value
$M

At 30 June 1998
Gross Unrealised Amortised
Cost
Losses
Gains
$M
$M
$M

 741
 225
 881

 17
 1
 7

 12
 6
 9

 2,857

 639
 7               -
 2               -
           -               -
 48
 1,827
 3,036               -
 665               -
 712

 10,241

 135
             -
 1
             -
 13
             -
             -
 176

 736
 230
 883

 2,353
 7
 3
-
 1,792
 3,036
 665
 9,705

 791
 177
 729

 2,026
         -
         -
 22
 1,112
 3,062
 40
 7,959

 28
 16
 22

 488
        -
        -
        -
 36
        -
        -
 590

-
 1
-

 134
-
-
-
 1
-
-
 136

 763
 162
 707

 1,672
               -
               -
 22
 1,077
 3,062
 40
 7,505

Fair Value Maturity Distribution of Debt Securities
The tables analyse the maturities on a fair value basis:

At 30 June 1999

At 30 June 1998

Maturing Maturing Maturing Maturing
1 year Between Between After 10
or less
Years

1 and

5 and
5 years 10 years
$M

$M

Maturing Maturing Maturing Maturing
1 year Between Between After 10
Years
or less

1 and

5 and
5 years 10 years
$M

$M

Total
$M

$M

$M

Investments
Government securities
  Australia
  Overseas
Local and semi government
Promissory notes
Certificates of deposit
Bank accepted bills
Other investments
Cash
Other assets

$M

 43
 6
 205
 7
 2
-
 526
 3,036
 665
 4,490

 432
 210
 530
-
-
-
 751
-
-
 1,923

 156
 7
 110
-
-
-
 79
-
-
 352

 110
 2
 36
-
-
-
 471
-
-
 619

 741
 225
 881

 127
 18
 247
 7              -
 2              -
 22
 251
 3,062
 40
 3,767

         -
 1,827
 3,036
 665
 7,384

 465
 82
 358
-
-
-
 559
-
-
 1,464

 113
 46
 106
-
-
-
-
-
-
 265

$M

Total
$M

 86
 31
 18
-
-
-
 302
-
-
 437

 791
 177
 729
         -
         -
 22
 1,112
 3,062
 40
 5,933

143

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 47 Differences between Australian and United States Accounting Principles continued

(f)  Available For Sale Securities under US GAAP

Under  Australian  GAAP,  only  two  categories  of
securities  prevail,  namely  Investment  and  Trading
Securities. Investment securities are purchased by the
Bank with the intent to ‘hold to maturity’.

Trading  securities  are  purchased  and  held  for
the  short  term,  primarily  with  the  intention  of  making
profits from anticipated movements in market rates.

Government  securities,  held  in  the  investment
securities  portfolio,  were  sold  during 
the  1998
financial  year  following  the  change  in  the  Reserve
Bank  of  Australia  maximum  holding  for  regulatory
requirements.  As  a  result,  all  Investment  Securities
have been reclassified as Available for Sale securities
for the purposes of US GAAP disclosure. Any capital
gain or loss realised on sale is taken to profit and loss
at  that  time.  The  cost  of  available  for  sale  securities
sold is calculated on a specific identification basis.

Under  US  GAAP,  these  securities  are  revalued
to  market  and  the  difference  between  carrying  value
and market value is taken to shareholders’ equity.

Trading  securities  under  Australian  GAAP
include  infrastructure  equity  securities  on  hand  at
to
30 June 1998.  These  securities  are  revalued 
market  with  the  unrealised  gain  or  loss  at  balance
sheet  date  taken  to  profit  and  loss.  Under  US GAAP
these  securities  are  classified  as  ‘Available  for  Sale’
and the unrealised gain taken to shareholders’ equity
loss.  The  disclosure
rather 
requirements  of  SFAS  115  ‘Accounting  for  Certain
Investments in Debt and Equity  Securities’ in  respect
of Available for Sale securities have been included at
footnote (m) within this note.

than  profit  and 

(g) Net Profit

Under US GAAP the concept of ‘operating profit’
is not recognised. Net profit under Australian GAAP is
operating  profit  after  tax  including  ‘abnormal  items’
and after deducting outside equity interests.

In performing the US GAAP profit reconciliation,
the net profit reported using Australian GAAP is after
deducting goodwill amortisation and abnormal items.

144

NOTE 47 Differences between Australian and United States Accounting Principles continued

(h) Consolidated Balance Sheet

The  following  reconciliations  are  of  significant  adjustments  to  Australian  GAAP  balance  sheet  categories

disclosed in these accounts and which would be reported in accordance with US GAAP:

Assets
Available for sale securities under Australian GAAP
Reclassification to Available for Sale securities
Restatement of Available for Sale securities to fair value
According to US GAAP
Investment securities under Australian GAAP
Reclassification to Available for Sale securities
According to US GAAP
Trading securities under Australian GAAP
Reclassification to Available for Sale securities
According to US GAAP
Goodwill under Australia GAAP
Reclassification from Other Assets
Goodwill amortisation
According to US GAAP
Other assets under Australian GAAP
Deferred tax assets on general provision for bad and doubtful debts
Assets relating to life insurance statutory funds
Prepaid pension cost
Reclassification to Goodwill
According to US GAAP

Liabilities
Income tax liability under Australian GAAP
Tax effect of foreign currency translation reserve
Deferred tax liability on unrealised gain on Available for Sale securities
Deferred tax liability on pension income
According to US GAAP
Provision for dividend under Australian GAAP
Reversal of provision for final cash dividend
According to US GAAP
Bills payable and other liabilities under Australian GAAP
Liabilities relating to life insurance statutory funds
According to US GAAP

Footnote

1999
$M

1998
$M

1997
$M

(f)
(f)

(f)

(f)

(k)
(k)

(a)
(e)
(i)
(k)

(a)
(f)
(i)

(d)

(e)

           -
 7,187
 9
 7,196
 7,187
(7,187)
           -
 4,708
           -
 4,708
 491
 155
(4)
 642
 8,946
           -
 10,241
 708
(155)
 19,740

 1,410
 3
 3
 255
 1,671
 472
(472)
           -
 8,507
 10,241
 18,748

           -
 6,999
 309
 7,308
 6,858
(6,858)
           -
 4,009
(141)
 3,868
 531
           -
           -
 531
11,859
           -
 7,959
 648
           -
20,466

 1,099
 15
 111
 233
 1,458
 321
(321)
           -
 10,746
 7,959
 18,705

           -
 2,129
 37
 2,166
 9,233
(2,129)
 7,104
 2,635
           -
 2,635
 574
           -
           -
 574
7,502
 248
 7,249
 616
           -
15,615

 925
 20
 13
 222
 1,180
 291
(291)
           -
 7,698
 7,249
 14,947

i)

Details of Pension Expense and Reconciliation of Funded Status of Pension Plans
The  Bank  and  its  controlled  entities  sponsor  a
its

for 

The 

policy 

accounting 

range  of  superannuation  (pension)  plans 
employees worldwide.
Group’s 

for
superannuation  expense,  under  Australian  GAAP
reporting,  is  set  out  in  Note  1(ll)  of  the  financial
statements.  The  superannuation  expense  principally
represents 
funding,  determined  after
having regard to actuarial advice, to provide for future
obligations  of  defined  benefit  plans.  Other  details  of
the Group’s major superannuation plans are set out in
Note 38 of the financial statements.

the  annual 

For US GAAP purposes, the Group adopted the
disclosure  requirement  of  SFAS  87 
‘Employers’
Accounting for Pensions’ for the major defined benefit
the  Officers’  Superannuation  Fund  (OSF),
fund, 
financial  year
commencing  1 July 1994.  For 
ending  30 June 1999, 
its
revised 
disclosures in accordance with SFAS 132 ‘Employers’
Disclosures  about  Pensions  and  Other  Post
Retirement Benefits’.

the  Group 

the 

Other  defined  benefit  funds  are  immaterial  for

US GAAP reconciliation purposes.

145

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 47 Differences between Australian and United States Accounting Principles continued

i)

Details of Pension Expense and Reconciliation of Funded Status of Pension Plans continued
The OSF does not hold any equity in the Bank’s
paid  capital.  Amounts  on  deposit  with  the  Bank  at
30 June 1999  totalled  $46 million  (1998: $73 million
and  1997: $145 million).  Other  investments  with  the
Bank  and/or  controlled  entities  at  30 June 1999  were
$27 million (1998: $40 million and 1997: $10 million).

year  as  well  as  the  funded  status  as  at  31 March
1997,  31 March  1998  and  31 March  1999  for  the
OSF. The assumptions used in the  calculations  were
a  discount  rate  of  6.25%  pa  (1998: 6.50%  pa,
1997: 8.00%  pa),  compensation  increase  rate  of
4.25%  pa  (1998: 4.25%  pa,  1997: 4.50%  pa)  and
return  on  assets  of  7.50%  pa  (1998: 7.50%  pa,
1997: 8.25% pa).

The  table  displays  the  elements  of  the  net
in  benefit
pension  expense  and 
obligations  and  fair  value  of  assets  for  each  financial

the  change 

Pension plan

Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on assets
Amortisation of transitional obligation assets
Recognised net loss
Amortisation of prior service costs
Employer financed benefits within Accumulation Division
Net periodic pension (cost) income
Expensed employer contribution

Less tax effect
Pension Expense Adjustment - see US GAAP Reconciliation

Reconciliation
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
Service cost
Member contributions
Interest cost
Acquisitions
Benefit changes
Actuarial gains
Benefits and expenses paid
Benefit obligation at end of year
Change in fair value of assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year
Actual return on assets
Total contributions
Benefits and expenses paid
Employer financed benefits within Accumulation Division
Fair value of assets at end of year
Funded status at measurement date:
Assets not recognised:
  Transitional obligation assets
  Unrecognised net loss
  Unrecognised prior service costs
Employer contribution from measurement date to balance date
Prepayment of pension costs

(1)  For the financial year ended  30 June 1996, the  Group
adopted  30 June as  the  measurement  date  for  plan
assets and obligations. Effective from the financial year
ended  30 June 1997, the  Group  adopted  31 March  as
the measurement date for plan assets and obligations.
Hence,  the  change  in  plan  assets  and  obligations  for
1996/1997  financial  year  is  for  the  9  months  to
31 March 1997.

146

1999
$M

(86)
(284)
 388
 69
           -
           -
(27)
 60
           -
 60
(22)
 38

 4,364
 86
 31
 284
           -
           -
 78
(557)
 4,286

(5,279)
(476)
(31)
 557
 26
(5,203)
(917)

 345
(136)
           -
           -
(708)

1998
$M

(80)
(328)
 395
 69
            -
            -
(24)
 32
            -
 32
(12)
 20

 4,112
 80
 36
 328
            -
            -
 348
(540)
 4,364

(4,896)
(911)
(36)
 540
 24
(5,279)
(915)

 414
(147)
            -
            -
(648)

1997(1)
$M

(62)
(344)
 425
 69
            -
            -
(21)
 67
 1
 68
(24)
 44

 3,822
 46
 28
 258
            -
            -
 242
(284)
 4,112

(4,815)
(353)
(28)
 284
 16
(4,896)
(784)

 483
(315)
            -
            -
(616)

Additionally,  a  deferred  tax  liability  has  been
taken  up  for  US  GAAP  reconciliation  purposes  in
respect  of  the  above  prepayment  of  pension  costs.

NOTE 47 Differences between Australian and United States Accounting Principles continued

Employee  Benefits  –  Post  Retirement  Benefits

(j)
Other than Pensions

Health Care Subsidies
The  Group  provides  a  benefit  to  employees
including  retirees  who  were  members  of  the  CBHS
Friendly  Society  Limited  (CBHS)  as  at  6 July 1995
and who met certain criteria. The benefit provided by
the  Group  is  in  the  form  of  financial  assistance  in
respect  of  eligible  employees  and  retirees  with  their
private health insurance premium. All staff who joined
the  CBHS  on  or  after  7 July 1995  are  not  eligible  for
the financial assistance benefits.

An  agreement  between  the  Group  and  the
Finance Sector Union provides that those members of
the  CBHS  who  were  retired  as  at  30 June 1995
receive  an  ongoing  fixed  subsidy  indexed  to  a
maximum  of  the  movements  in  the  Consumer  Price
insurance
Index  whenever 
premiums  in  CBHS  increase.  Eligible  members  who
retired  on  or  between  1 July 1995  and  31 July 1996
are provided with a fixed ongoing premium subsidy in
accordance with their benefit category. Other than the
subsidised  health  insurance  premium,  which  is  fully
provided  for,  the  Group  does  not  have  a  post
retirement health care liability.

the  members’  health 

and 

senior 

executives) 

Concessional housing loans
The  Group  provides  housing 

loans  at
concessional  interest  rates  to  assist  with  private
housing  for  staff  who  meet  certain  criteria.  All  staff
who  joined  the  Bank  on  or  after  1  May  1997  are  not
eligible to a post retirement concessional interest rate
housing  loan.  Except  for  certain  staff  (including
whose
executives 
remuneration  package  excludes  a  post  retirement
concessional  interest  rate  loan,  the  Group  provides
post  retirement  interest  concessions  for  retirees  who
joined the Bank prior to  1  May  1997  on  the  following
basis.  Staff  with  housing  loans  prior  to  1  April  1997
and  taken  into  retirement  may  be  repaid  over  the
remainder  of 
loan.
Borrowings on or after 1 April 1997 but before 1 April
2002  may  be  retained  into  retirement  until  1  April
2007  at  which  time  the  concession  will  cease.
Borrowings  after  1  April  2002  may  be  retained  into
retirement for a period of five years at which time the
concession will cease.

the  specified 

term  of 

the 

No  new  or  additional  loans  are  offered  at

concessional interest rates after retirement.

Australian GAAP Compliance
Effective  1 July 1994  the  Group  adopted  the
Australian  Accounting  Standard  AASB  1028:

‘Accounting  for  Employee  Entitlements’  with  respect
to  the  liabilities  arising  from  the  post  retirement
benefits described above. AASB 1028: ‘Accounting for
Employee  Entitlements’  specifies  that  employee  post
retirement  benefit  liabilities  are  calculated  as  the
present  value  of the estimated  future  cash  flows  due
to  the  services  of  employees  provided  up  to  the
reporting date.

The adequacy of the full provision for employee
post  retirement  benefits  liabilities  in  the  financial
statements  is  determined  in  accordance  with  the
requirements  of  AASB  1028  after  considering  that
employee  post  retirement  benefits  carry  limited  risks
and after obtaining actuarial advice.
US GAAP Compliance
Prior  to  the  adoption  of  AASB  1028  the  Group
accounted for its obligation for employee entitlements
substantially in accordance with SFAS 43 ‘Accounting
the
for  Compensated  Absences’.  Other 
disclosures discussed above, there are no US GAAP
adjustments  or  further  disclosures  under  SFAS  106
‘Employers’  Accounting  for  Post  Retirements  Other
than  Pensions’  and  SFAS  132 
‘Employers’
Disclosures  about  Pensions  and  Other  Post
Retirement Benefits’.

than 

(k) Goodwill

Upon  acquisition  of  Sovereign  Limited 
in
December 1998, (refer Note 45(e)  for  full details),  an
asset  was  brought  to  account  being  ‘excess  market
value  over  net  assets  of  life  insurance  subsidiary’  of
$155 million  which  under  US  GAAP  would  be
accounted for as goodwill.

For US GAAP this asset is being amortised over

a 20 year period on a straight line basis.

Property  and  Other  Non  Current  Asset

(l)
Revaluations

Each  year  a  review  of  non  current  assets  is
performed  to  assess  the  recoverable  amount  of  non
current  assets.  The  ‘recoverable  amount  test’  is  in
accordance  with  the  Australian  accounting  standard
which  requires  future  cash  flows  associated  with non
current  assets  to  be  discounted  at  a  rate  which
reflects 
the
determination  of  the  fair  value  of  non  current  assets
and  the  recognition  of  losses  from  impairments,  the
requirements  under  Australian  accounting  standards
and the requirements of SFAS 121 ‘Accounting for the
Impairment  of  Long  Lived  Assets  and  for  Long  Lived
Assets to be Disposed of’ are essentially the same.

involved.  With  respect 

the  risk 

to 

147

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 47 Differences between Australian and United States Accounting Principles continued

(l)

Property and Other Non Current Asset Revaluations continued
Australian  GAAP  allows  non  current  assets
including  property,  plant  and  equipment 
to  be
to an  asset  revaluation
revalued  upwards  direct 
reserve.  Assets  with  a  carrying  amount  greater  than
their  recoverable  amount  may  be  revalued  to their
recoverable  amount.  Impairments  to  asset  values,
where  there  is  an  amount  in  the  revaluation  reserve
relating  to the  relevant  asset  class,  are  taken  to
reduce  the  revaluation  reserve.  Impairments  to  asset
values  otherwise  must  be  recorded  in  the  profit  and
loss.  Any  subsequent  upward  reversing  revaluations
to  the  same  asset  class  are  recorded  as  revenue  in
the  profit  and  loss.  With  the  exception  of  land,  all
revalued  assets  are  depreciated  over  their  assessed
useful lives.

as part of accounting for business combinations under
the  Purchase  Method.  US  GAAP 
requires
impairments  of  non  current  assets  to  be  recorded  in
the  profit  and  loss  account.  Once  such  impairments
have  been  recorded,  subsequent  recoveries  to  the
income statement are not allowed.

A  discounted  cash  flow  methodology  was  used
in  arriving  at  the  valuation  at  which  the  Group’s
property 
is  carried.  No asset  writedowns  were
necessary  in  1999,  1998  or  1997.  At  30 June 1999,
1998 and 1997 the asset revaluation reserve shows a
nil balance.

Any US GAAP adjustment of revalued assets to
an  historical  cost  basis  would  not  be  material  in  the
income  statement,  shareholders’  equity  or  carrying
value of the property assets.

Upward  revaluations  of  property,  plant  and
equipment  are  not  allowed  under  US  GAAP,  except

(m) Available for Sale Securities

A T   3 0   J U N E   1 9 9 9

A T   3 0   J U N E   1 9 9 8

Amortised Gross Unrealised
Gains Losses
$M

Cost
$M

$M

Fair Amortised
Cost
$M

Value
$M

Gross Unrealised
Losses
Gains
$M
$M

Fair
Value
$M

Australia
Australian Public Securities:
  Commonwealth and  States
Bills of exchange
Medium Term Notes
Other securities and equity investments
Total  Australia

Overseas
Government securities
Treasury Notes
Certificates of deposit
Eurobonds
Medium Term Notes
Other securities and equity investments
Total Overseas
Total Available for Sale Securities

 2,635
-
 160
 352
 3,147

 235
 5
 1,228
 900
 27
 1,645
 4,040
 7,187

 13
-

 11
-
 11              -
 19
 30

-
 24

 10

 2
-              -
 38
 22
 7
 18
 87
 117

 46
 46
-
-
 102
 126

 2,637
           -
 171
 333
 3,141

 243
 5
 1,236
 924
 20
 1,627
 4,055
 7,196

 1,960

 138
 17              -
 38
 161
 337

 141
 1,072
 3,190

 204

 1,195
 766

 31
 5              -
 7
 66
 29              -
 148
 252
 589

 1,508
 3,707
 6,897

           -
           -
           -
 50
 50

 3
           -
 1
 21
 4
 99
 128
 178

 2,098
 17
 179
 1,183
 3,477

 232
 5
 1,201
 811
 25
 1,557
 3,831
 7,308

requirements.  As  a  result,  all  Investment  Securities
have been reclassified as Available for Sale securities.
The  fair  value  of  Available  for  Sale  securities

includes the fair value of derivative hedges.

Realised  capital  gains  were  $85 million  and
realised capital losses were $6 million, (1998: realised
losses
realised  capital 
capital  gains  $65 million, 
gains
capital 
$80 million 
$12 million, realised capital losses $8 million).

1997: realised 

and 

Proceeds at or close to maturity of Available for
Sale  securities  during  1999  were  $12,431 million
(1998: $8,681 million and 1997: $6,479 million).

from  sale  of  Available 

for  Sale
Proceeds 
securities  during 
the  year  were  $146  million
(1998: $1,787  million  and  1997:  $1,172  million).
investment
Government  securities,  held 
the 
the  1998
securities  portfolio,  were  sold  during 
financial  year  following  the  change  in  the  Reserve
Bank  of  Australia  maximum  holding  for  regulatory

in 

148

NOTE 47 Differences between Australian and United States Accounting Principles continued

(m) Available For Sale Securities continued
Maturity Distribution and Average Yield
The  table  analyses  the  maturities  and  weighted  average  yields  of  the  book  value  of  the  Group’s  holdings

of Available for Sale securities:

At 30 June 1999

Australia
Australian Public  Securities:
  Commonwealth and States
Medium Term Notes
Other securities, commercial
paper and equity investments
Total Australia

Overseas
Government securities
Treasury Notes
Certificates of Deposit
Eurobonds
Medium Term Notes
Other securities, commercial
paper and equity investments
Total Overseas
Total Available for Sale Securities
Maturities at Fair Value

1 to 12 months
%

$M

1 to 5 years
%

$M

5 to 10 years
%

$M

10 years or more
%

$M

Total
$M

552
-

90
642

1
5
1,228
145
-

274
1,653
2,295
2,299

6.51
-

5.09

5.72
1.20
5.21
8.78
-

5.23

1,661
102

258
2,021

163
-
-
222
27

624
1,036
3,057
3,033

5.19
8.33

3.62

2.32
-
-
6.69
5.19

7.45

422
58

4
484

71
-
-
533
-

697
1,301
1,785
1,814

6.14
9.80

6.52

5.62
-
-
5.75
-

2.97

-
-

-
-

-
-
-
-
-

50
50
50
50

-
-

-

-
-
-
-
-

5.53

2,635
160

352
3,147

235
5
1,228
900
27

1,645
4,040
7,187
7,196

(n)

Impairment of Assets
SFAS  114 

‘Accounting  by  Creditors 

for
Impairment  of  a  Loan’  as  amended  by  SFAS  118
‘Accounting  by  Creditors  for  Impairment  of  a  Loan  -
Income  Recognition  and  Disclosures’,  requires  the
value  of  an  impaired  loan  to  be  measured  as  the
present  value  of  future  cash  flows  discounted  at  the
loan’s  effective  interest  rate,  the  loan’s  observable
market  price  or  the  fair  value  of  the  collateral  if  the
loan 
is
required 
the  US  GAAP  reconciliation  as the
estimated  fair  value  of  the  impaired  loans  is  not
materially  different  from  the  carrying  value  as  at
30 June 1999.

is  collateral  dependent.  No  adjustment 

in 

(o) Comprehensive Income

the 

financial 

SFAS  130:  ‘Reporting  Comprehensive  Income’
year  ending
to 
is  applicable 
30 June 1999. 
the
requires 
The  Statement 
classification of items of other comprehensive income
the  display  of  other
by 
retained
from 
income  separately 
comprehensive 
earnings  and  shareholders  equity.  All  prior  periods
have  been  restated  to  conform  to  the  provisions  of
this Statement.

their  nature  and 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances

Foreign currency translation reserve
Balance at beginning of financial year
Foreign currency translation adjustment net of tax expense
Balance at end of financial year

Available for Sale securities
Balance at beginning of financial year
Change in fair value of Available for Sale securities
Balance at end of financial year
Total Other Comprehensive Income

1999
$M

 26
(20)
 6

 263
(257)
 6
 12

1998
$M

 36
(10)
 26

 24
 239
 263
 289

1997
$M

 18
 18
 36

 9
 15
 24
 60

149

Notes to and forming part of the accounts

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 47 Differences between Australian and United States Accounting Principles continued

the  financial  year  ending  30 June 1999.  The  Group
does  not  believe  these  standards  would  materially
impact the financial position and results of operations
if they were applicable at 30 June 1999.

133 

SFAS 

‘Accounting 

for  Derivative
Instruments  and  Hedging  Activities’  was 
issued
in June 1998  and  is  applicable  to  the  Group  from
1 July 2000.  This  standard  may  have  a  material
impact  on 
financial  position  and  results  of
operations if it were applicable at 30 June 1999. As of
the  date  of  this  report  the  Group  is  assessing  the
impact of application of this standard, however as yet
is unable to determine its effect.

the 

(p)

Life Insurance
Under Australian GAAP, transitional adjustments
on 
of 
and
adoption 
financial
Superannuation  Commission  Rules 
reporting  were  made  directly  to  retained  earnings  at
the  beginning  of  the  1997  financial  year.  Under  US
GAAP such adjustments were included as part of the
1997 financial year profits.

Insurance 
for 

new 

the 

(q) Newly 
Accounting Standards Board

Issued  Statements  of  the  Financial

The  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board
(FASB)  of  the  United  States  of  America  has  recently
issued Statements of Financial Accounting Standards
(SFAS) Nos. 134 and 135, which are not applicable to

150

Directors’ Declaration

In  accordance  with  a  resolution  of  the  directors  of  the  Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia,  we  state  that  in  the

opinion of the Directors:
(a)

the financial statements and notes of the Bank and of the Group are in accordance with the Corporations Law,
including:
(i)

giving a true and fair view of the Bank’s and the Group’s financial position as at 30 June 1999 and of their
performance for the year ended on that date; and
complying with Accounting Standards and Corporations Regulations; and

(ii)
there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Bank will be able to pay its debts when they become due and
payable.

(b)

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.

M A Besley AO
Chairman

11 August 1999

D V Murray
Managing Director

151

Independent Audit Report

To the members of Commonwealth Bank of Australia

Scope

We  have  audited  the  Financial  Report  of  Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  for  the  financial  year  ended
30 June 1999, as set out on pages 49 to 151, including the Directors’ Declaration. The Financial Report includes the
financial  statements  of  Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  and  the  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the  Group
comprising  the  Bank  and  the  entities  it  controlled  at  year’s  end  or  from  time  to  time  during  the  financial  year.  The
Bank’s directors are responsible for the Financial Report. We have conducted an independent audit of the Financial
Report in order to express an opinion on it to the members of the Bank.

Our audit has been conducted in accordance with Australian and United States Auditing Standards to provide
reasonable  assurance  whether  the  Financial  Report  is  free  of  material  misstatement.  Our  procedures  included
examination, on a test basis, of evidence supporting the amounts and other disclosures in the Financial Report, and
the evaluation of accounting policies and significant accounting estimates. These procedures have been undertaken
to form an opinion as to whether, in all material respects, the Financial Report is presented fairly in accordance with
Accounting  Standards,  other  mandatory  professional  reporting  requirements  and  statutory  requirements,  so  as  to
present  a  view  which  is  consistent  with  our  understanding  of  the  Bank’s  and  the  Group’s  financial  position  and
performance as represented by the results of these operations and their cash flows.

The audit opinion expressed in this report has been formed on the above basis.

Audit Opinion
In our opinion, the Financial Report of Commonwealth Bank of Australia is in accordance with:
(a) 

the Corporations Law including:
(i) giving a true and fair view of the Bank’s and the Group’s financial position as at 30 June 1999 and of their

performance for the year ended on that date; and

(b)

(ii)  complying with Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations; and
other mandatory professional reporting requirements.
Accounting  principles  generally  accepted  in  Australia  vary  in  certain  respects  from  accounting  principles
generally  accepted  in  the  United  States.  The  application  of  the  United  States  principles  would  have  affected  the
determination of consolidated net income for each of the years in the three year period ended 30 June 1999 and the
determination of consolidated financial position as at 30 June 1999 and 1998 to the extent summarised in Note 47 to
the Financial Report.

ERNST & YOUNG
Sydney
Date: 11 August 1999

S C Van Gorp
Partner

152

Shareholding Information

Top 20 Holders of Fully Paid Ordinary Shares as at 5 August 1999

Rank

Name of Holder

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Chase Manhattan Nominees Ltd
Westpac Custodian Nominees
National Nominees Limited
ANZ Nominees Limited
Permanent Trustee Australia Limited
Queensland Investment Corporation Limited
AMP Life Limited
Citicorp Nominees Pty Ltd
Perpetual Trustees Victoria Limited
MLC Limited c/- Westpac Custodian Nominees
National Mutual Trustees Ltd
Mercantile Mutual Life Insurance Company Limited
BT Custodial Services Pty Limited
The National Mutual Life Association of Australasia Limited
Perpetual Trustees Nominees Limited
CSS & PSS Board c/- Chase Manhattan Nominees Limited
BT Custodial Services Pty Ltd
Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited
AMP Nominees Pty Limited
HKBA Nominees Ltd

Number of
Shares
50,381,450
39,854,067
30,885,440
18,814,636
15,456,208
15,161,443
13,459,003
11,581,634
10,828,657
6,751,515
6,182,714
5,792,278
5,313,625
5,073,601
4,669,921
4,645,939
4,578,168
4,032,538
3,374,644
3,348,590

%

5.52
4.37
3.38
2.06
1.69
1.66
1.47
1.27
1.19
0.74
0.68
0.63
0.58
0.56
0.51
0.51
0.50
0.44
0.37
0.37

The twenty largest shareholders hold 260,186,071 shares which is equal to 28.50% of the total shares on issue.

Stock Exchange Listing

The  shares  of  the  Commonwealth  Bank  of
Australia are listed on the Australian Stock Exchange
under  the  trade  symbol  CBA,  with  Sydney  being  the

home  exchange.  Details  of 
trading  activity  are
published  in  most  daily  newspapers,  generally  under
the abbreviation of CBA or C’wealth Bank.

Directors Shareholdings as at 11 August 1999

Shares

Options

M A Besley, AO
J T Ralph, AO
D V Murray
N R Adler, AO
A C Booth
K E Cowley, AO
J M Schubert
F J Swan
B K Ward

1,300,000

10,156
11,064
48,792
9,175
1,075
8,000
5,534
1,828
1,747

Guidelines for Dealings by Directors in Shares

The  restrictions  imposed  by  law  on  dealings  by
Directors  in  the  securities  of  the  Bank  have  been
supplemented  by  the  Board  of  Directors  adopting
guidelines  which  further  limit  any  such  dealings  by
Directors,  their  spouses,  any  dependent  child,  family
company and family trust. The guidelines provide, that
in  addition  to  the  requirement  that  Directors  not  deal

in  the  securities  of  the  Bank  or  any  related  company
when  they  have  or  may  be  perceived  as  having
relevant  unpublished  price  sensitive 
information,
Directors  are  only  permitted  to  deal  within  certain
periods.  Further,  the  guidelines  require  that  Directors
not deal on the basis of considerations of a short term
nature or to the extent of trading in those securities.

153

Shareholding Information

Range of Shares (Fully Paid Ordinary Shares and Employee Shares): 5 August 1999
Range

Number of
Shareholders

Percentage
Shareholders

Number of
Shares

Percentage
Issued Capital

1-1,000
1,001-5,000
5,001-10,000
10,001-100,000
100,001-Over
Total
Less than marketable parcel of $500

 272,569
 125,152
 10,255
 4,414
 303
 412,693
 4,590

 66.05
 30.33
 2.48
 1.07
 0.07
 100.00

 125,572,304
 247,057,304
 70,551,790
 90,187,357
 382,599,870
 915,968,625
 43,619

 13.71
 26.97
 7.70
 9.85
 41.77
 100.00

Voting Rights

Under  the  Bank’s  Constitution,  each  member
present at a general meeting of the Bank in person or
by proxy, attorney or official representative is entitled:
• 
• 

on a show of hands – to one vote; and
on  a  poll  –  to  one  vote  for  each  share  held  or
represented.

enacted  in  December  1995.  As  part  of  the  sale
process,  which  was  completed  in July 1996,  the  non-
Government shareholders agreed on 14 May 1996 to
permit the Bank to purchase from the Commonwealth
approximately $1 billion of its Ordinary Shares held by
the Commonwealth.

of 

of 

The 

sale 

remainder 

the
the 
Commonwealth’s  shareholding  included  the  global
offering  of  399,103,979  of  the  Bank’s  shares  in  the
form of ‘Instalment Receipts’. The Instalment Receipts
evidenced  full  beneficial  ownership  in  an  ordinary
share  in  the  Bank.  The  final  price  for  the  global
offering was set by the Commonwealth at $10.45 per
share which was payable in two instalments of $6.00
and  $4.45  on  22 July 1996  and  14 November  1997,
respectively.

The  Bank’s  Ordinary  Shares  are  listed  on  the
Australian  Stock  Exchange.  In  addition,  the  Bank
established in 1996 a Rule 144A American Depositary
Receipt  program  (‘Restricted  ADR  Program’)  in  the
to  Ordinary  Shares
United  States 
purchased  in  the  Rule  144A  Offering  in  the  United
States, conducted as part of the global offering of the
Commonwealth’s  remaining  shareholding  in  1996.
American Depositary Shares (‘ADSs’) issued pursuant
to  the  Restricted  ADR  Program  each  represent  the
right to receive three Ordinary Shares.

relation 

in 

than  one  proxy,  attorney  or  official

If  more 
representative is present for a member:
• 

none of  them  is  entitled  to a  vote  on  a  show  of
hands; and
the  vote  of  each  one  on  a  poll  is  of  no  effect
unless  each 
represent  a
specified  proportion  of  the  member’s  voting
rights, not exceeding in aggregate 100%.

is  appointed 

to 

• 

Control Of Registrant

The  Bank  is  not  directly  or  indirectly  owned  or
controlled  by  another  corporation  or  any  foreign
government. At 30 June 1999 there is no person who
is  known  to  the  Bank  to  be  the  beneficial  owner  of
more  than  10%  of  the  Bank’s  Ordinary  Shares.  Until
recently,  under  the  Banking  Act  and  the  Bank’s
Constitution,  the  Commonwealth  has  had  a  special
relationship with the Bank and was required to hold a
minimum  of  50.1%  of  the  total  voting  rights  of
Ordinary  Shares  in  the  Bank.  In  May  1995,  the
Commonwealth  announced  its  intention  to  sell  the
Commonwealth’s remaining 50.4% shareholding, and
necessary  amendments  to  the  Banking  Act  were

154

Nature Of Trading Market

The  Bank’s  Ordinary  Shares  are  listed  on  the
ASX.  Trading  of  the  Ordinary  Shares  on  the  ASX
commenced on 9 September 1991.

The  table  below  sets  forth,  for  the  calendar
periods  indicated,  high  and  low  closing  prices  and
average daily trading volumes for the Ordinary Shares
as reported by the ASX.

H I G H

L O W

T R A D I N G

V O L U M E

P E R I O D

C L O S I N G   P R I C E

C L O S I N G   P R I C E

( N U M B E R   O F

$

$

S H A R E S )

Ordinary Shares
1997
  First Quarter
  Second Quarter
  Third Quarter
  Fourth Quarter
1998
  First Quarter
  Second Quarter
  Third Quarter
  Fourth Quarter
1999
  First Quarter
  Second Quarter

 13.93
 16.00
 17.28
 17.69

 18.52
 19.49
 20.55
 23.16

 26.65
 28.69

 11.98
 12.39
 14.70
 14.90

 17.49
 17.40
 18.66
 18.50

 22.15
 23.95

 2,134,888
 1,662,578
 1,747,491
 1,761,689

 1,671,196
 1,724,830
 1,952,258
 1,513,759

 1,714,077
 1,727,382

On  30 June 1999,  the  last  sale  price  of  the
Ordinary Shares as reported on the ASX was $24.05
per Share. The Bank’s total market capitalisation was
$22,029 million.

Stamp  duty  will  arise  on  the  sale  or  transfer  of
Ordinary Shares in Australia. Where the transaction is
processed  through  the  ASX  by  a  broker,  the  rate
generally  will  be  0.15%  for  the  seller  and  0.15%  for
the buyer. The rate generally will be 0.3% payable by
the  buyer  for  off  market  transfers.  (Minimum  amount
payable  is  $20  for  companies  incorporated  in  the
ACT.)

At  1999  the  Bank  maintained  a  restricted  Rule
144A  American  Depositary  Receipt  (‘ADR’)  program
in the United States, representing ordinary shares, for

which  The  Bank  of  New  York  acted  as  depositary
bank.  The  ratio  of  Ordinary  Shares  per  American
Depositary  Share  (‘ADS’)  is  3:1.  Because  the  ADSs
are  not  publicly  listed  or  traded  it  is  not  possible  to
provide accurate market price information with respect
to the ADSs.

On  30 June 1999,  there  were  246  shareholders
with declared addresses  in  the  United  States  holding
232,198  Ordinary  Shares  and  1  holder  (a  nominee
company)  of  ADRs  within  the  United  States  holding
595  ADRs  representing  ordinary  shares.  In  addition,
there  are  a  number  of  United  States  shareholders
who  hold  beneficial  ownership  in  Ordinary  Shares
through  nominee  companies  located  outside  the
United States.

155

are  eligible  for  re-election.  The  Board  of  Directors
oversees  the  Bank’s  operation  both  directly  and
through its committees.

The  members  of  the  Board  of  Directors  and
executive  and  senior  officers  of  the  Group  as  at
30 June 1999 are as follows:

Shareholding Information

Directors and Officers Of Registrant

The  business  of  the  Bank  is  managed  by  a
Board  of  Directors  presently  consisting  of 
ten
Directors  who,  except  for  the  Managing  Director,  are
elected  on  a  rotating  basis.  At  each  annual  general
meeting  of  the  Bank’s  shareholders,  one-third  of  the
Directors, excluding the Managing Director, retire and

Board of Directors
Name

Age Position

M A Besley, AO
J T Ralph, AO
D V Murray
N R Adler, AO
A C Booth
R J Clairs, AO
K E Cowley, AO
J M Schubert
F J Swan
B K Ward

Chairman
72
66
Deputy Chairman
50 Managing Director
54
43
61
64
56
58
45

Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director

Executive and Senior Officers
Name

Age Position

52
43
45
48
38
40
52
50
39
56
46

37
47
47
43
47
45
49
46
59
50
54
54
51

General Manager, Sales and Service Delivery
Head of Asset Management
Group Financial Controller
Head of Equities
General Manager, Personal Customers
General Manager, eComm
General Manager, Products
General Manager, Group Human Resources
Group Auditor
General Manager, Banking Operations
General Manager, Finance and Operations, Banking and
Financial Services
General Manager, Business Customers
Company Secretary
Head of Institutional Banking
General Manager, Strategic Marketing
General Manager, Sales and Service Victoria/Tasmania
Head of Investment and Insurance Products
Financial Controller, Institutional Banking
Chief Credit Officer
Head of Customer Service Division
Head of Group Planning and Development
General Manager, Lending Services
General Manager, Commonwealth Property
General Manager and Chief Information Officer, Group
Technology
Head of Banking and Financial Services

49
50 Managing Director, ASB Bank
55
41
50
59
48
52

General Manager, Sales and Service NSW/ACT
Head of Financial Markets
Head of Technology, Operations and Property
Chief Solicitor and General Counsel
Group General Manager, Financial and Risk Management
Group Treasurer

P M Andrews
N G Basile
J D Beecher
J J Beggs
A R Cosenza
S B Coulter
N J Cox
L G Cupper
D A Doyle
R C Eddington
J K Evans

H D Harley
J D Hatton
M A Katz
G P Kelly
E J Kinsella
A J Lally
D J Lawler
M A Leonard
A E Long
G L Mackrell
A C McMorron
G K McWilliam
H M Morris

J F Mulcahy
R J Norris
R A Perkins
P G Riordan
R J Scrimshaw
L E Taylor
M J Ullmer
R G Wilkie

156

Director Since

1988
1985
1992
1990
1990
1999
1997
1991
1997
1994

Position held
since

Year Joined
Group

1998
1999
1996
1997
1999
1999
1997
1996
1998
1991
1998

1998
1994
1993
1998
1998
1998
1998
1998
1997
1995
1998
1998
1997

1997
1991
1998
1994
1998
1989
1997
1990

1963
1999
1994
1997
1981
1998
1964
1996
1997
1958
1996

1987
1985
1993
1997
1970
1990
1993
1987
1956
1973
1989
1996
1997

1995
1989
1962
1994
1998
1955
1997
1961

Compensation Of Directors And Executive Officers

The  aggregate  compensation  paid  by  the  Bank
during  Financial  Year  1999  to  all  directors  and
executive  officers  as  a  group  (43  persons)  was
$20.8 million.

Australian executive officers are members of the
Bank’s  principal  superannuation  fund,  the  Officers’
Superannuation  Fund  (OSF).  The  OSF  is  a  defined
benefit  fund.  Executive  officers  who  joined  the  Bank
the
on  or  after  1 July 1993  are  members  of 
accumulation  division  of  the  OSF.  From  1 July 1996
the  Bank  introduced  salary  sacrifice  superannuation
benefits  within  the  OSF  for  selected  employees,
including 
sacrifice
superannuation  benefits  accrued  during  the  1999
Financial  Year  in  respect  of  executive  officers  have
been included in the above aggregate compensation.
contributions
exception 
corresponding  to  salary  sacrifice  benefits,  the  Bank
ceased  contributions  to  the  OSF  from  8 July 1994.
Further,  the  Bank  ceased  contributions  to  the  OSF
corresponding  to  accruing  salary  sacrifice  benefits
from 1 July 1997.

officers.  Salary 

executive 

With 

the 

of 

legislation, 

Under  Australian 

the  Bank  was
required to provide minimum superannuation benefits
for non executive directors under age 70 equal to 7%
of their cash remuneration in the 1999 Financial Year.
Benefits  funded  by  the  Bank  during  Financial  Year
1999 to meet this requirement amounted to $44,355.

The  Bank  also  provides  defined  benefits  to  non
executive  directors  in  connection  with  their  departure
from office after three years of service in accordance
with an arrangement approved by shareholders.

The  Bank’s  executive  officers,  (including  the
Managing  Director)  may  be  eligible  to  participate  in
the  Executive  Option  Plan  ‘EOP’  and  the  Employee
Share  Subscription  Plan  ‘ESSP’.  Executives  who
participate in the EOP are excluded from participating
in the Employee Share Acquisition Plan ‘ESAP’. Refer
Executive Option Plan - Note 28.

that 

The  Bank’s  Constitution  provide 

the
directors who are not  also executive  officers  shall  be
paid an ordinary remuneration which may not exceed
the  maximum  amount  fixed  by  the  Bank  in  general
meeting  from  time  to  time.  At  the  annual  general
meeting  of  the  Bank  held  in  October  1997  the
shareholders set a maximum amount of $1 million per
the  non  executive
to  be  divisible  among 
year, 
directors as the directors may determine.

Currency Of Presentation And Certain Definitions

The  Bank  publishes  its  consolidated  financial
statements in Australian dollars. In this Annual Report,
unless  otherwise  stated  or  the  context  otherwise
requires,  references  to  ‘US$’  or  ‘US  dollars’  are  to
United States dollars and references to ‘$’ or ‘A$’ are to
Australian  dollars.  Merely  for  the  convenience  of  the
reader,  this  Annual  Report  contains  translations  of
certain  Australia  dollar  amounts  into  US  dollars  at
specified  rates.  These  translations  should  not  be
construed as  representations that the Australian  dollar
amounts actually represent such US dollar amounts or
have been or could be converted into US dollars at the
rate indicated. Unless otherwise stated, the translations

of Australian dollars into US dollars have been made at
the rate of US$0.6611 = $1.00, the noon buying rate in
New  York  City  for  cable  transfers  in  Australian  dollars
as  certified  for  customs  purposes  by  the  Federal
Reserve Bank of New York on 30 June 1999.

Exchange Rates

For  each  of  the  Commonwealth  Bank’s  financial
years,  the  high,  low,  average  and  year  end  Noon
Buying  Rates,  see  ‘Selected  Financial  and  Operating
Data’ on page 19.

Fluctuations  in  the  exchange  rate  between  the
Australian  dollar  and  the  US  dollar  may  affect  the
Bank’s  earnings,  the  book  value  of  its  assets  and  its
shareholders’  equity  as  expressed  in  US  dollars,  and
consequently  may  affect  the  market  price  for  the
Shares.  In  addition,  fluctuations  in  the  exchange  rate
between  the  Australian  dollar  and  the  US  dollar  will
affect  the  US  dollar  equivalent  of  the  Australian  dollar
price  of  the  Bank’s  Ordinary  Shares  on  the  ASX  and,
as  a  result,  are  likely  to  affect  the  market  price  of  the
Shares. Such fluctuations will also affect the conversion
into  US  dollars  of  cash  dividends,  if  any,  paid  in
Australian dollars.

Certain Definitions

The  Bank’s  financial  year  ends  on  30 June.  As
used throughout this Annual Report, the financial year
ended  30 June 1999  is  referred  to  as  Financial  Year
1999,  and  other  financial  years  are  referred  to  in  a
corresponding manner.

‘Financial Statements’ means the Group’s audited
consolidated  balance  sheets  as  of  30 June 1998  and
1999  and  consolidated  statements  of  income,  cash
flows  and  changes  in  shareholders’  equity  for  each  of
the  three  years  in  the  period  ended  30 June 1999,
together with accompanying notes, which are included
elsewhere in this Annual Report.

‘ACCC’  means  Australian  Competition  and  Consumer
Commission.

‘APRA’  means  the  Australian  Prudential  Regulation
Authority.

‘ASB Bank’ means the ASB Bank Limited, incorporated
in New Zealand.

‘ASX’ means the Australian Stock Exchange Limited.

‘Australian  GAAP’  means  Australian  generally
accepted accounting principles.

‘Bank’, ‘CBA’ or ‘Company’ means the Commonwealth
Bank  of  Australia  (A.C.N.  123  123  124),  a  banking
corporation incorporated in Australia.

‘Banking Act’ means the Australian Banking Act 1959,
as amended.

‘CDBL’ means the Commonwealth Development Bank
of Australia Limited.

‘Commonwealth’  means 
Australia and its Territories.

the  Commonwealth  of

157

Shareholding Information

Certain Definitions continued
‘EFTPOS’ means Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of
Sale.

or 

‘Consolidated  Entity’  means 

the
‘Group’ 
Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  and  its  controlled
entities.

‘Ordinary  Shares’  or  ‘Shares’  means  the  ordinary
shares of the Bank.

‘Reserve  Bank’  or  ‘RBA’  means  the  Reserve  Bank  of
Australia.

‘US  GAAP’  means  United  States  generally  accepted
accounting principles.

Any  discrepancies  between 
totals  and  sums  of
components  in  tables  contained  herein  are  due  to
rounding.

Exchange Controls Affecting Security Holders

The  Australian  dollar  is  convertible  into  US
dollars  at  freely  floating  rates  and  there  are  no
restrictions on the flow of Australian currency between
Australia  and  the  United  States.  Under  existing
Australian  legislation,  the  Reserve  Bank  does  not
inhibit  the  import  and  export  of  funds,  and  generally
no  governmental  permission  is  required  for  the  Bank
to  move  funds  in  and  out  of  Australia.  The  United
States is not a declared tax haven. Accordingly, at the
present time, remittances of any dividends, interest or
other payment by the Bank to non resident holders of
the  Bank’s  securities  in  the  United  States  are  not
restricted by exchange controls.

restrict 

Apart  from  withholding  tax  on  dividends  and
interest  paid  to  non  residents,  there  are  currently  no
Australian  exchange  controls  which 
the
payment of dividends, interest or other remittances to
holders of securities issued by the Bank provided that
such  holders  who  are  not  residents  of  Australia  are
not  connected  with  Iraq,  Libya  or  the  government  of
the  Federal  Republic  of  Yugoslavia  (Serbia  and
Montenegro).  The  approval  of  the  Reserve  Bank  is
required for any payments to the Government of Iraq,
its  agencies  or  its  nationals  or  to  the  Government  or
public authority of Libya; any commercial, industrial or
public  undertaking  owned  or  controlled  (whether
directly  or  indirectly)  by  the  Government  or  public
authority  of  Libya  or  by  an  entity  that  is  owned  or
controlled  by  the  Government  or  public  authority  of
Libya; or to any person acting for or on  behalf  of  the
Government and public authority of Libya or an entity
as described previously. In addition, any transactions
involving  the  authorities  of  the  Federal  Republic  of
Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) or their agencies
will require the specific approval of the Reserve Bank.
foreign  monetary
institutions are permitted to  invest  the  official  reserve
in  Australian  domestic
assets  of 
securities, provided they agree to be stable holders of
Australian  dollar  assets  and  to  keep  the  Reserve
Bank informed of their Australian dollar portfolios.

Central  banks  and  other 

their  country 

158

thereof, 

Section  16  of  the  Banking  Act  provides  that  in
the  event  of  the  Bank  becoming  unable  to  meet  its
obligations  or  suspending  payment 
the
Bank’s  assets  in  Australia  shall  be  available  to  meet
its  deposit liabilities  in  Australia in priority  to  all  of  its
other  liabilities.  Section  86  of  the  Australian  Reserve
Bank Act provides that in a winding up of the Bank, all
debts  due  to  the  Reserve  Bank  shall,  subject  to
Section 13A(3) of the Banking Act, have priority  over
all other debts of the Bank other than debts due to the
Commonwealth.

Taxation

The following discussion is a summary of certain
Australian  tax  consequences  of  the  ownership  of
Ordinary  Shares.  For  purposes  of  this  discussion,  a
‘US Holder’ is any beneficial owner who or that owns
the  Ordinary  Shares  as  a  capital  asset  and  is  (i) a
citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a domestic
corporation,  or  (iii) an  individual  or  entity  otherwise
subject to United States federal income taxation on a
net  income  basis.  Prospective  investors  are  urged  to
consult  their  own  tax  advisors  regarding  the  United
States  and  Australian  tax  consequences  of  owning
and disposing of Ordinary Shares.

The 

forth  below 

taxation  discussion  set 

is
intended only as a descriptive summary and does not
purport  to  be  a  complete  technical  analysis  or  listing
of  all  potential  Australian  tax  effects  to  US  Holders.
Except  as  otherwise  noted, 
the  statements  of
Australian  tax  laws  set  out  below  are  based  on  the
laws in force as at the date of this Annual Report, and
are  subject  to  any  changes  in  Australian  law,  and  in
any  double  taxation  convention  between  the  United
States and Australia occurring after that date.

from  shares 

Under  Australian  law  non-residents  may  be
subject  to  withholding  tax  in  respect  of  dividends
in  Australian  companies
received 
depending  upon  the  extent  to  which  dividends  are
franked. Also, in limited  circumstances  (as  discussed
below)  such  non-resident  shareholders  may  be
subject  to  Australian  income  tax  in  respect  of  gains
made on disposal of shares in Australian companies.
In  accordance  with 
the
Australia/United  States  double 
tax  agreement,
withholding tax on dividend income derived by a non-
resident  of  Australia,  who  is  a  resident  of  the  United
States,  is  limited  to  15%  of  the  gross  amount  of  the
dividend.

the  provisions  of 

double 

The  Australia/United  States 

tax
agreement referred to in the preceding paragraph was
entered  into  on  6 August  1982  and  represents  a
convention between the Government of Australia and
the  Government  of  the  United  States  of  America  for
the  avoidance  of  double  taxation  and  the  prevention
of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income. The
agreement  applies  to  residents  of  one  or  both  of
Australia  and  the  United  States  of  America  for  the
avoidance  of  double  taxation  and  the  prevention  of
fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.

Taxation continued

Under  Australia’s  dividend  imputation  system
dividends  are  ‘franked’  dividends  to  the  extent  that
they  are  paid  out  of  income  on  which  Australian
income  tax  has  been  paid.  Where  an  Australian
resident  individual  shareholder  receives  a  franked
dividend,  the  shareholder  receives  a tax  credit  which
can  be  offset  against  the  Australian  income  tax
payable by the shareholder. The amount of the credit
is dependent upon the extent to which the dividend is
franked.  The  extent  to  which  a  dividend  is  franked
typically  depends  upon  a  company’s  available
franking  credits  at  the  time  of  payment  of  the
dividend.  Accordingly,  a  dividend  paid 
to  a
shareholder may be wholly or partly franked or wholly
unfranked.  Dividends 
non-resident
shareholders  are  exempt  from  dividend  withholding
tax  to  the  extent  the  dividend  is  franked.  The
unfranked  portion  of  the  dividend  is  subject  to  15%
dividend withholding tax.

paid 

to 

Subject 

two  exceptions,  a  non-resident
disposing  of  shares  in  Australian  public  companies

to 

• 

will  be  free  from  tax  in  Australia.  The  exceptions  are
as follows:
• 

Shares  held  as  part  of  a  trade  or  business
conducted  through  a  permanent  establishment
in  Australia.  In  such  a  case  any  profit  on
disposal  would  be  assessable 
to  ordinary
income  tax.  Losses  would  constitute  allowable
deductions.
Shares  held  in  public  companies  where  such
shares represent (or in the past five years have
represented)  a  holding  of  10%  or  more  in  the
issued  share  capital  of  the  company.  In  such  a
case  capital  gains  tax  would  apply,  but  not
otherwise.
Capital  gains  tax  in  Australia  is  payable on  real
gains over the period in which the shares  have  been
held, ie the difference between the disposal price and
the original cost indexed for inflation over that period.
Normal rates of income tax would apply to real gains
so  calculated.  Capital  losses  are  not  subject  to
indexing; they are available as deductions, but only as
an offset against other capital gains.

159

Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant certifies that
it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and has duly caused this Annual Report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorised, in the City of Sydney, Commonwealth of Australia.

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA (Registrant)

By:

Name:

James David Beecher

Title:

Group Financial Controller

Date:

11 August 1999

160

Domestic Representation

The members of the Bank’s Executive Committee, listed below, are located at:

Level 3
48 Martin Place
Sydney  NSW  1155
Telephone (02) 9378 2000
Postal Address:
GPO Box 2719
Sydney  NSW  1155

Group Human Resources
General Manager
Les Cupper

Institutional Banking
Head of Institutional Banking
Michael Katz

Customer Service Division
Head of Customer Service Division
Alf Long

Banking and Financial Services
Head of Banking and Financial Services
John Mulcahy

Head of Products
Neville Cox

Technology Operations and Property
Head of Technology Operations and Property
Russell Scrimshaw

Financial and Risk Management
Group General Manager
Michael Ullmer

161

International Representation

Europe
United Kingdom
Senator House
85 Queen Victoria Street
London EC4V 4HA
Telephone: (44 171) 710 3999
Telex: 883864
Swift: CTBA GB 2L
Facsimile: (44 171) 710 3939
General Manager Europe
S Biggs

Australian Financial & Migrant
Information Service
Senator House
85 Queen Victoria Street
London EC4V 4HA
Telephone: (44 171) 710 3999
Telex: 883864
Swift: CTBA GB 2L
Facsimile: (44 171) 710 3939
Senior Consultant
J O’Brien

Grand Cayman
CBA Grand Cayman
PO Box 501
British West Indies

Americas
United States of America
599 Lexington Avenue (Level 17)
New York NY 10022
Telephone: (1 212) 848 9200
Telex: TRT 177666
Swift: CTBA US 33
Facsimile: (1 212) 336 7725
General Manager Americas
I M Phillips

Singapore
50 Raffles Place #22-04
Singapore Land Tower
Singapore 048623
Telephone: (65) 326 3877
Telex: RS 20920
Swift: CTBA SG SG
Facsimile: (65) 224 5812
General Manager
P Beswick

Vietnam
Suite 202-203A
Central Building
31 Hai Ba Trung
Hanoi
Vietnam
Telephone: (84 4) 826 9899
Facsimile: (84 4) 824 3961
Chief Representative
P R Milton

Indonesia
Plaza BII
Tower 11 (5th Floor)
JI M.H. Thamrin
No 51 Kav 22
Jakarta 10350
Indonesia
Telephone: (6221) 318 4394
Facsimile: (6221) 318 4391
Chief Representative
P R Milton

Japan
8th Floor
Toranomon Waiko Building
5-12-1 Toranomon 5 chrome
Minato-ku
Tokyo 105-0001
Japan
Telephone: (813) 5400 7280
Facsimile: (813) 5400 7288
Telex: J 28167 Combank
Swift: CTBA JP JTS
General Manager
D A Hazelton

Australia
Head Office
48 Martin Place (Level 3)
Sydney NSW 1155
Telephone: (612) 9378 2000
Telex: AA 120345
Swift: CTBAAU2S
Facsimile: (02) 9378 3023
Head of Institutional Banking
M A Katz

New Zealand
Head Office
ASB Bank Ltd
ASB Bank Centre (Level 5)
Corner Albert & Wellesley Streets
Auckland New Zealand
Telephone: (64 9) 373 3427
Facsimile: (64 9) 373 3426
Chief Representative
G Porter

Asia/Pacific
Beijing, China
2910 China World Towers
Beijing China World Trade Centre
1 Jianguomenwai Avenue
Beijing 100004
People’s Republic of China
Telephone: (86 10) 6505 5350
Facsimile: (86 10) 6505 5354
Chief Representative
Y T Au

Shanghai, China
805 Union Building
100 Yan An Road (East)
Shanghai 200002
People’s Republic of China
Telephone: (86 21) 6355 3939
Facsimile: (86 21) 6373 5066
Chief Representative
Y T Au

Hong Kong
1405-1408 Two Exchange Square
8 Connaught Place
Central
Hong Kong
Telephone: (852) 2844 7500
Telex: (852)  60466 CTB HX
Swift: CTB HK HH BKG
Facsimile: (852) 2845 9194
General Manager
S R J Holden

162

Contact Us
www.commbank.com.au

Corporate
Directory

13 2221

13 2224

13 15 19

For your everyday banking including paying bills using BPAY (insert
Bpay logo)
Our automated service is available from 7am to 11pm (Sydney time),
365 days a year. From overseas call +61 13 2221.
For a password and demonstration of the automated service,
call our telephone staff between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Friday.

To apply for a home loan, investment home loan or open an account
Available from 8am to 10pm, 365 days a year.

Commonwealth Securities Limited
Easy, low cost access to the stock market
By phone or Internet at www.comsec.com.au

1800 240 889

Telephone Typewriter Service

A special telephone banking service for our hearing and speech impaired
customers. The service covers all the services available on 13 2221.
Available from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.

1800 011 217

To report a lost or stolen card after hours or at weekends.

Business Line
For a full range of business banking solutions.
Available from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.

Commonwealth Insurance Ltd
For all your home insurance needs or visit
www.commbank.com.au/insurance

13 1998

13 2423

13 2420

13 2015

Registered Office

Level 1, 48 Martin Place

Sydney NSW 1155

Telephone: (02) 9378 2000

Facsimile:   (02) 9378 3317

Company Secretary

JD Hatton

Shareholder Information

www.commbank.com.au

Share Registrar

Perpetual Registrars Limited

Locked Bag A14

SYDNEY SOUTH NSW 1232

Telephone Freecall 1800 022 440

or (02) 9285 7111

Facsimile (02) 9261 8489

Internet

www.perpetual.com.au

Commonwealth Insurance Ltd
For home insurance claims assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Email

Registry_syd@perpetual.com.au

For enquiries on retirement and superannuation products, life insurance
or managed investments.
Available from 8am to 8pm (Sydney time), Monday to Friday.
Unit prices are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Australian Stock Exchange
Listing

Fully paid Ordinary Shares: CBA

Annual Report

To request a copy of the Annual
Report please call (02) 9378 3229

Internet Banking

You  can  apply  for  a  home  loan  or  credit  card  on  the  internet  by  visiting  our
website at www.commbank.com.au available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Do  your  everyday  banking  on  our  internet  banking  service  NetBank  at
www.commbank.com.au/netbank available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
To  apply  for  access  to  NetBank,  call  Freecall  1800  022  955  between  8am  and
8pm (Sydney time), Monday to Friday.

Financial Calendar 2000

Interim Profit result and dividend announced 
Ex-dividend date
Record date
Interim dividend paid
Final profit result and final dividend announced
Ex-dividend date
Record date
Final dividend paid
Annual General Meeting, Melbourne 2000

9 February 2000
17 February 2000
23 February 2000
31 March 2000
9 August 2000
17 August 2000
23 August 2000
29 September 2000
26 October 2000

163