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FY2000 Annual Report · Commonwealth Bank of Australia
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Commonwealth Bank of Australia
ACN 123 123 124

Annual Report 2000

Table of Contents

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Group Performance Summary................................................................................................................................................. 3

Banking Performance Summary.............................................................................................................................................. 6

Life Insurance and Funds Management Performance Summary ............................................................................................. 7

Results Overview .................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Main Financial Indicators......................................................................................................................................................... 9

Products and Services........................................................................................................................................................... 13

Strategy................................................................................................................................................................................. 17

Financial Review

Selected Consolidated Financial Data ............................................................................................................................. 20

Integrated Risk Management........................................................................................................................................... 29

(i) Credit Risk ........................................................................................................................................................... 29

(ii) Operational Risk .................................................................................................................................................. 30

(iii) Market Risk ......................................................................................................................................................... 30

Capital Management ....................................................................................................................................................... 32

Funding and Liquidity ...................................................................................................................................................... 32

Credit Rating ................................................................................................................................................................... 33

Expansion........................................................................................................................................................................ 33

Guarantee ....................................................................................................................................................................... 33

Year 2000 Compliance .................................................................................................................................................... 33

Capital Adequacy ............................................................................................................................................................ 33

Description of Business ......................................................................................................................................................... 35

Corporate Governance .......................................................................................................................................................... 40

Directors’ Report ................................................................................................................................................................... 43

Five Year Financial Summary................................................................................................................................................ 49

Financial Statements ............................................................................................................................................................. 52

Statements of Profit and Loss.......................................................................................................................................... 52

Balance Sheets ............................................................................................................................................................... 53

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity ........................................................................................ 54

Statements of Cash Flows............................................................................................................................................... 55

Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements................................................................................................... 56

Directors’ Declaration .......................................................................................................................................................... 153

Independent Audit Report.................................................................................................................................................... 154

Shareholder Information ...................................................................................................................................................... 155

Appendix

Pro Forma Profit and Loss for the Year Ended 30 June 2000........................................................................................ 158

Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet of the combined

Commonwealth Bank and Colonial Group as at 30 June 2000...................................................................................... 159

Pro Forma Life Insurance and Funds Management Business for the Year Ended 30 June 2000 .................................. 160

2

Group Performance Summary

30/06/00
$M

Half-year Ended
31/12/99
$M

30/06/99
$M

31/12/98
$M

Full Year Ended
30/06/00
$M

30/06/00
30/06/99 vs 30/06/99
%

$M

Profit and Loss - Summary
Operating profit after tax and
abnormal items

Income
Interest income
Interest expense
Net interest income
Other operating income
Total operating income

Expenses
Staff expenses
Occupancy and equipment expenses
Information technology services
Other expenses
Total operating expenses

Underlying profit (1)
Charge for bad and doubtful debts
Goodwill amortisation
Operating profit before abnormal
items and income tax
Income tax expense
Operating profit after income tax
Outside equity interests
Operating profit after income tax and
before abnormal items
Abnormal items
Income tax credit on abnormal items
Operating profit after income tax
attributable to members of the
Bank

Contributions to profit (after tax)
Banking
Australia
New Zealand (ASB Bank)
Other countries (2)

Life insurance and funds management
Profit after tax from operations
Goodwill amortisation
Outside equity interests (3)
Operating profit after income tax and
before abnormal items
Abnormal items after tax
Operating profit after income tax

1,860

840

709

713

2,700

1,422

4,694
2,834
1,860
1,306
3,166

867
223
290
394
1,774

1,392
(100)
(34)

1,258
363
895
(22)

873
967
20

4,148
2,289
1,859
1,206
3,065

838
214
281
300
1,633

1,432
(96)
(23)

1,313
457
856
(16)

840
-
-

3,795
2,025
1,770
1,002
2,772

805
243
261
270
1,579

1,193
(131)
(24)

1,038
318
720
(11)

709
-
-

3,950
2,193
1,757
995
2,752

799
212
244
236
1,491

1,261
(116)
(23)

1,122
396
726
(13)

713
-
-

8,842
5,123
3,719
2,512
6,231

1,705
437
571
694
3,407

2,824
(196)
(57)

2,571
820
1,751
(38)

1,713
967
20

7,745
4,218
3,527
1,997
5,524

1,604
455
505
506
3,070

2,454
(247)
(47)

2,160
714
1,446
(24)

1,422
-
-

1,860

840

709

713

2,700

1,422

666
63
51

780
149
929
(34)
(22)

873
987
1,860

708
55
8

771
108
879
(23)
(16)

840
-
840

591
55
25

671
73
744
(24)
(11)

709
-
709

608
49
43

700
49
749
(23)
(13)

713
-
713

1,374
118
59

1,551
257
1,808
(57)
(38)

1,713
987
2,700

1,199
104
68

1,371
122
1,493
(47)
(24)

1,422
-
1,422

(1)

(2)

(3)

Represents operating profit before tax, charge for bad and doubtful debts and goodwill amortisation.
United Kingdom, United States of America, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Grand Cayman and Fiji.
Represents 25% interest in ASB Group.

90

14
21
5
26
13

6
(4)
13
37
11

15
(21)
21

19
15
21
58

20
-
-

90

11
13
(13)

10
large
21
21
58

20
-
90

3

Group Performance Summary

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

30/06/00
$M

Half-year Ended
31/12/99
$M

30/06/99
$M

31/12/98
$M

Full Year Ended
30/06/00
$M

30/06/00
30/06/99 vs 30/06/99
%

$M

Balance Sheet – Summary
Loans, advances and other
receivables
Total Assets
Deposits and other public
borrowings
Total Liabilities
Shareholders' Equity

Assets held and Funds under
management
On Balance Sheet
Banking Assets
Life Insurance Assets

Off Balance Sheet (1)
Funds under Management
Life Insurance Assets

132,263
217,671

107,024
161,108

101,837
138,096

95,982
134,957

132,263
217,671

101,837
138,096

112,594
199,824
17,847

100,311
153,832
7,276

93,428
131,134
6,962

91,097
127,524
7,433

112,594
199,824
17,847

93,428
131,134
6,962

185,108
32,563
217,671

149,911
11,197
161,108

136,787
1,309
138,096

133,953
1,004
134,957

185,108
32,563
217,671

136,787
1,309
138,096

73,914
-

18,190
-

17,290
10,241

15,775
9,009

73,914
-

17,290
10,241

291,585

179,298

165,627

159,741

291,585

165,627

Banking Assets
Life Insurance Assets
Funds under Management

185,108
32,563
73,914
291,585

149,911
11,197
18,190
179,298

136,787
11,550
17,290
165,627

133,953
10,013
15,775
159,741

185,108
32,563
73,914
291,585

136,787
11,550
17,290
165,627

Shareholder Summary
Dividends per share (cents) - fully
franked
Dividends provided for, reserved or
paid ($million)
Dividend cover (times)
Earnings per share (cents) (2)
(basic & fully diluted)
  before abnormal items
  after abnormal items
  Cash basis(4)
Dividend payout ratio (%) (3)
  before abnormal items
  after abnormal items
  Cash basis(4)
Net tangible assets per share ($)
Weighted average number of
shares (basic)
Shares at end of period
Number of shareholders
Share prices for the year ($)
  Trading high
  Trading low
  End (closing price)

72

908
1.3

93
198
91

77.5
36.4
79.0
9.18

58

523
1.6

92
92
90

63.1
63.1
64.5
7.28

66

605
1.2

77
77
79

86.1
86.1
83.3
6.82

49

458
1.6

77
77
79

63.9
63.9
61.9
7.15

130

115

1,431
1.4

1,063
1.3

185
291
181

70.3
44.6
71.8
9.18

153
153
158

75.0
75.0
72.6
6.82

940m
1,260m
788,791

914m
902m
406,564

924m
916m
404,728

929m
935m
404,257

927m
1,260m
788,791

927m
916m
404,728

27.95
22.54
27.69

27.48
22.60
26.23

28.76
21.90
24.05

23.20
18.00
23.16

27.95
22.54
27.69

28.76
18.00
24.05

30
58

21
52
large

35
large
58

large
large

76

35
large
large
76

13

35
8

21
90
15

Includes  funds  under  administration  and  external  funds  managed.  All  life  insurance  assets  were  brought  on  balance
sheet as from 1 July 1999 per AASB1038: Life Insurance Business.
Calculated in accordance with AASB 1027: Earnings per share.
Dividends per share divided by earnings per share.
‘Cash  earnings’  for  the  purpose  of  these  financial  statements  is  defined  as  net  profit  after  tax  and  before  abnormal
items adjusted for goodwill amortisation and life insurance appraisal value uplift.

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

4

Group Performance Summary

Performance Ratios (%)
Return on average shareholders'
equity (1)
  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
Cost to income ratio
Cost to total average assets ratio (3)
Cost to assets held and funds
under management (3)
Staff expense/Total operating
income
Total operating income per FTE (4)
Other Information (numbers) (5)
Full time staff
Part time staff
Full time staff equivalent

30/06/00

Half-year Ended
31/12/99

30/06/99

31/12/98

Full Year Ended
30/06/00

30/06/00
30/06/99 vs 30/06/99
%

21.19
45.14

1.03
2.19
7.49
4.75
(2.49)
9.75
56.00
2.09

23.06
23.06

1.12
1.12
6.76
3.63
(1.28)
9.11
53.31
2.17

20.62
20.62

1.05
1.05
7.05
3.12
(0.79)
9.38
56.95
2.33

20.46
20.46

1.07
1.07
8.11
2.89
(0.91)
10.09
54.17
2.23

22.06
34.78

1.08
1.70
7.49
4.75
(2.49)
9.75
54.68
2.15

20.54
20.54

1.06
1.06
7.05
3.12
(0.79)
9.38
55.57
2.29

1.85

1.88

1.96

1.89

1.85

1.93

27.35
$107,804

27.36
$106,689

29.06
$95,705

29.03
$94,518

27.35
$215,080

29.04
$190,720

34,154
7,383
37,131

26,131
6,554
28,734

26,394
6,655
28,964

26,672
6,523
29,116

34,154
7,383
37,131

26,394
6,655
28,964

29
11
28

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

Based on operating profit after tax and outside equity interest applied to average shareholders equity.
Based on operating profit after tax and outside equity interest. Averages are based on beginning and end of year half
balances. Includes Colonial assets weighted for the 17 days from 13 June 2000 to 30 June 2000.
Includes Colonial assets weighted for 17 days since acquisition.
Includes Colonial FTE staff numbers weighted for 17 days since acquisition.
Staff numbers at 30 June 2000 include Colonial.

5

Banking Performance Summary

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

30/06/00
$M

Half-year Ended
31/12/99
$M

30/06/99
$M

31/12/98
$M

Full Year Ended
30/06/00
$M

30/06/00
30/06/99 vs 30/06/99
%

$M

Operating Profit after Tax from
operations (2)

- Commonwealth Bank
- Colonial (13 June to 30 June 2000)

Banking Assets (1)

Average interest earning assets
Average interest bearing liabilities
Risk weighted assets
Net impaired assets
Performance Ratios (%)
Net interest margin
General provision/ Risk weighted
assets
Total provisions/Impaired assets
Non interest income/Total operating
income
Cost to average assets ratio

Other Information (numbers)
Commonwealth Bank
Branches/service centres (Australia)
Agencies (Australia)
ATMs
EFTPOS terminals

Colonial
Branches/service centres (Australia)
Agencies (Australia)
ATMs
EFTPOS terminals

Total
Branches/service centres (Australia)
Agencies (Australia)
ATMs
EFTPOS terminals

774
6
780

771
-
771

671
-
671

700
-
700

1,545
6
1,551

1,371
-
1,371

185,108

149,911

136,787

133,953

185,108

136,787

132,539
120,583
128,484
572

125,824
113,605
108,561
318

116,790
104,877
99,556
314

111,792
101,411
95,718
328

129,163
117,075
128,484
572

114,271
103,130
99,556
314

10
-
10

35

13
14
29
82

2.8

2.9

3.1

3.1

2.9

3.1

1.06
178.3

41.2
2.1

1.03
238.7

39.4
2.2

1.09
230.2

36.2
2.3

1.11
218.5

36.1
2.2

1.06
178.3

40.3
2.2

1.09
230.2

36.2
2.3

1,074
3,935
2,703
109,358

1,118
3,945
2,678
101,243

1,162
3,934
2,602
90,152

1,175
3,946
2,536
87,854

1,074
3,935
2,703
109,358

1,162
3,934
2,602
90,152

313
146
1,438
6,706

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

313
146
1,438
6,706

-
-
-
-

1,387
4,081
4,141
116,064

1,118
3,945
2,678
101,243

1,162
3,934
2,602
90,152

1,175
3,946
2,536
87,854

1,387
4,081
4,141
116,064

1,162
3,934
2,602
90,152

(1)

(2)

Banking Assets represents total balance sheet assets excluding Life Insurance Assets held on behalf of policyholders.
Represents operating profit after tax and before goodwill amortisation and abnormal items.

6

Life Insurance and Funds Management Performance Summary

Operating Profit after Tax from operations (2)
 - Commonwealth Bank
 - Colonial (13 June to 30 June 2000)

Premiums/Deposits from Customers (1)

No. of policy and unit holders

Expenses (1)

Claims & Redemptions (1)

Net Funds Flow (1)

Productivity

Total Expenses to Funds Under Management

Claims & Redemptions to Funds Under Management

Assets held and Funds Under Management - Commonwealth Bank (3)
Life Insurance
Funds Management
Total

Australia
United Kingdom
New Zealand
Asia
Total

Assets held and Funds Under Management - Colonial (3)
Life Insurance
Funds Management
Total

Australia
United Kingdom
New Zealand
Asia
Total

Assets held and Funds Under Management - Total (3)
Life Insurance
Funds Management
Total

Australia
United Kingdom
New Zealand
Asia
Total

$M
$M

$M

000's

$M

$M

$M

%

%

$M
$M

$M
$M
$M
$M

$M
$M

$M
$M
$M
$M

$M
$M

$M
$M
$M
$M

(1)

(2)

(3)

Excludes Colonial.
Represents operating profit after tax and before goodwill amortisation and abnormal items.
Excludes funds under trusteeship, custody and administration.

Full Year Ended
30/06/99
$M

30/06/00
$M

241
16
257

122
-
122

11,418

9,881

1,834

243

10,267

1,151

800

127

7,476

2,453

0.7%

0.4%

29.8%

25.9%

13,217
21,242
34,459

33,417
-
1,042
-
34,459

19,346
52,672
72,018

47,671
19,202
2,228
2,917
72,018

32,563
73,914
106,477

81,088
19,202
3,270
2,917
106,477

11,550
17,290
28,840

28,052
-
788
-
28,840

-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-

11,550
17,290
28,840

28,052
-
788
-
28,840

7

Results Overview

Except where otherwise stated, all figures relate to
the  year  ended  30  June  2000  and  comparatives  are  to
the year ended 30 June 1999.

The  Group 

recorded  a  profit  after 

tax  of
$1,713 million  (excluding  abnormals)  for  the  year  ended
30 June  2000,  a  20%  increase  on  the  prior  year.  The
profit  contribution  from  Colonial  Limited  (which  was
acquired  on  13  June  2000)  was  $12  million  (net  of
Goodwill  Amortisation).    Excluding  the  Colonial  Limited
(Colonial)  contribution,  the  net  operating  profit  was
$1,701 million,  an  increase  of  19.6%  on  the  profit  from
the previous corresponding period.

• 

• 

for 

the  Commonwealth 

The profit after tax including abnormal items for the
year  to  30  June  2000  was  $2,700  million.    Abnormal
profits of $987 million after tax are due to:
• 

An increase in the market value  of  Commonwealth
Life  Insurance  business  of  $536  million  as  a  result
of the change in basis of valuation;
A  profit  of  $537  million  on  recognition  of  market
valuations 
Funds
Management businesses; offset by
Restructuring costs of $86 million raised in  relation
to the integration of Colonial;
A final dividend  of 72  cents  per  share  fully  franked
will  be  paid,  bringing  the  full  year  dividend  to  130  cents
(up 15 cents, or 13%, from 115 cents for the year ended
30 June  1999).  The  dividend  policy  is  now  based  on
Profit after tax before goodwill amortisation and appraisal
value  uplift.  The  dividend  yield  based  on  the  30  June
2000  share  price  of  $27.69  and  calculated  on  the
dividend payments of 66 cents (June 1999) and 58 cents
(December 1999) was 4.48%. The ratio of dividends per
share  to  cash  earnings1  per  share  for  the  year  was
71.8%.

As  part  of  its  capital  management  program,  the
Bank  also  successfully  completed  an  off-market  share
buy  back  utilising  a  tender  process  in  November  1999.
The  Bank  bought  back  2.2%  of  its  ordinary  shares  for
$553  million.  This  brings  the  total  amount  of  capital  the
Bank  has  returned  to  shareholders  since  1996 
to
$2.9 billion.

On  10  March  2000,  the  Commonwealth  Bank  and
Colonial Limited announced their intention to merge, with
7  Commonwealth  Bank  shares  being  offered  for  20
Colonial shares. The merger received final approval from
the Supreme Court of Victoria on 31 May 2000 and was
completed on 13 June 2000.  The combined strengths of
the two companies with their different but complementary
product  sets,  customer  bases  and  distribution  networks
will  create  a  strong,  dynamic  and  globally  relevant
financial services group headquartered in Australia.

The  Bank's  credit  ratings  have  been  affirmed
following the merger with Colonial Limited. The long term
credit  ratings  of  the  Bank  remain  at  AA-,  Aa3  and  AA
from Standard & Poor's, Moody's and Fitch  respectively.
As  a  result  of  the  merger,  State  Bank  of  New  South
Wales  Limited  (trading  as  Colonial  State  Bank)  had  its
long  term  credit  ratings  upgraded  to  AA-,  Aa3  and  AA
and  Colonial  Finance  Limited  had  its  long  term  credit
ratings upgraded to A+, A1 and A+ by Standard & Poor's,
Moody's and Fitch respectively.

1 Cash earnings equals Profit after tax before abnormals,
goodwill amortisation and appraisal value uplift.

8

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

The result before abnormals comprised:
Net Operating profit after
tax
Net interest income
Other operating income
Operating expenses
Bad debt charge
Income tax expense

$1,713 million
$3,719 million
$2,512 million
$3,407 million
$196 million
$820 million

Up 20.5%
Up 5.4%
Up 25.8%
Up 11%
Down 20.6%
Up 14.8%

22.1%
187 cents
130 cents

Up from 20.5%
Up 21.8%
Up 13%

Key performance measures (excluding Colonial except
where otherwise stated) were:
Return on equity
Earnings per share
Dividends per share
Total assets
(including Colonial)
Total assets
Risk weighted assets
(including Colonial)
Total capital ratio
(including Colonial)
Tier 1 ratio
(including Colonial)

$217.7  billion
$177.0 billion

Up 57.6%
Up 28.2%

Up from 9.38%

Up from 7.05%

$128.5 billion

Up 29.1%

9.75%

7.49%

The result reflects:
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Strong  growth  in  lending  assets  (excluding  Colonial)  of
11.1% to $125.9 billion (including securitisation).
Less  reliance  on 
income  with  non-interest
interest 
income  growing  by  26%  underpinned  by  increased
lending  commission  and  other  fees,  improved  trading
income  and  growth  in  contribution  from  Life  Insurance
and Funds Management.
Competition placed continued pressure on banking rates,
reducing  net  interest  margin  from  3.09%  in  1999  to
2.88% in 2000.
Reduced charge for bad and doubtful debts reflecting the
strong  credit  processes  and 
favourable  economic
conditions.
Increased  investment  of  $52 million  in  key  business
initiatives 
including  eCommerce,  Woolworths  Ezy
Banking and European Banking.
Reduced  cost  to  income  ratio  from  55.57%  to  54.68%
and reduced cost to total balance sheet assets and funds
under management ratio from 1.93% to 1.85%.
Excluding  expenditure  associated  with 
increased
revenue  generating  activities,  expenses  grew  3.5%
mainly  reflecting  increased  salary  cost  due  to  the  4.5%
increase from the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.
The Commonwealth Bank was awarded Internet Bank of
the  Decade  by  Australian  Banking  and  Finance  magazine  in
November  1999  and  in  May  2000,  Lafferty  Publications  rated
the  Bank  as  Best  Online  Bank  in  Asia  Pacific  region  and  8th
Best  Online  Bank  Worldwide.    Colonial  Limited  was  awarded
Non-Bank  Financial  Institution  of  the  Decade  by  Australian
Banking and Finance magazine.

• 

• 

The  final  dividend  will  be  paid  on  9  October  2000.  The
ex-dividend  date  is  4  September  2000.  Shares  purchased  on
or  after  this  date  do  not  qualify  for  the  dividend.  Correctly
completed and signed application forms requesting changes in
your  method  of  dividend  payment  should  have  been  received
by  the  Banks'  Share  Registrar,  ASX  Perpetual  Registrars
Limited by the record date 8 September 2000.
those  shareholders  participating 

the  Bank's
Dividend  Reinvestment  Plan,  a  combined  Issuer  sponsored
Statement  and  Dividend  advice  will  be  mailed  out  by
18 October 2000.

For 

in 

                                                             
Main Financial Indicators

Analysis of Income and Expenses together with the
effect  of  accounting  standard  changes,  including  AASB
1038  and  other  changes,  is  contained  in  the  Financial
Review section of this report.

The  Profit  and  Loss  includes  the  effect  of  Colonial
for the period 13 to 30 June 2000.  Balance Sheet items
include figures for the combined Group as at 30 June 2000.

Profits

• 

• 

The  Group  recorded  a  net  operating  profit  before
abnormals  of  $1,713 million  for  the  year.    This
result  represents  an  increase  of  20%  from  the
previous year.
The  June  2000  half-year  profit  of  $873  million  was
an  increase  of  23%  on  the  prior  comparative
period.

2000

1500

18.16

18.48

m
$

1000

1,206

1,251

22.06

1,713

20.54

1,422

Income

• 

• 

Net  interest  income  increased  5%  over  the  prior
year.
Other  operating  income  increased  26%  for  the  full
year and by 30% for the half year to 30 June 2000
over the prior comparative period.

Costs

• 

The cost to income ratio for the half year decreased
to  56.00%,  from  56.95%  for  the  prior  comparative
period.

25

20

15

10

5

0

%

96/97

97/98

98/99

99/00

Net Operating Profit (Pre-Abnormals)
Return on Equity (Pre-Abnormals)

1,757

1,770

1,859

1,860

1,206

1,306

995

1,002

500

0

2000
1800
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0

Dec 98

Jun 99 Dec 99

Jun 00

Net Interest Income

Other Operating Income

54.17

56.95

53.31

56.00

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

Dec 98

Jun 99

Dec 99

Jun 00

Cost to Income Ratio

9

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

2.33

2.23

2.17

2.09

Dec 98

Jun 99

Dec 99

Jun 00

Cost to Average Total Balance Sheet Assets

29.03

29.06

95

96

110

105

100

$b

95

90

85

107

108

27.36

27.36

30
30
29
29
28
28
27
27
26
26
25

%

Dec 98

Jun 99

Dec 99

 Jun 00

Total Operating Income per FTE

Staff Expenses to Total Operating Income

107

19

31

50

113

20

33

7

7

53

120

24

33

55

8

145

30

36

68

11

2.5

2.3

2.1

1.9

1.7

1.5

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

Dec 98

Jun 99

Dec 99

Jun 00

Housing

Personal

Business

Corporate

Main Financial Indicators

Costs to Average Total Balance Sheet Assets

• 

The cost to average total assets ratio (with Colonial
assets  weighted)  for  the  half  year  decreased  to
2.09%,  from  2.33%  for  the  prior  comparative
period.

Productivity

• 

• 

Total  operating  income  per  average  FTE  for  the
half  year  was  $107,804,  an  increase  of  13%  over
the prior comparative period.
Staff  expenses  to  total  operating  income  improved
to  27.35%  from  29.06%  for  the  prior  comparative
period.

Asset Growth

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

now 

loan 

home 

outstandings, 

  Excluding  Colonial 

In  a  very  competitive  environment,  the  Group
increased  total  loans,  advances  and  acceptances2
to  over  $145 billion,  a  29%  increase  over  the  prior
comparative  half. 
these
balances increased by 10% to $124 billion.
aggregate
Home 
$68 billion.  Excluding  Colonial, 
loan
outstandings  total  $56.4  billion,  an  increase  of  7%
on the previous year.
Personal  loan  outstandings  totalled  $11  billion  at
30 June  2000.    Excluding  Colonial,  personal  loan
outstandings totalled $9 billion, an increase of 24%
on 1999.
Total  business  and  corporate  lending  amounted  to
$66  billion  at  30  June  2000.  Excluding  Colonial,
total  business  and  corporate  lending  increased
10% to $58.5 billion.
Home  Loans  securitised  as  at  30  June  2000  were
$3.0 billion, including $1.1 billion for Colonial. Home
Loans  securitised  as  at  30  June  1999  were
$0.4 billion.

2 Total Loans and Advances includes Bank Acceptances and

excludes Provisions for Bad and Doubtful Debts and
Securitised Balances.

10

                                                             
Main Financial Indicators

Asset Quality

• 

• 

• 

Net  Impaired  Assets  amount  to  $572  million  as  at
30  June  2000.    Excluding  Colonial,  the  balance
would have been $391 million.  Of this $391 million,
the  domestic  Net 
Impaired  Assets  were
$217 million,  a  decrease  of  14%  on  the  previous
comparable period.
At 30 June 2000, specific provision as a percentage
of gross impaired assets was 43% down from 47%
at 30 June 1999.
At  30  June  2000,  general  provisions  as  a
percentage  of  risk  weighted  assets  were  1.06%
down from 1.09% at 30 June 1999.

Earnings Per Share

• 

• 

Earnings  per  share  (pre-abnormals)  for  the  half
year  was  93  cents,  a  21%  increase  on  the  prior
comparative period.
Cash earnings per share was 91 cents for the June
half,  a  15%  increase  on  the  prior  comparative
period. 
  Cash  earnings  exclude  goodwill
amortisation and appraisal value uplift.

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

100

90

80

70

60

50

Net Impaired Assets

7

47

509

188

278

62

252

174

174

217

1999

1997
1998
Colonial (Other Countries)
Commowealth Bank (Other Countries)
Colonial (Australia)
Commonwealth Bank (Australia)

2000

Dec 98

Jun 99

Dec 99

Jun 00

EPS Before Abnormals (Reported)

Cash EPS

11

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

%

50

40

30

20

10

0

M
$

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

45.14

20.46

20.62

23.06

21.19

23.37

Dec 98

Dec 99

Jun 99
ROE Pre Abnormal
ROE Post Abnormal
ROE Pre Colonial & Abnormal

Jun 00

160

166

179

198

93

Dec 98

Jun 99

Dec 99

Jun 00

Total Assets Held & Funds Under Management
Colonial contribution 

1.89

1.96

1.88

1.85

%

2
1.9
1.8
1.7
1.6
1.5
1.4
1.3
1.2
1.1
1

Dec 98

Jun 99

Dec 99

Jun 00

Costs to Total Average Balance Sheet Assets &
Funds Under Management

Main Financial Indicators

Return on Equity

• 

Return  on  Equity  (pre-abnormals)  for  the  half  year
was  21.19%,  up 
the  prior
comparative period.

from  20.62% 

for 

Total Balance Sheet Assets and Funds Under
Management.

• 

The  Group  holds  Total  Balance  Sheet  Assets  and
Funds  Under  Management  of  $291.5  billion.
Excluding  Colonial, 
increased
$33 billion to $198 billion, an increase of 20% from
30 June 1999.

this  balance 

Costs to Total Average Balance Sheet Assets and
Funds Under Management.

• 

• 

Costs  to  total  average  balance  sheet  assets  and
funds under management decreased from 1.96% to
1.85% in the 12 months since 30 June 1999.
Balances of assets and funds managed for Colonial
have  been  weighted  for  the  period  from  13  June
2000 to 30 June 2000.

12

Products and Services

MARKET POSITIONING

The  Group  is  Australia’s  largest  financial  services
organisation with scale and leading market shares in the
key  areas  of  banking,  funds  management  and  life
insurance.
Banking

The  Group  (following  the  Colonial  merger)  has  the
largest  share  of  domestic  banking  assets  of  20.6%  at
June  2000  (source:  APRA  –  AUD  denominated  banking
assets),  the  leading  home  loan  market  share  of  22.4%
(source:  APRA  All  Lenders)  and  the  largest  share  of
retail deposits of 25.3% (source APRA).

The  Group  now  has  Australia’s  largest,  most
comprehensive distribution network, serving the needs of
both  rural  and  urban  Australia.    This  is  through  the
combination  of  Colonial’s  agency  distribution  capability
and  Commonwealth’s  branch  and  online  network
together  with  its  Ezy  Banking  initiative  with  Woolworths
and its nationwide arrangement with Australia Post.
Funds Management

The  Group  is  ranked  first  in  terms of  market share
of  both  retail  and  wholesale  funds  under  management
(source: ASSIRT).  This positions  the  Group  well  for the
expected  accelerated  growth  in  the  funds  management
industry.  Colonial  First  State’s  disciplined  approach  to
managing  money  has  been  recognised  through  many
industry awards, including the Fund Manager of the Year
awards,  where  Colonial  First  State  was  selected  as  the
overall winner in 1996, 1998 and 1999.
Life Insurance

The  combined  Commonwealth/Colonial  Group
ranks  third  in  terms  of  life  insurance  in-force  premiums
with  a  market  share  of  over  15%  (source:  Plan  for  Life
March 2000).
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Except  where  otherwise  indicated,  the  following
information relates primarily to the products and services
of  the  Group  prior  to  the  merger  with  Colonial.  A  brief
discussion on the impact of the Colonial merger on these
products and services is included where applicable.
BANKING
PERSONAL
Housing Loans

Home  loan  outstandings  for  the  Group  (excluding
Colonial)  totalled  $56.5  billion  at  30  June  2000,  a  7%
increase  on  1999.    The  Group’s  market  share  of  Home
loans (excluding Colonial) is 18.7% at June 2000 (source
APRA  All  Lenders).    Growth  in  the  home  loan  market
was strong but competition between lenders intensified.

Securitisation  balances  grew  by  $2.1  billion  during
the year. Including the securitised loans, growth in home
loan outstandings would have been $5.9 billion (11%).

The  HomePath  Home  and  Investment  Home  Loan
was  successfully  launched  in  April  2000.  It  set  a  new
benchmark  in  the  Australian  mortgage  market  as  a  fully
online-only  home  loan  at  one  of  the  lowest  standard
variable  rates  with  no  establishment  or  servicing  fees  at
launch.

The  enhanced  Mortgage  Interest  Saver  Account
(MISA)  was  launched  in  June  2000  to  provide  a  100%
off-set on  the  Standard  Variable  and  12  month  Discount
Variable Home and Investment Home Loans.

The Home Equity Facility  has  been  successful this
year,  with  balances  of  $2.3  billion  as  at  30  June  2000.
The facility has secured market recognition through its 5

star  rating 
Cannex.

from 

the 

independent 

research  group,

Home  loan  outstandings  for  the  Group  (including

Colonial) totalled $68.3 billion at 30 June 2000.
Personal Loans

The  Bank’s  leading  position  in  the  Personal  Loan
market  was  maintained  during  the  year.  Personal  loan
outstandings  for  the  Group  (excluding  Colonial)  totalled
$3.2 billion at 30 June 2000, an 8.3% increase on 1999.
An  increased  marketing  effort  resulted  in  solid  growth  in
personal  loan  new  business.    The  Group  also  launched
on-line origination of personal loans in March 2000.

Personal loan outstandings for the Group (including

Colonial) totalled $4.5 billion at 30 June 2000.
Credit Cards

The  Group  is  the  largest  issuer  of  credit  cards  in
Australia.  Credit  Card  outstandings 
the  Group
(excluding Colonial) totalled $3.0 billion at 30 June 2000,
a 20.8% increase on 1999. The Group’s market share of
Credit Cards (excluding Colonial) is 26.6% at June 2000
(source: RBA).

for 

The  number  of  cardholder  accounts  increased  to
2.44  million  and  the  number  of  merchants  increased  to
132,000. The credit card market is highly  competitive  as
evidenced  by  the  entry  of  new  players  and  expanding
from  non-traditional  credit  card
product  offerings 
providers.  Dynamic  market  developments  such  as  niche
products  offered  to  discrete  segments  or  affinity  groups
combined  with  the  proliferation  of  special  offers  and
ongoing  loyalty  programs  is  adding  to  competition.  The
Bank’s  own  credit  card  loyalty  program,  ‘True  Awards’,
was  launched  during  1997  and  has  over  one  million
members to date.

In  addition  to  its  card  offerings  to  the  broader
market,  the  Bank  has  offered  business  customers  a
range  of  Business  card  programmes,  with  payment
solutions for businesses of all sizes.

Credit  Card  outstandings  for  the  Group  (including

Colonial) totalled $3.7 billion at 30 June 2000.
Deposit Products

in  Australia 

The Group is the largest holder of retail deposits in
Australia.  As  at  30  June  2000,  the  Bank’s  retail  deposit
base 
(excluding  Colonial)  stood  at
approximately  $71.8   billion,  a  7.2%  increase  on  1999.
The Group’s market share of Retail Deposits in Australia
(excluding  Colonial)  was  21.9%  at  June  2000  (source:
APRA).

The  Group  continues  to  be  the  most  accessible
financial institution in Australia, by continuing to maintain
the broadest representation network of any bank.

There  was  considerable  growth  in  both  the  Award
Saver  and  Streamline  products,  offset  by  a  reduction  in
balances held in the traditional passbook accounts.

As at 30 June 2000, the Group’s retail deposit base

in Australia (including Colonial) stood at $84.7 billion.
General Insurance

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

CIL  provides  home  buildings,  contents  and
In  November  1999  CIL
personal  valuables  cover. 
successfully  introduced  an  Investment  Home  Insurance
policy 
the  growing  number  of  private
residential investors in Australia.

to  cater 

to 

Gross Written Premium Income for 2000 increased

by 8% in a competitive market.

13

Products and Services

On-line  initiatives  included  the  launch  of  a  quote,
buy and pay for your insurance facility in March 2000 via
www.comminsure.com.au.
Electronic and Direct Banking

Achieving  increases  in  customer  numbers  through
direct  and  on-line  leadership  is  a  strategic  goal  of  the
Group.  The  results  of  several  initiatives  are  outlined
below.

The 

ratio  of  electronic 

to  over-the-counter
transactions has increased to 81:19 (from 78:22 in 1999).
The  Group’s  internet  banking  service  NetBank
processed  some  50  million  transactions  during  the  year,
almost  four  times  as  many  as  in  1998/99.  The  browser-
based version of NetBank was launched in March 2000.

to 

Calls 

the  13  2221  customer  service 

line
averaged more than 1.9 million per week during the year,
an  increase  of  34%  on  1998/99.  Approximately  85%  of
these  calls  were  handled  by  the  Interactive  Voice
Response  system.  Over  3.8  million  customers  now  hold
telephone banking passwords.

Usage of Quick Deposit Boxes located in branches

increased 24% during the year.

The  Group’s  EFTPOS  terminal  numbers  increased

19% over the year, to over 109,000.

The  Group  operates  the  largest  proprietary  ATM
network in the country, with terminal numbers increasing
4% during the year to over 2,700 at 30 June 2000.

financial  services 

The  Group  entered  into  an  alliance  with  Vodafone
to  supply 
to  mobile
telephones.  The  MobileBank  service  was  launched  in
November  1999  and  enables  customers 
to  check
funds  between  bank
account  balances, 
accounts, and pay bills using their mobile phones.

information 

transfer 

Direct Banking is also an important element of ASB
Group’s  product  offering.  ASB  offers  an  automated
telephone  banking  service,  a  telephone  based  loan
origination service and an internet banking service.
Woolworths Ezy Banking

In  September  1999,  the  Group  commenced  its
rollout  of  Woolworths  Ezy  Banking  in  conjunction  with
Woolworths  Limited.  As  at  30  June  2000,  603
Woolworths  supermarkets  and  Big  W  stores  are  fully
operational,  selling  and  servicing  transaction/savings
accounts and credit cards. Ezy Banking offers customers
convenience,  lower  cost,  including  55  free  transactions
per  month,  and  an  innovative  rewards  program.  Ezy
Banking  has  allowed  the  Group  to  expand  its  customer
base,  with  40%  of  account  holders  having  had  no
previous  relationship  with  the  Commonwealth  Bank.
Approximately 150,000 customers had signed up for Ezy
Banking  at  August  2000.    Ezy  Banking  was  recently
awarded  the  Australian  Banking  &  Finance  “Best  New
Product Launched 2000.”
Commonwealth Securities

Commonwealth  Securities,  known  as  ComSec,  is
the Group’s direct wealth management and stock broking
business. ComSec continued to grow strongly throughout
the year and retained its number one ranking in terms of
trading  volume.  During  the  year,  ComSec  processed
some  two  million  contract  notes,  of  which  approximately
70%  were  sourced  via  the  internet  with  the  balance  by
telephone.    ComSec  has  achieved  a  market  share  of
volume  of  ASX 
increasingly
competitive market.

trades  of  9% 

this 

in 

The  US  Share  Trading  facility  has  experienced
strong  growth  over  the  year  and  has  been  extended  to
the  London  and  Toronto  Stock
provide  access 
Exchanges.

to 

14

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Money  Market  Online  was  launched  in  November
1999  offering  retail 
investors  professional  rates  by
providing access to bank bills, debentures, bonds and all
ASX-listed interest rate securities on-line.

ComSec Car Insurance was launched in May 2000
which  provides  clients  with  the  facility  to  compare  and
buy  the  most  favourable  car  insurance  polices  on-line.
Visitor  numbers  to  this  website  have  been  strong  at
around 500 per day.
BUSINESS
Business Lending

Commercial  lending  approvals  were  up  4.0%  to
$12.9 billion, and the Group has total commercial assets
of $28.1 billion as at 30 June 2000.

to 

In  April  2000 

the  BetterBusiness 

loan  was
relaunched  to  provide  a  term  lending  product  which  is
aligned 
the  changing  business  needs  of  our
customers. This enhanced product  combined  the  Bank’s
existing  BetterBusiness  loan  product  with  a  Fixed  Rate
Term  Advance  to  form  one  “Complete  Business  Loan”.
The  product  offers  business  customers  a  choice  of
variable, fixed, capped, and economiser rate options.
CBFC Limited

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  network  of  branches,
field  staff
Business  Banking  Centres  and  mobile 
throughout Australia.

CBFC has total assets of $5.7 billion (including net
loan  receivables  of  $5.6  billion)  representing  growth  of
4.6%  over  30  June  1999.  New  business 
totalling
$2.7 billion  was  written  during  the  year,  a  reduction  of
4.8%  on  the  previous  year.  The  reduction  in  new
business  occurred  largely  between  December  1999  and
April  2000  and  was  mainly  attributable  to  business
concerns about the introduction of GST.

CBFC commenced issuing Short Term Notes to the
domestic  market  in  August  1999.  The  program  has
proven  successful  with  a  total  of  $1.3  billion  on  issue  at
30 June 2000.
QuickLine

in 

QuickLine, the Group’s electronic business banking
product,  has  grown  customer  numbers  by  more  than
50% 
the  past  12  months.  QuickLine  enables
customers to retrieve account details, such as balances,
from  8am  each  morning  in  addition  to  making  payments
to  any  account  at  any  financial  institution  in  Australia,
reviewing  unpresented  cheques,  and  transferring  funds
up  to  six  weeks  in  advance  with  payment  only  effected
on  the  date  specified.  The  ease  and  convenience  of
completing banking transactions from the home or office
24  hours  a  day,  7  days  a  week  has  led  to  the  Bank
7.5  million  QuickLine
processing 
transactions per month.
Agri Business

approximately 

In February 2000 the Group’s AgriOptions package
risk

include  commodity  price 

was  enhanced 
management capability.

to 

In  May  2000  the  Group  was  successful  in  winning
the  Australian  Dairy  Industry  Council  tender  to  provide
dairy  farmers  with  upfront  finance  utilising  the  Federal
governments deregulation payments.

Products and Services

New Initiatives

to  meet 

Manufacturing  Growth  Solutions,  a 

range  of
products  and  services 
the  needs  of
manufacturing businesses was launched during the year.
Retailer  Options,  a  new  business  and  financial
management  package  containing  a  broad  range  of
solutions  that  meet  the  specific  needs  of  retailers,  was
launched  in  February  2000.  The  Group  aligned  with  key
third  party  business  partners  to  offer  retailers  value
added  solutions  to  complement  the  Group's  offerings.
The third party offerings included a PC based retail cash
integrated  software  with  KeyCorp  &
register  with 
Quicken,  online  enablement  with  Optus  and 
the
co-branded  GST  educational  CD-ROM  with  Quicken,
Gang of Four and CCH.
eCommSupply

eCommSupply,  which 

facilitates  business 
[B2B]  electronic  procurement  services 

to
business 
to
business  customers  via  the  Internet,  was  launched  as  a
pilot  service  in  February  2000.  The  service  includes  the
ability for suppliers to have their company, product and/or
service  details  registered  and  hosted  on  the  Supply
Search  registry  and  ability  for  buyers  to  find  suppliers
and  products  using  the  search  engine  capabilities  and
initiate requests for information and quotes.
CORPORATE
Financial Markets

overall 

Financial  Markets 

was
$396.6 million,  an  increase  of  7%.  Trading  activities
capitalised  on  the  market  volatility  in  interest  rates  and
78%  of  Financial  Markets  income  was  non-interest
income.

income 

During the year the Group was active in developing

new risk management products.

Commonwealth was the first Bank to issue “trigger”
currency  warrants.  These  were  issued  on  the  Australian
Stock  Exchange  in  November  1999.  The  Group  co-lead
the  first  issue  of  e-bonds  in  Australia,  the  Telstra  $500
million March 2010 Bonds.

The  Group  is  evaluating  opportunities  in  the  new
field  of  Greenhouse  Gas  Emissions,  and  Weather
Derivatives to assist clients with hedging climate risk.
eCommCorporate

eCommCorporate,  the  Group’s  Institutional  and
Corporate  internet  banking  platform,  was  launched  in
this  platform  Financial
November  1999.  Through 
Markets’  clients  can  execute  on-line,  real-time  spot  and
forward 
transactions  and  money
market transactions and access their trade records.
Corporate Finance

foreign  exchange 

The  Group  is  a  leading  provider  of  financing  for
large  asset  acquisitions  and  businesses.  Major
transactions completed during the year include arranging
and  underwriting  financing  for  the  Millmerran  Power
project  in  Queensland,  the  Australian  Pipeline  Trust  and
the  Visy  Pulp  and  Paper  Plant  at  Tumut  and  debt
refinancing for Hills Motorway.

Through its Strategic Alliance with ComputerFleet,
the  Group  has  become  a  market  leader  in  the  provision
of  managed  operating  lease  programmes  for  large
installations 
and
information 
telecommunications equipment.

technology 

of 

The Group is also recognised as one of the leading
banks  in  the  Australian  property  market.  During  the  last
year the Group provided finance for commercial projects
in  Sydney  including  155  Macquarie  Street,  Park  Plaza
and  363  George  Street  and  for  residential  projects

including the Regency at Chatswood, King Street Wharf,
Balmain Shores and the Forum at St Leonards.
Fund Services

custody 

services 

In  November  1999,  the  Group  entered  into  a
strategic  alliance  with  State  Street  Australia  Limited  to
to  Australian
provide  master 
superannuation  funds.  As  a  result  of  the  alliance,  Fund
Services  has  consolidated  its  position  in  the  custody
market  and  as  at  30  June  2000  administered  over
$66.5 billion  of  assets.  Fund  Services  uses  the  Group’s
to  enhance
leading  edge  e-commerce 
delivery and receipt of client reporting information via the
internet.
Transaction Services

technology 

Transaction  Services  provides  cash  management
for  clients,  offering  corporate  accounts,
solutions 
payment and information services to help them efficiently
manage  their  funds.  Transaction  Services  continues  to
use  the  latest  information  technologies  to  develop  and
enhance the way payments and other transaction data is
transmitted  between  the  Group  and  its  clients.  The
Group’s launch of eCommCorporate provided an internet
payment  channel 
for  Transaction  Services’  clients.
ImageBank,  an  image  databank  product,  was  launched
during the year.
FUNDS MANAGEMENT

The Group (including Colonial) is Australia’s largest
funds  under
fund  manager  with  $73.9  billion 
management 
assets),
consisting of $21.2 billion in Commonwealth funds under
management  and  $52.7  billion  in  Colonial  funds  under
management.

in 
Insurance 

(excluding  Life 

The  merger  with  Colonial  illustrates  the  Group’s
commitment  to  growth  in  funds  management  and  life
insurance  businesses,  and  is  critical  to  the  Group
maintaining its momentum in a highly competitive market.
The combined Commonwealth/Colonial Group ranks first
in  terms  of  both  retail  and  wholesale  funds  under
management (source: ASSIRT June 2000).
Commonwealth

Commonwealth Financial Services is the 5th largest
fund  manager  and  4th  largest  retail  fund  manager  in
Australia (source: ASSIRT June 2000).

As  at  30  June  2000,  Commonwealth  Financial
Services  had  a  customer  base  of  over  730,000.    Gross
sales  in  managed  products,  superannuation  and  other
investment  products  were  $9.6  billion,  an  increase  of
$1.3 billion or 16% over the prior period. Commonwealth
remains  the  largest  allocated  pension  provider  in  the
market.

Funds Under Management for Retirement Products
increased  14%  from  $9.6  billion  at  30  June  1999  to
$10.9 billion  as  at  30  June  2000.  Gross  retail  sales  for
Retirement Products (which includes superannuation and
retirement income products) increased 7%.

The  predominant  sources  of  new  business  on
superannuation  products  are  rollovers  and  personal
contributions. 
product,
Commonwealth  SuperSelect  which  offers  customers  the
choice  of  15  investment  options  from  a  variety  of  fund
managers was launched in September 1999.

superannuation 

new 

A 

Funds  Under  Management  for  Unit  Trusts  was  up
26% from $5.4 billion at 30 June 1999 to $6.8 billion as at
30  June  2000.  Unit  Trust  sales  increased  21%  on  the
same period last year from $5.7 billion to $6.9 billion.

Major  sources  of  new  sales  for  Unit  Trusts  have
been  Commonwealth  Cash  Management  Trust,
Commonwealth  Balanced  Fund,  Commonwealth  Income

15

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Ivory 
in 

The  marked  increase  in  the  proportion  of  external
funds  under  management  was  in  part  due  to  the
Investments,
acquisition  of  Colonial  Stewart 
contributing  almost  $8  billion 
funds  under
management. 
In  addition,  Colonial  First  State
Investments  retained  the  investment  mandate  to  the
majority  of  the  Colonial  UK  life  and  pensions  business
subsequent  to  the  sale  of  that  business  to  the  Swiss
Insurer  Winterthur. 
funds  were  previously
classified as internal funds under management.
LIFE INSURANCE

  These 

Total  Life  Insurance  assets  of  the  Group  are  in

excess of $32 billion.
Commonwealth Life Limited

Annual  life  insurance  premiums  in  force  business
for  Commonwealth  Life  Limited  (CLL)  have  grown  by
15% to $54.4 million at 30 June 2000.

The  major  source  of  new  business 

for  Life
Insurance  products 
is  Commonwealth  Mortgage
Protection,  which  has  accounted  for  approximately  54%
of all new sales for the year.

An  immediate  annuity  product,  Commonwealth

Income Select was launched on 3 April 2000.
Commonwealth  Life  entered 

into  an  agency
agreement  with  MLC  Limited  in  November  1999  to
distribute Income Protection insurance.
Colonial

On  a  Margin  on  Services  basis,  the  Australasian
insurance  and  superannuation  business  of  Colonial
recorded a net profit after tax of $223 million for the year
to  30  June  2000,  compared  with  a  profit  of  $193  million
for  the  previous  corresponding  period.    The  result  was
underpinned  by  strong  new  business  growth  during  the
year.

Profits from the Asian  operations  were  significantly
lower  than  the  previous  corresponding  period,  reflecting
the  impact  of  a  sharp  decline  in  equity  markets  in
Thailand and the Philippines during the year.

New business in the insurance and superannuation
operations  was  a  significant  32%  ahead  of  the  previous
year.    An  increase  of  51%  in  sales  of  Master  Fund
products  in  Australia  was  a  key  driver  of  the  sales
growth,  reflecting  a  deliberate  positioning  to  capture  a
strong share of this market segment.

New business sales for the year continued to reflect
the  market’s  currently  favourable  view  of  unit  trust
products, with unit trust sales through the insurance and
superannuation  business  49%  ahead  of  the  previous
year.    A  focused  marketing  effort  on  annuity  products  in
Australia was rewarded during the year with strong sales
of  short-term  annuity  products  while  growth  in  the  Asian
business  is  reflected  in  new  business  sales  38%  ahead
of the previous year.

Products and Services

Fund,  Commonwealth 
Commonwealth Growth Fund.

Imputation  Share  Fund  and

Commonwealth 

Investment  Management 

is
responsible  for  managing  Commonwealth’s  funds  under
management, including wholesale investment mandates,
the  Commonwealth  Financial  Services  group  wholesale
and  retail  unit  trust  products  and  the  life  company’s
statutory funds.  As at 30 June 2000 the Group managed
$13.4 billion  (including  Life  Insurance  assets)  on  behalf
of  a  diverse  range  of  wholesale  clients,  including  state,
local  and  semi-government  entities,  corporations,
investment funds and superannuation funds.

In  December  1999,  the  Group  entered  into  a
strategic  alliance  with  Legal  &  General  Investment
Management  in  the  United  Kingdom  whereby  Legal  &
indexed
Investment  Management  manage 
General 
international  equity  and 
interest  portfolios  for
Commonwealth Investment Management’s clients.
Colonial First State

fixed 

Strong  investment  performance  and  new  business
funds  under  management,
inflows,  driving  higher 
contributed  to  profits  of  $77  million  for  the  year  for
Colonial  First  State  Investments,  an  increase  of  31%  on
the corresponding period in 1999.

During  the  year,  Colonial  First  State  Investments
completed  the  acquisition  of  the  UK  based  independent
funds  management  company,  Stewart 
  The
acquisition 
funds  under  management  by
almost  $8  billion  and  provides  a  strong  UK  base  for
growth  of  the  international  funds  management  business
in  the  northern  hemisphere.    The  UK  business  now
trades as Colonial Stewart Ivory Investments.

increased 

Ivory. 

External  funds  under  management  increased  by
$17  billion  during  the  year  to  $52.7  billion  at  30  June
2000.    Included  in  this  figure  is  funds  under  overlay
management  of  $8.5  billion,  through  Tactical  Global
Management,  9%  ahead  of  the  position  at  the  end  of
1999.  New business inflows remained strong during the
year  particularly  in  Australia  and  Singapore.    Gross
external  fund  inflows  of  $9.8  billion  (excluding  funds
under  overlay  management)  were  achieved  during  the
year  ended  30  June  2000,  37%  ahead  of  the  previous
year.

Funds under management in Australia increased by
23%  during  the  year  to  $33.4  billion  (including  Life
Insurance  assets),  driven  by  strong  retail  and  wholesale
inflows.    Strong  retail  inflows  in  Singapore  have  taken
funds  under  management  in  Asia  to  $2.4  billion  at
30 June  2000.    In  the  United  Kingdom,  funds  under
management at 30 June 2000 amounted to $18.9 billion,
compared  to  $12.1  billion  at  the  end  of  1999,  reflecting
the  impact  of  the  acquisition  of  Colonial  Stewart  Ivory
Investments.

The 

proportion 

under
management  has  increased  to  80%  at  30  June  2000,
from 51.4% at 30 June 1999.

external 

funds 

of 

16

 
Strategy

The  Group’s  vision  is  to  be  the  best  brand  in
helping  customers  manage  and  build  wealth.  A  set  of
business  goals  underpins 
the
Group’s  vision.  Each  operating  division  in  turn  has  a
series of strategies that are consistent with, and directed
at  the  collective  achievement  of  those  business  goals,
which are:

the  achievement  of 

the  commercial  orientation  and  focus  among  this  key
customer  focused  management  group  is  expected.  In
addition,  Customer  Service  Division  staff  development
was a key focus with an average of 5,000 formal training
days  per  month  covering  a  range  of  sales,  leadership,
relationship management and technical skills.

Develop offshore opportunities

Primarily 

Attract more customers and revenue per customer
the  Group  seeks 

to  attract  more
customers,  and  undertake  higher-value  business  with
each  customer.    This  occurs  by  providing  offerings
tailored  to  customers’  needs,  through  a  multi-channel
distribution  network,  which 
integrates  banking  and
financial services and also offers third party choice.

With  the  acquisition  of  Colonial,  the  Group’s  total
number  of  customers  has  increased  to  approximately
10 million  with  many  Colonial  customers  having  a
relationship  for  the  first  time  with  the  Commonwealth
Group.

Best value service through innovation and on-line
leadership

innovative 

The  Group  seeks  to  provide  best  value  for  money
service 
to 
its  customers,  across  all  channels  and
is
implement  sound 
committed  to  driving  its  leadership  position  in  on-line
financial  services.  Accordingly, 
to
information
integrate 
searching  capabilities  of  on-line  channels  with 
the
capabilities of traditional channels.

the  customer  attracting  and 

ideas.  The  Group 

the  Group  aims 

 HomePath  for  example,  is  a  new  way  of  doing
business,  providing  an  online  decision  support  system
around  the  home  buying  experience,  not  simply  the
traditional ‘mortgage only’ offering.

Best team

Meeting the needs of the Group’s many customers
and  shareholders  requires  strong  leadership,  shared
vision  and  staff  who  are  encouraged  to  use  their
capabilities  and  talents.  The  Group  seeks  to  have  the
best  team  by  ensuring  its  people  and  business  systems
are mutually reinforcing through:
• 
• 
• 

line management leadership and accountability;
fair treatment and safe work;
recognising 
appropriately 
contribution; and
attracting  the  right  people  and  developing  their
talent.
For example the Group is continuing with the rollout
to  establish  a  common
of  a 
framework 
the
organisation.  Over  5,300  employees  in  leadership  roles
have attended the program thus far. Moreover, with 80%
of  all  Branch  Managers  accepting  an  offer  to  move  to
Australian  Workplace  Agreements,  an    enhancement  to

leadership  behaviour  across 

leadership  program 

rewarding

and 

for 

• 

The  Group 

targets  growth  opportunities 

in
international markets,  within  acceptable  risk  parameters.
Opportunities  are  sought  in  areas  where  the  Group  can
deploy  its  learning  from  on-line  and  financial  services
less-advanced  markets,  or  where
businesses 
specific  offerings  can  exploit  niches  within 
large
advanced  markets.  The  Group’s  long  term  goal  is  for
25%  of  market  capitalisation  to  be  represented  by
offshore earnings streams.

into 

With  Colonial  the  Group  now  has  approximately
15%  of  market  capitalisation  represented  by  offshore
revenue streams.

The  Group’s 

funds  under  management, 

life
insurance,  health  insurance  and  banking  businesses
extend  across  Asia,  Fiji,  the  United  Kingdom  and  New
Zealand.

in 

In  May, 

the  United  Kingdom, 

the  Bank
announced a 23.5% investment in, and strategic alliance
with,  Property 
Internet  plc  which  operates  on-line
residential  property  listings  and  information  services
websites.  Under 
the  Bank  has
this  arrangement, 
exclusive  rights  to  provide  a  mortgage  choice  referral
at
on 
service 
www.08004homes.com.

Internet’s 

Property 

website 

Later  this  year  the  Group  will  launch  a  range  of
“Australian  style”  mortgages  into  the  UK  market.    The
product  will  be  available  online  and  through  the  Group’s
UK call centres and other intermediaries

Global best-practice costs

The  Group  has  been  working  hard  to  develop  its
business on  a  cost  structure that  is  globally  competitive.
The  Group  benchmarks  itself  against  global  players  in
each  line  of  business  and  from  time  to  time  may  re-
engineer  an  entire  process,  ally  with  best-practice
players, or in-source greater scale to reach best-practice
unit costs.

The  Group  continues  to  advance  its  efforts  in
partnering  with  specialists  that  can  provide  market
leadership in technology at lower cost.

The  Group  has  entered  into  an  agreement  with
Telecom  Corporation  New  Zealand  for  a  $500  million
contract  to  provide  telecommunications  to  the  Group  for
the  next  five  years.    The  arrangement  will  deliver  new
efficiencies  to  the  Group,  including  a  full  range  of
integrated data, voice and video services over an internet
protocol network.

17

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

The  Directors  expect  the  ratio  of  dividends  per
share  to  cash  earnings  per  share  for  2000/2001  to
remain high relative to peer financial institutions.

to  keep 

The  Group  continues 

its  capital
management opportunities under review. Agreement has
been  reached  with  APRA  on  the  basis  of  measurement
of  capital  adequacy  for  the  merged  group.  Work  is  now
underway  to  fully  integrate  the  Colonial  businesses  into
the  Group's  integrated  risk  management  framework,
the  aggregate  economic  equity
which  will  allow 
requirement to be determined. Consideration will then be
given  to  the  optimum  mix  and  level  of  capital,  having
regard  to  the  objective  of  generating  sustainable  returns
to  shareholders  whilst  maintaining  a  buffer  above  the
regulatory  minimum  (to  reflect  APRA’s  position  on
conglomerates,  once  finalised)  and  preserving  a  AA
ratings profile.

Outlook Statement

The  combined  operations  of  Commonwealth  and
Colonial  position  the  Group  as  a  leader  within  the
financial  services  sector  in  Australia  and  New  Zealand,
together  with  representation  in  key  markets  throughout
Asia  and  the  UK.    This  provides  the  opportunity  to
achieve 
revenue  growth  and  productivity
improvements.

further 

Critical  to  the  Group's  goal  of  further  improving
shareholder  returns  will  be  achieving  the  revenue  and
cost synergies anticipated from the successful integration
of  the  Commonwealth  and  Colonial  operations.    At  the
same  time,  continued  focus  on  sales  momentum  and
service  quality  in  the  Group's  core  businesses  will  be
essential.

The  economic  outlook,  both  domestically  and
overseas, is for lower growth than that experienced over
recent years, but for the economic environment to remain
relatively stable. A weaker Australian dollar would further
reduce  domestic  business  growth  and  raise  costs.  The
markets  in  which  the  Group  operates  are  expected  to
remain  highly  competitive,  which  will  require  ongoing
implementation  of  electronic  processing  and  delivery
platforms to achieve continued productivity improvement.
Within  this  challenging  environment  the  Group  expects
that its diversified range of banking and financial services
products  will  support  further  revenue  growth,  while  the
integration further improves its competitive positioning.

18

MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

David Murray

CEO Office and
Group Planning and
Development

Australian
Financial
Services

Customer Service
Division

Colonial First State
Investment Group

Institutional
Banking

International
Financial Services *

Michael Katz

Ralph Norris

Garry Mackrell

John Mulcahy

Gail Kelly

Peter Polson

Financial and Risk
Management

Technology, Operations and
Property

Group Human
Resources

European
Banking

Michael Ullmer

Russell Scrimshaw

Les Cupper

Adrian Cosenza

* Includes ASB Group

19

Financial Review

Balance Sheet

The  Group  Balance  Sheet  has  been  impacted  by

• 

the following significant items:

• 

The  acquisition  of  Colonial  on  13  June  2000
This had the following effects:
• 
• 
• 

Assets increased $50 billion;
Liabilities increased $41 billion; and
Equity  increased  $9  billion,  reflecting  the
issue  of  351  million  shares 
to  Colonial
shareholders on completion of the merger.

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

The  adoption  of  Accounting  Standard  1038:  Life
Insurance Business which has resulted in:
• 

Consolidation  of  Statutory  Fund  Assets
($25.7 billion)  and  liabilities  ($26.5  billion).
(Further details can be found in Note 1 of the
Notes  to  and  Forming  Part  of  the  Financial
Statements.)
The  adoption  of  market  value  accounting  for
various  life  insurance  businesses  within  the
Group 
increasing  assets  by  $2.4  billion.
(Further details can be found in Note 1 of the
Notes  to  and  Forming  Part  of  the  Financial
Statements.)

• 

Results of Operations for the Financial Year 2000 versus Financial Year 1999
Net Interest Income

The following table sets forth the Group’s net interest income for Financial Years 1999 and 2000, together with half year
comparatives.

Half-year Ended

30/06/00
30/06/00 31/12/99 30/06/99 31/12/98 30/06/00 30/06/99 vs 30/06/99
%

Full Year Ended

$M

$M

$M

$M

$M

$M

Interest Income
Loans
Other financial institutions
Liquid assets
Trading securities
Investment securities
Dividends on redeemable preference shares
Other
Total Interest Income

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

Net Interest Income

30/06/00 - 30/06/99 (up 5%)
30/06/00 - 31/12/99 (up 0%)

(2)

(2)

4,051
116
48
142
320
12
5
4,694

2,013
169
415
111
125
1
2,834
1,860

3,612
75
30
153
266
12
-
4,148

1,760
128
256
60
85
-
2,289
1,859

3,362
69
29
115
206
13
1
3,795

1,603
97
203
46
75
1
2,025
1,770

3,444
96
29
131
219
29
2
3,950

1,750
110
190
60
80
3
2,193
1,757

7,663
191
78
295
586
24
5
8,842

3,773
297
671
171
210
1
5,123
3,719

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

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

13
16
34
20
38
(43)
67
14

13
43
71
61
35
(75)
21
5

Net  Interest  Income  for  the  current  year  increased
to
by  5.4%  or  $192  million 
$3,719 million.  This  increase  includes  $22  million  as  a
result  of  the  inclusion  of  Colonial  Limited  from  13  June
2000.  Excluding  Colonial,  the  underlying  growth  for  the
year was $170 million or 4.8%.

from  $3,527  million 

The  net  Interest  Income  movement  over  the  year
was the result of the impact of growth in interest earning
net assets, offset by a decline in interest margins. This is
shown in the table below.

20

Financial Review

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

Financial Year
2000 vs. 1999
Increase
(Decrease)

Financial Year
1999 vs. 1998
Increase/
(Decrease)

$M

424
(232)
192

$M

363
(233)
130

Average 

$14,892 million  or  13% 
$129,163  million 
$424 million to net interest income.

interest  earning  assets  grew  by
to
(Note 3)(1).  This  growth  added

from  $114,271  million 

The  main  contributor  to  the  growth  in  average
interest  earning  assets  was  achieved  through  loans,
advances  and  other  receivables  within  Australia  which
increased  by  13.9%  or  $11,563  million 
from
$83,350 million  to  $94,913 million  (Note  3).  This  growth
was predominantly within  housing  loans,  term  loans  and
overdrafts,  together  with  an  increase  resulting  from  the
purchase  of  Credit  Lyonnais.  Average  interest  bearing
liabilities  grew  by  13.5%  or  $13,945  million 
from
$103,130  million  to  $117,075  million  (Note  3),  including
certificates  of  deposit  (up  $6.5  billion)  and  Debt  Issues
(up $4.7 billion).

However,  as  shown  in  the  Group  Interest  Margins
and  Spreads  table  below,  group  net  interest  margin
decreased by 0.21% from 3.09% to 2.88% principally as
a result of:
• 

Intense  competition  resulting  in  reduced  lending
margins (particularly in home loan markets)
Notwithstanding  ongoing  retail  deposit  growth  and
maintenance  of  market  share,  the  very  strong
growth in assets has caused increased reliance on
wholesale  funding  at  a  higher  cost  than  retail
deposits.
The  market’s  anticipation  of  the  RBA’s  action  in
increasing  official  cash  rates  led  to  a  widening  in
the  spread  between  cash  and  90  day  Bank  Bill
Rates,  further  adding  to  the  cost  of  wholesale
funding.

• 

• 

(1)

(2)

References to ‘Notes’ refer to Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements.
30/06/00  –  30/06/99:  This  compares  the  full  year  ending  30  June  2000  to  the  full  year  ending  30  June  1999.
30/06/00  –  31/12/99:  This  compares  the  half  year  ending  30  June  2000  to  the  half  year  ending  31  December  1999.

21

Financial Review

Group Interest Margins and Spreads

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.

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

for
The  calculations  of  margins  and  spreads 
Australia and Overseas include an allowance for transfer
of offshore funding used to finance onshore lending. The
lower overseas margins and spreads reflects the effect of
that  business.
funding  nature  of 
the  wholesale 

Half-year Ended

Full Year Ended

30/06/00 31/12/99 30/06/99 31/12/98 30/06/00 30/06/99
%

%

%

%

%

%

2.82
(0.01)

2.81
0.41

3.22

1.27
(0.02)

1.25
0.28

1.53

2.56
(0.01)

2.55
0.39
2.94

2.96
(0.02)

2.94
0.39

3.33

1.47
(0.05)

1.42
0.37

1.79

2.68
(0.02)

2.66
0.39
3.05

3.02
(0.01)

3.01
0.39

3.40

1.43
(0.06)

1.37
0.38

1.75

2.74
(0.02)

2.72
0.40
3.12

2.71
-

2.71
0.42

3.13

1.24
(0.02)

1.22
0.30

1.52

2.48
(0.01)

2.47
0.41
2.88

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

free 

interest 

A  portion  of  the  Group’s  interest  earning  assets  is
funded  by  net 
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  interest  income  divided  by  average  interest
earning assets for the period.

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)

Group
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 
interest  rate
earned and the average interest rate paid on funds.

the  average 

2.62
-

2.62
0.43

3.05

1.20
(0.01)

1.19
0.32

1.51

2.40
-

2.40
0.42
2.82

(3)

(4)

Group Interest Margin

30/06/00 - 30/06/99 (down 21 basis points, 7%)
30/06/00 - 31/12/99 (down 12 basis points, 4%)

The  factors  explained  within  Net  Interest  Income
above, also explain the reduction in the group net interest
margin from 3.09% to 2.88%.

22

Financial Review

Other Operating Income

The  following  table  sets  forth  the  Group’s  non  interest  income  for  Financial  Years  1999  and  2000  together  with  half

year comparatives.

Half-year Ended

30/06/00
30/06/00 31/12/99 30/06/99 31/12/98 30/06/00 30/06/99 vs 30/06/99
%

Full Year Ended

$M

$M

$M

$M

$M

$M

Lending fees
Commission and other fees
Trading income
Foreign exchange earnings
Trading securities
Other financial instruments (incl derivatives)

Dividends
Net gain on investment securities
Net profit on sale of property, plant and equipment
Life insurance and funds management (see below)
General insurance premium income
Less general insurance claims
Other
Total Other Operating Income

283
500

77
51
22
150

7
(5)
2
314
52
(26)
29
1,306

271
446

69
54
38
161

13
17
11
247
51
(29)
18
1,206

244
420

63
31
32
126

4
9
16
134
48
(35)
36
1,002

230
387

92
35
20
147

2
70
8
120
46
(28)
13
995

554
946

146
105
60
311

20
12
13
561
103
(55)
47
2,512

474
807

155
66
52
273

6
79
24
254
94
(63)
49
1,997

17
17

(6)
59
15
14

large
(85)
(46)
large
10
(13)
(4)
26

Other Operating Income

30/06/00 - 30/06/99 (up 26%)
30/06/00 - 31/12/99 (up 8%)

Commission and Other Fees

30/06/00 - 30/06/99 (up 17%)
30/06/00 - 31/12/99 (up 12%)

• 

Other  Operating  Income  increased  by  26%  or
$515 million  from  $1,997  million  to  $2,512  million  during
the  current  financial  year.  This  increase  includes  the
initial impact of the following items:
• 

$67  million  as  a  result  of  the  inclusion  of  Colonial
Limited from 13 June 2000.
$92  million  from  the  Appraisal  Value  uplift  from
marking  to  market the  life  insurance  businesses  of
Commonwealth Life and Sovereign Limited.
$84 million from the inclusion of gross policy holder
income  as  a  result  of  the  adoption  of  the  new  life
insurance  accounting  standard,  together  with  the
inclusion  of  Sovereign  Ltd  for  a  full  year.  This
amount 
in
is  offset  by  equivalent 
operating expenses and tax expense.
Excluding  the  impact  of  those  items  above,  Other
Operating  Income  grew  by  $272 million  (14%).  The
principal reasons for this increase are explained below.

increases 

• 

Lending Fees

30/06/00 - 30/06/99 (up 17%)
30/06/00 - 31/12/99 (up 4%)

Lending fees have grown during the year by 17% or
$80 million due to improved business volumes on owner
occupied  and  Investment  Home  Loans  and  Corporate
Lending. Further details are provided in the Products and
Services section of this Profit Announcement.

Growth 

in  commission  and  other 

fees  has
continued  predominantly  within  Credit  Cards  and
Commonwealth  Securities.  Card  activity  has  been
stronger with a 13% increase in the number of merchants
and  an  8%  increase  in  the  number  of  card  holders.  The
success of Commonwealth Securities has also improved
brokerage  fee  income,  with  a  130%  increase  in  the
number of transactions over the year.

Retail  transaction  fees  for  the  Financial  Year  2000
have  remained  at  approximately  11%  of  total  other
operating income (4% of total operating income).

Trading Income

30/06/00 - 30/06/99 (up 14%)
30/06/00 - 31/12/99 (down 7%)

Volatility in the interest rate markets  over  the  year,
together  with  correct  positioning  in  the  lead  up  to  Y2K,
helped improve the levels of trading income.

Dividends

30/06/00 - 30/06/99 (up 233%)
30/06/00 - 31/12/99 (down 46%)

Dividend  income  for  the  current  year  represents

dividends earned on the Group’s strategic investments.

23

Financial Review

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Net Gain on Investment Securities

General Insurance Income (net of claims)

30/06/00 - 30/06/99 (down 85%)
30/06/00 - 31/12/99 (down 129%)

30/06/00 - 30/06/99 (up 55%)
30/06/00 - 31/12/99 (up 18%)

Income  from  General  Insurance  increased  10%  or
$9 million  during  the  current  financial  year  as  a  result  of
Income  net  of  claims
increased  business 
increased 
reduced  claims
experience.  The  30  June  1999  year  was  adversely
affected by claims associated with the Sydney hailstorm.

further  as  a 

result  of 

levels. 

Limited  (CCSL),  Commonwealth  Funds  Management
Limited (CFML), ASB Life Limited and Sovereign Limited.
It  also  includes  Colonial  Limited  from  13  June  2000.  In
addition, expenses have been included to arrive at a net
result from Life Insurance and Funds Management.

A  corporate  restructuring  involving  the  transfer  of
certain  subsidiaries  under  CIHL  and  the  Colonial  Mutual
Life  Assurance  Society  (CMLA)  was    completed  prior  to
30 June 2000.  Refer Note 1(a).

Half-year Ended

Full Year Ended

30/06/00 31/12/99 30/06/99 31/12/98 30/06/00 30/06/99
$M

$M

$M

$M

$M

$M

270
49
(75)
(222)
565
(409)
178

51
85
314
(134)
180
31
149

189
40
(47)
(88)
501
(447)
148

41
58
247
(109)
138
30
108

198
45
(49)
(88)
192
(219)
79

-
55
134
(58)
76
3
73

98
9
(11)
(19)
398
(397)
78

-
42
120
(69)
51
2
49

459
89
(122)
(310)
1,066
(856)
326

92
143
561
(243)
318
61
257

296
54
(60)
(107)
590
(616)
157

-
97
254
(127)
127
5
122

The  gain  in  the  previous  financial  year  primarily
relates to the profit earned on the finalisation of the sale
of certain infrastructure assets.

Net Profit on Sale of Property Plant and Equipment

30/06/00 - 30/06/99 (down 46%)
30/06/00 - 31/12/99 (down 82%)

During 

the  previous 

the  Group
completed  a  sale  and  leaseback  programme,  which
included  the  listing  of  Commonwealth  Property  Office
Fund as at 29 April 1999.

financial  year 

Life Insurance and Funds Management
Background
The  following  table  sets  forth  the  Group’s  Life
Insurance  and  Funds  Management  Income,  included  as
part of Other Operating Income for Financial Years 1999
and  2000  together  with  half  year  comparatives.  This
category  includes  the  contributions  from  Commonwealth
Insurance  Holdings  Limited  (CIHL),  Commonwealth  Life
Limited  (CLL),  Commonwealth 
Investment  Services
Limited  (CISL),  Commonwealth  Managed  Investments
(CMIL),  Commonwealth  Custodial  Services
Limited 

Results Analysis

Life Insurance and Funds Management
Premium and product fee income
Reinsurance recoveries
Outward reinsurance premiums expense
Claims expense
Investment revenue
Life insurance policy liabilities expense
Margin on Services operating income
Change in excess of net market value over net assets
of life insurance subsidiaries
Funds management income
Life Insurance and Funds Management Income
Operating expenses
Operating profit before tax
Income tax expense
Operating profit after tax (excluding abnormal income)

30/06/00 - 30/06/99 (up 121%)
30/06/00 - 31/12/99 (up 27%)

24

Financial Review

Life 

includes 

The  Financial  Year  2000  result 

the
Commonwealth 
Funds  management
and 
businesses,  17  days  for  Colonial  (acquired  13  June
2000), a full year of Sovereign Limited, and as a result of
the  adoption  of  the  new  life  insurance  accounting
standard,  income  has  been  grossed  up  by  $84  million,
with  offsetting  $48  million  operating  expense  and
$36 million tax expense gross ups.

The  Financial  Year  1999  result 

the
Commonwealth Life and Funds Management businesses
and  seven  months  for  Sovereign  Limited  (acquired
November 1998).

includes 

Having regard to the above:
There  has  been  strong  growth  in  product  fee
income  reflecting  a  $1.5  billion  growth  in  life  insurance
funds  under  management.  Premium  income  and  claims

Charge for Bad and Doubtful Debts

expense have increased in the half year to 30 June 2000
reflecting the inclusion of Colonial risk business.

increase 

An  80% 

income  was
in 
achieved  due  to  strong  investment  performance  from
growth  fund  investments  and  increased  funds  under
management.

investment 

The  movement  in  policy  liabilities  expense  mainly
comprises the improved net investment income, adjusted
for  current  and  deferred  tax  expense.  Most  of  the
movement represents the increase  in  policy  liabilities  for
the  Supersavings  products  that  hold  the  growth  fund
classes.

The  growth  in  funds  management  income  reflects

the $5.6 billion growth in related funds managed.

On  a  like  for  like  basis,  operating  expenses  have

been stable.

The following table sets out the charge for bad and doubtful debts for Financial Years 1999 and 2000 together with half

year comparatives.

Half-year Ended

Full Year Ended

30/06/00 31/12/99 30/06/99 31/12/98 30/06/00 30/06/99
$M

$M

$M

$M

$M

$M

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

Provisions for Impairment

General Provisions
Specific Provisions
Total Provisions

123
(60)
63
(63)
-

17
(23)
43
63
100
100

113
(36)
77
(77)
-

17
(31)
33
77
96
96

111
(14)
97
(97)
-

18
(21)
37
97
131
131

173
(31)
142
(142)
-

26
(30)
(22)
142
116
116

236
(96)
140
(140)
-

34
(54)
76
140
196
196

284
(45)
239
(239)
-

44
(51)
15
239
247
247

Half-year Ended

Full Year Ended

30/06/00 31/12/99 30/06/99 31/12/98 30/06/00 30/06/99
$M

$M

$M

$M

$M

$M

1,358
432
1,790

1,117
258
1,375

1,081
275
1,356

1,059
289
1,348

1,358
432
1,790

1,081
275
1,356

Specific Provisions for impairment as a % of gross impaired
assets net of interest reserved

43.03

44.79

46.69

46.84

43.03

46.69

General provisions as a % of risk weighted assets

1.06

1.03

1.09

1.11

1.06

1.09

Net  charge  for  bad  and  doubtful  debts  decreased
by  21%  to  $196 million  during  the  year  to  30  June  2000
reflecting  strong  credit  management  and  the  stable
Australian economic environment.

Including  Colonial,  total  Provisions  for  Impairment
for  the  Group  at  30 June 2000  are  $1,790 million.  This
level of provisioning is considered adequate.

Specific  provisions  have 

from
$275 million  to  $432 million.  Gross  impaired  assets  less
interest  reserved  have  increased  82%  from  $589  million
to $1,004 million.

increased  57% 

to  43.0% 

This  has  resulted  in  a  decrease  in  the  coverage
improved
ratio 
recoverability of a number of impaired assets, particularly
within Asia.

from  46.7%, 

reflecting 

Including  Colonial, 

increased 
to  $1,358 million  at  30 June 2000 
$1,081 million at 30 June 1999, an increase of 26%.

the  general  provision  has
from

The  general  provision  as  a  percentage  of  Risk
Weighted  Assets  has  remained  relatively  constant  over
the past 6 months, and together with Colonial now sits at
1.06% following a steady decline from 1.14% at 30 June
1998.  This  trend  is  consistent  with  that  of  other  major
Australian banks.

25

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Financial Review

The  following  table  sets  forth  the  Group’s  operating  expenses  for  Financial  Years  1999  and  2000  together  with  half

year comparatives.

Half-year Ended

30/06/00
30/06/00 31/12/99 30/06/99 31/12/98 30/06/00 30/06/99 vs 30/06/99
%

Full Year Ended

$M

$M

$M

$M

$M

$M

Staff Expenses
Salaries and wages
Superannuation contributions
Provision for staff leave benefits
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

Operating Expenses

766
1
17
1
36
17
29
867

732
1
24
2
39
16
24
838

108

100

14
14
27
55

23
37
223

98
71
55
66
290

17
14
31
62

23
29
214

88
73
48
72
281

709
-
22
(2)
37
17
22
805

83

23
14
33
70

37
53
243

70
77
43
71
261

697
1
22
-
40
17
22
799

75

28
12
35
75

27
35
212

75
64
47
58
244

1,498
2
41
3
75
33
53
1,705

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

208

31
28
58
117

46
66
437

186
144
103
138
571

158

51
26
68
145

64
88
455

145
141
90
129
505

43
38
104
209
394
1,774

38
37
72
153
300
1,633

38
35
65
132
270
1,579

38
34
47
117
236
1,491

81
75
176
362
694
3,407

76
69
112
249
506
3,070

7
large
(7)
large
(3)
(3)
20
6

32

(39)
8
(15)
(19)

(28)
(25)
(4)

28
2
14
7
13

7
9
57
45
37
11

the 

Operating  Expenses 

increased  by  11%  or
$337 million  from  $3,070  million  to  $3,407  million  during
the  financial  year.  This  increase  includes  the  following
amounts, 
Information
Technology Services and Other Expenses categories:
• 

predominantly  within 

$58  million  as  a  result  of  the  inclusion  of  Colonial
Limited from 13 June 2000.
$48  million  gross  expenses  as  a  result  of  the
adoption  of  the  new  life  insurance  accounting
standard,  offset  within  other  operating  income  and
tax expense, and the inclusion of Sovereign Ltd for
a full year.

• 

26

• 

• 

projects 

including 

$52  million  from  increased  investment  in  revenue
generating 
eCommerce,
Woolworths  Ezybanking  and  European  Banking,
together  with  infrastructure  projects  and  system
changes in anticipation of the GST introduction.
$71 million increase directly related  to  the  success
of  certain  revenue  generating  activities  such  as
Commonwealth  Securities  and  True  Awards
Loyalty  program,  where  the  related  expense  base
is variable.
Excluding  those  items  above,  underlying  expenses
increased  $108  million,  which  represents  a  3.5%
increase over the prior year.

Financial Review

Staff Expenses

Staff  expenses  increased  by  6%  or  $101 million
from  $1,604  million  to  $1,705  million  over  the  financial
year. On 13 June 2000, CBA acquired control of Colonial
Ltd, which added  8,549  staff to  the  group  as  at  30  June

Staff Numbers as at

Full time staff
Part time staff
Full time staff equivalent

Full time staff equivalent - Commonwealth Bank
Full time staff equivalent - Colonial Group

Australia
New Zealand
Other Overseas
Full time staff/total staff
Part time staff/total staff

Slight  reductions  occurred 

in  underlying  staff
numbers  resulting  from  reductions  within  the  branch
network  and  processing  areas,  partly  offset  by  increase
of  staff  within  Commonwealth  Securities  and  Call
Centres.

Occupancy and Equipment Expenses

Overall  occupancy  and  equipment  expenses  have
declined 4% to $437 million from $455 million. Excluding
Colonial  the  reduction  achieved  equals  5%.  Operating
lease  rentals  increased  following  the  completion  of  the
sale and leaseback program during the previous financial
year  with  $500  million  of  property  sold 
the
Commonwealth  Property  Office  Fund.  This  has  been
partly  offset  by  reductions  in  Buildings  and  Equipment
Depreciation.

to 

Information Technology Services

Information  Technology  Services  have  increased
by  13%  or  $66  million  from  $505  million  to  $571  million
during  the  current  year.  The  increase  of  $65  million
(excluding Colonial) is the result of increased expenditure
on projects including GST, e-commerce and Ezybanking.
Implementation  of  e-commerce  initiatives  and  increased
usage  of  call  centres  has  resulted  in  increases  in
communications costs.

Income Tax Expense

2000 and $19 million to staff costs for the year. Excluding
Colonial, staff expense increased by 5%. This reflects the
4.5% 
the  Enterprise  Bargaining
Agreement effective in May 1999.

increase 

through 

30/06/00

31/12/99

30/06/99

31/12/98

34,154
7,383
37,131

28,582
8,549

31,056
3,731
2,344
82.2%
17.8%

26,131
6,554
28,734

28,734
-

25,287
3,237
210
79.9%
21.1%

26,394
6,655
28,964

28,964
-

25,678
3,061
225
79.9%
20.1%

26,672
6,523
29,116

29,116
-

25,948
2,941
227
80.3%
19.7%

The  bank  has  recently  announced  an  alliance  with
Telecom  Corporation  New  Zealand  in  relation  to  the
provision of communications services.

Other Expenses

Other expenses have grown by 37% or $188 million
from  $506  million  to  $694  million  over  the  current
financial year. Included in this amount is:
• 

$35  million  as  a  result  of  the  inclusion  of  Colonial
Limited from 13 June 2000;
$34 million life insurance gross expenses;
$37  million  from  increased  investment  in  revenue
generating projects; and
$53 million current year revenue related expenses,
including  marketing  and  support  costs 
for
Commonwealth  Securities  and  $17  million
associated with the True Awards Loyalty program.
Excluding  these  items,  underlying  other  expenses

• 
• 

• 

grew by $29 million representing a 5.7% increase.

Income Tax Expense (pre Abnormals)

363

457

318

396

820

714

Effective Tax Rate (pre Abnormals)

28.9

34.8

30.6

35.3

31.9

33.1

30/06/00
$M

Half-year Ended
31/12/99 30/06/99
$M

$M

Full Year Ended

31/12/98 30/06/00
$M

$M

30/06/99
$M

Income Tax Expense

The  effective  rate  reduced  from  33.1%  in  Financial  Year  1999  to  31.9%  in  Financial  Year  2000.  This  was

predominantly due to an increase in non assessable life insurance income.

27

Financial Review

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

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.

Abnormal items:
Restructuring costs(1)
Net market valuation of funds management
businesses(2)
Change of valuation bases of Commonwealth Life
insurance business (3)
Total Abnormal Items Before Tax
Abnormal tax credit items:
Restructuring costs(4)
Total Abnormal Items After Tax

30/06/00
$M

Half-year Ended
31/12/99 30/06/99
$M

$M

Full Year Ended

31/12/98 30/06/00
$M

$M

30/06/99
$M

(106)

537

536
967

20

987

-

-

-
-

-

-

-

-

-
-

-

-

-

-

-
-

-

-

(106)

537

536
967

20

987

-

-

-
-

-

-

(1)

(2)

processing 

Restructuring Costs
The  provision  for  restructuring  covers  the  costs  of
integrating 
(acquired
the  Colonial  operations 
13 June 2000) into the existing Group, including the
of 
rationalisation 
and
existing 
administrative 
functions.  The  principal  costs
associated  with  this  programme  are  in  the  area  of
redundancy,  property  and  systems.  Refer  Note  1A
for further details of the Colonial acquisition.
Net  market  valuation  of 
businesses
In June 2000, the  Commonwealth’s  principal  funds
management  businesses  were 
to
Commonwealth Insurance Holdings Limited (CIHL);
a  life  insurance  wholly  owned  controlled  entity,  as
part of an internal restructuring. In accordance with
AASB1038: Life Insurance Business, these entities
are  required  to  be  carried  at  their  net  market
valuation.  The  difference  between  the  previous
carrying  value  and  the  net  market  value  results  in
an abnormal gain.

funds  management

transferred 

(3)

(4)

Change  of  valuation  bases  of  Commonwealth  Life
insurance business
This  item  arises  from  a  change  in  the  bases  of
valuation of the Commonwealth  Life  business.  The
change in bases arose due to the following items:
• 
first time inclusion of franking credits;
• 
lower  than  previously  estimated  impact  of
business tax reforms; and
revised  assumptions  for  the  new  business
multiplier.

• 

These  factors  increased  the  valuation  of  CLL  by
$536 million.
Tax Credit – Restructuring Costs
This  represents  the  tax  deductible  portion  of  the
restructuring costs. Certain of the costs are not tax
deductible and represent a permanent difference.

Restructuring Provisions and Fair Value Adjustments

The following table highlights the restructuring provisions and fair value adjustments raised as part of the acquisition of

Colonial Limited. Amounts have been compared to those estimated and disclosed within the Scheme Booklet.

30 June 2000

Scheme Booklet

294
106
400
330

475

327

312
-
312
223

325

214

Restructuring Costs
 - Colonial (Refer Note 1A)
 - Commonwealth Bank - Abnormal

Net of Tax

Fair Value Adjustments - (Refer Note 1A)

Net of Tax

28

Financial Review

Restructuring  costs  of  $400  million  (pre  tax)  have
been raised at 30 June 2000, an increase  of  $88  million
from  those  disclosed  within  the  Scheme  Booklet.  These
provisions  cover  systems  integration,  branch  and  head
office  amalgamation  costs  and  staff  redundancies.  The
amounts  have  increased  from  the  original  assessment
based  on  the  Group’s  integration  strategy  and  a  more
detailed assessment of cost structures.

Fair  value  adjustments  of  $475  million  (pre  tax)
have been raised, an increase of $150 million from those
disclosed  in  the  scheme  booklet.  The  principal  reasons
for  the  increase  are  write-offs  of  capitalised  costs  in
accordance  with  Commonwealth  accounting  policy  and
further  provisioning  against  certain  balances  within  loan
portfolios.

Integrated Risk Management

The  Bank  has  implemented  an  Integrated  Risk
Management Framework to measure risk and return on a
consistent basis.

• 

• 

• 

• 

in 

the 

form  of

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 
Economic Equity.
Applies risk  adjusted  returns  to  allocated  equity  on
a consistent basis to derive performance measures
that are comparable between businesses.
The  management  of  risk  and  return 
the
responsibility  of  Business  Units,  operating  within
Integrated  Risk  Management  Framework
the 
policies.  Overall  compliance  with  policies 
is
monitored by specialist areas within the Financial &
Risk Management Division (including Group Audit).
This Division also ensures that there is consistency
between risk policies and measurement processes.

is 

25%

8%

67%

Credit Risk
Capital
Market Risk
Capital
Operational Risk
Capital

The  average  composition  of  diversified  Economic
Equity  of  the  Group  (excluding  Colonial)  during  the
Financial Year 2000 was:

The Group’s credit risk portfolio is as follows:

Total gross credit risk (Note 14)
Less unearned income (Note 12)
Credit Risk

Charge for bad and doubtful debts (Note 13)
Loss rate % (excluding Colonial)

The loss rate is the charge as a percentage of the credit risk.

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 is derived
from  the  underlying  exposures  to  Credit  Risk,  Market
Risk,  and  Operational  Risk,  allowing 
inter-risk
diversification.

for 

(i)

Credit Risk
The measurement of the Group’s credit risk capital
requirement is based on the Group’s internal Credit Risk
Rating  Systems,  and  utilises  techniques  such  as  the
calculate
KMV  Portfolio  Manager 
Unexpected  and  Expected 
the  diversified
portfolio.  For further description of management of credit
risk refer Note 14.

analytics 
for 
loss 

to 

Credit Portfolio

The  Group  manages  its  credit  portfolio  in  two

segments:

Statistically Managed Segment
This  segment  comprises  products  where 

the
exposures  are  generally 
than  $250,000.  This
segment  is  dominated  by  the  housing  portfolio.  Credit
facilities  are  approved  using  credit  scoring  and  check
sheet techniques.

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.

2000
$M

197,891
(1,465)
196,426

196
0.11

1999
$M

151,984
(1,169)
150,815

247
0.16

1998
$M

140,215
(1,193)
139,022

233
0.17

29

Financial Review

(ii) Operational Risk
Operational  Risk 

is  defined  as 

the  potential
variations  in  the  value  of  the  Group’s  businesses,  other
than those captured in credit and market risk definitions,
comprising risks associated with:
• 
• 
• 

strategic and business decisions,
processes, systems or people, and
external events.
The  Operational  Risk  Policy  comprises  a

systematic assessment and improvement process.

Potential  variations  in  value  are  quantified  through

bottom-up and top-down assessment processes.

Business  units  are  responsible  for  estimating  the
probability  of  variations  in  value  of  their  businesses  and
products  by  using  a  bottom-up  assessment  process.  A
key  result  area  for  most  divisions  is  risk  management,
including  operational  risk  management.  The  operational
risk  process  provides  managers  with  a  tool  to  better
assess  and  manage  their  risks.  Financial  and  Risk
framework  and
Management  Division  design 
the
measurement  method,  and 
division’s  assessments.  The  Managing  Director  and  the
Audit  Committee  review  at  least  every  six  months  the
large  individual  operational  risk  exposures  identified  and
quantified by each division.

facilitate  and  audit 

the 

Risks are measured consistently as the largest loss
over  the  next  year  given  a  99.95%  confidence  level
(consistent  with  a  solvency  standard  equal  to  a  AA
rating).  The  most  appropriate  measure 
large
exposures  is  the  impact  on  shareholder  value  because
changes  to  shareholder  value  can  be  readily  observed
and  measured  for  both  external  and  internal  large  risks,
and back-tested for internal large risk incidents.

for 

Risks  are  identified,  analysed  and  quantified  using
an internal risk case-study database, their expert opinion,
and  internal  and  external  data  on  risk  indicators  and
incidents.  The  inherent  risk  and  the  mitigating  effects  of
preventative  and  impact  controls  are  analysed,  and  the
frequency  and  severity  of  potential  losses  are  estimated
based  on  plausible  scenarios  and  a  selected  probability
distribution.  These 
risks  are
aggregated using a Monte Carlo simulation.

individual  operational 

(iii) Market Risk

Market  Risk is  the  potential  change  in  the  value  of
on  and  off  balance  sheet  positions  caused  by
movements  in  market  factors  such  as  interest  rates,
foreign exchange, asset prices and implied volatility. Risk
capital for the Bank’s market risk is measured separately
for  ‘Traded’,  ‘Non  Traded’  (banking  book)  and  ‘Financial
Services’ market risk.

Traded market risk capital is measured by a market
risk engine which has been approved by APRA for use to
identify the 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
detailed  discussion  and  analysis  of  the  Group’s  market
risk  in  the  balance  sheet  is  detailed  in  Note  39  to  the
financial statements.

Market risk in financial markets trading

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.

30

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

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 and carries
an  inventory  of  treasury  and  capital  market  instruments,
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
interest  rate,  debt,  equity  and
also 
commodity  markets  based  on  views  of  future  market
movements.

taken 

the 

in 

Trading securities are further detailed in Note 10 of

the financial statements.
Derivatives
Derivative instruments are contracts whose value is
derived 
financial
from  one  or  more  underlying 
instruments or indices defined in the contract. Derivatives
entered into for trading purposes include swaps, forward
rate  agreements,  futures,  options  and  combinations  of
these instruments.

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.

futures  and  options  on 

Exchange  traded  derivatives:  The  Group  buys  and
sells  exchange  traded  financial  instruments,  primarily
financial 
futures.
Exchange  traded  derivatives  have  standardised  terms
and  require  lodgment  of  initial  and  variation  margins  in
cash  or  other  collateral  at 
the  exchange,  which
guarantees ultimate settlement.

financial 

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  these  transactions  are  negotiated  between
the  parties,  although  the  majority  conform  to  accepted
market  conventions.  Industry  standard  documentation  is
used, most commonly in the form of a master agreement
supported  by  individual  transaction  confirmations.  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.

Profit contribution
Income  is  earned  from  spreads  achieved  through
market-making  and  from  taking  market  risk.  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 of the  financial  statements  details  Financial
Markets  Trading  Income  contribution  of  $311 million
(1999: $273 million)  to  the  income  of  the  Group.  The
contribution 
important
diversification  benefits  within 
the  Group’s  overall
earnings.

is  significant  and  provides 

Financial Review

The 

risk/reward  balance 

is  highlighted  by
comparing the income  contribution  of  $311 million  to  the
‘value  at  risk’  (VaR)  measure,  explained  in  the  section
following,  which 
approximately
$3.06 million for the year ended 30 June 2000.  The  VaR

averaged 

has 

measure  highlights  that  trading  activity  is  undertaken
within a tightly controlled environment where exposure to
revenue  loss  from  market  movements  is  restricted  to
levels  based  on  statistical  experience.
tolerable 

The distribution of daily earnings for the year ended 30 June 2000 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

60

55

50

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

>-4.0

>-1.5

>-1.0

>-0.5

>0

>0.5

>1.5

>2.0

>2.5

>3.0

>3.5

>4.0

>1.0

$m

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  control,  daily
revaluations  of  positions,  liquidity  management  and  a
regime of accounting and systems controls.

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
management process.

The  Group  may  require  lodgement  of  collateral  for
from  derivative  products,

credit  exposures  arising 
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.

Market  risk  arises  from  movements  in  rates  and
prices. The Group’s major market risk is interest rate risk
but  it  also  has  exposures  to  foreign  exchange,  equities,
commodities and implied volatility.

The Risk Committee  of  the  Board  recommends  for
Board  approval  the  “traded”  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
separate  Risk  Management  function  within  Institutional
Banking.  Institutional  Banking  reports  regularly  on  its
trading  activity  to  the  Risk  Committee.  An  independent
unit  within  Group  Credit  and  Market  Risk  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.

Value at risk (VaR)
The  Group  uses  a  VaR  measure  as  the  primary
mechanism 
is  an
for  controlling  market  risk.  VaR 
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  correlations  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
independently  monitored  and  daily  backtesting
are 
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;
Product;
Business unit.

31

 
 
Financial Review

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

The following graph shows the VaR for each trading day during the financial year ended 30 June 2000.

D aily Value-at-R isk

$6,000,000

$5,000,000

$4,000,000

$3,000,000

$2,000,000

$1,000,000

$0

1-Jul-99

31-Jul-99

30-A ug-99

29-S ep-99

29-O ct-99

28-N ov-99

28-D ec-99

27-Jan-00

26-F eb-00

27-M ar-00

26-A pr-00

26-M ay-00

25-Jun-00

The  Group  trades  in  numerous  products  and  markets.  This  provides  significant  diversification  of  risk.  The  following

table provides a summary of VaR by product:

VaR During
Half Year to
30/6/00
Avg

Low*

High

VaR During
Half Year to
31/12/99
Avg

1.69
.17
.16
.08
.16
-
.09

3.93
1.92
.56
.42
.25
-

2.35
.67
.32
.13
.47
-

Risk Type

CBA
Interest rate
FX
Implied volatility
Equities
Commodities
Pre-payment
ASB Bank
Diversification
benefit
Group Total

High*

3.59
1.78
.34
.83
.43
.54
.51

4.47

2.52
.73
.25
.32
.29
.28
.26

(1.59)
3.06

VaR During
Half Year to
30/6/99
Avg

2.02
0.83
0.53
0.04
0.11
-

VaR During
Half Year to
31/12/98
Avg

Low

1.97
1.35
0.58
0.14
-
-

1.30
0.43
0.33
0.00
-
-

Low

High

1.34
0.08
0.38
0.01
0.00
-

3.04
4.73
0.81
0.81
-
-

Low

High

1.70
.14
.19
.01
0
-

2.97
2.15
0.83
0.10
0.14
-

1.96

4.01

(1.49)
2.45

1.89

-
3.37

(1.33)
2.20

-
1.41

-
5.18

(1.51)
2.53

-
1.65

*

The  high  and  low  figures  for  each  risk category  may  not  occur  on  the  same  day.  A  diversification  benefit  therefore
cannot be calculated.

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 
deeper
provides 
the  risk  profile  and  provides  a
understanding  of 
perspective  on  possible  stress  scenarios 
that  may
adversely impact the trading portfolio.

additional  monitoring 

a 

VaR provides a statistical estimate of the risk at the
chosen  confidence  level,  and  not  the  size  of  losses  that
could potentially arise 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.

32

Funding and Liquidity

APRA  exercises  liquidity  control  by  requiring  each
bank  to  develop  a  liquidity  management  strategy  that  is
appropriate for itself. Each policy is formally approved by
APRA. A key element of the Group’s liquidity policy is the
holding  of  a  stock  of  high  quality  liquid  assets  to  meet
day to day fluctuations in liquidity. The liquid assets held
are  assets  that  are  available  for  repurchase  by  the  RBA
(over  and  above  those  required  to  meet  the  Real  Time
Gross  Settlement  (RTGS)  obligations,  AUD  CDs/Bills  of
other  banks  and  AUD  overnight  interbank  loans.)    More
detailed  comments  on  the  Group’s  liquidity  and  funding
risks are provided in Note 39.

Financial Review

Capital Management

The  Bank’s  capital  management  philosophy  is  to
maintain  a  Tier  One  Capital  Ratio  of  at  least  6%  and  a
Total  Capital  Ratio  of  at  least  9%,  to  maintain  current
credit ratings  (refer  below)  and,  distribute  excess  capital
back to shareholders.

The Bank’s previous share buy-backs prior to June
1999  reduced  shareholder’s  equity  by  approximately
$2.3 billion  through  three  off  market  share  buy-backs.  In
November  1999  a  buy-back  by  tender  was  completed
further
reduced  shareholders’  equity  by  a 
which 
$553 million (20.5 million shares).

Credit Rating

The  Bank’s 

credit 
unchanged for the year and at 30 June 2000 are:

ratings  have 

remained

Standard & Poor’s Corporation

Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

Fitch

Moody’s Bank Financial Strength

Rating

Fitch Individual Rating

Expansion

Short

Term

A-1+

P-1

F1+

Long

Term

AA-

Aa3

AA

B

A/B

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

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  in  a  range  of  areas.  Its  online  site  is
Australia’s 
service.
Commonwealth  Securities,  the  Bank’s  online  broking
arm, is Australia’s largest Internet broker.

banking 

busiest 

online 

The  Bank  has  supplemented  organic  growth  by
acquiring  specific  businesses  to  complement  its  existing
financial services range.

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

It  acquired  Commonwealth  Funds  Management
Limited  in  1996;  a  50%  equity  share  in  the  financial
planning  firm  IPAC  Securities  Limited  in  1997;  and  the
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
through the acquisition of Sovereign Ltd in 1998.

On  13  June  2000,  pursuant  to  a  Scheme  of
Arrangement,  the  Group  acquired  a  100%  interest  in
Colonial  Limited,  a  life  insurance,  funds  management
and  banking  group  with  operations  in  Australia,  New
Zealand,  United  Kingdom  and  throughout  Asia  (refer
Note 1A for further details of this acquisition).

Guarantee

The progressive withdrawal of the Commonwealth’s
guarantee  of  the  Bank’s  liabilities  has  not  had  any
significant impact on the Bank’s overall cost of funds. As
at  30 June 2000,  the  weighted  average  term  to  maturity
of  that  part  of  the  wholesale  borrowing  program  which
remains  guaranteed  until  maturity  was  approximately  4
years and 8 months (excluding the Undated Notes, which
do not have a fixed maturity date).

Year 2000 Systems Compliance

The  Bank’s  Y2K  programme  was  successfully
completed with no interruptions to service and was within
the allocated budget of $115 million. The Bank continues
to maintain a framework of Business Continuity Plans.

Capital Adequacy

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

is  disclosed 

in  Note  31 

the 

to 

2000

Year ended 30 June
1998
1999

($ millions, except percentages)

7.49
4.75
(2.49)
9.75

9,618
6,097
15,715
(3,197)
12,518

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

33

Financial Review

The maturity profile of eligible loan capital as at 30 June 2000 was as follows:

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Tier One
Tier Two (1)
Total

2001
$M

26
-

26

Maturing in Year

2002
$M

After 2003
$M

-
5

5

392
5,211

5,603

Total
$M

418
5,216

5,634

(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.

7.49% at 30 June 2000 from 7.05% at 30 June 1999. The
total  capital  ratio  increased  to  9.75%  at  30 June 2000
from 9.38% at 30 June 1999.

loan 

capital 

included  eligible 

The  Group’s  Tier  1  and  Tier  2  capital  at
30 June 2000 
of
$418 million and $5,216 million, respectively.  At  30  June
2000, eligible loan capital constituted 45% of the Group’s
Total  Regulatory  Capital.  Approximately  $718 million  of
the Bank’s eligible loan capital is the subject of separate
agreements  with  the  Commonwealth  which  provide,
under certain circumstances, for the Bank to issue either
fully paid Ordinary Shares to 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.

Total Tier 1 capital increased by 37% to $9.6 billion
at 30 June 2000 from $7.02 billion at 30 June 1999. This
increase primarily reflects the new shares issued to fund
the  Colonial  acquisition,  net  of  goodwill  and  other
intangibles.  An  off  market  buy  back  of  $553  million  was
completed in November 1999.

Total  Tier  2  capital  increased  by  $3 billion  to
$6.1 billion  at  30 June 2000 
from  $3.1 billion  at
30 June 1999.  Tier  2  eligible  loan  capital  increased  by
$2,881 million  to  $5,216 million  at  30 June 2000,  from
$2,335 million  at  30 June 1999  primarily  as  a  result  of
new  subordinated  debt  issues.  The  $39 million  of  ASB
Bank preference shares is included as Tier 2 capital.

Total 

regulatory  capital 

to
$12,518 million  at  30 June 2000  from  $9,342 million  at
30 June 1999. The Group’s Tier 1 ratio also increased to

increased  34.0% 

34

Description of Business

Overview

Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  provides  a  wide
range of banking, financial and related services primarily
in  Australia.  These  services  include  general  banking,
finance  company  activities,  and  life  insurance  and  funds
management.  On  13  June  2000  the  Group  acquired
100%  of  the  share  capital  of  Colonial  Limited  (Colonial),
a  life  insurance,  banking  and  funds  management  group.
Colonial  has  operations  in  Australia,  New  Zealand,  the
United  Kingdom  and  throughout  Asia  and  the  Pacific.
Colonial is described separately in this section.

Australian Banking Operations

is  comprised  of 

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

and  Risk  Management, 

Australian Financial Services

The  Australian  Financial  Services  division 

is
responsible for marketing services, product 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  million  customers 
throughout  Australia,
including  savings  and  cheque  accounts,  demand  and
term  deposits,  credit  cards,  eftpos  services,  personal
superannuation,  and
loans, 
loans  and  housing 
investment  and  life  insurance  products.  The  Bank  also
offers  a  full  range  of  commercial  products  including
equipment and trade finance, 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.

Customer Service Division

responsible 
to 

Customer  Service  Division 
is 
for
the  Bank’s
providing  quality  sales  and  service 
customers  and  managing  the  largest  financial  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/on-line  services.  The
distribution  network  provides  sales  and  service  related
functions  to  customers  embracing  the  full  range  of
financial  products  and  services  such  as  savings  and
cheque accounts, demand and term deposits, credit card
services,  personal  loans  and  housing  loans  as  well  as
superannuation,  investment  and  life  insurance  products.
The  sale  of  various  commercial  products  –  Electronic
(such  as  EFTPOS,  Diammond,  BPayTM),
Services 
(CBFC,  Leaseway,  Fleetcare),
Equipment  Finance 
(Factoring,  Trade  Finance,
Commercial  Products 
Business  Asset  Finance)  and  Rural/Agribusiness
products/services  also  fall  under  the  responsibility  of
Customer Service Division.

Within the Division, Direct Banking operates one of
the  largest  call  centre  and  help  desk  operations  in
Australia  handling  over  8.6 million  calls  per  month.

Approximately 1,500 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  1,000  branches,
approximately 100 business banking centres, over 2,700
ATMs,  over  108,000  EFTPOS  terminals,  130  mobile
bankers  and  expanding  telephone  and  on-line  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.

Technology, Operations and Property

the  management  of 

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

financial 

cheques, 

Operations
Banking  Operations’  primary  purpose  is  to  provide
a full service item processing and back office/operational
support  function.  Specialist  centres  across  Australia
process 
services
vouchers, 
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 scale, site consolidation,
process  improvement,  benchmarking  comparisons,  best
improved
practice  management 
technology.  An  emerging 
is  on  business
development  where  Banking  Operations  either  acquires
external  processing  business  or  supports  other  areas  of
the  bank  eg  in  preparation  of  tenders  for  transaction
processing.    The  vision  is  to  be,  by  measure  and
reputation,  the  best  practice  processor  in  terms  of  cost,
speed and quality.

techniques  and 

focus 

international 

 At 30 June 2000, Banking Operations comprised 5
loan  processing
operations  processing  centres,  5 
centres,  2 
trade  processing  centres
supported  by  3  limited  function  service  centres,  a  cards
operations  centre  and  a  financial  services  processing
centre.    There  were  a  total  of  4,003  full  time  equivalent
staff employed.
Property
Commonwealth Property is a highly skilled property
investment  and  corporate  real  estate  services  group.  Its
focus  is  on  improving  returns  to  external  investors  and
corporate  owners  of  real  estate  by  offering  a  range  of
investment  vehicles.
wholesale/retail, 
Equal 
the
the  needs  of 
Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  with  an  emphasis  on
achieving reduced occupancy costs for the Bank.

listed/unlisted 
is  applied  on 

focus 

35

Description of Business

Institutional Banking

The  Institutional  Banking  Division  focuses  on  large
corporations,  government  entities  and  other  major
institutions operating in Australia. In addition, Institutional
Banking  provides  specific  products  to  the  customers  of
Australian  Financial  Services.  The  products  offered  by
Institutional Banking facilitate the linking of providers and
users  of  capital  and  assist  our  clients  in  achieving
predictable  business  outcomes.  Products 
include
financial  markets,  securities  underwriting,  trading  and
distribution,  corporate  finance,  equities,  payments  and
transaction  services, 
investment  management  and
custody.  Commonwealth  Securities,  known  as  ComSec,
the Group’s direct wealth management and stockbroking
business is part of the Institutional Banking Division.

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

trading,  commodity  hedging, 

investors, 

Colonial

The  principal  activities  of  the  Colonial  Group  are
the  provision  of  a  wide  range  of  financial  services  and
products to individuals and businesses, encompassing:
• 

banking  and  related  financial  services  to  retail  and
business customers;
life insurance, pensions and savings products;
investment  management 
services;
management of unit trust funds; and
superannuation  consulting  and  administrative
services.

stockbroking

• 
• 

• 
• 

and 

The Group’s three main operating divisions prior to

integration into the Commwealth’s operations were:
• 
• 
• 

Australian Financial Services;
International Financial Services; and
Colonial First State Investments.

Australian Financial Services
Australian Financial Services (‘AFS’) encompasses
the  life  insurance,  superannuation,  investments  and
banking businesses of Colonial in Australia.

The  distribution  network  of  AFS  includes  Retail
Financial  Services,  Licensed  Financial  Services,
Wholesale  Financial  Services  and  Corporate  Financial
Services.

Retail  Financial  Services  uses  a  number  of
channels  to  market  including  full  service  branches,
kiosks/ministores in shopping centres and supermarkets,
‘single  site’  franchises  and  retail  agencies.    In  terms  of
geographic distribution, 244 of the sites are in New South
Wales  and 
in
Queensland,  39  in  Victoria,  five  in  South  Australia  and
eight  in  Western  Australia.    In  addition,  AFS  has  an
automatic 
financial
teller  machine  network  and  a 
planners  network,  and  also  provides  telephone  and
internet banking services.

the  Australian  Capital  Territory,  37 

two
Licensed  Financial  Services  comprises 
licensed  groups  of  financial  planners,  Colonial  Financial
Services  (‘CFS’)  and  Financial  Wisdom  Ltd.    Currently,

36

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Financial  Wisdom  Ltd  and  Colonial  Partners  have
approximately  720  advisors  plus  a  large  number  of
accredited  employees, 
including  Colonial  Financial
Advisors.

Wholesale  Financial  Services  (‘WFS’)  was  created
as a discreet distribution arm following the  acquisition  of
Legal & General Australia.  WFS services individual and
independent  distributors  (advisors,  multi-agents  and
broker groups).

WFS  operates  through  7,000  multi-agents  and

brokers, and over 800 mortgage intermediaries.

Corporate  Financial  Services  provides  Colonial
the  corporate  market.
products  and  services 
Corporate  Financial  Services  comprises 
three  key
streams:  Business  Financial  Services,  Group  Risk  and
Corporate Superannuation.

to 

The activities of AFS are now being integrated into

the relevant Commonwealth divisions.
International Financial Services
International  Financial  Services  (‘IFS’)  comprises
Colonial’s  insurance,  retirement  savings  and  banking
operations  in  New  Zealand,  the  United  Kingdom,  Asia
and  the  Fiji  Islands.    In  Asia,  the  group  operates  wholly
owned  subsidiaries  in  Hong  Kong  and  the  Philippines
and joint ventures with major local partners in Indonesia,
Malaysia and Thailand.  Joint ventures have also recently
been formed in China and Vietnam.

Colonial’s UK business was sold during the year to

30 June 2000.

Colonial’s  New  Zealand  businesses  (‘Colonial  NZ’)
offer  a  similar  range  of  products  to  those  offered  by
Colonial  in  Australia.    These  products  include  term  life,
disability  income  protection,  trauma,  individual  savings
and  personal  superannuation. 
  Most  savings  and
investment  sales  are  through  regular  monthly  savings
and personal superannuation plans.

CMG  Asia  manages  Colonial’s 

life 

insurance

businesses in Asia.

CMG Asia offers a range of insurance, savings and
banking products through Colonial Mutual Life Assurance
Society’s  (‘CMLA’)  branch  in  Fiji,  insurance  and  savings
products  through  its  wholly-owned  subsidiaries  in  Hong
Kong  and  the  Philippines  and  through  its  joint  venture
interests  in  Indonesia,  Malaysia  and  Thailand.    Recent
product  initiatives  have  included  products  designed  for
direct  mail  marketing,  health 
insurance,  mortgage
protection,  investment  savings  and  corporate  retirement
products.

Colonial First State Investments (CFSI)
Colonial  First  State  Investments  (‘CFSI’)  is  the
international  funds  management  business  of  Colonial
and comprises the following activities:
• 

Funds  Management  –  Retail  and  wholesale
investment  products  are  offered  through  CFSI’s
operations  in  Australia,  New  Zealand,  the  UK  and
in Asia where it has offices in Hong Kong, mainland
China, the Philippines and Singapore.  The product
offerings  cover  all  major  asset  classes  including
international  and  Australian  equities,  fixed  interest,
cash, private equity and property.  During the year,
Colonial  merged  its  four  listed  property  trusts  to
form Colonial First State Property Trust Group.
Stockbroking  –  Stockbroking  services  are  provided
in  Australia  through  Colonial  Stockbroking.    During
1999,  Colonial  Stockbroking  launched  SmartShare
Online, an internet share trading service.
CFSI is a market leader and its strong performance
has  been  recognised  by  being  named  Fund  Manager  of

• 

Description of Business

the  Year  by  Money  Management  magazine  in  each  of
1996, 1998 and 1999.

European Banking

The Bank’s long-term objective is to realise 25% of

market capitalisation from outside Australia.

European  Banking  was  established  in  London  in
February  2000  as  the  entry  vehicle  for  the  Bank’s
aspirations in Europe.  The Bank is interested in markets
where on-line access is possible, where it believes it has
product expertise and  it  believes  customers  will  respond
to the better offering.

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  was
a  75%  owned  subsidiary  of  the  Bank  at  30  June  2000
with 
the  ASB  Bank
Community  Trust,  an  independent  entity  within  New
Zealand.  The  Bank  acquired  the  Trust’s  holding  in  ASB
Group subsequent to 30 June 2000.

the  remaining  25%  held  by 

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  117  branches  throughout  New
Zealand. ASB Bank employs approximately 2,720 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%  of  Group  net
income  in  Financial  Year  2000  and  7%  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.

Competition

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

banks 

banks, 

regional 

Banks  in  Australia  can  be  divided  into  three  broad
categories:  major 
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  products
and  services  through  branch  networks  across  Australia.
In addition to their domestic operations, two of the major
banks  have  significant  operations  and 
investments
offshore.

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

limited 

typically 

their  operations 

Over  recent  years,  the  regional  banking  sector  is
undergoing  significant  rationalisation  and  consolidation.
Reflecting  their  state-origins,  the  small  regional  banks
have 
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
there  were  42
community 
foreign-owned  banking  groups  operating  in  Australia

focus.  At  30 June 2000, 

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 
for
institutions,  which  compete  vigorously 
customer  investments,  deposits  and  the  provision  of
financial
lending  and  other  services.  Non-bank 
intermediaries  such  as  building  societies  and  credit
unions  compete  strongly  in  the  areas  of  accepting
deposits  and  residential  mortgage  lending,  mainly  for
owner-occupied  housing.  These  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 
the  residential
lending market.

in 

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

financial 

The  Bank  operates  in  the  life  insurance  and  funds
management  markets  in  competition  with  a  range  of
non-bank 
institutions.  Similarly,  non-bank
financial  institutions  (including  life  companies)  have
expanded  their  operations  into  banking,  with  a  view  to
financial
offering  their  customers  a  broad  suite  of 
services. 
(and  global
investment  banks)  are  also  increasing  their  presence  in
Australia.

fund  managers 

International 

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 
utilities.
Technological  change  is  encouraging  new  entrants  with
differing combinations of  expertise  and  an  unbundling  of
the value chain.

companies 

and 

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).

in 

A  significant  factor  in  disintermediation  in  Australia
funds  under
the  superannuation

the  substantial  growth 

has  been 
management,  especially  within 
(pension funds) industry.
Australian 

long-term 

Government’s 

continued
The 
encouragement 
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.

saving 

of 

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 
in
competition  with  numerous  domestic  and  foreign  banks,
is  actively  involved  as  an  originator  of  corporate  debt  in

the  world.  The  Bank, 

37

Description of Business

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 in major
infrastructure  projects  undertaken  by 
the  corporate
sector.

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
the  provision  of
areas  of 
insurance.

funds  management  and 

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.

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  Westpac  Trust  (a
wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  Westpac).  In  addition,  there
are  several  financial  institutions  operating  largely  in  the
wholesale  banking  sector  including  Deutsche  Bank  and
AMP (Australia’s largest insurance group).

Through  its  investment  in  Sovereign  Group,  ASB
the  New  Zealand
Bank  Group  also  competes 
insurance  and  investment  market,  where  Royal  Sun
Alliance and Tower Corporation are major competitors.

in 

The  Bank  has  recently  established  an  on-line
banking  operation  in  the  United  Kingdom  competing
against  both  traditional  banking  service  providers  and
new market entrants.
Following 

the
Group’s  retail  operations  have  been  extended  into  the
United  Kingdom,  numerous  Asian  markets  and  the  Fiji
Islands;  in  these  markets  the  Bank  will  be  competing
directly with established providers.

the  acquisition  of  Colonial  Ltd, 

Financial System Regulation

the  Australian 

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

functional  approach 

Since July 1998,  the  new  regulatory  arrangements
have  comprised  three  separate  agencies:  The  Reserve
Bank  of  Australia,  the  Australian  Prudential  Regulation
Authority  and  the  Australian  Securities  and  Investments
Commission.  Each  of  these  agencies  has  system  wide
responsibilities for 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,
insurance companies and superannuation (pension
funds). Unless an institution is authorised under the
Banking  Act  1959  or  exempted  by  APRA,  it  is

• 

38

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

• 

and 

insurance 

prohibited from engaging in the general business of
deposit-taking; and
Australian  Securities  and  Investments  Commission
(ASIC)  –  has  responsibility  for  market  conduct,
consumer  protection  and  corporate 
regulation
functions  across  the  financial  system  including  for
investment, 
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  Wallis
Inquiry recommendations. In particular, guidelines for the
regulation of conglomerates and access to the payments
system are being developed in consultation with industry.
Financial  market  instability,  particularly  in  various
emerging  market  economies,  has  led  to  intense  scrutiny
of  global 
leveraged
financial  markets  and  highly 
institutions.  There  is  some  pressure  for  fundamental
reform  of  international  financial  architecture  to  avert
industry
future  crises.  Government  officials  and 
practitioners 
in
in  Australia  are  actively 
international fora in furthering these reforms.

involved 

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  Financial  Review  –
‘Capital Adequacy’.

Liquidity Management
For  an  explanation  of  the  Bank’s  liquidity  policies,

refer to Note 39 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  to  Note
14 to the Financial Statements.

financial 

that  regulated 

Ownership and Control
In pursuit of transparency and risk minimisation, the
Financial  Sector  (Shareholding)  Act  1998  embodies  the
principle 
institutions  should
maintain  widespread  ownership.  The  Act  applies  a
common  15  per  cent  shareholding  limit  for  authorised
deposit taking institutions, 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.

The  Government’s  present  policy  is  that  mergers
among the four major banks will not be permitted until the

Description of Business

the 

financial 

Government  is  satisfied  that  competition  from  new  and
established  participants 
industry,
in 
particularly  in  respect  of  small  business  lending,  has
increased sufficiently.
for 
Proposals 

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 
in
partnership with another bank, without the consent of the
Commonwealth Treasurer.

reconstruction  or  carry  on  business 

In carrying out its  prudential  responsibilities,  APRA
closely  monitors  the  operations  of  banks  to  ensure  that
they  operate  within  the  prudential  framework  it  has  laid
down and that they follow sound management practices.
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 life insurance  company  and  general  insurance
company  subsidiaries  of  the  group  also  come  within  the
supervisory purview of APRA.

APRA’s  prudential  supervision  of  both 
life
insurance and general insurance companies is exercised
through  the  setting  of  minimum  standards  for  solvency
and  financial  strength  to  ensure  obligations  to  policy
holders can be met.

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

39

Corporate Governance

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Board of Directors

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

performance  of  management  directly  and  through  the
Board committees.

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

DIRECTOR

BOARD MEMBERSHIP

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

Nominations

Remuneration

Audit

Risk

J T Ralph, AC
D V Murray
N R Adler, AO
A C Booth
R J Clairs, AO
K E Cowley, AO
A B Daniels, OAM
C R Galbraith
W G Kent, AO
F D Ryan
J M Schubert
F J Swan
B K Ward

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

Chairman
Managing Director

Chairman
Member

Member

Chairman
Member
Member

Member
Member

Chairman
Member

Member

Member

Member
Chairman Member
Member

Member

Details  of  the  experience,  qualifications,  special
responsibilities  and  attendance  at  meetings  of 
the
Directors are set out in the Directors’ Report on pages 43
to 45.

Messrs  Daniels  and  Ryan  were  appointed  as  non
executive  Directors  on  31  March  2000  and  Messrs
Galbraith  and  Kent  were  appointed  as  non  executive
Directors  on  13  June  2000.  In  accordance  with  the
Bank's Constitution and the ASX Listing Rules, these four
Directors  will  stand  for  election  at  the  Annual  General
Meeting to be held on 26 October 2000.

Mr  M  A  Besley,  AO  retired  from  the  Board  on

28 October 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 13; 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.
The  Board  has  adopted  a  policy  that,  with  a
phasing  in  provision  dealing  with  existing  directors,  the
maximum  term  of  appointment  of  directors  to  the  Board
would normally be limited to twelve years.

• 

the  Bank  and 

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
Committee.

the  Bank  shall  be  chairman  of 

40

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.

Candidates 
by 

for  appointment  as  directors  are
Committee,
considered 
if
recommended 
appointed,  stand  for  election,  in  accordance  with  the
Constitution, at the next general meeting of shareholders.

the  Board  and, 

for  decision  by 

Nominations 

the 

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 the  highest
calibre.  The  latest  determination  was  at  the  Annual
General  Meeting  held  on  28  October  1999  when
shareholders  approved  an  aggregate  remuneration  of
$1,500,000  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  45.  Directors’
fees  do  not  incorporate  a  bonus  element  related  to
performance.

is 

fixed  by 

remuneration  of  Mr  Murray 

(Managing
The 
Director) 
the
to 
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.

the  Board,  pursuant 

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  five  members  of  the  senior  executive  team  who  were
officers  of  the  Bank  at  30 June 2000  are  set  out  in
Note 46.

Audit Arrangements

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

the  chairman  of 

The  Board’s  Audit  Committee  consists  entirely  of
the
non  executive  Directors  and 
Committee  is  not  Chairman  of  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  functions  and  the  internal  audit  functions  within
the Group and their relationship to external audit.

• 

• 

• 

laws, 

relevant 

In carrying out these functions, the Committee:
reviews the financial  statements  and  reports  of  the
Group;
reviews  accounting  policies  to  ensure  compliance
with  current 
regulations  and
accounting standards; and
conducts  any  investigations  relating  to  financial
matters,  records,  accounts  and  reports  which  it
considers appropriate.
The Committee regularly considers, in the absence
of  management  and  the  external  auditor,  the  quality  of
the  information  received  by  the  Committee  and,  in
considering  the  financial  statements,  discusses  with
management and the external auditor:
• 

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

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.

In  addition,  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 

Risk Management

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

The  Committee  considers 

the  Group’s  credit
policies and ensures that management maintains a set of
credit  underwriting  standards  designed 
to  achieve
portfolio outcomes consistent with the Group’s risk/return
expectations.  In  addition,  the  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 
in
implementing  management  procedures  and  identifying
new  areas  of  exposure  relating  to  market,  funding  and
liquidity risk.

reviews  progress 

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.

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 
Employment Opportunity policy and programs;
to maintain confidentiality in the affairs of the Bank
and its customers; and
to be absolutely honest in all professional 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.

the  Bank’s  Equal

to 

• 

• 

41

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

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. Similar restrictions apply to
executives of the Bank.

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 195 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.

Corporate Governance

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

42

Directors’ Report

The  Directors  of  the  Commonwealth  Bank  of
Australia  submit  their  report,  together  with  the  financial
statements  of  the  Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  (the
Bank)  and  of  the  Group,  being  the  Bank  and  its
controlled entities, for the year ended 30 June 2000.

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.

John T Ralph, AC, Chairman
Mr  Ralph  has  been  a  member  of  the  Board  since  1985
and  Chairman  since  1999.  He  is  also  Chairman  of  the
Risk, Remuneration and Nominations Committees. He is
a  Fellow  of  the  Australian  Society  of  Certified  Practising
Accountants and has  over  forty-seven  years’  experience
in the mining and finance industries.
Chairman: Pacific Dunlop Limited.
Deputy Chairman: Telstra Corporation Limited.
Director: BHP Limited.
Other  Interests:  Board  of  Advisers  of  Constitutional
Centenary  Foundation 
(Member),  Melbourne
Inc 
Business School (Board of Management), Foundation for
(Deputy  National  Chairman),
Young  Australians 
for  Science  (Chairman),  and
Australian  Foundation 
Advisory  Council  of  The  Global  Foundation  (Member).
Mr Ralph is a resident of Victoria. Age 67.

David  V  Murray,  Managing  Director  and  Chief
Executive Officer
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 four years’ experience in banking. Mr Murray is
a  member  of  the  Remuneration,  Risk  and  Nominations
Committees.
International  Monetary  Conference
Other 
(Member),  Asian  Bankers’  Association 
(Member),
Australian  Bankers’  Association  (Member),  Asian  Pacific
Bankers'  Club  (Member),  Australian  Coalition  of  Service
Industries  (Member),  Business  Council  of  Australia
(Member),  World  Economic  Forum  (Member),  General
Motors  Australian  Advisory  Council  (Member),  APEC
Business  Advisory  Council  (Member),  and  the  Financial
Sector  Advisory  Council  (Member).  Mr  Murray  is  a
resident of New South Wales. Age 51.

Interests: 

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  (due  to  retire  30  September  2000).  He
has  experience  in  various  commercial  enterprises,  more
recently in the oil and gas industry.
Director:  QCT  Resources  Limited  Group  Companies,
Santos  Limited  (Group)  Companies,  Telstra  Corporation
Limited,  Tereny 
is  a
Director/Member of Shelrey Pty Ltd.
Other 
Interests:  Art  Gallery  of  South  Australia
(Chairman),  University  of  Adelaide  (Council  Member),
Business  Council  of  Australia  (Member),  Executive
Member  of  the  Australian  Japan  Business  Co-operation
Committee and Australian Institute of Company Directors
(Member).  Mr  Adler  is  a  resident  of  South  Australia.
Age 55.

Investments  Pty  Ltd  and 

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  had  seventeen
years’ experience in the trade union movement.
Director:  Ausflag  Limited  and  CoSolve  Australasia  Pty
Ltd.
Other  Interests:  Shopping  Centre  Council  of  Australia
(Special  Advisor),  Sydney  Organising  Committee  for  the
Olympic  Games  (Member)  and  Labour  Management
Studies  Foundation  of  Macquarie  University  (Fellow).
Ms Booth is a resident of New South Wales. Age 44.

Reg J Clairs, AO
Mr Clairs has been a member of the Board since 1 March
1999  and  is  a  member  of  the  Audit  Committee.  As  the
former Chief Executive Officer of Woolworths Limited, he
had  thirty  three  years’  experience  in  retailing,  branding
and customer service.
Chairman:  Agri  Chain  Solutions  Ltd  and  The  Prime
Minister’s Supermarket to Asia Board.
Deputy Chairman: Woolstock Australia Limited.
Director:  David  Jones  Ltd,  Howard  Smith  Ltd  and
National Australia Day Council.
Other  Interests:  Board  Member  of  the  Royal  Children’s
Hospital  Foundation  of  Queensland  and  Foundation
Member  of  the  Prime  Minister’s  Supermarket  to  Asia
Council. Mr Clairs is a resident of Queensland. Age 62.

Ken E Cowley, AO
Mr  Cowley  has  been  a  member  of  the  Board  since
September  1997  and  is  a  member  of  the  Remuneration
Committee.  He  has  thirty  three  years’  experience  in  the
media  industry,  having  been  a  Director  of  News  Limited
since 1976 and until July 1997, was Executive Chairman
of that company.
Executive Chairman: Zazu Limited.
Chairman:  PMP  Communications  Limited,  R  M  Williams
Holdings Limited, Tasman Pacific Airways Limited, Tower
Lodge  Pty  Limited  and  Melbourne  Storm  Football  Club
Pty Ltd.
Director:  The  News  Corporation  Limited,  Independent
Newspapers  Limited  and  The  Foundation  for  Rural  &
Regional Renewal.
Other  Interests:  Australian  Stockman’s  Hall  of  Fame  &
(Chairman)  and  Royal
Outback  Heritage  Centre 
Agricultural Society (Director). Mr Cowley is a resident of
New South Wales. Age 65.

A B (Tony) Daniels, OAM
Mr Daniels has been a member of the Board since March
2000 and  is  a  member  of  the  Remuneration  Committee.
He  has  extensive  experience  in  manufacturing  and
distribution,  being  Managing  Director  of  Tubemakers  of
Australia for eight years to December 1995, during a long
career with that company.
Director:  Australian  Gas  Light  Company,  Orica,  Pacific
Dunlop,  Pasminco  and  O'Connell  St  Associates.
Mr Daniels is a resident of New South Wales. Age 65.

43

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Frank J Swan
Mr  Swan  has  been  a  member  of  the  Board  since  July
1997 and is a member of the Risk Committee. He holds a
Bachelor of Science degree and has twenty  three-years’
senior management experience in the food and beverage
industries.
Chairman: Foster's Brewing Group Limited.
Director:  National  Foods  Limited  and  Catholic  Ladies
College Eltham.
Other Interests: Institute of  Directors  (Fellow),  Australian
Institute  of  Company  Directors  (Fellow),  Australian
Institute  of  Management 
Institute  of
Management UK (Companion). Mr Swan is a resident of
Victoria. Age 59.

(Fellow)  and 

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.
Chairperson: HWW Limited and Northpower.
Director:  Rail  Services  Australia  and  Data  Advantage
Limited.
Other  Interests:  Sydney  Opera  House  Trust  (Trustee),
Australia  Day  Council  of  New  South  Wales  (Member)
and  Allen,  Allen  &  Hemsley  (Director).  Ms  Ward  is  a
resident of New South Wales. Age 46.

M  A  (Tim)  Besley,  AO.  (Past  Chairman  –  retired
28 October 1999)
Mr  Besley  was  Chairman  and  a  member  of  the  Board
from 1988 until his retirement in October 1999. He holds
Bachelor degrees in Civil Engineering and Legal Studies
and  has  forty-six  years’  experience  in  engineering,
finance and public service.
Chairman: Leighton Holdings Limited.
Director: O’Connell Street Associates Pty Ltd.
Other 
(Chancellor),
Australian  Academy  of  Technological  Sciences  and
Engineering  (President),  Australian  National  Gallery
(Council  of  Governors),  Legacy  Torch
Foundation 
Bearers  Committee 
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 73.

Interests:  Macquarie  University 

(Member),  Sir 

Directors’ Report

Colin R Galbraith
Mr  Galbraith  has  been  a  member  of  the  Board  since
June  2000.  He  was  previously  a  Director  of  Colonial
Limited,  appointed  1996.  He  is  a  partner  of  Arthur
Robinson & Hedderwicks, Solicitors.
Chairman: BHP Community Trust.
Other  Interests:  Secretary  of  Council  of  Legal  Education
in  Victoria  and  Member  of  the  Corporate  Council  of
CARE  Australia.  Mr  Galbraith  is  a  resident  of  Victoria.
Age 52.

Warwick G Kent AO
Mr  Kent  has  been  a  member  of  the  Board  since  June
2000.  He  was  previously  a  Director  of  Colonial  Limited,
appointed  1998.  He  was  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  of
BankWest  until  his  retirement  in  1997.  Prior  to  joining
BankWest, Mr Kent had a long  and  distinguished  career
with Westpac Banking Corporation.
Chairman: Investment Company of the West Ltd.
Director: Perpetual Trustees Australia Limited Group and
West Australian Newspapers Holdings Limited.
Other Interests: Member of the Advisory Boards of Blake
Dawson Waldron  and  Maxx  Implementation  Pty  Limited,
Trustee of the Walter  and  Eliza  Hall  Trust  and  Fellow  of
the  Australian  Institute  of  Company  Directors,  Australian
Society of  CPAs,  Australian  Institute  of  Bankers  and  the
Chartered Institute of Company Secretaries. Mr Kent is a
resident of New South Wales. Age 64.

Fergus D Ryan
Mr  Ryan  has  been  a  member  of  the  Board  since  March
2000  and  is  a  member  of  the  Audit  Committee.  He  has
extensive  experience  in  accounting,  audit,  finance  and
risk  management.  He  was  a  senior  partner  of  Arthur
Andersen  until  his  retirement  in  August  1999  after
thirty-three  years  with  that  firm  including  five  years  as
Managing Partner Australasia.
Member:  Prime  Minister's  Community  Business
Partnership.
Other  Interests:  Strategic  Investment  Co-ordinator  and
Major  Projects  Facilitator  for  the  Federal  Government,
Counsellor,  Committee  for  Melbourne  and  Patron  of  the
Pacific  Institute.  Mr  Ryan  is  a  resident  of  Victoria.
Age 57.

in 

John M Schubert
Dr Schubert has been a member of the Board since 1991
and  is  Chairman  of  the  Audit  and  a  member  of  the  Risk
and  Nominations  Committees.  He  holds  a  Bachelor
Degree  and  PhD  in  Chemical  Engineering  and  has
experience 
the  petroleum,  mining  and  building
materials industries. Dr Schubert is the former Managing
Director  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  Pioneer
International Limited.
Chairman: Worley Limited Advisory Board.
Director:  The  Broken  Hill  Proprietary  Company  Limited,
Hanson  Plc  and  Australian  Graduate  School  of
Management Ltd.
Other  Interests:  Academy  of  Technological  Science
(Fellow),  Salvation  Army  Territorial  Headquarters  &
Sydney  Advisory  Board  (Member).  He  is  also  a  Director
of  the  Great  Barrier  Reef  Research  Foundation  and  a
Director  and  a  Member  of  the  AGSM  Consulting  Ltd.
Dr Schubert is a resident of New South Wales. Age 57.

44

Directors’ Report

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

DIRECTORS’ MEETINGS

No. of Meetings
Held*

No. of Meetings
Attended

J T Ralph
D V Murray
N R Adler
A C Booth
R J Clairs
K E Cowley
A B Daniels ##
F D Ryan ##
J M Schubert
F J Swan
B K Ward
W G Kent ###
C R Galbraith ###
M A Besley #

13
13
13
13
13
13
5
5
13
13
13
-
-
3

13
13
10
11
12
10
5
4
11
10
12
-
-
3

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

*
#
## Mr Daniels and Mr Ryan were appointed Directors on 31 March 2000.
### Mr Kent and Mr Galbraith were appointed Directors on 13 June 2000.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Risk Committee

No. of
Meetings Held
*

No. of
Meetings
Attended

Audit Committee

No. of
Meetings Held
*

No. of
Meetings
Attended

Remuneration Committee
No. of
No. of
Meetings
Meetings Held
Attended
*

1

3

-
4

4

1

3

-
4

4

6
9
9

9

1
3

6
8
8

8

1
3

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

5
7

7

7
7

2

5
7

6

6
7

2

Nominations Committee
No. of
No. of
Meetings
Meetings Held
Attended
*

J T Ralph
D V Murray
J M Schubert
M A Besley #

3
3
1
2

3
3
1
2

The number of meetings held during the time the Director was a member of the relevant committee.
Mr Besley retired as Director 28 October 1999.

*
#
## Mr Clairs was appointed to Audit Committee on 1 November 1999.
### Mr Ryan was appointed to Audit Committee on 9 May 2000.
*** Mr Daniels was appointed to Remuneration Committee on 9 May 2000.

45

Directors’ Report

Principal Activities

Abnormals

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

The principal activities  of  the  Commonwealth  Bank

Group during the financial year were:

is
Australian  Financial  Services  Division  – 
responsible for marketing services, product 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.

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

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

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

Financial  and  Risk  Management  –  provides
risk  and  capital  management

integrated 
services to support the activities of the Bank.

financial, 

the
ASB  Group  Limited  –  75%  owned  by 
Commonwealth  Bank,  provides  personal,  business,
corporate and rural banking and life insurance services in
New  Zealand.  The  Bank  acquired  the  remaining  25%
subsequent to 30 June 2000.

Colonial  Group  –  a  banking,  life  insurance  and
funds  management  group  with  operations  in  Australia,
New Zealand, United Kingdom and Asia.

European  Banking  –  online  banking  division

established in London in February 2000.

The  only  significant  change  in  these  activities  was
the  acquisition  of  the  Colonial  Group  on  13  June  2000.
There  have  been  no  other  significant  changes  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 2000
was 
items
(1999: $1,422 million)  and  $2,700  million  after  abnormal
items (1999: $1,422 million).

$1,713 million 

abnormal 

before 

The  2000  result  represents  a  20%  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 continued lending
asset  growth  together  with  growth  in  commissions,  life
insurance  and  funds  management  income  and  trading
income,  partly  offset  by 
in  a  range  of
expenses.

increases 

46

The  30  June  2000  result  includes  abnormal  items
amounting  to  $987  million  in  relation  to  the  following
items:
• 

in  valuation  of 

increase 

funds
$537  million 
management  business,  recognised  as  part  of  the
transfer  of  these  business  to  Commonwealth  life
insurance holding company.
$536  million  increase  in  valuation  of  life  insurance
business,  recognised  upon  alignment  of  valuation
basis  with  that  used  for  Colonial  life  insurance
businesses.
$86 million of net restructuring provisions raised as
part of the integration strategy for Colonial.

• 

• 

Dividends

The  Directors  have  declared  a  fully  franked  (at
34%)  final  dividend  of  72  cents  per  share  amounting  to
$908  million.  The  dividend  will  be  payable  on  9  October
2000.  Dividends  paid  since  the  end  of  the  previous
financial year:
• 

as provided for in last  year’s report,  a  fully franked
final  dividend  of  66  cents  per  share  amounting  to
$605 million was  paid  on  29  September  1999.  The
payment  comprised  cash  disbursements  of
$470 million  with  $135 million  being  reinvested  by
participants  through  the  Dividend  Reinvestment
Plan; and
in respect of the current year, a fully franked interim
dividend  of  58  cents  per  share  amounting  to
$524 million  was  paid  on  31  March  2000.  The
payment  comprised  cash  disbursements  of
$405 million  with  $118 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 Results Overview on page 8.

Changes in State of Affairs

The  Bank’s  shareholders’  equity  was  reduced  by
$553 million  on  8  November  1999  pursuant  to  the  buy
back of 20.5 million shares.

The  merger  of  Commonwealth  Bank  Group  and
Colonial  was  consummated  on  13  June  2000.  The  offer
of 7 Commonwealth Bank shares for  20  Colonial  shares
resulted  in  351  million  Commonwealth  Bank  shares
being issued with a capital value of $9,274 million.

There  were  no  other  significant  changes  in  the

state of affairs of the Group during the financial year.

Events Subsequent to Balance Date

On  22  August  2000,  the  Bank  purchased  the  25%
minority  interest  in  ASB  Group  in  New  Zealand  for
NZD560  million  ($430  million).  This  gives  the  Bank  a
100% interest in ASB Group.

Other  than  the  above,  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.

Directors’ Report

Future Developments and Results

Major  developments  which  may  affect 
the
operations of the Group in subsequent financial years are
referred  to  in  the  Results  Overview  on  page  8.  In  the
further
opinion  of 
information  on  likely  developments  in  operations  would
be unreasonably prejudicial to the interests of the Group.

the  Directors,  disclosure  of  any 

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,  but  can  incur  environmental  liabilities  as  a
lender. The Bank has developed credit policies to ensure
this is managed.

Directors’ Shareholdings

Particulars of shares in the Commonwealth Bank or
in  a  related  body  corporate  are  set  out  in  a  separate
section  at 
titled
‘Shareholding  Information’  which  is  to  be  regarded  as
contained in this report.

the  end  of 

financial 

report 

the 

Options

An  Executive  Option  Plan  was  approved  by
the  Annual  General  Meeting  on
shareholders  at 
8 October  1996  and 
further
its  continuation  was 
approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting
on  29  October  1998.  On  24  September  1999,  the  Bank
granted options over 3,855,000 unissued ordinary shares
to 39 executives under the Executive Option Plan. During
the 
financial  year  1,609,000  shares  were  allotted
consequent  to  an  exercise  of  options  granted  under  the
Plan. Full details of the Plan are disclosed in Note 29  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  170  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
titled  ‘Shareholding  Information’  which  is  to  be  regarded
as contained in this report.

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  interest  in
any  contract  or  proposed  contract  that  may  be  made
between the Bank and any of those companies.

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  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’.

An indemnity for employees, who are not directors,
is  not  expressly

secretaries  or  executive  officers, 
restricted in any way by the Corporations Law.

The Directors, as named on pages 43 to 45 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

to  above  and 

The  Commonwealth  Bank  has,  during  the  financial
year,  paid  an  insurance  premium  in  respect  of  an
insurance  policy  for  the  benefit  of  those  named  and
referred 
the  directors,  secretaries,
executive  officers  and  employees  of  any  related  bodies
insurance  policy.  The
corporate  as  defined  in  the 
insurance grants indemnity against liabilities permitted to
be  indemnified  by  the  company  under  Section  199B  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
is  set  out  under
‘Corporate

the  Directors  and  executives 
of 
‘Remuneration  Arrangements’  within 
Governance’ section of this report).

the 

Details  on  emoluments  paid  to  each  director  are
detailed  in  Note  45  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  46  of  the  Financial
Report.

47

Directors’ Report

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

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.

J T Ralph AC
Chairman

30 August 2000

D V Murray
Managing Director

48

Five Year Financial Summary

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
Income tax expense
Operating profit after income tax
Outside equity interests
Operating profit after income tax and before abnormal items
Abnormal items
Income tax credit on abnormal items
Operating profit after income tax attributable to shareholders

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

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

2000
$M

1999
$M

1998
$M

1997
$M

1996
$M

3,719
2,512
6,231
196
3,464
2,571
820
1,751
38
1,713
967
20
2,700

1,374
118
59
1,551
257
1,808
(57)
(38)
1,713
987
2,700

3,527
1,997
5,524
247
3,117
2,160
714
1,446
24
1,422
-
-
1,422

1,199
104
68
1,371
122
1,493
(47)
(24)
1,422
-
1,422

3,397
1,833
5,230
233
3,085
1,912
641
1,271
20
1,251
(570)
409
1,090

1,162
98
(30)
1,230
87
1,317
(46)
(20)
1,251
(161)
1,090

3,392
1,489
4,881
98
2,967
1,816
588
1,228
22
1,206
(200)
72
1,078

1,090
85
21
1,196
75
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
-
-
1,119

1,032
71
20
1,123
59
1,182
(41)
(22)
1,119
-
1,119

132,263
217,671
112,594
199,824
17,472
11,942
128,484
129,163
117,075

186,966
16,460
14,245
217,671

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

49

Five Year Financial Summary

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Shareholder Summary
Dividends per share (cents) - fully franked
Dividends provided for, reserved or paid ($million)
Dividend cover (times)
Earnings per share (cents)
  before abnormal items
  after abnormal items
  Cash basis (6)
Dividend payout ratio (%) (1)
  before abnormal items
  after abnormal items
  Cash basis (6)
Net tangible assets per share ($)
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) (4)
Full time staff
Part time staff
Full time staff equivalent
Branches/service centres (Australia)
Agencies (Australia)
ATMs
EFTPOS terminals

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

130
1,431
1.6

184.8
291.3
181.0

115
1,063
1.3

153.4
153.4
158.5

104
955
1.1

134.5
117.2
139.4

102
941
1.1

131.2
117.2
136.2

90
832
1.3

115.2
115.2
119.7

70.3
44.6
71.8
9.2
927m
788,791

75.0
75.0
72.6
6.8
927m
404,728

77.3
88.7
74.6
6.7
930m
419,926

77.7
87.0
74.9
6.7
917m
426,229

78.1
78.1
75.2
6.7
969m
275,204

27.95
22.54
27.69

28.76
18.00
24.05

19.66
13.70
18.84

16.00
9.93
16.00

12.05
9.20
10.46

22.1
34.8

1.1
1.7
7.49
4.75
(2.49)
9.75
2.88

34,154
7,383
37,131
1,387
4,081
4,141
116,064

20.5
20.5

1.1
1.1
7.05
3.12
(0.79)
9.38
3.09

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

18.5
16.1

1.0
0.9
8.07
2.82
(0.40)
10.49
3.33

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

18.2
16.4

1.1
0.9
8.64
2.82
(0.57)
10.89
3.53

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

16.3
16.3

1.1
1.1
10.05
2.97
(0.31)
12.71
4.01

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

Productivity (5)
Total Operating Income per full-time (equivalent) employee ($)
Staff Expense/Total Operating Income (%)
Total Operating Expenses (3) /Total Operating Income (%)

215,080
27.4
54.7

190,720
29.0
55.6

170,120
31.0
58.1

145,515
34.0
59.9

137,667
33.3
59.4

Dividends per share divided by earnings per share.
Calculations  based  on  operating  profit  after  tax  and  outside  equity  interests  applied  to  average  shareholders’
equity/average total assets.
Total Operating Expenses excluding goodwill amortisation.
Includes Colonial.
Productivity measures calculated on a weighted average basis to include Colonial for 17 days since acquisition.
‘Cash  earnings’  for  the  purpose  of  these  financial  statements  is  defined  as  net  profit  after  tax  and  before  abnormal
items adjusted for goodwill amortisation and life insurance and funds management appraisal value uplift.

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

50

Financial Statements

Statements of Profit and Loss.........................................................................................................................................52
Balance Sheet...................................................................................................................................................................53
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity....................................................................................54
Statements of Cash Flows...............................................................................................................................................55
Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements ...............................................................................................56
1  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ...............................................................................................................56
2  Operating Profit...........................................................................................................................................................66
3  Average Balance Sheet and Related Interest .............................................................................................................68
4  Abnormal Items...........................................................................................................................................................71
5 
Income Tax Expense ..................................................................................................................................................72
6  Dividends, Provided For, Reserved or Paid ................................................................................................................73
7  Earnings Per Share.....................................................................................................................................................74
8  Cash and Liquid Assets ..............................................................................................................................................74
9  Receivables from Other Financial Institutions  ............................................................................................................75
10  Trading Securities ......................................................................................................................................................75
11 
Investment Securities .................................................................................................................................................76
12  Loans, Advances and Other Receivables ...................................................................................................................79
13  Provisions for Impairment ...........................................................................................................................................82
14  Credit Risk Concentrations .........................................................................................................................................86
15  Asset Quality...............................................................................................................................................................93
16  Life Insurance Investment Assets ...............................................................................................................................98
17  Deposits with Regulatory Authorities...........................................................................................................................98
18  Shares in and Loans to Controlled Entities .................................................................................................................98
19  Property, Plant and Equipment ...................................................................................................................................99
20  Goodwill ......................................................................................................................................................................99
21  Other Assets ...............................................................................................................................................................99
22  Deposits and Other Public Borrowings......................................................................................................................100
23  Payables to Other Financial Institutions ....................................................................................................................101
24 
Income Tax Liability ..................................................................................................................................................101
25  Other Provisions .......................................................................................................................................................102
26  Debt Issues...............................................................................................................................................................102
27  Bills Payable and Other Liabilities.............................................................................................................................104
28  Loan Capital..............................................................................................................................................................105
29  Share Capital ............................................................................................................................................................107
30  Outside Equity Interests............................................................................................................................................109
31  Capital Adequacy......................................................................................................................................................110
32  Maturity Analysis of Monetary Assets and Liabilities .................................................................................................112
33  Life Insurance Policy Liabilities .................................................................................................................................114
34  Financial Reporting by Segments .............................................................................................................................118
35  Remuneration of Auditors .........................................................................................................................................123
36  Commitments for Capital Expenditure Not Provided for in the Accounts...................................................................123
37  Lease Commitments - Property, Plant and Equipment..............................................................................................123
38  Contingent Liabilities.................................................................................................................................................124
39  Market Risk...............................................................................................................................................................126
40  Superannuation Commitments..................................................................................................................................136
41  Controlled Entities.....................................................................................................................................................137
42 
Investments in Associated Entities............................................................................................................................141
43  Standby Arrangements and Unused Credit Facilities ................................................................................................142
44  Related Party Disclosures.........................................................................................................................................142
45  Remuneration of Directors ........................................................................................................................................144
46  Remuneration of Executives .....................................................................................................................................146
47  Statements of Cash Flow..........................................................................................................................................149
48  Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments..............................................................................................151
Directors’ Declaration ....................................................................................................................................................153
Independent Audit Report .............................................................................................................................................154
Shareholder Information................................................................................................................................................155
Appendix.........................................................................................................................................................................158

51

Statements of Profit and Loss
For the Year ended 30 June 2000

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

2000
$M

1999
$M

GROUP
1998
$M

2000
$M

BANK
1999
$M

8,842
5,123
3,719
2,512
6,231
196
6,035
3,407

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

2,628
57
2,571

2,207
47
2,160
967             -
2,160

3,538

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

1,958
46
1,912
(570)
1,342

7,239
4,230
3,009
2,005
5,014
191
4,823
2,951

1,872
39
1,833
(132)
1,701

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

2,229
39
2,190
            -
2,190

820
(20)
800
2,738
38

714
            -
714
1,446
24

641
(409)
232
1,110

605
(20)
585
1,116
20             -

645
            -
645
1,545
            -

2,700
1,698

1,422
755
432             -
(404)
1,087
2,860
99

           -
           -
4,830
1,713

1,090
908
           -
(384)

1,116
1,295
            -
            -
170             -
2,411
74             -

1,784

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

318
1,113
1,431
1,686

316
747
1,063
1,698

403
552
955
755

318
1,113
1,431
980

316
747
1,063
1,295

Cents per share

184.8
291.3

153.4
153.4

134.5
117.2

130.0

115.0

104.0

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 items
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 new life insurance standard
Buy back
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:
 - before abnormal items
 - after abnormal items
Dividends provided for, reserved or paid per share attributable
to members of the Bank:

Note

2
2
2
2
2
2,13

2

2
2
4

5
4
5

1a

6

7

6

52

Balance Sheets
As at 30 June 2000

Assets
Cash and liquid assets
Receivables due from other financial institutions
Trading securities
Investment securities
Loans, advances and other receivables
Bank acceptances of customers
Life insurance investment assets
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
Life insurance policy liabilities
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

2000
$M

GROUP
1999
$M

Note

2000
$M

2,103
4,329
4,692
7,169
90,661
10,674
-
3
17,349
739
297
412
8,255
146,683

88,240
4,136
10,674
4,326
708
550
808
-
8,205
8,428
126,075
4,803
130,878

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

15,805

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

12,521
2,304
980
15,805
-
15,805

8
9
10
11
12

16
17
18
19
42
20
21

22
23

6
24
25
34
26
27

28

29

30

2,575
5,154
7,347
9,149
132,263
11,107
26,448
46
-
1,073
403
5,905
16,201
217,671

112,594
4,633
11,107
-
708
1,823
1,554
25,282
25,275
11,549
194,525
5,299
199,824

17,847

12,521
3,265
1,686
17,472
375
17,847

BANK
1999
$M

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

6,484

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

53

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
As at 30 June 2000

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Issued and paid up capital
Opening balance
Transfer from share premium reserve
Buy back
Dividend reinvestment plan
Employee share ownership schemes
Issue costs
Share issue to Colonial shareholders
Closing balance
Retained profits
Opening balance
Adjustment on adoption of new life insurance standard
Buy back
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
Buy back
Premium from share issues
Employee share acquisition plan issue
Buy back 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

2000
$M

1999
$M

GROUP
1998
$M

2000
$M

BANK
1999
$M

Note

29

3,526
-
(553)
253
23
(2)
9,274
12,521

1,698
432
-
-
2,700
4,830
1,713
-
118
1,113
200
1,686

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

1,080
1,713
-
2,793

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

289
-
289

-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

133
(251)
318
200

9
(26)
-
(17)

289
-
289

-
-
-

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

214
(397)
316
133

41
(33)
1
9

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

2,195
74
(200)
2,069

288
1
289

-
-
-

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

239
(428)
403
214

56
(45)
30
41

1,860
-
(76)
57
4
-
-

3,526
-
(553)
253
23
(2)
9,274
1,845 12,521

1,295
-
-
-
1,116
2,411
-
-
118
1,113
200
980

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

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

570
-
-
570

1,572
-
(1,002)
570

942
589
1,531

589
(589)
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

133
(251)
318
200

18
(15)
-
3

277
665
942

665
(665)
-

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

214
(397)
316
133

17
-
1
18

Total Reserves
Shareholders' equity attributable to members of the Bank

3,265
17,472

1,511
6,735

4,112
2,304
6,712 15,805

1,663
6,484

54

Statements of Cash Flows
For the Year ended 30 June 2000

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
Life Insurance:
Interest received
Premiums received
Policy payments
Net Cash provided by Operating Activities

2000
$M

1999
$M

7,949
20
(4,538)
2,210
(1,682)
(324)
(587)
(512)
(399)
-
(50)

428
2,771
(2,112)
3,174

7,796
6
(4,071)
1,972
(1,510)
(313)
(481)
(452)
(363)
-
(408)

-
-
-
2,176

GROUP
1998
$M

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

-
-
-
887

2000
$M

7,314
83
(4,027)
1,768
(1,488)
(287)
(550)
(460)
(850)
-
(892)

-
-
-
611

BANK
1999
$M

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

-
-
-
2,373

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
Withdrawal/(lodgement) 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
Life insurance:
Purchases of investment securities
Proceeds from sale/maturity of investment securities
Net Cash used in Investing Activities

(46)

(196)

-

(46)

(196)

(16,852)
17
15,212
950
(8,791)
-
44
(94)

(13,337)
146
11,993
(121)
(11,819)
-
652
(81)

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

(15,050)
7
14,954
949
(7,789)
(1,011)
22
(81)

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

231

229

809

231

229

(433)
(2,424)

(465)
(423)

347
1,175

(433)
879

(465)
(694)

(11,356)
10,863
(12,679)

-
-
(13,422)

-
-
(5,505)

-
-
(7,368)

-
-
(9,531)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Buy back of shares
Proceeds from issue of shares
Net increase in deposits and other borrowings
Net increase in 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

(553)
4
6,043
16
5,818
(882)
351

(650)
6
9,476
13
386
(571)
(138)

(651)
5
6,683
125
(970)
(502)
(10)

(553)
4
6,991
548
1,317
(875)
44

(650)
6
9,367
13
(2,762)
(568)
(110)

1,125

(477)

(869)

1,392

(477)

327
2,053
(271)
14,031
4,526
(557)
3,969

(43)
(317)
1,041
8,726
(2,520)
1,963
(557)

(52)
-
(496)
3,263
(1,355)
3,318
1,963

327
1,975
(956)
10,214
3,457
(287)
3,170

(43)
(317)
437
4,896
(2,262)
1,975
(287)

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

Operating Activities are provided in Note 47.

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.

55

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

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.

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.

The Statements of Cash Flows has  been  prepared
in accordance with the International Accounting Standard
IAS7, Cash Flow Statements.

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.

Changes in Accounting Policy
Life insurance business
The  Group  adopted  the  requirements  of  AASB
1038: ‘Life Insurance Business’ (‘AASB 1038’) for the first
time  from  1  July  1999.  AASB  1038  prescribes  the
methods  to  be  used  in  the  reporting  of  life  insurance
business  and  establishes  disclosure  requirements  with
respect  to  that  business  in  the  financial  report.  The
following  accounting  policy  changes  have  been
implemented:
• 

includes 

to  assets, 

financial  report 

the
The  consolidated 
financial  statements  of  controlled  life  insurance
subsidiaries,  comprising  both  shareholders  and
policyholders  entitlements 
liabilities,
revenues,  and  expenses.  Adoption  of  AASB  1038
has  increased  total  assets  and  total  liabilities  by
$26.5 billion and $25.3 billion respectively.
Revenue  and  expense  items  of  life  insurance
businesses are consolidated on a line by line basis
in the consolidated profit and loss statement. Initial
adoption  of  AASB  1038  has  had  no  effect  on
reported  profits  as  shareholders  entitlements  to
profits  emerging  from  the  Statutory  Funds  were
recognised  in  the  Group’s  consolidated  financial
report in previous periods.
reserves
The 
attributable to policyholders have been disclosed as
part  of 
liabilities.  Profit
attributable to policyholders is included in ‘increase
in  policy  liabilities’.  This  approach  recognises  the
separate  entitlements  of  policyholders  and
shareholders 
life
insurance entities as required by the Life Insurance
Act 1995.

retained  earnings  and  other 

the  Statutory  Funds  of 

insurance  policy 

life 

in 

• 

• 

56

• 

financial 

the  consolidated 

the  underlying  net  assets 

Controlled  entities  of  Life  Insurance  companies,
under AASB1038,  are  required  to  be  valued  at  net
market  value.  AASB1038  requires  the  differences
between  the  net  market  value  of  the  controlled
to  be
entities  and 
recognised as the ‘excess of net market value over
net  assets  of  life  insurance  controlled  entities  (‘the
excess’) 
report.
Several 
restructurings  have
occurred  placing  certain  life  insurance  and  funds
management  controlled  entities  under  insurance
companies,  namely  Commonwealth 
Insurance
Holdings  Limited  (CIHL)  and  The  Colonial  Mutual
Life Assurance Society Limited (CMLA). The impact
of  the  restructuring  that  occurred  during  the  year
was:
-

in 
internal  Group 

Initial 
required
Commonwealth Life Limited (CLL) to be marked
to market. The resultant excess of $432  million
was  taken  directly  to  retained  earnings  as
required under the standard.

of  AASB1038 

adoption 

-

- Various  Colonial  Group  companies  were
transferred  into  CMLA  and  this  resulted  in  an
increase  in  the  excess  by  $551  million  at
30 June  2000.    This  includes  $212  million
transferred from goodwill into excess.
Transfer of Commonwealth Funds Management
businesses under CIHL resulting in an increase
in the excess by $537 million at 30 June 2000.
- Alignment  of  the  valuation  bases  of  CLL  with
those used for the Colonial Group resulted in an
increase  in  the  excess  by  $536  million  at  30
June 2000.

Consistent  with  the  principles  of  market  value
accounting,  the  excess  is  not  amortised.  The  movement
in the excess is recognised in the consolidated profit and
loss statement.

in  accounting  policy.  The 

Future earnings will continue to be  effected  by  this
change 
financial  effect,
including  abnormal  items,  for  the  year  has  been  to
increase  earnings  per  share  by  126  cents  to  291  cents
per share.

Comparatives  have  not  been 

restated,  as
presentation  of  prior  year  information  that  excludes  the
Colonial  Group  would  not  be  meaningful  or  comparable
with current year disclosures.

(b) Historical cost

for  AASB  1038 

The  financial  statements  of  the  Bank  and  the
consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance  with  the  historical  cost  convention  and,
except 
requirements  and  where
indicated,  do  not  reflect  current  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  of
assets the relevant cash flows have not been discounted
to their present value unless otherwise stated.

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued

(c) Consolidation

The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the
financial statements of the Bank and  all  entities  where  it
is  determined  that  there  is  a  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 42.

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.

(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 
foreign  exchange  dealings  are
included in profit and loss.

from 

The 

foreign  currency  assets  and 
liabilities  of
overseas  branches  and  overseas  controlled  entities  are
converted  to  Australian  currency  at  30  June  2000  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.

Translation  differences  arising  from  conversion  of
opening  balances  of  shareholders’  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  Group  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
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.

(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 facilities referred to in Note 1(m),
financial  instruments  are  transacted  on  a  commercial
basis  to  derive  an  interest  yield/cost  with  terms  and
conditions  having  due  regard  to  the  nature  of  the
transaction and the risks involved.

(h) Cash and liquid assets

Cash  and  liquid  assets  includes  cash  at  branches,

cash at bankers and money at short call.

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.

(i)

Receivables due from other financial
institutions
Receivables 

financial 

from  other 

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

(j)

Trading securities
Trading  securities  are  short  and  long  term  public,
bank  and  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
fair  value
and 
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.

losses  on  disposal  and  unrealised 

(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  date  of
purchase so that securities attain their redemption values
by  maturity  date.  Interest  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
related 
identification  basis.  Unrealised 
to
permanent  diminution 
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.

losses 
the  value  of 

in 

(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 
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.

related 

their 

57

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued

(m) Loans, advances and other receivables

Loans,  advances  and  other  receivables  include
overdrafts, home, credit card and other personal lending,
term loans, leasing, bill financing, redeemable preference
shares  and  leverage  leases.  They  are  carried  at  the
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
income.  Upon
recognition  of 
a  cash  basis 
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.

for 

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.

terms  modified, 

Restructured Facilities
When  facilities  (primarily  loans)  have  the  original
the  accounts  become
contractual 
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
restructured  terms.  If  performance  is  not  maintained,  or
longer
interest  and/or  principal 
collection  of 
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.

is  no 

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  through  the  general  provision.  Any  subsequent  cash
recovery is credited to the general provision.

(n)

Leasing and leveraged leasing
Finance leases are accounted for using the finance
method  and  are  included  in  loans,  advances  and  other

58

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
arrangements. Where  a  change  occurs  in  the  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  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
leases  with 
progressively over the lease term.

income  brought 

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 than to
the  unremitted  lease  rentals  and  the  equipment  under
lease.

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,
and
liabilities, 
contingent 
investments  and  assets  acquired 
through  security
enforcement.

instruments 

financial 

full
Specific  provisions  are  established  where 
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 funded primarily
by  reference  to  historical  ratios  of  write-offs  to  balances
in default.

General  provisions  for  bad  and  doubtful  debts  are
maintained  to  cover  non  identified  probable  losses  and
latent  risks  inherent  in  the  overall  portfolio  of  advances
and  other  credit 
transactions.  The  provisions  are
determined having regard to the 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.

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued

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)
With effect from 1 January  1998  the  Group  refined
the  methodology  used  to  estimate  the  provisions  for
impairment  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 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.

(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.

(q) Deposits with regulatory authorities

In  several  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  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

At  year  end, 

independent  market  valuations,
reflecting  current  use,  were  obtained  for  all  individual
property  holdings  (other  than  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.

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
-
- Office machinery
- EFTPOS machines

Furniture

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.

(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  resulting
from  the  acquisition  of  the  Colonial  Group  in  June  2000
and  the  amortisation  policy  is  set  out  in  Note  1A.
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.

(u) Other assets

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

for 

the  American 

Capitalisation of Computer Software Costs
In  accordance  with 

Institute  of
Certified  Public  Accountants  Statement  of  Position  98-1
‘Accounting 
the  Costs  of  Computer  Software
Developed  or  Obtained  for  Internal  Use’,  the  Group
carries  net  unamortised  capitalised  computer  software
costs of $43 million as at 30 June 2000. The amortisation
period for software is 2½ years except for certain  longer
term  projects.  Software  maintenance  costs  continue  to
be expensed as incurred.

59

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued

(v) Deposits and other public borrowings

Deposits  and  other  public  borrowings  includes
certificates  of  deposits,  term  deposits,  savings  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

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

(x) Provision for dividend

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

(y)

Income taxes
The  Group  has  adopted  the  liability  method  of  tax
effect  accounting.  The  tax  effect  of  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 (Notes 5 and 21).

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  satisfies  the  recognition
requirement  that  utilisation  of  the  provision  be  assured
beyond reasonable doubt.

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

(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
outstanding liability as at balance date. Actual  payments
made  during  the  year  are  included  in  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

Provision for Restructuring (2000)
In June 2000 the Group acquired a 100% interest in
the Colonial Limited Group of companies. This resulted in

60

restructuring 

requirements 

consequent 
within
Commonwealth  Bank’s  existing  business.  The  provision
for  restructuring  covers  the  integration  of  the  Colonial
operations  into  the  existing  Group  and  rationalisation  of
existing  processing  and  administrative  functions.  The
principal costs associated with this programme are in the
area  of  redundancy,  property  and  systems.  Refer  Note
1A for further details on the Colonial acquisition.

integration  of  Colonial 
resulted 

Abnormal Item – Restructuring Costs (2000)
the  Group’s
The 
structure 
for
restructuring  of  $106  million  ($86  million  after  tax)  being
charged  to  the  Bank’s  profit  and  loss  in  the  year  ending
30 June 2000 (refer Notes 4 and 25).

in  an  abnormal  expense 

into 

Provision for Restructuring (1998)
The  provision  for  restructuring  covers  information
technology  transition  costs  to  EDS  (Australia)  and  other
outsourcing  arrangements, 
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.

further 

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 and 25.

(bb) Provision for self insurance

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

(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
their redemption values by maturity date.

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 26.

(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
expenses  payable  and  securities  purchased  not
delivered.

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.

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued

Premiums,  discounts  and  associated 
issue
expenses  are  amortised  through  profit  and  loss  each
year from the date of issue so that securities  attain  their
redemption  values  by  maturity  date.  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  loan  capital  debt

issues are shown in Note 28.

(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  the  Group’s  life  insurance  businesses  of
$1,944  million, 
the  appraisal  value  uplift
(1999: $231 million, 1998: $219 million).

including 

Capital reserve is derived from capital profits and is

available for dividend.

It  was  not  available 

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

for  distribution 

Dividend reinvestment plan reserve is appropriated
from  revenue  profits.  The  amount  of 
the  reserve
the  minimum  expected
the  estimate  of 
represents 
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  treatment  reflects  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.

Further  details  of  share  capital,  outside  equity
interests  and  reserves  are  shown  in  Notes  29,  30  and
Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity.

(gg) Derivative financial instruments

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

financial 

Derivative financial instruments held or issued for
trading purposes
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 

issuing
derivative  financial  instruments  for  purposes  other  than
trading 
interest  rate,
exchange  rate  and  credit  risk  associated  with  certain

to  manage  balance  sheet 

in  holding  or 

is 

loans, 

liabilities  such  as 

assets  and 
investment
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.

Equity  swaps  are  utilised  to  manage  the  risk
associated  with  both  the  capital  investment  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.

Forward rate agreements and futures
losses  on 
Realised  gains  and 

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.

forward 

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.

61

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued

(jj)

Life Insurance Business
The  Group  conducts 

life 

insurance  business
Insurance  Holdings  Limited
through  Commonwealth 
(CIHL),  Commonwealth  Life  Limited  (CLL)  and  The
Colonial  Mutual  Life  Assurance  Society  Limited  (CMLA)
in  Australia,  ASB  Life  Assurance  Limited,  Sovereign
Assurance  Company,  Metropolitan  Life  Assurance
Company  of  NZ  Limited  and  Colonial  Holding  Company
No2 
in  New  Zealand  and  several
subsidiaries and joint ventures throughout Asia.

(NZ)  Limited 

Accounting  policies  and  disclosures  specific  to  life
insurance  business  are  required  under  AASB1038:  Life
Insurance Business. These are provided in this note and
Notes 16, 21 and 34.

Premiums and Claims
Investment linked business

(i)

Premiums received, which are in the nature of
investment  deposits,  have  the  fee  portion  of  the
premium  recognised  as  revenue  and  the  deposit
portion  recognised  as  an 
in  policy
liabilities.  Premiums  with  no  due  date  are
recognised on a cash received basis.  Fees  earned
by 
funds
invested  are  recognised  as  revenue.  Claims  under
investment 
represent
withdrawals  of 
investment  deposits  and  are
recognised as a reduction in policy liabilities.

the  Shareholder 

for  managing 

businesses 

increase 

linked 

the 

(ii) Non-investment linked business

Premiums received for providing services and
bearing risks are recognised as revenue. Premiums
with a regular due date are recognised as revenue
on an accruals basis. Non-investment linked claims
are  recognised  as  an  expense  when  a  liability  has
been established.
Market Value Accounting
All  assets  are  valued  at  net  market  value  (NMV)
and  all  liabilities  at  net  present  value  at  balance  date.
Consistent  with 
the  principles  of  market  value
accounting, movements in the net market value of assets
and  net  present  value  of  liabilities  during  the  period  are
immediately recognised in the profit and loss.
Life insurance investment assets
Investments  are  measured  at  net  market  values  at
balance  date.  Listed  securities  are  valued  at  the  price
ruling  at  balance  date.  Where  no  quoted  market  exists,
the  Directors  adopt  various  methods  determined  by
internal and external valuers.  In these cases the  values
are  deemed  equivalent  to  net  market  value.  Details  of
particular methods adopted are as follows:
• 

Valuation  of  the  investment  in  the  life  insurance
controlled  entities  is  based  on  the  appraisal  value.
The appraisal value comprises the present value of
future  profits  from  in-force  business,  the  estimated
value  of  profits  from  future  business  and  the
shareholders  interest  in  the  net  worth  of  the  life
insurance Statutory and Shareholder Funds.

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  hedge  would  have
been  effective.  Where  the  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.
financial

derivative 

Further 

on 
instruments is shown in Note 39.

information 

(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 38.

(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.
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.
Associated  costs  incurred  in  these  lending  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.

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.
However,  when  they  are  charged  for  services  provided
over  a  period,  they  are  taken  to  income  on  an  accrual
basis.

Other income
Trading income is brought to account when earned
based  on  changes 
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
financial  instruments.  Life  insurance  business  income
recognition is explained in Note 1(jj) below.

fair  value  of 

in  net 

62

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued
• 

• 

sales 

about 

future 

Non  life  insurance  controlled  entities  are  valued
using  a  discounted  cash  flow  method  applied  to
anticipated  future  income  streams,  allowing  for
growth,
assumptions 
redemptions, expenses, investment returns and fee
margins.  This  method  allows 
the  values  so
calculated to be expressed in the form of appraisal
values,  consistent  with  those  calculated  for  the  life
the
insurance  controlled  entities.  Valuation  of 
investment  in  the  non  life  insurance  controlled
entities is then based on these calculated appraisal
values as at 30 June 2000.
Properties  are  valued  annually  by  qualified
independent valuers.
Excess of Net Market Value over Net Assets of
Controlled Entities
Interests  in  controlled  entities  held  by  the  life
insurance  companies  are  subject  to  revaluation  each
period, such that the investment in the controlled entity is
recorded at market value.
On  consolidation 

in  controlled
the 
entities  is  eliminated  and  the  excess  of  market  value  of
controlled  entities  over  their  underlying  net  assets  is
separately  recognised  in  Other  Assets  (Note  21)  on  the
balance  sheet  as  ‘Excess  of  Net  Market  Value  over  Net
Tangible  Assets  of  Life  Insurance  Controlled  Entities’.
This  amount  is  assessed  periodically  as  part  of  the
valuation  of  investments  with  changes  in  value  being
recorded  under  Other  Operating  Income.  This  excess
does not require amortisation in the financial statements.
Life insurance policy liabilities and margin on
services profit
Policy  liabilities  are  calculated  in  accordance  with
the  principles  of  Margin  on  Services  (MoS)  profit
reporting  as  set  out  in  Actuarial  standard  AS  1.02:
’Valuation  of  Policy  Liabilities’ 
the  Life
Insurance Actuarial Standards Board. Policy liabilities are
calculated  in  a  way  which  allows  for  the  systematic
release  of  planned  profit  margins  as  services  are
provided  to  policyowners  and  the  revenues  relating  to
those  services  are  received.  Selected  profit  carriers
including  premiums  and  anticipated  annuity  payments
are used to determine profit recognition.

issued  by 

investment 

Profit
Life  insurance  business  operating  under  this  profit

recognition methodology can be analysed as follows:
(i)

Emergence of planned profit margins:

In  setting  premium  rates,  life  insurers  will
include  planned  margins  of 
revenues  over
expenses. When the life insurer has performed the
services  necessary  to  establish  a  valid  claim  to
those  margins  and  has  received  the  revenues
relating to those services, the planned margins are
recognised  in  the  profit  and  loss  account.  Where
replicates  planned  margin
actual  experience 
assumptions,  the  planned  profit  margin  will  be
released over the life of the policy.

(ii) Difference between actual and planned experience:
Experience profits/(losses) are realised where
the  expected
actual  experience  differs 
performance  used  to  determine  planned  margins.
experience
Circumstances 
profits/(losses)  include  experience  variations 
in
claims,  expenses,  mortality,  discontinuance  and
investment  returns.  For  example,  an  experience
the  expenses  of
profit  will  emerge  when 

giving 

from 

rise 

to 

maintaining all in force business in a year are lower
than those allowed for in the planned margin.
(iii) Reversals  of  previously  recognised  losses  or  loss

recognition on groups of related products:

Where future expenses for a group of related
products  exceeds  future  revenues,  the  anticipated
loss  is  recognised  immediately. 
If  unprofitable
business becomes profitable, previously recognised
losses are reversed immediately.
Investment  earnings  on  assets  in  excess  of  policy
liabilities:

(iv)

liabilities. 

to  meet  policy 

Investment assets are held in excess of those
Investment
required 
influenced  by  market
earnings  are  directly 
conditions and as such this component of profit will
vary from year to year.
Participating Policies
Policy  liabilities  attributable  to  participating  policies
include  the  value  of  future  planned  shareholder  profit
margins  and  an  allowance 
future  supportable
bonuses. The value of supportable bonuses and planned
shareholder  profit  margins  account  for  all  profit  on
participating 
estimate
based 
assumptions.

policies 

best 

for 

on 

Under  Margin  on  Services  profit 

recognition
methodology,  the  value  of  supportable  bonuses  and  the
shareholder profit margin relating to a reporting  year  will
emerge as planned profits in that year.

Policy Acquisition Costs
Policy  acquisition  costs  include  the  fixed  and
variable  costs  of  acquiring  new  business.  These  costs
are  effectively  deferred  through  the  determination  of
policy liabilities at the balance date to the extent that they
are deemed recoverable from premium or policy charges.
Deferred  acquisition  costs  are  effectively  amortised  over
the life of the policy.

businesses  were 

Abnormal Item – Net market valuation of funds
management businesses (2000)
In June 2000, the  Commonwealth’s  principal  funds
to
management 
Commonwealth Insurance Holdings Limited (CIHL), a life
insurance  wholly  owned  controlled  entity,  as  part  of  an
internal restructuring. In accordance with AASB1038: Life
Insurance  Business,  these  entities  are  required  to  be
carried  at  their  net  market  valuation.  The  difference
between  the  previous  carrying  value  and  the  net  market
value results in an abnormal gain of $537 million.

transferred 

those  used 

Abnormal Item – Change of valuation bases of
Commonwealth Life  insurance business (2000)
The  item  arises  from  a  change  in  the  bases  of
valuation  of  the  Commonwealth  Life  business  to  align
them  with 
the  equivalent  Colonial
for 
businesses.  The  change  in  bases  arose  due  to  the
following items:
• 
• 

first time inclusion of franking credits;
lower than previously estimated impact of business
tax reforms; and
revised  assumptions 
multiplier.
These  factors  increased  the  valuation  of  CLL  by

the  new  business

for 

• 

$536 million.

63

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued

(kk) Loan Securitisation

(mm)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.

The 

contributions 

superannuation 

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.

(nn) Comparative figures

Where  necessary,  comparative  figures  have  been
adjusted  to  conform  with  changes  in  presentation  in
these financial statements.

(oo) Definitions

‘Overseas’ represents amounts booked in branches

and controlled entities outside Australia.

‘Borrowing  Corporation’  as  defined  by  Section  9  of
the  Corporations  Law  is  CBFC  Limited  and  controlled
entities.

‘Net Fair Value’ represents the fair or market value

adjusted for transaction costs.

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

in  operating  profit  after 

income 

(pp) Events Subsequent to Balance Date

On 22 August 2000, the Group purchased the 25%
minority  interest  in  ASB  Group  in  New  Zealand  for
NZD560  million  ($430  million).  This  gives  the  Group  a
100% interest in ASB Group.

The  Group  conducts  a  loan  securitisation  program
through which it packages and sells loans as securities to
investors.  For  its  services  to  the  program,  the  Group
receives 
loan  servicing,  program
management  and  trustee  fees  on  an  arms  length  basis.
Fee income is recognised in income on an accruals basis
in  relation  to  the  period  in  which  the  costs  of  providing
these services are incurred.

fees  such  as 

Interest  rate  swaps  and 

facilities  are
provided  at  arms  length  to  the  program  by  the  Group  in
accordance with APRA Prudential Guidelines.

liquidity 

The Group is entitled to any residual income of the
program after all payments due to investors and costs of
the program have been met.

Due  to  the  significant  uncertainties  inherent  in
estimating  the  underlying  loan  repayment  rates  and
interest  margins,  future  cash  flows  cannot  be  reliably
measured.  Therefore,  no  asset/liability  or  gain/loss  on
sale  of  the  loans  has  been  recognised.  The  residual
income  is  recognised  in  Other  Income  when  receivable.
Interest  rates  swaps  are  recognised  in  income  on  an
accruals basis.

(ll)

Fiduciary activities
The Bank and designated controlled entities act as
Trustee  and/or  Manager  and/or  Custodian  for  a  number
of  Wholesale,  Superannuation  and  Investment  Funds,
Trusts  and  Approved  Deposit  Funds.  Further  details  are
shown in Note 38.

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.

64

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 1A Acquisition of Colonial

On  13  June  2000,  pursuant  to  a  Scheme  of
Arrangement,  the  Group  acquired  a  100%  interest  in
Colonial  Limited,  a  life  insurance,  funds  management
and banking group. Under the scheme, Colonial ordinary
shareholders  accepted  7  new  Commonwealth  Bank
shares  for  every  20  Colonial  ordinary  shares  held.  As  a
result,  351,409,450  new  Commonwealth  Bank  shares
were  issued  and  allotted  to  Colonial  shareholders  and
option holders, and $800 million paid to Colonial income
security holders.

Consideration
351,409,450 new Commonwealth Bank
shares @ $26.39
Income securities payout
Transaction costs
Preacquisition dividend received
Cost of Acquisition

Fair value of net tangible assets acquired
Cash & liquid assets
Receivables from other financial institutions
Trading securities
Investment securities
Loans, advances & other receivables
Bank acceptances of customers
Life insurance investment assets
Deposits with regulatory authorities
Property, plant and equipment
Investments in associates
Other assets
Deposits and other public borrowings
Payables due to other financial institutions
Bank acceptances
Income tax liability
Other provisions
Life insurance policy liabilities
Debt issues
Bills payable and other liabilities
Loan capital
Restructuring provision

Outside equity interests in net assets acquired
Excess of net market value over
net assets of life insurance controlled entities
Goodwill on acquisition

$M

9,274
800
46
(1,000)
9,120

373
538
2,154
99
20,316
477
15,504
43
167
117
2,461
(13,024)
(267)
(477)
(702)
(396)
(14,960)
(8,678)
(1,730)
(418)
(294)
1,303
(155)

2,548
5,424
9,120

The  assets  acquired  and  the  liabilities  assumed  have
been  measured  at  their  fair  values  at  13  June  2000,
including  adjustments  to  bring  accounting  policies  onto  a
consistent  basis.  Provisions  for  restructuring  covering  the
planned  integration  of  the  Colonial  operations  into  the
existing Group and rationalisation of existing processing and
administrative 
functions  have  been  booked  as  a
pre-acquisition cost in Colonial or as an abnormal charge in
Commonwealth  Bank,  as  applicable.  The  principal  costs
associated  with  this  restructuring  are  staff  redundancy
payments,  property  and  rental  break  costs,  systems  costs
and  supply  contract  renegotiation  costs.  The  fair  value
adjustments  principally  relate  to  write-off  of  capitalised
systems  costs  and  additional  general  provisioning  to  bring
Colonial onto a consistent provisioning methodology.

The fair value of adjustments comprised:
- Write off of capitalised costs
- Doubtful debt provisioning - general
- Doubtful debt provisioning - specific
- Other

Income tax benefit - fair value adjustments

Restructuring costs provisioned comprised
- Staff
- Occupancy and equipment
- Information technology services
- Other

Income tax benefit - restructuring costs

Fair value adjustments and restructuring costs
after tax

$M

275
120
29
51
475
(148)
327

86
90
53
65
294
(50)
244

571

65

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 1A Acquisition of Colonial continued

Excess of net market value over net tangible assets
of life insurance controlled entities.
An internal group restructuring of Colonial’s life and
funds  management  businesses  was  completed  in  June
2000,  whereby  all  these  businesses,  except  for  some
Asian  businesses,  were  transferred  to  The  Colonial
Mutual  Life  Assurance  Society  Limited  (CMLA),  a  life
insurance  controlled  entity.  These 
funds
management  businesses  are  valued  at  market  value  by
CMLA.  Consistent  with  the  principles  of  market  value
accounting,  as  specified  by  AASB1038:  Life  Insurance
Business, the above resulting Excess of net market value

life  and 

over  net  tangible  assets  of  life  insurance  controlled
entities is not amortised.

Goodwill
The  goodwill  emerging  on  the  acquisition  amounts
to  $5,424  million  and  will  be  amortised  over  a  period  of
20  years,  representing  the  assessed  life  of  the  ongoing
business.  Upon  achievement  of  the  cost  and  revenue
synergies  anticipated 
the
from 
Commonwealth  and  Colonial  life  insurance  businesses,
consideration  may  be  given 
the
amortisation of a portion of this goodwill.

to  accelerating 

integration  of 

the 

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

2000
$M

1999
$M

GROUP
1998
$M

Interest Income
  Loans
  Other financial institutions
  Cash and liquid assets
  Trading securities
  Investment securities
  Dividends on redeemable preference shares
  Controlled entities
  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 income (refer note 34)
Funds management income
 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

66

7,663
191
78
295
586
24
-
5
8,842

3,773
297
671
171
-
210
1
5,123
3,719

554
946

146
105
60
-
20
12
13
418
143
103
(55)
47
2,512

6,231

196
-
196

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

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

474
807

155
66
52
-
6
79
24
157
97
94
(63)
49
1,997

5,524

247
-
247

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

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

472
678

161
35
47
-
18
101
34
130
75
79
(46)
49
1,833

5,230

165
68
233

2000
$M

6,126
176
76
224
437
(39)
238
1
7,239

3,136
235
188
151
316
204
-
4,230
3,009

517
768

130
91
60
182
13
7
14
-
-
-
-
223
2,005

5,014

191
-
191

BANK
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

444
672

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

5,062

78
-
78

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

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

2000
$M

1999
$M

GROUP
1998
$M

1,498
2
38
3
3
75
33
53
1,705

208

31
28
58
46
66
437

186
144
103
138
571

81
75
176
362
694
3,407

57

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

158

51
26
68
64
88
455

145
141
90
129
505

76
69
112
249
506
3,070

47

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

141

62
22
103
69
76
473

164
102
89
121
476

75
53
116
224
468
3,039

46

2000
$M

1,330
-
37
1
3
72
32
35
1,510

191

28
26
34
42
50
371

169
133
102
130
534

75
63
136
262
536
2,951

39

BANK
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

Operating Profit before Abnormal Items

2,571

2,160

1,912

1,833

2,190

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

8,842
1,500
311
561
20
14
17
95
11,360

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

7,239
1,285
281
-
195
22
7
223
9,252

6,352
1,116
257
-
469
640
147
212
9,193

There were no sources of revenue from non operating activities.

67

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

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  1998,
1999  and  2000.  Averages  used  are  predominantly  daily
averages. The overseas component comprises overseas
branches of the Bank and overseas domiciled  controlled

entities.  Overseas  intergroup  borrowings  have  been
adjusted in 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.

2000

1999

1998

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
Overseas
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
Life insurance investment assets
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

68

1,860
42

1,839
1,307

-
6

3,754
1,929

4,082
5,331

94,913
14,100
-

-
2,825

78
-

112
79

-
-

196
99

260
326

6,701
986
5

-
168

4.2
-

6.1
6.0

-
-

5.2
5.1

6.4
6.1

7.1
7.0
n/a

-
5.9

1,468
119

1,481
1,522

892
2

2,720
1,700

3,052
4,659

58
-

79
86

-
-

149
97

171
254

83,350
13,306
-

5,899
949
3

414
-

23
-

4.0
-

5.3
5.7

-
-

5.5
5.7

5.6
5.5

7.1
7.1
n/a

5.6
-

1,942
156

1,882
1,977

809
-

1,297
1,709

2,987
3,662

86
2

106
135

-
-

83
130

183
226

73,797
11,947
-

5,542
1,105
7

713
-

43
-

131,988
(2,825)

9,010
(168)

6.8 114,685
5.9
(414)

7,768
(23)

6.8 102,878
(713)
5.6

7,648
(43)

129,163

8,842

6.8 114,271

7,745

6.8 102,165

7,605

4.4
1.3

5.6
6.8

-
-

6.4
7.6

6.1
6.2

7.5
9.2
n/a

6.0
-

7.4
6.0

7.4

10,533
21

9,732
240

755
187

9,309
1,158

(1,213)
(174)

30,548
159,711

15.0%

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%

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 3 Average Balance Sheet and Related Interest continued

2000

1999
Average Interest Average Average Interest Average Average Interest Average
Rate
Balance
%
$M

Rate Balance
$M

Rate Balance
$M

1998

$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
Overseas
Other interest bearing liabilities
Intragroup borrowings
Australia
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
Life insurance policy liabilities
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

38,176
8,665

2,022
484

5.3 31,119
9,201
5.6

1,597
591

5.1 26,055
8,300
6.4

1,464
718

25,248
2,017

17,662
1,954

961
3,718

5,285
6,993

2,330
662

3,336
68
-

2,825
-

460
67

696
44

56
241

285
386

128
43

204
6
1

168
-

1.8 24,378
2,120
3.3

3.9 17,247
1,682
2.3

5.8
6.5

5.4
5.5

5.5
6.5

6.1
8.8
n/a

5.9
-

643
3,367

6,005
2,130

1,684
808

2,746
-
-

-
414

418
81

626
40

35
172

319
74

76
30

155
-
4

-
23

1.7 22,970
1,680
3.8

3.6 15,865
1,375
2.4

5.4
5.1

5.3
3.5

4.5
3.7

5.6
-
n/a

-
5.6

481
3,175

3,640
1,656

2,631
874

2,891
-
57

-
713

403
104

630
24

17
201

220
73

133
50

166
-
5

-
43

119,900
(2,825)

5,291
(168)

4.4 103,544
(414)
5.9

4,241
(23)

4.1 92,363
(713)
5.6

4,251
(43)

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

-
6.0

4.6
6.0

117,075

5,123

4.4 103,130

4,218

4.1 91,650

4,208

4.6

4,698
72

10,533
21

9,458
201

5,964
4,005

34,952

152,027
7,684

159,711

3,952
76

9,971
32

-
-

9,632
2,383

26,046

129,176
7,005

136,181

3,738
58

9,660
34

-
-

9,377
1,990

24,857

116,507
7,048

123,555

18.7%

16.9%

16.5%

69

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 3 Average Balance Sheet and Related Interest continued

Changes in Net Interest Income:
Volume and Rate Analysis

Year ended 30 June 2000
versus 1999

Volume
$M

Rate
$M

Total
$M

Year ended 30 June 1999
versus 1998
Rate
$M

Volume
$M

Total
$M

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
Overseas
Change in interest income including intragroup
Intragroup eliminations
Change in interest income
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
Overseas
Other interest bearing liabilities
Intragroup borrowings
Australia
Overseas
Change in interest expense including intragroup
Intragroup eliminations
Change in interest expense
Change in net interest income

70

16
-

20
(13)

-
-

55
12

62
39

817
56

-
139
1,177
(139)
1,014

368
(32)

15
(4)

16
6

18
20

(39)
219

32
(7)

35
3

139
-
696
(139)
590
424

4
-

13
6

-
-

(8)
(10)

27
33

(15)
(19)
2

-
6
65
(6)
83

57
(75)

27
(10)

54
(2)

3
49

5
93

20
20

14
3
(3)

6
-
354
(6)
315
(232)

20
-

33
(7)

-
-

47
2

89
72

802
37
2

-
145
1,242
(145)
1,097

425
(107)

42
(14)

70
4

21
69

(34)
312

52
13

49
6
(3)

145
-
1,050
(145)
905
192

(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

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 3 Average Balance Sheet and Related Interest continued

Changes in Net Interest Income: Volume and Rate Analysis

The  preceding  table  shows  the  movement 

in
interest  income  and  expense  due  to  changes  in  volume
and  changes  in  interest  rates.  Volume  variances  reflect
the  change  in  interest  from  the  prior  period  due  to
movement in the average balance. Rate variance reflects

the change in interest from the prior year due to changes
in interest rates.

Volume  and  rate  variance  for  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

2000
$M

1999
$M

GROUP

1998
$M

3,719
129,163

3,527
114,271

3,397
102,165

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(1)
Interest forgone on non accrual and restructured loans
Interest Spread(2)
Benefit of net free liabilities, provisions and equity(3)
Australia Interest Margin(4)

Overseas
Interest spread adjusted for interest forgone on non accrual and restructured loans(1)
Interest forgone on non accrual and restructured loans
Interest Spread(2)
Benefit of net free liabilities, provisions and equity(3)
Overseas Interest Margin(4)

Group
Interest spread adjusted for interest forgone on non accrual and restructured loans(1)
Interest forgone on non accrual and restructured loans
Interest Spread(2)
Benefit of net free liabilities, provisions and equity(3)
Group Interest Margin(4)

2.71
(0.00)
2.71
0.42

3.13

1.24
(0.02)
1.22
0.30

1.52

2.48
(0.01)
2.47
0.41

2.88

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

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

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.
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 interest income divided by average interest earning assets for the period.

NOTE 4 Abnormal Items

Abnormal items:
Restructuring costs (Note 1(aa))
Net market valuation of funds management businesses (Note 1(jj))
Change of valuation bases of Commonwealth Life insurance businesses
(Note 1(jj))
General provision charge for bad and doubtful debts (Note 1(o))
Total Abnormal Items Before Tax
Abnormal tax credit items:
Restructuring costs (Note 1(aa))
Tax effecting general provision (Note 1 (y))
Total abnormal income tax credit
Total Abnormal Items After Tax

2000
$M

1999
$M

GROUP
1998
$M

(106)
537

536
-
967

20
-
20
987

-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-
-

(200)
-

-
(370)
(570)

72
337
409
(161)

2000
$M

(106)
(26)

-
-
(132)

20
-
20
(112)

BANK
1999
$M

-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-
-

71

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

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.

2000
$M

1999
$M

GROUP
1998
$M

2000
$M

BANK
1999
$M

Operating profit before abnormal items and income tax
Banking
Life insurance and funds management

Prima facie income tax at 36%
Banking
Life insurance and funds management

Add (or deduct) permanent differences expressed on
a tax effect basis:
Current Period
Tax rate change
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)
Tax adjustment referable to policyholder income
Non assessable income - life insurance surplus
Change in excess of net market value over net assets of
life insurance controlled entities
Non deductible goodwill amortisation
Employee share acquisition plan
Other

Prior Periods
Other

Income tax attributable to operating profit
Banking
Life insurance and funds management

Abnormal income tax expense (credit)  (Note 4)
Banking and finance

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

72

2,213
358
2,571

2,033
127
2,160

796
129
925

732
45
777

1,831

1,833
81          -
1,833

1,912

659

659
29          -
659

688

2,190
            -
2,190

789
            -
789

            -
(22)
3
(38)

23             -
            -
1
7
(27)
28             -
(36)

(62)

           -

38             -
            -
            -
7
(170)
            -
            -

9          -
(24)
3
(75)
         -
         -

35
9
(33)
           -
(27)

(33)
21
(9)
(17)
(106)

            -
17
            -
(19)
(57)

           -
16
(10)
(13)
(14)

         -
14
(9)
(1)
(54)

            -
14
            -
5
(144)

1

(6)

(33)

         -

            -

759
61
820

(20)
(20)
800

730
137
(109)
34
8
800

677
52
729
73
(2)
71

704

641
10            -
641

714

605
         -
605

645
            -
645

            -
            -
714

(409)
(409)
232

(20)
(20)
585

            -
            -
645

744
(24)
(34)
8
20
714

710
34
744
(46)
16
(30)

245
128
(158)
16
1
232

194
51
245
(13)
-
(13)

536
128
(115)
29
7
585

535
-
535
50
-
50

640
(25)
13
8
9
645

640
-
640
5
-
5

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 5 Income Tax Expense continued

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 21)

Deferred income tax liabilities arising from:
Leveraged leasing
Lease financing
Accelerated tax depreciation
Other
Total deferred income tax liabilities (Note 24)

Future income tax benefits attributable to tax losses
carried forward as an asset (Note 21)

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 21)

NOTE 6 Dividends Provided For, Reserved or Paid

Interim dividend (fully franked) of 58 cents per share
(1999: 49 cents, 1998: 46 cents)
  Provision for interim dividend - cash component only
Declared final dividend (fully franked) of 72 cents per share
(1999: 66 cents, 1998: 58 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

2000
$M

1999
$M

GROUP
1998
$M

2000
$M

BANK
1999
$M

743
156
899

383
247
28
541
1,199

255
78
333

461
209
41
222
933

272
53
325

437
185
47
214
883

282
(45)
237

139
50
28
147
364

216
46
262

198
56
40
173
467

181

-

-

-

-

146
7
(11)
31
173

132
(12)
(10)
36
146

96
6
(4)
34
132

140
7
(11)
31
167

121
(12)
(5)
36
140

405

275

231

405

275

708
1,113

118
200
318
1,431

472
747

183
133
316
1,063

321
552

189
214
403
955

708
1,113

118
200
318
1,431

472
747

183
133
316
1,063

The Bank has changed its dividend policy for the year ended 30 June 2000. The amount of dividend to be paid is now

based on profit after tax before goodwill amortisation and appraisal value uplift. Previously it was based on profit after tax.

Dividend Franking Account
The  amount  of 

franking  credits  available 

for
subsequent  financial  years  stands  at  $450  million.  This
figure  represents  the  extent  to  which  future  dividends
could  be  fully  franked  at  34%,  and  is  based  on  the
Bank’s  franking  account  at  30  June  2000,  which  has
been adjusted for franking credits that will arise from the

payment of income tax payable on profits of the  financial
year  ended  30  June  2000,  franking  debits  that  will  arise
from  the  payment  of  dividends  proposed  as  at  30  June
2000 and franking credits that the Bank may be prevented
from distributing in subsequent financial periods.

73

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 6 Dividends Provided For, Reserved or Paid continued

Dividend History

Half Year Ended

31 December 1995
30 June 1996
31 December 1996
30 June 1997
31 December 1997 (on shares post buy back)
30 June 1998
31 December 1998
30 June 1999
31 December 1999
30 June 2000

Cents
Per
Share

Half Year
Payout
Ratio(1)

Full Year
Payout
Ratio(1)

38
52
45
57
46
58
49
66
58
72

67.1%
88.3%
68.2%
110.9%
71.9%
109.3%
63.9%
86.1%
63.1%
77.9%

-
78.1%
-
87.0%
-
88.7%
-
75.0%
-

44.6% (2)

DRP
Price
$

9.96
10.64
12.51
14.55
18.06
18.79
24.50
24.75
24.42

DRP
Participation
Rate(3)

48.6%
46.5%
51.2%
50.5%
43.0%
42.2%
43.6%
22.3%
22.6%

(1)

(2)

(3)

Dividend Payout Ratio: dividends per share divided by earnings per share.
Full year payout ratio based on earnings before goodwill amortisation and appraisal value uplift was 71.8%.
DRP Participation Rate: the percentage of total issued capital participating in the Dividend Reinvestment Plan.

NOTE 7 Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Ordinary Share (basic and fully diluted)
-before abnormal items
-after abnormal items

Cash Basis Earnings Per Ordinary Share (basic and fully diluted)
-before abnormal items
-after abnormal items

Reconciliation of earnings used in the calculation of earnings per share
Operating profit after income tax (including abnormals)
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

2000
c

1999
c

GROUP
1998
c

185
291

181
181

$M

153
153

158
158

$M

2,738
(38)
2,700

1,446
(24)
1,422

Number of Shares
M

M

927

927

134
117

139
139

$M

1,110
(20)
1,090

 M

930

“Cash  earnings”  for  the  purpose  of  these  financial  statements  is  defined  as  net  profit  after  tax  and  before  abnormal

items adjusted for goodwill amortisation and life insurance appraisal value uplift.

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

74

2000
$M

944
147
1,226
189
2,506

35
32
2
69
2,575

GROUP
1999
$M

2000
$M

BANK
1999
$M

752

680
39               -
1,226
189
2,095

793
138
1,722

757
              -
793
138
1,688

31               -
8
58
3               -
8
2,103

92
1,814

              -
58
              -
58
1,746

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 9  Receivables from Other Financial Institutions

Australia
Overseas
Total Receivables from Other Financial Institutions

2000
$M

4,159
995
5,154

GROUP
1999
$M

621
585
1,206

2000
$M

3,697
632
4,329

BANK
1999
$M

627
555
1,182

NOTE 10 Trading Securities

Australia
Listed:
Australian Public Securities
  Commonwealth and States
  Local and semi-government
  Other Securities
Unlisted:
Commercial paper
Bills of exchange
Certificates of deposit
Medium term notes
Other Securities
Total Australia

Overseas
Listed:
Eurobonds
Bills of exchange
Other securities
Unlisted:
Government securities
Commercial paper
Other securities
Total Overseas
Total Trading Securities

168
590
340

121
2,771
885
605
-
5,480

322
763
77

20
349
336
1,867
7,347

603
47
-

176
890
642
693
168
3,219

212
814
32

22
340
69
1,489
4,708

90
309
204

121
1,444
1,599
488
-
4,255

322
-
77

17
-
21
437
4,692

317
47
-

176
890
642
693
168
2,933

212
-
32

-
6
68
318
3,251

75

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 11  Investment Securities

Australia
Listed
Australian Public Securities
  Commonwealth and States
  Treasury notes
Other securities and equity investments
Unlisted
Bills of exchange
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
Certificates of deposit
Eurobonds
Medium term notes
Commercial paper
Other securities and equity investments
Total Overseas
Total Investment Securities

2000
$M

1999
$M

GROUP
1998
$M

2000
$M

BANK
1999
$M

2,670
-
285

30
1,050
111
4,146

287
-
-
951
767

-
5
1,181
141
171
159
1,341
5,003
9,149

2,635
-
282

-
160
70
3,147

234
5
-
583
484

1
-
1,228
317
27
228
933
4,040
7,187

1,960
-
578

17
141
455
3,151

179
5
547
539
447

25
-
648
227
29
182
879
3,707
6,858

2,665
-
278

-
163
25
3,131

287
-
-
951
712

-
5
1,181
141
171
159
431
4,038
7,169

2,611
-
278

-
160
9
3,058

234
5
-
583
484

1
1
1,228
317
27
228
542
3,650
6,708

76

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 11   Investment Securities continued

Market Value
Australia
Australian Public Securities
  Commonwealth and States
Bills of exchange
Medium term notes
Other securities and equity investment
Total Australia

Overseas
Government securities
Treasury notes
Certificates of deposit
Eurobonds
Medium Term Notes
Other securities and equity investments
Total Overseas
Total Investment Securities

Net Unrealised Surplus/(Deficit)

GROUP
Market Value At 30 June
1998
$M

1999
$M

2000
$M

2,672
30
1,057
407
4,166

295
5
1,181
1,094
153
2,255
4,983
9,149

-

2,637
-
171
333
3,141

243
5
1,236
924
20
1,627
4,055
7,196

9

1,994
17
159
1,092
3,262

231
5
1,201
811
25
1,544
3,817
7,079

221

Gross Unrealised Gains and Losses of Group
The following table sets out the gross unrealised gains and losses of the Group’s Investment Securities.

At 30 June 2000

Amortised
Cost
$M

Gross Unrealised
Losses
Gains
$M
$M

Fair Amortised
Cost
$M

Value
$M

Gross Unrealised
Losses
Gains
$M
$M

At 30 June 1999
Fair
Value
$M

Australia
Australian Public Securities
   Commonwealth and States
Bills of exchange
Medium term notes
Other securities and
equity investments (1)
Total Australia

Overseas
Government securities
Treasury notes
Certificates of deposit
Eurobonds
Medium term notes
Other securities and
equity investments
Total Overseas
Total Investment Securities

2,670
30
1,050

396

4,146

287
5
1,181
1,092
171

2,267
5,003
9,149

13
-
8

11

32

9
-
-
40
-

21
70
102

11
-
1

-

12

1
-
-
38
18

33
90
102

2,672
30
1,057

407

4,166

295
5
1,181
1,094
153

2,255
4,983
9,149

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

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.

(1)

Equity  derivatives  are  in  place  to  hedge  equity  market  risk  in  respect  of  structured  equity  products  for  customers.
There are $11 million of net deferred losses on these contracts (1999: $19 million net deferred gains) which offset the
above  unrealised  losses  and  these  are  disclosed  within  Note  39.  At  the  end  of  the  financial  year  $71  million  of  net
deferred losses (1999: $71 million) are included in the amortised cost value.

77

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 11 Investment Securities continued

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

Maturity Period at 30 June 2000
Total
$M

10 years or more
%

$M

Australia
Australian Public  Securities
  Commonwealth and States
Bank Bills
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

1,541
30
75

322
1,968

113
5
1,181
17
-

260
1,576
3,544
3,562

5.86
6.26
9.35

4.40

7.42
2.81
6.38
12.38
-

6.48

358
-
952

-
1,310

174
-
-
484
30

1,029
1,717
3,027
3,050

6.25
-
9.24

-

6.55
-
-
8.78
6.21

8.41

600
-
23

-
623

-
-
-
591
141

676
1,408
2,031
2,008

6.50
-
9.19

-

-
-
-
8.24
6.01

6.59

171
-
-

74
245

-
-
-
-
-

302
302
547
529

6.90
-
-

6.51

-
-
-
-
-

6.48

2,670
30
1,050

396
4,146

287
5
1,181
1,092
171

2,267
5,003
9,149
9,149

capital 

Realised 

$12  million
(1999: realised  capital  gains  $85  million  and  realised
capital  losses  $6  million,  1998:  realised  capital  gains
$65 million).

gains  were 

Additional Disclosure

Proceeds  at  or  close  to  maturity  of  investment
securities  were  $15,212  million  (1999:  $12,431  million,
1998: $8,681 million).

Proceeds  from  sale  of  investment  securities  were

$17 million (1999: $146 million, 1998: $1,787 million).

78

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

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
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

2000
$M

GROUP
1999
$M

2000
$M

BANK
1999
$M

5,231
61,056
3,501
5,565
991
39,579
641
1,659
1,708
119,931

1,080
7,266
208
228
-
6,837
218
15,837
135,768

3,821
45,495
2,510
3,966
1,650
29,607
682
1,737
1,607
91,075

760
7,151
162
166
2
5,250
-
13,491
104,566

4,850
49,346
3,033
1,706
991
27,779
50
617
942
89,314

-
65
-
73
-
2,703
-
2,841
92,155

3,821
45,495
2,510
1,207
1,654
25,535
89
774
1,052
82,137

-
85
-
-
2
2,131
-
2,218
84,355

(1,358)
(431)

(1,081)
(275)

(1,004)
(175)

(932)
(209)

(558)
(691)
(216)
(131)
(120)
(3,505)
132,263

(437)
(489)
(243)
(68)
(136)
(2,729)
101,837

-
(226)
(37)
(34)
(18)
(1,494)
90,661

-
(142)
(38)
(62)
(20)
(1,403)
82,952

1,695
3,407
5,102

1,250
2,393
3,643

507
1,046
1,553

348
717
1,065

79

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 12 Loans, Advances and Other Receivables continued

Leasing arrangements

Institutional  Banking  division  provides 

leasing
services  and  hire  purchase  to  corporate  clients  for  a
range of equipment. They also arrange off balance sheet
finance  for  large  scale  long  life  plant  and  equipment
across different tax jurisdictions.

2000
$M

GROUP
1999
$M

1,949
3,725
119
5,793

119
697
843
1,659

1,388
2,657
87
4,132

125
730
882
1,737

2000
$M

562
1,179
38
1,779

67
426
124
617

BANK
1999
$M

381
799
27
1,207

84
534
156
774

industries 

The Retail Financial Services division of the Group
provides vehicle and equipment lease finance to a broad
transport,  service,
range  of 
earthmoving,  construction,  manufacturing  and  mining.
Most lease  finance  arrangements  are  for  terms  between
3 and 5 years and rentals are generally payable monthly
in advance.

including 

Finance Leases
Minimum lease payments receivable:
No later than one year
Later than one year but not later than five years
Later than five years
Lease financing

Leverage Leases
Minimum lease payments receivable:
No later than one year
Later than one year but not later than five years
Later than five years
Equity participation in leveraged lease

80

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 12 Loans, Advances and Other Receivables continued

Maturity Distribution of Loans

The following table sets forth the contractual maturity distribution of the Group’s loans, advances and other receivables

(excluding bank acceptances) at 30 June 2000.

GROUP
Maturity Period at 30 June 2000

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

Maturing
After Five
Years
$M

286
1,584
3,601

3,388
1,305
5,426
1,805
11,665
29,060

124
249
880

220
62
832
93
2,071
4,531
33,591

19,845
3,444
23,289

9,215
1,087
10,302
33,591

723
1,988
1,031

10,182
873
6,344
4,040
8,656
33,837

71
747
704

2,884
90
323
52
660
5,531
39,368

13,015
3,358
16,373

20,822
2,173
22,995
39,368

672
1,114
535

47,486
449
2,404
1,092
3,282
57,034

9
-
694

4,162
-
315
72
523
5,775
62,809

33,452
1,277
34,729

23,582
4,498
28,080
62,809

Total
$M

1,681
4,686
5,167

61,056
2,627
14,174
6,937
23,603
119,931

204
996
2,278

7,266
152
1,470
217
3,254
15,837
135,768

66,312
8,079
74,391

53,619
7,758
61,377
135,768

(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 
projects.

real  estate  and 

land  development

81

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 13 Provisions For Impairment

Provisions for Impairment
General Provisions
Opening balance
Abnormal charge
Charge against profit and loss
Acquired provisions
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
  Write-back of provisions no longer required
  Acquired provisions
Transfer from general provision for
  New and increased provisioning
  Less write-back 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
Includes specific provisions on indemnified loans

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

2000
$M

1999
$M

1998
$M

1997
$M

GROUP
1996
$M

BANK
1999
$M

2000
$M

1,081
-
196
214
(140)
54
(3)
1,402
(44)
1,358

1,076
-
247
-
(239)
51
(7)
1,128
(47)
1,081

690
370
165
-
(155)
48
-
1,118
(42)
1,076

613
-
36
-
-
80
2
731
(41)
690

476
-
99
-
-
74
(3)
646
(33)
613

932
-
191
-
(137)
45
1
1,032
(28)
1,004

995
-
78
-
(159)
43
-
957
(25)
932

275

279

241

318

511

209

262

-
-
219

236
(96)
140
-
5
639
(207)
432
1,790
-

431
1
432
40

-
-
-

284
(45)
239

(8)
510
(235)
275
1,356

105
(37)
-

175
(20)
155

152
(90)
-

155
(141)
-

-
-
-

-
-
-

(6)
458
(179)
279
1,355

6
386
(145)
241
931

(4)
521
(203)
318
931

-
-
-

208
(71)
137
-
(3)
343
(168)
175
1,179

-
-
-

198
(39)
159

(29)
392
(183)
209
1,141

275
-
275
-

279
-
279
-

241
-
241
-

310
8
318
-

175
-
175
-

209
-
209
-

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

43.03

46.69

37.60

30.24

29.94

34.93

42.65

178.29 230.22 182.61 116.81
0.79

1.06

1.14

1.09

87.66 235.14 232.86
1.09
0.92

0.79

$M

$M

$M

$M

$M

$M

$M

196
-
196

247
-
247

165
68
233

36
62
98

99
14
113

191
-
191
-

78
-
78

0.2% 0.3% 0.3% 0.1% 0.2% 0.2% 0.1%

Ratios  have  been  restated  for  1998  based  on  the  amended  definition  of  non  accruals  introduced  with  effect  from
31 December 1998.

(1)

82

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

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

2000
$M

196

236
(96)
140
(140)
-

34
(54)
76
140
196
196

GROUP
1999
$M

247

284
(45)
239
(239)
-

44
(51)
15
239
247
247

2000
$M

191

208
(71)
137
(137)
-

28
(45)
71
137
191
191

BANK
1999
$M

78

198
(39)
159
(159)
-

25
(43)
(63)
159
78
78

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 1996,

1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000.

2000(3)
$M

1999
$M

1998
$M

1997
$M

At 30 June
1996
$M

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

-

35

23

8
6
17
6

110
205

13

-

1

3
-
69
-

141
227
432

-

15

23

4
35
15
4

82
178

-

-

-

3
-
2
-

92
97
275

-

20

16

3
8
14
-

113
174

-

1

-

5
10
-
-

89
105
279

-

21

22

4
11
12
-

152
222

-

1

2

-
-
-
-

16
19
241

(1)

(2)

(3)

Principally owner occupied housing.
Financing real estate and land development projects.
Includes Colonial Indemnified Provisions of $40 million.

-

34

50

3
16
17
1

185
306

-

1

2

-
1
-
-

8
12
318

83

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

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  1996,

1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000.

2000
$M

1999
$M

1998
$M

Year ended 30 June
1996
M

1997
$M

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 Bad Debts Written Off

Bad Debts Recovered
Australia
Overseas
  Bad Debts Recovered
Net Bad Debts Written Off

-

6

2

8
24
104
11

90
245

-

-

-

1
-
4
-

1
6

251

46
8
54
197

-

7

4

9
7
94
11

71
203

-

-

-

1
14
-
3

61
79

282

48
3
51
231

-

9

4

11
6
86
6

79
201

-

-

3

1
-
6
-

10
20

221

46
2
48
173

-

15

4

9
14
58
5

69
174

-

-

-

1
2
3
-

6
12

186

63
17
80
106

-

20

25

5
17
52
4

93
216

-

-

1

-
-
3
-

16
20

236

65
9
74
162

(1)

(2)

Principally owner occupied housing.
Financing real estate and land development projects.

84

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

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  1996,  1997,

1998, 1999 and 2000.

2000
$M

1999
$M

1998
$M

Year ended 30 June
1996
$M

1997
$M

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

-

2

1

1
2
28
2

10
46

-

-

2

-
1
3
-

2
8

-

2

2

-
1
27
2

14
48

-

-

-

-
-
3
-

-
3

-

4

6

-
1
21
2

12
46

-

-

-

-
-
2
-

-
2

Bad Debts Recovered

54

51

48

(1)

(2)

Principally owner occupied housing.
Financing real estate and land development projects.

-

5

8

-
1
16
2

31
63

-

-

2

-
2
1
-

12
17

80

-

5

7

-
1
16
2

34
65

-

-

3

-
2
1
-

3
9

74

85

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 14 Credit Risk Concentrations

Management of the Credit Business

for 

‘classified’ 

facilities  are  generally 

Facilities in  the  credit  risk  rated  managed  segment
become  classified 
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.  These 
those
classified  as  troublesome  (which  equate  to  the  APRA
classifications  of  special  mention  and  substandard)  and
impaired  assets.  Impaired  assets  in  this  segment  are
those 
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 realisable market value of the security
net of estimated realisation costs.

A  centralised  exposure  management  system
records  all  significant  credit  risks  borne  by  the  Group.
This  system  is  used  to  monitor  concentrations  by  client,
industry, geography and any other concentrations where
increased risk is apparent.
Aggregated  credit 

limits  apply 
counterparties (refer ‘Large Exposures’).

for  debtors  or

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 

The  Group  uses  a  portfolio  approach 

the
management  of  its  credit  risk.  A  key  element  is  a  well
diversified portfolio. The Group has a system  of  industry
limits  and  targets  to  control  industry  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  and  has  carried
out  various  asset  securitisations  and  a  Collateralised
Loan Obligation issue.

• 

• 

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
risk.  Credit
approval  and  management  of  credit 
incorporate
underwriting 
income/repayment  capacity,  acceptable 
terms  and
security  and  loan  documentation  tests  exist  for  all
products.

standards, 

which 

integrity  and  ability  of 

The  Group  relies,  in  the  first  instance,  on  the
the  debtor  or
assessed 
counterparty  to  meet  its  contracted  financial  obligations
for  repayment.  Collateral  security,  in  the  form  of  real
property  or  a  floating  charge  is  generally  taken  for
business  credit  except  for  major  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.

into 

is  divided 

individually 

The  credit  risk  portfolio 

two
segments,  statistically  managed  and  credit  risk  rated
managed. Statistically managed exposures are generally
not 
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  reviewed  more  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.

for 

Facilities  in  the  statistically  managed  segment
become  classified 
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.

86

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

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, 1999 and
2000. The industry profile of the loans, advances and other receivables content for the five financial years to 30 June 2000
is shown on page 94.

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

2000
$M

1999
$M

1998
$M

1997
$M

At 30 June
1996
$M

6,195
6,141
20,908

61,281
4,205
15,326
6,937
47,297
168,290

1,152
1,017
8,008

7,268
152
1,487
217
10,300
29,601
197,891
(1,465)
196,426

6,162
5,303
15,430

49,150
3,830
10,688
3,100
34,955
128,618

493
833
5,631

7,152
579
542
191
7,945
23,366
151,984
(1,169)
150,815

5,200
4,791
17,654

41,231
2,790
8,659
1,940
34,145
116,410

819
640
7,012

6,275
505
290
173
8,091
23,805
140,215
(1,193)
139,022

6,686
3,743
14,878

37,498
2,705
7,183
4,277
29,116
106,086

1,048
595
7,147

5,983
166
412
-
6,759
22,110
128,196
(1,019)
127,177

6,080
3,741
13,642

33,930
2,635
6,967
4,245
24,349
95,589

806
376
7,005

4,864
233
256
1
4,824
18,365
113,954
(963)
112,991

87

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 14  Credit Risk Concentrations continued

The following tables set out the credit risk concentrations of the Group.

Industry

Trading Investment

Loans
Advances
and Other Acceptances Contingent

Bank

Risk Concentration of the Group By Asset Class 30 June 2000

Securities Securities Receivables of Customers
$M

$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

857
-
2,380

2,674
-
125

-
-
-

-
-
-

2,243
5,480

1,347
4,146

351
21
935

-
-
16
-
544
1,867

7,347

290
-
1,561

-
-
-
-
3,152
5,003

9,149

1,681
4,686
5,167

61,056
2,627
14,174
6,937
23,603
119,931

204
996
2,278

7,266
152
1,470
217
3,254
15,837

376
1,113
2,633

117
962
189

144
151
1,868

108
532
962

5,717
11,107

11,197
14,962

-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-

304
-
598

2
-
1
-
3,171
4,076

463
191

6,195
6,141
4,576 16,749

84

- 61,281
4,205
1 15,326
6,937
3,190 47,297
8,505 164,131

3
-
1,595

1,152
1,017
6,967

-
-
-
-

7,268
152
1,487
217
179 10,300
1,777 28,560

135,768

11,107

19,038

10,282 192,691

5,154
46
197,891

Risk  concentrations  for  contingent  liabilities  and  derivatives  are  based  on  the  credit  equivalent  balance  in  Note  38,

Contingent Liabilities and Note 39, Market Risk respectively.

88

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 14 Credit Risk Concentrations continued

Industry

Trading Investment

Loans
Advances
and Other Acceptances Contingent

Bank

Risk Concentration of the Group by Asset Class 30 June 1999

Securities Securities Receivables of Customers Liabilities Derivatives
$M

$M

$M

$M

$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
-
1,532

-
-
-
-
1,037
3,219

22
-
814

-
-
-
-
653
1,489

4,708

2,635
-
-

-
-
-
-
512
3,147

240
-
1,228

-
-
-
-
2,572
4,040

7,187

1,727
4,203
4,048

45,495
2,105
10,144
3,100
20,253
91,075

157
833
1,507

7,151
427
539
191
2,686
13,491

387
859
2,594

126
743
208
-
4,717
9,634

-
-
-

-
-
-
-
38
38

625
220
1,176

3,529
969
336
-
7,479
14,334

69
-
276

1
152
3
-
1,912
2,413

138
21
4,507

6,162
5,303
13,857

-
13
-
-
957

49,150
3,830
10,688
3,100
34,955
5,636 127,045

5
-
1,220

-
-
-
-
84
1,309

493
833
5,045

7,152
579
542
191
7,945
22,780

104,566

9,672

16,747

6,945 149,825

1,206
953
151,984

89

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Risk Concentration of the Group’s Impaired Assets 30 June 2000
Net
Recoveries Write-offs
$M

Impairment Write-offs
$M

Impaired
Assets
$M

Provisions for

$M

$M

-
35
23

8
6
17
6
110
205

13
-
1

3
-
69
-
141
227

432

-
6
2

8
24
104
11
90
245

-
-
-

1
-
4
-
1
6

-
(2)
(1)

(1)
(2)
(28)
(2)
(10)
(46)

-
-
(2)

-
(1)
(3)
-
(2)
(8)

-
4
1

7
22
76
9
80
199

-
-
(2)

1
(1)
1
-
(1)
(2)

251

(54)

197

NOTE 14 Credit Risk Concentrations continued

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
Risk
$M

6,195
6,141
16,749

61,281
4,205
15,326
6,937
47,297
164,131

1,152
1,017
6,967

7,268
152
1,487
217
10,300
28,560

-
101
53

37
60
10
18
445
724

55
1
85

-
-
53
-
217
411

Gross Balances

192,691

1,135

Receivables due from other financial
institutions
Deposits with regulatory authorities
Total Gross Credit Risk

5,154
46
197,891

90

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 14 Credit Risk Concentrations continued

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
Gross Balances
Receivables due from other financial
institutions
Deposits with regulatory authorities
Total Gross Credit Risk

Total
Risk
$M

6,162
5,303
13,857

49,150
3,830
10,688
3,100
34,955
127,045

493
833
5,045

7,152
579
542
191
7,945
22,780
149,825

1,206
953
151,984

Impaired Provisions for

Risk Concentration of the Group’s Impaired Assets 30 June 1999
Net
Impairment Write-offs Recoveries Write-offs
$M

Assets
$M

$M

$M

$M

-
55
47

-
101
10
5
278
496

-
1
-

-
-
-
-
160
161
657

-
15
23

4
35
15
4
82
178

-
-
-

3
-
2
-
92
97
275

-
7
4

9
7
94
11
71
203

-
-
-

1
14
-
3
61
79
282

-
(2)
(2)

-
(1)
(27)
(2)
(14)
(48)

-
-
-

-
-
(3)
-
-
(3)
(51)

-
5
2

9
6
67
9
57
155

-
-
-

1
14
(3)
3
61
76
231

Large Exposures

Concentration  of  exposure 

to  any  debtor  or
counterparty  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):

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

Number

Number

Number

Number

Number

10% to less than 15% of Group's capital resources
5% to less than 10% of Group's capital resources

-
1

1
7

1
7

1
4

1
4

91

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

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 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000.

2000
$M

1999
$M

1998
$M

1997
$M

At 30 June
1996
$M

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

1,681

4,686

5,167

61,056
2,627
14,174
6,937

23,603
119,931

204

996

2,278

7,266
152
1,470
217

3,254
15,837

1,727

4,203

4,048

45,495
2,105
10,144
3,100

20,253
91,075

157

833

1,507

7,151
427
539
191

2,686
13,491

1,216

4,128

2,490

41,137
1,197
8,360
1,940

19,559
80,027

105

640

1,449

6,273
318
248
173

3,342
12,548

1,955

3,185

1,859

37,400
1,138
6,863
4,277

16,044
72,721

28

547

1,494

5,983
151
397
-

2,469
11,069

1,477

2,896

2,211

32,337
1,065
6,554
4,245

12,552
63,337

310

376

1,134

4,864
205
240
1

1,681
8,811

135,768

104,566

92,575

83,790

72,148

(3,504)

(2,729)

132,264

101,837

(2,759)

89,816

(2,158)

81,632

(2,106)

70,042

Principally owner occupied housing.
Financing real estate and land development projects.

(1)

(2)

92

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 15 Asset Quality

Impaired Assets

The  Group  adopted 
for 

the  Australian  disclosure
in
requirements 
AASB1032 ‘Specific Disclosures by Financial Institutions’
with effect from Financial Year 1997.

Impaired  Assets 

contained 

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  loss  of  principal
or interest is anticipated.

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  impaired  assets  at
30 June  1998  have  also  been  disclosed  under  the
amended definition.

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

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  the  modified  terms  will  result  in
immediate reclassification to non accruals.

(c) Assets  Acquired  Through  Security  Enforcement

(AATSE), includes:
• 

• 

foreclosed 

Other  Real  Estate  Owned 
(OREO),
comprising  real  estate  where  the  Bank  has
in
assumed  ownership  or 
settlement of a debt; and
Other  Assets  Acquired  Through  Security
Enforcement  (OAATSE),  comprising  assets
other  than  real  estate  where  the  Bank  has
in
assumed  ownership  or 
settlement of a debt.

foreclosed 

2000
%

1999
%

GROUP
1998
%

0.51

0.44
3.20

0.39

0.32
4.52

0.53

0.49
6.76

(1)

Ratios  for  1998  have  been  restated  based  on  amended  definition  of  non  accruals  introduced  with  effect  from
31 December 1998.

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 (excluding Colonial)

2000
$M

1,123
1,123

760
411

363

880

51

Year ended 30 June

1999
$M

1998
$M

636
636

505
255

131

778

33

920
920

726
259

194

908

34

93

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 15 Asset Quality continued

Impaired Assets

The following table sets forth the Group’s impaired assets as at 30 June 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000.

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

Assets Acquired Through Security
Enforcement (AATSE):
  Gross balances
  Less provisions for impairment
  Net AATSE
  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

Asset Acquired Through
Security Enforcement
  Less provisions for impairment
  Net AATSE
  Net overseas impaired assets
Total net impaired assets

Colonial Indemnified Portfolio (included
above)

2000
$M

722
(128)
594
(205)
389

1
-
1
-
1

1
-
1
391

410
(3)
407
(226)
181

-
-
-
-
-

1
(1)
-
181
572

19

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

-

At 30 June
1996
$M

1,060
(108)
952
(300)
652

29
(9)
20
-
20

6
(6)
-
672

51
(6)
45
(10)
35

-
-
-
-
-

39
(2)
37
72
744

-

Under  revised  definition  of  non  accrual  assets  introduced  31  December  1998  net  impaired  assets  at  30  June  1998
would have been $466 million.

(1)

94

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

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

1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000.

Gross impaired assets at period beginning
New and increased
Balances written off
Returned to performing or repaid

Colonial impaired assets
Gross impaired assets at period end

2000
$M

657
414
(226)
(194)

651
484
1,135

1999
$M

926
415
(280)
(404) (1)
657
-
657

1998
$M

906
689
(216)
(453)

926
-
926

Year Ended 30 June
1996
$M

1997
$M

1,185
487
(190)
(576)

906
-
906

1,732
390
(269)
(668)

1,185
-
1,185

(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

2000
$M

211
64
275

1999
$M

182
23
205

1998
$M

249
41
290

at 30 June
1996
$M

1997
$M

267
37
304

336
29
365

Interest Income Forgone on Impaired Assets

Interest income forgone
Australia Non Accrual Facilities
Overseas Non Accrual Facilities
Total

2000
$M

1999
$M

1998
$M

Year Ended 30 June
1996
$M

1997
$M

4
5
9

17
10
27

34
7
41

52
3
55

75
5
80

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

Year Ended 30 June

2000
$M

1999
$M

1998
$M

1997
$M

1996
$M

45
-

6
-
51

33
-

-
-
33

34
-

-
-
34

50
-

-
5
55

70
5

-
6
81

95

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

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

Colonial Indemnified Portfolio (included
above)
Gross Balances
Less interest reserved
Net Balances
Less provisions for impairment
Less share of indemnity
Net Impaired Assets

Non Accrual Loans by Size of Loan
Less than $1 million
$1 million to $10 million
Greater than $10 million
Total

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.

96

GROUP

Australia Overseas
2000
$M

2000
$M

Total Australia Overseas
1999
1999
2000
$M
$M
$M

378
344
722
(128)
594
(205)
389

391
19
410
(3)
407
(226)
181

769
363
1,132
(131)
1,001
(431)
570

366
129
495
(66)
429
(178)
251

GROUP
Total
1999
$M

511
131
642
(68)
574
(275)
299

1
-
1
-
1

14
-
14

-
-
-

145
2
147
(2)
145
(97)
48

-
-
-
-
-

14
-
14

-
-
-

1
-
1
-
1

-
-
-

-
-
-

496
(66)
430
(178)
252

161
(2)
159
(97)
62

657
(68)
589
(275)
314

173
142
180
495

182

5
27
115
147

23

178
169
295
642

205

1
-
1
-
1

1
-
1

-
-
-

724
(128)
596
(205)
391

-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-

1
(1)
-

411
(3)
408
(227)
181

324
217
181
722

262

54
35
321
410

13

1
-
1
-
1

1
-
1

1
(1)
-

1,135
(131)
1,004
(432)
572

131
(70)
61
(40)
(2)
19

378
252
502
1,132

275

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 15 Asset Quality continued

Colonial State Bank

loan 

losses  (including 

Indemnified loan book
Pursuant  to  the  Sale  Agreement  between  Colonial
and  the  New  South  Wales  Government,  Colonial  State
Bank’s  loan  book  as  at  31  December  1994  and  any
further 
interest)  arising  are
indemnified  by  the  NSW  Government.  This  indemnity  is
to  the  extent  of  90%  of  the  losses  after  an  initial
$60 million  (which  was  provided  for  by  Colonial  State
Bank  as  at  31  December  1994).  All  loans  (other  than
impaired  loans)  are  covered  for  a  period  of  three  years
from 31 December 1994 and for the duration of the loan
in  the  case  of  impaired  loans  so  classified  as  at
31 December 1997. The Sale Agreement also allows for
loans  to  be  withdrawn  from  the  indemnity  provided  the
withdrawal  is  approved  by  Colonial  State  Bank  and  the
NSW Government and the due processes are followed.

Colonial  State  Bank  and  the  NSW  Government
have  progressively  withdrawn  loans  from  the  indemnity
during  the  year  to  30  June  2000.  As  at  30  June  2000,
loans still indemnified amount to $67 million. Pursuant to
the Sale  Agreement,  the  costs  of  funding  and  managing
Non-Performing  loans  which  are  covered  by  the  loan
indemnities are reimbursed by the NSW  Government  on
a quarterly basis.

Selected Regional Exposures

Asia
Almost  56%  of  total  exposures  relate  to  financial
institutions. Exposures to Indonesia, Thailand  and Korea
have  increased  by  3%  in  the  Financial  Year  2000  and
represent  approximately  24%  of  the  Bank’s  Asian  credit
risk.

The Group’s credit risk exposure to Asian countries as at 30 June 2000 is set out below.

Country

Finance

Corporate/ Government

CUSTOMER TYPE

China
Hong Kong

Japan
Malaysia
Singapore
Taiwan
Other

Indonesia
South Korea
Thailand

Total

Multinational
$M

$M

41
202
243
992
-
613
21
4
1,630
74
327
11
412
2,285

33
383
416
269
55
57
16
3
400
131
75
140
346
1,162

$M

-
88
88
47
16
56
-
-
119
55
-
-
55
262

Project
Finance
$M

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
115
-
-
115
115

APL/NZPL

$M

1
188
189
1
3
42
-
-
46
45
-
-
45
280

2000
Total
Exposure
$M

1999
Total
Exposure
$M

75
861
936
1,309
74
768
37
7
2,195
420
402
151
973
4,104

107
968
1,075
1,482
71
503
21
9
2,086
417
356
169
942
4,103

Other Regional Exposures

CUSTOMER TYPE

Region

Finance

Corporate/ Government

Eastern Europe
Latin America
Middle East

Multinational
$M

-
-
2

$M

17
5
98

$M

33
-
-

Project
Finance
$M

-
-
-

APL/NZPL

$M

-
-
-

2000
Total
Exposure
$M

1999
Total
Exposure
$M

50
5
100

47
-
116

97

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 15  Asset Quality continued

Total  Exposure  -  The  maximum  of  the  limit  or
balance  utilised  for  committed  facilities,  whichever  is
highest,  and 
for  uncommitted
facilities.  For  derivative  facilities,  balances  at  30  June
1998  were  reported  based  on 
‘original
exposure’  method,  from  1  July  1998  balances  are

the  balance  utilised 

the  APRA 

NOTE 16 Life Insurance Investment Assets

Equity Security Investments
Direct
Indirect

Debt Security Investments
Direct
Indirect

Property Investments
Direct
Indirect

Cash on Deposit
Total Life Insurance Investment Assets

investment. 

Direct  investments  refer  to  investments  that  are
directly  with  the  issuer  of  the 
Indirect
investments  refer  to  investments  that  are  held  through
unit trusts or similar investment vehicles.
Disclosure on Asset Restriction
Investments  held  in  the  Statutory  Funds  can  only
be  used  within  the  restrictions  imposed  under  the  Life
Insurance Act 1995. The main restrictions are that assets
in  a  Fund  can  only  be  used  to  meet  the  liabilities  and
expense  of  the  Fund,  to  acquire  investments  to  further

NOTE 17 Deposits With Regulatory Authorities
Reserve Bank of Australia (1)
Central Banks Overseas
Total Deposits with Regulatory Authorities

reported  on  a  ‘mark  to  market  plus  potential  exposure’
basis.

Project Finance - Long term lending for large scale
infrastructure)  where
projects 
repayment  is  primarily  reliant  on  the  cash  flow  from  the
project.

(such  as  mining, 

GROUP
2000
$M

7,754
3,433
11,187

8,525
3,669
12,194

1,276
1,048
2,324
743
26,448

the  business  of  the  Fund  or  as  distributions  when
solvency  and  capital  adequacy  requirements  are  met.
Participating  policyholders  can  receive  a  distribution
when 
are  met,  whilst
requirements 
shareholders  can  only  receive  a  distribution  when  the
higher level of capital adequacy requirements are met.

solvency 

These  investment  assets  held  in  the  Statutory
Funds  are  not  available  for  use  by  the  Commonwealth
Bank’s operating businesses.

2000
$M

GROUP
1999
$M

2000
$M

BANK
1999
$M

-
46
46

952
1
953

-
3
3

951
1
952

(1)

Non callable deposits with the RBA are no longer required as from 1 July 1999.

NOTE 18 Shares in and Loans to Controlled Entities

Shares in controlled entities
Loans to controlled entities
Total Shares in and Loans to Controlled Entities

-
-
-

-
-
-

12,198
5,151
17,349

3,065
4,043
7,108

98

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 19 Property, Plant and Equipment

(a)  Land and Buildings
       Land
         At 30 June 2000 valuation
         At 30 June 1999 valuation
        Closing balance

      Buildings
        At 30 June 2000 valuation
        At 30 June 1999 valuation
        Closing balance
      Total Land and Buildings

2000
$M

GROUP
1999
$M

2000
$M

BANK
1999
$M

222
-
222

508
-
508
730

-
239
239

-
470
470
709

208
-
208

334
-
334
542

-
216
216

-
358
358
574

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 2000 or 1999.

(b)  Leasehold Improvements
       At cost
       Provision for depreciation
       Closing balance

(c)  Equipment
      At cost
      Provision for depreciation
      Closing balance

      Total Property, Plant and Equipment

NOTE 20 Goodwill
Purchased goodwill - Colonial (1)
Purchased goodwill - Other
Adjustment on corporate restructuring of funds management
businesses
Accumulated amortisation
Total Goodwill

532
(336)
196

670
(523)
147

1,073

2000
$M

5,495
839
(22)

(407)
5,905

344
(191)
153

505
(366)
139

1,001

GROUP
1999
$M

-
841
-

(350)
491

321
(195)
126

351
(280)
71

739

2000
$M

-
784
-

(372)
412

311
(176)
135

339
(252)
87

796

BANK
1999
$M

-
784
-

(333)
451

(1)

Includes  $5,424  million  goodwill  associated  with  purchase  of  Colonial  Group  (refer  Note  1A)  and  other  goodwill  of
$71 million in Colonial.

NOTE 21Other Assets

Accrued interest receivable
Shares in other companies
Accrued fees/reimbursements receivable
Securities sold not delivered
Future income tax benefits
Excess of net market value over net tangible
assets of life insurance controlled entities
Unrealised gains on trading derivatives (Note 39)
Other
Total Other Assets

1,744
127
187
656
899

4,352
6,252
1,984
16,201

795
123
233
350
333

-
4,978
2,134
8,946

1,004
41
63
429
237

-
5,764
717
8,255

791
23
198
290
262

-
4,978
1,410
7,952

99

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 21 Other Assets continued
Excess of net market value over net tangible assets of controlled entities of the life insurance businesses:

Commonwealth entities
ASB entities
Colonial entities

Further detail is provided in Note 34.

Market
Value
$M

2,009
283
4,388
6,680

Net
Assets
$M

408
80
1,840
2,328

GROUP
At 30 June 2000
Excess of
Market Value
Over Net Assets
$M

1,601
203
2,548
4,352

future 

Potential 

tax  benefits  of 

the
income 
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  $173  million  (1999:  $146  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;

• 

• 

for  deductibility 

to  comply  with 
imposed  by 

The  Company  continues 
conditions 
legislation; and
No  changes  in  tax  legislation  adversely  affect  the
the
realising 
in 
Company 
deductions for the losses.

the  benefit 

the
tax

from 

NOTE 22 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

2000
$M

GROUP
1999
$M

14,136
29,677
48,975
6,075
946
7
99,816

2,686
6,144
3,886
62
12,778
112,594

11,000
23,871
41,454
4,555
619
7
81,506

2,295
5,692
3,878
57
11,922
93,428

2000
$M

12,686
22,788
43,223
5,803
946
-
85,446

1,269
1,423
98
4
2,794
88,240

BANK
1999
$M

11,000
21,188
41,305
4,555
619
-
78,667

534
1,723
10
6
2,273
80,940

Term deposit balances include $2,522 million (1999: $2,683 million) of borrowings secured by charges over the assets

of CBFC Limited Group, a controlled entity of the Bank.

100

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 22 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 2000.

At 30 June 2000

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

4,787
12,011
16,798

1,817
4,505
6,322
23,120

3,362
7,095
10,457

467
772
1,239
11,696

132
6,963
7,095

383
570
953
8,048

(1)

All certificates of deposit issued by the Bank are for amounts greater than $100,000.

Total
$M

14,136
29,677
43,813

2,686
6,144
8,830
52,643

BANK
1999
$M

799
2,087
2,886

BANK
1999
$M

428
467
895

5,855
3,608
9,463

19
297
316
9,779

2000
$M

1,306
2,830
4,136

2000
$M

180
364
544

2000
$M

1,569
3,064
4,633

2000
$M

585
1,155
1,740

GROUP
1999
$M

879
2,370
3,249

GROUP
1999
$M

472
933
1,405

5
39
44                -
5
83
1,410
1,823

6
                -
6
550

2
               -
2
897

101

NOTE 23 Payables to Other Financial Institutions

Australia
Overseas
Total Payables to Other Financial Institutions

NOTE 24 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

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

312
163
188
485
45
33
328
1,554

287
286
124
129
188
200
57
124
57                 -
33
35
52
41
808
805

285
124
200
57
               -
35
41
742

16,249
9,026
25,275

8,009
2,754
10,763

5,406
2,799
8,205

4,118
2,222
6,340

2,547                -
2,964
251
3,814
3,150

576                 -
119                 -
4,491                 -
1,647
1,582

2,547                 -
                -
                -
1,557
1,320

3,523
16,249

1,241
8,009

1,212
5,406

1,241
4,118

2,286
1,719
197
981
540
3,144
159
9,026

11,618
4,631
7,839
1,187
25,275

124
986
525
494
665
197
399
482
313
540
100
200
528                 -
2,799

2,754

124
525
665
395
313
200
                -
2,222

6,179
1,830
1,588
1,166
10,763

4,615
791
2,109
690
8,205

3,215
903
1,519
703
6,340

NOTE 25 Other Provisions

Provision for:
Long service leave
Annual leave
Other employee entitlements
Restructuring costs (1)
General insurance claims
Self insurance/non lending losses
Other
Total Other Provisions

(1)

Refer notes 1, 1A and 4 for further details on restructuring costs.

NOTE 26 Debt Issues

Short term debt issues
Long term debt issues
Total Debt Issues

Short Term Debt Issues
AUD Bill Reliquification
AUD Promissory Notes
NZD Promissory Notes
US Commercial Paper
Euro Commercial Paper
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

102

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 26 Debt Issues continued

The Bank and its controlled entities have a number
of programmes under which the  Bank  may  issue  notes.
Notes issued under the programmes are both fixed  and
variable rate. Interest rate risk associated with the notes
is  incorporated  within  the  Bank’s  interest  rate  risk
framework.

Short Term Borrowings

Subsequent  to  30  June  2000,  the  Bank  has  issued

the following notes:
• 

JPY2bn,  Euro  MTNs  due  2010  (AUD31.7  million);
and
AUD705m MTNs due 2003.

• 

The following table analyses the Group’s short term borrowings for the Financial Years ended 30 June 1998, 1999 and

2000.

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

Bill Reliquification (3)
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

2000

Year Ended 30 June
1998

1999

($ millions, except where indicated)

3,814
7,890
6,130

5.7%
6.6%

3,150
4,788
2,855

4.8%
3.7%

4,491
5,408
4,419

5.2%
5.0%

1,582
2,267
1,714

4.5%
4.4%

4,219
4,256
2,501

5.7%
5.6%

1,365
2,813
1,544

5.7%
5.3%

2,547                         -
2,599                         -
1,972                         -

                        -
                        -
                        -

5.8%
6.2%

3,215
3,304
2,231

5.5%
5.1%

 -
-

695
781
324

4.6%
4.9%

-
-

319
604
466

5.2%
5.1%

(1)

(2)

(3)

The amount outstanding at period end is reported on a book value basis (amortised cost).
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. Any difference between face value and book value would  not be material given the
short term nature of the borrowings.
Commercial bills sold under non recourse arrangements.

103

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 26 Debt Issues continued

Exchange Rates Utilised

AUD 1.00 =

USD
GBP
JPY
NZD
HKD
DEM
CHF
IDR

30 June 2000 30 June 1999
.6599
.4190
 79.793
 1.248
 5.120
 1.249
 1.023
 4,432

 0.5982
 0.3943
 63.155
 1.278
 4.664
 1.229
 0.979
 5,230

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  sale  of  the
Commonwealth’s 
the  Bank  on
19 July 1996.

shareholding 

in 

The  transitional  arrangements  for  phasing  out  the
the

Commonwealth’s  guarantee  are  contained 
Commonwealth Bank Sale Act 1995.

in 

• 

the  end  of 

In relation to the Commonwealth’s guarantee of the
Bank’s liabilities, transitional arrangements provided that:
• 
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 into, or under an 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  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
the  Commonwealth
sold 
its  8.1%  shareholding 
Development  Bank  Limited  (CDBL)  to  the  Bank  for
$12.5 million.

in 

Under the arrangements relating to the purchase by
the  Bank  of  the  Commonwealth’s  shareholding  in  the
CDBL:

NOTE 27 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 39)
Other liabilities
Total Bills Payable and Other Liabilities

104

• 

• 

• 

to 

remain

continue 

liabilities 

all  lending  assets  as  at  30 June 1996  have  been
quarantined  in  CDBL,  consistent  with  the  Charter
terms on which they were written;
the  CDBL’s 
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 CDBL is
guaranteed  by  the  Commonwealth  of  Australia  under
Section  117  of the  Commonwealth  Banks  Act  1959  (as
amended). This guarantee will continue to be provided by
the  Commonwealth  whilst  quarantined  assets  are  held.
The  value  of  the  liabilities  under  the  guarantee  will
diminish  as  quarantined  assets  reach  maturity  and  are
repaid.

State Bank of NSW

The  enabling  legislation  for  the  sale  of  the  State
Bank  of  NSW  Limited  (SBNSW), 
the  State  Bank
(Privatisation) Act 1994 – Section 12 and the State Bank
(Corporatisation)  Act  1989  –  Section  12  (as  amended),
provides  in  general  terms  for  a  guarantee  by  the  NSW
Government  in  respect  of  all  funding  liabilities  and  off
balance  sheet  products  (other  than  demand  deposits)
incurred or issued prior to 31 December 1997 by SBNSW
until  maturity  and  a  guarantee  for  demand  deposits
accepted  by  SBNSW  up  to  31  December  1997.    Other
obligations  incurred  before  31  December  1994  are  also
guaranteed to their maturity.

2000
$M

825
1,340
760
803
5,605
2,216
11,549

GROUP
1999
$M

1,226
782
615
296
4,687
901
8,507

2000
$M

754
815
558
693
5,284
324
8,428

BANK
1999
$M

575
639
601
239
4,687
784
7,525

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 28 Loan Capital

Tier 1 Capital

Exchangeable
Exchangeable
Undated

Tier 2 Capital
Extendible
Extendible
Subordinated
Subordinated
Subordinated
Subordinated
Subordinated
Subordinated
Subordinated
Subordinated
Subordinated
Subordinated
Subordinated
Subordinated
Subordinated
Subordinated
Subordinated
Subordinated
Subordinated
Subordinated
Subordinated

Currency
Amount (M)
USD300
USD400
USD100

USD125
AUD300
AUD185
AUD115
AUD25
AUD200
AUD50
USD300
USD450
JPY20,000
USD200
USD75
USD100
USD400
GBP200
JPY30,000
NZD100
AUD210
AUD38
AUD130
AUD39

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(7)

(8)

(8)

(9)

(10)

(11)

(12)

(13)

(14)

(15)

(16)

(17)

(18)

(19)

(20)

FRNs
FRNs
FRNs

FRNs
FRNs
MTNs
FRNs
FRNs
MTNs
FRNs
Notes
FRNs
EMTN's
EMTN's
EMTN's
EMTN's
EMTN's
EMTN's
EMTN's
Loan
FRNs
FRNs
Notes
Other

2000
$M

1999
$M

GROUP
1998
$M

2000
$M

1999
$M

92
159
167
418

113
330
152
595

422
563
163
1,148

92
159
167
418

113
330
152
595

BANK
1998
$M

422
563
163
1,148

              -
300
185
115
25

156
              -
300
300
185               -
115               -
25               -
              -
              -
              -
              -
251               -
              -
              -
              -
501
408
483
              -
              -
              -
              -
              -

200               -
50               -
502               -
746               -
277
314               -
115               -
152               -
501
501
408
408
448
495
79               -
210               -
38               -
130               -
39               -

             -
300
185
115
25

156
              -
300
300
185               -
115               -
25               -
              -
              -
              -
              -
251               -
              -
              -
              -
501
408
483
              -
              -
              -
              -
              -

200               -
50               -
502               -
746               -
277
314               -
115               -
152               -
501
501
408
408
448
495
              -
             -
              -
             -
              -
             -
              -
             -
              -
             -

Total Loan Capital

4,881
5,299

2,233
2,828

1,848
2,996

4,385
4,803

2,233
2,828

1,848
2,996

Where a foreign currency hedge is in place to utilise
a  loan  capital  issue  in  a  currency  other  than  that  of  its
original issue, the AUD equivalent  value  is  shown  net  of
the hedge.

(1)

(2)

(3)

USD  300  million  Undated  Floating  Rate  Notes
(FRNs)  issued  11  July  1988  exchangeable  into
Dated FRNs.

Outstanding notes at 30 June 2000 were:

Due July 2000 :
Due July 2003 :
Due July 2004 :
:
undated

USD15.75 million
USD1.5 million
USD0.5 million
USD37.5 million

USD 400 million Undated FRNs issued 22 February
1989 exchangeable into Dated FRNs.

Outstanding notes at 30 June 2000 were:
USD64 million
Due February 2005
USD31 million
undated

:
:

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.

the  Commonwealth) 

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 
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.

rights 

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);

• 

105

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

(15)

(17)

(18)

(19)

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.
AUD  250  million  Subordinated  FRN, 
issued
November  1999,  due  November  2009;  split  into
$200  million  fixed  rate  notes  and  $50  million
floating rate notes.
USD  750  million  Subordinated  Notes,  issued  June
2000,  due  June  2010;  split  into  USD  300  million
fixed  rate  notes  and  USD  450  million  floating  rate
notes.
JPY20  billion  Perpetual  Subordinated  Euro  MTN,
issued February 1999.

(10) USD  200  million  Subordinated  EMTN, 
November 1999, due November 2009.
(11) USD  75  million  Subordinated  EMTN, 

January 2000, due January 2010.

(12) USD  100  million  Subordinated  EMTN, 

issued

issued

issued

January 2000, due January 2010.

(13) USD400  million  Subordinated  Euro  MTN  issued

June 1996; due July 2006.

(14) GBP200  million  Subordinated  Euro  MTN  issued

(16) NZD100 

issued

matures

Subordinated 

March 1996; due December 2006.
JPY30  billion  Subordinated  Euro  MTN 
October 1995; due October 2015.
million 
15 December 2009.
AUD210  million  Euro  FRN  issued  3  September
1996, maturing 10 September 2004.
AUD38  million  FRN  issued  15  December  1997,
maturing 15 December 2004.
AUD130  million  Subordinated  Notes  comprised  as
follows:
AUD10 million fixed rate notes issued 12 December
2005.
1995, 
12 
AUD110  million 
issued
floating 
12 December  1995,  maturing  12  December  2005.
AUD5 million fixed rate notes issued  17  December
2005.
1996, 
12 
AUD5  million 
issued
floating 
17 December 1996, maturing 12 December 2005.

December 
rate  notes 

December 
notes 

maturing 

maturing 

rate 

(20) Comprises 16 subordinated Notes and FRN issues.
The  face  value  amounts  are  less  than  $10 million
each and are all in Australian Dollars. The maturity
ranges from October 2001 to October 2009.

• 

• 

NOTE 28 Loan Capital continued
• 

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 
the  Dated  FRNs
mature.
Any  payment  made  by 

to  Dated  FRNs, 

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.

to  date, 

to  amend 

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
the
which  have  matured 
Commonwealth  agreed 
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.
(4)

the  Bank  and 
the 

AUD  300  million  Extendible  Floating  Rate  Stock
issued December 1989:
due December 2004  :  AUD25 million
due December 2009  :  AUD275 million
The  Bank  has  entered 

into  a  separate
agreement  with  the  Commonwealth  relating  to  the
above  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
the  Bank,  if  required  by  the  Commonwealth  and
subject to the agreement of the APRA, exercises its
option to redeem such issue.

• 

106

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 29 Share Capital

Issued and Paid Up Capital
Opening balance
Transfer from share premium reserve
Buy Back
Dividend reinvestment plan
Employee Share Subscription Plan
Exercise of Executive Options
Issue costs
7 for 20 Issue to Colonial Shareholders
Closing balance

Shares on Issue

Opening balance
Buy Back
Dividend reinvestment plan issues:
1999 final dividend fully paid ordinary shares at $24.75
2000 interim dividend fully paid ordinary shares at $ 24.42
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
Employee Share Acquisition Plan issues
7 for 20 Issue to Colonial Shareholders
Closing balance

2000
$M

BANK
1999
$M

3,526
-
(553)
253
4

1,845
1,499
(246)
426
5
19                   -
(3)
(2)
9,274                   -
3,526

12,521

Number

Number

915,968,625 922,658,274
(20,486,618) (27,366,447)

                        -
                        -
1,609,000
170,550

5,545,990                   -
4,931,782                   -
12,114,896
8,260,352
26,000
275,550
1,053,199                   -
351,409,450                   -
1,260,201,978 915,968,625

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.

107

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 29 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.

Details of issues under this plan are:

The performance target is growth in annual profit of

the greater of 5% or consumer price index plus 2%.

Whenever  annual  profit  growth  exceeds  CPI
change,  the  Board  may  use  its  discretion  in  determining
whether any grant of shares will be made.

Issue Date

1996 Offer
2 January 1997
18 March 1997
1997 Offer
11 December 1997
3 February 1998
1999 Offer
24 September 1999

Total Ordinary
Shares Issued (1)

Total Bonus
Ordinary Shares
Issued (2)

No. of Eligible
Employees
Participating

Shares issued
to each
Participant

Issue Price (3)

27,755
13

3,025

2,275,910
1,066

1,637,273
232

-

1,053,199

27,755
13

28,281
4

24,493

83
83

58
58

43

$12.04
$12.04

$17.16
$17.16

$23.12

(1)

(2)

For the 1996 and 1997 Employee Share Acquisition
Plan  offers,  new  employee  shareholders  were
granted  one  ordinary  share  with  the  remainder  of
shares issued  as  Bonus  Ordinary  Shares.    For the
1999  offer  both  new  and  existing  shareholders
were granted Bonus Ordinary Shares.
For the 1996 & 1997 Offers, the bonus shares were
fully  paid  up  as  issued  shares  utilising  the  Share
Premium  Reserve.    With  the  removal  of  the  Share
Premium  Reserve  the  bonus  shares  are  issued
from the Share Capital Account.
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 if the Bank had achieved the performance target
for  the  year  ended  30 June 1998.  As  the  target  was  not
achieved, no allotments occurred under this plan for that
year.

 (3)

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  offer  date,  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 two 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
24 September 1999
24 March 2000

No. of
Ordinary
Shares Issued
209,400
171,000
158,600
81,450
194,100
127,800
42,750

No. of Eligible
Employees
Participating
1,149
971
815
511
1,027
833
296

Purchase
Price (1)
$12.74
$14.84
$16.80
$18.60
$23.36
$22.64
$24.72

Offer Date
25 February 1997
26 August 1997
24 February 1998
25 August 1998
23 February 1999
24 August 1999
25 February 2000

Market Value
at Issue Date
$12.75
$17.22
$18.07
$19.97
$26.25
$23.10
$22.55

(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.

108

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 29 Share Capital continued

Executive Option Plan

Under  the  Executive  Option  Plan,  the  Bank  will
grant  options  to  subscribe  for  ordinary  shares  to  those
their
key  executives  who  are  able,  by  virtue  of 
responsibility,  experience  and  skill,  to  influence  the
generation of shareholder wealth and 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  life  of  the  options.  The
options  cannot  be  exercised  before  each  respective
exercise  period  and  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 reached within that
three  years,  (4  years  for  the  second  tranche  of  options
granted to the Managing Director on 24 August 1999) the
options may nevertheless be exercisable only  where  the
hurdle  is  subsequently  reached  within  5  years  (6  years
the
for  the  second  tranche  of  options  granted 
Managing  Director  on  24  August  1999) 
the
Commencement  Date.    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:

to 
from 

Total
Options
Issued

2,100,000
2,875,000
3,275,000
3,855,000

Issue Date

16/12/96
11/12/97
30/09/98
24/09/99

Options
Outstanding

Eligible
Executives
Participating

195,000
2,465,000
3,025,000
3,775,000

25
27
32
39

Exercise
Price (1)

$11.85
$15.53 (2)
$19.58 (2)
$23.84 (2)

Expiry
Date

Commencement
Date

12/11/01
03/11/02
25/08/03
24/08/09

12/11/96
03/11/97
25/08/98
24/08/99

Market
Price at
Issue Date

$11.93
$16.85
$19.97
$23.10

(1)

Market  Value  at  the  Commencement  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  Commencement  Date  (being  the  date
from which the options take effect).

(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).

1,010,000  options,  from  all  grants  to  date,  have
been  forfeited  as  at  30  June  2000.  1,535,000  options
from  the  1996  grant  and  100,000  options  from  the  1997
grant,  have  been  exercised  as  at  30 June  2000  for  total
consideration  of  $19,742,750.  There  are  9,460,000
options  outstanding  at  30  June  2000.  Subsequently  and
up to the date of this report an additional 50,000  options
were exercised from the 1997 grant.

NOTE 30 Outside Equity Interests

Share Capital
Reserves
Retained profits
Total Outside Equity Interests

This is principally comprised of 25% outside equity interest in ASB Group.

Share Buy Back

The  Bank’s  shareholders’  equity  was  reduced  by
$553 million  on  8 November  1999  pursuant  to  the  buy
back  of  20.5 million  shares.  The  price  per  share  paid  by
the Bank for the buy back shares was $27.00 calculated
in accordance with the buy back offer.

The  Bank’s  shareholders’  equity  was  reduced  by
$650 million on 24 March 1999  pursuant  to  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  and  charged  to  retained
profits ($404 million).

2000
$M

1999
$M

355

203
11               -
24
227

9
375

GROUP
1998
$M

118
              -
59
177

109

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 31 Capital Adequacy

In August 1988 guidelines for the capital adequacy
of  Australian  banks  were  established  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
stand-alone group 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. A deduction is made from the sum of Tier 1  and
in  non-consolidated
Tier  2  capital 
investments 
subsidiaries 
for  capital
that  are  not  consolidated 
adequacy  purposes.  Deductions  include  investments  in
insurance and funds management subsidiaries.

for 

Tier  1,  or  core,  capital  includes  paid  up  ordinary
shares,  retained  earnings,  reserves,  other  approved
capital  resources  and  minority  interest  in  subsidiaries.
Less  goodwill,  future  income  tax  benefit  net  of  deferred
income  tax  liability  and  the  intangible  component  of
investment in non-consolidated subsidiaries.

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.

The  capital  base  is  the  sum  of  Tier  1  and  Tier  2
capital  less  deductions.  Deductions  include  investments
Deposit-taking
in 

non-consolidated 

Authorised 

Institutions and overseas banks and investments in non-
consolidated subsidiaries net of any Tier 1 deductions.

firstly  converted 

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  per
cent)  to  the  assets  of  the  Group,  based  primarily  on  the
calibre of the counterparty. Off balance sheet  exposures
are 
to  on  balance  sheet  credit
equivalents using credit conversion factors relating to the
nature  of  the  exposure,  then  weighted  in  the  same
manner  as  balance  sheet  assets.  The only  exception  is
the credit equivalent of a market related transaction with
a  non-bank  private  sector  counterparty  attracts  a  50%
risk weighting.

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.

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
Less Intangible Component of Investment in Non-Consolidated Subsidiaries
Total Tier One Capital

Tier Two Capital
General provisions for bad and doubtful debts
FITB related to general provision
Dated note and bond issues
Preference shares
Total Tier Two Capital

Tier One and Tier Two Capital
Less Investment in Non-Consolidated Subsidiaries (net of Intangible component deducted
from Tier 1)
Less Other deductions
Capital Base

110

2000
Actual
%

7.49
4.75
(2.49)
9.75

1999
Actual
%

7.05
3.12
(0.79)
9.38

2000
$M

GROUP
1999
$M

17,847
418
18,265
(5,905)
(86)
(2,656)
9,618

6,962
638
7,600
(491)
(88)
                 -
7,021

1,358
(420)
5,120
39
6,097

15,715
(2,528)

(669)
12,518

1,081
(347)
2,335
40
3,109

10,130
(368)

(420)
9,342

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 31 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)
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

(1)

(2)

loans  secured  by 

Other  zero  weighted  assets 
include  gross
unrealised  gains  on  trading  derivative  financial
instruments of $6,252 million (1999: $4,978 million).
APRA  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 
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’.

Face Value

2000
$M

1999
$M

Risk
Weights

%

Risk Weighted
Balance
1999
$M

2000
$M

16,157
9,714
75,656
71,914

14,533
6,697
57,478
55,481

0%              -
1,943
37,828
71,914

20%
50%
100%

              -
1,339
28,739
55,481

173,441

134,189

111,685

85,559

(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 
trading  book  and  all
the 
on-balance  sheet  positions  in  commodities  as  they
are  included  in  the  calculation  of  notional  market
risk weighted assets.

in 

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

Face value

2000
$M

1999
$M

2000
$M

Credit
Equivalent
1999
$M

Risk-weighted
Balance
1999
$M

2000
$M

3,540
1,795
42,442

3,027
1,704
32,970

3,540
828
14,671

3,027
779
12,941

2,825
819
9,634

381,438
429,215

283,646
321,347

9,358
28,397

6,598
23,345

2,785
16,063
127,748
736
128,484

2,424
770
8,366

1,852
13,412
98,971
585
99,556

111

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 32 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
the
products,  with  actual  maturities  shorter 

than 

contractual terms.  Therefore this information is not relied
on  by  the  Bank  in  the  management  of its  interest  rate
risk.

GROUP
Maturity Period At 30 June 2000

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

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
Life Assets
Other Monetary assets
Total Monetary assets

Liabilities
Deposits and other public borrowings (3)
Payables due to other financial institutions
Bank acceptances
Life Liabilities
Debt issues and loan capital
Other monetary liabilities
Total monetary liabilities

1,041

            -

1,534             -

            -

            -

            -

2,575

2,200
           -
           -
510
           -
251
1,024
5,026

55,494
864
           -
           -
           -
201
56,559

16
            -
            -
4,719
            -
            -
            -
4,735

2,699
7,347             -
1,787
1,757
8,351
18,315
9,553
14,934
8,854
55,029

204             -
            -
3,027
49,826
1,554             -
2,001
3,800
13
133
54,867
25,793

            -
            -
2,575
51,853
            -
1,347
15
55,790

35
            -
3

5,154
7,347
9,149
(1,311) 132,263
11,107
            -
26,448
4,115
10,283
244
3,086 204,326

            -
126
            -
            -
            -
            -
126

27,577
3,050
10,030
            -
11,647
11,565
63,869

19,744

7,408
592             -
1,077             -
            -
8,855
137
16,400

            -
4,142
317
25,872

            -
            -
314
5,371

2,371             - 112,594
4,633
11,107
25,282
30,574
12,250
25,528 196,440

1
            -
24,968
559
30             -

8,086

(1)

(2)

Trading  securities  are  purchased  without 
the
intention to hold until maturity and are categorised
as maturing within 3 months.
$49 billion of this figure represents 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  has  historically  been  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 39.

112

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 32 Maturity Analysis of Monetary Assets and Liabilities continued

3 to 12
At Call Overdrafts months Months
$M

0 to 3

$M

$M

$M

GROUP
Maturity Period At 30 June 1999

1 to 5
Not
Over
years 5 years specified
$M
$M

$M

Total
$M

864               -

950              -

              -

           -

           -

1,814

          -
          -
1,498
          -

88               -
              -
              -
2,900
              -
173               -
2,900

2,623

1,026
4,708              -
1,802
493
7,982
11,624
8,804
6,404
31,676

92               -
              -
3,057
35,496
868               -
12
38,565

2
13,079

           -
           -

           -
           -
1,835            -
(943)
           -
665
(278)

43,280
           -
982
46,097

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

49,947               -
657               -
              -
              -
235               -
50,839               -

          -
          -

21,178
2,270
8,804
6,040
7,613
45,905

8,890

13,256
320
868               -
2,127
237
11,256

2,222
9
16,675

157            -
           -
           -
517
295
812

2            -
           -
2,685
380
3,222

1,206
4,708
7,187
101,837
9,672
8,238
134,662

93,428
3,249
9,672
13,591
8,769
128,709

(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 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  has  historically  been  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 39.

113

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 33 Financial Reporting by Segments

(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

       Operating profit before tax
        Banking
        Life Insurance and Funds Management

       Operating profit after tax and outside equity interests
        Banking
        Life Insurance and Funds Management

       Assets
        Banking
        Life Insurance and Funds Management

(1)

Other Countries are:

United  Kingdom,  United  States  of  America,
Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Grand Cayman.
With  the  acquisition  of  Colonial  in  June  2000,  the
Group  also  has  operations  in  the  Philippines,  Fiji,
Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, China and Vietnam.

2000
%

$M

1999
%

$M

GROUP
1998
%

$M

9,497
1,108
755

83.6
9.8
6.6

8,801
976
660

84.3
9.4
6.3

9,514
1,115
657

84.3
9.9
5.8

11,360

100.0

10,437

100.0

11,286

100.0

3,281
192
65
3,538

2,536
105
59

2,700

92.7
5.4
1.9
100.0

93.9
3.9
2.2

100.0

1,933
151
76
2,160

1,270
80
72

1,422

89.5
7.0
3.5
100.0

89.3
5.6
5.1

100.0

1,221
148
(27)
1,342

1,044
73
(27)

1,090

186,864
16,661
14,146

85.8 115,510
13,046
9,540

7.7
6.5

83.6 110,120
10,846
9,578

9.5
6.9

91.0
11.0
(2.0)
100.0

95.8
6.7
(2.5)

100.0

84.4
8.3
7.3

217,671

100.0 138,096

100.0 130,544

100.0

10,682
678
11,360

94.0
6.0
100.0

10,077
360
10,437

96.6
3.4
100.0

11,072
214
11,286

2,147
1,391
3,538

1,376
1,324
2,700

60.7
39.3
100.0

51.0
49.0
100.0

2,033
127
2,160

1,305
117
1,422

94.1
5.9
100.0

91.8
8.2
100.0

1,261
81
1,342

1,006
84
1,090

185,108
32,563
217,671

85.0 136,787
1,309
15.0
100.0 138,096

99.1 130,117
427
100.0 130,544

0.9

98.1
1.9
100.0

94.0
6.0
100.0

92.3
7.7
100.0

99.7
0.3
100.0

The  banking  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.

114

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 33 Financial Reporting by Segments continued

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
assessing  performance.  In  accordance  with  the  new
standard,  results  have  been  presented  based  on
segments  as  reviewed  by  the  chief  operating  decision
maker, the Managing Director, as well as other members
of senior management.

The Bank segments are: Retail Financial Services,
Institutional Banking, ASB Bank Limited (ASB), Colonial
Group  and  Corporate.  Retail  Financial  Services
comprises  the  Bank’s  Customer  Service  Division  and
Australian 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.  Colonial  comprises  banking  and  life  insurance
activities  and  was  acquired  on  13  June  2000.  Corporate
comprises head office and service functions.

The  overall  result  is  analysed  in  the  Financial
Review  section  of  this  Profit  Announcement.  Results  of
business segments are affected by internal changes.

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
Profit before tax, goodwill amortisation and abnormal
items
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 (%)

GROUP
Year Ended 30 June 2000

Institutional
Banking
$M

Colonial

ASB
$M

(2) Corporate
$M
$M

Total
$M

349
300
276
28
38

271
107
32
77
2
272               -

22
11
1
53
2
               -

1,263

489

89

202
35
2
11
30

3,719
1,500
311
561
140
454               -

734

6,231

87

9                -

(131)

196

5
248
253

1

19
133                -
19
134

7
47
54
110
83

25
35
60
25
75
279               -

779

294

2
1
3
1
35
               -

58

7
192
199

63
1,642
1,705

4
7
11
80
112

117
320
437
571
694
6               -

408

3,407

Retail
Financial
Services
$M

2,875
1,047
               -
392
68
260

4,642

231

31
1,069
1,100

79
230
309
355
389
701

2,854

1,557

397
3                      -
                     -
397
77
                     -
320

               -
1,554
477
               -
1,077

31
186
10
              -
               -
              -
21
186
9
46
38                -
12

102

457
44
967
1,380
191
                 -
1,189

2,628
57
967
3,538
800
38
2,700

100,352
69,215

44,362
39,094

14,331
13,419

40,436
40,268

18,190
37,828

217,671
199,824

Total operating expenses/Total operating income (3)
Asset growth

61.48%
23.01%

61.68% 60.12%
9.01% 11.48%

65.17%
n.a.

55.59% 54.68%
57.62%

large

(1)

(2)

(3)

Internal charges are eliminated on consolidation.
Represents performance for period 13 June 2000 to 30 June 2000.
Divisional ratios include internal charges.

115

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 33 Financial Reporting by Segments continued

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

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
Profit before tax, goodwill amortisation and
abnormal items
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 (%)

GROUP
Year Ended 30 June 1999
Total

Corporate

ASB

Institutional
Banking

$M

$M

$M

$M

273
240
253
16
75

279
94
18
7
9
167                    -

206
8
2
8
46

3,527
1,281
273
254
189
520                    -

Retail
Financial
Services
$M

2,769
939
                  -
223
59
159

4,149

1,024

172

62

407

11

1
124
125

4
212
216

8
42
50
104
48

25
27
52
21
47
171                    -

589

245

790

2

4
205
209

3
13
16
14
131
(2)

368

5,524

247

42
1,562
1,604

145
310
455
505
506
                   -

3,070

33
1,021
1,054

109
228
337
366
280
678

2,715

1,262

373
7                   -
                  -
373
68
                  -
305

151
420
                   -
40
                   -
                  -
151
380
183
47
24                   -
197
80

2,207
47
                   -
2,160
714
24
1,422

                  -
1,255
416
                  -
839

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 (2)
Asset growth

65.44%
8.30%

57.52%
(2.22%)

60.20%
19.10%

46.58%
5.75%

55.58%
5.78%

(1)

(2)

Internal charges are eliminated on consolidation.
Divisional ratios include internal charges.

116

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 33 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

Retail
Financial
Services
$M

2,730
834
                     -
188
68
141
3,961

GROUP
Year Ended 30 June 1998
Total

Corporate

ASB

Institutional
Banking

$M

$M

$M

$M

242
223
229
17
99

143
282
90
3
14                   -
(1)
64

3,397
1,150
243
205
235
556                    -
5,230
765

1
4
140                    -
391
950

Provisions for impairment

137

132

9

(45)

233

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
Profit before tax, goodwill amortisation and
abnormal items
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 (%)

24
1,047
1,071

128
234
362
322
295
672

2,722

4
191
195

1
111
112

5
48
53
101
30

22
30
52
21
48
168                    -

547

233

1,102

271
1                   -
                  -
271
78
                  -
193

149
                   -
                   -
149
50
25
74

                     -
1,101
374
                     -
727

(4)
248
244

(23)
29
6
32
95
(3)

374

436
45
570
(179)
(270)
(5)
96

25
1,597
1,622

132
341
473
476
468
                   -

3,039

1,958
46
570
1,342
232
20
1,090

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 (2)
Asset growth

68.72%
N/A

57.58%
N/A

59.59%
N/A

48.89%
N/A

58.11%
N/A

(1)

(2)

Internet charges eliminated on consolidation.
Divisional ratios include internal charges.

117

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

 NOTE 34  Life Insurance Business

The following information, in accordance with AASB1038, is provided to disclose life insurance business transactions
contained  in  the  Group  financial  statements  and  the  underlying  methods  and  assumptions  used  in  their  calculation.  Also
refer Notes 1(jj) and 21.

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Summarised Profit and Loss Statement (excluding Abnormals)

Premium and related revenue
Outward reinsurance premiums expense
Claims expense
Reinsurance recoveries
Investment revenue (excluding investments in subsidiaries)
   Equity securities
   Debt securities
   Property
   Other
Life insurance policy liabilities expense
Margin on services operating income
Change in excess of net market values over net assets
of life insurance controlled entities
Life Insurance operating income
Administration expense
 - Policy acquisition
 - Policy maintenance
 - Investment management
 - Other

Operating profit before income tax

Income tax attributable to operating profit
Operating profit after income tax

Outside equity interest in operating profit after income tax
Operating profit after outside equity interest and income tax

An analysis of this financial result is contained in the Financial Review.

Sources of life insurance operating profit (excluding Abnormals)

The operating profit after income tax is represented by:

Emergence of planned profit margins
Difference between actual and planned experience
Movement in excess of net market value over net assets of controlled entities
Reversal of previously recognised losses or loss recognition
on groups of related products
Investment earnings on assets in excess of policy liabilities
Other
Operating profit after income tax

2000
$M

459
(122)
(310)
89

592
442
32
                     -
(856)
326

GROUP
1999
$M

296
(60)
(107)
54

287
260
42
1
(616)
157

92                     -
157

418

(61)
(60)
(17)
(12)
(150)
268

(25)
(25)
(8)
                    -
(58)
99

(47)
221

(2)
219

4
103

(3)
100

83
121
(8)
10
92                     -

13

1                     -
10
2                     -
103

221

Life insurance premiums received and receivable
Life insurance claims paid and payable

2,927
2,279

2,673
1,874

118

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 34 Life Insurance Business continued

The  following  tables  set  out  the  embedded  values  and  appraisal  values  of  the  Group’s  life  insurance  and  funds
management  businesses,  together  with  the  key  actuarial  assumptions  applied  by  the  independent  actuaries  in  the
determination of the appraisal values. These are Director’s valuations based on appraisal values determined by independent
actuaries Trowbridge Consulting.

As at 30 June 2000

Shareholders net tangible assets
Value of inforce business
Embedded Value
Value of future new business
Appraisal value (market value)

Australia
$M

Life Business
New Zealand
$M

1,634
713
2,347
689
3,036

176
194
370
240
610

Other
$M

502
151
653
166
819

Funds
Management
$M

16
638
654
1,561
2,215

Total
$M

2,328
1,696
4,024
2,656
6,680

Embedded value: The present value of future profits from in-force business and the shareholders interest in the net worth of
the life insurance Statutory and Shareholder Funds.

Appraisal value: The embedded value plus the estimated value of profits from future business.

Key Assumptions used in Market Values

As at 30 June 2000

New
Business
Multiplier

Risk
Discount
Rate
%

Value of
Franking
Credits
%

Market
Value

$M

Life insurance entities

Australia
Colonial Group
CIHL Group

New Zealand
ASB Group
Colonial Group

Asia (1)
Colonial Group
- Hong Kong

- Other

Funds management entities

Australia
Colonial Group
CIHL Group

Total

(1)

(2)

70
70

1,650
1,386

12
10

8
8

9

various

12
12

13
13

HKD15 (2)

USD12.5
various

-
-

-

-

n.a.
n.a.

13
13

70
70

283
327

653

166

1,592
623

6,680

The Asian market values represent the values following transfer of ownership from The Colonial Mutual Life Assurance
Society Limited to Colonial International Holding Company Pty Limited effective 1 July 1998.
These are the risk discount rates for Hong Kong dollar business and US dollar business.

119

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 34 Life Insurance Business continued
Policy Liabilities

Appropriately  qualified  actuaries  have  been
appointed in respect of each life insurance business and
they  have  reviewed  and  satisfied  themselves  as  to  the
accuracy  of  the  policy  liabilities  included  in  this  financial

report,  including  compliance  with  the  regulations  of  the
Life  Insurance  Act  1995  where  appropriate.    Details  are
set  out  in  the  various  statutory  returns  of  these  life
insurance businesses.

Components of policy liabilities:

Future policy benefits (1)
Future bonuses
Future expenses
Future profit margins
Future charges for acquisition expenses
Balance of future premiums
Provisions for bonuses not allocated to participating policyholders
Total policy liabilities

(1)

Including bonuses credited to policyholders in prior years.

GROUP
2000
$M

26,880
450
624
576
(327)
(2,942)
21
25,282

Taxation

In  accordance  with  legislation  applying  at  balance
date,  the  taxation  of  life  insurance  is  not  based  on  the
concept  of  overall  profit  but  rather  different  rates  of  tax
are  applied  to  each  class  of  business.  The  income  tax
expense  of  the  life  insurance  activities  of the  Group  has
been  determined  after  aggregating  the  different  classes
of  business  at  the  corresponding  tax  rates  applicable  to
those classes.

To  the  extent  that  timing  differences  arise,  the  net
related taxation benefit or income tax liability is disclosed
as a future income tax benefit or a provision for deferred
tax  liability.  In  accordance  with  AASB1038,  these  have
been  discounted  to  a  present  value  using  reasonable

assumptions as to future levels of interest rates, average
periods for which each asset category or  investment  will
be held, the tax rate applicable to the respective classes
of  business  and  the  tax  regime  in  each  country  of
operation.

On 1 July 2000 a new tax regime for life insurance
companies  commenced  in  Australia.  The  primary  effect
of  this  regime  is  to  tax  profits  that  had  previously  not
been  subject  to  taxation.  Allowance  has  been  made  in
the  appraisal  value  and  policy  liabilities  of  the  life
insurance  businesses  for  the  estimated  impact  of  the
new tax requirements.

120

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 34 Life Insurance Business continued

Actuarial Methods and Assumptions
liabilities  have  been 

in
Policy 
accordance  with 
(MoS)
methodology  as  set  out  in  Actuarial  Standard  1.02  –
the  Life
(‘AS1.02’) 
Valuation  Standard 

the  Margin  on  Services 

issued  by 

calculated 

Insurance  Actuarial  Standards  Board  (‘LIASB’).    The
principal  methods  and  profit  carriers  used  for  particular
product groups are as follows:

Product Type

Individual
Conventional

Investment account
Investment linked

Lump sum risk
Income stream risk
Immediate annuities
Group
Investment account
Investment linked
Lump sum risk

Income stream risk

Method

Profit Carrier

Projection

Projection
Projection
Accumulation
Projection
Projection
Projection

Projection
Projection
Projection
Accumulation
Projection

Bonuses or expected claim
payments
Bonuses or asset charges
Asset charge
Not applicable
Premiums/claims
Expected claim payments
Bonuses or annuity payment

Bonuses or asset charges
Asset charge
Claims
Premiums (implied)
Expected claim payments

The  ‘Projection  Method’  measures  the  present
values  of  estimated  future  policy  cash  flows  to  calculate
incorporate
policy 
investment  income,  premiums,  expenses,  redemptions
and benefit payments.

liabilities.  The  policy  cash 

flows 

The 

‘Accumulation  Method’  measures 

the
accumulation  of  amounts  invested  by  policyholders  plus
investment  earnings  less  fees  specified  in  the  policy  to
calculate  policy  liabilities.  Deferred  acquisition  costs  are
offset against this liability.

Bonuses  are  amounts  added,  at  the  discretion  of
the  life  insurer,  to  the  benefits  currently  payable  under
Participating Business. Under the Life Act, bonuses are a
distribution  to  policyholders  of  profits  and  may  take  a
number of forms including reversionary bonuses, interest

Class of Business
Traditional – ordinary business (after tax)
Traditional – superannuation business (after tax)
Annuity business (after tax)
Term life insurance – ordinary business (after tax)
Term life insurance – superannuation business (after tax)
Disability business (before tax)
Investment linked – ordinary business (after tax)
Investment linked – superannuation business (after tax)
Investment linked – exempt (after tax)
Investment account – ordinary business (after tax)
Investment account – superannuation business (after tax)

credits  and  capital  growth  bonuses  (payable  on  the
termination of the policy).

Actuarial assumptions

Set  out  below  is  a  summary  of  the  material
assumptions used in the calculation of policy liabilities in
Australia and New Zealand.

Discount Rate

These  are  the  rates  used  to  discount  future  cash
flows  to  determine  their  net  present  value.  The  discount
rate is determined by the earnings rate of the assets that
support  the  policy  liability  and  the  tax  rate  applicable  to
the Class of Business.

Rate Range %
6.11
7.88
6.40 – 8.25
3.20 – 5.28
4.50 – 5.28
6.15
5.70 – 5.82
7.00 – 7.80
8.35 – 8.63
4.44
5.72

121

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 34 Life Insurance Business continued

Bonuses

Surrender values

It  has  been  assumed  that  the  current  surrender

value bases will continue to apply in the future.

Unit price growth

Unit  prices  are  assumed  to  grow  in  line  with
assumed investment earnings assumptions, net  of  asset
charges as per current office practice.

Mortality - risk products

Rates  vary  by  sex,  age,  product  type  and  smoker
status.  Rates  are  based  on  standard  mortality  tables
(primarily risk  IA  90  –  92,  annuity  IM/IF  80)  adjusted  for
recent company and industry experience.

Disability

Rates  are  based  on  recent  company  and  industry
experience. Incidence  and  termination  rates  can  vary  by
product type, age, sex, occupation and smoker status.

 Solvency

Australian Life Insurers
Australian 

life 

required 

insurers  are 

requirements  of  AS2.02. 

to  hold
prudential  reserves  in  excess  of  the  amount  of  policy
liabilities.  These reserves are required to support capital
adequacy  requirements  and  provide  protection  against
the  adverse  experience.    Actuarial  Standard  AS2.02
‘Solvency  Standard’  (‘AS2.02’)  prescribes  a  minimum
capital  requirement  and  the  minimum  level  of  assets
required  to  be  held  in  each  life  insurance  fund.  All
controlled Australian life insurance entities complied with
the  solvency 
  Further
information  is  available  from  the  individual  statutory
returns of subsidiary life insurers.
Overseas life insurers
Overseas life insurance subsidiaries are required to
hold reserves in excess of policy liabilities in accordance
with  local  Acts  and  prudential  rules.    Each  of  the
overseas  subsidiaries  complied  with  local  requirements.
individual
from 
is  available 
Further 
statutory returns of subsidiary life insurers.
Managed assets & fiduciary activities
Arrangements  are  in  place  to  ensure  that  asset
management  and  other  fiduciary  activities  of  controlled
entities  are  independent  of  the  life  insurance  funds  and
other activities of the Group.

information 

the 

Disaggregated information

life 

Life  insurance  business  is  conducted  through  a
in  Australia  and
insurance  entities 
number  of 
overseas. Under the  Australian  Life  Insurance  Act  1995,
life  insurance  business  is  conducted  within  one  or  more
separate  statutory  funds  which  are  distinguished  from
each other and from the shareholders’ fund. The financial
in
statements  of  Australian 
accordance with AASB 1038, (and which are lodged with
the  relevant  Australian  regulators)  show  all  major
components  of  the  financial  statements  disaggregated
between  the  various  life  insurance  statutory  funds  and
their shareholder funds.

insurers  prepared 

life 

The  valuation  assumed 

long-term
supportable bonuses would be paid, which is in line with
the long-term company practice.

that 

the 

Maintenance expenses

For  the  Australian  and  New  Zealand  operations  of
the  Colonial  Group,  maintenance  expense  assumptions
are  based  on  the  contractual  fees  (inclusive  of  an
allowance for inflation) as set out in the service company
agreements.

Maintenance  expense  assumptions  are  based  on
an  analysis  of  experience  over  the  past  year  increased
for  inflation  and  taking  into  account  future  business
plans,  ‘one-off’  expenses  are  excluded.  An  allowance  is
made 
rates
appropriate to the taxation basis of the business.

tax  deductibility  of  expenses  at 

for 

Investment management expenses

For  the  Australian  and  New  Zealand  operations  of
the  Colonial  Group,  investment  management  expense
assumptions are based on the contractual fees (inclusive
of  an  allowance  for  inflation)  as  set  out  in  the  Fund
Manager agreements.

Inflation

The 

inflation  assumption 
investment earning assumptions.

is 

in 

line  with 

the

Benefit and premium indexation

The  indexation  rates  are  based  on  an  analysis  of
past  experience  and  estimated  long  term  CPI  and  vary
by business and product type.

Benefit and premium

The  indexation  rates  are  based  on  an  analysis  of
past  experience  and  estimated  long  term  CPI  and  vary
by business and product type.

Tax

The 

tax  rates  assumed  are  based  on 

those
applicable  by  territory  and  product  type.  For  Australian
business  it  reflects  the  new  regime  for  life  insurance
companies effective 1 July 2000.

Voluntary discontinuance

Discontinuance rates are based on recent company
experience  and  vary  by  age,  territory,  product  and
duration inforce.

Class of Business
Traditional
Investment account business
Investment linked
Annuity business
Term life insurance
Disability income insurance

Rate %
7 – 30
3 – 25
2.5 – 70
1.5
5.5 – 20
15 – 25

122

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 35 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

2000
$’000

3,066
1,878
4,944

GROUP
1999
$’000

2000
$’000

BANK
1999
$’000

2,593

1,993
300                -
1,993

2,893

1,753
              -
1,753

18,052

5,011

17,979

4,905

Total Remuneration of Auditors

22,996

7,904

19,972

6,658

Other  services  provided  by  Ernst  &  Young  during
the  year  substantially  relate 
initiatives
including  GST  preparedness  ($8.0  million),  systems
implementations  ($4.5  million)  and  the  acquisition  of
Colonial Limited ($3.1 million). A significant proportion of

to  once-off 

the  other  services  was  provided  by  Ernst  &  Young’s
management consulting division.  Effective 23 May 2000,
Ernst & Young sold its management consulting business.
From  that  date  Ernst  &  Young  no  longer  provides  such
services to the Group.

NOTE 36 Commitments for Capital Expenditure Not Provided for in the Accounts

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 37 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 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 five years
Later than five years
Total Lease Commitments - Property, Plant and Equipment

2000
$M

GROUP
1999
$M

2000
$M

BANK
1999
$M

22
                -
                -
                -

9
              -
              -
              -

19
               -
               -
               -

7
              -
              -
              -

22

9

19

7

309
784
341
1,434

197
558
363
1,118

168
469
215
852

172
490
303
965

8
22
10
40

8
22
14
44

123

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 37 Lease Commitments - Property, Plant and Equipment continued

Lease Arrangements

Leases  entered  into  by  the  Group  are  for  the
purpose  of  accommodating  the  business  need.    Leases
may be over retail, commercial, industrial and residential
the  occupying
premises  and  reflect 
business  and  market  conditions. 
leases  are
negotiated  with  external  professional  property  resources
acting for the Group.

the  needs  of 

  All 

Rental  payments  are  determined 

terms  of
relevant  lease  requirements  –  usually  reflecting  market
rentals as described by standard valuation practice.

in 

NOTE 38 Contingent Liabilities

The  Group  is  involved  in  a  range  of  transactions
that give rise to contingent and/or future liabilities. These
transactions  meet 
requirements  of
customers  and  include  endorsed  bills  of exchange,
letters of credit, guarantees and commitments to provide
credit.

financing 

the 

The Group as lessee has no purchase options over
premises occupied.  For properties sold and leased back
by  the  Group,  the  Group  does  have  the  right  of  first
refusal  to  purchase  the  property.    There  is  no  obligation
on  the  Bank  to  do  so,  and  there  has  never  been  an
instance of purchase.

There  are  no  restrictions  imposed  on  the  Group’s
lease  of  space  other  than  those  forming  part  of  the
negotiated lease arrangements for each specific premise.

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 39) 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

Contingent  liabilities  have  increased  by  $9.7 billion
primarily  due  to  the  APRA  requirement  to  include  the
value  of  any  redraw  facilities  for  owner  occupied  and
investment  housing  loans  in  commitments  to  provide
credit.

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
fulfil  a  contractual  non-monetary
customer 
obligation.

contingents 

fails 

to 

Commitments 

include  all
obligations  on  the  part  of  the  Group  to  provide  funding
facilities.

to  provide  credit 

124

Face Value
1999
$M

2000
$M

GROUP
Credit Equivalent
1999
$M

2000
$M

2,554
558
428
231
1,564
41,324
1,118
47,777

2,030
487
510
244
1,460
32,151
819
37,701

2,554
558
428
46
782
13,579
1,091
19,038

2,030
487
510
49
730
12,155
786
16,747

Other commitments include the Group’s obligations
under sale and repurchase agreements, outright forward
purchases  and 
forward  deposits  and  underwriting
facilities.

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  credit  equivalent  exposure  from  direct  credit
substitutes  (guarantees,  standby  letters  of credit  and  bill
endorsements)  is  the  face  value  of  the  transaction,
whereas  the  credit  equivalent  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.
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 raised.

the  potential 

Where 

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 38 Contingent Liabilities continued

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.

Indemnities under UK Sale Agreement

The  Group  has  contingent  liabilities  that  relate  to
indemnities  given  under  an  agreement  for  the  sale  of
Colonial  Life  (UK)  Ltd  and  Colonial  Pension  Fund  Ltd  to
the Winterthur Group.

Funds under management
Australia
United Kingdom
New Zealand
Asia

Funds under trusteeship
Australia

These indemnities cover potential claims that could
arise  from  mis-selling  activities  in  the  UK  for  pension
products and mortgage endowment products.  Under the
sales  agreement  the  liabilities  are  shared  between
Winterthur and the Group on a pre-determined basis.

Fiduciary Activities

The  Group  and  its  associated  entities  conduct
investment management and other fiduciary  activities  as
responsible  entity,  trustee,  custodian  or  manager  for
numerous 
including
superannuation  and  approved  deposit  funds,  wholesale
and retail trusts.  The amounts of funds concerned which
are  not  reported  in  the  Group’s  balance  sheet  are  as
follows:

funds  and 

investment 

trusts, 

2000
$M

52,048
19,202
947
1,717
73,914

1999
$M

27,189
-
342
-
27,531

21,150

10,740

66,510

38,835

Funds under custody and investment administration (1)
Australia

(1) Comparative has been restated to reflect inclusion of investment administration funds.

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 Group companies are engaged to
act  in  more  than  one  capacity  (eg  as  trustee  and  fund
manager).

retail 

trusts 

Certain entities within the Group act as responsible
trustee  of  various  managed  schemes
entity  or 
(‘schemes’),  wholesale  and 
(‘trusts’).
Liabilities are incurred by these entities in their capacity
as responsible entity or trustee.  Rights of indemnity are
held  against  the  schemes  and  trusts  whose  assets
exceeded their liabilities at 30 June 2000. Where entities
within 
trusts,
the  Group  act  as  manager  of  unit 
obligations  exist  under 
the  relevant  Trust  Deeds,
whereby  upon  request  from  a  unit  holder,  the  manager
has an obligation to repurchase units from the trust or to
arrange for the relevant trustee to redeem units from the
assets  of  those  trusts.    It  is  considered  unlikely  that
these  entities  will  need  to  repurchase  units  from  their
own funds.

The  Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  does  not
its

the  performance  or  obligations  of 

guarantee 
subsidiaries.

EDSA Contract

In 1997, the Bank entered into a ten year contract
with  an  associated  entity,  EDS  (Australia)  Pty  Ltd,
relating  to  the  provision  of 
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.

information 

Liquidity support

In  accordance  with  the  regulations  and  procedures
governing  clearing  arrangements  contained  within  the
Australian  Paper  Clearing  Stream  (Clearing  Stream  1)
and the Bulk Electronic Clearing Stream (Clearing Stream
2)  of  the  Australian  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.

Year 2000 systems compliance

The  Bank’s  Y2K  programme  was  successfully
completed with no interruptions to service and was within
the allocated budget of $115 million.  The Bank continues
to maintain a framework of Business Continuity Plans.

Service agreements

The  maximum  contingent  liability  for  termination
benefits  in  respect  of  service  agreements  with  the
Managing  Director  and  other  executives  of  the  Company
its  controlled  entities  at  30 June 2000  was
and 
$12.4 million (1999: $10 million).

125

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 39 Market Risk
The  discussion 

in 

covers 

this  note 

the
management  of  market  risk  within  the  Commonwealth
Bank Group (“Bank”) prior to and excluding integration of
the  Colonial  Group.    As  a  general  principle,  Colonial’s
existing  management  policies  and  practices  remain  in
place  but  with  additional  reporting,  monitoring  and
management  activities  carried  out  by  the  responsible
business  unit  within  the  Commonwealth  Bank  Group.
Integration  of  all  market  risk  management  activities  is
proceeding  in  line  with  the  integration  plans  of  the
responsible business unit.

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  Group,  eg  an  adverse  interest
rate movement.

Under  the  authority  of  the  CBA  Board,  the  Risk
Committee  of  the  Board  ensures  that  all  the  Group’s
market  policies  are  consistent  with  the  Group  business
strategy  and  within  Group  risk  tolerance.    Regular
market  risk  reports  are  tabled  before  Risk  Committee.
Within the Group, market risk exists in the balance sheet
structure  and  arises  in  the  course  of  its  intermediation
activities  in  financial  services  and  in  financial  markets
trading.

Market risk in the balance sheet

The Risk Committee of the Board recommends for
Board  approval  all  balance  sheet  market  risk  policies
and  limits.    Implementation  of  the  policy  is  through  the
Asset Liability Committee, with operational management
of  the  risk  delegated  to  the  Group  General  Manager,
Financial  &  Risk  Management.    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
Australian  Dollar  (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.

APRA  has  revised  its  Prudential  Standard  for  the
supervision of liquidity in banks.  This standard has been
expanded 
to  cover  all  Approved  Deposit-taking
Institutions  (ADIs).    The  previous  policy  has  been
superseded  and  the  Prime  Assets  Requirements  (PAR)
has been abolished.

Each  bank  is  required  to  develop  a  liquidity
management strategy that is appropriate for itself, based
on  its  size  and  the  nature  of  its  operations.    The  prime
objective  is  to  ensure  that  each  bank  has  sufficient
liquidity to meet its financial obligations as they fall due.

The Bank has developed a liquidity policy, relevant
to  its  own  circumstances  and  this  has  formally  been
approved  by  APRA.    The  objectives  of  the  Bank’s
funding and liquidity policies are to:
• 
• 
• 

Ensure all financial obligations are met when due;
Provide adequate protection at lowest cost; and
Achieve sustainable, lowest-cost funding within the
limitations  of  funding  diversification  requirements,

126

without  over-reliance  on  any  particular  market
segment.
The  Bank’s  policy  framework  differentiates  normal
operational  liquidity  management  (corresponding  to  the
“going concern” scenario in APRA’s Prudential Statement
D1 on Liquidity) from a crisis event.  Three types of crisis
are dealt with ie, systemic, founded and unfounded.  The
policy  sets  out  the  controls  and  cash  flow  assumptions
appropriate in all cases.  The key elements of the liquidity
policy cover:
• 

Detailed  daily  forecasts  out  to  3  months  including
mismatch limits;
Development of reliable funding sources;
The  holding  of  a  stock  of  high  quality  liquid  assets
ie,  assets  held  that  are  available  for  repurchase  by
the  RBA  (over  and  above  those  required  to  meet
Real  Time  Gross  Settlement  (RTGS)  obligations),
AUD  CDs/Bills  of  other  banks  and  AUD  overnight
interbank loans; and
The use of standby lines of funding.
included 
Subsidiaries  are  also 

the  Group’s

in 

• 
• 

• 

liquidity policy framework.

liquidity  risk 

Foreign  currency 

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 a change in that funding source
could  increase  overall  funding  costs  or  cause  difficulty  in
raising 
funding
funds.  The  Group  has  a  policy  of 
diversification.  This Funding Policy augments the Group’s
Liqudity Policy.  Its aim is to assure that the Group has a
stable  diversified  funding  base  without  over-reliance  on
any one market sector. Central to this is the determination
of  the  most  appropriate  mix  of  deposits  and  other
liabilities to fund the balance sheet.  A target has been set
for  the  preferred  minimum  level  of  retail  deposits.    A
minimum  level  of  long-term  (greater  than  12  months)
funding has also been set.

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 65%
in June 1999  to  63%  in  June  2000  (60%  with  Colonial
included).  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
42%) of pensioner deeming accounts.

In  recent  years,  the  Group  has  experienced  a
movement  of  retail  deposit  balances  into  higher  interest
bearing  accounts.  This  reflects 
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 cycles of the 1980s and early 1990s.

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 39 Market Risk continued

funds 

The  cost  of 

for  Financial  Year  2000,
calculated  as  the  percentage  of  interest  expense  to
average interest bearing liabilities, was 4.4% on a Group
basis  compared  with  4.1%  on  a  Group  basis  for
Financial Year 1999.

The  Bank  obtains  a  growing  proportion  of  its
funding  for  the  domestic  balance  sheet  from  wholesale
sources  –  approximately  25%,  excluding  Bank
Acceptances. The cost of  funds  raised  in  the  wholesale
markets  is  affected  by  independently  assessed  credit
ratings.  Previously,  the  Bank  has  benefited  from  the
Commonwealth  of  Australia’s  guarantee  of  its  liabilities
in  terms  of  both  credit  ratings  and  the  resultant  cost  of
wholesale funds.

in 

the  Bank 

Under  the  Commonwealth  Bank  Sale  Act  1995,
this guarantee was phased out over a three year period
commencing on the date on which the Commonwealth’s
(ie
shareholding 
19 July 1996). All liabilities incurred prior to 19 July 1996
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.  No  new  deposits  made  after

fell  below  50% 

Australia
Cheque Accounts
Savings Accounts
Term Deposits
Cash Management Accounts
Debt Issues
Bank Acceptances
Certificates of Deposit
Life Insurance Policy Liabilities
Loan Capital
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase
Other
Total Australia

Overseas
Deposits and Interbank
Commercial Paper
Life Insurance Policy Liabilities
Other Debt Issues
Bank Acceptances and Other
Total Overseas
Total Funding Sources

Provisions and Other Liabilities
Total Liabilities

19  July  1999  carry  the  Commonwealth  of  Australia
Guarantee.

The  progressive  removal  of  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.  Similarly,  following  the
removal  of  the  Commonwealth’s  guarantee  on  deposits
on  19 July 1999,  negligible  change  has  occurred  in  retail
deposit funding costs.

A 

funding  diversification  policy 

is  particularly
important  in  offshore  markets  where  the  absence  of  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.

2000
$M

GROUP
1999
$M

12,104
15,289
24,961
29,543
23,871
29,677
8,789
9,985
5,980
17,520
9,634
11,107
14,136
11,000
21,975                        -
2,828
619
1,041
100,827

5,299
946
1,809
157,286

14,292
15,842
6,070
3,758
3,307                        -
1,025
1,685
38
                      -
19,113
26,904
119,940
184,190

15,634
199,824

11,194
131,134

127

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 39 Market Risk continued

the  net  present  value  of  cashflows  of  assets  and
liabilities.  Cashflows  for  fixed  rate  products  are  included
on  a  contractual  basis,  after  adjustment  for  forecast
prepayment  activity.  Cashflows  for  products  repriced  at
the  discretion  of  the  Group  are  based  on  the  expected
repricing characteristics of those products.

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,
VaR 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  all  existing
assets and liabilities held for purposes other than trading.

Exposure as at 30 June
Average monthly exposure
High month exposure
Low month exposure

2000
$M

1999
$M

19
27
45
15

54
48
65
31

the 

framework 

A  stress-test 

interest  rate  risk
augments 
risk-management  perspectives
outlined above.  The results of the of the stress tests are
used to refine policy and limits where appropriate and are
reported to senior management.

two 

for 

The 

table 

following 

represents 

the  Group’s
contractual  interest  rate  risk  sensitivity  from  repricing
mismatches  as  at  30 June 2000  and  the  corresponding
weighted  average  effective 
interest  rates.  The  net
mismatch  represents  the  net  value  of  assets,  liabilities
and  off  balance  sheet  instruments  that  may  be  repriced
in the time periods shown.

 The  Bank  does  not  use  this  contractual  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 

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  Group
in  the  current  reporting  period,  and  in  future  years.
Interest 
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  achieve  stable  and  sustainable  net
interest earnings in the long term.

risk  arises 

from 

rate 

The  Group  measures  and  manages  balance  sheet

interest rate risk from two perspectives:
(a) Next 12 months’ earnings

The  risk  to  the  net  interest  earnings  over  the  next
12  months  from  a  change  in  interest  rates  is  measured
on  a monthly  basis.  Risk  is  measured  assuming  an
immediate 1% parallel 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  to  net  interest  earnings
are measured using a simulation model which takes into
account the projected change in balance sheet asset and
liability  levels  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 the products have repriced in the past as well as
the  expected  change  in  price  based  on  the  current
competitive market environment.

to  net 

The  figures  in  the  table  represent  the  potential
interest  earnings  (expressed  as  a
change 
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)

2000
%

1999
%

Average monthly exposure
High month exposure
Low month exposure

1.8
2.3
1.4

2.1
2.9
1.5

(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 months 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

128

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 39 Market Risk continued

Interest Rate Risk Sensitivity

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
Life insurance investment assets (1)
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
Life insurance policy liabilities
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

Balance
Sheet
3 to 6 6 to 12
1 to 3
Total month months months months
$M
$M

0 to 1

$M

$M

$M

Repricing Period at 30 June 2000
Not Weighted
over 5 Interest Average
Rate
Years Bearing
%
$M

1 to 5
years
$M

$M

2,506

1,548            -

7            -

          -

          -

951

3.59

4,159
5,480
4,146

2,540
1,508
5,480            -
220
1,288
8,130
116,747 65,192
           -
11,107           -
890
3,110
22,797
           -
          -
            -
           -
861           -
           -
5,899           -
           -
14,448           -
188,150 79,158 10,748

18
          -
413

8           -
          -
           -
1,323
108
7,193 12,714 23,174
          -
           -
2,735
555
          -
           -
          -
           -
          -
           -
          -
           -
7,701 13,385 27,232

          -
70
          -
          -
          -
          -

          -
          -
788

85
           -
6
1,724 (1,380)
11,107
11,669
           -
861
5,899
14,448
43,646

          -
3,768
          -
          -
          -
          -
6,280

6.64
6.07
8.13
7.55
            -
5.85
            -
            -
            -
            -
5.94

99,816 57,491

9,448

10,607

7,394

6,654

2,244

5,978

4.27

1,569

1,145
11,107           -
708           -
1,740           -
1,321           -
21,975           -
17,520
5,514
10,942           -

424
           -
           -
           -
           -
           -
5,140
           -

          -
          -
          -
          -
          -
          -
872
          -

           -
           -
           -
           -
           -
           -
1,609
           -

          -
          -
          -
          -
          -
          -
4,001
          -

          -
          -
          -
          -
          -
          -

           -
11,107
708
1,740
1,321
21,975
384            -
10,942

          -

6.05
            -
            -
            -
            -
            -
6.26
            -

5,220

1,845
171,918 64,945 16,857

795

182            -

394
9,003 11,049

11,661

2,004            -
53,771
4,632

7.31
3.39

17,472

-

-

-

-

-

-

17,472

156           -
17,628           -

           -
           -

          -
          -

           -
           -

          -
          -

          -
          -

156
17,628

(1,158)
          -

(5,774)
*
           -
*
*
181            -
* 13,236 (11,883)
1,353
* 13,236

1,282
          -
(595)
(3,273)
(1,920)

719
           -
446

2,732            -
2,199
           -
          -
5            -
(37)
5,547 18,345
4,385 (27,753)
3,627 21,972 26,357 (1,396)

          -

#
#
#
#
#

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.

(1) With the introduction of Australian Accounting Standard AASB1038: Life Insurance Business, the contractual repricing
of Life insurance investment assets has been included in the Interest Rate Risk Sensitivity table for the first time for the
financial year ended 30 June 2000. The interest income on these assets supports the life insurance policies issued by
the Group’s life companies and does not contribute to market risk within the banking book.

129

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 39 Market Risk continued

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
Life insurance investment assets
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
Life insurance policy liabilities
Debt issues
Bills payable and other liabilities

Balance
Sheet
3 to 6 6 to 12
1 to 3
Total month months months months
$M
$M

0 to 1

$M

$M

$M

Repricing Period at 30 June 2000
Not Weighted
over 5 Interest Average
Rate
years Bearing
%
$M

1 to 5
years
$M

$M

69           -

8

24            -

           -

          -

37

2.13

995
1,867
5,003
15,516
           -
3,651
46

479
483
201
6,338
          -
115

240
790
1,710
1,453
           -
301
10            -
           -
           -
           -
4,502

216
254
171
1,470
          -
193
          -
          -
          -
          -
2,328

137
164
1,962
           -
194
           -
           -
           -
           -
2,480

23            -
144
1,281
4,076
           -
354

          -

37
59            -
1,476            -
(174)
           -
1,899
3

5.85
6.62
7.91
7.86
             -
6.61
1.59
212              -
6              -
2,156              -
6.91
4,176

391
          -
595
33           -
          -
          -
          -
2,521

           -
           -
           -
5,888

212           -
6           -
2,156           -
7,626

29,521

12,778

6,626

3,581

1,221

972

315

1

62

5.50

3,064
           -
           -

1,652
          -
          -
83           -
233           -
3,307           -
650
7,755
607           -

816
           -
           -
           -
           -
           -
4,530
           -

370
          -
          -
          -
          -
          -
640
          -

226            -
           -
           -
           -
           -
           -
709
           -

           -
           -
           -
           -
           -
818
           -

          -
          -
          -
          -
          -
          -

          -

           -
           -
           -

6.12
             -
             -
83              -
233              -
3,307              -
5.26
607              -

408            -

Loan Capital
Total Liabilities

79           -
8,928

27,906

           -
8,927

          -
2,231

           -
2,016

79           -
409

1,103

           -
4,292

7.46
4.67

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

219           -
219           -

           -
           -

          -
          -

           -
           -

           -
           -

          -
          -

219
219

*
*
*
*

*
*

(261)
          -
94
          -

(1,469)
(1,469)

2,032
670
1
           -

(1,722)
(3,191)

463
(670)
(252)
          -

(362)
(3,553)

(185)
           -

(1,323)
           -
157            -
           -

           -

(726)
          -
          -
          -

           -
           -
           -
           -

436
(3,117)

3,462
345

1,386
1,731

(335)
1,396

#
#
#
#

#
#

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

130

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 39 Market Risk continued

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

Balance
Sheet
3 to 6 6 to 12
1 to 3
Total month months months months
$M

0 to 1

$M

$M

$M

$M

Repricing Period at 30 June 1999
Not Weighted
over 5 Interest Average
Rate
years Bearing
%
$M

1 to 5
years
$M

$M

1,722

859            -

           -

          -

          -

          -

863

1.42

           -
20            -

215

621
3,219
3,147

206
3,219            -
1,414
88,500 44,457
9,634           -

4,869
           -
952            -
           -
           -
           -
5,095

952
806           -
491           -
7,979           -
117,071 51,116

          -
159           -
          -
          -
931
332
5,830 10,403 22,291
          -
          -
          -
          -
          -
          -
          -
          -
          -
          -
5,989 10,735 23,222

           -
           -
           -
           -
           -

          -
          -

8.08
41
3.99
           -
6.64
450            -
6.92
(984)
9,634              -
             -
806              -
491              -
7,979              -
5.58

1,634
          -
          -
          -
          -
          -
2,084

           -

18,830

81,506 48,174

7,714

7,916

5,244

5,169

2,734

4,555

3.28

879

645
9,634           -
472           -
1,405           -
804           -
5,980
1,075
7,443           -

17
           -
           -

           -
1,880
           -

61
           -
           -
1            -
           -
440
           -

153
          -
          -
          -
          -
1,061
          -

2           -
          -
          -
          -
          -

          -
          -
          -
          -
1,319
          -

1

4.55
9,634              -
472              -
1,404              -
804              -
5.03
7,443              -

205            -

          -

Loan Capital
Total Liabilities

2,828

343
110,951 50,237

789
10,401

152           -
6,458

8,569

185
6,675

1,359            -
24,313
4,298

5.59
2.86

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

6,735           -

           -

           -

          -

          -

          -

6,735

           -

          -
6,735           -

           -
           -

           -
           -

          -
          -

          -
          -

          -
          -

           -
6,735

*
*
*

*
*

(4,537)
(181)
          -

(3,839)
(3,839)

(6,076)
(271)
(2,000)

2,917
269

2,006

2,651
183           -
          -

3,039            -
           -
           -

          -
          -

2,000           -

2,606
(13,653)
(17,492) (14,886)

6,466 19,198
(8,420) 10,778

825 (12,218)
(615)

11,603

#
#
#

#
#

131

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 39 Market Risk continued

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

Balance
Sheet
6 to 12
1 to 3
Total month months months months
$M
$M

0 to 1

3 to 6

$M

$M

$M

Repricing Period at 30 June 1999
Not Weighted
over 5 Interest Average
Rate
years Bearing
%
$M

1 to 5
years
$M

$M

92

34

58            -

           -

          -

           -

           -

2.08

585
1,489
4,040
13,337
38

289
474
656
5,407

233
452
982
1,014
38           -
          -
          -
          -
2,739

39            -
90
124
1,265
           -
           -
           -
           -
1,479

262
55
1,415
           -
           -
           -
           -
1,771

          -
184
978
4,129
          -
          -
          -
          -
5,291

           -

24
27            -
1,245            -
(106)
           -

5.07
4.90
5.29
7.15
            -
1             -
195             -
1,248             -
6.05
1,362

213
           -
           -
           -
           -
1,485

1           -
195           -
1,248           -
6,898

21,025

11,922

7,043

2,591

1,195

837

216            -

40

4.16

2,370
38

4,783
1,064

1,717

358
38           -
          -
          -
1,861

145
           -
           -
           -
706
212            -

5           -
1           -
1,356
376

3           -
          -
          -
          -
292
24

           -
           -
           -
239
           -

147
           -

           -
           -
           -
           -

329            -
433

19

4.99
            -
5             -
1             -
4.79
1.84

Loan Capital
Total Liabilities

           -
          -
20,183 10,530

          -
5,022

           -
2,046

           -
1,079

          -
532

           -
348

           -
626

-
4.28

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

           -

          -

          -

           -

           -

          -

           -

           -

227           -
227           -

          -
          -

           -
           -

           -
           -

          -
          -

           -
           -

227
227

*
*
*
*

*
*

1,159
          -
(339)
          -

2,150
          -
138
275

(2,812)
(2,812)

280
(2,532)

(8)
           -
56
(515)

(742)
(3,274)

           -

96 (3,059)
          -
145           -
11
217

(338)
           -
           -

           -
           -
           -
12            -

858
(2,416)

1,711
(705)

811
106

509
615

#
#
#
#

#
#

132

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 39 Market Risk continued

Foreign exchange risk
Foreign  exchange  risk  is  the  risk  to  earnings

adequacy  ratio 
(1999: less than 0.3%)

to  deteriorate  by 

less 

than  0.3%

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

Net deferred gains and losses
Net  deferred  unrealised  gains  and  losses  arising
from derivative hedging contracts entered into in order to
manage 
liabilities,
commitments  or  anticipated  future  transactions,  together
with the expected term of deferral are shown below.

from  assets, 

risk  arising 

the 

As at 30 June

Exchange rate
Related contracts
1999
2000
$M
$M

Interest rate
Related contracts
1999
2000
$M
$M

341
31
24
(33)
(226)
137

86
68
(71)
22
233
338

(45)
(49)
(28)
(27)
(230)
(379)

80
6
(64)
(134)
(172)
(284)

2000
$M

296
(18)
(4)
(60)
(456)
(242)

Total
1999
$M

166
74
(135)
(112)
61
54

Within 6 months
Within 6 months - 1 year
Within 1-2 years
Within 2-5 years
After 5 years
Net deferred gain (loss)

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  $11 million  of  net  deferred
losses  on  derivatives  (1999: $19 million  net  deferred
gains)  used 
investments
to  hedge  equity  risk  on 
disclosed within Note 11.

Market risk in financial services

Market  risk  in  financial  services  is  the  risk  of  loss
from  adverse  events  in  the  financial  markets;  eg  an
adverse  interest  rate  movement.    Market  risk  includes
financial  services  liquidity  risk.    This  is  the  risk  of  being
unable to meet fund redemptions occurring as a result of
serious  escalation  in  financial  markets  volatility  or  other
factors.

the 

The Risk Committee  of  the  Board  recommends  for
Board  approval 
financial  services  market  risk
management  policies.    In  turn,  the  directors  of  the
financial  services  companies  are  responsible  to  Risk
Committee  and  Group  Board  for  the  management  of
market risks within these companies.

Interest rate risk
Interest  rate  risk  arises 

from 

the  contractual
obligations  underwritten  within  life  policies  issued  by  the
life  company  including  annuity  policies.    The  aim  of  the
fund  is  to  invest  in  assets  which  match,  as  far  as
possible, the guaranteed policy holder liabilities including
any statutory capital in such a manner that the risk of loss
due  to  interest  rate  movements  is,  as  far  as  possible,
minimised.

The  statutory 

funds’  duration  and  convexity

positions are monitored on a daily basis.

Independent monitoring is  completed  on  a  monthly
basis to confirm matching  requirements  and  check  profit
sources.    Statutory  requirements  are  to  include  this
information within the  Financial  Conditions  Report  to  the
Insurance and Superannuation Commission (APRA).

Liquidity risk
Liquidity 

(iii)

risk 

  Liquidity  risk 

is  measured  by  ensuring  an
appropriate  level  of  liquidity  exists  within  each  fund  to
cover  redemptions. 
is  managed  by
determining the market risk liquidity profile for each fund.
The risk profile is determined by:
(i)
(ii)

the asset allocation benchmarks of each fund;
the historical volatility of fund redemptions for each
fund; and
the  varying  settlement  days  for  each  class  of
assets.
The  methodology  is  based  on  the  identification  of
funds  potentially  at  risk  of  a  liquidity  crisis  caused  by  a
significant  increase  in  fund  redemptions  occurring  as  a
result  of  serious  escalation  in  financial  markets  volatility
the
or  other 
underlying  liquidity  of  each  fund  relative  to  the  historical
redemption level over the last five years.

factors.  The  methodology  assesses 

Residual Value Risk on Operating Leases

The Group provides operating leases 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.

In  managing  the  risk  the  Group  utilises  industry
experts to 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.

133

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 39 Market Risk continued

Derivative contracts

The following table  details  the  Group’s  outstanding

derivative contracts as at the end of the year.

Each derivative type is split between those held for
‘Trading’  purposes  and  those  for  ‘Other  than  Trading’
purposes.  Derivatives  classified  as  ‘Other  than  Trading’
are transactions entered into in order to manage the risks
arising 
and
non-traded 
commitments in Australia and offshore centres.

liabilities 

assets, 

from 

The  ‘Face  Value’  is  the  notional  or  contractual
amount of the derivatives. This amount is not necessarily
exchanged  and  predominantly  acts  as  reference  value
upon  which  interest  payments  and  net  settlements  can
be calculated and on which revaluation is based.

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
Swaps
Other than trading
Total equity risk related contracts
Total derivatives exposures

134

The 

‘Credit  Equivalent’ 

is  calculated  using  a
standard APRA 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 
instruments is set out in Note 1(gg).

for  derivative 

financial

2000
$M

Face Value
1999
$M

GROUP
Credit Equivalent
1999
$M

2000
$M

112,949
1,323
114,272

14,151
12,010
26,161

92,721
43
92,764

12,244
6,050
18,294

3,374

3,375

2,521
1                       -
2,521

1,235
1,726
2,961

954
810
1,764

324
                      -
324

                      -

218                      -
                     -
218                      -

                      -
                      -
                      -

39,375
                      -
39,375
180,132

41,028
                      -
41,028
152,304

626
                     -
626
6,962

662
                      -
662
4,947

18,002
6,192
24,194

119,120
51,060
170,180

33,583
1,142
34,725

12,292
737
13,029
242,128

6,863
8,527
15,390

56,534
36,343
92,877

4
1
2                       -
1
6

1,865
1,254
3,119

1,261
634
1,895

44,602                      -
454                      -
45,056                      -

                      -
                      -
                      -

8,471
61
8,532
161,855

128
67
195
3,320

41
61
102
1,998

278
278
422,538

278                      -
278                      -
10,282

314,437

                      -
                      -
6,945

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 39 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  trading  derivatives

and  realised  and  unrealised  gains  and 
losses  on
trading securities,  are  reported  within  trading  income
under  foreign  exchange  earnings  or  other  financial
instruments  (refer  Note  2).  In aggregate,  derivatives
trading was profitable for the Group during the year.

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

GROUP

Fair Value
1999
$M

2000
$M

Average Fair Value
1999
$M

2000
$M

2,263
(1,828)
435

1,509
(1,389)
120

3
(5)
(2)

381
(255)
126
679

1,804
(1,473)
331

1,181
(1,165)
16

1,829
(1,446)
383

1,364
(1,316)
48

14
(16)
(2)

5
(5)
              -

409
(293)
116
461

342
(252)
90
521

2,490
(1,902)
588

1,656
(1,727)
(71)

12
(13)
(1)

536
(374)
162
678

6
(5)
1

2
(3)
(1)

10
(10)
              -

3
(6)
(3)

2,029
(2,056)
(27)

1,530
(1,697)
(167)

1,759
(1,922)
(163)

1,806
(1,930)
(124)

14
(22)
(8)

47
(45)
2
(32)
647

16
(11)
5

22
(29)
(7)
(170)
291

14
(13)
1

35
(46)
(11)
(173)
348

20
(11)
9

31
(20)
11
(107)
571

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 21)
Unrealised losses on trading derivatives (Note 27)
Net unrealised gains (losses) on trading derivatives

6,252
(5,605)
647

4,978
(4,687)
291

135

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 40 Superannuation Commitments

The Group sponsors  a  range  of  superannuation  plans  for  its  employees  world  wide.  Details  of  major  defined  benefit

plans with assets in excess of $10 million are:

Name of Plan

Type

Form of Benefit

Date of Last Assessment

Officers’ Superannuation Fund (OSF)

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (UK)
Staff Benefits Scheme (CBA(UK)SBS)
The Colonial Group Staff
Superannuation Scheme (CGSSS)
Colonial UK Staff Pension Scheme
(CUKSPS)
Trust Bank Staff Superannuation Fund
(Trust BSSF)

Defined Benefits and
Accumulation
Defined Benefits and
Accumulation
Defined Benefits and
Accumulation
Defined Benefits and
Accumulation
Defined Benefits and
Accumulation

Indexed pensions and
lump sums
Indexed pensions and
lump sums
Indexed pensions and
lump sums
Indexed pensions and
lump sums
Indexed pensions and
lump sums

30 June 1997

1 May 1999

30 June 1998

5 April 1997

30 June 1999

Financial Details of Defined Benefits Plans

Net Market Value of Assets
Present Value of Accrued Benefits
Difference between Net Market of Assets
and Present Value of Accrued Benefits
Difference as a percentage of plan assets
Value of Vested Benefits

OSF
$M

5,302
4,022

1,280
24%
4,022

CBA
(UK) SBS
$M

(1)

(2)

CGSSS CUK SPS
$M

$M

116
55

61
53%
56

588
292

296
50%
322

277
258

19
7%
258

Trust
 BSSF
$M

22
18

4
18%
15

Total
$M

6,305
4,645

1,660
26%
4,673

(1)

(2)

The  Colonial  Group  Staff  Superannuation  Scheme  values  include  the  values,  as  at  30  June  1996,  of  the  former
Prudential  Australia  Superannuation  Scheme,  the  Prudential  Australia  Superannuation  Scheme  No.  2  and  the
Prudential  Australia  Staff  Pension  Scheme.    Members  of  these  funds  were  transferred  to  the  Colonial  Scheme
effective 1 April 1999.
The Colonial UK life insurance business was sold in June 2000, which will result in a significant portion of these vested
benefits being transferred out of this plan.

Further, the Bank  ceased  contributions  to  the  OSF
from

sacrifice  benefits 

salary 

to 

corresponding 
1 July 1997.

An  actuarial  assessment  of 

the  OSF,  as  at
30 June 1997  was  completed  during  the  year  ended
30 June 1998. In line with 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.  No employer contributions were made  to
the CGSSS during the year and the Bank does not intend
to  make  contributions 
the  CGSSS  until  after
to 
the  next  actuarial  assessment  of
consideration  of 
CGSSS.

from
The  above  values  have  been  extracted 
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 
in
the 
accordance with the Trust Deeds following the receipt of
actuarial advice.

respective  plans 

to 

With  the  exception  of  contributions  corresponding
to salary sacrifice benefits, the Bank ceased contributions
to the OSF from 8 July 1994.

136

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 41 Controlled Entities

Entity Name

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
     CBCL Australia Limited
     CBFC Limited
     Collateral Leasing Pty Limited
     Commonwealth Securities Limited
     Share Direct Nominees Pty Limited *
     Comsec Nominees Pty Limited *
     Chullora Equity Investments (No.2) Pty Limited *
     Chullora Equity Investments (No.3) Pty Limited *
     Commonwealth Insurance Limited
     Commonwealth Investments Pty Limited *
     Hazelwood Investment Company Pty Limited *
     Commonwealth Property Limited
     Darontin Pty Limited *
     Fleet Care Services Pty Limited  *
     Infravest (No. 1) Limited
     Infravest (No. 2) Limited
     Leaseway Australia Pty Limited
     Micropay Pty Limited
     Perpetual Stock Pty Limited *
     Retail Investor Pty Limited
     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 *

Incorporated in

Extent of
Beneficial
Interest if
not 100%

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

137

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 41 Controlled Entities continued

Entity Name

(b) 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 (1) #
       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 (1) #
       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
     Central Real Estate Holdings Group
       Central Real Estate Holdings Corporation
       Wilshire 10880 Corporation
       Wilshire 10960 Corporation
     CTB Australia Limited
     Senator House Investments (UK) Limited (2)
     Commonwealth Securities (Japan) Pty Limited
     SBV Asia Limited
     Colonial Group (4) #

Non-operating controlled entities are excluded from the above list.

Incorporated in

Extent of
Beneficial
Interest if
not 100%

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

USA
USA
USA
Hong Kong
United Kingdom
Japan
Hong Kong

ASB  Group  Limited  is  a  75%  owned  subsidiary  of  the  Bank.    ASB  Group  Limited  owns  100%  of  the  ASB  Bank
Limited and ASB Life Limited.

(2) Wholly owned subsidiary of CBA International Finance Pty Limited.
(3)

Purchased during the year ended 30 June 2000.
Acquired 13 June 2000
Controlled entities not audited by Ernst & Young.
Small proprietory companies not requiring audit.

(1)

(4)

#

*

138

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 41 Controlled Entities continued

Acquisition of Controlled Entities

On 13 June 2000, the Bank acquired 100% interest in the Colonial Group.  Listed below are the controlled entities of

the Group.

Entity name

Australia

(a) Banking

Colonial Asset Finance Pty Limited

Colonial Employee Share Plan Limited

Colonial Finance (Australia) Limited

Colonial Finance Limited

Colonial Financial Services Pty Limited

CST Securitisation Management Limited

Emerald Holding Company Limited

Goldstar Mortgage Management Pty Limited

State Bank of New South Wales Limited

(b) Life Insurance and Funds Management

CMG Asia Pty Limited

CMG First State Investment Managers (Asia) Limited

Colonial AFS Services Pty Limited

Colonial Financial Corporation Limited

Colonial First State Investments Group Limited

Colonial First State Managed Services Limited

Colonial First State Property Limited

Colonial Holding Company Pty Limited

Colonial Holding Company (No.2) Pty Limited

Colonial Insurance Services Pty Limited

Colonial International Holdings Pty Limited

Colonial Investments Holding Pty Limited

Colonial Investment Services Limited

Colonial LGA Holdings Limited

Colonial Mutual Funds Limited

The Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited

Colonial Mutual Superannuation Pty Limited

Colonial PCA Holdings Pty Limited

Colonial PCA Services Limited

Colonial Portfolio Services Limited

Colonial Promotions Pty Limited

Colonial Protection Insurance Pty Limited

Colonial Services Pty Limited

Colonial Stockbroking Limited

Jacques Martin Pty Limited

Extent of
Related Interest
if not 100%

Incorporated in

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

139

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 41 Controlled Entities continued

Entity name

New Zealand

(a) Life Insurance and Funds Management

Colonial First State Investment Managers (NZ) Limited

Colonial First State Investments (NZ) Limited

Colonial Holding Company NZ Limited

Colonial Life (NZ) Limited

Colonial Service Corporation New Zealand Limited

Other Overseas

(a) Banking

Colonial (UK) Trustees Limited

Colonial Finance (UK) Limited

National Bank of Fiji Limited

(b) Life Insurance and Funds Management

CMG Asia Life Holdings Limited

CMG Asia Limited

CMG Asia Pensions and Retirements Ltd

CMG First State (HK) LLC

CMG First State Investments (Hong Kong) Ltd

CMG First State Singapore Ltd

CMG Life Insurance Co Inc

Colonial Fiji Life Limited

Colonial First State International Assets Limited

Colonial First State Investments (Fiji) Limited

Colonial First State Investment Managers (UK) Limited

Colonial Healthcare (Fiji) Limited

Colonial Services (Fiji) Limited

Extent of
Related Interest
if not 100%

Incorporated in

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

51

Fiji

Bermuda

Bermuda

Hong Kong

USA

Hong Kong

Singapore

Philippines

Fiji

United Kingdom

Fiji

United Kingdom

Fiji

Fiji

140

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 42 Investments in Associated Entities and Joint Ventures

EDS (Australia) Pty Limited
IPAC Securities Limited
PT Bank BII Commonwealth
Electronic Financial Technologies Pty Ltd

Computer Fleet Management
Property Internet PLC

Alliance Group Holdings
EON CMG Life Assurance Bhd (1)
PT Astra CMG Life (1)
Ayudhya CMG Life Assurance PLC (1)
China Life CMG Life Assurance Company Limited (1)
Bao Minh CMG Life Insurance Company (1)
CMG Mahon (China) Investment Management
Limited (1)
Mahon and Associates Limited (1)
CMG CH China Funds Management Limited (1)
Hambro-Grantham Ltd and its subsidiaries (1)
Jacques Martin Industry Funds Administration Pty
Limited ("JMIFA") (1)

Book
Extent of
Value Ownership

Principal Activities

Balance
Date

$M

238
23
10
        -

5
8

2
13
7
48
35
5
        -

        -
        -
4
5

Interest
%

35
50
50
50

50
24

33
40
50
48
49
50
50

50
50
50
50

Information Technology Services
Funds Manager
Banking in Indonesia
Financial Technology
Development
Desktop IT Lease Management
Online residential property
information provider
Receivables Management
Life insurance - Malaysia
Life insurance - Indonesia
Life insurance - Thailand
Life insurance - China
Life insurance - Vietnam
Direct investment in China

Investment management
Investment management
Investment management
Industry superannuation

31 December
30 June
31 December
30 June

30 June
31 March

30 June
31 December
31 December
31 December
31 December
31 December
30 June

30 June
31 March
30 June
30 June

(1)

Investments in associated entities acquired following acquisition of Colonial Group on 13 June 2000

The Group also holds investments in  the  Colonial
First  State  Property  Trust  Group  and  Colonial
Mastertrust Wholesale equity funds (including the Fixed
Interest, Australian Share, International Share, Property
Securities,  Capital  Stable,  Balanced  and  Diversified
Growth  funds)  through  controlled  life  insurance  entities
which are not accounted for under the equity accounting

for 

Instead, 

the  market  values 

method. 
these
investments  are  calculated  at  balance  date  and  are
brought  to  account  at  this  value  in  compliance  with  the
requirements  of  AASB  1038  ‘Life  Insurance  Business’.
These  investments  are  classified  as  property  or  equity
investments  and  are  not  material  components  of  these
asset categories.

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
  Investments arising from Colonial Acquisition
  Share of associates' profits (losses)
  Foreign exchange adjustment
  Dividends paid
  Closing Balance

2000
$M

GROUP

1999
$M

(1)
                  -
(1)

(1)
1
                   -

281
10

276
6
117                    -
                   -
(1)
                   -
(4)
(1)
                  -
281
403

141

 
Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 43 Standby Arrangements and Unused Credit Facilities
(of controlled entities that are borrowing corporations)

The  facilities  below  principally  relate  to  Colonial  Finance  Limited,  a  wholly  owned  subsidiary  of  Colonial  Limited.

Following the merger with the Commonwealth Bank, the future of these facilities is under review by the Group.

Financing arrangements accessible
       Bank overdraft
       Revolving credit
       Other

NOTE 44 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
the  annual  report.  The
Commission  accompanying 
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.

2000
$M

GROUP

1999
$M

Available Unused

Available

Unused

964
480
560
2,004

553
400
1
954

50
-
5
55

-
-
1
1

Directors

The  name  of  each  person  holding  the  position  of
Director  of  the  Commonwealth  Bank  during  the  financial
year is:

J T Ralph, AC
D V Murray
N R Adler, AO
A C Booth
R J Clairs, AO
K E Cowley, AO
A B Daniels, OAM
C R Galbraith
W G Kent, AO
F D Ryan
J M Schubert
F J Swan
B K Ward
M A Besley, AO

(Chairman)
(Managing Director)

(Appointed 31 March 2000)
(Appointed 13 June 2000)
(Appointed 13 June 2000)
(Appointed 31 March 2000)

(Retired 28 October 1999)

Details  of  remuneration  received  or  due  and

receivable by Directors are set out in Note 45.

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.

to 

the  aggregate  amount  of 

Under  the  Australian  Securities  and  Investments
Commission Class Order referred to above, disclosure is
limited 
loans  made,
guaranteed or secured by:
• 
• 

the Bank to its Directors;
banks  which  are  controlled  entities 
Directors; and
non  bank  controlled  entities  to  Directors  (and  their
related parties) of those entities;
The aggregate amount of such loans outstanding at

their

to 

• 

• 

142

30 June 2000 was:
• 

to  Directors 

$1,850,527 
(1999: $1,863,945); and
$3,842,338 
related  entities
(1999: $1,084,533),  including  pre-existing  loans  to
directors of Colonial Group companies.

to  Directors  of 

Bank

the 

of 

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 44 Related Party Disclosures continued
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)

Loans Received
1999
$

2000
$

Repayments Made
1999
2000
$
$

                   -

1,600,000

63,418

204,055

132,356

123,886

354,517

231,252

(1)

(2)

Directors: A C Booth, K E Cowley, F D Ryan and B K Ward
Directors: G J Judd, R J Norris, H Carter, W Foster, G Morrison, J Pearce and P Polson

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 2000, were:

Director

J T Ralph
D V Murray
N R Adler
A C Booth
R J Clairs
K E Cowley
A B Daniels
C R Galbraith
W G Kent
F D Ryan
J M Schubert
F J Swan
B K Ward
M A Besley (retired 28 October 1999)

Held
30 June 1999
Ordinary
11,064
48,792
9,175
1,075
-
8,000

Shares Acquired
Ordinary
128
301,595
368
56
10,000

3,874
3,500

4,380
94
90

5,534
1,828
1,747
10,156

Shares Disposed Of
Ordinary

300,000

Held
30 June 2000
Ordinary
11,192
50,387
9,543
1,131
10,000
8,000
11,823
3,874
6,237
4,000
9,914
1,922
1,837

All  shares  were  acquired  by  Directors  on  normal
terms  and  conditions  or  in  the  case  of  Mr  D  V  Murray
under 
the  Executive  Option  Plan,  as  appropriate.
Additionally  D  V  Murray  was  granted  1,000,000  options
during  the  year.  He  exercised  300,000  options,  leaving
his  total  holdings  of  options  at  2,000,000  under  the
Executive Option Plan. Refer Note 29 for details.

Additionally,  Mr  J  T  Ralph  beneficially  holds
100,000  units  in  the  Commonwealth  Property  Trust,  a
related entity.

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
Commission Class Order referred to above, disclosure of
financial  instrument  transactions  regularly  made  by  a
bank  is  limited  to  disclosure  of  such  transactions  with  a
Director of the entity concerned.

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 
financial  and
investment services by non bank controlled entities.

the  provision  of 

involve 

All  such  transactions  that  have  occurred  with
Directors,  director  related  entities  and  other  related
parties  have  been  trivial  or  domestic  and  were  in  the
nature  of  lodgement  or  withdrawal  of  deposit  and
superannuation 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  investments  in  its  funds  management
subsidiaries 
Insurance  Holdings
Limited,  a  life  insurance  wholly  owned  entity  as  at
30 June 2000. The sale price was at market value based
on  independent  advice.  Refer  Note  1(a)  for  further
details.  The  capital  profit  arising  in  the  restructure  is
included  in  the  Bank’s  capital  reserve  at  30  June  2000.
The  capital  reserve  is  eliminated  on  consolidation.  Also
refer Note 1(jj).

143

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 44 Related Party Disclosures continued

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 
the
respective user entity at commercial rates.

transfer  charged 

to 

Refer to Note 41 for details of controlled entities.
The  Bank’s  aggregate  investment  in  and  loans  to
controlled entities are disclosed in Note 18. 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.

NOTE 45 Remuneration of Directors

Total amount received or due and receivable by non-executive Directors of the Company for the year ended 30 June

2000 was:

Non-Executive Directors
Mr J T Ralph, AC
Mr N R Adler, AO
Ms A C Booth
Mr R J Clairs, AO
Mr K E Cowley, AO
Mr A B Daniels, OAM (3)
Mr F D Ryan (3)
Dr J M Schubert
Mr F J Swan
Ms B K Ward
Mr W G Kent, AO (4)
Mr C R Galbraith (4)
Mr M A Besley, AO (2)

Executive Director
Mr D V Murray (refer Note 46)

Base Fee/Pay
$

Committee Fee
$

Superannuation (1) Total Remuneration
$

$

183,825
70,000
70,000
70,000
70,000
20,000
20,000
70,000
70,000
70,000
3,945
3,945
67,945

30,929
12,500
25,000
20,000
12,500
2,342
3,068
45,000
25,000
20,000
-
-
-

14,999
5,786
6,664
5,783
5,787
1,564
1,615
8,066
6,664
6,137
-
-
-

229,753
88,286
101,664
95,783
88,287
23,906
24,683
123,066
101,664
96,137
3,945
3,945
67,945

(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)

(3)

(4)

Mr Besley retired 28 October 1999.
Mr Daniels and  Mr  Ryan  were  appointed  Directors  on
31 March 2000.
Mr Kent and Mr Galbraith were appointed Directors on
13 June 2000.

144

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 45 Remuneration of Directors continued

Retirement Benefit

The aggregate amount of retirement benefits given
by  the  Bank  during  the  year  ended  30  June  2000  was
$667,073  being  a  payment  made  to  Mr  M  A  Besley  in

accordance  with  the  Corporations  Law  and  pursuant  to
the  Directors’  Retirement  Allowance  Scheme  approved
by  shareholders  at  the  1997  Annual  General  Meeting.

Total amount received or due and receivable by executive and non executive Directors
(includes accumulated benefits due to Directors who retired during the year)

3,761,277

3,156,330

The number of executive and non-executive Directors whose remuneration fell within these bands was:

2000
$

B A N K
1999
$

Remuneration (Dollars)
10,000
0 - $
$
30,000
20,001 - $
$
60,001 - $
$
70,000
70,001 - $
$
80,000
80,001 - $
90,000
$
90,001 - $ 100,000
$
$ 100,001 - $ 110,000
$ 110,001 - $ 120,000
$ 120,001 - $ 130,000
$ 190,001 - $ 200,000
$ 220,001 - $ 230,000
$ 340,001 - $ 350,000
$ 730,001 - $ 740,000
$1,990,001 - $2,000,000
$2,040,000 - $2,049,999

Number
2
2
-
-
2
2
2
-
1
-
1
-
1
-
1
14

*

Number
-
1
1
1
3
1
-
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 M A Besley who retired on 28 October 1999.

Total amount received or due and receivable by executive
and non executive Directors of the Bank and controlled entities

2000
$

G R O U P

1999
$

6,202,912

4,902,942

145

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 46 Remuneration of Executives

The following table shows remuneration for the executive director and five highest paid other members  of  the  senior
executive team directly reporting to the Managing Director, who were officers of the Bank and the Group for the year ended
30 June 2000. The table does not include individuals, who are not direct reports to the Managing Director, whose incentive
based remuneration in any given year may be in excess of that received by a member of the senior executive team.

Senior Executive Team

Name & Position

D V Murray
Managing Director & CEO
M J Ullmer
Group General Manager
Financial & Risk Management
M A Katz
Head of Institutional Banking
J F Mulcahy
Head of Australian Financial
Services
R J Scrimshaw
Head of Technology,
Operations & Property
R J Norris
Managing Director & CEO,
ASB Bank

Year

Base Pay
(1)

Bonus

Superann-
uation
(2)

Other
Compensation
(3)

Total
Remuneration

Option
Grant(5)
Number

2000

2000

2000

2000

$
1,300,000

$
685,000

$
49,740

$
10,400

$
2,045,140

1,000,000 (4)

700,000

410,000

126,000

10,400

1,246,400

200,000

700,000

390,000

52,500

10,400

1,152,900

250,000

640,000

340,000

48,000

10,400

1,038,400

250,000

2000

500,000

285,000

30,000

10,400

825,400

150,000

2000

472,069

318,646

-

-

790,715 *

175,000

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 (four years for the second tranche of options
granted  to  the  Managing  Director  on  24  August
1999), the options may nevertheless be exercisable
only  where  the  hurdle  is  subsequently  reached
within  five  years  (six  years  for  the  second  tranche
of  options  granted  to  the  Managing  Director  on
24 August 1999) from the Commencement  Date.  If
the  performance  hurdle  is  not  met,  the  options  will
have  nil  value.  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 
the
Commencement Date of the options. As the options
are  subject 
the
achievement  of  which  is  uncertain,  the  amount
included  as  remuneration  in  the  above  table  is  nil.
Options  in  respect  of  the  year  commencing  1  July
1999 were granted with a Commencement  Date  of
24  August  1999  and  an 
Issue  Date  of  24
September  1999.  Options  in  respect  of  the  year
commencing  1  July  1998  were  granted  with  a
Commencement  Date  of  25  August  1998  and  an
Issue  Date  of  30  September  1998.  For  further
details on the Executive Option Plan, refer Note 29.

to  a  performance  hurdle, 

ordinary 

shares 

as 

at 

individual  basis 

Converted from New Zealand dollars
Base  Pay  is  calculated  on  a  Total  Cost  basis  and
includes  any  FBT  charges  related  to  employee
benefits including motor vehicles.
The  Bank  is  currently  not  contributing  to  the
Officers’  Superannuation  Fund  (OSF)  –  refer
Note 40. Notional cost of superannuation has been
determined  on  an 
for  each
executive.
Other  compensation  includes,  where  applicable,
housing  (including  FBT),  car  parking  (including
FBT) and other payments.
Issued in two tranches – each of 500,000 options.
Option  Grants  are  a  right  to  subscribe  for  ordinary
shares  at  an  exercise  price  which  is  the  Market
Value  (defined  as  the  weighted  average  of  the
prices  at  which  shares  were  traded  on  the  ASX
the
during 
Commencement  Date) 
premium
representing the time value component of the value
of options (based on the actual differences between
the  dividend  and  bond  yields  at  the  date  of  the
vesting  of  the  right  to  exercise  the  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

the  one  week  period  before 

plus 

a 

*
(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

146

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 46 Remuneration of Executives continued

The following table shows the number of executives whose remuneration fell within the stated bands:

2000
 Number

GROUP
1999
 Number

2000
 Number

BANK
1999
 Number

Remuneration (Dollars)

$   150,000
$   230,000
$   250,000
$   260,000
$   270,000
$   290,000
$   300,000
$   320,000
$   350,000
$   370,000
$   380,000
$   390,000
$   400,000
$   410,000
$   420,000
$   430,000
$   450,000
$   460,000
$   470,000
$   480,000
$   490,000
$   500,000
$   510,000
$   520,000
$   540,000
$   550,000
$   630,000
$   650,000
$   660,000
$   680,000
$   710,000
$   720,000
$   780,000
$   820,000
$   890,000
$   930,000
$   970,000
$  1,000,000
$  1,020,000
$  1,030,000
$  1,110,000
$  1,150,000
$  1,230,000
$  1,240,000
$  1,290,000
$  1,990,000
$  2,040,000

- $   159,999
- $   239,999
- $   259,999
- $   269,999
- $   279,999
- $   299,999
- $   309,999
- $   329,999
- $   359,999
- $   379,999
- $   389,999
- $   399,999
- $   409,999
- $   419,999
- $   429,999
- $   439,999
- $   459,999
- $   469,999
- $   479,999
- $   489,999
- $   499,999
- $   509,999
- $   519,999
- $   529,999
- $   549,999
- $   559,999
- $   639,999
- $   659,999
- $   669,999
- $   689,999
- $   719,999
- $   729,999
- $   789,999
- $   829,999
- $   899,999
- $   939,999
- $   979,999
- $  1,009,999
- $  1,029,999
- $  1,039,999
- $  1,119,999
- $  1,159,999
- $  1,239,999
- $  1,249,999
- $  1,299,999
- $  1,999,999
- $  2,049,999

Total number of executives

-
1
1
-
1
1
1
2
1
2
1
-
1
-
1
3
1
3
-
1
-
-
2
1 *
1
1
1 *
1
1
-
-
2
1
1
1
-
-
-
1
1
-
1
-
1
1
-
1
40

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
-
31

-
1
1
-
1
1
1
2
1
2
1
-
1
-
1
3
1
3
-
1
-
-
2
1 *
1
1
1 *
1
1
-
-
2
1
1
1
-
-
-
1
1
-
1
-
1
1
-
1
40

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
-
31

147

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 46 Remuneration of Executives continued

Total amount received or due and receivable by
executives (includes accumulated benefits due
to executives who retired during the year).

2000
$M

GROUP
1999
$M

2000
$M

BANK
1999
$M

24,354,666

18,623,129

24,354,666

18,623,129

*
#

Includes termination payments to 2 retired, resigned, or retrenched executives during the 2000 financial year.
Includes termination payment to 1 retired, resigned, or retrenched executive during the 1999 financial year.

• 

• 

• 

• 

ensure  total  remuneration  is  competitive  by
market standards;

Remuneration  will  be  reviewed  annually  by  the
Remuneration  Committee  through  a  process  that
considers  Group,  business  unit  and 
individual
performance, relevant comparative remuneration in
the  market  and  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
Remuneration  and 
employment  will  be  specified 
contract  of  employment  and  signed  by 
executive and the Bank.

terms  and  conditions  of
individual
in  an 
the

Interests of Directors, Secretaries and Executive
Officers of Colonial Group

Under  the  Merger  Implementation  Agreement  all
the directors of Colonial resigned as of 13 June 2000. Mr
Warwick  Kent  and  Mr  Colin  Galbraith  were  appointed
Directors of the Commonwealth Bank.

The  above  remuneration  of  executives  excludes
any  amounts  paid  to  Colonial  executives  as  these
amounts  relate  to  the  period  prior  to  acquisition  on
13 June 2000. These amounts were separately disclosed
in the Scheme Booklet.

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.

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 local and international executive staff;
Remuneration  will  incorporate,  to  a  significant
degree,  variable  pay  for  performance  elements,
both  short 
focused  as
appropriate, which will:
• 

term  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, and

• 

• 

term 

long 

• 

• 

148

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 47 Statements of Cash Flow

Note (a) Reconciliation of Cash

2000
$M

1999
$M

GROUP
1998
$M

2000
$M

BANK
1999
$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

980
370
5,102
(2,483)
3,969

784
238
912
(2,491)
(557)

951
247
2,925
(2,160)
1,963

680
198
4,277
(1,985)
3,170

757
197
886
(2,127)
(287)

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;

Note (c) Reconciliation of Operating Profit After
Income Tax to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

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
Change in excess of net market value over net assets of life
insurance subsidiaries
Other
Net Cash provided by Operating Activities

• 

• 
• 

borrowings  and  repayments  on  loans,  advances
and other receivables;
sales and purchases of trading securities; and
proceeds  from  and  repayment  of  short  term  debt
issues.

2000
$M

2,738
(948)
558
(50)
(12)
196
175
422
248
319
(218)
110
47
(188)
(967)

1999
$M

1,446
(1)
(35)
(408)
(79)
247
192
68
261
50
(8)
206
57
216
               -

GROUP
1998
$M

1,110
(13)
75
(646)
(101)
233
233
(74)
46
128
(158)
261
26
(484)
492

2000
$M

BANK
1999
$M

1,116
(158)
176
(892)
(7)
191
127
24
(185)
364
(238)
112
48
(188)

1,545
77
47
(209)
(84)
78
157
19
224
31
31
206
53
216
132                -

92                -
(36)
2,176

652
3,174

               -
(241)
887

               -
(11)
611

               -
(18)
2,373

Note (d) Non cash Financing and Investing Activities

Shares  issued  under  the  Dividend  Reinvestment  Plan  $253  million  (1999:  $426  million)  and  Employee  Share

Acquisition Plan - $24 million (1999: nil). Acquisition of entity by means of an equity issue $9,274 million (1999: nil).

149

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 47 Statements of Cash Flow continued

Note (e) Acquisition of Controlled Entities

On 13 June 2000, the Group acquired 100% of the
share  capital  of  Colonial  Limited,  a  life  insurance,
banking and funds management group. For full details of
this acquisition, refer to Note 1A. In July 1999 the Group
acquired  100%  of  the  share  capital  of  Credit  Lyonnais

Australia  Limited,  an  investment  banking  company.  In
December 1998, the Group  acquired 100% of the Share
Capital  of  Sovereign  Limited,  a  life  insurance  company.
Details of controlled entities acquired during the financial
year are as follows:

Consideration
Cash paid on acquisitions
Transaction costs
Securities issued
Pre-acquisition dividend received

Fair value of net tangible assets acquired
Cash & liquid assets
Receivables from other financial institutions
Trading securities
Investment securities
Loans, advances and other receivables
Bank acceptances of customers
Life insurance investment assets
Deposits with regulatory authorities
Property, plant and equipment
Investment in associates
Other assets
Deposits and public borrowings
Payables due to other financial institutions
Bank acceptances
Income tax liability
Other provisions
Life insurance policy liabilities
Debt issues
Bills payable and other liabilities
Loan Capital
Restructuring provision
Outside equity interest

Excess market value over net assets of life insurance subsidiary
Goodwill

Outflow (inflows) of cash on acquisitions
Cash payments
Transaction costs
Less cash and cash equivalents acquired
Pre-acquisition dividend received

1999
$M

GROUP
1998
$M

2000
$M

844

46                  -
9,274                  -
                 -

(1,000)
9,164

205                  -
                 -
                 -
                 -
205                  -

99
21,635

373
538                  -
2,154                  -

9                  -
                 -
                 -
260                  -
671                  -
                 -
                 -
                 -
4                  -
                 -
28                  -
                 -
                 -
                 -
                 -
                 -
                 -
                 -
                 -
                 -
                 -
                 -
50                  -
155                  -
                 -
205                  -

477                  -
15,504                  -
43                  -

382
117                  -

(460)
                 -
                 -
                 -
(4)
(358)
                 -
(72)
                 -
                 -
(28)

2,228
(13,123)
(267)
(477)
(702)
(398)
(14,960)
(8,678)
(2,886)
(418)
(294)
(155)
1,192
2,548
5,424                  -
9,164

844

(373)
(1,000)
(483)

46                  -
(9)
                 -

205                  -
                 -
                 -
                 -
196                  -

Note (f) Financing Facilities

Standby  funding  lines  with  overseas  banks  as  at  30  June  2000  amounted  to  AUD  equivalent  $29  million

(1999: $24 million).

150

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

NOTE 48 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 
they  cannot  be
determined  with  precision.  Changes  in  the  assumptions
could have a material impact on the amounts estimated.

judgment.  Therefore, 

to 

represent  estimates  at  which 

While  the  estimated  net  fair  value  amounts  are
designed 
these
instruments could be exchanged in a current  transaction
between  willing  parties,  many  of  the  Group’s  financial
trading  market  as
instruments 
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.

lack  an  available 

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.

Because of the wide range of valuation  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 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
Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

the  underlying 

value  of 

that 

Assets
Cash and liquid assets
Receivables due from other financial institutions
Trading securities
Investment securities
Loans, advances and other receivables
Bank acceptances of customers
Life insurance investment assets
Deposit accounts with regulatory authorities
Other assets

Liabilities
Deposits and other public borrowings
Payables due to other financial institutions
Bank acceptances
Life insurance policy liabilities
Debt issues
Bills payable and other liabilities
Loan Capital
Asset and liability hedges - unrealised gains/(losses)
(Refer Note 39)

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.

2000
Net Fair
Value
$M

Carrying
Value
$M

GROUP
1999
Net Fair
Value
$M

1,814
2,575
1,206
5,154
4,708
7,347
7,187
9,149
101,837
133,257
11,107
9,672
26,448                  -
953
9,046

46
16,631

1,814
1,206
4,708
7,196
105,768
9,672
                 -
953
9,489

Carrying
Value
$M

2,575
5,154
7,347
9,149
132,263
11,107
26,448
46
16,198

112,594
4,633
11,107
25,282
25,275
11,490
5,299
                 -

93,428
112,993
3,249
4,633
11,107
9,672
25,282                  -
10,763
25,321
8,451
11,646
2,828
5,106
                 -
(253)

93,737
3,249
9,672
                 -
10,791
8,558
2,862
73

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  models
(i.e. 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.

151

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

NOTE 48 Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments continued

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 

interest  payable  and
includes 
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  prices  for  similar
arrangements. They are not 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 39.

The net fair value of impaired loans was calculated
by  discounting  expected  cash  flows  using  a  rate  which
includes a premium for the uncertainty of the flows.

For  shares  in  companies,  the  estimated  net  fair

values are based on quoted market prices.

Life Insurance Investment Assets & Policy Liabilities
Life insurance investment assets are carried at  net
fair  value.  Life  insurance  policy  liabilities  are  measured
on  a  net  present  value  basis.  This  treatment  is  in
accordance  with  accounting  standard  AASB1038:  Life
Insurance Business.

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.

All other financial assets

Included  in  this  category  are  fees  receivable,
unrealised  income  and  investments  in  associates  of
$403 million  (1999:  $281  million),  where  the  carrying
amount is considered to be a reasonable estimate of net
fair value.

Other  financial  assets  are  net  of  goodwill,  future
tax  benefits  and  prepayments/unamortised
financial

these  do  not  constitute  a 

income 
payments  as 
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  institutions  and  bank  acceptances  approximate
their  net  fair  value  as  they  are  short  term  in  nature  and
reprice frequently.

Debt issues and loan capital

The  net  fair  values  of  debt  issues  and  loan  capital
were  calculated  based  on  quoted  market  prices  as  at

152

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)

(b)

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  2000  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.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.

J T Ralph AC

Chairman

30 August 2000

D V Murray

Managing Director

153

Independent Audit Report

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

To the members of Commonwealth Bank of Australia

Matters relating to the Electronic Presentation of the Audited Financial Report

This audit report relates to the Financial Report of Commonwealth Bank of Australia for the year ended 30 June 2000

included on the Bank’s web site. The Bank’s directors are responsible for the integrity of the Commonwealth Bank’s web
site.  The audit report refers only to the statements named below. It does not provide an opinion on any other information
which may have been hyperlinked to/from these statements. If users of this report are concerned with the inherent risks
arising from electronic data communications they are advised to refer to the hard copy of the audited Financial Report to
confirm the information included in the audited Financial Report presented on this web site.

Scope

We have audited the financial report of Commonwealth Bank of Australia for the financial year ended 30 June 2000, as
set  out  on  pages  52  to  153,  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  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 as applicable in Australia, 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 their
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:
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  2000  and  of  their
performance for the year ended on that date; and
complying with Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations; and

(ii)
other mandatory professional reporting requirements.

(a)

(b)

ERNST & YOUNG
Sydney
Date: 30 August 2000

S C Van Gorp
Partner

154

Shareholding Information

Top 20 Holders of Fully Paid Ordinary Shares as at 24 August 2000

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 Limited
National Nominees Limited
Westpac Custodian Nominees
AMP Life Limited
ANZ Nominees Limited
Permanent Trustee Australia Limited
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited
Queensland Investment Corporation
Perpetual Trustees Victoria Limited
BT Custodial Services Pty Limited
HKBA Nominees Limited
MLC Limited
The National Mutual Life Association of Australasia Limited
Colonial Foundation Limited
AMP Nominees Pty Limited
Perpetual Trustees Nominees Limited
Perpetual Trustees Company Limited
Mercantile Mutual Life Insurance Company Limited
CSS & PSS Board
Commonwealth Custodial Services Limited

Number of
Shares
104,532,492
65,197,290
52,119,846
25,665,452
24,559,573
22,508,050
21,821,853
19,971,870
15,967,072
12,223,735
9,330,653
8,740,060
8,612,458
8,545,998
6,512,008
6,427,400
6,405,434
6,369,128
6,289,431
5,325,504

%

8.29
5.17
4.14
2.04
1.95
1.79
1.73
1.58
1.27
0.97
0.74
0.69
0.68
0.68
0.52
0.51
0.51
0.51
0.50
0.42

The twenty largest shareholders hold 437,125,307 shares which is equal to 34.69% 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

Directors Shareholdings as at 30 August 2000

most daily newspapers, generally under the abbreviation
of  CBA  or  C’wealth  Bank.  The  Bank  does  not  have  a
current on-market buy back of its shares.

J T Ralph, AC
D V Murray
N R Adler, AO
A C Booth
R J Clairs, AO
K E Cowley, AO
A B Daniels OAM
C R Galbraith
W G Kent AO
F D Ryan
J M Schubert
F J Swan
B K Ward

Shares

Options

2,000,000

11,192
50,387
9,543
1,131
10,000
8,000
11,823
3,874
6,327
4,000
9,914
1,922
1,837

Guidelines for Dealings by Directors in Shares

The  restrictions  imposed  by  law  on  dealings  by
Directors  in  the  securities  of  the  Bank  have  been
the  Board  of  Directors  adopting
supplemented  by 
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.

155

Shareholding Information

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Range of Shares (Fully Paid Ordinary $2 Shares and Employee Shares): 24 August 2000
Range

Number of
Shareholders

Percentage
Shareholders

Number of
Shares

Percentage
Issued Capital

15.93
21.66
6.29
8.09
48.03
100.00

80.04
17.80
1.48
0.64
0.04
100.00

200,732,541
273,040,472
79,286,427
101,926,005
605,361,533
1,260,346,978

66,255

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 

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

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.
If  more 

than  one  proxy,  attorney  or  official

623,267
138,617
11,539
4,989
312
778,724

10,372

• 

• 

representative is present for a member:

156

International Representation

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
Telex: NZ60881
Managing Director
R J Norris

Asia Pacific
Fiji Islands
Colonial
3 Central Street
Private Mail Bag
Suva
Telephone: (679) 314 400
Facsimile: (679) 302 032

Beijing, China
2910 China World Towers
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

Malaysia
EON CMG Life
EON CMG Life Building
8th Floor
16 Jalan Silang
Kuala Lumpur 50050
Telephone: (60-3) 232 1775
Facsimile: (60-3) 232 5189

The Philippines
CMG
30th Floor
Philippine Stock Exchange Center
West Tower
Exchange Road
Ortigas Center
Pasig City
Telephone: (63-2) 636 2721
Facsimile: (63-2) 636 2761

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
D J McGrady

Thailand
Ayudhya CMG
17th Floor
Ploenchit Tower
898 Ploenchit Road Patumwan
Bangkok 10330
Telephone: (66-2) 263 0333
Facsimile: (66-2) 263 0313

Vietnam
Suite 202-203A
Central Building
31 Hai Ba Trung
Hanoi
Vietnam
Telephone: (84 4) 826 9899
Facsimile: (84 4) 824 3961
Chief Representative
S R J Holden

Indonesia
Plaza B11
Tower II (5th Floor)
J1 M.H. Thamrin
No 51 Kav 22
Jakarta 10350
Indonesia
Telephone: (6221) 318 4394
Facsimile: (6221) 318 4391
Chief Representative
L Morris

Japan
8th Floor Toranomon Waiko Bldg
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

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 Bigg

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

Australia
Registered Office
Level 1, 48 Martin Place
Sydney NSW 1155
Telephone:  (02) 9378 2000
Facsimile: (02) 9378 3317

157

APPENDIX – Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Set  out  in  this  section  are  unaudited  pro  forma
consolidated  financial  statements  which  comprise  the
Profit  and  Loss,  Balance  Sheet  and  Life  Insurance  and
Funds  Management  Statistics  for  the  Commonwealth
Bank Group and Colonial Limited for the year  ending  30
June  2000.  These  have  been  prepared  to  illustrate  the
pro  forma  consolidated  position  of  Commonwealth  Bank
and  Colonial  as  if  Colonial  had  been  merged  with
Commonwealth  Bank  as  at  30  June  2000  for  Balance
Sheet  purposes  and  from  1  July  1999  to  30  June  2000
for Profit and Loss purposes,  and  to  highlight  a  possible
disclosure format for the group in the future.

The pro formas do not include goodwill amortisation

or life insurance appraisal uplift.

items  not  considered  part  of 

The  results  included  within  the  Profit  and  Loss
statements  have  been  adjusted  for  abnormal  items  and
other 
the  ongoing
operations,  such  as  the  effect  of  Colonial’s  UK  life
insurance  business  which  was  sold  during  the  year  and
specific  payments  made  by  Colonial  in  relation  to  the
merger with Commonwealth Bank.  No adjustments have
been  made  for  inconsistencies  in  accounting  policies
between Colonial and Commonwealth.

Colonial Limited – Financial Highlights

• 
• 

Insurance  and  Superannuation  new

The  key  financial  indicators  for  Colonial  Group
Limited which underpin the result for the year to 30 June
2000,  together  with  increases  from  the  year  to  30  June
1999.
• 

Group 
business up 32% to $3.6 billion.
Group new lending business up 14% to $6.2 billion.
Group funds management external funds inflows up
37% to $9.8 billion.
life 
Group 
$19.3 billion.
Group  external  funds  under  management  up  48%
to $52.7 billion, including purchase of Stuart Ivory.
The  Colonial  result  reflected  within  these  pro
formas is lower than the 31 December 1999 result due to
the  exclusion  of  the  UK  life  insurance  business  and  a
reduction in investment earnings on shareholder funds in
Asia.

insurance  assets  held,  up  7% 

• 

• 

to

Pro Forma Profit and Loss for Year Ended 30 June 2000 (unaudited)

Commonwealth
Bank
$M

Colonial
$M

Group
$M

Interest income
Interest expense
Net interest income
Other income
Net banking operating income
Premium income (1)
Net investment income
Other income
Policy payments (1)
Policyholder liability expense
Net life and funds management operating income
Total net operating income
Charge for bad and doubtful debts
Operating expenses
Operating profit before abnormal items,
 goodwill amortisation and income tax
Income tax expense
Operating profit after income tax
Outside equity interest in operating profit after tax
Operating profit after income tax attributable to members of the bank

8,820
5,123
3,697
1,937
5,634
245
1,020
131
(93)
(887)
416
6,050
196
3,349

2,505
812
1,693
38
1,655

1,632
1,117
515
241
756
3,277
1,978
445
(3,609)
(409)
1,682
2,438
114
1,529

795
371
424
11
413

10,452
6,240
4,212
2,178
6,390
3,522
2,998
576
(3,702)
(1,296)
2,098
8,488
310
4,878

3,300
1,183
2,117
49
2,068

(1)

Colonial premium income and policy payments have not been split between revenue and deposit elements.

Review of Operations

The consolidation of underlying results of Colonial and Commonwealth Bank groups for the year ended 30 June 2000

reflects the following:
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Strong net interest income of $4,212 million earned on $185.1 billion of Banking assets.
Other Banking income of $2,086 million including lending fees, commissions and trading income.
 Net life insurance and funds management income of $2,190 million representing 26% of Total net operating income.
Charge for Bad and Doubtful Debts of $310 million representing 0.2% of average Lending assets.
Operating expenses of $4,878 million representing a cost to balance sheet assets held and funds under management
of less than 2%.

While  these  statements  serve  to  disclose  the  composition  of  underlying  results  for  the  businesses  within  the
Commonwealth  and  Colonial  groups,  no  conclusions  should  be  drawn  regarding  the  future  profitability  of  the  combined
group.  These statements have not been subject to audit.

158

Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet of the combined
Commonwealth Bank and Colonial Groups as at 30 June 2000
(unaudited)

Commonwealth
Bank
$M

Colonial
$M

Eliminations
$M

Cash & Liquid Assets
Receivables from other financial institutions
Trading securities
Investment securities
Loans and advances
Bank acceptances of customers
Life insurance investment assets
Deposits with regulatory authorities
Shares in and loans to controlled entities
Property, plant and equipment
Investments in Associates
Other assets
Goodwill
Excess of net market value over net
assets
Total Assets

Deposits
Payables to other financial
institutions
Bank acceptances
Provision for dividends
Income tax liability
Other Provisions
Debt issues
Life insurance policy liabilities
Creditors and other liabilities
Loan capital
Total Liabilities

Net Assets

Share capital
Reserves
Retained profits
Shareholders' equity
Outside equity interests
Total Shareholders' Equity

2,202
4,616
5,193
9,050
111,947
10,630
10,944
3
9,120
906
286
9,429
410

1,804
176,540

373
538
2,154
99
20,316
477
15,504
43
-
167
117
2,420
71

2,548
44,827

99,570

13,024

4,366
10,630
708
1,113
864
16,597
10,322
9,819
4,881
158,870

17,670

12,521
3,265
1,664
17,450
220
17,670

267
477
-
710
690
8,678
14,960
1,730
418
40,954

3,873

4,040
39
(361)
3,718
155
3,873

(9,120)

5,424

(3,696)

-

(3,696)

(4,040)
(39)
383
(3,696)

(3,696)

Group
$M

2,575
5,154
7,347
9,149
132,263
11,107
26,448
46
-
1,073
403
11,849
5,905

4,352
217,671

112,594

4,633
11,107
708
1,823
1,554
25,275
25,282
11,549
5,299
199,824

17,847

12,521
3,265
1,686
17,472
375
17,847

The  combined  Balance  Sheets  of  Commonwealth  and  Colonial  groups  as  at  30  June  2000  highlight  a  diversified

financial services group with:
• 
• 
• 

A strong Banking asset base of $185.1 billion including loans advances and receivables of $132.3 billion.
Life Insurance Assets of $32.6 billion.
Funds under management not recorded on balance sheet of $73.9 billion.

159

Pro Forma Life Insurance and Funds Management Business for Year
Ended 30 June 2000 (unaudited)

Operating Profit After Tax

Premiums/Deposits from Customers

No. of policy and unit holders

Expenses

Claims & Redemptions

Net Funds Flow

Productivity

Total Expenses to Funds Under
  Management

Claims & redemptions to
  Funds Under Management

Assets held and Funds Under Management
Life Insurance
Funds Management
Total

Australia
United Kingdom
New Zealand
Asia
Total

$M

$M

000's

$M

$M

$M

%

%

$M
$M

$M
$M
$M
$M

Commonwealth
Bank

Colonial

Group

236

311

547

11,418

12,649

24,067

865

221

969

949

1,834

1,170

10,267

10,721

20,988

1,151

1,928

3,079

0.6%

1.3%

1.1%

29.8%

14.9%

19.7%

13,217
21,242
34,459

33,417
-
1,042
-
34,459

19,346
52,672
72,018

47,671
19,202
2,228
2,917
72,018

32,563
73,914
106,477

81,088
19,202
3,270
2,917
106,477

160