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FY2003 Annual Report · Commonwealth Bank of Australia
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2003

Commonwealth Bank of Australia ACN 123 123 124
Annual Report 2003

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contact Us

www.commbank.com.au 

13 2221 General Enquiries
For your everyday banking 

13 1998 Business Line
For a full range of business 

including paying bills using BPAY 

banking solutions. Available from 

our automated service is available

8 am to 8 pm, Monday to Friday 

24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

From overseas call +61 13 2221.

Operator assistance is available

between 8 am and 8 pm, Monday 

to Friday

13 2224 Home Loans &
Investment Home Loans
To apply for a new home

13 2015 Commonwealth
Financial Services
For enquires on retirement and

superannuation products, or

managed investments. Available 

from 8 am to 8 pm (Sydney time), 

Monday to Friday. Unit prices are

available 24 hours a day, 

loan/investment home loan 

365 days a year 

or to maintain an existing loan.

Available from 8 am to 10 pm, 

365 days a year

13 1519 CommSec
(Commonwealth
Securities) 
Available from 8 am to 7 pm 

(Sydney time), Monday to Friday.

CommInsure
– For all your general insurance

needs call 13 2423 8 am to 8 pm
(Sydney time), Monday to Friday –

or visit www.comminsure.com.au 

– For general claims assistance
call 13 2420, 24 hours a day, 
365 days a year.

CommSec provides the information

– For all your life insurance needs

and tools to make smart investment

easy, accessible and affordable for 

all Australians. By phone or Internet
at www.commsec.com.au

1800 240 889 Telephone
Typewriter Service 
A special telephone banking service

for our hearing and speech impaired

call 13 1056 8 am to 8 pm (Sydney
time), Monday to Friday – or visit
www.comminsure.com.au

Internet Banking
You can apply for a home loan 

or credit card on the internet 

by visiting our website at
www.commbank.com.au

customers. The service covers all 

available 24 hours a day, 

the services available on 13 2221.

365 days a year

Available from 8 am to 8 pm, 

Monday to Friday 

1800 011 217 Lost or
Stolen Cards
To report a lost or stolen card 

24 hours a day, 365 days a year 

Do your everyday banking on our 

internet banking service NETBANK at
www.commbank.com.au/netbank

available 24 hours a day, 365 days 

a year

To apply for access to NETBANK, 
call 13 2828 between 8 am and 8 pm
(Sydney time), Monday to Friday 

Corporate Directory 

Registered Office
Level 1, 48 Martin Place

Sydney NSW 1155

Telephone (02) 9378 2000

Facsimile (02) 9378 3317 

Company Secretary
JD Hatton 

Shareholder Information
www.commbank.com.au 

Share Registrar
ASX Perpetual Registrars Limited

Locked Bag A14

Sydney South NSW 1232 
Telephone (02) 8280 7199
Facsimile (02) 9261 8489
Freecall 1800 022 440 
Internet www.asxperpetual.com.au 
Email registrars@asxperpetual.com.au 

Telephone numbers for
overseas shareholders 
New Zealand 0800 442 845 
United Kingdom 0845 769 7502 
Fiji 008 002 054 
Other International 612 8280 7199 

Australian Stock 
Exchange Listing
CBA 

Annual Report
To request a copy of the annual report

please call (02) 9378 3229 

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P

 
 
 
 
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
ACN 123 123 124

Annual Report 2003

Table of Contents

Chairman’s Statement .............................................................................................................................................................3

Highlights .................................................................................................................................................................................5

Banking Analysis ...................................................................................................................................................................11

Funds Management Analysis.................................................................................................................................................18

Life Insurance Analysis ..........................................................................................................................................................22

Shareholder Investment Return .............................................................................................................................................26

Life Company Valuations .......................................................................................................................................................27

Presentation of Financial Information.....................................................................................................................................29

Integrated Risk Management .................................................................................................................................................30

Risk Management ......................................................................................................................................................30

Credit Risk .................................................................................................................................................................30

Market Risk ................................................................................................................................................................30

Operational and Strategic Business Risk ...................................................................................................................32

Insurance Risk ...........................................................................................................................................................32

Derivatives .................................................................................................................................................................32

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements...............................................................................................................................32

Business Continuity Management ..............................................................................................................................32

Description of Business Environment.....................................................................................................................................33

Corporate Governance ..........................................................................................................................................................37

Directors’ Report ....................................................................................................................................................................44

Five Year Financial Summary ................................................................................................................................................50

Financial Statements

Statements of Financial Performance ........................................................................................................................53

Statements of Financial Position ................................................................................................................................54

Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity ........................................................................................................55

Statements of Cash Flow ...........................................................................................................................................56

Notes to the Financial Statements..............................................................................................................................57

Directors’ Declaration...........................................................................................................................................................168

Independent Audit Report ....................................................................................................................................................169

Shareholding Information .....................................................................................................................................................170

International Representation ................................................................................................................................................173

Chairman’s Statement

The  2003  financial  year  was  characterised  by
continuing global uncertainty, but this was offset for us by
the  continuing  strong  performance  of  the  Australian
economy.  A  buoyant  housing  sector  combined  with
modest  business  growth  helped 
to  produce  very
satisfactory  results  in  the  banking  business.  Global  and
domestic  equity  markets  displayed  a  high  degree  of
volatility and negative returns for most of the period, which
made for quite difficult trading conditions in the insurance
and funds management part of our business.  During  the
year,  the  Bank  also  responded  to  its  rural  customers  to
help  them  manage  their  finances during  one  of  the  worst
droughts in Australia’s history.

These external conditions highlight the importance to
the  Bank  of  a  strong  franchise,  backed  by  a  diversified
business  portfolio  and  supported  by  strong  systems  of
corporate governance, which I described at some length in
last year’s report.

The Commonwealth  Bank’s  statutory  net  profit  after
tax for the year ended 30 June 2003 was $2,012 million, a
decrease of 24% on the prior financial year. Net profit from
ordinary  activities  (‘cash  basis’)  was  $2,579  million,  an
increase  of  3%  on  the  prior  financial  year,  after  charging
against  the  profit  restructuring  costs  of  $214  million  and
$45 million representing the cost for two years of grants of
shares to employees under the employee share plan.  The
difference  between  statutory  and  cash  profit  comprises
two  non-cash  items;  the  amortisation  of  goodwill  and  an
adjustment  to  the  appraisal  value  of  the  life  and  funds
management businesses.

Growth  in  cash  profit  was  driven  by  a  strong
performance from the banking business and an improved
performance from the life insurance business, partly offset
by  a  reduction  in  the  funds  management  result  for  the
year.  Total  operating  expenses 
comparable
businesses  remained  relatively  stable  compared  with  the
prior  year.  For  more  information  on  the  Company’s
financial  performance,  please  refer 
the  Financial
Highlights  on  pages  5  to  10  and  Business  Analysis  on
pages 11 to 28.

for 

to 

A  final  dividend  of  85  cents  per  share  fully  franked
will be paid on 8 October, 2003 bringing the total dividend
for  the  year  to  154  cent’s  per  share.  For  the  past  eleven
years,  the  Bank  has  increased  each  interim  and  final
dividend  above  those  paid  in  the  preceding  year.  The
Company’s  ability  to  increase  the  dividend  on  each
occasion  confirms  the  maintenance  of  the  underlying
momentum of the operations of the business.

Earlier this year I wrote to shareholders in the light of
some  misinformation  circulating  in  the  media  about  the
Bank’s  acquisition  of  Colonial  Limited  and  the  nature  of
the payment to a former executive.  Although conditions in
the  wealth  management  industry  have  been  difficult  over
the last couple of years because of the correction in share
prices  and  the  volatility  in  stock  markets,  your  Board
continues  to  believe  that  this  acquisition  was  the  correct
strategy for the Bank to have adopted.

Because  of  demographic  factors  and  the  greater
reliance  of 
the  community  on  superannuation  and
retirement  savings,  your  Board  believes  that  the  wealth
management  business  will  grow  at  a  faster  rate  than
conventional banking business in the years ahead.  It was
this factor that contributed to the decision to grow this part

3

of the Bank’s business more quickly by adding Colonial’s
wealth management business to  that  which  had  already
been  developed  by  the  Bank.    The  Commonwealth  Bank
has  a  distribution  system  within  the  financial  services
system second to none and on which we are confident we
can  build  our  business  in  wealth  management  in  concert
with the other financial services we provide.

Colonial was acquired by the Bank issuing shares to
a value of $9.12 billion in 2000. The value ascribed to the
wealth management businesses was $4.47 billion and the
remaining  $4.65  billion  represented  the  rest  of  Colonial’s
entities,  the  principal  one  being  Colonial  State  Bank.
Colonial’s  banking  businesses,  comprising  the  bank  and
the  banking  service  subsidiaries,  were 
integrated
successfully  into  the  Commonwealth  Bank’s  banking
business.  The expected synergy benefits of $450 million
per annum, which were mostly banking related, were fully
realised  and  in  a  shorter  time  frame  than  projected,
making 
the
Commonwealth Bank and its shareholders.

this  a  very  satisfactory 

transaction 

for 

The  value  of  our  wealth  management  businesses
have  also  increased  in  value  since  we  acquired  Colonial
Limited.  At the date of acquisition these businesses were
valued  in  the  accounts  at  $6.736  billion,  comprising
$4.472  billion  for  the  acquired  businesses,  $1.978  billion
in
for  our  existing  wealth  management  subsidiaries 
Australia and $286 million for the ASB Sovereign business
in  New  Zealand.    The  value  of  these  businesses  in  the
accounts  at  30  June  2003  was  $8.546  billion.      The
increase  in  value  of  $1.810  billion  comprises  retained
profits  in  the  business,  changes  to  Assessed  Value
through acquisitions and  divestments  and  changes in  net
tangible assets since 30 June 2000 of $772 million and a
net  increase  in  Assessed  Value  taken  to  profit  of  $1.038
billion since that date.

The current accounting  standards  require  the  Bank,
with  the  advice  of  competent  actuaries,  to  make  an
assessment  of  the  value  of  the  wealth  management
business  based  on  assumptions  of  future  activity  and  to
bring  this  into  the  profit  statement  at  each  half  year.      In
the period from 30 June 2000 to 30 June 2002 there was
an uplift in this valuation of $1.283 billion.   In the first half
of the financial year on which we are reporting there was a
reduction in the valuation of $426 million and an increase
of $181 million in the second half of the year making a net
reduction in the year of $245 million.  The net result is that
this  represents  an  increase  of  $1.038  billion  since  we
trebled  our  investment  in  wealth  management  by  the
acquisition of Colonial.

It 

is  not 

totally  surprising 

The  Assessed  Value  declined  in  the  past  year  in  a
period  when  many  portfolios  have  fallen  in  value,  largely
as  a  result  of  the  correction  that  occurred  in  world  stock
markets,  and  when  members  of  superannuation  funds
have  experienced  adverse  outcomes  in  relation  to  their
that  wealth
savings. 
management  businesses  would 
similar
experience.  But the Bank is in this business for the long
term because of the demographic factors which are likely
to cause wealth management businesses to grow strongly
in  the  period  ahead.    We  recognise  that  there  are  other
factors  that  will  continue  to  cause  volatility  in  share
markets  and  to  see  returns  reflect  this  volatility.    Overall,
however,  we  expect 
to  be  positive.
Involvement in this part of the financial services industry is
considered  by  your  Board  to  be  an  area  where  we  can
confidently create value for you, our shareholder.

the  net  result 

share  a 

 
 
Chairman’s Statement

Outlook

Although 

reasonably 

the  Australian
economy  remains  dependent  on  recovery  in  the  United
States.  While there have been some positive signs, there
are  potential  significant  financial  imbalances  arising  from
the US current account and fiscal deficits.

resilient, 

The  Australian  financial  services  industry  remains
highly  competitive,  operating 
in  an  environment  of
reducing  margins  with  the  likelihood  of  slowing  credit
growth.    Notwithstanding  this,  the  longer-term  outlook  for
the banking, insurance and wealth management sectors is
for continuing growth.

Customers  will  need  more  convenient  and  informed
access to financial  services, through  wealth  management
advice, products to respond to the aging of the population
and personalised banking services  for  payments,  savings
and investments. The Board and management of the Bank
have  been  focussing  on  how  the  Bank  needs  to  respond
in  this  environment.    Page  6  of  this  report  outlines  the
strategy designed to address these needs.

Having  acquired  Colonial  and  added  significant
value,  the  Bank  is  extremely  well  positioned  to  meet  the
challenges  ahead  and  to  benefit  from  scale,  breadth  of
services,  and  the  strength  of  its  proprietary  distribution
system. 
to  be  a  major
transformational change to deliver the outstanding service
levels,  with  enhanced  staff  engagement  and  simple  and
efficient processes required to be more competitive.

there  needs 

  However, 

The Bank believes that it has relatively more to gain
from such a change and will announce within the next six
weeks  details  of  the  strategies,  proposed  investments,
expected  outcomes  and  implementation  milestones  of  a
program to achieve these goals.

Your  Board  is  committed  to  achieving  sustainable
growth  in  all  the  Bank’s  businesses  and  in  growing
sustainable  and  reliable  returns  for  all  shareholders,  and
to this end, the Bank intends to maintain its high dividend
payout ratio relative to its peers.

I  would  like  to  take  the  opportunity  to  thank  you  for

your continued support.

John Ralph AC
Chairman
20 August 2003

4

Highlights

Key Performance Indicators

Profitability

Underlying Segment Profit after Income Tax:
Banking
Funds Management
Life Insurance
Underlying Profit after Income Tax
Shareholder investment returns (after tax)
Operating expenses - included for first time (after tax)
Net Profit after Income Tax ("cash basis")
Goodwill amortisation
Appraisal value (reduction) / uplift
Net Profit after Income Tax ("statutory basis")

Banking
Net interest margin (%)
Average interest earning assets
Average interest bearing liabilities

Funds Management
Funds under management

Life Insurance
Inforce premiums

Full Year Ended

30/06/03
$M

30/06/02
$M

Increase/
(Decrease)
%

            2,401
                  228
                     58
            2,687
73
(181)
                 2,579
(322)
(245)
       2,012

     2,067
          360
           41
            2,468
            33
-
          2,501
(323)
477
       2,655

        2.67                   2.76
  188,270              170,634
     174,737              157,105

      94,207              102,838

        880

                 810

Shareholder Investment Returns (before Tax)

                     91

                   47

Operating Expenses
Comparable business
First time
Total operating expenses

         5,292                 5,201
-
           259
           5,201
       5,551

Underlying Productivity
Banking expenses to income (%)
Funds Management expenses to average funds under management (%)
Life Insurance expenses to average inforce premiums (%)

         52.0
          0.85
           57.3

           54.1
          0.73
               68.8

Shareholder Measures
EPS - cash basis - basic (cents)
Dividend per share (cents)

Capital Adequacy
Tier 1 (%)
Total (%)

      202.6
            154

             197.3
                150

6.96
9.73

6.78
9.80

Full-time Staff Equivalent (FTE's)

     35,845

          37,245

Unde rlying grow th of 9% on prior ye ar

334

(132)

17

2,687

73

(181)

2,579

3,000

2,800

2,600

2,400

2,200

2,000

2,468

Underlying NPAT
2002

Banking

Funds
Management 

Life Insurance

Underlying NPAT
2003

S'holder Invest
Returns

First time
Expenses (after
tax)

Cash NPAT 2003

Underlying  measures  exclude  shareholder  investment  returns  and  first  time  operating  expenses  along  with  their
associated tax if relevant.  This represents core operating performance, removing the volatility of shareholder earnings and the
impact of strategic initiatives.

5

16
(37)
41
9
large
-
3
(0)
large
(24)

(3)
10
11

(8)

9

94

2
-
7

(4)
16
(17)

3
3

3
(1)

(4)

Highlights (continued)

Financial Performance and Business Review

After deducting goodwill amortisation of $322 million
and a net reduction in appraisal value of $245 million, the
Commonwealth  Bank  recorded  a  net  profit  after  income
tax of $2,012 million, or 24% below the prior year.

The  net  profit  after  tax  (cash  basis)  for  the  year
ended 30 June 2003 is $2,579 million, an increase of $78
million or 3% on the prior year.

This result was achieved inclusive of $259 million of
first  time  expenses  related  to  strategic  initiatives  of  $214
million  and  $45  million  of  expense  relating  to  two  years
allocations  of  shares  issued  to  employees  under  the
employee share program.

This  result  reflects  a  strong  banking  performance
primarily  driven  by  the  Australian  and  New  Zealand  retail
banking  operations.  The  housing  market  has  primarily
driven  the  banking  performance,  with  balance  growth  at
over  17%  for  the  year.      The  New  Zealand  performance
reflects strong industry conditions combined with growth in
market shares for retail, business and rural lending.

Results  for  Institutional  and  Business  Banking  were
industry
subdued,  primarily 
conditions.    The  weakened  demand  for  credit  in  the
institutional  segment  and  conditions  in  global  markets
resulted in flat earnings outcomes.

the  difficult 

reflecting 

In  Funds  Management, 

falling  equity  markets
globally  have  reduced  funds  under  management  and
depressed  volumes  of  inflows,  particularly  in  the  first  half
of the year.

The  underlying  profit  performance  of 

the  Life
Insurance  business  includes  a  one  off  write  down  of  an
investment  asset  within  Australia.    Excluding  this  the
results  of  all  regions,  particularly  Asia,  were  favourable.
The Life Insurance result also benefited from a rebound in
equity markets in the second half of the year.

Underlying  operating  expenses  have  increased  by
2%  over  the  year,  primarily  driven  by  increased  volumes,
the set up of the new Premium Financial Services Division
together  with  increased  regulatory  expenses  associated
with the Funds Management business.

The  growth  in  banking  income  combined  with  the
benefit  of  strategic  initiatives  undertaken  resulted  in  an
underlying banking productivity improvement of 4% for the
year.   The underlying banking expense to income ratio is
52.0% compared with 54.1% in 2002.

The  credit  quality  of  the  portfolio  has  improved  with
bad debt charge as a percentage  of  risk  weighted  assets
decreasing  from  0.32%  at  June  2002  to  0.21%  at  June
2003.    This  reflects  an  absence  of  significant  corporate
defaults compared with the prior year.   The home lending
portfolio  continues  to  show  low  levels  of  delinquency  and
write-offs relative to historical trends.

2002/03 Restructuring Initiatives

During the year the Bank  implemented  a  number  of
significant  strategic  initiatives  with  the  aim  of  improving
service levels and productivity.

The initiatives undertaken during the year included:

6

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

Re-organisation  within  the  retail  banking  operations
aimed  at  eliminating  duplication,  inefficiencies  and
some back office processing.
Empowerment  of  front  line  retail  sales  staff  with
information  and  decision-making  capabilities 
to
better meet customer needs.
Redesign  of  system  and  relationship  management
processes in the business and corporate segments.
Simplification  and  consolidation  of  legacy  systems
and processes  within  the  Investment  and  Insurance
business.
The gross expense of these initiatives in the current
year,  combined  with 
the  current  year  benefits  and
expected  annualised  future  benefits  are  set  out  in  the
table below:

(cid:1) 

Pre Tax
$M
Full year
to 30
June 2003

Expenses Benefits

Net
Expense

Annual
Benefit

214

69

145

165

The  gross  expense  for  the  year  of  $214m  is  lower
than 
the  previously  reported  expectation  of  $227m.
Initiatives were achieved at a lower expense.  The value of
future expected benefits exceeds that previously reported.
As reported in the June 2002 profit announcement, it
was anticipated that the above initiatives would result in a
net reduction in the Bank’s staff numbers of 1,000.   This
comprised  a  reduction  of  1,500  from  the  retail  and
business-banking initiatives partly offset by the creation of
customer  facing  positions  in  the  premium  division.      Net
staff numbers have reduced by 1,400 over the year.  This
comprised  a  reduction  of  1,740  in  back  office  positions
partly  offset  by  the  creation  of  340  customer-facing
positions.

Bank Strategy

(cid:1) 

for  customers 

The  CBA  vision  is  to  excel  in  customer  service.  To
achieve this we are progressing our strategy to  provide  a
consistently good range of services to meet the integrated
financial  needs  of  our  customers.    Implementation  is
centred on five key themes.
(cid:1) 

Engage  our  people  to  provide  consistently  good
service 
through  our  proprietary
distribution network.
Implement  a  service  and  sales  based  management
culture.
Deepen  customer 
based bundling.
Simplify  our  processes  and  systems  to  improve
service and productivity.
Optimise the business mix.
There  will  be  a  strong  focus  on  listening  to  our
customers and supporting  our  people  to  deliver  customer
service results with improved tools and processes as well
as  more  closely  aligning  our  people  and  systems  to  our
service aspirations.

through  needs

relationships 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

Highlights (continued)

Profit Summary

Net Profit after Income Tax ("statutory basis")
Net Profit after Income Tax ("cash basis")

Income
Interest income
Interest expense
Net Interest Income
Other banking operating income
Total Banking Income
Funds management income (1)
Life insurance income (1)
Total Income

Expenses
Operating expenses - comparable business
Operating expenses - included for first time
Total Expenses

Charge for bad and doubtful debts

Net profit before income tax, outside equity interests,
goodwill amortisation and appraisal value (reduction)/uplift
Income tax expense (1)
Net profit after income tax, outside equity interests, goodwill
amortisation and appraisal value (reduction)/uplift
Outside equity interests
Net Profit after Income Tax ("cash basis")
Appraisal value (reduction)/uplift
Goodwill amortisation
Net Profit after Income Tax ("statutory basis")

Contributions to Profit (after income tax)
Banking
Funds Management
Life Insurance
Underlying Profit after Income Tax
Shareholder Investment Returns (after tax)
Operating Expenses - included for first time (after tax)
Net Profit after Income Tax ("cash basis")
Goodwill amortisation
Appraisal value (reduction)/uplift
Net Profit after Income Tax ("statutory basis")

Full Year Ended

30/06/03
$M

30/06/02
$M

Increase/
(Decrease)
%

 2,012
2,579

2,655
2,501

(24)
3

11,528
6,502
5,026
            2,697
7,723
1,042
634
9,399

5,292
259
5,551

305

3,543
958

2,585
(6)
2,579
(245)
(322)
2,012

2,401
228
58
2,687
73
(181)
2,579
(322)
(245)
2,012

10,455
5,745
4,710
2,552
7,262
1,147
659
9,068

5,201
-
5,201

449

3,418
916

2,502
(1)
2,501
477
(323)
2,655

2,067
360
41
2,468
33
-
2,501
(323)
477
2,655

10
13
7
6
6
(9)
(4)
4

2
-
7

(32)

4
5

3
large
3
large
(0)
(24)

16
(37)
41
9
large
-
3
(0)
large
(24)

(1)

Included within funds management and life insurance income and income tax expense is a $58 million tax credit relating to 
policyholder losses (30 June 2002: $36 million tax credit).  These amounts were offsetting and therefore the impact on the net profit 
after tax is nil.

7

Highlights (continued)

Balance Sheet Summary

Total assets
Total liabilities
Shareholders' equity

Assets held and Funds under Management
On Balance Sheet
Banking assets
Life insurance funds under management
Other life insurance and internal funds management assets

Off Balance Sheet
Funds under management

Shareholder Summary

Dividends per share - fully franked (cents)
Dividend cover - cash (times)
Earnings per share (cents)
   Statutory - basic
   Statutory - fully diluted
   Cash basis - basic
   Cash basis - fully diluted
Dividend payout ratio (%)
   Statutory
   Cash basis
Weighted average number of shares (basic) (number)
Weighted average number of shares (fully diluted) (number)

Productivity and Efficiency

Banking

Expense to income (%)

  Underlying expense to income (%)
Funds Management

Expense to average funds under management (%)

  Underlying expenses to average funds under management (%)
Life Insurance

Increase/
(Decrease)
%

6
6
5

9
(10)
(1)
6

(8)
3

Increase/
(Decrease)
%

3
-

30/06/03
$M

30/06/02
$M

265,110
242,958
22,152

249,648
228,592
21,056

229,289
22,800
13,021
265,110

71,407
336,517

211,130
25,355
13,163
249,648

77,483
327,131

Full Year Ended

30/06/03

30/06/02

154
1.3

157.4
157.3
202.6
202.5

97.7
75.9
1,253
1,254

150
1.3

209.6
209.3
197.3
197.0

71.7
76.2
1,250
1,252

Full Year Ended

30/06/03

30/06/02

Increase/
(Decrease)
%

            54.8
            52.0

            54.1
            54.1

            0.89
            0.85

            0.73
            0.73

1
(4)

22
16

Expense to average inforce premiums (%)

            57.3

            68.8

(17)

Underlying staff expense/total operating income (%)
Total operating income per FTE ($)
Full time staff equivalent (FTEs)

26.14
      262,212
        35,845

26.35
      243,469
        37,245

(1)
8
(4)

8

 
 
Highlights (continued)

First Time Expenses and Shareholder Investment Returns

Full Year Ended

Underlying measures exclude the following items:
Banking

Strategic initiatives
ESAP

Funds Management

Strategic initiatives
ESAP
Investment returns

Life Insurance

Investment returns

Total

Strategic initiatives
ESAP
Investment returns

Before Tax
30/06/03
$M

After Tax
30/06/03
$M

Before Tax
30/06/02
$M

After Tax
30/06/02
$M

      (176)
          (41)

            (124)
              (28)

                     -
                     -

                 -
                 -

         (38)
           (4)
          13

              (26)
                (3)
                9

                     -
                     -
                   12

                 -
                 -
                 8

         78

              64

                   35

               25

        (214)
          (45)
           91

            (150)
              (31)
              73

                     -
                     -
                   47

                 -
                 -
               33

The  current  year  benefits  from  strategic  initiatives  of  $69  million  were  reflected  in  “operating  expenses  –  comparable
businesses”.
Throughout the report underlying measures exclude shareholder investment returns and first time operating expenses, being
strategic initiatives and the cost of ESAP.

Other Items

Dividends

The  total  dividend  for  the  year  is  154c,  an  increase

of 4 cents or 3% on the prior year.

The dividend payout ratio for the year is 75.9% on a
cash  basis,  consistent  with  the  prior  year  payout  ratio  of
76.2%.    The  Bank  purchased  on  market  the  shares
needed to satisfy shareholder participation in the Dividend
Re-investment  Plan  (DRP)  in  respect  of  the  interim
dividend for 2002/03.  It expects to do the same in respect
of the final dividend for 2002/03.

The dividend payment for the second half of the year
is  85  cents  per  share.    This  dividend  payment  is  fully
franked  and  will  be  paid  on  8  October  2003  to  owners  of
ordinary  shares  at  the  close  of  business  on  29  August
2003  (record  date).    Shares  purchased  on  or  after  25
August  2003  (ex-dividend  date)  do  not  qualify  for  the
dividend.

Dividends  were  based  on  Cash  Profit  Per  Share,

having regard to the following:
(cid:1) 
Rate of business growth;
(cid:1) 
Capital adequacy;
(cid:1) 
Investment requirements;
(cid:1) 
The  cyclical  nature  of  life  insurance  investment
returns  and  expectations  of  long  term  investment
returns; and
A range of other factors.
Subject  to  these  factors,  the  Bank  will  continue  to

(cid:1) 

maintain a high payout ratio relative to its peers.

Capital Management

The Bank maintains a strong capital position.  This is
recognised in its credit ratings.    The  Bank’s  credit  ratings
remain unchanged for the year.

9

Long-
term
AA
Aa3

Short-
term
F1+
P-1

Affirmed

Feb 03
Oct 01

AA-

A-1+

Dec 02

Fitch Ratings
Moody’s Investor
Services
Standard and
Poor’s

The  risk  weighted  capital  ratios  of  the  Bank  are

detailed below.

Risk Weighted Capital Ratios

Tier one
Tier two
Less deductions
Total capital

30/06/03
%

30/06/02
%

6.96
4.21
(1.44)
9.73

6.78
4.28
(1.26)
9.80

(cid:1) 

Tier  1  capital  is  one  of  the  key  measures  the  Bank
uses to manage capital.  The increase in the tier one ratio
from 30 June 2002 can be attributed to:
(cid:1) 

An  increase  of  $652  million  principally  due  to
retained  earnings  and  the  issue  of  NZD200  million
(AUD181 million) of preference shares by ASB Bank
(included  in  outside  equity  interest  on  the  balance
sheet).
An increase in risk weighted assets from $141 billion
to $147 billion.  Housing loans secured by residential
mortgages,  which  attract  a  concessionary  risk
weighting of 50%, increased by $14.4 billion.
investment 
As  required  by  APRA, 

the 

life
insurance  and  funds  management  is  deducted  from
regulatory capital to arrive at the ratios shown above.  This
treatment  does  not  recognise  the  surplus  capital  held  in
the life insurance and funds management businesses, nor
does  it  give  credit  for  the  risk  diversification  benefits
provided by these businesses.

in 

Highlights (continued)

In  August  2003,  the  Bank  raised  USD550  million
(AUD  824  million)  of  Perpetual  non  call  12  year  Tier  1
hybrid capital which would have increased Tier 1 capital at
30  June  2003  from  6.96%  to  7.52%.    These  securities
offer a non-cumulative fixed rate distribution of 5.805% per
annum  payable  semi-annually.    The  transaction  was  an
opportunistic response to favourable credit markets in the
United States.

Market Shares

The  table  below  sets  out  the  market  share  holding

for the current and prior year along key product lines.

We remain a leader  in  most  product  lines  and  have
generally increased our shares, however there has been a
reduction  in  home  loans,  and  business  lending  and
Australian retail funds management market shares.

The acceleration of our strategic initiatives relating to

customer service will be key in improving these positions.

Line of Business

30/06/03

30/06/02

Banking
Retail Deposits
Credit Cards
Home Loans

New Zealand Lending
New Zealand Deposits

Merchant Acquiring
Transaction Services
Business Lending
Asset Finance
Funds Management
Australia Retail
New Zealand
Australia Property
Life Insurance
New Zealand
Australia
Hong Kong

24.8%(1)
22.9%(1)
19.5%(3)

20.4%(2)
16.3%(2)

33.9%(2)
22.7%(4)(7)
14.3%(6)
15.1%(8)

14.8%
14.0%(3)
6.3%

28.3%(2)
15.0%(3)
2.5%

24.7%
22.8%
19.9%(5)

19.6%
15.5%

34.5%
21.8%
15.2%
16.5%

15.5%
13.0%
5.2%

26.2%
14.9%
2.1%

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

as at May 2003
as at April 2003
as at March 2003
as at Feb 2003
as  at  March  2002      Previously  reported  20.1%,  which  was
revised by APRA to 19.9%
Adjusted to reflect changes in APRA data series

(7)  Mid corporate segment
(8) 

Business written by CBFC only

10

Banking Analysis

Key Performance Indicators

Profitability
Underlying Profit after Income Tax
Operating expenses - included for first time (after tax)
Net Profit after Income Tax ("cash basis")

Full Year Ended

30/06/03
$M

30/06/02
$M

Increase/
(Decrease)
%

2,401
(152)
2,249

2,067
-
2,067

Operating Income
Net interest income ($m)
Net interest margin (%)
Other operating banking income ($m)
Total banking income ($m)
Other operating banking income/Total banking income (%)

                 5,026
                   2.67
                 2,697
                 7,723
                 34.92

                    4,710
                    2.76
                      2,552
                    7,262
                   35.14

Operating Expenses
Comparable businesses ($m)
First time ($m)

Productivity and Other Measures
Expense to income (%)
Expense to income - underlying (%)
Effective corporate tax rate (%)

Balance Sheet
Lending assets ($m)
Average interest earning assets ($m)
Average interest bearing liabilities ($m)

Asset Quality
Charge for bad and doubtful debts ($m)
Risk weighted assets ($m)
Net impaired assets ($m)
General provision/Risk weighted assets (%)
Total provisions/Gross impaired assets
(net of interest reserved) (%)
Bad debt expense/Risk weighted assets (%)

                  4,014
                     217

                3,929
-

                   54.8
                   52.0
                   29.4

54.1
54.1
                28.3

175,074
188,270
174,737

161,216
170,634
157,105

                    305
146,808
434
0.90

               449
141,049
614
0.96

239.4
                    0.21

183.9
                  0.32

Underlying Banking profit growth of 16%

145

316

144

85

186

2,401

152

2,249

2,900

2,700

2,500

2,300

2,100

1,900

1,700

1,500

2,067

Underlying
NPAT 2002

Net Interest
Income

Other Banking
Income

Bad Debts

Expenses

Tax

Underlying
NPAT 2003

First time
Expenses
(af ter tax)

Cash NPAT
2003

16
-
9

7
(3)
6
6
(1)

2
-

(1)
4
(4)

9
10
11

(32)
4
(29)
(6)

30
(34)

Financial Performance and Business Review
Banking  operations  produced  a  very  strong  result.
The  cash  profit  contribution  increased  by  $182  million  or
9% to $2,249 million.
first 
Excluding 

in
underlying  profit  is  16%  or  $334  million.      This  was

time  expenses, 

the  growth 

achieved  through  strong  balance  growth,  fee  initiatives
and an improvement in asset quality.

Underlying  operating  expenses  have 

remained
relatively  flat,  increasing  by  $85m  or  2%,  which  includes
increased  volume  and  the  expense  of  establishing  the
new premium financial services division.

11

Banking Analysis

Financial Performance and Business Review

Retail

Asia Pacific

for 

Performance 

the  year  was  driven  by  a
combination  of  strong  revenue  growth  and  expense
efficiencies  flowing  from  process  simplification.    The
buoyant  housing  market  and  increased  volumes  of  credit
card  transactions  drove  the  strong  retail  revenue  and
balance performance for the year.

Several  key  initiatives  were  implemented  during  the
improve  customer  service  and  efficiency

to 

year 
outcomes.  These included:
(cid:1) 

the 

Development  of  the  premium  financial  services
distribution model.   This added new expenses to the
Bank,  primarily  funded  by  the  benefits  from  other
strategic  initiatives.  The  premium  distribution  model
is  team-based  and  involves  providing  clients  with
access  to  a  team  of  advisers,  all  of  whom  were
aware of the clients’ relationships with the Bank and
equipped  to  satisfy  the  customers  financial  needs
full  range  of  wealth  management
utilising 
services.  This  has  been  specifically  developed  to
facilitate  superior  client  experience  and  over
195,000  banking  clients  were  now  being  serviced
through this model.
The  introduction  of  a  new  telling  system,  improving
service  and  efficiency  levels  across  the  branch
network.
A new home loan system introduced for branch and
mobile  lenders,  with  automatic  linkages  to  back-
office  processing  areas  for  significant  improvement
in customer service and efficiency levels.
The  acquisition  of  TD  Waterhouse.    This  business
has  been 
in
aggregate now has over one million Equities Trading
Accounts.
Refinement  of  the  credit  card  loyalty  program,
Commonwealth  Awards,  enhancing  many  of  its
features for customers.  Fee  structures  for  all  credit
cards  were  reviewed  and  changes  implemented
effective January 2003.
During 

into  CommSec  which 

integrated 

the  year 

the  Reserve  Bank  proposed
substantial  reforms  to  credit  card  schemes  in  Australia.
The impact of these changes combined with an expected
slowing of the housing market will reduce the opportunities
for market driven revenue growth going forward.

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

Asia  Pacific  Banking  incorporates  the  Bank’s  retail
and  commercial  banking  operations  in  New  Zealand,  Fiji
and  Indonesia.    ASB  in  New  Zealand  represents  the
majority of the Asia Pacific Banking business.

the 

financial  year. 

The  New  Zealand  economy  grew 

strongly
throughout 
Interest  rates  were
increased modestly, which attracted international investors
and  resulted  in  a  stronger  NZ  currency.    As  a  result,
lending  and  funding  growth  rates  contributed  to  good
balance sheet growth.

During the year, ASB continued to make progress in
its core business objectives of quality growth, best service,
best  team,  best  processes  and  best  distribution.  Key
achievements during the year were:
(cid:1) 

Lending  growth  at  well  above  market  rates  in  the
retail, commercial and  rural sectors.  The  successful
spring  and  summer 
lending  campaigns,  strong
customer  service  emphasis  and  the  success  of  the
‘One  Team’  referral  program  were  key  factors
contributing to this achievement;
Leading customer service in the Banking sector. For
the  fifth  consecutive  year,  ASB  was  recognised  as
the  top  major  retail  bank  in  terms  of  satisfied  and
very  satisfied  customers  in  the  Auckland  University
Bank  Customer  Satisfaction  survey.    For  the  third
consecutive  year,  ASB  was  rated  the  top  business
bank for the same criteria;
The  focus  on  process  efficiencies  has  led  to  many
improved
operational  improvements,  which  also 
service  levels  and  lowered  expenses  to  serve,  an
example being  the  approval  of  housing  loans  within
an hour of application; and
A focus on the development of distribution capability
led to the launch of ‘financial markets online’, which
provides  business  and  institutional  customers  with
the  ability  to  purchase  foreign  exchange  on-line,
replacing the telephone ordering service.

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

Banking  operations  in  Fiji  and  Indonesia  performed  well
with modest profit growth for the year.

Institutional & Business

The  business  climate  was  subdued  over  the  year

The  specific  focus  in  the  forthcoming  years  will  be

and as a result, market competition has intensified.

on:
(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

to  ensure  every 

Enhancing  the  premium  service  experience  for  our
clients by enhancing systems and further investment
in the training of our people.
Re-designing and refurbishing the branch network to
better service customer needs.
simplifying  processes  and
Streamlining  and 
procedures 
interaction  with
customers  is  as  efficient  as  possible  –  from  simple
over-the-counter  deposits  and  withdrawals  to  the
establishment of a new home loan.
Continuing to upgrade key systems, including ATMs
and NetBank, to further improve service delivery.
Simplifying products and better aligning these to the
needs of our customers.
Creating  an  environment  where  our  people  were
continually encouraged, supported,  empowered  and
motivated to perform at their best.

12

In light of the business environment the focus for the
year was on the continued delivery of innovative solutions
and transforming the business for future growth.

into 

implemented.  This 

During the year, a new client-servicing model, based
involved
on  client  need  was 
segmentation  of 
Institutional,
the  client  base 
Corporate  and  Business  Banking  groups,  with  distinct
Regional segments within business banking established to
meet  the  needs  of  clients  based  outside  the  metropolitan
the  new  segmentation,
areas. 
simplified  technology  platforms  and  streamlined  credit
processes  for  all  client  segments  were  rolled  out.  These
measures  enable  a  more  responsive  service  to  clients,
improved  productivity  and 
focus  on
generating new business, while preserving the overall risk
profile of the Bank.

In  conjunction  with 

increase 

the 

 
Banking Analysis (continued)

include  specialised 

Supporting  the  client-servicing  model,  a  range  of
new or expanded products were launched during the year.
These 
infrastructure
financing  products,  environmental,  agricultural  and
precious  metal  offerings.      We  were  the  first  bank  in
Australia to launch the “Verified by Visa” and “MasterCard
SecureCode”  online  security  programs  to  make  Internet
transactions safer for both clients and merchants.

leasing  and 

Profit Summary

Net interest income
Other operating income
Total Operating Income
Operating expenses - comparable businesses
Operating expenses - included for the first time
Total Operating Expenses
Charge for bad and doubtful debts
Net Profit before Income Tax
Income tax expense
Outside equity interests
Net Profit after Income Tax ("cash basis")

Net Interest Income

Central to the success of the business over the next
year  will  be  the  continued  transformation  of  product
offerings,  services,  processes  and  systems  and  the
ongoing  promotion  of  a  high  performance  culture,  which
enables our people to excel in client service.

Full Year Ended

30/06/03
$M

30/06/02
$M

5,026
2,697
7,723
4,014

4,710
2,552
7,262
3,929
217                           -
3,929
449
2,884
816
1
2,067

4,231
305
3,187
938
                          -
2,249

Increase/
(Decrease)
%

7
6
6
2
                          -
8
(32)
11
15
large
9

Average Interest Earning Assets & NIM Trends

NIM  Compre ssion

200,000

180,000

160,000

140,000

120,000

100,000

80,000

60,000

40,000

20,000

-

)

m
$
(
s
t
e
s
s
A

i

g
n
n
r
a
E

t
s
e
r
e
t
n

I
e
g
a
r
e
v
A

2.78%

24,698

2.76%

28,183

135,909

142,451

33,641

2.67%

154,659

3.00%

2.80%

2.60%

2.40%

2.20%

2.00%

1.80%

1.60%

1.40%

)

%

(

M
N

I

2.80%

2.76%

2.72%

2.68%

2.64%

2.60%

0.02%

(0.08)%

2.76%

(0.01)%

(0.01)%

(0.01)%

2.67%

NIM 2002

Official rates

Grow th in
liquid assets

Product
margin
compression

Asset Mix

Funding Mix

NIM 2003

Jun-01

Jun-02

Jun-03

Lending Assets (excl Bank Accept)

Trading Securities & other

NIM

Net Interest Income for the year increased by 7% or
$316 million from $4,710 million in the prior year to $5,026
million in the current year.

The increase in net interest income is due to a 10%
or  $18  billion  increase  in  average  interest  earning  assets
between 30 June 2002 and 30 June 2003.   This has been
partially offset by a reduction in the net interest margin of
9  basis  points  from  2.76%  at  June  2002  to  2.67%  in  the
current year.

The  growth  in  average  interest  earning  assets
reflects an increase of $13 billion in lending assets and $2
billion  in  investment  and  trading  securities.      The  strong
housing  market  in  Australia  and  New  Zealand  has
primarily  driven  the  lending  asset  growth,  while  the
opportunity  to  obtain  overseas  funding  has  driven  the
growth in investment and trading securities. The growth in
average  lending  assets  contributed  an  additional  $479
million  volume  benefit  in  net  interest  income.    Further
analysis  of  the  movement  in  interest  earning  assets  is
provided on page 15.

The reduction in the net interest margin from 2.76%
at  June  2002  to  2.67%  in  the  current  year  has  had  a
negative  effect  on  interest  income  of  $163  million.      The
decline in margin can be attributed as follows:
(cid:1) 

A  benefit  of  two  basis  points  from  the  movement  in
Australian official rates in June 2002, which was fully
reflected in the current year and New Zealand  cash
rate increases.   This was offset by:
The  global  environment  of  low  overseas  interest
rates,  combined  with  favourable  exchange  rates
created opportunities for acquiring overseas funding
through  Debt  Issues.      The  funding  acquired  more
than  exceeded  the  lending  asset  growth.      The
excess  funding  was  deposited  in  high  quality  liquid
assets,  reducing  the  Bank’s  net  interest  margin  by
eight basis points.
Further  penetration  of  the  home  lending  broker
market  and  strong  competition  across  all  lending
products  reduced  the  bank  margin  by  one  basis
point.

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

13

 
 
 
 
 
Banking Analysis (continued)
(cid:1) 

The  higher  mix  of  home  lending  assets  and  trading
and  investment  securities,  lower  yielding  products,
as  a  percentage  of  the  total  portfolio  reduced  the
margin by one basis point.
Institutional  and  business  deposits  combined  with
the  growth  in  Debt 
the
proportion  of 
funding
sources compared with retail funding, thus  reducing
the margin by one basis point.

from  wholesale 

Issues  has 

increased 

funding 

(cid:1) 

Other Banking Operating Income

3,000

m
$

2,500

)
I

B
O

(
e
m
o
c
n

I

g
n
i
k
n
a
B
r
e
h
t
O

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

Other Banking Operating Income

180

426

602

203

489

618

1,173 

1,242 

120

502

652

1,423

39%

37%

35%

33%

31%

29%

27%

25%

%
e
m
o
c
n

I

g
n
i
k
n
a
B

l
a
t
o
T

/
I

B
O

Jun-01

Jun-02

Jun-03

Commissions
Trading Income
Other Banking Income/Total Banking Income

Lending fees
Other

Other  banking  operating  income  has  increased  by
$145  million  or  6%  on  the  prior  year,  increasing  from
$2,552  million  for  2002  to  $2,697  million  for  2003.
Included  within  other  banking  income  is  non-interest
income  earned  on  transaction  accounts  for  the  Bank’s
personal,  business  and  corporate  customers.  The
principal reasons for the increase were set out below:

Growth  in  commissions  and  other  fees  of  15%  or
$181 million, was primarily driven by new fee structures on
retail  transaction  and  savings  accounts  introduced  in  the
prior financial year.  This initiative reflected a simplified fee
structure  for  customers  and  a  more  stable 
income
structure  for  the  Bank,  which  were  less  dependent  on
interest  income  and  transactional  volumes.      The  result
also  includes  strong  growth  in  credit  card  transactions,
reflecting  market  growth  combined  with  successful
campaigns targeted at specific customer segments.

Growth in lending fees of $34 million or 6% reflects a
growth  in  bank  acceptance  fees  combined  with  growth  in
home  lending  establishment  and  service  fees.      The
growth in home lending fees is partly offset by an increase
in  up-front  3rd  party  broker  commissions. 
  Trailing
commissions  were  netted  against  net  interest  income.
This channel now accounts for 19% of new home lending
fundings, up from 12% in the prior financial year.

Trading income moderately increased by $13 million
or 3% over the prior year.   The reduced currency volatility
and  weaker  credit  market  adversely 
this
business particularly in the first half of the financial year.

impacted 

Other banking income of $120 million has decreased
by $83 million on the prior year.  The prior year included a
profit  on  sale  of  strategic  investments,  while  the  current
year  includes  a  provision  against  a  strategic  investment,
and 
insurance
increased  claims  within 
business on Canberra bush fires.

the  general 

Operating Expenses – Comparable Business

Expenses 

from  comparable  businesses  have
increased  by  2%  or  $85  million  from  $3,929  million  at  30
June  2002  to  $4,231  million  at  30  June  2003.    Expenses
in the current period reflect:

14

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

The  benefits  from  strategic  initiatives  implemented
during the year, offset by:
Expenses  associated  with  the  development  of  the
Premium Business model.
Volume  related  increases  in  credit  cards  and  home
lending.
Increased  software  amortisation  charges  following
the  implementation  of  the  Bank’s  new  financial  and
HR systems.
Increased expenses on  New  Zealand  operations  as
a result of the appreciation of its currency relative to
the Australian dollar.
Enterprise  Bargaining  Agreement  (EBA)  increases
have been met through other expense efficiencies.

Productivity Efficiency

The underlying banking expense to income ratio has
improved  by  4%  from  54.1%  for  the  year  ended  30  June
2002  to  52.0%  for  the  year  ended  30  June  2003.      This
reflects  strong 
revenue  growth  generated  primarily
through  housing  and  fee  initiatives  combined  with  the
benefits of the  strategic  initiatives  and  overall  productivity
improvements.

Underlying Banking Expense to Income Ratio

57.4%

57.7%

58%

56%

54%

52%

50%

54.2%

54.0%

52.6%

54.1%

51.4%

52.0%

Jun-01

Dec-01

Jun-02

Dec-02

Jun-03

Annual

Half Yearly

The  expense  to  income  ratio  for  the  six  months
ended  30  June  2003  is  51.4%  an  improvement  from
52.6% for the six months ended 31 December 2002.

Operating Expenses – Included for the First Time

Operating expenses included for the first time within
the banking business were $217 million.  This includes the
expense of ESAP of $41 million and strategic initiatives of
$176 million.

The  key  banking  initiatives  were  the  re-organisation
within  the  retail  banking  and  the  redesign  of  system  and
relationship  management  processes 
the  business
banking and corporate banking segments.

in 

Bad and Doubtful Debts

The  total  charge  for  bad  and  doubtful  debts  for  the
year ended 30 June 2003 was $305 million, a decrease of
$144 million from $449 million in 2002.

The  prior  year  included  a  small  number  of  large
lending  exposures,  which
corporate  and  commercial 
became impaired during the first half of that financial year.

Taxation Expense

The  corporate 

is  $938  million,  an
tax  charge 
increase of 15% or $122 million on the prior financial year.
The  primary  cause  of  the  increased  tax  charge  has  been
increased  profits.      The  effective  rate  of  taxation  for  the
current year is 29.4%, an increase from 28.3% in the prior
year.      This  reflects  the  utilisation  of  capital  losses  in  the
prior year, which has not recurred in the current year.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Banking Analysis (continued)

Major Balance Sheet Items

Major Balance Sheet Items (gross of impairment) - by Product

Gross housing
Securitisation
Housing (net of securitisation)
Personal (1)
Business and Corporate (1)
Bank acceptances
Total Lending Assets

30/06/03
$M

106,683
(6,480)
100,203
12,369
49,305
13,197
175,074

30/06/02
$M

92,886
(7,047)
85,839
11,551
51,309
12,517
161,216

Trading & Investment Securities

21,471

19,155

Deposits and Other Public Borrowings

140,974

132,800

Debt Issues

30,629

23,575

(1)    Balances have been restated in 2002 due to reclassification of some products from Business and Corporate to Personal.

Major Balance Sheet Items (gross of impairment) - by Business
Retail:
Lending assets
Deposits
Total

Asia Pacific:
Lending assets
Trading & investment securities
Debt issues
Deposits
Total

Institutional and Business:
Lending assets
Trading & investment securities
Debt issues
Deposits
Total

30/06/03
$M

100,134
68,702
168,836

19,880
2,953
2,570
17,168
42,571

55,060
18,518
28,059
55,104
156,741

30/06/02
$M

87,531
65,835
153,366

16,951
2,126
2,405
13,916
35,397

56,735
17,029
21,170
53,049
147,983

Increase/
(Decrease)
%

15
(8)
17
7
(4)
5
9

12

6

30

Increase/
(Decrease)
%

                  14
                    4
                  10

                  17
                  39
                    7
                  23
                  20

(3)
                    9
                  33
                    4
                    6

Home Loan Balances by Product Type

Lending Assets

Line of Credit
8%

Investment
28%

)

m
$
(

200,000

180,000

160,000

140,000

120,000

100,000

80,000

60,000

40,000

20,000

0

12,075

53,785

10,405

73,511

12,517

51,309

11,551

85,839

13,197

49,305

12,369

100,203

2001

2002

2003

Housing

Personal

Business Lending

Bank Acceptances

Ow ner 
Occupied
64%

15

   
Banking Analysis (continued)

Retail

Lending Assets

Retail  banking  lending  assets  was  $100  billion,  an
increase of $12 billion or 14% over the prior year.  Lending
assets comprises Australian Home Lending and Personal
Lending.

Housing

Home  loan  outstandings  have  increased  by  16%
over  the  prior  year.    This  reflects  strong  performance  in
proprietary networks and a growing  share  of  the  3rd  party
broker  market.        This  growth  was  primarily  achieved  in
line with market demand as a result of the low interest rate
environment  and  increased  demand  for  investment  home
loans influenced by the volatile equity markets.  This was
combined  with  customer  service  and  retention  initiatives
undertaken during the year.

The  Bank  maintained  its  position  as  Australia’s
leading  home 
loan  provider,  however  market  share
declined  from  19.9%  at  31  March  2002  to  19.5%  at  31
March  2003  (Source:  APRA  Residentially  Secured  All
Lenders).    The  Bank  has  increased  its  share  of  the  3rd
party broker market to 15% at March 2003 compared with
12% at March 2002.

Recent  approvals  and  fundings  have  remained

strong.

Personal Lending

Personal  lending  includes  Personal  loans,  Credit

Cards and Margin Loans.

The  Banks  market  share  of  personal  credit  cards
increased  from  22.8%  at  30  June  2002  to  22.9%  at  31
May  2003  (Source:  RBA  Credit  Card  Balances).    The
above  market  growth  was  driven  by  effective  sales  and
marketing campaigns.

Margin 
approximately 10%.

lending  balances  have 

increased  by

Personal loan balances declined marginally over the
year although the second half performance was  stronger.
The  market  for  traditional  personal  lending  products
remains under pressure from alternative financing options
such as credit cards and home loan redraw facilities.

Retail Deposits

Retail deposit balances at 30 June 2003 were $68.7
billion, an increase of $2.9 billion over the prior year.   This
growth  was  driven  by 
for  cash
management  products  and  is  reflective  of  weak  equity
markets and new compliance requirements on the sale of
cash management trusts.  This has been partly offset by a
slight reduction in transaction account balances.

increased  demand 

The Bank is the largest acceptor of retail deposits in
Australia  with  a  market  share  of  24.8%  at  31  May  2003
compared with 24.7% at June 2002 (Source: RBA)

Asia Pacific

Lending Assets

Lending  volumes  growth  was  high  primarily  driven
by  the  New  Zealand  business.    Within  this  business  the
growth  in  housing  lending  was  18%,  rural  lending  grew
total
24%,  business-lending  growth  was  19%,  and 
advances  increased  by  12%.  This  compared  with  the
annual  market  growth  rate  of  9.1%  as  measured  by
Private  Sector  Credit  (Residents  only)  (Source:  Reserve
Bank of New Zealand).

including 

Record  growth  in  ASB’s  home  loan  approvals  was
the  result  of  its  significant  presence  in  the  more  rapidly
growing  Auckland  market,  effective  Spring  and  Summer
together  with  positive  market
marketing  campaigns, 
dynamics 
favourable  economic  conditions,
stable  interest  rates,  and  high  immigration  levels.    ASB’s
share of the retail lending market nationwide increased to
20.4%  by  30  April  2003  (30  June  2002,  19.6%)  and  its
share  of  the  rural  lending  market  reached  12.9%  by  30
April 2003 (30 June 2002, 12.5%) (Source: Reserve Bank
of New Zealand).

Deposits

ASB’s total deposit growth was 13%  compared  with
market  growth  of  8.2%  (Source:  Reserve  Bank  of  New
Zealand).    The  majority  of  ASB’s  deposits  were  sourced
from term investments,  with safety  and  security  of capital
being the primary drivers.

Institutional and Business

Lending Assets

Lending assets of $55.1 billion have declined by 3%
from $56.7 billion in the prior year.  This is primarily due to
lower foreign currency lending balances, reflecting activity
as  well  as  the  strengthening  of  the  Australian  dollar
relative  to  other  currencies.    Domestic  lending  balances
were flat over the year; however this included the effect of
syndication in the current year of bridge finance advanced
shortly prior to 30  June  2002,  as  well  as continued  credit
portfolio  management,  in  particular  with  respect  to  large
exposures.    The  Bank’s  market  share  of  Domestic
Business  Lending  is  14.3%  at  June  2003  compared  with
15.2% at June 2002 (Source: RBA).

Trading and Investment Securities

Trading  and  investment  securities  have  increased
9%  on  the  prior  year.    This  is  primarily  due  to  short-term
treasury deposits arising as a result of funding operations.

Debt Issues

Debt  Issues  were  $28  billion,  an  increase  of  $7
billion on the prior year with the Bank taking advantage of
the  low  interest  rate  environment  and  accessible  funding
markets  offshore.    This  provides  the  Bank  with  greater
liquidity to fund future lending asset growth.

Deposits

Deposits were $55 billion, an increase of $2 billion or
4%  on  the  prior  year.      This  is  due  to  strong  growth  in
business  and  corporate  deposits,  as  a  result  of  strong
growth  in  business  cheque  accounts  and  cash  deposit
accounts,  through  market  share  growth  in  transaction
services.

16

Banking Analysis (continued)

Provisions for Impairment

General provisions
Specific provisions
Total Provisions

Total provisions for impairment/gross impaired assets
net of interest reserved (%)

Specific provisions for impairment/gross impaired assets
net of interest reserved (%)

General provisions/risk weighted assets (%)

Bad debt expense/risk weighted assets (%)

Total  provisions  for  impairment  for  the  Bank  at  30
June 2003 were $1,530 million, down 5.9% from 30 June
2002. This level of provisioning is considered adequate to
cover  any  bad  debt  write  offs  from  the  current  lending
portfolio having regard to the current outlook.

Specific  provisions  for  impairment  have  decreased
24.1% from $270 million at 30 June 2002 to  $205  million
at  30  June  2003,  primarily  as  a  result  of  lower  corporate
defaults  in  the  year  as  well  as  a  number  of  provision
reductions  due  to  better  than  anticipated  recoveries  and
provision write-offs.

30/06/03
$M

30/06/02
$M

1,325
205
1,530

239.4

32.08

0.90

0.21

1,356
270
1,626

183.9

30.54

0.96

0.32

The general provisions for impairment have reduced
to  $1,325  million  at  30  June  2003  from  $1,356  million  at
30 June 2002, a decrease of 2.3%. The general provision
as  a  percentage  of  Risk  Weighted  Assets  reduced  to
0.90%  from  0.96%.  This  level  is  consistent  with  that  of
other major  Australian  banks. The  general  provision  as  a
percentage of risk weighted assets has declined over the
last  3  years  reflecting  the  fact  that  the  major  growth  in
credit has been in home loans which have lower credit risk
than  other  portfolios.  Gross  impaired  assets  less  interest
reserved have decreased 27.7% from $884 million to $639
million over the year.  This has been primarily due to lower
corporate  defaults  in  the  year  as  well  as  a  number  of
provision  reductions  due 
than  anticipated
recoveries and provision write-offs.

to  better 

250,000

200,000

150,000

100,000

50,000

-

A -

A -

A -

B B B

B B B -

A -

A -

A +

A +

A -

A A -

A A A

A +

B B B -

B B B +

B B

A +

B B B

B B B +

B B B

i

l

t
n
e
a
v
u
q
E
r
o
g
n
i
t
a
R
P
&
S

Growth in assets of $15bn drives grow th on balance sheet RWA of $5bn

199,568

77,474

86,378 

13,401
22,315

+7% ($15bn)

214,718

-$3bn

74,472

+$18bn

103,987

12,427
23,832

Jun-02

Face Value

Jun-03

123,343

77,474

43,189 

Jun-02

Risk Weighting 0%

Risk Weighting 20%

Risk Weighting 50%

+4% ($5bn)

-$3bn

128,950

74,472

+$9bn

51,993

Risk Weighted Value
Risk Weighing 100%

Jun-03

T o p  2 0   E x p o s u r e s   t o  C o r p o r a t e s   ( C o m m it t e d )

Top 2 0  Ex pos ure s  a s  a  % of Tota l Com m itte d Ex pos ure

4 .2 0 %

3 .6 3 %

3 .4 4 %

3 .3 0 %

4 .5 0 %

4 .0 0 %

3 .5 0 %

3 .0 0 %

2 .5 0 %

2 .0 0 %

1 .5 0 %

1 .0 0 %

0 .5 0 %

0 .0 0 %

0

1 0 0

2 0 0

3 0 0

4 0 0

5 0 0

6 0 0

$  m illio n s

D e c 0 1

Ju n  0 2

D e c 0 2

Ju n  0 3

17

 
 
 
 
    
(37)
13
-
(43)

(9)
(1)

6
-

(8)
(8)
large

22
16
(5)

Funds Management Analysis

Key Performance Indicators

Profitability
Underlying Profit after Income Tax
Shareholder investment returns (after tax)
Operating expenses - included for first time (after tax)
Net Profit after Income Tax ("cash basis")

Full Year Ended

30/06/03
$M

30/06/02
$M

Increase/
(Decrease)
%

228
9
(29)
208

360
8
-
368

Operating Income
Operating income
Operating income to average funds under management (%)

1,104
             1.16

              1,213
                1.17

Operating Expenses
Comparable business
First time

Funds Under Management
Funds under management - average
Funds under management - spot
Net flows

807
42

                761
-

95,333
94,207
(3,725)

        104,027
          102,838
            4,776

Productivity and Other Measures
Expenses to average funds under management - actual (%)
Expenses to average funds under management - underlying (%)
Effective corporate tax rate (%)

0.89
0.85
                20

                 0.73
              0.73
                   21

Financial Performance and Business Review

Performance Highlights

The  results  for  the  funds  management  business
were  impacted  by  market  conditions,  with  cash  profit
contribution for the year of $208 million after tax.

Excluding  the  expenses  from  restructure  initiatives
and shareholder investment returns the underlying profit is
$228  million  a  37%  decrease  on  the  prior  year.    This
primarily  reflects  the  effect  of  depressed  equity  markets
for  most  of  the  year  on  funds  under  management,  lower
fund  flows  and  the  impact  of  increased  compliance  and
regulatory expenses.

Business Review

investment  products  and 

The  year  was  characterised  by  declining  world
for
equity  markets;  changing  customer  preferences 
managed 
the
to 
regulatory  environment.    The  uncertainty  for  consumers
created by the third straight year of negative equity returns
and  the  effects  of  other  world  events  such  as  the  war  on
terrorism  placed  pressure  on  net  fund  flows  for  the
industry  as  a  whole.    The  negative  returns  on  equity
markets  also  impacted  on  the  existing  funds  under
management and associated fee revenue.

reforms 

In addition to these external influences  the  changes
in  management  in  the  earlier  part  of  the  year  and  the
resultant  downgrading  of  ratings  on  certain  Colonial  First
State  funds  by  some  research  houses  contributed  to  the
adverse 
the  business.  The  scheduled
withdrawal  of  funds  by Winterthur  in the  UK  and  the  sale
of the UK private clients business had a structural impact
on the business.

flow  of 

fund 

Against  this  background  increased  emphasis  was
placed  on  customer  retention  and  improving  product  and
distribution offerings.  The key initiatives included:
(cid:1) 

First  Choice  product,  which  was  launched  in  May
2002,  performed  strongly,  achieving  $3.2  billion  in
funds by 30 June 2003.  The business retained more
than 60% of these funds to manage internally.

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

In  September  2002,  the  respective  unit  holders
approved the merger of Colonial First State Property
Trust Group (CFT) with the Commonwealth Property
Office Funds (CPA) and Gandel Retail Trust (GAN).
The  merger  resulted  in  CPA  and  GAN  creating  two
leading sector specific listed property  trusts  and  the
addition  of  $2.2  billion  in  FUM.  These  businesses
have  now  been  successfully  integrated  and  further
strengthen the Bank’s position as a leading property
fund manager.
The  establishment  of  a  strategic  alliance  with  452
Capital,  giving  exposure  to  the  growing  boutique
segment of the funds management industry.
Extension  of  the  First  Choice  product  offering  into
the business superannuation market with the launch
of “First Choice Employer Super”.
Rationalising our position in the  UK  market  with  the
sale  of  the  Stewart  Ivory  Private  Client  business
funds
giving  a  clearer 
management business in the UK.
The investment team in  the  UK  continues  to  deliver
solid  investment  results  against  benchmark,  and
fund  flows  in  the  second  half  of  the  year  increased
substantially.
The  key  strategic  initiatives  implemented  during  the
year  were  focused  on  process  and  system  simplification
and eliminating duplication.  The key initiatives included:
(cid:1) 
integration  of 

focus  on  our  core 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

Successful 
the  Commonwealth
Investment  Management  business  with  Colonial
First  State  Investments,  achieved  with  minimal  loss
of FUM.
Rationalisation  of  the  on-sale  product  range.  In
particular  the  Colonial  First  State  product  suite  has
largely  been  adopted  as  the  on-sale  product  suite,
with  most  of  the  older  products  from  other  entities
being closed to new business.
Commencement  of  a  migration  product  within  the
closed  products,  aimed  at  reducing  the  number  of
products and systems.

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

18

Funds Management Analysis (continued)

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

The continued migration of closed products into First
State products and onto the First State platform.
The sale of the Bank’s custody business to National
Australia Bank.
Going  forward,  the  funds  management  business  is

positioned well for future growth through its:
(cid:1) 

Strong  market  position  and  scale  across  all
segments  of  the  value  chain  with  the  number  one
market  share  of  retail  funds  under  management  at
14.8%  at  30  June  2003,  a  decrease  from  15.5%  at
June 2002 (Source: Plan for Life).

Profit Summary

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

Broad  and  diversified  distribution,  including  further
sales  growth  opportunities  through  the  retail  branch
and premium distribution channels.
A  strong  brand  in  both  the  investor  and  adviser
market places through Colonial First State.

Funds Management
Operating income - external
Operating income - internal
Total Operating Income
Shareholder investment returns
Policyholder tax benefits
Funds Management Income
Operating expenses - comparable business
Operating expenses - included for the first time
Total Operating Expenses
Net Profit before Income Tax
Policyholder tax benefits
Corporate tax expense
Outside equity interests
Net Profit after Income Tax ("cash basis")

Full Year Ended

30/06/03
$M

30/06/02
$M

Increase/
(Decrease)
%

                1,091
13
1,104
13
(62)
 1,055
 807
 42
 849
 206
(62)
 54
 6
 208

1,200
13
1,213
12
(65)
1,160
761
-
761
399
(65)
96
-
368

(9)
-
(9)
8
(5)
(9)
6
-
12
(48)
(5)
(44)
-
(43)

Operating Income

Productivity Efficiency

Operating  income  for  the  year  is  $1,104  million,  a
$109  million  or  9%  decrease  on  the  prior  year.    Despite
market  conditions  and  significant  changes  in  the  product
mix,  the  operating  income  to  average 
funds  under
management ratio has been stable at 1.16%.

The  key  driver  of  the  reduction  in  operating  income
has  been  the  decline  in  funds  under  management,  which
has  been  adversely  affected,  by  the  decline  in  equity
markets.

Shareholder Investment Returns

Shareholder  investment  returns  of  $13  million  were

consistent with the prior year.

Operating Expenses – Comparable Businesses

Expenses  for  the  year  were  $807  million,  a  $46

(cid:1) 

million or 6% increase on the prior year.   This reflects:
(cid:1) 

An  increase  in  expenses  associated  with  ASB’s
funds  management  business  whose  share  of  retail
managed  fund  inflows  remained  consistently  in  the
top three of all fund managers in New Zealand.
Increased  expenses 
in
complying  with  new  regulatory  changes,  increased
compliance  expenses  on 
legacy  business  and
underlying staff expense increases.   This was partly
offset  by  lower  commissions  as  a  result  of  lower
volumes of inflows.

in  Australia, 

incurred 

)

m
$
(

M
U
F
e
g
a
r
e
v
A

110,000

100,000

90,000

80,000

70,000

60,000

Underlying Expenses to Average FUM

0.81%

0.85%

0.73%

104,027

94,832

95,333

Jun-01

Jun-02

Jun-03

Average FUM

Underlying Exp/Average FUM

0.96%

0.86%

0.76%

0.66%

0.56%

0.46%

0.36%

0.26%

)

%

(

M
U
F

/

e
g
a
r
e
v
A
p
x
E
g
n
i
y
l
r
e
d
n
U

Expenses  as  a  percentage  of  average  FUM
increased over the year, reflecting the fall in funds and an
increase in expenses.

Operating Expenses – Included for the First Time

These  expenses  include  the  expenses  of  strategic
initiatives.    The  strategic  initiatives  undertaken  during  the
year  were  the  sale  of  the  Bank’s  custody  business,
integration of the Commonwealth and Colonial First State
Funds  Management  business  and  commencement  of  a
migration and rationalisation program for closed products.

19

 
 
 
 
 
Funds Management Analysis (continued)

Taxation

The  corporate  taxation  charge  for  the  year  is  $54
million  a  reduction  of  44%  on  the  prior  year.      This
reduction  is  in  line  with  the  reduction  in profits with the

effective  tax  rate  stable  at  20%.  The  effective  tax  rate  in
the funds management business is below the standard tax
rate  of  30%  primarily  as  a 
transitional
concessions on business written within life insurance legal
entities.

result  of 

Funds Under Management

First Choice
Cash management trusts
Retail
Wholesale
Total FUM

First Choice
Cash management trusts
Retail
Wholesale
Total FUM

Opening
Balance
30/06/02
$M
561
5,634
51,089
45,554
102,838

Opening
Balance
30/06/01
$M
-
6,172
51,902
43,407
101,481

Full Year Ended 30 June 2003

Inflows Outflows
$M
(578)
(1,970)
(12,630)
(16,506)
(31,684)

$M
3,206
1,121
11,052
12,580
27,959

Investment Acquisitions &
Disposals
$M
-
-
2,158
(5,000)
(2,842)

Income
$M
22
178
(562)
(501)
(863)

Full Year Ended 30 June 2002

Inflows Outflows
$M
-
(6,464)
(12,407)
(12,181)
(31,052)

$M
561
5,637
14,509
15,121
35,828

Investment Acquisitions &
Disposals
$M
-
-
-
-
-

Income
$M
-
289
(1,720)
(1,557)
(2,988)

Other
Movements
& Transfers(1)
$M
-
-
(638)
(563)
(1,201)

Other
Movements
& Transfers(1)
$M
-
-
(1,195)
764
(431)

Closing
Balance
30/06/03
$M
3,211
4,963
50,469
35,564
94,207

Closing
Balance
30/06/02
$M
561
5,634
51,089
45,554
102,838

(1) 

Includes foreign exchange gains and losses from translation of UK Funds Management business

Funds Under Management

Funds  under  management  were  $94  billion  at  30
June 2003, a decline of $8 billion or 8% on the prior year.
This  result  is  comprised  of  net  outflows  of  $4  billion,
investment return losses of $1 billion and net disposals of
$3  billion.    The  majority  of  these  movements  occurred  in
the first half of the year.

First Choice

First Choice Funds have increased to $3.2 billion as
at 30 June 2003.   This product was launched in May 2002
and enhanced during the year with the launch of the First
Choice  Corporate  super  product.      The  performance  has
been  very  positive,  with  the  business  retaining  over  60%
of these funds to manage internally.

Cash Management Trusts

Funds  in  the  Cash  Management  Trust  were  $5
billion, a decrease of 12% or $0.6 billion on the prior year.
The  reduction  in  funds  invested  in  the  cash  management
trust  was  more  than  offset  by  the  flow  of  funds  into  the
banking  retail  deposit  product  and  largely  reflected  the
higher rates available on the banking products as well as
new,  more  onerous  compliance  requirements  on  the  sale
of cash management trusts.

Retail

Retail  funds  under  management  were  $50  billion,  a
decrease of 1.2% over the prior year.   This result includes
$2.2 billion acquired as part of the Gandel transaction.

20

The  net  flows  from  other  retail  products  were
impacted  by  some  substitution  of  sales  from  these
products  into  First  Choice,  the  combined  impact  was  a
funds inflow of $1 billion.

The  other  primary  cause  of  the  outflows  has  been
customer  sentiment  regarding  investment  markets,  and  a
slowing  of  inflows  and  increased  redemptions  on  equity
based products.  Consistent with this change in sentiment
the  business  has  also seen  a  shift  from  international  and
Australian equity products to  more  defensive  investments
such as property and fixed interest.

Wholesale

Wholesale  funds  under  management  were  $35
billion,  a  decrease  of  $10  billion  from  the  prior  year.
Included  within  this  decline  was  an  outflow  of  $3.5  billion
following  the  previous  sale  of  the  UK  life  business  to
Winterthur  and  $1.5  billion  in  relation  to  the  sale  by  First
State  UK  of  its  private  client  business.      The  underlying
reduction  of  $5  billion  includes  $0.5  billion  of  investment
losses as a result of market  volatility  and  $4  billion  in  net
outflows.      The  net  out  flows  occurred  primarily  in  the
Australian  business  as  a  result  of  lost  equity  mandates
following the departure of personnel in the first half of the
financial year. Consistent with the trend in retail products,
there  was  also  a  slowing  of  inflows  and  increased
redemptions  of  equity  products  generally,  which  was
exacerbated by some downgrades in researcher ratings of
the Colonial First State Australian equity funds.

Funds Management Analysis (continued)

Funds Under Management
Geographical Segment

Australia
United Kingdom
New Zealand
Asia
Total

30/06/03
$M

78,359
6,908
6,063
2,877
94,207

30/06/02
$M

81,670
12,089
5,690
3,389
102,838

Increase/
(Decrease)
%

(4)
(43)
7
(15)
(8)

21

Life Insurance Analysis

Key Performance Indicators

Profitability
Underlying Profit after Income Tax
Shareholder investment returns (after tax)
Net Profit after Income Tax ("cash basis")

Regional Net Profit after Income Tax - ("cash basis")
Australia
New Zealand
Asia

Operating Income
Operating income

Operating Expenses
Comparable business

Annual Inforce Premiums
Australia
New Zealand
Asia

Productivity and Other Measures
Expenses to average inforce premiums (%)
Effective corporate tax rate (%)

Financial Performance and Business Review

Performance Highlights

The Life Insurance profit increased by $56 million or
85%  over  the  prior  year  to  $122  million.      Excluding
investment  returns  the  underlying  operating  performance
was $58 million, a $17 million or 41% improvement on the
prior  year.      The  improvement  in  underlying  performance
reflected  a  turnaround  in  the  Asian  business  and  strong
profit  growth  in  New  Zealand,  partly  offset  by  a  one  off
write down of an asset in the Australian Business.

Business Review

Australia

The  Australian  business  grew  strongly  (9%  inforce
premiums)  in  a  difficult  market  to  become  Australia’s
largest  writer  of  Life  risk  premium  with  15.0%  market
share.

During 

Growth  was  achieved  through  product  innovation,
diversifying distribution and focusing on customer service.
introduced  some
innovative  new  benefits  and  options  on  personal  risk
products,  with  several  firsts  in  the  market  such  as  cash
back, accidental death top ups and loyalty benefits.

the  year  CommInsure 

In addition, diversification of new business sales has
been  achieved  by  an  increase  in  the  business  volumes
being  written  through  the  network  channel  and  also  from
increased telemarketing capacity.

Initiatives 

in 

improving  customer  service  and

productivity implemented during the year were:
(cid:1) 

Assistance  to  customers  in  completing  disability
income tax statements.

22

Full Year Ended

30/06/03
$M

30/06/02
$M

Increase/
(Decrease)
%

58
64
122

71
46
5

41
25
66

84
28
(46)

634

                659

                   484

                 524

                     575
                  221
                      84

                    527
                    187
                       96

                   57.3
                        16

                  68.8
                     38

41
large
85

(15)
64
large

(4)

(8)

9
18
(13)

(16)
(58)

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

Development of a new front end delivery system for
use in the retail network.
Introduction of continuation of insurance cover when
loans were paid out or refinanced.
The  business  was  impacted  by  a  failure  of  a  large

investment that resulted in a $30 million loss.

New Zealand

The  life  insurance  operations  in  New  Zealand  trade

predominantly under the Sovereign brand.

Sovereign  maintained  its  market leadership  position
with  market  share  of  in-force  business  premium  income
increasing to 28.3% at April 2003 compared with 26.2% at
April  2002  (source:  ISI).    This  was  achieved  through
product re-pricing, above market persistency rates and the
continued roll out of Sovereign’s distribution model.

The  major  focus  during  the  year  was  streamlining
and improving customer service, a review of key business
processes and legacy systems, the creation of ASB Group
Investments  providing  synergies  between  Sovereign  and
ASB’s  investment  business  and  Phase  1  of  a  product
rationalisation and simplification program.

Asia

Asia  covers  our 

insurance  and  pension
life 
administration  operations  in  Hong  Kong,  and  our  life
businesses in China, Vietnam, Indonesia and Fiji.  During
the  year  the  Philippines  life  insurance  operation  was
divested.

Life Insurance Analysis (continued)

North  Asian  economies 

faced  difficult  market
conditions  during  the  financial  year  due  to  the  impact  of
the  SARS  crisis.    The  life  industry  across  the  region  also
suffered from volatility in international equity markets.
these 

the  Asian
business  improved  its  results,  primarily  as  a  result  of  the
following key initiatives:

Notwithstanding 

conditions, 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

third  party  pension 

The  Hong  Kong  pension  administration  business
(Commserve  Financial)  became  Hong  Kong’s
largest 
fund  administrator
following  the  insourcing  of  additional  third  party
pension administration business.   This provides the
business with a stronger income stream.
Expense  control 
operations, and
Disposal of the loss making Philippines business.

the  Hong  Kong

initiatives 

in 

Profit Summary

Summary Financial Performance
(excluding appraisal value (reduction)/uplift)

Life Insurance
Operating income
Shareholder investment returns
Policyholder tax
Total Life Insurance Income
Operating expenses - comparable business external
Operating expenses - comparable business internal
Net Profit before Income Tax
Income tax expense attributable to:
Policyholder
Corporate
Net Profit after Income Tax ("cash basis")

Full Year Ended

30/06/03
$M

30/06/02
$M

Increase/
(Decrease)
%

552
78
4
634
471
13
150

4
24
122

595
35
29
659
511
13
135

29
40
66

(7)
large
(86)
(4)
(8)
-
11

(86)
(40)
85

Operating Income

Operating Expenses

Operating  Income  was  $552  million  for  the  year,  a
decrease of 7% or $43 million on the prior year.      This  is
primarily  due  to  a  significant  write  down  of  an  individual
asset  in  the  Australian  annuity  fund  of  $30  million
combined with a reduction in income in Asia following the
sale  of  the  Philippine  business.    Underlying  performance
has been positive across all regions.

Shareholder Investment Returns

Shareholder investment returns were $78 million for
the year, an  increase  of  $43  million  or  123%  on  the  prior
year.   This reflected the rebound in global equity markets
in the second half of the year.

Operating  expenses  were  $484  million,  a  decline  of
$40 million on the prior year.   This primarily reflected the
sale  of  the  Philippine  business  in  Asia,  a  reduction  in
operating expenses in Hong Kong as a result  of  expense
control  initiatives,  and  a  reduction  in  business  start  up
expenses.

Corporate Taxation

The  corporate  tax  expense  was  $24  million  a
reduction  from  the  prior  period  of  $16  million.    The
effective  tax  rate  in  the  prior  year  reflected  losses  in  the
Asian  business.    There  was  no  tax  benefit  booked  in
respect  of  these  losses,  as  it  was  not  considered  to  be
virtually  certain  that  the  losses  would  be  recovered.    The
current  year  result  reflects  a  small  profit  from  the  Asian
business.

Sources of Profit from Life Insurance Activities
The Margin on Services profit from ordinary activities after income tax is represented by:

30/06/03
$M

Full Year Ended

30/06/02
$M

Increase/
(Decrease)
%

Planned profit margins
Experience variations
New business losses / reversal of capitalised losses
Operating margins
After tax shareholder investment returns
Operating (Loss)/Profit after Income Tax

104
(38)
(8)
58
64
122

94
(43)
(10)
41
25
66

11
(12)
20
41
large
85

23

Life Insurance Analysis (continued)

Experience  variations  for  the  year  were  $38  million.
This comprised negative experience of $48 million for the
first half of the year, partly offset by favourable experience
of  $10m  in  the  second  half  of  the  year.    The  following
experiences contributed to the first half results:
(cid:1)  Write  down  on  an  investment  within  the  Australian

business of $30 million.

(cid:1)  Worse  than  long  term  plan  persistency  within  the

(cid:1) 

Asian and New Zealand business.
Start  up  expenses  in  the  Asian  Business,  being
primarily  China,  Vietnam  and 
the  Pension
Retirement business in Hong Kong.

The second half favourable experiences reflect:

Geographical Analysis of Business Performance

(cid:1) 

Reduction  in  start  up  expenses  in  Asia,  following
cost control initiatives and  the  sale  of  the  Philippine
business, partly offset by

(cid:1)  Worse  than  long  term  plan  persistency  within  the

Asian and New Zealand business.
The  prior  full  year  experience  variations  of  $43

million included:
(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

Adverse  claims  experience  in  the  New  Zealand
business.
Although  continuing  to  improve,  worse  than  long
term plan persistency within the Asian Business.
Start up expenses in Asia.
The magnitude of the Asian persistency and start up
expenses  reduced  in  the  current  year,  contributing  to  the
improved Asian result.

(cid:1) 

Underlying Profit after Income Tax

Australia

New Zealand

Asia

Total

Full Year Ended

30/06/03 30/06/02 30/06/03 30/06/02 30/06/03 30/06/02 30/06/03 30/06/02
$M

$M

$M

$M

$M

$M

$M

$M

Operating margins
Investment earnings on assets in excess
of policyholder liabilities
Net Profit after Income Tax

36

35
71

66

18
84

Australia

31

15
46

Asia

25

3
28

(9)

14
5

(50)

4
(46)

58

64
122

41

25
66

The Australian result for the year was $71 million, a

The  Asian  result  for  the  year  was  $5  million

reduction of $13 million or 15% on prior year.

Operating  margins  were  $36  million  a  reduction  of
$30  million  on  the  prior  year,  reflecting  the  write  off  of  a
significant asset in the first half of this year.

New Zealand

The profit contribution of the New Zealand business

was $46 million, a 64% increase on the prior year.

investment 

The  operating  margin  was  $31  million,  a  24%
the  prior  year.  Adverse  morbidity  and
increase  on 
disability  claims  and 
losses  on  annuity
business  impacted  the  prior  period  result.    The  current
period result reflected favourable foreign exchange benefit
and  claims  experience  as  a  result  of  improved  claims
management, partly offset by higher than planned lapses.
The  lapse  rate  was  however,  below  that  experienced  in
the industry.

compared with a loss of $46 million in the prior year.

Operating  margins  were  a 

loss  of  $9  million
compared  with  a  prior  year  loss  of  $50  million.      The
improvement reflected the following:
(cid:1) 

result  of 

income  stream  as  a 

the
Stronger 
development  of  the  pension  fund  administration
business.
One-off charges and new business losses, primarily
in the Philippines, adversely impacted the prior year
result.
The current period result reflects improved  expense
control,  particularly  in  maintenance  expenses,  and
improved persistency compared with the prior year.

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

Annual Inforce Premiums
Personal
Group
Total

Australia
New Zealand
Asia
Total

Full Year Ended 30 June 2003

Opening
Sales/New
Balance
Business
30/06/02
$M
$M
581                      128
229                        59
810                      187

527
187
96
810

128
43
16
187

24

Lapses
$M
(78)
(30)
(108)

(80)
(16)
(12)
(108)

Other
Movements
$M
(6)
(3)
(9)

                   -
7
(16)
(9)

Closing
Balance
30/06/03
$M
            625
            255
            880

575
221
84
880

Life Insurance Analysis (continued)

Annual Inforce Premiums
Personal
Group
Total

Australia
New Zealand
Asia
Total

Full Year Ended 30 June 2002

Opening
Sales/New
Balance
Business
30/06/01
$M
$M
525                      137
189                        62
714                      199

463
161
90
714

124
52
23
199

Lapses
$M
(81)
(22)
(103)

(60)
(26)
(17)
(103)

Other
Movements
$M
                    -
                    -
                    -

                   -
                   -
                   -
                   -

Closing
Balance
30/06/02
$M
            581
            229
            810

527
187
96
810

Annual inforce premiums increased by $70 million or
9%  on  the  prior  year.      This  reflected  an  improvement  in
the lapse rate from 14.4% in the prior year to 13.3% in the
current year.

The  Bank’s  Australian  market  share  of  inforce
premiums  was  15.0%  at  March  2003,  an  increase  from
14.9% at June 02 (Source: Plan for Life).

Sovereign’s  market  share  of  inforce  premiums  was
28.3% at April 2003, compared with 26.2% at June 2002.
Market  share  of  new  business  was  stable  at  27.0%
(Source ISI).

25

Shareholder Investment Returns

Shareholder Investment Returns
Funds Management Business
Life Insurance Business
Shareholder Investment Returns before Tax
Taxation
Shareholder Investment Returns after Tax

Full Year Ended

30/06/03
$M
13
78
91
18
73

30/06/02
$M
12
35
47
14
33

Increase/
(Decrease)
%
8
large
94
29
large

Shareholder Investments Asset Mix (%)
Local equities
International equities
Property
Other (1)
Subtotal
Fixed interest
Cash
Subtotal
Total

Australia
30/06/03
%
                  27
                    7
                  15
                     -
                  49
                  11
                  40
                  51
                100

New Zealand
30/06/03
%
                    1
                  12
                    3
                  10
                  26
                  19
                  55
                  74
                100

Asia
30/06/03
%
                  17
                     -
                     -
                  29
                  46
                  54
                     -
                  54
                100

Total
30/06/03
%
                  22
                    6
                  10
                    7
                  45
                  20
                  35
                  55
                100

Shareholder Investments Asset Mix ($M)
Local equities
International equities
Property
Other (1)
Subtotal
Fixed interest
Cash
Subtotal
Total

Australia
30/06/03
$M
 561
 141
 302
 -
 1,004
 235
 778
 1,013
 2,017

New Zealand
30/06/03
$M
 5
 45
 11
 38
 99
 72
 209
 281
 380

Asia
30/06/03
$M
 89
 1
 -
 236
 326
 283
-
 283
 609

Total
30/06/03
$M
655
187
313
 274
 1,429
 590
 987
 1,577
 3,006

(1)     Asia other primarily includes the excess of carrying value over net tangible assets

26

Life Company Valuations

The  following  table  sets  out  the  components  of  the
carrying  values  of  the  Bank’s  life  insurance  and  funds
management 
businesses.  These  were  Directors’
valuations,  based  on  appraisal  values  using  a  range  of
economic  and  business  assumptions  determined  by
management,  which  were  reviewed  by 
independent
actuaries, Trowbridge Deloitte.

In  determining  the  carrying  value,  Directors  have
taken account of a number of market based factors which
result in the adoption of a more conservative valuation that
is $450 million lower at 30 June 2003 ($780 million lower
at  31  December  2002;  $748  million  lower  at  30  June

2002)  than  that  determined  by  Trowbridge  Deloitte.    The
Directors  have  considered  the  potential  impacts  to  the
appraisal  value  from  continued  volatility  and  uncertainty
within  world  equity  markets  and  the  subdued  levels  of
industry funds flows.

Some  of  the  key  factors  allowed  for  within  the
Directors  valuation  at  31  December  2002,  to  reflect
current  market  conditions,  have  now  been  incorporated
into  the  Trowbridge  Deloitte  valuation  at  30  June  2003.
This  has  led  to  a  reduction  in  the  difference  between  the
Directors  valuation  and  the  Trowbridge  Deloitte  valuation
of $330 million.

Carrying Value at 30 June 2003

Shareholders net tangible assets
Value of inforce business
Embedded Value
Value of future new business
Carrying Value

(Decrease)/Increase in Carrying
Value since 30 June 2002

Analysis of Movement Since 30 June 2002

Profits
Capital movements (2)
Dividends paid
Disposals/Acquisitions of business(3)
FX Movements
Change in Shareholders NTA
Acquired excess
Appraisal value (decrease)/uplift
(Decrease)/Increase to 30 June 2003

Funds

Management
$M

754
1,123
1,877
3,596
5,473

(110)

Australia

$M

1,264
245
1,509
79
1,588

178

Life Insurance

New Zealand
$M

380
191
571
278
849

61

Funds
Management
$M

Life Insurance

Australia
$M

New Zealand
$M

208
154
(196)
(110)
(4)
52
129
(291)
(110)

71
98
(111)
-
(3)
55
-
123
178

46
1
-
-
(1)
46
-
15
61

Asia (1)
$M

608
4
612
24
636

Total
$M

3,006
1,563
4,569
3,977
8,546

(163)

(34)

Asia (1)
$M

5
36
-
(20)
(92)
(71)
-
(92)
(163)

Total
$M

330
289
(307)
(130)
(100)
82
129
(245)
(34)

(1)  The Asian life businesses were not held in the market value environment and were carried at net assets plus any excess representing 
the difference between appraisal value and net assets at the time of acquisition. This excess which effectively represents goodwill is 
being amortised on a straight-line basis over 20 years.
Includes capital injections and movements in intergroup loans.

(2) 
(3)  Represents the purchase of management rights in CFS Retail Property Trust, the acquisition of Avanteos, investment in a Chinese funds 
management joint venture, disposal of some Colonial First State UK business and disposal of the Philippines life insurance business.

27

Life Company Valuations (continued)

Change in valuations

The valuations adopted have resulted in a total value
reduction  of  $34  million  since  30  June  2002.      This
comprised a reduction in carrying value of $222 million in
the  period  30  June  2002  to  31  December  2002,  partly
offset by an increase in value of $188 million in the period
31 December 2002 to 30 June 2003.

The main components of the reduction of $34 million

between 30 June 2002 and 30 June 2003 comprised:
(cid:1) 

A  $82  million  increase  in  net  tangible  assets  as
shown above.
Acquired excess of $129 million primarily  in  relation
to  the  merger  of  the  Colonial  First  State  Property
Trust.

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

Group  (CFT)  with  the  Commonwealth  Property
Office  Fund  (CPA)  and  Gandel  Retail  Trust  (GAN)
(“the property trust merger”).
Appraisal value reduction of $245 million.
The  capital  movements 

the  current  period
primarily  include  an  injection  of  capital  into  the  funds
management  business  in  relation  to  the  property  trust
merger.

in 

The  appraisal  value  reduction  for  the  year  of  $245

million reflects:
(cid:1) 

Uncertainty and  low  returns  in  world  equity  markets
and their effect on industry flows.
The  performance  of  the  business  during  the  year.

(cid:1) 

28

Presentation of Financial Information

Definitions

"Cash  basis"  net  profit  after 

In  this  annual  report,  the  Bank  presents  its  profit
from  ordinary  activities  after  tax  on  a  “statutory  basis”,
which  is  calculated  in  accordance  with  Australian  GAAP,
and  on  a  “cash  basis”.  "Cash  basis"  is  defined  by
management  as  net  profit  after  tax  and  outside  equity
funds
interests,  before  goodwill  amortisation  and 
value
management  and 
insurance  appraisal 
life 
(reduction)/uplift. 
tax
represents  profit  derived  from  business  operating  income
and operating expenses after tax. The only items excluded
from  the  net  profit  after  tax  are  goodwill  amortisation  and
appraisal  value  (reduction)/uplift.  Management  believes
"cash  basis"  is  a  meaningful  measure  of  the  Bank’s
performance and provides the basis for the determination
of  the  Bank’s  dividends.  The  goodwill  amortisation  is  an
annual  accounting  charge  to  profit,  with  amortisation
principally  over  a  20-year  period.  The  appraisal  value
reduction or uplift is a movement in the value of the funds
management  and  life  insurance  businesses  which  in  part
is driven by external economic factors  and  markets, such
as world equity markets and interest rates.

The Bank also presents its earnings per share  on  a
statutory  basis  and  on  a  cash  basis.  Earnings  per  share
on a statutory basis are affected by the impact of changes
in  the  appraisal  value  of  our  funds  management  and  life
insurance  businesses.  "Earnings  per  share  (cash  basis)"
is  defined  by  management  as  net  profit  after  tax  and
outside  equity  interests,  before  goodwill  amortisation  and
funds  management  and  life  insurance  appraisal  value
(reduction)/uplift,  divided  by  the  weighed  average  of  the
Bank’s  ordinary  shares  outstanding  over  the  relevant
period.  This  measure  shows  the  "cash  basis"  net  profit
after tax, as described above, per share.

"Operating  Expenses  —  included  for  the  first  time"
refers  to  one-off  costs  associated  with  the  strategic
initiatives  as  outlined  in  the  Bank’s  annual  report  for  the
year  ended  30  June  2002  as  well  as  additional  share-
based  compensation  following  changes  to  the  Bank’s
remuneration  structures  and  policy.  These  one-off  costs
principally  relate  to  restructuring  expenses.  “Operating
expenses  —  included  for  the  first  time”  plus  “operating
expenses  —  comparable  businesses”  is  equal  to  the
Australian  GAAP  measure 
"operating  expenses".
Management  believes  it  is  meaningful  to  highlight  these
items in an analysis of our results.

the 

(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 

"Underlying  profit"  refers  to  profit  after  tax,  cash
basis, before operating expenses included for the first time
and  shareholder  investment  returns.  "Underlying  profit"  is
referred to across all our businesses. The underlying profit
is 
result  of  our  core  operating  performance.
Management  believes  it  is  meaningful  to  highlight  the
underlying  profit  in  order  to  show  performance  on  a
comparable  basis,  in  particular  excluding  the  volatility  of
equity markets and restructuring expenses.
"Underlying" productivity ratios
Exclude expenses included for the “first time”.
Exclude  shareholder  investment  returns  from  funds
management and life insurance income.
Exclude 
funds
management  income  and  life  insurance  income
lines.
In  providing 

ratios,
comparatives for the prior period have also been adjusted.
"Underlying"  productivity  ratios  have  been  presented  to
provide what management believes to be a more relevant
presentation  of  our  productivity  ratios.  Management
believes that these adjustments enable comparison of our
productivity  ratios  from  period  to  period  to  be  more
meaningful as it reflects our core operating performance.

"underlying"  productivity 

policyholder 

from 

the 

tax 

(cid:1) 

.

29

Integrated Risk Management

Risk Management

The 

integrated 

framework
identifies,  assesses,  manages  and  reports  risks  and  risk
adjusted returns on a consistent and reliable basis.

risk  management 

Independent  review  is  carried  out  through  the  audit

role.

The  Group’s  risk  profile 

the
difference  between  capital  available  to  absorb  loss  and
risk as assessed by economic equity required.

is  measured  by 

“Economic  equity”  is  defined  as  the  potential  risk  of
loss  of  one  year’s  earnings,  measured  at  a  standard
consistent with an AA credit rating.

is  derived 

Economic  equity 

from  underlying
exposures to credit, market, operational and life insurance
risks in the banking, life insurance and funds management
businesses  of  the  Group.  In  the  banking  business,
economic equity is a measure of the potential risk of loss
of  cash  earnings. 
funds
management  businesses,  economic  equity  is  a  measure
of  the  potential  risk  of  loss  of  the  fair  value  of  the
business.

insurance  and 

the 

life 

In 

The  composition  of  economic  equity  of  the  Group
during  the  financial  year  ended  30  June  2003  was  53%
credit risk, 13% market risk, 33% operational risk and 1%
insurance risk.

The component measures of economic equity for the
funds  management

insurance  and 

banking, 
life 
businesses were as follows:
(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

Banking;  76%  credit  risk,  4%  market  risk  and  20%
operational risk.
Life  insurance;  41%  market  risk,  53%  operational
risk, 3% credit risk and 3% insurance risk.
Funds  Management;  10%  market  risk  and  90%
operational risk.
The  following  sections  describe  the  integrated  risk

management framework components.

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the potential for loss arising from failure
of  a  debtor  or  counterparty  to  meet  their  contractual
obligations.

Credit  risk  arises  in  the  banking  business  from
lending  activities,  the  provision  of  guarantees  including
letters  of  credit  and  commitments  to  lend,  investment  in
bonds  and  notes  and  financial  markets  transactions  and
other  associated  activities.  In  the  life  insurance  business
credit  risk  arises  from  investment  in  bonds  and  notes,
loans  and  from  reliance  on  reinsurance.  The  funds
management  business  does  not  generally  involve  credit
risk from a shareholder perspective.

The  measurement  of  credit  risk  is  based  on  an
internal  credit  risk  rating  system,  and  utilises  analytical
tools  to  calculate  expected  and  unexpected  loss  for  the
credit portfolio.

The  Group  uses  a  diversified  portfolio  approach  for
the  management  of  credit  risk  (refer  also  Note  14)
comprised of the following:
(cid:1) 

A system of industry limits and targets for exposures
by industry;
A  process  for  considering  the  risk  associated  with
correlations between large exposures;
A 
for  aggregate
large  credit  exposure  policy 
exposures  to  individual  commercial  and  industrial
client  groups  tiered  by  credit  risk  rating  and  loan
duration; and
A system of country limits for geographic exposures.

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

These  policies  assist  in  the  diversification  of  the

credit portfolio.

The  credit  portfolio  is  managed  in  two  distinct

segments:
(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

Statistically Managed Segment
Comprises  exposures  that  are  generally  less  than
$250,000  and  is  dominated  by  the  housing  loan
portfolio.  Other  products  in  this  segment  are  credit
cards,  personal  loans  and  some  leasing  business.
Credit  facilities  are  approved  using  scoring  and
check sheet techniques.
Risk Rated Segment
Comprises  all  other  credit  exposures.  Management
is  based  on  the  internal  credit  risk  rating  system,
which  makes  an  assessment  of  the  potential  for
default  for  each  exposure  and  the  amount  of  loss if
default should occur.
Allowance  for  expected  credit  loss  in  the  banking
business  commences  when  an  exposure  first  arises.  The
expected  loss  is  re-assessed  on  a  regular  basis  and
provisioning adjusted accordingly.

A centralised exposure management system records
all  significant  credit  exposures  of  the  Group.  Customers,
industry,  geographic  and  other  significant  groupings  of
exposure are regularly monitored.

A  centralised  portfolio  model  is  used  to  assess  risk
and  return  on  an  overall  portfolio  basis  and  for segments
of  the  portfolio.  The  model  also  assists  in  determining
economic equity and general provision requirements, and
credit portfolio stress testing.

Market Risk

Market risk is the potential for change in the value of
on and off balance sheet positions caused by a change in
the  value,  volatility  or  relationship  between  market  rates
and prices.

Market  risk  arises  from  the  mismatch  between
assets  and  liabilities  in  both  the  banking  and  insurance
businesses  and  from  controlled  trading  undertaken  in
pursuit of profit. The Group is exposed to diverse financial
instruments  including  interest  rates,  foreign  currencies,
equities  and  commodities  and  transacts  in  both  physical
and derivative instruments.

A discussion and analysis of the Group’s market risk
is  contained  in  Note  39  to  the  financial  statements.
Information  on  trading  securities  is  further  contained  in
Note 10 of the financial statements. Note 2 of the financial
statements  contains  financial  markets  trading  income
contribution to the Group.

In the trading book of the  banking  business,  market
risk  is  measured  by  a  value-at-risk  (VaR)  model.  This
model uses the distribution of historical changes in market
prices  to  assess  the  potential  for  future  losses.  The  VaR
model  takes  into  account  correlations  between  risks  and
the  potential  for  movements  in  one  portfolio  to  offset
movements  in  another.  Actual  results  are  backtested  to
check the validity of the VaR model.
In  addition,  because 

the  VaR  model  cannot
encompass all possible outcomes, tests covering a variety
of stress scenarios are regularly performed to simulate the
effect of extreme market conditions.

30

Integrated Risk Management (continued)

The following table provides a summary of VaR by product. This is one element of the total integrated risk model used by

the Group. Refer Note 39 to the financial statements for further details.

Average VaR
During
June 2003
Half Year
$M

Average VaR
During
December 2002
Half Year
$M

Average VaR
During
June 2002
Half Year
$M

Average VaR
During
December 2001
Half Year
$M

Group (excluding ASB Bank)
Interest rate risk
Exchange rate risk
Implied volatility risk
Equities risk
Commodities risk
Prepayment risk
ASB Bank
Diversification benefit
Total

3.43
1.31
0.62
0.73
0.32
0.38
0.15
(2.32)
4.62

Trading income for 30 June 2003 increased by 2.7%
over  30  June  2002  without  a  significant  increase  in  the
VaR during the period.

In  the  non-traded  book  of  the  banking  business,
a range of techniques is adopted to measure market risk.
These  include  simulation  of  the  effects  of  market  price
changes  on  assets  and  liabilities  for  business  activities
where  there  are  no  direct  measures  of  the  effects  of
market prices on those activities.

Liquidity  risk  is  the  risk  that  assets  cannot  be
liquidated in time to meet maturing obligations. Limits are
set  to  ensure  that  holdings  of  liquid  assets  do  not  fall
below  prudent  levels.  The  liquid  assets  held  are  assets
that  are  eligible  for  repurchase  by  the  Reserve  Bank  of
Australia (over and above those required to meet the Real
Time  Gross  Settlement  obligations),  certificates  of
deposits  and  bills  of  exchange  accepted  by  other  banks
and  overnight  interbank  loans.  More  detailed  comments
on  the  Bank’s  liquidity  and  funding  risks  are  provided  in
Note 39.

Market risk in the life insurance business arises from
mismatches  between  assets  and  liabilities.  Guaranteed
returns  are  offered  on  some  classes  of  policy.  These
liabilities  may  not  be  capable  of  being  easily  hedged
through  matching  assets.  In  addition,  market  risk  may
arise  from  adverse  movements  in  market  prices  affecting
fee  income  on  investment-linked  policies  and  from  the
returns  obtained  from  investing  the  shareholders’  capital
held in each life company.

the 

Bank 

possible, 

Wherever 

segregates
policyholder  funds  from  shareholder  funds  and  sets
investment  mandates  that  are  appropriate  for  each.  The
investment  mandates  for  assets  in  policyholder  funds
attempt  to  match  asset  characteristics  with  the  nature  of
policy  obligations.  The  ability 
to  match  asset
characteristics with policy  obligations  may  be  constrained
by  a  number  of  factors  including  regulatory  constraints,
the lack of suitable investments as well as by the nature of
the policy liabilities themselves.

A large proportion of the policyholder  assets  is  held
for investment linked policies where the policyholder takes
the risk of falls in the market value of the assets. However,
as the Bank earns fees on investment linked policies that
are  based  on  the  amount  of  assets  invested,  it  may
receive lower fees should markets fall. Asset allocation for
investment linked policies is decided by the policyholder.

31

3.37
1.47
0.59
0.32
0.35
0.30
0.19
(2.14)
4.45

3.23
2.07
0.59
0.42
0.31
0.21
0.17
(2.39)
4.61

2.60
1.54
0.48
0.47
0.48
0.32
0.14
(2.45)
3.58

A  smaller  proportion  of  policyholder  assets  is  held  to
support  policies  where  life  companies  have  guaranteed
either  the  principal  invested  or  the  investment  return
(‘guaranteed  policies’).  Investment  mandates  for  these
classes of policies emphasise investment in lower volatility
assets  such  as  cash  and  fixed  interest.  The  Bank  no
longer  sells  guaranteed  policies  in  Australia  or  New
Zealand  but  they  continue  to  be  sold  in  Asia.  The
Australian  and  New  Zealand  books  of  in  force  business
contain guaranteed policies sold in the past and on which
it continues to collect premiums.

Thus,  it  is  likely  to  be  several  years  before  the
Australian  and  New  Zealand  inforce  book  of  guaranteed
policies will decline significantly as the policy payments on
maturing  policies  continues  to  be  offset  by  the  premium
income  on  the  remaining  policies.  Some  guaranteed
policies  were  sold  on  the  basis  of  profits  being  shared
between  policyholders  and  shareholders.  Profits  are
allocated to policyholders by the declaration of  ‘bonuses’.
Bonuses  may  be  declared  annually  (‘annual  bonuses’)  or
upon  maturity  of  the  policy  (‘terminal  bonuses’).  Once
declared,  annual  bonuses  form  part  of  the  guaranteed
sum assured.

Shareholders’  funds  in  the  life  insurance  business
are on average invested 50% in income assets (cash and
fixed  interest)  and  50%  in  growth  assets  (shares  and
property), although the asset mix varies from company to
company.  Policyholder 
to  meet
policyholder  reasonable  expectations  without  putting  the
shareholder at undue risk.

funds  are 

invested 

Market risk in the funds management business is the
risk that an adverse movement in market prices will result
in  a  reduction  of  that  element  of  fee  income  related  to
earnings performance.

in 

issue 

Liquidity  risk  is  not  a  significant 

life
insurance companies. The life insurance companies in the
Bank  hold  substantial  investments  in  highly  liquid  assets
such  as  listed  shares,  government  bonds  and  bank
deposits  and  continue  to  receive  substantial  premium
income.  Furthermore,  processing  time  for  claims  and
redemptions  enables  each  company  to  forecast  and
manage its liquidity needs with a high degree of accuracy.

Integrated Risk Management (continued)

Operational and Strategic Business Risk

The  Group’s  operational  and  strategic  business  risk
management  framework  supports  the  achievement  of  the
Group’s financial and business goals.

Operational  Risk  is  defined  as  the  risk  of  economic

(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 

failed 

internal  processes  and

gain or loss resulting from:
(cid:1) 
Inadequate  or 
methodologies,
People,
Systems, or from
External events.
Strategic  Business  Risk  is  defined  as  the  risk  of
economic  gain  or  loss  resulting  from  changes  in  the
business environment caused by the following factors:
(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 

Economic,
Competitive,
Social trends, or
Regulatory.
Business  owners 
for 

the 

throughout 

the  Group  are
responsible 
identification,  assessment  and
treatment  of  these  risks.  These  business  owners  are
supported  by  the  Group’s  framework  consisting  of  a
governance structure,  a suite  of  risk  mitigating  policies,  a
measurement  methodology  and  skilled  operational  risk
professionals embedded throughout the Group.

The  Bank’s 

risk  measurement
operational 
methodology provides the basis for the expert assessment
the  calculation  of
of 
operational risk economic equity.

individual  risk  exposures  and 

for 

Economic  capital 

the  banking  business 

is
calculated  using  a  quantitative-based  expert  assessment
of  individual  operational  risk  scenarios.  For  the  life
insurance  and  funds  management  businesses  economic
capital  is  calculated  using  worst-case  scenarios  that
impact upon business risk factors such as pricing, margins
and business volumes.

risk 

transfer  program 

The  Group  continues  to  benchmark  and  monitor  its
for  efficiency  and
insurance 
effectiveness.    This  is  primarily  achieved  through  a
methodology  to  optimise  total  shareholder  returns  in
determining  the  most  appropriate  blend  of  insurance  risk
transfer and economic capital.

Insurance Risk

There  are  two  risk  types  that  are  considered  to  be
unique  to  life  insurance  businesses.  These  are  the  risks
that  the  incidence  of  mortality  (death)  and  morbidity
(illness and injury) claims are  higher  than  assumed  when
pricing  life  insurance  policies,  or  is  greater  than  best
estimate  assumptions  used  to  determine  the  fair  value  of
the business.

Insurance  risk  may  arise  through  reassessment  of
the incidence of claims, the trend of future claims and the
effect of unforeseen diseases or epidemics. In addition, in
the case of morbidity, the time to recovery may be longer
than  assumed.  Insurance  risk  is  controlled  by  ensuring
underwriting  standards  adequately  identify  potential  risk,
retaining  the  right  to  amend  premiums  on  risk  policies
where  appropriate  and  through  the  use  of  reinsurance.
The experience of the Group’s life insurance business and
those of the industry as a whole are reviewed annually.

Derivatives

Derivative  instruments  are  contracts  whose  value  is
derived from one or more underlying financial instruments
or  indices  defined  in  the  contract.  The  Bank  enters  into
derivatives  transactions  including  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

32

is  integral  to  the  Group’s  financial  markets  activities.
Derivatives  are  also  used  to  manage  the  Group’s  own
exposure  to  market  risk.  The  Bank  participates  in  both
exchange traded and OTC derivatives markets.

Exchange traded derivatives:
Exchange traded derivatives are executed through a
registered  exchange,  for  example  the  Sydney  Futures
Exchange  and  the  Australian  Stock  Exchange.  The
contracts  have  standardised  terms  and  require  lodgment
of initial and variation margins in cash or other collateral at
the Exchange, which guarantees ultimate settlement.

terms  and  conditions  of 

OTC traded derivatives:
The  Bank  buys  and  sells  financial  instruments  that
are  traded  ‘over-the-counter’,  rather  than  on  recognised
exchanges.  The 
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 
in
jurisdictions where the relevant law allows.

to  net  outstanding  balances 

the  ability 

The  Group’s  exposure  to  derivatives  is  disclosed  in

Note 39 Market Risk.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

The  Group  is  involved  with  a  number  of  special
purpose  entities  in  the  ordinary  course  of  business,
primarily  to  provide  funding  and  financial  services  to  our
customers.    Under  Australian  GAAP  these  entities  are
consolidated  in  the  financial  statements  if  they  meet  the
criteria  of  control.  The  definition  of  control  depends  upon
accordingly,
substance 
determination  of 
involves
management  judgment.  The  Group  has  no  off  balance
sheet financing entities that it is considered to control.

form, 
the  existence  of  control 

rather 

than 

and 

As detailed in Note 1 (jj), the Group conducts a Loan
Securitisation  program  through  which  it  packages  and
sells loans as securities to investors. Liquidity facilities are
provided  at  arm’s  length  to  the  program  by  the  Group  in
accordance  with  the  APRA  Prudential  Guidelines.  These
liquidity facilities are disclosed within Contingent Liabilities
as commitments to provide credit.

Business Continuity Management

Business  Continuity  Management  (BCM)  within  the
Group involves the development, maintenance and testing
of advance action plans to respond to defined risk events.
This  ensures  that  business  processes  continue  with
minimal  adverse  impact  on  customers,  staff,  products,
services and brands.

BCM  constitutes  an  essential  component  of  the
Group’s 
risk  management  process  by  providing  a
controlled  response  to  potential  operational  risks  that
could  have  a  significant  impact  on  the  Group’s  critical
processes  and  revenue  streams.  It  includes  both  cost-
effective responses to mitigate the impact of risk events or
disasters  and  crisis  management  plans  to  respond  to
crisis events.

Each  division  in  the  Group  has  developed,  tested
and  maintained  Business  Continuity  Plans.  A
comprehensive  BCM  education  program  has  been
implemented to embed BCM methodologies and capability
throughout the Group.

Description of Business Environment
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 financial services.

In  all  there  were  45  banking  groups  operating  in
Australia  at  30  June  2003.  Banks  in  Australia  can  be
divided  into  the  following  categories:  Australian  owned
banks,  foreign  bank  subsidiaries  and  branches  of  foreign
owned banks.

Among  the  Australian  owned  banks  (of  which  there
are  13)  the  four  largest  (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.

Of  the  other  Australian  owned  banks,  there  are
5 regional  banks.  Each  of  these  had  their  origins  as
a building society and their operations were initially largely
state based. While the smaller of the regional banks have
typically limited their activities to servicing  customers  in  a
particular state or region, they are now targeting interstate
customers  and  expanding  their  operations  across  state
borders.  Their  growth  in  mortgage  lending  has  been
facilitated  by  the  proliferation  of  non-bank  mortgage
originators  and  brokers.  The  larger  regional  banks  now
operate  in  several  states,  if  not  nationally.  Over  recent
regional  banking  sector  has  undergone
years 
substantial  consolidation  with  several  of  these  institutions
amalgamating with other regional banks or being acquired
by major banks.

the 

locally 

through  a 

There  are  12  foreign  owned  banks  operating  in
incorporated  subsidiary.
Australia 
through
An additional  20  banks  conduct  operations 
a foreign  bank  branch.  While  many 
foreign  banks
operating  in  Australia  initially  focussed  their  activities  on
the provision  of  banking  services  to  the  Australian clients
of  their  overseas  parent  bank,  most  have  now  diversified
their  operations,  offering  local  clients  a  broad  range  of
financial products and services. Foreign bank branches in
Australia are not able to offer retail deposit and transaction
accounts 
foreign  banks  are
represented  in  Australia  by  both  a  locally  incorporated
subsidiary and a branch.

to  customers.  Five 

Non-bank  financial  intermediaries  such  as  building
societies and credit unions compete strongly  in  the  areas
of  accepting  deposits  and  residential  mortgage  lending,
mainly  for  owner-occupied  housing.  These  state-based
institutions  are  also  making  headway  in  achieving  multi-
state 
coverage,  partly  encouraged  by  a  more
accommodating regulatory environment.

A  further  development  over  recent  years  has  been
the establishment of local single branch banks collectively
referred  to  as  ‘community  banks’.  Under  this  model,  the
local  community  effectively  purchases,  from  a  regional
bank,  the  right  to  operate  a  franchise  of  the  bank  but
within  the  auspices  of  the  regional  bank’s  banking
authority.  The  presence  of  community  banks  has  added
another  dimension  to  the  competitive  dynamics  of  the
market.

In  addition,  international  fund  managers  and  global
investment  banks  are  also  increasing  their  presence  in
Australia.

Changes  in  the  financial  needs  of  consumers,
deregulation,  and  technology  developments  have  also
changed  the  mode  of  competition.  In  particular,  the
development  of  electronic  delivery  channels  and  the
reduced reliance on a physical network facilitate the entry
of new players from related industries, such as retailers,

33

telecommunication  companies  and  utilities.  Technological
change  has  provided  opportunities  for  new  entrants  with
differing  combinations  of  expertise  and  has  enabled  the
unbundling of the value chain.

funds) 

Another  significant  factor  in  disintermediation  in
Australia  has  been  the  substantial  growth  in  funds  under
the  superannuation
management,  especially  within 
(pension 
industry.  Future  growth  will  be
underpinned  by  the  Australian  Government’s  continued
encouragement 
through
superannuation,  a  mandatory  superannuation  guarantee
levy on employers and by means of taxation concessions.
This  growth  potential  continues  to  attract  new  entrants  to
this market.

long-term 

saving 

of 

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

Like  Australia,  the  New  Zealand  banking  system  is
characterised  by  strong  competition.  The  Group’s
activities  in  New  Zealand  are  conducted  through  ASB
Group.  Banks  in  New  Zealand  are  free  to  compete  in
almost any area of financial activity. As in Australia, there
is strong competition with non-bank financial institutions in
the  areas  of  funds  management  and  the  provision  of
insurance.

New  Zealand  banking  activities  are  led  by  five
financial  services  groups,  all  owned  by  UK  or
Australian-based  banks  operating 
through  nationwide
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  wholly  owned  subsidiary  Sovereign
Group,  ASB  Group  also  competes  in  the  New  Zealand
insurance  and  investment  market,  where  Royal  Sun
Alliance and Tower Corporation are major competitors.

Following  the  acquisition  of  Colonial  Ltd  in  June
2000, the Group’s retail operations were extended into the
United  Kingdom,  numerous  Asian  markets  and  the  Fiji
Islands; in these markets, the Bank competes directly with
established providers.

Financial System Regulation

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

the 

to 

Description of Business Environment (continued)

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 
the  Basel
Committee  on  Banking  Supervision.  From  1  July  2003,  a
new  Level  3  capital  requirement  (prescribed  by  APRA)  is
being introduced for conglomerate groups. For information
on  the  capital  position  of  the  Bank,  see  Note  31  Capital
Adequacy.

those  agreed  upon  by 

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.

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  25%  of
the  capital  base  (prior  to  1/7/03  the  limit  was  30%).
Exposure to authorised deposit taking institutions (ADIs) is
not  to  exceed  50%  of  the  capital  base.  Prior  notification
must be given to APRA if a bank intends to exceed these
limits. For information on the Bank’s large exposures refer
to Note 14 to the Financial Statements.

that 

financial 

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%  shareholding  limit  for  authorised  deposit
taking institutions, insurance  companies  and  their  holding
companies.  The  Treasurer  has  the  power  to  approve
acquisitions  exceeding  15%  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
Government  is  satisfied  that  competition  from  new  and
established  participants 
industry,
in 
particularly  in  respect  of  small  business  lending,  has
increased sufficiently.

financial 

the 

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

Since  July  1998,  the  new  regulatory  arrangements
have  comprised  four  separate  agencies:  The  Reserve
Bank  of  Australia,  the  Australian  Prudential  Regulation
Authority, 
Investments
the  Australian  Securities  and 
Commission  and 
the  Australian  Competition  and
Consumer  Commission.  Each  of  these  agencies  has
system  wide  responsibilities for  the  different  objectives  of
system.
government 
of 
A description  of 
their  general
responsibilities and functions is set out below.

these  agencies  and 

oversight 

financial 

the 

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  prohibited  from  engaging  in  the  general
business of deposit-taking.

Australian  Securities  and  Investments  Commission
(ASIC) – has responsibility for market conduct,  consumer
protection  and  corporate  regulation  functions  across  the
financial  system  including  for  investment,  insurance  and
superannuation  products  and  the  providers  of  these
products.

Australian  Competition  and  Consumer  Commission
(ACCC)  –  has  responsibility  for  competition  policy  and
consumer protection across all sectors of the economy.

Consistent with its functional approach to regulation,
the  Wallis  Inquiry  proposed  a  single  licensing  regime  for
financial sales, advice and dealings in relation to financial
products,  consistent  and  comparable  financial  product
disclosure  and  a  single  authorisation  procedure 
for
financial exchanges and clearing and settlement facilities.
The  Financial  Services  Reform  Act  2001  enacted  these
proposals  and  when  it  comes  into  force  in  March  2004
should facilitate innovation and promote business while at
the  same  time  ensuring  adequate  levels  of  consumer
protection and market integrity.

The  Government  is  expected  to  pass  into  law  this
year a package of proposals (known as CLERP 9) dealing
with audit regulation and corporate disclosure designed to
ensure  Australia  has  an  effective 
regulatory  and
disclosure  framework  that  provides  the  structures  and
incentives for a fully informed market.

Supervisory Arrangements

The  Bank  is  an  authorised  deposit-taking  institution
under  the  Banking  Act  and  is  subject  to  prudential
regulation by APRA as a bank.

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.

34

Description of Business Environment (continued)

from  1/7/03) 

limits  applicable 

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

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 policyholders can be met.
to
prudential  standards  covering  capital  adequacy,  liability
valuation, 
reinsurance
arrangements.

insurance  companies  are  subject 

risk  management 

General 

and 

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

supervisory 

accounts 

and 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The  Notes  to  the  Financial  Statements  contain  a
summary  of  the  Group’s  significant  accounting  policies.
Certain  of  these  policies  are  considered  to  be  more
important  in  the  determination  of  the  Group’s  financial
position, since they require management to make difficult,
complex  or  subjective  judgements,  some  of  which  may
relate  to  matters  that  are  inherently  uncertain.  These
decisions are reviewed by a Committee of the Board.

These  policies  include  judgements  as  to  levels  of
provisions  for  impairment  for  loan  balances,  actuarial
assumptions  in  determining  life  insurance  policy  liabilities
and market valuations of life insurance controlled entities.
An  explanation  of 
related
judgements and estimates involved is set out below.

these  policies  and 

the 

Provisions for Impairment
Provisions  for  impairment  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,
contingent liabilities, financial instruments and investments
and assets acquired through security enforcement.

Specific Provisions
Specific  provisions  are  maintained  where 

full

recovery of principal is considered doubtful.

Specific  provisions  are  made  against  individual
facilities  in  the  credit  risk  rated  managed  segment  where
exposure  aggregates  to  $250,000  or  more,  and  a  loss  of
$10,000  or  more 
is  expected.  The  provisions  are
established based primarily on estimates of the realisable
(fair) value of collateral taken.

Specific  provisions  (in  bulk)  are  also  made  against
each  statistically  managed  segment  to  cover  facilities
which  are  not  well  secured  and  past  due  180  days  or
more, against the credit risk rated segment for exposures
aggregating  to  less  than  $250,000  and  90  days  or  more
past due, and against emerging credit risks identified in

35

specific  segments  in  the  credit  risk  rated  managed
portfolio.  These  provisions  are  derived  primarily  by
reference  to  historical  ratios  of  write-offs  to  balances  in
default.

Specific provisions are provided for from the general

provision.

All  facilities  subject  to  a  specific  provision  for
impairment  are  classified  as  non-accrual,  as  set  out  in
Note 15.

General Provision
The  general  provision  represents  management’s
estimates  of  non-identifiable  probable  losses  and  latent
risks  inherent  in  the  overall  portfolio  of  loans  and  other
credit transactions.

The  evaluation  process  is  subject  to  a  series  of

estimates and judgements.

In the Credit Risk Rated Managed segment, the risk
rating system, including the frequency of  default  and  loss
given  default  rates,  loss  history,  and  the  size,  structure
and  diversity  of  individual  credits  are  considered.  Current
developments in portfolios (industry, geographic and term)
are reviewed.

In  the  Statistically  Managed  segment  the  history  of
defaults  and  losses,  and  the  size,  structure  and  diversity
of portfolios are considered.

In addition management considers overall indicators
of portfolio performance, quality and economic conditions.
Changes  in  these  estimates  could  have  a  direct

impact on the level of provision determined.

The  amount  required  to  bring  the  general  provision
to the level assessed is taken to profit and loss as set out
in Note 13.

Life Insurance Policyholder Liabilities
Life  Insurance  policy  liabilities  are  accounted  for
under  AASB  1038:  Life  Insurance  Business.  A  significant
area  of  judgement  is  in  the  determination  of  policyholder
liabilities, which involve actuarial assumptions.

All  policyholder  liabilities  are  recognised  in  the
Statement  of  Financial  Position  and  are  measured  at  net
present  values  or,  if  not  materially  different,  on  an
accumulation  basis  after  allowing 
for  acquisition
expenses.    They  are  calculated  in  accordance  with  the
principles of Margin on Services (MoS) profit reporting as
set out in Actuarial Standard AS 1.03: Valuation  of Policy
Liabilities issued by the Life Insurance Actuarial Standards
Board.

The  areas  of 

judgement  where  key  actuarial
assumptions are made in the determination of policyholder
liabilities are:
(cid:1) 

Business assumptions including:
-  amount,  timing  and  duration  of  claims/policy

payments;

-  policy lapse rates; and
-  acquisition  and  long  term  maintenance  expense

levels;

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

Long  term  economic  assumptions  for  discount  and
interest  rates,  inflation  rates  and  market  earnings
rates; and
Selection  of  methodology,  either  projection  or
accumulation  method.    The  selection  of  the  method
is generally governed by the product type.
The  determination  of  assumptions  relies  on  making
judgements  on  variances  from  long-term  assumptions.
Where experience differs from long term assumptions:
(cid:1) 
Recent results may be a statistical aberration; or
(cid:1) 
There may be a commencement of a new paradigm
requiring a change in long term assumptions.

Description of Business Environment (continued)

The  Group’s  actuaries  arrive  at  conclusions
regarding  the  statistical  analysis  using  their  experience
and judgement.

Additional information on the accounting policy is set
out in Note 1 (jj) Life Insurance Business, and Note 34 Life
Insurance Business details the key actuarial assumptions.
Insurance  Controlled

Market  Valuation  of  Life 
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 the investment in controlled 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  taken  to  profit.    This
excess  does  not  require  amortisation  in  the  financial
statements.

Appraisal valuations are used to assist the directors
in  setting  the  market  value.  There  are  several  key
economic  and  business  assumptions  involved  in  the
appraisal  valuations,  the  selection  of  which  involves
actuarial judgement.

Economic  assumptions  are  the  long  term  view  on
key  economic  drivers  and  comprise  investment  earnings
rates,  risk  discount  rates  and  inflation.  The  economic
assumptions  are  reviewed  as  a  suite  to  take  account  of
the correlation between the movements in each factor.

Business  assumptions  relate  to  the  performance  of
the  Group’s  businesses,  both  stand  alone  and  relative  to
the  market.    These  assumptions  are  only  altered  when
there  is  a  long-term  change  in  views,  which  is  supported
by  clearly  discernible  trends.  The  assumption  setting
process  is  similar  to  that  used  for  Margin  on  Services
policyholder  liabilities.    The  major  business  assumptions
for life businesses are:
(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 

Sales/new business
Claims
Persistency
Expenses
The  major  business  assumptions 

for 

funds

management businesses are:
(cid:1) 
Sales/new business
(cid:1) 
Margins/business mix
(cid:1) 
Redemptions
(cid:1) 
Cost to income ratio
Details  of 

the
valuations are set out in Note 34 Life Insurance Business.

the  key  assumptions  used 

in 

International Accounting Standards

to  support 

The  Financial  Reporting  Council  has  announced  a
decision 
the  adoption  by  Australia  of
International  Accounting  Standards  (IAS)  by  1  January
2005. The Bank will be required to adopt these standards
for the financial year commencing 1 July 2005. The major
new  IAS  standards  that  are  expected  to  most  impact  the
Bank  are  in  the  areas  of  financial  instruments,  goodwill,
pension accounting and insurance contracts. A project has
been  established  to  identify  all  issues  associated  with
these  accounting  standard  changes.  It  is  too  early  in  the
process  to  estimate  the  full  financial  effect  of  these  new
accounting requirements.

36

Corporate Governance

Board of Directors

Charter

The  role  and  responsibilities  of 

Directors  are  set  out 
responsibilities include:
(cid:1) 

in 

the  Board  Charter. 

the  Board  of
  The

The corporate governance of the Bank, including the
establishment of Committees; 
Oversight of the business and affairs of the Bank by:
−  establishing,  with  management,  the  strategies

(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 

Appointment of the Chief Executive Officer; and
Approval  of  the  Bank’s  major  HR  policies  and
overseeing  the  development  strategies  for  senior
and high performing executives.
There 

in  place  a  comprehensive  set  of
management  delegations  to  allow  management  to  carry
on the business of the Bank.

is 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

and financial objectives;

−  approving major corporate initiatives;
−  establishing  appropriate 

systems  of 

risk

management; and

−  monitoring the performance of management;
Communicating  with 
the
and 
community,  results  of,  and  developments  in,  the
operations of the Bank;

shareholders 

Composition

There  are  currently  12  Directors  of  the  Bank  and
details  of 
their  experience,  qualifications,  special
responsibilities and attendance at meetings are set out in
the Directors report.

Membership of the Board and Committees is set out

below:

DIRECTOR

BOARD MEMBERSHIP

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

J T Ralph, AC

J M Schubert

D V Murray
N R Adler, AO

R J Clairs, AO

A B Daniels, OAM

C R Galbraith, AM

S C Kay

W G Kent, AO

F D Ryan

F J Swan

B K Ward

Non-executive,
Independent
Non-executive,
Independent
Executive
Non-executive,
Independent
Non-executive,
Independent
Non-executive,
Independent
Non-executive,
Independent
Non-executive,
Independent
Non-executive,
Independent
Non-executive,
Independent
Non-executive,
Independent
Non-executive,
Independent

Nominations

Remuneration

Audit

Risk

Chairman

Chairman

Chairman

Chairman

Deputy Chairman

Member

Chief Executive Officer

Member

Member

Member

Chairman

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

(cid:1) 

At  each  Annual  General  Meeting  one-third  of
Directors (other than the chief executive officer) shall
retire from office and may stand for re-election.
The  Board  have  established  a  policy  that,  with  a
phasing  in  provision  for  existing  Directors,  the  term  of
directors’  appointments  would  be  limited  to  12  years
(except  where  succession  planning  for  Chairman  and
appointment of Chairman requires an extended term.  On
appointment, 
to  be
available  for  that  position  for five  years).  Directors  do  not
stand for re-election after attaining the age of 70.

the  Chairman  will  be  expected 

Ms  S  C  Kay  was  appointed  as  a  non-executive
Director on 5 March 2003.  In accordance with the Bank’s
Constitution and the ASX Listing Rules, she will stand for
election  at  the  Annual  General  Meeting  to  be  held  on  31
October 2003.

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

The Constitution of the Bank specifies that –
The Chief Executive Officer and any other executive
director shall  not  be  eligible  to  stand  for  election  as
Chairman of the Bank;
The number of Directors shall not be less than 9 nor
more  than  13  (or  such  lower  number  as  the  Board
may from time to time determine).  The Board have
determined  that  for  the  time  being,  the  number  of
directors shall be 12; and

37

Corporate Governance (continued)

Independence

The  Board  regularly  assesses  the  independence  of
each  Director.    For  this  purpose  an  independent  Director
is  a  non-executive  Director  whom  the  Board  considers  to
be independent of management and free of any business
or other relationship that could materially interfere with the
exercise of unfettered and independent judgment.

In  addition  to  being  required  to  conduct  themselves
in  accordance  with  the  ethical  policies  of  the  Bank,
Directors are required to be meticulous in their disclosure
of any material contract or relationship in accordance with
the  Corporations  Act  and  this  disclosure  extends  to  the
interests of family companies and spouses.  Directors are
required  to  strictly  adhere  to  the  constraints  on  their
participation and voting in relation to matters in which they
may have an interest in accordance with the Corporations
Act and the Bank's policies.

Each  Director  may  from  time  to  time  have  personal
dealings  with  the  Bank.    Each  Director  is  involved  with
other  companies  or  professional  firms  which  may  from
time  to  time  have  dealings  with  the  Bank.    Details  of
offices  held  by  Directors  with  other  organisations  are  set
out  in  the  Directors'  Report  and  on  the  Bank's  website.
Full details of related party dealings are set out in notes to
the Company's accounts as required by law.

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

All  the  current  non-executive  Directors  of  the  Bank
have  been  assessed  as  independent  Directors.    In
reaching  that  determination,  the  Board  have  taken  into
account (in addition to the matters set out above):
(cid:1) 

The  specific  disclosures  made  by  each  Director  as
referred to above;

the 

that 

(cid:1)  Where  applicable, 

related  party  dealings
those
to  each  Director,  noting 
referrable 
dealings  are  not  material  under  accounting
standards;
That  no  Director  is,  or  has  been  associated  directly
with, a substantial shareholder of the Bank;
That  no  non-executive  Director  has  ever  been
employed by the Bank or any of its subsidiaries;
That  no  Director  is,  or  has  been  associated  with  a
supplier,  professional  adviser,  consultant 
to  or
customer  of  the  Bank  which  is  material  under
accounting standards; and
That no non-executive Director personally carries on
any role for the Bank otherwise than as a Director of
the Bank.
The Bank does not consider that term of service  on
the Board is a factor affecting a Director's ability  to  act in
the  best  interests  of  the  Bank.    Independence  is  judged
against the ability, integrity and willingness of the Director
to  act.    The  Board  have  established  a  policy  limiting
Directors' 
that  skill  sets  remain
appropriate in a dynamic industry.

to  ensure 

tenures 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

Education

Directors  participate  in  an  induction  programme
upon  appointment  and  in  a  refresher  programme  on  a
regular basis.  The Board have established a programme
of continuing education to ensure that it is kept up to date
with  developments  in  the  industry  both 
locally  and
globally.    This  includes  sessions  with  local  and  overseas
experts  in  the  particular  fields  relevant  to  the  Bank’s
operations.

Review

The  Board  have  in  place  a  process  for  annually
reviewing  its  performance,  policies  and  practices.    These
reviews  seek  to  identify  where  improvements  can  be
made and  also  assess  the  quality  and  effectiveness  of

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

38

information  made  available  to  Directors.    Every  2  years,
this  process  is  facilitated  by  an  external  consultant,  with
an internal review conducted in the intervening years.  The
review  includes  an  assessment  of  the  performance  of
each Director.

After consideration of the results of the performance
assessment,  the  Board  will  determine  its  endorsement  of
the  Directors  to  stand  for  re-election  at  the  next  Annual
General Meeting.

The  non-executive  Directors  meet  at  least  annually,
without  management,  in  a  forum  intended  to  allow  for  an
open discussion on Board and management performance.
This  is  in  addition  to  the  consideration  of  the  Chief
Executive  Officer’s  performance  and  remuneration  which
is  conducted  by  the  Board  in  the  absence  of  the  Chief
Executive Officer.

The  Chairman  meets  annually  with 

team 

executive 
performance  and 
perspective.

to  discuss  with 

them 

level  of 

involvement 

the  senior
the  Board’s
their

from 

Selection of Directors

The  Nominations  Committee  have  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 
the  ongoing
effectiveness  of  the  Board,  have  the  ability  to  exercise
sound  business  judgment,  to  think  strategically  and  have
levels  of
demonstrated 
professional skill and appropriate personal qualities.

leadership  experience,  high 

to  contribute 

is  able 

to 

The  Committee  regularly  reviews  the  skill  base  and
experience of existing Directors to enable identification  of
attributes required in new Directors.

An  executive  search  firm  is  engaged  to  identify

potential candidates based on the identified criteria.

Candidates 

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

On  appointment,  a  letter  is  provided  from  the
Chairman  to  the  new  Director  setting  out  the  terms  of
appointment.

Policies

Board  policies  relevant  to  the  composition  and

functions of Directors include:
(cid:1) 

The  Board  will  consist  of  a  majority  of  independent
non-executive  Directors  and  the  membership  of  the
Nominations,  Remuneration  and  Audit  Committees
should  consist  solely  of  independent  non-executive
Directors.    The  Risk  Committee  should  consist  of  a
majority of independent non-executive Directors.
The Chairman will be an independent non-executive
Director  who  should  also  chair  the  Nominations,
Remuneration  and  Risk  Committees.    The  Audit
Committee  will  be  chaired  by  an  independent  non-
executive Director other than the Board Chairman.
The  Board  will  generally  meet  monthly  with  an
agenda  designed  to  provide  adequate  information
about  the  affairs  of  the  Bank,  allow  the  Board  to
guide  and  monitor  management  and  assist
involvement 
in  discussions  and  decisions  on
strategy.    Matters  having  strategic  implications  are
given  priority  on  the  agenda  for  regular  Board

Corporate Governance (continued)

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

meetings.  In addition, ongoing strategy is the major
focus of at least two of the Board meetings annually.
The  Board  have  an  agreed  policy  on 
the
circumstances  in  which  Directors  are  entitled  to
obtain  access 
to  company  documents  and
information and to meet with management.
The Bank have in place a procedure whereby, after
appropriate  consultation,  directors  are  entitled  to
seek 
the
independent  professional  advice,  at 
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.

Ethical Standards

Conflicts of Interest
In  accordance  with 

the  Constitution  and 

the
Corporations  Act  2001,  Directors  disclose  to  the  Board
any material contract in which they may have  an interest.
In  compliance  with  section  195  of  the  Corporations  Act
2001  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.

Share Trading
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 or family trust.

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

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

In addition, Bank policy prohibits:
For Directors and executives who report to the Chief
Executive  Officer,  any  hedging  of  publicly  disclosed
shareholding positions; and
For  executives,  any  trading  (including  hedging)  in
positions prior to vesting of shares or options.

Remuneration Arrangements
Remuneration Committee
The  Board  have  established  a  Remuneration

Committee to:
(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 

Consider  changes  in  remuneration  policy  likely  to
have a material impact on the Group;
Consider senior executive appointments;
Determine  remuneration  for  senior  management;
and
Be  informed  of  leadership  performance,  legislative
compliance 
industrial
agreements  and  incentive  plans  operating  across
the Group.
The  policy  of  the  Board  is  that  the  Committee  shall
consist  entirely  of  independent  non-executive  Directors.
The  Chief  Executive  Officer  attends  Committee  meetings
by invitation but does not attend in relation to matters that
can affect him.

in  employment 

issues, 

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

Director Remuneration
The  Constitution  and  the  ASX  Listing  Rules  specify
that 
remuneration  of  non-executive
the  aggregate 
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  are  set  out  in  Note  45.
Directors’ fees  do  not  incorporate  any  bonus  or  incentive
element.

In August 2000, the Board approved the introduction
of the Non-Executive Directors’ Share Plan which requires
the  acquisition  of  shares  by  non-executive  Directors  at
market price through the mandatory application of 20% of
their  annual  fees.  Details  of  this  Plan  were  set  out  in  the
Notice of Meeting to the 2000 Annual General Meeting.

In  July  2002,  the  Board  discontinued  the  retirement
scheme  which  provided  for  benefits  to  be  paid  to  non-
executive Directors. The terms of this scheme, which were
approved  by  shareholders  at  the  1997  Annual  General
Meeting,  allowed  for  a  benefit  on  a  pro  rata  basis  to  a
maximum  of  four  years’  total  emoluments  after  12  years’
service.    The  entitlements  of  the  non-executive  Directors
at  the  time  of  discontinuance  will  not  be  affected  but  no
new  members  after  that  time  will  be  admitted  to  the
scheme.

Chief Executive Officer Remuneration
The  remuneration  of  Mr  Murray  (Chief  Executive
Officer) is fixed by the Board, pursuant to the Constitution,
as  part  of  the  terms  and  conditions  of  his  appointment.
Those  terms  and  conditions  are  established  in  a  contract
of employment with Mr Murray which was effective from 2
July 2001, with remuneration subject to review, from time
to time, by the Board.

Executive Remuneration
The Group’s Policy in respect of executives is that:
Remuneration  will  be  competitively  set  so  that  the
Group  can  attract,  motivate  and  retain  high  calibre
local and international executive staff;
Remuneration  will 
to  a  significant
degree, variable pay for performance elements, both
short  term  and  long  term  focused  as  appropriate,
which will:
− 

incorporate, 

reward executives for Group, business unit and
individual  performance  against  appropriate
benchmarks and targets;
align  the  interests  of  executives  with  those  of
shareholders;
link  executive  reward  with  the  strategic  goals
and performance of the Group; and
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;

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

39

Corporate Governance (continued)

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

long 

term 

incentive  and 

Remuneration  systems  will  complement  and
reinforce  the  Group’s  leadership  and  succession
planning systems; and
terms  and  conditions  of
Remuneration  and 
employment  will  be  specified 
individual
in  an 
contract of employment and signed by the executive
and  the  Bank.    The  relationship  of  remuneration,
potential  short 
term
incentive  payments  is  established  for  each  level  of
executive  management  by 
the  Remuneration
Committee.  For managers within the Bank potential
incentive payments as a proportion of total potential
remuneration 
the
increases  with 
organisation.    The  structure  for  some  specialists
differs from that which applies generally to executive
management.
Incentive  payments  for  executives,  including  the
Chief Executive Officer, are related to performance.  Short
term  incentives  actually  paid  depend  on  the  extent  to
which  operating  targets  set  at  the  beginning  of  the
financial  year  are  achieved.    Half  of  the  short  term
incentive  earned  is  paid  in  cash  and  the  balance  in  two
instalments  at  yearly 
  These
instalments  are  only  paid  if  the  Executive  is  still  in  the
employ of the Bank on the relevant dates.

in  shares. 

intervals 

level 

in 

Vesting  of  options  and  shares  allocated  under  the
long  term  incentive  plan  is  directly  related  to  shareholder
value,  measured  by  Total  Shareholder  Return  over  a
minimum  3  year  period,  which  requires  the  return  to  be
equal  to  or  higher  than  the  average  return  of  peer
institutions for vesting to occur.

As approved by the shareholders at the 2000 Annual
General Meeting, vesting of options and restricted shares
allocated to executives is dependent on the Bank meeting
the performance hurdles in the plan.

The  Bank  has  restructured  its  long-term  executive
incentive  plan,  effective  from  the  beginning  of  the  2003
financial  year.    Previously  half  the  value  of  long  term
incentive benefits under the shareholder approved Bank’s
Equity  Reward  Plan  were  paid  in  options,  valued  on  the
Black-Scholes method, and the other half in Performance
shares  valued  at  market  price  at  the  date  of  allocation.
These  options  and  shares  only  vest  to  the  executive
provided  the  prescribed  performance  hurdles  are  met.
From  the  beginning  of  the  2003  financial  year  options
have  been  eliminated  from  the  remuneration  package  of
executives and the total value of the long term  incentives
allocated  under  the  Equity  Reward  Plan  from  that  date  is
in the form of Reward shares.

A 

is 

introduced 

further  change 

that  whereas
previously  allocated  options  and  shares  vested  upon  the
average  Total  Shareholder  Return  of  peer  institutions
being  exceeded,  a  sliding  scale  has  been  introduced  so
that  50%  of  allocated  shares  vest  if  the  Bank’s  TSR  is
equal  to  the  average  return,  75%  vest  at  the  67th
percentile in the index and 100% when the return exceeds
the 75th percentile, ie. when the Bank’s return is in the top
quartile.

Options  and  shares  previously  allocated  under  the
Equity Reward Plan will  continue  until  they  vest  upon  the
prescribed performance hurdles being met or they lapse.

Currently,  restricted  shares  purchased  on  market  to
satisfy  incentives  earned  by  executives  are  charged
against profit and loss as are incentives paid in cash and
in  deferred  shares.    As  from  the  beginning  of  the  2003
financial  year,  total  remuneration,  which  includes  the  full
cost  of  the  plan  and  also  the  distribution  of  shares  to
employees under the ESAP, have been expensed against
profits.

40

Details  of  the  remuneration  paid  to  the  Chief
Executive Officer and the five highest paid other members
of the senior executive team who were officers of the Bank
at 30 June 2003 are set out in Note 46.

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

to  be 

the  chief 

the  Chairman  of 

Audit Arrangements
Audit Committee
The  Charter  of  the  Audit  Committee  incorporates  a
number  of  policies  and  practices  to  ensure  that  the
Committee  is  independent  and  effective.    Among  these
are:
(cid:1) 

consists  entirely  of
The  Audit  Committee 
independent  non-executive  Directors,  all  of  whom
have  familiarity  with  financial  management  and  at
least  one  has  expertise  in  financial  accounting  and
reporting.    The  Chairman  of  the  Bank  is  not
the  Audit
permitted 
Committee.
At least  twice a year the Audit Committee meets the
external  auditors  and 
internal  audit
executive  and  also  separately  with  the  external
Auditors independently of management.
The  Audit  Committee  is  responsible  for  nominating
the external auditor to the Board for appointment by
shareholders.    The  Audit  Committee  approves  the
terms  of  the  contract  with  the  external  auditor,
agrees 
the  annual  audit  plan  and  approves
payments to the Auditor.
The  Audit  Committee  discusses  and 
receives
assurances from the external auditors on the quality
of the Bank’s systems, its accounting processes and
its financial results.  It also receives a report from the
Auditors  on  any  significant  matters  raised  by  the
Auditors with management.
All material accounting matters requiring exercise of
judgement by management are specifically reviewed
by  the  Audit  Committee  and  reported  on  by  the
Committee to the Board.
Certified  assurances  are  received  by  the  Audit
Committee and the Board that the Auditors meet the
independence  requirements  as  recommended  by
the Blue Ribbon Committee of the SEC of the USA.
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
laws, 
accounting standards;
Conducts  any  investigations  relating  to  financial
matters,  records,  accounts  and  reports  which  it
considers appropriate; and
Reviews  all  material  matters  requiring  exercise  of
judgment by management and reports those matters
to the Board.
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 policies established by the Committee.
A  range  of  insurance  policies  maintained  by  the  Group
mitigates some operational risks.

relevant 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

Corporate Governance (continued)

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:
(cid:1) 

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 judgments made.
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
approved and signed.

(cid:1) 

Non-Audit Services
The  Board  have  in  place  policies  and  procedures
governing the nature of non-audit services which can and
cannot be undertaken by the Bank’s Auditors for the Bank
or  its  subsidiaries.    These  policies  and  procedures
incorporate  approval  by  the  Audit  Committee  of  all  non-
audit  services.    The  objective  of  this  policy  is  to  avoid
prejudicing  the  independence  of  the  Auditors  and  to
prevent  their  developing  undue  reliance  on  revenue  from
the Bank.

(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 

The policy ensures that the Auditor does not:
Assume the role of management;
Become an advocate for their client; or
Audit their own professional expertise.
Under  the  policy,  the  Auditor  shall  not  provide  the

following services:
(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

on 

and 

deal 

related

structuring 

Bookkeeping  or  services  relating  to  accounting
records;
Appraisal or valuation and fairness opinions;
Advice 
documentation
Tax planning and strategic advice;
Actuarial advisory services;
Executive  recruitment  or  extensive  human  resource
functions;
Acting  as  a  broker-dealer,  promoter  or  underwriter;
or
Provision of legal services.
For  non-audit  services 

that  are  not  expressly
following  Audit  Committee  approval

prohibited, 
the 
processes apply:
(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

Pre-approved  -  the  Audit  Committee  have  pre-
approved certain types of services that do not impair
Auditor  independence  up  to  a  limit  of  $250,000  per
engagement; and
Specific  approval  -  all  other  services,  including  pre-
approved  services  exceeding  $250,000,  require
specific  formal  approval  by  the  Audit  Committee,  or
a  member  thereof  under  delegation,  before  the
Auditor may be engaged.
Non-audit  services  are  defined  as  any  service
provided  by  the  external  Auditor  under  engagement  with
the  Bank  outside  the  scope  of  the  external  audit.    The
scope of the external audit is outlined in the Bank’s annual
audit engagement letter.

The  Bank  currently 

the  partner
managing  the  audit  for  the  external  Auditor  be  changed
within a period of five years.

requires 

that 

Auditor
Ernst  &  Young  was  appointed  as  the  Auditor  of  the
Bank at  the  1996  Annual  General  Meeting  and  continues
in that office.

41

The Chief Executive Officer is authorised  to  appoint
in
remove 

internal  audit  executive 

and 
consultation with the Audit Committee.

the  chief 

Risk Management

Risk Committee
The  Risk  Committee  oversees  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 
risk/return
expectations.  In  addition,  the  Committee  reviews  the
Group’s  credit  portfolios  and 
recommendations  by
management for provisioning for bad and doubtful debts.

the  Group’s 

The  Committee  approves  risk  management  policies
and  procedures  for  market,  funding  and  liquidity  risks
incurred  or  likely  to  be  incurred  in  the  Group’s  business.
The  Committee 
implementing
reviews  progress 
management  procedures  and  identifying  new  areas  of
exposure relating to market, funding and liquidity risk.

in 

Framework
The  Bank  has 

risk
management  framework  to  identify,  assess,  manage  and
report risks and risk adjusted returns on a  consistent  and
reliable basis.

in  place  an 

integrated 

A  full  description  of  the  functions  of  the  framework
and the nature of the risks is set out in the section of the
Annual  Report  entitled  Integrated  Risk  Management  and
in Notes 14 and 39 to the Financial Statements.

Nominations Committee

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  solely  of
the
independent  non  executive  directors  and 
Chairman  of 
the
Committee.    The  Chief  Executive  Officer  attends  the
meeting by invitation.

that 
the  Bank  shall  be  Chairman  of 

In  addition  to  its  role  in  proposing  candidates  for
director  appointment  for  consideration  by  the  Board,  the
Committee 
to  non-executive
directors and reviews, and advises the Board in relation to
Chief Executive Officer succession planning.

fees  payable 

reviews 

Continuous Disclosure

The  Corporations  Act  2001  and  the  ASX  Listing
Rules  require  that  a  company  disclose  to  the  market
matters which could be expected to have a material effect
on  the  price  or  value  of  the  company’s  securities.
Management  processes  are  in  place  throughout  the
Commonwealth  Bank  Group  to  ensure  that  all  material
matters  which  may  potentially  require  disclosure  are
promptly  reported  to  the  Chief  Executive  Officer,  through
the
established 
deliberations of the Bank’s Executive Committee.  Matters
reported are assessed and, where required by the Listing
Rules, advised to the market.  The Company Secretary is
responsible  for  communications  with  the  ASX  and  for
ensuring  that  such  information  is  not  released  to  any
person  until  the  ASX  have  confirmed  its  release  to  the
market.

lines,  or  as  a  part  of 

reporting 

Corporate Governance (continued)

Ethical Policies

US Sarbanes-Oxley Act

Values Statement
The Bank demands the highest standards of honesty
and  loyalty  from  all  its  people  and  strong  governance
within the Bank.

Our values statement – “trust, honesty and integrity”

- reflects this standard.

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

Statement of Professional Practice
The Bank have adopted a code of ethics, known as
a  Statement  of  Professional  Practice,  which  sets
standards  of  behaviour 
required  of  all  employees
including:
(cid:1) 

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 have established insider trading
guidelines  for  staff  to  ensure  that  unpublished  price
sensitive 
the  Bank  or  any  other
information  about 
company is not used in an illegal manner.

the  Bank’s  Equal

to 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

Our People

The  Bank  is  committed  to  providing  fair,  safe,
challenging  and 
the
rewarding  work, 
importance  of  attracting  and  retaining  the  best  staff  and
consequently, being  in  a  position  to  provide  good  service
to our customers.

recognising 

There  are  various  policies  and  systems  in  place  to

enable achievement of these goals, including :
(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 

Fair Treatment Review systems;
Equal Employment Opportunity policy;
Occupational Health and Safety Systems;
Recruitment and selection policies;
Performance feedback and review processes;
Career assessment and succession planning;
Employee Share Plan; and
Supporting Professional Development.

Behaviour Issues

The  Bank  is  strongly  committed  to  maintaining  an
ethical  workplace,  complying  with 
legal  and  ethical
responsibilities.    Policy  requires  staff  to  report  fraud,
corrupt  conduct,  mal-administration  or  serious  and
substantial  waste  by  others. 
  A  system  has  been
established  which  allows  staff  to  remain  anonymous  if
they wish for reporting of these matters.

The policy has been extended to include reporting of
auditing  and  accounting  issues  which  will  be  reported
directly  to  the  Chief  Compliance  Officer.    The  Chief
Compliance Officer  reports  any  such  matters  to  the  Audit
Committee,  noting  the  status  of  resolution  and  actions  to
be taken.

Governance Philosophy
The  Board  have 

consistently  placed  great
importance  on  the  governance  of  the  Bank,  which  it
believes  is  vital  to  the  well-being  of  the  corporation.    The
framework  of
Bank  has  adopted  a  comprehensive 
Corporate  Governance  Guidelines  which  are  designed  to
properly  balance  performance  and  conformance  and
thereby  allow  the  Bank  to  undertake,  in  an  effective
manner,  the  prudent  risk-taking  activities  which  are  the
basis of its business.

On 30 July 2002, a broad US financial reporting and
corporate  governance  reform  law,  called  the  Sarbanes-
Oxley  Act  of  2002  (the  SOX  Act),  was  enacted.  By  its
terms, this Act applies to the Group because it has certain
securities registered with the US Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) under  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of
1934 (the Exchange Act).

Under  the  Exchange  Act,  the  Bank  files  periodic
reports with the SEC, including an annual report on Form
20-F.  Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of  the  SOX  Act,  the
SEC  have  adopted  rules  requiring  that  the  Group’s  Chief
Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  personally
provide certain certifications with respect to the disclosure
contained in the annual report on Form 20-F.

Some of the  more  significant  certifications  generally

include:
(cid:1) 

That based  on their  knowledge,  the  report  does  not
contain  any  untrue  statement  of  a  material  fact  or
omit  to  state  a  material  fact  and  the  financial
statements  and  other  financial  information  included
within the report fairly present in all material respects
the  financial  condition,  results  of  operations  and
cash flows of the Group;
That  they  have  ensured  that  appropriate  disclosure
controls  and  procedures  have  been  put  in  place
such that all material information has been disclosed
and  made  known  to  them  and  they  have  evaluated
the  effectiveness  of  those  disclosure  controls  and
procedures  as  of  the  end  of  the  Group’s  fiscal  year
and  presented  in  the  annual  report  on  Form  20-F
their  conclusions  about  the  effectiveness  of  the
disclosure controls and procedures as of the end  of
the most recent fiscal year;
That  in  respect  of  internal  controls  over  financial
reporting 
the  Group’s
external  auditors  and  to  the  Audit  Committee  of  the
board  of  directors  all  significant  deficiencies  and
material  weaknesses  in  the  design  or  operation  of
those internal controls over financial reporting which
are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Group’s
ability  to  record,  process,  summarise  and  report
financial  information,  and  any  fraud,  whether  or  not
material, 
involves  management  or  other
employees  who  have  a  significant  role  in  the
Group’s internal control over financial reporting; and
The  annual  report  on  Form  20-F  discloses  whether
or  not  there  were  any  changes  in  internal  control
over financial reporting during the period covered by
the  annual  report  on  Form  20-F  that  has  materially
affected,  or  is  reasonably  likely  to  materially  affect,
the Group’s internal control over financial reporting.
in  addition 
The  Group  will 

they  have  disclosed 

to  providing 

that 

to 

these
certifications  make  the  following  disclosures  in  its  annual
report on Form 20-F:
(cid:1) 

the  effectiveness  of 

The  Group’s  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief
Financial  Officer,  with 
the  assistance  of  other
the  Group’s  management,  have
members  of 
evaluated 
the  Group’s
disclosure controls and procedures as of the end  of
the  period  covered  by  this  report.    Based  on  such
evaluation,  the  Group’s  Chief  Executive  Officer  and
Chief  Financial  Officer  have  concluded  that  the
Group’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  are
effective.
The  Group’s  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief
Financial  Officer  have  also  concluded  that  there
have  not  been  any  changes  in  the  Group’s  internal
control  over financial reporting  that  have materially

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

42

− 

− 

likely 

reasonably 

all  significant  deficiencies  in  the  design  or
operation  of  internal  controls  over  financial
reporting  which  are 
to
adversely  affect  the  Group’s  ability  to  record,
process,  summarise  and  report  financial  data;
and
that
fraud,  whether  or  not  material, 
any 
involves management or other employees who
have  a  significant  role  in  the  Group’s  internal
control over financial reporting.

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures
Our  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial
Officer,  with  the  assistance  of  other  members  of  the
Group’s management, have evaluated the effectiveness of
the  Group’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  as  of  30
June  2003.    Based  on  such  evaluation,  our  Chief
Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  have  each
concluded 
the  Group’s  disclosure  controls  and
procedures are effective.

that 

Changes in internal control over financial reporting
No  changes  in  our  internal  controls  over  financial
reporting  occurred  during  the  year  ended  30  June  2003
that  have  materially  affected,  or  are  reasonably  likely  to
materially  affect,  our 
financial
reporting.

internal  controls  over 

Corporate Governance (continued)

affected,  or  is  reasonably  likely  to  materially  affect,
the Group’s internal control over financial reporting.
The  SOX  Act  prohibits  an  issuer  from  extending  or
maintaining credit, arranging for the extension of credit, or
renewing an extension of credit, in the form of a personal
loan to or for any director or executive officer of the Group,
unless  one  of  the  limited  exceptions  is  available.  Loans
maintained by the Group before 30 July 2002 are exempt
so long as there is no material modification to any term of
the extension of credit or any renewal of the extension of
credit.

The  Group  is  also required  to  disclose  in  its  annual
report on Form 20-F for the 2004 financial year, whether it
has  adopted  a  written  code  of  ethics  applicable  to  its
principal  executive  officer,  principal 
financial  officer,
principal  accounting  officer  or  controller,  or  persons
performing similar functions.

Certifications and Disclosures
In respect of this annual report and as at the date of
this annual report, the Group’s Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer make the following Sarbanes-Oxley
related certifications:
(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 

That they have reviewed the report;
That based  on their  knowledge,  the  report  does  not
contain  any  untrue  statement  of  a  material  fact  or
omit  to  state  a  material  fact  necessary  to  make  the
statements  made,  in  light  of  the  circumstances
under  which  such  statements  were  made,  not
misleading with respect to the period covered by the
report;
That  based  on 
financial
statements,  and  other  financial  information  included
in  the  report,  fairly  present  in  all  material  respects
the  financial  condition,  results  of  operations  and
cash  flows  of  the  Group  as  of,  and  for,  the  periods
presented in the report;
That  they  are  responsible  for  establishing  and
maintaining  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  (as
defined  in  the  US  Exchange  Act  Rules  13a-15(e)
and 15d-15(e)) for the Group and have:
− 

their  knowledge, 

the 

designed  such  disclosure  controls  and
procedures, or caused such disclosure controls
and  procedures  to  be  designed  under  their
supervision, to ensure that material information
relating to the Group, including its consolidated
subsidiaries, is made known to them by others
within  those  entities,  particularly  during  the
period in which the report is being prepared;
evaluated the effectiveness of those disclosure
controls  and  procedures  and  presented  in  this
report their conclusions about the effectiveness
of  the  disclosure  controls  and  procedures,  as
of the end of the period covered by this report
based on such evaluation; and
disclosed  in  this  report  any  change  in  the
Group’s internal control over financial reporting
that occurred during the period covered by this
is
report 
reasonably 
the
Group’s 
financial
reporting; and

that  has  materially  affected,  or 

to  materially  affect, 

likely 
internal 

control  over 

− 

− 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

That  they  have  disclosed,  based  on  their  most
recent  evaluation  of  internal  control  over  financial
reporting,  to  the  Group’s  auditors  and  the  Audit
Committee of the Group’s Board of Directors:

43

Directors’ Report

The  Directors  of 

the  Commonwealth  Bank  of
Australia  submit  their  report,  together  with  the  financial
report 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 2003.

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  fifty  years’  experience  in  the
mining and finance industries.

Deputy Chairman: Telstra Corporation Limited.

Other  Interests:  Melbourne  Business  School  (Board  of
Management),  Australian  Foundation 
for  Science
(Chairman),  Australian  Institute  of  Company  Directors
(Fellow),  Australian  Institute  of  Management  (Fellow),
Academy  of  Technological  Science  and  Engineering
(Fellow)  and  member  of  the  Council  of  Xavier  College,
Melbourne.

Mr Ralph is a resident of Victoria. Age 70.

John M Schubert, Deputy Chairman
Dr Schubert has been a member of the Board since 1991
and is Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of
the Nominations Committee. He holds a Bachelor Degree
and PhD in  Chemical  Engineering and  has  experience  in
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  and  G2
Therapies Limited.

Director:  BHP  Billiton  Limited,  BHP  Billiton  plc,  Qantas
Airways  Limited  and  Australian  Graduate  School  of
Management Ltd.

Other Interests: Business Council of Australia (President),
Academy  of  Technological  Science  and  Engineering
(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 60.

David V Murray, Managing Director and Chief
Executive Officer
Mr  Murray  has  been  a  member  of  the  Board  and  Chief
Executive Officer since June 1992. He holds a Bachelor of
Business, Master of Business Administration, an honorary
Phd from Macquarie University and has thirty seven years’
experience in banking. Mr Murray is a member of the Risk
Committee.

Director:  Tara  Anglican  School  for  Girls  Foundation
Limited.

Interests: 

International  Monetary  Conference
Other 
(Member),  Asian  Bankers’  Association 
(Member),
Australian  Bankers’  Association  (Member),  Asia  Pacific
Bankers'  Club  (Member),  Business  Council  of  Australia
(Member),  General  Motors  Australian  Advisory  Council
(Member),  and  the  Financial  Sector  Advisory  Council
(Member).

Mr Murray is a resident of New South Wales. Age 54.

N R (Ross) Adler, AO
Mr Adler has been a member of the Board since 1990 and
is a member of the Audit Committee. He holds a Bachelor
of  Commerce  and  a  Master  of  Business  Administration.
He  has  experience  in  various  commercial  enterprises,
more  recently  in  the  oil  and  gas  and  chemical  trading
industries.

Chairman: Austrade and Amtrade International Pty Ltd.

Director:  Australian  Institute  of  Commercialisation  Ltd,
AWL Enterprises Pty Ltd and Liberal Club Ltd.

Member: Advisory Council of Equity and Advisory Limited.

Other  Interests:  Adelaide  Festival  (Chairman),  University
of  Adelaide  (Council  Member  and  Chairman  of  the
Finance  Committee)  and  Vice  President  and  Executive
Member  of  the  Australia  Japan  Business  Co-operation
Committee.

Mr Adler is a resident of South Australia. Age 58.

Reg J Clairs, AO
Mr  Clairs  has  been  a  member  of  the  Board  since  1999
and is a member of the Remuneration 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.

Director:  David  Jones  Ltd,  and  National  Australia  Day
Council.

Other  Interests:  Member  of  the  Institute  of  Company
Directors.

Mr Clairs is a resident of Queensland. 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.  He  has  also  worked  with
government  in  superannuation,  competition  policy  and
export facilitation.

Director:  Australian  Gas  Light  Company,  Orica  Limited,
and O'Connell St Associates.

44

Directors’ Report (continued)

Other Interests: Australian Institute  of  Company  Directors
(Fellow) and Australian Institute of Management (Fellow).

Mr Daniels is a resident of New South Wales. Age 68.

Colin R Galbraith, AM
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 Allens Arthur Robinson,
Lawyers.

Chairman: BHP Billiton Community Trust.

Director: GasNet Australia Group and OneSteel Limited.

Other Interests: Secretary of Council of Legal Education in
Victoria,  Deputy  Chairman  of  the  Corporate  Council  of
CARE  Australia  and  a  Trustee  of  the  Royal  Melbourne
Hospital Neuroscience Foundation.

Mr Galbraith is a resident of Victoria. Age 55.

Warwick G Kent, AO
Mr  Kent  has  been  a  member  of  the  Board  since  June
2000  and  is  a  member  of  the  Risk  Committee.  He  was
previously a Director of Colonial Limited, appointed 1998.
He was Managing Director and 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.

Council  of  the  National  Library  of  Australia,  a  Counsellor
of the Committee for Melbourne and Patron of the Pacific
Institute.

Mr Ryan is a resident of Victoria. Age 60.

Frank J Swan
Mr  Swan  has  been  a  member  of  the  Board  since  July
1997  and  is  a  member  of  the  Risk  and  Nomination
Committees. He holds a Bachelor  of  Science  degree  and
has twenty three years senior management experience in
the food and beverage industries.

Chairman: Foster's Group Limited and Centacare Catholic
Family Services.

Director: National Foods Limited.

Other  Interests:  Institute  of  Directors  (Fellow),  Australian
Institute  of  Company  Directors  (Fellow)  and  Australian
Institute of Management (Fellow).

Mr Swan is a resident of Victoria. Age 62.

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  experience  in  policy  development  and  public
administration  as  a  senior  ministerial  adviser  and  in  the
transport  and  aviation  industries,  most  recently  as  Chief
Executive of Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services.

Chairman:  Coventry  Group  Limited  and  West  Australian
Newspapers Holdings Limited.

Chairperson: Country Energy.

Director: Perpetual Trustees Australia Limited.

Other Interests: Trustee of the Walter and Eliza Hall Trust
and  Fellow  of 
Institute  of  Company
Directors,  Australian  Society  of  CPAs,  Australian  Institute
of  Bankers  and  the  Chartered  Institute  of  Company
Secretaries.

the  Australian 

Mr Kent is a resident of Western Australia. Age 67.

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. He was the Strategic Investment Co-ordinator
and Major Projects Facilitator for the Federal Government
from 1999 – 2002.

Director:  Rail  Infrastructure  Corporation,  Allens  Arthur
Robinson and Lion Nathan Limited.

Other Interests: Sydney Opera House Trust (Trustee) and
Australia Day Council of New South Wales (Member). Ms
Ward is a resident of New South Wales. Age 49.

S Carolyn H Kay
Ms Kay joined the Board this year and is a member of the
Risk Committee. She holds Bachelor Degrees in Law and
Arts  and  a  Graduate  Diploma  in  Management.  She  has
extensive experience in international finance having  been
an executive at Morgan Stanley in London and Melbourne
for  10  years.    Prior  to  that  she  worked  in  international
banking  and  finance  both  as  a  lawyer  and  banker  in
London, New York and Melbourne.

Director:  Mayne  Group,  Treasury  Corporation  of  Victoria
and  Deputy  Chair  Victorian  Funds  Management
Corporation.

Director:  Australian  Foundation 
Limited and Clayton Utz.

Investment  Company

Other Interests: Australian Institute of Company Directors,
Morgan Stanley (Advisor).

Other 
Community Business Partnership, a Member of the

Interests:  Member  of 

the  Prime  Minister’s

Ms Kay is resident in Victoria.  Age 42.

45

Directors’ Report (continued)

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
J M Schubert
D V Murray
N R Adler
R J Clairs
A B Daniels
C R Galbraith
W G Kent
F D Ryan
F J Swan
B K Ward
S C Kay

11
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
4

11
11
11
11
9
11
11
11
11
11
11
4

* The number of meetings held during the time the Director held office during the year.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Risk Committee

Audit Committee

Remuneration Committee

No. of
Meetings
Held *

No. of
Meetings
Attended

No. of
Meetings
Held *

No. of
Meetings
Attended

No. of
Meetings
Held *

No. of
Meetings
Attended

5

5

5
5

5

5

5
5

J T Ralph
J M Schubert
D V Murray
N R Adler
R J Clairs
A B Daniels
C R Galbraith
W G Kent
F D Ryan
F J Swan
B K Ward
S C Kay**

J T Ralph
J M Schubert
D V Murray
F J Swan

6

6

6
6

6

2

6

6

6
6

5

2

8

8

8

8

7

8

8

8

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE

No. of Meetings Held

No. of Meetings Attended

2
2
2
2

2
2
2
2

* The number of meetings held during the time the Director was a member of the relevant committee.
** Ms Kay was appointed to the Risk Committee on 5 March 2003

46

Directors’ Report (continued)

Principal Activities

integrated 

including 
superannuation, 

The  Commonwealth  Bank  Group 
leading  providers  of 

is  one  of
financial
Australia’s 
institutional
services 
banking, 
general
insurance,  funds  management,  broking  services  and
finance  company  activities.  The  principal  activities  of  the
Commonwealth  Bank  Group  during  the  financial  year
were:

retail,  business  and 
life 

insurance, 

Banking
The  Group  provides  a  full  range  of  retail  banking
services  including  housing  loans,  credit  cards,  personal
loans,  savings  and  cheque  accounts  and  demand  and
term  deposits.  The  Group  has  leading  domestic  market
shares in home loans, personal loans, retail deposits and
discount  stockbroking  and  is  one  of  Australia’s  largest
issuers of credit cards. The Group also offers a full range
of  commercial  products 
loans,
equipment  and  trade  finance,  and  rural  and  agribusiness
products.

including  business 

The Institutional Banking operations focus on the top
1,000  corporations,  government  entities  and  other  major
institutions  operating  in  Australasia.  Corporate  customers
have  access  to  financial  markets  services,  securities
underwriting,  trading  and  distribution,  corporate  finance,
equities,  payments  and  transaction  services,  investment
management and custody.

The  Group  also  has  full  service  banking  operations

in New Zealand and Fiji.

Funds Management
The  Group  is  Australia’s  largest  fund  manager  and
largest  retail  funds  manager  in  terms  of  its  total  value  of
funds
under  management.  The  Group’s 
funds 
management  business 
the
Investment  and 
Insurance  Services  division.  These
businesses manage  a  wide  range  of  wholesale  and  retail
investment,  superannuation  and 
funds.
Investments  are  across  all  major  asset  classes  including
Australian and International shares, property, fixed interest
and cash.

is  managed  as  part  of 

retirement 

The Group also has funds management businesses

in New Zealand, UK and Asia.

Life Insurance
The  Group  provides 

term 

insurance,  annuities,  master 
products.

insurance,  disability
investment

trusts  and 

The  Group  is  Australia’s  third  largest  insurer  based
on  life  insurance  assets  held,  and  is  Australia’s  largest
manager in retail superannuation, allocated pensions and
annuities by funds under management.

Life insurance operations are also conducted in New
Zealand,  where  the  Group  has  the  leading  market  share,
and throughout Asia and the Pacific.

There  have  been  no  significant  changes  in  the
nature  of  the  principal  activities  of  the  Group  during  the
financial year.

Consolidated Profit

Consolidated  operating  profit  after  tax  and  outside
equity interests for the financial year ended 30 June 2003
was $2,012 million (2002: $2,655 million).

The net operating profit  for  the  year  ended  30  June
2003  after  tax,  and  before  goodwill  amortisation  and
appraisal  value  reduction  was  $2,579  million.  This  is  an
increase of $78 million or 3% over the year ended 30 June
2002  and  was  after  expensing  $214  million  in  respect  of
restructuring  initiatives  and  after  expensing  $45  million  in
respect of the allocation of shares to employees under the

47

ESAP  scheme  for  both  2002  and  2003  against  the  2003
profit.  Excluding  these,  for  a  like  for  like  comparison  the
‘cash basis’ profit grew by 9% over the previous year.

The  principal  contributing  factors  to  this  increase
were  a  growth  in  net  interest  income  reflecting  strong
housing loan growth together with growth in commissions,
and  a  decrease  in  charge  for  bad  and  doubtful  debts,
whilst  underlying  operating  expenses  have  increased  by
2%  over  the  year,  primarily  due  to  the  set  up  of  the  new
premium  division  in  banking.  Funds  management  income
fell  which  reflects  the  effect  of  depressed  equity  markets
for most of the year.

Dividends

The Directors have declared a fully franked (at 30%)
final  dividend  of  85  cents  per  share  amounting  to  $1,066
million. The dividend will be payable on 8 October 2003 to
shareholders  on  the  register  at  5pm  on  29  August  2003.
Dividends  paid  since  the  end  of  the  previous  financial
year:
(cid:1) 

through 

comprised 

As  provided  for  in  last  year’s  report,  a  fully  franked
final  dividend  of  82  cents  per  share  amounting  to
$1,027  million  was  paid  on  8  October  2002.  The
payment 
cash  disbursements  of
$832 million  with  $195  million  being  reinvested  by
participants 
the  Dividend  Reinvestment
Plan; and
In respect of the current year, a fully franked interim
dividend  of  69  cents  per  share  amounting 
to
$865 million  was  paid  on  28  March  2003.  The
payment 
cash  disbursements  of
$699 million  with  $166  million  being  reinvested  by
participants 
the  Dividend  Reinvestment
Plan.
Additionally,  quarterly  dividends  totalling  $36  million
for  the  year  were  paid  on  the  PERLS  preference
shares and $4 million on the ASB Capital preference
shares.

comprised 

through 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

Review of Operations

An analysis of operations for the financial year is set
out  in  the  Financial  Highlights  on  pages  5  to  10  and
Business Analysis on pages 11 to 28.

Changes in State of Affairs

During the year the Bank  implemented  a  number  of
significant  strategic  initiatives  which  aimed  at  improving
future productivity and service levels.

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

The initiatives undertaken during the year included:
Re-organisation  within  the  retail  banking  operations
aimed  at  eliminating  duplication,  inefficiencies  and
some back office processing.
Empowerment  of  front  line  retail  sales  staff  with
information  and  decision-making  capabilities 
to
better meet customer needs.
Redesign  system  and  relationship  management
processes  in  the  small  to  medium  sized  business
segments.
Simplification  and  consolidation  of  legacy  systems
and processes  within  the  Investment  and  Insurance
business.
The  related  cost  of  these  strategic  initiatives  were

incurred during the current year.

There were no other significant changes in the state

of affairs of the Group during the financial year.

Directors’ Report (continued)

Events Subsequent to Balance Date

Environmental Regulation

Corporate Restructure
The  Group 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

is 

in 

the 

the  Life 

the  process  of  a  corporate
restructure  of  the  legal  entities  involved  in  the  Funds
Management  and  Life 
Insurance  operations  within
Australia. The corporate restructure involves:
(cid:1) 

Insurance  business  of
Transferring 
Commonwealth  Life  Limited  to  The  Colonial  Mutual
Life Assurance Society Limited (on 1 July 2003);
Transferring 
former  Commonwealth  Life
Insurance  and  Funds  Management  companies  into
the  Colonial  sub-group  of  companies  (during  July
and August 2003); and
Simplifying 
the
Colonial  sub-group  of  companies  (ongoing,  to  be
substantially completed by December 2003).
The restructure will:
Align  the  corporate  structure  and  the  management
structure; and
Simplify 
the 
transparency for investors, regulators and creditors.
There  is  no  material  effect  on  the  regulatory  capital
position  of  the  Bank,  or  of  any  of  the  life  insurance
companies,  the  general  insurance  company  or  the  funds
management  companies  arising  directly 
the
corporate restructure.

the  corporate  structure  within 

increasing

corporate 

structure, 

from 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

Issue of Trust Preferred Securities
On 6 August 2003 a wholly owned entity of the Bank
issued USD550 million (AUD824 million) of trust preferred
securities,  subject  to  a  limited  guarantee  by  the  Bank,  in
the US capital markets.  These securities are perpetual in
nature and offer a non-cumulative fixed rate distribution of
5.805%p.a.,  payable  semi-annually.    Distributions  will  be
paid  if  determined  by  Directors,  or  a  committee  of  the
Board, to be payable.  If a distribution is not paid the Bank
will  not  be  permitted  to  pay  dividends  on  any  of  its
ordinary  shares  or  shares  ranking  equally  with  these
securities,  including  Commonwealth  Bank  PERLS,  until
two  consecutive  semi-annual  dividends  are  paid.    The
securities which qualify as Tier 1 capital for the Bank may
be  redeemed  by  the  Bank,  subject  to  the  approval  of
APRA,  on  30  June  2015.    If  the  securities  are  not
redeemed on  30  June  2015,  the  holders  of  the  securities
may  request 
for  an
equivalent value of ordinary shares of the Bank.  In certain
circumstances,  and  at  any  time  at  the  Bank’s  discretion,
the  trust  preferred  securities  may  be  redeemed  for
representing
American  Depository  Shares 
preference shares of the Bank. Where there has been no
earlier  redemption,  the  trust  preferred  securities  will  be
mandatorily redeemed for ADSs on 30 June 2053.

their  securities  be  exchanged 

(ADSs) 

The  issue  of  trust  preferred  securities  provided  a
cost-effective opportunity to supplement the Bank’s Tier 1
Capital and broaden its investor base.

The  Directors  are  not  aware  of  any  other  matter  or
circumstance  that  has  occurred  since  the  end  of  the
financial  year  that  has  significantly  affected  or  may
significantly affect the operations of the Group, the results
of  those  operations  or  the  state  of  affairs  of  the  Group  in
subsequent financial years.

Future Developments and Results

the
Major  developments,  which  may  affect 
operations of the Group in subsequent financial years, are
referred to in the Chairman’s Statement on page 3. In the
opinion  of 
further
information on likely developments in operations would be
unreasonably prejudicial to the interests of the Group.

the  Directors,  disclosure  of  any 

48

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 
liabilities  as
a lender.  The  Bank  has  developed  credit  policies  to
ensure this is managed appropriately.

incur  environmental 

Directors’ Shareholdings

Particulars of shares in the Commonwealth  Bank  or
in  a  related  body  corporate  are  set  out  in  a  separate
titled
section  at 
‘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
shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 8 October
1996  and  its  continuation  was  further  approved  by
shareholders  at  the  Annual  General  Meeting  on  29
October  1998.  At  the  2000  Annual  General  Meeting,
shareholders  approved  the  establishment  of  the  Equity
Reward Plan. On 31 October 2001, 31 January 2002 and
15 April 2002 a total of 3,007,000 options were granted by
the  Bank  to  81  executives  under  this  Plan.  During  the
financial year and for  the  period  to  the  date  of  this  report
972,500  shares  were  allotted  by  the  Bank  consequent  to
the  exercise  of  options  granted  under  the  Executive
Option 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 option holders kept
by  the  Bank  pursuant  to  Section  170  of  the  Corporations
Act 2001. 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  Act  2001,
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”.

Directors’ Report (continued)

An  indemnity  for  employees,  who  are  not  directors,
secretaries or executive officers, is not expressly restricted
in any way by the Corporations Act 2001.

The  Directors,  as  named  on  pages  44  to  45  of  this
report,  and  the  Secretaries  of  the  Commonwealth  Bank,
being  J  D  Hatton  (Secretary)  and  H  J  Broekhuijse
(Assistant  Company  Secretary)  are  indemnified  under
Article  19  as  are  all  the  executive  officers  of  the
Commonwealth Bank.
Deeds  of 

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

Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance

The  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 to above and the directors, secretaries, executive
officers and employees of any related bodies corporate as
defined  in  the  insurance  policy.  The  insurance  grants
indemnity against liabilities permitted to be indemnified by
the company under Section 199B of the Corporations Act
2001. 
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.

In  accordance  with  commercial  practice, 

Directors’ and other Officers’ Emoluments

Details of the  Bank’s  remuneration  policy  in  respect
is  set  out  under
‘Corporate

of 
the  Directors  and  executives 
‘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.

Incorporation of Additional Material

This  report  incorporates  the  Financial  Highlights,
and

Business  Analysis,  Corporate  Governance 
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

20 August 2003

D V Murray
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

49

Five Year Financial Summary

Financial Performance
Net interest income
Other operating income
Total operating income
Charge for bad and doubtful debts
Total operating expenses
Operating profit before goodwill amortisation, appraisal
value uplift, abnormal items and income tax expense
Income tax expense
Outside equity interests
Net Profit after Tax ("cash basis")
Abnormal items
Income tax credit on abnormal items
Appraisal value (reduction)/uplift
Goodwill amortisation
Operating profit after income tax attributable to
members of the Bank

Contributions to profit (after tax)
Banking
Funds management
Life insurance
Profit on operations ("cash basis")
Goodwill amortisation
Appraisal value uplift
Abnormal income after tax
Operating profit after income tax

Financial Position
Loans, advances and other receivables
Total assets

Deposits and other public borrowings
Total liabilities

Shareholders' equity
Net tangible assets

Risk weighted assets

2003
$M

5,026
4,373
9,399
305
5,551

2002
$M

4,710
4,358
9,068
449
5,201

3,543
(958)
(6)
2,579
                  -
                  -
(245)
(322)

3,418
(916)
(1)
2,501
                -
                -
477
(323)

2001
$M

4,474
4,350
8,824
385
5,170

3,269
(993)
(14)
2,262
           -
           -
474
(338)

2000
$M

3,719
2,420
6,139
196
3,407

1999
$M

3,527
1,997
5,524
247
3,070

2,536
(820)
(38)
1,678

2,207
(714)
(24)
1,469
967                -
20                -
92                -
(47)

(57)

2,012

2,655

2,398

2,700

1,422

2,249
208
122
2,579
(322)
(245)
                  -
2,012

2,067
368
66
2,501
(323)
477
                -
2,655

1,793
323
146
2,262
(338)
474
           -
2,398

1,513
36
129
1,678
(57)

1,342
24
103
1,469
(47)
92                -
987                -
1,422

2,700

160,347
265,110

147,074
249,648

136,059
230,411

132,263
218,259

101,837
138,096

140,974
242,958

132,800
228,592

117,355
210,563

112,594
199,824

93,428
131,134

20,024
        14,995

19,030
13,639

18,393
12,677

17,472
11,942

6,735
6,471

146,808

141,049

138,383

128,484

99,556

Average interest earning assets
Average interest bearing liabilities

188,270
174,737

170,634
157,105

160,607
145,978

129,163
117,075

114,271
103,130

Assets (on balance sheet)
  Australia
  New Zealand
  Other
Total Assets

221,248
27,567
16,295
265,110

208,673
24,579
16,396
249,648

196,918
20,208
13,285
230,411

187,452
16,661
14,146
218,259

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

50

Five Year Financial Summary (continued)

Shareholder Summary
Dividends per share (cents) - fully franked
Dividend cover (times) - statutory
Dividend cover (times) - cash
Earnings per share (cents)
Basic
  before abnormal items
  after abnormal items
  cash basis (4)
Fully Diluted
  before abnormal items
  after abnormal items
  cash basis (4)
Dividend payout ratio (%) (1)
  before abnormal items
  after abnormal items
  cash basis (4)
Net tangible assets per share ($)
Weighted average number of shares (basic)
Weighted average number of shares (fully diluted)
Number of shareholders
Share prices for the year ($)
  Trading high
  Trading low
  End (closing price)

Performance Ratios (%)
Return on average shareholders' equity (2) (5)
  before abnormal items
  after abnormal items
  cash basis
Return on average total assets (2)
  before abnormal items
  after abnormal items
  cash basis
Capital adequacy - Tier 1
Capital adequacy - Tier 2
Deductions
Capital adequacy - Total
Net interest margin

Other Information (numbers)
Full time staff equivalent(6)
Branches/service centres (Australia)
Agencies (Australia)
ATMs (Proprietary)
EFTPOS terminals
EzyBanking

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

             154
              0.9
              1.3

          157.4
          157.4
          202.6

          157.3
          157.3
          202.5

            97.7
            97.7
            75.9
            12.0
 1,253m
 1,254m
      746,073

          32.75
          23.05
          29.55

            10.7
            10.7
            13.3

              0.8
              0.8
              1.0
6.96
4.21
(1.44)
            9.73
            2.67

        35,845
          1,014
          3,893
          3,116
      125,959
             760

150
1.4
1.3

209.6
209.6
197.3

209.3
209.3
197.0

71.7
71.7
76.2
10.9
1,250m
1,252m
722,612

34.94
24.75
32.93

14.7
14.7
13.1

1.1
1.1
1.0
6.78
4.28
(1.26)
9.80
2.76

136
1.4
1.3

189.6
189.6
178.8

189.3
189.3
178.6

71.2
71.2
75.5
10.2
1,260m
1,262m
709,647

34.15
26.18
34.15

13.5
13.5
12.0

1.1
1.1
1.0
6.51
4.18
(1.53)
9.16
2.78

130
1.2
1.6

184.8
291.2
181.0

184.4
290.7
180.6

115
1.3
1.3

153.4
153.4
158.5

153.1
153.1
158.1

83.5
53.0
85.3
9.2
927m
929m
788,791

74.7
74.7
72.4
6.8
927m
929m
404,728

27.95
22.54
27.69

28.76
18.00
24.05

22.1
34.8

1.1
1.7

7.49
4.75
(2.49)
9.75
2.88

20.5
20.5

1.1
1.1

7.05
3.12
(0.79)
9.38
3.09

37,245
1,020
3,936
3,049
126,613
730

37,460
1,066
3,928
2,931
122,074
659

39,631
1,441
4,020
3,092
116,064
603

30,914
1,162
3,934
2,602
90,152
n/a

Productivity
Total Operating Income per full-time (equivalent) employee($)(6)
Staff Expense/Total Operating Income (%)
Total Operating Expenses (3) /Total Operating Income (%)

      262,212
26.1
            59.1

243,469
26.4
57.4

235,558
26.7
58.6

198,479
27.8
57.2

178,689
29.0
55.6

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

Dividends paid divided by earnings.  The comparative ratios have been amended to the same basis as the current year.  Previously this
ratio was calculated as Dividend 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 and charge for bad and doubtful debts. Note the different business mix
following the Colonial acquisition impacts comparison with prior years.
‘Cash earnings’ for the purpose of these financial statements is defined as net profit after tax and before abnormal items, goodwill
amortisation and life insurance and funds management appraisal value uplift.
2003 shareholders’ equity includes retained earnings before provision for final dividend of $1,066 million. Prior periods’ return on average
shareholders’ equity – cash basis have been restated to exclude the provision for final dividend.
Staff numbers include all permanent full time staff, part time staff equivalents and external contractors employed by 3rd party agencies.
Prior period staff numbers have to restated to reflect this.

51

Financial Statements

Statements of Financial Performance ............................................................................................................................... 53
Statements of Financial Position ....................................................................................................................................... 54
Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity.............................................................................................................. 55
Statements of Cash Flows.................................................................................................................................................. 56
Notes to the Financial Statements..................................................................................................................................... 57
1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies .................................................................................................................. 57
2.  Operating Profit ............................................................................................................................................................. 66
3.  Revenue from Ordinary Activities .................................................................................................................................. 68
4.  Average Balances and Related Interest ........................................................................................................................ 69
5. 
Income Tax Expense..................................................................................................................................................... 73
6.  Dividends....................................................................................................................................................................... 75
7.  Earnings Per Share ....................................................................................................................................................... 76
8.  Cash and Liquid Assets ................................................................................................................................................. 76
9.  Receivables from Other Financial Institutions................................................................................................................ 76
10.  Trading Securities.......................................................................................................................................................... 77
11.  Investment Securities .................................................................................................................................................... 78
12.  Loans, Advances and Other Receivables ...................................................................................................................... 81
13.  Provisions for Impairment .............................................................................................................................................. 84
14.  Credit Risk Management ............................................................................................................................................... 88
15.  Asset Quality ................................................................................................................................................................. 95
16.  Life Insurance Investment Assets ................................................................................................................................ 100
17.  Deposits with Regulatory Authorities ........................................................................................................................... 100
18.  Shares in and Loans to Controlled Entities .................................................................................................................. 100
19.  Property, Plant and Equipment .................................................................................................................................... 101
20.  Intangible Assets ......................................................................................................................................................... 102
21.  Other Assets................................................................................................................................................................ 103
22.  Deposits and Other Public Borrowings ........................................................................................................................ 104
23.  Payables to Other Financial Institutions....................................................................................................................... 105
24.  Income Tax Liability..................................................................................................................................................... 105
25.  Other Provisions .......................................................................................................................................................... 106
26.  Debt Issues ................................................................................................................................................................. 107
27.  Bills Payable and Other Liabilities................................................................................................................................ 109
28.  Loan Capital ................................................................................................................................................................ 110
29.  Share Capital............................................................................................................................................................... 112
30.  Outside Equity Interests .............................................................................................................................................. 120
31.  Capital Adequacy ........................................................................................................................................................ 121
32.  Maturity Analysis of Monetary Assets and Liabilities.................................................................................................... 125
33.  Financial Reporting by Segments ................................................................................................................................ 127
34.  Life Insurance Business .............................................................................................................................................. 131
35.  Remuneration of Auditors ............................................................................................................................................ 137
36.  Commitments for Capital Expenditures Not Provided for in the Accounts.................................................................... 138
37.  Lease Commitments - Property, Plant and Equipment ................................................................................................ 138
38.  Contingent Liabilities ................................................................................................................................................... 139
39.  Market Risk ................................................................................................................................................................. 141
40.  Superannuation Commitments .................................................................................................................................... 151
41.  Controlled Entities ....................................................................................................................................................... 153
42.  Investments in Associated Entities and Joint Ventures................................................................................................ 155
43.  Standby Arrangements and Unused Credit Facilities................................................................................................... 155
44.  Related Party Disclosures ........................................................................................................................................... 156
45.  Remuneration of Directors........................................................................................................................................... 158
46.  Remuneration of Executives........................................................................................................................................ 160
47.  Statement of Cash Flow .............................................................................................................................................. 164
48.  Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments ................................................................................................ 166
Directors’ Declaration....................................................................................................................................................... 168
Independent Audit Report ................................................................................................................................................ 169
Shareholding Information ................................................................................................................................................ 170
International Representation............................................................................................................................................ 173

52

Statements of Financial Performance
For the year ended 30 June 2003

Interest income
Interest expense
Net interest income
Other income:
Revenue from sale of assets
Written down value of assets sold
Other
Net banking operating income

Funds management income including premiums
Investment revenue
Claims and policyholder liability expense
Net funds management operating income

Premiums and related revenue
Investment revenue
Claims and policyholder liability expense
Life insurance margin on services operating income

Net funds management and life insurance operating income
before appraisal value (reduction)/uplift
Total net operating income before appraisal value (reduction)/uplift

Charge for bad and doubtful debts
Operating expenses:
Comparable business
First time

Appraisal value (reduction)/uplift
Goodwill amortisation
Profit from ordinary activities before income tax
Income tax expense
Profit from ordinary activities after income tax
Outside equity interests in net profit

Net profit attributable to members of the Bank
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Revaluation of properties
Total valuation adjustments

Total changes in equity other than those resulting from
transactions with owners as owners

Earnings per share based on net profit distributable to
members of the Bank:
   Basic
   Fully Diluted
Dividends per share attributable to shareholders of the Bank:
Ordinary shares
Preference shares (issued 6 April 2001)

Net Profit after Income Tax comprises
Net Profit after Income Tax ("cash basis")
Less Appraisal value (reduction)/uplift
Less Goodwill amortisation
Net Profit after Income Tax ("statutory basis")

53

Note

2
2

2003
$M

11,528
6,502
5,026

2002
$M

10,455
5,745
4,710

GROUP
2001
$M

11,900
7,426
4,474

BANK
2002
$M

2003
$M

9,477 8,670
5,336 4,707
4,141 3,963

3

128
(106)
2,675
7,723

1,125
8
(91)
1,042

1,011
620
(997)
634

718
(628)
2,462
7,262

1,083
(393)
457
1,147

866
293
(500)
659

185
(104)
2,300
6,855

67
(52)

914
(608)
3,339 3,634
7,495 7,903

1,079            -
1,145            -
           -
1,204            -

(1,020)

695            -
553            -
           -
765            -

(483)

        -
        -
        -
        -

        -
        -
        -
        -

1,676
9,399

1,806
9,068

1,969            -
8,824

        -
7,495 7,903

2,13

305

449

385

266

405

2
2

34

5

7

5,292

5,201
259                -
5,201

5,551

(245)
(322)
2,976
958
2,018
(6)

2,012
(129)
3
(126)

477
(323)
3,572
916
2,656
(1)

2,655
(146)
(1)
(147)

5,170
            -
5,170

3,977 3,982
259         -
4,236 3,982

        -
474            -
(186)
(186)
2,807 3,330
665
2,099 2,665
        -

(338)
3,405
993
2,412
(14)

           -

708

2,398
98
5
103

2,099 2,665
(16)

(7)

(7)

(16)

1,886

2,508

2,501

2,092 2,649

Cents per share

157.4
157.3

154
1,019

$M

2,579
(245)
(322)
2,012

209.6
209.3

189.6
189.3

150
970

$M

2,501
477
(323)
2,655

136
261

$M

2,262
474
(338)
2,398

Statements of Financial Position
As at 30 June 2003

Note

2003
$M

GROUP
2002
$M

2003
$M

BANK
2002
$M

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
Intangible assets
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 policyholder liabilities
Debt issues
Bills payable and other liabilities

Loan Capital
Total Liabilities
Net Assets

Shareholders' Equity
Share capital
Ordinary share capital
Preference share capital
Reserves
Retained profits
Shareholders' Equity Attributable to Members
of the Bank
Outside equity interests:
Controlled entities
Life insurance statutory funds and other funds
Total outside equity interests
Total Shareholders' Equity

5,575
7,066
10,435
11,036
160,347
13,197
27,835
23
                 -
821
287
5,029
23,459
265,110

140,974
7,538
13,197
                 -
12
876
819
23,861
30,629
19,027
236,933
6,025
242,958
22,152

6,044
7,728
8,389
10,766
147,074
12,517
30,109
89
                  -
862
313
5,391
20,366
249,648

132,800
7,864
12,517
                  -
1,040
1,276
834
25,917
23,575
17,342
223,165
5,427
228,592
21,056

5,356
5,436
8,072
6,831
131,537
13,521
                 -
2
23,559
608
252
2,708
16,748
214,630

122,946
7,504
13,521
11,308
12
527
684
                 -
16,684
17,456
190,642
5,937
196,579
18,051

5,673
5,694
6,703
7,560
120,781
13,162
               -
54
21,869
641
252
2,965
13,408
198,762

116,898
7,884
13,162
8,591
1,040
654
691
               -
11,753
15,905
176,578
5,337
181,915
16,847

12,678
687
3,850
2,809

12,665
687
4,226
1,452

12,678
687
2,095
2,591

12,665
687
2,093
1,402

20,024

19,030

18,051

16,847

304
1,824
2,128
22,152

                 -
9
                 -
2,017
2,026                   -
18,051

21,056

               -
               -
               -
16,847

8
9
10
11
12

16
17
18
19
42
20
21

22
23

6
24
25
34
26
27

28

29
29

30
30

54

Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
For the year ended 30 June 2003

Ordinary Share Capital
Opening balance
Buy back
Buy back for dividend reinvestment plan
Dividend reinvestment plan
Employee share ownership schemes
Issue costs
Closing balance
Preference Share Capital
Opening balance
Issue of shares
Issue costs
Closing balance
Retained profits
Opening balance
Reversal of provision for final dividend at 30 June 2002
(on adoption of AASB 1044)
Buy back
Transfers from reserves
Operating profit attributable to members of the Bank
Total available for appropriation
Transfers to reserves
Interim dividend - cash component
Interim dividend - dividend reinvestment plan
Interim dividend - appropriated to dividend reinvestment plan reserve
Provision for final dividend - cash component
Final dividend - appropriated to dividend reinvestment plan reserve
Payment of final dividend (2002) - cash component
Payment of final dividend (2002) - dividend reinvestment plan
Other dividends
Closing balance
Reserves
General Reserve
Opening balance
Appropriation from profits
Transfer to retained profits
Closing balance
Capital Reserve
Opening balance
Closing balance
Asset Revaluation Reserve
Opening balance
Revaluation of investments and properties
Closing balance
Dividend Reinvestment Plan Reserve
Opening balance
Conversion to ordinary share capital and cash dividend
Appropriation from profits
Closing balance
Foreign Currency Translation Reserve
Opening balance
Currency translation adjustments
Transfer to retained profits
Closing balance

Note

29

29

2003
$M

2002
$M

GROUP
2001
$M

2003
$M

12,665
-
(361)
361
13
-
12,678

12,455
-
(158)
329
39
-
12,665

12,521 12,665
-
(361)
361
13
-
12,455 12,678

(275)
(140)
313
40
(4)

687
-
-
687

687
-
-
687

-
700
(13)
687

687
-
-
687

BANK
2002
$M

12,455
-
(158)
329
39
-
12,665

687
-
-
687

1,452

1,160

1,686

1,402

650

1,027
-
250
2,012
4,741
-
(699)
(166)
-
-
-
(832)
(195)
(40)
2,809

3,998
-
(247)
3,751

289
289

 4
3
7

-
-
-
-

-
-
250
2,655
4,065
(700)
(693)
(159)
-
(1,027)
-
-
-
(34)
1,452

3,548
700
(250)
3,998

289
289

5
(1)
4

168
(168)
-
-

(65)
(129)

81
(146)
(3)             -
(65)

(197)

-
(449)
125
2,398
3,760
(880)
(642)
-
(131)
(765)
(168)
-
-
(14)
1,160

2,793
880
(125)
3,548

1,027
-
-
2,099
4,528
(9)
(699)
(166)
-
-
-
(832)
(195)
(36)
2,591

570
-
-
570

-
-
-
2,665
3,315
-
(852)
-
-
(1,027)
-
-
-
(34)
1,402

570
-
-
570

289
289

1,531
1,531

1,531
1,531

-
5
5

200
(331)
299
168

(17)
98
             -
81

-
-
-

-
-
-
-

-
-
-

168
(168)
-
-

(8)
(7)

9
(17)
9             -
(8)

(6)

Total Reserves
Shareholders' Equity Attributable to Members of the Bank

3,850
20,024

4,226
19,030

4,091

2,095
18,393 18,051

2,093
16,847

55

Statements of Cash Flows
For the year ended 30 June 2003

Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Interest received
Dividends received
Interest paid
Other operating income received
Expenses paid
Income taxes paid
Net decrease (increase) in trading securities
Life insurance:
Investment income
Premiums received
Policy payments
Net Cash provided by / (used in) operating activities

Note

2003
$M

2002
$M

11,452 10,683
5
(5,805)
3,706
(5,366)
(926)
(1,159)

4
(6,455)
3,135
(5,438)
(1,258)
(2,484)

GROUP
2001
$M

12,059
14
(7,704)
2,800
(5,583)
(1,252)
(262)

2003
$M

9,204
579
(5,248)
2,668
(4,233)
(838)
(1,814)

BANK
2002
$M

8,839
972
(4,812)
3,087
(4,113)
(376)
(1,353)

644
4,130
(5,855)
(2,125)

870
5,689
(5,704)
1,993

900             -             -
6,286             -             -
          -
           -
2,244
318

(5,423)
1,835

47 (c)

Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Payments for acquisition of entities and management rights
Proceeds from disposal of entities and businesses
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

Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Buy back of shares
Proceeds from issue of shares (net of costs)
Proceeds from issue of preference shares to outside equity interests
Net increase (decrease) in deposits and other borrowings
Net movement in debt issues
Dividends paid (including DRP buyback of shares)
Net movements in other liabilities
Net increase (decrease) in payables due to other financial institutions not
at call
Net increase (decrease) in securities sold under agreements to
repurchase
Issue 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 period
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

47(a)

(173)
33

(414)             -
(57)
314               -             -

(50)
242

66

23

(18,055) (23,488)
295
17,719 22,192
(28)
(13,577) (11,702)
            -
72
(143)

109
(164)

15

28

31

(19,676) (15,761) (20,593)
594
19,654 16,449 19,590
(50)
(8,790)
1,027 (5,026)
78
(106)

52
(4,181) (11,022)

64
(103)

           -                -
157
(132)

513

(855)

(184)

731

(691)

50 (1,376)
(241)

301

(891)
1,504

(298)
125

(1,377)
(312)

(13,091) (13,926)
14,628 14,618
(11,634) (14,309)

(21,229)             -             -
20,556             -             -
(8,705) (16,491)
(4,793)

13

            -             -
39
182             -
5,129 15,135
(967)
7,054
(1,661)
(1,933)
1,809
(926)

723

(724)             -
13

          -
39
              -             -             -
3,004 13,112
1,022
4,931
(1,661)
(1,929)
2,110
(1,024)

5,246
(2,099)
(1,368)
(1,010)

(796)

211

1,396

(869)

645

19

3,046

310
901            -
(100)
12,689 14,776
2,460
(1,070)
38
2,498
2,498
1,428

(485)
              -
(69)
1,610
(1,348)
1,386
38

3,045

311
600             -
(3)
(15)
7,755 15,575
1,328
(631)
(420)
908
908
277

It should be noted that the Group does not use this accounting Statement of Cash Flows in the internal management

of its liquidity positions.

56

Notes to the financial statements

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 
the
requirements  of  the  Banking  Act,  Corporations  Act  2001,
applicable  Accounting  Standards  and  other  mandatory
reporting  requirements  so  far  as  the  requirements  are
considered appropriate to a banking corporation.

report  which  complies  with 

financial 

The Statements of Cash Flows has been prepared in
accordance  with  the  International  Accounting  Standard
IAS 7: 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.

Change in accounting policies
The  consolidated  entity  has  adopted 

the  new
Accounting Standard AASB 1044:  Provisions, Contingent
Liabilities and Contingent Assets, which has resulted  in  a
change  in  the  accounting  for  the  dividend  provisions.
Previously, the consolidated entity recognised a provision
for  dividend  based  on  the  amount  that  was  proposed  or
declared after the reporting date.    In  accordance  with  the
requirements of the new standard, a provision for dividend
will  only  be  recognised  at  the  reporting  date  where  the
dividends  are  declared,  determined  or  publicly
recommended  prior  to  the  reporting  date.    The  effect  of
the  revised  policy  has  been  to  increase  consolidated
retained  profits  and  decrease  provisions  at  the  beginning
of the year by $1,027 million.  In accordance with the new
Standard,  no  provision  for  dividend  has  been  recognised
for  the  year  ended  30  June  2003.    The  change  in
accounting  policy  has  had  no  effect  on  basic  and  fully
diluted earnings per share.

The Group adopted the revised accounting standard
AASB  1012:  Foreign  Currency  Translation  from  1  July
2002.  There  were  no  material  changes  to  the  related
calculations.

The Group adopted the revised accounting standard
AASB  1028:  Employee  Benefits  from  1  July  2002.  All
employee  benefit  liabilities  expected  to  be  settled  more
than  12  months  after  the  reporting  date  were  previously
subject  to  actuarial  review.  As  a  result  there  were  no
material  changes  to  the  related  liabilities  on  the  adoption
of the revised standard.

Share Based Compensation
In  August  2002  the  Bank  announced  that  it  will
purchase shares to cover the Employee Share Acquisition
Plan  (ESAP)  and  include  the  full  cost  as  an  expense
against  profits.  ESAP  shares  earned  in  respect  of  the
2002  financial  year  had  not  been  awarded  at  the  time  of
the announcement, and as such the cost of $25 million is
a one off expense in the current year. In addition, current
year ESAP expense accrued for the 2003 financial year is
$20  million  and  this  has  also  been  charged  against  the
current year’s profit. Similarly, the Executive Reward Plan
has been restructured effective from 1 July 2002, whereby
incentives  allocated  will  be  in  the  form  of  Reward  shares
and not options. This resulted in an increased expense for

the  year  of  $5  million.  Other  share  based  compensation
expense  for  the  year  was  $69  million.  This  was  incurred
and charged against profit on a consistent basis with prior
periods.

(b) Historical cost

The  financial  statements  of  the  Bank  and  the
consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in
accordance with the historical cost convention and, except
for AASB 1038: Life Insurance Business 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.

(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.

The  Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  became  the
successor  in  law  to  State  Bank  of  New  South  Wales
(known as Colonial State Bank) effective on 4  June  2001
pursuant  to  legislation.  On  that  date  State  Bank  of  New
South  Wales  ceased  to  have  a  separate  legal  existence
and  all  its  assets  and  liabilities  became  assets  and
liabilities  of  the  parent  entity  Commonwealth  Bank  of
Australia.  This  succession  in  law  has  no  effect  on  the
consolidated  Group.  One  outcome  of  this  process  is  that
the  carrying  amount  of  the  Bank’s  investment  in  Colonial
Group was reduced to reflect  the  net  tangible  assets  and
goodwill  ($2,742  million,  refer  Note  20)  now  within
Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia.  There  is  no  effect  on
the  amount  of  goodwill  in  the  consolidated  financial
statements.

(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  to  the  Financial
Statements.

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 from ordinary activities.

(e)

Foreign currency translations
All  foreign  currency  monetary  assets  and  liabilities
are  revalued  at  spot  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
foreign  exchange  dealings  are
from 
losses  arising 
included in the results.

57

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued

The 

foreign  currency  assets  and 

liabilities  of
overseas  branches  and  overseas  controlled  entities  are
converted  to  Australian  currency  at  30  June  2003  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 spot exchange rate at the date
of the transaction.

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  that
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 when earned.

 (i) Receivables due from other financial institutions
Receivables from other financial 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 when earned.

(j)

Trading securities
Trading  securities  are  short  and  long  term  public,
bank  and  other  debt  securities  and  equities  that  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’.  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

58

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  when
earned.  Dividends  on  equities  are  brought  to  account  in
profit  on  declaration  date.  Any  profits  or  losses  arising
from  disposal  prior  to  maturity  are  taken  to  profit  in  the
period  in  which  they  are  realised.  The  cost  of  securities
sold  is  calculated  on  a  specific  identification  basis.
Unrealised  losses  related  to  permanent  diminution  in  the
value of investment securities are recognised in profit and
the 
those  securities  adjusted
accordingly.

recorded  values  of 

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

(l)

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

(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, 
tax
remissions on leveraged leases. Interest and yield related
fees are reflected in profit when earned. Yield related fees
received  in  advance  are  deferred,  included  as  part  of  the
carrying  value  of  the  loan  and  amortised  to  profit  as
‘Interest  Income’  over  the  term  of  the  loan.  Note  1  (n)
provides additional information with respect to leasing and
leveraged leasing.

interest  reserved  and  unearned 

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

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

terms  modified, 

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

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued

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
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  leveraged  leases  with  a  lease  term  beginning
from 1 July 1999 are accounted for as finance leases with
income  brought  to  account  progressively  over  the  lease
term.

Leveraged  lease  receivables  are  recorded  under
loans,  advances  and  other  receivables  at  amounts  that
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 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,
contingent liabilities, financial instruments and investments
and assets acquired through security enforcement.

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 
the
statistically managed segment to cover facilities which are

in 

59

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  charged  to  profit.
The balance of provisions for impairment and movements
therein are set out in Note 13.

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

(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  that  is  taken  to
profit 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 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  based  on  this  independent
advice. 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
minimal  effect  on  the  level  of  the  reserve.  The  potential
effect  of  any  capital  gains  tax  on  disposal  has  not  been
taken  into  account  in  the  determination  of  the  revalued
carrying amount.

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 

less  depreciation
is  shown  at  cost 
calculated  principally  on  a  category  basis  at  rates
applicable  to  each  category’s  useful life. Depreciation is

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued

Such  costs  are  amortised  over  the  assessed  useful
life  of  the  projects,  up  to  a  maximum  of  10  years.  The
usual  period  of  amortisation  is  2½  years,  except  for  a
small  number  of 
term  projects.  Software
maintenance costs continue to be expensed as incurred.

longer 

(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 charged to profit 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
charged to profit when incurred.

(x)

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  is  not  carried  forward  as  an  asset
unless  the  benefit  is  virtually  certain  of  being  utilised
(Notes 5 and 21).

At  the  date  of  this  report,  the  Directors  of  the  Bank
have not made a decision whether or not to be treated as
a  single  entity  for  Australian  income  tax  purposes,  under
the  tax  consolidation  system.  For  further  details,  refer  to
Note 5.

(y) 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.

leave  represents 

The  provision  for  annual 

The  provision 
liabilities 

the
outstanding  liability  as  at  balance  date.  Actual  payments
made during the year are included in Salaries and Wages.
for  other  employee  entitlements
represents 
loan  benefits,
for  staff  housing 
a subsidy  to  a  registered  health  fund  with  respect  to
retired  employees  and  current  employees,  and  employee
incentives  under  employee  share  plans  and  bonus
schemes.

The level of these provisions has been determined in
requirements  of  AASB  1028:

accordance  with 
Accounting for Employee Entitlements.

the 

calculated  using  the  straight  line  method.  It  is  treated  as
an operating expense and charged to profit. 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

Equipment
- Security surveillance

systems
Furniture

-
- Office machinery
- EFTPOS machines

Maximum 30 years

10 years
20 years

10 years

Lesser of unexpired lease
term or lives as above

10 years

8 years
5 years
3 years

The  Bank  has  outsourced 

its
information  processing  and  does  not  own  any  material
amounts of computer or communications equipment.

the  majority  of 

(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  is  set
out  in  Note  20.  Purchased  goodwill  arising  from  the
merger  with  the  State  Bank  of  Victoria  in  1991  is  being
amortised over 20 years. Purchased goodwill arising from
the acquisition of the 25% minority interest in ASB Group
in New Zealand in August 2000 is being amortised over 20
years. The periods of goodwill amortisation are subject to
review annually by the Directors.

(u) Other assets

Other  assets  include  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.

Capitalisation of Computer Software Costs
In accordance with the American 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
$248 million as at 30 June 2003 (2002: $209 million).

for 

60

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued

(z) Provisions for restructuring

(ee) Shareholders’ equity

Provisions  for  restructuring  are  brought  to  account
where there is a detailed formal plan for restructure and a
demonstrated commitment to that plan.
Provision for Restructuring (2000)
In June 2000 the Group acquired a 100% interest in
the Colonial Limited Group of companies. This resulted in
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 were in the
area of redundancy, property and systems. Refer Note 20
for further details on the Colonial acquisition.

requirements 

restructuring 

Restructuring Costs (2000)
The integration of Colonial into the Group’s structure
resulted  in  an  expense  for  restructuring  of  $106 million
($86 million after tax) being charged to the Bank’s result in
the year ending 30 June 2000.

(aa) 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.

(bb) 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  charged  against  profit  as  incurred.  Any
profits  or  losses  arising  from  redemption  prior  to  maturity
are taken to profit in the period in which they are realised.

Further details of the Group’s debt issues are shown

in Note 26.

(cc) 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.

(dd) 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.

and 

discounts 

associated 

Premiums, 

issue
expenses are amortised through profit each year from the
date  of  issue  so  that  securities  attain  their  redemption
values  by  maturity  date.  Interest  is  reflected  in  profit  as
incurred.  Any  profits  or  losses  arising  from  redemption
prior  to  maturity  are  taken  to  profit  in  the  period  in  which
they are realised.

Further  details  of  the  Group’s  loan  capital  debt

issues are shown in Note 28.

61

Ordinary  share  capital  is  the  amount  of  paid  up

capital from the issue of ordinary shares.

Preference  Share  Capital  is  the  amount  of  paid  up

capital from the issue of preference 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 $2,905
million,  including  the  appraisal  value  uplift  (2002:$3,150
million and 2001:$2,699 million).

Capital reserve is derived from capital  profits  and  is

available for dividend.

Dividend  reinvestment  plan  reserve  is  appropriated
from revenue profits when the Bank is expecting to satisfy
the dividend reinvestment by the issue of new shares. The
amount  of  the  reserve  represents  the  estimate  of  the
minimum  expected  amount  that  will  be  reinvested  in  the
Bank’s  dividend  reinvestment  plan.  The  allotment  of
shares under the plan is subsequently applied against the
reserve. This accounting 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.  No  entry  is  passed  to  this  reserve  when  the  Bank
has determined to satisfy the dividend reinvestment by an
on market purchase of existing shares.

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

(ff) Derivative financial instruments

financial 

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

include 

that 

Derivative  financial  instruments  held  or  issued  for
trading purposes
Traded derivative financial 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 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
assets and liabilities such as loans, investment securities,
deposits  and  debt  issues.  To  be  effective  as  hedges,  the
derivatives  are 
the
underlying  hedged  item  or  class  of  items  and  generally
rate  or  credit
modify 
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.

identified  and  allocated  against 

to  manage  balance  sheet 

rate,  exchange 

in  holding  or 

interest 

the 

is 

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued

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

Early termination
Where  a  derivative  instrument  hedge  is  terminated
prior  to  its  ‘maturity  date’,  realised  gains  and  losses  are
deferred and included as part of the carrying value of the
hedged item or class of items being hedged.

The cash flows are amortised to profit 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.

Further 

information 

on 

derivative 

financial

instruments is shown in Note 39.

(gg) 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 
the
probability  of  default.  They  are  recorded  as  contingent
liabilities  at  their face  value.  Further  information  is shown
in Note 38.

reflects 

(hh) 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 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.

loan 

Lending fees
Material non refundable front end loan fees that are
yield related and do not represent cost recovery, are taken
to  profit  over  the  period  of  the  loan.  Associated  costs
incurred  in  these  lending  transactions  are  deferred  and
netted  against  yield  related 
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 

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.

fees  relate 

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

(ff)  Derivative 

(ii)

Life Insurance Business
The Group’s life insurance business is accounted for
in  accordance  with 
the  requirements  of  Accounting
Standard  AASB  1038:  Life  Insurance  Business,  which  is
summarised below:
(i) 

All  assets,  liabilities,  revenues,  expenses  and
equity  are 
report
in 
irrespective  of  whether  they  are  designated  as
relating to policyholders or to shareholders.

included 

financial 

the 

(ii) 

All assets are measured at net market values.

62

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued

(iii) All  liabilities  are  measured  at  net  present  values.
Policy  liabilities  are  calculated  in  accordance  with
the  principles  of  Margin  on  Services  (MoS)  profit
reporting  as  set  out  in  Actuarial  Standard  AS  1.03:
Valuation  of  Policy  Liabilities  issued  by  the  Life
Insurance  Actuarial  Standards  Board.  Other
Liabilities  are  measured  at  net  present  value  at
reporting date.

(iv) Any  life  insurers  within  the  Group  that  are  parent
entities  recognise  and  disclose  any  excess  or
deficiency  of  the  net  market  values  of  interests  in
subsidiaries over the net assets of those subsidiaries
as  an  item  in  the  financial  report  of  the  life  insurer
economic entity.
Premiums  and  claims  are  separated  on  a  product
basis  into  their  revenue,  expense  and  change  in
liability  components  unless  the  separation  is  not
practicable  or  the  components  cannot  be  reliably
measured.

(v)

(vi) Returns  on  all  investments  controlled  by  a  life
insurer  entity  in  the  Group  are  recognised  as
revenues.

(vii) Participating  benefits  vested 

the
financial  year,  other  than  transfers  from  unvested
policyholder  benefits  liabilities,  are  recognised  as
expenses.

in  relation 

to 

(viii) Reinsurance  contracts  entered  into  are  recognised

Insurance  Holdings  Limited 

on a gross basis.
The Group conducts life insurance business through
(CIHL),
Commonwealth 
Commonwealth  Life  Limited  (CLL)  and  The  Colonial
Mutual  Life  Assurance  Society  Limited 
in
Australia,  ASB  Life  Assurance  Limited  (ASB  Life),
Sovereign  Assurance  Company,  Metropolitan  Life
Assurance  Company  of  NZ  Limited  and  Colonial  Holding
Company  No2  (NZ)  Limited  in  New  Zealand  and  several
subsidiaries  and  joint  ventures  throughout  Asia.  CIHL,
CMLA  and  ASB  Life  are  the  top  tier  life  insurance
companies  within  the  life  insurance  corporate  structure
and they value their interests at market in their controlled
entities at each reporting date. Refer Note 1(pp) for details
of corporate restructure after 30 June 2003.

(CMLA) 

Accounting  policies  and  disclosures  specific  to  life
insurance business are required under AASB 1038. These
are provided in this note and Notes 16, 21 and 34.

(i)

Premiums and Claims
Investment linked business
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 increase in policy liabilities.
Premiums  with  no  due  date  are  recognised  on  a
cash 
the
received  basis.  Fees  earned  by 
Shareholder  for  managing  the  funds  invested  are
recognised  as  revenue.  Claims  under  investment
represent  withdrawals  of
linked  businesses 
investment  deposits  and  are 
recognised  as
a reduction in policy liabilities.

(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 
the  period  are
immediately recognised in profit.

liabilities  during 

(cid:1) 

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:
(cid:1) 

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.
Non  life  insurance  controlled  entities  are  valued
using  a  discounted  cash  flow  method  applied  to
anticipated  future  income  streams,  allowing  for
assumptions 
growth,
redemptions,  expenses,  investment  returns  and  fee
the  values  so
margins.  This  method  allows 
calculated  to  be  expressed  in  the  form  of  appraisal
values,  consistent  with  those  calculated  for  the  life
insurance  controlled  entities.  Valuation  of 
the
investment  in  the  non  life  insurance  controlled
entities  is  then  based  on  these  calculated  appraisal
values as at reporting date.
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.

future 

about 

sales 

(cid:1) 

On consolidation the investment in controlled 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  taken  to  profit.  This
excess  does  not  require  amortisation  in  the  financial
statements.

63

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued

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  1.03:  Valuation  of
Policy  Liabilities  issued  by  the  Life  Insurance  Actuarial
Standards Board. Policy liabilities are calculated in a way
that  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.

Profit
Life  insurance  business  operating  under  this  profit

recognition methodology can be analysed as follows:
(i)

life 

insurer  has  performed 

Emergence of planned profit margins:
In  setting  premium  rates,  life  insurers  will  include
planned margins of revenues  over  expenses. When
the 
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
profit.  Where  actual  experience  replicates  planned
margin  assumptions,  the  planned  profit  margin  will
be released over the life of the policy.

(ii) Difference between actual and planned experience:

(iii)

investment 

immediately. 

is  recognised 

Experience profits/(losses) are realised where actual
experience  differs  from  the  expected  performance
used  to  determine  planned  margins.  Circumstances
giving  rise  to  experience  profits/(losses)  include
experience variations in claims, expenses, mortality,
discontinuance  and 
returns.  For
example, an experience profit will  emerge  when  the
expenses  of  maintaining  all  in  force  business  in  a
year are lower than those allowed for in the planned
margin.
Loss  recognition  on  groups  of  related  products  or
reversals of previously recognised losses:
Where  future  expenses  for  a  group  of  related
products  exceeds  future  revenues,  the  anticipated
If  unprofitable
loss 
business  becomes  profitable,  previously  recognised
losses are reversed immediately.
Investment  earnings  on  assets  in  excess  of  policy
liabilities:
Investment  assets  are  held  in  excess  of  those
required 
Investment
earnings are directly influenced by market 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 for future supportable bonuses.
The  value  of  supportable  bonuses  and  planned
shareholder  profit  margins  account  for  all  profit  on
participating policies based on best estimate assumptions.
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.

Under  Margin  on  Services  profit 

to  meet  policy 

liabilities. 

(iv)

Policy Acquisition Costs
Policy  acquisition  costs 

the 

include 

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.

(jj)

Loan Securitisation
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.

 (kk)   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 of the Group and the designated
controlled entity.

(ll)  Superannuation plans

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

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.

64

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued

(mm)  Comparative figures

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

Statement  of  Financial  Performance  and  Segment
Reporting
A part of the business previously reported under the
Life 
Insurance  segment  namely  Commonwealth  and
Colonial  Products  and  part  of  the  ASB  business,  is  now
funds  management  segment.
reported  under 
Management  believes 
this  classification  more
that 
appropriately  represents  the  industry  segments  in  which
the  Commonwealth  Bank  operates.  Prior  period  numbers
have been reclassified accordingly.

the 

Share Based Compensation
Share based  compensation  has  been  included  as  a
new line item of expense within the Statement of Financial
Performance  and  Note  2  Operating  Profit  which  has
resulted  in  the  reclassification  of  part  of  the  salaries  and
wages  expense  in  prior  periods.    Refer  Note  1(a)  for
further details.

(nn)  Definitions

‘Overseas’  represents  amounts  booked  in  branches

and controlled entities outside Australia.

‘Borrowing  Corporation’  as  defined  by  Section  9  of
the  Corporations  Act  2001  is  CBFC  Limited,  Colonial
Finance Limited and their controlled entities.

‘Net  Fair  Value’  represents  the  fair  or  market  value

adjusted for transaction costs.

‘Cash  Basis’  is  defined  as  net  profit  after  tax  and
outside  equity  interest  before  goodwill  amortisation  and
funds  management  and  life  insurance  appraisal  value
(reduction)/uplift.

(oo)  Policy Changes (2001)

The Group adopted the requirements at AASB 1038:
Life Insurance Business for the first time from 1 July 1999,
refer note 1 (ii). From 1 July 2000 outside equity interests
in  managed  investment  funds  controlled  by  the  life
insurance  statutory  funds  have  been  brought  to  account.
As  a  result  life  insurance  investment  assets  and  outside
equity  interests  increased  by  $1,458  million  at  30  June
2001 ($588 million at 30 June 2000). This change had no
impact  on  operating  profit  after  tax  attributable  to  the
Bank. Comparative figures were restated.

The  Group  elected  to  apply  revised  accounting
standard  AASB  1005:  Segment  Reporting  from  1  July
2000,  prior  to  its  operative  date  in  accordance  with
Section  334(5)  of  the  Corporations  Act  2001,  refer  Note
33.

The  Group  elected  to  apply  revised  accounting
standard AASB 1041: Revaluation  of  Non-Current  Assets
from 1 July 2000, prior to its operative date in accordance
with  Section  334(5)  of  the  Corporations  Act  2001,  refer
Note 19.

(pp)   Subsequent events

Corporate Restructure
The  Group 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

is 

in 

the 

the  Life 

the  process  of  a  corporate
restructure  of  the  legal  entities  involved  in  the  Funds
Management  and  Life 
Insurance  operations  within
Australia.  The corporate restructure involves:
(cid:1) 

Transferring 
Insurance  business  of
Commonwealth  Life  Limited  to  The  Colonial  Mutual
Life Assurance Society Limited (on 1 July 2003);
Transferring 
former  Commonwealth  Life
Insurance  and  Funds  Management  companies  into
the  Colonial  sub-group  of  companies  (during  July
and August 2003); and
the
Simplifying 
Colonial  sub-group  of  companies  (ongoing,  to  be
substantially completed by December 2003).
The restructure will:
Align  the  corporate  structure  and  the  management
structure; and
Simplify 
the 
transparency for investors, regulators and creditors.
There  is  no  material  effect  on  the  regulatory  capital
position  of  the  Bank,  or  of  any  of  the  life  insurance
companies,  the  general  insurance  company  or  the  funds
management  companies  arising  directly 
the
restructure.

the  corporate  structure  within 

increasing

corporate 

structure, 

from 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

Issue of Trust Preferred Securities
On  6  August  2003  the  Bank,  via  a  wholly  owned
entity  of  the  Bank,  issued  USD550m  (AUD824m)  of  trust
preferred  securities  into  the  US  capital  markets.  The
securities will qualify as Tier 1 capital of the Bank. Refer to
Note 29 for further details.

65

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 2 Operating Profit

Profit from ordinary activities before income tax has been
determined as follows:

2003
$M

2002
$M

GROUP
2001
$M

2003
$M

BANK
2002
$M

Interest Income
   Loans
   Other financial institutions
   Cash and liquid assets
   Trading securities

Investment securities

   Dividends on redeemable preference shares
   Controlled entities
Total Interest Income

10,084
233
137
454
579
41
                -
11,528

9,231
165
142
359
517
41
                -
10,455

10,253
280
110
548
655

8,077
70
135
362
256
54                 -
577
9,477

                -
11,900

Interest Expense
   Deposits
   Other financial institutions
   Debt issues
   Controlled entities
   Loan capital
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 investments and loans
  Net profit on sale of property, plant and equipment
  Funds management income
  Life insurance income
  General insurance premium income
  Less general insurance claims paid
  Other
Total Other Operating Income
Total Net Operating Income before appraisal value
(reduction)/uplift

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

7,533
95
137
276
255
(6)
380
8,670

3,409
205
601
265
227
4,707
3,963

580
1,309

4,732
198
1,352
                -
220
6,502
5,026

4,256
193
1,064
                -
232
5,745
4,710

5,063
328
1,661
                -
374
7,426
4,474

652
1,423

618
1,242

602
1,173

3,795
197
889
243
212
5,336
4,141

599
1,157

200
190
112
                -
4
(9)
22
1,042
634
116
(75)
62
4,373
9,399

243
113
133
                -
5
78
12
1,147
659
119
(66)
55
4,358
9,068

222
140
64
                -
14
56
25

175
162
112
577
2
(9)
13
1,204                 -
765                 -
107                 -
                -
(57)
566
35
3,354
4,350
7,495
8,824

216
92
133
969
3
295
11
                -
                -
                -
                -
332
3,940
7,903

305
305

449
449

385
385

266
266

405
405

66

  
      
  
    
    
Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 2 Operating Profit continued

Staff Expenses
   Salaries and wages
   Superannuation contributions
   Provisions for employee entitlements
   Payroll tax
   Fringe benefits tax
   Other staff expenses
Recurrent expenses
Restructuring
Total Staff Expenses

2003
$M

2002
$M

GROUP
2001
$M

2003
$M

BANK
2002
$M

2,106
13
11
107
26
120

2,016           2,043
11                12
44
39
92                99
32                48
132              116
2,383           2,327           2,357
                -
2,538           2,327           2,357

155                   -

1,694
(3)
5
95
24
78
1,893

1,697
2
42
83
30
43
1,897
155                  -
2,048          1,897

Share Based Compensation

          119                63                  3

118               62

Occupancy and Equipment Expenses
   Operating lease rentals
   Depreciation
Buildings
Leasehold improvements
Equipment

   Repairs and maintenance
   Other
Recurrent expenses
Restructuring
Total Occupancy and Equipment Expenses

Information Technology Services
   Projects and development

Data processing

   Desktop
   Communications
   Software amortisation
Recurrent expenses
Restructuring
Total Information Technology Services

354              324

329

289

295

24                26
51                47
53                55
58                56
69                70

29
45
76
60
65
609              578              604
                -
612              578              604

3                   -

20
41
22
49
52
473

23
37
26
51
26
458
3                  -
476             458

191
256
145
171

195              189
255              275
161              155
171              175

167
256
154
148
            78                44                25             71               38
763
30                  -
797             763

788
                -
890              838              788

860              838
30                   -

166
227
159
144

767

Other Expenses
   Postage
   Stationery
   Fees and commissions
   Advertising, marketing and loyalty
   Other
Recurrent expenses
Restructuring
Total Other Expenses
Total Operating Expenses before goodwill amortisation

109              111              108
118              104              104
551              609              524
276              256              252
312              315              430
1,366           1,395           1,418
26                   -                   -
1,392           1,395           1,418
5,551           5,201           5,170

96
90
210
221
154
771

95
86
279
203
139
802
26                  -
797             802
4,236          3,982

Appraisal value (reduction)/uplift
Goodwill amortisation
Profit from ordinary activities before income tax

(245)
(322)
2,976

                -
477              474                -
(186)
(323)
(186)
(338)
2,807          3,330
3,572           3,405

First time expenses comprise:

Restructuring expenses – as above

       214

         -

               -

       214

               -

Employee compensation (ESAP) – Note 1(a)

         45

         -

               -

         45

               -

       259

67

       259

    
    
    
                                                          
GROUP
2001
$M

11,900
1,775
426
14
157
28
85
14,385

2003
$M

9,477
1,756
449
579
65
2
566
12,894

BANK
2002
$M

8,670
1,889
441
972
78
836
334
13,220

1079                -                 -
695                -                 -
1,698                -                 -
3,472                -                 -

10,455
1,860
489
5
109
609
108
13,635

1,083
866
(100)
1,849

330
147                 -
477
15,961

474                -                 -
               -                 -
474                -                 -
13,220

12,894

18,331

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 3 Revenue from Ordinary Activities

2003
$M

2002
$M

Banking
Interest income
Fees and commissions
Trading income
Dividends
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of investments and loans
Other income

Funds Management and Life Insurance
Funds management income including premiums
Life insurance premiums and related income
Investment income

Appraisal value uplift (1)
  - recurrent basis
  - corporate restructure of funds management business

Total revenue from ordinary activities

11,528
2,075
502
4
72
56
94
14,331

1,125
1,011
628
2,764

               -
               -
               -
17,095

There were no sources of revenue from non-operating activities.

(1)     Appraisal value reduction of $ 245 million for year ended 30 June 2003.

68

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 4 Average Balances 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  2001,  2002  and
2003.  Averages  used  are  predominantly  daily  averages.
The  overseas  component  comprises  overseas  branches

of  the  Bank  and  overseas  domiciled  controlled  entities.
Overseas  intragroup  borrowings  have  been  adjusted  in
the  interest  spread  and  margin  calculations  to  more
appropriately 
funds.
Non-accrual loans are included in Interest Earning Assets
receivables.
under 

the  overseas  cost  of 

advances 

reflect 

loans, 

other 

and 

Full Year Ended

2003

2002

2001

$M
Average Interest Earning Assets and Interest Income

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

Rate Balance
$M

Rate Balance
$M

$M

$M

%

%

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

3,293
813

2,446
3,734

-
56

7,360
3,395

4,240
8,062

131,746
23,125
-

-
3,604

191,874
(3,604)

188,270

133
4

79
154

-
-

326
128

261
318

8,496
1,629
-

-
31

4.0
0.5

3.2
4.1

4,290
285

1,822
2,663

138
4

69
96

3.2
1.4

3.8
3.6

2,428
273

2,658
1,595

107
3

159
121

n/a              -
174
n/a

           -
           -

n/a            -
n/a

           -
29            -

4.4
3.8

6.2
3.9

5,138
2,698

3,774
7,339

248
111

211
306

4.8
4.1

5.6
4.2

5,616
2,587

3,244
6,268

387
161

242
413

6.4 123,006
7.0
19,445
n/a              -

7,984
1,288
           -

6.5 118,917
6.6
16,992
n/a            -

8,983
1,317
7

n/a              -
3,232
0.9

           -
65

n/a            -
3,198
2.0

           -
191

11,559
(31)

6.0 173,866
(3,232)
0.9

10,520
(65)

6.1 163,805
(3,198)
2.0

12,091
(191)

11,528

6.1 170,634

10,455

6.1 160,607

11,900

4.4
1.1

6.0
7.6

n/a
n/a

6.9
6.2

7.5
6.6

7.6
7.8
n/a

n/a
6.0

7.4
6.0

7.4

Average Non-Interest Earning Assets
Bank acceptances
Australia
Overseas

13,144
53

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

26,333
4,070

627
197

24,046
3,303

(1,497)
(150)

70,126
258,396

19.5%

11,965
66

26,853
4,129

681
203

23,617
3,411

(1,546)
(143)

69,236
239,870

18.1%

69

12,074
109

26,580
3,062

1,024
240

21,676
1,835

(1,493)
(84)

65,023
225,630

16.0%

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 4 Average Balances and Related Interest continued

Average Liabilities and Interest Expense

Full Year Ended

Average
Balance
$M

2003
Interest Average Average Interest Average Average Interest Average
Rate
%

Rate Balance
$M

Rate Balance
$M

2002

2001

$M

$M

$M

%

%

Average Interest Bearing Liabilities and Loan Capital and Interest Expense
Time deposits

Australia
Overseas
Savings deposits
Australia
Overseas

Other demand deposits

Australia
Overseas

Payables due to other
financial institutions

Australia
Overseas

Debt issues
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

45,674
14,255

32,780
2,788

34,043
2,906

1,752
6,712

17,651
10,738

5,234
204
-

3,604
-

1,956
876

492
100

1,230
78

34
164

1,047
305

212
8
-

31
-

4.3
6.1

1.5
3.6

3.6
2.7

1.9
2.4

5.9
2.8

4.1
3.9
n/a

0.9
n/a

41,283
12,479

1,901
761

32,078
2,444

412
82

29,517
2,386

1,037
63

2,043
5,320

14,578
9,398

65
128

800
264

5,491
88
-

227
5
           -

3,232
           -

65
           -

4.6
6.1

1.3
3.4

3.5
2.6

3.2
2.4

5.5
2.8

4.1
5.7
n/a

2.0
n/a

42,226
9,882

2,519
711

27,835
2,027

603
83

23,813
1,911

1,064
62

1,271
4,238

65
263

17,130
9,965

1,099
562

5,564
116
           -

367
7
21

3,198
           -

191
           -

178,341
(3,604)

6,533
(31)

3.7
0.9

160,337
(3,232)

5,810
(65)

3.6
2.0

149,176
(3,198)

7,617
(191)

6.0
7.2

2.2
4.1

4.5
3.2

5.1
6.2

6.4
5.6

6.6
6.0
n/a

6.0
n/a

5.1
6.0

174,737

6,502

3.7

157,105

5,745

3.7

145,978

7,426

5.1

4,784
871

13,146
53

20,828
3,596

16,034
2,739

62,051

236,788
21,608

258,396

18.9%

5,424
705

11,965
66

23,092
3,457

14,628
3,026

62,363

219,468
20,402

239,870

17.9%

70

6,034
608

12,077
109

23,584
2,617

13,536
2,890

61,455

207,433
18,197

225,630

16.6%

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 4 Average Balances and Related Interest continued

Changes in Net Interest Income:
Volume and Rate Analysis
Interest Earning Assets
Cash and liquid assets

Australia
Overseas

Receivables due from other financial institutions

Australia
Overseas
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

Debt issues
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

30/06/03 vs 30/06/02
Changes due to
Rate
$M

Volume
$M

30/06/02 vs 30/06/01
Changes due to

Total
$M

Volume
$M

Rate
$M

Total
$M

71
-
-
(41)
60
-
(28)
6
-
35
58
-
287
176
-
-
-
1
656
(1)
679

(50)
171

73
16

228
14

32
47

(152)
(24)

(4)
(2)
-

1
-
503
(1)
486
278

(40)
1
-
(49)
(85)
-
(111)
(56)
-
(66)
(165)
-
(1,286)
(205)
(7)
-
-
(127)
(2,227)
127
(2,124)

(568)
(136)

(264)
(17)

(255)
(13)

(32)
(182)

(147)
(274)

(136)
-
(6)

31
1
-
(90)
(25)
-
(139)
(50)
-
(31)
(107)
-
(999)
(29)
(7)
-
-
(126)
(1,571)
126
(1,445)

(618)
35

(191)
(1)

(27)
1

-
(135)

(299)
(298)

(140)
(2)
(6)

(127)
-
(2,310)
127
(2,167)
(42)

(126)
-
(1,807)
126
(1,681)
236

31
(5)

(5)
               -

(12)
17

(25)
(10)

23
(17)

(53)
90
-

-
(39)
(17)
39
(7)

(140)
7

70
6

32
1

(24)
2

72
3

(4)
(3)
-

(39)
-
57
39
107
(163)

10
58

78
17

50
12

512
341
               -

               -
(34)
1,039
34
1,073

55
115

80
18

193
15

(31)
36

247
41

(15)
3
               -

(34)
               -
723
34
757
316

(36)
5

22
41

103
27

27
29

565
251
-

-
5
1,056
(5)
1,080

195
108

10
12

161
14

(7)
34

175
38

(11)
6
-

5
-
666
(5)
650
479

71

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 4 Average Balances 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

Net interest income
Average interest earning assets

Interest Margins and Spreads

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).

2003
$M

2002
$M
5,026        4,710
188,270    170,634

GROUP
2001
$M
4,474
160,607

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 (1)
Benefit of net free liabilities, provisions and equity (2)
Australia Interest Margin (3)

Overseas
Interest Spread (1)
Benefit of net free liabilities, provisions and equity (2)
Overseas Interest Margin (3)

Group
Interest Spread (1)
Benefit of net free liabilities, provisions and equity (2)
Group Interest Margin (3)

2003
%

2.68
0.20

2.88

1.22
0.50

1.72

2.40
0.27

2.67

2002
%

2.75
0.25

3.00

1.16
0.43

1.59

2.47
0.29

2.76

2001
%

2.56
0.43

2.99

1.06
0.55

1.61

2.32
0.46

2.78

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

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.

72

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 5 Income Tax Expense

Income  tax  expense  shown  in  the  financial  statements  differs  from  the  prima  facie  tax  charge  calculated  at  current

taxation rates on operating profit.

Operating profit from ordinary activities before income tax
Banking
Funds Management
Life insurance
Appraisal value (reduction)/uplift
Goodwill amortisation

Prima facie income tax at 30% (30 June 2001: 34%)
Banking
Funds Management
Life insurance
Appraisal value (reduction)/uplift
Goodwill amortisation

Add (or deduct) permanent differences expressed on a tax effect
basis:
Current Period
Tax rate change
Specific provisions for offshore bad and doubtful debts not tax effected
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
Non assessable capital gains
Tax losses recognised
Employee share acquisition plan
Other

Prior Periods
Other
Total Income Tax Expense

Income tax attributable to operating profit
Banking
Funds management
Life insurance
Corporate tax
Policyholder tax
Total 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

73

BANK
2002
$M

3,516
           -
           -
           -
(186)
3,330

1,055
           -
           -
           -
(56)
999

           -
(7)
(308)
           -
           -

           -
56
(68)
(35)
(8)
36
(334)

2003
$M

 3,187
 206
 150
(245)
(322)
 2,976

 956
 62
 45
(73)
(97)
 893

2002
$M

2,884
399
135
477
(323)
3,572

866
120
40
143
(97)
1,072

GROUP
2001
$M

2003
$M

2,512

2,993
478              -
279              -
474              -
(186)
2,807

(338)
3,405

898
853
163              -
95              -
161              -
(56)
842

(114)
1,158

              -
 13
(36)
(66)
(18)

 73
 97
              -
(18)
              -
 20
 65

              -
 958

 938
 54
 24
 1,016
(58)
 958

917
(24)
45
22
(2)
958

853
112
965
(1)
(6)
(7)

           -
(3)
(24)
(25)
(25)

(143)
97
            -
(35)
(8)
17
(149)

3              -
8
8
(146)
(35)
62              -
             -

(43)

(161)
115
(38)
(65)
(8)
26
(136)

             -
56
             -
             -
             -
(52)
(134)

(7)
 916

816
96
40
952
(36)
916

1,385
(408)
(86)
12
13
916

1,239
146
1,385
(403)
(66)
(469)

(29)
 993

             -
708

           -
 665

705
708
104              -
90              -
708
94              -
708

899

993

820
193
(35)
11

625
42
35
6
4              -
708

993

665
           -
           -
665
           -
665

814
(129)
(28)
5
3
665

765
55
820
168
5
173

610
15
625
83
-
83

811
3
814
(149)
           -
(149)

Notes to 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
Other
Total deferred income tax liabilities (Note 24)

Future income tax benefits attributable to tax losses
carried forward as an asset

Future income tax benefits not taken to account
Valuation allowance
Opening balance
Prior year adjustments
Benefits now taken to account
Benefits arising during the year not recognised
Closing balance (Note 21)

2003
$M

2002
$M

GROUP
2001
$M

BANK
2002
$M

2003
$M

353
172
525

302
96
16
414

337
288
625

240
100
240
580

488
206
694

328
149
625
1,102

242
70
312

116
2
44
162

257
52
309

34
23
95
152

36

124            -

             -

           -

168
(34)
(18)
26
142

146
(8)
(27)
57
168

173
(2)
(65)
40
146

132
(71)
(17)
18
62

121
(10)
(27)
48
132

Tax Consolidation

Legislation  has  been  enacted  to  allow  Australian
resident entities to elect to consolidate and be treated as a
single  entity  for  Australian  tax  purposes.    At  the  date  of
this  report,  the  directors  of  Commonwealth  Bank  of
Australia have not made a decision whether or not to elect
to  be  taxed  as  a  single  entity.  In  the  event  that  the  tax
consolidation  system  is  implemented,  Commonwealth
Bank  of  Australia  has  agreed  to  reimburse  their  wholly-
owned subsidiaries which form part of the consolidated tax

group  for  the  net  deferred  tax  assets  that  remain  at
implementation  date.    Alternatively  where  there  exists  a
net tax liability, wholly-owned subsidiaries will compensate
Commonwealth Bank  of  Australia. In  future  years, should
the Bank enter the tax consolidation regime, tax balances
will no longer be recorded by subsidiaries if they form part
of  a  consolidated  tax  group.  Tax  balances  for  the
consolidated  tax  group  will  be  recorded  in  the  financial
statements of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

74

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 6 Dividends

Ordinary Shares
Interim ordinary dividend (fully franked) (2003: 69 cents,
2002: 68 cents, 2001: 61 cents)
   Provision for interim ordinary dividend - cash component only
   Provision for interim ordinary dividend - dividend reinvestment plan
Declared final ordinary dividend (fully franked)
(2003: nil provided, 2002: 82 cents, 2001: 75 cents)
   Provision for final ordinary dividend - cash component only
   Provision for final ordinary dividend - dividend reinvestment plan
 Other provision
Preference Shares
Preference dividends paid (fully franked) (2003: 1,019 cents,
2002: 970 cents, 2001: 261 cents)
   Provision for preference dividend
Dividends provided for or paid
Appropriations to Dividend Reinvestment Plan Reserve

Interim ordinary dividend
Final ordinary dividend

Dividends appropriated to Dividend Reinvestment Plan Reserve
Total Dividends Provided for, Reserved or Paid

Other provision carried
Dividends proposed and not recognised as a liability
(fully franked) (2003: 85 cents, 2002: nil)

2003
$M

2002
$M

GROUP
2001
$M

BANK
2002
$M

2003
$M

699
166

693
159

642

699
166

852

             -

             -

832
195
           -

765              -
             -
5              -

1,027

           -

28
8
901

26            -
9
1,421

8
1,913

28
8
901

26
8
1,913

             -
             -
             -
901

           -
           -
           -
1,913

131              -
168              -
299              -
901

1,720

           -
           -
           -
1,913

4

5            -

4

5

     1,066            -

           -

     1,066            -

Dividend Franking Account

After  fully  franking  the  final  dividend  to  be  paid  for
the  year  ended  30  June  2003  the  amount  of  credits
available  as  at  30  June  2003  to  frank  dividends  for
subsequent  financial  years  is  $417  million.    This  figure  is
based  on  the  combined  franking  accounts  of  the  Bank  at
30  June  2003,  which  have  been  adjusted  for  franking
credits  that  will  arise  from  the  payment  of  income  tax
payable  on  profits  for  the  year  ended  30  June  2003,
franking   debits   that   will  arise  from  the   payment  of

from  distributing 

dividends  proposed  for  the  year  and  franking  credits  that
the  Bank  may  be  prevented 
in
subsequent  financial  periods.  The  Bank  expects  that
future  tax  payments  will  generate  sufficient  franking
credits  for  the  Bank  to  be  able  to  continue  to  fully  frank
future dividend payments. Dividend payments on or after 1
July  2003  will  be  franked  at  the  30%  tax  rate.  These
calculations have been based on the taxation law as at 30
June 2003.

Dividend History

Half Year Ended

31 December 2000
30 June 2001
31 December 2001

30 June 2002

31 December 2002

30 June 2003

Cents
Per
Share

Half-year
Payout
Ratio (1)

Full Year

Full Year
Payout Payout Ratio
Ratio (1) Cash Basis (2)

DRP
DRP
Price Participation
Rate (3)

$

61
75
68

82

69

85

68.2%
74.0%
71.8%

71.6%

143.2%

77.7%

  -
71.2%
  -

71.7%

  -
75.5%
  -

76.2%

  -

                   -

30.82
28.79
31.96

31.92

24.75

18.6%
18.4%
18.7%

19.0%

19.2%

97.7%

75.9%                  -

                    -

(1)

(2)

(3)

Dividend Payout Ratio: dividends divided by earnings after abnormals.
Payout ratio based on net profit after tax before goodwill amortisation and appraisal value uplift.
DRP Participation Rate: the percentage of total issued share capital participating in the Dividend Reinvestment Plan.

75

  
 
Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 7 Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Ordinary Share
- Basic
- Fully diluted

Reconciliation of earnings used in the calculation of earnings per share
Profit from ordinary activities after income tax
Less: Preference share dividends
Less: Outside equity interests
Earnings used in calculation of earnings per share

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used
in the calculation of basic earnings per share

Effect of dilutive securities - share options
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used
in the calculation of fully diluted earnings per share

Cash Basis Earnings Per Ordinary Share
- Basic
- Fully diluted

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
Agreements to resell
Total Overseas
Total Cash and Liquid Assets

NOTE 9  Receivables from Other Financial Institutions

Australia
Overseas
Total Receivables from Other Financial Institutions

76

2003
c

157.4
157.3

2002
c

209.6
209.3

GROUP
2001
c

189.6
189.3

$M

$M

$M

2,018
(40)
(6)
1,972

2,656
(34)
(1)
2,621

2,412
(9)
(14)
2,389

Number of Shares

2003
M

2002
M

2001
M

1,253

1,250

1,260

1

2

2

1,254

1,252

1,262

c
202.6
202.5

c
197.3
197.0

c
178.8
178.6

GROUP
2002
$M

2003
$M

BANK
2002
$M

1,888

1,330
74               -
2,900
218
4,448

3,194
270
5,426

1,873
              -
3,194
296
5,363

168
100

14
50               -
892
908
5,356

300
618
6,044

2               -
10
              -
300
310
5,673

2003
$M

1,426
14
2,900
217
4,557

65
377
33
543
1,018
5,575

2003
$M
3,324
3,742
7,066

GROUP
2002
$M
4,333
3,395
7,728

2003
$M
3,287
2,149
5,436

BANK
2002
$M
4,504
1,190
5,694

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 10 Trading Securities

Australia
Listed:
Australian public securities
   Commonwealth and states
   Local and semi-government
Treasury notes
Bills of exchange
Other securities
Unlisted:
Local and semi-government
Commercial paper
Certificates of deposit
Medium term notes
Other securities
Total Australia

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

2003
$M

GROUP
2002
$M

2003
$M

BANK
2002
$M

551
755
                   -
947
679

                   -
397
2,141
851
13
6,334

698
938
1,136
603

                   -
726
                   -
                   -
4,101
10,435

72
182
6
1,535
67

10
163
1,883
1,644
2
5,564

150
780
1,122
348

18
401
5
1
2,825
8,389

551
755
               -
947
675

               -
505
2,142
851
13
6,439

87
938
               -
608

               -
               -
               -

1,633
8,072

72
182
6
1,595
987

10
163
1,883
609
2
5,509

20
780
                  -
361

10
18
5
                  -
1,194
6,703

77

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 11 Investment Securities

Australia
Listed:
Australian public securities
   Commonwealth and states
Other securities and equity investments
Unlisted:
Australian public securities
   Local and semi-government
Bills of exchange
Medium term notes
Other securities and equity investments
Total Australia

Overseas
Listed:
Government securities
Treasury notes
Certificates of deposit
Eurobonds
Medium term notes
Floating rate notes
Other securities
Unlisted:
Government securities
Treasury notes
Certificates of deposit
Eurobonds
Medium term notes
Commercial paper
Floating rate notes
Other securities and equity investments
Total Overseas
Total Investment Securities

2003
$M

2002
$M

GROUP
2001
$M

2003
$M

BANK
2002
$M

1,915
439

1,969
456

1,919
354

1,915
433

1,969
448

                      -
                      -
115
57
2,589

804
                      -

1,045

44
191

5
                      -
1,379
212
114
                      -
798
379
4,971
7,560

80
                      -
942
965
4,341

80                       -
18
968
578
4,069

976
2
3,336

                      -
85                       -
57
58
2,463

484
5
14
993
239
324
1,392

804

252
                      -

1,045

1,118

377                       -
666
787

463
                      -
                      -
796
239
111
631

1,417
212
174

116                       -
6                       -
1,343
230
117
29                       -
438
957                       -
4,368
6,831

6,369
9,705

1,422

98
                      -
1,343
230
583
                      -
900
90
6,695
11,036

113
                      -
1,379
212
114
                      -
784
1,082
6,697
10,766

78

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 11 Investment Securities continued

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
Floating rate notes
Other securities and equity investments
Total Overseas
Total Investment Securities
Net Unrealised Surplus/(Deficit)

2003
$M

2,118
                    -
935
1,400
4,453

593
5
1,357
1,260
816
1,215
1,488
6,734
11,187
151

GROUP
Market Value at 30 June
2001
2002
$M
$M

             2,109
                  18
                973
            1,042
            4,142

                928
                    -
             1,379
             1,263
               114
             1,158
             1,867
6,709
10,851
                  85

             1,926
                  85
                982
               463
             3,456

                379
                    6
             1,416
             1,343
                172
             1,422
             1,627
6,365
9,821
                116

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 2003

Amortised
Cost
$M

Gross Unrealised
Losses
Gains
$M
$M

Fair Amortised
Cost
$M

Value
$M

Gross Unrealised
Losses
Gains
$M
$M

At 30 June 2002
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
Floating rate notes
Other securities and
equity investments
Total Overseas
Total Investment Securities

1,995
               -
942

123                  -
               -                   -
11

4

2,118
           -
935

2,049

71
18                -
5

968

1,404                   -

4,341

127

4

15

1,400

4,453

1,034

4,069

582

5                 -
1,357                 -
56
1,223
12
822
1,224                 -

11                 -
                -
                -
19
18
9

593

917
5                 -
1,379
1,257
114
1,161

1,357
1,260
816
1,215

1,482
6,695
11,036

6                 -
46
61

85
212

1,488
6,734
11,187

1,869
6,697
10,766

12

88

13
-
-
30
-
-

9
52
140

11
            -
            -

4

15

2,109
18
973

1,042

4,142

2
            -
            -
24
            -
3

928
              -
1,379
1,263
114
1,158

11
40
55

1,867
6,709
10,851

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 Group.

(1)

Equity derivatives are in place to hedge equity market risk in respect of structured equity products for customers. There are $4 million of
net  deferred  gains  on  these  contracts  (2002:  $12  million  net  deferred  losses)  which  offset  the  above  unrealised  losses  and  these  are
disclosed  within  Note  39.  At  the  end  of  the  financial  year  $1  million  of  net  deferred  losses  (2002:  $98  million  of  deferred  losses)  are
included in the amortised cost value.

79

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 11 Investment Securities continued

Maturity Distribution and Average Yield

The following 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

GROUP
Maturity Period at 30 June 2003
Total
$M

10 years or more
%

$M

5 to 10 years
%
$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
Floating rate notes
Other securities, commercial
paper and equity investments
Total Overseas
Total Investment Securities
Maturities at Fair Value

206         6.07

            -

            -             -

1,332         6.01
            -

              -
447         6.48               -

457         5.29               -
              -
              -

            -
            -

495         7.00

397         4.73

988         5.22

1,098

2,767

19         5.66               -
              -

476

            -
            -
            -

            -

            -

287         5.61
            -
1,343         1.99
84         6.62
37         7.28
103         1.33

64         1.27               -
              -
              -

231         3.10

5         3.10               -
14         1.99               -

995         6.43
785         5.08               -
665         1.17

            -
            -
77         5.56
            -
439         4.83

            -
            -
            -
67         2.65
            -
17         2.66

              -

421         2.92

945         4.19

37         6.32

79         5.04

2,275
3,373
3,379

3,640
6,407
6,516

617
1,093
1,135

163
163
157

1,995

942

1,404
4,341

582
5
1,357
1,223
822
1,224

1,482
6,695
11,036
11,187

Additional Disclosure

Proceeds  at  or  close 

to  maturity  of  investment
securities  were  $17,719  million  (2002:  $22,192  million;
2001: $19,697 million).

Proceeds from sale of investment securities were $23

million (2002: $295 million; 2001: $28 million).

Realised  capital  gains  were  $7  million  and  realised
capital losses were $5 million (2002: realised capital gains
$86  million  and  realised  capital  losses  $14  million;  2001:
realised capital gains $3 million and realised capital losses
$1 million).

80

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 12  Loans, Advances and Other Receivables

Australia
Overdrafts
Housing loans
Credit card outstandings
Lease financing
Bills discounted
Term loans
Equity participation in leveraged leases
Other lending
Total Australia

Overseas
Overdrafts
Housing loans
Credit card outstandings
Lease financing
Term loans
Redeemable preference share financing
Other Lending
Total Overseas
Gross Loans, Advances and Other Receivables

Less:
Provisions for impairment  (Note 13)
   General provision
   Specific provision against loans and advances
Unearned income
   Term loans
   Lease financing
   Leveraged leases
Interest reserved
Unearned tax remissions on leveraged leases

Net Loans Advances and Other Receivables

Lease Receivables, Net of Unearned Income
(included above)
Current
Non current

2003
$M

2,452
87,592
5,227
3,988
2,303
36,742
1,276
604
140,184

2,005
12,611
296
197
7,444
511
13
23,077
163,261

(1,325)
(205)

(618)
(549)
(143)
(26)
(48)
(2,914)
160,347

GROUP
2002
$M

2,513
75,394
4,552
4,094
1,753
38,544
1,331
968
129,149

1,691
10,444
274
256
7,494
695
43
20,897
150,046

(1,356)
(270)

(631)
(426)
(162)
(59)
(68)
(2,972)
147,074

2003
$M

2,452
87,149
5,227
1,543
2,303
31,115
446
618
130,853

BANK
2002
$M

2,513
75,123
4,552
2,044
1,753
32,556
409
900
119,850

                     -
51
                     -
80
2,098
                     -
                     -
2,229
133,082

                     -
49
                     -
110
2,525
                     -
                     -
2,684
122,534

(1,152)
(157)

(12)
(157)
(39)
(25)
(3)
(1,545)
131,537

(1,190)
(231)

(29)
(210)
(28)
(55)
(10)
(1,753)
120,781

1,402
2,234
3,636

1,408
2,516
3,924

743
724
1,467

711
1,233
1,944

Leasing Arrangements

Retail  Financial  Services  provides  vehicle  and
equipment  lease  finance  to  a  broad  range  of  industries
including  transport,  service,  earthmoving,  construction,
manufacturing  and  mining.  Most 
finance
arrangements are for terms of between 3 and 5 years and

lease 

rentals  are  generally  payable  monthly 
in  advance.
Institutional  Banking  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.

81

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 12 Loans, Advances and Other Receivables continued

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 Leases

2003
$M

1,385
2,082
718
4,185

304
575
397
1,276

GROUP
2002
$M

1,598
2,530
222
4,350

225
483
623
1,331

2003
$M

826
686
111
1,623

59
203
184
446

BANK
2002
$M

790
1,213
151
2,154

87
169
153
409

82

Notes to 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 2003.

GROUP
Maturity Period at 30 June 2003

Maturing
Maturing
Between
One Year One & Five
Years
$M

or Less
$M

Maturing
After Five
Years
$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

Interest Rate Sensitivity of Lending
   Australia
   Overseas
Total Variable Interest Rates
   Australia
   Overseas
Total Fixed Interest Rates
Gross Loans, Advances and Other Receivables

517
1,105
1,230

3,447
703
5,388
1,467
17,493
31,350

75
500
1,162

2,947
36
555
116
2,364
7,755
39,105

21,771
5,862
27,633
9,579
1,893
11,472
39,105

348
1,346
533

14,163
732
6,303
2,620
5,860
31,905

79
897
1,175

640
1,226
261

69,982
266
281
1,177
3,096
76,929

68
881
873

3,249
89
305

6,415
84
531
81                     -
139
8,991
85,920

456
6,331
38,236

23,941
1,611
25,552
7,984
4,700
12,684
38,236

74,296
2,450
76,746
2,633
6,541
9,174
85,920

Total
$M

1,505
3,677
2,024

87,592
1,701
11,972
5,264
26,449
140,184

222
2,278
3,210

12,611
209
1,391
197
2,959
23,077
163,261

120,008
9,923
129,931
20,196
13,134
33,330
163,261

(1) 

(2) 

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.
Financing real estate and land development projects.

83

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 13 Provisions For Impairment

2003
$M

2002
$M

2001
$M

2000
$M

GROUP
1999
$M

BANK
2002
$M

2003
$M

General Provisions
Opening balance
Charge against profit
Acquired provisions, including fair value adjustments
Transfer to specific provisions
Bad debts recovered
Adjustments for exchange rate fluctuations and other
items

Bad debts written off
Closing balance

Specific Provisions
Opening balance
Charge against profit
Acquired provisions, including fair value adjustments
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

Provision Ratios
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

Charges to profit and loss for bad and doubtful
debts comprise:
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

1,356
305

1,399
449
            -             -
(495)
56
1

(350)
74
(9)

1,376
(51)
1,325

1,410
(54)
1,356

1,358
385
51
(411)
88
(29)

1,442
(43)
1,399

1,076
1,081
196
247
214               -
(239)

1,190
266

1,240
405
              -             -
(457)
44
(3)             -

(322)
51                -
(7)

(140)
54
(3)

1,402
(44)
1,358

1,128
(47)
1,081

1,194
(42)
1,152

1,232
(42)
1,190

270

234

432

275

279

231

190

            -             -

6

219                -                -             -

416
(66)
350

546
(51)
495

495
(84)
411

236
(96)
140

(11)

(11)

(17)

5

609
(404)
205
1,530

718
(448)
270
1,626

832
(598)
234
1,633

639
(207)
432
1,790

284
(45)
239

(8)

510
(235)
275
1,356

382
(60)
322

496
(39)
457

(17)

(12)

536
(379)
157
1,309

635
(404)
231
1,421

205

270
            -             -
270

205

233
1
234

431

275
1                -
275

432

157

231
              -             -
231

157

%

%

%

%

 %

%

%

32.08

30.54

36.06

43.03

46.69

24.84

30.72

239.44
0.90

183.94 251.62 178.29
1.06

0.96

1.01

230.22
1.09

207.25 188.96
0.91

0.84

$M

$M

$M

$M

 $M

$M

$M

305

449

405
196
            -             -             -             -                -                -             -
405
196

266

247

449

305

385

266

247

385

0.19% 0.31% 0.28% 0.16%

0.25%

0.21% 0.34%

84

Notes to 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

2003
$M
305

GROUP
2002
$M
449

2003
$M
266

BANK
2002
$M
405

416
(66)
350
(350)
                    -

546
(51)
495
(495)
                    -

382
(60)
322
(322)
                    -

496
(39)
457
(457)
                    -

51
(74)
(22)
350
305
305

51
(56)
(41)
495
449
449

42
(63)
(35)
322
266
266

42
(44)
(50)
457
405
405

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  1999,

2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003.

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

2003
$M

2002
$M

2001
$M

2000
$M

GROUP
At 30 June
1999
$M

                    -
3
2

                    -
10
26

                    -
8
24

                    -
35
23

                    -
15
23

6
                    -
36
4
112
163

6
4
35
6
134
221

4
6
28
7
77
154

8
6
17
6
110
205

4
35
15
4
82
178

10

11
1                     -
12

                    -

15
                    -
4

                    -

13                     -
                    -
1                     -

7
                    -
4
                    -
20
42
205

3
                    -
3
                    -
20
49
270

7
                    -
3
                    -
51
80
234

3
                    -
69
                    -
141
227
432

3
                    -
2
                    -
92
97
275

(1)

(2)

Principally owner occupied housing.
Primarily financing real estate and land development projects.

85

Notes to the financial statements

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  ended

30 June 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003.

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

2003
$M

         -
4
26

8
         -
209
11
171
429

         -
         -
16

2
         -
7
         -
1
26
455

57
17
74
381

2002
$M

            -
6
6

11
4
177
18
178
400

1
            -
58

2
            -
6
           -
35
102
502

49
7
56
446

2001
$M

           -
10
1

10
14
142
16
301
494

           -
            -
6

1
           -
38
           -
102
147
641

59
29
88
553

GROUP
Year Ended 30 June
1999
2000
$M
$M

            -
6
2

            -
7
4

8
24
104
11
90
245

            -
            -
            -

1
            -
4
            -
1
6
251

46
8
54
197

9
7
94
11
71
203

            -
           -
            -

1
14
            -
3
61
79
282

48
3
51
231

(1)

(2)

Principally owner occupied housing.
Primarily financing real estate and land development projects.

86

Notes to 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  ended  30  June

1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003.

2003
$M

2002
$M

2001
$M

GROUP
Year Ended 30 June
1999
$M

2000
$M

                  -                   -                   -
2
1

1                   -
9

                  -

1
                  -
30
                  -
17
49

-
-
1

1
1
30
1
17
59

-
-
-

1
2
28
2
10
46

-
-
2

-
1
3

-
-
1
3
                  -
3
                  -                   -                   -
2
8
54

3
7
56

25
29
88

                  -
2
2

                  -
1
27
2
14
48

-
-
-

-
                  -
3
                  -
                  -
3
51

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 Bad Debts Recovered

                 -
1
4

                 -
                 -
38
2
12
57

-
-
1

-
-
4
-
12
17
74

(1)

(2)

Principally owner occupied housing.
Primarily financing real estate and land development projects.

87

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  where  cases  of
non-compliance are observed.

Facilities  in  the  credit  risk  rated  segment  become
classified  for  remedial  management  by  centralised  units
based  on  assessment  in  the  risk  rating  system.  These
facilities  are  generally  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 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.

The  Risk  Committee  of  the  Board  operates  under  a
charter  of  the  Board  in  terms  of  which  the  Committee
oversees  the  Group’s  credit  management  policies  and
practices.  The  Committee  usually  meets  every 
two
months, 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  is  using  various  portfolio
management tools, including a centralised portfolio model
that  assesses  risk  and  return  on  an  overall  portfolio  and
segmented  basis,  to  assist  in  diversifying  the  credit
portfolio.  The  Group  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.

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 14 Credit Risk Management

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  major
lending areas.

standards, 

which 

The  Group  relies,  in  the  first  instance,  on  the
assessed integrity and ability of the debtor or 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.

The credit risk portfolio is divided into two segments,

statistically managed and credit risk rated.

Statistically  managed  exposures  generally  comprise
facilities  of  less  than  $250,000  for  housing  loan,  credit
card,  personal  loan  and  some  leasing  products.  These
exposures  are  generally  not  individually  reviewed  unless
arrears occur. The portfolios are reviewed by the business
Credit Support and Monitoring unit with an overview by the
Risk Asset Review unit.

in 

for 

Facilities 
the  statistically  managed  segment
remedial  management  by
become  classified 
centralised units based on arrears status. Impaired assets
in this segment are those ‘classified’ facilities that are not
well  secured  and  past  due  180  days  or  more.  Most  of
these  facilities  are  written  off  immediately  on  becoming
past due 180 days or more.

Credit  risk  rated  exposures  generally  comprise
business  and  corporate  exposures,  including  bank  and
government  exposures.  Each  exposure  is  assigned  an
internal risk rating that is based on an  assessment  of  the
risk  of  default  and  the  risk  of loss  in  the  event  of  default.
Credit  risk  rated  exposures  are  generally  required  to  be
reviewed  at 
they  are  small
transactions  that  are  managed  on  a  behavioural  basis
after  their  initial  rating  at  origination.  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.

least  annually,  unless 

88

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 14 Credit Risk Management 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  1999,  2000,  2001,  2002  and
2003. The industry profile of the loans, advances and other receivables content for the five financial years to 30 June 2003 is
shown on page 95.

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 (2)
   Construction (3)
Personal
Lease financing
Other commercial and industrial
Total Overseas
Total Gross Credit Risk
Less unearned income
Total Credit Risk

Charge for Bad and Doubtful Debts
Loss Rate (1)

2003
$M

5,810
5,100
19,867

91,956
2,722
12,327
5,264
51,469
194,515

1,709
2,278
14,828

13,428
210
1,391
197
9,080
43,121
237,636
(1,310)
236,326

305
0.13%

2002
$M

5,955
5,480
20,926

85,032
3,837
11,718
5,425
43,531
181,904

1,390
1,863
14,192

10,735
185
343
256
10,173
39,137
221,041
(1,219)
219,822

449
0.20%

2001
$M

6,012
6,308
22,490

73,800
4,547
10,979
6,628
42,893
173,657

385
1,564
11,897

8,085
198
449
146
10,359
33,083
206,740
(1,343)
205,397

385
0.19%

GROUP
At 30 June
1999
$M

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

247
0.16%

2000
$M

6,195
6,141
20,908

63,696
4,205
12,911
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

196
0.11%

(1)

(2)

(3)

The loss rate is the charge as a percentage of the credit risk.
Principally owner occupied housing.
Primarily financing real estate and land development projects.

The Group has a good quality and well diversified credit portfolio in Australia, with 47.3% of the  exposure  in  mortgage
loans  and  a  further  10.2%  in  finance,  investment  and  insurance  (primarily  banks).  18.1%  of  exposure  is  overseas,  of  which
31.1%  is  in  mortgage  loans.  Overall  over  63%  of  individually  rated  exposures  in  the  commercial  portfolio  (including
government and finance) are of investment grade or equivalent quality.

89

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 14 Credit Risk Management continued

The following table sets out the Group’s credit risk by industry and asset class at 30 June 2003.

Trading Investment

Loans
Advances
and Other Acceptances Contingent

Bank

Industry
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 Balances

Other Risk Concentrations
  Receivables due from other
  financial institutions
  Deposits with regulatory authorities
Total Gross Credit Risk

Securities Securities Receivables of Customers Liabilities Derivatives
$M

$M

$M

$M

$M

$M

Total
$M

1,703

1,995
                -                   -
3,089                   -

1,505
3,677
2,024

2
1,281
699

494
74
1,766

111
68

5,810
5,100
8,964 16,542

                -                   -
                -                   -
                -                   -
                 -
                -
2,346
1,542
4,341
6,334

1,701
11,972

87,592                      -
387
263

4,364 (3)
420
90
5,264                      -                   -
4,499
10,490
11,707
13,122

26,449
140,184

698

582
                -                   -
3,143

1,135

222                      -

148
2,278                      -                   -
1,773
3,210

62

                -                   -
                -                   -
                -                   -
                -                   -
2,970
6,695
11,036

2,268
4,101
10,435

12,611                      -
209                      -

817
                 -
1,391                      -                   -
197                      -                   -
662
3,400
15,107

13
75
13,197

2,959
23,077
163,261

-
214

91,956
2,722
2 12,327
5,264
-
6,143 51,469
15,502 191,190

36
-

1,686
2,278
1,764 11,087

-
1
-
-
208

13,428
210
1,391
197
9,080
2,009 39,357
17,511 230,547

7,066
23
237,636

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

Principally owner occupied housing.
Primarily financing real estate and land development projects.
A review of policy occurred in the year ended 30 June 2003. Amounts available for redraw now attract a credit equivalent factor of 0%
(100% in 2002). Under this policy the 2002 credit equivalent balance would be reduced by $4,542 million.

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.

90

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 14 Credit Risk Management continued

The following table sets out the Group’s credit risk by industry and asset class as at 30 June 2002.

Trading Investment

Loans
Advances
and Other Acceptances Contingent

Bank

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 (1)
  Construction (2)
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

Securities
$M

Securities Receivables of Customers
$M

$M

$M

Liabilities Derivatives
$M

$M

Total
$M

270
             -
3,418

2,049
               -
474

2,466
3,893
1,435

359
1,346
2,875

353
76
2,622

458
165

5,955
5,480
5,769 16,593

             -
             -
             -
             -
1,876
5,564

               -
               -
               -
               -
1,546
4,069

75,394
2,182
11,488

131
1,203
162
5,425                     -
6,373
12,449

26,866
129,149

9,507
193
41
               -
2,869
15,661

259

               - 85,032
3,837
27 11,718
5,425
4,001 43,531
10,679 177,571

               -

168
             -
1,127

917
               -
2,540

204                     -
1,863                     -
68
3,035

11
               -
1,364

1
               -

1,301
1,863
2,663 10,797

             -
             -
             -
             -
1,530
2,825
8,389

               -
               -
               -
               -
3,240
6,697
10,766

10,444                     -
185                     -
337                     -
256                     -
4,573                     -
68
12,517

20,897
150,046

291
               -
6
               -
655
2,327
17,988

               - 10,735
185
               -
343
               -
256
               -
175 10,173
2,839 35,653
13,518 213,224

7,728
89
221,041

(1)

(2)

Principally owner occupied housing.
Primarily financing real estate and land development projects.

91

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 14 Credit Risk Management continued

Impaired Assets by Industry and Status

The following table sets out the Group’s impaired asset position by industry and status as at 30 June 2003.

Industry
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 Balances
Receivables due from other financial
institutions
Deposits with regulatory authorities
Total Gross Credit Risk

Total
Risk
$M

Impaired Provisions for

Assets
$M

Impairment Write-offs Recoveries
$M

$M

$M

Net
Write-offs
$M

5,810                    -
19
5,100
6
16,542

                   -
3
2

                -
4
26

                   -
(1)
(4)

                  -
3
22

91,956                    -

2,722
12,327
5,264
51,469
191,190

6
5                    -
36
4
112
163

11
12
492
545

               -
209
11
171
429

8                    -
                   -
(38)
(2)
(12)
(57)

8
                  -
171
9
159
372

1,686
46
2,278                    -

11,087

5                    -

10                 -
1                 -
16

                   -
                   -
(1)

                  -
                  -
15

1,391

13,428                    -
210                    -
1
197                    -
68
120
665

9,080
39,357
230,547

7
                   -
4
                   -
20
42
205

               -
7
                -
1
26
455

2                    -
                   -
(4)
                   -
(12)
(17)
(74)

2
                  -
3
                  -
(11)
9
381

7,066
23
237,636

(1)

(2)

Principally owner occupied housing.
Primarily financing real estate and land development projects.

92

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 14 Credit Risk Management continued

The following table sets out the Group’s impaired asset position by industry and status as at 30 June 2002.

Industry
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 Balances
Receivables due from other financial
institutions
Deposits with regulatory authorities
Total Gross Credit Risk

Total
Risk
$M

Impaired
Assets
$M

Provisions for
Impairment
$M

Write-offs
$M

Net
Recoveries Write-offs
$M

$M

5,955                   -
40
5,480
53
16,593

                   -
10
26

                   -
                   -
6
(1)
6                    -

85,032                   -
16
21
19
583
732

3,837
11,718
5,425
43,531
177,571

6
4
35
6
134
221

177

11

(1)
4                    -
(30)
18                    -
(17)
(49)

178
400

1,301
55
1,863                   -
43

10,797

11
                   -
12

                   -
58

1                    -
                   -
(1)

10,735                   -
185                   -
1
343
256                   -
112
211
943

10,173
35,653
213,224

3
                   -
3
                   -
20
49
270

7,728
89
221,041

                   -

                   -
35
102
502

2                    -
(3)
6                    -
                   -
(3)
(7)
(56)

-
5
6

10
4
147
18
161
351

1
-
57

2
(3)
6
-
32
95
446

(1) 

(2) 

Principally owner occupied housing.
Primarily financing real estate and land development projects.

Large Exposures

Concentration  of  exposure 

to  any  debtor  or
counterparty group is controlled by a 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  counterparty  group  exposures  (including
direct  and  contingent  exposure)  which  individually  were
greater  than  5%  of  the  Group’s  capital  resources  (Tier  1
and Tier 2 capital):

10% to less than 15% of Group's capital resources
5% to less than 10% of Group's capital resources

2003
Number
               -
               -

2002
Number
               -
1

2001
Number
               -
2

2000
Number
               -
1

1999
Number
1
7

93

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 14 Credit Risk Management continued

Credit Portfolio Receivables by Industry

The  following  table  sets  out  the  distribution  of  the  Group’s  loans,  advances  and  other  receivables  (excluding  bank

acceptances) by industry at 30 June 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003.

Industry
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

2003
$M

1,505
3,677
2,024

87,592
1,701
11,972
5,264
26,449
140,184

222
2,278
3,210

12,611
209
1,391
197
2,959
23,077

2002
$M

2,466
3,893
1,435

75,394
2,182
11,488
5,425
26,866
129,149

204
1,863
3,035

10,444
185
337
256
4,573
20,897

2001
$M

1,655
4,734
4,670

65,466
2,548
10,576
6,628
25,782
122,059

165
1,258
2,824

8,045
177
440
146
4,081
17,136

2000
$M

1,681
4,686
5,167

63,471
2,627
11,759
6,937
23,603
119,931

204
996
2,278

7,266
152
1,470
217
3,254
15,837

At 30 June
1999
$M

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

163,261

150,046

139,195

135,768

104,566

(2,914)

(2,972)

(3,136)

(3,504)

(2,729)

160,347

147,074

136,059

132,264

101,837

(1)

(2)

Principally owner occupied housing.
Primarily financing real estate and land development projects.

94

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 15 Asset Quality

Impaired Assets

The  Group  adopted 
for 

the  Australian  disclosure
requirements 
in
AASB 1032:  Specific  Disclosures  by  Financial  Institutions
with Effect from Financial Year 1997.

contained 

impaired 

assets 

There are three classifications of impaired assets:

(a) Non accruals, comprising:
(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

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.
All  interest  charged  in  the  relevant  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  then  only  taken  to  profit  if
received in cash.

(b)  Restructured Facilities, comprising:
(cid:1) 

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 
immediate
reclassification to non accrual.

terms  will 

result 

in 

(c) Assets  Acquired  Through  Security  Enforcement

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(AATSE), comprising:
Other  Real  Estate  Owned  (OREO),  comprising  real
estate  where  the  Group  has  assumed  ownership  or
foreclosed in settlement of a debt; and
Other 
Security
Enforcement  (OAATSE),  comprising  assets  other
than  real  estate  where  the  Group  has  assumed
ownership or foreclosed in settlement of a debt.

Acquired 

Through 

Assets 

Impaired Asset Ratios
Gross impaired assets net of interest reserved as % of risk weighted assets
Net impaired assets as % of:
  Risk weighted assets
  Total shareholders' equity

Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of Loans

(US GAAP Definitions)

Impaired Loans (non accrual)

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

2003
%

0.44

0.30
1.96

2003
$M

651

530
159

121

786

30

2002
%

0.63

0.44
2.92

GROUP
2001
%

0.47

0.30
2.09

GROUP
Year Ended 30 June
2001
$M

2002
$M

920

673
225

247

810

30

699

514
203

185

911

51

95

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 15 Asset Quality continued

Impaired Assets

The following table sets forth the Group’s impaired assets as at 30 June 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003.

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 (AATSE)
  Gross balances
Less provisions for impairment
  Net AATSE
  Net overseas impaired assets
Total Net Impaired Assets

2003
$M

545
(25)
520
(163)
357

2002
$M

732
(54)
678
(221)
457

2001
$M

518
(63)
455
(154)
301

GROUP
At 30 June
1999
$M

495
(66)
429
(178)
251

2000
$M

722
(128)
594
(205)
389

                      -                       -
1
                      -                       -                       -                       -                       -
1
                      -                       -
                      -                       -                       -                       -                       -
1
                      -                       -

1

1

1

1

1

1

                      -                       -                       -
1                       -
                      -                       -                       -                       -                       -
1                       -
                      -                       -                       -
252
302

391

357

457

120
(1)
119
(42)
77

211
(5)
206
(49)
157

197
(5)
192
(79)
113

410
(3)
407
(226)
181

147
(2)
145
(97)
48

                      -                       -                       -                       -                       -
                      -                       -                       -                       -                       -
                      -                       -                       -                       -                       -
                      -                       -                       -                       -                       -
                      -                       -                       -                       -                       -

                      -                       -

1

1

14

                      -                       -
                      -                       -                       -                       -
181
572

(1)                       -
14
62
314

77
434

157
614

113
415

(1)

96

Notes to 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 1999,

2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003.

Gross Impaired Assets

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

2003
$M

943
617
(456)
(439)

2002
$M

717
1,069
(481)
(362)

2001
$M

1,135
707
(666)
(459)

665
                  -
665

943
                  -
943

717
                  -
717

Loans Accruing But Past Due 90 Days or More
Housing loans
Other loans
Total

Interest income Forgone on Impaired Assets
Australia non accrual facilities
Overseas non accrual facilities
Total

2003
$M
157
91
248

2003
$M
15
3
18

2002
$M
176
73
249

2002
$M
21
7
28

2001
$M
218
90
308

2001
$M
8
8
16

Interest Taken to Profit on Impaired Assets

2003
$M

2002
$M

2001
$M

GROUP
Year Ended 30 June
1999
$M

2000
$M

657
414
(226)
(194)

651
484
1,135

926
415
(280)
(404)

657
              -
657

GROUP
At 30 June
1999
$M
182
23
205

2000
$M
211
64
275

GROUP
Year Ended 30 June
1999
$M
17
10
27

2000(1)
$M
4
5
9

GROUP
Year Ended 30 June
1999
$M

2000 (1)
$M

33
                  -                   -                   -

45

37

14

6                   -
                  -                   -                   -
33

51

51

Australia
Non accrual facilities
Restructured facilities
Overseas
Non accrual facilities
Other real estate owned
Total

(1) Excluding Colonial

26
                  -

27
                  -

4
                  -
30

3
                  -
30

97

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 15 Asset Quality continued

Impaired Assets

Non Accrual Loans
  With provisions
  Without provisions
Gross Balances
Less interest reserved
Net Balances
Less provisions for impairment
Net Non Accrual Loans

Restructured Loans
Gross balances
Less interest reserved
Net balances
Less provisions for impairment
Net Restructured Loans

Other Real Estate Owned (OREO)
Gross balances
Less provisions for impairment
Net OREO

Other Assets Acquired Through Security
Enforcement (OAATSE)
Gross balances
Less provisions for impairment
Net OAATSE

Total Impaired Assets
Gross Balances
Less interest reserved
Net Balances
Less provisions for impairment
Net Impaired Assets

Non Accrual Loans by Size of Loan
Less than $1 million
$1 million to $10 million
Greater than $10 million
Total

Accruing Loans 90 days past due or more (1)

Australia Overseas
2003
$M

2003
$M

431
114
545
(25)
520
(163)
357

113
7
120
(1)
119
(42)
77

GROUP
Total
2003
$M

544
121
665
(26)
639
(205)
434

Australia Overseas
2002
$M

2002
$M

572
160
732
(54)
678
(221)
457

124
87
211
(5)
206
(49)
157

GROUP
Total
2002
$M

696
247
943
(59)
884
(270)
614

-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-

545
(25)
520
(163)
357

158
138
249
545

227

                -
                -
                -
                -
                -

                -
                -
                -
                -
                -

                -
                -
                -
                -
                -

                -
                -
                -
                -
                -

                -
                -
                -
                -
                -

                -
                -
                -

                -
                -
                -

                -
                -
                -

                -
                -
                -

                -
                -
                -

                -
                -
                -

                -
                -
                -

                -
                -
                -

                -
                -
                -

                -
                -
                -

120
(1)
119
(42)
77

1
6
113
120

21

665
(26)
639
(205)
434

159
144
362
665

248

732
(54)
678
(221)
457

170
193
369
732

235

211
(5)
206
(49)
157

2
16
193
211

14

943
(59)
884
(270)
614

172
209
562
943

249

(1)

These are loans that 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.

98

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 15 Asset Quality continued

Colonial State Bank
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
loan  losses  (including  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) were 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.

Pursuant to the sale agreement, the costs of funding
and  managing  non-performing  loans  that  are  covered  by
the  NSW
indemnities  are  reimbursed  by 
the 
Government on a quarterly basis.

loan 

Selected Regional Exposures
Asia

Over  61%  of  total  exposures  relate  to  financial
institutions.  Exposures  to  Indonesia,  Thailand  and  Korea
represent  approximately  17%  of  the  Group’s  Asian  credit
risk.

The Group’s credit risk exposure to Asian countries as at 30 June 2003 is set out below. The exposures exclude Group

equity investments.

Asian Exposures

Country

Finance

CUSTOMER TYPE

Corporate/ Government

Project
Finance(2)
Multinational
$M
$M
$M
36                     -                     -
314                     -                     -
350                     -                     -

572
16
321

132
20
87
22                        -

50                     -
74                     -
52                     -
                    -                     -
1                     -                     -
176                     -

240

7
41
71
119
709

46

64
316                     -
18                     -
64
64

380
556

$M
129
1,364
1,493

1
932

7
120
2
129
2,554

APL/NZPL

$M
                    -
200
200

5
1
38
                    -
                    -
44

13
                    -
                    -
13
257

China
Hong Kong

Japan
Malaysia
Singapore
Taiwan
Other

Indonesia
South Korea
Thailand

Total

Other Regional Exposures

Region

Finance

Corporate/ Government

CUSTOMER TYPE

Eastern Europe
Latin America
Middle East

$M

-
-
50

Multinational
$M

$M

Project
Finance(2)
$M

APL/NZPL

$M

2003
Total
Exposure(1)
$M

                    -
                    -

                    -
                    -
6                     -

                    -
                    -
                    -

                    -
                    -
                    -

                    -
                    -
56

(1) 

(2) 

Total Exposure - The maximum of the limit or balance utilised for committed facilities, whichever is highest, and the balance utilised  for
uncommitted facilities. For derivative facilities, balances are reported on a ‘mark to market plus potential exposure basis.
Project Finance - Long term lending for large scale projects (such  as mining,  infrastructure)  where  repayment  is  primarily  reliant  on the
cash flow from the project.

99

2003
Total
Exposure(1)
$M
165
1,878
2,043

GROUP
2002
Total
Exposure
$M
162
1,558
1,720

759
111
498
22
2
1,392

137
477
91
705
4,140

785
150
612
4
4
1,555

230
534
110
874
4,149

GROUP
2002
Total
Exposure
$M

1
-
116

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 16 Life Insurance Investment Assets

Equity Security Investments
Direct
Indirect

Debt Security Investments
Direct
Indirect

Property Investments
Direct
Indirect

Other Assets
Total Life Insurance Investment Assets

the 

the 

issuer  of 

investment. 

Direct  investments  refer  to  investments  that  are
directly  with 
Indirect
investments refer to investments that are held through unit
investment  vehicles.  Prior  year
trusts  or  similar 
classifications  between  direct  and  indirect  have  been
restated  to  conform  with  the  basis  of  current  year
disclosure.
Disclosure on Asset Restriction

Investments  held  in  the  statutory  funds  can  only  be
used  within  the  restrictions  imposed  under  the  Life
Insurance Act 1995.

2003
$M

3,559
8,476
12,035

3,574
8,529
12,103

80
2,151
2,231
1,466
27,835

GROUP
2002
$M

3,913
8,542
12,455

4,042
10,204
14,246

283
2,141
2,424
984
30,109

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 the business of the
fund  or  as  distributions  when  solvency  and  capital
adequacy requirements are met.

Participating policyholders can receive  a  distribution
when solvency requirements are met, whilst shareholders
can  only  receive  a  distribution  when  the  higher  level  of
capital adequacy requirements are met.

These investment assets held in the statutory  funds
are  not  available  for  use  by  the  Commonwealth  Bank’s
operating businesses.

NOTE 17 Deposits with Regulatory Authorities

Central banks overseas
Total Deposits with Regulatory Authorities

2003
$M
23
23

GROUP
2002
$M
89
89

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

2003
$M
                -
                -
                -

GROUP
2002
$M
                -
                -
                -

2003
$M
2
2

2003
$M
11,772
11,787
23,559

BANK
2002
$M
54
54

BANK
2002
$M
10,545
11,324
21,869

100

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 19 Property, Plant and Equipment

(a)  Land and Buildings
       Land
         At 30 June 2003 valuation
         At 30 June 2002 valuation
        Closing Balance
      Buildings
        At 30 June 2003 valuation
        At 30 June 2002 valuation
        Closing Balance
      Total Land and Buildings

2003
$M

GROUP
2002
$M

2003
$M

BANK
2002
$M

141                 -

302                 -

129
160                 -
129
160

233
358                 -
233
358
362
518

                -
149
149

                -
276
276
425

                -
141

                -
302
443

These valuations were established by the Directors and are lower than valuations prepared by independent valuers. This

valuation process is conducted on an annual basis.

(b)  Leasehold Improvements
       At cost
       Provision for depreciation
       Closing Balance

(c)  Equipment
      At cost
      Provision for depreciation
      Closing Balance
      Total Property, Plant and Equipment

Reconciliation

579
(351)
228

557
(407)
150
821

2003
$M

531
(326)
205

580
(441)
139
862

GROUP
2002
$M

458
(283)
175

279
(208)
71
608

2003
$M

436
(278)
158

318
(260)
58
641

BANK
2002
$M

Reconciliation of the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment at the beginning and end of the 2003 and 2002

financial years.

Land
Opening balance
Disposals
Net revaluations
Closing balance

Buildings
Opening balance
Acquisitions
Disposals
Depreciation
Closing balance

Leasehold Improvements
Opening balance
Acquisitions
Disposals
Transfers
Depreciation
Closing balance

Equipment
Opening balance
Acquisitions
Disposals
Depreciation
Closing balance

160
(19)
                -
141

191
(30)
(1)
160

149
(20)
                -
129

179
(30)
                -
149

358
1
(33)
(24)
302

389
29
(34)
(26)
358

276
1
(24)
(20)
233

312
19
(32)
(23)
276

205
78
(4)
                -
(51)
228

139
64
                -
(53)
150

101

169
84
(6)

158
62
(4)
5                 -
(41)
175

(47)
205

137
62
(4)
                -
(37)
158

170
51
(27)
(55)
139

58
35
                -
(22)
71

60
25
(1)
(26)
58

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 20  Intangible Assets

Purchased goodwill - Colonial
Purchased goodwill - other
Realisation of life insurance synergy benefits
Accumulated amortisation
Total Intangibles

2003
$M
5,591
1,155
(332)
(1,385)
5,029

GROUP
2002
$M
5,662
1,125
(332)
(1,064)
5,391

2003
$M
2,671
835
              -
(798)
2,708

BANK
2002
$M
2,742
835
              -
(612)
2,965

Acquisition of TD Waterhouse

Segment Allocation of Goodwill

On 1 May 2003, the Group acquired a 100% interest

in TD Waterhouse Australian stockbroking operations.

Consideration  of  $27  million  cash  was  paid  for  net
liabilities  of  $3  million  resulting  in  goodwill  recognised  on
acquisition  of  $30  million.  The  goodwill  will  be  amortised
over  a  period  of  10  years,  representing  the  assessed  life
of the ongoing business.

Commonwealth Bank Foundation

On  31  December  2002,  under  the  trust  deed  of  the
Colonial  Foundation  Trust,  the  Group  became  entitled  to
half of the assets of the Transitional  Fund  of  the  Colonial
Foundation  Trust.  A  net  amount  of  $71  million  has  been
recognised as  an  investment  in  the  Commonwealth  Bank
Foundation,  with  goodwill  paid  on  the  Colonial  merger
being  reduced  also  by  $71  million.  There  is  no  effect  on
profit  for  the  year.  The  Commonwealth  Bank  Foundation
has  been  established  to  encourage  developments  in
education.

In  recognition  of  the  disclosure  requirements  of  US
SFAS  141:  Business  Combinations  and  the  proposals  of
Australian ED 109 Intangible Assets, the Group’s carrying
amount of goodwill at 30 June 2003 is disclosed for each
segment of business.

Segment
Banking(1)
Funds Management(2)
Life Insurance(2)
Total

$M
4,681
   270
     78
5,029

(1) 

(2) 

The  allocation  to  banking  includes  goodwill  related  to  the
acquisitions of Colonial, State  Bank  of Victoria  and  25% of
ASB Bank.
The  allocation  to  funds  management  and  life  insurance
principally relates to the goodwill on acquisition of Colonial.

Additional  to  the  Colonial  goodwill  acquired,  $2,548
million in excess of net market value over net assets of life
insurance controlled entities  was  booked  at  acquisition  of
the  Colonial 
insurance
funds  management  and 
businesses in June 2000.

life 

102

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 21 Other 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 assets of life
insurance controlled entities
Excess related to outside equity interests (1)
Unrealised gains on trading derivatives (Note 39)
Other
Total Other Assets

2003
$M
1,023
145
492
727
525

GROUP
2002
$M
945
69
398
1,138
625

2003
$M
1,239
50
268
500
312

BANK
2002
$M
966
40
411
961
309

        5,540
           111
13,907
989
23,459

5,656
                -
10,336
1,199
20,366

                -
                -
13,908
471
16,748

                -
                -
10,196
525
13,408

(1)

This is an outside equity interest in a funds management business acquired during the year, and is not included in the revaluation in Note
34 Life Insurance Business.

Excess of net market value over net assets of controlled entities of the life insurance businesses:

GROUP
At 30 June 2003
Excess of
Market Value
Over Net Assets
$M

5,071
469
5,540

GROUP
At 30 June 2002
Excess of
Market Value
Over Net Assets
$M

5,210
446
5,656

Net
Assets
$M

2,626
380
3,006

Net
Assets
$M

2,623
301
2,924

Market
Value
$M

7,697
849
8,546

Market
Value
$M

7,833
747
8,580

Potential future income tax benefits of the Company
arising  from  tax  losses  and  timing  differences  in  offshore
centres  have  not  been  recognised  as  assets  because
recovery  is  not  virtually  certain.  These  benefits,  which
could amount to $142 million (2002: $168 million), will only
be obtained if:
(cid:1) 

The Company derives future assessable income of a
nature  and  of  an  amount  sufficient  to  enable  the
benefit  from  the  deductions  for  the  losses  to  be
realised;
The  Company  continues 
the
conditions for deductibility imposed by tax legislation;
and

to  comply  with 

(cid:1)  No  changes  in  tax  legislation  adversely  affect  the
Company in realising the benefit from the deductions
for the losses.

(cid:1) 

Commonwealth and Colonial entities
ASB entities

Commonwealth and Colonial entities
ASB entities

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  life  and  funds  management
businesses  are  valued  at  market  value  by  CMLA.
Consistent with the principles of market value accounting,
as specified by AASB 1038: Life Insurance Business, the
above  resulting  excess  of  net  market  value  over  net
tangible  assets  of  life  insurance  controlled  entities  is  not
funds  management
amortised.  The  CFS  Property 
business was transferred under CMLA in June 2002.

103

Notes to the financial statements

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 and short sales
Total Australia

Overseas
Certificates of deposit
Term deposits
On demand and short term deposits
Deposits not bearing interest
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and short sales
Total Overseas
Total Deposits and Other Public Borrowings

2003
$M

11,228
32,398
68,507
5,001
3,231
120,365

2,900
10,326
5,871
921
591
20,609
140,974

GROUP
2002
$M

15,832
28,991
63,844
6,072
757
115,496

2,258
9,035
5,185
806
20
17,304
132,800

2003
$M

11,228
30,448
68,932
5,031
3,232
118,871

1,130
2,295
59
7
584
4,075
122,946

BANK
2002
$M

15,832
26,708
64,038
6,169
753
113,500

904
2,455
16
5
18
3,398
116,898

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 2003.

GROUP
At 30 June 2003

Maturing
Between
Six &
Twelve
Months
$M

Maturing
After
Twelve
Months
$M

723
3,570
4,293

123
627
750
5,043

2,729
2,353
5,082

2
519
521
5,603

Total
$M

11,228
32,398
43,626

2,900
10,326
13,226
56,852

Maturing
Three

Maturing
Between
Months or Three & Six
Months
$M

Less
$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

5,907
20,447
26,354

1,957
7,807
9,764
36,118

1,869
6,028
7,897

818
1,373
2,191
10,088

(1)

All certificates of deposit issued by the Bank are for amounts greater than $100,000.

104

Notes to the financial statements

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

2003
$M
2,527
5,011
7,538

2003
$M

433
414
847

GROUP
2002
$M
3,153
4,711
7,864

GROUP
2002
$M

695
540
1,235

2003
$M
2,527
4,977
7,504

2003
$M

355
162
517

BANK
2002
$M
3,255
4,629
7,884

BANK
2002
$M

490
152
642

29
                   -
29
876

1

10
40                    -
10
41
527
1,276

12
                   -
12
654

105

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 25 Other Provisions

Long service leave
Annual leave
Other employee entitlements
Restructuring costs
General insurance claims
Self insurance/non lending losses
Other
Total Other Provisions

Restructuring costs:
Opening balance
Additional provision
Amounts utilised during the year
Closing Balance

General insurance claims:
Opening balance
Additional provision
Amounts utilised during the year
Closing Balance

Self insurance/non lending losses:
Opening balance
Additional provision
Amounts utilised during the year
Closing Balance

Other:
Opening balance
Additional provision
Amounts utilised during the year
Foreign exchange translation adjustment
Closing Balance

GROUP
2003
2002
$M
$M
294
302
127
163
116
139
35
29
63                    -
55
55
63
77
684
834

BANK
2002
$M
299
149
139
21
                   -
53
30
691

BANK
2003
$M

21
20
(12)
29

                    -
                    -
                    -
                    -

53
12
(10)
55

                 30
                 39
(6)
                    -
                 63

2003
$M
300
143
117
30
66
56
107
819

GROUP
2003
$M

35
20
(25)
30

63
75
(72)
66

55
11
(10)
56

                77
                51
(18)
(3)
              107

106

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 26 Debt Issues

Short term debt issues
Long term debt issues
Total Debt Issues

2003
$M
17,255
13,374
30,629

GROUP
2002
$M
14,718
8,857
23,575

2003
$M
6,577
10,107
16,684

BANK
2002
$M
4,127
7,626
11,753

Short Term Debt Issues
AUD bill reliquification
AUD promissory notes
AUD bank bills
US commercial paper
Euro commercial paper
Long term debt issues with less than one year to maturity
Total short term debt issues

                   -
1,643
777
6,163
5,738
2,934
17,255

72                    -
1,533                    -
1,217                    -
6,082                    -
3,842
2,651
2,735
3,163
6,577
14,718

72
                   -
                   -
                   -
1,041
3,014
4,127

Long Term Debt Issues
USD medium term notes
AUD medium term notes
JPY medium term notes
GBP medium term notes
Other currencies medium term notes
Offshore loans (all JPY)
Eurobonds
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

The  Bank  has  a  Euro  Medium  Term  Note
programme under which it may issue notes (Euro MTN’s)
up to an aggregate amount of USD10 billion. Notes issued
under  the  programme  are  both  fixed  and  variable  rate.
Interest rate risk associated with the notes is incorporated
within the Bank’s interest rate risk framework.

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

Subsequent to 30 June 2003, the Bank has issued:
USD medium term  notes:  3  months  to  12  months  –
USD5 million (AUD8 million); between 1 and 5 years
USD45 million (AUD67 million); greater than 5 years
– USD990 million (AUD1,483 million)
HKD  medium  term  notes:  between  1  and  5  years  –
HKD650 million (AUD125 million)
JPY  medium  term  notes:  greater  than  5  years  –
JPY4.3 billion (AUD54 million)

4,517
3,510
414
1,799
2,752
187
195
13,374

13,348
3,907
10,426
2,948
30,629

3,659
4,517
1,601
2,307
900
414
14
-
1,389
2,682
187
680
614                    -
10,107

8,857

10,340
4,378
8,149
708
23,575

3,994
2,696
7,958
2,036
16,684

3,426
1,168
529
14
1,389
680
420
7,626

1,453
2,674
7,112
514
11,753

Where  any  debt  issue  is  booked  in  an  offshore
branch  or  subsidiary, 
first  been
converted into the base currency of the branch at a branch
defined  exchange  rate,  before  being  converted  into  the
AUD equivalent.

the  amounts  have 

Where proceeds have been  employed  in  currencies
other than that of the ultimate repayment liability, swap or
other hedge arrangements have been entered into.

107

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 26 Debt Issues continued

Short Term Borrowings

The following table analyses the Group’s short term borrowings for the  financial  years  ended  30  June  2001,  2002  and

2003.

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

GROUP
Year Ended 30 June
2001

2002

2003

(AUD millions, except where indicated)
6,111
6,082
6,163
7,850
7,158
8,973
6,571
6,173
5,890

1.4%
1.2%

5,738
5,990
3,132

1.3%
1.1%

                        -
250
23

4.9%
                        -

2,420
3,066
2,476

3.7%
3.9%

2.3%
1.8%

2,651
3,805
2,883

1.2%
0.9%

72
564
268

4.8%
5.0%

2,750
3,455
2,912

4.5%
5.3%

5.6%
4.0%

4,200
5,579
4,533

4.3%
2.3%

639
2,180
1,097

6.0%
5.0%

3,829
5,117
3,637

5.7%
5.0%

(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.

Exchange Rates Utilised

As at
AUD1.00 =

USD
GBP
JPY
NZD
HKD
DEM
CHF
IDR
THB
FJD
PHP
EUR

30 June 2003
 0.6677
 0.4043
 80.036
 1.145
 5.207
 1.143
            0.9037
 5,528
 28.051
 1.250
 35.737
0.5842

30 June 2002
 0.5639
 0.3694
 67.450
 1.155
 4.399
 1.116
 0.840
 4,919
 23.437
 1.188
 28.456
0.5706

108

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 26 Debt Issues continued

Guarantee Arrangements
Commonwealth Bank of Australia

The due payment of all monies payable by the Bank
was guaranteed by the Commonwealth of Australia under
section  117  of  the  Commonwealth  Bank’s  Act  1959
(as amended) at 30 June 1996. This guarantee has been
progressively  phased  out 
the
Commonwealth of Australia’s shareholding in the Bank on
19 July 1996.

the  sale  of 

following 

The  transitional  arrangements  for  phasing  out  the
Commonwealth  of  Australia’s  guarantee  are  contained  in
the Commonwealth Bank Sale Act 1995.

In  relation  to  the  Commonwealth  of  Australia’s
transitional

the  Bank’s 

liabilities, 

guarantee 
of 
arrangements provided that:
(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

All  demand  deposits  and 
term  deposits  were
guaranteed  for  a  period  of  three  years  from  19  July
1996,  with  term  deposits  outstanding  at  the  end  of
that 
three  year  period  being  guaranteed  until
maturity; and
All other amounts payable under a contract that was
entered  into,  or  under  an  instrument  executed,
issued, endorsed or accepted by the Bank at 19 July
1996 will be guaranteed until their maturity.
Accordingly,  demand  deposits  are  no 

longer
guaranteed.  Term  deposits  outstanding  at  19  July  1999
remain  guaranteed  until  maturity.  The  run-off  of  the
Government  guarantee  has  no  effect  on  the  Bank’s
access to deposit markets.
Commonwealth Development Bank

On  24  July  1996,  the  Commonwealth  of  Australia
sold 
the  Commonwealth
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  Commonwealth  of  Australia’s

the  Bank  of 
shareholding in the CDBL:
(cid:1) 

All  lending  assets  as  at  30  June  1996  have  been
quarantined  in  CDBL,  consistent  with  the  charter
terms on which they were written;

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

The CDBL’s liabilities continue to remain 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 (known as Colonial State Bank)

The  enabling  legislation  for  the  sale  of  the  State
Bank  of  New  South  Wales  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.  On  4  June  2001
Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  became  the  successor
in  law  to  SBNSW  pursuant  to  the  Financial  Sector
Transfers  of  Business  Act  1999.  The  NSW  Government
guarantee  of  the  liabilities  and  products  as  described
above continues unchanged by the succession.

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

2003
$M
993
991
740
699
13,528
2,076
19,027

GROUP
2002
$M
892
944
734
1,548
10,226
2,998
17,342

2003
$M
874
842
567
479
13,502
1,192
17,456

BANK
2002
$M
857
754
640
1,385
10,062
2,207
15,905

109

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 28  Loan Capital

Currency
Amount (M)

2003
$M

2002
$M

GROUP
2001
$M

2003
$M

2002
$M

BANK
2001
$M

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
Subordinated
Subordinated

FRNs
FRNs
FRNs

USD300
USD400
USD100

FRNs
FRNs
MTNs
FRNs
FRNs
MTNs
FRNs
Notes
FRNs
EMTNs
EMTNs
EMTNs
EMTNs
EMTNs
EMTNs
EMTNs
Loan
FRNs
FRNs
Notes
Other
Notes
EMTN

AUD25
AUD275
AUD185
AUD115
AUD25
AUD200
AUD50
USD300
USD450
JPY20,000
USD200
USD75
USD100
USD400
GBP200
JPY30,000
NZD100
AUD210
AUD38
AUD130
AUD35
USD350
GBP150

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(4)

(5)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(7)

(8)

(8)

(9)

(10)

(11)

(12)

(13)

(14)

(15)

(16)

(17)

(18)

(19)

(20)

(21)

(22)

59
142
150

351

25
275
185
115
25
199
50
549
672
248
313
115
152
501
408
444
88
210
38
130
35
524
373

70
168
177

415

25
275
186
115
25
199
50
532
795
293
313
115
152
501
408
525
90
210
38
130
35
-
-

78
187
197

462

25
275
185
115
25
200
50
591
882
326
314
115
152
501
408
582
79
210
38
130
39
-
-

59
142
150

351

25
275
185
115
25
199
50
549
672
248
313
115
152
501
408
444
-
210
38
130
35
524
373

70
168
177

415

25
275
186
115
25
199
50
532
795
293
313
115
152
501
408
525
-
210
38
130
35
-
-

78
187
197

462

25
275
185
115
25
200
50
591
882
325
314
115
152
501
408
582
-
210
38
130
39
-
-

Total Loan Capital

5,674
6,025

5,012
5,427

5,242
5,704

5,586
5,937

4,922
5,337

5,162
5,624

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)

USD  300  million  undated  Floating  Rate  Notes
(FRNs)  issued  11  July  1988  exchangeable  into
dated FRNs.

(2)

Outstanding notes at 30 June 2003 were:
USD1.5 million
Due July 2003
USD0.5 million
Due July 2004
USD32.5 million
Due July 2006
USD5 million
undated

:
:
:
:

USD  400  million  undated  FRNs  issued  22  February
1989 exchangeable into dated FRNs.

Outstanding notes at 30 June 2003 were:
USD64 million
Due February 2005
USD24 million
Due February 2006
USD7 million
Due February 2008

:
:
:

110

(3)  USD  100  million  undated  capital  notes  issued  on  15

fully 

paid 

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  agreements  provide  that,  upon  the  occurrence
of  certain  events  listed  below,  the  Bank  may  issue
either 
the
Commonwealth  of  Australia  or  (with  the  consent  of
the  Commonwealth  of  Australia)  rights 
to  all
shareholders  to  subscribe  for  fully  paid  ordinary
shares  up  to  an  amount  equal  to  the  outstanding
principal  value  of  the  relevant  note  issue  or  issues
plus any interest paid in respect of the notes for the
most recent financial year and accrued interest.  The
issue  price  of  such  shares  will  be  determined  by
reference  to  the  prevailing  market  price  for  the
Bank’s shares.

ordinary 

shares 

to 

Notes to the financial statements
NOTE 28 Loan Capital continued

to  date, 

the  Bank  and 

Any  one  or  more  of  the  following  events  may  trigger
the issue of shares to the Commonwealth of Australia
or a rights issue:
A relevant event of default (discussed below) occurs
in  respect  of  a  note  issue  and  the  Trustee  of  the
relevant notes gives notice to the Bank that the notes
are immediately due and payable;
The most recent audited annual financial  statements
of  the  Group  show  a  loss  (as  defined  in  the
Agreements);
The  Bank  does  not  declare  a  dividend  in  respect  of
its ordinary shares;
The  Bank,  if  required  by  the  Commonwealth  of
Australia and subject to the agreement of the APRA,
exercises its option to redeem a note issue; or
In  respect  of  Undated  FRNs  which  have  been
exchanged to Dated FRNs, the Dated FRNs mature.
Any  payment  made  by 
the  Commonwealth  of
Australia  pursuant  to  its  guarantee  in  respect  of  the
relevant  notes  will  trigger  the  issue  of  shares  to  the
Commonwealth  of  Australia  to  the  value  of  such
payment.
The relevant events of default differ depending on the
relevant Agreement.  In summary, they cover events
such  as  failure  of  the  Bank  to  meet  its  monetary
obligation  in  respect  of  the  relevant  notes;  the
insolvency  of  the  Bank;  any  law  being  passed  to
dissolve  the  Bank  or  the  Bank  ceasing  to  carry  on
general  banking  business  in  Australia;  and  the
Commonwealth of Australia ceasing to guarantee the
relevant  notes.    In  relation  to  Dated  FRN’s  which
the
have  matured 
Commonwealth  agreed 
relevant
Agreement  to  reflect  that  the  Commonwealth  of
Australia  was  not  called  upon  to  subscribe  for  fully
paid  ordinary  shares  up  to  an  amount  equal  to  the
principal value of the maturing FRNs.
AUD300  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  of  Australia  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  of
Australia  or  (with  the  consent  of  the  Commonwealth
of Australia) 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 of Australia
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 of
Australia and subject to the agreement of the APRA,
exercises its option to redeem such issue.

to  amend 

the 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(4) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

the 

trigger 

issue  of  shares 

Any  payment  made  by  the  Commonwealth  of
Australia pursuant to its guarantee in respect of the
issue  will 
to  the
Commonwealth  of  Australia  to  the  value  of  such
payment.
issued
AUD300  million  subordinated  notes, 
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.
AUD250  million 
issued
November  1999,  due  November  2009;  split  into
$200 million fixed rate notes and $50 million floating
rate notes.
USD750  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.

subordinated  FRN, 

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

(10) USD200  million  subordinated  EMTN, 
November 1999, due November 2009.

issued

(11) USD75 million subordinated EMTN, issued January

2000, due January 2010.

(12) USD100  million  subordinated  EMTN, 

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

(15)

March 1996; due December 2006.
JPY30  billion  subordinated  Euro  MTN 
October 1995; due October 2015.

issued

(16) NZD100  million 

subordinated  matures 

15
December 2009. With a coupon rate of 8.30% until
15  December  2004,  after  which  the  rate  will  be
reset  against  the  three  month  bank  bill  benchmark
rate.  The  subordinated  debt  is  callable  on  15
December 2004.
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:  AUD  10  million  fixed  rate  notes  issued  12
December 1995, maturing 12 December 2005. AUD
110 million floating rate notes issued  12  December
1995,  maturing  12  December  2005.  AUD  5  million
fixed  rate  notes 
issued  17  December  1996,
maturing 12 December 2005. AUD 5 million floating
rate  notes  issued  17  December  1996,  maturing  12
December 2005.

(17)

(18)

(19)

(20)  Comprises 12 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 2003 to October 2009.

(21)  USD350 million subordinated fixed rate note, issued

June 2003, due June 2018.

(22)  GBP150  million  subordinated  EMTN,  issued  June

2003, due December 2023.

111

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 29 Share Capital

Issued and Paid Up Ordinary Capital

Ordinary Share Capital
Opening balance
Dividend reinvestment plan (DRP): 2000/2001 final dividend
Buy back for DRP: 2001/2002 interim dividend
DRP: 2001/2002 interim dividend
Buy back for DRP: 2001/02 final dividend
DRP 2001/2002 final dividend
Buy back for DRP: 2002/2003 interim dividend
DRP 2002/2003 interim dividend
Exercise of executive options
Closing Balance

Shares on Issue
Opening balance
DRP issues:
2001 final dividend fully paid ordinary shares at $28.79
Buy back for 2001/2002 interim dividend
2001/2002 interim dividend fully paid ordinary shares at $31.96
Buy back for DRP: 2001/2002 final dividend
2001/2002 final dividend paid shares at $31.92
Buy back for 2002/2003 interim dividend
2002/2003 interim dividend fully paid ordinary shares at $24.75
Exercise under executive option plan
Employee share acquisition plan issues
Closing Balance

Terms and Conditions of Ordinary Share Capital

Ordinary  shares  have  the  right  to  receive  dividends
as declared and in the event of  winding  up  the  company,
to participate in the proceeds from sale of surplus assets

Preference Share Capital

Issued and paid up PERLS capital

PERLS on issue

2003
$M

BANK
2002
$M

12,665
                           -
                           -
                           -
(195)

12,455
171
(158)
158
                           -
195                            -
                           -
166                            -
39
12,665

(166)

13
12,678

Number
1,252,921,363

Number
1,244,015,455

                           -
                           -
                           -
(6,111,510)

5,954,040
(4,951,275)
4,951,275
                           -
6,111,510                            -
                           -
6,753,320                            -
2,052,500
899,368
1,252,921,363

(6,753,320)

660,000
                           -
1,253,581,363

in  proportion  to  the  number  of  and  amounts  paid  up  on
shares  held.  Ordinary  shares  entitle  their  holder  to  one
vote,  either  in  person  or  by  proxy,  at  a  meeting  of  the
company

2003
$M

687

BANK
2002
$M

687

Number

3,500,000

Number
3,500,000

Commonwealth  Bank  PERLS 

(‘PERLS’)  are
perpetual preference shares that offer a quarterly, floating
rate dividend.  PERLS represent a less expensive form of
equity  funding  than  ordinary  shares  and  increase  the
diversity and flexibility of the Bank’s capital base.

A  holder  of  PERLS  on  the  relevant  record  date  is
entitled  to  receive  on  each  relevant  dividend  payment
date,  if  determined  by  the  Directors  to  be  payable,  a
dividend.  If  a  dividend  is  not  paid  the  Bank  will  not  be

permitted  to  pay  dividends  on  any  of  its  ordinary  shares
until  four  consecutive  dividends  are  paid  on  the  PERLS.
Holders  of  Commonwealth  Bank  PERLS  will  rank  ahead
of holders of ordinary shares in a winding up to the extent
of  the  issue  price  of  the  Commonwealth  Bank  PERLS.
PERLS  are  listed  and  traded  on  the  Australian  Stock
Exchange.

Holders  of  PERLS  are  entitled  to  vote  at  a  general

meeting of the issuer in limited circumstances.

112

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 29 Share Capital continued

Subsequent Event

these 

On  6  August  2003  the  Bank,  via  a  wholly  owned
entity  of  the  Bank,  issued  USD550  million  (AUD824
million)  of  trust  preferred  securities,  subject  to  a  limited
guarantee by the Bank, in the US capital markets.  These
securities  are  perpetual  in  nature  and  offer  a  non-
cumulative  fixed  rate  distribution  of  5.805%p.a.,  payable
semi annually.  Distributions  will  be  paid  if  determined  by
Directors, or a committee of the Board, to be payable.  If a
distribution  is  not  paid  the  Bank  will  not  be  permitted  to
pay  dividends  on  any  of  its  ordinary  shares  or  shares
ranking  equally  with 
including
Commonwealth  Bank  PERLS,  until  two  consecutive  semi
annual  dividends  are  paid.    The  securities  may  be
redeemed by the Bank, subject to the approval of APRA,
on 30 June 2015 and qualify as Tier 1 capital for the Bank.
If  the  securities  are  not  redeemed  on  30  June  2015,  the
holders  of  the  securities  may  request  their  securities  be
exchanged  for  an  equivalent  value  of  ordinary  shares  of
the Bank.  In certain circumstances, and at any time at the
Bank’s  discretion,  the  trust  preferred  securities  may  be
redeemed 
(ADSs)
representing preference shares of the Bank. Where  there
has  been  no  earlier  redemption,  the  trust  preferred
securities  will  be  mandatorily  redeemed  for  ADS’s  on  30
June 2053.

for  American  Depositary  Shares 

securities, 

The  issue  of  trust  preferred  securities  provided  a
cost effective opportunity to supplement the Bank's Tier 1
capital and broaden its investor base.

Employee Share Plans

The Bank has in place the following employee share

plans:
(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

Commonwealth  Bank  Employee  Share  Acquisition
Plan (ESAP);
Commonwealth  Bank  Equity  Participation  Plan
(EPP);
Commonwealth  Bank  Equity  Reward  Plan  (ERP);
and
Commonwealth  Bank  Non-Executive  Directors
Share Plan (NEDSP).

The  ESAP  and  ERP  were  each  approved  by
shareholders at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 26
October  2000.    Shareholders’  consent  was  not  required
for either the EPP or NEDSP but details were included in
the  Explanatory  Memorandum  to  the  meeting  to  ensure
shareholders were fully informed.  Shareholders were also
informed  at  the  AGM  on  26  October  2000  that  the
Executive Option Plan (EOP) would be discontinued.

Employee Share Acquisition Plan (ESAP)

The ESAP provides employees of the Group with up
to  $1,000  worth  of  free  shares  per  annum  subject  to  a
performance target being met.  The performance target is
growth  in  annual  profit  of  the  greater  of  5%  or  consumer
price  index  plus  2%.    Whenever  annual  profit  growth
exceeds CPI change, the Board  may  use  its  discretion  in
determining whether any grant of shares will be made.

Under  ESAP,  shares  granted  are  restricted  for  sale
for  three  years  or  until  such  time  as  the  participating
employee ceases employment  with  the  Group,  whichever
is  earlier.    Shares  granted  under  the  plan  receive  full
dividend  entitlements  and  voting  rights.    There  are  no
forfeiture or vesting conditions attached to shares granted
under ESAP.

Effective  from  1  July  2002,  shares  granted  under
ESAP  offers  have  been  expensed  against  the  Profit  and
Loss  account.    In  the  current  year,  832,458  shares  were
granted  to  eligible  employees  and  $25  million  was
expensed  against  the  Profit  and  Loss  account  to  reflect
the cost of the 2002 grant.

The  Bank  has  determined  to  allocate  each  eligible
employee  shares  up  to  a  value  of  $800  in  respect  of  the
2003  grant.    As  a  result,  an  amount  of  $20  million  has
been accrued in respect of the year ended 30 June 2003.
The  shares  will  be  purchased  on-market  at  the  then
market price.

113

Notes to the financial statements

Details of issues under ESAP are:

Offer

Issue Date

1996

1997

1999
2000

2001

2 Jan 1997
18 Mar 1997
11 Dec 1997
3 Feb 1998
24 Sep 1999
13 Oct 2000
20 Dec 2000
31 Oct 2001
3 Dec 2001
31 Jan 2002

Ordinary
Shares
Issued(1)
27,755
13
3,025
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

Bonus Ordinary
Shares Issued(2)

No. of
Participants

Shares issued to
Each Participant

2,275,910
1,066
1,637,273
232
1,053,199
872,620
805
893,554
3,876
1,938

27,755
13
28,281
4
24,493
24,932
23
26,281
114
57

83
83
58
58
43
35
35
34
34
34

Issue
Price(3)

$12.04
$12.04
$17.16
$17.16
$23.12
$27.78
$27.78
$28.95
$28.95
$28.95

Details of shares purchased under ESAP are:

Offer

Purchase Date

2002

31 Oct 2002
22 Jan 2003

Ordinary
Shares
Purchased
830,874
1,584

No. of
Participants

Shares Allocated to
Each Participant

Allocation
Price(4)

25,178
48

33
33

$29.71
$29.71

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

For  the  1996  and  1997  Offers,  new  employee  shareholders  were  granted  one  ordinary  share  with  the  remainder  of  shares  issued  as
Bonus Ordinary Shares.  For Offers in 1999, 2000 and 2001 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 were issued from the Share Capital Account.
The Issue Price x Shares issued to each Participant effectively represents about $1,000 of free shares.
The Allocation Price for the offer is equal to the market value which is determined by calculating the weighted average of the prices at
which  the  shares  were  traded  on  the  ASX  during  the  5  trading  day  period  up  to  and  including  the  grant  date.    The  Allocation  Price  x
Shares issued to each participant effectively represents about $1,000 of free shares.

114

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 29 Share Capital continued

Equity Participation Plan (EPP)

The  EPP  facilitates  the  voluntary  sacrifice  of  both
fixed remuneration and annual bonus to be applied in the
acquisition  of  shares.    The  Plan  also  facilitates  the
mandatory sacrifice of annual performance bonuses.

All  shares  acquired  by  employees  under  this  Plan
are  purchased  on-market  at  the  current  market  price.
Details  of  share  purchases  for  the  EPP  so  far  are    as
follows:

Purchase Date
1 Oct 2001
31 Oct 2001
31 Oct 2001
31 Oct 2001
2 Jan 2002
3 Apr 2002
28 Jun 2002
2 Oct 2002
8 Oct 2002
31 Oct 2002
30 Dec 2002
31 Mar 2003
31 Mar 2003
30 Jun 2003

Number of Participants
19
5
1,640
47
65
67
107
63
5
2,164
68
2
95
76

Number of Shares Purchased
2,073
187
1,564,314
31,752
8,504
7,963
14,384
6,751
2,726
1,955,758
11,421
463
12,187
10,854

Average Purchase Price
$27.40
$29.35
$30.00
$30.13
$30.05
$31.43
$33.15
$30.51
$29.44
$28.22
$27.21
$25.91
$25.90
$29.92

Under  the  voluntary  component  of  the  EPP,  shares
purchased are restricted for sale for two years or when a
participating employee ceases employment with the Bank,
whichever  is  earlier.    Shares  granted  under  the  voluntary
component  of  the  plan  receive  full  dividend  entitlements
and  voting  rights.    There  are  no  forfeiture  or  vesting
conditions attached to shares granted under the voluntary
component of the EPP.

Under  the  mandatory  component  of  the  EPP,  fully
paid ordinary shares are purchased and held in Trust until
such  time  as  the  vesting  conditions  have  been  met.
Vesting  of  shares  is  subject  to  participants  remaining
employees of the Group until the vesting date (generally a
period  of  one  and  two  years  after  the  bonus  award
period).

From 1 July 2001 to 30 June 2002
Details of Movements

Shares held under the plan at the beginning of year
Shares Allocated during year
Shares Vested during year
Shares Forfeited during year
Shares Held Under the Plan at End of Year

From 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003
Details of Movements
Shares held under the plan at the beginning of year
Shares Allocated during year
Shares Vested during year
Shares Forfeited during year
Shares Held Under the Plan at End of Year

115

Each participant on behalf of whom shares are held
by the Trustee have a right to receive dividends.  Once the
shares  vest,  dividends  are  paid  in  relation  to  those
accrued  during  the  vesting  period.    The  participant  may
also  direct  the  Trustee  on  how  the  voting  rights  attached
to  the  shares  are  to  be  exercised  during  the  vesting
period.

Where  participating  employees  do  not  satisfy  the
vesting  conditions,  shares  and  dividend  rights  are
forfeited.

The  movement 

in  shares  granted  under 

the

mandatory component of the EPP has been as follows:

Number of Shares
-
1,578,469
57,645
42,401
1,478,423

Number of Shares
1,478,423
1,968,197
836,437
112,999
2,497,184

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 29 Share Capital continued

Shares  granted  under  both 

the  voluntary  and
mandatory  components  of  the  EPP  have  been  expensed
against  the  profit  and  loss  account.    In  the  current  year,
$66  million  was  expensed  against  the  profit  and  loss
account to reflect the cost of allocations under the Plan.

Equity Reward Plan (ERP)

The  Board  has  envisaged  that  up  to  a  maximum  of

500 employees would participate each year in the ERP.

Previous  grants  under  the  ERP  were  in  two  parts,
comprising grants of options and grants of shares.  Since
2001/02, no options have been issued under the ERP.  In
2002/03 reward shares only were issued under this plan.

The  exercise  of  previously  granted  options  and  the
vesting of employee legal title to the shares is conditional
on  the  Bank  achieving  a  prescribed  performance  hurdle.
The  ERP  performance  hurdle  is  based  on  relative  Total
Shareholder  Return 
the  Bank’s  TSR
performance being measured against a comparator group
of companies.

(TSR)  with 

The  prescribed  performance  hurdle  for  options  and

reward shares issued prior to 2002/03 was:
(cid:1) 

The Bank’s TSR (broadly, growth in share price plus
dividends  reinvested)  over  a  minimum  three  year
period,  must  equal  or  exceed  the  index  of  TSR
achieved  by  the  comparator  group  of  companies.
The  comparator  group 
(previously  companies
represented  in  the  ASX’s  ‘Banks  and  Finance
Accumulation 
the  Bank)  was
widened  in  2001/02  to  better  reflect  the  Bank’s
business since the acquisition of Colonial.
If  the  performance  hurdle  is  not  reached  within  that
three  years 
the  options  may  nevertheless  be
exercisable  or  the  shares  vest,  only  where  the
hurdle  is  subsequently  reached  within  5  years  from
the grant date.

Index’  excluding 

(cid:1) 

A  further  change  was  introduced  in  relation  to

reward shares granted from 2002/03 onwards.

A tiered vesting scale was introduced so that 50% of
the allocated shares vest if the Bank’s TSR is equal to the
median return, 75% vest at the 67th percentile and 100%
when the Bank’s return is in the top quartile.

Where the rating is at least at the 50th percentile on
the third anniversary of the grant, the shares will vest at a
time  nominated  by  the  executive,  within  the  trading
windows, over the next two years. The vesting percentage
will  be  at  least  that  achieved  on  the  third  anniversary  of
the  grant  and  the  executive  will  be  able  to  delay  vesting
until  a  subsequent  half  yearly  window  prior  to  the  fifth
anniversary  of  the  grant.  The  vesting  percentage  will  be
calculated by reference to the rating at that time.

Where the rating  is  below  the  50th  percentile  on  the
third  anniversary  of  grant,  the  shares  can  still  vest  if  the
rating  reaches  the  50th  percentile  prior  to  the  fifth
anniversary, but the maximum vesting will be 50%.

Shares  acquired  under  the  share  component  of  the
ERP are purchased on-market at the current market price.
The cost of shares acquired is expensed against the Profit
and Loss Account over a three year period, reflecting  the
minimum  vesting  period.    In  the  current  year,  $8  million
has  been  expensed  to  the  profit  and  loss  account
reflecting  the  cost  of  reward  shares  purchased  and
allocated under the plan.

Executive options issued up to September 2001 are
not currently recorded as an expense by the Group.  If the
options issued in 2001/02 were expensed to the profit and
loss  account,  the  amount  recorded  by  the  Group  would
have been $6.0 million, based on 2,994,500 options being
issued with a fair value of $2.01 and 12,500 options with a
fair value of $1.53.  (The fair value is determined using the
Black-Scholes  option  pricing  model  and  includes  a  50%
discount for probability of options not being exercised).

Details of options issued and shares acquired under
ERP as well as movements in the options and shares are
as follows -

Options

Year of
Grant

Commencement
Date

Issue
Date

Options
Issued

Options
Outstanding
(1)

Participants

Exercise
Price

Exercise
Period

2000

13 Sep 2000

7 Feb 2001

577,500

427,500

13 Sep 2000

31 Oct 2001

12,500

-

2001

3 Sep 2001

31 Oct 2001

2,882,000

2,223,900

3 Sep 2001

31 Jan 2002

12,500

12,500

3 Sep 2001

15 Apr 2002

100,000

100,000

23

1

79

1

1

$26.97(2)

$26.97(2)

$30.12(2)

$30.12(2)

$30.12(2)

14 Sep 2003 to
13 Sep 2010(3)
14 Sep 2003 to
13 Sep 2010(3)
4 Sep 2004 to
3 Sep 2011(4)
4 Sep 2004 to
3 Sep 2011(4)
4 Sep 2004 to
3 Sep 2011(4)

(1)  Options outstanding as at the date of the report.
(2)  Will be adjusted by the premium formula (based on the actual difference between the dividend and bond yields at the date of the vesting).
(3) 

Performance hurdle must be satisfied between 14 September 2003 and 13 September 2005, otherwise options will lapse.
Performance hurdle must be satisfied between 4 September 2004 and 3 September 2006, otherwise options will lapse.

(4) 

116

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 29 Share Capital continued

Details of Movements
From 1 July 2001 to 30 June 2002
Total options held by participants at the start of year
Total options granted during year
Total options exercised during year
Total options lapsed during year

Total options outstanding at the end of year

Details of Movements
From 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003
Total options held by participants at the start of year
Total options granted during year
Total options exercised during year
Total options lapsed during year

Total options outstanding at the end of year
Total options granted from 30 June 2003 to date of this report
Total options exercised from 30 June 2003 to date of this report
Total options lapsed from 30 June 2003 to date of this report
Total options outstanding as at the date of this report

Shares

2000
Grant
560,000
12,500
-
-

572,500

2000
Grant
572,500
-
-
145,000

427,500
-
-
-
427,500

Year of
Grant

Purchase
Date

Shares
Purchased

Shares
Allocated

Participants

Vesting Period

2000

2001
2002

20 Feb 2001
31 Oct 2001
31 Oct 2001
22 Nov 2002

361,100
2,000
652,100
357,500

361,100
2,000
661,500(1)
545,500(2)

61
1
241
195

14 Sept 2003 to 13 Sept 2005(3)
14 Sept 2003 to 13 Sept 2005(3)
4 Sept 2004 to 3 Sept 2006(3)
2 Sept 2005 to 1 Sept 2007(3)

2001
Grant
-
2,994,500
-
131,400

2,863,100

2001
Grant
2,863,100
-
-
526,700

2,336,400
-
-
-
2,336,400

Average
Purchase
Price
$29.72
$29.25
$29.25
$28.26

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

In October 2001, 11,400 reward shares were re-allocated to participants receiving the 2001 grant as a result of reward shares forfeited
from previous ERP grant.
In November 2002, 188,000 reward shares were re-allocated to participants receiving the 2002 grant as a result of reward shares forfeited
from  previous  grants.    The  total  number  of  reward  shares  allocated  in  2002  represents  fifty  percent  of  the  maximum  entitlement  that
participants may receive.  It is intended that reward shares required to meet obligations under ERP will be acquired by the trust on-market
during the three years prior to the first measurement point of the performance hurdle.
Performance hurdle must be satisfied within the vesting period, otherwise shares will be forfeited.

Details of Movements
From 1 July 2001 to 30 June 2002
Total reward shares held by participants at the start of year
Total reward shares granted during year
Total reward shares vested during year
Total reward shares lapsed during year

Total reward shares outstanding at the end of year

Details of Movements
From 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003
Total reward shares held by participants at the start of year
Total reward shares granted during year
Total reward shares vested during year
Total reward shares lapsed during year

Total reward shares outstanding at the end of year

2000
Grant
337,300
-
-
120,200

217,100

117

2000
Grant
361,100
2,000
-
25,800

337,300

2001
Grant
638,800
-
-
120,300

518,500

2001
Grant
-
676,500
-
37,700

638,800

2002
Grant
-
552,000
-
36,700

515,300

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 29 Share Capital continued

During the vesting period, reward shares are held in
Trust.  Each participant on behalf of whom Reward Shares
are held by the Trustee, have a right to receive dividends.
Once  the  shares  vest  dividends  are  paid  in  relation  to
those  accrued  during  the  vesting  period.    The  participant
may  also  direct  the  trustee  on  how  the  voting  rights
attached  to  the  shares  are  to  be  exercised  during  the
vesting period.

Executive Option Plan (EOP)

As previously notified to shareholders, this plan was

discontinued in 2000/01.

Under  the  EOP,  the  Bank  granted  options  to
purchase  ordinary  shares  to  those  key  executives  who,
being able by virtue of their responsibility, experience and
skill  to  influence  the  generation  of  shareholder  wealth,
were  declared  by  the  Board  of  Directors  to  be  eligible  to
participate  in  the  Plan.    Non-executive  directors  were  not
eligible to participate in the Plan.

Options cannot be exercised before each respective
exercise period and the ability to exercise is conditional on
the Bank achieving a prescribed performance hurdle.

The  performance  hurdle 

the  same  TSR
comparator  hurdle  as  outlined  above  for  the  Equity
Reward Plan (ERP) grants prior to 2002/03.

is 

If the performance hurdle is not reached within that 3
years  (4  years  for  the  second  tranche  of  options  granted
to  the  chief  executive  officer  on  24  August  1999),  the
options  may  nevertheless  be  exercisable  only  where  the
hurdle is subsequently reached within 5 years (6 years for
the  second  tranche  of  options  granted  to  the  chief
executive officer on 24 August 1999) from the grant date.

The  option  plan  did  not  grant  rights  to  the  option
holders  to  participate  in  a  share  issue  of  any  other  body
corporate.

Details  of  issues  made  under  EOP  as  well  as

movements for 2001/02 and 2002/03 are as follows:

Commencement
Date

Issue
Date

Options
Issued

Options
Outstanding

Participants

12 Nov 1996

16 Dec 1996

2,100,000

3 Nov 1997

11 Dec 1997

2,875,000

-

-

25 Aug 1998

30 Sep 1998

3,275,000

387,500

24 Aug 1999

24 Sep 1999

3,855,000

3,221,000

13 Sep 2000

13 Oct 2000

2,002,500

1,336,200

25

27

32

38

50

Exercise
Price(1)

$11.85

$15.53(2)

$19.58(2)

$23.84(3)

$26.97(3)

Exercise
Period
13 Nov 1999 to
12 Nov 2001
4 Nov 2000 to
3 Nov 2002
26 Aug 2001 to
25 Aug 2003
25 Aug 2002 to
24 Aug 2009
14 Sep 2003 to
13 Sep 2010

(1)  Market value at the commencement date.  Market value is defined as the weighted average of the prices at which shares were traded on

the ASX during the one week period before the commencement date.
Premium adjustment (based on the actual difference between the dividend and bond yields at the date of vesting) was nil.

(2) 
(3)  Will be adjusted by the premium formula (based on the actual difference between the dividend and bond yields

at the date of the vesting).

Details of Movements
From 1 July 2001 to 30 June 2002
Total options held by participants at the start of year
Total options granted during year
Total options exercised during year
Total options lapsed during year

1996
Grant
50,000
-
50,000
-

1997
Grant
125,000
-
75,000
-

1998
Grant
2,975,000
-
1,927,500
-

1999
Grant
3,700,000
-
-
175,000

2000
Grant
1,952,500
-
-
260,800

Total options outstanding at the end of year

-

50,000

1,047,500

3,525,000

1,691,700

Details of Movements
From 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003
Total options held by participants at the start of year
Total options granted during year
Total options exercised during year
Total options lapsed during year
Total options outstanding at the end of year
Total options granted from 30 June 2003 to date of this report
Total options exercised from 30 June 2003 to date of this
Total options lapsed from 30 June 2003 to date of this report

t

1997
Grant
50,000
-
-
50,000
-
-
-
-

1998
Grant
1,047,500
-
660,000
-
387,500
-
150,000
75,000

1999
Grant
3,525,000
-
-
304,000
3,221,000
-
-
-

2000
Grant
1,691,700
-
-
355,500
1,336,200
-
-
-

Total options outstanding as at the date of this report

-

162,500

3,221,000

1,336,200

118

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 29 Share Capital continued

Summary of shares issued during the period 1 July 2002 to the date of the report as a result of options being exercised

are:

Option
Issue Date
30 Sep 1998

Shares
Issued
810,000

Price paid
per Share
$19.58

Total
 Consideration Paid
$15,859,800

No amount is unpaid in respect of the shares issued upon exercise of the options during the above period.

Under  the  Bank’s  EOP  and  ERP  an  option  holder
generally  has  no  right  to  participate  in  any  new  issue  of
securities of the Bank or of a related body corporate as a
result of holding the option except that if there is a pro rata
issue  of  shares  to  the  Bank’s  shareholders  by  way  of
bonus issue involving capitalisation (other than in place of
dividends  or  by  way  of  dividend  reinvestment)  an  option
holder  is  entitled  to  receive  additional  shares  upon
exercise of the options being the number of bonus shares
that  the  option  holder  would  have  received  if  the  options
had been exercised and shares issued prior to the bonus
issue.

Non-Executive Directors Share Plan (NEDSP)
The NEDSP provides for the acquisition of shares by
non-executive directors through the mandatory sacrifice of
20%  of  their  annual  fees  (paid  on  a  quarterly  basis).
Shares  purchased  are  restricted  for  sale  for  10  years  or
when  the  Director  leaves  the  Board,  whichever  is  earlier.
Shares  acquired  under  the  plan  receive  full  dividend
entitlements  and  voting  rights.   There  are  no  forfeiture  or
vesting  conditions  attached  to  shares  granted  under  the
NEDSP.

Shares  are  purchased  on-market  at  the  current
market  price  and  details  of  shares  purchased  under
NEDSP so far are:

Quarter Ending

31/12/2000
31/03/2001
30/06/2001
30/09/2001
31/12/2001
31/03/2002
30/06/2002
30/09/2002
31/12/2002
31/03/2003
30/06/2003

Total Fees
Sacrificed
$63,518
$65,918
$61,331
$62,005
$62,005
$62,005
$61,332
$66,959
$68,307
$68,671
$73,797

Participants

11
11
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
11
11

Shares
Purchased
1,989
2,359
1,820
2,454
2,091
1,950
1,848
2,196
2,510
2,653
2,464

Average
Purchase Price
$31.93
$27.94
$33.45
$25.44
$29.65
$31.83
$33.15
$30.51
$27.21
$25.90
$29.92

No trading restrictions were lifted on shares during the period 1 July 2002 to the date of this report.

For  the  current  year,  $339,924  was  expensed  to  Profit  and  Loss  account  reflecting  shares  purchased  and  allocated

under the NEDSP.

Share Buyback

During  the  financial  year  ending  30  June  2001,  the
Bank’s  shareholders  equity  was  reduced  by  $723  million
pursuant to the buyback of 25.9 million shares.

In  March  2001  the  Bank  made  an  off  market
buyback of $700 million of ordinary shares. The price per
share  paid  by  the  Bank  for  the  buyback  shares  was
$27.84 calculated in accordance with the buyback offer. In
the
accordance  with  an  agreement 
reached  with 
the
Australian  Taxation  Office  $10  per  share  of 
consideration for each share bought back was charged to
paid up capital ($251 million).

The balance of $17.84 per share was deemed to be
a  fully  franked  dividend  and  charged  to  retained  profits
($449 million). This buyback coincided with the new issue
of  preference  shares  as  detailed  previously.  The  balance
of  the  equity  reduction  occurred  by  way  of  an  on  market
buyback.

119

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 30 Outside Equity Interests

Controlled Entities:
Share capital (1)
Reserves
Retained profits
Life insurance statutory funds and other funds
Total Outside Equity Interests

(1) 

ASB Perpetual Preference Shares $182 million

2003
$M

GROUP
2002
$M

300
                             -
4
1,824
2,128

7
                             -
2
2,017
2,026

On  10  December  2002,  ASB  Capital  Limited,  a  New  Zealand  subsidiary,  issued  NZD200  million  (AUD182  million)  of
perpetual preference shares. Such shares are non-redeemable and carry limited voting rights. Dividends are payable quarterly
and are non-cumulative.

Gandel Listed Property Trusts - $111 millon
In July 2002 Colonial First State Property Retail Pty
Ltd  was  incorporated  and  in  August  2002,  the  Colonial
First  State  Property  Retail  Trust 
(CFSPRT)  was
established.  Both of these entities are owned 60% by the
CBA  Group  and  40%  by  outside  equity  interests.    On  30
September  2002,  unitholders  of  the  Colonial  First  State
Property Trust Group (CFT), the Commonwealth Property

Office  Fund  (CPA)  and  the  Gandel  Retail  Trust  (GAN)
the
approved  a  proposal  which  saw  CPA  acquire 
industrial/office assets of CFT and GAN acquire the retail
assets  of  CFT.    GAN  changed  its  name  to  the  CFS
Gandel  Retail  Trust  and  CFSPRT  became  the  delegated
manager of this trust along with the retail component of a
wholesale property trust.

120

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 31  Capital Adequacy

to 

regulation  by 

requirements  define  what 

Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  (“the  Bank”)  is
subject 
the  Australian  Prudential
Regulation  Authority  (APRA)  under  the  authority  of  the
Banking  Act  1959.  APRA  has  set  minimum  regulatory
capital requirements for banks that are consistent with the
is
Basel  Accord.  These 
acceptable as capital and provide for standard methods of
measuring  the  risks  incurred  by  the  Bank.  APRA  has  set
minimum ratios that compare the regulatory capital with on
and  off  balance  sheet  assets,  weighted 
risk.
Regulatory  capital  requirements  are  measured  for  the
Bank  (known  from  1  July  2003  as  “Level  1”)  and  for  the
Bank  and  its  banking  subsidiaries  (known  from  1  July
2003  as  “Level  2”).  The 
funds
management  businesses  are  not  consolidated  for  capital
adequacy purposes.

insurance  and 

life 

for 

 Regulatory  capital  is  divided  into  Tier  1  capital  and
Tier 2 capital. Certain deductions are made from the sum
of  Tier  1  and  Tier  2  capital  to  arrive  at  the  capital  base.
Tier  1  capital  consists  of  shareholders  equity  plus  other
capital instruments acceptable to APRA, less goodwill and
less  the  intangible  element  of  the  investment  in  life
insurance  and  funds  management  businesses.  Tier  2
capital  consists  of  the  general  provision  for  credit  losses
and  other  hybrid  and  debt  instruments  acceptable  to
APRA.  The  tangible  element  of  the  investment  in  life
insurance  and  funds  management  businesses  and  any
holdings of capital instruments issued by  other  banks  are
deducted  from  the  sum  of  Tier  1  and  Tier  2  capital  to
arrive at the capital base.

The standard method of measuring risk requires one
of a number of risk weights to be applied to each category
of  assets  on  the  balance  sheet  and  to  categories  of  off-
balance  sheet  obligations.  The  standard  risk  weights  are
100%, 50%, 20% and 0%. It should be noted that the risk
weights  are  not  consistent  with  loss  experience  of  the
Bank  and  its  subsidiaries.  In  addition,  there  is  an  agreed
method for measuring market risk for traded assets.

The regulatory capital ratios of the Group are shown
on page 11 together with an analysis of the movement in
the capital ratios.

New Capital Accord

The  Basel  Committee  on  Banking  Supervision  (“the
Basel  Committee”)  issued  its  latest  draft  proposals  for
changes to  the  calculation  of  capital  adequacy  for  banks,
(“the  New  Capital  Accord”)  in  April  2003.  The  goal  of  the
Basel Committee is to finalise the New Capital Accord by
31  December  2003  and  to  implement  it  by  31  December
2006.  There  is  a  number  of  aspects  of  the  New  Capital
Accord that are yet to be resolved.

The  objective  of  the  New  Capital  Accord  is  to
develop  capital  adequacy  guidelines 
that  are  more
accurately aligned with the individual risk profile of banks.

The  New  Capital  Accord  is  based  on  three  “pillars”.
Pillar 1 covers the capital requirements for banks, pillar  2
covers the supervisory review process and pillar 3 relates
to market disclosure.There are three approaches to credit
risk  under  the  New  Capital  Accord,  being  standardised
and 
internal  risk-based  (IRB)  approaches.  The
Standardised  Approach  is  a  modified  version  of  the
current  approach  but  with  risk  weights  aligned  with  the
credit  ratings  of  borrowers  and  counterparties.  Under  the
IRB approaches, banks such as Commonwealth Bank that

two 

use  internal  models  to  calculate  and  allocate  the  amount
of  capital  required  for  credit  risk,  may  be  able  to  use
components  of  their  own  calculations  to  determine  the
amount of regulatory capital required for credit risk. Under
the  Foundation  IRB  Approach,  the  regulator  will  in  most
cases,  provide  the  parameters.  Under  the  Advanced  IRB
Approach, substantially all of the parameters will be those
used  by  the  bank  in  its  internal  models.  Commonwealth
Bank is targeting the Advanced IRB approach.

The  New  Capital  Accord  will  introduce  a  capital
requirement  for  operational  risk.  As  with  credit  risk,  there
will  be  three  approaches.  The  Basic  Indicator  Approach,
the  Advanced
the  Standardised  Approach  and 
Measurement  Approach.  The  Bank 
the
targeting 
Advanced Measurement Approach .

is 

The current capital  requirements  for  market  risk  are
not  expected  to  change  significantly  under  the  New
Capital Accord.

The  Basel  Committee  has  initiated  a  number  of
quantitative impact studies (QIS) to gauge the effect of the
proposed  changes.  These  studies  show  that  Australian
banks  adopting  the  Advanced  IRB  Approach  will  see  an
overall  reduction  in  the  amount  of  regulatory  capital
required, even allowing for the new capital requirement for
operational  risk.  However,  under  Pillar  2,  there  is  scope
for the regulator to require capital to be held for other risks
such  as  interest  rate  risk  in  the  banking  book,  business
and strategic risk and credit concentration risk.

funds  management  companies 

The  rules  for  deduction  of  the  investment  in  life
insurance  and 
from
regulatory  capital  will  change  under  the  New  Capital
Accord.  The  portion  of  the  investment  represented  by
what  APRA  regards  as  intangible  assets,  such  as  self-
generated  value  of  business  in  force  and  value  of  future
new  business  will  continue  to  be  deducted  from  Tier  1
capital.  The  portion  of  the  investment  represented  by  net
tangible assets will be deducted 50% from Tier 1 and 50%
from  Tier  2  capital (instead  of  100%  from  total  regulatory
capital as at present).
Overall, 

too  many  uncertainties
regarding  the  New  Capital  Accord  to  provide  reliable
information  on  the  regulatory  position  of  the  Group  under
the new rules.

there  are  still 

Conglomerate Groups

is  an  ADI  and 

APRA  has  advised  that  a  third  level  of  capital
adequacy  will  apply  from  1  July  2003  for  conglomerate
groups  (“Level  3”).  APRA  defines  a  conglomerate  group
as  a  group  of  companies  containing  one  or  more
incorporated  Authorised  Deposit-taking
Australian 
Institutions  (“ADIs”).  The  Bank 
the
Commonwealth Bank Group falls within APRA’s definition
of a conglomerate group. Each conglomerate group will be
required to  hold  capital  that  corresponds  to  the  corporate
structure  of  that  conglomerate  and  the  calculation  will
have  regard  to  all  group  members  and  the  capacity  to
move surplus capital from one group entity to another. The
regulatory  capital  requirements  for  each  conglomerate
group  will  be  specific  to  that  group.  Therefore,  it  may  not
be  possible  to  compare  the  regulatory  position  of  the
Commonwealth  Bank  Group  with 
that  of  other
conglomerate groups.

The proposals indicate that the use of internal capital

estimation and allocation models may be permitted.

121

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 31  Capital Adequacy continued
their
is  not  yet  able 
However,  APRA 
requirements  for  internal  models,  nor  when  they  will
complete  their  review  of  the  Bank’s  models.  Whilst  the
Bank considers that it is strongly capitalised (as evidenced
by  its credit  ratings),  no  assurance  can  be  given  that  our
models  will  meet  APRA’s  requirements  or  that  the  Group
meets the Level 3 capital requirements.

to  specify 

Dividends

Banks  may  not  pay  dividends  if  immediately  after
payment,  they  are  unable  to  meet  the  minimum  capital
requirements.  Banks  cannot  pay  dividends  from  retained
earnings  without  APRA’s  prior  approval.  The  Group  has
adopted the  new  accounting  standard  AASB  1044,  which
has  resulted  in  a  change  in  the  accounting  for  dividend
provisions. Under APRA guidelines, the expected dividend
must be deducted from Tier 1 capital.

Regulatory Capital Requirements for Other ADIs In
The Group

ASB  Bank  Limited  is  subject  to  regulation  by  the
Reserve  Bank  of  New  Zealand  (RBNZ).  RBNZ  applies  a
similar  methodology  to  APRA  in  calculating  regulatory
capital requirements. At 30 June  2003  ASB  Bank  Limited
Group had a Tier 1 ratio of 8.12% and a Total Capital ratio
of 10.26%.

Regulatory Capital Requirements for Life Insurance
and Funds Management Business

for 

for 

the 

fund 

in  each 

framework 
life 

The  Group’s  life  insurance  businesses  in  Australia
are  also  regulated  by  APRA.  The  Life  Insurance  Act  has
regulatory  capital
established  a 
requirements 
insurance  companies.  These
requirements  are  based  on  tests  aimed  at  ensuring  each
statutory 
insurance  company  has
life 
sufficient assets to meet policy and other liabilities under a
range of adverse circumstances. There are two tiers to the
regulatory  capital  requirements  –  ‘solvency’  and  ‘capital
adequacy’. The solvency test is made assuming each fund
is  closed  to  new  business.  Failure  to  meet  the  solvency
test may result in the appointment of a judicial manager by
APRA.  The  capital  adequacy  test  assumes  each  fund
remains  open  to  new  business  and  the  reasonable
expectations of policyholders are met. Failure to meet the

capital  adequacy  test  means  capital  or  retained  profits
may  not  be  transferred  from  the  statutory  funds  and  may
result in closer regulatory monitoring by APRA. The capital
adequacy  test  is  always  equal  to  or  greater  than  the
solvency  test.  At  30  June  2003,  all  statutory  funds  of  the
Group’s  life  insurance  companies  in  Australia  met  the
capital adequacy test. At 30 June 2003, for Australian life
insurance  companies,  the  excess  over  capital  adequacy
within  statutory 
in
aggregate.

funds  amounted 

to  $266  million 

life
the  Group  owned 
During  2002/03, 
insurance  companies 
in  Australia:  Commonwealth
Insurance  Holdings  Limited  (“CIHL”),  Commonwealth  Life
Limited  (“CLL”)  and  The  Colonial  Mutual  Life  Assurance
Society  Limited  (“CMLA”).  The  life  insurance  business  of
CLL  was  amalgamated  into  CMLA  on  1  July  2003  using
the provisions of part 9 of the Life Insurance Act.

three 

There are no  regulatory  capital  requirements  for  life
insurance companies in New Zealand. However the Group
determines  capital  requirements  on  a  basis  similar  to  the
requirements in Australia.

The  life 

insurance  business 

is
regulated  by  the  Insurance  Authority  of  Hong  Kong.  The
minimum  regulatory  requirement  comprises  a  solvency
test defined in local regulations and ordinances.

in  Hong  Kong 

Funds  managers 

in  Australia  are  subject 

to
regulation  by  The  Australian  Securities  and  Investment
Commission  (ASIC)  through  their  role  in  supervising
responsible  entities.  The  regulatory  capital  requirements
vary  for  responsible  entities  depending  on  the  type  of
Australian Financial Services or Dealers’ Licence held but
a  maximum  requirement  of  $5  million  of  net  tangible
assets applies.

APRA 

approved 

supervises 

tangible  assets  of  at 

of
superannuation funds and  requires  them  to  also  maintain
net 
least  $5  million.  These
requirements  are  not  cumulative  where  an  entity  is  both
an  approved  trustee  for  superannuation  purposes  and
responsible entity.

trustees 

Across  the  total  Group,  life  and  funds  management
companies  held  $766  million  in  excess  of  regulatory
capital requirements at 30 June 2003 in aggregate.

122

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 31   Capital Adequacy continued

Risk Weighted Capital Ratios
Tier One
Tier Two
Less Deductions
Total

Regulatory Capital
Tier One Capital
Shareholders' equity
Eligible loan capital
Total Shareholders' Equity and Loan Capital
Add back foreign currency translation reserve related to non-consolidated
subsidiaries
Less asset revaluation reserve
Less goodwill
Less expected dividend
Less intangible component of investment in non-consolidated subsidiaries
Less outside equity interest in entities controlled by non-consolidated subsidiaries
Less outside equity interest in life insurance statutory funds
Total Tier One Capital

Tier Two Capital
Asset revaluation reserve
General provision for bad and doubtful debts (1)
FITB related to general provision
Upper Tier two note and bond issues
Lower Tier two note and bond issues
Less lower Tier two adjustment to 50% of tier one capital
Total Tier Two Capital

Tier One and Tier Two Capital
Less Investment in non-consolidated subsidiaries (net of intangible component
deducted from Tier one)
Less other deductions
Capital Base

(1)

Excludes general provision for bad and doubtful debts in non-consolidated subsidiaries.

2003
Actual
%
6.96
4.21
(1.44)
9.73

2003
$M

 22,152
 351
 22,503

 147
(7)
(5,029)
(1,066)
(4,388)
(123)
(1,824)
 10,213

 7
 1,321
(391)
 250
 4,990
                      -
 6,177

 16,390

(2,072)
(42)
 14,276

GROUP
2002
Actual
%
6.78
4.28
(1.26)
9.80

GROUP
2002
$M

 21,056
 415
 21,471

 90
(4)
(5,391)
                      -
(4,588)
                      -
(2,017)
 9,561

 4
 1,351
(392)
 297
 4,934
(154)
 6,040

 15,601

(1,741)
(40)
 13,820

123

Notes to 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
Claims on OECD banks and local governments
Advances secured by residential property(1)
All other assets
Total On Balance Sheet Assets - Credit Risk(2)(3)

Off-balance Sheet Exposures (4)
Direct credit substitutes
Trade and performance related items
Commitments (5)
Foreign exchange, interest rate and other
market related transactions
Total Off Balance Sheet Exposures - Credit Risk (6)
Total risk-weighted assets - credit risk
Risk-weighted assets - market risk
Total Risk-Weighted Assets

Face Value

2003
$M

2002
$M

Risk
Weights

%

GROUP
Risk-Weighted
Balance
2002
$M

2003
$M

23,832
12,427
103,987
74,472
   214,718

22,315
13,401
86,378
77,474
   199,568

0%
20%
50%
100%

               -
2,485
51,993
74,472
   128,950

               -
2,680
43,189
77,474
   123,343

Face Value

2003
$M

2002
$M

2003
$M

Credit
Equivalent
2002
$M

GROUP
Risk-Weighted
Balance
2002
$M

2003
$M

3,746
992
58,674

4,042
1,157

3,746
463
48,040 10,882

603,726
667,138

583,752 17,475
636,991 32,566

4,042
538
13,400

12,993
30,973

3,238
435
7,832

5,028
16,533
145,483
1,325
146,808

3,597
507
8,491

3,921
16,516
139,859
1,190
141,049

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

For loans secured by residential property approved after 5 September 1994, a risk weight of 100% applied where the loan to valuation
ratio is in excess of 80%.  Effective from 28 August 1998, a risk weight of 50% applies to these loans if they are totally insured by an
acceptable lender’s mortgage insurer.  Loans that are risk weighted at 100% are reported under ‘All other assets’.
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, general provision for bad and doubtful debts,
and investments in life insurance and fund management business.
Total on balance sheet assets exclude debt and equity securities in the trading book and all on balance sheet positions in commodities,
as they are included in the calculation of notional market risk weighted assets.
Off-balance sheet exposures for 2002 have been restated to be consistent with 2003, in accordance with APRA’s classification of certain
items for capital adequacy reporting purposes.
The reduction in the risk weighting of commitments was achieved by improved classification of assets by risk weight, principally through
the identification of additional eligible security and by more accurate classification of counterparties.
Off balance sheet exposures secured by the residential property account for $10.4 billion of off balance sheet credit equivalent assets
($5.2 billion of off balance sheet risk weighted assets).

124

Notes to the financial statements

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  products,  with  actual  maturities  shorter  than  the  contractual  terms.  Therefore  this
information is not relied upon by the Bank in the management of its interest rate risk in Note 31.

GROUP
Maturity Period At 30 June 2003

Assets
Cash and liquid assets
Receiviables 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

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

 1,033                  -

 4,542              -

-

             -

             -

 5,575

 1,256                  -
            -                  -
            -                  -

 5,054

 756
 10,435              -
 2,034

 1,339
 4,457  14,128

 1,515

            -                  -
 4,109                  -
 582                  -

 13,197              -
 473
 7

 1,857
 15,616
 4,457  66,168

 8,495

-
-
 6,407
 18,094  37,167
-
 3,142

 21,364  46,721

 86,311
             -
 2,950
 5              -
 90,517

 7,066
 10,435
 11,036
(1,325)  160,347
 13,197
 15,304  27,835
 631  16,841
 14,610  252,332

             -

             -
             -

             -
             -
 1,256              -

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

 81,385                  -
 1,438                  -
            -                  -
            -                  -
            -                  -
 1                  -
 82,824                  -

 38,334
 5,724

 15,138
 376
 13,197              -
             -

 4,962
-
-
-
 3,911  12,005
-
 19,449  16,967

 24

-
 13,352
 17,043
 87,650

 1,155              -  140,974
             -
 7,538
 13,197
             -
 23,861  23,861
 416  36,654
 284  17,352
 24,561  239,576

             -
             -
             -
 6,970
             -
 8,125

(1)

(2)

(3)

Trading securities are purchased without the intention to hold until maturity and are categorised as maturing within 3 months.
$87 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.
Includes  substantial  ‘core’  deposits  that  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.

During the financial year, significant growth in variable rate, long-term loans occurred. This has been funded principally

by at call variable rate retail deposits.

125

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 32 Maturity Analysis of Monetary Assets and Liabilities continued

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

0 to 3
At Call Overdrafts months
$M

$M

$M

GROUP
Maturity Period At 30 June 2002

3 to 12
Months
$M

1 to 5
Over
years 5 years
$M

$M

Not
specified
$M

Total
$M

 2,266                -

 3,778               -                -             -

            -

 6,044

 2,182                -
           -                -
           -                -

 1,730

           -                -
 4,490                -
 2                -

 319

 5,216
 11             -
 8,389               -                -             -
 2,883
 2,354
 4,204  14,918
 40,031  73,072
 1,316                -             -
 11,201
 3,413
 4,332
 1,601
 25                -             -
 11,976
 49,798  78,839
 4,204  59,962

 105
 14,475

 17,012

 5,424

 772

 10,670

 16,959
 405

 32,778
 5,671
 11,201

 1,451
 75,368                -
 50
 1,726                -
           -                -
 1,316                -             -
           -                -             -               -                -             -
 10,340
           -                -
 4,020
 16,594               -                -             -
 4                -
 5,521
 76,584
 77,098                -

 6,231
 12

 16,011

 23,058

 9,768

 4,378

            -
            -
            -
(1,356)
            -
 15,501
 598

 7,728
 8,389
 10,766
 147,074
 12,517
 30,109
 12,601
 14,743  235,228

            -
            -
 25,917
 496
 256

 13  132,800
 7,864
 12,517
 25,917
 29,002
 16,854
 26,682  224,954

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

Trading securities are purchased without the intention to hold until maturity and are categorised as maturing within three months.
$75 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.
Includes  substantial  ‘core’  deposits  that  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.

During the financial year, significant growth in variable rate, long-term loans occurred. This has been funded principally

by at call variable rate retail deposits.

126

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 33 Financial Reporting by Segments

Primary Segment
Business Segments
Financial Performance

Interest income
Premium and related revenue
Other income
Total Revenue

GROUP
Year Ended 30 June 2003

Funds
Banking Management
$M

$M

Life
Insurance
$M

Total
$M

           11,528
                     -
             2,803
           14,331

                     -                      -
                     -              1,011
             1,133                 620
             1,133              1,631

      11,528
        1,011
        4,556
      17,095

Interest expense

             6,502

                     -                      -

        6,502

Segment result before tax, goodwill amortisation and appraisal
value (reduction)/uplift
Income tax expense
Segment result after tax and before goodwill amortisation
and appraisal value (reduction)/uplift
Outside equity interest
Segment result after tax and outside equity interest before
goodwill amortisation and appraisal value (reduction)/uplift
Goodwill amortisation (1)
Appraisal value (reduction)/uplift (1)
Net Profit Attributable to Shareholders of the Bank

Non-Cash Expenses
Goodwill amortisation
Charge for bad and doubtful debts
Depreciation
Appraisal value reduction
Other

Financial Position
Total assets
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment,
Intangibles and other non-current assets
Associate investments
Total liabilities

3,187
(938)

206
8

150
(28)

3,543
(958)

             2,249
-

                214                 122
-

(6)

        2,585
(6)

             2,249

                208                 122

             2,249

                208                 122

                305
                109

                     -                      -
                    8                   11

                112

                    1                      -

2,579
(322)
(245)
        2,012

           322
           305
           128
           245
           113

229,289

19,622

16,199

265,110

98
214
216,939

16
12
17,044

6
61
8,975

120
287
242,958

(1)

These are Group items and accordingly are not allocated to the business segments, which is consistent with management reporting.

127

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 33 Financial Reporting by Segments continued

Financial Performance

Interest income
Premium and related revenue
Other income
Appraisal value uplift
Total Revenue

Interest Expense

Segment result before tax, and appraisal value uplift, goodwill
amortisation
Income tax expense
Segment result after income tax and before goodwill
amortisation and appraisal value uplift
Outside equity interest
Segment result after tax and outside equity interest before
goodwill amortisation and appraisal value uplift
Goodwill amortisation
Appraisal value uplift
Net Profit Attributable to Shareholders of the Bank

Non-Cash Expenses
Goodwill amortisation
Charge for bad and doubtful debts
Depreciation
Other

Financial Position
Total assets
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment,
intangibles and other non-current assets
Associate investments
Total liabilities

GROUP
Year Ended 30 June 2002

Funds
Banking Management
$M

$M

Life
Insurance
$M

10,455
                     -
3,180

                     -                      -
866
                     -
293
690

13,635

690

1,159

Total
$M

10,455
866
4,163
477
15,961

5,745

                     -                      -

5,745

2,884
(816)

399
(31)

135
(69)

2,068
(1)

66
                     -                      -

368

2,067

2,067

368

368

66

66

449
109
87

                     -                      -
12
7
1
2

3,418
(916)

2,502
(1)

2,501
(323)
477
2,655

323
449
128
90

211,130

20,531

17,987

249,648

147
235
200,885

17                      -
48
30
9,584
18,123

164
313
228,592

128

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 33 Financial Reporting by Segments continued

Financial Performance
Interest income
Premium and related revenue
Other income
Appraisal value uplift
Total Revenue

$M

Funds
Banking Management
$M
11,900                      -
                     -
2,224
                     -
2,224

                     -
2,485
                     -
14,385

GROUP
Year Ended 30 June 2001

Life
Insurance
$M
                     -
695
553
                     -
1,248

Total
$M
11,900
695
5,262
474
18,331

Interest Expense

7,426                      -

                     -

7,426

Segment result before tax, goodwill amortisation and
appraisal value uplift
Income tax expense
Segment result after income tax and before goodwill
amortisation and appraisal value uplift
Outside equity interest
Segment result after tax and outside equity interest before
goodwill amortisation and appraisal value uplift
Goodwill amortisation
Appraisal value uplift
Net profit attributable to shareholders of the Bank

Non Cash Expenses
Goodwill amortisation
Charge for bad and doubtful debts
Depreciation
Other

Financial Position
Total assets
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment,
intangibles and other non-current assets
Associate investments
Total liabilities

2,512
(705)

478
(155)

279
(133)

1,807
(14)

323
                     -

146
                     -

1,793

1,793

323

323

146

146

385                      -
5
108
4
28

                     -
37
5

3,269
(993)

2,276
(14)

2,262
(338)
474
2,398

338
385
150
37

191,333

20,830

18,248

230,411

129
249
179,733

3                      -
94
10,665

57
20,165

391(1)
400
210,563

(1)

Includes intangible assets of $259 million on acquisition of 25 % interest in ASB Group.

129

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 33 Financial Reporting by Segments continued

Secondary Segment

GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS
Revenue
Australia
New Zealand
Other Countries*

Net profit attributable to shareholders of the Bank
Australia
New Zealand
Other Countries*

Assets
Australia
New Zealand
Other Countries*

Acquisition of Property, Plant & Equipment,
Intangibles and other Non-current Assets
Australia
New Zealand
Other Countries*

2003
$M

%

2002
$M

%

2001
$M

%

13,934
2,025
1,136

17,095

1,385
539
88

2,012

221,248
27,567
16,295

265,110

81.6
11.8
6.6

100.0

68.8
26.8
4.4

100.0

12,651
1,591
1,719

15,961

2,569
178
(92)

2,655

79.3
10.0
10.7

100.0

96.8
6.7
(3.5)

100.0

15,265
1,499
1,567

18,331

2,228
159
11

2,398

83.5
10.4
6.1

208,673
24,579
16,396

83.6
9.8
6.6

196,918
20,208
13,285

83.3
8.2
8.5

100.0

92.9
6.6
0.5

100.0

85.5
8.8
5.7

100.0

249,648

100.0

230,411

100.0

98
6
16
         120

81.7
5.0
13.3
100.0

134
26
4
164

81.7
15.9
2.4
100.0

360
29
2
391

92.1
7.4
0.5
100.0

*

Other Countries are:
United Kingdom, United States of America, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Grand Cayman, Philippines, Fiji, Indonesia,
China and Vietnam.

The geographical segments represent the location in which the transaction was booked.

130

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 34 Life Insurance Business

The following information, in accordance with AASB 1038, is provided to disclose the statutory life insurance business
transactions  contained  in  the  Group  financial  statements  and  the  underlying  methods  and  assumptions  used  in  their
calculation. Also refer Notes 1 (ii) and 21. The life insurance segment result is prepared on a business segment basis, refer
Note 33.

Summarised Statement of Financial Performance
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
Operating profit before income tax

Income tax attributable to operating profit
Operating (loss) profit after income tax

Sources of life insurance operating profit

The Margin on Services operating (loss) 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 policyholder liabilities
Other
Operating (loss) profit after income tax

Life insurance premiums received and receivable
Life insurance claims paid and payable

2003
$M
1,326
(200)
(471)
132

(680)
894
374
46
(546)
875

(245)
630
(697)
(67)

45
(22)

228
(67)
(245)

(11)
73
-
(22)

4,158
5,843

GROUP
2002
$M
1,332
(192)
(447)
89

(1,057)
878
184
(105)
315
997

477
1,474
(757)
717

(22)
695

234
(37)
477

(9)
33
(3)
695

5,734
5,755

131

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 34 Life Insurance Business continued

Carrying Values of Life Insurance and Funds Management Business

The following table sets out the components of the carrying values of the Bank’s life insurance and funds management

businesses, together with the key actuarial assumptions that have been used. These are Directors’ valuations based on
appraisal values using a range of economic and business assumptions determined by management which are reviewed by
independent actuaries Trowbridge Deloitte.

Analysis of Movement since 30 June 2002
Profits
Net Capital Movements (2)
Dividends paid
Disposals/acquisitions of Business (3)
Foreign Exchange Movements
Change in Shareholders’ net tangible assets
Acquired excess (4)
Underlying Appraisal Value
(Reduction)/ Uplift
(Decrease)/Increase to 30 June 2003

Shareholders’ Net Tangible Assets
30 June 2002 balance
Profits
Net capital movements
Disposals/acquisitions of Business(3)
Foreign Exchange Movements
30 June 2003 balance

Value in Force Business
30 June 2002 balance
Acquisitions of business (4)
(Reduction)/Uplift
30 June 2003 balance

Value Future New Business
30 June 2002 balance
Acquisitions of business (4)
(Reduction)/Uplift
30 June 2003 balance

Carrying Value at 30 June 2003
Shareholders’ net tangible assets
Value in force business
Embedded value
Value future new business
Carrying Value

Funds

Life Insurance

$M
 71
 98

Asia (1)
Management (5)           Australia (6) New Zealand
$M
$M
$M
 5
 46
 208
 36
 1
 154
              -
(196)
(111)                         -
(20)
(110)                            -                         -
(92)
(1)
(71)
 46
                       -                -

(3)
 55
 129                            -

(4)
 52

(291)
(110)

 123
 178

 15
 61

(92)
(163)

702
208
(42)
(110)
(4)
754

1,209
71
(13)
                          -
(3)
1,264

334
46
1
                       -
(1)
380

679
5
36
(20)
(92)
608

Total

$M
 330
 289
(307)
(130)
(100)
 82
 129

(245)
(34)

2,924
330
(18)
(130)
(100)
3,006

         1,221                       178                   179             40           1,618
                84                            -                         -                -                84
(139)
         1,123                       245                   191               4           1,563

(182)

(36)

67

12

3,660

275
23
45                            -                         -
3
56
278
79

(109)
3,596

80
              -
(56)
24

4,038
45
(106)
3,977

            754                      1,264                    380           608           3,006
         1,123                         245                    191               4           1,563
           1,877                      1,509                    571           612           4,569
          3,596                          79                    278            24           3,977
          5,473                     1,588                   849           636           8,546

(1) 

(2) 
(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

The Asian life businesses are not held in the market value environment and are carried at net assets plus any excess representing the
difference between appraisal value and net assets at the time of acquisition. This excess  which effectively represents goodwill is being
amortised on a straight line basis over 20 years.
Includes capital injections and movements in intergroup loans.
Represents the purchase of management rights in CFS Retail Property Trust, the acquisition of Avanteos, investment in a Chinese funds
management joint venture, disposal of some Colonial First State UK business and disposal of the Philippines life insurance business.
Represents  the  value  of  acquired  management  rights  of  CFS  Retail  Property  Trust,  the  acquisition  of  Avanteos  and  investment  in  a
Chinese funds management joint venture.
"Managed  Products"  business  was  reported  at  30  June  2002  as  "Funds  Management"  and  "Life  Insurance  -  Australia  -  Investment"
business.  These businesses have been combined.
"Life  Insurance  -  Australia"  business  was  reported  at  30  June  2002  as  "Life  Insurance  -  Australia  -  Risk"  business.    This  business
includes risk, traditional, investment account and annuity business.

132

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 34 Life Insurance Business continued

The  following  table  reconciles  the  carrying  values  of  the  life  and  funds  management  businesses  to  the  value  of

investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries as shown in the capital adequacy calculation in Note 31.

Reconciliation of the components of the carrying value to the value of investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries

Intangible component of investment in non-consolidated subsidiaries deducted from
Tier 1 capital comprises:
Value future new business
Value of self-generated in force business

Investment in non-consolidated subsidiaries deducted from Total Capital comprises:
Shareholders’ net tangible assets in life and funds management businesses
Capital in other non-consolidated subsidiaries
Value of acquired in force business (1)
Less non-recourse debt

2003
$M

3,977
411

4,388

3,006
286
1,152
(2,372)

2,072

2002
$M

4,038
550

4,588

2,924
122
1,068
(2,373)

1,741

(1) 

The increase in the value of acquired in force business principally relates to the acquisition of management rights of CFS Retail Property
Trust.

Key Assumptions Used in Appraisal Values

The  following  key  assumptions  have  been  used  by  in  determining  the  appraisal  values.  Other  actuarial  assumptions

used in the valuation are described in the section Actuarial Methods and Assumptions.

As at 30 June 2003
Life insurance entities
Australia

New Zealand

Asia
- Hong Kong
- Other

Funds management entities
Australia

As at 30 June 2002
Life insurance entities
Australia

New Zealand

Asia
- Hong Kong

- Other

Funds management entities
Australia

New
Business
Multiplier

                  8

                  8

                  8
 various

Risk
Discount
Rate
%

           10.8

           10.9

           11.5
 various

Value of
Franking
Credits
%

              70

                 -

                 -
                 -

 n/a

           11.9

              70

New
Business
Multiplier

9

8

10

various

n/a

Risk
Discount
Rate
%

11.5

12.0

HKD13.0
USD12.0
various

13.0

Value of
Franking
Credits
%

70

-

-

                 -

70

The  movement  in  the  risk  discount  rate  is  based  on  the  change  in  the  underlying  risk  free  rate  using  a  capital  asset

pricing model framework. This framework utilises the local 10-year government bond yield as the proxy for the risk free rate.

The  movement  in  risk  discount  rates  have  been  accompanied  by  broadly  equivalent  movements  in  assumed  future

investment returns.

133

Notes to the financial statements

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 (Life 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.

Taxation

Taxation has been allowed for  in  the  determination  of
policy liabilities in accordance with the relevant legislation
applicable in each territory.

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  values  and  policy  liabilities  of  the  life  insurance
businesses for the impact of the new tax requirements.

2003
$M
27,426
1,188
1,637
1,420
(916)
(6,956)
62
23,861

2002
$M
29,164
1,493
2,259
1,343
(1,085)
(7,330)
73
25,917

Actuarial Methods and Assumptions

Policy  liabilities  have  been  calculated  in  accordance
with the Margin on Services (MoS) methodology as set out
in Actuarial Standard 1.03 – Valuation Standard (‘AS1.03’)
issued  by  the  Life  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
Accumulation
Projection
Projection
Projection

Projection
Accumulation
Projection
Accumulation
Projection

Bonuses / dividends or expected claim payments
Bonuses or asset charges
Not applicable
Premiums/claims
Expected claim payments
Bonuses or annuity payment

Bonuses or asset charges
Not applicable
Claims
Premiums (implied)
Expected claim payments

134

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 34 Life Insurance Business continued

Actuarial Assumptions

The 

‘Projection  Method’  measures 

the  present
values  of  estimated  future  policy  cash  flows  to  calculate
policy 
incorporate
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 
reversionary  bonuses,
including 
interest  credits  and  capital  growth  bonuses  (payable  on
the termination of the policy).

forms 

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)

Bonuses
The 

valuation  assumes 

long-term
supportable  bonuses  will  be  paid,  which  is  in  line  with
company  bonus  philosophy.  There  have  been  no
significant changes to these assumptions.

that 

the 

Maintenance expenses

The maintenance expenses are based on an internal
analysis  of  experience  and  are  assumed  to  increase  in
line  with  inflation  each  year  and  are  assumed  to  be
sufficient to cover the cost of servicing the business in the
coming  year  after  adjusting  for  one  off  expenses.    For
participating business, expenses continue on the previous
charging basis.

For  other  operations  maintenance  expense
assumptions are based on an analysis of experience over
the  past  year  taking  into  account  future  business  plans.
‘One-off’ expenses are excluded.

Investment management expenses

Investment  management  expense  assumptions  are
based  on  the  contractual  fees  (inclusive  of  an  allowance
for  inflation)  as  set  out  in  Fund  Manager  agreements.
There  have  been  no  significant  changes 
these
assumptions.

to 

Inflation

The  inflation  assumption  is  consistent  with  the
investment  earning  assumptions.  There  have  been  no
significant changes to these assumptions.

Benefit indexation

The indexation rates are based on an analysis of past

experience and estimated long term inflation and vary by

135

Set  out  below 

the  material
assumptions  used  in  the  calculation  of  policy  liabilities.
These  assumptions  are  also  used  in  the  determination  of
appraisal values.

is  a  summary  of 

Discount Rates

These  are  the  rates  used  to  discount  further  cash
flows  to  determine  their  net  present  value  in  the  policy
liabilities.  The  discount 
rates  are  determined  with
reference to the expected earnings rate of the assets that
support  the  policy  liabilities  adjusted  for  taxation  where
relevant.  The  following  table  shows  the  applicable  rates
for  the  major  classes  of  business  in  Australia  and  New
Zealand.  The  changes  relate  to  changes  in  long  term
earnings  rates,  asset  mix  and  reflect  the  new  tax  regime
for Australian business.

Discount Rates

June 2003
Rate Range %
5.44 – 6.19
6.65 – 7.58
5.46 – 6.67
3.16 – 3.85
3.16 – 3.85
5.50
4.88 – 5.68
6.33 – 6.84
7.20 – 8.27
3.67
4.46

June 2002
Rate Range %
6.21-6.96
7.58-8.52
6.49-7.86
3.89-4.55
3.89-4.55
6.50
5.89-6.45
7.51-7.96
8.52-9.13
4.41
5.36

business  and  product  type.    There  have  been  no
significant changes to these assumptions.

Taxation

The  taxation  basis  and  rates  assumed  vary  by
territory  and  product  type.  For  the  Australian  business  it
reflects  the  new  regime  for  life  insurance  companies
effective 1 July 2000.

Voluntary discontinuance

Discontinuance rates  are  based  on  recent  company
and industry experience and vary by territory, product, age
and  duration  in  force.  There  have  been  no  significant
changes to these assumptions.

Surrender values

Current surrender value bases are assumed to apply
in  the  future.  There  have  been  no  significant  changes  to
these assumptions.

Unit price growth

Unit  prices  are  assumed  to  grow  in  line  with
assumed  investment  earnings  assumptions,  net  of  asset
charges  as  per  current  company  practice.  There  have
been no significant changes to these assumptions.

Mortality and Morbidity

Rates  vary  by  sex,  age,  product  type  and  smoker
status.  Rates  are  based  on  standard  mortality  tables
applicable  to  each  territory  e.g.  IA90-92  in  Australia  for
risk,  IM/IF80  for  annuities,  adjusted  for  recent  company
and industry experience where appropriate.

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 Bank.

Disaggregated Information

the  Australian  Life 

Insurance  Act  1995, 

Life  insurance  business  is  conducted  through  a
number of life insurance entities in Australia and overseas.
Under 
life
insurance  business  is  conducted  within  one  or  more
separate  statutory  funds,  which  are  distinguished  from
each other and from the shareholders’ funds. The financial
statements  of  Australian 
in
accordance  with  AASB  1038,  (and  which  are  lodged  with
regulators)  show  all  major
the 
components  of  the  financial  statements  disaggregated
between  the  various  life  insurance  statutory  funds  and
their shareholder funds.

relevant  Australian 

insurers  prepared 

life 

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 34 Life Insurance Business continued

Solvency
Australian Life Insurers
Australian 

life 

required 

insurers  are 

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
adverse experience. Actuarial Standard AS2.03 ‘Solvency
Standard’ 
(‘AS2.03’)  prescribes  a  minimum  capital
requirement  and  the  minimum  level  of  assets  required  to
fund.  All controlled
be  held 
Australian 
the
solvency  requirements  of  AS2.03.  Further  information  is
available from the individual statutory returns of subsidiary
life insurers.
Overseas life insurers

insurance  entities  complied  with 

insurance 

in  each 

life 

life 

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.  Further  information  is  available  from
the individual statutory returns of subsidiary life insurers.

136

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 35 Remuneration of Auditors

Amounts paid or due and payable for audit services to:
Ernst & Young
Other Auditors

Amounts paid or due and payable for non-audit services to
Ernst & Young:
Audit related services
Taxation services
All other services

Corporate finance services
Staff assistance services
Other services

2003
$'000

6,634
137
6,771

752
325

628
1,263
321
3,289

GROUP
2002
$'000

2003
$'000

BANK
2002
$'000

5,197

2,555
100               -
2,555

5,297

1,909
              -
1,909

666
435

578
1,551
921
4,151

571
170

528
827
122
2,218

660
103

155
1,551
685
3,154

Total Remuneration of Auditors

10,060

9,448

4,773

5,063

Effective  27  May  2002,  the  majority  of  partners  of
the 
former  Australian  accounting  practice  Andersen
became  partners  of  Ernst  &  Young.    A  small  number  of
these  partners  had  loans  with  the  Group  on  normal
commercial terms.    By  virtue  of  Australian  Securities  and
Investments  Commission  (ASIC)  Class  Order  02/0606
dated  24  May  2002  as  amended,  Ernst  &  Young  were
relieved from compliance with sections 324(1) and 324(2)
of  the  Corporations  Act  2001  until  13  December  2002.
During its currency this Class Order required:
(cid:1) 

The Bank to notify ASIC within 30 days of any event
of  default  or  enforcement  action  taken  in  respect  of
these loans;
The Bank to notify ASIC within 7 days of the signing
of the Auditors’ Report whether, in the opinion of the
the  Class  Order  has  been
Audit  Committee, 
complied with;
Ernst  &  Young  not  assign  any  of  these  partners  to
the  audit  of  the  Bank  or  any  controlled  entity;  and
Ernst  &  Young  to  notify  ASIC  within  7  days  of  the
signing of the Auditors’ Report whether the audit has
been influenced by these loans.
Ernst  &  Young  were  fully  compliant  with  sections
324(1)  and  324(2)  of  the  Corporations  Act  2001  prior  to
expiry of the Class Order on 13 December 2002.

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

The  Audit  Committee  has  considered  the  non-audit
services  provided  by  Ernst  &  Young  and  is  satisfied  that
the  services  and  level  of  fees  are  compatible  with
maintaining auditors' independence.

in 

Audit 

relation 

to  statutory  and 

Fees for audit services includes fees associated with
statutory  audit  services,  review  of  the  Group's  half  year
financial  statements,  audit  of  the  Group's  US  Form  20-F,
services 
regulatory
requirements,  and  other  services  that  only  the  external
auditor can provide such as comfort letters on debt issues.
include
accounting  and  regulatory  consultations,  due  diligence  in
connection  with  acquisitions  and  disposals  and
investigations  and  verification  of  internal  control  systems,
and financial or regulatory information.
fees 

tax  and  GST
compliance  and  related  advice,  and  tax  technology  and
related training.

related  services 

fees  principally 

Taxation 

income 

include 

All  other  fees  principally  include  transaction  support
services  related  to  potential  and  actual  acquisition  and
disposition  transactions,  research  and  investigation  of
potential  suppliers  and  provision  of  personnel  to  assist
alleviate  short  term  non-management  resource  or  skill
needs in areas not subject to audit.

137

Notes to the financial statements

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

Lease Arrangements

Leases  entered  into  by  the  Group  are  for  the
purpose  of  accommodating  the  business  needs.  Leases
may  be  over  retail,  commercial,  industrial  and  residential
premises and reflect the needs of the occupying business
and  market  conditions.  All  leases  are  negotiated  using
either internal or external  professional  property  resources
acting for the Group.

Rental payments are determined in terms of relevant

lease requirements – usually reflecting market rentals.

2003
$M
48
              -
              -
              -

GROUP
2002
$M
42
              -
              -
              -

2003
$M
23
              -
              -
              -

BANK
2002
$M
26
              -
              -
              -

48

42

23

26

2003
$M

GROUP
2002
$M

264
587
160
1,011

274
642
200
1,116

2003
$M

228
503
104
835

BANK
2002
$M

220
508
124
852

27
51
1
79

11
26
2
39

The Group as lessee has  no  purchase  options  over

premises occupied.

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.

138

Notes to the financial statements

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 

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  that  would  have
a material  adverse  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

Face Value
2002
$M

GROUP
Credit Equivalent
2002
$M

2003
$M

1,806
464
1,073
134
1,023
47,652
1,168
53,320

2,075
380
589
22
441
10,519
1,081
15,107

1,806
464
1,073
27
511
13,012
1,095
17,988

2003
$M

2,075
380
589
110
882
58,310
2,720
65,066

Guarantees represent unconditional undertakings by
the  Group  to  support  the  obligations  of  its  customers  to
third parties.

Standby  letters  of  credit  are  undertakings  by  the
Group  to  pay,  against  production  of  documents,  an
obligation in the event of a default by a customer.

Bill  endorsements  relate  to  bills  of  exchange  that
have been endorsed by the Group and represent liabilities
in  the  event  of  default  by  the  acceptor  and  the  drawer  of
the bill.

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.

Documentary 

letters  of  credit 

represent  an
undertaking to pay or accept drafts drawn by an overseas
supplier  of  goods  against  production  of  documents  in  the
event of payment default by a customer.

Performance 

involve
undertakings  by 
if
a customer  fails  to  fulfil  a  contractual  non-monetary
obligation.

related 
the  Group 

third  parties 

contingents 

to  pay 

Where 

the  potential 

loss  depends  on 

the
performance  of  a  counterparty,  the  Group  utilises  the
same  credit  policies  and  assessment  criteria  for  off
balance  sheet  business  as  it  does  for  on  balance  sheet
business  and  if  it  is  deemed  necessary,  collateral  is
obtained based on management’s credit evaluation of the
counterparty.  If  a  probable  loss  is  identified,  suitable
provisions are raised.

Commitments to provide credit include all obligations

on the part of the Group to provide credit facilities.

Other  commitments  include  the  Group’s  obligations
under  sale  and  repurchase  agreements,  outright  forward
purchases  and 
forward  deposits  and  underwriting
facilities.

Contingent Assets
The  credit  risk  related  contingent 

liabilities  of
$65,066  million  (2002:  $53,320  million)  detailed  above
also  represent  contingent  assets  of  the  Group.  Such
commitments  to  provide  credit  may  in  the  normal  course
convert to loans and other assets of the Group.

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 
the  event  of  non  performance  by
counterparty.

in 

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.

139

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 38 Contingent Liabilities continued

Indemnities under UK Sale Agreement

Fiduciary Activities

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.

These  indemnities  cover  potential  claims  that  could
arise  from  prior  period  mis-selling  activities  in  the  UK  for
pension  and  mortgage  endowment  products.  Under  the
sales  agreement 
liabilities  are  shared  between
Winterthur and the Group on a pre-determined basis.

the 

Funds under management
Australia
United Kingdom
New Zealand
Asia

Funds under trusteeship
Australia

The  Group  and  its  associated  entities  conduct
investment  management  and  other  fiduciary  activities  as
responsible  entity,  trustee,  custodian  or  manager  for
including
numerous 
superannuation  and  approved  deposit  funds,  wholesale
and retail trusts. The amounts of funds concerned that are
not reported in the Group’s balance  sheet  are  as  follows:

funds  and 

investment 

trusts, 

2003
$M

 59,318
 6,908
 3,812
 1,369
 71,407

 28,223

2002
$M

 60,234
 12,088
 3,402
 1,759
 77,483

 21,785

Funds under custody and investment administration
Australia (1)

 57,777

 79,162

(1) 

The Group has agreed to novate a significant portion of this business after year end.

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 (e.g. as trustee and fund manager).

Certain  entities  within  the  Group  act  as  responsible
entity or trustee of various managed schemes (‘schemes’),
wholesale and retail trusts (‘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  2003.  Where  entities  within  the  Group  act  as
manager of unit trusts, 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.

Long Term Contracts

the  Bank  entered 

In  1997,  the  Bank  entered  into  a  ten  year  contract
with an associated entity, EDS (Australia) Pty Ltd, relating
to  the  provision  of  information  technology  services.  In
2000, 
telecommunications
services  agreement  with  TCNZ  Australia  Pty  Ltd  for  five
years. The exact amounts of these contracts are unable to
be  reliably  determined  as  they  are  dependent  upon
business volumes over the period of the contracts.

into  a 

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.

Service agreements

The  maximum  contingent  liability  for  termination
benefits  in  respect  of  service  agreements  with  the  Chief
Executive  Officer  and  other  executives  of  the  Company
and  its  controlled  entities  at  30  June  2003  was  $10.6
million (2002: $11.4 million).

140

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 39 Market Risk

The  Bank  in  its  daily  operations  is  exposed  to  a
number  of  market  risks.  A  market  risk  is  the  risk  of  an
event  in  the  financial  markets  that  results  in  a  loss  of
earnings  to  or  a  loss  of  value  of  the  Group,  e.g.  an
adverse interest rate movement.

Under  the  authority  of  the  Board  of  Directors,  the
Risk  Committee  of  the  Board  ensures  that  all  the  market
risk exposure is consistent with the business strategy and
within  risk  tolerance  of  the  Group.  Regular  market  risk
reports  are  tabled  before  the  Risk  Committee  of  the
Board.

Within  the  Group,  market  risk  is  greatest  in  the
balance sheets of the banking and insurance businesses.
Market  risk  also  arises  in  the  course  of  its  intermediation
activities  in  financial  services  and  in  financial  markets
trading.

Market risk in the balance sheets

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  Group
Asset  and  Liability  Committee,  with  operational
management  delegated  to  the  Group  Executives  of  the
associated business units.

For  bank  balance  sheets,  market  risk  includes
liquidity  risk,  funding  risk,  interest  rate  risk  and  foreign
exchange  risk.  On  life  and  general  insurance  balance
sheets, market risk is part of the principal means by which
long  term  liabilities  are  managed.  In  this  sense  and  in
contrast  to  banking,  market  risk  is  structural  for  these
businesses.

Liquidity risk
Balance sheet liquidity risk is the risk of being unable
to  meet  financial  obligations  as  they  fall  due.  The  Group
manages  liquidity  requirements  by  currency  and  by
geographical  location  of  its  operations.  Subsidiaries  are
also  included  in  the  Group’s  liquidity  policy  framework.
Liquidity policies are in place to manage liquidity in a day-
to-day sense, and also under crisis assumptions.

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.  The  funding  policy  augments  the  Group’s
liquidity  policy  with  its  aim  to  assure  the  Group  has  a
stable  diversified  funding  base  without  over-reliance  on
any one market sector.

Domestically,  the  Group  continues  to  obtain  the
majority  of  its  AUD  funding  from  a  stable  retail  deposit
base  which  has  a  lower  interest  cost  than  wholesale
funds.  The  retail  funding  percentage  has  risen  from  66%
in  June  2002  to  67%  in  June  2003  due  to  the  growth  of
“at  call”  savings.  The  relative  size  of  the  Group’s  retail
base  has  enabled  it  to  source  funds  at  a  lower  than
average  rate  of  interest  than  the  other  major  Australian
banks. However, some of this benefit is offset by the cost
of  the  Group’s  extensive  retail  network  and  the  Group’s
large  share  (approximately  49%)  of  pensioner  deeming
accounts.

The cost of funds for Financial Year 2003, calculated
as  a  percentage  of  interest  exposure  to  average  interest
bearing  liabilities,  was  3.6%  on  a  group  basis  consistent
with the 3.6% on a group basis for Financial Year 2002.

The  Group  obtains  a  significant  proportion  of  its
funding  for  the  domestic  balance  sheet  from  wholesale
sources  –  approximately  22.7%,  excluding  Bank
Acceptances.  The  cost  of  funds  raised  in  the  wholesale
markets  is  affected  by  independently  assessed  credit
ratings.

Under  current  APRA  Prudential  Standards,  each
bank  is  required  to  develop  a  liquidity  management
strategy that is appropriate for itself, based on its size and
nature  of  operations.  The  objectives  of  the  Group’s
funding and liquidity policies are to:
(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 

Ensure all financial obligations are met when due;
Provide  adequate  protection,  even  under  crisis
scenarios, at lowest cost; and
Achieve  sustainable,  lowest-cost  funding  within  the
limitations of funding diversification requirements.

(cid:1) 

141

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 39 Market Risk continued

A funding diversification policy is particularly important
in  offshore  markets  where  the  absence  of  any  ‘natural’
offshore  funding  base  means  the  Group  is  principally
reliant  on  money  market  and  capital  market  sources  for
funding. The Group has imposed internal prudential limits
on the relative mix of offshore sources of funds.

Market Risk

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
Loan capital
Bank acceptances and other
Total Overseas
Total Funding Sources

Provisions and other liabilities
Total Liabilities

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.

2003
$M

22,341
32,411
32,398
18,756
19,577
13,122
11,228
20,443
5,937
3,231
2,527
181,971

25,621
258
3,418
10,794
88
75
40,254
222,225

20,734
242,959

GROUP
2002
$M

22,921
32,935
28,991
14,330
14,880
12,449
15,832
22,662
5,336
753
2,888
173,977

22,014
5,682
3,255
3,013
91
68
34,123
208,100

20,492
228,592

142

of  risk  to  the  next  12  months  earnings.  To  measure  this
longer-term  sensitivity,  the  Bank  utilises  an  economic
value-at-risk  (VaR)  analysis.  This  analysis  measures  the
potential change in the net present value of cash flows of
assets  and  liabilities.  Cash  flows  for  fixed  rate  products
are  included  on  a  contractual  basis,  after  adjustment  for
forecast  prepayment  activities.  Cash  flows  for  products
repriced  at  the  discretion  of  the  Bank  are  based  on  the
expected repricing characteristics of those products.

interest 

rate  scenarios  using 

The  total  cash  flows  are  revalued  under  a  range  of
the  VaR
possible 
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 for $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 then trading.

Exposure as at 30 June
Average monthly exposure
High month exposure
Low month exposure

2003
$M
34
24
64
4

2002
$M
16
29
59
9

framework 

A  stress-test 

rate  risk
augments the two risk management perspectives outlined
above.  The  results  of  the  stress  tests  are  used  to  refine
policy and limits where appropriate and are reported to the
Group Asset and Liability Committee.

interest 

for 

for 

The 

table 
rate 

following 
interest 

represents 
sensitivity 

the  Bank’s
repricing
contractual 
mismatches  as  at  30  June  2003  and  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.  All  assets  and  liabilities  are  shown
according  to  contractual  repricing  dates.  Options  are
shown in the mismatch report using  the  delta  equivalents
of the option face values.

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 39 Market Risk continued

Interest rate risk (Banking)
Interest  rate  risk  in  the  bank  balance  sheet  arises
from the potential for a change in interest rates to have an
adverse affect on the net  interest  earnings,  in  the  current
reporting  period  and  in  future  years.  Interest  rate  risk
arises from the structure and characteristics of the Bank’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.

The  Bank  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  for  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  whole
yield  curve  as  well  as  other  interest  rate  scenarios  with
variations  in  size  and  timing  of  interest  rate  movements.
Potential variations in net interest earnings  are  measured
using  a  simulation  model  that  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 the  other
assets and liabilities (those priced  at  the  discretion  of  the
Bank) 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.

The  figures  in  the  table  represent  the  potential
change to net interest earnings during the year (expressed
as  a  percentage  of  expected  net  interest  earnings  in  the
next  12  months)  based  on  a  1%  parallel  rate  shock  and
the expected change in price of assets and liabilities held
for the purposes other than trading.

(expressed as a % of expected
 next 12 months' earnings)

2003
%

2002
%

Average monthly exposure
High month exposure
Low month exposure

1.3
2.1
0.4

1.3
1.8
0.7

(b) Economic value

Some  of  the  Bank’s  assets  and  liabilities  have
interest rate risk that is not fully captured within a measure

143

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 39 Market Risk continued

Interest Rate Risk Sensitivity

Balance
Sheet
Total
$M

1 to 3

0 to 1
6 to 12
month months months months
$M

3 to 6

$M

$M

$M

Repricing Period at 30 June 2003
Not Weighted
Interest Average
Rate
%

over 5
years Bearing
$M

1 to 5
years
$M

$M

4,557

3,667               -              -

               -

             -               -

890

   3.55

3,325
6,334
4,341
137,424

1,266
753
1,070
6,334               -              -
36
8,482

521
7,167

82
80,485

36              -               -

200
             -               -              -
16
(1,188)

2,720
25,336

467
2,370

               -
499
14,772

   1.41
   4.64
   5.38
   6.32

13,122               -               -              -

               -

             -               -

13,122

       -

24,185

5,344

444

71

305

2,178

2,240

13,603

   4.04

              -               -              -

               -

             -               -              -

       -

-

4,552               -               -

628               -               -              -
            -
             -              -
9,342

21,966               -
97,178

9,202

220,434

               -
               -
               -
15,612

             -               -
             -               -
             -               -
5,077

30,234

628
4,552
21,966
53,789

        -
        -
        -
   4.79

120,365

82,397

15,572

7,910

4,286

4,246

861

5,093

   2.97

892

2,527

1,486

132
13,122               -               -              -
12               -               -
            -
            -
             -
850               -
             -              -
777               -
             -              -
20,443               -
19,576
1,458
4,452
16,867               -               -              -

6,378

17              -               -
             -               -
             -               -
             -               -
             -               -
             -               -

            -
13,122
12
850
777
20,443 (3)

4,949

             -               -

1,187              -
16,867

               -
               -
               -
               -
               -
1,152
               -

5,937
200,476

734
89,069

2,050
24,892

15                -
5,455

9,515

1,320
10,515

1,818              -
57,164
3,866

19,910               -

            -
1,936               -               -              -
21,846               -               -              -

            -

8,186

(21,935)

623
              -               -              -
              -               -              -

(2)

(2)

(2)

(2)

(2)

               -
               -
               -

             -               -
             -               -
             -               -

19,910
1,936
21,846

39
               -
               -

7,673

5,414              -
             -               -              -
             -               -              -

(13,826)
(13,826)

(7,504)
(21,330)

450
(20,880)

10,196
(10,684)

27,392
16,708

6,625 (25,221)
(1,888)

23,333

   1.54
        -
        -
        -
        -
        -
   5.50
        -

   3.31
   2.44

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

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
Deposits with regulatory
authorities
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
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
Share capital
Outside equity interests
Total Shareholders' Equity

Off Balance Sheet Items
Swaps
FRAs
Futures

Net Mismatch
Cumulative Mismatch

(1)

(2)

(3)

No rate applicable
No balance sheet amount applicable.
Technically, the life insurance policy liabilities are not interest bearing, but the amount of the liability may change in line with changes in
interest rates. This is particularly so with investment linked policies.

144

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 39 Market Risk continued

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 2003
Not Weighted
over 5 Interest Average
Rate
years Bearing
%
$M

1 to 5
years
$M

$M

1,018

868

53

1             -

           -             -

96          1.75

3,741
4,101
6,695
22,923

448
1,252
2,390

1,064
2,146
5,273

1,424
495
626
9,155

2,145
1,519
1,816
1,972

79            -
237
458
3,687

9          4.32
84             -
308
30          4.31
397             -          6.26
(37)          7.36
483
75              -
75             -             -             -             -             -             -
1,717          2.54
710
24
15          2.06
8             -             -             -             -             -
193              -
193            -             -             -             -             -             -
477              -
           -
477             -             -             -
1,780                -
           -
5.72
4,355
1,898

           -             -
1,780            -             -             -             -             -
9,533

3,650
23

44,676

12,693

4,455

4,194

7,548

966

117

73

43

20,609

11,472

4,299

2,193

749

861

149

886

4.53

            -

763

4,021

5,011

68             -             -             -

26             -             -             -             -
42            -

159
75             -             -             -             -             -             -

3.12
75                -
           -             -             -             -             -             -             -                -
26                -
42                -
3,418                -
2.01
2,160                -
8.13
3.11

           -             -
           -             -             -             -             -
3,418            -             -             -             -             -             -
331
2,160            -             -             -             -             -             -

88             -             -             -
2,331

           -             -
6,607

16,543 13,137

139             -

88            -

2,683

1,050

7,987

1,470

893

288

76

42,482

11,053

114            -             -             -             -             -             -
192            -             -             -             -             -
           -
306            -             -             -             -             -             -

114
192
306

(2)

(2)

(2)

(2)

(2)

(2)

579
368
514
(1,827)

(4,216)
(4,216)

4,065
(562)
101
(3,260)

(5,245)
(9,461)

405 (2,495)
(445)
392
(550)
(109)
(1,016)
(305)

(2,349)

(205)             -
247             -             -
44             -             -
1,417             -

4,991

1,453
(8,008)

(503)
(8,511)

10,135
1,624

2,822 (2,558)
1,888
4,446

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

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
Intangible assets
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
Share capital
Outside equity interests
Total Shareholders' Equity

Off Balance Sheet Items
Swaps
Options
FRAs
Futures

Net Mismatch
Cumulative Mismatch

(1)

(2) 

No rate applicable.
No balance sheet amount applicable.

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.

The Group has a significant portfolio of loans with fixed interest rates maturing in the one to five years repricing period.
Funding is principally raised from retail deposits with at call variable interest rates. The interest rate risk exposure is managed
in accordance with the principles outlined above in this note.

145

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 39 Market Risk continued

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 2002
Not Weighted
Average
Rate
%

over 5 Interest
years Bearing
$M

1 to 5
years
$M

$M

5,426

4,105             -             -             -             -

         -

1,321

2.61

547

202

4,333
5,865
4,069
126,330

295             -             -
3,491
5,865             -             -             -             -
2,288
110

60
8,980 15,289

353
64,273 11,551
12,449             -             -
           -             -             -
3,390
539
5,174
26,102
           -             -             -             -             -             -
           -             -             -
           -             -             -
18,577             -             -             -             -             -
31,044

656             -             -
4,866             -             -

           -
         -
         -             -
14
 1,042
25,366     2,175 (1,304)
         - 12,449
 2,790 13,584
         -             -
656
         -
         -
4,866
         - 18,577
6,007 50,163

83,110 12,990

9,792 15,567

208,673

407

218

2.46
3.61
6.26
6.82
          -
5.82
          -
          -
          -
          -
6.38

115,497

77,414 10,110

9,114

3,880

7,458

1,495

6,026

2.61

1

20

3,153

1,105

1,965

12
12,449             -             -             -             -             -
1,040             -             -             -             -             -
1,235             -             -             -             -             -
787             -             -             -             -             -
           -             -             -
22,363             -             -
14,820
6,469
2,404
2,920
2,134
14,508             -             -             -             -             -
927
14,866

1,872
81,740 16,007 10,222

543             -
6,285

5,337
191,189

545

227

2.40
50             -
          -
         - 12,449
          -
1,040
         -
          -
1,235
         -
         -
          -
787
         - 22,363 (3)           -
4.67
          -
4.18
2.89

348            -
         - 14,508
1,768            -
3,661 58,408

12,659             -             -
2,009             -             -
14,668             -             -

           -             -             -
           -             -             -
           -             -             -

         - 12,659
         -
2,009
         - 14,668

3,877

(2) (13,383)
(3,048)
(2)             -             -
(2)             -             -
(2) (12,013)
(6,065)
(2) (12,013) (18,078) (14,631)

8,246
-             -             -
           -             -             -
24,424
21,495 25,729

1,888            -
         -             -
           -
         -
4,234 (22,913)
2,816

3,447 11,702
(2,929)

2,420

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

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
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
Share capital
Outside equity interests
Total Shareholders' Equity

Off Balance Sheet Items
Swaps
FRAs
Futures
Net Mismatch
Cumulative Mismatch

(1)

(2)

(3)

No rate applicable.
No balance sheet amount applicable.
Technically, the life insurance policy liabilities are not interest bearing, but the amount of the liability may change in line with changes in
interest rates. This is particularly so with investment linked policies.

146

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 39 Market Risk continued

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.

The Group has a significant portfolio of loans with fixed interest rates maturing in the one to five years repricing period.
Funding is principally raised from retail deposits with at call variable interest rates. The interest rate risk exposure is managed
in accordance with the principles outlined above in this note.

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 2002
Not Weighted
Average
Rate
%

over 5 Interest
years Bearing
$M

1 to 5
years
$M

$M

618

506             -             -             -             -             -

112

3,395
2,524
6,697
20,744

2,033
489
851
8,481

107
1,372
1,562
2,095

310
185
1,057
1,548

58
80
142
3,461

520
153
2,370
4,748

64
303
168
77
715             -
(52)
463

2.38

5.97
5.12
4.36
6.95

68
4,007
89
206
525
2,102

31

128

778             -

         -             -             -             -             -             -
451
         -             -             -             -             -             -
         -             -             -             -             -             -
         -             -             -             -             -             -
         -             -             -             -             -             -
2,100

8,248

3,131

3,869

5,136

457

68
2,162
89
206
525
2,102
5,353

               -
2.76
               -
               -
               -
               -
5.95

40,975 13,138

17,303 10,034

3,536

1,688

827

413             -

805

4.24

756

3,821

4,711

53
68             -             -             -             -             -             -

81             -             -             -
68
            -             -             -             -             -             -             -             -
41
47
3,554
39
2,834
90             -             -
7,388
344

41             -             -             -             -             -             -
47             -             -             -             -             -             -
3,554             -             -             -             -             -             -
8,755
344
913
2,834             -             -             -             -             -             -

90             -             -             -             -
1,279

37,403 14,139

10,875

6,583

2,654

284

371

221

724

2.80
               -
               -
               -

               -
3.70
               -
7.87
3.87

6,371             -             -             -             -             -             -
17             -             -             -             -             -             -
6,388             -             -             -             -             -             -

6,371
17
6,388

               -
               -
               -

(2)

(2)

(2)

(2)

(2)

(2)

1,252
-
(437)
-
(186)
(186)

3,930
271
(653)
300
(1,891)
(2,077)

1,325 (1,590)
-
285
90
1,375
1,692

-
805
(213)
2,394
317

(4,390)
(271)
-
(177)
2,686
4,378

(527)
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
1,229 (8,423)
5,607 (2,816)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

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
Loan Capital
Total Liabilities

Shareholders’ Equity
Share capital
Outside equity interests
Total Shareholders' Equity

Off Balance Sheet Items
Options
Swaps
FRAs
Futures
Net Mismatch
Cumulative Mismatch

(1)

(2)

No rate applicable.
No balance sheet amount applicable.

147

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 39 Market Risk continued

As at 30 June

Within 6 months
Within 6 months - 1 year
Within 1-2 years
Within 2-5 years
After 5 years
Net deferred gain (loss)

Exchange Rate
Related Contracts
2002
2003
$M
$M

Interest Rate
Related Contracts
2002
2003
$M
$M

2
(3)
1
189
(8)
181

(258)
(25)
(199)
94
123
(265)

(11)
6
17
13
143
168

123
2
(38)
(47)
(157)
(117)

2003
$M

(9)
3
18
202
135
349

Total
2002
$M

(135)
(23)
(237)
47
(34)
(382)

The  objectives  of  the  Group’s  financial  markets

activities are to:
(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 

Provide  risk  management  products  and  services  to
customers;
Manage the Group’s own market risks; and
Conduct  controlled 
in  pursuit  of  profit,
trading 
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  also  taken  in  the  interest  rate,  debt,  equity
and commodity markets based on views of future market
movements.    Trading  securities  are  further  detailed  in
Note 10 of the financial statements.

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. 
is  controlled  by
concentrating trading activity in highly liquid markets.

  Market 

liquidity 

risk 

Note  2  of  the  financial  statements  details  Financial
Markets  Trading  Income  contribution  of  $502  million
(2002:  $489  million)  to  the  income  of  the  Group.    The
contribution 
important
diversification benefits to the Group.

is  significant  and  provides 

Residual Value Risk on Operating Leases

The Bank provides operating leases to customers on
equipment  such  as  motor  vehicles,  computers  and
industrial  equipment.  Residual  value  risk  is  the  risk  that
the  amount  recouped  by  selling  the  equipment  at  lease
expiry will be less than the residual value of the lease.  In
managing  this  risk  the  Bank  utilises  industry  experts  to
ensure  that  the  residual  value  of  equipment  is  prudently
estimated  at  the  start  of  the  lease  and  the  Bank  realises
the maximum value of the equipment at lease expiry.

Foreign exchange risk
Foreign  exchange  risk  is  the  risk  to  earnings  and
value caused by a change in foreign exchange rates. The
Bank  hedges  all  balance  sheet  foreign  exchange  risks
except for long term investments in offshore subsidiaries.

Net deferred gains and losses
Net  deferred  unrealised  gains  and  losses  arising
from  derivative  hedging  contracts  entered  into  in  order  to
manage  risk  arising  from  assets,  liabilities,  commitments
of  anticipated 
the
expected term of deferral are shown below.

together  with 

transactions, 

future 

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  rate  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 VaR measure outline above.

Additionally, there is $4 million of net deferred gains
on derivatives (2002: $12 million net deferred losses) used
to hedge equity risk on investments disclosed within Note
11.

Market risk in financial services

Market risk in the life insurance business arises from
mismatches  between  assets  and  liabilities  guaranteed
returns offered on some classes of policy (which may not
be  capable  of  being  hedged  through  matching  assets),
adverse movements in market prices affecting fee income
on  investment-linked  policies  and  from  returns  obtained
from  investing  the  shareholders  capital  held  in  each  life
company.  Shareholders 
insurance
funds 
business  are  on  average  invested  50%  in  income  assets
(cash  and  fixed  interest)  and  50%  in  growth  assets
(shares  and  property)  with  the  asset  mix  varying  from
company  to  company.  Policyholder  funds  are  invested  to
meet policyholder reasonable expectations without putting
the shareholder at undue risk.

the 

life 

in 

Market risk in the fund management business is the
risk  of  an  adverse  movement  in  market  prices,  which
leads  to  a  reduction  in  the  amount  of  funds  under
management and a consequent reduction of fee income.

Market Risk in Financial Markets Trading

The  Group’s  policy  is  that  exposure  to  market  risk
from  trading  activities  is  managed  by  Institutional  and
Business  Services.    The  Group  trades  and  distributes
financial markets products and provides risk management
services to clients on a global basis.

148

Notes to the financial statements

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
Options
Trading
Total equity risk related contracts
Total derivatives exposures

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 

for  derivative 

financial

instruments is set out in Note 1(ff).

2003
$M

Face Value
2002
$M

GROUP
Credit Equivalent
2002
$M

2003
$M

147,998
5,329
153,327

47,821
19,737
67,558

132,200
5,146
137,346

44,084
14,612
58,696

4,201
291
4,492

3,787
1,569
5,356

4,435
124
4,559

3,061
953
4,014

                      -
                      -
                      -

                      -

293                       -
                      -
293                       -

                      -
                      -
                      -

35,310
1,121
36,431
257,316

33,398
2,292
35,690

126,312
129,086
255,398

31,409
                      -
31,409

77,641
277
77,918
274,253

31,055
8,983
40,038

128,983
118,880
247,863

79,173

80,736

1,234
27
1,261
11,109

4
37
41

3,737
2,342
6,079

1,334
5
1,339
9,912

6
2
8

2,150
1,372
3,522

18                       -
                      -
18                      -

1,563                       -

14,028

18,241
5,602                       -
18,241
386,878

19,630
342,127

355
                      -

278
                      -
247                       -
278
602
661,409
600,045

149

152

76
28                       -
76
3,606

180
6,318

                      -

29                       -
                      -
55                       -
84                      -
13,518

17,511

Notes to 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

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 on Trading Derivative Contracts

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.

Fair Value
2002
$M

2003
$M

Average Fair Value
2002
$M

2003
$M

4,753
(4,922)
(169)

3,599
(2,390)
1,209

3,590
(3,451)
139

2,765
(2,288)
477

3,198
(3,245)
(47)

2,996
(2,078)
918

2,996
(2,197)
799

2,619
(2,408)
211

               -

2                 -
                -
2                 -

               -
               -
                -

                -
                -
                -

832
(1,138)
(306)
736

826
(903)
(77)
539

783
(920)
(137)
734

4
(4)
                -

9
(8)
1

7
(7)
                -

564
(517)
47
1,057

14
(13)
1

4,444
(4,911)
(467)

3,049
(3,468)
(419)

4,301
(4,799)
(498)

3,408
(3,891)
(483)

15
(18)
(3)

24
(35)
(11)

258
(145)

73
(73)
113                 -
(429)
110

(357)
379

33
(23)
10

223
(146)
77
(411)
323

28
(35)
(7)

92
(75)
17
(473)
584

In  accordance  with  the  accounting  policy  set  out  in  Note  1(ff)  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 on trading derivatives

13,907
13,528
379

10,336
10,226
110

150

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 40 Superannuation Commitments

The Group sponsors a range of superannuation plans for its employees worldwide. Details of major defined benefit plans

with assets in excess of $10 million are:

Name of Plan

Type

Form of Benefit

Officers’ Superannuation Fund (OSF)

The Colonial Group Staff Superannuation
Scheme (CGSSS)
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (UK)
Staff Benefits Scheme (CBA(UK)SBS)
Colonial UK Staff Pension Scheme
(CUKSPS)
Stewart Ivory & Company Limited
Retirement Benefits Scheme (SI&CRBS)

Defined Benefits and
Accumulation
Defined Benefits and
Accumulation
Defined Benefits and
Accumulation
Defined Benefits

Defined Benefits

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

Date of Last Actuarial
Review of the Fund

30 June 2000

30 June 2001

1 May 2002

5 April 2002

1 September 2001

Financial Details of Defined Benefits Plans

from 

Prior to the financial year ending 30 June  2003,  the
Bank  prepared  the  following  disclosures  using  values
extracted 
financial  statements  and  actuarial
assessments  of  each  plan  which  have  been  prepared  in
accordance  with 
relevant  accounting  and  actuarial
standards  and  practices.    To  maintain  consistency  in
values, the Bank updates these values after each actuarial

assessment  of  the  fund  (when  the  present  value  of
accrued benefits would be calculated).

In  view  of  market  volatility,  commencing  with  the
financial  year  ending  30  June  2003,  the  Bank  will  update
the following values annually using most recently available
information  (including  values  obtained  from  unaudited
fund financial statements).

Net Market Value of Assets(4)
Present Value of Accrued Benefits(5)
Difference between Net Market of Assets
and Present Value of Accrued Benefits
Difference as a percentage of plan assets
Value of Vested Benefits(5)

(1)

OSF

$M

4,748
3,650

1,098
23%
3,650

(1)

(2)

(2)

(3)

CGSSS CBA (UK)
SBS
$M

$M

351
260

91
26%
252

81
63

18
22%
56

CUKSPS SI&CRBS

$M

243
288

(45)
(19%)
253

$M

23
40

(17)
(74%)
29

Total

$M

5,446
4,301

1,145
21%
4,240

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

The values for the OSF and CGSSS were the fund actuary’s estimates as at 31 March 2003.
The values for the CBA(UK)SBS and CUKSPS were the fund actuary’s estimates as at 31 May 2003.
The values for the SI&CRBS were the fund actuary’s estimates as at 30 June 2003.
These values have been extracted from the latest available fund financial statements (which are unaudited).
The Present Value of Accrued Benefits and Value of Vested Benefits for the OSF and CGSSS have been calculated in accordance with
the Australian Accounting Standards AAS 25.  For CBA(UK)SBS, CUKSPS and SI&CRBS, the Present Value of Accrued Benefits and
Value of Vested Benefits have been calculated in accordance with relevant UK actuarial standards and practices.

Contributions

For the plans listed in the above table, entities of the
Group  contribute  to  the  respective  plans  in  accordance
with  the  Trust  Deeds  following  the  receipt  of  actuarial
advice.

With the exception of contributions corresponding to
salary sacrifice benefits, the Bank ceased contributions to
the  OSF  from  8 July 1994.    Further,  the  Bank  ceased
contributions  to  the  OSF  relating  to  salary  sacrifice
benefits from 1 July 1997.

An  actuarial  assessment  of 

the  OSF,  as  at
30 June 2000  was  completed  during  the  year  ended

30 June 2001. 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 2003.
No employer contributions were made to the CGSSS
during  the  year  and  the  Bank  does  not  intend  to  make
contributions to the CGSSS until after consideration of the
next  actuarial  assessment  of  CGSSS. 
  Further,
contributions ceased to CGSSS relating to salary sacrifice
benefits from 1 July 1999.

151

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 40 Superannuation Commitments continued

The  Bank  has  been  making  contributions  to  the
CUKSPS  and  SI&CRBS  following  receipt  of  the  actuarial
assessments of these funds.

Events Subsequent to Balance Date
On  31  July  2003,  the  Colonial  UK  Staff  Pension
Scheme (CUKSPS) and Stewart Ivory & Company Limited
Retirement Benefits Scheme (SI&CRBS) were terminated
and  each  plan’s  assets,  liabilities,  member  contributions
the
and 

arrangements 

transferred 

benefit 

to 

Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  (UK)  Staff  Benefits
Scheme (CBA(UK)SBS).

Since 31 July 2003, the Bank has continued to make
its contributions in respect of former members of CUKSPS
and SI&CRBS.

An actuarial review of the merged fund is currently in
progress and the Bank will  amend  its  contributions to  the
merged fund in accordance with the Trust Deed following
consideration of the results of this actuarial review.

152

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 41 Controlled Entities

Entity Name

AUSTRALIA
(a) Banking
     Commonwealth Bank of Australia
     Controlled Entities:
     Commonwealth Development Bank of Australia Limited
     CBA Investments Limited
     CBA Specialised Financing Limited
     Share Investments Pty Limited
     CBA Investments (No.2) Pty Limited
     CBA International Finance Pty Limited
     CBCL Australia Limited
     CBFC Limited
     Collateral Leasing Pty Limited
     Commonwealth Securities Limited
     Homepath Pty Limited
     Chullora Equity Investments (No.2) Pty Limited *
     Chullora Equity Investments (No.3) Pty Limited *
     Commonwealth Insurance Limited
     Commonwealth Investments Pty Limited *
     Commonwealth Property Limited
     Infravest (No. 2) Limited
     Commonwealth Fleet Lease Pty Limited
     Retail Investor Pty Limited
     Sparad (no. 24) Pty Limited
     Colonial Employee Share Plan Limited
     Colonial Finance Limited
     Colonial Financial Services Pty Limited
     CST Securitisation Management Limited
     Emerald Holding Company Limited
     TD Waterhouse Holdings (Aust) Pty Limited **

(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
     CMG Asia Pty Limited
     CMG First State Investment Managers (Asia) Limited
     Colonial AFS Services Pty Limited
     Colonial Financial Corporation Limited
     Colonial First State Group Limited
     Avanteos Pty Limited **
     Colonial First State Property Limited
     Colonial First Statutory Funds Management Limited
     CFS Managed Property Limited
     Colonial Holding Company Pty Limited
     Colonial Holding Company (No.2) Pty Limited
     Colonial Financial Management 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

153

Extent of Beneficial
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
Australia

Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 41 Controlled Entities continued

Entity Name

(b) Life Insurance and Funds Management continued
     Colonial Mutual Superannuation Pty Limited
     Colonial PCA Holdings Pty Limited
     Colonial PCA Services Limited
     Colonial Portfolio Services Limited
     Colonial Services Pty Limited
     Jacques Martin Pty Limited

NEW ZEALAND
(a) Banking
     ASB Group Limited
        ASB Holdings Limited
        ASB Bank Limited
        ASB Finance Limited
        ASB Management Services Limited
        ASB Properties Limited
        ASB Superannuation Nominees Limited
     CBA Funding (NZ) Limited
(b) Life Insurance and Funds Management
     ASB Group Limited
        ASB Life Limited
     Sovereign Limited
     Colonial First State Investment Managers (NZ) Limited
     Colonial First State Investments (NZ) Limited
     ASB Group (Life) Limited
     Kiwi Income Properties Limited
     Kiwi Property Management Limited
     Sovereign Life NZ Limited
     Sovereign Services Corporation New Zealand Limited

OTHER OVERSEAS
(a) Banking
     CBA Asia Limited
     CBA (Europe) Finance Limited
     CBA (Delaware) Finance Incorporated
     CTB Australia Limited
     Senator House Investments (UK) Limited (1)
     Commonwealth Securities (Japan) Pty Limited
     SBV Asia Limited
     National Bank of Fiji Limited
     PT Bank Commonwealth
(b) Life Insurance and Funds Management
     CMG Asia Life Holdings Limited
     CMG Asia Limited
     CMG Asia Pensions and Retirements Limited
     CMG First State Investments (Hong Kong) Limited
     CMG First State Singapore Limited
     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
     Colonial First State UK Holdings Limited
     Waterloo & Victoria Limited

Extent of Beneficial
Interest if not 100%

Incorporated in

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
New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand

Singapore
United Kingdom
USA
Hong Kong
United Kingdom
Japan
Hong Kong
Fiji
Indonesia

Bermuda
Bermuda
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Singapore
Fiji
United Kingdom
Fiji
United Kingdom
Fiji
Fiji
United Kingdom
Cayman Islands

51

Non-operating and minor operating controlled entities and investment vehicles holding policyholder assets are excluded

from the above list.
(1)

Wholly owned subsidiary of CBA International Finance Pty Limited.
Small proprietory companies not requiring audit.
Companies purchased during the year.

*
** 

154

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 42 Investments in Associated Entities and Joint Ventures

EDS (Australia) Pty Limited

GROUP
2003 2002
$M

$M

225

238

Computer Fleet Management

            -

1

Cyberlynx Procurement Services
PT Astra CMG Life
Allday Enterprises Ltd
China Life CMG Life Assurance Company Limited
Bao Minh CMG Life Insurance Company
CMG Mahon (China) Investment Management
Limited
Mahon and Associates Limited
CMG CH China Funds Management Limited
Avanteos Pty Ltd (1)

Colonial First State Private Ltd
Total

            -
12

36
12
            -

        -
10
1         -
36
7
        -

            -
1
            -

        -
1
20

            -
287

        -
313

Extent of
Ownership
Interest
%

Principal Activities

Balance
Date

35

50

30
50
30
49
50
50

50
50
100

50

Information Technology
Services
Desktop IT Lease
Management
Procurement Services
Life insurance - Indonesia
Financial Services
Life insurance - China
Life insurance - Vietnam
Direct investment in China

Investment Management
Investment Management
Technology and
Development
Investment Management

31 December

30 June

30 June
31 December
31 December
31 December
31 December
30 June

30 June
31 March
31 December

30 June

(1) 

Ownership interest increased from 50% as at 30 June 2002 to 100% on 3 March 2003.

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 method.

Instead,  the  market  values  for  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 (losses) before income tax
  Income tax expense
  Operating profits (losses) after income tax

Carrying amount of investments in associated entities
  Opening balance
  New investments
  Disposals / transfers
  Writedown value of investments
  Fair value adjustments
  Share of associates' profits (losses)
  Closing Balance

NOTE 43 Standby Arrangements and Unused Credit Facilities
(of controlled entities that are borrowing corporations)

2003
$M

GROUP
2002
$M

1
                  -
1

(2)
1
(1)

313
6
(21)
(9)
(3)
1
287

400
8
(85)
(9)
                  -
(1)
313

2003
$M
Unused

Available

Available

GROUP
2002
$M
Unused

72
                  -
                  -
72

23
                  -
                  -
23

51
                  -
                  -
51

19
                  -
                  -
19

  Financing arrangements accessible
       Bank overdraft
       Revolving credit
       Other

155

Notes to the financial statements

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  that  relate  to  the
supply  of  goods  and  services  to  a bank,  other  than
financial assets or services.

The Class Order does not apply to a loan or financial
instrument  transaction  which  any  director  of  the  relevant
entity  should  reasonably  be  aware  that  if  not  disclosed
would have the potential to adversely affect the decisions
made  by  users  of  the  financial  statements  about  the
allocation of scarce resources.

A condition of the Class Order is that the Bank must
lodge a statutory declaration, signed by two directors, with
the  Australian  Securities  and  Investments  Commission
accompanying the annual report. The declaration provides
confirmation that the bank has systems of internal control
and  procedures  to  provide  assurance  that  any  financial
instrument  transactions  of  a bank  which  are  not  entered
into on an arm’s length basis are drawn to the attention of
the Directors so that they may be disclosed.

Directors

The  name  of  each  person  holding  the  position  of
Director  of  the  Commonwealth  Bank  during  the  financial
year is:

(Chairman)
(Deputy Chairman)
(Managing Director)

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

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:
(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 

The Bank to its Directors;
Banks which are controlled entities to their Directors;
and
Non  bank  controlled  entities  to  Directors  (and  their
related parties) of those entities.
The aggregate amount of such loans outstanding at

(cid:1) 

30 June 2003 was:
(cid:1) 

$50,000  to  Directors  of  the  Bank  (Mr  F  D  Ryan)
(2002: $50,000); and
$3,348,236 
(2002: $2,735,036).

to  Directors  of 

related  entities

(cid:1) 

The aggregate amount of such loans received and repayments made was:

Directors of the CBA
  Normal terms and conditions
Directors of related entities
  Normal terms and conditions (1)

Loans Received

2003
$

2002
$

Repayments Made
2002
2003
$
$

                  -

                  -

                  -

                  -

1,691,375

1,055,843

431,123

601,331

(1) 

Directors: G J Judd, G H Burrett, J M R Syme, C Seddon, M Hunter, R G Wilkie, C B Millett, S Swanson, M D Widjaja, S Vuetaki,
C Kamea, M Naiyaga, J Wong and A V Villamor.

156

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 44 Related Party Disclosures continued

Shares of Directors
The  aggregate  number  of  shares  acquired  by,  disposed  of  and  held  by  Directors  and  their  director  related  entities  in  the
Commonwealth Bank during the financial year ended 30 June 2003, were:

Director

J T Ralph
J M Schubert
D V Murray
N R Adler
R J Clairs
A B Daniels
C R Galbraith
S C Kay
W G Kent
F D Ryan
F J Swan
B K Ward

Shares Disposed Of
Ordinary

(350,000)

Held
30 June 2002
Ordinary
14,789
12,602
66,638
7,825
11,153
13,718
5,462
                     -
8,822
5,160
3,051
3,175

Shares Acquired
Ordinary
6,550
1,826
514,308
811
774
1,417
1,117
2,184
886
775
987
884

Held
30 June 2003
Ordinary
21,339
14,428
230,946
8,636
11,927
15,135
6,579
2,184
9,708
5,935
4,038
4,059

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 involve the provision of financial and investment
services  by  non  bank  controlled  entities.  Mr  Ralph’s  and
Mr  Daniels’  interests  in  investment  funds  managed  by
Colonial First State are detailed above. Additionally, Mr C
R  Galbraith  is  a  partner  in  the  law  firm,  Allens  Arthur
Robinson,  which  acted  for  the  Bank  in  the  provision  of
legal services during the financial year. The fees for these
services were $3,795,665.

All  other  such  transactions  that  have  occurred  with
Directors, director related entities and other related parties
have  been  trivial  or  domestic  and  were  principally  in  the
nature  of  lodgement  or  withdrawal  of  deposit,  unit  funds
and superannuation monies.

through 

All  shares  were  acquired  by  Directors  on  normal
terms  and  conditions  or 
the  Non-Executive
Directors’ Share Plan (or in the case of Mr D V Murray the
Equity  Reward  Plan  or  the  previous  Executive  Option
Plan).  Mr  D  V  Murray  exercised  500,000  options  during
the year, leaving his total holdings of options at 1,250,000
under the Equity Reward Plan and the previous Executive
Option Plan. (No further options will be granted under the
Equity  Reward  Plan.  The  Executive  Option  Plan  was
discontinued  in  2000.)  Mr  D  V  Murray  was  also  awarded
rights  to  55,000  shares  under  the  Equity  Reward  Plan
during  the  year.  He  has  a  total  holding  of  97,000  shares
under the Equity Reward Plan. Shares awarded under the
Equity  Reward  Plan  are  registered  in  the  name  of  the
Trustee.  The  transfer  of  legal  title  to  Mr  D  V  Murray  is
subject  to  vesting  conditions  and  is  conditional  on  the
Bank  achieving  a  prescribed  performance  hurdle  over  a
minimum three year period. For further details on the Non-
Executive Directors’ Share Plan, Equity Reward Plan and
the previous Executive Option Plan refer Note 29.

In  addition,  Mr  Ralph  holds  100,000  units 

in
Commonwealth  Property  Trust  and  495,294  units  in
Colonial  First  State  Hedge  Fund.  Both  holdings  are  held
beneficially.  Mr  Daniels  beneficially  holds  73,588  units  in
Colonial  First  Global  Health  and  Biotech  fund.  A  related
party  of  Mr  Daniels  holds  59,818  units  in  Colonial  First
State  Future  Leaders  Fund  and  84,994  units  in  Colonial
First State Imputation Fund.

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  that  are  controlled  entities  occur  in  the
ordinary  course  of  business  of  the  banks  on  an  arm’s
length basis.

157

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 44 Related Party Disclosures continued

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.

Support  services  are  provided  by  the  Bank  such  as
provision  of  premises  and/or  equipment,  availability  of
transfer  payment  and  accounting  facilities  through  data
processing etc, and are transfer charged to the respective
user entity at commercial rates.

Refer to Note 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

2003 was:

Non-Executive Directors
Mr J T Ralph, AC
Dr J M Schubert
Mr N R Adler, AO
Mr R J Clairs, AO
Mr A B Daniels, OAM
Mr C R Galbraith, AM
Ms S C Kay**
Mr W G Kent, AO
Mr F D Ryan
Mr F J Swan
Ms B K Ward

Executive Director
Mr D V Murray (refer Note 46)

Base Fee/Pay Committee Fee Salary Sacrifice(2)

Superannuation(1)

$

216,000
108,000
72,000
72,000
72,000
72,000
25,863
72,000
72,000
72,000
72,000

$

32,000
20,000
16,000
12,000
12,000
20,000
6,465
20,000
16,000
20,000
16,000

$

62,000
32,000
22,000
21,000
21,000
23,000
8,082
23,000
22,000
23,000
22,000

$

5,626*
11,520
7,920
7,560
7,560
8,280
2,910
8,280
7,920
8,280
7,920

Total
Remuneration
$

315,626
171,520
117,920
112,560
112,560
123,280
43,320
123,280
117,920
123,280
117,920

* Mr.J T Ralph turned 70 during the 2002/03 financial year.  The Bank’s SG obligations generally cease after a person attains age 70.
** Ms.S C Kay was appointed a Director on 5 March 2003.

(1) 

(2) 

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.
Under the Non-Executive Directors Share Plan detailed in the Explanatory Memorandum to the  Notice  of  Meeting  for the  2000  Annual
General Meeting, Non-Executive Directors are required to receive 20% of their remuneration in shares. This was implemented from the
second quarter of the financial year. Also refer Note 29 for further details.

158

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 45 Remuneration of Directors continued

Directors' Retirement Allowance Scheme

The  Board  has  discontinued  the  retirement  scheme  which  provided  for  benefits  to  be  paid  to  non-executive  directors.
The terms of this scheme, which were approved by shareholders at the 1997 Annual General Meeting, allowed for a benefit on
a  pro  rata  basis  to  a  maximum  of  four  years’  total  emoluments  after  twelve  years’  service.      The  entitlements  of  the  non-
executive directors in office at the time of discontinuance will not be affected and are shown below.  No new members will be
admitted to the scheme from that time.

Increase in accrued
benefit in year
$

Entitlement as at
30 June 2003
$

Non-Executive Directors
Mr J T Ralph, AC
Dr J M Schubert
Mr N R Adler, AO
Mr R J Clairs, AO
Mr A B Daniels, OAM
Mr C R Galbraith, AM
Mr W G Kent, AO
Mr F D Ryan
Mr F J Swan
Ms B K Ward
Ms S C Kay (2)

                    127,635
                    102,537
                      34,867
                      44,194
                    103,796 (1)
                    104,132 (1)
                    104,132 (1)
                    109,074 (1)
                      46,924
                      53,672
                                -

(1) 

(2) 

First year of entitlement accumulated for three years service
Appointed as a Director after closure of scheme

1,160,000
577,260
395,342
145,800
103,796
104,132
104,132
109,074
213,657
301,389
-

Total amount received or due and receivable by executive and non executive Directors
(includes accumulated benefits due to Directors who retired during the year)

3,998,811

8,308,940

The number of executive and non-executive Directors whose remuneration fell within these bands was:

2003
$

BANK
2002
$

Remuneration (Dollars)
$40,001 - $49,000
$100,001 - $110,000
$110,001 - $120,000
$120,001 - $130,000
$150,001 - $160,000
$170,001 - $180,000
$290,001 - $300,000
$310,001 - $320,000
$2,510,001 - $2,520,000
$6,990,001 - $7,000,000

Number
                       1
                       -
                       5
                       3
                       -
                       1
                       -
                       1
1
                       -

                     12

2003
$

Number
-
5
3
-
1
-
1
-
-
1

11

GROUP
2002
 $

 Total amount received or due and receivable by executive
 and non executive Directors of the Bank and controlled entities

10,133,461       15,804,263

159

Notes to the financial statements

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  reporting  directly  to  the  Chief
Executive  Officer,  who  were  officers  of  the  Bank  and  the
Group in the year ended 30 June 2003.   

The  table  does  not  include  individuals  who  are  not
direct  reports  to  the  Chief  Executive  Officer,  but  whose
incentive  based  remuneration  in  any  given  year  is  in
excess  of  that  received  by  a  member  of  the  senior
executive team.

Senior Executive Team

Name & Position

Base Pay
(1)

Bonus in respect of
this year (2)

Superannuation
(3)

Other
Compensation
(4)

Total
Remuneration

Paid in
Cash

$
1,625,000

$
375,000

Vested in
CBA
Shares
$
375,000

$
131,625

$
13,000

$
2,519,625

815,616

262,500

262,500

58,724

313,000

1,712,340

870,000

240,000

240,000

67,500

13,000

1,430,500

820,000

217,500

217,500

132,300

13,000

1,400,300

540,000

185,000

185,000

66,802

13,000

989,802

560,000

160,000

160,000

40,320

13,000

933,320

240,411

-

-

63,519

1,204,795

1,508,725

D V Murray
Chief Executive Officer
S I Grimshaw
Group Executive, Investment
& Insurance Services
M A Katz
Group Executive, Premium
Financial Services
M J Ullmer
Group Executive, Institutional
& Business Services
G L Mackrell
Group Executive, International
Financial Services
A R Cosenza
Group Executive, Office of CEO
Retired Executive
P L Polson
Group Executive, Investment
& Insurance Services(5)

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

Base pay reflects amounts paid in the year ending 30 June 2003 and is calculated on a total cost basis and includes any FBT charges
related to employee benefits including motor vehicles.
Bonuses paid are for the year ending 30 June 2003.  The Group has a vesting (deferral) arrangement for most executives.  50% of the
bonus payment is paid in cash and the remaining 50% is deferred and vested in the Bank’s shares.  Half of the shares will vest after one
year (in 2004) and half will vest after two years (in 2005).  Generally shares are only received if the executive is still in the employ of the
Bank on the relevant dates.
The  Bank  is  currently  not  contributing  to  the  Officers’  Superannuation  Fund  or  to  the  Colonial  Group  Staff  Superannuation  Scheme  –
refer Note 40.  However, the notional cost of superannuation has been determined on an individual basis for each executive.
Other  compensation  includes,  where  applicable,  car  parking  (including  FBT),  accommodation  (including  FBT),  commencement
payments, retirement allowances, contractual and other payments.
Retired 26 October 2002.

160

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 46 Remuneration of Executives continued

The following table shows the number of shares granted as well as the amortisation of unvested shares and options for

the year ending 30 June 2003:

Name & Position
D V Murray
Chief Executive Officer
S I Grimshaw
Group Executive, Investment & Insurance Services
M A Katz
Group Executive, Premium Financial Services
M J Ullmer
Group Executive, Institutional & Business Services
G L Mackrell
Group Executive, International Financial Services
A R Cozenza
Group Executive, Office of CEO
Retired Executive
P L Polson
Group Executive, Investment & Insurance
Services(2)

Number of Shares
granted during
the year ended
30 June 2003(1)
No.
110,000

Amortisation for the year ended 30 June
2003 of unvested shares and options
allocated in fiscal years 2001, 2002 and 2003
Share Grants (1)
$
667,973

Option Grants (1)
$
412,347

39,000

48,000

48,000

29,500

29,500

65,189

174,527

168,324

89,830

85,792

232,565

383,601

383,601

220,910

220,161

-

59,526

78,698

(1) 

(2)

Since 2002/03, shares only have been allocated under the Equity Reward Plan.  Shares are purchased on-market at the current market
price  and  the  cost  of  the  shares  acquired  is  expensed  against  the  Profit  &  Loss  account  over  a  3  year  period.    No  consideration  is
payable by the executive for the grant of shares and the vesting of the executive’s legal title to the executive is conditional on the Bank
achieving the prescribed performance hurdle.
Option Grants previously awarded under the Equity Reward Plan were a right to subscribe for ordinary shares at an exercise price which
was the Market Value (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) plus a 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).  No
options have been granted since 2001/02.
The prescribed performance hurdle for Options and Shares issued prior to 2002/03 was –
(cid:1) 

the Bank’s Total Shareholder Return (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 a comparator group of companies, excluding the Bank.
if the performance hurdle is not reached within that three years, the Options and Shares may nevertheless be exercisable or vest as
appropriate  only  where  the  hurdle  is  subsequently  reached  within  five  years  from  the  Commencement  Date.    If  the  performance
hurdle is not met within this period the Options will lapse and entitlement to Shares will be forfeited.

(cid:1) 

In relation to Reward Shares granted from 2002/03 onwards, a tiered vesting scale was introduced so that 50% of allocated shares vest
if the Bank's Total Shareholder Return is equal to the median return of the comparator group, 75% vest at the 67th percentile and 100%
when the Bank's return is in the top quartile with a linear relationship between the percentiles.
Where the rating is at least at the 50th percentile on the third anniversary of the grant, the shares will vest at a time nominated by the
executive,  within  the  trading  windows,  over  the  next  two  years.    The  vesting  percentage  will  be  at  least  that  achieved  on  the  third
anniversary of the grant and the executive will be able to delay vesting until a subsequent half yearly window prior to the fifth anniversary
of the grant.  The vesting percentage will be calculated by reference to the rating at that time.
Where  the  rating  is  below  the  50th  percentile  on  the  third  anniversary  of  grant,  the  shares  can  still  vest  if  the  rating  reaches  the  50th
percentile prior to the fifth anniversary, but the maximum vesting will be 50%.
Options  and  Shares  previously  allocated  under  the  Equity  Reward  Plan  will  continue  until  they  vest  upon  the  prescribed  performance
hurdles being met or they lapse.
The amortisation of Options and Shares disclosed above is calculated as follows –
Options – Calculated using the ‘fair value’ of all outstanding (i.e. currently unexercisable) Options granted in fiscal years 2001 and 2002
(plus  second  tranche  of  Options  granted  to  the  CEO  in  fiscal  year  2000).    The  ‘fair  value’  (as  previously  disclosed  for  US  GAAP
purposes) is derived using a Black-Scholes valuation discounted by 50% for the probability of not meeting the performance hurdle.  The
annualised equivalent of the ‘fair value’ in respect of each grant has been apportioned on a straight line basis over the period from the
Commencement Date until the first possible vesting date – a period of 37 months (49 months in respect of the second tranche of Options
granted  to  the  CEO  in  fiscal  year  2000).    The  first  tranche  of  Options  granted  to  the  CEO  in  fiscal  year  2000  as  well  as  to  other
executives  have  not  yet  become  exercisable  but  have  passed  the  first  possible  vesting  date  and  are  not  included  in  the  values
calculated.
Shares    –  Calculated  using  the  market  value  at  the  Commencement  Date  of  all  outstanding  (i.e.  currently  unvested)  entitlements  to
Shares granted in fiscal years 2001,  2002  & 2003 discounted by  50%  for  the probability  of  not  meeting  the  performance hurdle.   The
annualised equivalent of the ‘fair value’ in respect of each grant has been apportioned on a straight line basis over the period from the
Commencement Date until the first possible vesting date – a period of 37 months.
For further details on the Equity Reward Plan, refer Note 29.
Retired 26 October 2002.   

161

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 46 Remuneration of Executives continued

The following table shows the number of executives whose remuneration (excluding Long Term Incentive entitlements)

fell within the stated bands:

Remuneration (Dollars)
$160,000 - $169,999
$250,000 - $259,999
$310,000 - $319,999
$330,000 - $339,999
$390,000 - $399,999
$400,000 - $409,999
$420,000 - $429,999
$430,000 - $439,999
$460,000 - $469,999
$470,000 - $479,999
$490,000 - $499,999
$530,000 - $539,999
$560,000 - $569,999
$570,000 - $579,999
$610,000 - $619,999
$650,000 - $659,999
$710,000 - $719,999
$740,000 - $749,999
$760,000 - $769,999
$780,000 - $789,999
$790,000 - $799,999
$810,000 - $819,999
$820,000 - $829,999
$870,000 - $879,999
$880,000 - $889,999
$930,000 - $939,999
$980,000 - $989,999
$1,100,000 - $1,109,999
$1,110,000 - $1,119,999
$1,200,000 - $1,209,999
$1,220,000 - $1,229,999
$1,260,000 - $1,269,999
$1,370,000 - $1,379,999
$1,380,000 - $1,389,999
$1,400,000 - $1,409,999
$1,430,000 - $1,439,999
$1,500,000 - $1,509,999
$1,640,000 - $1,649,999
$1,650,000 - $1,659,999
$1,710,000 - $1,719,999
$1,760,000 - $1,769,999
$1,960,000 - $1,969,999
$2,500,000 - $2,509,999
$3,590,000 - $3,599,999
$6,210,000 - $6,219,999(1)
$6,990,000 - $ 6,999,999
Total number of executives

BANK
2002
Number
-
-
1
1
1
-
-
1
-
1
1
1
1
-
1
1
1
-
1
1
1
1
-
1
1
-
-
-
1
2
-
1
1
1
-
-
-
-
1
-
1
1
-
1
-
1
28

2003
Number

1  *
2  *
-
1
-
1
1  *
-
1
1 *
-
-
-
2
1
-
-
1
-
-
-
-
4
-
-
2
1
1
1
-
1
-
-
-
1
1
1 *
1
-
1
-
-
1
-
1 *
-
29

GROUP
2002
Number
-
-
1
1
1
-
-
1
-
1
1
1
1
-
1
1
1
-
1
1
1
1
-
1
1
-
-
-
1
2
-
1
1
1
-
-
-
-
1
-
1
1
-
1
-
1
28

2003
Number

1 *
2 *
-
1
-
1
1 *
-
1
1 *
-
-
-
2
1
-
-
1
-
-
-
-
4
-
-
2
1
1
1
-
1
-
-
-
1
1
1 *
1
-
1
-
-
1
-
1 *
-
29

162

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 46 Remuneration of Executives continued

2003

$

GROUP

2002

$

2003

$

BANK

2002

$

Total amount received or due and receivable by
executives (includes accumulated benefits due

to executives who retired, resigned or were

retrenched during the year).

31,306,809

33,973,600

31,306,809

33,973,600

(1) 

*

Includes a payment of $3.39m to a former Colonial First State Executive for an incentive payment in respect of the year ended 30 June
2002.  This amount was not included in the equivalent table for the year ended 30 June 2002 as the payment was not finalised until after
the  signing  of  the  June  2002  Financial  Statement.    This  amount  has  now  been  included  in  the  above  bands  for  the  current  year.
Additionally, the executive received a $26.54m payment from a provision raised at the acquisition of Colonial for liabilities relating to the
conditions in the contract with that company.
Includes termination payments to 7 retired, resigned, or retrenched executives during the 2002/2003 financial year.
In  addition to  remuneration shown  above, contractual  payments  have  been made or  accrued  as  a  consequence  of  contracts  acquired
with the Colonial acquisition.
An executive is a person who is directly accountable and responsible to the Chief Executive Officer, or is a Group employee responsible
for the strategic direction and management of major businesses or risk portfolios.
Remuneration is based on amounts paid and accrued in respect of the financial year.

The Group’s Policy in respect of remuneration of executives is outlined in Corporate Governance on page 39.

163

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 47 Statements of Cash Flow

GROUP

2003
$M

2002
$M

2001
$M

2003
$M

BANK

2002
$M

Note (a)  Reconciliation of Cash

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

1,492
641
2,528
(3,233)
1,428

2,056
495
2,709
(2,762)
2,498

1,048
544
458
(2,012)
38

1,332
232
1,943
(3,230)
277

1,873
306
1,470
(2,741)
908

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:
(cid:1) 
Customer deposits to and withdrawals from deposit
(cid:1) 
Accounts,  borrowings  and  repayments  on  loans,
advances and other receivables;

Note (c) Reconciliation of Operating Profit After
Income Tax to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

Net profit after income tax
Decrease/(increase) in interest receivable
Increase/(decrease) in interest payable
Net (increase)/decrease in trading securities
Net (gain)/loss on sale of investment securities
(Gain)/loss on sale of property plant and equipment
Charge for bad and doubtful debts
Depreciation and amortisation
(Decrease)/increase in other provisions
Increase/(decrease) in income taxes payable
(Decrease)/increase in deferred income taxes payable
(Increase)/decrease in future income tax benefits
(Increase)/decrease in accrued fees/reimbursements receivable
(Decrease)/increase in accrued fees and other items payable
Amortisation of premium on investment securities
Unrealised gain on revaluation of trading securities
Change in excess of net market value over net assets of life
insurance controlled entities
Change in policy liabilities
Other assets
Other
Net Cash Provided by / (used in) Operating Activities

(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 

Sales and purchases of trading securities; and
Proceeds  from  and  repayment  of  short  term  debt
issues.

2003
$M

2,018
(78)
62
(2,484)
9
(22)
305
450
(15)
(234)
(166)
100
(94)
6
6
(269)

2002
$M

2,656
210
(60)
(1,159)
(78)
(12)
449
451
(120)
443
(522)
69
(17)
(162)
18
723

GROUP
2001
$M

2,412
159
(278)
(262)
(56)
(25)
385
488
(692)
(371)
(97)
209
(194)
136
24
(186)

2003
$M

2,099
(273)
103
(1,814)
9
(13)
266
269
(7)
(137)
10
(3)
143
(73)
6
(246)

BANK
2002
$M

2,665
152
(146)
(1,353)
(295)
(11)
405
272
(146)
465
(225)
49
(11)
(72)
17
723

245
(2,056)
              -
92
(2,125)

(477)
(1,112)
               -
693
1,993

(474)
               -

               -
               -
400                -
(21)
257
318
1,835

               -
               -
               -
(245)
2,244

Note (d)  Non Cash Financing and Investing Activities

Shares issued under the Dividend Reinvestment Plan for 2001 were $313 million (2000: $253 million) and shares issued
under  the  Employee  Share  Plans  for  2002  were  $39  million  (2001:  $40  million;  2000:  $24  million).  Acquisition  of  entity  by
means of an equity issue nil (2000: $9,274 million).

164

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 47 Statements of Cash Flow continued

Note (e)  Acquisition of Controlled Entities

Consideration
Cash paid on acquisitions
Transaction costs
Pre-acquisition dividend received

Fair value of net tangible assets acquired
Cash & liquid assets
Receivables from other financial institutions
Trading securities
Loans, advances and other receivables
Life insurance investment assets
Property, plant and equipment
Other assets
Deposits and public borrowings
Payables due to other financial institutions
Other provisions
Life insurance policy liabilities
Debt issues
Bills payable and other liabilities
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

Note (f) Disposal of Controlled Entities

Disposal proceeds
Cash receipt on disposal

Fair value of net tangible assets disposed
Net book value of assets disposed
Loss on sale

Inflow of cash from disposal
Cash proceeds

Note (g)  Financing Facilities

Standby funding lines are immaterial.

165

2003
$M

2002
$M

2001
$M

71
                     -
2
73

29
                     -
                     -
                     -
                     -
                     -
29
                     -
                     -
(8)
                     -
                     -
(33)
                     -
17
26
30
73

71
                     -
(29)
42

56

418
1                      -
                  -                      -
418

57

                  -
                  -
                  -
                  -
                  -
                  -
                  -
                  -
                  -
                  -
                  -
                  -
                  -
                  -
                  -
57
                  -
57

4
26
501
2,812
76
42
109
(2,108)
(601)
(3)
(75)
(599)
(64)
(12)
108
51
259
418

56

418
1                      -
(4)
414

                  -
57

2003
$M

2002
$M

2001
$M

33
33

                     -                      -
                     -                      -

65
(32)
33

                     -                      -
                     -                      -
                     -                      -

33
33

                     -                      -
                     -                      -

Notes to 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  would  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.

information  with 

Because  of  the  wide  range  of  valuation  techniques
and the numerous estimates that must be made, it may be
difficult to make reasonable comparisons of the Bank’s net
fair  value 
financial
institutions.  It  is  important  that  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
underlying value of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

that  of  other 

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)

Carrying
Value
$M

5,575
7,066
10,435
11,036
160,347
13,197
27,835
23
23,094

140,974
7,538
13,197
23,862
30,629
18,822
6,025
-

2003
Net Fair
Value
$M

5,575
7,066
10,435
11,187
160,441
13,197
27,835
23
23,094

Carrying
Value
$M

6,044
7,728
8,389
10,766
147,074
12,517
30,109
89
19,961

141,186
7,538
13,197
23,862
30,356
18,819
6,350

132,800
7,864
12,517
25,917
23,575
17,184
5,427
353                   -

2002
Net Fair
Value
$M

6,044
7,728
8,389
10,851
148,378
12,517
30,109
89
19,751

132,879
7,864
12,517
25,917
24,462
17,203
5,632
(394)

The net fair value estimates were determined by the following methodologies and assumptions:

Liquid assets and bank acceptances of customers

Loans, advances and other receivables

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.

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.

166

Notes to the financial statements

NOTE 48 Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments continued

For  those  debt  issues  where  quoted  market  prices
were  not  available,  discounted  cash  flow  and  option
pricing  models  were  used,  utilising  a  yield  curve
appropriate  to  the  expected  remaining  maturity  of  the
instrument.

All other financial liabilities
This  category 

includes 

interest  payable  and
unrealised  expenses  payable  for  which  the  carrying
amount  is  considered  to  be  a  reasonable  estimate  of  net
fair value. For liabilities that 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 
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.

reflects 

The  net 

trading  and 

Other off-balance sheet financial instruments
fair  value  of 

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  is  disclosed  in

Note 39.

The  net  fair  value  of  impaired  loans  was  calculated
by  discounting  expected  cash  flows  using  a  rate  that
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  AASB  1038:  Life  Insurance
Business.

Statutory deposits with central banks

In  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 
income, 

fees  receivable,
this  category  are 
in  associates  of
investments 
unrealised 
$287 million  (2002:  $313  million),  and  excess  of  net
market  value  over  net  assets  of  life  insurance  controlled
entities of $5,540 million (2002: $5,656 million), where the
carrying  amount 
to  be  a  reasonable
estimate of net fair value.

is  considered 

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
30 June.

167

Directors’ Declaration

In accordance with a resolution of the directors of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, the directors declare that:

(a) 

(b)

(c)

the  financial  statements  and  notes  thereto  comply  with  Accounting  Standards  and  in  their  opinion  are  in  accordance
with the Corporations Act 2001;

the financial statements and notes thereto give a true and fair view of the Bank's and the Group's financial position as
at 30 June 2003 and of their performance for the year ended on that date;  and

in the opinion  of the directors, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Bank will be able to pay its debts as
and when they become due and payable.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.

J T Ralph AC
Chairman

20 August 2003

D V Murray
Managing Director and 
Chief Executive Officer

168

Independent audit report 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 (the Bank) for the year ended 30 June
2003 included on the Bank’s web site.  The Bank’s directors are responsible for the integrity of the Bank’s web site. We have
not been engaged to report on the integrity of the 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

The financial report and directors’ responsibility
The financial report comprises the statement of financial position, statement of financial performance, statement of cash
flows, accompanying notes to the financial statements, and the directors’ declaration for Commonwealth Bank of Australia (the
Bank) and the consolidated Group, for the year ended 30 June 2003.  The consolidated Group comprises both the Bank and
the entities it controlled during that year.

The directors of the Bank are responsible for preparing a financial report that gives a true and fair view of the financial
position and performance of the Bank and the consolidated Group, and that complies with Accounting Standards in Australia,
in  accordance  with  the  Corporations  Act  2001.    This  includes  responsibility  for  the  maintenance  of  adequate  accounting
records  and  internal  controls  that  are  designed  to  prevent  and  detect  fraud  and  error,  and  for  the  accounting  policies  and
accounting estimates inherent in the financial report.

Audit approach
We  conducted  an  independent  audit  of  the  financial  report  in  order  to  express  an  opinion  on  it  to  the  members  of  the
Bank.  Our audit was conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards in order to provide reasonable assurance as
to whether the financial report is free of material misstatement.  The nature of an audit is influenced by factors such as the use
of professional judgement, selective testing, the inherent limitations of internal control, and the availability of persuasive rather
than conclusive evidence.  Therefore, an audit cannot guarantee that all material misstatements have been detected.

We performed procedures to assess whether in all material respects the financial report presents fairly, in accordance
with the Corporations Act 2001, including compliance with Accounting Standards in Australia, and other mandatory financial
reporting  requirements  in  Australia,  a  view  which  is  consistent  with  our  understanding  of  the  Bank’s  and  the  consolidated
Group’s financial position, and of their performance as represented by the results of their operations and cash flows.

We formed our audit opinion on the basis of these procedures, which included:

§ 

§ 

examining,  on  a  test  basis,  information  to  provide  evidence  supporting  the  amounts  and  disclosures  in  the  financial
report, and

assessing  the  appropriateness  of  the  accounting  policies  and  disclosures  used  and  the  reasonableness  of  significant
accounting estimates made by the directors.
While we considered the effectiveness of management’s internal controls over financial reporting when determining the

nature and extent of our procedures, our audit was not designed to provide assurance on internal controls.

We  performed  procedures  to  assess  whether  the  substance  of  business  transactions  was  accurately  reflected  in  the
financial  report.    These  and  our  other  procedures  did  not  include  consideration  or  judgment  of  the  appropriateness  or
reasonableness of the business plans or strategies adopted by the directors and management of the Bank.

Independence

We  are  independent  of  the  Bank,  and  have  met  the  independence  requirements  of  Australian  professional  ethical
pronouncements and the Corporations Act 2001.  In addition to our audit of the financial report, we were engaged to undertake
the  services  disclosed  in  the  notes  to  the  financial  statements.    The  provision  of  these  services  has  not  impaired  our
independence.

Audit opinion

In our opinion, the financial report of Commonwealth Bank of Australia is in accordance with:
(a)  the Corporations Act 2001, including:

(i) giving a true and fair view of the financial position of the Bank’s and the consolidated Group’s at 30 June 2003

and of their performance for the year ended on that date; and

(ii) complying with Accounting Standards in Australia and the Corporations Regulations 2001; and

(b) other mandatory financial reporting requirements in Australia.

Ernst & Young
Sydney 
20 August 2003

S J Ferguson
Partner

169

                                                                       
Shareholding Information

Top 20 Holders of Fully Paid Ordinary Shares as at 19 August 2003

Rank

Name of Holder

Number of Shares

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

JP Morgan Nominees Australia Ltd
National Nominees Limited
Westpac Custodian Nominees Ltd
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited
RBC Global Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited
Commonwealth Custodial Services Limited
AMP Life Limited
ANZ Nominees Limited
Queensland Investment Corporation
Cogent Nominees Pty Limited
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited
Westpac Financial Services Ltd
Invia Custodian Pty Limited
Bond Street Custodians Limited
CSS Board & PSS Board
Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited
Government Superannuation Office
Gladiator Custodian Pty Ltd
UBS Warburg Private Clients Nominees Pty Ltd
NRMA Nominees Pty Limited

125,476,803
83,086,262
79,115,602
55,570,707
38,330,704
20,041,919
17,871,153
16,032,155
13,308,399
11,837,661
7,390,996
5,932,044
4,832,697
4,523,108
4,470,337
4,195,245
3,624,656
3,582,953
3,410,467
3,176,111

%

10.01
6.63
6.31
4.43
3.06
1.60
1.43
1.28
1.06
0.94
0.59
0.47
0.39
0.36
0.36
0.33
0.29
0.29
0.27
0.25

The twenty largest shareholders hold 505,809,979 shares which is equal to 40.35% of the total shares on issue.

Stock Exchange Listing

The shares of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia
are  listed  on  the  Australian  Stock  Exchange  under  the
trade  symbol  CBA,  with  Sydney  being 
the  home
exchange.

Details of trading activity are published in most daily
newspapers,  generally  under  the  abbreviation  of  CBA  or
C’wealth  Bank.  The  Bank  does  not  have  a  current  on-
market buyback of its shares.

Directors Shareholdings as at 20 August 2003

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

Options

1,250,000

Shares

21,339
14,428
230,946
8,636
11,927
15,135
6,579
2,184
9,708
5,935
4,038
4,059

Mr  Murray  has  a  total  holding  of  97,000  shares
under  the  Equity  Reward  Plan,  registered  in  the  name  of
the Trustee.

In addition, Mr Ralph beneficially holds 100,000 units
in  Commonwealth  Property  Trust  and  495,294  units  in
Colonial  First  State  Hedge  Fund  and  Mr  Daniels

beneficially  holds  73,588  units  in  Colonial  First  Global
Health  and  Biotech  fund.  A  related  party  of  Mr  Daniels
holds  59,818  units  in  Colonial  First  State  Future  Leaders
Fund  and  84,994  units  in  Colonial  First  State  Imputation
Fund.

170

Shareholding Information

Guidelines for Dealings by Directors in Shares

The  restrictions  imposed  by  law  on  dealings  by
Directors  in  the  securities  of  the  Bank  have  been
supplemented  by 
the  Board  of  Directors  adopting
guidelines  which  further  limit  any  such  dealings  by
Directors,  their  spouses,  any  dependent  child,  family
company  and  family  trust.  The  guidelines  provide  that,  in
addition to the requirement that Directors not deal in the

securities of the Bank or any related company  when  they
have or may be perceived as having relevant unpublished
price sensitive information, Directors are only permitted to
deal within certain periods. Further, the guidelines require
that  Directors  not  deal  on  the  basis  of  considerations  of
a short  term  nature  or  to  the  extent  of  trading  in  those
securities.

Range of Shares (Fully Paid Ordinary Shares and Employee Shares): 19 August 2003
Range

Number of
Shareholders

Percentage
Shareholders

Number of
Shares

Percentage
Issued Capital

1-1,000
1,001-5,000
5,001-10,000
10,001-100,000
100,001-Over
Total

Less than marketable parcel of $500

578,272
146,784
12,888
5,450
265
743,659

14,461

77.76%
192,877,335
19.74%
295,759,711
1.73%
89,215,343
0.73%
107,083,627
571,111,021
0.04%
100% 1,256,047,037

95,327

15.36%
23.55%
7.10%
8.53%
45.47%
100%

Voting Rights

Trust Preferred Securities

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:
(cid:1) 
on a show of hands – to one vote; and
(cid:1) 
on  a  poll  –  to  one  vote  for  each  share  held  or
represented.
If  a  member  is  present  in  person,  any  proxy  or

attorney of that member is not entitled to vote.

If more than one official representative or attorney is

On  6  August  2003  the  Bank,  via  a  wholly  owned
entity  of  the  Bank,  issued  USD550  million  (AUD824
million)  of  Trust  Preferred  Securities,  subject  to  a  limited
guarantee by the Bank, in the US  capital  markets.    At  19
August  2003,  there  were  550,000,000  Trust  Preferred
Securities  outstanding  held  by  32  investors.    No  investor
held more than 20% of the issue.

present for a member:
(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

none of them is entitled to vote on a show of hands;
and
on poll only one official representative may exercise
the  member’s  voting  rights  and  the  vote  of  each
attorney  shall  be  of  no  effect  unless  each  is
appointed  to  represent  a  specified  proportion  of  the
member’s  voting  rights,  not  exceeding  in  aggregate
100%.
If  a  member  appoints  two  proxies  and  both  are
present  at  the  meeting  and  the  appointment  does  not
specify  the  proportion  or  number  of  the  member’s  votes
each proxy may exercise:
(cid:1) 

neither  proxy  shall  be  entitled  to  vote  on  a  show  of
hands; and
on  a  poll  each  proxy  may  exercise  one  half  of  the
member’s votes.

(cid:1) 

171

Shareholding Information

Top 20 Holders of Preferred Exchangeable Resettable Listed Shares (PERLS) as at 19 August 2003

Rank

Name of Holder

Number of Shares

1
2
3
4.
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23

Commonwealth Custodial Services Limited
Westpac Custodian Nominees Ltd
RBC Global Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited
Invia Custodian Pty Limited
ANZ Executors & Trustee Company Limited
Tower Trust Limited
UBS Warburg Private Clients Nominees Pty Ltd
JP Morgan Nominees Australia Ltd
Boxall Marine Pty Ltd
Questor Financial Services Limited
Bond Street Custodians Limited
AMP Life Limited
Brencorp No 11 Pty Limited
Livingstone Investments (NSW) Pty Limited
Ms Thelma Joan Martin-Weber
Perpetual Trustee Co Ltd (Hunter)
Albert Investments Pty Limited
Felden Pty Ltd
Mr Edward Furnival Griffin + Ms Deborah Ann Griffin
Marbear Holdings Pty Limited
Mrs Fay Cleo Martin-Weber
Professional Indemnity Insurance Company of Australia Pty Ltd
Swinburne University of Technology

286,180
104,460
61,036
57,275
44,187
32,763
29,530
25,344
25,000
24,319
24,169
23,316
15,756
15,000
12,500
12,014
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000

%

8.18
2.98
1.74
1.64
1.26
0.94
0.84
0.72
0.71
0.69
0.69
0.67
0.45
0.43
0.36
0.34
0.29
0.29
0.29
0.29
0.29
0.29
0.29

The  twenty  three  largest  PERLS  shareholders  hold  862,849  shares  which  is  equal  to  24.66%  of  the  total  shares  on
issue.  Twenty three PERLS shareholders are disclosed in the above table due to a number of shareholders having the same
number of PERLS.

Stock Exchange Listing

Commonwealth Bank PERLS are listed on the Australian Stock Exchange under the trade symbol CBAPA, with Sydney
being the home exchange. Details of trading activity are published in most daily newspapers, generally under the abbreviation
of CBA or C’wealth Bank (pref).

Range of Shares (PERLS): 19 August 2003

Range

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

The  holders  will  be  entitled  to  receive  notice  of  any
general meeting of the Bank and a copy of  every  circular
or  other  like  document  sent  out  by  the  Bank  to  ordinary
shareholders  and  to  attend  any  general  meeting  of  the
Bank.

The  holders  will  not  be  entitled  to  vote  at  a  general
following

the  Bank  except 

the 

in 

If  at  the  time  of  the  meeting,  a  dividend  has  been
declared but has not been paid in full by the relevant
payment date;
On a proposal to reduce the Bank’s share capital;
On a resolution to  approve  the  terms  of  a  buy-back
agreement;
On  a  proposal 
Commonwealth Bank PERLS;

that  affects  rights  attached 

to

(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

meeting  of 
circumstances:
(cid:1) 

Number of
Shareholders

Percentage
Shareholders

Number of
Shares

Percentage
Issued Capital

20,555
244
22
13
2
20,836
4

(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 

98.65%
1.17%
0.11%
0.06%
0.01%
100%

2,119,134
487,683
174,329
328,214
390,640
3,500,000
5

60.55
13.93
4.98
9.38
11.16
100.00

On a proposal to wind up the Bank;
On  a  proposal  for  the  disposal  of  the  whole  of  the
Bank’s property, business and undertaking;
During the winding up of the Bank; or
As  otherwise  required  under  the  Listing  Rules  from
time to time, in which case the holders will have the
same  rights  as  to  manner  of  attendance  and  as  to
voting  in  respect  of  each  Commonwealth  Bank
PERLS as those conferred on ordinary shareholders
in respect of each ordinary share.
At  a  general  meeting  of  the  Bank,  holders  are

entitled:
(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

172

On  a  show  of  hands,  to  exercise  one  vote  when
entitled  to  vote  in  respect  of  the  matters  listed
above; and
On a poll, to one vote for each Commonwealth Bank
PERLS.

Vietnam
CBA Representative Office
Suite 202-203A
The Central Building
31 Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
Telephone: (84 4) 826 9899
Facsimile: (84 4) 824 3961
Chief Representative
SRJ Holden

Bao Minh CMG Life Insurance Co Ltd
Level 3, Saigon Riverside Office Center
2A-4A Ton Duc Thang
District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Telephone: (84 4) 829 1919
Facsimile: (84 4) 829 3131
General Director
R Carkeet

Americas

United States of America
CBA Branch Office
Level 17, 599 Lexington Avenue
New York NY  10022
Telephone: (1 212) 848 9200
Facsimile: (1 212) 336 7725
Executive Vice President, Head of North
America
R Day

Europe

United Kingdom
CBA Branch Office
Senator House
85 Queen Victoria Street
London EC4V 4HA
Telephone: (44 20) 7710 3999
Facsimile: (44 20) 7710 3939
Regional General Manager Europe & North
America
A de Torguat

First State Investments (UK) Limited
3rd Floor, 30 Cannon Street
London EC4M 6YQ
Telephone: (44 20) 7332 6500
Facsimile: (44 20) 7332 6501
Chief Executive Officer, First State International
T Waring

Edinburgh
23 St Andrew Square
Edinburgh EH2 1BB
Telephone: (44) 131 473 2200
Facsimile: (44) 131 473 2222
Chief Executive Officer, First State International
T Waring

International Representation

Australia
Head Office
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
48 Martin Place,
Sydney NSW 1155
Telephone: (612) 9378 2000

New Zealand
ASB Bank Limited
Level 28 ASB Bank Centre
135 Albert Street, Auckland
Telephone: (649) 377 8930
Facsimile: (649) 358 3511
Managing Director
H Burrett

Sovereign Group Limited
33-45 Hurstmere Road
Takapuna, Auckland
Telephone: (649) 487 9000
Facsimile: (649) 486 1913
Managing Director
S Swanson

Asia Pacific
Fiji Islands
Colonial National Bank
Colonial Life Limited
3 Central Street, Suva
Telephone: (679) 3214 400
Facsimile: (679) 3303 448
Managing Director
M Walsh

China
CBA Representative Office
2909 China World Towers 1
1 Jian Guo Men Wai Avenue
Beijing 100004
Telephone: (86 10) 6505 5350
Facsimile: (86 10) 6505 5354
Chief Representative
Y T Au

CBA Representative Office
Room 4007 Bund Center
222 Yan An Road East
Shanghai 200002
China
Telephone: (86 21) 6335 1686
Facsimile: (86 21) 6335 1766
Chief Representative
Y T Au

China Life – CMG Asia Life
Assurance Co Ltd
21st Floor
China Insurance Building
166 Lujiazui Dong Road
Shanghai 200120
Telephone: (86 21) 5882 5245
Facsimile: (86 21) 6887 5720
General Manager
C Lee

Hong Kong
15th Floor, Chater House
8 Connaught Place,
Central
Hong Kong
Telephone: (852) 2844 7500
Facsimile: (852) 2845 9194
Regional General Manager Asia
SRJ Holden

CMG Asia Regional Office
12th Floor CMG Asia Tower
The Gateway, 15 Canton Road
Kowloon
Tsimshatsui
Telephone: (852) 2861 4006
Facsimile: (852) 2520 1119
Regional Managing Director
P Fancke

First State Investments (Hong
Kong) Limited
Level 6 Three Exchange Square
8 Connaught Place, Central
Hong Kong
Telephone: (852) 2846 7555
Facsimile: (852) 2868 4742/4783
Chief Executive Officer, First
State International
T Waring

Indonesia
PT Bank Commonwealth
Ground Flr, Wisma Metropolitan II
Jl. Jendral Sudirman Kav. 29-31
Jakarta 12920
Telephone: (6221) 5296 1222
Facsimile: (6221) 5296 2293
President Director
S Brewis-Weston

PT Astra CMG Life
11/F Sentra Mulia
Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, Kav X-6 No
8
Jakarta 12940
Telephone: (6221) 250 0385
Facsimile: (6221) 250 0389
President Director
G Coates

Japan
CBA Branch Office
8th Floor
Toranomon Waiko Building
5-12-1 Toranomon
Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001
Telephone: (813) 5400 7280
Facsimile: (813) 5400 7288
General Manager
L Xia

Singapore
CBA Branch Office
3 Temasek Avenue #20-01
Centennial Tower
Singapore 039190
Telephone: (65) 6349 7000
Facsimile: (65) 6224 5812
General Manager
R Buchan

First State Investments
(Singapore)
3 Temasek Avenue
#20-01 Centennial Tower
Singapore 039190
Telephone: (65) 6538 0008
Facsimile: (65) 6538 0800
Chief Executive Officer,
Singapore
L Mann

173

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174

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175

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176

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Annual Report
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3

2003

Commonwealth Bank of Australia ACN 123 123 124
Annual Report 2003