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FY2004 Annual Report · Commonwealth Bank of Australia
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2004

Commonwealth Bank of Australia ACN 123 123 124
Annual Report 2004

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Commonwealth Bank of Australia 
ACN 123 123 124 

Annual Report 2004 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents 

Chairman's Statement.....................................................................................................................................................................3 

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

Banking Analysis.............................................................................................................................................................................9 

Funds Management Analysis........................................................................................................................................................17 

Insurance Analysis........................................................................................................................................................................21 

Shareholder Investment Returns ..................................................................................................................................................24 

Life Company Valuations ..............................................................................................................................................................25 

Presentation of Financial Information ...........................................................................................................................................26 

Integrated Risk Management........................................................................................................................................................27 

Description of Business Environment ...........................................................................................................................................30 

Corporate Governance .................................................................................................................................................................34 

Directors' Report ...........................................................................................................................................................................41 

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

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

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……………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………169 

Independent Audit Report………………………………………………………………………………………...……………………...170 

Shareholding Information…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………171 

International Representation……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..175 

 
 
 
Chairman’s Statement  

The Bank experienced another strong year with the 
Australian  economy  continuing  to  perform  well.    Housing 
lending  remained  buoyant  for  most  of  the  year  with  early 
signs  of  some slowing  towards  the  end  of  the  year.  Very 
low  levels  of  corporate  and  personal  defaults  were 
favourable  credit  environment. 
experienced 
in  a 
to  an 
recovered  which 
Investment  markets 
funds 
the  performance  of 
improvement 
management  and 
insurance  businesses  as  well  as 
contributing  to  an  increase  in  the  assessed  value  of  the 
funds management business.  

the 

led 

in 

The  Bank  embarked  on  the  three  year  Which  new 
Bank program during the year, the successful execution of 
which is critical to the long term success of the Bank.  So 
it is pleasing to be able to report that very good progress 
was  made  in  the  first  year  of  the  program  in  the 
achievement against the milestones set for the program. 

Results 

The Bank’s statutory net profit after tax for the year 
ended  30  June  2004  was  $2,572  million,  an  increase  of 
28% over that earned in the prior financial year.  Net profit 
from  ordinary  activities  (“cash basis”)  was  $2,695  million, 
an increase of 5% over that earned in the prior year.  This 
increase was achieved after expensing $749 million ($535 
million after tax) on the Which new Bank program.   

Strong operating performances were recorded by all 
businesses,  with  the  underlying  profit  after  tax  increasing 
by  15%  to  $3,078  million  for  the  year.  Underlying  profit 
excludes  the  after  tax  impact  of  shareholder  investment 
returns  and  the  cost  of  initiatives,  including  Which  new 
Bank. 

The  banking  result  was  driven  by  the  continued 
good  performance  of  the  Australian  and  New  Zealand 
lending  operations,  partly  offset  by  an  anticipated 
contraction 
funds 
management, recovery in funds flows was underpinned by 
strong  international  flows  and  the  continued  growth  of 
business, 
FirstChoice,  while 
performance improved across all regions.  

interest  margin. 

insurance 

the  net 

the 

for 

In 

in 

Loan  asset  quality  strengthened  during  the  year, 
reflecting the Bank’s ongoing, disciplined approach to risk 
management.  Productivity 
improvement  was  evident 
across  all  businesses,  particularly  insurance  and  funds 
management. 

For  more  information  on  the  company’s  financial 

performance, please refer to the Highlights on page 5. 

Dividends and Capital Position 

At  last  year’s  Annual  General  Meeting  I  informed 
shareholders  that,  although  we  would  be  charging  the 
costs  of  the  Which  new  Bank  program  against  profit,  we 
regarded  that  expenditure  as  being  in  the  nature  of  an 
investment  in  the  future  of  the  Bank.    I  said  that,  for  this 
reason,  we  would  add  back  the  after-tax  cost  of  the 
program  to  the  profit  in  determining  the  dividends  for  the 
year.  This we  did, and determined the total dividend out 
of  the  year’s  profit  would  be  $1.83  per  share  which 
represented  73.9%  of  the  adjusted  result  and  a  19% 
increase on the dividend for the prior year. 

The  dividend  of  $1.83  per  share  continues  the 
uninterrupted  growth  in  the  dividend  rate  since  the  Bank 
was  privatised  and  listed  as  a  public  company  twelve 
years  ago.    The  final  dividend  of  $1.04  per  share,  fully 
franked, will be paid on 24 September 2004  
The  Bank’s  capital  position 

remained  strong 
throughout the year, sitting comfortably above the Bank’s 
target  ranges  and  in  conformance  with  the  requirements 
of  regulators.  During  the  year,  the  Bank  undertook  a 
number  of  capital  management  initiatives  that  were  well 
received  by  shareholders  and  which  provide  capital 
flexibility  for  the  future.  These  included  the  issuance  of 
hybrid  capital  and  PERLS  II,  a  $532  million  share 
buyback, a $467 million share purchase plan, and a share 
sale facility for small shareholdings. These initiatives were 
in addition to the issue of new shares to the value of $389 

million  under  the  Dividend  Reinvestment  Plan  during  the 
year.   

Which new Bank 

As  foreshadowed  in  last  year’s  annual  report,  the 
Which  new  Bank  program  was  announced  to  the  market 
in  September  2003.  Which  new  Bank  is  a  three-year 
strategic program aimed at supporting the Bank’s vision to 
excel  in  customer  service.    The  aim  of  the  program  is  to 
provide  better  service  to  customers  by  engaged  people 
using  improved  systems  and  simpler  processes.    The 
focus  is  very  much  on  the  training  and  motivating  of 
people within the Bank and giving them the authority and 
accountability  to  be  able  to  deliver  excellence  in  service.  
They  can  only  do  this  if  they  have  the  systems  and 
processes  that  allow  them  to  do  it.    Customers  are 
beginning  to  notice  differences  and  these  differences  will 
become  more  pronounced  as  the  Which  new  Bank 
program is implemented. 

During the year, the Board has actively participated 
in  activities  that  facilitate  a  better  understanding  of  the 
prerequisites  for  strategic  transformation.  In  September 
2003,  the  Bank’s  Directors  spent  five  days  touring  the 
Bank’s  branches,  processing  centres  and  call  centres  in 
Australia and New Zealand, gaining first hand experience 
of  the  Bank’s  systems  and  processes.  In  May  2004,  the 
Board was pleased to conduct its monthly Board meeting 
in Townsville, the Bank’s first regional branch in Australia. 
The  Board  will  continue  to  be  active  in  gaining  first-hand 
knowledge  of  the  operations  of  the  Bank  and  its  service 
standards  throughout  the  duration  of  the  program  and 
beyond. 

Outlook 

The  Global  economy  has  improved  noticeably,  with 
an  expectation  of  monetary  tightening  across  the  major 
economies in the near term. 

The  Australian  economy  continues  to  perform  well 
although growth in domestic spending has slowed as the 
construction sector loses some momentum.   

Consumer  confidence  is  high  while  job  security 
concerns  are  low  and  personal  incomes  are  rising. 
Businesses  should  continue  to  benefit  from  sustained 
capital spending. High levels of spending on infrastructure 
are  underway. 
the  housing 
slowdown  remain  a  key  domestic  issue,  although  the 
effects so far have been muted.  

  The  consequences  of 

Subject  to  market  conditions  being  maintained,  the 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

Bank is targeting:  
(cid:131) 
Growth 
(“EPS”) 
in  cash  Earnings  Per  Share 
exceeding  10%  compound  annual  growth  rate 
(“CAGR”)  over  the  three  year  period  to  30  June 
2006,  which  is  expected  to  be  ahead  of  industry 
growth; 
Improvement  in  productivity  between  4-6%  CAGR 
over this period; and 
Growth  in  profitable  market  share  across  major 
product lines. 
Having 

in 
the 
determining  the  dividend  as  set  out  on  page  113,  and 
subject to no significant change in the Bank’s strategy and 
operating environment, the ratio of dividends per share to 
“cash”  earnings  is  expected  to  be  maintained  at  around 
the  current  level  (that  is,  the  ratio  with  Which  new  Bank 
costs added back).  The Bank expects that the impact of 
expenses  related  to  Which  new  Bank  will  be  significantly 
lower  going 
to 
increase.  Accordingly,  cash  earnings  should  be 
significantly higher and we expect to increase the dividend 
per share each year. 

forward,  and  benefits  will  continue 

factors  considered 

regard 

to 

Board Changes 

This  coming  Annual  General  Meeting  will  mark  my 
retirement as Chairman and as a Director of the Bank. Mr 
Ross  Adler  has  also  signalled  his  intention  to  retire  from 
the Board at that meeting. Mr Adler has been a committed 
and consistent valuable contributor to the deliberations of

3 

Chairman’s Statement continued 
the Board since his appointment in 1990.  He has served 
on  the  Audit,  Remuneration  and  Risk  Committees  of  the 
Board  at  various  times  and  has  always  been  a  diligent 
member of those committees. 

There have been many changes in the Bank and in 
the  financial  services  industry  since  I  joined  the  Board  in 
1985 and since I became chairman in 1999. Early during 
my  term  on  the  Board  the  Bank  was  privatised  and 
became  a  publicly  listed  company.  There  were  other 
significant structural changes along the way, including the 
merger with the State Bank of Victoria and the acquisition 
of ASB Bank and Colonial Limited, all of which contributed 
to  the  strengthening  of  the  competitive  positioning  of  the 
Bank.  During  this  time  there  has  been  considerable 
innovation  as  the  Bank  has  diversified  into  new  lines  of 
wealth  management  businesses  and  led  the  introduction 
of  banking  technologies,  such  as  telephone  and  internet 
internet  broking,  with  CommSec  now 
banking  and 

servicing  the  greatest  number  of  broking  transactions  in 
the market. 

in 

Currently, 

the  Bank 

is  engaged 

the  most 
important  change  since  its  privatisation,  with  the  Which 
new Bank program. The execution of this program is vital 
for  the  long  term  success  of  the  Bank  and  it  is  pleasing, 
therefore,  that  such  good  progress  has  been  made  to 
date.  It  is  an  important  underpinning  of  the  Board’s 
commitment to achieving strong growth in all of the Bank’s 
businesses  and  in  growing  sustainable  and  reliable 
returns for shareholders. 

I  have  been  privileged  to  serve  on  your  Board  and 
as  Chairman  for  the  last  five  years.    I  am  confident  that 
the  Board  is  well  positioned  for  the  future  under  the 
capable  chairmanship  of  John  Schubert  who  will  be 
succeeding  me.  I  would  like  to  take  the  opportunity  to 
thank  shareholders,  customers  and  staff 
their 
continued support of the Bank.  

for 

John Ralph, AC 
Chairman 
11 August 2004 

3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends 

The total dividend for the year is another record at 183 
cents  per  share,  an  increase  of  29  cents  or  18.8%  on  the 
prior year.  The dividend was determined after adding back 
the  expenses  related  to  the  Which  new  Bank  program 
which,  although  charged  against  profit,  is  regarded  as  an 
investment in determining the dividend to shareholders.  As 
a result, the dividend payout ratio (“cash basis”) for the year 
is 89.1% (73.9% with Which new Bank costs added back). 

The dividend payment for the second half of the year 
is 104 cents per share (85 cents per share in the previous 
year).    This  dividend  payment  is  fully  franked  and  will  be 
paid on 24 September 2004 to owners of ordinary shares at 
the  close  of  business  on  20  August  2004  (record  date).  
Shares will be quoted ex-dividend on 16 August 2004. 

During  the  year,  the  Bank  issued  $201  million  of 
shares  to  satisfy  shareholder  participation  in  the  Dividend 
Reinvestment  Plan  (“DRP”)  in  respect  of  the  final  dividend 
for  2002/03  and  $188  million  in  respect  of  the  interim 
dividend  for  2003/04.    The  Bank  expects  to  issue  around 
$250  million  of  shares  in  respect  of  the  DRP  for  the  final 
dividend for 2003/04. 

Highlights 

Financial Performance and Business Review

The  Bank’s  net  profit  after  tax  (“statutory  basis”)  for 
the  year  ended  30  June  2004  was  $2,572  million,  an 
increase of 28% on the prior year’s result of $2,012 million. 
The  current  year’s  result  included  an  appraisal  value  uplift 
of $201 million, compared with a reduction in the appraisal 
value  of  controlled  entities  of  $245  million  for  the  previous 
year. 

The  Bank  posted  a  strong  operating  result  for  the 
year, with net profit after tax (“underlying basis”) up 15% to 
$3,078  million  from  $2,674  million  for  the  year  to  30  June 
2003. 

Factors  contributing 

to 

the  growth 

in  operating 

performance included: 
(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

life 

Insurance 

Continued  strong  home  lending  growth  domestically 
and  in  New  Zealand  were  the  major  contributors  to 
the growth in lending asset balances, which increased 
18% to $206 billion; 
Improved  performance 
in  Funds  Management 
following positive investor sentiment in the market and 
higher assets under administration; 
Significantly  stronger  general  and 
results; 
Cost  control  across  the  business,  with  operating 
expenses increasing only 3.5% during the year; 
A  favourable  credit  environment,  with  very  low  levels 
of corporate and personal defaults; 
Initial  benefits  arising  from  the  Which  new  Bank 
program, offset by 
Some  margin  compression,  in  line  with  the  industry, 
with  net  interest  margin  down  14  basis  points  to 
2.53%. 
The net profit after tax (“cash basis”) for the year was 
$2,695 million, an increase of 5% over the prior year.  This 
result was achieved after absorbing $535 million (after tax) 
of incremental expenses in relation to the Which new Bank 
program.  

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

In  addition,  buoyant  domestic  and  global  equity 
markets led to investment returns on shareholders’ funds in 
Funds  Management  and  Insurance  increasing  to  $152 
million (after tax) against $73 million in the prior year. 

Which new Bank Program 

The  Bank  has  made  excellent  progress  in  the  Which 
new Bank program announced to the market in September 
2003, meeting all critical project milestones set for the year. 
Net  benefits  realised in  2004 of  $237  million exceeded  the 
market commitment of $200 million. 

Investment  spend  of  $634  million  for  the  twelve 
months was below the target of $660 million, however, total 
impact on 2004 profitability was slightly higher due mainly to 
lower levels of capitalisation. 

transformation  of 

Focus  during  the  2005  financial  year  will  be  on  the 
execution  of  several  major  IT  projects,  as  well  as  a 
significant  cultural 
the  domestic 
operations.    Following  the  successful  pilot  of  the  Bank’s 
new  integrated  customer  service  system,  CommSee,  in 
Tasmania,  the  roll  out  will  commence  progressively  across 
the  network  as  further  development  of  the  system  is 
completed. 

Overall,  the  program  remains  on  track  to  deliver  a 
total annual net benefit of $900 million by 2006 and beyond, 
with  a  total  investment  of  $1,480  million  over  the  three 
years. More detail is included on page 7. 

5 

 
 
Highlights (continued) 

Contributions to Profit (after income tax) 
Banking 
Funds Management 
Insurance 
Net Profit after Income Tax ("underlying basis") 
Shareholder Investment Returns (after tax) 
Initiatives including Which new Bank (after tax) (1)  
Net Profit after Income Tax ("cash basis") 
Appraisal value uplift/(reduction) 
Goodwill amortisation 
Net Profit after Income Tax ("statutory basis") 

Shareholder Summary 

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

Full Year Ended 

30/06/04
$M

30/06/03 
$M 

Increase/
(Decrease)
%

2,675 
274 
129
3,078 
152 
(535)
2,695 
201 
(324)
2,572 

2,376 
233 
65 
2,674 
73 
(168)
2,579 
(245)
(322)
2,012 

13 
18 
98 
15 
108 
large
5 
large
1 
28 

Full Year Ended 

30/06/04

30/06/03 

Increase/
(Decrease)

% 

183 
1.1 
1.3 

196.9 
196.8 
206.6 
206.5 
237.1 
237.0 

93.5 
89.1 
77.6 
1,256 
1,257 
13.2 
15.1 

154 
1.3 
1.4 

157.4 
157.3 
202.6 
202.5 
210.2 
210.0 

97.7 
75.9 
73.3 
1,253 
1,254 
13.3 
13.8 

19 

25 
25 
2 
2 
13 
13 

(0.1)
1.3

Underlying growth of 15% on prior year

299

64

2,674

41

3,078

152

(535)

2,695

$ m

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

Underlying
NPAT June 03

Banking

Insurance

Funds
Management

Underlying
NPAT June 04

S'holder Invest
Returns

Which new
Bank initiative
(after tax)

Cash NPAT
June 04

(1) 

June 2004 results reflect the Which new Bank program, while the prior year includes strategic initiatives undertaken and the cost of the June 
2002 Employee Share Acquisition Plan (ESAP) paid in October 2002. 

Important Dates for Shareholders 

24 September 2004 
5 November 2004 
9 February 2005 

Full Year Dividend Payment 
Annual General Meeting 
2005 Interim Results Announcement 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Highlights (continued) 

Net Profit after Income Tax ("statutory basis") 
Net Profit after Income Tax ("cash basis") 
Net Profit after Income Tax ("underlying basis") (1) 

Net Interest Income 
Other banking income 
Funds management income 
Insurance income 
Total Operating Income 
Shareholder investment returns 
Policyholder tax benefit/(expense) 
Total Income 

Operating expenses 
Initiatives including Which new Bank (2) 
Total Operating Expenses 

Charge for bad and doubtful debts 

Net Profit Before Income Tax 
Policyholder tax expense/(benefits) 
Corporate tax expense 
Outside equity interests 
Net Profit after Income Tax ("cash basis") 
Appraisal value uplift/(reduction) 
Goodwill amortisation 
Net Profit after Income Tax ("statutory basis") 

Full Year Ended 

30/06/04 
$M 

30/06/03
$M

Increase/
(Decrease)
%

2,572 
2,695 
3,078 

5,410 
     2,846 
1,158
678
10,092
196
203
10,491 

5,500 
749 
6,249 

276 

3,966
203
1,059 
9 
2,695 
201
(324)
2,572

2,012 
2,579 
2,674 

5,026 
2,627 
1,115 
598 
9,366 
91 
(58)
9,399 

5,312 
239 
5,551 

305 

3,543 
(58)
1,016 
6 
2,579 
(245)
(322)
2,012 

28 
5 
15 

8 
8 
4 
13 
8 
large
large
12 

4 
large
13 

(10)

12 
large
4 
50 
4 
large
1 
28 

(1) 
(2) 

Underlying basis excludes Which new Bank program and Shareholder investment returns. 
June 2004 results reflect the Which new Bank program, while prior year includes strategic initiatives undertaken and the cost of the June 
2002 ESAP paid in October 2002. 

Key Performance Indicators 

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

Funds Management 
Funds under administration 

Insurance 
Inforce premiums 

Capital Adequacy 
Tier 1 (%) 
Total (%) 
Adjusted common equity 

Full Year Ended 

30/06/04 
$M 

30/06/03
$M

Increase/
(Decrease)
%

            2.53 
        214,187 
       197,532 

2.67 
188,270 
174,737 

       109,883 

98,566 

            1,167 

1,076 

7.43 
10.25 
4.75 

6.96 
9.73 
-

(0.1)
14
13

11

8

0.5
0.5
-

Capital Management 

The Bank maintains a strong capital position. This is recognised in its credit ratings which again remained unchanged  
during the year. 

Credit Ratings 

Fitch Ratings 
Moody's Investor Services 
Standards & Poor's 

Long Term 

Short Term

Affirmed

AA 
Aa3 
AA- 

F1+
P-1
A-1+

Feb 04
Dec 03
Apr 04

Additional  information  regarding  the  Bank’s  capital  management  initiatives  are  disclosed  in  Note  31  to  the  Financial 

Statements.  

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Highlights (continued) 

Balance Sheet Summary 

Total assets 
Total liabilities 
Shareholders' equity 

Assets held and Funds under administration 
On Balance Sheet 
Banking assets 
Insurance Funds under administration 
Other insurance and internal funds management assets 

Off Balance Sheet 
Funds under administration 

Productivity and Efficiency(1) 

Banking 
    Expense to income (%) 
    Underlying expense to income (%) 
Funds Management 
    Expense to average funds under administration (%) 
    Underlying expense to average funds under administration (%) 
Insurance 
    Expense to average inforce premiums (%) 
    Underlying expense to average inforce premiums (%) 

Underlying staff expense/total operating income (%) 
Total operating income per FTE ($) 

Full time staff equivalent (FTE's) - Australia 
Full time staff equivalent (FTE's) - International 

Full time staff equivalent (FTE's) - Which new Bank 
Full time staff equivalent (FTE's) 

(1) 

Productivity changes shown as an annualised percentage change. 

Which new Bank Program 

Program expenses incurred 
Provision for future costs 
Investment capitalised 
Gross Which new Bank expense 

Normal project spend  
Expensing of previously capitalised software 
Incremental Which new Bank expense - before tax 
Incremental Which new Bank expense - after tax 

Which new Bank Benefits 

Gross benefits 
Additional operating expenses 
Net benefits 

30/06/04
$M

305,995 
281,110 
24,885 

30/06/03 
$M 

265,110 
242,958 
22,152 

265,062 
22,952 
17,981 
305,995 

86,931 
392,926 

229,289 
22,144 
13,677 
265,110 

76,422 
341,532 

Increase
%

15
16
12

16
4
31
15

14
15

Full Year Ended 

30/06/04

30/06/03 

Increase/
(Decrease)
%

       59.2 
       50.8 

             54.7 
             52.0 

       0.80 
       0.76 

              0.87 
             0.83 

       47.3 
       46.1 

             50.4 
             50.4 

25.3
278,047

26.5 
261,292 

28,814
7,060
35,874
422
36,296

29,608 
6,237 
35,845 
 - 
35,845 

(8.2)
2.3

8.0
8.4

6.2
8.5

(4.5)
6.4

(2.7)
13.2
-
n/a
1.3

Full Year
30/06/04
$M

Market
Commitment
$M

634
208
(112)
730

(200)
219
749
535

Full Year Ended 30 June 2004 

Revenue
$M

152
(60)
92

Costs 
$M 

145 
- 
145 

660
210
(180)
690

(200)
215
705
500

Total
$M

297
(60)
237

The  impact  on  current  year  expenses  is  the  net  of  $145  million  cost  benefits,  less  the  impact  of  additional  operating 

expenses of $60 million, totalling $85 million.  

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Banking Analysis 

Financial Performance and Business Review 

Asia Pacific 

Banking operations posted a strong result for the year 
with underlying net profit after tax up 13% to $2,675 million. 
The underlying result was driven by strong growth in home 
loan  and  other  personal  lending,  an  improved  credit 
environment and increased volumes. 

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

During  the  year  ASB  Bank  achieved  strong  growth 

Expenses in relation to the Which new Bank program 

across the loan portfolio, particularly in housing credit.  

totalled $499 million (after tax) for the year. 

Australian Retail 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

the 

in  other  personal 

The  strong  performance  of 

retail  banking 
operations was driven by continued growth in the residential 
housing market, improved growth in other personal lending 
and  solid  deposit  growth.    Performance  highlights  for  the 
year to June included: 
(cid:131) 

Home lending growth of 20%, underpinned by record 
in  both  proprietary  and  broker 
sales  volumes 
channels. 
Strong  performance 
lending, 
assisted  by  enhancements  to  the  Personal  Loan 
product and the launch of a new “Platinum” credit card 
in March 2004. 
Improved  arrears  levels  across  the  retail  lending 
portfolios, notwithstanding strong volume growth. 
Strong  gains 
levels, 
supported  by  efficiency  improvements  in  operations 
processing areas and branch operations. 
Continued growth in online channels, with the Bank’s 
NetBank  service  recognised  during  the  year  as  the 
number one Internet Banking site in Australia (source: 
Australian NetGuide magazine May 2004). 
Significant progress has been made in the Which new 
Bank service transformation program designed to ensure a 
better  service  outcome  for  our  customers.    The  major 
initiatives undertaken across the retail bank during the year 
included: 
(cid:131) 

in  underlying  productivity 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

Changes  to  our  home  loan  process,  which  make 
applying  for  a  new  loan  or  changing  details  on  an 
existing  loan  much  simpler  and  easier.    Through 
system and process improvements, the great majority 
of  home  loan  applications  through  retail  proprietary 
channels are now either conditionally approved on the 
spot  or  within  one  business  day.    Around  70%  of 
maintenance  transactions  (such  as  amending  loan 
repayments on existing loans) can now be completed 
immediately  in  the  branch  or  over  the  telephone, 
compared with up to 10 days previously.   
The  commencement  of  our  “Breakaway”  Service  and 
Sales  program  across  our  1,000-strong  retail  branch 
network,  encompassing  a  number  of  changes  to 
improve  frontline  customer  service,  including  new 
for  all 
service-focused  performance  measures 
frontline  staff,  dedicated  service  and  sales  coaching 
and  changes  to  staff  roles  designed  to  ensure  a 
greater  proportion  of  time  is  spent  on  servicing 
customers.  Early signs of significant improvements in 
service and sales outcomes are being experienced as 
this has been rolled out. 
The  refurbishment  of  125  branches  to  a  modern 
layout  more  conducive  to  effective  customer  service.  
A  further  200  to  250  branches  are  targeted  for 
refurbishment over the next two years.   
A  continued  emphasis  on  reducing  customer  waiting 
times,  with  some  branches  showing  up  to  a  50% 
improvement.  
implementation  of  world  class  processing 
The 
techniques 
in  our  back-office  processing  areas, 
delivering  both  significant  efficiency  benefits  and 
improved turnaround times for our customers. 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

Performance highlights were: 
Lending  growth  at  well  above  market  rates  in  the 
rural  sectors  continued 
retail,  commercial  and 
loan  market  share 
the  year.  Home 
throughout 
increased to 22.2% from 20.6% in June 2003. 
Leading  customer  service  in  the  Banking  sector.  For 
the  sixth  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 
fifth 
consecutive  year,  ASB  was  rated  the  top  business 
bank on the same criteria. 
A focus on technology innovation has led to the ASB 
website being judged the best Finance website for the 
second consecutive year by NetGuide Web Awards. 
The  continued  focus  on  process  efficiencies  has 
delivered  an  end-to-end  credit  card  approval  process 
which  is  faster,  at  a  lower  cost,  and  with  improved 
service delivery. 
The  banking  operations 

Indonesia  and  Fiji 

survey.  For 

the 

in 

continued to achieve strong balance sheet growth.   

Premium, Business, Corporate & Institutional 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

in 

The  strong  domestic  economy  and  strict  credit 
discipline  have  led  to  continued  good  credit  quality.    The 
market  has  been  characterised  by  a  drive  to  gain  market 
share  via  aggressive  pricing  and  competitive  terms  and 
conditions.  Within  this  competitive  environment  we  have 
increased  market  share 
in  some  segments  whilst 
maintaining  share  for  the  others.  Major  achievements 
during the year have been: 
(cid:131) 

Growing market share in the business lending market 
(source:  RBA)  with  strong  performance 
the 
institutional and corporate segments. 
Gained traction in the Transaction Banking segments 
through some major client wins. Market share in both 
the  top  500  and  commercial  segments  continued  to 
increase (source: East & Partners). 
Strong growth in Asset Finance market share (source: 
AELA). 
Ranked  second  in  Asia  Pacific  for  project  finance 
deals (source: Thompson). 
Maintained  number  one  position  in  capital  markets 
(source: Bloomberg, IFR, INSTO). 
Participated  in  the  acquisition  of  the  Loy  Yang  A 
power  station  as  joint  advisor.  This  was  a  landmark 
transaction  in  the  energy  sector  and  is  the  largest 
secondary  market 
the  Australian 
trade  sale 
infrastructure sector. 
The  Premium  Financial  Services  and  Institutional  & 
Business  Services  business  units  merged  on  18  May  to 
more effectively meet the many common needs of premium 
and business customers.  This newly formed business unit, 
Premium  Business  Services,  enhances  our  ability 
to 
deepen  relationships  and  in  doing  so,  better  identify  high 
quality and relevant ideas for our customers.   

in 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

Other 

initiatives  undertaken  during 

the  year 

to 

strengthen the business have been: 
(cid:131) 

Completion  of  the  redesign  program  to  deliver  better 
customer alignment and simplified processes. 
Development  of  the  CommSee  application  to  further 
enhance customer service capabilities. 
Continued focus on Customer Service Centres for day 
to  day  servicing  to  support  the  relationships  with  our 
clients. 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

9 

 
 
 
Banking Analysis (continued) 

Key Performance Indicators 

Net interest income 
Other operating income 
Total Operating Income 
Operating expenses  
Initiatives including Which new Bank (1) 
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 Profit after Income Tax ("underlying basis") (2) 

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 
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 (%) 

Full Year Ended 

30/06/04
$M

30/06/03 
$M 

Increase/
(Decrease)
%

5,410
2,846 
8,256
4,191 
698 
4,889 
276 
3,091 
914 
1 
2,176 
2,675 

5,026
2,627
7,653
3,982
201
4,183
305
3,165
931
                        -
2,234
2,376

       59.2 
       50.8 
       29.6 

54.7
52.0
                 29.4

205,945 
214,187 
197,532 

169,321 
197 
0.82 

175,074
188,270
174,737

146,808
434
0.90

451.8 
        0.16 

239.4
                   0.21

8 
8 
8 
5 
large
17 
(10)
(2)
(2)
-
(3)
13

(8.2)
2.3
20bpts

18 
14 
13 

15 
(55)
(8)bpts

large
(5)bpts

Underlying growth of 13%  on prior year

219

29

(209)

384

(124)

2,675

(499)

2,176

$ m

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,376

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

Underlying
NPAT June
03

Net Interest
Income

Other
Banking
Income

Bad Debts

Expenses

Tax

Underlying
NPAT June
04

Which new
Bank
Initiative
(after tax)

Cash NPAT
June 04

(1) 

(2) 

June 2004 results reflect the Which new Bank program, while prior year results include strategic initiatives undertaken and the cost of 
the June 2002 ESAP paid in October 2002. 
Underlying basis excludes Which new Bank program. 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Banking Analysis (continued) 

Net Interest Income 

Other Banking Operating Income 

Average Interest Earning Assets and NIM Trends

2.76%

29,592

2.67%

33,399

141,042

154,871

2.53%

38,093

176,094

220,000

200,000

180,000

160,000

140,000

120,000

100,000

80,000

60,000

40,000

20,000

0

2.8%

2.6%

2.4%

2.2%

2.0%

1.8%

1.6%

1.4%

1.2%

1.0%

0.8%

0.6%

0.4%

0.2%

0.0%

)

m
$
(
s
t
e
s
s
A
g
n
n
r
a
E

i

t
s
e
r
e
t
n

I
e
g
a
r
e
v
A

Jun-02

Jun-03

Jun-04

Lending Assets (excl Bank Accept)

Non-Lending Interest Earning Assets

Total NIM

Net interest income increased by 8% to $5,410 million 
for  the  year.    This  increase  was  achieved  through  an 
increase of 14% in average interest earning assets to $214 
billion, offset by a 14 basis point reduction in the net interest 
margin to 2.53%. 

Volume 

The  increase  in  average  interest  earning  assets 
represents an increase of $21 billion in lending assets and 
$5  billion  in  non-lending  interest  earning  assets.    The 
increase  in  average  interest  earning  assets  contributed 
$673 million to growth in net interest income. 

The  largest  contributor  to  the  increase  in  average 
the  strong 
interest  earning  assets  continued 
residential  lending  market  in  Australia  and  New  Zealand, 
with  average  loan  balances  increasing  by  20%  since  30 
June  2003 
(net  of  securitisation), 
accounting  for  over  85%  of  the  total  increase  in  average 
lending assets. 

to  $111.4  billion 

to  be 

Margin 

2.7%

2.6%

2.5%

2.4%

2.3%

2.2%

2.1%

2.0%

NIM Compression Since June 2003

2.67%

(0.06)%

(0.04)%

(0.03)%

(0.01)%

2.53%

NIM 2003

Grow th in
liquid assets

Funding Mix

Asset mix

Competition
ef fect

NIM 2004

The  reduction  of  14  basis  points  in  the  Net  Interest 
Margin  (NIM)  from  2.67%  for  the  year  to  30  June  2003  to 
2.53% reduced net interest income by $289 million. Factors 
impacting the margin reduction include: 
(cid:131) 

Non  lending  interest  earning  assets:  Non  lending 
interest  earning  assets  increased  by  $4.7  billion 
during  the  year  largely  as  a  result  of  increased 
liquidity  requirements  due  to  balance  sheet  growth 
and  increased  market  making  activities  in  Global 
Markets.  This reduced the NIM by six basis points. 
Funding  Mix:  The  strong  growth  in  home  loans 
outpaced  growth  in  retail  deposits,  resulting  in  a 
higher reliance on wholesale funding. The impact was 
to reduce NIM by four basis points. 
Asset Mix: The continued strong growth in home loan 
balances  compared  with  other 
lending  reduced 
margins by three basis points. 
Competition:  Represents  the  net  impact  of  pricing 
changes  on  asset  and  liability  products.  Spreads  on 
housing  loans  have  tightened,  offset  by  improved 
spreads  on  deposit  products.  The  net  impact  of 
competition is a one basis point reduction in the NIM. 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

3,000

s
n
o

2,500

i
l
l
i

m
$

)
I

B
O

(

2,000

e
m
o
c
n

I

1,500

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

1,000

500

0

34.7%

2,499
150

489

618

1,242

2,627 
79 
34.3% 
502 

652 

2,846
120

34.5%

499

724

1,394 

1,503

Jun-02

Jun-03 

Jun-04

%
e
m
o
c
n

I

g
n
i
k
n
a
B

l
a
t
o
T

/
I

B
O

35%

34%

33%

32%

31%

30%

Commissions

Lending fees 

Trading Income

Other

Other  banking  operating  income  increased  by  8%  to 
$2,846 million for the year compared with $2,627 million for 
the  previous  year.    This  includes  non-interest  income 
earned  on  transaction  accounts  for  the  Bank’s  personal, 
business and corporate customers.   

Factors  impacting  other  banking  operating  income 

were: 
(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

to 

this 

Fees  and  commissions  increased  by  8%  to  $1,503 
million  driven  by  increased  volumes.    CommSec 
experienced  record  trading  levels  during  the  year 
resulting in an increase in commissions of 72%.  The 
acquisition and integration of TD Waterhouse effective 
increase.  
1  May  2003  also  contributed 
Spending  on  credit  cards  by  customers  increased  by 
17% during the year though this was partially offset by 
the impact of RBA interchange regulations.  Personal 
transaction  fees  are  less  than  5%  of  the  Bank’s  total 
income. 
Lending  fees  increased  by  11%  to  $724  million.  
Growth  in  retail  lending  fees  was  the  result  of  the 
increased activity in home lending, margin lending and 
overdraft 
fees,  which  was  partly  offset  by 
increased  mortgage  broker  volumes  and  valuation 
fees.    Institutional  and  Business  fees  increased, 
reflecting an improvement in market conditions. 
Trading  income  was  in  line  with  last  year  at  $499 
million.  
Other  banking  income  increased  by  $41  million  to 
$120  million.    The  current  year  includes  the  profit  on 
sale  of  the  Fleet  Lease  business  of  $43  million  and 
Bank  of  Queensland  shares  of  $28  million  partially 
offset  by  equity  accounted  losses  of  an  associate 
entity principally related to a change in its accounting 
policy ($32 million).   
income 
The 

for  General 

line 

Insurance 

(previously 
reported in Other Banking Income) has been reallocated to 
the  Insurance  segment  and  prior  year  numbers  and  ratios 
have been restated.  This reduced other banking operating 
income by $47 million for the year ended 30 June 2003 and 
$59 million for the year ended 30 June 2004, with a similar 
increase in the Insurance total operating income.   

The  income  from  the  Bank’s  financial  planners  was 
reallocated  to  Funds  Management,  reducing  other  banking 
operating income by $24 million for the year ended 30 June 
2003 and $15 million for the year ended 30 June 2004. 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Banking Analysis (continued) 

Operating Expenses 

Bad and Doubtful Debts 

Total  operating  expenses  on  a  comparable  basis 
increased  by  5%  to  $4,191  million  for  the  current  year.  
The increase was due to: 
(cid:131) 

increases  of  4%  awarded  under 

the 

Salary 
Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA). 
The  full  year  effect  of  establishing  the  Premium 
Financial  Services  business  which  supported  the 
strong growth in other banking operating income. 
Increases  in  volume  related  expenses  including 
credit card loyalty. 
Operational  (non-lending)  losses  incurred  in  retail 
banking and institutional banking. 
These  increases  were  partly  offset  by  initial  Which 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

new Bank savings. 

Productivity Efficiency 

Underlying Banking Expense to Income Ratio

54.1%

55%

54%

53%

52%

51%

50%

49%

52.0%

50.8%

Jun-02

Jun-03

Jun-04

The  underlying  Banking  expense  to  income  ratio 
continued  to  improve  from  52.0%  for  the  year  ended  30 
June  2003  to  50.8%  for  the  current  year,  a  productivity 
improvement of 2.3%. 

It  is  expected  that  productivity  gains  will  accelerate 
over  the  remaining  two  years  of  the  Which  new  Bank 
program  as  further  cost  initiatives  are  implemented,  and 
the full year benefits realised. 

Which new Bank Program 

The  key  strategic  activities  carried  out in  the  current 
year  included  service  process  improvements  and  branch 
refurbishments  in  Retail  Banking  Services,  as  well  as  the 
continued implementation of the IBS redesign program and 
process improvements. 

Net  benefits  realised  within  the  Banking  operations 
during  the  year  ended  30  June  2004  totalled  $214  million 
pre  tax.  These  benefits  are  split  between  ongoing  cost 
savings  of  $124  million  and  revenue  benefits  of  $90 
million, and were realised across the following areas: 
(cid:131) 

Redesign  of  business  and  corporate  banking  and 
associated supporting functions. 
Several  initiatives  in  the  retail  banking  and  premium 
financial segments. 
General procurement and IT&T savings. 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

The  total  charge  for  bad  and doubtful  debts  of  $276 
million  was  low  compared  with  the  prior  two  years  ($305 
million  for  the  year  ended  30  June  2003 and $449  million 
for the year ended 30 June 2002). 

The  low  interest  rates  continued  to  contribute  to  a 
good  credit  environment,  with  personal  and  corporate 
arrears and default levels at low levels. 

total 
The  Bank  remains  well  provisioned,  with 
provisions  for  impairment  as  a  percentage  of  gross 
impaired  assets  net  of  interest  reserved  of  451.8%  (June 
2003 : 239.4%) and a general provision as a percentage of 
risk weighted assets of 0.82%, compared with 0.90% at 30 
June 2003. 

Taxation Expense 

The  corporate  tax  charge  of  $914  million  is  in  line 
with the prior year and reflects the effect of the incremental 
Which new Bank program expenses. The effective tax rate 
increased by 20 basis points to 29.6%. 

12 

 
 
 
 
Banking Analysis (continued) 

Assets & Liabilities 

Retail 

Major Balance Sheet Items (gross of impairment) 

Lending assets - Home Lending 
Lending assets - Personal Lending 
Deposits 

Market Share 

Home Loans(3) 
Retail deposits(4) 
Credit cards(4) 

(1) 
(2) 
(3) 
(4) 

As reported in the Dec-2003 Profit Announcement 
as at May 2004 
Source: APRA / ABS 
Source: Reserve Bank of Australia 

Increase/
(Decrease)
%

              20 
        10 
              5 

30/06/04
$M

104,883
13,160
72,360

30/06/04
19.3%(2)
23.6%(2)
22.7%(2)

30/06/03 
$M 

87,592
11,989
68,702

30/06/03(1) 

19.5%
24.2%
22.8%

Lending Assets 

Personal Lending 

Australian  retail  banking  lending  assets  increased  by 
19%  to  $118  billion.    Lending  assets  comprise  Australian 
Home Lending and Personal Lending. 

Home Lending  

Home loan balances net of securitisation increased by 
20%  since  30  June  2003  to  $105  billion.    The  increase  in 
home  loans  was  the  major  factor  contributing  to  the 
increase  in  total  lending  assets  during  the  year.    This 
reflects  continued  strong  demand  in  both  owner  occupied 
and  investment  loans.    Market  share  as  at  31  May  2004 
was  19.3%,  compared  with  19.5%  as  reported  at  June 
2003, relating to March 2003 (source: APRA).  The Bank’s 
market share as at June 2003 was 19.3%. 

The  Bank  maintained 

its  position  as  Australia’s 
leading  home  loan  provider  and  has  increased  its  share  of 
broker  originated  loans  which  now  account  for  16%  of  the 
total  Australian  book  compared  with  11%  at  June  2003, 
while  26%  of  new  home  loans  funded  were  originated  by 
third party brokers.   

Personal  lending  includes  Personal  Loans,  Credit 
Cards and Margin Loans.  Balances increased by 10% over 
the  year  to  $13.2  billion  reflecting  growth  in  Credit  Card 
balances and margin lending. 

Retail Deposits 

total 
Retail  deposits  showed  good  growth,  with 
balances  increasing  by  over  $3  billion  to  $72.4  billion.  
Competition  has  intensified  within  the  market  as  the 
improved  investment  market  performance  has  started  to 
attract customers back to equity based products.  The sale 
of  Commonwealth  Custodial  Services  Limited  during  the 
year  impacted  the  Bank’s  deposit  market  share  by  an 
estimated 24 basis points. 

Asia Pacific 

Major Balance Sheet Items (gross of impairment) 

Lending assets - Home Lending 
Lending assets - Other 
Trading & investment securities 
Debt issues 
Deposits 

Market Share 
NZ Lending for housing (2) 
NZ Retail Deposits(2) 

(1) 
(2) 

As reported in the December 2003 Profit Announcement 
Source: Reserve Bank of NZ 

30/06/04
$M

16,967
10,018
2,459
5,500
19,176

30/06/03 
$M 

Increase/
(Decrease)
%

12,611
7,269
2,953
2,281

                       35 
                        38 
(17)
large 
17,168                          12 

30/06/04

30/06/03(1) 

22.2%
17.5%

20.6%
16.4%

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Banking Analysis (continued) 

Lending Assets 

The  New  Zealand  lending  volumes  were  very  strong 
during  the  year  across  all  sectors,  particularly  in  housing 
and  business  lending.    Credit  demand  was  strong  and 
housing activity remained buoyant.   

ASB Bank achieved Personal lending growth of 27%, 
Rural  lending  growth  of  22%  and  Business/Commercial 
lending  growth  of  23%.  Total  operations  advances  growth 
was  26.5%.  This  compared  with  the  annual  market  growth 
of 11.7% as measured by Private Sector Credit (Residents 
only). 

Institutional and Business and Group Treasury 

Major Balance Sheet Items (gross of impairment) 

Lending assets 
Trading & investment securities 
Debt issues 
Deposits 

Market Share 
Transaction Services (Commercial)(3) 
Transaction Services (Corporate)(4) 
Business Lending(5) 
Asset Finance(6) 

ASB  Bank’s  share  of  the  home  lending  market 
continued  to  grow,  with  market  share  increasing  to  22.2% 
from  20.6%  (source:  Reserve  Bank  of  New  Zealand).  
Focused marketing activity and ASB Bank’s award winning 
service and sales performance underpinned this result. 

Deposits 

Retail  funding  within  ASB  Bank  increased  15%  to 

$14.2 billion. 

Increase/
(Decrease)
%

11 
29 
36 
30 

30/06/04
$M

60,918
23,884
38,542
71,641

30/06/04
24.4%(2)
20.9%(2)
14.2%(2)
16.0% 

30/06/03 
$M 

55,060
18,518
28,347
55,104

30/06/03(1) 

22.7%
18.1%
14.0%
15.1%

(1) 
(2) 
(3) 

As reported in the Dec-2003 Profit Announcement 
as at May 2004 
Source: East & Partners. Survey respondents included 
companies with $20 million to $340 million turnover. 

(4) 

(5) 
(6) 

Source: East & Partners. Survey respondents are companies 
with turnover greater than $340 million 
Source: APRA / RBA 
Source: AELA (Aust Equip Lessors Assoc) 

Lending Assets 

Debt Issues 

Institutional and Business Lending has increased $5.8 
billion  or  11%  over  the  year  to  $60.9  billion.    This  growth 
reflected good transaction activity in Institutional Banking, a 
stronger  performance  in  Corporate  Banking  and  steady 
growth in Business Banking.  Market share as at May 2004 
has  increased  to  14.2%  compared  with  30  June  2003  of 
14.0% (source: APRA). 

Trading and Investment Securities 

Trading  and  investment  securities  increased  by  $5.4 
billion  to  $23.9  billion  at  30  June  2004.    This  increase  is 
primarily  due  to  increased  liquidity  requirements  arising 
from liability growth. 

Debt  issues  were  $38.5  billion  at  30  June  2004,  an 
increase  of  $10  billion.    The  increase  reflects  offshore 
funding raised on favourable terms to fund the growth in the 
Bank’s assets. 

Deposits 

Deposits  were  $71.6  billion,  an  increase  of  $16.5 
billion.    This  primarily  reflects  an  increase  in  business 
deposit market share as well as increased use of wholesale 
funding to fund the growth in the Bank’s assets. 

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Banking Analysis (continued) 

Total Banking 

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

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

Trading & Investment Securities 

Deposits and Other Public Borrowings 

Debt Issues 

30/06/04
$M

129,455 
(7,605)
121,850 
13,208 
55,869 
15,019 
205,946 

30/06/03 
$M 

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

26,343 

21,471

163,177 

140,974

44,042 

30,629

Increase/
(Decrease)
%

21 
17 
22 
7 
13 
14 
18 

23 

16 

44 

Australian Home Loan Balances by 
Product Type at 30 June 2004

Owner  
Occupied  
57% 

Investment 
35%

Line of 
Credit 8%

Australian Home Loan balances by 
Loan Type at 30 June 2004 

Variable  
Rate 62% 

Fixed Rate 
21%

Honeymoon 
17%

Lending Assets

s
n
o

i
l
l
i

m
$

220,000

200,000

180,000

160,000

140,000

120,000

100,000

80,000

60,000

40,000

20,000

0

175,074

13,197 

49,305 

12,369 

100,203

205,946

15,019 

55,869 

13,208 

121,850

Jun-03

Jun-04

Housing

Personal

Institutional and Business

Bank Acceptances

Origination of Home Loans funded for the 
year (Australia only) 

Third Party 
26%

Proprietary 
74%

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Banking Analysis (continued) 

Provisions for Impairment 

General provisions 
Specific provisions 
Total Provisions 

Total provisions for impairment as a % of gross impaired assets  
net of interest reserved 

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

General provisions as a % of risk weighted assets 

Bad debt expense as a % of risk weighted assets 

Total  provisions  for  impairment  for  the  Bank  at  30 
June 2004 were $1,536 million.  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 by 
30% to $143 million at 30 June 2004, primarily as a result of 
significant reductions in the level of impaired assets (Gross 
Impaired  Assets  net  of  interest  reserved  have  reduced  by 
$299 million since June 2003, a reduction of 47%). 

30/06/04 
$M 

1,393 
143 
1,536 

30/06/03
$M

1,325 
205 
1,530 

451.8

239.4

42.1

0.82

0.16

32.1

0.90

0.21

The general provision for impairment has increased to 
$1,393  million  at  30  June  2004,  an  increase  of  5%  since 
June 2003.  The general provision as a percentage of Risk 
Weighted Assets reduced to 0.82% from 0.90% in the year.  
This  level  is  generally  consistent  with  that  of  other  major 
Australian banks.  The general provision as a percentage of 
risk weighted assets has declined over the last three years 
reflecting:  
(cid:131) 

Major growth in credit has been in home loans which 
have a lower credit risk than other portfolios;  
Continuing  strong  asset  quality  in  the  business  book; 
and  
The  reduction  in  gross  impaired  assets  to  the  lowest 
level in the past decade.  

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

Growth in Assets of $36bn drives growth in RWA of $20bn

$ m

300,000

250,000

200,000

150,000

100,000

50,000

0

Gross Assets

(+17%) $36bn

250,856

214,718

74,472

83,256

+$9bn

103,987

+$21bn

+$2bn

+$4bn

12,427

23,832

Jun-03

125,026

15,020

27,554

Jun-04

Risk weighted on balance sheet assets

(+15%) $20bn

148,773

128,950

74,472

+$9bn

51,993

Jun-03

+$11bn

83,256

62,513

Jun-04

Risk Weighting 0%

Risk Weighting 20%

Risk Weighting 50%

Risk Weighting 100%

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income 

Operating  income  increased  by  4%  to  $1,172  million 
for the year.  This was achieved despite the negative impact 
from  the  appreciation  of  the  Australian  Dollar  and  the 
reduction of income following the sale of the Bank’s custody 
business. 

The  revenue  increase  was  supported  by  an  11% 
increase in FUA balances from $99 billion in 2003 to $110 
billion.    Average  funds  under  administration  for  the  year 
were  $105.5  billion,  which  is  6%  higher  than  in  the  prior 
year.    FUA  margins  were  very  resilient  with  the  income  to 
average  FUA  ratio  decreasing  by  three  basis  points  to 
1.11% over the year. 

Shareholder Investment Returns 

Shareholder  investment  returns  attributable  to  the 
Funds  Management  business  of  $26  million  were  double 
the  prior  year  figure  of  $13  million  reflecting  the  strong 
investment markets during the year. 

Operating Expenses 

(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 

Operating expenses consist of two components: 
Ongoing operating costs; and 
Volume  related  costs  which  vary  in  relation  to  the 
level of business and revenue. 
Operating  costs  were  $26  million  lower  than  in  the 
prior year, reducing from $666 million to $640 million.  The 
reduction was due to: 
(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 

The exit from non-core products in the UK business; 
Rationalisation of back office processes; 
Rationalisation of legacy systems; and 
Favourable exchange rate movements. 
Volume related expenses were $8 million higher than 
in  the  prior  year,  an  increase  of  5%  which  was  in  line  with 
revenue growth. 

Productivity Efficiency 

Underlying  operating  expenses  as  a  percentage  of 
average  funds  under  administration  of  0.76%  were  down 
seven basis points compared with June 2003, a productivity 
improvement of 8%.  

Which new Bank Program 

Costs  of  $37  million  relating  to  Which  new  Bank 
initiatives include  the  expenses  of  continued  rationalisation 
of  systems,  development  of  FirstChoice  mastertrust 
platform,  with  a  new  version  launched  in  May  2004  and 
redundancies  resulting  from  the  strategic  review  of  the  UK 
operations.    The  prior  year  also  includes  the  one-off  cost 
relating to the sale of the custody business. 

Taxation 

The corporate tax charge for the year was $79 million, 
an  effective  tax  rate  of  22%  compared  with  20%  last  year.  
The low effective tax rate in this business is largely due to 
transitional tax relief on investment style funds management 
products  within  life  insurance  legal  entities.    The  benefits 
derived  from  this  relief  are  being  phased  out  over  a  five 
year period ending in 2005. 

Funds Management Analysis 

Financial Performance and Business Review 
Performance Highlights 

Underlying  net  profit  after  tax  increased  by  18%  to 
$274  million  for  the  year.    This  result  was  achieved  on 
increased 
in  a  competitive 
environment  the  business  focused  on  tight  cost  control 
which  resulted  in  a  4%  reduction  in  non-volume  related 
expenses.   

revenues  of  4%  while 

Funds  under  administration  (FUA)  ended  the  year  at 
$110  billion,  which  is  up  11%  on  30  June  2003  levels, 
assisted by stronger domestic and international investment 
markets  together  with  good  inflows  to  the  FirstChoice 
product in Australia and wholesale mandates in the United 
Kingdom. 

Business Review 

During  the  year  there  was  a  recovery  of  investment 
markets  and  an  associated 
investor 
confidence.    These  conditions  resulted  in  a  recovery  in 
flows into the retail funds sector after two years of relatively 
poor market returns.  

improvement 

in 

investors 

The  emerging  preference  of  retail 

for 
platform  products  resulted  in  the  more  traditional  retail 
products  being  in  net  outflow  for  the  year.    In  the  platform 
sector,  the  Bank  was  well  positioned  with  the  FirstChoice 
product increasing its FUA to over $7 billion.  This resulted 
in  the  FirstChoice  product  being  the  industry  leader  in 
platform  net  flows  during  the  year  (Source:  Plan  for  Life: 
March 2004). 

International net flows were very strong, particularly in 
the United Kingdom, with FUA increasing by 32.5% over the 
year. 

There  was  a  focus  on  costs  during  the  year  which 
resulted  in  a  $26  million  reduction  in  non  volume  related 
expenses.    This  was  achieved  despite  the  business 
continuing  to  incur  significant  additional  costs  in  respect  of 
regulatory and compliance matters.  

Which new Bank Program 

The Funds Management business is a key contributor 
to the Bank’s Which new Bank transformation program. The 
majority  of  the  Funds  Management  initiatives  undertaken 
during the year centred on developing the platform offerings 
and investing in our adviser network.   

There  was  also  a  continuation  of 

the  system 
simplification  program  within  the  legacy  product  business 
which has and will result in significant cost savings.  These 
initiatives  will  substantially  improve  our  capacity  to  serve 
our  customers  and  position  the  business  to  meet  the 
changing  preferences  of  investors.    Key  highlights  of  the 
initiatives during the year were: 
(cid:131) 

the 

A continuation of the product migration strategy away 
from  older  style  closed  products.  The  number  of 
product  systems  supporting  legacy  products  has 
already  been  reduced  from  17  to  11,  and  is  targeted 
to reach five by December 2005. 
Launch  of 
improved  FirstChoice  mastertrust 
platform,  with  additional  services  and  reporting  for 
financial planners. 
A  restructure  of  back  office  services  to  reduce  costs 
and provide simpler processes. 
A strategic review of our UK operations which resulted 
in  a  more  targeted  product  range  and  a  reduction  in 
the cost base of this business. 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

Investment Performance 

The absolute returns of most of the funds were strong 
reflecting the recovery of investment markets. On a relative 
basis  70%  of  funds  out-performed  their  benchmark  during 
the year.  The flagship Australian Equity and Global Equity 
funds,  however,  were  below  benchmark  on  a  one  year 
comparative  performance  which  negatively  impacted  fund 
flows. 

17 

 
Funds Management Analysis (continued) 

Profit Summary 

Key Performance Indicators 

Funds Management 
Operating income - external 
Operating income - internal  
Total Operating Income 
Shareholder investment returns 
Policyholder tax expense/(benefits) 
Funds Management Income 
Volume based expenses 
Other operating expenses 
Operating expenses 
Initiatives including Which new Bank (1)  
Total Operating Expenses 
Net Profit before Income Tax 
Policyholder tax expense/(benefits) 
Corporate tax expense 
Outside equity interests 
Net Profit after Income Tax ("cash basis") 
Net Profit after Income Tax ("underlying basis") (2) 

Full Year Ended 

30/06/04
$M

30/06/03 
$M 

Increase/
(Decrease)
%

1,158
14
1,172
26
149
1,347
166
640
806
37
843
504
149
79
8
268
274

           1,115 
13 
1,128 
13 
(62) 
 1,079 
 158 
 666 
 824 
 38 
862 
217 
(62) 
57 
6 
216 
233 

4 
8 
4 
large
large
25 
5 
(4)
(2)
(3)
(2)
large
large
39 
33
24 
18 

(1) 

(2) 

June 2004 results reflect the Which new Bank program, while prior year results include strategic initiatives undertaken including the one  
off cost relating to the sale of the custody business. 
Underlying basis excludes shareholder investment returns and Which new Bank program. 

Funds Under Administration 
Funds under administration - average 
Net flows 

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

105,458
846

99,280 
(686) 

6 
large

1.11
0.80
0.76
22.3

1.14 
0.87 
0.83 
               20.4 

(3)bpts
8.0 
8.4 
190bpts

Underlying growth of 18%  on prior year

44

233

26

(8)

(21)

20

(26)

274

268

$ m

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

Underlying
NPAT June 03

Operating
income

Other
operating
expenses

Volume based
expenses

Tax -
Corporate

Underlying
NPAT Jun 04

S'holder Invest
Returns

Which new
Bank initiative
(after tax)

Cash NPAT
June 04

18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Funds Management Analysis (continued) 

Funds under Administration 

Wholesale 

Funds under administration increased by 11% to $110 
billion at 30 June 2004.  The primary drivers of FUA growth 
were  the  strong  investment  markets  which  added  $10 
billion; the positive net flows in the FirstChoice product, and 
the international business.   

Offsetting  this  was  the  net  outflow  of  the  other  retail 

products due to: 
(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 

Run-off of legacy products; 
Reduced support for the Australian equity funds; and 
Industry trend towards platform products. 
Average  funds  under  administration  of  $105.5  billion 
for  the  year  ended  30  June  2004  was  6%  higher  than  the 
prior year. 

FirstChoice and Avanteos 

FirstChoice  achieved  $7  billion 

funds  under 
administration  during  the  year,  an  increase  of  119%  over 
the prior year.  Net flows of $3 billion during the year placed 
the  product  at  the  top  of  the  industry  for  platform  flows 
(source:  Plan 
for  Life  March  04).  The  relaunch  of 
FirstChoice in May 2004 resulted in record net flows into the 
product in June. 

The  Avanteos  business  acquired  during  2003  and 
provider  of  wholesale  wrap  products,  experienced  strong 
inflows  during  the  year  with  FUA  approaching  $2  billion  at 
the end of the year. 

Other Retail (including Legacy Products) 

Other  Retail  has  two  major  components,  being  the 
closed  legacy  products  and  the  traditional  CFS  retail 
products.  

Other  CFS  retail  funds  under  administration  have 
continued  to  struggle  to  attract  and  retain  customers  as 
investors move away from traditional single entity managers 
to flexible mastertrust and wrap platforms, like FirstChoice.   
The net outflow position of the legacy products results 
from the business decision to close most of these products 
to new clients. There remains a substantial inforce business 
in the legacy products and retention measures to minimise 
outflows from these products have been implemented. 

Wholesale  funds  under  administration  have  risen  6% 
to $27 billion during the year.  Investment returns were $2.7 
billion  for  the  year  partly  offset  by  $1.1  billion  in  net 
outflows.  The  net  outflows  on  the  wholesale  business  was 
largely  attributable  to  Australian  equity  funds.    Other  asset 
classes showed good inflows. 

Property 

Property  funds  under  administration  comprise  both 
listed and unlisted (wholesale) funds.  Total property funds 
under  administration  grew  by  $0.8  billion  or  7%,  benefiting 
from  both  asset  revaluations  and  acquisitions  of  new 
properties. 

Internationally Sourced 

International funds net inflows were $2.4 billion for the 
year  due  to  some  large  mandate  wins  into  the  Global 
Emerging Markets product. Combined with good investment 
returns,  this  resulted  in  a  32.5%  increase  in  international 
FUA over the year. 

Definition 

Funds  under  administration  include  all  funds  sourced 
by  platforms  such  as  FirstChoice  and  Avanteos,  including 
the assets which are externally managed. This represents a 
change  from  the  funds  under  management  disclosed  in 
previous years.  

The  change  has  been  made  as  platform  sales 
represent the largest growth area in the retail funds industry 
and  to  exclude  these  funds  would  present  an  incomplete 
view of the business performance. 

The Bank monitors the leading market share position 
under  both  definitions.  Comparative  numbers  have  been 
restated. 

Funds  under  administration 

for  FirstChoice  and 
Avanteos have been represented together for the first time.  
Comparative  numbers 
inflows,  outflows  and 
including 
investment income have been restated. 

retail 

Other 

reflecting 
investment returns for the year of positive $3.9 billion, offset 
by net outflows. 

remained  steady 

funds 

19 

 
 
Closing
Balance
30/06/04
$M

9,010
4,414
37,738
27,020
12,624
90,806
19,077

Closing
Balance
30/06/03
$M

4,192
4,963
37,749
25,485
11,790
84,179
14,387

Funds Management Analysis (continued) 

Year Ended 30 June 2004 

Funds Under Administration 

  Opening 
  Balance 
30/06/03 
$M 

Inflows  Outflows
$M

$M 

Income
$M

Investment  Acquisitions &

Fx 
Disposals Movements (1) 
$M 

$M

FirstChoice & Avanteos 
Cash Management 
Other Retail 
Wholesale 
Property 
Domestically Sourced 
Internationally Sourced 
Total - Funds Under 
Administration 

4,192
4,963
37,749
25,485
11,790
84,179
14,387

5,431 
3,178 
4,893 
12,322 
2,023 
27,847 
7,769 

(1,370)
(3,930)
(8,820)
(13,453)
(2,079)
(29,652)
(5,118)

757
203
3,916
2,666
890
8,432
1,592

                    -
                    -
                    -
                    -
                    -
                    -
(255)

                      - 
                      - 
                      - 
                      - 
                      - 
                      - 
702 

98,566

35,616 

(34,770)

10,024

(255)

702 

109,883

Year Ended 30 June 2003 

Funds Under Administration 

  Opening 
  Balance 
  30/06/02 
$M 

Inflows  Outflows
$M

$M 

Income
$M

Investment  Acquisitions &

Fx 
Disposals Movements(1) 
$M 

$M

FirstChoice & Avanteos 
Cash Management 
Other Retail 
Wholesale 
Property 
Domestically Sourced 
Internationally Sourced 
Total - Funds Under 
Administration 

568
5,634
41,953
29,240
8,895
86,290
19,522

4,221 
1,121 
11,356 
10,126 
963 
27,787 
4,603 

(614)
(1,970)
(13,867)
(13,329)
(183)
(29,963)
(3,113)

17
178
(1,693)
(552)
(43)
(2,093)
(424)

-
-
-
-
2,158
2,158
(5,000)

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(1,201) 

105,812

32,390 

(33,076)

(2,517)

(2,842)

(1,201) 

98,566

(1) 

Includes foreign exchange gains and losses from translation of internationally sourced business. 

Market Share 
Australian Retail – administrator view(2) 
New Zealand(3) 
Australian Property(4) 

(1) 
(2) 

as at March 2004 
Source: Plan for Life. The administrator view considers 
market share from the perspective of the company, 
which administers the product, and also includes 
badged products distributed by separate entities. 

30/06/04 
14.4%(1) 
14.4%(1) 
5.5% 

30/06/03

14.5%
14.5%
n/a

(3) 
(4) 

Source: Fund Source Research 
Source: UBS Warburg 

20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

Significant  reductions  in  expense  levels  for  the  Hong 
Kong operations; and 
Development of new distribution capabilities. 
The  Asian  business  produced  $3  million  in  operating 
margins  compared  with  a  loss  of  $9  million  for  the  prior 
year.  The  favourable  result  for the  current  year  was  driven 
by: 
(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 

Improved investment markets; 
Increased sales across all markets; 
Expense containment; and 
Improved persistency. 
The  result  was  impacted  by  a  $16  million  write  off  of 
capitalised  pre-licence  start-up  costs  in  China  which  was 
reflected in Australian shareholder investment returns. 

Operating Income 

Operating  income  of  $678  million  was  13%  higher 
than  in  the  prior  year.  Operating  income  in  the  prior  year 
included a write-down of an asset in the Australian annuity 
fund of $30 million.  Taking this item into account, operating 
income  was  up  8%  on  the  prior  year.      This  was  mainly 
attributable 
inforce  premiums,  positive 
experience on claims and an increase in general insurance 
income. 

to  growth 

in 

Shareholder Investment Returns 

Shareholder  investment  returns  attributable  to  the 
insurance business of $170 million for the year represent an 
increase  of  $92  million  on  the  prior  year,  reflecting  the 
rebound in domestic and overseas equity markets.   

Operating Expenses 

Underlying Expenses to average inforce 
premiums

58.5%

50.4%

46.1%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

Jun-02

Jun-03

Jun-04

Operating  expenses  of  $517  million  decreased  by  $2 
million  compared  with  the  prior  year,  due  to  a  drop  in 
volume  related  costs  in  the  Asian  business.  Non  volume 
related  costs  were  in  line  with  the  prior  year,  with  EBA 
related  increases  in  staff  costs,  and  increased  compliance 
and  regulatory  related  costs  being  offset  by  savings 
from  process 
tight  cost  control  and 
achieved  by 
reengineering in the back-office. 

The  underlying  expense  to  average  inforce  premium 
ratio  of  46.1%  represents  a  9%  productivity  improvement 
over the year. 

Corporate Taxation  

The corporate tax charge for the year was $66 million 
an  effective  tax  rate  of  20.8%  compared  with  17.8%  last 
year.    The  low  effective  tax  rate  in  this  business  is  largely 
due  to  transitional  tax  relief  on  certain  products  within  life 
insurance  legal  entities.    The  benefits  derived  from  this 
relief are being phased out over a five year period ending in 
2005.  

Insurance Analysis 

Financial Performance and Business Review  
Performance Highlights 

The  underlying  profit  after  tax  for  the  Insurance 
business for the year was $129 million, an increase of 98% 
over  the  prior  year.    This  result  was  achieved  with  a  13% 
increase in operating income due to improved underwriting 
and  favourable  claims  experience.  Non  volume  related 
expenses  were  maintained  at  last  year’s  levels  driven  by 
improved efficiency. 

Business and Financial Review 

Australia 

The  profit  growth  in  the  Australian  business  was 
achieved from strong underwriting performance in both the 
general  and  life  risk  insurance  categories.  This  was  driven 
largely  by  robust  claims  management,  favourable  claims 
experience  and  improved  profitability  in  the  annuities 
market.  

Non  volume  related  management  expenses  were 
maintained  at  last  year’s  levels  at  the  same  time  as 
providing  enhanced  customer  service  levels.  This  was 
achieved 
re-
engineering delivering enhanced productivity and efficiency 
in the business. 

through  significant  business  process 

(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

to  more 

Key drivers of the current year’s result were: 
Premium growth with Life Risk Premiums up 8%. 
Strong investment returns. 
Improved margins in the annuity market as a result of 
a 
rational  competitive  pricing 
return 
behaviour. 
Robust claims management activity driving enhanced 
claims  expense  outcomes  despite  some 
large 
weather  related  claims  in  the  general  insurance 
segment early in the year. 
The group maintained its number one market share of 

risk premiums with a 14.8% share of the market. 

New Zealand 

The life insurance operations in New Zealand operate 

predominantly under the Sovereign brand. 

The market for risk products was subdued during the 
year.    However,  Sovereign  increased  market  share  in  new 
business  from  27%  to  28%  and  maintained  its  market 
leadership  position  with  28.2%  of  the  inforce  premium 
market  (source:  ISI).  The  business  continued  to  expand 
sales  through  aligned  channels  such  as  ASB  Bank  while 
maintaining 
traditional 
levels  of  support 
the 
independent financial advisers. 

from 

During  the  year  the  business  fundamentals  were 
further 
tighter 
through  product 
underwriting  standards  and  continued  rationalisation  of 
products and systems. 

improved 

repricing, 

The  New  Zealand  business  generated  $55  million 
profit  after  tax.  This  represents  a  20%  increase  on  last 
year’s result of $46 million. 

Asia 

Asia 

includes 

pension 
administration  operations  in  Hong  Kong,  together  with  life 
businesses  in  China,  Vietnam,  Indonesia  and  Fiji.  Hong 
Kong represents our largest operation in the region. 

insurance 

and 

life 

The  Asian  business  continued 

to 

improve.  Key 

initiatives during the year included: 
(cid:131) 

Improved risk profile of Hong Kong business following 
amendments to investment mix, product repricing and 
product mix; 

21 

 
 
 
 
Insurance Analysis (continued) 

Profit Summary 

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

Insurance 
Life Insurance Operating Income 
General Insurance Operating Income 
Total Operating Income 
Shareholder investment returns 
Policyholder tax 
Total Insurance Income 
Volume based expenses 
Other operating expenses - external 
Other operating expenses - internal 
Operating expenses 
Initiatives including Which new Bank (1) 
Total operating expenses 
Net Profit  before Income Tax  
Income tax expense attributable to: 
Policyholder 
Corporate 
Net Profit after Income Tax ("cash basis") 
Net Profit after Income Tax ("underlying basis") (2) 

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

Full Year Ended 

30/06/04
$M

30/06/03 
$M 

Increase/
(Decrease)
%

618 
60 
678 
170 
54 
902 
224 
279 
14 
517 
14 
531 
371 

54 
66 
251 
129 

551
47
598
78
4
680
228
278
13
519
-
519
161

4
28
129
65

12 
28 
13 
large
large
33 
(2)
0 
8 
(0)
-
2 
large

large
large
95 
98 

         47.3 
         46.1 
20.8

              50.4
               50.4
               17.8

6.2
8.5
300bpts

Full Year Ended 

30/06/04
Sources of Profit from Insurance Activities 
$M
The Margin on Services profit from ordinary activities after income tax is represented by: 

Planned profit margins 
Experience variations 
Other 
General insurance operating margin 
Operating margins 
After tax shareholder investment returns 
Net profit after Income Tax ("cash basis") 

107 
                -
(8)
19 
118 
133 
251 

30/06/03 
$M 

Increase/
(Decrease)
%

104
(42)
(8)
11
65
64
129

3 
-
-
73 
82 
large
95 

Geographical Analysis of Business Performance 

Australia 

New Zealand 

Asia 

Total 

Full Year Ended 

Net Profit after Income Tax 
(“cash basis”) 

30/06/04  30/06/03 30/06/04 30/06/03
$M

$M 

$M

$M

30/06/04 30/06/03  30/06/04 30/06/03
$M

$M 

$M 

$M

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

78 

101 
179 

43 

35 
78 

37 

18 
55 

31 

15 
46 

3 

14 
17 

(9)

14 
5 

118 

133 
251 

65 

64 
129 

(1) 
(2) 

June 2004 result reflects the Which new Bank program. 
Underlying basis excludes shareholder investment returns and Which new Bank program. 

22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance Analysis (continued) 

Inforce Premiums 

Annual Inforce Premiums 

General Insurance 
Personal Life 
Group Life 
Total 

Australia 
New Zealand 
Asia 
Total 

Opening 
Balance
30/06/03
$M

              196
             626
             254
           1,076

              771
              221
               84
           1,076

Full Year Ended 30 June 2004 

Sales/New
Business
$M

Lapses 
$M 

Other
Movements(1)
$M

46
156
53
255

177
42
36
255

(50)
(85)
(34)
(169)

(133)
(16)
(20)
(169)

            -
6 
(1)
5 

            -
11 
(6)
5 

Closing 
Balance
30/06/04
$M

          192 
          703 
          272 
        1,167 

          815 
           258 
94 
        1,167 

(1) 

Consists mainly of foreign exchange movements. 

Annual Inforce Premiums 

General Insurance 
Personal Life 
Group Life 
Total 

Australia 
New Zealand 
Asia 
Total 

Full Year Ended 30 June 2003 

Opening 
Balance
30/06/02
$M

Sales/New
Business
$M

172
580
229
981

698
187
96
981

51
129
58
238

180
43
15
238

Lapses 
$M 

(27)
(78)
(30)
(135)

(107)
(16)
(12)
(135)

Other
Movements(2)
$M

                    -
(5)
(3)
(8)

                    -
7 
(15)
(8)

Closing 
Balance
30/06/03
$M

196
626
254
1,076

771
221
84
1,076

(1) 

(2) 

Life Insurance results for both New Zealand and Asia include savings products.  Savings products are disclosed within Funds 
Management for the Australian business.  Inforce premium relates to risk business only. 
Consists mainly of foreign exchange movements. 

Annual  inforce  premiums  increased  by  $91  million  or 
8%  to  $1,167  million  for  the  year  ended  30  June  2004.  
General  Insurance  lapses  include  $19  million  of  rebadged 
premiums  which  ceased  to  be  attributable  to  the  CBA 
business due to a FSRA related business restructuring. 

The Australian business maintained its leading market 
share  of  inforce  premiums  despite  a  reduction  from  15.3% 
at  30  June  2003  to  14.8%  at  31  March  2004.    Sovereign 
maintained  its  leading  position  in  New  Zealand  with  a 
market  share  of  28.2%,  slightly  down  from  28.3%  at  30 
June 2003. 

Market Share – Annual Inforce Premiums 

New Zealand(4) 
Australia (Total Risk)(5) 
Australia (Individual Risk)(5) 
Hong Kong(6) 

30/06/04

28.2%(2)
14.8%(3)
12.8%(3)
2.5%(3)

30/06/03

(1)

28.3%
15.3%
13.0%
2.8%

(1) 
(2) 
(3) 

As reported in the December 2003 Profit Announcement 
as at May 2004 
as at March 2004 

(4) 
(5) 
(6) 

Source: ISI Statistics 
Source: Plan for Life 
Source: HK Insurance Assoc 

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder Investment Returns 

Shareholder Investment Returns 

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

Full Year Ended 

30/06/04
$M

30/06/03 
$M 

26
170
196
44
152

13
78
91
18
73

Increase/
(Decrease)
%

large
large
large
large
large

At 30 June 2004 
Shareholder Investments Asset Mix (%) 

Australia 
% 

New Zealand 
% 

Local equities 
International equities 
Property 
Other (1) 
Sub-total 
Fixed interest 
Cash 
Other 
Sub-total 
Total 

10 
4 
22 
- 
36 
39 
25 
 - 
64 
100 

                        1 
                        6 
                        4 
3 
                      14 
                      38 
                      35 
                      13 
                      86 
                    100 

At 30 June 2004 
Shareholder Investments Asset Mix ($M) 

Australia
$M

New Zealand
$M

Local equities 
International equities 
Property 
Other (1) 
Sub-total 
Fixed interest 
Cash 
Other  
Sub-total 
Total 

166 
64 
357 
-
587 
644 
415 
-
1,059 
1,646 

3 
26 
17 
14 
 60
156 
147 
52 
355 
415 

(1) 

Other assets include the excess of carrying value over net tangible assets. 

Domestic  and 

investment  markets 
international 
rebounded  strongly  over  the  year,  with  the  benchmark 
S&P/ASX200  price  index  increasing  by  16.7%  and  the 
MSCI World index by 21.8%. All other asset classes (fixed 
interest, property and cash) posted positive returns. 

Asia 
% 

4  
6  
 -  
4  
14  
61  
7  
18  
86  
100  

Asia 
$M 

 25 
 38 
-
 21 
 84 
 364 
 42 
 110 
 516 
 600 

Total 
% 

7 
5 
14 
1 
27 
44 
23 
6 
73 
100 

Total
$M

194 
128 
374 
35 
731 
 1,164 
604 
162 
 1,930 
 2,661 

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 are 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 certain market based factors  which result 
in  the  adoption  of  a  more  conservative  valuation  that  is 
$450 million lower at 30 June 2004 ($450 million lower at 30 
June  2003)  than  that  determined  by  Trowbridge  Deloitte.  
The  key  consideration  by  Directors  in  determining  their 
value  is  the  continued  uncertainty  of  investment  markets 
and industry funds flows. 

Carrying Value at 30 June 2004 

Shareholders net tangible assets 
Value of inforce business 
Embedded Value 
Value of future new business 
Carrying Value 
Increase/(Decrease) in Carrying 
Value since 30 June 2003 

Analysis of Movement Since 30 June 2003 

Profits 
Capital movements (2) 
Dividends paid 
FX Movements 
Change in Shareholders NTA 
Appraisal value uplift/(reduction) 
Increase/(Decrease) to 30 June 2004 

Funds 
Management 
$M 

515 
1,850 
2,365 
2,774 
5,139 

(334) 

Funds 
Management 
$M 

268 
(27) 
(470) 
(10) 
(239) 
(95) 
(334) 

Life Insurance 

Australia 

New Zealand 

Asia(1) 

Total 

$M 

1,131 
295 
1,426 
235 
1,661 

73 

$M 

415  
286  
701  
277  
978  

129  

$M 

$M 

600 
                - 
600 
24 
624 

2,661 
2,431 
5,092 
3,310 
8,402 

(12) 

(144) 

Life Insurance 

Australia 

New Zealand 

Asia(1) 

Total 

$M 

180 
108 
(421) 
- 
(133) 
206 
73 

$M 

54 
(29) 
(9) 
19  
35 
94 
129 

$M 

17 
- 
- 
(25) 
(8) 
(4) 
(12) 

$M 

519 
52 
(900) 
(16) 
(345) 
201 
(144) 

(1) 

(2) 

The Asian life businesses are not held in a 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 subject to impairment. 
Includes capital injections, transfers and movements in intergroup loans.

Change in Valuations  

The  valuations  adopted  have  resulted  in  a  total 
negative  change  in  value  of  $144  million  since  30  June 
2003. The main components comprised: 
(cid:131) 

A $345 million decrease in net tangible assets partially 
reflecting improved capital efficiency. 

(cid:131) 

An  appraisal  value  uplift  of  $201  million,  reflecting 
projected  sales  levels,  higher  retention  rates  and 
improved  equity  markets  and  their  effect  on  industry 
flows.

Movem ent in Directors Valuation

519

(864) 

8,546

201

8,402

$ m

9,500

9,000

8,500

8,000

7,500

7,000

Directors Valuation
June 2003

Profit

Capital Movements
Including Dividends

Uplift in Value

Directors Valuation
June 2004

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
"Operating  Expenses  –  Initiatives  including  Which 
new Bank” refers to incremental expenses associated with 
these initiatives. Prior period numbers refer to the strategic 
initiatives  as  outlined  in  the  Bank’s  annual  report  for  the 
year ended 30 June 2002 and June 2002 Employee Share 
Acquisition  Plan  costs  paid  in  October  2002  following 
changes to the Bank’s remuneration structures and policy. 
These  incremental  costs  principally  relate  to  restructuring 
expenses.  “Operating  expenses  –  Initiatives  including 
Which new Bank” plus “operating expenses — comparable 
business”  is  equal  to  the  Australian  GAAP  measure 
"operating  expenses".  Management  believes 
is 
meaningful  to  highlight  these  items  in  an  analysis  of  our 
results. 

it 

"Underlying  profit"  refers  to  profit  after  tax,  “cash 
basis”,  before  operating  expenses  -  initiatives  including 
Which  new  Bank  and  shareholder  investment  returns. 
"Underlying profit" is referred to across all our businesses. 
The  underlying  profit  is  the  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.  

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

"Underlying" productivity ratios: 
Exclude expenses of “Initiatives including Which new 
Bank”; 
Exclude  shareholder  investment  returns  from  funds 
management and life insurance income; and 
Exclude policyholder tax from the funds management 
income and life insurance income lines. 
In 

productivity 

providing 

ratios, 
"underlying" 
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 
ratios.  Management 
presentation  of  our  productivity 
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. 
.

Presentation of Financial Information 

Definitions 

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  interests,  before 
goodwill  amortisation  and  funds  management  and  life 
insurance  appraisal  value  uplift/(reduction).  "Cash  basis" 
net  profit  after  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 uplift/(reduction). 
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. Also  for  the 
year  ended  30  June  2004,  the  Bank  has  added  back  the 
non-recurring  ‘Which  new  Bank’  costs  in  considering  the 
amount to be distributed as dividends to shareholders. 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 
insurance 
funds  management  and 
businesses  which  in  part  is  driven  by  external  economic 
factors  and  markets,  such  as  world  equity  markets  and 
interest rates. 

the 

life 

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 
value 
uplift/(reduction),  divided  by  the  weighted  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. 

insurance  appraisal 

life 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
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 Bank’s risk profile is measured by the difference 
between  capital  available  to  absorb  loss  and  risk  as 
assessed by target equity required. 

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

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

The  composition  of  economic  equity  of  the  Group 
during  the  financial  year  ended  30  June  2004  was  54% 
credit  risk,  11%  market  risk,  34%  operational  risk  and  1% 
insurance risk. 

The component measures of economic equity for the 
banking,  insurance  and  funds  management  businesses 
were as follows: 
(cid:131) 

Banking:  73%  credit  risk,  4%  market  risk  and  23% 
operational risk; 
Insurance: 40% market risk, 50% operational risk, 6% 
credit risk and 4% insurance risk; and 
Funds  Management:;  11%  market  risk  and  89% 
operational risk. 
The  following  sections  describe  the  integrated  risk 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

management framework components. 

Credit Risk  

Credit risk is the potential of 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, financial markets transactions and other 
associated  activities.  In  the  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 Bank uses a diversified portfolio approach for the 
management of credit risk (refer to Note 14) comprised of 
the following: 
(cid:131) 

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. 
These  policies  assist  in  the  diversification  of  the 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

credit portfolio. 

The  credit  portfolio  is  managed  in  two  distinct 

segments: 
(cid:131) 

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. 

27 

(cid:131) 

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. 
Provision  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  Bank.  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. 

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements 

The  Bank  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 
substance rather than form, and accordingly, determination 
of the existence of control involves management judgment. 
The Bank has no off balance sheet financing entities that it 
is considered to control. 

As  detailed in Note  1  (jj),  the Bank 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  Bank  in 
accordance  with  the  Australian  Prudential  Regulation 
Authority  (“APRA”)  Prudential  Guidelines.  These  liquidity 
facilities  are  disclosed  within  Contingent  Liabilities  as 
commitments to provide credit. 

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. 

in  both 

the  banking  and 

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

in  Note  39 

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

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. 

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

VaR Expressed based 
on 97.5% confidence 

Group 
Interest rate risk 
Exchange rate risk 
Implied volatility risk 
Equities risk 
Commodities risk 
Prepayment risk 
ASB Bank 
Diversification benefit 

Credit Spread(1) 
Total 

VaR Expressed based 
on 99.0% confidence 

Group 
Interest rate risk 
Exchange rate risk 
Implied volatility risk 
Equities risk 
Commodities risk 
Prepayment risk 
ASB Bank 
Diversification benefit 

Credit Spread(1) 
Total 

Average VaR
During
June 2004
Half Year
$M

Average VaR
During
December 2003
Half Year
$M

Average VaR 
During 
June 2003 
Half Year 
$M 

Average VaR
During
December 2002
Half Year
$M

2.88
1.09
0.84
0.70
0.37
0.58
0.14
(2.49)
4.11
4.92
9.03

3.02
1.24
0.92
0.56
0.33
0.36
0.20
(2.51)
4.12
-
4.12

3.43 
1.31 
0.62 
0.73 
0.32 
0.38 
0.15 
(2.32) 
4.62 
- 
4.62 

3.37
1.47
0.59
0.32
0.35
0.30
0.19
(2.14)
4.45
-
4.45

Average VaR
During
June 2004
Half Year
$M

Average VaR
During
December 2003
Half Year
$M

Average VaR 
During 
June 2003 
Half Year 
$M 

Average VaR
During
December 2002
Half Year
$M

3.69
1.28
1.04
0.98
0.45
0.58
0.19
(3.21)
5.00
5.84
10.84

3.99
1.50
1.26
0.70
0.40
0.36
0.25
(3.26)
5.20
-
5.20

4.31 
1.64 
0.79 
0.93 
0.41 
0.38 
0.20 
(3.02) 
5.64 
- 
5.64 

4.45 
1.75 
0.71 
0.39 
0.42 
0.30 
0.24 
(2.70) 
5.57 
- 
5.57 

(1) 

At  30  June  2004  the  value  at  risk  of  the  movement  of  credit  spreads  has  been  added  to  the  VaR  model.  This  had  previously  been 
captured in the “Specific Risk” allocation capital charge. Inclusion of a separate risk class reflects growth in this particular market segment 
and increasing availability of data on which to model. 

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. 

possible, 

Wherever 

segregates 
policyholder’s  funds  from  shareholder’s  funds  and  sets 
investment  mandates  that  are  appropriate  for  each.  The 
investment  mandates  for  assets  in  policyholder’s  funds 

Bank 

the 

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 policyholder’s 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 
for 
lower 
investment  linked  policies  is  at  the  discretion  of  the 
policyholder.  

fees  should  markets 

fall.  Asset  allocation 

A  smaller  proportion  of  policyholder’s  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  inforce  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 

28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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: 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Economic; 
Competitive; 
Social trends; or 
Regulatory. 
In  each  of 

the  businesses,  management 

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

the 

for 

The  Bank’s 

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

individual  risk  exposures  and 

Target  equity  for  the  banking  business  is  calculated 
by  aggregating  individual  risk  measures  which  are  based 
on  expert  assessment.  For  the  insurance  and  funds 
management  businesses  target  equity  is  calculated  using 
worst-case  scenarios  that  impact  upon  business  risk 
factors such as pricing, margins and business volumes.  

risk 

transfer  program 

The  Bank  continues  to  benchmark  and  monitor  its 
insurance 
for  efficiency  and 
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. 

Business Continuity Management 

Business Continuity  Management  (“BCM”)  within  the 
Bank  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 
Bank’s risk management process by providing a controlled 
response  to  potential  operational  risks  that  could  have  a 
significant  impact  on  the  Bank’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. 
A  comprehensive  BCM  program 

including  plan 
development,  testing  and  education  has  been  rolled  out 
across  all  business  units  to  embed  BCM  methodologies 
and capability throughout the Bank. 

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. 

Integrated Risk Management (continued) 
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. 

The  current  investment  mandate  for  shareholders’ 
funds  reflects  a  decision  taken  during  this  year  to  reduce 
the  overall  exposure  of  shareholders’  fund  to  growth 
assets. As at 30 June 2004, shareholders’ funds in the life 
insurance  business  are  invested  73%  in  income  assets 
(cash and fixed interest) and 27% in growth assets (shares 
and property), although the asset mix varies from company 
to  company.  Policyholder  funds  are  invested  to  meet 
policyholder  reasonable  expectations  without  putting  the 
policyholder at undue risk. 

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.  

Liquidity risk is not a significant issue in 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 
income. 
Furthermore,  processing  time  for  claims  and  redemptions 
enables each company to forecast and manage its liquidity 
needs with a high degree of accuracy. 

receive  substantial  premium 

to 

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 is 
integral 
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 Over the Counter (“OTC”) derivatives 
markets. 

the  Bank’s 

to 

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. 

OTC traded derivatives 
The  Bank  buys  and  sells  financial  instruments  that 
are  traded  ‘over-the-counter’,  rather  than  on  recognised 
exchanges. The terms and conditions of these transactions 
are  negotiated  between  the  parties,  although  the  majority 
conform 
Industry 
to  accepted  market  conventions. 
standard  documentation  is  used,  most  commonly  in  the 
form  of  a  master  agreement  supported  by  individual 
transaction  confirmations. The documentation protects  the 
Bank’s  interests  should  the  counterparty  default,  and 
provides 
in 
jurisdictions where the relevant law allows. 

to  net  outstanding  balances 

the  ability 

The  Bank’s  exposure  to  derivatives  is  disclosed  in 

Note 39 Market Risk. 

Operational and Strategic Business Risk 

The  Bank’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 

gain or loss resulting from: 
Inadequate  or 
- 
methodologies; 
People; 
Systems; or 
External events. 

- 
- 
- 

failed 

internal  processes  and 

29 

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  51  banking  groups  operating  in 
Australia  at  30  June  2004.  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 14) 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 
years 
regional  banking  sector  has  undergone 
substantial  consolidation  with  several  of  these  institutions 
amalgamating with other regional banks or being acquired 
by major banks. 

the 

locally 

through  a 

There  are  13  foreign  owned  banks  operating  in 
incorporated  subsidiary. 
Australia 
An additional  24  banks  conduct  operations 
through 
a foreign bank branch. While many foreign banks operating 
in Australia initially focused 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 
to  customers.  Five  foreign  banks  are  represented  in 
Australia  by  both  a  locally  incorporated  subsidiary  and  a 
branch. 

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.  

in 

the 

Changes 

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

change  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 
management,  especially  within 
the  superannuation 
industry.  Future  growth  will  be 
(pension 
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 
the  capital  markets, 
originator  of  corporate  debt 
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. 

in 

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  four 
financial  services  groups,  all  owned  by  Australian-based 
banks operating through nationwide branch networks. 

The  Group’s  major  competitors  in  New  Zealand  are 
ANZ  and  the  National Bank  of New  Zealand  (both  wholly- 
owned  subsidiaries  of  the  ANZ  Group),  Bank  of  New 
Zealand 
(a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  NAB),  and 
Westpac. In addition, there are several financial institutions 
operating largely in the wholesale banking sector including 
Deutsche Bank and ABN Amro. 

Through  its  wholly  owned  subsidiaries,  Sovereign 
Group  and  ASB  Group  Investments,  ASB  Group  also 
competes  in  the  New  Zealand  insurance  and  investment 
market,  where  Asteron  (part  of  the  Promina  Group)  and 
AXA are major competitors. 

Following  the  acquisition  of  Colonial  Ltd  in  June 
2000, the Group’s retail operations were extended into the 
United  Kingdom,  several  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.  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 to the 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. 

30 

 
Description of Business Environment (continued) 
The  prudential 

framework  applied  by  APRA 
embodied in a series of prudential standards including: 
(i)  Capital Adequacy 

is 

required 

Under APRA capital adequacy guidelines, Australian 
banks  are 
ratio  of  capital 
to  maintain  a 
(comprising Tier One and Tier Two capital components) to 
risk  weighted  assets  of  at  least  8%,  of  which  at  least  half 
must be Tier One capital.  Regulatory capital requirements 
are  measured  for  the  Bank  (“Level  1”)  and  for  the  Bank 
together  with  its  banking  subsidiaries  (“Level  2”).    APRA 
capital  requirements  are  generally  consistent  with  those 
agreed  upon  by 
the  Basel  Committee  on  Banking 
Supervision.  APRA has advised that a third level of capital 
adequacy  (“Level  3”)  for  conglomerate  groups  will  be 
implemented to coincide with Basel 2.  For information on 
the  capital  position  of  the  Bank,  see  Note  31  Capital 
Adequacy. 
(ii)  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  Certificates  of 
Deposits/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. 
(iii)  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  July  2003  the  limit  was  30%).  
Exposure  to  authorised  deposit  taking  institutions  (“ADIs”) 
is not to exceed 50% of the capital base. Prior consultation 
must  be  held  with  APRA  if  a  bank  intends  to  exceed  set 
thresholds. For information on the Bank’s large exposures 
refer to Note 14 to the Financial Statements. 
(iv)  Ownership and Control 

that 

financial 

regulated 

In  pursuit  of  transparency  and  risk  minimisation,  the 
Financial  Sector  (Shareholding)  Act  1998  embodies  the 
institutions  should 
principle 
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 
industry, 
in 
established  participants 
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. 

the  Australian  Securities  and 

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

Reserve  Bank  of  Australia  (“RBA”)  –  is  responsible 
financial  system  stability  and 

for  monetary  policy, 
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 
these 
products. 

the  providers  of 

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 
for 
disclosure  and  a  single  authorisation  procedure 
financial  exchanges  and  clearing  and  settlement  facilities.  
The  Financial  Services  Reform  Act  2001  enacting  these 
proposals came into force in March 2004. It is intended to 
facilitate  innovation  and  promote  business  while  at  the 
levels  of  consumer 
same 
protection and market integrity.   

time  ensuring  adequate 

The  Government  passed  into  law  in  June  2004  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. 

31 

Description of Business Environment (continued) 

(v)  Banks’ Association With Non-Banks 

There  are  formal  guidelines  (including  maximum 
exposure  limits  applicable  from  1  July  2003)  that  control 
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 
its  business,  or  effect 
a reconstruction  or  carry  on  business  in  partnership  with 
another  bank,  without  the  consent  of  the  Commonwealth 
Treasurer. 
(vi)  Supervision of Non-Bank Group Entities 

the  sale  or  disposal  of 

The  Australian  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 
audited accounts and supervisory inspections. Compliance 
with  APRA  regulation  for  general  insurance  companies  is 
monitored through regular returns, lodgment of an audited 
annual  return,  and  auditor  certification  covering  prudential 
matters. 

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 
instruments  such  as  bank  acceptances, 
other  credit 
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 
specific  segments 
the  credit  risk  rated  managed 
portfolio.  These  provisions  are  derived  primarily  by 
reference  to  historical  ratios  of  write-offs  to  balances  in 
default. 

in 

Specific provisions are provided for from the general 

provision. 

All 

facilities  subject 

for 
impairment are classified as non-accrual, as set out in Note 
15. 

to  a  specific  provision 

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  policyholder  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:131) 

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

payments; 

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

levels; 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

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: 
Recent results may be a statistical aberration; or 
- 
There  may  be  a  commencement  of  a  new  paradigm 
- 
requiring a change in long term assumptions. 
The Group’s actuaries arrive at conclusions regarding 
their  experience  and 

the  statistical  analysis  using 
judgement.  

Additional information on the accounting policy is set 
out in Note 1(ii) Life Insurance Business, and Note 34 Life 
Insurance Business details the key actuarial assumptions. 
Market Valuation of Life Insurance Controlled Entities 
life 
in  controlled  entities  held  by 
Interests 
insurance  companies  are  subject  to  revaluation  each 
period,  such  that  the  investment  in  the  controlled  entity  is 
recorded at market value. 

the 

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 

32 

systems  and  process 

additional expenditure in the key areas of staff training and 
skilling, 
simplification,  and 
technology. In the period to 30 June 2004 such expenses 
have 
totaled  $749  million  and  principally  comprise 
redundancies, expensing of previously capitalised software 
of  $219  million,  process 
improvements  and  branch 
refurbishment. 

The  Group  is  required  to  book  a  provision  for 
restructuring  costs  to  the  extent  that  it  has  announced  a 
plan  or  started  implementing  a  plan,  and  has  no  realistic 
alternative but to proceed with the restructuring.  

There  is  a  level  of  management  judgement  involved 
in  estimating  the  planned  costs  involved  and  the  level  of 
commitment to the plan, such that it is judged that the plan 
will proceed to completion.  

On this basis a provision for ‘Which new Bank’ costs 
of $208 million was outstanding at 30 June 2004, which is 
included in the expenses referred to above. 

The cost estimates for the provision were determined 
by  the  businesses  concerned  taking  into  account  the 
details  of  the  planned  initiatives  and  their  timing.  Other 
provisions  for  restructuring  established  in  the  past  have 
proved  to  be  appropriately  estimated  at  the  time.  The 
provision  established  in  June  2000  when  the  Group 
acquired the Colonial Limited Group of companies to cover 
the  integration  of  the  Colonial  operations  into  the  existing 
Group is described in Note 1(z) of the financial statements 
for  the  year  ended  30  June  2003.  This  provision  for 
restructuring  was  estimated  at  $400  million  at  30  June 
2000. This initial estimate was subsequently revised up to 
$545 million in the year ended 30 June 2001. The revision 
to costs of restructure principally related to additional staff 
redundancy payments and information technology contract 
termination costs. The current transformation initiative is a 
three year program that is estimated to cost $1,480 million 
over the 2004 to 2006 period. It is expected that additional 
provisions  for  ‘Which  new  Bank’  costs  will  be  established 
over 
the 
this  period  as 
accounting standard are met. 

the  provisioning  criteria 

in 

Description of Business Environment (continued) 
as  ‘Excess  of Net  Market  Value  over Net Tangible Assets 
of  Life  Insurance  Controlled  Entities’.    This  amount  is 
the  valuation  of 
assessed  periodically  as  part  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, 
involves 
actuarial judgement. 

the  selection  of  which 

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

rates  and 

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 
life 
  The  major  business  assumptions 
liabilities. 
businesses are: 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Sales/new business; 
Claims; 
Persistency; and 
Expenses. 
The  major  business  assumptions 

for 

funds 

for 

management businesses are: 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Sales/new business; 
Margins/business mix; 
Redemptions; and 
Cost to income ratio. 
Details of the key assumptions used in the valuations 

are set out in Note 34 Life Insurance Business. 
Provision for Which new Bank costs  
On  19  September  2003,  the  Group  launched  its 
Which  new  Bank  customer  service  vision.  This  is  a  three 
year  transformation  program  and  involves  the  Bank  in 

33 

 
Corporate Governance 
Board of Directors 

Charter 

The role and responsibilities of the Board of Directors 
are  set  out  in  the  Board  Charter.  The  responsibilities 
include: 
- 

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 

- 
- 

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 

and financial objectives; 

−  approving major corporate initiatives; 
systems 
−  establishing 

appropriate 

of 

risk 

management; and 

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

shareholders 

and 

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 

- 

- 

Nominations  Remuneration  Audit 

Risk 

Chairman 

Chairman 

Chairman 

Chairman 

Deputy Chairman 

Member 

Chairman  Member 

Chief Executive Officer 

J T Ralph, AC 

J M Schubert 

D V Murray 
N R Adler, AO 

R J Clairs, AO 

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

A B Daniels, OAM  Non-executive, 

Independent 

C R Galbraith, AM  Non-executive, 

S C Kay 

W G Kent, AO 

F D Ryan 

F J Swan 

B K Ward 

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

- 

- 

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  has 
determined that upon the retirement of Mr Ralph and 
Mr  Adler  at  the  2004  Annual  General  Meeting,  the 
number of directors shall be 10; and 
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  has  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, the Chairman will be expected to be available 
for  that  position  for  five  years).  Directors  do  not  stand  for 
re-election after attaining the age of 70. 

- 

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. 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 
Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

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 
the 
related  party  dealings  are  set  out 
Company's accounts as required by law. 

in  notes 

to 

independent  Directors. 

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

The  specific  disclosures  made  by  each  Director  as 
referred to above;  
Where  applicable, 
related  party  dealings 
referrable to each Director, noting that those dealings 
are not material under accounting standards; 

the 

- 

34 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- 

- 

Corporate Governance (continued) 
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  has  established  a  policy  limiting 
Directors' 
that  skill  sets  remain 
appropriate in a dynamic industry. 

to  ensure 

tenures 

- 

Education 

Directors participate in an induction programme upon 
appointment and in a refresher program on a regular basis.  
The  Board  has  established  a  program  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  has  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 
information made available to Directors.  Every two 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 at least annually with members 
of  the  senior  executive  team  to  discuss  with  them  the 
Board’s  performance  and  level  of  involvement  from  their 
perspective. 

Selection of Directors 

The  Nominations  Committee  has  developed  a set  of 
criteria for director appointments which have been adopted 
by the Board. The criteria set the objective of the Board as 
being  as  effective,  and  preferably  more  effective  than  the 
best boards in the comparable peer group. These criteria, 
which  are  reviewed  annually,  ensure 
that  any  new 
appointee is able to contribute to the ongoing effectiveness 
of  the  Board,  have  the  ability  to  exercise  sound  business 
judgment,  to  think  strategically  and  have  demonstrated 
leadership experience, high levels of professional skill and 
appropriate personal qualities. 

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. 

The  Bank  has  adopted  a  policy  whereby,  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: 
- 

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.  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 
in 
involvement 
in  discussions  and  decisions  on 
strategy.    Matters  having  strategic  implications  are 
given  priority  on  the  agenda  for  regular  Board 
meetings.   In  addition,  ongoing  strategy  is  the major 
focus of at least two of the Board meetings annually; 
The  Board  has  an  agreed  policy  on  the  basis  on 
which  Directors  are  entitled  to  obtain  access  to 
company  documents  and  information  and  to  meet 
with management; and 
The  Bank  has  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  generally  made  available  to 
all Directors.  

- 

- 

- 

- 

Ethical Standards 

Conflicts of Interest  
In  accordance  with 

interest. 

the  Constitution  and 

In  compliance  with  section  195  of 

the 
Corporations  Act  2001,  Directors  are  required  to  disclose 
to the Board any material contract in which they may have 
the 
an 
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.  In  addition,  any  director 
who has a conflict of interest in connection with any matter 
being  considered  by  the  Board  or  a  Committee  does  not 
receive a copy of any paper dealing with the matter. 

in 

the  securities  of 

Share Trading  
The  restrictions  imposed  by  law  on  dealings  by 
the  Bank  have  been 
Directors 
the  Board  of  Directors  adopting 
supplemented  by 
guidelines  which 
limit  any  such  dealings  by 
Directors,  their  spouses,  any  dependent  child,  family 
company or family trust. 

further 

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  three  and 
30  days  after  the  announcement  of  half  yearly  and  final 
results  and  from  three  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. 

- 

In addition, Bank policy prohibits: 
For Directors and executives who report to the Chief 
Executive  Officer,  any  hedging  of  publicly  disclosed 
shareholding positions; and 

35 

Corporate Governance (continued) 
For  executives,  any  trading  (including  hedging)  in 
- 
positions prior to vesting of shares or options. 

Remuneration Arrangements 
Remuneration Committee 
The  Board  has  established  a  Remuneration 

- 

- 

- 

Committee to: 
- 

- 
- 
- 

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

Non-Executive Directors’ Remuneration 
The Constitution  and  the  Australian  Stock Exchange 
(“ASX”)  Listing  Rules  specify  that  the  aggregate  fees  of 
non-executive  Directors  shall  be  determined  from  time  to 
time  by  a  general  meeting.  An  amount  not  exceeding  the 
amount determined, is divided among 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  fees  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 44. 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 for the 2000 Annual General Meeting. 

The  Non-Executive  Directors’  Retirement  Allowance 
Scheme  which  provides  for  retirement  benefits  to  be  paid 
to  non-executive  Directors  was  approved  by  shareholders 
at  the  1997  Annual  General  Meeting.  The  terms  of  this 
scheme  allowed  for  a  benefit  on  a  pro-rata  basis  to  a 
maximum  of  four  years  total  emoluments  after  12  years 
service. In July 2002, the Board closed the scheme to any 
newly  appointed  directors.  The  entitlement  of  the  non-
executive  Directors  at  the  time  were  not  affected  and 
continued to accrue further benefits. 

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,  and  are  consistent  with  those 
applying to other executives of the Bank. 

Executive Remuneration 
The  Bank’s  remuneration  systems  complement  and 
reinforce its leadership and succession planning systems.   
The  Bank’s  remuneration  framework  aims  to  reward 
executives  with  a  mix  of  remuneration  appropriate  to  their 
level  in  the  organisation  and  incorporates  a  significant 
weighting 
to 
towards  variable  (“at  risk”)  pay 
performance,  both  short  term  and  long  term.    This  focus 
aims to: 
- 

reward  executives  for  bankwide,  business  unit  and 
individual  performance  against 
targets  set  by 
reference to appropriate benchmarks; 

linked 

align  the  interests  of  executives  with  those  of 
shareholders; 
link  executive  reward  with  the  strategic  goals  and 
performance of the Bank; and 
ensure  total  remuneration  is  competitive  by  market 
standards. 
Remuneration  and 

terms  and  conditions  of 
employment  are  specified  in  an  individual  contract  of 
employment  with  each  executive  which  is  signed  by  the 
executive  and  the  Bank.    Remuneration  of  the  Bank’s 
executives consists of three key elements” 
- 
- 
- 

Fixed Remuneration; 
Short Term Incentive (“STI”); and 
Long Term Incentive (“LTI”). 
The  relationship  of  fixed  remuneration  and  variable 
pay  (potential  short  term  and  long  term  incentives)  is 
established for each level of executive management by the 
Remuneration Committee.   

Fixed  remuneration  is  reviewed  annually  by  the 
Remuneration Committee through a process that considers 
bankwide,  business  unit  and 
individual  performance, 
relevant  comparative  remuneration  in  the  market  and 
internal and, where appropriate, external advice on policies 
and  practices.    The  Committee  has  access  to  external 
advice independent of management. 

Actual  STI  payments  for  executives  depend  on  the 
extent to which operating targets set at the beginning of the 
financial year are met.   

These  targets  consist  of  a  number  of  Key  Result 
Areas  (“KRAs”)  covering  both  financial  and  non-financial 
measures of performance.  Included are measures such as 
contribution  to  net  profit  after  tax  (“NPAT”),  customer 
service,  risk  management,  product  management,  and 
leadership/team contribution. 

STI  Payments  to  executives  are  usually  delivered  in 

two components  
- 

- 

Fifty  percent  made  as  an  immediate  cash  payment; 
and 
Fifty  percent  deferred  in  the  form  of  shares  in  the 
Bank. 
The  shares  acquired  vest  in  two  equal  instalments 
after  one  and  two  years  respectively.    Dividends  on  the 
shares  are  not  paid  to  the  executive  unless  and  until  the 
shares  vest.    Generally,  the  executive  will  need  to  be  an 
employee  of  the  Bank  at  the  relevant  vesting  date  to 
receive the shares. 

LTI  grants  to  executives  are  delivered  in  the  form  of 
Reward  Shares  under  the  Bank’s  Equity  Reward  Plan 
(“ERP”). 

No value accrues to the executive unless the Bank’s 
Total  Shareholder  Return  (“TSR”)  at  least  meets  the 
median  of  a  peer  comparator  group  of  companies.    To 
receive  the  full  value  of  the  LTI  grant,  the  Bank’s 
performance must be in the top quartile of the peer group. 

The percentage of shares vesting in the executive will 
be based on a sliding scale where 50% of allocated shares 
vest if the Bank’s TSR is equal to the median return, 75% 
vest  at  the  67th  percentile  and  100%  when  the  return 
exceeds the 75th percentile, ie. when the Bank’s return is in 
the top quartile. 

Where  the  rating  is  below  the  median  return  on  the 
third  anniversary  of  grant,  the  shares  can  still  vest  if  the 
rating reaches the median prior to the fifth anniversary, but 
the maximum vesting will be 50%. 

Purchase of Shares on the Market 
Currently,  Reward  Shares  purchased  on  market  to 
satisfy incentives earned by executives under the ERP are 
charged  against  profit  and  loss  as  are  incentives  paid  in 
cash and in deferred shares under the Equity Participation 
Plan (“EPP”).  As from the beginning of the 2003 financial 
year, total remuneration, which includes the full cost of the 
ERP  and  EPP  and  also  the  distribution  of  shares  to 
employees under the ESAP, have been expensed against 
profits.

36 

Corporate Governance (continued) 

Further Information 
Further  detail  of  remuneration  arrangements  for 
Directors  and  executives  of  the  Bank  is  outlined  in  the 
Directors’  Report.    Individual  remuneration  details  of 
Directors  and  Specified  Executives  are  set  out  in  Note  44 
to the Financial Statements. 

- 

- 

- 

- 

the  chief 

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: 
- 

The Audit Committee consists entirely of 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  permitted  to  be  the 
Chairman of the Audit 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; and 
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  Securities  and 
Exchange Commission (“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 
regulations  and 
laws, 
current 
with 
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. 
The Committee regularly considers, in the absence of 
management  and  the  external  auditor,  the  quality  of  the 
information received by the Committee and, in considering 
the  financial  statements,  discusses  with  management  and 
the external auditor: 
- 

The  financial  statements  and  their  conformity  with 
accounting standards, other mandatory reporting 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. 

relevant 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

The  Board  has  determined  that  Fergus  Ryan  is  an 
“audit  committee  financial  expert”  within  the  meaning  of 
that  term  as  described  in  the  SEC  rules.  Although  the 
Board has determined that this individual has the requisite 
the  SEC,  his 
attributes  defined  under 
responsibilities  are  the  same  as  those  of  the  other  Audit 
Committee  members.  He  is  not  an  auditor,  does  not 

the  rules  of 

37 

perform  “field  work”  and  is  not  a  full  time  employee.  The 
SEC has determined that an audit committee member who 
is  designated  as  an  audit  committee  financial  expert  will 
not  be  deemed  to  be  an  “expert”  for  any  purpose  as  a 
result  of  being  identified  as  an  audit  committee  financial 
expert. 

The  Audit  Committee  is  responsible  for  oversight  of 
management  in  the  preparation  of  the  Bank’s  financial 
statements and financial disclosures. The Audit Committee 
relies on the information provided by management and the 
external  auditor.  The  Audit  Committee  does  not  have  the 
duty  to  plan  or  conduct  audits  to  determine  whether  the 
Bank’s  financial  statements  and  disclosures  are  complete 
and accurate. 

Non-Audit Services 
The Board has in place an External Auditor Services 
Policy which only permits the Independent Auditor to carry 
out audit services and audit related services which are an 
extension  of  the  audit  services  and  certain  other  services 
pre-approved by the Audit Committee.  All other non-audit 
services  are  prohibited.    The  objective  of  this  policy  is  to 
avoid prejudicing the independence of the Auditors.  

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

The policy also ensures that the Auditors do not: 
Assume  the  role  of  management  or  act  as  an 
employee; 
Become an advocate for the Bank; 
Audit their own work; 
Create  a  mutual  or  conflicting  interest  between  the 
Auditor and the Bank; 
Require  an  indemnification  from  the  Bank  to  the 
Auditor;  
Seek contingency fees; nor 
Have  a  direct  financial  or  business  interest  or  a 
material  indirect  financial  or  business  interest  in  the 
Bank  or  any  of  its  affiliates,  or  an  employment 
relationship with the Bank or any of its affiliates.  
Under  the  policy,  the  Auditor  shall  not  provide  the 

following services: 
(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 

and 

design 

(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 

systems 

functions, 

investment 

information 

to  accounting 

investment  adviser  or 

including  acting  as  an 

Bookkeeping  or  services  relating 
records or financial statements of the Bank; 
Financial 
implementation; 
Appraisal or valuation services and fairness opinions; 
Actuarial services; 
Internal audit outsourcing services; 
Management 
employee; 
Human resources; 
Broker-dealer, 
banking services; 
Legal services; or 
Expert services unrelated to the audit. 
In general terms, the permitted services are: 
Audit services to the Bank or an affiliate, covered by 
an  engagement 
the  Audit 
Committee,  financial  and statutory  audits  of  affiliates 
and  services  connected  with 
lodgement  of 
statements  or  documents  with  ASX,  ASIC,  APRA, 
SEC or other regulatory or supervisory bodies;  
Services  reasonably  related  to  the  performance  of 
the audit services; 
Agreed  upon  procedures  or  comfort  letters  provided 
by  the  Auditor  to  third  parties  in  connection  with  the 
Bank’s financing or related activities; and 
Other services pre-approved by the Audit Committee. 
The  SEC  has  requested  that  the  Bank  produce 
documents and information relating to all services provided 
by the Bank’s external auditors, Ernst & Young, since 1 July 
2000, in the context of the US auditor independence rules.  
The  Bank  understands  that  the  SEC  has  made  similar 
requests  to  certain  other  Australian  companies  registered 
with the SEC and accounting firms. 

letter  approved  by 

the 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

The Bank is producing the documents and information 

requested. 

Although  the  Bank  cannot  predict  the  nature  of  any 
future  action  if  the  SEC  determines  that  any  services 

Corporate Governance (continued) 
provided by Ernst & Young did not comply with the SEC’s 
rules and while the SEC could seek sanctions of a type or 
in  amounts  not  currently  known,  based  on  information 
currently  available  to  the  Bank,  it  does  not  believe  the 
outcome of the SEC’s ongoing inquiry will have a material 
adverse  financial  effect  on  the  Commonwealth  Bank 
Group. 

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

The  audit  partner  from  Ernst  &  Young  attends  the 
Annual  General  Meetings  of  the  Bank  and  is  available  to 
respond to shareholder audit related questions. 

The  Bank  currently 

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

requires 

that 

The  Chief  Executive  Officer  is  authorised  to  appoint 
and  remove  the  chief  internal  audit  executive  only  after 
consultation with the Audit Committee. 

Risk Management 

Risk Committee 
The  Risk  Committee  oversees  credit,  market,  and 
operational  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 
to  achieve  portfolio 
underwriting  standards  designed 
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 

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. 
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 
independent  non  executive  directors.  The  Chief  Executive 
Officer attends the meeting by invitation. 

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

Continuous Disclosure 

The  Corporations  Act  2001  and  the  ASX  Listing 
Rules  require  that  a  company  discloses  to  the  market 
matters which could be expected to have a material effect 
on  the  price  or  value  of  the  company’s  securities.  The 

38 

Bank’s  “Guidelines  for  Communication  between  the  Bank 
and  Shareholders”  sets  out  the  processes  to  ensure  that 
shareholders  and  the  market  are  provided  with  full  and 
timely information about the Bank’s activities in compliance 
with  continuous  disclosure  requirements.  Management 
procedures  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  established  reporting 
lines,  or  as  a  part  of  the  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  has  confirmed  its 
release to the market. 

Ethical Policies 

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. 

- 

- 

Statement of Professional Practice 
The Bank has adopted a code of ethics, known as a 
Statement  of  Professional  Practice,  which  sets  standards 
of  behaviour  required  of  all  employees  and  directors 
including: 
- 

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

the  Bank’s  Equal 

to 

- 

- 

Our People 

The  Bank  is  committed  to  providing  fair,  safe, 
challenging  and 
the 
rewarding  work, 
importance of attracting and retaining high quality 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 : 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

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  to 
the Chief Compliance Officer by the Chief Security Officer, 
who  administers  the  reporting  and  investigation  system.  
The Chief Security Officer reports any such matters to the 
Audit  Committee,  noting  the  status  of  resolution  and 
actions to be taken. 

Corporate Governance (continued) 
Governance Philosophy 

The  Board  has  consistently  placed  great  importance 
on the governance of the Bank, which it believes is vital to 
the well-being of the corporation.  The Bank has adopted a 
framework  of  Corporate  Governance 
comprehensive 
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.  The 
Guidelines  and  the  practices  of  the  Bank  comply  with  all 
the current best practice recommendations set by the ASX 
Corporate Governance Council. 

US Sarbanes-Oxley Act 

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

- 

- 

- 

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 they have disclosed to 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 

to  providing 

that 

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

The  Group’s  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief 
the  assistance  of  other 
Financial  Officer,  with 
members  of 
the  Group’s  management,  have 
evaluated the effectiveness of 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 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 an exception 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.  Ordinary 
course  lending  that  is  considered  “consumer  credit”  is  in 
certain  circumstances  also  exempt.  Furthermore,  in  April 
2004,  the  SEC  adopted  a  rule  exempting  from  the 
prohibition  loans  made  by  foreign  banks  meeting  certain 
requirements.  

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 
financial  officer, 
principal  executive  officer,  principal 
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: 
- 
- 

their  knowledge, 

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; 
for  establishing  and 
That 
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: 
such  disclosure 
− 

they  are  responsible 

the 

  designed 

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 
report 
is 
reasonably 
the 
Group’s internal control over financial reporting; 
and 

that  has  materially  affected,  or 

to  materially  affect, 

likely 

− 

− 

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: 
− 

  all  significant  deficiencies  (if  any)  in  the  design 
or  operation  of  internal  controls  over  financial 
reporting  which  are 
to 
adversely  affect  the  Group’s  ability  to  record, 

reasonably 

likely 

- 

- 

- 

39 

Company Secretaries 

The  details  of  the  Bank’s  company  secretaries, 
including  their  experience  and  qualifications  are  set  out 
below. 

John  Hatton  has  been  Company  Secretary  of  the 

Commonwealth Bank since 1994. 

From  1985-1994,  he  was  a  solicitor  with  the  Bank’s 

Legal Department. 

He has a law degree from Sydney University and was 
admitted as a solicitor in New South Wales. He is a Fellow 
of the Chartered Secretaries Australia and a Member of the 
Australian Institute of Company Directors. 

Henry  Broekhuijse  was  appointed  a  Company 

Secretary to the Bank in August 2001. 

He 

joined 

the  Commonwealth  Bank  Legal 
Department  in  January  1979  and  has  approximately  25 
years experience as an in-house lawyer. 

He  has  a  BA  from  Sydney  University  and  an  LLB 
from the University of New South Wales. He is a Member 
of the Law Society of NSW; Australian Corporate Lawyers 
Association;  City  of  Sydney  Law  Society;  and  the  Risk 
Management Association – Australia. 

Corporate Governance (continued) 

− 

process,  summarise  and  report  financial  data; 
and 

  any fraud, whether or not material, that 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 2004.  Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive 
Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  have  each  concluded 
that  the  Group’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  are 
effective. 

Changes in internal control over financial reporting  
No  changes  in  our  internal  controls  over  financial 
reporting  occurred  during  the  year  ended  30  June  2004 
that  have  materially  affected,  or  are  reasonably  likely  to 
materially  affect,  our 
financial 
reporting.  Material  changes  in  our  internal  controls  over 
financial  reporting  will  occur  from  1  July  2005  with  the 
transition  to  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards, 
refer to Note 1 (pp) to the Financial Statements. 

internal  controls  over 

40 

 
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 2004. 

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 
for  Science 
Management),  Australian  Foundation 
(Chairman), 
(Chairman),  Australian  Farm 
Australian 
(Fellow), 
Institute  of  Company  Directors 
Australian  Institute  of  Management  (Fellow),  Australian 
Academy  of  Science  (Fellow),  Australian  Academy  of 
Technological  Science  and  Engineering  (Fellow),  Scouts 
Australia  Victorian  Branch  (President)  and  St  Vincent’s 
Institute Foundation (Patron). 

Institute 

Mr Ralph is a resident of Victoria. Age 71. 

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  Risk  and  Nominations  Committees.  He  holds  a 
Bachelor’s  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 
former  Chairman  and 
International  Limited  and 
Managing Director of Esso Australia Ltd.  

the 

Chairman:  Worley  Group  Limited  and  G2  Therapies 
Limited. 

Director: BHP Billiton Limited, BHP Billiton plc, and Qantas 
Airways Limited. 

Other 
Interests:  Academy  of  Technological  Science 
(Fellow), Great Barrier Reef Research Foundation (Deputy 
Chairman),  AGSM  Advisory  Board 
(Member),  and 
Business Council of Australia (Member).  

Dr Schubert is a resident of New South Wales. Age 61. 

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. 

(Member),  and  the  Financial  Sector  Advisory  Council 
(Member).  

Mr Murray is a resident of New South Wales. Age 55. 

N R (Ross) Adler, AO 
Mr Adler has been a member of the Board since 1990 and 
is a member of the Audit and Risk Committees. 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. He is the former Managing Director and 
Chief Executive Officer of Santos Limited. 

Chairman: Austrade and Amtrade International Pty Ltd. 

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

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

Mr Adler is a resident of South Australia. Age 59. 

Reg J Clairs, AO 
Mr  Clairs  has  been  a  member  of  the  Board  since  March 
1999  and  is  a  member  of  the  Remuneration  and  Risk 
Committees.  As  the  former  Chief  Executive  Officer  of 
Woolworths  Limited,  he  had  thirty-three  years’  experience 
in retailing, branding and customer service. 

Director: David Jones Ltd and The Cellnet Group. 

Deputy Chairman: National Australia Day Council. 

Other Interests: Institute of Company Directors (Member). 

Mr Clairs is a resident of Queensland. Age 66. 

A B (Tony) Daniels, OAM 
Mr Daniels has been a member of the Board since March 
2000  and  is  a  member  of  the  Remuneration  and  Risk 
Committees.  He 
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.  

experience 

extensive 

has 

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

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

Mr Daniels is a resident of New South Wales. Age 69. 

Colin R Galbraith, AM 
Mr Galbraith 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  1996. 
He is a partner of Allens Arthur Robinson, Lawyers. 

Director:  Tara  Anglican  School 
Limited. 

for  Girls  Foundation 

Chairman: BHP Billiton Community Trust. 

Interests: 

International  Monetary  Conference 
Other 
(Member),  Asian  Bankers’  Association 
(Member), 
Australian  Bankers’  Association  (Member),  Asia  Pacific 
Bankers'  Club  (Member),  Business  Council  of  Australia 

 41

Director: GasNet Australia (Group) and OneSteel Limited. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 63. 

Barbara K Ward 
Ms Ward has been a member of the Board since 1994 and 
is a member of the Audit and Risk Committees. 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 
experience  in  the  transport  and  aviation  industries,  most 
recently  as  Chief  Executive  of  Ansett  Worldwide  Aviation 
Services.  

Chairperson: Country Energy. 

Director:  Lion  Nathan  Limited,  Allens  Arthur  Robinson, 
Multiplex  Limited  and  Multiplex  Funds  Management 
Limited.  

Other  Interests:  Sydney  Opera  House  Trust  (Trustee), 
Australia Day Council of New  South Wales (Member) and 
Australian Institute of Company Directors (Member). 

Ms Ward is a resident of New South Wales. Age 50. 

Directors’ Report (continued) 
Other  Interests:  Council  of  Legal  Education  in  Victoria 
(Honorary Secretary), CARE Australia (Director) and Royal 
Melbourne Hospital Neuroscience Foundation (Trustee). 

Mr Galbraith is a resident of Victoria. Age 56. 

S Carolyn H Kay 
Ms  Kay  has  been  a  member  of  the  Board  since  March 
2003  and  is  also  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.    She  was  a  senior  executive  at 
Morgan Stanley in London and Melbourne for 10 years and 
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 Limited and Deputy Chair Victorian 
Funds Management Corporation. 

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

Ms Kay is resident in Victoria.  Age 42. 

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. 

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

Director: Perpetual Trustees Australia Limited Group. 

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

Mr Kent is a resident of Western Australia. Age 68. 

Fergus D Ryan 
Mr  Ryan  has  been  a  member  of  the  Board  since  March 
2000 and is a member of the Audit and Risk Committees. 
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.  Until  November  2002,  he  was 
Strategic  Investment  Co-ordinator  and  Major  Projects 
Facilitator for the Commonwealth Government. 

Member:  Prime  Minister's  Community  Business 
Partnership  and  Council  of 
the  National  Library  of 
Australia. 

Director:  Australian  Foundation 
Limited and Clayton UTZ. 

Investment  Company 

Other Interests: Committee for Melbourne (Patron), Pacific 
Institute  (Counsellor)  and  Special  Committee  for  Mature 
Age Workers (Chairman). 

Mr Ryan is a resident of Victoria. Age 61. 

Frank J Swan 
Mr Swan has been a member of the Board since July 1997 
and is a member of the Risk and Nominations Committees. 

 42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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: 

No. of Meetings Held(1) 

DIRECTORS’ MEETINGS 

No. of Meetings Attended 

11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
10 
9 
9 

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 

DIRECTOR 

J T Ralph 
J M Schubert(2) 
D V Murray 
N R Adler(2) 
R J Clairs(2) 
A B Daniels(2) 
C R Galbraith  
S C Kay 
W G Kent  
F D Ryan(2) 
F J Swan 
B K Ward(2) 

DIRECTOR 

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

11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 

2 
2 
2 
2 

(1) 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(1) 

No. of  
Meetings 
Attended 

No. of 
Meetings  
Held(1) 

No. of 
Meetings 
Attended 

No. of 
Meetings 
Held(1) 

No. of 
Meetings 
Attended 

8 
4 
8 
4 
4 
4 
8 
8 
8 
4 
8 
4 

8 
4 
8 
3 
4 
4 
8 
8 
8 
4 
7 
3 

7 

7 

7 

7 

7 

7 

7 

7 

8 

8 
8 

8 

8 
8 

No. of Meetings Held(1) 

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE 

No. of Meetings Attended 

2 
2 
2 
2 

(1)  The number of meetings held during the time the Director was a member of the relevant committee. 
(2)  Directors appointed to Risk Committee in April 2004. 

Principal Activities 

The Commonwealth Bank Group is one of Australia’s 
leading  providers  of  integrated  financial  services  including 
retail,  business  and  institutional  banking,  superannuation, 
life  insurance,  general  insurance,  funds  management, 
broking  services  and  finance  company  activities.  The 
principal  activities  of  the  Commonwealth  Bank  Group 
during the financial year were: 
(i) 

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.  For  our  corporate  and  institutional  clients,  we 
offer  a  broad  range  of  structured  finance,  equities  and 
advisory  solutions,  financial  markets  and  equity  markets 
solutions,  transactions  banking,  and  merchant acquiring. 

including  business 

 43

The Group also has full service banking operations in New 
Zealand  and  Fiji.  The  Group  has  wholesale  banking 
operations  in  London,  New  York,  Hong  Kong,  Singapore 
and Tokyo. 
(ii)  Funds Management 

administration.  The  Group’s 

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

is  managed  as  part  of 

The  Group  also  has  funds  management  businesses 

in New Zealand, UK and Asia. 
(iii) 

Insurance 
The  Group  provides 

insurance,  disability 
insurance,  annuities,  master  trusts,  investment  products 
and household general insurance. 

term 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report (continued) 

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 2004 
was $2,572 million (2003: $2,012 million). 

The  net  operating  profit  for  the  year  ended  30  June 
2004 after tax, and before goodwill amortisation, appraisal 
value  uplift,  shareholder  investment  returns  and  costs 
related to initiatives including Which new Bank was $3,078 
million. This is an increase of $404 million or 15% over the 
year ended 30 June 2003.  

systems  and  process 

On  19  September  2003,  the  Group  launched  its 
Which  new  Bank  customer  service  vision.  This  is  a  three 
year  transformation  program  and  involves  the  Bank  in 
additional expenditure in the key areas of staff training and 
skilling, 
simplification,  and 
technology. In the period to 30 June 2004 such expenses 
and  provisions  have  totalled  $749  million  and  principally 
previously 
comprise 
capitalised software of $219 million, process improvements 
and  branch  refurbishment.  The  outstanding  provision  for 
Which new Bank costs at 30 June 2004 is $208 million. 

redundancies, 

expensing 

of 

to 

factors 

The  principal  contributing 

this  profit 
increase  were  a  growth  in  net  interest  income  reflecting 
continued strong housing loan growth together with growth 
in  commissions,  and  a  decrease  in  charge  for  bad  and 
doubtful  debts.  Underlying  operating  expenses  have 
increased  by  4%  over  the  year,  primarily  due  to  salary 
increases  and  increases  in  volume  related  expenses. 
Funds  management  and  insurance  income  rose  which 
reflects  the  effect  of  rising  equity  markets  for  most  of  the 
year and improved underwriting and claims management. 

Dividends 

The Directors have declared a fully franked (at 30%) 
final dividend of 104 cents per share amounting to $1,315 
million.  The  dividend  will  be  payable  on  24  September 
2004 to shareholders on the register at 5pm on 20 August 
2004.  Dividends  paid  since  the  end  of  the  previous 
financial year: 
(cid:131) 

As declared in last year’s report, a fully franked final 
dividend  of  85  cents  per  share  amounting  to  $1,066 
million  was  paid  on  8  October  2003.  The  payment 
comprised  cash  disbursements  of  $865 million  with 
$201 million being reinvested by participants through 
the Dividend Reinvestment Plan; and 
In respect of  the current  year,  a fully franked interim 
dividend  of  79  cents  per  share  amounting 
to 
$996 million  was  paid  on  30  March  2004.  The 
payment 
of 
$808 million  with  $188  million  being  reinvested  by 
participants through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan. 
Additionally,  quarterly  dividends  totalling  $37  million 
for  the  year  were  paid  on  the  PERLS  preference 
shares; $15 million on the PERLS II (for distributions 
in  March  2004  and  June  2004);  $40  million  on  the 
Trust Preferred Securities; and $9 million on the ASB 
Capital preference shares. 

disbursements 

comprised 

cash 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

Review of Operations 

An analysis of operations for the financial year is set 
out in the Highlights on pages 5 to 8 and business analysis 
on pages 9 to 25. 

Changes in State of Affairs 

During  the  year,  the  Bank  made  significant  progress 
in implementing a number of strategic initiatives under the 
Which new Bank program launched in September 2003. 

The  program  is  designed  to  ensure  a  better  service 

outcome for the Bank’s customers. 

The  major  initiatives  undertaken  during  the  year 

included: 
(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

Changes  to  the  home  loan  process,  which  make 
applying for a new loan much simpler and easier; 
The  refurbishment  of  125  branches  to  a  modern 
layout conducive to effective customer service; 
A  continued  emphasis  on  reducing  customer waiting 
times and changes to frontline customer service roles 
designed to ensure a greater proportion of staff time 
is spent serving customers; and 
A  restructure  of  funds  management  back  office 
to  reduce  costs  and  provide  simpler 
services 
processes. 
In  May  2004  the  Bank  announced  the  merger  of  its 
Premium Financial Services and Institutional and Business 
Services  divisions  to  form  Premium  Business  Services. 
This merger did not result in any significant change in the 
nature of the business activities. 

(cid:131) 

There were no other significant changes in the state of 

affairs of the Group during the financial year. 

Events Subsequent to Balance Date 

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

Future Developments and Results 

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

Environmental Regulation 

The Bank and its controlled entities are not subject to 
any particular or significant environmental regulation under 
a law of the Commonwealth or of a State or Territory, but 
can  incur  environmental  liabilities  as  a lender.  The  Bank 
has  developed  credit  policies  to  ensure  this  is  managed 
appropriately. 

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 

its  continuation  was 

An  Executive  Option  Plan  (“EOP”)  was  approved  by 
shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 8 October 
1996  and 
further  approved  by 
shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 29 October 
1998. At the 2000 Annual General Meeting, the EOP was 
discontinued and shareholders approved the establishment 
of  the  Equity  Reward  Plan  (“ERP”).  The  last  grant  of 
options  to  be  made  under  the  ERP  was  the  2001  grant, 
with  options  being  granted  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  in  the 
2001  grant.  During  the  financial  year,  the  performance 
hurdles  for  the  August  1999  and  September  2000  EOP 
grants  were  met.  During  the  financial  year  and  for  the 
period  to  the  date  of  this  report  1,837,600  shares  were 
allotted by the Bank consequent to the exercise of options 
granted  under  the  Executive  Option  Plan  and  Equity 
Reward Plan. Full details of the Plan are disclosed in Note 

 44

Directors’ Report (continued) 
29  to  the  financial  statements.  No  options  have  been 
allocated since the beginning of the 2001/02 financial year. 
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  previously  granted  to  the 
Chief Executive Officer, being a director, refer to Note 44 to 
the Financial Statements. 

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”. 

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  41  to  42  of  this 
report,  and  the  Secretaries  of  the  Commonwealth  Bank, 
being  J  D  Hatton    and  H  J  Broekhuijse  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 

insurance  premium 

The  Commonwealth  Bank  has,  during  the  financial 
year,  paid  an 
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 
the 
2001. 
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, 

Remuneration 

This  report  outlines  the  remuneration  arrangements 
for Directors and executives of the Bank.  In compiling this 
report,  the  Bank  has  taken  into  account  the  requirements 
of the Government’s Corporate Law and Economic Reform 
Program  (“CLERP  9”)  which  is  to  take  effect  for  reporting 
periods commencing from 1 July 2004.  Whilst the Bank is 
not  required  to report  under  the  new  CLERP 9  framework 
for  the  year  ended  30  June  2004,  the  Bank  believes  that 
this report will assist in meeting the intent of these reforms 
and will ensure that these requirements are met for future 
reporting periods. 

Remuneration Committee 
The Bank’s remuneration arrangements are overseen 
by  the  Remuneration  Committee  of  the  Board.    The 
Committee considers changes in remuneration policy likely 
to  have  a  material  impact  on  the  Bank  and  is  informed  of 
leadership  performance, 
in 
employment  issues,  industrial  agreements  and  incentive 
plans operating across the Bank. 

compliance 

legislative 

The  Committee  also  considers  senior  appointments 
and  remuneration  arrangements  for  senior  management.  
The remuneration arrangements for the CEO and his direct 
reports are approved by the full Board. 

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. 

The  Committee  engages  an  external  consultant  to 
advise  it  directly  in  relation  to  the  remuneration  of 
executives. 

Non-Executive Director Remuneration 
The  Constitution  and  the  ASX  Listing  Rules  specify 
remuneration  of  Non-Executive 
the  aggregate 
that 
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. 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. 

Under  the  Directors’  Retirement  Allowance  Scheme, 
which  was  approved  by  shareholders  at  the  1997  Annual 
General Meeting, Directors accumulate a retirement benefit 
on  a  pro-rata  basis  to  a  maximum  of  four  years’  total 
emoluments  after  twelve  years’  service.    No  benefit 
accrues  until  the  Director  has  served  three  years  on  the 
Board.  In  2002  the  Board  decided  to  discontinue  the 
Directors’  Retirement  Allowance  Scheme  without  affecting 
the  entitlements  of  then  existing  Non-Executive  Directors. 
After that time new Directors are not entitled to participate 
in the scheme. As part of a proposed arrangement relating 
to  remuneration,  the  Board  will  be  seeking  shareholder 
approval at the 2004 Annual General Meeting to terminate 
accrual  of  further  benefits  under  the  Scheme  and  freeze 
the  entitlements  of  current  members  until  their  respective 
retirements.  This  approach  will  result  in  remuneration 
arrangements  being  expressed  in  a  more  transparent 
manner  which  does  not  include  retirement  benefits  (other 
than compulsory superannuation).   

Remuneration Principles and Structure 
The  Bank’s  remuneration  systems  complement  and 
reinforce its leadership and succession planning systems.   
The  Bank’s  remuneration  framework  aims  to  reward 
executives  with  a  mix  of  remuneration  appropriate  to  their 
level  in  the  organisation  and  incorporates  a  significant 
weighting 
to 
towards  variable  (‘at  risk’)  pay 
performance,  both  short  term  and  long  term.    This  focus 
aims to: 
(cid:131) 

Reward  executives  for  bankwide,  business  unit  and 
individual  performance  against 
targets  set  by 
reference to appropriate benchmarks; 
Align  the  interests  of  executives  with  those  of 
shareholders; 

linked 

(cid:131) 

 45

 
These  targets  consist  of  a  number  of  Key  Result 
Areas  (“KRAs”)  covering  both  financial  and  non-financial 
measures of performance.  Included are measures such as 
contribution  to  net  profit  after  tax,  customer  service,  risk 
management,  product  management,  and  leadership/team 
contribution. 

Depending  on 

the  executive’s 

the 
organisation, any actual STI payments received are based 
on a combination of bankwide, business unit and individual 
performance. 

level  within 

On  an  annual  basis,  after  consideration  of 
performance  against  KRAs,  an  overall  performance  rating 
for the Bank and each individual business unit is approved 
by  the  Remuneration  Committee.    Individual  performance 
is  assessed  by  the  executive’s  manager  based  on  the 
Bank’s performance management system.  

Executives  who  are  not  meeting  the  expectations  of 

their role will generally not receive a payment. 

The  aggregate  of  annual STI  payments  available  for 
executives  across  the  Bank  is  subject  to  the  approval  of 
the  Remuneration  Committee.    In  the  case  of  the  Chief 
Executive  Officer  and  his  senior  direct  reports,  individual 
payments are subject to the approval of the Board. 

STI  payments  to  executives  are  usually  delivered  in 

two components: 
(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

Fifty  percent  made  as  an  immediate  cash  payment; 
and 
Fifty  percent  deferred  in  the  form  of  shares  in  the 
Bank. 
Shares are acquired under the mandatory component 
of  the  Bank’s  Equity  Participation  Plan,  more  details  of 
which  may  be 
the  Financial 
Statements.    The  shares  acquired  vest  in  two  equal 
instalments  of  one  and  two  years  respectively.    Dividends 
on the shares are not paid to the executive unless and until 
the  shares  vest.    Generally,  the  executive  will  need  to  be 
an  employee  of  the  Bank  at  the  relevant  vesting  date  to 
receive the shares. 

in  Note  29 

found 

to 

Variable Pay – Long Term Incentive (“LTI”) 
LTI  grants  to  executives  are  delivered  in  the  form  of 
Reward  Shares  under  the  Bank’s  Equity  Reward  Plan 
(“ERP”). 

LTI grants are only made to executives who are able 
to influence the generation of shareholder wealth and thus 
have  a  direct  impact  on  the  Bank’s  performance  against 
the  relevant  hurdle.    Participation  is  thus  restricted  to 
executives  who,  in  a  reporting  sense,  are  no  more  than 
three levels removed from the Chief Executive Officer. 

The  quantum  of  grants  made  to  each  executive 
depends  on  their  level  within  the  organisation  and  has 
regard  to  the  desired  mix  between  fixed  remuneration, 
short  term  and  long  term  incentive  as  well  as  the 
performance and potential of the individual executive. 

No  value  will  accrue  to  the  executive  unless  the 
Bank’s  Total  Shareholder  Return  (“TSR”)  at  least  meets 
the median of a peer comparator group of companies.  To 
receive  the  full  value  of  the  LTI  grant,  the  Bank’s 
performance must be in the top quartile of the peer group.  
The  table  over  the  page  provides  a  summary  of  the  ERP 
grants that were in operation during the 2003/04 year 

(cid:131) 

Directors’ Report (continued) 
(cid:131) 

Link  executive  reward  with  the  strategic  goals  and 
performance of the Bank; and 
Ensure  total  remuneration  is  competitive  by  market 
standards. 
In  determining  appropriate 

levels  of  executive 
remuneration,  the  Remuneration  Committee  engaged  an 
external  consultant  to  provide  independent  advice  both  in 
the  form  of  a  written  report  detailing  market  levels  of 
remuneration for comparable executive roles as well as the 
participation  of  the  independent  consultant  in  the  meeting 
from  which  the  Committee  makes  its  recommendations  to 
the Board. 

Remuneration  and 

terms  and  conditions  of 
employment  are  specified  in  an  individual  contract  of 
employment  with  each  executive  which  is  signed  by  the 
executive  and  the  Bank.    Remuneration  of  the  Bank’s 
executives consists of three key elements: 
(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 

Fixed Remuneration; 
Short Term Incentive (“STI”); and 
Long Term Incentive (“LTI”). 
The  relationship  of  fixed  remuneration  and  variable 
pay  (potential  short  term  and  long  term  incentives)  is 
established for each level of executive management by the 
Remuneration Committee.   

Currently, the variable component of remuneration is 
in  the  general  range  of  around  35%  to  80%  of  an 
executive’s total potential remuneration depending on their 
level in the organisation.   As a result of the review with the 
external  consultant  of  developments  in  the  market,  and 
benchmarking  against  peer  organisations,  the  distribution 
of  total  potential  remuneration  for  executives  is  being 
modified  in  the  current  year  so  as  to  increase  the 
percentage  for  the  STI  component  and  decrease  the 
percentage for the LTI component.  For senior executives, 
including  the  CEO,  the  maximum  STI  potential  available 
will generally be an amount equal to fixed remuneration. 

The  structure  for  some  specialists  differs  from  that 
which  applies  generally  to  executive  management.    With 
specialists, a greater proportion of the variable component 
of remuneration may be in short term rather than long term 
incentives but the overall mix of remuneration is still heavily 
weighted towards ‘at risk’ pay. 
Fixed Remuneration 
Fixed  remuneration  is  competitively  set  so  that  the 
Bank can attract, motivate and retain high calibre local and 
international executive staff.  

Fixed  remuneration  is  reviewed  annually  by  the 
Remuneration Committee through a process that considers 
individual  performance, 
bankwide,  business  unit  and 
relevant  comparative  remuneration  in  the  market  and 
internal and, where appropriate, external advice on policies 
and practices.  As noted above, the Committee has access 
to external advice independent of management. 

Fixed  remuneration  consists  of  base  remuneration 
(which is calculated on a total cost basis and includes any 
FBT charges related to employee benefits including motor 
vehicles)  as  well  as  employer 
to 
superannuation. 

contributions 

Variable Pay – Short Term Incentive (“STI”) 
Actual  STI  payments  for  executives  depend  on  the 
extent to which operating targets set at the beginning of the 
financial year are met.   

 46

 
Directors’ Report (continued) 

Commencement Date 
First Possible Vesting Date 
Final Possible Vesting Date 
Performance Hurdle 

2000 Grant 
13 Sep 2000 
14 Sep 2003 
13 Sep 2005 

2001 Grant 
3 Sep 2001 
4 Sep 2004 
3 Sep 2006 
TSR vs Peer Group.  If the performance 
hurdle is not reached after three years the 
options may nevertheless be exercisable or 
the shares vest, only where the hurdle is 
subsequently reached within five years from 
the commencement date. 

Vesting Scale 

< Weighted Average of Peers = 0% 
> Weighted Average of Peers = 100% 

Status as at 30 June 2004 
Peer Group  

(GIO and BankWest were 
included prior to 19/01/00 
and 26/08/03 respectively) 

Adelaide Bank 
Australia & New Zealand Banking Group 
AMP 
AXA 
Bank of Queensland 
Bendigo Bank 
IAG 

Vested on 31 Mar 04 Not yet vested 
(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 
(cid:131)  Macquarie Bank 
(cid:131)  National Australia Bank 
(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 
(cid:131)  QBE Insurance 
(cid:131)  Westpac Banking Corporation 

St George 
Suncorp-Metway 

2002 Grant 
2 Sep 2002 
3 Sep 2005 
2 Sep 2007 

2003 Grant 
1 Sep 2003 
2 Sep 2006 
1 Sep 2008 

TSR vs Peer Group.  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%. 
< 50th percentile = NIL 
50th – 67th percentile = 50% - 75% 
68th – 75th percentile = 76% - 100% 
Not yet vested 

Not yet vested 

The use of a relative TSR based hurdle is currently 
market  best  practice  as it  ensures  an  alignment  between 
comparative 
for 
executives.  

return  and 

shareholder 

reward 

the  Bank 

In  assessing  whether  the  performance  hurdles  for 
receives 
each  grant  have  been  met, 
independent  data  from  Standard  &  Poors  which  provides 
both  the  Bank’s  TSR  growth  from  the  commencement  of 
each  grant  and  that  of  the  peer  group  (excluding  the 
Bank).  The Bank’s performance against the hurdle is then 
determined as follows: 
(cid:131) 

the  peer  group 

For grants prior to 2002, the TSR of each company 
in 
is  weighted  by  market 
capitalisation  to  form  an  index  against  which  the 
Bank’s TSR is compared; and 
For  grants  in  2002  and  2003,  each  company  in  the 
peer group and the Bank is ranked in order of TSR 
growth from the commencement of each grant.  The 
Bank’s  percentile 
is  determined  by 
ranking 
aggregating  the  weighting  within  the  peer  group 
(based  on  market  capitalisation)  of  each  company 
ranked below the Bank. 
The  peer  group  chosen  for  comparison  reflects  the 

(cid:131) 

Bank’s current business mix. 

Further details of the ERP may be found in Note 29 

to the Financial Statements. 

Severance Arrangements 
The Bank’s executive contracts generally provide for 
severance  payments  of  up  to  six  months  in  the  case  of 
retrenchment.    The  contracts  generally  provide  for  a  four 
week notice period. 

On  exit  from  the  Bank,  executives  are  entitled  to 
receive their statutory entitlements of accrued annual and 

long  service  leave  as  well  as  accrued  superannuation 
benefits. 

Executives  who  leave  the  Bank  during  a  given 
performance year (i.e. 1 July to 30 June) will generally not 
receive  an  STI  payment  for  that  year  except  in  the 
circumstances  of  retrenchment,  retirement  or  death.    In 
those  circumstances  a  pro-rated  payment  may  be  made 
based  on  the  length  of  service  during  the  performance 
year. 

forfeited  where 

Deferred  shares  from  previous  STI  grants  are 
usually 
is 
dismissed.    In  circumstances  of  retrenchment,  retirement 
and  death  any  unvested  shares  will  generally  vest 
immediately. 

the  executive  resigns  or 

forfeited  where 

LTI  grants  are  generally 

the 
executive  resigns  or  is  dismissed.    In  circumstances  of 
retrenchment,  retirement  or  death  the  executive  or  their 
estate may, at Board discretion, retain a pro-rated grant of 
long term incentives.  Vesting of any long term incentives 
retained  by  the  executive  will  still  be  subject  to  the 
performance hurdle relevant to that grant. 

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. 

Mr  Murray’s  remuneration  arrangements  are  in  line 
with  other  executives  except  in  relation  to  the  need  to 
seek shareholder approval of LTI grants. 

At  the  2004  Annual  General  Meeting  (“AGM”),  the 
Board  will  be  seeking  the  approval  of  shareholders  for  a 

 47

 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report (continued) 
maximum of 250,000 shares to be allocated to Mr Murray 
under  the  ERP  in  two  tranches  prior  to  the  2006  AGM.   
Mr  Murray  was  granted  110,000  shares  in  2002  and 
90,000 shares in 2003 from the 200,000 shares approved 
at  the  2001  AGM.    At  the  2001  AGM,  shareholders  also 
approved  1,000,000  options  to  be  granted  to  Mr  Murray.  
In line with the Bank’s decision to cease granting options 
to  executives  in  2002  none  of  the  1,000,000  options 
approved  by  shareholders  were  allocated  and  it  is  not 
intended to allocate these options. 

The  severance  arrangements 

in  Mr  Murray’s 
contract,  other  than  for  misconduct,  provide  for  a  notice 
period  of  six  months  and  a  pro-rata  payment  of  the 
average  of  the  previous  three  years  short  term  incentive 
payment, payable in the event of termination by the Bank, 
after  1  May  but  before  30  June  each  year.    In  such 
circumstances, Mr Murray may exercise all vested options 
and obtain vested shares (including those that vest within 
two  years  from  the  Termination  Date)  within  a  period  of 
three years from the Termination Date. 

Individual  Remuneration  details  for  Directors  and 

Specified Executives 

The  CLERP  9  reforms  mentioned  earlier  in  this 
report  require  that  individual  remuneration  details  of 
Directors  and  Specified  Executives  be  included  in  this 

report.  These requirements duplicate those of Accounting 
Standard  AASB  1046  which  requires  these  same  details 
to  be  set  out  in  the  notes  to  the  accounts.    To  avoid 
duplication,  individual  remuneration  details  of  Directors 
and Specified Executives are set out in Note 44. 

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 
(as amended by ASIC Class Order 04/667). 

Signed  in  accordance  with  a  resolution  of  the 

Directors. 

J T Ralph, AC 
Chairman 

11 August 2004 

D V Murray 
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer 

 48

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Five Year Financial Summary 

Financial Performance 
Net interest income 
Other operating income 
Total operating income 
Charge for bad and doubtful debts 
Operating expenses: 
Comparable business 
Initiatives including Which New Bank 

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 uplift/(reduction) 
Goodwill amortisation 
Operating profit after income tax attributable to 
members of the Bank 

Contributions to profit (after tax) 
Banking 
Funds management 
Insurance 
Profit on operations ("underlying basis")(1) 
Shareholder investment returns 
Initiatives including Which New Bank 
Profit on operations (“cash basis”) 
Goodwill amortisation 
Appraisal value uplift/(reduction) 
Abnormal income/(expense) 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 

Average interest earning assets 
Average interest bearing liabilities 

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

2004
$M

2003 
$M 

2002 
$M 

5,410 
5,081 
10,491 
276 

5,500 
749 
6,249 

3,966 
(1,262)
(9)
2,695 
-
             -
201 
(324)

5,026
4,373
9,399
305

5,312
239
5,551

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

4,710 
4,358 
9,068 
449 

5,201 
            - 
5,201 

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

2001
$M

4,474
4,350
8,824
385

5,170
         -
5,170

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

2000
$M

3,719 
2,420 
6,139 
196 

3,407 
          -
3,407 

2,536 
(820)
(38)
1,678 
967 
20 
92 
(57)

2,572 

2,012

2,655 

2,398

2,700

2,675 
274 
129 
3,078 
152 
(535)
2,695 
(324)
201 
             -
2,572 

2,376
233
65
2,674
73
(168)
2,579
(322)
(245)
            -
2,012

2,067 
368 
33 
2,468 
33 
            - 
2,501 
(323) 
477 
            - 
2,655 

1,793
323
20
2,136
126
         -
2,262
(338)
474
         -
2,398

1,513 
36 
116 
1,665 
13 
-
1,678 
(57)
92 
987 
2,700 

189,391 
305,995 

160,347
265,110

147,074  136,059
249,648  230,411

132,263 
218,259 

163,177 
281,110 

140,974
242,958

132,800  117,355
228,592  210,563

112,594 
199,824 

22,405 
   17,700 

20,024
14,995

19,030 
13,639 

18,393
12,677

17,472 
11,942 

169,321 

146,808

141,049  138,383

128,484 

214,187 
197,532 

188,270
174,737

170,634  160,607
157,105  145,978

129,163 
117,075 

252,652 
35,059 
18,284 
305,995 

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

208,673  196,918
20,208
13,285
249,648  230,411

24,579 
16,396 

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

(1) 

“Underlying basis” excludes shareholder investment returns, initiatives including Which new Bank, goodwill amortisation, appraisal value 
uplift (reduction) and abnormal items. 

 49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Five Year Financial Summary (continued) 

Shareholder Summary 
Dividends per share (cents) - fully franked 
Dividend cover (times) - statutory 
Dividend cover (times) - cash 
Dividend cover (times) - underlying 
Earnings per share (cents) 
Basic 
  before abnormal items 
  after abnormal items 
  cash basis(1) 
  Underlying basis(2) 
Fully Diluted 
  before abnormal items 
  after abnormal items 
  cash basis(1) 
  underlying basis(2) 
Dividend payout ratio (%)(3) 
  before abnormal items 
  after abnormal items 
  cash basis(1) 
  underlying basis(2) 
Net tangible assets per share ($) 
Weighted average number of shares (basic) (m) 
Weighted average number of shares (fully diluted)(m) 
Number of shareholders 
Share prices for the year ($) 
  Trading high 
  Trading low 
  End (closing price) 

Performance Ratios (%) 
Return on average shareholders' equity(4)(5) 
  before abnormal items 
  after abnormal items 
  cash basis 
  underlying basis 
Return on average total assets(4) 
  before abnormal items 
  after abnormal items 
  cash basis 
  underlying 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 

2004

2003

2002 

2001

2000.

183 
1.1 
1.1 
1.3 

196.9 
196.9 
206.6 
237.1 

196.8 
196.8 
206.5 
237.0 

93.5 
93.5 
89.1 
77.6 
12.2
1,256 
1,257 
714,901 

33.54 
27.00 
32.58 

13.0 
13.0 
13.2 
15.1 

0.9 
0.9 
0.9 
1.1 
7.43 
3.93 
(1.11)
10.25 
2.53 

154
0.9
1.3
1.4

157.4
157.4
202.6
210.2

157.3
157.3
202.5
210.0

97.7
97.7
75.9
73.3
11.4
 1,253
 1,254
746,073

32.75
23.05
29.55

10.7
10.7
13.3
13.8

0.8
0.8
1.0
1.0 
6.96
4.21
(1.44)
9.73
2.67

150
1.4
1.3
1.3 

209.6
209.6
197.3
194.6

209.3
209.3
197.0
194.3

136 
1.4 
1.3 
1.2 

189.6 
189.6 
178.8 
168.8 

189.3 
189.3 
178.6 
168.5 

130 
1.2
1.6 
1.2 

184.8 
291.2 
181.0 
179.6 

184.4 
290.7 
180.6 
179.2 

71.7
71.7
76.2
77.2
10.3
1,250
1,252
722,612

71.2 
71.2 
75.5 
80.2 
9.6
1,260
1,262

83.5 
53.0 
85.3 
85.9 
9.2 
927
929
709,647  788,791 

34.94
24.75
32.93

34.15 
26.18 
34.15 

27.95 
22.54 
27.69 

14.7
14.7
13.1
12.9

1.1
1.1
1.0
1.0
6.78
4.28
(1.26)
9.80
2.76

13.5 
13.5 
12.0 
11.4 

1.1 
1.1 
1.0 
1.0 
6.51 
4.18 
(1.53)
9.16 
2.78 

22.1 
34.8 
19.1 
18.9 

1.1 
1.7 
0.9 
0.9 
7.49 
4.75 
(2.49)
9.75 
2.88 

36,296 
1,012 
3,866 
3,109 
126,049 
815 

35,845
1,014
3,893
3,116
129,959
760

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

37,460 
1,066 
3,928 
2,931 

39,631 
1,441 
4,020 
3,092 
122,074  116,064 
603 

659 

Productivity 
Total Operating Income per full-time (equivalent) employee ($) 
Staff Expense/Total Operating Income (%) 
Total Operating Expenses(7)/Total Operating Income (%) 

278,047 
24.3 
59.6 

262,212
26.1
59.1

262,856
26.4
57.4

235,558  198,479 
27.8 
57.2 

26.7 
58.6 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 
(4) 

‘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. 
‘Underlying earnings’ for the purpose of these financial statements is defined as net profit after tax and before shareholder investment 
returns, initiatives including Which new Bank, abnormal items, goodwill amortisation and life insurance and funds management appraisal 
value uplift. 
Dividends paid divided by earnings.  
Calculations based on operating profit after tax and outside equity interests applied to average shareholders’ equity/average total assets. 

 50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Five Year Financial Summary (continued) 
(5) 

2004 and 2003 shareholders’ equity includes retained earnings before provision for final dividend of $ 1,315 million and $1,066 million 
respectively. Prior periods’ return on average shareholders’ equity – cash basis and underlying 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 third party agencies.  
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. 

(6) 
(7) 

 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 ..................................................................................................................................................................65 
3.  Revenue from Ordinary Activities ......................................................................................................................................67 
4.  Average Balances and Related Interest ............................................................................................................................68 
5. 
Income Tax Expense .........................................................................................................................................................72 
6.  Dividends............................................................................................................................................................................74 
7.  Earnings Per Share............................................................................................................................................................75 
8.  Cash and Liquid Assets .....................................................................................................................................................75 
9.  Receivables from Other Financial Institutions ...................................................................................................................75 
10.  Trading Securities ..............................................................................................................................................................76 
11.  Investment Securities.........................................................................................................................................................77 
12.  Loans, Advances and Other Receivables..........................................................................................................................80 
13.  Provisions for Impairment ..................................................................................................................................................83 
14.  Credit Risk Management....................................................................................................................................................87  
15.  Asset Quality ......................................................................................................................................................................94 
16.  Insurance Investment Assets .............................................................................................................................................99 
17.  Deposits with Regulatory Authorities .................................................................................................................................99 
18.  Shares in and Loans to Controlled Entities........................................................................................................................99 
19.  Property, Plant and Equipment ........................................................................................................................................100 
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 ...................................................................................................................................................118 
31.  Capital Adequacy .............................................................................................................................................................119 
32.  Maturity Analysis of Monetary Assets and Liabilities .......................................................................................................123 
33.  Financial Reporting by Segments ....................................................................................................................................125 
34.  Life Insurance Business ...................................................................................................................................................129 
35.  Remuneration of Auditors ................................................................................................................................................135 
36.  Commitments for Capital Expenditures Not Provided for in the Accounts ......................................................................135 
37.  Lease Commitments - Property, Plant and Equipment....................................................................................................135 
38.  Contingent Liabilities and Assets .....................................................................................................................................136 
39.  Market Risk ......................................................................................................................................................................138 
40.  Superannuation Commitments.........................................................................................................................................149 
41.  Controlled Entities ............................................................................................................................................................150 
42.  Investments in Associated Entities and Joint Ventures ...................................................................................................153 
43.  Standby Arrangements and Unused Credit Facilities ......................................................................................................153 
44.  Director and Executive Disclosures .................................................................................................................................154 
45.  Related Party Disclosures................................................................................................................................................164 
46.  Statement of Cash Flow...................................................................................................................................................165 
47.  Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments....................................................................................................167 
Directors’ Declaration............................................................................................................................................................169 
Independent Audit Report.....................................................................................................................................................170 
Shareholding Information  ....................................................................................................................................................171 
International Representation ................................................................................................................................................175 

52 

 
 
Statements of Financial Performance 
for the year ended 30 June 2004 

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 fee 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 
Insurance margin on services operating income 

Total net operating income before appraisal value 
uplift/(reduction) 

Charge for bad and doubtful debts 
Operating expenses: 
Comparable business 
Initiatives including Which new Bank(1) 

Appraisal value uplift/(reduction) 
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) 
   Other equity instruments (issued 6 August 2003) 
   Other equity instruments (issued 6 January 2004) 

Net Profit after Income Tax comprises: 
Net Profit after Income Tax ("underlying basis") 
Shareholder investment returns 
Initiatives including Which new Bank(1) 
Net Profit after Income Tax ("cash basis") 
Appraisal value uplift/(reduction) 
Goodwill amortisation 
Net Profit after Income Tax ("statutory basis") 

Note

2 
2 

3 
3 

3 
3 

2004
$M

13,287 
7,877 
5,410 

943 
(874)
2,777 
8,256 

1,175 
1,967 
(1,809)
1,333 

2003
$M

11,528 
6,502 
5,026 

GROUP 
2002 
$M 

10,455 
5,745 
4,710 

128 
(106)
2,605 
7,653 

1,149 
8 
(91)
1,066 

718 
(628) 
2,462 
7,262 

1,083 
(393) 
457 
1,147 

866 
293 
(500) 
659 

2004
$M

11,053 
6,649 
4,404 

1,398
(1,823)
3,737 
7,716 

BANK
2003
$M

9,477 
5,336 
4,141 

67 
(52)
3,339 
7,495 

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

1,012 
840 
(950)
902 

1,131 
620 
(1,071)
680 

10,491 

9,399 

9,068 

7,716 

7,495 

2,13 

276 

305 

449 

263 

266 

2 
2 
2 

34 

5 

7 
7 

6 
6 

5,500 
749 
6,249 

201 
(324)
3,843 
1,262 
2,581 
(9)

2,572 
(8)
54 
46 

5,312 
239 
5,551 

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

2,012 
(129)
3 
(126)

5,201 
- 
5,201 

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

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

4,226 
725 
4,951 

-
(186)
2,316 
669 
1,647 
-

1,647 
10
43 
53

3,997 
239 
4,236 

-
(186)
2,807 
708 
2,099 
-

2,099 
(7)
-
(7)

2,618 

1,886 

2,508 

1,700

2,092 

Cents per share 

196.9 
196.8 

157.4 
157.3 

209.6 
209.3 

183 
1,065 
7,306 
402 

154 
1,019 
-
-

$M

$M

3,078 
152 
(535)
2,695 
201 
(324)
2,572 

2,674 
73 
(168)
2,579 
(245)
(322)
2,012 

150 
970 
- 
- 

$M 

2,468 
33 
- 
2,501 
477 
(323) 
2,655 

(1)  June 2004 results reflects the Which new Bank program, while prior year includes strategic initiatives undertaken and the cost of the June 

2002 ESAP paid in October 2002. 

53 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2004
$M

6,453 
8,369 
14,896 
11,447 
189,391 
15,019 
28,942 
38 
            -
1,204 
239 
4,705 
25,292 
305,995 

163,177 
6,641 
15,019 
            -
14 
811 
997 
24,638 
44,042 
19,140 
274,479 
6,631 
281,110 
24,885 

13,359 
687 
1,573 
3,946 
2,840

GROUP
2003
$M

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 

2004
$M

6,485 
7,068 
12,877 
6,626 
154,139 
15,160 
              -
4 
23,677 
722 
220 
2,522 
18,849 
248,349 

142,469 
6,611 
15,160 
14,176 
13 
690 
819 
              -
24,449 
17,888 
222,275 
7,338 
229,613 
18,736 

12,678 
687 
-
3,850 
2,809

13,359 
687 
737 
2,148 
1,805

BANK
2003
$M

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 

12,678 
687 
-
2,095 
2,591 

22,405 

20,024 

18,736 

18,051 

304
2,176 
2,480 
24,885 

304 
1,824 
2,128 
22,152 

              -
              -
              -
18,736 

-
-
-
18,051 

Statements of Financial Position 
as at 30 June 2004 

Assets 
Cash and liquid assets 
Receivables due from other financial institutions 
Trading securities 
Investment securities 
Loans, advances and other receivables 
Bank acceptances of customers 
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 
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 
Other equity instruments 
Reserves 
Retained profits 
Shareholders' equity attributable to members of 
the Bank 
Outside equity interests: 
Controlled entities 
Insurance statutory funds and other funds 
Total outside equity interests 
Total Shareholders' Equity 

Note 

8 
9 
10 
11 
12 

16 
17 
18 
19 
42 
20 
21 

22 
23 

6 
24 
25 
34 
26 
27 

28 

29 
29 
29 

30 
30 

54 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity 
for the year ended 30 June 2004 

Ordinary Share Capital 
Opening balance  
Buy back 
Buy back for dividend reinvestment plan 
Dividend reinvestment plan 
Employee share ownership schemes 
Share purchase plan 
Closing balance 
Preference Share Capital 
Opening balance  
Closing balance 
Other Equity Instruments 
Opening balance  
Issue of instruments 
Closing balance 
Retained profits 
Opening balance 
Reversal of provision for final dividend at 30 June 2002  
(on adoption of AASB 1044) 
Share buy back 
Transfers from reserves 
Operating profit attributable to members of Bank 
Total available for appropriation 
Transfers to reserves  
Interim dividend - cash component 
Interim dividend - dividend reinvestment plan 
Provision for final dividend - cash component 
Payment of final dividend - cash component 
Payment of final dividend - 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 
Reversal of revaluation deficit on sale of property 
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 
Closing balance 
Foreign Currency Translation Reserve 
Opening balance 
Currency translation adjustments 
Transfer to retained profits 
Closing balance 

Total Reserves 
Shareholders' Equity Attributable to Members of the 
Bank 

Note 

29 

29 

29 

2004
$M

12,678 
(213)
-
389 
38 
467 
13,359 

687 
687 

-
1,573 
1,573 

  GROUP 
2002 
$M 

2003 
$M 

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

687 
687 

- 
- 
- 

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

687 
687 

        - 
        - 
        - 

2004
$M

12,678 
(213)
-
389 
38 
467 
13,359 

687 
687 

-
737 
737 

BANK
2003
$M

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

687 
687 

-
-
-

2,809 

1,452 

1,160 

2,591 

1,402 

-
(319)
142 
2,572 
5,204 
(201)
(808)
(188)
-
(865)
(201)
(101)
2,840 

3,751 
201 
(142)
3,810 

289 
(9)
280 

7 
54 
61 

-
-
-

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

3,998 
- 
(247) 
3,751 

289 
- 
289 

 4 
 3 
7 

- 
- 
- 

(197)
(8)
-
(205)

(65) 
(129) 
(3) 
(197) 

- 
- 
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) 
- 

81 
(146) 
- 
(65) 

-
(319)
-
1,647 
3,919 
-
(808)
(188)
-
(865)
(201)
(52)
1,805 

570 
-
-
570

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

570 
-
-
570 

1,531 
-
1,531 

1,531 
-
1,531 

-
43 
43 

-
-
-

(6)
10 
-
4 

-
-
-

-
-
-

(8)
(7)
9 
(6)
.
2,095 

3,946 

3,850 

4,226 

2,148 

22,405 

20,024 

19,030 

18,736 

18,051 

55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Statements of Cash Flows 
for the year ended 30 June 2004 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities 
Interest received 
Dividends received 
Interest paid 
Other operating income received 
Expenses paid 
Income taxes paid 
Net increase in trading securities 
Life insurance: 
  Investment income 
  Premiums received(1) 
  Policy payments(1) 
Net Cash provided by/(used in) Operating 
Activities 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities 
Payments for acquisition of entities and management 
rights 
Proceeds from disposal of entities and businesses 
Disposal of shares in other companies 
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 
Proceeds from issue of other equity instruments (net 
of costs) 
Net increase in deposits and other borrowings 
Net movement in debt issues 
Dividends paid (including DRP) 
Net movements in other liabilities 
Net increase/(decrease) in payables due to other 
financial institutions not at call 
Net increase in securities sold under agreements to 
repurchase 
Issue of loan capital 
Redemptions 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 

Note 

2004
$M

2003
$M

13,101 
6 
(7,543)
3,410 
(5,529)
(1,366)
(4,324)

841 
3,562 
(4,529)

11,452 
4 
(6,455)
3,135 
(5,438)
(1,258)
(2,484)

644 
4,130 
(5,855)

GROUP 
2002 
$M 

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

870 
5,689 
(5,704) 

2004 
$M 

11,045 
798 
(6,351) 
2,375 
(4,459) 
(886) 
(4,672) 

- 
- 
- 

BANK
2003
$M

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

-
-
-

46(c) 

(2,371)

(2,125)

1,993 

(2,150) 

318 

46(f) 

-
63 
114 

(173)
33 
-

(57) 
314 
- 

- 
885 
114 

-
-
-

(25,587)
697 
24,407 

(18,055)
23 
17,719 

(23,488) 
295 
22,192 

(15,157) 
390 
14,904 

(15,761)
31 
16,449 

(15)

66 

(28) 

(2) 

52 

(29,328)
-
69 
(536)

292 

(1,023)
(1,461)

(13,577)
-
72 
(143)

(11,702) 
- 
109 
(164) 

(22,873) 
1,412 
7 
(175) 

(11,022)
1,027 
64 
(103)

513 

50 
301 

(855) 

(344) 

731

(1,376) 
(241) 

(1,039) 
(1,537) 

(298)
125

(20,286)
21,500 
(31,094)

(13,091)
14,628 
(11,634)

(13,926) 
14,618 
(14,309) 

- 
- 
(23,415) 

-
-
(8,705)

(532)
505 

-

1,573 
21,997 
13,413 
(1,774)
(242)

-
13 

182 

-
5,129 
7,054 
(1,933)
(926)

- 
39 

- 

- 
15,135 
(967) 
(1,661) 
1,809 

(532) 
505 

- 

737 
19,254 
7,765 
(1,726) 
113 

-
13

-

-
3,004
4,931
(1,929)
(1,024)

(929)

(796)

211 

(909) 

(869)

206 
985 
(317)
(2)
34,883 

1,418 
1,428 
2,846 

3,046 
901 
-
19 
12,689 

(1,070)
2,498 
1,428 

310 
- 
- 
(100) 
14,776 

2,460 
38 
2,498 

269 
1,784 
(317) 
(16) 
26,927 

1,362 
277 
1,639 

3,045
600
-
(15)
7,756

(631)
908
277

46(a) 

(1)  These were gross premiums and policy payments before splitting between policyholders and shareholders. 

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 
the 
purpose 
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  accounting  polices  applied  are  consistent  with 
those  of  the  previous  year,  except  that  the  criteria  for 
capitalised information technology software was amended, 
refer below. 

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 
that  such 
differences would be material. 

is  not  anticipated 

it 

Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts are shown in 

$ million and are expressed in Australian currency. 

Software Capitalisation 
The  criteria 

for 

technology  software 
information 
capitalisation has been amended, such that only computer 
software  projects  costing  $10  million  or  more  are  being 
capitalised  and  capitalisation 
those 
investments  that  will  deliver  identifiable  and  sustainable 
customer value and an increase in returns, in a significant 
line of business. 

limited 

to 

is 

This  change  has  been  applied  retrospectively  and 
has resulted in the expensing of $219 million of previously 
capitalised software at 1 July 2003. 

(b)  Historical cost 

The 

the  Bank  and 

financial  statements  of 

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 
their  present  value  unless 
otherwise stated. 

to 

(c)  Consolidation 

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

(d) 

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

in  Note  42 

to 

Investments in associates are carried at cost plus the 

Group’s share of post-acquisition profit or loss. The  

57 

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 
losses arising from foreign exchange dealings are included 
in the results. 
The 

liabilities  of 
overseas  branches  and  overseas  controlled  entities  are 
converted  to  Australian  currency  at  30  June  2004  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. 

foreign  currency  assets  and 

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 
foreign 
currencies  and  the  level  of  net  foreign  currency  exposure 
does not have a material effect on its financial condition. 

in  assets  and 

liabilities 

in 

(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 
(as amended by ASIC Class Order 04/667). 

(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  and 
losses  on  disposal  and  unrealised  fair  value  adjustments 
trading 
are  reflected 
securities  is  reported  in  net  interest  earnings.  Trading 
trade  date  basis.
securities  are 

recorded  on  a 

Interest  on 

Income’. 

‘Other 

in 

 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
NOTE 1  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued 

(k) 

Investment securities 
Investment  securities  are  securities  purchased  with 

the intent of being held to maturity. 

Investment securities are short and long term public, 
bank  and  other  securities  and  include  bonds,  bills  of 
exchange,  commercial  paper,  certificates  of  deposit  and 
equities.  These  securities  are  recorded  at  cost  or 
amortised  cost.  Premiums  and  discounts  are  amortised 
through profit and loss each year from the date of purchase 
so that securities attain their redemption values by maturity 
date. Interest is reflected in profit 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  recorded  values  of  those 
securities adjusted accordingly. 

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

(l)  Repurchase agreements 

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

(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 
current financial period is reversed from profit and reserved 
if it has not been received in cash. 

If  necessary,  a  specific  provision  for  impairment  is 
recognised so that the carrying amount of the facility does 
not exceed the expected future cash flows. In subsequent 
periods,  interest  in  arrears/due  on  non  accrual  facilities  is 
taken 
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. 

loss  when  a  cash  payment 

to  profit  and 

Restructured Facilities 
When  facilities  (primarily  loans)  have  the  original 
contractual terms modified, the accounts become classified 
as  restructured.  Such  accounts  will  have  interest  accrued 
to profit as long as the facility is performing on the modified 
basis 
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  a 
performing basis. 

in  accordance  with 

the  restructured 

terms. 

58 

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  in  the  statistically 
managed  segment  to  cover  facilities  which  are  not  well 
secured and past due 180 days or more, against the credit 
risk rated managed segment for exposures aggregating to 
less  than  $250,000  and  90  days  past  due  or  more,  and 
against  emerging  credit 
in  specific 
segments in the credit risk rated managed portfolio. These 
provisions are funded primarily by reference to historical 

identified 

risks 

 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
NOTE 1  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued  

The  useful  lives  of  major  depreciable  assets  are  as 

follows: 

Buildings 
- Shell 
- Integral plant and equipment 
   - carpets 
   - all other (air-conditioning, 

lifts) 

- Non integral plant and 

equipment 

   - fixtures and fittings 

Leasehold improvements 

Maximum 30 years 

10 years 

20 years 

10 years 

Lesser of unexpired lease 
term or lives as above 

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

10 years 
8 years 
5 years 
3 years 

The  Bank  has  outsourced 

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, the merger 
with  the  State  Bank  of  Victoria  in  1991  and  from  the 
acquisition  of  the  25%  minority  interest  in  ASB  Group  in 
New Zealand in August 2000 is each 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 
for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained 
for  Internal  Use’,  the  Group  carries  net  unamortised 
capitalised  computer  software  costs  of  $107  million  as  at 
30  June  2004  (2003:  $248  million).  The  criteria  for 
capitalised  computer  software  costs  was  amended, 
effective 1 July 2003, refer to Note 1 (a). 

Such  costs  are  amortised  over  the  assessed  useful 
life  of  the  projects.  An  amortisation  period  of  2½  years  is 
for  most  software  developments.  Software 
adopted 
maintenance costs continue to be expensed as incurred. 

(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.

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. 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. 

rates  applicable 

to  each  category’s  useful 

Equipment and assets held for lease is shown at cost 
less depreciation calculated principally on a category basis 
at 
life. 
Depreciation is 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. 

Investment  property  carried  at  lower  of  cost  and 
recoverable amount is not depreciated in accordance with 
the depreciation guidance in AASB1021: Depreciation.   

.

59 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
NOTE 1  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued  

(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. 

for 

(x) 

income 

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 
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). 

tax  and  accounting  purposes 

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia has elected to 
be  taxed  as  a  single  entity  under  the  tax  consolidation 
system with effect from 1 July 2002. The Bank has formally 
notified the Australian Taxation Office of its adoption of the 
tax  consolidation  regime.  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. 
The  provision 

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

leave  represents 

for  annual 

The  provision 

for  other  employee  entitlements 
represents  liabilities  for  staff  housing  loan  benefits,  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 

(z)  Provisions for restructuring 

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 ‘Which new Bank’ costs 
On  19  September  2003,  the  Group  launched  its 
Which  new  Bank  customer  service  vision.  This  is  a  three 
year  transformation  programme  and  involves  the  Bank  in 
additional expenditure in the key areas of staff training and 
skilling, 
simplification,  and 
technology. In the period to 30 June 2004 such expenses 
have 
totalled  $749  million  and  principally  comprise 
redundancies, expensing of previously capitalised software 
of  $219  million,  process 
improvements  and  branch 
refurbishment.  The  outstanding  provision  for  ‘Which  new 
Bank’ costs at 30 June 2004 is $208 million. 

systems  and  process 

(aa)  Provision for self insurance 

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

losses  and  non 

transferred 

 (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 guidelines. Loan capital debt issues are recorded at 
cost or amortised cost. 

Premiums, discounts and associated 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. 

(ee)  Shareholders’ equity 

Ordinary  share  capital  is  the  amount  of  paid  up 

capital from the issue of ordinary shares. 

Preference  Share  Capital  and  Other  Equity 
Instruments is the amount of paid up capital from the issue 
of  preference  shares  and  other  equity 
instruments 
respectively. 

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 $3,106 
million,  including  the  appraisal  value  uplift  (2003:  $2,905 
million and 2002: $3,150 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 
foreign 
instruments 
derivative 
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

60 

Notes to the financial statements 
NOTE 1  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued  

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  as  they 
occur. 

Derivative  financial  instruments  held  or  issued  for 

purposes other than trading 

is 

in  holding  or 

The  principal  objective 

to  manage  balance  sheet 

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 
modify 
rate  or  credit 
characteristics  of  the  hedged  asset  or  liability.  Such 
derivative  financial  instruments  are  purchased  with  the 
intent  of  being  held  to  maturity.  Derivatives  that  are 
designated and effective as hedges are accounted for on 
the same basis as the instruments they are hedging. 

identified  and  allocated  against 

rate,  exchange 

interest 

the 

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 
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.   

the  previous  paragraph. 

in 

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. 

61 

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 

on 
instruments is shown in Note 39. 

information 

derivative 

financial 

(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 
the 
broader  customer  credit  process  and 
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. 

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  loan  fees.  Where  non 
refundable front end loan fees are received that represent 
cost  recovery  or  charges  for  services  not  directly  related 
to  the  yield  on  a  loan,  they  are  taken  to  income  in  the 
period  in  which  they  are  received.  Where  fees  are 
received  on  an  ongoing  basis  and 
the 
recoupment of the costs of maintaining and administering 
existing  loans,  these  fees  are  taken  to  income  on  an 
accrual basis. 

represent 

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

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

(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  included  in  the  financial  report  irrespective  of 
whether 
to 
policyholders or to shareholders.  

they  are  designated  as 

relating 

(ii)  All  assets  are  measured  at  net  market  values.

 
 
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. 

(v)  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. 

- 

- 

- 

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

(vii)  Participating  benefits  vested 

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

in  relation 

(viii)  Reinsurance  contracts  entered  into  are  recognised 

Insurance  Holdings  Limited 

on a gross basis. 
The  Group  conducts  life insurance  business  through 
Commonwealth 
(CIHL), 
Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited (CMLA) in 
Australia,  Sovereign  Assurance  Company  Limited  in  New 
Zealand,  and  several  subsidiaries  and  joint  ventures 
throughout  Asia.  CIHL  is  the  top  tier  life  insurance 
company  within  the  life  insurance  corporate  structure  and 
values  its  interests  at  market  in  its  controlled  entities  at 
each reporting date. 

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 
received  basis.  Fees  earned  by  the  Shareholder  for 
managing  the  funds  invested  are  recognised  as 
revenue. Claims under investment linked businesses 
represent withdrawals of investment deposits and are 
recognised as a reduction in policy liabilities. 

(ii)  Non-investment linked business 

received 

for  providing  services  and 
Premiums 
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 
liabilities  during 
immediately recognised in profit. 

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: 

62 

from 

future  business  and 

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 
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 
about  future  sales  growth,  redemptions,  expenses, 
investment  returns  and  fee  margins.  This  method 
allows  the  values  so  calculated  to  be  expressed  in 
the  form  of  appraisal  values,  consistent  with  those 
calculated  for  the  life  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 

life 
insurance  companies  are  subject  to  revaluation  each 
period,  such  that  the  investment  in  the  controlled  entity  is 
recorded at market value. 

the 

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 
the  valuation  of 
assessed  periodically  as  part  of 
investments  with  changes  in  value  taken  to  profit.  This 
excess  does  not  require  amortisation  in  the  financial 
statements. 

Insurance  Policy  Liabilities  and  Margin  on 

Life 
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) 

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

(ii)  Difference between actual and planned experience: 

Experience  profits/(losses) are realised  where 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 investment 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.

 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
NOTE 1  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued 

(iii)  Loss  recognition  on  groups  of  related  products  or 

is 

(iv) 

recognised 

immediately. 

reversals of previously recognised losses: 
Where  future  expenses  for  a  group  of  related 
products  exceeds  future  revenues,  the  anticipated 
loss 
If  unprofitable 
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 to meet policy liabilities. 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 

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

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

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. 

the  significant  uncertainties 

to 
the  underlying 

in 
Due 
estimating 
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. 

inherent 

(kk)   Fiduciary activities 

The  Bank  and  designated  controlled  entities  act  as 
Responsible Entity,  Trustee  and/or  Manager  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 superannuation contributions expense principally 
represents  the  annual  funding,  determined  after  having 
regard to actuarial advice, to provide for future obligations 
of 
all 
superannuation  plans  are  made  in  accordance  with  the 
rules of the plans. 

plans.  Contributions 

defined 

benefit 

to 

(mm)  Comparative figures 

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

(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 
uplift/(reduction). 

‘Underlying  Basis’  is  defined  as  net  profit  after  tax 
(“cash  basis”)  excluding  Which  new  Bank  initiatives, 
shareholder  investment  returns  and  the  cost  of  the  June 
2002  Employee  Share  Acquisition  Plan  (“ESAP”)  paid  in 
October 2002. 

(oo) Policy changes (2003) 

The consolidated entity, adopted the new Accounting 
Standard  AASB  1044:    Provisions,  Contingent  Liabilities 
and Contingent Assets, from 1 July 2002 which 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 
is  only  recognised  at  the  reporting  date  where  the 
dividends 
publicly 
recommended prior to the reporting date.  The effect of the 
revised policy was to increase consolidated retained profits 
and  decrease  provisions  at  the  beginning  of  the  year 
ended 30 June 2003 by $1,027 million.  In accordance with 
the  new  Standard,  no  provision  for  dividend  has  been 
recognised  at  year  end.    The  change  in  accounting  policy 
has  had  no  effect  on  basic  and  fully  diluted  earnings  per 
share. 

determined 

declared, 

are 

or 

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 was a 
one  off  expense  in  the  2003  financial  year.  In  addition, 
2003  year  ESAP  expense  accrued  for  the  2003  financial 
year was $20 million. Similarly, the Executive Reward Plan 
was  restructured  effective  from  1  July  2002,  whereby 
incentives allocated were in the form of Reward shares and 
not options. This resulted in an increased expense for the 
2003  year  of  $5  million.  Other  share  based  compensation 
expense  for  the  2003  year  was  $69  million.  This  was 

63 

 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
NOTE 1  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued 

incurred  and  charged  against  profit  on  a  consistent  basis 
with prior periods.  

(pp)  International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRS) 
Transition Management  

The  Bank  is  well  progressed  in  the  process  of 
ensuring that it will comply with the Australian equivalent of 
International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  (“IFRS”)  by 
June 2005.  This is in line with the conversion timetable as 
set out by the Financial Reporting Council of Australia. 

The  Bank  completed  its  review  of  the  IFRS  and  their 
impact during the planning stage of the project.  Conversion 
issues were then identified and methodologies designed to 
resolve these issues. 

The Bank is now progressing to the implementation of 
these  changes  and  will  complete  this  process  prior  to  30 
June 2005. 

The Bank has not finalised the financial impact of the 

change to IFRS. 
Key Accounting Issues 

The following key areas of difference between current 
accounting  practice  and  the  treatment  under  IFRS  have 
been identified: 
(i)  Hedge Accounting 

Under 

financial 

IFRS  all  derivative 

instruments, 
including  those  used  for  balance  sheet  hedging  purposes, 
are to be recognised on-balance sheet and measured at fair 
value.  Hedge accounting can be applied, subject to certain 
rules, for fair value hedges, cash flow hedges, and hedges 
of  investments  in  foreign  operations.    The  Bank  has 
formulated  a  strategy  based  on  the  use  of  both  cash  flow 
and fair value hedging.  Cash flow hedges are expected to 
be the predominant form of hedging applied by the Bank.   

It is expected that these new rules around accounting 
for  hedge  instruments  will  introduce  significant  volatility 
within  equity  reserves,  and  the  potential  for  some  minor 
volatility within the statement of financial performance. 
(ii)  Employee Benefits 

With  the  introduction  of  IFRS,  the  net  surpluses  or 
deficits  that  arise  within  defined  benefit  superannuation 
plans  must  be  recognised  in  the  statement  of  financial 
position.    The  annual  movements  in  those  surpluses  or 
deficits  must  be  recorded  in  the  statement  of  financial 
performance.   

The  Bank  currently  sponsors  two  defined  benefit 
plans.    Actuarial  valuations  of  these  plans  are  carried  out 
periodically,  and  a  large  surplus  currently  exists  on  a  net 
basis.  On  transition  to  IFRS,  the  comparative  period 
beginning  1  July  2004  will  record  an  opening  Retained 
Earnings adjustment reflecting the value of this surplus.  For 
subsequent  periods,  the  profit  is  likely  to  be  affected  by 
significant  volatility  as  the  value  of  the  surplus  fluctuates.  
Given  the  potential  significance  of  this  item  we  expect  to 
show it as a separate line item in the statement of financial 
performance.    
(iii)  Provisions for Loan Impairment 

In line with market practice, the Bank’s current general 
provisioning for impaired loans is designed to take account 
of  our  expectations  of  probable  future  losses  and  latent 
risks inherent  in  the  credit  portfolio.   Under  IFRS  the  Bank 
must  raise  collective  provisions  in  respect  of  only  those 
losses for which there is ‘objective evidence’ of impairment 
as at each balance date.  The methodology to calculate this 
provision is still being developed. 

As a result of this change, there may be a reduction in 
the amount of the Bank’s general provisioning for impaired 
loans. 

The  practice  of  recording  specific  provisions  for  loan 
impairment  will  continue  under 
IFRS,  however,  such 
provisions  must  be  based  on  the  discounted  values  of 
estimated  future  cash  flows.    The  discount  unwinds  during 
the  period  between  the  initial  recognition  of  the  provision 
and  the  eventual  recovery  of  the  written  down  amount, 
resulting  in  the  recording  of  interest  in  the  statement  of 
financial performance, within interest income. 

(iv)  Consolidation of Special Purpose Vehicles 

IFRS  requires  the  consolidation  of  certain  special 
purpose  vehicles  that  are  not  consolidated  under  the 
current accounting standards.   

Vehicles  related  to  the  securitisation  of  Bank  assets, 
and  certain  other  customer  asset  securitisation  vehicles, 
may  be  consolidated  under  IFRS.    This  would  result  in  a 
gross  up  of  the  assets  and  liabilities  recorded  within  the 
statement of financial position. 

There  is  not  expected  to  be  any  profit  impact  arising 

from consolidation of these vehicles. 
(v)  Classification of Hybrid Financial Instruments 

The  Bank  currently  has  on  issue  two  types  of  hybrid 
financial  instruments:  Perpetual  Exchangeable  Resettable 
Listed  Securities  (“PERLS  I  and  II”);  and  Trust  Preferred 
Securities  (“TPS”).    Refer  to  Note  29  for  details.    These 
instruments are currently classified as equity instruments. 

Under  IFRS  these  instruments  will  be  reclassified  as 
debt within the statement of financial position and dividends 
paid will be shown as interest expense. 
(vi)  Revenue and Expense Recognition 

Under IFRS, the Bank will change the way it currently 
recognises  certain  revenue  and  expense  items.    Any  fee 
income  integral  to  the  yield  of  an  originated  financial 
instrument,  net  of  any  direct  incremental  costs,  must  be 
capitalised  and  deferred  over  the  expected  life  of  the 
instrument.  This is not expected to have a material impact 
on  net  profit  within  the  statement  of  financial  performance, 
however,  some  re-classifications  of  revenue  between  fee 
income and interest income will occur. 
(vii)  Accounting for Life Insurance Business 

On  transition  to  IFRS,  the  asset  representing  the 
excess  of  the  net  market  value  over  net  assets  of  the 
Bank’s  life  insurance  controlled  entities  can  no  longer  be 
recognised in full. As a result, the Bank will, on the adoption 
of  the  IFRS,  cease  to  recognise  any  movement  in  the 
appraisal  value  in  the  statement  of  financial  performance. 
The  write  off  of  the  internally  generated  component  will 
ultimately  be  reflected  against  the  General  Reserve;  and 
the  acquired  component  will  be  reclassified  as  Goodwill 
within  the  statement  of  financial  position  and  subjected  to 
an annual impairment test. 
(viii)  Accounting for Goodwill 

On  transition  to  IFRS,  Goodwill  will  no  longer  be 
amortised, but instead, is subject to an annual assessment 
for impairment to ensure that the carrying value of Goodwill 
is not greater than the recoverable amount.  As a result, the 
statement of financial performance will no longer include an 
expense item reflecting the annual Goodwill amortisation.  
(ix)  Taxation 

A “balance sheet” approach to tax effect accounting is 
followed  under  IFRS  replacing  the  current  “statement  of 
financial performance” approach. This approach recognises 
deferred  tax  balances  when  there  is  a  difference  between 
the carrying value of an asset or liability and its tax base. It 
is  likely  there  will  be  some  increases  in  levels  of  deferred 
tax assets and liabilities. 
(x)   Statement of Financial Position 

The following new material line items are expected to 

appear within the statement of financial position. 
- 

‘Derivative  assets’  line  item,  being  the  fair  value  of 
the  Bank’s  hedging  derivative  financial  instruments 
portfolio  which  have  a  positive  market  value;  and  a 
‘Derivative liabilities’ line item, being the fair value of 
the  Bank’s  hedging  derivative  financial  instruments 
portfolio which have a negative market value. 
An ‘Available-for-sale assets’ line item, being the fair 
investment  securities  and  other 
value  of 
financial assets categorised as available-for-sale. 
A  ‘Retirement  benefit  surplus’  asset  line  item,  being 
the defined benefit plan surplus. 

those 

- 

- 

64 

 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

65 

 
Notes to the financial statements 
NOTE 1  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued 

- 

- 

- 

An ‘Investment contract liabilities’ line item, being the 
fair value of the policyholder liabilities associated with 
those investment style contracts, which can no longer 
be classified as insurance contracts. 
A  ‘Cash  Flow  Hedge  Reserve’,  being  the  hedge 
reserve associated with cash flow hedge accounting. 
‘Available-for-Sale  Securities  Revaluation 
An 
Reserve’  being  the  reserve  associated  with  the 
unrealised fair value gains and losses on investment 
securities  and  other  financial  assets  categorised  as 
available-for-sale. 

Regulatory Capital Treatment 

Several  of  the  above  accounting  issues  affect  the 
assets and equity items currently included in the calculation 
of  the  Bank’s  regulatory  capital.    Current  accounting 
definitions for asset and equity measurement are central to 
the  capital  adequacy  requirements  set  by  prudential 
regulators. The Bank anticipates that APRA will review the 
measurement rules in its Prudential Standards in response 
to the IFRS changes, however, it is unclear whether capital 
measurement  will  be  fully  immunised  from  the  IFRS 
changes. 

NOTE 2 Operating Profit  

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

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

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 (loss)/profit on sale of property, plant and equipment  
  Funds management income 
  Insurance income  
  Other (1) 
Total Other Operating Income 
Total Net Operating Income before appraisal value 
uplift/(reduction) 

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

2004
$M

2003
$M

11,675 
182 
198 
600 
607 
25 
              -
13,287 

5,949 
160 
1,506 
              -
262 
7,877 
5,410 

724 
1,503 

228 
165 
106 
              -
6 
80 
(11)
1,333 
902 
45 
5,081 

10,126 
191 
150 
454 
566 
41 
-
11,528 

4,732 
198 
1,352 
-
220 
6,502 
5,026 

652 
1,394 

200 
190 
112 
-
4 
(9)
22 
1,066 
680 
62 
4,373 

GROUP 
2002 
$M 

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

4,256 
193 
1,064 
- 
232 
5,745 
4,710 

618 
1,242 

243 
113 
133 
- 
5 
78 
12 
1,147 
712 
55 
4,358 

2004
$M

9,504 
90 
214 
486 
229 
3 
527 
11,053 

4,833 
159 
1,081 
282 
294 
6,649 
4,404 

702 
1,256 

203 
128 
106 
794 
4 
(416)
(10)
-
-
545 
3,312

BANK
2003
$M

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

3,795 
197 
889 
243 
212 
5,336 
4,141 

599 
1,157 

175 
162 
112 
577 
2 
(9)
13 
-
-
566 
3,354 

10,491 

9,399 

9,068 

7,716 

7,495 

276 
276 

305
305 

449 
449 

263 
263 

266 
266 

(1) 

Includes an equity accounted loss of $32 million for the year ended 30 June 2004. Principally relates to a change in revenue recognition 
accounting policy by the associate entity. 

65 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 
  Comparable business 
  Initiatives including Which new Bank  
Total Staff Expenses (excluding share based 
compensation) 

Share Based Compensation 
  Comparable business 
  Initiatives including Which new Bank  
Total Share Based Compensation 

Occupancy and Equipment Expenses 
  Operating lease rentals 
  Depreciation 
    Buildings 
    Leasehold improvements 
    Equipment 
  Repairs and maintenance 
  Other 
  Comparable business 
  Initiatives including Which new Bank  
  Total Occupancy and Equipment Expenses 

Information Technology Services 
  Projects and development 
  Data processing 
  Desktop 
  Communications 
  Software amortisation 
  Information technology equipment depreciation 
  Comparable business 
  Initiatives including Which new Bank  
  Total Information Technology Services 

Other Expenses                                        
  Postage 
  Stationery 
  Fees and commissions 
  Advertising, marketing and loyalty 
  Other 
  Comparable business 
  Initiatives including Which new Bank  
Total Other Expenses 

Comparable business 
Initiatives including Which new Bank 

2004
$M

2,152 
8 
41 
115 
32 
100 
2,448 
273 

2003
$M

2,106 
13 
11 
107 
26 
120 
2,383 
155 

GROUP
2002
$M

2,016
11
44
92
32
132
2327
-

2004 
$M 

1,683 
(14) 
34 
101 
28 
46 
1,878 
267 

BANK
2003
$M

1,694 
(3)
5 
95 
24 
78 
1,893 
155 

2,721 

2,538 

2,327 

2,145 

2,048 

105 
-
105 

340 

21 
55 
50 
68 
47 
581 
20 
601 

281 
238 
159 
205 
11 
1 
895 
292 
1,187 

112 
114 
598 
311 
336 
1,471 
164 
1,635 

5,500 
749 

94 
25 
119 

354 

24 
51 
53 
58 
69 
609 
3 
612 

194 
255 
178 
171 
78 
1 
877 
30 
907 

109 
118 
551 
259 
312 
1,349 
26 
1,375 

5,312 
239 

63 
-
63 

104 
             - 
104 

324 

26 
47 
55 
56 
70 
578 
-
578 

189 
275 
169 
175 
44 
-
852 
-
852 

111 
104 
609 
242 
315 
1,381 
-
1,381 

5,201 
-

280 

18 
45 
22 
61 
28 
454 
20 
474 

247 
214 
157 
178 
             2 
             1 
         799 
         274 
1,073 

98 
88 
369 
260 
176 
991 
164 
1,155 

4,226 
725 

93 
25 
118 

289 

20 
41 
22 
49 
52 
473 
3 
476 

165 
227 
176 
144 
71 
1 
784 
30 
814 

96 
90 
210 
204 
154 
754 
26 
780 

3,997 
239 

Total Operating Expenses before goodwill 
amortisation 

6,249 

5,551 

5,201 

4,951 

4,236 

Appraisal value uplift/(reduction) 
Goodwill amortisation 
Profit from ordinary activities before income tax 

201 
(324)
3,843 

(245)
(322)
2,976 

477
(323)
3,572

             - 
(186) 
2,316 

-
(186)
2,807 

66 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 3  Revenue from Ordinary Activities 

Banking 
Interest income 
Fee 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 Insurance  
Funds management income including premiums 
Insurance premium and related income 
Investment income 

2004
$M

13,287
2,227 
499 
6 
69 
874 
45 
17,007 

  GROUP 
2002 
$M 

2003 
$M 

11,528 
2,046 
502 
4 
72 
56 
53 
14,261 

10,455 
1,860 
489 
5 
109 
609 
108 
13,635 

2004
$M

11,053 
1,958 
437 
798 
9 
1,398
535
16,188

BANK
2003
$M

9,477 
1,756 
449 
579 
65 
2 
555
12,883

1,175
1,012
2,807
4,994

1,149 
1,131 
628 
2,908 

1,083 
866 
(100) 
1,849 

             -
             -
             -
             -

-
-
-
-

Appraisal value uplift(1) 
Total revenue from ordinary activities 

201 
22,202 

- 
17,169 

477 
15,961 

             -
16,188

-
12,883

There were no sources of revenue from non-operating activities. 

(1)  Appraisal value reduction of $ 245 million for year ended 30 June 2003. 

67 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 the years ending 30 June 
2002, 30 June 2003 and 30 June 2004. 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  reflect  the  overseas  cost  of  funds. 
Non-accrual  loans  are  included  in  Interest  Earning  Assets 
under loans, advances and other receivables. 

Full Year Ended 

  2004 

2003 
  Average  Interest  Average Average Interest Average Average  Interest  Average
Rate
  Balance 
%
$M 

Rate Balance 
$M 

Rate Balance
$M

  2002 

$M 

$M 

$M

%

%

Average Interest Earning Asset and Income Expense 

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 

4,027 
868 

3,382 
3,776 

- 
62 

9,682 
3,445 

4,411 
8,440 

181 
17 

32 
150 

- 
- 

444 
156 

298 
310 

149,487 
26,607 
- 

9,927 
1,772 
- 

- 
4,102 

- 
17 

4.5
2.0

0.9
4.0

-
-

4.6
4.5

6.8
3.7

6.6
6.7
-

-
0.4

3,293 
813 

133 
17 

2,446 
3,734 

37 
154 

-
56 

7,360 
3,395 

4,240 
8,062 

-
-

326 
128 

261 
305 

131,746 
23,125 
-

8,538 
1,629 
-

-
3,604 

-
31

4.0
2.1

1.5
4.1

-
-

4.4
3.8

6.2
3.8

6.5
7.0
-

-
0.9

4,290 
285 

138 
4 

3,231 
2,663 

- 
174 

5,138 
2,698 

3,774 
7,339 

69 
96 

- 
- 

248 
111 

211 
306 

121,597 
19,445 
- 

7,984 
1,288 
- 

- 
3,232 

- 
65 

218,289  13,304 
(17) 
(4,102) 

6.1
0.4

191,874  11,559 
(31)
(3,604)

6.0
0.9

173,866  10,520 
(65) 
(3,232) 

3.2 
1.4 

2.1 
3.6 

-
-

4.8 
4.1 

5.6 
4.2 

6.6 
6.6 
-

-
2.0 

6.1 
2.0 

214,187  13,287 

6.2

188,270  11,528 

6.1

170,634  10,455 

6.1 

Average Non-Interest Earning Assets 

Bank acceptances 
   Australia 
   Overseas 
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 

13,877 
1 

24,430 
4,120 

792 
161 

29,452 
2,264 

(1,411) 
(150) 

73,536 
287,723  

13,144 
53 

26,333 
4,070 

627 
197 

24,046 
3,303 

(1,497)
(150)

70,126 
258,396 

18.7% 

19.5%

68 

11,965 
66 

26,853 
4,129 

681 
203 

23,617 
3,411 

(1,546) 
(143) 

69,236 
239,870 

18.1% 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
NOTE 4  Average Balances and Related Interest continued 

Average Liabilities and Interest Expense 
Full Year Ended 

2003 
  Average  Interest Average Average Interest Average  Average  Interest Average
Rate
  Balance 
%
$M 
Average Interest Bearing Liabilities and Loan Capital and Interest Expense 

Rate  Balance 
$M 

Rate Balance
$M

  2002 

  2004 

$M

$M

$M

% 

%

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 

57,186 
15,963 

2,683 
1,062 

31,178 
3,028 

514 
105 

39,044 
3,432 

1,499 
86 

1,916 
5,042 

35 
125 

21,885 
12,855 

1,292 
213 

5,793 
210 
- 

4,102 
- 

255 
8 
-

17 
-

4.7
6.7

1.6
3.5

3.8
2.5

1.8
2.5

5.9
1.7

4.4
3.8
-

0.4
-

45,674 
14,255 

1,956 
876 

32,780 
2,788 

492 
100 

34,043 
2,906 

1,230 
78 

1,752 
6,712 

34 
164 

17,651 
10,738 

1,047 
305 

5,234 
204 
-

3,604 
-

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 
- 

0.9 
- 

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 

5,491 
88 
- 

3,232 
- 

65 
128 

800 
264 

227 
5 
-

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 
-

2.0 
-

3.6 
2.0 

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  197,532 

201,634 
(4,102) 

Non-Interest Bearing Liabilities 

Deposits not bearing interest 

   Australia 
   Overseas 

Liability on bank acceptances 

   Australia 
   Overseas 

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 

5,112 
1,059 

13,877 
1 

20,658 
3,548 

20,655 
3,131 

68,041 

265,573 
22,150 

287,723 

18.2% 

7,894 
(17)

3.9
0.4

178,341 
(3,604)

6,533 
(31)

3.7  160,337 
(3,232) 
0.9 

5,810 
(65)

7,877 

4.0

174,737 

6,502 

3.7  157,105 

5,745 

3.7 

5,424 
705 

11,965 
66 

23,092 
3,457 

14,628 
3,026 

62,363 

219,468 
20,402 

239,870 

17.9% 

4,784 
871 

13,146 
53 

20,828 
3,596 

16,034 
2,739 

62,051

236,788 
21,608 

258,396 

18.9%

69 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 4  Average Balances and Related Interest continued 

Changes in Net Interest Income:  
Volume and Rate Analysis 

Volume 
$M 

Rate
$M

Total
$M

Volume
$M

Rate 
$M 

Total
$M

30/06/04 vs 30/06/03 
Changes due to  

30/06/03 vs 30/06/02 
Changes due to  

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  

31 
1 

12 
2 

105 
2 

11 
14 

1,164 
239 
- 

- 
3 

1,615 
(3) 
1,597 

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 

517 
109 

(25) 
8 

186 
14 

3 
(41) 

251 
48 

24 
- 
- 

3 
- 

877 
(3) 
879 
673 

(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 

31 
(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) 

(5)
-

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 

17 
(1)

48 
          -

(5)
(4)

118 
28 

37 
5 

1,389 
143 
          -

          -
(14)

1,745 
14 
1,759 

727 
186 

22 
5 

269 
8 

1 
(39)

245 
(92)

43 
          -
          -

(14)
          -

1,361 
14 
1,375 
384 

(17)
(6)

13 
26 

26 
(9)

225 
(96)
-

-
(17)

130 
17 
162 

210 
77 

47 
(3)

83 
(6)

(2)
2 

(6)
(140)

19 
-
-

(17)
-

484 
17 
496 
(289)

70 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 in 
interest from the prior year due to changes in interest rates. 
Volume  and  rate  variance  for  total  interest  earning 
assets  and  liabilities  have  been  calculated  separately 
(rather than being the sum of the individual categories). 

Net interest income 
Average interest earning assets 

Interest Margins and Spreads 

2004
$M

GROUP
2002
$M

2003
$M

5,410
214,187 

5,026
188,270

4,710 
170,634 

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) 
 Net Interest Margin (3) 

 Overseas 
 Interest Spread (1) 
 Benefit of net free liabilities, provisions and equity (2)  
 Net Interest Margin (3) 

 Group 
 Interest Spread (1) 
 Benefit of net free liabilities, provisions and equity (2) 
 Net Interest Margin (3) 

2004 
% 

2003
%

2002
%

2.46 
0.22 
2.68 

1.18 
0.56 
1.74 

2.22 
0.31 
2.53 

2.68 
0.20 
2.88 

1.22 
0.49 
1.71 

2.40 
0.27 
2.67 

2.75 
0.25 
3.00 

1.16 
0.43 
1.59 

2.47 
0.29 
2.76 

(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 year. 

71 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 
Insurance 
Appraisal value uplift/(reduction) 
Goodwill amortisation 

Prima facie income tax at 30%  
Banking 
Funds Management 
Insurance 
Appraisal value uplift/(reduction) 
Goodwill amortisation 

Add/(deduct) permanent differences expressed on a tax effect basis: 
Current Period 
Specific provisions for offshore bad and doubtful debts not tax effected 
Taxation offsets (net of accruals) 
Tax adjustment referable to policy holder 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 deductible intergroup losses 
Tax losses recognised 
Employee share acquisition plan 
Other 

Prior Periods 
Other 
Total Income Tax Expense 

Income tax attributable to profit from ordinary activities 
Banking 
Funds management 
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 

2004
$M

2003
$M

GROUP
2002
$M

BANK
2003
$M

2004
$M

3,091 
504 
371 
201 
(324)
 3,843

 927
 151
 111
 60
(97)
 1,152

3 
(47)
142 
(30)

(60)
97 
-
-
-
17 
 122

 3,165
 217
 161
(245)
(322)
 2,976

 950
 65
 48
(73)
(97)
 893

 13
(36)
(41)
(18)

 73
 97
-
(18)
-
(5)
 65

(12)
 1,262

-
 958

914 
79 
 66
 1,059
203 
 1,262

 931
 57
 28
 1,016
(58)
 958

1,128 
138 
(24) 
23 
(3) 
1,262 

977 
156 
1,133 
99 
30 
129 

917 
(24) 
45 
22 
(2) 
958 

853 
112 
965 
(1) 
(6) 
(7) 

2,884 
399 
135 
477 
(323) 
3,572 

866 
120 
40 
143 
(97) 
1,072 

(3) 
(24) 
(25) 
(25) 

(143) 
97 
- 
(35) 
(8) 
17 
(149) 

(7) 
 916 

816 
96 
40 
952 
(36) 
916 

1,385  
(408) 
(86) 
12  
13  
916  

1,239  
146  
1,385  
(403) 
(66) 
(469) 

2,502 
- 
- 
- 
(186) 
 2,316 

751 
- 
- 
- 
(56) 
 695 

(2) 
(224) 
- 
- 

- 
56 
136 
1 
- 
5 
(28) 

 2 
669 

669 
- 
- 
669 
- 
 669 

639  
(32) 
57  
5  
-  
669  

633  
12  
645  
20  
4  
24  

2,993 
-
-
-
(186)
2,807 

898 
-
-
-
(56)
842 

8 
(146)
-
-

-
56 
-
-
-
(52)
(134)

-
708 

708 
-
-
708 
-
708 

625 
42 
35 
6 
- 
708 

610 
15 
625 
83 
- 
83 

72 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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) 
Intergroup deferred tax receivable (Note 21) 
Deferred income tax liabilities arising from: 
Leveraged leasing 
Lease financing 
Other 
Total deferred income tax liabilities (Note 24) 
Intergroup deferred tax payable (Note 27) 
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) 

Tax Consolidation 

for  Australian 

Legislation  has  been  enacted  to  allow  Australian 
resident entities to elect to consolidate and be treated as a 
single  entity 
tax  purposes.  The 
Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  has  elected to  be  taxed 
as  a  single  entity  with  effect  from  1  July  2002.    The  Bank 
has  formally  notified  the  Australian  Taxation  Office  of  its 
adoption  of  the  tax  consolidation  regime.  Members  of  the 
tax  consolidation  group  have  entered  into  a  tax  sharing 
arrangement  which  provides  for  the  allocation  of  income 
tax  liabilities  between  the  entities  should  the  head  entity, 
Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia,  default  on  its  tax 
payment obligations.  

The  Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  has  also 
entered into a tax funding agreement with the members of 
the tax consolidation group. The tax  funding agreement is 
effective  from  1  July  2002.  The  agreement  is  aimed  at 
achieving an allocation of the Group’s income tax liability to 
subsidiaries  within  the  tax  consolidated  group  as  if  they 
were  operating  on  a  stand-alone  basis.  The  subsidiaries 
party  to  the  agreement  will  reimburse  the  Commonwealth 
Bank of Australia for an amount calculated as if they were 
the 
taxed 
Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  will 
reimburse 
subsidiaries for losses when they are utilised to reduce the 
group tax payable. 

basis.  Similarly, 

stand-alone 

on 

a 

2004
$M

  GROUP 
2002 
$M 

2003 
$M 

2004
$M

BANK
2003
$M

369 
195 
564 
-

232 
100 
52 
384 
-

353 
172 
525 
- 

302 
96 
16 
414 
- 

337 
288 
625 
- 

240 
100 
240 
580 
- 

274 
149 
423 
317 

232 
100 
-
332 
153 

242 
70 
312 
-

116 
2 
44 
162 
-

5 

36 

124 

-

-

142 
(6)
(6)
40 
170 

168 
(34) 
(18) 
26 
142 

146 
(8) 
(27) 
57 
168 

62 
(3)
(5)
40 
94 

132 
(71)
(17)
18 
62 

Calculations  at  30  June  2004  have  been  based  on 
legislation  enacted  to  that  date.    Legislation  in  respect  of 
leasing and leasing partnerships has not yet been finalised.  
Based  on  the  enacted  legislation,  these  calculations  have 
resulted  in  a  tax  credit  adjustment  of  $37  million  to  the 
consolidated  tax  expense  for  the  year  ended  30  June 
2004. The tax benefit principally arises from the generation 
of  capital  losses  which  have  been  offset  against  capital 
gains  arising  during  the  year.  This  tax  benefit  has  been 
partially offset by non tax effected capital writedowns.  

ASB Bank 

The  ASB  Bank  is  being  audited  by  the  Inland 
Revenue Department as part of the normal Inland Revenue 
Department  procedures,  with  a  particular 
focus  on 
structured  finance  transactions.  No  tax  assessments  have 
been issued. 

73 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 6  Dividends  

2004
$M

2003
$M

GROUP 
2002 
$M 

  BANK
2003
$M

2004 
$M 

Ordinary Shares 
Interim ordinary dividend (fully franked) (2004: 79 cents, 2003: 69 cents,  
2002: 68 cents) 

  Interim ordinary dividend paid - cash component only 
  Interim ordinary dividend paid - dividend reinvestment plan 

808 
188 

699
166

693 
159 

808 
188 

699
166

Declared final ordinary dividend (fully franked) (2004: nil provided, 2003: 
nil provided, 2002: 82 cents) 

  Provision for final ordinary dividend - cash component only 
  Provision for final ordinary dividend - dividend reinvestment plan 

         -
         -

-
-

832 
195 

         - 
         - 

-
-

Preference Shares 
Preference dividends paid (fully franked) (2004: 1,065 cents, 2003: 1,019 
cents,   2002: 970 cents) 
Provision for preference dividend  
Other Equity Instruments  
Dividends paid 
Dividends to outside equity interests 
Total Dividends Provided or Paid 

Other provision carried 
Dividends proposed and not recognised as a liability  
(fully franked) (2004: 104 cents, 2003: 85 cents, 2002: nil)(1) 

28 
9 

55
8
1,096

5 

28 
8 

-
4
905

4 

26 
8 

28 
9 

            - 
- 
1,913 

15 
- 
1,048 

5 

4 

28 
8 

-
-
901 

4 

1,315 

1,066 

            - 

1,315 

1,066 

(1) 

The 2003 final dividend was satisfied by cash disbursements of $865 million and the issue of $201 million of ordinary shares through the 
dividend  reinvestment  plan.  The  2004  final  dividend  is  expected  to  be  satisfied  by  cash  disbursements  of  $1,065  million  and  the 
estimated issue of $250 million of ordinary shares through the dividend reinvestment plan. 

Dividend Franking Account 

After fully franking the final dividend to be paid for the 
year  ended  30  June  2004  the  amount  of  credits  available 
as  at  30  June  2004  to  frank  dividends  for  subsequent 
financial  years  is  $75  million  (2003:  $417  million).    This 
figure  is  based  on  the  combined  franking  accounts  of  the 
Bank  at  30  June  2004,  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  2004, 
franking debits that will arise from the payment of dividends  

proposed  for  the  year  and  franking  credits  that  the  Bank 
may be prevented from distributing in subsequent financial 
periods.  The  Bank  expects  that  future  tax  payments  will 
generate sufficient franking credits for the Bank to be able 
to  continue 
future  dividend  payments. 
Dividend payments on or after 1 July 2004 will be franked 
at  the  30%  tax  rate.  These  calculations  have  been  based 
on the taxation law as at 30 June 2004. 

frank 

fully 

to 

Dividend History 

Half Year Ended 

31 December 2001 
30 June 2002 
31 December 2002 
30 June 2003 
31 December 2003 
30 June 2004 

  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)

$ 

68 
82 
69 
85 
79 
104 

71.8%
71.6%
143.2%
77.7%
82.7%
103.8%

  -
71.7%
  -
97.7%
  -
93.5%

  -
76.2%
-
75.9%
  -
89.1%

32 
31.9 
24.8 
28 
31.6 
  - 

18.7%
19.0%
19.2%
18.9%
18.8%
  -

(1) 
(2) 
(3) 

Dividend Payout Ratio: dividends divided by earnings. 
Payout ratio based on net profit after tax before goodwill amortisation and appraisal value uplift/(reduction). 
DRP Participation Rate: the percentage of total issued share capital participating in the Dividend Reinvestment Plan. 

74 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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: Other equity instrument dividends 
Less: Dividends to outside equity interests 
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 

Underlying 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      
Securities purchased under 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 

75 

2004 
c 

2003
c

GROUP
2002
c

196.9 
196.8 

157.4 
157.3 

209.6 
209.3 

$M 

$M 

$M 

2,581 
(37) 
(55) 
(8) 
(9) 
2,472 

2,018 
(36)
-
(4)
(6)
1,972 

2,656 
(34)
-
-
(1)
2,621 

Number of Shares 

2004 
M 

2003
M

2002
M

1,256 
1 

1,253 
1

1,250 
2 

1,257 

1,254

1,252 

Cents 
237.1 
237.0 

Cents
210.2
210.2

Cents
194.6
194.3

  GROUP 
2003 
$M 

2004 
$M 

1,488 
3 
4,091 
158 
5,740 

60 
261 
18 
374 
713 
6,453 

1,426 
14 
2,900 
217 
4,557 

65 
377 
33 
543 
1,018 
5,575 

  GROUP 
2003 
$M 

2004 
$M 

4,914 
3,455 
8,369 

3,324 
3,742 
7,066 

2004
$M

1,423 
-
4,091 
156 
5,670 

-
77 
-
738 
815 
6,485 

2004
$M

4,910
2,158
7,068

BANK
2003
$M

1,330
-
2,900
218
4,448

2 
14
-
892
908
5,356

BANK
2003
$M

3,287
2,149
5,436

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 10  Trading Securities 

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

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

2004
$M

GROUP
2003
$M

621 
1,114 
1,576 
885 
5,088 
1,410 
273 

268 
75 
11,310 

826 
524 
772 
836 
403 

17 
208 
3,586 
14,896 

551 
755 
947 
397 
2,141 
745 
679 

106 
13 
6,334 

698 
938 
785 
603 
726 

-
351 
4,101 
10,435 

2004 
$M 

621 
1,114 
1,576 
889 
5,088 
1,410 
267 

268 
             - 
11,233 

284 
524 
             - 
836 
             - 

             - 
             - 
1,644 
12,877 

BANK 
2003 
$M 

551 
755 
947 
505 
2,142 
745 
675 

106 
13 
6,439 

87 
938 
               - 
608 
               - 

               - 
- 
1,633 
8,072 

76 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
NOTE 11  Investment Securities 

2004
$M

2003
$M

GROUP 
2002 
$M 

2004
$M

BANK
2003
$M

Australia 
Listed: 
Australian Public Securities 
  Commonwealth and States                        
Bills of exchange 
Other securities and equity investments      
Unlisted: 
Australian Public Securities 
  Local and semi-government                       
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                                
Eurobonds                                            
Medium term notes 
Floating rate notes 
Other securities and equity investments 
Total Overseas                                           
Total Investment Securities                          

2,209 
30 
444 

80 
448 
611 
3,822 

758 
               -
1,242 
792 
425 
732 
1,121 

137 
155 
1,200 
709 
354 
7,625 
11,447 

1,915 
-
439 

80 
942 
965 
4,341 

484 
5 
1,357 
993 
239 
324 
1,392 

98 
230 
583 
900 
90 
6,695 
11,036 

1,969 
18 
456 

80 
968 
578 
4,069 

804 
- 
1,379 
1,045 
- 
377 
787 

113 
212 
114 
784 
1,082 
6,697 
10,766 

2,209 
               -
433 

               -
58 
69 
2,769 

715 
               -
1,228 
655 
142 
121 
279 

               -
155 
189 
273 
100 
3,857 
6,626 

1,915
-
433 

-
57
58
2,463

463
-
1,343 
796
239
111
631

-
230 
117
438
-
4,368 
6,831

77 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 investments 
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 

2004
$M

2,328 
30 
449 
1,034 
3,841 

897 
                     -
1,223 
983 
1,622 
1,442 
1,482 
7,649 
11,490 
43 

GROUP
Market Value at 30 June
2002
2003 
$M
$M 

2,118 
- 
935 
1,400 
4,453 

593 
5 
1,357 
1,260 
816 
1,215 
1,488 
6,734 
11,187 
151 

2,109 
18 
973 
1,042 
4,142 

928 
                     -
1,379 
1,263 
114 
1,158 
1,867 
6,709 
10,851 
85 

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 2004

Amortised 
Cost 
$M 

Gross Unrealised
Losses
Gains
$M
$M

Fair Amortised Gross Unrealised 
Losses 
$M 

Cost Gains
$M

Value
$M

$M

At 30 June 2003
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 

2,289 
30 
448 

1,055 

3,822 

895 
- 
1,242 
947 
1,625 
1,441 

46 
-
1 

11 

58

3 
-
-
36 
-
1 

1,475 
7,625 
11,447 

7 
47 
105

7 
-
-

32 

39

1 
-
19 
-
3 
-

-
23 
62

2,328 
30 
449 

1,034 

3,841

897 
-
1,223 
983 
1,622 
1,442 

1,995 
-
942 

1,404 

4,341 

582 
5 
1,357 
1,223 
822 
1,224 

1,482 
7,649 
11,490

1,482 
6,695 
11,036 

123 
-
4 

-

127 

11 
-
-
56 
12 
-

6 
85 
212 

- 
- 
11 

4 

15 

- 
- 
- 
19 
18 
9 

- 
46 
61 

2,118 
-
935 

1,400 

4,453

593 
5 
1,357 
1,260 
816 
1,215 

1,488 
6,734 
11,187 

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 $31 million of 
net  deferred  gains  on  these  contracts  (2003:  $4  million  net  deferred  gains)  which  offset  the  above  unrealised  losses  and  these  are 
disclosed within Note 39. At the end of the financial year there were no net deferred gains or losses (2003: $1 million of deferred losses) 
included in the amortised cost value. 

78 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 2004
Total
$M

5 to 10 years  10 years or more
%
$M

$M 

% 

Australia 
Australian Public  Securities 
   Commonwealth and States 
Bills of exchange 
Medium term notes 
Other securities, commercial  
paper and equity investments 
Total Australia 

Overseas 
Government securities 
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 

Additional Disclosure 

6.09
5.30
7.40

5.03 

3.06 
2.16 
6.02 
5.72 
4.16 

4.26 

204 
30 
425 

334 
993 

633 
1,228 
190 
92 
446 

16 
2,605 
3,598 
3,587 

1,303 
-
23 

721 
2,047 

196 
14 
695 
942 
722 

529 
3,098 
5,145
5,200 

5.97
-
9.19

5.61 

2.23 
0.74 
5.76 
3.82 
3.88 

4.68 

717 
              -
              -

              -
717 

66 
              -
62 
591 
232 

930 
1,881 
2,598
2,597 

6.41 
- 
- 

- 

1.33 
- 
5.50 
4.21 
4.00 

5.81 

65 
- 
- 

- 
65 

- 
- 
- 
- 
41 

- 
41 
106 
106 

6.14
-
-

-

-
-
-
-
1.02 

-

2,289 
30 
448 

1,055 
3,822 

895 
1,242 
947 
1,625 
1,441 

1,475 
7,625 
11,447
11,490 

Realised  capital  gains  were  $6  million  and  realised 
capital losses were $4 million (2003: realised capital gains 
$7  million  and  realised  capital  losses  $5  million;  2002: 
realised  capital  gains  $86  million  and  realised  capital 
losses $14 million). 

Proceeds  at  or  close 

investment 
securities  were  $24,407  million  (2003:  $17,719  million; 
2002: $22,192 million). 

to  maturity  of 

Proceeds from sale of investment securities were $697 

million (2003: $23 million; 2002: $295 million). 

79 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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  
Reedemable preference share financing 
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 

2004
$M

2,423 
104,883 
5,890 
3,843 
3,454 
39,708 
37 
1,120 
420 
161,778 

2,481 
16,967 
358 
175 
10,314 
262 
60 
30,617 
192,395 

(1,393)
(143)

(758)
(541)
(111)
(23)
(35)
(3,004)
189,391 

GROUP
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 

2004 
$M 

2,423 
101,717 
5,890 
1,279 
3,454 
36,943 
37 
433 
587 
152,763 

              - 
46 
              - 
81 
3,222 
              - 
              - 
3,349 
156,112 

(1,242) 
(121) 

(412) 
(151) 
(21) 
(23) 
(3) 
(1,973) 
154,139 

BANK
2003
$M

2,452 
87,149 
5,227 
1,543 
2,303 
31,115 
-
446 
618 
130,853 

-
51 
-
80 
2,098 
-
-
2,229 
133,082 

(1,152)
(157)

(12)
(157)
(39)
(25)
(3)
(1,545)
131,537 

1,072 
2,405 
3,477 

1,402 
2,234 
3,636 

592 
617 
1,209 

743 
724 
1,467 

Leasing Arrangements 

Retail  Banking  Services  provides  vehicle  and 
equipment  lease  finance  to  a  broad  range  of  industries 
including  transport,  service,  earthmoving,  construction, 
manufacturing 
finance 
and  mining.  Most 
arrangements  are  for  terms  of  between  three  and  five 
years  and  rentals  are  generally  payable  monthly  in 

lease 

advance.  Premium  Business  Services  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. 

80 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

2004
$M

1,189 
1,861 
968 
4,018 

421 
546 
153 
1,120 

GROUP 
2003 
$M 

1,385 
2,082 
718 
4,185 

304 
575 
397 
1,276 

2004
$M

640 
570 
150 
1,360 

217 
97 
119 
433 

BANK
2003
$M

826 
686 
111 
1,623 

59 
203 
184 
446 

81 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
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 2004. 

GROUP 
Maturity Period at 30 June 2004 

Maturing 
Maturing 
Between
One Year One & Five
Years
$M

or Less
$M

Maturing 
After Five 
Years 
$M 

241 
1,451 
2,754 

14,417 
3,786 
5,029 
1,564 
17,889 
47,131 

69 
619 
2,211 

2,268 
5 
375 
66 
2,094 
7,707 
54,838 

32,398 
3,558 
35,956 
14,733 
4,149 
18,882 
54,838 

339 
1,595 
468 

13,411 
718 
5,139 
2,299 
7,343 
31,312 

78 
1,292 
1,816 

5,220 
2 
39 
109 
1,091 
9,647 
40,959 

17,523 
2,827 
20,350 
13,789 
6,820 
20,609 
40,959 

552 
879 
471 

77,055 
294 
47 
1,100 
2,937 
83,335 

35 
1,366 
1,830 

9,479 
                 - 
1 
                 - 
552 
13,263 
96,598 

53,767 
3,935 
57,702 
29,568 
9,328 
38,896 
96,598 

Total 
$M 

1,132 
3,925 
3,693 

104,883 
4,798 
10,215 
4,963 
28,169 
161,778 

182 
3,277 
5,857 

16,967 
7 
415 
175 
3,737 
30,617 
192,395 

103,688 
10,320 
114,008 
58,090 
20,297 
78,387 
192,395 

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 

(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 five years. 
Financing real estate and land development projects. 

82 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
NOTE 13  Provisions For Impairment 

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 

Charge to profit and loss for bad and  
doubtful debts comprises: 
General provisions 
Specific provisions 
Total Charge for Bad and Doubtful Debts 

Ratio of net charge-offs during the period to 
average gross loans, advances and other 
receivables outstanding during the period 

2004
$M

2003
$M

2002
$M

  GROUP 
2000 
$M 

2001 
$M 

1,325 
276 

-
(202)
79 

2 
1,480 
(87)
1,393 

205 
-

-

264 

(62)
202

1,356 
305

-
(350)
74 

(9)
1,376 
(51)
1,325 

270 
-

-

416 

(66)
350 

1,399 
449 

-
(495)
56 

1 
1,410 
(54)
1,356 

234 
-

-

546 

(51)
495 

1,358 
385 

51 
(411) 
88 

(29) 
1,442 
(43) 
1,399 

432 
- 

6 

495 

(84) 
411 

1,081 
196 

214 
(140) 
54 

(3) 
1,402 
(44) 
1,358 

275 
- 

219 

236 

(96) 
140 

2004
$M

1,152 
263

-
(189)
66 

19 
1,311 
(69)
1,242 

157 
-

-

243 

(54)
189 

BANK
2003
$M

1,190 
266 

-
(322)
63 

(3)
1,194 
(42)
1,152 

231 
-

-

382 

(60)
322 

3 
410 
(267)
143 
1,536 

(11)
609 
(404)
205 
1,530 

(11)
718 
(448)
270 
1,626 

(17) 
832 
(598) 
234 
1,633 

5 
639 
(207) 
432 
1,790 

2 
348 
(227)
121 
1,363 

(17)
536 
(379)
157 
1,309 

143 
-
143 

205 
-
205 

270 
-
270 

233 
1 
234 

431 
1 
432 

121 
-
121 

157 
-
157 

%

%

%

% 

% 

%

%

42.06 

32.08 

30.54 

36.06 

43.03 

36.00 

24.84 

451.76 

239.44 

183.94 

251.62 

178.29 

403.55 

207.25 

0.82 

0.90 

0.96 

1.01 

1.06 

0.79 

0.84 

$M

$M

$M

$M 

$M 

$M

$M

276
-
276

305 
-
305 

449 
-
449 

385 
- 
385 

196 
- 
196 

263 
-
263

266 
-
266 

0.16%

0.19% 

0.31% 

0.28% 

0.16% 

0.18% 

0.21% 

83 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

2004
$M

276 

GROUP
2003
$M

305 

264
(62)
202
(202)
              -

87
(79)
66
202 
276 
276 

416 
(66)
350 
(350)
-

51 
(74)
(22)
350 
305 
305 

2004 
$M 

263 

243 
(54) 
189 
(189) 
              - 

69 
(66) 
71 
189 
263 
263 

BANK
2003
$M

266 

382 
(60)
322 
(322)
-

42 
(63)
(35)
322 
266 
266 

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  2000, 

2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004. 

2004
$M

2003
$M

2002
$M

GROUP
  At 30 June
2000
$M

2001 
$M 

Australia 
Government and public authorities 
Agriculture, forestry and fishing 
Financial, investment and insurance 
Real estate 
  Mortgage (1) 
  Construction (2) 
Personal 
Lease financing 
Other commercial and industrial 
Total Australia 

Overseas 
Government and public authorities 
Agriculture, forestry and fishing 
Financial, investment and insurance 
Real estate 
  Mortgage (1) 
  Construction (2) 
Personal 
Lease financing 
Other commercial and industrial 
Total Overseas 
Total Specific Provisions 

              -
2 
1

6
4 
38
3 
74 
128 

              -
              -
              -

6 
              -
8
              -
1
15 
143

-
3 
2 

6 
-
36 
4 
112 
163 

10 
1 
-

7 
-
4 
-
20 
42 
205 

-
10 
26 

6 
4 
35 
6 
134 
221 

11 
-
12 

3 
-
3 
-
20 
49 
270 

- 
8 
24 

4 
6 
28 
7 
77 
154 

15 
- 
4 

7 
- 
3 
- 
51 
80 
234 

-
35 
23 

8 
6 
17 
6 
110 
205 

13 
-
1 

3 
-
69 
-
141 
227 
432 

(1) 
(2) 

Principally owner occupied housing. 
Primarily financing real estate and land development projects. 

84 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004. 

2004
$M

2003
$M

2002 
$M 

GROUP
Year Ended 30 June
2000
2001
$M
$M

              -
2 
6 

                 -
4 
26 

- 
6 
6 

                  -
10 
1 

                  -
6 
2 

11 
4 
177 
18 
178 
400 

1 
- 
58 

2 
- 
6 
- 
35 
102 

502 

49 
7 
56 
446 

10 
14 
142 
16 
301 
494 

8
24 
104 
11 
90 
245 

                  -
                  -
6 

                  -
                  -
                  -

1 
                  -
38 
                  -
102 
147 

1 
                  -
4 
                  -
1 
6 

641 

251 

59 
29 
88 
553 

46 
8 
54 
197 

Bad Debts Written Off 
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 

5 
1 
228 
8 
75 
325 

6 
              -
1 

1 
              -
7 
              -
14 
29 

8 
                 -
209 
11 
171 
429 

                 -
                 -
16 

2 
                 -
7 
                 -
1 
26 

Gross Bad Debts Written Off 

354 

455 

Bad Debts Recovered 
Australia 
Overseas 
Bad Debts Recovered 
Net Bad Debts Written Off 

73 
6 
79 
275 

57 
17 
74 
381 

(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 Recovered by Industry Category 

The following table sets forth the Group’s bad debts recovered by industry category for financial years ended 30 June 

2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004. 

Australia 
Government and public authorities 
Agriculture, forestry and fishing 
Financial, investment and insurance 
Real estate 
  Mortgage (1) 
  Construction (2) 
Personal 
Lease financing 
Other commercial and industrial 
Total Australia 

Overseas 
Government and public authorities 
Agriculture, forestry and fishing 
Financial, investment and insurance 
Real estate 
  Mortgage (1) 
  Construction (2) 
Personal 
Lease financing 
Other commercial and industrial 
Total Overseas 

Bad Debts Recovered 

(1) 
(2) 

Principally owner occupied housing. 
Primarily financing real estate and land development projects. 

2004
$M

2003
$M

2002
$M

GROUP
Year Ended 30 June
2000
$M

2001 
$M 

            -
5 
1

1
            -
50
3 
13 
73 

            -
            -
1

            -
            -
4
            -
1
6 

79 

-
1 
4 

-
-
38 
2 
12 
57 

-
-
1 

-
-
4 
-
12 
17 

74 

-
1 
-

1 
-
30 
-
17 
49 

-
-
1 

-
3 
-
-
3 
7 

56 

- 
- 
9 

1 
1 
30 
1 
17 
59 

- 
- 
- 

- 
1 
3 
- 
25 
29 

88 

-
2 
1 

1 
2 
28 
2 
10 
46 

-
-
2 

-
1 
3 
-
2 
8 

54 

86 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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  amount  ultimately 
the 
borrower. 

recoverable 

from 

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  uses  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 
in  credit  derivative 
transactions,  has  purchased  various  assets in the  market, 
and  has  carried  out  various  asset  securitisations  and  a 
Collateralised Loan Obligation issue. 

involved 

is 

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 
underwriting 
incorporate 
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 
unit with an overview by the Risk Asset Review unit. 

in 

Facilities 

the  statistically  managed  segment 
become classified for remedial management by centralised 
units  based  on  arrears  status.  Impaired  assets  in  this 
segment  are  those  ‘classified’  facilities  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 annually, unless 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. 

87 

 
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  2000,  2001,  2002, 2003  and 
2004. The industry profile of the loans, advances and other receivables content for the five financial years to 30 June 2004 is 
shown on page 93. 

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 
Total Gross Credit Risk  
Less Unearned Income 
Total Credit Risk 

Charge for Bad and Doubtful Debts 
Loss Rate (3) 

2004
$M

2003
$M

2002
$M

GROUP
  At 30 June
2000
$M

2001 
$M 

5,672 
5,616 
26,301 

110,209
5,791 
10,665 
4,963 
57,539 
226,756 

2,307 
3,277 
22,098 

17,722 
8 
420 
175 
6,144 
52,151 
278,907 
(1,410)
277,497 

276
0.10%

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 

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 

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 

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 

305
0.13%

449
0.20%

385 
0.19% 

196
0.11%

(1) 
(2) 
(3) 

Principally owner occupied housing. 
Primarily financing real estate and land development projects. 
The loss rate is the charge as a percentage of the credit risk. 

The Group has a good quality and well diversified credit portfolio in Australia, with 48.7% of the exposure in mortgage 
loans and a further 11.6% in finance, investment and insurance (primarily banks). 18.7% of exposure is overseas, of which 
34.0%  is  in  mortgage  loans.  Overall  over  67%  of  individually  risk  rated  exposures  in  the  commercial  portfolio  (including 
government and finance) are of investment grade or equivalent quality. 

88 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 2004. 

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 

  Securities Securities Receivables of Customers  Liabilities  Derivatives
$M

$M 

$M 

$M

$M

$M

Total
$M

1,735 

2,289 

             -

             -

6,664 

             -

             -
             -
             -
             -

             -
             -
             -
             -

2,911 
11,310 

1,533 
3,822 

1,132 

3,925 

3,693 

104,883 
4,798 
10,215 
4,963 

28,169 
161,778 

11 

1,517 

437 

65 

684 

1,186 

                - 
302 
333 
                - 

5,326 
642 
116 
             - 

68 

5,672 

109 

5,616 

9,160  21,387 
-
            - 110,209 
5,791 
1  10,665 
4,963 

            -

49 

12,172 
15,019 

5,956 
13,728 

6,798  57,539 
16,185  221,842 

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 

             -

2,058 
             -
             -
             -
             -
             -

478 
3,586 
14,896 

1,050 

902 

182 

                - 

98 

37 

2,269 

             -

3,277 

                - 

             - 

            -

3,277 

5,592 
             -
             -
             -
             -
             -

1,131 
7,625 
11,447 

5,857 
              -
16,967 
7 
415 
175 

3,737 
30,617 
192,395 

                - 
                - 
                - 
                - 
                - 
                - 

                - 
                - 
15,019 

1,733 
             - 
755 
1 
2 
             - 

551 
3,140 
16,868 

3,403  18,643 
            -
-
            - 17,722 
            -
8 
420 
3 
175 
            -

247 

6,144 
3,690  48,658 
19,875  270,500 

8,369 
38 
278,907 

(1) 
(2) 

Principally owner occupied housing. 
Primarily financing real estate and land development projects. 

Risk  concentrations  for  contingent  liabilities  and  derivatives  are  based  on  the  credit  equivalent  balance  in  Note  38, 

Contingent Liabilities and Assets and Note 39, Market Risk respectively. 

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 as 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 

Securities  Securities Receivables of Customers
$M

$M 

$M

$M

Liabilities Derivatives 
$M 

$M

Total
$M

1,703 
- 

3,089 

- 
- 
- 
- 
1,542 
6,334 

1,995 
-

1,505 
3,677 

2 
1,281 

494 
74 

111 
68 

5,810 
5,100 

-

2,024 

699 

1,766 

8,964 

16,542 

-
-
-
-
2,346 
4,341 

87,592 
1,701 
11,972 
5,264 
26,449 
140,184 

-
387 
263 
-
10,490 
13,122 

4,364 
420 
90 
-
4,499 
11,707 

- 
214 
2 
- 
6,143 

91,956 
2,722 
12,327 
5,264 
51,469 
15,502  191,190 

698 
- 

582 
-

222 
2,278 

-
-

148 
-

36 
- 

1,686 
2,278 

1,135 

3,143 

3,210 

62 

1,773 

1,764 

11,087 

- 
- 
- 
- 
2,268 
4,101 
10,435 

-
-
-
-
2,970 
6,695 
11,036 

12,611 
209 
1,391 
197 
2,959 
23,077 
163,261 

-
-
-
-
13 
75 
13,197 

817 
-
-
-
662 
3,400 
15,107 

- 
1 
- 
- 
208 
2,009 

13,428 
210 
1,391 
197 
9,080 
39,357 
17,511  230,547 

Other Risk Concentrations 
Receivables due from other  
financial institutions 
Deposits with regulatory authorities 
Total Gross Credit Risk 

(1) 
(2) 

Principally owner occupied housing. 
Primarily financing real estate and land development projects. 

7,066 
23 
  237,636 

90 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 2004. 

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

5,672 
5,616 
21,387 

110,209 
5,791 
10,665 
4,963 
57,539 
221,842 

2,269 
3,277 
18,643 

17,722 
8 
420 
175 
6,144 
48,658 
270,500 

8,369 
38 
278,907 

Impaired Provisions for 

Assets
$M

             -
19 
6 

             -
15 
6 
5 
294 
345 

             -
             -
5 

11 
             -
1 
             -
1 
18 
363 

Impairment Write-offs  Recoveries
$M

$M 

$M

             -
2 
1 

             - 
2 
6 

6 
4 
38 
3 
74 
128 

5 
1 
228 
8 
75 
325 

             -
             -
             -

6 
             -
8 
             -
1 
15 
143 

6 
             - 
1 

1 
             - 
7 
             - 
14 
29 
354 

             -
(5)
(1)

(1)
             -
(50)
(3)
(13)
(73)

             -
             -
(1)

             -
             -
(4)
             -
(1)
(6)
(79)

Net
Write-offs
$M

            -
(3)
5 

4 
1 
178 
5 
62 
252 

6 
            -
            -

1 
            -
3 
            -
13 
23 
275 

(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 

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
$M

Write-offs
$M

Net
Recoveries  Write-offs
$M

$M 

-
19 
6 

-
5 
11 
12 
492 
545 

46 
-
5 

-
-
1 
-
68 
120 
665 

-
3 
2 

6 
-
36 
4 
112 
163 

10 
1 
-

7 
-
4 
-
20 
42 
205 

-
4 
26 

8 
-
209 
11 
171 
429 

-
-
16 

2 
-
7 
-
1 
26 
455 

- 
(1) 
(4) 

- 
- 
(38) 
(2) 
(12) 
(57) 

- 
- 
(1) 

- 
- 
(4) 
- 
(12) 
(17) 
(74) 

-
3 
22 

8 
-
171 
9 
159 
372 

-
-
15 

2 
-
3 
-
(11)
9 
381 

5,810 
5,100 
16,542 

91,956 
2,722 
12,327 
5,264 
51,469 
191,190 

1,686 
2,278 
11,087 

13,428 
210 
1,391 
197 
9,080 
39,357 
230,547 

7,066 
23 
237,636 

(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 
Industrial 
the  Bank’s  counterparty  Corporate  and 
exposures  (including  direct  and  contingent  exposure) 
which  individually  were  greater  than  5%  of  the  Group’s 
capital resources (Tier One and Tier Two capital): 

2004
Number

2003
Number

2002
Number

2001 
Number 

2000
Number

10% to less than 15% of Group's capital resources 
5% to less than 10% of Group's capital resources 

          -
1 

          -
          -

-
1

          - 
2 

-
1

92 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004. 

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 

2004
$M

1,132 
3,925 
3,693 

104,883 
4,798 
10,215 
4,963 
28,169 
161,778 

182 
3,277 
5,857 

16,967 
7 
415 
175 
3,737 
30,617 

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 

At 30 June
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 

192,395 

163,261 

150,046 

139,195 

135,768 

(3,004)

(2,914)

(2,972) 

(3,136)

(3,504)

189,391 

160,347 

147,074 

136,059 

132,264 

(1) 
(2) 

Principally owner occupied housing. 
Primarily financing real estate and land development projects. 

93 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 15  Asset Quality 

Impaired Assets 
The  Group 

the  Australian  disclosure 
requirements for impaired assets contained in AASB 1032: 
Specific Disclosures by Financial Institutions. 

follows 

There are three classifications of impaired assets: 

(cid:131) 

(a)  Non accruals, comprising: 
(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

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: 
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:131) 

(cid:131) 

(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 percentage of risk weighted 
assets 
Net impaired assets as percentage 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 

2004
%

2003 
% 

GROUP
2002
%

0.20

0.44 

0.63

0.12
0.79

0.30 
1.96 

0.44
2.92

GROUP
Year Ended 30 June
2002
$M

2003 
$M 

651 

530 
159 

121 

786 

30 

920 

673 
225 

247 

810 

30 

2004
$M

346

194
94 

152

499

14

94 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004. 

2003
$M

545 
(25)
520 
(163)
357 

-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
357 

120 
(1)
119 
(42)
77 

-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
77 
434 

2002 
$M 

732 
(54) 
678 
(221) 
457 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
457 

211 
(5) 
206 
(49) 
157 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
157 
614 

GROUP
At 30 June
2000
$M

722 
(128)
594 
(205)
389 

1 
-
1 
-
1 

1 
-
1 
391 

410 
(3)
407 
(226)
181 

-
-
-
-
-

1 
(1)
-
181 
572 

2001
$M

518 
(63)
455 
(154)
301 

1 
-
1 
-
1 

-
-
-
302 

197 
(5)
192 
(79)
113 

-
-
-
-
-

1 
(1)
-
113 
415 

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 

2004
$M

345 
(23)
322 
(128)
194 

-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
194

18 
                 -
18 
(15)
3 

-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
3
197

95 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 2000, 

2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004. 

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 

Loans Accruing But Past Due 90 Days or More  

Accruing loans past due 90 days or more 
Housing loans 
Other loans 
Total 

2004
$M

665
532
(278)
(556)

363
-
363

2004
$M

168
78
246

2003
$M

943 
617 
(456)
(439)

665 
-
665 

2003
$M

157 
91 
248 

Net Interest Foregone on Impaired Assets 

Interest income forgone 
Australia non accrual facilities  
Overseas non accrual facilities  
Total 

2004
$M

2003
$M

10
            -
10

15 
3 
18 

2002
$M

717 
1,069 
(481)
(362)

943 
-
943 

2002
$M

176 
73 
249 

2002
$M

21 
7 
28 

Interest Taken to Profit on Impaired Assets 

2004
$M

2003
$M

2002
$M

GROUP
Year Ended 30 June 
2000
$M

2001 
$M 

1,135 
707 
(666) 
(459) 

717 
- 
717 

657 
414 
(226)
(194)

651 
484 
1,135 

GROUP
  At 30 June
2000
$M

2001 
$M 

218 
90 
308 

211 
64 
275 

GROUP
Year Ended 30 June
2000(1)
$M

2001 
$M 

8 
8 
16 

4 
5 
9 

GROUP
Year Ended 30 June
2000(1)
$M

2001 
$M 

Australia 
Non accrual facilities  
Restructured facilities 
Overseas 
Non accrual facilities  
OREO 
Total Interest Taken to Profit 

(1)  Excluding Colonial 

11
            -

3
            -
14 

26 
-

4 
-
30 

27 
-

3 
-
30 

37 
- 

14 
- 
51 

45 
-

6 
-
51 

96 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

Australia Overseas
2004
$M

2004
$M

193
152
345
(23)
322
(128)
194

13
5
18
              -
18
(15)
3

GROUP
Total
2004
$M

206
157
363
(23)
340
(143)
197

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 

-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-

345
(23)
322
(128)
194

18
              -
18
(15)
3

108 
114 
123 
345 

13 
5 
              -
18 

363
(23)
340
(143)
197

121 
119 
123 
363 

545 
(25) 
520 
(163) 
357 

158 
138 
249 
545 

120 
(1)
119 
(42)
77 

1 
6 
113 
120 

665 
(26)
639 
(205)
434 

159 
144 
362 
665 

Accruing Loans 90 days past due or more(1) 

224

22

246

227 

21 

248 

(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. 

97 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 
the  NSW 
Government on a quarterly basis. 

indemnities  are 

reimbursed  by 

loan 

Selected Regional Exposures 
Asia 

Over  66%  of  total  exposures  relate  to  financial 
institutions.  Exposures  to  Indonesia,  Thailand  and  Korea 
represent  approximately  25%  of  the  Group’s  Asian  credit 
risk.

The Group’s credit risk exposure to Asian countries as at 30 June 2004 is set out below. The exposures exclude Group 

equity investments. 

Asian Exposures  

Country 

Finance 

Corporate/  Government

CUSTOMER TYPE 

China 
Hong Kong 

Japan 
Malaysia 
Singapore 
Phillipines 
Taiwan 
Other 

Indonesia 
South Korea 
Thailand 

Total 

  Multinational 
$M 

$M 

171 
803 
974 

411 
100 
592 
641 
313 
1 
2,058 

17 
636 
199 
852 
3,884 

5 
462 
467 

94 
240 
244 
                - 
1 
2 
581 

16 
85 
4 
105 
1,153 

$M

-
-
-

35 
40 
7 
-
-
-
82 

171 
264 
17 
452 
534 

Project
Finance(1)
$M

              -
              -
-

              -
              -
              -
              -
              -
              -
              -

32 
              -
              -
32 
32 

APL/NZPL

$M

1 
227 
228 

6 
-
37 
                 -
                 -
                 -
43 

10 
                 -
                 -
10 
281 

2004 
Total 
Exposure(2) 
$M 

GROUP
2003
Total
Exposure
$M

177 
1,492 
1,669 

546 
380 
880 
641 
314 
3 
2,764 

246 
985 
220 
1,451 
5,884 

165 
1,878 
2,043 

759 
111 
498 
-
22 
2 
1,392 

137 
477 
91 
705 
4,140 

Other Regional Exposures 

Region 

Finance 

Corporate/  Government

CUSTOMER TYPE 

  Multinational 
$M 

$M 

Eastern Europe 
Latin America 
Middle East 

            - 
            - 
65 

1 
                     - 
8 

$M

-
-
-

Project
Finance(1)
$M

            -
            -
            -

APL/NZPL

$M

                 -
                 -
                 -

2004 
Total 

GROUP
2003
Total
Exposure(2)  Exposure
$M

$M 

1 
              - 
73 

-
-
56 

(1) 

(2) 

Project Finance - Long term lending for large scale projects (such as mining and infrastructure) where repayment is primarily reliant on 
the cash flow from the project. 
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. 

98 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
NOTE 16  Insurance Investment Assets 

Equity Security Investments 
Direct 
Indirect 

Debt Security Investments 
Direct 
Indirect 

Property Investments 
Direct 
Indirect 

Other Assets 
Total Insurance Investment Assets 

the 

Direct  investments  refer  to  investments  that  are 
directly  with 
Indirect 
investments refer to investments that are held through unit 
trusts or similar investment vehicles.  
Disclosure on Asset Restriction 

investment. 

issuer  of 

the 

Investments held in the Australian statutory funds can 
only be used within the restrictions imposed under the Life 
Insurance Act 1995.  

The  main  restrictions  are  that  assets  in  a  fund  can 
only  be  used  to  meet  the  liabilities  and  expense  of  the 
fund, to acquire investments to further the business of the 
fund  or  as  distributions  when  solvency  and  capital 
adequacy requirements are met.  

NOTE 17  Deposits with Regulatory Authorities 

Central Banks Overseas 
Total Deposits with Regulatory Authorities 

NOTE 18   Shares in and Loans to Controlled Entities 

2004 
$M 

4,433 
8,025 
12,458 

3,518 
7,710 
11,228 

80 
2,330 
2,410 
2,846 
28,942 

GROUP
2003
$M

3,559 
8,408 
11,967 

3,574 
8,273 
11,847 

80 
2,151 
2,231 
1,790 
27,835 

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. 

2004
$M

38 
38 

GROUP
2003
$M

23 
23 

2004
$M

GROUP
2003
$M

2004 
$M 

4 
4 

2004 
$M 

12,156 
11,521 
23,677 

BANK
2003
$M

2 
2 

BANK
2003
$M

11,772
11,787
23,559

Shares in controlled entities 
Loans to controlled entities 
Total Shares in and Loans to Controlled Entities 

                  -
                  -
                  -

                  -
                  -
                  -

99 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 19  Property, Plant and Equipment 

(a)  Land and Buildings 
       Land 
         At 30 June 2004 valuation 
         At 30 June 2003 valuation 
        Closing balance 
      Buildings 
        At 30 June 2004 valuation 
        At 30 June 2003 valuation 
        Closing balance 
      Total Land and Buildings   

2004
$M

GROUP
2003
$M

2004 
$M 

BANK
2003
$M

160 
             -
160 

253 
             -
253 
413 

-
141 
141 

-
302 
302 
443 

148 
             - 
148 

231 
             - 
231 
379 

-
129 
129 

-
233 
233 
362 

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    

(d)  Assets Under Lease 
      At cost      
      Provision for depreciation   
      Closing balance    

(e)  Investment Property (1) 
      At cost      

657 
(376)
281 

639 
(448)
191 

579 
(351)
228 

557 
(407)
150 

545 
(310) 
235 

333 
(225) 
108 

458 
(283)
175 

279 
(208)
71 

67 
           -
67 

         -
       -
          -

           - 
           - 
           - 

        -
         -
           -

252 

          -

           - 

       -

      Total Property, Plant and Equipment 

1,204 

821 

722 

608 

(1)  This investment represents a 50% interest in a long term freehold lease over property. 

100 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
NOTE 19  Property, Plant and Equipment continued 

Reconciliation 

2004
$M

GROUP 
2003 
$M 

2004
$M

BANK
2003
$M

Reconciliation of the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment at the beginning and end of the 2004 and 2003 

financial years. 

Land 
Opening balance 
Disposals 
Net revaluations 
Closing balance 

Buildings 
Opening balance 
Acquisitions 
Disposals 
Revaluation 
Depreciation 
Closing balance 

Leasehold Improvements 
Opening balance 
Acquisitions 
Disposals 
Depreciation 
Closing balance 

Equipment 
Opening balance 
Acquisitions 
Disposals 
Depreciation 
Closing balance 

Assets Under Lease 
Opening balance 
Acquisitions 
Depreciation 
Closing balance    

Investment Property 
Opening balance 
Acquisitions 
Closing balance    

141 
(8)
27 
160 

302 
2 
(57)
27 
(21)
253 

228 
119
(11)
(55)
281 

150 
96 
(4)
(51)
191 

             -
67 
             -
67 

             -
252 
252 

160 
(19) 
- 
141 

358 
1 
(33) 
- 
(24) 
302 

205 
78 
(4) 
(51) 
228 

139 
64 
- 
(53) 
150 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

129 
(3)
22 
148 

149 
(20)
            -
129 

233 
             -
(5)
21 
(18)
231 

276 
1 
(24)
            -
(20)
233 

175 
117 
(12)
(45)
235 

158 
62 
(4)
(41)
175 

71 
58 
             -
(21)
108 

58 
35 
            -
(22)
71 

             -
             -
             -
             -

            -
            -
            -
            - 

             -
             -
             -

            -
            -
            -

101 

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2004
$M

5,591 
1,155 
(332)
(1,709)
4,705 

GROUP
2003
$M

5,591 
1,155 
(332)
(1,385)
5,029 

2004 
$M 

2,671 
835 
             - 
(984) 
2,522 

BANK
2003
$M

2,671 
835 
-
(798)
2,708 

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  

Segment Allocation of Goodwill 

In  recognition  of  the  disclosure  requirements  of  US 
SFAS  141:  Business  Combinations  and  the  Australian 
Intangible  Assets 
Accounting  Standard  AASB  138: 
(effective  1  July  2005),  the  Group’s  carrying  amount  of 
goodwill at 30 June 2004 is disclosed for each segment of 
business. 

Segment 
Banking(1) 
Funds Management(2) 
Insurance(2) 
Total 

2004 
$M 

4,379 
253 
73 
4,705 

2003 
$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 
principally relates to the goodwill on acquisition of Colonial. 

funds  management  and 

insurance 

to 

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) 
Intergroup current tax receivable 
Intergroup deferred tax receivable 
Other (2) 
Total Other Assets 

2004
$M

1,208 
223 
600 
1,540 
564 

GROUP 
2003 
$M 

1,023 
145 
492 
727 
525 

2004
$M

1,247 
80 
602 
1,347 
423 

BANK
2003
$M

1,239 
50 
268 
500 
312 

5,741 
          111 
12,827 
             -
             -
2,478 
25,292 

        5,540 
111 
13,907 
                  - 
                  - 
989 
23,459 

             -
             -
12,798 
104 
317 
1,931 
18,849 

                  -
                  -
13,908 
                  -
                  -
471 
16,748 

(1) 

(2) 

This is an outside equity interest in a funds management business acquired during 2003, and is not included in the revaluation in 
Note  34 Life Insurance Business. 
Increase primarily relates to increased volume and exchange rate increments receivable on forward foreign exchange balance sheet 
hedging contracts. 

Potential future income tax benefits of the Company arising 
from: 
(cid:131)  Capital  losses  arising  under  the  tax  consolidations 

(cid:131) 

system; and 
Tax  loses  and  timing  differences  in  offshore  centres, 
recognised  as  assets  because 
have  not  been 
recovery is not virtually certain. 

These benefits could amount to: 
(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 

$34 million in tax consolidation potential benefits; and 
$136 million (2003: $142 million) in offshore centres.  

These potential tax benefits will only be obtained if: 
(cid:131) 

The  Company  derives  future  capital  gains  and 
assessable income of a nature and of an amount 
sufficient to enable the benefit from the losses to 
be realised; 
The  Company  continues  to  comply  with  the 
conditions 
losses  and 
deductions imposed by tax legislation; and 

for  claiming  capital 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131)  No changes in tax legislation adversely affect the 
the 

in  realising 

the  benefit 

from 

Company 
deductions for the losses. 

Excess of net market value over net assets of controlled entities of the life insurance businesses: 

Commonwealth and Colonial entities 
ASB entities 

Commonwealth and Colonial entities 
ASB entities 

GROUP
At 30 June 2004
Excess of
Market Value 
Over Net Assets
$M

5,178 
563 
5,741 

GROUP
At 30 June 2003
Excess of
Market Value 
Over Net Assets
$M

5,071 
469 
5,540 

Net 
Assets 
$M 

2,246 
415 
2,661 

Net 
Assets 
$M 

2,626 
380 
3,006 

Market
Value
$M

7,424
978
8,402 

Market
Value
$M

7,697 
849 
8,546 

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    

2004
$M

20,516 
38,530 
71,115 
5,407 
3,585 
139,153 

3,716 
11,724 
6,852 
1,174 
558 
24,024 
163,177 

GROUP
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 

2004 
$M 

20,516 
36,714 
71,289 
5,431 
3,648 
137,598 

1,906 
2,448 
73 
11 
433 
4,871 
142,469 

BANK
2003
$M

11,228 
30,992 
68,932 
5,031 
2,688 
118,871 

1,130 
2,295 
59 
7 
584 
4,075 
122,946 

Maturity Distribution of Certificates of Deposit and Time Deposits 

The following table sets forth the maturity distribution of the Group’s certificates of deposit and time deposits as at 30 

June 2004. 

GROUP
At 30 June 2004

Maturing
Between
Six &
Twelve
Months
$M

Maturing 
After 
Twelve 
Months 
$M 

293 
3,087 
3,380 

276 
818 
1,094 
4,474 

2,127 
1,776 
3,903 

1 
528 
529 
4,432 

Total
$M

20,516 
38,530 
59,046 

3,716 
11,724 
15,440 
74,486 

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 

16,874 
20,777 
37,651 

2,728 
8,484 
11,212 
48,863 

1,222 
12,890 
14,112 

711 
1,894 
2,605 
16,717 

(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  

2004
$M

2,383 
4,258 
6,641 

GROUP 
2003 
$M 

2,527 
5,011 
7,538 

2004
$M

402 
355 
757 

25 
29 
54 
811 

GROUP 
2003 
$M 

433 
414 
847 

29 
- 
29 
876 

2004
$M

2,383
4,228 
6,611 

2004
$M

352 
332 
684 

6 
             -
6 
690 

BANK
2003
$M

2,527
4,977
7,504

BANK
2003
$M

355
162
517

10
-
10
527

105 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 25  Other Provisions 

Provision for: 
Long service leave   
Annual leave        
Other employee entitlements  
Which new Bank costs 
Restructuring costs 
General insurance claims  
Self insurance/non lending losses    
Other 
Total Other Provisions      

Which new Bank costs: 
Opening balance 
Additional provision 
Amounts utilised during the year 
Closing balance 

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 

2004
$M

GROUP
2003
$M

300 
130 
98 
208 
             -
79 
60 
122 
997 

2004
$M

            -
208 
            -
208 

30 
            -
(30)
            -

66 
44 
(31)
79 

56 
13 
(9)
60 

107 
70 
(54)
(1)
122 

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 

2004 
$M 

293 
112 
98 
208 
             - 
             - 
59 
49 
819 

2004 
$M 

             - 
208 
             - 
208 

29 
             - 
(29) 
             - 

             - 
             - 
             - 
             - 

55 
13 
(9) 
59 

63 
6 
(20) 
             - 
49 

BANK
2003
$M

294 
127 
116 
-
29 
-
55 
63 
684 

BANK
2003
$M

-
-
-
-

21 
20 
(12)
29 

-
-
-
-

53 
12 
(10)
55 

30 
39 
(6)
-
63 

106 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 26  Debt Issues 

Short term debt issues  
Long term debt issues   
Total Debt Issues  

Short Term Debt Issues 
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     

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  (“EMTNs”)  up  to  an 
aggregate  amount  of  USD25  billion.  Notes  issued  under 
the  programme  are  both  fixed  and  variable  rates.  Interest 
rate  risk  associated  with  the  notes  is  incorporated  within 
the Bank’s interest rate risk framework. 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

Subsequent to 30 June 2004, the Bank has issued: 
USD  medium  term  notes:  3  months  to  less  than  12 
months – USD26 million (AUD38 million); between 1 
and  5  years  –  USD964  million  (AUD1,379  million); 
greater  than  5  years  –  USD468  million  (AUD669 
million); 
CHF  medium  term  notes:  between  1  and  5  years  – 
CHF250million (AUD287 million); 
EUR  medium  term  notes:  3  months  to  less  than  12 
months – EUR6.7 million (AUD11.5 million); between 
1  and  5  years  –  EUR356  million  (AUD613  million); 
greater  than  5  years  –  EUR2.5  million  (AUD4.3 
million); 

2004
$M

20,401 
23,641 
44,042 

1,450 
490 
9,381 
3,638 

GROUP 
2003 
$M 

17,255 
13,374 
30,629 

2004
$M

6,127 
18,322 
24,449 

1,643 
777 
6,163 
5,738 

             -
             -
             -
2,498 

5,442 
20,401 

2,934 
17,255 

3,629 
6,127 

8,790 
4,453 
734 
3,837 
5,583 
40 
204 
23,641 

6,949 
13,452 
17,542 
6,099 
44,042 

4,517 
3,510 
414 
1,799 
2,752 
187 
195 
13,374 

13,348 
3,907 
10,426 
2,948 
30,629 

8,146 
2,813 
520 
1,981 
4,822 
40 
             -
18,322 

1,925 
4,202 
12,224 
6,098 
24,449 

BANK
2003
$M

6,577 
10,107 
16,684 

-
-
-
3,842 

2,735 
6,577 

4,517 
2,307 
414 
-
2,682 
187 
-
10,107 

3,994
2,696
7,958
2,036
16,684

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

JPY  medium  term  notes:  Greater  than  5  years  – 
JPY1.2 billion (AUD15.3 million); 
CAD  medium  term  notes:  between  1  and  5  years  – 
CAD400 million (AUD431 million); and 
HKD  medium  terms  notes:  Greater  than  5  years  – 
HKD202 million (AUD307 million). 
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 2002, 2003 and 

2004. 

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
2004
2002
2003 
(AUD Millions, except where indicated)

9,381 
11,983 
8,161 

1.1%
1.2%

3,638 
6,402 
4,798 

1.0%
1.2%

                 -
                 -
                 -

                 -
                 -

1,940 
3,216 
2,675 

5.2%
5.6%

6,163 
8,973 
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% 

6,082 
7,158 
6,173 

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%

(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 

AUD 1.00 = 

30 June 2004 

30 June 2003

USD 
  GBP 
  JPY 
  NZD 
  HKD 
  DEM 
  CHF 
IDR 
  THB 
  FJD 
  PHP 
  EUR 

 0.6894 
 0.3823 
 74.914 
 1.097 
 5.378 
 1.116 
 0.8720 
 6,487 
 28.229 
 1.239 
 38.731 
0.5706 

 0.6677
 0.4043
 80.036
 1.145
 5.207
 1.143
 0.9037
 5,528
 28.051
 1.250
 35.737
0.5842

108 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

to  write  new  business  or 

The CDBL’s liabilities continue to remain guaranteed 
by the Commonwealth; and 
CDBL  ceased 
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 
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. 

to 

2004
$M

980 
1,325 
1,151 
1,649 
12,188 
              -
1,847 
19,140

GROUP 
2003 
$M 

993 
991 
740 
699 
13,528 
- 
2,076 
19,027 

2004
$M

950 
1,140 
829 
1,458 
12,156 
153 
1,202 
17,888 

BANK
2003
$M

874 
842 
567 
479 
13,502 
-
1,192 
17,456 

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:131) 

(cid:131) 

term  deposits  were 
All  demand  deposits  and 
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 
the  Commonwealth 
sold 
its  8.1%  shareholding 
Development  Bank  Limited  (CDBL)  to  the  Bank  for 
$12.5 million. 

in 

Under  the  arrangements  relating  to  the  purchase  by 
the Bank of the Commonwealth of Australia’s shareholding 
in the CDBL: 
(cid:131) 

All  lending  assets  as  at  30  June  1996  have  been 
quarantined  in  CDBL,  consistent  with  the  charter 
terms on which they were written; 
. 

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) 
Intergroup deferred tax payable 
Other liabilities  
Total Bills Payable and Other Liabilities     

109 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
NOTE 28   Loan Capital 

Currency 
Amount (M)  Footnotes

2004
$M

2003
$M

GROUP
2002
$M

2004 
$M 

2003 
$M 

BANK
2002
$M

Tier 1 Capital 
Exchangeable 
Exchangeable 
Undated 
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 
Subordinated 
Subordinated 
Subordinated 
Subordinated 

FRN 
FRN 
FRN 
TPS 

USD38 
USD95 
USD100 
USD550 

FRN 
FRN 
MTN 
FRN 
FRN 
MTN 
FRN 
Notes 
FRN 
EMTN 
EMTN 
EMTN 
EMTN 
EMTN 
EMTN 
EMTN 
Loan 
FRN 
FRN 
Notes 
Other 
Notes 
EMTN  
MTN 
FRN 
EMTN 
EMTN 

AUD25 
AUD275 
AUD185 
AUD115 
AUD25 
AUD200 
AUD50 
USD300 
USD450 
JPY20,000 
USD200 
USD75 
USD100 
USD400 
GBP200 
JPY30,000 
NZD100 
AUD210 
AUD38 
AUD130 
AUD21 
USD350 
GBP150 
AUD300 
AUD200 
JPY 10,000 
USD250 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(5) 

(6) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

(8) 

(9) 

(9) 

(10) 

(11) 

(12) 

(13) 

(14) 

(15) 

(16) 

(17) 

(18) 

(19) 

(20) 

(21) 

(22) 

(23) 

(24) 

(24) 

(25) 

(26) 

Total Loan Capital      

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. 

Outstanding notes at 30 June 2004 were: 
:  USD0.5 million 
Due July 2004 
:  USD32.5 million 
Due July 2006 
:  USD5 million 
Undated 

(2)  USD  400  million  undated  FRNs  issued  22  February 

1989 exchangeable into dated FRNs. 

Outstanding notes at 30 June 2004 were: 
:  USD64 million 
Due February 2005 
:  USD24 million 
Due February 2006 
:  USD7 million 
Due February 2008 

55 
138 
145 

59 
142 
150 
-               -
351 

338 

25 
25 
275 
275 
-
185 
-
115 
25 
25 
200 
199 
50 
50 
549 
549 
650 
672 
240 
248 
313 
313 
115 
115 
152 
152 
501 
501 
408 
408 
429 
444 
92 
88 
210 
210 
38 
38 
130 
130 
21 
35 
512 
524
373 
373 
300                -
200                -
127                -
358                -
5,674 
6,025 

6,293 
6,631 

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 
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,012 
5,427 

55 
59 
70 
138 
142 
168 
145 
150 
177 
799                -                -
351 
415 

1,137 

25 
275 
- 
- 
25 
200 
50 
549 
650 
240 
313 
115 
152 
501 
408 
429 

25 
275 
185 
115 
25 
199 
50 
549 
672 
248 
313 
115 
152 
501 
408 
444 

25 
275 
186 
115 
25 
199 
50 
532 
795 
293 
313 
115 
152 
501 
408 
525 
-                -                -
210 
210 
38 
38 
130 
130 
21 
35 
512 
524                -
373 
373                -
300                -                -
200                -                -
127                -                -
358                -                -
4,922 
5,586 
5,337 
5,937 

210 
38 
130 
35 

6,201 
7,338 

fully 

USD  100  million  undated  capital  notes  issued  on  15 
October 1986. 
The Bank has entered into separate agreements with 
the  Commonwealth  of  Australia  relating  to  each  of 
the above issues (the ‘Agreements’) which qualify the 
issues as Tier One capital. 
The agreements provide that, upon the occurrence of 
certain  events  listed  below,  the  Bank  may  issue 
either 
the 
ordinary 
Commonwealth  of  Australia  or  (with  the  consent  of 
the  Commonwealth  of  Australia) 
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. 

shares 

rights 

paid 

to 

(3) 

110 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
NOTE 28   Loan Capital continued 

Any one or more of the  following events may  trigger 
the issue of shares to the Commonwealth of Australia 
or a rights issue: 
(cid:131) 

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. 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(4) 

(5) 

the  Commonwealth  of 
Any  payment  made  by 
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 FRNs which have 
matured  to  date,  the  Bank  and  the  Commonwealth 
agreed  to  amend  the  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. 
USD550  million  undated  Trust  Preferred  Securities 
(TPS) issued on 6 August 2003. 
AUD300  million  extendible  floating  rate  note  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  Two  capital.  For  capital  adequacy 
purposes  Tier  Two  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: 
(cid:131) 

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;  
The Bank, if required by the Commonwealth of 
Australia  and  subject  to  the  agreement  of  the 
APRA,  exercises  its  option  to  redeem  such 
issue; or 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

to 

the 

trigger 

issue  of  shares 

the  Commonwealth  of 
Any  payment  made  by 
Australia  pursuant  to  its  guarantee  in  respect  of  the 
issue  will 
the 
Commonwealth  of  Australia  to  the  value  of  such 
payment. 
AUD300 million subordinated notes, issued February 
1999;  due  February  2009,  split  into  AUD185  million 
fixed  rate  notes  and  AUD115  million  floating  rate 
notes. Called and redeemed February 2004. 
AUD25 million subordinated FRN, issued April 1999, 
due April 2029. 
AUD250  million 
issued 
subordinated 
November  1999,  due  November  2009;  split  into 
AUD200  million  fixed  rate  notes  and  AUD50  million 
floating rate notes. 

notes, 

(9)  USD750  million  subordinated  notes,  issued  June 
2000, due June 2010; split into USD300 million fixed 
rate notes and USD450 million floating rate notes. 
JPY20  billion  perpetual  subordinated  EMTN,  issued 
February 1999. 

(10) 

(11)  USD200  million 

subordinated  EMTN, 

issued 

November 1999, due November 2009. 

(12)  USD75  million  subordinated  EMTN,  issued  January 

2000, due January 2010. 

(13)  USD100 million subordinated EMTN, issued January 

2000, due January 2010. 

(14)  USD400  million  subordinated  EMTN  issued  June 

1996 due July 2006. 

(15)  GBP200  million  subordinated  EMTN  issued  March 

(16) 

1996 due December 2006. 
JPY30  billion  subordinated  EMTN  issued  October 
1995 due October 2015. 
(17)  NZD100  million  subordinated 

loan  matures  15 

December 2009.  

(18)  AUD210  million  Euro  FRN  issued  September  1996, 

maturing September 2004. 

(19)  AUD38 million FRN issued December 1997, maturing 

December 2004. 

(20)  AUD130  million  subordinated  notes  comprised  as 
follows:  AUD10  million  fixed  rate  notes  issued  12 
December  1995,  maturing  12  December  2005. 
issued  12 
AUD110  million 
December 1995, maturing 12 December 2005. AUD5 
million  fixed  rate  notes  issued  17  December  1996, 
maturing  12  December  2005.  AUD5  million  floating 
rate  notes  issued  17  December  1996,  maturing  12 
December 2005. 

rate  notes 

floating 

(21)  Comprises  8  subordinated  notes  and  FRN  issues. 
The  face  value  amounts  are  less  than  $10  million 
each and are all in Australian Dollars. The maturities 
range from August 2009 to October 2009. 

(22)  USD350  million  subordinated  fixed  rate  note,  issued 

June 2003, due June 2018. 

(23)  GBP150  million  subordinated  EMTN,  issued  June 

2003, due December 2023. 

(24)  AUD500 million subordinated notes, issued February 
2004,  due  February  2014;  split  into  AUD300  million 
fixed  rate  notes  and  AUD200  million  floating  rate 
notes. 
JPY10 billion subordinated EMTN, issued May 2004, 
due May 2034. 

(25) 

(26)  USD250  million  subordinated  EMTN  issued  June 

2004, due August 2014. 

Subsequent to 30 June 2004, the Bank has issued: 
USD250 million increase to the subordinated EMTN issued 
June 2004, due August 2014. 

 111

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
NOTE 29   Share Capital 

Issued and Paid Up Ordinary Capital 

Ordinary Share Capital 
Opening balance 
Dividend Reinvestment Plan: 2002/2003 Final Dividend 
Dividend Reinvestment Plan: 2003/2004 Interim Dividend 
Share buy back 
Share purchase plan 
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 
Dividend reinvestment plan issues: 
2002/2003 Final Dividend fully paid ordinary shares at $28.03 
2003/2004 Interim Dividend fully paid ordinary shares at $31.61 
Share buy back 
Share purchase plan shares issued at $31.36 
Buy Back for DRP: 2001/2002 Final Dividend 
2001/2002 Final Dividend fully paid shares at $31.92 
Buyback for 2002/2003 Interim Dividend 
2002/2003 Interim Dividend fully paid ordinary shares at $24.75 
Exercise under Executive Option Plan 
Closing balance 

2004 
$M 

12,678 
201 
188 
(213) 
467 
                   - 
                   - 
                   - 
                   - 
38 
13,359 

BANK
2003
$M

12,665 
-
-
-
-
(195)
195 
(166)
166 
13 
12,678 

Number 
1,253,581,363 

Number 
1,252,921,363 

7,165,289 
5,916,319 
(19,360,759) 
14,891,250 
                        - 
                        - 
                        - 
                        - 
1,812,600 
1,264,006,062 

-
-

(6,111,510)
6,111,510 
(6,753,320)
6,753,320 
660,000 
1,253,581,363 

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 in proportion to the number of and amounts paid up on shares held. A 
shareholder has one vote on a show of hands and one vote for each fully paid share on a poll. A shareholder may be present 
at a general meeting in person or by proxy or attorney, and if a body corporate it may also authorise a representative. 

Preference Share Capital 

PERLS 

PERLS Capital issued and paid up 

2004 
$M 

687 

BANK
2003
$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 

its  ordinary  shares  until 

dividends  on  any  of 
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. 

Other Equity Instruments 

   Other equity instruments issued and paid up 

2004 
$M 

1,573

Number
4,300,000

GROUP 
2003 
$M 

-

Number
-

2004 
$M 

737 

Number 
550,000 

BANK 
2003 
$M 

-

Number
-

112 

 
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
NOTE 29  Share Capital continued 

Issue of other equity instruments 

Trust Preferred Securities 

On 6 August 2003 a wholly owned entity of the Bank 
issued  USD550  million  (AUD832  million)  of  perpetual  non 
call  12  year  trust  preferred  securities  into  the  US  Capital 
Markets. These securities offer a non-cumulative fixed rate 
distribution  of  5.805%  per  annum  payable  semi-annually. 
The securities qualify as Tier One capital of the Bank. 

PERLS II 

On 6 January 2004 a wholly owned entity of the Bank 
(Commonwealth  Managed 
Investments  Limited  as 
Responsible  Entity  of  the  PERLS  II  Trust)  issued  $750 
million  of  Perpetual  Exchangeable  Resettable  Listed 
Securities  (“PERLS  II”).  These  securities  are  units  in  a 
registered  managed  investments  scheme,  perpetual  in 
nature,  offering  a  non-cumulative  floating  rate  distribution 
payable  quarterly.  The  securities  qualify  as  Tier  One 
capital of the Bank.   

Share Buy-back 

On  29  March  2004 

the  Bank  announced 

the 
successful completion of its off-market share buy-back.  A 
total of 19,360,759 shares were bought back at $27.50 per 
share, for a total cost of $532.4 million. An amount of $11 
per share of the consideration for each share bought back 
was  charged  to  paid  up  capital  (total  $213.0  million).  The 
balance  of  $16.50  per  share  was  deemed  to  be  a  fully 
franked dividend for tax purposes and charged to retained 
profits (total $319.4 million).  

In  accordance  with  the  draft  ATO  Class  Ruling 
CR2004/65, the "market value" of the shares bought back 
for tax purposes is $30.42 ("Tax Value"). For capital gains 
tax purposes an Australian resident individual or complying 
superannuation entity shareholder participating in the buy-
back  will  be  deemed  to  have  disposed  of  each  share 
bought  back  for  deemed  capital  proceeds  of  $11.00  plus 
the amount by which the Tax Value exceeds the buy-back 
price. The Tax Value exceeds the buy-back price by $2.92 
($30.42  -  $27.50).  Accordingly,  for  capital  gains  tax 
purposes,  the  deemed  disposal  price  for  each  share  sold 
into the buy-back is $13.92 ($11.00 + $2.92). 

Share Purchase Plan 

The  Bank  introduced  a  Share  Purchase  Plan  (SPP) 
during  the  year.  On  25  June  2004  a  total  of  14,891,250 
shares were issued at $31.36 per share, for a total of $467 
million, in respect of the SPP. 

Dividends 

The Directors have declared a fully franked (at 30%) 
final dividend of 104 cents per share amounting to $1,315 
million.  The  dividend  will  be  payable  on  24  September 
2004 to shareholders on the register at 5pm on 20 August 
2004.  

Dividends per share are based on net profit after tax 
(“cash  basis”)  per  share,  having  regard  to  a  range  of 
factors including: 
(cid:131) 

Current  and  expected  rates  of  business  growth  and 
the mix of business; 
Capital  needs  to  support  economic,  regulatory  and 
credit ratings requirements; 
The rate of return on assets; and 
Investments  and/or  divestments  to  support  business 
development. 
Dividends paid since the end of the previous financial 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 

year: 
(cid:131) 

As  declared  in  last  year’s  Annual  Report,  a  fully 
franked 
final  dividend  of  85  cents  per  share 
amounting  to  $1,066  million  was  paid  on  8  October 
2003.  The  payment  comprised  cash  disbursements 
of $865 million with $201 million being reinvested by 
participants through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan; 
and 

113 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

cash 

comprised 

disbursements 

In respect of  the current  year,  a fully franked interim 
dividend  of  79  cents  per  share  amounting 
to 
$996 million  was  paid  on  30  March  2004.  The 
of 
payment 
$808 million  with  $188  million  being  reinvested  by 
participants through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan. 
Additionally,  quarterly  dividends  totaling  $37  million 
for  the  year  were  paid  on  the  PERLS  preference 
shares; $15 million on the PERLS II (for distributions 
in  March  2004  and  June  2004);  $40  million  on  the 
Trust Preferred Securities, and; $9 million on the ASB 
Capital preference shares. 

Dividend Reinvestment Plan 

The  Bank  expects  to  issue  around  $250  million  of 
shares  in  respect  of  the  DRP  for  the  final  dividend  for 
2003/04. 

The  Dividend  Reinvestment  Plan  continues  to  be 

capped at 10,000 shares per shareholder. 

Record Date 

The  register  closes  for  determination  of  dividend 
entitlement  and 
the  dividend 
for  participation 
reinvestment  plan  at  5:00pm  on  20  August  2004  at  ASX 
Perpetual  Registrars  Limited,  Locked  Bag  A14,  Sydney 
South, 1235. 

in 

Ex Dividend Date 

The ex dividend date is 16 August 2004. 

Employee Share Plans 

The Bank has in place the following employee share 

plans: 
(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

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. 

Employee Share Acquisition Plan (“ESAP”) 

The  ESAP  was  introduced  in  1996  and  provides 
employees  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  ESAP  receive  full  dividend 
entitlements,  voting  rights  and  there  are  no  forfeiture  or 
vesting conditions attached to the shares granted.   

Effective  from  1  July  2002,  shares  granted  under 
ESAP  offers  have  been  expensed  against  the  profit  and 
loss  account.    In  the  current  year,  683,617  shares  were 
granted to eligible employees in respect of the 2003 grant. 

The  Bank  has  determined  to  allocate  each  eligible 
employee shares up to a value of $1,000 in respect of the 
2004 grant.  As a result, an amount of $24 million has been 
accrued  in  respect  of  the  year  ended  30  June  2004.  The 
shares  will  be  purchased  on-market  at  the  then  market 
price. 

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
NOTE 29  Share Capital continued 

From 1 July 2000 to 30 June 2002, details of issues under ESAP were: 

Issue Date 

13 Oct 2000 
20 Dec 2000 
31 Oct 2001 
3 Dec 2001 
31 Jan 2002 

Bonus Ordinary 
Shares Issued(1) 
872,620 
805 
893,554 
3,876 
1,938 

No. of
Participants 
24,932 
23 
26,281 
114 
57 

Shares issued to 
Each Participant 
35 
35 
34 
34 
34 

Issue 
Price(2) 
$27.78 
$27.78 
$28.95 
$28.95 
$28.95 

From 1 July 2002, details of shares purchased under ESAP are as follows: 

Purchase 
Date 

Ordinary Shares  
Purchased 

No. of
Participants 

Shares Allocated to 
Each Participant 

31 Oct 2002 
22 Jan 2003 
31 Oct 2003 

830,874 
1,584 
683,617 

25,178 
48 
23,573 

33 
33 
29 

Allocation 
Price(3) 

$29.71 
$29.71 
$27.53 

(1) 

(2) 
(3) 

For Offers in 2000 and 2001 both new and existing shareholders were granted Bonus Ordinary Shares 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 for the 2002 Offer and $800 of free shares for the 
2003 Offer. 

Equity Participation Plan (“EPP”) 

The EPP facilitates the voluntary sacrifice of both fixed 
remuneration and annual short term incentives (STIs) to be 
applied  in  the  acquisition  of  shares.  The  Plan  also 
facilitates the mandatory sacrifice of STI payments.   

All shares acquired by employees under this Plan are 
purchased  on-market  at  the  current  market  price.    A  total 
number of 5,812,425 shares have been acquired under the 
EPP since the plan commenced in 2001. 

Details of purchases under the EPP from 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004 were as follows: 

Allotment Date 

 Participants 

 Shares Purchased 

Average Purchase Price 

30 Sept 2003 
31 Oct 2003 
31 Dec 2003 
31 Mar 2004 
30 Jun 2004 

62 
2,453 
73 
63 
71 

8,175 
2,147,975 
9,915 
7,527 
9,496 

$27.89 
$27.62 
$29.46 
$33.32 
$32.72 

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 purchased under the voluntary 
component  of  the  EPP  carry  full  dividend  entitlements, 
voting  rights  and  there  are  no  forfeiture  or  vesting 
conditions attached to the shares.   

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.    The 
vesting  condition  attached  to  the  shares  specifies  that 
participants  must  remain  employees  of  the  Bank  until  the 

vesting date (generally a period of one and two years after 
the STI award period). 

Each  participant  of  the  mandatory  component  of  the 
EPP  for  whom  shares  are  held  by  the  Trustee  on  their 
behalf,  has  a  right  to  receive  dividends.   Once  the  shares 
vest,  dividends  which  have  accrued  during  the  vesting 
period  are  paid  to  participants.  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 purchased under the mandatory component of the EPP has been as follows: 

Details of Movements   

 July 02 - June 03 

July 03 - June 04 

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 

1,478,423 
1,968,197 
(836,437) 
(112,999) 
2,497,184 

2,497,184 
2,121,075 
(1,715,807) 
(112,099) 
2,790,353 

Shares  acquired  under  both 

the  voluntary  and 
mandatory  components  of  the  EPP  have  been  expensed 
against  the  profit  and  loss  account.    In  the  current  year,

$67  million  was  expensed  against  the  profit  and  loss 
account to reflect the cost of allocations under the Plan. 

114 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 29  Share Capital continued 

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.  
From  2002/03,  Reward  Shares  have  only  been  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:131) 

in 

the  ASX’s 

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.  
(previously  companies 
The  comparator  group 
‘Banks  and  Finance 
represented 
Accumulation 
the  Bank)  was 
widened  in  2001/02  to  better  reflect  the  Bank’s 
business mix; and 
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:131) 

For 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 
fifth 
rating  reaches 
anniversary, but the maximum vesting will be 50%. 

the  50th  percentile  prior 

the 

to 

Reward 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 have 
the  Group.

not  been  recorded  as  an  expense  by 

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 

2000 

13 Sep 2000 

7 Feb 01 

577,500 

402,500 

13 Sep 2000 

31 Oct 01 

12,500 

- 

2001 

3 Sep 2001 

31 Oct 01 

2,882,000 

2,122,700 

3 Sep 2001 

31 Jan 02 

12,500 

12,500 

3 Sep 2001 

15 Apr 02 

100,000 

100,000 

16 

1 

61 

1 

1 

Exercise 
Price 

$26.97(2) 

$26.97(2) 

$30.12(3) 

$30.12(3) 

$30.12(3) 

Exercise 
Period 
14 Sep 2003 to 
13 Sep 2010(4) 
14 Sep 2003 to 
13 Sep 2010(4) 
4 Sep 2004 to 
3 Sep 2011(5) 
4 Sep 2004 to 
3 Sep 2011(5) 
4 Sep 2004 to 
3 Sep 2011(5) 

(1) 
Options outstanding as at the date of the report. 
(2) 
The premium adjustment (based on the actual difference between the dividend and bond yields at the date of vesting) was nil. 
(3)  Will be subject to adjustment by the premium formula (based on the actual difference between the dividend and bond yields at the date 

of the vesting). 
Performance hurdle was satisfied on 31 March 2004 and options may be exercised up to 13 September 2010. 
Performance hurdle must be satisfied between 4 September 2004 and 3 September 2006, otherwise options will lapse. 

(4) 
(5) 

Options - Details of Movements  
Year of Grant 
Total options: 

Held by participants at the start of year  
Granted during year 
Exercised during year 
Lapsed during year 
Outstanding at the end of year 
Granted from 30 June to date of report 
Exercised from 30 June to date of report 
Lapsed from 30 June to date of report 
Outstanding as at the date of report 

July 02 -  June 03 
2001 

2000 

July 03 - June 04 
2001 

2000 

572,500 
- 
- 
145,000 
427,500 
- 
- 
- 
427,500 

2,863,100 
- 
- 
526,700 
2,336,400 
- 
- 
- 
2,336,400 

427,500 
- 
- 
- 
427,500 
- 
25,000 
- 
402,500 

2,336,400 
- 
- 
101,200 
2,235,200 
- 
- 
- 
2,235,200 

115 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 29  Share Capital continued 

Reward Shares 

Year of 
Grant 

Purchase 
Date 

Shares 
Purchased 

Shares 
Allocated 

Participants 

Vesting Period 

2000 

2001 
2002 
2003 

20 Feb 2001 
31 Oct 2001 
31 Oct 2001 
22 Nov 2002 
12 Nov 2003 

361,100 
2,000 
652,100 
357,500 
285,531 

361,100 
  2,000 
661,500(1) 
545,500(2) 
595,600(3) 

61 
1 
241 
195 
255 

14 Sept 2003 to 13 Sept 2005(4) 
14 Sept 2003 to 13 Sept 2005(4) 
4 Sept 2004 to 3 Sept 2006(5) 
3 Sept 2005 to 2 Sept 2007(5) 
2 Sept 2006 to 1 Sept 2008(5) 

Average 
Purchase 
Price  
$29.72 
$29.25 
$29.25 
$28.26 
$28.33 

(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 shares were re-allocated to participants receiving the 2002 grant as a result of 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. 
In November 2003, 310,069 shares were re-allocated to participants receiving the 2003 grant as a result of shares forfeited from previous 
grants. The total number of Reward Shares allocated in 2003 represents fifty percent of the maximum entitlement that participants may 
receive – refer to footnote 2 above for further information. 

(4)  Performance hurdle was satisfied on 31 March 2004 and as a result 195,700 shares vested to participants of the 2000 grant. 
(5)  Performance hurdle must be satisfied within the vesting period, otherwise shares will be forfeited. 

Reward Shares - Details of Movements  

Year of Grant 

2000 

2001 

2002 

2000 

2001 

2002 

2003 

July 02 -  June 03 

July 03 - June 04 

Total reward shares: 

Held by participants at the start of year 
Granted during year 
Vested during year 
Lapsed during year 
Outstanding at the end of year 
Granted from 30 June to date of report 
Vested from 30 June to date of report 
Lapsed from 30 June to date of report 
Outstanding as at the date of report 

337,300 
- 
- 
120,200 
217,100 
- 
- 
- 
217,100 

638,800 
- 
- 
120,300 
518,500 
- 
- 
- 
518,500 

- 
552,000 
- 
36,700 
515,300 
- 
- 
- 
515,300 

217,100 
- 
195,700 
21,400 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

518,500 
- 
- 
59,000 
459,500 
- 
- 
22,500 
437,000 

515,300 
- 
- 
43,225 
472,075 
- 
- 
26,250 
445,825 

- 
597,100 
- 
10,725 
586,375 
- 
- 
28,875 
557,500 

During the vesting period, Reward Shares are held in 
Trust.  Each participant on behalf of whom Reward Shares 
are  held  by  the  Trustee,  has  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. 

 For  a 

limited  number  of  executives 

including 
overseas  based  staff  and  those  approved  by  the  Chief 
Executive Officer and ratified by Remuneration Committee 
and Board, a cash based ‘share replicator’ ERP scheme is 
operated  by  way  of  grants  of  performance  units.    The 
performance  unit  grants  are  subject  to  the  same  vesting 
conditions  as  the  Reward  Share  component  of  the  ERP.  
On meeting the vesting condition, a cash payment is made 
to  executives  whereby  the  value  is  determined  based  on 
the current share price on vesting plus an accrued dividend 
value.  An amount of $5 million has been expensed to the 
profit  and  loss  account  in  respect  of  the  year  ended  30 
June  2004  to  reflect  future  payments  which  may  be 
required under the ‘share replicator’ plan. 

Executive Option Plan (“EOP”) 

As  previously  notified  to  shareholders,  this  plan  was 

discontinued in 2000/01. 
the  EOP, 

Under 

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 
option  plan  did  not  grant  rights  to  the  option  holders  to 
participate in a share issue of any other body corporate.    

The performance hurdle is the same TSR comparator 
hurdle  as  outlined  above  for  the  Equity  Reward  Plan 
(“ERP”) grants prior to 2002/03.   

The  last  grant  under  EOP  was  made  in  September 
2000.  The performance hurdles for the August 1999 grant 
and the September 2000 grant were met in 2004. 

116 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 29  Share Capital continued 

Details of issues made under EOP as well as movements for 2002/03 and 2003/04 are as follows: 

Executive Option Plan (“EOP”) 

Commencement 
Date 
3 Nov 1997 
25 Aug 1998 
24 Aug 1999 
13 Sep 2000 

Issue 
Date 
11 Dec 1997 
30 Sep 1998 
24 Sep 1999 
13 Oct 2000 

Options 
Issued 
2,875,000 
3,275,000 
3,855,000 
2,002,500 

Options 
Outstanding 

- 
- 
1,875,000 
1,144,600 

Participants 

27 
32 
38 
50 

Exercise 
Price(1) 
$15.53(2) 
$19.58(2) 
$23.84(2) 
$26.97(2) 

Exercise 
Period 

4 Nov 00 to 3 Nov 02 
26 Aug 01 to 25 Aug 03 
25 Aug 02 to 24 Aug 09(3) 
14 Sep 03 to 13 Sep 10(4) 

(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. 

(2)  Premium adjustment (based on the actual difference between the dividend and bond yields at the date of vesting) was nil. 
(3)  Performance hurdle for the 1999 grant  was satisfied on 28 February 2004 and options may be exercised up to 24 August 2009. 
(4)  Performance hurdle for the 2000 grant  was satisfied on 31 March 2004 and options may be exercised up to 13 September 2010. 

Details of Movements 

Year of Grant 
Total options -  

Held by participants at the 
start of year  

Exercised during year 

Lapsed during year 

Outstanding at the end of year 

Exercised from 30 June to 
date of report 

Lapsed from 30 June to date 
of report 

Outstanding as at the date of 
report 

1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003(1) 

1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004(1) 

1997 

1998 

1999 

2000 

1998  

1999 

2000 

50,000 
- 

50,000 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,047,500 
660,000 

3,525,000 
- 

1,691,700  312,500 
-  312,500 

3,221,000 
1,271,000 

1,336,200 
129,100 

- 

304,000 

355,500 

387,500 

3,221,000 

1,336,200 

- 

75,000 

- 

- 

- 

- 

312,500 

3,221,000 

1,336,200 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

25,000 

12,500 

1,925,000 

1,194,600 

50,000 

50,000 

- 

- 

1,875,000 

1,144,600 

(1) 

The EOP was discontinued in 2000/01 and no options have been granted under the plan during the last two reporting periods. 

Summary of shares issued during the period 1 July 2003 to the date of the report as a result of options being exercised are: 

Option 
Issue Date 
30 Sep 1998 
24 Sep 1999 
13 Oct 2000 
7 Feb 2001 

Shares 
Issued 
312,500 
1,321,000 
179,100 
25,000 

Price paid 
per Share 
$19.58 
$23.84 
$26.97 
$26.97 

Total 
 Consideration Paid 
$6,118,750 
$31,492,640 
$4,830,327 
$674,250 

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. 

117 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 29  Share Capital continued 
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  a  total  of  34,009  shares  have  been 
purchased under the NEDSP since the plan commenced in 
2001. 

Details of grants under the NEDSP from 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004 were as follows: 

Quarter Ending 

30/09/2003 
31/12/2003 
31/03/2004 
30/06/2004 

Total Fees 
Sacrificed 

$74,636 
$74,650 
$73,762 
$73,616 

Participants 

Shares 
Purchased 

Average  
Purchase Price 

11 
11 
11 
11 

2,678 
2,534 
2,214 
2,250 

$27.87 
$29.46 
$33.32 
$32.72 

No trading restrictions were lifted on shares during the period 1 July 2003 to the date of this report. 

For the current year, $297,000 was expensed to the profit and loss account reflecting shares purchased and allocated under 
the NEDSP.

2004 
$M 

300  
                    -  
4  
2,176  
2,480  

GROUP
2003
$M

300 
- 
4 
1,824 
2,128 

NOTE 30  Outside Equity Interests 

Controlled Entities: 
Share capital (1) 
Reserves   
Retained profits  
Life insurance statutory funds 
Total Outside Equity Interests   

(1) 

ASB Perpetual Preference Shares - $182 million. 
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 million. 
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”)  approved  a 
proposal  which  saw  CPA  acquire  the  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. 

118 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 
risk weighted on and off balance sheet assets. 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 life insurance and funds management businesses 
are not consolidated for capital adequacy purposes. 

 Regulatory  capital  is  divided  into  Tier  One  and  Tier 
Two capital. Certain deductions are made from the sum of 
Tier One and Tier Two capital to arrive at the capital base. 
Tier One 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  Two 
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 One and Tier Two capital to 
arrive at the capital base. 

the 
In  accordance  with  APRA’s  methodology, 
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  the  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  Bank  are  shown 
on  page  121.  An  analysis  of  the  movement  in  the  capital 
ratios is shown on page 120.  

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.  Under  APRA 
guidelines,  the  expected  dividend  must  be  deducted  from 
Tier One 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  2004  ASB  Bank  Limited 
Group  had  a  Tier  One  ratio  of  8.22%  and  a  Total  Capital 
ratio of 10.18%.  

Regulatory Capital Requirements for Life Insurance 
and Funds Management Business 

The  Group’s  life  insurance  businesses  in  Australia 
are also regulated by APRA. The Life Insurance Act 1995 
includes  a  framework  for  the  calculation  of  the  regulatory 
capital  requirements  for  life  insurance  companies.  The 
required calculations are based on tests aimed at ensuring 
each  statutory  fund  in  each  life  insurance  company  has 
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

119 

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.    Failure  may 
also  result  in  closer  regulatory  monitoring  by  APRA.  The 
capital adequacy test is always equal to or greater than the 
solvency test. At all times during the year to 30 June 2004, 
all statutory funds of the Group’s life insurance companies 
in  Australia  met  the  capital  adequacy  test.  At  30  June 
2004, 
the 
estimated  excess  over  capital  adequacy  within  statutory 
funds amounted to $337 million in aggregate. 

insurance  companies, 

for  Australian 

life 

The  Group  owns  two  life  insurance  companies  in 
Australia:  Commonwealth 
Insurance  Holdings  Limited 
(“CIHL”),  and  The  Colonial  Mutual  Life  Assurance  Society 
Limited 
insurance  business  of 
life 
Commonwealth Life Limited (“CLL”) was amalgamated into 
CMLA on 1 July 2003 using the provisions of part 9 of the 
Life Insurance Act. CLL was subsequently deregistered.  

(“CMLA”).  The 

There  are  no  regulatory  capital  requirements  for  life 
insurance companies in New Zealand. However, the Group 
determines the capital requirements for New Zealand on a 
basis similar to Australia. 
life 

is 
regulated  by  the  Insurance  Authority  of  Hong  Kong.  The 
minimum regulatory requirement comprises a solvency test 
as defined in local regulations and ordinances. 

insurance  business 

in  Hong  Kong 

The 

Funds  managers 

in  Australia  are  subject 

to 
responsible  entity  regulation  by  the  Australian  Securities 
and  Investment  Commission  (“ASIC”).  The  regulatory 
capital 
responsible  entities 
depending  on  the  type  of  Australian  Financial  Services  or 
Authorised  Representatives’  Licence  held  but  a 
requirement  of  up  to  $5  million  of  net  tangible  assets 
applies. 

requirements  vary 

for 

APRA 

approved 

supervises 

tangible  assets  of  at 

of 
superannuation  funds  and  requires  them  to  also  maintain 
least  $5  million.  These 
net 
requirements are not cumulative where an entity is both an 
approved  trustee  for  superannuation  purposes  and  a 
responsible entity. 

trustees 

The 

total  Group’s 

funds  management 
companies  held  an  estimated  $710  million  excess  over 
regulatory  capital  requirements  at  30  June  2004 
in 
aggregate. 

life  and 

Regulatory Changes 
Basel II 

In  June  2004,  the  Basel  Committee  on  Banking 
Supervision  (“the  Basel  Committee”)  issued  the  Revised 
Framework  for  the  calculation  of  capital  adequacy  for 
banks,  commonly  known  as  Basel  II.  The  objective  of  the 
to  develop  capital  adequacy 
Basel 
guidelines  that  are  more  accurately  aligned  with  the 
individual risk profile of banks. 

II  Framework 

is 

ratings-based 

the  Basel 
two 

II  Framework. 
internal 

The  Basel  II  Framework  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 
  These  are 
risk  under 
Standardised  and 
(“IRB”) 
approaches.  The  Standardised  Approach  is  a  modified 
version  of  the  current  approach,  but  with  risk  weights 
ratings  of  borrowers  and 
aligned  with 
counterparties.  Under  the  IRB  approaches  (Foundation 
and  Advanced),  banks  such  as  Commonwealth  Bank  that 
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 

the  credit 

 
 
Active Capital Management 

The  Bank  maintains  a  strong  capital  position.  The 
Tier One Capital Ratio increased from 6.96% to 7.43% and 
the  Total  Capital  Ratio  increased  from  9.73%  to  10.25% 
during the year to 30 June 2004. The Bank’s credit ratings 
remained unchanged.  

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

During  the  year,  the  Bank  achieved  strong  growth  in 
Risk Weighted Assets from $147 billion to $169 billion. The 
following  significant  initiatives  were  undertaken  to  actively 
manage the Bank’s capital: 
Tier One Capital  
Issue  of  USD550  million  (AUD832  million)  of  trust 
preferred securities in August 2003;  
Issue  of  $750  million  of  Perpetual  Exchangeable 
Resettable  Listed  Securities  (“PERLS  II”)  in  January 
2004; 
Issue of $201 million shares in October 2003 to satisfy 
the  Dividend  Reinvestment  Plan  (“DRP”)  in  respect  to 
the final dividend for 2002/03;  
Issue  of  $188  million  shares  in  March  2004  to  satisfy 
the DRP in respect to the interim dividend for 2003/04; 
In  accordance  with  APRA  guidelines,  the  estimated 
issue  of  $250  million  shares  to  satisfy  the  DRP  in 
respect of the final dividend for 2003/04; 
The  issue  of  $467  million  shares  pursuant  to  a  Share 
Purchase Plan (“SPP”); and 
An off-market share buy-back of $532 million in March 
2004 which reduced Tier One Capital. 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

Further  details  of  these  transactions  are  provided  in  Note 
29. 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

Tier Two Capital 
Issue of $500 million subordinated medium term notes 
settled  in  February  2004.    The  notes  mature  in  2014 
and  are  callable  in  2009.    The  notes  qualify  as  Lower 
Tier Two capital; 
Issue  of  JPY10  billion  (AUD127  million)  subordinated 
medium  term  notes  settled  in  May  2004.    The  notes 
mature in May 2034 and are callable in May 2010.  The 
notes qualify as Lower Tier Two capital; and 
Issue 
(AUD358  million) 
subordinated medium term notes settled in June 2004.  
The  notes  mature  in  August  2014  and  are  callable  in 
August  2009.    The  notes  qualify  as  Lower  Tier  Two 
capital. 
Deductions from Total Capital 
The following movements in deductions have occurred 

of  USD250  million 

during the year: 
(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 

Sale of investment in Bank of Queensland; and 
Dividend of $194 million paid to the Bank from the life 
insurance  and  funds  management  businesses  in 
excess of the dividend paid in respect of the after-tax 
profits of these businesses. 
In  July  2004,  the  Bank  issued  USD250  million 
(AUD357  million)  subordinated  medium  term  notes.    The 
notes mature in 2014 and are callable in 2009.  The notes 
qualify as Lower Tier Two capital. 

Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 31   Capital Adequacy continued  

used  by 
the  bank 
Commonwealth  Bank 
Advanced IRB approach. 
The  Basel 

in 
is 

its 

internal  models.  The 
the 

implement 

to 

intending 

II  Framework 

introduces  a  capital 
requirement  for  operational  risk.  As  with  credit  risk,  there 
are  multiple  approaches.  The  Bank 
to 
implement the Advanced Measurement Approach. 

intending 

is 

The  Basel  Committee  intends  member  countries  to 
adopt  and  implement  the  Basel  II  Framework  for  financial 
years  ending  in  2006.  However,  the  most  advanced 
approaches 
risk  will  be 
to  credit  and  operational 
implemented  for  financial  years  ending  in  2007,  in  order 
that further impact studies and parallel calculations can be 
completed. 

The  current  capital  requirements  for  market  risk  are 
not  expected  to  change  significantly  under  the  Basel  II 
Framework.  

There remain a number of uncertainties regarding the 
Basel II Framework as it will be applied by APRA and it is 
the 
to  provide  reliable 
not  possible 
regulatory position of the Bank under the new rules. 

information  on 

International Financial Reporting Standards  

The  Bank  will  be  required  to  adopt  International 
Financial  Reporting  Standards  (“IFRS”)  for  the  financial 
year  commencing  1  July  2005  and  will  report  for  the  first 
time  under  IFRS  when  the  results  for  the  half  year  ended 
31 December 2005 are announced. 

Many  of  the  IFRS  changes  will  have  an  affect  upon 
the  reporting  of  the  Bank’s  assets  and  equity.  Current 
accounting  definitions  for  asset  and  equity  measurement 
are  central  to  the  capital  adequacy  requirements  set  by 
prudential regulators. APRA has stated that it will revise its 
prudential  standards  in  response  to  the  IFRS  changes. 
However, it is currently unclear the impact this will have on 
the Bank’s capital adequacy position. Refer to page 64 for 
further discussion of IFRS. 

Conglomerate Groups 

APRA  has  advised  that  a  third  level  of  capital 
adequacy  (“Level  3”)  will  be  implemented  to  coincide  with 
Basel II.  APRA defines a conglomerate group as a group 
of  companies  containing  one  or  more  Australian 
incorporated  Authorised  Deposit-taking 
Institutions 
(“ADIs”). The Bank is an ADI and 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.  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.   

The proposals indicate that the use of internal capital 
estimation  and  allocation  models  may  be  permitted. 
However,  APRA  has  not  yet  specified  their  requirements 
for  internal  models,  nor  when  they  will  complete  their 
review of the Bank’s models.  

Whilst 

the  Bank  considers 

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  Bank  meets  the  Level  3  capital 
requirements.  

that 

it 

Capital Expenditure  

From  1  July  2004,  APRA  requires  banks  to  deduct 
certain  capitalised  expenses  from  Tier  One  capital.  On  a 
pro-forma  basis,  at  30  June  2004  this  deduction  would 
have been $111 million resulting in a decrease in Tier One 
Capital  from  7.43%  to  7.37%  and  a  decrease  in  Total 
Capital from 10.25% to 10.18%.  

120 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 31    Capital Adequacy continued  

Risk Weighted Capital Ratios 

Tier One 
Tier Two 
Less deductions 
Total 

Adjusted Common Equity(1) 

Regulatory Capital 

Tier One capital 
Shareholders' equity 
Eligible loan capital  
Estimated reinvestment under Dividend Reinvestment Plan(2) 
Foreign currency translation reserve related to non-consolidated subsidiaries 
Deduct: 
  Asset revaluation reserve 
  Goodwill 
  Expected dividend 
  Intangible component of investment in non-consolidated subsidiaries(3) 
  Outside equity interest in entities controlled by non-consolidated subsidiaries 
  Outside equity interest in insurance statutory funds and other funds 
  Other 
Total Tier One Capital 

Tier Two capital 
Asset revaluation reserve 
General provision for bad and doubtful debts(4) 
Future Income Tax Benefit related to general provision 
Upper Tier Two note and bond issues 
Lower Tier Two note and bond issues(5)(6) 
Total Tier Two Capital 

2004 
Actual 
% 

7.43 
3.93 
(1.11) 
10.25 

4.75 

2004 
$M 

 24,885 
 338 
 250 
 179 

(61) 
(4,705) 
(1,315) 
(4,674) 
(114) 
(2,176) 
(19) 
 12,588 

 61 
 1,390 
(398) 
 267 
 5,338 
 6,658 

GROUP
2003
Actual
%

6.96 
4.21 
(1.44)
9.73 

GROUP
2003
$M

 22,152
 351
                        -
 147

(7)
(5,029)
(1,066)
(4,388)
(123)
(1,824)
                        -
 10,213

 7
 1,321
(391)
 250
 4,990
 6,177

Total capital 
Deduct: 
  Investment in non-consolidated subsidiaries (net of intangible component  
  deducted from Tier One capital)(3) 
  Other deductions 
Capital Base 

 19,246 

 16,390

(1,886) 
(5) 
 17,355 

(2,072)
(42)
 14,276

(1) 

(2) 
(3) 

(4) 
(5) 
(6) 

Adjusted Common Equity (“ACE”) is one measure considered by Standard & Poor’s in evaluating the Bank’s credit rating. The ACE ratio 
has been calculated in accordance with the Standard & Poor’s methodology. As the Bank did not disclose this ratio for the previous year, 
no comparatives are published. 
Based on reinvestment experience related to the Bank’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan. 
Refer to Note 34 for a reconciliation of the components of the carrying value of the life insurance and funds management business to the 
value of investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries. 
Excludes general provision for bad and doubtful debts in non-consolidated subsidiaries. 
APRA requires these Lower Tier Two note and bond issues to be included as if they were un-hedged. 
For regulatory capital purposes, Lower Tier Two note and bond issues are amortised by 20% of the original amount during each of the 
last five years to maturity. 

121 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 31   Capital Adequacy continued  

Adjusted Common Equity(1) 

Tier One capital 
Deduct: 
   Eligible loan capital 
   Preference share capital 
   Other equity instruments 
   Outside equity interest (net of outside equity interest component deducted from Tier One capital) 
   Investment in non-consolidated subsidiaries (net of intangible component deducted from Tier One capital)(2) 
   Other deductions 
Other 
Total Adjusted Common Equity 

2004 
$M 

12,588 

(338) 
(687) 
(1,573) 
(190) 
(1,886) 
(5) 
139 
8,048 

(1)  Adjusted Common Equity (“ACE”) is one measure considered by Standard & Poor’s in evaluating the Bank’s credit rating. The ACE ratio 
has  been  calculated  in accordance  with  the  Standard  &  Poor’s  methodology.    As  the  Bank  did not disclose  this  ratio  for the  previous 
year, no comparatives are published.  

(2)  Refer to Note 34 for a reconciliation of the components of the carrying value of the life insurance and funds management business to the 

value of investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries. 

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) 

Face Value

2004
$M

2003
$M

Risk
Weights

%

GROUP
Risk-Weighted
Balance
2003
$M

2004 
$M 

27,554 
15,020 
125,026 
83,256 
 250,856 

23,832 
12,427 
103,987 
74,472 
  214,718 

0%
20%
50%
100%

             - 
3,004 
62,513 
83,256 
  148,773 

-
2,485 
51,993 
74,472 
   128,950 

Face Value

2004
$M

2003
$M

Credit
Equivalent
2003
$M

2004
$M

GROUP
Risk-Weighted
Balance
2003
$M

2004 
$M 

Off-balance sheet exposures 
Direct credit substitutes 
Trade and performance related items 
Commitments 
Foreign exchange, interest rate and other 
769,742 
market related transactions 
Total Off Balance Sheet Exposures - Credit Risk(4)  839,201 
Total risk weighted assets - credit risk 
Risk weighted assets - market risk 
Total Risk Weighted Assets 

3,293 
1,069 
65,097 

3,746 
992 
58,674 

3,293 
483 
12,745 

3,746 
463 
10,882 

2,836 
453 
9,238 

3,238 
435 
7,832 

603,726 
667,138 

20,069 
36,590 

17,475 
32,566 

5,614 
18,141 

5,028 
16,533 
166,914  145,483 
1,325 
169,321  146,808 

2,407 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

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 secured by the residential property account for $6.2 billion of off balance sheet credit equivalent assets 
($3.1 billion of off balance sheet risk weighted assets). 

122 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 39. 

GROUP
Maturity Period At 30 June 2004

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(3) 
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 

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 

 888

              -

 5,565

-

- 

- 

 774
           -
           -

 2,646
           -
 51
 390
 4,749

              -
              -
              -

 4,904
              -
              -
              -
 4,904

 7,126
 14,896
 1,952

 27,597
 8,643
 2,948
 17,963
 86,690

 80
-
 1,646

 70 
- 
 5,145 

 319 
- 
 2,704 

 19,883
 6,376
 554
 5
 28,544

39,957 
- 
 3,924 
- 

 95,797 
- 
 3,466 
- 
49,096  102,286 

(1,393)
-
 17,999
 174
 16,780

-

-
-
-

Total
$M

 6,453

 8,369
 14,896
 11,447

189,391
 15,019
 28,942
 18,532
293,049

 88,691

              -

 48,863

 21,191

 3,594 

 838 

-

163,177

 536
           -
           -
           -
 9
 89,236

              -
              -
              -
              -
              -
              -

 4,564
 8,643
-
 7,160
 17,996
 87,226

 1,529
 6,376
-
 13,699
 918
 43,713

 12 
- 
- 
19,162 
 32 
22,800 

- 
- 
- 
 10,249 
 8 
 11,095 

-
-
 24,638
 403
 196
 25,237

 6,641
 15,019
 24,638
 50,673
 19,159
279,307

(1) 
(2) 

(3) 

Trading securities are purchased without the intention to hold until maturity and are categorised as maturing within 3 months. 
$102 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 the 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 retail deposits and wholesale funding. 

123 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 32   Maturity Analysis of Monetary Assets and Liabilities continued 

GROUP
Maturity Period At 30 June 2003

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 

0 to 3
  At Call  Overdrafts months
$M

$M 

$M

3 to 12
Months
$M

1 to 5
years
$M

Over
5 years
$M

Not 
specified 
$M 

 1,033 

 1,256 
- 
- 

-

-
-
-

 4,542

-

-

-

 5,054
 10,435
 1,339

 756
-
 2,034

-
-
 6,407

-
-
 1,256

- 

- 
- 
- 

Total
$M

 5,575

 7,066
 10,435
 11,036

 1,515 

 4,457

 14,128

 18,094

 37,167

 86,311

(1,325) 

 160,347

- 
- 
 582 
 4,386 

-
-
-
 4,457

 13,197
 3,922
 15,616
 68,233

-
 656
 7
 21,547

-
 4,075
 5
 47,654

-
 3,878
-
 91,445

- 
 15,304 
 631 
 14,610 

 13,197
 27,835
 16,841
 252,332

Liabilities 
Deposits and other public 
borrowings(3) 
Payables due to other  
financial institutions 
Bank acceptances 
Life liabilities(4) 
Debt issues and loan capital 
Other monetary liabilities 
Total Monetary Liabilities 

 81,385 

 1,438 
- 
- 
- 
 1 
 82,824 

-

-
-
-
-
-
-

 38,334

 15,138

 4,962

 1,155

- 

 140,974

 5,724
 13,197
-
 13,352
 17,043
 87,650

 376
-
-
 3,911
 24
 19,449

-
-
-
 12,005
-
 16,967

-
-
-
 6,970
-
 8,125

- 
- 
 23,861 
 416 
 284 
 24,561 

 7,538
 13,197
 23,861
 36,654
 17,352
 239,576

(1)  Trading securities are purchased without the intention to hold until maturity and are categorised as maturing within three months. 
(2)  $87 billion of this figure represents owner occupied housing loans. While most of these loans would have a contractual term of 20 years 

(3) 

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. 

(4)  The maturity profile of Life assets has been reclassified to be on a consistent basis with current year. 

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. 

124 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 
Appraisal value uplift/(reduction) 
Total Revenue 

GROUP
Year Ended 30 June 2004

Funds 
Banking Management 
$M 

$M

13,287 
-
3,720 
                 -
       17,007 

- 
- 
3,142 
(95) 
           3,047 

Insurance
$M

                 -
1,012 
840 
            296 
          2,148 

Total
$M

13,287 
1,012 
7,702 
201 
22,202 

Interest expense 

        7,877 

                    - 

                 -

7,877 

3,091 
(914)

2,177 
(1)

504 
(228) 

371
(120)

3,966
(1,262)

276 
(8) 

251
                  -

         2,176 
(302)
                 -
         1,874 

              268 
(17) 
(95) 
               156 

251
(5)
            296 
            542 

           302 
           276 
110 
           427 
             38 

                 17 
                    - 
                  8 
                    - 
                  3 

                5 
                 -
                9 
                 -
                 -

2,704 
(9)

2,695
(324)
201
2,572 

324 
276 
127 
427 
41 

265,062

19,878 

21,055

305,995

518 
194 
254,284 

6 
1 
17,439 

9 
44 
9,387 

533 
239 
281,110 

Segment result before income tax, goodwill amortisation and  
appraisal value uplift/(reduction) 
Income tax expense 
Segment result after income tax and before goodwill amortisation 
and appraisal value uplift/(reduction) 
Outside equity interest 
Segment result after tax and outside equity interest before 
goodwill amortisation and appraisal value uplift/(reduction) 
Goodwill amortisation  
Appraisal value uplift/(reduction)  
Net Profit Attributable to Shareholders of the Bank 

Non-Cash Expenses 
Goodwill amortisation 
Charge for bad and doubtful debts 
Depreciation 
Which new Bank initiatives 
Other 

Financial Position 
Total Assets 
Acquisition of Property, Plant & Equipment,  
Intangibles and other Non-Current Assets 
Associate Investments 
Total Liabilities 

125 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 33  Financial Reporting by Segments continued 

Financial Performance 

Interest income 
Premium and related revenue 
Other income 
Total Revenue 

Interest expense 

Segment result before income tax, goodwill amortisation and  
appraisal value (reduction)/uplift 
Income tax (expense)/credit 
Segment result after income tax and before goodwill  
amortisation and appraisal value (reduction)/uplift 
Outside equity interest 
Segment result after income tax and outside equity interest  
before goodwill amortisation and appraisal value (reduction)/uplift
Goodwill amortisation(1) 
Appraisal value (reduction)/uplift  
Net Profit Attributable to Shareholders of the Bank 

Non-Cash Expenses 
Goodwill amortisation 
Charge for bad and doubtful debts 
Depreciation 
Appraisal value reduction/(uplift) 
Other 

Financial Position 
Total Assets 
Acquisition of Property, Plant & Equipment,  
Intangibles and other Non-current Assets 
Associate Investments 
Total Liabilities 

GROUP
Year Ended 30 June 2003

Funds 
Banking Management
$M

$M

Insurance 
$M 

11,528 
-
2,733 
14,261 

6,502 

3,165 
(931)

2,234 
-

2,234 
(300)
-
1,934 

300 
305 
109 
-
112 

-
-
1,157 
1,157 

-

217 
5 

222 
(6)

216 
(18)
(291)
(93)

18 
-
8 
291
1 

Total
$M

11,528 
1,131 
4,510 
17,169 

- 
1,131 
620 
1,751 

- 

6,502 

161 
(32) 

129 
- 

129 
(4) 
46 
171 

4 
- 
11 
(46) 
- 

3,543 
(958)

2,585 
(6)

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) 

Prior years have been restated to reflect the allocations of goodwill amortisation across businesses. 

126 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, 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 & Equipment,  
Intangibles and other Non-current Assets 
Associate Investments 
Total Liabilities 

GROUP
Year Ended 30 June 2002

Funds 
Banking Management 
$M 

$M

Insurance
$M

10,455 
-
3,180 
-
13,635 

5,745 

2,884 
(816)

2,068 
(1)

2,067 
(301)
-
1,766 

301 
449 
109 
87 

- 
- 
690 
381 
1,071 

- 

399 
(31) 

368 
- 

368 
(18) 
381 
731 

18 
- 
7 
2 

Total
$M

10,455 
866 
4,163 
477 
15,961 

-
866 
293 
96 
1,255 

-

5,745 

135 
(69)

66 
-

66 
(4)
96 
158 

4 
-
12 
1 

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 
30 
18,123 

-
48 
9,584 

164
313
228,592

127 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 33  Financial Reporting by Segments continued 

Secondary Segment 

GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS 
Revenue 
Australia 
New Zealand 
Other Countries(1) 

Net profit attributable to shareholders of the 
Bank 
Australia 
New Zealand 
Other Countries(1) 

Assets 
Australia 
New Zealand          
Other Countries(1) 

Acquisition of Property, Plant & Equipment,  
Intangibles and other Non-current Assets 
Australia 
New Zealand       
Other Countries(1) 

2004
$M

17,746 
2,671 
1,785 

22,202 

2,091 
309 
172 

2,572 

252,652 
35,059 
18,284 

305,995 

%

80.0
12.0
8.0

2003
$M

% 

2002 
$M 

%

14,008 
2,025 
1,136 

81.6 
11.8 
6.6 

12,651 
1,591 
1,719 

79.3 
10.0 
10.7 

100.0

17,169 

100.0 

15,961 

100.0 

81.3
12.0
6.7

100.0

82.6
11.4
6.0

1,659 
265 
88 

82.4 
13.2 
4.4 

2,012 

100.0 

2,569 
178 
(92) 

2,655 

96.8 
6.7 
(3.5)

100.0 

221,248 
27,567 
16,295 

83.5 
10.4 
6.1 

208,673 
24,579 
16,396 

83.6 
9.8 
6.6 

100.0

265,110 

100.0 

249,648 

100.0

495 
29 
9 
533 

92.9 
5.4 
1.7
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 

(1)  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. The New Zealand net profit for 
2003 has been restated onto a consistent basis with other years. 

128 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 34  Life Insurance Business 

The following information, in accordance with AASB 1038: Life Insurance Business, 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 to Notes 1(ii) and 21. The life insurance segment result is prepared on a business segment 
basis, refer to 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 profit after income tax 
Outside equity interest in operating profit after income tax 
Net Profit After Income Tax 

Sources of life insurance operating profit 

The Margin on Services operating profit after income tax is represented by: 

Emergence of planned profit margins 
Difference between actual and planned experience 
Movement in excess of net market value over net assets of controlled entities 
Reversal of previously recognised losses or loss recognition on groups of  
related products 
Investment earnings on assets in excess of policyholder liabilities 
Operating Profit After Income Tax 

Life insurance premiums received and receivable 
Life insurance claims paid and payable 

2004
$M

1,362 
(194)
(501)
139 

1,582 
558 
238 
399 
(2,315)
1,268 

201 
1,469 
(447)
1,022 
(300)
722 
(8)
714 

186 
6 
201 

10 
311 
714 

3,688 
4,356 

GROUP
2003
$M

1,326 
(200)
(471)
132 

(680)
894 
374 
46 
(546)
875 

(245)
630 
(697)
(67)
45 
(22)
-
(22)

228 
(67)
(245)

(11)
73 
(22)

4,158 
5,843 

129 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 2003 

Profits 
Net capital movements(2) 
Dividends paid 
Foreign exchange movements 
Change in Shareholders net tangible assets 
Appraisal value uplift/(reduction) 
Increase/(Decrease) to 30 June 2004 

Shareholders’ Net Tangible Assets 

30 June 2003 balance 
Profits 
Net capital movements(2) 
Dividends paid 
Foreign exchange movements 
30 June 2004 Balance 

Value Inforce Business 

30 June 2003 balance 
Uplift/(reduction) 
30 June 2004 Balance 

Value Future New Business 

30 June 2003 balance 
Uplift/(reduction) 
30 June 2004 Balance 

Carrying Value at 30 June 2004 

Shareholders’ net tangible assets 
Value inforce business 
Embedded value 
Value future new business 
Carrying Value 

Life Insurance 

Funds
Management
$M

Australia   New Zealand
$M

$M

Asia(1) 
$M 

 268
(27)
(470)
(10)
(239)
(95)
(334)

$M

754
268
(27)
(470)
(10)
515

$M

1,123 
727 
1,850 

$M

3,596
(822)
2,774 

$M

515 
1,850 
2,365 
2,774 
5,139 

 180
 108
(421)
-
(133)
 206
 73

$M

1,264
180
108
(421)
-
1,131

$M

245 
50 
295 

$M

79
156
235 

$M

1,131 
295 
1,426 
235 
1,661 

 54
(29)
(9)
 19
 35
 94
 129

$M

380
54
(29)
(9)
19
415

$M

191 
95 
286 

$M

278
(1)
277 

$M

415 
286 
701 
277 
978 

 17 
- 
- 
(25) 
(8) 
(4) 
(12) 

$M 

608 
17 
- 
- 
(25) 
600 

$M 

4 
(4) 
- 

$M 

24 
- 
24 

$M 

600 
- 
600 
24 
624 

Total

$M

 519
 52
(900)
(16)
(345)
 201
(144)

$M

3,006
519
52
(900)
(16)
2,661

$M

1,563 
868 
2,431 

$M

3,977
(667)
3,310 

$M

2,661 
2,431 
5,092 
3,310 
8,402 

(1) 

(2) 

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, subject to impairment. 
Includes capital injections and movements in intergroup loans. 

130 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 34   Life Insurance Business continued 

The following table reconciles the carrying values of the life insurance 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 One capital comprises: 

   Value future new business 
   Value of self-generated inforce business 
   Other (1) 

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 inforce business  
   Less non-recourse debt 

2004
$M

           3,310 
           1,279 
               85 
          4,674 

           2,661 
              351 
           1,152 
(2,278)
           1,886 

2003
$M

3,977
411
-
4,388

3,006
286
1,152
(2,372)
2,072

(1)  Relates to revised APRA Prudential Standards effective 1 July 2003. 

Key Assumptions Used in Appraisal Values 

The following key assumptions have been used 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 2004 

Life insurance entities 
Australia 

New Zealand 

Asia 
- Hong Kong  
- Other 

Funds management entities 
Australia 

As at 30 June 2003 

Life Insurance entities 
Australia 

New Zealand 

Asia 
- Hong Kong 
- Other 

Funds management entities 
Australia 

New
Business
Multiplier

8

           9 

           8 
Various 

n/a

New
Business
Multiplier

8

8

8
various

Risk 
Discount 
Rate 
% 

     10.9 

     10.3 

     12.0 
Various 

     12.5 

Risk 
Discount 
Rate 
% 

10.8 

10.9 

11.5 
various 

Value of
Franking
Credits
%

        70 

           -

 -
 -

        70 

Value of
Franking
Credits
%

70

-

-
                   -

n/a

11.9 

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 on the Australian funds management business.  

The assumptions for the future new business are set after considering current levels of new business and the expected 
growth in business. A review of current experience has resulted in a reduction in the future sales assumption for Australian 
funds management. 

131 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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.

2004 
$M 

27,779 
1,346 
1,762 
1,472 
(527) 
(7,266) 
72 
24,638 

2003
$M

27,426 
1,188 
1,637 
1,420 
(916)
(6,956)
62 
23,861 

Taxation 

Actuarial Methods and Assumptions 

Taxation has been allowed for in the determination of 
policy liabilities in accordance with the relevant legislation 
applicable in each territory. 

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’) 
Insurance  Actuarial 
Standards  Board  (‘LIASB’).  The  principal  methods  and 
profit  carriers  used  for  particular  product  groups,  are  as 
follows: 

issued  by 

the  Life 

Product Type 

Method 

Profit Carrier 

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 

Projection 
Projection 
Accumulation 
Projection 
Projection 
Projection 

Projection 
Accumulation 
Accumulation 
Projection 

Bonuses or expected claim payments  
Bonuses or funds under management 
Not applicable 
Premiums/claims 
Expected claim payments 
Annuity payments 

Bonuses or  funds under management 
Not applicable 
Not applicable 
Expected claim payments 

132 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actuarial Assumptions 

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  were  the  rates  used  to  discount  further  cash 
flows  to  determine  their  net  present  value  in  the  policy 
liabilities.  The  discount  rates  were  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 and asset mix. 

Discount Rates 

June 2004 
Rate Range % 
6.11 – 6.86 
7.46 – 8.40 
6.17 – 6.98 
3.45 – 4.15 
3.45 – 4.15 
5.93 
5.61 – 6.04 
7.37 – 7.42 
8.41 – 8.80 
4.32 
5.25 
6.13 

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 
5.21 

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.  

Voluntary Discontinuance 

Discontinuance rates were based on recent company 
and industry experience and vary by territory, product, age 
and  duration  inforce.  The  experience  has  generally  been 
favourable  resulting  in  reductions  in  discontinuance  rates 
for some product lines. 

Surrender Values 

Current  surrender  value  bases  were  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. 

Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 34   Life Insurance Business continued 

The ‘Projection Method’ measures the present values 
of  estimated  future  policy  cash  flows  to  calculate  policy 
liabilities.  The  policy  cash  flows  incorporate  investment 
income,  premiums,  expenses,  redemptions  and  benefit 
payments. 

the  accumulation  of  amounts 

The  ‘Accumulation  Method’  for  investment  linked 
invested  by 
measures 
policyholders  plus  investment  earnings less  fees  specified 
in  the  policy  to  calculate  policy  liabilities.    Deferred 
acquisition costs were offset against this liability. 

to 

Bonuses are amounts added, at the discretion of the 
the  benefits  currently  payable  under 
insurer, 
life 
Participating  Business.  Under  the  Life  Act,  bonuses  are 
a distribution  to  policyholders  of  profits  and  may  take 
a number of forms including reversionary bonuses, interest 
credits  and  capital  growth  bonuses  (payable  on  the 
termination of the policy). 

Class of Business 
Traditional – ordinary business (after tax) 
Traditional – superannuation business (after tax) 
Annuity business (after tax) 
Term insurance – ordinary business (after tax) 
Term 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) 
Investment account – exempt (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  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  with 
adjustments  for  actual  experience,  and  are  assumed  to 
increase in line with inflation each year. 

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 to these assumptions. 

Inflation 
The 

inflation  assumption 
investment earning assumptions.  

Benefit Indexation 

is  consistent  with 

the 

The indexation rates are based on an analysis of past 

experience and estimated long term inflation and vary by  

133 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Managed Assets and Fiduciary Activities 

Arrangements  were  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, that were distinguished from each 
other  and  from  the  shareholders’  funds.  The  financial 
statements  of  Australian 
in 
accordance  with  AASB  1038:  Life  Insurance  Business, 
(and  which  are 
the  relevant  Australian 
regulators)  show  all  major  components  of  the  financial 
statements  disaggregated  between 
life 
the  various 
insurance statutory funds and their shareholder funds. 

insurers  prepared 

lodged  with 

life 

Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 34   Life Insurance Business continued 

Solvency 
Australian Life Insurers 

Australian life insurers are required to hold prudential 
reserves in excess of the amount of policy liabilities. These 
reserves  were  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 
be held in each life insurance fund. All controlled Australian 
life 
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 

- 

Overseas life insurance subsidiaries were 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. 

134 

 
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 

  GROUP 
2003 
$'000 

2004 
$'000 

2004
$'000

BANK
2003
$'000

7,714 
134 
7,848 

1,113 
222 

203 
13 
569 
2,120 

6,634 
137 
6,771 

2,792 
         -
2,792 

752 
325 

628 
1,263 
321 
3,289 

894 
136 

203 
13 
284 
1,530 

2,555 
-
2,555 

571 
170 

528 
827 
122 
2,218 

Total Remuneration of Auditors                                         

9,968 

10,060 

4,322 

4,773 

The  Audit  Committee  has  considered  the  non-audit 
services  provided  by  Ernst  &  Young  and  is  satisfied  that 
the  services  and  the  level  of  fees  are  compatible  with 
maintaining auditors’ independence. 

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. 

to  statutory  and 

relation 

in 

Audit related fees principally include accounting and 
regulatory consultations, due diligence in connection with 

acquisitions  and  dispositions,  and  investigations  and 
verifications  of  internal  control  systems  and  financial  or 
regulatory information. 

Taxation 

tax  and  GST 
compliance  and  related  advice,  and  tax  technology  and 
related training. 

income 

include 

fees 

All other fees principally include transaction support 
services  related  to  potential  and  actual  acquisition  and 
disposition  transactions,  advice  regarding  implementation 
of  revised  compliance  and  regulatory  requirements,  and 
provision  of  personnel  to  assist  alleviate  short  term  non-
management resource and skill needs. 

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                
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. 

135 

  GROUP 
2003 
$M 

2004 
$M 

44 
2 

46 

48 
- 

48 

2004
$M

42 
-

42 

BANK
2003
$M

23 
-

23 

  GROUP 
2003 
$M 

2004 
$M 

2004
$M

BANK
2003
$M

295 
646 
207 
1,148 

264 
587 
160 
1,011 

241 
522 
150 
913 

228 
503 
104 
835 

12 
16 
         - 
28 

9 
18 
1 
28 

Rental payments are determined in terms of relevant 

lease requirements, usually reflecting market rentals. 

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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 38   Contingent Liabilities and Assets 

The Group is involved in a range of transactions that 
give  rise  to  contingent  and/or  future  liabilities.  These 
transactions meet the financing requirements of customers 
and  include  endorsed  bills  of  exchange,  letters  of  credit, 
guarantees and commitments to provide credit. 

foreign  exchange  and 

These  transactions  combine  varying  levels  of  credit, 
In 
interest  rate, 
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. 

liquidity  risk. 

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
2003
$M

GROUP
Credit Equivalent
2003
$M

2004 
$M 

2,075 
380 
589 
110 
882 
58,310 
2,720 
65,066 

2,230 
362 
308 
34 
449 
12,329 
1,156 
16,868 

2,075 
380 
589 
22 
441 
10,519 
1,081 
15,107 

2004
$M

2,230
362
308
171
898
64,651
7,158
75,778

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. 

letters  of 

Documentary 

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. 

credit 

Performance 

undertakings  by 
a customer 
fails 
obligation. 

related 
the  Group 
to 

involve 
if 
fulfil  a  contractual  non-monetary 

third  parties 

contingents 

to  pay 

Commitments to provide credit include all obligations 

on the part of the Group to provide credit facilities. 

The 

Other  commitments  include  the  Group’s  obligations 
under  sale  and  repurchase  agreements,  outright  forward 
purchases and forward deposits and underwriting facilities. 
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  event  of  non  performance  by 
the  Group 
counterparty. 

in 

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. 

Contingent Assets 
The credit risk related contingent liabilities of $75,778 
(2003:  $65,066  million)  detailed  above  also 
million 
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. 

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. 

136 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 38  Contingent Liabilities and Assets 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 administration 
Australia 
United Kingdom 
New Zealand 
Asia 

Funds under custody 
Australia(1) 

The  Group  and 

its  associated  entities  conduct 
investment  management  and  other  fiduciary  activities  as 
responsible  entity,  trustee,  custodian  or  manager  for 
numerous 
including 
superannuation  and  approved  deposit  funds,  wholesale 
and retail trusts. The amounts of funds concerned that are 
not  reported  in  the  Group’s  balance  sheet  are  as  follows:

funds  and 

investment 

trusts, 

2004 
$M 

 67,393 
 10,721 
 7,614 
 1,203 
 86,931 

2003
$M

 61,556
 6,908
 6,590
 1,369
 76,423

               - 

 57,777

(1) 

The Group has agreed to novate or transfer all of this business to other custodians during the 2004 financial year.  

Certain  entities  within  the  Group  act  as  responsible 
entity  or 
trustee  of  virtually  all  managed  schemes 
(“schemes”), wholesale and retail trusts (“trusts”) managed 
by  the  Group  in  Australia,  United  Kingdom  and  New 
Zealand.  The  above  funds  under  administration  do  not 
include  on  balance  sheet  investments  and  policyholder 
liabilities  held  in  the  statutory  funds  of  the  life  insurance 
business  (refer  to  Note  16)  where  an  entity  within  the 
Group  may  act  as  a  trustee.  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  2004.  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 

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, the Bank entered into a 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. 

Liquidity support 

In  accordance  with  the  regulations  and  procedures 
governing  clearing  arrangements  contained  within  the 
Australian  Paper  Clearing  System  (“Clearing  Stream  1”) 
and the Bulk Electronic Clearing System (“Clearing Stream 
2”) and the High Value Clearing System (“Clearing Stream 
4”,  only    if  operating  in  ‘bypass  mode’)  of  the  Australian 
Payments  Clearing  Association  Limited, 
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. 

the  Bank 

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  2004  was  $8  million 
(2003: $10.6 million). 

137 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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  or  a  loss  of  value,  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 Rrisk 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  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. 

(cid:131) 

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:131) 
(cid:131) 

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. 
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  funds.  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 fallen from 67% in June 
2003  to  60%  in  June  2004  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  of 
pensioner deeming accounts. 

The cost of funds for Financial Year 2004, calculated 
as  a  percentage  of  interest  exposure  to  average  interest 
bearing  liabilities,  was  4.0%  on  a  group  basis  compared 
with the 3.7% on a group basis for Financial Year 2003. 

The  Group  obtains  a  significant  proportion  of  its 
funding  for  the  domestic  balance  sheet  from  wholesale 
sources  –  approximately  29.7%  (2003:  22.7%),  excluding 
Bank  Acceptances.  The  cost  of  funds  raised  in  the 
wholesale  markets  is  affected  by  independently  assessed 
credit ratings. 

138 

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. 

2004 
$M 

24,699 
31,067 
38,530 
20,756 
27,688 
15,019 
20,516 
20,834 
6,539 
3,585 
2,383 
211,616 

28,282 
8,776 
3,804 
7,578 
92 
                    - 
48,532 
260,148 
20,962 
281,110 

GROUP
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 
7,802 
3,418 
3,250 
88 
75 
40,254 
222,225 
20,733 
242,958 

139 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(b)  Economic value 

Some  of  the  Bank’s  assets  and  liabilities  have 
interest rate risk that is not fully captured within a measure 
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 
possible 
the  VaR 
methodology.  The  interest  rate  scenarios  are  based  on 
actual  interest  rate  movements  that  have  occurred  over 
one  year  and  five  year  historical  observation periods. The 
measured  VaR  exposure  is  an  estimate  to  a  97.5% 
confidence  level  (one-tail)  of  the  potential  loss  that  could 
occur  if  the  balance  sheet  positions  were  to  be  held 
unchanged  for  a  one  month  holding  period.  For  example, 
VaR exposure of $1 million means that in 97.5 cases out of 
100,  the  expected  net  present  value  will  not  decrease  by 
more  than  $1  million  given  the  historical  movement  in 
interest rates. 

The  figures  in  the  following  table  represent  the  net 
present value of the expected change in future earnings in 
all  future  periods  for  the  remaining  term  of  all  existing 
assets and liabilities held for purposes other than trading. 

Exposure as at 30 June 
Average monthly exposure 
High month exposure 
Low month exposure  

2004 
$M 

2003
$M

19 
40 
92 
19 

34 
24 
64 
4 

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 
purposes other than trading. 

(expressed as a percentage of  
expected next 12 months' earnings) 

2004 
% 

2003
%

Average monthly exposure 
High month exposure 
Low month exposure  

0.9 
1.3 
0.5 

1.3 
2.1 
0.4 

140 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 39  Market Risk continued 

The  following  table  represents  the  Bank’s  contractual  interest  rate  sensitivity  for  repricing  mismatches  as  at  30  June 
2004  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. 

Interest Rate Risk Sensitivity 

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 2004
Not Weighted
Interest Average
Rate
%

1 to 5  Over 5 
years 
$M 

years  Bearing
$M

$M 

Australia 
Assets 
Cash and liquid assets 
Receivables due from 
other financial institutions 
Trading securities 
Investment securities 
Loans, advances and other 
receivables 
Bank acceptances of 
customers 
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 
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 

5,740 

4,802 

-

          -

4,914 
11,310 
3,822 

3,657 
11,310 
81 

1,076 
-
180 

78 
          -
792 

4 

2 
-
17 

- 

- 

934 

3.27 

- 
- 
1,966 

- 
- 
782 

101 
            -
4 

2.88 
3.53 
6.09 

158,915 

96,547 

10,283 

8,776  14,148  28,444 

1,989 

(1,272)

6.89 

15,019 

           -

-

          -

-

- 

- 

15,019 

-

24,673 

761 

2,090 

203 

247 

2,934 

2,514 

15,924 

4.62 

            - 

           -

-

          -

-

- 

- 

            -

-

1,053 
4,270 
23,236 

           -
           -
           -
252,952  117,158 

-
-
-
13,629 

          -
          -
          -

- 
- 
- 
9,849  14,418  33,344 

-
-
-

- 
- 
- 
5,285 

1,053 
4,270 
23,236 
59,269 

-
-
-
5.16 

139,153 

90,121 

20,032 

14,160 

3,418 

3,133 

826 

7,463 

3.89 

2,383 
15,019 
14 
757 
954 
20,834 
27,688 

2,147 
           -
           -
           -
           -
           -
1,428 

58 
-
-
-
-
-
2,258 

15,802 
6,539 
229,143 

           -
331 
94,027 

-
221 
22,569 

153 
          -
          -
          -
          -
          -
1,834 

          -
613 
16,760 

4 
-
-
-
-
-

20 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
2,022  14,370 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
5,776 

1 
15,019 
14 
757 
954 
20,834 (1) 
            -

-
999 

- 
1,825 
6,443  19,348 

- 
2,550 
9,152 

15,802 
            -
60,844 

1.19
-
-
-
-
-
5.27 

-
4.57
3.14

21,079 
2,288 
23,367 

           -
           -
           -

-
-
-

          -
          -
          -

-
-
-

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

21,079
2,288 
23,367

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

(10,161)
(426)
           -
           -

(12,663)
-
-
5,171 

8,173 
176 
          -
(10,311)

954 
-
-
6,264 

8,150 
75 
- 
(902) 

5,547 
175 
- 
(222) 

12,544 
12,544 

(16,432)
(3,888)

(8,873) 15,193  21,319 

1,633 
2,432  23,751  25,384 

(12,761)

            -
            -
            -

(24,942)
442

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(1) 

(2) 
(3) 

Technically, the 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. 
No balance sheet amount applicable. 
No rate applicable. 

141 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 2004
Not  Weighted
Interest  Average
Rate
%

years  Bearing 
$M 

1 to 5 Over 5 
years
$M

$M 

Overseas 
Assets 
Cash and liquid assets 
Receivables due from other 
financial institutions 
Trading securities 
Investment securities 
Loans, advances and other 
receivables 
Bank acceptances of 
customers 
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 
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 

713 

493 

116 

           -

30 

         -

         - 

74 

2.23 

3,455 
3,586 
7,625 

2,005 
2,021 
827 

1,423 
1,237 
2,193 

15 
221 
622 

-
60 
374 

         -
25 
1,843 

         - 
22 
1,766 

12 
          - 
          - 

3.20 
4.29 
4.00 

30,476 

10,868 

2,671 

2,616 

4,233 

9,509 

700 

(121) 

6.87 

          - 

          - 

          -

           -

-

         -

         - 

          - 

-

4,269 

67 

54 

32 

71 

990 

955 

2,100 

2.11 

38 

          - 

          -

           -

-

         -

         - 

38 

           -

151 
435 
2,295 
53,043 

          - 
          - 
          - 
16,281 

          -
          -
          -
7,694 

           -
           -
           -
3,506 

-
-
-

         -
         -
         -
4,768  12,367 

         - 
         - 
         - 
3,443 

151 
435 
2,295 
4,984 

           -
           -
           -
     5.22 

24,024 

14,697 

4,636 

2,605 

1,095 

515 

14 

462 

     4.22 

4,258 
          - 
          - 
54 
43 
3,804 
16,354 

3,338 
92 
51,967 

2,844 
          - 
          - 
          - 
          - 
          - 
2,919 

          - 
          - 
20,460 

928 
          -
          -
          -
          -
          -
2,411 

485 
           -
           -
           -
           -
           -
8,504 

1 
-
-
-
-
-
328 

         -
         -
         -
         -
         -
         -
1,664 

         - 
         - 
         - 
         - 
         - 
         - 
481 

          -
          -
7,975 

           -
92 
11,686 

-
-
1,424 

         -
         -
2,179 

         - 
         - 
495 

          - 
          - 
          - 
54 
43 
3,804 
47 

3,338 
          - 
7,748 

     2.80 
-
-
-
-
-
1.72 

-
8.22 
2.74 

1,326 
192 
1,518 

          - 
          - 
          - 

          -
          -
          -

           -
           -
           -

-
-
-

         -
         -
         -

         - 
         - 
         - 

1,326 
192 
1,518 

(1) 

(1) 

(1) 

(1) 

(1) 

(1) 

3,273 
          - 
(820) 
          - 

(1,726) 
(1,726) 

5,205 
          -
(137)
218 

5,005 
3,279 

(186)
(61)
547 
(185)

(8,065)
(4,786)

(2,073)
61 
410 
526 

2,268 
(2,518)

(6,381)
         -
         -
(559)

3,248 
730 

115 
         - 
         - 
         - 

3,063 
3,793 

47 
          - 
          - 
          - 

(4,235) 
(442) 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

(1) 
(2) 

No balance sheet amount applicable. 
No rate 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. 

142 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 39   Market Risk continued 

Balance 
Sheet 
Total 
$M 

0 to 1
month
$M

1 to 3
months
$M

3 to 6
months
$M

6 to 12
months
$M

Repricing Period at 30 June 2003
Not Weighted
Interest Average
Rate
%

1 to 5  Over 5 
years 
$M 

years  Bearing
$M

$M 

Australia 
Assets 
Cash and liquid assets 
Receivables due from  
other financial institutions 
Trading securities 
Investment securities 
Loans, advances and 
other receivables 
Bank acceptances of 
customers 
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 
Insurance policy 
liabilities 
Debt issues 
Bills payable and other 
liabilities 
Loan capital 
Total Liabilities 

4,557 

3,667 

-

3,325 
6,334 
4,341 

1,266 
6,334 
82 

1,070 
-
521 

-

753 
-
36 

-

- 

- 

36 
-
499 

- 
- 
2,720 

- 
- 
467 

890 

200 
-
16 

137,424 

80,485 

7,167 

8,482 

14,772  25,336 

2,370 

(1,188)

3.55 

1.41 
4.64 
5.38 

6.32 

13,122 

-

-

24,185 

5,344 

444 

- 

-

-

-

71 

-

-

- 

- 

13,122 

-

305 

2,178 

2,240 

13,603 

4.04 

-

- 

- 

-

-

628 
4,552 
21,966 
220,434 

-
-
-
97,178 

-
-
-
9,202 

-
-
-
9,342 

-
-
-

- 
- 
- 
15,612  30,234 

- 
- 
- 
5,077 

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 

2,527 
13,122 
12 
850 
777 

20,443 
19,576 

1,486 
-
-
-
-

-
4,452 

16,867 
5,937 
200,476 

-
734 
89,069 

892 
-
-
-
-

-
6,378 

-
2,050 
24,892 

132 
-
-
-
-

-
1,458 

-
15 
9,515 

-
-
-

17 
-
-
-
-

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

-
13,122 
12 
850 
777 

(1) 

-
1,152 

- 
4,949 

- 
1,187 

20,443 
-

-
-

- 
1,320 
5,455  10,515 

- 
1,818 
3,866 

16,867 
-
57,164 

1.54 
-
-
-
-

-
5.50 

-
3.31 
2.44 

-
-
-

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

19,910 
1,936 
21,846 

Shareholders’ Equity 
Share capital 
Outside equity interests 
Total Shareholders' Equity 

19,910 
1,936 
21,846 

-
-
-

-
-
-

  Off Balance Sheet Items 
Swaps  
FRAs 
Futures 
Net Mismatch  
Cumulative Mismatch 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

(21,935)
-
            -
(13,826)
(13,826)

8,186 
-
-
(7,504)
(21,330)

623 
-
-
450 
(20,880)

39 
-
-

7,673 
- 
- 
10,196  27,392 

5,414 
- 
- 
6,625 
(10,684) 16,708  23,333 

-
-
-
(25,221)
(1,888)

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(1) 

(2) 
(3) 

Technically, the 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. 
No balance sheet amount applicable. 
No rate applicable. 

143 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 39  Market Risk continued 

Balance
Sheet
Total
$M

0 to 1 
1 to 3
month  months
$M

$M 

3 to 6
months
$M

6 to 12
months
$M

Repricing Period at 30 June 2003
Not  Weighted
Interest  Average
Rate
%

1 to 5 Over 5 
years
$M

years  Bearing 
$M 

$M 

Overseas 
Assets 
Cash and liquid assets 
Receivables due from  
other financial institutions 
Trading securities 
Investment securities 
Loans, advances and 
other receivables 
Bank acceptances of 
customers 
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 
Insurance policy 
liabilities 
Debt issues 
Bills payable and other 
liabilities 
Loan capital 
Total Liabilities 

Shareholders’ Equity 
Share capital 
Outside equity interests 
Total Shareholders' Equity 

1,018 

868 

53 

1 

-

-

- 

3,741 
4,101 
6,695 

1,424 
495 
626 

2,145 
1,519 
1,816 

79 
448 
1,252 

-
237 
458 

84 
1,064 
2,146 

- 
308 
397 

96 

9 
30 
- 

1.75 

4.32 
4.31 
6.26 

22,923 

9,155 

1,972 

2,390 

3,687 

5,273 

483 

(37) 

7.36 

75 

- 

3,650 

117 

23 

8 

-

43 

-

-

24 

-

-

-

- 

75 

-

73 

966 

710 

1,717 

2.54 

-

-

- 

15 

2.06 

193 
477 
1,780 
44,676 

- 
- 
- 
12,693 

-
-
-
7,548 

-
-
-
4,194 

-
-
-
4,455 

-
-
-
9,533 

- 
- 
- 
1,898 

193 
477 
1,780 
4,355 

-
-
-
5.72 

20,609 

11,472 

4,299 

2,193 

749 

861 

149 

886 

4.53 

5,011 
75 
               -
26 
42 

3,418 
11,053 

2,160 
88 
42,482 

114 
192 
306 

4,021 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
1,050 

763 
-
-
-
-

-
7,987 

159 
-
-
-
-

-
331 

- 
- 
16,543 

-
88 
13,137 

-
-
2,683 

- 
- 
- 

-
-
-

-
-
-

68 
-
-
-
-

-
76 

-
-
893 

-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-

-
1,470 

-
-
2,331 

-
-
-

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
139 

- 
- 
288 

- 
- 
- 

- 
75 
- 
26 
42 

3,418 
- 

2,160 
- 
6,607 

114 
192 
306 

3.12 
-
-
-
-

-
2.01 

-
8.13 
3.11 

Off Balance Sheet Items 
Options 
Swaps  
FRAs 
Futures 
Net Mismatch 
  Cumulative Mismatch 

(1) 

(1) 

(1) 

(1) 

(1) 

(1) 

(1) 
(2) 

No balance sheet amount applicable. 
No rate applicable. 

579 
368 
514 
(1,827) 

(4,216) 
(4,216) 

4,065
(562)
101
(3,260)

(5,245)
(9,461)

405
392
(550)
(305)

(2,495)
(445)
(109)
(1,016)

(2,349)
247
44
4,991

1,453
(8,008)

(503) 10,135
1,624

(8,511)

(205) 
- 
- 
1,417 

2,822 
4,446 

- 
- 
- 
- 

(2,558) 
1,888 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

144 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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
2004
2003
$M
$M

Interest Rate 
Related Contracts 
2004
2003 
$M
$M 

99 
4 
(21)
59 
7 
148 

2
(3)
1
189 
(8)
181

(34)
(13)
16 
(190)
(698)
(919)

(11) 
6 
17 
13 
143 
168 

2004
$M

65 
(9)
(5)
(131)
(691)
(771)

Total
2003
$M

(9)
3 
18 
202 
135 
349 

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  future  transactions, together  with  the  expected 
term of deferral are shown above. 

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 $31 million of net deferred gains 
on derivatives (2003: $4 million net deferred gains) 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 asset returns and guaranteed liability 
returns  on  some  policy  changes  (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.  As  at  30  June  2004,  shareholders  funds  in  the 
life insurance business are invested 73% in income assets 
(cash and fixed interest) and 27% in growth assets (shares 
and property)  with the asset mix varying from company to 
to  meet 
company.  Policyholder 
policyholder  reasonable  expectations  without  putting  the 
shareholder at undue risk.  

funds  are 

invested 

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  Premium  Business 
Services.    The  Group  trades  and  distributes  financial 
markets  products  and  provides  risk  management  services 
to clients on a global basis. 

The  objectives  of  the  Group’s  financial  markets 

activities are to: 
(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 

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 

145 

an  inventory  of  treasury  and  capital  market  instruments, 
including a broad range of securities and derivatives. 

is  a  major  participant 

In  foreign  exchange,  the  Group  is  a  participant  in  all 
the 
major  currencies  and 
Australian  dollar  market,  providing  services  for  central 
banks, 
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 to the financial statements. 

institutional,  corporate  and 

in 

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. Market liquidity risk is controlled by concentrating 
trading activity in highly liquid markets. 

Note  2  to  the  financial  statements  details  Financial 
Markets Trading Income contribution of $499 million (2003: 
$502 million) to the income of the Group.  The contribution 
is significant and provides important diversification benefits 
to the Group. 

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. 

Derivative Contracts 

The  table  on  the  next  page  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 from non-traded assets, liabilities and commitments 
in Australia and offshore centres. 

The  ‘Face  Value’  is  the  notional  or  contractual 
amount  of  the  derivatives.  This  amount  is  not  necessarily 
exchanged  and  predominantly  acts  as  a  reference  value 
upon which interest payments and net settlements can be 
calculated and on which revaluation is based. 

The ‘Credit Equivalent’ is 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). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 39   Market Risk continued 

Derivatives 
Exchange rate related contracts 
Forwards 
Trading                         
Other than trading          
Total Forwards 
Swaps 
Trading                         
Other than trading          
Total Swaps              
Futures 
Trading                         
Other than trading          
Total Futures 
Options purchased and sold(1) 
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 (1) 
Trading                         
Other than trading          
Total Futures 
Options purchased and sold 
Trading                         
Other than trading          
Total Options Purchased and Sold 
Total Interest Rate Related Contracts                      

Credit risk related contracts 
Swaps  
Trading 
Other than trading 
Total Swaps 
Total Credit Risk Related Contracts 

Equity risk related contracts 
Swaps  
Other than trading 
Options purchased and sold 
Trading 
Other than trading 
Total Options Purchased and Sold 
Total Equity Risk Related Contracts 
Total Derivatives Exposures                    

2004
$M

Face Value
2003
$M

GROUP
Credit Equivalent
2003
$M

2004 
$M 

151,595 
30,983 
182,578 

61,688 
38,671 
100,359 

1 
               -
1 

64,930 
126 
65,056 
347,994 

28,311 
500 
28,811

139,297 
201,510 
340,807 

38,525 
17,251 
55,776 

15,100 
4,683
19,783 
445,177 

147,998 
5,329 
153,327 

47,821 
19,737 
67,558 

3,083 
1,504 
4,587 

5,242 
2,855 
8,097 

-
-
-

               - 
               - 
               - 

69,984 
-
69,984 
290,869 

33,398 
2,292 
35,690 

125,610 
127,882 
253,492 

47,881 
-
47,881 

14,028 
5,602 
19,630 
356,693 

856 
2 
858 
13,542 

13 
11 
24 

2,276 
3,033 
5,309 

67 
               - 
67 

110 
15 
125 
5,525 

348 
393 
741 
741 

4,201 
291 
4,492 

3,787 
1,569 
5,356 

-
-
-

1,234 
27 
1,261 
11,109 

4 
37 
41 

3,722 
1,719 
5,441 

18 
-
18 

152 
28 
180 
5,680 

15 
623 
638 
638 

2,870 
3,490 
6,360 
6,360 

702 
1,204 
1,906 
1,906 

340 

355 

33 

29 

313 
25 
338 
678 
800,209 

247 
-
247 
602 
650,070 

33 
1 
34 
67 
19,875 

55 
-
55 
84 
17,511 

(1)  Prior year face value comparatives have been restated. 

The Bank has also entered swaps to hedge property values and income related to investment property risk. Each of these has 
a face value of $252 million and a credit equivalent of $1 million. 

146 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

Credit related trading derivative contracts 
Swaps: 
  Gross unrealised gains 
  Gross unrealised losses 
Net Unrealised Gains on Credit Related Contracts 

Equity related contracts 
Options purchased and sold: 
  Gross unrealised gains 
  Gross unrealised losses 
Net Unrealised Gains on Equity 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  to 
Note 2). In aggregate, derivatives trading was profitable for 
the Group during the year. 

Fair Value 
2003 
$M 

2004
$M

Average Fair Value
2003
$M

2004
$M

2,417 
(2,742)
(325)

5,718
(4,335)
1,383 

4,753 
(4,922) 
(169) 

3,599 
(2,390) 
1,209 

             -
(3)
(3)

2 
               - 
2 

482 
(634)
(152)
903 

832 
(1,138) 
(306) 
736 

2,673 
(2,975)
(302)

5,370 
(4,145)
1,225 

1 
(3)
(2)

822 
(1,167)
(345)
576 

3,198 
(3,245)
(47)

2,996 
(2,078)
918 

-
-
-

783 
(920)
(137)
734 

4 
(4)
             -

4 
(4) 
               - 

6 
(5)
1 

7 
(7)
-

4,084 
(4,362)
(278)

4,431 
(4,899) 
(468) 

4,833 
(5,209)
(376)

4,294 
(4,793)
(499)

24 
(25)
(1)

66 
(57)
9 
(270)

17 
(11)
6 

15 
(18) 
(3) 

258 
(145) 
113 
(358) 

13 
(12) 
1 

41 
(50)
(9)

155 
(123)
32 
(352)

16 
(13)
3 

15 
(15)
             -
639 

20 
(20) 
               - 
379 

12 
(12)
                -
227 

33 
(23)
10 

223 
(146)
77 
(412)

7 
(6)
1 

17 
(17)
-
323 

147 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 39   Market Risk continued 

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 

2004
$M

12,827 
12,188 
639 

Fair Value
2003
$M

13,907 
13,528 
379 

148 

 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 40  Superannuation Commitments 

The  Group  sponsors  a  range  of  superannuation  plans  for  its  employees  world  wide.  Details  of  major  defined  benefit 

plans with assets in excess of $10 million are: 

Name of Plan 

Type 

Form of Benefit 

Date of Last Actuarial 
Review of the Fund 

Officers’ Superannuation Fund (“OSF”) 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (UK) 
Staff Benefits Scheme (“CBA(UK)SBS”) 

Defined Benefits and 
Accumulation 
Defined Benefits and 
Accumulation 

Indexed pensions and 
lump sums 
Indexed pensions and 
lump sums 

30 June 2003 

1 August 2003 

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 
relevant  accounting  and  actuarial 
accordance  with 
standards  and  practices.    To  maintain  consistency  in 
these  values  after  each 
values, 

the  Bank  updates 

actuarial assessment of the fund (when the present value 
of accrued benefits would be calculated). 

In  view  of  market  volatility,  the  Bank  updates  the 
following  values  annually  using  most  recently  available 
information  (including  values  obtained  from  unaudited 
fund financial statements). 

Net Market Value of Assets(3)                             
Present Value of Accrued Benefits(4)                 
Difference between Net Market of Assets 
and Present Value of Accrued Benefits 
Difference as a Percentage of Plan Assets 
Value of Vested Benefits(4) 

OSF(1)

$M

5,416
3,988

1,428
26%
3,988

CBA 
(UK)SBS(2)
$M

333
409

(76)
23%
304

Total

$M

5,749
4,397

1,352
24%
4,292

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 
(4) 

The  values  for  the  OSF  are  the  fund  actuary’s  estimates  as  at  31  March  2004.  The  OSF’s  values  include  the  values  for  the  former 
Colonial  Group  Staff  Superannuation  Scheme  (“CGSSS”)  which  was  terminated  on  3  October  2003  with  the  plan’s  assets,  liabilities, 
member contributions and benefit arrangements transferred to the OSF.   
The values for the CBA(UK)SBS are the fund actuary’s estimates as at 31 March 2004.  The CBA(UK)SBS’s values include the values 
for  the  former  Colonial  UK  Staff  Pension  Scheme  (“CUKSPS”)  and  Stewart  Ivory  &  Company  Limited  Retirement  Benefits  Scheme 
(“SI&CRBS”) which were terminated on 31 July 2003 with each plan’s assets, liabilities, member contributions and benefit arrangements 
transferred to the CBA(UK)SBS.   
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  have  been  calculated  in  accordance  with  the 
Australian  Accounting  Standards  AAS25  –  Financial  Reporting  by  Superannuation  Plans.    For  CBA(UK)SBS,    the  Present  Value  of 
Accrued Benefits and Value of Vested Benefits have been calculated in accordance with relevant UK actuarial standards and practices. 

An actuarial review of  the CBA(UK)SBS at 1 August 
2003,  which  was  finalised  in  August  2004,  revealed  a 
deficit of around $80 million and the actuary recommended 
contributions  of  26%  of  salary 
(dollar  contributions 
estimated  at  $5  million  per  annum)  to  finance  future 
accrual  of  defined  benefits  and  additional  contributions  of 
around  $8  million  per  annum  payable  over  15  years  to 
finance the fund deficit.  The Bank is currently considering 
these recommendations. 

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 
2003 was completed during the year ended 30 June 2004. 
the 
In 
line  with 
assessment, 
to  make 
contributions  to  the  OSF  until  further  consideration  of  the 
next actuarial assessment of the OSF as at 30 June 2006. 

the  actuarial  advice  contained 
the  Bank  does  not 

intend 

in 

. 

149 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 Investments Pty Limited  
     Commonwealth Property Limited 
     Infravest (No. 2) 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  
     Preferred Capital Limited 
     Newport Limited 
     Padang Pty Ltd 
     M Land Pty Ltd 
     PERLS II Trust 
     GT Funding No.1 Pty Ltd 
     GT Operating No.1 Pty Ltd 
     Watermark Limited 
     Emerald Limited 
     Loft No.1 Pty Ltd 
     Loft No.2 Pty Ltd 
     Fringe Pty Ltd 
     Reliance Achiever Pty Ltd 
     RA Partnership 
     Lily Pty Ltd 
     Pavillion Limited 
     Leaseway Transportation Pty Limited 
     Medallion 2003-2G 

(b) Insurance and Funds Management 
     Commonwealth Insurance Limited 
     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 
     Colonial First State Investments Limited 
     Avanteos Pty Limited  
     Colonial First State Property Limited 
     Colonial First Statutory Funds Management Limited 

150 

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 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
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 

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 
Fiji 
Indonesia 
USA 
USA 
USA 
United Kingdom 
Malta 
Malta 

51 

Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 41   Controlled Entities continued 

Entity Name 

(b) Insurance and Funds Management continued 
     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 
     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 
     PIF Managed Property Pty Limited 
     Colonial Protection Insurance 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) 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 
     National Bank of Fiji Limited 
     PT Bank Commonwealth 
     CBA Capital Holdings Inc 
     CBA Capital Trust 1 
     CBA Funding Trust 1 
     Seahorse Investments UK Ltd 
     CommInternational Limited 
     CommFinance Limited 

151 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 41   Controlled Entities continued 

Entity Name 

(b) 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 
     Stewart Ivory Holdings Limited 
     Waterloo & Victoria Limited 

Extent of Beneficial 
Interest if not 100% 

Incorporated in 

Bermuda 
Bermuda 
Hong Kong 
Hong Kong 
Singapore 
Fiji 
United Kingdom 
Fiji 
United Kingdom 
Fiji 
Fiji 
United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 
Cayman Islands 

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. 

152 

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 42   Investments in Associated Entities and Joint Ventures 

Extent of 

Principal Activities 

GROUP  Ownership  

2004
$M

2003
$M

Interest 
% 

Balance 
Date 

EDS (Australia) Pty Limited(1) 

193

225 

Computer Fleet Management 

Cyberlynx Procurement Services 
PT Astra CMG Life 

Allday Enterprises Ltd 
China Life CMG Life Assurance Company 
Limited(2) 
Bao Minh CMG Life Insurance Company 
CMG Mahon (China) Investment Management 
Limited 
Mahon and Associates Limited 
CMG CH China Funds Management Limited 
Colonial First State Private Ltd 

-

-
12

1
20

12
-

-
1
-

-

-
12 

1 
36 

12 
-

-
1 
-

Total 

239

287 

35 

50 

30 
50 

30 
49 

50 
50 

50 
50 
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 
Investment Management 

31 December 

30 June 

30 June 
31 December 

31 December 
31 December 

31 December 
30 June 

30 June 
31 March 
30 June 

(1) 
(2) 

Equity accounted loss of $32 million principally relates to a change in revenue recognition policy by EDSA. 
Equity accounted loss of $16 million principally relates to a write-off of capitalised start up costs. 

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 benefit 
  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) 

2004
$M

(44)
12
(32)

287
            -
            -
(16)
            -
(32)
239

  Financing arrangements accessible 
       Bank overdraft       
       Revolving credit  

Available
2004
$M

Unused 
2004 
$M 

Available
2003
$M

70 
              -
70 

58 
             - 
58 

72
            -
72

GROUP
2003
$M

1
-
1 

313 
6 
(21)
(9)
(3)
1 
287 

GROUP
Unused
2003
$M

23
            -
23

153 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 44   Director and Executive Disclosures

This note outlines the remuneration arrangements for 
In 
the  Bank’s  Directors  and  Specified  Executives. 
accordance with accounting standard AASB 1046 this note 
also  outlines  details  of  equity  holdings,  loans  and  other 
transactions Directors  and  Specified Executives  have  with 
the Bank and its subsidiaries. 

Remuneration Committee 
The Bank’s remuneration arrangements are overseen 
by  the  Remuneration  Committee  of  the  Board.    The 
Committee considers changes in remuneration policy likely 
to  have  a  material  impact  on  the  Bank  and  is  informed  of 
in 
leadership  performance, 
employment  issues,  industrial  agreements  and  incentive 
plans operating across the Bank. 

compliance 

legislative 

The  Committee  also  considers  senior  appointments 
and  remuneration  arrangements  for  senior  management.  
The remuneration arrangements for the CEO and his direct 
reports are approved by the full Board. 

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. 

The  Committee  engages  an  external  consultant  to 
advise  it  directly  in  relation  to  the  remuneration  of 
executives. 

Non-Executive Directors 
Remuneration  for  Non-Executive  Directors  consists 
of  base  and  committee  fees  within  an  aggregate  total  of 
$1,500,000  per  year  as  approved  by  shareholders  at  the 
Annual  General  Meeting  held  on  28  October  1999.    Non-
Executive Directors have 20% of their annual fees applied 
to  the  mandatory  on-market  acquisition  of  shares  in  the 
Bank. 

The  Bank  contributes  to  compulsory  superannuation 

on behalf of Non-Executive Directors.   

Under  the  Directors’  Retirement  Allowance  Scheme, 
which  was  approved  by  shareholders  at  the  1997  Annual 
General Meeting, Directors accumulate a retirement benefit 
on  a  pro  rata  basis  to  a  maximum  of  four  years’  total 
emoluments  after  twelve  years’  service.    No  benefit 
accrues  until  the  Director  has  served  three  years  on  the 
Board.  In  2002  the  Board  decided  to  discontinue  the 
Directors’  Retirement  Allowance  Scheme  without  affecting 
the  entitlements  of  then  existing  Non-Executive  Directors.  
After that time new Directors are not entitled to participate 
in the scheme. As part of a proposed arrangement relating 
to  remuneration,  the  Board  will  be  seeking  shareholder 
approval at the 2004 Annual General Meeting to terminate 
accrual  of  further  benefits  under  the  Scheme  and  freeze 
the  entitlements  of  current  members  until  their  respective 
retirements.    This  approach  will  result  in  remuneration 
arrangements  being  expressed  in  a  more  transparent 
manner  which  does  not  include  retirement  benefits  (other 
than compulsory superannuation).   

Executives (including the Chief Executive Officer) 
The  Bank’s  remuneration  framework  aims  to  reward 
executives  with  a  mix  of  remuneration  appropriate  to  their 
level  in  the  organisation  and  incorporates  a  significant 
weighting 
to 
towards  variable  (‘at  risk’)  pay 
performance,  both  short  term  and  long  term.    This  focus 
aims to: 
(cid:131) 

linked 

interests  of  executives  with 

reward  executives  for  bankwide,  business  unit  and 
targets  set  by 
individual  performance  against 
reference to appropriate benchmarks; 
align 
shareholders; 
link  executive  reward  with  the  strategic  goals  and 
performance of the Bank; and 
ensure  total  remuneration  is  competitive  by  market 
standards. 
Remuneration  and 

those  of 

terms  and  conditions  of 
employment  are  specified  in  an  individual  contract  of 
employment  with  each  executive  which  is  signed  by  the 
executive  and  the  Bank.    Remuneration  of  the  Bank’s 
executives consists of three key elements: 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

the 

(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 

Fixed Remuneration; 
Short Term Incentive (“STI”); and 
Long Term Incentive (“LTI”). 
The  relationship  of  fixed  remuneration  and  variable 
pay  (potential  short  term  and  long  term  incentives)  is 
established for each level of executive management by the 
Remuneration Committee.   

Currently, the variable component of remuneration is 
in  the  general  range  of  around  35%  to  80%  of  an 
executive’s total potential remuneration and increases with 
their  level  in  the  organisation.    As  a  result  of  the  review 
with the external consultant of developments in the market, 
and  benchmarking  against  peer  organisations, 
the 
distribution of total potential remuneration for executives is 
being  modified  in  the  current  year  so  as  to  increase  the 
percentage  for  the  STI  component  and  decrease  the 
percentage for the LTI component.  For senior executives, 
including  the  CEO,  the  maximum  STI  potential  available 
will generally be an amount equal to fixed remuneration. 

The  structure  for  some  specialists  differs  from  that 
which  applies  generally  to  executive  management.    With 
specialists, a greater proportion of the variable component 
of remuneration may be in short term rather than long term 
incentives but the overall mix of remuneration is still heavily 
weighted towards ‘at risk’ pay. 

Fixed  remuneration  consists  of  base  remuneration 
(which is calculated on a total cost basis and includes any 
FBT charges related to employee benefits including motor 
vehicles)  as  well  as  employer 
to 
superannuation. 

contributions 

Actual  STI  payments  for  executives  depend  on  the 
extent to which targets set at the beginning of the financial 
year  are  met.  These  targets  consist  of  a  number  of  Key 
Result  Areas  (“KRAs”)  covering  both  financial  and  non-
financial  measures  of  performance. 
Included  are 
measures  such  as  contribution  to  net  profit  after  tax 
(NPAT),  customer  service,  risk  management,  product 
management, and leadership / team contribution. 

STI  Payments  to  executives  are  usually  delivered  in 

two components: 
(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

Fifty  percent  made  as  an  immediate  cash  payment; 
and 
Fifty  percent  deferred  in  the  form  of  shares  in  the 
Bank. 
The  shares  acquired  vest  in  two  equal  instalments 
after  one  and  two  years  respectively.    Dividends  on  the 
deferred  shares  are  not  paid  to  the  executive  unless  and 
until the shares vest.  Generally, to receive the shares, the 
executive  will  need  to  be  an  employee  of  the  Bank  at  the 
relevant vesting date. 

LTI  grants  to  executives  are  delivered  in  the  form  of 
Reward  Shares  under  the  Bank’s  Equity  Reward  Plan 
(“ERP”). 

No  value  will  accrue  to  the  executive  unless  the 
Bank’s  Total  Shareholder  Return  (“TSR”)  at  least  meets 
the  median  of  a  peer  comparator  group  of  companies 
which  consists  of  other  Australian  banks  and  financial 
institutions.   To  receive  the  full  value  of  the  LTI grant,  the 
Bank’s performance must be in the top quartile of the peer 
group.    Using  a  comparative  TSR  based  hurdle  ensures 
that executives only gain where shareholders also benefit. 

the  severance  arrangements 

The Bank’s executive contracts generally provide for 
severance  payments  of  up  to  six  months  in  the  case  of 
retrenchment.    The  contracts  generally  provide  for  a  four 
week  notice  period.    In  the  case  of  the  Chief  Executive 
Officer, 
in  Mr  Murray’s 
contract,  other  than  for  misconduct,  provide  for  a  notice 
period  of  six  months  and  a  pro-rata  payment  of  the 
average  of  the  previous  three  years  short  term  incentive 
payment, payable in the event of termination by the Bank, 
after 1 May but before 30 June. In such circumstances, Mr 
Murray may exercise all vested options and obtain vested 
shares (including those that vest within two years from the 
Termination  Date)  within  a  period  of  three  years  from  the 
Termination Date.   

Refer Note 38 – Service Agreements. 

154 

 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
NOTE 44   Director and Executive Disclosures 

On  exit  from  the  Bank,  executives  are  entitled  to 
receive  their  statutory  entitlements  of  accrued  annual  and 
long  service  leave  as  well  as  accrued  superannuation 
benefits. 

Individual  remuneration  details  of  Directors  and 

Specified Executives are set out below. 

Remuneration of Directors 

Other  than  for  the  Managing  Director,  Directors 
receive their remuneration in the form of fees, apportioned 
between  cash  and  amounts  sacrificed  on  a  mandatory 
basis  under  the  Non-Executive  Directors  Share  Plan 
(“NEDSP”),  superannuation  and  the  Director’s  Retirement 
Allowance  Scheme  (see  earlier  comments  regarding 
discontinuance of the Scheme). 

PRIMARY BENEFITS 

POST EMPLOYMENT 
BENEFITS 

EQUITY BENEFITS 

TOTAL 
REMUNERATION

Cash 

Non 
Monetary

STI paid 
 in Cash 

Year 
ending 
30 June 

Super - 
Annuation

Retirement 
Allowance 
Scheme 

(Note 2) 

(Note 3) 

Deferred
STI 

LTI Options

NEDSP 

LTI 
Reward 
Shares 

(Note 1) 

(Note 1) 
$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Mr J T Ralph, AC         Chairman 
245,887 
248,000 

2004 
2003 

-
-

- 
- 

-(5)
5,626

36,479
127,635

Dr J M Schubert          Deputy Chairman 
- 
- 

130,545 
128,000 

2004 
2003 

-
-

11,749
11,520

46,981
102,537

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

- 
- 

- 
- 

61,472 
62,000 

32,636 
32,000 

343,838
443,261

221,911
274,057

Mr D V Murray             Managing Director (see notes to table of remuneration for Specified Executives for details of individual 

2004 
2003 

1,680,000 
1,625,000 

- 450,000 
- 375,000 

items) 

136,080
131,625

-
-

365,000
326,250

431,666 1,363,362 
751,258
868,892 

- 
- 

4,426,108
4,078,025

Mr N R Adler, AO        Non-Executive Director 

2004 
2003 

90,435 
88,000 

-
-

- 
- 

Mr R J Clairs, AO        Non-Executive Director 

2004 
2003 

86,424 
84,000 

-
-

- 
- 

8,318
7,920

7,778
7,560

23,717
34,867

38,988
44,194

Mr A B Daniels, OAM  Non-Executive Director 

2004 
2003 

86,424 
84,000 

-
-

- 
- 

7,778
7,560

41,663
103,796

Mr C R Galbraith, AM  Non-Executive Director 

2004 
2003 

89,460 
92,000 

-
-

- 
- 

8,051
8,280

46,418
104,132

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

Ms S C Kay                Non-Executive Director (appointed a Director on 5 March 2003) 

2004 
2003 

97,482 
32,328 

-
-

- 
- 

8,773
2,910

-
-

Mr W G Kent, AO        Non-Executive Director 

2004 
2003 

89,460 
92,000 

-
-

- 
- 

8,051
8,280

46,418
104,132

Mr F D Ryan              Non-Executive Director  

2004 
2003 

90,435 
88,000 

-
-

- 
- 

8,139
7,920

46,466
109,074

Mr F J Swan               Non-Executive Director 

2004 
2003 

89,460 
92,000 

-
-

- 
- 

Ms B K Ward              Non-Executive Director 

2004 
2003 

90,435 
88,000 

-
-

- 
- 

8,051
8,280

8,139
7,920

44,429
46,924

51,566
53,672

Total Remuneration for Directors 

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

22,609 
22,000 

21,606 
21,000 

21,606 
21,000 

22,365 
23,000 

24,370 
8,082 

22,365 
23,000 

22,609 
22,000 

22,365 
23,000 

22,609 
22,000 

145,079
152,787

154,796
156,754

157,471
216,356

166,294
227,412

130,625
43,320

166,294
227,412

167,649
226,994

164,305
170,204

172,749
171,592

2004 
2,866,447 
2003(4)  2,741,328 

- 450,000 
- 375,000 

220,907
215,401

423,125
830,963

365,000
326,250

431,666 1,363,362 
751,258
868,892 

296,612 
279,082 

6,417,119
6,388,174

155 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 44   Director and Executive Disclosures continued 
Notes 

Amounts in the above table reflect remuneration from the date the Director joined the Board if the Director was not in 
that role at the beginning of the financial year.  Where this date is after 1 July 2002, the relevant date has been shown in the 
table. 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

For Non-Executive Directors, this includes base fees and committee fees paid as cash.  Non-Executive Directors also 
sacrifice 20% of their fees on a mandatory basis under the NEDSP.  Further detail on the NEDSP is contained in Note 
29. 
The Bank is not currently contributing to its staff superannuation fund (the Officers’ Superannuation Fund) and a notional 
cost of contribution has been determined on an individual basis for those Non-Executive Directors who are a member of 
that fund.  Some Directors have superannuation contributions made to other funds.  
For Non-Executive Directors this represents the increase in their accrued benefit in the year under the Director’s 
Retirement Allowance Scheme which was approved by shareholders at the 1997 Annual General Meeting.  See earlier 
comments regarding discontinuance of the Scheme. 

(4)  Group totals in respect of the financial year ended 30 June 2003 do not necessarily equal the sum of amounts disclosed 

for individuals specified in 2004 as there are differences to the individuals specified in 2003. 

(5)  Mr J T Ralph turned 71 during the 2003/04 financial year.  The Bank’s compulsory superannuation obligations generally 

cease after a person obtains age 70. 

156 

 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 44  Director and Executive Disclosures continued 

Remuneration of Specified Executives 

PRIMARY BENEFITS  

POST 
EMPLOYMENT 
BENEFITS 

EQUITY BENEFITS 

OTHER 
BENEFITS 

TOTAL 
REMUN- 
ERATION 

Year 
ending 
30 
June 

Cash  

Non 
Monetary 

(Note 1) 

(Note 2) 

STI paid 
 in cash 

Superannuation

Deferred 
STI 

LTI 
Options 

(Note 3) 

(Note 4) 

(Note 5)

(Note 6) 

LTI  
Reward 
Shares 
(Note 6) 

Termination
Benefits 

All other 
benefits

(Note 7) 

(Note 8)

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Mr M A Cameron         Group Executive, Financial & Risk Management (commenced in role on 1 April 2003) 
243,200
10,770

170,000 
33,034 

150,325 
10,586 

600,000 
149,589 

13,000 
3,241 

99,375
-

2004 
2003 

- 
-
-  150,000

-
-

1,275,900
357,220

Mr A R Cosenza           Group Executive, Group Strategic Development (ceased in role on 16 June 2004 and proceeded on 

2004 
2003 

575,410 
560,000 

12,503 
13,000 

144,262 
160,000 

45,530
40,320

Long Service Leave) 
145,464
118,750

98,214
154,873

365,062 
315,056 

Mr L G Cupper             Group Executive, Human Resources 

2004 
2003 

580,000 
560,000 

13,000 
13,000 

156,000 
157,500 

115,200
60,100

156,875
146,250

118,642
181,946

415,022 
342,553 

Mr S I Grimshaw           Group Executive, Investment & Insurance Services 

2004 
2003 

891,000 
774,836 

13,000 
13,000 

280,000 
262,500 

89,880
399,505

196,875
-

130,054
130,054

498,873 
299,538 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

Mr H D Harley              Group Executive, Retail Banking Services (commenced in role on 16 October 2002) 
101,500
57,582

700,000 
381,699 

321,078 
153,287 

230,000 
98,959 

130,000
68,675

13,000 
9,189 

75,578
75,795

2004 
2003 

- 
- 

Mr M A Katz                Group Executive, Premium Business Services 
237,500
228,500

290,000 
240,000 

910,000 
870,000 

132,100
67,500

13,000 
13,000 

2004 
2003 

197,736
303,243

677,520 
563,376 

Mr R V McKinnon          Group Executive, Technology 

2004 
2003 

540,000 
520,000 

13,000 
13,000 

142,500 
127,500 

38,880
37,440

122,688
105,188

55,804
76,905

253,061 
175,191 

Mr G L Mackrell           Group Executive, International Financial Services 

2004 
2003 

600,000 
540,000 

13,000 
13,000 

202,500 
185,000 

80,500
66,802

166,250
103,500

113,718
162,251

391,143 
316,556 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

Mr J K O’Sullivan         Chief Solicitor and General Counsel (commenced in role on 17 October 2003) 

2004 
2003 

493,443 
- 

9,164 
- 

140,984 
- 

35,528
-

-
-

-
-

105,232 

-

- 
- 

Mr G A Peterson           Group Executive, Group Strategic Development (commenced in role 17 June 2004) 

2004 
2003 

16,716 
- 

497 
- 

4,208 
- 

2,762
-

2,960
-

-
-

2,559 

-

- 
- 

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

1,386,445
1,361,999

1,554,739
1,461,349

2,099,682
1,879,433

1,571,156
845,186

2,457,856
2,285,619

1,165,933
1,055,224

1,567,111
1,387,109

784,351
-

29,702
-

Mr M J Ullmer               Group Executive, Institutional & Business Services (ceased in role 23 May 2004) 

2004 
2003 

754,959 
820,000 

6,536 
13,000 

250,000 
217,500 

118,202
132,300

244,208
211,000

177,206
303,243

607,176  845,000  332,848
563,376 
-

- 

3,336,135
2,260,419

Total Remuneration for Specified Executives 
   2004 
6,661,528 
  2003(9)  5,176,124 

119,700  2,010,454 
103,430  1,481,993 

Notes 

1,003,282 1,502,195

981,863 1,388,310 2,739,519 

966,952 3,787,051  845,000  332,848
-  150,000

17,229,010
12,893,558

872,319

Amounts in the above table reflect remuneration for the time the executive has been in the role of a Specified Executive, 
i.e.  pro-rating  is  applied  relative  to  the  date  the  executive  commenced  or  ceased  in  the  role  of  a  Specified  Executive.  
Remuneration earned as an executive prior to appointment to a role as a Specified Executive is not included in the amounts 
shown for that executive. 

Where appropriate, comparative information has been reclassified into appropriate categories. 

(1)  Reflects  amounts  paid  in  the  year  ended  30  June  and  is  calculated  on  a  total  cost  basis.  Included  may  be  salary 
sacrifice amounts (e.g. motor vehicles plus FBT) with the exception of salary sacrifice superannuation which is included 
under ‘Post Employment Benefits’. 

(2)  Represents the cost of car parking (including FBT). 

157 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
NOTE 44   Director and Executive Disclosures 
(3)  Represents the STI payment made in cash for the year ended 30 June. Payment made in cash represents the amount of 
the payment that is not deferred in the form of shares under the mandatory component of the Equity Participation Plan 
(“EPP”) nor voluntarily sacrificed in the form of shares under the voluntary component of the EPP or into superannuation 
via voluntary sacrifice. Amounts deferred under the mandatory component of the EPP are amortised over two years from 
the  date  to  which  the  payment  relates.  Where  part  of  the  payment  is  sacrificed  into  superannuation,  the  amount 
sacrificed is included under “Post Employment Benefits”. Mr Ullmer’s STI payment for the year ended 30 June 2004 has 
been made fully in cash with no mandatory deferral being applied due to his departure from the Bank. 

(4)  Represents  company  contribution  to  superannuation  and  includes  any  allocations  made  by  way  of  salary  sacrifice  by 

executives.  

(5)  Deferred STI represents the cost of shares acquired under the mandatory component of the EPP.  Shares vest in two 
equal tranches after one and two years respectively. For example, for STI payments for the year ended 30 June 2003, 
half the shares vest on 1 July 2004 and half vest on 1 July 2005.   The amount included in remuneration each year has 
been amortised on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for each tranche of shares.  In the case of Mr Ullmer the 
value that would have been amortised in the year ended 30 June 2005 has also been included for the year ended 30 
June 2004 as all unvested shares granted under the mandatory component of the EPP vest to him on his departure from 
the Bank.  See Note 29 for further details on the operation of the EPP. 
The value of LTIs disclosed above was calculated as follows: 

(6) 

(cid:131)  The  ‘fair  value’  of  options  has  been  calculated  using  the  Black-Scholes  valuation  model  that  incorporates  the 

assumptions below: 

Commencement 
Date 

24 Aug 1999 

24 Aug 1999 
(CEO Options) 
13 Sept 2000 

3 Sept 2001 

Fair 
Value 

$3.14 

$3.48 

$3.47 

$4.01 

Exercise 
Price 

$23.84 

$23.84 

$26.97 

$30.12 

Assumptions 

Risk Free 
Rate 

Term 

Dividend 
Yield 

Volatility 

5.82% 

37 mths 

4.82% 

20.0% 

5.82% 

6.00% 

5.24% 

49 mths 

4.82% 

37 mths 

37 mths 

4.41% 

4.61% 

20.0% 

17.9% 

20.8% 

(cid:131)  The ‘fair value’ of shares is the Bank’s closing share price at the Commencement Date for each grant, i.e., $27.64 for 
shares granted on 13 Sep 2000, $29.50 for shares granted on 3 Sep 2001, $31.42 for shares granted on 2 Sep 2002 
and $27.48 for shares granted on 1 Sep 2003. 

(cid:131)  As required under AASB 1046 the Bank has estimated the number of options and shares expected to vest in relation 
to each grant.  The assessment has been made as at 30 June 2004 based on the Bank’s performance against the 
relative  hurdle.    In  respect  of  options  and  shares  granted  in  1999  and  2000,  100%  of  the  number  granted  have 
vested.  For options and shares granted in 2001, the Bank currently expects 100% of the number granted to vest.  
For shares granted in 2002 and 2003, the Bank currently estimates that 50% of the number granted will vest. 

(cid:131)  The annualised equivalent of the ‘fair value’ in respect of each grant of options and shares (multiplied by the number 
that  have,  or  are  expected  to,  vest),  has  been  amortised  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 options 
granted to Mr Murray on 24 Aug 1999). 

(7)  Represents any severance payments made on termination of employment (excluding any payment in lieu of notice). 
(8) 

All Other Benefits payable that are not covered above, including any payment made in lieu of notice on termination of 
employment and other contractual payments. 

(9)  Group totals in respect of the financial year ended 30 June 2003 do not necessarily equal the sum of amounts disclosed 
in  2003. 

there  are  differences 

individuals  specified 

individuals  specified 

in  2004  as 

the 

for 

to 

158 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 44   Director and Executive Disclosures continued 

Equity Holdings of Directors and Specified Executives 

Employee Equity Plans – Shares and Options Vested and Exercised During the Year 

Name 

Deferred STI 
Vested 

Reward Shares 
Vested 

Options 
Vested 

Shares Granted on Exercise of Options 
Value in excess of 
Exercise Price(1) 

Exercise 
Price 

No. 

Directors 

Mr D V Murray 

10,853 

- 

1,000,000 

- 

- 

- 

Specified Executives 

Mr M A Cameron 
Mr A R Cosenza 
Mr L G Cupper 
Mr S I Grimshaw 
Mr H D Harley 
Mr M A Katz 
Mr R V McKinnon 
Mr G L Mackrell 
Mr J K O’Sullivan 
Mr G A Petersen 
Mr M J Ullmer 
Total Specified 
Executives 

- 
3,851 
4,708 
- 
3,224 
7,752 
3,491 
3,322 
- 
1,133 
6,910 

- 
10,500 
12,500 
- 
6,300 
20,900 
4,200 
9,600 
- 
- 
20,900 

- 

- 
87,500 

- 
162,500  100,000 
225,000  150,000 
- 
50,000 
375,000  250,000 
- 
- 
- 
- 
325,000  200,000 

25,000 
157,500 
- 
- 

- 
$23.84 
$23.84 
- 
$23.84 
$23.84 
- 
- 
- 
- 
$23.84 

34,391 

84,900 

1,357,500  750,000 

N/A 

- 
$8.81 
$8.91 
- 
$9.46 
$8.29 
- 
- 
- 
- 
$8.91 

N/A 

Notes 
(1)  Difference between the exercise price and closing market value of CBA shares on date of exercise. 

Options 
Mr Murray is the only Director holding options in the Bank and he did not exercise any during the year ended 30 June 2004.  
The Bank’s Non-Executive Directors do not hold any options. 

Name 

Balance 
1 Jul 2003 

Granted as 
Remuneration 

Options  
Exercised 

Balance 
30 Jun 2004 

Vested and exercisable  
at 30 June 2004  

No 

Exercise 
Price 

Directors 
Mr D V Murray 

1,250,000 

Total for Directors 

1,250,000 

Specified Executives 
Mr M A Cameron 
Mr A R Cosenza 
Mr L G Cupper 
Mr SI Grimshaw 
Mr H D Harley 
Mr M A Katz 
Mr R V McKinnon 

Mr G L Mackrell 

Mr J K O’Sullivan 
Mr G A Petersen 
Mr M J Ullmer 

Total for Specified 
Executives 

- 
227,500 
300,000 
100,000 
137,500 
500,000 
62,500 

232,500 

- 
- 
450,000 

2,010,000 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

1,250,000 

1,000,000 

1,250,000 

1,000,000 

$23.84(1) 

$23.84(1) 

- 
(100,000) 
(150,000) 
- 
(50,000) 
(250,000) 
- 

- 
127,500 
150,000 
100,000 
87,500 
250,000 
62,500 

- 

232,500 

- 
- 
(200,000) 

- 
- 
250,000 

(750,000) 

1,260,000 

- 
62,500 
75,000 
- 
37,500 
125,000 
25,000 
100,000 

57,500 
- 
- 
125,000 

100,000 

507,500 

- 
$26.97 
$26.97 
- 
$26.97 
$26.97 
$26.97 
$23.84(1) 
$26.97 
- 
- 
$26.97 
$23.84(1) 
$26.97 

Notes 
(1) 

For most executives, ‘Vested and exercisable’ options represents those granted on 13 September 2000 with an exercise 
price of $26.97. Mr Murray and Mr Mackrell hold vested but unexercised options granted on 24 August 1999 that have 
an exercise price of $23.84. 

159 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 44  Director and Executive Disclosures continued 

Shares 

Details  of  shareholdings  of  Directors  and  Specified  Executives  (or  relatives  or  entities  controlled  or  significantly 

influenced by them) are as follows: 

Name 

Class 

Balance
1 Jul 2003

Acquired/Granted as
Remuneration(1)

Net Change
Other(2)

Balance
30 Jun 2004

Directors 
Mr J T Ralph, AC 
Dr J M Schubert 
Mr D V Murray 

Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Mr N R Adler, AO 
Ordinary 
Mr R J Clairs, AO 
Mr A B Daniels, OAM  Ordinary 
Mr C R Galbraith, AM  Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ms S C Kay 
Ordinary 
Mr W G Kent, AO 
Ordinary 
Mr F D Ryan 
Ordinary 
Mr F J Swan 
Ms B K Ward(3) 
Ordinary 
Total for Directors  Ordinary 

Deferred STI 

Reward Shares 

21,339 
14,428 
214,242 
16,704 
152,000 
8,636 
11,927 
15,135 
6,579 
2,184 
9,708 
5,935 
4,038 
4,059 

318,210 

16,704 

152,000 

2,007 
1,064 
- 
13,576 
90,000 
736 
704 
704 
731 
796 
731 
736 
731 
736 

9,676 

13,576 

90,000 

515 
776 
61,287 
(10,853) 
- 
118 
- 
553 
379 
- 
4,083 
- 
227 
119 

68,057 

(10,853) 

- 

23,861 
16,268 
275,529 
19,427 
242,000 
9,490 
12,631 
16,392 
7,689 
2,980 
14,522 
6,671 
4,996 
4,914 

395,943 

19,427 

242,000 

Notes 
(1) 

For Non-Executive Directors, represents shares acquired under NEDSP on 30 Sep 2003, 2 Jan 2004, 31 Mar 2004 and 
29  Jun  2004  by  mandatory  sacrifice  of  fees.    All  shares  are  subject  to  a  10  year  trading  restriction  (shares  will  be 
tradeable earlier if the Director leaves the Board).  See Note 29 for further details on the NEDSP. 

For Mr Murray, represents: 
(cid:131) 

Deferred STI - acquired under the mandatory component of the Bank’s Equity Participation Plan (“EPP”).  Shares 
were purchased on 31 Oct 2003 in two equal tranches, vesting on 1 July 2004 and 1 July 2005 respectively.  See 
Note 29 for further details on the EPP. 
Reward Shares - granted under the Equity Reward Plan (“ERP”) on 1 Sep 2003 and are subject to a performance 
hurdle.  The first possible date for meeting the performance hurdle is 2 Sep 2006 with the last possible date for 
vesting being 1 Sep 2008. See Note 29 for further details on the ERP. 

(cid:131) 

(2) 

‘Net  change  other’  incorporates  changes  resulting  from  purchases  and  sales  during  the  year  by  Directors  and,  for  Mr 
Murray, vesting of Deferred STI shares (which became Ordinary shares). 

(3)  Ms Ward also purchased 250 PERLS II securities during the year and continued to hold them at 30 June 2004. 

160 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 44   Director and Executive Disclosures continued

Name 

Class 

Balance 
1 Jul 2003 

Acquired/Granted 
as Remuneration(1)

On Exercise 
of Options 

Net Change 
Other(2) 

Balance 
30 Jun 2004 

Specified Executives 
Mr M A Cameron 

Mr A R Cosenza 

Mr L G Cupper 

Mr SI Grimshaw 

Mr H D Harley 

Mr M A Katz(3) 

Mr R V McKinnon 

Mr G L Mackrell 

Mr J K O’Sullivan 

Mr G A Petersen 

Mr M J Ullmer 

Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 

- 
- 
10,000 
20,000 
6,034 
50,000 
9,365 
7,415 
53,000 
1,000 
- 
53,000 
3,792 
4,971 
35,300 
473,734 
11,769 
86,900 
1,601 
5,382 
29,700 
7,414 
5,243 
50,100 
5,401 
- 
- 
1,623 
2,266 
11,000 
- 
10,753 
86,900 

523,930 

53,833 

Total for Specified 
Executives 

Ordinary 

Deferred STI 

Reward Shares 

465,900 

Notes 
(1)  Represents: 

- 
4,797 
22,300 
- 
5,793 
24,700 
- 
5,702 
29,500 
- 
9,503 
37,300 
- 
5,069 
28,700 
- 
8,689 
48,000 
- 
4,616 
20,000 
- 
6,698 
25,600 
- 
- 
33,500 
- 
2,953 
8,000 
- 
7,874 
48,000 

- 

61,694 

325,600 

- 
- 
- 
100,000 
- 
- 
150,000 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
50,000 
- 
- 
250,000 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
200,000 
- 
- 

750,000 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
(89,500) 
(3,851) 
(10,500) 
(132,159) 
(4,708) 
(12,500) 
(744) 
- 
- 
(40,081) 
(3,224) 
(6,300) 
(316,348) 
(7,752) 
(20,900) 
7,691 
(3,491) 
(4,200) 
13,674 
(3,322) 
(9,600) 
164 
- 
- 
1,133 
(1,133) 
- 
(179,100) 
(6,910) 
(20,900) 

(735,270) 

(34,391) 

(84,900) 

- 
4,797 
32,300 
30,500 
7,976 
64,200 
27,206 
8,409 
70,000 
256 
9,503 
90,300 
13,711 
6,816 
57,700 
407,386 
12,706 
114,000 
9,292 
6,507 
45,500 
21,088 
8,619 
66,100 
5,565 
- 
33,500 
2,756 
4,086 
19,000 
20,900 
11,717 
114,000 

538,660 

81,136 

706,600 

(cid:131)  Deferred STI  - acquired  under the  mandatory  component of  the  Bank’s  Equity  Participation Plan  (“EPP”).   Shares 
were purchased on 31 Oct 2003 in two equal tranches, vesting on 1 July 2004 and 1 July 2005 respectively.  See 
Note 29 for further details on the EPP. 

(cid:131)  Reward Shares - granted under the Equity Reward Plan (“ERP”) on 1 Sep 2003 and are subject to a performance 
hurdle.    The  first  possible  date  for  meeting  the  performance  hurdle  is  2  Sep  2006  with  the  last  possible  date  for 
vesting being 1 Sep 2008.  See Note 29 for further details on the ERP. 

(2) 

‘Net change other’ incorporates changes resulting from purchases and sales during the year by Executives and vesting 
of Deferred STI and Reward Shares (which became Ordinary shares). 

(3)  Mr Katz also purchased 250 PERLS II securities during the year and continued to hold them at 30 June 2004. 

ASIC Class Order 

Australian  banks,  parent  entities  of  Australian  banks 
and  controlled  entities  of  Australian  banks  have  been 
exempted,  subject  to  certain  conditions,  under  an  ASIC 
Class Order No. 98/110 (as amended by ASIC Class Order 
No.  04/667),  from  making  disclosures  of  any  loan  made, 
guaranteed  or  secured  by  a  bank  to  related  parties  (other 
than 
for  directors,  specified  executives  and  entities 
controlled or significantly influenced by them) and financial 
instrument transactions (other than shares and share  

options)  of  a  bank  where  a  director,  or  a  specified 
executive,  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 
financial  assets  or  services.
to  a  bank,  other 

than 

161 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 44  Director and Executive Disclosures continued 
The Class Order does not apply to a loan or financial 
instrument  transaction  which  any  director,  or  a  specified 
executive,  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 

Loans to Directors and Specified Executives 

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. 

Details of aggregates of loans to Directors and Specified Executives (or entities controlled or significantly influenced by them) 
are as follows: 

Balance 
1 July 

Interest 
Charged 

Interest Not 
Charged 

Write-off 

Balance 
30 June 

$000s 

$000s 

$000s 

$000s 

$000s 

Number in 
Group at  
30 June  

Year 
Ended 
30 June 

2004 
2003 

Directors 

Specified Executives 
2004 
2003 

36 
29 

4,633 
3,845 

3 
3 

377 
193 

380 
196 

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

22
36

8,829
2,434

8,851
2,470

2 
1 

6 
3 

8 
4 

Total Directors and Specified Executives 

2004 
2003 

4,669 
3,874 

Details of individuals with loans above $100,000 in the reporting period are as follows: 

Name 

Directors 
Not Applicable 

Specified Executives 
Mr S I Grimshaw 

Mr H D Harley 

Mr M A Katz 

Mr G L Mackrell 

Mr J K O’Sullivan 

Mr G A Petersen 

Balance 
1 July  
2003 
$000s 

Interest 
Charged 

Interest Not 
Charged 

Write-off 

$000s 

$000s 

$000s 

Balance 
30 June 
2004 
$000s 

Highest in 
Period 
$000s 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
1,543 

2,639 
1,543 

335 
272 
245 
250 
204 
116 
321 

175 
175 

295 
146 

1,500 
200 
861 
208 

900 
800 

338 
931 
245 
253 
205 
116 
321 

175 
175 

303 
150 

1,502 
200 
941 
208 

900 
800 

- 
- 

335 
904 
208 
251 
204 
55 
274 

175 
175 

300 
124 

1,500 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

19 
14 

26 
35 
13 
15 
13 
3 
22 

11 
10 

20 
9 

91 
<1 
37 
8 

9 
9 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

162 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 44   Director and Executive Disclosures continued

Terms and conditions of Loans 

All loans with Directors and Specified Executives (or 
related  entities  controlled  or  significantly  influenced  by 
them) have been provided on an arms-length commercial 
basis including the term of the loan, security required and 
the interest rate (which may be fixed or variable). 

Shares of Directors 

All  shares  were  acquired  by  Directors  on  normal 
terms  and  conditions  or  through  the  Non-Executive 
Directors’  Share  Plan  (or  in  the  case  of  Mr  Murray  the 
Equity  Reward  Plan,  the  previous  Executive  Option  Plan 
or  the  Equity  Participation  Plan).  Mr  Murray  did  not 
exercise  any  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 
Murray  was  also  awarded  rights  to  90,000  shares  under 
the  Equity  Reward  Plan  and  13,576  shares  under  the 
Equity  Participation  Plan  during  the  year.  He  has  a  total 
holding of 242,000 shares under the Equity Reward Plan 
and  19,427  shares  under  the  Equity  Participation  Plan. 
Shares  awarded  under  the  Equity  Reward  Plan  and 
Equity Participation Plan are registered in the name of the 
Trustee. The transfer of legal title to Mr Murray is subject 
to  vesting  conditions,  and,  in  the  case  of  the  Equity 
Reward  Plan,  is  conditional  on  the  Bank  achieving  a 
prescribed performance hurdle over a minimum three year 
period. For further details of the Non-Executive Directors’ 
Share  Plan,  Equity  Reward  Plan,  previous  Executive 
Option Plan and Equity Participation Plan refer to Note 29. 
In  addition,  Mr  Ralph  holds  an  investment  of 
$175,780 in Commonwealth Property Securities Fund and 
an  investment  of  $532,739  in  Colonial  First  State  Global 
Diversified  Strategies  Fund.  Both  holdings  are  held 
beneficially. Dr Schubert holds an investment of $654,683 
in  Colonial  First  State  Wholesale  Diversified  Fund.  Mr 
Daniels  beneficially  holds  an  investment  of  $54,919  in 
Colonial  First  State  Global  Health  and  Biotech  Fund.  A 
related  party  of  Mr  Daniels  holds  an  investment  of 

$235,972 in Colonial First State Future Leaders Fund and 
$221,772 in Colonial First State Imputation Fund. 

Other Transactions of Directors, Specified Executives 
and Other Related Parties 

Financial Instrument Transactions 
Financial  instrument  transactions  (other  than  loans 
and  shares  disclosed  above)  of  Directors  and  Specified 
Executives  with  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. 

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,  Specified  Executive  and  entities  controlled  or 
significantly influenced by them. 

All  such  financial  instrument  transactions  that  have 
occurred  between  the  banks  and  their  Directors  and 
Specified  Executives  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,  Specified 
Executives  and  their  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. The interests of Mr Ralph, Dr Schubert 
and Mr Daniels in investment funds managed by Colonial 
First State are detailed above. Additionally, Mr 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  amounted 
to $4,059,827. 

All  other  such  transactions  that  have  occurred  with 
Directors,  Specified  Executives  and  their  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. 

The Directors' Retirement Allowance Scheme 

The entitlements of the non-executive directors under the Directors’ Retirement Allowance Scheme are: 

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 (1) 
Mr W G Kent, AO 
Mr F D Ryan 
Mr F J Swan 
Ms B K Ward 

Increase in accrued  

benefit in year
$

Entitlement as at
30 June 2004
$

36,479
46,981
23,717
38,988
41,663
46,418
-
46,418
46,466
44,429
51,566

1,196,479
624,241
419,059
184,788
145,459
150,550
-
150,550
155,540
258,086
352,955

(1)  Ms Kay was appointed as a Director after the closure of the 

scheme 

163 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 45  Related Party Disclosures 

Ultimate Parent 

Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  is  the  ultimate 

The  Bank’s  aggregate  investment  in  and  loans  to 

Australian parent company in the Group. 

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. 

Other Related Entities 

An  amount  of  $548  million  (2003:  $567  million)  was 
transactions  and  services 

the  Group 

in 

incurred  by 
provided by other related entities. 

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. 

164 

 
 
  
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 46  Statements of Cash Flow 

GROUP 

2004
$M

2003
$M

2002 
$M 

2004
$M

BANK

2003
$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 

1,548 
440
4,124 
(3,266)
2,846

1,492 
641 
2,528 
(3,233)
1,428 

2,056 
495 
2,709 
(2,762) 
2,498 

1,421
233
3,230
(3,245)
1,639 

1,332 
232 
1,943 
(3,230)
277 

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:131) 
Customer deposits to and withdrawals from deposit; 
(cid:131) 
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 
Net (gain)/loss on sale of controlled entities 
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 
Revaluation of life insurance assets 
Gain on sale of life insurance assets 
Other 
Net Cash (used in)/provided by Operating Activities 

(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 

Sales and purchases of trading securities; and 
Proceeds  from  and  repayment  of  short  term  debt 
issues. 

2004
$M

2,581
(186)
334
(4,324)
(2)
11
(43)
276
450
185
(36)
(29)
(39)

(107)
412
12
(260)

(201)
777
(1,430)
(456)
(296)
(2,371)

  GROUP 
2002 
$M 

2003 
$M 

2,018 
(78) 
62 
(2,484) 
9 
(22) 
- 
305 
450 
(15) 
(234) 
(166) 
100 

(94) 
6 
6 
(269) 

245 
(2,056) 
164 
(154) 
82 
(2,125) 

2,656 
210 
(60) 
(1,159) 
(78) 
(12) 
- 
449 
451 
(120) 
443 
(522) 
69 

(17) 
(162) 
18 
723 

(477) 
(1,112) 
264 
140 
289 
1,993 

2004
$M

1,647
(8)
298
(4,672)
(2)
10
453
263
271
143
(7)
323
(532)

(334)
262
11
(264)

          -
          -
          -
          -
(12)
(2,150)

BANK
2003
$M

2,099 
(273)
103 
(1,814)
9 
(13)
-
266 
269 
(7)
(137)
10 
(3)

143 
(73)
6 
(246)

-
-
-
-
(21)
318 

Note (d)  Non Cash Financing and Investing Activities 

Shares issued under the Dividend Reinvestment Plan for 2004 were $389 million. 

165 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 46   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 
Other assets 
Other provisions 
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 
Profit/(loss) on sale 

Inflow of cash from disposal 
Cash proceeds 

Note (g)  Financing Facilities 

Standby funding lines are immaterial. 

2004
$M

2003 
$M 

2002 
$M 

              -
              -
              -
-

              -
              -
              -
              -
              -
              -
              -
              -
              -

              -
              -
              -
              -

71 
- 
2 
73 

29 
29 
(8) 
(33) 
- 
17 
26 
30 
73 

71 
- 
(29) 
42 

56 
1 
- 
57 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
57 
- 
57 

56 
1 
- 
57 

2004
$M

2003 
$M 

2002 
$M 

63
63 

20 
43 
63 

63 
63 

33 
33 

65 
(32) 
33 

33 
33 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

166 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 47  Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments 

These amounts represent estimates of net fair values 
at a point in time. Significant estimates regarding economic 
conditions, loss experience, risk characteristics associated 
with particular financial instruments and other factors were 
used  for  the  purposes  of  this  disclosure.  These  estimates 
are  subjective  in  nature  and  involve  matters  of  judgment. 
Therefore,  they  cannot  be  determined  with  precision. 
Changes in the assumptions could have a material impact 
on the amounts estimated. 

to 

represent  estimates  at  which 

While  the  estimated  net  fair  value  amounts  are 
these 
designed 
instruments  could  be  exchanged  in  a  current  transaction 
between  willing  parties,  many  of  the  Group’s  financial 
instruments 
trading  market  as 
characterised  by  willing  parties  engaging  in  an  exchange 
transaction. In addition, it is the Bank’s intent to hold most 
of its financial instruments to maturity and therefore it is not 
probable  that  the  net  fair  values  shown  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. 

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 information with that of other financial institutions. 
It is important that the many uncertainties discussed above 
be  considered  when  using  the  estimated  net  fair  value 
disclosures  and 
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  because  of 

realise 

to 

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 to Note 39) 

Carrying
Value
$M

6,453 
8,369 
14,896 
11,447 
189,391 
15,019 
28,942 
38 
24,721 

163,177 
6,641 
15,019 
24,638 
44,042 
19,140 
6,631 
            -

2004 
Net Fair 
Value 
$M 

6,453 
8,369 
14,896 
11,490 
188,954 
15,019 
28,942 
38 
24,721 

163,645 
6,641 
15,019 
24,638 
43,651 
19,148 
6,740 
(740) 

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 

141,186 
7,538 
13,197 
23,862 
30,356 
18,819 
6,350 
353 

The net fair value estimates were determined by the 

following methodologies and assumptions: 

Liquid assets and bank acceptances of customers 

The  carrying  values  of  cash  and  liquid  assets, 
receivables due from other financial institutions and bank 
acceptances of customers approximate their net fair value 
as  they  are  short  term  in  nature  or  are  receivable  on 
demand. 

Securities 

Trading  securities  are  carried  at  net  market/net  fair 
value  and  investment  securities  have  their  net  fair  value 
determined  based  on  quoted  market  prices,  broker  or 
dealer price quotations. 

Loans, advances and other receivables 

The  carrying  value  of  loans,  advances  and  other 
receivables  is  net  of  general  and  specific  provisions  for 
doubtful debts and interest/fees reserved. 

For  variable  rate  loans,  excluding  impaired  loans, 
the  carrying  amount  is  a  reasonable  estimate  of  net  fair 
value.  The  net  fair  value  for  fixed  rate  loans  was 
calculated  by  utilising  discounted  cash  flow  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. 

167 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

NOTE 47   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 

interest  payable  and 
includes 
unrealised  expenses  payable 
the  carrying 
for  which 
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 

in 

Included 

fees  receivable, 
this  category  are 
unrealised  income,  investments  in  associates  of  $239 
million  (2003:  $287  million),  and  excess  of  net  market 
value over net assets of life insurance controlled entities of 
$5,741  million  (2003:  $5,540  million),  where  the  carrying 
amount  is  considered  to  be  a  reasonable  estimate  of  net 
fair value. 

Other  financial  assets  are  net  of  goodwill,  future 
tax  benefits  and  prepayments/unamortised 
financial 

these  do  not  constitute  a 

income 
payments,  as 
instrument. 

Deposits and other public borrowings 

The  net  fair  value  of  non  interest  bearing,  call  and 
variable  rate  deposits,  and  fixed  rate  deposits  repricing 
within  six  months,  is  the  carrying  value  as  at  30  June. 
Discounted cash flow models based upon deposit type and 
its  related  maturity,  were  used  to  calculate  the  net  fair 
value of other term deposits. 

Short term liabilities 

The carrying value of payables due to other financial 
institutions  and  bank  acceptances  approximate  their  net 
fair  value  as  they  are  short  term  in  nature  and  reprice 
frequently. 

Debt issues and loan capital 

The  net  fair  values  of  debt  issues  and  loan  capital 
were  calculated  based  on  quoted  market  prices  as  at 
30 June. 

168 

 
 
Directors’ Declaration 

In accordance with a resolution of the directors of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, the directors declare that: 

(a)  

the financial statements and notes thereto comply with Accounting Standards and in their opinion are in accordance 
with the Corporations Act 2001; 

(b) 

(c) 

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 2004 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 

11 August 2004 

D V Murray 
Managing Director and  
Chief Executive Officer 

169 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
    
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 for the year ended 30 June 2004 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  and  the 
consolidated Group, for the year ended 30 June 2004.  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. 

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  and  the 
consolidated Group, for the year ended 30 June 2004.  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 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: 
(cid:131) 

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. 

(cid:131) 

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 judgement 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 Commonwealth Bank of Australia and the Group at 30 June 2004 

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  

11 August 2004 

S J Ferguson 
Partner 

170 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholding Information 

Top 20 Holders of Fully Paid Ordinary Shares as at 10 August 2004 

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 Limited 
National Nominees Limited 
Westpac Custodian Nominees Ltd 
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 
RBC Global Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited 
Queensland Investment Corporation 
Cogent Nominees Limited 
AMP Life Limited 
ANZ Nominees Limited 
Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited 
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 
CSS Board & PSS Board 
Bond Street Custodians Limited 
Invia Custodian Pty Limited 
Government Superannuation Office 
UBS Warburg Private Clients Nominees Pty Ltd 
IAG Nominees Pty Limited 
Westpac Financial Services Ltd 
Suncorp Custodian Services Pty Ltd 
Australian Trustees Pty Ltd 

121,384,680 
90,577,461 
87,818,339 
63,935,139 
30,671,740 
19,482,371 
16,693,388 
15,615,127 
15,511,420 
6,705,245 
6,087,368 
4,942,977 
4,940,303 
4,774,535 
4,229,927 
3,617,893 
3,548,578 
3,458,245 
2,821,839 
2,644,549 

% 

9.60 
7.17 
6.95 
5.06 
2.43 
1.54 
1.32 
1.24 
1.23 
0.53 
0.48 
0.39 
0.39 
0.38 
0.33 
0.29 
0.28 
0.27 
0.22 
0.21 

The twenty largest shareholders hold 509,461,124 shares which is equal to 40.31% 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 11 August 2004 

Shares 

Options

1,250,000 

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 

23,861 
16,268 
288,168 
9,490 
12,631 
16,392 
7,689 
2,980 
14,522 
6,671 
4,996 
4,914 

Mr  Murray  has  a  total  holding  of  242,000  shares 
under  the  Equity  Reward  Plan,  registered  in  the  name  of 
the Trustee and 6,788 shares under the Mandatory Equity 
Participation  plan,  also  registered  in  the  name  of  the 
Trustee. 

In addition, Mr Ralph beneficially holds 100,000 units 
in  Commonwealth  Property  Securities  Fund  and  495,294 

units  in  Colonial  First  State  Global  Diversified  Strategies 
Fund.  Dr  Schubert  holds  483,554  units  in  Colonial  First 
State  Wholesale  Diversified  Fund.  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. 

171 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholding Information 

Guidelines for Dealings by Directors in Shares 

in 

the  securities  of 

The  restrictions  imposed  by  law  on  dealings  by 
the  Bank  have  been 
Directors 
the  Board  of  Directors  adopting 
supplemented  by 
guidelines  which 
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 

further 

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): 10 August 2004 
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 and over 
Total 

Less than marketable parcel of $500  

541,661
153,521
13,405
5,646
259
714,492

13,329

75.80%
21.49%
1.88%
0.79%
0.04%

186,343,047 
307,584,350 
91,805,490 
108,615,541 
569,657,634 
100.00% 1,264,006,062 

84,336 

14.74%
24.33%
7.26%
8.59%
45.08%
100.00%

Voting Rights 

Under the Bank’s Constitution, each member present 
at  a  general  meeting  of  the  Bank  in  person  or  by  proxy, 
attorney or official representative is entitled: 
(cid:131) 
on a show of hands – to one vote; and 
(cid:131) 
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 

present for a member: 
(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

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:131) 

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:131) 

172 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholding Information 

Top 20 Holders of Preferred Exchangeable Resettable Listed Shares (PERLS) as at 10 August 2004 

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 

Citicorp Nominees Pty Ltd 
Westpac Custodian Nominees Ltd 
National Nominees Limited 
RBC Global Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited 
ANZ Executors & Trustee Company Limited 
Bond Street Custodians Limited 
Tower Trust Limited 
Invia Custodian Pty Limited 
UBS Private Clients Australia Nominees Pty Ltd 
Boxall Marine Pty Ltd 
Permanent Trustee Australia Limited 
Questor Financial Services Limited 
The Australian National University 
National Superannuation Trusts P/L 
Brencorp No 11 Pty Limited 
Livingstone Investments (NSW) Pty Limited 
Ms Thelma Joan Martin-Weber 
BT Portfolio Services Limited 
Albert Investments Pty Limited 
Felden Pty Ltd 
Marbear Holdings Pty Limited 
Mrs Fay Cleo Martin-Weber 
Swinburne University of Technology 

127,230 
67,117 
65,120 
63,802 
42,330 
29,764 
28,969 
27,599 
26,293 
25,000 
25,000 
24,292 
24,049 
21,447 
17,667 
15,000 
12,500 
11,200 
10,000 
10,000 
10,000 
10,000 
10,000 

% 

3.64 
1.92 
1.86 
1.82 
1.21 
0.85 
0.83 
0.79 
0.75 
0.71 
0.71 
0.69 
0.69 
0.61 
0.50 
0.43 
0.36 
0.32 
0.29 
0.29 
0.29 
0.29 
0.29 

The  twenty  three  largest  PERLS  shareholders  hold  704,379  shares  which  is  equal  to  20.13%  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 
trade  symbol 

Australian  Stock  Exchange  under 
CBAPA, with Sydney being the home exchange. Details  

the 

of trading activity are published in most daily newspapers, 
generally under the abbreviation of CBA or C’wealth Bank 
(pref).  

Range of Shares (PERLS): 10 August 2004 

Range 

1-1,000 
1,001-5,000 
5,001-10,000 
10,001-100,000 
100,001 and over 
Total 
Less than marketable parcel of $500  

Number of 
Shareholders

Percentage 
Shareholders 

Number of 
Shares 

Percentage 
Issued Capital

20,911
268
20
14
1
21,214
4

98.58%
1.26%
0.09%
0.07%
0.00%
100.00%

2,263,069 
529,055 
150,319 
430,938 
126,619 
3,500,000 
5 

64.66%
15.12%
4.29%
12.31%
3.62%
100.00%

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 
meeting of the Bank except in the following circumstances: 
(cid:131) 
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; 
On a proposal to wind up the Bank; 

that  affects  rights  attached 

(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 

to 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 

(cid:131) 
(cid:131) 

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:131) 

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. 

(cid:131) 

173 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholding Information 

Top 20 Holders of Perpetual Exchangeable Resettable Listed Securities II (“PERLS II”) as at 10 August 2004 

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 

National Nominees Limited 
Westpac Custodian Nominees Limited 
RBC Global Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited 
J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited 
AMP Life Limited 
UBS Private Clients Australia Nominees Pty Ltd 
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 
UBS Nominees Pty Ltd 
Cogent Nominees Pty Limited 
Invia Custodian Limited 
J Neave Investments Pty Limited 
Elise Nominees Pty Limited 
ANZ Nominees Limited 
Questor Financial Services Limited 
Cryton Investments No 9 Pty Ltd 
Lutovi Investments Pty Limited 
Votraint No.1019 Pty Ltd 
Vision Super Pty Ltd 
Gordon Merchant No 2 Pty Ltd 
Marbear Holdings Pty Limited 

469,501 
259,653 
165,001 
155,447 
105,208 
99,086 
86,710 
54,340 
45,028 
30,768 
30,000 
29,380 
27,273 
26,226 
25,000 
25,000 
25,000 
24,832 
24,440 
22,500 

% 

12.52 
6.92 
4.40 
4.15 
2.81 
2.64 
2.31 
1.45 
1.20 
0.82 
0.80 
0.78 
0.73 
0.70 
0.67 
0.67 
0.67 
0.66 
0.65 
0.60 

The twenty largest PERLS II shareholders hold 1,730,393 shares which is equal to 46.14% of the total shares on issue.  

Stock Exchange Listing 

Commonwealth  Bank  PERLS  II  are  listed  on  the 
Australian   Stock   Exchange   under   the   trade   symbol  

PCBPA,  with  Sydney  being  the  home  exchange.  Details 
of trading activity are published in most daily newspapers. 

Range of Shares (PERLS II): 10 August 2004 

Range 

1-1,000 
1,001-5,000 
5,001-10,000 
10,001-100,000 
100,001 and over 
Total 
Less than marketable parcel of $500  

Number of 
Shareholders

Percentage
Shareholders

Number of 
Shares 

Percentage 
Issued Capital

7,175
289
28
24
4
7,520
1

95.42%
3.84%
0.37%
0.32%
0.05%
100.00%

1,088,882 
642,311 
232,496 
796,502 
989,809 
3,750,000 
5 

29.04%
17.13%
6.20%
21.24%
26.39%
100.00%

Voting Rights 

PERLS II do not confer any voting rights in the Bank 
but  if  they  are  exchanged  for  or  convert  into  ordinary 
shares  or  preference  shares  of  the  Bank  in  accordance 
with their terms of issue, the voting rights of the ordinary or 
preference shares (as the case may be) will be as set out 
on pages 172 and 173 respectively for the Bank’s ordinary 
shares and PERLS preference shares. 

Trust Preferred Securities 

550,000 Trust Preferred Securities were issued on 6 
August 2003. Cede & Co is registered as the sole holder 
of these securities. 

The  Trust  Preferred  Securities  do  not  confer  any 
voting rights in the Bank but if they are exchanged for or 
convert  into  ordinary  shares  or  preference  shares  of  the 
Bank  in  accordance  with  their  terms  of  issue,  the  voting 
rights  of  the  ordinary  or  preference  shares  (as  the  case 
may  be)  will  be  as  set  out  on  pages  172  and  173 
respectively  for  the  Bank’s  ordinary  shares  and  PERLS 
preference shares. 

174 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 Torquat 

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 

First State Investments (UK) Limited 
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 
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 

PT First State Investments Indonesia 
29th Floor, Gedung Artha Graha 
Sudirman Central Business District 
Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 52-53 
Jakarta 12190 
Tel: 62 21 515 0088 
Tel: 62 21 515 0033 
Chief Executive Officer, First State 
International 
T Waring 

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) 6538 0008 
Facsimile: (65) 6538 0800 
Chief Executive Officer, First State 
International 
T Waring 

First State Investments (Singapore) Pte 
3 Temasek Avenue 
#20-01 Centennial Tower 
Singapore 039190 
Telephone: (65) 6538 0008 
Facsimile: (65) 6538 0800 
Chief Executive Officer, First State 
International 
T Waring 

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 

175 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONTACT US 

www.commbank.com.au  

13 2221 General Enquiries 
For  your  everyday  banking  including  paying  bills  using 
BPAY  our  automated  service  is  available  24  hours  a  day, 
365 days a year.  
From  overseas  call  +61  13  2221.  Operator  assistance  is 
available between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Friday.  

13 2224 Home Loans & Investment Home Loans 
To apply for a new home loan/investment home loan or to 
maintain an existing loan. Available from 8am to 10pm, 365 
days a year.  

13 1431 Personal Loan Sales 
To apply for a new personal loan. 
Available from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday. 

13 15 19 CommSec (Commonwealth Securities) 
Available from 8am to 7pm (EST), Monday to Friday. 
CommSec  provides  the  information  and  tools  to  make 
smart  investment  easy,  accessible  and  affordable  for  all 
Australians, by phone or Internet at www.commsec.com.au  

13 17 09 CommSec Margin Loan  
Enables you to expand your portfolio by borrowing against 
your existing shares and managed funds. To find out more 
simply call 13 17 09 8am to 5pm (EST) Monday to Friday 
or visit www.commsec.com.au. 

1800 240 889 Telephone Typewriter Service  
A  special  telephone  banking  service  for  our  hearing  and 
speech  impaired  customers.  The  service  covers  all  the 
services available on 13 2221. Available from 8am to 8pm, 
Monday to Friday.  

Corporate Directory  
Registered Office 
Level 7, 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 1235  
Telephone: (02) 8280 7199 
Facsimile: (02) 9287 0303 
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  

1800 011 217 Lost or Stolen Cards 
To report a lost or stolen card 24 hours a day, 365 days a 
year.  

Australian Stock Exchange Listing 
CBA  

Annual Report 
To  request  a  copy  of  the  annual  report  please  call  1800 
022 440   

13 1998 Business Line 
For a full range of business banking solutions. 
Available from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.  

13 2015 Commonwealth Financial Services 
For  enquires  on  retirement  and  superannuation  products, 
or  managed  investments.  Available  from  8am  to  8pm 
(EST), Monday to Friday.  
Unit prices are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  

CommInsure 
For all your general insurance needs call 13 2423 8am to 
8pm (EST), Monday to Friday – or visit  
www.comminsure.com.au  
For  general  claims  assistance  call  13  2420,  24  hours  a 
day, 365 days a year. 
For all your life insurance needs call 13 1056 8am to 8pm 
(EST), Monday to Friday – or visit  
www.comminsure.com.au  

Internet Banking 
You can apply for a home loan, credit card, personal loan, 
term  deposit  or  a  savings  account  on  the  internet  by 
visiting  our  website  at  www.commbank.com.au  available 
24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  

Do your everyday banking on our internet banking service 
NetBank  at  www.commbank.com.au/netbank  available  24 
hours a day, 365 days a year.  

To apply for access to NetBank, call 13 2828 between 8am 
and 8pm (EST), Monday to Friday.  

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Commonwealth Bank of Australia ACN 123 123 124
Annual Report 2004

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