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FY2010 Annual Report · Commonwealth Bank of Australia
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Annual Report 2010

Back to be updated

The text pages of the Annual Report are printed on Terrapress Silk produced in Kabel, Germany. 
Stora Enso Kabel is certified under ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and EMAS (Eco Management and Audit System). 
All virgin fibre used by Stora Enso products originates from well managed forests and controlled sources.

www.commbank.com.au

CBA1421 010908

Commonwealth Bank of Australia ACN 123 123 124

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chairman‟s Statement 

Chief Executive Officer‟s Statement 

Presentation of Financial Information 

Highlights 

Group Performance Analysis 

Asset Quality 

Retail Banking Services 

Business and Private Banking 

Institutional Banking and Markets 

Wealth Management 

New Zealand 

Bankwest 

Other Divisions 

Investment Experience 

Risk Management 

Capital Management 

Description of Business Environment 

Sustainability 

Corporate Governance 

Directors‟ Report 

Five Year Financial Summary 

Financial Statements 

Income Statements 

Statements of Comprehensive Income 

Balance Sheets 

Statements of Changes in Equity 

Statements of Cash Flows 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Directors‟ Declaration 

Independent Auditor‟s Report 

Shareholding Information 

International Representation 

Contact Us 

Corporate Directory 

Contents 

2 

4 

7 

8 

13 

19 

20 

22 

24 

26 

30 

34 

36 

38 

39 

44 

50 

53 

57 

63 

91 

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101 

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241 

 
 
 
Chairman‟s Statement 

Introduction 

This  is  my  first  Statement  to  you  as  Chairman  of  the 
Commonwealth Bank  of  Australia  (”the  Group”). It  was a  great 
honour  to  be  offered  the  position  and  to  take  over  from  John 
Schubert on his retirement in February this year.  

the  Group‟s  business 

The  Group  is  a  strong  organisation  and  the  resilience  and 
strength  of 
franchise  was  well 
demonstrated by its financial and operating performance through 
the global financial crisis which continued into the 2010 financial 
year in which the Group has delivered another good result. 

Although  the  outlook  for  the  2011  financial  year  is  somewhat 
uncertain I am confident that the Group will continue to perform 
well  as  we  pursue  our  vision  of  becoming  Australia‟s  finest 
financial  services  organisation  through  excelling  in  customer 
service. 

Results 

The Group‟s statutory net profit after tax for the full year ended 
30  June  2010  was  $5,664  million,  which  represents  a  20% 
increase on the prior reported year. 

Cash  net  profit  after  tax  for  the  full  year  was  $6,101  million, 
which  represents  an  increase  of  42%  on  the  prior  year.  This 
result  was  achieved  in  a  better  macroeconomic  environment 
than 2009, but the outlook still remains uncertain, mainly due to 
volatility in international markets, and doubts about the speed of 
recovery of the United States and European economies. 

Key financial performance highlights for the year included: 

Net interest income growth of 11% on the prior year which 
reflected solid retail lending and deposit growth; 

  Other banking income was 3% down on the prior year and 
was  impacted  by  lower  credit  card  loyalty,  exception  and 
ATM fee income, combined with lower trading income from 
reduced financial markets volatility; 
Funds management income increased by 4% on the prior 
year  due  to  improved  investment  markets  returns  driving 
higher  average  Funds  Under  Management  and  Funds 
Under Administration; and 

Insurance income increased by 2% on the prior year, as a 
result  of  solid  inforce  premium  growth,  partially  offset  by 
higher claims experience. 

Cash Return on Equity for the year ended 30 June 2010 was a 
healthy 18.7%, up 370 basis points due to increasing profitability 
and effective capital management. 

The final dividend declared was $1.70 per share, an increase of 
48% on the prior year. The total dividend for the year to 30 June 
2010 was $2.90, taking the dividend payout ratio to 73.9%. 

Retail  Banking  Services  cash  net  profit  after  tax  was  $2,461 
million, which represented an increase of 17% on the prior year. 
This result reflects strong volume growth and continued focus on 
cost efficiency.  

Business  and Private  Banking  delivered  a strong performance, 
achieving 21% growth in cash net profit after tax to $893 million. 
This result reflected continued momentum across all businesses 
with  operating  performance  growth  of  19%  and  total  banking 
income up by 11%.  

Institutional Banking and Markets achieved a cash net profit after 
tax  of  $1,182  million,  a  significant  increase  on  the  prior  year. 
Lower  impairment  charges  were  the  main  driver  of  the  result 
supported  by  growth  in  operating income  in  line  with  improved 
market conditions. 

2 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Underlying profit after tax for the Wealth Management business 
increased 15% on the prior year to $592 million. Cash net profit 
after tax for the Wealth Management business was significantly 
higher compared with the prior year at $718 million.  

Cash  net  profit  after  tax  for  our  New  Zealand  based  ASB  and 
Sovereign was NZ$461 million, a decrease of 14% on the prior 
year. The result reflected the impact of tightening credit markets, 
which  in  turn  led  to  increased  funding  costs  along  with  the 
recession in New Zealand. 

Bankwest  cash  net  profit  after  tax  for  the  year  ended  30  June 
2010 was $60 million, up from the pro forma profit of $3 million 
last  year.  The  result  reflected  a  strong  operating  performance, 
partly offset by higher loan impairment expense. 

Cash net profit after tax for  our Asian banking businesses was 
$45 million, an increase of 50% on the prior year. The result was 
underpinned  by  strong  income  growth  from  the  Chinese  retail 
banks and Indonesian life insurance business, partially offset by 
an increase in impairment expense.  

Global Banking Regulation 

Following  the  problems  experienced  by  the  United  States  and 
European banking systems during the global financial crisis we 
have  seen  global  regulators  looking  to  introduce  changes  to 
banking  regulation  aimed  at  preventing  similar  problems  from 
arising  again.  Broadly  they  have  focused  on  proposals  that 
banks carry higher levels of capital and more liquidity. 

While  regulators  in  some  jurisdictions  clearly  need  to  address 
the adequacy of their regulatory regime post the global financial 
crisis, it is important that we, in Australia, think carefully before 
adopting a “one size fits all” approach. There are at least three 
reasons why we should be cautious: 

Firstly, the major Australian banks came through the global 
financial crisis relatively unscathed which is largely due to 
the fact that we were well capitalised and had put in place 
rigorous  internal  processes  as  a  result  of  the  adoption  of 
advanced accreditation under Basel lI; 
Secondly,  we,  unlike  some  countries,  already  have  a 
strong  regulatory  environment  and  a  good  oversight 
system; and,  

Finally there is a danger that higher capital and/or liquidity 
levels could significantly increase the cost of, or reduce the 
availability of, credit to our customers. 

So,  rather  than  rush  in  and  adopt  a  “global  solution”  we  will 
continue  to  work  closely  with  Government  and  our  own 
regulators  on  sensible  policy  initiatives  that  don‟t  impact 
negatively  on  our  customers,  our  shareholders  and 
the 
Australian economy. 

Dividends and Capital 

The final dividend of 170 cents per share, which is fully franked, 
will  be  paid  on  1  October  2010.  The  Group  will  satisfy  the 
Dividend Reinvestment Plan for the 2010 financial year through 
the full or partial on-market purchase and transfer of shares.  

During the year dividend and interest payments were also made 
to the holders of the Group‟s various capital securities: PERLS 
III, PERLS IV, PERLS V, Trust Preferred Securities 2003, Trust 
Preferred Securities 2006, ASB Capital Preference Shares and 
ASB Capital No 2 Preference Shares. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  Group  maintains  a  strong  capital  position  with  the  capital 
ratios  remaining  well  in  excess  of both APRA minimum capital 
adequacy  requirements  and  the  Board‟s  approved  minimum 
target  at  all  times  throughout  the  period.  Tier  One  Capital  and 
Total Capital ratios as at 30 June 2010 were 9.15% and 11.49% 
respectively. 

The  following  significant  initiatives  were  undertaken  during  the 
financial year to actively manage the Group‟s Tier One Capital: 

The  allocation  of  $685  million  ordinary  shares  in  order  to 
satisfy  the  DRP  in  respect  of  the  final  dividend  for  the 
2008/2009 financial year, representing a DRP participation 
rate of 39%, inclusive of DRP discount of 1.5%;  
The allocation of $772 million of ordinary shares in order to 
satisfy  the  DRP, in  respect  of the interim  dividend  for  the 
2009/2010 financial  year,  representing  a  participation  rate 
of 42%, inclusive of DRP discount of 1.5%; and 
The  Group  issued  $2  billion  ($1,964  million  net  of  issue 
costs)  PERLS  V  securities  in  October  2009  which  qualify 
as Non-Innovative Tier One Capital. 

The  strength  of  the  Group‟s  capital  position  continues  to  be 
reflected in its long-term credit ratings as illustrated on page 10.  

Corporate Governance and Board Performance 

We employed an external firm to assist with an assessment of 
the  performance  of  the  Board  as  a  whole  and  of  individual 
Directors.  The  report  and  feedback  was  positive  and  gave  us 
confidence that the direction, oversight and strategic direction of 
the Group, by the Board, is sound. 

In recognition of the continuing uncertain economic environment, 
the Board Risk Committee, which is chaired by Harrison Young, 
continues to comprise all members of your Board. This reflects 
the critical importance that the Board places on the management 
of risk in the current environment.  

In  April  this  year,  Reg  Clairs  retired  from  the  Board  after  11 
years  of  service  as  a  Director.  Reg  has  made  a  significant 
contribution  to  the  Group  during  his time as  a  Director  and  his 
experience in retailing was of particular value to the Board. Reg 
also chaired the People and Remuneration Committee. 

Jane  Hemstritch,  who  joined  the  Board  in  2008,  and  was  a 
member  of  the  People  and  Remuneration  Committee,  has 
succeeded Reg as its Chair and will bring all her experience to 
bear on this important Board Committee. 

John Schubert retired as Chairman and Director on 10 February 
2010.  John  had  been  on  the  Board  for  18  years  and  oversaw 
considerable change in the development of the Group during his 
tenure  as  a  Director  and  Chairman.  His  commitment  was 
unswerving and his great skills admired by all his colleagues. 

I would like, on behalf of the Board, to thank both John Schubert 
and  Reg  Clairs  for  all  they  have  done  for  the  Commonwealth 
Bank of Australia and wish them both health and happiness in 
the pursuit of their future interests. 

Finally,  I  would  like  to  thank  my  fellow  Directors  for  their  hard 
work and support. 

Outlook 

Despite some improvement, the global recovery remains uneven 
with the concerns about advanced economies balanced out by 
some strength in the emerging economies. 

The  Australian  economy  remains  well  placed  relative  to  most 
other developed countries. However, recent uncertainty over the 
pace of recovery in the United States and Europe highlight the 
downside  risks  still  in  play.  These  risks  have  not  helped 
domestic  business  and  consumer  confidence  both  of  which 

Chairman‟s Statement 

remain fragile. This fragility manifested itself in a slowing in the 
underlying  momentum  in  our  business  at  the  end  of  the  2010 
financial year. 

As a result it is appropriate to maintain a degree of caution about 
the prospects for our business for the coming year. We intend to 
the 
retain  conservative  capital  and 
foreseeable future so that we are able to provide support to our 
customers in these uncertain times. 

liquidity  settings 

for 

Conclusion 

2010  has  been  another  successful  year  for  the  Group  in  a 
number of respects. The result demonstrates that the Group is in 
a  strong  financial  position  with  a  robust  and  sustainable 
business model. We are also seeing the disciplined execution of 
the  Group‟s  strategy  focussed  on  customers,  people  and 
technology. Our Australian business is continuing to support its 
customers  in  difficult  times  while  consistently  delivering  better 
results. This performance is a tribute to the strength of the Group 
business model and the enormous commitment and hard work 
of our people who are delivering good results for our customers 
and shareholders.  

While  the  outlook  for  the  coming  year  is  uncertain,  the  recent 
performance of the Group and the commitment to the pursuit of 
our  vision  of  becoming  Australia‟s  finest  financial  services 
organisation  through  excelling  in  customer  services,  give  me 
great  confidence  in  the  Group‟s  ability  to  continue  to  deliver 
superior returns for our shareholders. 

Finally, I would like to thank our customers and shareholders for 
their continuing support for the Commonwealth Bank of Australia 
and of course all the staff of the Group on whom we depend for 
our success. 

David Turner 

Chairman 

11 August 2010 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer‟s Statement 

Introduction 

Having  emerged  from  the  challenging  2009  financial  year  in  a 
strong  financial  position,  the  Group  continued  to  strengthen  its 
business franchise and support its customers through the 2010 
financial  year.  The  Group‟s  ongoing  commitment  to,  and 
disciplined  execution  of,  its  five  strategic  priorities  underpinned 
another healthy operating and financial result. 

While global and domestic economies improved during the year, 
the  pathway  to  a  sustainable  global  economic  recovery  is 
uncertain.  As  a  result,  the  Group  remains  cautious,  retaining 
conservative  capital  and  liquidity  settings.  However,  our  strong 
financial  position  will  enable  us  to  continue  investing  in  our 
business  to  ensure  that  we  achieve  our  vision  of  being 
through 
finest 
Australia‟s 
excelling in customer service. 

financial  services  organisation 

Operating Environment  

At  the  beginning  of  the  financial  year  the  outlook  for  both  the 
domestic  and  global  economies  was  reasonably  positive  with 
Australia appearing to be on the road to a sustainable economic 
recovery.  However,  as  the  year  progressed  the  level  of 
uncertainty around the pace of recovery of the United States and 
European  economies  grew  and  domestic  business  and 
consumer  confidence  became  increasingly  fragile.  As  a  result 
the stronger  growth  which  we  experienced in  the  first  half  was 
tempered in the second as our customers reacted cautiously to 
the less certain economic outlook. This uncertainty also had an 
adverse  impact  on  global  financial  markets,  placing  additional 
upward pressure on the Group‟s wholesale funding costs. 

Despite  these  challenges  the  Group  is  well  funded  and  in  a 
strong financial position enabling us to: 

Remain  one  of  only  a  handful  of  global  banks to  retain  a 
AA credit rating; 
Continue  to  support  our  customers  with  new  loans  and 
advances to customers over the period in excess of $100 
billion; 
Support the 45,000 people we employ in Australia and the 
communities in which they live and work; 
Pay $4.5 billion of dividends to shareholders with over 80% 
going to Australian residents; 
Pay $2.9 billion in government tax, levies and stamp duty; 
and 

Invest  over  $1  billion  in  our  strategic  initiatives,  such  as 
Core Banking Modernisation, building the business for the 
future. 

In the current uncertain economic climate, the Group recognises 
the importance of maintaining a strong capital base, high levels 
of liquidity and conservative provisioning. 

Strategic Priorities 

Since early 2006, the Group has consistently pursued a simple, 
clear  strategy,  with  the  objective  of  becoming  Australia‟s  finest 
financial  services  organisation,  through  excelling  in  customer 
service. To achieve this goal we have focused our energies on 
delivering  our  five  core  strategic  priorities  –  Customer  Service, 
Business  Banking,  Technology  and  Operational  Excellence, 
Trust and Team Spirit and Profitable Growth. The result is that 
today,  the  Group  is  a  significantly  stronger  and  more  dynamic 
organisation than it was four years ago. 

The  cornerstone  of  our  strategy  has  been  Customer  Service, 
and from a position of being a clear last three years ago, we are 
now seeing consistent improvement across every sector of our 
business.  This  can  be  attributed  to  a  relentless  focus  on  a 
number of key activities which include: 

4 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Embedding  of  sales  and  service  culture  with  a  particular 
emphasis on training our front line people;  
Investing in our front line and becoming more accessible to 
our customers; 
Continuously  reviewing  and  refining  our  product  portfolio 
and introducing new and improved products; and 
Simplifying  procedures  to  improve  responsiveness  and 
speed up approval and processing times. 

Improvements  in  customer  satisfaction  are  translating  into 
stronger  market  shares  in  all  of  our  key  markets.  In  home 
lending,  three  years  ago  our  market  share  was  in  long  term 
decline. Today, we are consistently growing well above system. 
In  business  lending,  the  acquisition  of  Bankwest  has  boosted 
our  underweight  position,  and  there  remains  significant  upside 
potential in this part of our business. In deposits, we have further 
strengthened our market leading position, with our entire suite of 
retail  deposits  and  transaction  accounts  now  rated  5  Star  by 
CANSTAR CANNEX. 

On  the  technology  front,  our  systems  are  significantly  more 
customer  friendly,  have  much  greater  functionality  and  are 
materially  more  reliable  than  they  were  four  years  ago. 
Investment in our back-office processing has yielded significant 
improvements  in  processing  times,  productivity  levels  and 
customer service rates. 

The  extent  of  this  transformation  is  testimony  to  the  drive, 
energy  and  engagement  of  our  people.  It  is  pleasing  that  we 
have been able to improve our level of employee engagement to 
the  point  where  we  are  now  rated  in  the  top  25  percent  of  all 
companies in the Gallup world-wide database. 

The  strong  momentum  which  we  have  built  up  behind  these 
strategic  initiatives  over  the  last  four  years  has  continued  into 
2010  and  it  is  particularly  satisfying  that  we  have  again  been 
rewarded with the accolade of 2010 Money Magazine “Bank of 
the  Year  Award”  along  with  similar  awards  from  a  number  of 
local and international organisations. 

Tangible measures of our success in delivering great Customer 
Service in the 2010 year include: 

In the Retail Bank ongoing focus on customer satisfaction 
has resulted in continued improvement on 14 year record 
high customer satisfaction scores; 
The Retail Bank‟s progress was also recognised through a 
number of awards including: 
-  Money  Magazine  “Money  Minder  of  the  Year  2010”, 
cash 

transaction, 

and 

saving 

recognising 
management products; 
Third  Party  Banking  awarded  “Lender  of  the  Year 
2010”  by  the  Mortgage  and  Finance  Association  of 
Australia for the second year running; 
“Australian Financial Institution of the Year (Retail)” at 
the  2010  Australian  Banking  and  Finance  Awards; 
and 
CANSTAR  CANNEX  awarding  a 5-Star  rating to the 
entire  rated  Retail  Deposit  product  suite  and  an 
innovation award for Travel Money Card. 

- 

- 

- 

the  East  and  Partners‟  semi-annual 

In  Business  and  Private  Banking  the  Group  was  the  only 
one  of  the  four  major  banks  to  improve  customer 
satisfaction between June 2009 and June 2010; 
In 
“Australian 
Institutional Banking &  Markets”,  Institutional Banking  and 
Markets  was  reported  as  best  in  market  for  the  fifth  year 
running for “Loyalty to Relationship” and “Understanding of 
Customer‟s Business”; 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer‟s Statement 

At  Bankwest,  customer  satisfaction  scores  improved  and 
six  products  received  gold  awards  in  Money  Magazine‟s 
2010  “Best  of  the  Best”  Awards,  including  Best  Everyday 
Branch Access account and Best Kid‟s Savings account; 
First  State 
Investments  was  named  Asia  Asset 
Management winner in the 2009 “Best of the Best” Awards, 
in  the  category  of  “Best  Performance  in  Global  Emerging 
Markets” (3 and 5 year periods); 
CFS  won  “Best  Fund  Manager”  service  level  award  from 
Wealth  Insights  for  the  3rd  year  running  and  CFS 
FirstWrap  platform  ranked  2nd  in  the  annual  Investment 
Trends platform benchmarking survey; and 

In  Indonesia,  PT  Bank  Commonwealth  maintained  its 
number  one  ranking  among  foreign  banks  for  customer 
service as rated by Synovate. 

Improving our competitive position in Business Banking remains 
a strategic priority, with key progress and outcomes during 2010 
including: 

times  and  reduce  queues 

A  market  leading  contactless  card  payment  facility  was 
launched in October 2009 which is designed to speed up 
transaction 
for  business 
customers  in  service-based  industries  with  over  12,000 
terminals already rolled out; 
A  range  of  additional  features  were  launched  within 
CommBiz  to  help  business  customers  conduct  their 
transactions faster, including enhanced screen design and 
self-service  capability;  new  online  statement  functionality; 
and reduced application turnaround times; and 
Private  Bank  was  recognised  in  the  Australian  Private 
Banking  Council  Awards  for  2010,  winning  Outstanding 
Private Banking Institution of the Year in the $1m to $10m 
category for the second year running. 

Technology  and  Operational  Excellence  initiatives  designed  to 
deliver greater efficiency across the Group as well as providing 
competitive leverage through innovative processes and systems 
during the year included: 

Core  Banking  Modernisation,  remains  on  schedule  at  its 
half way stage and will achieve a number of key milestones 
this year including migration of all deposit and transaction 
accounts to the new system; 

  Within the Retail Bank:  

- 

- 

- 

- 

Successful migration of over one million term deposit 
accounts to our new Core Banking platform, enabling 
real  time  banking,  allowing  24  hour,  7  days  a  week 
account opening, funding and transaction processing; 
Continued  NetBank  enhancements  benefiting  over 
five  million  online  customers,  including  free  SMS 
services and new auto pay functionality; 
Continued  investment  in  Australia‟s  leading  ATM 
network, improving security and functionality; and 
Increased  efficiency  and 
the 
through 
introduction  of  a  paperless  end  to  end  Home  Loan 
process. 

flexibility 

CommBiz  was  awarded  “Best  in  Class”  in  the  Banking 
category in the 2009 Interactive Media Awards. 

The last five years have also demonstrated how strongly people 
engagement is linked to customer satisfaction. We know that our 
improvement in customer satisfaction has come about because 
our  people  are  significantly  more  engaged  and  more  satisfied 
with the Group  as a  place to  work.  Progress this  year  towards 
fostering  a  culture  of  Trust  and  Team  Spirit  across  the  Group 
includes: 

Continued best-practice people engagement results;  

ASB  won  a  Gallup  Great  Workplace  Award  for  the  third 
year in a row; 
Refresh  of  the  Diversity  Strategy,  including  establishment 
of  a  goal  to  increase  the  representation  of  women  in 
leadership in senior management levels from 26% to 35% 
by December 2014; 
Significant  progress  on  our  commitment  to  employ  an 
additional  350  Indigenous  Australians,  with  130  new 
Indigenous  staff  employed  under  our 
Indigenous 
Employment Strategy; 
Extensive staff participation in volunteering activities in the 
community,  including  student  mentoring,  environmental 
projects and supporting elderly and homeless people; and 
Recognised  for  our  commitment  to  customers  and  the 
community  through  a  number  of  awards  including  2009 
Australian  Business  Award  for  Community  Contribution, 
2010  Reconciliation  Awards  for  Business  and  the  2009 
Australian Sustainability Awards‟ Special Award for Labour 
Relations/Human Capital Management. 

The Profitable Growth priority was introduced to ensure that the 
Group  remains  focused  on  identifying  opportunities  which  will 
ensure continued growth and value creation.  

Examples of progress during the year include: 

A  strategic  partnership  (15%  ownership)  with  Vietnam 
International Bank in April 2010; 
A  new strategic  partnership  (37.5%  ownership)  with  Bank 
of  Communications  (China‟s  fifth  largest  bank)  for  our  life 
insurance joint venture in Shanghai; 
The Group‟s first branch in India was opened in Mumbai in 
April 2010; and 

Continued  focus  on  improving  Group-wide  cross-sell  and 
referral  rates,  designed  to  better  leverage  the  significant 
opportunities with our existing customers.  

Sustainability and contribution to the community 

The Group continued to focus on sustainability during 2009-10, 
initiatives  which 
range  of  sustainability 
implementing  a 
complement  our  strategic  priorities  and  objectives.  Our 
sustainability program demonstrates our long-term commitment 
to  our  five  sustainability  foundations  of  customers,  people, 
governance,  community  and  environment.  We  enhanced 
to  our 
communication  of  our  sustainability  performance 
stakeholders with the release of our first Sustainability Report in 
October  2009.  We  will  continue  this  commitment  with  the 
publication  of  a  Sustainability  Report  each  year,  available  at 
www.commbank.com.au/sustainability. 

A  summary  of  the  Group‟s  progress  to  date,  future  plans  and 
key sustainability metrics are contained in pages 53 to 56 of this 
Annual Report. 

Conclusion 

I  am  pleased  with  the  financial  performance  of  the  Group  in 
2010. We have continued to make good progress in delivering 
on  our  five  strategic  priorities  which  are  key  components  in 
achieving  our  goal  of  becoming  Australia‟s  finest  financial 
services organisation through excelling in customer service. 

While  the  2010  year  was  a  better  year  for  the  Australian 
economy  and  for  the  Group  it  has  not  been  without  its 
challenges  which  intensified  in  the  second  half.  While  I  am 
optimistic  about  the  medium  term  outlook  for  the  Australian 
economy, I  suspect the strength  of  the  recovery  will  be  slower 
than anticipated 12 months ago. In this environment the Group 
remains  cautious  and  will  continue  to  maintain  its conservative 
approach  to  capital,  funding,  liquidity  and  provisioning.  At  the 
same time the Group is well placed to continue to strengthen its 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer‟s Statement 

business  franchise  and  improve  its  financial  performance  and 
returns to shareholders.  

The ability to deliver the strong performance we have seen over 
the past financial year would not have been possible without the 
goodwill  and  commitment  of  our  people.  I  am  very  grateful  for 
the high level of support I have received across the organisation 
and  continue to be  enormously  impressed  with the  quality  and 
skills of our people.  

It is a great privilege to lead this organisation and I am confident 
that  we  can  continue  to  deliver  for  our  people,  our  customers 
and our shareholders. 

Thank you. 

Ralph Norris 

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer 

11 August 2010 

6 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

  
 
 
 
Presentation of Financial Information 

Definitions 

Reported and Pro Forma Comparatives 

On 19 December 2008, the Group acquired 100% of the share 
capital  of  Bank  of  Western  Australia  Ltd  (“Bankwest”)  and  St 
Andrew‟s Australia Pty Ltd (“St Andrew‟s”). 

To  enhance  the  understanding  and  comparability  of  financial 
information  between  reporting  periods,  prior  period  “Pro  forma” 
comparatives  have  been  provided  in  addition  to  previously 
reported  results  outside  the  financial  statements.  The  below 
terms  are  used  to  describe  the  respective  comparatives 
disclosed in this report: 

incorporate 

“Reported”  comparatives 
results  of 
Bankwest  and  St  Andrew‟s  from,  and  including,  19 
December  2008,  and  reflect  information  prepared  on  the 
same basis as the Group‟s Annual Report for the financial 
year ended 30 June 2009; and 

the 

“Pro forma” comparatives are prepared for the year ended 
30  June  2009.  This  assumes  the  Bankwest  and  St 
Andrew‟s  businesses  formed  part  of  the  consolidated 
Group from 1 July 2008. The pro forma comparatives are 
based  on  the  aggregation  of  the  results  for  the  Group, 
Bankwest and St Andrew‟s. 

Pro forma comparatives are disclosed to facilitate a like-for-like 
comparison  of  the  Group‟s  financial  performance  for  the  year 
ended  30  June  2010  and  30  June  2009.  Commentary  on  the 
Group‟s 
the  Group 
Performance and Divisional Performance sections of this report 
are  relative  to  the  pro  forma  comparatives,  unless  otherwise 
stated. 

financial  performance 

included 

in 

In this Annual Report, the Group presents its profit from ordinary 
activities  after  tax  on  a  “statutory  basis”,  which  is  calculated  in 
accordance with Australian equivalents to International Financial 
Reporting Standards (“AIFRS”).  

The  Group  also  presents  its  results  on  a  “cash  basis”.  "Cash 
basis" is defined by management as net profit after tax and non-
controlling  interests,  before  Bankwest  significant  items,  tax  on 
New  Zealand  structured  finance  transactions,  treasury  shares 
valuation  adjustment,  unrealised  gains  and  losses  related  to 
hedging  and  AIFRS  volatility,  loss  on  disposal  of  controlled 
entities/investments  and  other  non-cash  one-off  expenses. 
Management believes "cash basis" is a meaningful measure of 
the  Group‟s  performance  and  it  provides  the  basis  for  the 
determination of the Bank‟s dividends.  

The Group  also  presents its Earnings  per share  on  a  statutory 
basis  and  on  a  cash  basis.  Earnings  per  share  on  a  statutory 
basis is affected by the impact of Bankwest significant items, tax 
on New Zealand structured finance transactions, changes in the 
treasury  shares  valuation  adjustment,  unrealised  gains  and 
losses related to hedging and AIFRS volatility, loss on disposal 
of  controlled  entities/investments  and  other  non-cash  one-off 
expenses.  "Earnings  per  share  (cash  basis)"  is  defined  by 
management  as  “cash  basis”  net  profit  after  tax  as  described 
above, divided by the weighted average of the Bank‟s ordinary 
shares outstanding over the relevant period. 

"Underlying net profit after tax" refers to net profit after tax, “cash 
basis”,  excluding  investment  experience.  "Underlying  net  profit 
after  tax"  is  referred  to  across  all  businesses.  The  underlying 
profit is the result of 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 on shareholder funds in 
Wealth Management businesses. 

"Underlying" productivity ratios: 

Exclude  Investment  experience  from  funds  management 
and life insurance income; and 

Exclude  policyholder  tax  from  the  funds  management 
income and life insurance income lines. 

"Underlying" productivity ratios have been presented to provide 
what management believes to be a more relevant presentation 
of  productivity 
these 
adjustments enable comparison of productivity ratios from period 
to period to be more meaningful as it reflects the Group‟s core 
operating performance. 

ratios.  Management  believes 

that 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     7 

 
 
 
 
 
Highlights 

Group Performance Highlights 

The Group‟s net profit after tax (“statutory basis”) for the full year 
ended  30  June  2010  was  $5,664  million,  which  represents  a 
20% increase on the prior reported year. 

Net  profit  after  tax  (“cash  basis”)  for  the  full  year  was  $6,101 
million, which represents an increase of 42% on the prior year. 
This  result  was  achieved  in  a  market  environment  that  has 
improved  over  the  last  12  months,  but  still  remains  uncertain, 
mainly  due  to  volatility  in  international  markets.  Domestically, 
credit growth has moderated, average funding costs continue to 
increase and competition for deposits remains intense. 

Cash  earnings  per  share  increased  34%  on  the  prior  year  to 
395.5  cents  per  share.  Return  on  Equity  (“cash  basis”)  for  the 
year ended 30 June 2010 was 18.7%, up 370 basis points due 
to increasing profitability and effective capital management. 

The Group‟s net profit after tax (“underlying basis”) was $5,923 
million, representing a 32% increase on the prior year. 

Despite  the  challenging  environment,  the  Group‟s  operating 
performance has been healthy. Operating income growth of 6% 
and operating expense growth of 5% has resulted in a 70 basis 
point improvement in the expense to income ratio to 45.7%. 

Drivers of the Group‟s financial performance were: 

Net  interest  income  growth  of  11%  on  the  prior  year 
reflected  solid  retail  lending  and  deposit  balance  growth 
and  a  five  basis  point  improvement  in  the  full  year  net 
interest margin to 2.13%; 

  Other  banking  income  declined  3%  on  the  prior  year, 
impacted  by  lower  credit  card  loyalty  fees,  exception  and 
ATM fee income, combined with lower trading income; 
Funds management income increased by 4% on the prior 
year  due  to  improved  investment  market  returns  driving 
higher  average  Funds  Under  Management  and  Funds 
Under  Administration,  partly  offset  by  lower  performance 
fees and dividends from infrastructure assets; 
Insurance  income  increased  by  2%  on  the  prior  year, 
driven  by  solid  inforce  premium  growth,  partially  offset  by 
higher  claims  experience  including  significant  weather 
events; and 

  Operating expense growth of 5% on the prior year reflects 
the  Group‟s  continued  focus  on  people,  customers  and 
technology,  while  maintaining  a  disciplined  approach  to 
expense management. 

In  addition  to  the  healthy  operating  performance,  there  was  a 
significant reduction in impairment expense on the prior year to 
$2,075 million. This was mainly due to the non-recurrence of a 
small number of single name corporate exposures experienced 
in the prior year and improved corporate portfolio credit quality. 
This  was  partly  offset  by  additional  impairment  expense  in 
Bankwest,  particularly 
to  east  coast  property 
development exposures. 

in  relation 

8 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

For  the  half  year  ended  30  June  2010,  the  Group‟s  net  profit 
after  tax  (“cash  basis”)  was  $3,158 million,  up  7%  on the  prior 
half. While impairment expense was significantly lower than the 
prior half, the Group‟s operating performance was impacted by a 
ten basis point decline in net interest margin to 2.08% together 
with three less calendar days, lower CommSec trading volumes 
and retail exception fees. 

Other  performance  highlights  relating  to  strategic  priorities  that 
position the Group well for the medium to long term include: 

Retail,  business  and  wealth  customer  satisfaction  levels 
have increased;  
Successful  migration  of  over  one  million  term  deposit 
accounts to the new Core Banking platform, enabling real 
time visibility and improved functionality for customers; 
“Bank of the Year” in the 2010 Money Magazine Awards;  
“Australian Financial Institution of the Year (Retail)” at the 
2010 Australian Banking and Finance Awards;  
“Money Minder of the Year” in the 2010 Money Magazine 
Awards; and 

CFS  won  “Best  Fund  Manager”  service  level  award  from 
Wealth Insights for the 3rd year running. 

Capital 

The Group maintained its cautious and conservative approach in 
the  current  economic  environment  by  maintaining  a  strong 
capital position. This was reflected in a Tier One capital ratio of 
9.15% at 30 June 2010. The Bank continues to be AA rated. 

Dividends 

The final dividend declared was $1.70 per share, an increase of 
48% on the prior year. The total dividend for the year to 30 June 
2010 was $2.90, taking the dividend payout ratio (“cash basis”) 
to 73.9%. 

The final dividend payment will be fully franked and will be paid 
on 1 October 2010 to owners of ordinary shares on the register 
at  the  close  of  business  on  20  August  2010  (“record  date”). 
Shares will be quoted ex–dividend on 16 August 2010.  

The  Bank  issued  $772  million  of  shares  to  satisfy  shareholder 
participation  in  the  Dividend  Reinvestment  Plan  (“DRP”)  in 
respect of the interim dividend for 2009/10. 

Outlook 

Despite some improvement, the global recovery remains uneven 
with the concerns about the advanced economies balanced out 
by some strength in the emerging economies.  

The  Australian  economy  remains  well  placed  relative  to  most 
other  developed  countries  and  we  are  optimistic  about  the 
medium-term outlook for Australia and for the Group‟s ability to 
deliver superior returns for our shareholders.  

However,  recent  uncertainty  over  the  pace  of  recovery  in  the 
United  States  and  Europe  highlight  the  downside  risks  still  in 
play.  These  risks  have  not  helped  domestic  business  and 
consumer confidence, both of which remain fragile. This fragility 
manifested itself in a slowing in the underlying momentum in our 
business at the end of the 2010 financial year. 

As  a  result,  it  is  appropriate  to  maintain  a  degree  of  caution 
about the prospects  for  our  business for the coming  year. The 
Group intends to retain conservative capital and liquidity settings 
for  the  foreseeable  future  in  order  to  provide  support  to  our 
customers in these uncertain times. 

Full Year EndedProAsNet Profitformareportedafter30/06/1030/06/0930/06/1031/12/0930/06/09Income Tax$M$M$M$M$MStatutory basis5,664n/a2,7502,9144,723Cash basis6,1014,3083,1582,9434,415Underlying basis5,9234,5013,0892,8344,611Full Year EndedHalf Year Ended 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Highlights  

(1) For purposes of presentation, Policyholder tax expense/(benefit) components of Corporate tax expense are shown on a net basis for the years ended 30 June 2010: 

$130 million, 30 June 2009: ($164) million and for the half years ended 30 June 2010: ($9) million and 31 December 2009: $139 million.  

(2) Non-controlling interests include preference dividends paid to holders of preference shares in ASB Capital. 

(3) Refer to Group Performance Analysis for further details on non-cash items. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     9 

Full Year EndedPro formaJun 10 vsJun 10 vsAs reportedGroup Performance30/06/1030/06/09Jun 0930/06/1031/12/09Dec 0930/06/09Summary$M$M %$M$M%$MNet interest income11,86810,716115,8066,062(4)10,186Other banking income4,1124,259(3)2,0342,078(2)4,176Total banking income15,98014,97577,8408,140(4)14,362Funds management income1,8981,8234951947-1,813Insurance income94593124824634910Total operating income18,82317,72969,2739,550(3)17,085Investment experience236(263)large94142(34)(267)Total income19,05917,46699,3679,692(3)16,818Operating expenses(8,601)(8,222)5(4,333)(4,268)2(7,765)Impairment expense(2,075)(3,392)(39)(692)(1,383)(50)(3,048)Net profit before tax8,3835,852434,3424,04176,005Corporate tax expense (1)(2,266)(1,514)50(1,177)(1,089)8(1,560)Non-controlling interests (2)(16)(30)(47)(7)(9)(22)(30)Net profit after tax ("cash basis")6,1014,308423,1582,94374,415Hedging and AIFRS volatility17n/an/a(160)177large(245)Bankwest non-cash items(216)n/an/a(264)48large614Tax on NZ structured finance transactions(171)n/an/a-(171)large-Other non-cash items (3)(67)n/an/a16(83)large(61)Net profit after tax ("statutory basis")5,664n/an/a2,7502,914(6)4,723Represented by: Retail Banking Services2,4612,107171,2161,245(2)2,107Business and Private Banking893736214534403736Institutional Banking and Markets1,182166large63754517166Wealth Management718289large339379(11)286New Zealand388438(11)22716141438Bankwest603large(4)64large113Other399569(30)290109large569Net profit after tax ("cash basis")6,1014,308423,1582,94374,415Investment experience - after tax(178)193large(69)(109)(37)196Net profit after tax ("underlying basis")5,9234,501323,0892,83494,611Full Year EndedHalf Year Ended 
 
 
 
 
 
Highlights  

(1) Fully diluted EPS and weighted average number of shares (fully diluted) are disclosed in Note 7. 

(1) Lending assets comprise Loans, Bills Discounted, and Other Receivables (gross of provisions for impairment and excluding securitisation) and Bank acceptances of 

customers. 

Credit Ratings 

Fitch Ratings 
Moody‟s Investor Services 
Standard & Poor's 

Long–term 

Short–term 

AA 
Aa1 
AA 

F1+ 
P-1 
A-1+ 

Outlook 

Stable 
Negative 
Stable 

10 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Full Year EndedPro formaJun 10 vsJun 10 vsAs reportedShareholder Summary30/06/1030/06/09Jun 09 %30/06/1031/12/09Dec 09 %30/06/09Dividends per share - fully franked (cents) 290n/an/a17012042228Dividend cover - cash (times)1. 4n/an/a1. 21. 6(25)1. 3Earnings per share (cents)Statutory basis - basic 367. 9n/an/a177. 6190. 3(7)328. 5Cash basis - basic 395. 5294. 934203. 7191. 76305. 6Dividend payout ratio (%)Statutory basis79. 7n/an/a96. 663. 7large73. 1Cash basis73. 9n/an/a84. 063. 1large78. 2Weighted average no. of shares - statutory basic (M)1,527n/an/a1,5351,51811,420Weighted average no. of shares - cash basic (M) (1)1,5311,44261,5391,52311,426Return on equity - cash (%)18. 715. 0370 bpts18. 918. 540 bpts15. 8Full Year EndedHalf Year Ended30/06/1031/12/0930/06/09Jun 10 vsJun 10 vsBalance Sheet Summary$M$M$MDec 09 %Jun 09 %Lending assets (1)500,760487,339473,71536Total assets646,330625,476620,37234Total liabilities610,760591,893588,93034Shareholders' Equity35,57033,58331,442613Assets held and Funds Under Administration (FUA)On Balance Sheet:Banking assets623,398601,560596,91944Insurance Funds Under Administration14,20115,53715,407(9)(8)Other insurance and internal funds management assets8,7318,3798,04649646,330625,476620,37234Off Balance Sheet:Funds Under Administration 172,784177,224159,927(3)8Total assets held and FUA819,114802,700780,29925As at 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Highlights  

(1) Prior periods have been restated in line with market updates. 

(2) As at 31 May 2010. 

(3) Personal lending market share includes personal loans and margin loans. 

(4) During the year ended 30 June 2009, Bankwest market share was impacted by a reclassification of balances from personal lending to home loans. The 30 June 

2009 comparative has not been restated. 

(5) In accordance with RBA guidelines, these measures include some products relating to both the Retail and Corporate segments. 

(6) As at 31 March 2010. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     11 

30/06/1031/12/0930/06/09Market Share Percentage%%%Home loans (1)26. 226. 125. 2Credit cards (1) (2)22. 522. 321. 6Personal lending (APRA and other Household) (3) (4)14. 615. 015. 7Household deposits31. 331. 332. 3Retail deposits (1) (5)27. 326. 626. 5Business Lending - APRA (1)19. 518. 819. 4Business Lending - RBA (1)17. 617. 717. 4Business Deposits - APRA (1)22. 921. 720. 7Asset Finance14. 314. 313. 6Equities trading (CommSec)6. 36. 76. 2Australian Retail - administrator view (6)14. 714. 714. 4FirstChoice Platform (1) (6)10. 710. 510. 2Australia (total risk) (1) (6)13. 813. 815. 7Australia (individual risk) (1) (6)14. 614. 614. 7NZ Lending for housing23. 023. 323. 3NZ Retail Deposits21. 621. 421. 2NZ Lending to business9. 39. 28. 8NZ Retail FUM (1)17. 418. 018. 8NZ Annual inforce premiums31. 031. 331. 7As at 
 
 
 
Highlights  

(1) Cash net profit after tax less Investment experience after tax. 

(2) Average interest earning assets and average interest bearing liabilities have been adjusted to remove the impact of securitisation. Refer to Average Balances and Related 

Interest in Note 4. 

(3) Net operating income represents total operating income less volume expenses. 

12 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Full Year EndedPro formaJun 10 vsJun 10 vsAs reportedKey Performance Indicators30/06/1030/06/09Jun 09 %30/06/1031/12/09Dec 09 %30/06/09GroupUnderlying profit after tax ($M) (1)5,9234,501323,0892,83494,611Net interest margin (%)2. 132. 085 bpts2. 082. 18(10)bpts2. 10Average interest earning assets ($M) (2)553,735511,4108560,197547,3792481,248Average interest bearing liabilities ($M) (2)521,338482,7908529,676513,1363454,258Funds management income to average FUA (%) 1. 021. 05(3)bpts1. 021. 011 bpt  1. 04Funds Under Administration (FUA) - average ($M) 186,641174,2667188,765185,3922173,872Insurance income to average inforce premiums (%) 47. 151. 0(390)bpts49. 047. 0200 bpts50. 6Average inforce premiums ($M) 2,0051,825101,9831,95321,798Operating expenses to total operating income (%)45. 746. 4(70)bpts46. 744. 7200 bpts45. 4Effective corporate tax rate (%) 27. 025. 9110 bpts27. 126. 920 bpts26. 0Retail Banking ServicesCash net profit after tax ($M)2,4612,107171,2161,245(2)2,107Operating expenses to total banking income (%)39. 642. 9(330)bpts40. 638. 6200 bpts42. 9Business and Private BankingCash net profit after tax ($M)893736214534403736Operating expenses to total banking income (%)45. 348. 8(350)bpts46. 544. 1240 bpts48. 8Institutional Banking and MarketsCash net profit after tax ($M)1,182166large63754517166Operating expenses to total banking income (%)30. 928. 3260 bpts33. 428. 6480 bpts28. 3Wealth ManagementUnderlying profit after tax ($M) (1)592514152972951514FUA - average ($M)179,802168,0717181,709178,7382167,677Average inforce premiums ($M) 1,5721,432101,5411,52911,405Funds management income to average FUA (%)1. 011. 04(3)bpts1. 021. 011 bpt  1. 03Insurance income to average inforce premiums (%)43. 545. 9(240)bpts43. 345. 8(250)bpts45. 3Operating expenses to net operating income (%) (3)60. 162. 5(240)bpts60. 859. 4140 bpts62. 0New ZealandUnderlying profit after tax ($M) (1)387438(12)22416337438FUA - average ($M) 6,8396,195107,0566,65466,195Average inforce premiums ($M)433393104424244393Funds management income to average FUA (%) 0. 670. 79(12)bpts0. 600. 75(15)bpts0. 79Insurance income to average inforce premiums (%)49. 252. 7(350)bpts57. 940. 2large52. 7Operating expenses to total operating income (%)53. 245. 8large55. 351. 3400 bpts45. 8BankwestCash net profit after tax ($M)603large(4)64large113Operating expenses to total banking income (%)51. 266. 3large50. 152. 2(210)bpts63. 6Capital Adequacy  Tier One (%)9. 15n/an/a9. 159. 105 bpts8. 07Total (%)11. 49n/an/a11. 4911. 63(14)bpts10. 42Full Year EndedHalf Year Ended 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding items: 

  Capital – due from Paul Bridge on XXX 

  Dividends - – due from Paul Bridge on XXX 

  Outlook – due from Warwick Bryan on XX 

Financial Performance and Business Review 

The  Group‟s  net  profit  after  tax  (“cash  basis”)  for  the  full  year 
ended  30  June  2010  was  $6,101  million,  which  represents  a 
42% increase on the prior year. 

The performance during the year was underpinned by: 

Solid  growth  in  retail  lending  and  deposit  balances,  with 
home  lending  up  11%  to  $324  billion  and  domestic 
deposits  up  3%  to  $335  billion.  Business  and  corporate 
lending  was  down  3%  to  $155  billion  mainly  due  to 
deleveraging  by  institutional  clients  while  small  business 
lending remained strong; 
Full year net interest margin improved by five basis points 
to 2.13%; 
Higher  funds  management  income  due  to  7%  growth  in 
average Funds  Under Administration to  $187  billion  at 30 
June 2010 driven by improved investment market returns. 
This  was  partly  offset  by  lower  performance  fees  and 
dividends from infrastructure assets; 
Higher  insurance  income  driven  by  solid  volume  growth, 
partially  offset  by  higher  claims  experience  including 
significant weather events; 

  Operating  expense  growth  of  5%,  reflecting  continued 
investment in  people, customers,  technology and  projects 
to  support  strategic  priorities  and  drive  Group  wide 
productivity;  
Significantly  lower  impairment  expense  due  to  the  non-
recurrence  of  a  small  number  of  single  name  corporate 
exposures  experienced  in  the  prior  year  and  improved 
corporate portfolio credit quality, partly offset by additional 
impairment expense in Bankwest, particularly in relation to 
east coast property development exposures; and 
Significantly  higher  investment  experience  mainly  as  a 
result of the unwinding of unrealised mark to market losses 
in the Guaranteed Annuities portfolio. 

The  Group‟s  net  profit  after  tax  (“cash  basis”)  for  the  half  year 
ended 30 June 2010 was $3,158 million, up 7% on the prior half. 
While impairment expense was significantly lower than the prior 
half, the Group‟s operating performance was impacted by a ten 
basis point decline in net interest margin to 2.08% together with 
three less calendar days, lower CommSec trading volumes and 
retail exception fees. 

More  comprehensive  disclosure  of  performance  highlights  by 
key business segments is contained on pages 20-38. 

Net Interest Income 

Net  interest  income  increased  by  11%  on  the  prior  year  to 
$11,868  million.  The  increase  was  a  result  of  solid  growth  in 
average interest earning assets of 8%, together with a five basis 
point improvement in net interest margin to 2.13%. 

Net interest income decreased by 4% on the prior half to $5,806 
million.  The  decrease  was  driven  by  three  less  calendar  days 
compared to the first half and a ten basis point reduction in net 
interest margin to 2.08%, partly offset by 2% growth in average 
interest earning assets. 

Average Interest Earning Assets 

Average interest earning assets increased by $42 billion on the 
prior  year  to  $554  billion,  reflecting  a  $45  billion  increase  in 
average lending interest earning assets partly offset by  a slight 
decrease in average non-lending interest earning assets. 

Average  home 
impact  of 
loan  balances,  excluding 
securitisation,  increased  by  $46  billion  since  30  June  2009  to 
$298  billion,  driven  by  above  market  volume  growth  despite 
tightening credit standards. 

the 

Group Performance Analysis 

Average balances for business and corporate lending decreased 
by $2 billion since 30 June 2009 to $159 billion primarily driven 
by  institutional  clients  deleveraging  in  response  to  the  current 
economic environment.  

Average non-lending interest earning  assets declined $2 billion 
compared to the prior year due to higher levels of liquid assets 
held  in  the  prior  year  to  fund  the  Bankwest  operations  upon 
acquisition. 

Average Interest Earning Assets ($M) 

Net Interest Margin 

The net  interest margin  improved five  basis  points  on the  prior 
year to 2.13% with the key drivers including: 

Deposit  pricing:  Deposit  margins  decreased  ten  basis  points 
primarily  driven  by  increased  competition  on  savings  and 
investment  products  together  with  the  decline  in  average  cash 
rates (2010: 3.7%; 2009: 4.8%). 

Asset  pricing:  Overall  increase  in  margin  of  nine  basis  points, 
reflecting  the  impact  of  repricing  on  home  loans  (two  basis 
points),  personal  lending  (three  basis  points)  and  business 
lending (four basis points) in response to higher average funding 
costs and increased credit risk. 

Mix: Overall decrease in margin of two basis points as a result of 
strong growth in relatively lower margin home loans. 

Replicating  Portfolio:  Increased  five  basis  points,  acting  as  a 
“buffer” to the declining deposit margins. 

Treasury:  Increased  earnings  benefiting  from  higher  average 
capital (four basis points). 

Other:  Decrease  of  one  basis  point  driven by  lower margins in 
offshore businesses (three basis points), partly offset by a higher 
Bankwest margin (two basis points). 

NIM movement since June 2009 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     13 

432,282476,86979,12876,866Jun 09(Pro forma)Jun 10Lending Interest Earning AssetsNon-Lending Interest Earning Assets511,4108%553,7352.08%(0.10%)0.09%(0.02%)0.05%0.04%(0.01%)2.13%1.80%1.90%2.00%2.10%2.20%Jun 09Deposit PricingAsset PricingMixReplicating PortfolioTreasuryOtherJun 10 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Performance Analysis 

Net Interest Margin (continued) 

Funds Management Income 

Net interest margin decreased ten basis points compared to the 
prior half to 2.08%. This result was mainly impacted by intense 
deposit competition, lower replicating portfolio (six basis points) 
and  balance  sheet  positioning  (four  basis  points)  which  is 
consistent with the current environment.  

Other Banking Income 

Funds management income increased by 4% on the prior year 
to $1,898 million. The growth was attributable to a 7% increase 
in average Funds Under Administration to $187 billion reflecting 
improved  investment  market  returns,  partly  offset  by  lower 
performance fees and dividends from infrastructure assets. 

Funds  management  income  to  average  FUA  was  relatively 
stable over the prior year. 

In  the  half  year  ended  30  June  2010,  funds  management 
income was substantially in line with the prior half. 

(1)  This  reclassification  from  Net  interest  income  to  Other  banking  income 
relates  to  certain  economic  hedges  which  do  not  qualify  for  AIFRS  hedge 
accounting. 

Insurance Income 

Excluding  the  impact  of  AIFRS  reclassification  of  net  swap 
costs, Other banking income decreased 4% on the prior year to 
$4,371 million. 

Factors impacting Other banking income were: 

Commissions:  decreased  by  3%  on  the  prior  year  to  $2,006 
million.  This  was  primarily  driven  by  a  decrease  in  credit  card 
loyalty  reward  income,  ATM  direct  charging  income  and 
dishonour exception fees ($53 million). This was partly offset by 
increased  brokerage  commissions  following  higher  trading 
volumes in CommSec. 

Lending  fees:  were  up  slightly  compared  to  the  prior  year  to 
$1,435  million.  Institutional  commitment  and  lending  fees 
increased  together  with  Commercial  Bill  fees,  following  solid 
volume  growth  and  improved  margins.  These  were  offset  by 
declines  in  overdrawn  exception  fees  ($97  million)  and  early 
repayment fees, after reaching highs in the prior year following 
rapid and significant reductions in official cash rates. 

Trading  income:  decreased  by  19%  on  the  prior  year  to  $597 
million. This outcome was impacted by a strong trading result in 
the prior year due to increased financial market volatility at that 
time. In the current year, counterparty fair value mark to market 
valuations have benefited from narrowing credit spreads. 

Other  income:  increased  by  12%  on  the  prior  year  to  $333 
million.  This  includes  gains  from  asset  sales  in  Institutional 
Banking and Markets. 

Excluding  the  impact  of  AIFRS  reclassification  of  net  swap 
costs, other banking income decreased 1% on the prior half to 
$2,170 million. This was driven by a decrease in brokerage fee 
income following lower trading volumes in CommSec, and lower 
exception fee income. 

14 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Insurance  income  increased  by  2%  on  the  prior  year  to  $945 
million.  The  increase  was  driven  by  solid  growth  in  inforce 
premiums, partially offset by higher claims experience including 
significant weather events. 

In  the  half  year  ended  30  June  2010,  insurance  income 
increased  4%  compared  to  the  prior  half  to  $482  million.  This 
was mainly due to improved claims experience and the deferred 
tax revaluation on policy liabilities in New Zealand. 

Full YearEndedProAsformareported30/06/1030/06/0930/06/1031/12/0930/06/09$M$M$M$M$MCommissions2,0062,0749721,0342,027Lending fees1,4351,4287167191,396Trading income597735306291741Other income3332971761572874,3714,5342,1702,2014,451AIFRS reclassification of net swap costs (1)(259)(275)(136)(123)(275)Other banking income4,1124,2592,0342,0784,176Half Year EndedFull Year EndedFull YearEndedProAsformareported30/06/1030/06/0930/06/1031/12/0930/06/09$M$M$M$M$MCFS GAM789773399390773Colonial First State811712410401703CommInsure224260107117259New Zealand and Other7478353978Funds management income1,8981,8239519471,813Full Year EndedHalf Year EndedFull YearEndedProAsformareported30/06/1030/06/0930/06/1031/12/0930/06/09$M$M$M$M$MCommInsure 684657331353636New Zealand and Other261274151110274Insurance income945931482463910Full Year EndedHalf Year Ended 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Expenses 

Operating  expenses  increased  by  5%  over  the  prior  year  to 
$8,601 million. The increase was driven by: 

Higher staff costs reflecting an out of cycle 2% pay rise;  
technology  and  projects  to 
Continued 
support  strategic  priorities  and  drive  Group  wide 
productivity; and 

investment 

in 

The  unfavourable  impact  of  investment  markets  on  the 
Group‟s defined benefit superannuation fund resulting in a 
$103 million expense for the current year (2009: $14 million 
non-cash expense). 

Gross investment spend  remains strong  at  $1,036  million.  The 
primary  focus  is  again  on  Core  Banking  Modernisation,  with 
additional  investment  on  the  upgrade  of  Risk  Management 
systems. 

In  the  half  year  ended  30  June  2010,  operating  expenses 
increased 2% compared to the prior half to $4,333 million which 
included higher information technology expenses and an out of 
cycle 2% pay rise. 

Expense to Income Ratios 

The  Group‟s  expense  to  income  ratio  improved  by  70  basis 
points  over  the  prior  year  to  45.7%.  The  improvement  reflects 
the  Group‟s  strong  income  growth,  combined  with  a  continued 
focus on technological and operational efficiencies. 

Impairment Expense 

Impairment  expense  for  the  year  was  $2,075  million,  down 
significantly  compared  to  the  prior  year.  The  reduction  was 
driven by the non-recurrence of a small number of single name 
the  prior  year.  Loan 
corporate  exposures 
impairment  expense 
the  corporate  portfolio  has  also 
decreased  following  improved  economic  conditions  and  credit 
ratings.  

that 
in 

impacted 

Retail  loan  impairment  expense  however,  has  increased  as  a 
result of solid consumer finance  volume growth and the Group 
continuing 
times. 
Tightening  of  credit  policies  and  investment  in  the  credit 
decisioning  and  collections  capabilities  have  seen  some 
improvement in arrears rates over the prior half. 

to  support  customers 

through  difficult 

Bankwest  loan  impairment  expense  has  also  increased  as  a 
result  of  deterioration  of  the  pre-acquisition  business  lending 
portfolio. 

Group Performance Analysis 

Since the initial review of the Bankwest portfolio, further detailed 
work has been undertaken into the Bankwest business banking 
portfolio.  This  comprehensive  review  identified  pre-acquisition 
loans reflecting poor asset quality, high loan to value ratios and 
insufficient  covenant  coverage.  This  resulted  in  significant  risk 
grade reassessments and security revaluations with provisioning 
increasing  $304  million.  These  loans  are  confined  to  the  pre-
acquisition business banking portfolio. 

Given the one off nature of the impairment and the fact it relates 
to  an  understatement  of  provisioning  in  the  pre-acquisition 
portfolio, this additional amount of loan impairment expense has 
been  recorded  as  a  non-cash  item.  This  is  consistent  with  the 
treatment of the gain on acquisition of Bankwest. 

Gross  impaired  assets  increased  to  $5,216  million  at  30  June 
2010, a 24% increase over the prior year, including the impact of 
the Bankwest business banking review. 

Impairment Expense (“cash basis”) as a % of Average 
Gross Loans and Acceptances 

Provisions for Impairment 

The  Group  maintains  a  prudent  and  conservative  approach  to 
provisioning, with total provisions for impairment losses including 
Bankwest at 30 June 2010 of $5,453 million. This represents a 
$179  million  increase  since  December  2009  and  $499  million 
increase since June 2009. The current level reflects: 

Increased  individual  and  collective  provisioning  to  cover 
specific  pre-acquisition  exposures  in  the  Bankwest  loan 
book; 
Reduced credit exposure in the corporate portfolio; 

  Growth and higher arrears rates over the year in the retail 

portfolios; and 
A  management  overlay  of  $1,192  million  to  cover  the 
impact of economic conditions and other risks. 

Taxation Expense 

The  corporate  tax  expense  for  the  year  was  $2,266  million, 
representing an effective tax rate of 27%. 

The effective tax rate is below the Australian company tax rate of 
30% primarily as a result of: 

The benefit received from investment allowance tax credits 
associated  with  the  structured  asset  finance  leasing 
business; and 
The profit earned by the offshore banking unit and offshore 
jurisdictions that have lower corporate tax rates. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     15 

46.4%45.7%41.9%41.4%Jun 09(Pro forma)Jun 10Group expense to income ratioBanking expense to income ratio0.360.260.350.170.090.080.100.150.130.180.100.07-0.07Jun 09FY(Pro forma)Jun 10FYDec 09HYJun 10HYBaseSingle NamesABC NotesBankwestOverlay0.730.550.410.28 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Performance Analysis 

Other non-cash items included in statutory profit 

Treasury shares valuation adjustment 

Non-cash  items  are  excluded  from  net  profit  after  tax  (“cash 
basis”),  which  is  Management‟s  preferred  measure  of  the 
Group„s financial performance, as they tend to be non-recurring 
in  nature  or  not  considered  representative  of  the  Group‟s 
ongoing financial performance. The impact of these items on the 
Group‟s net profit after tax (“statutory basis”) are outlined below. 

Hedging and AIFRS volatility 

Hedging and AIFRS volatility includes unrealised fair value gains 
or  losses  on  economic  hedges  that  do  not  qualify  for  hedge 
accounting under AIFRS, primarily including: 

cross  currency 
currency denominated debt issues; and 

interest  rate  swaps  hedging 

foreign 

foreign  exchange  hedges  relating  to  future  New  Zealand 
earnings. 

Hedging and AIFRS volatility also includes unrealised fair value 
gains  or  losses  on  the  ineffective  portion  of  economic  hedges 
that qualify for hedge accounting under AIFRS. 

Fair  value  gains  or  losses  on  all  these  economic  hedges  are 
excluded  from  cash  profit  since  the  asymmetric  recognition  of 
the  gains  or  losses  does  not  affect  the  Group‟s  performance 
over the life of the hedge. A $17 million gain was recognised in 
the year ended 30 June 2010 (2009: $245 million loss). 

Bankwest non-cash items 

Gain  on  acquisition:  A  $612  million  after  tax  gain  on  the 
acquisition  of  Bankwest  was  recognised  in  the  year  ended  30 
June  2009.  This  acquisition gain  was measured  in  accordance 
with  AIFRS  purchase  price  accounting  requirements.  The  gain 
represents  the  excess  of  the  fair  value  of  net  assets  acquired 
over the consideration paid (net of issue costs). 

Loan  impairment:  In  the  year  ended  30  June  2010,  a  $212 
million  after  tax  loan  impairment  expense  was  recognised 
relating  to  pre-acquisition  loans.  Refer  to  impairment  expense 
commentary on page 15 for further details. 

Merger  related  amortisation:  The  acquisition  of  Bankwest 
resulted  in  the  recognition  of  fair  value  adjustments  on  certain 
financial  instruments, core  deposits  and  brand  name  intangible 
assets that will be amortised over their useful lives. A $25 million 
after tax gain was recognised in the year ended 30 June 2010 
(2009: $80 million gain). 

Integration expenses: As part of the acquisition of Bankwest, the 
Group expects to incur integration expenses over three years to 
2012. A $29 million after tax expense was recognised in the year 
ended 30 June 2010 (2009: $78 million expense). 

These  items  are  not  recognised  in  cash  profit  as  they  are  not 
representative  of  the  Group‟s  expected  ongoing 
financial 
performance. 

Tax on NZ structured finance transactions 

A $171 million tax expense on New Zealand structured finance 
transactions  was  recognised  in  the  year  ended  30  June  2010 
representing a significant one-off impact of an adverse tax ruling 
between  ASB  Bank  and  the  New  Zealand  Commissioner  of 
Inland  Revenue  settled  in  December  2009.  The  settlement 
represented 80% of the amount of tax and interest in dispute. 

Loss on disposal of controlled entities/investments 

The net loss on disposal of the Group‟s Fiji operations and Visa 
shares are not included in cash profit as the disposals are one-
off in nature and outside the Group‟s ordinary operations. A $23 
million after tax loss was recognised in the year ended 30 June 
2010 (2009: $nil). 

16 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

in  cash  profit 

Under AIFRS,  CBA shares held  by  the  Group  in  the managed 
funds  and  life  insurance  businesses  are  defined  as  treasury 
shares  and  are  held  at  cost.  Unrealised  gains  or  losses  are 
recognised 
the  underlying 
performance of the asset portfolio attributable to the wealth and 
life insurance businesses. These unrealised gains or losses are 
reversed as a non-cash item for statutory reporting purposes. A 
$44 million after tax gain was included in cash profit in the year 
ended 30 June 2010 (2009: $28 million gain). 

representing 

Policyholder tax 

for  statutory 

reporting  purposes.  This 

Policyholder tax is included in the Wealth Management business 
results 
includes 
recognising  tax  expense  of  $130  million,  funds  management 
income  of  $50  million  and  insurance  income  of  $80  million  for 
the year ended 30 June 2010. The gross up of these items are 
excluded from cash  profit  as they do  not  reflect the  underlying 
performance  of  the  business  which  is  measured  on  a  net  of 
policyholder tax basis. 

Integration Progress – Bankwest and St Andrew‟s 

The  integration  of  the  Bankwest  and  St  Andrew‟s  businesses 
into  the  Group  continues  to  progress  smoothly,  focused  on 
operational  alignment  through  a  range  of  initiatives,  including 
organisational 
Group 
property/procurement  opportunities  and  driving  operational 
efficiencies  through  process  automation.  One  of  the  key 
initiatives was the provision of fee free reciprocal ATM access to 
Commonwealth Bank and Bankwest customers. 

restructuring, 

maximising 

The St Andrew‟s insurance business was sold on 1 July 2010. 
investments, 
The  sale  did  not 
include 
financial  planning 
superannuation,  retirement 
businesses  which  continue  to  be  integrated  into  the  Group‟s 
Wealth  Management  business.  The  integration  of  St  Andrew‟s 
remaining  businesses  will  enable  existing  customers  to  benefit 
from a wide range of investment platforms and product offerings.  

the  St  Andrew‟s 
income  and 

The  total  integration  expenditure  estimate  has  been  revised 
down from $313 million to $286 million following the sale of the 
St  Andrew‟s insurance business.  The  expenditure  will continue 
to be incurred over three years to 2012. Integration expenditure 
incurred since the acquisition totals $152 million. 

Targeted cost synergies of $240 million (annualised run rate by 
2012) are expected, down from the $250 million indicated at the 
last reporting date due to the sale of the St Andrew‟s insurance 
business. Annualised run rate synergies already achieved since 
acquisition  total  approximately  $178  million,  including  the 
benefits  associated  with  restructuring  and  the  cessation  of  the 
Bankwest  east  coast  branch  rollout.  Further  IT  and  property 
synergies are currently being pursued. 

30/06/10TotalIntegration Expenditure$M$MRestructuring-16Property613Operations2347IT expenditure969Other27Total40152 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Review of Group Assets and Liabilities 

Interest bearing deposits 

Group Performance Analysis 

Interest bearing deposits increased by $6 billion to $366 billion 
as  at  30  June  2010,  a  2%  increase  on  the  prior  year.  The 
increase occurred predominantly in the second half of the year, 
driven  by  targeted  campaigns  in  a  highly  competitive  market 
delivering  solid  growth  in  both  investment  and  transaction 
products.  This  was  partially  offset  by  a  $18  billion  decrease  in 
certificates  of  deposits  (included  in  other  demand  deposits) 
following the Group‟s strategy to reduce the share of short term 
wholesale  funding.  Excluding  certificates  of  deposit,  total  retail 
and business deposits increased 8% compared to the prior year. 

Debt issues 

Debt issues have increased $32 billion to $121 billion as at 30 
June  2010,  a  35%  increase  on  the  prior  year.  The  increase  in 
term  funding  was  driven  by  growth  in  lending  assets  and  the 
Group‟s  strategy  to  increase  the  share  of  long  term  wholesale 
funding  and  lengthen  the  tenor  of  the  long  term  debt  portfolio. 
Growth slowed in the second half in line with lower asset growth. 
Refer to  Note  24  for  further  information  on  debt  programs  and 
issuance for the year ended 30 June 2010. 

Other interest bearing liabilities 

Other interest bearing liabilities including loan capital, liabilities at 
fair  value  through  the  income  statement  and  amounts  due  to 
other financial institutions, decreased $2 billion to $41 billion as 
at 30 June 2010, a 5% decrease on the prior year due to lower 
amounts held on deposit from other financial institutions at year 
end.  

Non-interest bearing liabilities 

Non-interest  bearing  liabilities  including  derivative  liabilities, 
insurance  policy  liabilities  and  bank  acceptances,  decreased 
$10 billion to $73 billion as at 30 June 2010, a 12% decrease on 
the  prior  year.  This  was  driven  predominantly  by  foreign 
exchange  volatility  impacting  derivative  liabilities  hedging  term 
debt and lower levels of bank acceptances. Movements through 
the second half of the year  are consistent with derivative asset 
movements. 

Asset growth of $26 billion or 4% over the prior year, was driven 
mainly  by  home  lending  growth  of  $31  billion  or  11%,  partly 
offset  by  lower  business  and  corporate  lending  balances  as  a 
result  of  institutional  clients  deleveraging,  while  small  business 
lending  remained  strong.  Asset  growth  was  funded  by  an 
increase  in  customer  deposits  which  now  represents  58%  of 
total  funding  at  30  June  2010  (2009:  56%).  Whilst  total 
wholesale funding was relatively stable over the prior year, the 
Group has increased the share of long term wholesale funding 
and lengthened the tenor of the long term portfolio to 3.8 years 
at 30 June 2010 (2009: 3.6 years).  

Home loans excluding securitisation 

Home loans excluding securitisation experienced strong growth 
through  the  year  with  balances  increasing  $34  billion  to  $314 
billion  as  at  30  June  2010,  a  12%  increase  on  the  prior  year. 
Domestic volume growth and market share gains benefited from 
competitive  customer  rates,  improved  customer  retention  and 
strong  growth  in  the  first  home  buyer  market.  Growth  has 
moderated  slightly  in  the  second  half  of  the  year  in  line  with 
lower market demand for credit following recent monetary policy 
tightening by the RBA.  

Personal loans 

Personal loans including credit cards, margin lending and other 
personal loans increased $1 billion to $21 billion as at 30 June 
2010,  a  7%  increase  on  the  prior  year.  Growth  was  driven 
predominantly  by  an  increase  in  credit  card  balances  following 
the success of the Amex companion card release and targeted 
limit 
lending  balances  also 
increased, up 4% on the prior year to $5 billion partly due to the 
recovery in equity markets. Personal loan growth was relatively 
flat  in  the  second  half  of  the  year  including  reduced  margin 
lending  balances  in  line  with  the  recent  volatility  in  equity 
markets.  

increase  campaigns.  Margin 

Business and corporate loans 

Business  and  corporate  loans  declined  by  $5  billion  to  $155 
billion as at 30 June 2010, a 3% decrease on the prior year. This 
was  impacted  mainly  by  institutional  clients  deleveraging  as  a 
result of the economic environment (particularly in the first half of 
the year). This was partially offset by strong growth and market 
share  gains  in  Business  and  Private  Banking,  particularly  in 
loans to small business customers.  

Non-lending interest earning assets 

Non-lending  interest  earning  assets increased  $2 billion to  $75 
billion  as  at  30  June  2010  a  3%  increase  on  the  prior  year, 
mainly driven by an increase in available for sale assets.  

Other assets 

for 

including  bank  acceptances  of  customers, 
Other  assets 
derivative  assets,  provisions 
impairment,  securitisation 
assets, insurance assets and intangibles, decreased $6 billion to 
$83 billion as at 30 June 2010, a 7% decrease on the prior year. 
lower  securitisation  and  bank 
This  was 
acceptances balances driven by lower market demand for these 
products. Other assets increased by 9% over the prior half due 
to  higher  derivative  asset  balances  as  a  result  of  volatility  in 
rate  markets,  with  a 
interest 
foreign  exchange  and 
corresponding impact in derivative liabilities. 

impacted  by 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     17 

 
 
 
Group Performance Analysis 

(1) Gross of provisions for impairment which are included in Other assets. 

(2) Comparative liability balances have been restated following alignment of Bankwest product classifications with the Group. 

(3) Comparative information has been restated to conform with presentation in the current period. 

18 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

30/06/1031/12/0930/06/09Jun 10 vsJun 10 vsTotal Group Assets & Liabilities$M$M$MDec 09 % Jun 09 % Interest earning assetsHome loans including securitisation323,573310,822292,206411Less: securitisation(9,696)(10,884)(12,568)(11)(23)Home loans excluding securitisation313,877299,938279,638512Personal loans20,57220,55219,260-7Business and corporate loans154,742155,889160,089(1)(3)Loans, bills discounted and other receivables (1)489,191476,379458,98737Provisions for loan impairment(5,428)(5,244)(4,924)410Net loans, bills discounted and other receivables483,763471,135454,06337Non-lending interest earning assets74,61073,28672,68823Total interest earning assets563,801549,665531,67536Other assets82,52975,81188,6979(7)Total assets646,330625,476620,37234Interest bearing liabilitiesTransaction deposits (2)71,99969,36766,59948Saving deposits (2)78,70477,55477,49612Investment deposits (2)159,219145,506139,395914Other demand deposits (2)55,94769,28076,615(19)(27)Total interest bearing deposits365,869361,707360,10512Deposits not bearing interest8,7948,4608,61642Deposits and other public borrowings374,663370,167368,72112Debt issues (3)121,438109,19689,8681135Other interest bearing liabilities41,46143,85843,744(5)(5)Total interest bearing liabilities528,768514,761493,71737Securitisation debt issues (3)8,77210,01111,951(12)(27)Non-interest bearing liabilities73,22067,12183,2629(12)Total liabilities610,760591,893588,93034Provisions for impairment lossesCollective provision3,4613,4523,225-7Individually assessed provisions1,9921,8221,729915Total provisions for impairment losses5,4535,2744,954310Less off balance sheet provisions(25)(30)(30)(17)(17)Total provisions for loan impairment5,4285,2444,924410As at 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset Quality 

(1) Impairment expense annualised as a percentage of average RWA – Basel II including the Bankwest non-cash loan impairment expense of $304 million was 0.81% 

for the year ended 30 June 2010 and 0.68% for the half year ended 30 June 2010. 

(2) Impairment expense annualised as a percentage of average gross loans and acceptances including the Bankwest non-cash loan impairment expense of $304 million 

was 0.48% for the year ended 30 June 2010 and 0.40% for the half year ended 30 June 2010. 

(3) Impairment expense annualised as a percentage of average gross loans and acceptances prepared on a pro forma basis as at 30 June 2009 was 0.73%. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     19 

30/06/1030/06/09Jun 10 vs30/06/1031/12/09Jun 10 vsAsset QualityJun 09 %Dec 09 %Gross loans and acceptances ($M)512,838488,5005512,838500,6442Risk weighted assets ("RWA") - Basel II ($M)290,821288,8361290,821297,449(2)Credit risk weighted assets ($M)256,763258,453(1)256,763258,466(1)Gross impaired assets ($M)5,2164,210245,2164,8238Net impaired assets ($M)3,2242,481303,2243,0017Collective provision as a % of risk weighted assets - Basel II1. 191. 127 bpts1. 191. 163 bptsCollective provision as a % of credit risk weighted assets - Basel II1. 351. 2510 bpts1. 351. 341 bpt  Collective provision as a % of gross loans and acceptances0. 670. 661 bpt  0. 670. 69(2)bptsIndividually assessed provisions for impairment as a % of gross impaired assets38. 241. 1(290)bpts38. 237. 840 bptsImpairment expense annualised as a % of average RWA - Basel II - cash basis (1)0. 711. 25(54)bpts0. 470. 94(47)bptsImpairment expense annualised as a % of average gross loans and acceptances - cash basis (2) (3)0. 410. 68(27)bpts0. 280. 55(27)bptsFull Year EndedHalf Year Ended 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail Banking Services 

Financial Performance and Business Review 

Consumer Finance 

Consumer  Finance  income  increased  8%  on  the  prior  year  to 
$1,560  million,  with  continued 
focus  on  quality  account 
acquisition and pricing to reflect the current risk environment.  

The  success  of  the  Amex  companion  card  and  targeted  limit 
increase  campaigns  have  driven  11%  growth  in  Credit  Card 
balances.  Personal  Loan  balances  increased  2%  on  the  prior 
year.  

Other banking income decreased by 14% on the prior year, due 
to  lower  Credit  Card  loyalty  income  (offset  in  expenses). 
Excluding  loyalty  income,  other  banking  income  increased  by 
12% on the prior year largely due to volume growth.  

Retail Deposits 

Deposit  income  decreased  by  9%  on  the  prior  year  to  $2,797 
million.  This  result  was  significantly  impacted  following  the 
introduction of ATM direct charging in March 2009, the reduction 
in  exception  fees  ($137  million)  from  October  2009  and 
continued  margin  compression  in  a  very  competitive  market. 
Volume  growth  remained  robust  with  a  10%  increase  in 
balances on the prior year.  

The Group maintained its number one market share position in 
deposits  and  continued  to  maintain  a  significant  gap  to  the 
nearest competitor. 

Distribution 

Income associated with the sale of foreign exchange products, 
and  commissions  received  from  the  distribution  of  business 
banking  and  wealth  management  products  through  the  retail 
distribution network increased by 29% on the prior year. Growth 
was driven by improved cross-sell performance and new product 
offerings such as Travel Money Card, particularly in the second 
half. The Group now holds the highest number of products per 
customer(2) of the main Australian banks. 

Operating Expenses 

Expenses  remained  flat  on  the  prior  year  at  $2,794  million. 
Excluding  the  impact  of  credit  card  related  loyalty  expenses, 
expenses increased by 5%. This reflects continuing investment 
in technology, marketing, risk management and collections. 

Efficiency  gains  have  enabled  a  reduction  in  the  expense  to 
income ratio to 39.6%, down from 42.9% in 2009.  

Impairment Expense 

Impairment  expense  increased  5%  on  the  prior  year  to  $736 
million, due to consumer finance volume growth, and increased 
arrears levels in the current economic environment.  

Impairment  expense  fell  by  12%  over  the  prior  half,  as  the 
effects  of  tighter  credit  policies,  and  results  of  the  Group‟s 
investment in credit decisioning and collections capabilities flow 
into  improving  arrears  and  loss  rates.  Current  arrears  and 
provisioning levels reflect the Group‟s commitment to supporting 
customers  through  difficult  times  with  customer  assistance 
programs.  

(1) Roy Morgan Research six months rolling average Main Financial Institution 

score. 

(2) Roy Morgan Research, Australians 14+, Banking and Finance products per 

Banking and Finance customers, 6 months rolling average.  

Retail  Banking  Services  cash  net  profit  after  tax  for  the  year 
ended  30  June  2010  was  $2,461  million,  which  represents  an 
increase  of  17%  on  the  prior  year.  This  result  reflects  strong 
volume growth and a continued focus on cost efficiency, partially 
offset by a decrease in net interest margin.  

The  ongoing  focus  on  customer  satisfaction  has  resulted  in 
improvements to  14  year  record  high  Main  Financial Institution 
(“MFI”)  customer  satisfaction  scores(1).  Key  highlights  for  the 
year include:  

Successful  migration  of  over  one  million  term  deposit 
accounts to the new Core Banking platform, enabling real 
time visibility and improved functionality for customers; 
Continued  NetBank  enhancements  benefiting  over  five 
million online customers, including free SMS services and 
new auto pay functionality; 
The  introduction  of  Customer  Service  Deposit  Specialists 
across Australia‟s largest branch network; 
Continued investment in Australia‟s leading ATM network, 
improving security and functionality; 
Increased efficiency and flexibility through the introduction 
of a paperless end to end Home Loan process; 
The  launch  of  the  market  leading  American  Express 
companion card and a new low fee/low rate Gold Card;  
Continued service innovation including Online Credit Card 
activation, limit increase, applications and statements; and 

Supporting  over  2,500  schools  throughout  Australia  with 
reinvigorated  School  Banking  and  Financial  Literacy 
programs. 

Progress  has  been  recognised  through  a  number  of  awards 
including: 

  Money  Magazine  “Money  Minder  of  the  Year  2010”, 
recognising    transaction,  saving  and  cash  management 
products; 
Third Party Banking awarded “Lender of the Year 2010” by 
the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia for the 
second year running; 
“Australian Financial Institution of the Year (Retail)” at the 
2010 Australian Banking and Finance Awards; and 
CANSTAR CANNEX awarding a 5-Star rating to the entire 
rated Retail Deposit product suite and an innovation award 
for Travel Money Card. 

In addition, people engagement measures remain high. 

Despite  solid  momentum  in  underlying  business  performance 
cash  net  profit  after  tax  for  the six months  to  30  June  2010  of 
$1,216  million  decreased  2%  on  the  prior  half.  The  result  was 
impacted  by  the  reduction  in  exception  fees  (since  October 
2009),  margin  compression  from  continued  competition  for 
deposits and three less calendar days compared to the first half. 

Home Loans 

Home Loans income increased 38% on the prior year to $2,405 
million,  benefiting  from  strong  average  volume  growth  of  18% 
and  improved  margins.  Margins  benefitted  from  a  shift  in 
portfolio mix as fixed rate loans written at historically low margins 
rolled off together with an increased proportion of loans written 
through  proprietary  channels.  Volume  growth  was  driven  by 
competitive customer rates and strong growth in the first home 
buyer market. 

Margins  were  relatively  stable  in  the  second  half,  with  volume 
growth  slowing  in  line  with  the  market  demand  for  credit.  The 
focus  remains  on  profitable  growth 
through  quality  new 
business.  

20 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail Banking Services 

(1) Consumer Finance includes personal loans and credit cards. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     21 

ConsumerRetailHome Loans Finance (1) DepositsDistributionTotal$M$M$M$M$MNet interest income2,2131,1432,340-5,696Other banking income1924174572901,356Total banking income2,4051,5602,7972907,052Operating expenses(2,794)Impairment expense(736)Net profit before tax3,522Corporate tax expense(1,061)Cash net profit after tax2,461Full Year Ended 30 June 2010ConsumerRetailHome Loans Finance (1) DepositsDistributionTotal$M$M$M$M$MNet interest income1,5759582,392-4,925Other banking income1674836772241,551Total banking income1,7421,4413,0692246,476Operating expenses(2,781)Impairment expense(699)Net profit before tax2,996Corporate tax expense(889)Cash net profit after tax2,107Full Year Ended 30 June 2009ConsumerRetailHome Loans Finance (1) DepositsDistributionTotal$M$M$M$M$MNet interest income1,1225941,092-2,808Other banking income93205209166673Total banking income1,2157991,3011663,481Operating expenses(1,414)Impairment expense(345)Net profit before tax1,722Corporate tax expense(506)Cash net profit after tax1,216Half Year Ended 30 June 201030/06/1031/12/0930/06/09Jun 10 vsJun 10 vsMajor Balance Sheet Items $M$M$M Dec 09 % Jun 09 %Home loans (including securitisation)250,428240,515226,457411Consumer finance (1)12,96112,81212,06417Total assets263,389253,327238,521410Home loans (net of securitisation)243,695233,006217,855512Transaction deposits19,05020,81420,335(8)(6)Savings deposits59,20655,80655,33467Investments and other deposits71,71964,87560,8171118Deposits not bearing interest2,8402,9002,858(2)(1)Total liabilities152,815144,395139,344610As at 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business and Private Banking 

Financial Performance and Business Review 

Regional and Agribusiness Banking 

Business  and Private  Banking  delivered  a strong performance, 
achieving 21% growth in cash net profit after tax to $893 million 
for the year ended 30 June 2010. 

This result reflects continued momentum across all businesses 
with  operating  performance  growth  of  19%  and  total  banking 
income growing 11%. The revenue performance was driven by 
strong growth in business lending balances, stable margins and 
improved equities trading volumes within CommSec. 

Performance highlights during the past year included:  

Customer satisfaction remained a key strategic priority and 
the business has very strong momentum. According to the 
TNS Business Finance Monitor, the gap to the number one 
peer bank(1) has reduced to 3.3% in June 2010, down from 
5.3% at June 2009(2). CBA has grown business customer 
satisfaction faster than any other peer bank during the past 
six months, and was the only one of the four major banks 
to  improve customer satisfaction between June  2009  and 
June 2010. Further reinforcing the strong progress, in the 
recent DBM Business Financial Services Monitor(3) survey, 
CBA  was  recognised  as  the  number  one  major  bank 
across all business banking segments; 
A  range  of  additional  features  were  launched  within 
CommBiz  to  help  business  customers  conduct  their 
transactions faster, including enhanced screen design and 
self-service  capability;  new  online  statement  functionality; 
and  reduced  application turnaround  times.  CommBiz  was 
also awarded “Best in Class” in the Banking category in the 
2009 Interactive Media Awards; 
Private  Bank  was  recognised  in  the  Australian  Private 
Banking  Council  Awards  for  2010,  winning  Outstanding 
Private Banking Institution of the Year in the $1m to $10m 
category for the second year running;  
A  market  leading  contactless  card  payment  facility  was 
launched  in  October  2009.  This  product  is  designed  to 
speed  up  transaction  times  and  reduce  queues  for 
business  customers  in  service-based  industries  with  over 
12,000 terminals already rolled out; and 
CommSec was awarded several major industry accolades 
including a five star rating by CANSTAR CANNEX for both 
its online share trading and IRESS products, together with 
the  AFR  Smart  Investor  Blue  Ribbon  Award  for  “Online 
Broker  of  the  Year”  and  “Margin  Lender  of  the  Year”  in 
Money Magazine‟s Bank of The Year awards 2010. 

Compared  to  the  prior  half,  cash  net  profit  after  tax  increased 
3%, with the first half of the year benefiting from higher equities 
trading  volumes  within  CommSec  and  three  more  calendar 
days. 

Corporate Financial Services 

Corporate Financial Services income increased 11% on the prior 
year  to  $1,034  million.  This  was  driven  by  business  lending 
growth  of  10%,  while margins  also  improved.  The benefit from 
increasing deposit balances was offset by lower deposit margins 
due to the impact of competitive pricing.  

Continued  investment  in  people,  systems  and  processes, 
including  targeted  customer  contact  campaigns,  contributed  to 
this segment of the business achieving number one in customer 
satisfaction(4)  among  the  four  major  banks.  Specific  initiatives 
include  the  establishment  of  a  telephony-based  customer 
service  model  aimed  at  servicing  emerging  commercial 
customers,  and  the  newly  formed  Acquisition  Finance  and 
Advisory  team,  which  provides  a  business  wealth  transition 
proposition to corporate customers. 

22 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Regional  and  Agribusiness  Banking  income increased  11%  on 
the  prior  year  to  $374  million.  This  reflected  a  9%  increase  in 
lending  balances  and  improved  margins.  Growth  in  asset 
finance  volumes  also  contributed  to  this  result,  partly  offset  by 
the impact of competitive pricing on deposit margins, particularly 
in the second half of the year. 

Continued  focus  on  enhancing  customer  advocacy  resulted  in 
the implementation of a number of specific initiatives in the areas 
of product innovation, simplified lending processes and targeted 
customer contact campaigns.  

Local Business Banking 

Local Business Banking income increased 10% on the prior year 
to $685 million. This was driven by growth in lending balances of 
14%, with deposit income flat reflecting higher balances offset by 
the impact of competitive pricing on margins. 

The  business  has  continued  to  leverage  its  unique  service 
model, based on a personalised 24 hour, 7 days a week support 
centre  while  undertaking  a  number  of  online  enhancements 
designed  to  improve  customer  experience.  In  addition,  the 
business  has  further  embedded  business  bankers  within  the 
retail branch network and has performed a financial health check 
on more than 38,000 individual businesses. 

Private Bank 

Private Bank income  increased  10%  on the  prior  year to  $238 
million. This was driven by growth in the lending book together 
with increased cross sell of financial advisory services. Deposit 
income  remained  flat  year  on  year  reflecting  competitive  term 
deposit pricing, particularly in the second half of the year. 

Equities and Margin Lending 

Equities and Margin Lending income increased 14% on the prior 
year to $471 million. This was due to growth in both retail and 
wholesale  brokerage,  with  CommSec  daily  trades  increasing 
20% on the prior year. Due to market volatility experienced in the 
first three months of the financial year, CommSec daily trading 
volumes  were  11%  higher  in  the  first  half  resulting  in  lower 
second half income.  

Margin  lending  balances increased  4%  on the  prior  year partly 
due  to  the  recovery  in  equity  markets.  CommSec  cash 
management  income  increased  20%  driven  by  continued 
balance growth. 

Operating Expenses 

Operating  expenses  of  $1,310  million  represented  an  increase 
of 3% on the prior year. This reflected a disciplined approach to 
expense  management  and  ongoing  productivity  improvements 
which allowed continued investment across the business. 

Impairment Expense 

Impairment expense  of  $326 million  increased  6%  on the  prior 
year, and decreased 32% on the prior half. The improving trend 
reflects the strong credit quality of the business lending portfolio 
and  the  ongoing  initiatives  introduced  to  further  enhance  the 
culture of proactive risk management among frontline staff.  

(1) Peer banks include NAB, ANZ, WBC and St George. 

(2)  TNS  Business  Finance  Monitor  measured  all  businesses  with  annual 
turnover  to  $100  million  (excluding  agribusinesses),  6  months  rolling 
average. 

(3)  DBM  Business  Financial  Services  Monitor,  measured  micro  business  with 
turnover up to $1 million, small business with turnover of $1 million up to $5 
million,  medium  business  with  turnover  of  $5  million  up  to  $50  million  and 
large business with turnover of over $50 million, 5 month data to May 2010. 

(4) TNS Business Finance Monitor, measured businesses with annual turnover 
between $10 and $100 million (excluding agribusinesses), 12 months rolling 
average.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business and Private Banking 

(1) Prior year comparatives have been restated for the impact of client resegmentations. 

(2) Other assets include intangible assets and Other non-interest bearing liabilities include bank acceptances. 

(3) Includes deposits relating to both Institutional Banking and Markets as well as Business and Private Banking customers. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     23 

CorporateRegional & LocalEquities &                           > 0 = Error in calculationFinancialAgri-BusinessPrivateMarginServicesbusinessBankingBankLendingOtherTotal$M$M$M$M$M$M$MNet interest income548236457123216631,643Other banking income486138228115255271,249Total banking income1,034374685238471902,892Operating expenses(1,310)Impairment expense(326)Net profit before tax1,256Corporate tax expense(363)Cash net profit after tax893Full Year Ended 30 June 2010CorporateRegional & LocalEquities &FinancialAgri-BusinessPrivateMarginServicesbusinessBankingBankLendingOtherTotal$M$M$M$M$M$M$MNet interest income545220383107194761,525Other banking income385118238109218121,080Total banking income930338621216412882,605Operating expenses(1,272)Impairment expense(309)Net profit before tax1,024Corporate tax expense(288)Cash net profit after tax736Full Year Ended 30 June 2009 (1)CorporateRegional & LocalEquities &FinancialAgri-BusinessPrivateMarginServicesbusinessBankingBankLendingOtherTotal$M$M$M$M$M$M$MNet interest income2691162426110825821Other banking income255681125811317623Total banking income524184354119221421,444Operating expenses(671)Impairment expense(132)Net profit before tax641Corporate tax expense(188)Cash net profit after tax453Half Year Ended 30 June 201030/06/1031/12/0930/06/09Jun 10 vsJun 10 vsMajor Balance Sheet Items $M$M$M Dec 09 % Jun 09 %Interest earning lending assets (excluding margin loans)63,13260,07355,042515Bank acceptances of customers10,1559,36712,0998(16)Non-lending interest earning assets2953311,311(11)(77)Margin loans4,7715,0324,569(5)4Other assets (2)4484591,794(2)(75)Total assets78,80175,26274,81555Transaction deposits45,02641,53039,379814Savings deposits4,7444,8324,982(2)(5)Investment deposits37,14732,97230,2431323Certificates of deposit and other162173172(6)(6)Due to other financial institutions8954142,101large(57)Other non-interest bearing liabilities (2)15,32414,18117,9228(14)Total liabilities (3)103,29894,10294,799109As at 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Institutional Banking and Markets 

Financial Performance and Business Review 

Institutional  Banking  and  Markets  services  the  Group‟s  major 
corporate, 
institutional  and  government  clients  using  a 
relationship  management  model  based  on  industry  expertise 
and  local  insights.  The  Group‟s Total Capital Solutions  offering 
includes debt and equity capital raising, financial and commodity 
price  risk  management  and  transaction  banking  capabilities. 
Institutional Banking and Markets has international operations in 
London,  Malta,  New  York,  New  Zealand,  Singapore,  Hong 
Kong, Japan and Shanghai. 

Institutional Banking and Markets achieved a cash net profit after 
tax  of  $1,182  million  for  the  year  ended  30  June  2010,  which 
represented  a significant increase on  the  prior  year. The  result 
was  driven  by  moderate  growth  in  operating  income  and  a 
substantial decline in impairment expense, partly offset by higher 
staff expenses. 

Operating income increased by 7% on the prior year to $2,567 
million, reflecting: 

A  solid  16%  increase  in  Institutional  Banking  operating 
income  as  a  result  of  good  activity  levels  and  disciplined 
pricing  strategies,  along  with  enhanced 
focus  and 
performance  in  Transaction  Banking  including  Payments 
and  Deposits.  Margins  improved  across  the  lending 
portfolio,  of  which  63%  has  been  repriced  since  1  July 
2008.  Operating  income  was  impacted  by  a  decline  in 
Institutional  lending  balances  of  17%  as  a  result  of  the 
deleveraging  of  corporations  during  the  year.  The  rate  of 
decline  in  lending  balances  moderated  through  the  year 
and had stabilised by year end; and 

  Markets  operating  income  declined  by  10%  following  the 
exceptional growth of the prior year and also reflecting the 
strategic  decision  to  withdraw  from  certain  Structured 
Finance activities.  

Operating income for the six months to 30 June 2010 decreased 
11%  on  the  prior  half  to  $1,212  million  primarily  due  to  the 
impact  of  favourable  counterparty  fair  value  mark  to  market 
valuations recognised in the prior half and lower markets trading 
income. 

The  business  continues  to  invest  for  the  future,  building  its 
capacity  in  the  Institutional  Equities  and  Debt  Capital  Markets 
foreign  exchange  platform  renewal  and  driving 
business, 
enhancements 
technology 
improved 
capabilities  to  enrich  customer  experience.  Customer  service 
continues  to  be  a  key  focus  with  Institutional  Banking  and 
Markets, reflected in: 

information 

through 

for 

running 

“Loyalty 

East  and  Partners‟  semi-annual  “Australian  Institutional 
Banking & Markets” lists CBA as best in market for the fifth 
year 
to  Relationship”  and 
“Understanding of Customer‟s Business”(1); 
Peter Lee Relationship Banking Survey “Best in Customer 
Service” for 2009, rated Institutional Banking and Markets 
as  the  “Number  one  for  overall  Customer  Satisfaction 
among  clients  where  they  have  a  Lead  Relationship  with 
CBA”; and 

IFR Magazine and IFR Asia awarded “Asian Securitisation 
Deal of the Year 2009” for the joint lead manager role and 
swap  provider  for  the  Members  Equity  Bank  RMBS 
transaction. 

Performance  highlights  in  relation  to  providing  Total  Capital 
Solutions to customers during the period include: 

Euromoney FX Survey 2010 recognised CBA for achieving 
the  highest  market  share  gain  in  the  Australia  region 
amongst its major competitors; 

24 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

financing  arrangement  entered 

Euromoney awarded the Corporate Finance team the 2009 
Public Private Partnership Project Finance (Asia) award for 
the 
the 
Queensland  Department  of  Education  and  Training  to 
finance,  design, 
facilities 
maintenance for seven new schools; and 

construct  and  provide 

into  with 

  Mandated as Joint Lead Arranger on a number of ASX200 
Initial  Public  Offerings  and  equity  raisings,  demonstrating 
increasing expertise in this product segment. 

Institutional Banking 

Net  interest  income  increased  6%  on  the  prior  year  to  $1,127 
million driven by higher margins whilst maintaining strong asset 
quality  as  well  as  focusing  on  innovative  solutions  to  meet 
customer  needs.  In  line  with  the  broader  market,  lending 
balances  have  continued  to  decline  as  customers  deleverage. 
This  resulted  in  a  17%  reduction  in  Institutional  Lending 
balances compared to the prior year.  

Other  banking  income  increased  by  34%  on  the  prior  year  to 
$718  million  driven  by  higher  fee  income  and  sale  of  equity 
investments,  partly  offset  by the costs  associated  with  hedging 
exposures.  

Markets 

Net interest income decreased by 47% on the prior year to $207 
million, primarily from margin compression in offshore branches 
as market liquidity gradually improved. This trend continued into 
the second half of the year with net interest income decreasing 
by 18% on the prior half. 

Other  banking  income  increased  by  24%  on  the  prior  year  to 
$515  million,  as  the  unfavourable  impact  of  traded  market 
instruments  and  the  counterparty  fair  value  mark  to  market 
valuations taken in the prior year was not repeated. In addition, 
the  Institutional  Equities  and  Debt  Capital  Markets  division 
continued to contribute positively to the result with stronger client 
flows. 

Other banking income decreased by 49% on the prior half due 
to  the  favourable  impact  of  counterparty  fair  value  mark  to 
market valuations recognised in the prior half and lower trading 
income. 

Operating Expenses 

Operating  expenses  increased  17%  on  the  prior  year  to  $792 
million.  The  increase  is  predominantly  due  to  higher  staff 
expenses, additional operating lease depreciation expense and 
the continued investment in information technology. 

The  expense  to  income  ratio  was  30.9%,  up  from  28.3%  in 
2009. 

Impairment Expense 

Impairment expense decreased significantly on the prior year to 
$249  million.  This  outcome  benefitted  from  the  improved 
operating  environment  reflected  in  improving  customer  credit 
ratings and the non-recurrence of a small number of large single 
name exposures which impacted the prior year. The decline in 
lending balances also led to lower levels of collective provisions. 

Corporate Tax Expense 

The  corporate  tax  expense  for  the  year  ended  30  June  2010 
was $344 million. The effective tax rate of 22.5% benefitted from 
investment allowance tax credits associated with the structured 
asset finance leasing business, in addition to profit generated in 
offshore jurisdictions that have lower corporate tax rates. 

(1) Source: East & Partners Australian Institutional Banking Markets 2006, 2007, 
2008, 2009 and April 2010 Reports. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Institutional Banking and Markets 

(1) Prior year comparatives have been restated for the impact of business resegmentation. 

(2) Other assets include intangible assets and derivative assets, and Other non-interest bearing liabilities include derivative liabilities. 

(3) 30 June 2009 comparative balances have been restated following the transfer of balances to Group Treasury. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     25 

Institutional BankingMarketsTotal$M$M$MNet interest income1,1272071,334Other banking income7185151,233Total banking income1,8457222,567Operating expenses(792)Impairment expense(249)Net profit before tax1,526Corporate tax expense(344)Cash net profit after tax1,182Full Year Ended 30 June 2010Institutional Banking (1)Markets (1)Total$M$M$MNet interest income1,0623911,453Other banking income535414949Total banking income1,5978052,402Operating expenses(679)Impairment expense(1,708)Net profit before tax15Corporate tax expense151Cash net profit after tax166Full Year Ended 30 June 2009Institutional BankingMarketsTotal$M$M$MNet interest income55893651Other banking income388173561Total banking income9462661,212Operating expenses(405)Impairment expense72Net profit before tax879Corporate tax expense(242)Cash net profit after tax637Half Year Ended 30 June 201030/06/1031/12/0930/06/09Jun 10 vsJun 10 vsMajor Balance Sheet Items$M$M$M Dec 09 % Jun 09 %Interest earning lending assets54,89258,38767,213(6)(18)Bank acceptances of customers1,4141,5922,629(11)(46)Non-lending interest earning assets29,43429,15430,8581(5)Other assets (2)8,7553,56712,500large(30)Total assets94,49592,700113,2002(17)Certificates of deposit and other12,83413,06712,725(2)1Investment deposits5,0826,2899,008(19)(44)Due to other financial institutions10,05510,24311,627(2)(14)Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement3,9742,6222,5985253Debt issues (3)2,5062,6313,413(5)(27)Loan capital6276126442(3)Other non-interest bearing liabilities (2)23,82020,66333,86315(30)Total liabilities58,89856,12773,8785(20)As at 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wealth Management 

Financial Performance and Business Review 

Underlying  profit  after  tax  increased  15%  on  the  prior  year  to 
$592 million. The result was driven by solid growth in underlying 
volumes and improved investment markets. 

Funds  under  Administration  increased  6%  on  the  prior  year  to 
$180 billion as at 30 June 2010. Net outflows of $3 billion for the 
year were impacted by the outflow of short-term cash mandates 
from institutional investors. 

Cash  net  profit  after  tax  for  the Wealth  Management  business 
was  up  significantly  on  the  prior  year  to  $718  million.  This 
outcome was driven by improved investment experience due to 
improved investment markets, unwinding of unrealised mark to 
market losses in the Guaranteed Annuities portfolio and the non-
recurrence of impairments encountered in the prior year.  

Cash  net  profit  after  tax  in  the  second  half  decreased  11%  to 
$339 million impacted by General Insurance weather events and 
stabilising credit spreads. 

CFS Global Asset Management (CFS GAM) 

CFS  Global  Asset  Management  provides  asset  management 
services  to  wholesale  and  institutional  investors.  Underlying 
profit  after  tax  of  $236  million  was  up  14%  on  the  prior  year, 
reflecting  strong  investment  performance  and  higher  base  fee 
contribution partially offset by a strengthening Australian dollar, 
lower  performance 
from 
infrastructure assets. 

fees  and  dividends 

received 

Funds under Management as at 30 June 2010 was $144 billion, 
up  4% on the  prior  year.  The  impact  of  improved conditions  in 
equity markets was partially offset by outflows in short term cash 
mandates. 

Investment performance remains solid with 75%, 67% and 76% 
of funds outperforming benchmark over one, three and five year 
periods  respectively,  reflecting  the  success  of  CFS  GAM‟s 
research-based investment philosophy. 

Highlights include: 

First  State  Investments  named  Asia  Asset  Management 
winner in the 2009 Best of the Best Awards, in the category 
of “Best Performance in Global Emerging Markets” (3 and 
5 year periods);  
CFS  Retail  Property  Trust  (CFX)  was  named  “A-REIT  of 
the year” by Property Investment Research (PIR);  
The  continuing  success  of  the  First  State  European 
Diversified  Infrastructure  Fund  (EDIF),  which  raised  €365 
million from investors; 
Launch  of  the  first  Global  Agribusiness  Funds  to  be 
managed by CFS GAM‟s Global Resources team; and 

First  State Investments  won  Specialist  Group  of  the  year, 
Best  Global 
Single 
the  global 
Country/Specialist  Regional  Portfolio  at 
Investment  Week‟s  Fund  Manager  of  the  Year  Awards 
2010. 

Resources 

Fund, 

and 

Cash net profit after tax of $266 million was up significantly on 
the  prior  year  due  to  improved  performance  and  market 
conditions.   

Cash net profit after tax of $129 million in the second half was 
down 6% due to increased strategic investment spend. 

Colonial First State  

Colonial First State provides product packaging, administration, 
distribution and advice to retail customers. Underlying profit after 
tax  increased  69%  on  the  prior  year  to  $147 million,  driven  by 
improved net flows and market conditions.  

of  $3  billion  for  the  year  ended  30  June  2010.  FirstChoice 
retained  the  number  two  Flagship  platform  position  with  a 
market share of 10.7% and captured 20.9% of net flows for the 
year ended March 2010(1).  

Highlights include: 

in 

the  annual 

CFS  won  “Best  Fund  Manager”  service  level  award  from 
Wealth Insights for the 3rd year running; 
CFS  FirstWrap  platform  ranked  2nd 
Investment Trends platform benchmarking survey; 
won 
Super 
FirstChoice  Wholesale 
“Superannuation  Platform  of  the  Year”  and  FirstChoice 
Defensive  was  the  winner  of  “Conservative  Retail  Multi-
sector Funds” in the AFR Blue Ribbon Awards 2009;  
Realindex Fundamental Index fund has raised $1.6 billion 
in the eighteen months since inception; and 
Term  Deposit  and  Cash  accounts  held  with  CBA  exceed 
$3 billion. 

Personal 

Cash net profit after tax was up 67% on the prior year to $144 
million  and  up  44%  in  the  second  half  to  $85  million  reflecting 
increased  volumes  and  the  full  impact  of  margin  increases 
experienced in the first half. 

CommInsure 

CommInsure  is  a  provider  of  life  and  general  insurance  in 
Australia.  Underlying  profit  after  tax  declined  6%  on  the  prior 
year to $299 million. 

CommInsure‟s  strategy  during  the  year  focussed  on  improving 
service,  streamlining  processes  and  enhancing  core  business 
profitability. 
insurance 
businesses will continue to be the core focus, in order to offset 
the  declining  contribution  from  the  legacy  funds  management 
business, which is in long term run-off. 

the  profitability  of 

Increasing 

the 

Retail Life insurance business performance was relatively stable 
over  the  prior  year,  including strong  inforce  premium growth of 
12%, offset by higher claims experience.  

Wholesale  Life  insurance  business  performance  improved, 
despite a reduction in inforce premiums, due to improved claims 
management and sustainable pricing. 

General  Insurance  business  performance  improved  over  the 
prior  year,  experiencing  strong  growth  in  inforce  premiums,  up 
13%  to  $408  million,  and  improved  loss  ratios  despite  major 
weather events. 

Highlights include: 

Awarded “Life Company of the Year” by Plan for Life; 
Awarded  the  Association  of  Financial  Advisers  “Service 
Quality  Award  2009”,  recognising  excellence  in  new 
business/underwriting and claims services;  
Awarded  “Outstanding  Value  for  Home  and  Contents 
Insurance” by CANSTAR CANNEX; and 

Sale of the St Andrew‟s insurance business to the Bank of 
Queensland effective, 1 July 2010.  

Cash net profit after tax was up significantly on the prior year to 
$396  million  driven  by  positive  investment  experience  due  to 
improved  investment  markets  and  the  unwinding  of  unrealised 
mark to market losses in the Guaranteed Annuities portfolio.  

Cash  net  profit  after  tax  decreased  26%  in  the  second  half, 
impacted by weather events and stabilising credit spreads. 

Operating Expenses 

Total operating expenses of $1,210 million increased 1% on the 
prior  year.  Expenses  have  been  managed  in  line  with  current 
market conditions, while maintaining strategic investment spend.  

The FirstChoice platform performed well with positive net flows 

1) Most recent market data available from Plan for Life quarterly market report. 

26 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wealth Management 

(1) Prior year comparative has been restated for the resegmentation of St Andrew‟s. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     27 

ColonialCFS GAMFirst StateCommInsureOtherTotal$M$M$M$M$MFunds management income789811226(2)1,824Insurance income--684-684Total operating income789811910(2)2,508Volume expenses(126)(160)(209)(1)(496)Net operating income663651701(3)2,012Operating expenses(358)(444)(281)(127)(1,210)Net profit before tax305207420(130)802Corporate tax expense(69)(60)(121)40(210)Underlying profit after tax236147299(90)592Investment experience after tax30(3)972126Cash net profit after tax266144396(88)718Full Year Ended 30 June 2010ColonialCFS GAMFirst State (1)CommInsure (1)Other (1)Total$M$M$M$M$MFunds management income773712260-1,745Insurance income--657-657Total operating income773712917-2,402Volume expenses(134)(154)(195)-(483)Net operating income639558722-1,919Operating expenses(353)(435)(283)(129)(1,200)Net profit before tax286123439(129)719Corporate tax expense(79)(36)(120)30(205)Underlying profit after tax20787319(99)514Investment experience after tax(114)(1)(128)18(225)Cash net profit after tax9386191(81)289Full Year Ended 30 June 2009 (Pro forma)ColonialCFS GAMFirst StateCommInsureOtherTotal$M$M$M$M$MFunds management income399410108(1)916Insurance income--331-331Total operating income399410439(1)1,247Volume expenses(66)(77)(102)(1)(246)Net operating income333333337(2)1,001Operating expenses(188)(213)(143)(65)(609)Net profit before tax145120194(67)392Corporate tax expense(30)(34)(54)23(95)Underlying profit after tax11586140(44)297Investment experience after tax14(1)28142Cash net profit after tax12985168(43)339Half Year Ended 30 June 2010 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wealth Management 

(1) FUM & FUA do not include the Group's interest in the China Cinda JV. 

(2) This asset class includes Wholesale and Listed property trusts as well as indirect Listed Property Securities funds which are traded through the ASX. 

(3) Inforce premiums relate to risk business. 

(4) St Andrew's balances are included on a pro forma basis in 2009. 

(5) Lapses include a $130 million reduction as a result of the loss of the wholesale portfolio for the Australian Super business. 

28 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Pro forma30/06/1030/06/09Jun 10 vs30/06/1031/12/09Jun 10 vsSummary$M$M Jun 09 %$M$M Dec 09 %Funds under administration - average (1)179,802168,0717181,709178,7382Funds under administration - spot (1)179,614169,2106179,614185,699(3)Funds under management - average (1)144,624136,6046145,469144,4071Funds under management - spot (1)144,298138,2044144,298149,025(3)Retail Net funds flows (Australian Retail)246(1,301)large(126)372largeFull Year EndedHalf Year EndedPro forma30/06/1030/06/09Jun 10 vs30/06/1031/12/09Jun 10 vsFunds Under Management (FUM) (1)$M$M Jun 09 %$M$M Dec 09 %Australian equities21,49917,7412121,49923,009(7)Global equities45,68535,7052845,68542,7257Cash and fixed interest54,18061,395(12)54,18059,193(8)Property and Infrastructure (2)22,93423,363(2)22,93424,098(5)Total144,298138,2044144,298149,025(3)Full Year EndedHalf Year EndedPro forma30/06/1030/06/09Jun 10 vs30/06/1031/12/09Jun 10 vsSources of Profit from CommInsure$M$M Jun 09 %$M$M Dec 09 %Life insurance operating marginsPlanned profit margins166159486808Experience variations614(57)(4)10largeFunds management operating margins120154(22)6060-General insurance operating margins7(8)large(2)9largeOperating margins299319(6)140159(12)Investment experience after tax97(128)large2869(59)Cash net profit after tax396191large168228(26)Full Year EndedHalf Year EndedOpeningClosingBalanceSales/NewBalance30/06/09 BusinessLapses30/06/10Annual Inforce Premiums (3)$M$M$M$MRetail life765223(135)853Wholesale life (5)43566(178)323General insurance360107(59)408Total1,560396(372)1,584Full Year Ended 30 June 2010OpeningClosingBalanceSales/NewBalance30/06/08 BusinessLapses30/06/09Annual Inforce Premiums (3)$M$M$M$MRetail life (4)658239(132)765Wholesale life366103(34)435General insurance279136(55)360Total1,303478(221)1,560Full Year Ended 30 June 2009 (Pro forma)OpeningClosingBalanceSales/NewBalance31/12/09 BusinessLapses30/06/10Annual Inforce Premiums (3)$M$M$M$MRetail life810106(63)853Wholesale life29749(23)323General insurance39149(32)408Total1,498204(118)1,584Half Year Ended 30 June 2010 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wealth Management 

(1) Custom Solutions includes the FirstWrap product. 

(2) Includes cash management trusts. 

(3) This is an estimate of the Retail Funds that align to Plan for Life market share releases. 

(4) Includes regular premium plans. These retail products are not reported in market share data. 

(5) Includes life company assets sourced from retail investors but not attributable to a funds management product. 

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

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     29 

OpeningInvestmentClosingBalanceIncome &Balance30/06/09InflowsOutflowsNet FlowsOther (6)30/06/10Funds Under Administration$M$M$M$M$M$MFirstChoice35,95512,418(9,019)3,3994,28643,640Custom Solutions (1)5,3411,713(1,497)2165576,114Standalone (including Legacy) (2)24,9504,021(7,303)(3,282)1,27422,942Retail products (3)66,24618,152(17,819)3336,11772,696Other retail (4)1,15442(129)(87)861,153Australian retail67,40018,194(17,948)2466,20373,849Wholesale45,09217,638(24,631)(6,993)2,95141,050Property18,722955(1,759)(804)(751)17,167Other (5)3,23636(145)(109)(94)3,033Domestically sourced134,45036,823(44,483)(7,660)8,309135,099Internationally sourced34,76011,748(7,275)4,4735,28244,515Total Wealth Management169,21048,571(51,758)(3,187)13,591179,614Full Year Ended 30 June 2010OpeningInvestmentClosingBalanceIncome &Balance30/06/08InflowsOutflowsNet FlowsOther (6)30/06/09Funds Under Administration$M$M$M$M$M$MFirstChoice38,70710,862(8,617)2,245(4,997)35,955Custom Solutions (1)6,2572,176(2,165)11(927)5,341Standalone (including Legacy) (2)30,7744,686(8,089)(3,403)(2,421)24,950Retail products (3)75,73817,724(18,871)(1,147)(8,345)66,246Other retail (4)1,36654(208)(154)(58)1,154Australian retail77,10417,778(19,079)(1,301)(8,403)67,400Wholesale52,37621,457(27,089)(5,632)(1,652)45,092Property20,2101,281(2,336)(1,055)(433)18,722Other (5)3,248508(165)343(355)3,236Domestically sourced152,93841,024(48,669)(7,645)(10,843)134,450Internationally sourced32,7309,588(8,728)8601,17034,760Total Wealth Management185,66850,612(57,397)(6,785)(9,673)169,210Full Year Ended 30 June 2009 (Pro forma)OpeningInvestmentClosingBalanceIncome &Balance31/12/09InflowsOutflowsNet FlowsOther (6)30/06/10Funds Under Administration$M$M$M$M$M$MFirstChoice43,1796,267(4,693)1,574(1,113)43,640Custom Solutions (1)6,147910(746)164(197)6,114Standalone (including Legacy) (2)26,1061,937(3,758)(1,821)(1,343)22,942Retail products (3)75,4329,114(9,197)(83)(2,653)72,696Other retail (4)1,22221(64)(43)(26)1,153Australian retail76,6549,135(9,261)(126)(2,679)73,849Wholesale47,3727,262(13,039)(5,777)(545)41,050Property17,924115(821)(706)(51)17,167Other (5)3,06818(70)(52)173,033Domestically sourced145,01816,530(23,191)(6,661)(3,258)135,099Internationally sourced40,6815,614(3,728)1,8861,94844,515Total Wealth Management185,69922,144(26,919)(4,775)(1,310)179,614Half Year Ended 30 June 2010 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
New Zealand 

Financial Performance and Business Review 

Sovereign Insurance 

Sovereign‟s cash net profit after tax(1) for the full year ended 30 
June 2010 was NZ$103 million, a decrease of 13% on the prior 
year. The key drivers of the Sovereign underlying result were: 

Claims volumes increased significantly in the current year, 
particularly  in  the  first  half,  primarily  in  the  health,  trauma 
and disability income areas; 

  One-off NZ$18 million gain recognised in the second half of 
the  year  due  to  the  revaluation  of  deferred  tax  on  policy 
liabilities driven by the reduction in New Zealand corporate 
tax rate from 30% to 28% on 1 July 2011; 
Valuation gains on policy liabilities were recognised in the 
prior year, driven by lower New Zealand bond rates. This 
gain  has  partially  reversed  this  year  as  bond  rates 
recovered; 
Inforce premiums increased by 7% over the prior year with 
market share of 31%(2) and persistency remaining superior 
to the rest of the New Zealand market; and 
Despite  a  fall  in  share  of  new  business  sales  to  27%(2), 
Sovereign  continues  to  lead  the  market  in  new  business 
sales.  

Sovereign‟s cash net profit after tax(1) for the half year ended 30 
June  2010  was  NZ$76  million,  significantly  up  on  the  first  half 
result of NZ$27 million due to improved claims experience and 
the deferred tax revaluation on policy liabilities. 

(1)  Includes  the  underlying  ASB  and  Sovereign  results,  capital  charges  and 

other costs allocated to ASB and Sovereign. 

(2) As at 31 March 2010. 

New  Zealand  cash  net  profit  after  tax(1)  for  the  year  ended  30 
June 2010 was NZ$461 million, a decrease of 14% on the prior 
year. The result reflects the impact of tightening credit markets, 
which  has  led  to  increased  funding  costs,  along  with  the 
recession in New Zealand impacting the banking and insurance 
businesses. 

New Zealand cash net profit after tax(1) for the half year ended 
30 June 2010 was NZ$275 million, a 48% increase on the prior 
half  driven  mainly  by  lower  impairment  expense  in  ASB  and 
improved  claims  experience  and  deferred  tax  revaluation  on 
policy liabilities in Sovereign. 

ASB Bank 

ASB Bank cash net profit after tax (1) for the year ended 30 June 
2010 was NZ$354 million, a decrease of 13% on the prior year. 
This  was  achieved  in  a  very  challenging  environment  for  the 
New  Zealand  banking  industry.  The  key  drivers  of  the  ASB 
underlying result for the year were: 

A  continued  change  in  portfolio  mix  from  fixed  rate  to 
higher  margin  floating  rate  home  loans,  offset  by  lower 
margins on deposits in an extremely competitive market; 
Retail  deposits  grew  3%  to  NZ$31  billion  as  at  30  June 
2010 as ASB offered competitive term investments rates to 
customers, as part of its strategy to grow local funding and 
reduce  reliance  on  the  wholesale  funding  market.  Market 
share for retail deposits improved slightly to 21.6% over the 
prior year; 
Home  loan  market  share  decreased  marginally  to  23.0% 
with  a  2%  increase  in  balances  over  the  prior  year  to 
NZ$38 billion; 
Business  lending  market  share  increased  to  9.3%  with  a 
decline of 1% in balances over the prior year;  

  Other banking income decreased 33% on the prior year to 
NZ$342  million  reflecting  reduced  trading  income  as 
markets  stabilised  during  the  year.  In  addition,  early 
repayment adjustment fees relating to customers breaking 
fixed  rate  mortgages  decreased  compared  to  the  prior 
year. Early  repayment adjustment fees  have continued to 
decline  in  the  second  half  of  the  year  to  more  normal 
levels; and 
Impairment expense has decreased 47% on the prior year 
due  to  a  continuing  improvement  in  the  underlying 
economy,  including  lower  unemployment  and  stronger 
business  sentiment.  There  has  also  been  a  focus  on 
collections and recoveries procedures. 

ASB Bank cash net profit after tax(1) for the half year ended 30 
June 2010 was NZ$197 million, a 25% increase on the prior half 
driven mainly by lower impairment expense. 

An amount of NZ$209 million in relation to the settlement of tax 
on  New  Zealand  structured  finance  transactions  has  been 
included  in  the  Group‟s  statutory  net  profit  after  tax  in  the  first 
half. 

30 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New Zealand 

(1) Other includes ASB and Sovereign funding entities and elimination entries between Sovereign and ASB. 

(2) Total Other banking income disclosed in AUD includes realised gains or losses associated with the hedge of the New Zealand operations. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     31 

ASBSovereignOther (1)TotalTotalNZ$MNZ$MNZ$MNZ$MA$MNet interest income908-(9)899716Other banking income (2)342-(31)311278Total banking income1,250-(40)1,210994Funds management income61-(3)5846Insurance income-25115266213Total operating income1,311251(28)1,5341,253Operating expenses(666)(205)42(829)(667)Impairment expense(125)--(125)(100)Net profit before tax5204614580486Corporate tax expense(166)451(120)(99)Underlying profit after tax3549115460387Investment experience after tax-12(11)11Cash net profit after tax3541034461388Full Year Ended 30 June 2010ASBSovereignOther (1)TotalTotalNZ$MNZ$MNZ$MNZ$MA$MNet interest income905-24929756Other banking income (2)509-(16)493404Total banking income1,414-81,4221,160Funds management income65-(5)6049Insurance income-269(15)254207Total operating income1,479269(12)1,7361,416Operating expenses(634)(200)41(793)(649)Impairment expense(238)--(238)(194)Net profit before tax6076929705573Corporate tax expense(200)274(169)(135)Underlying profit after tax4079633536438Investment experience after tax-22(22)--Cash net profit after tax40711811536438Full Year Ended 30 June 2009ASBSovereignOther (1)TotalTotalNZ$MNZ$MNZ$MNZ$MA$MNet interest income468-(5)463365Other banking income (2)135-(16)119106Total banking income603-(21)582471Funds management income28-(2)2621Insurance income-15010160127Total operating income631150(13)768619Operating expenses(343)(105)20(428)(342)Impairment expense2--22Net profit before tax290457342279Corporate tax expense(93)221(70)(55)Underlying profit after tax197678272224Investment experience after tax-9(6)33Cash net profit after tax197762275227Half Year Ended 30 June 2010 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New Zealand 

(1) Includes deposits due to Group companies. 

(1) Prior year comparatives have been restated to conform to the presentation in Wealth Management business. 

32 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

30/06/1031/12/0930/06/09Jun 10 vsJun 10 vsMajor Balance Sheet ItemsNZ$MNZ$MNZ$M Dec 09 % Jun 09 %Home lending 37,77837,59336,991-2Assets at fair value through Income Statement5,8155,6007,4294(22)Other lending assets15,96016,18816,327(1)(2)Non-lending interest earning assets1,5432,8551,522(46)1Other assets4,7234,7125,198-(9)Total assets65,81966,94867,467(2)(2)Deposits30,88930,44929,89213Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement13,26115,22216,535(13)(20)Debt issues3,8053,6703,56447Due to other financial institutions (1)6,4886,5005,048-29Other liabilities6,6406,6608,066-(18)Total liabilities61,08362,50163,105(2)(3)AssetsASB Bank63,55764,64865,230(2)(3)Other2,2622,3002,237(2)1Total assets65,81966,94867,467(2)(2)LiabilitiesASB Bank60,01061,32762,072(2)(3)Other1,0731,1741,033(9)4Total liabilities61,08362,50163,105(2)(3)As atSources of Profit from Insurance30/06/1030/06/09Jun 10 vs30/06/1031/12/09Jun 10 vsActivitiesNZ$MNZ$M Jun 09 %NZ$MNZ$M Dec 09 %The Margin on Services profit from ordinaryactivities after income tax is represented by:Planned profit margins8184(4)483345Experience variations1012(17)19(9)largeOperating margins9196(5)6724largeInvestment experience after tax1222(45)93largeCash net profit after tax103118(13)7627largeFull Year EndedHalf Year EndedNew Zealand - Funds Under 30/06/1030/06/09Jun 10 vs30/06/1031/12/09Jun 10 vsAdministrationNZ$MNZ$M Jun 09 %NZ$MNZ$M Dec 09 %Opening balance7,6118,001(5)8,7177,61115Inflows3,3392,173541,7771,56214Outflows(2,462)(1,925)28(1,338)(1,124)19Net Flows877248large439438-Investment income & other590(638)large(78)668largeClosing balance9,0787,611199,0788,7174Full Year EndedHalf Year EndedNew Zealand - Annual Inforce30/06/1030/06/09Jun 10 vs30/06/1031/12/09Jun 10 vsPremiumsNZ$MNZ$M Jun 09 %NZ$MNZ$M Dec 09 %Opening balance516468105355164Sales/New business (1)97100(3)4849(2)Lapses (1)(59)(52)13(28)(31)(10)Other movements (1)---(1)1largeClosing balance55451675545354Half Year EndedFull Year Ended 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     33 

 
 
Bankwest 

Financial Performance and Business Review 

Retail 

Bankwest  cash  net  profit  after  tax  for  the  year  ended  30  June 
2010 was $60 million, up from the pro forma profit of $3 million in 
the  prior  year.  The  result  reflected  a  strong  operating 
performance, partly offset by higher loan impairment expense. 

Key highlights of the operating performance were: 

Home  loan  balances  increased  19%  on  the  prior  year  to  $42 
billion, driven by improved customer retention rates, competitive 
loan  rates  and  an  increased  number  of  branches  on  the  East 
Coast. Margins improved in the first half due to repricing for the 
current risk environment and increasing funding costs. 

Banking  income  increased  by  25%  to  $1,720  million, 
supported by strong retail lending volume growth and higher 
margins; 

Retail  deposit  balances  decreased  9%  on  the  prior  year  and 
margins 
the  highly 
remained 
competitive market.  

relatively  stable 

reflecting 

  Operating  expenses  decreased  by  3%  to  $880  million, 
driven  by  efficiency  gains  and  a  continued  focus  on 
discretionary expenditure; and 

Other  banking  income  decreased  3%  on  the  prior  year.  The 
reduction  in  ATM  and  exception  fees  was  partially  offset  by 
higher activity fees from increased credit card usage. 

The expense to income ratio decreased from 66% to 51%. 

Business  

The cash net profit after tax was unfavourably impacted by loan 
impairment  expense  of  $754  million,  up  65%  on  the  prior  year. 
The increase in impairment expense was mainly due to property 
related  exposures,  primarily  in  Queensland  and  New  South 
Wales. 

Deposit  balances  increased  9%  over  the  prior  year  in  a  highly 
competitive market, with more pronounced growth in the second 
half driven by attractive product offerings and a strong focus on 
sales.  

Lending  balances increased  10% over  the  prior  year,  driven  by 
growth  in  home  loans,  with  lending  growth  moderating  in  the 
second half. 

Bankwest  retains  an  absolute  focus  on  customer  satisfaction, 
with a commitment to value, innovation and service. A number of 
initiatives  have  been  implemented  during  the  year  to  meet  this 
vision. These include: 

The introduction of e-statements for Retail Customers, with 
over 140,000 customers converting from paper to  
e-statements  in  the  four  months  since  the  initiative  was 
launched in February 2010;  
Continuing  to  introduce  late  night  and  weekend  trading 
across the branch network, particularly to stores located in 
metropolitan, high density areas;  
A re-invigoration of the brand in Western Australia to embed 
the market leading position on the West Coast; and   
Continued investment in the customer network, which now 
includes 138 branches, 742 ATMs and phone and internet 
banking platforms. 

The success of the above initiatives has been reflected in: 

An  improvement  in  customer  satisfaction  scores,  up  2.7% 
from June 2009 to 78.9% at June 2010(1); 
An increase in home loan market share, up 0.45% to 3.62% 
as at 30 June 2010; 
Six  products  receiving  gold  awards  in  Money  Magazine‟s 
2010  Best  of  the  Best  Awards,  including  Best  Everyday 
Branch  Access  account  and  Best  Kid‟s  Savings  account; 
and 
Three  retail  deposits  receiving  a  five  star  rating  from 
CANSTAR CANNEX. 

In  addition,  the  annual  Gallup  People  &  Culture  Survey  was 
completed in February with results showing a significant increase 
in the level of staff engagement across the business.  

Business  lending  balances  decreased  3%  on  the  prior  year  to 
$24 billion due to weaker market demand and a strategic shift in 
focus  away  from  the  property  sector.  Lending  margins  were 
broadly in line with the prior year. 

Business deposits increased 19% on the prior year due to strong 
demand for money market products and a focus on sales. This 
compares  to  system  growth  of  2%.  Business  deposit  margins 
increased due to a focus on profitable growth. 

Other banking income decreased 10% on the prior year as lower 
capital markets volatility resulted in less client demand for trading 
and risk products.   

Operating Expenses 

Operating  expenses  decreased  3%  over  the  prior  year  to  $880 
million.  Expense  management  remains  a  key  focus,  with 
numerous  expense  containment  and 
initiatives 
currently in progress. 

integration 

Impairment Expense 

Impairment expense for the year was $754 million, up 65% from 
the  prior  year. The increase in impairment  expense  was mainly 
due to  property  related  exposures,  primarily  in  Queensland  and 
New South Wales. 

Arrears levels have improved during the year, with greater than 
90  day  rates  declining  across  the  entire  retail  portfolio,  in 
particular credit cards. 

The  Group  has  also  included  $304  million  of  loan  impairment 
expense  as  a  non-cash  item  which  relates  specifically  to  the 
Bankwest pre-acquisition loan portfolio.  

Since the initial review of the Bankwest portfolio, further detailed 
work has been undertaken into the Bankwest business banking 
portfolio.  This  comprehensive  review 
identified  many  pre-
acquisition loans reflecting poor asset quality, high loan to value 
ratios  and  insufficient  covenant  coverage.  This  resulted  in 
significant  risk  grade  reassessments  and  security  revaluations 
with  loan  impairment  expense  increasing  $304  million.  These 
loans are confined to the pre-acquisition business banking book. 

Given the one off nature of the impairment and the fact it relates 
to  an  understatement  of  the  provisioning  on  the  pre-acquisition 
portfolio, this additional amount of loan impairment expense has 
been  recorded  as  a  non-cash  item.  This  is  consistent  with  the 
treatment of the gain on acquisition of Bankwest. 

(1) Source: Roy Morgan Research satisfaction with Main Financial Institution. 

34 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bankwest 

(1) Includes amounts due to Group companies (30 June 2010: $15.4 billion, 31 December 2009: $16.7 billion, 30 June 2009: $19.1 billion). 

(2) 30 June 2009 comparative liability balances have been restated following alignment of product classifications with the Group. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     35 

Pro forma30/06/1030/06/0930/06/1031/12/09$M$M$M$MNet interest income1,4871,121760727Other banking income233251112121Total banking income1,7201,372872848Operating expenses(880)(909)(437)(443)Impairment expense(754)(457)(441)(313)Net profit before tax866(6)92Corporate tax expense(26)(3)2(28)Cash net profit after tax603(4)64Half Year EndedFull Year Ended30/06/1031/12/0930/06/09Jun 10 vsJun 10 vsMajor Balance Sheet Items$M$M$M Dec 09 % Jun 09 %Home lending (including securitisation)41,68139,13135,048719Other lending assets25,97526,21426,366(1)(1)Assets at fair value through Income Statement21348(85)(96)Other assets7,0267,0836,865(1)2Total assets74,68472,44168,32739Transaction deposits4,8544,6194,80351Savings deposits7,5148,2048,708(8)(14)Investment deposits29,10625,88224,6391218Certificates of deposit and other13051157large(17)Debt issues10,2118,8434,90315largeDue to other financial institutions (1)15,38217,70019,119(13)(20)Other liabilities2,6712,0892,0592830Total liabilities (2)69,86867,38864,38849As at 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Divisions 

Financial Performance and Business Review 

Corporate Centre 

Corporate  Centre  includes  the  results  of  unallocated  Group 
support  functions  such  as  Investor  Relations,  Group  Strategy, 
Secretariat  and  Treasury.  Operating  income  in  the  Corporate 
Centre represents the business activities of the Group‟s Treasury 
function. 

Treasury  is  primarily  focussed  on  the  management  of  the 
Group‟s interest rate risk, funding and liquidity requirements, and 
management  of  the  Group‟s  capital.  The  Treasury  function 
includes: 

Asset  &  Liability  Management:  manages  the  interest  rate 
risk of the Group‟s non-traded balance sheet using transfer 
pricing  to  consolidate  risk  into  Treasury  and  hedging  the 
residual  mismatch  between  assets  and  liabilities  using 
swaps, futures and options; 
Liquidity  Operations:  manages  the  Group‟s  short  term 
wholesale funding and prudential liquidity requirements; 
  Group Funding: manages the Group‟s long term wholesale 

funding requirements; and 

Capital  Management:  manages 
requirements. 

the  Group‟s  capital 

Corporate Centre cash net profit after tax for the year ended 30 
June 2010 was $445 million, a 31% decrease on the prior year. 

Total banking income decreased 6% to $884 million driven by: 

Lower  Asset  &  Liability  Management  income  from  the 
management  of  short  dated  interest  rate  risk  exposures; 
partially offset by 
Increased Capital Management income due to the benefit of 
higher  earnings  on  capital  following  capital  raisings  in  the 
prior year. 

Operating expenses increased significantly to $276 million due to 
the  unfavourable  impact  of  investment  market  performance  on 
the  Group‟s  defined  benefit  superannuation  fund  ($103  million) 
and an increase in Group provisions for staff costs. 

Corporate Centre cash profit after tax for the half year ended 30 
June  2010  was  $231  million,  an  8%  increase  on  the  prior  half. 
The increase was driven by lower defined benefit superannuation 
fund expense. 

Eliminations/Unallocated 

Eliminations/Unallocated  includes  intra-group  elimination  entries 
arising  on  consolidation,  centrally  raised  provisions  and  other 
unallocated revenue and expenses. 

Eliminations/Unallocated  cash  net  profit  after  tax  for  the  year 
ended 30 June 2010 was a $97 million loss, representing a $14 
million  improvement  on  the  prior  year.  The  result  included  the 
release of central impairment provisions. 

IFS Asia 

International Financial Services Asia (“IFS Asia”) incorporates the 
Asian  retail  banking  operations  (Indonesia,  Vietnam,  India  and 
Japan) investments in Chinese retail banks and the joint venture 
life 
in 
Indonesia. It does not include the Business and Private Banking, 
Institutional Banking and Markets, and Colonial First State Global 
Asset Management businesses in Asia. 

insurance  business  and 

insurance  operations 

life 

IFS Asia cash net profit after tax for the year ended 30 June 2010 
was  $45  million,  an  increase  of  50%  over  the  prior  year.  The 
result  was  underpinned  by  strong  income  growth  from  the 
Chinese  retail  banks  and  Indonesian  life  insurance  business, 
partially offset by an increase in impairment expense.  

IFS Asia cash net profit after tax for the half year ended 30 June 
2010 was $23 million, an increase of 5% over the prior half driven 
by  strong  banking  income,  offset  by  increased  impairment 
expense. 

The key activities in IFS Asia during the year were: 

The  Group  entered  into  a  strategic  partnership  (15% 
ownership)  with  Vietnam  International  Bank  (VIB)  in  April 
2010  and  settlement  is  anticipated  post  year  end.  The 
Group‟s Ho Chi Minh City branch which opened in August 
2008  has  had  strong  customer  growth  over  the  year  and 
opened 19 ATM‟s across the City; 
The  Group  entered  into  a  new  strategic  partnership  (38% 
ownership) with Bank of Communications (BoCom) for the 
life insurance joint venture in Shanghai. BoCom is China‟s 
fifth  largest  bank.  The  life  insurance  joint  venture  was 
renamed to BoCommLife Insurance Company Limited and 
commenced operations in January 2010. BoCommLife was 
ranked  1st  of  14  foreign  and  joint  venture  companies  for 
Bancassurance  new  business  premium  in  Shanghai  in 
quarter one 2010;  
The  Group‟s  first  branches  in  India  and  Shanghai  were 
opened in the second half of the year; 
Participated in the Bank of Hangzhou and Qilu Bank equity 
raisings to maintain the Group‟s 20% shareholding in each 
of the Banks. The equity raisings were to strengthen capital 
ratios  and  support  growth.  Bank  of  Hangzhou  was  ranked 
number one among all City Commercial Banks in a review 
by Chinese Banker magazine; 
PT  Bank  Commonwealth  in  Indonesia  maintained  its 
number  one  ranking  among  foreign  banks  for  customer 
service as rated by Synovate and opened 20 new branches; 
and 

Development  of  the  Bancassurance  model  between  PT 
Bank  Commonwealth  and  PT  Commonwealth  Life  in 
in  PT 
Indonesia.  27%  of  new  business  sales 
Commonwealth Life for the period were sourced via the PT 
Bank  Commonwealth  branch  network  (increased  from  3% 
last year). 

Fiji 

Fiji  cash  net  profit  after  tax  until  the  date  of  disposal  on  15 
December  2009  was  $6  million,  up  from  $2  million  in  the  prior 
year.  A  loss  on  sale  of  $30  million,  which  includes  realised 
structural foreign exchange losses, has been recorded as a non-
cash item. 

36 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Divisions 

(1) Excludes the impact of the reclassification of net swap costs from Net interest income to Other banking income related to certain economic hedges which do not qualify 

for AIFRS hedge accounting (June 2010: $259 million; June 2009: $275 million; half year to 30 June 2010: $136 million). 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     37 

CorporateEliminations/IFS AsiaFiji Centre UnallocatedTotal$M$M$M$M$MNet interest income (1)629883(221)733Other banking income (1)12431(106)22Total banking income18612884(327)755Funds management income---2828Insurance income406-248Total operating income22618884(297)831Operating expenses(164)(12)(276)-(452)Impairment expense(11)1-10090Net profit before tax517608(197)469Corporate tax expense(7)(1)(163)66(105)Non-controlling interests(2)--(14)(16)Underlying profit after tax426445(145)348Investment experience after tax3--4851Cash net profit after tax456445(97)399Full Year Ended 30 June 2010CorporateEliminations/IFS AsiaFiji Centre UnallocatedTotal$M$M$M$M$MNet interest income (1)5933710(141)661Other banking income (1)102-230(33)299Total banking income16133940(174)960Funds management income---2929Insurance income3717-1367Total operating income19850940(132)1,056Operating expenses(157)(37)(55)-(249)Impairment expense(4)(4)-(17)(25)Net profit before tax379885(149)782Corporate tax expense(7)(7)(237)36(215)Non-controlling interests(3)--(27)(30)Underlying profit after tax272648(140)537Investment experience after tax3--2932Cash net profit after tax302648(111)569Full Year Ended 30 June 2009CorporateEliminations/IFS AsiaFiji Centre UnallocatedTotal$M$M$M$M$MNet interest income (1)32-370(137)265Other banking income (1)66-67(38)95Total banking income98-437(175)360Funds management income---1414Insurance income21--324Total operating income119-437(158)398Operating expenses(85)-(124)-(209)Impairment expense(8)--160152Net profit before tax26-3132341Corporate tax expense(4)-(82)18(68)Non-controlling interests(1)--(6)(7)Underlying profit after tax21-23114266Investment experience after tax2--2224Cash net profit after tax23-23136290Half Year Ended 30 June 2010 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment Experience 

(1) Includes Shareholders‟ funds in the CFS Global Asset Management, Colonial First State and CommInsure businesses. 

38 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Full Year EndedPro formaAs reported30/06/1030/06/09Jun 10 vs30/06/1031/12/09Jun 10 vs30/06/09Investment Experience$M$M Jun 09 %$M$M Dec 09 %$MWealth Management183(313)large66117(44)(317)New Zealand16(83)3(2)large8Other5244182527(7)42Investment experience before tax236(263)large94142(34)(267)Corporate tax expense(58)70large(25)(33)(24)71Investment experience after tax178(193)large69109(37)(196)Full Year EndedHalf Year EndedAustralia (1)New ZealandAsia TotalShareholder Investment Asset Mix (%)%%%%Local equities1--1International equities-1--Property14-210Sub-total151211Fixed interest24519732Cash6148157Sub-total85999889Total100100100100As at 30 June 2010Australia (1)New ZealandAsia TotalShareholder Investment Asset Mix ($M)$M$M$M$MLocal equities111-12International equities-1-1Property268-2270Sub-total27922283Fixed interest46228377822Cash1,20126611,468Sub-total1,663549782,290Total1,942551802,573As at 30 June 2010 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Risk Governance 

The Board and its Risk Committee operate as the highest level 
of the Group‟s risk governance and under the direction of their 
respective charters. 

Risk Management 

encourage  employees  to  raise  issues  they  believe  reveal 
weaknesses in the Group‟s risk undertakings. 

Further 
risk  governance  and 
management is included in Note 38 to the Financial Statements. 

information  on 

financial 

The Board Charter stipulates amongst other things that: 

Risk Appetite 

The Board is responsible for “overseeing the establishment 
of  systems  of  risk  management  by  approving  accounting 
policies,  financial  statements  and  reports,  credit  policies 
and  standards,  risk management  policies and  procedures 
and  operational  risk  policies  and  systems  of  internal 
controls”; and 
The  CEO  is  responsible  for  “implementing  processes, 
including  a  system  of  internal  controls  and  audits,  to 
identify and manage risks that are material to the business 
of the Group”. 

A  primary  action  of  the  Risk  Committee  is  to  construct  the 
Group‟s Risk Appetite for adoption by the Board. 

The  Risk  Committee  is  also  responsible  for  agreeing  and 
recommending 
risk  management 
framework consistent with the agreed risk appetite. 

for  Board  approval  a 

Further  information  of  the  role  and  function  of  the  Risk 
Committee is discussed in the Corporate Governance section of 
this report. 

At  management  level,  risk  governance  is  undertaken  by  a 
structured  hierarchy  of  committees  and  forums  across  the 
Group, each with specified accountabilities.  

Risk Management Organisation 

Independent  risk  management  for  the  Group  is  undertaken  by 
the  Chief  Risk  Officer,  who  uses  a  matrix  management 
approach within the Risk Management Business Unit. This Unit 
is  comprised  of  risk  management  teams  embedded  in  the 
businesses and Group functional teams that develop controls for 
each  type  of  risk  and  who  help  the  Group  understand  risk 
aggregation  to  produce  enterprise  wide  risk  management. 
Employees within these risk management teams report directly 
through to the Chief Risk Officer who in turn reports to the CEO 
and  who  also  has  direct  reporting  requirements  to  the  Risk 
Committee. 

Risk management professionals deployed in each Business Unit 
measure risks and assist the business in making decisions that 
optimise  their  risk-adjusted  returns.  They  also  take  actions  to 
ensure businesses adhere to risk policies and procedures. 

Whilst the Risk Management function is an important component 
of the risk management framework, business managers are the 
consequential owners of the risks taken in their businesses. As 
such owners, they are expected to support their businesses with 
employees who are appropriately knowledgeable about risk and 
its management. 

The  Risk  Appetite  Framework  helps  to  protect  the  Group  from 
control and other operational failures, creating transparency over 
risk management and strategy decisions and, in turn, promotes 
a  strong  risk  culture.  Furthermore,  governance  processes  and 
disciplines  create  independence  of  the  Risk  Management 
function from the Group‟s Business Units and the internal audit 
function,  as  well  as  encourage  and  protect  whistle  blowing 
actions when required. 

Independent  review  of  the  risk  management  framework  is 
carried  out  by  Group  Audit  through  audits  of  the  actions  of 
business  and  risk  management 
In  addition,  risk 
management  and  audit  support  “whistle  blower”  protocols  to 

teams. 

it 

The Risk Appetite of the Group represents the types and degree 
of  risk  that 
its  shareholders. 
is  willing  to  accept  for 
Fundamentally,  it  guides  the  Group‟s  risk  culture  and  sets  out 
quantitative  and  qualitative  boundaries  on  risk-taking  activities 
which apply Group wide. 

The Board is of the view that a well articulated Risk Appetite is 
important in giving the Group‟s stakeholders a clear expectation 
as to how the Group will operate from a risk taking perspective. 

This  expectation  is  defined  by  a  number  of  principles  and 
metrics that are aligned to the Board‟s risk philosophy and sets 
minimum standards for shareholder value; allowing for resiliency 
factors  in  capital,  funding,  asset/liability  management,  our 
liquidity, risk culture, and other risk mitigants. 

Risk Appetite is dynamic in nature and is reviewed on a regular 
basis  in  conjunction  with  the  Group‟s  strategic  plans  and 
business  actions.  The  validation  of  strategic  plans  against  the 
Risk Appetite  ensures  that  the  assessment  of  the  adequacy of 
capital  and  contingent  capital  plans  into  the  future  are  also 
aligned with the Risk Appetite. 

The  Group‟s  risk  appetite  is  to  take  risks  that  are  adequately 
rewarded  and  that support  its  aspiration  of  achieving solid and 
sustainable growth in shareholder value. 

Supporting this appetite, the Group will: 

  Operate  responsibly,  meet  the  needs  of  its  customers, 
provide  excellent  customer  service  and  maintain 
impeccable professional standards and business ethics; 
  Make  business  decisions  only  after  careful  recognition, 

assessment, management and pricing of risk; 
Understand  the  risks  it  takes  on,  increasing  exposure  to 
new  strategic  initiatives  and  products  only  as  sufficient 
experience and insight is gained; 
Exercise disciplined moderation in risk-taking, underpinned 
with strength in capital, funding and liquidity; 
Diligently strive to protect and enhance its reputation whilst 
being  intolerant  of  a  wide  range  of  actions  including 
regulatory and compliance  breaches  and  risks  associated 
with health and safety of employees; 

  Maintain  a  control  environment 
constraints, minimises risks; and 

that,  within  practical 

Promote  a  culture  aimed  at  the  achievement  of  best 
practice, quality outcomes.  

Risk  Policies  and  Tolerances  support 
Statement by: 

the  Risk  Appetite 

Summarising the principles and practices to be used by the 
Group in managing its major risks; 

  Quantifying  the  financial  operating  limits  for  major  risks, 
principally  credit  risk,  market  risk  (both  traded  and  non-
traded) and operational risk; and  

Stating  clearly  the  types  of  risk  outcomes  to  which  the 
Group is intolerant. 

The Group regularly benchmarks and aligns its policy framework 
against  existing  prudential  and  regulatory  standards.  Potential 
developments in Australian and international standards and best 
practice generally are considered during a review. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk Management 

Risks  that  are  readily  quantifiable  (such  as  credit,  market  and 
liquidity  risks)  have  their  risk  profiles  restricted  by  limits.  Other 
significant  risk categories  are  not managed in terms  of  defined 
financial  limits,  but  via  comprehensive  qualitative  management 
standards and procedures. 

Principal Risk Types 

The  principal  risk  types,  their  relevant  governing  policies  and 
how  they  support  the  Risk  Appetite  are  outlined  in  the  table 
below. 

Risk Type 

Governing Policies 

How Policy Supports Risk Appetite 

Principal Risk Type / Governance Framework 

Credit Risk including 
Concentration Risk 

Group Credit Policy; 
Country Risk Policy; 
Aggregation Policy; 
Large Credit Exposure Policy; 
Industry Sector Concentration Policy; 
and 
Securitisation Policy. 

Quantitative limits/tolerances: 

Control Country Risk through a limits structure that captures cross-
border credit risk exposures to other countries or entities based 
overseas; 
Set industry limits for exposures by industry;  
Govern the authority of management with regard to the amount of 
credit provided to any single counterparty after applying the 
aggregation policy within the Credit Risk Rated segment; and 
Govern all Securitisation activities undertaken by the Group. 

Market Risk 

Group Market Risk Policy; and 
Funds Management and Insurance 
Market Risk Policy. 

Quantitative limits/tolerances: 

Traded Market Risk (Total VaR and Stress Testing limits); 
Non-Traded Market Risk (Market Value Sensitivity and Net Interest 
Earnings at Risk limits for Interest Rate Risk in the Banking Book); 
Seed Trust Market Risk limits; 
Lease Residual Value Risk limits;  
Investment mandates for insurance Asset and Liability Management 
Risk (including VaR and stress testing limits); and 
Non-Traded Equity Investment limits. 

Liquidity and 
Funding Risk 

Group Liquidity and Funding Policy. 

Quantitative limits/tolerances: 

Liquid asset holdings under name crisis scenario; and 
Wholesale funding limits. 

Operational Risk 

Operational Risk Policy and 
Framework. 

Management via: 

A suite of risk mitigating policies; 
Reporting and case management of loss and near loss incidents; 
Comprehensive risk assessment and control assurance processes; 
Quantitative Risk Assessment Framework and Capital modelling; and 
Support from skilled risk professionals embedded throughout the 
Group. 

Strategic Business 
Risk 

Strategic Framework. 

Management via a suite of management controls including: 

Strategic planning; 
Strategic implementation; and 
Financial management. 

Reputational Risk 

Ethics Framework. 

Management via: 

Support from risk professionals embedded throughout the Group; and 
Crisis management testing of leadership team. 

Insurance Risk  

Risk Management Framework. 

Management via: 

Compliance Risk 

Compliance Risk Management 
Framework (“CRMF”). 

Risk Management Strategy and Risk Statement; 
Underwriting and claims standards; 
Retaining the right to amend premiums on risk policies; and 
Re-insurance purchases under policy guidance. 

Management via: 

The CRMF Minimum Group standards for compliance; 
Obligations Register and Guidance Notes that detail specific 
requirements and accountabilities for each Business Unit;  
Business Unit compliance frameworks; and 
Support from skilled compliance professionals embedded throughout 
the Group. 

40 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit Risk 

Credit risk is the potential of loss arising from failure of a debtor 
or  counterparty  to  meet  their  contractual  obligations.  At  a 
portfolio level, credit risk includes concentration risk arising from 
interdependencies  between  counterparties 
(large  credit 
exposures),  and  concentrations  of  exposure  to  countries, 
industry sectors and geographical regions. 

The  Group‟s  credit  risk  policies  have  been  developed  as  a 
matter  of  sound  risk  management  practice  and  in  accordance 
with the expectations of regulators‟ prudential standards. 

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

risk  management  and 
Further 
measurement is included in Note 39 to the Financial Statements. 

information  on  credit 

Market Risk 

Market risk is the potential of loss arising from adverse changes 
in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, commodity and equity 
prices,  credit  spreads,  lease  residual  values,  and  implied 
volatility levels.  

Further information on market risk is included in Note 40 to the 
Financial Statements. 

Liquidity and Funding Risk 

Liquidity  risk  is  the  risk  of  being  unable  to  meet  financial 
obligations  as  they  fall  due.  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.  

Further  information  on  liquidity  and  funding  risk  is  included  in 
Note 41 to the Financial Statements. 

Risk Management 

Within  the  Group,  accountability  for  operational  risk  has  been 
structured into “Three Lines of Defence” as illustrated below: 

responsible 

Line 1 – Business Management 
Business  managers  are 
for  managing 
operational risk for their business and the processes they 
own. This includes understanding and articulating their risk 
profile, testing and monitoring key controls, and escalating, 
reporting and rectifying incidents and control weaknesses; 
Line 2 – Risk Management & Compliance 
Group,  Business  Unit  and  Divisional  Risk  Management 
and  Compliance  units  support  the  risk  strategy  and 
philosophy, support business decisions within the Group‟s 
risk  appetite  and  facilitate  the  embedding  of  the  Group‟s 
operational  risk  framework  and  culture  within  the  Group‟s 
businesses; and 
Line 3 – Internal and External Audit 
Group Audit is responsible for reviewing risk management 
frameworks  and  Business  Unit  practices 
risk 
management and internal controls. 
External Audit is responsible for providing an independent 
opinion  on 
financial  statements  and  control 
environments of the Group and Bank. 

the 

for 

risk  measurement  methodology 
The  Group‟s  operational 
combines  expert  assessment  of  individual  risk  exposures  with 
loss  data  from  various  sources  to  determine  potential  loss, 
purchase  insurance  and  calculate  operational  risk  economic 
capital. 

The Group benchmarks and monitors its insurance risk transfer 
program  for  efficiency  and  effectiveness.  This  is  primarily 
achieved 
total 
shareholder returns and determines the most appropriate blend 
of economic capital coverage and insurance risk transfer. 

through  a  methodology 

that  optimises 

Operational Business Risk 

Strategic Business Risk 

Operational risk is defined as the risk of economic loss resulting 
from: 

Inadequate or failed internal processes; 
People and systems; or 
External events.  

It  includes  legal,  regulatory,  fraud,  business  continuity  and 
technology risks. 

The  Group‟s  operational  risk management framework supports 
the achievement of its financial and business goals. Framework 
objectives approved by the Risk Committee are: 

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: 

  Macroeconomic conditions; 

Competitive forces at work; or 

Social trends. 

Strategic  business  risk  is  taken  into  account  when  defining 
business strategy and objectives. The Board receives reports on 
business  plans,  major  projects  and  change  initiatives  and 
monitors progress and reviews successes compared to plans. 

  Maintenance  of  an  effective  internal  control  environment 

Reputational Risk 

and system of internal control; 
Demonstration  of  effective  governance, 
including  a 
consistent  approach  to  operational  risk  management 
across the Group; 
Transparency, escalation and resolution of risk and control 
incidents and issues; and  

  Making  decisions  based  upon  an  informed  risk-return 
analysis  and  appropriate  standards  of  professional 
practice. 

The Group‟s security risk management framework forms part of 
the  operational  risk  framework  and  sets  out  the  key  roles, 
responsibilities  and  processes  for  security  risk  management 
across the Group. Security risk is defined as threats associated 
with  theft  and  fraud,  information  and  IT  security,  protective 
security and crisis management. 

Reputational risk can be defined as the risk arising from negative 
the  part  of  customers,  counterparties, 
perception  on 
shareholders, 
investors,  debt-holders,  market  analysts, 
regulators  and  other  relevant  parties.  This  risk  can  adversely 
affect the Group‟s ability to maintain existing, or establish new, 
business  relationships  and  access  to  sources  of  funding. 
Reputational risk is multidimensional and reflects the perception 
of  other  market  participants.  Furthermore,  it  exists  throughout 
the organisation and exposure to reputational risk is essentially a 
function  of 
risk 
management  processes,  as  well  as  the  manner  and  efficiency 
with  which  management  responds  to  external  influences  on 
Group-related 
respects,  adverse 
reputational  risk  outcomes  flow  from  poor  outcomes  from  the 
failure to manage other types of risk. 

the  adequacy  of 

the  Group‟s 

transactions. 

In  many 

internal 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk Management 

Insurance Risk 

Insurance  risk  is  the  risk  of  loss  due  to  increases  in  policy 
benefits  arising  from  variations  in  the  incidence  or  severity  of 
insured events. 

Insurance Risk exposure arises in the insurance business as the 
risk that claims payments are greater than expected. In the life 
insurance business this arises primarily through mortality (death) 
or morbidity (illness or injury) risks being greater than expected, 
whereas  for  the  general  insurance  business  variability  arises 
mainly through weather related incidents and similar calamities, 
as well as general variability in home, motor and travel insurance 
claim amounts. 

The  management  of  insurance  risk  is  an  integral  part  of  the 
operation  of  the  insurance  business  and  is  essential  in  the 
control  of  claims  on  an  end-to-end  basis,  from  underwriting  to 
claim termination or payment, without which significant potential 
for negative financial results arises. 

The major methods of mitigating insurance risk are: 

Sound  product  design  and  pricing,  to  ensure  that  robust 
procedures are in place and there are no risks which have 
not been priced into contracts; 
Regular  review  of  insurance  experience,  so  that  product 
design and pricing remains sound; 
Carrying  out  underwriting,  so  that  the  level  of  risk 
associated  with  an  individual  contract  can  be  accurately 
assessed,  charged 
through  premium  rates,  and 
reserved for; 
Claims management, where an assessment is made such 
that  only  genuinely insured  claims are  admitted  and  paid, 
and only paid to the insured extent; and 
Transferring a proportion of the risk carried to reinsurers. 

for 

The  insurance  risk  management  framework  is  subject  to  a 
process of regular review and enhancement. 

Further information on the Life Insurance Business is included in 
Note 33 to the Financial Statements. 

Compliance Risk  

Compliance  risk  is  the  risk  of  legal  or  regulatory  sanctions, 
material financial loss, or loss of reputation that the Group may 
suffer as a result of its failure to comply with the requirements of 
relevant laws, regulatory bodies, industry standards and codes. 

The  Group‟s  Compliance  Risk  Management  Framework 
(“CRMF”)  is  a  key  element  of  the  Group‟s  integrated  risk 
management  framework.  The  CRMF  is  designed  to  meet  the 
Group‟s  obligations  under  relevant  financial  services  laws  and 
industry  standards.  It  incorporates  a  number  of  components 
including Group Policies and Guidance Notes that detail specific 
requirements and accountabilities. These are complemented by 
Business  Unit  compliance  frameworks  including  obligations 
registers, standards and procedures.  

The  CRMF  provides  for  the  assessment  of  compliance  risks, 
implementation of controls, monitoring and testing of framework 
effectiveness  and  the  escalation,  remediation  and  reporting  of 
compliance incidents and control weaknesses. 

The Group's compliance strategy is based on two fundamental 
principles:  

Line  Management  in  each  Business  Unit  have  the 
responsibility  to  ensure  their  business  is  and  remains 
compliant  with  legislative,  regulatory,  industry  code  and 
organisational requirements; and  

42 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

  Group and Business Unit Regulatory Risk and Compliance 
teams  work  together  to  monitor,  overview  and  report  on 
compliance  to  management,  compliance  committees  and 
the Board. 

Stress Testing Framework 

testing 

is  used, 

Stress 
in  combination  with  other  risk 
management practices, to understand, manage and quantify the 
Group‟s risks.  

The  Group  regularly  carries  out  stress  tests  across  its  various 
businesses as part of: 

Formal  business  and strategic  planning  as  well  as capital 
assessment at Board level; 
Regular risk management stress testing exercises;  
Business contingency planning; and 

Requests from regulators or external agencies. 

In addition to more standard risk measures, regular and ad-hoc 
risk  stress testing  is  undertaken  to  identify  and  assess the  risk 
profile of the Group.  

The stress testing framework includes: 

  Group-wide  credit  risk  stress  scenarios  embedded  in  the 
strategic planning process, which informs and engages the 
in  assessing  capital  adequacy  under  various 
Board 
operating  circumstances  using  current  macro-economic 
parameter  settings.  These  tests  are  conducted  across 
Businesses with the results aggregated to the Group level; 
and 

Risk  Management  related  stress  testing,  which  supports 
enhanced risk identification, assessment and management 
within  the  Group‟s  Risk  Appetite.  Such  stress  testing 
facilitates a more robust understanding of the Group‟s risks 
facilitates  better  management  policies  and 
and 
predictability  of  capital  requirements  in  more  extreme 
circumstances. 

Stress  testing  also  provides  an  input  into  the  development  of 
capital  contingency  plans  which  detail  how  the  Group  would 
respond  to  the  need  for  increases  in  capital  held  to  cover  the 
potential for unexpected future outcomes. 

For further detail on the Group‟s assessment of capital, refer to 
the section on Capital Management and Note 31 to the Financial 
Statements. 

Specific  risk  types  for  which  stress  tests  are  conducted  on  a 
routine  basis  for  business  risk  management  purposes  are 
outlined below. 

Credit Risk 

Business  Units  conduct  credit  risk  stress  tests  on  the  Home 
Loan  portfolio,  as  well  as  for  secured  and  unsecured  non-
mortgage products (Credit Cards, Personal Loans, and Cheque 
Accounts), in conjunction with Group-wide stress tests. 

Business  Units  also  conduct  stress  testing  of  the  commercial 
loan portfolio. 

Market Risk 

Stress testing is performed on the traded market risk, non-traded 
interest  rate  risk,  non-traded  equity  risk  and  non-traded 
insurance  risk  portfolios.  Stress  testing  is  undertaken  on  a 
frequency from  daily to monthly for  a  holding  period consistent 
with the appropriateness of the risks being considered. 

The stress events considered are extreme but plausible market 
movements  and  have  been  backtested  against  moves  seen 
during 2008 and 2009 at the height of the global financial crisis. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The results are reported to the Board‟s Risk Committee and the 
Group  Asset  and  Liability  Committee  (“ALCO”)  on  a  regular 
basis. Stress tests also include a range of forward looking macro 
scenario stresses. 

Liquidity and Funding Risk 

A range of liquidity stress tests that determine survival horizons 
are performed and reported to Group ALCO on a monthly basis. 
The stress tests look to identify the  timeframe  over  which  high 
quality  liquid  assets  could  survive  under  various  stress  liability 
run-off scenarios, including a “name crisis” and various “market-
systemic crises”. 

The funding early warning indicators monitor a range of balance 
sheet metrics focussing on external market conditions, changing 
patterns  of  business  activity  and  concentration  risk  within  the 
Group‟s  wholesale  funding  profile.  These  are  also  reported  to 
Group ALCO on a regular basis. 

Operational Risk 

The  Group  has  a framework for  operational  risk  stress testing. 
The  purpose  of  this  framework  is  to  assess  the  potential  for 
operational  risk  outcomes.  In  addition,  crisis  management 
exercises  are  undertaken  to  test  Executive  leadership  team 
preparedness  to  handle  a  large,  unexpected  operational  risk 
failure. 

Operational risk stress tests are undertaken on an annual basis. 
Crisis management exercises are more frequent. 

Risk Management Initiatives 

In  order  to  remain  effective  in  constantly  evolving  economic, 
strategic  and  regulatory  environments,  the  risk  management 
framework and culture requires a continuous cycle of review and 
refinement.  Over  the  last  twelve  months  the  Group  has  made 
the following key refinements to its framework: 

Upgraded  its  risk  management  governance  structure  by 
formalising  various  committees  and  forums  across  the 
Group and refreshing the charters for the key governance 
committees; 
Established formal risk appetite statements for each of the 
Group‟s  major  Business  Units,  to  articulate  at  a  more 
granular level the types and degrees of risk that the Group 
is  willing  to  accept,  including  specific  risk  tolerances  and 
intolerances; 
Embedded, more fully  and formally, considerations  of  risk 
into remuneration policy and practices; 
Further  enhanced  the  Group‟s  policy  framework  including 
the articulation of appropriate lower level sub-limits that are 
consistent with Group level limits; 
Integrated  subsidiary  entities  more  fully  into  the  Group‟s 
risk  management  framework  and  practices  to  ensure  a 
more  consistent  and  efficient  risk  environment.  The  most 
significant  example  of  this  is  the  Group  supporting 
Bankwest‟s  efforts  to  extend  the  Group‟s  accreditation  to 
use  the  Advanced  Internal  Ratings  Based  approach  to 
determine regulatory capital; 
risk  optimisation  strategies  and 
Undertaken  various 
portfolio  reviews  that  have  provided  insight  into  key  risk 
dependencies  and  resulted  in  adjusting  risk  exposure 
levels based on available risk-adjusted returns; 
Secured  Executive  and  Board  support  and  funding  for 
projects  that  will  substantially  enhance  core  risk  systems, 
data  and  processes.  Key  appointments  have  been  made 
and work on delivering these projects is in train; 

Risk Management 

the  credit  decisioning  process, 

the 
Strengthened 
monitoring of deteriorating credits, the provisioning process 
and risk-based pricing models; 

  Management completed annual reviews of policies relating 
to Credit Risk, Market Risk, Operational Risk, Compliance 
Risk  and  the  Insurance  Risk  Management  Framework. 
Liquidity  and  Funding  Risk  policy  was  also  reviewed  and 
the  main  parameter  settings  confirmed  as  being 
appropriate for current and forecast economic conditions; 
Continued to develop the Group‟s risk modelling and stress 
testing  capabilities  to  meet  the  demands  of  an  ever-
changing macroeconomic environment; and 

  Monitored and responded to regulatory changes and likely 
future regulatory change, both of which are being driven by 
evolving  thinking  by  regulators,  banking  and  economic 
organisations  in  light  of  the  learnings  from  the  global 
financial  crisis.  In  particular,  the  Group  has  increased  its 
participation in global financial forums and taken actions to 
influence regulators and Government to help shape future 
regulatory reform. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Management  

Capital Management 

The Bank is an Authorised Deposit-taking Institution (“ADI”) and 
is  subject  to  regulation  by  APRA  under  the  authority  of  the 
Banking  Act  1959.  APRA  has  set  minimum  regulatory  capital 
requirements for banks that are consistent with the International 
Convergence of Capital Measurement and Capital Standards: A 
Revised Framework (“Basel II”) issued by the Basel Committee 
on  Banking  Supervision.  These  requirements  define  what  is 
acceptable  as  capital  and  provide  methods  of  measuring  the 
risks incurred by the Bank.  

The  regulatory  capital  requirements  are  measured  for  the 
Extended  Licence  Entity  Group  (known  as  “Level  One”, 
comprising the Bank and APRA approved subsidiaries) and for 
the  Bank  and  all  of  its  banking  subsidiaries  (known  as  “Level 
Two”  or  the  “Group”),  which  includes  both  Bankwest  and  ASB 
Bank (known as “Level Two” or the “Group”). 

All entities which are consolidated for accounting purposes are 
included within the Group capital adequacy calculations except 
for: 

The insurance and funds management operations; and 
The  entities  through  which  securitisation  of  Group  assets 
are conducted. 

Regulatory capital is divided into Tier One and Tier Two Capital. 
Tier One Capital primarily consists of Shareholders‟ Equity plus 
other capital instruments acceptable to APRA, less goodwill and 
other  prescribed  deductions.  Tier  Two  Capital  is  comprised 
primarily  of  hybrid  and  debt  instruments  acceptable  to  APRA 
less any prescribed deductions. Total Capital is the aggregate of 
Tier  One  and  Tier  Two  Capital.  A  detailed  breakdown  of  the 
components of capital is detailed on pages 46 to 48. 

The tangible component of the investment in the insurance and 
funds management  operations  are  deducted  from capital,  50% 
from Tier One and 50% from Tier Two. 

Capital adequacy is measured by means of a risk based capital 
ratio.  The  capital  ratios  reflect  capital  (Tier  One,  Tier  Two  or 
Total  Capital)  as  a  percentage  of  total  Risk  Weighted  Assets 
(“RWA”). RWA represents an allocation of risks associated with 
the Group‟s assets and other related exposures. 

its  capital 

the 
The  Group  actively  manages 
requirements  of  various  stakeholders 
rating 
agencies and shareholders). This is achieved by optimising the 
mix  of  capital  while  maintaining  adequate  capital  ratios 
throughout the financial year.  

to  balance 

(regulators, 

The  Group  has  a  range  of  instruments  and  methodologies 
available  to  effectively  manage  capital  including  share  issues 
and buybacks, dividend and dividend reinvestment plan policies, 
hybrid capital raising and dated and undated subordinated debt 
issues. All major capital related initiatives require approval of the 
Board. 

The Group‟s capital position is monitored on a continuous basis 
and reported monthly to the Asset and Liability Committee of the 
Group.  Three  year  capital  forecasts  are  conducted  on  a 
quarterly  basis  and  a  detailed  capital  and  strategy  plan  is 
presented to the Board annually. 

The  Group‟s  capital  ratios  throughout  the  2009  and  2010 
Financial  Years  were  in  compliance  with  both  APRA  minimum 
the  Board  Approved 
capital  adequacy  requirements  and 
minimums. 

The Bank is required to inform APRA immediately of any breach 
its  minimum  capital  adequacy 
or  potential  breach  of 

44 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

requirements,  including  details  of  remedial  action  taken  or 
planned to be taken. 

Dividends 

Banks may not pay dividends if, immediately after payment, they 
are  unable  to  meet  the  minimum  capital  requirements.  APRA 
does  not  permit  banks  to  pay  dividends  from  retained  profits 
without  prior  approval.  Under  APRA  guidelines,  the  expected 
dividend must be deducted from Tier One Capital. 

Current Regulatory Framework  

Basel II 

The Basel II framework consists of three pillars: 

Pillar  1  –  defines  the  rules  for  calculating  the  minimum 
regulatory  capital  requirements  for  credit,  market  and 
operational risk; 
Pillar  2  –  addresses  the  supervisory  review  process 
including 
capital  adequacy 
assessment process (ICAAP); and 
Pillar 3 – specifies public disclosure requirements to enable 
market participants to assess key pieces of information on 
risk exposures and processes of a banking group. 

the  Group‟s 

internal 

The  Group  was  granted  “advanced”  Basel  II  accreditation  by 
APRA on 10 December 2007. 

As  a  result  of  receiving  advanced  Basel  II  accreditation,  the 
advanced internal ratings based approach (AIRB) for credit risk 
and 
for 
the  advanced  measurement  approaches  (AMA) 
operational risk were adopted in the calculation of RWA effective 
from 1 January 2008.  

APRA  specifically  requested  Australian  banks  to  incorporate 
regulatory  capital  for  Interest  Rate  Risk  in  the  Banking  Book 
(IRRBB)  in  their  assessment  of  total  regulatory  capital  from  1 
July 2008. Interest rate risk in the banking book is the risk that 
the  Bank‟s  profit  derived  from  Net  Interest  Income  (interest 
earned  less  interest  paid),  in  current  and  future  periods,  is 
adversely  impacted  from  changes  to  interest  rates.  This  is 
measured  from  two  perspectives;  firstly  by  quantifying  the 
change  in  the  net  present  value  of  the  balance  sheet‟s  future 
earnings  potential  and  secondly;  as  the  anticipated  change  to 
the Net Interest Income which is reported in the Bank‟s Income 
Statement. This is not a requirement under the Basel II Pillar 1 
framework.  

There is an  agreed methodology  for measuring market  risk for 
traded assets, which remained unchanged from Basel I.  

The  work  undertaken  for  the  Bank  to  achieve  the  advanced 
accreditation  has  provided 
increased 
sophistication  in  risk  measurement  and  management,  thereby 
increasing  the  flexibility  with  which  the  Group  manages  its 
decision making and capital management.  

the  Group  with 

Proposed Regulatory Changes 

In  the  current  environment,  regulatory  reform  is  expected  to 
continue  to  evolve  as  global  regulators  seek  to  address  risks 
highlighted through the global financial crisis. 

Basel Committee proposal 

On  17  December  2009  the  Basel  Committee  on  Banking 
Supervision  (“BCBS”)  released  its  consultation  package  of 
proposals  to  strengthen  global  capital  and  liquidity  regulations. 
The  capital  proposals  relate  to  the  quality,  consistency  and 
transparency of capital, enhancing the risk coverage framework, 
introduction  of  a  non-risk  based  leverage  ratio,  reducing  pro-
cyclicality, and addressing systemic risk. Subsequent to this, the 
BCBS  has  issued  more  details  with  respect  to  specific  areas 
addressed in the original proposals.  This includes a refinement 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
of the definition of capital and the leverage ratio and a proposal 
for the introduction of a counter cyclical capital buffer. 

Delivery  of  a  fully  calibrated  and  finalised  package  of  capital 
reforms is expected by the end of 2010 with implementation due 
to commence from 2012. The leverage ratio is set to be phased 
in over a more extended time period including parallel reporting 
undertaken between 2013 and 2017 with a view to migrating to 
Pillar 1 in 2018. 

Basel  II  enhancements  announced  in  July  2009,  relating  to 
securitisation  and  market  risk,  intended  for  introduction  by  the 
end of 2010 have been deferred until the end of 2011. 

Supervision of conglomerate groups 

On  18  March  2010,  APRA  released  a  Discussion  Paper  titled 
“Supervision  of  Conglomerate  Groups”.  The  proposal  aims  to 
extend  APRA‟s  current  prudential  supervision  framework  to 
conglomerate groups that have material operations in more than 
one APRA-regulated industry and/or have one or more material 
unregulated  entities.  The  aims  of  the  Level  3  proposal  are  to 
ensure  that  a  conglomerate  group  holds  adequate  capital  to 
protect the APRA-regulated entities from potential contagion and 
other risks within the group. APRA is conducting a Quantitative 
Impact  Study  (“QIS”)  in  the  second  half  of  2010,  prior  to 
finalising the standards in 2011 and implementation of the Level 
3 supervision framework in 2012.  

Capital standards for general insurers and life insurers 

On  13  May  2010,  APRA  released  a  Discussion  Paper  titled 
“Review  of  capital  standards  for  general  insurers  and  life 
insurers” and more detailed technical papers in July 2010. APRA 
proposes introducing a common framework for  required capital 
and  eligible  capital  across  general  insurers  and  life  insurers. 
APRA  is  conducting  a  QIS  on  the  proposed  changes  in  the 
second  half  of  2010  calendar  year.  The  final  capital  standards 
are  expected  to  be  released  in  mid-2011  and  to  take  effect  in 
2012. 

Active Capital Management 

The  Group  maintains  a  strong  capital  position  with  the  capital 
ratios  well  in  excess  of  APRA  minimum  capital  adequacy 
requirements  (Prudential  Capital  Ratio  (“PCR”))  and  the  Board 
Approved  minimum  levels  at  all  times  throughout  the  2010 
financial year. 

The Tier One Capital and Total Capital ratios as at 30 June 2010 
were 9.15% and 11.49% respectively.  

Tier  One  Capital  increased  by  five  basis  points  over  the  prior 
half,  reflecting  strong  profit  growth  and  a  net  reduction  in  Risk 
Weighted  Assets  (“RWA”),  partially  offset  by  the  provision  for 
final dividend. No allowance has been taken into account in the 
capital  ratios  for  the  Dividend  Reinvestment  Plan  (“DRP”)  in 
respect  of  the  30  June  2010  final  dividend,  as  it  has  been 
assumed  the  DRP  is  expected  to  be  satisfied  in  full  by  an  on 
market purchase of shares. 

The Group‟s Total Capital dropped by 14 bps over the prior half 
year  to  11.49%,  with  the  improvement  in  Tier  One  more  than 
offset by the planned redemptions of Lower Tier Two Capital. 

RWA were $291 billion at 30 June 2010, a decrease of $7 billion 
since  31  December  2009,  primarily  influenced  by  a  $6  billion 
decrease  in  IRRBB  RWA,  reflecting  a  change  in  repricing  and 
yield curve risk.  

During  the  year  ended  30  June  2010,  Tier  One  Capital 
increased  by  108  bps  reflecting  the  impact  of  the  strong  profit 
performance and the issue of PERLS V. Total Capital increased 
by 107 bps since June 2009, benefitting from the improvement 

Capital Management 

in Tier One Capital and a major Lower Tier Two Capital issue, 
partially offset by planned redemption of Lower Tier Two Capital. 
Further details on the PERLS V and Lower Tier Two Capital are 
provided in the capital initiatives section below. 

Capital Initiatives 

The  following  significant  initiatives  were  undertaken  during  the 
financial year to actively manage the Group‟s capital: 

Tier One Capital 

The allocation of $685 million of ordinary shares in order to 
satisfy  the  DRP  in  respect  of  the  final  dividend  for  the 
2008/2009 financial year, representing a DRP participation 
rate of 39%, inclusive of DRP discount of 1.5%;  
The allocation of $772 million of ordinary shares in order to 
satisfy  the  DRP, in  respect  of the interim  dividend  for  the 
2009/2010 financial  year,  representing  a  participation  rate 
of 42%, inclusive of DRP discount of 1.5%; and 

The  Group  issued  $2  billion  ($1,964  million  net  of  issue 
costs)  PERLS  V  securities  in  October  2009  which  qualify 
as Non-Innovative Tier One Capital. 

Tier Two Capital 

Issue of $1.7 billion (EUR 1 billion) subordinated Lower Tier 
Two debt in August 2009; offset by 

Redemption of subordinated Lower Tier Two debt including 
$615 million (USD 500 million) in August 2009, $300 million 
in  February  2010  and  a  further  $450  million  (EUR  300 
million) in March 2010. 

Regulatory Capital Requirements for Other Major ADI‟s 
in the Group 

ASB Bank Limited 

ASB  Bank  Limited  (ASB  Bank)  is  subject  to  regulation  by  the 
Reserve Bank of New Zealand (“RBNZ”). The RBNZ applies a 
similar  methodology  to  APRA  in  calculating  regulatory  capital 
requirements.  ASB  Bank  operates  under  Basel  II  advanced 
status. 

At 30 June 2010 ASB Bank had a Tier One ratio of 10.85% and 
a Total Capital ratio of 13.20%. 

ASB  Bank  was  in  compliance  with  its  regulatory  capital 
requirements at all times throughout the 2010 financial year. 

Bankwest  

Bankwest  operates  as  a  separate  ADI  and  is  separately 
regulated by APRA. Bankwest operates under the standardised 
Basel II methodology. There is a program to extend the Group‟s 
advanced  accreditation  to  determine  regulatory  capital  to 
Bankwest. 

Bankwest‟s capital ratios, as at 30 June 2010, are in excess of 
both  APRA  minimum  requirements  and  Board  approved 
minimum levels. The Tier One ratio was 8.59% and Total Capital 
was  12.39%.  Bankwest  was  in  compliance  with  its  regulatory 
capital requirements at all times during the 2010 financial year. 

Regulatory Capital Requirements for Insurance and 
Funds Management Business 

The Group‟s life insurance business in Australia is regulated by 
APRA.  The  Life  Insurance  Act  1995  includes  a  two  tiered 
framework for the calculation of regulatory capital requirements 
“capital 
for 
adequacy”.  The  capital  adequacy  test  for  statutory  funds  is 
always equal to or greater than the solvency test(1). 

insurance  companies  – 

“solvency”  and 

life 

(1) The Shareholders‟ fund is subject to a separate capital requirement. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     45 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Management  

There  are  no  regulatory  capital  requirements  for  life  insurance 
companies  in  New  Zealand,  though  the  directors  of  any 
company  must  certify  its  solvency  under  the  Companies  Act 
1993. The Group determines the minimum capital requirements 
for  its  New  Zealand  life  insurance  business  according  to  the 
professional  standard,  “Solvency  Reserving  for  Life  Insurance 
Business”, issued by the New Zealand Society of Actuaries. 

The  Group‟s  general  insurance  businesses  are  regulated  by 
APRA  under  the  Insurance  Act  1973.  The  Group  determines 
insurance  businesses  in 
capital  requirements  for  general 
accordance with APRA Prudential Standards. 

Fund managers in Australia are subject to “Responsible Entity” 

Capital Adequacy 

the  Australian  Securities  and 

Investment 
regulation  by 
Commission (“ASIC”). The regulatory capital requirements vary 
depending on the type of Australian Financial Services Licence 
or Authorised Representatives‟ Licence held, but a requirement 
of up to $5 million of net tangible assets applies. 

APRA  supervises  approved  trustees  of  superannuation  funds 
and  requires  them  to  also  maintain  net  tangible  assets  of  at 
least $5 million. These requirements are not cumulative where 
an  entity  is  both  an  approved  trustee  for  superannuation 
purposes and a responsible entity. 

The Group‟s insurance and funds management companies held 
assets in excess of regulatory capital requirements at 30 June 
2010. The Group‟s Australian and New Zealand insurance and 
funds management businesses held $1,007 million of assets in 
excess  of  regulatory  solvency  requirements  at  30  June  2010 
(2009: $1,036 million).  

(1) Represents shares held by the Group's life insurance operations and employee share scheme trusts. 

(2) Trust Preferred Securities 2006 issued 15 March 2006 of USD700 million. These instruments qualify as Tier One Innovative Capital of the Group. 

(3)  The  Group's  general  reserve,  capital  reserve  and  foreign  currency  translation  reserve  (excluding  balances  related  to  non  consolidated  subsidiaries)  qualify  as 

Fundamental Tier One Capital. 

(4) Represents expected dividends required to be deducted from current period earnings. 

(5) The 30 June 2010 capital position assumes that the Bank‟s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) in respect of the June 2010 final dividend will be satisfied in full by an 
on-market purchase of shares. The DRP in respect of the December 2009 interim dividend and the June 2009 final dividend were satisfied through the issue of 
shares.  

(6)  Represents  retained  earnings  adjustment  for  non-consolidated  subsidiaries.  This  includes  adjustments  to  the  extent  to  which  profits  from  non-consolidated 
subsidiaries are not repatriated back to the Bank in dividends (June 2010: $360 million, December 2009: nil, June 2009: nil). The retention of these profits will be 
used to fund the future growth of these operations. This has been offset by the one-off write back adjustments upon adoption of AIFRS of $752 million. 

(7)  Non-controlling  interest  classified  as  Tier  One  Innovative  Capital  under  Basel  II  regulations.  Comprised  predominately  of  ASB  Perpetual  Preference  Shares  of 

NZD550 million issued by New Zealand subsidiary entities. These shares are non-redeemable and carry limited voting rights. 

46 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupBasel IIBasel IIBasel II30/06/1031/12/0930/06/09Risk Weighted Capital Ratios%%%Tier One9.159.108.07Tier Two2.342.532.35Capital Base11.4911.6310.42GroupBasel IIBasel IIBasel II30/06/1031/12/0930/06/09Regulatory Capital$M$M$MTier One CapitalOrdinary Share Capital23,08122,34421,642Treasury shares (1)298262278Ordinary Share Capital and Treasury Shares23,37922,60621,920Other Equity Instruments939939939Trust Preferred Securities 2006 (2)(939)(939)(939)Reserves (3)1,089459516Cash flow hedge reserve417625813Employee compensation reserve(125)15-Asset revaluation reserve(194)(169)(173)Available-for-sale investments reserve(173)(50)55Foreign currency translation reserve related to non-consolidated subsidiaries82112Total Reserves1,0229011,223Retained Earnings and current period profits9,9389,3207,825Expected dividend (4)(2,633)(1,841)(1,747)Estimated reinvestment under Dividend Reinvestment Plan (5)-608507Retained earnings adjustment for non-consolidated subsidiaries (6)392752752Other(52)(91)(181)Net Retained Earnings7,6458,7487,156Non-controlling Interest (7)523521520ASB Perpetual Preference Shares (7)(505)(505)(505)Non-controlling interests less ASB Perpetual Preference Shares181615Total Fundamental Tier One Capital32,06432,27130,314 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Adequacy (continued) 

Capital Management  

(1) APRA approved Innovative Tier One Capital instruments (PERLS III and Trust Preferred Securities 2003 and 2006). 

(2)  Non-controlling  interest  classified  as  Tier  One  Innovative  Capital  under  Basel  II  regulations.  Comprised  predominately  of  ASB  Perpetual  Preference  Shares  of 

NZD550 million issued by New Zealand subsidiary entities. These shares are non-redeemable and carry limited voting rights. 

(3) Comprises PERLS IV $1,465 million (less costs) issued by the Bank in July 2007 and PERLS V $2,000 million (less costs) issued by the Bank in October 2009. These 

have been approved by APRA as Tier One Non-Innovative Capital instruments. 

(4) Residual Capital eligible for inclusion as Tier One Capital is subject to an APRA prescribed limit of 25% of Tier One capital with any excess transferred to Upper Tier 

Two Capital.  

(5) Represents total Goodwill and other intangibles (excluding capitalised computer software costs) which is required to be deducted from Tier One Capital. 

(6) In accordance with APRA regulations, the surplus (net of tax) in the Bank's defined benefit superannuation fund which is included in Shareholders' equity must be 

deducted from Tier One Capital. 

(7) Capital deduction at 30 June 2010 of $90 million (after tax) to ensure the Group has sufficient provisions and capital to cover credit losses estimated to arise over the 

full life of the individual facilities, as required by APS 220. 

(8) Represents 50% Tier One and 50% Tier Two Capital deductions under Basel II. 

(9) Represents the Group's non-controlling interest in major infrastructure assets and unit trusts. During the half year ended 30 June 2010 the Bank sold its remaining 
interest in ENW Limited to the First State European Diversified Infrastructure Fund (“EDIF”) and acquired a 10% interest in Air Lease Corporation, a US based aircraft 
leasing business. The Bank‟s holding in AWG plc was sold to EDIF in the half year ended 31 December 2009. 

(10) Represents the net equity within the non-consolidated subsidiaries (primarily the Colonial Group) which is deducted 50% from Tier One and 50% from Tier Two 
Capital. This deduction is net of $1,495 million in Non-Recourse Debt issued by Colonial Finance Limited (December 2009: $1,538 million, June 2009: $1,707 million) 
and the Colonial Hybrid Issue $700 million (December 2009: $700 million, June 2009: $700 million). 

(11) Regulatory Expected Loss (pre tax) using stressed loss given default assumptions associated with the loan portfolio in excess of eligible credit provisions (collective 
provision and general reserve for credit losses net of tax and individually assessed provision pre tax) are deducted 50% from both Tier One and Tier Two capital. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     47 

GroupBasel IIBasel IIBasel II30/06/1031/12/0930/06/09Regulatory Capital$M$M$MResidual Tier One CapitalInnovative Tier One CapitalNon-cumulative preference shares (1)2,7282,6992,762Non-controlling Interests (2)505505505Eligible loan capital236225248Total Innovative Tier One Capital3,4693,4293,515Non-Innovative Residual Tier One Capital (3)3,4073,4071,443Less: Residual capital in excess of prescribed limits transferred to Upper Tier Two Capital (4)(225)(73)-Total Residual Tier One Capital6,6516,7634,958Tier One Capital Deductions - 100%Goodwill and other intangibles (excluding software) (5)(8,470)(8,523)(8,572)Capitalised expenses(288)(283)(257)Capitalised computer software costs(950)(799)(673)Defined benefit superannuation plan surplus (6)(221)(411)(347)General reserve for credit losses (7)(90)--Deferred tax(96)(34)(257)(10,115)(10,050)(10,106)Tier One Capital Deductions - 50% (8)Equity investments in other companies and trusts (9)(323)(315)(422)Equity investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries (net of intangibles) (10)(518)(600)(529)Expected impairment losses (before tax) in excess of eligible credit provisions (net of deferred tax) (11)(830)(727)(654)Other deductions(328)(277)(250)(1,999)(1,919)(1,855)Total Tier One Capital Deductions(12,114)(11,969)(11,961)Total Tier One Capital26,60127,06523,311 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Management  

Capital Adequacy (continued) 

(1) Residual Capital eligible for inclusion as Tier One Capital is subject to an APRA prescribed limit of 25% of Tier One Capital with any excess transferred to Upper Tier 

Two Capital. 

(2) Represents the after tax collective provisions and general reserve for credit losses of banking entities in the Group (including Bankwest) which operate under the 

Basel II Standardised methodology. 

(3) APRA allows only 45% of asset revaluation reserve to be included in Tier Two Capital. 

(4) APRA requires these Lower Tier Two note and bond issues to be included as if they were unhedged. 

(5) 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. 

(6) Represents 50% Tier One and 50% Tier Two Capital deductions under Basel II rules. 

48 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupBasel IIBasel IIBasel II30/06/1031/12/0930/06/09Regulatory Capital$M$M$MTier Two CapitalUpper Tier Two CapitalResidual capital in excess of prescribed limits transferred from Tier One Capital (1)22573-Prudential general reserve for credit losses (net of tax) (2)603603590Asset revaluation reserve (3)877678Upper Tier Two note and bond issues382350373Other836456Total Upper Tier Two Capital1,3801,1661,097Lower Tier Two CapitalLower Tier Two note and bond issues (4) (5)7,4548,2997,561Holding of own Lower Tier Two Capital(16)(17)(19)Total Lower Tier Two Capital7,4388,2827,542Tier Two Capital Deductions50% Deductions from Tier Two Capital (6)(1,999)(1,919)(1,855)Total Tier Two Capital6,8197,5296,784Total Capital33,42034,59430,095 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Adequacy (continued) 

Capital Management  

(1) APRA requires risk weighted assets amounts that are derived from IRB risk weight functions be multiplied by a factor of 1.06. 

(2)  30  June  2010,  31  December  2009  and  30  June  2009  Risk Weighted  Assets  (“RWA”)  include  the  consolidation  of  Bankwest  which  operates  under  the  Basel  II 

Standardised methodology. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     49 

GroupBasel IIBasel IIBasel II30/06/1031/12/0930/06/09Risk Weighted Assets$M$M$MCredit RiskSubject to Advanced IRB approachCorporate44,25243,03154,242SME Corporate26,21625,32231,222SME Retail5,1704,7654,925Sovereign2,8001,9561,713Bank7,4926,7458,040Residential mortgage55,88256,90954,841Qualifying revolving retail6,7726,2925,698Other retail6,3226,3156,336Impact of the regulatory scaling factor (1)9,2949,07910,021Total risk weighted assets subject to Advanced IRB approach164,200160,414177,038Specialised lending (SL) exposures subject to slotting criteria35,48338,67822,627Subject to Standardised approachCorporate8,87210,05311,094SME Corporate7,7467,5407,455SME Retail4,6844,5054,469Sovereign215233282Bank1,1361,206170Residential mortgage22,43622,53120,576Other retail2,5302,4112,398Other5,4726,4057,517Total risk weighted assets subject to standardised approach53,09154,88453,961Securitisation1,5691,9622,724Equity exposures2,4202,5282,103Total risk weighted assets for credit risk exposures256,763258,466258,453Market risk3,5034,0333,450Interest rate risk in the banking book 10,27216,6018,944Operational risk20,28318,34917,989Total risk weighted assets (2)290,821297,449288,836 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Description of Business Environment 

Australia 

Financial Services 

Financial  services  providers  in  Australia  offer  household  and 
business  customers  a  wide  range  of  products  and  services 
encompassing  retail,  business  and  institutional  banking,  funds 
management,  superannuation, 
investment  and 
stockbroking  services.  The  domestic  competitive  landscape 
includes the four major banks, regional banks, building societies 
and credit unions, foreign entrants to the Australian market, local 
and global investment banks and fund managers, private equity 
firms, insurance companies and third party distributors. 

insurance, 

Banking 

The last year has seen recovery in the global financial system. 
Sentiment  towards  banks  has  improved  significantly  since  the 
chaos of late 2008 and early 2009. While market risk indicators 
in  the  global  financial  services  sector  remain  above  pre-crisis 
levels, many banking systems have returned to profitability, and 
capital and funding positions have been strengthened.  

The  structure  of  the  Australian  financial  industry  has  changed 
coming out of the recent crisis. Foreign banks participation has 
stabilised  while  the  regional  banks  and  specialist  players  are 
beginning to re-establish themselves.  

Despite the global financial crisis, the Australian financial system 
remained  resilient  and  highly  competitive.  All  major  Australian 
banks  reported  improved  financial  results  with  strong  cash 
growth compared to 2009. This was mainly driven by significant 
reductions  in  loan  impairments  and  solid  growth  in  operating 
income.  

Global uncertainties have meant that the cost of wholesale funds 
to all institutions has risen. This has spilled over to the market for 
deposits which has also seen a substantial increase in the cost 
of  retail  funds.  While  the  cost  of  funds  has  risen,  Australia‟s 
resilience has meant that the demand for credit has continued to 
expand. 

The  impact  of  higher  wholesale  funding  costs  will  be  felt  for 
some  time  as  lower  priced  term  funding  is  progressively 
replaced with more expensive funding, and due to the impact of 
banks 
their  wholesale  maturity.  The  strong 
competition  for  domestic  deposits  will  continue  to  put  pressure 
on deposit margins. 

lengthening 

In  the  near  to  medium  term,  significant  challenges  and 
uncertainties for the global financial system remain. Confidence 
in  financial  markets  has  recently  been  affected  by  concerns 
about sovereign credit risk, particularly Greece‟s debt crisis. This 
will  likely  result  in  a  continuation  of  conservative  capital  and 
liquidity settings.  

Funds Management 

for 

long 

term  growth  outlook 

funds 
The 
management  industry  remains  positive,  underpinned  by  the 
proposal to increase compulsory superannuation contributions to 
12%  by  2019/20  and 
the  proposed  simplification  of 
superannuation.  

the  Australian 

Fund  management  profit  margins  remain  under  pressure  with 
further  Australian  regulatory  changes  expected  to  reduce  fees 
and  increase  capital  requirements  and  compliance  costs. 
Consolidation  continues  as  industry  participants  seek  scale  to 
counteract margin pressure and expand capabilities. 

The demand for simple, transparent and lower fee products will 
continue as retail commissions are removed and investors focus 
on net-of-fee performance. Demand for solutions which address 
market volatility, inflationary threats and longevity risks is being 

50 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

driven  by  ageing  populations  and  widening  retirement  funding 
gaps.  

Insurance 

Underinsurance  within 
the  Australian  community,  and 
government  policy  supporting  the  beneficial  treatment  of  life 
insurance  inside  superannuation,  will  drive  continued  strong 
growth in the Life Insurance sector.  

Distribution  dynamics  continue  to  evolve,  with  bancassurance, 
master  trusts  and  industry  funds  emerging  as  the  strongest 
growth channels.  Insurance manufacturers are placing a greater 
emphasis  on  technology  and  service  efficiency  to  meet  the 
growing needs of these distribution channels. 

The  general  insurance  market  remains  concentrated  but  also 
highly  competitive,  particularly  with  the  entry  of  low  cost 
operators.  Industry  profitability  continues  to  be  challenged  by 
claims  events  and  instability  of  investment  markets,  even 
following a recent period of price hardening. 

New Zealand 

The  Group‟s  activities  in  New  Zealand  are  conducted  through 
the  ASB  Group.  In  addition  to  ASB  Bank,  ASB  Group  also 
competes in the New Zealand insurance and investment market 
through  its  wholly  owned  subsidiaries,  Sovereign  Group  and 
ASB Group Investments.  

total  banking  system. 

In  addition,  Kiwibank, 

The  New  Zealand  banking  system  is  characterised  by  strong 
competition,  with  the  four  main  banks  operating  in  the  market 
being owned by Australian parents, and accounting for 90%  of 
the 
the 
Government/NZ  Post  owned  and  operated  bank  launched  in 
2002, continues to compete aggressively in the retail sector. The 
non-bank  financial  sector  remains  weak  following  increased 
costs  of  funding  arising  from  the  global  financial  crisis,  with 
further consolidation expected. Competition for retail funding has 
increased as banks move to secure more domestic medium to 
long term funding and reduce reliance on the wholesale funding 
market, in line with more stringent Reserve Bank requirements. 

The New Zealand economy ended five consecutive quarters of 
negative  growth  in  early  2009,  signalling  the  end  of  the 
recession.  Economic  recovery  is  continuing  gradually,  with 
future growth expected to be driven by fixed capital expenditure 
and  export  receipts  rather  than  household  spending.  Lending 
volumes remain constrained, particularly in the business sector 
where  balances  declined  but  ASB‟s  market  share  improved.  
The housing market rebound has slowed against a backdrop of 
tax  changes  targeting  property  investment,  and  an  expectation 
that interest rates will rise. 

Financial System Regulation in Australia 

Australia has, by international standards, a high quality financial 
financial  products  and  services 
system  which  regulates 
consistently  regardless  of  the  type  of  financial  institutions 
providing them. 

the  Australian  Securities  and 

The  main  regulators  of  financial  services  in  Australia  are  the 
Reserve Bank of Australia, the Australian Prudential Regulation 
Authority, 
Investments 
Commission,  the  Australian  Transaction  Reports  and  Analysis 
Centre  and 
the  Australian  Competition  and  Consumer 
Commission. Each agency has system-wide responsibilities for 
the different objectives of government oversight of the financial 
system.  A  description  of  these  agencies  and  their  general 
below.
responsibilities 

functions 

and 

out 

set 

is 

 
 
 
Description of Business Environment 

Reserve Bank  of  Australia  (“RBA”)  is  responsible for monetary 
policy, financial system stability and regulation of the payments 
system.  The  RBA  also  administers  sanctions  implemented  via 
the „Banking (Foreign Exchange) Regulations 1959‟. 

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. 

The  Australian  Prudential  Regulation  Authority  (“APRA”)  has 
responsibility  for  the  prudential  supervision  of  banks,  building 
insurance 
societies  and  credit  unions, 
companies, 
funds 
(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. 

friendly  societies  and  superannuation 

life  and  general 

the 

including 

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (“ASIC”) 
has  responsibility  for  regulating  and  enforcing  Company  and 
financial  services  laws  that  protect  consumers,  investors  and 
„Corporations  Act  2001‟.  The 
creditors, 
„Corporations Act 2001‟ provides for a single licensing regime for 
sales,  advice  and  dealings  in  financial  products  and  services, 
consistent  and  comparable  financial  product  disclosure  and  a 
single  authorisation  procedure  for  financial  exchanges  and 
clearing  and settlement facilities.  From  1 July  2010, ASIC  also 
regulates  consumer  credit  activities.  Credit  providers  and 
intermediaries  are  required  to  apply  for  an  Australian  Credit 
Licence  by  31  December  2010.  The  current  financial  services 
regulatory  framework  is  intended  to  facilitate  innovation  and 
promote  business  while  at  the  same  time  ensuring  consumer 
protection and market integrity.  

The  Australian  Transaction  Reports  and  Analysis  Centre 
(“AUSTRAC”) has responsibility for overseeing compliance with 
the  „Anti-Money  Laundering  and  Counter  Terrorism  Financing 
Act 2006‟ and the „Financial Transaction Reports Act 1988‟. As a 
provider of financial services in Australia and internationally, the 
Group is committed to the principles of the Financial Action Task 
Force  as  the  international  standard  setter  for  anti-money 
laundering and counter-terrorism financing efforts.  

The  Australian  Competition  and  Consumer  Commission 
(“ACCC”)  promotes  competition  and  fair  trade  to  benefit 
consumers,  business  and 
the 
the  community 
administration of the „Trade Practices Act 1974‟. 

through 

In addition to the above, the Department of Foreign Affairs and 
Trade  (“DFAT”),  a 
federal  government  department,  has 
to 
responsibility 
sanctions-related  decisions  of  the  United  Nations  Security 
Council (UNSC), including the freezing of terrorist assets. 

legislation  giving  effect 

implementing 

for 

Supervisory Arrangements 

The  Bank  and  its  subsidiary  Bank  of  Western  Australia  are 
Authorised  Deposit-taking 
the 
„Banking  Act  1959‟  and  are  subject  to  prudential  regulation  by 
APRA.  

(“ADIs”)  under 

Institutions 

In  carrying  out  its  prudential  responsibilities,  APRA  closely 
monitors  the  operations  of  banks  to  ensure  that  they  operate 
within  the  prudential  framework  and  that  sound  management 
practices are followed.  

APRA  currently  supervises  ADIs  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. 

The  prudential  framework  applied  by  APRA  is  embodied  in  a 
series of prudential standards and other requirements including: 

(i) Capital Adequacy 

APRA  has  approved  the  Group‟s  application  to  use  the 
advanced internal ratings-based approach to credit risk and the 
advanced  measurement  approach  to  operational  risk  for  the 
purposes  of calculating capital  requirements  under the Basel II 
Framework. 

(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 high quality liquid 
assets to meet liquidity requirements. 

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 obligations, AUD Certificates of 
Deposit/Bills of other banks and AUD overnight interbank loans) 
and  other  highly  liquid  marketable  securities.  More  detailed 
comments  on  the  Group‟s  liquidity  and  funding  risks  are 
provided in Note 41 to the Financial Statements. 

(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. 
Exposure to unrelated 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 39 to the Financial Statements. 

(iv) Ownership and Control 

In  pursuit  of  transparency  and  risk  minimisation,  the  „Financial 
Sector  (Shareholding)  Act  1998‟  embodies  the  principle  that 
regulated  financial  institutions  should  maintain  widespread 
ownership.  The  Act  applies  a  common  15%  shareholding  limit 
for  ADIs,  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 ACCC in relation to competition considerations 
and  APRA  on  prudential  matters.  The  Treasurer  may  also 
delegate  approval  powers  to  APRA  where  one  financial 
institution seeks to acquire another. 

The Government‟s present policy is that mergers among the four 
major  banks  will  not  be  permitted  until  the  Government  is 
satisfied that competition from new and established participants 
in the financial industry has increased sufficiently. 

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

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     51 

 
 
Description of Business Environment 

Supervisory Arrangements (continued)  

(v) Banks‟ Association with Non-Banks 

There are formal guidelines (including maximum exposure limits) 
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  the  sale  or 
disposal  of  its  business,  or  effect  a  reconstruction  or  carry  on 
business in partnership  with  another  bank,  without the consent 
of the Commonwealth Treasurer. 

(vi) Fit & Proper and Governance  

ADIs are subject to APRA‟s “Fit and Proper” and “Governance” 
prudential  standards.  ADIs  are  required  to  implement  a  Board 
approved Fit and Proper policy covering minimum requirements 
for the fitness and proprietary of their responsible persons which 
include designated members of senior management. ADIs also 
have  to  comply  with  APRA‟s  Governance  prudential  standard 
which  sets  out  requirements  for  Board  size  and  composition, 
independence  of  directors,  executive  remuneration  and  other 
APRA governance matters.  

(vii) Supervision of Non-Bank Group Entities 

The  Australian  life  insurance  company  subsidiaries,  general 
insurance  company  subsidiaries  and 
the  superannuation 
trustees of the Group also come within the supervisory review 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.  Trustees  operating 
APRA  regulated superannuation  entities  are  required to  hold a 
Registrable Superannuation Entity (“RSE”) licence from APRA. 

including 

standards 

Life insurance and general insurance companies are subject to 
risk 
prudential 
management  and  reinsurance  arrangements.  Compliance  with 
APRA 
returns, 
independent  actuarial  investigations,  Auditor  certification  and 
supervisory inspections. 

capital  adequacy, 

is  monitored 

regulation 

through 

regular 

Life and general insurance companies are also subject to similar 
Fit and Proper and Governance requirements as those applying 
to ADIs. 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 

The  Group‟s  accounting  policies  are  set  out  in  Note  1  to  the 
Financial Statements. 

Critical accounting policies and estimates are set out in Note 1 
(ii) to the Financial Statements. 

52 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

 
 
 
 
Sustainability Commitment 

Customer Assist 

Sustainability 

The  Group  continued  to  focus  on  sustainability  during  2010, 
demonstrating  its  long-term  commitment  to  key  stakeholders  – 
customers,  people,  shareholders  and  the  wider  community. 
Long-term sustainability is essential for creating enduring value 
for shareholders and the Australian community as a whole. 

Sustainability  is  achieved  by  managing  five  aspects  of  the 
Group‟s business – customers, people, environment, community 
engagement and corporate governance. 

In this section of the report commentary is provided on the first 
four  of  these  aspects.  Full  details  about  the  Group‟s  corporate 
governance  approach  can  be 
the  Corporate 
Governance section of this report.  

found 

in 

The  Group  continued  to  build  the  capacity  of  the  Customer 
Assist  team,  which  supports  customers  experiencing  financial 
difficulty. The team increased in size to over 90 specially trained 
Customer  Assist  officers.  Accessibility  of  Customer  Assist 
services  also  increased  with  an  extension  of  operating  hours, 
the implementation of a freecall number and the ability to apply 
for assistance through email and NetBank. 

The team‟s capability was further developed to enable it to  act 
as an on-the-ground special response team to assist customers 
affected by major events such as natural disasters. This ensures 
staff  are  equipped  with  the  appropriate  delegations  and  are 
ready  to  respond  immediately  and  effectively  so  affected 
customers receive prompt communication and service. 

This section of the report captures data from Australian domestic 
operations only (excluding Bankwest), unless otherwise stated. 

Interest rates 

The Group‟s sustainability scorecard of key metrics is shown at 
the end of the Sustainability section of this report.  

More  detailed  information  about  the  Group‟s  sustainability 
strategy  and  achievements  is  covered  in  the  Sustainability 
Report 2010, available in October from  

www.commbank.com.au/sustainability. 

Customers 

The  Group  made  significant  progress  towards  the  goal  of 
becoming number one for customer satisfaction.  

During  2010  a  number  of  initiatives  were  rolled  out  for  retail, 
business  and  wealth  management  customers,  providing 
innovative  financial  solutions  and  improvements  to  customer 
experience.  

In the 12 months to June 2010 the Group made some notable 
improvements in customer satisfaction: 

The Group‟s main financial institution (MFI) retail customer 
satisfaction  levels,  measured  on  a  six  months  rolling 
averages  by  Roy  Morgan  Research,  showed  consecutive 
monthly  improvements    throughout  most  of  the  year, 
resulting  in  the  Group  moving  into  and  consolidating  3rd 
position,  with  an  increase  of  2.6  percentage  points  since 
this time last year; 

  Main 

financial 

institution 

(MFI)  business  customer 
satisfaction over the 12 months to June 2010, as measured 
by  the  TNS  Business  Finance  Monitor,  declined  by  4.9% 
on a 12 month basis. However the gap to the number one 
main  bank  has  reduced  from  16.6%  in  January  2006  to 
6.2% in June 2010; and 

Colonial  First  State‟s  FirstChoice  product  platform  was 
again  ranked  first  for  overall  satisfaction  by  financial 
advisers  in  the  2010  Wealth  Insights  Platform  Service 
Level survey. 
Responsible Banking 

Fees 

In  October  2009  significant  changes  were  made  to  exception 
fees  across  a  range  of  personal  and  business  transaction 
accounts, as well as the implementation of safety net options to 
help  customers  avoid  fees  in  the  future.  The  Group  also 
introduced  a  zero  fee  account  for  a  range  of  disadvantaged 
groups  in  the  community,  abolished  non-CBA  ATM  fees  for 
customers  (ahead  of  the  industry)  and  abolished  a  number  of 
one-off service fees for home loan customers.  

The  Reserve  Bank  began  raising  interest  rates  at  the  end  of 
2009. The Group takes a considered approach to interest rates, 
balancing the pricing of its products with its responsibility to both 
customers and shareholders and the likelihood of changes to the 
cost of funds. 

Viewpoint  

In early March 2010 the Group launched its inaugural economic 
vitality report, Viewpoint. Produced in conjunction with NATSEM, 
the independent research institute at the University of Canberra, 
the  regular  report  provides  insights  into  the  state  of  the 
Australian  economy  based  on  the analysis  of  data  held  by  the 
Group.  

With  a  customer  base  of  around  11  million,  the  Group‟s 
EFTPOS terminals, retail outlets and credit cards process 45% 
of Australia‟s financial transactions each day. This scale of data 
gives  the  Group  a  window  into  the  financial  wellbeing  of  the 
Australian community. Viewpoint will act as a barometer of the 
economic  mood,  providing  a  resource  that  businesses  and 
government can utilise. 

Youth financial literacy 

Financial  literacy  is  essential for  a  prosperous  Australia.  In  the 
12 months to June  2010  the  Group  announced its „one million 
kids‟ commitment to improve the financial literacy of more than 
one million Australian school children over the next five years.  

this  commitment 

As  part  of 
the  Commonwealth  Bank 
Foundation  continued  the  roll-out  of  the  StartSmart  Secondary 
program  –  a  series  of  classroom  sessions  and  workshops 
to  help  young  Australians  build  better  money 
designed 
management  skills  –  and  extended  the  program  to  primary 
schools with the introduction of the StartSmart Primary program 
in early 2010. 

In the 12 months to June 2010, over 68,000 secondary school 
students  and  their  teachers  booked  to  attend  the  1,535 
classroom  sessions  and  243  workshops  delivered  through 
StartSmart  Secondary  while  over  50,000  primary  school 
students participated in 1,889 classroom sessions as part of the 
StartSmart Primary program since it began in February 2010. 

The  Group  also  launched  Coinland,  an  online  world  where 
children  learn  the  basics  of  money  management  in  a  fun  and 
engaging  environment,  interacting  with  characters  such  as  the 
Dollarmites. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     53 

 
 
 
Sustainability 

Indigenous Banking Team (IBT) 

The IBT, the first of its kind from a major Australian bank, was 
created after consultation with the Group‟s Indigenous partners, 
communities and customers. The team is dedicated to providing 
the  Group‟s  Indigenous  customers  with  the  highest-quality 
level  of 
business  expertise  and  customer  service.  This 
specialised  support 
Indigenous 
communities  have  access to the same opportunities for  wealth 
creation  as  other  Australians.  The  IBT  currently  has  offices  in 
Cairns and Sydney and is supported by specialists from across 
the Group. 

in  ensuring 

is  crucial 

The  Group  also  progressed 
Strategy, as detailed below under the „People‟ heading. 

Indigenous  Employment 

its 

People 

In  the  past  12  months  a  number  of  initiatives  have  been 
developed  for  the  Group‟s  people,  with  a  particular  focus  on 
diversity, talent development, and health and wellbeing.  

Diversity – Women in Leadership  

In  the  12  months  to  June  2010  the  Group-wide  Diversity 
Strategy  was  refreshed.  The  strategy  has  a  focus  on  four 
primary  areas:  diversity  in  leadership,  respect  and  inclusion, 
adaptable work practices and diversity support.  

The  Group  believes  that  a  focus  on  women  in  leadership  is  a 
leading indicator of broader diversity within the organisation.  As 
a  result  the  Group  has  set  a  specific  goal  to  increase  the 
representation of women in senior management levels from the 
current level of 26% to 35% by December 2014. 

To  achieve this  goal,  diversity  has  been  included  as  a  specific 
performance indicator for the Group‟s most senior leaders and is 
now  included  in  Business  Unit  strategic  plans.  In  addition,  the 
Group‟s  executive  leadership  team  are  all  members  of  the 
Diversity  Council  which  is  chaired  by  the  Group‟s  CEO,  and 
clear  targets  and  measurement  have  been  put  in  place  to 
monitor progress.   

its 

The  Group  is  also  supporting  greater  diversity  within  the 
organisation  by  strengthening 
talent  pipeline.  The 
Appointment  to  Role  Policy  was  recently  updated  to  require 
representation  of  both  women  and  men  on  recruitment  panels 
and in candidate pools.  In addition, over the past 12 months the 
Group  has  continued  to  strengthen  talent  identification  and 
review processes for all levels of leadership. 

Diversity - Indigenous Employment Strategy  

During  the  year  the  Group  made  significant  progress  on  its 
Indigenous  Employment  Strategy,  following  the  commitment 
announced  in  July  2009  to  create  350  additional  positions  for 
Indigenous  Australians  by  June  2012.  By  30  June  2010,  the 
Group  had  made  significant  progress  towards  this  target,  with 
130 new Indigenous employees joining the Group.  

People and Culture Survey 

A  continued  focus  on  developing  a  culture  of  trust  and  team 
spirit and embedding the Group‟s behaviours has assisted with 
delivering  strong  people  engagement  and  pride  within  the 
organisation. In the 2010 people engagement survey the Group 
recorded  a  People  and  Culture  Indicator  result  of  4.31  and 
Gallup GrandMean score of 4.32. This put the Group in the 76th 
percentile  in  the  Gallup  Worldwide  database  –  a  best  practice 
result according to the Gallup organisation. 

Talent Development & Leadership 

Talent development continued to be a key focus during the year. 
The Group enhanced its commitment to the development of its 

54 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

people with a particular focus on leadership competencies and 
the ability of existing leaders to assess and coach their teams. 
The Talent Review process now requires talent review plans to 
be  discussed  by  the  whole  Executive  Committee,  providing  a 
more  robust  assessment  of  the  workforce.  The  Group  also 
modifies  succession  plans  according  to  market  dynamics  and 
individual  development  plans. 
leadership 
development  programs  are  tailored  across  a  range  of  career 
levels and audiences.   

response, 

In 

Health and Wellbeing 

The  Group  provides  numerous  initiatives,  services,  resources 
and tools to its people to support their health and wellbeing. 

This  includes  flexible  working  arrangements,  health checks,  flu 
vaccinations,  child  care  and  carer  services,  the  CBA  Sports 
Club, fitness deals, competitive private health insurance through 
the CBHS Health Fund and confidential counselling services. 

During  the  year,  a  number  of  new  initiatives  were  introduced, 
including: 

  My  Wellbeing  online  –a  personal  online  health  and 
wellness  centre  providing  interactive  resources  tailored  to 
help  define  and  achieve  individual  wellness  goals.  All 
Group employees and their families can use this resource; 
RealTime Health videos – all employees and their families 
have  access  to  this  'speaking  from  experience'  video 
resource which includes personal patient and carer stories 
covering a range of conditions; 
Dealing  With  Stress  Toolkit  –  An  online  toolkit  created  to 
provide  easy  access  to  information  about  the  resources 
available  to  employees  dealing  with  stress  and  mental 
health matters; and 
Drugs and Alcohol Policies – Policies relating to drugs and 
alcohol  were  reviewed  and  communicated  to  employees, 
including 
alcohol 
consumption. 

responsible 

promotion 

the 

of 

Safety, Absenteeism and Turnover 

to 

the  continued 

The  past  few  years  saw  significant  decreases  in  the  Group‟s 
Lost  Time  Injury  Frequency  Rate  (LTIFR)  which  can  be 
attributed 
the  safety 
management  system.  The  12  months  to  June  2010  saw  a 
levelling  out  of  the  declining  trend  in  the  LTIFR.  A  focused 
approach of targeting identified risk areas within each business 
as well as looking at safety behaviours is being adopted to attain 
further decreases in the LTIFR. 

implementation  of 

The  Group  remained  relatively  steady  against  other  key 
indicators. There was no material change in absenteeism, while 
voluntary turnover increased slightly as a result of the improving 
economic conditions. 

Community 

The Group‟s dedication to working with Australian communities, 
large and small, was demonstrated through many programs with 
partners in the areas of health and welfare, the arts, environment 
and sport.  

Indigenous Commitment 

Working with Indigenous communities remained a key priority for 
the Group. The second edition of the Reconciliation Action Plan 
(RAP) was launched in July 2009 and the Group also celebrated 
the first anniversary of One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) Australia. 
The Group is the founding partner of OLPC, a charity that was 
established  to  improve  the  lives  of  children  living  in  rural  and 
remote  Australia – many  of  which  are 
Indigenous 
communities  –  by  providing  them  with  the  purpose-built, 
educational, connected tool, the XO laptop. 

in 

 
 
 
 
 
Sustainability 

The  Group  has  made  major  changes  to  reduce  the  carbon 
emissions associated with its tool-of-trade fleet. Vehicle options 
are now aligned with terrain types, meaning that smaller vehicles 
are being used for city driving. Over 900 6-cylinder vehicles have 
been  replaced  with  4-cylinder  vehicles  in  the  last  year. 
Combined  with  education  initiatives,  this  has  seen  the  carbon 
emissions associated with the Group‟s tool-of-trade fleet reduce 
by 8% since June 2009. 

Reporting 

The  Group  is  subject  to  the  Federal  Government‟s  Energy 
Efficiency Opportunity Act (EEOA), which provides a framework 
for  identifying  cost-effective  energy  savings,  and  the  National 
Greenhouse  and  Energy  Reporting  Scheme  (NGERS).  In 
October  2009  the  Group  reported through  the  NGERS  system 
for the first time. This reporting is assisting the Group to identify 
opportunities to reduce carbon emissions. 

The Group again voluntarily reported its carbon emissions to the 
Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) in May 2010. The 2009 CDP 
Global  500  Report  released  in  September  2009  revealed  that 
the  Group  achieved  a  place 
the  Carbon  Disclosure 
Leadership Index. The Index recognises the top 10 per cent of 
the largest 500 companies in the world for the level and quality 
of  disclosure  and  reporting  on  greenhouse  gas  emissions  and 
climate change strategy data.  

in 

Future Developments 

The Group is committed to sustainability. In the coming year the 
Group will continue the challenge of pursuing a broad definition 
of  corporate  sustainability  to  ensure  its  policies  and  practices 
support customers, people, the environment, the community and 
rigorous corporate governance. 

The  Group  will  publish  its  annual  Sustainability  Report  during 
October  2010,  an important tool  in  communicating the  Group‟s 
sustainability performance to its stakeholders. The Sustainability 
Report will be available online at 

www.commbank.com.au/sustainability. 

Community Partnerships 

The  Group  continued  its  significant  support  for  Australian 
communities. 

At the start of the 2009-10 cricket season, the Group launched 
the Grants for Grassroots Cricket program to support local clubs. 
More  than  220  clubs  received  a  grant  of  cash  and  equipment 
worth $1,750 each to help with skills training, ground restoration, 
new facilities and other initiatives.  

The  Group‟s  Staff  Community  Fund  is  Australia‟s  longest 
running workplace giving program, having commenced in 1917. 

This  year  grants  of  up  to  $10,000  were  made  to  youth  and 
children‟s charities, totalling $550,000. 

As  major  long-term  sponsor  of  the  Australian  of  the  Year 
Awards, the Group joined the National Australia Day Council in 
early  2010  to  celebrate  50  years  of  recognising  the  valuable 
contributions of outstanding Australians from a diverse range of 
communities. 

The  Group  also  continued  its  ongoing  partnerships  in  the  arts, 
supporting  Opera  Australia  and 
the  Australian  Chamber 
Orchestra.  The  Group  and  Opera  Australia  have  one  of  the 
longest  running  business-arts  partnerships  in  Australia,  now  in 
its 33rd year.  

In the health sector the Group continued to support the Breast 
Cancer  Institute  of  Australia  with  fundraising  through  staff 
activities and the sale of the Australian Women‟s Health Diary in 
Commonwealth  Bank  branches.  The  Group  also  continued  its 
partnership  with  the  Prostrate  Cancer  Foundation,  raising 
awareness of this important issue amongst staff and customers. 

2010  marked  the  second  year  of  the  Group‟s  partnership  with 
Clean Up Australia Day, which supported an estimated 588,000 
Australians help clean up their local environment.  

For more  information  on  the full  range  of community  programs 
the Group supports visit www.commbank.com.au/about-us. 

Environment 

Property Environmental Performance 

The  Group  continued  its  shift  to  more  environmentally-friendly 
commercial  properties.  Teams  moved  into  the  Darling  Park 
office in Sydney in a number of phases during the year, with full 
occupancy  achieved at  the  end  of June  2010.  There  are more 
than  4,500  people  now  located  at  Darling  Park,  which  has  a 
focus  on  environmental  performance.  Construction  work  on 
Commonwealth Bank Place continued at a significant pace, and 
occupancy  will  begin  in  late  2011.  The  building  will  target 
environmental performance ratings including 6 Star Green Star 
Office Design and 5 Star NABERS. 

Managing Carbon Emissions 

Following  the  announcement  of  the  Group‟s  carbon  reduction 
target to reduce emissions from its Australian operations by 20 
per  cent  by  June  2013  (from  2008–09  levels),  the  Group  has 
been working on a number of initiatives in its tool-of-trade fleet 
and  retail  and  commercial  properties.  Improvements  made  to 
the  Group‟s  carbon  reporting  system 
the 
emissions from a number of branches had not been captured in 
previous  years.  As  a  result  of  including  these  emissions,  the 
Group  has seen the total carbon emissions  increase slightly in 
2009-10. However, the Group is still on track to meet its carbon 
reduction target.  

identified 

that 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     55 

 
Sustainability 

How the Group Performed 

Metric (1) 
Customers 
Roy Morgan Research main financial institution customer satisfaction (2) 
Rank 
TNS Business Finance Monitor (3) 
Rank 
Wealth Insights Platform Service Level survey (4) 
Rank 
People 
Absenteeism (Average days per full-time equivalent staff member) (5) 
Employee turnover (voluntary) (6) 
Gallup Survey GrandMean (7) 
People and Culture Indicator (8) 
Lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) (9) 
Environment 
Property and fleet carbon emissions total (tonnes CO2-e) (10) 

2010 

2009 

2008 

75. 6% 
3rd  
67. 9% 
4th  
86. 5% 
1st 

5. 9 
12. 73% 
4. 32 
4. 31 
2. 5 

73. 0% 
4th 
72. 8% 
4th 
84. 1% 
1st 

5. 9 
11. 37% 
4. 37 
4. 36 
2. 4 

70.1% 
Equal 4th 
73. 9% 
5th 
88. 2% 
1st 

6. 5 
18. 45% 
4. 28 
N/A 
3. 1 

176,806 

172,752 

173,397 

(1) All metrics capture data from Australian domestic operations only (excluding Bankwest), unless otherwise stated. 

(2) The proportion of each financial institution‟s MFI retail customers surveyed by Roy Morgan Research that are either „Very Satisfied‟  or „Fairly Satisfied‟ with their 
overall relationship with that financial institution on a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 is „Very Dissatisfied‟ and 5 is „Very Satisfied‟. The metric is reported as a 6 month rolling 
average to June, based on the Australian population aged 14 and over. The ranking refers to the Group‟s position relative to  the other four main Australian banks 
(Westpac, St. George, NAB, and ANZ). 

(3) The proportion of each financial institution‟s MFI business customers surveyed by TNS Business Finance Monitor that are either „Very Satisfied‟ or „Fairly Satisfied‟ 
with their overall relationship with that institution on a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 is „Very Dissatisfied‟ and 5 is „Very Satisfied‟. The metric is reported as a 12 month rolling 
average as at 30 June. The ranking refers to the Group‟s position relative to the other four major Australian banks. 

(4)  The  proportion  of  financial  advisers  giving  the  Colonial  FirstChoice  platform an  overall  satisfaction  score  of  7-10,  on  a  scale of  1-10  where  1 is „Poor‟  and  10  is 
„Excellent‟, in the Wealth Insights Platform Service Level survey. Ranking captures the relative position of Colonial FirstChoice compared with bank peer master trusts 
measured  in  the  survey,  based  on  the  percentage  of  advisers  giving  7-10  for  overall  satisfaction.  Until  2010  this  survey  was  known  as  the  Wealth  Insights 
MasterTrust/Wrap survey. 

(5) Absenteeism is the annualised figure as at 31 May each year. Absenteeism refers to the average number of sick leave days (and, for CommSec employees, carers‟ 
leave days) per full-time equivalent (FTE), reported by domestic, permanent employees. FTE captures domestic, permanent employees (full-time, part-time, job share 
or on extended leave). 

(6) Employee turnover refers to all voluntary exits of domestic, permanent employees as a percentage of the average domestic, permanent headcount (full-time, part-

time, job share or on extended leave). 

(7)  The  Gallup  Survey  GrandMean  measures  the  average  response,  on  a  5-point  scale  (where  5  is  the  most  positive  response),  summarising  the  average  (mean) 
responses to the Gallup Q12 statements, given by employees in the People and Culture survey. The result captures the responses of domestic and international 
Group employees excluding those of Bankwest, ASB Bank, Commonwealth Bank Indonesia, Bank of Hangzhou, Qilu Bank, Sovereign Group, and some smaller 
international branches and subsidiaries. 

(8) The PCI measures the average response on a 5-point scale (where 5 is the most positive response), by summarising the average (mean) responses to 25 People 
and Culture Survey statements comprising the Gallup Q12 statements and 13 additional statements selected by the Group, all of which measure progress towards 
the Group‟s cultural aspiration of trust and team spirit. The surveyed population is the same as for the Gallup GrandMean. The PCI was first measured in 2009. 

(9) LTIFR is the reported number of occurrences of lost time arising from injury or disease that have resulted in an accepted workers compensation claim, for 
each  million  hours  worked  by  domestic  employees.  The  metric  captures  claims  relating  to  domestic  employees  only  (permanent,  casual  and  those 
contractors  paid  directly  by  the  Group).  Data  is  complete  as  at  30  June  each  year,  however  it  may  be  updated  in  future  reports  due  to  late  reporting  of 
incidents  that  occurred  during  the  year,  or  the  subsequent  acceptance  or  rejection  of  claims  made  in  the  year.  To  reflect  this,  the  2009  figure  (previously 
reported as 2.1) has been adjusted. 

(10) Emissions relate to consumption of electricity, gas and fuel (gasoline and diesel) by domestic retail and commercial properties, the business use of domestic tool-of-
trade vehicle fleet, dedicated bus services, business use of private vehicles and domestic ATMs. Due to the electricity billing cycle, 28 % of 2009-2010 electricity data 
was estimated to meet publication deadlines. 2009 figures previously reported have been adjusted by replacing estimated data with actual data following receipt of 
outstanding electricity invoices. 

56 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Introduction 

This  statement  reflects  the  key  aspects  of  the  Commonwealth 
Bank‟s  corporate  governance  framework.  The  Board  has 
consistently  placed  great importance  on  the  governance  of the 
Group, which it believes is vital to its well-being. The Board has 
adopted a comprehensive framework of Corporate Governance 
Guidelines which are designed to properly balance performance 
and conformance and thereby allow the Group 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 
Group  comply  with 
“Corporate  Governance 
revised 
Principles  and  Recommendations”,  dated  30  June  2010, 
released by the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) Limited‟s 
Corporate Governance Council. 

the 

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  Group,  including  the 
establishment of Committees; 

  Oversight of the business and affairs of the Group by: 

- 

- 

- 

Establishing,  with  management,  and  approving  the 
strategies and financial objectives; 

Approving major corporate and capital initiatives and 
approving  capital  expenditure  in  excess  of  limits 
delegated to management; 

Overseeing the establishment of appropriate systems 
of  risk  management  including  defining  the  Group‟s 
risk  appetite  and  establishing  appropriate  financial 
policies such as target capital and liquidity ratios; and 

-  Monitoring the  performance  of management and the 

environment in which the Group operates; 

Corporate Governance 

Approving documents (including reports and statements to 
shareholders)  required  by  the  Bank‟s  Constitution  and 
relevant regulation; 

Employment of the Chief Executive Officer; and 
Approval of the Group‟s major HR policies and overseeing 
the development strategies for senior and high performing 
executives. 

A copy of the Board Charter appears on the Group‟s website. 

The Board carries out the legal duties of its role in accordance 
with  the  Group‟s  values  of  trust,  honesty  and  integrity  and 
having  regard to the  interests of the  Group‟s customers, staff, 
shareholders  and  the  broader  community  in  which  the  Group 
operates. 

The Board delegates to the Chief Executive Officer the authority 
to achieve the Group‟s objective of creating long term value for 
its  shareholders  through  providing  financial  services  to  its 
customers 
best-in-industry 
performance in safety, community reputation and environmental 
impact. 

sustained 

providing 

and 

The  Chief  Executive  Officer  is  responsible  for  the  day  to  day 
management  of  the  Group  and  maintaining  a  comprehensive 
set  of management delegations  under  the  Group‟s  Delegation 
cover 
of  Authorities 
commitments 
operational 
project 
expenditure and non-financial activities or processes. They are 
designed to accelerate decision-making processes and improve 
efficiency and customer service. 

framework.  These 

investment, 

delegations 

around 

Composition 

There  are  currently  nine  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: 

Board Membership  Position Title 

Committee Membership 

Board Performance 
& Renewal 

People & 
Remuneration 

Audit 

Chairman 

Chairman 

Member 

Director 
D J Turner (1) 

R J Norris 

J A Anderson 

C R Galbraith 

Non-Executive, 
independent 
Executive 

Non-Executive, 
independent 
Non-Executive, 
independent 

Chief 
Executive 
Officer 

Member 

Member 

Risk 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

J S Hemstritch (2)  Non-Executive, 

Chairman 

Member 

S C H Kay 

A M Mohl 

F D Ryan 

H H Young 

independent 
Non-Executive, 
independent 
Non-Executive, 
independent 
Non-Executive, 
independent 
Non-Executive, 
independent 

J M Schubert (3)  Non-Executive, 

R J Clairs (3) 

independent 
Non-Executive, 
independent 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Chairman 

Member 

Member 

Chairman 

(1) Mr Turner was appointed Chairman of the Board and the Board Performance and Renewal Committee following Mr Schubert‟s retirement on 10 February 2010.  

(2) Ms Hemstritch was appointed Chairman of the People and Remuneration Committee following Mr Clairs‟ retirement from the position on 1 January 2010. 

(3) Mr Schubert and Mr Clairs retired from the Board on 10 February 2010 and 13 April 2010 respectively. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     57 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Governance 

Constitution  

Education 

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  nine  nor 
more  than  thirteen  (or  such  lower  number  as  the  Board 
may  from  time  to  time  determine).  The  Board  has 
determined that the number of directors shall be nine; 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  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). 

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. 

themselves 

to  conduct 

to  being  required 

In  addition 
in 
accordance with the ethical policies of the Group, 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 Group‟s policies. 

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

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

independent  Directors. 

reaching 

In 

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

  Where  applicable,  the  related  party  dealings  referrable  to 

each Director; 
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 
Group which is material under accounting standards; and 

That no Non-Executive Director has a material contractual 
relationship with the Group other than as a Director of the 
Bank. 

58 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Directors participate in an induction program 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 Group‟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 process includes an assessment 
of the performance of the Board Committees and each Director. 

the 

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

results  of 

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. 

Performance  evaluations 
the  above 
processes have been undertaken during the 2010 financial year. 

in  accordance  with 

Details on Management performance evaluations are contained 
in the Remuneration Report section of the Directors‟ Report. 

Selection of Directors 

The  Board  Performance  and  Renewal  Committee  has 
developed a set of criteria for Director appointments which has 
been adopted by the Board. The criteria are aimed at creating a 
Board  capable  of  challenging,  stretching  and  motivating 
management 
to  achieve  sustained  outstanding  company 
performance in all respects. These criteria, which are reviewed 
annually,  aim  to  ensure  that  any  new  appointee  is  able  to 
contribute to the Board constituting a competitive advantage for 
the Group and: 

and 

exhibit 

outstanding 

performance 

Be capable of operating as part of an exceptional team; 
Contribute 
impeccable values; 
Be  capable  of  inputting  strongly  to  risk  management, 
strategy and policy; 
Provide  appropriate  mix  of  skills  and  experience  required 
currently and for the future strategy of the Group; 
Be  excellently  prepared  and  receive  all  necessary 
education; 
Provide  important  and  significant  insights,  input  and 
questions to management from their  experience  and skill; 
and 

Vigorously debate and challenge management. 

Professional  intermediaries  are  engaged  to  identify  a  diverse 
range  of  potential  candidates  for  appointment  as  Directors 
based on the identified criteria. 

The  Board  Performance  and  Renewal  Committee  will  assess 
the skills and experience of these candidates as well as take into 
consideration  other  attributes  such  as  diversity  to  ensure  that 
any appointment decisions are made in line with the objectives 
of the Board. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Candidates  who  are  considered  suitable  for  appointment  as 
Directors  by  the  Board  Performance  and  Renewal  Committee 
are  then  recommended  for  decision  by  the  Board  and,  if 
appointed,  stand 
the 
for  election, 
Constitution, at the next general meeting of shareholders. 

in  accordance  with 

The  Group  has  adopted  a  policy  whereby,  on  appointment,  a 
letter is provided from the Chairman to the new Director setting 
out  the  terms  of  appointment  and  relevant  Board  policies 
including  time  commitment,  code  of  ethics  and  continuing 
education. All current Directors have been provided with a letter 
confirming the terms of their appointment. A copy of the form of 
letter of appointment appears on the Group‟s website.  

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  Board 
Performance  and  Renewal,  People  &  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 meet regularly with an agenda designed to 
provide  adequate  information  about  the  affairs  of  the 
Group, 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 one 
Board meeting 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  Group  has  in  place  a  procedure  whereby,  after 
appropriate  consultation,  Directors  are  entitled  to  seek 
independent  professional  advice,  at  the  expense  of  the 
Group, to assist them to carry out their duties as Directors. 
The  policy  of  the  Group  provides  that  any  such  advice  is 
generally made available to all Directors.  

Ethical Standards 

Conflicts of Interest  

In  accordance  with  the  Constitution  and  the  Corporations  Act 
2001,  Directors  are  required  to  disclose  to  the  Board  any 
material  contract  in  which  they  may  have  an  interest.  In 
compliance  with section  195  of  the  Corporations Act  2001 any 
Director  with  a  material  personal  interest  in  a  matter  being 
considered by the Board will not be present when the matter is 
being considered and will not vote on the matter. 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. 

Share Trading  

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

Corporate Governance 

The  guidelines  provide,  that in  addition to  the  requirement  that 
Directors  not  deal  in the  securities  of the Group  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  the  date  of  the  Annual 
General Meeting until 14 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 
to 
executives  of  the  Group,  in  addition  to  the  prohibition  of  any 
trading (including hedging) in positions prior to vesting of shares 
or options. 

those  securities.  Similar  restrictions  apply 

in 

Directors  and  executives  who  report  to  the  Chief  Executive 
Officer are also prohibited from: 

Any  hedging  of  publicly  disclosed  shareholding  positions; 
and 
Entering  into  or  maintaining  arrangements  for  margin 
borrowing, short selling or stock lending, in connection with 
the securities of the Group. 

In  June  2010  the  Board  approved  a  revised  Group  Securities 
Trading Policy, which replaces the guidelines and applies to all 
Directors,  employees  &  contractors  of  the  Group  from  21 
September  2010.  A  copy  of  the  policy  is  available  on  the 
Group‟s website. 

Remuneration Arrangements 

Details of the governance arrangements and policies relevant to 
remuneration are set out in the Directors‟ Report - Remuneration 
Report. 

Audit Arrangements 

Audit Committee 

The  purpose  of  the  Audit  Committee  is  to  assist  the  Board  in 
fulfilling its statutory and fiduciary responsibilities by providing an 
objective  non-executive  review  of  the  effectiveness  of  the 
external  reporting  of  financial  information,  and  the  internal 
control  environment  of  the  Group,  including  obtaining  an 
understanding  of  the  tax  and  accounting  risks  which  face  the 
Group.  The  Audit  Committee  is  also  responsible  for  the 
oversight  of  accounting  policies,  professional  accounting 
requirements,  internal  and  external  audit  and  APRA  statutory 
regulatory  requirements,  and  the  appointment  of  the  external 
auditor. 

The  Charter  of  the  Audit  Committee  incorporates  a  number  of 
policies  and  practices 
is 
to  ensure 
independent and effective. Among these are: 

the  Committee 

that 

in 

The  Audit  Committee  shall  comprise  at  least  three 
members.  All  members  must  be  Non-Executive, 
Independent Directors and financially literate. At least one 
relevant  qualifications  and 
member  should  have 
experience  as 
the  ASX  Corporate 
to 
referred 
Governance Principles and Recommendations; 
The Audit Committee chairman may not be the Chairman 
of the Board. The term of each member will be determined 
by the Board through annual review. The Risk Committee 
chairman  will  be  a  member  of  the  Audit  Committee  and 
vice-versa  to  ensure  the  flow  of  relevant  information 
between the two committees; 
The  Audit  Committee  will  meet  at  least  quarterly,  and  as 
required.  The  Audit  Committee  will  invite  the  external 
auditor to all meetings of the Committee; 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     59 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Governance  

The Audit  Committee  will meet from time  to time  with the 
Group Auditor and external auditor without management or 
others being present; 
The  Audit  Committee  has  the  power  to  call  attendees  as 
required,  including  open  access to  management,  auditors 
(external  and  internal)  and  the  right  to  seek  explanations 
and additional information; 
Senior management  and the  internal  and  external  auditor 
have  free  and  unfettered  access  to  the  Audit  Committee, 
with the Group Auditor having a direct reporting line, whilst 
maintaining  a  management  reporting  line  to  the  Chief 
Financial Officer; and 

The Audit Committee has the option, with the concurrence 
of the Chairman of the Board, to retain independent legal, 
accounting, or other advisors to the extent the Committee 
considers necessary at the Group‟s expense. 

A copy of the Audit Committee Charter appears on the Group‟s 
website. 

Non-Audit Services 

The  Board  has  in  place  an  External  Auditor  Services  Policy 
which requires the Audit Committee (or its delegate) to approve 
all  audit  and  non-audit  services  before  engaging  the  Auditors. 
The  policy  also  prohibits  the  Auditors  from  providing  certain 
services to the Group or its affiliates. The objective of this policy 
is to avoid prejudicing the independence of the Auditors.  

The policy is designed to ensure that the Auditors do not: 

Assume the role of management or act as an employee; 
Become an advocate for the Group; 
Audit their own work; 
Create a mutual or conflicting interest between the Auditor 
and the Group; 
Require an indemnification from the Group to the Auditor;  
Seek contingency fees; nor 

Have  a  direct  financial  or  business  interest  or  a  material 
indirect financial or business interest in the Group or any of 
its affiliates, or an employment relationship with the Group 
or any of its affiliates.  

Under  the  policy,  the  Auditor  shall  not  provide  certain  services 
including the following services: 

Bookkeeping  or  other  services  relating  to  accounting 
records or Financial Statements of the Group; 
Financial information systems design and implementation; 
Appraisal or valuation services (other than certain tax only 
valuation services) and fairness opinions; 
Actuarial  services  unless  approved  in  accordance  with 
independence guidelines; 
Internal audit outsourcing services; 

  Management  functions,  including  acting  as  an  employee 

and secondment arrangements; 
Human resources; 
Broker-dealer,  investment  adviser  or  investment  banking 
services; 
Legal services; or 

Expert services for the purpose of advocating the interests 
of the Group. 

In general terms, the permitted services are: 

Audit services to the Group or an affiliate; 
lodgement  of 
Related  services  connected  with 
statements  or  documents  with  the  ASX,  ASIC,  APRA  or 
other regulatory or supervisory bodies; 
Services reasonably related to the performance of the audit 
services; 

the 

60 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Agreed-upon procedures or comfort letters provided by the 
Auditor  to  third  parties  in  connection  with  the  Group‟s 
financing or related activities; and 

  Other services pre-approved by the Audit Committee. 

Auditor 

PricewaterhouseCoopers  was  appointed  as  the  Auditor  of  the 
Bank  at  the  2007  Annual  General  Meeting,  effective  from  the 
beginning of the 2008 financial year. 

The audit partner from PricewaterhouseCoopers will attend the 
2010 Annual General Meeting of the Bank and will be available 
to respond to shareholder audit-related questions. 

The Group currently requires that the partner managing the audit 
for the external Auditor be changed after a period of no longer 
than five years. 

The Chief Executive Officer is authorised to appoint and remove 
the  Group  Auditor  only  after  consultation  with  the  Audit 
Committee. 

Due to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) 
rules that apply to various activities that the Group continues to 
undertake in the  United States,  notwithstanding  the Bank‟s  de-
registration under the Exchange Act, the Group and its Auditor 
must  continue  to  comply  with  U.S.  Auditor  independence 
requirements. 

Risk Management 

Risk  Management  governance  originates  at  Board  level,  and 
cascades through to the CEO and businesses, via policies and 
delegated authorities. This ensures Board-level oversight and a 
clear  segregation  of  duties  between  those  who  originate  and 
those  who  approve  risk  exposures.  Independent  review  of  the 
risk management framework is carried out through Group Audit. 

The Board and its Risk Committee operate under the direction of 
their respective charters. The Board Charter stipulates, amongst 
other things that: 

The Board is responsible for “overseeing the establishment 
of  systems  of  risk  management  by  approving  accounting 
policies,  financial  statements  and  reports,  credit  policies 
and  standards,  risk management  policies and  procedures 
and  operational  risk  policies  and  systems  of  internal 
controls”; and 
The  CEO  is  responsible  for  “implementing  a  system, 
including  a  system  of  internal  controls  and  audits,  to 
identify and manage risks that are material to the business 
of the Group”. 

As  part  of  the  process  whereby  the  Board  reviews  the  annual 
financial  statements,  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  the  Chief 
Financial  Officer  have  given  the  Board  their  declaration  in 
accordance  with section  259A(2)  of  the  Corporations  Act  2001 
(Cth), as well as the assurance that the declaration is founded 
on a sound system of risk management and internal control and 
that the system is operating effectively in all material respects in 
relation to financial risks.  

Risk Committee 

The  Risk  Committee  oversees  the  Group‟s  risk  management 
framework, including the credit, market (including traded, interest 
rate risk in the banking book, lease residual values, non-traded 
equity  and  structural  foreign  exchange),  liquidity  and  funding, 
operational, 
risks 
assumed by the Group in the course of carrying on its business. 
It 
the 
measurement of risk and the adequacy and effectiveness of the 
Group‟s risk management and internal controls systems. 

insurance,  compliance  and 

from  Management  on 

regulatory 

reviews 

regular 

reports 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic risks are governed by the full Board, with input from the 
various  Board  sub-committees.  Tax  and  accounting  risks  are 
governed by the Board Audit Committee. 

A key purpose is to help formulate the Group‟s risk appetite for 
consideration by the Board, and agreeing and recommending a 
risk management framework to the Board that is consistent with 
the approved risk appetite. This framework, which is designed to 
achieve  portfolio  outcomes  consistent  with 
the  Group‟s 
risk/return expectations, includes: 

High-level  risk  management  policies  for  each  of  the  risk 
areas it is responsible for overseeing; and 
A  set  of  risk  limits  to  manage  exposures  and  risk 
concentrations. 

The  Committee  monitors  Management‟s  compliance  with  the 
Group  risk  framework  (high-level  policies  and  limits);  it  also 
makes recommendations on the key policies relating to capital, 
liquidity and funding that underpin the Internal Capital Adequacy 
Assessment  Process,  which  is  overseen  and  reviewed  by  the 
Board on at least an annual basis. 

In overseeing the risk framework, and through its dialogues with 
the  risk  leadership  team  and  executive  management,  the 
Committee also monitors the health of the Group‟s risk culture, 
and reports any significant issues to the Board. 

As part of the remuneration policy, the Risk Committee provides 
written input to the People & Remuneration Committee to assist 
in the alignment of executive remuneration with appropriate risk 
behaviours. 

The Committee reviews significant correspondence between the 
Group and its regulators, receives reports from management on 
the  Group‟s  regulatory  relations  and  reports  any  significant 
regulatory issues to the Board.  

Levels  of  insurance  cover  on  insurance  policies  maintained  by 
the Group to mitigate some operational risks are disclosed to the 
Risk Committee for comment. 

The  Committee  meets  at  least  seven  times  each  year  and  at 
least annually with the Group Chief Risk Officer, in the absence 
of other management to allow the Committee to form a view on 
the  independence  of  the  risk  management  function.  The 
Chairman of the Risk Committee provides a report to the Board 
following each Risk Committee meeting. 

A copy of  the  Risk  Committee charter  appears  on the Group‟s 
website. 

Framework 

The  Group  has  an  integrated  risk  management  framework  in 
place  to  identify,  assess,  manage  and  report  risks  and  risk 
adjusted returns on a consistent and reliable basis. 

A description of the functions of the framework and the nature of 
the  risks  is  set  out  in  the  Risk  Management  section  of  the 
Annual  Report  and  in  Notes  38  to  41  to  the  Financial 
Statements. 

Board Performance and Renewal Committee 

The  Board  Performance  and  Renewal  Committee  critically 
reviews, at least annually, the corporate governance procedures 
of  the  Group  and  the  composition  and  effectiveness  of  the 
Commonwealth Bank of Australia Board and the Boards of the 
major wholly owned subsidiaries. The policy of the Board is that 
independent  Non-
the  Committee  shall  consist  solely  of 
Executive  Directors.  The  Chief  Executive  Officer  attends  the 
meeting by invitation. 

Corporate Governance 

A  copy  of  the  Board  Performance  and  Renewal  Committee 
Charter appears on the Group‟s website. 

Continuous Disclosure 

“Guidelines 

securities.  The  Group‟s 

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 
for 
Communication between the Bank and Shareholders”, a copy of 
which appears on the Group‟s website, sets out the processes to 
ensure that shareholders and the market  are provided  with full 
and timely information about the Group‟s activities in compliance 
with continuous disclosure requirements. Continuous Disclosure 
Policy  and  Processes  are 
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  Group‟s  Executive 
Committee. Matters reported are assessed and, where required 
by  the ASX  Listing  Rules,  advised  to the market. A  Disclosure 
Committee  has  been 
the 
requirements  for  disclosure  of  information  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. 

to  provide  advice  on 

throughout 

in  place 

formed 

Shareholder Communication 

The Group believes it is important for its shareholders to make 
informed decisions about their investment in the Group. In order 
for  shareholders  to  have  an  understanding  of  the  business 
operations  and  performance,  the  Group  seeks  to  provide 
shareholders  with  access  to  quality  information  in  a  timely 
fashion. This will be communicated in the form of: 

Interim and final Results; 
Annual Reports; 
Shareholder newsletters; 
Annual General Meetings; 

  Quarterly  trading  updates  and  Business  Unit  briefings 

where considered appropriate; 
All other price sensitive information will be released to the 
ASX in a timely manner; and 
The  Group‟s  dedicated 
www.commbank.com.au 
is  kept  up-to-date  so 
shareholders can access this information at all times. 

shareholder  website  at 
that 

The  Group  employs  a  wide 
range  of  communication 
approaches,  including  direct  communication  with  shareholders, 
publication of all relevant Group information on the shareholder 
centre  section  of  the  website  and  webcasting  of  most  market 
briefings for  shareholders.  Upcoming  webcasts  are  announced 
to  the  market  via  ASX  announcements  and  publicised  on  the 
Bank‟s website so all interested parties may participate. 

A summary record of issues discussed at one-on-one or group 
meetings with investors and analysts, including a record of those 
present,  time  and  venue  of  the  meeting  are  kept  for  internal 
reference only. 

The Group is committed to maintaining a level of disclosure that 
meets  the  highest  of  standards  and  provides  all  investors  with 
timely and equal access to information. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     61 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Governance 

Ethical Policies 

The  Group‟s  objective  is  to  create  long  term  value  for  its 
shareholders 
its 
customers 
best-in-industry 
performance in safety, community, reputation and environmental 
impact. 

through  providing 
and 

financial  services 

producing 

sustained 

to 

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 
the  Audit 
Committee,  noting  the  status  of  resolution  and  actions  to  be 
taken. 

to 

The  Group‟s  vision  is  to  be  Australia‟s  finest  financial  services 
organisation through excelling in customer service. 

Code of Conduct 

In  carrying  out  its  role,  the  Board  will  operate  in  a  manner 
reflecting the Group‟s values and in accordance with its agreed 
corporate  governance  guidelines,  the  Bank‟s  Constitution,  the 
Corporations Act and all other applicable regulations. 

The  Board  employs  and  requires  at  all  levels,  impeccable 
values,  honesty  and  openness.  Through  its  processes,  it 
achieves  transparent,  open  governance  and  communications 
under  all  circumstances,  with  both  performance  and 
conformance addressed. 

The  Board‟s  policies  and  codes  include  detailed  provisions 
dealing with: 

The  interface  between  the  Board  and  Management  to 
ensure  there  is  effective  communication  of  the  Board‟s 
views  and  decisions,  resulting  in  motivation  and  focus 
towards  long  term  shareholder  value  behaviours  and 
outcomes; 
Disclosure of relevant personal interests so that potential of 
conflict  of 
identified  and 
appropriate  action  undertaken  to  avoid  compromising  the 
independence of the Board; and 
Securities  dealings  in  compliance  with  the  Group‟s  strict 
guidelines  and  in  accordance  with  the  values  of  honesty 
and integrity. 

interest  situations  can  be 

Website 

The Group‟s Corporate Governance statement can be viewed at 
www.commbank.com.au  >  About  us  >  Shareholders  > 
Corporate Profile. 

The  current  charters  and  summary  of  policies  and  guidelines 
referred to in this statement are also published on this section of 
this website. 

The  values  of  the  Group  are  trust,  honesty  and  integrity.  The 
Board carries out the legal duties of its role in accordance with 
the values and having appropriate regard to the interests of the 
Group‟s  customers,  shareholders,  staff  and 
the  broader 
community in which the Group operates. 

Policies  and  codes  of  conduct  have  been  established  by  the 
Board  and  the  Group  Executive  team  to  support  the  Group‟s 
objectives, vision and values. 

Statement of Professional Practice 

The Group 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 Group; 
To  avoid  situations  which  may  give  rise  to  a  conflict  of 
interest; 
To  know  and  adhere  to  the  Group‟s  Equal  Employment 
Opportunity policy and programs; 
To maintain confidentiality in the affairs of the Group and its 
customers; and 

To be absolutely honest in all professional activities. 
These  standards  are  regularly  communicated  to  staff.  In 
addition, the Group has established insider trading guidelines for 
staff to ensure that unpublished price-sensitive information about 
the  Group  or  any  other  Company  is  not  used  in  an  illegal 
manner or so that inside information could be used for personal 
advantage. 

Our People 

There  are  various  policies  and  systems  in  place  to  enable 
achievement of these goals, including: 

Fair Treatment Review; 
Equal Employment Opportunity; 
  Occupational Health and Safety; 
Recruitment and selection; 
Performance management; 
Talent management and succession planning; 
Remuneration and recognition; 
Employee share plans; and 

Supporting Professional Development. 

Information on the Group‟s diversity strategy can be found in the 
Corporate Sustainability section of this report. 

Behaviour Issues 

The  Group  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. 

62 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
report, 

together  with 

The  Directors  of  the  Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  submit 
their 
the 
Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  (“the  „Bank”)  and  of  the 
Group,  being  the  Bank  and  its  controlled  entities,  for  the  year 
ended 30 June 2010. 

report  of 

financial 

the 

The  names  of  the  Directors  holding  office  during  the  financial 
year  are  set  out  below,  together  with  details  of  Directors‟ 
experience, 
and 
organisations  in  which  each  of  the  Directors  have  declared  an 
interest. 

responsibilities 

qualifications, 

special 

David J Turner, Chairman 

Mr Turner was appointed to the Board in August 2006 and has 
been Chairman since 10 February 2010. He is Chairman of the 
Board Performance and Renewal Committee and a member of 
the  Risk  Committee  and 
the  People  &  Remuneration 
Committee.  

From  May  2008  until  May  2010,  Mr  Turner  was  Chairman  of 
Cobham  plc.  Until  his  retirement  on  30  June  2007,  Mr  Turner 
was CEO of Brambles Limited, occupying the role since October 
2003.  He  joined  Brambles  as  Chief  Financial  Officer  in  2001, 
having previously been Finance Director of GKN plc. Mr Turner 
has also served as a member of the Board of Whitbread plc and 
as Chairman of its Audit Committee from 2000 until 2006. He is 
a  Fellow  of  The  Institute  of  Chartered  Accountants  in  England 
and  Wales  and  has  extensive  experience 
finance, 
international business and governance. 

in 

Mr Turner is a resident of New South Wales. Age 65. 

Ralph J Norris, KNZM, Managing Director and Chief 
Executive Officer 

Mr  Norris  was  appointed  as  Managing  Director  and  Chief 
Executive  Officer  effective  September  2005.  From  2002,  Mr 
Norris was Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air 
New  Zealand  having  been  a  Director  of  that  Company  since 
1998. He retired from that Board in 2005 to take up his position 
with the Group. He is a member of the Risk Committee. 

Mr  Norris  has  a  30  year  career  in  Banking.  He  was  Chief 
Executive Officer of ASB Bank Limited from 1991 until 2001 and 
Head of International Financial Services from 1999 until 2001. 

In  2005,  Mr  Norris  retired  from  the  Board  of  Fletcher  Building 
Limited where he had been a Director since 2001. 

Chairman:  Australian  Bankers‟  Association  and  Comm-
Foundation Pty Limited. 

Director:  Business  Council  of  Australia  and  Financial  Markets 
Foundation for Children.  

Other Interests: New Zealand Institute of Management (Fellow) 
and New Zealand Computer Society (Fellow). 

Mr Norris is a resident of New South Wales. Age 61. 

Sir John A Anderson, KBE  

Sir John joined the Board on 12 March 2007. He is a member of 
the  Risk  Committee  and  Board  Performance  and  Renewal 
Committee.  Sir  John  is  a  highly  respected  business  and 
community leader, having held many senior positions in the New 
Zealand  finance  industry  including  Chief  Executive  Officer  and 
Director  of ANZ  National Bank  Limited  from  2003  to  2005  and 
the National Bank of New Zealand Limited from 1989 to 2003.  

In 1994, Sir John was awarded Knight Commander of the Civil 
Division of the Order of the British Empire, and in 2005 received 
the 
“Outstanding  Leadership 
inaugural  Blake  Medal 
Contributions to New Zealand”. 

for 

Directors‟ Report 

Chairman:  Television  New  Zealand  Limited,  Capital  and  Coast 
District  Health  Board,  New  Zealand  Venture  Investment  Fund, 
Hawke‟s Bay District Health Board and PGG Wrightson Limited. 

Other Interests: Institute of Financial Professionals New Zealand 
(Fellow), Institute of Directors (Fellow), New Zealand Institute of 
Chartered Accountants  (Fellow), Australian Institute  of Banking 
and Finance (Life Member). 

Sir John is a resident of Wellington, New Zealand. Age 65. 

Colin R Galbraith, AM 

Mr Galbraith has been a member of the Board since 2000 and is 
a member of the Risk Committee, Audit Committee and Board 
Performance & Renewal Committee. He is a special advisor for 
Gresham Partners Limited. 

Chairman: BHP Billiton Community Trust. 

Director: OneSteel Limited and Australian Institute of Company 
Directors. 

Other Interests: CARE Australia (Director) and Royal Melbourne 
Hospital Neuroscience Foundation (Trustee).  

Mr Galbraith is a resident of Victoria. Age 62. 

Jane S Hemstritch  

Ms Hemstritch was appointed to the Board effective 9 October 
2006.  She  is  Chairman  of  the  People  &  Remuneration 
Committee and a member of the Risk Committee. 

Ms  Hemstritch  was  Managing  Director  -  Asia  Pacific  for 
Accenture  Limited  from  2004  until  her  retirement  in  February 
2007.  In  this  role,  she  was  a  member  of  Accenture‟s  global 
executive  leadership  team  and  oversaw  the  management  of 
Accenture‟s  business  portfolio  in  Asia  Pacific.  She  holds  a 
Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry and Physiology and 
has  professional  expertise  in  technology,  communications, 
change management and accounting. She also has experience 
across the financial services, telecommunications, government, 
energy and manufacturing sectors and in business expansion in 
Asia. 

Director: The Global Foundation, Tabcorp Ltd and Santos Ltd. 

Other  Interests:  Institute  of  Chartered  Accountants  in  Australia 
(Fellow),  Institute  of  Chartered  Accountants  in  England  and 
Wales (Fellow), Chief Executive Women Inc. (Member), Council 
of Governing Members of The Smith Family and CEDA‟s Policy 
and Research Committee (Member) and Council of the National 
Library of Australia (Member). 

Ms Hemstritch is a resident of Victoria. Age 56. 

Carolyn H Kay 

Ms Kay has been a member of the Board since 2003 and is also 
a  member  of  the  Audit,  People  &  Remuneration  and  Risk 
Committees. She holds Bachelor Degrees in Law and Arts and a 
Graduate  Diploma 
in  Management.  She  has  extensive 
experience  in  Finance,  particularly  in  International  Finance, 
having  worked  as  both  a  banker  and  a  lawyer  at  Morgan 
Stanley,  JP  Morgan  and  Linklaters  &  Paines  in  London,  New 
York and Australia. 

Director:  Allens  Arthur  Robinson,  Brambles  Industries  Limited 
and Sydney Institute. 

Other  Interests:  Australian  Institute  of  Company  Directors 
(Fellow) and Chief Executive Women‟s Inc (Member). 

Ms Kay is a resident of New South Wales. Age 49. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     63 

 
Directors‟ Report 

Andrew M Mohl 

Mr Mohl was appointed to the Board effective 1 July 2008 and is 
a member of the Risk and People & Remuneration Committees. 
He has over 30 years of financial services experience. Mr Mohl 
was  Managing  Director  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  AMP 
Limited from October 2002, until December 2007.  

Mr  Mohl‟s  previous  roles  at  AMP  included  Managing  Director, 
AMP  Financial  Services  and  Managing  Director  and  Chief 
Investment Officer, AMP Asset Management. 

Mr  Mohl  was  a  former  Group  Chief  Economist  and  Managing 
Director, ANZ Funds  Management  at  ANZ  Banking  Group.  He 
began  his  career  at  the  Reserve  Bank  of  Australia  where  his 
roles included Senior Economist and Deputy Head of Research.  

Chairman:  Federal  Government  Export  Finance  and  Insurance 
Corporation. 

Director: AMP Foundation. 

Interests:  Coaching  services 

to  senior  executives, 
Other 
(Member)  the  Advisory  Council  of  the  Australian  School  of 
Business and the Corporate Council of the European Australian 
Business Council (Member). 

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

Fergus D Ryan 

Mr  Ryan  has  been  a  member  of  the  Board  since  2000  and  is 
Chairman  of  the  Audit  Committee  and  a  member  of  the  Risk 
Committee.  He  has  extensive  experience  in  accounting,  audit, 
finance and risk management. He was a senior partner of Arthur 
Andersen  until  his  retirement  in  1999,  after  33  years  with  that 
firm, including five years as Managing Partner Australasia. Until 
2002,  he  was  Strategic  Investment  Co-ordinator  and  Major 
Projects Facilitator for the Commonwealth Government. 

John M Schubert, Chairman (retired 10 February 2010) 

Dr  Schubert  was  a  member  of  the  Board  from  1991  and 
Chairman from November 2004, until his retirement in February 
2010. He was Chairman of the Board Performance & Renewal 
Committee and a member of the Risk Committee and People & 
Remuneration  Committee.  He  holds  a  Bachelor‟s  Degree  and 
PhD in Chemical Engineering and has executive experience in 
the  petroleum,  mining  and  building  materials  industries.  Dr 
Schubert  is  the  former  Managing  Director  and  Chief  Executive 
Officer of Pioneer International Limited and the former Chairman 
and Managing Director of Esso Australia Ltd. 

Chairman:  G2  Therapies  Limited,  Great  Barrier  Reef  Found-
ation. 

Director:  BHP  Billiton  Limited,  BHP  Billiton  Plc  and  Qantas 
Airways  Limited,  Committee  for  Economic  Development  of 
Australia. 

Interests:  Academy  of  Technological  Science  and 
Other 
Institute  of  Engineers  (Fellow)  and 
Engineering  (Fellow), 
Honorary  Member  &  Past  President,  Business  Council  of 
Australia. 

Dr Schubert is a resident of New South Wales. Age 67. 

David  Turner  succeeded  John  Schubert  as  Chairman  in 
February 2010. 

Reg J Clairs, AO (retired 13 April 2010) 

Mr  Clairs  was  a  member  of  the  Board  since  1999.  He  was 
Chairman  of  the  People  &  Remuneration  Committee,  and  a 
member of the Risk Committee. As the former Chief Executive 
Officer  of  Woolworths  Limited,  he  has  33  years  experience  in 
retailing, branding and customer service. 

Director: David Jones Limited 

Director:  Australian  Foundation  Investment  Company  Limited, 
and Centre for Social Impact. 

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

Other  Interests:  Committee  for  Melbourne  (Counsellor)  and 
Pacific Institute (Patron). 

Mr Clairs is a resident of Queensland. Age 72. 

Mr Ryan is a resident of Victoria. Age 67. 

Harrison H Young 

Mr Young has been a member of the Board since 2007. He is 
Chairman  of  the  Risk  Committee  and  a  member  of  the  Audit 
Committee. On appointment to the Board, Mr Young retired as 
Chairman  of  Morgan  Stanley  Australia,  a  position  he  had  held 
since 2003. From 1997 to 2003 he was a Managing Director and 
Vice  Chairman  of  Morgan  Stanley Asia. Prior  to that,  he spent 
two  years  in  Beijing  as  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  China 
International Capital Corporation. From 1991 to 1994 he was a 
senior  officer  of  the  Federal  Deposit  Insurance  Corporation  in 
Washington.  

Chairman:  NBN  Co  Limited  and  Better  Place  (Australia)  Pty 
Limited. 

Deputy  Chairman:  The  Asia  Society  AustralAsia  and  Asialink 
(Advisory Board). 

Director:  Bank  of  England  and  Financial  Services  Volunteer 
Corps. 

Mr Young is a resident of Victoria. Age 65. 

64 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

 
 
 
 
Other Directorships 
The Directors held directorships on listed companies within the last three years as follows: 

Director 

D J Turner 

Company 

Brambles Limited 
Cobham plc 

C R Galbraith 

OneSteel Limited 

J S Hemstritch 

Tabcorp Holdings Limited 
Santos Limited 

S C H Kay 

Brambles Industries Limited 

Directors‟ Report 

Date of Ceasing 
(if applicable) 

16/11/2007 
06/05/2010 

Date Appointed 

21/03/2006 
01/12/2007 

25/10/2000 

13/11/2008 
16/02/2010 

01/06/2006 

A M Mohl 

F D Ryan 

J M Schubert 

R J Clairs 

Directors‟ Meetings 

AMP Limited 

07/10/2002 

31/12/2007 

Australian Foundation Investments Company Limited 

08/08/2001 

BHP Biliton Limited 
Qantas Airways Limited 
BHP Biliton Plc 

David Jones Limited 
Cellnet Group Limited 

01/06/2000 
23/10/2000 
29/06/2001 

22/02/1999 
01/07/2004 

20/08/2007 

The number of Directors‟ meetings (including meetings of committees of Directors) and number of meetings attended by each of the 
Directors during the financial year were: 

Director 

D J Turner 
R J Norris 
J A Anderson 
C R Galbraith 
J S Hemstritch 
S C H Kay 
A M Mohl 
F D Ryan 
H H Young 
J M Schubert (2) 
R J Clairs (3) 

No. of Meetings Held (1) 

No. of Meetings 
Attended 

11 
13 
13 
13 
13 
13 
13 
13 
11 
10 
11 

11 
12 
12 
13 
13 
13 
13 
13 
10 
10 
9 

(1) The number of meetings held during the time the Director was a member of the Board and was eligible to attend. 

(2) Mr Schubert retired 10 February 2010. 

(3) Mr Clairs retired 13 April 2010. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     65 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors‟ Report 

Committee Meetings 

Risk Committee 

Audit Committee 

People & 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 

6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
4 
5 

6 
5 
5 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
4 
3 

4 
- 
- 
6 
- 
6 
- 
6 
6 
- 
- 

4 
- 
- 
6 
- 
6 
- 
6 
6 
- 
- 

4 
- 
- 
- 
9 
9 
9 
- 
- 
5 
8 

4 
- 
- 
- 
7 
9 
9 
- 
- 
5 
6 

Board Performance & Renewal 
Committee 

No. of Meetings 
Held (1) 

No. of Meetings 
Attended 

8 
2 
8 
6 

8 
2 
8 
6 

Director 

D J Turner 
R J Norris 
J A Anderson 
C R Galbraith 
J S Hemstritch 
S C H Kay 
A M Mohl 
F D Ryan 
H H Young 
J M Schubert 
R J Clairs 

Director 

D J Turner 
J A Anderson 
C R Galbraith 
J M Schubert 

(1) The number of meetings held during the time the Director was a member of the relevant committee.  

Principal Activities 

The principal activities of the Group during the financial year ended 30 June 2010 were the provision of a broad range of banking and 
financial products and services to retail, small business, corporate and institutional clients.  

The Group conducts its operations primarily in Australia and New Zealand and the Asia Pacific region. It also operates in a number of 
other countries including the United Kingdom and the United States.  

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

66 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Profit 

Consolidated  net  profit  after  income  tax  and  non  controlling 
interests  for  the  financial  year  ended  30  June  2010  was  $5,664 
million (2009: $4,723 million).  

The net operating profit for the year ended 30 June 2010 after tax 
and  non  controlling  interests  and  before  Bankwest  significant 
items,  tax  on  New  Zealand  structured  finance  transactions, 
treasury  shares  valuation  adjustment,  hedging  and  AIFRS 
volatility, loss  on  disposal  of controlled  entities  and other  one  off 
expenses was $6,101 million. This is an increase of $1,686 million 
or 38% over the year ended 30 June 2009.  

The  result for  the  year  was favourably impacted  by  a lower  loan 
impairment expense as the domestic economy recovers. 

While the environment remains challenging, the Group‟s operating 
performance  has  been  healthy.  Operating  income  growth  was 
solid, reflecting strong volume growth. 

Operating expense growth reflects the effect of inflation on salary 
and general expenses, as well as higher occupancy and volume 
expenses. 

Loan impairment expense decreased significantly compared to the 
prior year as a result of improved economic conditions. 

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

Dividends 

The Directors have declared a fully franked (at 30%) final dividend 
of 170 cents per share amounting to $2,633 million. The dividend 
will be payable on 1 October 2010 to shareholders on the register 
at  5pm  AEST  on  20  August  2010.  Dividends  paid  in  the  year 
ended 30 June 2010 were as follows: 

As  declared  in  the  30  June  2009  Annual  Report,  a  fully 
franked  final  dividend  of  115  cents  per  share  amounting  to 
$1,747  million  was  paid  on  1  October  2009.  The  payment 
comprised cash  disbursements  of $1,058 million,  with  $688 
million being reinvested by participants through the Dividend 
Reinvestment Plan (DRP); and 

In respect of the year to 30 June 2010, a fully franked interim 
dividend of 120 cents per share amounting to $1,841 million 
was  paid  on  1  April  2010.  The  payment  comprised  direct 
cash  disbursements  of  $1,067  million,  with  $774  million 
being reinvested by participants through the DRP.  

Review of Operations 

An  analysis  of  operations  for  the  financial  year  is  set  out  in  the 
Highlights section and in the sections for Retail Banking Services, 
Business and Private Banking, Institutional Banking and Markets, 
Wealth  Management,  New  Zealand,  Bankwest  and  Other 
Divisions. 

Changes in State of Affairs 

During the year, the Group continued to make significant progress 
in implementing a number of initiatives designed to ensure a better 
service outcome for the Group‟s customers.  

Highlights included: 

Successful migration of over one million deposit accounts to 
the  new  Core  Banking  platform,  enabling  real  time  visibility 
and improved functionality for customers; 
A  range  of  additional 
features  were 
to  help  business  customers  conduct 
CommBiz 
transactions faster; 

launched  within 
their 

Directors‟ Report  

Continued  NetBank  enhancements  benefitting  over  five 
million  online  customers,  including  free  SMS  services  and 
new autopay functionality; and 

The  successful  launch  of  the  new  American  Express 
companion card, and the Travel Money Card. 

There were no other significant changes in the state of affairs of 
the Group during the financial year. 

Events Subsequent to Balance Date 

On 1 July 2010 the Tax consolidated Group began to apply the 
new  tax  regime for  financial instruments  – Taxation  of  Financial 
Arrangements  (“TOFA”).  Further  details  are  set  out  in  Note  5 
Income Tax Expense. 

On  2  July  2010,  class  action  proceedings  were  commenced 
against the Bank in relation to Storm Financial. At this stage, the 
size  of  the  class  action  has  not  been  defined  and  damages 
sought have not been quantified.  The Group is also aware from 
media reports and other public announcements that class action 
proceedings may be commenced against it and other Australian 
banks  with  respect  to  exception  fees.  At  this  stage,  such 
proceedings have not commenced. 

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

The  Dividend  Reinvestment  Plan  for  the  final  dividend  for  the 
2010  financial  year  will  be  satisfied  fully  or  partially  by  an  on-
market purchase and transfer of shares. 

Business Strategies and Future Developments 

Accommodation Strategy 

The Group is implementing a property strategy to consolidate its 
Sydney metropolitan teams across three main precincts: Sydney 
Central  Business  District  (CBD),  Sydney  Olympic  Park  and 
Parramatta.  At  30  June  2010,  over  4,000  employees  are 
accommodated  in  Darling  Park  Tower  1.  In  the  coming  12 
months,  employees  will  commence  occupying  a  new  building  – 
Commonwealth  Bank  Place.  This  will  result  in  rationalisation  of 
the existing Sydney CBD property space in line with lease expiry 
profiles. 

The buildings in which employees are now being accommodated 
are  either  new  builds  or  substantially  refurbished,  providing 
improved working environments, more efficient use of space and 
greater open plan and collaborative work spaces. 

These changes  have  not had  a material financial impact  on  the 
Group‟s results and it is not anticipated that the future relocation 
will have a material impact on the Group‟s results. 

Business Strategies 

Business  strategies,  prospects  and  future  developments,  which 
may affect the operations of the Group in subsequent years, are 
referred  to  in  the  Chief  Executive  Officer‟s  Statement.  In  the 
opinion of the Directors, disclosure of any further information on 
likely  strategic  developments  would  be  unreasonably  prejudicial 
to the interests of the Group. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     67 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Directors‟ Report 

Environmental Reporting 

Directors‟ Interests in Contracts 

The Group is subject to The Energy Efficiency Opportunities Act 
2006 
large  energy-using 
businesses to improve their energy efficiency.  

(EEO  Act),  which  encourages 

The  Group,  including  several  Colonial  First  State  managed 
funds, is required to comply with the EEO Act due to exceeding 
certain energy consumption thresholds. 

As  required  by  the  EEO  Act,  the  Group  lodged  a  five  year 
energy  efficiency  assessment  plan  and  reported  to  Federal 
Government on 31 December 2008. The Group is subsequently 
required to report to the Federal Government every three years 
and  to  release  a  public  report  annually,  covering  all  preceding 
years‟ assessment outcomes. 

The  Group  is  also  subject  to  the  National  Greenhouse  and 
Energy  Reporting  Scheme  (NGERS).  The  scheme  makes  it 
mandatory  for  controlling  corporations  to  report  annually  on 
greenhouse  gas  emissions,  energy  production  and  energy 
consumption, if they exceed certain threshold levels. As a result 
of a long history in voluntary environmental reporting, the Group 
is  well  placed  to  meet  the  NGERS‟  mandatory  requirements, 
and  has  previously  updated  its  energy  and  emissions  data 
management  and  reporting  systems  to  comply  with  the  new 
legislation. 

The  Group  is  not  subject  to  any  other  particular  or  significant 
environmental  regulation  under  any  law  of  the  Commonwealth 
or of a State or Territory, but can incur environmental liabilities 
as a lender. The Group has developed policies to ensure this is 
managed appropriately. 

Directors‟ Shareholdings and options 

Particulars  of  shares  held  by  Directors  in  the  Commonwealth 
Bank  or  in  a  related  body  corporate  are  set  out  in  the 
Remuneration Report within this report. 

An  Executive  Option  Plan 
(“EOP”)  was  approved  by 
shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 8 October 1996 
and  its  continuation  was  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.  

All  option  grants  have  now  met  their  specified  performance 
hurdles and are available for exercise by participants. 

During  the  financial  year  and  for  the  period  to  the  date  of  this 
report  102,340  shares  were  allotted  by  the  Bank  following  the 
exercise of options granted under the EOP and ERP. Full details 
of the Plan are disclosed in Note 29 to the Financial Statements. 
No options have been allocated since the beginning of the 2002 
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. 

No options have previously been granted to the Chief Executive 
Officer. Refer to the Remuneration Report within this report for 
further details. 

68 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

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 

Articles  19.1,  19.2  and  19.3  of  the  Commonwealth  Bank  of 
Australia‟s Constitution provides:  

“19. Indemnity 

19.1 Persons to whom articles 19.2 and 19.4 apply 

Articles 19.2 and 19.4 apply: 

(a) to each person who is or has been a Director, secretary or 
senior manager of the Company; and 

(b)  to such  other  officers,  employees,  former  officers  or former 
employees of the Company or of its related bodies corporate as 
the Directors in each case determine, 

(each an “Officer” for the purposes of this article). 

19.2 Indemnity 

The  Company  must  indemnify  each  Officer  on  a  full  indemnity 
basis and to the full extent permitted by law against all losses, 
liabilities, costs, charges and expenses (“Liabilities”) incurred by 
the  Officer  as  an  officer  of  the  Company  or  of  a  related  body 
corporate. 

19.3 Extent of indemnity 

The indemnity in article 19.2: 

(a)  is  enforceable  without  the  Officer  having  to  first  incur  any 
expense or make any payment; 

(b)  is  a  continuing  obligation  and  is  enforceable  by  the  Officer 
even though the Officer may have ceased to be an officer of the 
Company or its related bodies corporate; and 

(c)  applies  to  Liabilities  incurred  both  before  and  after  the 
adoption of this constitution.” 

An indemnity for employees, who are not Directors, secretaries 
or senior managers, is not expressly restricted in any way by the 
Corporations Act 2001. 

The Directors, as named on pages 63 and 64 of this report, and 
the Secretaries of the  Commonwealth  Bank of Australia, being 
J D Hatton and C F Collingwood, are indemnified under articles 
19.1,  19.2  and  19.3,  as  are  all  the  senior  managers  of  the 
Commonwealth Bank of Australia. 

Deeds of indemnity have been executed by the Commonwealth 
Bank of Australia, consistent with the above articles in favour of 
each Director. 

An 
the 
indemnity  deed  poll  has  been  executed  by 
Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia,  consistent  with  the  above 
articles  in  favour  of  each  secretary  and  senior  manager  of  the 
Bank, each Director, secretary and senior manager of a related 
body corporate of the Bank (except where in the case of a partly 
owned subsidiary the person is a nominee of an entity which is 
not a related body corporate of the Bank unless the Bank's Chief 
Executive Officer  has certified that  the indemnity shall  apply  to 
that person), and any person who, at the prior formal request of 
the Bank, act as Director, secretary or senior management of a 
body corporate which is not a related body corporate of the Bank 
(in  which  case  the  indemnity  operates  excess  of  protection 
provided by that body corporate). 

 
 
 
 
Directors‟ Report  

Directors‟ and Officers‟ Insurance 

The Commonwealth Bank has, during the financial year, paid an 
insurance  premium  in  respect  of  an  insurance  policy  for  the 
benefit of those named and referred to above and the Directors, 
secretaries,  executive  officers  and  employees  of  any  related 
bodies  corporate  as  defined  in  the  insurance  policy.  The 
insurance  grants  indemnity  against  liabilities  permitted  to  be 
indemnified  by  the  Company  under  Section  199B  of  the 
Corporations Act 2001. In accordance with commercial practice, 
the  insurance  policy  prohibits  disclosure  of  the  terms  of  the 
policy including the nature of the liability insured against and the 
amount of the premium. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     69 

 
Directors‟ Report – Remuneration Report 

Message from the People & Remuneration Committee Chairman 

Dear Shareholder 

Non-Executive Director Remuneration Philosophy 

2010  has  been  a  year  of  great  challenges.  Once  again 
remuneration practices in Australia and overseas have come 
under the spotlight, and regulatory change has followed. 

Our considered approach to remuneration 

At  the  Commonwealth  Bank,  we  have  followed  a  careful, 
measured approach to remuneration, in particular as it applies 
to our executive remuneration arrangements.  

However, your Board is determined not to be complacent. The 
People & Remuneration Committee of the Board continues to 
focus on our remuneration practices. Our aim is to continually 
review  those  remuneration  practices  to  ensure  they  drive 
achievement  of  our  strategy,  comply  with  changing 
regulations and incorporate high standards of governance. 

frameworks  and  outcomes 

A  key  step  in  this  process  is  the  way  we  communicate  our 
to 
remuneration  philosophy, 
shareholders  and 
the  community.  This  year  we  have 
refreshed  our  approach.  We  have  worked  to  present  our 
Remuneration  Report  in  a  clear  and  concise  way  that  we 
believe is easier to read.  

We have also engaged Hewitt Associates as our independent 
remuneration  consultant.  Hewitt  Associate‟s  role  is  to  pro-
actively  advise  the  People  &  Remuneration  Committee  on 
regulatory  and  market  developments,  as  well  as  specific 
remuneration matters.  

Executive Remuneration Philosophy 

Our approach is embodied in our remuneration philosophy for 
the Chief Executive Officer and his senior executive team. Our 
remuneration philosophy is to:  

provide target remuneration which is market competitive, 
without putting upward pressure on the market; 
clearly articulate to executives the link between individual 
and Group performance and individual reward; 
reward  superior  performance,  while  managing  risks 
associated  with  delivering  and  measuring 
that 
performance; 
align  rewards  with  shareholder 
business strategy; 
provide flexibility to meet changing needs and emerging 
market practice; and 
provide  appropriate  benefits  on termination,  that  do  not 
deliver any windfall payment. 

interests  and  our 

The  same  remuneration  philosophy  applies  throughout  the 
executive levels of the Group. 

For  our  own  remuneration,  we  have  a  straightforward  and 
effective remuneration philosophy. 

Non-Executive  Directors  receive  fees  that  are  market 
competitive in order to attract and retain a high calibre of 
experienced Directors. 

  We  do  not  receive  performance  based 

incentive 
payments,  in  keeping  with  our  strategic  role.  However, 
we undertake individual performance reviews each year. 
  Our  fees  are  managed  within  a  cap  approved  by 
shareholders. This cap is set at a moderate level that will 
not burden the Group. 

  We receive  20%  of  our  annual fees as  Commonwealth 
Bank  Shares.  This  supports  alignment  of  all  Directors 
with shareholder interests.  

Continuing to meet the challenges of the global 
economic crisis 

These remuneration philosophies were put to the test during 
2010. I  am  very  pleased that  our  approach  stood  up  well  to 
the challenges of the economic crisis.  

the  economic 
As  performance  contracted  with 
environment,  so  did  executive  performance-based  pay. 
As the environment improved, along with a strengthened 
share price, so did performance-based pay, albeit within 
caps set by your Board. 
In addition, your Directors and the CEO took a voluntary 
10%  pay  cut  during  the  worst  of  the  crisis.  Group 
Executives  took  a  5%  pay  cut.  This  set  a  responsible 
example  in  the  market,  and  sent  a  strong  message  to 
our customers, shareholders and staff. 

the  unsettling 

Throughout 
turmoil  of  2009/10  our 
executives  remained  focused.  Our  long  term incentives 
focused  our  executives  on 
improving  customer 
satisfaction  and  creating  shareholder  value.  Our 
customer  satisfaction  increased  during  2010,  and  our 
share price and dividend yield delivered higher gains to 
shareholders than most of our peers.  

Our continuing remuneration focus 

Our  focus  continues  to  be  on  achieving  the  most  effective 
remuneration  framework  for  our  varied  businesses,  with 
strong governance and risk oversight.  

We do this to ensure our bank continues to earn the respect 
of  the  community  and  our  customers,  while  paying  for  the 
performance that drives value for our shareholders. 

Jane Hemstritch 

Committee Chairman 

70 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors‟ Report – Remuneration Report 

The Information Provided in this Report 

This report details the Group‟s remuneration frameworks and 2010 outcomes for Key Management Personnel and one Other Executive. 
The information is set out in four sections: 

Section 

Information 

2010 Remuneration in 
Review  

Provides  an  update  of  how  our  remuneration  framework  and  governance  frameworks  are 
meeting the challenges of the changing economic and regulatory environments. 

Remuneration 
Arrangements  

Details the Group‟s remuneration arrangements for Key Management Personnel and the Other 
Executive required for disclosure. 

Statutory Remuneration 
Disclosures  

Discloses the 2010 remuneration for Key Management Personnel and the Other Executive.  

Glossary of Key terms 

Provides a reference of key terms used in this report 

Page 

71 

75 

83 

88 

This report has been prepared and audited in accordance with the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001. 

2010 Remuneration in Review 

Our remuneration frameworks and governance frameworks are 
designed  to  deliver  on  the  Board‟s  remuneration  philosophies 
for: 

However,  Non-Executive  Directors  continue  to  align  their 
remuneration to the performance of our share price and dividend 
yield.  They  do  this  by  receiving  20%  of  their  annual  fees  as 
Commonwealth Bank Shares.  

Non-Executive Directors;  
The CEO and Group Executives; and 

  Other  executives, including  the  Other  Executive  disclosed 

in this remuneration report.  

This section provides shareholders with an update of how those 
frameworks  are  meeting  the  challenges  of  the  economic 
environment and regulatory change.  

We  explain  how  our  remuneration  frameworks  have  focused 
executives‟  efforts  to  deliver  tangible  results  to  our  customers 
and  shareholders:  results  that  are  strong  relative  to  our  peers, 
both in terms of our business strategy, and creating sustainable 
shareholder value. 

Non-Executive Directors 

Key developments for 2010: 

Dr  John  Schubert  retired  as  the  Chairman  of  the  Board, 
and was replaced by David Turner in February 2010; 
Reg Clairs retired from the Board in April 2010; 
Non-Executive  Directors  took  a  voluntary  10%  pay  cut 
during the worst of the global financial crisis from 1 July to 
31 December 2009; 
Jane  Hemstritch  replaced  Reg  Clairs  as  Chairman  of  the 
People  &  Remuneration  Committee  (the  Committee)  in 
January 2010; and 

Hewitt  Associates  was  engaged  as  the  Committee‟s 
independent remuneration consultant. 

We continue to retain a strong line-up of skilled, knowledgeable 
and  experienced  Directors.  We  believe  the  Board  provided 
strong and clear stewardship in conjunction with the CEO during 
the  2010  financial  year,  in  the  face  of  unprecedented  market 
dislocation. 

Non-Executive  Directors  are  remunerated  in  their  role  of 
providing  strategic  leadership  to  the  Group.  They  receive  fees 
which are market competitive compared to other large complex 
organisations.  

Fees  also  reflect  the  scope  of  Directors‟  roles,  and  the 
responsibilities that come with those roles. As is appropriate for 
such  a  role,  Non-Executive  Directors  do  not  receive  incentive 
awards based on performance. 

CEO and Group Executives 

Key developments for 2010: 

The CEO took a voluntary 10% pay-cut during the worst of 
the global financial crisis from 1 July to 31 December 2009;  
  Group  Executives‟  voluntary  pay-cut  was  5%  during  the 

same period; and 
The  executive  team  line-up  remained  unchanged  during 
2010. 

Key achievements for 2010: 

The  Group  achieved  strong  profit  results  despite  the 
challenges of the business environment; 
Shareholder  returns  remained  strong  during  2010,  and 
high relative to our peers; 

  We  continue  to  deliver  on  our  business  strategy,  centred 

on improving customer satisfaction; 
Employee engagement remains high; 

  Our investment in technology and operations continues to 

deliver strong results; 

  We continue to foster and develop our key talent; and 

Diversity  continues  to  be  a  key  focus  of  the  Board  and 
executive team, which also actively focuses on the support 
and development of women in our Group. 

The  achievements  listed  above  are  directly  related  to  our 
executive remuneration framework. The framework is based on 
the strategic direction set by the Board, and articulated through 
its executive remuneration philosophy. 

We provide target remuneration which is market 
competitive, without putting upward pressure on the 
market. 

The executive remuneration framework has three components: 

Fixed  Remuneration  (including  base  remuneration  and 
employer superannuation); 
Short term incentives; and 

Long term incentives. 

Together, these components make up an executive‟s total target 
remuneration. 

When  setting  our  target  remuneration  levels,  we  consider  the 
size  of  the  role  and  its  responsibilities.  We  also  consider  the 
market  for  similar  roles.  To  support  this,  we  participate  in  a 
number of executive remuneration surveys. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     71 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors‟ Report – Remuneration Report 

Our  goal  is  always  to  remain  competitive,  and  we  generally 
set target remuneration at the market median for similar roles 
at  peer  organisations  so  that  we  can  attract  and  retain  the 
best people. 

We also aim to avoid adding pressure to the market. This is 
particularly important for our most senior roles, given the small 
size  of  the  market  for  these  types  of  roles  in  Australia  and 
New Zealand in particular. 

This year we increased the portion of target remuneration the 
CEO and Group Executives received in long term incentives. 
This  is  intended  to  increase  the  focus  on  our  long  term 
business  strategy  and  shareholder  value  creation.  Our  new 
long  term  incentive  plan  has  performance  hurdles  directly 
related to those aims; through customer satisfaction and Total 
Shareholder Return. 

We clearly articulate the link between individual and 
Group performance and individual reward. 

We  clearly  articulate  to  each  executive  the  performance 
based  objectives  for  each  component  of  their  performance-
based remuneration. 

Short Term Incentives Drive Performance Over the 
Financial Year. 

Short  term  incentive  performance  objectives  are  managed 
through  a  balanced scorecard  approach. We select  financial 
and non-financial performance objectives and weight them in 
support of our overall business strategy. 

These  performance  objectives  are  then  communicated  to 
each executive at the beginning of the performance year. This 
effectively  focuses  each  executive  on  our  key  performance 
objectives  because  the  short  term  incentive  that  they  will 
ultimately  receive  will  depend  on  Group  and  individual 
achievements against those objectives. 

Executives‟ performance evaluations are conducted following 
the  end  of  each  financial  year.  Performance  evaluations  for 
the 2010 financial year were conducted in July 2010. Similarly, 
performance  evaluations  for  the  2009  financial  year  were 
conducted in July 2009. 

Long Term Incentives Drive Performance Over Four 
Years. 

Long term incentives focus executives on Group performance 
over  the  longer term.  Performance  hurdles for  our long term 
incentive  plan  were  specifically  chosen  to  support  our 
business  strategy,  and  to  drive  the  long  term  creation  of 
shareholder value. 

Performance  hurdles  must  be  achieved  before  an  executive 
can  receive  any  value  from  this  portion  of  their  total  target 
remuneration. 

Performance is generally measured over a four year period: 

  One  half  of  each  long  term  incentive  award  measures 
our  customer  satisfaction  results  relative  to  our  peers. 
Our research demonstrates a direct relationship between 
high  levels  of  customer  satisfaction  and  high  levels  of 
shareholder returns; and 
The  other  half  measures  our  Total  Shareholder  Return 
relative to our peers. Shareholder return is a cornerstone 
of our remuneration philosophy. 

72 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

We actively manage risks associated with delivering 
and measuring short term performance. 

All our activities are carefully managed within our risk appetite, 
and  individual  incentive  outcomes are  reviewed  and may  be 
reduced  in  light  of  any  risk  management  issues.  Risk 
management is also built into our remuneration framework. 

Profit  After  Capital  Charge  (PACC)  is  the  performance 
measure  that  drives  short  term  incentive  outcomes.  This  is 
important,  as  PACC  is  a  risk-adjusted  measure.  That  is,  it 
takes  into  account  not  just  the  profit  achieved,  but  also 
considers the risk to capital that was taken to achieve it. 

Risk is also managed by deferring half of the 2010 short term 
incentive of the CEO and each Group Executive for one year. 

This  deferral  serves  two  key  purposes.  Firstly,  it  is  an 
important  retention  mechanism  which  helps  us  manage  the 
risk  of  losing  key  executive  talent.  Secondly,  it  provides  a 
mechanism  for  the  Board  to  reduce  or  cancel  the  deferred 
component of a short term incentive. 

We align rewards with shareholder interests and our 
business strategy. 

We  explain  above  how  the  performance  objectives  and 
hurdles  we  have  selected  for  our  short  term  and  long  term 
incentives align our executives‟ rewards with: 

shareholder  interests,  through  shareholder  returns  and 
other financial performance measures; and  

our business strategy, through customer satisfaction. 
Our  results  for  2010  are  strong.  Our  one  year  Total 
Shareholder  Return  is  ranked  in  the  top  10%  of  our  peers. 
The  peer  group(1)  includes  the  large  financial  services 
companies we compete with for customers and capital. 

Our 2010 customer satisfaction results are also strong. 

We  provide  flexibility  to  meet  changing  needs  and 
emerging market practice. 

This  flexibility  was  clearly  demonstrated  during  2010,  when 
uncertainty around changes to the taxation of employee share 
awards impacted short term incentive deferral arrangements. 

In  the  recent  past,  the  CEO  and  Group  Executives  received 
their  deferred  short  term  incentive  as  Commonwealth  Bank 
Shares.  However,  in  July  2009  this  arrangement  was 
suspended  while 
its 
changes to the taxation of employee share awards. 

the  Federal  Government 

finalised 

Our  remuneration  framework  allows  the  Board  flexibility  to 
meet these types of challenges, and the 2010 deferred short 
term incentive will be received as cash, with a higher portion 
deferred to maintain alignment with shareholders‟ interests. 

The  framework  also  provides  flexibility  to  make  additional 
payments  to  new  executives  and  key  executives  at  risk  of 
being  enticed 
to  other  organisations.  An  appropriate 
governance  framework  exists  to  review  and  approve  (or 
reject) any such proposed awards. 

(1)  The  peer  group  is  made  up  of  the  20  largest  companies  listed  on  the 
Australian Securities Exchange, after excluding resources companies and 
CBA. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors‟ Report – Remuneration Report 

The  framework  provides  flexibility  to  tailor  remuneration 
arrangements  in  specialised  parts  of  our  business.  This 
includes  the  Other  Executive  disclosed  in  this  report,  whose 
performance  related  remuneration  arrangements  recognise 
the unique market practice of that business segment. 

We  provide  appropriate  entitlements  on  termination 
that do not deliver any windfall payment. 

Employment  arrangements  for  the  CEO,  Group  Executives 
and the Other Executive disclosed in this report are set out in 
individual  employment  agreements.  These  agreements 
include the terms that will apply when an executive leaves the 
Group. 

for 

termination 

Entitlements  on 
the  CEO  and  Group 
Executives  were  reviewed  and standardised  prior  to the  end 
of  the  2010  financial  year.  Remuneration  arrangements  for 
other  executives  in  the  Group  continue  to  be  reviewed  and 
standardised as part of an ongoing program. 

the  Federal  Government  amended 

the 
During  2010, 
Corporations Act to reduce the limit of benefits that directors 
and  disclosed  executives  may  receive  when  they  leave  a 
company. 

Almost  all  affected  employees‟  termination  entitlements  are 
already  within  the  revised  limit.  This  includes  the  CEO  and 
Group Executives. We continue to manage the small number 
of exceptions who have legacy arrangements. 

Our  long  term  incentive  plan  for  the  CEO  and  Group 
Executives supports our approach. Under the plan, executives 
who  resign  or  are  dismissed  forfeit  their  long  term  incentive 
award. 

Executives  who  are  retrenched  or  retire  do  not  lose  their 
award.  However,  their  award  is  generally  pro-rated  for  the 
time  served,  and 
the  performance  period  continues 
unchanged.  Performance  is  measured  at  the  end  of  the 
performance  period  in  the  normal  way,  and  the  Board 
determines the portion of the remaining award that may vest. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     73 

 
 
Directors‟ Report – Remuneration Report 

2010 Executive Remuneration Outcomes Summary 

CEO & Group Executives 

The CEO and Group Executives receive a mix of remuneration, 
with a portion paid during the year, and a portion received up to 
four  years  later,  depending  on  service  and  performance.  This 
can make it difficult for shareholders to get a clear picture of the 
actual  amount  of  remuneration  an  executive  received  in  the 
financial year in review. 

To assist shareholders, table (a) below provides a clear report of 
the  remuneration  the  CEO  and  Group  Executives  actually 
received in relation to the 2010 financial year. The table sets out 
base remuneration, employer superannuation, the portion of the 
2010 short term incentive that is not required to be deferred, and 

the  value  of  executives‟  2006  long  term  incentive  awards  that 
vested during the 2010 financial year.   

The  information  provided  in  table  (a)  is  different  to  the 
information  provided  in  the  statutory  remuneration  table  on 
page  84,  which  has  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  the 
accounting  requirements  and  shows  the  accounting  expense 
incurred  for  the  2010  financial  year  of  each  component  of 
remuneration. 

Table (b) provides a reconciliation in relation to the CEO of the 
remuneration details set out in table (a) with  the remuneration 
information  provided  in  the  statutory  remuneration  table  on 
page 84. 

(1) Base Remuneration and superannuation make up an executive's Fixed Remuneration. 

(2) This is the 50% of the 2010 short term incentive payable in cash for performance during the 12 months to 30 June 2010. The remaining 50% is deferred until 1 July 

2011. 

(3) The value of long term incentive awards granted under the Equity Reward Plan in July 2006 that vested in July 2009, calculated as the number of Reward Shares that 
vested multiplied by the market price of Commonwealth Bank shares at that time, plus dividends earned. Simon Blair, David Cohen and Alden Toevs joined the 
Group after the 2006 LTI awards were made. 

74 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

(a) Remuneration received in relation to the 2010 Financial YearPrevious years'2010 STI forawards Base Remuneration Performance toTotal cashthat vested& Superannuation (1)30 June 2010 (2)paymentsduring 2010 (3)$$$$Managing Director and CEORalph Norris 2,961,863                                                                                  1,852,500            4,814,363            4,318,014            ExecutivesSimon Blair742,877                                                                                     464,453               1,207,330            -                          Barbara Chapman828,459                                                                                     517,969               1,346,428            809,598               David Cohen804,092                                                                                     502,734               1,306,826            -                          David Craig1,023,390                                                                                  639,844               1,663,234            1,079,527            Michael Harte925,925                                                                                     578,906               1,504,831            680,072               Ross McEwan1,169,589                                                                                  731,250               1,900,839            682,326               Ian Narev 828,459                                                                                     517,969               1,346,428            54,005                 Grahame Petersen1,072,123                                                                                  670,313               1,742,436            1,187,442            Ian Saines 1,267,055                                                                                  792,188               2,059,243            237,488               Alden Toevs1,364,521                                                                                  853,125               2,217,646            -                          (b) Cash payments from table (a) and non-cash remuneration expenses for the CEOFinancial year2010award($)vestsCash remuneration received in relation to 2010 - refer to table (a) above   4,814,363 n/a2010 STI deferred for one year at risk   1,852,500 2012Annual leave and long service leave accruals      302,903 n/aOther payments             441 n/aShare based payments: accounting expense in 2010 for LTI awards made over the past 5 years2005 ERP 2006 ERPExpense for shares that have now vested following relative TSR outperformance over 3 years 351,306 651,453 2009 20102007 GLSP     3,629,999 20112008 GLSP      2,785,736 20122009 GLRP: Expense for two awards that may vest subject to improved customer satisfaction performance      887,312 2013 & 20142009 GLRP: Expense for two awards that may vest subject to improved relative TSR outperformance      881,733 2013 & 2014Total remuneration as per page 84 16,157,746 Expense reflecting $2.4 billion increase in PACC (see page 81) in the past 3 years. The 2007 award is now due to vest and the 2008 award may vest in 2012 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
Directors‟ Report – Remuneration Report 

Remuneration Arrangements 

This section details the Group‟s remuneration arrangements for Key Management Personnel and  the Other Executive during the 
year ended 30 June 2010. 

Governance & Risk Management 

People & Remuneration Committee  

to  high  standards  of  corporate 
The  Group  adheres 
governance.  The  People  &  Remuneration  Committee  (the 
Committee) 
the  Group‟s 
remuneration philosophy, framework and policies for approval 
by the Board.  

for  developing 

is  responsible 

The  Committee  is  made  up  of  independent  Non-Executive 
Directors  and  meets  at  least  four  times  per  year.  The  CEO 
attends  meetings  by  invitation,  but  is  absent  when  matters 
affect him personally. 

The role and responsibilities of the Committee are set out in 
their Charter, which is reviewed by the Board each year. The 
Charter 
is  available  on 
the  Group‟s  website  at 
www.commbank.com.au/shareholder. 
the 
Committee is responsible for recommending to the Board for 
approval: 

general, 

In 

senior executive appointments, and appointments where 
the remuneration target of the individual exceeds that of 
the head of their business/service unit; 

roles  may  affect 

remuneration arrangements and all reward outcomes for 
the  CEO,  senior  direct  reports  to  the  CEO  and  other 
individuals  whose 
financial 
soundness of the Group; 
remuneration  arrangements  for  finance,  risk  &  internal 
control personnel;  
remuneration  arrangements  for  employees  who  have  a 
significant  portion  of  their  total  remuneration  based  on 
performance; and 

the 

significant changes in remuneration policy and structure, 
including  superannuation,  employee  equity  plans  and 
benefits. 

is  also  responsible 

for  reviewing  and 
The  Committee 
approving  Group 
to 
that  apply 
subsidiaries  of  the  Group  that  do  not  have  their  own 
remuneration committees. 

remuneration  policies 

Membership 

During 2010 the Committee consisted of: 

Jane Hemstritch (Chairman from 1 January 2010); 
Reg Clairs (Chairman until 1 January 2010); 
Carolyn Kay; 
Andrew Mohl; and 

David Turner 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     75 

NamePositionTerm1. Key Management Personel   Non-Executive Directors   David TurnerChairman (from 10 February 2010)Full Year   John SchubertFormer Chairman (until 10 February 2010)Retired 10 February 2010   John AndersonDirectorFull Year   Reg Clairs Former DirectorRetired 13 April 2010   Colin Galbraith DirectorFull Year   Jane HemstritchDirectorFull Year   Carolyn KayDirectorFull Year   Andrew MohlDirectorFull Year   Fergus RyanDirectorFull Year   Harrison YoungDirectorFull Year  Managing Director and CEO   Ralph NorrisManaging Director and CEOFull Year  Group Executives   Simon BlairGroup Executive, International Financial ServicesFull Year   Barbara ChapmanGroup Executive, Human Resources and Group ServicesFull Year   David CohenGroup General CounselFull Year   David CraigGroup Executive, Financial Services and Chief Financial OfficerFull Year   Michael HarteGroup Executive, Enterprise Services and Chief Information OfficerFull Year   Ross McEwanGroup Executive, Retail Banking ServicesFull Year   Ian NarevGroup Executive, Business and Private BankingFull Year   Grahame PetersenGroup Executive, Wealth ManagementFull Year   Ian SainesGroup Executive, Institutional Banking and MarketsFull Year   Alden ToevsGroup Chief Risk OfficerFull Year2. Other Executive   Mark LazbergerCEO Colonial First State Global Asset ManagementFull Year 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors‟ Report – Remuneration Report 

Independent Remuneration Consultants 

During  the  year,  the  People  &  Remuneration  Committee 
engaged  Hewitt  Associates  as  their  on-going  independent 
remuneration  consultant.  Hewitt  Associates  will  advise  the 
Committee  on  specific  remuneration  matters,  as  well  as 
changes to regulatory environment and market practice. 

During  2010,  and  prior  to  engaging  Hewitt  Associates,  the 
Committee  also  obtained  independent  advice  from  Guerdon 
Associates.  

Risk Management 

The Committee has free and unfettered access to all risk, legal 
and financial control personnel as required. This is documented 
within the Committee Charter. 

full  review  of 

The  Committee  conducts  a 
the  Group‟s 
Remuneration Policy  and  practices  in  December  of  each  year. 
The  Risk  Committee  is  involved  in  this  process  to  ensure  that 
any  risks  associated  with  remuneration  arrangements  are 
managed within the Group‟s risk management framework. 

Remuneration Arrangements in Detail 

Non-Executive Directors‟ Remuneration 

Non-Executive  remuneration  is  fixed  and  they  do  not  receive 
incentive based pay. Rather they receive fees for service on the 
Board and Committees.  

The  total  amount  of  all  fees  for  Non-Executive  Directors  is 
capped by a pool approved by shareholders. The current Non-
Executive Director fee pool is $4 million, and was approved by 
shareholders  at 
the  Annual  General  Meeting  held  on 
13 November 2008. 

Fee Structure 

The  Bank‟s  Non-Executive  Directors‟  receive  a  base  fee  for 
service  on  the  Board  and  fees  for  serving  on  Committees. 
Different Committees have different fees, according to workload, 
and  there  are  separate  fees  for  chairing  and  membership  of  a 
Committee.  The  following  table  sets  out  the  fee  structure  for 
Non-Executive Directors at 30 June 2010. 

also  brings  fees  into  alignment  with  the  Audit  and  Risk 
Committees. 

Superannuation 

Non-Executive  Directors  also  receive  statutory  superannuation 
contributions  of  9%  of  their  superannuation  salary,  up  to  the 
superannuation  concessional  contribution  cap  that  applies  to 
them.  In  general,  superannuation  salary  is  80%  of  their  total 
fees.  Reg  Clairs  did  not  receive  superannuation  contributions 
from the Group as he is above the age where contributions are 
required (i.e. 70 years). 

Shareholder Alignment 

Non-Executive  Directors  receive  20%  of  their  after-tax  annual 
fees as Commonwealth Bank Shares. These shares cannot be 
traded until the earlier of a director‟s retirement from the Board 
or 10 years. 

Service Agreements 

Each  Non-Executive  Director  enters  into  a  service  agreement 
with  the  Bank  when  they  are  appointed  to  the  Board.  This 
service  agreement  is  set  out  in  a  letter  of  appointment,  and 
includes the terms of their engagement and their responsibilities. 
A copy of the pro-forma letter of appointment is provided on the 
Group's website.  

Retirement Benefits 

During the year, four Non-Executive Directors held entitlements 
under  the  Directors‟  Retirement  Allowance  Scheme.  This 
scheme  was  approved  by  shareholders  at  the  1997  Annual 
General Meeting. However, the Board discontinued the scheme 
in 2002 and froze entitlements for participating directors at that 
time.  The  scheme  was  also  closed  to  new  participants  at  that 
time. 

Frozen entitlements for directors under this scheme are set out 
in  the  remuneration  disclosures  in  section  3.  Entitlements  paid 
on  retirement  during  2010  for  John  Schubert  ($636,398)  and 
Reg  Clairs  ($202,989)  were  disclosed  in  previous  years‟ 
remuneration reports. 

The  Board  Performance  and  Renewal  Committee  reviews  the 
Non-Executive  Directors‟  fee  schedule  annually  and  assesses 
fee  levels  in  comparison  to  market  trends.  Last  year,  Non-
Executive Directors elected to reduce their base and committee 
fees  by  10%  from  1  July  2009,  in  response  to  economic 
conditions  at  that  time.  Economic  conditions  subsequently 
improved  and  fees  were  reinstated  to  their  previous  level, 
effective 1 January 2010.  

People & Remuneration Committee fees increased by $10,000 
for  the  Chairman  and    $5,000  for  members  with  effect  from  1 
January  2010.  This  change 
increased 
responsibilities  of  the  People  &  Remuneration  Committee,  and 

recognises 

the 

76 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

PositionFees ($)BoardChairman695,000     Non-Executive Director210,000     Audit CommitteeChairman50,000       Member25,000       Risk CommitteeChairman50,000       Member25,000       People & RemunerationChairman50,000       CommitteeMember25,000       Board Performance & Chairman10,000       Renewal CommitteeMember10,000        
 
 
 
Directors‟ Report – Remuneration Report 

Executive Remuneration 

Remuneration Framework and Pay Mix 

The  CEO  and  Group  Executives  receive  an  appropriate  mix  of 
fixed remuneration and incentive-based remuneration. Incentive-
based remuneration includes short term incentives and long term 
incentives. These incentives are aligned to the Group‟s short term 
and  long  term  business  strategies  and  reflect  the  Group‟s 
strategic priorities. 

Financial and non-financial performance measures are set at the 
beginning of the performance period. Performance against these 
measures  drives  the  value  each  individual  ultimately  receives 
from their incentive-based remunerations.  

Our  incentive  programs  are  designed  to  discourage  excessive 
risk  taking.  The  Committee  has  discretion  to  reduce  deferred 
incentive  awards  where  performance  outcomes  are  not 
ultimately realised. 

Remuneration for the Other Executive disclosed in this report is 
explained in the following section. 

CEO and Group Executives 

The following table sets out the mix of each component of the CEO and Group Executives‟ remuneration, and demonstrates how each 
component links to our business strategy.  

Target Mix  Component 

Link to Business Strategy 

1/3 

1/3 

1/3 

Fixed Remuneration, comprising: 

Base remuneration 
Employer Superannuation 

Short Term Incentive: 

50% paid after final results 
50% deferred for 12 months 

Long term incentive: 

4 year performance period 
Split performance hurdle: 
- 
- 

Customer satisfaction 
Total Shareholder Return 

Fixed remuneration targets the median of the market for similar roles in the 
same country, primarily in large financial services companies.  

Short Term Incentives reward financial and non-financial performance over 
the 12 months to 30 June. 

We  pay  the  deferred  portion  after  12  months  provided  the  executive  has 
remained  with  the  Group.  Before  the  deferred  portion  is  paid,  the 
performance that determined it is reviewed again, and the deferred payment 
may be reduced if warranted. 

Long  term  incentive  awards  are  subject  to  performance  hurdles  over  a 
period  of  up  to  four  years.  Executives  only  receive  value  from  this 
component  if  performance  hurdles  are  met.  Performance  hurdles  are 
aligned to: 

our business strategy, through the Customer Satisfaction performance 
hurdle; and  
shareholders‟  interests,  though  the  relative  Total  Shareholder  Return 
performance hurdle. 

Mark Lazberger‟s Remuneration Arrangements 

Short Term Incentives 

Mark  Lazberger  receives  fixed  remuneration,  a  short  term 
incentive  and  a  long  term  incentive.  His  remuneration  is  set 
considering  the  size  and  responsibility  of  his  role  as  well  as 
external benchmarks, and is reviewed annually.  

CEO and Group Executives‟ Remuneration in Detail 

Fixed Remuneration 

The  Board  sets  fixed  remuneration  for  the  CEO  and  Group 
Executives  considering  recommendations  from  the  Committee. 
The Board considers the size and responsibility of each role as 
well  as  external  benchmarks  when  setting  fixed  remuneration 
levels, in order to maintain market competitiveness.  

Fixed  remuneration  includes  cash  salary,  any  salary  sacrifice 
items  and  employer  superannuation  contributions.  Salary 
sacrifice means using before-tax salary to receive benefits such 
as  child  care  and  car  parking.  The  Group  provides  employer 
superannuation  contributions  of  9%  of  each  executive‟s 
superannuation  salary,  up  to  the  superannuation  concessional 
contribution cap that applies to them. In general, superannuation 
salary is 80% of their base remuneration. 

Fixed  remuneration  is  reviewed  annually  in  July.  This  review 
takes into account changes in the size or responsibilities of each 
role.  Changes  to  our  remuneration  philosophy,  and  market 
competitiveness are also taken into account. 

Short  term  incentives  reward  performance  over  the  financial 
year  to  30  June,  within  a  funding  cap  set  by  the  Board.  Both 
financial  and  non  financial  performance  is  measured  against 
performance  objectives  set  at  the  beginning  of  the  year. 
Financial performance objectives include PACC, which is a risk-
adjusted financial measure, and NPAT. Performance objectives 
are  aligned  with  our  business  strategy,  and  are  chosen  as 
drivers of long term shareholder value. 

Setting Performance Objectives 

At  the  beginning  of  each  financial  year,  each  executive‟s 
performance objectives are set. The performance objectives are 
linked  to  our  strategic  priorities.  The  Committee  reviews  the 
performance  objectives  and  measures  and  recommends  them 
to  the  Board  for  approval.  For  2010,  short  term  incentive 
performance measures included: 

Financial objectives: 
  Cash Net Profit After Tax (NPAT); 
  Profit After Capital Charge (PACC); 
  Profitable Growth. 

Non financial objectives:  

Increasing customer satisfaction; 

  Excellence in technology and operations; 
  Employee engagement and teamwork; 
  Effective talent management; 
  Building our reputation. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     77 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors‟ Report – Remuneration Report 

Measuring Performance and Determining Short Term 
Incentive Outcomes 

At  the  end  of  the  financial  year,  the  Board  and  the  Committee 
review  performance  against  each  performance  objective.  They 
also receive advice from the Risk Committee on appropriate risk 
matters to be considered when assessing the performance. 

The  review  by  the  Board  and  Committee  drives  the short  term 
incentive  outcome  for  each  executive,  within  an  overall  cap. 
Depending  on  performance  outcomes,  executives  may  receive 
0% to 125% of their 2010 short term incentive target. 

The  Board  recognises  that  the  business  environment  changes 
over  time  and  it  is  not  always  possible  to  anticipate  these 
changes.  Given  this,  the  Board  retains  discretion  to  adjust 
remuneration outcomes up or down to ensure consistency with 
the  Group‟s  remuneration  philosophy,  and  to  prevent  any 
inappropriate reward outcomes. 

Payment and Mandatory Deferral 

Half the CEO and Group executives‟ short term incentive is paid 
in  cash  following  the  annual  results  announcement,  usually  in 
September  each  year.  The  other  half  is  deferred  for  one  year. 
The  2010  deferred  component  will  be  paid  as  cash,  and  will 
attract interest at the same rate as a Commonwealth Bank one 
year term deposit. 

The CEO and Group Executives will forfeit the deferred portion if 
they  resign  or  are  dismissed  from  the  Group  before  the 
applicable deferral period has passed. 

The Board reserves the right to reduce the deferred portion, or 
reduce  future  short  term  incentive  outcomes,  and  receives 
advice from the Risk Committee each year in this regard. 

2010 Performance Outcomes 

The  following  table  provides  a  summary  of  performance  for  the  year  ended  30  June  2010  against  the  Group‟s  performance 
objectives. 

Performance 
Objective 

Customer 
Satisfaction 

2010 Achievements 

We have achieved significant improvements in Customer Satisfaction  

The  Group  has  made  significant  progress  towards  its  vision  “to  be  Australia‟s  finest  financial  services 
organisation through excelling in customer service”. 

The  Group  is  now  ranked  third  among  the  five  main  Australian  banks  in  retail  customer  satisfaction  as 
measured  by  Roy  Morgan  Research1,  with  the  gap  to  the  number  one  improved  from  12.3  percentage 
points  in  January  2006,  to  5.1  percentage  points  in  June  2010.  Over  this  period,  the  Group‟s  customer 
satisfaction score has increased by 9.9 percentage points, and the Group now has over 4 million satisfied 
customers, which is more than Westpac, NAB and St. George combined.  

In business banking as measured by the TNS Business Finance Monitor, the Group has improved the gap 
to number one main bank from 16.6% in January 2006 to 6.2% in June 2010.  

Our Wealth Management business has maintained its number one position in customer satisfaction since 
2008. 

In May 2010, the Group was awarded Money Magazine‟s “Bank of the Year” for the second time in three 
years, and was also recognised as “Australia‟s leading financial institution (Retail)” at the 2010 Australian 
Banking & Finance Awards. 

1 Roy Morgan Research Australians 14+, MFI customers, excluding BankWest, six-month rolling average. 

Business Banking 

The Group‟s market share in the Business Banking segment has been strengthened 

The Business Banking growth strategy is designed to improve the Group‟s historically underweight position 
in this key market segment. In recent times, key initiatives have included the expansion of our distribution 
footprint, the introduction of local business bankers across the branch network and the rollout of CommBiz, 
our market leading transactional online banking presence. These initiatives, together with the 
establishment of Business and Private Banking under the leadership of a dedicated Group Executive in 
early 2009, have been the catalyst for significant improvement in the Group‟s business banking 
performance.  

The  Group‟s  market  share  in  this  segment  has  been  strengthened,  customer  satisfaction  scores  have 
improved relative to peers, and staff engagement is higher. CommSec, the Group‟s market leading retail 
online  broking  platform,  continues  to  perform  strongly.  In  June,  the  Group‟s  Private  Banking  team  was 
awarded “Outstanding Private Banking Institute of the Year” in the $1m to $10m category at the Australian 
Private Banking Awards 2010. 

78 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors‟ Report – Remuneration Report 

Performance 
Objective 

Technology & 
Operational 
Excellence 

Trust & Team  
Spirit 

2010 Achievements 

Our Core Banking Modernisation program is on track and progressing well 

The  Group‟s  Technology  and  Operational  Excellence  initiatives  are  designed  to  improve  efficiency  and 
productivity levels, whilst at the same time enhancing the service proposition to customers through more 
innovative and responsive systems, processes and procedures. The key undertaking in this regard is the 
Core Banking Modernisation program, which represents a complete overhaul of the Group‟s ageing core 
banking platforms. 

The program is progressing well, with recent milestones including the successful migration of over 1 million 
Term Deposit accounts. Other key deposit and lending products will be progressively migrated over the 
next 1-2 years. Once completed, the program will drive a step-change improvement in customer service 
and efficiency levels, positioning the Group well for future growth. 

We have achieved significant improvements in employee engagement 

Trust and team spirit focuses on achieving a culture where our people feel engaged, passionate and 
valued, which is central to the success of the Group‟s vision “to be Australia‟s finest financial services 
organisation‟s through excelling in customer service”. 

A range of programs and initiatives over recent years have led to significant improvements in this area. This 
is highlighted by the Group now achieving top quartile staff engagement in the Gallup Worldwide database.  

Profitable Growth 

The Group continues to pursue a targeted growth strategy in Asia 

The  Profitable  Growth  strategy  is  designed  to  enhance  the  Group‟s  growth  profile  through  the  targeted 
pursuit of investment and acquisition opportunities which complement the overall Group strategy and which 
offer  sustainable,  long  term  shareholder  value.  In  recent  times,  this  has  included  the  acquisition  of 
Bankwest at a very attractive price and the taking of a strategic stake in Aussie Home Loans, Australia‟s 
leading home loan mortgage broker. 

The Group continues to pursue a targeted growth strategy in Asia, including stakes in two city commercial 
banks in China, as well as ownership of the largest foreign branch network in Indonesia, through PT Bank 
Commonwealth. 

In April, the Group announced a strategic partnership with Vietnam International Bank (VIB), which will lead 
to the Group taking a 15% stake in VIB, one of the top eight Joint Stock Banks in Vietnam. 

Long Term Incentives  

Long  term  incentives  reward  sustained  performance  over  the  longer  term.  Long  term  incentive  awards  are  subject  to  performance 
hurdles designed to build shareholder value, and achieve the Group‟s long term business objectives. 

Group Leadership Reward Plan (GLRP) 

CEO and Group Executives received long term incentive awards under the GLRP during the 2010 financial year. In general, the GLRP 
delivers value to executives over a four year performance period, subject to meeting performance hurdles, as shown in the following 
diagram. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     79 

Reward Shares granted4 year performance periodCustomer Satisfaction hurdle = 50%Total Shareholder Return hurdle = 50% 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors‟ Report – Remuneration Report 

The key features of the GLRP are set out in the following table. 

Feature 

Instrument 

Determining the 
number of Reward 
Shares  

Performance Period 

Description 

Reward Shares. Each Reward Share entitles the executive to receive one Commonwealth Bank ordinary 
share in the future, subject to meeting performance hurdles set out below.  

The number of Reward Shares each executive receives depends on their long term incentive target. The 
number of Reward Shares received is calculated  taking into account the expected number of shares to 
vest at the end of the performance period.   

The performance period is four years, starting at the beginning of the financial year in which the award is 
made. Transitional arrangements were applied to awards made in 2010, in view of the transition from the 
Group‟s previous long term incentive arrangements that measured performance over a three year period. 
During 2010, executives received their long term incentive in two awards. The first award is subject to a 
three year performance period. The second award is subject to a four year performance period. 

Performance Hurdles 

Half of each award is subject to a performance hurdle which measures the Group‟s Customer Satisfaction 
achievements relative to a peer group. The other half is subject to a performance hurdle which measures 
the Groups Total Shareholder Return relative to a separate peer group.  

Peer Groups 

The  peer  group  for  the  Customer  Satisfaction  performance  hurdle  is  Australia  &  New  Zealand 
Banking Group Limited (ANZ), National Australia Bank Limited (NAB), St. George Bank Limited (St. 
George), and Westpac Banking Corporation (WBC). 

The peer group for the Total Shareholder Return performance hurdle is made up of the 20 largest 
companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange at the beginning of the performance period, 
after excluding resources companies and CBA. The peer group for the most recent award includes: 
- 

AGL Energy  Limited, AMP  Limited, Australia  and  New  Zealand Banking  Group  Limited, ASX 
Limited, Brambles Industries Limited, CSL Limited, Foster‟s Group Limited, Insurance Australia 
Group  Limited,  Macquarie  Group  Limited,  National  Australia  Bank  Limited,  Qantas  Airways 
Limited,  QBE  Insurance  Group  Limited,  Stockland,  Suncorp-Metway  Limited,  Transurban 
Group,  Telstra  Corporation  Limited,  Wesfarmers  Limited,  Westfield  Group,  Westpac  Banking 
Corporation and Woolworths Limited. 

Vesting Framework 

Total Shareholder Return hurdle  
applies to half the award 

Customer Satisfaction hurdle  
applies to half the award 

No  Reward  Shares  in  this  part  of  the  award 
will  vest  if  the  Group‟s  Total  Shareholder 
Return  is  ranked  below  the  median  of  the 
peer group; 

If the Group is ranked at the median, half the 
Reward Shares will vest; 
Full  vesting  is  achieved  if  the  Group‟s  Total 
Shareholder  Return  is  ranked  in  the  top 
quarter of the peer group (i.e. 75th percentile 
or higher); and 
Vesting  increases  on  a  sliding  scale  if  the 
Group  is  ranked  between  the  median  and 
below the 75th percentile.  

The  vesting  scale 
is 
determined  with  reference  to  the  Group‟s 
position relative to the peer group; 

for  each  award 

For  this  part  of  the  GLRP  awarded  during 
2010: 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Full  vesting  applies  if  the  Group  is 
ranked 1st relative to our peers; 
75%  will  vest  if  the  Group  is  ranked 
2nd; 

If the Group is ranked 3rd, half will vest; 
and 

None  of  the  Reward  Shares  in  this 
portion  of  the  award  will  vest  if  the 
Group is ranked 4th or 5th.  

Who calculates the 
performance results 

Customer satisfaction is measured with reference to three separate independent surveys provided by: 

Roy Morgan Research, which measures customer satisfaction across the retail bank base; 
TNS Business Finance Monitor, which measures business banking customer satisfaction; 

  Wealth Insights 2010 Service Level Report, Platforms, which measures wealth management service 

performance of master trusts/wraps in Australia; 

Total Shareholder Return is calculated independently by Standard & Poors. 

If an executive leaves 
during a performance 
period 

If the executive ceases employment with the Group before the Reward Shares vest, they will generally 
forfeit that award unless the Board determines otherwise. For example, in cases of death or ill health the 
Board may require the award to be pro-rated for the portion of the performance period served, with the 
performance period continuing unchanged. In such cases any portion of the award that ultimately vests 
may be satisfied by cash rather than shares. 

Expiry 

At the end of the applicable performance period, any Reward Shares that have not vested will expire.  

80 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors‟ Report – Remuneration Report 

Previous and Other Long Term Incentive Plans 

The  Group  regularly  reviews  remuneration  arrangements  to 
ensure  they  continue  to  align  with  and  support  our  strategic 
objectives.  During  the  year  the  Group  introduced  the  GLRP 
for  long  term  incentive  awards  to  the  CEO  and  Group 
Executives.  Prior  year‟s  long  term  incentive  awards  were 
made under legacy plans. These legacy plans are now closed 
to  new  offers,  and  existing  awards  continue  to  run  their 
course. The legacy plans are summarised in this section. 

Group Leadership Share Plan (GLSP) 

During the 2008 and 2009 financial years, long term incentive 
awards  were  made  under  the  GLSP.  Details  of  the  GLSP 
were  provided  to  shareholders  in  the  Remuneration  Reports 
for  those  years,  and  a  summary  of  the  key  features  is 
provided below.  

Under the GLSP,  executives  were  awarded  rights  to  receive 
Commonwealth Bank ordinary shares in the future, subject to 
meeting set performance hurdles over a three year period.  

The number of shares each executive will ultimately receive is 
determined in three steps: 

The  Group‟s  growth  in  Profit  After  Capital  Charge 
(PACC)  is  measured  and  determines  the  size  of  the 
rights pool. The rights pool is subject to a cap of $34.0 
million  for  the  2008  financial  year  award,  and  $36.1 
million for the 2009 financial year award; 
The Group‟s cash  NPAT  growth is measured.  The  rate 
of growth must be greater than the average of the peer 
group (ANZ, WBC, NAB and St. George) or nothing will 
vest; 
Provided  the  relative  NPAT  growth  hurdle  is  met,  the 
Group‟s  customer  satisfaction  ranking  relative  to  the 
peer group drives the portion of the rights pool that will 
vest, according to the following scale: 

Percentage of rights pool to vest (1) 

Customer 
Satisfaction 
ranking 

2008 financial 
year award 

2009 financial 
year award 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

100% 

75% 

50% 

30% 

Nil 

100% 

75% 

50% 

Nil 

Nil 

(1)  The  vesting  scale  for  each  award  is  different,  because  it  is  determined 
with  reference  to  the  Group‟s  position  relative  to  the  peer  group  at  the 
time of each invitation. 

The number of shares an executive will ultimately receive will 
be calculated by dividing their individual portion of the GLSP 
rights  pool  by  the  market  value  of  Commonwealth  Bank 
ordinary shares at the end of the performance period.  

The Board retains discretion to take into account unforeseen 
changes, and prevent any unintended outcomes. 

Equity Reward Plan (ERP) 

We  reported  in  the  2009  Remuneration  Report  that  the final 
ERP award vested on 14 July 2009. This plan was closed to 
new offers in July 2006. Under the ERP executives received 
awards  where  vesting  was  subject  to  the  Group‟s  Total 
Shareholder Return growth relative to a set peer group. At the 

end  of  the  performance  period  the  peer  group  included: 
Adelaide  Bank,  AMP  Limited,  Australia  and  New  Zealand 
Banking  Group  Limited,  AXA  Asia  Pacific  Holdings  Limited, 
Bank  of  Queensland  Limited,  Bendigo  Bank  Limited, 
Insurance Australia Group, Macquarie Bank Limited, National 
Australia   Bank   Limited,  QBE  Insurance  Group  Limited, 
St.  George  Bank  Limited,  Suncorp-Metway  Limited  and 
Westpac Banking Corporation. 

The  Total  Shareholder  Return  growth  calculation  for  each 
company  in  the  peer  group  was  weighted  according  to  the 
company‟s market capitalisation. 

Other Long Term Incentive Plans 

In  line  with  our  philosophy  of  providing  flexibility  to  provide 
effective reward structures linked to our business strategy, the 
Group  operates  other  long  term  incentive  plans  for  key 
employees in parts of our business.  

Mark Lazberger participates in the Colonial First State Global 
Asset  Management  (CFS  GAM)  cash-settled  long  term 
incentive plan. 

The  purpose  of  this  plan  is  retention  and  motivation  of  key 
employees with specific and unique skill sets highly valued in 
the market. The decision of investors to grant an investment 
mandate to CFS GAM is dependent on their confidence in the 
investment  capability,  experience  and  long  term  tenure  of 
individual  fund  managers.  Awards  made  under  this  plan 
during  2010  have  a  three  year  vesting  period  and  are  not 
subject to performance hurdles. 

Hedging  

All  employees  are  prohibited  from  hedging,  or  otherwise 
limiting, their exposure to risk in relation to unvested shares, 
options  or  rights  issued  or  acquired  under  the  Group‟s 
employee  equity  arrangements.  The  Board  has  discretion 
under  respective  employee  equity  plan  rules  to  enforce  this 
policy. 

Executives  who  report  to  the  CEO  are  also  prohibited  from 
using  instruments  or  arrangements  for  margin  borrowing, 
short selling or stock lending in relation to any securities of the 
Bank or of any other member of the Group. These restrictions 
are set out in the Group‟s Share Trading Policy. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     81 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors‟ Report – Remuneration Report 

Group Performance Relating to Long Term Incentives 

Equity Reward Plan (ERP) 

Executives  only  receive  value  from  their  long  term  incentive 
awards when performance hurdles are met. During the 2010 
financial year, the long term incentive award made under the 
ERP in July 2006 reached a performance test date. 

Under the ERP, the value executives receive at the end of the 
the  Group‟s  Total 
performance  period  depends  on 
Shareholder  Return  growth  relative  to  a set  peer group,  and 
weighted by market capitalisation. 

For  the  2006  ERP  award,  the  Group‟s  Total  Shareholder 
Return to the measurement date of 14 July 2009 was among 
the highest 25% of the peer group, and resulted in full vesting.  

following  graph  demonstrates 

the  Group‟s  Total 
The 
Shareholder  Return  performance over  the three  year  period, 
relative  to  each  of  the  thirteen  other  companies  in  the  peer 
group. 

CBA TSR Performance Relative to Peer Group 

At  30  June  2010,  we  were  ranked  third  overall  against 
our  peers  in  Customer  Satisfaction,  under  the  GLSP. 
Under  the  GLSP  Customer  Satisfaction  is  measured 
based on independent surveys provided by Roy Morgan 
Research,  TNS  Business  Finance  Monitor,  and  the 
Wealth Insights 2010 Service Level Report, Platforms. 

The  GLSP  award  granted  during  the  2008  financial  year 
reached  the  end  of  its  performance  period  on  1  July  2010. 
Since  the  year  end,  the  Board  has  reviewed  performance 
against  the  financial  and  customer  satisfaction  hurdles  and 
has determined that 50% of the available pool will vest. This 
results  in  a  total  distribution  of  $14.8  million  in  the  2011 
financial year. 

Group Leadership Reward Plan (GLRP) 

The  GLRP  is  the  Group‟s  current  LTI  plan  for  the  CEO  and 
Group  Executives.  Awards  under  the  GLRP  are  subject  to 
performance hurdles of relative Total Shareholder Return and 
Customer  Satisfaction.  The  Customer  Satisfaction  measure 
for the GLRP is consistent with the methodology used under 
the GLSP. 

Total Shareholder Return measures a company‟s share price 
movement, dividends and any return of capital over a specific 
period.  The  Commonwealth  Bank‟s  share  price  movement 
and  dividends  per  share  for  the  three  year  period  to  June 
2010 are shown in the following graphs. 

Share Price 

Group Leadership Share Plan (GLSP) (1) 

Awards  were  made  under  the  GLSP  in  the  2008  and  2009 
financial  years,  and  have  a  three  year  performance  period. 
These  awards  are  subject  to  performance  hurdles  of  NPAT 
and customer satisfaction relative to our peers.  

The 
following  graph  demonstrates  our  NPAT 
performance  over  the  past  three  years.  It  shows  our 
strong cash NPAT over the period, despite a challenging 
economic environment. 

Cash NPAT 

CBA Dividends Per Share 

(1)  This  information  is  general.  For  each  award,  performance  is  measured 

from the beginning of that award‟s performance period to the end. 

82 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

40%50%60%70%80%90%100%110%12CBA4567891011121314TSRPeers4,7334,4156,10101,0002,0003,0004,0005,0006,0007,000Jun 08Jun 09Jun 10$ Million$0$10$20$30$40$50$60$70Jun 07Jun 08Jun 09Jun 10CBA Share Price2.662.282.90$0.00$0.50$1.00$1.50$2.00$2.50$3.00$3.50Jun 08Jun 09Jun 10 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors‟ Report – Remuneration Report 

Statutory Remuneration Disclosures 

Remuneration of Non-Executive Directors 

Individual remuneration details for Non-Executive Directors for the year ended 30 June 2010. 

(1) Cash includes base fees and committee fees paid as cash. 

(2) Superannuation arrangements include statutory superannuation contributions and any allocations made by way of salary sacrifice. 

(3) Non-Executive Directors receive 20% of their total annual fees as Commonwealth Bank shares under the Non-Executive Directors' Share Plan. The amount shown in 
the table is the pre-tax portion of fees received as shares. However, the number of shares each Non-Executive Director receives is calculated on a post-tax basis. 

(4) David Turner was appointed as Chairman on 10 February 2010. 

(5) John Schubert retired from the Board on 10 February 2010. Reg Clairs retired from the Board on 13 April 2010. Both directors received payments of $636,398 and 

$202,989 respectively, representing their entitlements under the Directors‟ Retirement Allowance Scheme. 

(6) These Directors are entitled to a retirement allowance, which was frozen in 2002.  The entitlements are Colin Galbraith ($159,092) and Fergus Ryan ($168,263). 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     83 

 Short Term BenefitsShare-based paymentsRetiring Non-executiveSuper-AllowanceDirectors'TotalCash (1)annuation (2)PaidShare Plan (3)Remuneration$$$$$ChairmanDavid Turner (4)2010353,933               47,854                   -                            88,483                   490,270                 2009-                           99,313                   -                                             176,617 275,930                 John Schubert (5)2010357,027               24,500                   636,398                 68,055                   1,085,980              2009589,918               53,093                   -                            147,480                 790,491                 Non-Executive DirectorsJohn Anderson2010180,232               16,221                   -                            45,058                   241,511                 2009188,000               16,920                   -                            47,000                   251,920                 Reg Clairs (5)2010160,362               -                            202,989                 37,775                   401,126                 2009209,918               -                            -                            52,480                   262,398                 Colin Galbraith (6)2010205,111               18,460                   -                            51,278                   274,849                 2009205,918               18,533                   -                            51,480                   275,931                 Jane Hemstritch2010205,618               18,506                   -                            51,404                   275,528                 2009204,000               18,360                   -                            51,000                   273,360                 Carolyn Kay2010214,692               19,322                   -                            53,673                   287,687                 2009213,918               19,253                   -                            53,479                   286,650                 Andrew Mohl2010195,700               33,613                   -                            48,925                   278,238                 2009129,072               82,299                   -                            48,479                   259,850                 Fergus Ryan (6)2010216,506               19,486                   -                            54,127                   290,119                 2009228,000               20,520                   -                            57,000                   305,520                 Harrison Young2010216,506               19,486                   -                            54,127                   290,119                 2009228,000               20,520                   -                            57,000                   305,520                 Post employment Benefits 
 
 
  
Directors‟ Report – Remuneration Report 

Remuneration of Executives 

The following table sets out remuneration disclosures for the CEO, Group Executives (who are Key Management Personnel), and the Other Executive for the 
year  ended  30  June  2010.  The  table  has  been  prepared  in  accordance  with the  accounting  requirements  and  does  not  represent the  remuneration  each 
individual executive actually received during the year. Details of the remuneration the CEO and Group Executives received in relation to the 2010 performance 
year are set out in the tables on page 74. 

In the table below, where a component of remuneration (such as an equity award) vests over a number of years and some of the  vesting period fell during 
2010, we are required to show the portion of the expense relating to the 2010 year. In some cases, where performance exceeds expectations we may be 
required to recognise a greater expense. This occurred during the year in relation to performance under both GLSP awards. Higher performance has resulted 
in a higher expense recognised this year in the table below under „LTI Performance Rights At Risk‟. 

(1) Cash Fixed remuneration is the total cost of salary, including any annual leave accruals and salary sacrificed benefits. 

(2) Non Monetary Fixed represents the cost of car parking (including associated fringe benefits tax). 

(3) 2010 Cash STI payment includes for the CEO and Group Executives 50%, and for Mark Lazberger 66.6%, of the total STI award in recognition of performance for the year ended 30 June 2010 

(2009: 66.6%). Any portion of STI sacrificed to superannuation is included under 'Superannuation.' 

(4) 2010 STI Deferred includes the compulsory deferral of 50% of the CEO and Group Executives‟ STI payments for performance for the year ended 30 June 2010 (2009: 33%). These amounts 
are deferred until 1 July 2011. For Mark Lazberger, 2010 STI Deferred includes the compulsory deferral of 33.4% of his STI payment for performance for the year ended 30 June 2010 (2009: 
33.4%). These amounts are deferred for three years, and he will need to be an employee of the Group at the end of the deferral period to receive this payment. 

(5) Other Short Term Benefits relate to company funded benefits (including associated fringe benefits tax where applicable). These benefits include preparation of Australian taxation  returns for 
expatriates, club memberships, and relocation costs. This item also includes a payment to Mr Toevs of $929,970 in June 2010 relating to his sign-on arrangements. The 2009 amounts for David 
Cohen, Mark Lazberger and Alden Toevs relate to sign on arrangements. 

84 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Post employment Long-term benefitsLTI LTI LTI Non Cash STI STI Super-PerformanceReward Perform-TotalCash Monetary Payment  Deferred annuationRightsShares  At ance UnitsRemun-Fixed (1)Fixed (2)At Risk (3)At Risk (4)Other (5) fixed (6)Other (7)At Risk (8)Risk (9)At Risk (10)eration (11)($)($)($)($)($)($)($)($)($)($)($)Managing Director and CEO20103,128,875-1,852,5001,852,50044150,00085,8916,415,7352,771,804-16,157,74620093,253,551-1,733,333866,667-100,00082,0201,936,5461,237,635-9,209,752Group ExecutivesSimon Blair (12) 2010746,74214,078464,453464,453-49,33817,219-228,441-1,984,7242010865,09413,231517,969517,96920,74425,000151,9261,334,602630,874-4,077,4092009861,37013,233600,000300,00010,35750,00020,635403,956133,25587,8612,480,667David Cohen     2010811,94125,237502,734502,734-50,00015,8111,334,602493,756-3,736,8152009834,45213,233800,000400,000573,00450,00012,612403,956                   -                    - 3,087,257David Craig 20101,047,97413,231639,844639,844-50,00027,8591,506,616791,291-4,716,65920091,049,64913,233800,000400,0004,71179,94431,175454,521177,673                   - 3,010,906Michael Harte2010970,03714,341578,906578,90624,47525,00015,5401,334,602671,174-4,212,9812009969,04113,218800,000400,00014,05850,00014,449403,956111,929                   - 2,776,651Ross McEwan 20101,205,47513,045731,250731,25012,81550,00030,3441,815,846718,201121,4875,429,71320091,185,72213,268933,333466,66711,492100,23162,670542,317                   - 220,3933,536,093Ian Narev (14) 2010845,41413,182517,969517,96910,50543,18211,743374,100516,871 - 2,850,9352009370,0065,491254,820127,4105,44524,0877,120143,334                   -                    - 937,71320101,100,41314,666670,313670,313-50,00053,6021,709,081914,029 - 5,182,41720091,080,39512,446666,667333,333-101,02686,307516,753372,781                   - 3,169,708Ian Saines (14)20101,274,98211,832792,188792,188 - 85,10173,266374,100832,237 - 4,235,8942009651,3833,660403,280201,640                 - 43,29855,459143,334                   -                    - 1,502,054Alden Toevs           20101,415,58114,341853,125853,1251,011,76550,000536,909506,339837,902 - 6,079,08720091,399,726                - 1,066,667533,333241,699100,000532,797194,000                   -                    - 4,068,222Other Executive (13)Mark Lazberger2010791,83512,038807,934403,967-25,0001,261,296--2,500,0005,802,0702009615,6119,335498,000249,0001,000,00041,6791,743,674--1,750,0005,907,299Barbara ChapmanGrahame PetersenShort Term Benefits Share-based paymentsRalph Norris  
 
 
 
 
Directors‟ Report – Remuneration Report 

(6)   Superannuation arrangements include statutory superannuation contributions and any allocations made by way of salary sacrifice. 

(7)   Includes long service entitlements accrued during the year. For Alden Toevs this also includes amounts relating to retention arrangements, and for Mark Lazberger it 

includes amounts relating to his sign on arrangements. 

(8)   This includes Performance Rights awarded under the GLSP in the 2008 and 2009 financial years (now closed to new offers). 

(9)   This includes Reward Shares awarded during the 2010 financial year under the GLRP, and in 2006 Reward Shares awarded under the ERP (now closed to new 

offers). 

(10) For Barbara Chapman and Ross McEwan this includes awards made under a cash-equivalent plan to the ERP (now closed to new offers) to executives who were 

located outside Australia at the time of the award. For Mark Lazberger, this represents awards made under the CFS GAM long term incentive plan.  

(11) The percentage of 2010 remuneration related to performance was: Ralph Norris 80%, Simon Blair 58%, Barbara Chapman 74%, David Cohen 76%, David Craig 
76%, Michael Harte 75%, Mark Lazberger 64%, Ross McEwan 76%, Ian Narev 68%, Grahame Petersen 76%, Ian Saines 66% and Alden Toevs 50%. None of the 
remuneration was received as options. 

(12) Simon Blair was appointed to a Key Management Personnel role on 1 July 2009. 

(13) The five executives who received the highest remuneration for the year ended 30 June 2010 as defined in the Section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001, include 

Mark Lazberger, who is not one of the Key Management Personnel, Ross McEwan, Ralph Norris and Grahame Petersen and Alden Toevs. 

(14)  Ian  Narev  and  Ian  Saines  were  appointed  KMP  during  the  2009  financial  year,  27  January  2009  and  31 December  2008  respectively.  The  2009  remuneration 

disclosed relates to the portion of the year that they were a KMP.  

STI Allocations to Executives for the Year Ended 30 June 2010 

(1) The maximum STI is represented as a percentage of Fixed Remuneration. The minimum STI potential is $nil. 

(2) Includes the annual cash award immediately payable in recognition of performance for the year ended 30 June 2010.  

(3) This represents the portion of STI that is deferred. The Executive will need to be an employee of the Group at the end of the respective deferral period to receive 

this payment. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     85 

STI Target Maximum STI Potential (1) ($)(%)(%)($)(%)($)Managing Director and CEORalph Norris           2,964,000 125%50%           1,852,500 50%           1,852,500 Group ExecutivesSimon Blair              743,125 125%50%              464,453 50%              464,453 Barbara Chapman               828,750 125%50%              517,969 50%              517,969 David Cohen               804,375 125%50%              502,734 50%              502,734 David Craig           1,023,750 125%50%              639,844 50%              639,844 Michael Harte               926,250 125%50%              578,906 50%              578,906 Ross McEwan            1,170,000 125%50%              731,250 50%              731,250 Ian Narev               828,750 125%50%              517,969 50%              517,969 Grahame Petersen           1,072,500 125%50%              670,313 50%              670,313 Ian Saines           1,267,500 125%50%              792,188 50%              792,188 Alden Toevs            1,365,000 125%50%              853,125 50%              853,125 Other ExecutiveMark Lazberger n/a  n/a 67%              807,934 33%              403,967 STI Paid (2)STI Portion Deferred (3) 
 
 
 
  
Directors‟ Report – Remuneration Report 

Equity Awards Received as Remuneration 

The following table sets out the number and value of equity awards that were granted, exercised, or forfeited/lapsed during 2010. It also 
shows  the  value  of  awards  made  in  previous  years  that  vested  during  2010.  Further  information  about  equity  holdings  of  Key 
Management Personnel are provided in Note 44 to the financial statements. 

(1) No amounts are payable on exercise. 

86 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Previousyears'awardsthat vestedduring 2010NameClass(Units)($)(Units)(Units)($)(Units)($)Managing Director and CEORalph Norris Reward Shares      204,626     9,027,208           90,910                    -                    -                    -                    - Deferred Shares        16,460        868,100                     -                    -                    -                    -                    - Group ExecutivesSimon BlairReward Shares        30,190     1,336,511                     -                    -                    -                    -                    - Deferred Shares                  -                    -                     -                    -                    -                    -                    - Barbara Chapman Reward Shares        58,844     2,595,931           17,045                    -                    -                    -                    - Deferred Shares          5,698        300,513                     -                    -                    -                    -                    - David Cohen Reward Shares        57,113     2,519,573                     -                    -                    -                    -                    - Deferred Shares          7,597        400,666                     -                    -                    -                    -                    - David Craig Reward Shares        72,690     3,206,757           22,728                    -                    -                    -                    - Deferred Shares          7,597        400,666                     -                    -                    -                    -                    - Michael Harte Reward Shares        65,767     2,901,351           14,318                    -                    -                    -                    - Deferred Shares          7,597        400,666                     -                    -                    -                    -                    - Ross McEwan Reward Shares        83,074     3,664,854                     -                    -                    -                    -                    - Deferred Shares          8,863        467,435                     -                    -                    -                    -                    - Ian NarevReward Shares        58,844     2,595,931             1,137                    -                    -                    -                    - Deferred Shares          5,698        300,513                     -                    -                    -                    -                    - Grahame PetersenReward Shares        76,151     3,359,449           25,000                    -                    -                    -                    - Deferred Shares          6,331        333,897                     -                    -                    -                    -                    - Ian SainesReward Shares        89,997     3,970,275             5,000                    -                    -                    -                    - Deferred Shares          7,597        400,666                     -                    -                    -                    -                    - Alden Toevs Reward Shares        96,920     4,275,681                     -                    -                    -                    -                    - Deferred Shares        10,130        534,256                     -                    -                    -                    -                    - Other Executive                  -                      -                    - Mark LazbergerReward Shares                  -                    -           23,463                    -                    -                    -                    - Deferred Shares          4,729        249,407                     -                    -                    -                    -                    - Ordinary sharesof previousyear's awardsduring 2010 (1)received on exerciseForfeited orlapsedduring 2010during 2010Granted 
 
 
  
Directors‟ Report – Remuneration Report 

Equity Awards Outstanding during 2010 – Fair Value Assumptions 

The „fair value‟ of LTI awards granted has been calculated using a Monte-Carlo simulation method incorporating the assumptions below: 

(1) The performance hurdle for this portion of the GLRP award is Customer Satisfaction relative to our peers. 

(2) The performance hurdle for this portion of the GLRP award is Total Shareholder Return relative to our peers. 

Termination Arrangements  

The  Group‟s  executive  contracts  provide  for  the  following  termination  arrangements  for  Key  Management  Personnel  and  the  Other 
Executive: 

 (1) Permanent contracts are ongoing until notice is given by either party. 
(2) Severance applies where termination is initiated by the Group, other than for misconduct or unsatisfactory performance. 

Executives receive their statutory entitlements of accrued annual leave, long service leave and superannuation benefits when they leave 
the Group. Those executives who cease employment with the Group during a performance year (i.e. 1 July to 30 June) will generally not 
receive a short term incentive payment for that year except if they leave due to retrenchment, retirement or death. 

Loans to Key Management Personnel  

Information on loans to Key Management Personnel, including loan amounts, interest charged, and loan balances outstanding are set 
out in note 44 to the financial statements. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     87 

GLRP - Reward Shares(1)25/09/2009           51.30  Nil 30/06/20122.8Nil305.1GLRP - Reward Shares(2)25/09/2009           36.52  Nil 30/06/20122.8Nil305.1GLRP - Reward Shares(1)25/09/2009           51.30  Nil 30/06/20133.8Nil305.4GLRP - Reward Shares(2)25/09/2009           37.24  Nil 30/06/20133.8Nil305.4GLSP - Performance Rights3/12/2008           26.20  Nil 1/07/20112.66.75304.7GLSP - Performance Rights12/10/2007           53.50  Nil 1/07/20102.86.75304.7ERP - Reward Shares3/11/2006           30.62  Nil 14/07/20093.9Nil305.4Exercise Price ($)Expected Life(years)Expected Dividend Yield(%)Risk free rate (%)Expected Volatility (%)Award typeGrantDateFair Value ($)Performance Period EndNameContract Type (1)NoticeSeverance (2)Managing Director & CEORalph NorrisPermanent6 monthsn/aGroup ExecutivesSimon BlairPermanent6 months6 monthsBarbara ChapmanPermanent6 months6 monthsDavid CohenPermanent6 months6 monthsDavid CraigPermanent6 months6 monthsMichael HartePermanent6 months6 monthsRoss McEwanPermanent6 months6 monthsIan NarevPermanent6 months6 monthsGrahame PetersenPermanent6 months6 monthsIan SainesPermanent6 months6 monthsAlden ToevsPermanent6 monthsn/aOther ExecutiveMark LazbergerPermanent3 months3 months 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors‟ Report – Remuneration Report 

Glossary of Key Terms 

To assist readers, key terms and abbreviations used in the remuneration report are set out below. 

Term 

Definition 

Base Remuneration 

Cash and non-cash remuneration paid regularly with no performance conditions.  

Board 

The Board of Directors of the Group. 

Fixed Remuneration 

Consists of Base Remuneration plus employer contributions to superannuation.  

Equity Reward Plan 
(ERP) 

The Group‟s long term incentive plan applying to grants made prior to the 2008 financial year. 

Group 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia and its subsidiaries. 

Group Executive 

Key Management Personnel who are also members of the Group‟s Executive Committee. 

Group Leadership 
Reward Plan (GLRP) 

Group Leadership 
Share Plan (GLSP) 

Key Management 
Personnel 

Long Term Incentive 
(LTI) 

The Group‟s long term incentive plan from 1 July 2009 for the CEO and Group Executives.  

The Group's previous long term incentive plan applying to grants made in the 2008 and 2009 financial 
years for the CEO and Group Executives. 

Persons  having  authority  and  responsibility  for  planning,  directing  and  controlling  the  activities  of  an 
entity, directly or indirectly, including any Director (whether executive or otherwise) of that entity. 

A remuneration arrangement which grants benefits to participating executives that may vest if, and to the 
extent that, performance hurdles are met over a period of three or more years. The Group‟s long term 
incentive plans include the GLRP, and the closed GLSP and ERP. 

NPAT 

Net profit after tax. 

Other Executives 

Those executives who are not Key Management Personnel but are amongst the “Company Executives” 
or “Group Executives” as defined by the Corporations Act 2001 and for whom disclosure is required in 
accordance with section 300A(1)(c) of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Performance Rights 

Rights to acquire a Commonwealth Bank of Australia ordinary share with no payment by the recipient if 
relevant performance hurdles are met. 

PACC 

Remuneration 

Profit after capital charge. 

All forms of consideration paid, payable or provided by the Group, or on behalf of the Group, in exchange 
for services rendered to the Group. In reading this report, the term “remuneration” means the same as 
the  term  “compensation”  for  the  purposes  of  the  Corporations  Act  2001  and  the  accounting  standard 
AASB124. 

Remuneration Mix 

The relative weighting of each component of remuneration (Fixed Remuneration, STI and LTI).  

Reward Shares 

Salary Sacrifice 

Short Term Incentive 
(STI) 

Total Shareholder 
Return (TSR) 

Shares in the Bank granted under the GLRP or ERP and subject to performance hurdles. 

An  arrangement  where  an  employee  agrees  to  forego  part  of  his  or  her  cash  component  of  Base 
Remuneration in return for non-cash benefits of a similar value. 

Remuneration  paid  with  direct  reference  to  the  Group‟s  and  the  individual‟s  performance  over  one 
financial year. 

TSR  measures  a  company‟s  share  price  movement,  dividend  yield  and  any  return  of  capital  over  a 
specific period. 

88 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

 
 
 
 
 
Directors‟ Report 

Company Secretaries 

Audit Services 

The  details  of  the  Bank‟s  Company  Secretaries,  including their 
experience and qualifications are set out below. 

Amounts  paid  or  payable 
for  audit 
PricewaterhouseCoopers totalled $17,654,000.  

services 

to 

John  Hatton  has  been  Company  Secretary  of 
Commonwealth Bank of Australia since 1994. 

the 

From 1985 until 1994, he was a solicitor with the Bank‟s Legal 
Department. 

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

Carla Collingwood was appointed a Company Secretary to the 
Bank in July 2005.  

From 1994 until 2005, she was a solicitor with the Bank‟s Legal 
Department,  before  being  appointed  to  the  position  of  General 
Manager,  Secretariat.  She  holds  a  Bachelor  of  Laws  degree 
(Hons.) and a Graduate Diploma in Company Secretary Practice 
from Chartered Secretaries Australia. She is a Graduate of the 
Australian Institute of Company Directors. 

Non-Audit Services 

Amounts  paid  or  payable  to  PricewaterhouseCoopers  for  non- 
audit services provided during the year, as set out in Note 34 to 
the Financial Statements are as follows: 

Regulatory audits, reviews, attestations and 
assurances for Group entities – Australia 
Regulatory audits, reviews, attestations and 
assurances for Group entities – Offshore 
APRA reporting (including the tripartite review) 
Financial and other audits, reviews, attestations and 
assurances for Group entities - Australia 
Financial and other audits, reviews, attestations and 
assurances for Group entities – Offshore 

Agreed upon procedures and comfort letters in 
respect of financing, debt raising and related 
activities 

Taxation services 
Controls review and related work 
Other 
Total (1) 

2010 
$’000 

870 

140 
174 

405 

182 

503 
2,342 
1,093 
2,566 
8,275 

(1) An additional amount of $7,867,223 was paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers by 
way of fees for entities not consolidated into the Financial Statements. Of this 
amount $6,794,440 relates to statutory audits. 

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors. 

The Bank has in place an Independent Auditor Services Policy, 
details  of  which  are  set  out  in  the  Corporate  Governance 
section  of  this  Annual  Report,  to  assist  in  ensuring  the 
independence of the Bank‟s external auditor.  

The Audit Committee has considered the provision, during the 
year,  of  non-audit  services  by  PricewaterhouseCoopers  and 
has  concluded  that  the  provision  of  those  services  did  not 
compromise  the  auditor  independence  requirements  of  the 
Corporations Act.  

The Audit Committee advised the Board accordingly and, after 
considering  the  Committee‟s  advice,  the  Board  of  Directors 
agreed  that it  was satisfied  that the  provision  of  the  non-audit 
services  by  PricewaterhouseCoopers  during  the  year  was 
compatible with the general standard of independence imposed 
by the Corporations Act.  

The reasons for the Directors being satisfied that the provision 
of  the  non-audit  services  during  the  year  did  not  compromise 
the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 
are: 

The operation of the Independent Auditor Services Policy 
during the year to restrict the nature of non-audit services 
engagements,  to  prohibit  certain  services  and  to  require 
Audit  Committee  pre-approval  for  all  such  engagements; 
and  

The  relative  quantum  of  fees  paid  for  non-audit  services 
compared to the quantum for audit services.  

The  above  Directors‟  statements  are  in  accordance  with  the 
advice received from the Audit Committee.  

Auditor‟s Declaration of Independence 

We  have  obtained  an  independence  declaration  from  our 
auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers as presented on the following 
page.  

Incorporation of Additional Material 

This report incorporates the Chairman‟s Statement (pages 2 to 
3),  Highlights  (pages  8  to  12),  Analysis  sections  for  Retail 
Banking  Services  (pages  20  to  21),  Business  and  Private 
Banking  (pages  22  to  23),  Institutional  Banking  and  Markets 
(pages 24 to 25), Wealth Management (pages 26 to 29), New 
Zealand  (pages  30  to  32),  Bankwest  (pages  34  to  35)  Other 
Divisions  (pages  36  to  37)  and  Shareholding  Information 
(pages 235 to 237) sections of this Annual report. 

D J Turner 

Chairman 

11 August 2010 

R J Norris 

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer 

11 August 2010 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     89 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PricewaterhouseCoopers 
ABN 52 780 433 757 

Darling Park Tower 2 
201 Sussex Street 
GPO BOX 2650 
SYDNEY  NSW  1171 
DX 77 Sydney 
Australia 
Telephone +61 2 8266 0000 
Facsimile +61 2 8266 9999 
www.pwc.com/au 

Auditor‟s independence declaration 

As lead auditor for the audit of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia for the year ended 30 June 2010, I 
declare that to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been: 

a)  no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in 

relation to the audit; and 

b)  no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit. 

This declaration is in respect of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and the entities it controlled during 
the year.  

Rahoul Chowdry 
Partner 

Sydney 
11 August 2010 

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

90 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Five Year Financial Summary 

(1) Due to the change in expectations on the size and impact of defined benefit superannuation plan (income)/expense, from 1 July 2009 this amount has been included 

as part of total expenses (“cash basis”) and is recorded in the Other segment. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     91 

20102009200820072006$M$M$M$M$MIncome StatementNet interest income11,86810,1867,9077,0366,514Other operating income7,1916,6326,4346,1615,613Total operating income19,05916,81814,34113,19712,127Operating expenses(8,601)(7,765)(7,021)(6,427)(5,994)Impairment expense(2,075)(3,048)(930)(434)(398)Operating profit before income tax expense8,3836,0056,3906,3365,735Corporate tax expense(2,266)(1,560)(1,626)(1,782)(1,618)Non-controlling interests(16)(30)(31)(27)(31)Net profit after income tax (“cash basis”)6,1014,4154,7334,5274,086Defined benefit superannuation plan (expense)/income (1)-(10)95(25)Treasury shares valuation adjustment(44)(28)60(75)(100)Hedging and AIFRS volatility17(245)(42)13(33)Visa Initial Public Offering gain after tax--295--Investment and restructuring--(264)--One-off expenses-(23)---Tax on NZ structured finance transactions(171)----Loss on disposal of controlled entities / investments(23)----Bankwest significant items(216)614---Net profit after income tax attributable to Equity holders of the Bank5,6644,7234,7914,4703,928Contributions to profit (after tax)Retail Banking Services2,4612,1071,9111,7661,576Business and Private Banking893736721n/an/aInstitutional Banking and Markets1,182166771n/an/aPremium Business Servicesn/an/an/a1,4451,138Wealth Management592514789548441New Zealand387438n/an/an/aBankwest60113n/an/an/aInternational Financial Servicesn/an/a555461442Other348537(1)211278Net profit after income tax (“underlying basis”) 5,9234,6114,7464,4313,875Investment experience after tax178(196)(13)9666Net profit after income tax (“cash basis”)6,1014,4154,7334,5273,941Defined benefit superannuation plan (expense)/income (1)-(10)95(25)Treasury shares valuation adjustment(44)(28)60(75)(100)Hedging and AIFRS volatility17(245)(42)13(33)Profit on sale of the Hong Kong Insurance Business----145Visa Initial Public Offering gain after tax--295--Investment and restructuring--(264)--One-off expenses-(23)Tax on NZ structured finance transactions(171)----Loss on disposal of controlled entities / investments(23)----Bankwest significant items(216)614---Net profit after income tax5,6644,7234,7914,4703,928Balance SheetLoans, bills discounted and other receivables493,459466,631361,282315,465273,525Total assets646,330620,372487,572440,157382,850Deposits and other public borrowings374,663368,721263,706219,068187,576Total liabilities610,760588,930461,435415,713361,507Shareholders‟ equity35,57031,44226,13724,44421,343Net tangible assets24,68820,73816,42215,15812,087Risk weighted assets290,821288,836205,501245,347216,438Average interest earning assets553,735481,248385,667332,492289,416Average interest bearing liabilities521,338453,458362,249311,236269,718Assets (on Balance Sheet)Australia561,618528,354410,225360,188318,578New Zealand56,94859,60654,31255,16043,318Other27,76432,41223,03524,80920,954Total assets646,330620,372487,572440,157382,850 
 
  
Five Year Financial Summary 

92 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

20102009200820072006Shareholder SummaryDividend per share – fully franked (cents)290228266256224Dividend cover – statutory (times)1. 31. 31. 31. 31. 4Dividend cover – cash (times)1. 41. 31. 31. 31. 4Dividend cover – underlying (times)1. 31. 31. 31. 31. 3Earnings per share (cents)BasicStatutory367. 9328. 5363. 0344. 7308. 2Cash basis395. 5305. 6356. 9347. 1318. 5Underlying basis383. 9319. 3357. 9339. 6302. 0Fully dilutedStatutory354. 2313. 4348. 7339. 7303. 1Cash basis379. 8292. 4343. 1342. 1312. 9Underlying basis369. 0305. 0344. 0335. 0297. 1Dividend payout ratio (%)Statutory79. 773. 174. 175. 273. 3Cash basis73. 978. 275. 074. 270. 5Underlying basis76. 174. 974. 875. 874. 3Net tangible assets per share ($)15. 913. 712. 411. 79. 4Weighted average number of shares (statutory basic) (M)1,5271,4201,3071,2811,275Weighted average number of shares (statutory fully diluted) (M)1,6401,5481,4241,3441,329Weighted average number of shares (cash basic) (M)1,5311,4261,3131,2891,283Weighted average number of shares (cash fully diluted) (M)1,6441,5541,4301,3511,338Number of Shareholders784,382776,283741,072696,118698,552Share prices for the year ($)Trading high60. 0046. 6962. 1656. 1647. 41Trading low36. 2024. 0337. 0242. 9836. 62End (closing price)48. 6439. 0040. 1755. 2544. 41Performance Ratios (%)Return on average Shareholders‟ equityStatutory17. 516. 819. 820. 720. 4Cash basis18. 715. 820. 421. 721. 5Underlying basis18. 216. 520. 421. 220. 4Return on average total assetsStatutory0. 90. 91. 01. 11. 1Cash basis1. 00. 81. 01. 11. 1Underlying basis0. 90. 81. 01. 11. 1Capital adequacy – Tier One9. 158. 078. 177. 147. 56Capital adequacy – Tier Two2. 342. 353. 413. 413. 10Capital adequacy – Deductions---(0. 79)(1. 00)Capital adequacy – Total11. 4910. 4211. 589. 769. 66Net interest margin2. 132. 102. 022. 082. 22Other Information (numbers)Full-time equivalent employees45,02544,21839,62137,87336,664Branches/services centres (Australia)1,1471,1421,0091,0101,005Agencies (Australia)3,8843,8593,8143,8333,836ATMs (proprietary)4,1494,0753,3013,2423,191EFTPOS terminals165,621167,025187,377171,138157,350ProductivityTotal operating income per full-time (equivalent) employee ($)423,298380,343361,955348,454330,760Employee expense/Total operating income (%)24. 023. 725. 524. 523. 3Total operating expenses/Total operating income (%)45. 146. 249. 048. 749. 4 
 
 
Income Statements 
Statements of Comprehensive Income 

Balance Sheets 

Statements of Changes in Equity 

Statements of Cash Flows 

Note 1 

Note 2 

Note 3 

Note 4 

Note 5 

Note 6 

Note 7 

Note 8 

Note 9 

Note 10 

Note 11 

Note 12 

Note 13 

Note 14 

Note 15 

Note 16 

Note 17 

Note 18 

Note 19 

Note 20 

Note 21 

Note 22 

Note 23 

Note 24 

Note 25 

Note 26 

Note 27 

Note 28 

Note 29 

Note 30 

Note 31 

Note 32 

Note 33 

Note 34 

Note 35 

Note 36 

Note 37 

Note 38 

Note 39 

Note 40 

Note 41 

Note 42 

Note 43 

Note 44 

Note 45 

Note 46 

Note 47 

Note 48 

Note 49 

Note 50 

Accounting Policies 

Profit 

Income from Ordinary Activities 

Average Balances and Related Interest 

Income Tax 

Dividends 

Earnings per Share 

Cash and Liquid Assets 

Receivables due from Other Financial Institutions 

Assets at Fair Value through Income Statement 

Derivative Financial Instruments 

Available-for-Sale Investments 

Loans, Bills Discounted and Other Receivables 

Provisions for Impairment 

Property, Plant and Equipment 

Intangible Assets 

Other Assets 

Assets Held for Sale 

Deposits and Other Public Borrowings 

Payables due to Other Financial Institutions 

Liabilities at Fair Value through Income Statement 

Income Tax Liability 

Other Provisions 

Debt Issues 

Bills Payable and Other Liabilities 

Loan Capital 

Shareholders‟ Equity 

Share Capital 

Share Based Payments 

Non-Controlling Interests 

Capital Adequacy 

Financial Reporting by Segments 

Life Insurance Business 

Remuneration of Auditors 

Lease Commitments 

Contingent Liabilities, Contingent Assets and Commitments 

Fiduciary Activities 

Financial Risk Management 

Credit Risk 

Market Risk 

Liquidity and Funding Risk 

Retirement Benefit Obligations 

Investments in Associated Entities and Joint Ventures 

Key Management Personnel 

Related Party Disclosures 

Notes to the Statements of Cash Flows 

Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments 

Securitisation 

Controlled Entities 

Subsequent Events 

Financial Statements 

94 
95 

96 

97 

99 

101 

114 

116 

117 

123 

126 

127 

127 

128 

128 

130 

137 

140 

144 

148 

150 

152 

152 

152 

153 

153 

154 

154 

155 

158 

158 

166 

168 

169 

172 

173 

174 

178 

180 

180 

181 

184 

185 

185 

202 

205 

209 

213 

215 

218 

220 

223 

227 

228 

231 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     93 

 
 
 
 
 
Financial Statements 

Income Statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2010 

The above Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

94 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupBank20102009200820102009Note$M$M$M$M$MInterest income232,21531,51929,23427,75427,991Interest expense2(20,293)(21,218)(21,327)(18,603)(19,956)Net interest income11,92210,3017,9079,1518,035Other operating income24,2083,9143,5595,2604,151Net banking operating income16,13014,21511,46614,41112,186Funds management income1,9061,6182,369--Investment revenue/(expense)975(859)(525)--Claims and policyholder liability (expense)/revenue(953)731519--Net funds management operating income21,9281,4902,363--Premiums from insurance contracts1,7941,6511,373--Investment revenue/(expense)687(232)(27)--Claims and policyholder liability expense frominsurance contracts(1,251)(650)(606)--Net Insurance operating income21,230769740--Total net operating income219,28816,47414,56914,41112,186Gain on acquisition of controlled entities46(e)-983---Impairment expense2,14(2,379)(3,048)(930)(1,193)(2,703)Operating expenses2(8,716)(7,960)(7,384)(5,917)(5,553)Net profit before income tax28,1936,4496,2557,3013,930Corporate tax expense5(2,383)(1,860)(1,548)(1,686)(844)Policyholder tax (expense)/benefit5(130)164115--Net profit after income tax5,6804,7534,8225,6153,086Non-controlling interests(16)(30)(31)--Net profit attributable to Equity holders of the Bank5,6644,7234,7915,6153,086Group201020092008NoteEarnings per share:    Basic7367. 9328. 5363. 0    Fully diluted7354. 2313. 4348. 7Cents per share 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Statements of Comprehensive Income 

For the year ended 30 June 2010 

Financial Statements 

The above Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     95 

20102009200820102009$M$M$M$M$MProfit from ordinary activities after income tax for the financial year5,6804,7534,8225,6153,086Other comprehensive income/(expense):Actuarial gains and losses from defined benefit superannuation plans(64)(739)(240)(64)(739)Gains and losses on cash flow hedging instruments:Recognised in equity(239)(1,630)42211(872)Transferred to Income Statement828(21)(573)208(199)Gains and losses on available-for-sale investments:Recognised in equity3271026216052Transferred to Income Statement on disposal(24)(24)(312)(16)(24)Transferred to Income Statement on impairment237---Revaluation of properties50(25)2039(20)Foreign currency translation reserve(19)168(648)(67)158Income tax on items transferred directly to/from equity:Foreign currency translation reserve(1)94531-Available-for-sale investments revaluation reserve(77)(37)44(33)(17)Revaluation of properties(9)9(4)(7)8Cash flow hedge reserve(193)49752(71)319Other comprehensive income/(expense) net of income tax 581(1,661)(924)161(1,334)Total comprehensive income for the financial year6,2613,0923,8985,7761,752Total comprehensive income for the financial year is attributable to:Equity holders of the Bank6,2453,0623,8675,7761,752Non-controlling interests163031--Total comprehensive income for the financial year6,2613,0923,8985,7761,752GroupBank 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Statements 

Balance Sheets 

As at 30 June 2010 

The above Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

96 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupBank2010200920102009Note$M$M$M$MAssetsCash and liquid assets810,11911,3408,7119,684Receivables due from other financial institutions910,07214,4219,76613,986Assets at fair value through Income Statement:10Trading22,85125,40118,77520,988Insurance15,94017,260--Other6541,677-60Derivative assets1127,68926,35827,36325,536Available-for-sale investments1232,91521,50465,77960,659Loans, bills discounted and other receivables13493,459466,631377,195353,408Bank acceptances of customers11,56914,72811,56914,726Shares in and loans to controlled entities49--49,80954,671Property, plant and equipment152,3512,4721,5061,572Investment in associates431,4901,0471,194845Intangible assets169,4209,2453,3823,101Deferred tax assets51,2701,6531,2421,628Other assets176,4826,0704,7063,866646,281619,807580,997564,730Assets held for sale184956549370Total assets646,330620,372581,046565,100LiabilitiesDeposits and other public borrowings19374,663368,721307,844305,170Payables due to other financial institutions2012,60815,10912,42214,942Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement2115,34216,5964,6133,485Derivative liabilities1124,88432,13423,68929,442Bank acceptances11,56914,72811,56914,726Due to controlled entities--52,41181,084Current tax liabilities221,0568831,016835Deferred tax liabilities22221168-40Other provisions231,1971,243934913Insurance policy liabilities3314,59216,056--Debt issues24130,210101,819107,03962,894Managed funds units on issue880914--Bills payable and other liabilities2510,0258,52010,7337,969597,247576,891532,270521,500Loan capital2613,51312,03913,57512,174Total liabilities610,760588,930545,845533,674Net assets35,57031,44235,20131,426Shareholders' EquityShare capital:Ordinary share capital2823,08121,64223,37921,825Other equity instruments289399391,8951,895Reserves271,0895162,0471,697Retained profits279,9387,8257,8806,009Shareholders' equity attributable to Equity holders of the Bank35,04730,92235,20131,426Non-controlling interests30523520--Total Shareholders' equity35,57031,44235,20131,426 
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of Changes in Equity 

For the year ended 30 June 2010 

Financial Statements 

The above Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     97 

GroupShareholders'equityattributableOrdinaryOtherto Equity Non-Total shareequityRetainedholderscontrollingShareholders'capitalinstrumentsReservesprofitsof the Bank interests  equity$M$M$M$M$M$M$MAs at 30 June 200815,7279391,2067,74725,61951826,137Total comprehensive income for the financial year--(922)3,9843,062303,092Transactions with equity holders in their capacity as equity holders:Issue of shares (net of issue costs)4,829---4,829-4,829Dividends paid---(3,731)(3,731)-(3,731)Dividend reinvestment plan (net of issue costs)1,099---1,099-1,099Other equity movements:Share based payments1-39-40-40(Purchase)/sale and vesting of treasury shares(14)---(14)-(14)Other changes--193(175)18(28)(10)As at 30 June 200921,6429395167,82530,92252031,442Total comprehensive income for the financial year--6455,6006,245166,261Transactions with equity holders in their capacity as equity holders:Dividends paid---(3,621)(3,621)-(3,621)Dividend reinvestment plan (net of issue costs)1,457---1,457-1,457Other equity movements:Share based payments2-125-127-127(Purchase)/sale and vesting of treasury shares(20)---(20)-(20)Other changes--(197)134(63)(13)(76)As at 30 June 201023,0819391,0899,93835,04752335,570 
 
 
  
 
 
Financial Statements 

Statements of Changes in Equity (continued) 

For the year ended 30 June 2010 

The above Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

98 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

BankShareholders'equityattributableOrdinaryOtherto Equity  shareequityRetainedholderscapitalinstrumentsReservesprofitsof the Bank$M$M$M$M$MAs at 30 June 200815,9271,8952,2537,35327,428Total comprehensive income for the financial year--(595)2,3471,752Transactions with equity holders in their capacity as equity holders:Issue of shares (net of issue costs)4,829---4,829Dividends paid---(3,691)(3,691)Dividend reinvestment plan (net of issue costs)1,099---1,099Other equity movements:Share based payments1-39-40(Purchase)/sale and vesting of treasury shares(31)---(31)As at 30 June 200921,8251,8951,6976,00931,426Total comprehensive income for the financial year--2255,5515,776Transactions with equity holders in their capacity as equity holders:Dividends paid---(3,587)(3,587)Dividend reinvestment plan (net of issue costs)1,457---1,457Other equity movements:Share based payments2-125-127Sale/(purchase) and vesting of treasury shares95---95Other changes---(93)(93)As at 30 June 201023,3791,8952,0477,88035,201Group201020092008NoteDividends per share attributable to shareholders of the Bank:Ordinary shares6290228266Trust preferred securities6,7158,1426,850Cents per share 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Statements of Cash Flows (1) 

For the year ended 30 June 2010 

Financial Statements 

(1) It should be noted that the Group does not use these accounting Statements of Cash Flows in the internal management of its liquidity positions. 
(2) Represents gross premiums and policy payments before splitting between policyholders and shareholders. 

The above Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     99 

GroupBank20102009200820102009Note$M$M$M$M$MCash Flows from Operating ActivitiesInterest received31,66331,74529,46427,19728,380Interest paid(19,387)(20,986)(20,786)(17,625)(20,254)Other operating income received5,5735,5515,3143,1813,371Expenses paid(7,766)(7,334)(6,882)(4,988)(5,028)Income taxes paid(2,022)(2,043)(1,905)(1,628)(1,938)Net (increase)/decrease in assets at fair value through Income Statement (excluding life insurance)(2,466)4,864(990)(3,962)4,705Net increase/(decrease) in liabilities at fair value through Income Statement:Life insurance:Investment income335275509--Premiums received (2)2,0942,0632,304--Policy payments (2)(3,901)(3,144)(3,789)--Other liabilities at fair value through Income Statement(1,200)2878101,260405Cash flows from operating activities beforechanges in operating assets and liabilities2,92311,2784,0493,4359,641Changes in operating assets and liabilities arising from cash flow movementsMovement in available-for-sale investments:Purchases(60,021)(37,200)(35,113)(36,325)(59,909)Proceeds from sale4,1074,9966104,0954,996Proceeds at or close to maturity44,20122,18931,97426,63522,049Net change in deposits with regulatory authorities-25132(2)Net (increase) in loans, bills discounted and other receivables(28,999)(52,878)(51,570)(25,159)(48,392)Net decrease/(increase) in receivables due from otherfinancial institutions not at call2,725(5,575)(2,621)2,641(3,959)Net decrease/(increase) in securities purchased underagreements to resell776(507)634751363Life insurance business:Purchase of insurance assets at fair value through Income Statement(5,660)(11,950)(8,719)--Proceeds from sale/maturity of insurance assets at fair value through Income Statement    fair value through Income Statement8,38414,47811,159--Net increase in deposits and other public borrowings8,85247,39449,6035,32157,471Net proceeds from issuance of debt securities30,12810,253(4,816)43,0426,754Net (decrease)/increase in payables due to other financial institutions not at call(1,157)(8,012)4,486(1,112)(5,641)Net (decrease)/increase in securities sold underagreements to repurchase(2,814)6,985(1,764)(2,650)6,824Changes in operating assets and liabilities arising from cash flow movements522(9,802)(6,124)17,241(19,446)Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities46(a) 3,4451,476(2,075)20,676(9,805)Cash Flows from Investing ActivitiesPayments for acquisition of controlled entities46(e) -(1,741)(241)-(2,101)Proceeds from disposal of controlled entities46(c) (11)-244-Proceeds from disposal of entities and businesses (net of cash disposals)(22)----Dividends received7176391,648863Net amounts received from/(paid to) controlled entities---(23,823)11,833Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment70914616Purchases of property, plant and equipment(293)(987)(482)(230)(499)Payments for acquistions of investments in associates/joint ventures(414)(144)-(396)(144)Purchase of intangible assets(454)(405)(226)(427)(369)Sale/(purchase) of assets held for sale 542(22)766346(23)Net decrease/(increase) in other assets254(77)(24)193(180)Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities(257)(3,291)(152)(22,584)9,386 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Statements 

Statements of Cash Flows (1) 

For the year ended 30 June 2010 

(1) It should be noted that the Group does not use these accounting Statements of Cash Flows in the internal management of its liquidity positions. 

(2) Includes $98 million allocated to participants under the Dividend Reinvestments plan in the year ended 30 June 2008. 

The above Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

100 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupBank20102009200820102009Note$M$M$M$M$MCash Flows from Financing ActivitiesProceeds from issue of shares (net of issue costs)24,830324,830Dividends paid (excluding Dividend Reinvestment Plan) (2)(2,149)(2,620)(2,351)(2,119)(2,580)Net movement in other liabilities(240)3445531,3091,956Net (purchase) /sale of treasury shares(20)(14)(9)95(31)Issue of loan capital3,7075002,0913,707500Redemption of loan capital(1,760)(1,250)(7)(1,760)(1,250)Other3(54)12828493Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities(457)1,7364081,5183,518Net increase/(decrease) in cash equivalents2,731(79)(1,819)(390)3,099Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 2,1862,2654,0843,436337Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 46(b) 4,9172,1862,2653,0463,436 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies  

Comparatives 

The  Financial  Statements  of  the  Commonwealth  Bank  of 
Australia  (“the  Bank”)  and  the  Bank  and  its  subsidiaries  (“the 
Group”) for the  year  ended  30 June  2010,  were  approved  and 
authorised  for  issue  by  the  Board  of  Directors  on  11  August 
2010. 

The  Bank  is  incorporated  and  domiciled  in  Australia.  It  is  a 
company  limited  by  shares  that  are  publicly  traded  on  the 
Australian  Securities  Exchange.  The  address  of  its  registered 
office  is  Ground  Floor,  Tower  1,  201  Sussex  Street,  Sydney, 
NSW 2000, Australia. 

The  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. 

(a) Bases of Accounting 

This  general  purpose  Financial  Report  for  the  year  ended  30 
June  2010  has  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  Australian 
Accounting  Standards  (“AIFRS”)  and  the  requirements  of  the 
Corporations Act 2001. 

The basis of the AIFRS standards is the International Financial 
Reporting  Standards  (“IFRS”)  as  issued  by  the  International 
Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). As a result of complying 
with AIFRS, the Group Financial Statements comply with IFRS, 
and  interpretations  as  issued  by  the  International  Financial 
Reporting Interpretations Committee (“IFRIC”). 

requires  management 

The preparation of the Annual Financial Report conforming with 
AIFRS 
to  make  estimates  and 
assumptions  that  affect  the  amounts  reported  in  the  Financial 
Statements  and  accompanying  notes.  Further  information  is 
included in Note 1 (ii) Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates. 

The  use  of  available  information  and  the  application  of 
judgement  are  inherent  in  the  formation  of  estimates.  Actual 
results could differ from these estimates.  

(b) Basis of Preparation 

The  principal  accounting  policies  adopted  in  the  preparation  of 
this financial report and that of the previous financial year are set 
out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all 
the periods presented, unless otherwise stated. 

This financial report is a general purpose financial report which 
has  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  Australian  Accounting 
Standards (which includes Australian Interpretations by virtue of 
AASB 1048 Interpretation and Application of Standards) and the 
Corporations Act 2001. 

Historical Cost Convention 

This financial report has been prepared under the historical cost 
convention,  as  modified  by  the  revaluation  of  investment 
securities  available  for  sale  and  certain  other  assets  and 
liabilities (including derivative instruments) at fair value. 

Use of Estimates and Assumptions 

The  preparation  of  the  financial  report  requires  the  use  of 
management judgement, estimates and assumptions that affect 
reported amounts and the application of policies. The estimates 
and associated assumptions are based on historical experience 
and  various  other  factors  that  are  believed  to  be  reasonable. 
Actual results may differ from these estimates. Discussion of the 
critical  accounting 
include  complex  or 
subjective decisions or assessments, are covered in note 1 (ii). 
Such estimates may require review in future periods. 

treatments,  which 

Where necessary, comparative information has been restated to 
conform with changes in presentation in the current year. 

Rounding of Amounts 

The Bank is of a kind referred to in ASIC Class Order 98/0100 
(as  amended),  relating  to  the  rounding  off  of  amounts  in  the 
financial  report.  Amounts  in  the  financial  report  have  been 
rounded off in accordance with that Class Order to the nearest 
million dollars unless otherwise indicated. 

The Financial Report is presented in Australian dollars. 

Segment Reporting 

Operating  segments  are  reported  based  on  the  Group‟s 
organisational and management structures. Senior management 
review  the  Group‟s  internal  reporting  based  around  these 
segments 
to  assess  performance  and  allocate 
resources.  

in  order 

All transactions  between segments  are conducted on  an  arm‟s 
length  basis,  with  intra-segment  revenue  and  costs  being 
eliminated in “Other”.  

During the year, the Group restructured the former International 
Financial  Services  segment  which  incorporated  the  results  of 
ASB Bank, Sovereign, Fiji and Asian businesses. This led to the 
formation of:  

New  Zealand  incorporating  ASB  Bank  and  Sovereign 
businesses; and  

Asia  incorporating  the  majority  of  the  Group‟s  Asian 
businesses.  

On  the  grounds  of  materiality,  disclosures  with  respect  to  Asia 
have  been  combined  with  the  “Other”  segment.  Comparatives 
have been restated accordingly.  

Changes in Accounting Policies 

The Group has continued to apply the accounting policies used 
for the 2009 Annual Report and has adopted the following: 

AASB  101  „Presentation  of  Financial  Statements‟  (revised 
September 2007) and AASB 2007-8 and 2007-10 „Amendments 
arise in from the revisions to AASB 101  - the revised standard 
does  not impact the  financial  position  or results of  the Bank  or 
the  Group.  It  does,  however,  result  in  certain  presentational 
changes in the Financial Statements, including: 

presentation  of  all  items  of  income  and  expense  in  the 
“Consolidated Income Statement”, 
in  a 
presentation  of  non-owner  changes 
“Consolidated  Statement  of  Comprehensive  Income”  that 
replaces  the  “Consolidated  Statement  of  Recognised 
Income and Expense”, and  

in  equity 

presentation  of  a  “Consolidated  Statement  of  Changes  in 
Equity” as a primary statement, showing owner changes in 
equity. 

„Business  Combinations 

AASB  3 
(revised)‟,  AASB  127 
„Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements‟, AASB 2008-
3 „Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from 
AASB  3  and  AASB  127  -  the  revised  standards,  applied 
prospectively  from  1  July  2009  changes  certain  aspects  of 
accounting for business combinations including: 

Transaction costs associated with a business combination 
are  immediately  expensed,  unless  the  cost  relates  to 
issuing debt or equity securities; and 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     101 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

Contingent  consideration  is  recognised  at  its  fair  value  at 
acquisition date and classified as a liability or equity. If the 
contingent  consideration 
liability, 
subsequent changes in that liability are recognised in profit 
or  loss.  If  classified  as  equity,  it  is  not  remeasured  in 
subsequent periods. 

is  classified  as  a 

AASB 2009-2 „Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards 
–  Improving  Disclosures  about  Financial  Instruments‟  –  the 
amendment  has  lead  to  additional  disclosures  around  financial 
instruments measured at fair value and liquidity risk.  

AASB 2008-7 „Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards 
– Cost of an Investment in a Subsidiary, Jointly Controlled Entity 
or  Associate‟  –  the  amendment  removes  the  requirement  to 
deduct dividends declared out of pre-acquisition profits from the 
cost of an investment in a subsidiary, jointly controlled entity or 
associate. 

The following amendments to Australian Accounting Standards 
adopted  during  the  year  are  of  a  technical  or  clarifying  nature 
and do not have a material impact on the Bank or the Group: 

AASB  2008-1  „Amendments  to  Australian  Accounting 
Standard  –  Share-based  Payments:  Vesting  Conditions 
and Cancellations‟; 
AASB  2009-6  „Amendments  to  Australian  Accounting 
Standards‟; 
AASB 123 „Borrowing Costs (revised)‟; 
AASB  2009-4,  2008-6  and  2008-5  „Amendments  arising 
from the first annual improvements project‟; and 
AASB  2008-8  „Amendments  to  Australian  Accounting 
Standards – Eligible Hedged Items‟. 

for 
Financial  assets  which  meet 
classification  at  amortised  cost  are  optionally  permitted  to 
be measured at fair value if that eliminates or significantly 
reduces an accounting mismatch. 

requirements 

the 

Aspects  of  financial  instrument  accounting  which  will  be 
addressed in future phases of the project include the accounting 
for  financial  liabilities,  impairment  of  amortised  cost  financial 
assets and hedge accounting. 

The Group is assessing the impacts of the first phase, as well as 
following developments in the future phases. 

(c) Principles of Consolidation 

Subsidiaries 

The consolidated financial report comprises the financial report 
of  the  Bank  and  its  subsidiaries.  Subsidiaries  are  all  those 
entities (including special purpose entities) over which the Bank 
has the power to govern directly or indirectly decision-making in 
relation to financial and operating policies, so as to require that 
entity  to  conform  with  the  Bank‟s  objectives.  The  effects  of  all 
transactions  between  entities  in  the  consolidated  entity  are 
eliminated  in  full.  Non-controlling  interests  in  the  results  and 
equity of subsidiaries, where the Parent owns less than 100 per 
cent  of  the  issued  capital,  are  shown  separately  in  the 
consolidated  Income  Statement  and  consolidated  Balance 
Sheet, respectively. 

Where  control  of  an  entity  was  obtained  during  the  financial 
year, its results have been included in the consolidated Income 
Statement from  the  date  on  which  control commenced. Where 
control  of  an  entity ceased  during the financial  year,  its  results 
are  included  for  that  part  of  the  financial  year  during  which 
control existed. 

Future Accounting Developments 

Impairment of Subsidiaries 

Investments  in  subsidiaries  are  tested  annually for  impairment, 
or  more  frequently  if  events  or  changes  in  circumstances 
indicate  that  the  carrying  amount  may  not  be  recoverable.  An 
impairment  loss  is  recognised  for  the  amount  by  which  the 
investments  carrying  amount  exceeds  its  recoverable  amount 
(which is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in 
use).  At  each  Balance  Sheet  date, 
in 
subsidiaries that have been impaired are reviewed for possible 
reversal of the impairment. 

investments 

the 

Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures Accounted for 
Using the Equity Method 

Associates  and  joint  ventures  are  entities  over  which  the 
consolidated  entity  has significant  influence  or joint  control,  but 
not control, and are accounted for under the equity method. The 
equity  method  of  accounting  is  applied  in  the  consolidated 
financial report and involves the recognition of the consolidated 
entity‟s  share  of  its  associates‟  and  joint  ventures‟  post-
acquisition  profits  or  losses  in  the  Income  Statement,  and  its 
share  of  post  acquisition  movements  in  other  comprehensive 
income. 

(d) Revenue Recognition 

Revenue  is  measured  at  the  fair  value  of  the  consideration 
received  or  receivable.  Revenue  is  recognised  for  each  major 
revenue stream as follows: 

The following standards and amendments to existing standards 
have  been  published  and  are  mandatory  for  the  Group‟s 
accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2010 or later 
periods, but have not been adopted. They are not expected to 
result in significant changes to the Group‟s accounting policies. 

AASB  2009-8  „Amendments  to  group  cash-settled  share-
based payments‟; and 

AASB  2009-5  „Further  amendments  arising  from  the 
second annual improvements project‟. 

AASB 9 „Financial Instruments: Classification and Measurement‟ 
was published on 12 November 2009. It is the first phase of a 
project  to  replace  AASB  139  and  will  ultimately  result  in 
fundamental  changes  in  the  way  that  the  Group  accounts  for 
financial instruments. 

Adoption  of  the  standard  is  not  mandatory  until  accounting 
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013 but early adoption 
is permitted.  The main changes from AASB 139 include: 

All  financial  assets,  except  for  certain  equity  investments, 
will be classified into two categories: 
-  amortised cost, where they generate solely payments 
of interest and principal and the business model is to 
collect contractual cash flows that represent principal 
and interest; or 

-  fair value through Income Statement. 

Certain non-trading equity investments would be classified at fair 
value  through  Income  Statement  or  fair  value  through  other 
comprehensive income with dividends recognised in net income. 

Embedded  derivatives  will  no  longer  be  considered  for 
bifurcation but included in the assessment of cash flows for 
the classification of the financial asset as a whole.  

102 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

Interest Income 

Interest income is brought to account using the effective interest 
method. The effective interest method calculates the amortised 
cost of a financial instrument and allocates the interest income 
or  interest  expense  over  the  relevant  period.  The  effective 
interest  rate  is  the  rate  that  discounts  estimated  future  cash 
payments  or  receipts  through  the  expected  life  of  the  financial 
instrument  or,  when  appropriate,  a  shorter  period,  to  the  net 
carrying  amount  of  the  financial  asset  or  liability.  Fees  and 
transaction  costs  associated  with  loans  are  capitalised  and 
included  in  the  effective  interest  rate  and  recognised  in  the 
Income  Statement  over  the  expected  life  of  the  instrument. 
Interest  income  on  finance  leases  is  brought  to  account 
progressively  over  the  life  of  the  lease  consistent  with  the 
outstanding investment balance. 

Fee and Commission Income 

Fees and commission income and expense that are integral to 
the  effective  interest  rate  on  a  financial  asset  or  liability  are 
capitalised  and  included  in  the  effective  interest  rate  and 
recognised in the Income Statement over the expected life of the 
instrument. 

Commitment  fees  to  originate  a  loan  which  is  unlikely  to  be 
drawn  down  are  recognised  as  fee  income  as  the  service  is 
provided.  

Fees  and  commissions  that  relate  to  the  execution  of  a 
significant  act  (for  example,  advisory  or  arrangement  services, 
placement fees and underwriting fees) are recognised when the 
significant act has been completed. Fees charged for providing 
ongoing  services  (for  example,  maintaining  and  administering 
existing facilities) are recognised as income over the period the 
service is provided. 

Other Income 

Trading income is recognised when earned based on changes 
in fair value of financial instruments and is recorded from trade 
date.  

(e) Foreign Currency Translation 

Functional and Presentation Currency 

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group‟s 
entities  are  measured  using  the  currency  of  the  primary 
economic  environment  in  which  the  entity  operates  (the 
functional  currency).  The  consolidated  financial  statements  are 
presented  in  Australian  dollars,  which  is  the  Bank‟s  functional 
and presentation currency. 

Foreign Currency Transactions  

Foreign  currency  transactions  are  translated  into  the  functional 
currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the 
transactions. 

Monetary  assets  and  liabilities  resulting  from  foreign  currency 
transactions  are  subsequently  translated  at  the  spot  rate  at 
reporting date. 

Exchange  differences  arising  on  the  settlement  of  monetary 
items or on translating monetary items at rates different to those 
at which they were initially recognised or included in a previous 
financial report, are recognised in the Income Statement in the 
period in which they arise. 

Translation  differences  on  non-monetary 
items,  such  as 
derivatives  measured  at  fair  value  through  Income  Statement, 
are reported as part of the fair value gain or loss on these items. 
Translation differences on non-monetary items measured at fair 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

value through equity, such as equities classified as available-for-
sale  financial  assets,  are  included  in  the  available-for-sale 
reserve in equity.  

Foreign Operations 

The  results  and  financial position of  all Group  entities  (none  of 
which  has  the  currency  of  a  hyperinflationary  economy),  that 
the  Group‟s 
have  a 
presentation  currency,  are 
the  Group‟s 
presentation currency as follows: 

functional  currency  different 
translated 

from 
into 

liabilities  of  each 

foreign  operation  are 
assets  and 
translated at the rates of exchange ruling at Balance Sheet 
date; 
revenue  and  expenses  of  each  foreign  operation  are 
translated  at  the  average  exchange  rate  for  the  period, 
unless  this  average  is  not  a  reasonable  approximation  of 
the  rate  prevailing  on  transaction  date,  in  which  case 
revenue and expenses are translated at the exchange rate 
ruling at transaction date; and 
all  resulting  exchange  differences  are  recognised  in  the 
foreign currency translation reserve. 

When a foreign operation is disposed, exchange differences are 
recognised in the Income Statement as part of the gain or loss 
on sale. 

(f) Cash and Liquid Assets 

Cash  and  liquid  assets  includes  cash  at  branches,  cash  at 
banks,  nostro  balances,  money  at  short  call  with  an  original 
maturity  of  three  months  or  less  and  securities  held  under 
reverse  repurchase  agreements.  They  are  measured  at  face 
value or the gross value of the outstanding balance. Interest is 
recognised in the Income Statement using the effective interest 
method. 

For  the  purposes  of  the  Statements  of  Cash  Flows,  cash 
includes  cash,  money  at  short  call,  at  call  deposits  with  other 
financial institutions and settlement account balances with other 
banks. 

(g) Receivables From Other Financial Institutions 

Receivables  from  other  financial  institutions  include  loans, 
deposits  with  regulatory  authorities  and  settlement  account 
balances  due  from  other  banks.  They  are  measured  at 
amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. 

(h) Financial Instruments 

Financial Assets 

The  accounting  policy  for  each  class  of  financial  instrument  is 
detailed below.  

The  Group  classifies  its  financial  assets  in  the  following 
categories:  financial  assets  at  fair  value  through  Income 
loans  and  receivables,  and 
Statement,  derivative  assets, 
available-for-sale  investments.  Management  determines  the 
classification of its financial assets at initial recognition. 

Purchases  and  sales  of  financial  assets  at  fair  value  through 
Income  Statement,  and  available-for-sale  are  recognised  on 
trade-date, the date on which the Group commits to purchase or 
sell the asset. Loans are recognised when cash is advanced to 
the  borrowers.  Financial  assets  at  fair  value  through  Income 
Statement are recognised initially at fair value. 

All other financial assets are recognised initially at fair value plus 
directly  attributable  transaction  costs.  Financial  assets  are 
derecognised  when  the  rights  to  receive  cash  flows  from  the 
financial  assets  have  expired  or  where 
the  Group  has 
transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     103 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued)  

The Group has no held to maturity investments. 

Financial Liabilities 

The  Group  classifies  its  financial  liabilities  in  the  following 
categories:  liabilities  at  fair  value  through  Income  Statement, 
liabilities at amortised cost and derivative liabilities. 

Financial  liabilities  are  initially  recognised  at  fair  value  less 
transaction costs except where they are designated at fair value, 
in which case transaction costs are expensed as incurred. They 
are  subsequently  measured  at  amortised  cost  except  for 
derivatives and liabilities at fair value, which are held at fair value 
through  Income  Statement.  Financial  liabilities  are  recognised 
when  an  obligation  arises  and  derecognised  when  it  is 
discharged. 

A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation under the 
liability is discharged or cancelled or expires. Where an existing 
financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on 
substantially  different terms,  or the  terms  of  an  existing  liability 
are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is 
treated  as  a  derecognition  of  the  original  liability  and  the 
recognition of a new liability, and the difference in the respective 
carrying amounts is recognised in Income Statement. 

Offsetting  

Financial assets and liabilities are offset where there is a legally 
enforceable right to set off, and there is an intention to settle on 
a  net  basis  or  to  realise  the  asset  and  settle  the  liability 
simultaneously. 

Recognition of Deferred Day One Profit or Loss 

The  best  evidence  of  fair  value  at  initial  recognition  is  the 
transaction  price,  unless  the  fair  value  of  that  instrument  is 
evidenced by comparison with other observable current market 
transactions  in  the  same  instrument,  or  based  on  a  valuation 
technique  whose  variables  include  only  data  from  observable 
markets. 

into 

fair  value 

transactions  where 

The  Group  enters 
is 
determined  using  valuation  models  for  which  not  all  inputs  are 
market observable prices or rates. Such a financial instrument is 
initially  recognised  at  the  transaction  price  which  is  the  best 
indicator  of  fair  value,  although  the  value  obtained  from  the 
relevant valuation model may differ. The difference between the 
transaction price and the model value , commonly referred to as 
„day one profit or loss‟, is not recognised immediately in profit or 
loss. 

The  timing  of  recognition  of  deferred  day  one  profit  or  loss  is 
determined individually. It is either amortised over the life of the 
transaction,  deferred  until  the  instrument‟s  fair  value  can  be 
determined using market observable inputs, or realised through 
settlement.  The  financial  instrument  is  subsequently  measured 
at  fair  value,  adjusted  for  the  deferred  day  one  profit  or  loss. 
Subsequent changes in fair value are recognised immediately in 
the  Income  Statement  without  reversal  of  deferred  day  one 
profits or losses.  

Derecognition of Financial Assets 

Financial assets are derecognised either when sold, or when the 
rights  to  receive  cash  flows  from  the  financial  assets  have 
expired  or  have  been  transferred,  or  when  the  Group  has 
transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership. 
In transactions where substantially all the risks and rewards are 
neither retained nor transferred, the Group derecognises assets 
when  control  is  no  longer  retained,  or  when  control  is  retained 

104 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

the assets are recognised to the extent of the Group‟s continuing 
involvement. 

(i) Assets at Fair Value Through Income Statement 

Assets classified at fair value through Income Statement include 
assets  held  for  trading  and  assets  that  upon  initial  recognition 
are  designated  by  the  Group  as  at  fair  value  through  Income 
Statement.  Designation  is  made  when  it  reduces  significant 
accounting  mismatches  between  assets  and  related  liabilities, 
the  group  of 
their 
performance  is  evaluated  on  a  fair  value  basis,  or  where  the 
asset is a contract which contains an embedded derivative.  

financial  assets  are  managed  and 

These  assets  are  recognised  on  trade  date  at  fair  value  with 
transaction  costs  including  brokerage,  commissions  and  fees 
expensed  through the  Income Statement.  Subsequent  to  initial 
recognition,  where  an  active  market  exists  fair  value  is 
measured using quoted market bid prices. In a trading portfolio 
with offsetting risk positions, quoted mid prices, where available 
are used to measure fair value.  

Non  market  quoted  assets  are  valued  using  valuation 
techniques  based  on  market  observable  inputs.  In  a  limited 
number  of  instances  valuation  techniques  are  based  on  non-
market observable inputs.  

Subsequent  to  initial  recognition  changes  in  fair  value  are 
recognised  in  other  operating  income.  Dividends  earned  are 
recorded in other operating income. Interest earned is recorded 
within net interest earnings using the effective interest method. 

In addition the Group measures bills discounted intended to be 
sold  into  the  market  at  fair  value,  which  are  classified  within 
loans, bills discounted and other receivables. 

Assets  classified  at  fair  value  through  Income  Statement  are 
further  classified  into  three  subcategories:  Trading,  Insurance 
and Other. 

Trading 

Trading  assets  are  debt  and  equity  securities  that  are  actively 
traded. 

Insurance 

Insurance  assets  are  investments  that  back  life  insurance 
contracts and life investment contracts.  

Other 

Other investments include financial assets which the Group has 
designated  as  at  fair  value  through  Income  Statement  at 
inception to eliminate an accounting mismatch.  

(j) Available-for-Sale Investments 

Available-for-sale  investments  are  public  and  other  debt  and 
equity  securities that  are  not  classified  as  at  fair  value  through 
Income Statement, or as loans and receivables.  

including 

transaction  costs.  Subsequent 

Available-for-sale  investments  are  initially  recognised  at  fair 
value 
initial 
recognition,  where  an  active  market  exists  fair  value  is 
measured  using  quoted  market  bid  prices.  Quoted  mid  prices, 
where  available,  are  used  to  measure  fair  value  in  a  portfolio 
with offsetting risk positions. 

to 

Non-market  quoted  instruments  are  valued  using  valuation 
techniques, based on observable inputs. In a limited number of 
instances  valuation  techniques  are  not  based  on  observable 
market data. 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

Assets Acquired Through Securities Enforcement (AATSE) 

investments  whose 

Equity 
fair  value  cannot  be  reliably 
measured  are  valued  at  cost.  Gains  and  losses  arising  from 
changes  in  fair  value  are  recognised  in  the  Available-for-sale 
investments reserve within equity net of applicable income taxes 
until such investments are sold, collected, otherwise disposed of, 
or  become  impaired.  Interest,  premiums  and  dividends  are 
reflected in income when earned. 

Available-for-sale  investments  are  tested  for  impairment  in  line 
with Note 1 (n) Provisions for impairment. 

Upon  disposal  or  impairment,  the  accumulated  change  in  fair 
value  within  the  Available-for-sale  investments  reserve  is 
transferred  to  the  Income  Statement  and  reported  within  other 
operating income. 

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 an individually assessed provision or written off. 
AATSE  are  further  classified  as  Other  Real  Estate  Owned  or 
Other  Assets  Acquired  Through  Security  Enforcement  and 
classified in the appropriate asset classifications in the Balance 
Sheet. 

Impairment of Loans, Bills Discounted and Other 
Receivables 

The  Group  has  individually  assessed  and  collective  provisions 
for impairment as explained in Note 1 (n). 

(k) Repurchase Agreements 

(m) Leases 

Securities  sold  under  agreements  to  repurchase  are  retained 
within the Available-for-sale investments or Assets at fair value 
Income  Statement  categories  and  accounted  for 
through 
accordingly.  

A  liability  is  recognised  within  deposits  in  respect  of  the 
obligation 
reverse 
repurchase  agreements  are  recorded  within  Cash  and  liquid 
assets.  

repurchase.  Securities  held  under 

to 

(l) Loans, Bills Discounted and Other Receivables 

Loans, bills discounted and other receivables are non-derivative 
financial  assets  with fixed  and  determinable payments that  are 
not quoted in an active market. They are measured at amortised 
cost, with the exception of bills discounted, which are measured 
at fair value.  

Loans, bills discounted and other receivables include overdrafts, 
home loans, credit card and other personal lending, term loans, 
bill  financing,  redeemable  preference  shares,  securities  and 
finance  leases.  Initially  recognised  at  fair  value  including  direct 
and  incremental  transaction  costs,  loans  and  receivables  are 
subsequently  measured  at  amortised  cost  using  the  effective 
interest  method  and  are  presented  net  of  provisions  for 
impairment. Bills discounted (bank acceptances) intended to be 
sold into the market are measured at fair value until sold. 

Non-Performing Facilities 

Individual  provisions  for  impairment  are  recognised  to  reduce 
the  carrying  amount  of  loans,  bills  discounted  and  other 
receivables to their estimated recoverable amounts. Individually 
significant  provisions  are  calculated  based  on  discounted  cash 
flows. 

The  unwinding  of  the  discount  from  initial  recognition  of 
impairment  through  to  recovery  of  the  written  down  amount  is 
recognised as interest income. In subsequent periods, interest in 
arrears/due  on  non-performing  facilities  is  recognised  in  the 
Income Statement using the interest rate used for the purpose of 
measuring the impairment of the asset.  

Restructured Facilities 

When the original contractual terms of facilities (primarily loans) 
are modified, the accounts become classified as restructured.  

Such accounts continue to accrue interest as long as the facility 
is  performing  in  accordance  with  the  restructured  terms.  If 
performance  is  not  maintained,  or  collection  of  interest  and/or 
principal  is  no  longer  probable,  the  account  will  be  returned  to 
the non-performing classification. Facilities are generally kept as 
non-performing until they are returned to a performing basis. 

When  the  Group  is  a  lessor  leases  are  classified  as  either 
finance  leases  or  operating  leases.  Under  a  finance  lease, 
substantially  all  the  risks  and  rewards  incidental  to  legal 
ownership are transferred to the lessee. In contrast, an operating 
lease exists where the leased assets are allocated to the lessor. 

In its capacity as a lessor, the Group recognises the assets held 
under finance lease in the Balance Sheet as loans at an amount 
equal to the net investment in the lease.  

The  recognition  of  finance  income  is  based  on  a  pattern 
reflecting  a  constant  periodic  return  on  the  Group‟s  net 
investment  in  the  finance  leases.  Finance  lease  income  is 
included within interest income in the Income Statement. 

In its capacity as a lessor, the Group recognises the assets held 
under  operating  lease  in  the  Balance  Sheet  as  property,  plant 
and equipment and depreciates the assets accordingly. 

Operating 
Statement on a straight line basis over the lease term. 

leases  revenue 

is  recognised 

in 

the 

Income 

When the Group is a lessee it engages in operating leases for 
which rental expense is recognised on a straight line basis over 
the lease term. 

(n) Provisions for Impairment 

Financial Assets  

Financial  assets,  excluding  derivative  assets  and  assets  at  fair 
value through Income Statement, are reviewed at each Balance 
Sheet date to determine whether there is objective evidence of 
impairment.  A  financial  asset  or  portfolio  of  financial  assets  is 
impaired and impairment losses are incurred if, and only if, there 
is  objective  evidence  of  impairment  as a  result  of  one  or more 
loss events that occurred after the initial recognition of the asset 
and prior to the Balance Sheet date ('a loss event') and that loss 
event or events has had an impact on the estimated future cash 
flows  of  the  financial  asset  or  the  portfolio  that  can  be  reliably 
estimated.  If  any  such  indication  exists,  the  asset's  carrying 
amount  is  written  down  to  the  asset's  estimated  recoverable 
amount.  

Loans, Bills Discounted and Other Receivables  

The Group assesses at each balance date whether there is any 
objective evidence of impairment. If there is objective evidence 
that  an  impairment  loss  on  loans,  bills  discounted  and  other 
receivables  has  been  incurred,  the  amount  of  the  loss  is 
measured  as  the  difference  between  the  asset's  carrying 
amount and the present value of the expected future cash flows 
(excluding  future  credit  losses  that  have  not  been  incurred), 
discounted at the financial asset's original effective interest rate. 
Short-term balances are not discounted.  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     105 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

Off-Balance Sheet Items 

Guarantees and other contingent liabilities are accounted for as 
off  balance  sheet  items.  Provisioning  for  these  exposures  is 
calculated under AASB 137 – „Provisions, Contingent Liabilities 
and Contingent Assets‟. 

The  receivable  for  an  off  balance  sheet  item  only  crystallises 
when the facility is drawn upon.  Therefore, generally it will not 
be  appropriate  to  provision  for  these  assets  under  an  incurred 
loss  model.    However,  the  Group  has  determined  that  it  is 
appropriate to include these assets in an impairment calculation 
where a customer has been downgraded.  A risk rated model is 
used  to  calculate  these  provisions  (e.g.  Collective  Provision  = 
Probability of Default (PD) x Loss Given Default x Exposure At 
Default). The PD is based on the remaining life of the exposure, 
capped at 5 years. 

These provisions are disclosed as other liabilities as there are no 
on balance sheet assets to offset these provisions against. 

(o) Bank Acceptances of Customers 

The exposure arising from the acceptance of bills of exchange 
that are sold into the market is recognised 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 
recognised in the Income Statement when earned. 

(p) Shares in and loans to controlled entities 

Investments  in  controlled  entities  are  initially  recorded  at  cost 
and  subsequently  held  at  the  lower  of  cost  and  recoverable 
amount.  

(q) Assets Classified as Held for Sale 

Assets  are  classified  as  held  for  sale  when  their  carrying 
amounts are expected to be recovered principally through sale 
within  12  months.  They  are  measured  at  the  lower  of  carrying 
amount and fair value less costs to sell unless the nature of the 
assets  requires 
line  with  another 
accounting standard. 

they  be  measured 

in 

Assets  classified  as  held  for  sale  are  neither  amortised  nor 
depreciated.  

(r) Property, Plant and Equipment 

The Group measures its property assets (land and buildings) at 
fair value based on independent market valuations.  

Revaluation  adjustments  are  generally  reflected  in  the  Asset 
Revaluation  Reserve,  except  to  the  extent  they  reverse  a 
revaluation decrease of the same asset previously recognised in 
the  Income  Statement.  Gains  or  losses  on  disposals  are 
determined  as 
the  net  disposal 
proceeds, if any, and the carrying amount of the item. Realised 
amounts in the Asset Revaluation Reserve are transferred to the 
Capital Reserve. 

the  difference  between 

Equipment  is  measured  at  cost  less  accumulated  depreciation 
and  provision  for  impairment.  Depreciation  is  calculated  using 
the straight  line method to  allocate  the cost  of  assets less  any 
residual value over the estimated useful economic life as follows: 

Computer  software  is  capitalised  at  cost  and  classified  as 
Property,  Plant  and  Equipment  where  it  is  integral  to  the 
operation of associated hardware. 

impairment.  The  Group  has 

Loans  and  bills  discounted  are  presented  net  of  provisions  for 
loan 
Individually  Assessed 
provisions  and  Collectively  Assessed  provisions.  Individually 
assessed provisions are made against financial assets that are 
individually significant or which have been individually assessed 
as impaired.  

All  other  loans  and  advances  that  do  not  have  an  individually 
assessed  provision  are  assessed  collectively  for  impairment. 
Collective  provisions  are  maintained  to  reduce  the  carrying 
amount  of  portfolios  of  similar  loans  and  advances  to  their 
estimated recoverable amounts at the Balance Sheet date.  

The  expected  future  cash  flows  for  portfolios  of  assets  with 
similar  credit  risk  characteristics  are  estimated  on  the  basis  of 
historical  loss  experience.    Loss  experience  is  adjusted  on  the 
basis of current observable data to reflect the effects of current 
conditions  that  did  not  affect  the  period  on  which  the  loss 
experience is based and to remove the effects of conditions in 
the period that do not currently exist. Increases or decreases in 
the provision amount are recognised in the Income Statement. 

Available-for-Sale Investments  

The Group assesses at each Balance Sheet date whether there 
is  any  objective  evidence  of  impairment.  For  available-for-sale 
debt  securities  the  Group  uses  the  same  indicators  as  Loans, 
Bills  Discounted  and  Other  Receivables.  For  available-for-sale 
equity  securities  a  significant  or  prolonged  decline  in  the  fair 
value  below  the  cost  is  considered  in  determining  whether  the 
asset  is impaired.  If  any  such  evidence  exists  for  available-for-
sale securities cumulative  losses are  removed from  equity  and 
recognised in the Income Statement. If in a subsequent period 
the fair value of an available-for-sale debt security increases and 
the increase can be linked objectively to an event occurring after 
the  impairment  event,  the  impairment  is  reversed  through  the 
Income  Statement.  However,  impairment  losses  on  available-
for-sale  equity  securities  are  not  reversed  through  the  Income 
Statement. 

Goodwill and Other Non-Financial Assets 

Goodwill balances and intangible assets with an indefinite useful 
life  are  assessed  for  impairment  annually  or  more  regularly 
where  an  indication  of  impairment  exists.  Refer  to  Note  1(s) 
Intangibles 
intangibles 
for  more  details  on  goodwill  and 
impairment  testing.  If  any  such  indication  exists,  the  asset‟s 
carrying  amount  is  written  down  to  the  asset‟s  estimated 
recoverable  amount  and  the  loss  is  recognised  in  the  Income 
Statement in the period in which it occurs. 

The carrying amounts of the Group‟s other non-financial assets 
are reviewed at each Balance Sheet date to determine whether 
there  is  any  indication  of  impairment.  If  any  such  indication 
exists, the asset‟s recoverable amount is estimated. 

The recoverable amount of an asset or cash generating unit is 
the greater of the fair value less cost to sell, or value in use. An 
impairment loss is recognised whenever the carrying amount of 
an  asset  or  its  cash-generating  unit  exceeds  its  recoverable 
amount.  Impairment  losses  are  recognised  in  the  Income 
Statement.  

A previously recognised impairment loss (except for goodwill) is 
reversed  if  there  has  been  a  change  in  the  estimates  used  to 
determine the recoverable amount. However, the reversal is not 
to an amount higher than the carrying amount that would have 
been  determined,  net  of  amortisation  or  depreciation,  if  no 
impairment loss had been recognised in prior years. 

106 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued)  

Impairment 

The  useful  lives  of  major  depreciable  asset  categories  are  as 
follows: 

Buildings 

Fixtures and fittings 

Leasehold improvements 

Up to 30 years 

10 – 20 years 

Lesser of unexpired lease 
term or lives as above 

Furniture and Equipment 

3 - 8 years 

Depreciation  rates  and methods  are  kept  under  review  to  take 
account of any change in circumstances. 

No  depreciation  is  charged  on  freehold  land,  although,  in 
common  with  all  long-lived  assets,  it  is  subject  to  impairment 
testing, if deemed appropriate. 

Property,  plant  and  equipment  are  periodically  reviewed  for 
impairment.  Where  the  carrying  amount  of  an  asset  is  greater 
than  its  estimated  recoverable  amount,  it  is  written  down 
immediately  through  the  Income  Statement  to  its  recoverable 
amount. 

(s) Intangibles 

Goodwill 

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over 
the  fair  value  of  the  consolidated  entity‟s  share  of  the  net 
identifiable  assets  of  the  acquired  entity  at  the  date  of 
acquisition.  Goodwill  arising  from  business  combinations  is 
included in intangible assets on the face of the Balance Sheet. 
Goodwill arising from acquisitions of associates is included in the 
carrying amount of investments in associates.  

Computer Software Costs 

Certain internal and external costs directly incurred in acquiring 
and  developing  certain  software  are  capitalised  and  amortised 
over the estimated useful life, a period of three to twelve years.  

Costs  incurred  on  software  maintenance  are  expensed  as 
incurred.  

Core Deposits 

Core  deposits  intangibles  have  been  recognised  following  the 
acquisition  of  Bankwest  and  represent  the  value  of  a  deposit 
base acquired in a business combination. Initially recognised at 
fair value they are subsequently amortised over their estimated 
useful life of seven years. 

Brand Names 

Brand  names  are  recognised  when  acquired  in  a  business 
combination.    Initially  recognised  at  fair  value,  they  are 
considered  to  have  an  indefinite  useful  life  as  there  is  no 
foreseeable  limit  to  the  period  over  which  the  brand  name  is 
expected to generate net cash flows. 

Management Fee Rights 

Management fee rights are recognised when acquired as part of 
a business combination and are considered to have an indefinite 
useful  life  under  the  contractual  terms  of  the  management 
agreements. 

Other Intangibles 

Other 
lists.  
intangibles  predominantly  comprise  customer 
Customer  relationships  acquired  as  part  of  a  business 
combination  are  initially  measured  at  fair  value  at  the  date  of 
less 
acquisition  and  subsequently  measured  at  cost 
accumulated  amortisation  and  any 
losses. 
Amortisation is calculated based on the timing of projected cash 
flows of the relationships over their estimated useful lives. 

impairment 

Goodwill and intangible assets that have an indefinite useful life 
are  not  subject  to  amortisation  and  are  tested  annually  for 
impairment,  or  more  frequently  if  events  or  changes  in 
circumstances  indicate  that  the  carrying  amount  may  not  be 
recoverable.  All  definite  useful  life  intangibles  are  tested  for 
impairment should an event or change in circumstance indicate 
that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. 

An  impairment loss  is  recognised  for  the  amount  by  which the 
asset‟s  carrying  amount  exceeds  its  recoverable  amount.  The 
recoverable  amount  is  the  higher  of  the  asset‟s  fair  value  less 
costs  to  sell  and  value  in  use.  For  the  purposes  of  assessing 
impairment,  assets  are  grouped  at  the  lowest  levels  for  which 
there  are  separately  identifiable  cash  inflows  which  are  largely 
independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of 
assets  (cash-generating  units).  Intangible  assets  (other  than 
goodwill) that suffered an impairment are reviewed for possible 
reversal of the impairment at each reporting date. 

(t) Deposits From Customers  

Deposits  and  other  public  borrowings  includes  certificates  of 
deposits,  term  deposits,  savings  deposits,  other  demand 
deposits,  and  debentures.  They  are  initially  recognised  at  fair 
transaction  costs  and 
value 
subsequently  measured  at  amortised  cost.  Interest  and  yield 
related fees are recognised on an effective interest basis.  

including  directly  attributable 

(u) Payables to Other Financial Institutions 

Payables  to  other  financial  institutions  include  deposits,  vostro 
balances and settlement account balances due to other banks. 
Initially  they  are  recognised  at  fair  value  including  directly 
attributable transaction costs.  

They  are  subsequently  recognised  at  amortised  cost.  Interest 
and yield related fees are recognised using the effective interest 
method. 

(v) Liabilities at Fair Value Through Income Statement 

The  Group  designates  certain  liabilities  at  fair  value  through 
Income  Statement  on  origination  where  those  liabilities  are 
managed on a fair value basis or where the liabilities eliminate 
an  accounting  mismatch.  Initially  they  are  recognised  on  trade 
date  at  fair  value  with  transaction  costs  being  taken  directly  to 
the Income Statement. Subsequently they are measured at fair 
value using quoted market offer prices where an active market 
exists. Quoted mid prices, where available, are used to measure 
liabilities with offsetting risk positions in a portfolio at fair value. 

Non-market  quoted  instruments  are  valued  using  valuation 
techniques  based  on  observable  inputs  existing  at  reporting 
date. In a limited number of instances valuation techniques are 
based on non-market data. 

(w) Income Taxes 

Income  tax  on  the  profit  and  loss  for  the  period  comprises 
current and deferred tax.  

Income tax is recognised in the Income Statement, except to the 
extent  that  it  relates  to  items  recognised  directly  in  other 
comprehensive  income, in  which case it is  recognised  in  other 
comprehensive income. 

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income 
for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantially enacted at 
the Balance  Sheet  date,  and  any  adjustment to tax  payable  in 
respect of previous years. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     107 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method, 
providing 
the  carrying 
temporary  differences  between 
amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes 
and the amounts used for taxation purposes.  

for 

The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected 
manner  of  realisation  or  settlement  of  the  carrying  amount  of 
assets  and  liabilities,  using  tax  rates  enacted  or  substantially 
enacted at the Balance Sheet date which are expected to apply 
when  the  deferred  tax  asset  is  realised  or  the  deferred  tax 
liability is settled. 

A  deferred  tax  asset  is  recognised  only  to  the  extent  it  is 
probable  that  future  taxable  profits  will  be  available  against 
which the asset can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reduced 
to  the  extent  that  it  is  no  longer  probable  that  the  related  tax 
benefit will be realised. 

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia Tax Consolidated Group 
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.  In  addition  to  the 
Group  electing  to  be  taxed  as  a  single  entity  under  the  tax 
consolidation  regime,  the  measurement  and  disclosure  of 
deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities  has  been  performed  in 
accordance with the principles in AASB 112 „Income Taxes‟, and 
on  a  modified  stand  alone  basis  under  UIG  1052  „Tax 
Consolidation Accounting‟. 

Any  current  tax  liabilities/assets  (after  the  elimination  of  intra 
Group transactions) and deferred tax assets arising from unused 
tax losses assumed by the Bank from the subsidiaries in the tax 
consolidated  group  are  recognised  in  conjunction  with  any  tax 
funding arrangement amounts (refer below).  

Any  difference  between  these  amounts  is  recognised  by  the 
Bank  as  an  equity  contribution  to  or  distribution  from  the 
subsidiary. 

The  Bank  recognises  deferred  tax  assets  arising  from  unused 
tax  losses  of  the  tax-consolidated  group  to  the  extent  it  is 
probable that future taxable profits of the tax-consolidated group 
will be available against which the asset can be utilised.  

Any  subsequent  period  adjustments  to  deferred  tax  assets 
arising  from  unused  tax  losses  assumed  from  subsidiaries  are 
recognised by the Bank only. 

The members of the tax-consolidated group have entered into a 
tax funding arrangement which sets out the funding obligations 
of  members  of  the  tax-consolidated  group  in  respect  of  tax 
amounts.  

(x) Employee Benefits 

Annual Leave 

The  provision 
represents 
outstanding liability to employees at Balance date. 

for  annual 

leave 

Long Service Leave 

The provision for long service leave is discounted to the present 
value, is subject to actuarial review and is maintained at a level 
that accords with actuarial advice. 

Other Employee Benefits 

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

108 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

employee  incentives  under  employee  share  plans  and  bonus 
schemes. 

The Group engages in share-based remuneration in respect of 
services  received  from  certain  employees.  The  share  based 
remuneration  may  be  cash  settled  or  equity  settled.  The  fair 
value  of  equity settled  remuneration  is calculated  at  grant date 
and amortised to the Income Statement over the vesting period, 
with  a  corresponding  increase  in  the  Employee  Compensation 
Reserve. For these awards, market vesting conditions, such as 
share  price  performance  conditions,  are  taken  into  account 
when  estimating the fair  value.  Non–market  vesting conditions, 
such as service conditions, are taken into account by adjusting 
the  number  of 
the 
the  equity 
measurement of the expense.  

instruments 

included 

in 

Cash  settled  remuneration  is  recognised  as  a  liability  and 
remeasured  to  fair  value  until  settled,  with  changes  in  the  fair 
value recognised as an expense. 

Defined Benefit Superannuation Plans 

currently 

The  Group 
two  defined  benefit 
sponsors 
superannuation  plans  for  its  employees.  The  assets  and 
liabilities  of  these  plans  are  legally  held  in  separate  trustee-
administered  funds.  They  are  calculated  separately  for  each 
plan by assessing the fair value of plan assets and deducting the 
amount  of future  benefit that  employees  have  earned in  return 
for  their  service  in  current  and  prior  periods  discounted  to 
present  value.  The  discount  rate  is  the  yield  at  Balance  Sheet 
date  on  government  securities  which  have  terms  to  maturity 
approximating to the terms of the related liability.  

The  defined  benefit  superannuation  plan  surpluses  and/or 
deficits  are  calculated  by  fund  actuaries.  Contributions  to  all 
superannuation plans are made in accordance with the rules of 
the  plans.  As  the  Australian  plan  is  in  surplus,  no  funding  is 
currently necessary.  

Actuarial  gains  and 
to  defined  benefit 
superannuation  plans  are  directly  recorded  in  Retained  Profits 
through other comprehensive income. 

related 

losses 

The  net  surpluses  or  deficits  that  arise  within  defined  benefit 
superannuation  plans  are  recognised  and  disclosed  separately 
in Other assets or Bills payable and other liabilities. 

Defined Contribution Superannuation Plans 

The  Group  sponsors  a  number  of  defined  contribution 
superannuation plans. Certain plans permit employees to make 
contributions and earn matching or other contributions from the 
Group. The Group recognises contributions due in respect of the 
accounting  period  in  the  Income  Statement.  Any  contributions 
unpaid at the Balance Sheet date are included as a liability. 

(y) Provisions 

Provision for Dividends 

Provisions for Restructuring 

Provisions  for  restructuring  are  recognised  where  there  is  a 
detailed  formal  plan  for  restructure  and  a  demonstrated 
commitment to that plan. 

Provision for Self-Insurance 

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

the  current 

A  provision  for  dividend  payable  is  recognised  when  dividends 
are declared by the Directors. 

 
 
 
Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

(z) Debt Issues 

Debt  issues  are  short  and  long  term  debt  issues  of  the  Group 
including commercial paper, notes, term loans and medium term 
notes  issued  by  the  Group.  Commercial  paper,  floating,  fixed 
and  structured  debt  issues  are  recorded  at  cost  or  amortised 
cost using the effective interest method.  

Premiums,  discounts  and  associated  issue  expenses  are 
recognised in the Income Statement using the effective interest 
method, from the  date  of  issue, to  ensure that  securities  attain 
their redemption values by maturity date. 

Interest  is  recognised  in  the  Income  Statement  using  the 
effective  interest  method.  Any  profits  or  losses  arising  from 
redemption prior to maturity are taken to the Income Statement 
in the period in which they are realised. 

Where the Group has designated debt instruments at fair value 
through  Income  Statement,  the  changes  in  fair  value  are 
recognised in the Income Statement. 

Embedded  derivatives  with  economic  characteristics  and  risks 
that are not closely related to the economic characteristics and 
risks of the host instruments are separated from the debt issues.  

Hedging 

The  Group  hedges  interest  rate  and  foreign  currency  risk  on 
certain debt issues. When hedge accounting is applied to fixed 
rate debt issues, the carrying values are adjusted for changes in 
fair  value  related  to  the  hedged  risks  rather  than  carried  at 
amortised cost.  

(aa) Loan Capital 

Loan  capital  is  debt  issued  by  the  Group  with  terms  and 
conditions  that  qualify  for  inclusion  as  capital  under  APRA 
Prudential  Standards.  It  is  initially  recorded  at  fair  value  plus 
directly attributable transaction costs and thereafter at amortised 
cost using the effective interest method. 

(bb) Shareholders‟ Equity 

Ordinary  shares  are  recognised  at  the  amount  paid  up  per 
ordinary share net of directly attributable issue costs. 

Where  the  Bank  or  other  members  of  the  Group  purchases 
shares in the Bank, the consideration paid is deducted from total 
shareholders‟  equity  and  the  shares  are  treated  as  treasury 
shares  until they  are subsequently  sold,  reissued  or cancelled. 
Where  such  shares  are  sold  or  reissued,  any  consideration 
received is included in shareholders‟ equity. 

The  General  Reserve  is  derived  from  revenue  profits  and  is 
available for dividend payments except for undistributable profits 
in respect of the Group‟s life insurance businesses. 

The  Capital  Reserve  is  derived  from  capital  profits  and  is 
available for dividend payments. 

(cc) Derivative Financial Instruments 

Derivative  financial  instruments  are  contracts  whose  value  is 
derived  from  one  or  more  underlying  price,  index  or  other 
variables. They include foreign exchange contracts, forward rate 
agreements, futures, options and interest rate, currency, equity 
and  credit  swaps.  Derivatives  are  entered  into  for  trading 
purposes  or  for  hedging  purposes.  Derivatives  entered  into  as 
economic  hedges  that  do  not  qualify  for  hedge  accounting  are 
classified as other derivatives. 

Derivative financial instruments are recognised initially at the fair 
value  of  consideration  given  or  received.  Subsequent  gains  or 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

losses  are  recognised 
designated within a cash flow hedging relationship.   

the 

in 

Income  Statement,  unless 

Where an active market exists, fair value is measured based on 
quoted  market  prices.  Non  market-quoted  instruments  are 
valued using valuation techniques. Included in the determination 
of the fair value of derivatives is a credit valuation adjustment to 
reflect the credit worthiness of the counterparty. 

Derivatives are carried as assets when their fair value is positive 
and as liabilities when their fair value is negative. 

Swaps 

Interest rate swap receipts and payments are recognised within 
net  interest  income  using  the  effective  interest  method  as 
interest  of  the  designated  hedged  item  or  class  of  items  being 
hedged over the term for which the swap is effective as a hedge, 
whereas  revaluation  gains  and  losses  are  recognised  within 
other operating income. 

Similarly  with  cross  currency  swaps,  interest  rate  receipts  and 
payments are recognised on the same basis as for interest rate 
swaps. In addition, the initial principal flows are revalued to fair 
value at the current market exchange rate with revaluation gains 
and  losses  recognised  in  the  Income  Statement  against 
revaluation  losses  and  gains  of  the  underlying  hedged  item  or 
class of items.  

Derivative Financial Instruments Utilised for Hedging 
Relationships 

The  Group  uses  derivatives  to  manage  exposures  to  interest 
rate,  foreign  currency  and  credit  risks,  including  exposures 
arising from forecast transactions. 

Where derivatives are held for risk management purposes, and 
when transactions meet the required criteria, the Group applies 
fair  value  hedge  accounting,  cash  flow  hedge  accounting,  or 
hedging of a net investment in a foreign operation as appropriate 
to the risks being hedged. 

Fair Value Hedges 

Changes  in  fair  value  of  derivatives  that  qualify  and  are 
designated  as  fair  value  hedges  are  recorded  in  the  Income 
Statement, together with changes in the fair value of the hedged 
asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk. 

If the hedge relationship no longer meets the criteria for hedge 
accounting,  it  is  discontinued.  For  fair  value  hedges  of  interest 
rate  risk,  the  fair  value  adjustment  to  the  hedged  item  is 
amortised to the Income Statement over the period to maturity of 
the previously designated hedge relationship using the effective 
interest  method.  If  the  hedged  item  is  sold  or  repaid,  the 
unamortised fair value adjustment is recognised immediately in 
the Income Statement. 

Cash Flow Hedges 

Changes in fair value associated with the effective portion of a 
derivative  designated  as  a  cash  flow  hedge  are  recognised  in 
the cash flow  hedge  reserve,  in  equity. Ineffective  portions  are 
recognised  immediately  in  the  Income  Statement.  Amounts 
deferred in equity are transferred to the Income Statement in the 
period in which the hedged forecast transaction takes place. 

When  a  hedging  instrument  expires  or  is  sold,  terminated  or 
exercised  or  when  the  hedge  no  longer  meets  the  criteria  for 
hedge accounting, any cumulative gain or loss existing in equity 
at that time remains in equity and is recognised in the period in 
which  the  hedge  item  affects  profit  or  loss.  When  a  forecast 
transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain 
or loss that was reported in equity is recycled immediately to the 
Income Statement. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     109 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

Investment Assets 

Net Investment Hedges 

Gains and losses on derivative contracts relating to the effective 
portion  of  the  hedge  are  recognised  in  the  Foreign  Currency 
Ineffective  portions  are 
Translation  Reserve 
recognised  immediately  in  the  Income  Statement.  Gains  and 
losses  accumulated  in  equity  are  included  in  the  Income 
Statement when the overseas subsidiary or branch is disposed 
of. 

in  equity. 

Embedded Derivatives 

In  certain  instances,  a  derivative  may  be  embedded  within  a 
„host  contract‟.  If  the  host  contract  is  not  carried  at  fair  value 
through  Income  Statement,  and  the  economic  characteristics 
and risks of the embedded derivative are not closely related to 
those of the host contract, the embedded derivative is separated 
from  the  host  contract  and  accounted  for  as  a  stand-alone 
derivative instrument at fair value. 

(dd) Commitments to Extend Credit, Letters of Credit, 
Guarantees, Warranties and Indemnities Issued 

Contingent  liabilities  are  possible  obligations  whose  existence 
will  be  confirmed  only  by  uncertain  future  events,  or  present 
obligations where the transfer of economic benefit is uncertain or 
cannot  be  reliably  measured.  Contingent  liabilities  are  not 
recognised, but are disclosed, unless they are remote. 

Financial  guarantees  are  given  to  banks,  financial  institutions 
and  other  bodies  on  behalf  of  customers  to  secure  loans, 
overdrafts  and  other  banking  facilities,  and  to  other  parties  in 
connection with the performance of customers under obligations 
related to contracts, advance payments made by other parties, 
tenders, retentions and the payment of import duties. 

Financial  guarantee  contracts  are  initially  recognised  at  fair 
value. 

Subsequent  to  initial  recognition,  financial  guarantees  are 
measured at the higher of the initial measurement amount, less 
amortisation calculated to recognise fee income earned, and the 
best estimate of the expenditure required to settle any financial 
obligation at the Balance Sheet date. 

Any  increase  in  the  liability  relating  to  financial  guarantees  is 
recognised  in  the  Income  Statement.  Any  liability  remaining  is 
recognised  in  the  Income  Statement  when  the  guarantee  is 
discharged, cancelled or expires. 

(ee) Life and General Insurance Business 

Life Insurance Business 

The life insurance business is comprised of insurance contracts 
and  investment  contracts  as  defined  in  AASB  4  „Insurance 
Contracts‟. The following are key accounting policies in relation 
to the life insurance business.  

Disclosure 

The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  assets, 
liabilities,  income  and  expenses  of  the  life  insurance  business 
conducted by a subsidiary of the Bank in accordance with AASB 
139 „Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement‟, and 
AASB  1038  „Life  Insurance  Contracts‟  respectively.  These 
amounts  represent  the  total  life  insurance  business  of  the 
subsidiary,  including  underlying  amounts  that  relate  to  both 
policyholders and shareholders of the life insurance business.  

110 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Investment  assets  are  carried  at  fair  value  through  Income 
Statement. Fair values of quoted investments in active markets 
are  based  on  current  bid  prices.  If  the  relevant  market  is  not 
considered  active  (and  for  unlisted  securities),  fair  value  is 
established  by  using  valuation  techniques,  including  recent 
arm‟s length transactions, discounted cash flow analysis, option 
pricing models  and  other  valuation  techniques commonly  used 
by market participants. Changes in fair values are recognised in 
the  Income  Statement  in  the  financial  period  in  which  the 
changes occur.  

Restriction on Assets 

Investments held in the Life Funds can only be used within the 
restrictions  imposed  under  the  Life  Insurance  Act  1995.  The 
main restrictions are that the assets in a fund can only be used 
to  meet  the  liabilities  and  expenses  of  the  fund,  acquire 
investments  to  further  the  business  of  the  fund  or  pay 
distributions when solvency and capital adequacy requirements 
allow.  Shareholders  can  only  receive  a  distribution  when  the 
capital  adequacy  requirements  of  the  Life  Insurance  Act  1995 
are met.  

Policy Liabilities 

Life  insurance  liabilities  are  measured  as  the  accumulated 
benefits  to  policyholders  in  accordance  with  AASB  139  and 
AASB 1038, which apply to investment contracts and insurance 
liabilities,  respectively.  Life  insurance  contract  liabilities  are 
measured  at  the  net  present  value  of  future  receipts  from  and 
payments  to  policyholders  using  a  risk  free  discount  rate  (or 
expected  fund  earning  rate  where  benefits  are  contractually 
linked  to  the  asset  performance),  and  are  calculated  in 
accordance  with  the  principles  of  Margin  on  Services  (“MoS”) 
profit  reporting  as  set  out  in  Prudential  Standard  LPS  1.04  – 
„Valuation of Policy Liabilities‟ (“LPS 1.04”) issued by APRA. 

Life  investment contract  liabilities  are measured  at fair  value  in 
accordance with AASB 139 as Liabilities at fair value. 

Returns  on  all  investments  controlled  by  life  insurance  entities 
within the Group are recognised as revenues. Investments in the 
Group‟s  own  equity  instruments  held  within  the  life  insurance 
statutory funds and other funds are treated as Treasury Shares. 

Initial  entry  fee  income  on  investment  contracts  issued  by  life 
insurance  entities  is  recognised  upfront  where  the  Group 
provides  financial  advice.  Other  entry  fees  are  deferred  and 
recognised over the life of the underlying investment contract. 

Participating  benefits  vested  in  relation  to  the  financial  year, 
other 
from  unvested  policyholder  benefits 
transfers 
liabilities, are recognised as expenses. 

than 

Reinsurance  contracts  entered  into  are  recognised  on  a  gross 
basis. 

Premiums and Claims 

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. 

(i) Life insurance contracts 

Premiums received for providing services and bearing risks are 
recognised  as  revenue. Premiums  with  a  regular  due  date  are 
recognised  as  revenue  on  a  due  and  receivable  basis. 
Premiums with no due date are recognised on a cash received 
basis. Insurance contract claims are recognised as an expense 
when a liability has been established. 

 
 
 
Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

(ii) Life investment contracts 

Premiums  received  include  the  fee  portion  of  the  premium 
recognised as revenue over the period the underlying service is 
provided  and  the  deposit  portion  recognised  as  an  increase  in 
investment  contract  liabilities.  Premiums  with  no  due  date  are 
recognised on a cash received basis.  

Fees earned for managing the funds invested are recognised as 
represent 
revenue.  Claims  under 
withdrawals  of  investment  deposits  and  are  recognised  as  a 
reduction in investment contract liabilities. 

investment  contracts 

Life Insurance Liabilities and Profit 

Life  insurance  contract  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 policy payments are used to 
determine profit recognition.  

insurance  contract  and 

Investment assets are held in excess of those required to meet 
life 
liabilities. 
Investment earnings are directly influenced by market conditions 
and as such this component of profit varies from year to year. 

investment  contract 

Participating Policies 

insurance  contract  policy 

Life 
to 
participating  policies  include  the  value  of  future  planned 
future 
shareholder  profit  margins  and  an  allowance 
supportable bonuses.  

liabilities  attributable 

for 

The  value  of  supportable  bonuses  and  planned  shareholder 
profit margins account for all profit on participating policies based 
on best estimate assumptions. 

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

Life Insurance Contract Acquisition Costs 

Acquisition  costs  for  life  insurance  contracts  include  the  fixed 
and variable costs of acquiring new business. These costs are 
effectively  deferred  through  the  determination  of  life  insurance 
contract liabilities at the balance date to the extent that they are 
deemed  recoverable  from  the  expected  future  profits  of  an 
amount equivalent to the deferred cost.  

Deferred acquisition costs are amortised over the expected life 
of the life insurance contract. 

Life Investment Contract Acquisition Costs 

Acquisition  costs  for  investment  contracts  include  the  variable 
costs  of  acquiring  new  business.  However,  the  deferral  of 
investment contract acquisition costs is limited by the application 
of  AASB  118  to  the  extent  that  only  incremental  transaction 
costs  (for  example  commissions  and  volume  bonuses)  are 
deferred.  The 
in 
accordance  with  AASB  139  is  no  less  than  the  contract 
surrender value. 

investment  contract 

liability  calculated 

Managed Funds Units on Issue – Held by Non-Controlling 
Unitholders 

The  life  insurance  statutory  funds  and  other  funds  include 
controlling  interests  in  trusts  and  companies,  and  the  total 
amounts  of  each  underlying  asset,  liability,  revenue  and 
expense of the controlled entities are recognised in the Group‟s 
consolidated Financial Statements. 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

When a controlled unit trust is consolidated, the share of the unit 
holder  liability  attributable  to  the  Group  is  eliminated  but 
amounts  due  to  external  unitholders  remain  as  liabilities  in  the 
Group‟s consolidated balance sheet. The share of the net assets 
of  controlled  companies  attributable  to  non-controlling  unit 
holders is disclosed separately on the Balance Sheet.  

In the Income Statement, the net profit or loss of the controlled 
entities  relating  to  non-controlling  interests  is  eliminated  before 
arriving at the net profit or loss attributable to Equity holders of 
the Bank. 

General Insurance Business 

Premium Revenue 

Premium revenue comprises amounts charged to policyholders, 
including  fire  service  levies,  but  excludes  taxes  collected  on 
behalf of third parties. The earned portion of premiums received 
and  receivable  is  recognised  as  revenue.  Premium  revenue  is 
earned from the date of attachment of risk and over the term of 
the policies written, based on assessment of the likely pattern in 
which risk will emerge. The portion not earned as determined by 
the above methods is recognised as unearned premium liability. 

Unearned Premium Liability  

The adequacy of the unearned premium liability is assessed by 
considering current  estimates  of  all  expected future cash flows 
relating to future claims covered by current insurance contracts. 

If the present value of the expected future cash flows relating to 
future  claims,  plus  the  additional  risk  margin  to  reflect  the 
inherent  uncertainty  in  the  estimate,  exceeds  the  unearned 
premium liability less related deferred acquisition costs, then the 
unearned premium liability is deemed deficient. Any deficiency is 
recognised  immediately 
Income  Statement  as  an 
the 
expense,  both  gross  and  net  of  reinsurance.  The  deficiency  is 
recognised  by  writing  down  any  related  deferred  acquisition 
costs, with any excess being recorded on the Balance Sheet as 
an unexpired risk liability. 

in 

Reinsurance  

Premium ceded to reinsurers is recognised as an expense from 
the  attachment  date  over  the  period  of  indemnity  of  the 
reinsurance  contract, 
the  pattern  of 
reinsurance service received. Accordingly, a portion of outwards 
reinsurance  premium  is  treated  at  the  Balance  Sheet  date  as 
deferred reinsurance. 

in  accordance  with 

Claims Expense 

Claims  expense  and  a  liability  for  outstanding  claims  are 
recognised in respect of all business. The liability covers claims 
reported  but  not  yet  paid,  incurred  but  not  reported  claims 
("IBNR") and the anticipated direct and indirect costs of settling 
those  claims.  The  liability  for  outstanding  claims  is  determined 
having  regard  to  an  independent  actuarial  assessment.  The 
liability is measured as the estimate of the present value of the 
expected  future  payments  against  claims  incurred  at  the 
Balance  Sheet  date,  with  an  additional  risk margin to  allow  for 
the  inherent  uncertainty  in  the  estimate.  These  payments  are 
estimated  on  the  basis  of  the  ultimate  cost  of  settling  claims, 
which  is  affected  by  factors  arising  during  the  period  to 
settlement, such as inflation. The expected future payments are 
discounted  to  present  value  at  the  Balance  Sheet  date  using 
market-determined, risk-adjusted discount rates.  

A  risk  margin  is  applied  to  the  outstanding  claims  liability, 
sufficient to ensure the probability of adequacy of the liabilities to 
a 75% confidence level. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     111 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

Provisions for impairment of financial assets 

Provisions  for  impairment  of  financial  assets  are  raised  where 
there  is  objective  evidence  of  impairment  and  at  an  amount 
adequate  to  cover  assessed  credit  related  losses.  In  addition, 
provisions are raised where there is no observable evidence of 
impairment,  but  for  which  a  loss  event  has  occurred  which  is 
likely to result in a loss.  

Credit losses arise primarily from loans but also from other credit 
instruments  such  as  bank  acceptances,  contingent  liabilities, 
guarantees and other financial instruments and assets acquired 
through security enforcement.  

Individually assessed provisions 

Individually  assessed  provisions  are  raised  where  there  is 
objective evidence of impairment, i.e. where the Group does not 
expect to receive all of the cash flows contractually due.  

Individually assessed provisions are made against individual risk 
rated  credit  facilities  where  a  loss  of  $20,000  or  more  is 
expected.  The  provisions  are  established  based  primarily  on 
estimates of the realisable (fair) value of collateral taken and are 
measured as the difference between a financial asset‟s carrying 
amount and the present value of the expected future cash flows 
(excluding  future  credit  losses  that  have  not  been  incurred), 
discounted at the financial asset‟s original effective interest rate. 
Short term balances are not discounted. 

Collective provision  

All other loans and receivables that do not have an individually 
assessed provision are assessed collectively for impairment.  

The  collective  provision  is  maintained  to  reduce  the  carrying 
amount  of  portfolios  of  similar  loans  and  receivables  to  their 
estimated recoverable amounts at the Balance Sheet date.  

The  evaluation  process is  subject to  a  series  of  estimates  and 
judgements.  

In  the  risk  rated  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  (retail)  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 collective provision to the level 
assessed  is  recognised  in  the  Income  Statement  as  set  out  in 
Note 14 Provisions for Impairment. 

Life Insurance Policyholder Liabilities 

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

Acquisition Costs 

Acquisition  costs  include  brokerage  and  other  selling  and 
underwriting  costs  incurred  in  obtaining  general  insurance 
premiums.  A  portion  of  acquisition  costs  relating  to  unearned 
premium  revenue 
is  recognised  as  an  asset.  Deferred 
acquisition costs are amortised over the financial years expected 
to  benefit  from  the  expenditure  and  are  stated  at  the  lower  of 
cost and recoverable value. 

(ff) Asset Securitisation 

The  Group  conducts  an  asset  securitisation  program  through 
which  it  packages  and  sells  assets  as  securities  to  investors. 
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.  Therefore  the  Group  is  considered  to  hold  the 
majority  of  the  residual  risks  and  benefits  within  the  entities 
through  which  asset  securitisation  is  conducted  and  so  it 
consolidates these entities. 

Liabilities associated with asset securitisation entities and related 
issue costs are accounted for on an amortised cost basis using 
the  effective  interest  method.  Interest  rate  swaps  and  liquidity 
facilities  are  provided  at  arm‟s  length  to  the  program  by  the 
Group in accordance with APRA Prudential Guidelines. 

Derivatives  return  the  risks  and  rewards  of  ownership  of  the 
securitised  assets  to  the  Group  and  consequently  the  Group 
cannot  derecognise  these  assets.  An  imputed  liability  is 
recognised inclusive of the derivative and any related fees. 

For further details on the treatment of securitisation entities, refer 
to Note 1 (c) Principles of Consolidation. 

(gg) Fiduciary Activities 

Certain controlled  entities  within  the  Group  act  as  Responsible 
Entity,  Trustee  and/or  Manager  for  a  number  of  wholesale, 
superannuation  and  investment  funds,  trusts  and  approved 
deposit funds. 

The  assets  and  liabilities  of  these  trusts  and  funds  are  not 
included in the consolidated Financial Statements as the Group 
does not have direct or indirect control of the trusts and funds. 
Commissions  and  fees  earned  in  respect  of  the  activities  are 
included in the Income Statement of the Group. 

(hh) Earnings Per Share 

Basic  earnings  per  share 
the 
consolidated entity‟s profit attributable to ordinary equity holders 
by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding 
during the financial year. 

is  calculated  by  dividing 

Diluted  earnings  per  share  is  calculated  by  dividing  the 
consolidated entity‟s profit attributable to ordinary equity holders, 
after  deducting  interest  on  the  convertible  redeemable  loan 
capital instruments, by the weighted average number of ordinary 
shares  adjusted  for  the  effect  of    dilutive  options  and  dilutive 
convertible non-cumulative redeemable loan capital instruments. 

(ii) Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 

The  application of  the  Group‟s  accounting  policies  requires  the 
use  of  judgement,  estimates  and  assumptions.  If  different 
assumptions  or  estimates  were  applied,  the  resulting  values 
would  change,  impacting  the  net  assets  and  income  of  the 
Group. 

Management  discusses  the  accounting  policies  which  are 
sensitive  to  the  use  of  judgement,  estimates  and  assumptions 
with the Board Audit Committee. 

112 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

 
 
 
Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

The  areas  of  judgement  where  key  actuarial  assumptions  are 
made in the determination of policyholder liabilities are: 

Business assumptions including: 
- 

timing  and  duration  of  claims/policy 

Amount, 
payments; 
Policy lapse rates; and 
Acquisition  and  long  term  maintenance  expense 
levels; 

- 
- 

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. 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Periodically,  the  Group  calibrates  the  valuation  technique  and 
tests  it  for  validity  using  prices  from  any  observable  current 
market  transactions  in  the  same  instrument  (i.e.  without 
modification  or  repackaging)  or  based  on  any  available 
observable market data. 

Goodwill 

The carrying value of goodwill is reviewed annually and is written 
down,  to  the  extent  that  it  is  no  longer  supported  by  probable 
future benefits. 

Goodwill  is  allocated  to  cash-generating  units  (CGU)  for  the 
purpose of impairment testing, which is undertaken at the lowest 
level  at  which  goodwill  is  monitored  for  internal  management 
reporting purposes. 

Impairment testing of purchased goodwill is performed annually, 
or more frequently when there is an indication that the goodwill 
may be impaired, by comparing the recoverable amount of the 
CGU with the current carrying amount of its net assets, including 
goodwill.  Where  the  current  carrying  value  is  greater  than 
recoverable amount, a charge for impairment of goodwill will be 
recorded in the Income Statement. 

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

Additional information on goodwill impairment testing is included 
in Note 16 Intangible Assets. 

Additional information on the accounting policy is set out in Note 
1 (ee) Life and General Insurance Business. 

Consolidation of Special Purpose Entities 

The Group assesses whether a special purpose entity should be 
consolidated based on the risks and rewards of each entity and 
whether the majority pass to the Group. Such assessments are 
predominantly 
the  Group‟s 
securitisation program and structured transactions. 

the  context  of 

required 

in 

Financial Instruments at Fair Value 

A  significant  portion  of  financial  instruments  are  carried  on  the 
Balance Sheet at fair value. 

The  best  evidence  of  fair  value  is  quoted  prices  in  an  active 
market. If the market for a financial instrument is not active, the 
Group establishes fair value by using a valuation technique. The 
objective of using a valuation technique is to establish what the 
transaction price would have been on the measurement date in 
an  arm‟s  length  exchange  motivated  by  normal  business 
considerations.  

Valuation  techniques  include  using  recent  arm‟s  length  market 
transactions between knowledgeable, willing parties, if available, 
reference to the current fair  value of  another  instrument  that  is 
substantially the same, discounted cash flow analysis and option 
pricing models. If there is a valuation technique commonly used 
by market participants to price the instrument and that technique 
has  been  demonstrated  to  provide  reliable  estimates  of  prices 
obtained  in  actual  market  transactions,  the  Group  uses  that 
technique. 

The chosen valuation technique makes maximum use of market 
inputs and relies as little as possible on entity specific inputs. It 
incorporates  all  factors  that  market  participants  would  consider 
in  setting  a  price  and  is  consistent  with  accepted  economic 
methodologies for pricing financial instruments. Data inputs that 
the Group relies upon when valuing financial instruments relate 
risk,  volatility,  correlation  and 
to  counterparty  credit 
extrapolation. 

Provisions (Other than Loan Impairment) 

Provisions  are  held  in  respect  of  a  range  of  future  obligations 
such  as  employee  entitlements,  restructuring  costs  and  non-
lending  losses.  Provisions  carried  for  long  service  leave  are 
supported  by  an  independent  actuarial  report.  Some  of  the 
provisions involve significant judgement about the likely outcome 
of various events and estimated future cash flows.  

involves 

these  benefits 

the  exercise  of 
The  deferral  of 
management  judgements  about  the  ultimate  outcomes  of  the 
transactions. Payments which are expected to be incurred later 
than  one  year  are  discounted  at  a  rate  which  reflects  both 
current interest rates and the risks specific to that provision. 

Taxation 

Provisions for taxation held in respect of uncertain tax positions 
represents the unrecovered tax benefits associated with specific 
transactions. 

Superannuation Obligations 

The  Group  operates  a  number  of  defined  benefit  plans  as 
described  in  Note  42.  For  each  of  these  plans,  actuarial 
fair  value 
the  plan‟s  obligations  and 
valuations  of 
measurements  of  the  plan‟s  assets  are  performed  at  least 
annually  in  accordance  with  the  requirements  of  AASB  119 
„Employee benefits‟. 

the 

The actuarial valuation of plan obligations is dependent upon a 
series  of  assumptions,  the  key  ones  being  price  inflation, 
earnings  growth,  mortality,  morbidity  and  investment  returns 
assumptions.  Different  assumptions could  significantly  alter the 
amount  of  the  difference  between  plan  assets  and  obligations, 
and the superannuation cost charged to the Income Statement.  

Additional information is included in Note 42 Retirement Benefit 
Obligations. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     113 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 2 Profit 

Profit before income tax has been determined as follows: 

(1) The net gain on financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value was $140 million (2009: $150 million loss) for the Group and $31 million (2009: $78 million loss) 

for the Bank. 

(2) The Group result in 2010 includes $30 million loss on disposal of controlled entities, refer to note 46 for further details. 

114 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupBank20102009200820102009$M$M$M$M$MInterest IncomeLoans and bills discounted29,84928,43825,59822,38222,136Other financial institutions141434474115391Cash and liquid assets192510473150397Assets at fair value through Income Statement7931,2361,9336161,024Available-for-sale investments1,2409017563,1022,835Controlled entities---1,3891,208Total interest income32,21531,51929,23427,75427,991Interest ExpenseDeposits13,97014,21612,39313,32914,199Other financial institutions164509989145403Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement6241,0211,129130163Debt issues4,9204,7676,0244,0023,565Controlled entities---360898Loan capital615705792637728Total interest expense20,29321,21821,32718,60319,956Net interest income11,92210,3017,9079,1518,035Other Operating IncomeLoan service fees:From financial assets1,3871,3519331,2101,085Other4845434040Commission and other fees:From financial liabilities568531507445429Other1,4381,4961,3209681,115Trading income597741546588592Net gain/(loss) on disposal of available-for-sale investments 27(12)3091424Net (loss)/gain on other non-fair valued financial instruments(52)(9)(1)(15)(111)Net hedging ineffectiveness(62)(18)(58)(60)(28)Net (loss)/gain on other fair valued financial instruments:Fair value through Income Statement (1)8(66)(9)(13)1Reclassification of net interest on swaps(259)(275)(265)(148)(92)Non-trading derivatives217(187)37147(21)Dividends - Controlled entities---1,641820Dividends - Other51439743Net loss on sale of property, plant and equipment(4)(11)(15)(4)(9)Funds management and investment contract income:Fees receivable on trust and other fiduciary activities1,4931,2911,835--Other435199528--Insurance contracts income1,230769740--Other (2)290314173440263Total other operating income7,3666,1736,6625,2604,151Total net operating income19,28816,47414,56914,41112,186Gain on acquisition of controlled entities (Note 46)-983---Impairment expenseLoan impairment expense 2,3792,6839301,1932,338Available-for-sale debt securities impairment expense-365--365Total impairment expense (Note 14)2,3793,0489301,1932,703 
 
 
  
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 2 Profit (continued) 

(1) Includes software impairment of $nil in 2010 (2009: $30 million )(refer to Note 16). 

(2) Merger related amortisation relates to Bankwest core deposits and customer lists. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     115 

GroupBank20102009200820102009$M$M$M$M$MStaff ExpensesSalaries and wages3,8453,4053,0972,5362,281Share-based compensation1301251068289Superannuation contributions484414(27)(28)Defined benefit superannuation plan expense/(benefit)10314(14)10314Provisions for employee entitlements5888903968Payroll tax202188162140137Fringe benefits tax4036323130Other staff expenses1579416010669Total staff expenses4,5833,9943,6473,0102,660Occupancy and Equipment ExpensesOperating lease rentals527488403392394Depreciation:Buildings3029272626Leasehold improvements9885637568Equipment9089845755Operating lease assets4537202418Repairs and maintenance8480816765Other103102896361Total occupancy and equipment expenses977910767704687Information Technology ServicesApplication, maintenance and development209167224135136Data processing227202195225197Desktop141141114131137Communications199179174160142Amortisation of software assets1781228813488IT equipment depreciation7562315751Total information technology services1,029873826842751Other ExpensesPostage1151211198898Stationery97100987471Fees and commissions:Fees payable on trust and other fiduciary activities497453538--Other367359280584622Advertising, marketing and loyalty398475348285375Amortisation of intangible assets (excluding software and merger related amortisation) (2)271715--Non-lending losses10386787879Other408391291237143Total other expenses2,0122,0021,7671,3461,388Total expenses8,6017,7797,0075,9025,486Investment and restructuringIntegration expenses (1)40112-1535Merger related amortisation (2)7537---One-off expenses-32--32Investment and restructuring--377--Total investment and restructuring1151813771567Total operating expenses8,7167,9607,3845,9175,553Profit before income tax8,1936,4496,2557,3013,930Net hedging ineffectiveness comprises:Gain/(Loss) on fair value hedges:Hedging instruments771543921738480Hedged items(838)(569)(970)(810)(510)Cash flow hedge ineffectiveness58(9)122Net hedging ineffectiveness(62)(18)(58)(60)(28) 
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 3 Income from Ordinary Activities 

116 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupBank20102009200820102009$M$M$M$M$MBankingInterest income32,21531,51929,23427,75427,991Fees and commissions3,4413,4232,8032,6632,669Trading income597741546588592Net gain/(loss) on disposal of available-for-sale investments recognised in Income Statement27(12)3091424Net (loss)/gain on other non-fair valued financial instruments(52)(9)(1)(15)(111)Net hedging ineffectiveness(62)(18)(58)(60)(28)Net (loss)/ gain on other fair valued financial instruments:Fair value through Income Statement8(66)(9)(13)1Reclassification of net interest on swaps(259)(275)(265)(148)(92)Non-trading derivatives217(187)37147(21)Dividends514391,648863Net loss on sale of property, plant and equipment (4)(11)(15)(4)(9)Other29031417344026336,42335,43332,79333,01432,142Funds Management, Investment contract and Insurance contract revenue Funds management and investment contract income including premiums1,9061,6182,369--Insurance contract premiums and related income1,7941,6511,373--Funds management claims and policyholder liability revenue-731519--Investment income1,662----5,3624,0004,261--Total income41,78539,43337,05433,01432,142 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 4 Average Balances and Related Interest 

The  following  tables  list  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 
rate. Averages  used  were  predominantly  daily  averages.  Interest 
is accounted for based on product yield. Trading gains and losses 
are disclosed as Trading income within Other operating income. 

Interest income and expense disclosed are on a “cash basis” and 
therefore exclude the amortisation of acquisition related fair value 
adjustments.  

Where  assets  or  liabilities  are  hedged,  the  amounts  are  shown 
net of the hedge, however individual items not separately hedged 
may be affected by movements in exchange rates. 

The  overseas  component  comprises  overseas  branches  of  the 
Bank and overseas domiciled controlled entities. 

Non-accrual  loans  are  included in interest  earning  assets  under 
Loans, bills discounted and other receivables. 

The official cash rate in Australia increased by 150 basis points 
during the year while rates in New Zealand increased by 25 basis 
points. 

(1) Excludes amortisation of acquisition related fair value adjustments made to fixed interest financial instruments. 
(2) Used for calculating net interest margin. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     117 

Group201020092008AverageInterestAverageAverageInterestAverageAverageInterestAverageBalanceRateBalanceRateBalanceRateInterest earning assets$M$M%$M$M%$M$M%Cash and liquid assetsAustralia3,6741464. 08,3533243. 93,9302386. 1Overseas7,644460. 66,6831862. 84,1012355. 7Receivables due from other financial institutionsAustralia7,253630. 99,2052272. 55,4032424. 5Overseas6,645781. 27,2382072. 93,7002326. 3Assets at fair value through Income Statement - TradingAustralia15,5875853. 817,6149225. 220,1271,3886. 9Overseas5,9441752. 94,3782315. 33,1862457. 7Assets at fair value through Income Statement - OtherAustralia1171210. 379930. 4383277. 0Overseas1,157211. 82,507803. 24,8132735. 7Available-for-sale investmentsAustralia23,3601,1665. 010,5536286. 06,0174026. 7Overseas5,485741. 37,8312733. 56,1823545. 7Loans, bills discounted and other receivablesAustralia (1)419,66725,8266. 2344,53423,0986. 7273,12420,0477. 3Overseas57,2023,5166. 161,5534,5847. 454,7014,4638. 2Intragroup assetsAustralia---------Overseas12,343200. 212,0231581. 38,1442953. 6Total interest earning assets and interest income including intragroup566,07831,7285. 6493,27130,9216. 3393,81128,4417. 2Intragroup eliminations(12,343)(20)0. 2(12,023)(158)1. 3(8,144)(295)3. 6Total interest earning assets and interest income(2)553,73531,7085. 7481,24830,7636. 4385,66728,1467. 3Securitisation home loan assets10,9675344. 912,2797426. 013,4271,0888. 1 
 
 
  
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 4 Average Balances and Related Interest (continued) 

118 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Group201020092008AverageAverageAverageBalanceBalanceBalanceNon-interest earning assets$M$M$MBank acceptancesAustralia12,55916,98319,735Overseas---Assets at fair value through Income Statement - InsuranceAustralia15,51217,37017,896Overseas2,1662,3162,634Property, plant and equipmentAustralia1,9331,7441,242Overseas191199192Other assetsAustralia42,44448,48728,182Overseas6,1529,3938,093Provisions for impairmentAustralia(4,904)(2,492)(1,219)Overseas(338)(299)(111)Total non-interest earning assets75,71593,70176,644Total assets640,417587,228475,738Percentage of total assets applicable to overseas operations (%)14.417.318.4 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 4 Average Balances and Related Interest (continued) 

(1) Excludes amortisation of acquisition related fair value adjustments made to fixed interest financial instruments. 
(2) Certain comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current period 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     119 

Group201020092008AverageInterestAverageAverageInterestAverageAverageInterestAverageBalanceRateBalanceRateBalanceRateInterest bearing liabilities$M$M%$M$M%$M$M%Time depositsAustralia (1)168,8468,6435. 1135,0108,4686. 392,2975,9856. 5Overseas32,4691,4254. 430,2491,6255. 421,3641,3536. 3Savings depositsAustralia (1)72,6081,8342. 568,6401,5392. 246,4721,4683. 2Overseas5,8851622. 86,1322894. 74,7593246. 8Other demand depositsAustralia (1)82,6411,9162. 374,6402,2213. 071,5252,9474. 1Overseas4,1151293. 14,3472134. 94,5013167. 0Payables due to other financialinstitutionsAustralia5,2961102. 14,9741603. 25,7482905. 0Overseas9,448540. 613,8713492. 513,6586995. 1Liabilities at fair value throughIncome StatementAustralia3,5801363. 83,8311594. 23,1241976. 3Overseas12,4944883. 913,5958626. 311,8939327. 8Debt issuesAustralia (2)91,2234,2914. 765,1093,6245. 658,2404,2347. 3Overseas18,6781050. 620,7634172. 016,9298224. 9Loan capitalAustralia (2)9,3703673. 99,4555075. 48,7815666. 4Overseas4,6852555. 43,6422025. 53,7582266. 0Intragroup borrowingsAustralia12,343200. 212,0231581. 38,1442953. 6Overseas---------Interest bearing liabilities and interest expense including intragroup 533,68119,9353. 7466,28120,7934. 5371,19320,6545. 6Intragroup eliminations(12,343)(20)0. 2(12,023)(158)1. 3(8,144)(295)3. 6Total interest bearing liabilities and interest expense521,33819,9153. 8454,25820,6354. 6363,04920,3595. 6Securitisation debt issues9,9274594. 612,0426845. 713,2059687. 3Group201020092008AverageAverageAverageBalanceBalanceBalanceNon-interest bearing liabilities$M$M$MDeposits not bearing interestAustralia6,6385,9406,132Overseas1,4581,4381,545Liabilities on Bank acceptancesAustralia12,55916,98319,735Overseas---Insurance policy liabilitiesAustralia14,43216,51019,185Overseas1,5481,7662,296Other liabilitiesAustralia32,91442,93918,538Overseas6,0696,1636,647Total non-interest bearing liabilities75,61891,73974,078Total liabilities606,883558,039450,332Shareholders' equity33,53429,18925,406Total liabilities and Shareholders' equity640,417587,228475,738Total liabilities applicable to overseas operations (%)16.018.319.4 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 4 Average Balances and Related Interest (continued) 

Geographical analysis of key categories 

The  overseas  component comprises  overseas  branches  of  the 
Bank  and  overseas  domiciled  controlled  entities.  Overseas 
intragroup  borrowings  have  been  adjusted  into  the  interest 
spread and margin calculations to more appropriately reflect the 
overseas  cost  of  funds.  Non–accrual  loans  were  included  in 
interest  earning  assets  under  loans,  bills  discounted  and  other 
receivables. 

In  calculating  net  interest  margin,  assets,  liabilities,  interest 
income  and  interest  expense  related  to  securitisation  vehicles 
have  been  excluded.  This  has  been  done  to  more  accurately 
reflect the Group‟s underlying net margin. 

120 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Group Avg BalInterestYieldAvg BalInterestYieldNet interest margin$M$M%$M$M%Total interest earning assets excluding securitisation553,73531,7085. 73481,24830,7636. 39Total interest bearing liabilities excluding securitisation521,33819,9153. 82454,25820,6354. 55Net interest income and interest spread (excluding securitisation)11,7931. 9110,1281. 84Benefit of free funds0. 220. 26Net interest margin2. 132. 1020102009GroupAvg BalInterestYieldAvg BalInterestYield$M$M%$M$M%Loans, bills discounted and other receivablesAustralia419,66725,8266. 15344,53423,0986. 70Overseas57,2023,5166. 1561,5534,5847. 45Total476,86929,3426. 15406,08727,6826. 82Other interest earning assetsAustralia49,9911,9723. 9446,5242,1044. 52Overseas26,8753941. 4728,6379773. 41Total76,8662,3663. 0875,1613,0814. 10Total interest bearing depositsAustralia324,09512,3933. 82278,29012,2284. 39Overseas42,4691,7164. 0440,7282,1275. 22Total366,56414,1093. 85319,01814,3554. 50Other interest bearing liabilitiesAustralia109,4694,9044. 4883,3694,4505. 34Overseas45,3059021. 9951,8711,8303. 53Total154,7745,8063. 75135,2406,2804. 6420102009GroupYear Ended2010 vs 20092009 vs 2008IncreaseIncreaseChange in net interest income$M$MDue to changes in average volume of interest earning assets1,5351,971Due to changes in interest margin130370Change in net interest income1,6652,341 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 4 Average Balances and Related Interest (continued) 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     121 

June 2010 vs June 2009June 2009 vs June 2008Changes in net interest income:Volume Rate Total Volume Rate Total Volume and rate analysis$M $M $M $M $M $M Interest Earning AssetsCash and liquid assetsAustralia(183)5(178)220(134)86Overseas16(156)(140)110(159)(49)Receivables due from other financial institutionsAustralia(33)(131)(164)132(147)(15)Overseas(12)(117)(129)162(187)(25)Assets at fair value through Income Statement - TradingAustralia(92)(245)(337)(152)(314)(466)Overseas64(120)(56)77(91)(14)Assets at fair value through Income Statement - OtherAustralia(37)46915(39)(24)Overseas(34)(25)(59)(102)(91)(193)Available-for-sale investmentsAustralia701(163)538286(60)226Overseas(57)(142)(199)76(157)(81)Loans, bills discounted and other receivablesAustralia4,830(2,102)2,7285,014(1,963)3,051Overseas(296)(772)(1,068)535(414)121Intragroup loansAustralia------Overseas3(141)(138)96(233)(137)Changes in interest income including intragroup4,323(3,516)8076,709(4,229)2,480Intragroup eliminations(3)141138(96)233137Changes in interest income4,392(3,447)9456,543(3,926)2,617Securitisation home loan assets(72)(136)(208)(81)(265)(346)Interest Bearing Liabilities and Loan CapitalTime depositsAustralia1,927(1,752)1752,724(241)2,483Overseas108(308)(200)520(248)272Savings depositsAustralia95200295599(528)71Overseas(9)(118)(127)79(114)(35)Other demand depositsAustralia211(516)(305)111(837)(726)Overseas(9)(75)(84)(9)(94)(103)Payables due to other financial institutionsAustralia8(58)(50)(32)(98)(130)Overseas(68)(227)(295)8(358)(350)Liabilities at fair value through Income StatementAustralia(10)(13)(23)37(75)(38)Overseas(57)(317)(374)121(191)(70)Debt issuesAustralia1,341(674)667441(1,051)(610)Overseas(27)(285)(312)132(537)(405)Loan capitalAustralia(4)(136)(140)40(99)(59)Overseas57(4)53(7)(17)(24)Intragroup borrowingsAustralia3(141)(138)96(233)(137)Overseas------Changes in interest expense including intragroup2,762(3,620)(858)4,766(4,627)139Intragroup eliminations(3)141138(96)233137Changes in interest expense2,804(3,524)(720)4,629(4,353)276Changes in net interest income1,5351301,6651,9713702,341Securitisation debt issues(109)(116)(225)(76)(208)(284) 
 
 
 
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  interest  rates. 
Volume  variances  reflect  the  change  in  interest  from  the  prior 
year  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 
interest  bearing  liabilities  have  been  calculated  separately 
(rather than being the sum of the individual categories). 

(1) Difference between the average interest rate earned and the average interest rate paid on funds. 

(2) A portion of the Group‟s interest earning assets are 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. 

(3) Net interest income divided by average interest earning assets for the year. 

122 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Group201020092008Geographical analysis of key categories%%%AustraliaInterest spread (1)2. 041. 931. 79Benefit of interest-free liabilities, provisions and equity (2)0. 190. 210. 27Net interest margin (3)2. 232. 142. 06OverseasInterest spread (1)1. 091. 321. 11Benefit of interest-free liabilities, provisions and equity (2)0. 270. 400. 57Net interest margin (3)1. 361. 721. 68GroupInterest spread (1)1. 911. 841. 68Benefit of interest-free liabilities, provisions and equity (2)0. 220. 260. 34Net interest margin (3)2. 132. 102. 02 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 5 Income Tax 

The income tax expense for the year is determined from the profit before income tax as follows: 

(1) The New Zealand corporate tax rate will reduce from 30% to 28% effective 1 April 2011. 

(2) The 2010 prior period tax adjustment relates to tax on NZ structured finance transactions. The 2008 year prior period tax benefit arose from the resolution of long 

outstanding tax issues with the tax authorities. 

(3) The effective tax rate for the year ended 30 June 2010 includes tax on New Zealand structured finance transactions of $171 million. 

(4) The effective tax rate for the year ended 30 June 2010 has been impacted by the unwind of fair value adjustments on Bankwest issued RMBS that does not have an 

associated impact on tax expense. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     123 

GroupBank20102009200820102009$M$M$M$M$MProfit before Income Tax8,1936,4496,2557,3013,930Prima facie income tax at 30%2,4581,9351,8772,1901,179Effect of amounts which are non-deductible/(assessable)in calculating taxable income:Taxation offsets and other dividend adjustments(18)(59)(65)(493)(249)Tax adjustment on policyholder income91(115)(81)--Bankwest - Gain on acquisition-76---Tax losses not previously brought to account(4)-(89)--Tax losses assumed by the Bank under UIG 1052---(31)(14)Offshore tax rate differential(66)(55)(35)(11)(19)Offshore banking unit(32)(56)(16)(32)(56)Investment allowance(57)(28)-(31)(14)Effect of changes in tax rates (1)(12)----Income tax under/(over) provided in previous years (2)1645(122)(22)(27)Other(11)(7)(36)11644Total income tax expense2,5131,6961,4331,686844Corporate tax expense2,3831,8601,5481,686844Policyholder tax expense/(benefit)130(164)(115)--Total income tax expense2,5131,6961,4331,686844GroupBank20102009200820102009$M$M$M$M$MIncome tax expense attributable to profit fromordinary activities comprised:AustraliaCurrent tax expense1,9032,2651,5221,3631,628Deferred tax expense/(benefit)150(886)(326)275(900)Total Australia2,0531,3791,1961,638728OverseasCurrent tax expense43520112734121Deferred tax expense/(benefit)2511611014(5)Total Overseas46031723748116Total income tax expense2,5131,6961,4331,686844GroupBank20102009200820102009%%%%%Effective Tax RateTotal – corporate (3)29. 628. 124. 323. 121. 5Retail Banking Services – corporate30. 129. 730. 0n/an/aBusiness and Private Banking – corporate28. 928. 128. 7n/an/aInstitutional Banking and Markets – corporate22. 5large14. 1n/an/aWealth Management – corporate28. 030. 128. 5n/an/aNew Zealand – corporate (3)56. 923. 822. 2n/an/aBankwest – corporate (4)18. 035. 4-n/an/a 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 5 Income Tax (continued) 

(1) Deferred tax assets and liabilities are set off where they relate to income tax levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable 

entities within the same taxable group. 

124 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupBank20102009200820102009$M$M$M$M$MDeferred tax asset balances comprise temporary differences attributable to:Amounts recognised in the Income Statement:Provision for employee benefits364338294313295Provisions for impairment on loans, bills discounted and other receivables1,4761,336523813889Other provisions not tax deductible until expense incurred193243192109139Recognised value of tax losses carried forward36635Financial instruments25942485202242Other2914221581951922,5862,7691,2581,6351,762Amounts recognised directly in equity:Foreign currency translation reserve333--Cash flow hedge reserve21225526186240Employee compensation reserve123-123Avaliable-for-sale investments reserve396129623027090227249Total deferred tax assets (before set off) 2,8163,0391,3481,8622,011Set off of tax (1)(1,546)(1,386)(1,272)(620)(383)Net deferred tax assets1,2701,653761,2421,628Deferred tax liability balances comprise temporary differences attributable to:Amounts recognised in the Income Statement:Lease financing347299287144112Defined benefit superannuation plan surplus(51)(33)(20)(51)(33)Intangible assets14517624--Financial instruments63956726123888Other37127327050401,4511,282822381207Amounts recognised directly in equity:Revaluation of properties7363595751Cash flow hedge reserve55361777(5)Defined benefit superannuation plan surplus135171481135171Avaliable-for-sale investments reserve532(1)40(1)316272716239216Total deferred tax liabilities (before set off) 1,7671,5541,538620423Set off of tax (1)(1,546)(1,386)(1,272)(620)(383)Net deferred tax liabilities (Note 22)221168266-40Deferred tax assets opening balance:1,653762541,62854Movement in temporary differences during the year:Provisions for employee benefits264461827Provisions for impairment on loans, bills discounted and other receivables140813152(76)413Other provisions not tax deductible until expense incurred(50)5156(30)(36)Recognised value of tax losses carried forward(3)-(2)(2)(1)Financial instruments(214)529(8)(71)375Other(122)254(145)12141Set off of tax (1)(160)(114)(237)(237)655Deferred tax assets closing balance1,2701,653761,2421,628Deferred tax liabilities opening balance:1682669084019Movement in temporary differences during the year:Property asset revaluations10446(8)Lease financing4812(43)327Defined benefit superannuation plan surplus(54)(323)(83)(54)(323)Intangible assets(31)15214--Financial instruments142168(45)203(296)Other983(252)10(14)Set off of tax (1)(160)(114)(237)(237)655Deferred tax liabilities closing balance (Note 22)221168266-40 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 5 Income Tax (continued) 
Unrecognised deferred tax assets 

Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of the following items: 

Potential deferred tax assets of the Group arose from: 

Capital losses  arising  under  the  tax  consolidation system; 
and 
Tax losses and temporary differences in offshore centres.  

These deferred assets have not been recognised because it is 
not  considered  probable  that  future  taxable  profit  will  be 
available against which they can be realised. 

These potential tax benefits will only be obtained if:  

Future  capital  gains  and  assessable  income  of  a  nature 
and of an amount sufficient to enable the benefit from the 
losses to be realised is derived; 

Compliance with the conditions for claiming capital losses 
and  deductions  imposed  by  tax  legislation  is  continued; 
and 
No changes in tax legislation adversely affect the Group in 
realising the benefit from deductions for the losses. 

Tax Consolidation 

Tax  consolidation  legislation  has  been  enacted 
to  allow 
Australian resident entities to elect to consolidate and be treated 
as  single  entities 
tax  purposes.  The 
for  Australian 
Commonwealth Bank of Australia elected to be taxed as a single 
entity with effect from 1 July 2002. 

The  Bank  has  recognised  a  tax  consolidation  contribution  to 
the wholly-owned tax consolidated entity of $84 million (2009: 
$61 million). 

The Bank is the head entity of the tax consolidated group and 
has entered into tax funding and tax sharing agreements with 
its  eligible  Australian  resident  subsidiaries.  The  terms  and 
conditions of these agreements are set out in note 1(w). As at 
30  June  2010, the  amount  receivable  by the Bank  under the 
tax  funding  agreement  was  $439  million  (2009:  $100  million 
receivable).  This  balance  is  included  in  „Other  assets‟  in  the 
Bank‟s separate Balance Sheet. 

Taxation of Financial Arrangements “TOFA” 

The new tax regime for financial instruments TOFA began to 
apply  to  the  Tax  Consolidated  Group  from  1  July  2010.  The 
regime  aims  to  align  the  tax  and  accounting  recognition  and 
measurement  of  financial  arrangements  and  their  related 
flows.  Upon  adoption,  deferred  tax  balances  from  financial 
instruments will progressively reverse over a four year period.  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     125 

GroupBank20102009200820102009Deferred tax assets not taken to account$M$M$M$M$MTax losses and other temporary differences on revenue account1101003599100Tax losses on capital account14----Total1241003599100GroupBank20102009200820102009Expiration of deferred tax assets not taken to account$M$M$M$M$MAt Balance Sheet date carry-forward losses expired as follows:  From one to two years--2--  From two to four years21421  After four years10899229799Losses that do not expire under current tax legislation14-7--Total1241003599100 
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 6 Dividends 

(1) The 2010 final dividend will be satisfied by cash disbursements and a full or partial on-market purchase and transfer of shares to satisfy the Dividend Reinvestment 
Plan (“DRP”). The 2009 final dividend was satisfied by cash disbursements of $1,058 million and the issue of $685 million of ordinary shares through the DRP. The 
2008 final dividend was satisfied by cash disbursements of $1,335 million and the issue of $694 million of ordinary shares through the DRP.  

The  Bank  expects  that  future  tax  payments  will  generate 
sufficient franking credits for the Bank to be able to continue to 
fully  frank  future  dividend  payments.  These  calculations  have 
been based on the taxation law as at 30 June 2010. 

Dividend Franking Account  

After fully franking the final dividend to be paid for the year, the 
amount  of credits  available,  at the 30%  tax  rate as  at  30 June 
2010 to frank dividends for subsequent financial years, is $446 
million (2009: $758 million). This figure is based on the franking 
accounts  of  the  Bank  at  30  June  2010,  adjusted  for  franking 
credits that will arise from the payment of income tax payable on 
profits  for  the  year,  franking  debits  that  will  arise  from  the 
payment  of  dividends  proposed  and  franking  credits  that  the 
Bank may be prevented from distributing in subsequent financial 
periods. 

Dividend History 

(1) Dividend Payout Ratio: dividends divided by statutory earnings. 

(2) DRP Participation Rate: the percentage of total issued share capital participating in the Dividend Reinvestment Plan. 

(3) Dividend expected to be paid on 1 October 2010. 

126 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupBank20102009200820102009$M$M$M$M$MOrdinary SharesInterim ordinary dividend (fully franked) (2010: 120 cents; 2009: 113 cents, 2008: 113 cents)Interim ordinary dividend paid - cash component only1,0671,2571,0871,0671,257Interim ordinary dividend paid - dividend reinvestment plan774405400774405Total dividend paid1,8411,6621,4871,8411,662Other Equity InstrumentsDividends paid475748--Total dividends provided for, reserved or paid1,8881,7191,5351,8411,662Other provision carried291852918Dividends proposed and not recognised as a liability (fully franked) (2010: 170 cents, 2009: 115 cents, 2008: 153 cents) (1)2,6331,7472,0292,6331,747Provision for dividendsOpening balance1856185Provision made during year3,5883,6913,4253,5883,691Provision used during year(3,577)(3,678)(3,426)(3,577)(3,678)Closing balance (Note 23)291852918Half-yearFull YearDRPPayoutPayoutDRPParticipationCents Per Ratio (1)Ratio (1)PriceRate (2)Half Year EndedShareDate Paid%%$%31 December 200711302/04/200863. 4-39.4433.530 June 200815301/10/200884. 674.142.4134.331 December 200811323/03/200965. 3-28.4524.430 June 200911501/10/200982. 473.144.4839.431 December 200912001/04/201063. 7-53.5642.030 June 2010 (3)170-96. 679.7-- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 7 Earnings Per Share 

Basic earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing the 
net profit for the year attributable to ordinary equity holders of the 
Bank  by  the  weighted  average  number  of  ordinary  shares  on 
issue during the year, excluding the number of ordinary shares 
purchased and held as treasury shares.  

Diluted  earnings  per  share  amounts  are  calculated  by  dividing 
net profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Bank (after 
deducting interest on the convertible redeemable loan capital  

Note 8 Cash and Liquid Assets 

instruments)  by  the  weighted  average  number  of  ordinary 
shares issued during the year (adjusted for the effects of dilutive 
options  and  dilutive  convertible  non-cumulative  redeemable 
loan capital instruments). 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     127 

Group201020092008Earnings per ordinary shareBasic 367. 9328. 5363. 0Fully diluted354. 2313. 4348. 7Cents per shareGroup201020092008$M$M$MReconciliation of earnings used in calculation of earnings per shareProfit after income tax5,6804,7534,822Less: Other equity instrument dividends(47)(57)(48)Less: Non-controlling interests(16)(30)(31)Earnings used in calculation of basic earnings per share5,6174,6664,743Add: Profit impact of assumed conversionsLoan capital190187222Earnings used in calculation of fully diluted earnings per share5,8074,8534,965Number of Shares201020092008MMMWeighted average number of ordinary shares (net of treasury shares) used in the calculationof basic earnings per share1,5271,4201,307Effect of dilutive securities - executive share plans and convertible loan capital instruments113128118Weighted average number of ordinary shares (net of treasury shares) used in the calculation of fully diluted earnings per share1,6401,5481,425GroupBank2010200920102009$M$M$M$MAustraliaNotes, coins and cash at banks3,0901,9972,7371,690Money at short call11--Securities purchased under agreements to resell3,1413,4263,1753,426Bills received and remittances in transit1118574122Total Australia6,3435,5095,9865,238OverseasNotes, coins and cash at banks2,1951,7581,290508Money at short call1,0193,0149052,909Securities purchased under agreements to resell5401,0315301,029Bills received and remittances in transit2228--Total Overseas3,7765,8312,7254,446Total cash and liquid assets10,11911,3408,7119,684 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 9 Receivables Due from Other Financial Institutions 

(1) Required by law for the Group to operate in certain regions. 

The majority of the above amounts are expected to be recovered within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date. 

Note 10 Assets at Fair Value through Income Statement (1) 

 (1) In addition to the assets above, the Group also measures bills discounted that are intended to be sold into the market at fair value. These are classified within Loans, 

bills discounted and other receivables (refer to Note 13). 

The above amounts are expected to be recovered within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date. 

128 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupBank2010200920102009$M$M$M$MAustraliaPlacements with and loans to other financial institutions5,3558,5905,3378,482Total Australia5,3558,5905,3378,482OverseasDeposits with regulatory authorities (1)444435Other placements with and loans to other financial institutions4,6735,7874,4265,499Total Overseas4,7175,8314,4295,504Total receivables from other financial institutions10,07214,4219,76613,986GroupBank2010200920102009$M$M$M$MTrading22,85125,40118,77520,988Insurance 15,94017,260--Other6541,677-60Total assets at fair value through Income Statement39,44544,33818,77521,048GroupBank2010200920102009Trading$M$M$M$MAustraliaMarket Quoted: Australian Public SecuritiesCommonwealth and States6,0781,5156,0781,515Local and semi-government2,9902,2382,9902,238Bills of exchange579747579747Certificates of deposit4,35213,6914,35213,691Medium term notes1,2737801,273780Equity investments and other securities4228041875Non-Market Quoted:Commercial paper321451321451Other securities4570044700Total Australia16,06020,20216,05520,197OverseasMarket Quoted: Government securities3,3542,4071,792528Eurobonds2474524745Certificates of deposit1,4731,543--Floating rate notes339210339210Commercial paper335-335-Other securities46--Non-Market Quoted:Government securities6670--Medium term notes910853--Floating rate notes4335--Commercial paper12---Other securities83078Total Overseas6,7915,1992,720791Total trading assets22,85125,40118,77520,988 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 10 Assets at Fair Value through Income Statement (continued) 

Of  the  above  amounts  $2,102  million  is  expected  to  be  recovered  within  twelve  months  of  the  Balance  Sheet  date  (2009:  $2,670 
million). 

Direct investments refer to positions held directly in the issuer of the investment. Indirect investments refer to investments that are held 
through unit trusts or similar investment vehicles. 

Investments held in the Australian statutory funds may only be used within the restrictions imposed under the Life Insurance Act 1995. 
Refer to note 1(ee) for further details.  

(1) Designated at Fair Value through Income Statement at inception as they are managed by the Group on a fair value basis. 

Of the above amounts $654 million is expected to be recovered within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date by the Group (2009: 
$1,416 million) and all of the above amounts were expected to be recovered within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date by  the 
Bank as at 30 June 2009. 

The change in fair value of loans and receivables designated at Fair Value through Income Statement due to changes in credit risk for 
the Group resulted in a gain of $4 million for the year (2009: $18 million loss), and was insignificant for the Bank for the year ending 30 
June 2009. The cumulative net loss attributable to changes in credit risk for loans and receivables designated at fair value since initial 
recognition for the Group is $1 million (2009: $18 million loss), and was insignificant for the Bank for the year ending 30 June 2009. 
These values have been calculated by determining the changes in credit spread implicit in the fair value of the instrument. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     129 

InvestmentsInvestmentsInvestmentsInvestmentsBacking LifeBacking LifeBacking LifeBacking LifeRiskInvestmentRiskInvestmentContractsContractsTotalContractsContractsTotal201020102010200920092009Insurance $M$M$M$M$M$MEquity Security Investments:Direct315660975219110329Indirect6183,5084,1265514,7005,251Total equity security investments9334,1685,1017704,8105,580Debt Security Investments:Direct8245711,3959222631,185Indirect1,9795,1007,0792,7415,3258,066Total debt security investments2,8035,6718,4743,6635,5889,251Property Investments:Direct156075641579Indirect3668681,2343458631,208Total property investments3819281,3094098781,287Other Assets1758811,0561539891,142Total life insurance investment assets4,29211,64815,9404,99512,26517,260GroupBank2010200920102009Other (1)$M$M$M$MFair value structured transactions100552--Receivables due from financial institutions447909--Term loans107156--Other lending-60-60Total other assets at fair value through Income Statement6541,677-60 
 
   
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 11 Derivative Financial Instruments 

Derivative Contracts 

Derivatives  are  classified  as  “Held  for  Trading”,  “Held  for 
Hedging”, or “Other”. Held for Trading derivatives are contracts 
entered into in order to meet customers‟ needs, or to undertake 
market  making  and  positioning  activities.  Held  for  Hedging 
derivatives are instruments held for risk management purposes. 
Derivatives entered into as economic hedges that do not qualify 
for hedge accounting are classified as Other. 

Derivatives Transacted for Hedging Purposes 

There  are  three  types  of  allowable  hedging  relationships:  fair 
value hedges, cash flow hedges and hedges of a net investment 
in a foreign operation. For details on the accounting treatment of 
each type of hedging relationship refer to Note 1 (cc). 

Fair Value Hedges 

Fair value hedges are used by the Group to manage exposure 
to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability or unrecognised 
firm  commitment.  Changes  in  fair  values  can  arise  from 
fluctuations  in  interest  or  foreign  exchange  rates.  The  Group 
principally  uses interest  rate swaps, cross  currency swaps  and 
futures to protect against such fluctuations. 

All gains and losses associated with the ineffective portion of fair 
value hedge relationships are recognised immediately as „Other 
operating income‟ in the Income Statement. 

Ineffectiveness  recognised  in  the  Income  Statement  in  the 
current  year  amounted  to  a  $67  million  net  loss  for  the  Group 
(2009: $26 million net loss) and $72 million net loss for the Bank 
(2009: $30 million net loss). 

Cash Flow Hedges 

Cash flow hedges are used by the Group to manage exposure 
to  volatility  in  future  cash  flows  which  may  result  from 
fluctuations  in  interest  or  exchange  rates  on  financial  assets, 
liabilities or highly probable forecast transactions. 

The  Group  principally  uses  interest  rate  and  cross  currency 
swaps to protect against such fluctuations.  

Ineffectiveness  recognised  in  the  Income  Statement  in  the 
current year amounted to a $5 million gain for the Group (2009: 
$8  million  gain)  and  $12  million  gain  for  the  Bank  (2009:  $2 
million gain). 

Net Investment Hedges 

The  Group  uses  foreign  exchange  forward  transactions  to 
minimise its exposure to the currency translation risk of certain 
net investments in foreign operations.  

In the current and prior year, there have been no material gains 
or losses as a result of ineffective net investment hedges.  

130 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 11 Derivative Financial Instruments (continued) 

The notional (face) and fair value of derivative financial instruments are set out in the following tables:  

Derivative assets and liabilities Held for trading are expected to be recovered or settled within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date. 
The majority of derivative assets and liabilities Held for hedging and Other derivative assets and liabilities are expected to be recovered 
or settled after twelve months of the Balance Sheet date. 

Following a change in the organisational structure and product systems of ASB the interest rate trading book and the Balance Sheet 
hedging activities have been split. Group comparatives have been aligned with current period reporting resulting in the reclassification 
from Other to Held for trading of $1,100 million and $1,308 million of derivative assets and liabilities fair values respectively. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     131 

Group20102009Face ValueFair ValueFair ValueFace ValueFair ValueFair ValueAssetLiabilityAssetLiability$M$M$M$M$M$MDerivative Assets and LiabilitiesHeld for trading2,319,17623,091(20,695)1,357,73322,599(27,297)Held for hedging294,5294,260(3,865)182,1703,296(3,877)Other derivatives29,997338(324)33,830463(960)Total derivative assets/(liabilities)2,643,70227,689(24,884)1,573,73326,358(32,134)Derivatives held for tradingExchange rate related contracts:Forward contracts1,076,3955,611(4,471)340,3534,680(6,905)Swaps377,6376,882(6,344)316,2808,531(11,755)Futures1,2821-943-Options purchased and sold4,215509(513)25,068466(466)Total exchange rate related contracts1,459,52913,003(11,328)681,79513,680(19,126)Interest rate related contracts:Forward contracts60,7107(8)38,0437(16)Swaps709,7499,377(8,823)492,5337,809(7,438)Futures51,3941(2)80,4614-Options purchased and sold24,302416(284)49,620593(402)Total interest rate related contracts846,1559,801(9,117)660,6578,413(7,856)Credit related contracts:Swaps10,317110(99)8,035295(130)Total credit related contracts10,317110(99)8,035295(130)Equity related contracts:Swaps83--5215(1)Options purchased and sold2447(49)2,27912(84)Total equity related contracts3277(49)2,80017(85)Commodity related contracts:Swaps1,649167(99)2,305189(91)Futures---24--Options purchased and sold1,1993(3)2,1175(9)Total commodity related contracts2,848170(102)4,446194(100)Total derivative assets/(liabilities) held for trading2,319,17623,091(20,695)1,357,73322,599(27,297) 
 
  
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 11 Derivative Financial Instruments (continued) 

132 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Group20102009Face ValueFair ValueFair ValueFace ValueFair ValueFair ValueAssetLiabilityAssetLiability$M$M$M$M$M$MFair value hedgesExchange rate related contracts:Forward contracts19-(1)1531(2)Swaps30,4932,013(1,605)18,2781,385(846)Total exchange rate related contracts30,5122,013(1,606)18,4311,386(848)Interest rate related contracts:Swaps33,9331,041(456)22,205606(379)Futures2,600-(21)5,2814-Total interest rate related contracts36,5331,041(477)27,486610(379)Equity related contracts:Swaps63532(32)6447(56)Total equity related contracts63532(32)6447(56)Commodity related contracts:Swaps---3--Total commodity related contracts---3--Total fair value hedges67,6803,086(2,115)46,5642,003(1,283)Cash flow hedgesExchange rate related contracts:Swaps19,26770(180)12,37541(77)Total exchange rate related contracts19,26770(180)12,37541(77)Interest rate related contracts:Swaps207,5531,104(1,567)123,2021,252(2,514)Total interest rate related contracts207,5531,104(1,567)123,2021,252(2,514)Total cash flow hedges226,8201,174(1,747)135,5771,293(2,591)Net investment hedgesExchange rate related contracts:Forward contracts29-(3)29-(3)Total exchange rate related contracts29-(3)29-(3)Total net investment hedges29-(3)29-(3)Total derivative assets/(liabilities) held for hedging294,5294,260(3,865)182,1703,296(3,877) 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 11 Derivative Financial Instruments (continued) 

(1) Certain comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current period. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     133 

Group20102009Face ValueFair ValueFair ValueFace ValueFair ValueFair ValueAssetLiabilityAssetLiability$M$M$M$M$M$MOther derivatives (1)Exchange rate related contracts:Forward contracts5,70784(63)6,41942(468)Swaps3,337130(74)4,05061(182)Total exchange rate related contracts9,044214(137)10,469103(650)Interest rate related contracts:Forward contracts4,222--1,808--Swaps15,195108(159)17,779227(175)Futures1,108-(3)2,969-(2)Options purchased and sold61(5)---Total interest rate related contracts20,531109(167)22,556227(177)Credit related contracts:Swaps---803133(133)Total credit related contracts---803133(133)Commodity related contracts:Forward contracts---2--Total commodity related contracts---2--Identified embedded derivatives42215(20)---Total other derivatives29,997338(324)33,830463(960)Total recognised derivative assets/(liabilities)2,643,70227,689(24,884)1,573,73326,358(32,134) 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 11 Derivative Financial Instruments (continued) 

Derivative assets and liabilities Held for trading are expected to be recovered or settled within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date. 
The majority of derivative assets and liabilities Held for hedging and Other derivative assets and liabilities are expected to be recovered 
or settled after twelve months of the Balance Sheet date. 

134 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Bank20102009Face ValueFair ValueFair ValueFace ValueFair ValueFair ValueAssetLiabilityAssetLiability$M$M$M$M $M$MDerivative Assets and LiabilitiesHeld for trading2,499,70423,300(20,195)1,412,09522,494(26,321)Held for hedging278,3674,054(3,456)158,9083,042(3,116)Other derivatives4939(38)41-(5)Total derivative assets/(liabilities)2,778,56427,363(23,689)1,571,04425,536(29,442)Derivatives held for tradingExchange rate related contracts:Forward contracts1,073,9955,596(4,448)339,2224,651(6,888)Swaps375,6566,836(6,178)312,3358,457(11,498)Futures1,2821-943-Options purchased and sold4,184508(512)25,037466(465)Derivatives held with controlled entities169,602895(389)92,511890(371)Total exchange rate related contracts1,624,71913,836(11,527)769,19914,467(19,222)Interest rate related contracts:Forward contracts60,3457(8)35,3435(16)Swaps664,9468,472(7,826)449,7106,692(6,081)Futures46,932--71,9233-Options purchased and sold24,084414(283)48,965588(401)Derivatives held with controlled entities65,030284(301)21,770233(288)Total interest rate related contracts861,3379,177(8,418)627,7117,521(6,786)Credit related contracts:Swaps10,317110(99)7,931295(128)Total credit related contracts10,317110(99)7,931295(128)Equity related contracts:Swaps83--5215(1)Options purchased and sold2447(49)2,27912(84)Total equity related contracts3277(49)2,80017(85)Commodity related contracts:Swaps1,649167(99)2,305189(91)Futures---24--Options purchased and sold1,1893(3)2,1175(9)Derivatives held with controlled entities166--8--Total commodity related contracts3,004170(102)4,454194(100)Total derivative assets/(liabilities) held for trading2,499,70423,300(20,195)1,412,09522,494(26,321) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 11 Derivative Financial Instruments (continued) 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     135 

Bank20102009Face ValueFair ValueFair ValueFace ValueFair ValueFair ValueAssetLiabilityAssetLiability$M$M$M$M$M$MFair value hedgesExchange rate related contracts:Forward contracts19-(1)19-(2)Swaps30,4932,013(1,605)18,2781,385(846)Total exchange rate related contracts30,5122,013(1,606)18,2971,385(848)Interest rate related contracts:Swaps30,061828(405)18,919435(320)Futures2,600-(21)5,2814-Derivatives held with controlled entities66793-71166-Total interest rate related contracts33,328921(426)24,911505(320)Equity related contracts:Swaps63532(32)6447(56)Total equity related contracts63532(32)6447(56)Commodity related contracts:Swaps---3--Total commodity related contracts---3--Total fair value hedges64,4752,966(2,064)43,8551,897(1,224)Cash flow hedgesExchange rate related contracts:Swaps18,83570(160)11,46241(37)Derivatives held with controlled entities2,63822(7)679-(6)Total exchange rate related contracts21,47392(167)12,14141(43)Interest rate related contracts:Swaps190,558979(1,224)102,9121,104(1,849)Derivatives held with controlled entities1,86117(1)---Total interest rate related contracts192,419996(1,225)102,9121,104(1,849)Total cash flow hedges213,8921,088(1,392)115,0531,145(1,892)Total derivative assets/(liabilities) held for hedging278,3674,054(3,456)158,9083,042(3,116)Other derivativesInterest rate related contracts:Swaps72-(11)38-(5)Options purchased and sold61(5)---Derivatives held with controlled entities64(2)---Total interest rate related contracts845(18)38-(5)Credit related contracts:Swaps---3--Total credit related contracts---3--Identified embedded derivatives4094(20)---Total other derivatives4939(38)41-(5)Total recognised derivative assets/(liabilities)2,778,56427,363(23,689)1,571,04425,536(29,442) 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 11 Derivative Financial Instruments (continued) 

The following table shows the gross amount of deferred (losses)/gains held in equity in relation to cash flow hedges. 

Cash Flow Hedges - Deferred (Losses)/Gains 

136 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Exchange RateInterest RateGroupRelated ContractsRelated ContractsTotal201020092010200920102009$M$M$M$M$M $M6 months(43)56(85)(125)(128)(69)6 months - 1 year-7(65)(132)(65)(125)1 - 2 years--(198)(472)(198)(472)2 - 5 years9-(158)(703)(149)(703)After 5 years8(2)(44)204(36)202Net deferred (losses)/gains(26)61(550)(1,228)(576)(1,167)Exchange RateInterest RateBankRelated ContractsRelated ContractsTotal201020092010200920102009$M$M$M$M$M$M6 months-27(105)(57)(105)(30)6 months - 1 year-7(19)(26)(19)(19)1 - 2 years--(85)(217)(85)(217)2 - 5 years9-(163)(563)(154)(563)After 5 years(1)(2)(87)169(88)167Net deferred (losses)/gains832(459)(694)(451)(662) 
 
 
 
  
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 12 Available-for-Sale Investments 

(1) Included within Mortgage backed securities of the Bank are $37,105 million (2009: $37,105 million) of residential mortgage backed securities held within securitisation 

vehicles for potential repurchase by the Reserve Bank of Australia. 

Of the amounts above, the following amounts are expected to be recovered within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date; Group: 
$10,317 million (2009: $6,128 million), Bank $5,408 million (2009: $5,826 million). 

Revaluation of Available-for-sale investments resulted in a gain of $327 million (2009: $10 million gain) for the Group and a gain of $160 
million (2009: $52 million gain) for the Bank recognised directly in equity. As a result of sale, derecognition or impairment during the year 
of  Available-for-sale  investments  the  following  amounts  were  removed  from  equity  and  reported  in  Income  Statement  for  the  year; 
Group: $22 million net gain (2009: $13 million loss), Bank $16 million net gain (2009: $24 million gain). 

Proceeds received from settlement at or close to maturity of Available-for-sale investments for the Group were $44,201 million (2009: 
$22,189 million) and for the Bank were $26,635 million (2009: $22,049 million). 

Proceeds from sale of Available-for-sale investments for the Group were $4,107 million (2009: $4,996 million) and for the Bank were 
$4,095 million (2009: $4,996 million). 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     137 

GroupBank2010200920102009$M$M$M$MAustraliaMarket Quoted: Australian Public Securities:Local and semi-government12,5037,15212,1537,152Shares and equity investments283241222180Certificates of deposit2,595---Eurobonds1,843---Medium term notes8,2286,5758,2286,575Floating rate notes1,235327-327Other securities205-4-Non-Market Quoted:Australian Public Securities:Local and semi-government8485--Medium term notes5456872917Shares and equity investments166181567Mortgage backed securities (1)1,0661,38439,97340,379Other securities264--Total Australia28,26415,90261,60855,537OverseasMarket Quoted: Government securities1,259660863314Shares and equity investments2626--Certificates of deposit8791,6818751,677Eurobonds2,3682,7712,3692,771Medium term notes-113-113Floating rate notes8522064220Other securities3494-26Non-Market Quoted:Government securities-22--Certificates of deposit-14--Floating rate notes-1-1Total Overseas4,6515,6024,1715,122Total available-for-sale investments32,91521,50465,77960,659 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 12 Available-for-Sale Investments (continued) 

Maturity Distribution and Weighted Average Yield 

138 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupAs at 30 June 2010GrossGrossAmortisedUnrealisedUnrealisedFairCostGainsLossesValue$M$M$M$MAustraliaAustralian Public Securities:Local and semi-government12,363245(21)12,587Certificates of deposit2,596-(1)2,595Eurobonds1,82617-1,843Medium term notes8,26161(40)8,282Floating rate notes1,21817-1,235Mortgage backed securities1,0814(19)1,066Other securities and equity investments542114-656Total Australia27,887458(81)28,264OverseasGovernment securities1,2581-1,259Certificates of deposit879--879Eurobonds2,35517(4)2,368Floating rate notes86-(1)85Other securities and equity investments528-60Total Overseas4,63026(5)4,651Total available-for-sale investments32,517484(86)32,915GroupMaturity Period at 30 June 2010Non-0 to 3 months3 to 12 months1 to 5 years5 to 10 years10 or more yearsMaturingTotal$M%$M%$M%$M%$M%$M$MAustraliaAustralian Public Securities:Local and semi-government1504. 552155. 826,1555. 644,9756. 031,0925. 84-12,587Certificates of deposit2,2414. 733544. 94-------2,595Eurobonds3614. 799525. 045305. 73-----1,843Medium term notes3795. 471,2124. 866,3895. 273026. 95---8,282Floating rate notes--2753. 959604. 05-----1,235Mortgage backed securities--------1,0665. 21-1,066Other securities and equity investments23. 271974. 9180. 01----449656Total Australia3,133-3,205-14,042-5,277-2,158-44928,264OverseasGovernment securities4521. 976831. 641245. 07-----1,259Certificates of deposit7850. 40940. 67-------879Eurobonds1363. 631,7620. 41235. 504474. 00---2,368Floating rate notes--642. 10211. 16-----85Other securities and equity investments----364. 68----2460Total Overseas1,373-2,603-204-447---244,651Total available-for- sale investments4,506-5,808-14,246-5,724-2,158-47332,915 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 12 Available-for-Sale Investments (continued) 

Maturity Distribution and Weighted Average Yield 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     139 

GroupAs at 30 June 2009GrossGrossAmortisedUnrealisedUnrealisedFairCostGainsLossesValue$M$M$M$MAustraliaAustralian Public Securities:Local and semi-government7,32879(170)7,237Medium term notes6,60469(42)6,631Floating rate notes343-(16)327Mortgage backed securities1,4158(39)1,384Other securities and equity investments25370-323Total Australia15,943226(267)15,902OverseasGovernment securities6812(1)682Certificates of deposit1,6869-1,695Eurobonds2,7693(1)2,771Medium term notes113--113Floating rate notes225-(4)221Other securities and equity investments123-(3)120Total Overseas5,59714(9)5,602Total available-for-sale investments21,540240(276)21,504GroupMaturity Period at 30 June 2009Non-0 to 3 months3 to 12 months1 to 5 years5 to 10 years10 or more yearsMaturingTotal$M%$M%$M%$M%$M%$M$MAustraliaAustralian Public Securities:Local and semi-government1515. 843546. 254,2645. 911,9855. 204835. 37-7,237Medium term notes1314. 666585. 065,6494. 201935. 21---6,631Floating rate notes--1003. 81503. 81453. 811323. 81-327Mortgage backed securities--------1,3843. 68-1,384Other securities and equity investments643. 91--80. 01--43. 00247323Total Australia346-1,112-9,971-2,223-2,003-24715,902OverseasGovernment securities1619. 553252. 571963. 87-----682Certificates of deposit8851. 002740. 71--5364. 00---1,695Eurobonds1,0210. 561,7250. 65255. 50-----2,771Medium term notes411. 56723. 61-------113Floating rate notes61. 981461. 06692. 33-----221Other securities and equity investments351. 98583. 25------27120Total Overseas2,149-2,600-290-536---275,602Total available-for-sale investments2,495-3,712-10,261-2,759-2,003-27421,504 
 
  
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 13 Loans, Bills Discounted and Other Receivables 

(1) The Group has entered into securitisation transactions on residential mortgage loans that do not qualify for derecognition. The Group is entitled to any residual income 
of the securitisation program after all payments due to investors and costs of the program have been met, to this extent the Group retains credit and liquidity risk. In 
addition, derivatives return the interest rate and foreign currency risk to the Group. The carrying value of assets that did not qualify for derecognition for the Group 
were  $9,696  million  (2009:  $12,568  million)  and  for  the  Bank  were  $5,963  million  (2009:  $7,623  million).  The  carrying  value  of  liabilities  associated  with  non-
derecognised assets for the Group were $8,772 million (2009: $11,951 million) and for the Bank were $6,117 million (2009: $8,111 million).  

(2) The Group measures bills discounted intended to be sold into the market at fair value and includes these within loans, bills discounted and other receivables to reflect 

the nature of the lending arrangement. 

Of  the  amounts  above,  the  following  amounts  are  expected  to  be  recovered  within  12  months  of  the  Balance  Sheet  date;  Group  -  
$125,897 million (2009: $121,714 million), Bank - $105,879 million (2009: $97,803 million). 

140 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupBank2010200920102009$M$M$M$MAustraliaOverdrafts19,92417,82918,76716,630Home loans (1)292,140261,504249,134224,811Credit card outstandings10,2009,0558,8817,960Lease financing4,6574,5722,1941,902Bills discounted (2)14,37910,93614,37910,936Term loans101,794107,33777,10581,139Other lending1,2881,616748879Other securities564524562524Total Australia444,946413,373371,770344,781OverseasOverdrafts652744--Home loans31,43330,702392328Credit card outstandings589573--Lease financing5705416893Term loans23,05227,0799,38312,570Redeemable preference share financing-744--Other lending271625-Total Overseas56,32360,3999,86812,991Gross loans, bills discounted and other receivables501,269473,772381,638357,772LessProvisions for Loan Impairment (Note 14):Collective provision(3,436)(3,195)(1,964)(2,060)Individually assessed provisions (1,992)(1,729)(978)(1,020)Unearned income:Term loans(1,213)(1,134)(1,106)(885)Lease financing(1,169)(1,083)(395)(399)(7,810)(7,141)(4,443)(4,364)Net loans, bills discounted and other receivables493,459466,631377,195353,408GroupBank2010200920102009$M$M$M$MFinance LeasesMinimum lease payments receivable:Not later than one year1,3601,479637531Later than one year but not later than five years2,8032,5541,3571,132Later than five years1,0641,080268332Lease financing5,2275,1132,2621,995 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 13 Loans, Bills Discounted and Other Receivables (continued) 

Finance Lease Receivables 

The Group and the Bank provide finance leases to a broad range of clients to support financing needs in acquiring movable assets such 
as trains, aircraft, ships and major production and manufacturing equipment.  

Finance lease receivables are included within loans, bills discounted and other receivables to customers.  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     141 

Group20102009GrossPresent valueGrossPresent valueinvestment inof minimuminvestment inof minimumfinance leaseUnearnedlease paymentfinance leaseUnearnedlease paymentreceivableincomereceivablereceivableincomereceivable$M$M$M$M$M$MNot later than one year1,360(298)1,0621,479(263)1,216One year to five years2,803(688)2,1152,554(563)1,991Over five years1,064(183)8811,080(257)8235,227(1,169)4,0585,113(1,083)4,030Bank20102009GrossPresent valueGrossPresent value investment inof minimum investment inof minimumfinance leaseUnearnedlease paymentfinance leaseUnearnedlease paymentreceivableincomereceivablereceivableincomereceivable$M$M$M$M$M$MNot later than one year637(104)533531(92)439One year to five years1,357(247)1,1101,132(202)930Over five years268(44)224332(105)2272,262(395)1,8671,995(399)1,596 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 13 Loans, Bills Discounted and Other Receivables (continued) 

The following tables show the maturity of all loans by type of customer as at 30 June.  

142 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupMaturity Period at 30 June 2010Maturing 1MaturingMaturingYearBetweenAfteror Less1 & 5 Years5 YearsTotal$M$M$M$MAustraliaSovereign965579181,571Agriculture2,5641,2251,3695,158Bank and other financial6,7961,6357909,221Home loans33,27118,291240,578292,140Construction1,5911,2046433,438Personal3,75010,1612,06815,979Asset financing3,0575,3152498,621Other commercial and industrial58,69935,49314,626108,818Total Australia109,82473,881261,241444,946OverseasSovereign8222401511,213Agriculture2,1941,4441,8125,450Bank and other financial1,9972,0272,3206,344Home loans6,6214,69520,11731,433Construction226121125472Personal6881277822Asset financing205384179768Other commercial and industrial3,3205,0491,4529,821Total Overseas16,07314,08726,16356,323Gross loans, bills discounted and other receivables125,89787,968287,404501,269Interest Rate Sensitivity of LendingAustralia94,69949,268218,738362,705Overseas9,1219,05110,83129,003Total variable interest rates103,82058,319229,569391,708Australia15,12524,61342,50382,241Overseas6,9525,03615,33227,320Total fixed interest rates22,07729,64957,835109,561Gross loans, bills discounted and other receivables125,89787,968287,404501,269 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 13 Loans, Bills Discounted and Other Receivables (continued) 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     143 

GroupMaturity Period at 30 June 2009Maturing 1MaturingMaturingYearBetweenAfteror Less1 & 5 Years5 YearsTotal$M$M$M$MAustraliaSovereign2484658261,539Agriculture2,1221,2431,3524,717Bank and other financial5,6812,2281,9919,900Home loans30,47918,260212,765261,504Construction1,7821,5707204,072Personal3,5059,7661,87715,148Asset financing2,4444,1051,3747,923Other commercial and industrial57,73037,01313,827108,570Total Australia103,99174,650234,732413,373OverseasSovereign1,1861501301,466Agriculture2,1821,4891,8125,483Bank and other financial3,3091,6132,6977,619Home loans5,1544,50221,04630,702Construction14639891635Personal6775214743Asset financing91245381717Other commercial and industrial4,9786,4361,62013,034Total Overseas17,72314,88527,79160,399Gross loans, bills discounted and other receivables121,71489,535262,523473,772Interest Rate Sensitivity of LendingAustralia93,29858,853186,792338,943Overseas6,6268,9358,36123,922Total variable interest rates99,92467,788195,153362,865Australia10,69315,79747,94074,430Overseas11,0975,95019,43036,477Total fixed interest rates21,79021,74767,370110,907Gross loans, bills discounted and other receivables121,71489,535262,523473,772 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 14 Provisions for Impairment 

(1) The Group movement in 2009 includes fair value adjustments related to the Bankwest acquisition of $723 million of which $286 million remained at 30 June 2009 and 

$132 million remains as at 30 June 2010. 

(2) The Group movement in 2009 includes fair value adjustments related to the Bankwest acquisition of $180 million, of which nil remains at 30 June 2009 and 30 June 

2010. 

(1) Basel II ratios are not calculated for the Bank legal entity as this is not a regulated structure for capital reporting purposes. For further details refer to Note 31 Capital 

Adequacy. 

144 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupBank20102009200820102009$M$M$M$M$MProvisions for impairment lossesCollective provisionBalance as at the beginning of the year3,2251,4661,1562,0901,360Acquisitions-250---Net collective provision funding9011,1766274601,083Impairment losses written off(734)(472)(381)(617)(423)Impairment losses recovered7773775865Fair value and other (1)(8)732(13)(2)5Balance as at the end of the year3,4613,2251,4661,9892,090Individually assessed provisionsBalance as at the beginning of the year1,7292791001,020238Acquisitions-380---Net new and increased individual provisioning1,8621,6863361,0031,388Write-back of provisions no longer required(384)(179)(33)(270)(133)Discount unwind to interest income(169)(45)(9)(86)(29)Fair value and other (2)293279716179Impairment losses written off(1,339)(671)(122)(850)(523)Balance as at the end of the year1,9921,7292799781,020Total provisions for impairment losses5,4534,9541,7452,9673,110Less: Off balance sheet provisions(25)(30)(32)(25)(30)Total provisions for loan impairment5,4284,9241,7132,9423,080GroupBank20102009200820102009%%%%%Provision RatiosCollective provision as a % of gross loans and acceptances0. 670. 660. 380. 510. 56Collective provision as a % of risk weighted assets - Basel II1. 191. 120. 71n/a (1)n/a (1)Individually assessed provisions for impairment as a % of gross impaired assets38.241.140.836.040.8Total provisions for impairment losses as a % of gross loans and acceptances1.061.010.460.750.83 
 
 
  
 
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 14 Provisions for Impairment (continued) 

Individually Assessed Provisions by Industry Classification(1) 

(1) Certain comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current period. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     145 

GroupBank20102009200820102009Impairment Expense$M$M$M$M$MLoan Impairment ExpenseNet collective provision funding9011,1766274601,083Net new and increased individual provisioning1,8621,6863361,0031,388Write-back of individually assessed provisions(384)(179)(33)(270)(133)Total loan impairment expense2,3792,6839301,1932,338Available-for-sale debt securities impairment expense-365--365Total impairment expense2,3793,0489301,1932,703Group20102009200820072006$M$M$M$M$MAustraliaSovereign-----Agriculture7577434Bank and other financial2544832721Home loans15082342317Construction132104112Personal2123955Asset financing1531121311Other commercial and industrial1,2687601613935Total Australia1,9151,5602488675OverseasSovereign-----Agriculture159---Bank and other financial168411Home loans1210742Construction--8--Personal--212Asset financing--21-Other commercial and industrial498287-Total Overseas7716931145Total individually assessed provisions1,9921,72927910080 
 
 
  
 
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 14 Provisions for Impairment (continued) 

Loans Written Off by Industry Classification  

146 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Group20102009200820072006$M$M$M$M$MLoans Written OffAustraliaSovereign-----Agriculture102318Bank and other financial3831105-1Home loans953623208Construction724113Personal651496364408388Asset financing7258494942Other commercial and industrial604255343036Total Australia1,887961479509486OverseasSovereign-----Agriculture7----Bank and other financial50864--Home loans25181--Construction-41--Personal18141377Asset financing-----Other commercial and industrial8660534Total Overseas186182241011Gross loans written off2,0731,143503519497Recovery of amounts previously written offAustralia70707399122Overseas73445Total amounts recovered777377103127Net loans written off1,9961,070426416370 
 
 
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 14 Provisions for Impairment (continued) 

Loans Recovered by Industry Classification 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     147 

Group20102009200820072006$M$M$M$M$MLoans RecoveredAustraliaSovereign-----Agriculture-1-11Bank and other financial-1-1-Home loans31111Construction--11-Personal5952617799Asset financing355105Other commercial and industrial5105816Total Australia70707399122OverseasSovereign-----Agriculture-----Bank and other financial-----Home loans-----Construction-----Personal63345Asset financing-----Other commercial and industrial1-1--Total Overseas73445Total loans recovered777377103127 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 15 Property, Plant and Equipment 

The majority of the above amounts have expected useful lives longer than twelve months after the Balance Sheet date. 

There are no significant items of property plant and equipment that are currently under construction. 

Land and buildings are carried at fair value based on independent valuations performed during the year, refer Note 1(r). Under the cost 
model these assets would have been carried at the following value: 

148 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupBank2010200920102009$M$M$M$MLand and BuildingsLandAt 30 June 2010 valuation275-193-At 30 June 2009 valuation-277-198Closing balance275277193198BuildingsAt 30 June 2010 valuation429-336-At 30 June 2009 valuation-395-318Closing balance429395336318Total land and buildings 704672529516Leasehold ImprovementsAt cost1,1671,147948934Provision for depreciation(600)(551)(483)(449)Closing balance567596465485EquipmentAt cost1,3801,305839750Provision for depreciation(990)(878)(574)(479)Closing balance390427265271Assets Under LeaseAt cost817866297331Provision for depreciation(127)(89)(50)(31)Closing balance690777247300Total property, plant and equipment2,3512,4721,5061,572GroupBank2010200920102009$M$M$M$MCarrying Amount of Land and Buildings under the Cost Model:Land1341366974Buildings332298253235Total land and buildings466434322309 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 15 Property, Plant and Equipment (continued) 

Reconciliation of the carrying amounts of Property, Plant and Equipment are set out below: 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     149 

GroupBank2010200920102009Reconciliation$M$M$M$MLandCarrying amount at the beginning of the year277258198232Acquisitions attributed to business combinations-47--Transfers to assets held for sale(8)(8)(8)(8)Disposals(4)(1)(1)(1)Net revaluations9(20)4(24)Foreign currency translation adjustment11-(1)Carrying amount at the end of the year275277193198BuildingsCarrying amount at the beginning of the year395341318312Acquisitions45353430Acquisitions attributed to business combinations-55--Transfers to assets held for sale(24)(1)(24)(2)Disposals(5)(1)(3)(1)Net revaluations47(6)373Depreciation(30)(29)(26)(26)Foreign currency translation adjustment11-2Carrying amount at the end of the year429395336318Leasehold ImprovementsCarrying amount at the beginning of the year596448485377Acquisitions7819357179Acquisitions attributed to business combinations-47--Disposals(8)(6)(2)(4)Net revaluations(2)(2)--Depreciation(98)(85)(75)(68)Foreign currency translation adjustment11-1Carrying amount at the end of the year567596465485EquipmentCarrying amount at the beginning of the year427358271282Acquisitions147148115101Acquisitions attributed to business combinations-76--Disposals/transfers(19)(5)(7)(5)Depreciation(165)(151)(114)(106)Foreign currency translation adjustment-1-(1)Carrying amount at the end of the year390427265271Assets Under LeaseCarrying amount at the beginning of the year777235300133Acquisitions2261122189Disposals/transfers(51)(4)(51)(4)Net revaluations-(2)--Depreciation(45)(37)(24)(18)Foreign currency translation adjustment(13)(26)--Carrying amount at the end of the year690777247300 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 16 Intangible Assets 

(1) Core deposits represents the value of the Bankwest deposit base compared to the avoided cost of alternative funding sources such as securitisation and wholesale 

funding. This asset has a useful life of seven years based on the weighted average attrition rates of the Bankwest deposit portfolio. 

(2)  Management  fee  rights  have  an  indefinite  useful  life  under  the  contractual  terms  of  the  management  agreements  and  are  subject  to  an  annual  valuation  for 

impairment testing purposes. No impairment was required as a result of this valuation. 

(3)  Brand  names  represent  the  value  of  royalty  costs  foregone  by  the  Group  through  acquiring  the  Bankwest  brand  name.  The  royalty  costs  that  would  have  been 
incurred by an entity using the Bankwest brand name are based on an annual percentage of income generated by Bankwest. This asset has an indefinite useful life, 
as there is no foreseeable limit to the period over which the brand name is expected to generate cash flows. The asset is not subject to amortisation, but is subjected 
to annual impairment testing. No impairment was required as a result of this test. 

(4) In the 2009 year, Other includes $38 million for the value of credit card relationships acquired from Bankwest. This value represents future net income generated from 

the relationships that existed at Balance Sheet date. The asset has a useful life of ten years based on the attrition rates of the Bankwest credit cardholders. 

(5) Due primarily to the Core Banking Modernisation project. 

150 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupBank2010200920102009$M$M$M$MIntangible AssetsGoodwill7,4737,4732,5222,522Computer software costs950673860579Core deposits (1)388460--Management fee rights (2)311311--Brand name (3)186186--Other (4)112142--Total intangible assets9,4209,2453,3823,101GoodwillPurchased goodwill7,4737,4842,5222,522Accumulated impairment-(11)--Total goodwill7,4737,4732,5222,522Computer Software CostsCost1,5511,0851,241823Accumulated amortisation(562)(373)(342)(205)Accumulated impairment(39)(39)(39)(39)Total computer software costs950673860579Core Deposits (1)Cost495495--Accumulated amortisation(107)(35)--Total core deposits388460--Management Fee Rights (2)Cost311311--Total management fee rights311311--Brand Name (3)Cost186186--Total brand name186186--Other (4)Cost203210--Accumulated amortisation(91)(68)--Total other112142--Goodwill Opening balance7,4737,4842,5222,522Impairment-(11)--Total goodwill 7,4737,4732,5222,522Computer Software CostsOpening balance673353579304Additions:From acquisitions28120344From internal development (5)427352412319Amortisation(178)(122)(134)(88)Impairment-(30)--Total computer software costs950673860579 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 16 Intangible Assets (continued) 

Goodwill allocation to the following cash generating units („CGU‟): 

(1) The allocation to Retail Banking Services includes goodwill related to the acquisitions of Colonial and State Bank of Victoria. 

(2) The allocation to Wealth Management principally relates to the goodwill on acquisition of Colonial. 

Impairment Tests for Goodwill and Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives 

To  assess  whether  goodwill  is  impaired,  the  carrying  amount  of  a  cash  generating  unit  is  compared  to  the  recoverable  amount, 
determined based on fair value less cost to sell, using an earnings multiple applicable to that type of business, or actuarial assessments 
that were consistent with externally sourced information. 

Key Assumptions Used in Fair Value Less Cost to Sell Calculations 

Earnings  multiples  relating  to  the  Group‟s  Banking  (Retail  Banking  Services,  Business  and  Private  Banking  and  New  Zealand)  and 
Wealth  Management cash-generating  units  are sourced from  publicly  available  data  associated  with  valuations  performed  on  recent 
businesses displaying similar characteristics to those cash-generating units, and are applied to current earnings. 

The New Zealand Life Insurance component of the New Zealand cash-generating unit is valued via an actuarial assessment. 

The  key  assumptions  used  when  completing  the  actuarial  assessment  include  new  business  multiples,  discount  rates,  investment 
market returns, mortality, morbidity, persistency and expense inflation. These have been determined by reference to historical company 
and industry experience and publicly available data. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     151 

GroupBank2010200920102009$M$M$M$MCore DepositsOpening balance460---Additions: From acquisitions-495--Amortisation(72)(35)--Total core deposits388460--Management Fee RightsOpening balance311311--Total management fee rights311311--Brand NameOpening balance186---Additions: From acquisitions-186--Total brand name186186--OtherOpening balance142110--Additions: From acquisitions -51--Amortisation(30)(19)--Total other112142--Group20102009$M$MRetail Banking Services (1)4,1494,149Business and Private Banking297297Wealth Management (2)2,3582,358New Zealand669669Total7,4737,473 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 17 Other Assets 

Other than the defined benefit superannuation plan surplus, the above amounts are expected to be recovered within twelve months of 
the Balance Sheet date. 

Note 18 Assets Held for Sale 

 (1) During the year ended 30 June 2007 the Group purchased, through Colonial First State, a 32% stake in AWG plc. The stake was acquired through the purchase of 
preference shares and Eurobonds that on acquisition were classified as Assets held for sale ($1.3 billion) based on the Group‟s intention to dispose of its holding into 
Australian and European based infrastructure funds within 12 months. Since acquisition the Group has sold down all of its AWG related Eurobonds and preference 
shares.  

      During the year ended 30 June 2008 the Group purchased, through Colonial First State, a 50% stake in ENW Ltd. The stake was acquired through the purchase of     
preference shares and Eurobonds that on acquisition were classified as Assets held for sale ($616 million) based on the Group‟s intention to dispose of its holding into 
Australian and European based infrastructure funds within 12 months. Since acquisition the Group has sold down all of its ENW related Eurobonds and preference 
shares.  

      Until sold, the Eurobonds were measured on the same basis as Loans, bills discounted and other receivables, while the preference shares were measured on the 

same basis as Available-for-sale investments. 

     The remaining balance relates to FS Media Works Fund I, LP which the Group intends to sell down within 12 months. 

(2) Impairments were recognised on Assets held for sale of $11 million during the year ended 30 June 2010 (30 June 2009: $75 million). These impairments are included  

in Funds management and investment contract income - other for the Group and net gain/(loss) on other non-fair valued financial instruments for the Bank. 

Note 19 Deposits and Other Public Borrowings 

 (1) Comparative liability balances have been restated following alignment of Bankwest product classifications with the Group. 
(2) The majority of the amounts are contractually payable within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date. 

152 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupBank2010200920102009Note$M$M$M$MAccrued interest receivable2,1301,5792,1091,550Defined benefit superannuation plan surplus42316495316495Accrued fees/reimbursements receivable899943287214Securities sold not delivered1,6821,277863628Intragroup current tax receivable--439100Current tax assets6477--Other1,3911,699692879Total other assets6,4826,0704,7063,866GroupBank2010200920102009$M$M$M$MAvailable-for-sale investments (1)4037340228Loans, bills discounted and other receivables (1)-180-130Land and Buildings912912Total assets held for sale (2)4956549370GroupBank2010200920102009$M$M$M$MAustraliaCertificates of deposit40,89156,73541,69557,266Term deposits (1)122,71299,17797,75078,205On demand and short term deposits (1) (2)158,874153,382143,402136,501Deposits not bearing interest (2)7,2367,1356,8486,732Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (2)5,4408,4135,5288,413Total Australia335,153324,842295,223287,117OverseasCertificates of deposit7,8499,9607,4429,468Term deposits20,11922,5174,2998,377On demand and short term deposits (2)9,6649,760640203Deposits not bearing interest (2)1,5581,48155Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (2)320161235-Total Overseas39,51043,87912,62118,053Total deposits and other public borrowings374,663368,721307,844305,170 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 19 Deposits and Other Public Borrowings (continued) 

Maturity Distribution of Certificates of Deposit and Time Deposits 

(1) All certificates of deposit issued by the Group are for amounts greater than $100,000. 

Note 20 Payables due to Other Financial Institutions 

The majority of the above amounts are expected to be settled within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date. 

Note 21 Liabilities at Fair Value through Income Statement  

 (1) Designated at Fair Value through Income Statement at inception as they are managed by the Group on a fair value basis. Designating these liabilities at Fair Value 

through Income Statement has also eliminated an accounting mismatch created by measuring assets and liabilities on a different basis. 

Of the above amounts, trading liabilities are expected to be settled within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date for the Group and 
the Bank. The majority of the other amounts are expected to be settled within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date for the Group 
and after twelve months of the Balance Sheet date for the Bank. 

The change in fair value for those liabilities designated as Fair Value through Income Statement due to credit risk for the Group is a $27 
million  gain  (2009:  $4  million  loss)  and  for  the  Bank  is  a  $29  million  gain  (2009:  $3  million  gain),  which  has  been  calculated  by 
determining the changes in credit spreads implicit in the fair value of the instruments issued. The cumulative change in fair value due to 
changes in credit risk for the Group is an $18 million gain (2009: $18 million gain) and for the Bank is a $15 million gain (2009: $18 
million gain). 

The amount that would be contractually required to be paid at maturity to the holders of the financial liabilities designated at Fair Value 
through Income Statement for the Group is $15,293 million (2009: $16,550 million) and for the Bank is $4,595 million (2009: $3,464 
million). 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     153 

GroupAt 30 June 2010MaturingMaturingMaturingMaturingThreeBetweenBetweenafterMonths orThree &Six & TwelveTwelveLessSix MonthsMonthsMonthsTotal$M$M$M$M$MAustraliaCertificates of deposit (1)29,2092,7077688,20740,891Time deposits71,81517,84425,8467,207122,712Total Australia101,02420,55126,61415,414163,603OverseasCertificates of deposit (1)5,4692,051287427,849Time deposits12,0673,0844,07889020,119Total Overseas17,5365,1354,36593227,968Total certificates of deposits and time deposits118,56025,68630,97916,346191,571GroupBank2010200920102009$M$M$M$MAustralia4,2855,9814,2655,954Overseas8,3239,1288,1578,988Total payables due to other financial institutions12,60815,10912,42214,942GroupBank2010200920102009$M$M$M$MDeposits and other borrowings (1)3,5514,816--Debt instruments (1)7,8389,202660907Trading liabilities3,9532,5783,9532,578Total liabilities at fair value through Income Statement15,34216,5964,6133,485 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 22 Income Tax Liability 

Note 23 Other Provisions 

Provisions  expected to  be  recovered  or settled  within  no more than 12 months  after  30 June 2010 for the Group  were  $908 million 
(2009: $666 million) and for the Bank were $660 million (2009: $404 million).  

154 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupBank2010200920102009$M$M$M$MAustraliaCurrent tax liability1,0047671,000770Deferred tax liability (Note 5)----Total Australia1,0047671,000770OverseasCurrent tax liability521161665Deferred tax liability (Note 5)221168-40Total Overseas27328416105Total income tax liability1,2771,0511,016875GroupBank2010200920102009Note$M$M$M$MProvision for:Long service leave355346318317Annual leave241239200196Other employee entitlements68686768Restructuring costs9618273148General insurance claims191185--Self insurance/non-lending losses57565354Dividends629182918Other160149194112Total other provisions1,1971,243934913GroupBank2010200920102009Reconciliation$M$M$M$MRestructuring costs:Opening balance182284148284Additional provisions1087140Amounts utilised during the year(94)(184)(75)(171)Transfer/(release) of provision(2)(5)(1)(5)Closing balance9618273148General insurance claims:Opening balance185117--Additional provisions114157--Amounts utilised during the year(109)(88)--Transfer/(release) of provision1(1)--Closing balance191185--Self insurance/non-lending losses:Opening balance56645464Additional provisions11695Acquisitions-1--Amounts utilised during the year(5)(9)(5)(9)Transfer/(release) of provision(5)(6)(5)(6)Closing balance57565354Other:Opening balance14913111287Additional provisions176388145311Acquisitions1161-Amounts utilised during the year(116)(365)(16)(272)Transfer/(release) of provision(50)(21)(48)(14)Closing balance160149194112 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 23 Other Provisions (continued) 

General Insurance Claims 

Provision Commentary 

Restructuring costs 

Provisions  are  recognised  for  restructuring  activities  when  a 
detailed  plan  has  been  developed and  a  valid  expectation that 
the  plan  will  be carried  out  is held  by those  affected  by it.  The 
majority of the provision is expected to be used within 12 months 
of 30 June 2010.  

At  30  June  2009  the  Group  had  recognised  a  provision  for 
Investment  and  restructuring  of $57 million  relating  to costs for 
integration of Bankwest.  

Note 24 Debt Issues 

This  provision  is  to  cover  future  claims  on  general  insurance 
contracts that have been incurred but not reported. 

Self Insurance and Non-Lending Losses 

This provision covers certain non-transferred insurance risk and 
non-lending losses. The self insurance provision is reassessed 
annually in consultation with actuarial advice. 

(1) Represents the contractual maturity of the underlying instrument. 

The  Bank‟s  debt  issues  include  a  Euro  Medium  Term  Note 
program  under  which  it  may  issue  notes  up  to  an  aggregate 
amount outstanding of USD 70 billion. The Bank also has a U.S. 
Medium Term Note program under which it may issue notes up 
to  an  aggregate  amount  outstanding  of  USD  30  billion.  Notes 
issued  under  debt  programs  are  both  fixed  and  variable  rate. 
Interest rate risk associated with the notes is incorporated within 
the Bank‟s interest rate risk framework. 

Where  any  debt  issue  is  booked  in  an  offshore  branch  or 
subsidiary,  the  amounts  have  first  been  converted  into  the 
functional currency of the branch at a branch defined exchange 
rate, before being converted into the AUD equivalent. 

Where proceeds have been employed in currencies other than 
that  of  the  ultimate  repayment  liability,  swaps  or  other  risk 
management arrangements have been entered into. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     155 

GroupBank2010200920102009$M$M$M$MShort term debt issues49,75739,58639,64415,852Long term debt issues80,45362,23367,39547,042Total debt issues130,210101,819107,03962,894Short Term Debt IssuesAUD Commercial Paper49425831294USD Commercial Paper20,42320,41919,8391,367EUR Commercial Paper1,98156636262GBP Commercial Paper4,98060913995Other Currency Commercial Paper88-23-Long Term Debt Issues with less than one year to maturity21,79117,73419,29514,034Total short term debt issues49,75739,58639,64415,852Long Term Debt IssuesUSD Medium Term Notes41,07423,22138,57719,329AUD Medium Term Notes9,79612,2732,8205,023NZD Medium Term Notes1,1121,163320268JPY Medium Term Notes8,8089,4898,5509,489GBP Medium Term Notes1,5582,1161,1522,021EUR Medium Term Notes11,0448,9719,0776,026Other Currencies Medium Term Notes6,9714,8516,8094,738Offshore Loans (all JPY)9014990148Total long term debt issues80,45362,23367,39547,042Maturity Distribution of Debt Issues (1)Less than three months27,93923,88319,8405,065Between three and twelve months21,81815,70319,80410,787Between one and five years61,74152,89949,83138,603Greater than five years18,7129,33417,5648,439Total debt issues130,210101,819107,03962,894 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 24 Debt Issues (continued) 

Short Term Borrowings  

The following table analyses the Group‟s short term borrowings for the year ended 30 June. 

(1) The amount outstanding at period end is measured at amortised cost. 

(2) The maximum and average amounts over the period are reported on a face value basis because the carrying values of these amounts are not available. Any 

differences between face value and carrying value would not be material given the short term nature of the borrowings. 

156 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Group201020092008USD Commercial PaperOutstanding at period end (1)20,42320,41914,116Maximum amount outstanding at any month end (2)42,79823,42814,693Approximate average amount outstanding (2)20,70715,99511,000Approximate weighted average interest rate on:Average amount outstanding0.3%1.6%4.2%Outstanding at period end0.5%0.4%2.6%EUR Commercial PaperOutstanding at period end (1)1,981566622Maximum amount outstanding at any month end (2)2,9306921,589Approximate average amount outstanding (2)1,751536885Approximate weighted average interest rate on:Average amount outstanding0.5%0.7%4.4%Outstanding at period end0.4%0.6%4.3%AUD Commercial PaperOutstanding at period end (1)4942581,024Maximum amount outstanding at any month end (2)6581,0592,588Approximate average amount outstanding (2)4463951,430Approximate weighted average interest rate on:Average amount outstanding4.0%6.7%7.0%Outstanding at period end4.7%3.2%7.9%GBP Commercial PaperOutstanding at period end (1)4,98060933Maximum amount outstanding at any month end (2)5,2081,257868Approximate average amount outstanding (2)3,110907358Approximate weighted average interest rate on:Average amount outstanding0.6%0.8%5.1%Outstanding at period end0.7%0.7%5.5%Other Currency Commercial PaperOutstanding at period end (1)88-383Maximum amount outstanding at any month end (2)253-657Approximate average amount outstanding (2)136-469Approximate weighted average interest rate on:Average amount outstanding0.6%-4.2%Outstanding at period end1.3%-7.3%   (AUD millions, except where indicated)CurrencyAs AtAs At30 June30 JuneExchange Rates Utilised (End of day, Sydney time)20102009AUD 1.00  =USD 0.855940.81287EUR 0.699620.57551GBP 0.568600.48616JPY 75.9067177.64500NZD 1.231761.24300HKD 6.663096.29993CAD 0.898680.93665CHF 0.927110.87773ILS 3.314213.18646SGD 1.196841.17621 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

longer  guaranteed  by 

the 
Demand  deposits  are  no 
Commonwealth  under  this  guarantee.  However,  term  deposits 
outstanding  at  19  July  1999  and  debt  issues  payable  by  the 
Bank  under  a  contract  entered  into  prior  to  19  July  1996  and 
outstanding at 19 July 1999 remain guaranteed until maturity. 

State Bank of NSW (also known as Colonial State Bank) 

New  South  Wales  legislation  provides,  in  general  terms,  for  a 
guarantee by the NSW Government of all funding liabilities and 
off-balance  sheet  products  (other  than  demand  deposits) 
incurred or issued prior to 31 December 1997 by the State Bank 
of  New  South Wales  (SBNSW)  until  maturity  and  a  guarantee 
for demand deposits accepted by SBNSW up to 31 December 
1997. Other obligations incurred before 31 December 1994 are 
also  guaranteed  to  their  maturity.  On  4  June  2001  the 
Commonwealth Bank of Australia became the successor in law 
to  SBNSW  pursuant  to  the  Financial  Sector  Transfer  of 
Business  Act  1999.  The  NSW  Government  guarantee  of  the 
liabilities and products as described above continues unchanged 
by the succession. 

Guarantee under the Bank of Western Australia Act  

Western  Australian  State  Government  legislation  provides,  in 
general terms, for a guarantee by the WA State Government of 
the  financial  obligations  (including  contingent  liabilities)  of 
Bankwest as at 1 December 1995, subject to certain phase out 
conditions.  The  WA  State  Government  guarantee  does  not 
apply  to  Bankwest  transactions  after  1  December  1995. 
Demand  deposits  accepted  by  Bankwest  prior  to  1  December 
1995  are  no  longer  guaranteed  by  the  WA  State  Government 
under  the  guarantee,  but  term  securities  existing  at  that  date 
remain  guaranteed  until  maturity.  Certain  other  obligations 
incurred  before  1  December  1995  also  continue 
to  be 
guaranteed. 

Note 24 Debt Issues (continued) 

Guarantee Arrangements 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia 

Australian Government Guarantee Scheme for Large 
Deposits and Wholesale Funding (Guarantee Scheme) 

The Bank  issued debt under its programs which has the benefit 
of a guarantee by the Australian Government announced on 12 
October 2008 and formally commenced on 28 November 2008. 
On  7  February  2010  it  was  announced  that  the  Guarantee 
Scheme would close to new liabilities from 31 March 2010. 

The arrangements were provided in a Deed of Guarantee dated 
20  November  2008,  Scheme  Rules  and 
in  additional 
documentation  for  offers  to  residents  of  the  United  States  of 
America and other jurisdictions.  

The text of the Guarantee Scheme documents can be found at 
the  Australian  Government  Guarantee  website 
at 
www.guaranteescheme.gov.au. 

Fees  are  payable  in  relation  to  the  Guarantee  Scheme, 
calculated by reference to the term and amount of the liabilities 
guaranteed and the Bank‟s credit rating. 

Existing  guaranteed  debt 
guaranteed until maturity. 

issued  by 

the  Bank  remains 

Separate  arrangements  continue  to  apply  for  deposit  balances 
totalling up to and including $1 million under the Financial Claim 
Scheme. Such deposits are guaranteed without charge. 

Guarantee under the Commonwealth Bank Sale Act 

Historically, the due payment of all monies payable by the Bank 
was  guaranteed  by  the  Commonwealth  of  Australia  under 
section  117  of  the  „Commonwealth  Banks  Act  1959‟  (as 
amended)  at  30  June  1996.  With 
the 
Commonwealth‟s  shareholding  in  the  Bank  this  guarantee  has 
been progressively phased out under transitional arrangements 
found in the „Commonwealth Bank Sale Act 1995‟. 

the  sale  of 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     157 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 25 Bills Payable and Other Liabilities 

Other than the defined benefit superannuation plan deficit, the above amounts are expected to be settled within twelve months of the 
Balance Sheet date. 

Note 26 Loan Capital 

158 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupBank2010200920102009Note$M$M$M$MBills payable805975691786Accrued interest payable3,2332,3442,4521,574Accrued fees and other items payable1,9061,6041,3011,014Defined benefit superannuation plan deficit4282868286Securities purchased not delivered1,7541,124918574Other2,2452,3875,2893,935Total bills payable and other liabilities10,0258,52010,7337,969GroupBankCurrency 2010200920102009Amount (M)Footnotes$M$M$M$MTier One Loan CapitalExchangeableFRN USD 38 (1)44464446ExchangeableFRN USD 64 (2)75797579UndatedFRN USD 100 (3)117123117123UndatedTPS USD 550 (4)642676642679UndatedPERLS III AUD 1,166 (5)1,1541,1521,1541,152UndatedPERLS IV AUD 1,465 (6)1,4561,4511,4561,451UndatedPERLS V AUD 2,000 (7)1,963-1,953-UndatedTPS USD 700 (8)--813857Total Tier One loan capital5,4513,5276,2544,387Tier Two Loan CapitalAUD demoninated(9)1,7992,0981,7992,098USD demoninated(10)1,8192,8981,8192,898JPY denominated(11)1,1031,115985966GBP denominated(12)262306262306NZD denominated(13)747738284279EUR denominated(13)1,4225211,422521CAD denominated(13)666639666639Total Tier Two loan capital7,8188,3157,2377,707Fair value hedge adjustments2441978480Total loan capital13,51312,03913,57512,174 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 26 Loan Capital (continued) 

(4) TPS 2003 

(1) USD 300 million undated Floating Rate Notes (FRNs) issued 
11 July 1988 exchangeable into dated FRNs. 

Outstanding notes at 30 June 2010 were: 

Undated: USD 38 million. 

(2)  USD  400  million  undated  FRNs  issued  22  February  1989 
exchangeable into dated FRNs.  

Outstanding notes at 30 June 2010 were: 

Due February 2011: USD 64 million. 

(3) 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 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  relevant  note  issue  or 
issues plus any interest paid in respect of the notes for the most 
recent  financial  year  and  accrued  interest.  The  issue  price  of 
such  shares  will  be  determined  by  reference  to  the  prevailing 
market price for the Bank‟s shares. 

Any one or more of the following events may trigger the issue of 
shares to the Commonwealth of Australia or a rights issue: 

A  relevant  event  of  default  (discussed  below)  occurs  in 
respect  of  a  note  issue  and  the  Trustee  of  the  relevant 
notes  gives  notice  to  the  Bank  that  the  notes  are 
immediately due and payable; 
The  most  recent  audited  annual  Financial  Statements  of 
the Group show a loss (as defined in the Agreements); 
The  Bank  does  not  declare  a  dividend  in  respect  of  its 
ordinary shares; 
The  Bank,  if  required  by  the  Commonwealth  of  Australia 
and  subject  to  the  agreement  of  the  APRA,  exercises  its 
option to redeem a note issue; or 
In respect of Undated FRNs which have been exchanged 
to Dated FRNs, the Dated FRNs mature. 

Any payment made by the Commonwealth of Australia pursuant 
to its guarantee  in respect  of the  relevant  notes  will trigger the 
issue of shares to the Commonwealth of Australia to the value of 
such payment. 

The  relevant  events  of default differ  depending  on  the  relevant 
Agreement. In summary, they cover events such as failure of the 
Bank to meet its monetary obligation in respect of the relevant 
notes;  the  insolvency  of  the  Bank;  any  law  being  passed  to 
dissolve  the  Bank  or  the  Bank  ceasing  to  carry  on  general 
Banking  business  in  Australia;  and  the  Commonwealth  of 
Australia ceasing to guarantee the relevant notes. In relation to 
Dated  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. 

Each trust  preferred security  represents  a beneficial  ownership 
interest  in the  assets  of  CBA  Capital  Trust. The sole  assets of 
CBA Capital Trust are the funding preferred securities issued by 
CBA  Funding  Trust,  which  represent  preferred  beneficial 
ownership interests in the assets of CBA Funding Trust, and a 
limited  CBA  guarantee.  The  securities  qualify  as  innovative 
residual Tier One capital of the Bank. 

CBA Funding Trust applied all of the proceeds from the sale of 
the  funding  preferred  securities  to  purchase  the  convertible 
notes from the Bank‟s New Zealand Branch. 

The  trust  preferred  securities  provide  for  a  semi-annual  cash 
distribution  in  arrears  at  the  annual  rate  of  5.805%.  The 
distributions on the trust preferred securities are non-cumulative. 
CBA  Capital  Trust‟s  ability  to  pay  distributions  on  the  trust 
preferred  securities  is  ultimately  dependent  upon  the  ability  of 
CBA to make interest payments on the convertible notes. 

The Bank‟s New Zealand branch will make interest payments on 
the convertible notes only if and when declared by the Board of 
Directors  of  the Bank.  The  Board of  Directors  is  not  permitted, 
unless approved by APRA, to declare interest. 

If  interest  is  not  paid  on  the  convertible  notes  on  an  interest 
payment date, holders will not receive a distribution on the trust 
preferred securities and, unless at the time of the non-payment 
the Bank  is  prevented  by  applicable  law  from  issuing the  CBA 
preference  shares,  convertible  notes  will  automatically  convert 
into  CBA  preference  shares,  which  will  result  in  mandatory 
redemption of trust preferred securities for American Depository 
Shares (“ADS”). 

No  later  than  35  business  days  prior  period  to  30  June,  2015, 
holders may deliver a notice to the Bank requiring it to exchange 
each trust preferred security for ordinary shares. The Bank may 
satisfy the obligation to deliver ordinary shares in exchange for 
the  trust  preferred  securities  by  either  delivering  the  applicable 
number  of  ordinary  shares  or  by  arranging  for  the  sale  of  the 
trust  preferred  securities  at  par  and  delivering  the  proceeds  to 
the  holder.  Subject  to  the  approval  of  APRA,  holders  may 
exchange  trust  preferred  securities  for  the  Bank‟s  ordinary 
shares  earlier  than  30  June,  2015  if,  prior  to  that  date,  a 
takeover bid or scheme of arrangement in relation to a takeover 
has occurred. 

If CBA Capital Trust is liquidated, dissolved or wound up and its 
assets  are  distributed,  for  each  trust  preferred  security  owned, 
the holder is entitled to receive the stated liquidation amount of 
U.S. $1,000, plus the accrued but unpaid distribution for the then 
current  distribution  period.  Holders  may  not  receive  the  full 
amount  payable  on  liquidation  if  CBA  Capital  Trust  does  not 
have enough funds. 

The  trustees  of  CBA  Capital  Trust  can  elect  to  dissolve  CBA 
Capital Trust and distribute the funding preferred securities if at 
any time certain changes in tax law or other tax-related events or 
the specified changes in U.S. Investment Company law occur. 

Neither  the  trust  preferred  securities  nor  the  funding  preferred 
securities can be redeemed at the option of their holders. Other 
than  in  connection  with  an  acceleration  of  the  principal  of  the 
convertible  notes  upon  the  occurrence  of  an  event  of  default, 
neither  the  trust  preferred  securities  nor  the  funding  preferred 
securities are repayable in cash unless the Bank‟s New Zealand 
branch, at its sole option, redeems the convertible notes. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     159 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 26 Loan Capital (continued) 

The  Bank‟s  New  Zealand  branch  may  redeem  the  convertible 
notes for cash: before 30 June 2015, in whole, but not in part, 
and only if the specified changes in tax law or other tax-related 
events, the specified changes in U.S. investment Company law 
and‚  changes  in  the  "Tier  One''  regulatory  capital  treatment  of 
the convertible notes, or certain corporate transactions involving 
a  takeover  bid  or  a  scheme  of  arrangement  in  relation  to  a 
takeover  described  in  this  offering  memorandum  occur;  and  at 
any  time  on  or  after  30  June  2015.  The  Bank‟s  New  Zealand 
branch  must  first  obtain  the  approval  of  APRA  to  redeem  the 
convertible notes for cash. 

The Bank guarantees: 

the 

funding  preferred 
Semi-annual  distributions  on 
securities  by  CBA  Funding  Trust  to  CBA  Capital  Trust  to 
the  extent  CBA  Funding  Trust  has  funds  available  for 
distribution;  
Semi-annual  distributions  on  the  trust  preferred  securities 
by CBA Capital Trust to the extent CBA Capital Trust has 
funds available for distribution; 
The  redemption  amount  due to  CBA  Capital Trust  if CBA 
Funding Trust is obligated to redeem the funding preferred 
securities  for  cash  and  to  the  extent  CBA  Funding  Trust 
has funds available for payment; 
The  redemption  amount  due  if  CBA  Capital  Trust  is 
obligated to redeem the trust preferred securities for cash 
and to the extent CBA Capital Trust has funds available for 
payment; 
The  delivery  of  ADSs  to  CBA  Capital  Trust  by  CBA 
Funding Trust if CBA Funding Trust is obligated to redeem 
the funding preferred securities for ADSs and to the extent 
that  CBA  Funding  Trust  has  ADSs  available  for  that 
redemption; 
The delivery of ADSs by CBA Capital Trust if CBA Capital 
Trust  is  obligated  to  redeem  the  trust  preferred  securities 
for  ADSs  and  to  the  extent  that  CBA  Capital  Trust  has 
ADSs available for that redemption; 
The delivery of funding preferred securities by CBA Capital 
Trust upon dissolution of CBA Capital Trust as a result of a 
tax  event  or  an  event  giving  rise  to  a  more  than 
insubstantial  risk  that  CBA  Capital  Trust  is  or  will  be 
considered  an  Investment  Company  which  is  required  to 
be registered under the Investment Company Act; 
The  payment  of  the  liquidation  amount  of  the  funding 
preferred  securities  if  CBA  Funding  Trust  is  liquidated,  to 
the extent that CBA Funding Trust has funds available after 
payment of its creditors; and 
The  liquidation  amount  of  the  trust  preferred  securities  if 
CBA  Capital  Trust  is  liquidated,  to  the  extent  that  CBA 
Capital  Trust  has  funds  available  after  payment  of  its 
creditors. 

The  Bank‟s  guarantee  does  not  cover  the  non-payment  of 
distributions on the funding preferred securities to the extent that 
CBA  Funding  Trust  does  not  have  sufficient  funds  available  to 
pay distributions on the funding preferred securities. 

Trust preferred securities have limited voting rights. 

Trust preferred securities have the right to bring a direct action 
against the Bank if: 

The Bank‟s New Zealand branch does not pay interest or 
the  redemption  price  of  the  convertible  notes  to  CBA 
Funding Trust in accordance with their terms;  

160 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

The  Bank‟s  New  Zealand  branch  does  not  deliver  ADSs 
representing  preference  shares  to  CBA  Funding  Trust  in 
accordance with the terms of the convertible notes;  
The  Bank  does  not  perform  its  obligations  under  its 
guarantees  with  respect  to  the  trust  preferred  securities 
and the funding preferred securities; or 
The Bank does not deliver cash or ordinary shares on 30 
June 2015. 

 (5) PERLS III 

On  6  April  2006  a  wholly  owned  entity  of  the  Bank  (Preferred 
Capital  Limited  “PCL”)  issued  $1,166  million  of  Perpetual 
Exchangeable  Repurchaseable  Listed  Shares  (PERLS  III). 
PERLS III are preference shares in a special purpose Company, 
(the ordinary shares of which are held by the Bank), perpetual in 
nature,  offering  a  non-cumulative  floating  rate  distribution 
payable quarterly. The shares qualify as innovative residual Tier 
One capital of the Bank.  

The  Dividends  paid  to  PERLS  III  Holders  will  be  primarily 
sourced  from  interest  paid  on  the  Convertible  Notes  issued  by 
CBA  NZ  to  PCL.  The  payment  of  interest  on  the  underlying 
Convertible  Notes  and  Dividends  on  PERLS  III  are  not 
guaranteed and are subject to a number of conditions including 
the availability of profits and the Board (of the Bank in relation to 
Convertible  Note  interest,  or  of  PCL  in  relation  to  PERLS  III 
Dividends) resolving to make the payment. 

The Dividend Rate is a floating rate calculated for each Dividend 
Period  as  the  sum  of  the  Margin  per  annum  plus  the  Market 
Rate  per  annum  multiplied  by  (One  –  Tax  Rate).  The  Initial 
Margin  is  1.05%  over  Bank  Bill  Swap  Rate  and  the  Step-up 
Margin, effective from the “Step-up Date” on 6 April 2016, is the 
Initial Margin plus 1.00% per annum. 

If each PERLS III Holder is not paid a dividend in full within 20 
Business  Days  of  the  Dividend  Payment  Date,  the  Bank  is 
prevented from paying any interest, dividends or distributions, or 
undertaking  certain  other  transactions,  in  relation  to  any 
securities  of  the  Bank  that  rank  for  interest  payments  or 
distributions  equally  with,  or  junior to,  the  Convertible  Notes  or 
Bank  PERLS  III  Preference  Shares.  This  Dividend  Stopper 
applies until an amount in aggregate equal to the full dividend on 
PERLS III for four consecutive dividend periods has been paid to 
PERLS III Holders. 

PERLS  III  will  automatically  exchange  for  Bank  PERLS  III 
Preference Shares: 

  On a failure by PCL to pay a Dividend; 
At any time at the Bank‟s discretion; or 

10 Business Days before the Conversion Date. 

Subject to APRA approval, PCL may elect to exchange PERLS 
III for the Conversion Number of Bank Ordinary Shares or $200 
cash for each PERLS III:  

  On the Step-up Date or any Dividend Payment Date after 

the Step-up Date; or 

If a Regulatory Event or Tax Event occurs. 

PERLS III will automatically exchange for Bank Ordinary Shares 
if: 

An APRA Event occurs; 
A Default Event occurs; or 
A Change of Control Event occurs. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

If these conversion conditions are not satisfied on that date, 
then  the  conversion  date  moves  to  the  next  distribution 
payment date on which they are satisfied; and 

In certain circumstances, where the conversion conditions 
are  not  satisfied,  the  Bank  may  (subject  to  APRA‟s  prior 
approval) elect to repurchase all PERLS IV for $200 each. 

The  Bank  may,  subject  to  APRA‟s  prior  approval,  elect  to 
exchange all PERLS IV for cash and/or ordinary shares if any of 
the following occurs:  

Tax Event; 
Regulatory Event; and  

Non-Operating Holding Company (NOHC) Event.  

The Bank‟s ability to convert PERLS IV on the occurrence of any 
of these events is subject to the same conversion conditions as 
mentioned above. 

If a change of control event occurs, Holders will receive cash for 
all of their PERLS IV (subject to APRA‟s approval). 

Holders  are  not  entitled  to  request  exchange  or  redemption  of 
PERLS IV.  

Holders of PERLS IV have no right to vote at any meeting of the 
Bank except in the following specific circumstances: 

during  a  period  during  which  a  Dividend  (or  part  of  a 
Dividend) in respect of the Preference Shares is in arrears; 
on a proposal to reduce the Bank‟s share capital; 
on  a  proposal  that  affects  rights  attached  to  Preference 
Shares; 
on  a  resolution  to  approve  the  terms  of  a  buy-back 
agreement; 
on a proposal to wind up the Bank; 
on  a  proposal  for  the  disposal  of the  whole  of the Bank‟s 
property, business and undertaking; and 
during the winding-up of the Bank. 

(7) PERLS V 

On 14 October 2009 the Bank issued $2,000 million of Perpetual 
Exchangeable  Resalable  Listed  Securities  (PERLS  V).  PERLS 
V are stapled securities comprising an unsecured subordinated 
note  issued  by  the  Bank‟s  New  Zealand  branch  and  a 
convertible  preference  share  issued  by  the  Bank.  These 
securities are perpetual in nature, offer a non-cumulative floating 
distribution rate payable quarterly, and qualify as non-innovative 
residual Tier One capital of the Bank.  

The payment of interest on the underlying convertible notes and 
dividends on PERLS V are not guaranteed and are subject to a 
number of conditions including the availability of profits and the 
ability of the Board to stop payments. 

The  distribution  rate  is  a  floating  rate  calculated  for  each 
distribution period as the sum of the Bank Bill Swap Rate plus 
3.40% per annum, multiplied by (1 – Tax Rate). 

Distributions  paid  to  holders  will  be  interest  on  notes  until  an 
Assignment Event, and dividends on preference shares after the 
Assignment  Event.  Upon  an  Assignment  Event,  the  notes  are 
de-stapled from the preference shares and are assigned to the 
Bank and investors continue to hold preference shares. 

Note 26 Loan Capital (continued) 

PERLS  III  will  be  automatically  exchanged for Bank PERLS  III 
Preference  Shares  no  later  than  10  Business  Days  prior  to  6 
April 2046 (if they have not been exchanged before that date).  

Holders  are  not  entitled  to  request  exchange  or  redemption  of 
PERLS III or Bank PERLS III Preference Shares.  

Holders of PERLS III are entitled to vote at a general meeting of 
PCL on certain issues. PERLS III holders have no rights at any 
meeting of the Bank. 

(6) PERLS IV 

On  12  July  2007  the  Bank  issued  $1,465  million  of  Perpetual 
Exchangeable Resalable Listed Securities (PERLS IV). PERLS 
IV are stapled securities comprising an unsecured subordinated 
note issued  by the Bank‟s  New  York  branch  and  a convertible 
preference  share  issued  by  the  Bank.  These  securities  are 
perpetual  in  nature,  offer  a  non-cumulative  floating  distribution 
rate  payable  quarterly,  and  qualify  as  non-innovative  residual 
Tier One capital of the Bank.  

The payment of interest on the underlying convertible notes and 
dividends on PERLS IV are not guaranteed and are subject to a 
number of conditions including the availability of profits and the 
ability of the Board to stop payments. 

The  distribution  rate  is  a  floating  rate  calculated  for  each 
distribution period as the sum of the Bank Bill Swap Rate plus 
1.05% per annum, multiplied by (1 – Tax Rate). 

Distributions  paid  to  holders  will  be  interest  on  notes  until  an 
Assignment Event, and dividends on preference shares after the 
Assignment  Event.  Upon  an  Assignment  Event,  the  notes  are 
de-stapled from the preference shares and are assigned to the 
Bank and investors continue to hold preference shares.  

If  distributions  on  PERLS  IV  are  not  paid  in  full  within  20 
business  days  of  the  payment  date,  an  Assignment  Event  will 
occur  and  the  Bank  is  prevented  from  paying  any  interest, 
dividends or distributions in relation to any securities of the Bank 
that  rank  equally  with  or  junior  to  the  preference  shares.  This 
“dividend stopper” applies until:  

A  Special  Resolution  of  Holders  authorising  the  payment, 
capital  return,  buy-back,  redemption  or  repurchase  is 
approved, and APRA does not otherwise object; 
An Optional Dividend of an amount in aggregate equal to 
the  unpaid  amount  for  the  preceding  four  consecutive 
Distribution Periods has been paid to Holders; 
Four  consecutive  Dividends  scheduled  to  be  payable  on 
PERLS IV thereafter have been paid in full; or 

All PERLS IV have been exchanged. 

PERLS IV are expected to be exchanged for cash or converted 
into ordinary shares of the Bank on 31 October 2012. However, 
exchange may not occur if certain conditions are not met. On 31 
October 2012; 

The Bank may arrange a resale by requiring all Holders to 
sell  their  PERLS  IV  to  a  third  party  for  $200  (the  face 
value); 
If  the  Bank  does  not  arrange  a  resale,  an  Assignment 
Event will occur and PERLS IV will convert into a variable 
number  of  ordinary  shares  of  the  Bank  subject  to  some 
conditions relating to the ordinary share price at the time; 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     161 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 26 Loan Capital (continued) 

(8) TPS 2006 

If distributions on PERLS V are not paid in full within 20 business 
days of the payment date, an Assignment Event will occur and 
the  Bank  is  prevented  from  paying  any  interest,  dividends  or 
distributions  in  relation  to  any  securities  of  the  Bank  that  rank 
equally  with  or  junior  to  the  preference  shares.  This  “dividend 
stopper” applies until: 

A  Special  Resolution  of  Holders  authorising  the  payment, 
capital  return,  buy-back,  redemption  or  repurchase  is 
approved, and APRA does not otherwise object; 
An Optional Dividend of an amount in aggregate equal to 
the  unpaid  amount  for  the  preceding  four  consecutive 
Distribution Periods has been paid to Holders; 
Four  consecutive  Dividends  scheduled  to  be  payable  on 
PERLS V thereafter have been paid in full; or 

All PERLS V have been exchanged. 

PERLS V are expected to be exchanged for cash or converted 
into ordinary shares of the Bank on 31 October 2014. However, 
exchange may not occur if certain conditions are not met. On 31 
October 2014; 

The Bank may arrange a resale by requiring all Holders to 
sell their PERLS V to a third party for $200 (the face value); 
If  the  Bank  does  not  arrange  a  resale,  an  Assignment 
Event will occur and PERLS V will convert into a variable 
number  of  ordinary  shares  of  the  Bank  subject  to  some 
conditions relating to the ordinary share price at the time; 
In certain circumstances, where the conversion conditions 
are  not  satisfied,  the  Bank  may  (subject  to  APRA‟s  prior 
approval) elect to repurchase all PERLS V for $200 each; 
or 

If  PERLS  V  are  not  exchanged  on  this  date,  the  same 
to  each  subsequent 
possible  outcomes  will  apply 
distribution payment date until exchange occurs. 

The  Bank  may,  subject  to  APRA‟s  prior  approval,  elect  to 
exchange all PERLS V for cash and/or ordinary shares if any of 
the following occurs:  

Tax Event; 
Regulatory Event; and  

Non-Operating Holding Company (NOHC) Event.  

The Bank‟s ability to convert PERLS V on the occurrence of any 
of these events is subject to the same conversion conditions as 
mentioned above. 

If  an  Acquisition  event  occurs,  Holders  will  receive  cash  or 
ordinary  shares  for  all  of  their  PERLS  V  (subject  to  APRA‟s 
approval). 

Holders  are  not  entitled  to  request  exchange  or  redemption  of 
PERLS V.  

Holders of PERLS V have no right to vote at any meeting of the 
Bank except in the following specific circumstances: 

during  a  period  during  which  a  Dividend  (or  part  of  a 
Dividend) in respect of the Preference Shares is in arrears; 
on a proposal to reduce the Bank‟s share capital; 
on  a  proposal  that  affects  rights  attached  to  Preference 
Shares; 
on  a  resolution  to  approve  the  terms  of  a  buy-back 
agreement; 
on a proposal to wind up the Bank; 
on  a  proposal for the  disposal of the  whole  of the Bank‟s 
property, business and undertaking; and 

during the winding-up of the Bank. 

162 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

On  15  March  2006  a  wholly  owned  entity  of  the  Bank  issued 
USD 700 million (AUD 942 million) of perpetual non-call 10 year 
trust preferred securities into U.S. Capital Markets.  

Each  trust  preferred  security  represents  a  preferred  beneficial 
ownership  interest  in  the  assets  of  CBA  Capital  Trust  II.  The 
trust preferred securities are guaranteed by the Bank. The trust 
preferred  securities  form  part  of  the  Bank‟s  innovative  residual 
Tier One capital. 

CBA  Capital  Trust  II  is  a  statutory  trust  established  under 
Delaware  law  that  exists  for  the  purpose  of  issuing  the  trust 
preferred  securities,  acquiring  and  holding  the  subordinated 
notes  issued  by  a  New  Zealand  subsidiary  of  the  Bank,  the 
subordinated  notes  guarantee  and  the  Bank‟s  preference 
shares. 

Cash  distributions  on  the  trust  preferred  securities  are  at  the 
fixed  rate of  6.024%  payable semi-annually to 15  March  2016. 
Cash distributions on the trust preferred securities will accrue at 
the rate of LIBOR plus 1.740% per annum payable quarterly in 
arrears after that date. 

Cash distributions on the trust preferred securities will be limited 
to  the  interest  NZ  Subsidiary  pays  on  the  subordinated  notes, 
payments in respect of interest on the subordinated notes by the 
Bank‟s  NZ  Branch  as  guarantor  under  the  subordinated  notes 
guarantee  and,  after  15  March  2016,  the  dividends  the  Bank 
pays  on  the  Bank  preference  shares.  Payments  in  respect  of 
cash distributions will be guaranteed on a subordinated basis by 
the Bank, as guarantor, but only to extent CBA Capital Trust II 
has funds sufficient for the payment. 

There are restrictions on the Bank‟s New Zealand Subsidiary‟s 
ability  to  make  payments  on  the  subordinated  notes,  CBA  NZ 
Branch‟s ability to make payments on the CBA NZ Branch notes 
and the subordinated notes guarantee and the Bank‟s ability to 
make payments on the Bank preference shares. Distributions on 
the trust preferred securities are not cumulative. 

Failure  to  pay  in  full  a  distribution  within  21  business  days  will 
result in the distribution to holders of one Bank preference share 
for  each trust  preferred security  held  in  redemption  of the trust 
preferred securities. 

If CBA Capital Trust II is liquidated, dissolved or wound up and 
its  assets  are  distributed,  for  each  trust  preferred  security, 
holders  are  entitled  to  receive  the  stated  liquidation  amount  of 
USD 1,000, plus the accrued but unpaid distribution for the then 
current  distribution  payment  period,  after it  has  paid  liabilities it 
owes to its creditors. 

The trust preferred securities are subject to redemption for cash, 
qualifying  Tier  One  securities  or Bank  preference  shares  if the 
Bank  redeems  or  varies  the  terms  of  the  Bank  preference 
shares.  The  trust  preferred  securities  are  also  subject  to 
redemption if any other Assignment Event occurs. 

If the Bank preference shares are redeemed for qualifying Tier 
One  securities  or  the  terms  thereof  are  varied,  holders  will 
receive  one  Bank  preference  share  or  USD  1,000  liquidation 
amount  or  similar  amount  of  qualifying  Tier  One  securities  for 
each trust preferred security held. 

Holders of trust preferred securities generally will not have any 
voting rights except in limited circumstances.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 26 Loan Capital (continued) 

The  holders  of  a  majority  in  liquidation  amount  of  the  trust 
preferred securities, acting together as a single class, however, 
have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting 
any proceeding for any remedy available to the property trustee 
of  CBA  Capital  Trust  II  or  direct  the  exercise  of  any  trust  or 
power conferred upon the property trustee of CBA Capital Trust 
II, as holder of the subordinated notes and the Bank preference 
shares. 

Trust preferred securities holders have the right to bring a direct 
action against: 

The  Bank‟s  New  Zealand  subsidiary  if  the  Bank‟s  New 
Zealand subsidiary does not pay when due, interest on the 
subordinated notes or certain other amounts payable under 
the  subordinated  notes 
in 
accordance with their terms; 
The  Bank  if  it  does  not  perform  its  obligations  under  the 
trust guarantee; and 

to  CBA  Capital  Trust  II 

The Bank‟s NZ Branch or the Bank if the Bank‟s NZ Branch 
does  not  perform  its  obligations  under  the  subordinated 
notes guarantee or under the Bank‟s NZ Branch notes. 

The Bank will guarantee the trust preferred securities: 

Cash distributions on the trust preferred securities by CBA 
Capital  Trust  II  to  holders  of  trust  preferred  securities  on 
distribution payment dates, to the extent CBA Capital Trust 
II has funds available for distribution; 
The  cash  redemption  amount  due  to  holders  of  trust 
preferred  securities  if  CBA  Capital  Trust  II  is  obligated  to 
redeem the trust preferred securities for cash, to the extent 
CBA Capital Trust II has funds available for distribution; 
The  delivery  of  Bank  preference  shares  or  qualifying  Tier 
One securities to holders of trust preferred securities if CBA 
Capital  Trust  II  is  obligated  to  redeem  the  trust  preferred 
securities  for  Bank  preference  shares  or  qualifying  Tier 
One securities, to the extent CBA Capital Trust II has or is 
entitled to receive such securities available for distribution; 
and 

The  payment  of  the  liquidation  amount  of  the  trust 
preferred securities if CBA Capital Trust II is liquidated, to 
the extent that CBA Capital Trust II has funds available for 
distribution. 

The  trust  guarantee  does  not  cover  the 
failure  to  pay 
distributions or make other payments or distributions on the trust 
preferred securities to the extent that CBA Capital Trust II does 
not have sufficient  funds  available to  pay  distributions or make 
other payments or deliveries on the trust preferred securities. 

Upon  the  occurrence  of  an  Assignment  Event,  with  respect  to 
the  subordinated  notes  comprising  a  part  of  the  units  CBA 
Capital Trust II holds to which such Assignment Event applies: 

The  subordinated  notes  will  detach  from  the  Bank‟s 
preference  shares  that  are  part  of  those  units  and 
automatically be transferred to CBA; 
If the Assignment Event is the cash redemption of the Bank 
preference  shares,  upon  receipt,  CBA  Capital  Trust II  will 
pay to the holders of the trust preferred securities called for 
redemption  the  cash  redemption  price  for  those  Bank 
preference shares and the accrued and unpaid interest on 
the  subordinated  notes  that  were  part  of  the  units  with 
those Bank preference shares; and 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

If the Assignment Event is not the cash redemption of Bank 
preference  shares,  CBA  Capital  Trust  II  will  deliver  to  all 
holders  of  trust  preferred  securities  in  redemption  thereof 
one Bank preference share for each USD 1,000 liquidation 
preference of trust preferred securities to be redeemed or, 
if  qualifying  Tier  One  securities  are  delivered,  USD  1,000 
liquidation amount or similar amount of qualifying Tier One 
securities  for  each  USD  1,000  liquidation  amount  of  trust 
preferred  securities  to  be  redeemed,  and  the  Bank 
preference  shares  or  qualifying  Tier  One  securities  will 
accrue non-cumulative dividends or similar amounts at the 
rate of 6.024% per annum to but excluding March 15, 2016 
and  at  the  rate  of  LIBOR  plus  1.740%  per  annum 
thereafter. 

If the Bank is liquidated, holders of Bank preference shares will 
be  entitled  to  receive  an  amount  equal  to  a  liquidation 
preference  out  of  surplus  assets  of  USD  1,000  per  Bank 
preference share plus accrued and unpaid dividends for the then 
current  dividend  payment  period  plus  any  other  dividends  or 
other  amounts  to  which  the  holder  is  entitled  under  the 
Constitution. 

Subject to APRA‟s prior approval, prior to the occurrence of an 
Assignment Event that applies to all of the subordinated notes, 
the Bank may pay an optional dividend on the Bank preference 
shares if a New Zealand Subsidiary of the Bank or The Bank‟s 
CBA NZ Branch, as guarantor, has failed to pay in full interest on 
the  subordinated  notes  or  the  Bank  has  failed  to  pay  in  full 
dividends  on  the  Bank  preference  shares  on  any  interest 
payment date and/or dividend payment date. 

On  or  after  15  March  2016,  the  Bank  may  redeem  the  Bank 
preference  shares  for  cash,  in  whole  or  in  part,  on  any  date 
selected by the Bank at a redemption price equal to USD 1,000 
per  share  plus  any  accrued  and  unpaid  dividends  for  the  then 
current dividend payment period, if any. 

Prior  to  15  March  2016,  the  Bank  may  redeem  the  Bank 
preference  shares  for  cash,  vary  the  terms  of  the  preference 
shares or redeem the preference shares for qualifying Tier One 
securities, in whole but not in part, on any date selected by the 
Bank: 

If  the  Bank  preference  shares  are  held  by  CBA  Capital 
Trust II, upon the occurrence of a trust preferred securities 
tax event, an adverse tax event, an investment Company 
event or a regulatory event; or 
If the Bank preference shares are not held by CBA Capital 
Trust  II,  upon  the  occurrence  of  a  preference  share 
withholding tax event, an adverse tax event or a regulatory 
event. 

Holders  of  Bank  preference  shares  will  be  entitled  to  vote 
together with the holders of CBA ordinary shares on the basis of 
one vote for each Bank preference share: 

During a period in which a dividend (or part of a dividend) 
in respect of the Bank preference shares is in arrears; 

  On a proposal to reduce share capital;  
  On  a  proposal  that  affects  rights  attached  to  the  Bank 

preference shares; 

  On  a  resolution  to  approve  the  terms  of  a  Buy-back 

agreement; 

  On a proposal for the disposal of the whole of the Group‟s 

property, business and undertaking; and 

  On a proposal to wind up and during the winding up of the 

Group. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     163 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 26 Loan Capital (continued) 

(9) AUD denominated Tier Two Loan Capital issuances  

The rights attached to the Bank preference shares may not be 
changed except with any required regulatory approvals and with 
the consent in writing of the holders of at least 75% of the Bank 
preference shares. 

The  Bank‟s  NZ  Subsidiary  may  not  make  payments  on  the 
subordinated  notes,  the  Bank‟s  NZ  Branch  may  not  make 
payments  on  the  subordinated  notes  guarantee  or  the  Bank‟s 
NZ Branch notes and the Bank may not make payments on the 
Bank  preference  shares  if  an  APRA  condition  exists;  if  the 
Bank‟s  stopper  resolution  has  been  passed  and  not  been 
rescinded or if the Bank‟s NZ Subsidiary, the Bank‟s NZ branch 
or the Bank, as the case may be, is prohibited from making such 
a payment by instruments or other obligations of the Bank. 

If  distributions,  interest  or  dividends  are  not  paid  in  full  on  a 
payment date; the redemption price is not paid or securities are 
not delivered in full on a redemption date for the trust preferred 
securities or the Bank preference shares, then the Bank may not 
pay  any  interest;  declare  or  pay  any  dividends  or  distributions 
from the income or capital of the Bank, or return any capital or 
undertake  any  buy-backs,  redemptions  or  repurchases  of 
existing capital securities or any securities, or instruments of the 
Bank that by their terms rank or are expressed to rank equally 
with  or  junior  to  the  Bank‟s  NZ  Branch  notes  or  the  Bank 
preference  shares  for  payment  of  interest,  dividends  or  similar 
amounts unless and until: 

In the case of any non-payment of distributions on the trust 
preferred securities on any distribution payment date, on or 
within  21  business  days  after  any  distribution  payment 
date, CBA Capital Trust II or  the Bank, as guarantor, has 
paid  in  full  to  the  holders  of  the  trust  preferred  securities 
any  distributions  owing  in  respect  of  that  distribution 
payment date through the date of actual payment in full; 
In the case of any non-payment of a dividend on the Bank 
preference shares on any dividend payment date, the Bank 
has paid (A) that dividend in full on or within 21 business 
days  after  that  dividend  payment  date,  (B)  an  optional 
dividend  equal 
to  the  unpaid  amount  of  scheduled 
dividends for the 12 consecutive calendar months prior to 
the payment of such dividend or (C) dividends on the Bank 
preference  shares  in  full  on  each  dividend  payment  date 
during a 12 consecutive month period; 
In  the  case  of  any  non-payment  of  interest  on  the 
subordinated notes on any interest payment date, (A) on or 
within 21 business days after any interest payment date, (i) 
the  Bank‟s  NZ  Subsidiary  or  the  Bank‟s  NZ  Branch,  as 
guarantor,  has  paid 
the 
full 
subordinated notes any interest and other amounts owing 
in  respect  of  that  interest  payment  date  (excluding 
defaulted note interest) through the date of actual payment 
in full or (ii) with the prior approval of APRA, the Bank has 
paid  in  full  to  holders  of  the  subordinated  notes  an 
assignment  prevention  optional  dividend  in  an  amount 
equal  to  such  interest  and  any  other  amounts,  or  (B)  the 
Bank has paid dividends on the Bank preference shares in 
full  on  each  dividend  payment  date  during  a  12 
consecutive month period; and 
In the case of any non-payment of the redemption price or 
non-delivery  of  the  securities  payable  or  deliverable  with 
respect  to  Bank  preference  shares  or  the  trust  preferred 
securities,  such  redemption  price  or  securities  have  been 
paid or delivered in full, as applicable; 

the  holders  of 

to 

in 

then  there  are  restrictions  on  the  Bank  paying  any  interest  on 
equal ranking or junior securities. 

164 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

AUD  275  million  extendible  floating  rate  note  issued 
December 1989, due December 2014. 

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. The 
Agreement  provides  for  the  Bank  to  issue  either  fully  paid 
ordinary shares to the  Commonwealth  of Australia  or  (with the 
consent  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Australia)  rights  to  all 
shareholders to subscribe for fully paid ordinary shares up to an 
amount equal to the outstanding principal value of the note issue 
plus any interest paid in respect of the notes for the most recent 
financial  year  and  accrued  interest.  The  issue  price  will  be 
determined  by  reference  to  the  prevailing  market  price  for  the 
Bank‟s shares. 

Any one or more of the following events will trigger the issue of 
shares to the Commonwealth of Australia or a rights issue:  

A  relevant  event  of  default  occurs  in  respect  of  the  note 
issue and, where applicable, the Trustee of the notes gives 
notice of such to the Bank; 
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  
Any  payment  made  by  the  Commonwealth  of  Australia 
pursuant to its guarantee in respect of the issue will trigger 
the  issue  of  shares  to  the  Commonwealth  of  Australia  to 
the value of such payment. 

The original issue size was $300 million; $25 million matured in 
December 2004. 

AUD 25 million subordinated FRN, issued April 1999, due 
April 2029; 
AUD  300  million  subordinated  floating  rate  notes,  issued 
November 2005, due November 2015; 
AUD  200  million  subordinated  floating  rate  notes,  issued 
September 2006, due September 2016;  
AUD  500  million  subordinated  notes,  issued  May  2007, 
due May 2017; split into AUD 150 million fixed rate notes 
and AUD 350 million floating rate notes; and 
AUD  500  million  subordinated  floating  rate  notes,  issued 
September 2008, due September 2018. 

(10) USD denominated Tier Two Loan Capital issuances 

USD 350 million subordinated fixed rate note, issued June 
2003, due June 2018; 
USD 100 million subordinated EMTN, issued March 2005, 
due March 2025. Partial redemption of USD 39.5 million in 
September 2005; 
USD  200  million  subordinated  notes,  issued  June  2006, 
due July 2016; 
USD  300  million  subordinated  floating  rate  notes,  issued 
September 2006, due September 2016; and 
USD  650  million  subordinated  floating  rate  notes,  issued 
December 2006, due December 2016. 

 (11) JPY denominated Tier Two Loan Capital issuances 

JPY  20  billion  perpetual  subordinated  EMTN,  issued 
February 1999; 
JPY  30  billion  subordinated  EMTN,  issued  October  1995 
due October 2015; 
JPY 10 billion subordinated EMTN, issued May 2004, due 
May 2034; 
JPY 10 billion subordinated notes, issued November 2005, 
due November 2015; 
JPY 10 billion subordinated notes, issued November 2005, 
due November 2035; 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 26 Loan Capital (continued) 

JPY  5  billion  subordinated  loan,  issued  March  2006,  due 
March 2018; and 

JPY  9  billion  perpetual  subordinated  notes,  issued  May 
1996. 

(12) GBP denominated Tier Two Loan Capital issuances 

  GBP  150  million  subordinated  EMTN,  issued  June  2003, 

due December 2023. 

(13) Other currencies Tier Two Loan Capital issuances 

EUR  1,000  million  subordinated  notes,  issued  August 
2009, due August 2019; 
CAD  300  million  subordinated  notes,  issued  November 
2005, due November 2015; 
CAD 300 million subordinated notes, issued October 2007, 
due October 2017; 
NZD 350 million subordinated notes, issued May 2005, due 
April 2015; 

NZD 200 million subordinated notes issued June 2006, due 
June 2016; and 

NZD  370  million  subordinated  notes,  issued  November 
2007, due November 2017. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     165 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 27 Shareholders’ Equity 

(1) Refer Note 28 Share Capital. 

(2) Relates to movement in treasury shares held within life insurance statutory funds and the employee share scheme trust 

(3) Relates to $93 million (2009: $nil) transferred from employee compensation reserve in respect of extinguished schemes. 

(4) The declared dividend includes an amount attributable to the dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) of $774 million (interim 2009/2010) and $688 million (final 2008/2009). 
Of these amounts $772 million (interim 2009/2010) and $685 million (final 2008/2009) have been issued in ordinary shares due to rounding under the plan rules. The 
rounding amount will be included in the next DRP allocations. 

166 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupBank2010200920102009$M$M$M$MEquity ReconciliationsOrdinary Share Capital (1)Opening balance21,64215,72721,82515,927Issue of shares (net of issue costs)-4,829-4,829Dividend reinvestment plan (net of issue costs)1,4571,0991,4571,099Exercise of executive options under employee share ownership schemes2121(Purchase)/sale and vesting of treasury shares(2)(20)(14)95(31)Closing balance23,08121,64223,37921,825Other Equity Instruments (1)Opening balance9399391,8951,895Closing balance9399391,8951,895Retained ProfitsOpening balance7,8257,7476,0097,353Actuarial losses from defined benefit superannuation plans(64)(739)(64)(739)Realised gains and dividend income on treasury shares (1)3018--Operating profit attributable to Equity holders of the Bank5,6644,7235,6153,086Total available for appropriation13,45511,74911,5609,700Transfers from/(to) general reserve197(193)--Transfers from employee compensation reserve (3)(93)-(93)-Interim dividend - cash component(1,067)(1,257)(1,067)(1,257)Interim dividend - dividend reinvestment plan (4)(774)(405)(774)(405)Final dividend - cash component(1,058)(1,335)(1,058)(1,335)Final dividend - dividend reinvestment plan (4)(688)(694)(688)(694)Other dividends(34)(40)--Closing balance9,9387,8257,8806,009 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 27 Shareholders’ Equity (continued) 

(1) Includes $93 million (2009: $nil) transferred to retained earnings in respect of extinguished schemes. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     167 

GroupBank2010200920102009$M$M$M$MReservesGeneral ReserveOpening balance1,4451,252570570Appropriation (to)/from retained profits(197)193--Closing balance1,2481,445570570Capital ReserveOpening balance2992931,5501,544Revaluation surplus on sale of property206176Closing balance3192991,5671,550Asset Revaluation ReserveOpening balance173195148166Revaluation of properties50(25)39(20)Transfers on sale of properties(20)(6)(17)(6)Tax on revaluation of properties(9)9(7)8Closing balance194173163148Foreign Currency Translation ReserveOpening balance(533)(795)(70)(228)Currency translation adjustments of foreign operations(41)514(63)158Currency translation on net investment hedge(4)(346)(4)-Transfer to Income Statement on disposal of foreign operations26---Tax on translation adjustments(2)(2)--Tax on net investment hedge movement1961-Closing balance(553)(533)(136)(70)Cash Flow Hedge ReserveOpening balance(813)341(460)292Gains and losses on cash flow hedging instruments:Recognised in equity(239)(1,630)11(872)Transferred to Income StatementInterest income(864)(611)(683)(578)Interest expense1,692590891379Tax on cash flow hedging instruments(193)497(71)319Closing balance(417)(813)(312)(460)Employee Compensation ReserveOpening balance-(39)-(39)Current period movement (1)1253912539Closing balance125-125-Available-for-Sale Investments ReserveOpening balance(55)(41)(41)(52)Net gains and losses on revaluation of available-for-sale investments3271016052Net gains and losses on available-for-sale investments transferred toIncome Statement on disposal(24)(24)(16)(24)Net gains and losses on available-for-sale investments transferred toIncome Statement for impairment237--Tax on available-for-sale investments(77)(37)(33)(17)Closing balance173(55)70(41)Total reserves1,0895162,0471,697Shareholders' equity attributable to Equity holders of the Bank35,04730,92235,20131,426Shareholders' equity attributable to non-controlling interests523520--Total Shareholders' equity35,57031,44235,20131,426 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 28 Share Capital 

(1) Relates to movement in treasury shares held within life insurance statutory funds and the employee share scheme trust. 

Ordinary Share Capital  

Ordinary shares have no par value and the company does not 
have a limited amount of share capital. 

Ordinary shares  entitle  holders  to  receive  dividends  payable to 
ordinary  shareholders  and  to  participate  in  the  proceeds 
available  to  ordinary  shareholders  on  winding  up  of  the 
Company  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  fully  paid  ordinary 
shares held. 

On a show of hands every holder of fully paid ordinary shares 
present  at  a  meeting  in  person  or  by  proxy  is  entitled  to  one 
vote, and upon a poll one vote for each share held. 

Trust Preferred Securities 2006 

On  15  March  2006  the  Bank  issued  USD  700  million  ($947 
million) of trust preferred securities into the U.S. capital markets. 
These securities offer a non-cumulative fixed rate of distribution 
of 6.024% per annum payable semi-annually. 

These  securities  qualify  as  Tier  One  Capital  of  the  Bank.  A 
related  instrument  was  issued by  the  Bank  to a subsidiary for 
$956 million and eliminates on consolidation. 

168 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupBank2010200920102009Issued and Paid Up Ordinary Capital$M$M$M$MOrdinary Share CapitalOpening balance (excluding Treasury Shares deduction)21,92015,99121,92015,991Dividend reinvestment plan: Final dividend prior year685694685694Dividend reinvestment plan: Interim dividend772405772405Share Issue including issue costs-4,829-4,829Exercise of executive options under employee share ownership schemes2121Closing balance (excluding Treasury Shares deduction)23,37921,92023,37921,920Less: Treasury Shares (1)(298)(278)-(95)Closing balance23,08121,64223,37921,825SharesSharesSharesSharesNumber of Shares on IssueOpening balance (excluding Treasury Shares deduction)1,518,801,0691,326,130,8771,518,801,0691,326,130,877Dividend reinvestment plan issues:2007/2008 Final dividend fully paid ordinary shares $42.41-16,372,698-16,372,6982008/2009 Interim dividend fully paid ordinary shares $28.45-14,283,851-14,283,8512008/2009 Final dividend fully paid ordinary shares $44.4815,412,513-15,412,513-2009/2010 Interim dividend fully paid ordinary shares $53.5614,421,452-14,421,452-Issue of shares-161,983,643-161,983,643Exercise of executive options under employee share ownership schemes102,34030,000102,34030,000Closing balance (excluding Treasury Shares deduction)1,548,737,3741,518,801,0691,548,737,3741,518,801,069Less: Treasury Shares(6,647,087)(7,192,560)-(2,121,299)Closing balance1,542,090,2871,511,608,5091,548,737,3741,516,679,770Group Bank2010200920102009Other Equity Instruments$M$M$M$MOther equity instruments issued and paid up9399391,8951,895Shares Shares Shares Shares 700,000700,0001,400,0001,400,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 28 Share Capital (continued) 

Dividends 

The Directors have declared a fully franked final dividend of 170 
cents  per  share  amounting  to  $2,633  million.  The  dividend  will 
be payable on 1 October 2010 to shareholders on the register at 
5:00 pm on 20 August 2010.  

The  Board  determines  the  dividends  per  share  based  on  net 
profit after tax (“cash basis”) per share, having regard to a range 
of factors including: 

Current and expected rates of business growth and the mix 
of business; 

Capital  needs  to  support  economic,  regulatory  and  credit 
ratings requirements; 

Investments  and/or  divestments 
development; 
Competitors comparison and market expectation; and 
Earnings per share growth. 

to  support  business 

Note 29 Share Based Payments 

The Group operates a number of cash and equity settled share 
plans as detailed below. 

During  the  year  three  new  plans  were  introduced,  the  Group-
Wide  Retention  Plan  (“GWRP”),  the  Group  Employee  Rights 
the  Group  Leadership  Reward  Plan 
Plan  (“GERP”)  and 
(“GLRP”). 

The  GWRP  was  introduced  to  assist  with  employee  retention 
across  the  Group.  The  plan  is  governed  by  the  rules  of  the 
Equity Participation Plan (“EPP”) detailed below. 

The GERP was introduced to facilitate the mandatory deferral of 
short term incentive (“STI”) payments for executives of selected 
subsidiary companies. 

The  GLRP  was  introduced  as  the  Group‟s  long-term  incentive 
plan  for  the  CEO  and  Group  Executives  replacing  the  Group 
Leadership Share Plan. 

Employee Share Acquisition Plan 

Under  the  Employee  Share  Acquisition  Plan  (ESAP),  eligible 
employees have the opportunity to receive up to $1,000 worth of 
free shares each year if the Group meets required performance 
hurdles. 

The performance hurdle is growth in annual profit of the greater 
of  5%  or  the  consumer  price  index  (CPI)  change  plus  2%. 
Whenever annual profit growth exceeds CPI change, the Board 
may  use  its  discretion  in  determining  whether  a  grant  will  be 
made. Notwithstanding the existence of this performance hurdle, 
the  Board  has  the  authority  to  apply  discretion  under  the  Plan 
Rules for a grant to be made. 

The  Issue  Price  for  the  offer  is  equal  to  the  volume  weighted 
average of the prices CBA shares were traded on the Australian 
Securities Exchange (ASX) during the five trading day period up 
to and including the grant date. Shares granted are restricted for 
sale for three years or until such time as the employee ceases 
employment  with  the  Group.  Shares  receive  full  dividend 
entitlements and voting rights. 

Dividends paid since the end of the previous financial 
year 

As declared in the 31 December 2009 Profit Announcement, a 
fully franked interim dividend of 120 cents per share amounting 
to  $1,841  million  was  paid  on  1  April  2010.  The  payment 
comprised  cash  disbursements  of  $1,067  million  with  $774 
million  being  reinvested  by  participants  through  the  Dividend 
Reinvestment Plan. 

Dividend Reinvestment Plan 

The  Dividend  Reinvestment  Plan  for  the  final  dividend  for  the 
2010  financial  year  is  assumed  to  be  satisfied  through  the 
purchase of shares on market. 

Record date 

The register closed for determination of dividend entitlement and 
for participation in the dividend reinvestment plan at 5pm on 20 
August 2010 at Link Market Services Limited, Locked Bag A14, 
Sydney South, 1235. 

Ex-dividend Date 

The ex-dividend date is 16 August 2010.  

While the Group did not achieve the performance target for the 
2009  financial  year,  the  Board  exercised  its  discretion  and 
approved a partial grant of approximately $600 worth of shares 
to  each  eligible  employee  recognising  the  performance  of 
employees  in  contributing  to  the  Group‟s  results  in  a  difficult 
economic environment. 

The  grant  was  allocated  to  eligible  employees  that  achieved  a 
minimum performance rating of “Meets Expectations” during the 
2009  financial  year  and  had  not  been  on  extended  leave 
(excluding  parental  leave)  for  more  than  12  months  at  grant 
date. 

On 11 September 2009, 319,267 shares were granted to 24,559 
eligible employees. The issue price was $46.79. 

It  is  estimated  that  approximately  $25.0  million  of  ordinary 
shares  will  be  purchased  on-market  at  the  prevailing  market 
price for the 2010 grant. 

Equity Participation Plan 

The Equity Participation Plan (“EPP”) comprises a voluntary and 
a mandatory component. 

The  voluntary component  allows  the  voluntary sacrifice  of  both 
fixed remuneration and annual short term incentives (STI) to be 
applied  in  the  acquisition  of  shares  under  the  Voluntary  Equity 
Participation (VEP) plan. Shares are purchased on-market at the 
current market price and are restricted for sale for two years or 
until  such  time  as  the  employee  ceases  employment  with  the 
Group.  Shares  receive  full  dividend  entitlements  and  voting 
rights. 

The mandatory component comprises the sacrifice of one third 
of STI payments for executives under the Leadership Incentive 
Share  Plan  (“LISP”),  together  with  sign-on  and  retention 
allocations under the Sign-on Incentive Plan (“SOI”), Enterprise 
the  Group-Wide 
Services  Retention  Plan 
Retention Plan (“GWRP”). 

(“ESRP”)  and 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     169 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

the  mandatory  component,  shares  only  vest 

to 
Under 
employees if they  remain in employment of the Group until the 
vesting  date.  The  Group  purchases  fully  paid  ordinary  shares 
and holds these in trust until such time as the vesting conditions 
are  met.  Shares  receive  full  dividend  and  voting  rights. 
Participants may direct the Trustee on how the voting rights are 
to  be  exercised  during  the  vesting  period.  Dividends  accrue  in 
the trust and are paid to participants upon vesting of the shares.  
Where  a  participant  does  not  satisfy  the  vesting  conditions, 
shares and dividend rights are forfeited. 

During the year, 863,264 shares and rights were granted under 
the  plan  with  issue  prices  in  the  range  of  $46.59  to  $55.00 
(2009:  1,118,604  shares,  $29.41  to  $44.60).  The  weighted 
average fair value at grant date was $52.81 (2009: $40.97). 

A  total  of  $35.7  million  has  been  expensed  during  the  year 
(2009: $31.4 million) in respect of this plan. 

(“LIPUP”)  and 

For a limited number of executives cash-based versions of LISP 
and  GWRP  operate,  the  Leadership  Incentive  (Performance 
the  Group-Wide  Retention 
Unit)  Plan 
Performance Unit Plan (“GWRPUP”).  Under these plans, grants 
of Performance Units, a monetary unit with a value linked to the 
share  price  of  Commonwealth  Bank  shares,  are  made.  These 
are subject to the same vesting conditions as LISP and GWRP. 

On meeting the vesting conditions, a cash payment is made to 
executives,  the  value  of  which  is  determined  based  on  the 
Group‟s  share  price  upon  vesting  plus  an  accrued  dividend 
value. 

A  total  of  $1.5  million  (2009:  $1.0  million)  has  been  expensed 
during the year and as at 30 June 2010 $3.3 million (2009: $1.6 
million)  was  accrued  within  other  liabilities  in  respect  of  the 
LIPUP and GWRPUP plans. 

Group Leadership Reward Plan  

Effective  July  2009,  the  Group  Leadership  Reward  Plan 
(“GLRP”)  replaced the  Group  Leadership Share Plan  (“GLSP”) 
as the Group‟s long-term incentive plan for the CEO and Group 
Executives. 

Under the GLRP, participants are awarded a maximum number 
of  Reward  Shares  that  may  vest  at  the  end  of  the  four  year 
performance  period  subject  to  the  satisfaction  of  performance 
hurdles.  Each  vested  Reward  Share  entitles  the  participant  to 
receive one ordinary CBA share. 

Vesting  is  subject  to  the  satisfaction  of  certain  performance 
hurdles as noted below: 

50% of the award assessed against Customer Satisfaction 
compared to the peer group; and 

50%  of  the  award  assessed  against  Total  Shareholder 
Return (TSR) compared to the peer group. 

The  Customer  Satisfaction  performance  hurdle  peer  group 
consists  of the ANZ,  NAB,  St  George  and Westpac.  Customer 
satisfaction  scores  are  taken  for  both  the  Group  and  the  peer 
group  from  independent  external  surveys.  A  ranking  is  then 
determined and a vesting scale applied. 

The  TSR  performance  hurdle  peer  group  consists  of  the  20 
largest companies listed on the ASX (by market capitalisation) at 
the  beginning  of  the  performance  period,  after  excluding 
is  measured 
resources  companies  and 
independently. A sliding scale operates to determine the level of 
vesting. Where performance is below the 50th percentile nothing 
vests. If the Group ranks at the 50th percentile half will vest. Full 
vesting  is  achieved  if  the  Group  reaches  or  exceeds  the  75th 

the  CBA.  TSR 

170 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

percentile. Between the 50th percentile and the 75th percentile a 
sliding vesting scale applies. 

The  total  number  of  Reward  Shares  that  vest  will  be  the 
aggregate of the Reward Shares that vest against the Customer 
Satisfaction hurdle and the TSR hurdle after testing against the 
relevant performance hurdles. 

As part of the introduction of the GLRP a transitional award was 
granted  with  a  three  year  performance  period. This transitional 
award  reflects  the  move  from  the  Group‟s  previous  long  term 
incentives  arrangements  that  measured  performance  over  a 
three  year  period.  The  transition  award  is  subject  to  the  same 
performance hurdles as the four year award. 

As  the  GLRP  commenced  on  1  July  2009,  no  reward  shares 
have yet been delivered. 

A  total  of  $8.0  million  has  been  expensed  in  the  current  year 
(2009: nil) for GLRP. 

Group Leadership Share Plan 

The  Group  Leadership  Share  Plan  (“GLSP”)  was  part  of  the 
Group‟s  previous  long  term  incentive  arrangements  and  has 
been replaced by the GLRP. Under the plan, participants share 
a pool that vests at the end of a three year performance period 
subject  to  satisfaction  of  performance  conditions.  No  awards 
were made under this plan in the 2010 financial year. 

Two awards have been made under the GLSP: 

Financial  year  2008  participants  share  in  a  pool  with  a 
value  of  2.2%  of  the  growth  in  the  Group‟s  Profit  after 
Capital Charge (PACC), capped at a maximum pool of $34 
million; and 

Financial  year  2009  participants  share  in  a  pool  with  a 
value  of  3.5%  of  the  growth  in  the  Group‟s  Profit  after 
Capital  Charge  (PACC),  capped  at  a  maximum  pool  of 
$36.1 million.  

Both awards are subject to the following performance hurdles: 

The  Group‟s  NPAT  growth  over  the  three  year  vesting 
period must be above the average of NPAT growth of ANZ, 
NAB, and Westpac; and 
The Group‟s customer satisfaction relative to ANZ, NAB, St 
George and Westpac. 

The  2008  financial  year  award  is  measured  from  1  July  2007 
and  may  vest  depending  on  performance  to  1  July  2010.  The 
2009  financial  year  award  is  measured  from  1  July  2008  and 
may vest depending on performance to 1 July 2011. 

Independent external surveys are used to determine the Group‟s 
level  of  achievement  against 
the  customer  satisfaction 
performance hurdle. A ranking is determined and a vesting scale 
applied. If the Group‟s NPAT growth is below the average of the 
peer  group,  then  nothing  will  vest  regardless  of  the  Group‟s 
customer satisfaction ranking. 

Shares  are  provided  to  participants  if  and  when  awards  vest. 
The number of shares is determined by the value of the pool that 
vests at the end of the performance period and the share price 
at the end of the relevant performance period. 

As  the  GLSP  commenced  on  1  July  2007,  no  reward  shares 
have  yet  been  delivered.  The  CBA  three  year  measurement 
period  for  the  2008  financial  year  award  concluded  on  1  July 
2010.  The  vesting  level  of  the  2008  financial  year  award  is 
undetermined  at  this  stage  whilst  calculation  components  are 
finalised. 

A total  of  $13.2 million  has  been  expensed  in the current  year 
(2009: $8.4 million) for GLSP. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 29 Share Based Payments (continued) 

Equity Reward Plan 

The  Equity  Reward  Plan  (“ERP”)  was  a  former  long  term 
incentive arrangement offered by the Group to executives. ERP 
was  last  awarded  in  July  2006  with  no  further  grants  being 
made. 

Grants under the ERP were in two parts: 

share options, where recipients pay a set exercise price to 
convert each option to one CBA share upon vesting; and 

reward  shares,  where  no  exercise  price  is  payable  for 
participants to receive CBA shares upon vesting. 

Since 2002, no options have been issued under the ERP. The 
last  allocation  of  reward  shares  under  the  ERP  made  in  July 
2006  was  tested  for  vesting  in  July  2009.  The  measurement 
reached the 86th percentile resulting in a 100% vesting. 
The  exercise  of  options  and  the  vesting  of  shares  was 
conditional on performance hurdles based on the Group‟s Total 
Shareholder  Return  (“TSR”)  measured  against  a  comparator 
group of companies. 

Details of movements in ERP options are as follows: 

For Reward Shares granted in 2006 a straight line vesting scale 
was applied, with 50% vesting at the 51st percentile, through to 
100%  vesting  at  the  75th  percentile.  The  minimum  vesting 
period for these grants was three years. 

Where,  at  the  first  measurement  date,  the  Group‟s  percentile 
ranking was lower than the 51st percentile, there was one retest 
12 months later at which time 50% of shares would vest if the 
Group‟s percentile reaches the 51st percentile. 

Unvested  shares  in  the  plan  at  the  end  of  the  vesting  period 
were forfeited. Participants who exited the Group before vesting 
forfeited their allocation. 

Shares were purchased on market at current market prices and 
held in Trust until vesting. These shares received full dividend 
and voting rights. Dividends accrued in the trust and were paid 
to  participants  upon  vesting  of  the  shares.  Participants  could 
direct the Trustee on how the voting rights were to be exercised 
during the vesting period. 

The fair value of shares allocated under the ERP is expensed 
over three to five years, reflecting the expected vesting period. 
In the current year, $6.8 million (2009: $12.1 million) has been 
expensed. 

(1) Options have vested and may be exercised up to 13 September 2010. 

(2) Options have vested and may be exercised up to 3 September 2011. 

For a limited number of executives a cash-based version of ERP 
was  operated,  the  Equity  Reward  (Performance  Unit)  Plan 
(“ERPUP”).  Under  the  plan,  grants  of  Performance  Units,  a 
monetary  unit  with  a  value  linked  to  the  share  price  of 
Commonwealth  Bank  shares,  were  made.  These  were  subject 
to the same vesting conditions as ERP. The last allocation under 
ERPUP vested in July 2009. 

On meeting the vesting conditions, a cash payment was made 
to executives, the value of which was determined based on the 
Group‟s  share  price  upon  vesting  plus  an  accrued  dividend 
value.  Options  lapse  if  not  exercised  prior  to  the  end  of  their 
term. 

In  the  current  year,  $0.1  million  (2009:  $5.1  million)  has  been 
expensed in respect of the ERPUP plan. 

Non-Executive Directors Share Plan  

The  Non-Executive  Directors  Share  Plan  (“NEDSP”)  is  a 
mandatory plan under which Non-Executive Directors sacrifice  

20%  of  their  annual  fees.  As  a  result  of  changes  to  Federal 
taxation  legislation,  shares  purchased  from  1  July  2009  have 
been on an after tax basis. 

Shares  purchased  are  restricted  for  sale  for  ten  years  or  until 
such time as the Director leaves the Board, whichever is earlier. 
In  addition,  Non-Executive  Directors  can  voluntarily  elect  to 
sacrifice  up to  a  further  $5,000 per  annum  of  their fees for the 
acquisition of shares.  

Shares are purchased on-market at the current market price and 
a total of 97,954 shares have been purchased under the NEDSP 
since the plan commenced in 2001. Shares acquired under the 
plan receive full dividend entitlements and voting rights and there 
are no forfeiture or vesting conditions. 

For  the  current  year,  $0.3  million  (2009:  $0.7  million)  was 
expensed  reflecting  shares  purchased  and  allocated  under  the 
NEDSP. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     171 

July 2009 - June 2010July 2008 - June 2009Year of Grant2000 (1)2001 (2)2000 (1)2001 (2)Exercise price ($)26.9730.1226.9730.12Held by participants at the start of the year (no.)85,000296,60097,500314,100Granted during the year (no.)----Exercised during the year (no.)(20,000)(72,500)(12,500)(17,500)Lapsed during the year (no.)----Outstanding at the end of year (no.)65,000224,10085,000296,600Weighted Average remaining contractual life (days)74429439794Weighted Average share price at date of exercise ($)56.5654.5841.1041.10 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 29 Share Based Payments (continued) 

(1) From the 2010 financial year, all Directors‟ mandatory fee sacrifices are applied on an after tax basis to the purchase of shares. 

Executive Option Plan 

This  plan  was  discontinued  in  2001  with  the  last  grant  being 
made in September 2000. 

Under  the  Executive  Option  Plan  (EOP),  the  Bank  granted 
options to purchase fully paid ordinary shares to key executives. 
The options granted were a right to acquire a share in the future 
provided all conditions are met, with an exercise price based on 
the weighted average share price during a one week period prior 
to grant date. 

Options  vested  only  if  the  performance  hurdles  were  met.  The 
performance hurdles for the September 2000 grant were met in 
2004. 

Upon  exercising  vested  options,  an  executive  has  the  right  to 
take  up  the  entitlement  in  whole  or  in  part  as  fully  paid  up 
ordinary  shares.  The  exercise  price  is  payable  at  the  time. 
Options lapse if not exercised prior to the end of their term. 

Details of movements in EOP options during the period were as follows: 

(1) The Exercise Price is the 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. This is the average exercise price. 

(2) Performance hurdle was satisfied on 31 March 2004 and options may be exercised up to 13 September 2010. 

Note 30 Non-Controlling Interests 

  (1) Comprises predominantly New Zealand Perpetual Preference Shares - $505 million. On 10 December 2002, ASB Capital Limited, a New Zealand subsidiary, issued 

NZD 200 million (AUD 182 million) of perpetual preference shares. Such shares are non-redeemable and carry limited voting rights. Dividends are payable quarterly 
and are non-cumulative. On 22 December 2004, ASB Capital No.2 Ltd, a New Zealand subsidiary, issued NZD 350 million (AUD 323 million) of perpetual preference 
shares. Such shares are non-redeemable and carry limited voting rights. Dividends are payable quarterly and are non-cumulative. 

172 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Total Fees Applied (1)Average Purchase PricePeriod$ParticipantsShares Purchased$2010290,326105,98248.532009735,2571021,21334.66NEDSP GrantsJuly 2009 - June 2010July 2008 - June 2009Year of Grant2000 (2)2000 (2)Exercise price $ (1)26.9726.97Held by participants at the start of the year (no.)24,40024,400Granted during the year (no.)--Exercised during the year (no.)(10,200)-Lapsed during the year (no.)--Outstanding at the end of year (no.)14,20024,400Weighted Average remaining contractual life (days)74439Weighted Average share price at date of exercise$51.47n/aGroup20102009$M$MControlled entities:Share capital (1)523520Total Non-controlling interests523520 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 31 Capital Adequacy  

Regulatory Capital  

The Bank is an Authorised Deposit-taking Institution (“ADI”) and 
is  subject  to  regulation  by  APRA  under  the  authority  of  the 
Banking  Act  1959.  APRA  has  set  minimum  regulatory  capital 
requirements for banks that are consistent with the International 
Convergence of Capital Measurement and Capital Standards: A 
Revised Framework (“Basel II”) issued by the Basel Committee 
on  Banking  Supervision.  These  requirements  define  what  is 
acceptable  as  capital  and  provide  methods  of  measuring  the 
risks incurred by the Bank.  

The  regulatory  capital  requirements  are  measured  for  the 
Extended  Licence  Entity  Group  (known  as  “Level  One” 
comprising the Bank and APRA approved subsidiaries) and for 
the  Bank  and  all  of  its  banking  subsidiaries  (known  as  “Level 
Two” or the “Group”).  

All entities which are consolidated for accounting purposes are 
included within the Group capital adequacy calculations except 
for: 

The insurance and funds management operations; and 
The  entities  through  which  securitisation  of  Bank  assets 
are conducted. 

Regulatory capital is divided into Tier One and Tier Two Capital. 
Tier One Capital primarily consists of Shareholders‟ Equity plus 
other capital instruments acceptable to APRA, less goodwill and 
other  prescribed  deductions.  Tier  Two  Capital  is  comprised 
primarily  of  hybrid  and  debt  instruments  acceptable  to  APRA 
less any prescribed deductions. Total Capital is the aggregate of 
Tier One and Tier Two Capital.  

The tangible component of the investment in the insurance and 
funds management  operations  are  deducted  from capital,  50% 
from Tier One and 50% from Tier Two. 

Capital adequacy is measured by means of a risk based capital 
ratio.  The  capital  ratios  reflect  capital  (Tier  One,  Tier  Two  or 
Total  Capital)  as  a  percentage  of  total  Risk  Weighted  Assets 
(“RWA”). RWA represents an allocation of risks associated with 
the Group‟s assets and other related exposures. 

The Bank is required to inform APRA immediately of any breach 
or  potential  breach  of 
its  minimum  capital  adequacy 
requirements,  including  details  of  remedial  action  taken  or 
planned to be taken. 

Economic Capital 

Economic  Capital  provides  an  estimate  of  capital  required  to 
cover  the  financial  impact  of  unlikely  events.  The methodology 
used  to  calculate  Economic  Capital  is  consistent  across  all 
material  risk  types  and  businesses  within  the  Group  and 
involves: 

  Measurement  of  potential  financial  impacts  over  a  time 
period  reflecting  elimination  of  the  risk  under  assumed 
adverse conditions; 
Use  of  a  confidence  level  aligned  with  the  Group‟s  target 
debt rating and risk appetite; and 

Aggregation  of  Economic  Capital  by  individual  risk  type 
allowing for diversification benefits. 

Economic  Capital  provides  a  tool  for  evaluating  which  of  the 
Group‟s products and businesses provide the best return relative 
to the credit, market,  operational, strategic  business,  insurance 
and other risks taken in achieving that return.  

to  drive  delivery  of 
The  Group  uses  Economic  Capital 
“shareholder-value-added”  (“SVA”)  results.  SVA  is  maximised 
through the use of two measures of risk-adjusted performance – 
known  as  Profit  After  Capital  Charge  (PACC)  and  Return  on 
Target  Equity  (ROTE)  –  which  are  used  internally  to  measure 
business  performance.  These  measures  of  profit  and  return 
reflect  the  amount  of  Economic  Capital  used  in  achieving 
outcomes, and facilitate: 

Pricing of products based on appropriate charges for use of 
capital; and  

Internal  measurement  of  performance  on  a  risk  adjusted 
basis. 

Business  Unit  segments  are  required  to  achieve  minimum 
returns  on  their  allocated  Economic  Capital  equal  to  a  uniform 
“Cost of Capital” which is set from time to time based on market 
conditions. 

its  capital 

the 
The  Group  actively  manages 
rating 
requirements  of  various  stakeholders 
agencies and shareholders). This is achieved by optimising the 
mix  of  capital  while  maintaining  adequate  capital  ratios 
throughout the financial year.  

to  balance 

(regulators, 

The  Group  has  a  range  of  instruments  and  methodologies 
available  to  effectively  manage  capital  including  share  issues 
and buybacks, dividend and dividend reinvestment plan policies, 
hybrid capital raising and dated and undated subordinated debt 
issues. All major capital related initiatives require approval of the 
Board. 

The Group‟s capital position is monitored on a continuous basis 
and reported monthly to the Asset and Liability Committee of the 
Group.  Three  year  capital  forecasts  are  conducted  on  a 
quarterly  basis  and  a  detailed  capital  and  strategy  plan  is 
presented to the Board annually. 

The  Group‟s  capital  ratios  throughout  the  2009  and  2010 
financial  years  were  in  compliance  with  both  APRA  minimum 
capital adequacy requirements and the Board Approved Target 
Ranges. 

The Group‟s Tier One Board approved minimum is 7.0%.  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     173 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 32 Financial Reporting by Segments 

(iv) Wealth Management 

The principal activities of the Group are carried out in the below 
business segments. These segments are based on the types of 
products and services provided to customers.  

Wealth  Management  includes  the  Global  Asset  Management 
(including  operations  in  Asia),  Platform  Administration  and  Life 
and General Insurance businesses of the Australian operations. 

(v) New Zealand 

New  Zealand  includes  the  Banking,  Funds  Management  and 
Insurance businesses operating in New Zealand, (excluding the 
international business of Institutional Banking and Markets).  

(vi) Bankwest 

Bankwest  is  a  full  service  bank  active  in  all  domestic  market 
segments,  with lending  diversified between the  business,  rural, 
housing and personal markets, including a full range of deposit 
in 
products.  Bankwest  also  provides  specialist  services 
international banking and project finance.  

(vii) Other 

Asia  incorporates  the  retail  banking  operations  in  Indonesia, 
Vietnam  and  Japan,  investments  in  Chinese  retail  banks, 
investments in Sino-foreign joint venture life insurance business, 
the life insurance operations in Indonesia and the representative 
office in India. It does not include Business and Private Banking, 
Institutional Banking and Markets and Colonial First State Global 
Asset Management businesses in Asia. 

Corporate  Centre  includes  the  results  of  unallocated  Group 
support  functions  such  as  Investor  Relations,  Group  Strategy, 
Secretariat  and  Treasury.  Eliminations/Unallocated  includes 
intra-group elimination entries arising on consolidation, centrally 
raised provisions and other unallocated revenue and expenses. 

The  primary  sources  of  revenue  are  interest  and  fee  income 
(Retail  Banking  Services,  Institutional  Banking  and  Markets, 
Business  and  Private  Banking,  Bankwest,  New  Zealand  and 
Other  Divisions)  and 
funds 
management  income  (Wealth  Management,  New  Zealand  and 
Asia).  

insurance  premium  and 

Revenues  and  expenses  occurring  between  segments  are 
subject  to  transfer  pricing  arrangements.  All  intra-group  profits 
are eliminated on consolidation.  

Business segments are managed on the basis of net profit after 
income  tax  (“cash  basis”)  which  is  defined  by  Management. 
Management  use  “cash  basis”  to  assess  performance  and  it 
provides the basis for the determination of the Bank‟s dividends. 

During the year, the Group restructured the former International 
Financial  Services  segment  which  incorporated  the  results  of 
ASB Bank, Sovereign, Fiji and Asian businesses. This led to the 
formation of: 

the 

incorporating 

retail  banking  operations 

New Zealand incorporating ASB Bank and Sovereign; and 
Asia 
in 
Indonesia,  Vietnam  and  Japan,  investments  in  Chinese 
retail  banks,  investments  in  Sino-foreign  joint  venture  life 
in 
insurance  business,  the  life 
Indonesia and the representative office in India. It does not 
include Business and Private Banking, Institutional Banking 
and  Markets  and  Colonial  First  State  Global  Asset 
Management business in Asia.  

insurance  operations 

On  the  grounds  of  materiality,  disclosures  with  respect  to  Asia 
have  been  merged  with  the  “Other”  segment.  Comparatives 
have been restated accordingly.  

(i) Retail Banking Services 

Retail  Banking  Services  includes  both  the  origination  of  home 
loan, consumer finance and retail deposit products and the sales 
and  servicing  of  all  Retail  bank  customers. 
In  addition 
commission  is  received  for  the  distribution  of  business  and 
wealth  management  products  through  the  retail  distribution 
network.  

(ii) Business and Private Banking 

Business  and  Private  Banking  provides  specialised  banking 
services  to  relationship  managed  business  and  Agribusiness 
customers,  private  banking  to  high  net  worth  individuals  and 
margin  lending  and  trading  through  CommSec.  In  addition 
commission  is  received  for  the  distribution  of  retail  banking 
products through the Business and Private Banking network.  

(iii) Institutional Banking and Markets 

Institutional  Banking  and  Markets  services  the  Group‟s  major 
corporate, 
institutional  and  government  clients,  creating 
customised  solutions  based  on  specific  needs,  industry  trends 
and  market  conditions.  The  Total  Capital  Solutions  offering 
raising, 
includes  debt  and  equity  capital 
financial  and 
commodities  risk  management  and 
transactional  banking 
capabilities.  This  segment  also  has  wholesale  banking 
in  London,  Malta,  New  York,  New  Zealand, 
operations 
Singapore,  Hong  Kong,  Japan  and  have  recently  received 
regulatory approval for a banking licence in Shanghai. 

174 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 32 Financial Reporting by Segments (continued) 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

(1) Business segments are measured on a net profit after income tax (“cash basis”) which is defined by management as net profit after tax and non-controlling interests before Bankwest significant items, the tax on New Zealand structured finance transactions, the gain/loss on 
disposal of controlled entities/investments, treasury shares valuation adjustment, unrealised gains and losses related to hedging and AIFRS volatility and other one-off non-cash expenses. Management use “cash basis” to assess performance and it provides the basis for the 
determination of the Bank‟s dividends. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     175 

GroupRetailBusinessInstitutionalBusiness Segment InformationBankingand PrivateBanking andWealthNewServicesBankingMarketsManagementZealandBankwestOtherTotalIncome Statement$M$M$M$M$M$M$M$MInterest income15,7972,9693,303-3,1714,2992,67632,215Insurance premium and related revenue---1,358324-1121,794Other income1,2221,4451,1063,308432239247,776Total revenue17,0194,4144,4094,6663,9274,5382,81241,785Equity accounted earnings121217---93134Revenue from external customers17,1423,7944,7954,6663,9264,4852,84341,651Revenue from other operating segments(135)608(403)-153(124)-Interest expense(4,928)(2,337)(513)-(2,332)(2,757)(7,426)(20,293)Segment result before income tax3,5221,2561,5261,015510(255)6198,193Income tax expense(1,061)(363)(344)(341)(312)46(138)(2,513)Segment result after income tax2,4618931,182674198(209)4815,680Non-controlling interests------(16)(16)Segment result after income tax and non-controlling interests2,4618931,182674198(209)4655,664Non-Cash items---44190269(66)437Net profit after tax ("cash basis") (1)2,4618931,182718388603996,101Additional Information Intangible asset amortisation(25)(71)(10)(5)(27)(91)(51)(280)Impairment expense(736)(326)(249)-(100)(1,058)90(2,379)Depreciation(10)(24)(46)(4)(29)(34)(191)(338)Defined benefit superannuation plan expense------(103)(103)Bankwest integration-----(24)(16)(40)Other(12)(4)(2)(5)(3)(6)(26)(58)Balance SheetTotal assets263,63978,80194,49521,68953,43374,68459,589646,330Acquisition of property, plant and equipment, intangibles and other non–current assets16143942243182320Investment in associates76262783--6031,490Total liabilities155,334103,29858,89819,34949,59169,868154,422610,760Year Ended 30 June 2010 
 
 
 
 
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 32 Financial Reporting by Segments (continued) 

(1) Business segments are managed on the basis of Net profit after income tax (“cash basis”) which is defined by management as net profit after tax and non-controlling interests, before Bankwest significant items, the gain on Visa Initial Public Offering, provisions for investment 
and restructuring, defined benefit superannuation plan (income)/expense, treasury shares valuation adjustment, other one-off expenses and unrealised gains and losses related to hedging and AIFRS volatility. Management use “cash basis” to assess performance and it 
provides the basis for the determination of the Bank‟s dividends. 

176 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupRetailBusinessInstitutionalBusiness Segment InformationBankingand PrivateBanking andWealthNewServicesBankingMarketsManagementZealandBankwestOtherTotalIncome Statement$M$M$M$M$M$M$M$MInterest income14,8593,1444,713-3,8722,0532,87831,519Insurance premium and related revenue---1,259356-361,651Other income1,5517521,2782,236404192(150)6,263Total revenue16,4103,8965,9913,4954,6322,2452,76439,433Equity accounted earnings63-41--91141Revenue from external customers16,2904,2835,5373,5154,5672,1242,97639,292Revenue from other operating segments114(390)454(61)65121(303)-Interest expense(5,769)(2,616)(1,835)-(3,029)(1,347)(6,622)(21,218)Segment result before income tax2,9961,024(17)1705651891,5226,449Income tax expense(889)(288)16088(161)(67)(539)(1,696)Segment result after income tax2,1077361432584041229834,753Non-controlling interests------(30)(30)Segment result after income tax and non-controlling interests2,1077361432584041229534,723Non-Cash items--232834(9)(384)(308)Net profit after tax ("cash basis") (1)2,1077361662864381135694,415Additional Information Intangible asset amortisation(8)(44)(7)(1)(22)(49)(45)(176)Impairment expense(699)(309)(1,708)-(194)(113)(25)(3,048)Depreciation(11)(24)(38)(5)(31)(19)(174)(302)Defined benefit superannuation plan expense------(14)(14)Gain on acquisition of controlled entities------983983Bankwest integration-----(76)(36)(112)Other(23)(9)(36)(9)(2)(1)(55)(135)Balance SheetTotal assets237,86274,815113,20022,70654,87468,32748,588620,372Acquisition of property, plant and equipment, intangibles and other non–current assets516152153361,3332,064Investment in associates71153640--3181,047Total liabilities141,32494,79973,87819,71447,22864,388147,599588,930Year Ended 30 June 2009 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

 Note 32 Financial Reporting by Segments (continued) 

(1) Other locations include: United Kingdom, United States of America, Japan, Singapore, Malta, Hong Kong, Indonesia, China and Vietnam.  

The geographical segment represents the location in which the transaction was recognised. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     177 

GroupYear Ended 30 JuneGeographical Information201020092008Financial Performance & Position$M%$M%$M%RevenueAustralia35,90685. 932,49882. 429,13178. 6New Zealand4,20810. 14,90412. 44,92213. 3Other locations (1)1,6714. 02,0315. 23,0018. 141,785100. 039,433100. 037,054100. 0Non-Current AssetsAustralia12,65490. 511,90989. 89,92987. 7New Zealand1,0097. 21,0057. 61,12910. 0Other locations (1)3152. 33432. 62652. 313,978100. 013,257100. 011,323100. 0 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 33 Life Insurance Business 

The following information 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 calculations. 

All  financial  assets  within  the  life  statutory  funds  have  been 
determined  to  support  either  life  insurance  or  life  investment 
contracts.  Also  refer  to  Note  1  (ee).  The  insurance  segment 
result is prepared on a business segment basis. 

178 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Life InsuranceLife InvestmentContractsContractsGroup201020092010200920102009Summarised Income Statement$M$M$M$M$M$MPremium income and related revenue1,6221,6293132481,9351,877Outward reinsurance premiums expense(256)(271)(3)-(259)(271)Claims expense(1,118)(992)(214)(21)(1,332)(1,013)Reinsurance recoveries243207--243207Investment revenue (excluding investments in subsidiaries):Equity securities118(257)594(984)712(1,241)Debt securities233177530474763651Property46(150)106(197)152(347)Other101(27)30(96)131(123)(Increase)/decrease in contract liabilities54410(939)686(885)1,096Operating income1,0437264171101,460836Acquisition expenses(215)(254)(9)(11)(224)(265)Maintenance expenses(269)(247)(88)(97)(357)(344)Management expenses(9)(21)(22)(21)(31)(42)Other expense(28)(1)(32)-(60)(1)Net profit before income tax522203266(19)788184Income tax (expense)/benefit attributable to operating profit(151)(29)(118)139(269)110Net profit after income tax371174148120519294 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 33 Life Insurance Business (continued) 

The disclosure of the components of Net profit after income tax are required to be separated between policyholders‟ and shareholders‟ 
interests. As policyholder profits are an expense of the Group and not attributable to shareholders, no such disclosure is required. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     179 

Life InsuranceLife Investment ContractsContracts Group201020092010200920102009$M$M$M$M$M$MSources of Life Insurance Net ProfitThe net profit after income tax is represented by:Emergence of planned profit margins2091698497293266Difference between actual and planned experience26(47)60(11)86(58)Effects of changes to underlying assumptions137--137Reversal of previously recognised losses or loss recognition on groups of related products(3)11--(3)11Investment earnings on assets in excess of policyholder liabilities103255910834Other movements239(1)252234Net profit after income tax371174148120519294Life insurance premiums received and receivable1,6241,7389619542,5852,692Life insurance claims paid and payable1,1971,0852,9502,2694,1473,354Life InsuranceLife InvestmentContractsContractsGroupReconciliation of Movements in201020092010200920102009Policy Liabilities$M$M$M$M$M$MContract policy liabilitiesGross policy liabilities opening balance3,7284,12212,32814,37316,05618,495Acquisition of controlled entities-39-164-203Movement in policy liabilities reflected in the Income Statement(86)(338)939(686)853(1,024)Contract contributions recognised in policy liabilities216656706658722Contract withdrawals recognised in policy liabilities(281)(91)(2,536)(2,248)(2,817)(2,339)Non-cash movements(181)(27)(1)-(182)(27)FX translation adjustment(1)725192426Gross policy liabilities closing balance3,1813,72811,41112,32814,59216,056Liabilities ceded under reinsuranceOpening balance(219)(145)--(219)(145)Acquisition of controlled entities-(2)---(2)Increase/(decrease) in reinsurance assets30(72)--30(72)Closing balance(189)(219)--(189)(219)Net policy liabilities at 30 June Expected to be realised within 12 months4085351,6962,0312,1042,566Expected to be realised in more than 12 months2,5842,9749,71510,29712,29913,271Total net insurance policy liabilities2,9923,50911,41112,32814,40315,837 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 34 Remuneration of Auditors 

During the financial year, the auditor of the Group and the Bank, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and its related practices earned the 
following remuneration excluding goods and service tax: 

(1)  An  additional  amount  of  $7,867,223  was  paid  to  PricewaterhouseCoopers  (2009:  $7,132,535)  by  way  of  fees  for  entities  not  consolidated  into  the  Financial 

Statements. Of this amount $6,794,440 (2009: $6,065,331) relates to statutory audits. 

The  Audit  Committee  has  considered  the  non-audit  services 
provided  by  PricewaterhouseCoopers  and  is  satisfied  that  the 
services  and  the  level  of  fees  are  compatible  with  maintaining 
auditors‟ independence. All such services were approved by the 
Audit Committee in accordance with pre-approved policies and 
procedures. 

Taxation services included assistance and training in relation to 
tax  legislation  and  developments  and  other  services  primarily 
consisted of project assistance and risk compliance support. 

Audit  related  services  principally 
includes  assurance  and 
attestation  reviews  of  the  Group‟s  foreign  disclosures  for 
overseas 
regulatory 
requirements,  acquisition  accounting  advice as  well  as  reviews 
of 
regulatory 
information. 

internal  control  systems  and 

investors,  services 

financial  or 

relation 

to 

in 

Note 35 Lease Commitments 

(1) Certain comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current period. 

Lease Arrangements 

Operating leases are entered into to meet the business needs of 
entities in the Group. Leases are primarily over commercial and 
retail premises and plant and equipment. 

Lease  rentals  are  determined  in  accordance  with  market 
conditions  when  leases  are  entered  into  or  on  rental  review 
dates. 

180 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupBank2010200920102009$'000$'000$'000$'000a) Audit servicesPricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm13,80712,4598,1607,861Related practices of PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm3,8474,470605711Total remuneration for audit services17,65416,9298,7658,572b) Non-audit servicesAudit related servicesPricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm4,0193,7423,4392,878Related practices of PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm24842859235Total remuneration for audit related services4,2674,1703,4983,113Taxation servicesPricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm1,5351,3751,5201,375Related practices of PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm8071,346276318Total remuneration for tax related services2,3422,7211,7961,693Other ServicesPricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm1,645801,52480Related practices of PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm21166788Total remuneration for other services1,6662461,531168Total remuneration for non-audit services8,2757,1376,8254,974Total remuneration for audit and non-audit services (1)25,92924,06615,59013,546GroupBank2010200920102009$M$M$M$MLease Commitments - Property, Plant and Equipment (1)Due within one year478448359341Due after one year but not later than five years1,2951,257924868Due after five years1,0031,066494347Total lease commitments - property, plant and equipment2,7762,7711,7771,556 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 36 Contingent Liabilities, Contingent Assets and Commitments 

Details  of  contingent  liabilities  and  off-balance  sheet  business  are  given  below.  The  face  (contract)  value  represents  the  maximum 
potential amount that could be lost if the counterparty fails to meet its financial obligations. 

(1) Guarantees are unconditional undertakings given to support the obligations of a customer to third parties. 

(2) Standby letters of credit are undertakings to pay, against presentation of documents, an obligation in the event of a default by a customer. 

(3) Bills of exchange endorsed by the Group and Bank which represent liabilities in the event of default by the acceptor and the drawer of the bill. 

(4)  Documentary  letters  of  credit  are  undertakings  by  the  Group  and  Bank  to  pay  or  accept  drafts  drawn  by  an  overseas  supplier  of  goods  against  presentation  of 

documents in the event of payment default by a customer. 

(5) Performance related contingents are  undertakings that oblige the Group and Bank to pay third parties should a customer fail to fulfil a contractual non-monetary 

obligation. 

(6) Commitments to provide credit include all obligations on the part of the Group and Bank to provide credit facilities. As facilities may expire without being drawn upon, 

the notional amounts do not necessarily reflect future cash requirements. 

(7) Other commitments include underwriting facilities and commitments with certain drawdowns. 

Contingent Credit Liabilities 

The Group is party to a range of financial instruments that give 
rise to contingent and/or future liabilities. These transactions are 
a  consequence  of  the  Group‟s  normal  course  of  business  to 
meet the financing needs of its customers and in managing its 
own risk. These financial instruments include guarantees, letters 
of  credit,  bill  endorsements  and  other  commitments  to  provide 
credit.  The  face  (contract)  value  represents  the  maximum 
potential  amount  that  could  be  lost  if  the  counterparty  fails  to 
meet its financial obligations. 

As  the  Group  and  Bank  will  only  be  required  to  meet  these 
obligations  in  the  event  of  default,  the  cash  requirements  of 
these  instruments  are  expected  to  be  considerably  less  than 
their face values. 

These  transactions  combine  varying  levels  of  credit,  interest 
rate,  foreign  exchange  and  liquidity  risk.  In  accordance  with 
Bank  policy,  exposures  to  any  of  these  transactions  (net  of 
collateral)  are  not carried at  a  level  that  would  have  a material 
adverse  effect  on  the  financial  condition  of  the  Bank  and  its 
controlled entities. 

Commitments to provide credit include both fixed and variable 
facilities.  Fixed  rate  or  fixed  spread  commitments  extended  to 
customers that allow net settlement of the change in the value 
of the commitment are written options and are recorded at fair 
value.  Other  commitments  include  the  Group‟s  obligations 
under  sale  and  repurchase  agreements,  outright  forward 
purchases,  forward  deposits  and  underwriting  facilities.  Other 
commitments  also  include  obligations  not  otherwise  disclosed 
above  to  extend  credit,  which  are  irrevocable  because  they 
cannot  be  withdrawn  at the  discretion  of  the  Bank  without  the 
risk  of  incurring  significant  penalty  or  expense.  In  addition, 
commitments  to  purchase  or  sell  loans  are  included  in  other 
commitments. 

These  transactions  are  categorised  and  credit  equivalents 
calculated  under  APRA  guidelines 
risk-based 
measurement  of  capital  adequacy.  The  credit  equivalent 
amounts  are  a  measure  of  potential  loss  to  the  Group  in  the 
event of non-performance by the counterparty. 

the 

for 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     181 

GroupFace ValueCredit Equivalent2010200920102009$M$M$M$MCredit risk related instrumentsGuarantees (1)3,6583,6423,3643,641Standby letters of credit (2)817206809206Bill endorsements (3)5753757538Documentary letters of credit (4)71437043Performance related contingents (5)1,2401,9941,2081,951Commitments to provide credit (6)109,420117,88789,019100,798Other commitments (7)4784001,167265Total credit risk related instruments115,741124,70995,694107,442BankFace ValueCredit Equivalent2010200920102009$M$M$M$MCredit risk related instrumentsGuarantees (1)2,8742,8112,5812,571Standby letters of credit (2)6371963019Bill endorsements (3)5753857538Documentary letters of credit (4) 46174617Performance related contingents (5)1,2331,9781,2041,939Commitments to provide credit (6)93,881102,05683,27290,458Other commitments (7)39943995Total credit risk related instruments98,767107,51387,82995,637 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 36 Contingent Liabilities, Contingent Assets and Commitments (continued) 

In April 2009 the Group entered into an Agreement to Lease for 
12  years  (with  options  to  extend)  on  completion  of  Raine 
Square,  a  new  21  level  office  tower  in  Perth  that  will  provide 
almost 40,000m2 of office accommodation above three levels of 
retail space. Once complete it will accommodate over 3,500 of 
the  Group‟s  Perth  based  employees.  Bankwest  has  also 
exercised  an  extension  option  on  existing  premises  from 
November 2009. 

In April 2008, the Bank signed agreements with SAP Australia 
Pty  Limited  and  Accenture  Australia  Limited  for  its  Core 
Banking Modernisation program. 

In December 2007, the Bank entered into separate agreements 
with each of Tata Consultancy Services Ltd, HCL Technologies 
Ltd  and  IBM  Australia  Ltd  for  the  provision  of  application 
software related services.  

In November 2007, the Bank signed a lease agreement with a 
term  of  12  years  with  DPT  Operator  Pty  Ltd  and  DPPT 
Operator Pty Ltd for accommodating approximately 5,000 of the 
Group‟s  employees  at  Darling  Park  Tower  1  at  201  Sussex 
Street in the Sydney CBD. 

In  July  2006,  the  Bank  entered  into  a  lease  agreement  with 
Colonial First State Property Limited as trustee for both the Site 
6 Homebush Bay Trust, and for the Site 7 Homebush Bay Trust 
relating to the provision of accommodation. The development is 
a campus style multi-building facility at Sydney Olympic Park to 
accommodate  around  3,500  employees.  The  average  lease 
term is 12 years. 

Failure to Settle Risk 

The Group is subject to a credit risk exposure in the event that 
another  financial  institution  fails  to  settle  for  its  payments 
clearing  activities,  in  accordance  with  the  regulations  and 
procedures  of the  following  clearing  systems  of  the Australian 
Payments  Clearing  Association  Limited:  The  Australian  Paper 
Clearing  System,  The  Bulk  Electronic  Clearing  System,  The 
Consumer  Electronic  Clearing  System  and  the  High  Value 
Clearing  System  (only  if  operating  in  “fallback  mode”).  This 
credit  risk  exposure  is  unquantifiable  in  advance,  but  is  well 
understood, and is extinguished upon settlement at 9am each 
business day. 

Capital Commitments 

As  at  30  June  2010,  the  Group  is  committed  for  capital 
expenditure,  under  contract  of  $19  million  (2009:  $18  million). 
The  Bank  is  committed  for  $17  million  (2009:  $16  million). 
These commitments are expected to be extinguished within 12 
months. 

Services Agreements 

The  maximum  contingent  liability  for  termination  benefits  in 
respect of service agreements with the Chief Executive Officer 
and other Group Key Management Personnel at 30 June 2010 
was $6.5 million (2009: $12.2 million). 

Under the Basel II advanced internal ratings based approach for 
credit risk, the credit equivalent amount is the face value of the 
transaction,  on  the  basis  that  at  default  the  exposure  is  the 
amount fully advanced. Only when approved by APRA may an 
exposure less that fully-advanced amount be used as the credit 
equivalent exposure amount. 

As the potential loss depends on counterparty performance, the 
Group utilises the same credit policies in making commitments 
and  conditional  obligations  as  it  does  for  on-balance  sheet 
instruments.  The  Group  takes  collateral  where  it  is  considered 
necessary  to  support  off-balance  sheet  financial  instruments 
with  credit  risk.  If  an  event  has  occurred  that  gives  rise  to  a 
present obligation and it is probable a loss will eventuate, then 
provisions are raised. 

Contingent Assets  

The  credit  commitments  shown  in  the  above  table  also 
constitute  contingent  assets.  These  commitments  would  be 
classified as loans and other assets in the balance sheet on the 
occurrence of the contingent event.  

Litigation 

The Group is not 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 Group. Where some loss is 
probable and can be reliably estimated an appropriate provision 
has  been  made.  Among  other  things,  ASIC  is  currently  in  the 
course  of  investigating  the  Bank‟s  conduct  in  relation  to  Storm 
Financial,  a  Queensland-based  financial  planning  firm  that 
collapsed and went into receivership in March 2009. The Group 
has  established  a  resolution  scheme  for  clients  of  Storm 
Financial who borrowed money from the Group. The resolution 
scheme  is in  the  process  of considering  individual  claims  on  a 
case  by  case  basis  and  the  Group  believes  that  appropriate 
provisions  are  held  to  cover  the  outcomes  and  costs  of  the 
scheme. Discussion on potential litigation is included in Note 50 
– Subsequent Events. 

Long Term Contracts 

On  26  September  1997,  the  Bank  entered  the  Information 
Technology  and Telecommunications Services Agreement  with 
EDS  (Australia)  Pty  Ltd  now  HP  Enterprise  Services  Australia 
Pty  Ltd.  This  agreement  continues  until  30  June  2012  and 
covers the provision of enterprise processing services, end user 
computing services and cards services. 

for 

In April 2009, the Bank entered into an agreement with Telstra 
Corporation  Ltd 
telecommunications 
the  provision  of 
services.  The  term  of  the  agreement  is  ten  years.  The  current 
supplier,  Gen-I  Australia  Pty  Limited, 
is  progressively 
transitioning most services to Telstra. The transition program is 
scheduled to complete in 2011. 

In  2009  the  Bank  entered  into  an  Agreement  for  Lease  with 
Lend  Lease  Development  and Australian Prime  Property  Fund 
for  Commonwealth  Bank  Place,  a  new  building  in  the  Sydney 
CBD comprising over 50,000m2 of commercial accommodation 
located above a retail podium. It is currently under construction 
and will accommodate around 5,500 of the Group‟s employees 
from early 2012. 

182 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 36 Contingent Liabilities, Contingent Assets and Commitments (continued) 

Collateral held as security for assets 

The Group takes collateral where it is considered necessary to support both on and off-balance sheet financial instruments. The Group 
evaluates each customer‟s credit-worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral taken, if deemed necessary, is based on 
management‟s credit evaluation of the counterparty. 

The Group has the right to sell, repledge, or otherwise use collateral received. No collateral has been repledged or sold. 

At balance date, the fair value of collateral accepted is as follows: 

(1)  Certain comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current period. 

Assets pledged 

As part of standard terms of transactions with other banks, the Group has provided collateral to secure liabilities. At balance date, the fair 
value of assets pledged as collateral to secure liabilities is as follows: 

(1) These balances include assets sold under repurchase agreements. The liabilities related to these repurchase agreements are disclosed in Note 19 Deposits and 

Other Public Borrowings. 

(2) This line includes retail mortgage backed securities issued by consolidated special purpose entities and purchased by the Bank for repurchase with the RBA. Further 

details are included in Note 12. 

(3) Certain comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current period. 

Assets Sold Under Repurchase Agreement 

Securities  sold  under  agreement  to  repurchase  are  retained  on  the  balance  sheet  when  substantially  all  the  risks  and  rewards  of 
ownership remain with the Group, and the counterparty liability is included separately on the balance sheet when cash consideration is 
received.  

At balance date, the carrying amounts of such securities and their related liabilities are as follows: 

(1) Certain comparative have been restated to conform to presentation in the current period. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     183 

GroupBank2010200920102009$M$M$M$MCash2,4111,4972,3881,463Assets at fair value through Income Statement2,9131,8522,9131,852Available-for-sale investments5402,2605302,258Collateral held (1)5,8645,6095,8315,573GroupBank2010200920102009$M$M$M$MCash2,4337,1752,0856,248Assets at fair value through Income Statement (1)7,8916,4335,1172,274Available-for-sale investments (1) (2)2356,0152356,015Assets pledged (3)10,55919,6237,43714,537Of which can be repledged or resold by counterparty (3)5,1828,2055,1008,205GroupBankCarrying AmountRelated LiabilityCarrying AmountRelated Liability20102009201020092010200920102009$M$M$M$M$M$M$M$MAssets sold under repurchase agreement (1)Assets at fair value through Income Statement4,9472,1904,8992,1904,8652,1904,8152,190Available-for-sale investments2356,0152356,0152356,0152356,015Total5,1828,2055,1348,2055,1008,2055,0508,205 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 37 Fiduciary Activities 

Certain controlled entities within the Group conduct investment management and other fiduciary activities as responsible entity, trustee, 
custodian  or  manager  for  investment  funds  and  trusts,  including  superannuation  and  approved  deposit  funds,  wholesale  and  retail 
trusts.  

Where the Group incurs liabilities in respect of these activities, a right of indemnity exists against the assets of the applicable fund or 
trust. As these assets are sufficient to cover the liabilities and it is therefore not probable that the Group will be required to settle the 
liabilities, the liabilities are not included in the financial statements. 

The aggregate value of funds as at 30 June, managed for each fiduciary activity but not reported in the Group‟s Balance Sheet are as 
follows: 

184 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Group20102009$M$MFunds under administration172,784159,927Funds under management144,298138,204 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 38 Financial Risk Management 

Note 39 Credit Risk 

Risk Management 

The  Group  is  a  major  financial  services  provider  engaged  in 
retail and commercial banking, credit cards, investment banking, 
wealth  management  and  investment  management  services. 
Financial  instruments are fundamental to the  Group‟s  business 
and  managing  financial  risks,  especially  credit  risk,  is  a 
fundamental part of its business activity. 

Governance 

Risk  governance  originates  at  Board  level,  and  cascades 
through  to  the  CEO  and  businesses  via  Group  policies, 
delegated  authorities  and  regular  reviews  of  outcomes.  This 
ensures  Board  level  oversight  and  is  based  on  a  clear 
segregation  of  duties  between  those  who  originate  and  those 
who  approve  risk  exposures.  Independent  review  of  the  risk 
management framework is carried out by Group Audit. 

foreign  exchange  risks), 

The  Risk  Committee  of  the  Board  oversees  credit,  market 
(including  traded,  interest  rate  risk  in  the  banking  book 
lease  residual  values,  non-traded  equity  and 
(“IRRBB”), 
structural 
funding, 
operational, 
insurance  and 
reputational  risks  assumed  by  the  Group  in  the  course  of 
carrying on its business. Strategic risks are governed by the full 
Board  with  input  from  the  various  Board  sub-committees.  Tax 
and accounting risks are governed by the Audit Committee. 

regulatory  and  compliance, 

liquidity  and 

The  main  financial  risks  affecting  the  Group  are  discussed  in 
Notes 39 (Credit Risk), 40 (Market Risk), and 41 (Liquidity and 
Funding Risk). 

Risk Management Framework 

The  Group  has  in  place  an  integrated  risk  management 
framework to identify, assess, manage and report risks and risk-
adjusted returns on a consistent and reliable basis. 

Accountability  for  risk  management  is  structured  by  a  “Three 
Lines of Defence” model as follows: 

  Line 1 – Business Management 
Business  managers  are 
for  managing 
operational  risk  for  their  business  and  the  processes  they 
own.  This  includes  understanding  and  articulating  their  risk 
profile,  testing  and  monitoring  key  controls,  and  escalating, 
reporting and rectifying incidents and control weaknesses; 

responsible 

  Line 2 – Risk Management & Compliance 

Group, Business Unit and Divisional Risk Management and 
Compliance  units  support  the  risk  strategy  and  philosophy, 
support  business  decisions  within  the  Group‟s  risk  appetite 
and  facilitate  the  embedding  of the  Group‟s operational  risk 
framework and culture within the Group‟s businesses; and 

  Line 3 – Internal and External Audit 

Group  Audit  is  responsible  for  reviewing  risk  management 
frameworks  and  Business  Unit  practices 
risk 
management and internal controls. 
External  Audit  is  responsible  for  providing  an  independent 
opinion on the financial statements and control environments 
of the Group and Bank. 

for 

This framework requires each business to manage the outcome 
of  its  risk-taking  activities  and  benefit  from  the  resulting  risk 
adjusted returns. 

Credit risk is the potential for loss arising from failure of a debtor 
or  counterparty  to  meet  their  contractual  obligations.  It  arises 
primarily  from  lending  activities,  the  provision  of  guarantees 
including letters of credit and commitments to lend, investments 
in  bonds  and  notes, 
transactions, 
securitisations and other associated activities. In the insurance 
business, credit risk arises from investment in bonds and notes, 
loans, and from reliance on reinsurance. 

financial  markets 

Credit Risk Management Principles and Portfolio 
Standards 

The Risk Committee of the Board operates under a Charter by 
which it oversees the Group‟s credit risk management policies 
and portfolio standards. These are designed to achieve portfolio 
outcomes  that  are  consistent  with  the  Group‟s  risk/return 
expectations.  The  Committee  meets  at  least  quarterly,  and 
more often if required. 

The  Group  has  clearly  defined  credit  policies  for  the  approval 
and management of credit risk. Formal credit standards apply to 
all  credit  risks,  with  specific  portfolio  standards  applying  to  all 
major  lending  areas.  These  incorporate  income/repayment 
loan 
terms  and 
capacity,  acceptable 
documentation tests. 

security  and 

The  Group  uses  a  Risk  Committee  approved  diversified 
portfolio  approach 
risk 
concentrations comprised of the following: 

the  management  of  credit 

for 

A  large  credit  exposures  policy,  which  sets  limits  for 
aggregate  exposures 
individual,  commercial  and 
industrial client groups; 

to 

An industry concentrations policy that defines a system of 
limits for exposures by industry; and 
A  system  of  country  limits  for  managing  geographic 
exposures. 

The  Group  assesses  the  integrity  and  ability  of  debtors  or 
counterparties to meet their contracted financial obligations for 
repayment.  Collateral  security,  in  the  form  of  real  estate  or  a 
floating  charge  over  assets,  is  generally  taken  for  business 
credit  except  for  major  government,  bank  and  corporate 
counterparties  that  are  externally  risk-rated  and  of  strong 
financial standing. Longer term consumer finance (e.g. housing 
loans) is generally secured against real estate while short term 
revolving  consumer  credit  is  generally  not  secured  by  formal 
collateral. 

While the Group applies policies, standards and procedures in 
governing  the  credit  process,  the  management  of  credit  risk 
also relies on the application of judgement and the exercise of 
good faith and due care of relevant staff within their delegated 
authority. 

A centralised exposure management system is used to record 
all  significant  credit  risks  borne  by  the  Group.  The  credit  risk 
portfolio has two major segments: 

(i) Retail Managed 

This segment has sub-segments covering housing loan, credit 
card, personal loan facilities, some leasing products and most 
secured commercial lending up to $1 million.  

Auto-decisioning  for  the  approval  of  credit  risk  exposures  is 
used  for  eligible  business  and  consumer  applications.  Auto-
decisioning  uses  a  scorecard  approach  whereby 
the 
performance  of  historical  applications  is  supplemented  by 
information  from  a  credit  reference  bureau  and/or  from  the 
Group‟s existing knowledge of a customer‟s behaviour. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     185 

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 39 Credit Risk (continued) 

Default is usually consistent with one or more of the following: 

Where  the  loan  application  does  not  meet  scorecard  Auto-
decisioning requirements then these may be referred to manual 
decisioning. 

After  loan  origination,  these  portfolios  are  managed  using 
behavioural  scoring  systems  and  on  a  delinquency  band 
approach  (e.g.  actions  taken  when  loan  payments  are  greater 
than  30  days  past  due  differ  from  actions  when  payments  are 
greater than 60 days past due) and are reviewed by the relevant 
business credit support unit. Commercial lending up to $1 million 
is  reviewed  as  part  of  the  Group‟s  quality  assurance  process 
and  overview  is  provided  by  the  independent  Portfolio  Quality 
Assurance  unit.  Facilities  in  the  Retail  segment  become 
classified  for  remedial  management  by  centralised  units  based 
on delinquency band. 

(ii) Credit Risk-Rated 

This segment comprises commercial exposures, including bank 
and  government  exposures.  Each  exposure  with  commercial 
content  exceeding  $50,000  is  assigned  an  internal  Credit  Risk 
Rating (“CRR”). The CRR is normally assessed by reference to 
a matrix where the probability of default (“PD”) and the amount 
of loss given default (“LGD”) combine to determine a CRR grade 
commensurate with expected loss (“EL”).  

For  credit  risk  exposures  greater  than  $2  million  or  decisioned 
outside  of  the  scorecard  approach,  either  a  PD  calculator  or 
expert judgement is used.  

judgement 

is  used  where 

Expert 
the 
transaction  and/or  the  debtor  is  such  that  it  is  inappropriate  to 
rely  completely  on  a  statistical  model.  Ratings  by  Moody‟s  or 
Standard  and  Poor‟s  may  be  used  as  inputs  into  the  expert 
judgement assessment. 

the  complexity  of 

The CRR is designed to: 

Aid  in  assessing  changes  to  the  client  quality  of  the 
Group's credit portfolio; 
Influence decisions on approval, management and pricing 
of individual credit facilities; and  
Provide the basis for reporting details of the Group's credit 
portfolio to the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority. 

Credit  risk-rated  exposures  are  generally  reviewed  on  an 
individual  basis,  at  least  annually,  although  small  transactions 
may be managed on a behavioural basis after their initial rating 
at origination. 

Credit risk-rated exposures fall within the following categories: 

“Pass”  –  Internal  CRR  of  1-6,  or  if  not  individually  credit 
risk-rated,  less  than  30  days  past  due.  These  credit 
facilities qualify for approval of new or increased exposure 
on normal commercial terms; and 

“Troublesome or Impaired Assets (“TIAs”)” - Internal CRR 
of  7-9  or,  if  not  individually  credit  risk-rated,  30  days  or 
more  past  due.  These  credit  facilities  are  not  eligible  for 
new or increased exposure unless it will protect or improve 
the Group‟s position by maximising recovery prospects or 
to facilitate rehabilitation. Where a client is in default but the 
facility is well secured then the facility may be classed as 
troublesome but not impaired. Where a client‟s facility is not 
well  secured  and  a  loss  is  expected,  then  a  facility  is 
impaired.  Facilities  that  have  been  restructured  are  also 
classified as a sub-set of impaired. 

186 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

A contractual payment is overdue by 90 days or more; 
An approved overdraft limit has been exceeded for 90 days 
or more; 
A  credit  officer  becomes  aware  that  the  client  will  not  be 
able  to  meet  future  repayments  or  service  alternative 
acceptable  repayment  arrangements  e.g.  the  client  has 
been declared bankrupt; 

A  credit  officer  has  determined  that  full  recovery  of  both 
principal and interest is unlikely. This may be the case even 
if  all  the  terms  of  the  client's  credit  facilities  are  currently 
being met; and 
A  credit  obligation  is  sold  at  a  material  credit  related 
economic loss. 

The  Portfolio  Quality  Assurance  unit,  part  of  Group  Audit, 
reviews credit portfolios and receives reports covering business 
unit compliance with policies, portfolio standards, application of 
credit  risk  ratings  and  other  key  practices  and  policies  on  a 
regular  basis.  The  Portfolio  Quality  Assurance  unit  reports  its 
findings to the Board Audit and Risk Committees as appropriate. 

Credit Risk Measurement  

The measurement of credit risk uses analytical tools to calculate 
both  (i)  expected  and  (ii)  unexpected  loss  probabilities  for  the 
credit  portfolio.  The  use  of  analytical  tools  is  governed  by  a 
Credit  Rating  Governance  Committee 
reviews  and 
endorses  the  use  of  the  tools  prior  to  their  implementation  to 
ensure they are sufficiently predictive of risk. 

that 

(i) Expected Loss 

The expected loss is the product of: 

Probability of default (“PD”); 
Exposure at default (“EAD”); and 
Loss given default (“LGD”). 

For credit risk-rated facilities, EL is allocated within CRR bands. 
All ratings are reviewed at least annually or as specified by the 
Group Chief Risk Officer. 

The  PD,  expressed  as  a  percentage,  is  the  estimate  of  the 
probability that a client will default within the next twelve months. 
It  reflects a  client's  ability to  generate sufficient cash flows  into 
the future to meet the terms of all its credit obligations with the 
Group. When assessing a client's PD, all relevant and material 
information is considered.  The same PD  is  applied to  all credit 
facilities provided to a client.  

EAD,  expressed  as  a  percentage  of  the  facility  limit,  is  the 
proportion  of  a  facility  that  may  be  outstanding  in  the  event  of 
default.  For  committed  facilities  such  as  fully  drawn  loans  and 
advances  this  will  generally  be  the  higher  of  the  limit  or 
outstanding balance. For uncommitted facilities this will generally 
be the outstanding balance only. 

LGD, expressed as a percentage, is the estimated proportion of 
a facility likely to be lost in the event of default. LGD is impacted 
by: 

Type and level of any collateral held; 
Liquidity and volatility of collateral; 
Carrying  costs  (effectively  the  costs  of  providing  a  facility 
that is not generating an interest return); and 
Realisation costs (costs of internal workout specialists). 
Various  factors  are  considered  when  calculating  PD,  EAD  and 
LGD.  Considerations  include  the  potential  for  default  by  a 
borrower  due  to  economic,  management,  industry  and  other 
risks and the mitigating benefits of any collateral.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 39 Credit Risk (continued) 

Loans for business purposes 

The  Group‟s  main  collateral  types  may  include:  residential 
mortgages,  mortgages  over  other  properties 
(including 
commercial  and  broad  acre),  cash  (usually  in  the  form  of  a 
charge  over  a  deposit),  guarantees  by  company  directors 
supporting  commercial  lending;  a  floating  charge  over  a 
company‟s  assets  (including  debtors,  stock  and  work 
in 
progress); or a charge over stock or scrip. In some instances a 
client‟s facilities may not be secured by formal collateral. 

Life insurance assets 

These  assets  are  carried  at  fair  value  which  accounts  for  the 
credit  risk.  Collateral  is  not  generally  sought  or  provided  on 
these types of assets other than a fixed charge over properties 
backing Australian mortgage investments. 

Due from subsidiaries 

Collateral is not generally taken on these balances. 

(ii) Unexpected Loss 

In  addition  to  expected  loss,  a  more  stressed  loss  amount  is 
calculated.  This  unexpected  loss  estimate  directly  affects  the 
internal  economic  capital 
calculation  of 
requirements (refer to section Capital Management and Note 31, 
Capital  Adequacy  for  information  relating  to  regulatory  and 
economic capital). 

regulatory  and 

In  addition  to  the  credit  risk  management  processes  used  to 
manage  exposures  to  credit  risk  in  the  credit  portfolio,  the 
internal  ratings  process  also  assists management in  assessing 
impairment  and  provisioning  of  financial  assets  (refer  Note  14, 
Provisions for Impairment). 

Credit Risk Mitigation, Collateral and Other Credit 
Enhancements 

Where it is considered appropriate, the Group has policies and 
procedures  in  place  setting  out  the  circumstances  where 
acceptable  and  appropriate collateral  is  to  be taken to mitigate 
credit risk, including valuation parameters, review frequency and 
independence of valuation. 

The  general nature  of collateral that may  be taken  by financial 
asset classes are summarised below. 

Cash and Liquid Assets 

With the exception of securities purchased under agreements to 
resell  which  are  approximately  100%  collateralised  by  highly 
liquid  debt  securities,  collateral  is  usually  not  sought  on  these 
balances as exposures are generally considered low risk. 

Due from other financial institutions 

Collateral is usually not sought on these balances as exposures 
are generally considered to be of low risk. 

Derivative financial assets 

for 

the 

derivative 

financial 
Collateralisation 
arrangements 
International  Swaps  & 
instruments  are  governed  by 
Derivatives  Association  (“ISDA”)  Master  Agreement  and  Credit 
Support Annex and the Global Master Repurchase Agreement. 
The ISDA Master Agreement is a close out netting agreement. 
Other  collateral  may  be  sought  where  prudent,  depending  on 
the 
transaction  characteristics  and  credit-worthiness  of 
counterparty. 

Trading assets 

These  assets  are  carried  at  fair  value  which  accounts  for  the 
credit  risk.  Collateral  is  not  generally  sought from  the  issuer  or 
counterparty. 

Other financial assets designated at fair value 

These  assets  are  carried  at  fair  value  which  accounts  for  the 
credit risk. Credit derivatives have not been used to mitigate the 
exposure  to  credit  risk.  Collateral  may  be  taken  on  loans  and 
advances  and  debt  securities  may  include  collateralisation 
terms. 

Available for sale securities 

Collateral is not generally sought on these securities. However, 
collateralisation may be implicit in the asset structure. 

Loans for consumer purposes 

The  Group‟s  main  collateral  types  may  include:  residential 
mortgages,  mortgages  over  other  properties 
(including 
commercial  and  broad  acre),  or  cash  (usually  in  the  form  of  a 
charge  over  a  deposit).  In some  instances  (for  example,  credit 
cards),  a  client‟s  facilities  may  not  be  secured  by  formal 
collateral.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     187 

 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 39 Credit Risk (continued) 

Maximum Exposure to Credit Risk by Industry and Asset Class before Collateral Held or Other Credit Enhancements 

The below tables detail the concentration of credit exposure assets by significant geographical locations and counterparty types. Disclosures 
do not take into account collateral held and other credit enhancements. 

(1) In most cases the credit risk of insurance assets is borne by policyholders. However, on certain insurance contracts the Group retains exposure to credit risk. 

(2) Loans, bills discounted and other receivables is presented gross of provisions for impairment and unearned income on lease receivables in line with Note 13 Loans, bills 

discounted and other receivables. 

(3)  Other  assets  predominantly  comprises assets  which  do  not  give  rise to  credit  exposure,  including  intangible  assets,  property,  plant  and  equipment,  and  defined  benefit 

superannuation plan surplus, which are shown in “Other” for the purpose of reconciling to the Balance Sheet. 

188 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupAt 30 June 2010BankOtherAgri-& OtherHomeConstr-AssetComm &SovereigncultureFinancialLoansuctionPersonalFinancingIndust.OtherTotal $M$M$M$M$M$M$M$M$M$MCash and liquid assets--6,343------6,343Receivables due from otherfinancial institutions--5,355------5,355Assets at fair value throughIncome Statement:Trading8,618-4,931----2,511-16,060Insurance (1)1,478-9,1481,393101--2,157-14,277Other----------Derivative assets1633519,269-24--3,188-22,679Available-for-sale investments12,588-3,661----12,015-28,264Loans, bills discountedand other receivables (2)1,5715,1589,221292,1403,43815,9798,621108,818-444,946Bank acceptances53,090263-529--7,682-11,569Other assets (3)5395,442440141337813,63019,565Total on balance sheet Australia24,4288,32263,633293,5374,13215,9938,634136,74913,630569,058Guarantees731623624370--2,791-3,510Loan commitments1,1879923,57551,9951,44117,206-22,008-98,404Other commitments252616811357--1,713-2,300Total Australia25,7139,35667,612345,5676,30033,1998,634163,26113,630673,272Cash and liquid assets--3,776------3,776Receivables due from otherfinancial institutions--4,717------4,717Assets at fair value throughIncome Statement:Trading2,900-1,473----2,418-6,791Insurance (1)--1,663------1,663Other-6584--3-61-654Derivative assets388-3,814----808-5,010Available-for-sale investments674-879----3,098-4,651Loans, bills discountedand other receivables (2)1,2135,4506,34431,4334728227689,821-56,323Bank acceptances----------Other assets (3)12-951---671,3221,497Total on balance sheet Overseas5,1875,45623,34531,43447282576816,2731,32285,082Guarantees15-2-38--93-148Loan commitments2474692333,3661161,109-5,476-11,016Other commitments45--1641--153-363Total Overseas5,4945,92523,58034,9646271,93476821,9951,32296,609Total gross credit risk31,20715,28191,192380,5316,92735,1339,402185,25614,952769,881Australia Credit risk exposures relating to on balance sheet assets:Credit risk exposures relating to off balance sheet assets:Overseas Credit risk exposures relating to on balance sheet assets:Credit risk exposures relating to off balance sheet assets: 
 
 
  
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 39 Credit Risk (continued) 

Maximum Exposure to Credit Risk by Industry and Asset Class before Collateral Held or Other Credit Enhancements (1) 

(1) Certain comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current period. 

(2) In most cases the credit risk of insurance assets is borne by policyholders. However, on certain insurance contracts the Group retains exposure to credit risk. 

(3) Loans, bills discounted and other receivables is presented gross of provisions for impairment and unearned income on lease receivables in line with Note 13 Loans, bills 

discounted and other receivables. 

(4) Other assets predominantly comprises assets which do not give rise to credit risk exposure, including intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, and defined benefit 

superannuation plan surplus, which are shown in "Other" for the purpose of reconciling to the Balance Sheet. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     189 

GroupAt 30 June 2009BankOtherAgri-& OtherHomeConstr-AssetComm &SovereigncultureFinancialLoansuctionPersonalFinancingIndust.OtherTotal $M$M$M$M$M$M$M$M$M$MCash and liquid assets--5,509------5,509Receivables due from otherfinancial institutions--8,590------8,590Assets at fair value throughIncome Statement:Trading3,473-14,438----2,291-20,202Insurance (2)1,631-5,134-295--8,509-15,569Other-601----29-90Derivative assets2843315,441-43--6,372-22,173Available-for-sale investments7,237-1,384----7,281-15,902Loans, bills discountedand other receivables (3)1,5394,7179,900261,5044,07215,1487,923108,570-413,373Bank acceptances72,972327-547--10,874-14,727Other assets (4)233666,67411131714172311,07618,954Total on balance sheet Australia14,4047,84867,398261,5154,97015,1658,064144,64911,076535,089Guarantees642219726279--2,6252963,509Loan commitments9001,2862,41552,2531,34816,413-31,208718106,541Other commitments262114512443-12,174282,850Total Australia15,3949,17770,155313,8067,04031,5788,065180,65612,118647,989Overseas Credit risk exposures relating to on balance sheet assets:Cash and liquid assets--5,831------5,831Receivables due from otherfinancial institutions--5,831------5,831Assets at fair value throughIncome Statement:Trading2,476-1,543----1,180-5,199Insurance (2)1,370-321------1,691Other22871,286--3-63-1,587Derivative assets173773,408-3--524-4,185Available-for-sale investments435-1,694----3,473-5,602Loans, bills discountedand other receivables (3)1,4665,4837,61930,70263574371713,034-60,399Bank acceptances-------1-1Other assets (4)18511252---1111,6742,098Total on balance sheet Overseas6,3335,56827,65830,70463874671718,3861,67492,424Guarantees241--29--79-133Loan commitments159390742,9362381,165-6,380-11,342Other commitments241-1332--174-334Total Overseas6,5405,96027,73233,7739071,91171725,0191,674104,233Total gross credit risk21,93415,13797,887347,5797,94733,4898,782205,67513,792752,222Australia Credit risk exposures relating to on balance sheet assets:Credit risk exposures relating to off balance sheet assets:Credit risk exposures relating to off balance sheet assets: 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 39 Credit Risk (continued) 

Large Exposures  

Concentrations of exposure to any debtor or counterparty group 
are controlled by a large credit exposure policy, which defines a 
graduated limit framework that restricts credit limits based on the 
internally  assessed  risk  of the client.  All  exposures  outside  the 
policy  require  approval  by  the  Executive  Risk  Committee  and 
reporting to the Board Risk Committee. 

The  following  table  shows  the  aggregated  number  of  the 
Group‟s  Corporate  and  Industrial  counterparty  exposures 
(including  direct  and  contingent  exposures)  which  individually 
were  greater  than  5%  of  the  Group‟s  capital  resources  (Tier 
One and Tier Two capital): 

Derivative financial instruments expose the Group to credit risk 
where there is a positive current fair value. In the case of credit 
derivatives, the Group is also exposed to or protected from the 
risk  of  default  of  the  underlying  entity  referenced  by  the 
derivative.  For  further  information  regarding  derivatives  see 
Note 11. 

The Group also nets its credit exposure through the operation 
of  certain  consumer  and  corporate  facilities  that  allow  on 
balance  sheet  netting  for  credit  management  purposes.  As  at 
30 June 2010, on balance sheet netting reduced the credit risk 
of the Group by approximately $16 billion (2009: $14 billion). 

The  Group  has  a  good  quality  and  well  diversified  credit 
portfolio,  with  58%  of  the  gross  loans  and  other  receivables  in 
domestic  mortgage  loans  and  a  further  6%  in  overseas 
mortgage  loans  primarily  in  New  Zealand.  Overseas  loans 
account for 11% of loans and advances at $56.3 billion.  

The Group restricts its exposure to credit losses by entering into 
master  netting  arrangements  with  counterparties  with  which  it 
undertakes  a  significant  volume  of  transactions.  Master  netting 
arrangements are primarily used to manage the risk of derivative 
transactions  and  off-balance  sheet  exposures.  Balance  Sheet 
assets and liabilities are usually settled on a gross basis.  

The credit  risk  associated  with  favourable contracts  is  reduced 
by a master netting arrangement to the extent that if an event of 
default occurs, all amounts with the counterparty are terminated 
and  settled  on  a  net  basis.  As  at  30  June  2010,  the  offsets 
obtained by applying master netting arrangements reduced the 
credit  risk  of  the  Group  by  approximately  $9.9  billion  (2009: 
$10.7 billion). 

190 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Group20102009Number Number 5% to less than 10% of the Group's capital resources- 110% to less than 15% of the Group's capital resources- -  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 39 Credit Risk (continued) 

Distribution of Financial Assets by Credit Classification 

When doubt arises as to the collectability of a credit facility, the financial instrument is classified and reported as individually impaired. 
Provisions for impairment are raised where there is objective evidence of impairment and for an amount adequate to cover assessed 
credit related losses. The Group regularly reviews its financial assets and monitors adherence to contractual terms. Credit risk-rated 
portfolios are assessed, at least at each Balance Sheet date, to determine whether the financial asset or portfolio of assets is impaired. 

The distribution of performing assets, past due assets, impaired assets and individually assessed provisions for impairment by type of 
financial instrument at 30 June was: 

Distribution of Financial Instruments by Credit Quality 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     191 

Group2010Neither pastPast dueImpairedIndividually due norbut notNon- assessedimpaired impairedperformingRestructuredGrossprovisionsNet$M$M$M$M$M$M$MCash and liquid assets10,119---10,119-10,119Receivables due from other financial institutions10,072---10,072-10,072Assets at fair value through Income Statement:Trading22,851---22,851-22,851Insurance15,940---15,940-15,940Other654---654-654Derivative assets27,603-86-27,689-27,689Available-for-sale investments32,914-1-32,915-32,915Loans, bills discounted and other receivables:Australia428,46411,8614,54378444,946(1,915)443,031Overseas53,3202,51332116956,323(77)56,246Bank acceptances11,569---11,569-11,569Credit related commitments115,723-18-115,741-115,741 729,229  14,374  4,969  247  748,819 (1,992) 746,827 Bank2010Neither pastPast dueImpairedIndividuallydue nor but notNon-assessedimpairedimpairedperformingRestructuredGrossprovisionsNet$M$M$M$M$M$M$MCash and liquid assets8,711---8,711-8,711Receivables due from other financial institutions9,766---9,766-9,766Assets at fair value through Income Statement:Trading18,775---18,775-18,775Insurance-------Other-------Derivative assets27,278-85-27,363-27,363Available-for-sale investments65,778-1-65,779-65,779Loans, bills discounted and other receivables:Australia359,8919,3462,45578371,770(950)370,820Overseas9,786539389,868(28)9,840Bank acceptances11,569---11,569-11,569Shares in and loans to controlled entities49,809---49,809-49,809Credit related commitments98,749-18-98,767-98,767660,1129,3512,598116672,177(978)671,199 
 
  
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 39 Credit Risk (continued) 

Distribution of Financial Instruments by Credit Quality (1) 

(1) Certain comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current period. 

192 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Group2009Neither pastPast dueImpairedIndividually due nor but notNon-assessed impaired impairedperformingRestructuredGrossprovisionsNet$M$M$M$M$M$M$MCash and liquid assets11,340---11,340-11,340Receivables due from other financial institutions14,421---14,421-14,421Assets at fair value through Income Statement:Trading25,401---25,401-25,401Insurance17,260---17,260-17,260Other1,677---1,677-1,677Derivative assets26,349-9-26,358-26,358Available-for-sale investments21,503-1-21,504-21,504Loans, bills discounted and other receivables:Australia399,07510,6863,493119413,373(1,560)411,813Overseas56,9182,90440717060,399(169)60,230Bank acceptances14,728---14,728-14,728Credit related commitments124,698-11-124,709-124,709713,37013,5903,921289731,170(1,729)729,441Bank2009Neither pastPast dueImpairedIndividuallydue nor but notNon-assessedimpairedimpairedperformingRestructuredGrossprovisionsNet$M$M$M$M$M$M$MCash and liquid assets9,684---9,684-9,684Receivables due from other financial institutions13,986---13,986-13,986Assets at fair value through Income Statement:Trading20,988---20,988-20,988Insurance-------Other60---60-60Derivative assets25,535-1-25,536-25,536Available-for-sale investments60,658-1-60,659-60,659Loans, bills discounted and other receivables:Australia334,8127,7572,093119344,781(933)343,848Overseas12,708815911612,991(87)12,904Bank acceptances14,726---14,726-14,726Shares in and loans to controlled entities54,671---54,671-54,671Credit related commitments107,503-10-107,513-107,513 655,331  7,765  2,264  235  665,595 (1,020) 664,575  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 39 Credit Risk (continued) 

Financial Assets Individually Assessed as Impaired (1) 

(1) Certain comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current period. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     193 

Group20102009GrossIndividuallyNetGrossIndividuallyNetImpairedAssessedImpairedImpairedAssessedImpairedAssetsProvisionsAssetsAssetsProvisionsAssets$M$M$M$M$M$MAustraliaHome loans670(150)520274(82)192Other personal15(22)(7)27(23)4Asset financing81(15)6672(31)41Other commercial and industrial3,960(1,728)2,2323,260(1,424)1,836Financial assets individually assessed as impaired - Australia4,726(1,915)2,8113,633(1,560)2,073OverseasHome loans164(12)152203(10)193Personal4-41-1Asset financing------Other commercial and industrial322(65)257373(159)214Financial assets individually assessed as impaired - Overseas490(77)413577(169)408Total financial assets individually assessed as impaired5,216(1,992)3,2244,210(1,729)2,481Bank20102009GrossIndividuallyNetGrossIndividuallyNetImpairedAssessedImpairedImpairedAssessedImpairedAssetsProvisionsAssetsAssetsProvisionsAssets$M$M$M$M$M$MAustraliaHome loans559(107)452186(46)140Other personal11(18)(7)7(2)5Asset financing47(6)4138(23)15Other commercial and industrial2,020(819)1,2011,993(862)1,131Financial assets individually assessed as impaired - Australia2,637(950)1,6872,224(933)1,291OverseasHome loans14-14116-116Personal------Asset financing------Other commercial and industrial63(28)35159(87)72Financial assets individually assessed as impaired - Overseas77(28)49275(87)188Total financial assets individually assessed as impaired2,714(978)1,7362,499(1,020)1,479 
 
  
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 39 Credit Risk (continued) 

Distribution of Loans, Bills Discounted and Other Receivables by Impairment Status 

The  tables  below  segregate  the  loans,  bills  discounted  and  other  receivables  into  neither  past  due  nor  impaired,  past  due  but  not 
impaired and impaired. An asset is considered to be past due when any payment under the contractual terms has been missed. The 
amount included as past due is the entire contractual balance, rather than the overdue portion.  

The split in the tables below does not reflect the basis by which the Group manages credit risk.  

The distribution of performing assets, past due assets and impaired assets at 30 June was: 

194 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupBank2010200920102009Distribution of loans by credit quality$M$M$M$MGross loans AustraliaNeither past due nor impaired428,464399,075359,891334,812Past due but not impaired11,86110,6869,3467,757Impaired4,6213,6122,5332,212Total Australia444,946413,373371,770344,781OverseasNeither past due nor impaired53,32056,9189,78612,708Past due but not impaired2,5132,90458Impaired49057777275Total Overseas56,32360,3999,86812,991Total gross loans 501,269473,772381,638357,772 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 39 Credit Risk (continued) 

Credit Quality of Loans, Bills Discounted and Other Receivables Neither Past Due nor Impaired 

For the analysis below, financial assets that are neither past due nor impaired have been segmented into investment, pass and weak 
classifications. This segmentation of loans in retail and risk-rated portfolios is based on the mapping of a customer‟s internally assessed 
PD to Standard and Poor‟s ratings, reflecting a client‟s ability to meet their credit obligations. In particular, retail PD pools have been 
aligned to the Group‟s PD grades which are consistent with rating agency views of credit quality segmentation. 

Investment  grade  is  representative  of  lower  assessed  default  probabilities  with  other  classifications  reflecting  progressively  higher 
default risk. No consideration is given to LGD, the impact of any recoveries or the potential benefit of mortgage insurance. 

Loans which were neither past due nor impaired (1) 

(1) Certain comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current period. 

(2) For New Zealand Housing Loans, PDs reflect Reserve Bank of New Zealand requirements resulting in higher PDs on average and lower grading. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     195 

Group2010OtherHomeAssetCommercialLoansPersonalFinancingand IndustrialTotal$M$M$M$M$MCredit GradingAustraliaInvestment179,5052,21159263,390245,698Pass96,54310,0817,54151,279165,444Weak7,3122,4402417,32917,322Total Australia283,36014,7328,374121,998428,464Overseas (2)Investment23,1948638612,69236,358Pass4,8214883458,84714,501Weak1,272--1,1892,461Total Overseas29,28757473122,72853,320Total loans which were neither past due nor impaired312,64715,3069,105144,726481,784Group2009Other HomeAsset Commercial LoansPersonal Financing and Industrial Total$M $M $M $M $MCredit GradingAustraliaInvestment146,1662,12859660,471209,361Pass101,6579,5896,75656,205174,207Weak6,6902,271786,46815,507Total Australia254,51313,9887,430123,144399,075Overseas (2)Investment20,5096237816,85837,807Pass6,3263803019,53716,544Weak1,410--1,1572,567Total Overseas28,24544267927,55256,918Total loans which were neither past due nor impaired 282,75814,4308,109150,696455,993 
 
 
 
  
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 39 Credit Risk (continued) 

. 
Loans which were neither past due nor impaired (1) 

(1) Certain comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current period. 

196 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Bank2010OtherHomeAssetCommercialLoansPersonalFinancingand IndustrialTotal$M$M$M$M$MCredit GradingAustraliaInvestment151,7531,96740760,975215,102Pass83,6879,0986,37735,162134,324Weak5,9942,0922012,17810,465Total Australia241,43413,1576,98598,315359,891OverseasInvestment--3727,2807,652Pass348141341,5142,037Weak25--7297Total Overseas3731414068,8669,786Total loans which were neither past due nor impaired241,80713,2987,391107,181369,677Bank2009OtherHomeAssetCommercialLoansPersonalFinancingand IndustrialTotal$M$M$M$M$MCredit GradingAustraliaInvestment124,8391,86939358,627185,728Pass89,4278,6724,67637,112139,887Weak4,6931,8501752,4799,197Total Australia218,95912,3915,24498,218334,812OverseasInvestment--110,07810,079Pass1504362,1172,316Weak54--259313Total Overseas20443712,45412,708Total loans which were neither past due nor impaired219,16312,4345,251110,672347,520 
 
 
 
  
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 39 Credit Risk (continued) 

Age Analysis of Loans, Bills Discounted and Other Receivables That Are Past Due But Not Impaired 

For  the  purposes  of  this  analysis  an  asset  is  considered  to  be  past  due  when  any  payment  under  the  contractual  terms  has  been 
missed.  

Loans may be classed as Performing (that is, not impaired) even though contractual payments are past due where: (i) the Group has not 
ascertained a doubt as to whether full amounts due will be received in a timely manner; (ii) if facilities are well secured;  or (iii) where 
matured facilities are in process of renegotiation and remain otherwise performing. 

It has not been practicable to determine the fair value of collateral held against these assets. 

(1) Collateral held against past due Home Loans receivables comprises residential and other real estate with an estimated fair value of at least the amounts shown. 
Personal receivables are generally unsecured. It has not been practicable to determine the fair value of collateral held against past due Asset Financing and Other 
Commercial and Industrial receivables. 

(2) Personal loans, credit cards and other personal financing balances are generally unsecured and written off at 180 days past due unless agreements have been made 

with the debtor. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     197 

Group2010OtherHomeAssetCommercialLoansPersonal (2)Financingand IndustrialTotalLoans which were past due but not impaired (1)$M$M$M$M$MAustraliaPast due 1 - 29 days3,454708941,4045,660Past due 30 - 59 days1,634188362322,090Past due 60 - 89 days772111181721,073Past due 90 - 179 days1,152189122061,559Past due 180 days or more1,26533121691,479Total Australia8,2771,2291722,18311,861OverseasPast due 1 - 29 days1,360187241691,740Past due 30 - 59 days24726717297Past due 60 - 89 days12310229164Past due 90 - 179 days13213320168Past due 180 days or more11810115144Total Overseas1,980246372502,513Total loans which were past due but not impaired 10,2571,4752092,43314,374Group2009OtherHomeAssetCommercialLoansPersonal (2)Financingand IndustrialTotal$M$M$M$M$MAustraliaPast due 1 - 29 days3,0716832561,6255,635Past due 30 - 59 days1,349186632031,801Past due 60 - 89 days71110139137988Past due 90 - 179 days808156352071,206Past due 180 days or more75644192371,056Total Australia6,6951,1704122,40910,686OverseasPast due 1 - 29 days1,586215252352,061Past due 30 - 59 days28829719343Past due 60 - 89 days1261729154Past due 90 - 179 days14719315184Past due 180 days or more10819135163Total Overseas2,255299383132,905Total loans which were past due but not impaired 8,9501,4694502,72213,591Loans which were past due but not impaired (1) 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 39 Credit Risk (continued) 

(1) Collateral held against past due Housing Loans receivables comprises residential and other real estate with an estimated fair value of at least the amounts shown. 
Other personal receivables are generally unsecured. It has not been practicable to determine the fair value of collateral held against past due Asset Financing and 
Other Commercial/ Industrial receivables. 

(2) Certain comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current period. 

(3) Personal loans, credit cards and other personal financing balances are generally unsecured and written off at 180 days past due unless agreements have been made 

with the debtor. 

198 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Bank2010OtherHomeAssetCommercialLoansPersonal (3)Financingand IndustrialTotal$M$M$M$M$MAustraliaPast due 1 - 29 days2,945623515974,216Past due 30 - 59 days1,433166201541,773Past due 60 - 89 days648991270829Past due 90 - 179 days97817231181,271Past due 180 days or more1,1413310731,257Total Australia7,1451,093961,0129,346OverseasPast due 1 - 29 days4---4Past due 30 - 59 days1---1Past due 60 - 89 days-----Past due 90 - 179 days-----Past due 180 days or more-----Total Overseas5---5Total loans which were past due but not impaired 7,1501,093961,0129,351Loans which were past due but not impaired (1) (2)Bank2009OtherHomeAssetCommercialLoansPersonal (3)Financingand IndustrialTotal$M$M$M$M$MAustraliaPast due 1 - 29 days2,592592606183,862Past due 30 - 59 days1,170164241071,465Past due 60 - 89 days607881676787Past due 90 - 179 days6821501266910Past due 180 days or more61544668733Total Australia5,6661,0381189357,757OverseasPast due 1 - 29 days6---6Past due 30 - 59 days-----Past due 60 - 89 days-----Past due 90 - 179 days1---1Past due 180 days or more1---1Total Overseas8---8Total loans which were past due but not impaired 5,6741,0381189357,765Loans which were past due but not impaired (1) (2) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Assets acquired through security enforcement include: 

  Other  Real  Estate  Owned,  comprising  real  estate  where 
the Group assumed ownership or foreclosed in settlement 
of a debt; and 

  Other  Assets  Acquired  Through  Securities  Enforcement, 
comprising assets other than real estate where the Group 
assumed ownership or foreclosed in settlement of a debt. 

Assets acquired through security enforcement are sold through 
the  Group‟s  existing  disposal  processes.  These  are  generally 
expected to take no longer than six months. 

The Group does not manage credit risk based solely on arrears 
categorisation,  but  also  uses  credit  risk  rating  principles  as 
described earlier in this note. 

Note 39 Credit Risk (continued) 

Impaired Assets by Classification 

Assets  in  credit  risk-rated  portfolios  are  assessed  for  objective 
evidence  that  the  financial  asset  or  portfolio  of  assets  is 
impaired.  Impaired  assets  in  the  retail  segment  are  those 
facilities that are not well secured and are past due 180 days or 
more. 

Impaired assets are split into the following categories according 
to APRA‟s prudential standards:  

Non-Performing Facilities;  
Restructured Facilities; and 
Assets Acquired Through Security Enforcement. 

facilities  are 

facilities  against  which  an 
Non-performing 
individually  assessed  provision for impairment  has  been raised 
and facilities where loss of principal or interest is anticipated. 

Restructured facilities are facilities where the original contractual 
terms  have  been  modified  due  to  financial  difficulties  of  the 
borrower.  Interest  on  these  facilities  is  taken  to  the  Income 
Statement.  Failure  to  comply  fully  with  the  modified  terms  will 
result in immediate reclassification to non-performing. 

(1) Certain comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current period. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     199 

Group20102009200820072006$M$M$M$M$MAustralia (1)Non-Performing assets:Gross balances4,6483,514620398312Less provisions for impairment(1,915)(1,560)(248)(86)(75)Net non-performing assets2,7331,954372312237Restructured assets:Gross balances78119---Less provisions for impairment-----Net restructured assets78119---Assets Acquired Through Security Enforcement:Gross balances-----Less provisions for impairment-----Net assets acquired through security enforcement-----Net Australia impaired assets2,8112,073372312237Overseas (1)Non-Performing assets:Gross balances321407632314Less provisions for impairment(77)(169)(31)(14)(5)Net non-performing assets2442383299Restructured assets:Gross balances169170---Less provisions for impairment-----Net restructured assets169170---Assets Acquired Through Security Enforcement:Gross balances-----Less provisions for impairment-----Net assets acquired through security enforcement-----Net Overseas impaired assets4134083299Total net impaired assets3,2242,481404321246 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 39 Credit Risk (continued) 

(1) Certain comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current period. 

200 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupAustraliaOverseasTotal AustraliaOverseasTotal201020102010200920092009$M$M$M$M$M$MNon-Performing Assets by SizeLess than $1 million69240732493172665$1 million to $10 million1,4251481,5738431711,014Greater than $10 million2,6093022,9112,2972342,531Total4,7264905,2163,6335774,210Impaired Assets by Size (1)Group20102009200820072006$M$M$M$M$MGross impaired assets - opening balance4,210683421326395Acquisitions-770---New and increased5,4554,3741,104928745Balances written off(1,904)(1,056)(470)(482)(450)Returned to performing or repaid(2,545)(561)(372)(351)(364)Gross impaired assets - closing balance5,2164,210683421326Movement in Gross Impaired Assets 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 39 Credit Risk (continued) 

Impaired Loans by Industry and Status (1) 

(1) Certain comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current period. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     201 

Group2010GrossIndividuallyNetImpairedAssessedImpairedNetLoansLoansProvisionsLoansWrite-offsRecoveriesWrite-offsIndustry $M$M$M$M$M$M$MAustraliaSovereign1,571------Agriculture5,158222(75)14710-10Bank and other financial9,221414(254)160383-383Home loans292,140671(150)52195(3)92Construction3,438271(132)13972-72Personal15,97915(21)(6)651(59)592Asset Financing8,62181(15)6672(3)69Other commercial and industrial108,8182,947(1,268)1,679604(5)599Total Australia444,9464,621(1,915)2,7061,887(70)1,817OverseasSovereign1,213------Agriculture5,450193(15)1787-7Bank and other financial6,34424(1)2350-50Home loans31,433145(12)13325-25Construction472------Personal8224-418(6)12Asset Financing768------Other commercial and industrial9,821124(49)7586(1)85Total Overseas 56,323490(77)413186(7)179Gross balances 501,2695,111(1,992)3,1192,073(77)1,996Group2009GrossIndividuallyNetImpairedAssessedImpairedNetLoansLoansProvisionsLoansWrite-offsRecoveriesWrite-offsIndustry $M$M$M$M$M$M$MAustraliaSovereign1,539------Agriculture4,717257(77)1802(1)1Bank and other financial9,900878(483)395110(1)109Home Loans261,504246(82)16436(1)35Construction4,072242(104)1384-4Personal15,14842(23)19496(52)444Asset Financing7,92346(31)1558(5)53Other commercial and industrial108,5701,901(760)1,141255(10)245Total Australia413,3733,612(1,560)2,052961(70)891OverseasSovereign1,466------Agriculture5,48360(9)51---Bank and other financial7,619109(68)4186-86Home Loans30,702196(10)18618-18Construction635---4-4Personal7431-114(3)11Asset Financing717------Other commercial and industrial13,034211(82)12960-60Total Overseas 60,399577(169)408182(3)179Gross balances 473,7724,189(1,729)2,4601,143(73)1,070 
  
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 40 Market Risk 

Market Risk 

Market risk is the potential of loss arising from adverse changes 
in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, commodity and equity 
prices,  credit  spreads,  lease  residual  values,  and  implied 
volatility  levels.  Market  risk  also  includes  risks  associated  with 
funding and liquidity management. 

For the purposes of market risk management, the Group makes 
a  distinction  between  Traded  and  Non-Traded  Market  Risks. 
Traded  Market  Risks  arise  from  the  Group‟s  trading  book 
activities within the Institutional Banking and Markets business, 
ASB  Bank  Limited  (“ASB”)  and  the  Bank  of  Western  Australia 
Ltd (“Bankwest”). 

Key Non-Traded Market Risks include Interest Rate Risk in the 
Banking  Book  (“IRRBB”)  and  Non-Traded  Equity  Risk  on  the 
Group‟s  Balance  Sheet.  Other  Non-Traded  Market  Risks  are 
liquidity risk, funding risk, market risk arising from the insurance 
business,  transactional  and  structural  foreign  exchange  risk 
arising from capital investments in offshore operations and lease 
residual value risk. 

The Group‟s assessment of regulatory capital required under the 
new  Basel  II  framework  is  discussed  in  Note  31  Capital 
Adequacy. Liquidity and funding risks are discussed in Note 41. 

Market Risk Measurement 

The Group uses Value-at-Risk (“VaR”) as one of the measures 
of  Traded  and  Non-Traded  Market  Risk.  VaR  measures 
potential  loss  using  historically  observed  market  volatility  and 
correlation  between  different  markets.  The  VaR  measured  for 
Traded Market Risk uses two years of daily market movements. 
The VaR measure for Non-Traded Banking Book market risk is 
based on six years of daily market movement history. 

VaR  is  modelled  at  a  97.5%  confidence  level  over  a  1  day 
holding  period  for  trading  book  positions  and  over  a  20  day 
holding  period  for  IRRBB,  insurance  business  market  risk  and 
Non-Traded Equity Risk. 

The  stress  events  considered  for  Traded  Market  Risk  are 
extreme but plausible market movements, and have been back-
tested against moves seen during 2008 and 2009 at the height 
of  the  Global  Financial  Crisis.  The  results  are  reported  to  the 
Risk Committee and the Group ALCO on a regular basis. Stress 
tests  also  include  a  range  of  forward  looking  macro  scenario 
stresses. 

The  following  table  provides  a  summary  of  VaR,  across  the 
Group, for those market risk types where it is appropriate to use 
this measure. 

202 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

(1) The risk on these exposures has been represented in this table using a 1 day 
holding period. In practice however, these „non-traded‟ exposures are managed 
to a longer expected holding period. 

(2) Average VaR calculated for each twelve month period. 

Traded Market Risk 

The Group trades and distributes financial markets products and 
provides risk management services to clients on a global basis. 

The objectives of the Group‟s financial markets activities are to: 

Provide  risk  management  products  and  services 
customers; 
Efficiently  assist  in  managing  the  Group‟s  own  market 
risks; and 
Conduct  profitable  trading  within  a  controlled  framework, 
leveraging off the Group‟s market presence and expertise. 

to 

The Group maintains access to markets by quoting bid and offer 
prices  with  other  market  makers  and  carries  an  inventory  of 
treasury,  capital  market  and  risk  management  instruments, 
including a broad range of securities and derivatives. 

The  Group  is  a  participant  in  all  major  markets  across  foreign 
exchange  and 
interest  rate  products,  debt,  equity  and 
commodities  products  as  required  to  provide  treasury,  capital 
institutional, 
risk  management  services 
markets  and 
corporate, middle market and retail customers.  

to 

Income is earned from spreads achieved through market making 
and from taking market risk. Trading positions are valued at fair 
value  and  taken  to  profit  and  loss  on  a  mark-to-market  basis. 
Market liquidity risk is controlled by concentrating trading activity 
in highly liquid markets. 

Trading assets at fair value through the Income Statement are in 
Note  10.  Trading  liabilities  at  fair  value  through  the  Income 
Statement are in Note 21. Note 2 details the income contribution 
of trading activities to the income of the Group.  

Traded  Market  Risk  is  managed  under  a  clearly  defined  risk 
appetite within the market risk policy and limit structure approved 
by  the  Risk  Committee  of  the  Board.  Risk  is  monitored  by  an 
independent Market Risk Management function. 

Average (2)As atAverage (2)As atTotal Market RiskJuneJuneJuneJuneVaR (1 day 97.5%2010201020092009confidence)$M$M$M$MTraded Market Risk 12.213.710.38.4Non-Traded Interest Rate Risk (1)22.040.823.215.7Non-Traded Equity Risk (1)34.831.532.938.0Non-Traded Insurance Market Risk (1)7.18.57.25.0 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 40 Market Risk (continued) 

The following table provides a summary of VaR for the trading 
book  of  the  Group.  The  VaR  for  ASB  and  Bankwest  is  shown 
separately; all other data relates to the Group and is split by risk 
type. 

The  figures  in  the  following  table  represent  the  potential 
unfavourable change to the Group‟s net interest earnings during 
the  year  based  on  a  100  basis  point  parallel  rate  shock 
(increase)  and  the  expected  unfavourable  net  change  in  the 
price  of  assets  and  liabilities  held  for  purposes  other  than 
trading. 

(1) Average VaR calculated for each twelve month period. 

Non-Traded Market Risk 

Non-Traded  Market  Risk  activities  are  governed  by  the  Group 
market  risk framework approved  by  the  Risk  Committee  of  the 
Board.  Implementation  of  the  policy,  procedures  and  limits  for 
the  Group  is  the  responsibility  of  the  Group  Executive  of  the 
associated Business Unit with senior management oversight by 
Independent 
the  Group‟s  Asset  and  Liability  Committee. 
management  of  the  Non-Traded  Market  Risk  activities  of 
offshore  banking subsidiaries  is  delegated to  the  CEO  of  each 
entity with oversight by the local Asset and Liability Committee. 

Interest Rate Risk in the Banking Book 

Interest  rate  risk  in  the  Group‟s  Balance  Sheet  is  the  risk  of 
adverse  changes  in  expected  net  interest  earnings  in  current 
and future years from changes in interest rates on mismatched 
assets  and  liabilities  in  the  banking  book.  The  objective  is  to 
manage interest rate risk to achieve stable and sustainable net 
interest earnings in the long term. 

The Group measures and manages Balance Sheet interest rate 
risk in two ways: 

(a) Next 12 months‟ earnings 

The risk to net interest earnings over the next 12 months from 
changes in interest rates is measured on a monthly basis. Risk 
is measured assuming an instantaneous 100 basis point parallel 
movement in interest rates across the yield curve.  

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  Group)  are  measured  by  taking  into  account  both  the 
manner in which the products have repriced in the past as well 
as  the  expected  change  in  price  based  on  the  current 
competitive market environment. 

(b) Economic Value  

Measuring  the  change  in  the  economic  value  of  equity  is  an 
assessment of the long term impact to the earnings potential of 
the  Group  present  valued  to  the  current  date.  The  Group 
assesses  the  potential  change  in  its  economic  value  of  equity 
through the application of the Value-at-Risk methodology. A 20 
day  97.5% VaR measure  is  used  to  capture the  net  economic 
value impact over the long term or total life of all balance sheet 
assets  and  liabilities  to  adverse  changes  in  interest  rates.  The 
impact of customer prepayments on the contractual cash flows 
for fixed rate products is included in the calculation. Cash flows 
for discretionary priced products are behaviourally adjusted and 
repriced at the resultant profile. 

The figures in the following table represent the net present value 
of  the  expected  change  in  the  Group‟s  future  earnings  in  all 
future  periods for the  remaining  term  of  all  existing  assets and 
liabilities. 

(1) Average VaR calculated for each twelve month period. 

(2) VaR is only for entities that have material risk exposure. 

(3) ASB data (expressed in NZD) is for the month-end date. 

Non-Traded Equity Risk 

The  Group  retains  Non-Traded  Equity  Risk  through  strategic 
investments  and  business  development  activities  in  divisions 
including  Institutional  Banking  &  Markets,  New  Zealand,  Asia 
and Wealth Management. This activity is subject to governance 
arrangements  approved  by  the  Risk  Committee  of  the  Board, 
and is monitored on a centralised basis within the Market Risk 
Management function. An indicative VaR measure is as follows: 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     203 

Average (1)As atAverage (1)As atTraded Market RiskJuneJuneJuneJuneVaR (1 day 97.5%2010201020092009confidence)$M$M$M$MInterest rate risk4.35.64.44.9Exchange rate risk 1.63.12.61.0Implied volatility risk1.51.91.81.7Equities risk 1.61.51.00.7Commodities risk 0.80.70.90.8Credit spread risk4.33.62.83.1Diversification benefit (7.3)(8.3)(6.3)(6.3)Total general market risk 6.88.17.25.9Undiversified risk 3.63.61.71.0ASB Bank 1.61.91.21.4Bankwest 0.20.10.20.1Total 12.213.710.38.4JuneJuneNet Interest20102009Earnings at Risk$M$MAverage monthly exposureAUD186.6116.8NZD5.614.5High monthly exposureAUD299.9174.3NZD12.629.0Low monthly exposureAUD72.163.5NZD1.54.8As at balance dateAUD162.9169.0NZD12.68.0Average (1)Average (1)JuneJuneNon-Traded Interest Rate VaR20102009(20 day 97.5% confidence) (2)$M$MAUD Interest rate risk74.477.0NZD Interest rate risk (3)2.50.9As atAs atJuneJuneNon-Traded Equity VaR 20102009(20 day 97.5% confidence)$M$MVaR 140.0171.0 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 40 Market Risk (continued) 

Transactional Foreign Currency Exposure 

Market Risk in Insurance Businesses 

Modest in the broader Group context, a significant component of 
Non-Traded  Market  Risk  activities  result  from  the  holding  of 
assets related to the Life Insurance Businesses. There are two 
main  sources  of  market  risk  in  these  businesses;  market  risk 
arising from guarantees made to policyholders and market risk 
arising from the investment of Shareholders‟ capital. 

A second order market risk also arises for the Group from assets 
held for investment linked policies. On this type of contract the 
policyholder  takes  the  risk  of  falls  in  the  market  value  of  the 
assets. However, falls in market value also impact funds under 
management and reduce the fee income collected for this class 
of business.  

Guarantee (to Policyholders) 

life  insurance  or 

All  financial  assets  within  the  Life  Insurance  statutory  funds 
directly  support  either  the  Group's 
life 
investment  contracts.  Market  risk  arises  for  the  Group  on 
contracts where the liabilities to policyholders are guaranteed by 
the  Group.  The  Group  manages  this  risk  by  the  monthly 
monitoring  and  rebalancing  of  assets  to  contract  liabilities. 
However,  for  some  contracts  the  ability  to  match  asset 
characteristics with policy obligations is constrained by a number 
of  factors  including  regulatory  requirements  or  the  lack  of 
investments  that  substantially  align  cash  flows  with  the  cash 
payments to be made to policyholders.  

Shareholders’ Capital 

A portion of financial assets held within the Insurance Business, 
both within the Statutory Funds and in the Shareholder Funds of 
the  Life  Insurance  company  represents  shareholder  (Group) 
capital. Market risk also arises for the Group on the investment 
of this capital.  As  at  30 June  2010,  Shareholders‟ funds  in the 
Australian  Life  Insurance  Businesses  are  invested  85%  in 
income  assets  (cash  and  fixed  interest)  and  15%  in  growth 
assets (shares and property). 

A  20  day  97.5%  VaR  measure  is  used  to  capture  the  Non-
Traded Market Risk exposures. 

Transactional foreign exchange exposure results from exposure 
to banking assets and liabilities, denominated in currencies other 
than the functional currency of the transacting entity.  

The  Group‟s  risk  management  policies  prevent  the  holding  of 
significant  open  positions  in  foreign  currencies  outside  the 
trading portfolio. There were no material net transactional foreign 
currency  exposures  outside  the  trading  portfolio  at  30  June 
2010.  

Due  to  the  low  level  of  non-trading  exposures  no  feasible 
change in foreign exchange rates would have a material effect 
on either the Group‟s profit or movements in equity for the year 
ended 30 June 2010. 

Structural Foreign Exchange Risk 

As  just  noted,  the  Group  principally  hedges  Balance  Sheet 
foreign exchange risks. However, long term capital investments 
in  offshore  branches  and  subsidiaries  give  rise  to  long-dated 
foreign  exchange  risk  via  potential  future  repatriation  of  capital 
investments.  The  Group‟s  only  significant  structural  foreign 
exchange exposure occurs due to the Group‟s capitalisation of 
ASB. 

For  quantification  of  the  effect  of  structural  foreign  exchange 
exposure to the Group during the year refer to movements in the 
Foreign Currency Translation Reserve in Note 27, Shareholders‟ 
Equity. 

Lease Residual Value Risk 

The Group takes Lease Residual Value Risk on assets such as 
industrial and mining equipment, rail, aircraft, marine technology, 
healthcare  and  other  equipment.  A  lease  residual  value 
guarantee  exposes  the  business  to  the  movement  in  second-
hand  asset  prices.  The  Lease  Residual  Value  Risk  within  the 
Group  is  controlled  through  a  risk  management  framework 
approved by the Risk Committee of the Board. The framework 
includes asset, geographic and maturity concentration limits and 
the  Market  Risk 
testing  which 
stress 
Management function.  

is  performed  by 

(1) Average VaR calculated for each twelve month period. 

(2) VaR in relation to the investment of shareholder funds. 

(3)  VaR  in  relation  to  product  portfolios  where  the  Group  has  a  guaranteed 

liability to policyholders. 

Further information on the Life Insurance Business can be found 
in Note 33 Life Insurance Business. 

204 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Average (1)Average (1)Non-Traded VaR in AustralianJuneJuneLife Insurance Business20102009(20 day 97.5% confidence)$M$MShareholder funds (2)25.325.8Guarantees (to Policyholders) (3)23.644.4 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 41 Liquidity and Funding Risk 

Overview  

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. 

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  requirements  are  integrated  into  the  Group‟s  liquidity 
and funding policy with its aim to ensure the Group has a stable 
diversified funding base without over-reliance on any one market 
sector. 

The  Group‟s  liquidity  and  funding  policies  are  designed  to 
ensure it will meet its obligations as and when they fall due, by 
ensuring it is able to borrow funds on an unsecured basis; has 
sufficient  quality  assets  to  borrow  against  on  a  secured  basis; 
has  sufficient  quality  liquid  assets  to  sell  to  raise  immediate 
funds without adversely affecting the Group‟s net asset value.  

The  Group‟s  funding  policies  and  risk  management  framework 
complement the Group‟s liquidity policies by ensuring an optimal 
liability  structure  to  finance  the  Group‟s  businesses.  The  long 
term  stability  and  security  of  the  Group‟s  funding  is  also 
designed  to  protect  its  liquidity  position  in  the  event  of  a  crisis 
specific to the Group. 

The Group‟s liquidity policies are designed to ensure it maintains 
sufficient  cash  balances  and  liquid  asset  holdings  to  meet  its 
obligations to customers, in both ordinary market conditions and 
during periods of extreme stress. These policies are intended to 
protect  the  value  of  the  Group‟s  operations  during  periods  of 
unfavourable market conditions, such as have been experienced 
during the global financial crisis. 

The Group‟s funding policies are designed to achieve diversified 
sources of funding by product, term, maturity date, investor type, 
investor  location,  jurisdiction,  currency  and  concentration,  on  a 
cost-effective  basis.  This  objective  applies  to  the  Group‟s 
wholesale funding and customer deposit activities. The Group‟s 
customer deposit funding base formed approximately 58% of its 
total funding requirements as at 30 June 2010. 

The Risk Management Framework for Liquidity and 
Funding 

The  Group‟s  liquidity  and  funding  policies  are  approved  by  the 
Board  and  agreed  with  the  Australian  Prudential  Regulation 
Authority  (“APRA”).  The  Group  has  an  Asset  and  Liability 
Committee  whose  charter  includes  reviewing  the  management 
of  assets  and  liabilities,  reviewing  liquidity  and  funding  policies 
and strategies, as well as regularly monitoring compliance with 
those  policies  across  the  Group.  The  Group  Treasury  division 
in 
manages 
accordance with the Group‟s liquidity policy, including monitoring 
and  satisfying  the  liquidity  needs  of  the  Group  and  its 
subsidiaries.  

funding  positions 

liquidity  and 

the  Group‟s 

Larger domestic subsidiaries, such as Bankwest, CBFC Limited 
and subsidiaries within the Colonial Group, also apply their own 
liquidity and funding methods to address their specific needs. 

The  Group‟s  New  Zealand  banking  subsidiary,  ASB  Bank 
Limited (“ASB”), manages its own domestic liquidity and funding 
needs  in  accordance  with  its  own  liquidity  policies  and  the 
policies of the Group. ASB‟s liquidity policy is also overseen by 
the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.  

Notes to the Financial Statements 

The  Group  also  has  relatively  small  banking  subsidiaries  in 
Indonesia and Malta that manage their liquidity and funding on a 
similar basis.  

The Group‟s Financial Services and Risk Management divisions 
provide prudential oversight of the Group‟s liquidity and funding 
risk  and  manage  the  Group‟s  relationship  with  prudential 
regulators. 

Liquidity and Funding Policies and Management 

The Group‟s liquidity and funding policies provide that: 

long 

funding 

Balance sheet assets that cannot be liquidated quickly are 
funded  with  deposits  or  term  borrowings  that  meet 
minimum  maturity  requirements  with  appropriate  liquidity 
buffers; 
limits  are 
term  wholesale 
Short  and 
established and reviewed regularly based on surveys and 
analysis of market capacity; 
A minimum level of assets are retained in highly liquid form; 
The  level  of  liquid  assets  complies  with  crisis  scenario 
assumptions  related  to  “worst  case”  wholesale  and  retail 
market  conditions,  is  adequate  to  meet  known  funding 
obligations  over  certain  timeframes  and  are  allocated 
across Australian dollar and foreign currency denominated 
securities in accordance with specific calculations; 
Certain  levels  of  liquid  assets  are  held  to  provide  for  the 
risk  of  the  Group‟s  committed  but  undrawn  lending 
obligations being drawn by customers, as calculated based 
on draw down estimates and forecasts; and 
The  Group  maintains  certain 
liquid  asset 
levels  of 
categories  within  its  liquid  assets  portfolio.  The  first 
category  includes  negotiable  certificates  of  deposit  of 
Australian  banks,  bank  bills,  Commonwealth  of  Australia 
Government  and  Australian  state  and  semi-government 
bonds and supra-national bonds eligible for repurchase by 
the  Reserve  Bank  of  Australia  (“RBA”)  at  any  time.  The 
second  category  is  AAA  and  A-1+  rated  Australian 
residential  mortgage  backed  securities  that  meet  certain 
minimum requirements. 

The Group‟s key liquidity tools include: 

A  liquidity  management  model  similar  to  a  “cash  flow 
ladder” or “maturity gap analysis”, that allows forecasting of 
liquidity needs on a daily basis; 
An additional liquidity management model that implements 
the  agreed  prudential  liquidity  policies.  This  model  is 
calibrated  with  a  series  of  “worst  case”  liquidity  crisis 
scenarios,  incorporating  both  systemic  and  “name”  crisis 
assumptions, such that the Group will have sufficient liquid 
assets available to ensure it meets all of its obligations as 
and when they fall due; 
The  RBA‟s  repurchase  agreement  facilities  provide  the 
Group with the ability to borrow funds on a secured basis, 
even when normal funding markets are unavailable; and 
The  Group‟s  various  short  term  funding  programs  are 
supplemented  by 
Interbank  Deposit  Agreement 
between the four major Australian banks. This agreement 
is similar to a standby liquidity facility that allows the Group 
to access funding in various crisis circumstances. 

the 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     205 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 41 Liquidity and Funding Risk (continued) 

Recent Market Environment 

The  incremental  cost  of  liquidity  and  funding  has  moderated 
from  last  year„s  peak  but  remains  high.  The  Group  has 
managed 
to  avoid  concentrations  such  as 
dependence  on  single  sources  of  funding  and  has  taken 
advantage of its diversified funding base and significant funding 
capacity in the global unsecured debt markets. 

liquidity 

its 

During  the  year  several  regulatory  bodies  have  released 
consultative  documents.  The  Australian  Prudential  Regulation 
Authority  “APRA”  and  the  Basel  Committee  on  Banking 
Supervision review of liquidity standards have yet to be finalised 
while the UK‟s Financial Services Authority “FSA” and Reserve 
Bank of New Zealand “RBNZ” have released new standards.  

The final impact of new liquidity and funding regulations on the 
Group  is  still  uncertain  though  it  is  likely  that  they  will  require 
increased long term debt issuance and higher holdings of liquid 
assets.  The  Group  continues  to  monitor  developments  in  this 
area  and  will  update  its  liquidity  and  funding  policies  as 
appropriate. 

Details  of  the  Group‟s  regulatory  capital  position  and  capital 
management  activities  are  disclosed  in  Note  31  Capital 
Adequacy. 

The Group‟s key funding tools include: 

Its  consumer  retail  funding  base  which  includes  a  wide 
range  of  retail transaction  accounts,  investment  accounts, 
term  deposits  and  retirement  style  accounts  for  individual 
consumers; 

Its small business and institutional deposit base; and 
Its  wholesale  international  and  domestic  funding  sources 
which  include  Australian  dollar  Negotiable  Certificates  of 
Deposit;  Australian  dollar  bank  bills;  Asian  Transferable 
Certificates of Deposit program; Australian, U.S. and Euro 
Commercial Paper programs; Bankwest Euro Commercial 
Paper program; U.S. Extendible Notes program; Australian 
dollar  Domestic  Debt  Program;  U.S.  Medium  Term  Note 
Program;  Euro  Medium  Term  Note  Program  and  its 
Medallion and Swan securitisation programs. 

The  chart  below  illustrates  the  maturity  profile  of  the  Group‟s 
total  outstanding  long  term  wholesale  debt  at  30  June  2010, 
broken down by type of debt instrument.  Total outstanding long 
term  wholesale  debt  includes  securities  with  a  maturity  or  first 
call date equal to or greater than 12 months at the time of issue. 

206 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

05101520253035201120122013201420152016201720182019>2019A$ BillionsGroup Long Term Wholesale Liabilities Maturity ProfileDomesticOffshoreDebt CapitalSecuritisationStructured 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 41 Liquidity and Funding Risk (continued) 

Maturity Analysis of Monetary Liabilities 

Amounts shown in the tables below are based on contractual undiscounted cash flows for the remaining contractual maturities. 

(1) Includes substantial “core” deposits that are contractually at call customer savings and cheque accounts. Historical experience is that such accounts provide a stable 

source of long term funding for the Group. 

(2)  Gross  payable  amounts  on  cross  currency  swaps  have  been  reported in  derivative liabilities.  The  Group  has  corresponding  receivables  on  these  cross  currency 
swaps  that  have  not  been  reported,  in  accordance  with  the  requirements  of  AASB  7  „Financial Instruments:  Disclosures‟.  The  terms  of  the  cross  currency  swap 
agreements entered into by the Group allow for net settlement in the event of certain specific circumstances including default of the counterparties. 

(3) All trading derivatives are included in the 0 to 3 months maturity band. 
(4) All off balance sheet items are included in the 0 to 3 month maturity band to reflect their earliest possible maturity. 

 (1) Includes substantial “core” deposits that are contractually at call customer savings and cheque accounts. Historical experience is that such accounts provide a stable 

source of long term funding for the Group.  

(2)  Gross  payable  amounts  on  cross  currency  swaps  have  been  reported in  derivative liabilities.  The  Group  has  corresponding  receivables  on  these  cross  currency 
swaps  that  have  not  been  reported,  in  accordance  with  the  requirements  of  AASB  7  Financial  Instruments  Disclosures.  The  terms  of  the  cross  currency  swap 
agreements entered into by the Group allow for net settlement in the event of certain specific circumstances including default of the counterparties.  

(3) All trading derivatives are included in the 0 to 3 months maturity band. 

(4) All off balance sheet items are included in the 0 to 3 month maturity band to reflect their earliest possible maturity. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     207 

GroupMaturity Period as at 30 June 20100 to 33 to 121 to 5Over 5NotAt CallmonthsmonthsyearsyearsSpecifiedTotal$M$M$M$M$M$M$MLiabilitiesDeposits and other public borrowings (1)180,302123,07358,41417,420384-379,593Payables due to other financial institutions3,6187,5711,37668--12,633Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement-6,5284,6713,2121,644-16,055Derivative liabilities (2) (3)-25,9065362,4263,733-32,601Bank acceptances-11,360209---11,569Insurance policy liabilities-----14,59214,592Debt issues and loan capital-29,07125,56175,89536,089-166,616Managed funds units on issue-----880880Other monetary liabilities1573,9382,229345-4057,074Total monetary liabilities184,077207,44792,99699,36641,85015,877641,613Guarantees (4)-3,659----3,659Loan commitments (4)-109,420----109,420Other commitments (4)-2,662----2,662Total off balance sheet items-115,741----115,741Total monetary liabilities and off balance sheet items184,077323,18892,99699,36641,85015,877757,354GroupMaturity Period as at 30 June 20090 to 33 to 121 to 5Over 5NotAt CallmonthsmonthsyearsyearsSpecifiedTotal$M$M$M$M$M$M$MLiabilitiesDeposits and other public borrowings (1)183,878117,67350,01320,642143-372,349Payables due to other financial institutions1,58212,3471,203---15,132Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement-8,9153,6943,0821,564-17,255Derivative liabilities (2) (3)-33,6872,0183,9672,765-42,437Bank acceptances-14,444284---14,728Insurance policy liabilities-----16,05616,056Debt issues and loan capital-24,69518,75462,03027,513-132,992Managed funds units on issue-----914914Other monetary liabilities1,0943,0201,620127-4446,305Total monetary liabilities186,554214,78177,58689,84831,98517,414618,168Guarantees (4)-3,641----3,641Loan commitments (4)-117,887----117,887Other commitments (4)-3,181----3,181Total off balance sheet items-124,709----124,709Total monetary liabilities and off balance sheet items186,554339,49077,58689,84831,98517,414742,877 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 41 Liquidity and Funding Risk (continued) 

Maturity Analysis of Monetary Liabilities (continued) 
Amounts shown in the tables below are based on contractual undiscounted cash flows for the remaining contractual maturities. 

(1) Includes substantial “core” deposits that are contractually at call customer savings and cheque accounts. Historical experience is that such accounts provide a 

stable source of long term funding for the Group. 

 (2) Gross payable amounts on cross currency swaps have been reported in derivative liabilities. The Group has corresponding receivables on these cross currency 
swaps that have not been reported, in accordance with the requirements of AASB 7 Financial Instruments Disclosures. The terms of the cross currency swap 
agreements entered into by the Group allow for net settlement in the event of certain specific circumstances including default of the counterparties. 

(3) All trading derivatives are included in the 0 to 3 months maturity band. 

(4) All off balance sheet items are included in the 0 to 3 month maturity band to reflect their earliest possible maturity. 

(1) Includes substantial “core” deposits that are contractually at call customer savings and cheque accounts. Historical experience is that such accounts provide a 

stable source of long term funding for the Group.  

(2) Gross payable amounts on cross currency swaps have been reported in derivative liabilities. The Group has corresponding receivables on these cross currency 
swaps that have not been reported, in accordance with the requirements of AASB 7 Financial Instruments Disclosures. The terms of the cross currency swap 
agreements entered into by the Group allow for net settlement in the event of certain specific circumstances including default of the counterparties.  

(3) All trading derivatives are included in the 0 to 3 months maturity band. 

(4) All off balance sheet items are included in the 0 to 3 month maturity band to reflect their earliest possible maturity. 

208 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

BankMaturity Period as at 30 June 20100 to 33 to 121 to 5Over 5NotAt CallmonthsmonthsyearsyearsSpecifiedTotal$M$M$M$M$M$M$MLiabilitiesDeposits and other public borrowings (1)153,63596,45445,62216,074376-312,161Payables due to other financial institutions3,4487,5551,37668--12,447Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement-1637322,8081,797-5,500Derivative liabilities (2) (3)-23,6892975443,733-28,263Bank acceptances-11,360209---11,569Debt issues and loan capital-20,65522,73661,53534,947-139,873Due to controlled entities3,5584,9791,6245,20537,045-52,411Other monetary liabilities-2,4973,9232,180-2278,827Total monetary liabilities160,641167,35276,51988,41477,898227571,051Guarantees (4)-2,874----2,874Loan commitments (4)-93,881----93,881Other commitments (4)-2,012----2,012Total off balance sheet items-98,767----98,767Total monetary liabilities and off balance sheet items160,641266,11976,51988,41477,898227669,818BankMaturity Period as at 30 June 20090 to 33 to 121 to 5Over 5NotAt CallmonthsmonthsyearsyearsSpecifiedTotal$M$M$M$M$M$M$MLiabilitiesDeposits and other public borrowings (1)144,011103,80841,73718,615130-308,301Payables due to other financial institutions1,48512,2771,203---14,965Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement-1162692,0331,703-4,121Derivative liabilities (2) (3)-29,5115599922,745-33,807Bank acceptances-14,442284---14,726Debt issues and loan capital-5,56813,10645,30725,207-89,188Due to controlled entities-50,87117,26612,471476-81,084Other monetary liabilities3,3011,7581,42918-2106,716Total monetary liabilities148,797218,35175,85379,43630,261210552,908Guarantees (4)-2,811----2,811Loan commitments (4)-102,053----102,053Other commitments (4)-2,646----2,646Total off balance sheet items-107,510----107,510Total monetary liabilities and off balance sheet items148,797325,86175,85379,43630,261210660,418 
 
  
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 42 Retirement Benefit Obligations 

Name of Plan 

Type 
Defined Benefits (1) and  
Accumulation  
Defined Benefits (1) and  
Accumulation 

Officers‟ Superannuation Fund 
(“OSF”) 
Commonwealth Bank of Australia 
(UK) Staff Benefits Scheme 
(“CBA(UK)SBS”) 
 (1) The defined benefit formulae are generally comprised of final superannuation salary, or final average superannuation salary, and service. 
(2) An actuarial assessment of the CBA(UK)SBS at 30 June 2010 is currently in progress. 

Indexed pension and  
lump sum 
Indexed pension and  
lump sum 

Form of Benefit 

30 June 2007 (2) 

Date of Last Actuarial 
Assessment of the Fund 
30 June 2009 

Contributions 

Entities of the Group contribute to the plans listed in the above 
table 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 2009, was 
completed during the year ended 30 June 2010. In line with the 
actuarial advice contained in the assessment, the Bank does not 
need to make contributions to the OSF until further consideration 
of the next actuarial assessment of the OSF as at 30 June 2012. 

An  actuarial  assessment  of  the  CBA(UK)SBS,  as  at  30  June 
2007 confirmed a deficit of GBP 25 million (AUD 44 million at 
the  30 June  2010  exchange  rate).  Following this  assessment, 
fund  actuary‟s 
the  Bank  agreed 
to  contribute  at 
recommended  contribution 
included 
rates 
amounts 
future  accruals  of  defined  benefits 
(contributions estimated at AUD 3 million per annum at the 30 
June 2010 exchange rate) and additional contributions of GBP 
3 million per annum (AUD 5.7 million per annum at the 30 June 
2010 exchange rate) payable over 10 years to finance the fund 
deficit. 

the 
rates.  These 

finance 

to 

An actuarial assessment of the CBA(UK)SBS at 30 June 2010 
is currently in progress. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     209 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 42 Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued) 

Defined Benefit Superannuation Plans 
The amounts reported in the Balance Sheet are reconciled as follows: 

210 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

OSFCBA(UK)SBSTotal201020092010200920102009$M$M$M$M$M$MPresent value of funded obligations(3,332)(3,118)(377)(394)(3,709)(3,512)Fair value of plan assets3,6483,6132953083,9433,921Total pension assets as at 30 June316495(82)(86)234409Asset/(liability) in Balance Sheet as at 30 June316495(82)(86)234409Amounts in the Balance Sheet:Liabilities (Note 25)--(82)(86)(82)(86)Assets (Note 17)316495--316495Net asset316495(82)(86)234409The amounts recognised in the Income Statement are as follows:Current service cost(43)(24)(3)(3)(46)(27)Interest cost(160)(184)(20)(24)(180)(208)Expected return on plan assets2763721521291393Employer financed benefits within Accumulation Division(168)(172)--(168)(172)Total included in defined benefit superannuation plan expense(95)(8)(8)(6)(103)(14)Actuarial return on plan assets391(457)33(5)424(462)Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligation are as follows:Opening defined benefit obligation(3,118)(2,892)(394)(386)(3,512)(3,278)Current service cost(36)(20)(3)(3)(39)(23)Interest cost(160)(184)(20)(24)(180)(208)Member contributions(10)(13)--(10)(13)Actuarial (losses)/gains(199)(204)(25)2(224)(202)Benefits paid1911951315204210Exchange differences on foreign plans--522522Closing defined benefit obligation(3,332)(3,118)(377)(394)(3,709)(3,512)Changes in the fair value of plan assets are as follows:Opening fair value of plan assets3,6134,4283083213,9214,749Expected return2763721521291393Experience gains/(losses)115(829)18(26)133(855)Total contributions10139101923Exchange differences on foreign plans--(42)(3)(42)(3)Benefits and expenses paid(198)(199)(13)(15)(211)(214)Employer financed benefits within Accumulation Division(168)(172)--(168)(172)Closing fair value of plan assets3,6483,6132953083,9433,921 
 
 
 
Note 42 Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued) 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Actuarial gains and losses represent experience adjustments on plan assets and liabilities as well as adjustments arising from changes 
in actuarial assumptions. Total net actuarial losses recognised in equity from commencement of AIFRS (1 July 2005) to 30 June 2010 
were $198 million. 

(1) For the OSF, additional age related allowances were made for the expected salary increases from future promotions. At 30  June 2010 and 30 June 2009, these 

assumptions were broadly between 1.6% and 2.6% per annum for full-time employees and 1.0% per annum for part time employees. 

The  return  on  asset  assumption  for  the  OSF  is  determined  as 
the weighted average of the long term expected returns of each 
asset  class  where  the  weighting  is  the  benchmark  asset 
allocations  of the assets backing  the  defined  benefit  risks.  The 
long term expected returns of each asset class are determined 
following receipt of actuarial advice. The discount rate (gross of 
tax) assumption for the OSF is based on the yield on 10 year  

Australian Commonwealth Government securities. 

In addition to financial assumptions, the mortality assumptions 
for  pensioners  can  materially  impact  the  defined  benefit 
obligations. These assumptions are age related and allowances 
are made for future improvement in mortality. The expected life 
expectancies for pensioners are set out below: 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     211 

20102009200820072006$M$M$M$M$MPresent value of funded obligations(3,332)(3,118)(2,892)(3,094)(3,388)Fair value of plan assets3,6483,6134,4284,9074,616Total assets/liability in the Balance Sheet3164951,5361,8131,228Experience adjustments on plan liabilities77(120)13431(55)Experience adjustments on plan assets115(829)(520)282356Gains/(losses) from changes in actuarial assumptions(276)(84)92259239Total net actuarial (losses)/gains(84)(1,033)(294)572540OSF20102009200820072006$M$M$M$M$MPresent value of funded obligations(377)(394)(386)(401)(430)Fair value of plan assets295308321372365Total assets/liability in the Balance Sheet(82)(86)(65)(29)(65)Experience adjustments on plan liabilities1926(3)15Experience adjustments on plan assets18(26)(21)(2)2Gains/(losses) from changes in actuarial assumptions(44)-(32)25(3)Total net actuarial (losses)/gains(7)(24)(47)2014CBA(UK)SBS20102009200820072006$M$M$M$M$MPresent value of funded obligations(3,709)(3,512)(3,278)(3,495)(3,818)Fair value of plan assets3,9433,9214,7495,2794,981Total assets/liability in the Balance Sheet2344091,4711,7841,163Experience adjustments on plan liabilities96(118)14028(40)Experience adjustments on plan assets133(855)(541)280358Gains/(losses) from changes in actuarial assumptions(320)(84)60284236Total net actuarial (losses)/gains(91)(1,057)(341)592554TotalOSFCBA(UK)SBS2010200920102009Economic Assumptions%%%%The above calculations were based on the following assumptions:Discount rate at 30 June (gross of tax)5.105.505.306.10Expected return on plan assets at 30 June7.608.005.706.60Expected rate salary increases at 30 June (per annum)4.103.904.404.70OSFCBA(UK)SBS2010200920102009Expected Life Expectancies for PensionersYearsYearsYearsYearsMale pensioners currently aged 6028.928.827.926.8Male pensioners currently aged 6524.123.923.122.0Female pensioners currently aged 6034.033.930.629.7Female pensioners currently aged 6528.928.825.624.9 
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 42 Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued) 
Further, the proportion of the retiring members of the main OSF 
defined benefit division electing to take pensions instead of lump 
sums may materially impact the defined benefit obligations.  

Of these retiring members 34% were assumed to take pension 
benefits, increasing to 50% by 2020. 

Australian  and  UK  legislation  requires  that  superannuation 
(pension)  benefits  be  provided  through  trusts.  These  trusts 
(including their investments) are managed by trustees who are 
legally independent of the employer. The investment objective of 
the  OSF  (the  Group‟s  major  superannuation  (pension)  plan)  is 
“to maximise the long term rate of return subject to net returns 
over  rolling  five  year  periods  exceeding  the  growth  in  Average 
Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings 80% of the time”. 

To  meet  this  investment  objective,  the  OSF  Trustee  invests  a 
large part of the OSF‟s assets in growth assets, such as shares 
and property. These assets have historically earned higher rates 
of  return  than  other  assets,  but  they  also  carry  higher  risks, 
especially in the short term. To manage these risks, the Trustee 
has adopted a strategy of spreading the OSF‟s investments over 
a number of asset classes and investment managers. 

As at 30 June 2010, the actual asset allocations for the assets 
backing the defined benefit portion of the OSF are as follows: 

(1) These are assets which are not included in the traditional asset classes of 
equities,  fixed  interest  securities,  real  estate  and  cash.  They  include 
infrastructure investments as well as high yield and emerging market debt. 

The value of the OSF‟s equity holding in the Bank as at 30 June 
2010  was  $96  million  (2009:  $72  million).  Amounts  on  deposit 
with the Group at 30 June 2010 totalled $23 million  (2008: $22 
million).  Other  financial  instruments  with  the  Group  at  30  June 
2010 totalled $73 million (2009: $13 million). 

212 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Actual AllocationAsset Allocations%Australian Equities23.3Overseas Equities13.8Real Estate14.3Fixed Interest Securities31.0Cash7.0Other (1)10.6 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 43 Investments in Associated Entities and Joint Ventures 

(1) The value for CFS Retail Property Trust based on published quoted prices as at 30 June 2010 is $416 million (2009: $363 million). 

(2) The value for Commonwealth Property Office Fund based on published quoted prices as at 30 June 2010 is $132 million (2009: $104 million). 

(3) The consolidated entity has significant influence due to its relationship as Responsible Entity. 

(4) Voting rights are 25%. 

(5) Formerly known as China Life CMG Life Assurance Company Limited. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     213 

Group2010200920102009OwnershipOwnershipPrincipalCountry ofBalance$M$MInterest %Interest % ActivitiesIncorporationDateAcadian Asset Management (Australia) Limited225050Investment ManagementAustralia30-JunAMTD Group Company Limited113030Financial ServicesVirgin Islands31-DecAspire Schools (Qld) Holdings Limited2-5050Investment VechicleAustralia30-JunAussie Home Loans Pty Limited76713333Mortgage BrokingAustralia30-JunBank of Hangzhou Co. Ltd. 3982052020Commercial BankingChina31-DecCardlink Services Limited (4)11-4444Transaction servicesAustralia30-JunCFS Retail Property Trust (1) (3)43943899Funds ManagementAustralia30-JunBoCommLife Insurance Company Limited (5)28113849Life InsuranceChina31-DecCMG CH China Funds Management Limited-1-50Investment ManagementAustralia31-MarCommonwealth Property Office Fund (2) (3)13911877Funds ManagementAustralia30-JunEquigroup Pty Limited16155050LeasingAustralia30-JunFirst State Cinda Fund Management Co. Ltd15144646Funds ManagementChina31-DecFirst State European Diversified Investment Fund145-39-Funds ManagementUnited Kingdom30-JunHealthcare Support (Newcastle) Limited-2-40Financial ServicesUnited Kingdom31-DecFS Media Works Fund 1, LP (3)-22-11Investment FundUnited Kingdom31-DecInternational Private Equity Real Estate Fund353333Funds ManagementAustralia30-JunQilu Bank Co. Ltd.2041122020Commercial BankingChina31-Dec452 Capital Pty Limited11303030Investment ManagementAustralia30-JunTotal1,4901,047Group20102009$M$MShare of Associates' profits/(losses)Operating profits/(losses) before income tax141144Income tax expense(7)(3)Operating profits/(losses) after income tax134141Carrying amount of investments in associated entities1,4901,047Group20102009Total lease commitments - property, plant and equipment$M$MGroup's share of lease commitments of associated entities due:Not later than one year53Later than one year but not later than five years116Later than five years79Total lease commitments - property, plant and equipment2318 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 43 Investments in Associated Entities and Joint Ventures (continued) 

214 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Group20102009$M$MFinancial Information of AssociatesAssets - current23,42424,914Assets - non-current35,29323,058Liabilities - current38,73832,399Liabilities - non-current4,8326,184Revenues1,9232,454Expenses9051,708Group20102009$M$MFinancial Information of Joint VenturesAssets - current157145Assets - non-current451209Liabilities - current58104Liabilities - non-current397194Revenues305157Expenses294159 
 
 
  
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 44 Key Management Personnel 

The Company has applied the exemption under AASB 124 „Related Party Disclosures‟ which exempts listed companies from providing 
remuneration  disclosures  in  relation  to  their  key  management  personnel  in  their  Annual  Financial  Reports.  These  remuneration 
disclosures are provided in the Remuneration Report of the Directors‟ Report on pages 70 to 88 and have been audited. 

(1) Further details of Key Management Personnel compensation as well as compensation to other disclosed individuals who are not Key Management Personnel is 

included in the Remuneration report. 

Equity Holdings of Key Management Personnel 

Shareholdings 

Details  of  shareholdings  of  Key  Management  Personnel  (or  close  family  members  or  entities  controlled,  jointly  controlled,  or 
significantly influenced by them, or any entity over which any of the aforementioned hold significant voting power) are set out below. 
For details of Director and Executive equity plans refer to Note 29 Share Based Payments. 

Shares held by Directors  

All shares were acquired by Directors on normal terms and conditions or through the Non-Executive Directors‟ Share Plan. 

(1) Non-Executive Directors receive 1/5 of their total annual fees as Commonwealth Bank shares.  These shares are subject to a ten year trading restriction (the shares 

will be released earlier if the Director leaves the Board). 

(2) "Net Change Other" incorporates changes resulting from purchases and sales during the year. 

(3) David Turner was appointed as Chairman on 10 February 2010. 

(4) John Schubert retired from the Board on 10 February 2010. 

(5) Reg Clairs retired from the Board on 13 April 2010. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     215 

GroupBank2010200920102009Key Management Personnel Compensation (1)$'000 $'000$'000$'000Short term benefits33,18929,42733,18929,427Post-employment benefits1,5841,2751,5841,275Share-based payments26,7878,87226,7878,872Long term benefits1,0201,7121,0201,71262,58041,28662,58041,286BalanceSharesNet ChangeBalanceNameClass1 July 2009Acquired (1)Other (2)30 June 2010DirectorsDavid Turner (3)Ordinary 8,932668-9,600John Schubert (4)Ordinary 32,783854-33,637John AndersonOrdinary 14,150502-14,652Reg Clairs (5)Ordinary 20,353571-20,924Colin GalbraithOrdinary 15,334561-15,895Jane HemstritchOrdinary 21,358530-21,888Carolyn KayOrdinary 10,51958240011,501Andrew MohlOrdinary 9,288530-9,818Fergus RyanOrdinary 17,384592-17,976Harrison YoungOrdinary 25,284592-25,876 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 44 Key Management Personnel (continued) 
Shares held by the CEO and Group Executives 

(1)  Reward  Shares  represent  shares  granted  under  the  Equity  Reward  Plan  (ERP)  and  Group  Leadership  Reward  Plan  (GLRP)  which  are  subject  to  performance 

hurdles. Deferred Shares represent the deferred portion of STI received as shares restricted for three years. 

(2) Reward shares and Deferred shares become ordinary shares upon vesting. 

(3) "Net Change Other" incorporates changes resulting from purchases, sales and forfeitures during the year. 

(4) Mr Blair was appointed to a Key Management Personnel role on 1 July 2009. 

216 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Reward/Acquired/OnDeferredBalanceGranted asExercise ofSharesNet ChangeBalanceNameClass (1)30 June 2009RemunerationOptionsVested (2)other (3)30 June 2010Managing Director and CEORalph NorrisOrdinary 110,713---90,910201,623Reward Shares 90,910204,626-(90,910)-204,626Deferred Shares 22,70716,460---39,167Group ExecutivesSimon Blair (4)Ordinary ------Reward Shares -30,190---30,190Deferred Shares ------Barbara ChapmanOrdinary 1,571---(1,571)-Reward Shares 17,04558,844-(17,045)-58,844Deferred Shares 7,9685,698---13,666David CohenOrdinary 13,781----13,781Reward Shares -57,113---57,113Deferred Shares -7,597---7,597David CraigOrdinary 12,385---22,72835,113Reward Shares 22,72872,690-(22,728)-72,690Deferred Shares 11,9517,597---19,548Michael HarteOrdinary ----14,31814,318Reward Shares 14,31865,767-(14,318)-65,767Deferred Shares 10,3587,597---17,955Ross McEwanOrdinary ------Reward Shares -83,074---83,074Deferred Shares 11,9518,863---20,814Ian NarevOrdinary ----1,1371,137Reward Shares 1,13758,844-(1,137)-58,844Deferred Shares 12,5865,698---18,284Grahame PetersenOrdinary 36,244---12,02748,271Reward Shares 25,00076,151-(25,000)-76,151Deferred Shares 8,7656,331---15,096Ian SainesOrdinary 9,224---5,69514,919Reward Shares 5,00089,997-(5,000)-89,997Deferred Shares 26,5967,597---34,193Alden ToevsOrdinary 9,000----9,000Reward Shares -96,920---96,920Deferred Shares 37,78410,130---47,914 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 44 Key Management Personnel (continued) 

Loans to Key Management Personnel 

All loans to Key Management Personnel (or close family members or entities controlled, jointly controlled or significantly influenced by 
them  or  any  entity  over  which  any  of  the  aforementioned  hold  significant  voting  power)  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). 

Total Loans to Key Management Personnel  

Loans to Key Management Personnel Exceeding $100,000 in Aggregate 

(1) Balance declared in NZD for Mr Norris, Mr Blair, Ms Chapman and Mr McEwan. Exchange rates are taken from Forex (an independent exchange rate provider) as at 
30 June 2010 for interest charged, 30 June 2010 balances and highest balances in period. The exchange rate as at 30 June 2009 has been used for the 1 July 2009 
balances. Highest balance in period can appear lower than the opening balance due to changes in exchange rates. 

(2) Represents the highest balance of loans outstanding at any period during the year ended 30 June 2010. 

Terms and Conditions of Loans 

All loans to Key Management Personnel (or close family members or entities controlled, jointly controlled, or significantly influenced by 
them,  or  any  entity  over  which  any  of  the  aforementioned  held  significant  voting  power)  have  been  provided  on  an  arm‟s  length 
commercial basis including the term of the loan, security required and the interest rate (which may be fixed or variable).  

Other Transactions of Key Management Personnel  

Financial Instrument Transactions 

Financial instrument transactions (other than loans and shares disclosed within this report) of Key Management Personnel occur in the 
ordinary course of business on an arm‟s length basis. 

Disclosure  of  financial  instrument  transactions  regularly  made  as  part  of  normal  banking  operations  is  limited  to  disclosure  of  such 
transactions with Key Management Personnel and entities controlled or significantly influenced by them. 

Financial  instrument  transactions  that  have  occurred  between  entities  within  the  Group  and  their  Key  Management  Personnel  are 
primarily domestic in nature and were in the nature of normal personal banking and deposit transactions. 

Transactions other than Financial Instrument Transactions of Banks 

All other transactions with Key Management Personnel 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 entities not controlled by the Group. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     217 

OpeningInterestClosingBalanceChargedBalanceNumber in$000s$000s$000sGroupDirectors2010----20092,8402111,9911CEO & Group Executives20109,9995799,32411200914,19987810,45311Total20109,9995799,32411200914,19987810,45311HighestBalanceInterestInterest NotWrite-offBalanceBalance1 July 2009ChargedCharged30 June 2010in Period$000s$000s$000s$000s$000s$000s (2)Managing Director & CEORalph Norris (1)1,991113--1,8392,191Group ExecutivesSimon Blair (1)-43--1,0821,097Barbara Chapman (1)2,230114--1,8692,433David Cohen60134--602611Michael Harte3,024198--2,9893,075Ross McEwan (1)1,56028--2201,111Ian Narev47225--381473Ian Saines56223--310562Total10,4405789,29213,178 
 
 
 
  
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 45 Related Party Disclosures 

The Group is controlled by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, the ultimate parent, which is incorporated in Australia.  

A number of banking transactions are entered into with related parties in the normal course of business on an arms length basis.  

These include loans, deposits and foreign currency transactions, upon which some fees and commissions may be earned. The table 
below indicates the values of such transactions for the financial year ended 30 June 2010. 

(1)  Not  included  above  are  management  services  provided  for  nil  consideration  to  associated  Group  and  Bank  companies  to  the  value  of  $7,520,000  (2009: 

$7,970,000). 

218 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupFor the Year Ended and as at 30 June 2010JointAssociatesVenturesTotal$000s$000s$000sInterest and dividend income58,1691,00059,169Interest expense3332,0372,370Fee and commission income for services provided (1)57,1212,88460,005Fee and commission expense for services received104,50810,118114,626Loans, bills discounted and equity contributions424,62112,620437,241Derivative assets12,4006,68419,084Other assets39,3678,38347,750Deposits18,709-18,709Derivative liabilities25,818-25,818Other liabilities22,698-22,698GroupFor the Year Ended and as at 30 June 2009JointAssociatesVenturesTotal$000s$000s$000sInterest and dividend income68,3007,00075,300Interest expense2,5011272,628Fee and commission income for services provided (1)116,50014,500131,000Fee and commission expense for services received188,932377189,309Loans, bills discounted and equity contributions373,25928,000401,259Derivative assets---Other assets91,01610,000101,016Deposits73,760-73,760Derivative liabilities3,733-3,733Other liabilities1677,0007,167 
 
 
  
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 45 Related Party Disclosures (continued) 

(1) Not included above are management services provided for nil consideration to associated Group and Bank companies to the value of $7,520,000 (2009: $7,970,000). 

Details of controlled entities are disclosed in Note 49. 

The Bank‟s aggregate investments in, and loans to controlled entities are disclosed in Note 49. 

Amounts due to controlled entities are disclosed in the Balance Sheet of the Bank. 

The Bank is the head entity of the tax consolidated group and has entered into tax funding and tax sharing agreements with its eligible 
Australian resident subsidiaries. The terms and conditions of these agreements are set out in note 1(w) – Accounting policies. As at 30 
June 2010, the amount receivable by the Bank under the tax funding agreement with the tax consolidated entities is $439 million (2009: 
$100 million receivable). This balance is included in „Other assets‟ in the Bank‟s separate balance sheet.  

All transactions between Group entities are eliminated on consolidation. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     219 

BankFor the Year Ended and as at 30 June 2010JointSubsidiariesAssociatesVenturesTotal$000s$000s$000s$000sInterest and dividend income5,165,04255,678-5,220,720Interest expense2,916,015--2,916,015Fee and commission income for services provided (1)599,9212,650119602,690Fee and commission expense for services received601,00094,230218695,448Available-for-sale securities39,821,783--39,821,783Loans, bills discounted and equity contributions49,901,264412,000-50,313,264Derivative assets193,95912,400-206,359Other assets1,075,058--1,075,058Deposits53,873,6718,900-53,882,571Derivative liabilities408,51225,818-434,330Debt issues and loan capital2,916,825--2,916,825Other liabilities3,838,43022,698-3,861,128BankFor the Year Ended and as at 30 June 2009JointSubsidiariesAssociatesVenturesTotal$000s$000s$000s$000sInterest and dividend income4,075,00062,0026,0004,143,002Interest expense3,627,2961,811-3,629,107Fee and commission income for services provided (1)601,123-12,000613,123Fee and commission expense for services received358,740188,078-546,818Available-for-sale securities39,832,227--39,832,227Loans, bills discounted and equity contributions54,808,000372,000-55,180,000Derivative assets188,010--188,010Other assets458,76124,0009,000491,761Deposits82,008,00065,000-82,073,000Derivative liabilities202,0594,000-206,059Debt issues and loan capital3,005,995--3,005,995Other liabilities2,286,688-4,0002,290,688 
 
 
 
  
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 46 Notes to the Statements of Cash Flows 

(a) Reconciliation of Net Profit after Income Tax to Net Cash provided by/(used in) Operating Activities 

(b) Reconciliation of Cash 

For  the  purposes  of the Statements  of  Cash  Flows, cash  includes cash, money  at short call,  at call  deposits  with  other financial 
institutions and settlement account balances with other banks.  

(1) At call includes certain receivables and payables due from and to financial institutions within three months. 

(c) Business Disposed 
During the current year, the Group disposed of its banking and insurance operations in Fiji. 

(1) The loss on sale of $30 million is inclusive of realised structural foreign exchange losses. 

220 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupBank20102009200820102009$M$M$M$M$MNet profit after income tax5,6804,7534,8225,6153,086Net (increase)/decrease in interest receivable(551)301187(559)516Increase/(decrease) in interest payable889(54)449878(587)Net decrease/(increase) in assets at fair value through Income Statement (excluding life insurance)3,3016901962,383568Net (gain)/loss on sale of investments(4)(1)(1)(4)(1)Net increase in derivative assets (1,331)(8,358)(6,429)(1,827)(6,789)Net loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 4111549Net (gain) on sale of Visa Initial Public Offering--(127)--Equity accounting profit(116)(141)(92)--Gain on acquisition of controlled entities-(983)---Impairment expense2,3793,0489301,1932,703Investment impairment expense- - - -110Depreciation and amortisation (including asset write downs)618519423373306(Decrease)/increase in liabilities at fair value through Income Statement (excluding life insurance)(1,254)661(884)1,128405(Decrease)/increase in derivative liabilities(9,804)13,3614,622(6,126)10,700Increase in other provisions 46602961046(Decrease)/increase in income taxes payable(150)5212980440Increase/(decrease) in deferred income taxes payable53(355)(643)721Decrease/(increase) in deferred tax assets 383(967)1781(1,255)Decrease/(increase) in accrued fees/reimbursements receivable4441(153)(73)173Increase/(decrease) in accrued fees and other items payable302178(575)524575Increase/(decrease) in life insurance contract policy liabilities853(1,025)184--Increase/(decrease) in cash flow hedge reserve589(1,651)(150)219(1,068)Increase/(decrease) in fair value on hedged items838569970810510Dividend received from controlled entities---(1,648)(820)Changes in operating assets and liabilities arising from cash flow movements522(9,802)(6,124)17,241(19,446)Other154100(198)35333Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities3,4451,476(2,075)20,676(9,805)Year Ended 30 JuneGroupBank20102009200820102009$M$M$M$M$MNotes, coins and cash at banks5,2853,7552,4764,0272,198Other short term liquid assets1,1533,1281,3099793,031Receivables due from other financial institutions – at call (1)5,0121,8893,3574,3865,962Payables due to other financial institutions – at call (1)(6,533)(6,586)(4,877)(6,346)(7,755)Cash and cash equivalents at end of year4,9172,1862,2653,0463,436Group201020092008$M$M$MFair value of net tangible assets disposedOther assets77-1Profit on sale (excluding realised foreign exchange losses and other related costs) (1)1-1Cash consideration received78-2Less cash and cash equivalents disposed(89)--Net cash (outflow)/inflow on disposal(11)-2 
 
  
  
 
 
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 46 Notes to the Statements of Cash Flows (continued) 

(d) Non-cash Financing and Investing Activities 

(e) Business Acquired 

There were no acquisitions of controlled entities during the current year. 

On 19 December 2008, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of Bank of Western Australia Limited (consisting of retail and 
business  banking),  St  Andrew's  Australia  Pty  Limited  (consisting  of  insurance  and  wealth  management  services  businesses)  and 
HBOSA Group (Services) Pty Limited (an internal administrative support entity) for cash consideration (including transaction costs) of 
$2.2 billion. These businesses collectively represent the retail and business operations of HBOSA.  

During  the  2008  financial  year,  on  26  July  2007,  PT  Commonwealth  Bank  acquired  83%  of  Arta  Niaga  Kencana  (ANK)  Bank  in 
Indonesia.  The  merger  was  completed  on  31  December  2007  and  thereafter  the  Group  owned  97%  of  the  merged  entities.  On  27 
November  2007,  the  Group  completed  the  100%  acquisition  of  IWL  Limited,  an  online  broking  business.  These  acquisitions  were 
considered individually immaterial to the Group. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     221 

Group201020092008$M$M$MShares issued under the Dividend Reinvestment Plan1,4571,0991,109Carrying ValueFair ValueCarrying ValueFair Value2009200920082008$M$M$M$MAssets acquiredCash and liquid assets4224222424Receivables due from other financial institutions283283--Assets at fair value through Income Statement:  Trading5,9075,907--  Insurance212212--Derivative assets1,0141,014--Available-for-sale investments33112112Loans, bills discounted and other receivables58,15357,351241241Property, plant and equipment177225--Intangible assets98806464Deferred tax assets255610--Other assets2892881111Total assets66,81367,121392452Liabilities acquiredDeposits and other public borrowings50,40150,677202202Payables due to other financial institutions4,6734,673130130Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement250250--Derivative liabilities512512--Deferred tax liabilities54258--Other provisions8484--Insurance policy liabilities202202--Debt issues5,2215,221--Bills payable and other liabilities3573571130Loan capital1,2111,211--Total liabilities62,96563,445343362Net assets3,8483,6764990Preference share placement-(530)--Goodwill--50316Gain on acquisition-(983)--Provision for remaining consideration----Cash consideration paid (including transaction costs)-2,163-406Less: Cash and cash equivalents acquired-422-24Net consideration paid-1,741-382Less: Non-cash consideration---141Net cash outflow on acquisition-1,741-241As at time of acquisition 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 46 Notes to the Statements of Cash Flows (continued) 

(e) Business Acquired (continued) 

(f) Financing Facilities 
Standby funding lines are considered immaterial. 

222 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

201020092008Details of equity instruments issued as part of business combinationsNumber of equity instruments issued--2,327,431Fair value of equity issued ($)--140,952,360 
 
 
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 47 Disclosures about Fair Values of Financial Instruments 

Financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities  are measured  on  an  ongoing basis  either  at  fair  value  or  amortised cost.  AASB7    „Financial 
Instruments: Disclosures‟ requires the disclosure of the fair value of those financial instruments not already carried at fair value in the 
balance sheet. 

The  fair  value  of  a  financial  instrument  is  the  amount  for  which  an  asset  could  be  exchanged,  or  a  liability  settled,  between 
knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm's length transaction. 

(a) Comparison of Fair Values and Carrying Values 

The following tables summarise the carrying and fair values of financial assets and liabilities presented on the Group and the Bank‟s 
balance  sheets.  The  disclosure  does  not  cover  assets  or  liabilities  that  are  not  considered  to  be  financial  instruments  from  an 
accounting perspective. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     223 

Group20102009CarryingFairCarryingFairValueValueValueValue$M$M$M$MAssetsCash and liquid assets10,11910,11911,34011,340Receivables due from other financial institutions10,07210,07214,42114,421Assets at fair value through Income Statement:   Trading22,85122,85125,40125,401   Insurance15,94015,94017,26017,260   Other6546541,6771,677Derivative assets27,68927,68926,35826,358Available-for-sale investments32,91532,91521,50421,504Loans, bills discounted and other receivables493,459492,951466,631467,774Bank acceptances of customers11,56911,56914,72814,728Other assets6,5566,5565,8955,895LiabilitiesDeposits and other public borrowings374,663374,508368,721368,668Payables due to other financial institutions12,60812,60815,10915,109Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement15,34215,34216,59616,596Derivative liabilities24,88424,88432,13432,134Bank acceptances11,56911,56914,72814,728Insurance policy liabilities14,59214,59216,05616,056Debt issues130,210127,874101,819102,231Managed funds units on issue880880914914Bills payable and other liabilities7,6987,6986,0466,046Loan capital13,51313,03612,03911,900 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 47 Disclosures about Fair Values of Financial Instruments (continued) 

(a) Comparison of fair values and carrying values (continued) 

The fair value of fixed rate loans is calculated using discounted 
cash flow models using a discount rate reflecting market rates 
offered  for  loans  of  similar  remaining  maturities  and  credit 
worthiness of the borrower. 

Deposits and Other Public Borrowings 

Fair  value  of  non-interest  bearing,  call  and  variable  rate 
deposits,  and  fixed  rate  deposits  repricing  within  six  months, 
approximate  their  carrying  value  as  they  are  short  term  in 
nature or payable on demand. 

Fair value of term deposits are estimated using discounted cash 
flows,  applying  market  rates  offered  for  deposits  of  similar 
remaining maturities. 

Debt Issues and Loan Capital 

The  fair  values  are  calculated  using  quoted  market  prices, 
where available. Where quoted market prices are not available, 
discounted cash flow and option pricing models are used. The 
discount  rate  applied  reflects  the  terms  of  the  instrument,  the 
timing of the cash flows and is adjusted for any change in the 
Group's applicable credit rating. 

Other Financial Assets and Liabilities 

financial  assets  and 

fair  value 
For  all  other 
approximates  carrying  value  due  to  their  short  term  nature, 
frequent repricing or high credit rating. 

liabilities 

The  fair  values  disclosed  above  represent  estimates  at  which 
these instruments  could be  exchanged  in  a current transaction 
between willing parties. However, many of the instruments lack 
an  available  trading  market  and  it  is  the  intention  to  hold  to 
maturity. Thus it is possible that realised amounts may differ to 
amounts disclosed above. 

Due  to  the  wide  range  of  valuation  techniques  and  the 
numerous  estimates  that  must  be  made,  it  may  be  difficult  to 
make  a  reasonable  comparison  of  the  fair  value  information 
disclosed  here,  against  that  disclosed  by  other  financial 
institutions. 

For financial instruments not carried at fair value, an estimate of 
fair value has been derived as follows: 

Loans, Bills Discounted and Other Receivables 

The  carrying  value  of  loans,  bills  discounted  and  other 
receivables  is  net  of  accumulated  collective  and  individually 
assessed provisions for impairment. Customer credit worthiness 
is regularly reviewed in line with the Group's credit policies and 
where  necessary,  pricing  is  adjusted  in  accordance  with 
individual credit contracts. 

For the majority of variable rate loans, excluding impaired loans, 
the carrying amount is considered a reasonable estimate of fair 
value.  For  Institution  variable  rate  loans  the  fair  value  is 
calculated using discount cash flow models with a discount rate 
reflecting market rates offered on similar loans to customers with 
similar  credit  worthiness.  The  fair  value  of  impaired  loans  is 
calculated by discounting estimated future cash flows using the 
loan's original effective interest rate. 

224 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Bank20102009CarryingFairCarryingFairValueValueValueValue$M$M$M$MAssetsCash and liquid assets8,7118,7119,6849,684Receivables due from other financial institutions9,7669,76613,98613,986Assets at fair value through Income Statement:   Trading18,77518,77520,98820,988   Other--6060Derivative assets27,36327,36325,53625,536Available-for-sale investments65,77965,77960,65960,659Loans, bills discounted and other receivables377,195376,679353,408354,061Bank acceptances of customers11,56911,56914,72614,726Loans to controlled entities31,05530,89233,35233,394Other assets4,8084,8084,0904,090LiabilitiesDeposits and other public borrowings307,844307,511305,170304,886Payables due to other financial institutions12,42212,42214,94214,942Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement4,6134,6133,4853,485Derivative liabilities23,68923,68929,44229,442Bank acceptances11,56911,56914,72614,726Due to controlled entities52,41152,41081,08480,646Debt issues107,039104,35262,89463,675Bills payable and other liabilities5,3625,3623,9473,947Loan capital13,57513,04412,17411,626 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 47 Disclosures about Fair Values of Financial Instruments (continued) 

(b) Valuation Methodology 

A  significant  number  of  financial  instruments  are  carried  on 
balance sheet at fair value. 

The  best  evidence  of fair  value  is a  quoted market  price  in  an 
active market. Therefore, where possible, fair value is based on 
quoted  market  prices.  Where  no  quoted  market  price  for  an 
instrument is available, the fair value is based on present value 
estimates or other valuation techniques based on current market 
conditions.  These  valuation 
rely  on  market 
observable inputs  wherever  possible, or  in a  limited  number of 
instances,  rely  on  inputs  which  are  reasonable  assumptions 
based on market conditions. 

techniques 

The tables below categorises financial assets and liabilities that 
are  recognised  and  measured  at  fair  value,  and  the  valuation 
methodology according to the following hierarchy.   

Valuation Inputs 

Quoted Prices in Active Markets – Level 1 

Financial instruments, the valuation of which are determined by 
reference  to  unadjusted  quoted  prices  for  identical  assets  or 
liabilities  in  active  markets  where  the  quoted  price  is  readily 
available, and the price represents actual and regularly occurring 
market transactions on an arm‟s length basis.  

An  active  market  is  one  in  which  transactions  occur  with 
sufficient  volume  and  frequency  to  provide  pricing  information 
on an ongoing basis. 

Valuation Technique Using Observable Inputs – Level 2 

Financial instruments that have been valued using inputs other 
than  quoted  prices  as  described  for  level  1  but  which  are 
observable for the  asset  or  liability,  either  directly  or  indirectly. 
The  valuation  techniques  include  the  use  of  discounted  cash 
flow analysis, option pricing models and other market accepted 
valuation models. 

Valuation Technique Using Significant Unobservable 
Inputs – Level 3 

Financial  instruments,  the  valuation  of  which  incorporates  a 
significant  input  for  the  asset  or  liability  that  is  not  based  on 
observable  market  data  (unobservable  input).  Unobservable 
inputs are those not readily available in an active market due to 
market illiquidity or complexity of the product. These inputs are 
generally  derived  and  extrapolated  from  observable  inputs  to 
match  the  risk  profile  of  the  financial  instrument,  and  are 
calibrated  against  current  market  assumptions,  historic 
transactions  and  economic  models,  where  available.  These 
inputs may include the timing and amount of future cash flows, 
rates of estimated credit losses, discount rates and volatility. 

(1) Investments in unlisted equity instruments with a carrying value of $154 million for the Group were included in AFS investments as at 30 June 2010. An amount of 
$149 million was included for the Bank. Due to the unlisted nature of the investments, their fair value could not be reliably measured and they are carried at cost. 
There is no immediate intention to dispose of these investments. They have not been included in the table above. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     225 

GroupLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total$M$M$M$MAssetsAssets at fair value through Income Statement:Trading17,9954,7758122,851Insurance4,52611,414-15,940Other-654-654Derivative assets13727,5381427,689Available-for-sale investments ("AFS") (1)28,0084,752132,761Total assets50,66649,1339699,895LiabilitiesLiabilities at fair value through Income Statement3,82111,521-15,342Derivative liabilities6924,808724,884Life investment contracts-11,411-11,411Total liabilities3,89047,740751,637Fair Value as at 30 June 2010BankLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total$M$M$M$MAssetsAssets at fair value through Income Statement:Trading16,4232,344818,775Derivative assets23927,123127,363Available-for-sale investments ("AFS") (1)19,78045,849165,630Total assets36,44275,31610111,768LiabilitiesLiabilities at fair value through Income Statement3,821792-4,613Derivative liabilities6923,613723,689Total liabilities3,89024,405728,302Fair Value as at 30 June 2010 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 47 Disclosures about Fair Values of Financial Instruments (continued) 

(b) Valuation Methodologies (continued) 

Level 3 movement analysis for the year ended 30 June 2010 

The following tables summarise the movements in level 3 financial assets and financial liabilities during the year. 

(1) Recognised in other operating income. 

(1) Recognised in other operating income. 

There have been transfers between level 1 and level 2 of the hierarchy due to the increased or decreased observability of the 
valuation inputs used to price the instruments and the liquidity of the market. 

Transfers into and out of level 3 were primarily attributable to changes in the observability of the significant valuation inputs. 

The Group‟s exposure to financial instruments measured at fair value based in full or in part on non-market observable inputs is 
restricted  to  a small  number of  financial  instruments  which comprise  an  insignificant component of the portfolios to  which they 
belong, such that any change in the assumptions used to value the instruments to a reasonably possible alternative do not have a 
material effect on the portfolio balance, the Group‟s or the Bank‟s results. 

226 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

GroupAssets at FairValue throughIncome StatementDerivativeDerivativeTrading AssetsAFS LiabilitiesTotal$M$M$M$M$MAs at 1 July 200911721(8)112Purchases-12-(4)8Sales(38)--2(36)Gains/(losses) in the period:Recognised in the Income Statement (1)21(1)13Transfers in--1-1Transfers out-(1)-21As at 30 June 201081141(7)89Gains/(losses) recognised in the Income Statement for financial instruments held as at 30 June 2010 (1)31(1)(2)1BankAssets at FairValue through Income StatementDerivativeDerivativeTrading AssetsAFSLiabilitiesTotal$M$M$M$M$MAs at 1 July 200982-(8)2Purchases---(4)(4)Sales---22Gains/(losses) in the period:Recognised in the Income Statement (1)-1-12Transfers in--1-1Transfers out-(2)-2-As at 30 June 2010811(7)3Gains/(losses) recognised in the Income Statement for financial instruments held as at 30 June 2010 (1)-2-(2)- 
 
 
  
 
  
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 48 Securitisation 

The Group enters into transactions in the normal course of business by which it transfers financial assets directly to third parties or to 
special purpose entities (SPEs). These transfers may give rise to the full or partial derecognition of those financial assets: 

Full derecognition occurs when the contractual right to receive cash flows from the financial assets is transferred, or the right is 
retained but an obligation is assumed to pass on the cash flows from the asset, which transfers substantially all the risks and 
rewards of ownership; and 

Partial derecognition occurs when financial assets are sold or transferred in such a way that some but not substantially all of the 
risks and rewards of ownership are transferred but control is retained. These financial assets are recognised on the balance 
sheet to the extent of continuing involvement.  

The  table  below  provides  break  down  of  the  assets  held  by  securitisation  vehicles  and  exposures the  bank  has  to securitisation 
vehicles that the Group has established.  

(1) Derivatives are measured on the basis of Potential Credit Exposure (PCE), a credit risk measurement of maximum risk over the term of the transaction, or current fair 

value where PCE is not accessible. 

(2) Unfunded amounts apply to financial arrangements the Group holds with securitisation SPE‟s that the SPE is yet to fully draw down upon. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     227 

Group20102009Assets held within Group SPEs$M$MResidential mortgages - Group originated mortgages backing securities held for potential repurchase with central banks45,67346,643Residential mortgages - Group originated9,69612,568Other175231Total securitisation assets of SPEs55,54459,442GroupFundedUnfunded (2)Total30/06/1030/06/0930/06/1030/06/0930/06/1030/06/09Exposure to Securitisation SPEs$M$M$M$M$M$MResidential mortgage backed securities held for potential repurchase with central banks45,16946,550--45,16946,550Other residential mortgage backed securities3,5673,595--3,5673,595Other derivatives (1)1,0111,43437431,0481,477Liquidity support facilities9169427877981,7031,740Other facilities989062220160310Total50,76152,6118861,06151,64753,672 
 
 
 
  
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 49 Controlled Entities 

(a) Shares in and Loans to controlled entities 

The above amounts are not expected to be recovered within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date. 

(b) Principal subsidiaries 

The material subsidiaries of the Bank, based on contribution to the consolidated entity‟s profit, size of investment or nature of activity are: 

228 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Bank20102009$M$MShares in controlled entities18,75421,319Loans to controlled entities31,05533,352Total shares in and loans to controlled entities49,80954,671Extent of BeneficialEntity NameInterest if not 100%Incorporated inAustralia(a) BankingCommonwealth Bank of AustraliaAustraliaBank of Western Australia LimitedAustraliaBWA Group Services Pty LimitedAustraliaSwan Trust Series 2007-1EAustraliaSwan Trust Series 2006-1EAustraliaSwan Trust Series 2008-1DAustraliaSwan Trust Series 2004-1PAustraliaSwan Trust Series 2010 -1PAustraliaMedallion Trust Series 2003-1GAustraliaMedallion Trust Series 2004-1GAustraliaMedallion Trust Series 2005-1GAustraliaMedallion Trust Series 2005-2GAustraliaMedallion Trust Series 2006-1GAustraliaMedallion Trust Series 2007-1GAustraliaMedallion Trust Series 2008-1RAustraliaSHIELD Series 50AustraliaMIS Funding No.1 Pty LimitedAustraliaChristmas Break Pty LimitedAustraliaCBA USD Investments PartnershipAustraliaGT Funding No.6 Ltd PartnershipAustraliaPERLS III TrustAustraliaCommonwealth Investments Pty Limited AustraliaCommonwealth Securities LimitedAustraliaIWL LimitedAustraliaIWL Broking Solutions LimitedAustraliaJDV LimitedAustraliaAustralian Investment Exchange LimitedAustraliaCBFC Leasing Pty LimitedAustraliaCBFC LimitedAustraliaCBCL Australia LimitedAustraliaSparad (No.24) Pty LimitedAustraliaSecuritisation Advisory Services Pty LimitedAustraliaHomepath Pty LimitedAustraliaTankstream Rail (BY-3) Pty LtdAustraliaTankstream Rail (BY-4) Pty LtdAustraliaCBA International Finance Pty LimitedAustraliaGT Operating No.2 Pty LimitedAustraliaGT Operating No.4 Pty LimitedAustraliaColonial Finance LimitedAustraliaVH-VZH Pty LtdAustraliaVH-VZG Pty LtdAustraliaVH-VZF Pty LtdAustraliaSAFE No1 Pty LimitedAustraliaCBA AIR Pty LtdAustraliaReliance Achiever PartnershipAustraliaTankstream Rail (SW-3) Pty LtdAustraliaTankstream Rail (SW-4) Pty LtdAustraliaTankstream Rail (BY-2) Pty LtdAustralia 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 49 Controlled Entities (continued) 

(b) Principal Subsidiaries (continued) 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     229 

Extent of BeneficialEntity NameInterest if not 100%Incorporated in(b) Insurance and Funds ManagementColonial Holding Company LimitedAustraliaCommonwealth Insurance Holdings LimitedAustraliaCommonwealth Insurance LimitedAustraliaJacques Martin Pty LimitedAustraliaJacques Martin Administration and Consulting Pty LimitedAustraliaColonial First State Group LimitedAustraliaCFS Managed Property LimitedAustraliaColonial First State Asset Management (Australia) LimitedAustraliaFirst State Media Holdings Pty LimitedAustraliaCommonwealth Managed Investments LimitedAustraliaColonial First State Property LimitedAustraliaColonial First State Property Retail TrustAustraliaColonial First State Property Management LimitedAustraliaColonial First State Capital Management Pty LimitedAustraliaFirst State Investment Managers (Asia) LimitedAustraliaCapital 121 Pty LimitedAustraliaCommonwealth Financial Planning LimitedAustraliaFinancial Wisdom LimitedAustraliaWhittaker Macnaught Pty LimitedAustraliaAvanteos Pty LimitedAustraliaAvanteos Investments LimitedAustraliaColonial First State Investments LimitedAustraliaSt Andrew's Australia Pty LimitedAustraliaSt Andrew's Insurance (Australia) Pty LimitedAustraliaSt Andrew's Life Insurance Pty LtdAustraliaCommwealth International Holdings Pty LimitedAustralia 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 49 Controlled Entities (continued) 

(b) Principal Subsidiaries (continued) 

Non-operating and minor operating controlled entities and investment vehicles holding policyholder assets are excluded from the above 
list. 

230 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Extent of BeneficialEntity NameInterest if not 100%Incorporated inNew Zealand(a) BankingASB Holdings LimitedNew ZealandASB Bank LimitedNew ZealandASB Funding LimitedNew ZealandCBA Funding (NZ) LimitedNew ZealandASB Capital LimitedNew ZealandASB Capital No.2 LimitedNew ZealandCBA NZ Holding LimitedNew ZealandCBA USD Funding LimitedNew ZealandMedallion NZ Series Trust 2009-1RNew ZealandCBA Real Estate Funding (NZ) LimitedNew Zealand(b) Insurance and Funds ManagementASB Group (Life) LimitedNew ZealandSovereign Group LimitedNew ZealandSovereign LimitedNew ZealandColonial First State Investments (NZ) LimitedNew ZealandKiwi Income Properties LimitedNew ZealandKiwi Property Management LimitedNew ZealandOther Overseas(a) Banking CommBank Management Consulting (Asia) Co LimitedHong KongCBA Funding Trust 1Delaware USACBA Capital Trust 1Delaware USACBA Capital Trust IIDelaware USAPT Bank Commonwealth97%IndonesiaCBA (Europe) Finance LimitedUnited KingdomBurdekin Investments LimitedCayman IslandsCTB Australia LimitedHong KongCBA (Delaware) Finance IncorporatedDelaware USACBA Asia LimitedSingaporeNewport LimitedMaltaCommBank Europe LimitedMaltaCommTrading LimitedMaltaCommInternational LimitedMaltaWatermark LimitedHong KongCommCapital S.a.r.lLuxembourg(b) Insurance and Funds ManagementFirst State Investments (Bermuda) LimitedBermudaFirst State (Hong Kong) LLCUnited StatesFirst State Investment Holdings (Singapore) LimitedSingaporeFirst State Investments (UK Holdings) LimitedUnited KingdomPT Commonwealth Life80%Indonesia 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 49 Controlled Entities (continued) 

(c) Disposal of Controlled Entities 

During the year, the Group disposed of its banking and insurance operations in Fiji. For further details refer to Note 46 (c). 

(d) Acquisition of Controlled Entities 

There were no acquisitions of controlled entities during the current year. 

On 19 December 2008, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of Bank of Western Australia Limited (consisting of retail  and 
business  banking),  St  Andrew's  Australia  Pty  Limited  (consisting  of  insurance  and  wealth  management  services  businesses)  and 
HBOSA Group (Services) Pty Ltd (an internal administrative support entity) for cash consideration (including transaction costs) of $2.2 
billion. These businesses collectively represent the retail and business operations in HBOSA Group. 

Refer to Note 46 (e) for further details. 

Note 50 Subsequent Events 

On  1  July  2010,  the  Tax  consolidated  Group  began  to  apply  the  new  tax  regime  for  financial  instruments  –  Taxation  of  Financial 
Arrangements „TOFA‟. Further details are set out in Note 5 – Income Tax Expense. 

On 2 July 2010, class action proceedings were commenced against the Bank in relation to Storm Financial. At this stage the size of the 
class action has not been defined and damages sought have not  been quantified.  The Group is also aware from media reports and 
other public announcements that class action proceedings may be commenced against it and other Australian banks with respect  to 
exception fees. At this stage such proceedings have not commenced. 

The  Dividend  Reinvestment  Plan  for  the  final  dividend  for  the  2010  financial  year  will  be  satisfied  fully  or  partially  by  an  on-market 
purchase and transfer of shares. 

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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     231 

 
 
 
 
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  of  the  Bank  and  the  Group,  and  the  additional  disclosures  included  in  the  Directors‟ 
Report designated as audited, comply with Accounting Standards and in their opinion are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001; 

(b)  the  Financial  Statements  and  notes  thereto  also  comply  with  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  as  issued  by  the 
International Accounting Standards Board, as confirmed in Note 1(a); 

(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 
2010 and of their performance for the year ended on that date; 

(d) 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; and 

(e)  the  Directors  have  been  given  the  declarations  required  under  Section  295A  of  the  Corporations  Act  2001  for  the  financial  year 
ended 30 June 2010. 

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.  

D J Turner 

Chairman 

11 August 2010 

R J Norris 

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer 

11 August 2010 

232 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

  
 
 
 
 
 
PricewaterhouseCoopers 
ABN 52 780 433 757 

Darling Park Tower 2 
201 Sussex Street 
GPO BOX 2650 
SYDNEY  NSW  1171 
DX 77 Sydney 
Australia 
Telephone +61 2 8266 0000 
Facsimile +61 2 8266 9999 

Independent auditor’s report to the members of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia 

Report on the financial report  

We have audited the accompanying financial report of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia which comprises the balance sheet as at 
30 June 2010, and the income statement, the statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of 
cash flows for the year ended on that date, a summary of significant accounting policies, other explanatory notes and the directors‟ 
declaration for both the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and the Group (the consolidated entity). The consolidated entity comprises 
the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and the entities it controlled at the year‟s end or from time to time during the financial year. 

Directors’ responsibility for the financial report 

The directors of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia are responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in 
accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Corporations Act 2001. 
This  responsibility  includes  establishing  and  maintaining  internal  controls  relevant  to  the  preparation  and  fair  presentation  of  the 
financial report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; selecting and applying appropriate accounting 
policies;  and  making  accounting  estimates  that  are  reasonable  in  the  circumstances.  In  Note  1(a),  the  directors  also  state,  in 
accordance  with  Accounting  Standard  AASB 101  Presentation  of  Financial  Statements,  that  the  financial  statements  comply  with 
International Financial Reporting Standards. 

Auditor’s responsibility  

Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  the  financial  report  based  on  our  audit. We  conducted  our  audit  in  accordance  with 
Australian Auditing Standards. These  Auditing Standards  require that  we  comply  with  relevant  ethical requirements  relating to  audit 
engagements  and  plan  and  perform  the  audit  to  obtain  reasonable  assurance  whether  the  financial  report  is  free  from  material 
misstatement. 

An  audit  involves  performing  procedures  to  obtain  audit  evidence  about  the  amounts  and  disclosures  in  the  financial  report.  The 
procedures selected depend on the auditor‟s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial 
report, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity‟s 
preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, 
but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity‟s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating 
the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the directors, as well as 
evaluating the overall presentation of the financial report. 

Our  procedures  include  reading  the  other  information  in  the  Annual  Report  to  determine  whether  it  contains  any  material 
inconsistencies with the financial report. 

Our audit did not involve an analysis of the prudence of business decisions made by directors or management. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinions.  

Independence 

In conducting our audit, we have complied with the independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001.  

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     233 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (continued) 

Auditor’s opinion  

In our opinion: 

(a) 

the financial report of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including: 

(i) 

(ii) 

giving a true and fair view of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and consolidated entity‟s financial position as at 
30 June 2010 and of their performance for the year ended on that date; and 

complying  with  Australian  Accounting  Standards  (including  the  Australian  Accounting  Interpretations)  and  the 
Corporations Regulations 2001; and 

(b) 

the consolidated financial report and notes also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as disclosed in Note 
1(a). 

Report on the Remuneration Report 

We have audited the remuneration report included in pages  70 to 88 of the directors‟ report for the year ended 30 June 2010. The 
directors of the  Commonwealth Bank of Australia are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the remuneration report in 
accordance with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the remuneration report, 
based on our audit conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. 

Auditor’s opinion  

In our opinion, the remuneration report of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia for the year ended 30 June 2010, complies with section 
300A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Matters relating to the electronic presentation of the audited financial report 

This auditor‟s report relates to the financial report and remuneration report of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia for the year ended 
30  June  2010  included  on  the  Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  web  site.  The  Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  directors  are 
responsible for the integrity of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia web site. We have not been engaged to report on the integrity of 
this  web  site.  The  auditor‟s  report  refers  only  to  the  financial  report  and  remuneration  report  named  above.  It  does  not  provide  an 
opinion on any other information which may have been hyperlinked to/from the financial report or the remuneration report. 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  and  remuneration  report  to  confirm  the  information  included  in  the  audited  financial  report  and 
remuneration report presented on this web site. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Rahoul Chowdry 
Partner 

Sydney 
11 August 2010 

234 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholding Information 

Top 20 Holders of Fully Paid Ordinary Shares as at 6 August 2010 

Rank 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 

Name of Holder 

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 
J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited 
National Nominees Limited 
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 
RBC Dexia Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited 
Cogent Nominees Pty Limited 
ANZ Nominees Limited 
AMP Life Limited 
Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited 
UBS Wealth Management Australia Nominees Pty Limited 
Bond Street Custodians Limited 
Queensland Investment Corporation 
Australian Reward Investment Alliance 
Perpetual Trustee Co Ltd (Hunter) 
Invia Custodian Pty Limited 
Tasman Asset Management Ltd 
Argo Investments Limited 
Milton Corporation Limited 
Suncorp Custodian Services Pty Ltd 
UBS Nominees Pty Ltd 

Number of Shares 
210,455,886 
154,853,734 
136,450,456 
66,664,831 
31,979,790 
24,434,228 
15,756,788 
11,330,429 
8,472,900 
7,462,650 
4,905,305 
4,405,934 
3,795,781 
3,211,879 
2,516,548 
2,501,887 
2,347,895 
2,250,879 
2,062,211 
2,008,282 

% 
13.59 
10.00 
8.81 
4.30 
2.06 
1.58 
1.02 
0.73 
0.55 
0.48 
0.32 
0.28 
0.25 
0.21 
0.16 
0.16 
0.15 
0.15 
0.13 
0.13 

The top 20 shareholders hold 697,868,293 shares which is equal to 45.06% of the total shares on issue. 

Stock Exchange Listing 

The shares of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia are listed on the Australian Securities 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 buy-back of its shares. 

Range of Shares (Fully Paid Ordinary Shares and Employee Shares): 6 August 2010 

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 

583,890 
178,891 
16,469 
6,896 
245 
786,391 
13,890 

74.25 
22.75 
2.09 
0.88 
0.03 
100.00 
1.80 

194,747,354 
366,828,549 
112,842,109 
129,735,672 
744,623,690 
1,548,777,374 
59,082 

12.57 
23.69 
7.29 
8.38 
48.08 
100.00 
0.00 

Voting Rights 

Under  the  Bank‟s  Constitution,  each  person  who  is  a  voting 
Equity  holder  and  who  is  present  at  a  general  meeting  of  the 
Bank in person or by proxy, attorney or official representative is 
entitled: 

  On a show of hands – to one vote; and 
  On a poll – to one vote for each share held or represented. 
If a person present at a general meeting represents personally 
or  by  proxy,  attorney  or  official  representative  more  than  one 
Equity holder, on a show of hands the person is entitled to one 
vote  even  though  he  or  she  represents  more  than  one  Equity 
holder. 

If  an  Equity  holder  is  present  in  person  and  votes  on  a 
resolution,  any  proxy  or  attorney  of  that  Equity  holder  is  not 
entitled to vote. 

If more than one official representative or attorney is present for 
an Equity holder: 

None of them is entitled to vote on a show of hands; and 
  On a poll only one official representative may exercise the 
Equity holders voting rights and the vote of each attorney 
shall be of no effect unless each is appointed to represent 
a  specified  proportion  of the  Equity  holders  voting  rights, 
not exceeding in aggregate 100%. 

If an Equity holder appoints two proxies and both are present at 
the meeting: 

If  the  appointment  does  not  specify  the  proportion  or 
number  of  the  Equity  holder‟s  votes  each  proxy  may 
exercise, then on a poll each proxy may exercise one half 
of the Equity holder‟s votes; 
Neither proxy shall be entitled to vote on a show of hands; 
and 

  On a poll each proxy may only exercise votes in respect of 

those shares or voting rights the proxy represents. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     235 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholding Information 

Top 20 Holders of Perpetual Exchangeable Repurchaseable Listed Shares III (“PERLS III”) as at 6 August 2010 

Rank 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 

Name of Holder 

RBC Dexia Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited 
J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited 
UBS Wealth Management Australia Nominees Pty Ltd 
AMP Life Limited 
National Nominees Limited 
Mr Walter Lawton and Mrs Jan Rynette Lawton  
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 
ANZ Executors & Trustee Company Limited 
The Australian National University Investment Section 
Mr John Stuart Walker + Mr Ralph Lane  
Catholic Education Office Diocese of Parramatta 
Questor Financial Services Limited 
Truckmate (Australia) Pty Limited 
Kerlon Pty Ltd 
Bond Street Custodians Limited 
UCA Cash Management Fund Limited 
Equity Trustees Limited 
Cogent Nominees Pty Limited 
Mifare Pty Limited 
Fleischmann Holdings Pty Ltd 

Number of Shares 

181,561 
177,733 
166,258 
155,309 
97,801 
75,482 
67,477 
52,734 
51,282 
50,000 
49,750 
40,304 
35,000 
30,000 
29,283 
25,996 
25,908 
25,354 
25,000 
22,500 

% 
3.11 
3.05 
2.85 
2.66 
1.68 
1.29 
1.16 
0.90 
0.88 
0.86 
0.85 
0.69 
0.60 
0.51 
0.50 
0.45 
0.44 
0.43 
0.43 
0.39 

The top 20 PERLS III shareholders hold 1,384,732 shares which is equal to 23.73% of the total shares on issue. 

Stock Exchange Listing 

PERLS III are preference shares issued by Preferred Capital Limited (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank) and are listed on the 
Australian Securities Exchange under the trade symbol PCAPA, with Sydney being the home exchange. Details of trading activity 
are published in most daily newspapers. 

Range of Shares (PERLS III): 6 August 2010 

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 

17,676 
512 
37 
35 
4 
18,264 
21 

96.78 
2.81 
0.20 
0.19 
0.02 
100.00 
0.11 

2,973,093 
1,008,064 
292,698 
940,267 
618,159 
5,832,281 
41 

50.98 
17.28 
5.02 
16.12 
10.60 
100.00 
0.00 

Voting Rights 

PERLS III 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 page 235 for the Bank‟s ordinary shares. 

The holders will not be entitled to vote at a general meeting 
of the Bank except in the following circumstances: 

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  that  affects  rights  attached  to  the 

preference shares; 

  On a proposal to wind up the Bank;  

236 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

  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 
preference share as those conferred on ordinary  shareholders 
in respect of each ordinary share. 

At a general meeting of the Bank, holders of preference shares are 
entitled: 

  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 preference share. 
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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Top 20 Holders of Perpetual Exchangeable Resaleable Listed Securities IV (“PERLS IV”) as at 6 August 2010 

Shareholding Information 

Rank 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 

Name of Holder 

AMP Life Limited 
J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited 
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 
RBC Dexia Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited 
UBS Wealth Management Australia Nominees Pty Limited 
Questor Financial Services Limited 
National Nominees Limited 
Cogent Nominees Pty Limited 
UCA Cash Management Fund Limited 
Invia Custodian Pty Limited 
Avanteos Investments Limited 
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 
Eastcote Pty Ltd  
ANZ Nominees Limited 
Bond Street Custodians Limited 
Australian Executor Trustees Limited 
The Australian National University Investment Section 
Bournda Downs Pty Limited 
Perpetual Trustee Co Ltd (Hunter) 
Count Financial Limited 

Number of Shares 
358,360 
292,795 
173,319 
172,412 
148,051 
127,358 
92,710 
83,000 
71,567 
66,298 
55,641 
50,009 
50,000 
36,692 
32,685 
32,301 
31,082 
27,000 
26,555 
25,250 

% 
4.89 
4.00 
2.37 
2.35 
2.02 
1.74 
1.27 
1.13 
0.98 
0.91 
0.76 
0.68 
0.68 
0.50 
0.45 
0.44 
0.42 
0.37 
0.36 
0.34 

The top 20 PERLS IV shareholders hold 1,953,085 shares which is equal to 26.66% of the total shares on issue. 

Stock Exchange Listing 

PERLS  IV  are  stapled  securities  issued  by  The  Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  and  are  listed  on  the  Australian  Securities 
Exchange under the trade symbol CBAPB, with Sydney being the home exchange. Details of trading activity are published in most 
daily newspapers. 

Range of Shares (PERLS IV): 6 August 2010 

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 

15,516 
738 
47 
38 
5 
16,344 
1 

94.93 
4.52 
0.29 
0.23 
0.03 
100.00 
0.00 

3,311,409 
1,561,018 
375,183 
1,058,086 
1,019,304 
7,325,000 
2 

45.21 
21.31 
5.12 
14.45 
13.91 
100.00 
0.00 

At  a  general  meeting  of  the  Bank,  holders  of  PERLS  IV  are 
entitled: 

  On a show of hands, to exercise one vote when entitled to 

vote on the matters listed above; and 

  On a poll, to exercise one vote for each preference share. 
The holders will be entitled to the same rights as the holders of 
the  Bank‟s  ordinary  shares  in  relation  to  receiving  notices, 
reports and financial statements and attending and being heard 
at all general meetings of the Bank. 

Voting Rights 

PERLS IV confer voting rights in the Bank in the following limited 
circumstances: 

  When dividend payments on the preference shares are in 

arrears; 

  On proposals to reduce the Bank‟s Share Capital; 
  On  a  proposal  that  affects  rights  attached  to  preference 

shares; 

  On  a  resolution  to  approve  the  terms  of  a  buy-back 

agreement; 

  On a proposal to wind up the Bank; 
  On a proposal for the disposal of the whole of the Bank‟s 

property, business and undertaking; and 
During the winding-up of the Bank. 

Further  more  if  PERLS  IV  convert  into  ordinary  shares  of  the 
Bank in accordance with their terms of issue, the voting rights of 
the ordinary shares will be as set out on page 235. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     237 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholding Information 

Top 20 Holders of Perpetual Exchangeable Resaleable Listed Securities V (“PERLS V”) as at 6 August 2010 

Rank 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 

Name of Holder 

RBC Dexia Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited 
UBS Wealth Management Australia 
J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited 
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 
Questor Financial Services Limited 
Invia Custodian Pty Limited 
Australian Executor Trustees Limited 
Avanteos Investments Limited 
National Nominees Limited 
Netwealth Investments Limited  
Bond Street Custodians Limited 
Dimbulu Pty Ltd 
Avanteos Investments Limited  
UBS Nominees Pty Ltd 
ANZ Nominees Limited 
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 
W Mitchell Investments Pty Ltd  
JMB Pty Ltd 
Peters (Meat) Export Pty Ltd  
ABN AMRO Clearing Sydney Nominees Pty Ltd  

Number of Shares 
297,212 
150,938 
136,565 
128,761 
103,393 
68,222 
63,809 
60,106 
57,910 
54,838 
52,651 
50,000 
46,540 
43,136 
41,912 
41,701 
37,500 
33,925 
30,000 
28,078 

% 
2.97 
1.51 
1.37 
1.29 
1.03 
0.68 
0.64 
0.60 
0.58 
0.55 
0.53 
0.50 
0.47 
0.43 
0.42 
0.42 
0.38 
0.34 
0.30 
0.28 

The top 20 PERLS V shareholders hold 1,527,197 shares which is equal to 15.29% of the total shares on issue. 

Stock Exchange Listing 

PERLS V are stapled securities issued by The Commonwealth Bank of Australia and are listed on the Australian Securities Exchange 
under  the  trade  symbol  CBAPB,  with  Sydney  being  the  home  exchange.  Details  of  trading  activity  are  published  in  most  daily 
newspapers. 

Range of Shares (PERLS V): 6 August 2010 

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 

Voting Rights 

PERLS V confer voting rights in the Bank in the following limited 
circumstances: 

  When dividend payments on the preference shares are in 

arrears; 

  On proposals to reduce the Bank‟s Share Capital; 
  On  a  proposal  that  affects  rights  attached  to  preference 

shares; 

  On  a  resolution  to  approve  the  terms  of  a  buy-back 

agreement; 

  On a proposal to wind up the Bank; 
  On a proposal for the disposal of the whole of the Bank‟s 

property, business and undertaking; and 

During the winding-up of the Bank. 

Further  more  if  PERLS  V  convert  into  ordinary  shares  of  the 
Bank in accordance with their terms of issue, the voting rights of 
the ordinary shares will be as set out on page 235. 

At  a  general  meeting  of  the  Bank,  holders  of  PERLS  V  are 
entitled: 

238 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

Number of 
Shareholders 

Percentage 
Shareholders 

Number of Shares 

Percentage 
Issued Capital 

32,724 
1,052 
63 
49 
4 
33,892 
2 

96.55 
3.10 
0.19 
0.15 
0.01 
100.00 
0.01  

5,520,454 
2,103,708 
489,844 
1,263,594 
622,400 
10,000,000 
2 

55.21 
21.04 
4.90 
12.64 
6.22 
100.00 
0.00 

  On a show of hands, to exercise one vote when entitled to 

vote on the matters listed above; and 

  On a poll, to exercise one vote for each preference share. 
The holders will be entitled to the same rights as the holders of 
the  Bank‟s  ordinary  shares  in  relation  to  receiving  notices, 
reports and financial statements and attending and being heard 
at all general meetings of the Bank. 

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. 

700,000  Trust  Preferred  Securities  were  issued  on  15  March 
2006.  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 
page 235 for the Bank‟s ordinary shares and page 236 for the 
preference shares. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Australia 
Head Office 
Commonwealth Bank of Australia 
Ground Floor, Tower 1 
201 Sussex Street 
Sydney NSW 2000 
Telephone: (61 2) 9378 2000 

New Zealand 
ASB Bank Limited 
Level 28 ASB Bank Centre 
135 Albert Street, Auckland 
Telephone: (64 9) 377 8930 
Facsimile: (64 9) 358 3511 
Managing Director 
Charles Pink 

Sovereign Group Limited 
33-45 Hurstmere Road 
Takapuna, Auckland 
Telephone: (64 9) 487 9000 
Facsimile: (64 9) 486 1913 
Managing Director 
Charles Anderson  

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 
China Chief Representative 
Tony Zhang 

CommBank Management Consulting 
(Shanghai) Co., Ltd 
3805-3806, K Wah Center 
1010 Huaihai Zhong Road 
Shanghai 200031 
Telephone: (86 21) 6103 6500 
Facsimile: (86 21) 6103 6598 
General Manager, China Strategic 
Projects and Shanghai Office 
Randy Chow 

Shanghai Branch Office 
Level 11 Azia Centre  
1233 Lujiazui Ring Road  
Pudong  
Shanghai 200120 
Telephone: (86 21) 6123 8918 
Facsimile: (86 21) 6123 8955 
Branch Manager Shanghai 
Stanley Lo  

First State Cinda Fund Management Co. 
Ltd. 
24th Floor China Merchants Bank Building 
No 7088, Shen Nan Road 
Shenzhen 518040  
Telephone: (852) 2846 7555 
Facsimile: (852) 2868 4742/4783 
Regional Managing Director, Asia and 
Japan 
Michael Stapleton 

International Representation 

Hong Kong 
Level 15 
1501-5, Chater House 
8 Connaught Road,  
Central 
Hong Kong 
Telephone: (852) 2844 7501 
Facsimile: (852) 2801 6916 
Regional General Manager Asia 
Stephen Poon 

Singapore 
CBA Branch Office 
Level 17 Millenia Tower 
1 Temasek Avenue  
Singapore 039192 
Telephone: (65) 6349 7001 
Facsimile: (65) 6224 5812 
Country Head 
Brian McGovern 

First State Investments (Hong Kong) Limited 
Level 6, Three Exchange Square 
Central 
Hong Kong 
Telephone: (852) 2846 7555 
Facsimile: (852) 2868 4742/4783 
Regional Head Asia 
Michael Stapleton 

First State Investments (Singapore) 
One Temasek Avenue  
#17-01 Millenia Tower 
Singapore 039192 
Telephone: (65) 6538 0008 
Facsimile: (65) 6538 0800 
Regional Head Asia 
Michael Stapleton 

India 
CBA Mumbai Branch 
Level 2, Hoechst House 
Nariman Point 
Mumbai 400021 
Telephone: (91 22) 6139 0100 
Fascimile:  (91 22) 6139 0200 
Chief Executive Officer 
Ravi Kushan 

Indonesia 
PT Bank Commonwealth 
Level 3A, Wisma Metropolitan II 
Jl. Jendral Sudirman Kav. 29-31 
Jakarta 12920 
Telephone: (62 21) 5296 1222 
Facsimile: (62 21) 5296 2293 
President Director 
Tony Costa 

PT Commonwealth Life 
Suite 1101-1102 
11/F Sentra Mulia 
Jl. H.R. Rason Said, Kav X-6 No 8 
Jakarta 12940 
Telephone: (62 21) 250 0350 
Facsimile: (62 21) 522 7642 
President Director 
Simon Bennett 

PT First State Investments Indonesia 
29th Floor, Gedung Artha Graha 
Sudirman Central Business District 
Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 52-53 
Jakarta 12190 
Telephone: (62 21) 515 0088 
Facsimile: (62 21) 515 0033 
CEO 
Hario Soeprobo 

Japan 
CBA Branch Office 
8th Floor 
Toranomon Waiko Building 
12-1 Toranomon 5-chome 
Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001 
Telephone: (81 3) 5400 7280 
Facsimile: (81 3) 5400 7288 
General Manager Japan 
Richard Harris 

Vietnam 
CBA Representative Office 
Suite 202-203A 
The Central Building  
31 Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi 
Telephone: (84 4) 3824 3213 
Facsimile: (84 4) 3824 3961 
Deputy Chief Representative 
Hahn Nuygen 

CBA HCMC Branch office 
Ground Floor 
Han Nam Office 
65 Nguyen Du St., Dist. 1 
Ho Chi Minh City 
Telephone: (84 8) 3824 1525 
Facsimilie: (84 8) 3824 2703 
General Director 
Danny Armstrong 

Americas 
United States of America 
CBA Branch Office 
Level 17, 599 Lexington Avenue  
New York NY 10022 
Telephone: (1 212) 848 9391 
Facsimile: (1 212) 336 7772 
General Manager, Americas 
Ian Phillips 

Europe 
United Kingdom 
CBA Branch Office 
Senator House 
85 Queen Victoria Street 
London EC4V 4HA 
Telephone: (44 20) 7710 3934 
Facsimile: (44 20) 7329 6611 
Regional General Manager Europe 
Paul Orchart 

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 
Gary Withers 

Edinburgh 
23 St Andrew Square 
Edinburgh EH2 1BB 
Telephone: (44 131) 473 2200 
Facsimile: (44 131) 473 2222 
Managing Partners 
Stuart Paul & Angus Tulloch 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     239 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contact Us 

132 221 General Enquiries 

For your everyday banking including paying bills using BPAY® 
our  automated  service  is  available  24  hours  a  day,  7  days  a 
week.  

Lost or Stolen Cards 

To report a lost or stolen card 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

From  overseas  call  +61  132  221.  Operator  assistance  is 
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

® Registered to BPAY Pty Ltd ABN 69 079 137 518 

132 224 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, 7 days a 
week. 

131 431 Personal Loan Sales 

To apply for a new personal loan. 

Available from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. 

1800 805 605 Customer Relations 

Available  from  8am  to  8pm  (Sydney  Time),  Monday  to  Friday, 
for share trading and stock market enquiries, and 8am to 8pm 7 
days a week for Commsec Cash Management.  A 24 hour lost 
and stolen card line is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.  

131 709 CommSec Margin Loan  

Enables you to expand your portfolio by borrowing against your 
existing shares and managed funds. To find out more simply call 
131  709  8am to 8pm  (Sydney  Time)  Monday  to  Friday  or  visit 
www.commsec.com.au. 

1800 019 910 Corporate Financial Services 

For a full range of financial solutions for medium-size and larger 
companies.  

Available from 8am to 6pm (Sydney Time), Monday to Friday. 

131 998 Local Business Banking 

A dedicated team of Business Banking Specialists, supporting a 
network  of  branch  business  bankers,  will  help  you  with  your 
financial needs. 

Available  24  hours  a  day,  7  days  a  week  or  visit 
www.commbank.com.au/lbb 

If you would like to pay us a compliment or are dissatisfied with 
any aspect of the service you have received. 

1300 245 463 (1300 AGLINE) AgriLine 

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, 7 
days a week. 

Do  your  everyday  banking  on  our  internet  banking  service 
NetBank at www.commbank.com.au/netbank available 24 hours 
a day, 7 days a week. 

To apply for access to NetBank, call 132 828. 

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Do  your  business  banking  on  our  Business  Internet  Banking 
Service  CommBiz  at  www.commbank.com.au/CommBiz 
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

To apply for access to CommBiz, call 132 339. 

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Special Telephony Services 

Customers who are hearing or speech impaired can contact us 
via  the  National  Relay  Service  (www.relayservice.com.au)  (24 
hours a day, 7 days a week). 

  Telephone Typewriter (TTY) service users can be connected 

to any of our telephone numbers via 133 677. 

  Speak  and  Listen  (speech-to-speech  relay)  users  can  also 
connect  to  any  of  our  telephone  numbers  by  calling  
1300 555 727. 

Internet  relay  users  can  be  connected  to  our  telephone 
numbers via National Relay Service. 

131 519 CommSec (Commonwealth Securities) 

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  

240 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010  

A dedicated team of Agribusiness Specialists will help you with 
your financial needs. With our Business Banking team living in 
regional and rural Australia, they understand the challenges you 
face.  Available  from  8am  to  6pm,  Monday  to  Friday  (Sydney 
time). 

Colonial First State 

Existing  investors  can  call  131  336  from  8am  to  7pm  (Sydney 
Time) Monday to Friday.  

New investors without a financial adviser can call 1300 360 645. 
Financial advisers can call 131 836. 

Alternatively, visit www.colonialfirststate.com.au 

1300 362 081 Commonwealth Private  

Outstanding personal service and trusted advice for clients with 
significant financial resources and complex financial needs. For 
a confidential discussion about how Commonwealth Private can 
help  you,  call  1300  362  081  between  8am to  5:30pm  (Sydney 
time), 
visit 
Monday 
www.commonwealthprivate.com.au  

Friday 

or 

to 

132 015 Commonwealth Financial Services 

For  enquiries  on  retirement  and  superannuation  products,  or 
managed  investments. Available from  8.30am to  6pm (Sydney 
Time), Monday to Friday.  

Unit prices are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

CommInsure 

For all your general insurance needs call 132 423 8am to 8pm 
(Sydney Time), 7 days a week. 

For  all  your  life  insurance  needs  call  131  056  8am  to  8pm 
(Sydney Time), Monday to Friday. 

Alternatively, visit www.comminsure.com.au 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Directory 

Registered Office 
Ground Floor, Tower 1 
201 Sussex Street 
Sydney NSW 2000 
Telephone (61 2) 9378 2000 
Facsimile (61 2) 9118 7192 

Company Secretary 
JD Hatton  

Shareholder Information 
www.commbank.com.au/shareholder 

Share Registrar 
Link Market Services Limited 
Locked Bag A14 
SYDNEY SOUTH NSW 1235  
Telephone: (02) 8280 7199 
Facsimile: (02) 9287 0303 
Freecall: 1800 022 440  
Internet 
www.linkmarketservices.com.au  
Email 
cba@linkmaketservices.com.au  

Telephone numbers for overseas Shareholders  
New Zealand 
0800 442 845  
United Kingdom 
0845 769 7502  
Fiji 
008 002 054  
Other International 
(61 2) 8280 7199  

Australian Stock Exchange Listing 
CBA  

Annual Report 
To request a copy of the Annual Report, please call Link 
Market Services on 1800 022 440 or email them at 
cba@linkmaketservices.com.au 

Electronic versions of Commonwealth Bank‟s past and 
current Annual Reports are available on 
www.commbank.com.au/shareholder/annualreports 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2010     241