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FY2011 Annual Report · Commonwealth Bank of Australia
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DeteRmineD to be better than we’ve ever been.

Annual Report 2011

Commonwealth bank of australia  |  aCn 123 123 124

Chairman’s Statement 

Chief Executive Officer’s Statement 

Highlights 

Group Performance Analysis 

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 

5 

11 

15 

22 

24 

26 

28 

32 

36 

38 

40 

41 

45 

52 

55 

59 

66 

94 

96 

97 

98 

99 

100 

102 

104 

230 

231 

233 

237 

238 

239 

 
 
 
 
 
Chairman’s Statement 

Introduction 

The  Group  has  delivered  another  good  result  for  the  year 
despite  the  uncertain  and  challenging  economic  environment. 
The result is attributable to the Group’s strong position and the 
continued focus on providing solid returns and dividends to our 
shareholders.  The  Group’s  strategy  and  focus  of  serving  our 
customers remains paramount. We continue to be conservative 
and  at  the  same  time  sensitive  to  change  in  the  external 
environment,  while  competing  strongly  in  all  the  markets  and 
segments we serve. 

Operating and Financial Results 

The Group’s cash net profit after tax for the year ended 30 June 
2011 was $6,835 million, which represented a 12% increase on 
the  prior  year.  Cash  earnings  per  share  increased  11%  on  the 
prior year to 438.7 cents, whilst cash return on equity increased 
80 basis points to 19.5%. 

This  solid  result  was  achieved  in  an  environment  where  the 
impacts  of  the  global  financial  crisis  continue  to  linger.  Credit 
growth  remains  low,  business  and  consumer  confidence  is 
fragile and there is significant volatility and uncertainty in global 
markets.  Despite  the  challenging  market  conditions,  effective 
execution  of  the  Group’s  five  strategic  priorities  of  Customer 
Satisfaction,  Business  Banking,  Trust  and  Team  Spirit, 
Technology  and  Operational  Excellence  and  Profitable  Growth 
has  driven  a  sound  financial  performance.  The  result  was 
characterised by:  

• 

Net  interest  income  increasing  7%  to  $12,658  million, 
reflecting  a  six  basis  point  increase  in  net  interest  margin 
and 4% growth in average interest earning assets; 

• 

•  Other banking income declining 3% to $3,983 million, with 
reduced  retail  fees  and  commissions,  lower  CommSec 
brokerage  and  Markets  trading  income  partly  offset  by 
higher bills income and improved Treasury earnings; 
Funds  management  income  increasing  8%  to  $2,041 
million,  supported  by  a  5%  increase  in  average  funds 
under administration and stronger investment performance, 
partly offset by the appreciation of the Australian dollar; 
Insurance  income  declining  9%  to  $856  million,  partly 
reflecting the sale of the  St  Andrew’s insurance business. 
After  adjusting  for  the  sale  of  St  Andrew’s,  insurance 
income  decreased  4%  due  to  higher  claims  in  the 
wholesale and retail life businesses; 

• 

•  Operating  expenses  increasing  3%  on  the  prior  year  to 
$8,891 million,  with 1%  of the growth driven by continued 
investment  in  projects  supporting  the  Group’s  strategic 
priorities.  Operating  expenses,  excluding 
investment 
expenses, increased 2% reflecting the Group’s disciplined 
approach  and  continued  focus  on  productivity  initiatives 
which have delivered operational efficiencies; and 

• 

Impairment  expense  decreasing  38%  to  $1,280  million, 
mainly 
related 
impairments. 

lower  Bankwest  property 

reflecting 

All  of  the  Group’s  businesses  performed  satisfactorily  in  a 
challenging operating environment with highlights for the year; 

• 

Retail  Banking  Services  cash  net  profit  after  tax  was 
$2,845  million,  representing  a  16%  increase  on  the  prior 
year. The result was driven by solid growth in net interest 
income  partially  offset  by  lower  other  banking  income, 
sound  management  of  operational  expenses  and  an 
improvement in loan impairment expense; 

2 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

• 

• 

Business  and  Private  Banking  delivered  a  strong 
performance,  achieving  cash  net  profit  after  tax  of  $1,039 
million, which represents a 16% increase on the prior year. 
The business banking segments contributed significantly to 
this  result,  with  growth  in  lending  volumes,  improving 
deposit margins and a lower impairment expense; 
Institutional  Banking  and  Markets  achieved  a  cash  net 
profit after tax of $1,004 million for the year ended 30 June 
2011,  which  represented  a  14%  decrease  on  the  prior 
year,  reflecting  a  decrease  in  operating  income  due  to 
lower  trading  income  in  Markets  and  the  effect  of  the 
decline in lending balances in Institutional Banking; 

• 

related 

increase 

expenditure. 

•  Wealth  Management’s  underlying  profit  after  tax  for  the 
year  was  $581  million,  up  marginally  on  the  prior  year.  A 
solid  Funds  Management  and  General  Insurance  result 
in  claims  and 
was  partially  offset  by  an 
compliance 
under 
Funds 
Administration  increased  5%  on  the  prior  year  to  $189 
billion; 
New Zealand cash net profit after tax was NZ$588 million, 
an increase of 28% on the prior year. The result was driven 
by  a  strong  performance  from  ASB  Bank  with  margins 
benefiting from a shift in portfolio mix towards variable rate 
loans and repricing initiatives in response to higher funding 
costs; 
Bankwest  cash  net  profit  after  tax  for  the  year  ended  30 
June 2011 was $463 million, up significantly from the $45 
million  loss  in  the  prior  year.  The  improved  performance 
was driven by lower loan impairment expense and a 12% 
increase in operating performance; and 

• 

• 

IFS  Asia  cash  net  profit  after  tax  was  $53  million,  an 
increase of 18% over the prior year. The key drivers of the 
result  were  a  10%  increase  in  banking  income  driven  by 
robust  lending  growth  from  the  Indonesian  retail  business 
together  with  strong  contributions  from  the  Bank  of 
Hangzhou  and  Vietnam 
(VIB) 
investments  and  an  18%  increase  in  Insurance  income 
reflecting improved sales volumes from the Indonesian life 
insurance business, particularly bancassurance sales. 

International  Bank 

Dividends and Capital 

A final dividend of $1.88 per share was declared - an increase of 
11% on the prior year. The total dividend for the year to 30 June 
2011 was $3.20 per share, taking the cash dividend payout ratio 
for the year to 73.2%. The final dividend will be fully franked and 
will be paid on 6 October 2011. 

The  Group’s  Dividend  Reinvestment  Plan  will  continue  to 
operate  but  no  discount  will  be  applied  to  shares  issued  under 
the plan for the 2011 final dividend. 

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 maintained a strong capital position and remains one 
of a handful of global banks with a AA credit rating. The Tier One 
capital ratio was 10.01%, up 86 basis points over the year. 

 
 
 
It  is  this  ratio  under  the  Basel  II  Accord  by  which  the  Group’s 
capital  position  is  measured.  At  10.01%,  it  is  well  in  excess  of 
the Board’s current minimum requirement of 7%. However, this 
measure will almost certainly be increased under the G-20 and 
Basel  III  initiatives.  This  is  manageable,  however,  and  the 
Group’s  Balance  Sheet  will  continue  to  be  strengthened  with 
retained  earnings 
liquidity 
requirements, however, are less certain and the Group remains 
actively  involved  in  the  consultation  process,  working  closely 
with other industry participants and the regulators. 

from  ongoing  profits.  The 

The Group remains well funded which has enabled it to provide 
ongoing  support  to  customers.  Strong  deposit  growth  coupled 
with  subdued  credit  growth  has  seen  the  Group  satisfy  a 
significant  proportion  of its  funding  requirements  from domestic 
deposits.  Customer  deposits  at  $349  billion  comprised  61%  of 
the  Group’s  funding  requirement,  up  from  58%  last  year. 
However, the Board is aware that the level of these deposits can 
vary, notwithstanding the attractiveness of the Bank’s terms and 
rates compared with other institutions and instruments. 

If  the  level  of  deposit  funding  decreases  either  through  lower 
deposits or an increase in credit growth, the Group will generally 
fund its requirements through accessing the wholesale markets, 
both within and outside Australia. 

Inevitability the depth of these markets and the cost of funds to 
the Group will vary as a result of economic and other pressures 
affecting  this  market.  The  ongoing  strength  of  the  Group’s 
balance sheet, coupled with strong performance and the skill of 
our  people,  are  important  to  ensure  that  this  critical  pool  of 
funding remains both accessible and at an optimal cost. 

Corporate Governance and Board Performance 

In  alternate  years  we  use  an  external  firm  to  assist  with  the 
assessment of Board performance and effectiveness. This year 
we performed the review internally. Further detail is provided in 
the Corporate Governance section of this Annual Report.  

The Risk Committee, which continues to be chaired by Harrison 
Young,  comprises  all  members  of  the  Board  and  reflects  the 
ongoing importance of the assessment of risk. The membership 
of this committee will continue to be kept under review. 

Other committees of the Board have a composition that reflects 
individual skills and contribution to committee effectiveness. 

During  the  year,  two  new  independent  non-executive  Directors 
joined your Board.  

Chairman’s Statement 

Chief Executive Officer 

You will have seen that Ralph Norris decided to retire at the end 
of November this year. 

Ralph has been Chief Executive Officer of the Bank for the past 
six years. They have been six years of exceptional achievement 
in terms of both financial and cultural performance. 

Ralph’s  unswerving  focus  on  customer  satisfaction  has  driven 
the financial results and his attention to developing top talent has 
resulted not only in an excellent executive team, but also a pool 
of talent for succession to the most senior positions. 

On  behalf  of  the  Board,  I  would  like  to  thank  Ralph  for  his 
tremendous  performance  and  exemplary  contribution  to  the 
Group. 

The  Board  has  appointed  Ian  Narev  to  succeed  Ralph  on 
December 1st this year. Ian is currently CEO Designate. You will 
have read of Ian’s qualifications for the position and his inclusive 
and impressive leadership skills as Group Executive responsible 
for Business and Private Banking. 

Ian has a background as head of strategy within the Group and 
prior  to  that  with  the  financial  services  practice  of  McKinsey  in 
New  York,  Sydney  and  Auckland.  On  top  of  an  excellent 
academic grounding, Ian is a senior banker with an outstanding 
breadth of experience. In the course of the selection process, we 
also  assured  ourselves  that  Ian  was  benchmarked  against  the 
best available talent outside Australia. 

Your  Board  has  every  confidence  in  Ian’s  ability  to  deliver  the 
best  possible  outcomes  for  the  Group  and  is  ideally  suited  to 
deliver the best possible outcomes in the face of a challenging 
future. 

Finally,  I  would  like  to  thank  my  fellow  Directors  very  much 
indeed for their hard work and support during the past year. 
Outlook 

The  2011  financial  year  has  been  a  challenging  one  for  the 
Group  and  many  of  its  customers.  While  the  resources  sector 
has  performed  well,  other  parts  of  the  economy  have  been 
subject  to  headwinds  including  fragile  consumer  and  corporate 
confidence,  political  uncertainty,  a  strong  currency  and  natural 
disasters. 

Ongoing  offshore  instability  continues  to  impact  the  domestic 
economy and has the potential to place further upward pressure 
on wholesale funding costs for domestic banks. 

On 1 September 2010, Brian Long was appointed a Director of 
the  Bank.  Brian  was  a  senior  partner  of  Ernst  &  Young  and 
Chairman  of  both  the  Ernst  &  Young  Global  Advisory  Council 
and the Oceania Area Advisory Council and has had more than 
30 years experience in serving as audit signing partner on major 
Australian  public  companies.  Brian  brings  wide  accounting, 
auditing and governance experience to the Board. 

The  2011  financial  year  has  been  characterised  by  subdued 
system credit growth and intense competition. At this stage there 
is  nothing  to  suggest  that  the  2012  financial  year  will  see  any 
material  improvement  on  this  front.  Nor  is  it  clear  what  the 
catalyst  will  be  for  a  meaningful  revival  in  consumer  and 
corporate confidence which is a prerequisite to stronger demand 
for credit. 

On  16  March  2011,  Launa  Inman  was  appointed  a  Director  of 
the Bank. Launa has been Managing Director of Target Australia 
Pty Ltd since 2005, a leading Australian retailer with more than 
25,000  employees  and  290  Target  and  Target  Country  stores 
across  the  country.  Launa’s  business  and  retail  experience  in 
Australia  complements  the  mix  of  skills  and  experience  on  the 
Board.

initiatives  which  will 

Against  this  backdrop  the  Group  will  continue  to  operate  in  a 
disciplined  and  prudent  manner  with  a  focus  on  driving 
sustainable 
productivity 
improvements in  business  performance.  The  Group’s priority is 
to maintain a robust and stable financial and operating platform, 
which  will  enable  us  to  support  our  customers  and  provide 
superior returns to shareholders. 

deliver 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

3 

 
 
 
Chairman’s Statement 

Conclusion 

While  I  have  no  doubt  that  the  2012  financial  year  will  be  a 
challenging  one  for  the  Group  and  its  customers,  I  am 
nonetheless  very  optimistic  about  the  Group’s  future  and  its 
ability to continue to deliver superior returns to its stakeholders. 
While we have much to celebrate about the achievements of the 
last  100  years,  we  also  have  much  to  look  forward  to.  As  the 
Group  enters  a  new  era,  we  have  a  stable  and  strong 
organisation with a business franchise which is the envy of many 
of our peers. 

However,  despite  these  obvious  advantages,  we  cannot  afford 
to be complacent in the face of a rapidly changing domestic and 
global  competitive  environment.  In  fact  we  will  need  to  be 
increasingly innovative and nimble if we are to take advantage of 
the  opportunities  which  will 
these 
changes. Looking forward, our decisions over the last five years 
to  invest  heavily  in  technology  and  productivity  initiatives, 
including  Core  Banking  Modernisation,  have  placed  us  in  a 
strong  position.  Our  challenge  now  is  to  ensure  that  as  an 
organisation we optimise these investments for the benefit of our 
customers and our shareholders. 

inevitably  accompany 

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 J Turner 

Chairman 

10 August 2011 

4 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer’s Statement 

On  22  December  2011,  the  Commonwealth  Bank  will  be  100 
years old.  

On that day in 1911, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia was 
enacted by Parliament, with our first day of trading taking place 
on 15 July 1912.  

We are a proud company with a proud history.  

Our centenary is an important milestone, one that will allow us to 
reflect  with  pride  on  the  difference  we’ve  made  to  millions  of 
Australian  families  and  businesses  in  this  country  over  such  a 
long period of time.  

I have had the great privilege to lead this organisation for six of 
those 100 years. We have achieved a significant amount in that 
time, thanks to the collective efforts of every one of our 52,000 
staff.  

While  there  remains  a  lot  more  to  be  done,  it  is  opportune  to 
reflect  on  some  of  these  achievements,  on  the  eve  of  our  100 
year anniversary, and how they have set us up to deal with the 
inevitable  challenges  we  will  continue  to  face,  and  just  as 
importantly,  how  they  will  enable  us  to  take  advantage  of  the 
tremendous opportunities that lie ahead. 

I  don’t  need  to  remind  you  that  over  the  past  three  years,  the 
world  has  been  through  an  unprecedented  crisis  that,  at  its’ 
darkest hour, had many fearing for the very future of the global 
financial system itself. Around the globe, economies struggle to 
recover  from  the  ravages  of  the  Global  Financial  Crisis  (GFC), 
and after-shocks continue to be felt, most notably the sovereign 
debt crisis that is still being played out across Europe, as well as 
debt and growth concerns in the US. 

The  GFC  has  precipitated  significant  changes  across  global 
economies and banking systems. 

I would like to talk to you about these changes, how they have 
arisen and most importantly how your company is responding to 
them.  

The story is in three parts: 

Navigating the GFC; 
The current banking landscape; and 

• 
• 
•  Why the Group has continued to outperform. 

Navigating the GFC 

As  a  starting  point,  it  is  worthwhile  briefly  reflecting  on  the 
tumultuous events that have occurred over the past three years 
or  so,  and  how  the  Group  has  responded  to  the  greatest 
challenge we have had to face since we became fully privatised 
in the mid 1990’s.  

At its zenith,  the  GFC claimed some  of  the  world’s largest and 
most  well-known  institutions,  including  famous  names  like 
Lehman Brothers, and came close to crippling countless others. 
Many large and venerable institutions were only able to survive 
thanks  to  the  urgent  intervention  of  regulators  and  multibillion 
dollar tax-payer funded bailouts. 

Against  this  global  backdrop,  Australian  banks  were  able  to 
navigate  their  way  through  the  GFC  relatively  unscathed, 
emerging in a position of strength compared to our global peers. 
There are a number of reasons why this was the case, including 
the robustness of the Australian economy, our sound regulatory 
regime,  decisive  government  action  and  the  strength  and 
financial discipline of the major banks themselves.  

Faced  with  the  uncertainties  created  by  the  GFC,  the  Group 
adopted a set of guiding principles and implemented a range of 
specific  measures  to  ensure  we  were  able  to  respond  to  the 
challenge in a proactive manner, including:  

• 

Further  strengthening  already  strong  capital,  liquidity  and 
provisioning levels;  

•  Maintaining  our 

traditionally  high 

lending  and  credit 

• 

• 

standards throughout the crisis; 
Being one of the first banks to prudently adjust loan pricing 
as  soon  as  the  sustained  nature  of  higher  international 
wholesale funding costs became apparent; and 

Lengthening  our  portfolio  funding  maturities  and  adopting 
other  measures  to  ensure  our  funding  position  remained 
very strong. 

The Group’s ability to weather the GFC in such a robust fashion 
is  evidenced  by  the  fact  we  have  continued  to  deliver 
sustainable  financial  results,  highlighted  by  a  Return  on  Equity 
(ROE) which has remained sector leading here in Australia and 
at the upper-end of banking institutions world-wide. 

As shown in the chart below, the Group’s ROE experienced only 
a  slight  dip  in  2009,  reflecting  both  the  impact  of  higher  loan 
impairments  at  the  worst  point  in  the  crisis,  as  well  as  the 
prudent  decision  to  increase  the  Group’s  capital  base  at  that 
time.  

Return on Equity 
(Cash)

21.5%

21.7%

20.4%

18.8%

18.7%

19.5%

15.8%

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

That  is  not  to  say  that  the  Australian  banking  sector  navigated 
through  the  GFC  without  issues.  A  small  number  of  larger 
corporate  customers  came  under  pressure,  as  their  business 
models  were  unable  to  withstand  the  stresses  imposed  by  the 
GFC.  In  terms  of  our  personal  customers,  the  level  of  loan 
impairments  was  relatively 
that 
unemployment  in  Australia  remained  low  by  world  standards 
throughout  the  crisis  played  a  critical  role  in  ensuring  that  the 
majority  of  our  customers  were  able  to  manage  through  this 
period reasonably well.  

low.  Certainly, 

fact 

the 

Also  important  in  this  regard  was  the  quality  of  our  lending 
portfolios, a function of the consistent application of conservative 
values  over  many  years.  Our  home  lending,  for  example,  has 
always  been  governed  by  prudent  standards,  demonstrated  by 
the fact that:  

•  Our  portfolio  average  Loan-to-Value  (LVR)  ratio  has 

• 

• 

consistently been maintained below 50%;  
For  new  home loan borrowers,  the  average  LVR is about 
50%, and this too, has remained consistent over time; and 
Almost  70%  of  our  home  loan  customers  are  paying  in 
advance of requirements. 

The  strength  of  our  home  loan  book  is  such  that  losses  have 
always remained very low. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

5 

 
 
Chief Executive Officer’s Statement 

While  overall  loss  rates  amongst  our  personal  customers  have 
remained relatively low through the GFC, it is true that some of 
our  customers  have  experienced  some  form  of  stress  or 
hardship. I am particularly proud of the fact that we were able to 
put  in  place  a  range  of  special  assistance  measures  to  assist 
these  customers,  including  repayment  holidays  for  home  loan 
customers  who  had  either  lost  their  job  or  experienced  other 
types of upheavals.  

In a similar vein, more recently we have extended $65 million in 
assistance  for  victims  of  the  Queensland  and  Victorian  floods, 
and  through  our  New  Zealand  subsidiary  ASB  Bank,  similar 
assistance measures have been made available to victims of the 
Christchurch earthquakes. 

The current banking landscape 

While it now appears that we are through the worst of the crisis, 
the  current  landscape  remains  a  challenging  one.  The  global 
economy  is  fragile  and  susceptible  to  damaging  after-shocks, 
with  the  ongoing  debt  concerns  in  the  Euro  zone  and  the  US 
being perhaps the most problematic. Growth rates are expected 
to  remain  low  in  the  United  States  and  across  most  European 
Union economies for some time.  

In  Australia,  the  operating  environment  for  banks  is  a  very 
different  one  from  that  which  prevailed  in  the  decade  or  so 
before  the  GFC.  Some  of  these  changes  might  be  seen  as 
welcome  ones,  others  less  so.  Regardless,  these  changed 
circumstances present a different set of challenges for Australian 
banks to deal with.  

For  simplicity’s  sake,  I  have  grouped  these  changes  into  two 
broad  categories  which  have  come  to  characterise  the  new 
banking environment – (i) higher costs of banking and (ii) lower 
credit growth. 

(i) 

Higher costs of banking 

One of the most immediate and obvious impacts of the GFC is 
that banking is now a higher cost business than it was before.  

Probably the most visible area of increased costs is in relation to 
bank funding. By way of background, the funds we use to lend to 
our  customers  have  traditionally  come  from  two  sources;  retail 
deposits  here  in  Australia  and  international  and  domestic 
wholesale markets. The reliance on international debt markets to 
finance a large proportion of our domestic lending is a function of 
a  broader  structural  imbalance  in  the  Australian  economy. 
Australia  has  been  running  a  current  account  deficit  for  many 
years.  This  has  meant  that  as  a  country  we  have  had  to  seek 
funds from overseas to help finance our growth. 

The  GFC  highlighted  this  structural  exposure  of  the  Australian 
economy to international debt markets, as the cost of borrowing 
money in international markets increased exponentially, as rates 
adjusted  to  what  was  seen  as  a  much  riskier  environment  to 
borrow and lend money.  

To illustrate this point, prior to the GFC, it was costing the Group 
about  13  basis  points  or  0.13%  above  the  prevailing  market 
swap  rate  to  borrow  money  for  a  three  year  term.  Today,  the 
cost the Group incurs to borrow money for the same three year 
term is almost 100 basis points (1.00%). 

Indicative Long Term Wholesale Funding Costs
(Basis Points)

144

98

17

3

13

17

1 Year

3 Years

5 Years

2007

2011

At the same time, the costs associated with the other part of our 
funding  –  retail  deposits,  has  also  risen,  as  all  banks  are  now 
competing  more  aggressively  for  this  type  of  funding.  This  is 
reflected  in  the  higher  interest  rates  now  being  offered  for 
various  deposit  products,  such  as  term  deposits  and  online 
savings accounts.  

The other area that is likely to add to the cost of banking is that 
of international regulatory reform. 

Globally,  regulators  have  sought  to  develop  and  implement  a 
range  of  measures  designed  to  strengthen  global  financial 
systems in an effort to ensure we never again face a crisis of the 
magnitude of the GFC. As with all reforms however, one of the 
greatest  risks  is  that  the  regulatory  response  goes  too  far, 
leading to  unintended consequences  that, in some cases, may 
be worse than the problem that is trying to be resolved. 

We  remain  actively  engaged  with  regulators  both  here  in 
Australia  and  overseas  to  ensure  the  ultimate  outcomes  are 
measured,  sensible,  and 
improvements 
lead 
appropriate  to  each  country’s  individual  circumstances.  All  the 
indications to date suggest that this will be the case.  

to  practical 

Regardless  of  the  final  outcomes,  it  is  clear  that  whatever 
measures  are  progressed,  they  will  add  an  extra  impost  to  the 
cost of banking.  

As far as Basel III capital requirements are concerned, there is 
no doubt that our capital levels will need to be maintained above 
pre-GFC 
regulatory  minimums.  Meeting  higher  capital 
requirements should not present any significant difficulty for the 
Group,  given  our  capital  levels  are  already  very  strong  by 
international  standards,  and  we  continue  to  generate  good 
organic  capital  growth  through  our  consistently  strong  financial 
performance.  Our  Tier  1  Capital  ratio  now  stands  at  10.01%.

Tier 1 Capital  Ratio

10.01%

9.15%

7.58%

8.07%

2008

2009

2010

2011

6 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
Chief Executive Officer’s Statement 

Another area of significant regulatory change is that of liquidity. 
There is no doubt that we will need to hold higher levels of liquid 
assets,  and  that  the  definition  for  what  qualifies  as  quality 
liquidity from the regulators perspective is likely to become more 
prescriptive. Holding a higher amount of these assets will add to 
the cost of funding customer loans.  

(ii) 

Lower credit growth 

Perhaps the most important lasting effect of the GFC has been 
the  impact  it  has  had  on  the  collective  mindsets  of  our 
customers. Given the scale and magnitude of the GFC and the 
fragile  nature  of  the  current  global  economic  environment,  it  is 
only natural that people are now more cautious and conservative 
than they were before the crisis.  

One of the key manifestations of this extra caution is that people 
are saving more and borrowing less. As shown in the following 
chart,  this  slowdown  in  credit  growth  has  been  across  all  key 
sectors of the market – both personal and business. 

System Credit Growth (%)

25.0

20.0

15.0

10.0

5.0

0.0

2001

-5.0

-10.0

Source: RBA 

2006

2011

Housing

Business

Total

As  credit  growth  has  slowed,  the  national  savings  rate  has 
grown.  Where  before  people  may  have  borrowed  for  a  home 
improvement  or  to  purchase  a  new  car,  they  are  now  saving 
their  money  and  waiting  for  “better  times”.  This  increase  in 
savings can be seen from the chart below. 

Household Savings Ratio
(% of household disposable income)

Why the Group has continued to outperform 

Since 2005, when I joined this organisation as Chief Executive, 
we have been pursuing a consistent and deliberate strategy, at 
the heart of which is a desire to transform this organisation into 
one  that  is  truly  focussed  on  meeting  the  needs  of  our 
customers.  Our  vision  has  been  and  remains  to  be  Australia’s 
largest  financial  services  organisation  through  excelling  in 
customer service. 

This vision builds on and recognises our unique heritage as the 
Bank  for  all  Australians.  It  is  a  strategy  which  aims  to  tap  the 
tremendous  potential  we  have  in  our  franchise,  by  better 
understanding  our  customers,  improving  the  service  we  offer 
them and doing so in the most efficient way possible. 

This  is  a  strategy  which  has  helped  deliver  strong  financial 
returns over the past five years, and in many ways has helped 
us navigate through the GFC from a position of relative strength. 

I  would  like  to  take  this  opportunity  to  talk  to  you  about  why  I 
think this strategy has ensured we have continued to deliver in 
the current environment. There are five elements to our strategy, 
and I will talk to each of these in turn. 

1. 

Customer Satisfaction 

Five  years  ago,  Commonwealth  Bank  trailed  the  other  major 
banks by a considerable margin on customer satisfaction. Since 
then,  we  have  closed  the  gap  between  ourselves  and  the  top-
rated peer bank from 12.5 to 3.6 percentage points. 

Retail MFI Customer Satisfaction

77.4%

78.8%

75.2%

2001

2003

2005

2007

2009

2011

64.9%

Source: ABS 

The operating environment today is a vastly different one to that 
which  prevailed  here  in  Australia  for  many  years.  For  the 
foreseeable future, growth is going to be harder to come by, and 
all institutions need to work harder and smarter to achieve it.  

While  many  factors  will  come  into  play,  in  my  view  the  most 
successful institutions will be those who understand the needs of 
their customers’ best and are the most efficient at meeting these 
needs.  

I  would  now  like  to  spend  some  time  talking  about  why  I  think 
your Bank is ideally placed to succeed in this environment. 

2006

2011

Top Rated Peer

(1)

CBA

(1) Retail MFI Customer Satisfaction – Roy Morgan Research, Australians 14+ 
that have an account relationship with that MFI, “Very” or “Fairly” satisfied 
with the relationship at that institution. 6 month rolling average. 

The gains we have made in improving customer satisfaction are 
not just confined to Retail Banking. In Wealth Management, our 
FirstChoice platform is consistently ranked at or near the top for 
service  amongst  financial  advisors  and  our  FirstWrap  platform 
ranked first for overall advisor satisfaction in its first year in the 
survey. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

7 

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

-2

-4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer’s Statement 

In  Business  Banking,  we  are  ranked  outright  or  equal  first  in 
customer satisfaction for both medium sized businesses (those 
with  annual  turnover  between  $5m  and  $50m)  and  larger 
businesses (those with annual turnover of $50m and above). 

There  is  no  doubt  in  my  mind  that  we  will  achieve  our  goal  of 
being  the  number  one  bank  for  customer  satisfaction.  The 
tremendous  gains  we  have  already  made,  the  momentum  we 
have  and  the  commitment  of  our  people  to  achieving  this 
outcome makes it inevitable that we will get there.  

The more satisfied a customer is, the more likely they are to do 
more business with you.  

In  an  environment  of  constrained  credit  growth  and  tighter 
margins, improving the service we provide to our customers and 
earning more business from them will be one of the key drivers 
of  future  growth.  So,  it  is  very  pleasing  that  over  the  same 
period,  we  have  made  significant  improvements  in  customer 
satisfaction; the average number of products held by each of our 
customers  has  grown  by  over  20%.  We  now  have  the  highest 
number of products per customer of any major bank in Australia 
at 2.64, well ahead of the average of our peers. 

Products per customer (1)

Our  Business  and  Private  Bank  is  now  delivering  consistently 
strong  financial  results,  off  the  back  of  improved  customer 
satisfaction  levels  and  stronger  volume  and  market  share 
outcomes.  The  business  is  operating  with  strong  momentum 
and we are very well placed to take advantage of the eventual 
upturn in business sector demand. 

3. 

Technology and Operational Excellence 

In  an  environment  of  softer  credit  growth  and  additional  cost 
pressures,  only  the  most  efficient  banks  will  be  able  to  deliver 
consistently strong shareholder returns. 

We  have  a  very  strong  track  record  in  this  regard,  with  a 
progressive  improvement  in  our  cost-to-income  ratio  in  recent 
years 

Cost-to-Income Ratio (%)

56.7

54.5

51.5

50.5

49.3

48.9

46.4

45.7

45.5

2.70

2.60

2.50

2.40

2.30

2.20

2.10

2.00

2007

2008

2009

CBA

Peer Average

2010
(2)

2011

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

Banking and Finance customers, six months rolling average. 

(2) Average of the major four banks excluding CBA. 

2. 

Business Banking 

When  most  people  think  about  the  Commonwealth  Bank  it  is 
probably  fair  to  say  they  think  about  things  like  our  extensive 
branch  network,  our  heritage  as  the  “people’s  bank”  or  our 
leading positions in home lending or retail deposit accounts. It is 
less  likely  they  will  nominate  us  as  being  particularly  strong  in 
business banking. 

For  many  years  the  Bank  was  a  relatively  small  competitor  in 
this segment of the market. However, over the last five years we 
have set about addressing our relatively underweight position in 
business  banking  as  a  core  element  of  our  overall  Group 
strategy. 

We have made significant progress in that time: 

•  Opened  23  new  dedicated  business  banking  centres 

• 

• 

• 

across the country (45 in total); 
Located  over  150 new local business  bankers in  selected 
key branches; 
Launched CommBiz,  our innovative online  banking facility 
for business customers; 
Provided  our  customers  with  24/7  access  to  business 
bankers; 
Considerably improved customer satisfaction; and 

• 
•  Grown  our  market  share  from  12.1%  in  June  2006  to 

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

These gains have not been achieved through indiscriminate cost 
cutting, nor have they been achieved by under investing in our 
business.  We  have  invested  over  $1  billion  back  into  the 
business in each of the past four years.  

Through  our  Technology  and  Operational  Excellence  strategy, 
we are well advanced in achieving our goal of transforming the 
Group’s  domestic  banking  operations  into  the  most  efficient  in 
Australia.  

From  a  technology  perspective,  much  of  the  focus  to  date  has 
been  on  improving  our  front  end,  customer  facing  systems,  to 
improve  the  productivity  of  our  staff  and  to  better  enhance  the 
customer  experience.  As  a  result,  the  Bank  now  offers  the 
leading  range  of 
frontline  banking  systems  and  delivery 
platforms in the Australian market, including: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

CommSee – our leading edge customer interface system, 
which  was  rolled  out  across  our  branch  and  call  centre 
networks in 2006/07; 
NetBank  –  our  market  leading  online  and  mobile  banking 
solution, with almost six million registered users;  
CommBiz – our  innovative secure online banking solution 
which has made banking so much easier for our business 
customers; 
CommSec  –  for  15  years the leading online  retail  broking 
platform, accounting for over 50% of all online retail trades 
in the market; and 

FirstChoice – providing customers with real time access to 
secure 
portfolio 
information and transacting capabilities.  

superannuation 

investment 

and 

The  next  stage  of  this  efficiency  evolution  is  our  Core  Banking 
Modernisation programme. 

18.1% in June 2011. 

.

8 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer’s Statement 

I am tremendously excited about the potential of Core Banking. 
This  is  truly  a  transformational  undertaking  which  I  believe  will 
revolutionise  the  way  we  do  banking  in  this  country.  Once 
completed  in  2012,  we  will  have  transitioned  our  Australian 
banking business to  a completely  new core  operating  platform, 
replacing  the  myriad  of  old  standalone  systems  previously 
operating across the various divisions of the Bank. 

Since  launch  in  April  2008,  we  have  achieved  every  key 
milestone we have set for ourselves, including: 

•  Migrated  over  50  million  customer  records  to  the  new 

platform; 

•  Migrated over 10 million deposit and transaction accounts 
to  the  new  platform  –  the  largest  banking  migration  in 
Australian history; and 

• 

Replaced overnight “batch” processing with real time, 24/7 
banking for millions of customers. 

The benefits of real time transactions are already being seen in 
customer service improvements and I continue to receive many 
positive comments from customers on the real time functionality 
of our new systems.  

technology  upgrade.  Supporting 

However,  it  is  important  not  to  look  on  Core  Banking  as  being 
simply  a 
technology 
component  of  the  programme  is  a  comprehensive  change 
programme  that  is  designed  to  ensure  we  achieve  maximum 
leverage  and  benefit  from  this  investment  through  changes  to 
staff roles, dedicated training programmes and specialised sales 
and marketing processes.  

the 

With Core Banking we are building a valuable strategic asset for 
the Bank, which will ensure we remain at the forefront of banking 
efficiency and productivity for many years to come.  

4. 

Profitable Growth 

Our Profitable Growth strategy is about maintaining discipline in 
the  Group’s  growth  agenda,  be  it  organically  generated  growth 
in our traditional markets or our investments in new markets. Put 
simply, it means ensuring we earn an appropriate level of return 
for all our growth strategies and investments. 

Our track record in this regard has been good. 

The  Group’s  acquisition  of  Bankwest  in  2008  is  an  excellent 
example  of  this  discipline  in  practice.  By  acquiring  these 
businesses  at  a  highly  attractive  price,  the  Group  obtained  a 
strong business with an important presence in one of Australia’s 
fastest  growing  states,  with  strong  leverage  to  the  mining  and 
resources boom. 

Another key platform of our Profitable Growth strategy is that of 
Asia, where we have been pursuing a considered, prudent and 
focussed  growth  strategy  over  many  years.  For  several  years 
we have operated the largest foreign network in Indonesia, and 
we hold 20% stakes in two City Commercial Banks in China, the 
maximum foreign ownership allowed in that country. 

Over the past 12 months we have made further progress with: 

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 

• 

The launch of our BoComm Life Joint Venture in China;  
The opening of a branch in Shanghai China; 
The opening of the first CBA branch in India; 
The  acquisition  of  a  15%  shareholding 
International Bank;  
The expansion of our existing networks in other countries, 
with  a  further  ten  branches  opened  in  Indonesia  and  43 
new ATM’s installed across Indonesia and Vietnam; and 

in  Vietnam 

The  opening  of  three  County  Banks  in  Jiyuan,  DengFeng 
and Lankao, China. 

Our  Asian  growth  story  is  very  much  focussed  on  selective 
targeted  expansion  in  key  growth  regions,  achieved  through  a 
patient,  on  the  ground  understanding  of  local  markets  and 
jurisdictions built up over many years.  

in  a  way  which  optimises  returns  and  value 

Profitable Growth is not solely about acquisitions and overseas 
expansions.  Profitable  Growth  plays  just  as  important  a  role  in 
our core domestic businesses, ensuring we continue to manage 
these 
to 
shareholders  while  meeting  the  needs  of  our  customers.  It 
ensures  we  are  continually  refining  and  adjusting  our  areas  of 
focus,  to  take  advantage  of  those  opportunities  which  offer  the 
greatest  return  at  any  particular  point  in  time.  We  are  not  an 
organisation  which  chases  market  share  for  market  share’s 
sake.  

Profitable  growth  is  all  about  balancing  shareholder  value  and 
customer  needs.  Our  single  minded  focus  in  this  regard  has 
enabled  us  to  navigate  the  GFC  from  a  position  of  relative 
strength,  and  has  seen  us  continue  to  outperform,  as  we  fine-
tune  this  organisation  to  meet  the  challenges  of  the  new 
environment. 

5. 

Trust and Team Spirit 

Finally, I would like to talk about our people. 

All  of  the  success  we  have  had  is  due  to  the  hard  work, 
enthusiasm and commitment of our people.  They  are  the ones 
who  serve  our  customers  every  day,  who  process 
the 
transactions,  who answer the enquiries in our call  centres, and 
who ensure loans are processed and funded in a timely manner. 

Every  day  there  are  millions  of  interactions  between  our  staff 
and  our  customers,  and  the  overwhelming  majority  of  these 
interactions are handled professionally and with the highest level 
of  customer  service.  The  gains  we  have  made  in  customer 
satisfaction are testimony  to the efforts  and commitment  of our 
people. 

is 

One  of  the  most  pleasing  parts  of  my  job  as  CEO  of  the 
Commonwealth  Bank 
the  many  customer 
compliments that I receive every day, highlighting the numerous 
examples  of  situations  where  our  staff  have  delighted  a 
customer so much that they have felt compelled to write to me to 
share the experience. 

read 

to 

Every  day  I  have  the  opportunity  to  talk  to  staff  all  across  this 
organisation,  and  I  am  constantly  impressed  by  the  level  of 
enthusiasm  they  display,  and  of  their  absolute  commitment  to 
our  journey  to  be  number  one  in  customer  satisfaction.  More 
than any other factor, the energy and drive of the people I meet 
every day gives me the utmost confidence that we will achieve 
this goal in the very near future. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

9 

 
 
Chief Executive Officer’s Statement 

Summary 

The  Commonwealth  Bank  has  a  proud  and  distinguished 
history.  For  almost  a  century,  we  have  been  the  financial 
services  organisation  that  many  Australians  have  relied  on  for 
their  banking  and  financial  needs  –  from  their  first  banking 
account,  to  a  loan  for  their  first  car,  to  their  first  home  loan,  to 
saving for retirement. 

Over the course of those 100 years, we have undergone many 
changes.  Today,  we  are  a  significantly  more  diverse 
organisation. From our relatively humble beginnings we are now 
a  global  banking  organisation,  with  a  strong  and  growing 
presence outside this country in New Zealand, Asia and around 
the world.  

In  that  time,  we  have  faced  many  challenges,  the  most  recent 
and perhaps most significant of these being the Global Financial 
Crisis.  

As has always been the case, this organisation not only met this 
challenge, but emerged from it a stronger organisation than we 
have ever been. 

The current operating environment poses its own challenges, its 
own set of problems and issues.  

The  message  I  would  like  to  leave  you  with  is  that  I  am 
extremely  confident  that as an  organisation  we are  well placed 
to  meet  these  challenges,  and  continue  to  deliver  consistently 
strong returns to you, our shareholders.  

Ralph Norris 

Chief Executive Officer 

10 August 2011 

10 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Performance Highlights 

Net Profit after
Income Tax
Statutory basis
Cash basis

Full Year Ended

Half Year Ended

30/06/11 30/06/10 30/06/11 31/12/10

$M

6,394

6,835

$M

5,664

6,101

$M

3,342

3,500

$M

3,052

3,335

The  Group’s  net  profit  after  tax  (“statutory  basis”)  for  the  year 
ended  30  June  2011  was  $6,394  million,  up  13%  on  the  prior 
year.  

Return on equity (“statutory basis”) was 18.4% and Earnings per 
share  (“statutory  basis”)  was  411.2  cents,  up  12%  on  the  prior 
year. 

The  Management  Discussion  and  Analysis  discloses  the  net 
profit after tax on both a “statutory basis” and a “cash basis”. The 
statutory basis is prepared in accordance with the Corporations 
Act  2001  and  the  Australian  Accounting  Standards,  which 
comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). 
The cash basis is used by management to present a clear view 
of the Group’s underlying operating results, excluding a number 
of items that introduce volatility and/or one off distortions of the 
Group’s  current  period  performance.  These  items,  such  as 
hedging and IFRS volatility, are calculated consistently year on 
year  and  do  not  discriminate  between  positive  and  negative 
adjustments.  A  complete  list  of  items  excluded  from  statutory 
profit  is  provided  in  the  reconciliation  of  the  Net  profit  after  tax 
(“cash  basis”)  on  page  12  and  described  in  greater  detail  on 
page 18. 

This result was achieved in a challenging environment where the 
impacts of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) continue to linger. 
Credit growth remains at historic lows, business and consumer 
confidence is fragile and there is significant uncertainty in global 
markets.  

Despite  these  difficult  conditions,  the  Group,  with  its  well 
managed,  diversified  business  model  and  strong  and  stable 
financial  platform,  has  delivered  another  solid  result.  This  has 
been  supported  by  a  continued  disciplined  approach  to  the 
execution  of  the  Group’s  five  strategic  priorities  and  prudent 
management in uncertain times.  

Operating income growth  was impacted  by  a low  credit  growth 
environment, strong competition, particularly in the home lending 
and deposit markets, together with difficult trading conditions for 
the Markets and Wealth businesses. 

Operating  expenses  were  managed  tightly,  laying  the  platform 
for continued investment in the business, including the effective 
execution  of  the  Core  Banking  initiative  which  is  now  past  the 
half  way  stage,  having  achieved  significant  milestones  during 
the year. 

Impairment  expense  continued  to  decrease  as  credit  quality 
gradually improved however some of the Group’s customers are 
finding  business  conditions  challenging.  The  Group  has 
maintained a conservative approach to provisioning. 

Net  profit  after  tax  (“cash  basis”)  for  the  year  ended  30  June 
2011 was $6,835 million, which represented an increase of 12% 
on the prior year.  

Cash  earnings  per  share  increased  11%  to  438.7  cents  per 
share.  

Return on Equity (“cash basis”) for the year ended 30 June 2011 
was  19.5%,  up  80  basis  points  on  the  prior  year,  reflecting 
increased profitability and effective capital management. 

Performance highlights include:  

• 

“Bank  of the  Year” in the 2011 Money  Magazine  Awards, 
for the second year in a row; 

Highlights 

• 

• 

• 

Awarded the “Australian Financial Institution of the Year – 
Major Banks” at the 2011 Australian Banking and Finance 
Awards;  
Continued  investment  in  the  business,  including  the  Core 
Banking  Modernisation 
initiative  with  customers  now 
enjoying the benefits of real time banking; and 
The Group achieved a major milestone when its first teams 
began  working  out  of  new  state-of-the-art  buildings  in 
Sydney’s  Darling  Harbour.  This  facility  will  be  home  to 
approximately 6,300 staff by early next year. 

Capital and Funding 

The Group maintained a strong capital position and remains one 
of a handful of global banks with a AA credit rating. The Tier One 
capital ratio was 10.01%, up 86 basis points over the year. 

The Group remains well funded which has enabled it to provide 
ongoing  support  to  customers.  Strong  deposit  growth  coupled 
with subdued system credit growth has seen the Group satisfy a 
significant  proportion  of its  funding  requirements  from domestic 
deposits. 

Customer  deposits  made  up  61%  of  the  Group’s  total  funding 
source  at  30  June  2011,  up  from  58%  in  the  prior  year. 
Customer deposits increased $26 billion to $349 billion. 

Recent  initiatives  by  global  regulators  have  helped  to  clarify 
future  capital  and  liquidity  requirements  for  the  Australian 
banking  industry.  The  G-20  and  Basel  III  initiatives  regarding 
capital are manageable within the timeframes however the new 
liquidity rules require further clarification. 

The Group remains actively involved in the consultation process, 
working  closely  with  other 
the 
regulators. 

industry  participants  and 

Dividends 

The final dividend declared was $1.88 per share, up 11% on the 
prior year. The total dividend for the year to 30 June 2011 was 
$3.20, taking the dividend payout ratio (“cash basis”) to 73.2%. 

The final dividend payment will be fully franked and will be paid 
on 6 October 2011 to owners of ordinary shares at the close of 
business  on  19  August  2011  (“record  date”).  Shares  will  be 
quoted ex–dividend on 15 August 2011.  

Outlook 

The  2011  financial  year  has  been  a  challenging  one  for  the 
Group  and  many  of  its  customers.  While  the  resources  sector 
has continued to perform well, many other parts of the economy 
have  been  impacted  by  a  range  of  headwinds  including  fragile 
consumer  confidence,  political  uncertainty,  a  high  Australian 
dollar and natural disasters. 

Ongoing  offshore  instability,  often  flowing  from  the  GFC, 
continues to impact the domestic economy and has the potential 
to place further upward pressure on wholesale funding costs for 
the domestic banking industry. 

The  2011  financial  year  has  been  characterised  by  subdued 
system credit growth and intense competition. At this stage there 
is  nothing  to  suggest  that  the  2012  financial  year  will  see  any 
material improvement nor is it clear what the catalyst will be for a 
meaningful revival in consumer and corporate confidence which 
is prerequisite to stronger demand for credit. 

initiatives  which  will 

Against  this  backdrop  the  Group  will  continue  to  operate  in  a 
disciplined  and  prudent  manner  with  a  focus  on  driving 
sustainable 
productivity 
improvements in  business  performance.  The  Group’s priority is 
to maintain a robust and stable financial and operating platform, 
which  will  enable  us  to  support  our  customers  and  provide 
superior returns to shareholders. 

deliver 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

11 

 
 
Highlights 

Group Performance
Summary
Net interest income

Other banking income
Total banking income
Funds management income

Insurance income
Total operating income
Investment experience
Total income
Operating expenses

Loan impairment expense
Net profit before tax
Corporate tax expense (1)
Non-controlling interests (2)
Net profit after tax 
("cash basis")
Hedging and IFRS volatility

Bankwest non-cash items
Tax on NZ structured finance 
transactions
Other non-cash items
Net profit after tax 
("statutory basis")

Represented by: 
Retail Banking Services (3)
Business and Private Banking (3)
Institutional Banking and Markets (3)
Wealth Management

New Zealand

Bankwest
Other (3)
Net profit after tax ("cash basis")

Investment experience - after tax
Net profit after tax 
("underlying basis")

Full Year Ended

Half Year Ended

Statutory

Full Year Ended

30/06/11

30/06/10

Jun 11 vs

30/06/11

31/12/10

Jun 11 vs

30/06/11 Jun 11  vs

$M Dec 10 %

$M 

Jun 10 %

$M

12,658

3,983

16,641

2,041

856

19,538

121

19,659

(8,891)

(1,280)

9,488

(2,637)

(16)

6,835

(265)

(147)

-

(29)

$M Jun 10 %

11,868

4,112

15,980

1,898

945

18,823

236

19,059

(8,601)

(2,075)

8,383

(2,266)

(16)

6,101

17

(216)

(171)

(67)

7

(3)

4

8

(9)

4

(49)

3

3

(38)

13

16

-

12

large

(32)

large

(57)

$M

6,488

1,924

8,412

1,024

398

9,834

86

9,920

(4,483)

(558)

4,879

(1,372)

(7)

3,500

(49)

(99)

-

(10)

6,170

2,059

8,229

1,017

458

9,704

35

9,739

(4,408)

(722)

4,609

(1,265)

(9)

3,335

(216)

(48)

-

(19)

6,394

5,664

13

3,342

3,052

2,845

1,039

1,004

642

470

463

372

6,835

(81)

2,461

898

1,173

718

388

(45)

508

6,101

(178)

6,754

5,923

16

16

(14)

(11)

21

large

(27)

12

(54)

14

1,453

1,392

532

506

283

236

239

251

507

498

359

234

224

121

3,500

(52)

3,335

(29)

3,448

3,306

12,607

3,630

16,237

2,042

1,118

19,397

n/a

19,397

(9,060)

(1,280)

9,057

(2,647)

(16)

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

6,394

6

(14)

1

6

(9)

1

n/a

1

4

(46)

11

5

-

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

13

5

(7)

2

1

(13)

1

large

2

2

(23)

6

8

(22)

5

(77)

large

-

(47)

10

4

5

2

(21)

1

7

large

5

79

4

(1) For purposes of presentation, Policyholder tax expense components of Corporate tax expense are shown on a net basis (30 June 2011: $166 million, 30 June 2010: 

$130 million and for the half years ended 30 June 2011: $66 million and 31 December 2010: $100 million).  

(2) Non-controlling interests include preference dividends paid to holders of preference shares in ASB Capital Limited and ASB Capital No.2 Limited. 

(3) Comparatives have been restated for the impact of business resegmentation. 

Group Return on Equity 

Group Return on Assets 

21.5%

21.7%

20.4%

18.8%

18.7%

19.5%

15.8%

1.1%

383

4.1

352

3.5

646

668

620

1.0%

6.8

488

6.1

440

4.5

4.7

4.4

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

ROE - Cash (%)

Total Assets ($bn)

Cash NPAT ($bn)

ROA - Cash (%)

12 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Highlights 

Shareholder Summary
Dividends per share - fully franked (cents) 

Dividend cover - cash (times)

Earnings per share (cents)

Statutory basis - basic 

Cash basis - basic 

Dividend payout ratio (%)

Statutory basis

Cash basis 

Weighted average no. of shares - statutory basic (M)

Weighted average no. of shares - cash basic (M)

Return on equity - cash (%)

Full Year Ended

Half Year Ended

Jun 11 vs

Jun 11 vs

30/06/11

30/06/10

Jun 10 %

30/06/11

31/12/10

Dec 10 %

320

1. 4

411. 2

438. 7

78. 3

73. 2

1,545

1,548

19. 5

290

1. 4

367. 9

395. 5

79. 7

73. 9

1,527

1,531

18. 7

10

-

12

11

(140)bpts

(70)bpts

1

1

80 bpts

188

1. 2

214. 7

224. 4

88. 2

84. 2

1,547

1,551

20. 0

132

1. 6

196. 5

214. 3

67. 5

61. 7

1,542

1,546

19. 2

42

(25)

9

5

large

large

-

-

80 bpts

Credit Ratings 

Fitch Ratings 
Moody’s Investor Services (1) 
Standard & Poor's 

Long–term 
AA 
Aa2 
AA 

Short–term 
F1+ 
P-1 
A-1+ 

Outlook 
Stable 
Stable 
Stable 

(1) On 18 May 2011, Moody’s Investor Services downgraded the long-term credit ratings of the Bank along with the other three major Australian banks. 

Market Share Percentage
Home loans
Credit cards (1) (2)
Personal lending (APRA and other Household) (3)
Household deposits
Retail deposits (1) (4)
Business Lending - APRA
Business Lending - RBA (1)
Business Deposits - APRA

Asset Finance

Equities trading
Australian Retail - administrator view (1) (5)
FirstChoice Platform (1) (5)
Australia (total risk) (1) (5)
Australia (individual risk) (1) (5)
NZ Lending for housing

NZ Retail Deposits
NZ Lending to business (1)
NZ Retail FUM (1)
NZ Annual inforce premiums

As at

30/06/11

31/12/10

30/06/10

%

25. 7

22. 6

14. 9

30. 0

26. 9

18. 1

17. 0

21. 2

14. 8

5. 9

15. 0

11. 3

12. 4

13. 3

22. 2

21. 4

9. 1

14. 4

29. 9

%

25. 9

22. 7

14. 6

30. 5

26. 7

18. 6

17. 2

21. 3

14. 6

5. 7

15. 0

11. 2

12. 5

13. 3

22. 4

21. 2

9. 2

14. 5

30. 3

%

26. 1

22. 5

14. 6

31. 3

27. 4

19. 5

17. 4

22. 9

14. 3

6. 3

14. 6

10. 9

12. 6

13. 3

22. 8

21. 6

9. 5

17. 9

31. 0

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

(2) As at 31 May 2011. 

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

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

(5) As at 31 March 2011. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Highlights 

Key Performance Indicators

Group
Cash profit after tax ($M)

Net interest margin (%)
Average interest earning assets ($M) (1)
Average interest bearing liabilities ($M) (1)
Funds management income to average FUA (%) 

Funds Under Administration (FUA) - average ($M) 
Insurance income to average inforce 
premiums (%) 
Average inforce premiums ($M) 

Operating expenses to total operating income (%)

Effective corporate tax rate (%) 

Retail Banking Services (2)
Cash net profit after tax ($M)

Operating expenses to total banking income (%)

Business and Private Banking (2)
Cash net profit after tax ($M)

Operating expenses to total banking income (%)

Institutional Banking and Markets (2)
Cash net profit after tax ($M)

Operating expenses to total banking income (%)

Wealth Management
Cash profit after tax ($M)

FUA - average ($M)

Average inforce premiums ($M) 

Funds management income to average FUA (%)

Insurance income to average inforce premiums (%)
Operating expenses to net operating income (%) (3)

New Zealand
Cash profit after tax ($M)

FUA - average ($M) 

Average inforce premiums ($M)

Funds management income to average FUA (%) 

Insurance income to average inforce premiums (%)

Operating expenses to total operating income (%)

Bankwest
Cash net profit after tax ($M)

Operating expenses to total banking income (%)

Capital Adequacy  
Common Equity (%)

Tier One (%)

Total Capital (%)

Full Year Ended

Half Year Ended

Jun 11 vs

Jun 11 vs

30/06/11

30/06/10

Jun 10 %

30/06/11

31/12/10

Dec 10 %

6,835
2. 19

576,369

538,843
1. 04

196,254

41. 5

2,063

45. 5

27. 8

2,845

38. 7

1,039

43. 7

1,004

33. 6

6,101
2. 13

553,735

521,338
1. 02

186,418

47. 1

2,005

45. 7

27. 0

2,461

39. 5

12
6 bpts

4

3
2 bpts

5

large

3

(20)bpts

80 bpts

16

(80)bpts

898

44. 9

16

(120)bpts

1,173

32. 0

(14)

160 bpts

3,500
2. 25

578,982

540,772
1. 04

198,851

39. 2

2,050

45. 6

28. 1

1,453

38. 6

532

44. 3

506

34. 2

3,335
2. 12

573,800

536,948
1. 04

194,011

44. 9

2,022

45. 4

27. 4

1,392

38. 7

507

43. 2

498

32. 9

642

718

188,866

179,802

283

359

191,252

186,849

(11)

5

3
4 bpts

(470)bpts

150 bpts

21

12

4
(16)bpts

(240)bpts

(210)bpts

1,572
1. 01

43. 5

60. 1

388

6,616

433
0. 70

49. 2

53. 2

(45)

56. 1

large

(310)bpts

6. 86

9. 15
11. 49

80 bpts

86 bpts
21 bpts

1,608
1. 05

35. 7

65. 6

236

7,599

442
0. 53

47. 9

51. 3

239

52. 3

7. 66

10. 01
11. 70

1,612
1. 05

38. 8

61. 6

470

7,388

451
0. 54

46. 8

51. 1

463

53. 0

7. 66

10. 01
11. 70

5
13 bpts

1

1
-

2

large

1

20 bpts

70 bpts

4

(10)bpts

5

110 bpts

2

130 bpts

(21)

2

2
1 bpt  

large

large

1

6

-
(2)bpts

30 bpts

30 bpts

1,580
1. 04

42. 7

57. 7

234

7,162

442
0. 55

47. 6

51. 0

224

53. 7

7

(140)bpts

7. 35

9. 71
11. 50

31 bpts

30 bpts
20 bpts

(1)  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. 

(2) Comparatives have been restated for the impact of business resegmentation. 

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

14 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
Financial Performance and Business Review 

The Group’s net profit after tax (“cash basis”) for the year ended 
30  June  2011  was  $6,835  million,  which  represented  a  12% 
increase on the prior year. 

Earnings  per  share  (“cash  basis”)  increased  11%  on  the  prior 
year  to  438.7  cents  per  share,  whilst  Return  on  equity  (“cash 
basis”) increased 80 basis points to 19.5%. 

This  solid  result  was  achieved  in  an  environment  where  the 
impacts of the GFC continue to linger. Credit growth remains at 
historic  lows,  business  and  consumer  confidence  is  fragile  and 
there  is  significant  uncertainty  in  global  markets.  Despite  the 
challenging market conditions, effective execution of the Group’s 
five strategic priorities has driven a sound financial performance. 
The result was characterised by: 

• 

Net  interest  income  increased  7%  to  $12,658  million, 
reflecting  a  six  basis  point  increase  in  net  interest  margin 
and 4% growth in average interest earning assets; 

• 

•  Other banking income declined  3% to $3,983 million, with 
reduced  retail  fees  and  commissions,  lower  CommSec 
brokerage  and  Markets  trading  income  partly  offset  by 
higher  bills  income  and  improved  Treasury  earnings 
derived  through  management  of  short  dated  interest  rate 
exposures; 
Funds  management  income  increased  8%  to  $2,041 
million,  supported  by  a  5%  increase  in  average  funds 
under administration and stronger investment performance, 
partly offset by the appreciation of the Australian dollar; 
Insurance  income  declined  9%  to  $856  million,  partly 
reflecting the sale of the  St  Andrew’s insurance business. 
After  adjusting  for  the  sale  of  St  Andrew’s,  insurance 
income  decreased  4%  due  to  higher  claims  in  the 
wholesale and retail life businesses; 

• 

•  Operating  expenses  increased  3%  on  the  prior  year  to 
$8,891 million,  with 1%  of the growth driven by continued 
investment  in  projects  supporting  the  Group’s  strategic 
investment 
priorities.  Operating  expenses,  excluding 
expenses, increased 2% reflecting the Group’s disciplined 
approach  and  continued  focus  on  productivity  initiatives 
which have delivered operational efficiencies; and 
Impairment  expense  decreased  38%  to  $1,280  million, 
related 
mainly 
impairments. 

lower  Bankwest  property 

reflecting 

• 

The  Group’s  net  profit  after  tax  (“cash  basis”)  for  the  half  year 
ended  30  June  2011 
the  prior  half, 
underpinned  by  a  13  basis  point  improvement  in  net  interest 
margin and lower loan impairment expense. 

increased  5%  on 

More  comprehensive  disclosure  of  performance  highlights  by 
key business segments is contained on pages 22-40. 

Net Interest Income 

Net  interest  income  increased  by  7%  on  the  prior  year  to 
$12,658 million. This was a result of growth in average interest 
earning  assets  of  4% 
together  with  a  six  basis  point 
improvement in net interest margin to 2.19%. 

Net interest income increased by 5% on the prior half driven by 
average  interest  earning  assets  growth  of  1%  and  a  13  basis 
point improvement in net interest margin.  

Group Performance Analysis 

Average Interest Earning Assets 

Average interest earning assets increased by $22 billion on the 
prior  year  to  $576  billion,  reflecting  a  $12  billion  increase  in 
average  lending  interest  earning  assets  and  a  $10  billion 
increase in average non-lending interest earning assets. 

loan  average  balances,  excluding 

Home 
impact  of 
securitisation,  increased  by  $20  billion  or  7%  since  30  June 
2010 to $318 billion. 

the 

Average balances for business and corporate lending decreased 
by  $8 billion  since  30  June  2010 to  $150 billion, largely  due  to 
institutional clients deleveraging their balance sheets, a strategic 
shift  away  from  higher  risk  property  and  complex  lending  in 
Bankwest and the impact of the strengthening Australian dollar 
on foreign currency denominated loans. 

Average non-lending interest earning assets have increased $10 
billion since  30 June  2010  due to  higher levels of liquid assets 
driven  by  balance  sheet  growth  and  in  anticipation  of  future 
regulatory requirements. 

Average Interest Earning Assets ($M) 

553,735

4%

76,866

576,369

87,161

476,869

489,208

Jun 10

Jun 11

Lending Interest Earning Assets

Non-Lending Interest Earning Assets

Net Interest Margin 

The  Group’s  net  interest  margin  increased  six  basis  points 
compared to the prior year to 2.19%. The Australian contribution 
to  Group  net  interest  margin  (which  excludes  the  IFRS 
reclassification  and  New  Zealand)  decreased  one  basis  point. 
The key drivers were: 

Asset  pricing  and  mix:  Increase  in  margin  of  five  basis  points, 
reflecting  the  impact  of  repricing  on  home  loans  (six  basis 
points)  and  personal  loans  (one  basis  point),  partly  offset  by  a 
reduction  in  business  lending  margins  (one  basis  point).  The 
solid  growth  in  home  loans  relative  to  business  lending,  which 
has a higher average margin, resulted in a negative mix impact 
(one basis point). 

Deposit pricing and mix: Decrease of two basis points as market 
competition  for  retail  deposits  continues  to  impact  Investment 
account  margins  (one  basis  point).  In  addition,  the  favourable 
impact  of  the  increasing  cash  rate  environment  on  transaction 
and savings account margins has been offset by a reduction in 
replicating portfolio benefit and ongoing market competition (one 
basis point). 

Treasury  and  other:  Decrease  of  four  basis  points  driven  by 
holding higher levels of non-lending interest earning assets. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

15 

 
 
 
 
 
2.03%

2.04%

2.15%

Funds Management Income 

Group Performance Analysis 

NIM movement since June 2010 

(1) bpt

0.05%

(0.02%)

(0.04%)

0.04%

0.03%

2.30%

2.20%

2.10%

2.00%

2.13%

2.12%

2.19%

1.90%

Jun 10

Asset

Deposits
(incl. 
Replicating
Portf olio)

Treasury
& Other

Sub-total

New
Zealand

(1)

IFRS

Jun 11

The New Zealand contribution to Group net interest margin has 
increased  three  basis  points  compared  to  30  June  2010.  This 
reflected a shift in portfolio mix as customers switched from fixed 
to variable rate home loans together with repricing initiatives.  

Group NIM (Half Year Ended) 

2.08%

2.12%

2.25%

IFRS (1)

Underlying

2.18%

2.13%

2.30%

2.10%

1.90%

1.70%

1.50%

Dec 09

Jun 10

Dec 10

Jun11

Over the last six months, net interest margin increased 13 basis 
points compared to the prior half to 2.25%. Excluding the IFRS 
reclassification(1),  the  underlying  net  interest  margin  for  the 
Group increased 11 basis points. This was mainly due to asset 
repricing (seven basis points). 

Other Banking Income 

Full Year Ended

Half Year Ended

30/06/11 30/06/10 30/06/11 31/12/10

$M

1,946

1,467

717

351

$M

2,006

1,435

597

333

$M

961

760

291

183

$M

985

707

426

168

4,481

4,371

2,195

2,286

(498)

(259)

(271)

(227)

3,983

4,112

1,924

2,059

Commissions

Lending fees

Trading income

Other income

IFRS reclassification 
of net swap costs (1)

Other banking 
income

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

Excluding the impact of IFRS reclassification of net swap costs, 
other banking income increased 3% on the prior year to $4,481 
million. 

16 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

Factors impacting other banking income were: 

• 

• 

• 

Commissions:  decreased  3%  on  the  prior  year  to  $1,946 
million.  This  was  primarily  driven  by  lower  dishonour 
exception  fees,  customer  migration  to  lower  fee  products 
and lower contract note volumes in CommSec; 
Lending  fees:  increased  2%  on  the  prior  year  to  $1,467 
million. This was driven by higher commercial bill income, 
partially  offset  by  lower  early  repayment  and  overdrawn 
exception fees; 
Trading income: increased 20% on the prior year to $717 
million.  This  was  due  to  improved  Treasury  earnings 
relating  to  the  management  of  short  dated  interest  rate 
exposures,  partly offset by lower  Institutional  Banking  and 
Markets  earnings  impacted  by  a  challenging  environment 
characterised  by  lower  domestic  volatility,  flattening  yield 
curves and narrowing credit spreads; and 

•  Other  income:  increased  5%  on  the  prior  year  to  $351 

million mainly due to higher leasing fee income. 

Excluding  the  impact  of  the  IFRS  reclassification  of  net  swap 
costs,  other  banking  income  decreased  4%  on  the  prior  half. 
This  was  mainly  driven  by  lower  Markets  income  following 
together  with  a 
continued  challenging  market  conditions 
decrease in the counterparty fair value adjustment.  

Full Year Ended

Half Year Ended

30/06/11 30/06/10 30/06/11 31/12/10

$M

907

860

208

66

$M

789

811

224

74

$M

458

434

101

31

$M

449

426

107

35

2,041

1,898

1,024

1,017

CFS GAM

Colonial First State

CommInsure
New Zealand and 
Other
Funds 
management 
income

Funds  Management  income  increased  8%  on  the  prior  year  to 
$2,041 million. This outcome was supported by a 5% increase in 
average  funds  under  administration  (FUA)  to  $196  billion. 
Internationally  sourced  fund  flows  were  solid  and  FirstChoice 
and  FirstWrap  attracted  their  share  of  net  flows  ahead  of 
system.  

Investment  performance  was  solid  but  impacted  by  difficult 
market conditions, particularly through the quarter leading up to 
30 June 2011. Base fee contributions were higher as a result of 
improved  business  mix.  This  was  partially  offset  by  the 
continued strengthening of the Australian dollar. 

Funds  management  income  to  average  FUA  increased  by  two 
basis  points  to  1.04%  compared  to  the  prior  year,  mainly 
reflecting improved business mix. 

Funds management income increased 1% compared to the prior 
half. Average FUA growth was 2%, with investment performance 
being  subdued  and 
to 
appreciate. 

the  Australian  dollar  continuing 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance Income 

Loan Impairment Expense 

Group Performance Analysis 

Loan  impairment  expense  for  the  year  was  $1,280  million, 
representing  25  basis  points  of  average  gross  loans  and 
acceptances. Loan impairment expense decreased 38% on the 
prior year, largely driven by: 

• 

• 

• 

A  significant  reduction  in  Bankwest’s  loan  impairment 
expense  following  the  detailed  review  and  increased 
provisioning  of  the  business  banking  portfolio  in  the  prior 
year; 
Improved  average  arrears  rates  in  the  unsecured  retail 
portfolio in this financial year resulting in a lower collective 
provision charge for these portfolios; and 

Improvement  in  ASB’s  loan  impairment  expense  in  line 
with the improvement of the economic environment in New 
Zealand.  This  improvement  has  been  partially  offset  by 
provisions  set  aside  to  assist  customers  impacted  by  the 
Christchurch earthquakes. 

Half Year Impairment Expense (annualised) as a % of 
Average Gross Loans and Acceptances 

0.61%

0.55%

0.28%

0.28%

0.22%

Jun 09

Dec 09

Jun 10

Dec 10

Jun 11

Provisions for Impairment 

The  Group  maintains  a  prudent  and  conservative  approach  to 
provisioning,  with  total  provisions  for  impairment  losses  of 
$5,168  million  as  at  30  June  2011,  which  is  a  5%  reduction 
compared  to  30  June  2010.  The  current  level  of  provision 
reflects: 

• 

• 

• 

A  reduction  of  Bankwest  provisions  as  pre-acquisition 
troublesome or impaired loans run off, and the credit quality 
of new loans improve; 
Increased CBA individually assessed provisions associated 
with  new  impaired  loans  as  the  conservative  coverage  of 
impaired loans continues; and 

A decline in management overlay as the modelled overlay 
reduced  in  line  with  the  reduction  in  the  base  collective 
provisions. This was partly offset by a slight increase in the 
economic overlay. 

Full Year Ended

Half Year Ended

30/06/11 30/06/10 30/06/11 31/12/10

$M

625

231

856

-

856

$M

630

261

891

54

945

$M

285

113

398

-

398

$M

340

118

458

-

458

CommInsure 
New Zealand and 
Other

St Andrew's 
Insurance
Insurance 
income

Insurance  income  decreased  9%  on  the  prior  year  to  $856 
million. On 1 July 2010 the Group completed the sale of the St 
Andrew’s  insurance  business.  Excluding  St  Andrew’s  from  the 
prior year, insurance income decreased by 4%. This result was 
impacted  by  higher  claims  in  the  wholesale  and  retail  life 
businesses.  The  general  insurance  business  saw  improved 
performance  with  inforce  premium  growth  of  7%  together  with 
improved claims despite the impact of severe weather events.  

Insurance  income  decreased  13%  compared  to  the  prior  half. 
While inforce premiums increased 4%, the result was impacted 
by higher life insurance claims. 

Operating Expenses 

Operating  expenses  increased  3%  on  the  prior  year  to  $8,891 
million. Of this increase, 1% was driven by continued investment 
in  projects  supporting  the  Group’s  strategic  priorities,  including 
the Core Banking Modernisation initiative. Operating expenses, 
excluding investment expenses, increased only 2% on the prior 
year.  This  reflects  the  Group’s  continued  focus  on  productivity 
initiatives which have delivered operational efficiencies. This was 
offset  by  inflation-related  salary  increases,  investment  in  staff 
(with  full  time  equivalent  employees  increasing  by  2%)  and 
higher  defined  benefit  superannuation  plan  expense  (30  June 
2011: $137 million; 30 June 2010: $103 million).  

Operating  expenses  increased  2%  on  the  prior  half  mainly 
driven by higher technology expenses. 

Group Expense to Income Ratio 

The expense to income ratio decreased by 20 basis points over 
the  prior  year  to  45.5%.  Whilst  income  growth  has  slowed,  the 
Group  maintained  a  continued  focus  on  technology  and 
operational efficiencies. 

47.0%

44.0%

41.0%

38.0%

45.7%

45.5%

41.4%

41.1%

Jun 10

Jun 11

Group expense to income ratio

Banking expense to income ratio

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Performance Analysis 

Collective  Provisions

Individual Provisions

3,461

3,327

1,192 

1,211 

758 

830 

681 

704 

782 

630 

3,043

1,049 

598 

808 

588 

1,992

956 

116 

920 

2,169

2,125

922 

139 

1,108 

979 

177 

969 

Jun 10

Dec 10

Jun 11

Jun 10

Dec 10

Jun 11

Overlay

Bankwest

Consumer

Commercial

Taxation Expense 

The corporate tax expense was $2,637 million, representing an 
effective tax rate of 27.8%. 

The effective tax rate is below the Australian company tax rate of 
30%  primarily  as  a  result  of  the  profit  earned  by  the  offshore 
banking unit and offshore jurisdictions that have lower corporate 
tax rates. 

Non-cash items included in statutory profit 

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 
and are treated consistently with prior period disclosures. 

Hedging and IFRS volatility 

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

• 

• 

cross  currency 
currency denominated debt issues; and 

interest  rate  swaps  hedging 

foreign 

foreign  exchange  hedges  relating  to  future  New  Zealand 
earnings. 

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

Fair value gains or losses on all of 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  $265  million  after  tax  loss  was 
recognised  in  statutory  profit  for  the  year  ended  30  June  2011 
(2010: $17 million gain). 

Bankwest non-cash items 

Integration expenses: As part of the acquisition of Bankwest, the 
Group  has  incurred  $246  million  of  integration  expenses  since 
acquisition.  A  $66  million  after  tax  expense  was  recognised  in 
the year ended 30 June 2011 (2010: $29 million expense). 

These  items  are  not  recognised  in  cash  profit  as  they  are  not 
representative  of 
financial 
performance. 

the  Group’s  expected  ongoing 

18 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

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.  An  $81 
million after tax  expense  was  recognised in the  year  ended  30 
June 2011 (2010: $25 million gain). 

Loan impairment: In the prior year, a $212 million after tax loan 
impairment  expense  was  recognised  relating  to  Bankwest  pre-
acquisition  loans.  This  non-cash  treatment  was  consistent  with 
the treatment of the gain on acquisition of Bankwest. 

Tax on NZ structured finance transactions 

A $171 million tax expense on New Zealand structured finance 
transactions  was  recognised  in  the  prior  year  representing  a 
significant one-off impact from an adverse tax ruling which ASB 
Bank  and  the  New  Zealand  Commissioner  of  Inland  Revenue 
settled in December 2009.  

Gains/losses on disposal of controlled entities/investments 

The statutory profit for the current year includes a $7 million after 
tax loss mainly representing the loss on sale of the St Andrew’s 
insurance  business  (2010:  $23  million  after  tax  loss  from  the 
disposal of the Group’s Fiji operations and sale of Visa shares). 

Treasury shares valuation adjustment 

in  cash  profit 

Under  IFRS,  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 
the  underlying 
recognised 
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 
$22 million after tax gain was included in cash profit in the year 
ended 30 June 2011 (2010: $44 million gain). 

representing 

Policyholder tax 

Policyholder tax is included in the Wealth Management business 
results  for  statutory  reporting  purposes.  In  the  year  ended  30 
June 2011, tax expense of $166 million (2010: $130 million tax 
expense), funds management income of $62 million (2010: $50 
million income) and insurance income of $104 million (2010: $80 
million income) was recognised. 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. 

Core Banking Modernisation 

Gross  investment  spend  remained  strong  during  the  year  at 
$1,179 million, with the primary focus being on the Core Banking 
Modernisation  (CBM)  initiative.  The  CBM  initiative  continues  to 
make significant progress. Highlights over the year include the: 

• 

• 

• 

Launch  of  new  retail  savings  and  transaction  account 
functionality, with over 1.2 million new accounts opened on 
the new platform; 
Successful  migration  of  10  million  retail  savings  and 
transaction accounts onto the new platform, allowing these 
customers  to  enjoy  the  benefits  of  real  time  banking  and 
providing  the  organisation  with  streamlined  customer 
centric processes; and 

Development of business savings and transaction account 
functionality. 

 
 
 
 
Group Performance Analysis 

The 2012 financial year will see the launch of business savings 
and  transaction  account  functionality  and  migration  of  an 
additional  one  million  business  savings  and 
transaction 
accounts  onto 
In  addition,  SAP  will  be 
the  platform. 
implemented  as  the  primary  customer  solution  for  the  Group, 
with  the  existing  customer  system  decommissioned.  Planning 
for  the  lending  phases  of  the  initiative  has  begun,  with 
development commencing in the 2012 financial year. 

Credit Quality 

During  the  year  ended  30  June  2011,  the  credit  quality  of  the 
business and corporate portfolios gradually improved. The retail 
portfolios  arrears  improved  over  the  first  half,  however  there 
were some increases in arrears over the second half of the year. 

Home  loan  arrears  reduced  over  the  first  half  of  the  year,  but 
that  trend  reversed  over  the  second  half  with  30+  day  arrears 
increasing over the full year from 1.90% to 2.08% and 90+ day 
arrears increasing from 1.02% to 1.17%. The increase in arrears 
is due to loans originated in 2008 and early 2009, along with the 
impact from some home owners finding it difficult to service their 
higher monthly  payments  arising from increasing interest  rates. 
The  increase  in  arrears  also  reflects  assistance  provided  to 
customers for natural disasters.  

Unsecured retail arrears improved substantially over the first half 
of the year but experienced some deterioration over the second 
half. Credit Card 30+ days arrears fell from 3.09% to 2.99% over 
the year, and 90+ days arrears increased slightly from 1.14% to 
1.20%.  Personal  Loans  showed  significant  improvement  over 
the year with 30+ day arrears falling from 3.69% to 3.07% and 
90+ days arrears falling from 1.52% to 1.26%. 

The CBA commercial and institutional portfolio improved during 
the  year  with  more  upgrades  than  downgrades.  In  addition, 
troublesome  assets  reduced  and  impaired  assets  remained 
stable throughout the year.  

In  New  Zealand,  asset  quality  continued  to  improve  with  the 
broader economy. 

Gross impaired assets were $5,297 million as at 30 June 2011, 
broadly  in  line  with  30  June  2010.  Gross  impaired  assets  as  a 
proportion of Gross Loans and Acceptances of 1.02% remained 
stable compared to 30 June 2010. The impaired asset portfolio 
remains well provisioned with provision coverage of 40.12%. 

Loans  90  days  past  due  but  not  impaired  have  increased  to 
0.73% of gross loans and acceptances, from 0.65% at 30 June 
2010.  

Other Credit Quality Metrics
Gross loans and acceptances ($M)

Risk weighted assets (RWA) ($M)

Credit risk weighted assets ($M)

Gross impaired assets ($M)

Net impaired assets ($M)

Collective provision as a % of risk weighted assets

Total provision as a % of credit risk weighted assets
Collective provision as a % of gross loans and 
acceptances
Individually assessed provisions for impairment as a 
% of gross impaired assets
Impairment expense annualised as a % of average 
RWA - cash basis (1)
Impairment expense annualised as a % of average 
gross loans and acceptances - cash basis (2)

Full Year Ended

Half Year Ended

Jun 11 vs

Jun 11 vs

30/06/11

30/06/10

Jun 10 %

30/06/11

31/12/10

Dec 10 %

518,075

281,711

246,742

5,297

3,172
1. 08

2. 09

0. 59

512,838

290,821

256,763

5,216

3,224
1. 19

2. 12

1

(3)

(4)

2

(2)
(11)bpts

(3)bpts

0. 67

(8)bpts

518,075

281,711

246,742

5,297

3,172
1. 08

2. 09

0. 59

509,779

285,563

244,608

5,184

3,015
1. 17

2. 25

2

(1)

1

2

5
(9)bpts

(16)bpts

0. 65

(6)bpts

40. 12

38. 19

193 bpts

40. 12

41. 84

(172)bpts

0. 45

0. 25

0. 71

(26)bpts

0. 41

(16)bpts

0. 40

0. 22

0. 50

(10)bpts

0. 28

(6)bpts

(1) Impairment expense as a percentage of average RWA including the Bankwest non-cash loan impairment expense of $304 million was 0.81% for the year ended 30 

June 2010. 

(2) Impairment expense 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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

19 

 
 
  
Interest bearing deposits 

Interest bearing deposits increased by $26 billion to $392 billion 
as at 30 June 2011, a 7% increase on the prior year. 

Targeted  campaigns  in  a  highly  competitive  market  resulted  in 
growth of $19 billion in investment deposits, representing a 12% 
increase on the prior year. Transaction deposits increased 8% to 
$79 billion. 

Other  demand  deposits  decreased  2%  compared  to  the  prior 
year  and  decreased  14%  compared  to  the  prior  half.  This  was 
mainly driven by lower certificates of deposits being replaced by 
the growth in customer deposits. 

Debt issues 

Debt issues have decreased $13 billion to $108 billion as at 30 
June 2011, an 11% decrease on the prior year. The decrease in 
term funding was driven by the strengthening Australian dollar in 
addition  to  maturing  debt  being  replaced  by  the  growth  in 
customer  deposits.  Refer  to  Note  24  for  further  information  on 
debt  programmes  and  issuance  for  the  year  ended  30  June 
2011. 

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 $4 billion to $38 billion as 
at  30  June  2011,  an  8%  decrease  on  the  prior  year.  This  was 
driven mainly by New Zealand replacing maturing facilities with 
debt issues.  

Non-interest bearing liabilities 

Non-interest  bearing  liabilities,  including  derivative  liabilities, 
insurance  policy  liabilities  and  bank  acceptances,  increased  $9 
billion to $82 billion as at 30 June 2011, a 12% increase on the 
prior  year.  This  was  driven  predominantly  by  foreign  exchange 
volatility impacting derivative liabilities hedging term debt.  

Group Performance Analysis 

Review of Group Assets and Liabilities 

Asset growth of $22 billion or 3% over the prior year, was driven 
mainly  by  growth  in  home  lending  and  non-lending  interest 
earning  assets,  partly  offset  by  lower  business  and  corporate 
lending balances as a result of institutional clients deleveraging 
and strengthening of the Australian dollar.  

Asset  growth  was  funded  by  an  increase  in  customer  deposits 
which  now  represent  61%  of  total  funding  (June  2010:  58%). 
Wholesale funding decreased compared to the prior year, as a 
result  of  the  strong  growth  in  customer  deposits,  the  low  credit 
growth  environment  and  the  strengthening  of  the  Australian 
dollar. 

Home loans excluding securitisation 

Home loans excluding securitisation experienced steady growth 
with balances increasing $11 billion to $325 billion as at 30 June 
2011,  a  3%  increase  on  the  prior  year.  This  outcome  was 
impacted  by  moderating  credit  growth  and  intense  price 
competition. The Group has maintained its competitive position 
through product innovation, targeted discounting and a focus on 
customer service. 

Personal loans 

Personal loans, including credit cards, margin lending and other 
personal loans, increased 2% over the prior year. Steady growth 
in credit card balances was influenced by new product offerings. 
This was offset by a decline in margin lending balances due to 
continued conservative investor sentiment. Other personal loans 
remained flat compared to the prior year. 

Business and corporate loans 

Business  and  corporate  loans  declined  by  $6  billion  to  $148 
billion as at 30 June 2011, a 4% decrease on the prior year. This 
was  driven  mainly  by  institutional  clients  deleveraging,  a 
strategic  shift  away  from  higher  risk  property  and  complex 
lending  in  Bankwest  and  the  strengthening  of  the  Australian 
dollar. This was partly offset by solid growth in business lending 
in Business and Private Banking.  

Non-lending interest earning assets 

Non-lending interest earning assets increased $14 billion to $88 
billion  as  at  30 June  2011,  an 18% increase  on the  prior  year. 
This was primarily an increase in liquid assets in anticipation of 
future regulatory requirements. 

Other assets 

including  bank  acceptances  of  customers, 
Other  assets, 
derivative  assets,  provisions  for  impairments,  securitisation 
assets, insurance assets and intangibles, increased $3 billion to 
$86 billion as at 30 June 2011, a 4% increase on the prior year. 
This  was  impacted  by  higher  derivative  asset  balances  as  a 
result of volatility in foreign exchange and interest rate markets.  

20 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
Total Group Assets & Liabilities

Interest earning assets
Home loans including securitisation

Less: securitisation

Home loans excluding securitisation

Personal 

Business and corporate 
Loans, bills discounted and other receivables (1)
Non-lending interest earning assets
Total interest earning assets
Other assets
Total assets

Interest bearing liabilities
Transaction deposits (2)
Savings deposits (2)
Investment deposits (2)
Other demand deposits (2)
Total interest bearing deposits
Deposits not bearing interest
Deposits and other public borrowings
Debt issues 

Other interest bearing liabilities
Total interest bearing liabilities
Securitisation debt issues 

Non-interest bearing liabilities
Total liabilities

Provisions for impairment losses
Collective provision

Individually assessed provisions
Total provisions for impairment losses
Less: Off balance sheet provisions
Total provisions for loan impairment

Group Performance Analysis 

As at

30/06/11

31/12/10

30/06/10

Jun 11 vs

Jun 11 vs

$M

$M

$M

Dec 10 % 

Jun 10 % 

335,841

(11,296)

324,545

20,943

148,420

493,908

88,142

582,050

85,849

667,899

79,466

81,680

176,100

54,613

391,859

9,288

401,147

108,421

37,950

538,230

10,231

82,151

630,612

3,043

2,125

5,168

(21)

5,147

327,704

(9,583)

318,121

20,665

148,984

487,770

83,633

571,403

78,239

649,642

72,150

81,798

168,770

63,361

386,079

9,266

395,345

105,086

37,678

528,843

8,523

76,927

614,293

3,327

2,169

5,496

(25)

5,471

323,573

(9,696)

313,877

20,572

154,742

489,191

74,610

563,801

82,529

646,330

73,783

79,435

156,694

55,957

365,869

8,794

374,663

121,438

41,461

528,768

8,772

73,220

610,760

3,461

1,992

5,453

(25)

5,428

2

18

2

1

-

1

5

2

10

3

10

-

4

(14)

1

-

1

3

1

2

20

7

3

(9)

(2)

(6)

(16)

(6)

4

17

3

2

(4)

1

18

3

4

3

8

3

12

(2)

7

6

7

(11)

(8)

2

17

12

3

(12)

7

(5)

(16)

(5)

(1) Excludes provisions for impairment which are included in Other Assets. 

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

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

21 

 
 
 
 
Retail Banking Services 

Financial Performance and Business Review 

Retail  Banking  Services  cash  net  profit  after  tax  for  the  year 
ended  30  June  2011  was  $2,845  million,  representing  a  16% 
increase on the prior year. The result was driven by solid growth 
in  net  interest  income  partially  offset  by  lower  other  banking 
income,  sound  management  of  operational  expenses  and  an 
improvement in loan impairment expense.  

Cash net profit after tax increased 4% compared to the prior half. 
The  six  month  result  was  driven  by  income  growth  of  5% 
reflecting  improved  lending  margins  and  volume  growth,  offset 
by a fall in other banking income, and an increase in impairment 
expense.  

CBA remains committed to excellence in customer service, with 
all retail channels performing strongly. 

Business performance and innovation highlights during the year 
included: 

• 

• 

• 

The successful launch of Core Banking with the migration 
of  10  million  existing  accounts  to  the  new  platform, 
delivering real time banking and new account functionality 
to Retail Deposit customers; 
The  introduction  of  GoalSaver,  a  high  interest  bearing 
savings  product,  and  the  launch  of  the  new  premium 
Diamond Awards credit card; 
Continued growth in registered Netbank users, with 20% of 
monthly log-ons now happening via a mobile device; and 

•  Ongoing  commitment  to  improving  the  financial  literacy 
skills  of  Australian  students  through  expansion  of  the 
School Banking programme, now in its 80th year. 

Service  improvement  progress  and  product  innovation  in  the 
business was recognised through: 

• 

“Best Retail Bank in Asia Pacific” and the “Best Retail Bank 
in  Australia”  at  the  Asian  Banker  Excellence  in  Retail 
Financial Services Awards; 

•  Money  Magazine  “Credit  Card  Issuer  of  the  Year”  and 

• 

• 

• 

“Banking Website of the Year” awards; 
CANSTAR CANNEX “Best  Online Banking” award for the 
second year in a row; 
“Innovative Mortgage Product of the Year” at the Australian 
Banking and Finance awards for the No Fee Variable rate 
home loan; and 

The  iPhone  Property  Guide  application  won  the  “Best  of 
the  Best”,  “Best  Financial  Service”  and  “Best  Mobile 
Advertising  or  Marketing”  awards  at 
the  Australian 
Interactive Media Industry Awards. 

Home Loans 

Home  Loan  income  for  the  year  ended  30  June  2011  was 
$2,893  million,  a  20%  increase  on  the  prior  year.  Average 
volume  growth  was  6%  in  a  period  of  reduced  market  activity. 
Net interest margin improved, benefitting from portfolio repricing 
and the continued roll off of fixed rate loans written at historically 
low margins. Funding costs continued to increase as lower cost 
funding  rolled  off  and  was  replaced  with  higher  priced  new 
wholesale debt. 

Other  banking  income  fell  3%  primarily  due  to  the  abolition  of 
switching  fees  for  customers  refinancing  loans  with  CBA. 
Deferred  establishment  fees  for  new  customers  were  also 
removed in March 2011. 

22 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

Consumer Finance 

Consumer  Finance  income  for  the  year  ended  30  June  2011 
was  $1,700  million,  an  increase  of  9%  on  the  prior  year.  This 
result  benefited  from  improved  margins  and  volume  growth  in 
both  the  Credit  Card  and  Personal  Lending  portfolios.  Other 
banking  income  was  flat  as  the  impact  from  the  reduction  in 
over-limit  and  late  payment  fees  was  offset  by  higher  volume 
related income. 

Other banking income decreased 5% compared to the prior half. 
This was a result of seasonally lower credit card spend. 

Retail Deposits 

Retail  Deposit  income  for  the  year  ended  30  June  2011  was 
$2,609 million, a decrease of 7% on the prior year. Net interest 
income  fell  by  5%  with  continued  margin  pressure  from  price 
competition and a shift towards lower margin products within the 
portfolio offsetting strong average balance growth of 10%. Other 
banking income decreased 15% primarily due to the reduction in 
exception fees in October 2009. 

Retail  Deposit  income  was  flat  compared  to  the  prior  half,  as 
volume growth eased and margins stabilised. 

Distribution 

from 

Distribution income for the year ended 30 June 2011 was $306 
million,  an  increase  of  11%  on  the  prior  year.  This  reflected 
increased  revenue 
foreign  exchange  products  and 
commissions received from the distribution of Business Banking 
and  Wealth  Management  products  through  the  retail  network. 
The  Group  continues  to  focus  on  building  deeper  relationships 
with customers and  now  has  the  highest  average  products  per 
customer(1) of the major banks. 

Distribution income increased by 5% compared to the prior half 
due to higher foreign exchange income. 

Operating Expenses 

Expenses for  the  year  were $2,903 million,  up  4% on  the prior 
year,  with  the  cost  to  income  ratio  falling  to  38.7%.  Expenses 
included  investment  spend  relating  to  the  Core  Banking 
Modernisation  initiative.  Underlying  expense  growth  was  2%, 
driven primarily by staff inflationary increases. 

Expense  growth  was  5%  in  the  second  half,  inclusive  of 
investment in Core Banking Modernisation. Excluding the impact 
of Core Banking, growth was 4%. This was primarily a result of 
higher  credit  card  loyalty  redemptions  in  the  second  half  and 
increased marketing spend. 

Impairment Expense 

Impairment expense for the year ended 30 June 2011 was $558 
million,  a  decrease  of  24%  on  the  prior  year.  This  result  was 
supported by  improved average arrears  rates in the unsecured 
portfolio as well as continued investment in collections and credit 
decisioning capabilities. 

In  the  second  half  impairment  expense  increased  21%  as  a 
result of an uplift in arrears rates and the support that the Group 
provided  through  special  assistance  to  customers  following  the 
severe weather events during the half.  

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

Banking and Finance customers, six months rolling average. 

 
 
 
 
Net interest income

Other banking income

Total banking income

Operating expenses

Loan impairment expense

Net profit before tax

Corporate tax expense
Cash net profit after tax

Net interest income

Other banking income

Total banking income

Operating expenses

Loan impairment expense

Net profit before tax

Corporate tax expense
Cash net profit after tax

Net interest income

Other banking income

Total banking income

Operating expenses

Loan impairment expense

Net profit before tax

Corporate tax expense
Cash net profit after tax

Retail Banking Services 

Full Year Ended 30 June 2011

Home Loans

Consumer
 (1)

Finance

Retail

Deposits Distribution

$M

2,706

187

2,893

$M

1,281

419

1,700

$M

2,222

387

2,609

$M

-

306

306

Full Year Ended 30 June 2010

 (2)

Consumer
 (1)

Finance

Retail

Deposits Distribution

Home Loans

$M

2,213

192

2,405

$M

1,143

417

1,560

$M

2,340

457

2,797

$M

-

276

276

(2)

Half Year Ended 30 June 2011

Consumer
 (1)

Finance

Retail

Deposits Distribution 

$M

660

204

864

$M

1,115

187

1,302

$M

-

157

157

Home Loans

$M

1,441

87

1,528

Total

$M

6,209

1,299

7,508

(2,903)

(558)

4,047

(1,202)

2,845

Total

$M

5,696

1,342

7,038

(2,779)

(736)

3,523

(1,062)

2,461

Total

$M

3,216

635

3,851

(1,486)

(305)

2,060

(607)

1,453

30/06/11

31/12/10

30/06/10

Jun 11 vs

Jun 11 vs

As at

$M

Dec 10 %

Jun 10 %

Balance Sheet
Home loans (including securitisation)

Consumer finance

Other assets
Total assets
Home loans (net of securitisation)
Transaction deposits

Savings deposits

Investments and other deposits

Deposits not bearing interest

Other liabilities
Total liabilities

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

(2) Comparatives have been restated for the impact of business resegmentation. 

$M

260,583

13,989

201

274,773

252,438

19,357

59,127

83,951

3,057

2,926

$M

255,484

13,504

243

269,231

249,466

19,060

60,519

78,558

2,984

2,307

250,428

12,961

250

263,639

243,695

19,050

59,206

71,719

2,840

2,519

168,418

163,428

155,334

2

4

(17)

2

1

2

(2)

7

2

27

3

4

8

(20)

4

4

2

-

17

8

16

8

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business and Private Banking 

Financial Performance and Business Review 

Business  and  Private  Banking  delivered  a  strong  performance, 
achieving cash net profit after tax of $1,039 million for the year 
ended 30 June 2011, which represented a 16% increase on the 
prior year. 

The business banking segments contributed significantly to this 
result,  experiencing  growth  in  lending  and  deposit  volumes, 
improving  deposit  margins  and  a  lower  impairment  expense. 
While  equities  trading  market  volumes  were  lower,  CommSec 
continued  to  maintain  its  leading  share  of  the  online  non 
advisory market in a highly competitive environment. 

Compared  to  the  prior  half,  cash  net  profit  after  tax  increased 
5%, with the first half of the year benefiting from the increasing 
cash rate environment and three more calendar days.  

Performance highlights during the year included:  

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

CBA  consistently  held  either  equal  first  or  equal  second 
position in the whole-of-market business banking segment 
throughout  the  past  year,  according  to  DBM  Business 
Financial Services Monitor(1), 
CBA  was  awarded  “Best  Cash  Management  Bank  in 
Australia” for the second year running by the Asian Banker 
magazine.  The  award  acknowledges  commitment 
to 
customer service and operational excellence; 
Further improvements within CommBiz continued to make 
it  simpler  for  customers  to  do  business.  These  included 
improved  security 
features  and  greater  analytical 
functionality  giving  customers  insights  into  their  business, 
demographics and cash flow; 
CBA  launched  a  new  Business  Debit  MasterCard  in 
January  2011  and  has  since  issued  over  20,000  cards. 
The  card  offers  customers  greater  service,  security  and 
accessibility; 
Private  Bank  was  recognised  in  the  Australian  Private 
Banking  Council  Awards,  winning  “Outstanding  Private 
Banking  Institution  of  the  Year”  in  the  $1  million  to  $10 
million category for the third year running; 
CommSec was awarded the CANSTAR CANNEX “Online 
Share  Trading  Outstanding  Value”  award  for  casual  and 
active  investors,  together  with  a  Gold  award  for  “Best 
Feature-Packed Online Broker” for the fourth year running 
in Money Magazine’s 2011 Best of the Best Awards; and 

Equities and Margin Lending was awarded “Margin Lender 
of  The  Year”  in  Money  Magazine’s  Bank  of  The  Year 
awards  in  recognition  of  its  competitive  pricing  and  Smart 
Risk  Management 
responsible 
lending. 

tool  which  promotes 

Corporate Financial Services 

Corporate Financial Services income increased 13% on the prior 
year  to  $1,084  million.  This  was  driven  by  commercial  lending 
balance growth of 10% and deposit balance growth of 13%. 

CBA has maintained outright or equal first position in customer 
satisfaction in both the medium and large segments among the 
four major banks for 10 out of the past 12 months(2).  

There  has  been  ongoing  investment  in  people,  systems  and 
processes  and  a  focus  on  delivering  an  outstanding  client 
experience for new and existing customers. Following a national 
rollout, 
team  has 
continued to build on its early success.  

the  Acquisition  Finance  and  Advisory 

24 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

Regional and Agribusiness Banking 

Regional  and  Agribusiness  Banking  income  increased  8%  on 
the  prior  year  to  $426  million.  This  reflected  a  5%  increase  in 
lending balances and a 5% increase in deposit balances, whilst 
margins were stable. 

Through  the  Specialised  Agri  Solutions  team,  the  business 
continued  to  focus  on  identifying  and  delivering  innovative 
solutions to customers with more complex needs. The business 
has also strongly supported its customers who were affected by 
the  natural  disasters  which  occurred  earlier  in  the  year.  In 
addition, the business continued to make targeted investment in 
frontline  staff  and  brand  awareness,  and  customer  satisfaction 
has improved significantly.  

Local Business Banking 

Local Business Banking income increased 9% on the prior year 
to  $774  million.  This  was  driven  by  growth  in  both  lending  and 
deposit balances of 9%.  

This  result  reflected  continued  investment  of  business  bankers 
within  the  retail  branch  network  and  a  focus  on  broadening 
frontline  staff  capabilities.  In  addition,  a  proactive  outbound 
contact  programme  has  reached  the  majority  of  customers 
resulting  in  improved  customer  satisfaction.  The  business  also 
successfully  launched  a  new  BizAwards  credit  card  in  March 
2011, which provides additional benefits to customers. 

Private Bank 

Private  Bank  income  increased  5%  on  the  prior  year  to  $251 
million.  This  result  was  driven  by  growth  in  home  lending  and 
deposit balances.  

Funds  under  administration  balances  grew  16%,  driven  by  a 
stronger  financial  advisory  services  offering  which  includes 
enhanced  research  capabilities  and  an  expanded  investment 
support function.  

Equities and Margin Lending 

Equities  and  Margin  Lending  income  decreased  12%  on  the 
prior  year  to  $410  million.  This  result  reflected  lower  market 
volumes  in  equities  trading  and  subdued  market  volumes  in 
margin lending, while cautious investor sentiment contributed to 
strong balance growth in cash management products.  

Despite  lower  equities  trading  volumes,  CommSec  maintained 
market  share  above  50%  and  stable  yields  in  a  highly 
competitive  market  while  strong  market  share  was  also 
maintained in margin lending. 

Operating Expenses 

Operating expenses of $1,335 million increased 3% on the prior 
year reflecting a disciplined approach to expense management. 
The  business  continued  to  make  targeted  investments  in 
frontline  staff  and  technology  whilst  continuing  to  focus  on 
achieving operational efficiencies. 

Impairment Expense 

Impairment expense of $261 million decreased 20% on the prior 
year  and  7%  on  the  prior  half.  This  trend  reflects  the  strong 
underlying quality of the business lending portfolio. 

(1) DBM Business Financial Services Monitor (June 2011), average satisfaction 
rating  of  each  financial  institution’s  MFI  business  customers  across  all 
Australian businesses, six month rolling average. Rank is among four major 
banks. 

(2) DBM Business Financial Services Monitor (June 2011), average satisfaction 
rating  of  each  financial  institution’s  MFI  business  customers  across  all 
Australian businesses, six month rolling average. Rank is among four major 
banks.  Medium  segment  includes  business  with  annual  turnover  from  $5 
million  to  less  than  $50  million.  Large  segment  includes  businesses  with 
annual turnover $50 million and above. 

 
 
Business and Private Banking 

Corporate

Regional &

Local 

Equities &

Financial

Agri-

Business

Private

Margin

Full Year Ended 30 June 2011

Services

business

Banking

Bank

Lending

Other

$M

528

556

1,084

$M

265

161

426

$M

515

259

774

$M

110

141

251

$M

177

233

410

$M

92

15

107

Corporate

Regional &

Local 

Equities &

Financial

Agri-

Business

Private

Margin

Full Year Ended 30 June 2010

(1)

Services

business

Banking

Bank

Lending

Other

$M

541

419

960

$M

257

137

394

$M

461

247

708

$M

114

126

240

$M

183

284

467

$M

87

26

113

Total

$M

1,687

1,365

3,052

(1,335)

(261)

1,456

(417)

1,039

Total

$M

1,643

1,239

2,882

(1,295)

(326)

1,261

(363)

898

Corporate

Regional &

Local 

Equities &

Financial

Agri-

Business

Private

Margin

Half Year Ended 30 June 2011

Services

business

Banking

Bank

Lending

Other

Total

$M

258

291

549

$M

133

82

215

$M

260

133

393

$M

54

74

128

$M

86

120

206

$M

45

3

48

$M

836

703

1,539

(682)

(126)

731

(199)

532

30/06/11

31/12/10

30/06/10

Jun 11 vs

Jun 11 vs

As at

Net interest income

Other banking income

Total banking income

Operating expenses

Loan impairment expense

Net profit before tax

Corporate tax expense
Cash net profit after tax

Net interest income

Other banking income

Total banking income

Operating expenses

Loan impairment expense

Net profit before tax

Corporate tax expense
Cash net profit after tax

Net interest income

Other banking income

Total banking income

Operating expenses

Loan impairment expense

Net profit before tax

Corporate tax expense
Cash net profit after tax

$M

Dec 10 %

Jun 10 %

Balance Sheet
Interest earning lending assets (excluding margin loans)

Bank acceptances of customers

Non-lending interest earning assets

Margin loans
Other assets (2)
Total assets
Transaction deposits

Savings deposits

Investments deposits

Certificates of deposit and other

Due to other financial institutions
Other non-interest bearing liabilities (2)
Total liabilities (3)

$M

67,737

9,808

480

4,213

690

82,928

49,309

5,720

41,650

57

403

$M

63,559

9,149

473

4,489

235

77,905

43,461

5,164

38,684

171

366

63,132

10,155

295

4,771

448

78,801

45,026

4,744

37,147

162

895

16,149

113,288

14,580

102,426

15,324

103,298

7

7

1

(6)

large

6

13

11

8

(67)

10

11

11

7

(3)

63

(12)

54

5

10

21

12

(65)

(55)

5

10

(1) Comparatives have been restated for the impact of resegmentation. 

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

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

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Institutional Banking and Markets 

Financial Performance and Business Review 
Institutional Banking and Markets achieved a cash net profit after 
tax  of  $1,004  million  for  the  year  ended  30  June  2011,  which 
represented a 14% decrease on the prior year, reflecting: 

• 

• 
• 

A  5%  decrease  in  banking  income  to  $2,467  million 
primarily due to lower trading income in Markets as a result 
of  lower  volatility  and  the  effect  of  the  decline  in  lending 
balances in Institutional Banking;  
A reduction in investment allowance tax credits; and  

An increase in impairment expense as a result of a write-
back in provisions in the prior year. 

Compared  to  the  prior  half,  banking  income  decreased  4% 
primarily  due  to  a  reduction  in  Markets  trading  revenue  and  a 
less  favourable  contribution  of  the  counterparty  fair  value  mark 
to  market  valuation.  This  was  offset  by  lower  impairment 
expense  reflecting  stabilisation  in  the  credit  quality  of  the 
portfolio. 

The business has maintained its focus of continuous investment 
through its foreign exchange platform renewal, enhanced online 
Transaction  Banking  Platform  (CommBiz)  and  continued  build-
out  of  the  Institutional  Equities  and  Debt  Capital  Markets 
business.  Customer  service  continues  to  be  a  key  focus  for 
Institutional  Banking  and  Markets  through  deepening  client 
relationships,  growing  transaction  banking,  increasing  foreign 
exchange  market  share  and  developing  stronger  institutional 
investor focus. 

Performance  highlights  in  our  goal  to  provide  Total  Capital 
Solutions to clients during the year include: 

• 

• 

East  &  Partners  semi-annual  “Australian 
Institutional 
Banking Markets” survey has listed CBA as best in market 
for  the  last  five  years  in  the  categories  of  “Loyalty  to  the 
Relationship”  and  “Understanding  Customers’  Business”. 
Over  the  last  five  years,  CBA  has  also  been  cited  as  the 
number  one  primary  lender  and  ranked  first  in  product 
satisfaction for 10 out of the 17 products measured against 
the major peer banks;  
DBM  Business  Financial  Services  Monitor(1)  ranked  CBA 
first or equal first in the Institutional Banking segment in 10 
out of the past 12 months; 

• 

•  Global  Finance  magazine  recognised  CBA  as  the  best 
Australian foreign exchange provider for the third year in a 
row based on transaction volume, market share, scope of 
global coverage, customer service, competitive pricing and 
the use of innovative technologies; 
In  a  global  poll,  Bloomberg  has  awarded  CBA  ninth  most 
accurate overall foreign exchange forecaster and fifth most 
accurate Asia Currency foreign exchange forecaster for the 
six quarters ending 30 June 2011; 
Insto  12th  Annual  Distinction  Awards  (March  2011) 
acknowledged  CBA  as  the  “Australian  Issuer  of  the  Year 
(Australian Bond Market)”; 
Insto  Fixed  Income  Credit  Research  poll  of  institutional 
investors  (August  2010)  ranked  CBA  as  the  number  one 
provider  of  Australian  macroeconomic  research  and 
strategy, and Australian credit research and analysis; 
CBA  was  the  multi-product  lead  relationship  banking 
provider  for  the  privatisation  of  Queensland  Rail  National; 
and 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Institutional  Banking  and  Markets  was  the  arranger  and 
sole  lead  manager  of  a  $3  billion  Residential  Mortgage 
Backed Security  (RMBS) issue for the CBA  Group,  which 
was  the  largest  Australian  dollar  RMBS  tranche  issued 
since 2007. 

26 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

Institutional Banking 

Net  interest  income  decreased  5%  on  the  prior  year  to  $1,073 
million as a result of a 10% decrease in average loan balances, 
higher  funding  costs  and  reduced  margins  on  deposits  from 
transactional  banking  customers.  This  was  partly  offset  by  the 
recognition  of  deferred  fees  from  the  early  repayment  of  debt 
facilities  and  improved  deposit  volumes  from  transactional 
banking customers. 

Other  banking  income  increased  2%  on  the  prior  year  to  $755 
million driven by increased leasing fee income and a favourable 
contribution from hedging credit exposures. 

Other  banking  income  increased  19%  on  the  prior  half  due  to 
higher leasing fee income and gains from the sale of an equity 
investment in the second half of the year. 

Markets 

Net  interest  income  increased  6%  on  the  prior  year  to  $220 
million primarily due to modest growth in interest earning assets. 

Other banking income decreased 19% on the prior year to $419 
million  due  to  a  challenging  trading  environment  as  a  result  of 
flattening  yield  curves, 
lower  domestic  market  volatility, 
narrowing spreads and weaker activity in equity capital markets. 
This  was  partly  offset  by  the  favourable  contribution  of  the 
counterparty  fair  value  mark  to  market  valuation  as  credit 
spreads tightened. 

Compared  to  the  prior  half,  other  banking  income  was  down 
42% due to a less favourable contribution of the counterparty fair 
value  mark  to  market  valuation  and  lower  trading  income  as 
market activity remained subdued. 

Operating Expenses 

Operating expenses decreased slightly on the prior year to $828 
million representing a disciplined approach to cost management 
across the business while continuing to focus on maintaining a 
in 
through 
competitive  advantage 
technology and people.  

investment 

targeted 

Impairment Expense 

Impairment  expense  increased  30%  on  the  prior  year  to  $324 
million. This was impacted by the write-back of provisions on a 
small number of single names in the prior year. 

Impairment  expense  decreased  32%  on  the  prior  half  due  to 
continued stabilisation in the credit quality of the portfolio.  

Corporate Tax Expense 

Corporate  tax  expense  for  the  year  ended  30  June  2011  was 
$311 million. The effective tax rate of 23.7% benefited from profit 
generated  from  offshore  jurisdictions  attracting  lower  corporate 
finance 
tax  rates  and 
transactions. 

tax  credits  associated  with  asset 

(1) DBM Business Financial Services Monitor (June 2011), average satisfaction 
rating  of  each  financial  institution’s  MFI  business  customers  across  all 
Australian businesses, six month rolling average. Rank is among four major 
banks.  Institutional  Banking  segment  includes  businesses  with  annual 
turnover of $100 million and above. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Institutional Banking and Markets 

Full Year Ended 30 June 2011

Institutional

Banking

Markets

$M

1,073

755

1,828

$M

220

419

639

Total

$M

1,293

1,174

2,467

(828)

(324)

1,315

(311)

1,004

Full Year Ended 30 June 2010

(1)

Institutional

Banking

Markets

$M

1,127

742

1,869

$M

207

515

722

Total

$M

1,334

1,257

2,591

(830)

(249)

1,512

(339)

1,173

Half Year Ended 30 June 2011

Institutional

Banking

Markets

Total

$M

528

410

938

$M

115

154

269

$M

643

564

1,207

(413)

(131)

663

(157)

506

Net interest income

Other banking income

Total banking income

Operating expenses

Loan impairment expense

Net profit before tax

Corporate tax expense
Cash net profit after tax

Net interest income

Other banking income

Total banking income

Operating expenses

Loan impairment expense

Net profit before tax

Corporate tax expense
Cash net profit after tax

Net interest income

Other banking income

Total banking income

Operating expenses

Loan impairment expense

Net profit before tax

Corporate tax expense
Cash net profit after tax

Balance Sheet
Interest earning lending assets

Bank acceptances of customers

Non-lending interest earning assets
Other assets (2)
Total assets

Certificates of deposit and other

Investments deposits

Due to other financial institutions

Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement

Debt issues

Loan capital
Other non-interest bearing liabilities (2)
Total liabilities

30/06/11

31/12/10

30/06/10

Jun 11 vs

Jun 11 vs

As at

$M

48,097

925

32,664

15,452

97,138

8,241

6,982

13,457

4,234

3,490

544

26,683

63,631

$M

51,414

996

34,953

11,395

98,758

14,421

8,064

11,684

3,891

1,475

555

25,526

65,616

$M

Dec 10 %

Jun 10 %

54,892

1,414

29,434

8,755

94,495

12,834

5,082

10,055

3,974

2,506

627

23,820

58,898

(6)

(7)

(7)

36

(2)

(43)

(13)

15

9

large

(2)

5

(3)

(12)

(35)

11

76

3

(36)

37

34

7

39

(13)

12

8

(1) 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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

27 

 
 
 
 
 
Wealth Management 

Financial Performance and Business Review 

Underlying  profit  after  tax  for  the  year  was  $581  million,  up 
marginally  on  the  prior  year.  A  solid  Funds  Management  and 
General  Insurance  result  was  partially  offset  by  an  increase  in 
claims and compliance related expenditure. 

Funds  under  Administration  increased  5%  on  the  prior  year  to 
$189  billion  as  at  30  June  2011.  This  was  supported  by  solid 
internationally sourced fund flows, partly offset by the outflow of 
cash mandates and  the  run-off of the legacy book.  FirstChoice 
and  FirstWrap  have  achieved  an  above  market  share  of  net 
flows in the retail domestic market. 

Cash  net  profit  after  tax  was  $642  million,  which  represents  a 
9%  decrease  on  the  prior  year  mainly  due  to  the  unwinding  of 
mark to market losses on the Guaranteed Annuities portfolio in 
the prior years.  

Cash  net  profit  after  tax  in  the  second  half  decreased  21%  to 
$283  million,  reflecting  subdued  investment  market  returns, 
higher  compliance  costs  and  an  increase  in  Life  insurance 
claims. 

CFS Global Asset Management (CFSGAM) 

CFSGAM  provides  asset  management  services  to  wholesale 
and  institutional  investors.  CFSGAM  continues  to  execute 
strategies  to  capitalise  on  global  growth  opportunities  and 
enhance its domestic business. 

Underlying profit after tax of $275 million increased 17% on the 
prior year, reflecting strong investment performance and higher 
base  fee  contributions  due  to  improved  business  mix  even  as 
the Australian dollar strengthened.  

Funds under Management as at 30 June 2011 were $149 billion, 
up  3%  on  the  prior  year  mainly  driven  by  improving  equity 
markets offset by foreign exchange movements. 

Investment performance continues to be strong with 76%, 74% 
and 83% of funds outperforming benchmark over one, three and 
five year periods respectively. 

Highlights include: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

(Small)” 

the  Year 

in  excess  of  60  global 

International  Equity  Group”  and 

industry 
CFSGAM  received 
accolades  including  First  State  Investments  being  named 
“Best  Fund 
“Best 
Management  Group  of 
the 
in 
Professional Adviser Awards 2011 (UK);  
“Fund Manager of the Year” in Australia at the Standard & 
Poor’s 
the  Year  awards, 
recognising 
range  of  high-quality 
competencies of the business;  
Chadstone  Shopping  Centre  won  the  Laing  O’Rourke 
award for best Shopping Centre Development for the West 
Mall  at  the  Property  Council  of  Australia  Innovation  and 
Excellence Awards in Sydney; and 

Investment  Manager  of 

the  strength  and 

First State Infrastructure was awarded “Best Infrastructure 
Provider” at the Global Pension Awards 2011 (UK). 

Cash net profit after tax of $281 million represents an increase of 
6% on the prior year.  

Cash  net  profit  after  tax  in  the  second  half  decreased  19%  to 
$126  million  driven  by  a  decline  in  equity  markets  and  further 
strengthening of the Australian dollar. 

Colonial First State (CFS) 

Colonial  First  State  provides  wealth  creation  solutions  for  retail 
customers  and  market  leading  platforms  for  advisers,  offering 
product packaging, administration, distribution and advice.  

Underlying profit after tax of $141 million decreased 4% on the 
prior year, reflecting solid funds growth and stable margins offset 
by increasing compliance costs and claims. 

28 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

FirstChoice and Custom Solutions platforms performed well in a 
challenging retail market with positive net flows of $3.4 billion.  

Highlights include: 

• 

• 

• 

FirstChoice  retaining  the  largest  flagship  platform  as  at 
March  2011(1)  with  a  market  share  of  11%  and  ranked 
second for net flows in the year to March 2011 with 24% of 
the market; 
CFS  won  the  “Best  Fund  Manager”  service  level  award 
from Wealth Insights for the fourth year running. FirstWrap 
had  the  highest  overall  satisfaction  rating  from  advisers 
with FirstChoice ranking second; and 

FirstChoice  Wholesale 
Superannuation 
introduced lowered minimum entry limits, positioning it well 
for pending “Future of Financial Advice” reforms. 

Personal 

Cash net profit after tax of $143 million represents a decrease of 
1% on the prior year.  

Cash  net  profit  after  tax  in  the  second  half  decreased  14%  to 
$66 million due to slowing markets and compliance activities. 

CommInsure 

CommInsure  is  a  provider  of  life  and  general  insurance  in 
Australia.  CommInsure’s  strategy  continues 
focus  on 
improving service and streamlining processes. 

to 

Underlying profit after tax of $254 million decreased 11% on the 
prior year: 

• 

Life  Insurance  performance  declined  due  to  higher  claims 
in  income  protection  and  wholesale  risk,  balanced  by 
strong growth in bank channels; 

•  General  Insurance  performance  improved  due  to  volume 
growth and improved claims despite the impact of weather 
events in the second half of the year; and 

• 

Legacy  funds  management  income  declined  in  line  with 
expectations. 
Highlights include: 

• 

Awarded the Plan for Life/Association of Financial Advisers 
“Life  Insurance  Company  of  the  Year”  and  the  “Service 
Quality  Award” 
the  second  consecutive  year, 
recognising  excellence  in  new  business/underwriting  and 
claims services; 

for 

•  General 

Insurance  business  awarded 

the  “Australian 
Service Excellence Award” in the NSW Medium Business 
category; and 

• 

Delivery of enhancements to Retail Life products aimed at 
improving  flexibility  and  affordability  for  customers  by 
allowing  existing  insurance  policies  to  be  integrated  with 
the FirstChoice and FirstWrap platforms. 

Cash net profit after tax of $305 million represents a decrease of 
20%  on  the prior  year, mainly  due to the  unwinding of mark to 
market losses on the Guaranteed Annuities portfolio in the prior 
years. 

Cash  net  profit  after  tax  in  the  second  half  decreased  22%  to 
$134 million impacted by claims experience in both the Life and 
General Insurance business. 

Operating Expenses 

Total operating expenses of $1,280 million increased 7% on the 
prior  year.  Expense  growth  reflects  strategic  investment  in  the 
business  to  support  offshore  growth  and  expansion  as  well  as 
meeting  the  compliance  related  costs  in  the  retail  advice  and 
platform businesses. 

(1) March 2011 Plan for Life quarterly market release. 

 
 
 
 
Wealth Management 

Full Year Ended 30 June 2011

Colonial

CFSGAM First State CommInsure

$M

907

-

907

(151)

756

(391)

365

(90)

275

6

281

$M

860

-

860

(171)

689

(489)

200

(59)

141

2

143

$M

209

625

834

(199)

635

(276)

359

(105)

254

51

305

Other

$M

(1)

-

(1)

-

(1)

(124)

(125)

36

(89)

2

(87)

Full Year Ended 30 June 2010

Colonial

CFSGAM First State CommInsure

$M

789

-

789

(126)

663

(358)

305

(69)

236

30

266

$M

811

-

811

(160)

651

(444)

207

(60)

147

(3)

144

$M

226

630

856

(187)

669

(267)

402

(116)

286

94

380

Other

$M

(2)

-

(2)

(1)

(3)

(127)

(130)

40

(90)

2

(88)

Half Year Ended 30 June 2011

Colonial

CFSGAM First State CommInsure

$M

458

-

458

(80)

378

(201)

177

(44)

133

(7)

126

$M

434

-

434

(87)

347

(259)

88

(26)

62

4

66

$M

101

285

386

(103)

283

(140)

143

(42)

101

33

134

Other

$M

-

-

-

(1)

(1)

(61)

(62)

18

(44)

1

(43)

Total

$M

1,975

625

2,600

(521)

2,079

(1,280)

799

(218)

581

61

642

Total

$M

1,824

630

2,454

(474)

1,980

(1,196)

784

(205)

579

123

702

Total

$M

993

285

1,278

(271)

1,007

(661)

346

(94)

252

31

283

St Andrew's
 (1)

Insurance

$M

-

54

54

(22)

32

(14)

18

(5)

13

3

16

Funds management income

Insurance income

Total operating income

Volume expenses

Net operating income

Operating expenses

Net profit before tax

Corporate tax expense

Underlying profit after tax

Investment experience after tax
Cash net profit after tax

Funds management income

Insurance income

Total operating income

Volume expenses

Net operating income

Operating expenses

Net profit before tax

Corporate tax expense

Underlying profit after tax

Investment experience after tax
Cash net profit after tax

Funds management income

Insurance income

Total operating income

Volume expenses

Net operating income

Operating expenses

Net profit before tax

Corporate tax expense

Underlying profit after tax

Investment experience after tax
Cash net profit after tax

(1) The St Andrew’s insurance business was sold effective 1 July 2010. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

29 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wealth Management 

Summary
Funds under administration - average (1)
Funds under administration - spot (1)
Funds under management - average (1)
Funds under management - spot (1)
Retail Net funds flows (Australian Retail)

Funds Under Management (FUM) (1)

Australian equities

Global equities

Cash and fixed interest
Property and Infrastructure (2)
Total

Full Year Ended

Half Year Ended

30/06/11

30/06/10

Jun 11 vs

30/06/11

31/12/10

Jun 11 vs

$M

188,866

188,511

150,396

148,639

(349)

$M

Jun 10 %

179,802

179,614

144,624

144,298

246

5

5

4

3

large

$M

191,252

188,511

151,411

148,639

317

$M

Dec 10 %

186,849

191,454

149,723

152,791

2

(2)

1

(3)

(666)

large

Full Year Ended

Half Year Ended

30/06/11

30/06/10

Jun 11 vs

30/06/11

31/12/10

Jun 11 vs

$M

Jun 10 %

$M

Dec 10 %

$M

22,336

50,860

50,946

24,497

21,499

45,685

54,180

22,934

$M

22,336

50,860

50,946

24,497

23,716

52,831

52,097

24,147

4

11

(6)

7

3

(6)

(4)

(2)

1

(3)

148,639

144,298

148,639

152,791

Full Year Ended

Half Year Ended

30/06/11

30/06/10

Jun 11 vs

30/06/11

31/12/10

Jun 11 vs

Sources of Profit from CommInsure
Life insurance operating margins

Planned profit margins

Experience variations

Funds management operating margins

General insurance operating margins

Operating margins

Investment experience after tax
Cash net profit after tax

$M

164

(36)

112

14

254

51

305

$M

Jun 10 %

157

2

120

7

286

94

380

4

large

(7)

100

(11)

(46)

(20)

$M

86

(40)

53

2

101

33

134

Full Year Ended 30 June 2011

Opening

Balance

Sales/New

$M

Dec 10 %

78

4

59

12

153

18

171

10

large

(10)

(83)

(34)

83

(22)

Closing

Balance

Annual Inforce Premiums - Risk Business
Retail life

Wholesale life

General insurance
Sub-total
St Andrew's Insurance
Total

Annual Inforce Premiums - Risk Business
Retail life
Wholesale life (3)
General insurance
Sub-total
St Andrew's Insurance
Total

Annual Inforce Premiums - Risk Business
Retail life

Wholesale life 

General insurance
Total

30/06/10

Business

Lapses

Other

30/06/11

$M

782

323

408

1,513

71

1,584

$M

208

67

100

375

-

375

$M

(130)

(46)

(72)

(248)

-

(248)

Full Year Ended 30 June 2010

Opening

Balance

Sales/New

$M

-

-

-

-

(71)

(71)

$M

860

344

436

1,640

-

1,640

Closing

Balance

30/06/09

Business

Lapses

Other

30/06/10

$M

697

435

360

1,492

68

1,560

$M

200

66

107

373

23

396

$M

(115)

(178)

(59)

(352)

(20)

(372)

$M

-

-

-

-

-

-

Half Year Ended 30 June 2011

Opening

Balance

Sales/New

$M

782

323

408

1,513

71

1,584

Closing

Balance

31/12/10

Business

Lapses

Other

30/06/11

$M

820

331

424

1,575

$M

103

41

49

193

$M

(63)

(28)

(37)

(128)

$M

-

-

-

-

$M

860

344

436

1,640

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

30 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
Wealth Management 

Full Year Ended 30 June 2011

Inflows

Outflows

Net Flows

Investment

Closing

Income &
 (6)

Other

Balance

30/06/11

$M

13,690

2,496

3,589

19,775

39

19,814

18,658

1,948

33

40,453

12,857

53,310

$M

(11,194)

(1,599)

(7,210)

(20,003)

(160)

(20,163)

(23,069)

(352)

(156)

(43,740)

(9,462)

(53,202)

$M

2,496

897

(3,621)

(228)

(121)

(349)

(4,411)

1,596

(123)

(3,287)

3,395

108

$M

2,982

425

1,319

4,726

73

4,799

2,985

145

173

8,102

687

8,789

$M

49,118

7,436

20,640

77,194

1,105

78,299

39,624

18,908

3,083

139,914

48,597

188,511

Full Year Ended 30 June 2010

Inflows

Outflows

Net Flows

$M

12,418

1,713

4,021

18,152

42

18,194

17,638

955

36

36,823

11,748

48,571

$M

(9,019)

(1,497)

(7,303)

(17,819)

(129)

(17,948)

(24,631)

(1,759)

(145)

(44,483)

(7,275)

(51,758)

$M

3,399

216

(3,282)

333

(87)

246

(6,993)

(804)

(109)

(7,660)

4,473

(3,187)

Half Year Ended 30 June 2011

Inflows

Outflows

Net Flows

$M

6,969

1,404

1,749

10,122

20

10,142

10,617

188

17

20,964

4,827

25,791

$M

(5,589)

(807)

(3,358)

(9,754)

(71)

(9,825)

(13,026)

(63)

(74)

(22,988)

(5,690)

(28,678)

$M

1,380

597

(1,609)

368

(51)

317

(2,409)

125

(57)

(2,024)

(863)

(2,887)

Investment

Closing

Income &
 (6)

Other

Balance

30/06/10

$M

4,286

557

1,274

6,117

86

6,203

2,951

(751)

(94)

8,309

5,282

13,591

$M

43,640

6,114

22,942

72,696

1,153

73,849

41,050

17,167

3,033

135,099

44,515

179,614

Investment

Closing

Income &
 (6)

Other

Balance

30/06/11

$M

9

(48)

25

(14)

1

(13)

850

260

(103)

994

(1,050)

(56)

$M

49,118

7,436

20,640

77,194

1,105

78,299

39,624

18,908

3,083

139,914

48,597

188,511

Opening

Balance

30/06/10

$M

43,640

6,114

22,942

72,696

1,153

73,849

41,050

17,167

3,033

135,099

44,515

179,614

Opening

Balance

30/06/09

$M

35,955

5,341

24,950

66,246

1,154

67,400

45,092

18,722

3,236

134,450

34,760

169,210

Opening

Balance

31/12/10

$M

47,729

6,887

22,224

76,840

1,155

77,995

41,183

18,523

3,243

140,944

50,510

191,454

Funds Under Administration
FirstChoice
Custom Solutions (1)
Standalone (including Legacy) (2)
Retail products (3)
Other retail (4)
Australian retail
Wholesale

Property
Other (5)
Domestically sourced
Internationally sourced
Total Wealth Management

Funds Under Administration
FirstChoice
Custom Solutions (1)
Standalone (including Legacy) (2)
Retail products (3)
Other retail (4)
Australian retail
Wholesale

Property
Other (5)
Domestically sourced
Internationally sourced
Total Wealth Management

Funds Under Administration
FirstChoice
Custom Solutions (1)
Standalone (including Legacy) (2)
Retail products (3)
Other retail (4)
Australian retail
Wholesale

Property
Other (5)
Domestically sourced
Internationally sourced
Total Wealth Management

(1) Custom Solutions includes the FirstWrap product. 

(2) Includes cash management trusts. 

(3) 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 2011 

31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
New Zealand 

Financial Performance and Business Review 

The New Zealand result incorporates ASB Bank and Sovereign 
Insurance  businesses.  The  CBA  branch  results  relating  to  the 
Institutional Banking and Markets business in New Zealand are 
not included. 

New  Zealand  cash  net  profit  after  tax(1)  for  the  year  ended  30 
June 2011 was NZ$588 million, an increase of 28% on the prior 
year. The result was driven by a strong performance from ASB 
Bank with margins benefiting from a shift in portfolio mix towards 
variable  rate  loans  and  repricing  initiatives.  Sovereign’s  growth 
in inforce premiums, positive claims experience and lower lapse 
rates  were  offset  by 
the  Christchurch 
earthquakes. 

impacts  of 

the 

Cash  net  profit  after  tax(1)  in  the  second  half  increased  1%  to 
NZ$295  million  with  the  result  impacted  by  the  Christchurch 
earthquakes. 

Following  the  earthquakes  in  Christchurch,  ASB  Bank  donated 
NZ$1.5  million  to  earthquake  relief  funds  and  launched  a 
NZ$250  million  investment  programme,  which  included  NZ$1 
million  in  community  assistance  grants.  This  was  in  addition  to 
support  offered  by  both  ASB  Bank  and  Sovereign  to  their 
customers and people. 

ASB Bank 

ASB Bank cash net profit after tax(1) for the year ended 30 June 
2011 was NZ$504 million, up 42% on the prior year. 

Net  interest  income  for  the  year  ended  30  June  2011  was 
NZ$1,107 million, up 22% on the prior year reflecting: 

• 

• 

• 

Improving  home  loan  margins  as  a  result  of  a  continued 
shift  by  customers  from  fixed  to  variable  rate  loans  and 
repricing initiatives. Home loan  balances  remained  steady 
at NZ$37 billion; 
Business  lending  margins  also  benefited  from  a  shift  in 
portfolio mix from fixed to variable rate loans and from risk 
based  pricing 
lending  balances 
declined  slightly  as  customers  continued  to  deleverage; 
and 

initiatives.  Business 

Deposit margins remained under pressure in a competitive 
local  market  with  customers  moving 
towards  higher 
yielding investment deposits. Balances have increased 3% 
to NZ$32 billion.  

Other  banking  income  for  the  year  ended  30  June  2011  was 
NZ$367  million,  up  7%  on  the  prior  year  due  to  higher  trading 
income,  partially  offset  by  lower  early  repayment  adjustment 
fees from customers. 

Operating  expenses  for  the  year  ended  30  June  2011  were 
NZ$733  million,  up  10%  on  the  prior  year.  The  increase  was 
driven by investment in strategic initiatives to benefit and support 
ASB  Bank’s  customers  (including  Christchurch)  and  enhanced 
risk  management,  partially  offset  by  disciplined  expense 
management and efficiency gains.  

Impairment expense decreased 42% on the prior year to NZ$72 
million,  as  asset  quality  improved  in  line  with  the  broader 
economic conditions. 

Cash  net  profit  after  tax(1)  for  the  second  half  was  NZ$258 
million,  up  5%  on  the  prior  half,  reflecting  ongoing  margin 
improvement, partially offset by higher operating expenses.  

32 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

Key highlights for ASB Bank include: 

• 

Continued  commitment  to  customer  satisfaction  has  seen 
ASB Bank ranked first in an independent survey(2) for being 
“the most dedicated to providing the customer with the best 
possible service”; 

•  Multiple  awards  for  innovation,  including  New  Zealand’s 
“Best use of Social Media” for the world-first Virtual Branch 
on  Facebook  and  CANSTAR  CANNEX 
Innovation 
Excellence  Award  for  the  online  savings  tool  “Save  the 
Change”; 
Recognition  in  the  inaugural  New  Zealand  Randstad 
Awards  for  ASB  Bank  as  the  employer  offering  the  most 
job security; and  

• 

•  Ongoing  commitment  to  the  communities  in  which  ASB 
Bank operates, including working together with St John to 
create safer communities; and school banking and financial 
literacy, with more than 100,000 children now having taken 
part in the ASB GetWise programme. 

Sovereign Insurance 

Sovereign cash net profit after tax(1) for the year ended 30 June 
2011 was NZ$86 million, a decrease of 17% on the prior year. 
The major drivers of the result were: 

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 

Policy  valuation  gains  recognised  in  the  prior  year  due  to 
legislation  changes  in  life  tax  and  premium  changes  in 
legacy disability income products;  
The non-recurrence of a gain on the revaluation of deferred 
tax  on  policy  liabilities  in  the  prior  year  as  a  result  of  the 
reduction of the New Zealand corporate tax rate from 30% 
to 28%; 
Claims due to the Christchurch earthquake, partially offset 
by; 
5% growth in inforce premiums; and 

Positive  claims  experience  and  a  continued  improvement 
in risk and health lapse rates. 

Cash net profit after tax(1) for the second half was NZ$41 million, 
down  9%  on  the  prior  half  primarily  due  to  the  impact  of  the 
Christchurch earthquakes.  

Key highlights for Sovereign include: 

• 

Being  accepted  as  a  Qualifying  Financial  Entity,  enabling 
Sovereign to provide a high level of support for its advisors 
in  complying  with  new 
legislation, 
streamline  distribution  processes  and  offer  customers  a 
greater level of customer protection; 

financial  advisor 

•  Winning  an  Innovation Excellence  Award from CANSTAR 
CANNEX  for  Sovereign’s  Best  Doctors  programme,  a 
service initiative unique in New Zealand; and 

• 

Continuing its reputation as New Zealand’s most financially 
secure  life  insurance  company  by  retaining  an  AM  Best 
A+(3)  financial  strength  rating,  the  only  life  insurer  in  New 
Zealand to achieve this rating. 

(1) Includes allocated capital charges and other CBA costs. 

(2) Source: Colmar Brunton Poll, a member of the Millward Brown Group. 

(3) Source: A.M. Best Company 

 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
Other banking income (2)
Total banking income

Funds management income

Insurance income

Total operating income

Operating expenses

Loan impairment expense

Net profit before tax

Corporate tax expense

Underlying profit after tax

Investment experience after tax
Cash net profit after tax

Net interest income
Other banking income (2)
Total banking income

Funds management income

Insurance income

Total operating income

Operating expenses

Loan impairment expense

Net profit before tax

Corporate tax expense

Underlying profit after tax

Investment experience after tax
Cash net profit after tax

Net interest income
Other banking income (2)
Total banking income

Funds management income

Insurance income

Total operating income

Operating expenses

Loan impairment expense

Net profit before tax

Corporate tax expense

Underlying profit after tax

Investment experience after tax
Cash net profit after tax

New Zealand 

Full Year Ended 30 June 2011

ASB

Sovereign

NZ$M

1,107

367

1,474

54

-

1,528

(733)

(72)

723

(219)

504

-

504

NZ$M

-

-

-

-

257

257

(218)

-

39

34

73

13

86

 (1)

Other

NZ$M

(10)

(30)

(40)

(2)

19

(23)

32

-

9

-

9

(11)

(2)

Total

NZ$M

1,097

337

1,434

52

276

1,762

(919)

(72)

771

(185)

586

2

588

Full Year Ended 30 June 2010

ASB

Sovereign

NZ$M

908

342

1,250

61

-

1,311

(666)

(125)

520

(166)

354

-

354

NZ$M

-

-

-

-

251

251

(205)

-

46

45

91

12

103

 (1)

Other

NZ$M

(9)

(31)

(40)

(3)

15

(28)

42

-

14

1

15

(11)

4

Total

NZ$M

899

311

1,210

58

266

1,534

(829)

(125)

580

(120)

460

1

461

Total

A$M

840

286

1,126

40

211

1,377

(704)

(54)

619

(150)

469

1

470

Total

A$M

716

278

994

46

213

1,253

(667)

(100)

486

(99)

387

1

388

Half Year Ended 30 June 2011

ASB

Sovereign

NZ$M

NZ$M

 (1)

Other

NZ$M

Total

NZ$M

Total

A$M

569

189

758

27

-

785

(378)

(36)

371

(113)

258

-

258

-

-

-

-

126

126

(107)

-

19

18

37

4

41

(12)

(17)

(29)

(1)

15

(15)

13

-

(2)

-

(2)

(2)

(4)

557

172

729

26

141

896

(472)

(36)

388

(95)

293

2

295

421

148

569

20

105

694

(356)

(26)

312

(77)

235

1

236

(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 2011 

33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New Zealand  

Balance Sheet
Home lending

Assets at fair value through Income Statement

Other lending assets

Non-lending interest earning assets

Other assets
Total assets

Deposits

Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement

Debt issues
Due to other financial institutions (1)
Other liabilities
Total liabilities

Assets
ASB Bank

Other
Total assets

Liabilities
ASB Bank

Other
Total liabilities

Sources of Profit from
Insurance Activities
The Margin on Services profit from ordinary

activities after income tax is represented by:
Planned profit margins (2)
Experience variations (2)
Operating margins

Investment experience after tax
Cash net profit after tax

New Zealand - Funds Under (2)
Administration
Opening balance

Inflows

Outflows

Net Flows

Investment income & other
Closing balance

New Zealand - Annual Inforce
Premiums
Opening balance

Sales/New business

Lapses

Other movements
Closing balance

30/06/11

31/12/10

30/06/10

Jun 11 vs

Jun 11 vs

As at

NZ$M

37,444

4,165

15,148

4,003

4,597

65,357

31,921

7,671

6,910

6,368

7,314

60,184

63,050

2,307

65,357

59,103

1,081

60,184

NZ$M

37,508

4,232

15,740

3,665

4,714

65,859

31,279

10,426

5,680

6,934

6,525

60,844

63,496

2,363

65,859

59,686

1,158

60,844

NZ$M

37,778

5,815

15,960

1,543

4,723

65,819

30,889

13,261

3,805

6,488

6,640

61,083

63,557

2,262

65,819

60,010

1,073

61,083

Dec10 %

Jun 10 %

-

(2)

(4)

9

(2)

(1)

2

(26)

22

(8)

12

(1)

(1)

(2)

(1)

(1)

(7)

(1)

(1)

(28)

(5)

large

(3)

(1)

3

(42)

82

(2)

10

(1)

(1)

2

(1)

(2)

1

(1)

Full Year Ended

Half Year Ended

30/06/11

30/06/10

Jun 11 vs

30/06/11

31/12/10

Jun 11 vs

NZ$M

NZ$M

Jun 10 %

NZ$M

NZ$M

Dec 10 %

58

15

73

13

86

60

31

91

12

103

(3)

(52)

(20)

8

(17)

29

8

37

4

41

29

7

36

9

45

-

14

3

(56)

(9)

Full Year Ended

Half Year Ended

30/06/11

30/06/10

Jun 11 vs

30/06/11

31/12/10

Jun 11 vs

NZ$M

8,771

2,528

(1,529)

999

637

10,407

NZ$M

Jun 10 %

NZ$M

NZ$M

Dec 10 %

7,389

3,233

(2,439)

794

588

8,771

19

(22)

(37)

26

8

19

9,580

1,151

(439)

712

115

10,407

8,771

1,377

(1,090)

287

522

9,580

9

(16)

(60)

large

(78)

9

Full Year Ended

Half Year Ended

30/06/11

30/06/10

Jun 11 vs

30/06/11

31/12/10

Jun 11 vs

NZ$M

NZ$M

Jun 10 %

NZ$M

NZ$M

Dec 10 %

554

87

(55)

(2)

584

516

97

(59)

-

554

7

(10)

(7)

large

5

570

42

(27)

(1)

584

554

45

(28)

(1)

570

3

(7)

(4)

-

2

(1) Includes deposits due to Group companies. 

(2) Comparatives have been restated to conform to the presentation in the Wealth Management business. 

34 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This page has been intentionally left blank  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

35 

 
 
 
Retail 

Home loan balances increased 10% on the prior year with above 
system  growth  driven  by  new  products  and  targeted  marketing 
campaigns. Full year and second half margins improved on prior 
periods  following  repricing  in  November  2010,  partly  offset  by 
increased funding costs. 

Retail  deposit  balances 
increased  below  system  growth, 
reflecting  a  strategy  of  margin  management  over  pricing  for 
growth. 

Business 

Business lending balances decreased 13% on the prior year due 
to higher risk exposures being managed down. Lending margins 
increased on the prior year due to improved product mix. 

Business deposit balances increased 2% on the prior year driven 
by growth in Transaction Accounts, partly offset by a second half 
decrease  in  lower  margin  money  market  balances  driving  an 
improvement in deposit margins. 

Operating Expenses 

to  efficiency  gains, 

Operating  expenses  decreased  1%  over  the  prior  year  to  $869 
lower  consultancy  and 
million  due 
discretionary  spend.  For the six months to  30 June 2011, costs 
increased 3% on the prior half due to increased marketing spend 
and the continued refresh of the branch network. 

Impairment Expense 

Impairment  expense  for  the  year  was  $109  million,  down  86% 
compared to the prior year. 

Business  lending  experienced  more  stable  client  ratings,  exits 
and  reductions  of  troublesome  asset  exposures  and  non-
recurrence  of  property 
in 
related 
Queensland and New South Wales. Retail lending benefited from 
higher recoveries driving an overall lower impairment charge. 

impairments,  primarily 

Home  loan  arrears  remained  flat  on  the  prior  year,  while  credit 
card  arrears  increased  slightly,  mainly  as  a  result  of  the 
Queensland floods. 

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

Institution score. 

(2)  Source:  DBM  Business  Financial  Services  Monitor  (June  2011),  average 
satisfaction  rating  of  each  financial  institution’s  MFI  business  customers 
across all Australian businesses, six month rolling average on a scale of 0 to 
10. Rank is among four major banks. 

Bankwest 

Financial Performance and Business Review 

Bankwest  cash  net  profit  after  tax  for  the  year  ended  30  June 
2011 was $463 million, up significantly from the $45 million loss 
in  the  prior  year.  The  improved  performance  was  driven  by  a 
loan 
increase 
12% 
impairment expense.  

in  operating  performance  and 

lower 

Key drivers of the year’s performance were:  

• 

Banking  income  increased  to  $1,640  million,  up  5% 
compared to the prior year, mainly due to improved deposit 
margins and above system home loan balance growth; 
•  Operating  expenses  decreased  by  1%  from  the  prior  year 
due to a continuing focus on discretionary expenditure and 
efficiency gains from the integration of processes with CBA. 
The expense to income ratio continues to improve, now at 
53%; and 

• 

Impairment  expense  of  $109  million,  86%  lower  than  the 
prior  year  due  to  the  non-recurrence  of  property  related 
impairment that impacted the prior year. 

Lending  balances  increased  1%  on  the  prior  year,  with  the 
increase in  home lending  partly offset  by the strategic run-off of 
complex  business  lending.  Lending  margins  increased  on  the 
prior  year  with  higher  funding  costs  in  the  first  half  offset  by 
improved margins in the second half due to pricing initiatives. 

Deposit balances increased 2% on the prior year, however were 
down  1%  on  the  first  half  following  a  reduction  in  lower  margin 
investment deposits. Deposit margins increased on the prior year 
due  to  improved  pricing  of  Term  Deposits  and  Institutional 
Clients. 

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

• 

• 

• 

• 

Continued reinvigoration of the Bankwest brand in Western 
Australia (WA), with new WA-specific marketing strategies; 
Further investment in the WA branch network, with four new 
branches,  38  branches  refurbished  and  innovative  new 
customer concepts such as an Express Kiosk; 
The  implementation  of  a  Drought  Assistance  Initiative  to 
support  WA  Rural  &  Regional  customers  who  were 
impacted by record low winter rainfalls in 2010; and 

The  successful  launch  of  new  internet  and  mobile  phone 
banking services. 

The success of the above initiatives has been reflected in: 

•  Winning  the  AFR  Smart  Investor  2010  “Bank  of  the  Year 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Award”; 
An  outstanding  achievement  award  from  the  International 
Interactive Media Council for the new public website; 
Five  products  receiving  gold  awards  in  Money  Magazine’s 
2011  Best  of  the  Best  Awards,  including  “Best  Everyday 
Branch  Access  Account”  and 
“Cheapest  Business 
Transaction Account”; 
The  CANSTAR  CANNEX  2011  “Innovation  Excellence 
Award” for the Business Zero Transaction Account; and 

An  improvement  in  both  Retail  and  Business  customer 
satisfaction, with the Retail score increasing 4.7% to 83.6% 
at June 2011(1) and the Business score increasing 0.2 to 6.8 
at June 2011(2). 

36 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
Bankwest 

Full Year Ended

Half Year Ended

30/06/11

$M

1,420

220

1,640

(869)

(109)

662

(199)

463

30/06/10
 (3)

$M
1,336

233

1,569

(880)

(754)

(65)

20

(45)

Jun 11 vs

30/06/11

31/12/10

Jun 11 vs

Jun 10 %

6

(6)

5

(1)

(86)

large

large

large

$M

741

102

843

(441)

(60)

342

(103)

239

$M

679

118

797

(428)

(49)

320

(96)

224

Dec 10 %

9

(14)

6

3

22

7

7

7

30/06/11

31/12/10

30/06/10

Jun 11 vs

Jun 11 vs

As at

$M

45,673

22,722

8,433

76,828

8,731

7,033

26,956

59

9,064

16,644

3,068

71,555

$M

43,070

23,956

8,813

75,839

8,034

7,189

27,766

25

8,637

15,682

3,647

70,980

$M

Dec 10 %

Jun 10 %

41,681

25,975

7,028

74,684

8,409

6,848

26,584

130

10,211

15,382

2,304

69,868

6

(5)

(4)

1

9

(2)

(3)

large

5

6

(16)

1

10

(13)

20

3

4

3

1

(55)

(11)

8

33

2

Net interest income

Other banking income

Total banking income

Operating expenses

Loan impairment expense

Net profit before tax

Corporate tax expense
Cash net profit after tax

Balance Sheet
Home lending (including securitisation)

Other lending assets

Other assets
Total assets

Transaction deposits

Savings deposits

Investments deposits

Certificates of deposit and other

Debt issues
Due to other financial institutions (1)
Other liabilities
Total liabilities (2)

(1) Includes amounts due to Group companies (30 June 2011: $16.5 billion, 31 December 2010: $15.7 billion, 30 June 2010: $15.4 billion).  

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

(3) Net interest income has been restated following an allocation of capital costs previously held centrally in Other. 

Integration Progress – Bankwest and St Andrew’s 

The integration of the Bankwest and the remaining St Andrew’s 
businesses into the Group that began in the 2009 financial year is 
now largely complete. 

Major outcomes achieved include: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

Integration  of  various  support  functions,  including  property 
and procurement; 
Alignment  of  risk  models,  data  definitions,  market  rate  risk 
and pricing models, and operating models; 
Upgrade  and  integration  of  general  ledger  and  financial 
reporting capabilities; 
Reciprocal  ATM  access  with  customers  of  both  CBA  and 
Bankwest  having  access  to  over  4,000  ATMs,  the  largest 
network  of  any  bank  nationally,  without  paying  any 
additional fees; 
Bankwest and CBA IT interoperability links; 
Aligning  various  IT  and  business  contract  arrangements 
between Bankwest and  CBA, including cheque processing 
supplier; and 

Establishment  of  strong  and  collaborative  cross  divisional 
working  arrangements  between  Bankwest  and  CBA, 
building strong foundations for the future. 

The  total  integration  expenditure  incurred  to  complete  the 
programme  was  $246  million.  Costs  synergies  of  $240  million 
(annualised  run  rate)  have  largely  been  delivered,  including  the 
benefits  associated  with  restructuring  and  the  cessation  of  the 
Bankwest east coast branch rollout.  

Integration Expenditure (1)

Restructuring

Property

Operations

IT expenditure

Other
Total

Year

Ended

30/06/11

$M

2

28

40

24

-

94

Total

$M

18

41

87

93

7

246

(1) These costs are recognised as non-cash items as they are one off in nature 
and therefore are not representative of the Group’s ongoing performance. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Divisions 

Financial Performance and Business Review 

IFS Asia 

International Financial Services Asia (IFS Asia) incorporates the 
Asian  retail  and  SME  banking  operations  (Indonesia,  China, 
Vietnam  and  India),  investments  in  Chinese  and  Vietnamese 
retail  banks,  the  joint  venture  Chinese  life  insurance  business 
and the life insurance operations 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. 

IFS Asia cash net profit after tax for the year ended 30 June 2011 
was $53 million, an increase of 18% over the prior year. The key 
drivers of the result were as follows: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Banking  income  increased  10%  to  $204  million  driven  by 
strong  lending  growth  from  the  Indonesian  retail  business 
the  Bank  of 
together  with  strong  contributions 
Hangzhou  and  Vietnam 
(VIB) 
investments; 
Insurance  income  increased  by  18%  to  $47  million, 
reflecting  improved  sales  volumes  from  the  Indonesian  life 
insurance  business,  particularly  bancassurance  sales; 
partially offset by, 

from 
International  Bank 

An increase of 12% in operating expenses to $184 million, 
largely  due  to  the  continued  expansion  of  the  Indonesian 
businesses. 

After  adjusting for foreign exchange movements, cash net  profit 
after tax increased 36% compared to the prior year. 

IFS Asia cash net profit after tax for the half year ended 30 June 
2011 was $27 million, an increase of 4% on the prior half. Strong 
revenue  growth  from  Bank  of  Hangzhou  and  VIB  was  partly 
offset  by  the  adverse  impact  of  the  strengthening  Australian 
dollar. After adjusting for foreign exchange movements, cash net 
profit after tax increased 8% compared to the prior half. 

IFS  Asia  continued  its  investment  during  the  year  with  the  key 
activities being: 

• 

• 

Expansion of the PT Bank Commonwealth branch and ATM 
network in Indonesia bringing the total number of branches 
and  ATMs  to  84  and  129  respectively,  from  74  and  89  in 
2010; 
PTBC  lending  balances  grew  54%  during  the  year,  with 
growth  of  86%  in  SME,  154%  in  Consumer  and  29%  in 
Commercial. Net interest margin increased 84 basis points 
in 2011; 

• 

• 

•  Opening  of  three  County  Banks  in  China  in  Jiyuan, 
DengFeng and Lankao, following the signing of a strategic 
cooperation  agreement  with 
the  Henan  Government 
(China’s most populated Province); 
BoCommLife  was  ranked  third  of  the  foreign  and  joint 
venture insurers for bancassurance new business premium 
in Shanghai; 
Development  of  the  bancassurance  model  between  PT 
Bank  Commonwealth  and  PT  Commonwealth  Life  in 
in  PT 
Indonesia.  42%  of  new  business  sales 
Commonwealth  Life  for  the  year  were  sourced  via  the  PT 
Bank  Commonwealth branch network,  up from 27% in  the 
prior  year.  Total  bancassurance  new  business  sales 
increased 124% on the prior year; 
PT  Bank  Commonwealth  in  Indonesia  maintained  its 
number  one  ranking  among  foreign  banks  for  customer 
service as rated by Synovate for the sixth consecutive year; 

• 

38 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

PT  Commonwealth  Life  in  Indonesia  received  several 
awards during the year in recognition of its strong financial 
performance  and  excellent  customer  service.  The  awards 
included being the highest ranked life insurance company in 
Indonesia  by  Infobank  Magazine,  the  “Best  Mid  Size  Life 
Insurance Company 2011” by Investor Magazine and “Best 
Call Centre 2011” by Service Excellence Magazine; 
Bank  of  Hangzhou  was  ranked  number  two  (out  of  147) 
among  City  Commercial  Banks 
the 
prestigious Chinese Banker magazine; 
Acquisition  of  15%  shareholding  in  VIB  on  1  September 
2010.  VIB  appointed  two  CBA  nominated  Directors  to  the 
Board  following  the  completion  of  the  transaction.  CBA 
received  Prime  Ministerial  approval  to  move  to  20% 
ownership in VIB in July 2011; and 

in  a  review  by 

•  Official opening of the CBA India Branch in August 2010. 

Fiji 

The Fiji business was sold on 15 December 2009. 

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 2011 was $403 million, a 10% decrease on the prior year. 

Total banking income decreased 8% to $812 million driven by: 

• 

Lower  Asset  and  Liability  Management  earnings  from  the 
impact of the rising interest rate environment on interest rate 
positioning  and  reduced  loan  prepayment  fees;  partially 
offset by 

•  Wider  spreads  achieved  on  liquid  portfolios  in  Liquidity 

Operations; and  

• 

Increased  Capital  Management  earnings  from  growth  in 
retained earnings. 

Group wide Eliminations/Unallocated 

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

includes 

Group  wide  Eliminations/Unallocated  cash  net  loss  after  tax  for 
the  year  ended  30  June  2011  was  $84  million,  a  $92  million 
decrease compared to the prior year. This was primarily driven by 
the release of centrally held impairment provisions of $100 million 
in the prior year. 

 
 
 
Other Divisions 

Full Year Ended 30 June 2011

Corporate Eliminations 

(3)
/

IFS Asia

Centre

Unallocated

Total

$M

80

124

204

-

47

251

(184)

(10)

57

(5)

(2)

50

3

53

$M

718

94

812

-

-

812

(267)

-

545

(142)

-

403

-

403

$M

(87)

(81)

(168)

26

(27)

(169)

-

36

(133)

47

(14)

(100)

16

(84)

Full Year Ended 30 June 2010

Corporate Eliminations 

Unallocated

IFS Asia

Centre

 (4)

$M

62

124

186

-

40

226

(164)

(11)

51

(7)

(2)

42

3

45

$M

883

1

884

-

-

884

(268)

-

616

(167)

-

449

-

449

(3)
/
 (2)

$M

(70)

(106)

(176)

28

2

(146)

-

100

(46)

20

(14)

(40)

48

8

$M

711

137

848

26

20

894

(451)

26

469

(100)

(16)

353

19

372

Total

$M

875

19

894

28

42

964

(432)

89

621

(154)

(16)

451

51

502

Fiji

$M

9

3

12

-

6

18

(12)

1

7

(1)

-

6

-

6

Half Year Ended 30 June 2011
(3)
/

Corporate Eliminations 

IFS Asia

Centre

Unallocated 

Total

$M

40

64

104

(1)

22

125

(89)

(8)

28

(2)

-

26

1

27

$M

351

14

365

-

-

365

(84)

-

281

(70)

-

211

-

211

$M

(31)

(35)

(66)

12

(14)

(68)

-

98

30

(29)

(7)

(6)

19

13

$M

360

43

403

11

8

422

(173)

90

339

(101)

(7)

231

20

251

Net interest income (1)
Other banking income (1)
Total banking income

Funds management income

Insurance income

Total operating income

Operating expenses

Loan impairment expense

Net profit before tax

Corporate tax expense

Non-controlling interests

Underlying profit after tax

Investment experience after tax
Cash net profit after tax

Net interest income (1)
Other banking income (1)
Total banking income

Funds management income

Insurance income

Total operating income

Operating expenses

Loan impairment expense

Net profit before tax

Corporate tax expense

Non-controlling interests

Underlying profit after tax

Investment experience after tax
Cash net profit after tax

Net interest income (1)
Other banking income (1)
Total banking income

Funds management income

Insurance income

Total operating income

Operating expenses

Loan impairment expense

Net profit before tax

Corporate tax expense

Non-controlling interests

Underlying profit after tax

Investment experience after tax
Cash net profit after tax

(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 IFRS hedge accounting (June 2011: $498 million; June 2010: $259 million; half year to 30 June 2011: $271 million). 

(2) Net interest income has been restated following an allocation of capital costs to Bankwest. 

(3) Represents Group wide eliminations. 

(4) Comparatives have been restated for the impact of business resegmentation. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment Experience 

Full Year Ended

Half Year Ended

30/06/11

30/06/10

Jun 11 vs

30/06/11

31/12/10

Jun 11 vs

Investment Experience
Wealth Management

New Zealand

Other

Investment experience before tax

Corporate tax expense
Investment experience after tax

$M

83

1

37

121

(40)

81

$M

183

1

52

236

(58)

178

Jun 10 %

(55)

-

(29)

(49)

(31)

(54)

$M

52

1

33

86

(34)

52

$M

31

-

4

35

(6)

29

Shareholder Investment Asset Mix (%)
Local equities

International equities

Property
Sub-total
Fixed interest

Cash
Sub-total
Total

Shareholder Investment Asset Mix ($M)
Local equities

International equities

Property
Sub-total
Fixed interest

Cash
Sub-total
Total

As at 30 June 2011

 (1)

Australia New Zealand

%

1

-

13

14

23

63

86

%

1

-

-

1

51

48

99

100

100

Asia

%

-

-

-

-

96

4

100

100

As at 30 June 2011

 (1)

Australia New Zealand

$M

9

-

242

251

424

1,171

1,595

1,846

$M

2

1

-

3

280

267

547

550

Asia

$M

-

-

-

-

80

3

83

83

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

Dec 10 %

68

large

large

large

large

79

Total

%

-

-

10

10

32

58

90

100

Total

$M

11

1

242

254

784

1,441

2,225

2,479

40 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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.  At  management  level,  risk  governance  is 
undertaken by a structured hierarchy of committees and forums 
across  the  Group,  each  with  specified  accountabilities.  A  more 
detailed description of the risk governance structure is set out in 
the Corporate Governance section of the Annual Report. 

Risk Management Organisation 

The  Group  Chief  Risk  Officer  (CRO),  who  heads  the  Risk 
Management function, oversees independent risk management 
for  the  Group.  This  unit  is  comprised  of  both  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  enable  enterprise  wide 
risk  management.  The  CRO  reports  to  the  Chief  Executive 
Officer (CEO) and has direct reporting requirements to the Risk 
Committee. 

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

the 

independent  risk  management 

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

function 

The Group’s risk appetite framework creates transparency over 
risk management and strategy decisions and, in turn, promotes 
a strong risk culture. Governance processes and disciplines are 
connected to the Group’s, and aligned businesses, risk appetite 
statements.  These  promote 
risk 
management function from the Group’s Business Units and the 
Group Audit and Assurance (GAA) function. 

independence  of 

the 

Independent  review  of  the  risk  management  framework  is 
carried  out  by  GAA.  They  audit  the  actions  of  businesses  and 
risk management teams. In addition, risk management and GAA 
support  “whistle  blower”  protocols  to  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 

Risk Appetite 

The risk appetite of the Group represents the types and degree 
of  risk  that  it  is  willing  to  accept  for  its  shareholders  in 
undertaking its strategic and business actions. 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’s  view  is  that  a  well  articulated  risk  appetite  is 
important in giving the Group’s stakeholders a clear expectation 
of 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,  liquidity, 
risk culture, and other risk mitigants. 

Risk Management 

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  current  capital 
adequacy  and  future  contingent  capital  plans  are  also  aligned 
with the risk appetite. 

The  Group’s  risk  culture  is  to  take  risks  that  are  adequately 
rewarded  and  that  support  its  aspiration  of  achieving  solid  and 
sustainable growth in shareholder value. Supporting this culture, 
the Group will: 

•  Operate  responsibly,  meet  the  financial  needs  of  its 
customers,  provide  excellent  customer  service  and 
maintain impeccable professional  standards  and  business 
ethics; 
Differentiate  between 
relatively  clearly 
discernable distribution of  possible  outcomes),  which is to 
be  assessed  on  its  merits,  and  uncertainty  (which  has  an 
unknown  distribution  of  possible  outcomes  that  is  hard  to 
discern), which is to be minimised; 

(with  a 

risk 

• 

•  Make business decisions only after careful consideration of 
including  consideration  of  potential  upside  and 

risk, 
downside scenarios; 
Understand  the  risks  it  takes  on  (or  the  nature  of 
uncertainties  involved),  undertaking  strategic  initiatives  or 
exposure  to  new  products  and  services  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; 

• 

• 

• 
•  Maintain  a  control  environment 

that,  within  practical 
constraints,  minimises  risks  to  the  sustainability  of  its 
business; and 

• 

Promote  a  culture  aimed  at  the  achievement  of  best 
practice 
the  recognition,  assessment,  pricing  and 
in 
management of risk. 

Risk  policies  and  tolerances  support  the  Group  and  business 
risk appetite statements by: 

• 

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

•  Quantifying 

the 

risks, 
financial  operating 
principally  credit  risk,  market  risk  (both  traded  and  non-
traded) and operational risk; and  

limits 

for 

• 

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 are considered during a review. 

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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

41 

 
 
 
Risk Management 

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 
Credit Risk including 
Concentration Risk 

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

How Policy Supports Risk Appetite 
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 (VaR and stress testing limits); 
Interest Rate Risk in the Banking Book (Market Value Sensitivity and 
Net Interest Earnings at Risk limits); 
Seed Trust Market Risk limits; 
Lease Residual Value Risk limits;  
Investment mandates for Insurance Asset and Liability Management 
Risk (VaR and stress testing limits); and 
Non-Traded Equity limits. 

Liquidity and 
Funding Risk 

Group Liquidity and Funding Policy. 

Quantitative limits/tolerances: 

Operational Risk 

Operational Risk Policy and 
Framework. 

Liquid asset holdings under name crisis scenario; and 
Source of funding (e.g. wholesale) limits and term funding limits. 

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. 

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; 
Risk management 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. 

Strategic Business 
Risk 

Strategic Framework. 

Management via a suite of management controls including: 

Strategic planning; 
Strategic implementation; and 
Financial management. 

Reputational Risk 

Cultural Framework and Statement of 
Professional Practice. 

Management via: 

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

42 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 
credit 
exposures),  and  concentrations  of  exposure  to  countries, 
industry sectors and geographical regions. Exposure to risk also 
arises through securitisation activity. 

counterparties 

(large 

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 as well 
as legal requirements. 

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. 

Further 
risk  management  and 
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.  Market  risk  also  includes  risks  associated  with 
funding and liquidity management. 

Risk Management 

expected.  For  the general insurance business, variability  arises 
mainly through weather related incidents and similar events, 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. It is essential in the control 
of  claims  on  an  end-to-end  basis,  from  underwriting  to  policy 
termination or claim payment. 

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 
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 

that 

the 

for 

Transferring a portion of the risk carried to reinsurers. 

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

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

Compliance Risk  

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. 

Operational Risk 

Operational  risk  is  defined  as  the  risk  of  economic  loss  arising 
from inadequate or failed internal processes, people, systems or 
from  external  events. 
fraud, 
includes 
business continuity and technology risks. 

legal,  regulatory, 

It 

The  Group’s  operational  risk  management  framework  supports 
the  achievement  of  its  financial  and  business  goals.  The 
following objectives have been approved by the Risk Committee: 

•  Maintenance  of  an  effective  internal  control  environment 

• 

• 

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

including  a 
to  operational  risk  management 

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

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. 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 

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  consistent  with  the  Australian  Standard  on  Compliance 
Programmes.  It  is  designed  to  help  the  Group  meet  its 
obligations  under  the  Corporations  Act  2001,  the  Group’s 
Australian  Financial  Services  Licence  and  Australian  Credit 
incorporates  a  number  of  components, 
Licences.  CRMF 
including Group policies, a Compliance Obligations Register and 
a  Compliance  Review  programme  to  monitor  compliance  with 
policies. 

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:  

• 

in  each  Business  Unit  have 

Line  management 
the 
responsibility  to  ensure  their  business  is,  and  remains 
compliant  with,  legislative,  regulatory,  industry  code  and 
organisational requirements; and  

•  Group  and  Business  Unit  regulatory  risk  and  compliance 
teams  work  together  to  monitor,  oversee  and  report  on 
compliance  to  management,  compliance  committees  and 
the Board. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

43 

 
 
Risk Management 

Strategic Business Risk 

Strategic business risk is defined as the risk of economic loss 
resulting from changes in the business environment caused 
by the following factors: 

Social trends. 

Competitive forces at work; or 

•  Macroeconomic conditions; 
• 
• 
Strategic  business  risk  is  taken  into  account  as  business 
strategies  and  objectives  are  defined.  The  Board  receives 
reports  on  business  plans,  major  projects  and  change 
initiatives  and  monitors  progress  and  reviews  successes 
compared to plans. 

Reputational Risk 

Reputational risk arises from the negative perception on the 
part  of  customers,  counterparties,  shareholders,  investors, 
debt holders, market analysts, regulators and other relevant 
parties of the Group. 

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 a function of the adequacy of 
the  Group’s  control  of  its  risk  management  processes,  as 
well  as  the  manner  and  efficiency  with  which  management 
responds 
influences  on  Group-related 
transactions. 
In  many  but  not  all  respects,  adverse 
reputational  risk  outcomes  flow  from  the  failure  to  manage 
other types of risk. 

to  external 

Stress Testing Framework 

Stress  testing  is  used,  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  strategic  planning  and  capital 
assessment at Board level; 
Regular risk management exercises;  
Business contingency planning; and 

• 
• 
• 
Ad-hoc  risk  stress  testing  is  also  regularly  undertaken  to 
identify and assess the risk profile of the Group. 

Requests from regulators or external agencies. 

The stress testing framework includes: 

•  Group-wide stress scenarios which inform and engage 
the Board in assessing  capital  requirements  and other 
key  financial  outcomes  under  various  severe  but 
plausible scenarios. These tests are conducted across 
businesses  with  the  results  aggregated  to  the  Group 
level; and 

• 

Risk  Management 
testing,  which 
supports  enhanced  risk  identification,  assessment  and 
management within the Group’s Risk Appetite. 

related  stress 

Such stress testing facilitates a more robust understanding of 
the Group’s risks and facilitates better management policies 
and  predictability  of  capital  requirements  in  more  extreme 
circumstances. 

Stress  testing  also  provides  an  input  into  the  formation  of 
internal  views  of  the  adequacy  of  the  Group’s  capital, 
liquidity, and  provisions  and  the  development of capital and 
liquidity contingency plans which detail how the Group would 
respond to potential future adverse scenarios. 

44 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

Specific risk types for which stress tests are conducted on a 
routine  basis  for  business  risk  management  purposes 
include: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Credit  risk  stress  tests  on  a  number  of  retail  and 
commercial  portfolios  (which  includes  stressing  the 
property prices of the exposures underlying security); 
Traded  market  risk,  non-traded  interest  rate  risk,  non-
traded  equity  risk  and  non-traded 
insurance  risk 
portfolios; 
Liquidity  stress  tests  that  determine  survival  horizons 
are  performed  and  reported  to  the  Asset  and  Liability 
Committee  (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; 
Funding  indicators  monitor  a  range  of  balance  sheet 
focussing  on  external  market  conditions, 
metrics 
changing 
and 
concentration; and 

business 

patterns 

activity 

of 

•  Operational  risk  to  assess  the  potential  for  operational 

risk outcomes. 

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: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

to  provide  a  roadmap 

Developed  a  refreshed  three  year  risk  management 
strategic  plan 
future 
for 
development of the risk management framework; 
Updated the risk appetite statements for the Group and 
for each of the Group’s major Business Units; 
Explicitly  considered  risk  behaviours  into  remuneration 
policy and practices; 
Enhanced  the  Group’s  policy  framework  by  including 
the articulation of appropriate lower level sub-limits that 
are consistent with Group level limits; 
Refreshed credit risk assessment models; 
Continued  to  integrate  subsidiary  entities  into  the 
Group’s risk management framework and practices;  
Undertaken  various  risk  optimisation  strategies  and 
portfolio reviews that have provided insight into key risk 
dependencies  and  resulted  in  adjusting  risk  exposure 
levels based on available risk-adjusted returns; 
Implemented  projects  that  will  substantially  enhance 
core risk systems, data and processes; 
Strengthened 
the 
monitoring  of  deteriorating  credits,  the  provisioning 
process and risk-based pricing models; 
Enhanced  the  structured  learning  framework  for  credit 
risk management professionals  as  well  as  risk  training 
for front line staff; 
Completed annual reviews of policies relating to Credit 
Risk,  Market  Risk,  Operational  Risk,  Compliance  Risk 
and the Insurance Risk Management Framework; 
Enhanced the Group’s risk modelling and stress testing 
frameworks to meet the demands of an ever-changing 
macroeconomic environment; and 

the  credit  decisioning  process, 

•  Monitored  and  responded  to  regulatory  changes  and 
future  regulatory  changes.  The  Group  has 
likely 
increased its participation in global financial forums and 
taken  actions 
the 
influence 
Government to help shape future regulatory reform. 

regulators  and 

to 

 
 
Capital Management 

The Bank is an Authorised Deposit-taking Institution (ADI) and is 
subject  to  regulation  by  the  Australian  Prudential  Regulation 
Authority  (APRA)  under  the  authority  of  the  Banking  Act  1959. 
APRA  has  set  minimum  regulatory  capital  requirements  for 
banks that are consistent with the 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, 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. 

The tangible component of the investment in the insurance and 
funds  management  operations  is  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.  These  include  share 
issues  and  buybacks,  dividend  and  dividend  reinvestment  plan 
(DRP)  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 ALCO. Three year capital forecasts 
are  conducted  on  a  quarterly  basis  and  a  detailed  capital  and 
strategic plan is presented to the Board annually. 

The  Group’s  capital  ratios  throughout  the  2010  and  2011 
financial  years  were  in  compliance  with  both  APRA  minimum 
capital  adequacy  requirements  and 
the  Board  Approved 
minimums.

Capital Management 

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

the  Group’s 

internal 

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, excluding Bankwest, was granted advanced Basel II 
accreditation by APRA on 10 December 2007. 

From  1  January  2008,  the  advanced  internal  ratings  based 
approach (AIRB) for credit risk and the advanced measurement 
approaches  (AMA)  for  operational  risk  were  adopted  in  the 
calculation of RWA. 

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. IRRBB 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 
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.  

future  earnings  potential  and  secondly;  as 

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.  This  has 
increased  the  flexibility  with  which  the  Group  manages  its 
decision making and capital management.  

the  Group  with 

Regulatory Changes 

There are a number of regulatory changes in progress that will 
impact the measurement of capital for the Group in regards to 
Banking, General and Life Insurance and Conglomerate Groups. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

45 

 
 
 
 
Capital Management  

Banking - Basel Committee Changes 

Supervision of Conglomerate Groups 

On  16  December  2010,  the  Basel  Committee  on  Banking 
Supervision  (BCBS)  published  details  of  its  main  banking 
reforms to strengthen global capital and liquidity regulations with 
the aim of promoting a more resilient banking sector. 

The  “Basel  III:  A  global  regulatory  framework  for  more  resilient 
banks  and  banking  systems”  reforms  are  designed  to  increase 
the quality, consistency and transparency of capital, to enhance 
the  risk  coverage  framework,  and  to  reduce  systemic  and  pro-
cyclical risks. 

The  regulations  will  increase  the  common  equity  minimum 
requirement  from  2%  to  4.5%.  They  introduce  a  capital 
conservation buffer of 2.5%, taking the minimum common equity 
requirement  to  7%.  Tier  One  and  Total  Capital  minimum 
requirements  (inclusive  of  the  capital  conservation  buffer)  will 
increase  to  8.5%  and  10.5%  respectively.  The  reforms  also 
introduce a minimum leverage ratio of Tier One Capital to total 
exposures of 3%. 

The reforms will be phased in from 1 January 2013 to 1 January 
2019. 

Banking - APRA Changes 

APRA has begun work on developing draft prudential standards 
to implement the changes outlined by the BCBS. 

is  expected 

APRA 
to  release  a  consultation  paper  on 
implementation  in  Australia  in  August  2011.  Draft  prudential 
standards are expected by December 2011, and final standards 
are expected in December 2012. 

The  BCBS  and  APRA  conducted  several  recent  Quantitative 
Impact  Studies  (QIS)  to  assess  the  impact  of  the  proposed 
changes. The results of these studies are expected to be used 
to calibrate appropriate capital levels. 

Basel  II  enhancements  announced  in  July  2009,  relating  to 
securitisation  and  market  risk,  will  be  implemented  from  1 
January 2012. 

General and Life Insurers 

APRA  released  a  Discussion  Paper  titled  “Review  of  capital 
standards  for  general  insurers  and  life  insurers”  in  May  2010, 
followed by more detailed technical papers in July 2010. APRA 
is seeking to improve the risk sensitivity of its capital standards, 
and  to  introduce  a  definition  and  measurement  of  the  capital 
base for insurers that is consistent  with ADIs. A  QIS to assess 
the impact of the proposed changes was completed in 2010 and 
after  some  refinements,  APRA  requested  a  further  QIS  be 
completed  in  2011.  The  final  standards  are  expected  to  be 
released by APRA in 2012 with implementation to commence in 
2013. 

The  Reserve  Bank  of  New  Zealand  (RBNZ)  issued  draft 
solvency standards for life insurance operations in August 2010. 
Following a period of consultation with the industry, the RBNZ is 
close to finalising the standard which will take effect during 2012. 

46 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

its  current  prudential  supervision 

APRA  released  a  Discussion  Paper  titled  “Supervision  of 
Conglomerate  Groups”  in  March  2010.  APRA  is  seeking  to 
extend 
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.  

framework 

A  QIS  to  assess  the  impact  of  the  proposed  changes  was 
completed  in  February  2011.  Draft  capital  standards  are 
expected in 2012 with implementation to commence in 2013. 

Pillar 3 Disclosures 

Full details on the market disclosures required under Pillar 3, per 
prudential  standard  APS  330  “Public  Disclosure  of  Prudential 
Information”, are provided on the Group’s website. 

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 year ended 
30 June 2011.  

The Group’s Common Equity, Tier One Capital and Total Capital 
ratios  as  at  30  June  2011  were  7.66%,  10.01%  and  11.70% 
respectively.  

The Group’s Common Equity and Tier One Capital increased by 
31 and 30 basis points respectively over the prior half, primarily 
influenced by both solid cash profit after tax (net of dividend and 
DRP) and an overall net reduction in RWA.  

The  Group’s  Total  Capital  ratio  increased  20  basis  points  over 
the prior half to 11.70%, with the benefits from the improvement 
in Tier One Capital partially offset by the planned redemption of 
a Lower Tier Two instrument. 

RWA were $282 billion at 30 June 2011, a decrease of $4 billion 
since  31  December  2010.  This  decrease  was  primarily 
influenced  by  a  $7  billion  reduction  in  Interest  Rate  Risk  in  the 
Banking  Book  (IRRBB)  RWA  with  the  balance  sheet  duration 
moving  closer  to  its  neutral  risk  position.  This  was  achieved 
through treasury risk management activities and change in loan 
and deposit pricing terms. 

Compared  to  the  prior  year,  the  Group’s  Common  Equity  and 
Tier One Capital increased 80 and 86 basis points respectively, 
reflecting a solid profit performance and reduction in RWA. 

Total  Capital  increased  21  basis  points  compared  to  the  prior 
year.  The  benefits  from  the  growth  in  Tier  One  Capital  being 
partially offset by the planned redemption of a number of Lower 
Tier  Two  instruments,  and  foreign  currency  translation  impacts 
of these instruments. 

The Group’s Common Equity, Tier One and Total Capital ratios 
as at 30 June 2011 under the Financial Services Authority (the 
UK  regulator)  method  of  calculating  regulatory  capital  as  a 
percentage  of  RWA  were  10.9%,  13.7%  and  15.0% 
respectively.  This has  been provided  for comparative purposes 
as  the  Group  is  not  regulated  by  the  Financial  Services 
Authority. 

 
 
Capital Initiatives 

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

Tier One Capital 

• 

• 

• 

The DRP for the 2010 final dividend was satisfied in full by 
an  on  market  purchase  and  transfer  of  shares.  As  such 
there  was  no  impact  on  the  Group’s  capital  ratios.  The 
DRP participation rate was 25.8% and follows the removal 
of the 1.5% discount; 
The allocation of $513 million of ordinary shares in order to 
satisfy  the  DRP  in  respect  of  the  interim  dividend  for  the 
2011  financial  year,  representing  a  participation  rate  of 
25.1%; and 

The  redemption  of  $65  million  in  Exchangeable  Floating 
Rate  notes,  classified  as  Innovative  Tier  One  Capital,  in 
February 2011. 

Tier Two Capital 

• 

• 

Redemption of five separate subordinated Lower Tier Two 
debt issues totalling $795 million, the majority of which took 
place in November 2010; and 

Redemption of a $152 million (NZ$ 200 million) Lower Tier 
Two debt issue in June 2011. 

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

ASB Bank Limited 

ASB  Bank  Limited’s  (ASB)  operations  are  included  in  the 
Group’s  capital  requirements  however,  ASB  operates  as  a 
stand-alone Bank under Basel II advanced status and is subject 
to  regulation  by  the  RBNZ.  The  RBNZ  applies  a  similar 
methodology 
regulatory  capital 
requirements. 

in  calculating 

to  APRA 

ASB had a Tier One ratio of 11.2% and a Total Capital ratio of 
12.8%  at  30  June  2011.  ASB  Bank  was  in  compliance  with  its 
regulatory capital requirements at all times during the year. Once 
Basel III reforms are implemented, ASB will be required to report 
a common equity ratio. 

Bankwest  

Bankwest’s  operations  are  included  in  the  Group’s  capital 
requirements  however,  Bankwest  operates  as  a  stand-alone 
Bank  under  Basel  II  standardised  status  and  is  separately 
regulated  by  APRA.  There  is  a  programme  to  extend  the 
Group’s  advanced  accreditation  to  determine  regulatory  capital 
for Bankwest. 

Bankwest’s capital ratios, at 30 June 2011, are in excess of both 
APRA  minimum  requirements  and  Board  approved  minimum 
levels.  The  Tier  One  ratio  was  9.1%  and  Total  Capital  was 
12.9%.  Bankwest  was  in  compliance  with  its  regulatory  capital 
requirements at all times during the year. Once Basel III reforms 
are implemented, Bankwest will be required to report a common 
equity ratio. 

Capital Management 

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 
for life insurance companies –‘solvency’ and ‘capital adequacy’. 
The capital adequacy test for statutory funds is always equal to 
or greater than the solvency test(1). 

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  capital 
requirements  for  general  insurance  businesses  in  accordance 
with APRA Prudential Standards. 

the  Australian  Securities  and 

Fund  managers  in  Australia  are  subject  to  ‘Responsible  Entity’ 
regulation  by 
Investment 
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 
2011. The Group’s Australian and New Zealand insurance and 
funds management businesses held $1,014 million of assets in 
excess of regulatory solvency requirements at 30 June 2011 (31 
December 2010: $1,147 million; 30 June 2010: $1,007 million).  

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

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

47 

 
 
 
 
Capital Management  

Capital Adequacy 

Risk Weighted Capital Ratios
Common Equity (1)

Tier One

Tier Two
Total Capital

Regulatory Capital
Ordinary Share Capital
Treasury shares (2)
Ordinary Share Capital and Treasury Shares
Other Equity Instruments
Trust Preferred Securities 2006 (3)

Total Other Equity Instruments
Reserves (4)
Cash flow hedge reserve

Employee compensation reserve

Asset revaluation reserve

Available-for-sale investments reserve

Foreign currency translation reserve related to non-consolidated subsidiaries
Total Reserves
Retained Earnings and current period profits
Expected dividend (5)
Estimated reinvestment under Dividend Reinvestment Plan (6)
Retained earnings adjustment for non-consolidated subsidiaries (7)
Other
Net Retained Earnings
Non-controlling Interest (8)
ASB Perpetual Preference Shares (8)
Non-controlling interests less ASB Perpetual Preference Shares
Total Fundamental Tier One Capital

As at

30/06/11

31/12/10

30/06/10

%

7. 66

10. 01
1. 69

11. 70

%

7. 35

9. 71
1. 79

%

6. 86

9. 15
2. 34

11. 50

11. 49

As at

30/06/11

31/12/10

30/06/10

$M

23,602

294

23,896

939

(939)

-

392

402

(135)

(191)

(245)

149

372

11,826

(2,930)

733

227

(189)

9,667

528

(505)

23

$M

23,083

301

23,384

939

(939)

-

269

490

(100)

(189)

(22)

118

566

10,534

(2,045)

511

230

(63)

9,167

524

(505)

19

$M

23,081

298

23,379

939

(939)

-

1,089

417

(125)

(194)

(173)

8

1,022

9,938

(2,633)

-

392

(52)

7,645

523

(505)

18

33,958

33,136

32,064

(1) Represents Fundamental Tier One Capital net of Tier One deductions. 

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

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

(4)  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. 

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

(6) Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) in respect of the June 2011 final dividend is to be satisfied through the issue of shares, with the assumed reinvestment 
rate  based  on  reinvestment  experience  as  approved  by  APRA.  The  DRP  in  respect  of  the  December  2010  interim  dividend  was  satisfied  by  the  issue  of 
shares. The DRP in respect of the June 2010 final dividend was satisfied in full by an on market purchase and transfer of shares. 

(7) Represents cumulative current year profit and retained earnings adjustment for subsidiaries not consolidated for regulatory purposes. This includes adjustments to the 
extent to which retained earnings from non-consolidated subsidiaries have not been repatriated to the Bank in dividends (June 2011: $525 million, December 2010: 
$522 million, June 2010: $360 million). The retention of these profits are used to fund the future growth of these operations. This has been offset by the one-off write 
back adjustments upon adoption of IFRS of $752 million.  

(8) Non-controlling interest classified as Tier One Innovative Capital under Basel II regulations. Comprised predominantly of ASB Perpetual Preference Shares of NZD550 

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

48 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
Capital Adequacy (continued) 

Regulatory Capital
Tier One Capital Deductions - 100%
Goodwill and other intangibles (excluding software) (1)
Capitalised expenses

Capitalised computer software costs
Defined benefit superannuation plan surplus (2)
General reserve for credit losses top up (3)
Deferred tax

Tier One Capital deductions - 100%
Tier One Capital Deductions - 50% (4)
Equity investments in other companies and trusts (5)
Equity investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries (net of intangibles) (6)
Expected impairment losses (before tax) in excess of eligible credit provisions (net of deferred tax) (7)
Other deductions

Tier One Capital deductions - 50%
Total Tier One Capital Deductions

Fundamental Tier One Capital After Deductions

Residual Tier One Capital
Innovative Tier One Capital
Non-cumulative preference shares (8)
Non-controlling Interests (9)
Eligible loan capital
Total Innovative Tier One Capital

Non-Innovative Residual Tier One Capital (10)
Less: Residual capital in excess of prescribed limits transferred to Upper Tier Two Capital (11)
Total Residual Tier One Capital

Capital Management 

As at

30/06/11

31/12/10

30/06/10

$M

$M

$M

(8,306)

(252)

(1,297)

(53)

(132)

(287)

(8,382)

(242)

(1,100)

(255)

(106)

(47)

(8,470)

(288)

(950)

(221)

(90)

(96)

(10,327)

(10,132)

(10,115)

(317)

(526)

(817)

(396)

(328)

(539)

(748)

(390)

(323)

(518)

(830)

(328)

(2,056)

(12,383)

(2,005)

(12,137)

(1,999)

(12,114)

21,575

20,999

19,950

2,598

505

128

3,231

3,407

-

6,638

2,626

505

198

3,329

3,407

-

6,736

2,728

505

236

3,469

3,407

(225)

6,651

Total Tier One Capital

28,213

27,735

26,601

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

(2)  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. 

(3) Capital deduction at 30 June 2011 of $132 million after tax (31 December 2010: $106 million, 30 June 2010: $90 million) 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. 

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

(5) Represents the Group’s non-controlling interest in other companies and unit trusts.  

(6) 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 $1,452 million in Non-Recourse Debt issued by Colonial Finance Limited (December 2010: $1,446 million, June 2010: $1,495 million) and the
Colonial Hybrid Issue $700 million (December 2010: $700 million, June 2010: $700 million). 

(7) 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. 

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

(9) Non-controlling interest classified as Tier One Innovative Capital under Basel II regulations. Comprised predominantly of ASB Perpetual Preference Shares of NZ$550 

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

(10) 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. 

(11) 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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

49 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Management  

Capital Adequacy (continued) 

Regulatory Capital
Tier Two Capital
Upper Tier Two Capital
Residual capital in excess of prescribed limits transferred from Tier One Capital (1)
Prudential general reserve for credit losses (net of tax) (2)
Asset revaluation reserve (3)
Upper Tier Two note and bond issues

Other
Total Upper Tier Two Capital

Lower Tier Two Capital
Lower Tier Two note and bond issues (4) (5)
Holding of own Lower Tier Two Capital
Total Lower Tier Two Capital

Tier Two Capital Deductions
50% Deductions from Tier Two Capital (6)
Total Tier Two Capital
Total Capital

As at

30/06/11

31/12/10

30/06/10

$M

$M

$M

-

620

86

336

124

-

618

85

350

108

225

603

87

382

83

1,166

1,161

1,380

5,728

(89)

5,639

(2,056)

4,749

32,962

5,990

(35)

5,955

(2,005)

5,111

32,846

7,454

(16)

7,438

(1,999)

6,819

33,420

(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. 

50 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
Capital Adequacy (continued) 

Risk Weighted Assets
Credit Risk
Subject to Advanced IRB approach

Corporate

SME Corporate

SME Retail

Sovereign

Bank

Residential mortgage

Qualifying revolving retail

Other retail
Impact of the regulatory scaling factor (1)

Total risk weighted assets subject to Advanced IRB approach
Specialised lending exposures subject to slotting criteria
Subject to Standardised approach

Corporate

SME Corporate

SME Retail

Sovereign

Bank

Residential mortgage

Other retail

Other

Total risk weighted assets subject to standardised approach

Securitisation

Equity exposures

Total risk weighted assets for credit risk exposures

Market risk

Interest rate risk in the banking book 

Operational risk

Total risk weighted assets (2)

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

(2) RWA include the consolidation of Bankwest which operates under the Basel II Standardised methodology. 

Capital Management 

As at

30/06/11

31/12/10

30/06/10

$M

$M

$M

39,180

22,471

4,435

2,517

7,216

55,709

6,398

7,253

8,711

40,129

22,071

4,896

2,557

6,686

56,412

6,761

6,398

8,755

44,252

26,216

5,170

2,800

7,492

55,882

6,772

6,322

9,294

153,890

35,990

154,665

34,339

164,200

35,483

8,048

7,389

4,461

103

1,238

23,515

2,574

4,751

52,079

2,670

2,113

8,040

7,597

4,377

99

1,583

22,605

2,510

4,619

51,430

1,894

2,280

8,872

7,746

4,684

215

1,136

22,436

2,530

5,472

53,091

1,569

2,420

246,742

244,608

256,763

3,162

9,699

22,108

281,711

3,873

17,033

20,049

3,503

10,272

20,283

285,563

290,821

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

51 

 
 
 
 
 
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, 
risk 
management  and  stockbroking.  The  domestic  competitive 
landscape  includes  the  four  major  banks,  regional  banks, 
building  societies  and  credit  unions,  foreign  retail  banks,  local 
and  global  investment  banks,  fund  managers,  private  equity 
firms, insurance companies, brokers and third party distributors. 

investment, 

insurance, 

Banking 

While the Australian economy has performed well over the past 
year,  the  domestic  banking  environment  has  encountered 
headwinds  characterised  by  strong  competition,  muted  credit 
growth,  elevated  funding  costs,  fragile  business  and  consumer 
confidence,  regulatory  uncertainty,  a  subdued  global  economy 
and the financial impact of natural disasters. 

Despite the challenging operating conditions, all major Australian 
banks  have  reported  improved  financial  results  reflected  in 
higher cash profits, driven by modest growth in operating income 
and  lower  impairments.  In  addition,  major  banks  have  retained 
strong  capital  and  liquidity  positions,  largely  through  organic 
growth,  which  should  see  them  well  placed  to  meet  upcoming 
Basel III requirements. 

The  structure  of  the  Australian  financial  industry  has  continued 
to  evolve  over  the  course  of  the  year.  The  resilience  of  the 
Australian  financial  sector  has  proven  attractive  to  international 
investment  banks,  some  are  returning  to  the  market  after  they 
withdrew  during  the  GFC,  and  regional  banks  and  specialist 
players are beginning to re-establish themselves. 

Lower domestic credit growth has resulted in strong competition 
for  lending,  whilst  elevated  wholesale  funding  costs  have 
continued to put pressure on deposit margins as banks compete 
for this source of funding. 

In  the  short 
to  medium  term  significant  challenges  and 
uncertainties  remain  for  both  the  domestic  and  global  financial 
systems.  Domestic  credit  growth  is  likely  to  remain  subdued, 
and the impact of recent natural disasters will dampen economic 
growth in the short term. In addition, concerns about sovereign 
debt credit risk, particularly in Europe, continue to impact global 
financial  markets.  This  is  likely  to  result  in  a  continuation  of 
conservative capital and liquidity settings. 

Funds Management 

Domestic  funds  management  margins  remain  under  pressure 
with  further  Australian  regulatory  changes  expected  to  reduce 
fees  and 
requirements  and  associated 
compliance costs. Consolidation of the industry is set to continue 
as  industry  participants  seek  scale  to  counteract  margin 
pressure and expand capabilities. 

increase  capital 

Insurance 

Government  policy  supporting  the  beneficial  treatment  of  life 
insurance  inside  superannuation  is  expected  to  drive  strong 
growth in the life insurance sector, increasing overall coverage. 

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

The  general  insurance  market  remains  concentrated  but  is 
highly  competitive,  particularly  with  the  entry  of  low  cost 
operators. Industry profitability during the financial year has been 
negatively impacted by significant weather related event claims. 

New Zealand 

The  Group’s  banking  activities  in  New  Zealand  are  conducted 
through  the  ASB  Group  and  insurance  activities  through 
Sovereign Group.  

Competition  in  the  New  Zealand  banking  sector  remains 
intense,  with  the  four  main  banks  being  owned  by  Australian 
parents and accounting for 90% of the total banking system. In 
addition,  Kiwibank,  the  New  Zealand  Government  and  New 
Zealand  Post  owned  and  operated  bank  launched  in  March 
2002, continues to compete aggressively in the retail sector. 

The  non-bank  financial  sector  remains  weak  due  to  elevated 
funding  costs  arising  from  the  GFC.  There  have  been  some 
collapses and further consolidation of this segment is expected. 

The  Christchurch  earthquake  is  likely  to  dampen  New  Zealand 
economic  growth  in  the  short  term.  Lending  growth  has  been 
subdued  and  this  is  expected  to  continue,  with  forecast 
economic  growth  only  returning  to  above  3%  in  the  2013 
financial year. 

Competition for retail deposits remains strong as banks move to 
secure  increased  domestic  funding  whilst  at  the  same  time 
reduce reliance on wholesale funding. 

for 

long 

term  growth  outlook 

The 
funds 
management  industry  remains  positive,  underpinned  by  the 
proposal 
increase 
to  both  simplify  superannuation  and 
compulsory  superannuation  contributions  to  12%  by  the  2020 
financial year. 

the  Australian 

The  demand  for  simple,  transparent  low  fee  products  is 
expected  to  continue  as  retail  commissions  are  removed  and 
investors focus on net-of-fee performance. 

Australia’s  ageing  population  and  widening  retirement  funding 
gap  is  expected  to  drive  demand  for  products  which  address 
market  volatility,  inflationary  threats  and  longevity  risks,  and 
there  continues  to  be  significant  demand  from  global  investors 
for well managed international funds. 

52 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
 
Description of Business Environment 

Financial System Regulation in Australia 

Supervisory Arrangements 

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

regulates 

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 
the  Australian  Competition  and  Consumer 
Centre  and 
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 
responsibilities and functions is set out below. 

The  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. 

The  Australian  Prudential  Regulation  Authority  (APRA)  has 
responsibility  for  the  prudential  supervision  of  banks,  building 
societies  and  credit  unions, 
insurance 
funds 
companies, 
(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  Australian  Securities  and  Investments  Commission  (ASIC) 
has  responsibility  for  regulating  and  enforcing  Company  and 
financial  services  laws  that  protect  consumers,  investors  and 
creditors, including the Corporations Act 2001. The 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.  ASIC  is  also  responsible  for  the 
National  Consumer  Credit  Protection  Act  and  the  responsible 
lending framework it imposes upon credit providers.  

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  community  through  the  administration  of  the 
Trade Practices Act 1974. 

(DFAT),  a 

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

legislation  giving  effect 

implementing 

for 

The  Bank  and  its  subsidiary  Bank  of  Western  Australia  are 
Authorised Deposit-taking Institutions (ADIs) under the Banking 
Act 1959 and are subject to prudential regulation by APRA.  

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 programme of specialised on-site visits to assess the 
adequacy of individual banks’ systems for identifying, measuring 
and  controlling  risks  associated  with  the  conduct  of  these 
activities. 

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

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 Bank’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,  Certificates  of 
Deposit / Bills of other banks and 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 Group’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.  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

53 

 
 
 
Description of Business Environment 

Supervisory Arrangements (continued)  

The  Commonwealth  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. 

 (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 Treasurer. 

(vi) Fit and 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 
prudential 
risk 
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. 

Accounting Policies and Estimates 

The  Group’s  accounting  policies  including  critical  accounting 
policies  and  estimates  are  set  out  in  Note  1  to  the  Financial 
Statements. 

54 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
Sustainability 

Sustainability Commitment 

Innovative product development  

For  the  Group,  sustainability  is  about  being  a  successful 
business  today  while  ensuring  long  term  value  is  delivered  to 
customers, people, shareholders and the wider community. The 
Group’s sustainability approach centres around five foundations 
that are key to the business – Customers, People, Community, 
Environment and Governance. 

This  section  of  the  report  covers  the  first  four  foundations: 
Customers,  People,  Community  and  the  Environment.  Details 
about  the  Group’s  Governance  approach  can  be  found  in  the 
Corporate Governance section of this report. 

The  sustainability  information  in  this  section,  including  the 
sustainability  scorecard  of  key  metrics,  captures  data  from 
Australian  domestic  operations  only  (excluding  Bankwest), 
unless otherwise stated.  

More  detailed  information  about  the  Group’s  approach  to 
sustainability,  as  well  as  initiatives  and  achievements,  will  be 
covered  in  the  Sustainability  Report  2011,  available  in  October 
on www.commbank.com.au/sustainability-reporting. 

Customers 

Customer  satisfaction  remains  a  key  focus  for  the  Group  and 
during  the  year  a  number  of  initiatives  were  introduced  to 
support  the  Group’s  retail,  business  and  wealth  management 
customers,  providing 
financial  solutions  and 
improvements to the customer experience.  

innovative 

As  illustrated  in  the  metrics  table  on  page  58,  customer 
satisfaction  performance  was  solid  across  retail,  business  and 
wealth  management  customer  segments.  Refer  to  the  CEO 
Statement  and  Business  Unit  performance  highlights  for  more 
information  on  the  Group’s customer satisfaction  achievements 
over the year.  

Responsible Banking 

The Group’s Emergency Assistance Packages were activated to 
support  both  retail  and  business  customers,  as  well  as  the 
broader  community,  in  all  Australian  states  affected  by  natural 
disasters. 

The Group’s flood and cyclone financial assistance totalled $65 
million and included: 

• 

• 

Compassionate  Assistance  Fund  of  up  to  $50  million  and 
CommInsure ex gratia payments of $8 million; 
Community  Flood  Assistance  Grants  Programme  of  $5 
million; and 

Cash donations of $2 million to flood relief appeals. 

• 
In addition,  

• 

• 

• 

$1  billion  was  set  aside  for  loans  to  business  and 
agribusiness customers; 
No interest was charged for the first three months on new 
or increased overdraft facilities; and 

Hardship  assistance  was  offered 
Emergency Assistance packages. 

through  Special 

Following  the  earthquake  in  Christchurch,  ASB  Bank  donated 
NZ$1.5  million  to  earthquake  relief  funds  and  launched  a 
NZ$250  million  investment  programme.  This  was  in  addition to 
the  support  offered  by  both  ASB  and  Sovereign  to  their 
customers and people. 

During the year the Group developed and launched a number of 
new products for retail and business customers. These included: 

• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

The  introduction  of  GoalSaver,  a  high  interest  bearing 
savings product; 
The  launch  of  the  new  premium  Diamond  Awards  credit 
card; 
Bankwest launched their first Express Store; 
A No Fee Variable Interest Rate Home Loan is available in 
the branch, over the phone, online or through a broker; and 

The  Business  Debit  Mastercard;  customers  can  access 
money  from  business  transaction  accounts  at  ATMs  and 
pay for purchases using EFTPOS. 

Customer-supporting technology 

The  Group’s  Core  Banking  Modernisation  project,  initiated  in 
2008,  is  changing  the  Group’s  core  banking  processes  and 
systems. The world class technology platform is enhancing the 
way  the  Group  provides  services  to  customers  and  the  way 
business is undertaken. 

The  programme  continued  its  rollout  and  achieved  significant 
milestones  during  the  year.  Migrating  ten  million  accounts  to  a 
new  platform,  delivering  real-time  banking  and  new  account 
functionality to Retail deposit customers. 

Youth financial literacy 

Improving  financial  literacy  among  Australians  is  one  of  the 
Group’s  key  goals.  During  the  year,  the  Group  continued  its 
focus on: 

• 

• 

• 

The  ‘one  million  kids’  programme  which  aims  to  improve 
the  financial  literacy  of  more  than  one  million  Australian 
school children; 
The  Commonwealth  Bank  Foundation’s  StartSmart 
programme,  a  series  of  classroom  sessions  and 
workshops designed to help young Australians build better 
money management skills; and 

The Group’s online game, Coinland. To date over 115,000 
children have created an account to experience the online 
world  and  have  fun  while  learning  the  basics  of  money 
management  with  the  help  of  characters  such  as  the 
Dollarmites and Platy. 

People 

During  the  year,  a  number  of  initiatives  were  developed  to 
benefit  the  Group’s  people,  with  a  particular  focus  on  diversity 
(including gender, leadership and disability support), indigenous 
employment and culture.  

Diversity 

In June 2011, the Group launched its Diversity Policy, outlining 
the  Group’s  approach  to  creating  and  maintaining  an  inclusive 
and  collaborative  workplace  culture.  The  Diversity  Policy 
provides  the  strategy  and  measurable  objectives  with  a  key 
focus  on  gender  diversity.  With  over  61%  of  employees  in  the 
Group being female, the aim is to increase the representation of 
women  in  senior  management  levels  from  26.6% in  December 
2009  to  35%  by  December  2014.  Solid  progress  was  made 
towards  that  goal,  with  women  comprising  28.2%  of  senior 
management roles, as at June 2011. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

55 

 
 
Sustainability 

Disability Support  

The Group launched its updated Disability Action Plan (DAP) in 
December  2010.  The  DAP  outlines  the  Group’s  strategies  for 
supporting staff and customers with a disability, mental illness or 
other  serious  health  condition.  During  the  year,  the  Group 
appointed a Diversity Support Manager, focusing on leading the 
Group’s  approach  and  providing  advice  and  support 
to 
implementing strategies across the business. 

Indigenous Employment Strategy  

The  Indigenous  Employment  Strategy  remained  a  key  focus. 
The  Group  has  made  good  progress  towards  its  target  of 
creating  350  additional  positions  for  indigenous  Australians  by 
June  2012,  with  30  new  indigenous  employees  joining  the 
Group over the period. 

People and Culture Survey 

The  Group  continued  its  focus  on  developing  a  culture  of  trust 
and team spirit and helping foster people engagement and pride 
within the organisation. 

In  the  2011  people  engagement  survey,  the  Group  recorded  a 
People  and  Culture  Indicator  (PCI)  result  of  4.30  and  Gallup 
GrandMean  score  of  4.30.  This  put  the  Group  in  the  73rd 
percentile in the Gallup Worldwide database. 

Safety, Absenteeism and Turnover 

The  Group’s  Lost  Time  Injury  Frequency  Rate  (LTIFR)  has 
improved  over  the  past  several  years  due  to  the  continued 
implementation  of  the  safety  management  system.  In  the  12 
months to June 2011 the LTIFR was 1.9, down from 2.9 in the 
prior year.  

Group absenteeism was broadly in line with the prior year, while 
voluntary  turnover  declined  from  12.73%  in  2010  to  12.65%  in 
2011. 

Community 

The Group continued its ongoing work with a range of Australian 
communities  through  its  programmes  and  partnerships  across 
health and welfare, the arts, environment, sport and indigenous 
affairs.  

Natural disaster relief appeal 

The Queensland floods and Cyclone Yasi impacted not only the 
Group’s customers but also the wider community. In recognition 
of  both  the  economic  and  social  significance  of  community 
groups,  a  Community  Flood  Assistance  Grants  Program  was 
launched by the Group to help support a number of groups. Not-
for-profit community groups that had suffered damage or loss of 
uninsured  equipment  were  invited  to  apply  for  a  grant  of  up  to 
$20,000.  This  was  the  only  programme  of  its  size  and  scale 
offered  to  community  groups  in  flood-affected  areas  around 
from 
Australia.  The  programme 
Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia 
representing health, arts and history, children’s wellbeing, sport 
and social welfare. A total of 381 groups received grants totaling 
over $5 million. 

received  applications 

The  Group  also  donated  $2  million  to  flood  relief  appeals  and 
accepted  donations  through  all  Commonwealth  Bank  branches 
and  online  channels.  The  Australian  community  showed  its 
unwavering support for people in need, with the Group collecting 
in excess of $44 million in donations from staff and customers.  

Community Partnerships 

The Group continued its support for cricket from the grandstands 
to  grassroots  through  its  ongoing  sponsorship  of  the  One  Day 
International  Cricket  Series  and  its  assistance  for  local  cricket 

56 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

clubs.  In  November  2010,  the  Group’s  Grants  for  Grassroots 
cricket programme rolled out for the second year, with over 200 
local  men’s,  women’s,  and  children’s  cricket  clubs  around 
Australia  receiving  a  $1,000  cash  grant  plus  $750  worth  of 
equipment.  

The  number  of  grant  applications  increased  by  43%  from  the 
previous year’s programme. 

The Fours and Sixes for Local Pitches initiative, which supported 
cricket clubs that had been affected by the Queensland floods, 
saw  the  Group  donate  $4,000  for  every  four  and  $6,000  for 
every  six  hit  during  the  Commonwealth  Bank  Series  match  at 
the  Gabba  in  Brisbane  in  January  2011.  As  a  result,  a  total  of 
$188,000  was  raised  to  help  cricket  clubs  rebuild  and  get 
players back on the pitch. 

The Group’s Staff Community Fund, Australia’s longest running 
workplace giving programme, drove a month-long campaign for 
the Humour Foundation. 

This  raised  more  than  $180,000  for  the  Clown  Doctors,  an 
organisation  that  brings  fun  and  humour  to  children’s  hospitals 
around Australia, using magic, mime and mimicry.  

During Legacy Badge Week the Group sold Legacy Badges in 
all branches nationally, helping raise over $90,000. 

As  the  major  sponsor  of  Clean  Up  Australia  Day,  the  Group 
hosted over 65 cleanup sites nationally in 2011. 

The Group continued its major sponsorship of the Australian of 
the Year Awards in 2011. In conjunction with these awards, the 
Group developed a new programme – Launching Local Heroes. 
This programme supports eight inspiring Australians – one from 
each  state  and  territory,  all  nominated  for  the  Australian  of  the 
Year  Awards  2011,  to  have  an  even  greater  impact  in  the 
community. 

The Group aims to bring the arts to a broader range of people 
from  all  backgrounds 
through 
enduring partnerships with Opera Australia, Australian Chamber 
Orchestra, Bangarra Dance Theatre and, since June 2010, the 
Museum of Contemporary Art. 

in  Australian  communities 

The  Group  continued  its  support  of  important  health  initiatives. 
During the year, the Group helped raise more than $452,000 for 
the Breast Cancer Institute of Australia from fundraising and the 
sale of the Australian Women’s Health Diary in Commonwealth 
Bank  branches.  The  Group  also  continued  its  support  of  the 
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and their national ‘BBQ 
for  Prostate  Cancer’  awareness  campaign.  During  September 
2010,  International  Prostate  Cancer  Awareness  Month,  the 
Group surpassed $1 million of funds raised since the start of the 
partnership in 1999. 

For  more 
programmes the Group supports visit  

information  on 

the 

full 

range  of  community 

www.commbank.com.au/about-us. 

Indigenous Commitment 

During  the  year  the  Group  has  supported  various  indigenous 
initiatives  and  programmes  including  participating  in  National 
Aborigines  and 
Islanders  Day  Observance  Committee 
(NAIDOC)  week,  fundraising  and  support  for  the  Australian 
Indigenous  Mentoring  Experience  (AIME),  and  the  Bawaka 
cultural programme in Arnhem  Land,  which has been attended 
by some 60 employees including the Group’s CEO. 

 
 
The Group is committed to supporting the indigenous enterprise 
sector  in  Australia  and  working  with  the  Australian  Indigenous 
to  provide  a  direct 
Minority  Supplier  Council’s  (AIMSC) 
link  between  Corporate 
business-to-business  purchasing 
Australia,  Government  agencies  and 
indigenous-owned 
businesses as well as increase its supply chain diversity. 

Environment 

Property Environmental Performance 

located 

The  Group  continued  its  shift  to  environmentally  responsible 
commercial  properties  with  the  construction  of  Commonwealth 
in  Sydney's  Darling  Walk  precinct. 
Bank  Place, 
Commonwealth Bank Place consists of two commercial A-grade 
office  spaces,  the  North  and  South  Towers,  each  with  eight 
levels and retail areas on the ground floor. The first teams took 
occupancy in June 2011. 

is 

Commonwealth  Bank  Place 
targeting  a  number  of 
environmental  performance  ratings  including  a  six  star  Green 
Star  rating  for  its  base  building  office  design,  a  five  star  Green 
Star  rating  for  office  interiors  and  a  five  star  NABERS  Energy 
rating 
for  energy  use.  The  buildings  adopt  a  range  of 
sustainability principles including state-of-the-art technology and 
innovative  features  to  help  reduce  energy  consumption  of  the 
facility by 50% and water consumption by 90%, while targeting 
80% of waste to be recycled or diverted from landfill.  

The buildings encompass multiple working style spaces to cater 
for Activity Based Working, where employees choose to work in 
the space best suited to the task they are doing at the time. To 
maximise mobility, connectivity and efficiency, employees will be 
equipped  with  the  latest  technology,  including  laptops  with  a 
built-in webcam for video calls, a unified communication system, 
LCD  collaboration  screens  and  smart  boards,  while  having 
access  to  a  secure  wireless  network  anywhere  in  the  building. 
More  than  6,000  of  the  Group’s  people  will  be  located  in 
Commonwealth Bank Place’s North and South Tower buildings 
by early 2012. 

Managing Carbon Emissions 

The  Group  continued  to  progress  towards  its  20%  carbon 
reduction target during the year, with a number of initiatives and 
pilot  programmes  implemented  to  reduce  the  Group’s  energy 
and  fuel  consumption.  Additional  activities  are  set  to  be 
implemented throughout the remainder of the calendar year and 
beyond  to  further  reduce  the  impacts  of  increased  energy  and 
fuel  prices.  The  Group  remains  confident  in  achieving  its  20% 
carbon  emissions  reduction  target,  from  2008-09  emission 
levels, by mid 2013. 

Reporting 

The  Group  is  subject  to  the  National  Greenhouse  and  Energy 
Reporting (NGER) scheme. This provides a consistent reporting 
framework  for  Australia’s  greenhouse  gas  emissions.  The 
Energy Efficiency Opportunities (EEO) Act provides a framework 
for  identifying  cost-effective  energy  savings.  In  October  2010, 
the Group submitted its response to the NGER scheme and in 
December  2010  published  its  Energy  Efficiency  Opportunities 
Report 2010.  

The Group once again voluntarily reported its carbon emissions 
to  the  Carbon  Disclosure  Project  (CDP)  in  May  2011.  It  was 
announced  as  a  global  sector  leader  in  the  Carbon  Disclosure 
Leadership  Index by  achieving  third  place in  world-standing for 
carbon  disclosure  within  the  2010  CDP  Global  500  Report 
released in September 2010. 

Sustainability 

Future Developments 

The  Group  is  committed  to  sustainability  and  is  maintaining  its 
focus on delivering long term value and ensuring its policies and 
practices  support  customers,  staff, 
the 
community and rigorous corporate governance. 

the  environment, 

The  Group  will  publish  its  annual  Sustainability  Report  in 
October  2011  to  share  its  sustainability  performance.  The 
Sustainability Report 2011 will be available online at: 

www.commbank.com.au/sustainability-reporting. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

57 

 
 
Sustainability 

How the Group Performed 

Metric (1) 
Customers 
Roy Morgan Research main financial institution customer satisfaction (2) 
Rank 
DBM Business Financial Services 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) 

2011

2010 

2009

75.2% 
4th 
7.1 
Equal 2nd 
84.7% 
1st 

6.0 
12.65% 
4.30 
4.30 
1.9 

75.6% 
2nd 
7.0 
Equal 1st 
86.5% 
1st 

5.9 
12.73% 
4.32 
4.31 
2.9 

73.0% 
3rd 
- 
- 
84.1% 
1st 

5.9 
11.37% 
4.37 
4.36 
2.4 

172,087 

176,806 

172,752 

(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 six months 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 three main Australian banks 
(Westpac, NAB, and ANZ).The competitor set changed in 2010/11 to reflect the four major banks, rank adjustments have been applied historically.  

(3) The average satisfaction of each financial institution’s MFI business customers surveyed by DBM Business Financial Services Monitor. Respondents rate their overall 
satisfaction with that institution on a scale from 0 to 10 where 0 is ‘Extremely Dissatisfied’ and 10 is ‘Extremely Satisfied’. The metric is reported as a 6 month rolling 
average as at June 2011. The ranking refers to the Group’s position relative to the other three major Australian banks. The Group began reporting business customer 
satisfaction using the new industry currency, DBM Business Financial Services Monitor in August 2010, however DBM have provided top line back data from June 
2010. 

(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 CBA 
employees excluding those of Bankwest, ASB Bank and other overseas banking 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  2010  figure  (previously 
reported as 2.5) has been adjusted. 

(10) Emissions relate to the 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, business use of hire cars and domestic ATMs. Due to the electricity billing cycle, 26% 
of the 2010-11 electricity data was estimated to meet publication deadlines. 

58 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Introduction 

This  statement  outlines  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,  designed  to  properly  balance  performance  and 
conformance.  This  enables  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 ASX 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 (CEO); 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.  It  has 
regard  to  the  interests  of  the  Group’s  customers,  people, 
shareholders  and  the  broader  community  in  which  the  Group 
operates at all times. 

Delegation of Authority 

The  Board  delegates  to  the  CEO  the  authority  to  achieve  the 
its 
Group’s  objective  of  creating 
through  providing 
shareholders 
its 
best-in-industry 
and 
customers 
performance in safety, community reputation and environmental 
impact. 

long 
term  value 
financial  services 

sustained 

providing 

for 
to 

The CEO is responsible for the day to day management of the 
Group  and  maintaining  a  comprehensive  set  of  management 
delegations  under 
the  Group’s  Delegation  of  Authorities 
framework.  These  delegations  cover  commitments  around 
project  investment,  operational  expenditure  and  non-financial 
activities  or  processes.  They  are  designed  to  accelerate 
decision-making  and  improve  both  efficiency  and  customer 
service. 

An overview of the Group’s Corporate Governance framework 
is outlined below. 

Corporate Governance Framework 

Independent advice 
and assurance 
available 

Board of Directors 

Delegated  
authority 

CEO 

Independent 
Directors

CEO 

Accountable through 
reporting obligations 

Provides advice to the CEO 
on key decisions made 
under management 
delegation 

Management 
delegated 
authority 

Board Committees 

Executive Committee 

Audit 

Risk 

Board Performance 
and Renewal

People & 
Remuneration 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

59 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Governance 

Composition 

There are currently eleven 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 

Chairman 

Board Performance 
and Renewal 
Chairman 

People & 
Remuneration 
Member 

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 

B J Long (1) 

L K Inman (2) 

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

Chief Executive Officer 
- 

- 
Member 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Member 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Audit 
- 

- 
- 

Risk 
Member 

Member 
Member 

Member 

Member 

- 
- 

- 

Chairman 

- 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

- 

Member 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Chairman  Member 

Member 

Chairman 

Member 

Member 

- 

Member 

(1) Mr Long was appointed to the Board with effect from 1 September 2010. He was elected at the Annual General Meeting held 26 October 2010. 

(2)  Ms Inman  was  appointed to the Board  with effect  from 16  March 2011. In  accordance  with  the  Bank’s  Constitution  and the  ASX  Listing Rules,  she  will stand for 

election at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 8 November 2011. 

Constitution  

The Constitution of the Bank specifies that: 

• 

• 

• 

The  CEO  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  eleven; 
and 

At  each  Annual  General  Meeting  (AGM)  one  third  of 
Directors (other than the CEO) 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. 

Directors are required to conduct themselves in accordance with 
the  ethical  policies  of  the  Group.  They  are  required  to  be 
meticulous  in  their  disclosure  of  any  material  contract  or 
relationship in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001. This 
disclosure  extends  to  the  interests  of  family  companies  and 
spouses.  Directors  are  also  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  2001  and  the  Group’s  policies.  Each  Director 

60 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

may  from  time  to  time  have  personal  dealings  with  the  Group. 
Each  Director  could  be  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 the 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. 

Education 

in  an 

Directors  participate 
induction  programme  upon 
appointment and  in  a  refresher  programme  on  a  regular  basis. 
This programme of continuing education ensures that the Board 
is kept up to date with developments in the industry both locally 
and  globally.  It  also  includes  sessions  with  local  and  overseas 
experts in the particular fields relevant to the Group’s operations. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Review 

The  Board  has  an  annual  process  for  reviewing  its  own 
performance,  policies  and  practices.  These  reviews  seek  to 
identify  where  improvements  can  be  made.  They  also  assess 
the  quality  and  effectiveness  of  information  made  available  to 
Directors.  The  review  process  includes  an  assessment  of  the 
performance of the Board Committees and each Director. Every 
two  years,  this  process  is  facilitated  by  an  external  consultant, 
with an internal review conducted in the intervening years. 

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

results  of 

the 

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  CEO’s  performance  and 
remuneration which is conducted by the Board in the absence of 
the CEO. 

in  accordance  with 

Performance  evaluations 
the  above 
processes  have  been  undertaken  during  the  year.  Details  on 
management  performance  evaluations  are  contained  in  the 
Remuneration Report section of the Directors’ Report. 

Board Performance and Renewal Committee 

the  composition  and  effectiveness  of 

The  Board  Performance  and  Renewal  Committee  reviews 
annually  the  corporate  governance  procedures  of  the  Group.  It 
the 
considers 
Commonwealth Bank of Australia Board and also the boards of 
the major wholly owned subsidiaries. The policy of the Board is 
that  the  Committee  shall  consist  solely  of  independent  Non-
Executive  Directors,  with  the  CEO  attending  the  meeting  by 
invitation. 

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

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.  These  are  aimed  at  creating  a 
Board  capable  of  challenging,  stretching  and  motivating 
management to achieve sustained, outstanding 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.  Each 
Director should: 

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

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  an  appropriate  mix  of  skills,  diversity  and 
experience required currently and for the future strategy of 
the Group; 
Be  excellently  prepared  and 
education; 
Provide  important  and  significant  insights,  input  and 
questions  to  management  from  their  experience  and  skill; 
and 

receive  all  necessary 

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. 

Corporate Governance 

The  Board  Performance  and  Renewal  Committee  will  assess 
the skills, experience and personal qualities of these candidates 
as  well  as  take  into  consideration  other  attributes  including 
diversity to ensure that any appointment decisions are made in 
line  with  the  objectives  of  the  Board  and  the  Group’s  Diversity 
Policy. A copy of the Policy is available on the Group’s website. 
Information on the Group’s diversity strategy can also be found 
in the Sustainability section of this report. 

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, will stand for election at the next AGM, in accordance 
with the Constitution. 

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. These 
include  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  of  Committees  and 
functions of Directors include: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The  Board  will  consist  of  a  majority  of  independent  Non-
Executive Directors; 
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 Chairman; 
The  Board  will  meet  on  a  regular  and  timely  basis.  The 
agenda will provide adequate information about the affairs 
of  the  Group.  It  also  enables  the  Board  to  guide  and 
monitor  management,  and  assist  in  its  involvement  in 
discussions  and  decisions  on  strategy.  Strategic  matters 
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 Group 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 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

61 

 
 
Corporate Governance 

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 
adopting  guidelines  which  further  limit  any  such  dealings  by 
Directors,  their  spouses,  any  dependent  child,  family  company 
or family trust. 

The guidelines provide, that in addition to the requirements 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  AGM  until  14  days  after  the  AGM.  The  guidelines  also 
require that Directors do not deal on the basis of considerations 
of  a  short  term  nature  or  to  the  extent  of  trading  in  those 
securities. Similar restrictions apply to Executives of the Group, 
which  is  in  addition  to  the  prohibition  of  any  trading  (including 
hedging) in positions prior to vesting of shares or options. 

Directors  and  Executives  who  report  to  the  CEO  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  replaced  the  guidelines.  This  policy 
applied to all Directors, employees and 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 Remuneration Report. 

Audit Arrangements 

Audit Committee 

The  purpose  of  the  Audit  Committee  is  to  assist  the  Board  in 
fulfilling its statutory and fiduciary responsibilities. It provides an 
objective  and  independent  review  of  the  effectiveness  of  the 
external reporting of financial information and the internal control 
environment of the Group, as well as obtaining an understanding 
of the tax and accounting risks which face the Group. The Audit 
Committee  is  responsible  for  the  oversight  of  accounting 
policies,  professional  accounting  requirements,  internal  audit 
(GAA),  external  audit,  APRA  statutory  and  regulatory  reporting 
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. 

the  Committee 

that 

These include: 

• 

least 

The  Audit  Committee  shall  comprise  at 
three 
members.  All  members  must  be  Non-Executive, 
Independent  Directors  and  be  financially  literate.  At  least 
one  member  should  have  relevant  qualifications  and 
experience  as 
the  ASX  Corporate 
to 
Governance Principles and Recommendations; 

referred 

in 

62 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

The  chairman  of  the  Audit  Committee  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; 

•  Meetings  will  be  at  least  quarterly  and  as  required.  The 

external auditor will be invited to all meetings. 

• 

•  Meetings will be held  from time to time with GAA and the 
external  auditor  without  management  or  others  being 
present; 
The  Committee  has  the  power  to  call  attendees  as 
required,  including  open  access  to  management,  GAA, 
external  audit  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  

• 

• 

It 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. 

Auditor 

PricewaterhouseCoopers  (PwC)  was appointed as the  external 
auditor  of  the  Bank  at  the  2007  AGM,  effective  from  the 
beginning of the 2008 financial year. 

The  PwC  audit  partner  will  attend  the  2011  AGM  and  be 
available  to  respond  to  shareholder  questions  relating  to  the 
external audit. 

The Group requires that the partner managing the external audit 
be  changed  after  a  period  of  no  longer  than  five  years,  in  line 
with current regulations. 

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

Non-Audit Services 

the  Audit 
The  External  Auditor  Services  Policy  requires 
Committee  (or  its  delegate)  to  approve  all  audit  and  non-audit 
services  before  engaging  the  external  auditors  to  perform  the 
work.  The  policy  also  prohibits  the  external  auditors  from 
providing  certain  services  to  the  Group  or  its  affiliates.  The 
objective of this policy is to avoid prejudicing the independence 
of the external auditors.  

The  policy  is  designed  to  ensure  that  the  external  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 themselves 
and the Group; 
Require an indemnification from the Group to themselves;  
Seek contingency fees; nor 

 
 
Corporate Governance 

• 

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  external  auditor  shall  not  provide  certain 
services including the following services: 

The CEO and the Chief Financial Officer have given the Board 
their  declaration  in  accordance  with  section  295A  of  the 
Corporations  Act  2001  and  confirmation  that  the  declaration  is 
founded  on  a  sound  system  of  risk  management  and  internal 
control  and  also  that  the  system  is  operating  effectively  in  all 
material respects in relation to financial risks. 

• 

• 
• 

• 

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 or contribution-in-
kind reports; 
Actuarial  services  unless  approved  in  accordance  with 
independence guidelines; 
Internal audit outsourcing services; 

• 
•  Management  functions,  including  acting  as  an  employee 

Risk Committee 

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

• 
• 

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

and secondment arrangements; 
Human resources; 
Broker-dealer,  investment  adviser  or  investment  banking 
services; 
Legal services; 
Expert services for the purpose of advocating the interests 
of the Group; 
Services relating to marketing, planning or opining in favour 
of the tax treatment of certain transactions; 
Tax  services  in  connection  with  certain  types  of  tax 
transactions; 
Tax  services  to  individuals,  and  any  immediate  family 
members  of  any  individuals,  in  a  Financial  Reporting 
Oversight Role; and 

Certain corporate recovery and similar services. 

• 
In general terms, the permitted services are: 

• 
• 

• 

• 

the 

Audit services to the Group or an affiliate; 
Related  services  connected  with 
lodgement  of 
statements  or  documents  with  the  ASX,  ASIC,  APRA  or 
other regulatory or supervisory bodies; 
Services reasonably related to the performance of the audit 
services; 
Agreed-upon procedures or comfort letters provided by the 
external  auditor  to  third  parties  in  connection  with  the 
Group’s financing or related activities; and 

•  Other services pre-approved by the Audit Committee. 

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 GAA. 

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”. 

Strategic  risks  are  governed  by  the  Board,  with  input  from  the 
various  Board  sub-committees.  Tax  and  accounting  risks  are 
governed by the 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 
(that  underpin  the  Internal  Capital  Adequacy  Assessment 
Process),  liquidity  and  funding.  These  are  overseen  and 
reviewed by the Board on at least an annual basis. 

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 Risk Committee charter states that the Committee will meet 
at least quarterly, and as required. In practice this is at least six 
times a year. To allow it to form a view on the independence of 
the  function,  the  Risk  Committee  meets  with  the  Group  Chief 
Risk Officer (CRO) in the absence of other management at least 
annually  or  at  the  will  of  the  Committee  or  the  CRO.  The 
chairman of the Risk Committee provides a report to the Board 
following each 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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

63 

 
 
Corporate Governance 

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. 

Continuous Disclosure 

Market  matters  which  could  be  expected  to  have  a  material 
effect on the price or value of the Company’s securities must be 
disclosed under the Corporations Act 2001 and the ASX Listing 
Rules. The Group’s “Guidelines for Communication between the 
Bank  and  Shareholders”  is  available  on  the  Group’s  website. 
These set 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  in  place 
throughout  the  Group  to  ensure  that  all  material  matters  which 
may  potentially  require  disclosure  are  promptly  reported  to  the 
CEO,  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 also 
been  formed  to  provide  advice  on  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. 

Shareholder Communication 

The  Group  believes  it  is  very  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; 
AGM; 

• 
• 
• 
• 
•  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 website at www.commbank.com.au. 

• 
range  of  communication 
The  Group  employs  a  wide 
approaches.  These 
include  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 
the  market  via  ASX  announcements  and 
publicised  on  the  website  to  enable  interested  parties  to 
participate.  In  order  to  make  its  general  meetings  more 
accessible  to  shareholders,  the  Group  moves  the  location 
between  Australian  capital  cities  each  year  and  live  webcasts 
are  available  for  viewing  online.  These  actions  are  aimed  at 
encouraging shareholder participation at general meetings. 

to 

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. 

64 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

Ethical Policies 

The  values  of  the  Group  are  trust,  honesty  and  integrity.  The 
Board carries out its legal duties in accordance with these values 
and  having  appropriate  regard  to  the  interests  of  the  Group’s 
customers, shareholders, people 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.  This  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 programmes; 
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 our people. The 
Group  has  also  established  insider  trading  guidelines  for  our 
people  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  our 
people to carry out their duties in accordance with the values of 
the Group. These include: 

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

Supporting Professional Development. 

Behaviour Policy 

to  complying  with 

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

The  policy  has  been  extended  to  include  reporting  of  auditing 
and  accounting  issues.  These  are  reported  to  the  Chief 
Compliance  Officer  by 
the  Chief  Security  Officer,  who 
administers  the  reporting  and  investigation  system.  The  Chief 
the  Audit 
Security  Officer  reports  any  such  matters 
Committee,  noting  the  status  of  resolution  and  actions  to  be 
taken.

to 

 
 
Corporate Governance 

Code of Conduct 

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 
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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

65 

 
 
 
Directors’ Report 

The Directors of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia submit their report, together with the financial report of the Commonwealth Bank 
of Australia (the Bank) and of the Group, being the Bank and its controlled entities, for the year ended 30 June 2011. 

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

David J Turner, Chairman 

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

Director:  Great  Barrier  Reef  Foundation  and  O’Connell  Street 
Associates. 

Other Interests: Institute of Chartered Accountants in England 
and Wales (Fellow). 

Mr Turner is a resident of New South Wales. Age 66. 

Mr  Turner  has  extensive  experience  in  finance,  international 
business  and  governance.  He  was  Chairman  of  Cobham  plc 
from  May  2008  until  May  2010.  He  was  CEO  of  Brambles 
Limited from October 2003 until his retirement in June 2007 and 
formerly CFO from 2001 to 2003. He was also Finance Director 
of GKN plc, Finance Director of Booker plc and spent six years 
with Mobil Oil. 

Mr Turner has also been a Non Executive Director of Whitbread 
plc, Director of the Iron Trades Insurance Group and Member of 
the Quotations Committee of the London Stock Exchange. 

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. 

Sir John A Anderson, KBE 

Sir John joined the Board in 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 
“Outstanding  Leadership 
inaugural  Blake  Medal 
the 
Contributions to New Zealand”. 

for 

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

Director:  Business  Council  of  Australia  and  Financial  Markets 
Foundation for Children.  

Interests:  New  Zealand 

Other 
(Fellow) and New Zealand Computer Society (Fellow). 

Institute  of  Management 

Mr Norris is a resident of New South Wales. Age 62. 

Chairman:  Television  New  Zealand  Limited,  New  Zealand 
Venture  Investment  Fund,  National  Property  Trust  Limited  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 66. 

Colin R Galbraith, AM 

Mr Galbraith has been a member of the Board since June 2000 
and  is  a  member  of  the  Risk  Committee,  Audit  Committee  and 
Board  Performance  and  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. 

Interests:  CARE  Australia 

Other 
Melbourne Hospital Neuroscience Foundation (Trustee).  

(Director)  and  Royal 

Mr Galbraith is a resident of Victoria. Age 63. 

66 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report 

Director:  The  Global  Foundation,  Victorian  Opera  Company 
Limited, Tabcorp Ltd and Santos Ltd. 

Other Interests: Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia 
(Fellow),  Institute  of  Chartered  Accountants  in  England  and 
Wales  (Fellow),  Australian  Institute  of  Company  Directors 
(Fellow),  Chief  Executive  Women  Inc.  (Member),  Walter  and 
Eliza Hall Institute Financial Sustainability Committee (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 57. 

Director: Allens Arthur Robinson, Brambles Industries Limited, 
Infrastructure NSW 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 50. 

Jane S Hemstritch 

Ms  Hemstritch  was  appointed  to  the  Board  effective  October 
2006.  She 
the  People  &  Remuneration 
Committee and a member of the Risk Committee. 

is  Chairman  of 

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  Asia  Pacific  business  portfolio.  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. 

Carolyn H Kay 

Ms Kay has been a member of the Board since March 2003 and 
is also a member of the Audit, People & Remuneration and Risk 
Committees.  

Ms  Kay  holds  Bachelor  Degrees  in  Law  and  Arts  and  a 
Graduate  Diploma  in  Management.  She  has  over  25  years  of 
experience  in  Finance,  particularly  in  International  Finance, 
including  working  as  both  a  banker  and  a  lawyer  at  Morgan 
Stanley,  JP  Morgan  and  Linklaters  &  Paines  in  London,  New 
York and Australia. 

Brian J Long 

Mr Long was appointed to the Board effective September 2010. 

Director: Cantarella Bros, Pty Ltd 

He is a member of the Audit and Risk Committees. 

Chairman: Ten Network Holdings Limited 

Mr  Long  retired  as  a  partner  of  Ernst  &  Young  in  June  2010. 
Until that time he was the Chairman of both the Global Advisory 
Council and of the Oceania Area Advisory Council. He was one 
of the firm’s most experienced audit partners with over 30 years 
experience  in  serving  as  audit  signing  partner  on  major 
Australian  public  companies  including  those  in  the  financial 
services, property, insurance and media sectors. 

Other Interests: Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia 
(Fellow), Chairman of United Way Australia, Member of Council 
and  Chairman  of  Audit  Committee  for  each  of  the  National 
Library of Australia and the University of NSW. 

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

Andrew M Mohl 

Mr Mohl was appointed to the Board effective July 2008 and is a 
member of the Risk and People & Remuneration Committees.  

Chairman: Federal Government Export Finance and Insurance 
Corporation. 

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 of 
AMP  Financial  Services  and  Managing  Director  and  Chief 
Investment Officer of AMP Asset Management. 

Mr Mohl  was a  former  Group  Chief  Economist,  Chief  Manager, 
Retail  Banking  and  Managing  Director  of  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. 

Director: AMP Foundation. 

Interests:  Coaching  services 

Other 
to  Chief  executives, 
Member  of  the  Board  of  Governors  for  the  Committee  of 
Economic Development of Australia, the Advisory Council of the 
Australian  School  of  Business  at  the  University  of  New  South 
Wales  and  the  Corporate  Council  of  the  European  Australian 
Business Council. 

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

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

67 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report 

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. 

Harrison H Young 

Mr  Young  has  been  a  member  of  the  Board  since  February 
2007. He is Chairman of the Risk Committee and a member of 
the Audit Committee.  

From 2003 to 2007, Mr Young was Chairman of Morgan Stanley 
Australia,  and  from  1997  to  2003  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. 

Launa K Inman 

Ms Inman was appointed to the Board effective March 2011. She 
is a member of the Risk Committee. 

Ms  Inman  has  been  Managing  Director  of  Target  Australia  Pty 
Limited  since  2005.  Prior  to  that  appointment,  Ms  Inman  was 
Managing Director of Officeworks. 

Ms Inman won the 2003 Telstra Australian Business Woman of 
the  Year  and  was  winner  of  the  Commonwealth  Government 
Private and Corporate Sector Award. 

Director:  Australian  Foundation  Investment  Company  Limited, 
and Centre for Social Impact. 

Other  Interests:  Chairman  of  the  Advisory  Council  of  the 
Global  Foundation,  Committee  for  Melbourne  (Counsellor)  and 
Pacific Institute (Patron). 

Mr Ryan is a resident of Victoria. Age 68. 

Chairman:  NBN  Co  Limited  and  Better  Place  (Australia)  Pty 
Limited. 

Director:  Bank  of  England  and  Financial  Services  Volunteer 
Corps. 

Mr Young is a resident of Victoria. Age 66. 

Other  Interests:  Australian  Institute  of  Company  Directors 
(Member),  Chief  Executive  Women  Inc.  (Member),  Australian 
Institute  of Management  (Member)  and World Retail Congress 
Advisory Board (Member). 

Ms Inman is a resident of Victoria. Age 55 

Other Directorships 
The Directors held directorships on listed companies within the last three years as follows: 

Director 
D J Turner 

J A Anderson 

Company 
Cobham plc 

PGG Wrightson Ltd (NZ) 
National Property Trust (NZ) 

C R Galbraith 

OneSteel Limited 

J S Hemstritch 

Tabcorp Holdings Limited 
Santos Limited 

S C H Kay 

Brambles Industries Limited 

B J Long 

F D Ryan 

Ten Network Holdings Limited 

Australian Foundation Investments Company Limited 

08/08/2001 

Date Appointed 
01/12/2007 

Date of Ceasing 
(if applicable) 
06/05/2010 

01/04/2010 
01/04/2011 

25/10/2000 

13/11/2008 
16/02/2010 

01/06/2006 

01/07/2010 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

68 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Meetings 

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: 

Directors’ Report 

Director 
D J Turner 
R J Norris 
J A Anderson 
C R Galbraith 
J S Hemstritch 
S C H Kay 
B J Long (2) 
A M Mohl 
F D Ryan 
H H Young 
L K Inman(3) 

No. of Meetings 
Held (1) 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
9 
11 
11 
11 
3 

No. of Meetings 
Attended 
11 
11 
10 
11 
11 
11 
9 
11 
11 
10 
3 

(1) The number of meetings held during the time the Director was a member of the Board and was eligible to attend. 

(2) Mr Long was appointed effective 1 September 2010. 

(3) Ms Inman was appointed effective 16 March 2011. 

Committee Meetings 

Risk Committee 

Audit Committee 

People & Remuneration 
Committee 

No. of Meetings 
Held (1) 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
5 
6 
6 
6 
1 

No. of Meetings 
Attended 
6 
6 
5 
6 
6 
5 
5 
6 
5 
6 
1 

No. of Meetings 
Held (1) 
- 
- 
- 
6 
- 
6 
5 
- 
6 
6 
- 

No. of Meetings 
Attended 
- 
- 
- 
6 
- 
6 
5 
- 
6 
6 
- 

No. of Meetings 
Held (1) 
9 
- 
- 
- 
9 
9 
- 
9 
- 
- 
- 

No. of Meetings 
Attended 
9 
- 
- 
- 
9 
8 
- 
9 
- 
- 
- 

Board Performance and Renewal 
Committee 

No. of Meetings 
Held (1) 
7 
7 
7 

No. of Meetings 
Attended 
7 
7 
7 

Director 
D J Turner 
R J Norris 
J A Anderson 
C R Galbraith 
J S Hemstritch 
S C H Kay 
B J Long 
A M Mohl 
F D Ryan 
H H Young 
L K Inman 

Director 
D J Turner 
J A Anderson 
C R Galbraith 

(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  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, 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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

69 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report 

Consolidated Profit 

Highlights included: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

“Bank of the Year” in the 2011 Money Magazine Awards, 
for the second year in a row; 

Awarded the “Australian Financial Institution of the Year – 
Major Banks” at the 2011 Australian Banking and Finance 
Awards;  

Continued  investment  spend, including the Core Banking 
Modernisation 
these  customers  now 
enjoying the benefits of real time banking; 

initiative  with 

The  Group  achieved  a  major  milestone  when  its  first 
teams began working out of new state-of-the-art buildings 
in Sydney’s Darling  Harbour.  This facility  will  be  home  to 
over 6,000 staff by early next year; and 

Bankwest  was  awarded  the  AFR  Smart  Investor  2010 
“Bank of the Year award”. 

There were no other significant changes in the state of affairs of 
the Group during the financial year. 

Events Subsequent to Balance Sheet date 

On 22 July 2011, the Board announced the appointment of Ian 
Narev  to  the  role  of  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  the  Bank  upon 
the retirement of Ralph Norris at the end of November 2011. 

The  Bank  expects  to  issue  approximately  $733  million  of 
ordinary shares in respect of the DRP for the final dividend for 
the year ended 30 June 2011. 

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. 

Business Strategies and Future Developments 

Accommodation Strategy 

The  Group  continues  to  implement  its  property  strategy  to 
consolidate  the  Sydney  metropolitan  teams  across  three  main 
precincts:  Sydney  Central  Business  District,  Sydney  Olympic 
Park  and  Parramatta.  The  first  teams  took  occupancy  in 
Commonwealth Bank Place in June 2011 and more than 6,000 
of the Group’s people will be located there by early 2012.  

The  buildings 
in  which  employees  are  now  being 
accommodated  are  either  newly  constructed  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 
likely  strategic  developments  would  be 
information  on 
unreasonably prejudicial to the interests of the Group. 

The  Group’s  net  profit  after  income  tax  and  non  controlling 
interests  for  the  year  ended  30  June  2011  was  $6,394  million 
(2010: $5,664 million).  

This result was achieved in a challenging environment where the 
impacts of the GFC continue to linger. Credit growth remains at 
historic  lows,  business  and  consumer  confidence  is  fragile  and 
there is significant uncertainty in global markets. 

Despite  these  difficult  conditions,  the  Group,  with  its  well 
managed,  diversified  business  model  and  strong  and  stable 
financial  platform,  has  delivered  another  solid  result.  This  has 
been  supported  by  a  continued  disciplined  approach  to  the 
execution  of  the  Group’s  five  strategic  priorities  and  prudent 
management in uncertain times. 

Operating income growth  was impacted  by  a low  credit  growth 
environment, strong competition, particularly in the home lending 
and deposit markets, together with difficult trading conditions for 
the Markets and Wealth businesses. 

Operating  expenses  were  managed  tightly,  laying  the  platform 
for continued investment in the business, including the effective 
execution of  the  Core  Banking  Modernisation initiative  which is 
now  past  the  half  way  stage,  having  achieved  significant 
milestones during the year. 

Impairment  expense  continued  to  decrease  as  credit  quality 
gradually improved however some of the Group’s customers are 
finding  business  conditions  challenging.  The  Group  has 
maintained a conservative approach to provisioning. 

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  188  cents  per  share  amounting  to  $2,930  million. 
The dividend will be payable on 6 October 2011 to shareholders 
on the register at 5pm EST on 19 August 2011.  

Dividends paid in the year ended 30 June 2011 were as follows: 

• 

• 

In respect of the year to 30 June 2010, a fully franked final 
dividend  of  170  cents  per  share  amounting  to  $2,633 
million was paid on 1 October 2010. The payment was fully 
comprised  of  cash  disbursements  of  $2,633  million.  This 
included  $679  million  in  respect  of  the  DRP  which  was 
satisfied  in  full  by  an  on  market  purchase  and  transfer  of 
shares; and 

In  respect  of  the  year  to  30  June  2011,  a  fully  franked 
interim  dividend  of  132  cents  per  share  amounting  to 
$2,045  million  was  paid  on  1  April  2011.  The  payment 
comprised  direct  cash  disbursements  of  $1,532  million, 
with  $513  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. 

70 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

 
 
 
 
Environmental Reporting 

Directors’ and Officers’ Indemnity 

Directors’ Report  

The  Group  is  subject  to  the  Federal  Government’s  National 
Greenhouse  and  Energy  Reporting  (NGER)  scheme.  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 NGER requirements, and 
its  energy  and  emissions  data 
has 
the 
management  and  reporting  systems 
legislation. 

recently  updated 

to  comply  with 

The Group is also subject to the Energy Efficiency Opportunities 
Act  2006  (EEO  Act),  which  encourages  large  energy-using 
businesses to improve their energy efficiency.  

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  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 and the Chief Executive 
Officer  in  the  Commonwealth  Bank  or  in  a  related  body 
corporate  are  set  out  in  the  Remuneration  Report  within  this 
report. 

No  options  have  previously  been  granted  to  the  Directors  or 
Chief Executive Officer. Refer to the Remuneration Report within 
this report for further details. 

Options outstanding 

As at the date of this report there are 36,100 options outstanding 
in  relation  to  Commonwealth  Bank ordinary  shares.  The expiry 
date of the share options is 3 September 2011 and the exercise 
price is $30.12. 

There were 50,000 Commonwealth Bank ordinary shares issued 
since  the  end  of  the  financial  year  as  a  result  of  options  being 
exercised.  

Persons  holding  outstanding  options  and  rights  in  relation  to 
Commonwealth  Bank  ordinary  shares  are  not  entitled  to 
participate in any share issue or interest of the Commonwealth 
Bank or any other body corporate as a result of those options or 
share rights. 

The names of all persons who currently hold options and share 
rights  are  entered  in  the  register  kept  by  the  Bank  pursuant  to 
section 170 of the Corporations Act 2001. This register may be 
inspected free of charge. 

Directors’ Interests in Contracts 

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

The Directors, as named on pages 66 to 68 of this report, and 
the  Secretaries  of  the  Bank,  being  J  D  Hatton  and  C  F 
Collingwood,  are  indemnified  pursuant  to  the  Constitution  of 
Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  (the  Constitution),  as  are  all 
senior managers of the Bank. 

Deeds of Indemnity have been executed by the Bank, consistent 
with the Constitution, in favour of each Director of the Bank. 

An  Indemnity  Deed  Poll  has  been  executed  by  the  Bank, 
consistent with the Constitution, in favour of each: 

• 
• 

• 

secretary and senior manager of the Bank;  
director,  secretary  and  senior  manager  of  a  related  body 
corporate of the Bank; and 

person who, at the prior formal request of the Bank, acts as 
director,  secretary  or  senior  manager  of  a  body  corporate 
which is not a related body corporate of the Bank (in which 
case  the  indemnity  operates  only  excess  of  protection 
provided by that body corporate). 

In  the  case  of  a  partly-owned  subsidiary  of  the  Bank,  where  a 
director, secretary or senior manager of that entity is a nominee 
of  a  third  party  body  corporate  which  is  not  a  related  body 
corporate of the Bank the Indemnity Deed Poll will not apply to 
that  person  unless  the  Bank's  CEO  has  certified  that  the 
indemnity shall apply to that person.  

Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance 

The  Bank  has,  during  the  financial  year,  paid  an  insurance 
premium in respect of an insurance policy for the benefit of the 
Bank  and  those  named  and  referred  to  above  including  the 
directors,  secretaries,  officers  and  certain  employees  of  the 
Bank  and  related  bodies  corporate  as  defined  in  the  insurance 
liabilities 
policy.  The 
permitted  to  be  indemnified  by  the  Bank  and  the  Group  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. 

indemnity  against 

insurance  grants 

Rounding and presentation of amounts 

The Bank is of the kind of entity referred to in ASIC Class Order 
98/100  (as  amended)  pursuant  to  section  341(1)  of  the 
Corporations Act 2001. 

As  a  result,  amounts  in  this  Directors’  Report  and  the 
accompanying  financial  statements  have  been  rounded  to  the 
nearest million dollars except where otherwise indicated. 

The financial information included in this Annual Report, unless 
otherwise  indicated,  has  been  prepared  and  presented  in 
accordance with Australian Accounting Standards. This ensures 
compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards. 

The  Group  manages  its’  business  performance  using  a  “cash 
basis”  profit  measure.  The  key  items  that  are  excluded  from 
statutory  profit  for  this  purpose  are  non-recurring  or  not 
considered  representative  of  the  Group’s  ongoing  financial 
performance. Profit on an “underlying basis” is used primarily in 
the  Wealth  Management  businesses.  It  provides  a  profit 
measure  that  excludes  the  volatility  of  equity  markets  on 
shareholder funds for a measure of core operating performance. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

71 

 
 
Directors’ Report – 2011 Remuneration Report 

Message from the People & Remuneration Committee Chairman 

Dear Shareholder 

The  People  &  Remuneration  Committee  has  conducted 
reviews  of  various  aspects  of  remuneration  in  2011,  as  a 
cornerstone of our governance of CBA Group’s remuneration 
arrangements.  

This  year  we  have  also  closely  monitored  the  evolving 
regulatory  environment  and  emerging  remuneration  market 
practices, both in Australia and other jurisdictions in which we 
operate.  

The  Committee  reviewed  the  Remuneration  Framework  for 
the  CEO  and  the  Group  Executives.  We  also  considered 
potential alternative frameworks. 

in 
that, 
remuneration 

this  evolving  environment,  our 
We  concluded 
executive 
framework  still  provides  an 
appropriate balance of short term and long term remuneration, 
and  focuses  executives  on  achieving  our  business  strategy 
and strategic priorities. 

We  met  with  representatives  from  the  Australian  Prudential 
Regulation Authority (APRA) twice during the year to discuss 
the Group’s remuneration arrangements and the Committee’s 
role in managing risk within these arrangements.  

During  the  year  we  also  conducted  detailed  reviews  of  the 
remuneration principles and policies that apply throughout the 
Commonwealth  Bank,  as  well  as  the  governance  of  the 
employee  equity  plans  under  which  many  of  our  deferred 
awards are delivered.  

At  the  same  time  we  reviewed  our  Committee  Charter,  and 
recommended  only  minor  adjustments  to  the  Board  for 
approval.  Our  Charter  sets  out  the  Committee’s  role  and 
responsibilities. 

We  have  introduced  improvements  to  our  remuneration 
framework and practices to provide for the systematic review 
of  performance,  risk  and  compliance  across  the  Group. 
Further,  we  have  strengthened  the  Board’s  existing  broad 
scope  to  manage  individual  performance,  risk  management 
and  compliance 
remuneration  outcomes  and 
adjustments.  

through 

During  the  year  we  also  conducted  a  detailed  review  of  our 
funding  policy  for  our  corporate  superannuation  fund,  the 
OSF.  Our  revised  policy  best  ensures  our  superannuation 
obligations will continue to be properly funded, to the benefit of 
all  employees  who  choose 
to  be  members.  This 
superannuation  benefit  continues  to  be  an  important  part  of 
our  overall  employee  value  proposition  for  our  employees  in 
Australia. 

Throughout  the  year,  the  Committee  dealt  directly  with  its 
independent remuneration consultant for input on the various 
reviews we have undertaken, as well as in relation to the CEO 
and Group Executives’ remuneration plans and outcomes.  

While  the  Committee’s  remuneration  consultant  provides 
insight into market practice, remuneration levels and the very 
complex  components  of 
the  Committee 
ultimately  formulates  its  own  decisions,  independent  of  its 
consultant and also independent of management.  

remuneration, 

The Committee’s focus continues to be on achieving the most 
effective  remuneration  framework  for  our  varied  businesses, 
with  transparency  in  design,  strong  governance  and  risk 
oversight.  

We do this to ensure the Group continues to earn the respect 
of the community and our customers, while paying our people 
to drive sustainable value for our shareholders. 

Jane Hemstritch 
Committee Chairman 

72 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – 2011 Remuneration Report 

The Information Provided in this Report 

This report details the Group’s remuneration frameworks and 2011 outcomes for Key Management Personnel and Other Executives. 
The information is set out in four sections: 

Section 

Information 

2011 Remuneration in 
Review  

Provides  an  update  of  how  our  remuneration  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  Other 
Executives required for disclosure. 

Statutory Remuneration 
Disclosures  

Discloses the 2011 remuneration for Key Management Personnel and Other Executives.  

Glossary of Key terms 

Provides a reference of key terms used in this report 

Page 

73 

76 

86 

91 

This report has been prepared and audited in accordance with the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001. 

2011 Remuneration in Review 

Our remuneration and governance frameworks are  designed 
to deliver on the Board’s remuneration philosophies for: 

Non-Executive Directors;  
CEO and Group Executives; and 

• 
• 
•  Other  executives,  including  those  disclosed  in  this 

remuneration report.  

This  section  provides  shareholders  with  an  update  of  how 
those  frameworks  are  meeting  the  continuing  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 
terms  of  our  business  strategy,  and  creating 
sustainable shareholder value. 

in 

Non-Executive Directors 

Key developments for 2011: 

• 

• 

• 

Brian  Long  was  appointed  to  the  Board  effective 
1 September  2010,  and  joined  both  the  Audit  and  Risk 
Committees; 
Launa  Inman  was  appointed  to  the  Board  effective  16 
March 2011, and joined the Risk Committee; and 

AON  Hewitt  continued  as  Independent  Remuneration 
Consultant to the People & Remuneration Committee. 

Non-Executive Director Remuneration  

to 

We  continue 
line-up  of  skilled, 
retain  a  strong 
knowledgeable  and  experienced  Directors.  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, 
and managed within a cap approved by shareholders.  

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. 

However,  Non-Executive  Directors  continue  to  align  their 
remuneration  to  the  performance  of  our  share  price  and 
dividend yield. They do this by receiving at least 20% of their 
annual fees as Commonwealth Bank shares. 

CEO and Group Executives 

Key developments for 2011: 

• 

• 

The  Committee  reviewed  the  remuneration  framework 
for the CEO and Group Executives; and 

Barbara  Chapman  was  appointed  as  Chief  Executive 
and  Managing  Director  of  the  Group’s  New  Zealand 
subsidiary  ASB  Bank  Limited,  with  effect 
from 
26 April 2011.  

Key achievements for 2011:  

•  Our 2011 financial performance was solid; 
•  We  have  delivered  profitable  growth  through  innovative 
new  product  offerings,  disciplined  margin  and  cost 
management,  and  continued  selective  expansion  into 
Asia; 

•  We  are  progressing  towards  our  customer  satisfaction 

goals;  

•  We have achieved key milestones in our technology and 

operations excellence strategy; and 

•  Our  employees  are  engaged  and  committed  to  our 

business strategy. 

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. 

Executive Remuneration Philosophy 

1. We provide target remuneration which is market 
competitive, without putting upward pressure on the 
market. 

The  executive 
components: 

remuneration 

framework  has 

three 

• 

Fixed  Remuneration  (including  base  remuneration  and 
employer superannuation); 
Short term incentives; and 

• 
• 
Together,  these  components  make  up  an  executive’s  total 
target remuneration. 

Long term incentives. 

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 
range of executive remuneration surveys. 

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  high 
calibre people. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

73 

 
 
Directors’ Report – 2011 Remuneration Report 

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. 

2. We clearly articulate the link between individual and 
Group performance and individual reward. 

We  clearly  articulate  to  each  executive  the  performance 
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 2011 financial year were conducted in July 2011. Similarly, 
performance  evaluations  for  the  2010  financial  year  were 
conducted in July 2010. 

• 

Long Term Incentives Drive Performance Over Four 
Years. 

Long term incentives focus the CEO and Group Executives on 
Group  performance  over  the  longer  term.  Performance 
hurdles for our long term incentive plan have been 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  measured  over  a  four  year  period.  For  the 
long  term  incentive  award  made  during  the  2011  financial 
year: 

•  One  quarter  of  the  award  measures  our  customer 
satisfaction  results  relative  to  the  peers  with  which  we 
compete  for  customers.  Our  research  demonstrates  a 
direct  relationship  between  high  levels  of  customer 
satisfaction and high levels of shareholder returns; and 

• 

The  other 
three  quarters  measures  our  Total 
Shareholder  Return relative  to  a set  of  peer companies 
with which we compete for capital. Shareholder return is 
a cornerstone of our remuneration philosophy. 

This  mix  has  a  greater  weighting  on  shareholder  return  than 
the  previous  year’s  award.  This  recognises  the  considerable 
achievements  already  made  in  Customer  Satisfaction  by 
1 July  2010  (the  beginning  of  the  performance  period),  and 
sets  meaningful  goals  to  focus  executives’  performance  for 
the four years to 30 June 2014.  

3. 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  or  even  eliminated  in  light  of  any  risk  management 
issues.  Risk  management  is  also  built  into  our  remuneration 

74 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

that  drives  short 

the 
framework.  Profit  After  Capital  Charge  (PACC) 
performance  measure 
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. 

term 

is 

Risk  is  also  managed  by  deferring  half  of  the  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 
incentive  where  eventual 
term 
performance outcomes are materially lower than expected. 

4. We align rewards with shareholder interests and our 
business strategy. 

We  explained  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  2011  are  strong.  Our  one  year  Total 
Shareholder  Return  is  ranked  in  the  top  25%  of  our  peers. 
The  peer  group 
financial  services 
companies  we  compete  with  for  customers  and  capital.  We 
continue to make progress in Customer Satisfaction across all 
segments of our business compared with the position of a few 
years ago. 

includes 

large 

the 

5. We provide flexibility to meet changing needs and 
emerging market practice. 

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. 

The  framework  provides  flexibility  to  tailor  remuneration 
arrangements  in  specialised  parts  of  our  business.  This 
includes the Other Executives disclosed in this report, whose 
performance  related  remuneration  arrangements  recognise 
the unique market practice of that business segment. 

6. We provide appropriate entitlements on termination 
that do not deliver any windfall payment. 

Employment  arrangements  for  the  CEO,  Group  Executives 
and the Other Executives 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.  

Termination entitlements are set out on page 90 of this report. 
They are appropriate and do not deliver windfall payments on 
termination.  As  part  of  these  arrangements,  executives  who 
resign  or  are  dismissed  forfeit  their  long  term  incentive 
awards. 

Where an executive is retrenched or retires, the performance 
periods  of  any  outstanding  long  term  incentive  awards 
continue unchanged, and the Board retains discretion to pro-
rate where appropriate. 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. 

 
 
 
Directors’ Report – 2011 Remuneration Report 

2011 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 2011 financial year. The table sets out 
base remuneration, employer superannuation, the portion of the 
2011 short term incentive that is not required to be deferred, and 

the  value  of  previous  years’  deferred  short  term  incentive  and 
long term incentive awards that vested during the 2011 financial 
year.  

The  information  provided  in  table  (a)  is  different  to  the 
information  provided  in  the  statutory  remuneration  table  on 
page  87,  which  has  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  the 
accounting  requirements  and  shows  the  accounting  expense 
incurred  for  the  2011  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 87. 

(a) Remuneration in relation to the 2011 financial year 

2011 STI for

Base Remuneration 
(1)

& Superannuation

Performance to
(2)

30 June 2011

Previous years' awards that 

vested during 2011

(3)

Total cash

2010 Deferred

payments

STI Awards

LTI Awards

$

$

$

$

$

3,120,000

1,638,000

4,758,000

1,944,465

5,780,000

800,000

865,000

1,350,000

1,050,000

1,250,000

900,000

1,150,000

1,330,000
1,400,000

508,667

523,542

827,213

548,888

647,657

488,250

488,750

613,463
798,350

1,308,667

1,388,542

2,177,213

1,598,888

1,897,657

1,388,250

1,638,750

1,943,463
2,198,350

487,510

527,692

671,608

607,646

767,552

543,683

703,589

831,515
895,477

-

1,190,000

1,360,000

1,190,000

1,700,000

357,410

1,530,000

684,162

2,067,546

Managing Director and CEO
Ralph Norris 

Current Executives
Simon Blair

David Cohen

David Craig

Michael Harte

Ross McEwan

Ian Narev 

Grahame Petersen

Ian Saines 

Alden Toevs

(1) Base Remuneration and Superannuation make up an executive's Fixed Remuneration. 

(2) This is the 50% of the 2011 short term incentive (STI) for performance during the 12 months to 30 June 2011, payable following year-end. The remaining 50% is 

deferred until 1 July 2012. 

(3) The value of deferred and/or long term incentive awards that vested during the 2011 financial year. This is calculated as the value of the award that vested, plus any 

dividends (for equity awards) or interest (for cash awards) accrued during the vesting period.  

(b) Cash payments from table (a) and non-cash remuneration expenses for the CEO 

Cash remuneration received in relation to 2011 - refer to table (a) above

2011 STI deferred for 12 months at risk

Annual leave and long service leave accruals

Other Payments

Share based payments: accounting expense for 2011 for LTI awards made over the past 4 years

  2009 GLSP:

Expense reflecting the final vesting level for the award (see page 85)

  2010 GLRP:

Expense for 2 awards that may vest subject to improved customer satisfaction performance

  2010 GLRP:

Expense for 2 awards that may vest subject to improved relative TSR performance

  2011 GLRP:

Expense for 1 award that may vest subject to improved relative TSR performance

  2011 GLRP:
Total Accounting Expense as per page 87

Expense for 1 award that may vest subject to improved customer satisfaction performance

Financial 

2011

award

$

4,758,000

1,638,000

330,579

91,965

vests
n/a

2013

n/a

n/a

(963,268)

2012

1,009,764

2013 & 2014

1,157,657

2013 & 2014

489,404

126,071
8,638,172

2015

2015

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

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Directors’ Report – 2011 Remuneration Report 

Remuneration Arrangements 

This section details the Group’s remuneration arrangements for Key Management Personnel (KMP) and Other Executives during the 
year ended 30 June 2011. 

Name

Position

1. Key Management Personel 
  Non-Executive Directors
   David Turner

   John Anderson

   Colin Galbraith 

   Jane Hemstritch

   Launa Inman

   Carolyn Kay

   Brian Long

   Andrew Mohl

   Fergus Ryan

   Harrison Young

Chairman 

Director

Director

Director

Director (from 16 March 2011)

Director

Director (from 1 September 2010)

Director

Director

Director

  Managing Director and CEO
   Ralph Norris

Managing Director and CEO

  Group Executives
   Simon Blair

   Barbara Chapman

   David Cohen

   David Craig

   Michael Harte

   Ross McEwan

   Ian Narev

Group Executive, International Financial Services

Group Executive, Human Resources and Group Services (until 26 April 2011)

Group General Counsel

Acting Group Executive Human Resources (from 26 April 2011)

Group Executive, Financial Services and Chief Financial Officer

Group Executive, Enterprise Services and Chief Information Officer

Group Executive, Retail Banking Services

Group Executive, Business and Private Banking

   Grahame Petersen

Group Executive, Wealth Management

   Ian Saines

   Alden Toevs

2. Other Executives
   Martin Lau

   Mark Lazberger

   Stuart Paul

   Alistair Thompson

Group Executive, Institutional Banking and Markets

Group Chief Risk Officer

Director, Greater China Equities, First State Investments (FSI)

CEO, Colonial First State Global Asset Management (CFSGAM)

Joint Managing Director Global Emerging Markets Asia Pacific (FSI)

Deputy Head of Asia Pacific (FSI)

Term

Full Year

Full Year

Full Year

Full Year

Part Year

Full Year

Part Year

Full Year

Full Year

Full Year

Full Year

Full Year

Part Year

Full Year

Full Year

Full Year

Full Year

Full Year

Full Year

Full Year

Full Year

Full Year

Full Year

Full Year

Full Year

Governance & Risk Management 

People & Remuneration Committee  

The  Group  adheres 
to  high  standards  of  corporate 
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 
the  Group’s  website  at 
is  available  on 
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; 

76 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

• 

• 

• 

• 

roles  may  affect 

remuneration arrangements and all reward outcomes for 
the  CEO,  senior  direct  reports  to  the  CEO  and  other 
financial 
individuals  whose 
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 2011 the Committee consisted of:  

• 
• 
• 
• 

Jane Hemstritch (Chairman); 
Carolyn Kay; 
Andrew Mohl; and 

David Turner. 

 
 
 
Directors’ Report – 2011 Remuneration Report 

Independent Remuneration Consultants 

Throughout  the  year,  the  People  &  Remuneration  Committee 
retained  AON  Hewitt  as 
independent  remuneration 
their 
consultant.  

Board

AON Hewitt is engaged directly by the Committee and any input 
is  provided  directly  to  the  Committee  Chairman  who  has  the 
discretion to share this with Management.  

Audit Committee

Risk Committee

During  the  2011  financial  year  the  Committee  received  input 
directly  from  AON  Hewitt  on  matters  including  regulatory 
developments, emerging and current market practice, alternative 
short  and  long  term  incentive  schemes  and  benchmarking  in 
relation  to  the  remuneration  review  of  the  CEO  and  Group 
Executives.  

While the  Committee takes note of the input from AON Hewitt, 
the  Committee  itself  is  responsible  for  making  decisions  within 
the  terms  of  its  Charter,  including  making  recommendations  in 
relation  to  the  CEO  and  Group  Executives’  remuneration  for 
approval ultimately by the Board.  

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. 

Position
Chairman

Non-Executive Director

Chairman

Member

Chairman

Member

Fees ($)
695,000

210,000

50,000

25,000

50,000

25,000

50,000

25,000

10,000

10,000

People & Remuneration

Chairman

Committee

Board Performance & 

Renewal Committee

Member

Chairman

Member

The  Board  Performance  and  Renewal  Committee  reviews  the 
Non-Executive  Directors’  fee  schedule  annually  and  assesses 
fee levels in comparison to market trends.  

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.  

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 from the date the shares are granted. 

Remuneration Arrangements in Detail 

Service Agreements 

Non-Executive Directors’ Remuneration 

Non-Executive  remuneration  is  fixed  and  Directors  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 2011, which did not change 
during the financial year. 

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, two 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 on page 86.  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

77 

 
 
 
     
     
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
 
Directors’ Report – 2011 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.  Performance  conditions  for  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 remuneration.  

incentive  programmes  are  designed 

Our 
to  discourage 
excessive  risk  taking.  The  Committee  has  discretion  to  reduce 
deferred  incentive  awards  where  performance  outcomes  are 
materially lower than expected. 

Remuneration for the Other Executives 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.  The  Board  retains  discretion  to  reduce  the 
deferred portion if warranted on the basis of realised performance. 

Long  term  incentive  awards  are  subject  to  performance  hurdles  over  a 
period  of  four  years.  Executives  only  receive  value  from  this  component  if 
performance  hurdles  are  met  at  the  end  of  the  four  year  period. 
Performance hurdles are aligned to: 

• 

• 

our business strategy, through the Customer Satisfaction performance 
hurdle; and  

shareholders’ interests, through the relative Total Shareholder Return 
performance hurdle. 

CEO and Group Executives’ Remuneration in Detail 

Setting Performance Objectives 

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.  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 

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 

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. 

78 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

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  2011,  short  term  incentive 
performance measures included: 

• 

• 

Financial objectives: 
−  Cash Net Profit After Tax (Cash NPAT); 
−  Profit After Capital Charge (PACC); and 
−  Profitable Growth. 

Increasing customer satisfaction and our reputation;  

Non financial objectives: 
− 
−  Excellence in technology and operations; and 
−  Employee  engagement,  teamwork  and  effective  talent 

management. 

Financial  objectives  have  a  substantial  weighting,  and  non-
financial objectives vary by role. Executives managing business 
units  typically  have  a  50%  weighting  on  direct  financial 
outcomes, while for executives managing support functions the 
typical weighting is 30%. 

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  determines  the  short 
term incentive outcome for each executive, within an overall cap.  

 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – 2011 Remuneration Report 

Depending  on  performance  outcomes,  executives  may  receive 
0% to 150% of their 2011 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  2011  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  retains  discretion  to  vest  deferred  amounts,  for 
example in cases of retirement with Board approval. 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. 

Other Executives’ Remuneration Arrangements 

receive 

remuneration 
The  Other  Executives  each 
(including  superannuation/pension  benefits),  a  short 
term 
incentive  and  a  long  term  incentive.  Their  remuneration  is  set 
considering  the  size  and  responsibility  of  their  role  as  well  as 
external benchmarks, and is reviewed annually. 

fixed 

Mark  Lazberger’s  short  term  incentive  is  determined  against  a 
balanced  scorecard  of  financial  and  non-financial  performance 
measures  aligned 
the  business  objectives.  Financial 
measures receive the highest individual weightings, and include 
Cash  NPAT  and  PACC.  Non-financial  measures 
include 
customer  satisfaction,  employee  engagement  and  teamwork, 
talent management, and technology and operations. 

to 

One third of Mark Lazberger’s short term incentive is received as 
Commonwealth  Bank  Shares  restricted  for  three  years  and 
subject  to  service  conditions.  He  also  receives  a  long  term 
incentive, which is described on page 84. 

Short  term  incentives  for  Martin  Lau,  Stuart  Paul  and  Alistair 
Thompson  are  determined  predominantly  by  one  to  five  year 
performance  against  investment  benchmarks  relevant  to  the 
business they operate in. Qualitative factors and behaviours are 
also considered when determining the amount of their short term 
incentives. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

79 

 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – 2011 Remuneration Report 

2011 Performance Outcomes 

The  following  table  provides  a  summary  of  performance  for  the  year  ended  30  June  2011  against  the  financial  and  non-financial 
performance objectives. 

Performance 
Objective 

Cash NPAT and 
PACC 

2011 Achievements 

Our 2011 financial performance was solid 

Each year the Board sets challenging financial targets for the CEO and Group Executives, with reference 
to profit based measures of PACC and Cash NPAT.  

PACC is an internal measure of profit that takes into account the risk to capital taken to achieve that profit 
and the Board determined that 2011 performance against this measure was strong. 

Cash NPAT is $6,835 million, also representing solid 2011 performance. The following graph demonstrates 
our Cash NPAT performance for 2011 and each of the past four years. 

6,835

6,101

4,527

4,733

4,415

n
o

i
l
l
i

M
$

8,000

7,000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

Profitable Growth 

We have delivered profitable growth through innovative new product offerings, disciplined 
margin and cost management, and continued selective expansion into Asia 

Jun 07

Jun 08

Jun 09

Jun 10

Jun 11

Customer 
Satisfaction and 
Reputation 

Profitable growth is growth which will provide our shareholders with increased returns on their investment 
by  broadening  our  base  in  growth  markets  where  the  Group  can  leverage  its  assets  and  capabilities, 
including selected Asian markets, selected business banking segments, and other core domestic sectors. 

In  our  retail  and  business  banking  areas,  we  increased  volumes  in  a  number  of  core  products  and 
launched innovative new offerings, which supported 16% profit growth in those business units. 

We  have  incrementally  expanded  our  capabilities  and  introduced  new  products  in  our  corporate  and 
institutional offerings, strengthened our business banking offerings including CommBiz enhancements, and 
built up our Private Bank financial advisory services.  

In Asia we progressed our long-term growth strategy, including acquiring a 15% shareholding in Vietnam 
International Bank and opening three County Banks in China. 

We are progressing towards our customer satisfaction goals  

The Group vision is “to be Australia’s finest financial services organisation through excelling in customer 
service”. The more satisfied a customer is, the more likely they are to do more business with us. 

The  2011  customer  satisfaction  performance  targets  were  based  on  the  Board’s  assessment  of  Group 
performance in customer satisfaction across key segments of our business. 

• 

• 

• 

Customer  satisfaction  in  retail  banking  is  measured  by  Roy  Morgan  Research(1).  During  the  2011 
financial year the Bank attained the highest score in customer satisfaction for customers who use us 
as  their  main  financial  institution  since  the  inception  of  the  survey,  although  overall  customer 
satisfaction declined in the second half of the year; 

Customer satisfaction in our wealth management business is measured by the Wealth Insights 2011 
Service Level Report, Platforms. This survey measures wealth management service performance of 
master trusts/wraps in Australia. Under this survey our FirstChoice and FirstWrap platforms are now 
consistently ranked at or near the top for service amongst financial advisors; 

In Institutional Banking, we consistently top the East and Partners survey, ranking number one in the 
two  most  important  service  measures  for  institutional  clients:  loyalty  to  the  relationship;  and  our 
understanding of each customer’s business; and 

80 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – 2011 Remuneration Report 

Performance 
Objective 

2011 Achievements 

Technology & 
Operational 
Excellence 

Trust & Team  
Spirit 

• 

In  Business  Banking,  customer  satisfaction  is  measured  by  DBM’s  Business  Financial  Services 
Monitor(2) (BFSM). CBA has maintained outright or equal first position in customer satisfaction in both 
the medium and large segments among the four major banks for 10 out of the past 12 months. 
At the same time as achieving improvements in customer satisfaction, the average number of products(3) 
held by each of our Retail customers has also grown. We now have the highest number of products-per-
customer of any major bank in Australia at 2.64, ahead of the average of our peers. 

We have also been recognised with awards including 2011 Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year (for the 
third time in four years), and Australian Banking and Finance’s Australian Financial Institution of the Year. 

We achieved key milestones in our Technology & Operations Excellence strategy  

The  Group’s  Technology  and  Operational  Excellence  initiatives  are  designed  to  improve  efficiency  and 
productivity levels, while at the same time enhancing the service proposition to customers through more 
innovative and responsive systems, processes and procedures.  

The Core Banking Modernisation programme, a four year programme on schedule for completion by the 
end  of  2012,  is  a  key  feature  of  this  strategy.  The  programme  will  transition  our  Australian  banking 
business to a completely new customer-centric core operating platform, replacing the myriad of obsolete 
systems previously operating across the various divisions of the Bank. 

We made significant progress in this area during 2011, including: 

•  Migrating ten million existing retail bank accounts to the new core banking platform;  
• 

Integrating  NetBank  with  our  Core  Banking  systems  to  provide  real-time  transactions  for  personal 
accounts; and 

• 

Starting  to  integrate  the  frontline  customer  interface  with  core  banking  to  provide  better  customer 
service. 

Our employees are engaged and committed to our business strategy 

Our  continuing  success  is  due  to  the  hard  work,  enthusiasm  and  commitment  of  our  people,  and  their 
commitment to our priorities. We continue to embed a collaborative and customer service culture across 
the  Group.  The  Board  assesses  the  Group’s  achievements  in  this  area,  with  reference  to  the  Group’s 
results in the Gallup worldwide benchmark. 

The 2011 People & Culture Survey indicates we have maintained strong levels of people engagement. Our 
people  describe  our  culture  as  customer  focused,  collaborative  and  caring  supported  by  strong  positive 
views of our senior leaders. 

Gender diversity is a commercial imperative to tap into the entire potential workforce. It is also increasingly 
seen as an asset to organisations and linked to better economic performance. We believe that women in 
leadership is a lead indicator of broader diversity in leadership. Our goal, announced in June 2010, is to 
increase the representation of women in Executive Management and above to 35 per cent by December 
2014. Since announcing this goal the Group has lifted the proportion of women in Executive Management 
by 2%. 

(1) Roy Morgan Research, Australians 14+ that have an account relationship with CBA, “Very” or “Fairly” satisfied with their relationship with that financial institution, six 

months to October 2011. 

(2)  DBM  Business  Financial  Services  Monitor  (June  2011),  average  satisfaction  rating  of  each  financial  institution’s  MFI  business  customers  across  all  Australian 
businesses, 6 month rolling average. Rank is among four major banks. Medium segment includes businesses with annual turnover from $5m to less than $50m. 
Large segment includes businesses with annual turnover $50m and above. 

(3) Roy Morgan Research, Australians 14+, Banking and Finance products per Banking and Finance customers, six months rolling average to June 2011. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

81 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – 2011 Remuneration Report 

Long Term Incentives  

Long term incentives reward sustained performance over the longer term, and are subject to performance hurdles designed to build 
shareholder value and achieve the Group’s long term business objectives. An overview of the CEO and Group Executives’ long term 
incentive awards in progress during the 2011 financial year is set out in the following table. Further information is provided in the table 
below regarding the equity plans under which each award has been made. 

Overview of long term incentive awards outstanding during the 2011 Financial Year 

Performance 
Period Ends 

Equity  
Plan 

1 July 2011 

Group Leadership 
Share Plan 
(GLSP) 

Performance Hurdles 

Progress 

•  Growth in PACC 
• 
• 

NPAT growth relative to peer group 

Customer  Satisfaction  ranking  relative  to  peer 
group  

Based  on  performance  against 
the  respective  hurdles,  25%  of 
the  award  vested  on  1  July 
2011 

Each award is split and tested: 

30 June 2012 

Group Leadership 
Reward Plan 
(GLRP) 

• 

• 

50%  Total  Shareholder  Return  relative  to  peer 
group 

In progress 

50% Customer Satisfaction ranking relative to peer 
group  

Each award is split and tested: 

30 June 2013 

Group Leadership 
Reward Plan 
(GLRP) 

• 

• 

50%  Total  Shareholder  Return  relative  to  peer 
group 

In progress 

50% Customer Satisfaction ranking relative to peer 
group  

Each award is split and tested: 

30 June 2014 

Group Leadership 
Reward Plan 
(GLRP) 

• 

• 

25% Customer Satisfaction ranking relative to peer 
group  

In progress 

75%  Total  Shareholder  Return  relative  to  peer 
group 

2011 Financial Year GLRP Award  

CEO and Group Executives received long term incentive awards under the GLRP during the 2011 financial year. These GLRP awards 
may  deliver  value  to  executives  after  a  four  year  performance  period,  subject  to  meeting  performance  hurdles.  The  timing  and 
performance hurdle mix for the GLRP award made during the 2011 financial year are set out in the following diagram. 

Award 
Granted 

4 year performance period 

Customer Satisfaction  
hurdle = 25% 

Total Shareholder 
Return 
hurdle = 75% 

The key features of the GLRP awards during the 2011 financial year are set out in the following table. 

Feature 

Description 

Instrument 

Reward Rights. Each Reward Right entitles the executive to receive one Commonwealth Bank ordinary share 
in the future, subject to meeting performance hurdles set out below.  

Determining the 
number of Reward 
Rights  

Performance 
Period 

The  number  of  Reward  Rights  each  executive  receives  depends  on  their  long  term  incentive  target.  The 
number of Reward Rights received is calculated taking into account the expected number of shares to vest at 
the end of the performance period.  

The performance period for awards made in 2011 is four years, starting at the beginning of the financial year in 
which the award is made.  

82 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – 2011 Remuneration Report 

Feature 

Description 

Performance 
Hurdles  

One  quarter  of  each  award  is  subject  to  a  performance  hurdle  which  measures  the  Group’s  Customer 
Satisfaction achievements relative to a peer group. The remaining three quarters is subject to a performance 
hurdle which measures the Group’s Total Shareholder Return relative to a separate peer group.  

Vesting 
Framework 

Peer Groups for the long term incentive awarded during the 2011 financial year 

• 

• 

The  peer  group  for  the  Customer  Satisfaction  performance  hurdle  includes  Australia  &  New  Zealand 
Banking Group Limited (ANZ), National Australia Bank Limited (NAB), and Westpac Banking Corporation 
(WBC) and other key competitors for our wealth business such as AMP Limited and Macquarie Group 
Limited. 

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 at the time of grant for the most recent award 
included: 

AGL Energy Limited, AMP Limited, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited, AXA Asia Pacific 
Holdings Limited, Brambles Industries Limited, Coca Cola Amatil Limited, CSL Limited, Foster’s Group 
Limited,  Insurance  Australia  Group  Limited,  Leighton  Holdings  Limited,  Macquarie  Group  Limited, 
National  Australia  Bank  Limited,  QBE  Insurance  Group  Limited,  Stockland,  Suncorp-Metway  Limited, 
Telstra  Corporation  Limited,  Wesfarmers  Limited,  Westfield  Group,  Westpac  Banking  Corporation  and 
Woolworths Limited. 

Vesting Framework for the long term incentive awarded during the 2011 financial year 

(i) Customer Satisfaction hurdle (25% of the award) 

• 

For this part of the GLRP awarded during 2011: 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Full vesting applies if the Group is ranked first relative to our peers in each of the three surveys; 

75% will vest if the Group is ranked first across two of the three surveys; 

50% will vest if the Group is ranked at least second across the three surveys; 

The Board will exercise discretion to determine the portion to vest where our ranking has improved, 
but in a different variation than those described above; and 

None of the Reward Rights in this portion of the award will vest where the Board determines that 
our overall Customer Satisfaction at the end of the performance period is worse than it was at the 
beginning.  

(ii) Total Shareholder Return hurdle (75% of the award) 

• 

• 
• 

• 

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); 

If the Group is ranked at the median, half the Reward Rights will vest; 

Vesting  increases  on  a  sliding  scale  if  the  Group  is  ranked  between  the  median  and  below  the  75th 
percentile; and 

No Reward Rights in this part of the award will vest if the Group’s Total Shareholder Return is ranked 
below the median of the peer group. 

The  Board  retains  discretion  to  take  into  account  unforeseen  changes  or  events,  and  to  prevent  any 
unintended outcomes. 

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; 

• 
• 
DBM, Business Financial Services Monitor, which measures business banking customer satisfaction; and 
•  Wealth  Insights  2011  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. 

Board discretion  Where an  executive leaves  prior to  the  end of  the  performance  period,  they  will  generally  forfeit  that  award 
unless the Board determines otherwise, in which case the terms of any portion that is not forfeited will continue 
unchanged,  including  any  performance  conditions.  Any  portion  of  the  award  that  vests  may  be  satisfied  by 
cash rather than shares. 

The Board also retains sole discretion to determine the amount of any award that may vest (if any) to prevent 
any unintended outcomes, or in the event of a corporate restructuring or event, e.g. a takeover. 

Expiry 

At the end of the applicable performance period, any Reward Rights that have not vested will expire.  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

83 

 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – 2011 Remuneration Report 

The Board retains discretion to take into account unforeseen 
changes, and prevent any unintended outcomes. 

Long Term Incentive Plans for Other Executives 

In  line  with  our  philosophy  of  providing  flexible  and  effective 
reward  structures  linked  to  our  business  strategy,  the  Group 
provides  tailored  long  term  incentive  arrangements  for  the 
Other Executives in this report.  

Mark Lazberger participates in the Colonial First State Global 
term 
Asset  Management 
incentive plan. Under this plan participants share in the growth 
of CFSGAM profit over a three year period. 

(CFSGAM)  cash-settled 

long 

The  purpose  of  this  plan  is  retention  and  motivation  of  key 
employees with specific and unique skill sets highly valued in 
the market, and alignment of their reward with the success of 
the business. 

The  decision  of investors to  grant an investment mandate to 
CFSGAM is dependent on their confidence in the investment 
capability, experience and long term tenure of individual fund 
managers. 

Awards made under this plan during 2011 have a three year 
vesting  period  and  are  not  subject  to  further  performance 
hurdles once awarded. 

Martin Lau, Stuart Paul and Alistair Thompson participate in a 
profit share arrangement in the Global Emerging Markets Asia 
Pacific (GEM AP) business in CFSGAM. 

The purpose of the profit share arrangement is to reward and 
retain  key  talent  in  that  business.  Each  year  allocations  are 
made  from  a  pool  that  reflects  a  percentage  of  profit 
generated by  this part of  the  CFSGAM  business. Allocations 
to  participants  are  co-invested  in  GEM  AP  funds  and 
allocations may vest after three years. 

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 Securities Trading Policy. 

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.  The  Group  introduced  the  GLRP  for  long  term 
incentive awards to the CEO and Group Executives during the 
2010  financial  year.  Prior  years’  long  term  incentive  awards 
were made under the Group Leadership Share Plan (GLSP). 
The  GLSP  is  now  closed  to  new  offers,  and  the  final  award 
completed its performance period on 1 July 2011. 

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  GLSP  award  made  during  the  2008  financial  year 
reached  the  end  of  its  performance  period  during  the 
2011 financial year. Performance and vesting results are 
set out on page 85; and 

The  GLSP  award  made  during  the  2009  financial  year 
reached  the  end  of  its  performance  period  on  1  July 
2011 (i.e. during the 2012 financial year). 

The  number  of  shares  each  executive  ultimately  receives 
under the GLSP is determined in three steps: 

• 

• 

• 

in  PACC 

The  Group’s  growth 
is  measured  and 
determines  the  size  of  the  rights  pool.  The  rights  pool 
was  subject  to  a  cap  of  $34.0  million  for  the  2008 
financial  year  award,  and  for  the  2009  financial  year 
award the cap is $36.1 million; 
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; and 
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  ultimately  receives  is 
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.  

84 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – 2011 Remuneration Report 

Group Performance Relating to Long Term Incentives 

Group Leadership Reward Plan (GLRP) 

Group Leadership Share Plan (GLSP) 

Executives  only  receive  value  from  their  long  term  incentive 
awards when performance hurdles are met.  

During the 2011 financial year, the long term incentive award 
made under the GLSP during the 2008 financial year reached 
its performance test date. The performance hurdles relating to 
this award are described in the previous section. 

Performance  outcomes  relating  to  the  2008  financial  year 
GLSP award 

• 

• 

• 

The  Group  achieved  PACC  growth  over 
the 
performance  period  of  $2.4  billion.  Based  on  this 
performance, the maximum rights pool was achieved in 
relation to the 2008 financial year GLSP award; 
The Group’s NPAT growth over the performance period 
was  greater  than  the  average  of  the  peer  group,  which 
was a requirement before any vesting could occur; and  

The Board determined that the Group’s overall Customer 
Satisfaction ranking was third against the peer group.  

The Board reviewed the performance outcomes following the 
end  of  the  performance  period  relating  to  the  2008  financial 
year GLSP award. They also considered whether there were 
any issues that may warrant the Board exercising discretion in 
relation  to  vesting  outcomes.  Based  on  this  review,  no 
discretion was exercised, and 50% of the available rights pool 
vested.  This  resulted  in  a  total  distribution  of  $14.8  million 
during the 2011 financial year.  

Performance relating to the 2009 financial year GLSP award 

The  GLSP  award  granted  during  the  2009  financial  year 
reached  the  end  of  its  three-year  performance  period  on  1 
July 2011. 

• 

• 

• 

The  Group  achieved  strong  PACC  growth  over  the 
performance  period  of  $2.2  billion.  Based  on  this 
performance, the maximum rights pool was achieved in 
relation to the 2009 financial year GLSP award; 
The Group’s NPAT growth over the performance period 
was  greater  than  the  average  of  the  peer  group,  which 
was a requirement before any vesting could occur; and 

The  Group’s  customer  satisfaction  ranking  for  Wealth 
customers  was  first  out  of  the  peer  group,  while  the 
satisfaction  ranking  for  business  customers  was  equal 
second in the peer group and for retail customers, fifth in 
the peer group. The Board determined that the Group’s 
overall Customer Satisfaction ranking was fourth against 
the peer group.  

Since the year end, the Board has reviewed this performance 
against  the  financial  and  customer  satisfaction  hurdles.  In 
considering overall performance the Board also noted that: 

• 

• 

• 

The  Group’s  Total  Shareholder  Return  for  the  three 
years exceeded its peers’; 
The  Group’s  return  on  equity  has  been  amongst  the 
highest of any major international bank; and 

Retail customer satisfaction improved from 70% to 75% 
over the period. 

After  consideration,  the  Board  has  exercised  its  discretion  to 
determine  that  25%  of  the  available  pool  will  vest.  This  will 
result  in  a  total  distribution  of  $8.5  million  during  the  2012 
financial year. 

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  Customer  Satisfaction  and 
Total Shareholder Return.  

We  continue  to  make  progress  in  Customer  Satisfaction 
across all segments of our business.  

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 five year period to June 2011 
are shown in the following graphs. 

Share Price 

$70

$60

$50

$40

$30

$20

$10

$0

Jun 06

Jun 07

Jun 08

Jun 09

Jun 10

Jun 11

Share Price

CBA Dividends Per Share 

$3.50

$3.00

$2.50

$2.00

$1.50

$1.00

$0.50

$0.00

2.56

2.66

2.28

3.20

2.90

Jun 07

Jun 08

Jun 09

Jun 10

Jun 11

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

85 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – 2011 Remuneration Report 

Statutory Remuneration Disclosures 

Remuneration of Non-Executive Directors 

Individual remuneration details for Non-Executive Directors for the year ended 30 June 2011. 

 Short Term 

Benefits

Post employment Benefits

Share-based 

payments

(1)

Cash 

$

Super-
annuation (2)
$

Retiring 

Non-executive

Allowance

Paid

$

Directors'
(3)

Share Plan 

$

Total

Accounting
(4)

Expense 

$

608,360

353,933

196,000

180,232

216,000

205,111

228,000

205,618

54,071

228,000

214,692

168,175

192,000

179,700

228,000

216,506

228,000
216,506

50,000

47,854

17,640

16,221

19,440

18,460

20,520

18,506

4,866

20,520

19,322

15,136

34,720

33,613

20,520

19,486

20,520
19,486

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-
-

151,000

88,483

49,000

45,058

54,000

51,278

57,000

51,404

13,518

57,000

53,673

809,360

490,270

262,640

241,511

289,440

274,849

305,520

275,528

72,455

305,520

287,687

42,044

225,355

52,000

48,925

57,000

54,127

57,000
54,127

278,720

262,238

305,520

290,119

305,520
290,119

Chairman
David Turner (5)
2011

2010
Non-Executive Directors
John Anderson

2011

2010
Colin Galbraith (6)
2011

2010

Jane Hemstritch

2011

2010

Launa Inman

2011

Carolyn Kay

2011

2010
Brian Long

2011

Andrew Mohl

2011

2010
Fergus Ryan (6)
2011

2010

Harrison Young

2011
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) Former Directors’ 2010 comparative remuneration expense included John Schubert (former Chairman) $1,085,980, and Reg Clairs $401,126. 

(5) David Turner was appointed Chairman on 10 February 2010, and his 2010 fees represent only a part-year as Chairman.  

(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). 

86 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

 
 
 
 
 
                   
                     
                               
                   
                   
                   
                     
                               
                     
                   
                   
                     
                               
                     
                   
                   
                     
                               
                     
                   
                   
                     
                               
                     
                   
                   
                     
                               
                     
                   
                   
                     
                               
                     
                   
                   
                     
                               
                     
                   
                     
                       
                               
                     
                     
                   
                     
                               
                     
                   
                   
                     
                               
                     
                   
                   
                     
                               
                     
                   
                   
                     
                               
                     
                   
                   
                     
                               
                     
                   
                   
                     
                               
                     
                   
                   
                     
                               
                     
                   
                   
                     
                               
                     
                   
                   
                     
                               
                     
                   
Directors’ Report – 2011 Remuneration Report 

Remuneration of Executives 

The following table sets out remuneration disclosures for the CEO, Group Executives (who are KMP), and the Other Executives for the year ended 30 June 
2011.  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 2011 performance year are set out in 
the tables on page 75. 

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 
2011, we are required to show the portion of the expense relating to the 2011 year. In some cases, where performance differs from expectations we may be 
required to recognise a greater or lesser final expense. This has occurred during the 2010 and 2011 financial years in relation to vesting of the GLSP awards
that were awarded during the 2008 and 2009 financial years. The 2010 year figure under ‘LTI Performance Rights at Risk’ shows the impact of a higher than 
expected financial performance for the 2008 award, while the 2011 year figure in the same column shows a partial reversal in the 2011 year of amounts
previously recognised for the 2009 award due to lower than expected customer satisfaction performance. 

Short Term 

Benefits 

Post 

Long-

employme

term 

nt 

benefits

Share-based 

payments

LTI 

LTI 

LTI 

Non 

Cash STI 

STI 

Superannu

Performance 

Reward 

Performance 

Total

Monetary 
 (2)

Fixed

Payment 
(3)

At Risk 

($)

($)

Deferred
 At Risk (4)
($)

Other 

(5)

ation 
(6)

fixed 

Other 

(7)

($)

($)

($)

Rights 
At Risk (8)
($)

Shares/Rights 
 (9)

At Risk

($)

Units 
At Risk (10)
($)

Accounting 
(11)

Expense 

($)

Cash 
Fixed (1)
($)
Managing Director and CEO
Ralph Norris 

2011
2010 (12)
Group Executives
Simon Blair 

2011

2010
Barbara Chapman (13)
2011

2010

David Cohen

2011

2010

David Craig

2011

2010

Michael Harte

2011

2010

Ross McEwan

2011

2010

Ian Narev 

2011

2010
Grahame Petersen

2011

2010

Ian Saines 

2011

2010

Alden Toevs

2011

2010
Other Executives (14)
Martin Lau
2011
Mark Lazberger
2011
2010
Stuart Paul
2011
Alistair Thompson
2011

3,316,557

3,128,875

-

-

1,638,000

1,638,000

91,965

1,852,500

1,852,500

441

50,000

50,000

84,022

85,891

(963,268)

6,415,735

2,782,896

2,771,804

807,534

746,742

13,398

14,078

508,667

464,453

508,667

464,453

23,057

-

50,000

49,338

21,483

17,219

-

-

734,524

865,094

13,398

13,231

431,420

517,969

431,420

517,969

38,297

20,744

41,096

6,346

25,000

151,926

(166,344)

1,334,602

877,521

811,941

13,398

25,237

523,542

502,734

523,542

24,958

502,734

-

50,000

50,000

22,152

15,811

(203,063)

1,334,602

437,060

228,441

652,789

630,874

775,585

493,756

1,411,998

1,047,974

13,398

13,231

827,213

639,844

827,213

31,764

639,844

-

50,000

50,000

65,468

27,859

(225,625)

1,506,616

1,035,096

791,291

1,103,630

970,037

16,835

14,341

548,888

578,906

548,888

578,906

51,653

24,475

25,000

25,000

28,200

15,540

(203,063)

1,334,602

903,749

671,174

1,292,055

1,205,475

13,398

13,045

647,657

731,250

647,657

731,250

45,257

12,815

50,000

50,000

59,553

30,344

(258,717)

1,815,846

1,126,515

718,201

943,236

845,414

13,515

13,182

488,250

517,969

488,250

517,969

34,944

10,505

25,000

43,182

17,179

11,743

(129,358)

374,100

800,825

516,871

1,185,050

1,100,413

15,929

14,666

488,750

670,313

488,750

33,277

670,313

-

50,000

50,000

76,738

53,602

(258,717)

1,709,081

1,033,458

914,029

1,347,899

1,274,982

13,398

11,832

613,463

792,188

613,463

39,327

792,188

 - 

87,313

85,101

44,610

73,266

(129,358)

374,100

1,215,626

832,237

1,445,329

1,415,581

14,047

14,341

798,350

853,125

798,350

98,862

50,000

36,948

(187,618)

1,302,760

853,125 1,011,765

50,000

536,909

506,339

837,902

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

8,638,172

16,157,746

2,369,866

1,984,724

2,182,946

4,077,409

2,607,635

3,736,815

4,036,525

4,716,659

3,023,780

4,212,981

3,623,375

121,487

5,429,713

-

 - 

-

 - 

-

 - 

-

 - 

2,681,841

2,850,935

3,113,235

5,182,417

3,845,741

4,235,894

4,357,028

6,079,087

290,887

-

290,887

-

797,177
791,835

15,929
12,038

816,015
807,934

408,007
403,967

422,754

537,824

-

-

422,754

537,824

-

-

-

-
-

-

-

58,177

-

25,000
681,773
25,000 1,261,296

78,327

177,482

-

-

-

 - 
 - 

-

-

-

6,997,852

7,637,803

 - 
 - 

2,750,000
      2,500,000 

5,493,901
5,802,070

-

-

7,284,428

8,208,263

4,635,522

5,888,652

(1) Cash Fixed remuneration is the total cost of salary, including annual leave accruals and any salary sacrificed benefits. For Ralph Norris annual leave accrual was $246,557. 

(2) Non Monetary Fixed represents the cost of car parking (including associated fringe benefits tax). 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

87 

 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – 2011 Remuneration Report 

(3) 2011 Cash STI payment includes, for the CEO and Group Executives 50%, Mark Lazberger 66.6%, and the remaining Other Executives all of their STI award in recognition of 

performance for the year ended 30 June 2011.  

(4) STI Deferred includes the compulsory 12 month deferral of 50% (2010: 50%) of the CEO and Group Executives’ STI payments, and for Mark Lazberger the compulsory three       

year deferral of 33.4% (2010: 33.4%) of his STI payment, in each case for performance for the year ended 30 June 2011.  

(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  interest  accrued  in  relation  to  the  CEO  and  Group  Executives’  2010  STI 
deferred award which vested on 1 July 2011.  

(6) Superannuation arrangements include superannuation or pension contributions, including any voluntary contributions. 

(7) Includes long service entitlements accrued during the year. For Mark Lazberger this also includes amounts relating to his sign-on arrangements. For Alden Toevs, the 2010 

comparative figure includes amounts relating to retention arrangements.  

(8) This includes the 2011 expense for Performance Rights awarded under the GLSP during the 2009 financial year (now closed to new offers).  

(9) This includes the 2011 expense for Reward Shares/Rights awarded during the 2010 and 2011 financial years under the GLRP. 

(10) For Ross McEwan the 2010 figure includes the 2010 expense for a cash-based long term incentive award received during the 2007 financial year. For Mark Lazberger, this 
represents awards made under the CFSGAM long term incentive plan. For Martin Lau, Stuart Paul and Alistair Thompson, this represents awards made under the GEM AP 
profit share scheme. 

(11)  The  percentage  of  2011  remuneration  related  to  performance  was:  Ralph  Norris  59%,  Simon  Blair  61%,  Barbara  Chapman  62%,  David  Cohen  62%,  David  Craig  61%, 
Michael  Harte  59%,  Martin  Lau  95%,  Mark  Lazberger  72%,  Ross  McEwan  60%,  Ian  Narev  61%,  Stuart  Paul  94%,  Grahame  Petersen  56%,  Ian  Saines  60%,  Alistair 
Thompson 88% and Alden Toevs 62%. None of the remuneration was received as options. 

(12) CEO and Group Executive Cash Fixed for 2010 reflects voluntary pay-cuts of 10% and 5% respectively from 1 July 2009 to 31 December 2009 during the worst of the global 

financial crisis. 

(13) The remuneration disclosed for Barbara Chapman relates to the period she was a KMP of the Group, prior to her appointment to the role of Chief Executive and Managing 

Director of the Group’s New Zealand subsidiary ASB Bank Limited. 

(14) The five executives who received the highest remuneration for the year ended 30 June 2011 as defined in the Section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001, include Martin Lau, 

Mark Lazberger, Stuart Paul, Alistair Thompson and Ralph Norris. 

STI Allocations to Executives for the Year Ended 30 June 2011 

Managing Director and CEO
Ralph Norris
Group Executives
Simon Blair

Barbara Chapman 

David Cohen 

David Craig

Michael Harte 

Ross McEwan 

Ian Narev 

Grahame Petersen

Ian Saines

Alden Toevs 
Other Executives
Mark Lazberger
Martin Lau
Stuart Paul

Alistair Thompson

STI Target 

Maximum STI 

Potential 

(1) 

STI Paid 

(2)

STI Portion 
(3)

Deferred 

($)

(%)

(%)

($)

(%)

($)

               3,120,000 

150%

50%

             1,638,000 

50%               1,638,000 

                  800,000 

                  880,000 

                  865,000 

               1,350,000 

               1,050,000 

               1,250,000 

                  900,000 

               1,150,000 

               1,330,000 

               1,400,000 

 n/a 

 n/a 

 n/a 

 n/a 

150%

150%

150%

150%

150%

150%

150%

150%

150%

150%

 n/a 

 n/a 

 n/a 

 n/a 

50%

50%

50%

50%

50%

50%

50%

50%

50%

50%

67%

100%

100%

100%

                508,667 

                431,420 

                523,542 

                827,213 

                548,888 

                647,657 

                488,250 

                488,750 

                613,463 

                798,350 

50%                  508,667 

50%                  431,420 

50%                  523,542 

50%                  827,213 

50%                  548,888 

50%                  647,657 

50%                  488,250 

50%                  488,750 

50%                  613,463 

50%                  798,350 

                816,015 

33%                  408,007 

                290,887 

                            -                               - 

                422,754 

                            -                               - 

                537,824 

                            -                               - 

(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 2011.  

(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. 

88 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – 2011 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 2011. It also 
shows the number of awards made in previous years that vested during 2011. Further information about equity holdings of KMP are 
provided in Note 44 to the financial statements. 

Previous

years'

awards

that vested

during 2011 

(1)

Forfeited or

lapsed

during 2011

Granted

during 2011

(Units)

($)

(Units)

(Units)

($)

                  85,976 

             3,561,986 

                            - 

                            - 

                  - 

                            - 

                            - 

                            - 

                            - 

                  - 

                            - 

                117,056 

                            - 

                  - 

Name
Managing Director and CEO
Ralph Norris 

Class

Reward Shares/Rights

Deferred Shares

Ordinary Shares

Group Executives
Simon Blair

Reward Shares/Rights

                  22,046 

                913,358 

                            - 

                            - 

                  - 

Deferred Shares

Ordinary Shares

                            - 

                            - 

                            - 

                            - 

                  - 

                            - 

                            - 

                            - 

                            - 

                  - 

Barbara Chapman 

Reward Shares/Rights

                  24,250 

             1,004,670 

                            - 

                            - 

                  - 

Deferred Shares

Ordinary Shares

                            - 

                            - 

                            - 

                            - 

                  - 

                            - 

                  24,100 

                            - 

                  - 

David Cohen 

Reward Shares/Rights

                  23,837 

                987,563 

                            - 

                            - 

                  - 

Deferred Shares

Ordinary Shares

                            - 

                            - 

                            - 

                            - 

                  - 

                            - 

                  24,100 

                            - 

                  - 

David Craig 

Reward Shares/Rights

                  37,202 

             1,534,533 

                            - 

                            - 

                  - 

Deferred Shares

Ordinary Shares

                            - 

                            - 

                            - 

                            - 

                  - 

                            - 

                  27,543 

                            - 

                  - 

Michael Harte 

Reward Shares/Rights

                  28,935 

             1,198,781 

                            - 

                            - 

                  - 

Deferred Shares

Ordinary Shares

                            - 

                            - 

                            - 

                            - 

                  - 

                            - 

                  24,100 

                            - 

                  - 

Ross McEwan 

Reward Shares/Rights

                  34,446 

             1,427,090 

                            - 

                            - 

                  - 

Deferred Shares

Ordinary Shares

                            - 

                            - 

                            - 

                            - 

                  - 

                            - 

                  34,429 

                            - 

                  - 

Ian Narev

Reward Shares/Rights

                  24,801 

             1,027,502 

                            - 

                            - 

                  - 

Deferred Shares

Ordinary Shares

                            - 

                    6,610 

                            - 

                  - 

                            - 

                            - 

                            - 

                            - 

                  - 

Grahame Petersen

Reward Shares/Rights

                  31,690 

             1,312,909 

                            - 

                            - 

                  - 

Deferred Shares

Ordinary Shares

                            - 

                            - 

                            - 

                            - 

                  - 

                            - 

                  30,986 

                            - 

                  - 

Ian Saines

Reward Shares/Rights

                  36,650 

             1,518,402 

                            - 

                            - 

                  - 

Deferred Shares

Ordinary Shares

                            - 

                  12,653 

                            - 

                  - 

                            - 

                            - 

                            - 

                            - 

                  - 

Alden Toevs 

Reward Shares/Rights

                  38,579 

             1,598,332 

                            - 

                            - 

                  - 

Other Executive (2)
Mark Lazberger

Deferred Shares

Ordinary Shares

Reward Shares

Deferred Shares

Ordinary Shares

                            - 

                  37,784 

                            - 

                  - 

                            - 

                            - 

                            - 

                            - 

                  - 

                            - 

                            - 

                  23,463 

                            - 

                  - 

                    8,180 

                404,010 

                            - 

                            - 

                  - 

                            - 

                            - 

                            - 

                            - 

                  - 

(1) Previous year’s awards that vested include long term incentive and other deferred awards. There are no instruments on issue for the executives shown that would 

require the exercise of a right to receive an ordinary share.  

(2) Martin Lau, Stuart Paul and Alistair Thompson have no equity holdings under any CBA Employee Share Plans. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

89 

 
 
 
Directors’ Report – 2011 Remuneration Report 

Equity Awards Outstanding during 2011 – Fair Value Assumptions 

The fair value of LTI awards granted has been calculated using a Monte-Carlo simulation method incorporating the assumptions below: 

Assumptions

Expected 

Fair 

Exercise 

Performance 

Expected 

Dividend 

Expected 

Risk free 

Grant

Value 

Price 

Period 

Life

Yield

Volatility 

Award type
GLRP - Reward Rights (1)
GLRP - Reward Rights (2)
GLRP - Reward Rights (1)
GLRP - Reward Rights (2)
GLRP - Reward Shares (1)
GLRP - Reward Shares (2)
GLRP - Reward Shares (1)
GLRP - Reward Shares (2)
GLSP - Performance Rights

Date
10/03/2011

10/03/2011

27/09/2010

27/09/2010

25/09/2009

25/09/2009

25/09/2009

25/09/2009
3/12/2008

($)

$51.30

$36.51

$52.86

$37.62

$51.30

$36.52

$51.30

$37.24

$26.20

($)

 Nil 

 Nil 

 Nil 

 Nil 

 Nil 

 Nil 

 Nil 

 Nil 

 Nil 

End
30/06/2014

30/06/2014

30/06/2014

30/06/2014

30/06/2012

30/06/2012

30/06/2013

30/06/2013
1/07/2011

(years)
3.3

3.3

3.8

3.8

2.8

2.8

3.8

3.8
2.6

(%)

(%)

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

6.75

30

30

30

30

30

30

30

30

30

rate 

(%)

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.1

5.1

5.4

5.4

4.7

(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 current KMP and the Other Executives 

Name
Managing Director & CEO
Ralph Norris (3)
Group Executives

Simon Blair
Barbara Chapman (4)
David Cohen

David Craig

Michael Harte

Ross McEwan

Ian Narev

Grahame Petersen

Ian Saines

Alden Toevs

Other Executive

Mark Lazberger
Martin Lau
Stuart Paul

Alistair Thompson

Contract 
(1)

Type 

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Notice

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

3 months

9 months

6 months
9 months

Severance 

(2)

n/a

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

n/a

3 months

9 months

6 months
9 months

(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. 

(3) Termination benefits for Ralph Norris when he retires on 30 November 2011 will be consistent with the Group’s remuneration policy as outlined in this report. 

(4) Termination arrangements for Barbara Chapman relate to her period as a KMP in her role as Group Executive Human Resources and Group Services until 26 April 

2011. 

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 KMP  

Information on loans to KMP, including loan amounts, interest charged, and loan balances outstanding are set out in Note 44 to the 
financial statements. 

90 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – 2011 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.  

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 (KMP) 

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 

Reward Rights 

Salary Sacrifice 

Short Term Incentive 
(STI) 

Total Shareholder 
Return (TSR) 

Shares in the Bank granted under the GLRP during the 2010 financial year and subject to performance 
hurdles. 

Rights to ordinary shares in the Bank granted under the GLRP during the 2011 financial year 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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

91 

 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report 

Company Secretaries 

Auditor Independence 

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

John  Hatton  has  been  Company  Secretary  of 
the 
Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  since  1994.  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 (PwC) for 
audit and non-audit services provided during the year, as set out 
in Note 34 to the Financial Statements are as follows: 

Project assurance services 
Taxation services 
Controls review and related work 
Other 
Total non-audit services (1) 
Total audit and audit related services 

2011
$’000
2,780 
3,051 
135 
693 
6,659 
22,442 

(1)  An  additional  amount  of  $1,713,328  was  paid  to  PwC  for  non  audit  services 

provided to entities not consolidated into the Financial Statements. 

Auditor’s Declaration of Independence 

We  have  obtained  an  independence  declaration  from  our 
external auditor as presented on the following page.  

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 PwC and has concluded that the 
provision  of  those  services  did  not  compromise  the  auditor 
independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001.  

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  PwC  during  the  year  was  compatible  with  the 
the 
general  standard  of 
Corporations Act 2001.  

independence 

imposed  by 

The  Directors  are  satisfied  that  the  provision  of  the  non-audit 
services  during  the  year  did  not  compromise  the  auditor 
independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001. The 
reasons for this are as follows: 

• 

• 

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  and  audit  related 
services. 

The  above  Directors’  statements  are  in  accordance  with  the 
advice received from the Audit Committee.  

Incorporation of Additional Material 

This report incorporates the Chairman’s Statement (pages 2 to 
4),  Highlights  (pages  11  to  14),  Analysis  sections  for  Retail 
Banking  Services  (pages  22  to  23),  Business  and  Private 
Banking  (pages  24  to  25),  Institutional  Banking  and  Markets 
(pages 26 to 27), Wealth Management (pages 28 to 31), New 
Zealand  (pages  32  to  34),  Bankwest  (pages  36  to  37)  Other 
Divisions  (pages  38  to  39)  and  Shareholding  Information 
(pages 233 to 236) sections of this Annual report. 

D J Turner 

Chairman 

10 August 2011 

R J Norris 

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer 

10 August 2011 

92 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auditor’s Independence Declaration 

As lead auditor for the audit of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia for the year ended 30 June 2011, 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 period. 

Rahoul Chowdry 

Partner 

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Sydney 

10 August 2011 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 
Darling Park Tower 2, 201 Sussex Street, GPO BOX 2650, SYDNEY NSW 1171  
DX 77 Sydney, Australia 
www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

93 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Five Year Financial Summary 

Net interest income
Other operating income (1)
Total operating income

Operating expenses

Impairment expense

Operating profit before goodwill and income tax expense

Corporate tax expense

Non-controlling interests

Net profit after tax ("cash basis")
Defined benefit superannuation plan income/(expense) (2)
Treasury shares valuation adjustment

Hedging and IFRS volatility

Visa Initial Public Offering gain after tax

Investment and restructuring

One-off expenses

Tax on NZ Structured finance transactions

Loss on disposal of controlled entities/investments

Bankwest non cash items

Net profit after income tax attributable to Equity holders of the Bank

Contributions to profit (after tax)
Retail Banking Services

Business and Private Banking

Institutional Banking and Markets

Premium Business Services

Wealth Management

New Zealand

Bankwest

International Financial Services
Other (2)
Net profit after tax ("underlying basis")

Investment experience after tax

Net profit after tax ("cash basis")
Defined benefit superannuation plan income/(expense) (2)
Treasury shares valuation adjustment

Hedging and IFRS volatility

Visa Initial Public Offering gain after tax

Investment and restructuring

One-off expenses

Tax on NZ Structured finance transactions

Loss on disposal of controlled entities/investments

Bankwest non cash items
Net profit after tax ("statutory basis")

Balance Sheet
Loans, bills discounted and other receivables

Total assets

Deposits and other public borrowings

Total liabilities

Shareholders' equity

Net tangible assets

Risk weighted assets

Average interest earning assets

Average interest earning liabilities

Assets (on Balance Sheet) - Australia

Assets (on Balance Sheet) - New Zealand

Assets (on Balance Sheet) - Other

(1) Includes investment experience. 

2,107

1,911

2011

2010

2009

$M 

$M 

$M 

12,658

7,001

19,659

(8,891)

(1,280)

9,488

(2,637)

(16)

6,835

-

(22)

(265)

-

-

-

-

(7)

(147)

6,394

2,845

1,039

1,004

n/a 

581

469

463

n/a 

353

6,754

81

6,835

-

(22)

(265)

-

-

-

-

(7)

(147)

6,394

11,868

7,191

19,059

(8,601)

(2,075)

8,383

(2,266)

(16)

6,101

-

(44)

17

-

-

-

(171)

(23)

(216)

5,664

2,461

898

1,173

n/a 

592

387

(45)

n/a 

457

5,923

178

6,101

-

(44)

17

-

-

-

(171)

(23)

(216)

5,664

10,186

6,632

16,818

(7,765)

(3,048)

6,005

(1,560)

(30)

4,415

(10)

(28)

(245)

-

-

(23)

-

-

614

4,723

736

166

n/a 

514

438

113

n/a 

537

4,611

(196)

4,415

(10)

(28)

(245)

-

-

(23)

-

-

614

4,723

500,057

667,899

401,147

630,612

37,287

26,217

281,711

576,369

538,843

581,695

54,993

31,211

493,459

646,330

374,663

610,760

35,570

24,688

290,821

553,735

521,338

561,618

56,948

27,764

466,631

620,372

368,721

588,930

31,442

20,738

288,836

481,248

454,258

528,354

59,606

32,412

2008

$M 

7,907

6,434

14,341

(7,021)

(930)

6,390

(1,626)

(31)

4,733

9

60

(42)

295

(264)

-

-

-

-

2007

$M 

7,036

6,161

13,197

(6,427)

(434)

6,336

(1,782)

(27)

4,527

5

(75)

13

-

-

-

-

-

-

4,791

4,470

721

771

n/a 

789

n/a 

n/a 

555

(1)

4,746

(13)

4,733

9

60

(42)

295

(264)

-

-

-

-

1,766

n/a 

n/a 

1,445

548

n/a 

n/a 

461

211

4,431

96

4,527

5

(75)

13

-

-

-

-

-

-

4,791

4,470

361,282

487,572

263,706

461,435

26,137

16,422

205,501

385,667

363,049

410,225

54,312

23,035

315,465

440,157

219,068

415,713

24,444

15,158

245,347

332,492

311,236

360,188

55,160

24,809

(2) 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. 

94 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

 
 
 
Shareholder summary
Dividends per share - fully franked (cents)

Dividends cover - statutory (times)

Dividends cover - cash (times)

Earnings per share (cents)

Basic

Statutory

Cash basis

Fully diluted

Statutory

Cash basis

Dividend payout ratio (%)

Statutory

Cash basis

Net tangible assets per share ($)

Weighted average number of shares (statutory basic) (M)

Weighted average number of shares (statutory fully diluted) (M)

Weighted average number of shares (cash basic) (M)

Weighted average number of shares (cash fully diluted) (M)

Number of shareholders

Share prices for the year ($)

Trading high

Trading low

End (closing price)

Performance ratios (%)
Return on average Shareholders' equity

Statutory

Cash basis

Return on average total assets

Statutory

Cash basis

Capital adequacy - Tier One

Capital adequacy - Tier Two

Capital adequacy - Deductions

Capital adequacy - Total

Net interest margin

Other information (numbers)
Full-time equivalent employees

Branches/services centres (Australia)

Agencies (Australia)

ATM's (proprietary)

EFTPOS terminals

Productivity
Total income per full-time (equivalent) employee ($)

Employee expense/Total income (%)

Total operating expenses/Total income (%)

Five Year Financial Summary 

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

320

1.3

1.4

411.2

438.7

395.1

420.6

78.3

73.2

16.8

1,545

1,668

1,548

1,671

290

1.3

1.4

367.9

395.5

354.2

379.8

79.7

73.9

15.9

1,527

1,640

1,531

1,644

228

1.3

1.3

328.5

305.6

313.4

292.4

73.1

78.2

13.7

1,420

1,548

1,426

1,554

266

1.3

1.3

363.0

356.9

348.7

343.1

74.1

75.0

12.4

1,307

1,424

1,313

1,430

256

1.3

1.3

344.7

347.1

339.7

342.1

75.2

74.2

11.7

1,281

1,344

1,289

1,351

792,765

784,382

776,283

741,072

696,118

55.77

47.05

52.30

18.4

19.5

1.0

1.0

10.01

1.69

-

11.70

2.19

46,060

1,160

3,795

4,173

60.00

36.20

48.64

17.5

18.7

0.9

1.0

9.15

2.34

-

11.49

2.13

45,025

1,147

3,884

4,149

46.69

24.03

39.00

16.8

15.8

0.9

0.8

8.07

2.35

-

10.42

2.10

44,218

1,142

3,859

4,075

62.16

37.02

40.17

19.8

20.4

1.0

1.0

8.17

3.41

-

11.58

2.02

39,621

1,009

3,814

3,301

56.16

42.98

55.25

20.7

21.7

1.1

1.1

7.14

3.41

(0.79)

9.76

2.08

37,873

1,010

3,833

3,242

170,855

165,621

167,025

187,377

171,138

424,186

418,057

386,381

362,384

344,520

24.9

45.5

24.3

45.7

23.3

45.4

25.5

48.9

24.7

49.3

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

95 

 
 
 
 
Financial Statements 

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 

Tax Liabilities 

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 

96 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

97
98 

99 

100 

102 

104 

118 

120 

121 

127 

130 

131 

131 

132 

132 

134 

139 

142 

146 

149 

151 

153 

153 

153 

154 

154 

155 

155 

156 

158 

159 

166 

168 

169 

175 

176 

177 

180 

182 

182 

183 

185 

186 

186 

203 

206 

210 

214 

215 

218 

220 

222 

226 

226 

229 

 
 
Income Statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2011 

Interest income

Interest expense

Net interest income

Other banking income

Net banking operating income

Funds management income

Investment revenue/(expense)

Claims and policyholder liability (expense)/revenue

Net funds management operating income

Premiums from insurance contracts

Investment revenue/(expense)

Claims and policyholder liability expense from

insurance contracts

Net insurance operating income

Total net operating income

Gain on acquisition of controlled entities

Impairment expense

Operating expenses
Net profit before income tax

Corporate tax expense

Policyholder tax (expense)/benefit
Net profit after income tax
Non-controlling interests
Net profit attributable to Equity holders of the Bank

Note 

2

2

2

2

2

2,14 

2

2

5

5

Financial Statements 

2011

$M 

37,304

(24,697)

12,607

3,630

16,237

1,996

854

(808)

2,042

1,884

547

2010

$M 

32,215

(20,293)

11,922

4,208

16,130

1,906

975

(953)

1,928

1,794

687

(1,313)

1,118

(1,251)

1,230

Group 

2009

$M 

31,519

(21,218)

10,301

3,914

14,215

1,618

(859)

731

1,490

1,651

(232)

(650)

769

2011

$M 

32,945

(23,163)

9,782

5,617

15,399

Bank 

2010

$M 

27,754

(18,603)

9,151

5,260

14,411

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

19,397

19,288

16,474

15,399

14,411

-

(1,280)

(9,060)

9,057

(2,481)

(166)

6,410

(16)

6,394

-

(2,379)

(8,716)

8,193

(2,383)

(130)

5,680

(16)

5,664

983

(3,048)

(7,960)

6,449

(1,860)

164

4,753

(30)

4,723

-

(1,080)

(6,113)

8,206

(1,726)

-

6,480

-

6,480

-

(1,193)

(5,917)

7,301

(1,686)

-

5,615

-

5,615

Group 

2009

The above Income Statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

2011

2010

Note 

Cents per share 

Earnings per share:

    Basic

    Fully diluted

7

7

411. 2

395. 1

367. 9

354. 2

328. 5

313. 4

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

97 

 
 
 
 
Financial Statements 

Statements of Comprehensive Income 

For the year ended 30 June 2011 

Profit from ordinary activities after income tax for the financial 
year
Other comprehensive income/(expense):
Actuarial gains and losses from defined benefit superannuation plans

Gains and losses on cash flow hedging instruments:

Recognised in equity

Transferred to Income Statement

Gains and losses on available-for-sale investments:

Recognised in equity

Transferred to Income Statement on disposal

Transferred to Income Statement on impairment

Revaluation of properties

Foreign currency translation reserve

Income tax on items transferred directly to/from equity:

Foreign currency translation reserve

Available-for-sale investments revaluation reserve

Revaluation of properties

Cash flow hedge reserve

Other comprehensive income/(expense) net of income tax 
Total comprehensive income for the financial year

Total comprehensive income for the financial year is attributable to:

Equity holders of the Bank

Non-controlling interests

Total comprehensive income for the financial year

2011

$M 

2010

$M 

Group 

2009

$M 

2011

$M 

Bank 

2010

$M 

6,410

5,680

4,753

6,480

5,615

(89)

(64)

(739)

(89)

(64)

(754)

769

124

(24)

-

6

(546)

16

(28)

-

-

(526)

5,884

5,868

16

5,884

(239)

828

(1,630)

(21)

327

(24)

2

50

(19)

(1)

(77)

(9)

(193)

581

6,261

6,245

16

6,261

10

(24)

37

(25)

168

94

(37)

9

497

(1,661)

3,092

3,062

30

3,092

(748)

650

264

(24)

-

9

(204)

10

(73)

-

23

(182)

6,298

6,298

-

6,298

11

208

160

(16)

-

39

(67)

1

(33)

(7)

(71)

161

5,776

5,776

-

5,776

The above Statements of Comprehensive Income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

98 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

 
 
 
 
Balance Sheets 

As at 30 June 2011 

Assets
Cash and liquid assets

Receivables due from other financial institutions

Assets at fair value through Income Statement:

Trading

Insurance

Other

Derivative assets

Available-for-sale investments

Loans, bills discounted and other receivables

Bank acceptances of customers

Shares in and loans to controlled entities

Property, plant and equipment

Investment in associates

Intangible assets

Deferred tax assets

Other assets

Assets held for sale
Total assets

Liabilities
Deposits and other public borrowings

Payables due to other financial institutions

Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement

Derivative liabilities

Bank acceptances

Due to controlled entities

Current tax liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

Other provisions

Insurance policy liabilities

Debt issues

Managed funds units on issue

Bills payable and other liabilities

Loan capital
Total liabilities
Net assets

Shareholders' Equity
Share capital:

Ordinary share capital

Other equity instruments

Reserves

Retained profits
Shareholders' equity attributable to Equity holders of the 
Bank
Non-controlling interests
Total Shareholders' equity

Note 

2011

$M 

Financial Statements 

Group 

2010

$M 

10,119

10,072

22,851

15,940

654

27,689

32,915

493,459

11,569

-

2,351

1,490

9,420

1,270

6,482

2011

$M 

10,979

10,123

Bank 

2010

$M 

8,711

9,766

17,765

18,775

-

300

30,731

75,699

387,888

10,734

47,357

1,526

1,343

3,726

1,112

4,917

-

-

27,363

65,779

377,195

11,569

49,809

1,506

1,194

3,382

1,242

4,706

13,241

10,393

20,469

14,998

824

30,317

45,171

500,057

10,734

-

2,366

1,712

9,603

1,300

6,681

667,866

646,281

604,200

580,997

33

49

33

49

667,899

646,330

604,233

581,046

401,147

374,663

332,964

307,844

15,899

10,491

33,976

10,734

-

1,222

301

1,277

13,652

118,652

1,048

10,652

619,051

11,561

630,612

37,287

23,602

939

392

11,826

36,759

528

37,287

12,608

15,342

24,884

11,569

-

1,056

221

1,197

14,592

130,210

880

10,025

597,247

13,513

610,760

35,570

23,081

939

1,089

9,938

35,047

523

35,570

15,686

4,700

32,817

10,734

52,353

1,133

-

957

-

12,422

4,613

23,689

11,569

52,411

1,016

-

934

-

94,385

107,039

-

9,348

555,077

11,808

566,885

37,348

23,896

1,895

1,964

9,593

-

10,733

532,270

13,575

545,845

35,201

23,379

1,895

2,047

7,880

37,348

35,201

-

-

37,348

35,201

8

9

10

11

12

13

49

15

43

16

5

17

18

19

20

21

11

22

22

23

33

24

25

26

28

28

27

27

30

The above Balance Sheets should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

99 

 
 
 
Financial Statements 

Statements of Changes in Equity 

For the year ended 30 June 2011 

Group

Shareholders' 

equity 

attributable 

Ordinary 

 share 

Other 

equity 

to Equity  

Non- 

Total 

Retained 

holders  controlling  Shareholders' 

capital 

instruments 

Reserves 

profits  of the Bank 

 interests 

  equity 

$M 

520

16

-

-

-

-

(13)

523

16

-

-

-

-

(11)

528

$M 

31,442

6,261

(3,621)

1,457

127

(20)

(76)

35,570

5,884

(4,707)

511

16

4

9

37,287

As at 30 June 2009
Total comprehensive income for the 
financial year
Transactions with equity holders in 
their capacity as equity holders:

Dividends paid
Dividend reinvestment plan (net of 
issue costs)

Other equity movements:

Share based payments
(Purchase)/sale and vesting of 
treasury shares

Other changes
As at 30 June 2010
Total comprehensive income for the 
financial year
Transactions with equity holders in 
their capacity as equity holders:

Dividends paid
Dividend reinvestment plan (net of 
issue costs)

Other equity movements:

Share based payments
(Purchase)/sale and vesting of 
treasury shares

Other changes
As at 30 June 2011

$M 

21,642

$M 

939

-

-

1,457

2

(20)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

23,081

939

-

-

511

6

4

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

23,602

939

$M 

516

645

-

-

125

-

(197)

1,089

(437)

-

-

10

-

$M 

7,825

5,600

$M 

30,922

6,245

(3,621)

(3,621)

-

-

-

134

9,938

6,305

1,457

127

(20)

(63)

35,047

5,868

(4,707)

(4,707)

-

-

-

511

16

4

20

36,759

(270)

392

290

11,826

The above Statements of Changes in Equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

100 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

 
 
 
 
Statements of Changes in Equity (continued) 

For the year ended 30 June 2011 

As at 30 June 2009
Total comprehensive income for the financial year

Transactions with equity holders in their capacity as equity holders:

Dividends paid

Dividend reinvestment plan (net of issue costs)

Other equity movements:

Share based payments

Sale/(purchase) and vesting of treasury shares

Other changes
As at 30 June 2010
Total comprehensive income for the financial year

Transactions with equity holders in their capacity as equity holders:

Dividends paid

Dividend reinvestment plan (net of issue costs)

Other equity movements:

Share based payments

Sale/(purchase) and vesting of treasury shares

Other changes
As at 30 June 2011

Financial Statements 

Ordinary 

share 

Other 

equity 

Bank 

Shareholders' 

equity 

attributable 

to Equity 

Retained 

holders 

capital 

instruments 

Reserves 

profits  of the Bank 

$M 

21,825

$M 

1,895

-

-

1,457

2

95

-

23,379
-

-
511

6
-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,895
-

-
-

-
-

-

$M 

1,697

225

-

-

125

-

-

2,047
(93)

-
-

10
-

-

$M 

6,009

5,551

(3,587)

-

-

-

(93)

7,880
6,391

(4,678)
-

-
-

-

$M 

31,426

5,776

(3,587)

1,457

127

95

(93)

35,201
6,298

(4,678)
511

16
-

-

23,896

1,895

1,964

9,593

37,348

The above Statements of Changes in Equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

Dividends per share attributable to shareholders of the Bank:

Ordinary shares

Trust preferred securities

2011

2010

Note

Cents per share

Group 

2009

6

320

6,020

290

6,715

228

8,142

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

101 

 
 
 
 
Financial Statements 

Statements of Cash Flows (1) 

For the year ended 30 June 2011 

Cash flows from operating activities
Interest received

Interest paid

Other operating income received

Expenses paid

Income taxes paid
Net decrease/(increase)in assets at fair value through 
Income Statement (excluding life insurance)
Net increase/(decrease) in liabilities at fair value through 
Income Statement:
Life insurance:

Investment income
Premiums received (2)
Policy payments (2)

Other liabilities at fair value through Income Statement

Cash flows from operating activities before
changes in operating assets and liabilities
Changes in operating assets and liabilities arising 
from cash flow movements
Movement in available-for-sale investments:

Purchases

Proceeds from sale

Proceeds at or close to maturity

Net change in deposits with regulatory authorities

Net increase in loans, bills discounted and other receivables
Net decrease/(increase) in receivables due from other
financial institutions not at call
Net (increase)/decrease in securities purchased under
agreements to resell
Life insurance business:

Purchase of insurance assets at fair value through 
Income Statement
Proceeds from sale/maturity of insurance assets at fair 
value through Income Statement

Net decrease/(increase) in other assets

Net increase in deposits and other public borrowings
Net increase/(decrease) in payables due to other financial 
institutions not at call
Net (decrease)/increase in securities sold under
agreements to repurchase
Net decrease/(increase) in other liabilities
Changes in operating assets and liabilities arising 
from cash flow movements
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities 46(a)  
Cash flows from investing activities
Payments for acquisition of controlled entities

Net proceeds from disposal of controlled entities
Net proceeds from disposal of entities and businesses (net 
of cash disposals)
Dividends received

46(c)  

Net amounts received from/(paid to) controlled entities

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Payments for acquistions of investments in associates/joint 
ventures
Purchase of intangible assets

Sale/(purchase) of assets held for sale 
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities

Note 

2011

$M 

36,961

(24,278)

5,725

(8,474)

(2,370)

2010

$M 

31,663

(19,387)

5,573

(7,766)

(2,022)

Group 

2009

$M 

31,745

(20,986)

5,551

(7,334)

(2,043)

2011

$M 

32,542

(22,814)

3,558

(5,837)

(2,087)

Bank 

2010

$M 

27,197

(17,625)

3,181

(4,988)

(1,628)

4,452

(2,466)

4,864

1,531

(3,962)

552

2,200

(3,374)

(4,317)

335

2,094

(3,901)

(1,200)

275

2,063

(3,144)

287

-

-

-

13

7,077

2,923

11,278

6,906

-

-

-

1,260

3,435

(62,733)

(60,021)

(37,200)

(49,182)

(36,325)

4,440

45,417

(72)

4,107

44,201

-

4,996

22,189

25

3,919

34,718

(14)

4,095

26,635

2

(11,489)

(28,999)

(52,878)

(11,842)

(25,159)

1,115

2,725

(5,575)

1,134

2,641

(2,834)

776

(507)

(2,194)

751

(4,101)

(5,660)

(11,950)

5,914

201

31,893

8,384

254

8,852

14,478

(77)

47,394

-

-

41

29,066

-

-

193

5,321

5,112

(1,157)

(8,012)

4,532

(1,112)

(1,698)

(575)

10,590

17,667

-

19

15

26

-

27

(443)

(164)

(533)

12

(1,041)

(2,814)

(240)

(29,592)

(26,669)

-

(11)

(22)

71

-

70

(293)

(414)

(454)

542

(511)

6,985

344

(19,788)

(8,510)

(1,741)

-

-

76

-

9

(987)

(144)

(405)

(22)

(1,963)

(618)

7,597

14,503

-

-

-

2,210

394

7

(277)

(148)

(487)

12

(2,650)

1,309

(24,299)

(20,864)

-

44

-

1,648

(23,823)

61

(230)

(396)

(427)

346

(3,214)

1,711

(22,777)

(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 Statements of Cash Flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

102 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

 
 
 
 
Financial Statements 

Statements of Cash Flows (continued) (1) 

For the year ended 30 June 2011 

Note 

Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of shares (net of issue costs)

Dividends paid (excluding Dividend Reinvestment Plan)

Net proceeds from issuance of debt securities

Net sale/(purchase) of treasury shares

Issue of loan capital

Redemption of loan capital

Other
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

46(b)  

2011

$M 

6

(4,188)

(8,321)

4

-

(1,064)

(52)

(13,615)

3,011

4,917

7,928

2010

$M 

2

(2,149)

30,128

(20)

3,707

(1,760)

3

29,911

2,731

2,186

4,917

Group 

2009

$M 

4,830

(2,620)

10,253

(14)

500

(1,250)

(54)

11,645

(79)

2,265

2,186

2011

$M 

5

(4,157)

(8,092)

-

-

(911)

(214)

(13,369)

2,845

3,046

5,891

Bank 

2010

$M 

2

(2,119)

43,042

95

3,707

(1,760)

284

43,251

(390)

3,436

3,046

(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. 

The above Statements of Cash Flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

103 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies  

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  2011,  were  approved  and 
authorised  for  issue  by  the  Board  of  Directors  on  10  August 
2011. 

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  2011  has  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  Australian 
Accounting Standards (the standards), which include Australian 
Interpretations  by  virtue  of  AASB  1048  ‘Interpretation  and 
the 
Application  of  Standards’,  and 
Corporations Act 2001. 

the  requirements  of 

The  basis  of  the  standards  is  the  International  Financial 
Reporting  Standards  (IFRS)  as  issued  by  the  International 
Accounting  Standards  Board  (IASB).  As  a  result  of  complying 
with the standards, the Group Financial Statements comply with 
IFRS, and interpretations as issued by the International Financial 
Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC). 

(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. The assets and 
liabilities are presented in order of liquidity on the Balance Sheet. 

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 certain 
critical  accounting  estimates.  It  also  requires  management  to 
exercise  its  judgement  in  the  process  of  applying  the  Group’s 
accounting policies. The estimates and associated assumptions 
are  based  on  historical  experience  and  other  factors  that  are 
considered  to  be  relevant.  Actual  results  may  differ  from  these 
estimates.  The  estimates  and  underlying  assumptions  are 
reviewed on an ongoing basis. Areas involving a higher degree 
of  judgement  or  complexity,  or  areas  where  assumptions  and 
estimates are significant are discussed in Note 1 (jj).  

Comparatives 

Where necessary, comparative information has been restated to 
conform with changes in presentation in the current year. 

104 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

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 
to  assess  performance  and  allocate 
segments, 
resources.  

in  order 

All  transactions  between  segments  are  conducted  on  an  arm’s 
length  basis,  with  inter-segment  revenue  and  costs  being 
eliminated in “Other”.  

Changes in Accounting Policies 

The Group has continued to apply the accounting policies used 
for  the  2010  Annual  Report  and  has  adopted  the  following 
amendments  to  the  standards,  which  are  of  a  technical  or 
clarifying nature and do not have a material impact on the Bank 
or the Group: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

AASB  2009-5 
Accounting  Standards 
Improvements Project’; 

‘Further  Amendments 
from 
arising 

to  Australian 
the  Annual 

AASB  2009-8  ‘Amendments  to  Australian  Accounting 
Standards  -  Group  Cash-settled  Share-based  Payment 
Transactions’; 
AASB  2009-10  ‘Amendments  to  Australian  Accounting 
Standards – Classification of Rights Issues’; 
AASB  Interpretation  19  ‘Extinguishing  Financial  Liabilities 
with Equity Instruments’ and AASB 2009-13 ‘Amendments 
from 
to  Australian  Accounting  Standards  arising 
Interpretation 19’; and 

AASB  2010-3  ‘Amendments  to  Australian  Accounting 
Standards arising from the Annual Improvements Project’. 

Future Accounting Developments 

The  following  amendments  to  existing  standards  have  been 
published  and  are  mandatory  for  accounting  periods  beginning 
on  or after 1 January  2011 or later periods,  but have not been 
adopted. They are not expected to result in significant changes 
to the Group’s accounting policies. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 
• 

to  Australian 
the  Annual 

‘Further  Amendments 
from 
arising 

AASB 124 ‘Related Party Disclosures’ and AASB 2009-12 
‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards’;  
AASB  2010-4 
Accounting  Standards 
Improvements Project’; 
AASB  2010-5  ‘Amendments  to  Australian  Accounting 
Standards’; 
AASB  2010-6  ‘Amendments  to  Australian  Accounting 
Standards – Disclosures on Transfers of Financial Assets’; 
AASB  2010-8  ‘Amendments  to  Australian  Accounting 
Standards – Deferred Tax: Recovery of Underlying Assets’; 
AASB  2011-1  ‘Amendments  to  Australian  Accounting 
Standards  arising  from  the  Trans-Tasman  Convergence 
Project’; 
AASB 11 ‘Joint Arrangements’; 

AASB 13 ‘Fair Value Measurement’; and 
AASB 1054 ‘Australian Additional Disclosures’. 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

AASB  9  ‘Financial  Instruments’  contains  new  requirements  for 
classification,  measurement  and  de-recognition  of  financial 
assets  and  liabilities,  replacing  the  corresponding  requirements 
Instruments:  Recognition  and 
in  AASB  139 
Measurement’.  It  will  introduce  significant  changes  in  the  way 
that the Group accounts for financial instruments. 

‘Financial 

Adoption  of  the  standard  is  not  mandatory  until  accounting 
periods  beginning  on  or  after  1  January  2013  however  early 
adoption is permitted. The key changes include: 

• 

• 

Financial assets: financial assets will be classified as either 
amortised  cost  or  fair  value  through  Income  Statement, 
except  for  certain  non-trading  equity  investments  which 
through  Other 
may  be  classified  as 
Comprehensive Income (OCI); and 
Financial liabilities: gains and losses on own credit arising 
from  financial  liabilities  designated  at  fair  value  through 
profit  or  loss  will  be  excluded  from  the  Income  Statement 
and instead taken to OCI. 

fair  value 

By June 2012, it is expected that IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ 
will  include  new  requirements  for  impairment,  offsetting  and 
hedge accounting. It will introduce significant changes in the way 
that  the  Group  accounts  for  financial  instruments.  The  key 
changes proposed relate to: 

• 

• 

Impairment: both expected losses and incurred losses will 
be  reflected  in  impairment  allowances  for  loans  and 
advances; 
Hedge accounting: hedge accounting will be more closely 
aligned with financial risk management; and 

•  Offsetting: the conditions for offsetting financial assets and 
financial liabilities in the Balance Sheet will be clarified. 

AASB 10 ‘Consolidated Financial Statements’ introduces control 
as the single basis for consolidation for all entities, regardless of 
the  nature  of  the  investee.  AASB  10  replaces  those  parts  of 
AASB  127  ‘Consolidated  and  Separate  Financial  Statements’ 
that  address  when  and  how  an  investor  should  prepare 
consolidated 
replaces  SIC-12 
‘Consolidation – Special Purpose Entities’ in its entirety. 

financial  statements  and 

This  approach  comprises  a  series  of  indicators  of  control, 
requiring  an  analysis  of  all  facts  and  circumstances  and  the 
application of judgement in making the control assessment. 

Concurrent  with  the  issue  of  AASB  10,  the  following  standards 
were also issued: 

• 
• 
• 

• 

AASB 11 ‘Joint Arrangements’; 
AASB 12 ‘Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities’; 
AASB  127  ‘Separate  Financial  Statements’,  amended  for 
the issuance of AASB 10; and 

AASB  128  ‘Investments  in  Associates’,  amended  for 
conforming  changes  based  on  the  issuance  of  AASB  10 
and AASB 11. 

Each of these standards has an effective date for annual periods 
beginning  on  or  after  1  January  2013,  with  early  adoption 
permitted  so  long  as  each  of  the  standards  in  this  package  is 
also applied early. 

The key changes include: 

• 

• 

Using  control  as 
for  consolidation, 
the  single  basis 
irrespective  of  the  nature  of  the  investee,  eliminating  the 
risks and rewards approach included in SIC-12; 
The  definition  of  control  includes  three  elements:  power 
over an investee, exposure or rights to variable returns of  
the investee, and the ability to use power over the investee 
to affect the investor’s returns; and 

• 

An investor would reassess whether it controls an investee 
if there is a change in facts and circumstances. 

AASB  12  ‘Disclosure  of  Interests  in  Other  Entities’  applies  to 
entities that have an interest in subsidiaries, joint arrangements, 
associates  or  unconsolidated  structured  entities.  It  serves  to 
integrate  the  disclosure  requirements  of  interests  in  other 
entities,  currently  included  in  several  standards,  and  also  adds 
additional  requirements  in  a  number  of  areas.  The  disclosure 
requirements are extensive and significant effort will be required 
to accumulate the necessary information. 

AASB  119  ‘Employee  Benefits’  has  been  amended,  which  will 
result in changes to the recognition and measurement of defined 
benefit  pension  expense  and  termination  benefits,  and  to  the 
disclosures  for  all  employee  benefits.  These  changes  could 
affect  a  number  of  performance  indicators,  and  significantly 
increase the volume of disclosures. The key changes include: 

• 

• 

Annual  expense  for  a  funded  benefit  plan  will  include  net 
interest  expense  or  income,  calculated  by  applying  the 
discount  rate  to  the  net  defined  benefit  asset  or  liability. 
This will replace the finance charge and expected return on 
plan assets, and may increase the benefit expense; and  

Benefit  cost  will  be  split  between  (i)  the  cost  of  benefits 
accrued  in  the  current  period  (service  cost)  and  benefit 
changes (past-service cost, settlements and curtailments); 
and (ii) finance expense or income. 

The amendment is effective for periods beginning on or after 1 
January 2013, with early adoption being permitted. 

AASB  101  ‘Presentation  of  Financial  Statements’  has  been 
amended.  The  amendment  changes  the  disclosure  of  items 
presented in OCI in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. 

The key changes include: 

• 

Items  are  presented  separately,  in  two  groups  in  OCI, 
based on whether or not they may be recycled to profit or 
loss in the future; and 

•  Where  OCI  items  have  been  presented  before  tax,  the 
amount  of  tax  related  to  the  two  groups  will  need  to  be 
shown. 

The amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or 
after 1 July 2012, with early adoption permitted. 

In addition to the above, the IASB plans to issue new standards 
on Leases, Insurance Contracts and Revenue Recognition. The 
Group will consider the financial impacts of these new standards 
as they are finalised. 

(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  the  decision-
making  in  relation  to  financial  and  operating  policies,  so  as  to 
require those entities to conform with the Bank’s objectives. The 
effects  of  all  transactions  between  entities  in  the  Group  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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

105 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

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. 

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,  the  investments  in  subsidiaries  that  have 
been  impaired  are  reviewed  for  possible  reversal  of  the 
impairment. 

Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures Accounted for 
Using the Equity Method 

Associates and joint ventures are entities over which the Group 
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  Group’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 OCI. 

(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: 

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 

Fee  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. 

106 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

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 
the  entity  operates  (the 
functional  currency).  The  consolidated  financial  statements  are 
presented  in  Australian  dollars,  which  is  the  Bank’s  functional 
and presentation currency. 

in  which 

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 
value through equity, such as equities classified as available-for-
sale financial assets, are recognised in equity through OCI.  

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 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 
at transaction date; and 

• 

All  resulting  exchange  differences  are  recognised  in  the 
foreign currency translation reserve. 

When  a foreign operation is disposed  of, 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 include 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 
is 
recognised in the Income Statement using the effective interest 
method.

the  outstanding  balance. 

Interest 

 
 
 
Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

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, as 
well  as  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. 

The Group has not classified any of its financial assets as 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,  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;  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.

Notes to the Financial Statements 

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 

is 
The  Group  enters 
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  the 
Income Statement. 

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 
the  Group  derecognises 
assets., or when control is retained the assets are recognised to 
the extent of the Group’s continuing involvement. 

transferred, 

(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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

107 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

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  sub-categories:  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 at fair value through Income Statement at inception, 
to  either  eliminate  an  accounting  mismatch  or  as  they  are 
managed on a fair value basis.  

(j) Available-for-Sale Investments 

Available-for-sale  investments  are  public  and  other  debt  and 
equity  securities  that  are  not  classified  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. 

Equity  investments  classified  as  available  for  sale,  whose  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  recognised  in  income  when 
earned. 

Available-for-sale  investments  are  tested  for  impairment  in  line 
with Note 1 (n). 

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. 

(k) Repurchase Agreements 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, are recognised 
within  the  available-for-sale  investments  or  assets  at  fair  value 
for 
through 
accordingly.  

Income  Statement  categories  and  accounted 

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 

108 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

(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 original effective interest rate. 

Restructured Facilities 

When the original contractual terms of facilities (primarily loans) 
are modified, they become classified as restructured.  

These facilities 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 facility will be returned to the 
non-performing  classification.  Facilities  are  generally  kept  as 
non-performing until they are returned to a performing basis. 

Assets Acquired Through Securities Enforcement (AATSE) 

Assets  acquired  in  satisfaction  of  facilities  in  default  (primarily 
loans)  are  recorded  at  net  market  value  at  the  date  of 
acquisition.  Any  difference  between  the  carrying  amount  of  the 
facility  and  the  net  market  value  of  the  assets  acquired  is 
represented as an individually assessed provision or written off. 
AATSE  are  further  classified  as  Other  Real  Estate  Owned  or 
Other  Assets  Acquired  Through  Security  Enforcement  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). 

(m) Leases 

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  leases  in  the  Balance  Sheet,  as  loans  at  an 
amount equal to the net investment in the lease. 

 
 
 
Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

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 leases in the Balance Sheet as property, plant 
and equipment and depreciates the assets accordingly. 

Operating lease revenue is recognised in the Income Statement 
on a straight line basis over the lease term. 

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. This can arise 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 Sheet 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.  

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. 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

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, Intangibles and Other Non-Financial Assets 

Goodwill and intangible assets that have an indefinite useful life, 
are  not  subject  to  amortisation  and  are  tested  annually  for 
impairment,  or  more 
in 
circumstances  indicate  that  the  carrying  amount  may  not  be 
recoverable.  

if  events  or  changes 

frequently 

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. 

If  any  such  indications  exist,  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. 

An impairment loss is recognised whenever the carrying amount 
of  an  asset  or  its  Cash  Generating  Unit  (CGU)  exceeds  its 
recoverable  amount.  Impairment  losses  are  recognised  in  the 
Income Statement. The recoverable amount of an asset or CGU 
is the greater of the fair value less cost to sell, or value in use. 

For the purpose 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.  Assets  (other  than  goodwill) 
that  have  previously  been  impaired,  are  reviewed  for  possible 
reversal of  the impairment at  each  reporting  date.  A previously 
recognised  impairment  loss  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. 

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’. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

109 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

The  receivable  for  an  off  balance  sheet  item,  only  crystallises 
when  the  facility  is  drawn  upon.  Generally.  therefore,  it  will  not 
be  appropriate  to  provision  for  these  assets  under  an  incurred 
loss model. 

The  Group  however,  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 five 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 recognised 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  twelve  months.  They  are  measured  at  the  lower  of 
carrying  amount  and  fair  value  less  costs  to  sell,  unless  the 
nature  of  the  assets  requires  they  be  measured  in  line  with 
another accounting standard. 

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. 

Computer  software  is  capitalised  at  cost  and  classified  as 
property,  plant  and  equipment  where  it  is  integral  to  the 
operation of associated hardware. 

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 

110 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

Depreciation rates and methods are reviewed on a timely basis 
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 an indication of 
impairment exists and 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) Business Combinations 

Business  combinations  are  accounted  for  using  the  acquisition 
method. Cost is measured as the aggregate of the fair values of 
assets given, equity instruments issued, or liabilities incurred or 
assumed at the date of exchange. 

transaction-by-transaction  basis, 

Identifiable  assets  acquired  and 
liabilities  and  contingent 
liabilities  assumed  in  a  business  combination  are  measured  at 
the fair value on the acquisition date. The acquirer can elect, on 
a 
to  measure  any  non-
controlling  interest  either  at  fair  value,  or  at  the  non-controlling 
interest’s proportionate share of the fair value of the identifiable 
assets and liabilities. The excess of the cost of acquisition over 
the fair value of the acquirer’s share of the identifiable net assets 
acquired, is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquisition is less 
than the acquirer’s share of the fair value of the identifiable net 
assets  of  the  business  acquired,  the  difference  is  recognised 
directly  in  the  consolidated  Income  Statement,  but  only  after  a 
reassessment  of  the  identification  and  measurement  of  the  net 
assets acquired.  

(t) 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  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 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 have been recognised following the acquisition of 
Bankwest and represent the value of the deposit base acquired 
in  the  business  combination.  Initially  recognised  at  fair  value, 
they are subsequently amortised over the estimated useful life of 
seven years. 

Brand Names 

Initially 

Brand  names  are  recognised  when  acquired  in  a  business 
combination. 
they  are 
recognised  at 
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 cash flows. 

fair  value, 

 
 
 
Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

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 

(u) Deposits From Customers  

Deposits  and  other  public  borrowings  include  certificates  of 
term  deposits,  savings  deposits,  other  demand 
deposits, 
deposits  and  debentures.  They  are  initially  recognised  at  fair 
value,  including  directly  attributable  transaction  costs  and 
subsequently  measured  at  amortised  cost.  Interest  and  yield 
related fees are recognised on an effective interest basis.  

(v) 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. 

(w) 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  Balance 
Sheet  date.  In  a  limited  number  of  instances,  valuation 
techniques are based on non-market data. 

(x) 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 OCI, in which 
case  it  is  recognised  in  the  Statement  of  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. 

Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method, 
the  carrying 
temporary  differences  between 
providing 
amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes 
and the amounts used for taxation purposes. 

for 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

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 Group has formally notified the Australian Taxation Office of 
its  adoption  of  the  tax  consolidation  regime.  In  addition,  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  standalone 
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.  

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. 

(y) Employee Benefits 

Annual Leave 

The  provision 
outstanding liability to employees at Balance Sheet date. 

for  annual 

represents 

leave 

the  current 

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 a subsidy to a registered health fund with respect to 
retired  and  current  employees,  and  employee  incentives  under 
employee share plans and bonus schemes. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

111 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

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 

two  defined  benefit 
sponsors 
The  Group 
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 OCI. 

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. 

(z) Provisions 

Provision for Dividends 

A  provision  for  dividend  payable  is  recognised  when  dividends 
are declared by the Directors. 

Provisions for Restructuring 

Provisions  for  restructuring  are  recognised  where  there  is  a 
detailed 
for  restructure  and  a  demonstrated 
commitment to that plan. 

formal  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. 

112 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

(aa) 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.  

(bb) 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. 

(cc) 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,  purchase 
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. 

(dd) 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. 

 
 
 
Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

Derivative financial instruments are recognised initially at the fair 
value  of  consideration  given  or  received.  Subsequent  gains  or 
losses  are  recognised 
Income  Statement,  unless 
the 
designated within a cash flow hedging relationship. 

in 

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  recognised  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. 
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. 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

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  hedged  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. 

Net Investment Hedges 

Gains and losses on derivative contracts relating to the effective 
portion of the net investment hedge are recognised in the foreign 
currency  translation  reserve  in  equity.  Ineffective  portions  are 
recognised  immediately  in  the  Income  Statement.  Gains  and 
losses  accumulated  in  equity  are  included  in  the  Income 
Statement when the foreign subsidiary or branch is disposed of. 

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.  It  is  then  accounted  for  as  a  stand-alone 
derivative instrument at fair value. 

(ee) 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. 

(ff) 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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

113 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

Disclosure 

Premiums and Claims 

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.  

Investment Assets 

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 revenue. 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.

114 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

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. 

(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 
revenue.  Claims  under 
represent 
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  policy  owners  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 
participating  policies  include 
shareholder  profit  margins  and  an  allowance 
supportable bonuses.  

liabilities  attributable 
to 
the  value  of  future  planned 
future 

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  MOS  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  Sheet  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. 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

Life Investment Contract Acquisition Costs 

Claims Expense 

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  ‘Revenue’  to  the  extent  that  only  incremental 
transaction  costs  (for  example  commissions  and  volume 
bonuses)  are  deferred.  The 
liability 
calculated  in  accordance  with  AASB  139  is  no  less  than  the 
contract surrender value. 

investment  contract 

Managed Funds Units on Issue – Held by Non-controlling 
Unit-Holders 

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. 

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 unit-holders 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. 

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. 

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. 

(gg) Asset Securitisation 

The Group conducts an asset securitisation programme through 
which it packages and sells assets as securities to investors.  

The Group is entitled to any residual income of the programme 
after all payments due to investors and costs of the programme 
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  programme  by  the 
Group in accordance with APRA Prudential Guidelines. 

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 
Income  Statement  as  an 
the 
recognised 
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. 

immediately 

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 

Derivatives  return  the  risks  and  rewards  of  ownership  of  the 
securitised  assets  to  the  Group  and  consequently  the  Group 
cannot  derecognise 
is 
these  assets.  An 
recognised inclusive of the derivative and any related fees. 

imputed 

liability 

For  further  details  on  the  treatment  of  consolidated  securitised 
entities, refer to Note 1 (c). 

(hh) 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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

115 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

(ii) Earnings Per Share 

Basic  earnings  per  share  is  calculated  by  dividing  the  Group’s 
profit  attributable  to  ordinary  equity  holders,  by  the  weighted 
average  number  of  ordinary  shares  outstanding  during  the 
financial year. 

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the Group’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. 

(jj) 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. 

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 no objective evidence of impairment 
exists for an individually assessed financial asset, but for which 
a loss event has occurred which is likely to result in a loss within 
a group of financial assets.  

Credit  losses  arise  primarily  from  loans,  but  also  from  other 
credit  instruments  such  as  bank  acceptances,  contingent 
liabilities,  guarantees  and  other  financial  instruments  and 
AATSE. 

Individually Assessed Provisions 

Individually  assessed  provisions  are  raised  where  there  is 
objective evidence of impairment, that is 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. 

116 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

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. 

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. 

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. 

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

Additional information on the accounting policy is set out in Note 
1 (ff). 

Consolidation of Special Purpose Entities 

The  Group  assesses,  at  inception  and  periodically,  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  required  in  the 
context of the Group’s securitisation programme and structured 
transactions. 

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.

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Superannuation Obligations 

The  Group  currently  sponsors  two  defined  benefit  plans  as 
described  in  Note  1(y)  and  Note  42.  For  each  of  these  plans, 
actuarial  valuations  of  the  plan’s  obligations  and  the  fair  value 
measurements of the plan’s assets are performed semi-annually 
in  accordance  with  the  requirements  of  AASB  119  ‘Employee 
Benefits’. 

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 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

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 
to  counterparty  credit 
risk,  volatility,  correlation  and 
extrapolation. 

Periodically,  the  Group  calibrates  the  valuation  technique  and 
tests  it  for  validity  using  prices  from  any  observable  current 
market 
instrument  (i.e.  without 
the  same 
modification  or  repackaging)  or  based  on  any  available 
observable market data. 

transactions 

in 

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  (CGUs)  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. 

Additional information on goodwill impairment testing is included 
in Note 16. 

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  deferral  of 
the  exercise  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 require significant judgement with respect 
to  outcomes  that  are  uncertain.  For  such  uncertainties,  the 
Group  has  estimated  its  tax  provisions  based  on  its  expected 
outcomes. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

117 

 
 
 
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 2 Profit 

Profit before income tax has been determined as follows: 

Interest Income
Loans and bills discounted

Other financial institutions

Cash and liquid assets

Assets at fair value through Income Statement

Available-for-sale investments

Controlled entities
Total interest income (1)

Interest Expense
Deposits (3)
Other financial institutions
Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement (3)
Debt issues

Controlled entities

Loan capital
Total interest expense (2)
Net interest income

Other Operating Income
Lending fees

Commissions

Trading income

Net gain/(loss) on disposal of available-for-sale investments 

Net loss on other non-fair valued financial instruments

Net hedging ineffectiveness

Net (loss)/gain on other fair valued financial instruments:

Fair value through Income Statement (4)
Reclassification of net interest on swaps (5)
Non-trading derivatives (6)
Dividends - Controlled entities

Dividends - Other

Net loss on sale of property, plant and equipment

Funds management and investment contract income:

Fees receivable on trust and other fiduciary activities

Other

Insurance contracts income
Other (7)
Total other operating income
Total net operating income

Gain on acquisition of controlled entities

Impairment expense
Loan impairment expense 

Available-for-sale debt securities impairment expense
Total impairment expense (Note 14)

2011

$M 

2010

$M 

Group 

2009

$M 

2011

$M 

Bank 

2010

$M 

34,192

29,849

28,438

26,319

22,382

92

291

877

1,852

-

37,304

141

192

793

1,240

-

32,215

434

510

1,236

901

-

31,519

87

235

749

3,987

1,568

32,945

115

150

616

3,102

1,389

27,754

17,347

13,830

14,216

16,914

13,329

222

590

5,891

-

647

24,697

12,607

1,467

1,946

717

24

(4)

4

(2)

(498)

(301)

-

5

(6)

1,662

380

1,118

278

6,790

164

764

4,920

-

615

20,293

11,922

1,435

2,006

597

27

(52)

(62)

8

(259)

217

-

5

(4)

1,493

435

1,230

290

7,366

19,397

19,288

-

-

1,280

-

1,280

2,379

-

2,379

509

1,021

4,767

-

705

21,218

10,301

1,396

2,027

741

(12)

(9)

(18)

(66)

(275)

(187)

-

14

(11)

1,291

199

769

314

6,173

16,474

983

2,683

365

3,048

184

218

4,920

263

664

23,163

9,782

1,333

1,426

639

24

(11)

14

2

(382)

(348)

2,155

36

(6)

-

-

-

735

5,617

15,399

-

1,080

-

1,080

145

130

4,002

360

637

18,603

9,151

1,250

1,413

588

14

(15)

(60)

(13)

(148)

147

1,641

7

(4)

-

-

-

440

5,260

14,411

-

1,193

-

1,193

(1) Total interest income for financial assets that are not at fair value through profit or loss is $36,427 million (2010: $31,422 million, 2009: $30,283 million) for the Group 

and $32,196 million (2010: $27,138 million) for the Bank. 

(2) Total interest expense for financial liabilities that are not at fair value through profit or loss is $24,107 million (2010: $19,669 million, 2009: $20,197 million) for the 

Group and $22,945 million (2010 $18,473 million) for the Bank. 

(3) Certain comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current period. 

(4) The net gain on financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value was $102 million (2010: $140 million) for the Group and $77 million (2010: $31 million) for the 

Bank. 

(5) Relates to certain economic hedges which do not qualify for IFRS hedge accounting. 

(6) Non-trading derivatives are held for risk management purposes. 

(7) The Group result in 2011 includes $10 million loss on disposal of controlled entities, refer to note 46 for further details. 

118 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 2 Profit (continued) 

Staff Expenses
Salaries and wages

Share-based compensation

Superannuation - defined contribution plans

Superannuation - defined benefit plan

Provisions for employee entitlements

Payroll tax

Fringe benefits tax

Other staff expenses
Total staff expenses

Occupancy and Equipment Expenses
Operating lease rentals

Depreciation:

Buildings

Leasehold improvements

Equipment

Operating lease assets

Repairs and maintenance

Other
Total occupancy and equipment expenses

Information Technology Services
Application, maintenance and development

Data processing

Desktop

Communications

Amortisation of software assets

IT equipment depreciation
Total information technology services

Other Expenses
Postage

Stationery

Fees and commissions:

Fees payable on trust and other fiduciary activities

Other

Advertising, marketing and loyalty
Amortisation of intangible assets (excluding software and merger 
related amortisation)
Non-lending losses

Other
Total other expenses
Total expenses

Investment and restructuring
Integration expenses
Merger related amortisation (1)
One-off expenses
Total investment and restructuring

Total operating expenses

Profit before income tax

Net hedging ineffectiveness comprises:
Gain/(Loss) on fair value hedges:

Hedging instruments

Hedged items

Cash flow hedge ineffectiveness
Net hedging ineffectiveness

 (1) Merger related amortisation relates to Bankwest core deposits and customer lists.

2011

$M 

2010

$M 

4,081

3,845

156

48

137

88

213

38

110

130

48

103

58

202

40

157

Group 

2009

$M 

3,405

125

44

14

88

188

36

94

2011

$M 

Bank 

2010

$M 

2,761

2,536

96

(33)

137

54

153

30

77

82

(27)

103

39

140

31

106

4,871

4,583

3,994

3,275

3,010

532

35

103

82

42

87

112

993

235

267

120

221

183

78

527

30

98

90

45

84

103

977

209

227

141

199

178

75

1,104

1,029

112

84

537

318

457

15

83

317

1,923

8,891

94

75

-

169

9,060

9,057

(417)

427

(6)

4

115

97

497

367

398

27

103

408

2,012

8,601

40

75

-

115

8,716

8,193

771

(838)

5

(62)

488

29

85

89

37

80

102

910

167

202

141

179

122

62

873

121

100

453

359

475

17

86

391

2,002

7,779

112

37

32

181

7,960

6,449

543

(569)

8

(18)

406

392

27

81

54

19

65

71

723

151

266

114

188

143

63

925

89

62

-

490

320

-

65

149

1,175

6,098

15

-

-

15

6,113

8,206

(391)

410

(5)

14

26

75

57

24

67

63

704

135

225

131

160

134

57

842

88

74

-

584

285

-

78

237

1,346

5,902

15

-

-

15

5,917

7,301

738

(810)

12

(60)

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

119 

 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 3 Income from Ordinary Activities 

Banking
Interest income

Fees and commissions

Trading income
Net gain/(loss) on disposal of available-for-sale investments 
recognised in Income Statement
Net loss on other non-fair valued financial instruments

Net hedging ineffectiveness

Net (loss)/gain on other fair valued financial instruments:

Fair value through Income Statement
Reclassification of net interest on swaps (1)
Non-trading derivatives

Dividends

Net loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 

Other

Funds Management, Investment Contract and Insurance 
Contract Revenue 
Funds management and investment contract income including 
premiums
Insurance contract premiums and related income

Funds management claims and policyholder liability revenue

Investment income

Total income

2011

$M 

37,304

3,413

717

24

(4)

4

(2)

(498)

(301)

5

(6)

2010

$M 

32,215

3,441

597

27

(52)

(62)

8

(259)

217

5

(4)

278

40,934

290

36,423

Group 

2009

$M 

31,519

3,423

741

(12)

(9)

(18)

(66)

(275)

(187)

14

(11)

314

2011

$M 

32,945

2,759

639

24

(11)

14

2

(382)

(348)

2,191

(6)

735

Bank 

2010

$M 

27,754

2,663

588

14

(15)

(60)

(13)

(148)

147

1,648

(4)

440

35,433

38,562

33,014

1,996

1,884

-

1,401

5,281

46,215

1,906

1,794

-

1,662

5,362

41,785

1,618

1,651

731

-

4,000

39,433

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

38,562

33,014

(1) Relates to certain economic hedges which do not qualify for IFRS hedge accounting.

120 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

 
 
 
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. 

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 25 basis points during the year while rates in New Zealand decreased by 25 basis points.

2011

2010

Group 

2009

Average 

Interest  Average  Average 

Interest  Average  Average 

Interest  Average 

Balance 

Rate  Balance 

Rate  Balance 

$M 

$M 

% 

$M 

$M 

% 

$M 

$M 

Rate 

% 

Interest earning assets
Cash and liquid assets

Australia

Overseas

Receivables due from other 
financial institutions

Australia

Overseas

Assets at fair value through 
Income Statement - Trading

Australia

Overseas

Assets at fair value through 
Income Statement - Other

Australia

Overseas

Available-for-sale investments

Australia

Overseas

Loans, bills discounted and other 
receivables

Australia (1) (3)
Overseas (3)
Intragroup assets

Australia

Overseas

Total interest earning assets and 
interest income including 
intragroup

4,583

7,522

6,324

8,113

15,028

5,186

-

1,442

33,362

5,601

194

97

50

42

711

138

-

28

1,776

76

436,988

52,220

30,493

3,151

2,506

-

22

-

578,875

36,778

4. 2

1. 3

0. 8

0. 5

4. 7

2. 7

-

1. 9

5. 3

1. 4

7. 0

6. 0

0. 9

-

6. 4

0. 9

3,674

7,644

7,253

6,645

15,587

5,944

117

1,157

23,360

5,485

146

46

63

78

585

175

12

21

1,166

74

419,667

57,202

25,872

3,470

-

12,343

-

20

566,078

31,728

(12,343)

(20)

4. 0

0. 6

0. 9

1. 2

3. 8

2. 9

8,353

6,683

9,205

7,238

17,614

4,378

10. 3

1. 8

799

2,507

10,553

7,831

324

186

227

207

922

231

3

80

628

273

5. 0

1. 3

6. 2

6. 1

-

0. 2

5. 6

0. 2

344,534

61,553

23,098

4,584

-

12,023

-

158

493,271

30,921

(12,023)

(158)

Intragroup eliminations

(2,506)

(22)

Total interest earning assets 
and interest income (2)

Securitisation home loan 
assets

576,369

36,756

6. 4

553,735

31,708

5. 7

481,248

30,763

9,705

574

5. 9

10,967

534

4. 9

12,279

742

(1) Excludes amortisation of acquisition related fair value adjustments made to fixed interest financial instruments. 

(2) Used for calculating net interest margin. 

(3) Certain comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current period.

3. 9

2. 8

2. 5

2. 9

5. 2

5. 3

0. 4

3. 2

6. 0

3. 5

6. 7

7. 4

-

1. 3

6. 3

1. 3

6. 4

6. 0

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

121 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 4 Average Balances and Related Interest (continued) 

Non-interest earning assets
Bank acceptances

Australia

Overseas

Assets at fair value through Income Statement - Insurance

Australia

Overseas

Property, plant and equipment

Australia

Overseas

Other assets

Australia

Overseas

Provisions for impairment

Australia

Overseas

Total non-interest earning assets
Total assets
Percentage of total assets applicable to overseas operations (%)

2011

2010

Group 

2009

Average 

Average 

Average 

Balance 

Balance 

Balance 

$M 

$M 

$M 

11,332

12,559

16,983

-

-

-

13,656

2,069

1,854

181

41,661

8,782

(5,205)

(299)

74,031

660,105

13.8

15,512

2,166

1,933

191

42,444

6,152

(4,904)

(338)

75,715

640,417

14.4

17,370

2,316

1,744

199

48,487

9,393

(2,492)

(299)

93,701

587,228

17.3

122 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 4 Average Balances and Related Interest (continued) 

Interest bearing liabilities

$M 

$M 

% 

$M 

$M 

% 

$M 

$M 

Balance 

Rate  Balance 

Rate  Balance 

Rate 

% 

Average 

Interest  Average  Average 

Interest  Average  Average 

Interest  Average 

2011

2010

Group 

2009

Time deposits

Australia (1) (2)
Overseas (2)
Savings deposits
Australia (1) (2)
Overseas (2)

Other demand deposits

Australia (1) (2)
Overseas (2)

Payables due to other financial
institutions
Australia

Overseas

Liabilities at fair value through
Income Statement
Australia (2)
Overseas (2)

Debt issues

Australia

Overseas

Loan capital

Australia

Overseas

Intragroup borrowings

Australia

Overseas

185,243

32,708

10,984

1,121

76,644

6,772

82,040

2,462

3,912

10,763

4,526

8,729

2,482

205

2,477

79

136

86

215

375

107,136

5,534

5,316

25

7,130

5,244

-

2,506

382

272

-

22

Interest bearing liabilities and interest 
expense including intragroup 

541,349

24,177

Intragroup eliminations

(2,506)

(22)

Total interest bearing liabilities 
and interest expense

538,843

24,155

Securitisation debt issues

8,920

517

5. 9

3. 4

3. 2

3. 0

3. 0

3. 2

3. 5

0. 8

4. 8

4. 3

5. 0

0. 5

5. 4

5. 2

-

0. 9

4. 5

0. 9

4. 5

5. 8

168,832

32,455

72,396

7,215

82,867

2,799

5,296

9,448

3,580

12,494

91,223

18,678

9,370

4,685

12,343

-

8,673

1,255

1,797

204

1,953

87

110

54

150

614

4,291

105

367

255

20

-

533,681

19,935

(12,343)

(20)

521,338

19,915

9,927

459

5. 1

3. 9

2. 5

2. 8

2. 4

3. 1

2. 1

0. 6

4. 2

4. 9

4. 7

0. 6

3. 9

5. 4

0. 2

-

3. 7

0. 2

3. 8

4. 6

133,580

30,160

69,758

7,117

74,952

3,451

4,974

13,871

3,831

13,595

65,109

20,763

9,455

3,642

12,023

-

8,398

1,625

1,574

342

2,256

160

160

349

159

862

3,624

417

507

202

158

-

466,281

20,793

(12,023)

(158)

454,258

20,635

12,042

684

6. 3

5. 4

2. 3

4. 8

3. 0

4. 6

3. 2

2. 5

4. 2

6. 3

5. 6

2. 0

5. 4

5. 5

1. 3

-

4. 5

1. 3

4. 6

5. 7

(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. 

Non-interest bearing liabilities
Deposits not bearing interest

Australia

Overseas

Liabilities on Bank acceptances

Australia

Overseas

Insurance policy liabilities

Australia

Overseas

Other liabilities

Australia

Overseas

Total non-interest bearing liabilities
Total liabilities
Shareholders' equity
Total liabilities and Shareholders' equity
Total liabilities applicable to overseas operations (%)

2011

2010

Group 

2009

Average 

Average 

Average 

Balance 

Balance 

Balance 

$M 

$M 

$M 

6,989

1,535

6,638

1,458

5,940

1,438

11,332

12,559

16,983

-

-

-

13,114

1,361

33,517

8,425

76,273

624,036

36,069

660,105

13.4

14,432

1,548

32,914

6,069

75,618

606,883

33,534

640,417

16.0

16,510

1,766

42,939

6,163

91,739

558,039

29,189

587,228

18.3

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

123 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 4 Average Balances and Related Interest (continued) 

Avg Bal 

Interest 

Yield 

Avg Bal 

Interest 

2011

Net interest margin
Total interest earning assets excluding securitisation

Total interest bearing liabilities excluding securitisation
Net interest income and interest spread (excluding 
securitisation)
Benefit of free funds
Net interest margin

$M 

576,369

538,843

$M 

36,756

24,155

12,601

$M 

553,735

521,338

$M 

31,708

19,915

11,793

% 

6. 38

4. 48

1. 90

0. 29

2. 19

2011

Geographical analysis of key categories
Loans, bills discounted and other receivables
Australia (1)
Overseas (1)
Total

Other interest earning assets
Australia

Overseas
Total

Total interest bearing deposits
Australia (1)
Overseas (1)
Total

Other interest bearing liabilities
Australia (1)
Overseas (1)
Total

Avg Bal 

Interest 

Yield 

Avg Bal 

Interest 

$M 

$M 

% 

$M 

$M 

436,988

52,220

489,208

59,297

27,864

87,161

343,927

41,942

385,869

122,704

30,270

152,974

30,493

3,151

33,644

2,731

381

3,112

15,943

1,405

17,348

6,049

758

6,807

6. 98

6. 03

6. 88

4. 61

1. 37

3. 57

4. 64

3. 35

4. 50

4. 93

2. 50

4. 45

419,667

57,202

476,869

49,991

26,875

76,866

324,095

42,469

366,564

109,469

45,305

154,774

25,872

3,470

29,342

1,972

394

2,366

12,423

1,546

13,969

4,918

1,028

5,946

Group 

2010

Yield 

% 

5. 73

3. 82

1. 91

0. 22

2. 13

Group 

2010

Yield 

% 

6. 16

6. 07

6. 15

3. 94

1. 47

3. 08

3. 83

3. 64

3. 81

4. 49

2. 27

3. 84

(1) Certain comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current period. 

Overseas intra-group borrowings have been adjusted into the interest spread and margin calculations to more appropriately reflect the 
overseas cost of funds. 

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. 

Changes in Net Interest Income: Volume and Rate Analysis 

The  following  tables  show  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). 

Change in net interest income
Due to changes in average volume of interest earning assets

Due to changes in interest margin
Change in net interest income

June 2011

vs June 2010

$M 

488

320

808

Group 

June 2010

vs June 2009

$M 

1,535

130

1,665

124 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 4 Average Balances and Related Interest (continued) 

Changes in net interest income:
Volume and rate analysis
Interest Earning Assets
Cash and liquid assets

Australia

Overseas

Receivables due from other financial institutions

Australia

Overseas

Assets at fair value through Income Statement - Trading

Australia

Overseas

Assets at fair value through Income Statement - Other

Australia

Overseas

Available-for-sale investments

Australia

Overseas

Loans, bills discounted and other receivables

Australia (1)
Overseas (1)
Intragroup loans

Australia

Overseas

Changes in interest income including intragroup

Intragroup eliminations
Changes in interest income
Securitisation home loan assets

Interest Bearing Liabilities and Loan Capital
Time deposits
Australia (1)
Overseas (1)
Savings deposits
Australia (1)
Overseas (1)

Other demand deposits

Australia (1)
Overseas (1)

Payables due to other financial institutions

Australia

Overseas

Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement

Australia (1)
Overseas (1)

Debt issues

Australia

Overseas

Loan capital

Australia

Overseas

Intragroup borrowings

Australia

Overseas

Changes in interest expense including intragroup

Intragroup eliminations
Changes in interest expense
Changes in net interest income
Securitisation debt issues

June 2011 vs June 2010 

June 2010 vs June 2009 

Volume 

Rate 

Total 

Volume 

Rate 

Total 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

37

(1)

(8)

12

(24)

(21)

(6)

5

516

2

1,138

(301)

11

(10)

765

(1)

1,370

(69)

908

9

121

(13)

(22)

(11)

(38)

9

42

(173)

769

(67)

(104)

30

(10)

11

314

(1)

727

488

(54)

11

52

(5)

(48)

150

(16)

(6)

2

94

-

3,483

(18)

11

(10)

4,285

(1)

3,678

109

48

51

(13)

(36)

126

(37)

(12)

7

610

2

4,621

(319)

22

(20)

5,050

(2)

5,048

40

(183)

16

(33)

(12)

(92)

64

(37)

(34)

701

(57)

4,834

(294)

-

3

4,323

(3)

4,392

(72)

5

(156)

(131)

(117)

(245)

(120)

46

(25)

(163)

(142)

(2,060)

(820)

-

(141)

(3,516)

141

(3,447)

(136)

1,403

(143)

2,311

(134)

2,014

106

(1,739)

(476)

564

14

546

3

64

23

23

(66)

256

(13)

119

(13)

(10)

11

3,928

(1)

3,513

320

112

685

1

524

(8)

26

32

65

(239)

1,025

(80)

15

17

(20)

22

4,242

(2)

4,240

808

58

63

4

212

(25)

8

(68)

(4)

(68)

1,341

(27)

(4)

57

3

-

2,762

(3)

2,804

1,535

(109)

160

(142)

(515)

(48)

(58)

(227)

(5)

(180)

(674)

(285)

(136)

(4)

(141)

-

(3,620)

141

(3,524)

130

(116)

(178)

(140)

(164)

(129)

(337)

(56)

9

(59)

538

(199)

2,774

(1,114)

-

(138)

807

138

945

(208)

275

(370)

223

(138)

(303)

(73)

(50)

(295)

(9)

(248)

667

(312)

(140)

53

(138)

-

(858)

138

(720)

1,665

(225)

(1) Certain comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current period. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

125 

 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 4 Average Balances and Related Interest (continued)

Geographical analysis of key categories
Australia
Interest spread (1)
Benefit of interest-free liabilities, provisions and equity (2)
Net interest margin (3)

Overseas
Interest spread (1)
Benefit of interest-free liabilities, provisions and equity (2)
Net interest margin (3)

Group
Interest spread (1)
Benefit of interest-free liabilities, provisions and equity (2)
Net interest margin (3)

2011

% 

2010

% 

1. 95

0. 30

2. 25

1. 50

0. 25

1. 75

1. 90

0. 29
2. 19

2. 04

0. 19

2. 23

1. 09

0. 27

1. 36

1. 91

0. 22
2. 13

Group 

2009

% 

1. 93

0. 21

2. 14

1. 32

0. 40

1. 72

1. 84

0. 26
2. 10

(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. 

126 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

 
 
 
 
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: 

Profit before Income Tax
Prima facie income tax at 30%
Effect of amounts which are non-deductible/
(assessable) in calculating taxable income:
Taxation offsets and other dividend adjustments

Tax adjustment on policyholder income

Bankwest - Gain on acquisition

Tax losses not previously brought to account

Tax losses assumed by the Bank under UIG 1052

Offshore tax rate differential

Offshore banking unit

Investment allowance
Effect of changes in tax rates (1)
Income tax under/(over) provided in previous years (2)
Other

Total income tax expense

Corporate tax expense

Policyholder tax expense/(benefit)
Total income tax expense

Income tax expense attributable to 
profit from ordinary activities
Australia
Current tax expense

Deferred tax expense/(benefit)

Total Australia
Overseas
Current tax expense

Deferred tax expense/(benefit)

Total overseas
Total income tax expense

Effective Tax Rate
Total – corporate (2)
Retail Banking Services – corporate (4)
Business and Private Banking – corporate (4)
Institutional Banking and Markets – corporate (4)
Wealth Management – corporate
New Zealand – corporate (1) (2)
Bankwest – corporate (3)

2011

$M 

9,057

2,717

(7)

116

-

(6)

-

(55)

(17)

(2)

3

(71)

(31)

2,647

2,481

166

2,647

2011

$M 

2,246

59

2,305

336

6

342

2010

$M 

8,193

2,458

(18)

91

-

(4)

-

(66)

(32)

(57)

(12)

164

(11)

2,513

2,383

130

2,513

2010

$M 

1,903

150

2,053

435

25

460

Group 

2009

$M 

6,449

1,935

(59)

(115)

76

-

-

(55)

(56)

(28)

-

5

(7)

1,696

1,860

(164)

1,696

Group 

2009

$M 

2,265

(886)

1,379

201

116

317

2011

$M 

8,206

2,462

Bank 

2010

$M 

7,301

2,190

(646)

(493)

-

-

(2)

(29)

(6)

(17)

-

1

(47)

10

1,726

1,726

-

1,726

2011

$M 

1,684

5

1,689

40

(3)

37

-

-

-

(31)

(11)

(32)

(31)

-

(22)

116

1,686

1,686

-

1,686

Bank 

2010

$M 

1,363

275

1,638

34

14

48

2,647

2,513

1,696

1,726

1,686

2011

% 

27. 9

29. 7

28. 6

23. 7

28. 1

24. 0

34. 7

2010

% 

29. 6

30. 1

28. 8

22. 4

28. 0

56. 9

22. 5

Group 

2009

% 

28. 1

29. 7

28. 1

large

30. 1

23. 8

35. 4

2011

% 

21. 0

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Bank 

2010

% 

23. 1

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

(1) The New Zealand corporate tax rate was reduced from 30% to 28% for tax years starting on or after 1 April 2011. This charge is effective for the Group from 1 July

2011. 

(2) The year ended 30 June 2010 includes the impact of the tax on New Zealand structured finance transactions of $171 million. 

(3) Comparative effective tax rates have been adjusted for the allocation of capital charges from the Corporate Centre to Bankwest. 

(4) Comparative effective tax rates have been adjusted for the impact of business resegmentation.  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

127 

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 5 Income Tax (continued) 

Deferred tax asset balances comprise temporary differences 
attributable to:
Amounts recognised in the Income Statement:

Provision for employee benefits

Provisions for impairment on loans, bills discounted and other receivables

Other provisions not tax deductible until expense incurred

Recognised value of tax losses carried forward

Financial instruments

Other

Total amount recognised in the Income Statement
Amounts recognised directly in equity:

Foreign currency translation reserve

Cash flow hedge reserve

Employee compensation reserve

Avaliable-for-sale investments reserve

Total amount recognised directly in equity
Total deferred tax assets (before set off) 
Set off of tax (1)
Net deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liability balances comprise temporary differences 
attributable to:
Amounts recognised in the Income Statement:

Impact of TOFA adoption

Lease financing

Defined benefit superannuation plan surplus

Intangible assets

Financial instruments

Other

2011

$M 

2010

$M 

Group 

2009

$M 

375

1,387

202

1

15

183

2,163

-

224

11

4

239

2,402

(1,102)

1,300

30

370

(93)

134

77

572

364

1,476

193

3

259

291

338

1,336

243

6

424

422

2,586

2,769

3

212

12

3

230

2,816

(1,546)

1,270

-

347

(51)

145

639

371

3

255

3

9

270

3,039

(1,386)

1,653

-

299

(33)

176

567

273

Total amount recognised in the Income Statement
Amounts recognised directly in equity:

1,090

1,451

1,282

Revaluation of properties

Foreign currency translation reserve

Cash flow hedge reserve

Defined benefit superannuation plan surplus

Avaliable-for-sale investments reserve

Total amount recognised directly in equity
Total deferred tax liabilities (before set off) 
Set off of tax (1)
Net deferred tax liabilities (Note 22)

Deferred tax assets opening balance:

Movement in temporary differences during the year:

Provisions for employee benefits

Provisions for impairment on loans, bills discounted and other receivables

Other provisions not tax deductible until expense incurred

Recognised value of tax losses carried forward

Financial instruments

Other

Set off of tax (1)
Deferred tax assets closing balance

Deferred tax liabilities opening balance:

Movement in temporary differences during the year:

Impact of TOFA adoption

Property asset revaluations

Lease financing

Defined benefit superannuation plan surplus

Intangible assets

Financial instruments

Other

Set off of tax (1)
Deferred tax liabilities closing balance (Note 22)

70

14

21

116

92

313

73

-

55

135

53

316

1,403

(1,102)

301

1,767

(1,546)

221

1,270

1,653

11

(89)

9

(2)

(234)

(109)

444

26

140

(50)

(3)

(214)

(122)

(160)

1,300

1,270

63

-

36

171

2

272

1,554

(1,386)

168

76

44

813

51

-

529

254

(114)

1,653

221

168

266

30

(3)

23

(61)

(11)

(543)

201

444

301

-

10

48

(54)

(31)

142

98

(160)

221

-

4

12

(323)

152

168

3

(114)

168

2011

$M 

322

823

87

1

12

130

1,375

-

216

11

2

229

1,604

(492)

1,112

30

167

(93)

-

15

85

204

55

-

6

116

111

288

492

(492)

-

Bank 

2010

$M 

313

813

109

3

202

195

1,635

-

186

12

29

227

1,862

(620)

1,242

-

144

(51)

-

238

50

381

57

-

7

135

40

239

620

(620)

-

1,242

1,628

9

10

(22)

(2)

(187)

(66)

128

1,112

-

30

(2)

23

(61)

-

(153)

35

128

-

18

(76)

(30)

(2)

(71)

12

(237)

1,242

40

-

6

32

(54)

-

203

10

(237)

-

(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. 

128 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

 
 
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: 

Deferred tax assets not taken to account
Tax losses and other temporary differences on revenue account

Tax losses on capital account
Total

 Expiration of deferred tax assets not taken
 to account
At Balance Sheet date carry-forward losses expired as follows:

From one to two years

From two to four years

After four years

Losses that do not expire under current tax legislation
Total

Potential deferred tax assets of the Group arose from: 

2011

2010

$M 

101

40

141

$M 

110

14

124

Group 

2009

$M 

100

-

100

Group 

2011

$M 

85

17

102

2011

2010

2009

2011

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

-

18

83

40

141

-

2

108

14

124

-

1

99

-

100

-

2

83

17

102

Bank 

2010

$M 

99

-

99

Bank 

2010

$M 

-

2

97

-

99

Tax losses and temporary differences in offshore centres.  

Capital losses arising under the tax consolidation system; and 

• 
• 
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 for Australian tax purposes. The 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 (2010: $84 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(x). The amount receivable by the 
Bank under the tax funding agreement was $280 million as at 30 June 2011 (2010: $439 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 allows 
a closer alignment of the tax and accounting recognition and measurement of financial arrangements and their related flows. Following 
adoption, deferred tax balances from financial arrangements progressively reverse over a four year period. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

129 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 6 Dividends 

Ordinary Shares
Interim ordinary dividend (fully franked) (2011: 132 cents; 2010: 120 
cents, 2009: 113 cents)
Interim ordinary dividend paid - cash component only

Interim ordinary dividend paid - dividend reinvestment plan
Total dividend paid

Other Equity Instruments
Dividend paid
Total dividend provided for, reserved or paid
Other provision carried
Dividend proposed and not recognised as a liability (fully franked) 
(2011: 188 cents, 2010: 170 cents, 2009: 115 cents) (1)

Provision for dividends
Opening balance

Provision made during the year

Provision used during the year
Closing balance (Note 23)

2011

$M 

2010

$M 

1,532

513

2,045

42

2,087

37

2,930

29

4,678

(4,670)

37

1,067

774

1,841

47

1,888

29

2,633

18

3,588

(3,577)

29

Group 

2009

$M 

1,257

405

1,662

57

1,719

18

1,747

5

3,691

(3,678)

18

2011

$M 

1,532

513

2,045

-

2,045

37

2,930

29

4,678

(4,670)

37

Bank 

2010

$M 

1,067

774

1,841

-

1,841

29

2,633

18

3,588

(3,577)

29

(1) The 2011 final dividend  will be  satisfied by  cash disbursements  and  the issue  of  ordinary  shares  through  the  Dividend Reinvestment Plan  (DRP). The  2010 final 
dividend was satisfied by cash disbursements of $2,633 million including the on market purchase and transfer of $679 million of shares to participating shareholders 
under the 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. 

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 2011 to 
frank dividends for subsequent financial years, is $510 million (2010: $446 million). This figure is based on the franking accounts of the
Bank  at  30  June  2011,  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. 

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 2011. 

Dividend History 

Half year ended
31 December 2008

30 June 2009

31 December 2009

30 June 2010

31 December 2010
30 June 2011 (3)

Cents Per 

Share 

Date Paid 

113           23/03/2009

115           01/10/2009

120           01/04/2010

170           01/10/2010

132           01/04/2011

188                           -

Half-year 

Full Year 

Payout 
Ratio (1)
% 

65.3

82.4

63.7

96.6

67.5

88.2

Payout 
Ratio (1)
% 

-

73.1

-

79.7

-

78.3

DRP 

Participation 
 Rate (2)
% 

24.4

39.4

42.0

25.8

25.1

-

DRP 

Price 

$ 

28.45

44.48

53.56

51.75

52.92

-

(1) Dividend Payout Ratio: dividends divided by statutory earnings. 

(2) DRP Participation Rate: the percentage of total issued share capital participating in the DRP. 

(3) Dividend expected to be paid on 6 October 2011. 

130 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

 
 
 
 
Note 7 Earnings Per Share 

Earnings per ordinary share
Basic 

Fully diluted

Notes to the Financial Statements 

2011

2010

Cents per share

411.2

395.1

367.9

354.2

Group 

2009

328.5

313.4

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 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).

Reconciliation of earnings used in calculation of earnings per share
Profit after income tax

Less: Other equity instrument dividends

Less: Non-controlling interests

Earnings used in calculation of basic earnings per share

Add: Profit impact of assumed conversions of loan capital

Earnings used in calculation of fully diluted earnings per share

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the calculation
of basic earnings per share
Effect of dilutive securities - executive share plans and convertible loan capital instruments

2011

$M 

6,410

(42)

(16)

6,352

235

6,587

2011

M 

1,545

123

2010

$M 

5,680

(47)

(16)

5,617

190

5,807

Group 

2009

$M 

4,753

(57)

(30)

4,666

187

4,853

Number of Shares 

2010

M 

1,527

113

2009

M 

1,420

128

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the calculation of fully diluted earnings per 
share

1,668

1,640

1,548

Note 8 Cash and Liquid Assets 

Australia
Notes, coins and cash at banks

Money at short call

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

Bills received and remittances in transit
Total Australia

Overseas
Notes, coins and cash at banks

Money at short call

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

Bills received and remittances in transit
Total overseas
Total cash and liquid assets

2011

$M 

1,894

-

4,116

183

6,193

3,530

1,105

2,400

13

7,048

13,241

Group 

2010

$M 

3,090

1

3,141

111

6,343

2,195

1,019

540

22

3,776

10,119

2011

$M 

1,604

-

4,117

10

5,731

2,499

967

1,782

-

5,248

10,979

Bank 

2010

$M 

2,737

-

3,175

74

5,986

1,290

905

530

-

2,725

8,711

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

131 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 9 Receivables Due from Other Financial Institutions

Australia
Placements with and loans to other financial institutions
Total Australia

Overseas
Deposits with regulatory authorities (1)
Other placements with and loans to other financial institutions
Total overseas
Total receivables from other financial institutions

(1) Required by law for the Group to operate in certain regions. 

2011

$M 

5,203

5,203

116

5,074

5,190

10,393

Group 

2010

$M 

5,355

5,355

44

4,673

4,717

10,072

2011

$M 

5,204

5,204

16

4,903

4,919

10,123

Bank 

2010

$M 

5,337

5,337

3

4,426

4,429

9,766

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

Trading

Insurance 

Other financial assets designated at fair value
Total assets at fair value through Income Statement (1)

2011

$M 

20,469

14,998

824

36,291

Group 

2010

$M 

22,851

15,940

654

39,445

2011

$M 

17,765

-

300

Bank 

2010

$M 

18,775

-

-

18,065

18,775

(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). 

Trading
Australia
Market quoted: 

Australian public securities

Commonwealth and State Government

Local and semi-government

Bills of exchange

Certificates of deposit

Medium term notes

Equity investments and other securities

Non-market quoted:

Commercial paper

Other securities
Total Australia
Overseas
Market quoted: 

Government securities

Eurobonds

Certificates of deposit

Floating rate notes

Commercial paper

Other securities

Non-market quoted:

Government securities

Corporate bonds

Floating rate notes

Commercial paper

Other securities
Total overseas
Total trading assets

2011

$M 

8,160

3,264

521

149

1,955

1,100

-

80

Group 

2010

$M 

6,078

2,990

579

4,352

1,273

422

321

45

2011

$M 

8,160

3,264

521

149

1,955

1,095

-

79

Bank 

2010

$M 

6,078

2,990

579

4,352

1,273

418

321

44

15,229

16,060

15,223

16,055

2,424

352

1,201

532

127

4

73

406

31

84

6

3,354

247

1,473

339

335

4

66

910

43

12

8

1,475

352

-

532

127

-

-

-

-

50

6

1,792

247

-

339

335

-

-

-

-

-

7

5,240

20,469

6,791

22,851

2,542

17,765

2,720

18,775

The above amounts are expected to be recovered within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date. 

132 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 10 Assets at Fair Value through Income Statement (continued) 

Investments  Investments 

Investments  Investments 

Backing Life  Backing Life 

Backing Life  Backing Life 

Risk 

Investment 

Risk 

Investment 

Contracts 

Contracts 

Total 

Contracts 

Contracts 

Insurance 
Equity Security Investments:

Direct

Indirect

Total equity security investments

Debt Security Investments:

Direct

Indirect

Total debt security investments

Property Investments:

Direct

Indirect

Total property investments
Other Assets
Total life insurance investment assets

2011

$M 

405

629

1,034

688

2,011

2,699

16

293

309

138

2011

$M 

781

3,403

4,184

630

4,496

5,126

88

536

624

884

4,180

10,818

2011

$M 

1,186

4,032

5,218

1,318

6,507

7,825

104

829

933

1,022

14,998

2010

$M 

315

618

933

824

1,979

2,803

15

366

381

175

2010

$M 

660

3,508

4,168

571

5,100

5,671

60

868

928

881

Total 

2010

$M 

975

4,126

5,101

1,395

7,079

8,474

75

1,234

1,309

1,056

4,292

11,648

15,940

Of  the  above  amounts,  $1,876  million  is  expected  to  be  recovered  within  twelve  months  of  the  Balance  Sheet  date  (2010:  $2,102
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(ff) for further details.  

Other (1)
Government securities

Fair value structured transactions

Receivables due from financial institutions

Term loans
Total other assets at fair value through Income Statement

2011

$M 

300

-

465

59

824

Group 

2010

$M 

-

100

447

107

654

2011

$M 

300

-

-

-

300

Bank 

2010

$M 

-

-

-

-

-

(1) Designated at Fair Value through Income Statement at inception as they are managed by the Group on a fair value basis or to eliminate an accounting mismatch. 

Of the above amounts $524 million is expected to be recovered within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date by the Group (2010: 
$654 million). All amounts are expected to be recovered after twelve months of the Balance Sheet date by the Bank. 

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 $1 million for the year (2010: $4 million), and was insignificant for the Bank for the year ending 30 June 
2011.  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 $nil (2010: $1 million), and was insignificant for the Bank for the year ending 30 June 2011. These values 
have been calculated by determining the changes in credit spread implicit in the fair value of the instrument. 

The  maximum  exposure  to  credit  risk  of  loans  and  receivables  designated  at  Fair  Value  through  Income  Statement  is  equal  to  the 
carrying value. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

133 

 
 
 
 
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 which meet the criteria for hedge accounting. 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 (dd). 

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 $10
million net gain for the Group (2010: $67 million net loss) and $19 million net gain for the Bank (2010: $72 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 $6 million loss for the Group (2010: $5 million gain) and $5 million loss for the Bank (2010: $12 million gain). 

Amounts accumulated in Other Comprehensive Income in respect of cash flow hedges are recycled to the Income Statement when the 
forecast transaction occurs. Underlying cash flows from cash flow hedges are expected to occur in the following periods: 

Exchange Rate 

Interest Rate 

Related Contracts 

Related Contracts 

2011

2010

2011

2010

2011

$M 

(13)

(6)

(12)

(156)

(229)

(416)

$M 

(43)

-

-

9

8

(26)

$M 

(13)

(92)

(189)

191

(43)

(146)

$M 

(85)

(65)

(198)

(158)

(44)

(550)

$M 

(26)

(98)

(201)

35

(272)

(562)

Exchange Rate 

Interest Rate 

Related Contracts 

Related Contracts 

2011

$M 

-

(6)

(12)

(154)

(238)

(410)

2010

$M 

-

-

-

9

(1)

8

2011

2010

2011

$M 

(1)

(36)

(139)

127

(84)

(133)

$M 

(105)

(19)

(85)

(163)

(87)

(459)

$M 

(1)

(42)

(151)

(27)

(322)

(543)

Group 

Total 

2010

$M 

(128)

(65)

(198)

(149)

(36)

(576)

Bank 

Total 

2010

$M 

(105)

(19)

(85)

(154)

(88)

(451)

6 months

6 months - 1 year

1 - 2 years

2 - 5 years

After 5 years
Net deferred (losses)/gains

6 months

6 months - 1 year

1 - 2 years

2 - 5 years

After 5 years
Net deferred (losses)/gains

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. 

134 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

 
 
 
 
 
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:  

2011

Group

2010

Face Value

Fair Value

Fair Value

Face Value

Fair Value

Fair Value

Asset

Liability

Asset

Liability

Derivative assets and liabilities
Held for trading

Held for hedging

Other derivatives
Total derivative assets/(liabilities)

$M

2,491,015

379,464

13,841

2,884,320

$M

27,315

2,858

144

30,317

$M

$M

(25,337)

2,319,176

(8,194)

(445)

294,529

29,997

(33,976)

2,643,702

$M

23,091

4,260

338

27,689

2011

$M

(20,695)

(3,865)

(324)

(24,884)

Group

2010

Derivatives held for trading
Exchange rate related contracts:

Forward contracts

Swaps

Futures

Options purchased and sold

Face Value

Fair Value

Fair Value

Face Value

Fair Value

Fair Value

Asset

Liability

Asset

Liability

$M

$M

$M

$M

$M

$M

898,879

435,868

4,310

33,308

5,178

12,818

1

684

(6,423)

1,076,395

(10,386)

377,637

-

(966)

1,282

4,215

5,611

6,882

1

509

(4,471)

(6,344)

-

(513)

Total exchange rate related contracts

1,372,365

18,681

(17,775)

1,459,529

13,003

(11,328)

Interest rate related contracts:

Forward contracts

Swaps

Futures

Options purchased and sold

Total interest rate related contracts

Credit related contracts:

Swaps

Total credit related contracts

Equity related contracts:

Swaps

Options purchased and sold

Total equity related contracts

Commodity related contracts:

Swaps

Futures

Options purchased and sold

Total commodity related contracts

67,367

876,728

99,877

58,742

1,102,714

8,176

8,176

274

914

1,188

4,224

1,018

1,330

6,572

7

7,985

2

350

8,344

47

47

-

15

15

200

1

27

228

(6)

(7,051)

(2)

(301)

60,710

709,749

51,394

24,302

(7,360)

846,155

(49)

(49)

-

(55)

(55)

(74)

-

(24)

(98)

10,317

10,317

83

244

327

1,649

-

1,199

2,848

7

9,377

1

416

9,801

110

110

-

7

7

167

-

3

170

(8)

(8,823)

(2)

(284)

(9,117)

(99)

(99)

-

(49)

(49)

(99)

-

(3)

(102)

Total derivative assets/(liabilities) held for 
trading

2,491,015

27,315

(25,337)

2,319,176

23,091

(20,695)

Derivative assets and liabilities held for trading are expected to be recovered or due to be settled within twelve months of the Balance 
Sheet date. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

135 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 11 Derivative Financial Instruments (continued)

Derivatives held for hedging
Fair value hedges
Exchange rate related contracts:

Forward contracts

Swaps

Total exchange rate related contracts

Interest rate related contracts:

Swaps

Futures

Total interest rate related contracts

Equity related contracts:

Swaps

Total equity related contracts

Total fair value hedges

Cash flow hedges
Exchange rate related contracts:

Swaps

Total exchange rate related contracts

Interest rate related contracts:

Swaps

Total interest rate related contracts

Total cash flow hedges

Net investment hedges
Exchange rate related contracts:

Forward contracts

Total exchange rate related contracts

Total net investment hedges

2011

Group 

2010

Face Value 

Fair Value 

Fair Value  Face Value 

Fair Value 

Fair Value 

Asset 

Liability 

Asset 

Liability 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

19

36,765

36,784

28,624

1,784

30,408

457

457

1

1,338

1,339

458

-

458

53

53

-

(3,874)

(3,874)

(552)

(5)

(557)

(8)

(8)

19

30,493

30,512

33,933

2,600

36,533

635

635

-

2,013

2,013

1,041

-

1,041

32

32

(1)

(1,605)

(1,606)

(456)

(21)

(477)

(32)

(32)

67,649

1,850

(4,439)

67,680

3,086

(2,115)

24,986

24,986

286,801

286,801

311,787

28

28

28

116

116

892

892

(2,691)

(2,691)

19,267

19,267

(1,060)

(1,060)

207,553

207,553

1,008

(3,751)

226,820

-

-

-

(4)

(4)

(4)

29

29

29

70

70

1,104

1,104

1,174

-

-

-

(180)

(180)

(1,567)

(1,567)

(1,747)

(3)

(3)

(3)

Total derivative assets/(liabilities) held for 
hedging

379,464

2,858

(8,194)

294,529

4,260

(3,865)

The majority of derivative assets and liabilities held for hedging are expected to be recovered or due to be settled after twelve months of 
the Balance Sheet date. 

Other derivatives
Exchange rate related contracts:

Forward contracts

Swaps

Total exchange rate related contracts

Interest rate related contracts:

Forward contracts

Swaps

Futures

Options purchased and sold

Total interest rate related contracts

Identified embedded derivatives
Total other derivatives

2011

Group 

2010

Face Value 

Fair Value 

Fair Value  Face Value 

Fair Value 

Fair Value 

Asset 

Liability 

Asset 

Liability 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

644

4,559

5,203

77

8,201

-

5

8,283

355

13,841

5

63

68

-

59

-

-

59

17

144

(45)

(317)

(362)

-

(71)

-

(5)

(76)

(7)

(445)

5,707

3,337

9,044

4,222

15,195

1,108

6

20,531

422

29,997

84

130

214

-

108

-

1

109

15

338

(63)

(74)

(137)

-

(159)

(3)

(5)

(167)

(20)

(324)

The  majority  of  other  derivative  assets  and  liabilities  are  expected  to  be  recovered  or  due  to  be  settled  after  twelve  months  of  the 
Balance Sheet date. 

136 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 11 Derivative Financial Instruments (continued)

Derivative assets and liabilities
Held for trading

Held for hedging

Other derivatives
Total derivative assets/(liabilities)

2011

Bank

2010

Face Value

Fair Value

Fair Value

Face Value

Fair Value

Fair Value

Asset

Liability

Asset

Liability

$M 

2,671,461

350,377

442

$M 

28,036

2,687

8

$M 

$M  

(24,928)

2,499,704

(7,864)

(25)

278,367

493

$M 

23,300

4,054

9

$M 

(20,195)

(3,456)

(38)

3,022,280

30,731

(32,817)

2,778,564

27,363

(23,689)

Derivatives held for trading
Exchange rate related contracts:

Forward contracts

Swaps

Futures

Options purchased and sold

Derivatives held with controlled entities

Total exchange rate related contracts

Interest rate related contracts:

Forward contracts

Swaps

Futures

Options purchased and sold

Derivatives held with controlled entities

2011

Bank 

2010

Face Value

Fair Value

Fair Value

Face Value

Fair Value

Fair Value

Asset

Liability

Asset

Liability

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

896,291

434,185

4,310

33,257

137,187

1,505,230

66,634

856,631

98,861

58,419

69,672

5,154

12,756

1

684

1,405

20,000

6

7,181

1

349

210

(6,402)

1,073,995

(10,135)

375,656

-

(966)

(482)

1,282

4,184

169,602

5,596

6,836

1

508

895

(4,448)

(6,178)

-

(512)

(389)

(17,985)

1,624,719

13,836

(11,527)

(6)

(6,194)

-

(298)

(244)

60,345

664,946

46,932

24,084

65,030

7

8,472

-

414

284

(8)

(7,826)

-

(283)

(301)

Total interest rate related contracts

1,150,217

7,747

(6,742)

861,337

9,177

(8,418)

Credit related contracts:

Swaps

Total credit related contracts

Equity related contracts:

Swaps

Options purchased and sold

Total equity related contracts

Commodity related contracts:

Swaps

Futures

Options purchased and sold

Derivatives held with controlled entities

Total commodity related contracts

Total derivative assets/(liabilities) held for 
trading

8,121

8,121

274

914

1,188

4,224

1,018

1,324

139

6,705

46

46

-

15

15

200

1

27

-

228

(49)

(49)

-

(55)

(55)

(74)

-

(22)

(1)

(97)

10,317

10,317

83

244

327

1,649

-

1,189

166

3,004

110

110

-

7

7

167

-

3

-

170

(99)

(99)

-

(49)

(49)

(99)

-

(3)

-

(102)

2,671,461

28,036

(24,928)

2,499,704

23,300

(20,195)

Derivative assets and liabilities held for trading are expected to be recovered or due to be settled within twelve months of the Balance 
Sheet date. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

137 

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 11 Derivative Financial Instruments (continued) 

Derivatives held for hedging
Fair value hedges
Exchange rate related contracts:

Forward contracts

Swaps

Total exchange rate related contracts

Interest rate related contracts:

Swaps

Futures

Derivatives held with controlled entities

Total interest rate related contracts

Equity related contracts:

Swaps

Total equity related contracts

2011

Bank 

2010

Face Value 

Fair Value 

Fair Value 

Face Value 

Fair Value 

Fair Value 

Asset 

Liability 

Asset 

Liability 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

19

36,765

36,784

23,378

1,784

280

25,442

457

457

1

1,338

1,339

246

-

71

317

53

53

-

(3,874)

(3,874)

(486)

(5)

-

(491)

(8)

(8)

19

30,493

30,512

30,061

2,600

667

33,328

635

635

-

2,013

2,013

828

-

93

921

32

32

(1)

(1,605)

(1,606)

(405)

(21)

-

(426)

(32)

(32)

Total fair value hedges

62,683

1,709

(4,373)

64,475

2,966

(2,064)

Cash flow hedges
Exchange rate related contracts:

Swaps

Derivatives held with controlled entities

Total exchange rate related contracts

Interest rate related contracts:

Swaps

Derivatives held with controlled entities

Total interest rate related contracts

Total cash flow hedges

Total derivative assets/(liabilities) held 
for hedging

24,327

2,512

26,839

259,864

991

260,855

287,694

105

123

228

739

11

750

978

(2,680)

(9)

(2,689)

(802)

-

(802)

18,835

2,638

21,473

190,558

1,861

192,419

70

22

92

979

17

996

(3,491)

213,892

1,088

(160)

(7)

(167)

(1,224)

(1)

(1,225)

(1,392)

350,377

2,687

(7,864)

278,367

4,054

(3,456)

The majority of derivative assets and liabilities held for hedging are expected to be recovered or due to be settled after twelve months of 
the Balance Sheet date. 

Other derivatives
Interest rate related contracts:

Swaps

Options purchased and sold

Derivatives held with controlled entities

Total interest rate related contracts

Identified embedded derivatives
Total other derivatives

2011

Bank 

2010

Face Value 

Fair Value 

Fair Value 

Face Value 

Fair Value 

Fair Value 

Asset 

Liability 

Asset 

Liability 

$M 

$M 

94

5

2

101

341

442

1

-

2

3

5

8

$M 

(13)

(5)

-

(18)

(7)

(25)

$M 

$M 

72

6

6

84

409

493

-

1

4

5

4

9

$M 

(11)

(5)

(2)

(18)

(20)

(38)

The  majority  of  other  derivative  assets  and  liabilities  are  expected  to  be  recovered  or  due  to  be  settled  after  twelve  months  of  the 
Balance Sheet date. 

138 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 12 Available-for-Sale Investments

Australia
Market quoted: 

Australian public securities:

Local and semi-government

Shares and equity investments

Certificates of deposit

Eurobonds

Medium term notes

Floating rate notes

Other securities

Non-market quoted:

Australian public securities:

Local and semi-government

Medium term notes

Shares and equity investments
Mortgage backed securities (1)
Other securities
Total Australia

Overseas
Market quoted: 

Government securities

Shares and equity investments

Certificates of deposit

Eurobonds

Medium term notes

Floating rate notes

Other securities

Non-market quoted:

Government securities

Corporate bonds

Other securities
Total overseas
Total available-for-sale investments

2011

$M 

Group 

2010

$M 

2011

$M 

Bank 

2010

$M 

14,768

418

4,640

1,707

10,029

4,535

207

83

132

15

2,139

3

38,676

5,288

23

692

16

1

-

120

19

208

128

12,503

283

2,595

1,843

8,228

1,235

205

84

54

166

1,066

2

28,264

1,259

26

879

2,368

-

85

34

-

-

-

6,495

45,171

4,651

32,915

13,376

354

4,466

601

10,029

-

4

-

784

5

12,153

222

-

-

8,228

-

4

-

872

156

41,318

39,973

-

-

70,937

61,608

4,005

-

690

16

1

-

-

-

-

50

4,762

75,699

863

-

875

2,369

-

64

-

-

-

-

4,171

65,779

(1) Included within Mortgage backed securities of the Bank are $37,105 million (2010: $37,105 million) of residential mortgage backed securities held within securitisation 

vehicles for potential repurchase by the Reserve Bank of Australia. 

The following amounts are expected to be recovered within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date: for Group $12,499 million (2010: 
$10,317 million); for Bank $9,132 million (2010: $5,408 million). 

Revaluation of Available-for-sale investments resulted in a gain of $124 million (2010: $327 million) for the Group and a gain of $264
million (2010: $160 million) 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:
$24 million net gain (2010: $22 million), Bank $24 million net gain (2010: $16 million). 

Proceeds received from settlement at or close to maturity of Available-for-sale investments for the Group were $45,417 million (2010: 
$44,201 million) and for the Bank were $34,718 million (2010: $26,635 million). 

Proceeds from sale of Available-for-sale investments for the Group were $4,440 million (2010: $4,107 million) and for the Bank were 
$3,919 million (2010: $4,095 million). 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

139 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 12 Available-for-Sale Investments (continued)

Australia
Australian Public Securities:

Local and semi-government

Certificates of deposit

Eurobonds

Medium term notes

Floating rate notes

Mortgage backed securities

Other securities and equity investments
Total Australia

Overseas
Government securities

Certificates of deposit

Corporate bonds

Floating rate notes

Other securities and equity investments
Total overseas
Total available-for-sale investments

Group 

As at 30 June 2011 

Gross 

Gross 

Amortised 

Unrealised 

Unrealised 

Cost 

$M 

Gains 

$M 

Losses 

$M 

14,582

4,640

1,695

10,126

4,511

2,148

546

38,248

5,301

692

222

77

181

6,473

44,721

286

-

15

62

55

1

103

522

24

-

2

1

13

40

562

(17)

-

(3)

(27)

(29)

(10)

(8)

(94)

(18)

-

-

-

-

(18)

(112)

Fair 

Value 

$M 

14,851

4,640

1,707

10,161

4,537

2,139

641

38,676

5,307

692

224

78

194

6,495

45,171

Maturity Distribution and Weighted Average Yield 

0 to 3 months  3 to 12 months 

1 to 5 years 

5 to 10 years  10 or more years  Maturing 

Total 

$M 

% 

$M 

% 

$M 

% 

$M 

% 

$M 

% 

$M 

$M 

Maturity Period at 30 June 2011 

Group 

Non- 

Australia
Australian Public Securities:

Local and semi-government

Certificates of deposit

Eurobonds

Medium term notes

Floating rate notes

Mortgage backed securities
Other securities and equity 
investments
Total Australia

Overseas
Government securities

Certificates of deposit

Corporate bonds

Floating rate notes
Other securities and equity 
investments
Total overseas
Total available-for- 
sale investments

7,294

5.62

6,123

6.05

1,232

6.07

-

-

-

-

205

7.47

-

2,746

120

80

363

-

-

5.03

5.33

5.56

5.06

-

199

4.78

202

1,894

248

839

1,181

-

-

3,508

-

4,364

5.05

5.09

5.36

5.46

5.44

-

-

-

2,188

520

0.59

0.30

1,664

172

1.56

0.30

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,339

9,037

2,993

-

-

5.93

5.54

5.35

-

10

0.01

-

224

78

-

6.39

3.95

20,673

-

6,328

968

2.67

487

4.36

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,139

5.33

-

3,371

-

-

-

-

-

-

3,371

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

60

4.13

25

0.06

86

0.12

2,768

6,276

-

-

1,861

6,225

-

-

1,356

22,029

-

-

487

6,815

-

-

-

-

-

-

432

432

-

-

-

-

23

23

14,851

4,640

1,707

10,161

4,537

2,139

641

38,676

5,307

692

224

78

194

6,495

455

45,171

140 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 12 Available-for-Sale Investments (continued)

Australia
Australian Public Securities:

Local and semi-government

Certificates of deposit

Eurobonds

Medium term notes

Floating rate notes

Mortgage backed securities

Other securities and equity investments
Total Australia

Overseas
Government securities

Certificates of deposit

Eurobonds

Floating rate notes

Other securities and equity investments
Total overseas
Total available-for-sale investments

Group 

As at 30 June 2010 

Gross 

Gross 

Amortised  Unrealised  Unrealised 

Cost 

$M 

Gains 

Losses 

$M 

$M 

Fair 

Value 

$M 

12,363

2,596

1,826

8,261

1,218

1,081

542

27,887

1,258

879

2,355

86

52

4,630

32,517

245

-

17

61

17

4

114

458

1

-

17

-

8

26

484

(21)

(1)

-

(40)

-

(19)

-

(81)

-

-

(4)

(1)

-

(5)

(86)

12,587

2,595

1,843

8,282

1,235

1,066

656

28,264

1,259

879

2,368

85

60

4,651

32,915

Maturity Distribution and Weighted Average Yield 

0 to 3 months  3 to 12 months 

1 to 5 years 

5 to 10 years  10 or more years  Maturing 

Total 

$M 

% 

$M 

% 

$M 

% 

$M 

% 

$M 

% 

$M 

$M 

Maturity Period at 30 June 2010 

Group 

Non- 

Australia
Australian Public Securities:

Local and semi-government

Certificates of deposit

Eurobonds

Medium term notes

Floating rate notes

Mortgage backed securities

Other securities and equity 
investments
Total Australia

Overseas
Government securities

Certificates of deposit

Eurobonds

Floating rate notes
Other securities and equity 
investments
Total overseas
Total available-for-
sale investments

6,155

5. 64

4,975

6. 03

1,092

5. 84

4. 55

4. 73

4. 79

5. 47

-

-

215

354

952

1,212

275

-

5. 82

4. 94

5. 04

4. 86

3. 95

-

-

530

6,389

960

-

-

5. 73

5. 27

4. 05

-

150

2,241

361

379

-

-

2

3. 27

197

4. 91

8

0. 01

3,133

-

3,205

-

14,042

-

5,277

452

785

136

-

-

1,373

4,506

1. 97

0. 40

3. 63

-

-

-

-

683

94

1,762

64

-

2,603

5,808

1. 64

0. 67

0. 41

2. 10

-

-

-

124

5. 07

-

23

21

36

204

14,246

-

5. 50

1. 16

4. 68

-

-

-

-

-

-

302

6. 95

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

447

4. 00

-

-

447

5,724

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,066

5. 21

-

2,158

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,158

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

449

449

-

-

-

-

24

24

12,587

2,595

1,843

8,282

1,235

1,066

656

28,264

1,259

879

2,368

85

60

4,651

473

32,915

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

141 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 13 Loans, Bills Discounted and Other Receivables 

Australia
Overdrafts
Home loans (1)
Credit card outstandings

Lease financing
Bills discounted (2)
Term loans

Other lending

Other securities
Total Australia

Overseas
Overdrafts

Home loans

Credit card outstandings

Lease financing

Term loans

Other lending
Total overseas
Gross loans, bills discounted and other receivables

Less
Provisions for Loan Impairment (Note 14):

Collective provision

Individually assessed provisions 

Unearned income:

Term loans

Lease financing

2011

$M 

21,930

306,250

10,798

4,404

14,820

96,097

1,310

4

Group 

2010

$M 

19,924

292,140

10,200

4,657

14,379

101,794

1,288

564

2011

$M 

20,892

259,685

9,495

2,633

14,820

75,509

777

-

Bank 

2010

$M 

18,767

249,134

8,881

2,194

14,379

77,105

748

562

455,613

444,946

383,811

371,770

629

29,591

572

468

20,468

-

51,728

507,341

(3,022)

(2,125)

(1,153)

(984)

(7,284)

652

31,433

589

570

23,052

27

56,323

501,269

(3,436)

(1,992)

(1,213)

(1,169)

(7,810)

-

374

-

100

8,119

-

8,593

392,404

(1,905)

(1,081)

(1,088)

(442)

(4,516)

-

392

-

68

9,383

25

9,868

381,638

(1,964)

(978)

(1,106)

(395)

(4,443)

Net loans, bills discounted and other receivables

500,057

493,459

387,888

377,195

(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 programme after all payments due to investors and costs of the programme 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 $11,296 million (2010: $9,696 million) and for the Bank were $7,691 million (2010: $5,963 million). The carrying value of liabilities associated with non-
derecognised assets for the Group were $10,231 million (2010: $8,772 million) and for the Bank were $7,507 million (2010: $6,117 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. 

The following amounts, based on behavioural terms and current market conditions, are expected to be recovered within twelve months 
of the Balance Sheet date for Group $180,038 million (2010: $173,459 million) and for Bank $128,375 million (2010: $118,520 million). 

142 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
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.  

Finance Leases
Minimum lease payments receivable:

Not later than one year

Later than one year but not later than five years

Later than five years
Total finance leases

2011

$M 

1,389

2,516

967

4,872

Group 

2010

$M 

1,360

2,803

1,064

5,227

Gross 

investment in 

2011

Present value 

Gross 

of minimum 

investment in 

2011

$M 

830

1,574

329

2,733

Bank 

2010

$M 

637

1,357

268

2,262

Group 

2010

Present value 

of minimum 

finance lease 

Unearned 

lease payment 

finance lease 

Unearned 

lease payment 

receivable 

income 

receivable 

receivable 

income 

receivable 

Not later than one year

One year to five years

Over five years

$M 

1,389

2,516

967

4,872

$M 

(259)

(541)

(184)

(984)

$M 

1,130

1,975

783

3,888

2011

$M 

1,360

2,803

1,064

5,227

$M 

(298)

(688)

(183)

(1,169)

$M 

1,062

2,115

881

4,058

Bank 

2010

Gross 

investment in 

Present value 

Gross 

of minimum 

investment in 

Present value 

of minimum 

finance lease 

Unearned 

lease payment 

finance lease 

Unearned 

lease payment 

receivable 

income 

receivable 

receivable 

income 

receivable 

$M 

830

1,574

329

2,733

$M 

(120)

(244)

(78)

(442)

$M 

710

1,330

251

2,291

$M 

637

1,357

268

2,262

$M 

(104)

(247)

(44)

(395)

$M 

533

1,110

224

1,867

Not later than one year

One year to five years

Over five years

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

143 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 13 Loans, Bills Discounted and Other Receivables (continued) 

Maturity Period at 30 June 2011 

Group 

Maturing 1

Maturing

Maturing

Year

Between

After

or Less

1 & 5 Years

5 Years

$M

$M

$M

2,015

3,009

7,870

6,057

1,547

4,332

3,004

62,815

90,649

2,636

1,944

2,619

7,630

166

540

258

1,261

17,054

107,703

76,178

12,426

88,604

14,471

4,628

19,099

107,703

80

1,087

1,142

17,490

722

10,955

5,134

28,692

65,302

1,470

1,255

1,790

4,283

72

13

659

1,978

11,520

76,822

48,445

8,576

57,021

16,857

2,944

19,801

76,822

Total

$M

2,212

5,278

9,986

117

1,182

974

282,703

306,250

608

2,122

190

11,766

299,662

497

1,721

2,579

17,678

84

6

339

250

23,154

322,816

262,556

14,585

277,141

37,106

8,569

45,675

2,877

17,409

8,328

103,273

455,613

4,603

4,920

6,988

29,591

322

559

1,256

3,489

51,728

507,341

387,179

35,587

422,766

68,434

16,141

84,575

322,816

507,341

Industry
Australia
Sovereign

Agriculture

Bank and other financial

Home loans

Construction

Personal

Asset financing

Other commercial and industrial
Total Australia

Overseas
Sovereign

Agriculture

Bank and other financial

Home loans

Construction

Personal

Asset financing

Other commercial and industrial
Total overseas
Gross loans, bills discounted and other receivables

Interest rate
Australia

Overseas
Total variable interest rates
Australia

Overseas
Total fixed interest rates
Gross loans, bills discounted and other receivables

144 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 13 Loans, Bills Discounted and Other Receivables (continued) 

Maturity Period at 30 June 2010 

Group 

Industry
Australia
Sovereign

Agriculture

Bank and other financial

Home loans

Construction

Personal

Asset financing

Other commercial and industrial
Total Australia

Overseas
Sovereign

Agriculture

Bank and other financial

Home loans

Construction

Personal

Asset financing

Other commercial and industrial
Total overseas
Gross loans, bills discounted and other receivables

Interest rate 
Australia

Overseas
Total variable interest rates
Australia

Overseas
Total fixed interest rates
Gross loans, bills discounted and other receivables

Maturing 1

Year

Maturing

Between

Maturing

After

or Less

1 & 5 Years

5 Years

$M

$M

$M

96

2,564

6,796

7,522

1,591

3,750

3,057

58,699

84,075

822

2,194

1,997

6,621

226

688

205

3,320

16,073

100,148

68,950

9,121

78,071

15,125

6,952

22,077

100,148

557

1,225

1,635

18,291

1,204

10,161

5,315

35,493

73,881

240

1,444

2,027

4,695

121

127

384

5,049

14,087

87,968

49,268

9,051

58,319

24,613

5,036

29,649

87,968

Total

$M

1,571

5,158

9,221

918

1,369

790

266,327

292,140

643

2,068

249

14,626

286,990

151

1,812

2,320

20,117

125

7

179

1,452

26,163

313,153

244,487

10,831

255,318

42,503

15,332

57,835

313,153

3,438

15,979

8,621

108,818

444,946

1,213

5,450

6,344

31,433

472

822

768

9,821

56,323

501,269

362,705

29,003

391,708

82,241

27,320

109,561

501,269

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

145 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 14 Provisions for Impairment 

Provisions for impairment losses
Collective provision
Opening balance

Acquisitions

Net collective provision funding

Impairment losses written off

Impairment losses recovered

Fair value and other

Closing balance

Individually assessed provisions
Opening balance

Acquisitions

Net new and increased individual provisioning

Write-back of provisions no longer required

Discount unwind to interest income

Fair value and other

Impairment losses written off

Closing balance
Total provisions for impairment losses
Less: Off balance sheet provisions
Total provisions for loan impairment

Provision ratios
Collective provision as a % of gross loans and acceptances

Collective provision as a % of risk weighted assets - Basel II

Total provision as a % of credit risk weighted assets - Basel II
Individually assessed provisions for impairment as a % of gross 
impaired assets
Total provisions for impairment losses as a % of gross loans and 
acceptances

2011

$M 

2010

$M 

3,461

3,225

-

45

(646)

206

(23)

3,043

1,992

-

1,602

(367)

(147)

374

(1,329)

2,125

5,168

(21)

5,147

-

901

(734)

77

(8)

3,461

1,729

-

1,862

(384)

(169)

293

(1,339)

1,992

5,453

(25)

5,428

2011

2010

% 
0. 59

1. 08

2. 09

% 
0. 67

1. 19

2. 12

Group 

2009

$M 

2011

$M 

Bank 

2010

$M 

1,466

250

1,176

(472)

73

732

3,225

279

380

1,686

(179)

(45)

279

(671)

1,729

4,954

(30)

4,924

Group 

2009

% 
0. 66

1. 12

1. 92

1,989

2,090

-

305

(529)

176

(15)

-

460

(617)

58

(2)

1,926

1,989

978

-

996

(221)

(72)

153

(753)

1,081

3,007

(21)

2,986

2011

% 
0. 48
n/a (1)
n/a (1)

1,020

-

1,003

(270)

(86)

161

(850)

978

2,967

(25)

2,942

Bank 

2010

% 
0. 51
n/a (1)
n/a (1)

40. 12

38. 19

41. 07

35. 89

36. 04

1. 00

1. 06

1. 01

0. 75

0. 75

(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. 

146 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 14 Provisions for Impairment (continued) 

Loan impairment expense
Net collective provision funding

Net new and increased individual provisioning

Write-back of individually assessed provisions
Total loan impairment expense
Available-for-sale debt securities impairment expense
Total impairment expense

Individually assessed provisions by
industry classification
Australia
Sovereign

Agriculture

Bank and other financial

Home loans

Construction

Personal

Asset financing

Other commercial and industrial
Total Australia

Overseas
Sovereign

Agriculture

Bank and other financial

Home loans

Construction

Personal

Asset financing

Other commercial and industrial
Total overseas
Total individually assessed provisions

2011

$M 

45

1,602

(367)

1,280

-

1,280

2010

$M 

901

1,862

(384)

2,379

-

2,379

Group 

2009

$M 

1,176

1,686

(179)

2,683

365

3,048

2011

$M 

305

996

(221)

1,080

-

1,080

2011

$M 

2010

$M 

2009

$M 

2008

$M 

-

87

254

202

133

11

37

1,307

2,031

-

11

1

25

-

-

-

57

94

-

75

254

150

132

21

15

1,268

1,915

-

15

1

12

-

-

-

49

77

2,125

1,992

-

77

483

82

104

23

31

760

1,560

-

9

68

10

-

-

-

82

169

1,729

-

4

27

34

1

9

12

161

248

-

-

4

7

8

2

2

8

Bank 

2010

$M 

460

1,003

(270)

1,193

-

1,193

Group 

2007

$M 

-

3

2

23

1

5

13

39

86

-

-

1

4

-

1

1

7

31

279

14

100

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

147 

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 14 Provisions for Impairment (continued) 

Loans written off by industry classification
Australia
Sovereign

Agriculture

Bank and other financial

Home loans

Construction

Personal

Asset financing

Other commercial and industrial
Total Australia

Overseas
Sovereign

Agriculture

Bank and other financial

Home loans

Construction

Personal

Asset financing

Other commercial and industrial
Total overseas
Gross loans written off

Recovery of amounts previously written off
Australia

Overseas
Total amounts recovered
Net loans written off

Loans recovered by industry classification
Australia
Sovereign

Agriculture

Bank and other financial

Home loans

Construction

Personal

Asset financing

Other commercial and industrial
Total Australia

Overseas
Sovereign

Agriculture

Bank and other financial

Home loans

Construction

Personal

Asset financing

Other commercial and industrial
Total overseas
Total loans recovered

148 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

2011

$M 

2010

$M 

2009

$M 

2008

$M 

Group 

2007

$M 

-

2

110

36

4

496

58

255

961

-

-

86

18

4

14

-

60

-

10

107

84

89

567

26

989

-

10

383

95

72

651

72

604

1,872

1,887

-

17

1

26

1

22

-

36

103

1,975

199

7

206

1,769

-

7

50

25

-

18

-

86

186

2,073

182

1,143

70

7

77

70

3

73

1,996

1,070

-

3

5

23

1

364

49

34

479

-

-

4

1

1

13

-

5

24

503

73

4

77

426

-

1

-

20

1

408

49

30

509

-

-

-

-

-

7

-

3

10

519

99

4

103

416

2011

$M 

2010

$M 

2009

$M 

2008

$M 

Group 

2007

$M 

-

-

3

43

-

134

2

17

199

-

-

-

-

-

7

-

-

7

-

-

-

3

-

59

3

5

70

-

-

-

-

-

6

-

1

7

-

1

1

1

-

52

5

10

70

-

-

-

-

-

3

-

-

3

-

-

-

1

1

61

5

5

73

-

-

-

-

-

3

-

1

4

-

1

1

1

1

77

10

8

99

-

-

-

-

-

4

-

-

4

206

77

73

77

103

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 15 Property, Plant and Equipment 

Land

At 30 June 2011 valuation

At 30 June 2010 valuation

Closing balance

Buildings

At 30 June 2011 valuation

At 30 June 2010 valuation

Closing balance
Total land and buildings 

Leasehold Improvements
At cost

Provision for depreciation

Closing balance

Equipment
At cost

Provision for depreciation

Closing balance

Assets Under Lease
At cost

Provision for depreciation

Closing balance
Total property, plant and equipment

2011

$M 

Group 

2010

$M 

269

-

269

388

-

388

657

1,276

(662)

614

1,385

(1,028)

357

884

(146)

738

2,366

-

275

275

-

429

429

704

1,167

(600)

567

1,380

(990)

390

817

(127)

690

2,351

2011

$M 

191

-

191

309

-

309

500

1,019

(518)

501

911

(667)

244

332

(51)

281

Bank 

2010

$M 

-

193

193

-

336

336

529

948

(483)

465

839

(574)

265

297

(50)

247

1,526

1,506

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).  

Carrying value at cost
Land

Buildings
Total land and buildings at cost

2011

$M 

128

325

453

Group 

2010

$M 

134

332

466

2011

$M 

67

253

320

Bank 

2010

$M 

69

253

322

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

149 

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 15 Property, Plant and Equipment (continued) 
Reconciliation of the carrying amounts of Property, Plant and Equipment is set out below: 

2011

$M 

Group 

2010

$M 

2011

$M 

Bank 

2010

$M 

275

(4)

(3)

3

(2)

269

429

1

(1)

(5)

2

(35)

(3)

388

567

138

21

(3)

(103)

(6)

614

390

161

(30)

(160)

(4)

357

690

143

-

(42)

(53)

738

277

(8)

(4)

9

1

275

395

45

(24)

(5)

47

(30)

1

429

596

78

(8)

(2)

(98)

1

567

427

147

(19)

(165)

-

390

777

22

(51)

(45)

(13)

690

193

(4)

(1)

3

-

191

336

1

(1)

(4)

4

(27)

-

309

465

125

(7)

-

(81)

(1)

501

265

98

(2)

(117)

-

244

247

53

-

(19)

-

281

198

(8)

(1)

4

-

193

318

34

(24)

(3)

37

(26)

-

336

485

57

(2)

-

(75)

-

465

271

115

(7)

(114)

-

265

300

22

(51)

(24)

-

247

Land
Carrying amount at the beginning of the year

Transfers to assets held for sale

Net disposals / transfers

Net revaluations

Foreign currency translation adjustment

Carrying amount at the end of the year

Buildings
Carrying amount at the beginning of the year

Additions

Transfers to assets held for sale

Net disposals / transfers

Net revaluations

Depreciation

Foreign currency translation adjustment

Carrying amount at the end of the year

Leasehold Improvements
Carrying amount at the beginning of the year

Additions

Net disposals / transfers

Net revaluations

Depreciation

Foreign currency translation adjustment

Carrying amount at the end of the year

Equipment
Carrying amount at the beginning of the year

Additions

Net disposals / transfers

Depreciation

Foreign currency translation adjustment

Carrying amount at the end of the year

Assets Under Lease
Carrying amount at the beginning of the year

Additions

Net disposals / transfers

Depreciation

Foreign currency translation adjustment

Carrying amount at the end of the year

150 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
Note 16 Intangible Assets 

Intangible Assets
Goodwill

Computer software costs
Core deposits (1)
Management fee rights (2)
Brand name (3)
Other (4)
Total intangible assets

Goodwill
Purchased goodwill
Total goodwill

Computer Software Costs
Cost

Accumulated amortisation

Accumulated impairment
Total computer software costs

Core Deposits (1)
Cost

Accumulated amortisation
Total core deposits

Management Fee Rights (2)
Cost
Total management fee rights

Brand Name (3)
Cost
Total brand name

Other (4)
Cost

Accumulated amortisation
Total other

Goodwill 
Opening balance

Foreign currency translation adjustments
Total goodwill 

Computer Software Costs
Opening balance

Additions:

From acquisitions
From internal development (5)

Amortisation
Total computer software costs

Notes to the Financial Statements 

2011

$M 

7,399

1,297

317

311

186

93

Group 

2010

$M 

7,473

950

388

311

186

112

2011

$M 

2,522

1,204

-

-

-

-

Bank 

2010

$M 

2,522

860

-

-

-

-

9,603

9,420

3,726

3,382

7,399

7,399

1,895

(598)

-

1,297

495

(178)

317

311

311

186

186

203

(110)

93

7,473

(74)

7,399

950

48

482

(183)

1,297

7,473

7,473

1,551

(562)

(39)

950

495

(107)

388

311

311

186

186

203

(91)

112

7,473

-

7,473

673

28

427

(178)

950

2,522

2,522

1,563

(359)

-

1,204

2,522

2,522

1,241

(342)

(39)

860

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,522

-

2,522

860

26

461

(143)

1,204

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,522

-

2,522

579

3

412

(134)

860

(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  was  acquired  on 19 December  2008  with  a useful life of  seven  years  based  on  the  weighted  average attrition rates of  the  Bankwest  deposit 
portfolio. 

(2) Management fee rights associated with the Wealth Management CGU 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) Other includes 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 assets have 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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

151 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 16 Intangible Assets (continued) 

Core Deposits
Opening balance

Amortisation
Total core deposits

Other
Opening balance

Amortisation
Total other

Goodwill allocation to the following cash generating units: 

Retail Banking Services (1)
Business and Private Banking
Wealth Management (2)
New Zealand
Total

2011

$M 

388

(71)

317

112

(19)

93

Group 

2010

$M 

2011

$M 

Bank 

2010

$M 

460

(72)

388

142

(30)

112

-

-

-

-

-

-

2011

$M 

4,149

297

2,287

666

7,399

-

-

-

-

-

-

Group 

2010

$M 

4,149

297

2,358

669

7,473

(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. 

152 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
Note 17 Other Assets

Accrued interest receivable

Defined benefit superannuation plan surplus

Accrued fees/reimbursements receivable

Securities sold not delivered

Intragroup current tax receivable

Current tax assets

Prepayments

Other
Total other assets

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 

42

2011

$M 

2,354

76

900

2,063

-

105

344

839

6,681

Group 

2010

$M 

2,130

316

899

1,682

-

64

356

1,035

6,482

2011

$M 

2,395

76

250

1,266

281

-

277

372

Bank 

2010

$M 

2,109

316

287

863

439

-

285

407

4,917

4,706

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 

Available-for-sale investments (1)
Land and Buildings
Total assets held for sale (2)

2011

$M 

29

4

33

Group 

2010

$M 

40

9

49

2011

$M 

29

4

33

Bank 

2010

$M 

40

9

49

(1) The remaining balance relates to FS Media Works Fund I, LP. 

(2) Impairments were recognised on Assets held for sale of $10 million during the year ended 30 June 2011 (30 June 2010: $11 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

Australia
Certificates of deposit

Term deposits

On demand and short term deposits

Deposits not bearing interest 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Total Australia

Overseas
Certificates of deposit

Term deposits

On demand and short term deposits

Deposits not bearing interest

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Total overseas
Total deposits and other public borrowings

2011

$M 

45,544

137,192

169,190

7,630

3,696

Group 

2010

$M 

40,891

122,712

158,874

7,236

5,440

2011

$M 

46,522

113,124

151,317

7,628

3,696

Bank 

2010

$M 

41,695

97,750

143,402

6,848

5,528

363,252

335,153

322,287

295,223

4,700

22,304

8,866

1,658

367

37,895

401,147

7,849

20,119

9,664

1,558

320

39,510

374,663

4,345

6,020

115

92

105

7,442

4,299

640

5

235

10,677

332,964

12,621

307,844

The majority of the amounts are due to be settled within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date.  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

153 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 19 Deposits and Other Public Borrowings (continued) 

Maturity Distribution of Certificates of Deposit and Term Deposits 

Group 

At 30 June 2011 

Maturing 

Maturing 

Maturing 

Maturing 

Three 

Between 

Between 

Months or 

Three &  Six & Twelve 

Less 

Six Months 

Months 

$M 

$M 

$M 

after 

Twelve 

Months 

$M 

Australia
Certificates of deposit (1)
Term deposits
Total Australia

Overseas
Certificates of deposit (1)
Term deposits
Total overseas
Total certificates of deposits and term deposits

30,153

77,771

107,924

3,349

13,967

17,316

125,240

5,329

22,190

27,519

1,072

4,001

5,073

32,592

1,423

31,598

33,021

223

2,692

2,915

35,936

(1) All certificates of deposit issued by the Group are for amounts greater than $100,000.

Note 20 Payables due to Other Financial Institutions 

Total 

$M 

45,544

137,192

182,736

4,700

22,304

27,004

8,639

5,633

14,272

56

1,644

1,700

15,972

209,740

Australia

Overseas
Total payables due to other financial institutions

2011

$M 

5,967

9,932

15,899

Group 

2010

$M 

4,285

8,323

12,608

2011

$M 

5,868

9,818

Bank 

2010

$M 

4,265

8,157

15,686

12,422

The majority of the above amounts are due to be settled within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date. 

Note 21 Liabilities at Fair Value through Income Statement 

Deposits and other borrowings (1)
Debt instruments (1)
Trading liabilities
Total liabilities at fair value through Income Statement

2011

$M 

3,028

3,232

4,231

10,491

Group 

2010

$M 

3,551

7,838

3,953

15,342

2011

$M 

-

469

4,231

4,700

Bank 

2010

$M 

-

660

3,953

4,613

(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 due to be settled within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date for the Group and the 
Bank. The majority of the other amounts are due 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 $6
million  loss  (2010:  $27  million  gain)  and  for  the  Bank  is  a  $5  million  loss  (2010:  $29  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 a $16 million gain (2010: $18 million) and for the Bank is a $15 million gain (2010: $15 million). 

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 $10,463 million (2010:  $15,293 million) and  for the Bank is $4,678 million (2010:  $4,595
million). 

154 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 22 Tax Liabilities 

Australia
Current tax liability
Total Australia

Overseas
Current tax liability

Deferred tax liability (Note 5)
Total overseas
Total tax liabilities

Note 23 Other Provisions 

Long service leave

Annual leave

Other employee entitlements

Restructuring costs

General insurance claims

Self insurance/non-lending losses

Dividends

Other
Total other provisions

Notes to the Financial Statements 

2011

$M 

1,108

1,108

114

301

415

Group 

2010

$M 

1,004

1,004

52

221

273

2011

$M 

1,118

1,118

15

-

15

Bank 

2010

$M 

1,000

1,000

16

-

16

1,523

1,277

1,133

1,016

Note 

6

2011

$M 

396

255

65

121

193

49

37

161

1,277

Group 

2010

$M 

355

241

68

96

191

57

29

160

1,197

2011

Bank 

2010

$M 

362

209

65

56

-

45

37

183

957

$M 

318

200

67

73

-

53

29

194

934

Provisions due to be settled within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date for the Group were $989 million (2010: $908 million) and for 
the Bank were $685 million (2010: $660 million).  

Reconciliation
Restructuring costs:
Opening balance

Additional provisions

Amounts utilised during the year

Release of provision
Closing balance

General insurance claims:
Opening balance

Additional provisions

Amounts utilised during the year

Transfer of provision
Closing balance

Self insurance/non-lending losses:
Opening balance

Additional provisions

Amounts utilised during the year

Release of provision
Closing balance

Other:
Opening balance

Additional provisions

Acquisitions

Amounts utilised during the year

Release of provision
Closing balance

2011

$M

Group

2010

$M

96

61

(36)

-

121

191

96

(94)

-

193

57

11

(10)

(9)

49

160

134

-

(120)

(13)

161

182

10

(94)

(2)

96

185

114

(109)

1

191

56

11

(5)

(5)

57

149

176

1

(116)

(50)

160

2011

$M

73

6

(23)

-

56

-

-

-

-

-

53

11

(10)

(9)

45

194

48

-

(39)

(20)

183

Bank

2010

$M

148

1

(75)

(1)

73

-

-

-

-

-

54

9

(5)

(5)

53

112

145

1

(16)

(48)

194

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

155 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 23 Other Provisions (continued) 

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 the Balance Sheet 
date.  

General Insurance Claims 

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. 

Note 24 Debt Issues 

Short term debt issues

Long term debt issues
Total debt issues

Short Term Debt Issues
AUD commercial paper

USD commercial paper

EUR commercial paper

GBP commercial paper

Other currency commercial paper

Long term debt issues with less than one year to maturity
Total short term debt issues

Long Term Debt Issues
USD medium term notes

AUD medium term notes

NZD medium term notes

JPY medium term notes

GBP medium term notes

EUR medium term notes

Other currencies medium term notes

Offshore loans (all JPY)
Total long term debt issues

Maturity Distribution of Debt Issues (1)
Less than three months

Between three and twelve months

Between one and five years

Greater than five years
Total debt issues

(1) Represents the contractual maturity of the underlying instrument. 

2011

$M 

51,463

67,189

118,652

123

28,937

2,005

4,913

143

15,342

51,463

Group 

2010

$M 

49,757

80,453

130,210

494

20,423

1,981

4,980

88

21,791

49,757

2011

$M 

39,246

55,139

94,385

52

25,925

1,077

882

99

11,211

39,246

Bank 

2010

$M 

39,644

67,395

107,039

312

19,839

36

139

23

19,295

39,644

31,389

41,074

29,727

38,577

9,507

2,384

8,265

1,707

7,973

5,922

42

67,189

27,721

23,742

48,259

18,930

9,796

1,112

8,808

1,558

11,044

6,971

90

80,453

27,939

21,818

61,741

18,712

118,652

130,210

2,678

542

8,207

1,362

7,009

5,572

42

2,820

320

8,550

1,152

9,077

6,809

90

55,139

67,395

20,993

18,253

38,991

16,148

94,385

19,840

19,804

49,831

17,564

107,039

The  Bank’s  debt  issues  include  a  Euro  Medium  Term  Note  programme  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  programme  under  which  it  may  issue  notes  up  to  an 
aggregate amount outstanding of USD 50 billion. Notes issued under debt programmes 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. 

156 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 24 Debt Issues (continued) 

Short term borrowings
USD Commercial Paper
Outstanding at period end (1)
Maximum amount outstanding at any month end (2)
Average amount outstanding (2)
Weighted average interest rate on:

Average amount outstanding

Outstanding at period end

EUR Commercial Paper
Outstanding at period end (1)
Maximum amount outstanding at any month end (2)
Average amount outstanding (2)
Weighted average interest rate on:

Average amount outstanding

Outstanding at period end

AUD Commercial Paper
Outstanding at period end (1)
Maximum amount outstanding at any month end (2)
Average amount outstanding (2)
Weighted average interest rate on:

Average amount outstanding

Outstanding at period end

GBP Commercial Paper
Outstanding at period end (1)
Maximum amount outstanding at any month end (2)
Average amount outstanding (2)
Weighted average interest rate on:

Average amount outstanding

Outstanding at period end

Other Currency Commercial Paper
Outstanding at period end (1)
Maximum amount outstanding at any month end (2)
Average amount outstanding (2)
Weighted average interest rate on:

Average amount outstanding

Outstanding at period end

Notes to the Financial Statements 

2011

2010

Group 

2009

             $M (except where indicated)

28,937

29,023

22,362

20,423

23,319

20,707

20,419

23,428

15,995

0.4%

0.3%

2,005

3,001

1,498

0.8%

1.2%

123

424

178

4.9%

5.6%

4,913

5,588

3,776

0.8%

0.9%

143

247

91

0.3%

0.8%

0.3%

0.5%

1,981

2,930

1,751

0.5%

0.4%

494

658

446

4.0%

4.7%

4,980

5,208

3,110

0.6%

0.7%

88

253

136

0.6%

1.3%

1.6%

0.4%

566

692

536

0.7%

0.6%

258

1,059

395

6.7%

3.2%

609

1,257

907

0.8%

0.7%

-

-

-

-

-

(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. 

Exchange rates utilised (End of day, Sydney time)
AUD 1.00  =

As At 

As At 

30 June

30 June

Currency 

USD  

EUR  

GBP  

JPY  

NZD  

2011

1.0740

0.7410

0.6677

86.3984

1.2944

2010

0.8559

0.6996

0.5686

75.9067

1.2318

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

157 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

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  programmes  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 and other jurisdictions.  

text  of 

the  Guarantee  Scheme  documents  can  be 

The 
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. 

found  at 

Existing guaranteed debt issued by the Bank remains guaranteed until maturity. 

Separate arrangements apply for accounts with the Bank for deposit balances per depositor totalling up to and including $1 million (until 
12 October 2011) under the Financial Claim Scheme (FCS). Such deposits are guaranteed without charge. The Australian Government 
is in the process of reviewing the FCS, issuing a consultation paper in May 2011 detailing potential changes to the FCS which include 
lowering the $1 million cap. The operation of the current FCS is expected to be reviewed during the next financial year. 

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 sale of 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. 

Demand deposits are no longer guaranteed by the 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 (Transfers of Business) Act 1999. The NSW Government guarantee of 
the liabilities and products as described above continues unchanged by the succession. 

Note 25 Bills Payable and Other Liabilities

Bills payable

Accrued interest payable

Accrued fees and other items payable

Defined benefit superannuation plan deficit

Securities purchased not delivered

Other
Total bills payable and other liabilities

Note 

42

2011

$M 

867

3,709

1,807

83

2,600

1,586

Group 

2010

$M 

805

3,233

1,906

82

1,754

2,245

10,652

10,025

2011

$M 

733

2,917

1,172

83

1,813

2,630

9,348

Bank 

2010

$M 

691

2,452

1,301

82

918

5,289

10,733

Other than the defined benefit superannuation plan deficit, the above amounts are expected to be settled within twelve months of the
Balance Sheet date. 

158 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Currency 

Amount (M) Footnotes

2011

$M

FRN  

FRN  

FRN  

TPS  

USD 38 

USD 64 

USD 100 

USD 550 

PERLS III  

AUD 1,166 

PERLS IV  

AUD 1,465 

PERLS V  

AUD 2,000 

TPS  

USD 700 

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

(10)

(11)

(12)

(13)

(13)

(13)

35

-

93

512

1,156

1,458

1,978

-

5,232

1,499

1,396

843

224

556

1,343

288

6,149

180

Group

2010

$M

44

75

117

642

1,154

1,456

1,963

-

5,451

1,799

1,819

1,103

262

747

1,422

666

7,818

244

2011

$M

35

-

93

512

1,156

1,458

1,971

647

5,872

1,499

1,396

750

224

270

1,343

288

5,770

166

Bank

2010

$M

44

75

117

642

1,154

1,456

1,953

813

6,254

1,799

1,819

985

262

284

1,422

666

7,237

84

Note 26 Loan Capital 

Tier One Loan Capital
Exchangeable

Exchangeable

Undated

Undated

Undated

Undated

Undated

Undated
Total Tier One loan capital

Tier Two Loan Capital
AUD demoninated

USD demoninated

JPY denominated

GBP denominated

NZD denominated

EUR denominated

CAD denominated
Total Tier Two loan capital
Fair value hedge adjustments
Total loan capital

(1) USD 300 million undated Floating Rate Notes (FRNs) issued 
11 July 1988 exchangeable into dated FRNs. 

Outstanding  notes  at  30  June  2011  were  undated  USD  38 
million. 

(2)  USD  400  million  undated  FRNs  issued  22  February  1989 
exchangeable into dated FRNs.  

All of the outstanding notes (USD 64 million) were redeemed in 
February 2011. 

(3) USD 100 million undated capital notes issued on 15 October 
1986.  

the  above 

to  each  of 

The Bank has entered into agreements with the Commonwealth 
of  Australia  relating 
issues  (the 
“Agreements”)  which  provide  that,  if  certain  events  occur,  the 
Bank  may  issue  either  fully  paid  ordinary  shares  to  the 
Commonwealth  of  Australia  or  (with  the  consent  of  the 
Commonwealth of Australia) a renounceable rights issue for fully 
paid ordinary shares to all shareholders, at the prevailing market 
price  for  the  Bank’s  shares,  up  to  an  amount  equal  to  the 
outstanding  principal  value  of  the  relevant  note  issue  or  issues 
plus  any  accrued  interest  which  is  declared  due  and  payable. 
The capital so raised must be used to pay the amounts due and 
payable. 

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 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); or 

The  Bank  does  not  declare  a  dividend  in  respect  of  its 
ordinary shares 

11,561

13,513

11,808

13,575

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. 

(4) TPS 2003 

On  6  August  2003  a  wholly  owned  entity  of  the  Bank  (CBA 
Capital  Trust)  issued  USD  550  million  of  perpetual  trust 
preferred  securities  which  can  be  redeemed  after  the  first  12 
years.  The  securities  were  issued  into  the  US  capital  markets 
and are subject to Delaware and New York law. 

Each trust preferred security represents a beneficial ownership 
interest  in  the  assets  of  CBA  Capital  Trust,  a  statutory  trust 
established  under  Delaware  law.  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  convertible  notes 
from the Bank’s New Zealand branch. 

the 

The  trust  preferred  securities  provide  for  a  semi-annual  cash 
distribution  in  arrears  at  the  annual  rate  of  5.805%.  The 
distributions  on 
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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

159 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 26 Loan Capital (continued) 

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  the  trust  preferred  securities  for  American 
Depository  Shares  (ADS).  Automatic  conversion  into  CBA 
preference  shares  will  also  occur  on  the  occurrence  of  certain 
other events, including a number of events specified by APRA. 

No later  than  35  business days prior 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  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. 

The  Bank’s  New  Zealand  branch  may  redeem  the  convertible 
notes for cash: (a) 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 (b) 
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: 

• 

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; 

the 

160 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

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 ADS to CBA Capital Trust by CBA Funding 
Trust  if  CBA  Funding  Trust  is  obligated  to  redeem  the 
funding preferred securities for ADS and to the extent that 
CBA Funding Trust has ADS available for that redemption; 
The  delivery  of  ADS  by  CBA  Capital  Trust  if  CBA  Capital 
Trust  is  obligated  to  redeem  the  trust  preferred  securities 
for ADS and to the extent that CBA Capital Trust has ADS 
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;  
The  Bank’s  New  Zealand  branch  does  not  deliver  ADS 
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.  PERLS  III  were  issued  into  the  Australian 
capital  markets  and  are  subject  to  Australian  law.  They  qualify 
as innovative residual Tier One capital of the Bank. 

 
 
 
 
Note 26 Loan Capital (continued) 

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 (1 – 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: 

10 Business Days before the Conversion Date. 

•  On a failure by PCL to pay a Dividend; 
• 
At any time at the Bank’s discretion; or 
• 
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: 

A Change of Control Event occurs. 

An APRA Event occurs; 
A Default Event occurs; or 

• 
• 
• 
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. PERLS IV were issued into the Australian 
capital  markets  and  are  subject  to  Australian  law.  They  qualify 
as  non-innovative  residual  Tier  One  capital  of  the  Bank. 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

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; 
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:  

Non-Operating Holding Company (NOHC) Event.  

Tax Event; 
Regulatory Event; and  

• 
• 
• 
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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

161 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 26 Loan Capital (continued) 

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.  PERLS  V  were  issued  into 
the Australian capital markets and are subject to Australian law. 
They  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. 

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; 

162 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

• 

• 

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 
possible  outcomes  will  apply 
to  each  subsequent 
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:  

Non-Operating Holding Company (NOHC) Event.  

Tax Event; 
Regulatory Event; and  

• 
• 
• 
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. 

• 
(8) TPS 2006 

On  15  March  2006  a  wholly  owned  entity  of  the  Bank  (CBA 
Capital  Trust  II)  issued  USD  700  million  ($942  million)  of 
perpetual trust preferred securities which can be redeemed after 
the first 10 years. The securities were issued into the US capital 
markets and are subject to Delaware and New York law. 

Each  trust  preferred  security  represents  a  preferred  beneficial 
ownership  interest  in  the  assets  of  CBA  Capital  Trust  II,  a 
statutory trust established under Delaware law. The sole assets 
of the CBA Capital Trust II are USD subordinated notes issued 
by  a  New  Zealand  subsidiary  of  the  Bank,  preference  shares 
issued by the Bank, and a limited guarantee by the Bank’s New 
Zealand  branch.  Each  subordinated  note  held  by  CBA  Capital 
Trust II forms a unit with a Bank preference share held by CBA 
Capital  Trust  II.  The  trust  preferred  securities  form  part  of  the 
Bank’s innovative residual Tier One capital. 

The Bank’s New Zealand subsidiary applied the proceeds of its 
subordinated  note  issue  to  CBA  Capital  Trust  II  to  purchase 
USD notes from the Bank’s New Zealand branch. 

Cash  distributions  on  the  trust  preferred  securities  are  at  the 
fixed  rate  of  6.024%  are  payable  semi-annually  to  15  March 
2016.  After  that  date,  cash  distributions  on  the  trust  preferred 
securities  will  accrue  at  the  rate  of  LIBOR  plus  1.740%  per 
annum payable quarterly in arrears. 

 
 
 
 
Note 26 Loan Capital (continued) 

Cash distributions on the trust preferred securities will be limited 
to the interest the  Bank’s  New  Zealand subsidiary  pays  on the 
subordinated  notes,  payments  in  respect  of  interest  on  the 
subordinated  notes  by  the  Bank’s  New  Zealand  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 the 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, the Bank’s 
New Zealand branch’s ability to make payments on the Bank’s 
New  Zealand  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.  

• 

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 New Zealand branch or the Bank if the Bank’s 
New Zealand branch does not perform its obligations under 
the subordinated notes guarantee or under the Bank’s New 
Zealand branch notes. 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

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. 

trust  guarantee  does  not  cover 

The 
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. 

failure 

the 

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 

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 15 March 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.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

163 

 
 
 
 
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  New  Zealand  branch  notes  or  the 
Bank  preference  shares  for  payment  of  interest,  dividends  or 
similar amounts unless and until: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

to 

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 
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  New  Zealand  subsidiary  or  the  Bank’s  New 
Zealand  branch,  as  guarantor,  has  paid  in  full  to  the 
holders  of  the  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;  then  there  are 
restrictions  on  the  Bank  paying  any  interest  on  equal 
ranking or junior securities. 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 26 Loan Capital (continued) 
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 the Bank’s New Zealand subsidiary or the Bank’s New 
Zealand 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. 

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 New Zealand subsidiary may not make payments on 
the  subordinated  notes,  the  Bank’s  New  Zealand  branch  may 
not make payments on the subordinated notes guarantee or the 
Bank’s New Zealand 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  New  Zealand  subsidiary,  the 
Bank’s New Zealand branch or the Bank, as the case may be, is 
prohibited from making such a payment by instruments or other 
obligations of the Bank. 

164 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 26 Loan Capital (continued) 

 (9) AUD denominated Tier Two Loan Capital issuances  

(13) Other currencies Tier Two Loan Capital issuances 

• 

$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  provides  that,  if  certain  events  occur,  the 
Bank  may  issue  either  fully  paid  ordinary  shares  to  the 
Commonwealth  of  Australia  or  (with  the  consent  of  the 
Commonwealth of Australia) a renounceable rights issue for fully 
paid ordinary shares to all shareholders, at the prevailing market 
price  for  the  Bank’s  shares,  up  to  an  amount  equal  to  the 
outstanding  principal  value  of  the  note  issue  plus  any  accrued 
interest  declared  due  and  payable.  The  capital  so  raised  must 
be  used  to  pay  the  amounts  due  and  payable.  Events  that  will 
trigger  the  issue  of  shares  include  a  failure  to  pay  interest  due 
within 7 business days of the due date. 

Other outstanding notes at 30 June 2011 were: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

$25 million subordinated FRN, issued April 1999, due April 
2029; 
$200  million  subordinated  floating  rate  notes,  issued 
September 2006, due September 2016;  
$500  million  subordinated  notes,  issued  May  2007,  due 
May 2017; split into $150 million fixed rate notes and $350 
million floating rate notes; and 

$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  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 notes, issued November 2005, 
due November 2035; 
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. 

• 

• 

• 

EUR  1,000  million  subordinated  notes,  issued  August 
2009, due August 2019; 
CAD 300 million subordinated notes, issued October 2007, 
due October 2017; 
NZD 350 million subordinated notes, issued May 2005, due 
April 2015. 

•  On 18 May 2005 a wholly owned entity of the Bank (CBA 
issued  NZD  350  million 
Capital  Australia  Limited) 
redeemable  preference  shares.  Each 
redeemable 
preference share is a fixed term obligation of CBA Capital 
Australia  Limited  paying  quarterly  cumulative  dividends 
until maturity. The redeemable preference shares: 
• 
• 
• 

are not guaranteed by the Bank; 
were issued into the New Zealand capital markets; 
are  subject  to  New  Zealand  and  New  South  Wales 
law; and 
form part of the Bank’s Lower Tier Two capital. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

CBA Capital Australia applied all of the proceeds from the 
sale  of  the  redeemable  preference  shares  to  invest  in 
redeemable  preference  shares  issued  by  CBA  Capital 
Australia  (No  2)  Pty  Ltd,  which  in  turn  invested  the 
proceeds in NZD subordinated notes issued by the Bank’s 
New Zealand branch.  
The  Dividend  Rate  is  calculated  for  each  Dividend  Period 
as the sum of the Margin per annum plus the Market Rate 
per  annum  multiplied  by  (1  –  Tax  Rate).  The  Margin  is 
0.75% per annum. The Market Rate is the New Zealand 1 
year  swap  rate.  CBA  Capital  Australia’s  ability  to  pay 
dividends  is  ultimately  dependent  upon  the  ability  of  the 
Bank’s  New  Zealand  branch  to  make  payments  on  the 
NZD  subordinated  notes,  and  subject  to  the  directors 
discretion not to pay or to defer the payment.  
The redeemable preference shares are to be redeemed or 
repurchased  by  CBA  Capital  Australia  on  15  April  2015. 
Subject  to  APRA  approval  and  the  requisite  notice,  CBA 
Capital  Australia  is  also  entitled  to  redeem  or  repurchase 
the redeemable preference shares earlier on each 15 April 
until maturity, or if a regulatory or tax event occurs.  

• 

NZD  370  million  subordinated  notes,  issued  November 
2007, due November 2017. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

165 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 27 Shareholders’ Equity 

Ordinary Share Capital (1)
Opening balance
Dividend reinvestment plan (net of issue costs) (3)
Exercise of executive options under employee share ownership schemes
Sale/(purchase) and vesting of treasury shares(2)
Closing balance

Other Equity Instruments (1)
Opening balance
Closing balance

Retained Profits
Opening balance

Actuarial losses from defined benefit superannuation plans
Realised gains and dividend income on treasury shares (1)
Operating profit attributable to Equity holders of the Bank

Total available for appropriation

Transfers from/(to) general reserve

Transfers from employee compensation reserve

Interim dividend - cash component
Interim dividend - dividend reinvestment plan (3)
Final dividend - cash component
Final dividend - dividend reinvestment plan (4)
Other dividends
Closing balance

(1) Refer Note 28. 

2011

$M 

23,081

511

6

4

Group 

2010

$M 

21,642

1,457

2

(20)

2011

$M 

23,379

511

6

-

Bank 

2010

$M 

21,825

1,457

2

95

23,602

23,081

23,896

23,379

939

939

939

939

1,895

1,895

1,895

1,895

9,938

7,825

7,880

6,009

(89)

20

(64)

30

(89)

-

(64)

-

6,394

5,664

6,480

5,615

16,263

13,455

14,271

11,560

270

-

(1,532)

(513)

(2,633)

-

(29)

11,826

197

(93)

(1,067)

(774)

(1,058)

(688)

(34)

9,938

-

-

(1,532)

(513)

(2,633)

-

-

9,593

-

(93)

(1,067)

(774)

(1,058)

(688)

-

7,880

(2) Relates to movement in treasury shares held within life insurance statutory funds and the employee share scheme trust. 

(3) The declared dividend includes an amount attributable to the DRP of $513 million (Interim 2010/2011), with $511 million issued in ordinary shares due to rounding 

under the plan rules. The rounding amount will be included in the next DRP allocations. 

(4) The DRP in respect of the 2010 final dividend was satisfied in full by an on market purchase and transfer of shares to participating shareholders. 

166 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 27 Shareholders’ Equity (continued)

Reserves
General Reserve
Opening balance

Appropriation (to)/from retained profits

Closing balance
Capital Reserve
Opening balance

Revaluation surplus on sale of property

Closing balance
Asset Revaluation Reserve
Opening balance

Revaluation of properties

Transfers on sale of properties

Tax on revaluation of properties

Closing balance
Foreign Currency Translation Reserve
Opening balance

Currency translation adjustments of foreign operations

Currency translation on net investment hedge

Transfer to Income Statement on disposal of foreign operations

Tax on translation adjustments

Tax on net investment hedge movement

Closing balance
Cash Flow Hedge Reserve
Opening balance

Gains and losses on cash flow hedging instruments:

Recognised in equity

Transferred to Income Statement

Interest income

Interest expense

Tax on cash flow hedging instruments

Closing balance
Employee Compensation Reserve
Opening balance

Current period movement

Closing balance
Available-for-Sale Investments Reserve
Opening balance

Net gains and losses on revaluation of available-for-sale investments

Net gains and losses on available-for-sale investments transferred to

Income Statement on disposal

Net gains and losses on available-for-sale investments transferred to

Income Statement for impairment

Tax on available-for-sale investments

Closing balance
Total reserves

Shareholders' equity attributable to Equity holders of the Bank
Shareholders' equity attributable to non-controlling interests
Total shareholders' equity

2011

$M 

1,248

(270)

978

319

9

328

194

6

(9)

-

191

(553)

(559)

13

-

16

-

(1,083)

(417)

(754)

(41)

810

-

(402)

125

10

135

173

124

(24)

-

(28)

245

392

36,759

528

37,287

Group 

2010

$M 

1,445

(197)

1,248

299

20

319

173

50

(20)

(9)

194

(533)

(41)

(4)

26

(2)

1

(553)

(813)

(239)

(864)

1,692

(193)

(417)

-

125

125

(55)

327

(24)

2

(77)

173

1,089

35,047

523

35,570

2011

$M 

570

-

570

1,567

9

1,576

163

9

(9)

-

163

(136)

(216)

12

-

10

-

(330)

(312)

(748)

24

626

23

(387)

125

10

135

70

264

(24)

-

(73)

237

Bank 

2010

$M 

570

-

570

1,550

17

1,567

148

39

(17)

(7)

163

(70)

(63)

(4)

-

-

1

(136)

(460)

11

(683)

891

(71)

(312)

-

125

125

(41)

160

(16)

-

(33)

70

1,964

2,047

37,348

35,201

-

-

37,348

35,201

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

167 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 28 Share Capital 

Issued and paid up ordinary capital

Ordinary Share Capital
Opening balance (excluding Treasury Shares deduction)
Dividend reinvestment plan: Final dividend prior year (1)
Dividend reinvestment plan: Interim dividend (2)
Exercise of executive options under employee share ownership 

Closing balance (excluding Treasury Shares deduction)
Less: Treasury Shares (3)
Closing balance

2011

$M 

Group 

2010

$M 

2011

$M 

Bank 

2010

$M 

23,379

21,920

23,379

21,920

-

511
6

23,896

(294)

23,602

685

772
2

23,379

(298)

23,081

-

511
6

23,896

-

23,896

685

772
2

23,379

-

23,379

(1) The DRP in respect of the 2010 final dividend was satisfied in full by an on market purchase and transfer of shares to participating shareholders. 

(2) The declared dividend includes an amount attributable to the DRP of $513 million (interim 2010/2011), with $511 million issued in ordinary shares due to rounding 

under the plan rules. The rounding amounts will be included in the next DRP allocations. 

(3) Relates to treasury shares held within life insurance statutory funds and the employee share scheme trust. 

Number of shares on issue

2011

Shares 

Group 

2010

Shares 

2011

Shares 

Bank 

2010

Shares 

Opening balance (excluding Treasury Shares deduction)

1,548,737,374

1,518,801,069

1,548,737,374

1,518,801,069

Dividend reinvestment plan issues:

2008/2009 Final dividend fully paid ordinary shares $44.48

2009/2010 Interim dividend fully paid ordinary shares $53.56
2009/2010 Final dividend fully paid ordinary shares $51.75 (1)
2010/2011 Interim dividend fully paid ordinary shares $52.92
Exercise of executive options under employee share ownership 
schemes
Closing balance (excluding Treasury Shares deduction)

Less: Treasury Shares
Closing balance

-

-

-

9,682,670

15,412,513

14,421,452

-

-

-

-

-

9,682,670

15,412,513

14,421,452

-

-

217,200

102,340

217,200

102,340

1,558,637,244

1,548,737,374

1,558,637,244

1,548,737,374

(6,363,549)

(6,647,087)

-

-

1,552,273,695

1,542,090,287

1,558,637,244

1,548,737,374

(1) The DRP in respect of the 2010 final dividend was satisfied in full by an on market purchase and transfer of shares to participating shareholders. 

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. 

Other equity instruments

Issued and paid up

Number of shares

Trust Preferred Securities 2006 

2011

$M 

939

Shares 

700,000

Group  

2010

$M 

939

Shares 

700,000

2011

$M 

1,895

Bank 

2010

$M 

1,895

Shares 

1,400,000

Shares 

1,400,000

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 2011 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 28 Share Capital (continued) 

Dividends 

The  Directors  have  declared  a  fully  franked  final  dividend  of  188  cents  per  share  amounting  to  $2,930  million.  The  dividend  will  be 
payable on 6 October 2011 to shareholders on the register at 5pm EST on 19 August 2011.  

The Board determines the dividends 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 to support business development; 

Competitors comparison and market expectation; and 

Earnings per share growth. 

Dividends paid since the end of the previous financial year 

• 

• 

A fully franked final dividend of 170 cent per share amounting to $2,633 million was paid on 1 October 2010. This was satisfied by 
cash  disbursements  of  $2,633  million  including  the  on  market  purchase  and  transfer  of  $679  million  of  shares  to  participating 
shareholders under the DRP; and 

A  fully  franked  interim  dividend  of  132  cents  per  share  amounting  to  $2,045  million  was  paid  on  1  April  2011.  The  payment 
comprised cash disbursements of $1,532 million with $513 million being reinvested by participants through the DRP. 

Dividend Reinvestment Plan 

The Bank expects to issue around $733 million of shares in respect of the DRP for the final dividend for the year ended 30 June 2011. 

Record date 

The register closes for determination of dividend entitlement and for participation in the DRP at 5pm EST on 19 August 2011 at Link 
Market Services Limited, Locked Bag A14, Sydney South, 1235. 

Ex-dividend Date 

The ex-dividend date is 15 August 2011. 

Note 29 Share Based Payments 

The Group operates a number of cash and equity settled share plans as detailed below. 

Overview of changes for 2011 

The Group introduced two new plans during the year: 

• 

The Employee Share Plan (ESP), used for the mandatory deferral of a portion of senior employees’ short term incentives (STI),
sign-on incentive and retention awards; and  

The Employee Salary Sacrifice Share Plan (ESSSP), used for voluntary employee equity participation. 

• 
These replaced similar previous plans which have been closed to new offers and grandfathered. Awards were made for the first time 
under the ESP and ESSSP during the 2011 financial year. 

Employee Share Acquisition Plan 

Under the Employee Share Acquisition Plan (ESAP), eligible employees have the opportunity to receive up to $1,000 worth of shares 
each year (at no cost to them) if the Group meets the required performance hurdles.  

To  be  eligible  for  an  award  each  employee  must  achieve  a  minimum  level  of  performance  and  service.  The  value  of  the  shares  an 
individual receives is determined by the Group’s performance against a hurdle. The performance hurdle is growth in annual profit of the 
greater of 5% or the consumer price index (CPI) change plus 2%, and is subject to Board discretion.  

The  number  of  shares  a  participant  receives  is  calculated  by  dividing  the  award  amount  by  the  average  price  paid  for  Bank  shares 
purchased during the purchase period preceding the grant date. Shares granted are restricted from sale until the earlier of three years or 
until such time as the participant ceases employment with the Group. Participants receive full dividend entitlements and voting rights 
attached to those shares. The Group achieved the performance target for 2010 resulting in $1,000 worth of shares being awarded to
each eligible employee. 

The September 2009 award represents a partial grant of approximately $600 worth of shares to each employee. 

The following table provides details of shares granted under the ESAP during the current and previous financial years ended 30 June.  

Period

Allocation date

Participants

 allocated by participant

 of shares allocated Issue price $

fair value $

2011

2010

21 Sep 2010

11 Sep 2009

26,023

24,559

19

13

494,437

319,267

51.75

46.79

25,587,115

14,938,502

Number of shares

Total number

Total

It is estimated that approximately $26.0 million of ordinary shares will be purchased on-market at the prevailing market price for the 2011 
grant. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

169 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

 Note 29 Share Based Payments (continued) 

International Employee Share Acquisition Plan 

A  limited  number  of  employees  receive  cash-based  versions  of  ESAP  under  the  International  Employee  Share  Acquisition  Plan
(IESAP).  Like  the  ESAP,  eligible  employees  can  receive  an  award  up  to  $1,000  determined  by  the  Group’s  performance  against  a 
hurdle.  The  performance  hurdle  is  growth  in  annual  profit  of  the  greater  of  5%  or  the  CPI  change  plus  2%,  and  is  subject  to  Board 
discretion.  To  be  eligible  for  an  award  each  employee  must  achieve  a  minimum  level  of  performance  and  service.  Under  IESAP 
participants  receive  grants  of  performance  units,  which  are  monetary  units  with  a  value  linked  to  the  Bank’s  share  price.  IESAP 
performance units vest if the participant remains employed by the Group until the vesting date. 

On meeting the vesting conditions, a cash payment is made to the participant, the value of which is determined based on the Bank’s
share price upon vesting. 

A total of $0.1 million has been expensed during the year (2010: $0.1 million) in respect of this plan 

Employee Share Plan 

The  Employee  Share  Plan  (ESP)  replaced  the  Equity  Participation  Plan  (EPP)  for  awards  made  from  1  July  2010  and  facilitates
mandatory short term incentive (STI) deferral, sign-on incentives and retention awards.  

Under the ESP, shares awarded generally vest if the participant remains 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. ESP 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. 

The following table provides details of outstanding awards of shares under the ESP. 

Period

2011

Outstanding

1 July

-

Granted

803,400

Vested

(17,679)

Forfeited

(13,453)

Outstanding

30 June

772,268

The weighted average fair value at grant date of shares awarded during the year was $52.64 (2010: $nil). A total of $16.2 million has 
been expensed during the year (2010: $nil) in respect of this plan. 

Employee Share (Performance Unit) Plan 

A limited number of employees receive awards under a cash-based version of ESP through the Employee Share (Performance Unit)
Plan (ESPUP). The ESPUP replaced the Equity Participation (Performance Unit) Plan for awards made from 1 July 2010 and facilitates 
mandatory STI deferral, sign-on incentives and retention awards. Under ESPUP participants receive grants of performance units, which 
are  monetary  units  with  a  value  linked  to  the  Bank’s  share  price.  Performance  units  vest  if  the  participant  remains  employed  by  the 
Group until the vesting date. 

On meeting the vesting conditions, a cash payment is made to the participant, the value of which is determined based on the Bank’s 
share price upon vesting plus an accrued dividend value. 

The following table provides details of outstanding awards of performance units granted under the ESPUP. 

Period

2011

Outstanding

1 July

-

Granted

101,548

Vested

(4,116)

Forfeited

(1,789)

Outstanding

30 June

95,643

The weighted average fair value at grant date of performance units issued during the year was $51.72 (2010: $nil). A total of $1.0 million 
has been expensed during the year (2010: $nil) in respect of this plan. 

Group Employee Rights Plan 

The  Group  Employee  Rights  Plan  (GERP)  facilitates  the  mandatory  deferral  of  STI  payments  for  executives  of  selected  subsidiary 
companies. Under the GERP, participants receive a right to a share which is subject to vesting conditions. The following table provides 
details of rights granted under GERP during the current and previous financial years ended 30 June. 

Allocation period 
July 2009 - June 2010

July 2010 - June 2011

2011

2010

Outstanding

1 July
11,542

-

11,542

-

Granted
-

21,946

21,946

12,112

Vested
(1,521)

(878)

(2,399)

(570)

Forfeited
-

-

-

-

Outstanding

30 June
10,021

21,068

31,089

11,542

The weighted average fair value at grant date of rights issued during the year was $52.62 (2010: $52.38). A total of $0.6 million has
been expensed during the year (2010: $0.2 million) in respect of this plan. 

170 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 29 Share Based Payments (continued) 
Employee Salary Sacrifice Share Plan 

Under  the  Employee  Salary  Sacrifice  Share  Plan  (ESSSP)  Australian-based  employees  can  elect  to  receive  between  $2,000  and 
$5,000  of  their  fixed  remuneration  and/or  annual  STI  as  Bank  shares.  The  ESSSP  replaced  the  voluntary  component  of  the  Equity 
Participation Plan (EPP) from 1 July 2010. Shares are purchased on-market at the current market price and are restricted from sale for a 
minimum of two years and a maximum of seven years or earlier, if the employee ceases employment with the Group. Shares receive full 
dividend entitlements and voting rights. 

The following table provides details of shares granted under the ESSSP. 

Period

2011

Participants

Number of shares purchased

Average share price $ Total purchase consideration $

132

8,114

51.98

421,766

Equity Participation Plan 

The  Equity  Participation  Plan  (EPP),  which  comprised  a  voluntary  and  a  mandatory  component,  was  replaced  in  2010  by  two  new
plans, the Employee Share Plan and Employee Salary Sacrifice Share Plan. The EPP is now closed to new offers. 

The voluntary component allowed for the voluntary sacrifice of both fixed remuneration and annual STI. Under this plan shares were
purchased  on-market  at  the  current  market  price  and  restricted  for  sale  for  two  years  or  until  such  time  as  the  employee  ceases
employment with the Group.  

No new awards were made under the voluntary component of the EPP in 2011. The following table provides details of shares granted 
under the voluntary component of the EPP in the prior year. 

Period

2010

Participants

Number of shares purchased

Average share price $ Total purchase consideration $

93

8,267

49.49

409,134

The  mandatory  component  comprises  the  partial  deferral  of  executives  STI  payments,  together  with  sign-on  and  retention  awards.
Under the mandatory component, shares only vest to participants if they remain in employment of the Group until the vesting date. The 
Group purchased 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. 

The following table provides details of outstanding awards of shares under the mandatory component of EPP. 

Allocation period

July 2001- June 2002

July 2002- June 2003

July 2003- June 2004
July 2004- June 2005 (1)
July 2007- June 2008

July 2008- June 2009

July 2009- June 2010

Total 2011

Total 2010

Outstanding

1 July

30,471

37,659

46,388

41,745

417,368

756,440

799,541

2,129,612

1,621,283

Granted

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

842,885

Vested &

Released

(4,797)

(10,658)

(11,036)

(11,831)

(383,568)

(143,610)

(73,714)

(639,214)

(246,859)

Outstanding

Forfeited

30 June

-

-

-

-

(421)

(14,961)

(28,710)

(44,092)

(87,697)

25,674

27,001

35,352

29,914

33,379

597,869

697,117

1,446,306

2,129,612

(1) No awards were allocated from July 2005 to June 2007 

The weighted average fair value at grant date of shares awarded during 2010 was $52.63. A total of $23.6 million has been expensed 
during the year (2010: $35.7 million). 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

171 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 29 Share Based Payments (continued) 

Equity Participation (Performance Unit) Plan 

A  limited  number  of  employees  received  cash-based  versions  of  EPP  through  the  Equity  Participation  (Performance  Unit)  Plan
(EPPUP). The EPPUP was replaced by the ESPUP in 2010. The EPPUP is now closed to new offers. 

Under the EPPUP, participants received grants of performance units, which are monetary units with a value linked to the Bank’s share 
price.  The  EPPUP  performance  units  vest  if  the  participant  remains  employed  by  the  Group  until  the  vesting  date.  On  meeting  the 
vesting conditions, a cash payment is made to the participant, the value of which is determined based on the Bank’s share price upon 
vesting plus an accrued dividend value. 

The following table provides details of outstanding awards of performance units under the EPPUP: 

Allocation period

July 2007- June 2008

July 2008- June 2009

July 2009 - June 2010

Total 2011

Total 2010

Outstanding

1 July

20,684

28,191

56,875

105,750

52,127

Granted

-

-

-

-

57,276

Vested

(19,249)

(8,530)

(10,782)

(38,561)

(3,653)

Outstanding

Forfeited

30 June

(1,435)

(4,071)

(2,710)

(8,216)

-

-

15,590

43,383

58,973

105,750

The average fair value at grant date of performance units issued during 2010 was $52.38. A total of $1.2 million (2010: $1.5 million) has 
been expensed during the year. 

Group Leadership Reward Plan  

The Group Leadership Reward Plan (GLRP) is the Group’s long term incentive plan for the CEO and Group Executives. The GLRP 
aims to motivate the efforts of participants to support customer satisfaction and shareholder returns in order to improve long term value
and achieve the Group’s vision.  

Under the GLRP, participants are awarded a maximum number of Reward Rights that may vest at the end of a performance period of
up to four years subject to the satisfaction of performance hurdles. Each Reward Right that vests entitles the participant to receive one 
ordinary Bank share. The Board has discretion to apply a cash equivalent.  

Vesting is subject to the satisfaction of certain performance hurdles as follows. 

For the award made during the 2010 financial year (FY10 award): 

50% of the award assessed against Customer Satisfaction compared to a set peer group; and 

• 
• 
For the award made during the 2011 financial year (FY11 award): 

50% of the award assessed against Total Shareholder Return (TSR) compared to a set peer group. 

75% of the award assessed against TSR compared to a set peer group. 

25% of the award assessed against Customer Satisfaction compared to a set peer group; and 

• 
• 
The Customer Satisfaction peer group consists of the ANZ, NAB, St.George (FY10 award only) and Westpac (for the Group’s retail and 
business banking lines) and other key competitors.  

The  TSR  peer  group  for  both  the  FY10  and  FY11  awards  comprises  the  20  largest  companies  listed  on  the  ASX  (by  market 
capitalisation) at the beginning of each respective performance period, excluding resources companies and CBA.  

Customer satisfaction is determined by the Board with reference to independent external surveys, and TSR is measured independently. 

The Board applies a scale when determining the portion of each award to vest at the end of the performance period as follows: 

• 

• 

For the FY10 award, the portion of the award assessed against Customer Satisfaction that will vest is: 100% if CBA is ranked 1st, 
75% if CBA is ranked 2nd, and 50% if CBA is ranked 3rd, with no vesting below this level.  

For the FY11 award, the portion of the award assessed against Customer Satisfaction that will vest is: 100% if CBA is ranked 1st 
across three surveys, 75% if CBA is ranked 1st across two surveys, and 50% if CBA is ranked 2nd across the three surveys. The
Board will exercise discretion where CBA’s  Customer Satisfaction has improved over  the performance period, but in a different
combination. Where the Board determines that our overall performance is worse at the end of the performance period than at the
beginning, none of this portion will vest. 

For the portion of the FY10 and FY11 awards assessed against TSR performance, full vesting applies where CBA is ranked in the top 
quartile of the peer group at the end of the performance period, 50% will vest if CBA is ranked at the median, with vesting on a sliding 
scale between the median and 75th percentile. No Reward Rights in this part of the award will vest if the Group’s TSR is ranked below 
the median of the peer group. The total number of Reward Rights that vest will be the aggregate of rights that vest against the Customer 
Satisfaction and the TSR hurdles at the end of the performance period.  

For the introductory year (2009), the awards under the GLRP were split into two tranches, with 50% allocated as a transitional three 
year  performance period and 50% allocated  with a  four  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  transitional  award is 
subject to the same performance hurdles as the four year award. 

172 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 29 Share Based Payments (continued) 
The following table provides details of outstanding awards of performance rights under the GLRP. 

Performance 

Performance

Outstanding

period start date
 1 July 2009

 1 July 2009

 1 July 2010

Total 2011

Total 2010

test date
30 June 2012 

30 June 2013 

30 June 2014 

1 July
370,297

523,919

-

894,216

-

Granted
-

-

388,412

388,412

894,216

Vested
-

Forfeited
-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Outstanding

30 June
370,297

523,919

388,412

1,282,628

894,216

The weighted average fair value at the grant date of all Reward Rights issued during the year was $41.41 per right (2010: $44.12). The
fair value of TSR hurdled Reward Rights granted during the period has been independently calculated at grant date using a Monte-
Carlo  pricing  model.  The  assumptions  included  in  the  valuation  of  the  FY11  award  includes  a  risk  free  interest  rate  of  5.45%,  a  nil
dividend yield on the Bank’s ordinary shares and a volatility in the Bank share price of 30.0%. The fair value for customer satisfaction
hurdled Reward Rights granted during the period is the closing price of Bank shares on the grant date. 

A total of $11.9 million has been expensed in the current year (2010: $8.0 million) for GLRP. 

Group Leadership Share Plan 

The Group Leadership Share Plan (GLSP) was the Group’s previous long term incentive plan for the CEO and Group Executives for
2008 and 2009, after which it was replaced by the GLRP. Under the GLSP, participants share a pool that vests at the end of a three
year performance period subject to satisfaction of performance conditions. The pool for the 2008 financial year award (FY08 award) was
2.2% of the growth in the Group’s Profit after Capital Charge (PACC), capped at a maximum pool of $34 million. The pool for 2009
financial year award (FY09 award) was 3.5% of the growth in the Group’s PACC, capped at a maximum pool of $36.1 million.  

Vesting for each award was subject to the following performance hurdles: 

Customer satisfaction ranking relative to ANZ, NAB, St George and Westpac. 

NPAT growth over the three year performance period being above the average NPAT growth of ANZ, NAB, and Westpac; and 

• 
• 
Independent external surveys are used to determine the Group’s level of achievement against the customer satisfaction performance
hurdle. A ranking is determined by the Board and a vesting scale applied.  

The FY08 award reached the end of its performance period on 1 July 2010 and the Board determined that 50% of the FY08 award
maximum pool would vest.  

Bank shares were provided to participants in relation to the vested awards. 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.  

A total of $6.6 million has been expensed in the current year (2010: $13.2 million) for GLSP. 

Equity Reward Plan 

The Equity Reward Plan (ERP) was the Group’s long term incentive plan for executives until it was closed to new offers in July 2006.
Under the ERP executives could receive awards of shares or options. 

The final ERP award reached the end of its performance period during the 2010 financial year. Vested awards may remain in the ERP
for up to 10 years from the date they are granted, and are subject to holding locks during that period. 

The following table provides details of outstanding awards of shares under the ERP. 

Allocation period 

July 2001 - June 2002

July 2002 - June 2003

July 2003 - June 2004

July 2004 - June 2005

July 2005 - June 2006

July 2006 - June 2007

Total 2011

Total 2010

Outstanding

Outstanding

1 July

5,500

1,650

16,750

15,700

145,858

142,210

327,668

935,290

Granted

Released

Forfeited

30 June

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(2,200)

(113,078)

(2,800)

(118,078)

(607,622)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

5,500

1,650

16,750

13,500

32,780

139,410

209,590

327,668

No amount has been expensed in the current year (2010: $6.8 million) for ERP. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

173 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 29 Share Based Payments (continued) 

Details of movements in ERP options are as follows: 

Year of grant

exercise date

price $

1 July

Granted Exercised Lapsed

exercisable 30 June

Latest

Exercise

Outstanding

Outstanding and

13 Sep 2010

3 Sep 2011

26.97

30.12

2000

2001

Total 2011

Weighted average exercise price ($)

Total 2010

Weighted average exercise price ($)

65,000

224,100

289,100

29.41

381,600

29.42

-

-

-

-

-

-

(65,000)

(138,000)

(203,000)

29.11

(92,500)

29.44

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

86,100

86,100

30.12

289,100

29.41

The weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding options at 30 June 2011 was 64 days (2010: 349 days). 

Non-Executive Directors Share Plan  

The Non-Executive Directors Share Plan (NEDSP) facilitates the Non-Executive Directors’: 

acquisition of shares using 20% of their post-tax fees, and  

further voluntary fee sacrifice of between $2,000 and $5,000 p.a. on a pre-tax basis. 

• 
• 
Shares acquired using after tax fees are restricted for sale for ten years or until such time as the Non-Executive Director retires from the 
Board  if  earlier.  Shares  acquired  voluntarily  are  restricted  from  sale  for  a  minimum  of  two  years  and  a  maximum  of  seven  years,  or 
earlier if the Non-Executive Director retires from the Board.  

Shares are  purchased  on-market  at  the  prevailing  market price  at that  time, and rank equally  for dividends  with  other  Bank  ordinary 
shares. 

For the current year, $0.3 million (2010: $0.3 million) was expensed reflecting shares purchased and allocated under the NEDSP. 

Period 

2011

2010

Total fees applied

Number of shares

Average purchase price

$

289,606

290,326

Participants

 purchased

9

10

5,404

5,982

$

53.59

48.53

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  Group  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  were  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. 

The participant could exercise their entitlement in whole or part to receive 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. The remaining vested options under the EOP were exercised in 
August 2010. 

Details of movements in EOP options during the period were as follows: 

Year of grant

2000

Total 2011

Weighted average exercise price ($)

Total 2010

Weighted average exercise price ($)

Latest Exercise

Outstanding

Outstanding and

 exercise date

price $

1 July

Granted Exercised Lapsed

exercisable 30 June

13 Sep 2010

26.97

14,200

14,200

26.97

24,400

26.97

-

-

-

-

-

(14,200)

(14,200)

26.97

(10,200)

26.97

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

14,200

26.97

The weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding options at 30 June 2011 was nil (2010: 74 days). 

174 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 30 Non-Controlling Interests 

Share capital
Total non-controlling interests

2011

$M 

528

528

Group 

2010

$M 

523

523

The share capital above comprises predominantly New Zealand Perpetual Preference Shares (PPS) - $505 million. On 10 December 
2002, ASB Capital Limited, a New Zealand subsidiary, issued NZD 200 million ($182 million) of PPS. The PPS were issued into the 
New Zealand capital markets and are subject to New Zealand law. Such shares are non-redeemable and carry limited voting rights. 
Dividends are payable quarterly based on the New Zealand one year swap rate plus a margin of 1.3% and are non-cumulative. The 
payment of dividends are subject to a number of conditions including the satisfaction of solvency tests and the ability of the Board to 
cancel payments. 

On 22 December 2004, ASB Capital No.2 Ltd, a New Zealand subsidiary, issued NZD 350 million ($323 million) of PPS. The PPS were 
issued into the New Zealand capital markets and are subject to New Zealand law. Such shares are non-redeemable and carry limited 
voting rights. Dividends are payable quarterly on the New Zealand one year swap rate plus a margin of 1.0% and are non-cumulative. 
The payment of dividends are subject to a number of conditions including the satisfaction of solvency tests and the ability of the Board to 
cancel payments. 

ASB Capital Limited and ASB Capital No. 2 Limited have advanced proceeds from the above public issues to ASB Funding Limited, a
New Zealand subsidiary. ASB Funding Limited in turn invested the proceeds in perpetual preference shares issued by ASB (ASB PPS),
also a New Zealand subsidiary. In relation to ASB Capital No.2 Limited, if an APRA Event occurs, the loan to ASB Funding Limited will
be repaid and ASB Capital No. 2 Limited will become the holder of the corresponding ASB PPS. 

The PPS may be purchased by a Commonwealth Bank subsidiary exercising a buy-out right five years or more after issue, or on the 
occurrence of regulatory or tax events. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

175 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 31 Capital Adequacy  

Capital Management 

The Bank is an Authorised Deposit-taking Institution (ADI) and is 
subject  to  regulation  by  the  Australian  Prudential  Regulation 
Authority  (APRA)  under  the  authority  of  the  Banking  Act  1959. 
APRA  has  set  minimum  regulatory  capital  requirements  for 
banks that are consistent with the International Convergence of 
Capital  Measurement  and  Capital  Standards:  A  Revised 
Framework  (Basel  II)  issued  by  the  Basel  Committee  on 
is 
Banking  Supervision.  These  requirements  define  what 
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 45 to 51. 

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  prudential  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.  

The  Group  uses  Economic  Capital 
to  drive  delivery  of 
“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 
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 ALCO. 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  2010  and  2011 
financial  years  were  in  compliance  with  both  APRA  minimum 
capital  adequacy  requirements  and 
the  Board  Approved 
minimums.

176 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 32 Financial Reporting by Segments 

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.  

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”).  Management  use  “cash  basis”  to 
assess  performance  and 
the 
determination of the Bank’s dividends. 

it  provides 

the  basis 

for 

(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 
institutional  and  government  clients,  creating 
corporate, 
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 
operations 
in  London,  Malta,  New  York,  New  Zealand, 
Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and has regulatory approval for a 
banking licence in Shanghai. 

(iv) Wealth Management 

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. 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

(vii) Other 

The following parts of the business are included in Other: 

• 

• 

International  Financial  Services  Asia  incorporates  the 
Asian  retail  and  SME  banking  operations  (Indonesia, 
China,  Vietnam  and  India),  investments  in  Chinese  and 
Vietnamese  retail  banks,  the  joint  venture  Chinese  life 
insurance  business  and  the  life  insurance  operations  in 
Indonesia.  It  does  not  include  the  Business  and  Private 
Banking,  Institutional  Banking  and  Markets  and  Colonial 
First State Global Asset Management business in Asia. 
Corporate Centre includes the results of unallocated Group 
support  functions  such  as  Investor  Relations,  Group 
Strategy, Secretariat and Treasury; and 

•  Group  wide  eliminations/unallocated  includes  intra-group 
elimination entries arising on consolidation, centrally raised 
provisions and other unallocated revenue and expenses. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

177 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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i

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 32 Financial Reporting by Segments (continued) 

Geographical Information

Financial Performance & Position
Revenue
Australia

New Zealand
Other locations (1)
Total revenue

Non-Current Assets
Australia

New Zealand
Other locations (1)
Total non-current assets

Group 

Year Ended 30 June 

2011

$M 

40,733

3,832

1,650

46,215

12,706

852

123

% 

88. 1

8. 3

3. 6

100. 0

92. 9

6. 2

0. 9

13,681

100. 0

2010

$M 

35,906

4,208

1,671

41,785

12,654

1,009

315

13,978

2009

$M 

% 

85. 9

10. 1

4. 0

100. 0

90. 5

7. 2

2. 3

100. 0

32,498

4,904

2,031

39,433

11,909

1,005

343

13,257

% 

82. 4

12. 4

5. 2

100. 0

89. 8

7. 6

2. 6

100. 0

(1) Other locations include: United Kingdom, United States, Japan, Singapore, Malta, Hong Kong, Indonesia, China and Vietnam.  

The geographical segment represents the location in which the transaction was recognised. 

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 (ff). The insurance segment result is prepared on a business segment basis. 

Summarised income statement

Premium income and related revenue

Outward reinsurance premiums expense

Claims expense

Reinsurance recoveries
Investment revenue (excluding investments in 
subsidiaries):

Equity securities

Debt securities

Property

Other

(Increase)/decrease in contract liabilities
Operating income

Acquisition expenses

Maintenance expenses

Management expenses

Other expense
Net profit before income tax

Income tax expense attributable to operating profit

Net profit after income tax

Life Insurance

Life Investment

Contracts

Contracts

2011

$M

1,669

(221)

(1,086)

222

126

202

53

45

3

2010

$M

1,622

(256)

(1,118)

243

118

233

46

101

54

1,013

1,043

(246)

(295)

(19)

-

453

(158)

295

(215)

(269)

(9)

(28)

522

(151)

371

2011

2010

$M

263

-

(37)

-

494

383

133

69

(980)

325

(10)

(82)

(22)

-

211

(114)

97

$M

313

(3)

(214)

-

594

530

106

30

(939)

417

(9)

(88)

(22)

(32)

266

(118)

148

2011

$M

1,932

(221)

(1,123)

222

620

585

186

114

(977)

1,338

(256)

(377)

(41)

-

664

(272)

392

Group

2010

$M

1,935

(259)

(1,332)

243

712

763

152

131

(885)

1,460

(224)

(357)

(31)

(60)

788

(269)

519

180 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 33 Life Insurance Business (continued) 

Sources of life insurance net profit
The net profit after income tax is represented by:

Emergence of planned profit margins

Difference between actual and planned experience

Effects of changes to underlying assumptions
Reversal of previously recognised losses or loss recognition on 
groups of related products
Investment earnings on assets in excess of policyholder 
liabilities
Other movements
Net profit after income tax

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Life Insurance 

Life Investment 

Contracts 

Contracts 

2011

2010

2011

2010

2011

Group 

2010

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

227

(18)

2

(1)

84

1

295

209

26

13

(3)

103

23

371

73

21

-

-

3

-

97

697

2,128

84

60

-

-

5

(1)

148

961

2,950

300

3

2

(1)

87

1

392

293

86

13

(3)

108

22

519

2,630

3,597

2,585

4,147

Life insurance premiums received and receivable

Life insurance claims paid and payable

1,933

1,469

1,624

1,197

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. 

Reconciliation of movements in
policy liabilities
Contract policy liabilities
Gross policy liabilities opening balance
Movement in policy liabilities reflected in the Income 
Statement
Contract contributions recognised in policy liabilities

Contract withdrawals recognised in policy liabilities

Non-cash movements

FX translation adjustment

Life Insurance

Life Investment

Contracts

Contracts

2011

$M

2010

$M

2011

$M

2010

$M

2011

$M

Group

2010

$M

3,181

3,728

11,411

12,328

14,592

16,056

(23)

262

(242)

(18)

(23)

(86)

2

(281)

(181)

(1)

980

436

939

656

957

698

853

658

(2,231)

(2,536)

(2,473)

(2,817)

-

(81)

(1)

25

(18)

(104)

(182)

24

Gross policy liabilities closing balance

3,137

3,181

10,515

11,411

13,652

14,592

Liabilities ceded under reinsurance
Opening balance

Acquisition of controlled entities

Increase in reinsurance assets

Closing balance

Net policy liabilities
Expected to be realised within 12 months

Expected to be realised in more than 12 months

Total net insurance policy liabilities

(189)

(219)

3

22

-

30

(164)

(189)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(189)

(219)

3

22

-

30

(164)

(189)

511

2,462

2,973

408

2,584

2,992

1,768

8,747

10,515

1,696

9,715

11,411

2,279

11,209

13,488

2,104

12,299

14,403

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

181 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 34 Remuneration of Auditors 

During the financial year, the auditor of the Group and the Bank, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and its related practices earned the following 
remuneration excluding goods and service tax: 

a) Audit and audit related services
Audit services

PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm

Related practices of PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm

Total remuneration for audit services

Audit related services

PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm

Related practices of PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm

Total remuneration for audit related services

Total remuneration for audit and audit related services

b) Non-audit services
Taxation services

PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm

Related practices of PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm

Total remuneration for tax related services

Other Services

PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm

Related practices of PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm

Total remuneration for other services

Total remuneration for non-audit services (1)
Total remuneration for audit and non-audit services (2)

2011

$'000

14,444

3,405

17,849

4,346

247

4,593

22,442

1,420

1,631

3,051

3,602

6

3,608

6,659

29,101

Group

2010

$'000

13,807

3,847

17,654

4,019

248

4,267

21,921

1,535

807

2,342

1,645

21

1,666

4,008

25,929

2011

$'000

9,182

526

9,708

3,968

100

4,068

13,776

1,270

588

1,858

3,517

2

3,519

5,377

19,153

Bank

2010

$'000

8,160

605

8,765

3,439

59

3,498

12,263

1,520

276

1,796

1,524

7

1,531

3,327

15,590

(1) The comparative total remuneration for non-audit services has been restated to remove audit related services. 

(2)  An  additional  amount  of  $9,738,612  (2010:  $7,867,223)  was  paid  to  PricewaterhouseCoopers  by  way  of  fees  for  entities  not  consolidated  into  the  Financial 

Statements. Of this amount $8,025,284 (2010: $6,794,440) relates to audit and audit-related services. 

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. 

Audit related services principally includes assurance and attestation reviews of the Group’s foreign disclosures for overseas investors, 
services in relation to regulatory requirements, acquisition accounting advice as well as reviews of internal control systems and financial
or regulatory information. 

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. 

Note 35 Lease Commitments 

Lease Commitments - Property, Plant and Equipment

Due within one year

Due after one year but not later than five years

Due after five years

Total lease commitments - property, plant and equipment

Lease Arrangements 

2011

$M 

485

1,356

1,288

3,129

Group 

2010

$M 

478

1,295

1,003

2,776

2011

$M 

405

1,116

791

2,312

Bank 

2010

$M 

359

924

494

1,777

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.  Further
details on the Groups significant operating leases are included in Note 36. 

The total expected future sublease payments to be received is $38 million as at 30 June 2011. 

182 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

Credit risk related instruments
Guarantees (1)
Standby letters of credit (2)
Bill endorsements (3)
Documentary letters of credit (4)
Performance related contingents (5)
Commitments to provide credit (6)
Other commitments (7)
Total credit risk related instruments

Credit risk related instruments
Guarantees (1)
Standby letters of credit (2)
Bill endorsements (3)
Documentary letters of credit (4) 
Performance related contingents (5)
Commitments to provide credit (6)
Other commitments (7)
Total credit risk related instruments

Face Value 

Credit Equivalent 

Group 

2011

$M 

4,462

931

28

50

1,996

128,007

660

2010

$M 

3,658

817

57

71

1,240

109,420

478

2011

$M 

4,462

931

28

46

1,910

112,689

465

136,134

115,741

120,531

2010

$M 

3,364

809

57

70

1,208

89,920

266

95,694

Bank 

Face Value 

Credit Equivalent 

2011

$M 

3,719

766

28

26

1,893

111,682

80

118,194

2010

$M 

2,874

637

57

46

1,233

93,881

39

98,767

2011

$M 

3,719

766

28

26

1,859

105,391

80

111,869

2010

$M 

2,581

630

57

46

1,204

83,272

39

87,829

(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 2011 

183 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 36 Contingent Liabilities, Contingent Assets and Commitments (continued) 

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  table  on  page  183  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 
In  December  2010  ASIC  commenced 
has  been  made. 
proceedings  against  the  Bank  in  relation  to  Storm  Financial,  a 
Queensland-based  financial  planning  firm  that  collapsed,  and 
went  into  liquidation  in  March  2009.  Currently,  ASIC  is  not 
seeking that the Bank pay compensation to any person as part 
of  these  proceedings.  Class  action  proceedings  against  the 
Bank  in  relation  to  Storm  Financial  also  continued.  At  present 
the  size  of  the  class  action  remains  undefined  and  damages 
sought have not been quantified. The Group has established a 
resolution  scheme  for  clients  of  Storm  Financial  who  borrowed 
money from the Group. The resolution scheme has substantially 
completed  the  process  of  considering  individual  claims  on  a 
case  by  case  basis.  The  Group  believes  that  appropriate 
provisions  are  held  to  cover  the  outcomes  and  costs  of  the 
scheme. The Bank is also currently working through recovering 
losses  associated  with  Storm  Financial,  and  recognises  these 
recoveries once they meet the recognition criteria. 

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 Site  6 
and  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. 

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 programme. 

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 

The Group is committed for capital expenditure, under contract 
of $13 million as at 30 June 2011 (2010: $19 million). The Bank 
is  committed  for  $13  million  (2010:  $17  million).  These 
commitments  are  expected  to  be  extinguished  within  12 
months. 

Long Term Contracts 

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 2011 
was $4.2 million (2010: $6.5 million). 

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  covers  the  provision  of  enterprise 
processing  services  and  end  user  computing  services  until  30 
June 2012 and for card services until 1 May 2017. 

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 will accommodate over 6,000 of 
the Group’s employees by early 2012. 

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. The term of the agreements expire in 
December 2012.  

184 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 36 Contingent Liabilities, Contingent Assets and Commitments (continued) 

Collateral accepted 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 Sheet date, the carrying value of collateral accepted is as follows: 

Cash

Assets at fair value through Income Statement

Available-for-sale investments
Collateral held

Assets pledged 

2011

$M 

1,491

4,114

2,400

8,005

Group 

2010

$M 

2,411

2,913

540

5,864

2011

$M 

1,463

4,115

1,781

7,359

Bank 

2010

$M 

2,388

2,913

530

5,831

As part of standard terms of transactions with other banks, the Group has provided collateral to secure liabilities. At Balance Sheet date, 
the carrying value of assets pledged as collateral to secure liabilities is as follows: 

Cash
Assets at fair value through Income Statement (1)
Available-for-sale investments (1) (2)
Assets pledged

Of which can be repledged or resold by counterparty

2011

$M 

4,024

8,270

-

Group 

2010

$M 

2,433

7,891

235

12,294

10,559

4,063

5,182

2011

$M 

3,762

4,857

-

8,619

3,801

Bank 

2010

$M 

2,085

5,117

235

7,437

5,100

(1) These balances include assets sold under repurchase agreements. The liabilities related to these repurchase agreements are disclosed in Note 19. 

(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. 

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 Sheet date, the carrying amounts of such securities and their related liabilities are as follows: 

Group 

Bank 

Carrying Amount 

Related Liability 

Carrying Amount 

Related Liability 

2011

2010

2011

2010

2011

2010

2011

2010

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

Assets at fair value through Income 
Statement
Available-for-sale investments
Total

4,063

-

4,063

4,947

235

5,182

4,063

-

4,063

4,899

235

5,134

3,801

-

3,801

4,865

235

5,100

3,801

-

3,801

4,815

235

5,050

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: 

Funds under administration

Funds under management

2011

$M 

183,128

151,788

Group 

2010

$M 

172,784

144,298

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

185 

 
 
 
 
 
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. 
risk  management 
review  of 
framework is carried out by Group Audit and Assurance. 

Independent 

the 

The  Risk  Committee  of  the  Board  oversees  credit,  market 
(including  traded,  interest  rate  risk  in  the  banking  book  (IRRBB), 
lease  residual  values,  non-traded  equity  and  structural  foreign 
exchange risks), liquidity and funding, operational, regulatory and 
compliance,  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. 

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 

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

in  place  an 

Accountability for risk management is structured by a “Three Lines 
of Defence” model as follows: 

• 

• 

• 

Line  1 – Business Management  – Risk is  best managed  at 
the  place  it  occurs,  therefore  business  managers  are 
responsible  for  managing  the  risks  for  their  business.  This 
includes  implementing  approaches  to  proactively  manage 
levels,  and  using  risk 
their  risk  within  risk  appetite 
management  outcomes 
risk”)  and 
considerations  as  part  of  their  day-to-day  business  making 
processes; 

(“the  costs  of 

Line  2  –  Risk  Management  –  Group,  Business  Unit  and 
Divisional Risk Management units provide risk management 
expertise  and  oversight  for  Business  Management  risk-
taking  activities.  Risk  Management  develop  specialist 
policies  and  procedures  for  risk  management  and  ensure 
they  are  embedded  and  in  use  as  part  of  the  day-to-day 
management  of  the  business.  Risk  Management  also 
establishes  and  maintains  aligned  and  integrated  risk 
management frameworks and monitors compliance with the 
frameworks, policies and procedures; and 

independent  assurance 

Line  3  –  Group  Audit  and  Assurance  –  Group  Audit  and 
Assurance  provide 
to  key 
stakeholders  regarding  the  adequacy  and  effectiveness  of 
the  Group’s  system  of  internal  controls,  risk  management 
procedures and governance processes. It is responsible for 
reviewing  risk  management  frameworks  and  Business  Unit 
practices for risk management and internal controls. 

This framework requires each business to manage the outcome of 
its risk-taking activities and benefit from the resulting risk adjusted 
returns. 

186 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

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 
charge  over  income  or  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  people  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. 

 
 
 
Note 39 Credit Risk (continued) 

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  Credit  Portfolio 
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  $1  million  or  decisioned 
outside  of  the  scorecard  approach,  either  a  PD  calculator  or 
expert judgement is used.  

judgement 

is  used  where 

the 
Expert 
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. 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Default  is  usually  consistent  with  one  or  more  of  the  following 
criteria: 

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

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  without  recourse  by  the 
Bank  to  actions  such  as  realising  available  security.  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  Credit  Portfolio  Assurance  unit,  part  of  Group  Audit  and 
Assurance,  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  Credit  Portfolio 
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 

Expected loss is the product of: 

Loss given default (LGD). 

Probability of default (PD); 
Exposure at default (EAD); and 

• 
• 
• 
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). 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

187 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

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. 

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  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. 

Note 39 Credit Risk (continued) 

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.  

 (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 Capital Management section and Note 31, 
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  to  Note 
14). 

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 
instruments  are  governed  by 
International  Swaps  & 
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 
transaction  characteristics  and  credit-worthiness  of 
the 
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. 

188 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
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. 

Bank 

Other 

Agri-  & Other 

Home 

Constr- 

Asset  Comm & 

Sovereign 

culture  Financial 

Loans 

uction  Personal  Financing 

Indust. 

Other 

Total 

 $M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

Group 

2011 

Australia

Credit risk exposures relating to on balance sheet assets:

Cash and liquid assets

Receivables due from other

financial institutions

Assets at fair value through

Income Statement:

Trading
Insurance (1)
Other

Derivative assets

-

-

11,129

844

-

143

Available-for-sale investments

14,851

Loans, bills discounted
and other receivables (2)
Bank acceptances
Other assets (3)
Total on balance sheet 
Australia

2,212

4

83

-

-

-

-

-

33

-

5,278

3,071

43

6,193

5,203

670

8,802

-

23,055

6,779

-

-

-

1,069

-

-

-

-

-

-

109

-

43

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

3,430

2,559

-

3,669

17,046

9,986

306,250

2,877

17,409

8,328

103,273

213

5,171

-

945

528

46

-

7

-

18

6,918

371

13,443

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

6,193

5,203

15,229

13,383

-

26,943

38,676

455,613

10,734

20,127

29,266

8,425

66,072

308,264

3,603

17,416

8,346

137,266

13,443

592,101

Credit risk exposures relating to off balance sheet assets:

Guarantees

Loan commitments

Other commitments
Total Australia

90

3,259

41

29

967

20

166

3,489

116

14

54,015

259

32,656

9,441

69,843

362,552

550

2,897

909

7,959

-

17,907

-

-

-

-

3,478

30,139

2,018

-

-

-

4,327

112,673

3,363

35,323

8,346

172,901

13,443

712,464

Overseas
Credit risk exposures relating to on balance sheet assets:

Cash and liquid assets

Receivables due from other

financial institutions

Assets at fair value through

Income Statement:

Trading
Insurance (1)
Other

Derivative assets

-

-

1,961

-

299

222

Available-for-sale investments

4,793

-

-

-

-

5

-

-

7,048

5,190

1,201

1,615

496

2,502

692

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Loans, bills discounted
and other receivables (2)
Bank acceptances
Other assets (3)
Total on balance sheet 
overseas

4,603

4,920

6,988

29,591

-

23

-

-

-

247

-

1

11,901

4,925

25,979

29,592

Credit risk exposures relating to off balance sheet assets:

Guarantees

Loan commitments

Other commitments
Total overseas
Total gross credit risk

-

4,341

31

16,273

48,929

-

367

1

3

289

-

-

3,370

-

5,293

14,734

26,271

96,114

32,962

395,514

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

322

-

1

323

13

154

2

492

8,451

-

-

-

-

3

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,078

-

21

650

1,010

559

1,256

3,489

-

-

-

-

-

62

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

7,048

5,190

5,240

1,615

824

3,374

6,495

51,728

-

1,234

1,568

562

1,256

7,310

1,234

83,082

-

1,164

-

1,726

37,049

-

-

-

119

5,649

268

-

-

-

135

15,334

302

1,256

9,602

13,346

1,234

98,853

186,247

14,677

811,317

(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. 

(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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

189 

 
 
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 

Bank 

Other 

Agri-  & Other 

Home 

Constr- 

Asset  Comm & 

Sovereign 

culture  Financial 

Loans 

uction  Personal  Financing 

Indust. 

Other 

Total 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

Group 

At 30 June 2010 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

6,343

5,355

16,060

14,277

-

22,679

28,264

444,946

11,569

19,565

Australia
Credit risk exposures relating to on balance sheet assets:

Cash and liquid assets

Receivables due from other

financial institutions

Assets at fair value through

Income Statement:

Trading
Insurance (1)
Other

Derivative assets

-

-

8,618

1,478

-

163

Available-for-sale investments

12,588

-

-

-

-

-

35

-

6,343

5,355

4,931

9,148

-

19,269

3,661

-

-

-

1,393

-

-

-

-

-

-

101

-

24

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,511

2,157

-

3,188

12,015

1,571

Loans, bills discounted
and other receivables (2)
Bank acceptances
Other assets (3)
Total on balance sheet 
63,633
Australia
Credit risk exposures relating to off balance sheet assets:

24,428

3,090

5,158

8,322

9,221

5,442

263

39

5

5

292,140

3,438

15,979

8,621

108,818

-

4

529

40

-

14

-

13

7,682

378

13,630

293,537

4,132

15,993

8,634

136,749

13,630

569,058

Guarantees

Loan commitments

Other commitments
Total Australia

73

1,187

25

16

992

26

236

3,575

168

24

51,995

11

25,713

9,356

67,612

345,567

370

1,441

357

6,300

-

17,206

-

-

-

-

2,791

22,008

1,713

-

-

-

3,510

98,404

2,300

33,199

8,634

163,261

13,630

673,272

Overseas
Credit risk exposures relating to on balance sheet assets:

Cash and liquid assets

Receivables due from other

financial institutions

Assets at fair value through

Income Statement:

Trading
Insurance (1)
Other

Derivative assets

Available-for-sale investments

-

-

2,900

-

-

388

674

-

-

-

-

6

-

-

3,776

4,717

1,473

1,663

584

3,814

879

1,213

Loans, bills discounted
and other receivables (2)
Bank acceptances
Other assets (3)
Total on balance sheet 
23,345
overseas
Credit risk exposures relating to off balance sheet assets:

5,456

5,450

5,187

6,344

12

95

-

-

-

-

Guarantees

Loan commitments

Other commitments
Total overseas
Total gross credit risk

15

247

45

-

469

-

2

233

-

5,494

31,207

5,925

15,281

23,580

91,192

34,964

380,531

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

3

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,418

-

61

808

3,098

31,433

472

822

768

9,821

-

-

-

-

-

67

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

3,776

4,717

6,791

1,663

654

5,010

4,651

56,323

-

1,322

1,497

-

1

31,434

-

3,366

164

-

-

472

38

116

1

627

6,927

825

768

16,273

1,322

85,082

-

1,109

-

1,934

35,133

-

-

-

93

5,476

153

-

-

-

148

11,016

363

768

21,995

1,322

96,609

9,402

185,256

14,952

769,881

(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. 

(3) 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. 

190 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
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 are reported 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): 

5% to less than 10% of the Group's capital resources

10% to less than 15% of the Group's capital resources

2011

Number
-
-

Group

2010

Number
-
-

The  Group  has  a  good  quality  and  well  diversified  credit  portfolio,  with  60%  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 10% of loans and 
advances. 

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. The offsets obtained by applying master netting 
arrangements reduced the credit risk of the Group by approximately $10.2 billion as at 30 June 2011 (2010: $9.9 billion). 

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. On balance sheet netting reduced the credit risk of the Group by approximately $19 billion as 
at 30 June 2011 (2010: $16 billion). 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

191 

 
 
 
 
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 

Neither past 

Past due 

Impaired 

 due nor 

but not 

non- 

Individually 

 assessed 

impaired 

 impaired  performing  Restructured 

Gross 

provisions 

Cash and liquid assets
Receivables due from other 
financial institutions
Assets at fair value through Income 
Statement:
Trading

Insurance

Other

Derivative assets

Available-for-sale investments
Loans, bills discounted and other 
receivables:
Australia

Overseas

Bank acceptances

Credit related commitments

$M 

13,241

10,393

20,469

14,998

824

30,248

45,171

439,056

48,808

10,734

136,056

769,998

$M 

$M 

$M 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

69

-

12,060

2,267

-

-

4,459

464

-

78

14,327

5,070

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

38

189

-

-

227

$M 

13,241

10,393

20,469

14,998

824

30,317

45,171

455,613

51,728

10,734

136,134

789,622

Group 

2011

Net 

$M 

13,241

10,393

20,469

14,998

824

30,317

45,171

$M 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(2,031)

(94)

-

-

(2,125)

453,582

51,634

10,734

136,134

787,497

Neither past 

Past due 

Impaired 

due nor 

 but not 

non- 

Individually 

assessed 

impaired 

impaired  performing  Restructured 

Gross 

provisions 

Cash and liquid assets
Receivables due from other 
financial institutions
Assets at fair value through Income 
Statement:
Trading

Insurance

Other

Derivative assets

Available-for-sale investments
Loans, bills discounted and other 
receivables:
Australia

Overseas

Bank acceptances
Shares in and loans to controlled 
entities
Credit related commitments

$M 

10,979

10,123

17,765

-

300

30,663

75,699

371,573

8,410

10,734

47,357

118,143

701,746

$M 

$M 

$M 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

9,519

9

-

-

-

9,528

-

-

-

-

-

68

-

2,681

171

-

-

51

2,971

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

38

3

-

-

-

41

$M 

10,979

10,123

17,765

-

300

30,731

75,699

383,811

8,593

10,734

47,357

118,194

714,286

$M 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(1,050)

(31)

-

-

-

(1,081)

Bank 

2011

Net 

$M 

10,979

10,123

17,765

-

300

30,731

75,699

382,761

8,562

10,734

47,357

118,194

713,205

192 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 39 Credit Risk (continued) 

Distribution of Financial Instruments by Credit Quality 

Neither past 

Past due 

Impaired 

 due nor 

but not 

non- 

Individually 

assessed 

 impaired 

impaired  performing  Restructured 

Gross 

provisions 

$M 

$M 

$M 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

86

1

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

$M 

10,119

10,072

22,851

15,940

654

27,689

32,915

$M 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Group 

2010

Net 

$M 

10,119

10,072

22,851

15,940

654

27,689

32,915

11,861

2,513

-

-

4,543

321

-

18

14,374

4,969

78

169

-

-

247

444,946

56,323

11,569

115,741

748,819

(1,915)

(77)

-

-

(1,992)

443,031

56,246

11,569

115,741

746,827

Cash and liquid assets
Receivables due from other financial 
institutions
Assets at fair value through Income 
Statement:
Trading

Insurance

Other

Derivative assets

Available-for-sale investments
Loans, bills discounted and other 
receivables:
Australia

Overseas

Bank acceptances

Credit related commitments

$M 

10,119

10,072

22,851

15,940

654

27,603

32,914

428,464

53,320

11,569

115,723

729,229

Neither past 

Past due 

Impaired 

due nor 

but not 

non- 

Individually 

assessed 

impaired 

impaired  performing  Restructured 

Gross  provisions 

Cash and liquid assets
Receivables due from other financial 
institutions
Assets at fair value through Income 
Statement:
Trading

Insurance

Other

Derivative assets

Available-for-sale investments
Loans, bills discounted and other 
receivables:
Australia

Overseas

Bank acceptances
Shares in and loans to controlled 
entities
Credit related commitments

$M 

8,711

9,766

18,775

-

-

27,278

65,778

359,891

9,786

11,569

49,809

98,749

$M 

$M 

$M 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

9,346

5

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

85

1

2,455

39

-

-

18

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

78

38

-

-

-

$M 

8,711

9,766

18,775

-

-

27,363

65,779

371,770

9,868

11,569

49,809

98,767

$M 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(950)

(28)

-

-

-

Bank 

2010

Net 

$M 

8,711

9,766

18,775

-

-

27,363

65,779

370,820

9,840

11,569

49,809

98,767

 660,112 

 9,351 

 2,598 

 116 

 672,177 

(978)

671,199 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

193 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 39 Credit Risk (continued) 

Financial Assets Individually Assessed as Impaired 

Gross 

Individually 

2011

Net 

Gross 

Individually 

Group 

2010

Net 

Impaired 

Assessed 

Impaired 

Impaired 

Assessed 

Impaired 

Assets 

Provisions 

Assets 

Assets 

Provisions 

Assets 

$M 

$M 

734

10

85

3,811

4,640

177

1

-

479

657

(202)

(11)

(37)

(1,781)

(2,031)

(25)

-

-

(69)

(94)

$M 

532

(1)

48

2,030

2,609

152

1

-

410

563

$M 

$M 

671

15

81

3,959

4,726

165

4

-

321

490

(150)

(21)

(15)

(1,729)

(1,915)

(12)

-

-

(65)

(77)

$M 

521

(6)

66

2,230

2,811

153

4

-

256

413

5,297

(2,125)

3,172

5,216

(1,992)

3,224

Gross 

Individually 

2011

Net 

Gross 

Individually 

Bank 

2010

Net 

Impaired 

Assessed 

Impaired 

Impaired 

Assessed 

Impaired 

Assets 

Provisions 

Assets 

Assets 

Provisions 

Assets 

$M 

639

7

54

2,135

2,835

-

-

-

177

177

$M 

(157)

(9)

(34)

(850)

(1,050)

-

-

-

(31)

(31)

$M 

482

(2)

20

1,285

1,785

-

-

-

146

146

$M 

559

11

47

2,020

2,637

14

-

-

63

77

$M 

(107)

(18)

(6)

(819)

(950)

-

-

-

(28)

(28)

$M 

452

(7)

41

1,201

1,687

14

-

-

35

49

3,012

(1,081)

1,931

2,714

(978)

1,736

Australia

Home loans

Other personal

Asset financing

Other commercial and industrial

Financial assets individually assessed as 
impaired - Australia

Overseas

Home loans

Personal

Asset financing

Other commercial and industrial

Financial assets individually assessed as 
impaired - overseas
Total financial assets individually 
assessed as impaired

Australia

Home loans

Other personal

Asset financing

Other commercial and industrial

Financial assets individually assessed as 
impaired - Australia

Overseas

Home loans

Personal

Asset financing

Other commercial and industrial

Financial assets individually assessed as 
impaired - overseas
Total financial assets individually 
assessed as impaired

194 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 39 Credit Risk (continued) 
Distribution of Loans, Bills Discounted and Other Receivables by Impairment Status 

The  table  below  segregates  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.  

Distribution of loans by credit quality
Gross loans 
Australia

Neither past due nor impaired

Past due but not impaired

Impaired

Total Australia

Overseas

Neither past due nor impaired

Past due but not impaired

Impaired

Total overseas
Total gross loans 

2011

$M 

Group 

2010

$M 

2011

$M 

Bank 

2010

$M 

439,056

12,060

4,497

455,613

48,808

2,267

653

51,728

507,341

428,464

11,861

4,621

444,946

53,320

2,513

490

56,323

501,269

371,573

359,891

9,519

2,719

9,346

2,533

383,811

371,770

8,410

9

174

8,593

392,404

9,786

5

77

9,868

381,638

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

195 

 
 
 
 
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  

Credit grading
Australia
Investment

Pass

Weak
Total Australia

Overseas (1)
Investment

Pass

Weak
Total overseas
Total loans which were neither past due nor impaired

Credit grading
Australia
Investment

Pass

Weak
Total Australia

Overseas (1)
Investment

Pass

Weak
Total overseas
Total loans which were neither past due nor impaired 

Group 

2011

Other 

Home 

Asset 

Commercial 

Loans 

Personal  Financing  and Industrial 

Total 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

193,991

90,989

11,730

296,710

3,266

23,914

428

27,608

324,318

2,991

11,539

1,798

16,328

63

268

11

342

16,670

499

7,462

155

8,116

282

911

15

1,208

9,324

70,012

42,826

5,064

117,902

13,546

5,728

376

19,650

137,552

Other 

Home 

Asset 

Commercial 

Loans 

Personal  Financing  and Industrial 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

179,505

96,543

7,312

283,360

23,194

4,821

1,272

29,287

312,647

2,211

10,081

2,440

14,732

86

488

-

574

592

7,541

241

8,374

386

345

-

731

15,306

9,105

63,390

51,279

7,329

121,998

12,692

8,847

1,189

22,728

144,726

267,493

152,816

18,747

439,056

17,157

30,821

830

48,808

487,864

Group 

2010

Total 

$M 

245,698

165,444

17,322

428,464

36,358

14,501

2,461

53,320

481,784

(1) For New Zealand Housing Loans, PDs reflect Reserve Bank of New Zealand requirements resulting in higher PDs on average and lower grading. 

196 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
Note 39 Credit Risk (continued) 

Loans which were neither past due nor impaired 

Credit grading
Australia
Investment

Pass

Weak
Total Australia

Overseas
Investment

Pass

Weak
Total overseas
Total loans which were neither past due nor impaired

Credit grading
Australia
Investment

Pass

Weak
Total Australia

Overseas
Investment

Pass

Weak
Total overseas
Total loans which were neither past due nor impaired

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Home 

Asset 

Commercial 

Loans 

Personal  Financing  and Industrial 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

Other 

160,399

80,944

10,272

251,615

2,611

10,608

1,479

14,698

-

365

-

365

-

19

-

19

251,980

14,717

385

6,811

143

7,339

282

62

2

346

7,685

67,222

28,536

2,163

97,921

7,008

672

-

7,680

105,601

Other 

Home 

Asset 

Commercial 

Loans 

Personal  Financing  and Industrial 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

151,753

83,687

5,994

1,967

9,098

2,092

241,434

13,157

-

348

25

373

-

141

-

141

241,807

13,298

407

6,377

201

6,985

372

34

-

406

7,391

60,975

35,162

2,178

98,315

7,280

1,514

72

8,866

Bank 

2011

Total 

$M 

230,617

126,899

14,057

371,573

7,290

1,118

2

8,410

379,983

Bank 

2010

Total 

$M 

215,102

134,324

10,465

359,891

7,652

2,037

97

9,786

107,181

369,677

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

197 

 
 
 
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 the process of renegotiation and remain otherwise performing. 

It has not been practicable to determine the fair value of collateral held against these assets. 

Loans which were past due but not impaired (1)

Australia
Past due 1 - 29 days

Past due 30 - 59 days

Past due 60 - 89 days

Past due 90 - 179 days

Past due 180 days or more
Total Australia

Overseas
Past due 1 - 29 days

Past due 30 - 59 days

Past due 60 - 89 days

Past due 90 - 179 days

Past due 180 days or more
Total overseas
Total loans which were past due but not impaired 

Loans which were past due but not impaired (1)
Australia
Past due 1 - 29 days

Past due 30 - 59 days

Past due 60 - 89 days

Past due 90 - 179 days

Past due 180 days or more
Total Australia

Overseas
Past due 1 - 29 days

Past due 30 - 59 days

Past due 60 - 89 days

Past due 90 - 179 days

Past due 180 days or more
Total overseas
Total loans which were past due but not impaired 

Group 

2011

Other 

Asset 

Commercial 

Personal

 (2)

Financing  and Industrial 

Total 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

586

171

110

191

23

1,081

163

22

11

13

5

214

1,295

50

21

16

23

17

127

37

8

2

2

-

49

176

1,276

218

152

177

215

5,221

2,118

1,229

1,764

1,728

2,038

12,060

143

8

3

16

29

199

2,237

1,609

282

110

152

114

2,267

14,327

Group 

2010

Other 

Asset 

Commercial 

Personal

 (2)

Financing  and Industrial 

Total 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

708

188

111

189

33

1,229

187

26

10

13

10

246

1,475

94

36

18

12

12

172

24

7

2

3

1

37

209

1,404

232

172

206

169

5,660

2,090

1,073

1,559

1,479

2,183

11,861

169

17

29

20

15

250

2,433

1,740

297

164

168

144

2,513

14,374

Home 

Loans

$M 

3,309

1,708

951

1,373

1,473

8,814

1,266

244

94

121

80

1,805

10,619

Home 

Loans 

$M 

3,454

1,634

772

1,152

1,265

8,277

1,360

247

123

132

118

1,980

10,257

(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. 

198 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
Note 39 Credit Risk (continued) 

Loans which were past due but not impaired (1)
Australia
Past due 1 - 29 days

Past due 30 - 59 days

Past due 60 - 89 days

Past due 90 - 179 days

Past due 180 days or more
Total Australia

Overseas
Past due 1 - 29 days

Past due 30 - 59 days

Past due 60 - 89 days

Past due 90 - 179 days

Past due 180 days or more
Total overseas
Total loans which were past due but not impaired 

Loans which were past due but not impaired (1)
Australia
Past due 1 - 29 days

Past due 30 - 59 days

Past due 60 - 89 days

Past due 90 - 179 days

Past due 180 days or more
Total Australia

Overseas
Past due 1 - 29 days

Past due 30 - 59 days

Past due 60 - 89 days

Past due 90 - 179 days

Past due 180 days or more
Total overseas
Total loans which were past due but not impaired 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Bank 

2011

Other 

Home 

Asset 

Commercial 

Loans  Personal

 (2)

Financing  and Industrial 

Total 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

2,668

1,449

796

1,195

1,324

7,432

7

1

-

1

-

9

510

149

99

172

23

953

-

-

-

-

-

-

36

16

13

19

16

100

-

-

-

-

-

-

621

132

84

93

104

1,034

-

-

-

-

-

-

3,835

1,746

992

1,479

1,467

9,519

7

1

-

1

-

9

7,441

953

100

1,034

9,528

Bank 

2010

Other 

Home 

Asset 

Commercial 

Loans  Personal

 (2)

Financing  and Industrial 

Total 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

2,945

1,433

648

978

1,141

7,145

4

1

-

-

-

5

623

166

99

172

33

1,093

-

-

-

-

-

-

51

20

12

3

10

96

-

-

-

-

-

-

597

154

70

118

73

1,012

-

-

-

-

-

-

4,216

1,773

829

1,271

1,257

9,346

4

1

-

-

-

5

7,150

1,093

96

1,012

9,351

(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) 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 2011 

199 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

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 

• 
• 
• 
Non-performing  facilities  are  facilities  against  which  an  individually  assessed  provision  for  impairment  has  been  raised  and  facilities 
where loss of principal or interest is anticipated. 

Assets Acquired Through Security Enforcement. 

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. 

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. 

2011

$M 

2010

$M 

2009

$M 

Group 

2008

2007

$M 

$M 

4,602

(2,031)

2,571

4,648

(1,915)

2,733

3,514

(1,560)

1,954

620

(248)

372

398

(86)

312

38

-

38

-

-

-

78

-

78

-

-

-

119

-

119

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,609

2,811

2,073

372

312

468

(94)

374

189

-

189

-

-

-

563

3,172

321

(77)

244

169

-

169

-

-

-

413

3,224

407

(169)

238

170

-

170

-

-

-

408

2,481

63

(31)

32

23

(14)

9

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

32

404

9

321

Australia
Non-Performing assets:

Gross balances

Less provisions for impairment

Net non-performing assets

Restructured assets:

Gross balances

Less provisions for impairment

Net restructured assets

Assets Acquired Through Security Enforcement:

Gross balances

Less provisions for impairment

Net assets acquired through security enforcement
Net Australia impaired assets

Overseas
Non-Performing assets:

Gross balances

Less provisions for impairment

Net non-performing assets

Restructured assets:

Gross balances

Less provisions for impairment

Net restructured assets

Assets Acquired Through Security Enforcement:

Gross balances

Less provisions for impairment

Net assets acquired through security enforcement
Net overseas impaired assets
Total net impaired assets

200 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 39 Credit Risk (continued) 

Australia 

Overseas 

Total 

Australia 

Overseas 

2011

2011

2011

2010

2010

Impaired assets by size
Less than $1 million

$1 million to $10 million

Greater than $10 million
Total

$M 

747

1,415

2,478

4,640

Movement in gross impaired assets
Gross impaired assets - opening balance

Acquisitions

New and increased

Balances written off

Returned to performing or repaid
Gross impaired assets - closing balance

$M 

41

129

487

657

2011

$M 

5,216

-

4,619

(1,798)

(2,740)

5,297

$M 

788

1,544

2,965

5,297

2010

$M 

4,210

-

5,455

(1,904)

(2,545)

5,216

$M 

692

1,425

2,609

4,726

$M 

40

148

302

490

2009

2008

$M 

683

770

4,374

(1,056)

(561)

4,210

$M 

421

-

1,104

(470)

(372)

683

Group 

Total 

2010

$M 

732

1,573

2,911

5,216

Group 

2007

$M 

326

-

928

(482)

(351)

421

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

201 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 39 Credit Risk (continued) 

Impaired Loans by Industry and Status 

Gross 

Individually 

Net 

Impaired 

Assessed 

Impaired 

Group 

2011

Net 

Loans 

Loans 

Provisions 

Loans  Write-offs  Recoveries  Write-offs 

$M 

$M 

$M 

2,212

5,278

9,986

306,250

2,877

17,409

8,328

103,273

455,613

4,603

4,920

6,988

29,591

322

559

1,256

3,489

51,728

507,341

-

191

387

734

233

10

85

2,857

4,497

-

123

59

177

-

1

-

293

653

5,150

-

(87)

(254)

(202)

(133)

(11)

(37)

(1,307)

(2,031)

-

(11)

(1)

(25)

-

-

-

(57)

(94)

(2,125)

$M 

-

104

133

532

100

(1)

48

1,550

2,466

-

112

58

152

-

1

-

236

559

3,025

Gross 

Individually 

Net 

Impaired 

Assessed 

Impaired 

$M 

$M 

$M 

-

10

107

84

89

567

26

989

1,872

-

17

1

26

1

22

-

36

103

1,975

-

-

(3)

(43)

-

(134)

(2)

(17)

(199)

-

-

-

-

-

(7)

-

-

(7)

(206)

-

10

104

41

89

433

24

972

1,673

-

17

1

26

1

15

-

36

96

1,769

Group 

2010

Net 

Loans 

Loans 

Provisions 

Loans  Write-offs  Recoveries  Write-offs 

$M 

$M 

$M 

1,571

5,158

9,221

292,140

3,438

15,979

8,621

108,818

444,946

1,213

5,450

6,344

31,433

472

822

768

9,821

56,323

501,269

-

222

414

671

271

15

81

2,947

4,621

-

193

4

165

-

4

-

124

490

5,111

-

(75)

(254)

(150)

(132)

(21)

(15)

(1,268)

(1,915)

-

(15)

(1)

(12)

-

-

-

(49)

(77)

(1,992)

$M 

-

147

160

521

139

(6)

66

1,679

2,706

-

178

3

153

-

4

-

75

413

3,119

$M 

$M 

$M 

-

10

383

95

72

651

72

604

1,887

-

7

50

25

-

18

-

86

186

2,073

-

-

-

(3)

-

(59)

(3)

(5)

(70)

-

-

-

-

-

(6)

-

(1)

(7)

(77)

-

10

383

92

72

592

69

599

1,817

-

7

50

25

-

12

-

85

179

1,996

Industry 
Australia
Sovereign

Agriculture

Bank and other financial

Home loans

Construction

Personal

Asset Financing

Other commercial and industrial
Total Australia

Overseas
Sovereign

Agriculture

Bank and other financial

Home loans

Construction

Personal

Asset Financing

Other commercial and industrial
Total overseas 
Gross balances 

Industry 
Australia
Sovereign

Agriculture

Bank and other financial

Home Loans

Construction

Personal

Asset Financing

Other commercial and industrial
Total Australia

Overseas
Sovereign

Agriculture

Bank and other financial

Home Loans

Construction

Personal

Asset Financing

Other commercial and industrial
Total overseas 
Gross balances 

202 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
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  principally  arise  from  the  Group’s  trading 
book  activities  within  the  Institutional  Banking  and  Markets 
business, ASB and Bankwest. 

The predominant Non-Traded Market Risk is Interest Rate Risk 
in the Banking Book  (IRRBB).  Other  Non-Traded Market  Risks 
are  liquidity  risk,  funding  risk,  structural  foreign  exchange  risk 
arising  from  capital  investments  in  offshore  operations,  Non-
Traded  Equity  Risk,  market  risk  arising  from  the  insurance 
business and lease residual value risk. 

Total Market Risk

VaR (1 day 97.5%

confidence)
Traded Market Risk 
Non-Traded Interest 
Rate Risk (1)
Non-Traded Equity 
Risk (1)
Non-Traded Insurance 
Market Risk (1)

Average

 (2)

June 

2011
$M 

As at  Average
June 

June 

 (2)

2011
$M 

12.0

10.2

2010
$M 

12.2

As at 

June 

2010

$M 

13.7

28.3

32.6

22.0

40.8

23.0

15.0

34.8

31.5

10.3

9.6

7.1

8.5

(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’s assessment of regulatory capital required under the 
new  Basel  II  framework  is  discussed  in  Note  31.  Liquidity  and 
funding risks are discussed in Note 41. 

The Group trades and distributes financial markets products and 
provides  risk  management  services  to  customers  on  a  global 
basis. 

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 GFC. 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. 

It should be noted that because VaR is driven by actual historical 
observations, it is not an estimate of the maximum loss that the 
Group  could  experience  from  an  extreme  market  event.  As  a 
result of this limitation, management also uses stress testing to 
measure  the  potential  for  economic  loss  at  significantly  higher 
confidence  levels  than  97.5%.  Management  then  uses  the 
results  in  decisions  made  to  manage  the  economic  impact  of 
market risk positions.  

The  following  table  provides  a  summary  of  VaR,  across  the 
Group, for those market risk types where it is appropriate to use 
this measure. 

The objectives of the Group’s financial markets activities are to: 

• 

• 

• 

Provide  risk  management  capital  market  products  and 
services to 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. 

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. 

interest 

The  Group  is  a  participant  in  all  major  markets  across  foreign 
exchange  and 
rate  products,  debt,  equity  and 
commodities  products  as  required  to  provide  treasury,  capital 
markets  and 
institutional, 
risk  management  services 
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.  

The Group measures and manages Traded Market Risk through 
a combination of VaR and stress test limits, together with other 
key  controls  including  permitted  instruments,  sensitivity  limits 
and  term  restrictions.  Thus  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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

203 

 
 
 
 
 
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. 

Traded Market Risk

Average

 (1)

June 

As at  Average
June 

June  June 

 (1) As at 

VaR (1 day 97.5%

2011

2011

2010

2010

confidence)
Interest rate risk

Exchange rate risk 

Implied volatility risk

Equities risk 

Commodities risk 

Credit spread risk

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

5.5

1.9

2.0

1.3

1.2

3.3

2.8

1.7

1.0

1.9

1.3

2.8

4.3

1.6

1.5

1.6

0.8

4.3

5.6

3.1

1.9

1.5

0.7

3.6

Diversification benefit 

(8.1)

(6.9)

(7.3)

(8.3)

Total general market risk 

Undiversified risk 

ASB Bank 

Bankwest 
Total 

7.1

3.3

1.5

0.1

4.6

4.3

1.2

0.1

6.8

3.6

1.6

0.2

8.1

3.6

1.9

0.1

12.0

10.2

12.2

13.7

(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.  The 
Group market risk framework governs all the activities performed 
in  relation  to  Non-Traded  Market  Risk.  Implementation  of  the 
policy, procedures and limits for the Group is the responsibility of 
the  Group  Executive  undertaking  activities  with  Non-Traded 
risk 
Market  Risk.  The  Group’s  Risk  division  performs 
measurement  and  monitoring  activities  of  Non-Traded  Market 
Risk.  Ownership  and  management  responsibility  for  CBA 
domestic  operations  are  assumed  by  Group  Treasury. 
Management  actions  conventionally  include  hedging  activities 
using  a  range  of  policy  approved  derivative  instruments. 
Independent  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  ALCO.  Senior 
management oversight is provided by the Group’s ALCO. 

Interest Rate Risk in the Banking Book 

Interest  rate  risk  is  the  current  and  prospective  impact  to  the 
Group’s  financial  condition  due  to  adverse  changes  in  interest 
rates to  which the  Group’s Balance Sheet is  exposed. Maturity 
transformation  activities  of  the  Group  result  in  mismatched 
assets  and  liabilities  positions  which  direct  that  the  propensity, 
timing and quantum of interest rate movements have undesired 
outcomes over both the short term and long term. The Group’s 
objective  is  to  manage  interest  rate  risk  to  achieve  stable  and 
sustainable net interest income in the long term. 

The  Group  measures  and  manages  the  impact  of  interest  rate 
risk in two ways: 

(a) Next 12 months’ earnings 

Interest  rate  risk  from  an  earnings  perspective  is  the  impact 
based  on  changes  to  the  net  interest  income  over  the  next  12 
months. 

The  risk  to  net  interest  income  over  the  next  12  months  from 
changes  in  interest  rates  is  measured  on  a  monthly  basis. 
Earnings  risk  is  measured  through  sensitivity  analysis,  which 
applies  an 
instantaneous  100  basis  point  parallel  shock 
(increase) in interest rates across the yield curve.  

204 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

The prospective change to the net interest income is measured 
by using an Asset/Liability Management simulation model which 
incorporates  both  existing  and  anticipated  new  business  in  its 
assessment.  The  change  in  the  balance  sheet  product  mix, 
growth,  funding  and  pricing  strategies  is  incorporated.  Assets 
and  liabilities  that  reprice  directly  from  observable  market  rates 
are measured based on the full extent of the rate shock that is 
applied. 

Products  that  are  priced  based  on  Group  administered  or 
discretionary  interest  rates  and  that  are  impacted  by  customer 
behaviour are measured by taking into consideration the historic 
repricing  strategy  of  the  Bank  and  repricing  behaviours  of 
customers.  In  addition  to  considering  how  the  products  have 
repriced in the past the expected change in price based on both 
the  current  and  anticipated  competitive  market  forces  are  also 
considered in the sensitivity analyses. 

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 
(decrease). 

Net Interest

Earnings at Risk
Average monthly exposure

High monthly exposure

Low monthly exposure

As at balance date

June 

2011

$M 

162.9

9.3

241.2

26.1

74.3

1.1

175.6

26.1

June 

2010

$M 

186.6

5.6

299.9

12.6

72.1

1.5

162.9

12.6

AUD

NZD

AUD

NZD

AUD

NZD

AUD

NZD

(b) Economic Value  

Interest rate risk from the economic value perspective is based 
on a 20 day 97.5% VaR measure. 

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  VaR  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. 

Non-Traded Interest Rate VaR

(20 day 97.5% confidence)
AUD Interest rate risk
NZD Interest rate risk (3)

 (2)

Average

 (1)

Average

 (1)

June 

2011

$M 

126.7

1.7

June 

2010

$M 

74.4

2.5

(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. 

 
 
 
 
Note 40 Market Risk (continued) 

Non-Traded Equity Risk 

The  Group  retains  Non-Traded  Equity  Risk  through  strategic 
investments  and  business  development  activities  in  divisions 
including IB&M, 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  (MRM)  function.  An  indicative  VaR 
measure is as follows: 

Non-Traded Equity VaR 

(20 day 97.5% confidence)

VaR 

As at 

June 

2011

$M 

67.0

As at 

June 

2010

$M 

140.0

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: (i) market risk 
arising  from  guarantees  made  to  policyholders;  and  (ii)  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.  

Guarantees (to Policyholders) 

life 

insurance  or 

All  financial  assets  within  the  Life  Insurance  Statutory  Funds 
directly  support  either 
life 
the  Group's 
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.  Shareholders’  funds  in  the  Australian  Life 
Insurance businesses are invested 81% in income assets (cash 
and  fixed  interest)  and  19%  in  growth  assets  (shares  and 
property) as at 30 June 2011. 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

A  20  day  97.5%  VaR  measure  is  used  to  capture  the  Non-
Traded Market Risk exposures. 

Non-Traded VaR in Australian

Life Insurance Business

(20 day 97.5% confidence)
Shareholder funds (2)
Guarantees (to Policyholders) (3)

Average

 (1)

Average

 (1)

June 

2011

$M 

27.3

43.7

June 

2010

$M 

25.3

23.6

(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. 

Structural Foreign Exchange Risk 

Structural Foreign Exchange Risk is the risk that movements in 
foreign  exchange  rates  may  have  an  adverse  effect  on  the 
Group’s Australian dollar earnings and economic value when the 
Group’s foreign currency denominated earnings and capital are 
translated  into  Australian  dollars.  The  Group’s  only  material 
exposure  to  this  risk  arises  from  its  New  Zealand  banking  and 
insurance subsidiaries. This risk is managed in accordance with 
the following Risk Committee of the Board approved principles: 

• 

• 

Permanently deployed capital in a foreign jurisdiction is not 
hedged; and 

Forecast earnings from the Group’s New Zealand banking 
and insurance subsidiaries are hedged. 

The management of structural foreign exchange risk is regularly 
reported to the Group’s ALCO. 

Lease Residual Value Risk 

The Group takes Lease Residual Value Risk on assets such as 
industrial,  mining,  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.  Supporting  this  framework  is  an 
internal  Market  Risk  Standard  document  which  has  a  risk  limit 
framework  which  includes  asset,  geographic  and  maturity 
concentration limits and stress testing which is performed by the 
MRM function. 

Officer Superannuation Fund 

is 

(OSF) 

The  Officers  Superannuation  Fund 
the  staff 
superannuation fund for the Group’s Australian employees and 
former  employees.  Wealth  Risk  Management  and  Human 
Resources manage the risks of the OSF on behalf of the Group. 
Regular  reporting  is  provided  to  senior  management  via  the 
CBA  Asset  and  Liability  Committee  and  the  Board  Risk 
Committee on the status of the surplus, risk sensitivities and risk 
management options. For further information on the OSF, refer 
to Note 42. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

205 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Liquidity and Funding Policies and Management 

The Group’s liquidity and funding policies provide that: 

• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

• 

long 

funding 

term  wholesale 

Balance sheet assets that cannot be liquidated quickly are 
funded  with  deposits  or  term  borrowings  that  meet 
minimum  maturity  requirements  with  appropriate  liquidity 
buffers; 
Short  and 
limits  are 
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; 

levels  of 

The  Group  maintains  certain 
liquid  asset 
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 RBA at any time. The second category is AAA and A-
1+ rated Australian residential mortgage backed securities 
that meet certain minimum requirements; and 

•  Offshore  branches  and  subsidiaries  adhere  to  liquidity 
policies and hold appropriate foreign currency liquid assets 
as required. All securities are eligible for repurchase by the 
relevant local central bank at any time. 

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  programmes  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 

Note 41 Liquidity and Funding Risk 

Overview  

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, or has 
sufficient quality assets to borrow against on a secured basis, or 
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 
are  designed  to  complement  the  Group’s  liquidity  policies  by 
providing for 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  across  its  Retail 
Banking  Services,  Business  and  Private  Banking,  Institutional 
Banking  and  Markets,  Wealth  Management,  Bankwest,  and 
Asian  businesses,  during  periods  of  unfavourable  market 
conditions. 

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 and retail funding activities. 

The Risk Management Framework for Liquidity and 
Funding 

The  Group’s  liquidity  and  funding  policies  are  approved  by  the 
Board  and  agreed  with  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  manages  the  Group’s  liquidity  and  funding 
positions  in  accordance  with  the  Group’s  liquidity  policy, 
including  monitoring  and  satisfying  the  liquidity  needs  of  the 
Group and its subsidiaries. 

Larger  domestic  subsidiaries,  such  as  Bankwest  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, 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  RBNZ.  The  Group  also 
has  a  relatively  small  banking  subsidiary  in  Indonesia  that 
manages its own 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. 

206 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 41 Liquidity and Funding Risk (continued) 
The Group’s key funding tools include: 

• 

• 

• 

Its consumer  retail funding  base includes  a  wide  range  of 
retail  transaction  accounts,  investment  accounts,  term 
deposits  and  retirement  style  accounts  for  individual 
consumers; 

Its customer small business and institutional deposit base; 
and 

international  and  domestic 

funding 
Its  wholesale 
programmes which include it’s Australian dollar Negotiable 
Certificates  of  Deposit;  Australian  dollar  bank  bills;  Asian 
Transferable  Certificates 
programme; 
Australian, U.S. and Euro Commercial Paper programmes; 
Bankwest  Euro  Commercial  Paper  programme;  U.S. 
Extendible  Notes  programmes;  Australian  dollar  Domestic 
Debt  Programme;  U.S.  Medium  Term  Note  Programme; 
Euro  Medium  Term  Note  Programme;  and  its  Medallion 
and Swan securitisation programmes. 

of  Deposit 

At  30  June  2011  virtually  all  of  the  Group’s  Australian  dollar 
liquid assets qualified for repurchase by the RBA at any time. 

Recent Market Environment 

The  incremental  cost  of  wholesale  funding  has  been  generally 
stable over the last financial year but remains high. The Group 
has managed its debt portfolio to avoid concentrations such as 
dependence on single sources of funding, by type or by investor, 
and  has  continued  to  maintain  a  diversified  funding  base  and 
the  domestic  and  global 
in 
significant 
unsecured and secured debt markets. 

funding  capacity 

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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

207 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

Maturity Period as at 30 June 2011 

Group 

0 to 3 

3 to 12 

At Call  months  months 

$M 

$M 

$M 

1 to 5 

years 

$M 

Over 5 

Not 

years  Specified 

Total 

$M 

$M 

$M 

Monetary liabilities
Deposits and other public borrowings (1)
Payables due to other financial institutions

Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement
Derivative liabilities (2) (3)
Bank acceptances

Insurance policy liabilities

Debt issues and loan capital

Managed funds units on issue

Other monetary liabilities
Total monetary liabilities

Guarantees (4)
Loan commitments (4)
Other commitments (4)
Total off balance sheet items
Total monetary liabilities and off balance sheet 
items

2,650

-

-

-

-

-

-

190,378

128,159

70,577

16,821

13,038

5,498

34,984

10,632

-

241

1,032

5,014

102

-

1

3,044

11,030

-

-

525

-

1,023

1,549

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

13,652

406,460

15,930

10,597

52,577

10,734

13,652

28,841

27,688

63,446

35,695

-

155,670

-

-

95

4,617

1,997

-

371

-

-

1,048

284

1,048

7,364

193,123

225,769

106,651

94,713

38,792

14,984

674,032

-

-

-

-

4,462

128,007

3,665

136,134

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

4,462

128,007

3,665

136,134

193,123

361,903

106,651

94,713

38,792

14,984

810,166

(1) Includes 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.

Maturity Period as at 30 June 2010 

Group 

0 to 3 

3 to 12 

At Call  months  months 

$M 

$M 

$M 

1 to 5 

years 

$M 

Over 5 

Not 

years  Specified 

Total 

$M 

$M 

$M 

Monetary liabilities
Deposits and other public borrowings (1)
Payables due to other financial institutions

Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement
Derivative liabilities (2) (3)
Bank acceptances

Insurance policy liabilities

Debt issues and loan capital

Managed funds units on issue

Other monetary liabilities
Total monetary liabilities

Guarantees (4)
Loan commitments (4)
Other commitments (4)
Total off balance sheet items
Total monetary liabilities and off balance sheet 
items

180,302

123,073

58,414

17,420

3,618

-

-

-

-

-

-

7,571

6,528

25,906

11,360

-

1,376

4,671

536

209

-

68

3,212

2,426

-

-

29,071

25,561

75,895

36,089

-

345

-

-

384

-

1,644

3,733

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

14,592

-

880

405

379,593

12,633

16,055

32,601

11,569

14,592

166,616

880

7,074

-

157

3,938

184,077

207,447

-

-

-

-

3,658

109,420

2,663

115,741

-

2,229

92,996

-

-

-

-

99,366

41,850

15,877

641,613

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

3,658

109,420

2,663

115,741

184,077

323,188

92,996

99,366

41,850

15,877

757,354

(1) Includes 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 2011 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 41 Liquidity and Funding Risk (continued) 
Amounts shown in the tables below are based on contractual undiscounted cash flows for the remaining contractual maturities. 

Maturity Period as at 30 June 2011 

Bank 

0 to 3 

3 to 12 

At Call  months  months 

$M 

$M 

$M 

1 to 5 

years 

$M 

Over 5 

Not 

years  Specified 

Total 

$M 

$M 

$M 

Monetary liabilities
Deposits and other public borrowings (1)
Payables due to other financial institutions

Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement
Derivative liabilities (2) (3)
Bank acceptances

Debt issues and loan capital

Due to controlled entities

Other monetary liabilities
Total monetary liabilities

Guarantees (4)
Loan commitments (4)
Other commitments (4)
Total off balance sheet items
Total monetary liabilities and off balance sheet 
items

161,863

103,335

56,774

15,042

2,453

13,021

-

-

-

-

2,938

62

280

32,822

10,632

21,890

2,834

3,531

241

353

2,174

102

21,517

2,034

3,401

1

2,922

10,331

-

51,364

6,156

71

543

-

1,416

1,388

-

32,350

38,392

-

167,316

188,345

86,596

85,887

74,089

-

-

-

-

3,719

111,682

2,793

118,194

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

167,316

306,539

86,596

85,887

74,089

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2

2

-

-

-

-

2

337,557

15,716

4,971

46,715

10,734

127,121

52,354

7,067

602,235

3,719

111,682

2,793

118,194

720,429

(1) Includes 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 Bank. 

 (2)  Gross  payable  amounts  on  cross  currency  swaps  have  been  reported  in  derivative  liabilities.  The  Bank  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 Bank 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. 

Maturity Period as at 30 June 2010 

Bank 

Monetary liabilities
Deposits and other public borrowings (1)
Payables due to other financial institutions

Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement
Derivative liabilities (2) (3)
Bank acceptances

Debt issues and loan capital

Due to controlled entities

Other monetary liabilities
Total monetary liabilities

Guarantees (4)
Loan commitments (4)
Other commitments (4)
Total off balance sheet items
Total monetary liabilities and off balance sheet 
items

1 to 5 

years 

$M 

16,074

68

2,808

544

-

0 to 3 

3 to 12 

At Call  months  months 

$M 

$M 

$M 

Over 5 

Not 

years  Specified 

Total 

$M 

$M 

$M 

45,622

1,376

732

297

209

153,635

3,448

-

-

-

-

3,558

-

96,454

7,555

163

23,689

11,360

20,655

4,979

2,497

22,736

61,535

1,624

3,923

5,205

2,180

376

-

1,797

3,733

-

34,947

37,045

-

160,641

167,352

76,519

88,414

77,898

-

-

-

-

2,874

93,881

2,012

98,767

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

227

227

-

-

-

-

312,161

12,447

5,500

28,263

11,569

139,873

52,411

8,827

571,051

2,874

93,881

2,012

98,767

160,641

266,119

76,519

88,414

77,898

227

669,818

(1) Includes 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 Bank.  

(2) Gross payable amounts on cross currency swaps have been reported in derivative liabilities. The Bank 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 Bank 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 2011 

209 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 42 Retirement Benefit Obligations 

Name of Plan 
Officers’ Superannuation Fund 
(OSF) 
Commonwealth Bank of Australia 
(UK) Staff Benefits Scheme (CBA 
(UK) SBS) 

Type 
Defined Benefits (1) and  
Accumulation  
Defined Benefits (1) and  
Accumulation 

Form of Benefit 
Indexed pension and  
lump sum 
Indexed pension and  
lump sum 

Date of Last Actuarial 
Assessment of the Fund 
30 June 2009 

30 June 2010 

(1) The defined benefit formulae are generally comprised of final superannuation salary, or final average superannuation salary, and service. 

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. The Bank will continue 
to monitor the need to make contributions to the OSF including the advice provided in the next actuarial assessment of the OSF as at 30 
June 2012. 

An actuarial assessment of the CBA(UK)SBS, as at 30 June 2010 confirmed a deficit of GBP 68 million ($102 million at the 30 June 
2011 exchange rate). Following from this assessment, the Bank agreed to contribute at the fund actuary’s recommended contribution
rates. These rates included amounts to finance future accruals of defined benefits estimated at $3 million per annum (at the 30 June 
2011 exchange rate) and additional contributions of GBP 15 million per annum ($22 million per annum at the 30 June 2011 exchange 
rate) payable over 5 years to finance the fund deficit. 

210 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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: 

Present value of funded obligations

Fair value of plan assets
Total pension assets as at 30 June
Amounts in the Balance Sheet:

Liabilities (Note 25)

Assets (Note 17)

Net assets/(liabilities)

The amounts recognised in the Income Statement are 
as follows:
Current service cost

Interest cost

Expected return on plan assets
Employer financed benefits within accumulation 
division
Total included in defined benefit 
superannuation plan expense
Actual return on plan assets

Changes in the present value of the defined benefit 
obligation are as follows:
Opening defined benefit obligation

Current service cost

Interest cost

Member contributions

Actuarial (losses)/gains

Benefits paid

Exchange differences on foreign plans
Closing defined benefits obligation

Changes in the fair value of plan assets are as follows:

Opening fair value of plan assets

Expected return

Experience gains

Total contributions

Exchange differences on foreign plans

Benefits and expenses paid
Employer financed benefits within accumulation 
division
Closing fair value of plan assets

2011

$M 

(3,493)

3,569

76

-

76

76

(53)

(158)

262

(190)

(139)

338

OSF 

2010

$M 

(3,332)

3,648

316

-

316

316

(43)

(160)

276

(168)

(95)

391

CBA(UK)SBS 

2011

2010

$M 

(356)

273

(83)

(83)

-

(83)

(2)

(13)

17

-

2

30

$M 

(377)

295

(82)

(82)

-

(82)

(3)

(20)

15

-

(8)

33

2011

$M 

(3,849)

3,842

(7)

(83)

76

(7)

(55)

(171)

279

(190)

(137)

368

Total 

2010

$M 

(3,709)

3,943

234

(82)

316

234

(46)

(180)

291

(168)

(103)

424

(3,332)

(3,118)

(377)

(394)

(3,709)

(3,512)

(46)

(158)

(10)

(177)

230

-

(36)

(160)

(10)

(199)

191

-

(2)

(13)

-

(31)

12

55

(3)

(20)

-

(25)

13

52

(48)

(171)

(10)

(208)

242

55

(39)

(180)

(10)

(224)

204

52

(3,493)

(3,332)

(356)

(377)

(3,849)

(3,709)

3,648

262

76

10

-

(237)

(190)

3,569

3,613

276

115

10

-

(198)

(168)

3,648

295

17

13

7

(47)

(12)

-

273

308

15

18

9

(42)

(13)

-

295

3,943

279

89

17

(47)

(249)

(190)

3,842

3,921

291

133

19

(42)

(211)

(168)

3,943

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

211 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 42 Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued) 

Present value of funded obligations

Fair value of plan assets
Total assets
Experience adjustments on plan liabilities

Experience adjustments on plan assets

(Losses)/gains from changes in actuarial assumptions
Total net actuarial (losses)/gains

Present value of funded obligations

Fair value of plan assets
Total liabilities
Experience adjustments on plan liabilities

Experience adjustments on plan assets

(Losses)/Gains from changes in actuarial assumptions
Total net actuarial (losses)/gains

Present value of funded obligations

Fair value of plan assets
Total (liabilities)/assets
Experience adjustments on plan liabilities

Experience adjustments on plan assets

(Losses)/gains from changes in actuarial assumptions
Total net actuarial (losses)/gains

2011

$M 

(3,493)

3,569

76

(6)

76

(171)

(101)

2010

$M 

(3,332)

3,648

316

77

115

(276)

(84)

OSF 

2009

$M 

(3,118)

3,613

495

(120)

(829)

(84)

(1,033)

2008

$M 

(2,892)

4,428

1,536

134

(520)

92

(294)

2007

$M 

(3,094)

4,907

1,813

31

282

259

572

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

CBA(UK)SBS 

$M 

(356)

273

(83)

(14)

13

(17)

(18)

2011

$M 

(3,849)

3,842

(7)

(20)

89

(188)

(119)

$M 

(377)

295

(82)

19

18

(44)

(7)

2010

$M 

(3,709)

3,943

234

96

133

(320)

(91)

$M 

(394)

308

(86)

2

(26)

-

(24)

Total 

2009

$M 

(3,512)

3,921

409

(118)

(855)

(84)

(1,057)

$M 

(386)

321

(65)

6

(21)

(32)

(47)

2008

$M 

(3,278)

4,749

1,471

140

(541)

60

(341)

$M 

(401)

372

(29)

(3)

(2)

25

20

2007

$M 

(3,495)

5,279

1,784

28

280

284

592

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 the date of adoption of IFRS to 30 June 2011 were $317 
million. 

Economic assumptions
The above calculations were based on the following assumptions:

Discount rate at 30 June (gross of tax)

Expected return on plan assets at 30 June
Expected rate salary increases at 30 June (per annum) (1)

2011

% 

5.20

7.70

4.40

OSF 

2010

% 

5.10

7.60

4.10

CBA(UK)SBS 

2011

2010

% 

% 

5.40

5.60

4.80

5.30

5.70

4.40

(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 2011, 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. 

212 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 42 Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued) 

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 of 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: 

Expected life expectancies for pensioners
Male pensioners currently aged 60

Male pensioners currently aged 65

Female pensioners currently aged 60

Female pensioners currently aged 65

2011

OSF 

2010

CBA(UK)SBS 

2011

2010

Years 

Years 

Years 

Years 

29.0

24.2

34.2

29.0

28.9

24.1

34.0

28.9

28.9

24.1

31.5

26.5

27.9

23.1

30.6

25.6

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 Bank’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 2011, the actual asset allocations for the assets backing the defined benefit portion of the OSF are as follows: 

Asset allocations

Australian equities

Overseas equities

Real estate

Fixed interest securities

Cash
Other (1)

Actual Allocation  

%  

25.1

12.0

13.0

30.7

7.0

12.2

(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 Group was $102 million as at 30 June 2011 (2010: $96 million). Amounts on deposit with 
the Bank were $30 million as at 30 June 2011 (2010: $23 million). Other financial instruments with the Group were $63 million as at 30 
June 2011 (2010: $73 million). 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

213 

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 43 Investments in Associated Entities and Joint Ventures 

2011

2010

2011

2010

Ownership  Ownership 

Principal 

Country of  Balance 

$M 

$M  Interest %  Interest % 

Activities  Incorporation 

Date 

Group 

Acadian Asset Management (Australia) Limited

Aegis Correctional Partnership Trust

AMTD Group Company Limited

Aspire Schools (Qld) Holdings Limited

Aussie Home Loans Pty Limited

Bank of Hangzhou Co. Ltd. 

BoCommLife Insurance Company Limited

Cardlink Services Limited
CFS Retail Property Trust (1) (3)
Commonwealth Property Office Fund (2) (3)
Equigroup Pty Limited

First State Cinda Fund Management Company 
Limited

2

1

-

6

71

458

27

20

439

139

15

15

2

-

1

2

76

398

28

11

439

139

16

15

First State European Diversified Investment Fund

139

145

International Private Equity Real Estate Fund
Pinnacle Education SA Holding Company Pty Ltd (4)
Qilu Bank Co., Ltd.

Vietnam International Bank

452 Capital Pty Limited
Total

3

6

213

158

-

3

-

204

-

11

1,712

1,490

50

50

-

50

33

20

38

25

8

6

50

46

30

33

50

20

15

30

50

50

30

50

33

20

38

44

9

7

50

46

39

33

50

20

-

Investment Management 

Investment Vehicle 

Australia 

Australia 

30-Jun

30-Jun

Financial Services 

Virgin Islands 

31-Dec

Investment Vehicle 

Mortgage Broking 

Commercial Banking 

Life Insurance 

Transaction Services 

Funds Management 

Funds Management 

Leasing 

Australia 

Australia 

China 

China 

Australia 

Australia 

Australia 

Australia 

30-Jun

30-Jun

31-Dec

31-Dec

30-Jun

30-Jun

30-Jun

30-Jun

Funds Management 

China 

31-Dec

Funds Management 

Luxembourg 

Funds Management 

Investment Vehicle 

Commercial Banking 

Financial Services 

30

Investment Management 

Australia 

Australia 

China 

Vietnam 

Australia 

30-Jun

30-Jun

30-Jun

31-Dec

31-Dec

30-Jun

(1) The value for CFS Retail Property Trust based on published quoted prices was $400 million as at 30 June 2011 (2010: $416 million). 

(2) The value for Commonwealth Property Office Fund based on published quoted prices was $133 million as at 30 June 2011 (2010: $132 million). 

(3) The consolidated entity has significant influence due to its relationship as Responsible Entity. 

(4) Formerly known as CIPL SA Schools Pty Limited 

Share of Associates' and Joint Ventures profits/(losses)
Operating profits/(losses) before income tax

Income tax expense

Operating profits/(losses) after income tax

2011

$M 

164

(23)

141

Group  

2010

$M 

141

(7)

134

Carrying amount of investments in associated entities and joint ventures

1,712

1,490

Group's share of lease commitments of Associates and of Joint Ventures due
Not later than one year

Later than one year but not later than five years

Later than five years
Total lease commitments - property, plant and equipment

Financial information of Associates and Joint Ventures
Current assets

Non-current assets

Current Liabilities

Non-current Liabilities

Revenues

Expenses

2011

$M 

6

13

11

30

2011

$M 

30,466

36,420

46,086

8,213

3,722

1,936

Group 

2010

$M 

5

11

7

23

Group  

2010

$M 

23,581

35,744

38,796

5,229

2,228

1,199

214 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
 
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 Financial Statements. These remuneration disclosures 
are provided in the Remuneration Report of the Directors’ Report on pages 72 to 91 and have been audited.  

Key management personnel compensation
Short term benefits

Post-employment benefits

Share-based payments

Long term benefits
Total

Equity Holdings of Key Management Personnel 

Shareholdings 

2011

$'000

32,494

752

9,931

463

43,640

Group

2010

$'000

33,173

1,584

26,787

1,020

62,564

2011

$'000

32,494

752

9,931

463

43,640

Bank

2010

$'000

33,173

1,584

26,787

1,020

62,564

Details  of  the  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. 

Shares held by directors 

All shares were acquired by Directors on normal terms and conditions or through the Non-Executive Director’s Share Plan.  

Directors

David Turner

John Anderson

Colin Galbraith

Jane Hemstritch
Launa Inman (3)
Carolyn Kay
Brian Long  (3)
Andrew Mohl

Fergus Ryan

Harrison Young 

Class

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Balance

1 July 2010

9,600

15,238

15,895

21,888

1,298

11,501

10,544

9,818

17,976

25,876

Shares
 (1)

Acquired

1,398

497

540

570

-

570

157

532

570

570

Net Change

Other

Balance
 (2) 30 June 2011
-
10,998

738

-

3,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

16,473

16,435

25,458

1,298

12,071

10,701

10,350

18,546

26,446

(1) Non-Executive Directors receive 20% of their total annual fees as Commonwealth Bank shares. These shares are subject to a 10 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) Launa Inman joined the Group on 16 March 2011. Brian Long commenced with the Group on 1 September 2010. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

215 

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 44 Key Management Personnel (continued) 

Shares held by the CEO and Group Executives 

Acquired/

On

Deferred

Reward/

Balance

Granted as Exercise of

Shares Net Change

1 July 2010 Remuneration

Options

Vested

 (2)

other

Balance
 (3) 30 June 2011

Class
Managing Director and CEO
Ralph Norris 

Ordinary

 (1)

Reward Shares/Rights

Deferred Shares

Group Executives
Simon Blair

Ordinary

201,623

204,626

39,167

-

-

85,976

-

-

Reward Shares/Rights

30,190

22,046

Barbara Chapman 

Ordinary

Deferred Shares

Reward Shares/Rights

Deferred Shares

David Cohen 

Ordinary

Reward Shares/Rights

Deferred Shares

David Craig 

Ordinary

Reward Shares/Rights

Deferred Shares

Michael Harte 

Ordinary

Reward Shares/Rights

Deferred Shares

Ross McEwan 

Ordinary

Ian Narev

Reward Shares/Rights

Deferred Shares

Ordinary

Reward Shares/Rights

Deferred Shares

Grahame Petersen

Ordinary

Reward Shares/Rights

Deferred Shares

Ian Saines 

Ordinary

Reward Shares/Rights

Deferred Shares

Alden Toevs 

Ordinary

Reward Shares/Rights

Deferred Shares

-

-

58,844

13,666

13,781

57,113

7,597

35,113

72,690

19,548

14,318

65,767

17,955

-

83,074

20,814

1,137

58,844

18,284

48,271

76,151

15,096

14,919

89,997

34,193

9,000

96,920

47,914

-

-

24,250

-

-

23,837

-

-

37,202

-

-

28,935

-

-

34,446

-

-

24,801

-

-

31,690

-

-

36,650

-

-

38,579

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(6,610)

-

-

-

-

-

(12,653)

-

-

(37,784)

42,056

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

24,100

-

-

27,543

-

-

24,100

-

-

9,429

-

-

6,610

-

-

2,829

-

-

(13,991)

-

-

37,784

-

-

243,679

290,602

39,167

-

52,236

-

-

83,094

13,666

37,881

80,950

7,597

62,656

109,892

19,548

38,418

94,702

17,955

9,429

117,520

20,814

7,747

83,645

11,674

51,100

107,841

15,096

928

126,647

21,540

46,784

135,499

10,130

(1)  Reward  Shares/Rights  represent  shares  granted  under  the  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/rights and Deferred shares become ordinary shares upon vesting. 

(3) "Net Change Other" incorporates changes resulting from purchases, sales and forfeitures during the year.  

216 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
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  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). 

Opening

Interest

Closing

Balance

Charged

Balance

Number in

$000s

$000s

$000s

Group

Directors 

CEO & Group Executives 

Total 

2011

2010

2011

2010

2011

2010

5

-

9,324

9,999

9,329

9,999

-

-

538

579

538

579

5

-

7,153

9,324

7,158

9,324

Loans to Key Management Personnel Exceeding $100,000 in Aggregate 

Balance

1 July 2010

$000s

Interest

Charged

$000s

Interest Not

Balance

Charged

Write-off 30 June 2011

$000s

$000s

$000s

1

-

11

11

12

11

Highest

Balance

in Period
 (2)

$000s

Managing Director & CEO 

Ralph Norris (1)

Group Executives

Simon Blair (1)
Barbara Chapman (1)
David Cohen

Michael Harte
Ross McEwan (1)
Ian Narev (1)
Ian Saines
Total 

1,839

1,082

1,869

602

2,989

220

381

310

9,292

36

58

102

38

209

33

17

45

538

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

28

1,830

668

1,493

596

3,302

573

181

310

7,151

1,082

2,192

604

3,519

1,797

385

2,990

14,399

(1) Some loans for Mr Norris, Mr Blair, Ms Chapman, Mr McEwan and Mr Narev are held in New Zealand Dollars and converted to Australian Dollars for the purpose of 
this disclosure. The exchange rate at 30 June 2010 has been used for the opening balances, and the exchange rate at 30 June 2011 has been used for calculating 
interest charged, closing balances and highest balance in period. The highest balance in period for Mr Norris is lower than the opening balance due to the fluctuation 
in exchange rates during the year.  

(2) Represents the highest balance of loans outstanding at any period during the year ended 30 June 2011. 

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. 

All such financial instrument transactions that have occurred between entities within the Group and their Key Management Personnel
have been trivial or domestic in nature and were in the nature of normal personal banking and deposit transactions. 

Other Transactions 

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 2011 

217 

 
 
 
 
 
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. 

Interest and dividend income

Interest expense
Fee and commission income for services provided (1)
Fee and commission expense for services received

Loans, bills discounted and equity contributions

Derivative assets

Other assets

Deposits

Derivative liabilities

Other liabilities

Interest and dividend income

Interest expense
Fee and commission income for services provided (1)
Fee and commission expense for services received

Loans, bills discounted and equity contributions

Derivative assets

Other assets

Deposits

Derivative liabilities

Other liabilities

For the Year Ended and as at 30 June 2011 

Group 

Joint 

Associates 

Ventures 

$000s 

$000s 

92,022

1,756

76,555

32,088

1,259,031

65,577

39,400

18,623

6,338

1,609

-

-

31

63

-

-

179

-

-

-

Total 

$000s 

92,022

1,756

76,586

32,151

1,259,031

65,577

39,579

18,623

6,338

1,609

Group 

For the Year Ended and as at 30 June 2010 

Associates 

Ventures 

Joint 

$000s 

58,169

333

57,121

104,508

424,621

12,400

39,367

18,709

25,818

22,698

$000s 

1,000

2,037

2,884

10,118

12,620

6,684

8,383

-

-

-

Total 

$000s 

59,169

2,370

60,005

114,626

437,241

19,084

47,750

18,709

25,818

22,698

(1) Not included above are management services provided for nil consideration to associated Group and Bank companies to the value of $4,352,000 (2010: $7,520,000).

218 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 45 Related Party Disclosures (continued) 

Interest and dividend income

Interest expense
Fee and commission income for services provided (1)
Fee and commission expense for services received

Available-for-sale securities

Loans, bills discounted and equity contributions

Derivative assets

Other assets

Deposits

Derivative liabilities

Debt issues and loan capital

Other liabilities

Interest and dividend income

Interest expense
Fee and commission income for services provided (1)
Fee and commission expense for services received

Available-for-sale securities

Loans, bills discounted and equity contributions

Derivative assets

Other assets

Deposits

Derivative liabilities

Debt issues and loan capital

Other liabilities

For the Year Ended and as at 30 June 2011 

Bank 

Subsidiaries 

Associates 

Ventures 

Joint 

$000s 

6,313,371

3,365,381

686,572

333,983

39,757,623

47,550,178

297,665

962,751

53,860,369

434,337

2,595,843

1,763,744

$000s 

87,767

1,756

2,199

32,193

-

1,223,218

65,577

-

18,623

6,338

-

54

$000s 

-

-

31

63

-

-

-

179

-

-

-

-

Total 

$000s 

6,401,138

3,367,137

688,802

366,239

39,757,623

48,773,396

363,242

962,930

53,878,992

440,675

2,595,843

1,763,798

Bank 

For the Year Ended and as at 30 June 2010 

Joint 

Subsidiaries 

Associates 

Ventures 

$000s 

5,165,042

2,916,015

599,921

601,000

39,821,783

49,901,264

193,959

1,075,058

53,873,671

408,512

2,916,825

3,838,430

$000s 

55,678

-

2,650

94,230

-

412,000

12,400

-

8,900

25,818

-

22,698

$000s 

-

-

119

218

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Total 

$000s 

5,220,720

2,916,015

602,690

695,448

39,821,783

50,313,264

206,359

1,075,058

53,882,571

434,330

2,916,825

3,861,128

(1) Not included above are management services provided for nil consideration to associated Group and Bank companies to the value of $4,352,000 (2010: $7,520,000).

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  provides  letters  of  comfort  to  other  entities  within  the  Group  on  standard  terms.  Guarantees  include  a  $5  million  bank 
guarantee provided to Colonial First State Investments Limited and a $25 million guarantee to AFS license holders in respect of excess
insurance claims. 

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(x). The amount receivable by the 
Bank  under  the  tax  funding  agreement  with  the  tax  consolidated  entities  is  $281  million  as  at  30  June  2011  (2010:  $439  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 2011 

219 

 
 
 
 
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 

Net profit after income tax

(Increase)/decrease in interest receivable

Increase/(decrease) in interest payable
Net decrease in assets at fair value through Income Statement 
(excluding life insurance)
Net (gain)/loss on sale of controlled entities and associates

Net gain on sale of investments

Net increase in derivative assets 

Net loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 

Equity accounting profit

Gain on acquisition of controlled entities

Impairment expense

Depreciation and amortisation (including asset write downs)
(Decrease)/increase in liabilities at fair value through Income 
Statement (excluding life insurance)
Increase/(decrease) in derivative liabilities

Increase in other provisions 

Increase/(decrease)in income taxes payable

Increase/(decrease) in deferred tax liabilities

(Increase)/decrease in deferred tax assets 

(Increase)/decrease in accrued fees/reimbursements receivable

(Decrease)/Increase in accrued fees and other items payable

Increase/(decrease) in life insurance contract policy liabilities

Increase/(decrease) in cash flow hedge reserve

(Decrease)/Increase in fair value on hedged items

Dividend received from controlled entities
Changes in operating assets and liabilities arising from cash flow 
movements
Other
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities

(b) Reconciliation of Cash 

2011

$M 

6,410

(224)

476

2010

$M 

5,680

(551)

889

2,697

3,301

(7)

(1)

32

(4)

Group 

2009

$M 

4,753

301

(54)

690

-

(1)

2011

$M 

6,480

(287)

465

Bank 

2010

$M 

5,615

(559)

878

1,202

2,383

(6)

(1)

(2)

(4)

(4,224)

(1,331)

(8,358)

(4,735)

(1,827)

6

(141)

-

1,280

613

(4,851)

4,643

80

105

80

(30)

(1)

(99)

835

15

(427)

-

10,590

(158)

17,667

4

(116)

-

2,379

618

(1,254)

(9,804)

46

(150)

53

383

44

302

853

589

838

-

11

(141)

(983)

3,048

519

661

13,361

60

521

(355)

(967)

41

178

(1,025)

(1,651)

569

-

6

-

-

1,080

387

87

4,733

23

117

(1)

131

37

(128)

-

(98)

(410)

4

-

-

1,193

373

1,128

(6,126)

104

80

7

1

(73)

524

-

219

810

(2,210)

(1,648)

(29,592)

(19,788)

122

(26,669)

100

(8,510)

7,597

34

14,503

(24,299)

355

(20,864)

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.  

Notes, coins and cash at banks

Other short term liquid assets
Receivables due from other financial institutions – at call (1)
Payables due to other financial institutions – at call (1)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

2011

$M 

5,424

1,301

7,261

(6,058)

7,928

2010

$M 

5,285

1,153

5,012

(6,533)

4,917

Group  

2009

$M 

3,755

3,128

1,889

(6,586)

2,186

Year Ended 30 June 

2011

$M 

4,103

977

6,664

(5,853)

5,891

Bank 

2010

$M 

4,027

979

4,386

(6,346)

3,046

(1) At call includes certain receivables and payables due from and to financial institutions within three months.

220 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 46 Notes to the Statements of Cash Flows (continued) 

(c) Disposal of Controlled Entities – Fair Value of asset disposal 

The Group disposed of certain St Andrew operations effective 1 July 2010. During the year ended 30 June 2010, the Group disposed of 
its banking and insurance operations in Fiji. 

Net Assets

(Loss)/gain on sale (excluding realised foreign exchange losses and other related costs)
Cash consideration received
Less cash and cash equivalents disposed
Net cash inflow/(outflow) on disposal

(d) Non-cash Financing and Investing Activities 

Shares issued under the Dividend Reinvestment Plan (1)

2011

$M 

60

(10)

50

(31)

19

2010

$M 

77

1

78

(89)

(11)

2011

$M 

511

2010

$M 

1,457

Group 

2009

$M 

-

-

-

-

-

Group  

2009

$M 

1,099

(1) The dividend reinvestment plan in respect of the final dividend for 2009/10 was satisfied in full by an on market purchase and transfer of $679 million of shares to 

participating shareholders. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

221 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

Assets
Cash and liquid assets

Receivables due from other financial institutions

Assets at fair value through Income Statement:

   Trading

   Insurance

   Other

Derivative assets

Available-for-sale investments

Loans, bills discounted and other receivables

Bank acceptances of customers

Other assets

Liabilities
Deposits and other public borrowings

Payables due to other financial institutions

Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement

Derivative liabilities

Bank acceptances

Insurance policy liabilities

Debt issues

Managed funds units on issue

Bills payable and other liabilities

Loan capital

2011

Carrying 

Fair 

Carrying 

Value 

$M 

13,241

10,393

20,469

14,998

824

30,317

45,171

500,057

10,734

7,059

Value 

$M 

13,241

10,393

20,469

14,998

824

30,317

45,171

500,544

10,734

7,059

Value 

$M 

10,119

10,072

22,851

15,940

654

27,689

32,915

493,459

11,569

6,240

Group 

2010

Fair 

Value 

$M 

10,119

10,072

22,851

15,940

654

27,689

32,915

492,951

11,569

6,240

401,147

401,979

374,663

374,508

15,899

10,491

33,976

10,734

13,652

15,899

10,491

33,976

10,734

13,652

12,608

15,342

24,884

11,569

14,592

12,608

15,342

24,884

11,569

14,592

118,652

120,752

130,210

127,874

1,048

8,983

11,561

1,048

8,983

12,105

880

7,698

13,513

880

7,698

13,036

222 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 47 Disclosures about Fair Values of Financial Instruments (continued) 

2011

Carrying 

Fair 

Carrying 

Assets
Cash and liquid assets

Receivables due from other financial institutions

Assets at fair value through Income Statement:

   Trading

   Other

Derivative assets

Available-for-sale investments

Loans, bills discounted and other receivables

Bank acceptances of customers

Loans to controlled entities

Other assets

Liabilities
Deposits and other public borrowings

Payables due to other financial institutions

Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement

Derivative liabilities

Bank acceptances

Due to controlled entities

Debt issues

Bills payable and other liabilities

Loan capital

Bank 

2010

Fair 

Value 

$M 

8,711

9,766

Value 

$M 

8,711

9,766

18,775

18,775

-

27,363

65,779

377,195

11,569

31,055

4,492

-

27,363

65,779

376,679

11,569

30,892

4,492

Value 

$M 

Value 

$M 

10,979

10,123

17,765

300

30,731

75,699

10,979

10,123

17,765

300

30,731

75,699

387,888

388,187

10,734

28,454

5,283

10,734

28,988

5,283

332,964

333,465

307,844

307,511

15,686

4,700

32,817

10,734

52,353

94,385

6,635

11,808

15,686

4,700

32,817

10,734

52,353

97,080

6,635

12,007

12,422

4,613

23,689

11,569

52,411

107,039

5,362

13,575

12,422

4,613

23,689

11,569

52,411

104,352

5,362

13,044

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 Institutional variable rate loans the fair value is calculated using discounted 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. 

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 

For all other financial assets and liabilities fair value approximates carrying value due to their short term nature, frequent repricing or high 
credit rating. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

223 

 
 
 
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  techniques  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. 

The  tables  below  categorise  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. 

Assets
Assets at fair value through Income Statement:

Trading

Insurance

Other

Derivative assets
Available-for-sale investments (1)
Total assets carried at fair value

Liabilities
Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement

Derivative liabilities

Life investment contracts
Total liabilities carried at fair value

Fair Value as at 30 June 2011

Fair Value as at 30 June 2010

Level 1 

Level 2  Level 3 

Total 

Level 1  Level 2  Level 3 

Total 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

Group

15,720

5,008

299

36

37,131

58,194

4,096

4

-

4,100

4,686

9,990

525

30,240

8,039

53,480

6,395

33,964

10,515

50,874

63

-

-

41

1

20,469

14,998

824

30,317

45,171

105

111,779

17,995

4,775

4,526

11,414

-

654

137

27,538

28,008

50,666

4,752

49,133

-

8

-

8

10,491

33,976

10,515

54,982

3,821

69

-

3,890

11,521

24,808

11,411

47,740

81

-

-

14

1

96

-

7

-

7

22,851

15,940

654

27,689

32,761

99,895

15,342

24,884

11,411

51,637

(1) The Group holds investments in unlisted equity instruments with a carrying value of $nil as at 30 June 2011 (2010: $154 million).

224 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 47 Disclosures about Fair Values of Financial Instruments (continued) 

(b) Valuation Methodology (continued) 

Assets
Assets at fair value through Income Statement:

Trading

Other

Derivative assets
Available-for-sale investments (1)
Total assets carried at fair value

Liabilities
Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement

Derivative liabilities
Total liabilities carried at fair value

Fair Value as at 30 June 2011

Fair Value as at 30 June 2010

Level 1 

Level 2  Level 3 

Total 

Level 1  Level 2  Level 3 

Total 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

Bank 

14,763

2,996

299

42

29,457

44,561

4,116

3

4,119

1

30,660

46,241

79,898

584

32,806

33,390

6

-

29

1

36

-

8

8

17,765

16,423

2,344

300

30,731

75,699

124,495

4,700

32,817

37,517

-

239

19,780

36,442

3,821

69

3,890

-

27,123

45,849

75,316

792

23,613

24,405

8

-

1

1

18,775

-

27,363

65,630

10

111,768

-

7

7

4,613

23,689

28,302

(1) The Bank no longer holds unlisted equity investments (2010: $149 million). 

Level 3 movement analysis for the year ended 30 June 2011 

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. 

There were no transfers into and out of Level 3. 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. As such the purchases, sales, as well as 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 of the Group’s or the 
Bank’s results. The movement in Level 3 financial instruments recognised in the Group Income Statement was $11 million for the 
year ended 30 June 2011 (2010: $3 million) and for the Bank was $13 million (2010: $2 million). 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

225 

 
 
 
 
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  a  breakdown  of  the  assets  held  by  securitisation  vehicles  and  exposures  the  Bank  has  to  securitisation 
vehicles that the Group has established.  

Assets held within Group SPEs
Residential mortgages - Group originated mortgages backing securities held for potential repurchase with central 
banks
Residential mortgages - Group originated

Other
Total securitisation assets of SPEs

Exposure to securitisation SPEs
Residential mortgage backed securities held for 
potential repurchase with central banks
Other residential mortgage backed securities
Other derivatives (1)
Liquidity support facilities

Other facilities
Total

2011

$M 

43,662

2,125

1,478

163

898

Funded 

2010

$M 

45,169

3,567

1,011

916

98

48,326

50,761

Unfunded

 (2)

2010

$M 

2011

$M 

-

-

-

809

63

872

-

-

37

787

62

886

2011

$M 

44,349

11,296

204

55,849

2011

$M 

43,662

2,125

1,478

972

961

Group 

2010

$M 

45,673

9,696

175

55,544

Group 

Total 

2010

$M 

45,169

3,567

1,048

1,703

160

49,198

51,647

(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. 

Note 49 Controlled Entities  

(a) Shares in and Loans to controlled entities 

Shares in controlled entities

Loans to controlled entities
Total shares in and loans to controlled entities

2011

$M 

18,903

28,454

47,357

Bank 

2010

$M 

18,754

31,055

49,809

The above amounts are not expected to be recovered within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date. 

226 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 49 Controlled Entities (continued) 

(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:

Entity name 

Australia
(a) Banking
Commonwealth Bank of Australia

Bank of Western Australia Limited

BWA Group Services Pty Limited

Swan Trust Series 2007-1E

Swan Trust Series 2006-1E

Swan Trust Series 2008-1D

Swan Trust Series 2010 -1P

Swan Trust Series 2010 -2P

Medallion Trust Series 2003-1G

Medallion Trust Series 2004-1G

Medallion Trust Series 2005-1G

Medallion Trust Series 2005-2G

Medallion Trust Series 2006-1G

Medallion Trust Series 2007-1G

Medallion Trust Series 2008-1R

Medallion Trust Series 2011-1

SHIELD Series 50

MIS Funding No.1 Pty Limited

Christmas Break Pty Limited

CBA USD Investments Partnership

GT Operating No.5 Limited Partnership

GT Funding No.6 Limited Partnership

PERLS III Trust

Commonwealth Investments Pty Limited 

Commonwealth Securities Limited

(b) Insurance and Funds Management
Colonial Holding Company Limited

Commonwealth Insurance Holdings Limited

Commonwealth Insurance Limited

Jacques Martin Pty Limited

Entity name 

IWL Limited

IWL Broking Solutions Limited

JDV Limited

Australian Investment Exchange Limited

Collateral Leasing Pty Limited

CBFC Leasing Pty Limited

CBFC Limited

CBCL Australia Limited

Securitisation Advisory Services Pty Limited

Homepath Pty Limited

Tankstream Rail (BY-3) Pty Limited

Tankstream Rail (BY-4) Pty Limited

CBA International Finance Pty Limited

GT Operating No.2 Pty Limited

GT Operating No.4 Pty Limited
Colonial Finance Limited

VH-VZH Pty Limited

VH-VZG Pty Limited

VH-VZF Pty Limited

SAFE No1 Pty Limited

CBA AIR Pty Limited

Reliance Achiever Partnership

Tankstream Rail (SW-3) Pty Limited

Tankstream Rail (SW-4) Pty Limited

Tankstream Rail (BY-2) Pty Limited

Colonial First State Capital Management Pty Limited

First State Investment Managers (Asia) Limited

Capital 121 Pty Limited

Commonwealth Financial Planning Limited

Jacques Martin Administration and Consulting Pty Limited

Financial Wisdom Limited

Colonial First State Group Limited

CFS Managed Property Limited

Whittaker Macnaught Pty Limited

Avanteos Pty Limited

Colonial First State Asset Management (Australia) Limited

Avanteos Investments Limited

Commonwealth Managed Investments Limited

Colonial First State Investments Limited

Colonial First State Property Limited

Colonial First State Property Retail Trust

St Andrew's Australia Pty Limited

Commwealth International Holdings Pty Limited

Colonial First State Property Management Limited

The Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited

All the above subsidiaries are 100% owned and incorporated in Australia. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

227 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 49 Controlled Entities (continued) 

(b) Principal Subsidiaries (continued) 

Entity name 
New Zealand
(a) Banking
ASB Holdings Limited

ASB Bank Limited

ASB Funding Limited

CBA Funding (NZ) Limited

ASB Capital Limited

ASB Capital No.2 Limited

CBA NZ Holding Limited

CBA USD Funding Limited

Medallion NZ Series Trust 2009-1R

CBA Real Estate Funding (NZ) Limited

ASB Group Investments Limited

ASB Securities Limited

AEGIS Limited

(b) Insurance and Funds Management
ASB Group (Life) Limited

Sovereign Group Limited

Sovereign Limited

Colonial First State Investments (NZ) Limited

Kiwi Income Properties Limited

Kiwi Property Management Limited

Other Overseas
(a) Banking 
CommBank Management Consulting (Asia) Co Limited

CBA Funding Trust I

CBA Capital Trust I

CBA Capital Trust II

PT. Bank Commonwealth

CBA (Europe) Finance Limited

Burdekin Investments Limited

CTB Australia Limited

CBA Asia Limited

Newport Limited

CommBank Europe Limited

CommTrading Limited

CommInternational Limited

CommCapital S.a.r.l

(b) Insurance and Funds Management
First State Investments (Bermuda) Limited

First State (Hong Kong) LLC

First State Investment Holdings (Singapore) Limited

First State Investments (UK Holdings) Limited

PT Commonwealth Life

Extent of Beneficial 

Interest if not 100% 

Incorporated in 

New Zealand 

New Zealand 

New Zealand 

New Zealand 

New Zealand 

New Zealand 

New Zealand 

New Zealand 

New Zealand 

New Zealand 

New Zealand 

New Zealand 

New Zealand 

New Zealand 

New Zealand 

New Zealand 

New Zealand 

New Zealand 

New Zealand 

Hong Kong 

Delaware USA 

Delaware USA 

Delaware USA 

97%

Indonesia 

United Kingdom 

Cayman Islands 

Hong Kong 

Singapore 

Malta 

Malta 

Malta 

Malta 

Luxembourg 

Bermuda 

United States 

Singapore 

United Kingdom 

Indonesia 

80%

Non-operating and minor operating controlled entities and investment vehicles holding policyholder assets are excluded from the above 
list. 

(c) Disposal of Controlled Entities 

During the year, the Group disposed of certain St Andrew’s operations effective 1 July 2010. For further details refer to Note 46 (c). 

(d) Acquisition of Controlled Entities 

There were no acquisitions of controlled entities during the current year. 

228 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 50 Subsequent Events 

On  22  July  2011,  the  Board  announced  the  appointment  of  Ian  Narev  to  the  role  of  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  the  Bank  upon  the
retirement of Ralph Norris at the end of November 2011. 

The Bank expects to issue approximately $733 million of ordinary shares in respect of the DRP for the final dividend for the year ended
30 June 2011. 

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.  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

229 

 
 
Directors’ Declaration 

In accordance with a resolution of the Directors of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (Bank), the Directors declare that: 

(a)  the  financial  statements  for  the  financial  year  ended  30  June  2011  in  relation  to  the  Bank  and  the  consolidated  entity  (Group) 
(together  the  Financial  Statements),  and  the  notes  to  the  Financial  Statements,  are  in  accordance  with  the  Corporations  Act  2001, 
including: 

(i) s 296 (which requires the financial report, including the Financial Statements and the notes to the Financial Statements, to 
comply with the accounting standards); and 

(ii) s 297 (which requires the Financial Statements, and the notes to the Financial Statements, to give a true and fair view of
the financial position and performance of the Group and the Bank); 

(b) in compliance with the accounting standards, the notes to the Financial Statements include an explicit and unreserved statement of 
compliance with international financial reporting standards (see Note 1(a)); 

(c) 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 

(d) the Directors have been given the declarations required by s 295A in respect of the financial year ended 30 June 2011. 

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors. 

DJ Turner 

Chairman 

10 August 2011 

RJ Norris 

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer 

10 August 2011 

230 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 2011, the income statement, the statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and the 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 of the financial report that gives a true and fair 
view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001 and for such internal control as the directors 
determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or 
error. 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. 

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.  

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 
Darling Park Tower 2, 201 Sussex Street, GPO BOX 2650, SYDNEY NSW 1171  
DX 77 Sydney, Australia 
T +61 2 8266 0000, F +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

231 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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) 

giving a true and fair view of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and consolidated entity’s financial position as at 30 

June 2011 and of their performance for the year ended on that date; and 

(ii) 

complying  with  Australian  Accounting  Standards  (including  the  Australian  Accounting  Interpretations)  and  the 

Corporations Regulations 2001; and 

(b) 

the financial report also complies 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 72 to  91 of  the directors’ report for the  year ended  30 June 2011.  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 2011 complies with section 
300A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Rahoul Chowdry 

Partner 

Sydney 

10 August 2011 

232 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholding Information 

Top 20 Holders of Fully Paid Ordinary Shares as at 5 August 2011 

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 
AMP Life Limited 
Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited 
UBS Wealth Management Australia Nominees Pty Limited 
Queensland Investment Corporation 
Bond Street Custodians Limited 
Australian Reward Investment Alliance 
Milton Corporation Limited 
Argo Investments Limited 
Invia Custodian Pty Limited 
Perpetual Trustee Co Ltd (Hunter) 
UBS Nominees Pty Ltd 
Questor Financial Services Limited 
Suncorp Custodian Services Pty Ltd 
ANZ Executors & Trustee Company Limited 

Number of Shares 
199,701,465 
166,016,623 
131,816,588 
67,836,352 
29,371,985 
26,269,181 
12,899,928 
8,507,900 
7,839,679 
5,846,258 
4,555,964 
3,619,024 
3,013,225 
2,707,895 
2,664,692 
2,453,418 
2,368,939 
2,027,444 
1,969,648 
1,413,823 

%
12.81 
10.65 
8.46 
4.35 
1.88 
1.69 
0.83 
0.55 
0.50 
0.38 
0.29 
0.23 
0.19 
0.17 
0.17 
0.16 
0.15 
0.13 
0.13 
0.09 

The top 20 shareholders hold 682,900,031 shares which is equal to 43.81% 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): 5 August 2011 

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 

Number of 
Shareholders 
587,741 
182,880 
17,337 
7,372 
231 
795,561 
15,873 

Percentage of 
Shareholders 
73.88 
22.99 
2.18 
0.92 
0.03 
100.00 
2.00 

Number of 
Shares 
196,677,335 
378,342,371 
118,918,682 
139,589,651 
725,139,205 
1,558,667,244 
75,042 

Percentage of 
Issued Capital 
12.62 
24.27 
7.63 
8.96 
46.52 
100.00 
0.00 

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 2011 

233 

 
 
 
Shareholding Information 

Top 20 Holders of Perpetual Exchangeable Repurchaseable Listed Shares III (“PERLS III”) as at 5 August 2011 

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 
AMP Life Limited 
UBS Wealth Management Australia Nominees Pty Ltd 
Mr Walter Lawton and Mrs Jan Rynette Lawton 
National Nominees Limited  
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 
Perpetual Trustee Company 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 
Truckmate (Australia) Pty Limited 
M F Custodians Ltd 
Questor Financial Services Limited 
Kerlon Pty Ltd 
UCA Cash Management Fund Limited 
Cogent Nominees Pty Limited 
Mifare Pty Limited 
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 

Number of Shares 
181,173 
172,801 
155,309 
138,662 
70,000 
64,621 
63,694 
61,803 
53,075 
51,282 
50,000 
49,750 
35,000 
34,726 
30,414 
30,000 
25,996 
25,354 
25,000 
24,394 

%
3.11 
2.96 
2.66 
2.38 
1.20 
1.11 
1.09 
1.06 
0.91 
0.88 
0.86 
0.85 
0.60 
0.60 
0.52 
0.51 
0.45 
0.43 
0.43 
0.42 

The top 20 PERLS III shareholders hold 1,343,054 shares which is equal to 23.03% 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): 5 August 2011 

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 

Number of 
Shareholders 
17,916 
531  
39 
31 
4 
18,521 
21 

Percentage of 
Shareholders 
96.73 
2.87 
0.21 
0.17 
0.02 
100.00 
0.11 

Number of 
Shares 
3,022,072 
1,037,917 
301,098 
875,360 
595,834 
5,832,281 
40 

Percentage of 
Issued Capital 
51.81 
17.80 
5.16 
15.01 
10.22 
100.00 
0.00 

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 233 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;  
•  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. 

234 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
 
Top 20 Holders of Perpetual Exchangeable Resaleable Listed Securities IV (“PERLS IV”) as at 5 August 2011 

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 
J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited 
AMP Life Limited 
UBS Wealth Management Australia Nominees Pty Limited 
RBC Dexia Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited 
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 
Questor Financial Services Limited 
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 
Avanteos Investments Limited 
UCA Cash Management Fund Limited 
Invia Custodian Pty Limited 
National Nominees Limited 
Eastcote Pty Ltd 
Cogent Nominees Pty Limited 
The Australian National University Investment Section 
Australian Executor Trustees Limited 
Perpetual Trustee Co Ltd (Hunter) 
Bond Street Custodians Limited 
Catholic Education Office Diocese of Parramatta 
Bournda Downs Pty Limited 
Mutual Trust Pty Ltd 

Number of Shares 
303,841 
236,578 
154,502 
153,024 
149,498 
120,144 
82,435 
75,229 
71,567 
66,686 
54,250 
50,000 
35,268 
31,082 
29,496 
28,584 
26,416 
25,000 
24,500 
18,891 

%
4.15 
3.23 
2.11 
2.09 
2.04 
1.64 
1.13 
1.03 
0.98 
0.91 
0.74 
0.68 
0.48 
0.42 
0.40 
0.39 
0.36 
0.34 
0.33 
0.26 

The top 20 PERLS IV shareholders hold 1,736,991 shares which is equal to 23.71% 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): 5 August 2011 

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 

Number of 
Shareholders 
16,579 
759 
49 
38 
5 
17,430 
1 

Percentage of 
Shareholders 
95.12 
4.35 
0.28 
0.22 
0.03 
100.00 
0.01 

Number of 
Shares 
3,553,657  
1,568,561 
377,961 
941,313 
883,508 
7,325,000 
2 

Percentage of 
Issued Capital 
48.52 
21.41 
5.16 
12.85 
12.06 
100.00 
0.00 

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 
• 
Furthermore  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 233. 

During the winding-up of the Bank. 

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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

235 

 
 
 
 
Shareholding Information 

Top 20 Holders of Perpetual Exchangeable Resaleable Listed Securities V (“PERLS V”) as at 5 August 2011 

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 
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 
J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited 
Questor Financial Services Limited 
Invia Custodian Pty Limited 
Australian Executor Trustees Limited 
Netwealth Investments Limited 
Avanteos Investments Limited 
National Nominees Limited 
Dimbulu Pty Ltd 
Scenic Tours Pty Ltd 
Perpetual Trustee Co Ltd (Hunter) 
ABN AMRO Clearing Sydney Nominees Pty Ltd  
Bond Street Custodians Limited 
UBS Nominees Pty Ltd 
W Mitchell Investments Pty Ltd  
JMB Pty Ltd 
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 
Peters (Meat) Export Pty Ltd 

Number of Shares 
283,507 
217,922 
172,942 
142,864 
120,237 
59,054 
58,599 
55,705 
53,670 
50,113 
50,000 
46,540 
46,082 
44,753 
39,965 
38,836 
37,500 
33,925 
32,624 
29,050 

%
2.84 
2.18 
1.73 
1.43 
1.20 
0.59 
0.59 
0.56 
0.54 
0.50 
0.50 
0.47 
0.46 
0.45 
0.40 
0.39 
0.38 
0.34 
0.33 
0.29 

The top 20 PERLS V shareholders hold 1,613,888 shares which is equal to 16.14% 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  CBAPA,  with  Sydney  being  the  home  exchange.  Details  of  trading  activity  are  published  in  most  daily
newspapers. 

Range of Shares (PERLS V): 5 August 2011 

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 

Number of 
Shareholders 
31,992 
1,038  
59 
50 
5 
33,144 
3 

Percentage of 
Shareholders 
96.52 
3.13 
0.18 
0.15 
0.02 
100.00 
0.01 

Number of 
Shares 
5,466,586 
2,067,412 
452,441 
1,218,386 
795,175 
10,000,000 
3 

Percentage of 
Issued Capital 
54.67 
20.67 
4.53 
12.18 
7.95 
100.00 
0.00 

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 
• 
Furthermore 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 233. 

During the winding-up of the Bank. 

At a general meeting of the Bank, holders of PERLS V 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. 

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 233 for the Bank’s ordinary shares and page 234 for the preference shares. 

236 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

 
 
 
 
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 
Barbara Chapman 

Sovereign Group Limited 
Sovereign House, 74 Taharato 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 
11F Azia Centre 
1233 Lujiazui Ring Road, Pudong 
Shanghai 200120 
Telephone: (86 21) 6058 0100 
Facsimile: (8621) 6168 3298 
Executive General Manager China 
Karen Chen 

CBA Shanghai Branch Office 
Level 11 Azia Centre  
1233 Lujiazui Ring Road  
Pudong  
Shanghai 200120 
Telephone: (86 21) 6123 8900 
Facsimile: (86 21) 6165 0285 
Branch Manager Shanghai 
Stanley Lo  

First State Cinda Fund Management Co. 
Ltd. 
24th Floor, China Merchants Bank Building 
7088, Shen Nan Road, Shenzhen 
China 518040  
Telephone: (86 755) 8317 2666 
Facsimile: (86 755) 8319 6151 
Regional Managing Director, 
Asia and Japan 
Michael Stapleton 

International Representation 

Hong Kong
CBA Branch Office 
1501-5, Chater House 
8 Connaught Road,  
Central 
Hong Kong 
Telephone: (852) 2844 7500 
Facsimile: (852) 2845 9194 
Regional General Manager Asia 
Stephen Poon 

First State Investments (Hong Kong) Limited 
6th Floor, Three Exchange Square 
8 Connaught Place, Central 
Hong Kong 
Telephone: (852) 2846 7555 
Facsimile: (852) 2868 4742 
Regional Managing Director, 
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 
Level 8, Wisma Metropolitan II 
JI. Jendral Sudirman Kav. 29-31 
Jakarta 12920 
Telephone: (62 21) 570 5000 
Facsimile: (62 21) 520 5353 
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 
Branch Head Tokyo 
Martin Spann 

Malta 
CommBank Europe Limited 
Level 3 Strand Towers 
36 The Strand 
Sliema SLM07 
Telephone: (356) 2132 0812 
Facsimile: (356) 2132 0811 
Director/Chief Financial Officer 
John Kiddier 

Singapore 
CBA Branch Office 
One Temasek Avenue 
#17-01 Millenia Tower 
Singapore 039192 
Telephone: (65) 6349 7000 
Facsimile: (65) 6224 5812 
Country Head 
Gregory Williams 

First State Investments (Singapore) 
One Temasek Avenue  
#17-01 Millenia Tower 
Singapore 039192 
Singapore 
Telephone: (65) 6538 0008 
Facsimile: (65) 6538 0800 
Regional Head Asia 
Michael Stapleton 

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 
Director of Investment and Banking 
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 
Facsimile: (84 8) 3824 2703 
General Director 
Ross Munn 

Americas 
United States 
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 3999 
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 0 20) 7332 6500 
Facsimile: (44 0 20) 7332 6501 
Chief Executive Officer 
Gary Withers 

Edinburgh 
23 St Andrew Square 
Edinburgh EH2 1BB 
Telephone: (44 0 131) 473 2200 
Facsimile: (44 0 131) 473 2222 
Managing Partners 
Stuart Paul and Angus Tulloch 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

237 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 
at  www.commbank.com.au/CommBiz 
Service  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  

238 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011 

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  

Commonwealth  Private  offers  clients  with  significant  financial 
resources  a  comprehensive  range  of  services,  advice  and 
opportunities  to  meet  their  specific  needs.  For  a  confidential 
discussion about how Commonwealth Private can help you, call 
1300 362 081 between 8am to 5:30pm (Sydney time), Monday 
to Friday or visit www.commonwealthprivate.com.au  

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: (61 2) 8280 7199 
Facsimile: (61 2) 9287 0303 
Freecall: 1800 022 440  
Internet: www.linkmarketservices.com.au  
Email: cba@linkmarketservices.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 Securities Exchange Listing 
CBA  

Annual Report 
To request a copy of the Annual Report, please call Link 
Market Services Limited on 1800 022 440 or by email at 
cba@linkmarketservices.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 2011 

239 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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240 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2011