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FY2013 Annual Report · Commonwealth Bank of Australia
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Annual 
Report

2013

CommonweAlth BAnk oF AuStrAliA  |  ACn 123 123 124 

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CBA1421 010912
CBA1421 190813

 
 
 
 
 
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Contents 

Chairman’s Statement 

Chief Executive Officer’s Statement 

Highlights 

Group Performance Analysis 

Group Operations and Business Settings 

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 

2 

4 

6 

10 

20 

30 

34 

40 

68 

70 

71 

72 

73 

74 

76 

78 

185 

186 

188 

192 

194 

195 

Annual Report 2013 

1 

 
 
 
 
Subject to Chairman’s Review 

income  ratio 
revenues and productivity improvements; and 

improved 

to  45.0%  reflecting  higher 

 

Loan  impairment  expense  decreased  1%  to  $1,082 
million, reflecting the gradual improvement in credit card 
and  home 
loan  arrears,  with  economic  overlays 
maintained at existing levels. 

The  Group’s  assets  increased  by  $35  billion  over  the  prior 
year,  despite  subdued  underlying  credit  growth.  This  was 
largely driven by an increase in home lending, business and 
corporate  lending  balances  and  higher  derivative  asset 
balances. 

The  Group’s  funding  requirements  were  mainly  generated 
from  deposits,  growing  by  7%  to  $405 billion.  Customer 
deposits now make up 63% of total funding. 

Dividends and Capital 

The  Group’s  ability  to  deliver  strong  performance  and  to  be 
one  of  a  handful  of  global  banks  which  have  maintained 
double  A  credit  ratings,  has  been  underpinned  by  our 
decision  to  retain conservative  business  settings,  particularly 
with respect to provisioning, liquidity, funding and capital. 

As far as capital is concerned, global regulators, including our 
domestic  regulator,  the  Australian  Prudential  Regulation 
Authority  (APRA),  have  introduced  significant  reforms  in 
response to the problems faced by many financial institutions 
as a result of the Global Financial Crisis. 

Further  capital  reforms  are  expected  over  the  next  twelve 
months  and  the  coming  years,  including  the  introduction  of 
the  Level  3  conglomerate 
the 
in  2014  and 
implementation of the capital conservation buffer in 2016. 

reforms 

The  Group  adopted 
III  measurement  and 
the  Basel 
monitoring of regulatory capital effective from 1 January 2013, 
and  has  taken  a  conservative  and  proactive  approach  to 
capital  management.  This  is  reflected  in  the  overall  strength 
of  the  Group’s  capital  position.  The  CET1  ratio  (on  an 
internationally  harmonised  basis)  has  increased  by  nearly 
60%  since  the  Global  Financial  Crisis  (June 2007).  The 
Group’s  30 June 2013  internationally  harmonised  CET1  ratio 
of 11.0%, places it well above the average of its international 
peers and comfortably above your Board’s approved target. 

There has inevitably been a significant cost and investment of 
management  time  in  relation  to  implementing  increasingly 
complex regulatory reforms. The Group welcomes the recent 
announcement  by 
the  Basel  Committee  of  Banking 
Supervision  of  a  review  of  the  Basel  capital  framework  in 
order  to  balance  risk  sensitivity  and  ensure  simplicity  and 
comparability. 

Last  year,  I  reported  that  your  Board  had  reviewed  the 
Group’s dividend policy. This revised policy included a target 
payout ratio of between 70% and 80% of cash earnings and a 
more  even  distribution  as  between  the  interim  and  final 
dividend.  I  also  indicated  that  the  Board  would  consider 
minimising the dilutive impacts of the Dividend Reinvestment 
Plan (“DRP”) through neutralisation initiatives. 

Consistent with this revised policy the Group has, this year: 

 

 

 

Increased  the  total  dividend  payment  by  9%  to  $3.64, 
which represents a payout ratio for the year of 75.4% of 
cash earnings, compared with last year’s ratio of 75.0%; 

Increased the interim dividend by 20% to $1.64 with the 
final dividend up 2% on last year’s final to $2.00; and 

In light of the Group’s strong capital position, neutralised 
the  dilutive  impact  of  the  DRP  through  an  on  market 
share  purchase  for  the  interim  dividend  and  intends 
doing the same for the final dividend payable in October 
2013. 

The other major capital initiative for the year was the issue, in 
October  2012,  of  $2 billion  Perpetual  Exchangeable 
Resalable  Listed  Securities  (PERLS  VI),  which  is  a  Basel  III 
compliant, Additional Tier One Capital security. The proceeds 
of this issue were used, to the extent necessary, to refinance 
PERLS  IV  and  otherwise  to  fund  the  Group’s  business. 
Existing  holders  of  CBA  ordinary  shares  and  hybrid 
instruments were given priority in subscribing for PERLS VI. 

Chairman’s Statement 

Introduction 

Over  the  past  twelve  months,  the  global  economy  (outside 
Australia)  has  gradually  improved,  which  is  better  than  our 
view  last  year.  In  particular  there  has  been  some  positive 
momentum in the United States. 

There  has  however  not  been  similar  momentum  in  Europe, 
and the structural imbalances between North and South seem 
as challenging as ever. 

there  appears 

In  China 
from 
infrastructure  led  growth  to  one  driven  by  consumption  with 
resultant  growth  prospects  settling  at  a  slightly  lower  level 
than seen in the past. 

to  have  been  a  shift 

This combination of conditions has not had a positive impact 
on  the  Australian  economy  where  notwithstanding  some 
recent  softening,  the  Australian  dollar  remains  high.  The 
outlook for continued investment in the resources sector has 
done  little  to  improve  consumer  and  corporate  confidence. 
This  in  turn  has  meant  that  credit  growth  has  remained 
subdued. 

On  the  positive  side  however,  there  have  been  signs  of  a 
gradual  improvement  in  demand  for  housing  finance  where 
falling interest rates have encouraged buyers to return to the 
market. 

Despite  the  subdued  environment,  the  Group  has  delivered 
another  good  result,  which  is  a  tribute  to  our  continued 
execution  of  key  strategic  and  operational  initiatives  both 
within  Australia  and  to  a  lesser  extent  in  our  businesses 
overseas where our capability continues to grow. 

the 

In this low growth  environment, value has been delivered by 
recognising 
financial 
wellbeing  of  our  customers,  by  continued  investment  in 
technology and through a relentless focus on productivity and 
process simplification. 

importance  of  enhancing 

the 

In short, we have focused on quality, both in customer service 
and  business  processes.  This  focus  will  remain  a  priority  in 
both the coming and future years. 

The  Group  continues  to  be  managed  conservatively  with 
strong capital, high levels of liquidity and robust provisioning. 
The  Group  remains  well  funded,  which  has  enabled  us  to 
continue supporting our customers, some of whom are finding 
the current environment challenging. 

Operating and Financial Results 

The  Group  has  delivered  another  good  result  despite 
subdued underlying credit growth. 

Net profit after tax on a cash basis increased 10% on the prior 
year  to  $7,819  million.  The  Group  delivered  a  strong  Return 
on  Equity  (ROE)  performance  of  18.4%,  again  on  a  cash 
basis. Key elements of the result were: 

 

Net  interest  income  increased  6%  to  $13,944 million, 
reflecting  4%  growth  in  average  interest  earning  assets 
and a four basis point increase in net interest margin; 

  Other banking income increased by 7% to $4,221 million 
driven  by  a  rebound  in  Markets  trading  income  and  a 
modest increase in lending fees; 

 

 

increased  10% 

Funds  management 
to 
income 
$2,146 million,  driven  by  a  combination  of  factors, 
including a 13% increase in Funds Under Administration 
as  investment  markets  improved,  strong  net  flows  into 
the  FirstChoice  and  Customs  Solutions  Platforms  and 
higher performance fees received by CFSGAM; 

Insurance income increased 8% to $1,034 million, driven 
by  16%  average  inforce  premium  growth  as  strong 
sales, and favourable claims experience in retail life was 
partially  offset  by  unfavourable  claims  experience  in 
wholesale life and increased lapse rates in retail life; 

  Operating  expenses  increased  4%  to  $9,605  million, 
driven  by  inflation-related  salary  increases  and  higher 
superannuation  expenses,  higher  occupancy  and 
equipment  expenses  and  an  increase  in  information 
technology  costs  driven  by  system  enhancements  and 
increased  software  amortisation.  The  Group’s  cost  to 

2 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

 
Corporate Governance and Board 
Performance 

The  Board’s  Non-Executive  Directors  meet  at  least  annually 
for  an  open  discussion  on  the  Board’s  performance  and  to 
identify  where 
in  Board 
processes.  The  review  process  includes  a  performance 
assessment of the Board Committees and each Director. 

improvements  can  be  made 

This year the Board again used an independent facilitator for 
its  performance  review,  which  reported  on  progress  against 
last  year’s  findings  in  terms  of  both  collective  challenge  and 
individual  contributions.  It  was  a  positive  review,  which  also 
endorsed  the  current  Board  and  Committee  processes.  The 
assessment has been considered by the Board and individual 
Director  assessments  have  been  diarised  with  Directors  by 
the Chairman of the Board. 

While there were no new Non-Executive Directors appointed 
to the Board this year, the  Board Performance and Renewal 
Committee  continues  to  look  for  Board  candidates  with  the 
capability  to  contribute  to  thought  processes  relating  to  the 
business  and 
to  challenge  effectively  and  motivate 
management  to  achieve  sustained,  outstanding  performance 
in all respects. 

In  appointing  new  Non-Executive  Directors, 
the  Board 
Performance  and  Renewal  Committee  assesses  the  skills, 
experience and personal qualities of candidates. It also takes 
into consideration other attributes including diversity to ensure 
the 
that  any  appointment  decisions  adequately  reflect 
aspirations  of  the  Group  and  the  environment  in  which  it 
operates. 

The  continuing  education  of  Non-Executive  Directors  is  a 
priority, with the Board providing formal ongoing exposure to 
a  wide  range  of  relevant  issues.  This  program  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. 

The Group also surveyed some of our individual shareholders 
and  had  one-on-one  critical  presentations  from  senior  fund 
managers and sell-side analysts. This open and independent 
exposure  of  the  Board  to  its  stakeholder  groups  is  essential 
for the Board’s understanding of the Bank’s owners. 

I  would  like  to  thank  all  of  my  fellow  directors  for  their  hard 
work and support over the last year. 

Chairman’s Statement 

Outlook 

As I said earlier and looking back on last year’s letter, it would 
be fair to say that the improvement in the international macro 
environment has been slightly better than we had anticipated. 
In  particular,  the  United  States  economy  seems  to  be  on  a 
much  sounder  footing  and  looks  to  have  good  positive 
momentum,  although  there  are  clearly  still  longer  term 
structural issues to be resolved. In Europe, volatility seems to 
have reduced and the outlook is more positive than it was this 
time last year. Having said that, I still believe it will take some 
time  before  the  Eurozone  returns  to  a  period  of  sustainable 
economic growth. 

In  China  the  political  concerns  of  last  year  appear  to  have 
abated,  although  economic  growth  seems  to  be  settling  at a 
slightly lower level than previously. I have no doubt that China 
will  continue  to  experience  some  volatility  but  medium  to 
longer term economic prospects remain positive. 

So,  turning  to  the  prospects  for  the  2014  financial  year,  our 
outlook for the global economy remains similar to six months 
ago.  Our  primary  areas  of  economic  focus  are  the  level  of 
confidence of Australian business and households, the impact 
of economic conditions in China on the demand and price for 
resources, the value of the Australian dollar and the resultant 
impact  on  export-sensitive  parts  of  the  Australian  economy 
and the stability of funding markets. Indicators relating to all of 
these factors have been mixed over the past six months, and 
we  expect  that  to  remain  the  case  in  the  near  term.  In 
addition, competition will remain strong in all our businesses, 
both  from  traditional  financial  services  competitors  and  new 
technology-enabled business models. 

Overall  we  believe  that  the  underlying  conditions  for  our 
business in the 2014 financial year will be similar to those we 
have  experienced  in  the  recently  completed  year.  However, 
we  are  well  positioned  to  meet  the  needs  of  our  customers 
should the economy rebound more quickly than anticipated. 

We  have  a  truly  excellent  management  team  leading  the 
Group and, in this challenging world, your Board is confident 
that they will succeed. 

I would like to thank our customers and shareholders for their 
continuing support for the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. 

Finally for all the staff of the Group on  whom we depend for 
our success, thank you. 

David J Turner 

Chairman 

13 August 2013 

Annual Report 2013 

3 

 
 
Chief Executive Officer’s Statement 

As David Turner has noted in his Chairman’s Statement, the 
economic  environment  during  the  2013  financial  year  was 
mixed.  Whilst  many  indicators  around  the  world  economy 
improved, others deteriorated. Market volatility was generally 
lower  than  we  had  seen  the  previous  year.  But  in  Australia, 
the  lack  of  a  clear  global  recovery,  combined  with  doubts 
about  the  shape  of  the  economy  following  a  reduction  in 
global resources receipts continued to supress confidence. 

Against that backdrop, our continuing focus on our long term 
strategy  ensured  that  the  Group  performed  well  during  the 
2013  financial  year.  The  strategy  that  we  announced  18 
months  ago,  which  is  very  similar  to  the  one  the  Group  has 
been  following  since  2006,  has  customer  focus  as  its 
overarching  priority.  The  underlying  belief  is  that  satisfied 
customers lead to satisfied shareholders. 

During  the  2013  financial  year,  our  multi-year  trend  of 
improving  customer  satisfaction  continued.  In  2006,  CBA 
lagged  all  major  competitors  in  customer  satisfaction.  The 
gap  between  CBA  and  the  leading  competitor  was  12.5%. 
The  Group  set  a  goal  of  not  only  reducing  that  gap,  but 
becoming  the  leading  major  bank  in  retail  MFI  customer 
satisfaction  as  measured  by  the  Roy  Morgan  survey.  In 
January  this  year,  we  achieved  that  goal.  And  we  have  held 
that  position  since  then.  Moreover,  the  most  recent  result, 
June  2013,  was  the  highest  in  the  Group’s  history.  When 
combined  with  leading  customer  satisfaction  positions  in  our 
Business  and  Private  Banking,  Institutional  Banking  and 
Wealth  Management  businesses,  this  provides  a  strong 
foundation for on-going success. 

Satisfied customers led to market share growth across many 
different parts of our retail banking business during the year, 
particularly  in  the  second  half.  We  also  grew  lending  in  our 
business  bank  considerably  faster  than  the  market.  And  our 
Wealth Management business benefited from better in-flows, 
as  well  as  improved  equity  markets,  with  Funds  Under 
Administration up $44 billion and cash NPAT up 9%. Although 
some of these market share gains were offset to some extent 
by  continuing  margin  pressure  in  deposits,  revenue  growth 
overall was a robust 7%. 

Our  strategy  of  customer  focus  is  built  around  four  key 
capabilities: people, technology, productivity and strength. 

the 

I  am  extremely  proud  of 

Of  course  customer  satisfaction  depends  first  and  foremost 
on  people. 
team  at 
Commonwealth  Bank.  This  year  I  have  had  the  pleasure  of 
visiting  our  teams  in  places  as  different  as  Albury  and 
Edinburgh.  One  of  the  strengths of  the  Group  is  that  branch 
managers in Albury and asset managers in Edinburgh share 
a  passion  to  do  their  best  for  the  benefit  of  our  customers, 
and a desire to collaborate across the Group to that end. Our 
people remain our most important asset and this year’s result 
is  a  tribute  to  their  commitment  and  hard  work.  All  of  our 
internal  measures  confirm  our  impressions  that  our  people 
are highly engaged. 

Another  critical  part  of  our  customer  focus  over  many  years 
has  been  our  investment  in  technology.  During  the  2013 
financial year, we completed our Core Banking Modernisation 
upgrade.  This  project  involved  approximately  1,500  people 
working  full-time  for  six  years.  Their  work  has  resulted  in 
industry-leading  features  for  customers,  centred  around  the 
only  true  24  hours  a  day,  seven  days  a  week  core  banking 
system  among  the  major  banks  in  Australia  (and  one  of  the 
few in the world for a bank of this scale). With the project now 
completed,  we  are  focused  on  continuous  innovation  for  the 
benefit  of  our  customers.  Examples  of  recent  innovations 
which are directly benefiting our customers include in-branch 
video conferencing, Everyday Settlements, Commbiz Mobile, 
Kaching and our new point of sale offerings of Pi, Albert and 
Leo. We believe we are still only at the start of our long term 
effort to apply world-leading technology for the benefit of our 
customers. 

focus 

Our  systems  investment  is  also  an  important  enabler  of  our 
group-wide focus on productivity. Productivity will be a multi-
year 
the  initiatives  we 
embarked  on  during  the  year  have  seen  us make significant 
progress  in  embedding  a  productivity  culture  throughout  the 
Group.  We  believe  that  this  strategy  is  not  about  short  term 

for  the  organisation  and 

4 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

cost cutting, but about sustainable change. We will apply the 
same  level  of  focus  and  discipline  as  we  have  on  customer 
satisfaction,  since  the  two  are  closely  linked.  Our  aspiration 
remains  making  our  business  more  customer  friendly  and 
efficient 
term 
expenses to an appropriate level. 

term,  while  managing  short 

in  the 

long 

Through  the  successful  execution  of  this  program  over 
several  years,  the  Group  will  avoid  short  term  cost  cutting 
initiatives  that  damage  morale  and  thereby  undermine  long 
term  value.  We  have  not,  and  will  not,  set  targets  for 
reduction in people numbers. Nor will we resort to offshoring 
of Australian jobs. 

the  most  significant  benefits  of 

Though 
focus  on 
productivity will likely be felt in the medium term, we already 
saw  early  signs  of  progress  in  the  past  financial  year.  Our 
cost to  income  ratio  improved  by 100  basis  points  to  45.0%. 
And  importantly,  we  were  able  to  achieve  this  improvement 
while still making $1.2 billion of investments for the long term, 
and absorbing the significant costs of new regulation. 

this 

fourth  capability,  strength,  also 

Our 
influenced  our 
performance in the past year. Given the continued uncertainty 
in the global economy and our cautious view of the prospects 
for  growth  in  the  domestic  economy,  we  retained  our 
conservative  mindset  throughout  the  year.  As  at  the  end  of 
the  financial  year,  our  capital  and  liquidity  positions  are  as 
strong as they have ever been. We are well-funded with high 
levels  of 
liquidity.  And  we  have  retained  conservative 
provisioning,  alongside  a  very  strong  capital  position  relative 
to  both  domestic  and  international  peers.  We  have  also 
maintained  our  discipline  in  lending  standards.  Given  the 
strength of the Group we have ample capacity to support our 
customers. 

Our  strategy  is  built  around  the  application  of  these  four 
capabilities  (people, technology, productivity and strength) to 
growth  opportunities.  This  starts  with  our  domestic  financial 
services  businesses,  where  we  see  an  opportunity  for 
continued  growth  by  deepening  our  relationships  with  our 
customers.  Our  “One  Commbank”  initiative  aims  to  make  it 
easy  for  our  customers  to  get  the  products  they  need, 
however  they  choose  to  do  so.  This  initiative  builds  on  our 
industry-leading  customer 
reach,  our  customer-focused 
technology  systems,  and  above  all,  customer-focused  and 
collaborative people. One example of how these three areas 
of  advantage  can  work  together  is  the  roll-out  of  video 
conferencing,  which  we  now  have  in  all  our  CBA  branches. 
This  makes  it  easier  for  our  customers  to  get  expert  advice 
and access a much wider range of financial products. Again, 
though  it  is  a  multi-year  effort,  we  have  already  seen  the 
benefits  in  the  2013  financial  year.  We  have  again  seen  an 
increase  in  products  per  customer,  and  have  retained  our 
leadership position relative to our peers. 

We also see an opportunity domestically to keep growing our 
Business  and 
Institutional  Banking  businesses  as  we 
leverage  our  technology  to  grow  our  Transaction  Banking 
business  and  look  for  new  opportunities  to  provide  our 
customers with innovative products and ideas. We have also 
continued  to  make  small  discrete  investments,  designed  to 
further strengthen our domestic portfolio. In the 2013 financial 
year, we were pleased to have the opportunity to increase our 
ownership stake in Aussie Home Loans to 80%. 

Outside  Australia,  we  have  a  continuing  appetite  to  apply 
these  capabilities  where  we  believe  that  we  can  create  long 
term  value  for  our  shareholders.  This  applies  particularly  in 
the  Asian  region,  where  we  continue  to  follow  a  consistent 
strategy of long term growth. Our retail, institutional and asset 
management businesses in the region generated cash NPAT 
in  excess  of  $300  million  during  the  2013  financial  year.  Of 
particular  note  during  the  year  was  the  opening  of  five  new 
County  Banks,  and  the  approval  for  a  Beijing  branch,  in 
China. 

Given  the  Group’s  relative  strength,  we  are  still  frequently 
asked about our intentions regarding inorganic growth outside 
Australia.  Our  position  remains  exactly  as  stated  during  our 
strategy update 18 months ago: we would only undertake an 
acquisition  where  it  creates  value  for  shareholders  that  they 
could  not  create  for  themselves  through  direct  investment  in 

 
Chief Executive Officer’s Statement 

the  relevant  entity.  Opportunities  to  create  such  value  are 
hard to find. 

We are committed to having a positive impact on the financial 
wellbeing  of  communities.  In  addition  to  some  of  our  higher 
profile  partnerships,  most  notably  Cricket  Australia  and  the 
Australian  of  the  Year  Awards,  we  have  a  strong  multi-year 
commitment  to  the  Australian  youth.  During  the  year  we 
delivered our financial literacy program to more than 280,000 
students from primary schools through to TAFE colleges. This 
is the world’s largest face-to-face financial literacy program of 
its kind and represents a significant investment by the Group 
in the future of young people. Our people also awarded over 
$2 million  in  grants  through  our  Staff  Community  Fund, 
largest  and  longest  running  workplace-giving 
Australia’s 
program,  to  more  than  240  organisations  that  are  improving 
the health and wellbeing of Australian youth. 

The Chairman’s letter makes it clear that while our long term 
economic  view  remains  positive,  lack  of  consumer  and 
business confidence may continue to weigh on the economy 
in the near term. We will stick to our strategy. Management’s 
focus  over  the  next  12  months  will  be  continuing  our  multi-
year  investments  in  the  capabilities  that  underpin  customer 
focus.  We  are  setting  ourselves  a  high  bar  for  improving 
these capabilities, because we believe that by doing so we  

can create value for our customers and our shareholders. So 
during the 2014 financial year, we expect to make significant 
progress  on  our  One  Commbank  and  productivity  initiatives 
with  particular  emphasis  on  delivering  simplified  and 
streamlined  interactions  with  our  customers,  improving  the 
capabilities of our front line staff and continuing to simplify our 
products and processes. 

In  doing  so,  we  must  ultimately  be  guided  by  our  vision. 
During the 2013 financial year, we refreshed our vision, which 
is  now  “to  secure  and  enhance  the  financial  wellbeing  of 
people, businesses, and communities”. The vision is intended 
to remind us all of the high level of responsibility we have to 
more  than  10  million  personal  and  business  customers, 
800,000  households  who  own  our  shares  directly  in  addition 
to the millions more who own our shares through super funds, 
and  the  communities  in  which  we  operate.  Our  goal  is  to 
ensure  that  each  of  our  50,000  employees  recognises  that 
responsibility  and  gives  of  his  or  her  best,  guided  by  our 
values  of  integrity,  accountability,  service,  excellence  and 
collaboration. The challenges of the economy, combined with 
the high quality of our competitors, mean that we must always 
strive  for  higher  standards  and  improved  performance  if  we 
are  to  maintain  the  strong  momentum  that  the  Group  has 
developed over many years.  

Ian M Narev 

Chief Executive Officer 

13 August 2013 

Annual Report 2013 

5 

 
 
 
Highlights 

Group Performance Highlights 

Financial Performance 

Capital 

III  regulatory  capital 

The Group  further strengthened its capital position under the 
new  Basel 
framework.  As  at  30 
June 2013  the  Basel  III  Common  Equity  Tier  One  (CET1) 
ratio as measured on a fully internationally harmonised basis 
was 11.0%. 

This  places  the  Group  in  a  strong  position,  compares 
favourably to our international and domestic peers, and is well 
above the regulatory minimum levels. 

Funding 

The  Group  has  maintained  conservative  balance  sheet 
settings,  with  the  majority  of  the  Group’s  lending  growth 
funded  by  growth  in  customer  deposits.  Customer  deposits 
constitute  63% of the Group’s funding base at 30 June 2013 
up from 62% in the prior year. 

Wholesale  funding  levels  remained  broadly  stable  over  the 
past 12 months, and while the cost of issuing new  long term 
wholesale  funding  has  decreased,  domestic  deposit  costs 
remain  at  elevated  levels,  maintaining  pressure  on  Group 
margins over the year. 

Dividends 

The final dividend declared was $2.00 per share, bringing the 
total  dividend  for the  year  ended  30  June  2013  to  $3.64  per 
share, an increase of 9% on the prior year. This represents a 
dividend payout ratio (“cash basis”) of 75.4%. 

The  final  dividend  payment  will  be  fully  franked  and  paid  on 
3 October 2013  to  owners  of  ordinary  shares  at  the  close  of 
business  on  23 August 2013  (record  date).  Shares  will  be 
quoted ex–dividend on 19 August 2013. 

Outlook 

The  outlook  for  the  global  economy  remains  similar  to  six 
months  ago.  The  Group’s  primary  areas  of  economic  focus 
are  the  level  of  confidence  of  Australian  businesses  and 
households,  the  impact  of  economic  conditions  in  China  on 
the  demand  and  price  for  resources,  the  value  of  the 
Australian dollar and the resultant impact on export-sensitive 
parts  of  the  domestic  economy  and  stability  of  funding 
markets. Indicators  relating  to  all of  these factors  have  been 
mixed  over  the  past  six  months,  and  it  is  expected  that  will 
remain the case in the near term. In addition, competition will 
remain strong across all of the Group’s businesses, both from 
traditional financial services competitors and new technology-
enabled  business  models.  Overall,  the  Group  believes  that 
the underlying conditions for its business in the 2014 financial 
year  will  be  similar  to  those  experienced  in  the  recently 
completed  year.  However,  the  Group  is  well  positioned  to 
meet the needs of its customers should the economy rebound 
more quickly than anticipated. 

The Group’s net profit after tax (“statutory basis”) for the year 
ended  30  June  2013  increased  8%  on  the  prior  year  to 
$7,677 million. 

Return on equity (“statutory basis”) was  18.2% and Earnings 
per share (“statutory basis”)  was  477.9 cents, an increase of 
6% on the prior year. 

The  Management  Discussion  and  Analysis  discloses  the  net 
profit  after  tax  on  both  a  statutory  and  cash  basis.  The 
statutory  basis  is  prepared  and  reviewed  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 
the  Group’s 
to  present  a  clear  view  of 
underlying  operating  results,  excluding  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 
list  of  items  excluded  from  statutory  profit  is  provided  in  the 
reconciliation  of  the  Net  profit  after  tax  (“cash  basis”)  on 
page 7 and described in greater detail on page 17. 

The  Group  has  produced  another  positive  financial  result 
amidst  mixed  economic  conditions,  including  subdued  credit 
growth, higher deposit funding costs, low interest rates, lower 
marginal  costs  of  raising  new  wholesale 
funding  and 
improved equity markets. 

to 

focus  on  securing 

The  Group  continues 
term 
sustainable  competitive  advantage  through  engaged  staff 
collaborating  to  identify  and  meet  more  of  our  customers’ 
needs.  This  long  term  focus,  combined  with  a  diversified 
business  model  and  a  strong  risk  management  culture,  has 
again generated superior returns. 

long 

Operating income growth reflected strong momentum across 
the  Retail,  Wealth  and  New  Zealand  businesses.  Business 
banking revenue remained subdued amid strong competition 
for domestic deposits. 

Operating  expenses  reflect  a  continued  appetite  to  invest  in 
technology  and  other  growth  initiatives,  together  with  the 
impact of costly regulatory change and compliance initiatives, 
partly offset by productivity initiatives. 

Loan impairment expense decreased slightly due to improved 
home loan and credit card arrears, partly offset by increased 
commercial  loan  charges.  Asset  quality  remains  sound  with 
continued conservative levels of provisioning and unchanged 
economic overlays. 

Net  profit  after  tax  (“cash  basis”)  for  the  year  ended 
30 June 2013 
to 
$7,819 million.  Cash  earnings  per  share  increased  8%  to 
485.8 cents per share. 

increased  by  10%  on 

the  prior  year 

the  year  ended 
Return  on  equity  (“cash  basis”) 
30 June 2013  was  18.4%,  a  decrease  of  20  basis  points  on 
the  prior  year,  reflecting  strong  organic  capital  generation 
from  higher  retained  earnings  and  shareholder  reinvestment 
of the final dividend of the 2012 financial year. 

for 

6 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Jun 13 vsJun 13 vsJun 13 vs 30 Jun 13Jun 12 % 30 Jun 13 30 Jun 12Jun 12 % 30 Jun 13 31 Dec 12Dec 12 %Net profit after tax ($M)7,67787,8197,113104,0393,7807Return on equity (%)18.2(50)bpts18.418.6(20)bpts18.818.170 bptsEarnings per share - basic (cents)477.96485.8449.48250.3235.56Dividends per share (cents)3649364334920016422Full Year EndedFull Year EndedHalf Year Ended("statutory basis")("cash basis")("cash basis") 
  
Highlights 

(1)  For  purposes  of  presentation,  policyholder  tax  expense  components  of  corporate  tax  expense  are  shown  on  a  net  basis  (30  June 2013:  $112 million; 

30 June 2012: $122 million; and for the half years ended 30 June 2013: $28 million and 31 December 2012: $84 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)  Refer to page 17 for details. 
(4)  Comparative  information  has  been  restated  to  reflect  changes  in  the  presentation  of  segment  results  in  the  current  year.  The  changes  include  the 
reallocation  of  revenue,  expenses  and  associated  customer  balances  between  segments  based  on  where  the  customer  relationship  is  managed;  the 
allocation of residual earnings on capital across the business segments; and the impact of the Group relinquishing the banking licence held by Bankwest 
during October 2012. 

Group Return on Equity 

Group Return on Assets (1) 

(1)  Comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

Annual Report 2013 

7 

Group Performance30 Jun 1330 Jun 12Jun 13 vs30 Jun 1331 Dec 12Jun 13 vs30 Jun 13Jun 13 vsSummary$M$MJun 12 %$M$MDec 12 %$MJun 12 %Net interest income 13,94413,15767,0826,862313,9346Other banking income 4,2213,92772,0862,135(2)4,2374Total banking income18,16517,08469,1688,997218,1716Funds management income2,1461,957101,1131,03382,16512Insurance income1,034960852950551,218(1)Total operating income21,34520,001710,81010,535321,5546Investment experience15414937084(17)n/an/aTotal income21,49920,150710,88010,619221,5546Operating expenses(9,605)(9,196)4(4,850)(4,755)2(9,680)4Loan impairment expense(1,082)(1,089)(1)(466)(616)(24)(1,146)5Net profit before tax10,8129,865105,5645,248610,7288Corporate tax expense (1)(2,977)(2,736)9(1,517)(1,460)4(3,035)6Non-controlling interests (2)(16)(16)-(8)(8)-(16)-Net profit after tax ("cash basis")7,8197,113104,0393,7807n/an/aHedging and IFRS volatility (3)27124(78)37(10)largen/an/aOther non-cash items (3)(169)(147)15(60)(109)(45)n/an/aNet profit after tax ("statutory basis")7,6777,09084,0163,661107,6778Represented by: (4)Retail Banking Services 3,0542,703131,5481,5063Business and Private Banking 1,4881,513(2)7537352Institutional Banking and Markets 1,2101,098106076031Wealth Management68762993533346New Zealand635541173263096Bankwest561527630325817IFS and Other1841028014935largeNet profit after tax ("cash basis")7,8197,113104,0393,7807Investment experience - after tax(105)(89)18(48)(57)(16)Net profit after tax ("underlying basis")7,7147,024103,9913,7237StatutoryFull Year EndedFull Year EndedHalf Year Ended21.7%20.4%15.8%18.7%19.5%18.6%18.4%2007200820092010201120122013RoE - Cash (%)440488620646668719 7544.54.74.46.16.87.17.81.1%1.1%0.0%0.2%0.4%0.6%0.8%1.0%1.2%02004006008002007200820092010201120122013Total Assets ($bn)Cash NPAT ($bn)RoA - Cash (%) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Highlights 

(1)  Comparative information has been reclassified to conform to presentation in the current year. 
(2) 
(3)  Net operating income represents total operating income less volume related expenses. 

Includes IFS Asia. 

8 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Jun 13 vsJun 13 vsKey Performance Indicators 30 Jun 13 30 Jun 12Jun 12 % 30 Jun 13 31 Dec 12Dec 12 %GroupStatutory net profit after tax ($M)7,6777,09084,0163,66110Cash net profit after tax ($M)7,8197,113104,0393,7807Net interest margin (%) 2. 132. 094 bpts2. 172. 107 bptsAverage interest earning assets ($M) 653,637629,6854657,951649,3941Average interest bearing liabilities ($M) 609,557590,6543613,779605,4081Funds management income to average FUA (%) (1)0. 940. 97(3)bpts0. 940. 95(1)bpt  Funds Under Administration (FUA) - average ($M) (1)227,780200,79213239,948215,55411Insurance income to average inforce premiums (%) (1) (2)36. 539. 2(270)bpts36. 836. 620 bptsAverage inforce premiums ($M) (2)2,8342,450162,8982,7366Operating expenses to total operating income (%)45. 046. 0(100)bpts44. 945. 1(20)bptsEffective corporate tax rate (%) 27. 527. 7(20)bpts27. 327. 8(50)bptsRetail Banking ServicesCash net profit after tax ($M) (1)3,0542,703131,5481,5063Operating expenses to total banking income (%) (1)38. 540. 1(160)bpts38. 238. 9(70)bptsBusiness and Private BankingCash net profit after tax ($M) (1)1,4881,513(2)7537352Operating expenses to total banking income (%) (1)36. 135. 740 bpts36. 236. 110 bptsInstitutional Banking and MarketsCash net profit after tax ($M) (1)1,2101,098106076031Operating expenses to total banking income (%) (1)34. 235. 1(90)bpts35. 233. 3190 bptsWealth ManagementCash net profit after tax ($M) (1)68762993533346FUA - average ($M)219,296193,27713231,138207,43711Average inforce premiums ($M) 2,0681,806152,1182,0215Funds management income to average FUA (%)0. 950. 98(3)bpts0. 940. 95(1)bpt  Insurance income to average inforce premiums (%)34. 638. 3(370)bpts33. 136. 1(300)bptsOperating expenses to net operating income (%) (3)65. 667. 1(150)bpts64. 766. 5(180)bptsNew ZealandCash net profit after tax ($M) (1)635541173263096FUA - average ($M) (1)8,4847,515138,8108,1179Average inforce premiums ($M)516470105264986Funds management income to average FUA (%) (1)0. 640. 595 bpts0. 660. 615 bptsInsurance income to average inforce premiums (%)47. 948. 3(40)bpts51. 445. 0largeOperating expenses to total operating income (%) (1)46. 548. 3(180)bpts47. 045. 9110 bptsBankwestCash net profit after tax ($M) (1)561527630325817Operating expenses to total banking income (%) (1)47. 251. 0(380)bpts46. 747. 8(110)bptsCapital (Basel III)  Common Equity Tier One (Internationally Harmonised %)11. 09. 8120 bpts11. 010. 640 bptsCommon Equity Tier One (APRA %)8. 27. 570 bpts8. 28. 110 bptsFull Year EndedHalf Year Ended 
 
 
 
 (1) Fully diluted EPS and weighted average number of shares are disclosed in Note 7. 

(1)  Prior periods have been restated in line with market updates. 
(2)  As at 31 May 2013. 
(3)  Other household lending market share includes personal loans and margin loans. 
(4) 
(5)  As at 31 March 2013. 

In accordance with RBA guidelines, these measures include some products relating to both the retail and corporate segments. 

Highlights 

Annual Report 2013 

9 

Jun 13 vsJun 13 vsShareholder Summary 30 Jun 13 30 Jun 12Jun 12 %30 Jun 13 31 Dec 12Dec 12 %Dividends per share - fully franked (cents) 364334920016422Dividend cover - cash (times)1. 31. 3-1. 21. 4(14)Earnings per share (cents)Statutory basis - basic 477. 9448. 96249. 3228. 69Cash basis - basic485. 8449. 48250. 3235. 56Dividend payout ratio (%)Statutory basis76. 875. 2160 bpts80. 772. 5largeCash basis 75. 475. 040 bpts80. 270. 2largeWeighted average no. of shares ("statutory basis") - basic (M) (1)1,5981,57021,6031,5931Weighted average no. of shares ("cash basis") - basic (M) (1)1,6011,57321,6061,5961Return on equity ("statutory basis") (%)18. 218. 7(50)bpts18. 817. 6120 bptsReturn on equity ("cash basis") (%)18. 418. 6(20)bpts18. 818. 170 bptsFull Year EndedHalf Year Ended30 Jun 1331 Dec 1230 Jun 12Jun 13 vsJun 13 vsMarket Share (1)%%%Dec 12 %Jun 12 %Home loans 25. 325. 125. 220 bpts10 bptsCredit cards - RBA (2)24. 323. 923. 540 bpts80 bptsOther household lending (3)16. 916. 516. 440 bpts50 bptsHousehold deposits 28. 828. 828. 9-(10)bptsRetail deposits (4)25. 425. 325. 410 bpts-Business lending - APRA 19. 119. 319. 3(20)bpts(20)bptsBusiness lending - RBA 17. 917. 717. 720 bpts20 bptsBusiness deposits - APRA 21. 520. 620. 690 bpts90 bptsAsset Finance13. 313. 313. 6-(30)bptsEquities trading 5. 25. 45. 5(20)bpts(30)bptsAustralian Retail - administrator view (5)15. 515. 415. 510 bpts-FirstChoice Platform (5)11. 611. 611. 8-(20)bptsAustralia life insurance (total risk) (5)13. 113. 313. 6(20)bpts(50)bptsAustralia life insurance (individual risk) (5)13. 013. 213. 3(20)bpts(30)bptsNZ lending for housing22. 322. 121. 920 bpts40 bptsNZ retail deposits20. 120. 220. 6(10)bpts(50)bptsNZ lending to business 10. 19. 89. 030 bpts110 bptsNZ retail FUA17. 917. 718. 820 bpts(90)bptsNZ annual inforce premiums 29. 529. 730. 3(20)bpts(80)bptsAs atCredit RatingsLong-termShort-termOutlookFitch RatingsAA- F1+ Stable Moody's Investor ServicesAa2 P-1 Stable Standard & Poor'sAA- A-1+ Stable  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Performance Analysis 

Financial Performance and Business Review

Year Ended June 2013 versus June 2012 

Half Year Ended June 2013 versus December 2012 

The Group’s net profit after tax (“cash basis”) increased 10% 
on the prior year to $7,819 million. 

The  Group’s  net  profit  after  tax  (“cash  basis”)  increased  7% 
on the prior half to $4,039 million. 

Earnings  per  share  (“cash  basis”)  increased  8%  on  the  prior 
year  to  485.8  cents  per  share,  whilst  return  on  equity  (“cash 
basis”) decreased 20 basis points on the prior year to 18.4%. 

Earnings  per  share  (“cash  basis”)  increased  6%  on  the  prior 
half  to  250.3  cents  per  share,  whilst  return  on  equity  (“cash 
basis”) improved 70 basis points to 18.8%. 

It  should  be  noted  when  comparing  current  half  financial 
performance  to  the  prior  half  that  there  are  three  less 
calendar  days  impacting  revenue  in  the  current  half.  Key 
points of note in the result included the following: 
 

Net  interest  income  increased  3%  to  $7,082  million, 
reflecting  a  seven  basis  point  increase  in  net  interest 
margin  and  1%  growth  in  average  interest  earning 
assets; 

  Other banking income decreased 2% to $2,086 million, 

 

 

income 

due to the impact of debt buybacks; 
Funds  management 
to 
$1,113 million,  driven  by  an  11%  increase  in  average 
FUA; 
Insurance income increased 5% to $529 million due to 
6%  average  inforce  premium  growth,  partly  offset  by 
unfavourable claims experience in wholesale life; 

increased  8% 

  Operating  expenses  increased  2%  to  $4,850 million, 
driven by higher IT spend on regulatory reform programs 
across  the  Group,  additional  system  support  costs  and 
increased  software  amortisation  driven  by  the  CBM 
initiative; and 

 

impairment  expense  decreased  24% 

Loan 
to 
$466 million  due  to  lower  levels  of  new  and  increased 
individual  provisioning  and  increased  writebacks  on  the 
corporate  and  commercial  portfolios.  This  was  partly 
offset  by  the  impact  of  increasing  arrears  in  the 
unsecured portfolios in Retail Banking Services. 

The key components of the Group result were: 
 

Net  interest  income  increased  6%  to  $13,944 million, 
reflecting  4%  growth  in  average  interest  earning  assets 
and a four basis point increase in net interest margin; 
  Other banking income increased 7% to $4,221 million, 
due  to  higher  Markets  trading  income,  including  a 
favourable counterparty fair value adjustment; 
to 
income 
Funds  management 
$2,146 million, due to a 13% increase in average Funds 
Under  Administration  (FUA)  from positive  net  flows  and 
improved markets; 

increased  10% 

 

 

Insurance  income  increased  8%  to  $1,034 million  due 
to  16%  average  inforce  premium  growth  and  lower 
claims 
in 
wholesale life and higher lapses in retail life; 

in  retail,  partly  offset  by  higher  claims 

  Operating  expenses  increased  4%  to  $9,605 million, 
driven by higher staff costs from salary increases, higher 
defined  benefit  superannuation  expenses  and  higher  IT 
expenses.  IT  costs  increased  due  to  enhancement  of 
system  capabilities  and compliance  with  new  regulatory 
obligations impacting the Wealth business, together with 
increased  software  amortisation  driven  by  the  Core 
Banking  Modernisation  (CBM)  initiative.  This  was  partly 
offset  by 
the  continued  realisation  of  operational 
efficiencies from productivity initiatives; and 
Loan 
to 
$1,082 million. Improvement in arrears in Retail Banking 
Services,  particularly  in  the  credit  card  and  home  loan 
portfolios,  was  partly  offset  by  increased  commercial 
loan impairment expense. 

impairment  expense  decreased  1% 

 

10  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

 
 
 
 
Net Interest Income 

Group Performance Analysis 

Year Ended June 2013 versus June 2012 

Net  interest  income  increased  by  6%  on  the  prior  year  to 
$13,944  million.  The  result  was  driven  by  growth  in  average 
interest earning assets of 4% together with a four basis point 
increase in net interest margin. 

Average Interest Earning Assets 

Average  interest  earning  assets  increased  by  $24  billion  on 
the prior year to $654 billion, reflecting a $21 billion increase 
in  average  lending  interest  earning  assets  and  a  $3 billion 
increase in average non-lending interest earning assets. 

Home loan average balances increased by $15 billion or 4% 
on  the  prior  year  to  $360  billion.  The  growth  in  home  loan 
balances  was 
the  domestic  banking 
businesses. 

largely  driven  by 

for  business  and  corporate 

Average  balances 
lending 
increased by $6 billion on the prior year to $168 billion driven 
by  a  combination  of  business  banking  and  institutional 
lending. 

Average  non-lending 
increased 
$3 billion  on  the  prior  year  due  to  higher  average  levels  of 
liquid assets. 

interest  earning  assets 

Net Interest Margin 

The  Group’s  net  interest  margin  increased  four  basis  points 
on the prior year to 2.13%. The key drivers of the movement 
were: 
Asset pricing: Increased margin of 15 basis points, reflecting 
the repricing of lending portfolios in response to the increase 
in average funding costs associated with both wholesale and 
domestic deposit funding. 

Funding  costs:  Decreased  margin  of  21  basis  points 
reflecting  higher  wholesale  funding  costs  of  10  basis  points; 
an  11  basis  points  increase  in  deposits  costs  from  ongoing 
strong  competition  and  the  impact  of  the  falling  cash  rate 
environment. 
Basis  risk:  Basis  risk  arises  from  funding  assets  which  are 
priced relative to the cash rate with liabilities priced relative to 
the bank bill swap rate. The margin increased by three basis 
points  as  a  result  of  a  reduction  in  the  spread  between  the 
cash rate and the bank bill swap rate during the year. 

Portfolio  mix:  Increased  margin  of  one  basis  point  from 
strong  growth 
lending 
portfolios; plus favourable funding mix of two basis points. 

in  higher  margin  New  Zealand 

Replicating portfolio: Increased margin of three basis points 
as the replicating portfolio (a portfolio of financial instruments 
which  hedge  against  interest  rate  volatility)  mitigated  the 
impact  on  Group  earnings 
falling  cash  rate 
environment. 
Other:  Increased  margin  of  one  basis  point,  primarily  driven 
by higher Treasury earnings. 

from 

the 

NIM movement since June 2012 

Group NIM (Half Year Ended) 

Annual Report  11 

30 Jun 1330 Jun 12Jun 13 vs 30 Jun 1331 Dec 12Jun 13 vs $M$MJun 12 %$M$MDec 12 %Net interest income ("cash basis") 13,94413,15767,0826,8623Average interest earning assetsHome loans360,319345,5444365,040355,6743Personal loans21,39520,870321,76121,0363Business and corporate loans168,296162,4094167,859168,726(1)Total average lending interest earning assets550,010528,8234554,660545,4362Non-lending interest earning assets 103,627100,8623103,291103,958(1)Total average interest earning assets653,637629,6854657,951649,3941Net interest margin (%)2.132.094 bpts2.172.107 bptsFull Year EndedHalf Year Ended2.17%2.12%2.06%2.10%2.17%1.50%1.70%1.90%2.10%2.30%Jun 11Dec 11Jun 12Dec 12Jun 130.15%0.03%0.03%0.03%0.01%(0.21%)2.09%2.13%1.50%1.70%1.90%2.10%2.30%Jun 12AssetpricingFundingcostsBasisriskPortfoliomixReplicatingportfolio    OtherJun 13 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
competition  and 
environment. 

the 

impact  of 

the 

falling  cash 

rate 

Basis risk: Margin increased by two basis points as a result 
of  a  reduction  in  the  spread  between  the  cash  rate  and  the 
bank bill swap rate during the current half. 

Portfolio mix: Increased margin of two basis points reflecting 
in  higher  margin 
favourable 
unsecured lending and New Zealand lending; plus favourable 
funding mix of one basis point. 

from  growth 

lending  mix 

Replicating  portfolio:  Increased  margin  of  one  basis  point 
as  the  replicating  portfolio  mitigated  the  impact  on  Group 
earnings from the falling cash rate environment. 

NIM movement since December 2012 

Group Performance Analysis 

Net Interest Income (continued) 

Half Year Ended June 2013 versus December 2012 

Net interest income increased by 3% on the prior  half driven 
by  growth  in  average  interest  earning  assets  of  1% together 
with a seven basis point improvement in net interest margin to 
2.17%. 

Average Interest Earning Assets 

Average interest earning assets increased by $9 billion on the 
prior  half  to  $658  billion,  reflecting  a  $9  billion  increase  in 
average  lending  interest  earning  assets,  partly  offset  by  less 
than  $1 billion  decrease  in  average  non-lending  interest 
earning assets.  

Home  loan  average  balances  increased  by  $9  billion  or  3% 
on the prior half to $365 billion, primarily driven by growth in 
the domestic banking businesses. 

Average  balances 
lending 
decreased by $1 billion on the prior half to $168 billion driven 
by a decrease in domestic business banking. 

for  business  and  corporate 

Average  non-lending 
interest  earning  assets  decreased 
$1 billion on the prior half. The decrease in available-for-sale 
investments  and  liquid  assets  was  partly  offset  by  growth  in 
trading assets. 

Net Interest Margin 

The Group’s net interest margin increased seven basis points 
on the prior half to 2.17%. The key drivers were: 

Asset  pricing:  Increase  in  margin  of  three  basis  points  due 
to  timing  of  the  repricing  of  lending  portfolios  in  response  to 
higher funding costs. 

Funding  costs:  Decrease  in  margin  of  two  basis  points 
reflecting  the  higher  cost  of  deposits  as  a  result  of  strong 
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Other Banking Income 

Year Ended June 2013 versus June 2012 

Other  banking  income  increased  7%  on  the  prior  year  to 
$4,221 million driven by the following revenue items: 

Commissions were flat on the prior year at $1,990 million. 
Growth  in  card  volumes  was  offset  by  customers  shifting 
into low fee and fee free banking products; 

increased  6%  on 

Lending  fees 
to 
$1,053 million. This included growth in undrawn Institutional 
Lending  balances  leading  to  higher  commitment  fees,  and 
volume growth in personal lending; 

the  prior  year 

Trading  income  increased  65%  on  the  prior  year  to 
$863 million.  This  was  due  to  the  Markets  business 
performance,  which  included  the  benefit  of  favourable 
counterparty fair value adjustments due to narrowing credit 
spreads and higher trading income; and 
Other  income  decreased  23%  on  the  prior  year  to 
$315 million  mainly  due  to  timing  of  gains  on  asset  sales 
and the impact of debt buybacks in the current year. 

12  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

0.03%0.02%0.03%0.01%(0.02%)2.10%2.17%1.50%1.70%1.90%2.10%2.30%Dec 12AssetpricingFundingcostsBasisriskPortfoliomixReplicatingportfolioJun 1330 Jun 1330 Jun 12Jun 13 vs 30 Jun 1331 Dec 12Jun 13 vs $M$MJun 12 %$M$MDec 12 %Commissions1,9901,997-997993-Lending fees1,05399765445097Trading income86352265420443(5)Other income315411(23)125190(34)Other banking income ("cash basis")4,2213,92772,0862,135(2)Full Year EndedHalf Year Ended 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Other Banking Income (continued) 

Half Year Ended June 2013 versus December 2012 

Group Performance Analysis 

Net Trading Income ($M) 

fees 

Other  banking  income  decreased  2%  on  the  prior  half  to 
$2,086 million driven by the following revenue items: 
Commissions  were  flat  on  the  prior  half  at  $997  million. 
Growth  in  brokerage  was  offset  by  customers  shifting  into 
low fee and fee free banking products; 
Lending 
to 
increased  7%  on 
$544 million,  driven  by  higher  volume  in  the  Institutional 
Lending and Asset Leasing businesses; 
Trading  income  decreased  5%  on  the  prior  half  to 
$420 million as a result of decreased trading volumes in the 
Markets business; and 
Other 
the  prior  half 
$125 million mainly due to the impact of debt buybacks. 

income  decreased  34%  on 

the  prior  half 

to 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Funds Management Income 

(1)  Colonial First State incorporates the results of all financial planning businesses including Commonwealth Financial Planning.  

Year Ended June 2013 versus June 2012 

Half Year Ended June 2013 versus December 2012 

Funds management income increased 10% on the prior year 
to $2,146 million driven by:  

Funds management income increased 8% on the prior half to 
$1,113 million driven by:  

 

 

 

A  13%  increase  in  average  FUA  to  $228  billion,  driven 
by strong investment performance and net flows in rising 
equity  markets  benefiting  CFSGAM  and  Colonial  First 
State; 

Higher  performance  fees  in  CFSGAM,  with  the  majority 
of funds outperforming benchmark; partly offset by 

A  three  basis  point  decrease  in  the  ratio  of  funds 
management income to average FUA, due to changes in 
mix  and  the  contraction  of  legacy  closed  investment 
portfolios.  

 

 

An  11%  increase  in  average  FUA,  driven  by  market 
momentum  and  strong  net  flows  in  CFSGAM  and 
Colonial  First  State  and  favourable  foreign  exchange 
movements  due  to  depreciation  of  the  Australian  dollar; 
partly offset by 

The ratio of funds management income to average FUA 
decreased by one basis point to 0.94%, due to portfolio 
mix  shifts  from  retail  to  wholesale  products  and  legacy 
product outflows. 

Annual Report  13 

321251267289(43)12012487(37)(90)5244SalesTradingCVAJun 12Dec 12Dec 11Jun 1324128144342030 Jun 1330 Jun 12Jun 13 vs30 Jun 1331 Dec 12Jun 13 vs$M$MJun 12 %$M$MDec 12 %CFS Global Asset Management (CFSGAM)1,0108831452948110Colonial First State (1)91484584694455CommInsure153160(4)807310New Zealand544423292516Other1525(40)69(33)Funds management income ("cash basis")2,1461,957101,1131,0338Full Year EndedHalf Year Ended 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Group Performance Analysis 

Insurance Income 

Year Ended June 2013 versus June 2012 

Half Year Ended June 2013 versus December 2012 

Insurance  income  increased  by  8%  on  the  prior  year  to 
$1,034 million driven by:  

Insurance  income  increased  by  5%  on  the  prior  half  to 
$529 million driven by:  

 

 

An  increase  in  average  inforce  premiums  of  16%  to 
$2,834 million  driven  by  strong  new  business  sales  by 
CommInsure, New Zealand and IFS Asia; and 

Improved  CommInsure  claims  experience  in  retail  life 
and  general  insurance,  partly  offset  by  unfavourable 
claims experience in wholesale life and increased lapse 
rates in retail life. 

 

 

An  increase  in  average  inforce  premiums  of  6%  to 
$2,898 million  driven  by  new  business  sales  particularly 
through Retail bank channels; and 

Improved  CommInsure  lapse  rates  in  retail  life  partly 
offset  by  unfavourable  claims  experience  in  wholesale 
life. 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Operating Expenses 

Year Ended June 2013 versus June 2012 

Half Year Ended June 2013 versus December 2012 

Operating  expenses  increased  2%  on  the  prior  half  to 
$4,850 million. 
Staff  expenses  increased  by  1%  to  $2,584 million,  with  the 
increase  in  superannuation  contributions  being  offset  by  the 
ongoing focus on productivity improvements; 
Occupancy  and  equipment  expenses  increased  by  2%  to 
$546  million  due 
to  higher  depreciation  expenses  on 
operating lease assets; 
Information  technology  services  expenses  increased  by 
7% to $672 million, primarily due to additional system support 
costs  and  increased  software  amortisation  driven  by  CBM 
and other strategic initiatives; 

Other expenses increased by 2% to $1,048 million, impacted 
by  higher  spend  on  regulatory  change  programs  and  higher 
volume related expenses; and 

Group expense to income ratio improved 20 basis points on 
the  prior  half  to  44.9%  reflecting  higher  revenues  and 
productivity  initiatives.  The  banking  expense  to  income  ratio 
improved 10 basis points on the prior half to 40.1%. 

the 

further 

investment 

Operating  expenses  increased  4%  on  the  prior  year  to 
$9,605 million  with 
realised  benefit  of  productivity 
initiatives  being  offset  by  inflation,  higher  technology  costs, 
variable  operating  costs  and 
in  the 
business. 
Staff expenses increased by 4% to $5,148 million, driven by 
inflation-related  salary  increases  and  higher  superannuation 
expenses; 
Occupancy  and  equipment  expenses  increased  by  2%  to 
$1,082 million,  largely  due  to  higher  depreciation  expenses 
from growth in the Asset Leasing business; 
Information  technology  services  expenses  increased  by 
12% to $1,299 million, primarily due to  system enhancement 
to drive new  capability and satisfy regulatory obligations and 
increased  software  amortisation  driven  by  CBM  and  other 
strategic initiatives; 

Other expenses increased by 2% to $2,076 million, impacted 
by higher spend on regulatory change programs, partly offset 
by lower volume related expenses; and 

Group expense to income ratio improved  100 basis points 
on  the  prior  year  to  45.0%  reflecting  higher  revenues  and 
productivity  initiatives.  The  banking  expense  to  income  ratio 
also improved 100 basis points on the prior year to 40.1%. 

14  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

30 Jun 1330 Jun 12Jun 13 vs30 Jun 1331 Dec 12Jun 13 vs$M$MJun 12 %$M$MDec 12 %CommInsure 7166914348368(5)New Zealand247227913411319IFS Asia75671238373Other(4)(25)(84)9(13)largeInsurance income ("cash basis")1,03496085295055Full Year EndedHalf Year Ended30 Jun 1330 Jun 12Jun 13 vs30 Jun 1331 Dec 12Jun 13 vs$M$MJun 12 %$M$MDec 12 %Staff expenses5,1484,94742,5842,5641Occupancy and equipment expenses1,0821,05625465362Information technology services expenses1,2991,159126726277Other expenses2,0762,03421,0481,0282Operating expenses ("cash basis")9,6059,19644,8504,7552Operating expenses to total operating income (%)45. 046. 0(100)bpts44. 945. 1(20)bptsBanking expense to operating income (%)40. 141. 1(100)bpts40. 140. 2(10)bptsFull Year EndedHalf Year Ended 
 
 
 
 
Group Performance Analysis 

Operating Expenses (continued) 

Investment Spend 

(1) 

Included within Operating Expense disclosure on page 14. 

The  Group  continued  to  invest  strongly  in  the  business  with 
$1,237 million  incurred  in  the  full  year  to  30  June  2013,  a 
decrease  of  4%  on the  prior  year.  Lower  spend  on  the  Core 
Banking  Modernisation  (CBM)  initiative  was  partly  offset  by 
increased investment in Productivity and Growth initiatives. In 
addition, spend on risk and compliance projects increased as 
in  satisfying  new 
systems  are 
regulatory obligations, including Stronger Super and Future of 
Financial Advice (FOFA) reforms. 

implemented 

to  assist 

During the year, the Group invested $200 million in the CBM 
initiative  to  deliver  the final major  scope  items.  Highlights for 
the year included: 

 

 

The successful delivery of the migration of the remaining 
large  and  complex  commercial  deposit  and  transaction 
accounts onto the new CBM platform; and 

The  successful  migration  of  business  lending  accounts 
to  the  new  CBM  platform,  improving  the  business 
lending experience for customers and staff. 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Loan Impairment Expense 

Year Ended June 2013 versus June 2012 

Loan impairment expense decreased 1% on the prior year to 
$1,082 million. The decrease is driven by: 

 

Reduced  loan  impairment  expense  in  Retail  Banking 
Services  following  improvements  in  arrears  rates  in  the 
credit card and home loan portfolios; partly offset by 

 

in 
Increased  expense 
(Bankwest and Business and Private Banking). 

the  commercial  portfolios 

Annual Report  15 

30 Jun 1330 Jun 12Jun 13 vs30 Jun 1331 Dec 12Jun 13 vs$M$MJun 12 %$M$MDec 12 %Expensed investment spend (1)5665021332424234Capitalised investment spend671784(14)331340(3)Investment spend1,2371,286(4)65558213Comprising:Productivity and growth6515861136628528Core Banking Modernisation (CBM)200368(46)63137(54)Risk and compliance2341882412610817Branch refurbishment and other15214461005292Investment spend 1,2371,286(4)65558213Full Year EndedHalf Year Ended30 Jun 1330 Jun 12Jun 13 vs 30 Jun 1331 Dec 12Jun 13 vs $M$MJun 12 %$M$MDec 12 %Retail Banking Services533583(9)28724617Business and Private Banking2802665130150(13)Institutional Banking and Markets154154-5797(41)New Zealand45372223225Bankwest11861933286(63)IFS and Other(48)(12)large (63)15largeLoan impairment expense ("cash basis")1,0821,089(1)466616(24)Full Year EndedHalf Year Ended 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Performance Analysis 

Loan Impairment Expense (continued) 

Half Year Loan Impairment Expense (Annualised) as a 
% of Average Gross Loans and Acceptances (bpts) 

Half Year Ended June 2013 versus December 2012 

Loan impairment expense decreased 24% on the prior half to 
$466 million mainly driven by: 

 

 

 

 

The run off of the pre-acquisition higher risk loan book in 
Bankwest  has  resulted  in  reduced  requirements  for 
provisions and associated overlays in the current half; 

Decreased  expense  in  Business  and  Private  Banking 
due  to  the  non-recurrence  of  softening  collateral  values 
in a small number of troublesome assets experienced in 
the first half; 

Decreased expense in Institutional Banking and Markets 
following  a 
individual  provisioning 
in 
requirements; partly offset by 

reduction 

Increased  loan  impairment  expense  in  Retail  Banking 
Services  following  increased  arrears  in  the  unsecured 
lending portfolios. 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Taxation Expense 

Year Ended June 2013 versus June 2012 

Half Year Ended June 2013 versus December 2012 

Corporate  tax  expense  for  the  year  ended  30 June 2013 
increased 9% on the prior year representing a 27.5% effective 
tax rate. 

Corporate tax expense for the half year ended 30 June 2013 
increased 4% on the prior half representing a 27.3% effective 
tax rate. 

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. 

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. 

16  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

282422212022Jun 10Dec 10Jun 11Dec 11Jun 12Dec 12Jun 13402825Flood / earthquake related overlayReview of Bankwestpre-acquisition business book (non-cash items)Provision relating to Bell Group litigation (non-cash items)1730 Jun 1330 Jun 12Jun 13 vs30 Jun 1331 Dec 12Jun 13 vs$M$MJun 12 %$M$MDec 12 %Corporate tax expense ($M)2,9772,73691,5171,4604Effective tax rate (%)27. 527. 7(20)bpts27. 327. 8(50)bptsFull Year EndedHalf Year Ended 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Non-Cash Items Included in Statutory Profit 

Group Performance Analysis 

Foreign  exchange  hedges  relating 
Zealand earnings. 

to 

future  New 

Bell Group litigation 

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”)  is 
outlined  below  and  treated  consistently  with  prior  year 
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  interest  rate  swaps  hedging  foreign 
currency denominated debt issues; and 

 

 

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. 

from  cash  profit  since 

Fair  value  gains  or  losses  on  all  of  these  economic  hedges 
the  asymmetric 
are  excluded 
recognition of the gains or losses does not affect the Group’s 
performance over the life of the hedge. A $27 million after tax 
gain  was  recognised  in  statutory  profit  for  the  year  ended 
30 June 2013 (30 June 2012: $124 million). 

Bankwest non-cash items 

The  acquisition  of  Bankwest  resulted  in  the  recognition  of 
assets at fair value, representing certain financial instruments, 
core  deposits  and  brand  name  totalling  $463 million  that  are 
being  amortised  over  their  useful  lives.  This  resulted  in 
amortisation charges of $71 million after tax in the year ended 
30 June 2013 (30 June 2012: $89 million after tax). 

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

Count Financial Limited acquisition costs 

During the prior year, the Group acquired 100% of the issued 
share  capital  of  Count  Financial  Limited  (Count),  an 
independent, accountant-based financial advice business. As 
part of the acquisition, the Group incurred retention, advisory 
and  other  costs.  There  were  no  costs  incurred  in  the  year

ended  30 June 2013  (30  June  2012:  $43 million  after  tax 
loss). 

Treasury shares valuation adjustment 

in 

life 

funds  and 

the  managed 

Under IFRS, Commonwealth Bank of Australia shares held by 
the  Group 
insurance 
businesses  are  defined  as  treasury  shares  and  are  held  at 
cost.  Distributions,  realised  and  unrealised  gains  and  losses 
are  recognised  in  cash  profit  representing  the  underlying 
performance  of  the  asset  portfolio  attributable  to  the  wealth 
and life insurance businesses. These distributions, gains and 
losses are reversed as non-cash items for statutory reporting 
purposes.  A  $53  million  after  tax  loss  was  included  in 
statutory 
30 June 2013 
the 
profit 
(30 June 2012: $15 million). 

ended 

year 

in 

the  consortium  of  banks 

Proceedings were brought by the liquidators of the Bell Group 
of  companies  against 
that 
restructured  its  facilities  on  26  January  1990.  The  Supreme 
Court  of  Western  Australia  Court  of  Appeal  ruling  on 
17 August 2012 was adverse for the consortium of banks and 
resulted in an additional provision being raised by the Group. 
This  is  reported  as  a  non-cash  item  due  to  its  historic  and 
one-off nature. 

Policyholder tax 

Policyholder  tax  is  included  in  the  Wealth  Management 
business results for statutory reporting purposes. In the year 
ended  30  June  2013, 
tax  expense  of  $112 million 
(30 June 2012: $122 million tax expense), funds management 
income of $77 million (30 June 2012: $9 million expense) and 
insurance  income  of  $35 million  (30 June 2012:  $131 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. 

Investment experience 

Investment  experience  primarily  includes  the  returns  on 
shareholder  capital  invested  in  the  wealth  management  and 
insurance  businesses  as  well  as  the  volatility  generated 
through the economically hedged guaranteed annuity portfolio 
held by the Group’s Wealth Management division. This item is 
classified separately within cash profit. 

Annual Report  17 

30 Jun 1330 Jun 12Jun 13 vs30 Jun 1331 Dec 12Jun 13 vs$M$MJun 12 %$M$MDec 12 %Hedging and IFRS volatility27124(78)37(10)largeBankwest non-cash items(71)(89)(20)(38)(33)15Count Financial Limited acquisition costs-(43)large---Treasury shares valuation adjustment(53)(15)large(22)(31)(29)Bell Group litigation(45)-large-(45)largeOther non-cash items(169)(147)15(60)(109)(45)Total non-cash items (after tax)(142)(23)large(23)(119)(81)Full Year EndedHalf Year Ended 
 
Group Performance Analysis 

Review of Group Assets and Liabilities 

(1)  The Group has realigned comparative product balances as part of changes in segment allocations to conform to presentation in the current year. 
(2)  Loans, bills discounted and other receivables exclude provisions for impairment which are included in Other assets. 
(3)  Comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

Year Ended June 2013 versus June 2012 

Other assets 

Asset growth of $35 billion or 5% on the prior year was due to 
increased home lending, business and corporate lending and 
higher derivative asset balances. 

The  Group  continued  to  satisfy  a  significant  portion  of  its 
funding  requirements  from  customer  deposits.  Customer 
deposits 
funding 
(30 June 2012: 62%). 

represent 

63% 

total 

now 

of 

Home loans 

Home  loan  balances  increased  $20 billion  to  $373 billion, 
reflecting  a  6%  increase  on  the  prior  year.  This  outcome 
reflected  a  return  to  growth  above  system  in  Retail  Banking 
Services.  The  Group  continues  to  maintain  its  competitive 
position  through  a  strong  focus  on  delivering  excellent 
customer service. 

Other  assets,  including  derivative  assets,  insurance  assets 
and  intangibles,  increased  $6  billion  to  $81  billion,  a  9% 
increase  on  the  prior  year.  This  increase  reflected  higher 
derivative  asset  balances  driven  by  volatility  in  foreign 
exchange and interest rate markets. 

Interest bearing deposits 

Interest bearing deposits increased $20 billion to $448 billion, 
a 5% increase on the prior year. 

Customer preference for lower risk investments together with 
targeted campaigns in a highly competitive market resulted in 
growth of $16 billion in savings deposits, a $7 billion increase 
in transaction deposits and a $2 billion increase in investment 
deposits.  This  was  partly  offset  by  a  $4  billion  decrease  in 
other demand deposits. 

Personal loans 

Debt issues 

Personal  loans,  including  credit  cards  and  margin  lending, 
increased 5% on the prior year to $22 billion. Strong growth in 
credit  card  and  personal  loan  balances  was  driven  by 
successful  campaigns  and  new  product  offerings.  This  was 
partly offset by a decline in margin lending balances reflecting 
conservative investor sentiment towards equity markets. 

Debt issues increased $4 billion to $139 billion, a 3% increase 
on the prior year. While deposits satisfied the majority of the 
Group’s funding requirements, strong access was maintained 
to both domestic and international wholesale debt markets. 

Refer to page 28 for further information on debt programs and 
issuance for the year ended 30 June 2013. 

Business and corporate loans 

Other interest bearing liabilities 

interest  bearing 

Other 
loan  capital, 
liabilities, 
liabilities  at  fair  value  through  the  income  statement  and 
amounts  due 
increased 
$6 billion to $44 billion, a 14% increase on the prior year. 

institutions, 

to  other 

including 

financial 

Non-interest bearing liabilities 

Non-interest  bearing  liabilities,  including  derivative  liabilities 
and 
to 
liabilities, 
$77 billion, a 1% increase on the prior year. 

increased  $1 billion 

insurance  policy 

increased  $6 billion 

Business  and  corporate 
to 
loans 
$172 billion, a 4% increase on the prior year. This was driven 
by  improved  momentum  in  institutional  lending  balances, 
together  with  solid  growth  in  Business  and  Private  Banking. 
This was partly offset by the continued reduction in higher risk 
pre-acquisition exposures in Bankwest. 

Non-lending interest earning assets 

Non-lending  interest  earning  assets  increased  $2 billion  to 
$106 billion,  reflecting  a  2%  increase  on  the  prior  year.  This 
was driven by higher liquid asset balances held as a result of 
balance sheet growth and prudent business settings. 

18  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

30 Jun 1331 Dec 1230 Jun 12  Jun 13 vsJun 13 vsTotal Group Assets and Liabilities$M$M$MDec 12 %Jun 12 %Interest earning assetsHome loans (1)372,840359,058352,98146Personal loans22,01321,47021,05735Business and corporate loans (1)172,314166,957166,18834Loans, bills discounted and other receivables (2)567,167547,485540,22645Non-lending interest earning assets106,060103,747104,30422Total interest earning assets673,227651,232644,53034Other assets (1) (2) (3)80,64970,97274,329149Total assets753,876722,204718,85945Interest bearing liabilitiesTransaction deposits (1)87,67382,91381,10468Savings deposits (1)106,93599,58591,279717Investment deposits199,397192,302197,13841Other demand deposits 54,47263,17358,852(14)(7)Total interest bearing deposits448,477437,973428,37325Debt issues138,871127,439134,42993Other interest bearing liabilities 44,30640,50238,704914Total interest bearing liabilities631,654605,914601,50645Non-interest bearing liabilities (3)76,73072,99175,78151Total liabilities708,384678,905677,28745As at 
 
 
 
Review of Group Assets and Liabilities (continued) 

Half Year Ended June 2013 versus December 2012 

Asset growth of $32 billion or 4% on the prior half was driven 
by  increased  home  lending,  business  and  corporate  lending 
as well as higher derivative asset balances. 

Continued  strong  deposits  growth  allowed  the  Group  to 
satisfy  a  significant  portion  of  its  funding  requirements 
through customer deposits. Customer deposits made up 63% 
of  total  funding  as  at  30  June  2013  (31 December 2012: 
63%). 

Home loans 

Home 
loans  experienced  steady  growth  with  balances 
increasing by $14 billion to $373 billion, a 4% increase on the 
prior  half.  This  outcome  reflected  a  return  to  growth  above 
system 
in  Retail  Banking  Services.  The  Group  has 
maintained  its  competitive  position  and  continued  profitable 
growth through a strong focus on customer service. 

Personal loans 

Personal  loans,  including  credit  cards  and  margin  lending, 
increased  3%  on  the  prior  half  to  $22 billion.  Personal  loans 
increased and credit card growth slowed due to deleveraging 
trends in the broader market, while margin lending remained 
stable. 

Business and corporate loans 

to 
loans 
Business  and  corporate 
$172 billion.  This  was  largely  due  to  solid  business  lending 
growth in both Australia and New Zealand. 

increased  $5 billion 

Non-lending interest earning assets 

Non-lending  interest  earning  assets  increased  $2  billion  to 
$106  billion.  This  was  primarily  due  to  an  increase  in  liquid 
assets  resulting  from  prudent  business  settings  and  balance 
sheet growth. 

Other assets 

Other  assets,  including  derivative  assets,  insurance  assets

Group Performance Analysis 

and intangibles increased 14% on the prior half to $81 billion. 
This  increase  reflected  higher  derivative  asset  balances 
driven  by  volatility  in  foreign  exchange  and  interest  rate 
markets. 

Interest bearing deposits 

Interest bearing deposits increased $11 billion to $448 billion, 
reflecting a 2% increase on the prior half. 

Targeted  campaigns  in  a  highly  competitive  market  and 
customer  preference  for  more  stable  investments  resulted  in 
growth  of  $7 billion  in  savings  deposits,  a  $7 billion  increase 
in investment deposits and a $5 billion increase in transaction 
deposits.  This  was  partly  offset  by  a  $9 billion  decrease  in 
other demand deposits. 

Debt issues 

Debt  issues  increased  $11 billion  to  $139 billion,  reflecting  a 
9% increase on the prior half. 

Refer to page 28 for further information on debt programs and 
issuance for the half year ended 30 June 2013. 

Other interest bearing liabilities 

interest  bearing 

Other 
loan  capital, 
liabilities, 
liabilities  at  fair  value  through  the  income  statement  and 
amounts  due  to  other  financial  institutions,  increased  9%  on 
the prior half to $44 billion. 

including 

Non-interest bearing liabilities 

Non-interest  bearing  liabilities,  including  derivative  liabilities 
and insurance policy liabilities, increased 5% on the prior half 
to  $77 billion.  This  was  driven  predominantly  by  foreign 
exchange  volatility  impacting  derivative  liabilities  hedging 
term debt. 

Annual Report  19 

 
Group Operations and Business Settings 

Loan Impairment Provisions and Credit Quality 

Provisions for Impairment 

Year Ended June 2013 versus June 2012 

Half Year Ended June 2013 versus December 2012 

Total  provisions  for  impairment  losses  decreased  7%  on 
the  prior  year  to  $4,486 million  as  at  30 June 2013.  The 
movement in the level of provisioning reflects: 

Total  provisions  for  impairment  losses  decreased  5%  on 
the  prior  half  to  $4,486 million  as  at  30 June 2013.  The 
movement in the level of provisioning reflects: 

 

 

Reduced  individually  assessed  provisions  across  all 
portfolios as a result of the settlement and completion 
of a number of impaired loans; 

A  reduction  of  Bankwest  collective  provisions  as  pre-
acquisition 
to  be 
refinanced, run-off or move to impaired; and 

loans  continued 

troublesome 

  Management  overlays  associated  with  the  Bankwest 
higher  risk  loans  were  used  or  reduced;  partly  offset 
by 

 

Increased  collective  provisioning  across  Institutional 
Banking  and  Markets  and  Business  and  Private 
Banking caused by the deterioration in a small number 
of  accounts,  the  softening  of  collateral  values  in  a 
small  number  of  troublesome  assets  in  the  first  half, 
and  the  update  of  provisioning  factors  in  the  second 
half; and 

 

Economic  overlays  remain  unchanged  on  the  prior 
year. 

 

 

 

 

 

Reduced  individually  assessed  provisions  across  all 
portfolios as a result of the settlement and completion 
of a number of impaired loans; 

A  reduction  in  management  overlays  associated  with 
Bankwest  that  were  either  used  or  reduced  as  they 
were no longer required; 

A  reduction  of  Bankwest  collective  provisions  as  pre-
to  be 
acquisition 
refinanced,  run-off  or  move  to  impaired;  partly  offset 
by 

loans  continued 

troublesome 

Increased  consumer  provisions  as  a 
result  of 
increasing  retail  arrears  and  the  modest  use  of  prior 
overlays; and 

Increased  commercial  provisions  as  a  result  of  the 
annual  review  of  provisioning  models,  which  was 
partly offset by a reduction in management overlays. 

Collective Provisions ($M) 

Individually Assessed Provisions ($M) 

20  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

30 Jun 1331 Dec 1230 Jun 12  Jun 13 vsJun 13 vs$M$M$MDec 12 %Jun 12 %Provisions for impairment lossesCollective provision2,8582,8582,837-1Individually assessed provisions1,6281,8452,008(12)(19)Total provisions for impairment losses4,4864,7034,845(5)(7)Less: Off balance sheet provisions(31)(18)(18)7272Total provisions for loan impairment4,4554,6854,827(5)(8)As at619 643 707898 853 909473 470 419 847 892 823 Jun 12Dec 12Jun 13847 866 812 227 199 157 934 780 659 Jun 12Dec 12Jun 13OverlayBankwestConsumerCommercial2,8372,8582,0081,8452,8581,628 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Group Operations and Business Settings 

Loan Impairment Provisions and Credit Quality (continued) 

Credit Quality 

(1)  Comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

Provision Ratios 

Provision coverage  ratios  remain strong.  The  impaired  asset 
portfolio  remains  well  provisioned  with  provision  coverage  of 
40.62%. 

Asset Quality 

The  asset  quality  ratios  show  the  continued  improvement  in 
the quality of the book with both the level of impaired assets 
and 90 days past due loans which are not impaired continuing 
to  reduce.  The  credit  quality  of  both  the  retail  and  corporate 
portfolios remained sound. 

Retail Portfolios – Arrears Rates (1) 
Retail  arrears  for  home  loans  and  credit  card  products 
reduced  during  the  current  year,  in  part  driven  by  reducing 
interest rates. 
Home  loan  arrears  reduced  over  the  year,  with  30+ day 
arrears decreasing from 1.83% to 1.44% and 90+ day arrears 
reducing  from  0.90%  to  0.62%.  Credit  card  arrears  also 
improved  over  the  year  with  credit  card  30+ days  arrears 
falling  from  2.63%  to  2.56%  and  90+ days  arrears  reducing 
from  1.07%  to  1.02%.  Personal  loan  arrears  increased  over 
the  year  as  a  result  of  some  deterioration  in  the  portfolio. 
30+ day  arrears 
to  2.95%  and 
increased 
90+ days arrears increased from 1.15% to 1.23%. 

from  2.83% 

90+ Days Arrears Ratios (%) (2) 

(2) 

Includes retail portfolios of Retail Banking Services, Bankwest and New 
Zealand. 

Troublesome and Impaired Assets 

Commercial troublesome assets reduced 10% during the year 
to $5.2 billion. 

Gross  impaired  assets  decreased  8%  on  the  prior  year  to 
$4,330 million.  Gross  impaired  assets  as  a  proportion  of 
gross  loans  and  acceptances  of  0.76%  decreased  10  basis 
points on the prior year, reflecting the improving quality of the 
corporate portfolios. 

30+ Days Arrears Ratios (%) (2) 

Troublesome and Impaired Assets ($B) (1) 

(1)  Comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation 

in the current year. 

.

Annual Report  21 

Jun 13 vsJun 13 vsCredit Quality Metrics30 Jun 1330 Jun 12Jun 12 %30 Jun 1331 Dec 12Dec 12 %Gross loans and acceptances (GLAA) ($M)568,821542,0975568,821549,2164Risk weighted assets (RWA) - Basel III ($M)329,158n/an/a329,158n/an/aRisk weighted assets (RWA) - Basel 2.5 ($M)n/a302,787n/an/a301,611n/aCredit risk weighted assets - Basel III ($M)279,674n/an/a279,674n/an/aCredit risk weighted assets - Basel 2.5 ($M)n/a261,429n/an/a258,467n/aGross impaired assets ($M) (1)4,3304,687(8)4,3304,480(3)Net impaired assets ($M) (1)2,5712,55612,5712,5222Provision RatiosCollective provision as a % of credit risk weighted assets - Basel III1. 02n/an/a1. 02n/an/aTotal provision as a % of credit risk weighted assets - Basel III1. 60n/an/a1. 60n/an/aCollective provision as a % of credit risk weighted assets - Basel 2.5n/a1. 09n/an/a1. 11n/aTotal provision as a % of credit risk weighted assets - Basel 2.5n/a1. 85n/an/a1. 82n/aTotal provisions for impaired assets as a % of gross impaired assets (1)40. 6245. 47(485)bpts40. 6243. 71(309)bptsTotal provisions for impairment losses as a % of GLAA's0. 790. 89(10)bpts0. 790. 86(7)bptsAsset quality ratiosGross impaired assets as a % of GLAA's (1)0. 760. 86(10)bpts0. 760. 82(6)bptsLoans 90+ days past due but not impaired as a % of GLAA's (1)0. 410. 53(12)bpts0. 410. 48(7)bptsLoan impairment expense ("cash basis") annualised as a % of average GLAA's0. 200. 21(1)bpt  0. 170. 22(5)bptsFull Year EndedHalf Year Ended1.0%2.0%3.0%4.0%Jun 11Dec 11Jun 12Dec 12Jun 13Personal LoansHome LoansCreditCards0.4%0.9%1.4%Jun 11Dec 11Jun 12Dec 12Jun 13Home LoansPersonal LoansCreditCards8.5 7.7 6.8 6.2 5.8 5.6 5.2 5.4 5.4 5.5 4.9 4.7 4.5 4.3 Jun 10Dec 10Jun 11Dec 11Jun 12Dec  12Jun 13Commercial TroublesomeGroup Impaired10.110.511.112.313.99.513.1 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Group Operations and Business Settings 

The  Group’s  30 June 2013  internationally  harmonised  CET1 
ratio  of  11.0%,  places  it  well  above  the  average  of  its 
international peers (approximately 9.6%). 

Source:  Morgan  Stanley  -  Based  on  last  reported  CET1  ratios  up  to 
8 August 2013 assuming Basel III capital reforms fully implemented.  
Peer group comprises listed commercial banks with total assets in excess of 
A$400 billion and who have disclosed fully implemented Basel III ratios or 
provided sufficient disclosure for a Morgan Stanley Equity Research 
estimate. 

(1)  Domestic peer figures as at March 2013. 

APRA Capital Requirements 

As  at  30  June  2013  the  Group  has  a  CET1  ratio  of  8.2% 
under  APRA’s  prudential  standard  version  of  Basel  III,  well 
above the minimum ratio of 4.5%. 
The  differences  in  the  Basel  III  APRA  and  the  Basel  III 
internationally harmonised CET1 ratios include: 

Deductions 

 

investments 

APRA requires a full deduction to be taken against CET1 
for  equity 
in 
insurance  and 
funds  management  operations)  and 
deferred  tax  assets.  On  an  internationally  harmonised 
basis,  such  items  are  concessionally  risk  weighted  if 
they fall below prescribed thresholds. 

investments 

(including 

Risk Weighted Assets 

 

 

APRA requires capital to be held for Interest Rate Risk in 
the  Banking  Book  (IRRBB).  There 
is  no  similar 
requirement on an internationally harmonised basis; and 

APRA  requires  a  minimum  Loss  Given  Default  (LGD) 
floor  of  20%  to  be  applied  to  residential  mortgages, 
which is higher than regulatory requirements elsewhere. 

Capital 
Basel Regulatory Framework 

Background 

The  Group  adopted 
III  measurement  and 
the  Basel 
monitoring of regulatory capital effective from 1 January 2013. 

In  December 2010, 
the  Basel  Committee  on  Banking 
Supervision (BCBS) published a discussion paper on banking 
reforms  to  address  issues  which  led  to  the  Global  Financial 
Crisis  and  to  position  banks for  future  crises.  The  objectives 
of the capital reforms are to increase the quality, consistency 
and  transparency  of  capital,  to  enhance  the  risk  coverage 
framework, and to reduce systemic and pro-cyclical risk. The 
major reforms are to be phased in between 1 January 2013 to 
1 January 2019. 

In  September 2012,  the  Australian  Prudential  Regulation 
Authority  (APRA)  published  final  standards  relating  to  the 
implementation  of  the  Basel  III  capital  reforms  in  Australia. 
APRA  has  adopted  a  more  conservative  approach  than  the 
minimum  standards  published  by  the  BCBS  and  a  more 
accelerated timetable for implementation. 

The  APRA  prudential  standards  require  a  minimum  CET1 
ratio  of  4.5%  effective  from  1 January 2013.  An  additional 
CET1 capital conservation buffer of 2.5% will be implemented 
on 1 January 2016, bringing the minimum CET1 requirement 
to  7%.  The  BCBS  advocates 
the  same  minimum 
requirements, but implementation is to be phased in over an 
extended timeframe up to 1 January 2019. 

Internationally Harmonised Capital Position 

The  Board  has  set  a  target  of  holding  greater  than  9%  of 
CET1, as defined under the internationally harmonised BCBS 
rules. 

The  Group’s  internationally  harmonised  CET1  ratios  are 
calculated  based  on  full  adoption  of  the  Basel  III  capital 
reforms,  which  will  not  come  into  effect  until  2019  for  most 
banks. 

target  based  on 

Adoption  of  a  CET1 
internationally 
harmonised  principles  enables  a  more  meaningful 
comparison  of  the  Group’s  capital  levels  relative  to  its 
international  peers.  The  Group  is  in  a  strong  capital  position 
with  CET1  as  measured  on  an  internationally  harmonised 
basis of  11.0% as at 30 June 2013. This is well in excess of 
both  the  prescribed  minimum  of  4.5%  and  the  Board 
approved target. 

The  Group  has  adopted  a  conservative  and  proactive 
approach  to  capital  management  and  this  is  reflected  in  the 
overall strength of its capital position. The CET1 ratio (on an 
internationally  harmonised  basis)  has  increased  by  nearly 
60% since the Global Financial Crisis (June 2007). 

22  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

6.9%11.0%Jun 07Jun 13Board(>9%)7.7 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.4 8.4 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.6 8.7 9.3 9.3 9.3 9.4 9.4 9.6 9.6 9.7 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.6 10.6 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.4 12.1 13.2 MizuhoSantanderBarclaysBBVACommerzbankScotiabankRBCToronto DominionWells FargoSumitomo MitsuiRBSCIBCCredit SuisseJP MorganBank of MontrealSocGenBank of AmericaLloydsUniCreditCitiDeutscheNABHSBCINGANZBNP ParibasIntesa SanpaoloStandard CharteredCBAMitsubishi UFJUBSWestpacDNB ASANordea1Peer bank average CET1 ratio (ex. Australian banks) 9.6%11 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Operations and Business Settings 

Capital Position 

The  Group  maintained  a  strong  capital  position  with  the 
capital  ratios  well  in  excess  of  regulatory  minimum  capital 
adequacy  requirements  and  the  Board  Approved  minimum 
levels at all times throughout the year ended 30 June 2013. 

 

full  by 
participation rate for the DRP was 22.7%; and 

the  on  market  purchase  of  shares.  The 

In  October 2012,  the  Group  issued  $2 billion  Perpetual 
Exchangeable Resaleable Listed Securities (PERLS VI), 
Basel  III  compliant,  Additional  Tier  One  security.  The 
proceeds  of 
the  extent 
necessary,  to  refinance  the  maturing  PERLS  IV  and 
otherwise to fund the Group’s business. 

issue  were  used, 

this 

to 

(1)  Represents  proforma  Basel  III  capital  ratios.  Basel  III  was  formally 

implemented on 1 January 2013. 

the 

The  Group’s  CET1  (internationally  harmonised)  ratio  at 
30 June 2013  was  11.0%,  representing  a  40  basis  points 
increase  since 
III  on 
1 January 2013.  This  was  primarily  driven  by  capital 
generated  from  earnings  and  the  benefit  from  favourable 
market movements. This was partially offset by the impact of 
the  December  2012  interim  dividend  payment  in  which  the 
dilutive impact of the DRP was neutralised. 

implementation  of  Basel 

During  the  financial  year,  the  Basel  III  CET1  (internationally 
harmonised)  increased  by  120  basis  points.  The  increase 
reflected the  sustained  organic  capital  generation  across the 
full  year  combined  with  the  benefit  delivered  from  the 
Bankwest  portfolio  moving 
in 
December 2012. 

to  advanced 

status 

Under APRA’s Basel III methodology, the Group’s CET1 ratio 
at 30 June 2013 was 8.2% representing a 9% increase since 
June 2012. 

Capital Initiatives 

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

 

The Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) in respect of the 
final  dividend  for  the  2011/2012  financial  year  was 
satisfied  by  the  allocation  of  approximately  $929 million 
of  ordinary  shares.  The  participation  rate  for  the  DRP 
was 29.6%; 

 

The  DRP  for  the  2013  interim  dividend  was  satisfied  in

Bankwest 

relinquished 
(ADI) 

its  Authorised  Deposit-taking 
Bankwest 
(1 October 2012)  and  APRA 
Institution 
extended 
Internal  Rating  based 
accreditation  to  include  Bankwest’s  non  retail  loans  and 
residential mortgages from 31 December 2012. 

licence 
the  Group’s  Advanced 

Pillar 3 Disclosures 

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

Other Regulatory Changes 

General and Life Insurers 

In  October 2012,  APRA  completed  its  review  of  the  Life  and 
General Insurance Capital (LAGIC) regulatory standards and 
released  the  final  version  of  all  life  insurance  and  general 
insurance  prudential  standards. 
the 
majority of the reforms occurred on 1 January 2013. 

Implementation  of 

Superannuation Funds Management 

In November 2012, APRA released final prudential standards 
that  introduce  new  financial  requirements  for  registered 
requirements  were 
superannuation 
implemented on 1 July 2013.  

trustees.  The  new 

In November 2011, the Australian Securities and Investments 
Commission (ASIC) released new financial requirements that 
apply  to  Responsible  Entities.  These  new  requirements 
became effective on 1 November 2012. 

Conglomerate Groups 

is  extending 

In  May  2013  APRA  released  a  discussion  paper  and  draft 
prudential  standards  titled  “Supervision  of  Conglomerate 
Groups”  focusing  on  the  requirements  of  risk  management 
its  current 
and  capital  adequacy.  APRA 
prudential  supervision  framework  to  Conglomerate  Groups 
that  have  material  operations  in  more  than  one  APRA 
regulated 
industry  and/or  have  one  or  more  material 
unregulated entities. The aims of the Level 3 proposals are to 
ensure that a Conglomerate Group holds adequate capital to 
protect  the  APRA  regulated  entities  from  potential  contagion 
and  other  risks  within  the  Group.  APRA  is  expected  to 
implement these new requirements from 1 January 2014. 

Annual Report  23 

7.5%8.1%8.2%Jun 12Basel IIIDec 12Basel IIIJun 13Basel IIICET1 Ratio (APRA)CET1 Ratio (Internationally harmonised)9.8%(1)10.6%11.0% 
  
 
 
Group Operations and Business Settings 

Capital (continued) 

The  APRA  Basel  III  capital  standards  came  into  effect  on  1  January  2013.  The  tables  below  show  the  APRA  Basel  III  capital 
adequacy  calculation  at  30  June  2013  together  with  a  proforma  calculation  at  1  January  2013.  The  30  June  2012  and 
31 December 2012 capital calculations reflect the APRA Basel 2.5 capital adequacy calculations in place at that time. A number 
of  items  in  the  prior  periods  disclosures  have  been  reclassified  to  allow  better  comparability  to  the  new  APRA  Basel  III 
methodology. 

(1)  Represents shares held by the Group's life insurance operations ($130 million) and employee share scheme trusts ($167 million). 
(2)  Asset Revaluation Reserve eligible for inclusion in CET1 under APRA Basel III methodology. 
(3)  Available for Sale Reserve eligible for inclusion in CET1 under APRA Basel III methodology. 
(4)  Reserve balances associated with the Insurance and Funds Management entities and those entities through which securitisation of the Group's assets are 
conducted. These entities are classified as non-consolidated subsidiaries by APRA and are excluded from the Level 2 Regulatory Consolidated Banking 
Group. 

(5)  Dividends  are  only  deducted  from  CET1  when  declared  under  APRA  Basel  III  methodology.  Basel  II  required  expected  dividends  to  be  deducted  from 

capital. 

(6)  The Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) in respect of the 31 December 2012 interim dividend was satisfied in full by an on market purchase of shares. The 

DRP in respect of the June 2012 final dividend was satisfied in full by the issue of shares. 

(7)  Cumulative current year profit and retained earnings adjustments for subsidiaries not consolidated for regulatory purposes. 
(8)  Primarily relates to unrealised equity accounted earnings required to be excluded under APRA Basel II methodology. Under APRA Basel III methodology 

these items are excluded from CET1 through the adjustment for equity investments. 

(9)  Non-controlling interests predominantly comprise ASB Perpetual Preference Shares of NZD550 million issued by a New Zealand subsidiary entity. These 

are non-redeemable and carry limited voting rights. These are classified as Additional Tier One Capital. 

24  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

APRA APRA APRA APRA Basel IIIBasel IIIBasel 2.5Basel 2.530 Jun 131 Jan 1331 Dec 1230 Jun 12Risk Weighted Capital Ratios%%%%Common Equity Tier One 8. 28. 18. 37. 8Tier One10. 210. 210. 510. 0Tier Two1. 01. 00. 71. 0Total Capital11. 211. 211. 211. 0APRA APRA APRA APRA Basel IIIBasel IIIBasel 2.5Basel 2.530 Jun 131 Jan 1331 Dec 1230 Jun 12$M$M$M$MOrdinary Share Capital and Treasury SharesOrdinary Share Capital26,32326,12626,12625,175Treasury Shares (1)297301301323Ordinary Share Capital and Treasury Shares26,62026,42726,42725,498ReservesReserves1,3331,2621,2621,571Asset revaluation reserve (2)--(193)(195)Available for sale reserve (3)--(138)-Reserves related to non consolidated subsidiaries (4)56164164171Total Reserves1,3891,4261,0951,547Retained Earnings and Current Period ProfitsRetained earnings and current period profits16,36014,44014,44013,356Expected dividends (APRA Basel II only) (5)--(2,639)(3,137)Dividend reinvestment plan (APRA Basel II only) (6)---784Retained earnings adjustment from non consolidated subsidiaries (7)(345)(239)(239)(126)Equity accounted profits (APRA Basel II only) (8)--(406)(347)Other--(13)(1)Net Retained Earnings16,01514,20111,14310,529Non controlling interestNon controlling interest (9)537532532531ASB perpetual preference shares(505)(505)(505)(505)less other non controlling interests not eligible under Basel III(32)(27)--Minority Interest--2726Common Equity Tier One Capital before regulatory adjustments44,02442,05438,69237,600 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Operations and Business Settings 

Capital (continued) 

(1)  Other intangibles (excluding capitalised software costs). Under APRA Basel III methodology the adjustment is net of any associated deferred tax liability. 
(2)  Adjustment  to  ensure  the  Group  has  sufficient  provisions  and  capital  to  cover  credit losses  estimated  to  arise  over  the  full  life  of individual  facilities,  as 

required by APRA Prudential Standard APS 220. 

(3)  Deferred tax assets net of deferred tax liabilities. Under Basel III this is inclusive of deferred tax asset on collective provisions. 
(4)  Cash flow Hedge Reserve and Employee Compensation Reserve balances are ineligible for inclusion in CET1. 
(5)  Represents  the  Group's  non-controlling  interest  in  other  entities  treated  as  100%  CET1  deduction  under  Basel  III  (Basel  II  50%  Tier  One  and  Two 

deduction net of prescribed threshold limits and any unrealised equity accounted profit). 

(6)  Represents the net tangible assets within the non-consolidated subsidiaries (primarily the insurance and funds management businesses operating within 
the Colonial Group). The adjustment is net of $1,117 million in non-recourse debt (31 December 2012: $1,158 million, 30 June 2012: $1,214 million) and 
$1,000 million in Colonial Group Subordinated Notes (31 December 2012: $1,000 million, 30 June 2012: $1,000 million). The Group's insurance and funds 
management companies held $1,344 million of capital in excess of minimum regulatory capital requirements at 30 June 2013. 

(7)  Regulatory Expected Loss (pre-tax) using stressed loss given default assumptions associated with the loan portfolio in excess of eligible credit provisions 
(pre-tax).  Under  APRA  Basel  II  the  eligible  credit  provision  was  based  on  the  after  tax  balance  for  collective  provisions  and  general  reserve  for  credit 
losses and the pre-tax balance for individually assessed provisions. 

(8)  Comprises PERLS VI $2 billion issued in October 2012 (issued costs reclassified to capitalised costs). 
(9)  Represents  APRA  Basel III  non-compliant Additional Tier One  Capital Instruments  (PERLS III, PERLS V,  Trust Preferred Securities (TPS) 03, TPS  06, 

ASB Perpetual Preference Shares, and Perpetual Exchangeable Floating Rate Note). These instruments are eligible for Basel III transitional relief. 

(10)  Under APRA Basel II, represents the excess of Innovative Capital above the prescribed limit of 15% of Tier One Capital transferred to Tier Two Capital. 

There is no equivalent limit under APRA Basel III. 

(11)  Includes both perpetual and term instruments subordinated to depositors and general creditors,  having an  original maturity of at least five years. APRA 
require these to be included as if they were unhedged. Term instruments are amortised 20% of the original amount during each of the last five years to 
maturity. These instruments are eligible for Basel III transitional relief. 

(12)  Represents the collective provision and general reserve for credit losses for exposures in the Group which are measured for capital purposes under the 

Standardised approach to credit risk. 

(13)  Eligible for inclusion in CET1 under APRA Basel III methodology (Basel II 45% of balance eligible for inclusion in Tier Two Capital). 

Annual Report  25 

APRA APRA APRA APRA Basel IIIBasel IIIBasel 2.5Basel 2.530 Jun 131 Jan 1331 Dec 1230 Jun 12$M$M$M$MCommon Equity Tier One regulatory adjustmentsGoodwill(7,723)(7,707)(7,707)(7,705)Other intangibles (excluding software) (1)(682)(705)(828)(876)Capitalised costs (272)(275)(224)(263)Capitalised software(1,923)(1,831)(1,831)(1,700)General reserve for credit losses (2)(208)(197)(197)(209)Deferred tax asset (3)(1,400)(1,234)(393)(548)Cash flow hedge reserve (4)(368)(485)(485)(644)Employee compensation reserve (4)(132)(90)(90)(136)Deferred fee income59122122149Gain due to changes in own credit risk on fair valued liabilities(11)(11)(11)(20)(12,660)(12,413)(11,644)(11,952)Deductions previously applied at 50% of Tier One under Basel IIEquity investments (5)(2,738)(2,363)(614)(612)Equity investments in non consolidated subsidiaries (6)(1,196)(1,264)(632)(629)Shortfall of provisions to expected losses (7)(271)(176)(512)(630)Other(174)(293)(241)(113)(4,379)(4,096)(1,999)(1,984)Common Equity Tier One regulatory adjustments(17,039)(16,509)(13,643)(13,936)Common Equity Tier One26,98525,54525,04923,664Additional Tier One CapitalBasel III Complying Instruments (8)2,0002,0001,977-Basel III non complying instruments net of transitional amortisation (9)4,7204,7205,1806,635Excess /cap applicable under Basel II (10)--(426)-Additional Tier One Capital6,7206,7206,7316,635Tier One Capital33,70532,26531,78030,299Tier Two CapitalBasel III non complying instruments net of transitional amortisation (11)2,9012,9013,2244,084Holding of own Tier Two Capital (15)--(20)Prudential general reserve for credit losses (12)202177124595Excess /cap applicable under Basel II (10)--426-Asset revaluation reserve (13)--8788Other--204176Tier Two Deductions (50% Tier One and Two) - Basel II only --(1,999)(1,984)Total Tier Two Capital3,0883,0782,0662,939Total Capital36,79335,34333,84633,238 
 
 
Group Operations and Business Settings 

Capital (continued) 

(1)  Basel III effective 1 January 2013 RWA including additional requirements for counterparty credit risk and changes in methodology for securitisation and 
equity exposures. Additional requirements for counterparty credit risk include an Asset Value Correlation (AVC) multiplier for large financial institutions and 
a Credit Valuation Adjustment (CVA) to address the credit worthiness of counterparties involved in mark-to-market transactions. 

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

26  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Basel IIIBasel IIIBasel 2.5Basel 2.530 Jun 13 1 Jan 13 (1)31 Dec 1230 Jun 12Risk Weighted Assets $M$M$M$MCredit RiskSubject to Advanced IRB approachCorporate53,46852,84751,85149,331SME Corporate30,83531,12730,83322,319SME Retail4,2034,2224,2224,071Sovereign3,6843,6923,6923,003Bank10,32811,1428,3227,619Residential mortgage66,74163,63763,63754,545Qualifying revolving retail6,6836,4606,4606,703Other retail11,0938,9838,9838,462Impact of the regulatory scaling factor (2)11,22210,92710,6809,363Total risk weighted assets subject to Advanced IRB approach198,257193,037188,680165,416Specialised lending exposures subject to slotting criteria50,39248,37348,39836,141Subject to Standardised approachCorporate3,6843,8943,89410,430SME Corporate5253173176,580SME Retail4,5724,7284,7284,836Sovereign249203203107Bank1761381381,243Residential mortgage2,4322,2572,25725,705Other retail2,2242,2122,2122,559Other assets4,3954,1244,1243,240Total risk weighted assets subject to standardised approach18,25717,87317,87354,700Securitisation5,3735,2901,1192,833Equity exposures--2,3972,339Credit valuation adjustment7,3957,225--Total risk weighted assets for credit risk exposures279,674271,798258,467261,429Traded market risk5,1514,5174,5174,842Interest rate risk in the banking book 16,28910,99610,9969,765Operational risk28,04427,63127,63126,751Total risk weighted assets 329,158314,942301,611302,787Risk Weighted Assets   
 
 
Group Operations and Business Settings 

Dividends

Final Dividend for the Year Ended 30 June 2013 

The final dividend declared was $2.00 per share, bringing the 
total  dividend  for the  year  ended  30  June  2013  to  $3.64  per 
share. This represents a dividend payout ratio (“cash basis”) 
of 75.4% and is 9% above the prior full year dividend. 

The  final  dividend  will  be  fully  franked  and  will  be  paid  on 
3 October 2013  to  owners  of  ordinary  shares  at  the  close  of 
business  on  23  August  2013  (record  date).  Shares  will  be 
quoted ex-dividend on 19 August 2013. 

Full Year Dividend History (cents per share) 

Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) 

The  DRP  will  continue  to  operate  but  no  discount  will  be 
applied  to  shares  allocated  under  the  plan  for  the  final 
dividend. The DRP for the 2013 final dividend is anticipated to 
be satisfied in full by an on market purchase of shares. 

Dividend Policy 

The Group will seek to: 

 

 

Pay cash dividends at strong and sustainable levels; 

Target a full-year payout ratio of 70% to 80%; and  

  Maximise the use of its franking account by paying fully 

franked dividends. 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Liquidity 

(1)  Liquids are reported net of applicable regulatory haircuts. 

Year Ended June 2013 versus June 2012 

Half Year Ended June 2013 versus December 2012 

The  Group  holds  a  high  quality,  well  diversified  liquid  asset 
portfolio to prudently meet Balance Sheet liquidity needs and 
regulatory requirements. 

The  Group  holds  a  high  quality,  well  diversified  liquid  asset 
portfolio to prudently meet Balance Sheet liquidity needs and 
regulatory requirements.  

Liquid  assets  increased  $2  billion  to  $137  billion,  a  2% 
increase  on  the  prior  year.  The  increase  was  driven  by  the 
growth  in  deposits  which  increased  the  regulatory  minimum 
requirement. 

Liquid  assets  increased  $8  billion  to  $137  billion,  a  7% 
increase on the prior half. The increase was mainly driven by 
the  growth 
the  regulatory 
minimum requirement. 

in  deposits  which 

increased 

Excluding  internal  Residential  Mortgage  Backed  Securities 
(RMBS),  the  Group  maintained  $79 billion  of  liquid  assets, 
well above the regulatory minimum requirement of $62 billion. 

Excluding  internal  RMBS  assets,  the  Group  maintained 
$79 billion of liquid assets, well above the regulatory minimum 
requirement of $62 billion. 

Annual Report  27 

25626622829032033436474.2%75.0%78.2%73.9%73.2%75.0%75.4%0%20%40%60%80%100%120%140%-50050100150200250300350400Jun 07Jun 08Jun 09Jun 10Jun 11Jun 12Jun 13DPSPayout Ratio ("cash basis")80%70%Target Range30 Jun 1331 Dec 1230 Jun 12Jun 13 vsJun 13 vs$M$M$MDec 12 %Jun 12 %Internal RMBS57,85257,36257,7301-Bank, NCD, Bills, RMBS, Supra, Covered Bonds29,54031,10932,429(5)(9)Cash, Government and Semi-Government Bonds49,32439,83344,4182411Liquid Assets (1)136,716128,304134,57772As at 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Operations and Business Settings 

Funding 

(1)  Shareholders’  equity  is  excluded  from  this  view  of  funding  sources,  other  than  the  USD  Trust  Preferred  Securities,  which  are  classified  as  other  equity 

instruments in the statutory Balance Sheet. 

(2)  Residual maturity of long term wholesale funding included in Debt issues, Loan capital and Share capital  – other equity instruments, is the earlier of the 

next call date or final maturity. 

Year Ended June 2013 versus June 2012 

Half Year Ended June 2013 versus December 2012 

Customer Deposits 

Customer Deposits 

Customer  deposits  accounted  for  63%  of  total  funding  at 
30 June 2013,  compared  to  62%  in  the  prior  year.  Strong 
deposit  growth  has  seen  the  Group  satisfy  a  significant 
proportion  of  its  funding  requirements  from  retail,  business 
and  institutional  customer  deposits.  The  remaining  37%  of 
total funding comprised various wholesale debt issuances. 

Customer  deposits  accounted  for  63%  of  total  funding  at 
30 June 2013,  consistent  with  the  prior  half.  Strong  deposit 
growth has seen the Group satisfy a significant proportion of 
its funding requirements from retail, business and institutional 
customer  deposits.  The  remaining  37%  of  total  funding 
comprised various wholesale debt issuances. 

Short Term Wholesale Funding 

Short Term Wholesale Funding 

Short  term  wholesale  funding  includes  debt  with  an  original 
maturity  or  call  date  of  less  than 12 months,  and  consists  of 
Certificates  of  Deposit  and  Bank  Acceptances,  as  well  as 
debt issued under domestic, Euro and US Commercial paper 
programs  by  Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  and  ASB. 
Short  term  wholesale  funding  accounted  for  46%  of  total 
wholesale  funding  at  30 June 2013,  down  from  47%  in  the 
prior year. 

Short  term  wholesale  funding  includes  debt  with  an  original 
maturity  or  call  date  of  less  than 12 months,  and  consists  of 
Certificates  of  Deposit  and  Bank  Acceptances,  as  well  as 
debt issued under domestic, Euro and US Commercial paper 
programs  by  Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  and  ASB. 
Short  term  wholesale  funding  accounted  for  46%  of  total 
wholesale  funding  at  30 June 2013,  compared to  47%  in  the 
prior half. 

Long Term Wholesale Funding 

Long Term Wholesale Funding 

Long  term  wholesale  debt  (including  adjustment  for  IFRS 
MTM  and  derivative  FX  revaluations)  accounted  for  54%  of 
total wholesale funding at 30 June 2013, compared to 53% in 
the prior half. 

the  year, 

Long  term  wholesale  funding  includes  debt  with  an  original 
maturity  or  call  date  of  greater  than  12 months.  Long  term 
wholesale  funding  conditions 
improved  during  the  year 
compared  to  the  prior  year  as  northern  hemisphere  central 
banks  provided  further  support  to  their  economies  and 
banking  systems.  During 
issued 
$25 billion  of  long  term  wholesale  debt  transactions  in 
multiple  currencies  including  AUD,  USD,  EUR,  and  GBP. 
Given  improved  funding  conditions,  most  issuances  were  in 
senior  unsecured  format,  although  the  Group  also  used  its 
covered  bond  program 
tenor  and 
diversification  benefits.  The  weighted  average  maturity 
(WAM)  of  new  long  term  wholesale  debt  issued  in  the 
June 2013 year was 4.8 years. The WAM of outstanding long 
term wholesale debt was 3.8 years at 30 June 2013. 

to  provide  cost, 

the  Group 

Long  term  wholesale  debt  (including  adjustment  for  IFRS 
MTM  and  derivative  FX  revaluations)  accounted  for  54%  of 
total wholesale funding at 30 June 2013, compared to 53% in 
the prior year. 

For further information on Liquidity and Funding risk, please refer to Note 40. 

28  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

30 Jun 1331 Dec 1230 Jun 12Jun 13 vsJun 13 vsGroup Funding (1)$M$M$MDec 12 %Jun 12 %Customer deposits405,377385,879379,29957Short term wholesale funding110,595108,075108,49122Long term wholesale funding - less than one year residual maturity29,12924,57125,7151913Long term wholesale funding - more than one year residual maturity (2)96,611103,031103,638(6)(7)IFRS MTM and derivative FX revaluations1,837(4,267)(5,417)largelargeTotal wholesale funding 238,172231,410232,42732Total funding643,549617,289611,72645As at 
 
 
 
 
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Annual Report 2013 

29 

 
 
 
 
Sustainability 

Introduction 

For  the  Group,  sustainability  means  building  a  successful 
business today, while creating enduring value for the Group’s 
customers, people, shareholders and the broader community. 

Examples  of  the  value  created  for  the  Group’s  stakeholders 
during the current financial year include the following: 

 

The Group provided finance to more than 2 million home 
owners,  and  paid  interest  to  more  than  11  million  retail 
savings and transaction account-holders. 

  With  more  than  51,000  people,  the  Group’s  annual 

payroll expenditure was more than $5 billion. 

 

 

 

 

The  Group  returned  75%  of  its  profits  to  more  than 
800,000  Australians  who  hold  CBA  shares  directly,  and 
millions  more  who  hold  them  through  superannuation 
funds. 

The Group paid more than $2.9 billion in taxes, making it 
Australia’s fourth largest taxpayer. 

Building on a long and proud history of supporting local 
communities,  the  Group  directly  helped  more  than  200 
grassroots  community  organisations  make  a  positive 
impact on the health and wellbeing of Australian youth. 

The Group delivered financial literacy programs to more 
than  280,000  students.  In  addition,  more  than  230,000 
students participated in School Banking. 

The  Group’s  corporate  strategy  reflects  the  importance  of 
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations 
in a rapidly changing operating environment. 

In  May  2013,  the  Group  announced  its  new  vision  built 
around a simple objective: to excel at securing and enhancing 
the 
financial  wellbeing  of  people,  businesses  and 
communities. 

The Board-endorsed Sustainability Strategic Framework, with 
its  five  focus  areas,  supports  this  vision.  The  framework 
addresses the Group’s key  issues and allows it to effectively 
manage ESG risks and opportunities. 

The  Group’s  key  initiatives  under  the  Sustainability  Strategic 
Framework include: 

1. Sustainable Business Practices 

Disciplined financial management and a focus on productivity, 
transparency and accountability help to ensure the long term 
sustainability of the Group’s business. 

A Strong Balance Sheet 

The  Group  continues  to  take  a  disciplined  approach  to  its 
balance sheet settings across capital, funding and liquidity, so 
as  to  deliver  sustainable  total  shareholder  returns  over  the 
long term. 

The  Group’s  ability  to  maintain  a  strong  balance  sheet 
provides  shareholders  and  other  stakeholders  with 
the 
confidence  that  the  Group  can  deliver  the  full  range  of 
financial services through the highs and lows of the economic 
cycle. 

Focussing on Productivity 

With a backdrop of increased competition and global financial 
uncertainty,  productivity  is  critical  to  the  Group’s  long  term 
success.  During  the  current  financial  year,  the  Group  rolled 
out a number of productivity programs and initiatives that are 
already  having  a  positive  impact  on  the  culture  of  the 
organisation 
staff 
engagement and ultimately delivering better outcomes for the 
Group’s customers. 

in  driving  efficiencies, 

increasing 

Transparent Reporting 

to 

The  Group  is  committed  to  transparent  and  comprehensive 
reporting,  catering 
the  needs  of  a  wide  range  of 
stakeholders. This year, following feedback from a number of 
internal and external stakeholders, the Group is releasing  an 
online  sustainability  report  at  the  same  time  as  the  Annual 
Report  (available  at  commbank.com.au/sustainability2013). 
This  will  provide  stakeholders  with  a  comprehensive  view  of 
the  financial  and  non-financial  performance  of  the  Group.

30  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

2. Responsible Financial Services 

The  Group 
to  providing 
takes  a  responsible  approach 
financial  services  and  products,  and  remains  committed  to 
customer satisfaction. 

Achieving Number 1 in Customer Satisfaction 

The  Group’s  unwavering  focus  on  customer  service  has 
helped the Group reach its goal of becoming the number one 
bank  for  customer  satisfaction  across  all  business  areas, 
while delivering superior shareholder returns. 

In  January  2013,  CBA  was  ranked  first  amongst  the  major 
banks  on  Retail  MFI  Customer  Satisfaction  for  the  first  time 
since setting its goal in 2006 to be number one. Similarly, the 
Group  has  ranked  equal  or  outright  first  for  customer 
satisfaction  among  business  clients  in  all  four  key  business 
segments since November 2011. Colonial First State has also 
ranked  first  among  platform  providers  since  2008,  with  a 
combined weighted average satisfaction score of 8.32 (out of 
10)  for  FirstChoice  and  FirstWrap.  More  information  can  be 
found on page 33. 

Focussing on Technology Innovation 

Achieving and maintaining a leadership position in technology 
and  innovation  is  a  strategic  and  operational  priority  for  the 
Group. 

This  financial  year  saw  the  completion  of  the  Core  Banking 
Modernisation  program, 
in  2008.  This  major 
launched 
technological  overhaul  has  created  a  foundation  platform  for 
the  Group  to  realise  its  customer-centric  vision  and  deliver 
innovative solutions quickly and cost-effectively. 

The  Group  was  the  first  major  Australian  bank  to  offer  its 
customers real-time settlement and real-time banking — and 
during the  current financial year, the Group has continued to 
transform  the  way  Australians  manage  their  money.  Recent 
innovations include: 

 

 

CommBank Kaching for Facebook, Australia’s first social 
media  banking  application,  giving  users  a  fast  and 
secure payment option integrated into the platform. 

Smartsign, a service allowing customers to execute loan 
documents electronically anytime, from anywhere in the 
world, using the Group’s secure online portal. 

  MyWealth,  an  online  platform  allowing  self-directed 
investors  to  research  and  invest  in  a  range  of  financial 
products  using  one  log  in,  with  investment  and  banking 
services in the same convenient online destination. 

Meanwhile, the Branch of the Future program has continued 
to  improve  its  front-line  customer  interface.  State-of-the-art 
features  implemented  include  video  conferencing  facilities  in 
branches,  allowing  customers 
rapidly  connect  with 
specialists, even if they are located in rural and remote areas. 

to 

Taking a Responsible Approach to Lending 

The Group’s Risk Appetite Statement continues to govern its 
approach  to  risk.  In  October  2012  the  Group  rolled  out  a 
policy  to  improve  the  assessment  of  the  ESG  risks  for 
financing  in  the  natural  resources  sectors  of  Energy  and 
Utilities, Oil and Gas and Metals and Mining. 

Supporting Customers in Need 

Each  year  the  Group  supports  a  number  of  customer 
segments  with  a  wide  range  of  fee-free  and  discounted 
financial services. In the current financial year, the Group has 
forgone  more  than  $173 million  in  revenue  to  support  low 
income  earners  and  the  not-for-profit  sector.  The  Group  has 
more  than  100  dedicated  staff  who  work  on  a  one-on-one 
basis  with  customers  who  find  themselves  in  financial 
difficulty following an unexpected event such as an illness or 
injury, a change in employment or a natural disaster. 

The Group also looks to cater to specific customer segments 
with  tailored  programs.  For  example,  the  Group  supports 
Indigenous  Australians  building  strong  and  economically 
sustainable  communities  through  its  Community  Business 
Finance  Program.  This  program  supports  eligible Indigenous 
Australians  who  either  own  existing  businesses  or  seek  to 
start new businesses, and who need extra money to expand 

 
Sustainability 

or invest in new equipment. The program helps them to build 
a  repayment  history,  making  it  easier  to  secure  mainstream 
finance in the future. 

The  Group’s  Community  Business  Finance  Program  aims  to 
drive  deeper  engagement  with  the  Group’s  customers  in 
under-serviced  communities  and  provide  affordable  banking 
solutions to help their local businesses grow. 

This  year  saw  a  number  of  natural  disasters  impacting 
customers, branch staff and the community. Over the course 
of the financial year, the Group donated more than $600,000 
to  support  the  Tasmanian  Bushfires  and  Queensland  Flood 
Appeals.  In  addition,  the  Group  proactively  contacted  all 
affected  customers  to  offer  a  range  of  options  to  assist  with 
their  banking,  insurance  and  general  financial  needs  during 
these difficult times. 

Providing Leading Banking Solutions to Not-for-Profits 

The  Group  has  a  dedicated  Not-for-Profit  Sector  Banking 
team focused on listening to the sector and collaborating with 
it  to  create  financial  tools,  resources  and  solutions  that 
increase the strength and sustainability of not-for-profits. The 
Group  was  the  first  bank  in  Australia  to  provide  an  account 
specifically  for  not-for-profit  organisations  and  today  the 
Group  has  more  branches  in  more  communities  than  any 
other  bank.  The  Group’s  long  term  commitment  to  its 
communities  means  that  today  we  have  more  not-for-profit 
customers than any other bank. 

Adaptable Work Practices and Training 

The  Group  continues  to  invest  in  Human  Resource  systems 
and  tools  to  support  its  People  strategy,  with  a  focus  on 
facilitating  more  flexible  ways  of  working.  The  new  My  HR 
Anywhere  portal  provides  the  Group’s  people  with  access  to 
useful  tools  and  information  that  help  them  manage  their 
career,  from  any  location,  at  any time.  A secure,  simple  and 
easy  HR  tool,  My  HR  Anywhere  is  available  to  everyone 
across  the  Group.  In  the  Group’s  annual  people  and  culture 
survey, 44.5% said that they work flexibly. 

During  the  year,  the  Group  also  launched  CAN  Coaching  to 
equip  the  Group’s  leaders  with  coaching  skills  to  empower 
their  teams  and  embed  a  positive  and  consistent  coaching 
culture  across 
is  currently 
available  for  Executive  General  Managers  and  General 
Managers.  CAN  Coaching 
for  Executive  Managers  will 
commence  in  late  2013,  and  will  become  available  more 
broadly over the next few years. 

the  Group.  CAN  Coaching 

4. Community Contribution and Action 

The Group has a proud history of supporting the communities 
where  we  live  and  work.  By  offering  financial  literacy 
programs,  partnering  with  community  organisations  and 
supporting the Group’s people in their endeavours, the Group 
continues  to  strengthen  and  extend  its  involvement,  forging 
lasting relationships with community organisations and those 
they serve. 

3. Engaged and Talented People 

Building Financial Literacy Skills 

The Group supports its people by continuing to invest in their 
development  and  in  programs  designed  to  create  a  diverse, 
safe  and  rewarding  workplace.  In  the  current  financial  year 
the  Group’s  people  remained  highly  engaged,  as  shown  by 
the Group’s recent Employee Engagement score of 80%. 

In late 2009, the Group announced a commitment to improve 
the  financial  literacy  of  one  million  children  by  2015.  Since 
then,  the  Commonwealth  Bank  Foundation’s  StartSmart 
workshop  program  has  had  754,242  students  booked  to 
attend a primary or secondary session. 

Building a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace 

The  Group  is  committed  to  providing  a  workplace,  which 
reflects  the  diversity  and  richness  of  the  communities  it 
serves. 

In  October  2012,  the  Executive  Leadership  Team  endorsed 
the  2013–14  Diversity  and  Inclusion  Strategy,  structured 
around three pillars: 

 

 

 

Inclusion and respect; 

Diversity in leadership; and 

Adaptable work practices. 

Cultural  diversity  and  ethnicity,  Lesbian,  Gay,  Bisexual, 
Transgender  and  Intersex  (LGBTI)  are  now  part  of  the 
inclusion and respect pillar, which also continues to focus on 
disability. Employee networks have been established to bring 
these  agendas  closer  to  the  Group’s  people  and  their 
communities. 

Members of the Executive Leadership team sponsor each of 
the  diversity  and  inclusion  focus  areas,  taking  proactive  and 
visible steps to build cultural change in the organisation. 

Spotlight on Gender Diversity 

The  Group  views  gender  equality  as  an  indicator  of  broader 
diversity. The Group continues to progress towards its gender 
diversity  target:  increasing  the  representation  of  women  in 
Executive  Manager  roles  and  above  to  35%  by  December 
2014.  As  with  any  ambitious  target,  it  becomes  more 
challenging over time and the Group is continuing its focus on 
developing  the  Group’s  internal  female  talent  pipeline  to 
promote  from  within.  Sustained  leadership  commitment  and 
engagement  through  initiatives  such  as  Male  Champions  of 
Change  and  Executive  Sponsorship,  are  helping  the  Group 
progress towards its aspirations. 

As at 30 June 2013, 30.3% of Executive Managers and above 
positions were filled by women, along with  25% of Executive 
Committee  roles  and  33%  of  Board  positions.  Across  the 
Group there are now 59.8% women employees. In May 2013, 
the  Group  lodged  its  Workplace  Profile  report  with  the 
Workplace Gender Equality Agency. A copy of this report can 
be found at commbank.com.au/diversity. 

The Foundation’s latest offering, StartSmart Pathways, brings 
money  management  to  life  for  students  enrolled  in  TAFE, 
Group Training Organisations and other vocational education 
institutions.  Since  it  was  launched  in  February  2012,  3,819 
sessions have been delivered across Australia. 

Collaborating with Indigenous Australians to Achieve 
Social, Economic and Financial Inclusion 

In  April  2013,  the  Group  launched  its  fourth  Reconciliation 
Action  Plan  (RAP).  The  2013  and  2014  RAP  highlights  the 
Bank’s  achievements  over  the  past  two  years  and  looks 
ahead to the future as the Group continues to collaborate with 
Indigenous  Australians  to  promote  social,  economic  and 
financial inclusion. Building on  the Group’s recent successes 
and  the  lessons  learned  from  past  programs,  the  2013  and 
2014 RAP has four key areas of focus: 

 

 

 

 

Delivering  outstanding  and  accessible  customer  service 
to  the  Group’s  Indigenous  customers,  regardless  of 
location. 

Providing  greater  employment  opportunities  and  career 
development for Indigenous people. 

Indigenous  culture  across 

Promoting 
the  broader 
community, while also delivering opportunities for Group 
employees to engage with local communities. 

Providing greater access to educational opportunities for 
Indigenous  youth  and  adults,  particularly  in  financial 
literacy. 

Find out more about the Group’s progress and commitment to 
Indigenous communities at commbank.com.au/indigenous. 

Empowering Support of the Community 

The Group’s Staff Community Fund is Australia’s largest and 
longest 
running  workplace-giving  program.  The  Group 
matches its people contributions dollar-for-dollar. In 2013, the 
Fund  will  award  $2  million  to  more  than  200  grassroots 
programs  focused  on  improving  the  health  and  wellbeing  of 
Australian  youth.  In  addition,  the  Group’s  branch  network 
rallied  during  April  and  collected  more  than  $300,000  in 
donations  from  its customers  and  staff to  support  one  of  the 
Group’s key charity partners, the Clown Doctors. 

The  Group  encourages  volunteering  with  a  range  of

Annual Report 2013 

31 

 
Sustainability 

partnerships  that  enable  its  people  to  participate  through 
mentoring,  team  activities  and  skilled  volunteering.  In  2013, 
the Group continued to grow its skilled volunteering programs 
with  new  secondments  in  North  East  Arnhem  Land  and  on 
the  NSW  Central  Coast  through  the  Jawun  secondment 
program,  as  well  as  long  term  secondments  with  other 
partners,  such  as  Reconciliation  Australia.  Through  these 
programs,  we  continue  to  support  the  long  term  sustainable 
growth of Indigenous enterprises. 

Supporting Sports, the Arts and Health in Australia 

The  Group  is  Cricket  Australia’s  longest  standing  partner, 
having  supported  it  for  26  years.  After  seven  years  as  the 
naming  rights  sponsor  of  the  One  Day  Internationals,  the 
Group  announced  in  May  that  it  would  be  stepping  up  its 
support  to  become  the  new  naming  rights  sponsor  of  the 
Australian  Test  Team  and  Test  Series,  starting  with  the 
Commonwealth  Bank  Ashes  Series  in  November  2013.  As 
well  as  Australia’s  cricketing  elite,  the  Group  supports  the 
growth of community cricket through its Grants for Grassroots 
Cricket™  program,  providing  annual  grants  of  cash  and 
equipment  to  clubs  across  Australia.  Over  four  years,  this 
program has contributed $1.53 million to local cricket clubs. 

Meanwhile,  through  the  Group’s  longstanding  support  of 
Opera  Australia,  the  Australian  Chamber  Orchestra  and 
Bangarra  Dance  Theatre,  the  Group  is  making  art  more 
accessible 
the  Group’s 
partnership  with  Kaldor  Public  Art  Projects  supports  ground-
breaking exhibitions such as 13 Rooms shown in April 2013, 
showcasing  the  Group’s  commitment  to  innovation  through 
art. 

to  all  Australians. 

In  addition, 

The  Group  also  continues  to  support  men’s  and  women’s 
health  through  its  ongoing  partnerships  with  the  Breast 
Cancer Institute of Australia (BCIA) and the Prostate Cancer 
Foundation  of  Australia  (PCFA).  The  Group  has  supported 
BCIA  for  more  than  15  years,  raising  more  than  $3  million 
during this time. In September 2012 the Group organised 296 
barbeque  events  for  PCFA  across  the  Group’s  banking 
network and raised more than $117,000 in the process. 

In  addition,  the  Group  has  been  the  major  sponsor  of  the 
Australian  of  the  Year  Awards  for  more  than  30  years, 
celebrating  outstanding  Australians  and  their  commitment  to 
the nation and their local communities. 

5. Environmental Stewardship 

As  one  of  Australia’s  largest  organisations,  the  Group 
recognises that its operations have direct and indirect impacts 
on  the  environment.  We  strive  to  actively  manage  those 
impacts to ensure the long  term sustainability of  the Group’s 
business and environment. 

Achieving the Carbon Reduction Target 

In  May  2009,  the  Group  set  the  goal  of  reducing  its  carbon 
emissions  by  20%  from  2008–09  emission  levels  by  June 
2013  (refer  to  the  Sustainability  Scorecard  on  page  33  for  a 
definition  of  scope).  The  goal  represented  a  reduction  of 
34,550  tonnes  of  carbon  dioxide  equivalent  (CO2-e).  The 
Group  reached  its  target  five  months  ahead  of  schedule  in 
January  2013.  By  30  June  2013,  the  Group  had  reduced  its 
emissions by an additional 10,658 tonnes of CO2-e. Over the 
past  four  years,  emissions  for  each  full  time  employee  have 
also steadily declined. 

A  number  of  initiatives  played  a  key  role  in  achieving  this 
target. These include: 

 

inefficient 
The  Green  Refresh  Program, 
lighting  throughout  the  Group’s  branch  network  and 
upgrading  the  heating,  ventilation  and  air  conditioning 
(HVAC) systems in the retail and commercial buildings. 

replacing 

32  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

  One  of  Australia’s  most  ambitious  corporate  property 
consolidations, which relocated the Group’s people from 
19  buildings  across  Sydney  to  three  purpose-built  and 
sustainable  campuses, 
the  award-winning 
Commonwealth Bank Place in Sydney’s Darling Quarter. 

including 

Supporting the Group’s Clients in their Transition to a 
Low Carbon Economy 

The Carbon Solutions Team was formed as a direct response 
to  the  effects  of  climate  change  on  both  the  Group  and  its 
clients.  The  team  is  responsible  for  the  development  and 
execution of the Group’s carbon markets strategy to ensure a 
leading position in Australia’s transformation to a low carbon 
economy. The team specialises in areas including:  

 

 

 

 

The Government’s Carbon Pricing Mechanism; 

Renewable  energy  projects  such  as  solar  photovoltaic 
systems,  wind  power,  waste  to  energy  systems  and 
biomass energy; 

Energy efficiency; and 

Carbon farming solutions. 

The  Carbon  Solution  Team’s  strategy  leverages  the  Group’s 
core trading, financing and distribution capabilities to provide 
a  range  of  tailored  financing  and  risk  management  solutions 
to  assist  clients  in  the  management  of  their  carbon  and 
renewable energy risks and opportunities. 

In  addition,  the  Group  has  been  a  major  player  in  the 
renewable  energy  sector,  with  significant  investments  since 
2004.  The  Group  remains  committed  to  the  continued 
development of the renewable energy and carbon markets in 
the future. 

The  Group  also  trades  directly  in  the  free  carbon  permit 
market  with  large  emission-intensive  trade  exposed  entities, 
providing  financing  and  pricing  certainty  for  the  Group’s 
clients. 

Committing for the Long Term and Changing the Way we 
Work 

In  2012,  Commonwealth  Bank  Place  (CBP)  and  the  Darling 
Quarter  Precinct  won  a  number  of  awards,  including  the 
prestigious  Banksia  Sustainability  Award 
the  Built 
Environment.  This  award  showcased  CBP’s  world-leading 
environmental  performance  ratings,  including  six  stars  from 
the Green Star Office Design system and five stars from the 
National  Australian  Built  Environmental  Rating  System 
(NABERS).  In  June  2013,  CBP  also  received  the  United 
Nations Association of Australia Green Building Award. 

for 

CBP  is  the  largest  and  most  innovative  commercial  office 
development in the Sydney CBD.  Integrating the commercial 
and  public  domains,  CBP  is  a  vibrant  flagship  campus  for 
more than 6,000 of the Group’s employees. 

CBP  features  world  class  environmental  design,  including 
blackwater treatment and tri-generation technologies,  as well 
as  the  world’s  largest  Activity  Based  Working  (ABW)  space. 
Bankwest  has  since  adopted  the  ABW  concept  in  its  new 
head  office,  Bankwest  Tower  in  Perth,  housing  nearly  3,000 
employees. Meanwhile, the Group’s New Zealand subsidiary, 
Auckland Saving Bank (ASB), has embraced ABW in its new 
North Wharf head office development. 

Further Information 

Visit  the  microsite,  commbank.com.au/sustainability2013,  for 
more  information  on  the  Group’s  approach  to  sustainability, 
insights on the Group’s key initiatives and achievements, and 
independently  reviewed  metrics  for  the  2013  financial  year. 
The  microsite  covers  the  activities  of  companies  wholly 
owned  by  the  Group  within  Australia  for  the  financial  year 
ending 30 June 2013. 

 
Sustainability Scorecard (1) 

Customer Satisfaction 

Units 

2013  

2012  

2011  

Sustainability 

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 

Engagement 
Employee Engagement Index (5) 
Employee Turnover (Voluntary) (6) 

Diversity 
Women in Executive Manager and above roles (7) 

Safety and Well-being 
Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) (8) 
Absenteeism (9) 

Environment 

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 
Scope 1 emissions (10) 
Scope 2 emissions (11) 
Scope 3 emissions (12) 

Financial Literacy Programs 

School Banking Students (active) (13) 
StartSmart Students Booked (14) 

83.0 
1st  

79.0  
2nd  

75.2  
4th  

7.4 
Equal 1st 

7.3  
Equal 1st  

7.1  
Equal 2nd  

8.32 
1st 

7.86  
1st  

7.74  
1st  

% 
% 

% 

Rate 
Rate 

80  
10.60  

80  
12.90  

n/a  
12.65  

30.3  

30.9  

28.2  

1.7  
6.2  

2.7  
6.2  

2.5  
6.0  

tCO2-e 
tCO2-e 
tCO2-e 

8,780  
100,997  
17,767  

8,941  
118,047  
20,137  

9,835  
137,948  
22,885  

233,217  
284,834  

191,416  
235,735  

140,280  
200,081  

(1)  All metrics capture data from Australian domestic operations only (excluding Bankwest), unless otherwise stated. 
(2)  The proportion of each financial institution’s MFI retail customers surveyed by Roy Morgan Research that are either ‘Very Satisfied’ or ‘Fairly Satisfied’ with 
their overall relationship with that financial institution on a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 is ‘Very Dissatisfied’ and 5 is ‘Very Satisfied’. The metric is reported as a 
6 month rolling average to June, based on the Australian population aged 14 and over. The ranking refers to CBA’s position relative to the other three main 
Australian banks (Westpac, NAB and ANZ). The competitor set changed in 2011 to exclude St George. 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 relationship with that institution on a scale from 0 to 10 (0 is ‘Extremely Dissatisfied’, 10 is ‘Extremely Satisfied’). This is reported as a 6 month 
rolling average as at 30 June. The ranking refers to CBA’s position relative to the other three major Australian banks (Westpac, NAB, and ANZ). 

(4)  The Colonial First State (the platform provider) score is calculated based on the weighted average (using the FUA as at December 2012 from the plan for 
Life FUA subscription database) of the overall satisfaction scores of FirstChoice and FirstWrap. The ranking is calculated by comparing the score with the 
weighted average of other platform providers in the relevant peer set. The relevant peer set includes platforms belonging to Westpac, NAB, ANZ, AMP and 
Macquarie in the Wealth Insights survey. In the previous year, the satisfaction score was calculated on a straight average of FirstChoice and FirstWrap. 
Due to the change in calculation of the satisfaction score this year, historical results have been restated. As a result, the score and ranking for 2012 has 
changed from 7.69 (2nd) to 7.86 (1st). For 2011 the ranking remains unchanged, but the satisfaction result changed from 7.79 to 7.74. Prior to 2011, the 
results remain unchanged. 

(5)  The index shows the proportion of employees replying 4 or 5 to questions relating to satisfaction, retention,  advocacy and  pride on a scale of 1-5 (5 is 
‘Strongly Agree’, 1 is ‘Strongly Disagree’). The result captures the responses of Group employees excluding Bankwest, ASB Bank and Sovereign entities. 
There is no data available prior to 2012, as in 2012 the Group moved the people and culture survey administration to a new provider. 

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

directly by the Group (full-time, part-time, job share or on extended leave). 

(7)  Percentage of roles at the level of Executive Manager and above filled by women, in relation to the total domestic headcount  at this level as at 30 June. 
Headcount captures permanent headcount (full-time, part-time, job share, on extended leave), and contractors (fixed term arrangements) paid directly by 
the Group. 

(8)  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 the average number of domestic employees over the year. This relates to domestic employees only (permanent, casual and 
contractors paid directly by the Group). Data is complete as at 30 June for each financial year. Prior year data is updated due to late reporting incidents 
that occurred during the year, or the subsequent acceptance or rejection of claims made in the year. As a result, 2012 has changed from 2.1 to 2.7. 

(9)  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 domestic full-time equivalent (FTE). 

(10)  Scope 1 carbon emissions relate to the consumption of gas and fuel (gasoline and diesel) by domestic retail and commercial properties, business use of 

domestic tool-of-trade vehicle fleet, dedicated bus services, business use of private vehicles, and business use of hire cars. 

(11)  Scope 2 carbon emissions relate to the electricity use by domestic retail and commercial properties and domestic ATMs and certain residential properties. 
Due  to  the  electricity  billing  cycle,  15%  of  2013  electricity  data  was  estimated  to  meet  publication  deadlines.  Data  was  collected  in  line  with  NGER 
legislation requirements. Assets under the operational control of CFSGAM have been excluded. 

(12)  Scope 3 carbon emissions relate to the upstream emissions related to Scope 1 and 2 emission sources. 
(13)  The  number  of  active  school  banking  students  as  part  of  the  Group's  financial  literacy  programs.  Active  students  are  those  who  banked  at  least  once 

during a 12 month period through a school banking school. 

(14)  The  number  of  students  booked  to  attend  Commonwealth  Bank  Foundation's  StartSmart  programs.  StartSmart  sessions  cover  different  topics  and  the 

same student may be booked to attend a number of sessions. 

Annual Report 2013 

33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Governance 

Introduction 

This  statement  outlines  the  key  aspects  of  the  Group’s 
corporate governance framework. The Board has consistently 
placed  great  importance  on  good  corporate  governance 
practices of the Group, which it believes is vital to the Group’s 
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 practices of the Group comply 
with  the  revised  “Corporate  Governance  Principles  and 
Recommendations”,  dated  30  June  2010,  released  by  the 
ASX Corporate Governance Council. 

Charter 

The Board’s role and responsibilities are set out in the Board 
Charter. The responsibilities include: 

 

The  Group’s  corporate  governance, 
establishment of Committees; 

including 

the 

  Oversight of business and affairs by: 

– 

– 

Establishing  with  management  and  approving  the 
strategies and financial objectives; 

Approving  major  corporate  and  capital  initiatives, 
capital expenditure acquisitions and divestments in 
excess of limits delegated to management; 

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

including  defining 

–  Monitoring  the  performance  of  management  and 
the  environment  in  which  the  Group  operates;

 

 

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

Approval  of 
the  Group’s  major  HR  policies  and 
overseeing  the  development  strategies  for  senior  and 
high performing executives; and 

 

Employment of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). 

A  copy  of  the  Board  Charter  is  available  on  the  Group’s 
website. 

The  Board  carries  out  the  legal  duties  of  its  role  in 
accordance with the Group’s values of integrity, collaboration, 
excellence,  accountability  and  service.  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 responsibility to achieve 
the  Group’s  objective  of  creating  long  term  value  for  its 
shareholders  in  part  through  excelling  at  securing  and 
enhancing  the  financial  wellbeing  of  people,  businesses  and 
communities. 

The  CEO  is  responsible  for  the  day  to  day  management  of 
the  business  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  and  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 

Board Performance 
and Renewal 

Risk 

Remuneration 

34  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

CEO 

Management 

<

<

delegation 

Provides advice to the CEO on 

>

>

key decisions made under 

management delegation 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Governance 

Composition 

There  are  currently  nine  Directors  of  the  Bank  and  details  of  their  period  of  office,  experience,  qualifications,  special 
responsibilities and attendance at meetings are set out on pages 40 to 44 of the Directors’ Report. 

Membership of the Board and Committees is set out below: 

Board Membership  Position Title 

Committee Membership 

Board Performance 
and Renewal 

Remuneration  Audit 

Risk 

Chairman 

Chairman 

Member 

Ian M Narev 

Executive 

Chief Executive Officer 

- 

Director 

David J Turner 

Non-Executive, 
Independent 

John A Anderson 

Non-Executive, 
Independent 

Jane S Hemstritch  Non-Executive, 

Launa K Inman 

S Carolyn H Kay 

Brian J Long 

Andrew M Mohl 

Harrison H Young 

Independent 

Non-Executive, 
Independent 

Non-Executive, 
Independent 

Non-Executive, 
Independent 

Non-Executive, 
Independent 

Non-Executive, 
Independent 

Colin R Galbraith (1)  Non-Executive, 

Fergus D Ryan (1) 

Independent 

Non-Executive, 
Independent 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

- 

- 

Chairman 

- 

Member  Member 

Member 

Member  Member 

- 

Chairman  Member 

Member 

- 

Member 

Member 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Member 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Member  Chairman 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(1)  Colin Galbraith and Fergus Ryan retired from the Board following the Annual General Meeting held on 30 October 2012. 

Constitution 

The Constitution of the Bank specifies that: 

 

 

 

The  CEO  and  any  other  Executive  Directors  are  not 
eligible to stand for election as Chairman of the Bank; 

The  number  of  Directors  will  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 
decided that there will be nine Directors; and 

At  each  Annual  General  Meeting  (AGM)  one  third  of 
Directors (other than the CEO) will retire from office and 
may stand for re-election. 

The  policy  of  the  Board  is  that  Non-Executive  Directors  are 
normally expected to serve a term of six years from the date 
of  first  election  by  shareholders,  subject  to  re-election  by 
shareholders as required under the Constitution and the ASX 
Listing  Rules.  That  term  may  be  extended  to  nine  years 
where,  at  the  end  of  the  initial  six  year  period,  the  Board 
determines  that such  an  extension  would  be  a  benefit  to  the 
Bank and the Director is agreeable.  On an exceptional basis, 
the  Board  may  annually  exercise  its  discretion  to  further 
extend  the  term  of  a  Director  should  circumstances  deem  it 
appropriate,  subject  to  the  total  term  of  appointment  not 
exceeding  twelve  years.  The  Chairman  would  normally  be 
expected to serve a term of at least five years in that capacity. 
Independence 

The  Group’s  Non-Executive  Directors  are  required  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. The Board 
regularly  assess  each  Director’s  independence  to  ensure 
ongoing compliance with this requirement. 

Directors  are  required  to  conduct  themselves  in  accordance 
with  the  ethical  policies  of  the  Group  and  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  must  also  strictly  adhere  to  the  participation  and 
voting  constraints  in  relation  to  matters  in  which  they  may 
have an interest in. Each Director may from time to time have 
personal  dealings  with  the  Group  or  be  involved  with  other 
companies  or  professional  firms  which  may  have  dealings 
with the Group. Details of offices held by Directors with other 
organisations  are  disclosed  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  independent  Directors.  In  reaching  that 
determination,  the  Board  has  taken  into  account  (in  addition 
to the matters set out above): 

 

The specific disclosures made by each Director; 

  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  the  accounting 
standards; 

That  no  Non-Executive  Director  personally  carries  on 
any  role  for  the  Group  otherwise  than  as  a  Director  of 
the Bank; and 

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

Annual Report 2013 

35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Governance 

Education and Review 

in  an 

Directors  participate 
induction  program  upon 
appointment and in ongoing education sessions on a regular 
basis. This program 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. 

Board Performance and Renewal Committee 

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 CEO’s 
absence. 

the  composition  and  effectiveness  of 

The  Board  Performance  and  Renewal  Committee  annually 
review  the  Group’s  corporate  governance  procedures.  It 
considers 
the 
Commonwealth Bank of Australia Board and also the boards 
of the major wholly owned subsidiaries. It also considers the 
effectiveness  of  the  Board  and  ensures  that  the  Board 
annually reviews its own performance, policies and practices. 
These  reviews  seek  to  identify  where  improvements  can  be 
made  in  Board  processes.  They  also  assess  the  quality  and 
effectiveness of information made available to Directors. The 
review  process  includes  a  performance  assessment  of  the 
Board  Committees  and  each  Director.  Every  two  years,  this 
process is also facilitated by an external consultant. 

The  Board  used  an  independent  facilitator  in  this  year’s 
performance  review.  The  review  endorsed  the  current Board 
and  Committee  processes.  The  assessment  has  been 
considered by the Board and individual Director assessments 
have  been  diarised  with  Directors  by  the  Chairman  of  the 
Board. 

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

Performance  evaluations  in  accordance  with  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,  on 
pages 47 to 64. 

In  accordance  with  the  Board’s  policies,  the  Committee 
consists  solely  of  independent  Non-Executive  Directors,  with 
the CEO attending the meeting by invitation. 

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

Selection of Directors 

of 

The  Board  Performance  and  Renewal  Committee’s  set  of 
criteria  for  Director  appointments  are  reviewed  annually  and 
adopted  by  the  Board.  These  are  aimed  at creating  a Board 
capable 
and  motivating 
management  to  achieve  sustained,  outstanding  performance 
in  all  respects.  The  Group’s  aim  is  to  ensure  that  any  new 
appointee  is  able  to  contribute  to  the  Board  constituting  a 
competitive advantage for the Group. Based on these criteria, 
each Director should: 

challenging, 

stretching 

 

Provide  important  and  significant  insights,  input  and 
questions  to  management  from  their  experience  and 
skill. 

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

The Board Performance and Renewal Committee will assess 
the  skills,  experience  and  personal  qualities  of 
these 
candidates. It will also take into consideration other attributes 
including  diversity  to  ensure  that  any  appointment  decisions 
adequately  reflect  the  environment  in  which  the  Group 
operates.  Information  on  the  Group’s  diversity  strategy  more 
generally  can  also  be  found  in  the  Sustainability  section  of 
this report on pages 30 to 33. 

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. 

include 

The Chairman will provide a letter to all new Directors setting 
out  the  terms  of  appointment  and  relevant  Board  policies. 
time  commitment,  code  of  ethics  and 
These 
continuing  education.  All  current  Directors  have  been 
provided  with  a 
their 
appointment.  A  copy  of  the  form  of  the  appointment  letter  is 
available on the Group’s website. 

letter  confirming 

terms  of 

the 

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,  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 
meeting  agendas  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  regular  Board 
meeting  agendas.  In  addition,  ongoing  strategy  is  the 
major focus of at least one Board meeting annually; 

An agreed policy on the basis that Directors are entitled 
to  obtain  access  to  Group  documents  and  information, 
and to meet with management; and 

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. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Be capable of operating as part of an exceptional team; 

Ethical Standards 

Vigorously  debate  and  challenge  management  in  a 
constructive manner; 

Contribute  outstanding  performance  and  exhibit 
impeccable values; 

Be  capable  of  inputting  strongly  to  risk  management, 
strategy and policy; 

Provide  a  mix  of  skills  and  experience  required  to 
challenge  and  contribute  to  the  future  strategy  of  the 
Group; 

Be  excellently  prepared  and  receive  all  necessary 
education; and 

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 vote on or be present when 
the  matter  is  being  considered.  If  the  material  personal 
interest is disclosed or identified before a Board or Committee 
meeting  takes  place  those  Directors  will  also  not  receive  a 
copy of any paper dealing with the matter. 

36  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

 
Share Trading  

The  Board  has  adopted  a  Group  Securities  Trading  policy 
which  prohibits  Directors,  employees  and  contractors  of  the 
Group from: 

 

 

in 

the  Group’s  securities 

Dealing 
in 
possession  of  unpublished  price-sensitive  information; 
and 

they  are 

if 

Communicating unpublished price-sensitive information 
to other people. 

Directors  are  also  only  permitted  to  deal  with  the  Group’s 
securities within certain periods, as long as they are not in the 
possession of unpublished price-sensitive information. These 
periods  include  the  30  days  after  the  half  yearly  and  final 
results  announcements,  and  14  days  after  quarterly  trading 
update releases. 

The  Policy  also  requires  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. 

A copy of the policy is available on the Group’s website. 

Corporate Governance 

 

 

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  is  available  on  the 
Group’s website. 

Auditor 

PricewaterhouseCoopers 
the 
external auditor of the Bank at the 2007 AGM, effective from 
the beginning of the 2008 financial year. 

(PwC)  was  appointed  as 

The  PwC  partner  managing  the  Group’s  external  audit  will 
attend  the  2013  AGM  and  be  available  to  respond  to 
shareholder questions relating to the external audit. 

In  line  with  current  legislation,  the  Group  requires  that  the 
partner be changed within five years of being appointed. The 
lead partner was changed with effect from 1 July 2012. 

The  Group  and  its  external  auditor  must  continue  to  comply 
with  US  Auditor  independence  requirements.  U.S.  Securities 
and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules still apply to various 
activities  that  the  Group  undertakes  in  the  United  States, 
even  though  the  Bank  is  not  registered  under  the  Exchange 
Act. 

Remuneration Arrangements 

Non-Audit Services 

Details of the governance arrangements and policies relevant 
to  remuneration  are  set  out  in  the  Remuneration  Report  on 
pages 47 to 64. 

Audit Arrangements 

Audit Committee 

The Audit Committee assists 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 
the  Group,  as  well  as  obtaining  an 
environment  of 
understanding  of  the  Group’s  tax  and  accounting  risks.  The 
Audit  Committee  is  responsible  for  overseeing  accounting 
policies,  professional  accounting  requirements,  internal  audit 
(GAA),  external  audit,  APRA  statutory  and 
regulatory 
external  auditor’s 
reporting 
appointment. 
The Charter of the Audit Committee incorporates a number of 
policies  and  practices  to  ensure  that  the  Committee  is 
independent and effective. 

requirements,  and 

the 

These include: 

 

 

The  Audit  Committee  will  comprise  at  least  three 
members.  All  members  must  be  Non-Executive, 
Independent Directors and be financially literate. At least 
one  member  should  be  a  financial  expert  with  relevant 
qualifications  and  experience  as  referred  to  in  the 
technical  expertise  guidance  of  the  ASX  Corporate 
Governance Principles and Recommendations; 

The  Chairman  of  the  Audit  Committee  cannot  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, 

The  External  Auditor  Services  Policy  requires  the  Audit 
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  external 
auditor’s independence.  

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 
themselves and the Group; 

interest  between 

Require  an 
themselves;  

indemnification 

from 

the  Group 

to 

Seek contingency fees; nor 

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

Under  the  policy, the  external  auditor  will  not  provide  certain 
services including the following services: 

 

 

 

 

 

Bookkeeping  or  other  services  relating  to  accounting 
records or Financial Statements of the Group; 

Financial 
implementation; 

information 

systems 

design 

and 

Appraisal  or  valuation  services  (other  than  certain  tax 
fairness  opinions  or 
only  valuation  services)  and 
contribution-in-kind reports; 

Actuarial  services  unless  approved  in  accordance  with 
independence guidelines; 

Internal audit outsourcing services; 

  Management functions, including acting as an employee 

 

 

and secondment arrangements; 

Human resources; 

Broker-dealer, investment adviser or investment banking 
services; 

Annual Report 2013 

37 

 
Corporate Governance 

Non-Audit Services (continued) 

that is consistent with the approved risk appetite. 

 

 

 

 

 

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: 

 

 

 

 

Audit services to the Group or an affiliate; 

Related  services  connected  with  the  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 Group and 
Business  Unit  risk  appetite  statements,  policies,  delegated 
authorities  and  committee  structures.  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: 

 

 

is 

for 

responsible 

The  Board 
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 

“overseeing 

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”. 

The  CEO  and  the  Chief  Financial  Officer  have  given  the 
Board  their  declaration  in  accordance  with  section  295A  of 
the  Corporations  Act  2001.  The  CEO  and  Chief  Financial 
Officer have confirmed that the declarations are 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. 

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 
and  funding,  operational,  insurance,  compliance  (including 
regulatory),  and  reputational  risks  assumed  by  the  Group  in 
the  course  of  carrying  on  its  business.  It  reviews  regular 
reports  from  management  on  the  measurement  of  risk  and 
risk 
the  adequacy  and  effectiveness  of 
management and internal controls systems. 

the  Group’s 

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

38  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

This  framework,  which  is  designed  to  achieve  portfolio 
risk-return 
outcomes 
expectations, includes: 

consistent  with 

the  Group’s 

 

 

 

The Group Risk Appetite Statement; 

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  management  framework  (including  high-level 
policies  and  limits).  It  also  makes  recommendations  to  the 
Board on the key policies relating to capital (that underpin the 
Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process), liquidity and 
funding  and  other  material  risks.  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  Remuneration  Committee  to 
assist  in  the  alignment  of  executive  remuneration  with 
appropriate risk behaviours. 

The  Committee  reviews  significant  correspondence  with 
regulators,  receives  reports  from  management  on  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 
the 
Committee or the CRO. The Chairman of the Risk Committee 
provides  a  report  to  the  Board  following  each  Committee 
meeting. 

least  annually  or  as  decided  by 

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

Risk Management Framework 

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

A description of the functions of the framework and the nature 
of  the  risks  is  set  out  in  Notes  37  to  40  to  the  Financial 
Statements (pages 144 to 167). 

Continuous Disclosure 

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.  This  is  achieved  via  established 
reporting  lines  or  as  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 disclosing 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  the  market  to  have  an  understanding  of  the 
business  operations  and  performance,  the  Group  aims  to 
provide shareholders with access to quality information 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; 

The Group’s website at www.commbank.com.au; and 

The investor relations app, refer to page 195. 

including 

communication 

The  Group  employs  a  wide  range  of  communication 
approaches, 
with 
direct 
shareholders, publication of all relevant Group information on 
the shareholder centre section of the website and webcasting 
for  shareholders.  Upcoming 
of  most  market  briefings 
webcasts  are  announced 
the  market  via  ASX 
to 
announcements  and  publicised  on  the  website  to  enable 
interested parties to participate. 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.  The  Group  has 
taken these actions to encourage shareholder participation at 
general meetings. 

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. 

Ethical Policies 

the  Group  are 

The  values  of 
integrity,  collaboration, 
excellence, accountability and service. 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’s  code  of  ethics,  known  as  a  Statement  of 
Professional Practice, sets standards of behaviour required of 
all employees and directors including: 

To act properly and efficiently in pursuing the objectives 
of the Group; 

To  avoid  situations  which  may  give  rise  to  a  conflict  of 
interest; 

 

 

 

 

 

To  know  and  adhere  to  the  Group’s Equal  Employment 
Opportunity policy and programs; 

Website 

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  the  Group’s 
people. The Group has also established the Group Securities 
Trading  policy  to  ensure  that  unpublished  price-sensitive 
information  is  not  used  in  an  illegal  manner  for  personal

Corporate Governance 

advantage. 

Our People 

The Group has implemented various policies and systems to 
enable its people to carry out their duties in accordance with 
the Group’s values. 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 

Supporting Professional Development. 

Information on the Group’s diversity strategy can be found in 
the Sustainability section of this report on pages 30 to 33. 

Behaviour Policy 

to  complying  with 

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

The  policy  includes  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  Security  Officer  reports  any 
such  matters  to  the  Audit  Committee,  noting  the  status  of 
resolution and actions to be taken. 

Code of Conduct 

The  Board  will  operate  in  a  manner  reflecting  the  Group’s 
its  agreed  corporate 
values  and 
the 
governance  guidelines, 
Corporations Act and all other applicable regulations. 

the  Bank’s  Constitution, 

in  accordance  with 

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,  and  addressing  both  performance 
and compliance. 

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

 

 

 

The  interaction  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  interest  situations  can  be  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 its values of integrity, 
collaboration, excellence, accountability and service. 

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. 

Annual Report 2013 

39 

 
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 2013. 

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 

  Other  Directorships:  Ashurst  Australia,  O’Connell  Street 

Associates Pty Ltd, and Great Barrier Reef Foundation. 

Qualifications:  Fellow  of  the  Institute  of  Company  Directors, 
Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and 
Wales. 

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

Mr  Turner  has  been  a  member  of 
the  Board  since 
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 
Remuneration Committee. 

Mr  Turner  has  extensive  experience  in  finance,  international 
business and governance. 

He  was  Chairman  of  Cobham  plc  from  May  2008  until  May 
2010.  He  has  held  a  number  of  Directorships  including 
Whitbread plc and the Iron Trades Insurance Group and has 
been  a  member  of  the  Quotations  Committee  of  the  London 
Stock Exchange. 

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. 

Ian M Narev, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer 

Mr  Narev  commenced  as  Managing  Director  and  Chief 
Executive Officer on 1 December 2011. 

  Other  Directorships:  Commonwealth  Bank  Foundation 
(Chairman), and Financial Markets Foundation for Children. 

Qualifications: BA LLB (Hons) (Auckland), LLM (Cantab), LLM 
(NYU). 

Mr Narev is a resident of New South Wales. Age 46. 

Mr  Narev  joined  the  Group  in  May  2007.  From  then  until 
January  2009,  he  was  Group  Head  of  Strategy,  with 
responsibility  for  corporate  strategy  development,  mergers 
and  acquisitions  and  major  cross  business  strategic 
initiatives. He is a member of the Risk Committee. 

From  January  2009  until  September  2011,  Mr  Narev  was 
Group  Executive,  Business  and  Private  Banking,  one  of  the 
Group’s six operating divisions. 

Prior  to  joining  CBA,  Mr  Narev  was  a  partner  of  McKinsey’s 
New  York,  Sydney  and  Auckland  offices  from  1998  to  2007. 
He became a global partner in 2003, and from 2005 until his 
departure  in  2007  was  head  of  McKinsey’s  New  Zealand 
office.  Prior  to  joining  McKinsey,  Mr  Narev  was  a  lawyer 
specialising in mergers and acquisitions. 

Sir John A Anderson, KBE 

  Other  Directorships:  PGG  Wrightson  Limited  (Chairman), 
National  Property  Trust  Limited  (Chairman),  Steel  &  Tube 
Holdings  Ltd  (Chairman  from  October  2012),  Turners  & 
Growers Limited (Deputy Chairman from December 2012), and 
New  Zealand  Venture  Investment  Fund  (Chairman)  (ceased 
June 2013). 

the  New  Zealand 

Qualifications:  Fellow  of 
Institute  of 
Chartered  Accountants,  Fellow  of  the  Institute  of  Financial 
Professionals New Zealand, Fellow of the Institute of Directors, 
and  Life  Member  of  the  Australian  Institute  of  Banking  and 
Finance. 

Sir John is a resident of Wellington, New Zealand. Age 67. 

Sir  John  has  been  a  member  of  the  Board  since  12  March 
2007.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Risk  Committee  and  Board 
Performance  and  Renewal  Committee.  Sir  John  is  a  highly 
respected business and community leader, having held many 
senior positions in the New Zealand finance industry including 
Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Director  of  ANZ  National  Bank 
Limited  from  2003  to  2005  and  the  National  Bank  of  New 
Zealand Limited from 1989 to 2003. 

In  1994,  Sir  John  was  awarded  Knight  Commander  of  the 
Civil Division of the Order of the  British Empire, and in 2005 
received 
“Outstanding 
Leadership  Contributions to  New  Zealand”.  In  2012  Sir John 
was  awarded  an  Honorary  Doctorate  of  Commerce  by 
Victoria University, Wellington. 

inaugural  Blake  Medal 

the 

for 

40  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jane S Hemstritch 

Directors’ Report 

  Other directorships: Lend Lease Corporation Limited, Santos 
Ltd,  Tabcorp  Holdings  Ltd,  and  Victorian  Opera  Company  Ltd 
(Chairman from February 2013). 
Qualifications:  Fellow  of 
Institute  of  Chartered 
Accountants  in  England  and  Wales,  Fellow  of  the  Institute  of 
Chartered  Accountants 
in  Australia,  BSc  (Hons)  London 
University,  and  Fellow  of  the  Australian  Institute  of  Company 
Directors. 

the 

Ms Hemstritch is a resident of Victoria. Age 59. 

Ms  Hemstritch  has  been  a  member  of  the  Board  since 
9 October 2006,  and  is  the  Chairman  of  the  Remuneration 
Committee and a member of the Risk Committee. 

In 

Ms  Hemstritch  was  Managing  Director  Asia  Pacific  for 
Accenture Limited from 2004 until her retirement in  February 
2007. 
this  role,  Ms  Hemstritch  was  a  member  of 
Accenture’s  global  executive  leadership  team  and  oversaw 
the  management  of  Accenture’s  business  portfolio  in  Asia 
Pacific.  Ms  Hemstritch  had  a  24 year  career  with  Accenture, 
preceded by seven years in the accounting profession. 

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. 

Launa K Inman 

Inman  has  been  a  member  of 

Ms 
the  Board  since 
16 March 2011, and is a member of the Audit Committee and 
the Risk Committee. 

Ms Inman was Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer 
of  Billabong  International  Limited  from  14  May  2012  until 
2 August  2013.  Prior  to  this,  she  was  Managing  Director  of 
Target  Australia  Pty  Limited  from  2005  to  November  2011, 
and Managing Director of Officeworks from 2004 to 2005.  

S Carolyn H Kay 

  Other directorships: Managing Director and CEO of Billabong 

International Limited (ceased August 2013). 
Qualifications:  MCom,  University  of  South  Africa  (UNISA), 
BCom  (Hons)  (UNISA),  BCom  (Economics  and  Accounting) 
Institute  of  Company  Directors 
(UNISA),  and  Australian 
(Member). 

Ms Inman is a resident of Victoria. Age 57. 

Ms Kay has been a member of the Board since 2003 and is 
also  a  member  of  the  Audit  Committee,  Remuneration 
Committee and Risk Committee. She 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. 

  Other  directorships:  Allens,  Brambles  Limited,  Infrastructure 
NSW (Chairman of Audit and Risk Committee from April 2013), 
and Sydney Institute. 
Qualifications:  BA  (Melb),  LLB  (Melb),  GDM  (AGSM),  and 
Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. 

Ms Kay is a resident of New South Wales. Age 52. 

Brian J Long 

Mr  Long  has  been  a  member  of 
1 September 2010.  He 
the  Chairman  of 
Committee and a member of the Risk Committee.  

the  Board  since 
the  Audit 

is 

Mr  Long  retired  as  a  partner  of  Ernst  &  Young  on 
30 June 2010. Until that time he was the Chairman of both the 
Ernst  &  Young  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  directorships:  Cantarella  Bros.  Pty  Ltd,  and  Ten 

Network Holdings Limited (Deputy Chairman). 
Qualifications:  Fellow  of 
Accountants in Australia. 

the 

Institute  of  Chartered 

Mr Long is a resident of New South Wales. Age 67. 

Annual Report 2013 

41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report 

Andrew M Mohl 

  Other directorships: Federal Government Export Finance and 
Insurance Corporation (EFIC) (Chairman) and AMP Foundation 
(retired September 2012). 
Qualifications: BEc (Hons), Monash. 

Mr Mohl is a resident of New South Wales. Age 57. 

is  a  member  of 

Mr Mohl has been a member of the Board since 1 July 2008 
and 
the 
Remuneration Committee. He has over 35 years of financial 
services  experience.  Mr  Mohl  was  Managing  Director  and 
Chief Executive Officer of AMP Limited from October 2002 
until December 2007.  

the  Risk  Committee  and 

Mr  Mohl’s  previous  roles  at  AMP  included  Managing 
Director,  AMP  Financial  Services  and  Managing  Director 
and Chief Investment Officer, AMP Asset Management. 

Mr  Mohl  was  a  former  Group  Chief  Economist,  Chief 
Manager,  Retail  Banking  and  Managing  Director,  ANZ 
Funds  Management  at  ANZ  Banking  Group.  Mr  Mohl 
commenced  his  career  at  the  Reserve  Bank  of  Australia 
where  his  roles  included  Senior  Economist  and  Deputy 
Head of Research. 

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  and  Board  Performance  and 
Renewal Committee. 

From  2003  to  2007,  Mr  Young  was  Chairman  of  Morgan 
Stanley Australia, and from 1998 to 2003 Vice Chairman of 
Morgan Stanley Asia.  

Prior to that, Mr Young 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. 

Colin R Galbraith, AM (Retired 30 October 2012) 

  Other  directorships:  NBN  Co  Limited  (Chairman)  (ceased 
March  2013),  Better  Place  (Australia)  Pty  (Chairman)  (ceased 
February  2013),  Humanities  21  Inc  (ceased  December  2012), 
Bank  of  England  (ceased  May  2012),  and  Financial  Services 
Volunteer Corps (ceased December 2012). 

Qualifications:  AB,  cum  laude,  Harvard,  LLD,  honoris  causa, 
Monash. 

Mr Young is a resident of Victoria. Age 68. 

Mr  Galbraith  was  a  member  of  the  Board  from  June  2000 
until  October  2012.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Risk 
Committee,  Audit  Committee  and  Board  Performance  and 
Renewal Committee.  

Mr  Galbraith  has  extensive  experience  in  commercial  law, 
mergers  and  acquisitions,  corporate  governance  and  risk 
management.  He  was  a  senior  partner  of  Allens  and  its 
predecessor firms until his retirement in 2006 after 32 years 
with  that  firm;  during  20  years  of  which  he  was  also 
Honorary  Secretary  to  the  Council  of  Legal  Education  in 
Victoria.  Mr  Galbraith  is  currently  a  special  advisor  for 
Gresham Partners Limited. 

  Other  directorships:  CARE  Australia,  Colonial  Foundation 
Limited  (from  May  2013),  BHP  Billiton  Community  Trust 
(Chairman),  BHP  Billiton  Community  Limited  (Chairman), 
Arrium  Limited  (previously  OneSteel  Limited),  and  Australian 
Institute of Company Directors (ceased November 2012). 

Qualifications:  LLB  (Hons)  LLM  (University  of  Melbourne) 
Supreme  Courts  of  Victoria,  New  South  Wales,  Queensland 
and Western Australia, Barrister and Solicitor. 

Mr Galbraith is a resident of Victoria. Age 65 

Fergus D Ryan, AO (Retired 30 October 2012) 

  Other  directorships:  Australian  Foundation 

Investment 

Company Limited (AFIC). 
Qualifications:  Fellow  of 
Accountants in Australia. 

the 

Institute  of  Chartered 

Mr Ryan is a resident of Victoria. Age 70. 

Mr Ryan was a member of the Board from March 2000 until 
October  2012.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Audit  Committee 
and  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. 

42  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Directorships 

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

Director 

David Turner 

John Anderson 

Company 

Cobham plc 

PGG Wrightson Ltd (NZ) 

National Property Trust NPT Limited (NZ) 

Steel & Tube Holdings Ltd (NZ) 

Turners & Growers Ltd (NZ) 

Jane Hemstritch 

Tabcorp Holdings Limited 

Santos Limited 

Lend Lease Corporation Limited 

Billabong International Limited 

Brambles Limited 

Ten Network Holdings Limited 

Arrium Limited 

Australian Foundation Investments Company Limited 

Launa Inman 

Carolyn Kay 

Brian Long 

Colin Galbraith 

Fergus Ryan 

Directors’ Meetings 

Directors’ Report 

Date Appointed 

Date of Ceasing 
(if applicable) 

01/12/2007 

06/05/2010 

01/04/2010 

01/04/2011 

10/11/2011 

03/04/2012 

13/11/2008 

16/02/2010 

01/09/2011 

14/05/2012 

02/08/2013 

21/08/2006 

01/07/2010 

25/10/2000 

08/08/2001 

The number of Directors’ meetings (including meetings of committees of Directors) and number of meetings attended by each of 
the Directors during the financial year were: 

Director 

David Turner 

Ian Narev 

John Anderson 

Jane Hemstritch 

Launa Inman 

Carolyn Kay 

Brian Long 

Andrew Mohl 

Harrison Young 
Colin Galbraith (2) 
Fergus Ryan (2) 

No. of Meetings 
Held (1) 

No. of Meetings 
Attended 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

3 

3 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

3 

3 

(1)  The number of meetings held during the time the Director was a member of the Board and was eligible to attend. 
(2)  Colin Galbraith and Fergus Ryan retired effective 30 October 2012. 

Annual Report 2013 

43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report 

Committee Meetings 

Director 

David Turner 

Ian Narev 

John Anderson 

Jane Hemstritch 

Launa Inman 

Carolyn Kay 

Brian Long 

Andrew Mohl 

Harrison Young 
Colin Galbraith (2) 
Fergus Ryan (2) 

Director 

David Turner 

John Anderson 

Harrison Young 
Colin Galbraith (2) 

Risk Committee 

Audit Committee 

Remuneration Committee 

No. of Meetings 
Held (1) 

No. of Meetings 
Attended 

No. of Meetings 
Held (1) 

No. of Meetings 
Attended 

No. of Meetings 
Held (1) 

No. of Meetings 
Attended 

9 

9 

9 

9 

9 

9 

9 

9 

9 

3 

3 

9 

9 

8 

9 

9 

9 

9 

9 

8 

3 

3 

- 

- 

- 

- 

6 

9 

9 

- 

9 

3 

3 

- 

- 

- 

- 

6 

9 

9 

- 

9 

3 

3 

8 

- 

- 

8 

- 

8 

- 

8 

- 

- 

- 

8 

- 

- 

8 

- 

8 

- 

8 

- 

- 

- 

Board Performance and Renewal 
Committee 

No. of Meetings 
Held (1) 

No. of Meetings 
Attended 

7 

7 

5 

2 

7 

6 

5 

2 

(1)  The number of meetings held during the time the Director was a member of the relevant committee. 
(2)  Colin Galbraith and Fergus Ryan retired effective 30 October 2012. 

Principal Activities 

The principal activities of the Group during the financial year ended 30 June 2013 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. 

44  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Profit 

The  Group’s  net  profit  after  income  tax  and  non-controlling 
interests for the year ended 30 June 2013 was $7,677 million 
(2012: $7,090 million).  

The  Group  has  produced  another  positive  financial  result 
amidst  mixed  economic  conditions,  including  subdued  credit 
growth, higher deposit funding costs, low interest rates, lower 
marginal  costs  of  raising  new  wholesale 
funding  and 
improved equity markets. 

to 

focus  on  securing 

The  Group  continues 
term 
sustainable  competitive  advantage  through  engaged  staff 
collaborating  to  identify  and  meet  more  of  our  customers’ 
needs.  This  long  term  focus,  combined  with  a  diversified 
business  model  and  a  strong  risk  management  culture,  has 
again generated superior returns. 

long 

Operating income growth reflected strong momentum across 
the  Retail,  Wealth  and  New  Zealand  businesses.  Business 
banking revenue remained subdued amid strong competition 
for domestic deposits. 

Operating  expenses  reflect  a  continued  appetite  to  invest  in 
technology  and  other  growth  initiatives,  together  with  the 
impact of costly regulatory change and compliance initiatives, 
partly offset by productivity initiatives. 

Loan impairment expense decreased slightly due to improved 
home loan and credit card arrears, partly offset by increased 
commercial  loan  charges.  Asset  quality  remains  sound  with 
continued conservative levels of provisioning and unchanged 
economic overlays. 

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 200 cents per share amounting to $3,224 million. 
The  dividend  will  be  payable  on  3  October  2013 
to 
shareholders on the register at 5pm EST on 23 August 2013. 

Dividends  paid  in  the  year  ended  30  June  2013  were  as 
follows: 

 

 

In  respect  of  the  year  to  30  June  2012,  a  fully  franked 
final  dividend  of  197  cents  per  share  amounting  to 
$3,137  million  was  paid  on  5  October  2012.  The 
payment comprised direct cash disbursements of $2,207 
million with $930 million being reinvested by participants 
through the DRP; and 

In  respect  of  the  year  to  30  June  2013,  a  fully  franked 
interim  dividend  of  164  cents  per  share  amounting  to 
$2,639  million  was  paid  on  5  April  2013.  The  payment 
fully  comprised  direct  cash  disbursements.  The  DRP  in 
respect of the interim dividend was satisfied in full by the 
on market purchase of shares. 

Review of Operations 

An  analysis  of  operations  for  the  financial  year  is  set  out  in 
the Highlights and Group Performance Analysis sections. 

Changes in State of Affairs 

During  the  year,  the  Group  continued  to  make  significant 
progress in implementing a number of initiatives designed to 
ensure a better service outcome for the Group’s customers. 

Highlights included: 

 

 

 

 

Becoming  the  number  one  retail  bank  for  customer 
satisfaction  across  all  business  areas,  while  delivering 
superior shareholder returns; 

“Bank of the Year” in the 2013 Money Magazine Awards; 

Completion of the Core Banking Modernisation Program, 
which  involved  the  migration  of  12+  million  customers, 
offering  real-time  settlement  and  banking,  and  enabling 
industry leading functionality and innovation; and 

Continued investment in technological innovations, such 
as  CommBank  Kaching 
for  Facebook,  SmartSign, 
MyWealth and Branch of the Future to remain Australia’s 
leading technology bank. 

There have been no significant changes in the state of affairs

Directors’ Report 

of the Group during the financial year. 

Events Subsequent to Balance Sheet Date 

The Bank expects the DRP for the final dividend for the  year 
ended  30  June  2013  will  be satisfied  in full  by  an  on market 
purchase  and  transfer  of  shares  of  approximately  $806 
million. 

to 

proposal 

On  24  July  2013  the  Bank  submitted  an  indicative,  non-
the  Commonwealth  Managed 
binding 
Investments  Limited 
the 
(CMIL)  Board 
management  of  Commonwealth  Property  Office  Fund  (CPA) 
and CFS Retail Property Trust Group (CFX). The proposal in 
incorporates  CFX  acquiring 
relation 
the 
wholesale  property 
funds  management  business  and 
integrated  retail  property  management  and  development 
business owned by CBA. 

to  CFX  also 

internalise 

to 

The Bank also submitted an indicative, non-binding proposal 
to  the  Kiwi  Income  Properties  Limited  (KIPL)  Board  to 
internalise the management of the Kiwi Income Property Trust 
(KIP). As at the date of this report, the financial effect of any 
transaction cannot be estimated. 

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 

Following 
the  successful  completion  of  Activity  Based 
Working (ABW) at Commonwealth Bank Place in Sydney last 
year,  the  Group  has  now  completed  the  implementation  of 
ABW  at  Bankwest  Place  in  Perth  and  at  North  Wharf  in 
Auckland, New Zealand. 

to 

two  buildings 

The  consolidation  of  the  Group’s  Melbourne  Commercial 
portfolio 
the  Melbourne  CBD  has 
in 
progressed  with  a  move  earlier  this  year  to  a  substantially 
refurbished  building  at  357  Collins  Street.  The  Melbourne 
consolidation  will  be  complete  when  the  workplace  at  727 
Collins Street near Docklands opens in the coming months. 

The  Group  is  progressively  looking  to  accommodate  its 
refurbished 
in  either  new  or  substantially 
employees 
buildings. This strategy allows the Group to provide improved 
working  environments 
its 
employees,  use  space  more  efficiently  and  sustainably  as 
well as support more collaborative working. 

that  are  more  productive 

for 

Business Strategies 

Business  strategies,  prospects  and  future  developments 
which  may  affect  the  operations of  the  Group  in  subsequent 
years  are  referred 
in  the  Chief  Executive  Officer’s 
Statement.  

to 

In  the  opinion  of  the  Directors,  disclosure  of  any  further 
information  on 
likely  strategic  developments  would  be 
unreasonably prejudicial to the interests of the Group. 

Environmental Reporting 

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 has recently updated its energy and 
emissions  data  management  and  reporting  systems 
to 
comply with the legislation. 

is  also  subject 

the  Energy  Efficiency 
The  Group 
Opportunities  Act  2006  (EEO  Act),  which  encourages  large 
energy-using businesses to improve their energy efficiency. 

to 

As required by the EEO Act, the Group lodged its second five 
year  energy  efficiency  assessment  plan  with  the  Federal 
Government  in  December  2012.  The  Group  will  continue  to 

Annual Report 2013 

45 

 
 
Directors’ Report 

report  to  the  Federal  Government  every  three  years  as  well 
as  release  a  public  report  annually,  covering  all  preceding 
years’ assessment outcomes. 

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); and 

 

person who, at the request of a related body corporate of 
the  Bank,  acts  as  a  member  of 
the  compliance 
committee  of  a  registered  scheme  for  which  the  related 
body corporate of the Bank is the responsible entity. 

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  policy.  The  insurance  is  appropriate  pursuant  to 
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. 

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 both the volatility of equity markets on 
shareholder funds and the mark to market revaluations on the 
Guaranteed Annuity portfolio for a measure of core operating 
performance.

regulation 

The Group is not subject to any other particular or significant 
environmental 
the 
Commonwealth  or  of  a  State  or  Territory,  but  can  incur 
environmental liabilities as a lender. The Group has a number 
of  policies 
is  managed 
to  ensure 
appropriately. 

in  place 

the  risk 

under 

any 

law 

of 

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  Financial  Statements  that 
accompany this report. 

Directors’ Shareholdings and Options (continued) 

No  options  have  previously  been  granted  to  the  Directors  or 
Chief Executive Officer. 

Options Outstanding 

As at the date of this report there are  no options outstanding 
in relation to Commonwealth Bank ordinary shares.  

Directors’ Interests in Contracts 

A number of Directors have given written notices, stating that 
they hold office in specified companies and accordingly are to 
be regarded as having an interest in any contract or proposed 
contract  that  may  be  made  between  the  Bank  and  any  of 
those companies. 

Directors’ and Officers’ Indemnity 

The Directors, as named on pages 40 to 42 of this report, and 
the Secretaries of the Bank, being named on page 65 of this 
report,  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 and to the extent permitted by 
law, in favour of each: 

 

 

 

secretary and senior manager of the Bank; 

director, secretary and senior manager of a related body 
corporate of the Bank; 

person who, at the prior formal request of the Bank, acts 
as  director,  secretary  or  senior  manager  of  a  body

46  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

Message from the Remuneration Committee Chairman 

Dear Shareholder, 

The  Group  has  continued  to  remain  competitive  in  the  2013 
financial 
customers, 
shareholders,  employees  and  the  community.  Both  financial 
and non-financial performance were positive. 

year,  delivering 

to  our 

value 

The  Group  has  continued  to  demonstrate  its  commitment  to 
building  a  vibrant  customer  focused  culture  and  in  2013 
achieved its goal of becoming the number one major bank for 
customer  satisfaction  across  all  main  business  areas.  The 
Group has also made noteworthy progress against its goals in 
other  priority  areas  of  technology,  strength,  productivity  and 
people,  alongside  above  target  financial  performance.  The 
delivery  of  this  good  performance  has  been  the  result  of the 
hard work and dedication of the Group’s people. 

There  were no increases to Non-Executive Directors’ fees in 
2013.  However,  changes  were  made  to  the  Non-Executive 
Director 
legislated 
to 
superannuation  increases  whilst  supporting  more  effective 
management of fee costs. 

accommodate 

structure 

fee 

The Group’s remuneration frameworks are designed to attract 
and  retain  key  executive  talent,  recognise  the  individual 
contributions  of  the  Group’s  people,  and  motivate  them  to 
achieve strong performance aligned to our business strategy, 
whilst discouraging excessive risk taking. 

this 

The  Committee  completed  a  comprehensive  review  of  the 
Group’s  executive  remuneration  framework  in  the  2013 
financial  year.  Following 
review,  a  mandatory 
shareholding policy will be introduced from the 2014 financial 
year  for  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Group  Executives. 
No  other  changes  were  made  as  the  review  confirmed  that 
the  Group’s  current  remuneration  framework  is  well  aligned 
with  its  business  strategy  and  achieves  good  alignment 
between the remuneration interests of the Group’s employees 
and the interests of its shareholders. 

I hope you find the information we have provided in this report 
useful. 

Jane Hemstritch 

Committee Chairman 

13 August 2013 

Annual Report 2013 

47 

 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

2013 Remuneration and Performance Highlights 

Completed a 
comprehensive review of 
executive remuneration 
framework 

 

O
f

Following  this  review  a  mandatory  shareholding  policy  will  be  introduced  from  the  2014 
financial year that requires the CEO and Group Executives to accumulate CBA shares over a 
five  year  period  to  the  value  of  300%  of  fixed  remuneration  for  the  CEO  and  200%  of  fixed 
remuneration for Group Executives. 

Short term incentives 
reflect positive 2013 
performance 

Long term incentive 
performance hurdles met 

Fixed fee model for Non-
Executive Directors 

 

  
 

 

 

 

 

No  other  changes  were  made  to  the  current  executive  remuneration  structure  as  the  review 
confirmed it is well aligned with the Group’s strategy. 

2013 financial and non-financial performance were positive. 

Against  this  background,  the  average  short  term  incentive  payment  for  the  CEO  and  Group 
Executives was 121% of their short term incentive targets. 

The  vesting  outcome  of  the  long  term  incentive  awarded  in  the  2010  financial  year  reflected 
TSR performance over four years at the 100th percentile of the peer group, and improvement in 
customer satisfaction to rank first against the major banks and close behind St.George. 

This performance resulted in 87.5% of the award vesting to those executives who participated 
in the plan. 

The Non-Executive Directors fee structure changed from base fees plus superannuation to a 
fixed fee model (inclusive of superannuation). 

This change was made to accommodate legislated superannuation increases whilst supporting 
more effective management of fee costs. 

48  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

2013 Remuneration Report 

This Remuneration Report details the approach to remuneration frameworks, outcomes and performance, for the Commonwealth 
Bank of Australia (CBA) and its Key Management Personnel (KMP) for the year ended 30 June 2013. 

In the 2013 financial year, KMP included the Non-Executive Directors, CEO and Group Executives listed in the table below. The 
table also includes movements during 2013. The key changes to the Executive team included: 

 

 

Robert Jesudason was appointed to the role of Group Executive, Group Strategic Development effective 1 July 2012; 

Ross McEwan resigned from the role of Group Executive, Retail Banking Services effective 13 July 2012; and 

  Matthew Comyn was appointed to the role of Group Executive, Retail Banking Services from 10 August 2012. 

The report has been prepared and audited against the disclosure requirements of the Corporations Act 2001.

Annual Report 2013 

49 

NamePositionTerm as KMPNon-Executive DirectorsDavid TurnerChairman Full YearJohn AndersonDirectorFull YearJane HemstritchDirectorFull YearLauna InmanDirectorFull YearCarolyn KayDirectorFull YearBrian LongDirectorFull YearAndrew MohlDirectorFull YearHarrison YoungDirectorFull YearFormer Non-Executive DirectorsColin Galbraith Director (retired on 30 October 2012)Part YearFergus RyanDirector (retired on 30 October 2012)Part YearManaging Director and CEOIan Narev Managing Director and CEOFull YearGroup ExecutivesSimon BlairGroup Executive, International Financial ServicesFull YearDavid CohenGroup General Counsel and Group Executive, Group Corporate AffairsFull YearMatthew ComynGroup Executive, Retail Banking Services (from 10 August 2012)Part YearDavid CraigGroup Executive, Financial Services and Chief Financial OfficerFull YearMichael HarteGroup Executive, Enterprise Services and Chief Information OfficerFull YearRobert JesudasonGroup Executive, Group Strategic DevelopmentFull YearMelanie LaingGroup Executive, Human ResourcesFull YearGrahame PetersenGroup Executive, Business and Private BankingFull YearIan SainesGroup Executive, Institutional Banking and MarketsFull YearAnnabel Spring Group Executive, Wealth Management Full YearAlden ToevsGroup Chief Risk OfficerFull YearFormer ExecutiveRoss McEwanGroup Executive, Retail Banking Services (resigned on 13 July 2012)Part Year 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

 

 

Continued  monitoring  of  regulatory  and 
legislative 
changes, both locally and offshore, ensuring our policies 
and practices remain compliant; and 

focus  on  embedding  a 
Continued 
is  appropriate 
framework 
that 
businesses  with 
transparency 
governance and risk oversight. 

remuneration 
for  our  different 
in  design,  strong 

Our Independent Remuneration Consultant  

The  Committee  obtains  executive  remuneration  information 
directly from its external independent remuneration consultant 
Ernst & Young (EY). 

Throughout  2013,  the  main  information  received  from  the 
Committee’s remuneration consultant related to: 

 

 

Regulatory reforms; 

Current market practices; and 

  Material  to  support  the  Committee’s  complete  review  of 
existing  remuneration  arrangements  of  the  CEO  and 
Group Executives. 

EY  provides  information  to  assist  the  Committee  in  making 
remuneration  decisions.  EY  has not  made  any  remuneration 
decisions or recommendations during the 2013 financial year. 
The  Committee  is  solely  responsible  for  making  decisions 
within the terms of its Charter. 

1.2 Our Remuneration Philosophy 

the  backbone  of  our 
Our  remuneration  philosophy 
remuneration 
In 
summary,  our  remuneration  philosophy  for  our  CEO  and 
Group Executives is to: 

framework,  policies  and  processes. 

is 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provide target remuneration which is market competitive, 
without putting upward pressure on the market;  

Align  rewards  with  shareholder 
business strategy;  

interests  and  our 

Articulate  clearly 
individual  and  Group  performance,  and 
reward;  

to  Executives 

the 

link  between 
individual 

Reward  superior  performance,  while  managing  risks 
associated  with  delivering  and  measuring 
that 
performance;  

Provide flexibility to meet changing needs and emerging 
market practice; and  

Provide  appropriate  benefits  on  termination  that  do  not 
deliver  any  windfall  payments  not 
to 
performance. 

related 

1.3 Remuneration and Risk Management  

The  Committee  has  a  robust  framework  for  the  systematic 
review of risk and compliance issues impacting remuneration. 
The Committee: 

 

 

Takes  note  of  any  material  risk 
impacting 
remuneration,  with  issues  raised  by  the  Committee 
provided to the Board’s Risk Committee for noting; 

issues 

Considers  issues  and  recommendations  raised  by  the 
Risk  and  Remuneration  Review  Committee,  a 
management  committee  that  monitors  material  risk  and 
compliance issues throughout the year; 

  May  impose  adjustments  to  remuneration  outcomes  of 
Executives  before  or  after  awards  are  made,  subject  to 
Board approval; and 

  Works  closely  with  the  Board’s  Risk  Committee  to 
ensure  that  any  risks  associated  with  remuneration 
arrangements  are  managed  within  the  Group’s  risk 
management framework. 

1.  Remuneration Governance 

1.1 Remuneration Committee 

The  Remuneration  Committee  (the  Committee)  is  the  main 
governing  body  for  setting  remuneration  policy  across  the 
Group.  The  Committee  develops 
remuneration 
philosophy, framework and policies, for Board approval. 

the 

The  Committee  is  made  up  of  independent  Non-Executive 
Directors and currently consists of the following members: 

 

 

 

 

Jane Hemstritch (Chairman); 

Carolyn Kay; 

Andrew Mohl; and  

David Turner. 

The  responsibilities  of  the  Committee  are  outlined  in  their 
Charter,  which  is  reviewed  annually  by  the  Board.  The 
Charter 
the  Group’s  website  at 
is  available  on 
www.commbank.com.au/shareholder. 

In summary, the Committee is responsible for recommending 
to the Board for approval: 

 

 

 

 

 

Remuneration  for  senior  executive  appointments,  and 
appointments  where  the  remuneration  target  of  the 
individual  exceeds 
their 
that  of 
business/support unit; 

the  head  of 

Remuneration  arrangements  and  all  reward  outcomes 
for the CEO, senior direct reports to  the CEO and other 
individuals  whose 
financial 
soundness of the Group; 

roles  may  affect 

the 

Remuneration  arrangements 
internal control employees;  

for 

finance, 

risk  and 

Remuneration arrangements for employees who have a 
significant  portion  of  their  total  remuneration  based  on 
performance; and 

Significant changes in remuneration policy and structure, 
including  superannuation,  employee  equity  plans  and 
benefits. 

This year, the Committee’s key areas of focus were: 

 

 

Changes  to  the  Committee’s  Charter,  so  that  people-
related  matters  are  now  part  of  the  Board’s  direct 
accountabilities.  The  Committee  now 
focuses  on 
Remuneration matters only;  

The appointment of Matthew Comyn in the role of Group 
Executive,  Retail  Banking  Services 
the 
resignation of Ross McEwan in July 2012;  

following 

  Ongoing  communications  with  APRA  emphasising  the 
strong  risk  management  embedded  in  remuneration 
frameworks; 

 

 

 

 

the  existing  executive 
A  comprehensive  review  of 
remuneration 
is  market 
competitive  and  aligns  with  the  Group’s  remuneration 
principles and philosophy;  

to  ensure 

framework 

it 

The implementation of a mandatory Shareholding Policy 
for the CEO and Group Executives (effective from 2014);  

The annual review of our Group Remuneration Policy in 
December 2012, and a subsequent review in May 2013 
to  incorporate  APRA’s  governance  requirements  for  all 
regulated subsidiaries of the Group; 

Changing  the  Non-Executive  Directors’  fee  structure 
from base fees plus superannuation to a fixed fee model 
(inclusive  of 
to  accommodate 
legislated  superannuation  increases  whilst  supporting 
more effective management of fee costs; 

superannuation), 

50  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

The following diagram illustrates the Group’s remuneration and risk governance framework: 

1.4 Non-Executive Directors Remuneration 

Non-Executive  Directors  receive  fees  to  recognise  their 
contribution  to  the  work  of  the  Board  and  the  associated 
committees  that  they  serve.  Non-Executive  Directors  do  not 
receive any performance-related remuneration. 

The Board Performance and Renewal Committee reviews the 
Non-Executive Directors fee schedule annually and examines 
fee levels against the market. No fee increases were awarded 
during the 2013 financial year. 

Following the retirement of Colin  Galbraith and Fergus Ryan 
on  30  October  2012,  the  following  changes  to  Committee 
composition were made: 

 

 

Launa  Inman  was  appointed  as  a  member  of  the  Audit 
Committee, effective 30 October 2012; and 

Harrison  Young  was  appointed  as  a  member  of  the 
Board  Performance  and  Renewal  Committee,  effective 
30 October 2012. 

For the period from 1 July 2012 to 31 December 2012,  Non-
Executive  Directors  received  base 
fees  plus  statutory 
superannuation  contributions  of  9%  of  their  fees,  capped  at 
the  maximum  superannuation  contributions  base  as 
prescribed under Superannuation Guarantee legislation. 

From  1  January  2013,  the  Non-Executive  Directors  fee 
structure  changed  from  base  fees  plus  superannuation  to  a 
fixed fee model (inclusive of superannuation). The change in 
the  Non-Executive  Directors  fee  structure  was  made  to 
accommodate  legislated  superannuation  increases  whilst 
supporting more effective management of fee costs. 

The following table outlines the Non-Executive Directors fees 
for the main Board and the Committees as at 30 June 2013: 

Non-Executive  Directors  are  required  to  hold  5,000  or  more 
CBA  shares.  For  those  Non-Executive  Directors  who  have 
holdings below this threshold, 20% of their after-tax base fees 
is  used  to  purchase  CBA  shares  until  a  holding  of  5,000 
shares has been reached. 

The  total  amount  of  Non-Executive  Directors  fees  is  capped 
at  a  maximum  pool  that  is  approved  by  shareholders.  The 
current fee pool remains at $4 million, which was approved by 
shareholders  at  the  Annual  General  Meeting  (AGM)  on  13 
November 2008.  

The  Directors’  Retirement  Allowance  Scheme,  approved  by 
shareholders  at  the  1997  AGM,  was  discontinued  in  2002, 
which froze entitlements for participants at that time and was 
closed  to  new  participants.  Retiring  allowances  of  $159,092 
and $168,263 were paid to Colin Galbraith and Fergus Ryan 
respectively,  following  their  retirement  from  the  Board  on 
30 October 2012.  There  are  no  longer  any  Non-Executive 
Directors with a retiring allowance. 

The  statutory  table  on  page  60  provides  the  individual 
remuneration  expense  for  each  Non-Executive  Director  in 
relation to the 2013 performance year. 

 (1)  Fees  are  inclusive  of  base  fees  and  superannuation.  The  Chairman 

does not receive separate Committee fees. 

Annual Report 2013 

51 

Remuneration CommitteeRisk & Remuneration Review CommitteeMonitoring and reporting of Group risk & compliance issuesIndependent RemunerationConsultantCBA BoardRisk CommitteePositionFees (1)($)BoardChairman849,800Non-Executive Director 236,400Audit CommitteeChairman56,300Member28,100Risk CommitteeChairman56,300Member28,100RemunerationChairman56,300CommitteeMember28,100Board Performance & Chairman11,300Renewal CommitteeMember11,300 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

2.  Remuneration Framework 

The  remuneration  arrangements  of  our  CEO  and  Group 
Executives  are  made  up  of  both 
risk 
remuneration.  This  is  composed  of  the  following  three 
elements: 

fixed  and  at 

 

Fixed  remuneration  is  reviewed  annually,  following  the 
end  of  the  30  June  performance  year.  For  the  2013 
financial  year 
remuneration 
increases for Executives. 

there  were  no 

fixed 

 

 

 

Fixed remuneration; 

Short Term Incentive (STI) at Risk; and 

Long Term Incentive (LTI) at Risk. 

The  at  risk  components  are  based  on  performance  against 
key  financial  and  non-financial  measures.  More  detail  on 
executive  remuneration  and  the  link  to  performance  is 
included in section 3 of this report. 

2.1 Total Target Remuneration 

The  following  diagram  illustrates  the  total  target  mix  of  the 
three remuneration elements: 

The three remuneration elements are broken down into equal 
portions of total target remuneration.  

When setting target remuneration levels, our key objective is 
to  remain  competitive  by  attracting  and  retaining  highly 
talented  Executives. We  do  this  by  considering  the  size  and 
responsibilities  of  each  role,  using  any  relevant  executive 
remuneration  market  surveys  and  disclosed  data.  Target 
remuneration  is  generally  set  around  the  market  median  for 
similar roles at peer organisations. 

Importantly, for our most senior roles, we aim to avoid adding 
upward reward pressure to market remuneration levels. 

Each  component  of  remuneration  has  a  direct  link  to  our 
business strategy as detailed below. 

2.2 Fixed Remuneration 

 

 

 

Fixed  remuneration  is  made  up  of  base  remuneration 
and  superannuation.  Base  remuneration  includes  cash 
salary and any salary sacrifice items; 

Superannuation contributions are capped at the relevant 
concessional contribution limit;  

The  Board  determines  an  appropriate  level  of  fixed 
remuneration  for  the  CEO  and  Group  Executives,  with 
recommendations from the Committee; and 

2.3 Short Term Incentive 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The CEO and Group Executives have an STI target that 
is equal to 100% of their fixed remuneration. Executives 
will  only  receive  the  full  amount  if  they  meet  all  of  their 
performance goals; 

The  CEO  and  Group  Executives  have  a  maximum  STI 
potential of 150% of their STI target. No STI awards will 
be made if the relevant performance goals are not met; 

Executives  receive  50%  of  their  STI  payment  as  cash 
following  the  Group’s  year-end  results.  The  remaining 
50%  of  the  STI  payment  is  deferred  for  one  year  and 
earns interest at the CBA one year term deposit rate; 

The CEO and Group Executives will forfeit the deferred 
portion  of  their  STI  if they  resign  or  are  dismissed  from 
the Group before the end of the deferral period; 

The  deferral  assists  in  managing  the  risk  of  losing  key 
Executive  talent.  It  also  allows  the  Board  to  reduce  or 
cancel  the  deferred  component  of  the  STI  where 
business  outcomes  are  materially  lower  than  expected; 
and 

STI  payments  are  made  within  a  funding  cap  which  is 
determined  by 
the  Board  after  consideration  of 
performance in the year. 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.  

See section 3.1 for more detail on STI outcomes and the link 
to performance. 

2.4 Long Term Incentive 

 

 

 

 

The  CEO  and  each  Group  Executive  has  an  LTI  target 
that is equal to 100% of their fixed remuneration; 

The LTI award has a four year performance period and 
is  measured  against  relative  Total  Shareholder  Return 
(TSR)  and  relative  Customer  Satisfaction  performance 
hurdles; 

The  performance  hurdles  are  aligned 
to  our  key 
business  priorities  of  Customer  Focus  and  shareholder 
interests; 

Executives only receive value if performance hurdles are 
met  at  the  end  of  the  four  years,  subject  to  final  Board 
review; and 

 

No dividends are paid while LTI awards are unvested. 

See  section  3.2  for  more  detail  on  how  the  LTI  award 
operates and its direct link to performance outcomes. 

52  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

1/31/31/350% STI Deferred for 12 months50% STI Cash paidFixedRemuneration100% LTI Deferred for 4 years 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

3.  Linking Remuneration to Performance 

The remuneration framework is designed to attract and retain high calibre Executives by rewarding them for achieving goals that 
are aligned to the Group’s business strategy. All our incentives are directly linked to both short term and long term performance 
goals. 

3.1 2013 Short Term Performance 
The table below provides an overview of performance  for the year ended 30 June 2013 against key financial and non-financial 
performance  measures.  These  measures  are  used  to  determine  the  individual  STI  outcomes  of  Executives,  and  are  managed 
through a balanced scorecard approach. Financial objectives have a substantial weighting, and non-financial objectives vary by 
role.  Executives  managing  business  units  typically  have  a  50%  weighting  on  financial  outcomes,  while  Executives  managing 
support functions have a typical weighting of 30%. 

Performance 

2013 Key Achievements 

Customer Focus  Continue to build a vibrant customer focused culture. 

Strength 

Productivity 

Technology 

The  Group’s  continued  commitment  to  its  customer  focused  culture  resulted  in  the  Group  becoming  the 
number one major bank for customer satisfaction across all business areas. Specifically: 

 

 

For Retail Banking, in January 2013 the Bank achieved its number one rank among the major banks in 
Retail Main Financial Institution (MFI) Customer Satisfaction(1) for the first time since setting its goal to be 
number  one  in  2006.  Since  then  CBA  has  continued  to  lead  the  major  banks  and  achieved  several 
record high scores. 
In Business Banking, CBA has maintained outright or equal first position in customer satisfaction (1) in all 
four business segments among the four major banks for the entire financial year. CBA continues to hold 
first position in the DBM Business Financial Services Monitor (BFSM, June 2013).  

  Wealth Management’s platforms achieved a combined rating of first for adviser satisfaction among the 

four major banks and other key competitors. 

 

In  Institutional  Banking,  CBA  continues  to  perform  strongly.  The  DBM  Business  Financial  Services 
Monitor has ranked CBA outright or equal first in Institutional Banking MFI customer satisfaction(1) for the 
past 12 months. 

Maintain a strong, flexible Balance Sheet. 
 

The Group maintained a strong capital position with capital ratios well in excess of regulatory minimum 
capital  requirements  and  the  Board  approved  minimum  levels  at  all  times  throughout  the  year  ended 
30 June 2013. 

 

The group preserved its well-diversified funding base including: 

–  Customer deposits accounting for 63% of total funding at 30 June 2013 (2012: 62%); and 

– 

Short term wholesale funding accounted for 46% of total wholesale funding at 30 June 2013, down 
from 47% in the prior year. 

The  Group  continues  to  hold  a  high  quality,  well  diversified  liquid  asset  portfolio  of  $137 billion  at 
30 June 2013  (2012:  $135 billion),  to  prudently  meet  Balance  Sheet  liquidity  needs  and  regulatory 
requirements. 

The Group continues to manage growth by assessing opportunities that will generate sustainable returns 
for the long term, demonstrated in the current financial year by: 

 

 

– 

The acquisition of an additional 47% stake in Aussie Home Loans Pty Limited; and 

–  Growth in existing loan portfolios, while maintaining conservative provisioning coverage ratios. 

Continuous and ongoing focus on eliminating waste, whilst making things simpler and easier for the 
Group’s customers and staff. 
 

To  build  capability  to  drive  gains  in  long  term  productivity,  the  Group  has  completed  training  for  a 
significant  proportion  of  staff,  commenced  embedding  a  set  of  productivity  habits  across  the  Group, 
launched a program to develop internal productivity practitioners and employed global expertise. 

 

 

Productivity outcomes and behaviours have been embedded in reward and recognition systems together 
with the Group’s leadership capability framework. 

Projects have been executed across most business units delivering financial and customer benefits, and 
the transfer of productivity capability. 

Technology  programs  designed  to  enhance  the  customer  experience  through  more  innovative 
systems and processes, and improve efficiency levels. 
 

This financial year, the Group reached a significant milestone with the completion of its market-leading 
Core  Banking  Modernisation  program,  with  more  than  12  million  customers  now  experiencing  the 
benefits of a real-time banking platform. 

 

The  Group  continued  evolving  digital  banking  experiences,  by  developing  applications  that  leverage 
real-time capability and streamline customer interfaces. Recent innovations include: 

–  CommBank Kaching for Facebook, Australia’s first social media banking application, giving users a 

fast and secure payment option integrated into the platform; 

– 

Smartsign  allows  customers  to  execute  loan  documents  electronically  anytime,  from  anywhere  in 
the world, using the Group’s secure online portal; and 

–  MyWealth, an online platform that allows self-directed investors to research and invest in a range of 
financial  products  using  one  login,  with  investment  and  banking  services  in  the  same  convenient 
online destination.  

 

In addition, the Branch of the Future program has continued to improve customer experience within the 
branch network. State-of-the-art features implemented include video conferencing facilities in branches, 

Annual Report 2013 

53 

 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

People 

allowing customers to rapidly connect with specialists, even if they are located in rural and remote areas. 

Develop a long term people focus. 
 

In  the  current  financial  year  the  Group’s  people  remained  highly  engaged,  as  shown  by  the  Group’s 
recent employee engagement score of 80%. 

 

In  October  2012,  the  Group  launched  a  new  approach  to  inclusion  focussing  on  “you  can  be  you”. 
Cultural diversity and ethnicity, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI), and disability 
are now part of the Group’s diversity and inclusion strategy. 

  Gender diversity is a key Group objective. The Group set a public target to increase the representation 
of  women  in  leadership  roles  from  26.6%  in  December  2009  to  35%  by  December  2014.  Progress  is 
ongoing with 30.3% of women in executive roles as at 30 June 2013. 

 

 

The Group also continued to invest in its leadership development, talent and succession programs. 

The Group remains committed to not offshoring jobs. 

(1)  Customer  satisfaction  is  measured  by  three  separate  surveys.  For  the  Retail  bank,  this  is  measured  by  Roy  Morgan  Research.  Roy  Morgan  Research 
Main Financial Institution (MFI) Retail Customer Satisfaction measures percentage of the Australian population 14+, % “Very Satisfied” or “Fairly Satisfied” 
with their relationship with that MFI, based on a 6-month rolling average to June 2013. CBA excludes Bankwest. For business banking, this is measured by 
DBM  Consultants  Main  Financial  Institution  (MFI)  Business  Customer  Satisfaction.  Satisfaction  average  with  relationship  with  that  MFI,  6-month  rolling 
average  to  June  2013.  For Wealth  Management,  customer  satisfaction  is  measured  by  the Wealth  Insights  2013  Service  Level  Report,  Platforms.  This 
survey measures satisfaction with the service of master trusts/wraps in Australia, by financial advisers. It includes Colonial First State’s FirstChoice and 
FirstWrap  platforms.  For  Institutional  Banking,  customer  satisfaction  is  measured  by  DBM  Business  Financial  Services  Monitor  (June  2013)  six  month 
rolling average of MFI satisfaction ratings of Australian businesses. Institutional banking includes businesses with turnover of $100 million and above. 

Risk is also a key factor in accounting for short term performance. Firstly, we use PACC, a risk-adjusted measure, as one of our 
primary measures of financial performance. It takes into account not just the profit achieved, but also considers the risk to capital 
that was taken to achieve it. Secondly, Executives are required to comply with the relevant Group or Business Unit Risk Appetite 
Statement.  STI  awards  are  adjusted  downwards  where  material  risk  issues  occur.  Thirdly,  risk  is  also  managed  through  the 
compulsory 50% deferral of the CEO and Group Executives’ STI outcomes for a period of 12 months and delivery of one-third of 
their total target remuneration after a 4 year period. 

Under  the  Group’s  Remuneration  Policy,  the  Board  has  discretion  to  make  adjustments  to  deferred  remuneration  in  various 
circumstances. Adjustments can include partial reductions or complete forfeiture of deferred STI awards. 

3.2 Long Term Performance 

The executive remuneration structure also focuses on driving performance and creating shareholder alignment in the longer term, 
by  providing  Executives  with  LTI  awards  in  the  form  of  Reward  Rights  with  a  four  year  vesting  period.  Vesting  is  subject  to 
performance  against  relative  Total  Shareholder  Return  (TSR)  and  relative  Customer  Satisfaction  hurdles.  The  table  below 
provides an overview of the CEO and Group Executives’ current LTI awards which have not yet vested. 

Overview of Unvested Long Term Incentive Awards at the end of the 2013 Financial Year 

Performance 
Period Ends 

30 June 2014 

30 June 2015 

30 June 2016 

Equity Plan 

Performance Hurdles 

Group 
Leadership 
Reward Plan 
(GLRP) 

Each reward is split and tested: 

 

 

75% TSR relative to peer group 

25% Customer Satisfaction ranking relative to peer group 

GLRP Award vested during 2013 Financial Year 

The GLRP award granted during the 2010 financial year reached the end of its four year performance period on 30 June 2013. 
The GLRP 2010 award was weighted against two performance hurdles, Customer Satisfaction (50% of the award) and TSR (50% 
of the award). At the end of the performance period, the results against these measures were solid and included: 

 

 

 

 

100% vesting against the TSR hurdle. 

75% vesting against the Customer Satisfaction hurdle, which compared CBA’s performance to the three other major banks 
and St.George. 

In line with the plan rules for this award, 87.5% of the total award vested. 

The Board reviewed the measurement outcomes of this award and  concluded that the above vesting appropriately reflects 
performance over the four year performance period. No discretion was exercised. 

54  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

2013 GLRP Award granted in the 2013 Financial Year 

The  CEO  and  Group  Executives  currently  receive  LTI  awards  under  the  GLRP.  The  awards  granted  may  deliver  value  to 
Executives  at  the  end  of  the  four  year  performance  period,  subject  to  meeting  performance  hurdles  as  set  out  in  the  diagram 
below: 

The following table provides the key features of the 2013 GLRP award: 

Feature 

Description 

Instrument 

Reward  Rights.  Each  Reward  Right  entitles the  Executive  to  receive  one  CBA  share  in the  future, subject to 
meeting the performance hurdles set out below. The number of rights that vest will not be known until the end of 
the performance period. 

Determining the 
number of 
Reward Rights 

The number of Reward Rights allocated depends on each Executive’s LTI Target (see diagram on page 52 for 
explanation of target remuneration). The number of Reward Rights allocated is calculated taking into account 
the expected number of shares to vest at the end of the performance period. 

Performance 
Period 

The performance period commences at the beginning of the financial year in which the award is granted. For 
the GLRP award granted in the 2013 financial year, the performance period started on 1 July 2012 and ends 
after four years on 30 June 2016. Any vesting will result in participants receiving shares during the first available 
trading window following the end of the performance period. 

Performance 
Hurdles 

Vesting 
Framework 

 

 

75%  of  each  award  is  subject  to  a  performance  hurdle,  which  measures  the  Group’s  TSR  performance 
relative  to  a set  peer  group(1).  This  is made  up  of the  20  largest companies  on  the  Australian  Securities 
Exchange (ASX) by market capitalisation at the beginning of the performance period, excluding resources 
companies and Commonwealth Bank of Australia; and 

25% of each award is subject to a performance hurdle that measures the Group’s Customer Satisfaction 
outcomes  relative  to  a  peer  group  of  Australia  &  New  Zealand  Banking  Group  Limited  (ANZ),  National 
Australia  Bank  Limited  (NAB),  Westpac  Banking  Corporation  (WBC),  and  other  key  competitors  for  the 
wealth business. 

TSR (75% of the award) 

 

 

 

 

100%  vesting  is  achieved  if  the  Group’s  TSR  is  ranked  in  the  top  quarter  of  the  peer  group,  (i.e.  75th 
percentile or higher); 

If the Group is ranked at the median, 50% of the Reward Rights will vest; 
Vesting occurs on a sliding scale if the Group is ranked between the median and the 75th percentile; and 
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. 

Customer Satisfaction (25% of the award) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Calculation of 
the  
Performance 
Results 

100% vesting applies if the weighted average ranking for the Group over the performance period is 1st; 
50% will vest if the Group’s weighted average ranking is 2nd; and 
Vesting  of  between  50%  and  100%  will  occur  on  a  pro-rata  straight  line  basis  if  the  Group’s  weighted 
average ranking is between 2nd and 1st. 
No Reward Rights in this part of the award will vest if the Group’s weighted average ranking is less than 
2nd.  

TSR is calculated independently by an external provider. 

Customer Satisfaction is measured with reference to the three independent surveys below: 

–  Roy Morgan Research (measuring customer satisfaction across Retail Banking); 

–  DBM,  Business  Financial  Services  Monitor  (measuring  customer  satisfaction  across  Business 

Banking); and 

–  Wealth  Insights  Service  Level  Report,  Platforms  (measuring  customer  satisfaction  across  Wealth 

Management). 

Annual Report 2013 

55 

Reward Rightsgranted4 year performance periodCustomer Satisfaction hurdle = 25%Total Shareholder Return hurdle = 75% 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

Board 
Discretion 

The Board also retains sole discretion to determine the amount and form of any award that may vest (if any) to 
prevent any unintended outcomes, or in the event of a corporate restructuring or capital event. 

Expiry 

At the end of the applicable performance period, any Reward Rights that have not vested will expire. 

(1)  The peer group (at the beginning of the performance period) for the TSR performance hurdle (at the time of grant) comprised AGL Energy Limited, Amcor 
Limited, AMP Limited, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited, Brambles Industries Limited, CSL Limited, Insurance Australia Group Limited, 
Macquarie  Group  Limited,  National  Australia  Bank  Limited,  QBE  Insurance  Group  Limited,  Orica  Limited,  Stockland,  Suncorp  Group  Limited,  Telstra 
Corporation  Limited,  Transurban  Group  NPV,  Wesfarmers  Limited,  Westfield  Group  Limited,  Westfield  Retail  Trust,  Westpac  Banking  Corporation  and 
Woolworths Limited. 

Hedging of Unvested Equity Awards 

Employees  are  prohibited  from  hedging  in  relation  to  all  of  their  unvested  CBA  equity  awards,  including  shares  or  rights. 
Prohibited  activity  includes  Executives  controlling  their  exposure  to  risk  in  relation  to  their  unvested  awards.  The  CEO’s  direct 
reports  are  also  prohibited  from  using  instruments  or  arrangements  for  margin  borrowing,  short  selling  or  stock  lending  of  any 
Bank securities or the securities of any other member of the Group. All hedging restrictions are included in the Group’s Securities 
Trading Policy. 

Long Term Performance against Key Measures 

As detailed above, long term incentive arrangements are designed to align Executives with the Group’s long term strategy and 
shareholder interests. The remainder of this section illustrates performance against key related metrics over time. 

Financial Performance 

The following graphs show the Group’s cash Net Profit after Tax (cash NPAT), cash Earnings per Share (cash EPS), share price 
movement and full-year dividend results over the past five financial years (including 2013). The solid performance has delivered 
sound returns to shareholders. 

Cash Net Profit after Tax (Cash NPAT) 

Cash EPS (Basic) 

Share Price 

Dividends per Share 

56  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

4,4156,1016,8357,1137,81901,0002,0003,0004,0005,0006,0007,0008,0009,000Jun 09Jun 10Jun 11Jun 12Jun 13$ Million305.6395.5438.7449.4485.80.0100.0200.0300.0400.0500.0600.0Jun 09Jun 10Jun 11Jun 12Jun 13Cents$0$10$20$30$40$50$60$70Jun 09Jun 10Jun 11Jun 12Jun 13Share Price2.282.903.203.343.64$0.00$0.50$1.00$1.50$2.00$2.50$3.00$3.50$4.00Jun 09Jun 10Jun 11Jun 12Jun 13 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

Relative TSR Performance against the Group’s Peers 

The graph below represents CBA’s TSR performance against the comparator peer group for the period 1 July 2009 to 30 June 
2013.  The  Group  was  ranked  first  relative  to  the  peer  group  at  the  end  of  the  period.  TSR  is  calculated  by  an  independent 
external supplier. 

(1)  The peer group (at the end of the performance period) for the TSR performance hurdle (at the time of grant) comprised AGL Energy Limited, AMP Limited, 
Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited, ASX Limited, Brambles Industries Limited, Coca-Cola Amatil Limited, CSL Limited, Insurance Australia 
Group Limited, Macquarie Group Limited, National Australia Bank Limited,  Qantas Airways Limited, QBE Insurance Group Limited, Stockland, Suncorp-
Metway Limited, Telstra Corporation Limited, Transurban Group, Wesfarmers Group Limited, Westfield Group Limited, Westpac Banking Corporation and 
Woolworths Limited. 

Performance against Customer Satisfaction 

The following graphs show CBA’s customer satisfaction performance across Retail and Business areas. During the 2013 financial 
year, CBA achieved its number one rank amongst the major banks in retail MFI customer satisfaction(1) in January 2013 for the 
first  time  since  setting  its  goal  to  be  number  one  in  2006.  Since  January  2013,  CBA  continues  to  lead  the  major  banks  and 
achieved several record high scores. The Wealth Management results ranked the Group first for advisor satisfaction for the year 
ended 30 June 2013. Overall, positive improvements have been made against this measure. 

Retail Main Financial Institution Customer Satisfaction - Competitive Context 

(1)  Roy Morgan Research Main Financial Institution (MFI) Retail Customer Satisfaction. Australian population 14+, % “Very Satisfied” or “Fairly Satisfied” with 

relationship with that MFI. 6 month rolling average to June 2013. CBA excludes Bankwest. 

Annual Report 2013 

57 

-40%-20%0%20%40%60%80%100%120%140%Total Shareholder Return  2013 (4 years)Comparator Peer Group 60%65%70%75%80%85%90%Jan-06Mar-06Jun-06Sep-06Dec-06Mar-07Jun-07Sep-07Dec-07Mar-08Jun-08Sep-08Dec-08Mar-09Jun-09Sep-09Dec-09Mar-10Jun-10Sep-10Dec-10Mar-11Jun-11Sep-11Dec-11Mar-12Jun-12Sep-12Dec-12Mar-13Jun-13% Satisfied ('Very Satisfied' or 'Fairly Satisfied')Major Bank 1Major Bank 2Major Bank 3Regional Bank 1CBADiff to No.1 -12.3%Source: Roy Morgan Research6 month rolling average 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

Business Main Financial Institution Customer Satisfaction - Competitive Context 

(1)  DBM  Business  Financial  Services  Monitor  (June  2013),  average  satisfaction  rating  of  each  financial  institution’s  MFI  business  customers  across  all 

Australian businesses, 6 month rolling average. 

3.3 Performance Timeline of At Risk Remuneration Outcomes 

The Performance Management framework supports decisions in awarding appropriate annual STI outcomes for Executives. The 
STI  performance  objectives  are  communicated  to  Executives  at  the  beginning  of  the  performance  year.  Executives’  annual 
performance evaluations are conducted following the end of the financial year. For 2013, the evaluations were conducted in July 
2013.  

The  following  diagram  outlines  the  timing  of  the  STI  and  LTI  awards  made  to  the  Executives  over  the  relevant  performance 
periods. All awards are subject to risk and compliance reviews. 

3.4 CEO and Group Executive Remuneration Received in the year ended 30 June 2013 

The incentives awarded to the CEO and Group Executives are directly linked to the Group’s positive financial performance.  
Total statutory remuneration recognised for the CEO and Group Executives for the 2013 performance year was $43.8 million and 
is  the  total  of  the  values  for  each  executive  shown  in  the  statutory  remuneration  tables  on  pages  60  and  61.  Statutory 
remuneration disclosures are prepared in accordance with the Corporations Act and Australian Accounting Standards. Total cash 
remuneration received by the CEO and Group Executives in relation to the 2013 performance year was $22.6 million. The total 
cash remuneration received is used by management to present a clear view of the Group’s remuneration payments made to the 
CEO and Group Executives during the performance year. 

58  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

678 Mar-10 Jun-10 Sep-10 Dec-10 Mar-11 Jun-11 Sep-11 Dec-11 Mar-12 Jun-12 Sep-12 Dec-12 Mar-13 Jun-13Satisfaction -AverageMajor Bank 1Major Bank 2Major Bank 3Regional Bank 1CBASource: DBM, Business Financial Services Monitor6 month rolling averageSTI Annual Performance ReviewSTI outcomes determined & approved by Board50 % of STI outcome paid as cashJun2014LTI LTI awards approved by BoardGroup Executives grant of LTI awardCEO grant of LTI awardJuly 201230 Jun 2013Jul 2013Aug 2013Sep 2013November201330 June 2017Vests subject to  Risk Review and meeting set Performance HurdlesBoard Sets StrategySTI Targets are set Subject to Risk & Compliance ReviewVesting subject to Risk ReviewPerformance Measurement PeriodFollowing Shareholder Approval50% STI deferredfor 1 year LTI Award deferred for 4 years 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

Table (a) below shows cash remuneration received in relation to the 2013 performance year. The total cash payments received 
are made up of base remuneration and superannuation (fixed remuneration), and the non-deferred portion of the 2013 STI award. 
This table also includes the value of previous years’ deferred STI and LTI awards which vested during 2013. 

(a) Cash Remuneration in relation to the 2013 Financial Year 

(1)  Base Remuneration and Superannuation make up an Executive's fixed remuneration. 
(2)  This is the 50% of the 2013 STI for performance during the 12 months to 30 June 2013 (payable September 2013). The remaining 50% is deferred until 

1 July 2014. 

(3)  The  value  of  all  deferred  cash  and/or  equity  awards  that  vested  during  2013  financial  year.  This  includes  the  value  of  the  award  that  vested,  plus  any 

interest and/or dividends accrued during the vesting period. 

(4)  The value of any deferred cash and/or equity awards that were forfeited/lapsed during the 2013 financial year. 
(5)  Group Executives as at 30 June 2013. 
(6)  Matthew Comyn commenced in the KMP role effective 10 August 2012. His remuneration has been prorated accordingly. 

(b) CEO Reconciliation Table of Cash Payments from Table (a) and Statutory Remuneration Table on Page 60 

Annual Report 2013 

59 

Base Remuneration &2013 STI forPerformance toTotal Cash Payments in relation Deferred CashDeferred Equity Superannuation (1)30 June 2013 (2)to the 2013 yearAwardsAwardsLTI Awards$$$$$$Managing Director and CEOIan Narev2,500,000                 1,562,500            4,062,500              1,033,289      1,690,549      (171,721)                 Current Executives (5)Simon Blair830,000                    506,300               1,336,300              453,679         -                 -                          David Cohen900,000                    562,500               1,462,500              558,929         1,765,215      (166,654)                 Matthew Comyn (6)872,603                    567,192               1,439,795              --                 -                          David Craig1,380,000                 862,500               2,242,500              804,240         2,121,914      (212,145)                 Michael Harte1,075,000                 634,250               1,709,250              592,041         1,963,381      (191,933)                 Robert Jesudason800,000                    504,000               1,304,000              --                 -                          Melanie Laing800,000                    480,000               1,280,000              165,230         -                 -                          Grahame Petersen1,175,000                 628,625               1,803,625              578,232         2,124,981      (222,224)                 Ian Saines 1,330,000                 744,800               2,074,800              686,592         2,518,246      (262,648)                 Annabel Spring980,000                    627,200               1,607,200              386,231         95,280           -                          Alden Toevs1,430,000                 850,850               2,280,850              739,139         2,152,481      (282,860)                 Previous Years' Awards that Vested during 2013 (3)Previous Years' Awards Forfeited/Lapsed during 2013 (4)2013$Financial Year Award VestsCash remuneration received in relation to 2013 - refer to table (a) above4,062,500      n/a2013 STI deferred for 12 months at risk1,562,500      2014Annual leave and long service leave accruals285,301         n/aOther Payments47,973           n/aShare based payments: accounting expense for 2013 for LTI awards made over the past 4 years  2010 GLRP:Expense for one award that may vest subject to customer satisfaction performance187,850         2014  2010 GLRP:Expense for one award that may vest subject to relative TSR performance166,206         2014  2011 GLRP:Expense for one award that may vest subject to customer satisfaction performance70,189           2015  2011 GLRP:Expense for one award that may vest subject to relative TSR performance185,843         2015  2012 GLRP:Expense for one award that may vest subject to customer satisfaction performance230,347         2016  2012 GLRP:Expense for one award that may vest subject to relative TSR performance533,272         2016  2013 GLRP:Expense for one award that may vest subject to customer satisfaction performance142,525         2017  2013 GLRP:Expense for one award that may vest subject to relative TSR performance330,388         2017Total Statutory Remuneration as per page 617,804,894   
  
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

4.  Key Management Personnel (KMP) Disclosure Tables 

4.1 Non-Executive Directors Statutory Remuneration 

The  statutory  table  below  details  individual  statutory  remuneration  for  the  Non-Executive  Directors  for  the  year  ended 
30 June 2013. 

(1)  Cash includes Board and Committee base fees received as cash including minor adjustments in relation to previous years. 
(2)  Retiring allowances were paid to Colin Galbraith and Fergus Ryan when they retired from the Group on 30 October 2012. There are no longer any Non-

Executive Directors with a retiring allowance. 

(3)  The values shown in the table are the pre-tax portion of fees received as shares. 
(4)  Comparative  remuneration  payments  have  been  restated  to  reallocate  between  Cash  and  Non-Executive  Directors  Share  Plan  in  the  prior  period.  This 

reallocation did not impact the Total Statutory Remuneration disclosed. 

4.2 Executive Statutory Remuneration 

The following statutory tables detail the statutory accounting expense of all remuneration related items for the CEO and all Group 
Executives.  This  includes  remuneration  costs  in  relation  to  both  the  previous  and  current  performance  year.  The  tables  are 
different to the cash table on page 59, which shows the remuneration received in 2013 rather than the accrual amounts on the 
statutory accounting basis, as outlined in these statutory tables.  

The tables have been developed and audited against the relevant accounting standards. Refer to the footnotes below each table 
for more detail on each remuneration component. 

60  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Short Term BenefitsShare Based paymentsRetiring Non-ExecutiveTotalSuper-AllowanceDirectors'StatutoryCash (1)annuationPaid (2)Share Plan (3)Remuneration$$$$$Chairman (4)David Turner2013839,538               16,470                 -                          -                             856,008               2012781,619               50,000                 -                          -                             831,619               Non-Executive Directors (4)John Anderson2013261,281               16,470                 -                          -                             277,751               2012251,779               18,128                 -                          -                             269,907               Jane Hemstritch2013306,614               16,470                 -                          -                             323,084               2012292,886               21,088                 -                          -                             313,974               Launa Inman2013213,402               16,470                 -                          53,351                   283,223               2012193,202               17,388                 -                          48,301                   258,891               Carolyn Kay2013306,565               16,470                 -                          -                             323,035               2012292,886               21,088                 -                          -                             313,974               Brian Long 2013306,468               16,470                 -                          -                             322,938               2012283,982               20,447                 -                          -                             304,429               Andrew Mohl2013278,244               16,470                 -                          -                             294,714               2012251,195               35,238                 -                          -                             286,433               Harrison Young2013314,130               16,470                 -                          -                             330,600               2012292,886               21,088                 -                          -                             313,974               Former Non-Executive Directors (4)Colin Galbraith201398,305                 8,269                   159,092               -                             265,666               2012277,471               19,978                 -                          -                             297,449               Fergus Ryan201398,424                 8,269                   168,263               -                             274,956               2012246,099               46,204                 -                          -                             292,303               Post Employment Benefits 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

(1)  Base Remuneration comprises short term benefits, being the Cash Fixed component and post-employment benefit being Superannuation Fixed. 
(2)  Cash Fixed remuneration is the total cost of salary including any salary sacrificed benefits. For most Executives, differences from 2012 relate to changes in 

Superannuation Fixed following a reduction in the concessional contributions cap. 

(3)  Non-monetary Fixed represents the cost of car parking (including associated fringe benefits tax). 
(4)  This is 50% of the 2013 STI for performance during the 12 months to 30 June 2013 (payable September 2013). 
(5)  STI Deferred includes the compulsory deferral of 50% of total STI payments in recognition of performance for the year ended 30 June 2013. 
(6)  Other short term benefits relate to company  funded  benefits (including associated fringe benefits tax where applicable). This item also includes interest 
accrued in relation to the 2012 STI deferred award, which vested on 1 July 2013 and net annual leave accruals. The 2012 comparative for Melanie Laing 
includes a cash payment of $380,000 relating to her sign-on arrangements when joining the Group on 15 February 2012.  
Includes  long  service  entitlements  accrued  during  the  year.  The  long  service  leave  valuation  has  been  determined  using  assumptions  consistent  with 
AASB119. For Matthew Comyn, Robert Jesudason, Melanie Laing and Annabel Spring this also includes amounts relating to equity sign-on awards and/or 
deferred STI payments awarded under Executive General Manager arrangements. These equity awards are subject to forfeiture if the Executive ceases to 
be employed by the Group due to his or her resignation in any circumstances. The 2012 comparative for Ross McEwan includes amounts relating to other 
special arrangements. This equity award was forfeited in 2013 following Ross’ resignation. 

(7) 

(8)  This includes the 2013 expense for Reward Shares/Rights awarded during the 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 financial years under the GLRP. 
(9)  The  percentage  of  2013  remuneration  related  to  performance  was:  Ian  Narev  64%,  Simon  Blair  67%,  David  Cohen  68%,  Matthew  Comyn  54%,  David 
Craig 67%, Michael Harte 66%, Robert Jesudason 38%, Melanie Laing 54%, Grahame Petersen 67%, Ian Saines 67%, Annabel Spring 56%, and Alden 
Toevs 66%. The percentage of 2013 performance related remuneration that was forfeited by Ross McEwan was 79%. 

(10)  Matthew  Comyn  was  appointed  to  the  Group  Executive  Retail  Banking  Services  role  on  10  August  2013  and  his  remuneration  has  been  prorated 
accordingly. For the 2012 comparative, Annabel Spring was appointed to the Group Executive Wealth Management role on  1 October 2011, Ian Narev 
was appointed to the CEO role effective 1 December 2011, and Melanie Laing commenced with the Group on 15 February 2012. The remuneration for 
these executives was prorated accordingly. 

(11)  Ross McEwan resigned from the Group on 13 July 2012. The Other Short Term amount is negative as Ross McEwan’s negative annual leave accrual was 
greater  than  the  other  short  term  remuneration  paid  during  the  year  ended  30  June  2013.  Upon  resignation,  Ross  forfeited  his  Reward  Shares/Rights 
awarded during the 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 financial years under the GLRP, consistent with the plan rules. 

Annual Report 2013 

61 

Long Term BenefitsShare Based PaymentsShort Term Cash Fixed (2)$Superannuation Fixed$Non Monetary Fixed (3)$Cash STI Payment At Risk (4)$STI Deferred At Risk (5)$Other (6)$Long Term (7)$LTI Reward Shares/Rights  (at risk) (8)$Total Statutory Remuneration (9)$Managing Director and CEOIan Narev (10) 20132,475,00025,00014,2281,562,5001,562,500223,97995,0671,846,6207,804,89420121,820,77925,0005,763999,544999,544171,491133,3531,520,5725,676,046Group ExecutivesSimon Blair  2013805,00025,00014,228506,300506,30085,05218,540901,6542,862,0742012780,00050,00013,787438,863438,863124,17123,081786,0212,654,786David Cohen  2013875,00025,00014,228562,500562,50090,66622,7511,013,1103,165,7552012850,00050,00013,787540,675540,67586,30927,1651,210,4603,319,071Matthew Comyn (10)2013850,34322,26011,766567,192567,19258,636207,144199,9182,484,451David Craig 20131,355,00025,00014,228862,500862,500133,98929,9821,469,0354,752,23420121,330,00050,00013,787777,975777,975145,22138,8621,670,4984,804,318Michael Harte20131,050,00025,00013,191634,250634,250153,08614,1621,200,1203,724,05920121,050,00025,00014,953572,706572,706124,00660,8521,420,1283,840,351Robert Jesudason2013775,00025,00014,228504,000504,00070,281995,507163,2053,051,221Melanie Laing (10) 2013775,00025,00014,228480,000480,00063,219265,203406,9732,509,6232012261,74837,7061,152159,834159,834402,556274,63991,2671,388,736Grahame Petersen20131,150,00025,00014,228628,625628,625108,674(5,662)1,338,0753,887,56520121,125,00050,00016,558559,348559,348107,73758,8221,607,2504,084,063Ian Saines 20131,305,00025,00014,228744,800744,800122,57412,1891,545,4744,514,06520121,280,00050,00013,787664,169664,169129,21246,7281,876,8624,724,927Annabel Spring (10)2013955,00025,00013,191627,200627,20080,059278,718474,4363,080,8042012714,94518,71610,142373,617373,61785,87511,463171,7251,760,100Alden Toevs       20131,405,00025,00014,228850,850850,850148,24730,4541,493,6614,818,29020121,380,00050,00013,787715,000715,000186,66538,7751,399,0994,498,326Former ExecutiveRoss McEwan (11) 201344,7864,118---(2,894)(653,662)(2,223,162)(2,830,814)20121,250,00050,00013,627607,750607,75058,575997,8241,755,9355,341,461Other Short Term BenefitsBase Remuneration (1) 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

4.3 Executive STI Allocations for 2013 

Includes 50% of the annual STI award payable as cash in recognition of performance for the year ended 30 June 2013. 

(1)  The maximum STI is represented as a percentage of fixed remuneration. The minimum STI potential is zero. 
(2) 
(3)  This represents 50% of the STI award that is deferred until 1 July 2014. The deferred awards are subject to Board review at the time of payment. 
(4)  Matthew Comyn commenced in the KMP role on 10 August 2012. His STI target has been prorated accordingly. 

4.4 Equity Awards Received as Remuneration 

The table below details the value and number of equity awards that were granted or forfeited/lapsed during 2013. It also shows 
the number of previous year’s awards that vested during the 2013 performance year. 

(1)  This represents the maximum number of reward rights that may vest to each Executive. The value represents the fair value at grant date. The minimum 

LTI potential is zero. 

(2)  Previous years' awards that vested include LTI and other deferred equity awards. 
(3)  This includes the portion of the LTI award that reached the end of its performance period on 30 June 2013 that did not meet the performance hurdle and 
was forfeited. For Ross McEwan, this includes the Reward Shares/Rights awarded during the 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 financial years under the GLRP 
that were forfeited as a result of his resignation from the Group on 13 July 2012. All values are based on the fair value at grant of each award. 

62  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

STI Target Maximum STI Potential (1) $      %%$%$Managing Director and CEOIan Narev        2,500,000 150%50%        1,562,500 50%        1,562,500 Group ExecutivesSimon Blair           830,000 150%50%           506,300 50%           506,300 David Cohen            900,000 150%50%           562,500 50%           562,500 Matthew Comyn (4)           872,603 150%50%           567,192 50%           567,192 David Craig        1,380,000 150%50%           862,500 50%           862,500 Michael Harte         1,075,000 150%50%           634,250 50%           634,250 Robert Jesudason           800,000 150%50%           504,000 50%           504,000 Melanie Laing           800,000 150%50%           480,000 50%           480,000 Grahame Petersen        1,175,000 150%50%           628,625 50%           628,625 Ian Saines        1,330,000 150%50%           744,800 50%           744,800 Annabel Spring           980,000 150%50%           627,200 50%           627,200 Alden Toevs         1,430,000 150%50%           850,850 50%           850,850 STI Paid (2)STI Portion Deferred (3)Previous Years'Awards Vestedduring 2013 (2)NameClassUnits$UnitsUnits$Managing Director and CEOIan NarevReward Shares/Rights78,6812,987,31422,067(3,152)(171,721)Deferred Shares--5,698--Group ExecutivesSimon BlairReward Shares/Rights26,122956,396---Deferred Shares-----David Cohen Reward Shares/Rights28,3261,037,08621,418(3,059)(166,654)Deferred Shares--7,597--Matthew ComynReward Shares/Rights30,8431,129,235---Deferred Shares6,119333,3339,800--David Craig Reward Shares/Rights43,4321,590,15527,259(3,894)(212,145)Deferred Shares--7,597--Michael Harte Reward Shares/Rights33,8331,238,71924,663(3,523)(191,933)Deferred Shares--7,597--Robert JesudasonReward Shares/Rights25,179921,870---Deferred Shares4,295233,95323,625--Melanie LaingReward Shares/Rights25,179921,870---Deferred Shares--7,015--Grahame PetersenReward Shares/Rights36,9801,353,93428,557(4,079)(222,224)Deferred Shares--6,331--Ian SainesReward Shares/Rights41,8581,532,53133,749(4,821)(262,648)Deferred Shares--7,597--Annabel SpringReward Shares/Rights30,8431,129,235---Deferred Shares--1,583--Alden Toevs Reward Shares/Rights45,0051,647,74725,263(5,192)(282,860)Deferred Shares--10,130--Former ExecutiveRoss McEwan Reward Shares/Rights--31,153(125,294)(5,178,504)Deferred Shares--8,863(50,886)(2,500,029)Forfeited orGrantedLapsedduring 2013 (1)during 2013 (3) 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

4.5 Fair Value Assumptions for Unvested Equity Awards 

For the Customer Satisfaction component of all LTI awards, the fair value is the closing market price of a CBA share as at the 
grant date. For the Total Shareholder Return component of the LTI awards, the fair value has been  calculated using a Monte-
Carlo simulation method using the following assumptions: 

(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. 

4.6 Termination Arrangements 

The table below provides the termination arrangements included in all Executive contracts for our current KMP. 

(1)  Permanent contracts are ongoing until notice is given by either party. 
(2)  Severance applies where the termination is initiated by the Group, other than for misconduct or unsatisfactory performance. 

The  termination  entitlements  are  appropriate  and  do  not  deliver  windfall  payments  on  termination  that  are  not  related  to 
performance.  As  part  of  these  arrangements,  Executives  who  resign  or  are  dismissed  will  forfeit  all  their  deferred  awards 
(including cash and equity awards), and will generally not be entitled to a STI payment for that year. At the Board’s discretion, 
where an Executive’s exit is related to retrenchment, retirement or death, the Executive may be entitled to an STI payment and 
any  outstanding  LTI  awards  continue  unchanged  with  performance  measured  at  the  end  of  the  performance  period  related  to 
each award. The Board has ultimate discretion over the amount of awards that may vest. 

Ross McEwan was the only KMP who left the Group during the 2013 financial year. 

Annual Report 2013 

63 

FairExercisePerformanceExpectedExpectedExpectedRisk FreeGrantValuePricePeriodLifeDividend YieldVolatilityRateAward TypeDate$$End(Years)%%%GLRP - Reward Rights (1)05/11/201257.40Nil30/06/2016n/an/an/an/aGLRP - Reward Rights (2)05/11/201231.49Nil30/06/20163.7Nil203.2GLRP - Reward Rights (1)04/10/201256.55Nil30/06/2016n/an/an/an/aGLRP - Reward Rights (2)04/10/201230.76Nil30/06/20163.7Nil203.0GLRP - Reward Rights (1)15/02/201250.23Nil30/06/2015n/an/an/an/aGLRP - Reward Rights (2)15/02/201231.87Nil30/06/20153.4Nil304.4GLRP - Reward Rights (1)15/11/201149.15Nil30/06/2015n/an/an/an/aGLRP - Reward Rights (2)15/11/201131.60Nil30/06/20153.6Nil304.2GLRP - Reward Rights (1)29/08/201147.96Nil30/06/2015n/an/an/an/aGLRP - Reward Rights (2)29/08/201132.23Nil30/06/20153.8Nil304.7GLRP - Reward Rights (1)10/03/201151.30Nil30/06/2014n/an/an/an/aGLRP - Reward Rights (2)10/03/201136.51Nil30/06/20143.3Nil305.5GLRP - Reward Rights (1)27/09/201052.86Nil30/06/2014n/an/an/an/aGLRP - Reward Rights (2)27/09/201037.61Nil30/06/20143.8Nil305.5GLRP - Reward Shares (1)25/09/200951.30Nil30/06/2013n/an/an/an/aGLRP - Reward Shares (2)25/09/200937.24Nil30/06/20133.8Nil305.4AssumptionsNameContract Type (1)NoticeSeverance (2)Managing Director & CEOIan NarevPermanent12 monthsn/aGroup ExecutivesSimon BlairPermanent6 months6 monthsDavid CohenPermanent6 months6 monthsMatthew ComynPermanent6 months6 monthsDavid CraigPermanent6 months6 monthsMichael HartePermanent6 months6 monthsRobert JesudasonPermanent6 months6 monthsMelanie LaingPermanent6 months6 monthsGrahame PetersenPermanent6 months6 monthsIan SainesPermanent6 months6 monthsAnnabel SpringPermanent6 months6 monthsAlden ToevsPermanent6 monthsn/a 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

Glossary of Key Terms 

To assist readers, key terms and abbreviations used in the remuneration report as they apply to the Group are set out below. 

Term 

Definition 

Base Remuneration 

Cash and non-cash remuneration paid regularly with no performance conditions.  

Board 

Deferred Shares 

The Board of Directors of the Group. 

Shares subject to forfeiture on resignation. Used for sign-on awards and deferred STI below 
Group Executive level. 

Executives 

The CEO and Group Executives are collectively referenced as ‘Executives’. 

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  

The Group’s long term incentive plan from 1 July 2009 for the CEO and Group Executives.  

Plan (GLRP) 

Key Management Personnel 
(KMP) 

Long Term Incentive (LTI) 

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 plan is the GLRP. 

NPAT 

Net profit after tax. 

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 

Profit after capital charge. 

Remuneration Received  

Reward Shares 

Reward Rights 

Salary Sacrifice 

Represents all forms of consideration paid by the Group or on behalf of the Group during the 
current performance year ending 30 June 2013, in exchange for services previously rendered 
to the Group. 

Shares in CBA granted under the GLRP during the 2010 financial year and subject to 
performance hurdles. 

Rights to ordinary shares in CBA granted under the GLRP from the 2011 financial year and 
subject to performance hurdles. 

An arrangement where an employee agrees to forgo part of his or her cash component of 
Base Remuneration in return for non-cash benefits of a similar value. 

Short Term Incentive (STI) 

Remuneration paid with direct reference to the Group’s and the individual’s performance over 
one financial year. 

Statutory Remuneration 

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. 

Total Shareholder Return  

(TSR) 

TSR measures a company’s share price movement, dividend yield and any return of capital 
over a specific period. 

64  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

 
Company Secretaries 

Auditor’s Independence Declaration 

Details  of  the  Bank’s  Company  Secretaries,  including  their 
experience and qualifications, are set out below. 

We  have  obtained  an  independence  declaration  from  our 
external auditor as presented on the following page. 

Directors’ Report 

Auditor Independence 

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  general  standard  of  independence  imposed  by  the 
Corporations Act 2001.  

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 
service 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 and Chief Executive 
Officer’s Statements (pages 2 to 5), Highlights (pages 6 to 9), 
Group  Performance  Analysis  (pages  10  to  19),  Note  37 
(pages 144 to 145) and Shareholding Information (pages 188 
to 191) sections of this Annual Report. 

Margaret  Taylor  was  appointed  Company  Secretary  of  the 
Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  effective  6  August  2013. 
Before  joining  the  Bank,  she  held  the  position  of  Group 
General  Counsel  and  Company  Secretary  of  Boral  Limited. 
Prior  to  that,  she  was  Regional  Counsel  Australia/Asia  with 
BHP  Billiton,  and  prior  to  that  a  partner  with  law  firm  Minter 
Ellison,  specialising  in  corporate  and  securities  laws.  She 
holds law and arts degrees from the University of Queensland 
and is a Fellow of Chartered Secretaries Australia. 

Carla  Collingwood  was  appointed  a  Company  Secretary  of 
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. 

John Hatton was Company Secretary of the Bank from 1994 
until he retired on 5 July 2013. From 1985 until 1994, he was 
a  solicitor  with  the  Bank’s  Legal  Department.  He  has  a 
Bachelor  of  Laws  degree  from  the  University  of  Sydney  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. 

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 33 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 related services 

2013  

$’000  

945 

3,088 

576 

157 

4,766 

21,782 

(1)  An  additional  amount  of  $480,672  was  paid  to  PwC  for  non-audit 
services  provided  to  entities  not  consolidated  into  the  Financial 
Statements. 

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors. 

D J Turner 

Chairman 

13 August 2013 

I M Narev 

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer 

13 August 2013 

Annual Report 2013 

65 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auditor’s Independence Declaration 

As lead auditor for the audit of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia for the year ended 30 June 2013, 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 Commonwealth Bank of Australia and the entities it controlled during the year. 

Marcus Laithwaite 

Partner   

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

 Sydney 

13 August 2013 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757  

Darling Park Tower 2, 201 Sussex Street, GPO BOX 2650, SYDNEY NSW 1171 

T: +61 2 8266 0000, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

66  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This page has been intentionally left blank 

Annual Report 2013 

67 

 
 
 
 
Five Year Financial Summary 

Includes investment experience. 

(1) 
(2)  Due  to  the  change  in  expectations  on  the  size  and  impact  of  defined  benefit  superannuation  plan  expense,  from  1  July  2009  this  amount  has  been 

included as part of total expenses (“cash basis”) and is recorded in the Other segment. 

(3)  Comparative  information  for  2012  only  has  been  restated  to  reflect  changes  in  the  presentation  of  segment  results  in  the  current  period.  The  changes 
include  the  reallocation  of  revenue,  expenses  and  associated  customer  balances  between  segments  based  on  where  the  customer  relationship  is 
managed; the allocation of residual earnings on capital across the business segments; and the impact of the Group relinquishing the banking licence held 
by Bankwest during October 2012. 

(4)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

68  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

20132012201120102009$M$M$M$M$MNet interest income13,94413,15712,64512,00810,184Other operating income (1)7,5556,9937,0147,0516,634Total operating income21,49920,15019,65919,05916,818Operating expenses(9,605)(9,196)(8,891)(8,601)(7,765)Impairment expense(1,082)(1,089)(1,280)(2,075)(3,048)Net profit before tax10,8129,8659,4888,3836,005Corporate tax expense(2,977)(2,736)(2,637)(2,266)(1,560)Non-controlling interests(16)(16)(16)(16)(30)Net profit after tax ("cash basis")7,8197,1136,8356,1014,415Defined benefit superannuation plan expense (2)----(10)Treasury shares valuation adjustment(53)(15)(22)(44)(28)Hedging and IFRS volatility27124(265)17(245)One-off expenses----(23)Tax on NZ structured finance transactions---(171)-Loss on disposal of controlled entities/investments--(7)(23)-Bankwest non-cash items(71)(89)(147)(216)614Count Financial acquisition costs-(43)---Bell Group litigation(45)----Net profit after income tax attributable to Equity holders of the Bank ("statutory basis")7,6777,0906,3945,6644,723Contributions to profit (after tax) (3)Retail Banking Services3,0542,7032,8542,4612,107Business and Private Banking1,4881,5131,030898736Institutional Banking and Markets1,2101,0981,0041,173166Wealth Management577492581592514New Zealand630557469387438Bankwest561527463(45)113IFS and Other194134353457537Net profit after tax ("underlying basis")7,7147,0246,7545,9234,611Investment experience after tax1058981178(196)Net profit after tax ("cash basis")7,8197,1136,8356,1014,415Balance SheetLoans, bills discounted and other receivables556,648525,682500,057493,459466,631Total assets (4)753,876718,859667,899646,330620,372Deposits and other public borrowings459,429437,655401,147374,663368,721Total liabilities (4)708,384677,287630,612610,760588,930Shareholders' equity45,49241,57237,28735,57031,442Net tangible assets33,59329,82126,21724,68820,738Risk weighted assets - Basel III (APRA)329,158n/an/an/an/aRisk weighted assets - Basel II (APRA)n/a302,787281,711290,821288,836Average interest earning assets653,637629,685597,406577,261510,510Average interest bearing liabilities609,557590,654559,095543,824483,283Assets (on Balance Sheet) - Australia (4)644,062621,985581,695561,618528,354Assets (on Balance Sheet) - New Zealand61,57855,49954,99356,94859,606Assets (on Balance Sheet) - Other48,23641,37531,21127,76432,412 
 
 
Five Year Financial Summary 

(1)  The productivity metrics have been calculated on a “cash basis”. 

Annual Report 2013 

69 

20132012201120102009Shareholder summaryDividends per share - fully franked (cents)364334320290228Dividend cover - statutory (times)1.31.31.31.31.3Dividend cover - cash (times)1.31.31.41.41.3Earnings per share (cents)BasicStatutory477.9448.9411.2367.9328.5Cash basis485.8449.4438.7395.5305.6Fully dilutedStatutory464.5432.9395.1354.2313.4Cash basis472.0433.4420.6379.8292.4Dividend payout ratio (%)Statutory76.875.278.379.773.1Cash basis75.475.073.273.978.2Net tangible assets per share ($)20.818.716.815.913.7Weighted average number of shares (statutory basic) (M)1,5981,5701,5451,5271,420Weighted average number of shares (statutory fully diluted) (M)1,6861,6741,6681,6401,548Weighted average number of shares (cash basic) (M)1,6011,5731,5481,5311,426Weighted average number of shares (cash fully diluted) (M)1,6891,6771,6711,6441,554Number of shareholders786,437792,906792,765784,382776,283Share prices for the year ($)Trading high74.1853.8055.7760.0046.69Trading low53.1842.3047.0536.2024.03End (closing price)69.1853.1052.3048.6439.00Performance ratios (%)Return on average Shareholders' equityStatutory18.218.718.417.516.8Cash basis18.418.619.518.715.8Return on average total assetsStatutory1.01.01.00.90.9Cash basis1.11.01.01.00.8Capital adequacy - Common Equity Tier One - Basel III (APRA)8.2n/an/an/an/aCapital adequacy - Tier One - Basel III (APRA)10.2n/an/an/an/aCapital adequacy - Tier Two - Basel III (APRA)1.0n/an/an/an/aCapital adequacy - Total - Basel III (APRA)11.2n/an/an/an/aCapital adequacy - Tier One - Basel IIn/a10.010.09.28.1Capital adequacy - Tier Two - Basel IIn/a1.01.72.32.3Capital adequacy - Total - Basel IIn/a11.011.711.510.4Net interest margin2.132.092.122.081.99Other information (numbers)Full-time equivalent employees44,96944,84446,06045,02544,218Branches/services centres (Australia)1,1661,1671,1601,1471,142Agencies (Australia)3,7643,8183,7953,8843,859ATM's (proprietary)4,3044,2134,1734,1494,075EFTPOS terminals181,227175,436170,855165,621167,025Productivity (1)Total income per full-time (equivalent) employee ($)474,660446,013424,186418,057386,381Employee expense/Total income (%)24.124.724.524.123.3Total operating expenses/Total income (%)45.046.045.545.745.4 
 
 
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 

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 

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 

Insurance Businesses 

Remuneration of Auditors 

Lease Commitments 

Contingent Liabilities, Contingent Assets and Commitments 

Fiduciary Activities 

Risk Management 

Credit Risk 

Market Risk 

Liquidity and Funding Risk 

Retirement Benefit Obligations 

Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures 

Key Management Personnel 

Related Party Disclosures 

Notes to the Statements of Cash Flows 

Disclosures about Fair Values of Financial Instruments 

Securitisation, Covered Bonds and Transferred Assets 

Controlled Entities 

Subsequent Events 

70  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

71  

72  

73  

74  

76  

78  

88  

90  

91  

96  

99  

100  

100  

100  

101  

102  

107  

108  

111  

113  

115  

117  

117  

117  

118  

119  

119  

121  

123  

124  

126  

128  

129  

133  

134  

135  

138  

140  

141  

141  

143  

144  

145  

162  

164  

167  

170  

171  

174  

174  

176  

181  

182  

184  

 
Income Statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2013 

Financial Statements 

The above Income Statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

Annual Report 2013 

71 

GroupBank20132012201120132012Note$M$M$M$M$MInterest income 234,73938,25837,47735,70734,761Interest expense 2(20,805)(25,136)(24,883)(23,541)(24,510)Net interest income13,93413,12212,59412,16610,251Other banking income 4,2374,0893,6435,6275,466Net banking operating income18,17117,21116,23717,79315,717Funds management income2,1471,9591,996--Investment revenue942226854--Claims and policyholder liability expense(924)(245)(808)--Net funds management operating income22,1651,9402,042--Premiums from insurance contracts2,3532,1141,884--Investment revenue449547547--Claims and policyholder liability expense from insurance contracts(1,584)(1,428)(1,313)--Net insurance operating income21,2181,2331,118--Total net operating income before impairment and operating expenses221,55420,38419,39717,79315,717Loan impairment expense2,14(1,146)(1,089)(1,280)(1,042)(988)Operating expenses2(9,680)(9,331)(9,060)(7,236)(6,338)Net profit before income tax210,7289,9649,0579,5158,391Corporate tax expense5(2,923)(2,736)(2,481)(2,223)(1,930)Policyholder tax expense5(112)(122)(166)--Net profit after income tax7,6937,1066,4107,2926,461Non-controlling interests(16)(16)(16)--Net profit attributable to Equity holders of the Bank7,6777,0906,3947,2926,461Group 201320122011NoteEarnings per share:    Basic7477. 9448. 9411. 2    Fully diluted7464. 5432. 9395. 1Cents per share 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Statements 

Statements of Comprehensive Income 

For the year ended 30 June 2013 

The above Statements of Comprehensive Income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

72  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

20132012201120132012$M$M$M$M$MNet profit after income tax for the financial year7,6937,1066,4107,2926,461Other comprehensive income/(expense):Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit/(loss):Gains and losses on cash flow hedging instruments:Recognised in equity(575)730(754)(619)847Transferred to Income Statement226758769229542Gains and losses on available-for-sale investments:Recognised in equity553(349)124365(315)Transferred to Income Statement on disposal(31)(81)(24)(31)(86)Foreign currency translation reserve476202(546)8280Income tax on items transferred directly to/from equity:Cash flow hedge reserve73(442)-122(415)Available-for-sale investments revaluation reserve(158)122(28)(101)119Foreign currency translation reserve(10)(12)16-(10)Total of items that may be reclassified554928(443)47762Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:Actuarial gains and losses from defined benefit superannuation plans net of tax311(223)(89)311(223)Revaluation of properties432695Income tax on revaluation of properties(1)(5)-(1)-Total of Items that will not be reclassified314(196)(83)319(218)Other comprehensive income/(expense) net of income tax868732(526)366544Total comprehensive income for the financial year8,5617,8385,8847,6587,005Total comprehensive income for the financial year is attributable to:Equity holders of the Bank8,5457,8225,8687,6587,005Non-controlling interests161616--Comprehensive income net of income tax8,5617,8385,8847,6587,005Group Bank  
 
 
Balance Sheets 

As at 30 June 2013 

Financial Statements 

(1)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

The above Balance Sheets should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

Annual Report 2013 

73 

Group Bank 2013201220132012Note$M $M $M $M AssetsCash and liquid assets820,63419,66618,03017,952Receivables due from other financial institutions97,74410,8866,99810,482Assets at fair value through Income Statement:10Trading19,61713,81618,39812,071Insurance14,35914,525--Other907980718980Derivative assets (1)1145,34039,56745,20339,691Available-for-sale investments (1)1259,60160,827125,941116,567Loans, bills discounted and other receivables13556,648525,682502,349407,122Bank acceptances of customers6,0639,7176,0599,715Shares in and loans to controlled entities (1)44--63,01775,006Property, plant and equipment152,7182,5031,5581,376Investment in associates and joint ventures422,2811,8981,6071,401Intangible assets1610,42310,2814,7134,123Deferred tax assets59359801,063899Other assets176,5987,5175,0915,872753,868718,845800,745703,257Assets held for sale18814814Total assets753,876718,859800,753703,271LiabilitiesDeposits and other public borrowings19459,429437,655425,276362,813Payables due to other financial institutions25,92222,12625,16621,457Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement208,7016,5553,3323,181Derivative liabilities (1)1138,58039,85140,22939,856Bank acceptances6,0639,7176,0599,715Due to controlled entities--113,868101,053Current tax liabilities211,5291,5371,4401,523Deferred tax liabilities21471338--Other provisions221,2491,224992902Insurance policy liabilities3213,00412,994--Debt issues23132,808124,712115,291102,312Managed funds units on issue891995--Bills payable and other liabilities2410,0509,56113,6799,377698,697667,265745,332652,189Loan capital259,68710,02210,43710,223Total liabilities708,384677,287755,769662,412Net assets45,49241,57244,98440,859Shareholders' EquityShare capital:Ordinary share capital2726,32325,17526,61925,498Other equity instruments279399391,8951,895Reserves261,3331,5712,6412,732Retained profits2616,36013,35613,82910,734Shareholders' equity attributable to Equity holders of the Bank44,95541,04144,98440,859Non-controlling interests29537531--Total Shareholders' equity45,49241,57244,98440,859 
 
 
 
 
Financial Statements 

Statements of Changes in Equity 

For the year ended 30 June 2013 

The above Statements of Changes in Equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

74  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

GroupShareholders'equityattributableOrdinaryOtherto EquityNon-Total shareequityRetainedholderscontrollingShareholders'capitalinstrumentsReservesprofitsof the Bank interests  equity$M$M$M$M$M$M$MAs at 30 June 201123,60293939211,82636,75952837,287Net profit after income tax---7,0907,090167,106Net other comprehensive income--955(223)732-732Total comprehensive income for the financial year--9556,8677,822167,838Transactions with equity holders in their capacity as equity holders:Dividends paid on ordinary shares---(5,096)(5,096)-(5,096)Dividends paid on other equity instruments---(30)(30)-(30)Dividend reinvestment plan (net of issue costs)1,363---1,363-1,363Other equity movements:Share based payments2-1-3-3Issue of shares (net of issue costs)237---237-237Purchase of treasury shares(96)---(96)-(96)Sale and vesting of treasury shares67---67-67Other changes--223(211)12(13)(1)As at 30 June 201225,1759391,57113,35641,04153141,572Net profit after income tax---7,6777,677167,693Net other comprehensive income--557311868-868Total comprehensive income for the financial year--5577,9888,545168,561Transactions with equity holders in their capacity as equity holders:Dividends paid on ordinary shares---(5,776)(5,776)-(5,776)Dividends paid on other equity instruments---(28)(28)-(28)Dividend reinvestment plan (net of issue costs)929---929-929Other equity movements:Share based payments--(4)-(4)-(4)Issue of shares (net of issue costs)193---193-193Purchase of treasury shares(664)---(664)-(664)Sale and vesting of treasury shares690---690-690Other changes--(791)82029(10)19As at 30 June 201326,3239391,33316,36044,95553745,492 
 
 
 
Statements of Changes in Equity (continued) 

For the year ended 30 June 2013 

Financial Statements 

The above Statements of Changes in Equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

Annual Report 2013 

75 

BankShareholders'equityattributableOrdinaryOtherto Equity shareequityRetainedholderscapitalinstrumentsReservesprofitsof the Bank$M$M$M$M$MAs at 30 June 201123,8961,8951,9649,59337,348Net profit after income tax---6,4616,461Net other comprehensive income--767(223)544Total comprehensive income for the financial year--7676,2387,005Transactions with equity holders in their capacity as equity holders:Dividends paid on ordinary shares---(5,096)(5,096)Dividend reinvestment plan (net of issue costs)1,363---1,363Other equity movements:Share based payments2-1-3Issue of shares (net of issue costs)237---237Other changes---(1)(1)As at 30 June 201225,4981,8952,73210,73440,859Net profit after income tax---7,2927,292Net other comprehensive income--55311366Total comprehensive income for the financial year--557,6037,658Additions through merger of banking licences--2079191,126Transactions with equity holders in their capacity as equity holders:Dividends paid on ordinary shares---(5,776)(5,776)Dividend reinvestment plan (net of issue costs)928---928Other equity movements:Share based payments--(4)-(4)Issue of shares (net of issue costs)193---193Other changes--(349)349-As at 30 June 201326,6191,8952,64113,82944,984Group 201320122011NoteDividends per share attributable to shareholders of the Bank:Ordinary shares6364334320Trust preferred securities5,7675,9896,020Cents per share 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Statements 

Statements of Cash Flows (1) 

For the year ended 30 June 2013 

It should be noted that the Group does not use these accounting Statements of Cash Flows in the internal management of its liquidity positions. 

(1) 
(2)  Represents gross premiums and policy payments before splitting between policyholders and shareholders. 
(3)  Cash and cash equivalents has been redefined to no longer include at call deposits with other financial institutions and settlement account balances with 

other banks. Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

(4)  Amounts received from and paid to controlled entities are presented in line with how they are managed and settled. 

76  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

GroupBank20132012201120132012Note$M$M$M$M$MCash flows from operating activitiesInterest received 34,86838,33737,13436,06534,443Interest paid (21,056)(25,456)(24,464)(23,903)(24,750)Other operating income received 5,0475,1335,2403,3853,232Expenses paid(8,432)(8,537)(8,474)(6,269)(5,847)Income taxes paid(2,940)(2,372)(2,370)(2,679)(1,525)Net cash (outflows)/inflows from assets at fair value through Income Statement (excluding life insurance)(756)2,3284,452(368)3,059Net cash inflows/(outflows) from liabilities at fair value through Income Statement:Life insurance:Investment income2,551791552--Premiums received (2)2,1062,1382,200--Policy payments (2)(3,903)(3,032)(3,374)--Other liabilities at fair value through Income Statement1,503(3,603)(4,317)81(1,424)Cash flows from operating activities beforechanges in operating assets and liabilities8,9885,7276,5796,3127,188Changes in operating assets and liabilities arising from cash flow movementsMovement in available-for-sale investments:Purchases(45,429)(76,408)(62,733)(46,730)(101,037)Proceeds47,09062,86549,85737,57958,743Net change in deposits with regulatory authorities(2)(15)(72)(5)1Net increase in loans, bills discounted and other receivables(28,035)(25,754)(11,489)(29,042)(19,804)Net decrease/(increase) in receivables due from other financial institutions (3)3,54049(1,134)6,491(304)Net increase in securities purchased underagreements to resell(699)(498)(2,834)(62)(1,060)Life insurance business:Purchase of insurance assets at fair value through Income Statement(2,591)(2,189)(4,101)--Proceeds from sale/maturity of insurance assets at fair value through Income Statement3,8323,2915,914--Net (increase)/decrease in other assets(265)(61)201(368)(79)Net increase in deposits and other public borrowings17,24335,75031,89317,66429,227Net increase in payables due to other financial institutions (3)2,1234,7524,6372,3484,378Net increase/(decrease) in securities sold underagreements to repurchase3271,183(1,698)2811,458Net increase/(decrease) in other liabilities455155(575)3,847982Changes in operating assets and liabilities arising from cash flow movements(2,411)3,1207,866(7,997)(27,495)Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities45(a)6,5778,84714,445(1,685)(20,307)Cash flows from investing activitiesPayments for acquisition of controlled entities45(e)-(125)---Net proceeds from disposal of controlled entities45(c)--19--Net proceeds from disposal of entities and businesses (net of cash disposals)-2115--Dividends received8252261,5071,563Net amounts received from controlled entities (4)---4224,767Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment3025272315Purchases of property, plant and equipment(642)(584)(443)(229)(218)Payments for acquistions of investments in associates/joint ventures(264)(85)(164)(206)(53)Purchase of intangible assets(464)(585)(533)(412)(547)Sale of assets held for sale 2-1225Additions through merger of banking licences---557-Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities(1,256)(1,281)(1,041)1,28425,532 
 
 
Statements of Cash Flows (1) (continued) 

For the year ended 30 June 2013 

Financial Statements 

It should be noted that the Group does not use these accounting Statements of Cash Flows in the internal management of its liquidity positions. 

(1) 
(2)  Cash and cash equivalents has been redefined to no longer include at call deposits with other financial institutions and settlement account balances with 

other banks. Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

The above Statements of Cash Flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

Annual Report 2013 

77 

GroupBank20132012201120132012Note$M$M$M$M$MCash flows from financing activitiesProceeds from issue of shares (net of issue costs)193261932Dividends paid (excluding Dividend Reinvestment Plan)(4,860)(3,748)(4,188)(4,833)(3,718)Proceeds from issuance of debt securities92,250162,430115,48086,296132,538Redemption of issued debt securities(93,691)(158,918)(123,801)(82,310)(127,003)Purchase of treasury shares(664)(96)(69)--Sale of treasury shares6341973--Issue of loan capital1,977--1,965-Redemption of loan capital(2,215)(1,775)(1,064)(1,909)(1,771)Other (2)218132(261)73352Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities(6,158)(1,954)(13,824)(525)400Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents(837)5,612(420)(926)5,625Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents (2)852266707728241Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year (2)12,6036,7256,43810,9465,080Cash and cash equivalents at end of year45(b)12,61812,6036,72510,74810,946 
 
 
 
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 2013, were approved and 
authorised  for  issue  by  the  Board  of  Directors  on  13  August 
2013.  The  Directors  have  the  power  to  amend  and  reissue 
the Financial Statements. 

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. 

is  one  of  Australia’s 

The  Group 
leading  providers  of 
integrated  financial  services,  including  retail,  business  and 
institutional banking, funds management, superannuation, life 
insurance,  general  insurance,  broking  services  and  finance 
company activities. 

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. 

Basis of Preparation 

(a) Basis of Accounting 

This  General  Purpose  Financial  Report  for  the  year  ended 
30 June 2013  has  been  prepared 
in  accordance  with 
Australian  Accounting  Standards  (the  standards),  which 
include  Australian  Interpretations  by  virtue  of  AASB  1048 
the 
‘Interpretation  and  Application  of  Standards’,  and 
requirements of the Corporations Act 2001. The Bank is a for-
profit entity for the purposes of preparing this report. 

The  Financial  Statements  also  comply  with  the  International 
Financial  Reporting  Standards  (IFRS)  as  issued  by  the 
(IASB)  and 
International  Accounting  Standards  Board 
Interpretations  as 
Interpretations 
Committee (IFRIC). 

issued  by 

IFRS 

the 

(b) Historical Cost Convention 

This  financial  report  has  been  prepared  under  the  historical 
cost  convention,  except  for  certain  assets  and  liabilities 
(including  derivative  instruments)  measured  at  fair  value.  A 
more  detailed  discussion  on  measurement  basis  is  outlined 
within this note. 

(c) Use of Estimates and Assumptions 

It  also 

The  preparation  of  the  financial  report  requires  the  use  of 
certain  critical  accounting  estimates. 
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  Critical  Judgements  and  Estimates 
section.  

(d) Rounding of Amounts 

The  amounts  in  this  financial  report  have  been  rounded  in 
accordance  with  ASIC  Class  Order  98/0100  to  the  nearest 
million dollars, unless otherwise indicated. 

The financial report is presented in Australian dollars. 

(e) Segment Reporting 

Operating  segments  are  reported  based  on  the  Group’s 
structures.  Senior 
organisational 
management  review  the  Group’s  internal  reporting  based 
around these segments, in order to assess performance and 
allocate resources.  

and  management 

All  transactions  between  segments  are  conducted  on  an 
arm’s  length  basis,  with  inter-segment  revenue  and  costs

78  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

being eliminated in “Other”. 

(f) Changes in Accounting Policies 

The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of 
the previous financial year, except for the adoption of: 

 

 

AASB  2011-9  ‘Amendments  to  Australian  Accounting 
of  Other 
Standards – Presentation 
Comprehensive  Income’  resulting  in  the  separation  of 
items  in  the  Statements  of  Comprehensive  Income  into 
two  groups  based  on  whether  or  not  they  may  be 
reclassified to profit or loss in the future; and  

Items 

of 

AASB 2013-2 ‘Amendments to AASB 1038 – Regulatory 
Capital’  resulting  in  the  disclosure  of  the  regulatory 
capital position of each life insurer in the Group.  

Comparatives 

Where necessary, comparative information has been restated 
to conform to changes in presentation in the current year. No 
significant  changes  have  been  made  and  all  changes  have 
been footnoted throughout the financial statements. 

(g) Principles of Consolidation 

Subsidiaries 

The  consolidated  financial  report  comprises  the  financial 
report  of  the  Bank  and  its  subsidiaries.  Subsidiaries  are 
entities  (including  special  purpose  entities)  over  which  the 
Bank has control of the financial and operating policies so as 
to gain benefit from the activities or returns, or in the case of 
special purpose entities, where the Bank holds the majority of 
the  residual  ownership  risks  in  order  to  obtain  benefits  from 
its  activities.   The  effects  of  all transactions  between  entities 
in the Group are eliminated in full. Non-controlling interests in 
the results and equity of subsidiaries are shown separately in 
the consolidated Income Statement, Statement of Changes in 
Equity, and Balance Sheet. 

Subsidiaries  are  fully  consolidated  from  the  date  on  which 
control is transferred to the Group. They are de-consolidated 
from the date that control ceases. 

Business Combinations 

Business  combinations  are  accounted 
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. 

for  using 

Identifiable  assets  acquired  and  liabilities  and  contingent 
liabilities  assumed  in  a  business  combination  are  measured 
at  fair  value  on the  acquisition  date.  Goodwill  is  recorded  as 
the excess of the total consideration transferred, the carrying 
amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the 
acquisition  date  fair  value  of  any  previous  equity  interest  in 
the acquiree over the net identifiable assets acquired. If there 
is a deficit instead, this discount on acquisition is recognised 
directly in the consolidated Income Statement, but only after a 
reassessment  of  the  identification  and  measurement  of  the 
net assets acquired. 

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 other comprehensive income ‘OCI’. 
Associates  and  joint  ventures  are  accounted  for  at  cost  less 
accumulated impairments at the Bank level. 

(h) Foreign Currency Translation 

Functional and Presentation Currency 

The  consolidated  financial  statements  are  presented  in 
Australian  dollars,  which 
functional  and 
is 
presentation  currency.  The  Group’s 
foreign  operations 
joint 
(including  subsidiaries,  branches,  associates,  and 
ventures)  will  have  different  functional  currencies  based  on

the  Bank’s 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 
the currency of the main economy to which each operation is 
exposed. 

Foreign Currency Transactions 

the 
Foreign  currency 
functional  currency,  using  the  exchange  rates  prevailing  at 
the date of each transaction. 

transactions  are 

translated 

into 

Monetary assets and liabilities resulting from foreign currency 
transactions  are  subsequently  translated  at  the  spot  rate  at 
reporting  date.  Exchange  differences  arising  upon settling  or 
translating monetary items at different rates to those at which 
they  were  initially  recognised  or  previously  reported,  are 
recognised in the Income Statement. 

Foreign Operations 

The  results  and  financial  position  of  all  Group  entities  that 
the  Group’s 
have  a 
presentation  currency  are 
the  Group’s 
presentation currency as follows: 

functional  currency  different 
translated 

from 
into 

 

 

Assets  and  liabilities  of  each  foreign  operation  are 
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. 

foreign  operation 

is  disposed  of,  exchange 
When  a 
differences are recognised in the Income Statement as part of 
the gain or loss on sale. No Group entities have a functional 
currency of a hyperinflationary economy. 

(i) Offsetting 

Income 
the 
Income  and  expenses  are  only  offset 
Statement 
relevant  accounting 
if  permitted  under 
standard.  Examples  of  offsetting  include  gains  and  losses 
from foreign exchange exposures and trading operations. 

the 

in 

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount 
is  presented  in  the  Balance  Sheet  if,  and  only  if,  there  is  a 
currently  enforceable  legal  right  to  offset  the  recognised 
amounts, and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or 
to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. 

(j) Fair Value Measurement 

Fair  value  is  the  amount  for  which  an  asset  could  be 
exchanged,  or  a  liability  settled,  between  knowledgeable, 
willing parties in an arm’s length transaction. Financial assets 
and 
income  statement, 
available-for-sale  investments  and  all  derivative  instruments 
are  initially  recognised  and  subsequently  measured  at  fair 
value. 

liabilities  at 

fair  value 

through 

The  fair  value  for  financial  instruments  traded  in  active 
markets at the reporting date is based on their quoted market 
price  or  dealer  price  quotations,  without  any  deduction  for 
transaction costs. Assets and long positions are measured at 
a quoted bid price; liabilities and short positions are measured 
at a quoted asking price. Where the Group has positions with 
offsetting  market  risks,  mid-market  prices  are  used 
to 
measure  the  offsetting  risk  positions  and  a  quoted  bid  or 
asking  price  adjustment  is  applied  only  to  the  net  open 
position as appropriate. 

Non-market  quoted  financial  instruments  are  mostly  valued 
using  valuation  techniques  based  on  observable  inputs, 
except  for  a  limited  number  of  instances  where  observable 
market  data  is  unavailable.  In  this  instance,  the  financial 
instrument  is  initially  recognised  at  the  transaction  price, 
which  is  generally  the  best  indicator  of  fair  value.  This  may 
differ  from  the  value  obtained  from  the  valuation model.  The 
timing of the recognition in the Income Statement of this initial 
difference  in  fair  value  depends  on  the  individual  facts  and 

circumstances  of  each  transaction,  but  is  never  later  than 
when  the  market  data  becomes  observable.  The  difference 
may  be  either  amortised  over  the  life  of  the  transaction, 
recognised  when  the  inputs  become  observable  or  on 
derecognition of the instrument, as appropriate. 

Income Statement 

Revenue  is  measured  at  the  fair  value  of  the  consideration 
received or receivable. Revenue is recognised for each major 
revenue stream as follows: 

(k) 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 
income 
balance. 

investment  and  unearned 

the  outstanding 

(l) Fee and Commission Income 

Fees  and  commissions  that  relate  to  the  execution  of  a 
(for  example,  advisory  or  arrangement 
significant  act 
services,  placement 
fees)  are 
recognised  when  the  significant  act  has  been  completed. 
Fees  charged  for  providing  ongoing  services  (for  example, 
maintaining,  managing  and  administering  existing  facilities 
and  funds)  are  recognised  as  income  over  the  period  the 
service is provided. 

fees  and  underwriting 

Fees  and  commissions,  which  include  commitment  fees  to 
originate  a  loan  that  is  unlikely  to  be  drawn  down,  are 
recognised as fee income as the facility is provided. 

(m) Other Income 

Trading income represents both realised and unrealised gains 
and  losses  from  changes  in  the  fair  value  of  trading  assets, 
liabilities and derivatives.  

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.  

Insurance income recognition is outlined in Note 1(ff). 

(n) Interest Expense 

Interest expense on financial liabilities measured at amortised 
cost  is  recognised  in  the  Income  Statement  using  the 
effective interest rate method. 

includes 

issue  costs  that  are 

Interest  expense 
initially 
recognised  as  part  of  the  carrying  value  of  the  liability  and 
amortised  over  the  expected  life  using  the  effective  interest 
rate method. These include fees and commissions payable to 
advisers  and  other  expenses  such  as  external  legal  costs, 
provided these are direct and incremental costs related to the 
issue of a financial asset. 

(o) Operating Expenses  

Operating expenses are recognised as the relevant service is 
rendered or once a liability is incurred. 

Staff expenses are recognised over the period the employee 
renders the service to receive the benefit. 

Staff expenses include share based remuneration which 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 
the  employee  compensation
corresponding 

increase 

in 

Annual Report 2013 

79 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 
reserve.  Market  vesting  conditions,  such  as  share  price 
performance  conditions,  are 
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 equity instruments included in the 
measurement of the expense.  

taken 

Cash  settled  share  based  remuneration  is  recognised  as  a 
liability  and  remeasured  to  fair  value  until  settled,  with 
changes in the fair value recognised as an expense. 

Occupancy and equipment expenses include the depreciation 
and lease rentals that are outlined in Note 1(y) property, plant 
and equipment and Note 1(v) lease receivables respectively. 

IT  expenses  are  recognised  as  incurred  unless  they  qualify 
for  capitalisation  as  an  asset  due  to  the  related  service 
generating  probable  future  economic  benefits.  If  capitalised 
the  asset  is subsequently  amortised  per  Note  1(z)  intangible 
assets. 

Taxation 

(p) Income Tax Expense 

Income tax is recognised in the Income Statement, except to 
the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in OCI, in 
which  case 
the  Statement  of 
Comprehensive  Income.  Income  tax  on  the  profit  or  loss  for 
the period comprises current and deferred tax.  

recognised 

in 

is 

it 

(q) Current Tax 

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income 
for  the  year,  using  tax  rates  enacted  at  the  Balance  Sheet 
date,  and  any  adjustment  to  tax  payable  in  respect  of 
previous years. 

(r) Deferred Tax 

Deferred  tax  is  calculated  using  the  Balance  Sheet  method 
where  temporary  differences  between  the  carrying  amounts 
of  assets  and  liabilities  for  financial  reporting  purposes  and 
their tax base are recognised. 

The  amount  of  deferred  tax  provided  is  based  on  the 
expected  manner  of  realisation  or  settlement  of  the  carrying 
amount  of  assets  and  liabilities  (i.e.  through  use  or  through 
sale),  using  tax  rates  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  when  it  is  probable 
that  future  taxable  profits  will  be  available  for  it  to  be  used 
against. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it 
is  no  longer  probable  that  the  related  tax  benefit  will  be 
realised. 

Deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities  are  only  offset  when  there 
is  both  a  legal  right  to  set-off  and  an  intention  to  settle  on  a 
net basis with the same taxation authority. 

(s) The Tax Consolidated Group 

The  Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  Tax  Consolidated 
Group  elected  to  be  taxed  as  a  single  entity  under  the  tax 
consolidation regime 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 
the 
principles  in  AASB  112  ‘Income  Taxes’,  and  on  a  modified 
‘Tax  Consolidation 
standalone  basis  under  UIG  1052 
Accounting’. 

in  accordance  with 

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. 

from  unused 

Any  current  tax  liabilities/assets  and  deferred  tax  assets 
arising 
from  subsidiaries  are 
recognised  in  conjunction  with  any  tax  funding  arrangement 
amounts  by  the  Bank  legal  entity  (as  the  head  of  the  tax 
consolidated group). 

losses 

tax 

80  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Assets 

(t) 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 the outstanding balance. Interest 
is  recognised  in  the  Income  Statement  using  the  effective 
interest method.  

For the purposes of the Statements of Cash Flows, cash and 
cash equivalents include cash and money at short call. 

(u) Financial Assets 

The  Group  classifies  its  financial  assets  in  the  following 
categories:  
 

fair  value 

through 

Income 

the 

financial  assets  at 
Statement; 

 

 

 

derivative assets; 

loans and receivables; and  

available-for-sale investments.  

The classification of financial instruments at initial recognition 
depends  on 
their  purpose  and  characteristics  and 
management’s intention when acquiring them. 

Financial  instruments,  except  for  loans  and  receivables,  are 
initially  recognised  by  the  Group  on  the  trade  date,  i.e.  the 
date  that  the  Group  becomes  a  party  to  the  contractual 
provisions  of 
trades 
transacted  in  a  regular  way,  i.e.  purchases  or  sales  of 
financial assets that require delivery of assets within the time 
frame generally established by regulation or convention in the 
market  place.  Loans  and  receivables  are  recognised  on 
settlement date, when funding is advanced to the borrowers.  

instruments.  This  applies 

the 

to 

All  financial  assets  are  measured  initially  at  their  fair  value 
plus directly attributable transaction costs, except in the case 
of financial assets recorded at fair value through the Income 
Statement.  Directly  attributable  transaction  costs  on  these 
assets are expensed on subsequent fair value measurement. 

The  Group  has  not  classified  any  of  its  financial  assets  as 
held to maturity investments. 

Financial  Assets  at  Fair  Value  through  the  Income 
Statement 

Assets classified  at fair  value  through  the  Income  Statement 
are  further  classified  into  three  sub-categories:  trading, 
insurance and other. 

Trading  assets  are  those  acquired  or  incurred  principally  for 
the  purpose  of selling  or  repurchasing  in  the  near  term,  or  if 
they are a part of a portfolio of identified financial instruments 
that are managed together and for which there is evidence of 
a recent actual pattern of short term profit-taking. Discounted 
bills that the Group intends to sell into the market immediately 
or in the near term also meet the definition of assets held for 
trading.  Due  to  their  nature,  such  assets  are  included  in 
loans,  bills  discounted  and  other  receivables  in  the  Balance 
Sheet, while being measured at fair value. 

Insurance  assets  are  investments  that  back  life  insurance 
contracts and life investment contracts. These are outlined in 
Note 1 (hh). 

Other  investments  include  financial  assets  which  the  Group 
has  designated  at  fair  value  through  Income  Statement  at 
inception  to:  eliminate  an  accounting  mismatch;  reflect  they 
are  managed  on  a  fair  value  basis;  or  where  the  asset  is  a 
contract which contains an embedded derivative. 

to 

initial 

Subsequent 
financial  assets  are 
recognition, 
measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognised 
in other operating income. Dividends earned are recorded in 
other operating income. Interest earned is recorded within net 
interest income using the effective interest method. 

Derivative Financial Instruments 

Derivative financial instruments are contracts whose value is 
derived  from  one  or  more  underlying  price,  index  or  other 
variable.  They  include  forward  rate  agreements,  futures,

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 
options  and  interest  rate,  currency,  equity  and  credit  swaps. 
Derivatives  are  entered  into  for  trading  purposes  or  for 
hedging purposes.  

to 

initial  recognition,  gains  or 

Subsequent 
losses  on 
derivatives  are  recognised  in  the  Income  Statement,  unless 
they  are  entered  into  for  hedging  purposes  and  designated 
into a cash flow hedge. 

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  one  of  three  hedge  accounting  models;  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. 

(i) 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.  The  changes  in  the  fair  value  of  the  hedged  asset  or 
liability shall be adjusted against their carrying value. 

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. 

(ii) Cash Flow Hedges 
Changes in fair value associated with the effective portion of 
a derivative designated as a cash flow hedge are recognised 
through  other  comprehensive  income  in  the  Cash  Flow 
Hedge  Reserve  within  equity. 
Ineffective  portions  are 
recognised  immediately  in  the  Income  Statement.  Amounts 
deferred in equity are transferred to the Income Statement in 
the  period  in  which  the  hedged  forecast  transaction  takes 
place. 

When  a  hedging  instrument  expires  or  is sold,  terminated  or 
exercised, or when the hedge no longer meets the criteria for 
hedge  accounting,  any  cumulative  gain  or  loss  existing  in 
equity  at  that  time  remains  in  equity  and  is  reclassified  to 
profit  or  loss  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. 

the 

(iii) Net Investment Hedges 
Gains  and  losses  on  derivative  contracts  relating  to  the 
effective  portion  of  the  net investment  hedge  are  recognised 
in 
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. 

foreign  currency 

translation 

reserve 

(iv) 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. 

Available-for-Sale Investments 

(AFS) 

Available-for-sale 
investments  are  non-derivative 
financial  assets  that  are  not  classified  at  fair  value  through 
Income Statement or as loans and receivables. They primarily 
include  public  debt  securities  held  as  part  of  the  Group’s 
liquidity holdings. 

to 

Subsequent 
investments  are 
initial  recognition,  AFS 
measured  at  fair  value  with  unrealised  gains  and  losses 
arising  from  changes  in  fair  value  recognised  in  the  AFS 
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  the  Income  Statement  when 
earned.  Foreign  exchange  gains  and  losses  on  AFS  equity 
instruments are recognised directly in equity. 

The  Group  assesses  at  each  Balance  Sheet  date,  whether 
there  is  any  objective  evidence  of  impairment.  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 AFS 
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 AFS equity securities are not 
reversed. 

Upon  disposal,  the  accumulated  change  in  fair  value  within 
the  AFS  investments  reserve  is  transferred  to  the  Income 
Statement and reported within other operating income. 

Loans, Bills Discounted and Other Receivables 

Loans,  bills  discounted  and  other  receivables  are  non-
derivative 
fixed  and  determinable 
payments that are not quoted in an active market.  

financial  assets,  with 

receivables 

include 
Loans,  bills  discounted  and  other 
overdrafts,  home  loans,  credit  card  and  other  personal 
lending,  term  loans,  bill  financing,  redeemable  preference 
shares,  securities,  finance  leases,  and  receivables  due  from 
other  financial  institutions  (including  loans,  deposits  with 
regulatory  authorities  and  settlement  account  balances  due 
from  other  banks).  Subsequent  to  initial  recognition,  loans 
and  receivables  are  measured  at  amortised  cost  using  the 
effective interest method and are presented net of provisions 
for impairment.  

Discounted  bills  included  in  this category  due  to  their  nature 
meet  the  definition  of  trading  assets  and  are  therefore 
measured at fair value through Income Statement in line with 
the  accounting  policy  for  assets  held  for  trading.  As  a  result 
discounted bills are not subject to impairment assessment. 

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 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  estimated  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.  

Loans  and  other  receivables  are presented  net  of  provisions 
for  loan  impairment.  The  Group  has  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. 

Individual provisions for impairment are recognised to reduce 
the carrying amount of non-performing facilities to the present 
value  of 
Individually 
significant  provisions  are  calculated  based  on  discounted 
cash flows. 

their  expected 

future  cash 

flows. 

The  unwinding  of  the  discount,  from  initial  recognition  of 
impairment through to recovery of the written down amount, is 
In  subsequent  periods, 
recognised  as 
income. 
interest 
is 
recognised  in  the  Income  Statement  using  the  original 
effective interest rate. 

in  arrears/due  on  non-performing 

facilities 

interest 

All  loans  and  other  receivables  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

Annual Report 2013 

81 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 
advances  to  the  present  value  of  their  expected  future  cash 
flows 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. 

Derecognition  of  Financial  Assets  and  Financial 
Liabilities 

The  Group  derecognises  financial  assets  when  the  rights  to 
receive  cash  flows  from  the  asset  have  expired  or  when  the 
Group transfers its rights to receive cash flows from the asset 
together  with  substantially  all  the  risks  and  rewards  of  the 
asset.  The  Group  enters  into  certain  transactions  where  it 
transfers financial assets recognised on its Balance Sheet but 
retains either all or a majority of the risks and rewards of the 
transferred financial assets. If all or substantially all risks and 
rewards are retained, the transferred financial assets are not 
derecognised  from  the  Balance  Sheet.  Transactions  where 
transfers of financial assets result in the Group retaining all or 
substantially all risks and rewards include reverse repurchase 
transactions,  and  some  of  the  Group’s  securitisation  and 
covered bonds programs. 

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 the Income 
Statement. 

Repurchase and Reverse Repurchase Agreements 

Securities sold under repurchase agreements are retained in 
the  financial statements  where  substantially  all  the  risks  and 
rewards of ownership remain with the Group. A counterparty 
liability  is  recognised  within  deposits  and  public  borrowings. 
The  difference  between  the  sale  price  and  the  repurchase 
price  is  accrued  over  the  life  of  the  repurchase  agreement 
and charged to interest expense in the income statement. 

Securities  purchased  under  agreements  to  resell,  where  the 
Group  does  not  acquire the  risks  and  rewards  of  ownership, 
are  recorded  as  receivables  in  cash  and  liquid  assets.  The 
security is not included in the Balance Sheet as the Group is 
not exposed to substantially all its risks and rewards. Interest 
income is accrued on the underlying receivable amount. 

Provision for 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’. 

Loan  assets  under  committed  lending  facilities  are  not 
recognised  until  the  facilities  are  drawn  upon.  Generally 
therefore, it will not be appropriate to provide for these assets 
under an incurred loss model. 

The  Group  however,  has  determined  that  it is  appropriate to 
establish  provisions  in  relation  to  such  facilities  where  a 
customer  has  been  downgraded.  These  provisions  are 
disclosed as other liabilities in the Balance Sheet. 

As  a  lessor,  the  assets  the  Group  has  leased  out  under 
finance  leases  are  recognised  as  lease  receivables  on  the 
Balance  Sheet  at  an  amount  equal  to  the  net  investment  in 
the  lease.  Finance  lease  income reflects  a  constant  periodic 
return on this net investment and is recognised within interest 
income in the Income Statement.  

The assets the Group has leased out under operating leases 
continue to be recognised on the Balance Sheet as property, 
plant  and  equipment  and  are  depreciated  accordingly. 
Operating 
Income 
Statement on a straight line basis over the lease term. 

lease  revenue 

is  recognised 

the 

in 

As  a  lessee,  the  Group  engages  only  in  operating  leases. 
Rental expense is recognised on a straight line basis over the 
lease term. 

(w) 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.  Loans 
to  controlled  entities  are  subsequently 
recorded at amortised cost less impairment. 

(x) 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 require that they be measured in line with 
another accounting standard. 

Assets  classified  as  held  for  sale  are  neither  amortised  nor 
depreciated.  

(y) Property, Plant and Equipment 

The Group measures its property assets (land and buildings) 
at fair value, based on annual independent market valuations.  

Revaluation adjustments are 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.  Upon  sale  or  disposal,  realised  amounts 
in  the  asset  revaluation  reserve  are  transferred  to  retained 
profits. 

Other  property,  plant  and  equipment  assets  are  stated  at 
cost,  which  includes  direct  and  incremental  acquisition  costs 
less  accumulated  depreciation  and  any 
if 
required.  Subsequent  costs  are  capitalised  if  these  result  in 
an enhancement to the asset. 

impairment 

Depreciation is calculated using the straight line method over 
the asset’s estimated useful economic life. The useful lives of 
major depreciable asset categories are as follows: 

Freehold land 

Buildings 

Fixtures and fittings 

Leasehold improvements 

Indefinite (not 
depreciated) 

Up to 30 years 

10 – 20 years 

Lesser of unexpired 
lease term or lives as 
above 

Furniture and equipment 

3 – 8 years 

(z) Intangible Assets 

Intangible assets are identifiable non-monetary assets without 
physical substance. They are recognised only if it is probable 
the asset will generate future benefits for the Group. They are 
measured  at  cost.  Those  assets  with  an  indefinite  useful  life 
are tested for impairment annually. All intangible assets must 
be  tested  for  impairment  when  there  is  an  indication  that  its 
carrying amount may be greater than its recoverable amount.  

(v) Lease Receivables 

Goodwill 

Leases  are  classified  as  either  a  finance  lease  or  an 
operating  lease.  Under  a  finance  lease,  substantially  all  the 
risks  and 
legal  ownership  are 
transferred  to  the  lessee.  Under  an  operating  lease,  these 
risks remain with the lessor. 

incidental 

rewards 

to 

Goodwill has an indefinite useful life. It represents the excess 
of  the  cost  of  an  acquisition  over  the  fair  value  of  the  net 
identifiable assets acquired as at the date of acquisition. The 
cost  of  an  acquisition  is  made  up  of  the  consideration

82  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 
transferred,  the  amount  of  non-controlling  interests  and  the 
fair  value  of  any  previously  held  equity  interest  in  the 
acquiree.  

Goodwill  arising  from  business  combinations  is  included  in 
intangible assets on the Balance Sheet. Goodwill is tested for 
impairment  annually  through  allocation  to  a  group  of  cost 
generating  units  (CGUs).  The  CGU’s  recoverable  amount  is 
then  compared  to  its  carrying  amount  and  an  impairment  is 
recognised  for  any  excess  carrying  value.  The  CGUs  and 
how their recoverable amount is calculated are listed in Note 
16. 

Computer Software Costs 

Certain  internal  and  external  costs  directly 
in 
acquiring  and  developing  software  are  capitalised  and 
amortised  over  the  estimated  useful  life.  The  majority  of 
software projects are amortised over three to five years. The 
Core  Banking  Modernisation  software  project  is  amortised 
over ten years.  

incurred 

Costs  incurred  on  software  maintenance  are  expensed  as 
incurred.  

Core Deposits 

Core deposits were initially recognised  at fair value following 
the  acquisition  of  Bankwest  and  represent  the  value  of  the 
deposit  base  acquired  in  the  business  combination.  Core 
deposits  are  amortised  over  their  estimated  useful  life  of 
seven years. 

Brand Names 

Brand  names  are  recognised  when  acquired  in  a  business 
combination. Initially recognised at fair value,  in general they 
are considered to have a similar useful life to the period of the 
brand  names  existence  at  the  time  of  purchase  or  an 
indefinite  useful  life.  An  indefinite  useful  life  is  considered 
appropriate  when  there  is  no  foreseeable  limit  to  the  period 
over  which  the  brand  name  is  expected  to  generate  cash 
flows. 

Management Fee Rights 

Management fee rights are recognised when acquired as part 
of  a  business  combination  and  are  considered  to  have  an 
indefinite  useful  life  under  the  contractual  terms  of  the 
management agreements. 

Other Intangibles 

Other  intangibles  predominantly  comprise  customer  lists. 
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 

Liabilities 

(aa) 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  (refer  to 
previous  discussion  on  derivative  financial  instruments  in 
Note 1(u)). 

Financial  liabilities  are  initially  recognised  at  fair  value  less 
directly  attributable  transaction  costs,  except  in  the  case  of 
financial  liabilities  recorded  at  fair  value  through  Income 
Statement.  Directly  attributable  transaction  costs  on  these 
liabilities  are  expensed  on 
value 
measurement. 

subsequent 

fair 

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, where the liabilities eliminate 
an  accounting  mismatch,  or  where  they  contain  embedded

derivatives. 

Subsequent to initial recognition these liabilities are measured 
at  fair  value  with  changes  in  fair  value  recognised  in  other 
operating  income.  Interest  incurred  is  recorded  within  net 
interest income using the effective interest method. 

Liabilities at Amortised Cost 

(i) Deposits From Customers  
Deposits from customers include certificates of deposit, term 
deposits,  savings  deposits,  other  demand  deposits  and 
debentures.  Subsequent 
they  are 
measured  at  amortised  cost.  Interest  and  yield  related  fees 
are recognised on an effective interest basis.  

initial  recognition 

to 

(ii) Payables Due to Other Financial Institutions 
Payables  due  to  other  financial  institutions  include  deposits, 
vostro  balances  and  settlement  account  balances  due  to 
other  banks.  Subsequent  to  initial  recognition  they  are 
measured  at  amortised  cost.  Interest  and  yield  related  fees 
are recognised using the effective interest method. 

(iii) 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 
taken  to  the  Income 
redemption  prior 
Statement in the period in which they are realised. 

to  maturity  are 

Where  the  Group  has  designated  debt  instruments  at  fair 
value  through  Income  Statement,  the  changes  in  fair  value 
are recognised in the Income Statement. 

The  Group  hedges  interest  rate  and  foreign currency  risk  on 
certain  debt  issues.  When  fair  value  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.  

(iv) 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 
thereafter  at 
amortised cost using the effective interest method. 

transaction  costs  and 

(v) Bank Acceptances of Customers - Liability 
These are bills of exchange initially accepted and discounted 
by the Group and subsequently sold into the market. They are 
recognised  at  amortised  cost.  The  market  exposure  is 
is 
recognised  as  a 
recognised to reflect the offsetting claim against the drawer of 
the  bill.  Bank  acceptances  generate  interest  and  fee  income 
that is recognised in the Income Statement when earned. 

liability.  An  asset  of  equal  value 

(vi) Financial Guarantees and Credit Commitments  
In the ordinary course of business, the Group gives financial 
guarantees  consisting  of  letters  of  credit,  guarantees  and 
acceptances.  Financial  guarantees  are  recognised  within 
other liabilities in the financial statements initially at fair value, 
being the premium received. Subsequent to initial recognition, 
the Group’s liability under each guarantee is measured at the 
higher  of  the  amount  initially  recognised  less  cumulative 
amortisation  recognised  in  the  Income  Statement,  and  the 
best  estimate  of  expenditure  required  to  settle  any  financial 
obligation arising as a result of the guarantee. Any increase in 
the liability relating to financial guarantees  is recorded in the 
Income  Statement.  The  premium  received  is  recognised  in 
the Income Statement in other operating income on a straight 
line basis over the life of the guarantee. 

Loan  commitments  are  defined  amounts  (unutilised  credit 
lines or undrawn portions of credit lines) against which clients 
can borrow money under defined terms and conditions. Loan

Annual Report 2013 

83 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 
commitments  that  are  cancellable  by  the  Group  are  not 
recognised on the Balance Sheet. Upon a loan drawdown by 
the  counterparty,  the  amount  of  the  loan  is  accounted  for  in 
accordance  with  accounting  policies 
loans  and 
receivables.  Irrevocable  loan  commitments  are  not  recorded 
in  the  Balance  Sheet,  but  a  provision  is  recognised  if  it  is 
probable that a loss has been incurred and a reliable estimate 
of the amount can be made. 

for 

(bb) Employee Benefits 

Annual Leave 

The  provision 
outstanding 
liability 
entitlements at Balance Sheet date. 

for  annual 

to  employees 

leave  represents 

for  annual 

the  current 
leave 

Long Service Leave 

The  provision  for  long  service  leave  is  discounted  to  the 
present value and is set based on actuarial assumptions. The 
assumptions  and  provision  balance  are  subject  to  tri-annual 
internal actuarial review. 

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. 

Defined Benefit Superannuation Plans 

The  Group  currently  sponsors 
superannuation plans for its employees. 

two  defined  benefit 

The  net  defined  benefit  liability  or  asset  recognised  in  the 
Balance  Sheet  is  the  present  value  of  the  defined  benefit 
obligation as at the Balance Sheet date less the fair value of 
plan  assets.  The  defined  benefit  obligation  is  calculated  by 
independent fund actuaries.  

In  each  reporting  period,  the  movement  in  the  net  defined 
benefit liability or asset is treated as follows: 
 

The net movement relating to the current period service 
cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, past 
service  and  other  costs  (such  as  the  effects  of  any 
curtailments  and  settlements)  is  recognised  as  an 
employee expense in the Income Statement; 

  Movements  relating  to  actuarial  gains  and  losses  are 

recognised directly in retained profits through OCI; and 

 

Contributions made by the Group are recognised directly 
against the net defined benefit liability or asset. 

Defined Contribution Superannuation Plans 

The  Group  sponsors  a  number  of  defined  contribution 
superannuation  plans.  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. 

(cc) Provisions 

Provisions  are  recognised  when  a  probable  obligation  has 
arisen  as  a  result  of  a  past  event  that  can  be  reliably 
measured. The following are examples of provisions raised. 

Provision for Dividends 

A  provision 
for  dividend  payable 
dividends are determined or declared by the Directors. 

is  recognised  when 

Provisions for Restructuring 

Provisions  for  restructuring  are  recognised  where  there  is  a 
detailed  formal  plan  for  restructure  and  a  demonstrated 
commitment to that plan. 

Provision for Self-Insurance 

The  provision  for  self-insurance  covers  certain  non-lending 
losses  and  non-transferred 
lending 
products  the  Group  originates.  The  provision  is  reassessed 
annually in consultation with actuarial advice. 

insurance  risks  on 

84  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Equity 

(dd) 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. 

(ee) Reserves 

General Reserve 

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. 

Capital Reserve 

The  capital  reserve  held  by  the  Bank  relates  to  historic 
internal  Group  restructuring  performed  at  fair  value.  The 
capital reserve is eliminated on consolidation. 

Asset Revaluation Reserve 

The  asset  revaluation  reserve  is  used  to  record  revaluation 
adjustments on the Group’s property assets. In the event the 
asset  is  sold  or  disposed  of,  any  balance  in  the  reserve  in 
relation to the asset is transferred directly to retained profits. 

Foreign Currency Translation Reserve 

Exchange  differences  arising  on  translation  of  the  Group’s 
foreign  operations  are  accumulated  in  the  foreign  currency 
translation  reserve.  The  cumulative  amount  is  reclassified  to 
profit  or  loss  when  the  foreign  investment  is  disposed  of  or 
wound up.  

Cash Flow Hedge Reserve 

The  cash  flow  hedge  reserve  is  used  to  record  fair  value 
gains  or  losses  associated  with  the  effective  portion  of 
designated  cash  flow  hedging  instruments.  Amounts  are 
reclassified  to  profit  or  loss  when  the  hedged  transaction 
impacts profit or loss.  

Employee Compensation Reserve 

The employee compensation reserve is used to recognise the 
fair  value  of  shares  and  other  equity  instruments  issued  to 
employees  under  the  employee  share  plans  and  bonus 
schemes. 

Available-for-sale Investment Reserve 

The available-for-sale investment reserve includes changes in 
the  fair  value  of  available-for-sale  financial  assets.  These 
changes  are  transferred  to  profit  or  loss  when  the  asset  is 
derecognised or impaired. 

Life and General Insurance Business 

The  Group’s  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the 
assets, liabilities, income and expenses of the life and general 
insurance  businesses  conducted  by  various  subsidiaries  of 
the Bank.  

Insurance  contracts  involve  the  acceptance  of  significant 
insurance  risk  from  another  party  (the  policyholder)  by 
agreeing  to  compensate  the  policyholder  if  a  specified 
uncertain future event adversely affects the policyholder. The 
insured benefit is either not linked or only partly linked to the 
market  value  of the  investments held,  and  the  financial  risks 
are substantially borne by the insurer. 

General insurance contracts are insurance contracts that are 
not life insurance contracts.  

Life  investment  contracts  involve  the  origination  of  one  or 
more  financial  instruments  and  may  involve  the  provision  of 
management services. Life investment contracts do not meet 
the definition of insurance contracts as they do not involve an 
acceptance  of  significant  insurance  risk  by  the  Group’s  life

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 
insurers.  The  financial  risks  are  substantially  borne  by  the 
policyholder. 

(ff) Revenue 

Life  insurance  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.  

Life  investment  premiums  received  include  the  management 
fee portion recognised as revenue over the period the 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.  

General  insurance  premium  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 
actuarial  assessment  of  the  likely  pattern  in  which  risk  will 
emerge.  The  portion  not  yet  earned  based  on  the  pattern 
assessment is recognised as unearned premium liability. 

Returns  on  all  investments  controlled  by  life  and  general 
insurance businesses are recognised as revenue.  

(gg) Expenses 

Life and general insurance contract claims are recognised as 
an expense when a liability has been established.  

Acquisition  costs  (which  include  commission  costs)  are  the 
costs  associated  with  obtaining  and  recording  insurance 
contracts.  Acquisition  costs  are  deferred  or  capitalised  when 
they relate to the acquisition of new business or the renewal 
of existing business. These costs are amortised on the same 
basis  as  the  earning  pattern  of  the  premium,  over  the  life  of 
the contract. The amount deferred is limited to the extent that 
they are deemed recoverable from the expected future profits. 

(hh) Investment Assets 

Assets  backing  insurance  liabilities  are  carried  at  fair  value 
through Income Statement.  

Investments held in the life insurance funds are subject to the 
restrictions  imposed  under  the  Life  Act.  Shareholders  can 
only  receive  a  distribution  when 
the  capital  adequacy 
requirements of the Life Act are met.  

(ii) Policy Liabilities 

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  340  ‘Valuation  of  Policy 
Liabilities’ issued by APRA. 

Life  investment  contract  liabilities  are  measured  at  fair  value 
in  accordance  with  AASB  139.  The  balance  is  no  less  than 
the contract surrender value. 

General  insurance  policy  liabilities  are  made  up  of  two 
components:  unearned  premium  liability  and  outstanding 
claims liability.  

The  unearned  premium  liability  is  subject  to  a  liability 
adequacy  test.  Any  deficiency  will  be  recognised  as  an 
expense  in  the  Income  Statement  by  first  writing  down  any 
related  deferred  acquisition  costs,  with  any  excess  being 
recorded on the Balance Sheet as an unexpired risk liability.  

The  provision  for  outstanding  claims  is  measured  as  the 
central  estimate  of  the  present  value  of  expected  future 
claims  payments  plus  a  risk  margin.  The  expected  future 
payments include those in relation to claims reported but not 
yet paid; claims incurred but not reported; claims incurred but 
not enough reported; and estimated claims handling costs. 

Other 

(jj) Managed Funds Units on Issue – Held by Non-
controlling Unit-Holders 

life 

insurance  and  other 

The 
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. 

funds 

When a controlled unit trust is consolidated, the amounts due 
to  external  unit-holders  remain  as  managed  funds  units  on 
issue liabilities in the Group’s consolidated balance sheet.  

In  the  Income  Statement,  the  net  profit  or  loss  of  the 
controlled  entities  relating  to  non-controlling  interests  is 
excluded from the Group’s net profit or loss. 

(kk) Asset Securitisation 

The Group conducts an asset securitisation  program through 
which  it  packages  and  sells  asset  backed  securities  to 
investors.  

The  Group  is  entitled  to  any  residual  income  of  the  program 
after all payments due to investors and costs of the  program 
have been met. Therefore the Group is considered to hold the 
majority  of  the  residual  risks  and  benefits  within  the  entities 
through  which  asset  securitisation  is  conducted  and  so  it 
consolidates these entities. 

Liabilities  associated  with  asset  securitisation  entities  and 
related  issue  costs  are  accounted  for  on  an  amortised  cost 
basis using the effective interest method. Interest rate swaps 
and  liquidity  facilities  are  provided  at  arm’s  length  to  the 
program  by  the  Group  in  accordance  with  APRA  Prudential 
Guidelines. 

Derivatives  return  the  risks  and  rewards  of  ownership  of  the 
securitised assets to the Group and consequently the Group 
cannot  derecognise  these  assets.  An  imputed  borrowing  is 
recognised  by  the  Bank  inclusive  of  the  derivative  and  any 
related fees. 

(ll) 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. 

(mm) 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,  excluding  the  number  of  ordinary  shares 
purchased and held as treasury shares. 

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  convertible  non-
cumulative redeemable loan capital instruments. 

Critical Judgements 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. 

(nn) Provisions for Impairment of Financial Assets 

Provisions for impairment of financial assets are raised where 
there  is  objective  evidence  of  impairment  at  an  individual  or 
collective  basis,  at  an  amount  adequate  to  cover  assessed 
credit related losses. 

Annual Report 2013 

85 

 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 
Credit  losses  arise  primarily  from  loans,  but  also  from  other 
credit  instruments  such  as  bank  acceptances,  contingent 
liabilities, guarantees and other financial instruments. 

Individually Assessed Provisions 

Individually  assessed  provisions  are  raised  where  there  is 
objective evidence of impairment (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 
borrowers are considered. Current developments in portfolios 
(industry, geographic and term) are reviewed. 

In  the  statistically  managed  (retail)  segment,  the  history  of 
defaults  and  losses,  and  the  size,  structure  and  diversity  of 
portfolios are considered. 

In  addition,  management  considers  overall  indicators  of 
portfolio performance, quality and economic conditions.  

Changes in these estimates could have a direct impact on the 
level of provision determined.  

The  amount  required  to  bring  the  collective  provision  to  the 
level assessed is recognised in the Income Statement as set 
out in Note 14. 

(oo) 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 
calculated  based  on  actuarial  models  and  subject  to  annual 
review  based  on  changes  in  underlying  assumptions.  Some 
of the provisions involve significant judgement about the likely 
outcome of various events and estimated future cash flows. 

The  measurement  of  these  obligations  involves  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.  The  carrying  value  of  these  provisions  is  included 
in Note 22. 

(pp) Life Insurance Policyholder Liabilities 

The  determination  of  life  insurance  policyholder  liabilities 
involves the following key actuarial assumptions: 

 

 

 

Business  assumptions  including  amount,  timing  and 
duration  of  claims/policy  payments,  policy  lapse  rates 
and acquisition and 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. 

86  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

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. 
Further detail on the financial position on performance of the 
Group’s Life Insurance operations is set out in Note 32. 

(qq) 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  program 
and structured transactions. 

(rr) Financial Instruments at Fair Value 

A significant portion of financial instruments are carried on the 
Balance Sheet at fair value. 

The  best  evidence  of  fair  value  is  quoted  prices in  an  active 
market.  If  the  market  for  a  financial  instrument  is  not  active, 
the  Group  establishes  fair  value  by  using  a  valuation 
technique. The  objective  of  using  a  valuation  technique is to 
establish what the transaction price would have been  on the 
measurement date in an arm’s length exchange motivated by 
normal business considerations. 

Valuation  techniques  include  using  recent  arm’s  length 
market transactions between knowledgeable willing parties (if 
available),  reference  to  the  current  fair  value  of  another 
instrument  that  is  substantially  the  same,  discounted  cash 
flow analysis and option pricing models. If there is a valuation 
technique commonly used by market participants to price the 
instrument  and  that  technique  has  been  demonstrated  to 
provide reliable estimates of prices obtained in actual market 
transactions, the Group uses that technique. 

The  chosen  valuation  technique  makes  maximum  use  of 
market inputs and relies as little as possible on entity specific 
inputs.  It  incorporates  all  factors  that  market  participants 
would  consider  in  setting  a  price  and  is  consistent  with 
financial 
accepted  economic  methodologies 
instruments.  Data  inputs  that  the  Group  relies  upon  when 
valuing financial instruments relate to counterparty credit risk, 
volatility, correlation and extrapolation. 

for  pricing 

Periodically, the Group calibrates its valuation techniques and 
tests  them  for  validity  using  prices  from  any  observable 
current  market  transactions  in  the  same  instrument  (i.e. 
without  modification  or  repackaging)  and  any  other  available 
observable market data. Details of the extent non-observable 
inputs are used to fair value financial instruments are included 
in Note 46. 

(ss) 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) whose 
recoverable  amount 
the  purpose  of 
is  calculated 
impairment testing. The recoverable amount calculation relies 
primarily  on  publicly  available  earnings  multiples.  Details  of 
the  inputs  used  in  recoverable  amount  calculations  are 
outlined further in Note 16. 

for 

(tt) Taxation 

Provisions  for  taxation  require  significant  judgement  with 
respect 
that  are  uncertain.  For  such 
uncertainties,  the  Group  has  estimated  its  tax  provisions 
based on its expected outcomes. 

to  outcomes 

(uu) Superannuation Obligations 

The  Group  currently  sponsors  two  defined  benefit  plans  as 
described  in  Note  41.  For  each  of  these  plans,  actuarial 
valuations  of  the  plan’s  obligations  and  the  fair  value

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 
measurements  of  the  plan’s  assets  are  performed  semi-
annually in accordance with the requirements of AASB 119. 

The actuarial valuation of plan obligations is dependent upon 
a  series  of  assumptions,  the  key  ones  being  price  inflation, 
discount  rates,  earnings  growth,  mortality,  morbidity  and 
investment returns assumptions. Different assumptions could 
significantly  alter  the  amount  of  the  difference  between  plan 
assets and obligations, and the superannuation cost charged 
to the Income Statement. 

Future Accounting Developments 

The  following  amendments  to  existing  standards  have  been 
published  and  are  mandatory 
for  accounting  periods 
beginning  on  or  after  1  January  2013  or  later  periods,  but 
have  not  been  adopted.  They  are  not  expected  to  result  in 
significant changes to the Group’s accounting policies.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AASB  2010-7  ‘Amendments  to  Australian  Accounting 
Standards arising from AASB 9 (December 2010); 

AASB  2011-4  ‘Amendments  to  Australian  Accounting 
Individual  Key  Management 
to  Remove 
Standards 
Personnel Disclosure Requirements’; 

AASB  2011-7  ‘Amendments  to  Australian  Accounting 
Standards  arising  from  the  Consolidation  and  Joint 
Arrangements Standards’; 

AASB  2011-8  ‘Amendments  to  Australian  Accounting 
Standards arising from AASB 13’; 

AASB  2011-10  ‘Amendments  to  Australian  Accounting 
Standards arising from AASB 119 (September 2011)’; 

AASB  2012-2  ‘Amendments  to  Australian  Accounting 
Standards  –  Disclosures  –  Offsetting  Financial  Assets 
and Financial Liabilities’;  

AASB  2012-3  ‘Amendments  to  Australian  Accounting 
Standards  –  Offsetting  Financial  Assets  and  Financial 
Liabilities’;  

AASB  2012-5  ‘Amendments  to  Australian  Accounting 
Standards arising from Annual Improvements 2009-2011 
Cycle;  

AASB  2012-9  ‘Amendment  to  AASB  1048  arising  from 
the Withdrawal of Australian Interpretation 1039’; and 

AASB  2012-10  ‘Amendments  to  Australian  Accounting 
Standards 
and  Other 
Amendments’. 

–  Transition  Guidance 

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 
financial  statements  and 
replaces SIC-12 ‘Consolidation – Special Purpose Entities’ in 
its entirety. 

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. 

The  implementation  of  AASB  10  will  result  in  the  Group 
consolidating  some  entities  which  were  previously  not 
consolidated  and  deconsolidating  some  entities  that  were 
previously consolidated. The financial impact to the Group is 
not  expected  to  be  significant,  subject  to  further  possible 
changes which are still under consideration by the AASB.  

Concurrent  with 
standards were also issued: 

the 

issue  of  AASB  10, 

the 

following 

 

 

 

 

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  will  become  effective  for  the  Group 
from 1 July 2013. Application of these standards by the Group 
will  not  affect  any  of  the  amounts  recognised  in the financial 
statements, but will impact the type of information disclosed in 
relation to the Group’s investments. 

AASB 13 ‘Fair Value’ explains how to measure fair value and 
aims  to  enhance  fair  value  disclosures.  It  will  become 
effective for the Group from 1 July 2013. Initial application is 
not expected to result in any material impact to the Group. 

The  amended  AASB  119  ‘Employee  Benefits’  will  become 
effective  for  the  Group  from  1  July  2013.  It  will  result  in 
changes to the recognition and measurement of the Group’s 
defined  benefit  superannuation  expense  and  termination 
benefits,  as  well  as  enhanced  disclosures  of  the  risks  and 
characteristics of the Group’s defined benefit superannuation 
plans. The significant changes include: 

 

 

Annual  defined  benefit  superannuation  expense  will 
include  net  interest  expense  or  income,  calculated  by 
applying  the  relevant  discount  rate  to  the  net  defined 
benefit  asset  or  liability.  This  will  replace  the  current 
finance  charge  and  expected  return  on  plan  assets. 
Applying  this  change  to  the  year  ended  30  June  2013 
would  have  increased  the  total  defined  benefit  plan 
expense by $84 million; and 

The discount rate used in calculating the defined benefit 
liability relating to active members can no longer include 
a  15%  investment  tax  adjustment.  This  will  result  in  a 
one-off decrease of $64 million in defined benefit liability 
as  at  1  July  2013  which  will  be  recognised  through 
retained earnings. 

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. 

AASB  132  ‘Financial  Instruments:  Presentation’,  has  been 
amended  to  clarify  the  conditions  for  offsetting  financial 
assets  and 
the  Balance  Sheet.  These 
amendments are effective from 1 July 2013 for the Group but 
will  not  impact  the  Group’s  current  accounting  practice  for 
offsetting arrangements. 

liabilities 

in 

AASB  9  ‘Financial  Instruments’  contains  new  accounting 
requirements  for financial  assets and  liabilities,  replacing  the 
‘Financial 
corresponding 
Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’. Exposure Drafts 
have  been 
for 
impairment and hedge accounting along with limited changes 
to classification and measurements.  

released  proposing  new 

in  AASB  139 

requirements 

requirements 

The key changes include: 

 

 

 

 

Financial  assets:  realised  gains  and  losses  on  non 
traded equity investments classified as fair value through 
other  comprehensive  income  will not  be  recycled  to  the 
Income Statement; 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. 

Impairment: a prescribed amount of expected losses will 
be  reflected  in  impairment  allowances  for  loans  and 
advances; and 

Hedge  accounting:  hedge  accounting  will  be  more 
principle  based,  allowing  closer  alignment  with  financial 
risk management. 

Adoption  is  not mandatory  until  annual  periods  beginning  on 
or  after  1  January  2015,  with  early  adoption  permitted.  The 
potential financial impacts to the Group is not yet possible to 
determine,  however 
to 
the  standard 
significantly change the way the Group accounts for financial 
instruments. 

is  not  expected 

Annual Report 2013 

87 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 2 Profit 
Profit before income tax has been determined as follows: 

(1)  Comparative  interest  income  on  internal  securitisation  has  been  reclassified  from  Other  financial  institutions  and  Available-for-sale  investments  to 

Controlled entities for the Bank to conform to presentation in the current year. 

(2)  Total interest income for financial assets that are not at fair value through profit or loss is $34,289 million (2012: $37,637 million, 2011: $36,626 million) for 

the Group and $35,293 million (2012: $34,204 million) for the Bank. 

(3)  Comparative interest expense on internal securitisation and covered bond programs has been reclassified from Deposits to Controlled entities to conform 

to presentation in the current year. 

(4)  Total interest expense for financial liabilities that are not at fair value through profit or loss is $20,607 million (2012: $24,816 million, 2011: $24,373 million) 

for the Group and $23,444 million (2012: $24,308 million) for the Bank. 

(5)  The net gain on financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value was $3 million for the Group (2012: $4 million loss, 2011: $102 million gain) and $nil 

gain or loss for the Bank (2012: $3 million loss). 

(6)  Non-trading derivatives are held for risk management purposes. 
(7)  The Group result in 2013 had $nil gains or losses on disposal of controlled entities (2012: $nil, 2011: $10 million loss). Refer to Note 45 for further details. 

88  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

GroupBank20132012201120132012$M$M$M$M$MInterest IncomeLoans and bills discounted 32,02034,70934,37328,06526,957Other financial institutions (1)641021134551Cash and liquid assets 187330270145275Assets at fair value through Income Statement 450621851414557Available-for-sale investments (1)2,0182,4961,8704,8614,750Controlled entities (1)---2,1772,171Total interest income (2)34,73938,25837,47735,70734,761Interest ExpenseDeposits (3)15,07017,63316,95713,48114,298Other financial institutions233185222207190Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement 19832051097202Debt issues 4,8696,4926,6224,1185,202Controlled entities (3)---5,2094,125Loan capital435506572429493Total interest expense (4)20,80525,13624,88323,54124,510Net interest income13,93413,12212,59412,16610,251Other Operating IncomeLending fees 1,053997982960880Commissions1,9901,9971,9461,6211,532Trading income863522717797447Net gain on disposal of available-for-sale investments 3181243186Net gain/(loss) on other non-fair valued financial instruments(41)2(4)(41)(8)Net hedging ineffectiveness(25)394(29)33Net gain/(loss) on sale of property, plant and equipment(14)39(6)(13)40Net gain/(loss) on other fair valued financial instruments:Fair value through Income Statement (5)(1)48(2)-18Non-trading derivatives (6)2885(301)(30)82Dividends - Controlled entities---1,4641,540Dividends - Other9654834Funds management and investment contract income:Fees receivable on trust and other fiduciary activities1,6421,5171,662--Other523423380--Insurance contracts income1,2181,2331,118--Share of profit of associates and joint ventures16595109--Other (7)179178169819782Total other operating income7,6207,2626,8035,6275,466Total net operating income before impairment and operating expense21,55420,38419,39717,79315,717Impairment ExpenseLoan impairment expense 1,1461,0891,2801,042988Total impairment expense (Note 14)1,1461,0891,2801,042988 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 2 Profit (continued) 

(1)  Certain comparative information has been reclassified to conform to presentation in the current year. 
(2)  Comprises expenses related to the Count Financial Limited acquisition and expenses related to the Bankwest integration. 
(3)  Merger related amortisation relates to Bankwest core deposits and customer lists. 

Annual Report 2013 

89 

GroupBank20132012201120132012$M$M$M$M$MStaff ExpensesSalaries and wages 4,2504,1364,0153,1652,769Share-based compensation19218515695103Superannuation - defined contribution plans584248(16)(48)Superannuation - defined benefit plan204168137204168Provisions for employee entitlements 961011207562Payroll tax223213213177150Fringe benefits tax3535382626Other staff expenses 9067605039Total staff expenses5,1484,9474,7873,7763,269Occupancy and Equipment ExpensesOperating lease rentals580585532493443Depreciation of property, plant and equipment298270262205178Repairs and maintenance9290877463Other 1121111128268Total occupancy and equipment expenses1,0821,056993854752Information Technology ServicesApplication, maintenance and development 439322324394244Data processing236241267236238Desktop1001051208790Communications202226221180194Amortisation of software assets245183183216150IT equipment depreciation7782787370Total information technology services1,2991,1591,1931,186986Other ExpensesPostage11411211210189Stationery8585846870Fees and commissions:Fees payable on trust and other fiduciary activities539563537--Professional fees (1)230188204206182Other (1)129122114297315Advertising, marketing and loyalty463459457364324Amortisation of intangible assets (excluding software and merger related amortisation)201816--Non-lending losses6781836064Other429406311268233Total other expenses2,0762,0341,9181,3641,277Total expenses9,6059,1968,8917,1806,284Investment and RestructuringIntegration expenses (2)-6094-54Merger related amortisation (3)75757556-Total investment and restructuring751351695654Total operating expenses9,6809,3319,0607,2366,338Profit before income tax10,7289,9649,0579,5158,391Net hedging ineffectiveness comprises:Gain/(loss) on fair value hedges:Hedging instruments(614)(337)(417)(424)(724)Hedged items617318427421702Cash flow hedge ineffectiveness(28)58(6)(26)55Net hedging ineffectiveness(25)394(29)33 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 3 Income from Ordinary Activities 

90  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

GroupBank20132012201120132012$M$M$M$M$MBankingInterest income34,73938,25837,47735,70734,761Fees and commissions 3,0432,9942,9282,5812,412Trading income863522717797447Net gain on disposal of available-for-sale investments recognised in Income Statement3181243186Net (loss)/gain on other non-fair valued financial instruments(41)2(4)(41)(8)Net hedging ineffectiveness(25)394(29)33Net (loss)/gain on other fair valued financial instruments:Fair value through Income Statement(1)48(2)-18Non-trading derivatives2885(301)(30)82Dividends9651,5121,574Net (loss)/gain on sale of property, plant and equipment (14)39(6)(13)40Share of profit of associates and joint ventures16595109--Other17917816981978238,97642,34741,12041,33440,227Funds Management, Investment Contract and Insurance Contract RevenueFunds management and investment contract income including premiums2,1471,9591,996--Insurance contract premiums and related income2,3532,1141,884--Investment income1,3917731,401--5,8914,8465,281--Total income44,86747,19346,40141,33440,227 
 
 
 
 
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  (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 decreased by 75 basis points during the year while rates in New Zealand 
were unchanged. 

(1)  Certain comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 
(2)  Loans, bills discounted and other receivables include bank acceptances. 
(3)  Excludes amortisation of acquisition related fair value adjustments made to fixed interest financial instruments. 
(4)  Used for calculating net interest margin. 

Annual Report 2013 

91 

Group201320122011AverageInterestAverageAverageInterestAverageAverageInterestAverageInterest earning BalanceRateBalanceRateBalanceRateassets (1)$M$M%$M$M%$M$M%Cash and liquid assetsAustralia5,4591162. 16,5812333. 54,5831944. 2Overseas12,787710. 612,456970. 87,522761. 0Receivables due from other financial institutionsAustralia3,405351. 03,676691. 96,324500. 8Overseas5,888290. 55,321330. 68,113630. 8Assets at fair value through Income Statement - Trading & OtherAustralia10,5513623. 411,3664764. 215,0287114. 7Overseas6,035881. 56,1521452. 46,6281402. 1Available-for-sale investmentsAustralia52,6801,9333. 748,0732,3845. 033,3621,7765. 3Overseas6,822851. 27,2371201. 75,601941. 7Loans, bills discounted and other receivables (2)Australia (3)491,16028,8555. 9475,06631,7206. 7458,02531,2956. 8Overseas58,8503,1805. 453,7573,0245. 652,2203,1045. 9Intragroup assetsAustralia1,357261. 92,138341. 62,506220. 9Overseas---------Total interest earning assets and interest income including intragroup654,99434,7805. 3631,82338,3356. 1599,91237,5256. 3Intragroup eliminations(1,357)(26)1. 9(2,138)(34)1. 6(2,506)(22)0. 9Total interest earning assets and interest income (4)653,63734,7545. 3629,68538,3016. 1597,40637,5036. 3Group 201320122011Average Average Average Balance Balance Balance Non-interest earning assets$M $M $M Assets at fair value through Income Statement - InsuranceAustralia12,46413,22013,656Overseas2,1772,0462,069Property, plant and equipmentAustralia2,3801,9671,854Overseas210194181Other assetsAustralia52,03655,70641,661Overseas9,9868,9928,782Provisions for impairmentAustralia(4,516)(4,801)(5,205)Overseas(234)(263)(299)Total non-interest earning assets74,50377,06162,699Total assets728,140706,746660,105Percentage of total assets applicable to overseas operations (%)14.113.613.8 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 4 Average Balances and Related Interest (continued) 

(1)  Certain comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 
(2)  Excludes amortisation of acquisition related fair value adjustments made to fixed interest financial instruments. 
(3)  Debt issues include bank acceptances. 

92  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Group 201320122011Average Interest Average Average Interest Average Average Interest Average Interest bearingBalance Rate Balance Rate Balance Rate liabilities (1)$M $M % $M $M % $M $M % Time depositsAustralia (2)210,2939,6474. 6200,71311,1315. 5185,24310,5875. 7Overseas35,6029542. 735,3781,1253. 232,7081,1273. 4Savings depositsAustralia (2)94,7142,3552. 586,1452,7343. 278,9582,5643. 2Overseas8,7402743. 17,4452723. 76,7722423. 6Other demand depositsAustralia (2) 89,6121,7662. 084,5072,3082. 779,7262,3953. 0Overseas3,988721. 83,534631. 82,462421. 7Payables due to other financialinstitutionsAustralia7,5181171. 64,602982. 13,9121213. 1Overseas13,7681160. 814,140870. 610,7631010. 9Liabilities at fair value throughIncome StatementAustralia2,433974. 04,3812004. 64,5262495. 5Overseas4,3991012. 35,1231202. 38,7292613. 0Debt issues (3)Australia 118,2954,6663. 9126,4776,4505. 1127,3886,5705. 2Overseas10,2572032. 07,096420. 65,534200. 4Loan capitalAustralia5,8462905. 05,7843205. 57,1303955. 5Overseas4,0921523. 75,3291943. 65,2441843. 5Intragroup borrowingsAustralia---------Overseas1,357261. 92,138341. 62,506220. 9Interest bearing liabilities and interest expense including intragroup 610,91420,8363. 4592,79225,1784. 2561,60124,8804. 4Intragroup eliminations(1,357)(26)1. 9(2,138)(34)1. 6(2,506)(22)0. 9Total interest bearing liabilities and interest expense609,55720,8103. 4590,65425,1444. 3559,09524,8584. 4Group 201320122011Average Average Average Balance Balance Balance Non-interest bearing liabilities$M $M $M Deposits not bearing interestAustralia7,8957,3126,989Overseas1,9031,6941,535Insurance policy liabilitiesAustralia11,79912,29813,114Overseas1,2551,2681,361Other liabilitiesAustralia42,94545,89733,517Overseas9,3328,3748,425Total non-interest bearing liabilities75,12976,84364,941Total liabilities684,686667,497624,036Shareholders' equity43,45439,24936,069Total liabilities and Shareholders' equity728,140706,746660,105Total liabilities applicable to overseas operations (%)13.613.413.4 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 4 Average Balances and Related Interest (continued) 

Overseas  intra-group  borrowings  have  been  adjusted  into  the  interest  spread  and  margin  calculations  to  more  appropriately 
reflect the overseas cost of funds. 

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). 

Annual Report 2013 

93 

Group Avg BalInterestYieldAvg BalInterestYieldNet interest margin$M$M%$M$M%Total interest earning assets653,63734,7545. 32629,68538,3016. 08Total interest bearing liabilities609,55720,8103. 41590,65425,1444. 26Net interest income and interest spread13,9441. 9113,1571. 82Benefit of free funds0. 220. 27Net interest margin2. 132. 0920132012Group Avg Bal Interest Yield Avg Bal Interest Yield Geographical analysis of key categories$M $M % $M $M % Loans, bills discounted and other receivablesAustralia491,16028,8555. 87475,06631,7206. 68Overseas58,8503,1805. 4053,7573,0245. 63Total550,01032,0355. 82528,82334,7446. 57Other interest earning assetsAustralia72,0952,4463. 3969,6963,1624. 54Overseas31,5322730. 8731,1663951. 27Total103,6272,7192. 62100,8623,5573. 53Total interest bearing depositsAustralia394,61913,7683. 49371,36516,1734. 36Overseas 48,3301,3002. 6946,3571,4603. 15Total442,94915,0683. 40417,72217,6334. 22Other interest bearing liabilitiesAustralia 134,0925,1703. 86141,2447,0685. 00Overseas 32,5165721. 7631,6884431. 40Total166,6085,7423. 45172,9327,5114. 3420132012GroupJune 2013 June 2012 vs June 2012vs June 2011Change in net interest income$M$MDue to changes in average volume of interest earning assets506679Due to changes in interest margin281(167)Change in net interest income787512 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 4 Average Balances and Related Interest (continued) 

(1)  Certain comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

94  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

June 2013 vs June 2012June 2012 vs June 2011Changes in net interest income:VolumeRateTotalVolumeRateTotalVolume and rate analysis$M$M$M$M$M$MInterest Earning Assets (1)Cash and liquid assetsAustralia(32)(85)(117)78(39)39Overseas2(28)(26)44(23)21Receivables due from other financial institutionsAustralia(4)(30)(34)(36)5519Overseas3(7)(4)(19)(11)(30)Assets at fair value through Income Statement - Trading & OtherAustralia(31)(83)(114)(163)(72)(235)Overseas(2)(55)(57)(11)165Available-for-sale investmentsAustralia199(650)(451)756(148)608Overseas(6)(29)(35)29(3)26Loans, bills discounted and other receivablesAustralia 1,010(3,875)(2,865)1,151(726)425Overseas 281(125)15689(169)(80)Intragroup loansAustralia(14)6(8)(4)1612Overseas------Changes in interest income including intragroup1,318(4,873)(3,555)1,968(1,158)810Intragroup eliminations14(6)84(16)(12)Changes in interest income1,365(4,912)(3,547)1,995(1,197)798Interest Bearing Liabilities and Loan Capital (1)Time depositsAustralia485(1,969)(1,484)871(327)544Overseas7(178)(171)88(90)(2)Savings depositsAustralia243(622)(379)230(60)170Overseas44(42)224630Other demand depositsAustralia120(662)(542)137(224)(87)Overseas81919221Payables due to other financial institutionsAustralia54(35)1918(41)(23)Overseas(3)322926(40)(14)Liabilities at fair value through Income StatementAustralia(83)(20)(103)(7)(42)(49)Overseas(17)(2)(19)(97)(44)(141)Debt issuesAustralia (370)(1,414)(1,784)(47)(73)(120)Overseas 4112016181422Loan capitalAustralia 3(33)(30)(74)(1)(75)Overseas(45)3(42)3710Intragroup borrowingsAustralia------Overseas(14)6(8)(4)1612Changes in interest expense including intragroup694(5,036)(4,342)1,354(1,056)298Intragroup eliminations14(6)84(16)(12)Changes in interest expense725(5,059)(4,334)1,373(1,087)286Changes in net interest income506281787679(167)512 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 4 Average Balances and Related Interest (continued) 

(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 is funded by net interest free liabilities and Shareholders’ equity. The benefit to the Group of these interest 

free funds is the amount it would cost to replace them at the average cost of funds. 

(3)  Net interest income divided by average interest earning assets for the year. 

Annual Report 2013 

95 

Group 201320122011Geographical analysis of key categories% % % AustraliaInterest spread (1)1. 921. 851. 86Benefit of interest-free liabilities, provisions and equity (2)0. 230. 280. 30Net interest margin (3)2. 152. 132. 16OverseasInterest spread (1)1. 561. 541. 52Benefit of interest-free liabilities, provisions and equity (2)0. 250. 250. 25Net interest margin (3)1. 811. 791. 77GroupInterest spread (1)1. 911. 821. 83Benefit of interest-free liabilities, provisions and equity (2)0. 220. 270. 29Net interest margin (3)2. 132. 092. 12 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 5 Income Tax 
The income tax expense for the year is determined from the profit before income tax as follows: 

(1)  The New Zealand corporate tax rate was reduced from 30% to 28% for tax years starting on or after 1 April 2011. This change is effective for the Group 

from 1 July 2011. 

(2)  Comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

96  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

GroupBank20132012201120132012$M$M$M$M$MProfit before Income Tax10,7289,9649,0579,5158,391Prima facie income tax at 30%3,2182,9892,7172,8552,517Effect of amounts which are non-deductible/(assessable) in calculating taxable income:Taxation offsets and other dividend adjustments(3)(3)(7)(442)(462)Tax adjustment referable to policyholder income7986116--Tax losses not previously brought to account(18)(28)(6)(13)(23)Tax losses assumed by the Bank under UIG 1052----(12)Offshore tax rate differential(89)(83)(55)(12)(3)Offshore banking unit(33)(36)(17)(33)(36)Investment allowance--(2)--Effect of changes in tax rates (1)--3--Income tax (over)/under provided in previous years(50)22(71)(71)12Other(69)(89)(31)(61)(63)Total income tax expense3,0352,8582,6472,2231,930Corporate tax expense2,9232,7362,4812,2231,930Policyholder tax expense112122166--Total income tax expense3,0352,8582,6472,2231,930Group Bank Income tax expense attributable to 20132012201120132012profit from ordinary activities$M $M $M $M $M AustraliaCurrent tax expense2,3922,4872,2462,2961,919Deferred tax (benefit)/expense216(30)59(135)(36)Total Australia2,6082,4572,3052,1611,883OverseasCurrent tax expense4253193366826Deferred tax expense/(benefit)2826(6)21Total overseas4274013426247Total income tax expense3,0352,8582,6472,2231,930Group Bank 20132012201120132012Effective Tax Rate% % % % % Total – corporate 27. 527. 827. 923. 423. 0Retail Banking Services – corporate (2)29. 829. 629. 7n/an/aBusiness and Private Banking – corporate (2)29. 730. 128. 6n/an/aInstitutional Banking and Markets – corporate (2)23. 121. 323. 7n/an/aWealth Management – corporate (2)27. 727. 628. 1n/an/aNew Zealand – corporate (1) (2)24. 625. 724. 0n/an/aBankwest – corporate (2)29. 833. 034. 7n/an/a 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 5 Income Tax (continued) 

(1)  The following amounts are expected to be recovered within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date: for the Group $1,165 million (2012: $1,255 million); 

for the Bank $1,074 million (2012: $843 million). 

(2)  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. 

(3)  The following amounts are expected to be settled within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date: for the Group $329 million (2012: $427 million); for the 

Bank $194 million (2012: $260 million). 

Annual Report 2013 

97 

GroupBank20132012201120132012$M$M$M$M$MDeferred tax asset balances comprise temporary differences attributable to:Amounts recognised in the Income Statement:Provision for employee benefits414381375347326Provisions for impairment on loans, bills discounted and other receivables1,1771,2641,3871,121804Other provisions not tax deductible until expense incurred17519220214592Recognised value of tax losses carried forward-11--Financial instruments9101534Other231212183216139Total amount recognised in the Income Statement2,0062,0602,1631,8321,365Amounts recognised directly in Other Comprehensive Income:Asset revaluation reserve22-22Foreign currency translation reserve33---Cash flow hedge reserve7772224425Employee compensation reserve1-111-Available-for-sale investments reserve-364578Total amount recognised directly in Other Comprehensive Income831132396435Total deferred tax assets (before set off) (1)2,0892,1732,4021,8961,400Set off of tax (2)(1,154)(1,193)(1,102)(833)(501)Net deferred tax assets9359801,3001,063899Deferred tax liability balances comprise temporary differences attributable to:Amounts recognised in the Income Statement:Impact of TOFA adoption11930119Lease financing370365370182181Defined benefit superannuation plan deficit(199)(141)(93)(199)(141)Intangible assets7312713462-Financial instruments142168772736Other58756457216171Total amount recognised in the Income Statement9841,0921,090244156Amounts recognised directly in Other Comprehensive Income:Revaluation of properties8279708261Foreign currency translation reserve--14--Cash flow hedge reserve25930221200245Defined benefit superannuation plan surplus1613411616134Available-for-sale investments reserve13924921465Total amount recognised directly in Other Comprehensive Income641439313589345Total deferred tax liabilities (before set off) (3)1,6251,5311,403833501Set off of tax (2)(1,154)(1,193)(1,102)(833)(501)Net deferred tax liabilities (Note 21)471338301--Deferred tax assets opening balance:9801,3001,2708991,112Movement in temporary differences during the year:Additions through merger of banking licences---469-Provisions for employee benefits33611214Provisions for impairment on loans, bills discounted and other receivables(87)(123)(89)(69)(19)Other provisions not tax deductible until expense incurred(17)(10)925Recognised value of tax losses carried forward(1)-(2)-(1)Financial instruments(32)(121)(234)28(193)Asset revaluation reserve-2--2Other2017(109)45(2)Set off of tax (2)39(91)444(332)(9)Deferred tax assets closing balance9359801,3001,063899 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 5 Income Tax (continued) 

(1)  Deferred tax  assets and liabilities are set off where they relate to income tax levied by the same taxation authority on  either the same  taxable entity or 

different taxable entities within the same taxable group. 

Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of the following items: 

Potential deferred tax assets of the Group arose from: 

 

Tax losses and temporary differences in offshore centres.  

These deferred assets have not been recognised because it is not considered probable that future taxable profit  will be available 
against which they can be realised. 

These potential tax benefits will only be obtained if: 

 

 

 

Future capital gains and assessable income of a nature and of an amount sufficient to enable the benefit from the losses to 
be realised is derived; 

Compliance with the conditions for claiming capital losses and deductions imposed by tax legislation is continued; and 

No changes in tax legislation adversely affect the Group in realising the benefit from deductions for the losses. 

Tax Consolidation 

Tax consolidation legislation has been enacted to allow Australian resident entities to elect to consolidate and be treated as single 
entities 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  $89  million  (2012: 
$87 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(s).  The  amount 
receivable by the Bank under the tax funding agreement was $207 million as at 30 June 2013 (2012: $261 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. 

98  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Group Bank 20132012201120132012$M $M $M $M $M Deferred tax liabilities opening balance:338301221--Movement in temporary differences during the year:Additions through merger of banking licences---292-Impact of TOFA adoption2(21)302(21)Property asset revaluations39(3)36Lease financing5(5)23114Defined benefit superannuation plan surplus/(deficit)68(130)(61)68(130)Intangible assets(54)(7)(11)(26)-Financial instruments46290(543)6154Other24(8)201(14)(14)Set off of tax (1)39(91)444(332)(9)Deferred tax liabilities closing balance (Note 21)471338301--Group Bank 20132012201120132012Deferred tax assets not taken to account$M $M $M $M $M Tax losses and other temporary differences on revenue account94711016657Tax losses on capital account--40--Total94711416657Group Bank  Expiration of deferred tax assets not taken20132012201120132012 to account$M $M $M $M $M At Balance Sheet date carry-forward losses expired as follows:From one to two years146---From two to four years320181512After four years6645835145Losses that do not expire under current tax legislation11-40--Total94711416657 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 6 Dividends 

(1)  The 2013 final dividend will be satisfied in full by cash disbursements with the Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) anticipated to be satisfied in full by an on 
market  purchase  of  shares.  The  2012  final  dividend  was  satisfied  by  cash  disbursements  of  $2,207  and  $930  million  being  reinvested  by  participants 
through the DRP. The 2011 final dividend was satisfied by cash disbursements of $2,099 million and $831 million being reinvested by participants 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 
2013 to frank dividends for subsequent financial years, is $742 million (2012: $390 million). This figure is based on the franking 
accounts of the Bank at 30 June 2013, 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 2013. 

Dividend History 

(1)  Dividend Payout Ratio: dividends divided by statutory earnings (earnings are net of dividends on other equity instruments). 
(2)  DRP Participation Rate: the percentage of total issued share capital participating in the DRP. 
(3)  Dividend expected to be paid on 3 October 2013. 

Annual Report 2013 

99 

Group Bank 20132012201120132012$M $M $M $M $M Ordinary SharesInterim ordinary dividend (fully franked) (2013: 164 cents; 2012: 137 cents; 2011: 132 cents)Interim ordinary dividend paid - cash component only2,6391,6351,5322,6391,635Interim ordinary dividend paid - dividend reinvestment plan-531513-531Total dividend paid2,6392,1662,0452,6392,166Other Equity InstrumentsDividend paid404242--Total dividend provided for, reserved or paid2,6792,2082,0872,6392,166Other provision carried6552376552Dividend proposed and not recognised as a liability (fully franked) (2013: 200 cents; 2012: 197 cents, 2011: 188 cents) (1)3,2243,1372,9303,2243,137Provision for dividendsOpening balance5237295237Provision made during the year5,8315,1134,6785,8315,113Provision used during the year(5,818)(5,098)(4,670)(5,818)(5,098)Closing balance (Note 22)6552376552Half-yearFull YearDRPPayoutPayoutDRPParticipationCents Per Ratio (1) Ratio (1)Price Rate (2)Half year endedShareDate Paid% % $ % 31 December 2010132          01/04/201167.5-52.9225.130 June 2011188          06/10/201188.278.347.4828.431 December 2011137          05/04/201260.1-48.8124.530 June 201219705/10/201291.175.254.5429.631 December 201216405/04/201372.5-68.7622.730 June 2013 (3)20003/10/201380.776.8-- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 7 Earnings Per Share 

Basic earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing the net profit for the year attributable to ordinary equity holders of the 
Bank  by  the  weighted  average  number  of  ordinary  shares  on  issue  during  the  year,  excluding  the  number  of  ordinary  shares 
purchased and held as treasury shares. 

Diluted earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing net profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Bank (after 
deducting interest on the convertible redeemable loan capital 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). 

Note 8 Cash and Liquid Assets 

Note 9 Receivables Due from Other Financial Institutions 

(1)  Required by law for the Group to operate in certain regions. 

The majority of the above amounts are expected to be recovered within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date. 

100  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Group 201320122011Earnings per ordinary shareBasic 477.9448.9411.2Fully diluted464.5432.9395.1Cents per ShareGroup 201320122011Reconciliation of earnings used in calculation of earnings per share$M $M $M Profit after income tax7,6937,1066,410Less: Other equity instrument dividends(40)(42)(42)Less: Non-controlling interests(16)(16)(16)Earnings used in calculation of basic earnings per share7,6377,0486,352Add: Profit impact of assumed conversions of loan capital193199235Earnings used in calculation of fully diluted earnings per share7,8307,2476,587Number of Shares 201320122011M M M Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the calculationof basic earnings per share1,5981,5701,545Effect of dilutive securities - executive share plans and convertible loan capital instruments88104123Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the calculation of fully diluted earnings per share1,6861,6741,668Group Bank 2013201220132012$M $M $M $M Notes, coins and cash at banks7,6538,5086,1837,161Money at short call4,3673,6963,9763,603Securities purchased under agreements to resell8,0167,0637,2827,006Bills received and remittances in transit598399589182Total cash and liquid assets20,63419,66618,03017,952GroupBank2013201220132012$M$M$M$MPlacements with and loans to other financial institutions7,61210,7556,97810,467Deposits with regulatory authorities (1)1321312015Total receivables due from other financial institutions7,74410,8866,99810,482 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 10 Assets at Fair Value through Income Statement 

(1) 

In addition to the assets above, the Group also measures bills discounted that are intended to be sold into the market at fair value. These are classified 
within Loans, bills discounted and other receivables (refer to Note 13). 

The above amounts are expected to be recovered within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date. 

Of the above amounts, $1,794 million is expected to be recovered within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date (2012: $1,717 
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(hh) for further details. 

(1)  Designated at Fair Value through Income Statement at inception as they are managed by the Group on a fair value basis or to eliminate an accounting 

mismatch. 

Annual Report 2013 

101 

GroupBank2013201220132012$M $M $M $M Trading19,61713,81618,39812,071Insurance 14,35914,525--Other financial assets designated at fair value907980718980Total assets at fair value through Income Statement (1)34,88329,32119,11613,051GroupBank2013201220132012Trading$M $M $M $M Government bonds, notes and securities13,8668,49113,7808,146Corporate/financial institution bonds, notes and securities4,6724,6773,5503,298Shares and equity investments949502949502Other bonds, notes and securities130146119125Total trading assets19,61713,81618,39812,071Investments Investments Investments Investments Backing Life Backing Life Backing Life Backing Life Risk Investment Risk Investment Contracts Contracts Total Contracts Contracts Total 201320132013201220122012Insurance $M $M $M $M $M $M Equity Security Investments:Direct3899531,3424627201,182Indirect5423,1153,6575962,9103,506Total equity security investments9314,0684,9991,0583,6304,688Debt Security Investments:Direct8302351,0657536111,364Indirect2,1973,6995,8962,1924,2256,417Total debt security investments3,0273,9346,9612,9454,8367,781Property Investments:Direct22420342733195228Indirect221365586276472748Total property investments4455681,013309667976Other Assets2491,1371,3861888921,080Total life insurance investment assets4,6529,70714,3594,50010,02514,525Group Bank 2013201220132012Other (1)$M $M $M $M Government securities632980588980Receivables due from other financial institutions275-130-Total other assets at fair value through Income Statement907980718980 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 10 Assets at Fair Value through Income Statement (continued) 
Of the amounts in the preceding table, $862 million is expected to be recovered within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date 
by the Group (2012: $882 million). All amounts are expected to be recovered within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date by 
the Bank. 

Note 11 Derivative Financial Instruments 

Derivative Contracts 

Derivatives are classified as “Held for Trading” or “Held for Hedging”. Held for Trading derivatives are contracts entered into in 
order to meet customers’ needs, to undertake market making and positioning activities, or for risk management purposes that do 
not qualify for hedge accounting. Held for Hedging derivatives are instruments held for risk management purposes, which meet 
the criteria for hedge accounting. 

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 (u). 

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 $3 million net gain for the Group (2012: $19 million net loss), and $3 million net loss for the Bank (2012: $22 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  $28  million  loss  for  the  Group  (2012:  $58  million  gain),  and  $26  million  loss  for  the  Bank 
(2012: $55 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 discounted to calculate deferred gains 
and losses which are expected to occur in the following periods: 

(1)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

102  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Exchange RateInterest RateGroupRelated ContractsRelated ContractsTotal20132012 (1)20132012 (1)20132012 (1)$M$M$M$M$M$MWithin 6 months(3)(23)552152(2)6 months - 1 year(15)5(52)(67)(67)(62)1 - 2 years(27)(14)212(2)185(16)2 - 5 years(173)(91)8311,3386581,247After 5 years(153)(20)(96)(221)(249)(241)Net deferred (losses)/gains(371)(143)9501,069579926Exchange Rate Interest Rate Bank Related Contracts Related Contracts Total 201320122013201220132012$M$M$M$M$M$MWithin 6 months(1)1481747186 months - 1 year(17)6(42)(77)(59)(71)1 - 2 years(25)(3)167(18)142(21)2 - 5 years(120)(102)8861,2477661,145After 5 years(94)(54)(74)(171)(168)(225)Net deferred (losses)/gains(257)(152)985998728846 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 11 Derivative Financial Instruments (continued) 

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. 

The fair value of derivative financial instruments is set out in the following tables: 

(1)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year, due to derivatives that were netted off in the prior year which are  now 

presented gross in line with accounting requirements (impact: $630 million as at 30 June 2012). 

(2)  Comparatives have been reclassified to conform to presentation in the current year. 

(1)  Comparatives have been reclassified to conform to presentation in the current year. 
(2)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

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. 

Annual Report 2013 

103 

Group20132012Fair ValueFair ValueFair ValueFair ValueAssetLiabilityAssetLiabilityDerivative assets and liabilities$M$M$M$MHeld for trading (1) (2)36,531(30,571)31,954(29,113)Held for hedging (1)8,809(8,009)7,613(10,738)Total derivative assets/(liabilities)45,340(38,580)39,567(39,851)Group20132012Fair ValueFair ValueFair ValueFair ValueAssetLiabilityAssetLiabilityDerivatives held for trading$M$M$M$MExchange rate related contracts:Forward contracts (1)7,529(6,896)3,709(4,181)Swaps (1) (2)14,570(9,819)9,817(7,378)Futures6-1-Options purchased and sold392(405)390(453)Total exchange rate related contracts22,497(17,120)13,917(12,012)Interest rate related contracts:Forward contracts (1)6(6)12(11)Swaps (1) (2)13,091(12,641)16,895(16,264)Futures---(1)Options purchased and sold (1)754(670)899(636)Total interest rate related contracts13,851(13,317)17,806(16,912)Credit related contracts:Swaps24(27)58(56)Total credit related contracts24(27)58(56)Equity related contracts:Swaps4(8)--Options purchased and sold78(25)60(44)Total equity related contracts82(33)60(44)Commodity related contracts:Swaps54(51)85(72)Options purchased and sold10(7)13(11)Total commodity related contracts64(58)98(83)Identified embedded derivatives (1)13(16)15(6)Total derivative assets/(liabilities) held for trading36,531(30,571)31,954(29,113) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 11 Derivative Financial Instruments (continued) 

(1)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

The  majority  of  derivative  assets  and  liabilities  held  for  hedging  are  expected  to  be  recovered  or  due  to  be  settled  more  than 
twelve months after the Balance Sheet date. 

104  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Group20132012Fair ValueFair ValueFair ValueFair ValueAssetLiabilityAssetLiabilityDerivatives held for hedging$M$M$M$MFair value hedgesExchange rate related contracts:Forward contracts1-2-Swaps (1)3,534(2,626)1,973(4,440)Total exchange rate related contracts3,535(2,626)1,975(4,440)Interest rate related contracts:Swaps (1)1,374(2,760)1,744(2,370)Options purchased and sold--3-Total interest rate related contracts1,374(2,760)1,747(2,370)Equity related contracts:Swaps33(1)58(4)Total equity related contracts33(1)58(4)Total fair value hedges4,942(5,387)3,780(6,814)Cash flow hedgesExchange rate related contracts:Swaps (1)1,103(1,242)669(2,093)Total exchange rate related contracts1,103(1,242)669(2,093)Interest rate related contracts:Swaps (1)2,764(1,378)3,164(1,827)Total interest rate related contracts2,764(1,378)3,164(1,827)Total cash flow hedges3,867(2,620)3,833(3,920)Net investment hedgesExchange rate related contracts:Forward contracts-(2)-(4)Total exchange rate related contracts-(2)-(4)Total net investment hedges-(2)-(4)Total derivative assets/(liabilities) held for hedging8,809(8,009)7,613(10,738) 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 11 Derivative Financial Instruments (continued) 

(1)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year, due to derivatives that were netted off in the prior year, which are now 

presented gross in line with accounting standards (impact: $630 million as at 30 June 2012). 

(2)  Comparatives have been reclassified to conform to presentation in the current year. 

(1)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 
(2)  Comparatives have been reclassified to conform to presentation in the current year. 

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. 

Annual Report 2013 

105 

Bank20132012Fair ValueFair ValueFair ValueFair ValueAssetLiabilityAssetLiabilityDerivative assets and liabilities$M$M$M$MHeld for trading (1) (2)36,826(32,007)32,683(29,386)Held for hedging (1)8,377(8,222)7,008(10,470)Total derivative assets/(liabilities)45,203(40,229)39,691(39,856)Bank20132012Fair ValueFair ValueFair ValueFair ValueAssetLiabilityAssetLiabilityDerivatives held for trading$M$M$M$MExchange rate related contracts:Forward contracts7,424(6,863)3,670(4,153)Swaps (1)14,605(9,725)9,910(7,194)Futures6-1-Options purchased and sold390(404)389(451)Derivatives held with controlled entities744(1,857)998(706)Total exchange rate related contracts23,169(18,849)14,968(12,504)Interest rate related contracts:Forward contracts6(6)10(11)Swaps (1) (2)12,613(12,036)16,149(15,320)Futures---(1)Options purchased and sold (2)752(667)898(630)Derivatives held with controlled entities (2)117(315)439(732)Total interest rate related contracts13,488(13,024)17,496(16,694)Credit related contracts:Swaps24(27)58(56)Total credit related contracts24(27)58(56)Equity related contracts:Swaps4(8)--Options purchased and sold78(25)60(44)Total equity related contracts82(33)60(44)Commodity related contracts:Swaps54(51)85(72)Options purchased and sold8(7)13(11)Derivatives held with controlled entities1-1-Total commodity related contracts63(58)99(83)Identified embedded derivatives (2)-(16)2(5)Total derivative assets/(liabilities) held for trading36,826(32,007)32,683(29,386) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 11 Derivative Financial Instruments (continued) 

(1)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

The  majority  of  derivative  assets  and  liabilities  held  for  hedging  are  expected  to  be  recovered  or  due  to  be  settled  more  than 
twelve months after the Balance Sheet date. 

106  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Bank20132012Fair ValueFair ValueFair ValueFair ValueAssetLiabilityAssetLiabilityDerivatives held for hedging$M$M$M$MFair value hedgesExchange rate related contracts:Forward contracts1-2-Swaps (1)3,432(2,591)1,786(4,434)Derivatives held with controlled entities-(255)3-Total exchange rate related contracts3,433(2,846)1,791(4,434)Interest rate related contracts:Swaps (1)1,244(2,683)1,416(2,266)Derivatives held with controlled entities70(119)92(113)Total interest rate related contracts1,314(2,802)1,508(2,379)Equity related contracts:Swaps33(1)58(4)Total equity related contracts33(1)58(4)Total fair value hedges4,780(5,649)3,357(6,817)Cash flow hedgesExchange rate related contracts:Swaps (1)1,022(1,202)662(2,003)Derivatives held with controlled entities-(78)90(7)Total exchange rate related contracts1,022(1,280)752(2,010)Interest rate related contracts:Swaps (1)2,548(1,293)2,857(1,643)Derivatives held with controlled entities27-42-Total interest rate related contracts2,575(1,293)2,899(1,643)Total cash flow hedges3,597(2,573)3,651(3,653)Total derivative assets/(liabilities) held for hedging8,377(8,222)7,008(10,470) 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 12 Available-for-Sale Investments 

(1)  Supranational, Sovereign and Agency Securities (SSA). 
(2)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

The following amounts are expected to be recovered within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date: for Group $12,920 million 
(2012: $19,160 million); for Bank $12,319 million (2012: $12,009 million). 

Revaluation of Available-for-sale investments resulted in a gain of $553 million for the Group (2012: $349 million loss) and a gain 
of  $365  million  for  the  Bank  (2012:  $315  million  loss)  recognised  directly  in  other  comprehensive  income.  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: $31 million net gain (2012: $81 million net gain), Bank: $31 million net gain 
(2012: $86 million net gain). 

Proceeds received from settlement at or close to maturity of Available-for-sale investments for the Group  were $44,645 million 
(2012: $50,490 million) and for the Bank were $35,135 million (2012: $46,417 million). 

Proceeds from the sale of Available-for-sale investments for the Group  were  $2,445 million (2012: $12,375 million) and for the 
Bank were $2,444 million (2012: $12,326 million). 

Maturity Distribution and Weighted Average Yield 

Annual Report 2013 

107 

GroupBank2013201220132012$M$M$M$MGovernment bonds, notes and securities29,50627,77028,45923,284Corporate/financial institution bonds, notes and securities19,80922,87520,00017,701Shares and equity investments647471527368Covered bonds, mortgage backed securities & SSA (1) (2)9,6089,70376,92575,207Other securities318307Total available-for-sale investments59,60160,827125,941116,567GroupMaturity Period at 30 June 20133 to10 orNon-0 to 3 Months12 Months1 to 5 Years5 to 10 Yearsmore YearsMaturingTotal$M%$M%$M%$M%$M%$M$MGovernment bonds, notes and securities8890.722,0860.9310,5194.8311,7535.004,2595.03-29,506Corporate/financial institution bonds, notes and securities7,1492.792,2232.9810,4323.3954.65---19,809Shares and equity investments4---------643647Covered bonds, mortgage backed securities & SSA--5674.644,3885.065474.724,1063.69-9,608Other securities----254.18----631Total available-for-sale investments8,042-4,876-25,364-12,305-8,365-64959,601GroupMaturity Period at 30 June 20123 to10 orNon-0 to 3 Months12 Months1 to 5 Years5 to 10 Yearsmore YearsMaturingTotal$M%$M%$M%$M%$M%$M$MGovernment bonds, notes and securities4,5731.553,1242.864,6065.199,8335.385,6345.29-27,770Corporate/financial institution bonds, notes and securities6,7113.974,7984.4811,3664.92-----22,875Shares and equity investments--40.0160.01----461471Covered bonds, mortgage backed securities & SSA----4,4784.911,2484.983,9775.10-9,703Other securities----------88Total available-for-sale investments11,284-7,926-20,456-11,081-9,611-46960,827 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 13 Loans, Bills Discounted and Other Receivables 

(1)  Home loans balance includes residential mortgages that  have been assigned to securitisation vehicles and covered bond trusts. Further detail on  these 

residential mortgages is disclosed in Note 47. 

(2)  Comparative information has been reclassified to conform to presentation in the current year. 
(3)  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  $184,807  million  (2012:  $181,465  million),  and  for  Bank  $167,238  million 
(2012: $127,327 million). The maturity tables below are based on contractual terms. 

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. 

108  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

GroupBank2013201220132012$M$M$M$MAustraliaOverdrafts20,03921,49720,03920,494Home loans (1) (2)338,023322,918336,927271,258Credit card outstandings11,45711,14911,4579,873Lease financing4,3284,2502,9442,883Bills discounted (2) (3)22,01716,77722,01716,777Term loans101,14199,902100,81479,447Other lending271625270209Other securities77--Total Australia497,283477,125494,468400,941OverseasOverdrafts1,098891187154Home loans (1)34,81730,063457409Credit card outstandings676603--Lease financing39247862141Term loans28,49223,22012,6789,885Total overseas65,47555,25513,38410,589Gross loans, bills discounted and other receivables562,758532,380507,852411,530LessProvisions for Loan Impairment (Note 14):Collective provision(2,827)(2,819)(2,628)(1,971)Individually assessed provisions (1,628)(2,008)(1,585)(1,011)Unearned income:Term loans(900)(1,032)(891)(1,001)Lease financing(755)(839)(399)(425)(6,110)(6,698)(5,503)(4,408)Net loans, bills discounted and other receivables556,648525,682502,349407,122Group 20132012GrossPresent Value GrossPresent Value Investment inof Minimum Investment inof Minimum Finance LeaseUnearnedLease Payment Finance LeaseUnearnedLease Payment ReceivableIncomeReceivable ReceivableIncomeReceivable $M$M$M $M$M$M Not later than one year1,390(221)1,1691,235(225)1,010One year to five years2,735(388)2,3472,592(412)2,180Over five years595(146)449901(202)6994,720(755)3,9654,728(839)3,889 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 13 Loans, Bills Discounted and Other Receivables (continued) 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

(1)  The industry split above has been prepared on an industry exposure basis. 

The maturity tables are based on contractual terms. 

Annual Report 2013 

109 

Bank 20132012Gross Present Value Gross Present Value  Investment in of Minimum  Investment in of Minimum Finance Lease Unearned Lease Payment Finance Lease UnearnedLease Payment Receivable Income Receivable Receivable Income Receivable $M $M $M $M $M $M Not later than one year1,028(125)903829(119)710One year to five years1,749(169)1,5801,877(173)1,704Over five years229(105)124318(133)1853,006(399)2,6073,024(425)2,599GroupMaturity Period at 30 June 2013Maturing 1MaturingMaturingYearBetweenAfteror Less1 & 5 Years5 YearsTotalIndustry (1)$M$M$M$MAustraliaSovereign1,6272121321,971Agriculture2,6372,2141,1205,971Bank and other financial3,3014,2603687,929Home loans7,98524,529305,509338,023Construction1,7195523632,634Other Personal7,33812,3202,13821,796Asset financing2,9955,3091108,414Other commercial and industrial47,59449,52213,429110,545Total Australia75,19698,918323,169497,283OverseasSovereign4,6493,7611,2609,670Agriculture1,3431,8623,2756,480Bank and other financial2,0792,1102,8407,029Home loans6,3153,74324,75934,817Construction10211287301Other Personal831284863Asset financing18123133274Other commercial and industrial2,6432,8085906,041Total overseas17,98014,54732,94865,475Gross loans, bills discounted and other receivables93,176113,465356,117562,758Maturing 1MaturingMaturingYearBetweenAfteror Less1 & 5 Years5 Years TotalInterest rate$M$M$M$MAustralia63,40583,039265,866412,310Overseas13,13210,42619,76343,321Total variable interest rates76,53793,465285,629455,631Australia11,79115,87957,30384,973Overseas4,8484,12113,18522,154Total fixed interest rates16,63920,00070,488107,127Gross loans, bills discounted and other receivables93,176113,465356,117562,758 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 13 Loans, Bills Discounted and Other Receivables (continued) 

(1)  The industry split above has been prepared on an industry exposure basis. 
(2)  Comparatives have been reclassified to conform to presentation in the current year 
(3)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

The maturity tables are based on contractual terms. 

110  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

GroupMaturity Period at 30 June 2012Maturing 1MaturingMaturingYearBetweenAfteror Less1 & 5 Years5 YearsTotalIndustry (1)$M$M$M$MAustraliaSovereign (2)8495771931,619Agriculture (2)1,4182,2361,5975,251Bank and other financial (2)5,7303,3601,13510,225Home loans (3)7,28121,162294,475322,918Construction (2)1,2828726422,796Other Personal7,88311,7152,17421,772Asset financing2,9005,1631518,214Other commercial and industrial (2)(3)46,89645,05712,377104,330Total Australia74,23990,142312,744477,125OverseasSovereign3,6214,8901,72410,235Agriculture1,1511,7182,3295,198Bank and other financial9709141,2723,156Home loans7,0843,74919,23030,063Construction12112797345Other Personal634139656Asset financing111138219468Other commercial and industrial1,8462,1261,1625,134Total overseas15,53813,67526,04255,255Gross loans, bills discounted and other receivables89,777103,817338,786532,380Maturing 1MaturingMaturingYearBetweenAfteror Less1 & 5 Years5 YearsTotalInterest rate $M$M$M$MAustralia64,92275,873277,700418,495Overseas12,04810,80818,20941,065Total variable interest rates76,97086,681295,909459,560Australia9,31714,26935,04458,630Overseas3,4902,8677,83314,190Total fixed interest rates12,80717,13642,87772,820Gross loans, bills discounted and other receivables89,777103,817338,786532,380 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 14 Provisions for Impairment 

(1)  Basel  2.5  and  Basel  III  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 30. 

(2)  Comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

Annual Report 2013 

111 

GroupBank20132012201120132012Provisions for impairment losses$M$M$M$M$MCollective provisionOpening balance2,8373,0433,4611,9891,926Additions through merger of banking licences---664-Net collective provision funding55931245522519Impairment losses written off(695)(740)(646)(649)(626)Impairment losses recovered154228206132171Other3(6)(23)1(1)Closing balance2,8582,8373,0432,6591,989Individually assessed provisionsOpening balance2,0082,1251,9921,0111,081Additions through merger of banking licences---894-Net new and increased individual provisioning9371,2021,602805700Write-back of provisions no longer required(350)(425)(367)(285)(231)Discount unwind to interest income(90)(122)(147)(77)(65)Other317365374256151Impairment losses written off(1,194)(1,137)(1,329)(1,019)(625)Closing balance1,6282,0082,1251,5851,011Total provisions for impairment losses4,4864,8455,1684,2443,000Less: Off balance sheet provisions(31)(18)(21)(31)(18)Total provisions for loan impairment4,4554,8275,1474,2132,982GroupBank20132012201120132012Provision ratios%%%%%Collective provision as a % of credit risk weighted assets -  Basel III1. 02n/a n/a n/a (1)n/a (1)Total provision as a % of credit risk weighted assets - Basel III1. 60n/a n/a n/a (1)n/a (1)Collective provision as a % of credit risk weighted assets - Basel 2.5n/a 1. 091. 23n/a (1)n/a (1) Total provision as a % of credit risk weighted assets - Basel 2.5n/a 1. 852. 09n/a (1) n/a (1) Total provisions for impaired assets as a % of gross impaired assets (2)40. 6245. 4740. 6643. 5342. 82Total provisions for impairment losses as a % of gross loans and acceptances0. 790. 891. 000. 830. 71Group Bank 20132012201120132012Loan impairment expense$M $M $M $M $M Net collective provision funding55931245522519Net new and increased individual provisioning9371,2021,602805700Write-back of individually assessed provisions(350)(425)(367)(285)(231)Total loan impairment expense1,1461,0891,2801,042988 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 14 Provisions for Impairment (continued) 

112  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Group Individually assessed provisions by20132012201120102009industry classification$M $M $M $M $M AustraliaSovereign-----Agriculture16889877577Bank and other financial217235254254483Home loans18225620215082Construction89152133132104Other personal1411112123Asset financing2314371531Other commercial and industrial8711,1631,3071,268760Total Australia1,5641,9202,0311,9151,560OverseasSovereign-----Agriculture16711159Bank and other financial561168Home loans1728251210Construction-----Other personal-----Asset financing-----Other commercial and industrial2647574982Total overseas64889477169Total individually assessed provisions1,6282,0082,1251,9921,729Group 20132012201120102009Loans written off by industry classification$M $M $M $M $M AustraliaSovereign-----Agriculture303210102Bank and other financial7951107383110Home loans21788849536Construction1394589724Other personal622657567651496Asset financing2538267258Other commercial and industrial686884989604255Total Australia1,7981,7951,8721,887961OverseasSovereign-----Agriculture45177-Bank and other financial10115086Home loans2124262518Construction--1-4Other personal2519221814Asset financing-----Other commercial and industrial3133368660Total overseas9182103186182Gross loans written off1,8891,8771,9752,0731,143Recovery of amounts previously written offAustralia1442161997070Overseas1012773Total amounts recovered1542282067773Net loans written off1,7351,6491,7691,9961,070 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 14 Provisions for Impairment (continued) 

Note 15 Property, Plant and Equipment 

The majority of the above amounts have expected useful lives longer than twelve months after the Balance Sheet date. 

There are no significant items of property, plant and equipment that are currently under construction. 

Land and buildings are carried at fair value based on independent valuations performed during the year; refer to Note 1(y). 

Annual Report 2013 

113 

Group20132012201120102009Loans recovered by industry classification$M $M $M $M $M AustraliaSovereign-----Agriculture----1Bank and other financial8173-1Home loans454331Construction-----Other personal1131471345952Asset financing617235Other commercial and industrial133017510Total Australia1442161997070OverseasSovereign-----Agriculture-----Bank and other financial1----Home loans1----Construction-----Other personal88763Asset financing-----Other commercial and industrial-4-1-Total overseas1012773Total loans recovered1542282067773GroupBank2013201220132012$M$M$M$MLandAt 30 June valuation217222197145Closing balance217222197145BuildingsAt 30 June valuation316351279255Closing balance316351279255Total land and buildings 533573476400Leasehold ImprovementsAt cost1,4161,3501,2001,020Provision for depreciation(772)(730)(661)(570)Closing balance644620539450EquipmentAt cost1,5171,5191,1711,018Provision for depreciation(1,174)(1,164)(910)(787)Closing balance343355261231Assets Under LeaseAt cost1,3661,144350353Provision for depreciation(168)(189)(68)(58)Closing balance1,198955282295Total property, plant and equipment2,7182,5031,5581,376 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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: 

114  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Group Bank 2013201220132012Carrying value at cost$M $M $M $M Land1021039759Buildings143164135123Total land and buildings at cost245267232182GroupBank2013201220132012$M$M$M$MLandCarrying amount at the beginning of the year222269145191Additions through merger of banking licences--52-Transfers to assets held for sale(3)(1)(3)(1)Disposals(3)(48)(3)(44)Net revaluations(1)25(1)Foreign currency translation adjustment2-1-Carrying amount at the end of the year217222197145BuildingsCarrying amount at the beginning of the year351388255309Additions through merger of banking licences--57-Additions834826Transfers to assets held for sale(3)(1)(2)(1)Disposals(3)(58)(3)(57)Transfers--(3)-Net revaluations42546Depreciation(43)(37)(37)(28)Foreign currency translation adjustment2---Carrying amount at the end of the year316351279255Leasehold ImprovementsCarrying amount at the beginning of the year620614450501Additions through merger of banking licences--97-Additions14612410042Disposals(15)(10)(10)(8)Net revaluations2(1)--Depreciation(116)(107)(99)(85)Foreign currency translation adjustment7-1-Carrying amount at the end of the year644620539450EquipmentCarrying amount at the beginning of the year355357231244Additions through merger of banking licences--57-Additions143158102108Disposals(12)(5)(8)(2)Transfers--3-Net revaluations32--Depreciation(151)(158)(124)(119)Foreign currency translation adjustment51--Carrying amount at the end of the year343355261231Assets Under LeaseCarrying amount at the beginning of the year955738295281Additions3582661941Disposals(70)(11)(14)(11)Net revaluations-1--Depreciation(65)(50)(18)(16)Foreign currency translation adjustment2011--Carrying amount at the end of the year1,198955282295 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 16 Intangible Assets 

(1)  Core deposits represent 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 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 predominantly 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. The Count Financial Limited 
brand name ($4 million) is amortised over the estimated useful life of 20 years. 

(4)  Other intangibles include the value of credit card relationships acquired from Bankwest and Count franchise relationships. This value represents future net 
income  generated  from  the  relationships  that  existed  at  Balance  Sheet  date.  The  assets  have  a  useful  life  of  10  years  based  on  the  attrition  rates  of 
customers. 

Impairment Tests for Goodwill and Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives 

To assess whether goodwill and other assets with indefinite useful lives are impaired, the carrying amount of a cash-generating 
unit is compared to the recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is 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. 

Earnings multiples relating to the Group‘s Banking (Retail Banking Services, Business and Private Banking, Bankwest and New 
Zealand)  and  Wealth  Management  cash-generating  units  are  sourced  from  publicly  available  data  associated  with  businesses 
displaying similar characteristics to those cash-generating units, and are applied to current earnings. The key assumption is the 
Price-Earnings (P/E) multiple observed for these businesses, which for the Banking businesses were in the range of  12.0–15.1 
(2012: 10.0–11.8), and for Wealth Management businesses were in the range of 11.0–23.0 (2012: 11.6–23.1). The P/E multiples 
are sourced for similar companies operating in Australia and New Zealand. 

Carrying  amounts  of  cash-generating  units  are  determined  with  reference  to  the  Group’s target  equity  for  that  business,  which 
takes into account economic and regulatory capital levels and goodwill associated with that business. 

Goodwill Allocation to the following Cash-Generating Units 

(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 acquisitions of Colonial and Count Financial Limited. 

Annual Report 2013 

115 

GroupBank2013201220132012$M$M$M$MGoodwillPurchased goodwill at cost7,7237,7052,5222,522Closing balance 7,7237,7052,5222,522Computer Software CostsCost2,7702,4622,5032,108Accumulated amortisation(847)(762)(696)(507)Closing balance 1,9231,7001,8071,601Core Deposits (1)Cost495495495-Accumulated amortisation(318)(248)(318)-Closing balance 177247177-Management Fee Rights (2)Cost316316--Closing balance 316316--Brand Names (3)Cost190190186-Closing balance 190190186-Other Intangibles (4)Cost25525538-Accumulated amortisation(161)(132)(17)-Closing balance 9412321-Total intangible assets10,42310,2814,7134,123Group 20132012$M $M Retail Banking Services (1)4,1494,149Business and Private Banking297297Wealth Management (2)2,5872,587New Zealand690672Total7,7237,705 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 16 Intangible Assets (continued) 
Reconciliation of the carrying amounts of Intangible Assets is set out below: 

(1)  Due primarily to the Core Banking Modernisation initiative. 

116  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

GroupBank2013201220132012$M$M$M$MGoodwill Opening balance7,7057,3992,5222,522Additions-232--Transfers-(5)--Foreign currency translation adjustments1879--Total goodwill 7,7237,7052,5222,522Computer Software CostsOpening balance1,7001,2971,6011,204Additions:Through merger of banking licences--10-From purchases142467From internal development (1)454562406540Amortisation(245)(183)(216)(150)Total computer software costs1,9231,7001,8071,601Core DepositsOpening balance247317--Additions through merger of banking licences--230-Amortisation(70)(70)(53)-Total core deposits177247177-Management Fee RightsOpening balance316311--Transfers-5--Total management fee rights316316--Brand NamesOpening balance190186--Additions through merger of banking licences--186-Additions-4--Total brand names190190186-Other IntangiblesOpening balance12393--Additions through merger of banking licences--24-Additions152--Disposals(5)---Amortisation(25)(22)(3)-Total other intangibles9412321- 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 17 Other Assets 

The above amounts are expected to be recovered within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date. 

Note 18 Assets Held for Sale 

Note 19 Deposits and Other Public Borrowings 

The  majority  of  the  amounts  are  due  to  be  settled  within  twelve  months  of  the  Balance  Sheet  date  as  shown  in  the  maturity 
analysis table on the next page. 

Annual Report 2013 

117 

Group Bank 2013201220132012$M $M $M $M Accrued interest receivable2,1452,2752,7052,713Accrued fees/reimbursements receivable1,155883154212Securities sold not delivered1,4142,8929551,798Intragroup current tax receivable--207261Current tax assets4152--Prepayments453375370289Life insurance other assets42530941-Other965731659599Total other assets6,5987,5175,0915,872Group Bank 2013201220132012$M $M $M $M Available-for-sale investments312312Land and Buildings5252Total assets held for sale814814Group Bank 2013201220132012$M $M $M $M AustraliaCertificates of deposit42,34645,83943,31646,997Term deposits157,959152,543158,322127,640On demand and short term deposits195,017176,866195,199157,328Deposits not bearing interest 8,8917,5308,8917,528Securities sold under agreements to repurchase5,5025,2455,5395,258Total Australia409,715388,023411,267344,751OverseasCertificates of deposit6,2387,2566,1577,003Term deposits26,88128,9767,53610,853On demand and short term deposits14,46411,648233115Deposits not bearing interest2,0611,7528391Securities sold under agreements to repurchase70---Total overseas49,71449,63214,00918,062Total deposits and other public borrowings459,429437,655425,276362,813 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 19 Deposits and Other Public Borrowings (continued) 

Maturity Distribution of Certificates of Deposit and Term Deposits 

(1)  All certificates of deposit issued by the Group are for amounts greater than $100,000. 
(2)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

Note 20 Liabilities at Fair Value through Income Statement 

(1)  These  liabilities  have  been  designated  at  fair  value  through  Income  Statement  at  inception  as  they  are  managed  by  the  Group  on  a  fair  value  basis. 
Designating  these  liabilities  at  fair  value  through  Income  Statement  has  also  eliminated  an  accounting  mismatch  created  by  measuring  assets  and 
liabilities on a different basis. 

Of the above amounts, trading liabilities are expected to be settled within twelve months of the Balance Sheet date for the Group 
and the Bank. For the Group, the majority of the other amounts are expected to be settled within twelve months of the Balance 
Sheet date. For the Bank, debt instruments are expected to be settled more than twelve months after the Balance Sheet date. 

The change in fair value for those liabilities designated at fair value through Income Statement due to credit risk for the Group is 
an  $11  million  loss  (2012:  $26  million  loss)  and  for  the  Bank  is  a  $10  million  loss  (2012:  $26  million  loss),  which  has  been 
calculated by determining the changes in credit spreads implicit in the fair value of the instruments issued. The cumulative change 
in  fair  value  due  to  changes  in  credit  risk  for  the  Group  is  an  $11  million  gain  (2012:  $20  million  gain)  and  for  the  Bank  is  a 
$10 million gain (2012: $20 million gain). 

The amount that would be contractually required to be paid at maturity to the holders of the financial liabilities designated at fair 
value through Income Statement for the Group is $8,641 million (2012: $6,505 million) and for the Bank is $3,278 million (2012: 
$3,141 million). 

118  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

GroupAt 30 June 2013MaturingMaturingMaturingMaturingThreeBetweenBetweenafterMonths or Three & Six & Twelve Twelve LessSix MonthsMonthsMonthsTotal$M$M$M$M$MAustraliaCertificates of deposit (1)20,6357,49556313,65342,346Term deposits103,85319,56027,3847,162157,959Total Australia124,48827,05527,94720,815200,305OverseasCertificates of deposit (1)2,7972,835539676,238Term deposits15,3445,3264,2601,95126,881Total overseas18,1418,1614,7992,01833,119Total certificates of deposits and term deposits142,62935,21632,74622,833233,424GroupAt 30 June 2012MaturingMaturingMaturingMaturingThreeBetweenBetweenafterMonths orThree &Six & Twelve TwelveLessSix MonthsMonthsMonthsTotal$M$M$M$M$MAustraliaCertificates of deposit (1) (2)18,7635,5962,41019,07045,839Term deposits99,02620,04527,9155,557152,543Total Australia117,78925,64130,32524,627198,382OverseasCertificates of deposit (1)5,4535646635767,256Term deposits20,1184,8932,5361,42928,976Total overseas25,5715,4573,1992,00536,232Total certificates of deposits and term deposits143,36031,09833,52426,632234,614Group Bank 2013201220132012$M$M$M$MDeposits and other borrowings (1)1,4541,298--Debt instruments (1)4,3002,775400699Trading liabilities2,9472,4822,9322,482Total liabilities at fair value through Income Statement8,7016,5553,3323,181 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 21 Tax Liabilities 

Note 22 Other Provisions 

Maturity Distribution for Other Provisions 

Annual Report 2013 

119 

GroupBank2013201220132012Note$M$M$M$MAustraliaCurrent tax liability1,4731,5181,4391,520Total Australia1,4731,5181,4391,520OverseasCurrent tax liability561913Deferred tax liability5471338--Total overseas52735713Total tax liabilities2,0001,8751,4401,523Group Bank 2013201220132012Note$M $M $M $M Long service leave445416412385Annual leave223231180193Other employee entitlements61715968Restructuring costs41744138General insurance claims159184--Self insurance/non-lending losses52534949Dividends665526552Other203143186117Total other provisions1,2491,224992902Group20132012Due to beDue to beDue to beDue to beSettled WithinSettled MoreSettled WithinSettled More12 Monthsthan 12 MonthsTotal12 Monthsthan 12 MonthsTotal$M$M$M$M$M$MLong service leave299146445282134416Annual leave22122232292231Other employee entitlements2596146771Restructuring costs34741581674General insurance claims1411815916024184Self insurance/non-lending losses133952143953Dividends65-6552-52Other1564720312221143Total9313181,2499213031,224 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 22 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. The provision will 
be realised upon settlement of claims whose maturities were uncertain at the reporting date. 

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. 

120  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Bank20132012Due to beDue to beDue to beDue to beSettled WithinSettled MoreSettled WithinSettled More12 Monthsthan 12 MonthsTotal12 Monthsthan 12 MonthsTotal$M$M$M$M$M$MLong service leave289123412275110385Annual leave180-180193-193Other employee entitlements-5959-6868Restructuring costs3474138-38General insurance claims------Self insurance/non-lending losses10394994049Dividends65-6552-52Other141451869918117Total719273992666236902GroupBank2013201220132012Reconciliation$M$M$M$MRestructuring costs:Opening balance741213856Additions through merger of banking licences--24-Additional provisions7272Amounts utilised during the year(40)(49)(28)(20)Closing balance41744138General insurance claims:Opening balance184193--Additional provisions54140--Amounts utilised during the year(79)(149)--Closing balance159184--Self insurance/non-lending losses:Opening balance53494945Additions through merger of banking licences--4-Additional provisions1112711Amounts utilised during the year(5)(1)(4)-Release of provision(7)(7)(7)(7)Closing balance52534949Other:Opening balance143161117183Additions through merger of banking licences--16-Additional provisions941806376Amounts utilised during the year(26)(173)(4)(63)Release of provision(8)(25)(6)(79)Closing balance203143186117 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 23 Debt Issues 

(1)  Represents the contractual maturity of the underlying instrument. 

The  Bank’s  long  term  debt  issues  include  notes  issued  under  the:  USD70 billion  Euro  Medium  Term  Note  Program;  the 
USD50 billion  US  Medium  Term  Note  Program;  the  USD30 billion  Covered  Bond  Program;  the  USD25 billion  CBA  New  York 
Branch Medium Term Note Program; and other applicable debt documentation. Notes issued under debt programs are both fixed 
and variable rate. Interest rate risk associated with the notes is incorporated within the Bank’s interest rate risk framework. 

For  certain  debt  issues  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. 

Annual Report 2013 

121 

GroupBank2013201220132012Note$M$M$M$MMedium term notes71,03969,92364,81364,574Commercial paper34,60234,14233,73826,315Securitisation notes 478,9297,858--Covered bonds4718,23812,78916,74011,423Total debt issues132,808124,712115,291102,312Short Term Debt Issues by currencyUSD34,23028,43733,36626,143EUR999999-AUD9118191103GBP1825,30518230Other currencies-120-39Long term debt issues with less than one year to maturity20,11615,98315,70713,454Total short term debt issues54,71850,12549,44539,769Long Term Debt Issues by currencyUSD30,58131,01729,80029,814EUR17,07712,49215,98411,280AUD12,74213,0355,4376,464GBP3,6952,0713,1731,729NZD2,3972,715730472JPY4,9117,0184,8566,956Other currencies6,6486,1955,8275,784Offshore loans (all JPY)39443944Total long term debt issues78,09074,58765,84662,543Maturity Distribution of Debt Issues (1)Less than three months16,47224,58614,80517,910Between three and twelve months38,24625,53934,64021,859Between one and five years56,97054,86347,44345,739Greater than five years21,12019,72418,40316,804Total debt issues132,808124,712115,291102,312 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 23 Debt Issues (continued) 

(1)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year, which is now presenting short term borrowings by program, previously 

they were presented by issue currency. 

(2)  The amount outstanding at period end is measured at amortised cost. 
(3)  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. 

(1)  End of day, Sydney time. 

122  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Group201320122011TotalOutstanding at year end (2)34,60234,14236,121Maximum amount outstanding at any month end (3)34,60239,24236,121Average amount outstanding (3)28,17836,72127,941US Commercial Paper ProgramOutstanding at year end (2)33,49226,47126,810Maximum amount outstanding at any month end (3)33,49230,99826,810Average amount outstanding (3)25,51528,29220,520Weighted average interest rate on:Average amount outstanding0.3%0.4%0.4%Outstanding at year end0.3%0.4%0.3%Euro Commercial Paper ProgramOutstanding at year end (2)1,1107,6719,311Maximum amount outstanding at any month end (3)6,6429,4729,311Average amount outstanding (3)2,6638,4157,377Weighted average interest rate on:Average amount outstanding0.6%0.8%1.3%Outstanding at year end0.5%0.7%1.0%Domestic Commercial Paper ProgramOutstanding at year end (2)---Maximum amount outstanding at any month end (3)-15080Average amount outstanding (3)11444Weighted average interest rate on:Average amount outstanding--5.1%Outstanding at year end---             $M (except where indicated)Short Term Borrowings by Program (1)As AtAs At30 June 30 June Currency20132012AUD 1.00  =USD0.92681.0181EUR0.70980.8079GBP0.60760.6509NZD1.18601.2756JPY91.564780.9160Exchange rates utilised (1) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 23 Debt Issues (continued) 

Guarantee Arrangements 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia 

Australian Government Guarantee Scheme for Large Deposits and Wholesale Funding (Guarantee Scheme) 

The  Bank  issued  debt  under  its  programs  which  has  the  benefit  of  a  guarantee  by  the  Australian  Government  announced  on 
12 October 2008  and  formally  commenced  on  28  November  2008.  On  7  February  2010  it  was  announced  that  the  Guarantee 
Scheme would close to new liabilities from 31 March 2010. 

The  arrangements  were  provided  in  a  Deed  of  Guarantee  dated  20  November  2008,  Scheme  Rules  and  in  additional 
documentation for offers to residents of the United States and other jurisdictions. 

The  text  of  the  Guarantee  Scheme  documents  can  be  found  at  the  Australian  Government  Guarantee  website  at 
www.guaranteescheme.gov.au. Fees are payable in relation to the Guarantee Scheme, calculated by reference to the term and 
amount of the liabilities guaranteed and the Bank’s credit rating. 

Existing guaranteed debt issued by the Bank remains guaranteed until maturity, unless redeemed earlier. 

The  Financial  Claims  Scheme  (also  known  as  the  Australian  Government  Deposit  Guarantee),  which  is  administered  by  the 
Australian  Prudential  Regulation  Authority,  guarantees  deposits  denominated  in  Australian  dollars  held  in  a  specified  range  of 
deposit accounts with the Bank for balances per account-holder totalling up to $250,000. Deposits and Other Public Borrowings 
are set out in Note 19. 

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, 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. 

Note 24 Bills Payable and Other Liabilities 

Other than the defined benefit superannuation plan deficit, the above amounts are expected to be settled within twelve months of 
the Balance Sheet date. 

Annual Report 2013 

123 

Group Bank 2013201220132012Note$M $M $M $M Bills payable861773823696Accrued interest payable3,2523,4112,5592,677Accrued fees and other items payable2,1861,8721,4641,200Defined benefit superannuation plan deficit41202464202464Securities purchased not delivered1,2751,175802694Amortised receipts820745485428Life insurance other liabilities and claims payable2983246240Other1,1567977,2823,178Total bills payable and other liabilities10,0509,56113,6799,377 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 25 Loan Capital 

As at the reporting date, there are no securities of the Group or the Bank that are contractually due for redemption in the next 
twelve months (note the Group has the right to call some securities earlier than the contractual maturity date). 

(1) USD100 million Floating Rate Notes 
On  15  October  1986,  the  State  Bank  of  Victoria  issued 
USD100 million of floating rate notes. The floating rate notes 
are  perpetual  but  were  able  to  be  redeemed  from  October 
1991. They were assigned to the Bank on 1 January 1991. 

The Bank entered into an agreement with the Commonwealth 
of  Australia  on  31  December  1991  which  provides  that,  if 
certain events occur, the Bank may either issue CBA ordinary 
shares  to  the  Commonwealth  of  Australia,  or  (with  the 
consent  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Australia)  conduct  a 
renounceable  rights  issue  for  CBA  ordinary  shares  to  all 
shareholders.  The  capital  raised  must  be  used  to  pay  any 
amounts due and payable on the floating rate notes. 

The  floating  rate  notes  were  issued  into  the  international 
markets  and  are  subject  to  English  law.  They  qualify  as 
Additional  Tier  One  Capital  of  the  Bank  under  the  Basel  III 
transitional  arrangements 
instruments  as 
implemented by APRA. 

for  capital 

(2) TPS 2003 
On  6  August  2003,  a  wholly  owned  entity  of  the  Bank  (CBA 
Capital  Trust)  issued  USD550  million  of  Trust  Preferred 
Securities (TPS 2003). TPS 2003 may be redeemed for cash 
on 30 June 2015 and, if not redeemed, CBA Capital Trust will 
be required to exchange TPS 2003 for CBA ordinary shares. 

TPS  2003  were  issued  into  the  US  capital  markets  and  are 
subject to Delaware law. They qualify as Additional Tier One 
Capital  of 
transitional 
arrangements  for  capital  instruments  as  implemented  by 
APRA. 

the  Bank  under 

the  Basel 

III 

(3) PERLS III 
On 6 April 2006, a wholly owned entity of the Bank (Preferred 
Capital  Limited  or  “PCL”)  issued  $1,166  million  of  Perpetual 
Exchangeable  Repurchaseable  Listed  Shares  (PERLS  III). 
PERLS  III  are  preference  shares  which  may  be  exchanged 
for CBA ordinary shares or $200 cash each (or a combination 
of  both)  on  6  April  2016.  If  PCL  does  not  elect  to  exchange 
PERLS III, the margin on the distributions payable on  

124  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

PERLS III  will  increase  by  1.00%  per  annum.  PERLS  III  will 
automatically  be  exchanged  for  CBA  preference  shares  no 
later than 10 Business Days prior to 6 April 2046. 

PERLS  III  are  listed  on  the  ASX  and  are  subject  to  New 
South Wales law. They qualify as Additional Tier One Capital 
of  the  Bank  under  the Basel III  transitional  arrangements for 
capital instruments as implemented by APRA. 

(4) PERLS IV 
On 12 July 2007, the Bank issued $1,465 million of Perpetual 
Exchangeable  Resaleable  Listed  Securities  (PERLS  IV). 
PERLS  IV  were  stapled  securities  comprising  an  unsecured 
subordinated note issued by the Bank’s New York branch and 
a preference share issued by the Bank.  

All PERLS IV were bought back by the Bank during the year 
and subsequently cancelled. 

 (5) PERLS V 
On  14  October  2009,  the  Bank  issued  $2,000  million  of 
Perpetual  Exchangeable  Resaleable  Listed  Securities 
(PERLS  V).  PERLS  V  are  stapled  securities  comprising  an 
unsecured  subordinated  note  issued  by  the  Bank’s  New 
Zealand branch and a preference share issued by the Bank. 
PERLS  V  may  be  resold  to  a  third  party  or  repurchased  for 
$200  cash  each  on  31  October  2014  and,  if  not  resold  or 
repurchased,  the  Bank  will  be  required  to  convert  PERLS  V 
into CBA ordinary shares.  

PERLS V are listed on the ASX and are subject to New South 
Wales law. They qualify as Additional Tier One Capital of the 
Bank under the Basel III transitional arrangements for capital 
instruments as implemented by APRA.  

 (6) PERLS VI 
On  17  October  2012,  the  Bank  issued  $2,000  million  of 
Perpetual  Exchangeable  Resaleable  Listed  Securities 
(PERLS  VI).  PERLS  VI  are  unsecured  subordinated  notes. 
PERLS  VI  may  be  redeemed  or  resold  to  a  third  party  for 
$100 cash each on 15 December 2018 and, if not redeemed 
or resold, the Bank will be required to exchange PERLS VI for 
CBA ordinary shares on 15 December 2020. 

 Group BankCurrency 2013201220132012Amount (M)Footnotes$M $M $M $M Tier One Loan CapitalUndatedFRN   USD 100  (1)1089810898UndatedTPS   USD 550  (2)593540593540UndatedPERLS III   AUD 1,166  (3)1,1601,1581,1601,158UndatedPERLS IV   AUD 1,465  (4)-1,463-1,463UndatedPERLS V   AUD 2,000  (5)1,9911,9851,9881,980UndatedPERLS VI   AUD 2,000  (6)1,979-1,979-UndatedTPS   USD 700  (7)--755684Total Tier One Loan Capital5,8315,2446,5835,923Tier Two Loan CapitalAUD denominated(8)799800799800USD denominated(9)377344377344JPY denominated(10)648927648801GBP denominated(11)246229246229NZD denominated(12)-559-274EUR denominated(12)1,4041,2331,4041,233CAD denominated(12)-288-288Total Tier Two Loan Capital3,4744,3803,4743,969Fair value hedge adjustments382398380331Total Loan Capital9,68710,02210,43710,223 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 25 Loan Capital (continued)  
PERLS  VI  are  listed  on  the  ASX  and  are  subject  to  New 
South Wales law. They qualify as Additional Tier One Capital 
of the Bank under Basel III as implemented by APRA. 

(7) TPS 2006 
On 15 March 2006, a  wholly owned entity of the Bank (CBA 
Capital  Trust  II)  issued  USD700  million  of  Trust  Preferred 
Securities (TPS 2006) which may be redeemed for cash, CBA 
Tier  One  Capital  securities  or  CBA  preference  shares  on 
15 March 2016.  If  CBA  Capital  Trust  II  does  not  elect  to 
redeem TPS 2006, the fixed distribution rate payable on TPS 
2006 will change to a floating distribution rate. TPS 2006 will 
automatically  be  exchanged  for  CBA  preference  shares  on 
15 March 2056. 

TPS  2006  were  issued  into  the  US  capital  markets  and  are 
subject to Delaware law. They qualify as Additional Tier One 
Capital  under  the  Basel  III  transitional  arrangements  for 
capital instruments as implemented by APRA. 

(8) AUD denominated Tier Two Loan Capital issuances 
 

floating  rate  notes, 

$275  million  extendible 
December 1989, due December 2014; 

issued 

 

 

$25 million subordinated floating rate notes, issued April 
1999, due April 2029; and 

$500  million  subordinated  floating  rate  notes,  issued 
September 2008, due September 2018. 

 

 

Medium Term Notes), issued February 1999; 

 

 

JPY30 billion subordinated EMTN, issued October 1995, 
due October 2015; and 

JPY9  billion  perpetual  subordinated  notes,  issued  May 
1996. 

(11) GBP denominated Tier Two Loan Capital issuances 
  GBP150 million subordinated EMTN, issued June 2003, 

due December 2023. 

(12) Other currencies Tier Two Loan Capital issuances 
 

NZD350  million  redeemable  preference  shares,  issued 
May 2005, due April 2015. 

On  18  May  2005,  a  wholly  owned  entity  of  the  Bank 
(CBA  Capital  Australia  Limited)  issued  NZD350  million 
redeemable 
redeemable  preference  shares.  The 
preference  shares  are  to  be  redeemed  or  repurchased 
by CBA Capital Australia Limited on 15 April 2015. 

The  redeemable  preference  shares  are  listed  on  the 
New  Zealand  Stock  Exchange  and  are  subject  to  New 
South Wales  law.  They  qualified as  Tier  Two  Capital  of 
the Bank until 15 April 2013. 

EUR1,000  million 
subordinated 
August 2009, due August 2019; and 

notes, 

issued 

CAD300  million  subordinated  notes,  issued  October 
2007, redeemed October 2012. 

(9) USD denominated Tier Two Loan Capital issuances 
 

USD350  million  subordinated  fixed  rate  notes,  issued 
June 2003, due June 2018. 

(10) JPY denominated Tier Two Loan Capital issuances 

JPY20  billion  perpetual  subordinated  EMTN  (Euro

All Tier Two Capital securities (other than the NZD and CAD 
securities)  qualify  as  Tier  Two  Capital  under  the  Basel  III 
transitional  arrangements 
instruments  as 
implemented by APRA. 

for  capital 

Annual Report 2013 

125 

 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 26 Shareholders’ Equity 

(1)  Refer to Note 27. 
(2)  During the year the  number of shares issued included the acquisition of an additional 47% interest in Aussie Home Loans  Pty Limited. During the prior 

year the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Count Financial Limited partly funded by the issue of ordinary shares. 

(3)  The determined dividend includes an amount attributable to Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) of $930 million (final 2011/2012) with $929 million ordinary 

shares being issued under plan rules which include the carry forward of DRP balance from previous dividends. 

(4)  Relates to the on market purchase of shares to satisfy the interim DRP and the movement in treasury shares held within Life Insurance Statutory Funds 

and the employee share scheme trust. 

(5)  Dividends relating to equity instruments on issue other than ordinary shares. 

The balances disclosed above include a share of associates and joint ventures’ other comprehensive income of $1 million for the 
year ended 30 June 2013 (2012: $7 million). 

126  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

GroupBank2013201220132012Note$M$M$M$MOrdinary Share Capital (1)Opening balance25,17523,60225,49823,896Issue of shares (2)193237193237Dividend reinvestment plan (net of issue costs) (3)9291,3639281,363Exercise of executive options under employee share ownership schemes-2-2Purchase of treasury shares (4)(664)(96)--Sale and vesting of treasury shares (4)69067--Closing balance2726,32325,17526,61925,498Other Equity Instruments (1)Opening balance9399391,8951,895Closing balance279399391,8951,895Retained ProfitsOpening balance13,35611,82610,7349,593Additions through merger of banking licences--919-Actuarial gains and losses from defined benefit superannuation plans311(223)311(223)Realised gains and dividend income on treasury shares (1)2913--Operating profit attributable to Equity holders of the Bank7,6777,0907,2926,461Total available for appropriation21,37318,70619,25615,831Transfers from/(to) general reserve436(223)(3)-Transfers from capital reserve355-352-Transfers from employee compensation reserve-(1)-(1)Interim dividend - cash component(2,639)(1,635)(2,639)(1,635)Interim dividend - dividend reinvestment plan-(531)-(531)Final dividend - cash component(2,207)(2,099)(2,207)(2,099)Final dividend - dividend reinvestment plan (3)(930)(831)(930)(831)Other dividends (5)(28)(30)--Closing balance16,36013,35613,82910,734 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 26 Shareholders’ Equity (continued) 

Annual Report 2013 

127 

Group Bank 2013201220132012Reserves$M$M$M$MGeneral ReserveOpening balance1,201978570570Appropriation (to)/from retained profits(436)2233-Closing balance7651,201573570Capital ReserveOpening balance3513281,5941,576Additions through merger of banking licences--8-Revaluation surplus on sale of property423418Transfer to retained profits(355)-(352)-Closing balance-3511,2541,594Asset Revaluation ReserveOpening balance195191150163Additions through merger of banking licences--10-Revaluation of properties43295Transfers on sale of properties(4)(23)(4)(18)Tax on revaluation of properties(1)(5)(1)-Closing balance194195164150Foreign Currency Translation ReserveOpening balance(893)(1,083)(260)(330)Currency translation adjustments of foreign operations4891999376Currency translation on net investment hedge(13)3(11)4Tax on translation adjustments(10)(12)-(10)Closing balance(427)(893)(178)(260)Cash Flow Hedge ReserveOpening balance644(402)587(387)Additions through merger of banking licences--189-Gains and losses on cash flow hedging instruments:Recognised in other comprehensive income(575)730(619)847Transferred to Income Statement:Interest income(1,046)(354)(862)(254)Interest expense1,2721,1121,091796Tax on cash flow hedging instruments73(442)122(415)Closing balance368644508587Employee Compensation ReserveOpening balance136135136135Current period movement(4)1(4)1Closing balance132136132136Available-for-Sale Investments ReserveOpening balance(63)245(45)237Net gains and losses on revaluation of available-for-sale investments553(349)365(315)Net gains and losses on available-for-sale investments transferred toIncome Statement on disposal(31)(81)(31)(86)Tax on available-for-sale investments(158)122(101)119Closing balance301(63)188(45)Total Reserves1,3331,5712,6412,732Shareholders' Equity attributable to Equity holders of the Bank44,95541,04144,98440,859Shareholders' Equity attributable to Non-controlling interests537531--Total Shareholders' Equity45,49241,57244,98440,859 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 27 Share Capital 

Ordinary Share Capital 

(1)  During the year the  number of shares issued included the acquisition of an additional 47% interest in Aussie Home Loans  Pty Limited. During the prior 

year the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Count Financial Limited partly funded by the issue of ordinary shares. 

(2)  The determined dividend includes an amount attributable to DRP of $930 million (final 2011/2012) and $831 million (final 2010/2011) with $929 million and 

$832 million ordinary shares being issued under plan rules, which include the carry forward of DRP balance from previous dividends. 

(3)  The  DRP  in  respect  of  2012/2013  interim  dividend  was  satisfied  in  full  through  the  on  market  purchase  and  transfer  of  $596 million  of  shares  to 

participating shareholders. 

(4)  The gross dividend entitlement in respect of DRP for the 2011/2012 interim dividend was $531 million, with $531 million ordinary shares issued under plan 

rules. 

(5)  Relates to treasury shares held within Life Insurance Statutory Funds and the employee share scheme trust. 

(1)  During the year the  number of shares issued included the acquisition of an additional 47% interest in Aussie Home Loans  Pty Limited. During the prior 

year the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Count Financial Limited partly funded by the issue of ordinary shares. 

(2)  The DRP in respect of the 2012/2013 interim dividend was satisfied in full through the on market purchase and transfer of 8,662,389 shares to participating 

shareholders. 

(3)  Relates to treasury shares held within the Life Insurance Statutory Funds and the employees share scheme trust. 

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 

Trust Preferred Securities 2006 

On 15 March 2006, a wholly owned entity of the Bank (CBA Capital Trust II) issued USD700 million of Trust Preferred Securities 
(TPS 2006) into the US capital markets. They qualify as Additional Tier One Capital under the Basel III transitional arrangements 
for capital instruments as implemented by APRA. 

A related instrument was issued by the Bank to a subsidiary for $956 million and eliminates on consolidation. 

128  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Group Bank 2013201220132012Issued and paid up ordinary capital$M $M $M $M Ordinary Share CapitalOpening balance (excluding treasury shares deduction)25,49823,89625,49823,896Issue of shares (1)193237193237Dividend reinvestment plan: Final dividend prior year (2)929832928832Dividend reinvestment plan: Interim dividend (3) (4)-531-531Exercise of executive options under employee share ownership schemes-2-2Closing balance (excluding treasury shares deduction)26,62025,49826,61925,498Less: treasury shares (5)(297)(323)--Closing balance26,32325,17526,61925,498Group Bank 2013201220132012Number of shares on issueShares Shares Shares Shares Opening balance (excluding treasury shares deduction)1,592,154,7801,558,637,2441,592,154,7801,558,637,244Issue of shares (1)2,747,9955,042,9492,747,9955,042,949Dividend reinvestment plan issues:2010/2011 Final dividend fully paid ordinary shares $47.48-17,524,300-17,524,3002011/2012 Interim dividend fully paid ordinary shares $48.81-10,874,187-10,874,1872011/2012 Final dividend fully paid ordinary shares $54.5417,026,061-17,026,061-2012/2013 Interim dividend fully paid ordinary shares $68.76 (2)----Exercise of executive options under employee share ownership schemes-76,100-76,100Closing balance (excluding treasury shares deduction)1,611,928,8361,592,154,7801,611,928,8361,592,154,780Less: Treasury Shares (3)(6,076,006)(6,874,405)--Closing balance1,605,852,8301,585,280,3751,611,928,8361,592,154,780Group Bank 2013201220132012Other equity instruments$M $M $M $M Issued and paid up9399391,8951,895Shares Shares Shares Shares Number of shares700,000700,0001,400,0001,400,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 27 Share Capital (continued) 

Dividends 

The Directors have declared a fully franked final dividend of 200 cents per share amounting to $3,224 million. The dividend will be 
payable on 3 October 2013 to shareholders on the register at 5pm EST on 23 August 2013. 

The Board determines the dividends based on the Group’s 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 197 cents per share amounting to $3,137 million was paid on 5 October 2012. The payment 
comprised cash disbursements of $2,207 million with $930 million being reinvested by participants through the DRP; and 

A fully franked interim dividend of 164 cents per share amounting to $2,639 million was paid on 5 April 2013. The payment 
fully comprised cash disbursements of $2,041 million. The DRP was satisfied in full by the on market purchase of shares. 

Dividend Reinvestment Plan 

The  Bank  expects  the  DRP  for  the  final  dividend  for  the  year  ended  30  June  2013  will  be  satisfied  in  full  by  an  on  market 
purchase of shares of approximately $806 million. 

Record Date 

The register closes for determination of dividend entitlement and for participation in the DRP at 5pm EST on  23 August 2013 at 
Link Market Services Limited, Locked Bag A14, Sydney South, 1235. 

Ex-dividend Date 

The ex-dividend date is 19 August 2013. 

Note 28 Share Based Payments 

The Group operates a number of cash and equity settled share plans as detailed below. 

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 the Group’s 
net profit after tax (“cash basis”) of greater than 5%. If the hurdle is not met, the Board has discretion to determine whether a full 
award, a partial award or no award is made. 

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. While the Group did not achieve the performance target for  the 2012 financial year, the 
Board exercised its discretion and approved a partial grant of $800 worth of shares to each eligible employee in recognition of 
their contribution to the Group’s results in a difficult economic environment. 

The following table provides details of shares granted under the ESAP during the current and previous financial years ended 30 
June. 

It is estimated that approximately $34.0 million of ordinary shares will be purchased on market at the prevailing market price for 
the 2013 grant. 

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  the  same  as  that  which  applies  to  ESAP.  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.  

A total of $0.5 million has been expensed during the year (2012: $1.1 million) in respect of this plan. 

Annual Report 2013 

129 

Number of sharesTotal numberTotalPeriodAllocation dateParticipants allocated by participant of shares allocatedIssue price $fair value $201314 Sep 201229,92114418,89454.7922,951,20220129 Sep 201127,46521576,76546.9127,056,046 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 28 Share Based Payments (continued) 

Employee Share Plan 

The  Employee  Share  Plan  (ESP)  facilitates  mandatory  short  term  incentive  (STI)  deferral,  sign-on  incentives  and  retention 
awards. 

Under the ESP, shares awarded generally vest when 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 granted under the ESP. 

The  weighted  average  fair  value  at  grant  date  of  shares  awarded  during  the  year  was  $54.82  (2012:  $48.32).  A  total  of 
$41.5 million has been expensed during the year (2012: $35.7 million) 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 facilitates mandatory STI deferral, sign-on incentives and retention awards. Under the ESPUP 
participants  receive  grants  of  performance  units,  which  are  monetary  units  with  a  value  linked  to  the  Bank’s  share  price. 
Performance units generally vest when 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. 

The weighted average fair value at grant date of performance units issued during the year was $54.63 (2012: $46.45). A total of 
$7.4 million has been expensed during the year (2012: $6.9 million) in respect of this plan. 

Group Employee Rights Plan 

The  Group  Employee  Rights  Plan  (GERP)  facilitates  the  mandatory  STI  deferral,  sign-on  incentives  and  retention  awards  for 
executives of selected subsidiary companies. Under the GERP, participants receive a right to a share which is subject to vesting 
conditions. Rights awarded generally vest when the participant remains in employment of the Group until the vesting date. The 
following table provides details of outstanding awards of rights granted under GERP. 

The weighted average fair value at grant date of rights issued during the year was $54.74 (2012: $48.08). A total of $1.5 million 
has been expensed during the year (2012: $1.0 million) in respect of this plan. 

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.  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. 

130  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

OutstandingOutstandingPeriod1 JulyGrantedVestedForfeited30 JuneJuly 2010 - June 2011612,699-(104,199)(6,063)502,437July 2011 - June 20121,022,190-(167,615)(71,633)782,942July 2012 - June 2013-827,482(35,956)(14,961)776,565Total 20131,634,889827,482(307,770)(92,657)2,061,944Total 2012772,2681,108,959(179,273)(67,065)1,634,889OutstandingOutstandingPeriod1 JulyGrantedVestedForfeited30 JuneJuly 2010 - June 201163,943-(22,787)(1,869)39,287July 2011 - June 201295,347-(33,914)(4,827)56,606July 2012 - June 2013-79,634(26,271)(3,042)50,321Total 2013159,29079,634(82,972)(9,738)146,214Total 201295,643138,982(74,427)(908)159,290OutstandingOutstandingAllocation period1 JulyGrantedVestedForfeited30 JuneJuly 2009 - June 20106,587-(6,587)--July 2010 - June 201117,860-(979)(1,047)15,834July 2011 - June 201235,496-(3,949)(1,603)29,944July 2012 - June 2013-34,400(2,962)(2,081)29,357Total 201359,94334,400(14,477)(4,731)75,135Total 201231,08939,134(4,482)(5,798)59,943 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 28 Share Based Payments (continued) 
The following table provides details of shares granted under the ESSSP. 

Equity Participation Plan 

The Equity Participation Plan (EPP) facilitated the partial deferral of executives STI payments, together with sign-on and retention 
awards. Shares generally vest to participants when 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 EPP was closed to new offers in the 2010 financial year. 

The following table provides details of outstanding awards of shares granted under the mandatory component of EPP. 

(1)  No awards were allocated from July 2005 to June 2007. 

A total of $0.04 million has been expensed during the year (2012: $11.0 million). 

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 closed to new offers in the 2010 financial year. 

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 generally vest when 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 EPPUP. 

Due to the vesting price of performance units being lower than the grant price, a $0.1 million gain (2012: $1.0 million loss) has 
been recognised 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 focuses on driving performance and shareholder alignment in the longer term. 

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: 

 

 

50% of the award assessed against Customer Satisfaction compared to a set peer group; and 

50% of the award assessed against Total Shareholder Return (TSR) compared to a set peer group. 

For awards made from the 2011 financial year onwards: 

 

 

25% of the award assessed against Customer Satisfaction compared to a set peer group; and 

75% of the award assessed against TSR compared to a set peer group. 

The  Customer  Satisfaction  peer  group  consists  of  the  ANZ,  NAB,  St  George  (FY10  award  only),  Westpac  and  other  key 
competitors. 

Annual Report 2013 

131 

PeriodParticipantsNumber of shares purchasedAverage share price $Total purchase consideration $201347717,96559.861,075,390201222714,31449.33706,109OutstandingVested andOutstandingAllocation period1 JulyGrantedReleasedForfeited30 JuneJuly 2002 - June 200323,315-(23,315)--July 2003 - June 200427,678-(4,216)-23,462July 2004 - June 2005 (1)23,796-(5,707)-18,089July 2007 - June 200827,150-(4,279)-22,871July 2008 - June 200948,344-(28,244)-20,100July 2009 - June 2010536,117-(519,365)-16,752Total 2013686,400-(585,126)-101,274Total 20121,446,306-(735,345)(24,561)686,400OutstandingOutstandingAllocation period1 JulyGrantedVestedForfeited30 JuneJuly 2009 - June 201043,383-(43,383)--Total 201343,383-(43,383)--Total 201258,973-(15,590)-43,383 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 28 Share Based Payments (continued) 

Group Leadership Reward Plan (continued) 

The  TSR  peer  group  for  all  awards  comprises  the  20  largest  companies  listed  on  the  ASX  (by  market  capitalisation)  at  the 
beginning of each respective performance period, excluding resource 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 2010 financial year 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 at the end of the performance period, with no 
vesting below this level.  

For the 2011 and 2012 financial year awards, the portion of the awards 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 at the end of the performance period. 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 the 
overall performance is worse at the end of the performance period than at the beginning, none of this portion will vest. 

For the 2013 financial year award, the portion of the award assessed against Customer Satisfaction that will vest is: 100% 
where  the  weighted  average  ranking  for  CBA  over  the  performance  period  is  1st  (i.e.  1.00),  50%  where  CBA’s  weighted 
average  ranking  is  2nd  and  vesting  on  a  sliding  scale  between  100%  and  50%  on  a  pro-rata  straight  line  basis  if  CBA’s 
weighted average ranking is between 1st and 2nd (i.e. between 1.00 and 2.00). No Reward Rights in this part of the award will 
vest if CBA’s weighted average ranking is lower than 2nd (i.e. above 2.00). 

For the portion of the 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 was subject to the same performance hurdles as the four year award. The transitional award reached the end 
of its performance period on 30 June 2012 and in line with the plan rules 87.50% of the awarded rights vested. 

The following table provides details of outstanding awards of performance rights granted under the GLRP. 

The  weighted  average  fair  value  at  the  grant  date  of  all  Reward  Rights  issued  during  the  year  was  $53.86  per  right  (2012: 
$36.13). 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  2013 financial year award includes a risk 
free  interest  rate  ranging  from  3.04%  to  3.22%,  a  nil  dividend  yield  on  the  Bank’s  ordinary  shares  and  a  volatility  in  the  Bank 
share price of 20.0%. 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 $12.9 million has been expensed in the current year (2012: $18.8 million) for GLRP. 

Equity Reward Plan 

The Equity Reward Plan (ERP) was the Group’s long term incentive plan for executives until the final grants were made in 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 granted under the ERP. 

No amount has been expensed in the current or prior year. 

132  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

PerformancePerformanceOutstandingOutstandingperiod start datetest date1 JulyGrantedVestedForfeited30 June 1 July 200930 June 2012370,297-(312,931)(57,366)- 1 July 200930 June 2013523,919--(47,471)476,448 1 July 201030 June 2014388,412--(34,446)353,966 1 July 201130 June 2015416,986--(38,927)378,059 1 July 201230 June 2016-446,281--446,281Total 20131,699,614446,281(312,931)(178,210)1,654,754Total 20121,282,628416,986--1,699,614OutstandingOutstandingAllocation period1 JulyGrantedReleasedForfeited30 JuneJuly 2002 - June 20031,650-(1,650)--July 2003 - June 200415,500-(3,000)-12,500July 2004 - June 200513,500-(3,000)-10,500July 2005 - June 200632,780-(2,000)-30,780July 2006 - June 200738,900-(3,900)-35,000Total 2013102,330-(13,550)-88,780Total 2012209,590-(107,260)-102,330 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 28 Share Based Payments (continued) 

Non-Executive Directors Share Plan 

The Non-Executive Directors Share Plan (NEDSP) facilitates the following arrangements for Non-Executive Directors’ (NEDs): 

 

 

Acquisition of shares using 20% of their post-tax fees. NEDs are required to defer 20% of their post-tax fees until they reach 
a minimum shareholding requirement of 5,000 shares; 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  $0.03  million  (2012:  $0.2  million)  was  expensed  reflecting  shares  purchased  and  allocated  under  the 
NEDSP. 

Note 29 Non-Controlling Interests 

The  share  capital  above  comprises  predominantly  New  Zealand  Perpetual  Preference  Shares  (PPS)  of  AUD505  million.  On 
10 December 2002, ASB Capital Limited, a New Zealand subsidiary, issued NZD200 million (AUD182 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 payments 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 Limited, a New Zealand subsidiary, issued NZD350 million (AUD323 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  payments  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  PPS  issued  by  ASB  Limited  (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. 

Annual Report 2013 

133 

Total fees appliedNumber of sharesAverage purchase pricePeriod$Participants purchased$201334,049153863.292012175,449103,67347.77Group 20132012$M $M Shareholders' equity537531Total non-controlling interests537531 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 30 Capital Adequacy 

Capital Management

The  Bank  is  an  Authorised  Deposit-taking  Institution  (ADI) 
and  is  subject  to  regulation  by  APRA  under  the  authority  of 
the  Banking  Act  1959.  APRA  has  set  minimum  regulatory 
capital requirements for banks based on the Basel Committee 
on Banking Supervision (BCBS) guidelines.  

The  Basel  III  measurement  and  monitoring  of  capital  has 
been  effective  from  1  January  2013.  APRA  has  adopted  a 
more  conservative  approach  than  the  minimum  standards 
published  by  the  BCBS  and  a  more  accelerated  timetable. 
The  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 
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  Common  Equity  Tier  One 
(CET1),  Tier  One  and  Tier  Two  Capital.  CET1  primarily 
consists  of  Shareholders’  Equity,  less  goodwill  and  other 
prescribed  adjustments.  Tier  One  Capital  is  comprised  of 
CET1 plus other capital instruments acceptable to APRA. Tier 
Two  Capital  is  comprised  primarily  of  hybrid  and  debt 
the 
instruments  acceptable 
aggregate  of  Tier  One  and  Tier  Two  Capital.  A  detailed

to  APRA.  Total  Capital 

is 

breakdown of the components of capital is detailed on pages 
24 to 25. 

The  tangible  component  of  the  investment  in  the  insurance 
and  funds management  operations  are  deducted  100%  from 
CET1. 

Capital  adequacy  is  measured  by  means  of  a  risk  based 
capital ratio. The capital ratios reflect capital (CET1, 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  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 both the Executive Committee 
and  the  Asset  and  Liability  Committee  (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  2012  and  2013 
financial years were in compliance with both APRA minimum 
capital  adequacy  requirements  and  the  Board  Approved 
minimums. 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. 

134  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 31 Financial Reporting by Segments
The  principal  activities  of  the  Group  are  carried  out  in  the 
below business segments. These segments are based on the 
distribution channels through which the customer relationship 
is being managed. 

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 Other Divisions).  

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  it  provides  the  basis  for  the 
determination  of  the  Bank’s  dividends.  The  “cash  basis” 
presents  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. 

(i) Retail Banking Services 

Retail  Banking  Services  provides  home  loan,  consumer 
finance and retail deposit products and servicing  to all Retail 
bank  customers.  In  addition,  commission  is  received  for  the 
distribution of 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. 

(iii) Institutional Banking and Markets 

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

(iv) Wealth Management 

Wealth Management includes the Global Asset Management 
(including  operations 
in  Asia  and  Europe),  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 
Institutional  Banking  and 
Markets). 

international  business  of 

(vi) Bankwest 

Bankwest  is  active  in  all  domestic  market  segments,  with 
lending  diversified  between  the  business,  rural,  housing  and 
personal markets, including a full range of deposit products. 

(vii) Other Divisions 

The  following  parts  of  the  business  are  included  in  Other 
Divisions: 

 

International  Financial  Services  Asia  incorporates  the 
Asian  retail  and  SME  banking  operations  (Indonesia, 
China,  Vietnam  and  India),  investments  in  Chinese  and 
life 
Vietnamese  banks, 
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; 

joint  venture  Chinese 

the 

 

Corporate  Centre  includes  the  results  of  unallocated 
Group  support  functions  such  as  Investor  Relations, 
Group Strategy, Secretariat and Treasury; and 

  Group  wide  Eliminations/Unallocated 

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

includes 

During  the  year,  the  Group  made  a  number  of  segment 
reporting  improvements  effective  from  1  July  2012.  Results 
and  balances  for  the  comparative  period  in  this  note  have 
been restated due to the following: 

 

 

 

Customer  Reporting  – 
revenue,  expenses  and 
associated customer balances were reallocated between 
segments  based  on  where  the  customer  relationship  is 
being managed, rather than the business from which the 
product  originated.  This  change  primarily  affects  the 
presentation  of 
the  Retail  Banking  Services  and 
Business and Private Banking segments. 

Capital  Allocation  –  the  Group  allocated  higher  capital 
the 
to  business  segments 
requirements 
introduction of the Basel III regulatory capital framework. 
Earnings on equity  were reallocated from the Corporate 
Centre  (where  residual  capital  was  previously  held)  to 
each  segment,  with  no  change  to  total  Group  capital 
levels. 

following 

Single  ADI  – 
treasury-related  revenues,  operating 
expenses  and  balance  sheet  items  were  transferred 
from  the  Bankwest  segment  to  the  Corporate  Centre 
following  the  relinquishment  of  the  Bankwest  banking 
licence. 

Annual Report 2013 

135 

 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 31 Financial Reporting by Segments (continued) 

(1) 
Investment experience is presented on a pre-tax basis. 
(2)  Operating expenses include volume related expenses. 
(3)  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 items for the period are Bell Group litigation ($45 million expense), treasury shares valuation adjustment ($53 million expense), unrealised gains and losses related to hedging and IFRS volatility ($27 million gain), and 
Bankwest non-cash items ($71 million expense). 

136  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

RetailBusiness andInstitutionalBankingPrivateBanking andWealthNewServices Banking Markets Management Zealand Bankwest Other Total $M$M$M$M$M$M$M$MNet interest income6,4272,9421,344-1,1091,53758513,944Other banking income1,5208101,289-2402101524,221Total banking income7,9473,7522,633-1,3491,74773718,165Funds management income---2,07554-172,146Insurance income---716247-711,034Total operating income7,9473,7522,6332,7911,6501,74782521,345Investment experience (1)---1576-(9)154Total net operating income before impairment and operating expense7,9473,7522,6332,9481,6561,74781621,499Operating expenses (2)(3,063)(1,355)(901)(2,008)(767)(825)(686)(9,605)Loan impairment expense(533)(280)(154)-(45)(118)48(1,082)Net profit before income tax4,3512,1171,57894084480417810,812Corporate tax expense(1,297)(629)(368)(253)(209)(243)22(2,977)Non-controlling interests------(16)(16)Net profit after tax ("cash basis") (3)3,0541,4881,2106876355611847,819Hedging and IFRS volatility----(24)-5127Other non-cash items--(45)(53)-(71)-(169)Net profit after tax ("statutory basis")3,0541,4881,1656346114902357,677Additional informationIntangible asset amortisation(31)(43)(24)(14)(27)(75)(126)(340)Depreciation(7)(15)(66)(3)(29)(37)(218)(375)Balance SheetTotal assets264,713103,605144,81320,50858,06073,88288,295753,876Acquisition of property plant and equipment, intangibles and other non-current assets11135936940187670Investment in associates and joint ventures257309892--1,0932,281Total liabilities181,12271,667143,13922,88252,79342,007194,774708,3842013  
 
 
 
 
Note 31 Financial Reporting by Segments (continued) 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

(1)  Comparatives have been restated to align to improvements made in segment reporting. For details of the changes made refer to Note 31 page 135. 
(2) 
Investment experience is presented on a pre-tax basis. 
(3)  Operating expenses include volume related expenses. 
(4)  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 items for the period are Count Financial acquisition costs ($43 million expense), treasury shares valuation adjustment ($15 million expense), unrealised gains and losses related to hedging and IFRS volatility ($124 million 
gain), and Bankwest non-cash items ($89 million expense). 

(5)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

Annual Report 2013 

137 

RetailBusiness andInstitutionalBankingPrivateBanking andWealthNewServicesBankingMarketsManagementZealandBankwestOtherTotal$M$M$M$M$M$M$M$MNet interest income5,9392,9211,489-1,0131,46233313,157Other banking income1,451860901-2142013003,927Total banking income7,3903,7812,390-1,2271,66363317,084Funds management income---1,88844-251,957Insurance income---691227-42960Total operating income7,3903,7812,3902,5791,4981,66370020,001Investment experience (2)---194(11)-(34)149Total net operating income before impairment and operating expense7,3903,7812,3902,7731,4871,66366620,150Operating expenses (3)(2,965)(1,350)(840)(1,909)(724)(848)(560)(9,196)Loan impairment expense(583)(266)(154)-(37)(61)12(1,089)Net profit before income tax3,8422,1651,3968647267541189,865Corporate tax expense(1,139)(652)(298)(235)(185)(227)-(2,736)Non-controlling interests------(16)(16)Net profit after tax ("cash basis") (4)2,7031,5131,0986295415271027,113Hedging and IFRS volatility----28-96124Other non-cash items---(58)-(89)-(147)Net profit after tax ("statutory basis")2,7031,5131,0985715694381987,090Additional informationIntangible asset amortisation(36)(45)(9)(8)(24)(84)(70)(276)Depreciation(8)(16)(52)(4)(26)(31)(215)(352)Balance SheetTotal assets (5)250,16699,786143,15520,64351,45673,96379,690718,859Acquisition of property plant and equipment, intangibles and other non-current assets682542874893198894Investment in associates71286822--9711,898Total liabilities (5)167,01870,531137,51621,08147,22646,833187,082677,2872012 (1) 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements  

Note 31 Financial Reporting by Segments (continued) 

Products and Services Information 

Revenue from external customers by product or service is disclosed in Notes 2 and 3. No single customer amounted to greater 
than 10% of the Group’s revenue. 

Geographical Information 

(1)  Other locations include: United Kingdom, United States, Japan, Singapore, Malta, Hong Kong, Indonesia, China, India and Vietnam. 
(2)  Non-current assets include Property, plant and equipment, Investments in associates and joint ventures and Intangibles. 

The geographical segment represents the location in which the transaction was recognised. 

Note 32 Insurance Businesses 

Life Insurance 

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. Refer to Note 1(ff) – (ii). The insurance segment result is prepared on a business segment basis. 

138  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

GroupYear Ended 30 June201320122011Financial Performance & Position$M%$M%$M%IncomeAustralia39,18487. 341,80988. 640,98688. 4New Zealand3,8908. 73,7087. 93,8198. 2Other locations (1)1,7934. 01,6763. 51,5963. 4Total income44,867100. 047,193100. 046,401100. 0Non-Current Assets (2)Australia14,21192. 213,59492. 612,70692. 9New Zealand1,0236. 69176. 28526. 2Other locations (1)1881. 21711. 21230. 9Total non-current assets15,422100. 014,682100. 013,681100. 0Life InsuranceLife InvestmentContractsContractsGroup201320122013201220132012Summarised income statement$M$M$M$M$M$MPremium income and related revenue2,0421,8903052412,3472,131Outward reinsurance premiums expense(302)(249)--(302)(249)Claims expense(1,187)(1,103)(51)(35)(1,238)(1,138)Reinsurance recoveries233228--233228Investment revenue (excluding investments in subsidiaries):Equity securities1646757(92)921(86)Debt securities84368242494326862Property4022613210154Other39113146(68)18545Increase in contract liabilities(157)(202)(1,097)(314)(1,254)(516)Operating income9561,0733632581,3191,331Acquisition expenses(256)(254)(33)(30)(289)(284)Maintenance expenses(368)(329)(81)(78)(449)(407)Management expenses(14)(14)(25)(25)(39)(39)Net profit before income tax318476224125542601Income tax expense attributable to operating profit(125)(214)(121)(29)(246)(243)Net profit after income tax19326210396296358 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 32 Insurance Businesses (continued) 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

The  disclosure  of  the  components  of  net  profit  after  income  tax  is  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. 

Prescribed Capital of Controlled Insurance Companies 

Australian Life Insurers and General Insurers 

Under the Life Insurance Act 1995, life insurers are required to hold reserves in excess of the amount of policy liabilities. These 
additional  reserves  are  necessary  to  support  the  life  insurer's  capital  requirements  under  its  business  plan  and  to  provide  a 
cushion against adverse experience in managing long term risks. APRA has issued Life Prudential Standard (LPS) 110 'Capital 
Adequacy' for determining the level of capital reserves. LPS110 prescribes the minimum capital requirement for each statutory 
fund and the minimum level of assets required to be held in each statutory fund. 

Under APRA General Prudential Standard (GPS) 110 ‘Capital Adequacy’, general insurers are required to maintain a capital base 
in  excess  of  its minimum  capital  requirement  as  defined  under  the Prudential  Standard.  The  Group  has  been  operating  with  a 
Board approved Capital Management Policy during the course of the year. The Group’s  Capital Management Policy takes into 
account the need to hold additional capital as a prudential safeguard against inadvertent breach of the regulatory requirements. 
Overseas Life Insurers 

The overseas life insurers are required to hold reserves in excess of the amount of policy liabilities. The summarised information 
provided  has  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  local  solvency  requirements,  as  prescribed  by  local  Acts  and  prevailing  local 
prudential rules. 

Annual Report 2013 

139 

Life Insurance Life Investment Contracts Contracts Group 201320122013201220132012Sources of life insurance net profit$M $M $M $M $M $M The net profit after income tax is represented by:Emergence of planned profit margins2222328395305327Difference between actual and planned experience(95)(57)19(1)(76)(58)Effects of changes to underlying assumptions8(20)--8(20)Reversal of previously recognised losses or loss recognition on groups of related products(4)2--(4)2Investment earnings on assets in excess of policyholder liabilities621081263110Other movements-(3)---(3)Net profit after income tax19326210396296358Life insurance premiums received and receivable2,0461,9025416782,5872,580Life insurance claims paid and payable1,2471,1681,6331,5762,8802,744Life InsuranceLife InvestmentContractsContractsGroupReconciliation of movements in201320122013201220132012policy liabilities$M$M$M$M$M$MContract policy liabilitiesGross policy liabilities opening balance3,2663,1379,72810,51512,99413,652Movement in policy liabilities reflected in the Income Statement2452111,0973141,342525Contract contributions recognised in policy liabilities69237439243448Contract withdrawals recognised in policy liabilities(61)(65)(1,582)(1,541)(1,643)(1,606)Non-cash movements(60)(26)41-(19)(26)FX translation adjustment19-681871Gross policy liabilities closing balance3,4153,2669,5899,72813,00412,994Liabilities ceded under reinsuranceOpening balance(172)(164)--(172)(164)Increase in reinsurance assets(89)(8)--(89)(8)Closing balance(261)(172)--(261)(172)Net policy liabilitiesExpected to be realised within 12 months5795641,7281,5832,3072,147Expected to be realised in more than 12 months2,5752,5307,8618,14510,43610,675Total net insurance policy liabilities3,1543,0949,5899,72812,74312,822 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements  

Note 32 Insurance Businesses (continued) 
Prescribed Capital Amount (PCA) 

The figures in the table below show the number of times coverage for each insurance subsidiary representing the assets available 
for capital over the capital reserve. 

(1)  2013 PCA coverage was determined using the new Life and General Insurance Capital (LAGIC) Standard effective 1 January 2013. 

Note 33 Remuneration of Auditors 
During the financial year, the following fees were paid or payable for services provided by the auditor of the Group and the Bank, 
and its network firms: 

(1)  An additional amount of $8,812,600 (2012: $9,231,613) was paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers by way of fees for entities not consolidated into the Financial 

Statements. Of this amount, $8,331,928 (2012: $8,411,965) 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 assurance and risk compliance support. 

Other services include project assurance particularly relating to information technology projects, and reviews of compliance with 
legal and regulatory frameworks. 

140  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

20132012PCA CoverageTimesTimesThe Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited, Australia (1)1. 652. 19Sovereign Assurance Company Limited, New Zealand1. 291. 19PT Commonwealth Life, Indonesia7. 514. 82Commonwealth Insurance Limited, Australia (1)1. 921. 83GroupBank2013201220132012$'000$'000$'000$'000a) Audit and audit related servicesAudit servicesPricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm14,62714,03010,0779,106Network firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm3,9153,815517476Total remuneration for audit services18,54217,84510,5949,582Audit related servicesPricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm2,7024,6202,1573,270Network firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm53838921895Total remuneration for audit related services3,2405,0092,3753,365Total remuneration for audit and audit related services21,78222,85412,96912,947b) Non-audit servicesTaxation servicesPricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm1,8811,5301,5131,432Network firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm1,2071,347116360Total remuneration for tax related services3,0882,8771,6291,792Other ServicesPricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm1,6782,5991,2872,599Network firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm-41--Total remuneration for other services1,6782,6401,2872,599Total remuneration for non-audit services 4,7665,5172,9164,391Total remuneration for audit and non-audit services (1)26,54828,37115,88517,338 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 34 Lease Commitments 

(1)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

Lease Arrangements 

Operating leases are entered into to meet the business needs of entities in the Group. Leases are primarily over commercial and 
retail premises and plant and equipment. 

Lease rentals are determined in accordance with market conditions when leases are entered into or on rental review dates. 

The total expected future sublease payments to be received are $149 million as at 30 June 2013 (2012: $77 million). 

Note 35 Contingent Liabilities, Contingent Assets and Commitments 

Details  of  contingent  liabilities  and  off  balance  sheet  business  are  presented  below.  The  face  (contract)  value  represents  the 
maximum potential amount that could be lost if the counterparty fails to meet its financial obligations. 

(1)  Guarantees are unconditional undertakings given to support the obligations of a customer to third parties. 
(2)  Standby letters of credit are undertakings to pay, against presentation of documents, an obligation in the event of a default by a customer. 
(3)  Bills of exchange endorsed by the Group and Bank which represent liabilities in the event of default by the acceptor and the drawer of the bill. 
(4)  Documentary  letters  of  credit  are  undertakings  by  the  Group  and  Bank  to  pay  or  accept  drafts  drawn  by  a  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. 

Annual Report 2013 

141 

Group Bank 2013201220132012$M $M $M $M Lease Commitments - Property, Plant and Equipment (1)Due within one year 565544515404Due after one year but not later than five years 1,4271,4031,2841,053Due after five years 1,0731,044839639Total lease commitments - property, plant and equipment3,0652,9912,6382,096Group Face Value Credit Equivalent 2013201220132012Credit risk related instruments$M $M $M $M Guarantees (1)5,6965,3585,6965,357Standby letters of credit (2)134201134201Bill endorsements (3)19231923Documentary letters of credit (4)3,6531,7633,6211,759Performance related contingents (5)1,5421,6771,5101,605Commitments to provide credit (6)139,964127,833132,451113,503Other commitments (7)1,8682,0931,5101,468Total credit risk related instruments152,876138,948144,941123,916Bank Face Value Credit Equivalent 2013201220132012Credit risk related instruments$M $M $M $M Guarantees (1)5,3454,7185,3454,718Standby letters of credit (2)362362Bill endorsements (3)19231923Documentary letters of credit (4) 3,6011,7443,5751,744Performance related contingents (5)1,5421,5761,5101,554Commitments to provide credit (6)130,753109,648123,235105,045Other commitments (7)939934924924Total credit risk related instruments142,235118,645134,644114,010 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements  

Note 35 Contingent Liabilities, Contingent Assets and Commitments (continued) 
Contingent Credit Liabilities 

(ASIC)  commenced  legal  proceedings  against  the  Bank  in 
relation  to  Storm  Financial,  a  Queensland-based  financial 
planning  firm  that  collapsed  and  went  into  receivership  in 
March  2009.  These  proceedings  were  settled  in  September 
2012 with CBA agreeing, without admission of liability, to pay 
affected  investors  up  to  approximately  $136  million  (in 
addition to payments under CBA’s resolution scheme).  

In addition, class action proceedings have been commenced 
against the Group in relation to Storm Financial. At this stage 
only the damages sought on behalf of the four lead applicants 
have  been  quantified  on  a  number  of  alternate  bases,  thus 
quantification  of  the  claims  of  all  group  members  is  not 
possible.  The  hearing  of  the  proceedings  commenced  in 
March  2013  and  is  scheduled  to  conclude  in  September 
2013.  

The  Group  believes  that  appropriate  provisions  are  held  to 
cover any exposures arising from the class action referred to 
above. 

Exception Fee Class Action 

In  May  2011,  Maurice  Blackburn  announced  that  it  intended 
to sue 12 Australian banks, including Commonwealth Bank of 
Australia  and  Bankwest,  with  respect  to  exception  fees.  On 
16  December  2011  proceedings  were 
issued  against 
Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia,  and  on  18  April  2012 
against  Bankwest.  Both 
proceedings  were 
proceedings are stayed until March 2014 pending the hearing 
of  similar  proceedings  against  another  bank.  The  financial 
impact cannot be reliably measured at this stage; however, it 
is not anticipated to have a material impact on the Group. 

issued 

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. 

Interbank Deposit Agreement 

The Bank is a participant to the Interbank Deposit Agreement 
along  with  the  other  three  major  Australian  banks.  This 
agreement has been certified as a liquidity support facility by 
APRA.  Under  the  agreement,  should  one  of  the  participants 
experience  liquidity  issues,  it  can  request  deposits  from  the 
other three participating banks, each of which are required to 
deposit up to $2 billion for a period of 30 days. At the end of 
30 days the deposit holder has the option to repay the deposit 
in cash or by way of assignment of mortgages to the value of 
the deposit. 

Capital Commitments 

The  Group  is  committed  for  capital  expenditure  on  property, 
plant and equipment and computer software under contract of 
$17 million as at 30 June 2013 (2012: $54 million). The Bank 
is  committed  for  $12  million  (2012:  $14 million).  These 
commitments  are  expected  to  be  extinguished  within  12 
months. 

Services Agreements 

The  maximum  contingent  liability  for  termination  benefits  in 
respect  of  service  agreements  with  the  Chief  Executive 
Officer  and  other  Group  Key  Management  Personnel  at 
30 June 2013 was $5 million (2012: $4.7 million). 

The  Group  and  Bank  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 
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. 

include  guarantees, 

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  and  Bank’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 
the 
irrevocable  because 
discretion  of  the  Group  or  Bank  without  the  risk  of  incurring 
significant  penalty  or  expense.  In  addition,  commitments  to 
purchase or sell loans are included in other commitments. 

they  cannot  be  withdrawn  at 

These  transactions  are  categorised  and  credit  equivalents 
risk-based 
calculated  under  APRA  guidelines 
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 

Under the Basel III 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  than  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  and  Bank  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 141 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.  For  all 
litigation  exposure  where  some  loss  is  probable  and  can  be 
reliably  estimated  an  appropriate  provision  has  been  made. 
Litigation related contingent liabilities at 30 June 2013: 

Storm Financial 

The  Australian  Securities  and 

Investments  Commission

142  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 35 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  creditworthiness  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,  re-pledge,  or 
otherwise  use  some  of  the  collateral  received.  At  Balance  Sheet  date  the  carrying  value  of  cash  accepted  as  collateral  (and 
recognised  on  the  Group’s  and  the  Bank’s  Balance  Sheets)  and  the  fair  value  of  securities  accepted  as  collateral  (but  not 
recognised on the Group’s or the Bank’s Balance Sheets) were as follows: 

Assets Pledged 

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: 

(1)  These balances include assets sold under repurchase agreements. The liabilities related to these repurchase agreements are disclosed in Note 19. 

The Group and the Bank have pledged collateral as part of entering repurchase and derivative agreements. These transactions 
are governed by standard industry agreements. 

Note 36 Fiduciary Activities 
The  Group  conducts  investment management  and  other  fiduciary  activities  as  responsible  entity,  trustee, custodian,  adviser  or 
manager  for  investment  funds  and  trusts,  including  superannuation  and  approved  deposit  funds,  wholesale  and  retail  trusts. 
These  funds  and  trusts  are  not  consolidated  as  the  Group  does  not  have  direct  or  indirect  control.  Where  the  Group  incurs 
liabilities in respect of these activities, and the primary obligation is incurred in an agency capacity, for the fund or trust rather than 
on its own account, 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,  administered  or managed,  but  not  reported  in the  Group’s Balance Sheet  are  as 
follows: 

(1)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

Annual Report 2013 

143 

GroupBank2013201220132012$M$M$M$MCash6,9633,2886,6893,208Securities8,0167,0187,2827,006Collateral held14,97910,30613,97110,214Collateral held which is re-pledged or sold15---GroupBank2013201220132012$M$M$M$MCash2,8533,5072,8233,414Assets at fair value through Income Statement (1)5,8776,2225,8446,237Assets pledged8,7309,7298,6679,651Asset pledged which can be re-pledged or re-sold by counterparty5,5725,2455,5395,258Group 20132012$M $M Funds under administration (1)217,692177,508Assets under management (1)169,328140,400 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements  

Note 37 Risk Management 

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 
the 
instruments  are 
Group’s  business.  Managing  financial  risks,  especially  credit 
risk, is a fundamental part of the Group’s business activities. 

fundamental 

to 

Governance 

A description of the Group’s risk governance is set out in the 
Corporate  Governance  Section  of  the  Annual  Report  (pages 
34 to 39). 

Risk Management Framework 

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

This  framework  requires  each  business  to  manage  the 
outcome  of  its  risk-taking  activities  and  allows  it  to  benefit 
from the resulting risk adjusted returns. 

Accountability for risk management is structured by a “Three 
Lines of Defence” model as follows: 

 

 

the  place 

Line 1 – Business Management  – risk is best managed 
at 
it  occurs.  Business  Managers  are 
responsible  for  managing  the  risks  for  their  business. 
This  includes  implementing  approaches  to  proactively 
manage  their  risk  within  risk  appetite  levels,  and  using 
risk  management  outcomes  (“the  costs  of  risk”)  and 
considerations  as  part  of  their  day-to-day  business 
making processes. 

integrated 

Line  2  –  Risk  Management  –  Group  and  Business  Unit 
Risk  Management  teams  provide  risk  management 
expertise  and  oversight  for  Business  Management  risk-
taking activities. Risk Management develop and maintain 
aligned  and 
frameworks,  policies  and 
procedures  for  risk  management  and  ensure  they  are 
embedded  and 
the  day-to-day 
in  use  as  part  of 
management  of  the  business.  Risk  Management  also 
measures  risk  exposures  to  support  risk  decisions  by 
business  owners  and  also  to  make  certain  market  and 
credit  risk  decisions  under  approved  delegations  of 
authority;  in  particular  it  undertakes  quantitative  and 
qualitative analysis of the credit exposures originated by 
the business as part of its responsibility for credit rating 
and decisioning. 

Line  3  –  Group  Audit  and  Assurance  –  provide 
independent  assurance  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, including credit origination and credit quality of 
the portfolio. 

Material Business Risks 

There  are  a  number  of  material  business  risks  that  could 
adversely  affect  the  achievement  of  the  Group’s  financial 
performance objectives.  The main financial risks affecting the 
Group are discussed in Notes 32 (Insurance Businesses), 38 
(Credit Risk), 39 (Market Risk), and 40 (Liquidity and Funding 
Risk).  Insurance  Risk,  Operational  Risk,  Compliance  Risk, 
Strategic Business Risk and Reputational Risk are discussed 
below. 

Insurance Risk 

Insurance  risk  is  the  risk  of  loss  due  to  increases  in  policy 
benefit  payments  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) related claims being greater than expected. For the 
general  insurance  business,  variability  arises  mainly  through 
weather  related  incidents  and  similar  events,  as  well  as 

144  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

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  that  the  level  of  risk 
associated with an individual contract can be accurately 
assessed,  charged  for  through  premium  rates,  and 
reserved for; 

Claims  management,  where  an  assessment  is  made 
such that only genuinely insured claims are admitted and 
paid; and 

 

Transferring a portion of the risk carried to reinsurers. 

Further information on the Life Insurance Business is included 
in Note 32 to the Financial Statements. 

Operational Risk 

inadequate  or 

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

failed 

The  Group’s  Operational  Risk  Management  Framework 
(ORMF)  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,  including  a 
consistent  approach  to  operational  risk  management 
across the Group; 

Transparency,  escalation  and  resolution  of  risk  and 
control incidents and issues; and 

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

The  Group  measures  operational  risk  using  an  APRA 
approved  Advanced  Measurement  Approach  capital  model 
which  is  integrated  into  the  ORMF.  The  inputs  include 
scenario analysis, loss data and risk indicators. 

Compliance Risk 

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

is  consistent  with 

The  Group’s  Compliance  Risk  Management  Framework 
(CRMF) 
the  Australian  Standard  on 
Compliance Programs. 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 
Licences. The CRMF incorporates a number of components, 
including  Group  policies,  a  Compliance  Obligations  Register 
and  a  Compliance  Review  program  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, 
testing  of 
implementation  of  controls,  monitoring  and 
framework effectiveness and the escalation, remediation and 
reporting of compliance incidents and control weaknesses. 

Strategic Business Risk 

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

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 37 Risk Management (continued) 
by the following factors: 

  Macroeconomic conditions; 

 

 

Competitive forces at work; or 

Social trends. 

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. 

it  exists 

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. 
the  organisation  and 
throughout 
Furthermore, 
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 
on  Group-related 
responds 
respects,  adverse 
transactions. 
reputational  risk  outcomes  flow  from  the  failure  to  manage 
other types of risk. 

In  many  but  not  all 

influences 

external 

to 

Note 38 Credit Risk 
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), commitments to lend, 
investments 
financial  market 
transactions,  providers  of  credit  enhancements  (e.g.  credit 
default  swaps,  lenders  mortgage  insurance),  securitisations 
and  other  associated  activities.  In  the  insurance  business, 
credit risk arises from investment in bonds and notes, loans, 
and from reliance on reinsurance. 

in  bonds  and  notes, 

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  appetite  and  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 
capacity,  acceptable 
loan 
documentation tests. 

terms  and  security  and 

The  Group  uses  a  Risk  Committee  approved  diversified 
the  management  of  credit  risk 
portfolio  approach 
concentrations comprised of the following: 

for 

 

 

 

A  large  credit  exposures  policy,  which  sets  limits  for 
aggregate  exposures  to  individual,  commercial,  bank 
and government client groups; 

An  industry  concentrations  policy  that  defines  a  system 
of limits for concentrations 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  by  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 and personal loan facilities, some leasing products 
and most secured commercial lending up to $1 million. 

Auto-decisioning  is  used  to  approve  credit  applications  for 
eligible  business  and  consumer  customers.  Auto-decisioning 
uses  a  scorecard  approach  based  on  the  Group’s  historical 
experience  on  similar  applications,  information  from  a  credit 
reference bureau and/or from the Group’s existing knowledge 
of a customer’s behaviour. 

that  do  not  meet  scorecard  Auto-
Loan  applications 
decisioning 
to  a  Risk 
Management  Officer  with  a  Personal  Credit  Approval 
Authority (PCAA) for manual decisioning. 

requirements  may  be 

referred 

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  Risk  Management  or  Business  Credit  Support  Unit. 
Commercial lending up to $1 million is reviewed as part of the 
Group’s quality assurance process and oversight is provided 
by the independent Credit Portfolio Assurance unit. Facilities 
in 
for  remedial 
management  by  centralised  units  based  on  delinquency 
band. 

the  Retail  segment  become  classified 

(ii) Credit Risk-Rated 

This  segment  comprises  commercial  exposures,  including 
bank and government exposures. Each exposure 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  either  a  PD  Rating  Tool  or  Expert 
Judgement is used to determine the PD.  

Expert  Judgement  is  used  where  the  complexity  of  the 
transaction and/or the debtor is such that it is inappropriate to 
rely completely on a statistical model. Ratings by Moody’s or 
Standard  and  Poor’s  may  be  used  as  inputs  into  the  Expert 
Judgement assessment. 

The 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 APRA. 

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.  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. These credit facilities are not eligible for new or  

Annual Report 2013 

145 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements  

Note 38 Credit Risk (continued) 

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  are  classified  as  restructured  where  their  original 
contractual  arrangements  have  been  modified  to  provide  for 
concessions of interest or principal, for reasons that relate to 
the customer’s financial difficulties, rendering the facility non-
commercial 
that  have  been 
the  Group.  Facilities 
restructured are considered impaired. 

to 

Default is usually consistent with one or more of the following 
criteria: 

 

 

The  customer  is  90  days  or  more  overdue  on  a 
scheduled credit obligation repayment; or  

The  customer  is  unlikely  to  repay  their  credit  obligation 
to  the  Bank  in  full,  without  taking  actions  such  as 
realising on available security. 

The  Credit  Portfolio  Assurance  unit,  part  of  Group  Audit  and 
Assurance,  reviews  credit  portfolios  and  business  unit 
compliance  with  policies,  portfolio  standards,  application  of 
credit risk ratings and other key practices 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  that 
reviews  and  endorses  the  use  of  the  tools  prior  to  their 
implementation  to  ensure  they  are  sufficiently  predictive  of 
risk. 

(i) Expected Loss 

Expected Loss (EL) is the product of: 

 

 

 

Probability of default (PD); 

Exposure at default (EAD); and 

Loss given default (LGD). 

For  credit  risk-rated  facilities,  EL  is  allocated  within  CRR 
bands.  All  credit  risk-rated  exposures  are  required  to  be 
reviewed  at  least  annually  although  small  transactions  may 
be managed on a behavioural basis post origination. 

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  except 
where prudential standards permit differentiation.  

EAD,  expressed  as  a  percentage  of  the  facility  limit,  is  the 
proportion of a facility that may be outstanding in the event of 
default.  The  EAD  treatment  is  as  follows  for  different  facility 
types: 

 

 

 

Drawn  committed  facilities  (such  as  fully  drawn  loans 
and  advances),  EAD  will  generally  be  the  higher  of  the 
limit or outstanding balance; 

Committed  facilities  with  uncertain  future  drawdown 
(such  as  credit cards  and  overdrafts),  EAD  is  based  on 
the  Group’s  historical  experience  of  additional  drawings 
prior to customer default; and 

Uncommitted 
outstanding balance only. 

facilities,  EAD  will  generally  be 

the 

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; 

146  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

 

 

Carrying costs (effectively the costs of providing a facility 
that is not generating an interest return); and 

Realisation costs (costs of internal workout specialists). 

Various  factors  are  considered  when  calculating  PD,  EAD 
and LGD. Considerations include the potential for default by a 
borrower  due  to  economic,  management,  industry  and  other 
risks, and the mitigating benefits of any collateral. 

(ii) Unexpected Loss 

In addition to EL, a more stressed loss amount is calculated. 
This unexpected loss estimate directly affects the calculation 
of  regulatory  and  internal  economic  capital  requirements, 
refer to the Group Operations and Business Settings section 
and  Note  30,  for  information  relating  to  regulatory  and 
economic capital. 

In  addition to  the credit  risk management  processes  used to 
manage  exposures  to  credit  risk  in  the  credit  portfolio,  the 
internal 
in 
assessing  impairment  and  provisioning  of  financial  assets, 
refer to Note 14. 

ratings  process  also  assists  management 

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  and  amount  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  100%  collateralised  by  highly  liquid  debt 
securities,  collateral  is  usually  not  sought  on  these  balances 
as exposures are generally considered low risk. The collateral 
related to agreements to resell has been legally transferred to 
the Group subject to an agreement to return them for a fixed 
price.  

The  Group’s  cash  and 
liquid  asset  balance  as  of 
30 June 2013  was  $20,634  million  (2012:  $19,666 million). 
Included 
(2012: 
$9,599 million)  that  is  deposited  with  central  banks  and 
considered to carry less credit risk. 

is  $9,250  million 

this  balance 

in 

Receivables Due from Other Financial Institutions 

Collateral  is  usually  not  sought  on  these  balances  as 
exposures  are  generally  considered  to  be  of  low  risk.  The 
exposures  are mainly to  relatively  low  risk  banks  (Rated  A+, 
AA-  or  better).  As  of  30  June  2013,  the  Group  had 
$7,744 million  (2012:  $10,886  million)  receivable  from  other 
financial institutions.   

Trading Assets at Fair Value through Income Statement 

These assets are carried at fair value which accounts for the 
credit risk. Collateral is not generally sought from the issuer or 
counterparty.  Credit  derivatives  have  been  used  to  a  limited 
extent 
to  credit  risk.  As  of 
30 June 2013, the Group held $19,617 million (2012: $13,816 
million) trading assets at fair value. 

the  exposure 

to  mitigate 

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. 

As  at  30  June  2013,  the  Group  has  $9,707  million  (2013: 
$10,025 million) of life investment contracts, the credit risk on 
which is borne by policyholders. 

Other Financial Assets Designated at Fair Value through 
Income Statement 

These assets are carried at fair value which accounts for the 
credit risk. Credit derivatives used to mitigate the exposure to 
credit risk are not significant. 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 38 Credit Risk (continued) 

Derivative Assets 

The Group’s use of derivative contracts is outlined in Note 11. 
The  Group  is  exposed  to  credit  risk  on  derivative  contracts, 
which  arises  as  a  result  of  counterparty  credit  risk.  The 
Group’s  exposure  to  counterparty  risk  is  affected  by  the 
nature of the trades, the creditworthiness of the counterparty, 
netting, and collateral arrangements.  

for 

financial  markets  counterparties,  but 

Credit  risk  from  derivatives  is  mitigated  where  possible 
(typically 
less 
for  corporate  or  government  counterparties) 
frequently 
through  netting  agreements,  whereby  derivative  assets  and 
liabilities  with  the  same  counterparty  can  be  offset.  Group 
policy  requires  all  netting  arrangements 
legally 
documented.  The 
International  Swaps  and  Derivatives 
Association  (ISDA)  Master  Agreement  (or  other  derivative 
contracts)  are  used  by  the  Group  as  an  agreement  for 
documenting  over  the  counter  (OTC)  derivatives.  It  provides 
the  contractual  framework  within  which  dealing  activities 
across  a  range  of  OTC  products  are  conducted,  and 
contractually  binds  both  parties  to  apply  close-out  netting 
across all outstanding transactions covered by an agreement 
if either party defaults or other predetermined events occur. 

to  be 

Collateral is obtained against derivative assets, depending on 
the  creditworthiness  of  the counterparty  and/or  nature  of  the 
transaction. 

As at 30 June 2013, the Group held positive derivative asset 
OTC  contracts  with  a  value  of  $45,340 million  (2012: 
$39,567 million)  and  collateral  received  of  $6,963 million 
(2012: $3,288 million) covering some of these contracts. The 
credit  risk  is  further  reduced  where  the  Group  has  master 
netting agreements. The offsets obtained by applying master 
netting  agreements  reduced  the  credit  risk  of  the  Group  by 
approximately  $19.5  billion  as  at  30  June  2013  (2012: 
$18.6 billion). 

Available-for-Sale (AFS) Securities 

As  of  30  June  2013,  the  Group  held  $59,601  million  (2012: 
$60,827 million) of AFS securities. Included in this holding are 
$523  million  (2012:  $1,317  million)  of  securities  issued  by 
Australian  banks,  which  are  subject 
to  an  Australian 
Government guarantee. 

Due from Controlled Entities 

Collateral is not generally taken on these intergroup balances. 

Credit Commitments and Contingent Liabilities 

The Group applies fundamentally the same risk management 
policies  for  off  balance  sheet  risks  as  it  does  for  its  on 
balance  sheet  risks.  In  the  case  of  credit  commitments, 
customers  and  counterparties  will  be  subject  to  the  same 
credit  management  policies  as  for  loans  and  advances. 
Collateral  may  be  sought  depending  on  the  strength  of  the 
counterparty and the nature of the transaction. 

As  at  30  June  2013,  the  Group  had  $152,876  million  (2012: 
$138,948  million)  of  off  balance  sheet  exposures 
(commitments  and  guarantees).  Of  these  $82,199  million 
(2012: $70,041 million) are secured. 

Loans, Bills Discounted and Other Receivables 

The  principal  collateral  types  for 
balances are: 

loans  and  receivable 

  Mortgages over residential and commercial real estate; 

 

Charges  over  business  assets  such  as  premises, 
inventory and accounts receivables; and 

  Guarantees received from third parties. 

Specifically,  the  collateral  mitigating  credit  risk  of  the  key 
lending portfolios is addressed in the notes and tables below. 

(i) Home Loans 

All home loans are secured by fixed charges over borrowers’ 
residential  properties,  other  properties  (including  commercial 
and broad acre), or cash (usually in the form of a charge over 
a  deposit).  Further,  Lenders  Mortgage  Insurance  (LMI)  is 
taken  out  for  most  loans  with  a  Loan  to  Value  Ratio  (LVR) 
higher  than  80%  at  origination  to  cover  100%  of  the  original 
principal plus interest. 

(ii) Personal Lending 

Personal  lending  (such  as  credit  cards),  is  predominantly 
unsecured. 

(iii) Asset Finance  

The Group leases assets to corporate and retail clients. When 
the title to the underlying fixed assets is held by the Group as 
collateral,  the  balance  is  deemed  fully  secured.  In  other 
instances,  a  client’s  facilities  may  be  secured  by  collateral 
valued  at  less  than  the  carrying  amount  of  credit  exposure. 
These facilities are deemed partially secured or unsecured. 

(iv) Other Commercial and Industrial Lending 

The  Group’s  main  collateral  types  for  other  commercial  and 
industrial  lending  consists  of  secured  rights  over  specified 
assets  of  the  borrower  in  the  form  of:  commercial  property; 
land  rights;  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 other instances, a client’s facilities may 
be  secured  by  collateral  with  value  less  than  the  carrying 
amount  of  the  credit  exposure.  These  facilities  are  deemed 
partially secured or unsecured. 

A  facility  is  determined  to  be  secured  where  the  ratio  of  the 
exposure to that facility to the estimated value of the collateral 
is  less  than  or  equal  to  100%.  A  facility  is  deemed  to  be 
partially secured when this ratio exceeds 100% but not more 
than  250%,  and  unsecured  when  either  no  security  is  held, 
(e.g. can include credit cards, personal loans, and exposures 
to highly rated corporate entities), or where the secured loan 
to estimated value of collateral exceeds 250%. 

Annual Report 2013 

147 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements  

Note 38 Credit Risk (continued) 

(1)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

148  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Group2013OtherHomeOtherAssetCommercialLoansPersonalFinancingand IndustrialTotalMaximum exposure ($M)372,84022,6598,688158,571562,758Collateral classification:Secured (%)99. 115. 099. 344. 680. 4Partially secured (%)0. 9-0. 714. 54. 7Unsecured (%)-85. 0-40. 914. 9Group2012OtherHomeOtherAssetCommercialLoansPersonalFinancingand IndustrialTotalMaximum exposure ($M) (1)352,98122,4288,682148,289532,380Collateral classification:Secured (%)98. 716. 299. 436. 677. 7Partially secured (%)1. 3-0. 613. 64. 7Unsecured (%)-83. 8-49. 817. 6Bank2013OtherHomeOtherAssetCommercialLoansPersonalFinancingand IndustrialTotal Maximum exposure ($M)337,38421,8088,227140,433507,852Collateral classification:Secured (%)99. 115. 499. 244. 580. 5Partially secured (%)0. 9-0. 813. 74. 4Unsecured (%)-84. 6-41. 815. 1Bank2012OtherHomeOtherAssetCommercialLoansPersonalFinancingand IndustrialTotal Maximum exposure ($M) (1)271,66720,0677,822111,974411,530Collateral classification:Secured (%)98. 919. 099. 539. 478. 5Partially secured (%)1. 1-0. 511. 03. 8Unsecured (%)-81. 0-49. 617. 7 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 38 Credit Risk (continued) 

Maximum Exposure to Credit Risk by Industry and Asset Class before Collateral Held or Other Credit Enhancements 

The below tables detail the concentration of credit exposure assets by significant geographical locations and counterparty types. 
Disclosures do not take into account collateral held and other credit enhancements. 

(1) 

In most cases the credit risk of insurance assets is borne by policyholders. However, on certain insurance contracts the Group retains exposure to credit 
risk. 

(2)  Loans, bills discounted and other receivables is presented gross of provisions for impairment and unearned income on lease receivables in line with Note 

13. 

(3)  For the purpose of reconciling to the Balance Sheet, “Other assets” predominantly comprises assets which do not give rise to credit exposure, including 

Intangible assets, Property, plant and equipment and Other assets. 

Annual Report 2013 

149 

GroupAt 30 June 2013BankAssetOtherAgri-& OtherHomeConstr-OtherFinanc-Comm &SovereigncultureFinancialLoansuctionPersonalingIndust.OtherTotal $M $M $M $M $M $M $M $M $M $MCash and liquid assets--5,857------5,857Receivables due from otherfinancial institutions--3,808------3,808Assets at fair value throughIncome Statement:Trading9,726-1,078----2,406-13,210Insurance (1)945-8,013----3,487-12,445Other44-145------189Derivative assets4223335,189-42--4,539-40,225Available-for-sale investments28,587-23,311----859-52,757Loans, bills discountedand other receivables (2)1,9715,9717,929338,0232,63421,7968,414110,545-497,283Bank acceptances32,770190-554--2,537-6,054Other assets (3)98221,8217707491246917,60720,855Total on balance sheet Australia41,7968,79687,341338,7933,23721,8458,426124,84217,607652,683Credit risk exposures relating to off balance sheet assets:Guarantees1,43046192-726--2,935-5,329Loan commitments9191,4701,90560,5841,61518,625-37,686-122,804Other commitments123223,477-538--1,903-6,063Total Australia44,26810,33492,915399,3776,11640,4708,426167,36617,607786,879OverseasCredit risk exposures relating to on balance sheet assets:Cash and liquid assets--14,777------14,777Receivables due from otherfinancial institutions--3,936------3,936Assets at fair value throughIncome Statement:Trading493-798----5,116-6,407Insurance (1)--1,914------1,914Other587-131------718Derivative assets474153,481----1,145-5,115Available-for-sale investments5,460-1,359----25-6,844Loans, bills discountedand other receivables (2)9,6706,4807,02934,8173018632746,041-65,475Bank acceptances-------9-9Other assets (3)24142611-2361,6172,108Total on balance sheet overseas16,7086,49633,85134,81830286327612,3721,617107,303Credit risk exposures relating to off balance sheet assets:Guarantees7243-45--270-367Loan commitments3884471324,0667291,383-10,015-17,160Other commitments765191-10-75796-1,153Total overseas17,1796,95034,21738,8841,0862,24635123,4531,617125,983Total gross credit risk61,44717,284127,132438,2617,20242,7168,777190,81919,224912,862AustraliaCredit risk exposures relating to on balance sheet assets: 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements  

Note 38 Credit Risk (continued) 

Maximum Exposure to Credit Risk by Industry and Asset Class before Collateral Held or Other Credit Enhancements 

(1) 

In most cases the credit risk of insurance assets is borne by policyholders. However, on certain insurance contracts the Group retains exposure to credit 
risk. 

(2)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 
(3)  Loans, bills discounted and other receivables is presented gross of provisions for impairment and unearned income on lease receivables in line with Note 

13. 

(4)  For the purpose of reconciling to the Balance Sheet, “Other assets” predominantly comprises assets which do not give rise to credit exposure, including 

Intangible assets, Property, plant and equipment and Other assets. 

150  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

GroupAt 30 June 2012BankAssetOtherAgri-& OtherHomeConstr-OtherFinanc-Comm &SovereigncultureFinancialLoansuctionPersonalingIndust.OtherTotal $M $M $M $M $M $M $M $M $M $MAustraliaCredit risk exposures relating to on balance sheet assets:Cash and liquid assets--7,519------7,519Receivables due from otherfinancial institutions--6,135------6,135Assets at fair value throughIncome Statement:Trading5,560-975----2,416-8,951Insurance (1)929-8,476----3,413-12,818Other--6------6Derivative assets (2)3116630,138-31--4,846-35,392Available-for-sale investments25,639-26,604----479-52,722Loans, bills discountedand other receivables (3)1,6195,25110,225322,9182,79621,7728,214104,330-477,125Bank acceptances32,886191-603--6,032-9,715Other assets (4)37611841,16511321748014,02316,010Total on balance sheet Australia34,0988,26490,453324,0833,44121,8048,231121,99614,023626,393Credit risk exposures relating to off balance sheet assets:Guarantees1,2413425814903--2,766-5,216Loan commitments1,1178142,08257,1581,90318,923-32,674-114,671Other commitments 96131,7704725--2,042-4,650Total Australia36,5529,12594,563381,2596,97240,7278,231159,47814,023750,930OverseasCredit risk exposures relating to on balance sheet assets:Cash and liquid assets--12,147------12,147Receivables due from otherfinancial institutions--4,751------4,751Assets at fair value throughIncome Statement:Trading407-859----3,599-4,865Insurance (1)--1,707------1,707Other967-7------974Derivative assets (2)22513,157----792-4,175Available-for-sale investments6,948-1,156----1-8,105Loans, bills discountedand other receivables (3)10,2355,1983,15630,0633456564685,134-55,255Bank acceptances-------2-2Other assets (4)1915,3781--1371,7467,183Total on balance sheet overseas18,8015,20032,31830,0643456564699,5651,74699,164Credit risk exposures relating to off balance sheet assets:Guarantees-12-12--127-142Loan commitments3923751973,8491681,172-7,009-13,162Other commitments711--3--1,032-1,107Total overseas19,2645,57732,51733,9135281,82846917,7331,746113,575Total gross credit risk55,81614,702127,080415,1727,50042,5558,700177,21115,769864,505 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 38 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, the type of client and the 
security cover. All exposures outside the policy limits 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): 

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 12% 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  $19.5  billion  as  at  30  June  2013  (2012: 
$18.6 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 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 $16.7 billion as at 
30 June 2013 (2012: $18.0 billion). 

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  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  provisions  for  impairment  by  type  of  financial 
instrument at 30 June 2013 was: 

Distribution of Financial Instruments by Credit Quality 

Annual Report 2013 

151 

Group20132012NumberNumber5% to less than 10% of the Group's capital resources-110% to less than 15% of the Group's capital resources--Group2013Neither PastPast dueTotal Provisions Due norbut notImpairedfor ImpairmentImpaired ImpairedAssetsGrossLossesNet$M$M$M$M$M$MCash and liquid assets20,634--20,634-20,634Receivables due from other financial institutions7,744--7,744-7,744Assets at fair value through Income Statement:Trading19,617--19,617-19,617Insurance14,359--14,359-14,359Other907--907-907Derivative assets45,337-345,340-45,340Available-for-sale investments59,601--59,601-59,601Loans, bills discounted and other receivables:Australia480,45313,2913,539497,283(4,198)493,085Overseas63,0102,01844765,475(257)65,218Bank acceptances6,063--6,063-6,063Credit related commitments151,406-341151,747(31)151,716869,13115,3094,330888,770(4,486)884,284 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements  

Note 38 Credit Risk (continued) 

Distribution of Financial Instruments by Credit Quality (continued) 

(1)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

(1)  On 1  October 2012 the Commonwealth  Bank  of Australia Limited and Bank of Western Australia Limited (Bankwest) commenced operating as a single 
Authorised  Deposit-taking  Institution  (ADI).  This  resulted  in  all  Bankwest  assets  and  liabilities  becoming  the  assets  and  liabilities  of  the  Commonwealth 
Bank of Australia Limited. 

152  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Group 2012Neither PastPast DueTotal Provisions Due nor but notImpairedfor Impairment Impaired ImpairedAssetsGrossLossesNet$M$M$M$M$M $MCash and liquid assets19,666--19,666-19,666Receivables due from other financial institutions10,886--10,886-10,886Assets at fair value through Income Statement:Trading13,816--13,816-13,816Insurance14,525--14,525-14,525Other980--980-980Derivative assets (1)39,559-839,567-39,567Available-for-sale investments (1)60,827--60,827-60,827Loans, bills discounted and other receivables: (1)Australia459,73313,2414,151477,125(4,596)472,529Overseas52,8412,00341155,255(231)55,024Bank acceptances9,717--9,717-9,717Credit related commitments (1)138,831-117138,948(18)138,930821,38115,2444,687841,312(4,845)836,467Bank (1)2013Neither PastPast DueTotal ProvisionsDue nor but notImpairedfor ImpairmentImpairedImpairedAssetsGrossLossesNet$M$M$M$M$M$MCash and liquid assets18,030--18,030-18,030Receivables due from other financial institutions6,998--6,998-6,998Assets at fair value through Income Statement:Trading18,398--18,398-18,398Insurance------Other718--718-718Derivative assets45,200-345,203-45,203Available-for-sale investments125,941--125,941-125,941Loans, bills discounted and other receivables:Australia477,70113,2723,495494,468(4,168)490,300Overseas13,27799813,384(45)13,339Bank acceptances6,059--6,059-6,059Shares in and loans to controlled entities63,017--63,017-63,017Credit related commitments140,767-339141,106(31)141,075916,10613,2813,935933,322(4,244)929,078 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 38 Credit Risk (continued) 

Distribution of Financial Instruments by Credit Quality (continued) 

(1)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

Financial Assets Assessed as Impaired 

(1)  This includes individually assessed provisions, as well as collective provisions held for these portfolios. 
(2)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

Annual Report 2013 

153 

Bank2012Neither PastPast DueTotal ProvisionsDue nor but notImpairedfor ImpairmentImpairedImpairedAssetsGrossLossesNet$M$M$M$M$M$MCash and liquid assets17,952--17,952-17,952Receivables due from other financial institutions10,482--10,482-10,482Assets at fair value through Income Statement:Trading12,071--12,071-12,071Insurance------Other980--980-980Derivative assets (1)39,684-739,691-39,691Available-for-sale investments116,567--116,567-116,567Loans, bills discounted and other receivables: (1)Australia387,27011,2752,396400,941(2,949)397,992Overseas10,4401413510,589(33)10,556Bank acceptances9,715--9,715-9,715Shares in and loans to controlled entities75,006--75,006-75,006Credit related commitments (1)118,584-61118,645(18)118,627798,75111,2892,599812,639(3,000)809,639Group 20132012GrossTotal ProvisionsNet GrossTotal ProvisionsNet Impairedfor ImpairedImpaired Impairedfor ImpairedImpaired AssetsAssets (1)Assets AssetsAssets (1)Assets $M$M$M $M$M$M AustraliaHome loans946(182)764919(256)663Other personal (2)255(142)113212(131)81Asset financing58(23)3553(14)39Other commercial and industrial2,620(1,345)1,2753,079(1,639)1,440Financial assets assessed as impaired - Australia3,879(1,692)2,1874,263(2,040)2,223OverseasHome loans171(17)154163(28)135Other personal (2)9(3)610(3)7Asset financing4-47-7Other commercial and industrial267(47)220244(60)184Financial assets assessed as impaired - overseas451(67)384424(91)333Total financial assets assessed as impaired4,330(1,759)2,5714,687(2,131)2,556 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements  

Note 38 Credit Risk (continued) 

Financial Assets Assessed as Impaired (continued) 

(1)  On 1  October 2012 the Commonwealth  Bank  of Australia Limited and Bank of Western Australia Limited (Bankwest) commenced operating as a  single 
Authorised  Deposit-taking  Institution  (ADI).  This  resulted  in  all  Bankwest  assets  and  liabilities  becoming  the  assets  and  liabilities  of  the  Commonwealth 
Bank of Australia Limited. 

(2)  This includes individually assessed provisions, as well as collective provisions held for these portfolios. 
(3)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

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.   

(1)  On 1  October 2012 the Commonwealth  Bank  of Australia Limited and Bank of Western Australia Limited (Bankwest) commenced operating as a  single 
Authorised  Deposit-taking  Institution  (ADI).  This  resulted  in  all  Bankwest  assets  and  liabilities  becoming  the  assets  and  liabilities  of  the  Commonwealth 
Bank of Australia Limited. 

(2)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

154  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Bank 2013 (1)2012Gross Total ProvisionsNet Gross Total ProvisionsNet Impaired for ImpairedImpaired Impaired for ImpairedImpaired Assets Assets (2)Assets Assets Assets (2)Assets $M $M $M $M $M $M AustraliaHome loans945(182)763767(209)558Other personal (3)255(142)113183(111)72Asset financing56(22)3442(14)28Other commercial and industrial2,578(1,345)1,2331,463(754)709Financial assets assessed as impaired - Australia3,834(1,691)2,1432,455(1,088)1,367OverseasHome loans------Other personal------Asset financing1-13-3Other commercial and industrial100(22)78141(25)116Financial assets assessed as impaired - overseas101(22)79144(25)119Total financial assets assessed as impaired3,935(1,713)2,2222,599(1,113)1,486Group Bank 201320122013 (1)2012Distribution of loans by credit quality$M $M $M$M Gross loans AustraliaNeither past due nor impaired (2)480,453459,733477,701387,270Past due but not impaired (2)13,29113,24113,27211,275Impaired (2)3,5394,1513,4952,396Total Australia497,283477,125494,468400,941OverseasNeither past due nor impaired63,01052,84113,27710,440Past due but not impaired (2)2,0182,003914Impaired (2)44741198135Total overseas65,47555,25513,38410,589Total gross loans 562,758532,380507,852411,530 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 38 Credit Risk (continued) 

Credit Quality of Loans, Bills Discounted and Other Financial Assets which were 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. 

Segmentation of financial assets other than loans is based on external credit ratings of the counterparties and issuers of financial 
instruments held by the Group and the Bank. 

Loans which were Neither Past Due nor Impaired 

(1)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 
(2)  For New Zealand Housing Loans, PDs reflect Reserve Bank of New Zealand requirements resulting in higher PDs on average and lower grading. 

Annual Report 2013 

155 

Group2013OtherHomeOtherAssetCommercialLoansPersonalFinancingand IndustrialTotalCredit grading$M$M$M$M$MAustraliaInvestment224,5313,58271281,617310,442Pass93,67113,4907,44741,058155,666Weak8,4533,547982,24714,345Total Australia326,65520,6198,257124,922480,453Overseas (2)Investment8,129-1019,68227,821Pass24,3656442408,98234,231Weak590--368958Total overseas33,08464425029,03263,010Total loans which were neither past due nor impaired359,73921,2638,507153,954543,463Group2012OtherHomeOtherAssetCommercialLoansPersonalFinancingand IndustrialTotalCredit grading $M  $M$M$M$MAustralia (1)Investment201,8394,00652577,634284,004Pass100,02313,0427,42438,865159,354Weak9,3733,600773,32516,375Total Australia311,23520,6488,026119,824459,733Overseas (2)Investment5,07068116,80021,939Pass22,3683754056,46129,609Weak8605-4281,293Total overseas28,29844840623,68952,841Total loans which were neither past due nor impaired 339,53321,0968,432143,513512,574 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements  

Note 38 Credit Risk (continued) 

Loans which were Neither Past Due nor Impaired (continued) 

(1)  On 1  October 2012 the Commonwealth  Bank  of Australia Limited and Bank of Western Australia Limited (Bankwest) commenced operating as a single 
Authorised  Deposit-taking  Institution  (ADI).  This  resulted  in  all  Bankwest  assets  and  liabilities  becoming  the  assets  and  liabilities  of  the  Commonwealth 
Bank of Australia Limited. 

(2)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

Other Financial Assets which were Neither Past Due nor Impaired 

The majority of all other financial assets of the Group and the Bank that were neither past due nor impaired as of 30 June 2013 
and 30 June 2012 were of investment grade. 

156  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Bank (1) 2013OtherHomeOtherAssetCommercialLoansPersonalFinancingand IndustrialTotal Credit grading$M$M$M$M$M AustraliaInvestment224,2443,58165980,679309,163Pass92,88813,4907,32440,603154,305Weak8,4413,547942,15114,233Total Australia325,57320,6188,077123,433477,701OverseasInvestment188-111,46911,658Pass2541311,2721,540Weak6--7379Total overseas44813212,81413,277Total loans which were neither past due nor impaired326,02120,6318,079136,247490,978Bank 2012Other Home OtherAsset  Commercial Loans PersonalFinancingand IndustrialTotal Credit grading $M $M $M $M $M AustraliaInvestment (2)166,9513,51244374,480245,386Pass (2)86,98512,1667,13723,812130,100Weak (2)6,9273,368631,42611,784Total Australia260,86319,0467,64399,718387,270OverseasInvestment231-19,1579,389Pass17118188431,050Weak1---1Total overseas403181910,00010,440Total loans which were neither past due nor impaired261,26619,0647,662109,718397,710 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 38 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.  

Past due loans are not classified as impaired if no loss to the Group is expected or if the loans are unsecured consumer loans 
and less than 180 days past due. 

It has not been practicable to determine the fair value of collateral held against these assets. 

(1)  Collateral held against past due Home Loans receivables comprises residential and other real estate with an estimated fair value of at least the amounts 
shown.  Personal  receivables  are  generally  unsecured.  It  has  not  been  practicable  to  determine  the  fair  value  of  collateral  held  against  past  due  Asset 
Financing and Other Commercial and Industrial receivables. 

(2)  Personal loans, credit cards and other personal financing balances are generally unsecured and written off at 180 days past due unless agreements have 

been made with the debtor. 

(3)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

Annual Report 2013 

157 

Group 2013OtherHomeOtherAssetCommercialLoansPersonal (2)Financingand IndustrialTotal Loans which were past due but not impaired (1)$M$M$M$M$M AustraliaPast due 1 - 29 days5,999620629487,629Past due 30 - 59 days1,758178262292,191Past due 60 - 89 days902109102471,268Past due 90 - 179 days913-11511,065Past due 180 days or more87015-2531,138Total Australia10,442922991,82813,291OverseasPast due 1 - 29 days1,195149151931,552Past due 30 - 59 days2133836260Past due 60 - 89 days65111683Past due 90 - 179 days5852368Past due 180 days or more305-2055Total overseas1,561208212282,018Total loans which were past due but not impaired 12,0031,1301202,05615,309Group 2012Other Home OtherAsset Commercial Loans (2) (3)Personal (2) (3)Financing and Industrial Total Loans which were past due but not impaired (1)$M $M $M $M $M AustraliaPast due 1 - 29 days5,572631688807,151Past due 30 - 59 days1,806166451492,166Past due 60 - 89 days1,01110113971,222Past due 90 - 179 days1,183-11331,317Past due 180 days or more1,2011481621,385Total Australia10,7739121351,42113,241OverseasPast due 1 - 29 days1,129144421271,442Past due 30 - 59 days2322875272Past due 60 - 89 days971124114Past due 90 - 179 days91734105Past due 180 days or more5481770Total overseas1,603198551472,003Total loans which were past due but not impaired 12,3761,1101901,56815,244 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements  

Note 38 Credit Risk (continued) 

Age Analysis of Loans, Bills Discounted and Other Receivables that are Past Due but Not Impaired (continued) 

(1)  On 1  October 2012 the Commonwealth  Bank  of Australia Limited and Bank of Western Australia Limited (Bankwest) commenced operating as a single 
Authorised  Deposit-taking  Institution  (ADI).  This  resulted  in  all  Bankwest  assets  and  liabilities  becoming  the  assets  and  liabilities  of  the  Commonwealth 
Bank of Australia Limited. 

(2)  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. 

(3)  Personal loans, credit cards and other personal financing balances are generally unsecured and written off at 180 days past due unless agreements have 

been made with the debtor. 

(4)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

158  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Bank (1)2013OtherHomeOtherAssetCommercialLoansPersonal (3)Financingand IndustrialTotal Loans which were past due but not impaired (2)$M$M$M$M$M AustraliaPast due 1 - 29 days5,992620599487,619Past due 30 - 59 days1,757178252292,189Past due 60 - 89 days90110972471,264Past due 90 - 179 days912--1511,063Past due 180 days or more86915-2531,137Total Australia10,431922911,82813,272OverseasPast due 1 - 29 days4---4Past due 30 - 59 days2---2Past due 60 - 89 days-----Past due 90 - 179 days3---3Past due 180 days or more-----Total overseas9---9Total loans which were past due but not impaired 10,440922911,82813,281Bank 2012OtherHomeOtherAssetCommercialLoansPersonal (3)Financingand IndustrialTotal Loans which were past due but not impaired (2)$M$M$M$M$M AustraliaPast due 1 - 29 days (4)5,522566524466,586Past due 30 - 59 days1,32114839931,601Past due 60 - 89 days772911246921Past due 90 - 179 days (4)977-10571,044Past due 180 days or more1,049132591,123Total Australia9,64181811570111,275OverseasPast due 1 - 29 days12---12Past due 30 - 59 days1---1Past due 60 - 89 days-----Past due 90 - 179 days1---1Past due 180 days or more-----Total overseas14---14Total loans which were past due but not impaired 9,65581811570111,289 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 38 Credit Risk (continued) 

Impaired Assets by Classification 

Assets  in  credit  risk  rated  portfolios  and  home  loan  portfolios  are  assessed  for  objective  evidence  that  the  financial  asset  is 
impaired. Impaired assets in the unsecured retail segment are those facilities that are past due 90 days or more. 

Impaired assets are split into the following categories: 

 

 

 

Non-Performing Facilities;  

Restructured Facilities; and 

Unsecured retail products 90 days or more past due. 

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. 

Restructured  facilities  are  facilities  where  the  original  contractual  terms  have  been  modified  to  non-commercial  terms  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. 

Unsecured retail products 90 days or more past due are credit cards, personal loans and other unsecured retail products which 
are 90 days or more past due.  These loans are collectively provided for. 

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. 

(1)  Comparatives from 2010 onwards have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 
(2)  Collective provisions are held for these portfolios. 

Annual Report 2013 

159 

Group 20132012201120102009$M $M $M $M $M AustraliaNon-Performing assets:Gross balances (1)3,3163,9664,5924,6333,514Less individual provisions for impairment(1,564)(1,920)(2,031)(1,915)(1,560)Net non-performing assets1,7522,0462,5612,7181,954Restructured assets:Gross balances346933878119Less individual provisions for impairment-----Net restructured assets346933878119Unsecured retail products 90 days or more past due:Gross balances217204202205-Less provisions for impairment (2)(128)(120)(109)(107)-Unsecured retail products 90 days or more past due89849398-Net Australia impaired assets2,1872,2232,6922,8942,073OverseasNon-Performing assets:Gross balances (1)356344467317407Less individual provisions for impairment(64)(88)(94)(77)(169)Net non-performing assets292256373240238Restructured assets:Gross balances8770189169170Less individual provisions for impairment-----Net restructured assets8770189169170Unsecured retail products 90 days or more past due:Gross balances8101417-Less provisions for impairment (2)(3)(3)(3)(3)-Unsecured retail products 90 days or more past due571114-Net overseas impaired assets384333573423408Total net impaired assets2,5712,5563,2653,3172,481 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements  

Note 38 Credit Risk (continued) 

Impaired Assets by Classification (continued) 

(1)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

(1)  Comparatives from 2010 onwards have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 
(2)  Comparatives have been reclassified to conform to presentation in the current year. 
(3)  2010 represents the balance of unsecured retail products 90 days or more past due. 

Impaired Loans by Industry and Status 

160  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Group Australia Overseas Total Australia Overseas Total 201320132013201220122012Impaired assets by size $M $M $M $M $M $M Less than $1 million (1)1,3591851,5441,1081861,294$1 million to $10 million1,1591461,3051,3591101,469Greater than $10 million1,3611201,4811,7961281,924Total3,8794514,3304,2634244,687Group20132012201120102009$M $M $M $M $M Gross impaired assets - opening balance (1)4,6875,5025,4194,210683Acquisitions----770New and increased (1)3,0163,3894,1565,4554,374Balances written-off(1,774)(1,687)(1,798)(1,904)(1,056)Returned to performing or repaid (2)(2,165)(3,040)(2,740)(2,545)(561)Portfolio managed - new/increased/return to performing/repaid (2) (3)566523465203-Gross impaired assets - closing balance4,3304,6875,5025,4194,210Movement in gross impaired assetsGroup 2013GrossTotal ProvisionsNetImpairedfor ImpairedImpairedNet LoansLoansAssetsLoansWrite-offsRecoveriesWrite-offs Industry $M$M$M$M$M$M$M AustraliaSovereign1,971------Agriculture5,971398(168)23030-30Bank and other financial7,929300(217)8379(8)71Home loans338,023924(182)742217(4)213Construction2,634110(89)21139-139Other Personal21,796255(142)113622(113)509Asset Financing8,41458(23)3525(6)19Other commercial and industrial110,5451,494(871)623686(13)673Total Australia497,2833,539(1,692)1,8471,798(144)1,654OverseasSovereign9,670------Agriculture6,480142(16)1264-4Bank and other financial7,02936(5)3110(1)9Home loans34,817171(17)15421(1)20Construction3014-4---Other Personal8639(3)625(8)17Asset Financing2744-4---Other commercial and industrial6,04181(26)5531-31Total overseas 65,475447(67)38091(10)81Gross balances 562,7583,986(1,759)2,2271,889(154)1,735 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 38 Credit Risk (continued) 

Impaired Loans by Industry and Status (continued) 

(1)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

Annual Report 2013 

161 

Group 2012GrossTotal ProvisionsNetImpairedfor ImpairedImpairedNet LoansLoansAssetsLoansWrite-offsRecoveriesWrite-offs Industry $M$M$M$M$M$M$M AustraliaSovereign1,619------Agriculture5,251224(89)13532-32Bank and other financial10,225341(235)10651(17)34Home Loans322,918910(256)65488(5)83Construction2,796218(152)6645-45Other Personal (1)21,772212(131)81657(147)510Asset Financing8,21453(14)3938(17)21Other commercial and industrial 104,3302,193(1,163)1,030884(30)854Total Australia477,1254,151(2,040)2,1111,795(216)1,579OverseasSovereign10,235------Agriculture5,19856(7)495-5Bank and other financial3,15679(6)731-1Home Loans30,063162(28)13424-24Construction345------Other Personal (1)65610(3)719(8)11Asset Financing4687-7---Other commercial and industrial5,13497(47)5033(4)29Total overseas 55,255411(91)32082(12)70Gross balances 532,3804,562(2,131)2,4311,877(228)1,649 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements  

Note 39 Market Risk 

Market Risk 

Market  risk  is  the  potential  of  an  adverse  impact  on  the 
Group’s  earnings  from  changes  in  interest  rates,  foreign 
exchange rates, commodity and equity prices, credit spreads, 
and the resale value of assets underlying operating leases at 
maturity (lease residual value risk). 

The  Group  makes  a  distinction  between  Traded  and  Non-
traded  market  risks  for  the  purposes  of  risk  management, 
measurement  and  reporting.  Traded  market  risks  principally 
arise  from  the  Group’s  trading  book  activities  within  the 
Institutional Banking and Markets business and ASB. 

The  predominant  Non-traded  market  risk  is  interest  rate  risk 
that  arises  from  banking  book  activities.  Other  Non-traded 
market  risks  are  non-traded  equity  risk,  market  risk  arising 
from the insurance business, structural foreign exchange risk 
and lease residual value risk. 

The Group’s assessment of regulatory capital required under 
the Basel II and Basel III framework is discussed in Note 30. 

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  movements  in 
market rates. The VaR measure for Non-traded Banking Book 
market risk uses six years of daily movement in market rates. 

VaR  is  modelled  at  a  97.5%  confidence  level  over  a  1  day 
holding  period  for  trading  book  positions.  A  20  day  holding 
period  is  used  for  interest  rate  risk  in  the  banking  book 
(IRRBB),  insurance  business  market  risk  and  Non-traded 
equity risk. 

Stressed  VaR  is  calculated  for  Traded  market  risk  using  the 
same  methodology  as  the  regular  Traded  market  risk  VaR 
except  that  the  historical  data  is  taken  from  a  one  year 
observation  period  of  significant  market  volatility  as  seen 
during the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). 

that 

loss 

the  maximum 

VaR  is  driven  by  actual  historical  observations  and  is  not  an 
estimate  of 
the  Group  could 
experience from an extreme market event. As a result of this 
limitation,  management  also  uses  stress  testing  to  measure 
the  potential 
levels 
significantly  higher  than  97.5%.  Management  then  uses  the 
results  in  its  decisions  to  manage  the  economic  impact  of 
market risk positions. 

loss  at  confidence 

for  economic 

The stress events considered for 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’s  Asset  and  Liability  Committee  (ALCO)  on  a 
regular  basis.  Stress  tests  also  include  a  range  of  forward 
looking macro scenario stresses. 

The  following  table  provides  a  summary  of  VaR,  across  the 
Group,  for  those market  risk  types  where  it  is  appropriate  to 
use this measure. 

 (1)  The risk of these exposures has been represented in this table using a 
one  day  holding  period.  In  practice  however,  these  ‘non-traded’ 
exposures are managed to a longer holding period. 
(2)  Average VaR calculated for each twelve month period. 

162  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Traded Market Risk 

The  Group  trades  and  distributes  financial  markets  products 
and  provides  risk  management  services  to  customers  on  a 
global basis. 

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  market  making  within  a  controlled 
framework,  to  assist  in  the  provision  of  products  and 
services to customers. 

The  Group  maintains  access  to  markets  by  quoting  bid  and 
offer prices with other market makers and carries an inventory 
of treasury, capital market and risk management instruments, 
including a broad range of securities and derivatives. 

The Group is a participant in all major markets across foreign 
exchange  and  interest  rate  products,  debt,  equity  and 
commodities products as required to provide treasury, capital 
institutional, 
markets  and  risk  management  services  to 
corporate, middle market and retail customers.  

Income  is  earned  from  spreads  achieved  through  market 
making and from  warehousing market risk. Trading positions 
are valued at fair value and taken to profit and loss on a mark 
is  controlled  by 
to  market  basis.  Market 
concentrating trading activity in highly liquid markets. 

liquidity  risk 

Trading  assets  at  fair  value  through  the  Income  Statement 
are  shown  in  Note  10  Trading  liabilities  at  fair  value  through 
the  Income  Statement  are  shown  in  Note  20.  Note  3  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 (MRM) function. 

Credit  Valuation  Adjustment  (CVA)  is  comparable  to  Traded 
market  risk  and  is  managed  using  a  VaR  and  stress-testing 
framework.  The  Board  Risk  Committee  and  ALCO  regularly 
monitor  CVA  exposures  with  daily  oversight  by 
the 
independent  risk  function.  The  Basel  III  framework  has 
required  a  CVA  regulatory  capital  charge  since  1  January 
2013. 

The following table provides a summary of VaR for the trading 
book of the Group. The VaR for ASB is shown separately; all 
other data relates to the Group and is split by risk type. 

(1)  Average VaR calculated for each twelve month period. 

Non-Traded Market Risk 

Non-traded  market  risk  activities are  governed  by  the  Group 
market 
the  Board  Risk 
Committee. The Group market risk framework governs all the  

framework  approved  by 

risk 

Average (2)As atAverage (2)As atTotal Market RiskJuneJuneJuneJuneVaR (1 day 97.5% 2013201320122012confidence)$M$M$M$MTraded Market Risk 9. 111. 611. 68. 7Non-Traded Interest Rate Risk (1)15. 39. 027. 718. 9Non-Traded Equity Risk (1)22. 425. 021. 521. 0Non-Traded Insurance Market Risk (1)7. 56. 98. 88. 0Average (1)As atAverage (1)As atTraded Market RiskJuneJuneJuneJuneVaR (1 day 97.5% 2013201320122012confidence)$M$M$M$MInterest rate risk5. 96. 15. 25. 9Foreign exchange risk 1. 01. 01. 00. 7Equities risk 2. 10. 42. 21. 7Commodities risk 1. 00. 91. 30. 8Credit spread risk2. 41. 72. 82. 3Diversification benefit (7. 4)(5. 4)(6. 6)(6. 2)Total general market risk 5. 04. 75. 95. 2Undiversified risk 3. 96. 73. 52. 5ASB Bank 0. 20. 22. 21. 0Total 9. 111. 611. 68. 7 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

is 

the 

responsibility  of 

Note 39 Market Risk (continued) 
activities  performed  in  relation  to  Non-traded  market  risk. 
Implementation  of  the  policy,  procedures  and  limits  for  the 
Group 
the  Group  Executive 
undertaking  activities  with  Non-traded  market  risk.  The 
Group’s  Risk  division  performs  risk  measurement  and 
monitoring  activities  of  Non-traded  market  risk.  Ownership 
and  management  responsibility  for  the  Bank’s  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 
rate 
the  propensity, 
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. 

timing  and  quantum  of 

interest 

The Group measures and manages the impact of interest rate 
risk in two ways: 

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 
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. 

impact  of  customer  prepayments  on 

The  figures  in  the  following  table  represent  the  net  present 
value of the expected change in the Group’s future earnings 
in  all  future  periods  for  the  remaining  term  of  all  existing 
assets and liabilities. 

(1)  Average VaR calculated for each twelve month period. 
(2)  VaR is only for entities that have material risk exposure. 
(3)  ASB data (expressed in NZD) is for the month-end date. 

(a) Next 12 months’ earnings 

Non-Traded Equity Risk 

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.  

The  prospective  change  to  the  net  interest  income  is 
measured  by  using  an  Asset  and  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  Group  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). 

(b) Economic Value  

Interest  rate  risk  from  the  economic  value  perspective  is

The  Group  retains  Non-traded  equity  risk  through  business 
development  activities 
Institutional 
in  divisions 
Banking and Markets, and Wealth Management. This activity 
is subject to governance arrangements approved by the Risk 
Committee of the Board, and is monitored on a decentralised 
basis within the Risk Management function. An indicative VaR 
measure is as follows: 

including 

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 
investment  of 
(ii)  market 
Shareholders’ capital. 

risk  arising 

from 

the 

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 assets under management and reduce the fee income 
collected for this class of business.  

Guarantees (to Policyholders) 

All financial assets within the Life Insurance Statutory Funds 
directly  support  either  the  Group's  life  insurance  or  life 
investment  contracts.  Market  risk  arises  for  the  Group  on 
contracts where the liabilities to policyholders are guaranteed 
by  the  Group.  The  Group  manages  this  risk  by  the  monthly 
monitoring  and  rebalancing  of  assets  to  contract  liabilities. 
However,  for  some  contracts  the  ability  to  match  asset 
characteristics  with  policy  obligations  is  constrained  by  a 
number  of  factors  including  regulatory  requirements  or  the 
lack of investments that substantially align cash flows with the 
cash payments to be made to policyholders.  

Shareholders’ Capital 

A  portion  of  financial  assets  held  within  the  Insurance

Annual Report 2013 

163 

JuneJuneNet Interest20132012Earnings at Risk$M$MAverage monthly exposureAUD105. 1152. 2NZD9. 520. 7High monthly exposureAUD128. 6284. 3NZD16. 232. 5Low monthly exposureAUD59. 340. 7NZD4. 311. 5As at balance dateAUD59. 381. 1NZD12. 113. 7Average (1)Average (1)JuneJuneNon-Traded Interest Rate VaR20132012(20 day 97.5% confidence) (2)$M$MAUD Interest rate risk68. 5123. 7NZD Interest rate risk (3)3. 01. 4As atAs atJuneJuneNon-Traded Equity VaR 20132012(20 day 97.5% confidence)$M$MVaR 112. 094. 0 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements  

Note 39 Market Risk (continued) 
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 85% 
in income assets (cash and fixed interest) and 15% in growth 
assets (shares and property) as at 30 June 2013. 

A  20  day  97.5%  VaR  measure  is  used  to  capture  the  Non-
traded market risk exposures. 

(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  guaranteed 

liability to policyholders. 

Further  information  on  the  Insurance  Businesses  can  be 
found in Note 32. 

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  Group  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. 

Commonwealth Bank Group Super Fund 

for 

fund 

The Commonwealth Bank Group Super Fund (the Fund) was 
previously called the Officers Superannuation Fund and is the 
staff  superannuation 
the  Group’s  Australian 
employees and former employees. Wealth Risk Management 
and  Human  Resources  manage  the  risks  of  the  Fund  on 
behalf  of  the  Group.  Regular  reporting  is  provided  to  senior 
management  via  the  Group’s  ALCO  and  the  Board  Risk 
Committee on the status of the surplus, risk sensitivities and 
risk  management  options.  For  further  information  on  the 
Fund, refer to Note 41. 

Note 40 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 

164  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

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  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,  New  Zealand,  Bankwest,  and  overseas 
businesses,  during  periods  of  unfavourable  market 
conditions. 

The  Group’s 
to  achieve 
funding  policies  are  designed 
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. 

Liquidity and Funding Risk Management Framework 

The Group’s liquidity and funding policies are approved by the 
Board  and  agreed  with  APRA.  The  Group  has  an  Asset  and 
Liability Committee (ALCO) 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. 
Group  Treasury  manages  the  Group’s  liquidity  and  funding 
positions in accordance with the Group’s liquidity policies and 
has ultimate authority to execute liquidity decisions should the 
Group  Contingent  Liquidity  Plan  be  evoked.  Group  Risk 
Management  provides  oversight  of  the  Group’s  liquidity  and 
funding  risks,  compliance  with  Group  policies  and  manages 
the Group’s relationship with prudential regulators. 

Subsidiaries  within  the  Colonial  Group  apply  their  own 
liquidity  and  funding  strategies  to  address  their  specific 
needs.  The  Group’s  New  Zealand  banking  subsidiary,  ASB 
Bank, manages its own domestic liquidity and funding needs 
in accordance with its own liquidity policies and the policies of 
the  Group.  ASB’s  liquidity  policy  is  also  overseen  by  the 
Reserve  Bank  of  New  Zealand.  The  Group  also  has  a 
relatively small banking subsidiary in Indonesia that manages 
its own liquidity and funding on a similar basis. 

Liquidity and Funding Policies and Management 

The Group’s liquidity and funding policies provide that: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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  long  term  wholesale  funding  limits  are 
established, reviewed regularly and monitored to ensure 
that  they  are  met.  The  Group’s  market  capacity  is 
regularly  assessed  and  used  as  a  factor  in  funding 
strategies; 

At  least  a  prescribed  minimum  level  of  assets  are 
retained in highly liquid form; 

This  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  held  to 
provide  for  the  risk  of  the  Group’s  committed  but 
undrawn lending obligations; 

Liquid  assets  are  held  in  Australian  dollar  and  foreign 
currency  denominated  securities  in  accordance  with 
expected requirements; 

The Group has three categories of liquid assets within its 
domestic  liquid  assets  portfolio.  The  first  includes  cash, 
government  and  Australian  semi-government  bonds. 
The  second  includes  negotiable  certificates  of  deposit, 
bank bills, bank term securities, supranational bonds and 
Australia  Residential  Mortgage-Backed  Securities 
(RMBS)  securities  that  meet  certain  Reserve  Bank  of 
Australia  (RBA)  requirements.  The  final  is  internal 
RMBS, being mortgages that have been securitised but

Average (1)Average (1)Non-Traded VaR in Australian JuneJuneLife Insurance Business 20132012(20 day 97.5% confidence)$M$MShareholder funds (2)21. 323. 2Guarantees (to Policyholders) (3)20. 030. 7 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 40 Liquidity and Funding Risk (continued)
retained  by  the  Bank,  are  held  for  their  repo-eligibility 
with  the  RBA  under  a  stress  scenario  and  included 
within Group liquids; and 

 

  Offshore  branches  and  subsidiaries  adhere  to  liquidity 
policies  and  hold  appropriate  foreign  currency  liquid 
assets as required. All securities are central bank repo-
eligible under normal market conditions. 

The Group’s key funding tools include: 

 

 

 

Its consumer retail funding base, which includes a wide 
range  of  retail  transaction  accounts,  savings  accounts 
and term deposits for individual consumers; 

Its  small  business  customer  and  institutional  deposit 
base; and 

international  and  domestic 

funding 
Its  wholesale 
programs  which  include  its  Australian  dollar  Negotiable 
Certificates of Deposit; Australian dollar bank bills; Asian 
Transferable Certificates of Deposit program; Australian, 
U.S.  and  Euro  Commercial  Paper  programs;  U.S. 
Extendible  Notes  programs;  Australian  dollar  Domestic 
Debt  Program;  U.S.144a  and  3a2  Medium  Term  Note 
Programs;  Euro  Medium  Term  Note  Program,  multi 
jurisdiction  Covered  Bond  program,  and  its  Medallion 
securitisation program. 

The Group’s key liquidity tools include: 

 

 

A  liquidity  management  model  similar  to  a  “maturity 
ladder” or “liquidity gap analysis”, that allows forecasting 
of liquidity needs on a daily basis; 

liquidity  management  model 

An  additional 
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

Maturity Analysis of Monetary Liabilities 

sufficient liquid assets available to ensure it meets all of 
its obligations as and when they fall due; 

Central bank repurchase agreement facilities provide the 
Group  with  the  ability  to  borrow  funds  on  a  secured 
funding  markets  are 
basis,  even  when  normal 
unavailable; and 

 

A  robust  Contingent  Liquidity  Plan  is  in  place  and 
regularly tested so that it can be evoked in case of need 
due to a liquidity event. 

Recent Market Environment 

in  Australia.  APRAs  confirmed 

In  May  2013,  APRA  released  a  discussion  paper  and  draft 
prudential  standards  for  implementing  Basel  III  liquidity 
reforms 
its  intention  to 
introduce the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) and Net Stable 
Funding Ratio (NSFR) requirements from 1 January 2015 and 
1 January 2018 respectively. APRA will issue final prudential 
standards in the second half of 2013. The Group  will update 
its liquidity and funding policies as appropriate to comply with 
the new standards. 

to 

lower  credit  spreads 

The Group’s wholesale funding costs generally improved over 
the  course  of  the  financial  year  as  high  levels  of  global 
liquidity  and  a  generally  improved  economic  global  outlook 
combined 
in  domestic  and 
international  debt  capital  markets.  The  Group  has  managed 
its debt portfolio to avoid concentrations such as dependence 
on  single  sources  of  funding,  by  type  or  by  investor,  and 
continues 
funding  base  and 
significant  funding  capacity  in  the  domestic  and  global 
unsecured and secured debt markets. 

to  maintain  a  diversified 

Details  of  the  Group’s  regulatory  capital  position  and  capital 
management activities are disclosed in Note 30. 

Amounts shown in the tables below are based on contractual undiscounted cash flows for the remaining contractual maturities. 

(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)  All off balance sheet items are included in the 0 to 3 month maturity band to reflect their earliest possible maturity. 

Annual Report 2013 

165 

GroupMaturity Period as at 30 June 20130 to 33 to 121 to 5Over 5NotAt CallMonthsMonthsYearsYearsSpecifiedTotal$M$M$M$M$M$M$MMonetary liabilitiesDeposits and other public borrowings (1)222,387147,93969,45323,748432-463,959Payables due to other financial institutions9,30413,7472,489437--25,977Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement-3,6132,5241,8081,356-9,301Derivative financial instruments:Held for trading -30,138----30,138Held for hedging purposes (net-settled) -1021861,6532,142-4,083Held for hedging purposes (gross-settled): Outflows-30110,84625,70913,958-50,814Inflows-(277)(9,467)(24,016)(13,323)-(47,083)Bank acceptances-6,0612---6,063Insurance policy liabilities-----13,00413,004Debt issues and loan capital-17,37541,06367,39733,777-159,612Managed funds units on issue-----891891Other monetary liabilities8684,0791,944309-1017,301Total monetary liabilities232,559223,078119,04097,04538,34213,996724,060Guarantees (2)-5,696----5,696Loan commitments (2)-139,964----139,964Other commitments (2)-7,216----7,216Total off balance sheet items-152,876----152,876Total monetary liabilities and off balance sheet items232,559375,954119,04097,04538,34213,996876,936 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements  

Note 40 Liquidity and Funding Risk (continued) 

(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)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 
(3)  All off balance sheet items are included in the 0 to 3 month maturity band to reflect their earliest possible maturity. 

166  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Group Maturity Period as at 30 June 20120 to 33 to 121 to 5Over 5NotAt CallMonthsMonthsYearsYearsSpecifiedTotal$M$M$M$M$M$M$MMonetary liabilitiesDeposits and other public borrowings (1) (2)199,783148,53566,23227,681526-442,757Payables due to other financial institutions4,07517,072673366--22,186Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement-2,6381,3581,974621-6,591Derivative financial instruments:Held for trading (2)-28,223----28,223Held for hedging purposes (net-settled) (2)-1502841,5352,263-4,232Held for hedging purposes (gross-settled): (2)Outflows-1,07210,00036,47415,297-62,843Inflows-(1,027)(8,772)(31,948)(14,171)-(55,918)Bank acceptances-9,7161---9,717Insurance policy liabilities-----12,99412,994Debt issues and loan capital-25,93530,49566,13333,527-156,090Managed funds units on issue-----995995Other monetary liabilities9802,8832,047442-1516,503Total monetary liabilities204,838235,197102,318102,65738,06314,140697,213Guarantees (3)-5,358----5,358Loan commitments (3)-127,833----127,833Other commitments (3)-5,757----5,757Total off balance sheet items-138,948----138,948Total monetary liabilities and off balance sheet items204,838374,145102,318102,65738,06314,140836,161BankMaturity Period as at 30 June 20130 to 33 to 121 to 5Over 5NotAt CallMonthsMonthsYearsYearsSpecifiedTotal$M$M$M$M$M$M$MMonetary liabilitiesDeposits and other public borrowings (1)206,390140,24460,07322,271487-429,465Payables due to other financial institutions9,00813,6522,46056--25,176Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement-3943711,7921,345-3,902Derivative financial instruments:Held for trading-29,704----29,704Held for hedging purposes (net-settled)-482161,9262,165-4,355Held for hedging purposes (gross-settled):Outflows--10,11336,42823,105-69,646Inflows--(8,779)(33,692)(21,800)-(64,271)Bank acceptances-6,059----6,059Debt issues and loan capital-15,56836,98956,05131,181-139,789Due to controlled entities4,0594,5406,19522,43176,643-113,868Other monetary liabilities8263,7677,169103-3211,897Total monetary liabilities220,283213,976114,807107,366113,12632769,590Guarantees (3)-5,345----5,345Loan commitments (3)-130,753----130,753Other commitments (3)-6,137----6,137Total off balance sheet items-142,235----142,235Total monetary liabilities and off balance sheet items220,283356,211114,807107,366113,12632911,825 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 40 Liquidity and Funding Risk (continued) 

(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)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 
(3)  All off balance sheet items are included in the 0 to 3 month maturity band to reflect their earliest possible maturity. 

Note 41 Retirement Benefit Obligations 

Name of Plan 

Type 

Form of Benefit 

Date of Last Actuarial 
Assessment of the Fund 

Commonwealth Bank Group 
Super 

Defined Benefits (1) and 
Accumulation 

Commonwealth Bank of 
Australia (UK) Staff Benefits 
Scheme (CBA (UK) SBS) 

Defined Benefits (1) and 
Accumulation 

Indexed pension and lump sum 

30 June 2012  

Indexed pension and lump sum 

30 June 2010 (2) 

(1)  The defined benefit formulae are generally comprised of final superannuation salary, or final average superannuation salary, and service. 
(2)  An actuarial assessment of the Fund at 30 June 2013 is currently in progress. 

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 Commonwealth 
Bank Group Super from 8 July 1994. Further, the Bank ceased contributions to the Commonwealth Bank Group Super relating to 
salary sacrifice benefits from 1 July 1997. 

The  Bank  will  continue  to  monitor  the  need  to  make  contributions  to  Commonwealth  Bank  Group  Super  including  the  advice 
provided in the actuarial assessment of the Commonwealth Bank Group Super as at 30 June 2012. 

An actuarial assessment of the CBA (UK) SBS, as at 30 June 2010, confirmed a deficit of GBP68 million (AUD112 million at the 
30 June 2013  exchange  rate).  Following  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  AUD4  million  per 
annum (at the 30 June 2013 exchange rate) and additional contributions of GBP15 million per annum (AUD25 million per annum 
at the 30 June 2013 exchange rate) payable over five years to finance the fund deficit. 

Annual Report 2013 

167 

BankMaturity Period as at 30 June 20120 to 33 to 121 to 5Over 5NotAt CallMonthsMonthsYearsYearsSpecifiedTotal$M$M$M$M$M$M$MMonetary liabilitiesDeposits and other public borrowings (1) (2)166,386119,54554,49526,356526-367,308Payables due to other financial institutions3,79717,0206511--21,469Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement-3961481,867894-3,305Derivative financial instruments:Held for trading (2) -27,356----27,356Held for hedging purposes (net-settled) (2)-1062282,0192,277-4,630Held for hedging purposes (gross-settled): (2)Outflows--9,32641,40817,984-68,718Inflows--(8,154)(36,629)(16,762)-(61,545)Bank acceptances-9,715----9,715Debt issues and loan capital-19,05925,94554,79330,230-130,027Due to controlled entities3,2743,8564,32014,48175,122-101,053Other monetary liabilities8291,9134,56279-67,389Total monetary liabilities174,286198,96691,521104,375110,2716679,425Guarantees (3)-4,718----4,718Loan commitments (3)-109,648----109,648Other commitments (3)-4,279----4,279Total off balance sheet items-118,645----118,645Total monetary liabilities and off balance sheet items174,286317,61191,521104,375110,2716798,070 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements  

Note 41 Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued) 

Defined Benefit Superannuation Plans 

The amounts reported in the Balance Sheet are reconciled as follows: 

168  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

CBA(UK)SBSTotal201320122013201220132012$M$M$M$M$M$MPresent value of funded obligations(3,333)(3,716)(472)(420)(3,805)(4,136)Fair value of plan assets3,2043,3603993123,6033,672Total pension liabilities as at 30 June(129)(356)(73)(108)(202)(464)Amounts in the Balance Sheet:Liabilities (Note 24)(129)(356)(73)(108)(202)(464)Net liabilities(129)(356)(73)(108)(202)(464)The amounts recognised in the Income Statement are as follows:Current service cost(66)(61)(4)(5)(70)(66)Interest cost(135)(167)(20)(19)(155)(186)Expected return on plan assets1922591516207275Employer financed benefits within accumulation division(186)(191)--(186)(191)Total included in defined benefit superannuation plan expense(195)(160)(9)(8)(204)(168)Actual return on plan assets2492005220301220Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligation are as follows:Opening defined benefit obligation(3,716)(3,493)(420)(356)(4,136)(3,849)Current service cost(60)(55)(4)(5)(64)(60)Interest cost(135)(167)(20)(19)(155)(186)Member contributions(9)(9)--(9)(9)Actuarial gains/(losses)365(213)(15)(45)350(258)Benefits paid2222211714239235Exchange differences on foreign plans--(30)(9)(30)(9)Closing defined benefits obligation(3,333)(3,716)(472)(420)(3,805)(4,136)Changes in the fair value of plan assets are as follows:Opening fair value of plan assets3,3603,5693122733,6723,842Expected return1922591516207275Experience gains/(losses)57(59)37494(55)Total contributions9929263835Exchange differences on foreign plans--237237Benefits and expenses paid(228)(227)(17)(14)(245)(241)Employer financed benefits within accumulation division(186)(191)--(186)(191)Closing fair value of plan assets3,2043,3603993123,6033,672Commonwealth Bank Group Super  20132012201120102009$M $M $M $M $M Present value of funded obligations(3,333)(3,716)(3,493)(3,332)(3,118)Fair value of plan assets3,2043,3603,5693,6483,613Total net (liabilities)/assets(129)(356)76316495Experience adjustments on plan liabilities303(6)77(120)Experience adjustments on plan assets57(59)76115(829)Gains/(losses) from changes in actuarial assumptions335(216)(171)(276)(84)Total net actuarial gains/(losses)422(272)(101)(84)(1,033)Commonwealth Bank Group Super 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 41 Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued) 

Actuarial  gains  and losses  represent  experience  adjustments  on  plan  assets  and liabilities  as  well  as  adjustments  arising from 
changes in actuarial assumptions. Total net actuarial losses recognised in equity from commencement of International Financial 
Reporting Standards (1 July 2005) to 30 June 2013 were $186 million (2012: $630 million). 

(1)  This represents the expected rate of return for the coming year, i.e. 6.10% in 2012 represents the expected return to be earned during the financial year 

ended 30 June 2013. Under changes to AASB 119, this assumption is not required for financial years ending 30 June 2014 onwards. 
(2)  For Commonwealth Bank Group Super, the salary increase assumption is a combined promotional and general increase assumption. 

The  return  on  asset  assumption  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  Commonwealth  Bank  Group  Super  was  based  on  the  blend  of  yields  on  long 
dated  Commonwealth  and  State  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: 

Annual Report 2013 

169 

20132012201120102009$M $M $M $M $M Present value of funded obligations(472)(420)(356)(377)(394)Fair value of plan assets399312273295308Total net liabilities(73)(108)(83)(82)(86)Experience adjustments on plan liabilities1(2)(14)192Experience adjustments on plan assets3741318(26)Losses from changes in actuarial assumptions(16)(43)(17)(44)-Total net actuarial gains/(losses)22(41)(18)(7)(24)CBA(UK)SBS 20132012201120102009$M $M $M $M $M Present value of funded obligations(3,805)(4,136)(3,849)(3,709)(3,512)Fair value of plan assets3,6033,6723,8423,9433,921Total net (liabilities)/assets(202)(464)(7)234409Experience adjustments on plan liabilities311(20)96(118)Experience adjustments on plan assets94(55)89133(855)Gains/(losses) from changes in actuarial assumptions319(259)(188)(320)(84)Total net actuarial gains/(losses)444(313)(119)(91)(1,057)Total 2013201220132012Economic assumptions% % % % The above calculations were based on the following assumptions:Discount rate at 30 June (gross of tax)4.604.004.504.40Expected return on plan assets at 30 June (1)n/a6.10n/a4.40Expected rate salary increases at 30 June (per annum) (2)3.753.504.604.10Commonwealth Bank Group SuperCBA(UK)SBS    2013201220132012Expected life expectancies for pensionersYears Years Years Years Male pensioners currently aged 6029.329.229.229.1Male pensioners currently aged 6524.524.324.324.2Female pensioners currently aged 6034.434.331.831.6Female pensioners currently aged 6529.329.226.726.6Commonwealth Bank Group SuperCBA(UK)SBS     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements  

Note 41 Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued) 
Further, the proportion of the retiring members of the main Commonwealth Bank Group Super defined benefit division electing to 
take pensions instead of lump sums may materially impact the defined benefit obligations. Of these retiring members, 36% 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. 

During  the  year  ended  30  June  2013,  the  trustee  reviewed  and  implemented  a  new  investment  strategy  of  50%  growth/50% 
defensive  assets  (previously  70%  growth/30%  defensive)  for  the  assets  backing  the  defined  benefit  portion  of  Commonwealth 
Bank Group Super. The actual asset allocations for the assets backing the defined benefit portion of Commonwealth Bank Group 
Super are as follows: 

(1)  These  are  assets  which  are  not  included  in  the  traditional  asset  classes  of  equities,  fixed  interest  securities,  real  estate  and  cash.  They  include 

infrastructure investments as well as high yield and emerging market debt. 

The  value  of  Commonwealth  Bank  Group  Super’s  equity  holding  in  the  Group  as  at  30  June  2013  was  $130 million  (2012: 
$113 million).  Amounts  on  deposit  with  the  Bank  at  30  June  2013  totalled  $15 million  (2012:  $21 million).  Other  financial 
instruments with the Group at 30 June 2013 totalled $nil (2012: $46 million). 

Note 42 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures 

(1)  The  Group’s  80%  interest  in  Aussie  Home  Loans  Pty  Limited  is  jointly  controlled  as  the  key  financial  and  operating  decisions  require  the  unanimous 

consent of all directors. 

(2)  These are joint ventures of the Group. 
(3)  The value for CFS Retail Property Trust based on published quoted prices was $441 million as at 30 June 2013 (2012: $427 million). 
(4)  The value for Commonwealth Property Office Fund based on published quoted prices was $165 million as at 30 June 2013 (2012: $152 million). 
(5)  The  consolidated  entity  has  significant  influence  due  to  its  relationship  as  Responsible  Entity.  These  holdings  exclude  assets  held  in  statutory  funds 

backing policyholder liabilities, which are disclosed as Assets at fair value through Income Statement. 

(6)  The value for Countplus Limited based on published quoted prices was $74 million as at 30 June 2013 (2012: $52 million). This investment was purchased 

during the 2012 financial year. 

(7)  The investments included in “Other” are mostly joint ventures. For these investments, the Group is committed to equity injections of $36 million (2012: $nil) 

within 12 months and $5 million (2012: $41 million) greater than 12 months. 

170  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

20132012Asset allocations%%Australian equities12.6               21.3               Overseas equities14.5               10.9               Real estate9.2                 14.2               Fixed interest securities43.6               34.8               Cash5.8                 4.3                 Other (1)14.3               14.5               Actual AllocationGroup2013201220132012OwnershipOwnershipPrincipalCountry ofBalance$M$MInterest %Interest % ActivitiesIncorporationDateAussie Home Loans Pty Limited (1) (2)258718033Mortgage Broking Australia 30-JunBank of Hangzhou Co., Limited6485382020Commercial Banking China 31-DecBoCommLife Insurance Company Limited (2)80243838Life Insurance China 31-DecCFS Retail Property Trust (3) (5)43943988Funds Management Australia 30-JunCommonwealth Property Office Fund (4) (5)14714766Funds Management Australia 30-JunCountplus Limited (6)55563737Financial Advice Australia 30-JunFirst State European Diversified Investment Fund1511392030Funds Management Luxembourg 31-DecQilu Bank Co., Limited2232132020Commercial Banking China 31-DecVietnam International Commercial Joint Stock Bank2192172020Financial Services Vietnam 31-DecOther (7)6154Various Various Various Various VariousCarrying amount of investments in associates and joint ventures2,2811,898 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 42 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures (continued) 

Note 43 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  47  to  64  and  have  been 
audited. 

Equity Holdings of Key Management Personnel 

Shareholdings 

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 28. 

Shares Held by Directors 

All shares were acquired by Directors on normal terms and conditions or through the Non-Executive Director’s Share Plan. 

(1)  Non-Executive  Directors  who  hold  less  than  5,000  Commonwealth  Bank  shares  are  required  to  receive  20%  of  their  total  post-tax  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)  PERLS: As at 30 June 2013 David Turner held 380 PERLS VI units (2012: nil), Colin Galbraith held 700 PERLS VI units (2012: nil), Brian Long held 400 
PERLS V units (2012: 400 units), Fergus Ryan held 3,875 PERLS V units and 5,700 PERLS VI units (2012: 3,875 PERLS V units), and Jane Hemstritch 
held 2,500 PERLS III units, 500 PERLS V units and 6,300 PERLS VI units (2012: 2,500 PERLS III units, 1,150 PERLS IV units, and 500 PERLS V units). 

(4)  Other securities: As at 30 June 2013 Jane Hemstritch held 5,000 CNGHA notes (2012: 5,000 CNGHA notes), and David Turner held 67,647 CPA units 

(2012: 67,647 CPA units). 

Annual Report 2013 

171 

Group20132012Share of Associates' and Joint Ventures profits$M $M Operating profits before income tax254164Income tax expense(44)(24)Operating profits after income tax210140Group20132012Financial information of Associates and Joint Ventures$M$MAssets90,24176,844Liabilities75,11963,481Revenue3,7413,976Operating profits after income tax1,4241,326GroupBank2013201220132012Key management personnel compensation$'000$'000$'000$'000Short term benefits35,40632,68335,40632,683Post-employment benefits777748777748Share-based payments9,88220,5169,88220,516Long term benefits1,3101,2411,3101,241Total47,37555,18847,37555,188BalanceSharesNet ChangeBalanceDirectorsClass1 July 2012Acquired (1)Other (2)30 June 2013Non-Executive DirectorsDavid TurnerOrdinary11,840--11,840PERLS (3)--380380Other securities (4)67,647--67,647John AndersonOrdinary17,672--17,672Jane HemstritchOrdinary25,775--25,775PERLS (3)4,150-5,1509,300Other securities (4)5,000--5,000Launa InmanOrdinary1,698538-2,236Carolyn KayOrdinary12,388--12,388Brian LongOrdinary11,109-5011,159PERLS (3)400--400Andrew MohlOrdinary52,640-7,20059,840Harrison Young Ordinary26,764--26,764Former Non-Executive DirectorsColin GalbraithOrdinary16,736--16,736PERLS (3)--700700Fergus RyanOrdinary18,863--18,863PERLS (3)3,875-5,7009,575 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements  

Note 43 Key Management Personnel (continued) 

Shares held by the CEO and Group Executives 

(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, sign-on and special retention awards received as restricted shares. 

(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. For Alden Toevs this figure includes a reduction 

in vested Reward Shares to offset his 2009 sign-on payment. 

(4)  Restated to recognise actual balance at 30 June 2012. 

172  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Reward/Acquired/DeferredBalanceGranted asSharesNet ChangeBalanceClass (1)1 July 2012RemunerationVested (2)Other (3)30 June 2013Managing Director and CEOIan NarevOrdinary  21,276--27,76549,041Reward Shares/Rights  165,26578,681(22,067)(3,152)218,727Deferred Shares  5,698-(5,698)--Group ExecutivesSimon BlairOrdinary  -----Reward Shares/Rights  77,09026,122--103,212Deferred Shares  -  ----  David Cohen Ordinary  49,737-29,01578,752Reward Shares/Rights  107,90028,326(21,418)(3,059)111,749Deferred Shares  7,597-(7,597)--Matthew ComynOrdinary18,145--(1,748)16,397Reward Shares/Rights-30,843--30,843Deferred Shares23,7926,119(9,800)-20,111David Craig Ordinary  87,780--10,45698,236Reward Shares/Rights  151,21443,432(27,259)(3,894)163,493Deferred Shares  7,597-(7,597)--Michael Harte Ordinary  60,632--32,26092,892Reward Shares/Rights  126,89233,833(24,663)(3,523)132,539Deferred Shares  7,597-(7,597)--Robert JesudasonOrdinary---625625Reward Shares/Rights-25,179--25,179Deferred Shares46,3234,295(23,625)-26,993Melanie LaingOrdinary (4)975--7,0157,990Reward Shares/Rights  23,95425,179--49,133Deferred Shares  10,961-(7,015)-3,946Grahame PetersenOrdinary  80,126-23,426103,552Reward Shares/Rights  143,02536,980(28,557)(4,079)147,369Deferred Shares  6,331-(6,331)--Ian Saines Ordinary  23,659--44,05267,711Reward Shares/Rights  166,47141,858(33,749)(4,821)169,759Deferred Shares  7,597-(7,597)--Annabel SpringOrdinary  1,024--1,5832,607Reward Shares/Rights  29,34230,843--60,185Deferred Shares  18,182-(1,583)-16,599Alden Toevs Ordinary  46,784--10,39357,177Reward Shares/Rights  178,31845,005(25,263)(16,274)181,786Deferred Shares  10,130-(10,130)--Former ExecutiveRoss McEwan Ordinary  ---40,01640,016Reward Shares/Rights  156,447-(31,153)(125,294)-Deferred Shares  59,749-(8,863)(50,886)- 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 43 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). 

Total Loans to Key Management Personnel 

Loans to Key Management Personnel Exceeding $100,000 in Aggregate 

(1)  Some loans for Ross McEwan are held in New Zealand Dollars and converted to Australian Dollars for the purpose of this disclosure. The exchange rate 
as  at  30  June  2012  has  been  used  for  opening  balances,  and  the  exchange  rate  at  30  June  2013  has  been  used  for  closing  balances.  The  average 
exchange rate over the 2013 financial year has been used for calculating interest. The spot exchange rate was used for calculating the highest balance in 
the period. 

(2)  Represents the highest balance per individual of loans outstanding at any period during the year ended 30 June 2013. 

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. 

Transactions other than Financial Instrument Transactions of Banks 

All other transactions with Key Management Personnel and their related entities and other related parties are conducted on an 
arm’s  length  basis  in  the  normal  course  of  business  and  on  commercial  terms  and  conditions.  These  transactions  principally 
involve the provision of financial and investment services by entities not controlled by the Group. 

Annual Report 2013 

173 

OpeningInterestClosingBalanceChargedBalanceNumber in$'000$'000$'000GroupDirectors   201396                             5                    96                    2                    20125                               6                    96                    2                    CEO & Group Executives   20137,137                        479                9,486               1220127,153                        456                7,137               12Total   20137,233                        484                9,582                                  14 20127,158                        462                7,233               14HighestBalanceInterestInterest NotBalanceBalance1 July 2012ChargedChargedWrite-off30 June 2013in Period$'000$'000$'000$'000$'000$'000 (2)Group ExecutivesSimon Blair4003--1414David Cohen58534--569601Matthew Comyn2,31851--1,2382,429Michael Harte4,375173--3,5674,683Robert Jesudason3,672183--3,1583,914Melanie Laing32527--661674Ross McEwan (1)1,4249--2891,478Total   13,099480--9,48314,193 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements  

Note 44 Related Party Disclosures 
The Group is controlled by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, the ultimate parent, which is incorporated in Australia.  

Parties are considered to be related if one party has the ability to control the other party or exercise significant influence over the 
other  party  in  making  financial  or  operational  decisions,  or  one  other  party  controls  both.  The  definition  includes  subsidiaries, 
associates, joint ventures, pension plans as well as other persons. 

A number of banking transactions are entered into with related parties in the normal course of business on an arm’s length basis.  
These include loans, deposits and foreign currency transactions, upon which some fees and commissions may be earned. Details 
of amounts paid or received from related parties, in the form of dividends or interest, are set out in Note 2. 

The Bank’s aggregate investments in, and loans to controlled entities are disclosed in the table below. Amounts due to controlled 
entities are disclosed in the Balance Sheet of the Bank. 

The Group also receives fees on an arm’s length basis of $81 million (2012: $74 million) from funds classified as associates.  

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(s).  The  amount 
receivable  by  the  Bank  under  the  tax  funding  agreement  with  the  tax  consolidated  entities  is  $207  million  as  at  30  June  2013 
(2012: $261 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. 

Note 45 Notes to the Statements of Cash Flows 

(a) Reconciliation of Net Profit after Income Tax to Net Cash provided by/(used in) Operating Activities 

(1)  Cash and cash equivalents has been redefined to no longer include at call deposits with other financial institutions and settlement account balances with 

other banks. Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

174  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Bank 20132012$M $M Shares in controlled entities16,16720,025Loans to controlled entities46,85054,981Total shares in and loans to controlled entities63,01775,006GroupBank20132012201120132012$M $M $M $M $M Net profit after income tax7,6937,1066,4107,2926,461Decrease/(increase) in interest receivable13079(224)358(318)(Decrease)/increase in interest payable(251)(320)476(362)(240)Net (increase)/decrease in assets at fair value through Income Statement (excluding life insurance)(3,472)3,3912,697(4,535)2,943Net (gain)/loss on sale of controlled entities and associates(7)(21)(7)-10Net gain on sale of investments-(1)(1)-(1)Net movement in derivative assets/liabilities 2,372(663)(79)3,781394Net loss/(gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment 14(39)613(40)Equity accounting profit(210)(120)(141)--Loan impairment expense1,1461,0891,2801,042994Depreciation and amortisation (including asset write downs)716628613549398Increase/(decrease) in liabilities at fair value through Income Statement (excluding life insurance)1,569(4,321)(4,851)126(1,424)Increase/(decrease) in other provisions 19(69)8040(71)Increase/(decrease) in income taxes payable4537105(341)167Increase/(decrease) in deferred tax liabilities13315280(292)116(Increase)/decrease in deferred tax assets (26)349(30)234173(Increase)/decrease in accrued fees/reimbursements receivable(272)18(1)3238Increase/(decrease) in accrued fees and other items payable31564(99)179(6)(Decrease)/increase in life insurance contract policy liabilities(1,401)(1,157)835--Increase/(decrease) in cash flow hedge reserve27(58)1526(55)Gain on changes in fair value of hedged items(617)(318)(427)(421)(702)Dividend received---(1,512)(1,573)Changes in operating assets and liabilities arising from cash flow movements (1)(2,411)3,1207,866(7,997)(27,495)Other1,065(99)(158)103(76)Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities6,5778,84714,445(1,685)(20,307) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 45 Notes to the Statements of Cash Flows (continued) 

(b) Reconciliation of Cash 

For the purposes of the Statements of Cash Flows, cash includes cash and money at short call. 

(1)  Cash and cash equivalents has been redefined to no longer include at call deposits with other financial institutions and settlement account balances with 
other banks. These are now considered part of cash flows from operating activities to enhance industry comparability.  Comparatives have been restated 
to conform to presentation in the current year, (impact: $10,528 million as at 30 June 2012). 

(c) Disposal of Controlled Entities – Fair Value of Asset Disposal 

The Group disposed of certain St Andrew’s operations effective 1 July 2010. 

(d) Non-cash Financing and Investing Activities 

(1)  The  dividend  reinvestment  plan  in  respect  of  the  interim  dividend  for  2012/13  was  satisfied  in  full  through  an  on  market  purchase  and  transfer  of 

$596 million of shares to participating shareholders. 

(e) Acquisition of Controlled Entities 

The Group gained control of Count Financial Limited (Count Financial) on 29 November 2011. The Group subsequently acquired 
100%  of  the  issued  share  capital  on  9  December  2011.  Count  Financial  is  an  independent,  accountant-based  financial  advice 
business.  This  acquisition  will  support  the  Group  in  growing  its  distribution  capabilities  through  the  expansion  of  its  adviser 
network. 

The fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date are as follows: 

Annual Report 2013 

175 

GroupBank 20132012201120132012$M $M $M $M $M Notes, coins and cash at banks7,6538,5085,4246,1837,161Other short term liquid assets4,9654,0951,3014,5653,785Cash and cash equivalents at end of year (1)12,61812,6036,72510,74810,946Group201320122011$M$M$MNet assets--60Loss on sale (excluding realised foreign exchange losses and other related costs)--(10)Cash consideration received--50Less cash and cash equivalents disposed--(31)Net cash inflow on disposal--19Group201320122011$M$M$MShares issued under the Dividend Reinvestment Plan (1)9291,363511Group201320122011$M$M$MNet identifiable assets at fair value-140-Add: Goodwill-232-Purchase consideration transferred-372-Less: Cash and cash equivalents acquired-(10)--362-Less: Non-cash consideration-(237)-Net cash outflow on acquisition-125- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements  

Note 46 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.  AASB  7 
‘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’s 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. 

(1)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

176  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Group 20132012CarryingFair CarryingFair ValueValue ValueValue $M$M $M$M AssetsCash and liquid assets20,63420,63419,66619,666Receivables due from other financial institutions7,7447,74410,88610,886Assets at fair value through Income Statement:   Trading19,61719,61713,81613,816   Insurance14,35914,35914,52514,525   Other907907980980Derivative assets (1)45,34045,34039,56739,567Available-for-sale investments59,60159,60160,82760,827Loans, bills discounted and other receivables556,648557,356525,682526,039Bank acceptances of customers6,0636,0639,7179,717Other assets6,9986,9987,9627,962LiabilitiesDeposits and other public borrowings459,429460,251437,655439,418Payables due to other financial institutions25,92225,92222,12622,126Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement8,7018,7016,5556,555Derivative liabilities (1)38,58038,58039,85139,851Bank acceptances6,0636,0639,7179,717Insurance policy liabilities13,00413,00412,99412,994Debt issues132,808136,638124,712125,818Managed funds units on issue891891995995Bills payable and other liabilities7,5747,5747,2317,231Loan capital9,6879,98910,02210,387 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 46 Disclosures about Fair Values of Financial Instruments (continued) 

(1)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

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  creditworthiness  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  creditworthiness.  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 creditworthiness of the customer. 

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. 

Annual Report 2013 

177 

Bank 20132012CarryingFair CarryingFair ValueValue ValueValue $M$M $M$M AssetsCash and liquid assets18,03018,03017,95217,952Receivables due from other financial institutions6,9986,99810,48210,482Assets at fair value through Income Statement:   Trading18,39818,39812,07112,071   Other718718980980Derivative assets (1)45,20345,20339,69139,691Available-for-sale investments125,941125,941116,567116,567Loans, bills discounted and other receivables502,349502,978407,122407,418Bank acceptances of customers6,0596,0599,7159,715Loans to controlled entities46,85046,85254,98155,080Other assets5,4235,4236,1386,138LiabilitiesDeposits and other public borrowings425,276426,048362,813364,002Payables due to other financial institutions25,16625,16621,45721,457Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement3,3323,3323,1813,181Derivative liabilities (1)40,22940,22939,85639,856Bank acceptances6,0596,0599,7159,715Due to controlled entities113,868113,868101,053101,053Debt issues115,291119,032102,312103,513Bills payable and other liabilities5,6485,6485,2675,267Loan capital10,43710,44510,22310,435 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements  

Note 46 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.  

Financial instruments included in this category are liquid government and financial institution bonds, listed equities and exchange 
traded derivatives. 

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.  

Financial instruments included in this category are corporate bonds, certificates of deposit, commercial paper, mortgaged backed 
securities and Over-the-Counter (OTC) derivatives including interest rate swaps, cross currency swaps and FX options.  

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.  

Financial instruments included in this category for the Group and Bank are certain exotic OTC derivatives and internally issued 
residential mortgage backed securities for the Bank only. 

(1)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

178  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

GroupLevel 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total$M$M$M$M$M$M$M$MAssetsAssets at fair value through Income Statement:Trading16,0743,543-19,6179,9843,832-13,816Insurance4,5809,779-14,3594,6029,923-14,525Other632275-90796713-980Derivative assets (1)845,2636945,3401539,5262639,567Available-for-sale investments48,04111,556459,60149,03311,793160,827Total assets carried at fair value69,33570,41673139,82464,60165,08727129,715LiabilitiesLiabilities at fair value through Income Statement2,7525,949-8,7012,4494,106-6,555Derivative liabilities (1)-38,5661438,580539,8291739,851Life investment contracts-9,589-9,589-9,728-9,728Total liabilities carried at fair value2,75254,1041456,8702,45453,6631756,134Fair Value as at 30 June 2013Fair Value as at 30 June 2012 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 46 Disclosures about Fair Values of Financial Instruments (continued) 

(b) Valuation Methodology (continued) 

(1)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 
(2) 

Included within available-for-sale investments of the Bank are $67,853 million (2012: $66,458 million) of residential mortgage backed securities issued by 
Bank originated securitisation vehicles for potential repurchase by the Reserve Bank of Australia. 

Level 3 Movement Analysis for the year ended 30 June 2013 

Annual Report 2013 

179 

BankLevel 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total$M$M$M$M$M$M$M$MAssetsAssets at fair value through Income Statement:Trading16,0512,347-18,3989,7112,360-12,071Other588130-71896713-980Derivative assets (1)1245,1296245,203939,6701239,691Available-for-sale investments (2)46,96610,36568,610125,94139,09811,01066,459116,567Total assets carried at fair value63,61757,97168,672190,26049,78553,05366,471169,309LiabilitiesLiabilities at fair value through Income Statement2,737595-3,3322,448733-3,181Derivative liabilities (1)2340,1921440,229539,8341739,856Total liabilities carried at fair value2,76040,7871443,5612,45340,5671743,037Fair Value as at 30 June 2013Fair Value as at 30 June 2012GroupAssets at Fair Value through Income Available Statement Derivative for SaleDerivative Trading AssetsInvestments LiabilitiesTotal$M$M$M$M$MAs at 1 July 201163411(8)97Purchases-11--11Sales/Settlements(7)(3)-1(9)Gains/(losses) in the period:Recognised in the Income Statement1(24)-(10)(33)Recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income-----Transfers in-1-(2)(1)Transfers out(57)--2(55)As at 30 June 2012-261(17)10Gains/(losses) recognised in the Income Statement for financial instruments held as at 30 June 2012-1-(14)(13)As at 1 July 2012-261(17)10Purchases-441(5)40Sales/Settlements---1010Gains/(losses) in the period:Recognised in the Income Statement-7-(2)5Recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income-----Transfers in--2-2Transfers out-(8)--(8)As at 30 June 2013-694(14)59Gains/(losses) recognised in the Income Statement for financial instruments held as at 30 June 2013-6-(5)1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements  

Note 46 Disclosures about Fair Values of Financial Instruments (continued) 

Transfers in and out of Level 3 are due to changes in the observability of the inputs. 

The Group’s exposure to financial instruments measured at fair value based in full or in part on non-market observable inputs is 
restricted to a small number of financial instruments, which comprise an insignificant component of the portfolios to which they 
belong. 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 results. The Bank’s exposure to financial 
instruments  measured  at  fair  value  based  in  full  or  part  on  non-market  observable  inputs  consists  almost  entirely  of  Bank 
originated  and  internally  issued  RMBS.  These  securities  have  been  originated  for  potential  repurchase  by  the  RBA.

180  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

BankAssets at Fair Value through Income Available Statement Derivative for SaleDerivative Trading AssetsInvestments LiabilitiesTotal$M$M$M$M$MAs at 1 July 201162937,445(8)37,472Purchases-1129,051-29,062Sales/Settlements(6)(3)-1(8)Gains/(losses) in the period:Recognised in the Income Statement-(25)-(10)(35)Recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income--(37)-(37)Transfers in---(2)(2)Transfers out---22As at 30 June 2012-1266,459(17)66,454Gains/(losses) recognised in the Income Statement for financial instruments held as at 30 June 2012---1515As at 1 July 2012-1266,459(17)66,454Purchases-49-(5)44Sales/Settlements-(2)(1,150)10(1,142)Gains/(losses) in the period:Recognised in the Income Statement-10-(2)8Recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income--(136)-(136)Transfers in--688-688Transfers out-(7)--(7)Additions through merger of banking licence--2,749-2,749As at 30 June 2013-6268,610(14)68,658Gains/(losses) recognised in the Income Statement for financial instruments held as at 30 June 2013-8-(6)2 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 47 Securitisation, Covered Bonds and Transferred Assets 

Transfer of Financial Assets 

In  the  normal  course  of  business  the  Group  enters  into  transactions  by  which  it  transfers  financial  assets  to  counterparties  or 
directly  to  Special  Purpose  Entities  (SPE’s).  These  transfers  do  not  give  rise  to  derecognition  of  those  financial  assets  for  the 
Group. 

Repurchase Agreements 

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. 

Securitisation Programs 

Residential mortgages securitised under the Group’s securitisation programs are equitably assigned to bankruptcy remote special 
purpose  entities  (SPEs).  The  Group  is  entitled  to  any  residual  income  of  the  securitisation  program  after  all  payments  due  to 
investors have been met. In addition, where derivatives are transacted between the SPE and the Bank, such that the Bank retains 
exposure to the variability in cash flows from the transferred residential mortgages, the mortgages will continue to be recognised 
on the Bank’s balance sheet. The investors have full recourse only to the residential mortgages segregated into an SPE. 

Covered Bonds Programs 

To  complement  the  existing  wholesale  funding  sources,  the  Group  has  established  two  global  covered  bond  programs  for  the 
Bank  and  ASB  respectively.  Certain  residential  mortgages  have  been  assigned  to  a  bankruptcy  remote  SPE  associated  with 
covered bond programs to provide security for the obligations payable on the covered bonds issued by the Group. Similarly to 
securitisation  programs,  the  Group  is  entitled  to  any  residual  income  after  all  payments  due  to  covered  bonds  investors  have 
been  met.  As  the  Bank  retains  substantially  all  of  the  risks  and  rewards  associated  with  the  mortgages  through  derivatives 
transacted with the SPE, the Bank continues to recognise the mortgages on its Balance Sheet.  The covered bond holders have 
dual recourse to the Bank and the covered pool assets. 

At the Balance Sheet date, transferred financial assets that did not qualify for derecognition and their associated liabilities are as 
follows: 

(1)  Securitisation liabilities of the Group include RMBS notes issued by securitisation SPEs and held by external investors. 
(2)  Securitisation liabilities of the Bank include borrowings from securitisation SPEs, including the SPEs that issue only internally held notes for repurchase 

with central banks, recognised on transfer of residential mortgages by the Bank. 

Annual Report 2013 

181 

Group201320122013201220132012$M$M$M$M$M$MCarrying amount of transferred assets5,5725,24533,63422,35810,1699,279Carrying amount of associated liabilities (1)5,5725,24518,23812,7898,9297,858For those liabilities that have recourse only to the transferred assets--Fair value of transferred assets10,1839,291Fair value of associated liabilities8,9277,743Net position1,2561,548Agreements Covered Bonds Securitisation RepurchaseBank201320122013201220132012$M$M$M$M$M$MCarrying amount of transferred assets5,5395,25829,48719,89377,15075,113Carrying amount of associated liabilities (2)5,5395,25816,74011,42377,15075,095For those liabilities that have recourse only to the transferred assets--Fair value of transferred assets77,23475,214Fair value of associated liabilities77,15074,888Net position84326Agreements Covered Bonds SecuritisationRepurchase 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements  

Note 48 Controlled Entities 

(a) Material Subsidiaries 

A  subsidiary  is  considered  material  based  on  its  contribution  to  the  consolidated  entity’s  profit,  size  of  investment  or  nature  of 
activity. The criteria applied are largely consistent with the definition of a “large proprietary company” following the Corporations 
Act 2001, i.e. if the subsidiary satisfies at least two of the following: 

 

 

 

The consolidated revenue for the financial year of the subsidiary and the entities it controls (if any) is $25 million or more; 

The value of the consolidated gross assets at the end of the financial year of the subsidiary and the entities it controls (if any) 
is $12.5 million or more; 

The subsidiary and the entities it controls (if any) have 50 or more employees at the end of the financial year. 

The material subsidiaries of the Bank including but not limited to those meeting the “large proprietaries company” definition are: 

All the above subsidiaries are 100% owned and incorporated in Australia. 

182  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

Entity Name   Entity Name   Australia(a) BankingAustralian Investment Exchange LimitedMedallion Trust Series 2007-1GBWA Group Services Pty LimitedMedallion Trust Series 2008-1RCBA AIR Pty LimitedMedallion Trust Series 2011-1CBA Covered Bond TrustMedallion Trust Series 2012-1CBA Equities LimitedMedallion Trust Series 2013-1CBA International Finance Pty LimitedMIS Funding No.1 Pty LimitedCBFC Leasing Pty LimitedPreferred Capital LimitedCBFC LimitedSAFE No2 Pty LimitedCommonwealth Securities LimitedSecuritisation Advisory Services Pty LimitedGT Funding No. 6 Limited PartnershipSeries 2006-1E SWAN TrustGT Operating No. 5 Limited PartnershipSeries 2007-1E SWAN TrustHomepath Pty LimitedSeries 2008-1D SWAN TrustIWL Broking Solutions LimitedSeries 2010-1 SWAN TrustIWL LimitedSeries 2010-2 SWAN TrustMedallion Trust Series 2005-1GSeries 2011-1 SWAN TrustMedallion Trust Series 2005-2GSecurity Holding Investment Entity Linking Deals LimitedMedallion Trust Series 2006-1GWallaby Warehouse Trust No.1(b) Insurance and Funds ManagementAvanteos Investments LimitedColonial Holding Company LimitedAvanteos Pty LtdCommonwealth Financial Planning LimitedCapital 121 Pty LimitedCommonwealth Insurance Holdings LimitedColonial Finance LimitedCommonwealth Insurance LimitedColonial First State Asset Management (Australia) LimitedCommonwealth Managed Investments LimitedColonial First State Group LimitedCount Financial LimitedColonial First State Investments LimitedFinancial Wisdom LimitedColonial First State Property LimitedFirst State Investment Managers (Asia) LimitedCFS Property Management TrustJacques Martin Administration and Consulting Pty LtdColonial First State Property Retail TrustThe Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 48 Controlled Entities (continued) 

(a) Material Subsidiaries (continued) 

The Group also consolidates a number of unit trusts as part of the ongoing investment activities of the life insurance and wealth 
businesses. These investment vehicles are excluded from the above list. 

(b) Disposal of Controlled Entities 

There  have  been  no  controlled  entities  disposed  of  during  the  year.  The  Group  disposed  of  certain  St  Andrew’s  operations 
effective 1 July 2010. For further details refer to Note 45(c). 

Annual Report 2013 

183 

Extent of BeneficialEntity Name  Interest if not 100%Incorporated inNew Zealand(a) BankingAegis LimitedNew Zealand ASB Bank LimitedNew Zealand ASB Covered Bond Trustee LtdNew Zealand ASB Finance LimitedNew Zealand ASB Funding LimitedNew Zealand ASB Group Investments LimitedNew Zealand ASB Holdings LimitedNew Zealand CBA Asset Holdings (NZ) LimitedNew Zealand CBA Funding (NZ) LimitedNew Zealand CBA USD Funding LimitedNew Zealand Medallion NZ Series Trust 2009-1RNew Zealand (b) Insurance and Funds ManagementASB Group (Life) LimitedNew Zealand Kiwi Property Management LimitedNew Zealand Sovereign Assurance Company LimitedNew Zealand Other Overseas(a) Banking CBA (Europe) Finance LimitedUnited Kingdom CBA Capital Trust IDelaware USA CBA Capital Trust IIDelaware USA CBA Funding Trust IDelaware USA CommBank Europe LimitedMalta CommCapital S.a.r.lLuxembourg CommInternational LimitedMalta CTB Australia LimitedHong Kong Newport LimitedMalta PT Bank Commonwealth97%Indonesia (b) Insurance and Funds ManagementFirst State Investment Management (UK) LimitedUnited Kingdom First State Investment Services (UK) LimitedUnited Kingdom First State Investments (Bermuda) LimitedBermuda First State Investments (Hong Kong) LimitedHong Kong First State Investments (Singapore)Singapore First State Investments (UK Holdings) LimitedUnited Kingdom First State Investments (UK) LimitedUnited Kingdom First State Investments Holdings (Singapore) LimitedSingapore First State Investments International LimitedUnited Kingdom PT Commonwealth Life80%Indonesia SI Holdings LimitedUnited Kingdom  
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements  

Note 48 Controlled Entities (continued) 

(c) Transition to a Single Authorised Deposit-taking Institution with Bank of Western Australia Limited (Bankwest) 

On 1 October 2012 the Commonwealth Bank of Australia Limited and Bank of Western Australia Limited (Bankwest) commenced 
operating as a single Authorised Deposit-taking Institution (ADI). In conjunction with that process, the legal entity Bank of Western 
Australia Limited was deregistered and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia Limited became its successor in law. This resulted 
in  all  of  Bankwest’s  assets  and  liabilities  (including  all  deposits,  contracts  and  debt  securities  previously  issued  by  Bankwest) 
becoming the Commonwealth Bank of Australia Limited’s assets and liabilities. All Bankwest directly owned subsidiaries became 
directly owned by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia Limited. 

Details  of  the  impact  of  transferring  the  assets  and  liabilities  of  Bankwest  to  the  Bank  and  the  derecognition  of  the  Bank’s 
investment in Bankwest are set out below: 

Note 49 Subsequent Events 

The  Bank  expects  the  DRP  for  the  final  dividend  for  the  year  ended  30  June  2013  will  be  satisfied  in  full  by  an  on  market 
purchase and transfer of shares of approximately $806 million. 

On  24  July  2013  the  Bank  submitted  an  indicative,  non-binding  proposal  to  the  Commonwealth  Managed  Investments  Limited 
(CMIL) Board to internalise the management of Commonwealth Property Office Fund (CPA) and CFS Retail Property Trust Group 
(CFX). The proposal in relation to CFX also incorporates CFX acquiring the wholesale property funds management business and 
integrated retail property management and development business owned by CBA. 

The Bank also submitted an indicative, non-binding proposal to the Kiwi Income Properties Limited (KIPL) Board to internalise the 
management of the Kiwi Income Property Trust (KIP). As at the date of this report, the financial effect of any transaction cannot 
be estimated. 

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. 

184  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

1 October 2012$MAssetsCash and liquid assets557Receivables due from other financial institutions2,749Derivative assets(104)Available-for-sale investments2Loans, bills discounted and other receivables66,563Shares in and loans to controlled entities(32,472)Property, plant and equipment262Intangible assets449Deferred tax assets469Other assets151Total assets38,626LiabilitiesDeposits and other public borrowings43,567Payables due to other financial institutions80Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement1Derivative liabilities(363)Due to controlled entities(7,656)Other provisions43Debt issues665Deferred tax liabilities292Bills payable and other liabilities75037,379Loan capital121Total liabilities37,500Net assets1,126Shareholders' EquityShare capital:Ordinary share capital-Other equity instruments-Reserves207Retained profits919Total Shareholders' equity1,126 
 
 
 
 
 
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 2013 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 2013. 

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors. 

D J Turner 

Chairman 

13 August 2013 

I M Narev 

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer 

13 August 2013 

Annual Report 2013 

185 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of Commonwealth Bank of Australia 

Report on the financial report 

We  have  audited  the  accompanying  financial  report  of  Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia,  which  comprises  the 
balance  sheets  as  at  30  June  2013,  and  the  income  statements,  the  statements  of  comprehensive  income, 
statements  of  changes  in  equity  and  statements  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 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  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 of Commonwealth 
Bank  of  Australia  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 
T: +61 2 8266 0000, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

186  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of Commonwealth Bank of Australia 
(continued) 

Auditor’s opinion 

In our opinion: 

(a) 

the financial report of Commonwealth Bank of Australia is in accordance with the  Corporations Act 2001, 
including: 

(i)  giving a true and fair view of Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s and the consolidated entity’s financial 

position as at 30 June 2013 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. 

(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 47 to 64 of the directors’ report for the year ended 30 
June 2013. The directors of 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  Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  for  the  year  ended  30  June  2013, 
complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Matters relating to the electronic presentation of the audited financial report 

This auditor’s report relates to the financial report and remuneration report of Commonwealth Bank of Australia for 
the  year  ended  30  June  2013  included  on  Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia’s  website.  Commonwealth  Bank  of 
Australia’s directors  are  responsible for  the integrity  of  Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia’s  website. We  have  not 
been engaged to report on the integrity of this website. The auditor’s report refers only to the financial report and 
remuneration report named above. It does not provide an opinion on any other information which may have been 
hyperlinked  to/from  the  financial  report  or  the  remuneration  report.  If  users  of  this  report  are  concerned  with  the 
inherent risks arising from electronic data communications they are advised to refer to the hard copy of the audited 
financial  report  and  remuneration  report  to  confirm  the  information  included  in  the  audited  financial  report  and 
remuneration report presented on this website. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Marcus Laithwaite 

Partner   

Sydney 

 13 August 2013 

Annual Report 2013 

187 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholding Information 

Top 20 Holders of Fully Paid Ordinary Shares as at 2 August 2013 

Rank 

Name of Holder 

Number of Shares   

%   

1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
19 
19 
20 

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 
J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited 
National Nominees Limited 
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 
Cogent Nominees Pty Limited 
RBC Dexia Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited 
Bond Street Custodians Limited 
AMP Life Limited 
Australian Foundation Investment 
UBS Wealth Management Australia 
Milton Corporation Limited 
BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Limited 
Dawnraptor Pty.Limited 
Navigator Australia Limited 
Argo Investments Limited 
Invia Custodian Pty Limited 
UBS Nominees Pty Limited 
Nulis Nominees (Australian) Limited 
Questor Financial Services 
Mr Barry Martin Lambert 

238,623,271  
186,493,456  
137,009,826  
71,997,100  
31,956,078  
16,977,575  
15,689,114  
14,023,354  
8,482,900  
6,087,323  
3,029,225  
2,988,966  
2,747,995  
2,625,492  
2,577,895  
2,429,464  
2,208,536  
2,182,498  
2,132,891  
1,643,613  

14.80 
11.57 
8.50 
4.47 
1.98 
1.05 
0.97 
0.87 
0.53 
0.38 
0.19 
0.19 
0.17 
0.16 
0.16 
0.15 
0.14 
0.14 
0.13 
0.10 

The top 20 shareholders hold 751,906,572 shares which is equal to 46.65% of the total shares on issue. 

Stock Exchange Listing 

The  shares  of  the  Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  (Bank)  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 is not currently in the market conducting an on market buy-back of its shares. 

Range of Shares (Fully Paid Ordinary Shares and Employee Shares): 2 August 2013 

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   

Percentage of    
 Shareholders    

Number of   
Shares   

 579,301 
 181,489 
 17,618 
 7,484 
 208 
 786,100 
 12,118 

 73.69 
 23.09 
 2.24 
 0.95 
 0.03 
 100.00 
 1.54 

 189,740,277 
 377,105,938 
 120,556,249 
 141,257,631 
 783,268,741 
 1,611,928,836 
 37,758 

Percentage of    
Issued   
Capital   
 11.77 
23.40 
 7.48 
 8.76 
 48.59 
 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. 

188  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

 
 
 
 
 
Top 20 Holders of Perpetual Exchangeable Repurchaseable Listed Shares III (“PERLS III”) as at 2 August 2013 

Rank 

Name of Holder 

Number of Shares   

%   

Shareholding Information 

1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
19 
19 
20 

UBS Wealth Management Australia 
AMP Life Limited 
National Nominees Limited 
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 
J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited 
Navigator Australia Limited 
Mr Walter Lawton and Mrs Jan Rynette Lawton 
Nulis Nominees (Australia) Limited 
The Australian National University 
RBC Dexia Investor Services 
HSBC Custody Nominees Australia Limited 
Catholic Education Office Diocese of Parramatta 
ANZ Executors & Trustee Company Limited 
Truckmate (Australia) Pty Limited 
Kerlon Pty Limited 
BNP Paribas Noms Pty Limited 
Mutual Trust Pty Limited 
Mifare Pty Limited 
UCA Cash Management Fund Limited 
Fleischmann Holdings Pty Limited 

226,048  
135,309  
113,824  
111,842  
90,994  
74,728  
70,000  
57,793  
56,282  
56,021  
54,063  
49,750  
38,232  
35,000  
30,000  
29,781  
29,386  
25,000  
25,000  
22,500  

3.88 
2.32 
1.95 
1.92 
1.56 
1.28 
1.20 
0.99 
0.97 
0.96 
0.93 
0.85 
0.66 
0.60 
0.51 
0.51 
0.50 
0.43 
0.43 
0.39 

The top 20 PERLS III shareholders hold 1,331,553 shares which is equal to 22.84% of the total shares on issue. 

Stock Exchange Listing 

PERLS III are preference shares issued by Preferred Capital Limited (a wholly-owned entity of the Bank). They are listed on the 
Australian  Securities  Exchange  under  the  trade  symbol  PCAPA.  Details  of  trading  activity  are  published  in  most  daily 
newspapers. 

Range of Shares (PERLS III): 2 August 2013 

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   
17,698  
525  
33  
34  
3  
18,293  
21  

Percentage of   
 Shareholders   
96.74  
2.87  
0.18  
0.19  
0.02  
100.00  
0.11  

Number of   
Shares   
3,056,363  
1,014,203  
249,696  
1,036,838  
475,181  
5,832,281  
40  

Percentage of    
Issued   
Capital   
52.40  
17.39  
4.28  
17.78  
8.15  
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 188 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. 

Annual Report 2013 

189 

 
 
 
 
 
Shareholding Information 

Top 20 Holders of Perpetual Exchangeable Resaleable Listed Securities V (“PERLS V”) as at 2 August 2013 

Rank 

Name of Holder 

1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
19 
19 
20 

Bond Street Custodians Limited 
UBS Wealth Management Australia 
Questor Financial Services 
Navigator Australia Limited 
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 
Nulis Nominees (Australia) Limited 
Australian Executor Trustees Limited 
RBC Dexia Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited 
J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited 
Netwealth Investments Limited 
National Nominees Limited 
Dimbulu Pty Limited 
Invia Custodian Pty Limited 
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 
Avanteos Investments Limited 
Pershing Australia Nominees Pty Limited 
JMB Pty Ltd 
Peters (Meat) Export Pty Limited 
Gyor Investments Pty Limited 
MR Terrence Elmore Peabody and MRS Mary Genevive Peabody 

Number of   

Securities   

%   

348,746  
272,500  
204,310  
127,381  
119,074  
99,262  
90,321  
90,288  
88,183  
64,111  
51,057  
50,000  
48,564  
37,099  
35,833  
35,422  
33,925  
28,455  
25,000  
25,000  

3.49 
2.73 
2.04 
1.27 
1.19 
0.99 
0.90 
0.90 
0.88 
0.64 
0.51 
0.50 
0.49 
0.37 
0.36 
0.35 
0.34 
0.28 
0.25 
0.25 

The top 20 PERLS V security holders hold 1,874,531 securities which is equal to 18.73% of the total securities on issue. 

Stock Exchange Listing 

PERLS  V  are stapled securities  comprising  an  unsecured subordinated  note  issued  by  the Bank’s  New  Zealand  branch  and  a 
preference  share  issued  by  the  Bank.  They  are  listed  on  the  Australian  Securities  Exchange  under  the  trade  symbol  CBAPA. 
Details of trading activity are published in most daily newspapers. 

Range of Shares (PERLS V): 2 August 2013 

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   
 Security holders   
32,402  
1,013  
65  
42  
4  
33,526  
4  

Percentage of   
 Security holders   

96.65 
3.02 
0.19 
0.13 
0.01 
100.00 
0.00 

Number of   
Securities   
5,636,796  
1,993,508  
489,890  
1,194,686  
685,120  
10,000,000  
5 

Percentage of    
Issued   
Capital   
56.37 
19.94 
4.90 
11.95 
6.84 
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 

 

During the winding-up of the Bank. 

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 188. 

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. 

190  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

 
 
 
 
Top 20 Holders of Perpetual Exchangeable Resaleable Listed Securities VI (“PERLS VI”) as at 2 August 2013 

Shareholding Information 

Rank 

Name of Holder 

1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
19 
19 
20 

UBS Wealth Management Australia 
Bond Street Custodians Limited 
J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited 
Questor Financial Services 
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 
Cogent Nominees Pty Limited 
National Nominees Limited 
Snowside Pty Limited 
UCA Cash Management Fund Limited 
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 
Dimbulu Pty Limited 
Eastcote Pty Limited 
Australian Executor Trustees Limited 
Invia Custodian Pty Limited 
Netwealth Investments Limited 
Nulis Nominees (Australia) Limited 
V S Access Pty Limited 
Wenthor Pty Limited 
RBC Dexia Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited 
Marento Pty Limited 

Number of   

Securities   

1,147,762  
558,150  
364,337  
289,589  
221,586  
178,570  
166,647  
156,818  
135,000  
102,260  
100,000  
100,000  
92,110  
89,313  
88,844  
85,092  
80,000  
80,000  
73,787  
52,916  

%   

5.74   
2.79  
1.82  
1.45  
1.11  
0.89  
0.83  
0.78  
0.68  
0.51  
0.50  
0.50  
0.46  
0.45  
0.44  
0.43  
0.40  
0.40  
0.37  
0.26  

The top 20 PERLS VI security holders hold 4,162,781 securities which is equal to 20.81% of the total securities on issue. 

Stock Exchange Listing 

PERLS VI are unsecured subordinated notes issued by the Bank. They are listed on the Australian Securities Exchange under 
the trade symbol CBAPC. Details of trading activity are published in most daily newspapers. 

Range of Shares (PERLS VI): 2 August 2013 

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   
 Security holders   
25,054  
2,524  
205  
95  
8  
27,886  
-  

Percentage of   
 Security holders   

89.84 
9.05 
0.74 
0.34 
0.03 
100.00 
0.00 

Number of   
Securities   
7,984,496  
5,356,843  
1,558,659  
2,557,116  
2,542,886  
20,000,000  
-  

Percentage of    
Issued   
Capital   
39.92 
26.78 
7.79 
12.79 
12.72 
100.00 
0.00 

PERLS VI do not confer any voting rights in the Bank but if they are exchanged for 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 188 for the Bank’s ordinary shares. 

Trust Preferred Securities 

550,000 Trust Preferred Securities were issued on 6 August 2003. Cede & Co is registered as the sole holder of these securities. 

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 converted 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  188  for  the  Bank’s  ordinary  shares  and  page  189  for  the  preference 
shares.

Annual Report 2013 

191 

 
 
 
 
International Representation 

First State Investments 
Level 17, 599 Lexington Avenue 
New York NY 10022 
Telephone: +1 212 848 9200 
Facsimile: +1 212 336 7758 
Managing Director, Americas 
James Twiss 

China 

CBA, Beijing Representative Office 
Unit 03C, 4-6,7B, Level 46 
China World Tower, No. 1 Jian Guo Men 
Wai Avenue 
Beijing 
Telephone: +86 10 5680 3188 
Facsimile: +86 10 5961 1916 
China Chief Representative 
Tony Zhang 

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 (Designate) 
Karen Chen  

CBA (Jiyuan) County Bank Co., Ltd. 
No.66, East Jishui Street, Jiyuan 
Henan Province 459000 
Telephone: +86 391 556 5625 
Facsimile: +86 391 556 5625 
Managing Director 
Guo Wei 

CBA (Dengfeng) County Bank Co., Ltd. 
No. 1, Fu Lane 1, Songshan Road 
Dengfeng City, Henan Province 452470 
Telephone: +86 371 6905 1006 
Facsimile: +86 371 6905 1015 
Managing Director 
Allen Li 

CBA (Lankao) County Bank Co., Ltd. 
East, Kaocheng Road, Lankao City 
Henan Province 475300 
Telephone: +86 378 631 7888 
Facsimile: +86 378 696 6997 
Managing Director 
Allen Li 

CBA (Yichuan) County Bank Co., Ltd. 
No.132 
East Side of North Wenhua Road 
Yichuan, Luoyang 
Henan Province 471300 
Telephone: +86 379 6833 7161 
Facsimile: +86 379 6833 7185 
Managing Director 
Liqun Wei 

CBA (Mianchi) County Bank Co., Ltd. 
Store 2#-04&-05, Xinhua International 
Quarter 
Mianchi, Henan 472400 
Telephone: +86 398 483 3908 
Facsimile: +86 398 483 3906 
Managing Director 
Liqun Wei 

CBA (Xinji) County Bank Co., Ltd. 
No. 1 Anding Avenue, Xinji, Hebei 
Province 052360 
Telephone: +86 311 8349 7655 
Facsimile: +86 311 8349 7655 
Managing Director 
Chunsheng Li 

CBA (Yongnian) County Bank Co., Ltd. 
Jindi Ganden, Yingbin Street, Yongnian 
Hebei Province 057150 
Telephone: +86 310 666 7300 
Facsimile: +86 310 666 9566 
Managing Director 
Chunsheng Li 

CBA (Cixian) County Bank Co., Ltd. 
No. 1 West Building, North Youyi Road 
Cixian, Hebei Province 056599 
Telephone: +86 310 233 8015 
Facsimile: +86 310 233 7999 
Managing Director 
Chunsheng Li 

CBA (Wenxian) County Bank Co., Ltd. 
Level 1-2, AB#, Building 9. East 
TianciHuafu District, Wenquan town 
Wenxian, Henan Province, 454850 
Telephone: +86 391 618 5007 
Facsimile: +86 391 618 5060 
Managing Director 
Fushan Wang 

CBA (Yongcheng) County Bank Co., Ltd. 
Shop 1#2#3#, Eurasian Sunshine Garden, 
Ouya road, Dongcheng District, 
Yongcheng, Henan Province, 476600 
Telephone: +86 370 501 7916 
Facsimile: +86 370 501 7910 
Managing Director 
Fushan Wang 

CommBank Management Consulting  
(Shanghai) Co. Ltd 
11F Azia Centre 
1233 Lujiazui Ring Road, Pudong 
Shanghai 200120 
Telephone: +86 21 6058 0100 
Facsimile: +86 21 6168 3298 
Executive General Manager China 
Karen Chen 

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 
ASB North Wharf 
12 Jellicoe Street 
Auckland Central 
Auckland 1010 
Telephone: +64 9 377 8930 
Chief Executive Officer 
Barbara Chapman 

Sovereign Assurance Company Limited 
Level 4, Sovereign House 
74 Taharoto Road,  
Takapuna, Auckland 0622 
Telephone: + 64 9 487 9000 
Managing Director 
Symon Brewis-Weston 

Colonial First State Global Asset 
Management 
Kiwi Income Property Trust 
Level 14, DLA Phillips Fox Tower 
National Bank Centre 
205-209 Queen Street 
Auckland 1010 
Telephone: +64 9 359 4000 
Facsimile: +64 9 359 3997 
Chief Executive Officer 
Chris Gudgeon 

First State Investments 
Level 3, 33-45 Hurstmere Road 
Takapuna 
Auckland 0622 
Telephone: +64 9 448 4922 
Facsimile: +64 9 486 7131 
Managing Director, Asia Pacific 
Michael Stapleton 

Americas 

United States 

CBA Branch Office 
Level 17, 599 Lexington Avenue  
New York NY 10022 
Telephone: +1 212 848 9200 
Facsimile: +1 212 336 7758 
Executive Vice President and 
General Manager, Americas 
Fiamma Morton 

192  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International Representation 

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 
Managing Director, Asia Pacific 
Michael Stapleton 

Hong Kong 

CBA Branch Office 
1501-5, Charter House 
8 Connaught Road, 
Central 
Hong Kong 
Telephone: +852 2844 7500 
Facsimile: +852 2845 9194 
Executive General Manager Corporate 
and Institutional Banking Asia 
James Rickward 

First State Investments 
6th Floor, Three Exchange Square 
8 Connaught Place, Central 
Hong Kong 
Telephone: +852 2846 7555 
Facsimile: +852 2868 4742 
Managing Director, Asia Pacific 
Michael Stapleton 

India 

CBA Mumbai Branch 
Level 2, Hoechst House 
Nariman Point 
Mumbai 400021 
Telephone: +91 22 6139 0100 
Facsimile: +91 22 6139 0200 
Chief Executive Officer 
Ravindra Parakushan 

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 

First State Investments 
29th Floor, Gedung Artha Graha 
Sudirman Central Business District 
Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 52-53 
Jakarta 12190 
Telephone: +62 21 2935 3300 
Facsimile: +62 21 2935 3388 
Managing Director, Asia Pacific 
Michael Stapleton 

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 

First State Investments 
8th Floor, Toranomon Waiko Building 
12-1 Toranomon 5-chome 
Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001 
Telephone: +81 3 5402 4831 
Facsimile: +81 3 5402 4839 
Managing Director, Asia Pacific 
Michael Stapleton 

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 
One Temasek Avenue  
#17-01 Millenia Tower 
Singapore 039192 
Telephone: +65 6538 0008 
Facsimile: +65 6538 0800 
Managing Director, Asia Pacific 
Michael Stapleton 

Vietnam 

CBA Representative Office 
Suite 202-203A 
Central Building  
31 Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi 
Telephone: +84 4 3824 3213 
Facsimile: +84 4 3824 3961 
Chief Representative and Director of  
Investment and Banking 
Hanh Nguyen 

CBA HCMC Branch office 
Ground Floor 
Han Nam Office 
65 Nguyen Du St., Dist. 1 
Ho Chi Minh City 
Telephone: +84 8 5445 2939 
Facsimile: +84 8 5445 2942 
General Director 
Ross Munn 

Europe 

United Kingdom 

CBA Branch Office 
Senator House 
85 Queen Victoria Street 
London EC4V 4HA 
Telephone: +44 20 7710 3999 
Facsimile: +44 20 7710 3939 
Regional General Manager Europe 
Paul Orchart 

First State Investments 
3rd Floor, 30 Cannon Street 
London EC4M 6YQ 
Telephone: +44 0 20 7332 6500 
Facsimile: +44 0 20 7332 6501 
Managing Director, EMEA 
Chris Turpin 

Scotland 

First State Investments 
23 St Andrew Square 
Edinburgh EH2 1BB 
Telephone: +44 0 131 473 2200 
Facsimile: +44 0 131 473 2222 
Managing Director, EMEA 
Chris Turpin 

Germany 

First State Investments 
Westhafen Tower 
Westhafenplatz 1 
60327 Frankfurt a.M. 
Telephone: +49 0 69 710456 - 302 
Managing Director, EMEA 
Chris Turpin 

Malta 

CommBank Europe Limited 
Level 3 Strand Towers 
36 The Strand 
Sliema SLM1022 
Telephone: +356 2132 0812 
Facsimile: +356 2132 0811 
Director/Chief Financial Officer 
John Kiddier 

France 

First State Investments 
15, Avenue d’Eylau 
75016 Paris 
Telephone: +33 1 7302 4674 
Managing Director, EMEA 
Chris Turpin 

Annual Report 2013 

193 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

1300 245 463 (1300 AGLINE) AgriLine 

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), 
visit 
or 
Monday 
www.commbank.com.au/commonwealthprivate 

Friday 

to 

132 015 Commonwealth Financial Services 

For  enquiries  on  retirement  and  superannuation  products,  or 
managed 
to  6pm 
investments.  Available 
(Sydney Time), Monday to Friday.  

from  8.30am 

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. 

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 or investment home loan or to 
maintain an existing loan. Available from 8am to 8pm, 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 

If  you  would  like  to  pay  us  a  compliment  or  are  dissatisfied 
with any aspect of the service you have received. 

Internet Banking 

You  can  apply  for  a  home  loan,  credit  card,  personal  loan, 
term  deposit  or  a  savings  account  on  the  internet  by  visiting 
our  website  at  www.commbank.com.au  available  24  hours  a 
day, 7 days a week. 

Do  your  everyday  banking  on  our  internet  banking  service 
NetBank  at  www.commbank.com.au/netbank  available  24 
hours a day, 7 days a week. 

To apply for access to NetBank, call 132 828. 

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Do  your  business  banking  on  our  Business  Internet  Banking 
Service  CommBiz  at  www.commbank.com.au/CommBiz 
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

To apply for access to CommBiz, call 132 339. 

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Special Telephony Services 

Customers  who  are  hearing  or  speech  impaired  can  contact 
us via the National Relay Service (www.relayservice.com.au) 
(24 hours a day, 7 days a week). 

 

 

 

Telephone  Typewriter  (TTY)  service  users  can  be 
connected to any of our telephone numbers via 133 677. 

Speak  and  Listen  (speech-to-speech  relay)  users  can 
also connect to any of our telephone numbers by calling  
1300 555 727. 

Internet  relay  users  can  be  connected  to  our  telephone 
numbers via National Relay Service. 

131 519 CommSec (Commonwealth Securities) 

CommSec  provides  the information  and  tools  to make smart 
investment easy, accessible and affordable for all Australians, 
by phone or Internet at www.commsec.com.au. 

194  Commonwealth Bank of Australia  

 
 
Registered Office 

Ground Floor, Tower 1 
201 Sussex Street 
Sydney NSW 2000 
Telephone +61 2 9378 2000 
Facsimile +61 2 9118 7192 

Company Secretary 

Margaret Taylor 

Shareholder Information 

www.commbank.com.au/shareholder 

Share Registrar 

Link Market Services Limited 
Level 12 
680 George Street 
SYDNEY NSW 2000 
Telephone: 1800 022 440 
Facsimile: +61 2 9287 0303 
Internet: www.linkmarketservices.com.au  
Email: cba@linkmarketservices.com.au 

Telephone numbers for overseas shareholders  
New Zealand 
0800 442 845  
United Kingdom 
0845 640 6130  
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. 

Corporate Directory 

Annual Report 2013 

195 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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