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FY2015 Annual Report · Commonwealth Bank of Australia
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ANNUAL 
REPORT
2015

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA   |   ACN 123 123 124

 
Contents 

Chairman’s Statement 

Chief Executive Officer’s Statement 

Highlights 

Group Performance Analysis 

Group Operations and Business Settings 

Corporate Responsibility 

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 

6 

9 

13 

23 

32 

36 

68 

70 

71 

72 

73 

74 

76 

78 

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180 

182 

186 

188 

189 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015  1 

 
 
  
Chairman’s Statement 

Introduction

We are very aware that at the Commonwealth Bank we have 
an  important  role  to  play  in  protecting  and  enhancing  the 
financial  wellbeing  of  all  our  stakeholders,  be 
they 
shareholders, customers or the wider population. We employ 
over 52,000 people, have a customer base of 15 million and 
have nearly 800,000 Australians who directly own our shares. 
We know we must perform well in all respects. 

We  are  also  aware  that  in  order  to  do  this,  we  need  to 
maintain  conservative  business  settings,  set  strong  capital 
levels, have high levels of liquidity and solid provisioning.   

The  regulatory  environment  both  in  Australia  and  elsewhere 
continues to evolve and  places increasing responsibilities on 
the  management  team  and  the  Board.  Additionally,  the 
Financial System Inquiry, to which I made reference last year, 
recommended,  for  purposes  of  increased  competition,  an 
increased  capital  requirement 
in 
Australia.  This  recommendation  was  adopted  by  the  Bank 
and  was  the  principal  reason  for  our  decision  to  raise 
$5 billion by way of an entitlement offer for all shareholders in 
August. 

the  major  banks 

for 

Turning  to  our  operations,  the  environment  in  which  we 
operate continues to be volatile. We saw this play out during 
the year in the Eurozone with the crisis in Greece, and while 
resolved  for  the  time  being,  this  element  of  volatility  seems 
likely to be a recurring theme. In this context, whilst the Group 
has  no  exposure  to  Greek  Sovereign  Debt  nor  direct 
exposure  to  Greek  banks,  it  is  a  situation  we  monitor  very 
closely, and in particular how it might impact the availability of 
funding should the crisis spread.   

There has also been a marked slowdown in the rate of growth 
in  the  Chinese  economy  and  a  consequent  slowdown  in  the 
import  of  minerals  from  Australia.  Whether  or  not  related, 
there  has  also  been  considerable  volatility  on  the  Chinese 
stock  market  in  recent  months.  Whilst  this  again  does  not 
directly impact the Group, there is no denying its effect on the 
Australian  economy,  particularly  in  activities  associated  with 
the mining industry. 

Within the Group and directly associated with our objective to 
perform  well,  we  are  very  focused  on  strengthening  our 
values-based  culture  built  around  integrity,  collaboration, 
excellence, accountability and service. 

Over  the  last  12  months,  the  Group  undertook  an  extensive 
review  of  our  culture,  assisted  by  external  advisers,  The 
Ethics  Centre,  KPMG  and  Gilbert  &  Tobin.  While  integrity, 
collaboration, transparency and trust are all clear ingredients 
of  “ethics”,  the  task  of  ensuring  that  behaviour  mirrors 
excellence  in  all  of  these  characteristics  will  be  an  ongoing 
task. It  has  management’s  full  attention  and  is central to  the 
conduct of the Group’s business. 

Operating and Financial results 

Commentary  on  the  details  of  the  operating  and  financial 
results  are  included  in  the  CEO’s  report  and  in  the  financial 
documents  released  for  the  2015  result.  For  the  period,  the 
Board  declared  a  final  dividend  of  $2.22  per  share  bringing 
the total dividend for the year to $4.20 an increase of 5% on 
last year. The Group delivered a net profit after tax on a cash 
basis  of  $9,137  million,  up  5%  on  last  year.  Earnings  per 
share  on  a  cash  basis  increased  5%  on  the  prior  year  to 
560.8  cents  per  share  and  return  on  equity,  also  on  a  cash 
basis, decreased 50 basis points on the prior year to 18.2%.  
There is without doubt, more challenge in our industry and  

2 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

these results reflect a very solid performance for the financial 
year. 

Capital and Dividends 
Capital: 

I  referred  earlier  to  increased  regulation  and  our  $5 billion 
entitlement  offer  as  a  result  of  APRA’s  adoption  of  the 
recommendation  of  the  Financial  System  Inquiry  to  increase 
mortgage risk weights for the major banks. 

The Group’s ability to deliver a strong performance and to be 
one  of  a  very  small  number  of  global  banks  that  have 
maintained  ratings  in  the  AA  band,  in  part  results  from  our 
conservative  management.  In  addition,  global  regulators, 
including  our  domestic  regulator,  the  Australian  Prudential 
Regulation  Authority  (APRA),  have  introduced  significant 
reforms which result in a greater requirement for strength. 

The  Group  also  adopted  the  Basel  III  measurement  and 
monitoring of regulatory capital effective from 1 January 2013.  
The  APRA  prudential  standards  require  a  minimum  CET1 
ratio  of  4.5%  effective  from  1  January  2013.  An  additional 
CET1  capital  conservation  buffer  of  3.5%  (which  includes  a 
Domestic  Systemically  Important  Bank  (DSIB)  requirement 
of 1%)  will  be  implemented  on  1  January  2016,  bringing  the 
CET1 requirement for the Group to 8%. 

As  at  30  June  2015,  under  this  measure,  the  Group  had  a 
CET1  ratio  of  9.1%.  APRA  has  undertaken  a  study  on  an 
internationally  comparable  capital  ratio  which  when  taking 
account of the impact of our $5 billion entitlement offer, would 
place  the  Group  well  within  the  top  quartile  of  global  peer 
banks. 

Dividends: 

The Group’s dividend policy seeks to deliver:  

 

 

 

Cash dividends at strong and sustainable levels;  

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

The  maximum  use  of  franking  by  paying  fully  franked 
dividends.  

In-line  with  this  policy,  the  final  dividend  declared  was 
$2.22 per  share,  representing  a  dividend  payout  ratio  on  a 
cash  basis  of  80.5%.  This  brings  the  total  dividend  for  the 
year  ended  30  June  2015  to  $4.20  per  share,  an  overall 
dividend payout ratio of 75.1%. 

Shares taken up as a result of the entitlement offer in August 
do not rank for these dividends. 

Commonwealth Financial Planning 

In  last  year’s  Annual  Report,  I  described  in  some  detail  the 
Open Advice Review program, a far-reaching and expansive 
program of review and remediation to redress past problems 
in parts of our financial planning business.  

received  and  aims 

The  program  demonstrates  our  commitment  to  customers 
who  have  concerns  regarding  the  financial  planning  advice 
instances  of 
to 
they 
inappropriate advice. The program was open for registrations 
for  one  year  from  3  July  2014  to  any  Commonwealth 
Financial  Planning  or  Financial  Wisdom  customer  who  had 
received advice between 1 September 2003 and 1 July 2012.  

rectify  any 

The  program  received  more  than  22,000  expressions  of 
interest from customers, with around 7,000 customers so far 
requesting  a  formal  review  of  the  financial  advice  they 
received. We have a large and fully resourced specialist team 
working  on the program. The sole focus of the program is to 

 
complete  the  reviews  properly  and  with  the  right  degree  of 
thoroughness  and  consistency.  It  will  take  time  to  complete 
the  reviews  and  some  people  will  receive  the  result  before 
others,  which  is  normal  for  a  program  of  this  size  and 
complexity.  As  we  are  concerned 
is 
disadvantaged  by  being  later  in  the  queue,  we  will  pay 
interest on any compensation we offer. Due to the complexity 
of  the  issues  and  the  overriding  need  to  get  to  the  right 
answer  for  our  customers,  we  expect  the  program  to  take 
about two years to complete. 

that  no  one 

Added  to  this,  we  have  introduced  new  education  standards 
for  our  financial  advisers  and  we  participated  in  the  Senate 
Inquiry which is looking into the inner workings of this sector.  
We also advocated for the introduction of an adviser register 
to  improve  transparency  for  consumers  and  access  to 
information to make more information choices about financial 
advisers. 

Environmental, Social and Governance risks and 
opportunities 

Clearly  as  a  financial  institution,  we  understand  that  the 
decisions we make have an impact on the broader community 
and  that  we  are  in  a  position  to  use  our  capabilities  and 
resources  to  make  a  positive  contribution  to  the  economy 
generally and to the environment. 

In this context, we fully understand our role in addressing the 
challenge  of  climate  change.  We  have  robust,  responsible 
lending  practices in  place,  helping  organisations  transition to 
a low carbon economy, which the world is seeking, investing 
in the renewable  energy sector and measuring and reducing 
our  own  environmental  footprint.  Our  Environmental  Policy 
clearly states the following: 

 

 

 

The  Group  believes  climate  change  will  have  a  major 
environmental,  economic  and  social  impact.  Climate 
change  presents  both  risks  and  opportunities  and  the 
Group  will  continue  to  take  an  active  role  as  a financial 
intermediary in addressing climate change. 

The  Group  is  committed  to  developing  a  framework  for 
setting  environmental  objectives  and  targets  as  well  as 
measuring,  reducing  and  reporting  its  own  greenhouse 
emissions. 

the  Group  seeks 

its 
In  addition, 
customers,  the  community  and  other  stakeholders  to 
promote  a  broader  understanding,  and  more  effective 
management, of climate change issues. 

to  engage  with 

We  take  a  responsible  approach  to  the  way  we  provide 
financial  products  and  services.  Part  of  that  approach  has 
implementation  of  our 
been 
the  development  and 
Environmental,  Social  &  Governance 
(ESG)  Lending 
Commitments.  Our  ESG  Lending  Commitments  set  out  how 
we approach the assessment and management of ESG risks 
and  opportunities  associated  with  client  activities,  such  as 
carbon  intensity,  human  rights  and  corruption.  For  example, 
we  have  extended  many  loan  facilities  throughout  our  client 
base from energy companies installing more effective carbon 
filters  to  reduce  emissions  and  to  commercial  property 
companies  looking  to  install  more  efficient  lighting  in  office 
buildings.   

The Bank has commenced reporting publicly on the progress 
of  the  implementation  of  these  Lending  Commitments  (for 
details 
to 
this 
www.commbank.com.au/ESGLendingReporting).  

reporting 

refer 

of 

We believe that the approach we are taking to the disclosure 
of  carbon  emissions  will  deliver  a  meaningful  long-term 

Chairman’s Statement 

disclosure  regime  and  a  better  outcome  for  the  community 
and  our  shareholders.  We  also  believe  that  categorising  the 
ESG risks on a loan by loan basis is leading practice among 
commercial banks. 

On  the  other  side  of  the  equation,  we  are  very  active  in 
supporting  alternative  energy  sources,  both  locally  and 
internationally.  Over  the  past  five  years  our  exposure  to  the 
renewable  energy  sector  has  increased  significantly,  while 
our  exposure  to  coal-based  energy  has  remained  static. We 
now  have  exposure  to  more  than  180  projects  in  the  wind 
power,  solar  power,  hydro  power  and  landfill  gas  generation 
sectors. 

With  regard  to  our  own  environmental  performance,  our 
efforts  to  reduce  carbon  emissions  and  mitigate  the  risks  of 
climate  change  have  been  recognised  by  CDP,  (the  Carbon 
Disclosure  Project)  the  world’s  largest  voluntary  system  for 
collecting  climate  change  related  data.  CDP  focuses  on  the 
climate change  approach  of the ASX  200  and  NZX  50  listed 
leadership 
companies  and  ranks 
indices. The Bank, for the second year in a row, was awarded 
the highest ranking Australian bank listed in the CDP Global 
Index, achieving an overall disclosure score of 100% and an 
‘A  band’  for  climate  performance.  The  Bank  is  the  only 
company in Australia and New Zealand to achieve these two 
milestones.  

their  performance  on 

Corporate Governance and Board Appointments 

its  Committee’s  and 

I  have  mentioned  in  the  past  that  the  Board  assesses  its 
performance annually. Every second year the assessment of 
the  Board, 
is 
facilitated  by  an  external  party.  This  year  was  such  a  year.  
The  process  of  assessment  is  robust  and  provides  valuable 
insights  that  enable  the  Board  to  implement  actions  to 
enhance 
its  overall  performance.  Directors  and  Senior 
Management participate actively and constructively. I provide 
individual feedback to each Director. 

individual  Directors 

As  individuals,  Directors  contribute  a  diverse  range  of  skills 
and  well-rounded  experience  which,  when  combined,  enable 
the  Board  to  challenge  management  effectively  and  provide 
guidance  on  the  Bank’s strategic direction.  This  breadth  and 
diversity  allows  the  Board  to  exercise  its  judgement  and  to 
appropriately fulfil its role for shareholders. 

The  Board  has  continued  its  program  of  education  this  year 
which  helps  us  to  better  understand  some  of  the  more 
challenging  issues  facing  the  Group,  as  well  as  providing 
exposure  to  a  wide  range  of  our  stakeholders,  including  our 
shareholders.  In  addition,  I  have  continued  to  have  regular 
meetings with our investors and I value the open and honest 
exchanges I have had with them.  

findings  were  presented 

In addition to our regular investor perception studies, this year 
to  conduct  an 
the  Board  engaged  Makinson  Cowell 
institutional 
independent  study  of  some  of  our  major 
investors.  The 
the  Board, 
to 
providing 
investor  views  on  our  performance,  strategy, 
businesses  and  engagement.  This  study  helps  the  Board 
ensure 
the 
foundation  of  our  decision  making  and  that  we  are  aware  of 
those  views.  I  am  glad  to  say  that  the  study’s  observations 
were both satisfactory and complimentary of our management 
team. 

that  shareholders’  views  continue 

form 

to 

There  were  some  changes  to  your  Board  this  year.  Carolyn 
Kay retired from the Board in March 2015, having served as a 
Board  member  since  2003.  Carolyn  distinguished  herself 
through  her  diligence,  her  willingness  to  undertake  some  of 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015  3 

 
Chairman’s Statement 

the  more  onerous  Board  tasks,  and  her  contribution  to  our 
branch network through her genuine care for our people and 
her  enthusiasm. 
for  her  exceptional 
thank  Carolyn 
contribution over the last 12 years. 

I 

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 
that  any  appointments  adequately  reflect  the  environment  in 
which the Group operates as well as our aspirations. 

Following  a  rigorous  process,  your  Board  announced  in 
March  the  appointment  of  Wendy  Stops.  Wendy  is  an 
experienced  senior  management  executive  who  enjoyed  a 
career  spanning  some  32  years at  Accenture.  At  the time  of 
her  retirement  in  2014  she  held  the  position  of  Senior 
Managing  Director,  Technology  –  Asia  Pacific.  The 
appointment of Wendy enhances the Boards skill and insights 
in the key area of technology and international management.  
Further information about Wendy may be found on page 39 of 
this report.  

I would also like to acknowledge the formal appointment of Sir 
David  Higgins  to  the  Board  in  September  2014.  As  I 
highlighted  last  year,  Sir  David  brings  a  vast  array  of  high-
level business, infrastructure and major project experience. 

The  Board’s  Non-Executive  Directors meet  without  the  Chief 
Executive  Officer  several  times  a  year  to  discuss  general 
items that may be on the minds of Directors that relate to the 
Group’s business.  

 I have an open dialogue with the Chief Executive Officer on 
any  matters  that  may  have  been  raised  in  these  forums.  As 
well,  sufficient  time  is  allowed  during  board  meetings  for  the 
Board  as  a  whole  to  raise  matters  with  the  Chief  Executive 
Officer in the absence of any other management. 

Outlook  

Looking  ahead,  we  remain  positive  about  the  long-term 
performance  of  the  Australian  economy  although  there  are 
inevitably short-term economic challenges.  

Whilst  there  are  signs  the  transformation  from  the  mining 
boom to non-mining led growth is occurring, we are yet to see 
the  full  transition.  As the  country  moves  to  a more  balanced 
economy,  we  believe  there  are  opportunities  that  Australia 
can harness given our close proximity to Asia. To support the 
transition,  we  will  need  to  focus  on  consistent  policies, 
support  for  long-term  investment  and  encouragement  for 
business.   

In  terms  of  our  own  Group,  we  will  remain  conservative  and 
we will stay focused on our key long-term strategic priorities – 
people, productivity, technology and strength. We will strive to 
continue 
to  our  customers, 
long-term  value 
shareholders, people and the broader community in which we 
operate. 

to  deliver 

I  would  like  to  take  this  opportunity  to  thank  my  fellow 
directors  for  their  dedication  and  commitment  over  the  past 
twelve  months,  and  also  to  all  the  people  within  our  Bank 
without whose efforts we would not be successful.  

A sincere thank you to everybody. 

David J Turner 

Chairman 

11 August 2015 

4 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015  5 

 
Chief Executive Officer’s Statement 

We continue to support our people by constantly emphasising 
the importance of values and culture, and by investing in their 
development  and  in  initiatives  that  foster  a  vibrant,  safe  and 
supportive work environment.  

We are also committed to building an inclusive culture, where 
our  people  mirror  our  customer  base  and  society  more 
broadly,  and  where  everyone 
feels  empowered  and 
supported  to  give  of  her  or  his  best.  Most  importantly,  we 
want  everyone  to  feel  valued  and  respected,  regardless  of 
their gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or age, or of 
any  disability.  Diversity  must  be  about  much  more  than 
“tolerance”.  Rather,  we  aspire  to  embrace  and  celebrate  it. 
Our  ongoing  commitment  to  our  culture  has  translated  into 
high  levels  of  engagement  among  our  people,  as  shown  by 
the Group’s employee engagement score of 81%.  

Technology 

The  strength  of  our  business  has  enabled  us  to  continue  to 
innovate  through  investment  in  technology.  We  continue  to 
focus  on  the  use  of  technology  for  the  benefit  of  our 
customers. One of the keystones of our technology has been 
the CommBank app. This year we have continued to innovate 
on  the  app.  In  October,  we  launched  a  ‘temporary  lock’ 
feature  to  help  our  credit  card  customers  avoid  cancelling 
misplaced  cards.  At  the  same  time  we  provided  customers 
with the ability to instantly cancel and replace a lost, stolen or 
damaged  card.  We  also  introduced  the  CommBank  app  for 
smart watches, allowing our customers to view balances, find 
an  ATM  and  withdraw  money  using  our  ’Cardless  Cash’ 
offering.  

For  our  business  customers  we  launched  ‘Albert’,  a  global 
first-to-market EFTPOS tablet. The device allows businesses 
to  create  a  tailored  experience  for  their  customers.  Among 
Albert’s unique features are the ability to e-mail receipts and 
invoices,  split  bills  up  to  nine  ways,  record  and  track 
payments,  and  collect  real-time  analytics  and  business 
insights. In October, we unveiled the Group’s Innovation Lab 
at Commonwealth Bank Place in Sydney. The Lab provides a 
creative  space  for  our  people  and  customers  to  innovate 
together  to  deliver  market-leading  solutions  and  services  to 
our customers. 

During the year we also acquired TYME  – Take Your Money 
Everywhere. TYME is a South African based global leader in 
designing  and  building  digital  banking  technology.  TYME 
gives  us  new  opportunities 
in  our  emerging  markets 
businesses,  as  well  as  providing  capability  to  enhance 
innovation  in  our  core  markets.  We  will  continue  to  innovate 
to  ensure  we  differentiate  ourselves 
from  emerging 
competitors and to meet the evolving needs of our customers. 

We also continue to see the benefits of our investment in our 
Core  Banking  Modernisation  upgrade,  which  was  completed 
in  2013.  This  provides  our  customers  with  industry-leading 
features through the only genuine 24 hours a day, seven days 
a  week  core  banking  system  among  the  major  banks  in 
Australia.  The  extra  convenience  for  customers  arising  from 
this  new  technology  was  a  major  driver  behind  our  above-
market growth in deposits and transaction accounts this year. 
This  provides  us  with  a  competitive  advantage  that  clearly 
benefits our customers. 

Our vision  - to excel at securing and enhancing the financial 
wellbeing  of  people,  businesses  and  communities  -  and  our 
values,  define  our  purpose  and  how  we  operate.  Guided  by 
our  vision  and  values,  we  focused  again  this  year  on 
execution of our customer-focused strategy and our long-term 
strategic priorities. This focus again delivered good returns for 
nearly  800,000  Australian  households  who  directly  own  our 
shares  and  millions  more  who  own  our  shares  through  their 
superannuation  funds.  Net  Profit  after  Tax  (cash  basis)  was 
$9,137 million, up 5%. Earnings per share increased by 5% to 
560.8 cents per share. Return on equity was 18.2%. This year 
to  you,  our 
we  paid  over  $6.8  billion 
shareholders.  The  value  of  your 
the 
in 
Commonwealth Bank grew by $9 billion.  

in  dividends 

investment 

Customer Focus 

Our  15  million  customers  inside  and  outside  Australia  are  at 
the  centre  of  our  strategy,  and  of  everything  we  do.  Our 
ongoing focus on their financial wellbeing has resulted in high 
levels of customer satisfaction again during this financial year.  

In June, we regained the outright number one position in the 
Roy Morgan Retail MFI Customer Satisfaction survey results 
based on a six month rolling average. In addition, in the DBM 
Business  Financial  Services  Monitor,  we  maintained  equal 
first  position  across  all  business  banking  segments  and 
overall. In our wealth business, Colonial First State performed 
strongly  in  the  2015  Wealth  Insights  Platform  Benchmarking 
Survey,  ranking  highest  of  the  major  banks  for  adviser 
satisfaction  and  second  overall.  And  in  Indonesia,  PT  Bank 
Commonwealth 
in 
retained 
Synovate’s external customer service survey. 

its  number  one  position 

Part of our commitment to customer focus is also reflected in 
our  determination  to  put  things  right  where  we  have  let  our 
customers down. An example of this commitment is our Open 
Advice Review program, which the Chairman has addressed 
in his statement.  

We  have  designed  the  program  to  empower  and  give 
confidence  to  our  customers.  We  have  embedded  several 
layers  of  independence,  and  adopted  a  fair  and  consistent 
approach  to  advice  reviews.  We  are  well  progressed  in 
implementing  this  industry-leading  program, so  as  to  give  all 
our  financial  advice  customers  comfort  in  the  quality  of  the 
advice  they  received,  and compensate  them  if  they  received 
poor advice.  

Focused on our long-term strategic priorities 

This  year  we  have  again  remained  focused  on  executing 
against  our  four  strategic  priorities:  people,  technology, 
productivity  and  strength.  Our 
long-term  strategy  has 
continued  to  serve  us  well,  even  as  market  conditions 
continue to change. 

People 

Our  results  reflect  the  ongoing  dedication  of  our  people. 
Regardless  of  role,  our  people  work  together  to  achieve  our 
vision. We are proud of their commitment to serve the needs 
of  our  customers  and  continuously  improve  our  customers’ 
experience.  

6 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

 
Chief Executive Officer’s Statement 

Productivity 

We are in the third year of continuing to focus on productivity 
initiatives. This is becoming a new way of life for our people, 
for  the  benefit  of  our  customers.  Productivity  is  not  about 
initiatives,  redundancy  plans  or 
short-term  cost  cutting 
offshoring  Australian  jobs.  It  requires  a  cultural  focus  on 
simplicity  and  continuous  improvement.  At  the  heart  of  our 
approach 
that  customer 
is 
satisfaction  and  efficiency  for  shareholders  are  mutually 
reinforcing  outcomes.  Our  results  thus  far  show  that  by 
focusing on simplicity, we can reduce turnaround times, error 
rates and costs simultaneously.  

to  productivity 

the  belief 

Strength 

Financial  strength,  including  a  strong  capital  position,  is  the 
fourth pillar of CBA’s strategy. The Group maintained a strong 
balance  sheet  throughout  the  year,  including  high  levels  of 
capital,  with  all  ratios  well  in  excess  of  regulatory  minimum 
capital adequacy requirements. This was against a backdrop 
of  uncertainty  in  the  domestic  economy  and  volatility  on 
global markets. 

the  year, 

The  Group  continued  to  work  closely  with  our  regulator  to 
ensure we remain well-placed to act on future capital reforms. 
During 
the  Australian  Prudential  Regulation 
Authority  (APRA)  acted  on  two  recommendations  from  the 
recent  Financial System Inquiry.  The  first set  an  expectation 
for Australian banks to be “unquestionably strong” relative to 
global  peers.  The second  required  large  banks to  hold more 
capital  against  home  loans,  with  the  goal  of  stimulating 
greater competition.  

 As  a  result  of  those  developments,  the  Board  decided  to 
undertake a $5 billion entitlement offer. On a pro forma basis 
this  action is  expected  to  boost  the  Group’s  Common Equity 
Tier  1  (CET1)  capital  ratio  to  14.3%  on  an  internationally 
comparable  basis,  or  10.4%  on  an  APRA  basis.  This 
positions us comfortably within the top quartile of international 
peers in relation to capital levels. 

Key financial highlights 

Underlying  the  2015  result  were  contributions  from  all 
business divisions.  

 

Solid  growth  in  net  interest  income  and  other  banking 
income  contributed  to  Retail  Banking  Services  cash 
earnings  growth  of  5%.  Deposit  balances  grew 
particularly  strongly  at  8%,  underpinned  by  strong 
growth in savings and transaction accounts; 

  Wealth  Management’s 

income 
increased  9%  (excluding  Property1  ),  driven  by  a  13% 
increase in average Funds Under Administration; 

funds  management 

 

Business  and  Private  Banking  performed  well,  buoyed 
by  strong  growth  in  deposit  and  business  lending 
income,  reflecting  growth  across  key  product  lines, 
continuing  benefit  of  our  core  banking  platform  and  a 
focus on transaction banking; 

1During  the  2014  financial  year  the  Group  successfully  completed  the 
internalisation of the management of CFS Retail Property Group (CFX) and 
Kiwi Income Property Trust (KIP), and the Group has ceased to manage the 
Commonwealth Property Office Fund (CPA). The Group also sold its entire 
proprietary  unit  holding  in  CPA  and  KIP,  and  part  of  its  proprietary  unit 
holding in CFX. As such, these Property transactions and businesses have 
been  excluded  from  the  calculation  of  certain  financial  metrics  and 
comparative information.  

 

 

 

Institutional  Banking  and  Markets  achieved  positive 
client  sales  and  Markets  revenues  as  well  as  strong 
growth  in  lending  and  asset  leasing.  The  result  was 
partly  impacted  by  the  initial  implementation  of  a  new 
derivative  valuation  methodology,  Funding  Valuation 
Adjustment  (FVA),  which  had  a  negative  one-off  impact 
of $81 million;  

Cash  earnings  grew  in  New  Zealand  (including  ASB 
Bank and Sovereign) by 17%. The ASB Bank result was 
highlighted  by  strong  lending  growth  and  good  margin 
management; 

Bankwest  experienced  solid  growth 
transaction 
deposit  volumes,  however,  growth  was  impacted  by 
lower  margins.  Expenses  were  well  contained  with  the 
cost to income ratio declining 190 bpts to 43.3%; and 

in 

  Our  International  Financial Services  business continued 
its disciplined growth in selected Asian markets, with the 
total number of direct customers growing by 12%.  

Investment in our community 

the  year  we  continued 

Throughout 
the 
communities around us, as they form an important part of our 
vision. 

to  support 

As  the  largest  financial  institution  in  Australia,  we  have  an 
important  role  to  play  in  the  financial  education  of  young 
Australians. In 2009, we made a commitment to improve the 
financial  literacy  of  one  million  children  by  2015.  We  have 
exceeded that goal with 1.23 million children booked in one of 
our free Start Smart workshops through their school. 

We  also  believe  that  even  better  schools  will  make  a  better 
country.  So,  we  announced  that  we  will  invest  an  additional 
$50  million  in  our  education  programs  over  the  next  three 
years, starting  with  an  ambitious plan  to  double  the  reach  of 
financial literacy training by 2016. In addition, our support for 
teachers 
through  a  partnership  with  Social 
Ventures  Australia  to  create  the  Australian  Teaching  and 
Learning Toolkit, as well as recognising outstanding teachers 
through our annual Teaching Awards. 

is  growing 

As a proud Australian company, we have also been involved 
in  the  “We’re  for  the  Bush”  drought  appeal,  we  have 
continued  to  invest  in  our  indigenous  customer  assistance 
line  and  we  are  proud  to  be  supporting  the  Spirit  of  ANZAC 
Centenary Experience which will start its two year program of 
travel across Australia this September. As the major sponsor 
for  35  years, 
the  Year  Awards 
of 
the  Australian  of 
the 
is  proud 
Commonwealth  Bank 
extraordinary  individuals  that  make  such  a  difference  to  our 
country. We have extended that program of recognition of the 
unsung  community  heroes  with  our  Australian  of  the  Day 
program.  

to  help  celebrate 

Outlook 

The  Australian  economy  has  some  good  foundations.  The 
RBA’s  monetary  policy  settings  have  stimulated  residential 
the  economy’s 
construction  activity,  which  has  aided 
transition  from  its  dependence  on  mining  investment.  The 
Federal  Budget's  small  business  measures  have  had  a 
discernible  impact.  Business  credit  quality  is  generally  very 
good,  while  in  the  household  sector  savings  rates  are  solid. 
Household  credit  quality  remains  high,  though  the  banking 
sector  and  our  regulators  are  conscious  of  the  potential 
impacts  of  a  sustained  period  of  low  interest  rates,  and  are 
therefore taking measured action. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015  7 

 
                                                                 
 
Chief Executive Officer’s Statement 

Risks  remain  in  the  near-term  resulting  from  some  ongoing 
volatility in parts of the global economy.  

One  important  factor  to  watch  over  the  next  year  will  be 
whether  the  lower  dollar  stimulates  investment  by  export-
sensitive  industries,  to  create  jobs  and  stimulate  consumer 
demand. 
In the longer term, we have a positive view of the Australian 
economy.  In  growing  markets  in  our  region,  there  is  a  high 
demand  from  people  who  want  to  buy  Australian  goods  and 
in 
in  Australia,  educate 
services, 
Australia, visit Australia and in some cases move to Australia. 
Australia's exceptional natural and human resources position 
us  well.  But  we  must  ensure  that  our  policy  environment 
positions our economy to benefit from its strengths.  

their  children 

invest 

Businesses  and  all  sides  of  politics  must  work  together 
towards  a  goal  of  a  more  diverse  and  productive  economy. 
We  need  particular  focus  on  a  more  efficient  and  fair  tax 
system,  building  of  high-quality  and  well-prioritised 
infrastructure,  and  trade  and  foreign  investment  settings.At 
CBA  we  will  continue  our  significant  investment  in  our  long-
term  strategic  priorities.  Our  ongoing  goal  is  to  have  highly 
motivated  people  putting  the  customer  at  the  centre  of 
everything  we  do,  and 
leading 
technology to simplify our customers' dealings with us, and to 
continuously make the organisation more productive. 

focusing  on  deploying 

Ian M Narev 

Chief Executive Officer 

11 August 2015 

8 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Performance Highlights  

Highlights 

Financial Performance 

Capital 

The Group’s net profit after tax (“statutory basis”) for the year 
ended  30 June 2015  increased  5%  on  the  prior  year  to 
$9,063 million. 

Return on equity (“statutory basis”) was  18.2% and Earnings 
per share (“statutory basis”) was  557.0 cents, an increase of 
4% 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 
to  present  a  clear  view  of 
the  Group’s 
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  with  the  prior  year  and 
prior  half  disclosures  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 10  and  described  in 
greater detail on page 20. 

The Group’s vision is to excel at securing and enhancing the 
financial  well-being  of  people,  businesses  and  communities. 
The  long-term  strategies  that  the  Group  has  pursued  to 
achieve  this  vision  have  continued  to  deliver  high  levels  of 
customer satisfaction across all businesses and another solid 
financial result. 

Operating  income  growth  was  solid  across  all  businesses, 
relative to the prior year. 

Operating  expenses  increased  due  to  underlying  inflationary 
pressures,  the  impact  of  foreign  exchange  and  the  cost  of 
growing  regulatory,  compliance  and  remediation  programs, 
partly  offset  by  the  incremental  benefit  generated  from 
productivity initiatives. 

in  a 

Loan  impairment  expense  increased  in  line  with  portfolio 
relatively  stable  economic  environment. 
growth 
Provisioning  levels  remain  prudent  and  overlays  remain 
largely unchanged on the prior year. 

Net  profit  after  tax  (“cash  basis”)  for  the  year  ended 
to 
30 June 2015 
$9,137 million.  Cash  earnings  per  share  increased  5%  to 
560.8 cents per share. 

increased  5%  on 

the  prior  year 

Return  on  equity  (“cash  basis”) 
the  year  ended 
30 June 2015  was  18.2%,  a  decrease  of  50 basis  points  on 
the prior year. 

for 

The  Group  continued  to  maintain  its  strong  capital  position 
under  the  Basel  III  regulatory  capital  framework.  As  at 
30 June  2015,  the  Basel  III  Common  Equity  Tier  1  (CET1) 
ratio  was  12.7%  on  an  internationally  comparable  basis  and 
9.1% on an APRA basis.  
The  internationally  comparable  basis  aligns  with  the  13  July 
2015  APRA  study  titled  “International  capital  comparison 
study”. This continues to place the Group in a strong position 
relative  to  our  peers,  and  is  well  above  the  regulatory 
minimum levels. 

Funding 

The Group continued to maintain conservative Balance Sheet 
settings,  with  a  considerable  portion  of  the  Group’s  lending 
growth 
in  customer  deposits,  which 
increased to $478 billion as at 30 June 2015, up $39 billion on 
the prior year. 

funded  by  growth 

Dividends 

The final dividend declared was $2.22 per share, bringing the 
total  dividend  for  the  year  ended  30 June 2015  to  $4.20 per 
share, an increase of 5% on the prior year. This represents a 
dividend payout ratio (“cash basis”) of 75%. 

The  final  dividend  payment  will  be  fully  franked  and  paid  on 
1 October 2015  to  owners  of  ordinary  shares  at  the  close  of 
business  on  20 August 2015  (record  date).  Shares  will  be 
quoted ex–dividend on 18 August 2015. 

Outlook 

The  Australian  economy  has  some  good  foundations.  Risks 
remain in the near-term resulting from some ongoing volatility 
in parts of the global economy. One important factor to watch 
over the next year will be whether the lower dollar stimulates 
investment  by  export-sensitive  industries,  to  create  jobs  and 
stimulate consumer demand.   

In the longer term, we have a positive view of the Australian 
economy.  Australia's  exceptional  natural  and  human 
resources position us well. But we must ensure that our policy 
environment  positions  our  economy  to  benefit  from  its 
strengths.  Businesses  and  all  sides  of  politics  must  work 
together  towards  a  goal  of  a  more  diverse  and  productive 
economy.  We  need  particular  focus  on  a  more  efficient  and 
fair  tax  system,  building  of  high-quality  and  well-prioritised 
infrastructure, and trade and foreign investment settings.  

At CBA we will continue our significant investment in our long-
term  strategic  priorities.  Our  ongoing  goal  is  to  have  highly 
motivated  people  putting  the  customer  at  the  centre  of 
leading 
everything  we  do,  and 
technology to simplify our customers' dealings with us, and to 
the  organisation  more  productive.
continuously  make 

focusing  on  deploying 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015  9 

Jun 15 vsJun 15 vsJun 15 vs 30 Jun 15Jun 14 % 30 Jun 1530 Jun 14 Jun 14 % 30 Jun 15 31 Dec 14Dec 14 %Net profit after tax ($M)9,06359,1378,68054,5144,623(2)Return on equity (%)18.2(50)bpts18.218.7(50)bpts17.818.6(80)bptsEarnings per share - basic (cents)557.04560.8535.95276.7284.1(3)Dividends per share (cents)4205420401522219812("statutory basis")("cash basis")("cash basis")Full Year EndedFull Year EndedHalf Year Ended 
 
  
Highlights 

(1)  For  the  purposes  of  presentation,  policyholder  tax  expense  components  of  corporate  tax  expense  are  shown  on  a  net  basis  (30 June 2015:  $99 million 

and 30 June 2014: $126 million, and for the half years ended 30 June 2015: $38 million and 31 December 2014: $61 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 20 for details. 
(4)  During the prior half, comparative information was restated to reflect the creation of a Small Business customer channel within Retail Banking Services, 

(5) 

and minor refinements to the allocation of customer balances and associated revenue and expenses between business segments. 
In the prior year, the Property transactions were completed and the businesses were exited. Excluding this contribution, cash net profit after tax decreased 
6% on the prior year. 

Group Return on Equity 

Group Return on Assets 

10  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Group Performance30 Jun 1530 Jun 14Jun 15 vs30 Jun 1531 Dec 14Jun 15 vs30 Jun 15Jun 15 vsSummary$M$MJun 14 %$M$MDec 14 %$MJun 14 %Net interest income 15,79915,09157,9087,891-15,7955Other banking income 4,8394,323122,4692,37044,85612Total banking income20,63819,414610,37710,261120,6516Funds management income1,9381,933-968970-2,003(2)Insurance income792819(3)376416(10)1,014(2)Total operating income23,36822,166511,72111,647123,6685Investment experience210235(11)1308063n/an/aTotal income23,57822,401511,85111,727123,6685Operating expenses(9,993)(9,499)5(5,079)(4,914)3(10,068)5Loan impairment expense(988)(953)4(548)(440)25(988)8Net profit before tax12,59711,94956,2246,373(2)12,6125Corporate tax expense (1)(3,439)(3,250)6(1,699)(1,740)(2)(3,528)5Non-controlling interests (2)(21)(19)11(11)(10)10(21)11Net profit after tax ("cash basis")9,1378,68054,5144,623(2)n/an/aHedging and IFRS volatility (3)66-48(42)largen/an/aOther non-cash items (3)(80)(55)45(34)(46)(26)n/an/aNet profit after tax ("statutory basis")9,0638,63154,5284,535-9,0635Represented by: (4)Retail Banking Services 3,8673,67851,8751,992(6)Business and Private Banking 1,4591,32110716743(4)Institutional Banking and Markets 1,2681,2521615653(6)Wealth Management (5)650789(18)303347(13)New Zealand86574217430435(1)Bankwest75267511374378(1)IFS and Other2762232420175largeNet profit after tax ("cash basis")9,1378,68054,5144,623(2)Investment experience - after tax(150)(197)(24)(93)(57)63Net profit after tax ("underlying basis")8,9878,48364,4214,566(3)Full Year EndedHalf Year EndedFull Year Ended("statutory basis")("cash basis")("cash basis")15.8%18.7%19.5%18.4%18.2%18.7%18.2%2009201020112012201320142015RoE - Cash (%)620 646 668 719 754 791 873 4.46.16.87.07.88.79.10.8%1.1%0.0%0.2%0.4%0.6%0.8%1.0%1.2%02004006008001,0002009201020112012201320142015Total Assets ($bn)Cash NPAT ($bn)RoA - Cash (%) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Highlights 

(1)  During  the  prior  half,  comparative  information  has  been  restated  to  reflect  the  creation  of  a  Small  Business  customer  channel  within  Retail  Banking 

(2) 

Services, and minor refinements to the allocation of customer balances and associated revenue and expenses between business segments. 
In the prior year, the Property transactions were completed and the businesses were exited. Excluding this contribution, cash net profit after tax decreased 
6% on the prior year. 

(3)  Key financial metrics are calculated in New Zealand dollar terms. 
(4)  Analysis aligns with the 13 July 2015 APRA study titled “International capital comparison study”. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015  11 

Jun 15 vsJun 15 vsKey Performance Indicators (1) 30 Jun 15 30 Jun 14Jun 14 % 30 Jun 15 31 Dec 14Dec 14 %GroupStatutory net profit after tax ($M)9,0638,63154,5284,535-Cash net profit after tax ($M)9,1378,68054,5144,623(2)Net interest margin (%) 2. 092. 14(5)bpts2. 072. 12(5)bptsNet interest margin excluding Treasury and Markets (%) 2. 032. 04(1)bpt2. 012. 04(3)bptsAverage interest earning assets ($M) 754,872705,3717771,364738,6484Average interest bearing liabilities ($M) 714,159661,7338733,232695,4005Funds Under Administration (FUA) - average ($M)287,136263,8609298,882274,9239Average inforce premiums ($M) 3,2593,06863,3323,2343Funds management income to average FUA (%)0. 670. 73(6)bpts0. 650. 70(5)bptsInsurance income to average inforce premiums (%) 24. 326. 7(240)bpts22. 825. 5(270)bptsOperating expenses to total operating income (%)42. 842. 9(10)bpts43. 342. 2110 bptsEffective corporate tax rate ("cash basis") (%) 27. 327. 210 bpts27. 327. 3-Retail Banking ServicesCash net profit after tax ($M)3,8673,67851,8751,992(6)Operating expenses to total banking income (%)34. 935. 2(30)bpts35. 334. 580 bptsBusiness and Private BankingCash net profit after tax ($M)1,4591,32110716743(4)Operating expenses to total banking income (%)38. 438. 7(30)bpts38. 638. 240 bptsInstitutional Banking and MarketsCash net profit after tax ($M)1,2681,2521615653(6)Operating expenses to total banking income (%)35. 935. 450 bpts38. 833. 1largeWealth Management (2)Cash net profit after tax ($M)650789(18)303347(13)FUA - average ($M) (2)273,800241,40513284,686262,4098Average inforce premiums ($M) 2,3882,23772,4242,3453Funds management income to average FUA (%) (2)0. 670. 70(3)bpts0. 660. 69(3)bptsInsurance income to average inforce premiums (%)21. 125. 7(460)bpts19. 123. 2(410)bptsOperating expenses to total operating income (%) (2)73. 566. 9large81. 465. 7largeNew ZealandCash net profit after tax ($M)86574217430435(1)FUA - average ($M)13,33610,8772314,19612,51413Average inforce premiums ($M)6385908658656-Funds management income to average FUA (%) (3)0. 530. 55(2)bpts0. 520. 55(3)bptsInsurance income to average inforce premiums (%) (3)35. 533. 2230 bpts37. 033. 8320 bptsOperating expenses to total operating income (%) (3)40. 642. 0(140)bpts40. 840. 440 bptsBankwestCash net profit after tax ($M)75267511374378(1)Operating expenses to total banking income (%)43. 345. 2(190)bpts43. 243. 5(30)bptsCapital (Basel III)  Common Equity Tier 1 (Internationally Comparable) (%) (4)12. 7n/an/a12. 7n/an/aCommon Equity Tier 1 (APRA) (%)9. 19. 3(20)bpts9. 19. 2(10)bptsFull Year EndedHalf Year Ended 
 
 
 
Highlights 

(1)  Diluted EPS and weighted average number of shares are disclosed in Note 6. 

(1)  Prior periods have been restated in line with market updates. 
(2)  As at 31 May 2015. 
(3)  Other household lending market share includes personal loans, margin loans and other forms of lending to individuals. 
(4)  Comparatives have not been restated to include the impact of new market entrants in the current period. 
(5)  As at 31 March 2015. 

12  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Jun 15 vsJun 15 vsShareholder Summary 30 Jun 15 30 Jun 14Jun 14 %30 Jun 15 31 Dec 14Dec 14 %Dividends per share - fully franked (cents) 420401522219812Dividend cover - cash (times)1. 31. 3-1. 21. 4(0. 2)Earnings Per Share (EPS) (cents)Statutory basis - basic 557. 0533. 84277. 9279. 1-Cash basis - basic560. 8535. 95276. 7284. 1(2)Dividend payout ratio (%)Statutory basis75. 775. 520 bpts80. 371. 2largeCash basis 75. 175. 1-80. 569. 8largeWeighted average no. of shares ("statutory basis") - basic (M) (1)1,6181,60811,6201,616-Weighted average no. of shares ("cash basis") - basic (M) (1)1,6201,61111,6221,619-Return on equity ("statutory basis") (%)18. 218. 7(50)bpts18. 018. 4(40)bptsReturn on equity ("cash basis") (%)18. 218. 7(50)bpts17. 818. 6(80)bptsFull Year EndedHalf Year Ended30 Jun 1531 Dec 1430 Jun 14Jun 15 vsJun 15 vsMarket Share (1)%%%Dec 14 %Jun 14 %Home loans 25. 125. 125. 3-(20)bptsCredit cards - RBA (2)24. 525. 124. 7(60)bpts(20)bptsOther household lending (3)19. 820. 220. 3(40)bpts(50)bptsHousehold deposits (4)29. 529. 129. 040 bpts50 bptsBusiness lending - RBA 17. 217. 117. 710 bpts(50)bptsBusiness lending - APRA 18. 918. 618. 830 bpts10 bptsBusiness deposits - APRA 20. 320. 421. 1(10)bpts(80)bptsAsset Finance13. 213. 413. 2(20)bpts-Equities trading 6. 05. 85. 220 bpts80 bptsAustralian Retail - administrator view (5)16. 016. 116. 0(10)bpts-FirstChoice Platform (5)11. 411. 411. 5-(10)bptsAustralia life insurance (total risk) (5)12. 312. 112. 420 bpts(10)bptsAustralia life insurance (individual risk) (5)11. 711. 912. 3(20)bpts(60)bptsNZ home loans21. 721. 721. 9-(20)bptsNZ retail deposits21. 420. 620. 680 bpts80 bptsNZ business lending11. 611. 511. 010 bpts60 bptsNZ retail FUA16. 216. 516. 1(30)bpts10 bptsNZ annual inforce premiums (5)28. 829. 029. 1(20)bpts(30)bptsAs atCredit RatingsLong-termShort-termOutlookFitch RatingsAA- F1+ Stable Moody's Investors ServiceAa2 P-1 Stable Standard & Poor'sAA- A-1+ Stable  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Performance Analysis 

Financial Performance and Business Review

Year Ended June 2015 versus June 2014 

Half Year Ended June 2015 versus December 2014 

The  Group’s  net  profit  after  tax  (“cash  basis”)  increased  5% 
on the prior year to $9,137 million. 

The Group’s net profit after tax (“cash basis”) decreased  2% 
on the prior half to $4,514 million. 

Earnings  per  share  (“cash  basis”)  increased  5%  on  the  prior 
year  to  560.8 cents  per  share  and  return  on  equity  (“cash 
basis”) decreased 50 basis points on the prior year to 18.2%. 

Earnings per share (“cash basis”) decreased 3% on the prior 
half  to  276.7 cents  per  share,  whilst  return  on  equity  (“cash 
basis”) decreased 80 basis points to 17.8%. 

The key components of the Group result were: 

 

Net  interest  income  increased  5%  to  $15,799 million. 
This  reflects  7%  growth  in  average  interest  earning 
assets, partly offset by a five basis point decrease in net 
interest  margin.  Net  interest  margin  excluding  Treasury 
and Markets decreased one basis point to 2.03%; 

  Other 

12% 

income 

banking 

increased 

to 
$4,839 million,  including  a  1%  benefit  from  the  lower 
Australian  dollar.  This  reflects  volume  driven  growth  in 
commissions,  higher  trading  income  driven  by  a  strong 
Markets  sales  and  trading  performance,  a  favourable 
counterparty valuation adjustment of $42 million, and the 
impact  of  the  impairment  of  the  investment  in  Vietnam 
International Bank (VIB) in the prior year. This was partly 
offset by lower lending fees, and the implementation of a 
fair  value  of 
funding  valuation  adjustment 
derivatives,  which 
initial  cost  of 
$81 million; 

to 
in  an 

resulted 

the 

 

 

from 

comparative 

Funds management income was flat at $1,938 million. 
Excluding  the  impact  of  the  Property  transactions  and 
businesses 
Funds 
management  income  increased  8%,  driven  by  a  14% 
increase  in  average  Funds  Under  Administration  (FUA) 
from positive net flows, a strong investment performance 
and  a  3%  benefit  from  the  lower  Australian  dollar.  The 
increase  was  partly  offset  by  provisioning  for  customer 
remediation; 

results, 

Insurance  income  decreased  3%  to  $792 million,  due 
to  deterioration  in  claims  experience,  partly  offset  by 
average  inforce  premium  growth  of  6%  as  a  result  of 
improved pricing and lapse rates. This increase includes 
a 1% benefit from the lower Australian dollar; 

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

 

Net interest income was flat at $7,908 million, reflecting 
4%  growth  in  average  interest  earning  assets,  partly 
offset  by  a  five  basis  point  decrease  in  net  interest 
margin.  Net  interest  margin  excluding  Treasury  and 
Markets decreased three basis points to 2.01%; 

  Other banking income increased 4% to $2,469 million, 
due to increased share of profits from associates, and a 
1%  benefit  from  the  lower  Australian  dollar.  This  was 
partly offset by the initial cost of implementing a funding 
valuation  adjustment  to  the  fair  value  of  derivatives  of 
$81 million,  a  less  favourable  counterparty  valuation 
adjustment 
lower 
commissions and lending fees; 

the  half  of  $12 million,  and 

in 

 

 

Funds  management  income  was  flat  at  $968 million, 
including  a  6%  benefit  from  the  lower  Australian  dollar. 
This reflects a 9% increase in average FUA, partly offset 
by 
for  customer 
remediation; 

lower  margins  and  provisioning 

Insurance  income  decreased  10%  to  $376 million  due 
to  a  deterioration  in  claims  experience,  partly  offset  by 
average  inforce  premium  growth  of  3%  as  a  result  of 
improved pricing and lapse rates; 

  Operating  expenses  increased  3%  to  $5,079 million, 
including  a  1%  impact  from  the  lower  Australian  dollar 
and  the  cost  of  growing  regulatory,  compliance  and 
remediation  programs.  This  was  partly  offset  by  the 
continued 
from 
realisation  of 
productivity initiatives; and 

incremental  benefits 

  Operating  expenses  increased  5%  to  $9,993 million, 
including  a  1%  impact  from  the  lower  Australian  dollar. 
This  reflects  higher  staff  costs  from  inflation-related 
salary  increases,  and  the  cost  of  growing  regulatory, 
compliance  and  remediation  programs.  This  was  partly 
offset  by 
the  continued  realisation  of  operational 
efficiencies from productivity initiatives; and 

 

 

increased  4% 

impairment  expense 

Loan 
to 
$988 million,  due  to  higher  arrears  in  the  unsecured 
portfolio in Retail Banking Services, and an increase in a 
small  number  of  large  individual  provisions  and  lending 
volume growth in Institutional Banking and Markets. 

impairment  expense 

Loan 
to 
$548 million due to higher provisioning in Retail Banking 
Services,  New  Zealand  and  Business  and  Private 
Banking. 

increased  25% 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015  13 

 
Group Performance Analysis  

Net Interest Income 

Year Ended June 2015 versus June 2014 

Net  interest  income  increased  5%  on  the  prior  year  to 
$15,799 million.  The  result  was  driven  by  growth  in  average 
interest  earning  assets  of  7%,  partly  offset  by  a  five basis 
point decrease in net interest margin. 

Average Interest Earning Assets 

Average  interest  earning  assets  increased  $50 billion  on  the 
prior year to $755 billion, reflecting: 

 

 

 

Home  loan  average  balances  increased  $24 billion  or 
6% on the prior year to $410 billion. The growth in home 
loan  balances  was  largely  driven  by  domestic  banking 
growth. 

Average  balances  for  business  and  corporate  lending 
increased  $13 billion  on  the  prior  year  to  $191 billion 
driven  by  growth  in  institutional  and  business  banking 
lending balances. 

Average  non-lending  interest  earning  assets  increased 
$11 billion on the prior year due to higher cash and liquid 
assets and trading assets. 

Net Interest Margin 

The  Group’s  net  interest  margin  decreased  five  basis  points 
on the prior year to 2.09%. The key drivers of the movement 
were: 

Asset  pricing:  Decreased  margin  of  eight  basis  points 
reflecting competitive pricing. 

Funding  costs: 
Increased  margin  of  six  basis  points 
reflecting  lower  wholesale  funding  costs  of  five  basis  points 
and a one basis point decrease in deposit costs. 

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  decreased  one  basis 
point  as  a  result  of  an  increase  in  the  spread  between  the 
cash rate and the bank bill swap rate during the year. 

Portfolio  mix:  Increased  margin  of  four basis  points  from 
strong  growth  in  higher  margin  portfolios  and  favourable 
funding mix. 

Other: Decreased margin of two basis points, primarily driven 
by  the  impact  of  the  falling  cash  rate  environment  on  free 
equity funding. 

14  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Treasury  and  Markets:  Decreased  margin  of  four basis 
points, primarily driven by increased holdings of liquid assets. 

NIM movement since June 2014 

Group NIM 
Group NIM excluding Treasury and Markets 

Group NIM (Half Year Ended) 

Group NIM 
Group NIM excluding Treasury and Markets 

30 Jun 1530 Jun 14Jun 15 vs 30 Jun 1531 Dec 14Jun 15 vs $M$MJun 14 %$M$MDec 14 %Net interest income - "cash basis"15,79915,09157,9087,891-Average interest earning assetsHome loans410,306386,1606416,761403,9563Personal loans23,48122,499423,72223,2442Business and corporate loans190,537177,2497195,518185,6375Total average lending interest earning assets624,324585,9087636,001612,8374Non-lending interest earning assets 130,548119,4639135,363125,8118Total average interest earning assets754,872705,3717771,364738,6484Net interest margin (%)2.092.14(5)bpts2.072.12(5)bptsNet interest margin excluding Treasury and Markets (%)2.032.04(1)bpt  2.012.04(3)bptsFull Year EndedHalf Year Ended0.06%0.04%(0.08%)(0.01%)(0.02%)(0.04%)1.00%1.20%1.40%1.60%1.80%2.00%2.20%Jun 14AssetpricingFundingcostsBasisriskPortfoliomixOtherTreasuryandMarketsJun 152.03%2.09%Group NIM excluding Treasury and Markets decreased one basis point2.04%2.14%1.00%1.20%1.40%1.60%1.80%2.00%2.20%Jun 13HalfDec 13HalfJun 14HalfDec 14HalfJun 15Half2.12%2.07%2.14%2.14%2.17%2.04%2.01%2.04%2.04%2.06% 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Interest Income (continued) 

Half Year Ended June 2015 versus December 2014 

Net interest income was flat on the prior half driven by growth 
in  average  interest  earning  assets  of  4%,  partly  offset  by  a 
five basis point decrease in net interest margin to 2.07%. 

Average Interest Earning Assets 

Average  interest  earning  assets  increased  $33 billion  on  the 
prior half to $771 billion, reflecting: 

 

 

 

Home  loan  average  balances  increased  $13 billion  or 
3%  on  the  prior  half  to  $417 billion,  primarily  driven  by 
growth in the domestic banking businesses. 

Average  balances  for  business  and  corporate  lending 
increased  $10 billion  on  the  prior  half  to  $196 billion 
driven  by  growth  in  institutional  and  business  banking 
lending balances. 

Average  non-lending  interest  earning  assets  increased 
$10 billion  on  the  prior  half  from  higher  cash  and  liquid 
assets and trading assets. 

Net Interest Margin 

The  Group’s  net  interest  margin  decreased  five basis  points 
on the prior half to 2.07%. The key drivers were: 

Asset  pricing:  Decreased  margin  of  one  basis  point, 
reflecting competitive pricing. 

Basis  risk:  Basis  risk  arises  from  funding  assets  which  are 
priced relative to the cash rate with liabilities priced relative to

Other Banking Income 

Year Ended June 2015 versus June 2014 

Other  banking  income  increased  12%  on  the  prior  year  to 
$4,839 million, driven by the following revenue items: 

increased  5%  on 

Commissions 
to 
$2,226 million,  driven  by  higher  card  interchange  income, 
increased  home  loan  fee  income  from  higher  volumes,  and 
higher equities trading volumes; 

the  prior  year 

Group Performance Analysis  

the  bank  bill  swap  rate.  The  margin  decreased  by  one basis 
point  as  a  result  of  an  increase  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 
favourable funding mix. 

Other: Decreased margin of two basis points, primarily driven 
by  the  impact  of  the  falling  cash  rate  environment  on  free 
equity funding. 

Treasury  and  Markets:  Decreased  margin  of  two basis 
points, primarily driven by increased holdings of liquid assets. 

NIM movement since December 2014 

Group NIM 
Group NIM excluding Treasury and Markets 

income 

the  prior  year 

Trading 
to 
increased  9%  on 
$1,005 million. This was primarily driven by a strong Markets 
sales  and  trading  performance,  and  favourable  counterparty 
valuation adjustments of $42 million, partly offset by the initial 
cost  of  implementing  a  funding  valuation  adjustment  to  the 
fair value of derivatives of $81 million; and 

fees  decreased  3%  on 

Lending 
to 
$1,050 million  due  to  lower  line  fees,  reflecting  competitive 
pressures; 

the  prior  year 

Other  income  increased  on  the  prior  year  to  $558 million, 
due to a reduced loss on the hedge of New Zealand earnings, 
higher  structured  asset  finance  income,  gain  on  sale  of 
investments,  as  well  as  the  impairment  of  the  investment  in 
Vietnam International Bank in the prior year. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015  15 

0.01%(0.01%)(0.01%)(0.02%)(0.02%)1.00%1.20%1.40%1.60%1.80%2.00%2.20%Dec 14AssetpricingBasisriskPortfoliomixOtherTreasuryandMarketsJun 152.12%2.07%Group NIM excludingTreasury and Markets decreased three basis points2.04%2.01%30 Jun 1530 Jun 14Jun 15 vs 30 Jun 1531 Dec 14Jun 15 vs $M$MJun 14 %$M$MDec 14 %Commissions2,2262,13051,0991,127(2)Lending fees1,0501,083(3)522528(1)Trading income1,0059229492513(4)Other income558188large35620276Other banking income - "cash basis"4,8394,323122,4692,3704Full Year EndedHalf Year Ended 
 
 
 
 
Group Performance Analysis  

Other Banking Income (continued) 

Net Trading Income ($M) 

Half Year Ended June 2015 versus December 2014 

Other  banking  income  increased  4%  on  the  prior  half  to 
$2,469 million, driven by the following revenue items: 

Commissions  decreased  2%  on 
to 
$1,099 million  due  to  seasonally  higher  home  loan  sales  in 
the  prior  half,  and  a  decrease  in  consumer  finance  fees, 
reflecting  seasonally  lower  purchases  and  an  increase  in 
loyalty points issued in the half; 

the  prior  half 

Lending fees decreased 1% on the prior half to $522 million, 
driven  by  lower  commitment  fees,  reflecting  competitive 
pressure; 

the  prior  half 

income  decreased  4%  on 

Trading 
to 
$492 million, with a solid sales and trading performance more 
than  offset  by  the  initial  cost  of  implementing  a  funding 
valuation  adjustment  to  the  fair  value  of  derivatives  of 
$81 million,  and  a  less  favourable  counterparty  valuation 
adjustment in the half of $12 million; and 

Other income increased on the prior half to $356 million, due 
to a higher contribution of profits from associates and gain on 
sale of investments. 

Funds Management Income 

(1)  Comparative information has been reclassified to conform to presentation in the current year. 
(2)  The Property transactions were completed and the businesses exited during the 30 June 2014 financial year. 

Year Ended June 2015 versus June 2014 

Half Year Ended June 2015 versus December 2014 

Funds  management  income  was  flat  on  the  prior  year  at 
$1,938 million.  Excluding  the  contribution  from  the  Property 
businesses  exited  in  the  prior  year,  Funds  management 
income increased 8% on the prior year, driven by: 

 

 

 

A  14%  increase  in  average  FUA  reflecting  favourable 
equity markets and investment performance, with strong 
growth  in  the  ASB  Aegis  fund  and  KiwiSaver  scheme; 
and 

Positive net flows and the benefit of the lower Australian 
dollar; partly offset by 

A  four  basis  points  decline  in  Funds  management 
margin  as  a  result  of  lower  Advice  revenue,  continued 
run-off 
investment  business,  and 
provisioning for customer remediation. 

legacy 

the 

in 

Funds  management  income  was  flat  on  the  prior  half  at 
$968 million driven by: 

 

 

 

A  9%  increase  in  average  FUA  from  growth  in  equity 
markets  and  ongoing  investment  outperformance  in 
Australia  and  continued  strong  growth  in  New  Zealand 
funds; and 

The  benefit  from  foreign  sourced  income  as  a  result  of 
the lower Australian dollar; offset by 

A five basis point decline in Funds management margin 
as  a  result  of  the  continued  run-off  in  the  legacy 
investment  business,  and  provisioning  for  customer 
remediation. 

16  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

29328032033418915816322726(24)30(69)SalesTradingCVA/FVADec 13                  Jun14Dec 14                Jun 1550841451349230 Jun 1530 Jun 14Jun 15 vs30 Jun 1531 Dec 14Jun 15 vs$M$MJun 14 %$M$MDec 14 %Colonial First State8668285415451(8)CFS Global Asset Management8477391544540211CommInsure133132169648New Zealand71601837349Other2137(43)219(89)Funds management income (excluding Property)1,9381,7968968970-Property (2)-137large---Funds management income (including Property)1,9381,933-968970-Half Year EndedFull Year Ended (1) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance Income 

Group Performance Analysis  

Year Ended June 2015 versus June 2014 

Half Year Ended June 2015 versus December 2014 

Insurance  income  decreased  3%  on  the  prior  year  to 
$792 million impacted by: 

Insurance  income  decreased  10%  on  the  prior  half  to 
$376 million impacted by: 

 

 

 

 

A  deterioration  in  claims  experience  from  a  number  of 
severe  weather  events  across  New  South  Wales  and 
Queensland during the year; partly offset by 

An  increase  in  average  inforce  premiums  of  6%  to 
$3,259 million, across CommInsure and New Zealand; 

 

 

 

Significant weather events; partly offset by 

Improved CommInsure Wholesale Life insurance income 
from repricing; and 

Continued  lower  lapse  rates  across  New  Zealand  and 
CommInsure. 

Reduced 
improved pricing in CommInsure Wholesale Life; and 

reserve  strengthening 

the  year  and 

in 

An  improvement  in  lapse  rates  in  CommInsure,  as  well 
as  favourable  claims  and  lapse  experience  in  New 
Zealand. 

Operating Expenses 

Year Ended June 2015 versus June 2014 

Half Year Ended June 2015 versus December 2014 

Operating  expenses  increased  5%  on  the  prior  year  to 
$9,993 million. The key drivers were: 

Operating  expenses  increased  3%  on  the  prior  half  to 
$5,079 million. The key drivers were: 

Staff  expenses  increased  5%  to  $5,816 million,  including  a 
1%  impact  from  the  lower  Australian  dollar,  inflation-related 
salary increases; 

Staff  expenses  were  flat  at  $2,910 million,  driven  by  1% 
timing  of 
impact 
provisions for employee entitlements; 

the  Australian  dollar,  offset  by 

from 

Occupancy  and  equipment  expenses  increased  3%  to 
$1,086 million, primarily due to rental reviews; 

Occupancy  and  equipment  expenses  increased  1%  to 
$547 million, primarily due to rental reviews; 

Information  technology  services  expenses  decreased  by 
3%  to  $1,292 million,  driven  by  lower  amortisation  expenses 
and software write-offs; 

Information  technology  services  expenses  increased  6% 
to  $664 million,  driven  by  higher  amortisation  expenses, 
maintenance costs and data processing volumes; 

Other  expenses  increased  15%  to  $1,799 million,  driven  by 
increased  credit  card  loyalty  redemption,  and  the  cost  of 
growing  regulatory,  compliance  and  remediation  programs; 
and 

Group  expense  to  income  ratio  improved  ten basis  points 
on  the  prior  year  to  42.8%,  reflecting  higher  revenues  and 
productivity  initiatives.  The  banking  expense  to  income  ratio 
improved 60 basis points on the prior year to 39.1%. 

Other  expenses  increased  14%  to  $958 million,  driven  by 
increased  credit  card  loyalty  redemption,  and  the  cost  of 
growing  regulatory,  compliance  and  remediation  programs; 
and 

Group expense to income ratio increased 110 basis points 
on  the  prior  half  to  43.3%  reflecting  lower  relative  income 
growth,  partly  offset  by  productivity  initiatives.  The  banking 
expense to income ratio improved 30 basis points on the prior 
half to 39.0%. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015  17 

30 Jun 1530 Jun 14Jun 15 vs30 Jun 1531 Dec 14Jun 15 vs$M$MJun 14 %$M$MDec 14 %CommInsure 503575(13)229274(16)New Zealand2322021512310913IFS4236172121-Other156large312(75)Insurance income - "cash basis"792819(3)376416(10)Full Year EndedHalf Year Ended30 Jun 1530 Jun 14Jun 15 vs30 Jun 1531 Dec 14Jun 15 vs$M$MJun 14 %$M$MDec 14 %Staff expenses5,8165,54252,9102,906-Occupancy and equipment expenses1,0861,05335475391Information technology services expenses1,2921,337(3)6646286Other expenses1,7991,5671595884114Operating expenses - "cash basis"9,9939,49955,0794,9143Operating expenses to total operating income (%)42. 842. 9(10)bpts43. 342. 2110 bptsBanking expense to operating income (%)39. 139. 7(60)bpts39. 039. 3(30)bptsFull Year EndedHalf Year Ended 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Performance Analysis  

Operating Expenses (continued) 

Investment Spend 

(1) 

Included within Operating Expenses disclosure on page 17. 

The Group has continued to invest strongly to deliver on the 
strategic priorities of the business with $1,246 million incurred 
in  the  full  year  to  30 June 2015,  an  increase  of  5%  on  the 
prior year. 

The  increase  is  largely  due  to  increased  spend  on  risk  and 
compliance 
initiatives,  branch  refurbishment,  and  other 
projects,  partly  offset  by  reduced  spend  on  productivity  and 
growth initiatives. 

Significant  spend  on  risk  and  compliance  projects  has 
continued as systems are implemented to assist in satisfying 
new  regulatory  obligations,  including  Stronger  Super,  Future 
of Financial Advice (FOFA) reforms, and the Foreign Account 
Tax  Compliance Act  (FATCA).  In  addition,  the  Group  further 
invested  in  safeguarding  the  Group’s  information  security  to 
mitigate risks and provide greater stability for customers. 

Loan Impairment Expense 

Spend  on  branch  refurbishment  and  other  costs  increased 
from  prior  year,  largely  driven  by  increased  spend  on  the 
refreshment of branches and ATMs. 

further  enhancements 

Spend  on  productivity  and  growth  continued  to  focus  on 
delivering 
the  Group’s  sales 
management  capabilities,  product  systems  across  retail, 
business  and  institutional  segments,  digital  channels  and 
customer data insights. 

to 

Several initiatives are ongoing to deliver on the Group’s  One 
focused  on  better  understanding 
Commbank  strategy, 
customer 
customer  needs  and  developing  deeper 
relationships. 

(1)  Comparative information has been reclassified to conform to presentation in the current period. 

Year Ended June 2015 versus June 2014 

Loan impairment expense increased 4% on the prior  year to 
$988 million. The increase is driven by: 

 

 

An  increase  in  Retail  Banking  Services  as  a  result  of 
higher  arrears  in  the  unsecured  portfolios  and  some 
portfolio growth; 

An increase in Institutional Banking and Markets due to 
a small number of large individual provisions and growth 
in client exposures; and 

 

 

 

An increase in New Zealand due to higher rural lending 
and unsecured retail provisions; partly offset by 

Fewer  individual  provisions  in  Business  and  Private 
Banking; and 

Reduced levels of individual provisions in Bankwest. 

18  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

30 Jun 1530 Jun 14Jun 15 vs30 Jun 1531 Dec 14Jun 15 vs$M$MJun 14 %$M$MDec 14 %Expensed investment spend (1)539598(10)28425511Capitalised investment spend707584213673408Investment spend1,2461,18256515959Comprising:Productivity and growth728774(6)3703583Risk and compliance3782803521116726Branch refurbishment and other14012897070-Investment spend 1,2461,18256515959Full Year EndedHalf Year Ended30 Jun 1530 Jun 14Jun 15 vs 30 Jun 1531 Dec 14Jun 15 vs $M$MJun 14 %$M$MDec 14 %Retail Banking Services626582835826834Business and Private Banking152237(36)896341Institutional Banking and Markets16761large7097(28)New Zealand835163493444Bankwest(50)11large(24)(26)(8)IFS and Other1011(9)6450Loan impairment expense "cash basis"988953454844025Full Year Ended (1) Half Year Ended 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loan Impairment Expense (continued) 

Half Year Ended June 2015 versus December 2014 

Group Performance Analysis  

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

Loan impairment expense increased 25% on the prior half to 
$548 million mainly driven by: 

 

 

 

 

Higher  arrears  predominantly  in  the  unsecured  portfolio 
in Retail Banking Services; 

Increased  credit  exposures,  partly  offset  by 
individual provisions in Business and Private Banking; 

lower 

An  increase  in  the  New  Zealand  rural  lending  portfolio; 
partly offset by 

A  lower  collective  provision  requirement  and  increased 
write-backs in Institutional Banking and Markets. 

Provision relating to Bell Group litigation (non-cash items) 

(1)  16 basis points, including the Bell Group write-back (non-cash item). 

Taxation Expense 

Year Ended June 2015 versus June 2014 

Half Year Ended June 2015 versus December 2014 

Corporate  tax  expense  for  the  year  ended  30 June 2015 
increased 6% on the prior year 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. 

Corporate tax expense for the half year ended 30 June 2015 
decreased 2% 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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015  19 

20221716171417Jun 12Dec 12Jun 13Dec 13Jun 14Dec 14Jun 152530 Jun 1530 Jun 14Jun 15 vs30 Jun 1531 Dec 14Jun 15 vs$M$MJun 14 %$M$MDec 14 %Corporate tax expense ($M)3,4393,25061,6991,740(2)Effective tax rate (%)27. 327. 210 bpts27. 327. 3-Full Year EndedHalf Year Ended 
 
 
 
Group Performance Analysis  

Non-Cash Items Included in Statutory Profit 

Non-cash  items  are  excluded  from  net  profit  after  tax 
(“cash basis”),  which  is  management’s  preferred  measure  of 
the  Group’s  financial  performance,  as  they  tend  to  be  non-
recurring in nature or are 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 comparative 
period and prior half 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 

Foreign  exchange  hedges  relating 
Zealand earnings. 

to 

future  New 

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

Fair  value  gains  or  losses  on  all  of  these  economic  hedges 
were  excluded 
from  cash  profit,  since  the  asymmetric 
recognition of the gains or losses does not affect the Group’s 
performance over the life of the hedge.  A $6 million after tax 
gain  was  recognised  in  statutory  profit  for  the  year  ended 
30 June 2015 (30 June 2014: $6 million after tax gain). 

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 $52 million after tax in the year ended 
30 June 2015 (30 June 2014: $56 million). 

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

Treasury shares valuation adjustment 

in 

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 
were  recognised  in  cash  profit  representing  the  underlying 

funds  and 

life 

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  $28 million  after  tax  loss  was  included  in 
statutory 
30 June 2015 
in 
(30 June 2014: $41 million after tax loss). 

ended 

profit 

year 

the 

Bell Group litigation 

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. 
Settlement  was  reached  during  the  prior  year,  resulting  in  a 
partial  write-off  and  release  of  the  remaining  provision.  This 
was reported as a non-cash item due to its historic and one-
off nature. 

Gain on sale of management rights 

During  the  prior  year,  the  Group  successfully  completed  the 
internalisation  of  the  management  of  CFS  Retail  Property 
Trust  (CFX)  and  Kiwi  Income  Property  Trust  (KIP),  which 
resulted in a gain (net of transaction costs and indemnities) of 
$17 million for the year ended 30 June 2014. 

Policyholder tax 

of 

tax 

expense 

30 June 2015, 

Policyholder  tax  is  included  in  the  Wealth  Management 
business results for statutory reporting purposes. In the year 
ended 
$99 million 
(30 June 2014:  $126 million),  funds  management  income  of 
$21 million (30 June 2014: $59 million) and insurance income 
of  $78 million  (30 June 2014:  $67 million)  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  included  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. 

20  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

30 Jun 1530 Jun 14Jun 15 vs30 Jun 1531 Dec 14Jun 15 vs$M$MJun 14 %$M$MDec 14 %Hedging and IFRS volatility66-48(42)largeBankwest non-cash items(52)(56)(7)(26)(26)-Treasury shares valuation adjustment(28)(41)(32)(8)(20)(60)Bell Group litigation-25large---Gain on sale of management rights-17large---Other non-cash items(80)(55)45(34)(46)(26)Total non-cash items (after tax)(74)(49)5114(88)largeFull Year EndedHalf Year Ended 
 
 
Review of Group Assets and Liabilities 

Group Performance Analysis  

(1)  Loans, bills discounted and other receivables exclude provisions for impairment which are included in Other assets.  
(2)  Comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 

Year Ended June 2015 versus June 2014 

Asset growth of $82 billion or 10% on the prior year was due 
to  increased  home  lending,  business  and  corporate  lending, 
and  higher  cash  and  liquid  asset  balances  and  derivative 
assets. 

The Group continued to satisfy a significant portion of lending 
growth  from  customer  deposits.  Customer  deposits  now 
represent 63% of total funding (30 June 2014: 64%). 

Home loans 

Home  loan  balances  increased  $23 billion  to  $423 billion, 
reflecting  a  6%  increase  on  the  prior  year.  Growth  in  Retail 
Banking  Services  and  Bankwest  was  slightly  below  system 
growth, within a competitive market environment. 

Consumer finance 

Personal  loans,  including  credit  cards  and  margin  lending 
increased 2% on the prior year to $23 billion with solid growth 
in  personal  lending  and  credit  cards  in  Retail  Banking 
Services, Business and Private Banking and New Zealand. 

Business and corporate loans 

increased  $15 billion 

Business  and  corporate 
to 
loans 
$198 billion, an 8% increase on the prior year, including a 1% 
benefit  from  the  lower  Australian  dollar.  This  was  driven  by 
strong  growth 
lending 
balances, higher leasing balances, and above system growth 
in  New  Zealand.  This  was  partly  offset  by  the  continued 
reduction 
in 
Bankwest. 

risk  pre-acquisition  exposures 

in  commercial  and 

institutional 

in  higher 

including  a  3%  benefit  from  the  lower  Australian  dollar.  This 
was driven by higher liquid asset balances held as a result of 
Balance Sheet growth and regulatory requirements. 

Other assets 

Other  assets,  including  derivative  assets,  insurance  assets 
and  intangibles,  increased  $27 billion  to  $92 billion,  a  41% 
increase  on  the  prior  year.  This  increase  reflected  higher 
derivative asset balances due to foreign exchange volatility. 

Interest bearing deposits 

Interest bearing deposits increased $43 billion to $529 billion, 
a 9% increase on the prior year. This was driven by growth of 
$21 billion  in  savings  deposits,  a  $14 billion  increase  in 
transaction  deposits,  a  $6 billion  increase  in  other  demand 
deposits, and a $2 billion increase in investment deposits. 

Debt issues 

Debt issues increased $9 billion to $156 billion, a 6% increase 
on the prior year. 

Refer to page 25 for further information on debt programs and 
issuance for the year ended 30 June 2015. 

Other interest bearing liabilities 

interest  bearing 

Other 
loan  capital, 
liabilities, 
liabilities  at  fair  value  through  the  income  statement  and 
amounts  due 
increased 
$15 billion to $57 billion, a 37% increase on the prior year. 

institutions, 

to  other 

including 

financial 

Non-interest bearing liabilities 

Non-lending interest earning assets 

Non-lending  interest  earning  assets  increased  $17 billion  to 
$137 billion  reflecting  a  14%  increase  on  the  prior  year, 

Non-interest  bearing  liabilities,  including  derivative  liabilities 
and 
to 
$77 billion, a 16% increase on the prior year. 

increased  $10 billion 

insurance  policy 

liabilities, 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015  21 

30 Jun 1531 Dec 1430 Jun 14  Jun 15 vsJun 15 vsTotal Group Assets and Liabilities$M$M$MDec 14 %Jun 14 %Interest earning assetsHome loans422,851411,305399,68536Consumer finance23,49723,70623,058(1)2Business and corporate loans198,476191,203183,93048Loans, bills discounted and other receivables (1)644,824626,214606,67336Non-lending interest earning assets136,643127,312119,699714Total interest earning assets781,467753,526726,37248Other assets (1)91,97997,18865,079(5)41Total assets873,446850,714791,451310Interest bearing liabilitiesTransaction deposits (2)90,58981,86676,9471118Savings deposits (2)176,497163,477155,142814Investment deposits (2)195,065197,569192,956(1)1Other demand deposits 67,07465,86760,832210Total interest bearing deposits529,225508,779485,87749Debt issues156,372155,275147,24616Other interest bearing liabilities 57,52352,63842,079937Total interest bearing liabilities743,120716,692675,202410Non-interest bearing liabilities77,33382,99166,901(7)16Total liabilities820,453799,683742,103311As at 
 
 
Group Performance Analysis  

Review of Group Assets and Liabilities (continued) 

Other assets 

Other  assets,  including  derivative  assets,  insurance  assets 
and intangibles decreased 5% on the prior half to $92 billion. 
This decrease reflected lower derivative asset balances. 

Interest bearing deposits 

Interest bearing deposits increased $20 billion to $529 billion, 
reflecting a 4% increase on the prior half. 

This was driven by growth of $13 billion in savings deposits, a 
$9 billion  increase  in  transaction  deposits,  and  a  $1 billion 
increase in other demand deposits. This was partly offset by a 
$3 billion decrease in investment deposits. 

Debt issues 

Debt issues increased $1 billion to $156 billion reflecting a 1% 
increase on the prior half. 

Refer to page 25 for further information on debt programs and 
issuance for the half year ended 30 June 2015. 

Other interest bearing liabilities 

interest  bearing 

loan  capital, 
liabilities, 
Other 
liabilities  at  fair  value  through  the  income  statement  and 
amounts  due  to  other  financial  institutions,  increased  9%  on 
the prior half to $58 billion. 

including 

Non-interest bearing liabilities 

insurance  policy 

Non-interest  bearing  liabilities,  including  derivative  liabilities 
and 
to 
$77 billion.  This  decrease  reflected  lower  derivative  liability 
balances. 

liabilities,  decreased  $6 billion 

Half Year Ended June 2015 versus December 2014

Asset growth of $23 billion or 3% on the prior half was driven 
by  increased  home  lending,  business  and  corporate  lending 
and liquid asset balances. 

Continued  deposits  growth  allowed  the  Group  to  satisfy  a 
significant  portion  of 
through  customer 
deposits. Customer deposits made up 63% of total funding as 
at 30 June 2015, consistent with the prior half. 

lending  growth 

Home loans 

Home  loan  balances  increased  $12 billion  to  $423 billion,  a 
3%  increase  on  the  prior  half.  Excluding  the  impact  of  the 
Australian dollar, home loan balances increased 4%. Growth 
in  Retail  Banking  Services  and  New  Zealand  was  broadly  in 
line  with  system  growth  within  a  competitive  market 
environment. 

Consumer finance 

Personal  loans,  including  credit  cards  and  margin  lending 
decreased  1%  on  the  prior  half  to  $23 billion  due  to 
seasonality and increased competition. 

Business and corporate loans 

Business  and  corporate 
to 
loans 
$198 billion.  This  was  largely  due  to  solid  business  lending 
growth in both Australia and New Zealand. 

increased  $7 billion 

Non-lending interest earning assets 

Non-lending  interest  earning  assets  increased  $9 billion  to 
$137 billion,  a  7%  increase  on  the  prior  half,  including  a  1% 
benefit  from  the  lower  Australian  dollar.  This  was  driven  by 
higher liquid asset balances held as a result of Balance Sheet 
growth and regulatory requirements. 

22  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

 
 
 
Group Operations and Business Settings 

Loan Impairment Provisions and Credit Quality 

Provisions for Impairment 

Year Ended June 2015 versus June 2014 

Half Year Ended June 2015 versus December 2014 

Total  provisions  for  impairment  losses  decreased  7%  on  the 
prior  year  to  $3,649 million.  The  movement  in  the  level  of 
provisioning reflects: 

 

 

 

 

A  reduction  in  individually  assessed  provisions,  as  the 
level of impaired assets continued to reduce; 

A  reduction  of  Bankwest  collective  provisions  as 
troublesome loans continued to be refinanced or repaid; 
partly offset by 

An  increase  in  collective  provisioning  in  the  Consumer 
portfolios,  reflecting  higher  volume  of  loans  and  higher 
arrears; 

An increase in collective provisioning in the Commercial 
review  of 
portfolios, 
provisioning factors; and 

the  annual 

resulting 

from 

Total  provisions  for  impairment  losses  decreased  6%  on  the 
prior half. The movement in the level of provisioning reflects: 

 

 

 

 

 

A  reduction  in  individually  assessed  provisions  as  the 
level of impaired assets continued to reduce; 

A  reduction 
in  Bankwest  collective  provisions  as 
troublesome loans continued to be refinanced or repaid; 

Utilisation  of  management  overlays  set  aside  for  factor 
changes; partly offset by 

An  increase  in  collective  provisions  in  the  Commercial 
portfolios, as a result of the annual review of provisioning 
factors; 

An  increase  in  collective  provisions  in  the  Consumer 
portfolio,  reflecting  higher  volume  of  loans  and  higher 
arrears; and 

  Overlays remain largely unchanged on the prior year. 

 

An increase in economic overlay. 

Collective Provisions ($M) 

Individually Assessed Provisions ($M) 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015  23 

30 Jun 1531 Dec 1430 Jun 14  Jun 15 vsJun 15 vs$M$M$MDec 14 %Jun 14 %Provisions for impairment lossesCollective provision2,7622,7632,779-(1)Individually assessed provisions8871,1161,127(21)(21)Total provisions for impairment losses3,6493,8793,906(6)(7)Less: Provision for Off Balance Sheet exposures(31)(19)(40)63(23)Total provisions for loan impairment3,6183,8603,866(6)(6)As at729725 762 941942 981 347306 264 762790 755 Jun 14Dec 14Jun 152,7632,762610631 492 128128 128 389357 267 Jun 14Dec 14Jun 151,116887 OverlayBankwestConsumerCommercial2,7791,127 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Group Operations and Business Settings 

Loan Impairment Provisions and Credit Quality (continued) 

Credit Quality 

Provision Ratios 

90+ Days Arrears Ratios (%) (1) 

Provision  coverage  ratios  remain  prudent  with  collective 
provisions to Credit Risk Weighted Assets at 0.87% and Total 
Provisions to Credit Risk Weighted Assets at 1.14%. 

Asset Quality 

The  low  interest  rate  environment  means  that  troublesome 
and  impaired  assets  have  continued  to  reduce,  and  while 
arrears for the retail portfolios have increased marginally, they 
remain relatively low. 

Retail Portfolios – Arrears Rates 

Retail arrears across all products increased marginally above 
seasonal expectations. 

from  0.50% 

flat  at  1.25%  and  90+ day  arrears 

Home  loan  arrears  were  mixed  over  the  year,  with  30+ day 
arrears 
increasing 
marginally 
to  0.52%.  Credit  card  arrears 
deteriorated  with  30+ day  arrears  increasing  from  2.46%  to 
2.66%, and 90+ day arrears increasing marginally from 1.01% 
to  1.05%.  Personal  loan  arrears  increased,  with  30+ day 
arrears increasing from 3.03% to 3.28%, and 90+ day arrears 
increasing from 1.20% to 1.34%. 

Troublesome and Impaired Assets 

Commercial troublesome assets reduced 15% during the year 
to $3,059 million. 

Gross  impaired  assets  decreased  15%  on  the  prior  year  to 
$2,855 million.  Gross  impaired  assets  as  a  proportion  of 
gross  loans  and  acceptances  of  0.44%  decreased  11 basis 
points on the prior year, reflecting the improving quality of the 
corporate portfolios. 

30+ Days Arrears Ratios (%) (1) 

Troublesome and Impaired Assets ($B) 

(1) 

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

24  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Jun 15 vsJun 15 vsCredit Quality Metrics30 Jun 1530 Jun 14Jun 14 %30 Jun 1531 Dec 14Dec 14 %Gross loans and acceptances (GLAA) ($M)646,172608,1276646,172627,6983Risk weighted assets (RWA) ($M) - Basel III 368,721337,7159368,721353,0484Credit RWA ($M) - Basel III 319,174289,13810319,174311,5242Gross impaired assets ($M) 2,8553,367(15)2,8553,360(15)Net impaired assets ($M) 1,8292,101(13)1,8292,116(14)Provision RatiosCollective provision as a % of credit RWA - Basel III0. 870. 96(9)bpts0. 870. 89(2)bptsTotal provision as a % of credit RWA - Basel III1. 141. 35(21)bpts1. 141. 25(11)bptsTotal provisions for impaired assets as a % of gross impaired assets35. 9437. 60(166)bpts35. 9437. 02(108)bptsTotal provisions for impairment losses as a % of GLAA's0. 560. 64(8)bpts0. 560. 62(6)bptsAsset Quality RatiosGross impaired assets as a % of GLAA's 0. 440. 55(11)bpts0. 440. 54(10)bptsLoans 90+ days past due but not impaired as a % of GLAA's 0. 360. 39(3)bpts0. 360. 342 bptsLoan impairment expense ("cash basis") annualised as a % of average GLAA's0. 160. 16-0. 170. 143 bptsFull Year EndedHalf Year Ended1.0%2.0%3.0%4.0%Jun 13Dec 13Jun 14Dec 14Jun 15Personal LoansHome LoansCreditCards0.4%0.9%1.4%Jun 13Dec 13Jun 14Dec 14Jun 15Home LoansPersonal LoansCreditCards5.85.65.2 4.33.63.13.14.7 4.5 4.3 3.93.43.42.9Jun 12Dec  12Jun 13Dec 13Jun 14Dec 14Jun 15Commercial TroublesomeGross Impaired7.010.510.19.58.26.56.0 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
Group Operations and Business Settings 

Capital

Basel Regulatory Framework 

Background 

As  a  result  of the  issues  which  led  to the  Global  Financial 
Crisis,  the  Basel  Committee  on  Banking  Supervision 
(BCBS)  has  implemented  a  set  of  capital,  liquidity  and 
funding reforms known as “Basel III”. 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  being  implemented  on  a  phased 
approach to 1 January 2019. 

The Basel III capital reforms were implemented in Australia 
on  1 January 2013.  APRA  has  adopted  a  more 
conservative  approach 
the  minimum  standards 
than 
published  by  the  BCBS  and  also  adopted  an  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  3.5%,  inclusive  of  a 
Domestic Systemically Important Bank (DSIB) requirement 
of 1%, will be implemented on 1 January 2016, bringing the 
CET1 requirement for the Group to 8%. 

Financial System Inquiry 

In  December  2014,  the  Government  released  the  final 
report  of  the  Financial  System  Inquiry  (FSI).  The  key 
recommendations from the report included:  

 

 

Setting  capital  standards  such 
Authorised  Deposit-taking 
ratios are unquestionably strong; 

that  Australian 
Institution  (ADI)  capital 

Raising  the  average  Internal  Ratings-Based  (IRB) 
mortgage  risk  weight  for  ADIs  using  IRB  risk-weight 
models; 

 

 

 

framework 

for  minimum 

Implementing  a 
loss 
absorbing  and  recapitalisation  capacity  in  line  with 
emerging  international  practice,  sufficient  to  facilitate 
the  orderly  resolution  of  ADIs  and  minimise  taxpayer 
support; 

Introducing  a  leverage  ratio,  in  line  with  the  Basel 
Committee,  that  acts  as  a  backstop  to  the  capital 
position of ADIs; and 

Developing  a  reporting 
transparency and comparability of capital ratios. 

template 

improve 

to 

the 

In July 2015, in connection with the FSI recommendations, 
APRA released the following: 

 

 

(APRA  study),  which  endorsed 

Information  paper;  “International  capital  comparison 
study” 
the  FSI 
recommendation  that  the  capital  of  Australian  ADIs 
should be unquestionably strong. However, APRA did 
not  confirm  the  definition  of  “unquestionably  strong”. 
Nevertheless,  the  report  confirmed  that  the  major 
banks  are  well-capitalised  and  compared  the  major 
banks’  capital  ratios  against  a  set  of  international 
peers; and 

An  announcement  in  relation  to  increases  in  the 
capital  requirements  under  the  IRB  approach  for 
Australian  residential  mortgages,  which  will  increase 
the  average  risk  weighting  for  a mortgage  portfolio  to 
approximately 25%, effective from 1 July 2016. 

Internationally Comparable Capital Position 

The Group  maintained a strong capital position with CET1 
as  measured  on  an  internationally  comparable  basis  of 
12.7%  as  at  30  June  2015.  This  analysis  aligns  with  the 
APRA  study.  This  compares  with  a  CET1  ratio  of  9.1% 
under  APRA’s  prudential  standards  and  places  the  Group 
amongst the top quartile of international peer banks. 

International Peer Basel III CET1 

(1) 

2

2

2

3

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

Source: Morgan Stanley and CBA. Based on last reported CET1 ratios up to 5 August 2015 assuming Basel III capital reforms fully implemented. 
Peer group comprises listed commercial banks with total assets in excess of $700 billion and which have disclosed fully implemented Basel III ratios or provided 
sufficient disclosure for a Morgan Stanley estimate. 
 (1)  Figure 2 per the APRA Information paper “International capital comparison study”. 
(2) 
(3) 

Includes deduction for accrued expected future dividends. 
Interim profit not included in CET1 capital, has been added back. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015  25 

14.413.713.513.012.712.312.212.112.011.711.711.711.611.411.311.211.010.910.810.610.610.610.610.510.410.410.410.310.210.110.09.99.89.4NordeaUBSIntesa SanpaoloLloydsINGCBARBSICBCChina Construct. BankSumitomo MitsuiHSBCMitsubishi UFJDeutscheStandard CharteredCitiBarclaysBank of CommJP MorganBank of ChinaBNP ParibasSocGenScotiabankCommerzbankChina Merchants BankWells FargoUniCreditBank of AmericaBBVACredit SuisseCredit Agricole SAMizuhoRBCToronto DominionSantanderAgri. Bank of China16.0 APRA top quartile 12.4% 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Operations and Business Settings 

Capital (continued)

Capital Position 

The  Group  maintained  a  strong  capital  position  with  capital 
ratios well in excess of regulatory minimum capital adequacy 
the  year  ended 
requirements  at  all 
30 June 2015. 

throughout 

times 

(1) 

Other Regulatory Changes 

Basel Committee on Banking Supervision 

During the second half of the 2014 calendar year, the BCBS 
issued a number of consultation documents including: 

 

 

 

 

“Capital  Floors:  The  Design  of  a  Framework  based  on 
Standardised Approaches”; 

“Revisions  to  the  Standardised  Approach  for  Credit 
Risk”; 

“Fundamental Review of the Trading Book: Outstanding 
Issues”; and 

“Revisions  to  the  Simpler  Approaches”  –  Operational 
Risk. 

Finalisation  of  all  of  the  above  proposals  is  expected  by  the 
end of 2015. 

In  June  2015,  the  BCBS  issued  a  consultation  document 
“Interest  Rate  Risk  in  the  Banking  Book”,  which  is  open  for 
consultation until September 2015. 

(1)  Analysis  aligns  with  the  13  July  2015  APRA  study  titled  “International 

capital comparison study”. 

Composition of Level 2 ADI Groups 

In May 2014, APRA provided more clarity on the definition of 
the  Level  2  Banking  Group.  Subsidiary  intermediate  holding 
companies  are  considered  part  of  the  Level  2  Group, 
regardless  of  the  nature  of  any  activity  undertaken  by  their 
operating  subsidiaries.  As  a  result,  capital  benefits  arising 
from  the  debt  issued  by  the  Colonial  Group  will  be  phased 
out. 

APRA  granted  transition  arrangements  on  these  changes,  in 
line with the maturity profile of the debt. 

Leverage Ratio 

The 
leverage  ratio  is  defined  as  Tier 1  Capital  as  a 
percentage  of  exposures.  Public  disclosure  of  the  leverage 
ratio by Australian ADIs is to commence from 1 July 2015. 

The BCBS has advised that any adjustments to the definition 
and  calibration  of  the  ratio  will  be  made  by  2017  with 
migration 
requirement) 
expected from 1 January 2018. 

(minimum  capital 

to  a  Pillar 1 

Conglomerate Groups 

to  Conglomerate  Groups 

APRA  has  proposed  extending  its  prudential  supervision 
framework 
that  have  material 
operations in more than one APRA regulated industry and/or 
have  one  or  more  material  unregulated  entities.  APRA 
released  revised  conglomerate  standards  in  August  2014. 
However, a decision on the implementation date has yet to be 
provided.  APRA  has  confirmed  that  a  minimum  transition 
period  of  12  months  will  apply  before  the  implementation 
date.

The Group’s CET1 ratio as measured on an APRA basis was 
at 
9.1% 
31 December 2014 and 9.3% at 30 June 2014. 

compared  with 

30 June 2015, 

9.2% 

at 

The  decrease  in  capital  across  the  June 2015  half  and  full 
year  reflects  capital  generated  from  earnings,  more  than 
offset  by  the  impact  of  dividend  payments,  higher  Risk 
Weighted Assets (RWA) and the first reduction in the capital 
benefits arising from the debt issued by the Colonial Group. 

Capital Initiatives 

following  significant  CET1  capital 

The 
undertaken during the year: 

initiatives  were 

 

 

The Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) in respect of the 
2014 final dividend was satisfied in full by the on-market 
purchase  of  shares.  The  participation  rate  for  the  DRP 
was 19.9%; and 

The  DRP  in  respect  of  the  2015  interim  dividend  was 
satisfied  by  the  allocation  of  approximately  $571 million 
of  ordinary  shares.  The  participation  rate  for  the  DRP 
was 17.9%. 

Pillar 3 Disclosures 

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

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

26  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

9.3%9.2%9.1%12.7%Jun 14Basel IIIDec 14Basel IIIJun 15Basel IIIJun 15Basel IIICET1 Ratio (Internationally Comparable)CET1 Ratio (APRA) 
 
 
Group Operations and Business Settings 

Capital (continued) 

The tables below show the APRA Basel III capital adequacy calculation at 30 June 2015 together with prior period comparatives. 

(1)  Represents shares held by the Group's life insurance operations ($107 million) and employee share scheme trusts ($172 million). 
(2)  Represents foreign currency reserve and available-for-sale 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.  

(3)  Cumulative current year profit and retained earnings adjustments for subsidiaries not consolidated for regulatory purposes. 
(4)  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 1 Capital. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015  27 

30 Jun 1531 Dec 1430 Jun 14Risk Weighted Capital Ratios%%%Common Equity Tier 19. 19. 29. 3Tier 111. 211. 611. 1Tier 21. 51. 10. 9Total Capital12. 712. 712. 030 Jun 1531 Dec 1430 Jun 14$M$M$MOrdinary Share Capital and Treasury SharesOrdinary Share Capital27,61927,03927,036Treasury Shares (1)279287291Ordinary Share Capital and Treasury Shares27,89827,32627,327ReservesReserves2,3452,6742,009Reserves related to non-consolidated subsidiaries (2)(93)(126)(47)Total Reserves2,2522,5481,962Retained Earnings and Current Period ProfitsRetained earnings and current period profits21,52819,82318,827Retained earnings adjustment from non-consolidated subsidiaries (3)(529)(377)(368)Net Retained Earnings20,99919,44618,459Non-controlling interestNon-controlling interest (4)562556537Less ASB perpetual preference shares(505)(505)(505)Less other non-controlling interests not eligible for inclusion in regulatory capital(57)(51)(32)Minority Interest---Common Equity Tier 1 Capital before regulatory adjustments51,14949,32047,748 
 
 
 
 
Group Operations and Business Settings 

Capital (continued) 

(1)  Other intangibles (excluding capitalised software costs), net of any associated deferred tax liability.  
(2) 

In accordance with APRA regulations, the surplus in the Group’s defined benefit superannuation fund, net of any deferred tax liability, must be deducted 
from Common Equity Tier 1.  

(3)  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.  
(4)  Deferred tax assets net of deferred tax liabilities.  
(5)  Cash flow Hedge Reserve and Employee Compensation Reserve balances are ineligible for inclusion in CET1.  
(6)  Represents the Group’s non-controlling interest in other entities.  
(7)  Represents the net tangible assets within the non-consolidated subsidiaries (primarily the insurance and funds management companies operating within 
the  Colonial  Group).  The  adjustment  is  net  of  $900 million  in  non-recourse  debt  (31 December 2014:  $1,250 million,  30 June 2014:  $1,250 million)  and 
$1,000 million in Colonial Group Subordinated Notes (31 December 2014: $1,000 million, 30 June 2014: $1,000 million). In April 2015, the first tranche of 
the non-recourse debt matured ($350 million), and was replaced with an equivalent amount of an ordinary share capital injection from the Group’s parent. 
The  Group’s  insurance  and  fund  management  companies  held  $1,579 million  of  capital  in  excess  of  minimum  regulatory  capital  requirements  at 
30 June 2015.  

(8)  Regulatory Expected Loss (pre-tax) using stressed loss given default assumptions associated with the loan portfolio in excess of eligible credit provisions 

(pre-tax).  

(9)  As at 30 June 2015, comprises PERLS VI $2,000 million issued in October 2012 and PERLS VII $3,000 million issued in October 2014.  
(10)  As at 30 June 2015, represents APRA Basel III non-compliant Additional Tier 1 Capital Instruments (PERLS III, Trust Preferred Securities (TPS) 06, ASB 
Perpetual  Preference  Shares,  and  Perpetual  Exchangeable  Floating  Rate  Note).  These  instruments  are  eligible  for  Basel  III  transitional  relief.  In 
June 2015, the Group redeemed USD550 million in TPS 03. In October 2014 the Group bought back and cancelled AUD2,000 million of PERLS V.  

(11)  As  at  30 June 2015,  comprises  the  following  subordinated  notes:  Chinese  Renminbi  1,000 million  issued  in  March  2015,  EUR1,250 million  issued  in 
April 2015, AUD1,000 million issued in November 2014 and NZD400 million issued in April 2014. The NZD400 million notes were issued through ASB, the 
Group’s New Zealand subsidiary. The ASB notes are Basel III compliant Tier 2 securities and fully contribute towards ASB capital ratios. The amount of 
the  ASB  notes  that  contributes  to  ASB  capital  in  excess  of  its  minimum  regulatory  requirements  is  not  eligible  for  inclusion  in  the  Group’s  capital 
(30 June 2015 ineligible amount, AUD114 million, 31 December 2014 ineligible amount, AUD129 million, 30 June 2014 ineligible amount, AUD138 million).  
(12)  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.  

(13)  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.  

28  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

30 Jun 1531 Dec 1430 Jun 14$M$M$MCommon Equity Tier 1 regulatory adjustmentsGoodwill(7,599)(7,576)(7,566)Other intangibles (excluding software) (1)(164)(225)(295)Capitalised costs (337)(341)(285)Capitalised software(2,089)(1,979)(1,854)Defined benefit superannuation plan surplus (2)(193)--General reserve for credit losses (3)(242)(225)(214)Deferred tax asset (4)(1,164)(1,024)(1,164)Cash flow hedge reserve (5)(263)(459)(224)Employee compensation reserve (5)(122)(79)(125)Equity investments (6)(3,179)(2,990)(2,589)Equity investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries (7)(1,705)(1,307)(1,219)Shortfall of provisions to expected losses (8)(134)(102)(502)Deferred fees(222)(145)(103)Gain due to changes in own credit risk on fair valued liabilities(144)(113)(48)Other(194)(170)(148)Common Equity Tier 1 regulatory adjustments(17,751)(16,735)(16,336)Common Equity Tier 133,39832,58531,412Additional Tier 1 CapitalBasel III complying instruments (9)5,0005,0002,000Basel III non-complying instruments net of transitional amortisation (10)2,7493,4134,196Additional Tier 1 Capital7,7498,4136,196Tier 1 Capital41,14740,99837,608Tier 2 CapitalBasel III complying instruments (11)3,2681,254234Basel III non-complying instruments net of transitional amortisation (12)2,2572,4932,530Holding of Tier 2 Capital (20)(30)-Prudential general reserve for credit losses (13)156186171Total Tier 2 Capital5,6613,9032,935Total Capital46,80844,90140,543 
 
Group Operations and Business Settings 

Capital (continued) 

(1)  A change in the application of the Retail Best Estimate of Expected Loss (BEEL) resulted in an increase RWA of $6.4 billion which was largely offset by a 

drop in the regulatory Expected Loss deduction for CET1 capital. 

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

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015  29 

30 Jun 1531 Dec 1430 Jun 14Risk Weighted Assets$M$M$MCredit RiskSubject to Advanced IRB approachCorporate60,87956,61249,067SME Corporate25,28923,91322,478SME Retail5,0684,9635,280SME Retail secured by residential mortgage2,9493,2853,543Sovereign5,1635,4325,330Bank12,02410,98310,131Residential mortgage (1)74,38272,27865,986Qualifying revolving retail (1)8,8618,5338,215Other retail (1)13,94213,62012,757Impact of the regulatory scaling factor (2)12,51311,97710,967Total Risk Weighted Assets subject to Advanced IRB approach221,070211,596193,754Specialised lending exposures subject to slotting criteria51,08148,77448,935Subject to Standardised approachCorporate10,35711,35810,850SME Corporate5,9215,4704,924SME Retail5,8435,5715,207Sovereign209169124Bank244204220Residential mortgage6,7286,4166,040Other retail2,6792,9462,648Other assets4,9824,9244,214Total Risk Weighted Assets subject to Standardised approach36,96337,05834,227Securitisation1,6535,0165,010Credit valuation adjustment7,7128,1266,636Central counterparties695954576Total Risk Weighted Assets for Credit Risk Exposures319,174311,524289,138Traded market risk6,3356,4665,284Interest rate risk in the banking book 10,8474,84614,762Operational risk32,36530,21228,531Total Risk Weighted Assets 368,721353,048337,715 
 
 
Group Operations and Business Settings 

Dividends 
Final Dividend for the Year Ended 30 June 2015 

The final dividend declared was $2.22 per share, bringing the 
total  dividend  for  the  year  ended  30 June 2015  to  $4.20 per 
share. This represents a dividend payout ratio (“cash basis”) 
of 75% and is 5% above the prior full year dividend. 

The  final  dividend  will  be  fully  franked  and  will  be  paid  on 
1 October 2015  to  owners  of  ordinary  shares  at  the  close  of 
business  on  20 August 2015  (record  date).  Shares  will  be 
quoted ex-dividend on 18 August 2015. 

Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) 

The  DRP  will  continue  to  be  offered  to  shareholders  but  no 
discount will be applied to shares allocated under the plan for 
the final dividend. 

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 

Full Year Dividend History (cents per share) 

franked dividends. 

Liquidity 

(1) 

(2) 
(3) 

Includes all repo-eligible securities  with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. The  Exchange Settlement Account (ESA) cash balance is netted 
down by the Reserve Bank of Australia open-repo of internal RMBS. 
Includes all interbank deposits that are included as short-term wholesale funding on page 31. 
Includes cash inflows. 

Year Ended June 2015 versus June 2014

liquidity  needs  and 

The Group holds high quality, well diversified liquid assets to 
meet  Balance  Sheet 
regulatory 
requirements. From  1 January  2015,  the  Group  is subject to 
APRA’s LCR, which requires LCR liquid assets to exceed net 
cash  outflows  projected  under  a  prescribed  30  day  stress 
scenario. As  at  30 June 2015, the  LCR  was  120%  with  LCR 
liquid  assets  of  $132 billion,  including  a  $66 billion  CLF  from 
the Reserve Bank of Australia.

In  the  six  months  to  June 2015,  the  LCR  increased  from 
116%  to  120%,  with  a  $7 billion  decrease  in  net  cash 
outflows,  more  than  offsetting  a  $4 billion  decrease  in  LCR 
liquid  assets,  due  to  a  $4 billion  reduction  in  the  CLF  to 
$66 billion  from  1 April 2015.  The  introduction  of  a  31  day 
notice period for early withdrawals of term deposits and other 
liquidity  management  measures  taken  contributed  to  the 
reduction in net cash outflows. 

For further information on the Group’s liquidity management please see Note 34 of the Financial Statements. 

30  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

22829032033436440142078.2%73.9%73.2%75.8%75.9%75.1%75.1%0%20%40%60%80%100%120%140%-50050100150200250300350400450Jun 09Jun 10Jun 11Jun 12Jun 13Jun 14Jun 15DPSPayout Ratio ("cash basis")80%Target Range70%30 Jun 1531 Dec 14Jun 15 vsLevel 2$M$MDec 14 %Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR)High Quality Liquid Assets (HQLA) (1)65,94065,818        -Committed Liquidity Facility (CLF)66,00070,000(6)Total LCR liquid assets131,940135,818(3)Net Cash OutflowsCustomer deposits65,83278,901(17)Wholesale funding (2)30,75324,63525Other net cash outflows (3)13,81913,903(1)Total net cash outflows110,404117,439(6)Liquidity Coverage Ratio (%)120116             400 bptsLCR surplus 21,53618,37917As 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 

Half Year Ended June 2015 versus December 2014 

Customer Deposits 

Customer  deposits  accounted  for  63%  of  total  funding  at 
30 June 2015,  consistent  with  the  prior  half.  Deposit  growth 
has seen the Group satisfy a significant proportion of lending 
growth  from  customer  deposits.  The  remaining  37%  of  total 
funding comprised various wholesale debt issuances. 

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 funding (including short sales) accounted for 49% 
of total wholesale funding at 30 June 2015, compared to 47% 
in the prior half. 

Long-Term Wholesale Funding 

Long-term  funding  (including  adjustment  for  IFRS  MTM  and 
derivative  FX  revaluations)  accounted  for  51%  of  total 
wholesale  funding  at  30 June 2015,  compared to  53% in  the 
prior half.  

next call date or final maturity. 

Year Ended June 2015 versus June 2014 

Customer Deposits 

Customer  deposits  accounted  for  63%  of  total  funding  at 
30 June 2015,  compared  to  64%  in  the  prior  year.  Deposit 
growth has seen the Group satisfy a significant proportion of 
lending  growth  from  customer  deposits.  The  remaining  37% 
of total funding comprised various wholesale debt issuances. 

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 the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and ASB. 
Short-term funding (including short sales) accounted for 49% 
of  total  wholesale  funding  at  30 June 2015,  up  from  45%  in 
the  prior  year,  largely  driven  by  the  impact  of  the  lower 
Australian dollar. 

Long-Term Wholesale Funding 

transactions 

long-term  wholesale  debt 

Long-term  wholesale  funding  includes  debt  with  an  original 
maturity  or  call  date  of  greater  than  12 months.  Long-term 
wholesale  funding  conditions  remained  stable  over  the  year 
compared  to  the  previous  12  months  with  continued  central 
bank  stimulus.  During  the  year,  the  Group  issued  $31 billion 
of 
in  multiple 
currencies  including  AUD,  USD,  EUR,  and  GBP.  Given 
steady  funding  conditions,  most  issuances  were  in  senior 
unsecured  format,  although  the  Group  also  used  Residential 
Mortgage-Backed  Securities  (RMBS)  and  its  covered  bond 
program  to  provide  cost,  tenor  and  diversification  benefits. 
The  Weighted  Average  Maturity  (WAM)  of  new  long-term 
wholesale debt issued in the year was 4.2 years. The WAM of 
outstanding  long-term  wholesale  debt  was  3.8 years  at 
30 June 2015. 

Long-term  wholesale  funding  (including  adjustment  for  IFRS 
revaluations) 
Mark-to-market 
funding  at 
accounted 
30 June 2015, compared to 55% in the prior year. 

(MTM)  and  derivative  FX 
total  wholesale 

for  51%  of 

For further information on the Group’s funding risk, please refer to Note 34 of the Financial Statements. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015  31 

30 Jun 1531 Dec 1430 Jun 14Jun 15 vsJun 15 vsGroup Funding (1)$M$M$MDec 14 %Jun 14 %Customer deposits477,811458,428438,89049Short-term wholesale funding131,837124,945109,318621Short sales4,4373,5844,103248Long-term wholesale funding - less than one year residual maturity27,47928,30230,892(3)(11)Long-term wholesale funding - more than one year residual maturity (2)105,055105,888102,163(1)3IFRS MTM and derivative FX revaluations11,65710,4033,25112largeTotal wholesale funding 280,465273,122249,727312Total funding758,276731,550688,617410As at 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Responsibility 

Introduction 

For  the  Group,  corporate  responsibility  means  continually 
looking  to  deliver  value  to  our  customers,  shareholders, 
people  and  the  broader  community  through  the  way  we  do 
business and our role in society. 

Guided  by  the  Group’s  vision  we  actively  consider  the 
environmental,  social  and  economic  impacts  and  influences 
of  our  activities  and  look  for  ways  to  make  a  positive 
contribution beyond our core business. 

Examples  of  the  value  created  for  the  Group’s  stakeholders 
during the 2015 financial year include: 

  With  more  than  52,000  people,  the  Group’s  annual 

payroll expenditure was more than $5.8 billion; 

 

 

 

 

The  Group  returned  more  than  75 per cent  of  its  profits 
to more than 780,000 Australians who hold CBA shares 
directly,  and  millions  more  who  hold  them  through 
superannuation funds; 

The Group’s tax expense was more than $3 billion. It is 
Australia’s second largest taxpayer; 

The  Group  directly  helped  228  grassroots  community 
organisations make a positive impact on the health and 
wellbeing of Australian youth; and 

The  Group  made  voluntary  community  contributions 
totalling more than $243 million in the form of cash, time, 
foregone revenue and program implementation costs.  

Evolving our Approach to Corporate 
Responsibility 

In light of the fourth iteration of the Global Reporting Initiative 
framework (GRI G4), the Group undertook a thorough review 
of  its  Corporate  Responsibility  approach.  The  result  is  the 
Group’s  Corporate  Responsibility  2016 - 2018  Strategy, 
endorsed by the Executive Committee. The strategy  has two 
pillars:  The  Way  We  Do  Business  and  Our  Role  in  Society, 
with key priorities under each pillar.  

The Corporate Responsibility Strategy addresses the Group’s 
material  Environmental,  Social  and  Governance  (ESG) 
issues. It guides our approach to the effective management of 
those  issues  and  associated  risks  and  opportunities  and 
complies with the ASX Corporate Governance Principles and 
Recommendations. 

The  Group  benchmarks  its  progress  against  a  number  of 
leading global sustainability indices and surveys including: 

  Global  100  Index  (G100).  In  2015,  the  Group  ranked 
21st  in  the  world,  making  it  the  number  one  Australian 
company and number two bank in the world in the G100.  

 

 

 

Dow  Jones  Sustainability  Index  (DJSI).  In  2015,  the 
Group was named the industry mover on the DJSI World 
Index  and  received  a  bronze  class  distinction  for 
excellent sustainability performance. 

CDP  (formerly  the  Carbon  Disclosure  Project).  In  2014 
and for the second consecutive year, the Group was the 
highest-ranking Australian  bank  listed  on  CDP’s climate 
leadership  indices  with  an  overall  disclosure  score  of 
100/100 and an ‘A band’ for climate performance. 

The  Group  is  listed  on  the  FTSE4Good  Index  that  has 
been  designed 
the  performance  of 
companies demonstrating strong ESG practices. 

to  measure 

The Way We Do Business 

Make Transparent and Balanced Decisions 

During  the  2015  financial  year,  the  Group  saw  a  significant 
increase  in  engagement  with  ESG  issues.  The  Group  is 

32  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

committed to maintaining an honest and transparent dialogue 
with 
including  Non-governmental 
organisations (NGOs). 

stakeholders 

all 

Support and Embed a Culture of ‘Doing the Right Thing’ 
Aligned to the Group’s Values 

Integrity is one of the Group’s core values and the Group has 
a  range  of  policies,  frameworks,  compliance  measures  and 
education  programs  to  ensure  our  people  maintain  the 
highest professional standards. The Group is also committed 
to making things right for customers who may have received 
inappropriate advice. For example in 2014 we introduced the 
Open Advice Review program. 

Strengthen the Management of ESG Impacts in our 
Lending and Investing Practices 

The  Group  strengthened  the  management  of  ESG  in  our 
lending and investing practices by: 

 

 

 

Becoming a signatory to the third iteration of the Equator 
Principles (EPIII) in May 2014;  

Publishing  nine  ESG  Lending  Commitments  during  the 
2015  financial  year  (and  commencing  reporting  of  our 
performance on these commitments); and  

Rolling out a number of ESG training materials and tools 
in early 2015.  

As part of building a  balanced portfolio, the Group continues 
to strongly support the growth of the renewable energy sector 
whilst  recognising  the  importance  of  the  resources  sector  to 
the Australian economy and way of life.  

Evolve our Approach to Reporting 
In  February 2015,  as  part  of  the  Group’s  commitment  to 
regular, robust and long-term disclosure, the Group released 
its  initial  Financed  Emissions  Report,  one  of  the  first  reports 
of  its  kind  across  the  financial  services  industry  in  Australia. 
The  report  provides  an  assessment  of  carbon  emissions 
arising from the Group’s energy portfolio.  

The Group is also working with local and international peers, 
as  well  as  the  United  Nations  Environment  Programme  for 
Finance Initiative (UNEPFI) to establish consistent measures 
and methodologies across the industry. 

Use Our Influence to Enhance Environmental, Social and 
Economic Outcomes in our Supply Chain 

In  the  2015  financial  year,  the  Group  refreshed  the  Supplier 
Code  of  Conduct  to  clarify  and  reinforce  the  social,  ethical 
and environmental criteria the Group expects its primary and 
secondary suppliers to meet. The Group continues to manage 
its  Supplier 
Corporate  Responsibility  compliance  via 
Governance  Framework,  which  includes  risk  assessments 
prior 
to  supplier  engagement  and  ongoing  supplier 
compliance activities throughout the contract lifecycle.   

Treat all People with Respect and Fairness 

The Group has a range of strategies and programs to ensure 
that employees, other stakeholders and the wider community 
are treated with respect and fairness in their dealings with the 
Group.  

Implement 2015 – 2017 Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 

The  2015-2017  Diversity  and  Inclusion  Strategy  provides  a 
roadmap  for the  Group  to  enhance  our  culture  where  all  our 
people  feel  included,  connected  and  have  a  sense  of 
belonging. The strategy covers inclusive leadership, flexibility, 
gender,  disability,  Lesbian,  Gay,  Bisexual,  Transgender  and 
Intersex (LGBTI), life stage and culture.  

The Group was named the fourth most inclusive employer for 
the second year running in the 2015 Australian Workplace  

 
Treat all People with Respect and Fairness (continued) 

Our Role in Society 

Corporate Responsibility 

Equality  Index  Awards,  which  recognises  workplace  support 
for LGBTI people.  

Women make up almost 60 per cent of the Group’s workforce. 
43 per  cent  are  in  management  roles,  with  35 per  cent  in 
executive manager or above roles. In the 2015 financial year, 
the  Group  became  a  signatory  to  the  United  Nations 
Women’s  Empowerment  Principles.  In  accordance  with  the 
requirements of the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012, in 
May 2015  the  Group’s  annual  Workplace  Gender  Equality 
Compliance  report  was  lodged  with  the  Workplace  Gender 
Equality 
at  
www.commbank.com.au/diversitycommitment.  

Agency 

viewed 

and 

can 

be 

Implement Accessibility and Inclusion Programs 

In the 2015 financial year, the Group carried out a number of 
initiatives  to  deliver  more  accessible  services  and  better 
employment access for people with a disability, including: 

 

 

 

Conducted  accessibility  assessments  of  some  web-
based platforms; 

Introduced  a  new  IT  helpdesk  function  for  employees 
with a disability; and 

Improved  graduate  and  intern  placement  processes  to 
attract and support candidates with a disability, including 
disability awareness training for recruiters.  

Develop 2016 – 2018 Indigenous Affairs Strategy 

The  Group  has  committed  to  a  Reconciliation  Action  Plan 
(RAP)  since  2008.  In  2014,  the  Group  strengthened  the 
governance structure of the RAP, creating an advisory council 
comprising  internal  leaders  and  external  Aboriginal  and 
Torres Strait Islander leaders to guide and oversee progress 
towards  the  Group’s  RAP  commitments.  The  Group’s  RAP 
progress during the financial year includes: 

 

 

Supported Indigenous customers in remote communities 
taking  more  than  100,000 calls  through  the  toll-free 
Indigenous Customer Assistance Line; and 

to 

students 

Provided scholarships for 16 Aboriginal and Torres Strait 
Islander 
Indigenous  Financial 
the 
Counselling Mentorship program, in partnership with the 
Indigenous  Consumer  Assistance  Network,  to  raise  the 
financial  counsellors  across 
number  of 
Australia.  

Indigenous 

for  Aboriginal  and  Torres  Strait 

Since  2009,  the  Group  has  created  more  than  600 career 
opportunities 
Islander 
Peoples.  Since  2011,  68  of  the  Group’s  people  have 
participated  in  the  six-week  Jawun  Indigenous  Secondment 
Program to Indigenous communities.  

Continue Disaster Relief Programs 

In the 2015 financial year, the Group supported a number of 
communities  including  those  affected  by  Cyclone  Marcia  in 
Queensland, Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu, the NSW storms, the 
NSW  and  QLD  droughts,  and  the  SA  bush  fires  through 
various grants and recovery programs.  

Improve the Environmental Efficiency of our Operations 

The  Group  has  a  longstanding  commitment  to  reducing  its 
environmental impact and is in the process of developing and 
implementing a three year Property Sustainability Strategy. 

During  the  2015  financial  year,  CBA  and  Bankwest  reduced 
their combined domestic Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 
8,178 tCo2-e. Since 2009, CBA and Bankwest have reduced 
scope 1 and scope 2 carbon emissions by 38 per cent.  

Develop Innovative Products and Services to Support our 
Customers in the Economy of the Future 

For  the  Group,  innovation  is  about  providing  customers  with 
technologies and services that fundamentally change the way 
they access and manage their finances for the better.  

Drive Digital Innovation for Improved Products and 
Services 

During  the  2015  financial  year,  the  Group  delivered  the 
following innovations:  

 

 

 

 

CommBank  app  for  smart  watches,  offering  everyday 
banking  services  including  balance  checks  on  the  go; 
and  the  new  CommSec  app  for  the  Apple  watch, 
allowing  customers  to  monitor  the  market  and  their 
portfolio.  

Albert,  the  global  first-to-market  EFTPOS  tablet  that 
allows  business  customers  to  improve  and  tailor  their 
customer  experience  and  provides  unique  business 
insights  through  a  portable,  user-friendly,  secure  and 
customisable point-of-sale device.     

Lock,  Block  and  Limit,  a  security  innovation  allowing 
credit  card  users  to  place  a  temporary  lock  on  their 
cards.  

The  Innovation  Lab,  launched  in  October 2014  and 
based  in  Sydney,  providing  a  space  for  customers, 
partners, start-ups and industry experts to collaborate on 
cutting-edge products and services.  

Develop Products and Services for Lending and Investing 
that Consider Economic, Environmental and Social 
Issues 

Internationally, the Group is investing in innovation to support 
emerging  markets  and  provide  under-served  communities 
with  banking  services. 
the  Group 
announced  the  acquisition  of  TYME  (Take  Your  Money 
Everywhere),  a  South-African 
that 
designs,  builds  and  operates  digital  ecosystems  that  allow 
customers  to  open  and  manage  regulated  bank  accounts 
using just a mobile phone.  

technology  company 

In  February 2015, 

Within  Australia,  the  Group  provides  specialised  banking 
services  to  the  not-for-profit  sector,  with  reduced  fees  and 
tailored  products.  The  Group  has  the  only  bankers  in 
Australia  qualified 
Institute  of  Community 
Directors’  Diploma  of  Business  Governance,  providing  them 
with  a  deeper  understanding  of  the  governance  and  finance 
issues faced by not-for-profit organisations.  

through 

the 

The Group’s Women in Focus online community continues to 
support  women-led  businesses,  while  our  Community 
Business  Finance  offers  affordable  banking  solutions  to 
groups  such  as  Indigenous  Australians,  disadvantaged  and 
migrant women.  

Invest in Skills for the Workforce of the Future 

As  the  Australian  economy  transitions  to  more  knowledge 
based  industries,  the  Group  is  refocusing  its  community 
investments to support skills needed for a new economy. 

The World’s Largest Financial Literacy Program of its 
Kind  

In  2009,  the  Group  committed  to  improving  the  financial 
literacy  of  one million kids  by  2015. We  have  exceeded  that 
goal, with more than 1.2 million students booked to participate 
in one of our Start Smart workshops through their school, as 
at June 2015.  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia - Annual Report 2015  33 

 
Advocate for Public Policies that Secure and Enhance the 
Financial  Wellbeing  of  People,  Businesses  and 
Communities 

As  one  of  Australia’s  largest  organisations  with  15  million 
customers and more than 52,000 employees, the Group has 
a  responsibility  to  speak  up  on  matters  of  importance  to  the 
nation,  our  people  and  our  customers.  Adding  the  Group’s 
economic  and  policy  knowledge  to  the  national  public  policy 
debate  increases  the  likelihood  of  good  policy  outcomes, 
helping  to  secure  and  enhance  the  financial  wellbeing  of 
people, businesses and communities.  
The  Group  continues  to  engage  with  Government  in  a 
constructive  dialogue  on 
financial 
services  industry  and  economic  and  social  issues  generally. 
the 
In 
opportunity to work with the Financial Services Inquiry (FSI) to 
address  the  opportunities  and  challenges  faced  by  the 
financial system. The Group also welcomed the opportunity to 
contribute  to  the  debate  on  the  Future  of  Financial  Advice 
(FoFA),  as  well  as  support  a  number  of  government  and 
industry  initiatives  to  enhance  confidence  in  financial  advice 
including  improved  education  standards,  a  public  register  of 
advisers and the FoFA reforms.  

the  Group  welcomed 

issues  covering 

financial  year, 

the  2015 

the 

Further Information 

including 

Visit www.commbank.com.au/sustainability2015  microsite  for 
more  information  on  the  Group’s  approach  to  corporate 
responsibility 
initiatives, 
achievements  and  independently  assured  metrics  for  the 
2015  financial  year.  The  microsite  covers  the  activities  of 
companies wholly owned by the Group within Australia for the 
financial year ending 30 June 2015. 

insights 

key 

on 

Corporate Responsibility 

Invest in Skills for the Workforce of the Future (continued) 

To build further on this investment in education, the Group will 
invest  $50 million  in  financial  education  over    three  years 
from 2015, starting with doubling the reach of Start Smart by 
the 2016 financial year allowing 500,000 student bookings for 
the free financial literacy workshops every year. 

The  Group  continues  to  demonstrate  its  commitment  to 
education and supporting Australian primary schools through 
the  School  Banking  Program,  with  over  300,000 students 
from almost 4,000 schools actively participating in 2015.  

Supporting teaching excellence 

In  June 2015,  in  partnership  with  Social  Ventures  Australia, 
the  Group  launched  the  Australian  Teaching  and  Learning 
Toolkit, a free resource providing teachers access to the best 
global education research. In addition, the Group continues to 
recognise 
the  annual 
Commonwealth  Bank  Teaching  Awards,  with  45 teachers 
now recognised for excellence in financial education.  

teaching  excellence 

through 

Create Opportunities for our People to Contribute to their 
Communities  

Facilitate Employee Participation in Volunteering 
Activities 

to 

registered 

The  Group  encourages  its  employees  to  give  their  time  and 
expertise 
not-for-profit 
organisations.  During  the  2015  financial  year,  more  than 
5,000 employees volunteered in 114 community organisations 
across  Australia,  representing  more  than  40,000 volunteer 
hours.  

charities 

and 

Support Local Communities with Targeted Activities 

it  Australia’s 

The  Staff  Community  Fund  has  been  running  since 1917, 
longest-running  workplace  giving 
making 
program.  The  Group  matches  staff  contributions  dollar  for 
dollar  and  covers  all  administrative  costs 
to  ensure 
100 per cent of the money raised is distributed directly to not-
for-profit organisations.  

The Group has the highest participation rate of employees for 
an  organisation  its  size,  with  more  than  13,000 members  at 
June 2015,  an  increase  from  approximately  11,500  at  July 
2014,  following  a  membership  drive  which  also  saw  700 
members increase the size of their regular donation. A total of 
$2 million  was  awarded  in  2015  to  228  grassroots  programs 
focused  on  improving  the  health  and  wellbeing  of  Australian 
youth.  

ANZAC Centenary 

Between  2014  and  2018,  Australia  will  commemorate  the 
ANZAC  Centenary  marking  100 years  since  our  nation’s 
involvement in the First World War. 

The Group  is partnering with the Australian Government and 
Telstra to deliver the Spirit of ANZAC Centenary Experience, 
a  travelling  exhibition  bringing  a  piece  of  ANZAC  history  to 
communities  all  over  Australia  from  September 2015.  The 
Group  will  make  a  $10 million  total  contribution  over  five 
years,  including  a  $2 million  donation  made  to  the  ANZAC 
Centenary Public Fund. 

34  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

 
 
 
Sustainability Scorecard (1) 

Customer Satisfaction 
Roy Morgan Research Main Financial Institution (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 Manager and above roles (7) 
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 CBA 
Scope 1 emissions (10) 
Scope 2 emissions (11) 
Scope 3 emissions (12) 
Emissions per FTE (13) 

Financial Literacy Programs 

School Banking Students (active) (14) 
Start Smart Students Booked (15) 

Corporate Responsibility 

Units 

% 

% 

% 

% 

% 

Rate 
Rate 

tCO2-e 
tCO2-e 
tCO2-e 
tCO2-e 

2015  

84.2 
1st 

2014  

83.2 
1st  

2013  

83.0  
1st  

7.5 
Equal 1st 

7.4 
Equal 1st 

7.4  
Equal 1st  

7.75 
2nd 

81 

10.0 

43.2 

35.0 

1.5 
6.0 

7.94 
1st 

81  

10.2  

42.9  

32.8  

1.5  
6.1  

8.32  
1st  

80  

10.2  

42.0  

30.3  

1.9  
6.2  

7,249 
86,264 
39,361 
2.9 

7,936  
91,275  
44,826  
3.1 

8,064  
100,997  
47,438  
3.5 

310,474 
298,505 

273,034  
288,728  

233,217  
284,834  

(1)  All metrics capture data from Australian domestic operations only (excluding Bankwest), unless otherwise stated. 
(2)  The proportion of each financial institution’s Retail MFl customers surveyed by Roy Morgan Research that are either ‘Very Satisfied’ or ‘Fairly Satisfied’ 
with their overall relationship (defined as those holding at least a Deposit/Transaction account) 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).  

(3)  The  average  satisfaction  of  CBA’s  Main  Financial  Institution  (MFI)  business  customers  as  measured  by  DBM’s  Business  Financial  Services  Monitor. 
Respondents  rate  their  overall  satisfaction  using  an  11-point  scale  (where  0  is  ‘Extremely  Dissatisfied’  and  10  is  ‘Extremely  Satisfied’).  Results  are 
reported as a 6 month rolling average as at 30 June. The rank 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  Funds  Under  Administration  (FUA)  as  at 
December 2014 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.  

(5)  The  index  shows  the  proportion  of  CBA  employees  replying  with  a  score  of  4  or  5  to  four  engagement  questions  relating  to  satisfaction,  retention, 

advocacy and pride on a scale of 1-5 (5 is ‘Strongly Agree’, 1 is ‘Strongly Disagree’).  

(6)  Employee turnover refers to all voluntary exits of permanent employees as a percentage of the average permanent headcount paid directly by the Group 
(full-time, part-time, job share or on extended leave), including Bankwest and offshore, but excluding ASB. 2013 and 2014 figures have been restated. 
(7)  Percentage of roles at the level of both  Manager and 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.  The  percentage  of  roles  at  Executive  Manager  and  above  excludes  Customs  Solutions,  Colonial  First  State 
Property Management and Bankwest. 2013 figure updated to reflect change of reporting entity. 

(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  employees  over  the  year.  This  relates  to  CBA  and  Bankwest  employees  (permanent,  casual  and 
contractors paid directly by the Group). Data is presented using the information available as at 30 June for each financial year. Prior year data is updated 
to reflect change of reporting entity, late reporting and subsequent acceptance or rejection of claims made during the year.  As a result, 2014 figure has 
been restated. 

(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). 2013 and 2014 figures have been restated to include Bankwest.  

(10)  Scope 1 carbon emissions relate to the consumption of gas and fuel by retail, commercial properties and the business use of our tool-of-trade vehicle fleet. 

Source of emissions factors: NGA Factors (2014).  

(11)  Scope  2  carbon  emissions  relate  to  the  electricity  use  by  retail  and  commercial  properties  and  ATMs  and  certain  residential  properties.  Due  to  the 

electricity billing cycle, 13% of 2015 electricity data was estimated to meet publication deadlines. Source of emissions factors: NGA Factors (2014).  

(12)  Scope 3 carbon emissions relate to indirect emissions (tool-of-trade vehicles, natural gas and electricity), rental car and taxi use, business use of private 
vehicles, dedicated bus service, business flights, office paper and waste to landfill. Source of emissions factors: NGA Factors (2014) and DEFRA (2014) 
for flights. FY13 and FY14 Scope 3 emissions have been restated downwards. This has been to correct a calculation error identified in prior year’s waste 
recycling data.  

(13)  Emissions relate to Scopes 1 and 2 emissions sources as detailed above. FTE relates to domestic full-time equivalent employees. For consistency and 

comparability with peers, emissions per FTE relates to Scopes 1 and 2 only. 

(14)  The number of active students who participated in the Commonwealth Bank School Banking program. Active students are those who banked at least once 

during a 12 month period through a School Banking school. 

(15)  The  number  of  students  booked  to  attend  the  Commonwealth  Bank’s  Start  Smart  programs.  Start  Smart  sessions  cover  different  topics  and  the  same 

student may be booked to attend a number of sessions. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia - Annual Report 2015  35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 2015. 

The  names  of  the  Directors  holding  office  during  the  financial  year  are  set  out  below,  together  with  details  of  Directors’ 
experience, qualifications and special responsibilities. 

David Turner, Chairman 

Director of the Bank since August 2006. 

  Other directorships: Ashurst, O’Connell Street Associates Pty 

Ltd and Great Barrier Reef Foundation. 

Qualifications:  Fellow  of  the  Australian  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 70. 

David  Turner  was  appointed  Chairman  of  the  Bank  in 
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  until 
2003. He was also Finance Director of GKN plc and Finance 
Director of Booker plc, and spent six years with Mobil Oil. 

Ian Narev, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer 

  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 48. 

Director of the Bank since December 2011. 

Ian  Narev  was  appointed  Managing  Director  and  Chief 
Executive Officer on 1 December 2011.  

He  was  a  member  of  the  Risk  Committee  during  the  2015 
financial year (ceased August 2014). 

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. 

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  the  Group,  Mr.  Narev  was  a  partner  of 
McKinsey’s New York, Sydney and Auckland offices (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 Anderson, KBE 

Director of the Bank since March 2007. 

Sir  John  Anderson  is  a  member  of  the  Risk  Committee  and 
the Board Performance and Renewal Committee. He is also a 
member of the Audit Committee (from August 2014).  

industry, 

He  has  held  many  senior  positions  in  the  New  Zealand 
finance 
including  Chief  Executive  Officer  and 
Director  of  ANZ  National  Bank  Limited  from  2003  until  2005 
and  the  National  Bank  of  New  Zealand  Limited  from  1989 
until 2003. 

In  1994,  he  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,  he  was 
awarded  an  Honorary  Doctorate  of  Commerce  by  Victoria 
University, Wellington. 

inaugural  Blake  Medal 

the 

for 

36  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

  Other  directorships:  APN  News  &  Media  Limited  (since 
March 2015),  PGG  Wrightson  Limited  (Chairman;  ceased 
(Chairman),  Steel  &  Tube 
October 2013),  NPT  Limited 
Holdings  Ltd  (Chairman  from  October 2012)  and  T&G  Global 
Limited (Deputy Chairman from December 2012).  

Qualifications: Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and 
New Zealand, 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 70. 

 
Directors’ Report 

Shirish Apte 

Director of the Bank since June 2014.  

Shirish Apte is a member of the Risk Committee and the Audit 
Committee. 

  Other directorships: IHH Healthcare Bhd.,Crompton Greaves 
Ltd,  Citibank  Japan  and  member  of  the  Supervisory  Board  of 
Citibank Handlowy, Poland. 

He  was  Co-Chairman  of  Citi  Asia  Pacific  Banking  from 
January 2012  until  January 2014.  Previously  he  was  Chief 
Executive  Officer  of  Citi  Asia  Pacific  (2009  to  2011),  with 
responsibility 
including  Australia,  New 
Zealand, India and ASEAN countries. 

for  South  Asia, 

He has more than 32 years’ experience with Citi, including as 
CEO  of  Central  &  Eastern  Europe,  Middle  East  &  Africa 
(CEEMEA) and, before that, as Country Manager and Deputy 
President of Citibank Handlowy, Poland. 

Qualifications:  Chartered  Accountant,  Institute  of  Chartered 
Accountants  in  England  and  Wales;  Bachelor  of  Commerce 
(Calcutta), MBA (London Business School). 

Mr. Apte is a resident of Singapore. Age 62. 

Jane Hemstritch 

Director of the Bank since October 2006.   

Jane Hemstritch is Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 
and a member of the Risk Committee. 

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

  Other  directorships:  Herbert  Smith  Freehills  (member  of 
Global  Council),  Lend  Lease  Corporation  Limited,  Santos  Ltd, 
Tabcorp  Holdings  Ltd,  and  Victorian  Opera  Company  Ltd 
(Chairman from February 2013). 

the 

Qualifications:  Fellow  of 
Institute  of  Chartered 
Accountants  in  England  and  Wales,  Fellow  of  the  Institute  of 
in  Australia,  BSc  (Hons)  London 
Chartered  Accountants 
University,  Fellow  of  the  Australian  Institute  of  Company 
Directors. 

Ms Hemstritch is a resident of Victoria. Age 61. 

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. 

Sir David Higgins (Appointed 1 September 2014) 

Director of the Bank since September 2014.  

  Other directorships: High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd (Chairman). 

Qualifications:  Bachelor  of  Engineering 
Diploma, Securities Institute of Australia. 

(Civil),  USyd, 

Sir David is a resident of United Kingdom. Age 60. 

Sir  David  Higgins  is  a  member  of  the  Audit  Committee 
(from March 2015)  and 
the  Remuneration  Committee 
(from October 2014). 

He  is  the  Chairman  of  High  Speed  Two  (HS2)  Ltd,  the 
company responsible for developing and promoting the UK’s 
new  high  speed  rail  network.  Prior  to  that,  he  was  Chief 
Executive of Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd which is involved 
in the maintenance and development of railway infrastructure 
throughout the UK. 

From 2006 until 2011, he was Chief Executive of the Olympic 
Delivery  Authority  where  he  oversaw  the  creation  of  the 
London  2012  Olympic  Games  venues,  the  Olympic  Village 
and transport projects. 

For the three years prior to 2005, he was Chief Executive of 
English Partnerships, the UK Government’s national housing 
and regeneration agency. In 1985, he joined Lend Lease, and 
was  Managing  Director  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  Lend 
Lease from 1995 until 2002. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia - Annual Report 2015  37 

 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report  

Launa Inman 

Director of the Bank since March 2011.   

Launa  Inman  is  a  member  of  the  Audit  Committee  and  the 
Remuneration  Committee  (from  August 2014).  She  was  a 
member of the Risk Committee during the 2015 financial year 
(ceased August 2014). 

International  Limited 

She  was  Managing  Director  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of 
Billabong 
from  May 2012  until 
August 2013.  Prior  to  this,  she  was  Managing  Director  of 
Target  Australia  Pty  Limited  (2005  to  2011),  and  Managing 
Director of Officeworks (2004 to 2005). 

She has significant international and Australian experience in 
logistics,  as  well  as  
retailing,  wholesale, property  and 
extensive  marketing  experience  in  traditional,  digital  and 
social media channels. 

Brian Long 

  Other  directorships:  Bellamy’s  Australia  Limited 

(since 
February  2015),  Virgin  Australia  Melbourne  Fashion  Festival, 
The  Alannah  and  Madeline  Foundation  and  Billabong 
International Limited (Managing Director; ceased August 2013). 

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

Ms Inman is a resident of Victoria. Age 59. 

Director of the Bank since September 2010.  

  Other directorships: Brambles Limited, Ten Network Holdings 

Brian  Long  is  Chairman  of  the  Audit  Committee  and  a 
member of the Risk Committee.  

He  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  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. 

Limited (Deputy Chairman) and Cantarella Bros Pty Ltd.  

Qualifications: Fellow of  Chartered Accountants Australia and 
New Zealand. 

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

Andrew Mohl 

Director of the Bank since July 2008.  

Andrew  Mohl  is  a  member  of  the  Risk  Committee  and  the 
Remuneration Committee.  

Insurance 
December 2014). 

  Other directorships: Federal Government Export Finance and 
ceased 

Corporation 

(Chairman; 

(Efic) 

Qualifications: BEc (Hons), Monash. 

Mr. Mohl is a resident of New South Wales. Age 59. 

He has over 35 years’ financial services experience. He was 
Managing  Director  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  AMP 
Limited from October 2002 until December 2007.  

His previous roles at AMP included Managing Director, AMP 
Financial  Services  and  Managing  Director  and  Chief 
Investment Officer, AMP Asset Management. 

He  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. 

38  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

 
 
Wendy Stops (Appointed 9 March 2015) 

Director of the Bank since March 2015. 

  Other directorships: Nil. 

Directors’ Report 

Qualifications:  Bachelor  of  Applied  Science  (Information 
Technology) 

Ms. Stops is a resident of Victoria. Age 54. 

Wendy Stops is a member of the Remuneration Committee. 

She was Senior Managing Director, Technology – Asia Pacific 
for  Accenture  Limited  from  2012  until  her  retirement  in 
June 2014.  In this role she had responsibility for over 11,000 
professional  personnel  spanning  all  industry  groups  and 
technology disciplines across 13 countries in Asia Pacific. 

Other recent senior leadership positions held prior to this time 
included  Global  Managing  Director,  Technology  Quality  & 
Risk Management (2009 to 2012), Global Managing Director, 
Outsourcing Quality & Risk Management (2008 to  2009) and 
Director of Operations, Asia Pacific (2006 to 2008).  

She  also  served  on  Accenture’s  Global  Leadership  Council 
from 2008 until her retirement.  Ms. Stops career at Accenture 
spanned 32 years. 

Harrison Young 

Director of the Bank since February 2007.  

  Other directorships: Nil. 

Qualifications:  A.B  (Cum  Laude)  Harvard,  LLD  (Honoris 
Causa), Monash. 

Mr. Young is a resident of Victoria. Age 70. 

Harrison  Young  is  Chairman  of  the  Risk  Committee  and  a 
member of the Audit Committee and the Board Performance 
and Renewal Committee. 

He  was  Chairman  of  NBN  Co  Limited  from  March 2010  until 
March 2013. Previously he was a Director and Member of the 
Financial Stability Committee of the Bank of England (2009 to 
2012), Chairman of Morgan Stanley Australia (2003 to 2007), 
and Vice Chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia (1998 to 2003).  

Prior  to  that,  Mr.  Young  spent  two  years  in  Beijing  as  Chief 
Executive  Officer  of  China  International  Capital  Corporation. 
From 1991 until 1994, he was a senior officer of the Federal 
Deposit Insurance Corporation in Washington. 

Carolyn Kay (Retired 31 March 2015) 

Director of the Bank from March 2003 until March 2015.  

Carolyn  Kay  was  a  member  of  the  Audit  Committee  and  the 
Remuneration  Committee.  She  was  a  member  of  the  Risk 
Committee  during 
(ceased 
August 2014). 

financial  year 

the  2015 

She  has  over  30 years’  experience  in  finance,  particularly  in 
International finance, including working as a banker and as a 
lawyer at Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan and Linklaters & Paines 
in  London,  New  York  and  Australia.  Through  her  executive 
and  non-executive  career,  she  has  had  experience  across  a 
broad range of sectors including mining, healthcare, logistics, 
infrastructure,  banking  and  finance,  funds  management, 
packaging, beverages and government. 

  Other  directorships:  Allens  Linklaters,  Brambles  Limited, 
John  Swire  &  Sons  Pty  Limited,  Sydney  Institute,  The  Future 
Fund  (from  April 2015)  and  General  Sir  John  Monash 
Foundation. 

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 54. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia - Annual Report 2015  39 

 
Directors’ Report  

Other Directorships 

The Directors held the following directorships in other listed companies in the three years prior to the end of the 2015 financial 
year: 

Director 

Company 

Jane Hemstritch 

Tabcorp Holdings Limited 

Santos Limited 

Lend Lease Corporation Limited 

Date of Ceasing 

Date Appointed 

(if applicable) 

13/11/2008 

16/02/2010 

01/09/2011 

Launa Inman 

Billabong International Limited 

14/05/2012 

02/08/2013 

Carolyn Kay 

Brian Long 

Bellamy’s Australia Limited 

Brambles Limited 

Ten Network Holdings Limited 

Brambles Limited 

Sir John Anderson 

APN News & Media Limited 

Directors’ Meetings 

18/02/2015 

21/08/2006 

01/07/2010 

01/07/2014 

26/03/2015 

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

Director 

David Turner 

Ian Narev 

John Anderson 

Shirish Apte  

Jane Hemstritch 

David Higgins (2) 

Launa Inman 

Carolyn Kay (3) 

Brian Long 

Andrew Mohl 

Wendy Stops (4) 

Harrison Young 

No. of Meetings 
Held (1) 

No. of Meetings 

Attended 

12 

12 

12 

12 

12 

8 

12 

10 

12 

12 

3 

12 

12 

12 

10 

12 

12 

8 

12 

10 

11 

12 

3 

12 

(1)  The number of meetings held during the time the Director was a member of the Board and was eligible to attend. 
(2)  David Higgins commenced effective 1 September 2014. 
(3)  Carolyn Kay retired effective 31 March 2015. 
(4)  Wendy Stops commenced effective 9 March 2015. 

40  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Committee Meetings 

Directors’ Report 

Director 

David Turner 

Ian Narev 

John Anderson 

Shirish Apte 

Jane Hemstritch 

David Higgins (2) 

Launa Inman 

Carolyn Kay (3) 

Brian Long 

Andrew Mohl 

Wendy Stops (4) 

Harrison Young 

Director 

David Turner 

John Anderson 

Harrison Young 

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 

7 

1 

7 

7 

7 

- 

1 

1 

7 

7 

- 

7 

7 

1 

7 

7 

7 

- 

1 

1 

7 

7 

- 

7 

- 

- 

7 

7 

- 

2 

7 

6 

7 

- 

- 

7 

- 

- 

7 

7 

- 

2 

7 

6 

7 

- 

- 

7 

7 

- 

- 

- 

7 

4 

5 

6 

- 

7 

1 

- 

7 

- 

- 

- 

7 

4 

5 

6 

- 

7 

1 

- 

Board Performance and Renewal 
Committee 

No. of Meetings 
Held (1) 

No. of Meetings 

Attended 

8 

8 

8 

8 

8 

8 

(1)  The number of meetings held during the time the Director was a member of the relevant committee. 
(2)  David Higgins commenced effective 1 September 2014. 
(3)  Carolyn Kay retired effective 31 March 2015. 
(4)  Wendy Stops commenced effective 9 March 2015. 

Principal Activities

The  Group  is  one  of  Australia’s  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  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. 

Consolidated Profit 

The Group’s net profit after income tax and non-controlling 
interests 
the  year  ended  30 June 2015  was 
$9,063 million (2014: $8,631 million). 

for 

The  Group’s  vision  is  to  excel  at  securing  and  enhancing 
the 
financial  wellbeing  of  people,  businesses  and 
communities.  The  long-term  strategies  that  the  Group  has 
pursued  to  achieve  this  vision  have  continued  to  deliver 
high  levels  of  customer  satisfaction  across  all  businesses 
and another solid financial result.  

Operating  income  growth  was  solid  across  all  businesses, 
relative to the prior year.  

increased  due 

Operating  expenses 
to  underlying 
inflationary  pressures,  the  impact  of  foreign  exchange  and 
the cost of growing regulatory, compliance and remediation 
programs,  partly  offset  by 
incremental  benefit 
generated from productivity initiatives.  

the 

Loan  impairment  expense  increased  in  line  with  portfolio 
in  a  relatively  stable  economic  environment. 
growth 
Provisioning  levels  remain  prudent  and  overlays  remain 
largely unchanged on the prior year. 

Dividends 

The Directors have determined a fully franked (at 30%) final 
dividend  of  222 cents  per 
to 
$3,613 million.  The  dividend  will  be  payable  on 
1 October 2015 to shareholders on the register at 5pm EST 
on 20 August 2015. 

share  amounting 

Dividends paid in the year ended 30 June 2015 were as 
follows: 

 

 

In respect of the year to 30 June 2014, a fully franked 
final  dividend  of  218 cents  per  share  amounting  to 
$3,534 million  was  paid  on  2 October 2014.  The 
payment  comprised  direct  cash  disbursements.  The 
Dividend  Reinvestment  Plan  (DRP)  in  respect  of  the 
final  dividend  was  satisfied  in  full  by  the  on  market 
purchase of shares; and 

In respect of the year to 30 June 2015, a fully franked 
interim  dividend  of  198 cents  per  share  amounting  to 
$3,210 million was paid on 2 April 2015. The payment 
comprised direct cash disbursements of $2,636 million 
with  $574 million  being  reinvested  by  participants 
through the DRP. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia - Annual Report 2015  41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report 

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 

The  Group  continues  to  make  progress  against  each  of  the 
key  strategic  priorities  in  pursuit  of  our  vision  to  secure  and 
enhance  the  financial  wellbeing  of  people,  businesses  and 
communities.  

There have been no significant changes in the state of affairs 
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 2015 will be satisfied by the issue of shares of 
approximately $700 million.  

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 

The Group’s Strategy 

Anchored firmly to the Group’s vision to ‘excel at securing and 
enhancing  the  financial  wellbeing  of  people,  businesses  and 
communities’,  the  Group’s  strategy  is  focussed  on  creating 
long-term  value  for  its  customers,  shareholders  and  people.  
The Group’s overarching priority is customer focus supported 
by 
four  market-leading  capabilities:  people,  productivity, 
technology and strength. 

Since  2012,  the  Group  has  sustained  strong  performance 
across  key  metrics,  including  customer  satisfaction,  total 
shareholder  returns,  productivity  and  people  engagement. 
With  an  ongoing 
is 
appropriate  to  deliver  future  growth  for  the  Group  and  will 
continue to underpin the Group’s performance.  

focus  on  execution, 

the  strategy 

The strategy is split into three elements: 

 

 

 

An  overarching  objective  of  Customer  Focus  to  drive 
consistency in business unit strategy and execution. The 
Group  is  steadfast  in  its  commitment  to  achieving  its 
vision  through  continually  improving  its  customer  focus. 
Customers remain the Group’s foremost priority with the 
goal  to  be  number  one  in  customer  satisfaction  across 
all segments; 

that 

the  Group 

in  and 
Four  capabilities 
leverages,  to  reinforce  and  enhance  its  competitive 
advantage,  namely  People,  Productivity,  Technology 
and Strength; and 

invests 

that  define 
the  Group 

the  most 
Three  growth  opportunities 
significant  opportunities 
to  create 
for 
shareholder  value,  namely  One  CommBank  where  the 
Group  aims  to  meet  more  of  its  customers’  financial 
needs;  continued  growth  in  business  and  institutional 
banking;  and  disciplined  capability-led  growth  outside 
Australia. 

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 

42  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

environmental reporting, the Group is well placed to meet the 
NGER requirements. 

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  Remuneration  Report  that 
forms part of this report. 

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

Options Outstanding 

As  at the  date  of  this  Report  there  are  no  employee  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 36 to 39 of this report, and 
the Secretaries of the Bank, being named on page 43 of this 
Report,  are 
the  Constitution  of 
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (the Constitution), as are all 
senior managers of the Bank.  

indemnified  under 

The  indemnity  extends  to  such  other  officers,  employees, 
former  officers  or  former  employees  of  the  Bank,  or  of  its 
related  bodies  corporate,  as  the  Directors  in  each  case 
determine  (each,  including  the  Directors  and  Secretaries, 
defined as an ‘Officer’ for the purposes of this section). 

The Officers are indemnified on a full indemnity basis and to 
the  full  extent  permitted  by  law  against  all  losses,  liabilities, 
costs,  charges  and  expenses  incurred  by  the  Officer  as  an 
Officer of the Bank or of a related body corporate.  

Deeds  of  Indemnity  have  been  executed  by  the  Bank, 
consistent with the Constitution, in favour of each Director of 
the  Bank  which  includes  indemnification  in  substantially  the 
same terms to that provided in the Constitution. 

An  Indemnity  Deed  Poll  has  been  executed  by  the  Bank, 
consistent  with 
includes 
indemnification  in  substantially  the  same  terms  to  that 
provided in the Constitution, in favour of each: 

the  Constitution  which  also 

 

 

 

secretary and senior manager of the Bank; 

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

person who, at the prior formal request of the Bank or a 
related  body  corporate,  acts  as  director,  secretary  or 
senior  manager  of  a  body  corporate  which  is  not  a 
related  body  corporate  of  the  Bank  (in  which  case  the 
indemnity operates only in  excess of protection provided 
by that body corporate); and 

 
Directors’ Report 

 

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 will 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 (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. 

Proceedings on behalf of the Bank 

The following table summarises the key skills and experience 
of the Directors:  

Skills and Experience 

No. of 
Directors 

Retail and Corporate Banking/ Financial 
Institutions 

Financial Acumen  

New Media and Technology  

Experience as a non-executive director of at 
least two other listed entities  

General management exposure to 
international operations  

Held CEO or similar position in non-financial 
organisation  

Expert experience in financial regulation 

5 

11 

4 

7 

11 

6 

5 

The  Board  currently  comprises  11 Directors:  10 Non-
Executive Directors and 1 Executive Director, being the CEO. 

Throughout  the  2015  financial  year,  the  Bank’s  governance 
arrangements  were 
the  Corporate 
Governance  Principles  and  Recommendations  (3rd  edition) 
published by the ASX Corporate Governance Council. 

consistent  with 

No  application  has  been  made  under  section  237  of  the 
Corporations  Act  2001  in  respect  of the Bank,  and there  are 
no proceedings that a person has brought or intervened in on 
behalf of the Bank under that section. 

The Group’s Corporate Governance Statement can be 
viewed at: 

www.commbank.com.au/about-us/shareholders/corporate-
profile/corporate-governance. 

Rounding and Presentation of Amounts  

Company Secretaries 

Unless  otherwise  indicated,  the  Bank  has  rounded  off 
amounts  in  this  Directors’  Report  and  the  accompanying 
in 
financial  statements 
accordance with ASIC Class Order 98/100.   

the  nearest  million  dollars 

to 

The  financial  information  included  in  this  Annual  Report  has 
been  prepared  and  presented  in  accordance  with  Australian 
indicated.  This 
Accounting  Standards,  unless  otherwise 
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. 

Corporate Governance Statement 

The  Bank  is  committed  to  ensuring  that  its  policies  and 
practices  reflect  a  high  standard  of  corporate  governance.  
The  Board  has  adopted  a  comprehensive  framework  of 
Corporate  Governance  Guidelines,  designed  to  balance 
performance and conformance.  

The  Directors  possess  a  range  of  skills  which,  as  a  group, 
enable  the  Board  to  discharge  its  obligations  effectively, 
challenge management and contribute to the Bank’s strategic 
debate.    Every  Director  has  had  considerable  exposure  to 
current  corporate  governance  practices  and  all  Directors 
possess significant financial acumen, with five of the Directors 
being qualified accountants.  

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

David  Cohen  was  appointed  as  Company  Secretary  of  the 
Bank in February 2015. David commenced as Group General 
Counsel in June 2008 and took on the role of leading Group 
Corporate Affairs in early 2012. He advises the CEO and the 
Board on legal matters and is also responsible for the Group’s 
external  and  internal  affairs,  communications,  sustainability 
and  corporate  governance.  Previously  he  was  General 
Counsel  of  AMP  and  a  partner  with  Allens  Arthur  Robinson 
for 12 years. 

Carla  Collingwood  was  appointed  as  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 the Governance 
Institute  of  Australia.  She  is  a  Graduate  of  the  Australian 
Institute of Company Directors. 

Margaret  Taylor  was  Company  Secretary  of  the  Bank  from 
August 2013  until  February 2015.  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 Bachelor Degrees in 
Law (Hons) and Arts from the University of Queensland.  She 
is  a  Fellow  of  the  Governance  Institute  of  Australia  and  a 
Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia - Annual Report 2015  43 

 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

Message from the Remuneration Committee Chairman 

Dear Shareholder, 

I am pleased to present the CBA Group’s 2015 Remuneration 
Report.  

in  2015, 
The  Group  delivered  a  strong  performance 
maintaining  its  number  one  ranking  for  customer satisfaction 
amongst  retail  and  business  customers,  including  equalling 
the  highest  score  ever  recorded  by  a  major  bank.  We 
advanced  our  technology  strategy  through  the  TYME  (Take 
Your  Money  Everywhere)  acquisition,  opening  of 
the 
Innovation  Lab,  and  delivery  of  market  leading  products  like 
Albert  and  BizLoan.  The  Group  continued  to  deliver  on  our 
diversity  and  inclusion  goals  while  our  culture  remained 
strong,  with  the  2015  People  &  Culture  Survey  showing  that 
our people are highly engaged in line with global best in class 
benchmark  organisations.  We  expanded  our  role  in  the 
community  in  areas  such  as  education,  expanding  Start 
Smart, our school financial skills program, to reach more than 
500,000 students each year, and committing $50 million over 
the  next  three  years  to  help  strengthen  Australian  schools. 
Overall  we  delivered  sound  growth,  solid  profits  and 
dividends,  and  created  long-term  value  for  our  customers, 
shareholders, people and community.  

The  year’s  strong  performance  and  progress  on  longer  term 
strategic  initiatives  resulted  in  executives,  in  aggregate, 
receiving above target short-term incentive awards.  

The  Long-Term  Incentive  (LTI)  grant  awarded  in  the  2012 
financial  year  vested  at  86.25%  of  the  maximum  level, 
reflecting a Total Shareholder Return (TSR) outcome over the 
last  four  years  which  was  at  the  70th  percentile  and  strong 
customer  satisfaction,  with  CBA  ranked  first  in  two  of  three 
surveys (retail and business banking). 

During 2015, the CEO and some Group Executives received 
modest  fixed  remuneration  increases,  with  others  receiving 
no increases.  

There  were three new Group Executive appointments during 
the  period,  each  receiving  remuneration  levels  at  or  below 
previous  incumbents.  All  appointments  were  internal  which 
reflects  the  Group’s  strong  focus  on  talent  development  and 
strength of our internal capability.  

A  review  of  Board  and  Committee  fees,  the  first  since  2012, 
resulted  in  a  market-aligned  increase  for  Non-Executive 
Director and Chairman fees, effective 1 January 2015. 

During 2015, the Committee continued to review its approach 
to Executive remuneration. Our strategy has served us well in 
aligning  rewards  to  our  executive  team  for  achieving  sound 
profitable  growth  and  delivering  value  for  shareholders.  In  a 
rapidly changing market, we need to ensure it continues to do 
so.  Although  no  changes  are  being  proposed  for  the  2016 
financial year, our review is ongoing so final outcomes of the 
review  will  be  considered  in  relation  to  the  2017  financial 
year.  

Effective governance is important, so in preparing this year’s 
Remuneration Report, we have focused on providing greater 
clarity  on  CBA’s  policy  and  principles,  including  the  linkage 
between performance and remuneration outcomes. 
I  invite  you  to  review  the  full  report,  and  thank  you  for  your 
interest. 

Jane Hemstritch 

Committee Chairman 

11 August 2015

44  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

2015 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 2015. 

In the 2015 financial year, KMP included the Non-Executive Directors, CEO and Group Executives listed in the table below. The 
table also includes movements during the 2015 financial year. The key changes to the Executive team included: 

  Michael  Harte  resigned  from  the  role  of  Group  Executive,  Enterprise  Services  and  Chief  Information  Officer  effective 

11 July 2014; 

 

 

 

David  Whiteing  was  appointed  to  the  role  of  Group  Executive,  Enterprise  Services  and  Chief  Information  Officer  from 
14 July 2014; 

Simon Blair ceased as a KMP effective 31 October 2014; 

Robert Jesudason was appointed to the role of Group Executive, International Financial Services from 1 November 2014; 

  Grahame Petersen ceased as a KMP effective 11 January 2015 and retired from the Group effective 6 February 2015; 

 

 

Adam Bennett was appointed to the role of Group Executive, Business and Private Banking from 12 January 2015; and 

Vittoria Shortt was appointed to the role of Group Executive, Marketing and Strategy from 2 March 2015. 

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

Commonwealth Bank of Australia - Annual Report 2015  45 

NamePositionTerm as KMPNon-Executive DirectorsDavid TurnerChairman Full YearJohn AndersonDirectorFull YearShirish ApteDirectorFull YearDavid HigginsDirector (from 1 September 2014)Part YearJane HemstritchDirectorFull YearLauna InmanDirectorFull YearBrian LongDirectorFull YearAndrew MohlDirectorFull YearWendy StopsDirector (from 9 March 2015)Part YearHarrison YoungDirectorFull YearFormer Non-Executive DirectorCarolyn KayDirector (until 31 March 2015)Part YearManaging Director and CEOIan Narev Managing Director and CEOFull YearGroup ExecutivesKelly Bayer RosmarinGroup Executive, Institutional Banking and MarketsFull YearAdam BennettGroup Executive, Business and Private Banking (from 12 January 2015)Part YearDavid CohenGroup General Counsel and Group Executive, Group Corporate AffairsFull YearMatthew ComynGroup Executive, Retail Banking Services Full YearDavid CraigGroup Executive, Financial Services and Chief Financial OfficerFull YearRobert JesudasonGroup Executive, Group Strategic Development (until 31 October 2014)Full YearGroup Executive, International Financial Services (from 1 November 2014)Melanie LaingGroup Executive, Human ResourcesFull YearVittoria ShorttGroup Executive, Marketing and Strategy (from 2 March 2015)Part YearAnnabel SpringGroup Executive, Wealth ManagementFull YearAlden ToevsGroup Chief Risk OfficerFull YearDavid WhiteingGroup Executive, Enterprise Services and Chief Information Officer (from 14 July 2014) Part YearFormer ExecutivesSimon BlairGroup Executive, International Financial Services (ceased as KMP on 31 October 2014) Part YearMichael HarteGroup Executive, Enterprise Services and Chief Information Officer (resigned 11 July 2014)Part YearGrahame PetersenGroup Executive, Business and Private Banking (ceased as KMP 11 January 2015)Part Year 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

1.  Remuneration Governance

1.1 Remuneration Committee 

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

the 

As  at  30 June 2015,  the  Committee 
is  made  up  of 
independent  Non-Executive  Directors  and  consists  of  the 
following members: 
 

Jane Hemstritch (Chairman); 

 

 

 

David Higgins; 

Launa Inman; 

Andrew Mohl; 

  Wendy Stops; 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/about-us.html. 

summary, 

In 
recommending to the Board for approval: 

the  Committee 

is 

responsible 

for 

 

 

 

 

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

Remuneration  arrangements  for  finance,  risk  and 
internal control employees;  

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

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

in 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The  appointment  and  relocation  arrangements  for 
Robert  Jesudason  in  the  role  of  Group  Executive, 
International 
effective 
1 November 2014; 

Services, 

Financial 

The appointment of Adam Bennett to the role of Group 
Executive,  Business  and  Private  Banking,  effective 
12 January 2015, following the retirement of Grahame 
Petersen; 

The appointment of Vittoria Shortt to the role of Group 
effective 
Executive,  Marketing 
2 March 2015, 
Jesudason’s 
appointment 
role  of  Group  Executive, 
to 
International Financial Services; 

and  Strategy, 
Robert 

following 
the 

A  review  of  incentive  arrangements  for  financial 
advisors  within Wealth Management to independently 
confirm compliance with regulatory requirements; 

The annual review of the Group  Remuneration Policy 
in  December 2014,  and  a  subsequent  review  in 
June 2015; 

A  review  of  the  existing  Executive  remuneration 
framework  to  ensure  it  continues  to  deliver  long-term 
value  to  shareholders  and  a strong  risk culture,  while 
reflecting dynamic business strategies and a changing 
external landscape;  

A  comprehensive  review  of 
the  Group’s  reward 
strategy  to  ensure  it  enables  talent,  culture  and 

46  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

business objectives, and can flexibly respond to future 
needs; 

  Ongoing  monitoring  of  regulatory  and 

legislative 
changes,  both  locally  and  offshore,  ensuring  our 
policies and practices remain compliant; and 

 

focus  on  embedding  a  remuneration 
Continued 
framework 
for  our  different 
that 
in  design,  strong 
businesses  with 
governance and risk oversight. 

is  appropriate 
transparency 

Our Independent Remuneration Consultant  

The Committee obtains executive remuneration information 
remuneration 
from 
directly 
consultant EY. 

its  external 

independent 

Throughout  the  2015  financial  year,  the  main  information 
received  from  the  Committee’s  remuneration  consultant 
related to: 

 

 

 

Regulatory reforms;  

Current market practices; and 

Information  to  support  the  Committee’s  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 
2015  financial  year.  The  Committee  is  solely  responsible 
for making decisions within the terms of its Charter. 

1.2 Our Remuneration Philosophy 

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

framework,  policies  and  processes. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

target 

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

remuneration  which 

Align remuneration with shareholder interests and our 
business strategy;  

Articulate  clearly  to  Executives  the  link  between 
individual  and  Group  performance,  and  individual 
remuneration;  

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

Provide 
emerging market practice; and  

flexibility 

to  meet  changing  needs  and 

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

related 

1.3 Remuneration and Risk Management  

The Committee has a robust framework for the systematic 
impacting 
review  of 
remuneration. The Committee: 

risk  and  compliance 

issues 

 

 

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

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; 

 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

The  following  table  outlines  the  Non-Executive  Directors 
fees  for  the  main  Board  and  the  Committees  as  at 
30 June 2015: 

1.3 Remuneration and Risk Management (continued) 

  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. 

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

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

does not receive separate Committee fees. 

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.  

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  are  used  to  purchase  CBA  shares  until  a  holding  of 
5,000 shares has been reached. 

The  statutory  table  on  page 57  provides  the  individual 
remuneration  expense  for  each  Non-Executive  Director  in 
relation to the 2015 financial year. 

2.  Remuneration Framework 

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

 

 

 

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.  

In  setting  target  remuneration  levels  we  aim  to  remain 
competitive  by  attracting  and  retaining  highly  talented 
Executives. We do this by considering the experience of  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia - Annual Report 2015  47 

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  regularly  and 
examines fee levels against the market. 

To assist in keeping Non-Executive Directors remuneration 
arrangements  market 
a 
comprehensive  review,  the  Board  approved  the  following 
fee increases, effective from 1 January 2015: 

competitive, 

following 

 

 

 

 

Board  Chairman  fee  increased  from  $849,800  to 
$870,000 per annum; 

Board  Non-Executive  Directors  fees  increased  from 
$236,400 to $242,000 per annum;  

For  both  the  Audit  Committee  and  Risk  Management 
Committee,  the  Committee  Chairman  fee  increased 
from  $56,300  to  $65,000  per  annum  and  Committee 
member  fees  increased  from  $28,100  to  $32,500  per 
annum; 

For  the  Remuneration  Committee,  the  Committee 
Chairman fee increased from $56,300 to $60,000 per 
annum  and  Committee  member  fees  increased  from 
$28,100  to  $30,000  per  annum;  and  for  the  Board 
both 
Performance 
Committee  Chairman  and  member  fees  increased 
from $11,300 to $11,600 per annum. 

and  Renewal  Committee, 

Non-Executive 
statutory 
superannuation  contributions  and  were  last  increased  in 
2012. 

Directors 

include 

fees 

Remuneration CommitteeRisk & Remuneration Review CommitteeMonitoring and reporting of Group risk & compliance issuesIndependent RemunerationConsultantCBA BoardRisk CommitteePositionFees (1)($)BoardChairman870,000Non-Executive Director 242,000Audit CommitteeChairman65,000Member32,500Risk CommitteeChairman65,000Member32,500RemunerationChairman60,000CommitteeMember30,000Board Performance & Chairman11,600Renewal CommitteeMember11,6001/31/31/350% STI Deferred for 12 months50% STI Cash paidFixedRemuneration100% LTI Deferred for 4 years 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

2.1 Total Target Remuneration (continued) 

2.4 Long-Term Incentive  

 

 

 

 

 

 

The CEO and each Group Executive has an LTI target 
that  is  equal  to  100%  of  their  fixed  remuneration, 
based  on  the  expected  values  at  the  end  of  the 
performance period, in today’s dollars; 

The  LTI  award  has  a  four  year  vesting  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  long-term 
shareholder value creation; 

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

Executives 
equivalent) for each right that vests; and 

receive  one  CBA  share 

(or  cash 

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. 

2.5 Mandatory Shareholding Policy 

The  CEO  and  each  Group  Executive  are  required  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. 

2.6 Sign-on and Retention Awards 

 

 

 

Sign-on  awards  may  be  offered to  new  Executives to 
compensate  for  existing  incentive  arrangements  that 
they will forgo due to the termination of their non-CBA 
employment before the end of the vesting period.  

Retention awards are pre-determined future payments 
that may be awarded to Executives at a defined future 
date to encourage retention. 

No  sign-on  or  retention  awards  were  made  to  David 
Whiteing,  Adam  Bennett  or  Vittoria  Shortt  following 
their  appointment  to  Executive  roles,  or  to  any  other 
Executives during the 2015 performance year. 

the  Executive,  the  size  and  scope  of  role  responsibilities, 
and level of market competitive remuneration sourced from 
remuneration market surveys and disclosed data. 

Each  component  of  remuneration  has  a  specific  purpose 
and 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; 

recommendations 

The  Board,  with 
the 
Committee,  determines  an  appropriate  level  of  fixed 
remuneration for the CEO and Group Executives with 
role  and  market 
incumbent, 
consideration  of 
factors; and 

from 

Fixed remuneration is reviewed annually, following the 
end  of  the  30 June performance  year.  For  the  2015 
financial year the average fixed remuneration increase 
for Executives who did not change roles was 1.4%. 

2.3 Short-Term Incentive  

 

 

 

 

 

 

The  CEO  and  Group  Executives  have  an  STI  target 
equal  to  100%  of  their  fixed  remuneration.  STI 
outcomes reflect the  Executive’s performance against 
a balanced scorecard and CBA’s overall performance; 

STI outcomes for the CEO and Group Executives may 
be  awarded  between  zero  and  150%  of  their  STI 
target depending on performance; 

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 
the  Board  determines 
deferral  period,  unless 
otherwise; 

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 
or with consideration of other circumstances; and 

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

48  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

 
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  and shareholder  interests.  All  our  incentives  are  directly  linked to  both short-term 
and long-term performance goals. 

3.1 Short-Term Performance 2015 

The  table  below  provides  the  Board’s  assessment  of  the  Group’s  overall  performance  for  the  year  ended  30 June 2015  and 
highlights key financial and non-financial performance outcomes. Performance categories have been assessed as above, on, or 
below target.  

Overall  Group  performance,  together  with  an  assessment  of  individual  Executive  performance  through  a  balanced  scorecard 
approach, determines the individual STI outcomes of Executives. Financial and non-financial objectives and weightings vary by 
role. The CEO has a 40% weighting on financial outcomes, Executives managing business units typically have a 45% weighting 
on financial outcomes and Executives managing support functions have a typical weighting of 25% on financial outcomes.  

Risk  is  also  an  important  factor  in  accounting  for  short-term  performance.  We  use  Profit  After  Capital  Charge,  a  risk-adjusted 
measure,  as  one  of  our  key  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.  Executives  are  also  required  to  comply  with  the  relevant  Group  or 
Business Unit Risk Appetite Statement and provide leadership of strong risk culture. STI awards are adjusted downwards where 
material  risk  issues  occur.  Risk  is  also managed  through  the compulsory  50%  deferral  of the  CEO  and  Group  Executives’ STI 
awards.  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. 

Performance 

2015 Key Achievements 

Customer Focus  Continuing to build a vibrant customer focused culture – Above-Target 

The  Group’s  continued  commitment  to  its  customer  focused  culture  resulted  in  the  Group  maintaining  the 
number one major bank ranking for customer satisfaction among retail and business customers. Specifically: 

 

 

 

For  Retail  Banking,  CBA  finished  the  financial  year  ranked  number  one  in  Main  Financial  Institution 
(MFI) customer satisfaction(1). During this time, CBA equalled the highest score ever recorded by a major 
bank at 84.2%;  
In Business Banking, CBA ended the financial year in equal first position in MFI customer satisfaction(1) 
among the major banks in all of its key business segments; 

In Institutional Banking, CBA continues to perform strongly and has ranked either in outright or equal first 
position in MFI customer satisfaction(1) for the past 12 months; and 

  Wealth  Management’s  platforms  were  ranked  second  for  adviser  satisfaction  among  the  four  major 

Strength 

Maintain a strong, flexible Balance Sheet – On-Target 

banks and other key competitors. 

 

The Group maintained a strong capital position with capital ratios well in excess of regulatory minimum 
capital  requirements  and  Board  approved  minimum  levels  at  all  times  throughout  the  year  ended 
30 June 2015; 

 

The group preserved its well-diversified funding base including: 

–  Customer deposits accounting for 63% of total funding at 30 June 2015 (2014: 64%); and 

– 

Short-term  wholesale  funding  accounted  for  49%  of  total  wholesale  funding  at  30 June 2015,  up 
from 45% in the prior year. 

 

 

The  Group  continues  to  hold  a  high  quality,  well  diversified  liquid  asset  portfolio  of  $132 billion  at 
30 June 2015, to prudently meet Balance Sheet liquidity needs and regulatory requirements introduced 
from 1 January 2015; and 

The Group continues to manage growth by assessing opportunities that will generate sustainable returns 
for the long-term, demonstrated in the 2015 financial year by a 5% increase in profit after tax including: 

– 

– 

A 5% increase in net interest income; and 

Low levels of lending losses for the period. 

Productivity 

Group-wide commitment to continually improving and streamlining processes with a focus on 
simplicity and an enhanced experience for the Group’s customers and employees - On-Target 

 

 

Having  built  substantial  productivity  capability  and  scale  over  the  past  three  years,  central  team 
resources  are  now  transferred  and  embedded  into  business  and  support  units  to  ensure  productivity 
efforts  directly  contribute  to  business  and  support  unit  expense  goals.  Business  and  support  unit 
initiatives  and  improvement  projects  are  part  of  a  rolling  two  year  Productivity  Plan  that  includes 
minimum expense benefit targets set by the Group and embedded in overall business plans; 

Productivity  capability  has  grown  through  the  acceleration  of  leadership-focused  courses  to  assist 
managers  in  the  full  utilisation  of  embedded  resources  and  expert  capability,  as  well  as  continually 
refreshed Productivity training for new and existing employees; 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia - Annual Report 2015  49 

 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

Productivity 

(continued) 

 

 

Four  Productivity  Habits  are  established  as  a  foundation  across  the  Group,  supported  by  an 
accreditation process to encourage continued evolution and capability of business and support units in 
making things simpler and easier for the Group’s customers and employees; and 

Projects continue to be executed across all business and support units delivering financial and customer 
benefit, as well as an increased focus on simplifying and standardising processes to support the Group’s 
process centricity and digitisation efforts. 

Technology 

Technology programs designed to enhance the customer experience through more innovative 
systems and processes, and improve efficiency levels – Above-Target 

Commonwealth Bank continued to provide new and innovative technology services to our customers both in 
Australia as well as overseas. 

For consumers we provided: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The ability to cancel and replace cards via the CommBank app or NetBank; 

International Money Transfer to an existing payee or transfer to a new payee in the CommBank app; 

The ability for Android customers to use their device and the CommBank app to Tap & Pay; 

Touch-ID for Apple iPhone customers to login to CommBank app; 

Smartwatch applications for the CommBank and CommSec apps; and 

The ability to conduct a full property settlement on the new PEXA platform, the first bank in Australia to 
provide this. 

For our business clients we: 

 

 

Launched our new Albert EFTPOS payments terminal; and 

Launched  the  ability  to  access  and  manage  trade  finance,  foreign  exchange  and  cash  management 
positions through our leading CommBiz online platform. 

Internationally in Indonesia we introduced: 

 

 

Cashflow app that helps entrepreneurs manage their customers, suppliers and cash; 

BizLoan app to simplify borrowing for entrepreneurs; 

  Workflow app (in Indonesia and Vietnam) that helps entrepreneurs manage employees, track employee 

loans and simplify payroll; and 

  We also completed the two-year  build of the Indonesian banking technology platform, covering mobile 

banking, internet banking, branch teller and core banking platforms, as well as a new data warehouse. 

In  addition  to  these,  we  opened  our  new  Innovation  Lab  in  Sydney  allowing  our  people  to  work  on  new 
products  and  services  for  our  customers.  We  acquired  TYME  (Take  Your  Money  Everywhere),  a  South 
African  company  that  provides  access  to  regulated  bank  accounts  using  the  latest  technology  to  under-
serviced customers. 

People 

Continuing to build an effective workforce, aligned to business need, performing at its best – Above-
Target 

  Our  people  continued  to  be  highly  engaged  during  the  2015  financial  year,  with  the  Group  employee 

engagement score remaining at 81%; 

 

 

 

 

The Group remains committed to gender diversity and as at 30 June 2015, the Group achieved its target 
of  35%  of  women  in  leadership  roles.  To  continue  the  Group’s  focus  on  increasing  the  percentage  of 
women in executive roles, a new gender diversity target will be set; 

In January 2015, the 2015-2017 Diversity and Inclusion Strategy was launched. The strategy has been 
cascaded  to  each  business  unit.  We  are  strengthening  our  approach  to  deliver  the  strategy  through  a 
combination  of  self-determination  by  the  respective  employee  communities  whilst  embedding  diversity 
into everyday business with a focus on enhancing a culture of inclusion;  

To support our culture, the Group has continued to invest in leadership development at every level of the 
organisation, embedding its long-term customer-centric culture and adding stronger productivity and risk 
lenses;  

A number of technology initiatives were implemented during 2015 making people processes simple and 
easy for our employees. These include Sidekick, a global mobile app enabling real-time access to HR 
data, dashboards and services, and HR Now, a digital solution for people-related transactions providing 
easy access anytime anywhere; and 

 

The Group remains committed to not offshoring jobs. 

(1)  Customer satisfaction is measured by three separate surveys. For the Retail Bank, it is measured by Roy Morgan Research. Roy Morgan Research MFI 
Retail Customer Satisfaction measures the 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 2015. CBA excludes Bankwest. Rank refers to CBA’s position relative to NAB, ANZ and Westpac. 
For  Business  Banking  and  Institutional  Banking,  MFI  customer  satisfaction  is  measured  by  DBM  Business  Financial  Services  Monitor  which  takes  the 
average satisfaction rating of business customers’ MFI, using an 11 point scale where 0 is Extremely Dissatisfied and 10 is Extremely Satisfied based on a 
6  month  rolling  average  to  June 2015.  Institutional  Banking  includes  businesses  with  turnover  of  $100 million  and  above.  For  Wealth  Management, 
customer  satisfaction  is  measured  by  the  Wealth  Insights  2015  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. 

50  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

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.  CEO  and  Group 
Executives’ current LTI awards are issued under the Group Leadership Reward Plan (GLRP). Vesting is subject to performance 
against relative TSR and relative Customer Satisfaction hurdles. 

2012 GLRP Award  

The GLRP award granted during the 2012 financial year reached the end of its four year performance period on 30 June 2015. 
The 2012 GLRP award was weighted against two performance hurdles, relative TSR (75% of the award) and relative Customer 
Satisfaction  (25%  of  the  award).  At  the  end  of  the  performance  period,  the  results  against  these  measures  were  strong  and 
included: 

 

 

 

 

90% vesting against the TSR hurdle; 

75% vesting against the Customer Satisfaction hurdle; 

In line with the plan rules for this award, 86.25% of the total award vested; and 

The Board reviewed the measurement outcomes of this award and concluded that the above vesting appropriately reflects 
performance over the four year performance period.  

Overview of Unvested LTI Awards  

Equity Plan 

Performance Period Ends  Performance Hurdles 

2013 GLRP 

2014 GLRP 

2015 GLRP 

2015 GLRP Award  

30 June 2016 

30 June 2017 

30 June 2018 

Each reward is split and tested: 
 

75% TSR ranking relative to peer group 

 

25% Customer Satisfaction average ranking relative to peer group 

The  CEO  and  Group  Executives  were  granted  LTI  awards  during  the  2015  financial  year  under  the  2015  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 2015 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 47 for 
explanation of target remuneration). The number of Reward Rights allocated aligns the Executive’s LTI Target 
to the expected value at the end of the performance period, in today’s dollars. 

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 2015 financial year, the  performance period started on 1 July 2014 and ends 
after four years on 30 June 2018. Any vesting will result in participants receiving shares during the first available 
trading window following the end of the performance period. 

Performance 
Hurdles 

 

75%  of  each  award  is  subject  to  a  performance  hurdle,  that  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. The next five largest companies listed on the ASX by 
market capitalisation will form a reserve bench of companies. A reserve bench company will be substituted 
(in order of market capitalisation as at the beginning of the performance period) into the peer group when 
a  peer  group  Company  ceases  to  be  listed  on  the  ASX  as  a  result  of  an  acquisition,  merger  or  other 
relevant corporate action or delisting; 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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia - Annual Report 2015  51 

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

Vesting  

TSR (75% of the award) 

Framework 

 

 

 

 

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) (1); 

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) 
 

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; 

 

 

 

 

 

Calculation of 
the  
Performance 
Results 

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; and 

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 Orient Capital. 

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). 

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 Amcor Limited, AMP Limited, 
Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited, Brambles Limited, Crown Limited, CSL Limited, Insurance Australia Group Limited, Macquarie Group 
Limited, National Australia Bank Limited, QBE Insurance Group Limited, Ramsey  Health Care Limited,  Scentre Group, Suncorp Group Limited, Sydney 
Airport,  Telstra  Corporation  Limited,  Transurban  Group,  Wesfarmers  Limited,  Westfield  Corporation,  Westpac  Banking  Corporation  and  Woolworths 
Limited. The reserve bench comprised AGL Energy Limited, Goodman Group, Lend Lease Group, Orica Limited and Stockland. 

Hedging of Unvested Equity Awards 

Employees are prohibited from hedging their unvested CBA equity awards, including shares or rights. Executives controlling their 
exposure  to  risk  in  relation  to  their  unvested  awards  is  prohibited.  Executives  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. 

52  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

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 2015). The solid performance has delivered 
sound returns to shareholders. 

        Cash Net Profit after Tax (Cash NPAT)  

   Cash EPS  

Share Price 

Dividends per Share 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia - Annual Report 2015  53 

6,8357,0397,7608,6809,13701,0002,0003,0004,0005,0006,0007,0008,0009,00010,000Jun 11Jun 12Jun 13Jun 14Jun 15$ Million438.7444.7482.1535.9560.80100200300400500600Jun 11Jun 12Jun 13Jun 14Jun 15Cents$0$10$20$30$40$50$60$70$80$90$100Jun 10Jun 11Jun 12Jun 13Jun 14Jun 153.203.343.644.014.20$0.00$0.50$1.00$1.50$2.00$2.50$3.00$3.50$4.00$4.50Jun 11Jun 12Jun 13Jun 14Jun 15 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 2011  to 
30 June 2015.  The  Group  was  ranked  at the  70th  percentile  of the peer  group(1)  at  the  end  of  the  period.  TSR  is calculated  by 
Orient Capital. 

(1)  For  the  2012  GLRP,  the  peer  group  (at  the  end  of  the  performance  period)  for  the  TSR  performance  hurdle  comprised  Amcor  Limited,  AMP  Limited, 
Australia  and  New  Zealand  Banking  Group  Limited,  Brambles  Limited,  CIMIC  Group  Limited,  Coca-Cola  Amatil  Limited,  Crown  Limited,  CSL  Limited, 
Insurance Australia Group Limited, Macquarie Group Limited, National Australia Bank Limited, Orica Limited, QBE Insurance Group Limited, Stockland, 
Suncorp Group Limited, Telstra Corporation Limited, Transurban Group, Wesfarmers Limited, Westpac Banking Corporation and Woolworths Limited. 

Performance against Customer Satisfaction 

The following graphs show CBA’s customer satisfaction performance across Retail, Business and Wealth Management. As at 30 
June 2015, CBA maintained the number one ranking among the major banks in MFI customer satisfaction and ended the financial 
year in equal first position in MFI customer satisfaction among the major banks in all of its key business segments. The Wealth 
Management results ranked the Group second for adviser satisfaction among the four major banks and other key competitors. 

(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 2015. CBA excludes Bankwest. Rank refers to CBA’s position relative to NAB, ANZ and Westpac. 

54  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

-30%0%30%60%90%120%150%180%210%240%Total Shareholder Return 2015  (4 Years)Comparator Peer GroupCBA60%65%70%75%80%85%90%Jun-11Aug-11Oct-11Dec-11Feb-12Apr-12Jun-12Aug-12Oct-12Dec-12Feb-13Apr-13Jun-13Aug-13Oct-13Dec-13Feb-14Apr-14Jun-14Aug-14Oct-14Dec-14Feb-15Apr-15Jun-15% Satisfied ('Very Satisfied' or 'Fairly Satisfied')Major Bank 1Major Bank 2Major Bank 3CBARetail Main Financial Institution Customer Satisfaction -Competitive ContextSource: Roy Morgan Research6 month rolling average(1) 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

Business Main Financial Institution Customer Satisfaction - Competitive Context (1) 

(1)  CBA and Major Bank 1 are ranked equal 1st (DBM Business Financial Services Monitor, June 2015) as the difference in average satisfaction rating is not 

considered to be statistically significant. 

(2)  DBM  Business  Financial  Services  Monitor  (June 2015),  average  satisfaction  rating  of  each  financial  institution’s  MFI  business  customers  across  all 

Australian businesses, 6 month rolling average. 

Wealth Management Customer Satisfaction 

(1) 

In  the  2012  year,  the  satisfaction  score  was  calculated  on  a  straight  average  of  FirstChoice  and  FirstWrap.  Due  to  the  change  in  calculation  of  the 
satisfaction score in 2013, 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 
remuneration purposes the ranking of 2nd has been applied. 

(2)  For  2011  the  ranking  remains  unchanged  but  average  satisfaction  result  changed  from  7.79  to  7.74.  Prior  to  2011,  results  remain  unchanged  despite 

change in calculation methodology.  

(3)  For Wealth Management, customer satisfaction is measured by the Wealth Insights 2015 Service Level Report, Platforms.  

3.3 Performance Timeline of At Risk Remuneration Outcomes 

The Performance Management framework supports decisions in awarding appropriate annual STI outcomes for Executives. The 
balanced  scorecard  performance  objectives  are  communicated  to  Executives  at  the  beginning  of  the  financial  year.  Executive 
annual performance evaluations are conducted following the end of the financial year. For 2015, the evaluations were conducted 
in July 2015. 

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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia - Annual Report 2015  55 

678 Jun-11 Sep-11 Dec-11 Mar-12 Jun-12 Sep-12 Dec-12 Mar-13 Jun-13 Sep-13 Dec-13 Mar-14 Jun-14 Sep-14 Dec-14 Mar-15 Jun-15Satisfaction -AverageMajor Bank 1Major Bank 2Major Bank 3CBASource: DBM, Business Financial Services Monitor6 month rolling average(2)30-Jun-1530-Jun-1430-Jun-1330-Jun-12 (1)30-Jun-11 (2)Score (3)7.757.948.327.867.74CBA Rank2nd1st1st1st1stSTI Annual Performance ReviewSTI outcomes determined & approved by Board50 % of STI outcome paid as cashJune2016LTI LTI awards approved by BoardGroup Executives grant of LTI awardCEO grant of LTI awardJuly 201430 June 2015July2015August2015September2015November201530 June 2019Vests 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 

3.4 CEO and Group Executive Remuneration Received in the year ended 30 June 2015 

The  incentives  awarded  to  the  CEO  and  Group  Executives  are  linked  to  the  Group’s  and  individual  financial  and  non-financial 
performance.  

Total statutory remuneration recognised for the CEO and Group Executives for the 2015 financial year was $41.3 million and is 
the  total  of  the  values  for  each  executive  shown  in  the  statutory  remuneration  table  on  page 58.  Statutory  remuneration 
disclosures  are  prepared  in  accordance  with  the  Corporations  Act  2001  and  Australian  Accounting  Standards.  Total  cash 
remuneration received by the CEO and Group Executives in relation to the 2015 performance year was $20.7 million. The total 
cash remuneration received is used to present a clear view of the Group’s remuneration payments made to the CEO and Group 
Executives during the performance year. 

Table (a) below shows remuneration received in relation to the 2015 financial year. The total cash payments received are made 
up of base remuneration and superannuation (fixed remuneration), and the portion of the 2015 STI award which is not deferred. 
This table also includes the value of previous years’ deferred STI and LTI awards which vested during 2015. 

(a) Remuneration in relation to the 2015 Financial Year 

(1)  Fixed remuneration includes base remuneration and superannuation. 
(2)  This is the 50% of the 2015 STI for performance during the 12 months to 30 June 2015 (payable September 2015). The remaining 50% is deferred until 

1 July 2016. Deferred STI awards are subject to Board review at the time of payment. 

(3)  The  value  of  all  deferred  cash  and/or  equity  awards  that  vested  during  2015  financial  year.  This  includes  the  value  of  the  award  that  vested,  plus  any 
interest and/or dividends accrued during the vesting period. A portion of Ian Narev’s deferred equity award was delivered in  the form of cash, which was 
paid to registered charities pursuant to an option that the Board made available. 

(4)  The value of any deferred cash and/or equity awards that were forfeited/lapsed during the 2015 financial year. 
(5)  Group Executives as at 30 June 2015. 
(6)  David  Whiteing  commenced  in  the  KMP  role  on  14 July 2014,  Adam  Bennett  commenced  in  the  KMP  role  on  12 January 2015  and  Vittoria  Shortt 

commenced in the KMP role on 2 March 2015. Remuneration reflects time in the KMP role.  

(7)  Robert Jesudason was in the Group Executive, Group Strategic Development role from 1 July 2014 to 31 October 2014 and was appointed to the Group 
Executive, International Financial Services role from 1 November 2014. Robert’s 2015 remuneration reflects an increase received on changing roles. 

 (b) CEO Reconciliation Table of Cash Payments from Table (a) and Statutory Remuneration Table on Page 58 

56  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Fixed Remuneration (1)Cash STI (2)Total cash in relation to 2015Previous years' deferred cash awards vested during 2015 (3)Previous years' deferred equity awards vested during 2015 (3)Total remuneration received during 2015Previous years' awards forfeited or lapsed during 2015 (4)$$$$$$$Managing Director and CEOIan Narev 2,650,000              1,590,000     4,240,000     1,525,681        2,200,502        7,966,183       (62,860)       Current Executives (5)Kelly Bayer Rosmarin1,020,000              612,957        1,632,957     340,642           476,834           2,450,433       -Adam Bennett (6)456,438                 253,580        710,018        --710,018          -David Cohen900,000                 582,750        1,482,750     476,445           2,115,050        4,074,245       (60,346)       Matthew Comyn1,030,000              618,966        1,648,966     695,798           612,083           2,956,847       -David Craig1,380,000              852,150        2,232,150     917,186           3,300,844        6,450,180       (94,250)       Robert Jesudason (7)947,767                 575,295        1,523,062     592,948           -2,116,010       -Melanie Laing845,000                 495,382        1,340,382     521,752           -1,862,134       -Vittoria Shortt (6)280,123                 166,674        446,797        --446,797          -Annabel Spring1,030,000              662,084        1,692,084     640,734           662,922           2,995,741       -Alden Toevs1,430,000              845,488        2,275,488     961,469           3,423,023        6,659,980       (97,738)       David Whiteing (6)916,164                 531,375        1,447,539     --1,447,539       -2015$Financial Year Award VestsCash remuneration received in relation to 2015 - refer to table (a) above4,240,000      n/a2015 STI deferred for 12 months at risk1,590,000      FY2016Annual leave and long service leave accruals137,005         n/aOther Payments59,812           n/aShare based payments: accounting expense for 2015 for LTI awards made over the past 4 years  2012 GLRP:Expense for 1 award that may vest subject to customer satisfaction performance(169,330)        FY2016  2012 GLRP:Expense for 1 award that may vest subject to relative TSR performance533,272FY2016  2013 GLRP:Expense for 1 award that may vest subject to customer satisfaction performance179,791FY2017  2013 GLRP:Expense for 1 award that may vest subject to relative TSR performance509,212FY2017  2014 GLRP:Expense for 1 award that may vest subject to customer satisfaction performance150,360FY2018  2014 GLRP:Expense for 1 award that may vest subject to relative TSR performance643,999FY2018  2015 GLRP:Expense for 1 award that may vest subject to customer satisfaction performance110,912FY2019  2015 GLRP:Expense for 1 award that may vest subject to relative TSR performance333,255FY2019Total Statutory Remuneration as per page 588,318,288 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

4.  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 2015 and the previous financial year. 

(1)  Cash  includes  Board  and  Committee  fees  received  as  cash.  For  Shirish  Apte  this  also  includes  payments  in  relation  to  tax  advice  and  includes  minor 

adjustments made in relation to the prior year. 

(2)  Superannuation  contributions  are  capped  at  the  superannuation  maximum  contributions  base  as  prescribed  under  the  Superannuation  Guarantee 
legislation. For Shirish Apte, superannuation is paid on the Australian portion of his fees and includes minor adjustments made in relation to the prior year. 

(3)  The values shown in the table represent the post-tax portion of fees received as shares. 
(4)  David  Higgins  was  appointed  as  a  Non-Executive  Director  on  1 September 2014  and  Wendy  Stops  was  appointed  as  a  Non-Executive  Director  on 
9 March 2015. Their remuneration has been prorated accordingly. To comply with the Non-Executive Director shareholding requirement, shares for both 
David Higgins and Wendy Stops were purchased during the 2015 financial year. 

(5)  Carolyn Kay retired from the Group on 31 March 2015 and her remuneration has been prorated accordingly. 

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 2014 and 2015 performance years. The tables are different to 
the  cash  table  on  page 56,  which  shows  the  remuneration  received  in  2015  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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia - Annual Report 2015  57 

Short-Term BenefitsPost Employment BenefitsShare Based paymentsNon-ExecutiveTotalSuper-Directors'StatutoryCash (1)annuation (2)Share Plan (3)Remuneration$$$$ChairmanDavid Turner2015841,034                     18,783                       -                                 859,817                     2014832,025                     17,775                       -                                 849,800                     Non-Executive DirectorsJohn Anderson2015289,173                     18,783                       -                                 307,956                     2014258,025                     17,775                       -                                 275,800                     Shirish Apte2015296,395                     4,753                         -                                 301,148                     201413,704                       886                            -                                 14,590                       Jane Hemstritch2015308,810                     18,783                       -                                 327,593                     2014303,025                     17,775                       -                                 320,800                     David Higgins (4)2015217,848                     15,593                       -                                 233,441                     Launa Inman2015251,185                     18,783                       28,533                       298,501                     2014245,419                     17,775                       29,406                       292,600                     Brian Long2015311,290                     18,783                       -                                 330,073                     2014303,025                     17,775                       -                                 320,800                     Andrew Mohl2015279,718                     18,783                       -                                 298,501                     2014274,825                     17,775                       -                                 292,600                     Wendy Stops (4)201579,087                       5,867                         -                                 84,954                       Harrison Young2015322,739                     18,783                       -                                 341,522                     2014314,325                     17,775                       -                                 332,100                     Former Non-Executive DirectorCarolyn Kay (5)2015211,718                     14,100                       -                                 225,818                     2014302,925                     17,775                       -                                 320,700                      
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

4.2 Executive Statutory Remuneration (continued) 

(1)  Fixed  Remuneration  comprises  Base  Remuneration  and  Superannuation  (post-employment  benefit).  From  23  February  2015,  superannuation 

contributions for Robert Jesudason are made in line with Hong Kong Mandatory Provident Fund regulations. 

(2)  Base Remuneration is the total cost of salary including cash salary, short-term compensated absences and any salary sacrificed benefits.  
(3)  Non-Monetary represents the cost of car parking (including associated fringe benefits tax). 
(4)  This is 50% of the 2015 STI for performance during the 12 months to 30 June 2015 (payable September 2015). 
(5)  Deferred STI represents 50% of the 2015 STI award that is deferred  until 1 July 2016. Deferred STI awards are subject to  Board review at the time of 

payment. For Michael Harte, this reflects partial forfeiture of the 2014 deferred STI award following his resignation. 

(7) 

(6)  Other short-term benefits relate to company funded benefits (including associated fringe benefits tax where applicable). This item also includes interest 
accrued and adjustments in relation to the 2014 STI deferred award, which vested on 1 July 2015, and the net change in accrued annual leave over the 
year. For Robert Jesudason, costs in relation to his relocation to Hong Kong in February 2015 are also included. 
Includes  long  service  entitlements  accrued  during  the  year  as  well  as  the  impact  of  changes  to  long  service  leave  valuation  assumptions,  which  are 
determined  in  line  with  Australian  Accounting  Standards.  For  Kelly Bayer Rosmarin,  Adam Bennett,  Matthew Comyn,  Robert  Jesudason,  Vittoria  Shortt 
and David Whiteing this also includes amounts relating to deferred STI payments awarded under Executive General Manager arrangements and/or equity 
sign-on awards. 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. 

58  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Long-Term BenefitsShare Based PaymentsBase Remuner-ation (2)Superan-nuationNonMonetary (3)Cash STI  (at risk) (4)Deferred STI (at risk) (5)Other (6)Long- Term (7) Reward Rights (at risk) (8)Total Statutory Remuneration (9)$$$$$$$$$Managing Director and CEOIan Narev 20152,625,00025,00014,7561,590,0001,590,00059,021123,0402,291,4718,318,28820142,550,00025,00014,6001,480,6251,480,625(21,633)       18,1402,375,2947,922,651Group ExecutivesKelly Bayer Rosmarin2015995,00025,00014,756612,957612,9575,228354,416329,3712,949,6852014515,43813,4947,880330,582330,582(1,150)         226,91363,5101,487,249Adam Bennett (10)2015444,79411,6447,041253,580253,58033,624250,64756,5491,311,459David Cohen2015875,00025,00014,756582,750582,75032,07234,785737,0412,884,1542014875,00025,00014,600462,375462,37539,387(19,559)      987,3952,846,573Matthew Comyn20151,005,00025,00013,652         618,966618,96648,121132,653703,7763,166,1342014975,00025,00013,486675,250675,25038,336247,359508,6643,158,345David Craig20151,355,00025,00014,756852,150852,15086,44655,6861,129,7954,370,98320141,355,00025,00014,600890,100890,10035,173(30,865)      1,517,0524,696,160Robert Jesudason (11)2015930,55217,2156,050575,295575,295230,592164,243594,8213,094,0632014800,00025,00014,600575,437575,4372,080365,520417,2652,775,339Melanie Laing2015820,00025,00014,756495,382495,38250,87516,155705,3092,622,8592014800,00025,00014,600506,344506,344(5,800)         27,648671,4522,545,588Vittoria Shortt (10)2015271,8358,2885,025166,674166,6748,272108,77210,885746,425Annabel Spring20151,005,00025,00013,652662,084662,08438,16428,352838,7303,273,0662014975,00025,00013,486621,812621,81238,859153,511795,9323,245,412Alden Toevs20151,405,00025,00014,756845,488845,488(7,527)60,9891,170,6404,359,83420141,405,00025,00014,600933,075933,07547,396(39,018)      1,577,9424,897,070David Whiteing (10)2015898,04918,11513,167531,375531,37516,21161,424158,1312,227,847Former ExecutivesSimon Blair2015278,0148,4254,864133,767133,76739,17637,392184,331819,7362014825,00025,00014,600527,425527,4257,264(23,146)      915,9472,819,515Michael Harte201531,644753-n/a(194,094)4,313(167,924)(1,612,313)(1,937,621)20141,050,00025,00013,486665,694665,694105,10617,7941,183,8073,726,581Grahame Petersen (12)2015614,38413,3567,813326,896326,89617,66539,0361,762,4543,108,50020141,150,00025,00014,600644,928644,928(27,955)       34,2901,295,5983,781,389Fixed Remuneration (1)Other Short-Term Benefits 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

4.2 Executive Statutory Remuneration (continued) 

(8)  This includes the 2015 expense for Reward Rights awarded during the 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 financial years under the GLRP. For Michael Harte, 

this value reflects forfeitures of awards upon resignation. 

(9)  The  percentage of 2015 remuneration related to performance was: Ian Narev 66%, Kelly Bayer Rosmarin 53%, Adam  Bennett 43%, David Cohen 66%, 
Matthew  Comyn  61%,  David  Craig 65%,  Robert  Jesudason 56%,  Melanie  Laing 65%,  Vittoria  Shortt 46%,  Annabel  Spring 66%,  Alden  Toevs 66%, 
David Whiteing 55%, Simon Blair 55%, Michael Harte 0% and Grahame Petersen 78%. 

(10)  David  Whiteing  commenced  in  the  KMP  role  on  14 July 2014,  Adam  Bennett  commenced  in  the  KMP  role  on  12 January 2015  and  Vittoria  Shortt 

commenced in the KMP role on 2 March 2015. Remuneration reflects time in the KMP role. 

(11)  Robert Jesudason was in the Group Executive, Group Strategic Development role from 1 July 2014 to 31 October 2014 and was appointed to the Group 
Executive, International Financial Services role from 1 November 2014. Robert’s 2015 remuneration reflects an increase received on changing roles. 
(12)  Grahame Petersen ceased as a KMP on 11 January 2015 and his remuneration has been prorated accordingly. The LTI Reward Rights value reflects the 
disclosable accruals for all previously granted LTI awards that remain  unvested following Grahame Petersen’s retirement on 6 February  2015  up to the 
end of each performance period. This means that up to three years of each unvested LTI award has been disclosed in the 2015 financial year, including 
those amounts which would otherwise have been included in future year disclosures. These LTI awards may or may not vest and still remain subject to the 
relevant performance hurdles. No new LTI grants have been or will be made to Grahame Petersen following his retirement from the Group. 

4.3 Executive STI Allocations for 2015 

Includes 50% of the annual STI award payable as cash in recognition of performance for the year ended 30 June 2015. 

(1)  The maximum STI is represented as a percentage of fixed remuneration. The minimum STI is zero. 
(2) 
(3)  This represents 50% of the STI award that is deferred until 1 July 2016. The deferred awards are subject to Board review at the time of payment. 
(4)  David  Whiteing  commenced  in  the  KMP  role  on  14  July  2014,  Adam  Bennett  commenced  in  the  KMP  role  on  12  January  2015  and  Vittoria  Shortt 

commenced in the KMP role on 2 March 2015. STI allocations reflect time in the KMP role. 

(5)  The STI target for Robert Jesudason has been prorated to reflect the respective STI targets of both the Group Executive, Group Strategic Development 

and the Group Executive, International Financial Services roles held during the 2015 performance year. 

(6)  Simon  Blair  ceased  as  a  KMP  on  31 October 2014  and  Grahame  Petersen  ceased  as  a  KMP  from  the  Group  on  11 January 2015.  The  STI  award  for 
these  former  executives  is  in  recognition  of  the  portion  of  the  2015  performance  year  served  in  the  KMP  role.  Michael Harte  ceased  as  KMP  on 
11 July 2014 and is not eligible for an STI award for the 2015 performance year. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia - Annual Report 2015  59 

STI Target (1)Maximum STI (1)$      %%$%$Managing Director and CEOIan Narev            2,650,000 150%50%   1,590,000 50%        1,590,000 Group ExecutivesKelly Bayer Rosmarin             1,020,000 150%50%      612,957 50%           612,957 Adam Bennett (4)               456,438 150%50%      253,580 50%           253,580 David Cohen                900,000 150%50%      582,750 50%           582,750 Matthew Comyn            1,030,000 150%50%      618,966 50%           618,966 David Craig            1,380,000 150%50%      852,150 50%           852,150 Robert Jesudason (5)               947,767 150%50%      575,295 50%           575,295 Melanie Laing               845,000 150%50%      495,382 50%           495,382 Vittoria Shortt (4)               280,123 150%50%      166,674 50%           166,674 Annabel Spring            1,030,000 150%50%      662,084 50%           662,084 Alden Toevs            1,430,000 150%50%      845,488 50%           845,488 David Whiteing (4)               916,164 150%50%      531,375 50%           531,375 Former Executives (6)Simon Blair               286,439 150%50%      133,767 50%           133,767 Grahame Petersen               627,740 150%50%      326,896 50%           326,896 Cash STI (2)Deferred STI (3) 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

4.4 Equity Awards Received as Remuneration 

The table below details the value and number of all equity awards that were granted or forfeited/lapsed to Executives during their 
time in a KMP role in 2015. It also shows the number of previous year’s awards  that vested during the 2015 performance year 
(some of which relate to past non-KMP roles). 

(1)  This represents the maximum number of Reward Rights that may vest to each Executive. The value represents the fair value at grant date. For Ian Narev, 
the  grant  date  for  his  Reward  Rights  was  13 November 2014.  For  Adam  Bennett  the  grant  date  for  his  Reward  Rights  was  12 February 2015  and  for 
Vittoria Shortt the grant date for her Reward Rights was 7 May 2015.  For all other Executives the grant date for Reward Rights was 18 September 2014. 
The minimum potential LTI outcome is zero.  

(2)  As at 1 July 2014 (reflecting the beginning of the performance period), the maximum value of Reward Rights granted during 2015, based on the volume 
weighted  average  price  of  the  Group’s  ordinary  shares  over  the  five  trading  days  up  to  and  including  1 July 2014  was:  Ian  Narev $4,713,843, 
David Craig $2,454,756, 
Kelly Bayer Rosmarin $1,814,470, 
Robert Jesudason $1,686,023,  Melanie Laing $1,503,165,  Vittoria Shortt $498,379,  Annabel Spring $1,832,229,  Alden Toevs $2,543,712 
and 
David Whiteing $1,689,916. 

David Cohen $1,601,041,  Matthew Comyn $1,832,229, 

Adam Bennett $811,954, 

(3)  Previous years' awards that vested include LTI and other deferred equity awards. 
(4)  This includes the portion of the LTI award that vested during 2015 that did not meet the performance hurdle and was forfeited. For Michael Harte, this also 
includes 92,311 Reward Rights that were forfeited as a result of his resignation from the Group in July 2014. The value of the lapsed award is calculated 
using the Volume Weighted Average Closing Price (VWACP) for the five days preceding the transaction date. 

(5)  David  Whiteing  commenced  in  the  KMP  role  on  14 July 2014,  Adam  Bennett  commenced  in  the  KMP  role  on  12 January 2015  and  Vittoria  Shortt 
commenced in the KMP role on 2 March 2015. The number of Reward Rights granted to David Whiteing reflects annual LTI target. The number of Reward 
Rights granted to Adam Bennett and Vittoria Shortt reflects time in the KMP role.  

60  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Previous Years'Awards Vested during 2015 (3)NameClassUnits$UnitsUnits$Managing Director and CEOIan NarevReward Rights             58,131         3,150,900                 24,026                  (775)        (62,860)Group ExecutivesKelly Bayer RosmarinReward Rights             22,376         1,037,270                           -                        -                    - Deferred Shares/Rights               2,604            210,976                   5,440                        -                    - Adam Bennett (5)Reward Rights             10,013            616,409                           -                        -                    - David Cohen Reward Rights             19,744            915,262                 23,093                  (744)        (60,346)Matthew ComynReward Rights             22,595         1,047,422                           -                        -                    - Deferred Shares/Rights                       -                        -                   6,983                        -                    - David Craig Reward Rights             30,272         1,403,293                 36,040               (1,162)        (94,250)Robert JesudasonReward Rights             20,792            981,549                           -                        -                    - Deferred Shares/Rights                       -                        -                   9,728                        -                    - Melanie LaingReward Rights             18,537            859,317                           -                        -                    - Vittoria Shortt (5)Reward Rights               6,146            291,631                           -                        -                    - Annabel SpringReward Rights             22,595         1,047,422                           -                        -                    - Deferred Shares/Rights                       -                        -                   7,563                        -                    - Alden Toevs Reward Rights             31,369         1,454,124                 37,374               (1,205)        (97,738)David Whiteing (5)Reward Rights             20,840            966,058                           -                        -                    - Deferred Shares/Rights               1,941            157,260                           -                        -                    - Former ExecutivesSimon BlairReward Rights                       -                        -                 21,358                  (688)        (55,804)Michael Harte Reward Rights                       -                        -                 28,031             (93,215)   (7,567,130)Grahame PetersenReward Rights                       -                        -                 30,700                  (990)        (80,299)       Forfeited or      Granted     Lapsed       during 2015 (1) (2)         during 2015 (4) 
 
 
 
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 TSR component of the LTI awards, the fair value has been calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation method 
using the following assumptions: 

(1)  For  the  TSR  component  of  the  GLRP  awards,  a  zero  dividend  yield  has  been  assumed  given  that  dividends  are  incorporated  into  the  fair  value  of  the 

rights. 

(2)  The performance hurdle for this portion of the GLRP award is Customer Satisfaction relative to the Group’s peers. 
(3)  The performance hurdle for this portion of the GLRP award is TSR relative to the Group’s 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  unvested  deferred 
awards  (including cash  and  equity  awards),  unless  the Board  determines  otherwise,  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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia - Annual Report 2015  61 

FairExercisePerformanceExpectedExpectedExpectedRisk FreeGrantValuePricePeriodLifeDividend Yield (1)VolatilityRateEquity PlanDate$$End(Years)%%%2015 GLRP (2)07/05/201583.11Nil30/06/2018n/an/an/an/a2015 GLRP (3)07/05/201534.90Nil30/06/20183.2Nil152.42015 GLRP (2)12/02/201591.18Nil30/06/2018n/an/an/an/a2015 GLRP (3)12/02/201551.14Nil30/06/20183.4Nil152.32015 GLRP (2)13/11/201481.27Nil30/06/2018n/an/an/an/a2015 GLRP (3)13/11/201444.68Nil30/06/20183.6Nil153.02015 GLRP (2)18/09/201477.58Nil30/06/2018n/an/an/an/a2015 GLRP (3)18/09/201435.37Nil30/06/20183.8Nil153.32014 GLRP (2)13/02/201475.75Nil30/06/2017n/an/an/an/a2014 GLRP (3)13/02/201441.63Nil30/06/20173.4Nil203.32014 GLRP (2)11/11/201378.35Nil30/06/2017n/an/an/an/a2014 GLRP (3)11/11/201347.79Nil30/06/20173.6Nil203.62014 GLRP (2)23/09/201373.51Nil30/06/2017n/an/an/an/a2014 GLRP (3)23/09/201344.42Nil30/06/20173.8Nil203.52013 GLRP (2)05/11/201257.40Nil30/06/2016n/an/an/an/a2013 GLRP (3)05/11/201231.49Nil30/06/20163.7Nil203.22013 GLRP (2)04/10/201256.55Nil30/06/2016n/an/an/an/a2013 GLRP (3)04/10/201230.76Nil30/06/20163.7Nil203.02012 GLRP (2)15/02/201250.23Nil30/06/2015n/an/an/an/a2012 GLRP (3)15/02/201231.87Nil30/06/20153.4Nil304.42012 GLRP (2)15/11/201149.15Nil30/06/2015n/an/an/an/a2012 GLRP (3)15/11/201131.60Nil30/06/20153.6Nil304.22012 GLRP (2)29/08/201147.96Nil30/06/2015n/an/an/an/a2012 GLRP (3)29/08/201132.23Nil30/06/20153.8Nil304.7AssumptionsContract Type (1)NoticeSeverance (2)Managing Director & CEOIan NarevPermanent12 monthsn/aGroup ExecutivesKelly Bayer RosmarinPermanent6 months6 monthsAdam BennettPermanent6 months6 monthsDavid CohenPermanent6 months6 monthsMatthew ComynPermanent6 months6 monthsDavid CraigPermanent6 months6 monthsRobert JesudasonPermanent6 months6 monthsMelanie LaingPermanent6 months6 monthsVittoria ShorttPermanent6 months6 monthsAnnabel SpringPermanent6 months6 monthsAlden ToevsPermanent6 monthsn/aDavid WhiteingPermanent6 months6 months 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

4.6 Termination Arrangements (continued) 

KMP that left the Group during the 2015 financial year were Michael Harte and Grahame Petersen. 

4.7 Equity Holdings of KMP 

Shareholdings 

Details of the shareholdings of KMP (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 the Financial Statements Note 24 Share Based Payments. 

(a) 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)  Shares  Acquired  incorporates  shares  purchased  during  the  year.  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 sales of securities and appointment of Non-Executive Directors during the year. 
(3)  David  Higgins  was  appointed  as  a  Non-Executive  Director  on  1 September 2014  and  Wendy  Stops  was  appointed  as  a  Non-Executive  Director  on 

9 March 2015. Their shareholdings have not been included in the opening balance as at 1 July 2014. 

(4)  Opening balance has been restated to include a correction to CBA ordinary shares. 
(5)  Carolyn Kay retired from the Group on 31 March 2015 and her shareholdings are not included in the balance as at 30 June 2015. 
(6)  PERLS: Include cumulative holdings of all PERLS securities issued by the Group. 
(7)  Other securities: As at 30 June 2015 Jane Hemstritch held CNGHA notes (2014: CNGHA notes). 

62  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

BalanceSharesNet ChangeBalanceDirectorsClass1 July 2014Acquired (1)Other (2)30 June 2015Non-Executive DirectorsDavid TurnerOrdinary11,840--11,840PERLS (6)380--380John AndersonOrdinary18,186--18,186Shirish ApteOrdinary-7,500-7,500Jane HemstritchOrdinary25,775--25,775PERLS (6)9,3003,000(500)11,800Other securities (7)5,000--5,000David Higgins (3)Ordinaryn/a5,023-5,023Launa Inman (4)Ordinary2,646934-3,580Brian LongOrdinary12,42545-12,470PERLS (6)400800(400)800Andrew MohlOrdinary59,8407,390-67,230Wendy Stops (3)Ordinaryn/a-13,00013,000Harrison Young Ordinary26,764--26,764Former Non-Executive DirectorCarolyn Kay (5)Ordinary12,388--n/aPERLS (6)-2,800-n/a 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

(b) Shares held by the CEO and Group Executives 

(1)  Reward  Rights  represent  rights  granted  under  the  GLRP  which  are  subject  to  performance  hurdles.  Deferred  Shares/Rights  represent  the  deferred  STI 

awarded under Executive General Manager arrangements, sign-on and retention awards received as restricted shares/rights. 

(2)  Reward Rights and Deferred Shares/Rights become ordinary shares upon vesting. A portion of Ian Narev’s vested equity award was delivered in the form 

of cash, which was paid to registered charities pursuant to an option that the Board made available. 

(3)  Net Change Other incorporates changes resulting from purchases, sales, forfeitures and appointment or departure of Executives during the year. 
(4)  David  Whiteing  commenced  in  the  KMP  role  on  14 July 2014,  Adam  Bennett  commenced  in  the  KMP  role  on  12 January 2015  and  Vittoria  Shortt 
commenced in the KMP role on 2 March 2015. The number of Reward Rights granted to David Whiteing reflects annual LTI target. The number of Reward 
Rights granted to Adam Bennett and Vittoria Shortt reflects time in the KMP role.  

(5)  Michael  Harte  ceased  as  a  KMP  on  11 July 2014,  Simon  Blair  ceased  as  a  KMP  on  31 October  2014  and  Grahame  Petersen  ceased  as  a  KMP  on 

11 January 2015. Shareholdings for former executives are not included in the balance as at 30 June 2015. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia - Annual Report 2015  63 

Acquired/Previous Years'BalanceGranted asAwards VestedNet ChangeBalanceClass (1)1 July 2014Remunerationduring 2015 (2)Other (3)30 June 2015Managing Director and CEOIan NarevOrdinary74,969--18,75293,721Reward Rights248,06858,131(24,026)(775)281,398Group ExecutivesKelly Bayer RosmarinOrdinary12,457--1,56114,018Reward Rights12,93522,376--35,311Deferred Shares/Rights16,3702,604(5,440)-13,534Adam Bennett (4)Ordinaryn/a--8,3038,303Reward Rightsn/a10,013--10,013Deferred Shares/Rightsn/a3,456(4,808)12,85711,505David Cohen Ordinary45,752--(19,615)26,137Reward Rights101,12219,744(23,093)(744)97,029Matthew ComynOrdinary16,397--6,98323,380Reward Rights55,29722,595--77,892Deferred Shares/Rights13,102-(6,983)-6,119David Craig Ordinary134,581--40134,621Reward Rights155,70230,272(36,040)(1,162)148,772Robert JesudasonOrdinary13,595--9,72823,323Reward Rights45,35420,792--66,146Deferred Shares/Rights14,023-(9,728)-4,295Melanie LaingOrdinary11,936---11,936Reward Rights69,30818,537--87,845Vittoria Shortt (4)Ordinaryn/a--3,5613,561Reward Rightsn/a6,146--6,146Deferred Shares/Rightsn/a2,675(3,561)8,6987,812Annabel SpringOrdinary11,643--3,86315,506Reward Rights84,63922,595--107,234Deferred Shares/Rights7,563-(7,563)--Alden Toevs Ordinary75,638--12,37488,012Reward Rights161,37131,369(37,374)(1,205)154,161David Whiteing (4)Ordinaryn/a----Reward Rightsn/a20,840--20,840Deferred Shares/Rightsn/a1,941--1,941Former Executives (5)Simon BlairOrdinary26,417--21,358n/aReward Rights93,808-(21,358)(688)n/aMichael Harte Ordinary---28,031n/aReward Rights121,246-(28,031)(93,215)n/aGrahame PetersenOrdinary60,385---n/aReward Rights132,587-(30,700)(990)n/a 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

4.8 Loans to KMP 

All loans to KMP (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). There has been  no write 
down of loans during the period. 

4.9 Total Loans to KMP 

 (1)  The opening balance has been restated from $14,187,609. 

4.10 Loans to KMP Exceeding $100,000 in Aggregate 

(1)  Represents the highest balance per individual of loans outstanding at any point during the year ended 30 June 2015. 
(2)  Opening balance has been restated to reflect actual drawn balance. 
(3)  David Whiteing commenced in the KMP role on 14 July 2014 and Vittoria Shortt commenced in the KMP role on 2 March 2015. The loan values disclosed 
relate to the period from KMP commencement date to 30 June 2015. Michael Harte resigned from the Group effective 11 July 2014 and his loan balance 
has not been included in the balance as at 30 June 2015.   

4.11 Other Transactions of KMP 

Financial Instrument Transactions 

Financial instrument transactions (other than loans and shares disclosed within this report) of KMP 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 KMP and entities controlled or significantly influenced by them. 

All such financial instrument transactions that have occurred between entities within the Group and their KMP were in the nature 
of normal personal banking and deposit transactions. 

Transactions other than Financial Instrument Transactions of Banks 

All other transactions with KMP 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. A related party of an executive has also been employed 
by the Group, and is remunerated in a manner consistent with normal employee relationships. 

64  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

2015$Opening Balance (1)14,878,088Closing Balance10,130,233Interest Charged501,271            HighestBalanceInterestInterest NotBalanceBalance1 July 2014ChargedChargedWrite-off30 June 2015in Period (1)$$$$$$Kelly Bayer Rosmarin (2)4,020,338128,522--2,744,7844,034,034David Cohen556,02527,146--522,505570,528Matthew Comyn (2)2,610,45772,329--2,131,2123,730,020Michael Harte (2) (3)2,914,19611,741--n/a2,970,923Robert Jesudason4,075,680120,033--954,111,223Melanie Laing (2)577,75023,335--429,061597,820Vittoria Shortt (3)n/a32,006--2,261,1782,269,177David Whiteing (3)n/a85,591--1,917,9594,233,371Total    14,754,446500,703--10,006,79422,517,096 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, including any salary sacrifice items, paid regularly with no 
performance conditions. 

Board 

The Board of Directors of the Group. 

Deferred Shares/Rights 

Shares/rights subject to  forfeiture  on  resignation.  These  are  used  for  deferred  STI  awarded 
under Executive General Manager arrangements, sign-on and retention awards. 

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 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 
over a period of three or more years if, and to the extent that, performance hurdles are met . 
The Group’s long-term incentive plan is the GLRP. 

NPAT 

Net profit after tax. 

Remuneration Received  

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 2015, in exchange for services previously rendered 
to the Group. 

Rights  to  ordinary  shares  in  CBA  granted  under  the  GLRP  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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia - Annual Report 2015  65 

 
Directors’ Report 

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 28 to the Financial Statements are as follows: 

Project assurance services 

Taxation services 

Risk  management,  compliance  and  controls 
related work 

Other 

Total non-audit services (1) 

Total audit and related services 

2015  

$’000  

1,354 

3,171 

3,601 

1,578 

9,704 

34,405 

(1)  An  additional  amount  of  $1,958,469  was  paid  to  PwC  for  non-audit 
services  provided  to  entities  not  consolidated  into  the  Financial 
Statements. 

Auditor’s Independence Declaration 

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 
for  all  such 
require  Audit  Committee  pre-approval 
engagements; and  

The relative quantum of fees paid for non-audit services 
compared  to  the  quantum  for  audit  and  audit  related 
services. 

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

The  above  Directors’  statements  are  in  accordance  with  the 
advice received from the Audit Committee. 

Auditor Independence 

Incorporation of Additional Material 

The  Bank  has  in  place  an  Independent  Auditor  Services 
Policy,  details  of  which  are  set  out  in  the  Corporate 
Governance  Statement 
at 
that 
www.commbank.com.au/about-us/shareholders/corporate-
profile/corporate-governance, 
independence of the Group’s external auditor. 

in  ensuring 

to  assist 

viewed 

can 

the 

be 

This Report incorporates the Chairman’s and Chief Executive 
Officer’s  Statements  (pages  2  to  8),  Highlights  (pages  9  to 
12),  Group  Performance  Analysis  (pages  13  to  22),  Group 
Operations  and  Business  Settings  (pages  23  to  31)  and 
Shareholding Information (pages 182 to 185) sections of this 
Annual Report. 

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. 

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors. 

D J Turner 

Chairman 

11 August 2015 

I M Narev 

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer 

11 August 2015 

66  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auditor’s Independence Declaration 

As lead auditor for the audit of Commonwealth Bank of Australia for the year ended 30 June 2015, 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 

Pricewaterhouse Coopers 

Sydney 

11 August 2015 

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.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia - Annual Report 2015  67 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Five Year Financial Summary 

(1)  Comparative  information  has  been  restated  to  reflect  the  creation  of  a  Small  Business  customer  channel  within  Retail  Banking  Services,  and  minor 

refinements to the allocation of customer balances and associated revenue and expenses between business segments. 
Includes investment experience. 

(2) 

68  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

20152014 (1)2013 (1)20122011$M$M$M$M$MNet interest income15,79915,09113,94413,15712,645Other operating income (2)7,7797,3106,8776,3197,014Total operating income23,57822,40120,82119,47619,659Operating expenses(9,993)(9,499)(9,010)(8,627)(8,891)Impairment expense(988)(953)(1,082)(1,089)(1,280)Net profit before tax12,59711,94910,7299,7609,488Corporate tax expense(3,439)(3,250)(2,953)(2,705)(2,637)Non-controlling interests(21)(19)(16)(16)(16)Net profit after tax "cash basis"9,1378,6807,7607,0396,835Treasury shares valuation adjustment(28)(41)(53)(15)(22)Hedging and IFRS volatility6627124(265)Gain/(loss) on disposal of controlled entities/investments-17--(7)Bankwest non-cash items(52)(56)(71)(89)(147)Count Financial acquisition costs---(43)-Bell Group litigation-25(45)--Net profit after income tax attributable to Equity holders of the Bank "statutory basis"9,0638,6317,6187,0166,394Contributions to profit (after tax)Retail Banking Services3,8673,6783,0892,7032,854Business and Private Banking1,4591,3211,4741,5131,030Institutional Banking and Markets1,2681,2521,1951,0981,004Wealth Management650789679629642New Zealand865742621541470Bankwest752675561527463IFS and Other27622314128372Net profit after tax "cash basis"9,1378,6807,7607,0396,835Investment experience after tax(150)(197)(105)(89)(81)Net profit after tax "underlying basis"8,9878,4837,6556,9506,754Balance SheetLoans, bills discounted and other receivables639,262597,781556,648525,682500,057Total assets873,446791,451753,857718,839667,899Deposits and other public borrowings543,231498,352459,429437,655401,147Total liabilities 820,453742,103708,320677,219630,612Shareholders' Equity52,99349,34845,53741,62037,287Net tangible assets41,52238,08033,63829,86926,217Risk weighted assets - Basel III (APRA)368,721337,715329,158n/an/aRisk weighted assets - Basel II (APRA)n/an/an/a302,787281,711Average interest earning assets754,872705,371653,637629,685597,406Average interest bearing liabilities714,159661,733609,557590,654559,095Assets (on Balance Sheet) - Australia741,249669,293644,043621,965581,695Assets (on Balance Sheet) - New Zealand72,29969,11061,57855,49954,993Assets (on Balance Sheet) - Other59,89853,04848,23641,37531,211 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Five Year Financial Summary 

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

Commonwealth Bank of Australia - Annual Report 2015  69 

20152014 201320122011Shareholder summaryDividends per share - fully franked (cents)420401364334320Dividend cover - statutory (times)1. 31. 31. 31. 31. 3Dividend cover - cash (times)1. 31. 31. 31. 31. 4Earnings per share (cents)BasicStatutory557.0533.8474.2444.2411.2Cash basis560.8535.9482.1444.7438.7Fully dilutedStatutory542.7521.9461.0428.5395.1Cash basis546.3524.0468.6429.0420.6Dividend payout ratio (%)Statutory75.775.577.476.078.3Cash basis75.175.175.975.873.2Net tangible assets per share ($)25. 523. 520. 918. 816. 8Weighted average number of shares (statutory basic) (M)1,6181,6081,5981,5701,545Weighted average number of shares (statutory fully diluted) (M)1,7021,6811,6861,6741,668Weighted average number of shares (cash basic) (M)1,6201,6111,6011,5731,548Weighted average number of shares (cash fully diluted) (M)1,7041,6841,6891,6771,671Number of shareholders787,969791,564786,437792,906792,765Share prices for the year ($)Trading high96.6982.6874.1853.8055.77Trading low73.5767.4953.1842.3047.05End (closing price)85.1380.8869.1853.1052.30Performance ratios (%)Return on average Shareholders' equityStatutory18.218.718.018.518.4Cash basis18.218.718.218.419.5Return on average total assetsStatutory1.11.11.01.01.0Cash basis1.11.11.11.01.0Capital adequacy - Common Equity Tier 1 - Basel III (APRA)9. 19. 38.2n/an/aCapital adequacy - Tier 1 - Basel III (APRA)11. 211. 110.3n/an/aCapital adequacy - Tier 2 - Basel III (APRA)1. 50. 90.9n/an/aCapital adequacy - Total - Basel III (APRA)12. 712. 011.2n/an/aCapital adequacy - Tier One - Basel IIn/an/an/a10. 010. 0Capital adequacy - Tier Two - Basel IIn/an/an/a1. 01. 7Capital adequacy - Total - Basel IIn/an/an/a11. 011. 7Net interest margin2. 092. 142. 132. 092. 12Other information (numbers)Full-time equivalent employees45,94844,32944,96944,84446,060Branches/services centres (Australia)1,1471,1501,1661,1671,160Agencies (Australia)3,6703,7173,7643,8183,795ATM's4,4404,3404,3044,2134,173EFTPOS terminals (active)208,202200,733181,227175,436170,855Productivity (1)Total income per full-time (equivalent) employee ($)508,578500,034459,583430,983424,186Employee expense/Total income (%)24. 925. 025. 326. 124. 5Total operating expenses/Total income (%)42. 842. 943. 644. 645. 5 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

Accounting Policies 

Profit 

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 

Deposits and Other Public Borrowings 

Liabilities at Fair Value through Income Statement 

Other Provisions 

Debt Issues 

Bills Payable and Other Liabilities 

Loan Capital 

Shareholders’ Equity 

Share Based Payments 

Capital Adequacy 

Financial Reporting by Segments 

Insurance Businesses 

Remuneration of Auditors 

Lease Commitments 

Contingent Liabilities, Contingent Assets and Commitments 

Risk Management 

Credit Risk 

Market Risk 

Liquidity and Funding Risk 

Retirement Benefit Obligations 

Investments in Subsidiaries and Other Entities 

Key Management Personnel 

Related Party Disclosures 

Notes to the Statements of Cash Flows 

Disclosures about Fair Values 

Securitisation, Covered Bonds and Transferred Assets 

Collateral Arrangements 

Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities 

Subsequent Events 

70  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

71  

72  

73  

74  

76  

78  

89  

91  

94  

97  

98  

98  

98  

99  

99  

103  

104  

107  

109  

111  

113  

113  

114  

114  

116  

118  

118  

120  

123  

125  

126  

129  

131  

131  

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134  

138  

152  

154  

157  

160  

165  

166  

167  

168  

174  

175  

176  

178  

 
 
 
  
Income Statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2015 

Financial Statements 

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

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    71 

GroupBank20152014 2013 20152014 Note$M$M$M$M$MInterest income 234,10033,64534,73934,93734,860Interest expense 2(18,305)(18,544)(20,805)(21,006)(21,494)Net interest income15,79515,10113,93413,93113,366Other banking income 4,8564,3204,1726,8476,378Net banking operating income20,65119,42118,10620,77819,744Funds management income2,3962,3562,147--Investment revenue618840942--Claims, policyholder liability and commission expense(1,011)(1,162)(1,242)--Net funds management operating income22,0032,0341,847--Premiums from insurance contracts2,7972,6042,353--Investment revenue543547449--Claims, policyholder liability and commission expense from insurance contracts(2,326)(2,118)(1,879)--Net insurance operating income21,0141,033923--Total net operating income before impairment and operating expenses223,66822,48820,87620,77819,744Loan impairment expense2,13(988)(918)(1,146)(837)(871)Operating expenses2(10,068)(9,573)(9,085)(8,271)(7,866)Net profit before income tax212,61211,99710,64511,67011,007Corporate tax expense4(3,429)(3,221)(2,899)(2,694)(2,565)Policyholder tax expense4(99)(126)(112)--Net profit after income tax9,0848,6507,6348,9768,442Non-controlling interests(21)(19)(16)--Net profit attributable to Equity holders of the Bank9,0638,6317,6188,9768,442Group 20152014 2013 NoteEarnings per share:    Basic6557.0533.8474.2    Fully diluted 6542.7521.9461.0Cents per share 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Financial Statements 

Statements of Comprehensive Income 

For the year ended 30 June 2015 

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

72  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Group Bank 20152014201320152014$M$M$M$M$MNet profit after income tax for the financial year9,0848,6507,6348,9768,442Other comprehensive income:Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit/(loss):Foreign currency translation reserve net of tax398385466171-Gains and (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments net of tax39(144)(276)106(84)Gains and (losses) on available-for-sale investments net of tax(45)338364(84)453Total of items that may be reclassified392579554193369Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:Actuarial gains and losses from defined benefit superannuation plans net of tax3114236731142Gains and losses on liabilities at fair value due to changes in own credit risk net of tax(3)6-(3)6Revaluation of properties net of tax152631124Total of Items that will not be reclassified3237437031972Other comprehensive income net of income tax715653924512441Total comprehensive income for the financial year9,7999,3038,5589,4888,883Total comprehensive income for the financial year is attributable to:Equity holders of the Bank9,7789,2848,5429,4888,883Non-controlling interests211916--Total comprehensive income net of income tax9,7999,3038,5589,4888,883Group 201520142013NoteDividends per share attributable to shareholders of the Bank:Ordinary shares5420401364Trust preferred securities7,3876,4985,767Cents per share 
 
 
 
 
  
Balance Sheets 

As at 30 June 2015 

Financial Statements 

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

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

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    73 

Group Bank 2015201420152014Note$M $M $M $M AssetsCash and liquid assets733,11626,40931,68324,108Receivables due from other financial institutions811,5408,0659,7207,457Assets at fair value through Income Statement:9Trading26,42421,45925,13520,572Insurance14,08815,142--Other1,278760989561Derivative assets1046,15429,24745,60729,615Available-for-sale investments1174,68466,13772,304131,577Loans, bills discounted and other receivables12639,262597,781573,435535,247Bank acceptances of customers1,9445,0271,9084,984Shares in and loans to controlled entities38--143,75664,086Property, plant and equipment142,8332,8161,5091,467Investment in associates and joint ventures362,6371,8441,2451,029Intangible assets159,9709,7924,7004,555Deferred tax assets 4455586771796Other assets169,0616,3867,4054,823Total assets873,446791,451920,167830,877LiabilitiesDeposits and other public borrowings17543,231498,352497,625457,571Payables due to other financial institutions36,41624,97835,51624,599Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement188,4937,5087,3235,152Derivative liabilities 1035,21327,25939,63629,341Bank acceptances1,9445,0271,9084,984Due to controlled entities--126,496118,920Current tax liabilities661688578612Deferred tax liabilities4351366--Other provisions (1)191,7261,3631,2541,084Insurance policy liabilities2712,91113,166--Debt issues20154,429142,219130,359119,548Managed funds units on issue1,1491,214--Bills payable and other liabilities (1)2111,10510,36914,36110,662807,629732,509855,056772,473Loan capital2212,8249,59413,3649,969Total liabilities820,453742,103868,420782,442Net assets52,99349,34851,74748,435Shareholders' EquityShare capital:Ordinary share capital2327,61927,03627,89427,323Other equity instruments239399391,8951,895Reserves232,3452,0093,1953,011Retained profits2321,52818,82718,76316,206Shareholders' Equity attributable to Equity holders of the Bank52,43148,81151,74748,435Non-controlling interests36562537--Total Shareholders' Equity52,99349,34851,74748,435 
 
 
 
Financial Statements 

Statements of Changes in Equity 

For the year ended 30 June 2015 

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

74  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

GroupShareholders'EquityattributableOrdinaryOtherto EquityNon-Total shareequityRetainedholderscontrollingShareholders'capitalinstrumentsReservesprofitsof the Bank interests  Equity$M$M$M$M$M$M$MAs at 30 June 2013 26,3239391,33316,40545,00053745,537Net profit after income tax ---8,6318,631198,650Net other comprehensive income--60548653-653Total comprehensive income for the financial year--6058,6799,284199,303Transactions with Equity holders in their capacity as Equity holders:Dividends paid on ordinary shares---(6,174)(6,174)-(6,174)Dividends paid on other equity instruments---(32)(32)-(32)Dividend reinvestment plan (net of issue costs)707---707-707Other equity movements:Share based payments--(7)-(7)-(7)Purchase of treasury shares(813)---(813)-(813)Sale and vesting of treasury shares819---819-819Other changes--78(51)27(19)8As at 30 June 201427,0369392,00918,82748,81153749,348Net profit after income tax---9,0639,063219,084Net other comprehensive income--407308715-715Total comprehensive income for the financial year--4079,3719,778219,799Transactions with Equity holders in their capacity as Equity holders:Dividends paid on ordinary shares---(6,744)(6,744)-(6,744)Dividends paid on other equity instruments---(36)(36)-(36)Dividend reinvestment plan (net of issue costs)571---571-571Other equity movements:Share based payments--(3)-(3)-(3)Purchase of treasury shares(790)---(790)-(790)Sale and vesting of treasury shares802---802-802Other changes--(68)11042446As at 30 June 201527,6199392,34521,52852,43156252,993 
 
 
 
Statements of Changes in Equity (continued) 

For the year ended 30 June 2015 

Financial Statements 

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

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    75 

BankShareholders'EquityattributableOrdinaryOtherto Equity shareequityRetainedholderscapitalinstrumentsReservesprofitsof the Bank$M$M$M$M$MAs at 30 June 2013 26,6191,8952,64113,87445,029Net profit after income tax---8,4428,442Net other comprehensive income --39348441Total comprehensive income for the financial year--3938,4908,883Transactions with equity holders in their capacity as equity holders:Dividends paid on ordinary shares---(6,174)(6,174)Dividend reinvestment plan (net of issue costs)704---704Other equity movements:Share based payments--(7)-(7)Other changes--(16)16-As at 30 June 201427,3231,8953,01116,20648,435Net profit after income tax---8,9768,976Net other comprehensive income--204308512Total comprehensive income for the financial year--2049,2849,488Transactions with Equity holders in their capacity as Equity holders:Dividends paid on ordinary shares---(6,744)(6,744)Dividend reinvestment plan (net of issue costs)571---571Other equity movements:Share based payments--(3)-(3)Other changes--(17)17-As at 30 June 201527,8941,8953,19518,76351,747 
 
 
 
Financial Statements 

Statements of Cash Flows (1) 

For the year ended 30 June 2015 

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

76  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

GroupBank20152014201320152014Note$M$M$M$M$MCash flows from operating activitiesInterest received 34,06733,62334,86834,66834,827Interest paid (17,425)(18,160)(21,056)(20,215)(21,085)Other operating income received5,4675,1385,0473,7153,630Expenses paid (8,740)(8,377)(7,819)(7,368)(6,852)Income taxes paid(3,444)(3,763)(2,940)(3,093)(3,467)Net inflows/(outflows) from assets at fair value through Income Statement (excluding life insurance)1,4575,188(756)4,4944,871Net inflows/(outflows) from liabilities at fair value through Income Statement:Insurance:Investment income1183942,551--Premiums received (2)2,9102,8992,106--Policy payments and commission expense (2)(3,307)(3,080)(4,516)--Other liabilities at fair value through Income Statement738(1,619)1,5031,9691,815Cash flows from operating activities beforechanges in operating assets and liabilities11,84112,2438,98814,17013,739Changes in operating assets and liabilities arising from cash flow movementsMovement in available-for-sale investments:Purchases(60,967)(49,468)(45,429)(67,619)(48,489)Proceeds53,56944,13047,09053,05244,027Net increase in loans, bills discounted and other receivables(41,768)(36,795)(28,035)(35,870)(33,355)Net (increase)/decrease in receivables due from other financial institutions and regulatory authorities(2,676)(245)3,538(1,572)(368)Net (increase)/decrease in securities purchased under agreements to resell(6,174)1,119(699)(6,483)970Insurance business:Purchase of insurance assets at fair value through Income Statement(2,741)(3,156)(2,591)--Proceeds from sale/maturity of insurance assets at fair value through Income Statement4,7893,8043,832--Net (increase)/decrease in other assets(1,084)298(265)(1,077)325Net increase in deposits and other public borrowings41,22929,41917,24334,25826,114Net increase/(decrease) in payables due to other financial institutions8,598(1,812)2,1238,147(1,246)Net increase in securities sold underagreements to repurchase3,0154,3893273,0904,419Net (decrease)/increase in other liabilities(448)374553,108(3,278)Changes in operating assets and liabilities arising from cash flow movements(4,658)(8,280)(2,411)(10,966)(10,881)Net cash provided by operating activities39 (a)7,1833,9636,5773,2042,858Cash flows from investing activitiesNet proceeds from disposal of controlled entities39 (d)-531--569Payments for acquisition of controlled entities39 (e)(29)--(29)-Net proceeds from disposal of entities and businesses (net of cash disposals)72481--414Dividends received7170821,9721,944Net amounts received from controlled entities (3)---2,5643,362Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and assets held for sale6968326754Purchases of property, plant and equipment(578)(513)(642)(380)(212)Payments for acquisitions of investments in associates/joint ventures(270)(36)(264)(220)-Net purchase of intangible assets(550)(400)(464)(494)(346)Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities(1,215)201(1,256)3,4805,785 
 
 
Statements of Cash Flows (1) (continued) 

For the year ended 30 June 2015 

Financial Statements 

(1) 

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

The above Statements of Cash Flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    77 

GroupBank20152014201320152014Note$M$M$M$M$MCash flows from financing activitiesProceeds from issue of shares (net of issue costs)--193--Dividends paid (excluding Dividend Reinvestment Plan)(6,200)(5,491)(4,860)(6,164)(5,458)Proceeds from issuance of debt securities68,65587,55492,25061,14276,482Redemption of issued debt securities(73,377)(79,776)(93,691)(66,424)(72,677)Purchase of treasury shares(790)(813)(664)--Sale of treasury shares744760634--Issue of loan capital6,1843581,9776,164-Redemption of loan capital(2,971)(500)(2,215)(2,899)(500)Other(120)(157)218176(58)Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities(7,875)1,935(6,158)(8,005)(2,211)Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents(1,907)6,099(837)(1,321)6,432Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents 2,0494118522,008298Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year19,12812,61812,60317,47810,748Cash and cash equivalents at end of year39 (b)19,27019,12812,61818,16517,478 
 
 
 
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 2015, were approved and 
the  Board  of  Directors  on 
authorised 
11 August 2015. The Directors have the power to amend and 
reissue the Financial Statements. 

issue  by 

for 

The  Bank  is  incorporated  and  domiciled  in  Australia.  It  is  a 
company  limited  by  shares  that  are  publicly  traded  on  the 
Australian Securities Exchange. The address of its registered 
office is Ground Floor, Tower 1, 201 Sussex Street, Sydney, 
NSW 2000, Australia. 

The Group is one of Australia’s leading providers of integrated 
financial  services,  including  retail,  business  and  institutional 
banking,  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 2015  has  been  prepared 
in  accordance  with 
Australian  Accounting  Standards  (the  standards),  which 
include  Australian  Interpretations  by  virtue  of  AASB  1048 
‘Interpretation  and  Application  of  Standards’,  and 
the 
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 
further 
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.  

78  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

The financial report is presented in Australian dollars. 

(e) Segment Reporting 

and  management 

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.  

All  transactions  between  segments  are  conducted  on  an 
arm’s  length  basis,  with  inter-segment  revenue  and  costs 
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 132 Offsetting 

The  Group  has  adopted  the  amended  AASB  132  ‘Financial 
Instruments:  Presentation’.  It  clarified  the  conditions  for 
offsetting  financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities  in  the 
Balance Sheet, including: 

 

 

what  constitutes  a  current  legally  enforceable  right  of 
set-off; and  

the  circumstances  in  which  gross  settlement  systems 
may be considered equivalent to net settlement.  

The  amendments  were  applied  retrospectively  and  did  not 
impact the comparative financial statements of the Group. 

Comparatives 

Where necessary, comparative information has been restated 
to conform to changes in presentation in the current year. All 
comparative  changes  made  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 structured entities) over which the Bank has 
control. The Bank controls another entity when it has: 

 

 

 

power  over  the  relevant  activities  of  the  entity,  for 
example through voting or other rights;  

exposure to, or rights to, variable returns from the Bank’s 
involvement with the entity; and  

the  ability  to  use  its  power  over  the  entity  to  affect  the 
Bank’s returns from the entity.  

The  effects  of  all  transactions  between  subsidiaries  in  the 
Group  are  eliminated  in  full.  Non-controlling  interests  in  the 
results and equity of subsidiaries are shown separately in the 
of 
consolidated 
Comprehensive Income, Statement of Changes in Equity, and 
Balance Sheet. 

Statement, 

Statement 

Income 

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. 

Subsidiaries  are  accounted  for  at  cost  less  accumulated 
impairments at the Bank level. 

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 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued)

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. 

The  Group  assesses,  at  each  Balance  Sheet  date,  whether 
there  is  any  objective  evidence  of  impairment.  The  main 
indicators of impairment are as for equity securities classified 
as available for sale  (Note 1(u)). If there is an indication that 
an  investment  in  an  associate  or  joint  venture  may  be 
impaired, then the entire carrying amount of the investment in 
associate  or  joint  venture  is  tested  for  impairment  by 
comparing  the  recoverable  amount  (higher  of  value  in  use 
and  fair  value  less  disposal  costs)  with  its  carrying  amount. 
Impairment  losses  recognised  in  the  Income  Statement  for 
investments in associates and joint ventures are subsequently 
reversed  through  the  Income  Statement  if  there  has  been  a 
change  in  the  estimates  used  to  determine  recoverable 
amount since the impairment loss was recognised. 

(h) Foreign Currency Translation 

Functional and Presentation Currency 

the  Bank’s 

The  consolidated  financial  statements  are  presented  in 
functional  and 
Australian  dollars,  which 
is 
foreign  operations 
presentation  currency.  The  Group’s 
joint 
(including  subsidiaries,  branches,  associates,  and 
ventures)  will  have  different  functional  currencies  based  on 
the currency of the main economy to which each operation is 
exposed. 

Foreign Currency Transactions 

Foreign  currency 
the 
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. 

presentation  currency  are 
exchange rate at Balance Sheet date.  

translated  at 

the  prevailing 

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.  

All  resulting  exchange  differences  are  recognised  in  the 
foreign currency translation reserve. 

foreign  operation 

When  a 
is  disposed  of,  exchange 
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 and expenses are only offset in the Income Statement 
if  permitted  under 
relevant  accounting  standard. 
Examples  of  offsetting  include gains and losses from foreign 
exchange exposures and trading operations. 

the 

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  that  would  be  received  to  sell  an 
asset  or  paid  to  transfer  a  liability  in  an  orderly  transaction 
between  market  participants  at  the  measurement  date. 
Financial  assets  and  liabilities  at  fair  value  through  Income 
Statement,  available-for-sale  investments  and  all  derivative 
instruments  are 
recognised  and  subsequently 
measured at fair value. 

initially 

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. 

Foreign Operations 

Income Statement 

Assets  and  liabilities  of  the  Group’s  foreign  operations  that 
the  Group’s 
have  a 

functional  currency  different 

from 

Revenue  is  measured  at  the  fair  value  of  the  consideration 
received or receivable. Revenue is recognised for each major 
revenue stream as follows: 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    79 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

(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  and  underwriting 

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  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  the  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 
financial  assets,  are 
classified  as  available-for-sale 
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 

that  are 

issue  costs 

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.  It  also  includes  payments  made 
under a liquidity facility arrangement with the Reserve Bank of 
Australia and other financing charges. 

(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. 

80  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

increase 

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 
corresponding 
the  employee  compensation 
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 
measurement of the expense.  

the  equity 

instruments 

included 

taken 

in 

in 

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) and Note 1(v) 
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). 

(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 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. 

(s) The Tax Consolidated Group 

Tax  consolidation 
legislation  allows  Australian  resident 
entities  to  elect  to  consolidate  and  be  treated  as  a  single 
entity  for  Australian  tax  purposes.  The  Bank,  as  the  head  of 
the  tax  consolidated  group,  and  its  wholly-owned  Australian 
subsidiaries, elected to be taxed as a single entity under this 
regime with effect from 1 July 2002.  

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued)

The members of the tax consolidated group have entered into 
tax  funding  and  tax  sharing  agreements,  which  set  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 

The measurement and disclosure of deferred tax assets and 
liabilities  have  been  performed  in  accordance  with  the 
principles  in  AASB  112  ‘Income  Taxes’,  and  on  a  modified 
‘Tax  Consolidation 
standalone  basis  under  UIG  1052 
Accounting’. 

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:  

 

 

 

 

financial  assets  at 
Statement; 

derivative assets; 

fair  value 

through 

the 

Income 

loans and receivables; and  

available-for-sale investments.  

The classification of financial instruments at initial recognition 
depends on their purpose, characteristics and management’s 
intention when acquiring them. 

the 

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 

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 

financial  assets  are 
recognition, 
Subsequent 
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, 
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 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    81 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued)

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. 
(iii) Net Investment Hedges 

Gains  and  losses  on  derivative  contracts  relating  to  the 
effective  portion  of the  net  investment  hedge  are  recognised 
in the foreign currency translation reserve in equity. 

Ineffective portions are recognised immediately in the Income 
Statement.  Gains  and  losses  accumulated  in  equity  are 
included in the Income Statement when the foreign subsidiary 
or branch is disposed of. 

(iv) Embedded Derivatives 

the 

In certain  instances,  a  derivative may  be  embedded  within  a 
host  contract.  If  the  host  contract  is  not  carried  at  fair  value 
through 
the  economic 
Income  Statement  and 
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) 

investments  are  non-derivative 
Available-for-sale 
financial assets that are not classified at fair value through the 
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.  

Impairment exists if there is objective evidence of impairment 
as  a  result  of  one  or  more  events  which  have  an  impact  on 
the  estimated  future  cash  flows  of  the  available-for-sale 
securities that can be reliably estimated. For equity securities 
classified  as  an  AFS  investment,  the  main  indicators  of 
impairment  are  significant  changes  in  the  market,  economic 
or legal environment and a significant or prolonged decline in 
fair value below cost. 

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 

82  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

linked  objectively 

value of an AFS debt security increases and the increase can 
be 
the 
impairment  event,  the  impairment  is  reversed  through  the 
Income  Statement.  However,  impairment  losses  on  AFS 
equity securities are not reversed. 

to  an  event  occurring  after 

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. 

Financial assets initially designated as AFS investments, that 
would  have  otherwise  met  the  definition  of  loans  and  other 
receivables, can be reclassified if the Group has the intention 
and  ability  to  hold  these  financial  assets  for  the  foreseeable 
future or until maturity at the date of reclassification.  

Reclassifications  are  made  at  fair  value  as  at  the  date  of 
reclassification.  Fair  value  becomes  the  new  amortised  cost 
and no reversals of fair value gains or losses recorded before 
reclassification date are subsequently made.  

Reclassifications  during  the  year  are  outlined  in  Note 11 
Available-for-Sale Investments. 

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 

Loans,  bills  discounted  and  other 
include 
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. 

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 
recognised as interest income. 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued)

In  subsequent  periods,  interest  in  arrears/due  on  non-
performing  facilities  is  recognised  in  the  Income  Statement 
using the original effective interest rate. 

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 
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 
treated  as  a 
derecognition  of  the  original  liability  and  the  recognition  of  a 
new 
the  respective  carrying 
amounts is recognised in the Income Statement.  

liability.  The  difference 

in 

is 

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 
Liabilities and Contingent Assets’. 

‘Provisions,  Contingent 

Loan  assets  under  committed  lending  facilities  are  not 
recognised until the facilities are drawn upon. 

The  Group  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. 

(v) Lease Receivables 

Leases are classified as either a finance lease or an operating 
lease.  Under  a  finance  lease,  substantially  all  the  risks  and 
rewards  incidental  to  legal  ownership  are  transferred  to  the 
lessee. Under an operating lease, these risks remain with the 
lessor. 

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  12 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  impairment  if  required. 
Subsequent  costs  are  capitalised  if  these  result  in  an 
enhancement  to  the  asset.  Depreciation  is  calculated  using 
the  straight  line  method  over  the  asset’s  estimated  useful 
economic life. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    83 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued)

The useful lives of major depreciable asset categories are as 
follows: 

over  which  the  brand  name  is  expected  to  generate  cash 
flows. 

Land 

Buildings 

Equipment 

Leasehold improvements 

Assets under lease 

 

 

 

Aircraft 

Rail 

Ships 

Indefinite (not 
depreciated) 

Up to 30 years 

3 – 8 years 

Lesser of unexpired 
lease term or lives as 
above 

25 years 

35 – 40 years 

25 – 40 years 

The Group assesses at each Balance Sheet date useful lives 
and  residual  values  and  whether  there  is  any  objective 
evidence of impairment. If an asset’s carrying value is greater 
than  its  recoverable  amount,  the  carrying  amount  is  written 
down immediately to its recoverable amount. 

(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. 

Goodwill 

Goodwill  arising  from  business  combinations  is  included  in 
intangible assets on the Balance Sheet and has an indefinite 
useful life. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually through 
allocation to  a  group  of  Cash  Generating  Units  (CGUs).  The 
CGUs’  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 15. 

Computer Software Costs 

Certain  internal  and  external  costs  directly 
in 
acquiring  and  developing  software,  net  of  specific  project 
related  grants,  are  capitalised  and  amortised  over  the 
estimated  useful  life.  The  majority  of  software  projects  are 
amortised  over 
five  years.  The  Core  Banking 
Modernisation software project is amortised over ten years.  

incurred 

two 

to 

Software maintenance is 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 

84  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

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 
acquisition  and  subsequently  measured  at  cost 
less 
losses. 
accumulated  amortisation  and  any 
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. 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued)

Interest  is  recognised  in  the  Income  Statement  using  the 
effective  interest  method.  Any  profits  or  losses  arising  from 
redemption  prior 
taken  to  the  Income 
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 
thereafter  at 
directly  attributable 
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 
recognised  as  a 
is 
recognised to reflect the offsetting claim against the drawer of 
the bill.  

liability.  An  asset  of  equal  value 

Bank  acceptances  generate  interest  and  fee  income  that  is 
recognised in the Income Statement when earned. 

(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 
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 

for  annual 

The  provision 
outstanding 
liability 
entitlements at Balance Sheet date. 

to  employees 

leave  represents 

the  current 
leave 

for  annual 

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 semi-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,  net  interest  cost  (income),  past  service  and  other 
costs  (such  as  the  effects  of  any  curtailments  and 
settlements)  is  recognised  as  an  employee  expense  in 
the Income Statement; 

Remeasurements  relating  to  actuarial  gains  and  losses 
and  the  difference  between  interest  income  and  the 
return on plan assets are recognised directly in retained 
profits through OCI; 

Contributions made by the Group are recognised directly 
against the net defined benefit liability or asset; and 

Net  interest  cost  (income)  is  determined  by  multiplying 
the  rate  of  high  quality  corporate  bonds  by  the  net 
defined benefit obligation (asset) at the beginning of the 
reporting  period  and  adjusted  for  changes  in  the  net 
defined  benefit  liability  (asset)  due  to  contributions  and 
benefit payments.  

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. Note 19 Other Provisions contains a description of 
provisions held.  

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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    85 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued)

(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. Where an 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 
insurers.  The  financial  risks  are  substantially  borne  by  the 
policyholder.  Shareholders  can  only  receive  a  distribution 

86  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

when the capital adequacy requirements of the Life Insurance 
Act 1995 are met.  

(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.  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.  

(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 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 comprise 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

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued)

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 

include  controlling 
The 
interests in trusts and companies which 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  packages  and  sells  asset  backed  securities  to 
investors through an asset securitisation program.  

The  Group  is  entitled  to  any  residual  income  of  the  program 
after all payments due to investors and costs of the program 
have  been  met.  The  Group  also  directs  any  decisions  over 
relevant  activities  of  the  program  and  therefore  controls  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,  resulting  in  their  continued 
recognition by the Group. 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. 

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 Group’s net assets and income. 

(mm) 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. 

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  

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 13. 

(nn) Provisions (Other than Loan Impairment) 

Provisions are held in respect of a range of future obligations 
as  outlined  in  Note  19.  Provisions  carried  for  long  service 
leave are calculated based on actuarial models and subject to 
in  underlying 
review  based  on  changes 
semi-annual 
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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    87 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued)

(oo) 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,  interest, 
inflation 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. 

relies  on  making 
The  determination  of  assumptions 
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 27. 

(pp) Consolidation of Special Purpose Entities 

The Group exercises judgement at inception and periodically, 
to assess whether a structured entity should be consolidated 
based on the Bank’s power over the relevant activities of the 
entity and the significance of its exposure to variable returns 
of the structured entity. Such assessments are predominantly 
required  for  the  Group’s  securitisation  program,  structured 
transactions, and involvement with investment funds. 

(qq) Financial Instruments at Fair Value 

A significant portion of financial instruments are carried at fair 
value on the Balance Sheet. 

The  best  evidence  of  fair  value  is  quoted  prices in  an  active 
market.  If  the  market  for  a  financial  instrument  is  not  active, 
the  Group  establishes  fair  value  by  using  a  valuation 
technique. The  objective  of  using  a  valuation  technique is to 
establish what the transaction price would have been  on the 
measurement date in an arm’s length exchange motivated by 
normal business considerations. 

Valuation  techniques  include  using  recent  arm’s  length 
market transactions between knowledgeable willing parties (if 
available),  reference  to  the  current  fair  value  of  another 
instrument  that  is  substantially  the  same,  discounted  cash 
flow analysis and option pricing models. If there is a valuation 
technique commonly used by market participants to price the 
instrument  and  that  technique  has  been  demonstrated  to 
provide reliable estimates of prices obtained in actual market 
transactions, the Group uses that technique. 

The  chosen  valuation  technique  makes  maximum  use  of 
market inputs and relies as little as possible on entity specific 
inputs.  It  incorporates  all  factors  that  market  participants 
would  consider  in  setting  a  price  and  is  consistent  with 
accepted  economic  methodologies 
financial 
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. 

88  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

without  modification  or  repackaging)  and  any  other  available 
observable  market  data.  Note  40  includes  details  of  non-
observable inputs used to fair value financial instruments. 

(rr) Goodwill 

for 

the  purpose  of 

Goodwill  is  allocated  to  CGUs  whose  recoverable  amount  is 
calculated 
testing.  The 
recoverable  amount  calculation  relies  primarily  on  publicly 
available  earnings  multiples.  Note  15  includes  the  details  of 
the inputs used in recoverable amount calculations. 

impairment 

(ss) Taxation 

Provisions  for  taxation  require  significant  judgement  with 
that  are  uncertain.  For  such 
respect 
uncertainties,  the  Group  has  estimated  its  tax  provisions 
based on its expected outcomes. 

to  outcomes 

(tt) Superannuation Obligations 

The  Group’s  defined  benefit  plans  are  described  in  Note  35. 
Actuarial valuations of the plan’s obligations and the fair value 
of the plan’s assets are performed semi-annually. 

The actuarial valuation of plan obligations is dependent upon 
a  series  of  assumptions,  including  price  inflation,  discount 
rates,  salary  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.  

Future Accounting Developments 

AASB  9  ‘Financial  Instruments’  amends  the  classification, 
measurement  and  impairment  of  financial  instruments  and 
general hedge accounting requirements.  

AASB  9  is  not  mandatory  until  1 July 2018  for  the  Group. 
Other  than  the  own  credit  requirements,  which  were  early 
adopted  from  1 January 2014,  the  Group  does  not  intend  to 
early adopt the standard.  

for 

AASB 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ contains 
the  recognition  of  revenue  and 
new  requirements 
additional  disclosures.  AASB 15 
is  not  mandatory  until 
1 July 2017,  however  the  IASB  has  deferred  adoption  to 
1 July 2018.  The  AASB  is  also  expected  to  make  a  similar 
amendment. 

The potential financial impact of the above to the Group is not 
yet possible to determine. 

The  following  amendments  to  existing  standards  are  not  yet 
mandatory  and  they  are  not  expected  to  result  in  significant 
changes to the Group’s accounting policies: 

 

 

 

 

 

‘Amendments 

2014-9 
Standards  –  Equity  Method 
Statements’; 

to  Australian  Accounting 
in  Separate  Financial 

‘Amendments 

2014-10 
to  Australian  Accounting 
Standards  –  Sale  or  Contribution of  Assets  between  an 
Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture’; 

‘Amendments 
2015-1 
Standards  –  Annual 
Accounting Standards 2012–2014 Cycle’; 

Improvements 

to  Australian  Accounting 
to  Australian 

‘Amendments 

2015-2 
to  Australian  Accounting 
Standards – Disclosure Initiative: Amendments to AASB 
101’; and 

‘Amendments 

2015-5 
Standards  – 
Consolidation Exception’. 

Investment  Entities:  Applying 

to  Australian  Accounting 
the 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 2 Profit 

Profit before income tax has been determined as follows: 

(1)  Total interest income for financial assets that are not at fair value through profit or loss is $33,163 million (2014: $33,081 million, 2013: $34,289 million) for 

the Group and $34,050 million (2014: $34,334 million) for the Bank. 

(2)  Total interest expense for financial liabilities that are not at fair value through profit or loss is $18,117 million (2014: $18,338 million, 2013: $20,607 million) 

(3) 
(4) 

for the Group and $20,893 million (2014: $21,387 million) for the Bank. 
Inclusive of non-trading derivatives that are held for risk management purposes. 
Includes  depreciation  in  relation  to  operating  leases  where  the  Group  is  the  lessor  of  $80 million  (30 June 2014:  $77 million,  30 June 2013:  $65 million) 
and $18 million (30 June 2014: $17 million) where the Bank is the lessor. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    89 

GroupBank20152014201320152014$M$M$M$M$MInterest IncomeLoans and bills discounted 31,43131,15432,02027,66727,805Other financial institutions 7369646060Cash and liquid assets 268251187206201Assets at fair value through Income Statement 518447450468409Available-for-sale investments 1,8101,7242,0181,6944,221Controlled entities---4,8422,164Total interest income (1)34,10033,64534,73934,93734,860Interest ExpenseDeposits12,95313,33815,07011,41512,053Other financial institutions220228233186205Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement 188206198113107Debt issues 4,3724,3434,8693,4583,571Loan capital572429435547421Controlled entities---5,2875,137Total interest expense (2)18,30518,54420,80521,00621,494Net interest income15,79515,10113,93413,93113,366Other Operating IncomeLending fees 1,0501,0831,0539731,015Commissions2,2262,1301,9901,8601,783Trading income1,005922863940850Net gain/(loss) on non-trading financial instruments (3)251(49)17254(83)Net gain/(loss) on sale of property, plant and equipment(8)(12)(14)(4)(9)Net hedging ineffectiveness(95)(21)(25)(67)(25)Dividends - Controlled entities---1,9191,894Dividends - Other161295350Net funds management operating income2,0032,0341,847--Insurance contracts income 1,0141,033923--Share of profit of associates and joint ventures net of impairment285150165--Other (4)126105114919903Total other operating income7,8737,3876,9426,8476,378Total net operating income before impairment and operating expense23,66822,48820,87620,77819,744Impairment ExpenseLoan impairment expense 9889181,146837871Total impairment expense (Note 13)9889181,146837871 
 
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 2 Profit (continued) 

(1)  Comparative information has been reclassified to conform with presentation in the current year. 
(2)  Merger related amortisation relates to Bankwest core deposits and customer lists. 

90  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

GroupBank20152014201320152014$M$M$M$M$MStaff ExpensesSalaries and related on-costs (1)5,3215,0894,7863,9183,732Share-based compensation (1)969910092107Superannuation399354346311279Total staff expenses5,8165,5425,2324,3214,118Occupancy and Equipment ExpensesOperating lease rentals620607580535526Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 253244234208197Other occupancy expenses (1)213202204172155Total occupancy and equipment expenses1,0861,0531,018915878Information Technology ServicesApplication, maintenance and development 430412439390375Data processing (1)183175196182174Desktop1101011009689Communications190189202169169Amortisation of software assets308328245264290Software write-offs1170-1068IT equipment depreciation6062775659Total information technology services1,2921,3371,2591,1671,224Other ExpensesPostage and stationery195188199170165Transaction processing and market data (1)153156134116136Fees and commissions:Professional fees 390257230358232Other (1)9799120360316Advertising, marketing and loyalty522477463407391Amortisation of intangible assets (excluding software and merger related amortisation)161920--Non-lending losses118976710892Other (1)308274268274240Total other expenses1,7991,5671,5011,7931,572Total expenses9,9939,4999,0108,1967,792Investment and RestructuringMerger related amortisation (2)7574757574Total investment and restructuring7574757574Total operating expenses10,0689,5739,0858,2717,866Profit before income tax12,61211,99710,64511,67011,007Net hedging ineffectiveness comprises:Gain/(loss) on fair value hedges:Hedging instruments(568)59(614)(731)(315)Hedged items493(71)617660305Cash flow hedge ineffectiveness(20)(9)(28)4(15)Net hedging ineffectiveness(95)(21)(25)(67)(25) 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 3 Average Balances and Related Interest 

The  following  tables  have  been  produced  using Statutory Balance Sheet  and Income Statement  categories.  The  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.  

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  50  basis  points,  while  rates  in  New  Zealand  remained 
unchanged during the year. 

(1)  Loans, bills discounted and other receivables include bank acceptances. 
(2)  Excludes amortisation of acquisition related fair value adjustments made to fixed interest financial instruments. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    91 

Group201520142013AverageAverageAverageAverageAverageAverageInterest earning BalanceInterestRateBalanceInterestRateBalanceInterestRateassets$M$M%$M$M%$M$M%Cash and liquid assetsAustralia8,9511741. 98,1791692. 15,4591162. 1Overseas21,500940. 417,840820. 512,787710. 6Receivables due from other financial institutionsAustralia3,418200. 65,070290. 63,405351. 0Overseas6,262530. 84,334400. 95,888290. 5Assets at fair value through Income Statement - Trading and OtherAustralia17,3673962. 316,2593522. 210,5513623. 4Overseas4,6181222. 66,053951. 66,035881. 5Available-for-sale investmentsAustralia58,3381,6562. 854,0261,6353. 052,6801,9333. 7Overseas10,0941541. 57,702891. 26,822851. 2Loans, bills discounted and other receivables (1)Australia (2)542,13827,0785. 0512,89427,3715. 3491,16028,8405. 9Overseas82,1864,3535. 373,0143,7835. 258,8503,1805. 4Total interest earning assets and interest income754,87234,1004. 5705,37133,6454. 8653,63734,7395. 3Group201520142013AverageAverageAverageBalanceBalanceBalanceNon-interest earning assets$M$M$MAssets at fair value through Income Statement - InsuranceAustralia12,53112,14112,464Overseas2,5742,4132,177Property, plant and equipmentAustralia2,5312,5062,380Overseas249237210Other assetsAustralia61,85551,44852,036Overseas12,58010,8249,986Provisions for impairmentAustralia(3,524)(4,027)(4,516)Overseas(288)(269)(234)Total non-interest earning assets88,50875,27374,503Total assets843,380780,644728,140Percentage of total assets applicable to overseas operations (%)16.615.614.1 
 
 
  
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 3 Average Balances and Related Interest (continued) 

(1)  Certain comparative information has been restated to conform to presentation in the current year. 
(2)  Debt issues include bank acceptances. 

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. 

92  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Group201520142013Average AverageAverage AverageAverage AverageInterest bearing Balance Interest RateBalance Interest RateBalance InterestRateliabilities (1)$M $M % $M $M % $M $M%Time depositsAustralia209,8207,0803. 4211,5718,0323. 8211,0649,6804. 6Overseas38,7061,0972. 836,5169312. 535,6029542. 7Savings depositsAustralia158,2323,0761. 9135,2762,9052. 1118,8963,1302. 6Overseas14,8214393. 012,8973953. 18,7402743. 1Other demand depositsAustralia82,6091,1231. 471,9029801. 464,6599601. 5Overseas5,9161382. 35,024951. 93,988721. 8Payables due to other financialinstitutionsAustralia11,6611391. 29,5201161. 27,5181171. 6Overseas20,030810. 416,8291120. 713,7681160. 8Liabilities at fair value throughIncome StatementAustralia4,3981082. 54,3061022. 42,433974. 0Overseas2,696803. 04,1051042. 54,3991012. 3Debt issues (2)Australia 132,7663,8232. 9129,1014,0003. 1118,2954,6663. 9Overseas21,0235492. 615,1833432. 310,2572032. 0Loan capitalAustralia6,7153014. 55,9592594. 35,8462834. 8Overseas4,7662715. 73,5441704. 84,0921523. 7Total interest bearing liabilities and interest expense714,15918,3052. 6661,73318,5442. 8609,55720,8053. 4Group201520142013AverageAverageAverageBalanceBalanceBalanceNon-interest bearing liabilities$M$M$MDeposits not bearing interestAustralia10,1738,8787,895Overseas2,5892,3281,903Insurance policy liabilitiesAustralia11,81111,64811,799Overseas1,4711,3891,255Other liabilitiesAustralia40,07737,38642,945Overseas11,9299,9759,332Total non-interest bearing liabilities78,05071,60475,129Total liabilities792,209733,337684,686Shareholders' Equity51,17147,30743,454Total liabilities and Shareholders' Equity843,380780,644728,140Total liabilities applicable to overseas operations (%)15.614.713.6 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 3 Average Balances and Related Interest (continued) 

Volume and rate variance for total interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities have been calculated separately (rather 
than being the sum of the individual categories). 

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

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    93 

Changes in net interest income:VolumeRateTotalVolumeRateTotalVolume and rate analysis$M$M$M$M$M$MInterest Earning AssetsCash and liquid assetsAustralia15(10)557(4)53Overseas16(4)1226(15)11Receivables due from other financial institutionsAustralia(10)1(9)13(19)(6)Overseas17(4)13(11)2211Assets at fair value through Income Statement - Trading and OtherAustralia251944160(170)(10)Overseas(30)5727-77Available-for-sale investmentsAustralia126(105)2145(343)(298)Overseas32336511(7)4Loans, bills discounted and other receivablesAustralia 1,511(1,804)(293)1,218(2,687)(1,469)Overseas 48189570750(147)603Changes in interest income2,299(1,844)4552,609(3,703)(1,094)Interest Bearing Liabilities and Loan Capital (1)Time depositsAustralia(63)(889)(952)21(1,669)(1,648)Overseas5910716624(47)(23)Savings depositsAustralia470(299)171391(616)(225)Overseas58(14)44129(8)121Other demand depositsAustralia146(3)143103(83)20Overseas19244319423Payables due to other financial institutionsAustralia26(3)2328(29)(1)Overseas17(48)(31)23(27)(4)Liabilities at fair value through Income StatementAustralia24660(55)5Overseas(39)15(24)(7)103Debt issuesAustralia 110(287)(177)381(1,047)(666)Overseas 1426420610436140Loan capitalAustralia 339425(29)(24)Overseas6437101(23)4118Changes in interest expense1,406(1,645)(239)1,621(3,882)(2,261)Changes in net interest income1,048(354)6941,105621,167June 2015 vs June 2014June 2014 vs June 2013  
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 4 Income Tax 

The income tax expense for the year is determined from the profit before income tax as follows: 

   (1)  Policyholder tax is excluded from both profit before income tax and tax expense for the purpose of calculating the Group’s effective tax rate as it is  not 

incurred directly by the Group. 

94  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

GroupBank20152014201320152014$M$M$M$M$MProfit before Income Tax 12,61211,99710,64511,67011,007Prima facie income tax at 30% 3,7843,5993,1933,5013,302Effect of amounts which are non-deductible/ (assessable) in calculating taxable income:Taxation offsets and other dividend adjustments(6)(6)(3)(582)(574)Tax adjustment referable to policyholder income698979--Tax losses not previously brought to account(9)(21)(18)(6)(15)Offshore tax rate differential(116)(99)(89)(35)(21)Offshore banking unit(39)(30)(33)(39)(30)Effect of changes in tax rates23-13Income tax (over) provided in previous years (163)(121)(50)(151)(77)Other6(67)(68)5(23)Total income tax expense3,5283,3473,0112,6942,565Corporate tax expense3,4293,2212,8992,6942,565Policyholder tax expense99126112--Total income tax expense3,5283,3473,0112,6942,565Effective tax rate (%) (1)27.427.127.523.123.3Group Bank Income tax expense attributable to 20152014201320152014profit from ordinary activities$M $M $M $M $M AustraliaCurrent tax expense2,8652,4332,3922,5912,214Deferred tax expense 1243891929247Total Australia2,9892,8222,5842,6002,461OverseasCurrent tax expense5476704257884Deferred tax expense/(benefit)(8)(145)21620Total overseas53952542794104Total income tax expense3,5283,3473,0112,6942,565 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 4 Income Tax (continued) 

(1)  Comparatives have been aggregated to conform to presentation in the current year. 
(2)  The following amounts are expected to be recovered within 12 months of the Balance Sheet date for the Group $1,220 million (2014: $1,151 million) and 

for the Bank $1,083 million (2014: $1,031 million). 

(3)  The following amounts are expected to be settled within 12 months of the Balance Sheet date for the Group $552 million (2014: $366 million) and for the 

Bank $139 million (2014: $189 million). 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    95 

GroupBank20152014201320152014$M$M$M$M$MDeferred tax asset balances comprise temporary differences attributable to:Amounts recognised in the Income Statement:Provision for employee benefits453437414369360Provisions for impairment on loans, bills discounted and other receivables1,0081,0441,177944986Other provisions not tax deductible until expense incurred283160175234134Financial instruments369912Defined benefit superannuation plan 293265199293265Other (1)207233231184206Total amount recognised in the Income Statement2,2802,1482,2052,0251,953Amounts recognised directly in Other Comprehensive Income:Cash flow hedge reserve155997776Other reserves (1)62633Total amount recognised directly in Other Comprehensive Income16110183109Total deferred tax assets (before set off) (2)2,4412,2492,2882,0351,962Set off to tax pursuant to set-off provisions in Note 1(r)(1,986)(1,663)(1,372)(1,264)(1,166)Net deferred tax assets455586916771796Deferred tax liability balances comprise temporary differences attributable to:Amounts recognised in the Income Statement:Impact of TOFA adoption--11--Lease financing341381370170187Intangible assets123457311837Financial instruments2351841421115Other60062458761151Total amount recognised in the Income Statement1,2991,2341,183360390Amounts recognised directly in Other Comprehensive Income:Revaluation of properties7685827684Foreign currency translation reserve40----Cash flow hedge reserve293193259223179Defined benefit superannuation plan 365229180365229Available-for-sale investments reserve264288139240284Total amount recognised directly in Other Comprehensive Income1,038795660904776Total deferred tax liabilities (before set off) (3)2,3372,0291,8431,2641,166Set off to tax pursuant to set-off provisions in Note 1(r)(1,986)(1,663)(1,372)(1,264)(1,166)Net deferred tax liabilities351366471--Deferred tax assets opening balance: 5869169607961,044Movement in temporary differences during the year:Provisions for employee benefits162333913Provisions for impairment on loans, bills discounted and other receivables(36)(133)(87)(42)(135)Other provisions not tax deductible until expense incurred123(15)(17)100(11)Financial instruments8719(32)(1)(55)Defined benefit superannuation plan 2866582866Other (1)(26)119(21)(11)Set off to tax pursuant to set-off provisions in Note 1(r)(323)(291)(18)(98)(115)Deferred tax assets closing balance455586916771796 
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 4 Income Tax (continued) 

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

Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of the following items because it is not considered probable that future 
taxable profit will be available against which they can be realised: 

Tax Consolidation 

The  Bank  has  recognised  a  tax  consolidation  contribution  to  the  wholly-owned  tax  consolidated  entity  of  $98 million 
(2014: $97 million). 

The  amount  receivable  by  the  Bank  under  the  tax  funding  agreement  was  $200 million  as  at  30 June 2015  (2014: $252 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.

96  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Group Bank 20152014201320152014$M $M $M $M $M Deferred tax liabilities opening balance:366471338--Movement in temporary differences during the year:Impact of TOFA adoption-(11)2-(11)Lease financing(40)115(17)5Defined benefit superannuation plan 1364912613649Intangible assets78(28)(54)81(25)Financial instruments16712546(4)105Other (1)(33)4026(98)(8)Set off to tax pursuant to set-off provisions in Note 1(r)(323)(291)(18)(98)(115)Deferred tax liabilities closing balance351366471--Group Bank 20152014201320152014Deferred tax assets not taken to account$M $M $M $M $M Tax losses and other temporary differences on revenue account:Expire under current legislation 8350836239Do not expire under current legislation-1211--Total8362946239 
 
 
 
  
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 5 Dividends 

(1)  The 2015 final dividend will be satisfied in full by cash disbursements with the Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) anticipated will be satisfied by the issue 
of shares of approximately $700 million. The 2014 final dividend was satisfied by cash disbursements of $3,534 million with the DRP satisfied in full by an 
on market purchase of shares. The 2013 final dividend was satisfied by cash disbursements of $3,224 million with the DRP satisfied in full by an on market 
purchase of shares. 

Final Dividend 

The  Directors  have  declared  a  franked  final  dividend  of  222 cents  per  share  amounting  to  $3,613 million.  The  dividend  will  be 
payable  on  1 October 2015  to  shareholders  on  the  register  at  5pm  AEST  on  20 August 2015.  The  ex-dividend  date  is 
18 August 2015. 

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 expectations; and 

Earnings per share growth. 

The  Bank  expects  the  DRP  for  the  final  dividend  for  the  year  30 June 2015  will  be  satisfied  by  the  issue  of  shares  of 
approximately $700 million. 

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 2015 to frank dividends for subsequent financial years, is $569 million (2014: $533 million). This figure is based on the 
franking  accounts  of  the  Bank  at  30 June 2015,  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 2015. 

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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    97 

Group Bank 20152014201320152014$M $M $M $M $M Ordinary SharesInterim ordinary dividend (fully franked) (2015: 198 cents;            2014: 183 cents; 2013: 164 cents)Interim ordinary dividend paid - cash component only2,6362,2432,6392,6362,243Interim ordinary dividend paid - Dividend Reinvestment Plan574707-574707Total dividend paid3,2102,9502,6393,2102,950Other Equity InstrumentsDividend paid524540--Total dividend provided for, reserved or paid3,2622,9952,6793,2102,950Other provision carried8273658273Dividend proposed and not recognised as a liability (fully franked) (2015: 222 cents; 2014: 218 cents; 2013: 200 cents) (1)3,6133,5343,2243,6133,534Provision for dividendsOpening balance7365527365Provision made during the year6,7446,1745,8316,7446,174Provision used during the year(6,735)(6,166)(5,818)(6,735)(6,166)Closing balance (Note 19)8273658273Half-yearFull YearDRPPayoutPayoutDRPParticipationCents Per Ratio (1) Ratio (1)Price Rate (2)Half year endedSharePayment Date% % $ % 31 December 2012164          05/04/201373. 1-68. 7622. 730 June 2013200          03/10/201381. 377. 473. 4222. 431 December 2013183          03/04/201470. 5-75. 2624. 030 June 2014218          02/10/201480. 375. 580. 3919. 931 December 2014198          02/04/201571. 2-91. 2617. 930 June 2015222          01/10/201580. 375. 7-- 
 
 
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 6 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 7 Cash and Liquid Assets 

Note 8 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 12 months of the Balance Sheet date. 

98  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Group 20152014 2013 Earnings per ordinary shareCents per ShareBasic 557. 0533. 8474. 2Fully diluted542. 7521. 9461. 0Group 20152014 2013Reconciliation of earnings used in calculation of earnings per share$M $M $M Profit after income tax9,0848,6507,634Less: Other equity instrument dividends(52)(45)(40)Less: Non-controlling interests(21)(19)(16)Earnings used in calculation of basic earnings per share9,0118,5867,578Add: Profit impact of assumed conversions of loan capital225190193Earnings used in calculation of fully diluted earnings per share9,2368,7767,771Number of Shares 201520142013M M M Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the calculationof basic earnings per share1,6181,6081,598Effect of dilutive securities - executive share plans and convertible loan capital instruments847388Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the calculation of fully diluted earnings per share1,7021,6811,686Group Bank 2015201420152014$M $M $M $M Notes, coins and cash at banks15,68312,49014,82111,089Money at short call3,4786,4823,2866,302Securities purchased under agreements to resell13,8467,28113,5186,630Bills received and remittances in transit1091565887Total cash and liquid assets33,11626,40931,68324,108GroupBank2015201420152014$M$M$M$MPlacements with and loans to other financial institutions11,3287,8859,6877,429Deposits with regulatory authorities (1)2121803328Total receivables due from other financial institutions11,5408,0659,7207,457 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 9 Assets at Fair Value through Income Statement 

Investments held in the Australian statutory funds may only be used within the restrictions imposed under the Life Insurance Act 1995.  

(1) 
(2)  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 

(3) 

mismatch. 
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 12). 

Note 10 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.  

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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    99 

GroupBank2015201420152014Assets at Fair Value through Income Statement$M $M $M $M TradingGovernment bonds, notes and securities11,48610,45311,04210,311Corporate/financial institution bonds, notes and securities6,4447,2166,0266,477Shares and equity investments2,6231,7912,1961,791Commodities5,8711,9995,8711,993Total trading assets26,42421,45925,13520,572Insurance (1)Investments backing life risk contractsEquity security investments844925--Debt security investments3,1353,440--Property investments136282--Other assets555409-Investments backing life investment contractsEquity security investments4,6704,822--Debt security investments3,1823,450--Property investments297665--Other assets1,2691,149--Total life insurance investment assets14,08815,142--Other (2)Government securities95192-137Receivables due from other financial institutions1,183568989424Total other assets at fair value through Income Statement1,278760989561Total assets at fair value through Income Statement (3)41,79037,36126,12421,133Maturity Distribution of assets at fair value through income statementLess than twelve months27,57723,57626,12421,133More than twelve months14,21313,785--Total assets at fair value through Income Statement41,79037,36126,12421,133 
  
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 10 Derivative Financial Instruments (continued) 

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: 

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: 

100  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

GroupBankTotalTotal2015201420152014$M$M$M$MWithin 6 months(39)98(8)376 months - 1 year(5)3428(9)1 - 2 years972691742782 - 5 years591313690521After 5 years(267)(395)(128)(222)Net deferred gains/(losses)377319756605Group20152014Fair ValueFair ValueFair ValueFair ValueAssetLiabilityAssetLiabilityDerivatives assets and liabilities$M$M$M$MHeld for tradingExchange rate related contracts:Forward contracts7,019(6,472)3,666(3,784)Swaps7,299(7,808)4,200(4,536)Futures7-15-Options purchased and sold736(773)391(373)Total exchange rate related contracts15,061(15,053)8,272(8,693)Interest rate related contracts:Forward contracts1(1)--Swaps9,120(7,226)11,103(10,163)Futures5(2)7(4)Options purchased and sold824(844)620(580)Total interest rate related contracts9,950(8,073)11,730(10,747)Credit related swaps28(33)33(38)Equity related contracts:Swaps165(9)65(9)Options purchased and sold66(62)34(53)Total equity related contracts231(71)99(62)Commodity related contracts:Swaps291(359)136(205)Options purchased and sold59(55)14(14)Total commodity related contracts350(414)150(219)Identified embedded derivatives193(258)6(82)Total derivative assets/(liabilities) held for trading25,813(23,902)20,290(19,841) 
 
 
   
  
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 10 Derivative Financial Instruments (continued) 

 Held for trading derivatives are expected to be recovered or due to be settled within 12 months of the Balance Sheet date. The 
majority of hedging derivatives are expected to be recovered or due to be settled more than 12 months after the Balance Sheet 
date. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    101 

Group20152014Fair ValueFair ValueFair ValueFair ValueAssetLiabilityAssetLiability$M$M$M$MFair value hedgesExchange rate related contracts:Forward contracts--2-Swaps12,238(5,393)4,481(2,516)Total exchange rate related contracts12,238(5,393)4,483(2,516)Interest rate related swaps932(3,182)938(3,101)Equity related swaps--33(1)Total fair value hedges13,170(8,575)5,454(5,618)Cash flow hedgesExchange rate related swaps4,329(1,080)983(640)Interest rate related swaps2,831(1,656)2,518(1,160)Total cash flow hedges7,160(2,736)3,501(1,800)Net investment hedgesExchange rate related forward contracts11-2-Total net investment hedges11-2-Total derivative assets/(liabilities) held for hedging20,341(11,311)8,957(7,418)Bank20152014Fair ValueFair ValueFair ValueFair ValueAssetLiabilityAssetLiabilityDerivatives assets and liabilities$M$M$M$MHeld for tradingExchange rate related contracts:Forward contracts6,900(6,430)3,642(3,733)Swaps7,484(7,800)4,272(4,469)Futures7-15-Options purchased and sold730(772)391(372)Derivatives held with controlled entities850(3,647)744(2,081)Total exchange rate related contracts15,971(18,649)9,064(10,655)Interest rate related contracts:Forward contracts1(1)--Swaps8,898(6,896)10,890(9,828)Futures-(1)3(4)Options purchased and sold823(842)619(578)Derivatives held with controlled entities132(241)98(251)Total interest rate related contracts9,854(7,981)11,610(10,661)Credit related swaps28(33)33(38)Equity related contracts:Swaps165(9)64(9)Options purchased and sold66(62)34(53)Total equity related contracts231(71)98(62)Commodity related contracts:Swaps291(359)136(205)Options purchased and sold59(55)14(14)Total commodity related contracts350(414)150(219)Identified embedded derivatives193(258)6(82)Total derivative assets/(liabilities) held for trading26,627(27,406)20,961(21,717) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 10 Derivative Financial Instruments (continued) 

Held for trading derivatives are expected to be recovered or due to be settled within 12 months of the Balance Sheet date. The 
majority of hedging derivatives are expected to be recovered or due to be settled more than 12 months after the Balance Sheet 
date. 

102  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Bank20152014Fair ValueFair ValueFair ValueFair ValueAssetLiabilityAssetLiability$M$M$M$MFair value hedgesExchange rate related contracts:Forward contracts--2-Swaps11,717(5,210)4,313(2,351)Derivatives held with controlled entities47(1,367)162(271)Total exchange rate related contracts11,764(6,577)4,477(2,622)Interest rate related contracts:Swaps823(3,002)826(3,027)Derivatives held with controlled entities-(177)27(139)Total interest rate related contracts823(3,179)853(3,166)Equity related swaps--33(1)Total fair value hedges12,587(9,756)5,363(5,789)Cash flow hedgesExchange rate related contracts:Swaps3,808(1,059)946(475)Derivatives held with controlled entities1(90)30(290)Total exchange rate related contracts3,809(1,149)976(765)Interest rate related contracts:Swaps2,583(1,320)2,305(1,066)Derivatives held with controlled entities1(5)10(4)Total interest rate related contracts2,584(1,325)2,315(1,070)Total cash flow hedges6,393(2,474)3,291(1,835)Total derivative assets/(liabilities) held for hedging18,980(12,230)8,654(7,624) 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 11 Available-for-Sale Investments 

(1)  Supranational, Sovereign and Agency Securities (SSA). 
(2)  On  31 March  2015  internal  residential  mortgage  backed  securities  (internal  RMBS)  issued  to  the  Bank  by  controlled  entities  of  $75,041 million  were 
reclassified to Loans to controlled entities. They were reclassified prospectively at their fair value of $75,041 million. As at the date of reclassification the 
available for sale reserve was nil.  The fair value of the internal RMBS as at 30 June 2015 was $74,959 million, as disclosed in Note 40.  

The following amounts are expected to be recovered within 12 months of the Balance Sheet date for the Group $20,350 million 
(2014: $17,928 million) and for Bank $20,812 million (2014: $17,373 million). 

Proceeds  received  from settlement  at  or close to maturity  of Available-for-sale  investments  for the Group  were  $47,752 million 
(2014: $41,527 million) and for the Bank were $47,235 million (2014: $41,424 million). 

Proceeds  from  the  sale  of  available-for-sale  investments  for  the  Group  were  $5,817 million  (2014: $2,603 million)  and  for  the 
Bank were $5,817 million (2014: $2,603 million). 

Maturity Distribution and Weighted Average Yield 

The maturity tables are based on contractual terms. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    103 

GroupBank2015201420152014$M$M$M$MGovernment bonds, notes and securities36,10032,72735,70832,017Corporate/financial institution bonds, notes and securities22,27222,09822,02721,894Shares and equity investments1,155948726805Covered bonds, mortgage backed securities and SSA (1) (2)15,15710,36413,84376,861Total available-for-sale investments74,68466,13772,304131,577GroupMaturity Period at 30 June 201510 orNon-0 to 1 Year1 to 5 Years5 to 10 Yearsmore YearsMaturingTotal$M%$M%$M%$M%$M$MGovernment bonds, notes and securities6,2541.0911,8302.3315,3902.932,6263.52-36,10012,3672.179,8723.25334.73---22,272Shares and equity investments--------1,1551,1551,5852.555,6182.978442.967,1102.96-15,157Total available-for-sale investments20,206-27,320-16,267-9,736-1,15574,684Covered bonds, mortgage backed securities and SSACorporate/financial institution bonds, notes and securitiesGroupMaturity Period at 30 June 201410 orNon-0 to 1 Year1 to 5 Years5 to 10 Yearsmore YearsMaturingTotal$M%$M%$M%$M%$M$MGovernment bonds, notes and securities4,4032.0211,4243.8112,1894.924,7114.81-32,72712,5342.659,5593.4854.65---22,098Shares and equity investments--------9489488514.704,4694.405184.814,5263.43-10,364Total available-for-sale investments17,788-25,452-12,712-9,237-94866,137Corporate/financial institution bonds, notes and securitiesCovered bonds, mortgage backed securities and SSA 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 12 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 41. 

(2)  The  Group  measures  bills  discounted  intended  to  be  sold  into  the  market  at  fair  value  and  includes  these  within  loans,  bills  discounted  and  other 

receivables to reflect the nature of the lending arrangement. 

The  following  amounts,  based  on  behavioural  terms  and  current  market  conditions,  are  expected  to  be  recovered  within 
12 months  of  the  Balance  Sheet  date  for  Group  $187,536 million  (2014:  $172,321 million),  and  for  Bank  $159,429 million 
(2014: $141,976 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 transportation 
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. 

104  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

GroupBank2015201420152014$M$M$M$MAustraliaOverdrafts22,35323,35022,35323,350Home loans (1)383,174360,218379,500358,343Credit card outstandings11,88711,73611,88711,736Lease financing4,4854,1623,0533,024Bills discounted (2)14,84719,24414,84719,244Term loans123,489107,380123,363107,140Other lending823348823347Total Australia561,058526,438555,826523,184OverseasOverdrafts1,3731,230139222Home loans (1)39,67739,467522481Credit card outstandings816803--Lease financing3353394959Term loans40,96934,82321,32516,114Total overseas83,17076,66222,03516,876Gross loans, bills discounted and other receivables644,228603,100577,861540,060LessProvisions for Loan Impairment (Note 13):Collective provision(2,739)(2,739)(2,530)(2,547)Individually assessed provisions (879)(1,127)(824)(1,087)Unearned income:Term loans(756)(802)(753)(798)Lease financing(592)(651)(319)(381)(4,966)(5,319)(4,426)(4,813)Net loans, bills discounted and other receivables639,262597,781573,435535,247Group 20152014GrossPresent 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 year1,051(147)9041,050(142)908One year to five years3,138(353)2,7852,824(365)2,459Over five years631(92)539627(144)4834,820(592)4,2284,501(651)3,850 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 12 Loans, Bills Discounted and Other Receivables (continued) 

(1)  The industry split has been prepared on an industry exposure basis. 

The maturity tables are based on contractual terms. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    105 

Bank 20152014Gross 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 $M Not later than one year759(65)694789(66)723One year to five years1,948(182)1,7661,898(197)1,701Over five years395(72)323396(118)2783,102(319)2,7833,083(381)2,702GroupMaturity Period at 30 June 2015Maturing 1MaturingMaturingYearBetween 1Afteror Lessand 5 Years5 YearsTotalIndustry (1)$M$M$M$MAustraliaSovereign4,8154382685,521Agriculture2,2123,2248226,258Bank and other financial8,4776,31236815,157Home loans18,07036,111328,993383,174Construction1,1861,1164202,722Other personal7,73913,5251,04922,313Asset financing2,7815,4261498,356Other commercial and industrial40,56566,28110,711117,557Total Australia85,845132,433342,780561,058OverseasSovereign5,4966,51292112,929Agriculture1,4112,5983,9817,990Bank and other financial2,7292,6902,1537,572Home loans6,3824,13429,16139,677Construction174113120407Other personal1,0943311,128Asset financing1179468558Other commercial and industrial5,4474,3963,06612,909Total overseas22,74420,55539,87183,170Gross loans, bills discounted and other receivables108,589152,988382,651644,228Maturing 1MaturingMaturingYearBetween 1Afteror Lessand 5 Years5 Years TotalInterest rate$M$M$M$MAustralia76,053112,989293,596482,638Overseas15,08213,27717,64946,008Total variable interest rates91,135126,266311,245528,646Australia9,79219,44449,18478,420Overseas7,6627,27822,22237,162Total fixed interest rates17,45426,72271,406115,582Gross loans, bills discounted and other receivables108,589152,988382,651644,228 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 12 Loans, Bills Discounted and Other Receivables (continued) 

(1)  The industry split has been prepared on an industry exposure basis. 

The maturity tables are based on contractual terms. 

106  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

GroupMaturity Period at 30 June 2014Maturing 1MaturingMaturingYearBetween 1Afteror Lessand 5 Years5 YearsTotalIndustry (1)$M$M$M$MAustraliaSovereign5,0745472995,920Agriculture2,3362,4701,0585,864Bank and other financial4,9704,81739210,179Home loans8,57427,679323,965360,218Construction1,2869754182,679Other personal7,60813,1382,30123,047Asset financing2,4525,3912358,078Other commercial and industrial43,49655,47611,481110,453Total Australia75,796110,493340,149526,438OverseasSovereign6,2064,6791,42412,309Agriculture1,3442,0743,9717,389Bank and other financial2,0891,5951,8025,486Home loans6,7484,09428,62539,467Construction166104108378Other personal1,0443921,085Asset financing1682229327Other commercial and industrial4,1863,7772,25810,221Total overseas21,79916,44438,41976,662Gross loans, bills discounted and other receivables97,595126,937378,568603,100Maturing 1MaturingMaturingYearBetween 1Afteror Lessand 5 Years5 YearsTotalInterest rate $M$M$M$MAustralia65,75592,588273,965432,308Overseas14,52510,24518,60243,372Total variable interest rates80,280102,833292,567475,680Australia10,04117,90566,18494,130Overseas7,2746,19919,81733,290Total fixed interest rates17,31524,10486,001127,420Gross loans, bills discounted and other receivables97,595126,937378,568603,100 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 13 Provisions for Impairment 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    107 

GroupBank20152014201320152014Provisions for impairment losses$M$M$M$M$MCollective provisionOpening balance2,7792,8582,8372,5872,659Net collective provision funding589497559528495Impairment losses written off(770)(753)(695)(718)(717)Impairment losses recovered176165154155148Other(12)12312Closing balance2,7622,7792,8582,5532,587Individually assessed provisionsOpening balance1,1271,6282,0081,0871,585Net new and increased individual provisioning659726937550630Write-back of provisions no longer required(260)(305)(350)(241)(254)Discount unwind to interest income(38)(51)(90)(38)(51)Impairment losses written off(709)(1,060)(1,194)(639)(1,010)Other108189317113187Closing balance8871,1271,6288321,087Total provisions for impairment losses3,6493,9064,4863,3853,674Less: Provision for Off Balance Sheet exposures(31)(40)(31)(31)(40)Total provisions for loan impairment3,6183,8664,4553,3543,634GroupBank20152014201320152014Provision ratios%%%%%Total provisions for impaired assets as a % of gross impaired assets35. 9437. 6040. 6238. 8540. 61Total provisions for impairment losses as a % of gross loans and acceptances0. 560. 640. 790. 580. 67Group Bank 20152014201320152014Loan impairment expense$M $M $M $M $M Net collective provision funding589497559528495Net new and increased individual provisioning659726937550630Write-back of individually assessed provisions(260)(305)(350)(241)(254)Total loan impairment expense9889181,146837871 
 
 
  
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 13 Provisions for Impairment (continued) 

108  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Group Individually assessed provisions by20152014201320122011industry classification$M $M $M $M $M AustraliaSovereign-----Agriculture1331231688987Bank and other financial3668217235254Home loans148151182256202Construction202989152133Other personal1014141111Asset financing2830231437Other commercial and industrial4006208711,1631,307Total Australia7751,0351,5641,9202,031OverseasSovereign-----Agriculture14316711Bank and other financial-15561Home loans1011172825Construction11---Other personal-----Asset financing10----Other commercial and industrial7762264757Total overseas11292648894Total individually assessed provisions8871,1271,6282,0082,125Group 20152014201320122011Loans written off by industry classification$M $M $M $M $M AustraliaSovereign-----Agriculture65138303210Bank and other financial361227951107Home loans721132178884Construction14521394589Other personal686677622657567Asset financing4537253826Other commercial and industrial404568686884989Total Australia1,3221,7071,7981,7951,872OverseasSovereign-----Agriculture334517Bank and other financial69-1011Home loans813212426Construction----1Other personal4230251922Asset financing-----Other commercial and industrial3560313336Total overseas1571069182103Gross loans written off1,4791,8131,8891,8771,975Recovery of amounts previously written offAustralia165148144216199Overseas111710127Total amounts recovered176165154228206Net loans written off1,3031,6481,7351,6491,769 
  
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 13 Provisions for Impairment (continued) 

Note 14 Property, Plant and Equipment 

(1)  Had land and buildings been measured using the cost model rather than fair value, the carrying value would have been $210 million (2014: $224 million) 

for Group and $190 million (2014: $203 million) for Bank. 

The majority of the above amounts have expected useful lives longer than 12 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). 

These fair values fall under the Level 3 category of the fair value hierarchy as defined in Note 40. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    109 

Group20152014201320122011Loans recovered by industry classification$M $M $M $M $M AustraliaSovereign-----Agriculture-----Bank and other financial968173Home loans344543Construction-----Other personal125106113147134Asset financing456172Other commercial and industrial2427133017Total Australia165148144216199OverseasSovereign-----Agriculture-3---Bank and other financial-31--Home loans111--Construction-----Other personal108887Asset financing-----Other commercial and industrial-2-4-Total overseas111710127Total loans recovered176165154228206GroupBank2015201420152014$M$M$M$MLand and Buildings (1)At 30 June valuation463499416448Total land and buildings 463499416448Leasehold ImprovementsAt cost1,5131,3921,2821,180Accumulated depreciation(904)(803)(786)(693)Closing balance609589496487EquipmentAt cost1,6911,6211,3361,268Accumulated depreciation(1,313)(1,266)(1,032)(995)Closing balance378355304273Assets Under LeaseAt cost1,6621,603373331Accumulated depreciation(279)(230)(80)(72)Closing balance1,3831,373293259Total property, plant and equipment2,8332,8161,5091,467 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 14 Property, Plant and Equipment (continued) 

Reconciliation of the carrying amounts of Property, Plant and Equipment is set out below: 

110  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

GroupBank2015201420152014$M$M$M$MLand and BuildingsCarrying amount at the beginning of the year499533448476Additions137137Disposals(35)(41)(30)(34)Net revaluations19271626Depreciation(32)(29)(31)(27)Foreign currency translation adjustment(1)2--Carrying amount at the end of the year463499416448Leasehold ImprovementsCarrying amount at the beginning of the year589644487539Additions1688613974Disposals(6)(16)(6)(14)Net revaluations-(2)--Depreciation(142)(130)(124)(112)Foreign currency translation adjustment-7--Carrying amount at the end of the year609589496487EquipmentCarrying amount at the beginning of the year355343273261Additions174161149131Disposals(11)(8)(9)(2)Depreciation(139)(147)(109)(117)Foreign currency translation adjustment(1)6--Carrying amount at the end of the year378355304273Assets Under LeaseCarrying amount at the beginning of the year1,3731,198259282Additions22326080-Disposals(179)(5)(28)(6)Depreciation(80)(77)(18)(17)Foreign currency translation adjustment46(3)--Carrying amount at the end of the year1,3831,373293259 
 
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 15 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)  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. The 
Bankwest brand name has an indefinite useful life. It is not subject to amortisation, but is subject to annual impairment testing. No impairment was required 
as a result of this test. The balance also includes the Count Financial Limited brand name ($4 million) that is amortised over the estimated useful life of 
20 years. 

(3)  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. Management rights were disposed of as part of the internalisation of the management of CFS Retail Property Trust Group (CFX)  during the 
2014 financial year. 

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 or a group of cash-generating units are 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. The category of this fair value is Level 
3 as defined in Note 40. 

Earnings  multiples  relating  to  the  Group‘s  Banking  and  Wealth  Management  cash-generating  units  are  sourced  from  publicly 
available  data  associated  with  Australian  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  (excluding  IFS  in  the  current  year)  were  in  the  range  of  12.1  –  13.0  (2014:  12.4  –  14.2),  for  the  IFS 
businesses 7.4 – 17.2 and for Wealth Management businesses were in the range of 12.7 – 17.1 (2014: 11.4 – 19.1). 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    111 

GroupBank2015201420152014$M$M$M$MGoodwill Purchased goodwill at cost7,5997,5662,5222,522Closing balance 7,5997,5662,5222,522Computer Software CostsCost3,3592,9132,9822,580Accumulated amortisation(1,270)(1,059)(1,038)(856)Closing balance 2,0891,8541,9441,724Core Deposits (1)Cost495495495495Accumulated amortisation (461)(390)(461)(389)Closing balance 3410534106Brand Names (2)Cost190190186186Accumulated amortisation(1)(1)--Closing balance 189189186186Other Intangibles (3)Cost1622563838Accumulated amortisation(103)(178)(24)(21)Closing balance 59781417Total intangible assets9,9709,7924,7004,555 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 15 Intangible Assets (continued) 

Goodwill Allocation to the following Cash-Generating Units 

Reconciliation of the carrying amounts of Intangible Assets is set out below: 

112  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Group 20152014$M $M Retail Banking Services 4,1494,149Business and Private Banking297297Wealth Management2,4102,410New Zealand679691IFS and Other6419Total7,5997,566GroupBank2015201420152014$M$M$M$MGoodwill Opening balance7,5667,7232,5222,522Additions43---Transfers/disposals-(171)--Foreign currency translation adjustments(10)14--Closing balance 7,5997,5662,5222,522Computer Software CostsOpening balance1,8541,9231,7241,807Additions:From purchases717-12From internal development547312494263Amortisation and write-offs(319)(398)(274)(358)Closing balance 2,0891,8541,9441,724Core DepositsOpening balance105177106177Amortisation(71)(72)(72)(71)Closing balance 3410534106Management Fee RightsOpening balance-316--Transfers/disposals-(316)--Closing balance ----Brand NamesOpening balance189190186186Amortisation-(1)--Closing balance 189189186186Other IntangiblesOpening balance78941721Additions27--Disposals(1)---Amortisation(20)(23)(3)(4)Closing balance 59781417 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 16 Other Assets 

Except for the defined benefits superannuation plan surplus, the above amounts are expected to be recovered within 12 months 
of the Balance Sheet date. 

Note 17 Deposits and Other Public Borrowings 

The majority of the amounts are due to be settled within 12 months of the Balance Sheet date as shown in the maturity analysis 
table below. 

(1)  All certificates of deposit issued by the Group are for amounts greater than $100,000. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    113 

Group Bank 2015201420152014$M $M $M $M Accrued interest receivable2,1642,1672,9882,737Accrued fees/reimbursements receivable1,2471,313147155Securities sold not delivered2,4831,2641,874908Intragroup current tax receivable--200252Current tax assets157--Prepayments1,7296061,648519Life insurance other assets4974553740Defined benefit superannuation plan surplus276-276-Other650574235212Total other assets9,0616,3867,4054,823Group Bank 2015201420152014$M $M $M $M AustraliaCertificates of deposit46,08343,91247,80244,900Term deposits143,285150,406143,481150,712On-demand and short-term deposits266,849227,555267,027227,739Deposits not bearing interest 11,3399,97111,3219,971Securities sold under agreements to repurchase12,9649,92513,0369,958Total Australia480,520441,769482,667443,280OverseasCertificates of deposit7,0606,2864,9806,016Term deposits30,81228,7038,5088,000On-demand and short term deposits22,15919,0541,382198Deposits not bearing interest2,6682,5047677Securities sold under agreements to repurchase123612-Total overseas62,71156,58314,95814,291Total deposits and other public borrowings543,231498,352497,625457,571GroupAt 30 June 2015MaturingMaturingMaturingMaturingThreeBetweenBetween SixafterMonths orThree andand TwelveTwelveLessSix MonthsMonthsMonthsTotal$M$M$M$M$MAustraliaCertificates of deposit (1)22,79711,920-11,36646,083Term deposits64,92031,18338,9038,279143,285Total Australia87,71743,10338,90319,645189,368OverseasCertificates of deposit (1)4,4946881,6791997,060Term deposits16,8296,6504,4732,86030,812Total overseas21,3237,3386,1523,05937,872Total certificates of deposits and term deposits109,04050,44145,05522,704227,240 
  
 
  
 
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 17 Deposits and Other Public Borrowings (continued) 

(1)  All certificates of deposit issued by the Group are for amounts greater than $100,000. 

Note 18 Liabilities at Fair Value through Income Statement 

(1)  These liabilities have been initially designated at fair value through the Income Statement. Refer to note 1(aa). 

Of the above amounts, trading liabilities are expected to be settled within 12 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  12 months  of  the  Balance  Sheet 
date.  For  the  Bank,  the  majority  of  debt  instruments  are  expected  to  be  settled  more  than  12 months  after  the  Balance  Sheet 
date. 

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  $8,448 million  (2014:  $7,450 million)  and  for  the  Bank  is  $7,279 million 
(2014: $5,100 million). 

Note 19 Other Provisions  

 Maturity Distribution of Other Provisions 

(1)  Comparatives have been reclassified to conform to presentation in the current year and the nature of provisions outlined below. 

114  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

GroupAt 30 June 2014MaturingMaturingMaturingMaturingThreeBetweenBetween SixafterMonths orThree andand TwelveTwelveLessSix MonthsMonthsMonthsTotal$M$M$M$M$MAustraliaCertificates of deposit (1)22,9426,3052,59812,06743,912Term deposits86,35026,93828,5158,603150,406Total Australia109,29233,24331,11320,670194,318OverseasCertificates of deposit (1)2,3591,2452,622606,286Term deposits15,4376,3624,5012,40328,703Total overseas17,7967,6077,1232,46334,989Total certificates of deposits and term deposits127,08840,85038,23623,133229,307Group Bank 2015201420152014$M$M$M$MDeposits and other borrowings (1)2,7891,3332,639203Debt instruments (1)1,2661,563256343Trading liabilities4,4384,6124,4284,606Total liabilities at fair value through Income Statement8,4937,5087,3235,152Group (1)Bank (1)2015201420152014Note$M $M $M $M Employee entitlements750725660642General insurance claims314161--Self insurance and non-lending losses198112181109Dividends582738273Compliance, programs and regulation1934919349Restructuring costs43604157Other14618397154Total other provisions1,7261,3631,2541,084Group (1)Bank (1)2015201420152014$M $M $M $M Less than twelve months 1,159971711721More than twelve months567392543363Total other provisions1,7261,3631,2541,084 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 19 Other Provisions (continued) 

 (1)  Comparatives have been restated to conform to presentation in the current period. 
(2)  Comparatives have been reclassified to conform to presentation in the current year and the nature of provisions outlined below. 

Provision Commentary 

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 

Self insurance provision relates to  non-transferred insurance risks on lending products the Group originates. The self insurance 
provision is reassessed annually in accordance with actuarial advice. 

This provision covers certain non-lending losses, including customer remediation, and represents losses that have not arisen as a 
consequence of an impaired credit decision.  

Compliance, Programs and Regulation  

This provision relates to project and other administrative costs associated with certain compliance and regulatory programs of the 
Group. 

Restructuring  

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.  

Open Advice Review Program and Licence Conditions 

The Group is currently undertaking the Open Advice Review program for customers of Commonwealth Financial Planning Limited 
(CFPL) and Financial Wisdom Limited (FWL), who received advice between 1 September 2003 and 1 July 2012.  Expressions of 
interest for the program closed on 3 July 2015. Customers who lodged an expression of interest before this date have 12 months 
to formally register for the program.  

Since  its  announcement,  the  Group  has  established  an  Independent  Review  Panel  and  appointed  Independent  Customer 
Advocates. The Group also appointed Promontory Financial Group (‘Promontory’) as an Independent Expert to oversee the Open 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    115 

GroupBank2015201420152014Reconciliation$M$M$M$MGeneral insurance claims:Opening balance161159--Additional provisions (1)615397--Amounts utilised during the year (1)(462)(395)--Closing balance314161--Self insurance and non-lending losses: (2)Opening balance1125210949Additional provisions90807680Amounts utilised during the year(4)(16)(4)(16)Release of provision-(4)-(4)Closing balance198112181109Compliance, programs and regulation: (2)Opening balance49-49-Additional provisions2184921849Amounts utilised during the year(74)-(74)-Release of provision----Closing balance1934919349Restructuring:Opening balance60415741Additional provisions337334Amounts utilised during the year(20)(18)(19)(18)Closing balance43604157Other: (2)Opening balance183203154186Additional provisions22523Amounts utilised during the year(21)(11)(21)(22)Release of provision(38)(14)(38)(13)Closing balance14618397154 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 19 Other Provisions (continued) 

Advice  Review  program.  Promontory  has  delivered  two  public  reports  in  December  2014  and  May  2015.  Customer  file 
assessments and remediation have commenced and are ongoing. 

On  8  August  2014,  variations  to  CFPL’s  and  FWL’s  Australian  Financial  Services  Licences  (AFSL)  were  finalised.  ASIC 
subsequently  appointed  KordaMentha  Forensic  as  the  compliance  expert  under  the  varied  AFSL  conditions  to  produce  three 
reports.  The  first  report  was  issued  in  April  2015.  The  report  compares  the  process  steps  undertaken  in  previous  remediation 
programs.  

Following receipt of the first report, the Group issued 4,329 letters to financial planning customers and offered to pay up to $5,000 
to have their advice assessment reviewed independently, to send customers copies of their files and for the Group to do a further 
review of the advice the customer received.  

The Group has provided for the cost of running these programs, together with anticipated remediation costs. Key assumptions in 
determining  the  remediation  and program cost  provisions  include  customer  registrations  and  responses,  remediation  rates  and 
amounts, case complexity and program design. These have been developed considering historical evidence, current information 
available  and  the  exercise  of  judgement. As the  nature  of  these  estimates  and  assumptions  are  uncertain, the  provisions may 
change. The Group considers that provisions held are adequate and represent our best estimate of the anticipated future costs.  

The  Group  will  re-evaluate  the  assumptions  underpinning  the  provisions  at  each  reporting  date  as  more  information  becomes 
available. 

Note 20 Debt Issues 

(1)  Comparatives have been reclassified to conform to this presentation in the current period. 
(2)  Long-term debt disclosed relates to debt issues which have a maturity at inception of 12 months or greater.  
(3)  Represents the remaining 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. 

116  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

GroupBank2015201420152014Note$M$M$M$MMedium-term notes76,03972,60868,32965,635Commercial paper37,03232,90536,02531,181Securitisation notes 4112,60311,426--Covered bonds4128,75525,28026,00522,732Total debt issues154,429142,219130,359119,548Short Term Debt Issues by currencyUSD36,54332,15535,53630,430EUR-178-178AUD267164267164GBP169333169333Other currencies53755376Total short term debt issues (1)37,03232,90536,02531,181Long Term Debt Issues by currency (1) (2)USD43,04939,99642,89739,313EUR26,24723,16623,79520,985AUD21,16719,7286,8276,913GBP9,1957,3147,2956,075NZD3,6704,0191,0081,280JPY6,4486,3536,3956,301Other currencies7,1698,2925,6657,054Offshore loans (all JPY)452446452446Total long term debt issues117,397109,31494,33488,367Maturity Distribution of Debt Issues (3)Less than twelve months59,53253,28054,64447,322Greater than twelve months94,89788,93975,71572,226Total debt issues154,429142,219130,359119,548 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 20 Debt Issues (continued) 

(1)  The amount outstanding at year end is measured at amortised cost. 
(2)  The maximum and average amounts over the year 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 significant given the short-term nature of the borrowings. 

(1)  End of day, Sydney time. 

Guarantee Arrangement 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia 

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.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    117 

Group201520142013Short term borrowings by programTotalOutstanding at year-end (1)37,03232,90534,602Maximum amount outstanding at any month end (2)39,77433,17434,602Average amount outstanding (2)35,62131,09628,178US Commercial Paper ProgramOutstanding at year-end (1)35,75431,15833,492Maximum amount outstanding at any month end (2)38,14732,40533,492Average amount outstanding (2)34,01829,66725,515Weighted average interest rate on:Average amount outstanding0.3%0.2%0.3%Outstanding at year end0.3%0.2%0.3%Euro Commercial Paper ProgramOutstanding at year-end (1)1,2781,7471,110Maximum amount outstanding at any month end (2)2,3271,9836,642Average amount outstanding (2)1,6031,4292,663Weighted average interest rate on:Average amount outstanding0.7%0.4%0.6%Outstanding at year end0.9%0.4%0.5%             $M (except where indicated)As AtAs At30 June30 JuneCurrency20152014AUD 1.00  =USD0.76810.9405EUR0.68800.6892GBP0.48930.5525NZD1.12831.0762JPY94.057895.4517Exchange rates utilised (1) 
  
 
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 21 Bills Payable and Other Liabilities 

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

Other  than  the  defined  benefit  superannuation  plan  deficit,  the  majority  of  the  amounts  are  expected  to  be  settled  within 
12 months of the Balance Sheet date. 

Note 22 Loan Capital 

  As  at  the  reporting  date,  there  is  one  security  of  the  Group  and  the  Bank  (the  JPY30 billion  (AUD  equivalent  $319 million) 
subordinated EMTN due October 2015) that is contractually due for redemption in the next 12 months (note the Group has the 
right  to  call some  securities  earlier  than  the  contractual maturity  date).  The  Group  has  a  right to  redeem  PERLS III  in the  next 
12 months  subject  to  APRA’s  approval;  the  Bank  has  a  right  to  redeem  TPS  2006  in  the  next  12 months  subject  to  APRA’s 
approval. 

(1) USD100 million Floating Rate Notes 

On  15 October 1986,  the  State  Bank  of  Victoria  issued 
USD125 million  of  floating  rate  notes  current  outstanding 
balance  of  USD100 million.  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  1  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).  

All TPS 2003 were redeemed for cash on 30 June 2015. 

118  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Group Bank 2015201420152014Note$M $M $M $M Bills payable917912870862Accrued interest payable2,9712,9572,2202,290Accrued fees and other items payable (1)2,7182,3691,8221,592Defined benefit superannuation plan deficit355719157191Securities purchased not delivered2,3571,5521,7071,197Unearned income913870531505Life insurance other liabilities and claims payable2363152448Other9361,2037,1303,977Total bills payable and other liabilities11,10510,36914,36110,662 Group BankCurrency 2015201420152014Amount (M)Footnotes$M $M $M $M Tier 1 Loan CapitalUndatedFRN   USD 100  (1)130106130106UndatedTPS   USD 550  (2)-585-584UndatedPERLS III   AUD 1,166  (3)1,1641,1621,1631,162UndatedPERLS V   AUD 2,000  (4)-1,997-1,997UndatedPERLS VI   AUD 2,000  (5)1,9861,9821,9861,982UndatedPERLS VII   AUD 3,000  (5)2,961-2,961-UndatedTPS   USD 700  (6)--908741Total Tier 1 Loan Capital6,2415,8327,1486,572Tier 2 Loan CapitalAUD denominated(7)1,0243001,024300USD denominated(8)455372455372JPY denominated(9)627618627618GBP denominated(10)306270306270NZD denominated(11)349362--EUR denominated(12)3,2561,4463,2561,446Other currencies denominated(13)209-209-Total Tier 2 Loan Capital6,2263,3685,8773,006Fair value hedge adjustments357394339391Total Loan Capital12,8249,59413,3649,969 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 22 Loan Capital (continued) 
(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.  PCL  is  not  required  to  make  a 
to 
decision  on  exchange  until  22 business  days  prior 
6 April 2016  and  the  decision  to  exchange  will  be  subject  to 
market  conditions  at  that  time  as  well  as  APRA  approval.  If 
PCL does not elect to exchange PERLS III, the margin on the 
distributions payable on 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 1 Capital of 
the  Bank  under  the  Basel  III  transitional  arrangements  for 
capital instruments as implemented by APRA. 

(4) 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. 
All PERLS V  were  bought  back  by  the  Bank  during the  year 
and subsequently cancelled. 

(5) PERLS VI and PERLS VII 

On  17 October 2012,  the  Bank  issued  $2,000 million  of 
Perpetual  Exchangeable  Resaleable  Listed  Securities 
(PERLS  VI).  On  1 October 2014, 
issued 
$3,000 million  of  CommBank  PERLS  VII  Capital  Notes 
(PERLS  VII).  PERLS  VI  and  PERLS  VII  are  subordinated, 
unsecured notes.  

the  Bank 

PERLS  VI  and  PERLS  VII  may  be  redeemed  or  resold  to  a 
third  party  for  $100  cash  each  on  15 December  2018  and 
15 December 2022  respectively.  If  not  redeemed  or  resold, 
the  Bank  will  be  required  to  exchange  PERLS  VI  and/or 
PERLS  VII  for  CBA  ordinary  shares  on  15 December 2020 
and 15 December 2024 respectively. 

PERLS  VI  and  PERLS  VII  are  listed  on  the  ASX  and  are 
subject  to  New  South  Wales  law.  They  qualify  as  Additional 
Tier 1 Capital of the Bank under Basel III as implemented by 
APRA. 

(6) 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  1  Capital  securities  or  CBA  preference  shares  on 
15 March 2016. CBA Capital Trust II is not required to make a 
decision  on  redemption  until  30 days  prior  to  15 March 2016 
and  the  decision  to  redeem  will  be  subject  to  market 
conditions  at  that  time  as  well  as  APRA  approval.  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  1 
transitional 
Capital  of 

the  Bank  under 

the  Basel 

III 

arrangements  for  capital  instruments  as  implemented  by 
APRA. 

(7) AUD denominated Tier 2 Loan Capital issuances 
 
floating  rate  notes, 

$275 million  extendible 
December 1989 and redeemed in December 2014; 

issued 

 

 

$25 million  subordinated  floating  rate  notes,  issued 
April 1999, due April 2029; and 

$1,000 million 
November 2014. 

subordinated 

notes 

issued 

As  at  30 June 2015,  all  $1,000 million  subordinated  notes 
remain  outstanding  and  the  Groups’s  liability  remains  at 
$1,000 million. The subordinated notes may be redeemed on 
if  not  redeemed,  are  due  on 
5 November 2019,  and 
5 November 2024.  The  subordinated  notes  may  be 
exchanged  for  CBA  ordinary  shares  (subject  to  a  maximum 
number  of  64,465,471 CBA  ordinary  shares)  if  the  Bank  is 
deemed to be non-viable by APRA. No payment will be made 
by the Bank in respect of the exchange. 

(8) USD denominated Tier 2 Loan Capital issuances 
 

USD350 million  subordinated  fixed  rate  notes,  issued 
June 2003, due June 2018. 

(9) JPY denominated Tier 2 Loan Capital issuances 
 
JPY20 billion  perpetual  subordinated  EMTN 
Medium Term Notes), issued February 1999; 

(Euro 

 

 

JPY30 billion subordinated EMTN, issued October 1995, 
due October 2015; and 

JPY9 billion  perpetual  subordinated  notes, 
May 1996. 

issued 

(10) GBP denominated Tier 2 Loan Capital issuances 
  GBP150 million  subordinated  EMTN,  issued  June 2003, 

due December 2023. 

(11) NZD denominated Tier 2 Loan Capital issuances 

Bank 

issued 

Limited) 

  On  17 April 2014,  a  wholly  owned  entity  of  the  Bank 
NZD400 million 
(ASB 
subordinated, unsecured notes (ASB Notes) with a face 
value of NZD1 each. As at 30 June 2015, all 400 million 
ASB  Notes  remain  outstanding  and  ASB’s  liability 
remains  at  NZD400 million.  ASB  Notes  may  be 
redeemed  on  15 June 2019,  and,  if  not  redeemed,  are 
due on 15 June 2024. ASB Notes may be exchanged for 
CBA  ordinary  shares  (subject  to a maximum  number  of 
24,278,502  CBA  ordinary  shares)  if  either  ASB  is 
deemed  non-viable  by  the  Reserve  Bank  of  New 
Zealand  (RBNZ)  (including  if  ASB  is  made  subject  to 
statutory  management)  or  the  Bank  is  deemed  to  be 
non-viable by APRA. No payment will be made by either 
ASB or the Bank in respect of the exchange. 

ASB  Notes  are  listed  on  the  New  Zealand  Stock 
Exchange  (NZX)  debt  market  and  are  subject  to  New 
South Wales and New Zealand law. They qualify as Tier 
2  Capital  of  the  Bank  and  ASB  under  Basel  III  as 
implemented by APRA and the RBNZ. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    119 

 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 22 Loan Capital (continued)

(12) EUR denominated Tier 2 Loan Capital Issuances 
 

EUR1,000 million 
subordinated 
August 2009, due August 2019; and 

notes, 

issued 

 

EUR1,250 million subordinated notes issed April 2015. 

As at 30 June 2015, all EUR1,250 million subordinated notes 
remain  outstanding  and  the  Group’s  liability  remains  at 
EUR1,250 million. The subordinated notes may be redeemed 
if  not  redeemed,  are  due  on 
on  22 April 2022,  and 
22 April 2027. The subordinated notes may be exchanged for 
CBA  ordinary  shares  (subject  to  a  maximum  number  of 
93,130,812 CBA ordinary shares) if the Bank is deemed to be 
non-viable by APRA. No payment will be made by the Bank in 
respect of the exchange. 

(13) Other foreign currency denominated Tier 2 Loan 
Capital Issuances 

 

CNY1,000 million 
March 2015. 

subordinated 

notes 

issued 

Note 23 Shareholders’ Equity 

As at 30 June 2015, all CNY1,000 million subordinated notes 
remain  outstanding  and  the  Group’s  liability  remains  at 
CNY1,000 million. The subordinated notes may be redeemed 
if  not  redeemed,  are  due  on 
on  11 March 2020,  and 
11 March 2025.  The  subordinated  notes  may  be  exchanged 
for  CBA  ordinary  shares  (subject  to  a  maximum  number  of 
11,241,075 CBA ordinary shares) if the Bank is deemed to be 
non-viable by APRA. No payment will be made by the Bank in 
respect of the exchange. 

All  Tier  2  Capital  securities  issued  prior  to  1 January 2013 
(other  than  the  $275 million  extendible  floating  rate  notes 
which  have  been  redeemed)  qualify  as  Tier  2  Capital  of  the 
Bank under the Basel III transitional arrangements for capital 
instruments  as  implemented  by  APRA.  All  Tier  2  Capital 
securities  issued  after  1 January 2013  qualify  as  Tier  2 
Capital of the Bank under Basel III as implemented by APRA. 

(1)  The  determined  dividend  includes  an  amount  attributable  to  Dividend  Reinvestment  Plan  (DRP)  of  $574 million  (interim  2014/2015)  and  $707 million 
(interim 2013/2014) with $571 million and $707 million ordinary shares being issued under plan rules respectively which include the carry forward of DRP 
balance from previous dividends. 

(2)  The  DRP  in  respect  of  2012/2013  and  2013/2014  final  dividends  were  satisfied  in  full  through  the  on-market  purchase  and  transfer  of  9,829,242  and 

8,749,607 shares to participating shareholders. 

(3)  The movement in treasury shares held within Life Insurance Statutory Funds, and 1,127,468 shares acquired at an average price of $80.81 for the purpose 
of satisfying the Company’s obligations under various equity settled share plans. Other than shares purchased as part of the  Non-Executive Director fee 
sacrifice arrangements disclosed in Note 24, shares purchased were not on behalf of or initially allocated to a director.  

(1)  The DRP in respect of 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 final dividends were satisfied in full through the on market purchase and transfer of 9,829,242 and 

8,749,607 shares to participating shareholders. 

(2)  Relates to Treasury shares held within the life insurance statutory funds and the employees’ share scheme trust. 

120  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Group Bank 2015201420152014$M $M $M $M Ordinary Share CapitalShares on issue:Opening balance27,32726,62027,32326,619Issue of shares----Dividend reinvestment plan (net of issue costs)(1) (2)57170757170427,89827,32727,89427,323Less treasury shares: Opening balance(291)(297)--Purchase of treasury shares (3)(790)(813)--Sale and vesting of treasury shares (3)802819--(279)(291)--Closing balance27,61927,03627,89427,323Group Bank 2015201420152014Number of shares on issueShares Shares Shares Shares Opening balance (excluding treasury shares deduction)1,621,319,1941,611,928,8361,621,319,1941,611,928,836Issue of shares----Dividend reinvestment plan issues:2012/2013 Final dividend fully paid ordinary shares $73.42 (1)----2013/2014 Interim dividend fully paid ordinary shares $75.26 -9,390,358-9,390,3582013/2014 Final dividend fully paid ordinary shares $80.39 (1)----2014/2015 Interim dividend fully paid ordinary shares $91.266,273,519-6,273,519-Closing balance (excluding treasury shares deduction)1,627,592,7131,621,319,1941,627,592,7131,621,319,194Less: treasury shares (2)(4,654,277)(5,516,035)--Closing balance1,622,938,4361,615,803,1591,627,592,7131,621,319,194 
 
  
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 23 Shareholders’ Equity (continued) 

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 1 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. 

Retained Profits and Reserves 

(1)  Dividends relating to equity instruments on issue other than ordinary shares. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    121 

Group Bank 2015201420152014Other equity instruments$M $M $M $M Issued and paid up9399391,8951,895Shares Shares Shares Shares Number of shares700,000700,0001,400,0001,400,000GroupBank2015201420152014Retained ProfitsNote$M$M$M$MOpening balance18,82716,40516,20613,874Actuarial gains and losses from defined benefit superannuation plans3114231142Gains and losses on liabilities at fair value due to changes in own credit risk(3)6(3)6Realised gains and dividend income on treasury shares4227--Operating profit attributable to Equity holders of the Bank9,0638,6318,9768,442Total available for appropriation28,24025,11125,49022,364Transfers (to)/from general reserve47(101)(1)-Transfers from capital reserve----Transfers from asset revaluation reserve21231816Transfers from employee compensation reserve----Interim dividend - cash component(2,636)(2,243)(2,636)(2,243)Interim dividend - Dividend Reinvestment Plan(574)(707)(574)(707)Final dividend - cash component(3,534)(3,224)(3,534)(3,224)Final dividend - Dividend Reinvestment Plan----Other dividends (1)(36)(32)--Closing balance21,52818,82718,76316,206 
  
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 23 Shareholders’ Equity (continued) 

Retained Profits and Reserves (continued) 

122  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Group Bank 2015201420152014Reserves$M$M$M$MGeneral ReserveOpening balance866765573573Appropriation from/(to) retained profits(47)1011-Closing balance819866574573Capital ReserveOpening balance--1,2541,254Revaluation surplus on sale of property----Transfer to retained profits----Closing balance--1,2541,254Asset Revaluation ReserveOpening balance197194172164Revaluation of properties19281627Transfers on sale of properties----Transfer to retained profits(21)(23)(18)(16)Tax on revaluation of properties(4)(2)(5)(3)Closing balance191197165172Foreign Currency Translation ReserveOpening balance(42)(427)(178)(178)Currency translation adjustments of foreign operations4394051763Currency translation on net investment hedge(3)(6)(5)(3)Tax on translation adjustments(38)(14)--Closing balance356(42)(7)(178)Cash Flow Hedge ReserveOpening balance224368424508Gains and losses on cash flow hedging instruments:Recognised in other comprehensive income706338802492Transferred to Income Statement:Interest income(1,135)(1,294)(1,125)(1,249)Interest expense488698475635Tax on cash flow hedging instruments(20)114(46)38Closing balance263224530424Employee Compensation ReserveOpening balance125132125132Current period movement(3)(7)(3)(7)Closing balance122125122125Available-for-Sale Investments ReserveOpening balance639301641188Net gains and losses on revaluation of available-for-sale investments14050982671Net gains and losses on available-for-sale investments transferred toIncome Statement on disposal(223)(12)(218)(12)Tax on available-for-sale investments38(159)52(206)Closing balance594639557641Total Reserves2,3452,0093,1953,011 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 24 Share Based Payments 

The Group operates a number of cash and equity settled share plans as detailed below. 

Group Leadership Reward Plan (GLRP) 

The 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. 
Participants  are  awarded  a  maximum  number  of  Reward  Rights,  which  may  convert  into  CBA  shares  on  a  1-for-1  basis.  The 
Board has discretion to apply a cash equivalent. 
The Reward  Rights may vest at the end of  a performance period of up to four years  subject to the satisfaction of performance 
hurdles as follows:  

 

 

25% of the award is assessed against Customer Satisfaction compared to ANZ, NAB, Westpac and other key competitors 
for the Group’s wealth management business by reference to independent external surveys; and 

75%  of  the  award  is  assessed  against  TSR  compared  to  the  20  largest  companies  listed  on  the  ASX  (by  market 
capitalisation) at the beginning of each respective performance period, excluding resource companies and CBA. 

Each performance hurdle is independent, such that 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.  
A scale is applied to each performance hurdle, to determine the portion of each award that vests as follows: 

Hurdle 

Scale 

Customer 
satisfaction 

 

 

 

TSR 

For the 2012 financial year award:  100% vests 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. 

From the 2013 financial year onwards: 100% vests 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 (i.e. 2.00).  If 
CBA’s weighted average ranking is between 1st and 2nd (i.e. between 1.00 and 2.00), vesting occurs on 
a  sliding  scale  between  100%  and  50%  on  a  pro-rata  straight  line  basis.  If  CBA’s  weighted  average 
ranking is lower than 2nd (i.e. greater than 2.00), none of this portion will vest. 

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. If the Group’s TSR is ranked below the median of the peer group, none 
of this portion will vest. 

The 2011 financial year award reached the end of its performance period on 30 June 2014 and in line with the plan rules 96.88% 
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  $75.25  per  right 
(2014: $74.52).  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  2015  financial  year  award 
includes a risk-free interest rate ranging from 2.27% to 3.25%, a nil dividend yield on the Bank’s ordinary shares and a volatility in 
the Bank share price of 15.0%. The fair value for customer satisfaction hurdled Reward Rights granted during the period is the 
closing price of CBA shares on the grant date. 

Group Rights Plan (GRP) 

The GRP facilitates mandatory  short-term incentive deferral, sign-on incentives and retention awards. Participants are awarded 
rights to shares, that vest on a 1-for-1 basis, provided the participant remains in employment of the Group until vesting date. The 
Board has discretion to apply a cash equivalent.  

The following table provides details of outstanding awards of shares granted under the GRP. 

The weighted average fair value at grant date of the awards issued during the year was $81.44 (2014: $73.00). 

Employee Share Acquisition Plan (ESAP) 

Under the ESAP eligible employees have the opportunity to receive up to $1,000 worth of shares each year  if the Group meets 
the required performance hurdle of 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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    123 

OutstandingOutstandingExpensePeriod1 JulyGrantedVestedForfeited30 June($M)20151,423,773283,410(338,512)(103,225)1,265,4461020141,654,754331,689(416,896)(145,774)1,423,77312OutstandingOutstandingExpensePeriod1 JulyGrantedVestedForfeited30 June($M)2015654,116708,577(80,271)(43,448)1,238,974402014-675,469(3,624)(17,729)654,11620 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 24 Share Based Payments (continued)

The number of shares a participant receives is calculated by dividing the award amount by the average price paid for CBA shares 
purchased during the purchase period preceding the grant date. Shares granted are restricted from sale until the earlier of three 
years or until such time as the participant ceases employment with the Group. Participants receive full dividend entitlements and 
voting rights attached to those shares.  

The  Group  achieved  the  performance  target  for  2014  resulting  in  shares  being  awarded  to  each  eligible  employee  during  the 
financial year ended 30 June 2015. The following table provides details of shares granted under the ESAP. 

It is estimated that approximately $34 million of CBA shares will be purchased on market at the prevailing market price for the 
2015 grant. 

Other Employee Awards 

A number of other plans are operated by the Group, including:  

 

 

 

The Employee Share (Performance Unit) Plan, which is the cash-based version of the GRP; 

The International Employee Share Acquisition Plan, which is the cash-based version of the ESAP; and 

The Employee Share Plan and Group Employee Rights Plan, which are predecessors to the GRP, and closed to new 
awards. 

The following table provides a summary of the movement in awards during the year.  

The weighted average fair value at grant date of the awards issued during the year was $81.46 (2014: $70.00). 

Salary Sacrifice Arrangements 

The Group facilitates the purchase of CBA shares via salary sacrifice as follows: 

Type 

Arrangements 

Australian-based 
employees 
(ESSSP) 

Non-executive 
directors  

 

 

 

 

Can elect to sacrifice between $2,000 and $5,000 p.a. of their fixed remuneration and/or annual STI 

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. 

Required to defer 20% of post-tax fees until a minimum shareholding requirement of 5,000 shares is 
reached. 

Restricted from sale for ten 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  receive  full  dividend  entitlements  and  voting 
rights. The following table provides details of shares granted under the ESSSP. 

During  the  year,  one  (2014:  one)  Non-Executive  Director  applied  $28,502  in  fees  (2014:  $32,067)  to  purchase  341  shares 
(2014: 419 shares). 

124  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2014 

Number of SharesTotal NumberTotalPeriodAllocation dateParticipants Allocated by Participant of Shares AllocatedIssue Price $Fair Value $201519 Sep 201432,09212385,10480.3930,958,511201423 Sep 201332,74913425,73773.4231,257,610OutstandingOutstandingExpensePeriod1 JulyGrantedVestedForfeited30 June($M)20151,423,891105,323(811,721)(39,785)677,7081820142,283,293149,263(967,725)(40,940)1,423,89136Number ofAverage purchaseTotal purchasePeriodParticipantsshares purchasedprice $consideration $201555722,05984.531,864,604201439517,61075.621,331,652 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 25 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 
the  Basel 
Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) guidelines.  

for  banks  based  on 

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: 

 

 

insurance 

The 
operations; and 

and 

funds 

management 

The  entities  through  which  securitisation  of  Group 
assets are conducted. 

Regulatory  capital  is  divided  into  Common  Equity  Tier  1 
(CET1), Tier 1 and Tier 2 Capital. CET1 primarily consists 
of Shareholders’ Equity, less goodwill and other prescribed 
adjustments. Tier 1 Capital is comprised of CET1 plus other 
capital  instruments  acceptable  to  APRA.  Tier  2  Capital  is 
comprised  primarily  of  hybrid  and  debt 
instruments 
acceptable to APRA. Total Capital is the aggregate of Tier 
1 and Tier 2 Capital. 

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 1, 
Tier  2  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  loan  capital  issues.  All  major  capital  related 
initiatives require approval of the Board. 

reported  monthly 

The  Group’s  capital  position  is  monitored  on  a  continuous 
basis  and 
the  Executive 
Committee and the Asset and Liability Committee (ALCO). 
Three-year  capital  forecasts  are  conducted  on  a  quarterly 
basis with a detailed capital and strategic plan presented to 
the Board annually. 

to  both 

The  Group’s  capital  ratios  throughout  the  2014  and  2015 
in  compliance  with  both  APRA 
financial  years  were 
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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    125 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

(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) IFS and Other Divisions 

The  following  parts  of  the  business  are  included  in  the  IFS 
and Other Divisions: 

 

the 

investments 

joint  venture  Chinese 

International  Financial  Services  incorporates  the  Asian 
retail  and  SME  banking  operations  (Indonesia,  China, 
in  Chinese  and 
India  and  Vietnam), 
Vietnamese  banks, 
life 
insurance  business,  the  life  insurance  operations  in 
Indonesia  and  investment  in  a  South  African  based 
financial  services  technology  company.  It  does  not 
include  the  Business  and  Private  Banking,  Institutional 
Banking  and  Markets  and  Colonial  First  State  Global 
Asset Management businesses in Asia; 

 

Corporate  Centre  includes  the  results  of  unallocated 
Group  support  functions  such  as  Investor  Relations, 
Group Strategy, Secretariat and Treasury; and 

  Group  wide  Eliminations/Unallocated 

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

includes 

Note 26 Financial Reporting by Segments 

The  principal  activities  of  the  Group  are  carried  out  in  the 
business segments below. These segments are based on the 
distribution channels through which the customer relationship 
is being managed. 

During  the  year,  the  Group  transferred  all  non-relationship 
managed  business  clients  from  the  Business  and  Private 
Banking segment to a new Small Business customer channel 
within  Retail  Banking  Services.  Comparative  information  has 
been restated to reflect this change.  

The  primary sources  of  revenue  are  interest  and fee  income 
(Retail  Banking  Services,  Institutional  Banking  and  Markets, 
Business and Private Banking, Bankwest, New Zealand, IFS 
and  Other  Divisions)  and  insurance  premium  and  funds 
management  income  (Wealth  Management,  New  Zealand, 
IFS and Other Divisions).  

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  uses  “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  and  non-relationship  managed  small 
business  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 client offering includes debt and equity 
capital 
risk 
capabilities. 
management  and 
Institutional Banking and Markets has international operations 
in  London,  New York,  Houston,  Japan,  Singapore,  Malta, 
Hong Kong, New Zealand, Beijing and Shanghai. 

financial  and  commodities  price 

transactional  banking 

raising, 

126  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

 
Note 26 Financial Reporting by Segments (continued) 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Investment experience is presented on a pre-tax basis. 

(1) 
(2)  This balance excludes non-cash items, including unrealised gains and losses relating to hedging and IFRS volatility ($6 million gain), Bankwest non-cash items ($52 million expense) and treasury shares valuation adjustment ($28 million expense). 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    127 

2015RetailBusiness andInstitutionalBankingPrivateBanking andWealthNewIFS andServicesBankingMarketsManagementZealandBankwestOtherTotal$M$M$M$M$M$M$M$MNet interest income7,6912,8271,452-1,5361,59469915,799Other banking income1,7468091,367-2532174474,839Total banking income9,4373,6362,819-1,7891,8111,14620,638Funds management income---1,84671-211,938Insurance income---503232-57792Total operating income9,4373,6362,8192,3492,0921,8111,22423,368Investment experience (1)---22612-(28)210Total net operating income before impairment and operating expense9,4373,6362,8192,5752,1041,8111,19623,578Operating expenses(3,293)(1,397)(1,013)(1,726)(861)(785)(918)(9,993)Loan impairment expense(626)(152)(167)-(83)50(10)(988)Net profit before income tax5,5182,0871,6398491,1601,07626812,597Corporate tax expense(1,651)(628)(371)(199)(295)(324)29(3,439)Non-controlling interests------(21)(21)Net profit after tax "cash basis" (2)3,8671,4591,2686508657522769,137Hedging and IFRS volatility----43-(37)6Other non-cash items---(28)-(52)-(80)Net profit after tax "statutory basis"3,8671,4591,2686229087002399,063Additional informationAmortisation and depreciation(20)(22)(57)(26)(78)(89)(420)(712)Balance SheetTotal assets310,31398,392181,91920,79269,60879,141113,281873,446Total liabilities221,01871,138162,05424,65262,48849,499229,604820,453 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 26 Financial Reporting by Segments (continued) 

(1)  Comparative  information  has  been  restated  to  conform  to  presentation  in  the  current  period.  This  re-segmentation  primarily  relates  to  the  transfer  of  non-relationship  managed  business  clients  from  Business  and  Private  Banking  into  the  newly 

created small business customer channel in Retail Banking Services. 
Investment experience is presented on a pre-tax basis.  

(2) 
(3)  This balance excludes non-cash items, including unrealised gains and losses relating to hedging and IFRS volatility ($6 million gain), Bankwest non-cash items ($56 million expense), treasury shares valuation adjustment ($41 million expense), Bell 

Group litigation ($25 million gain) and the gain on sale of management rights ($17 million gain). 

128  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

2014 (1)RetailBusiness andInstitutionalBankingPrivateBanking andWealthNewIFS andServicesBankingMarketsManagementZealandBankwestOtherTotal$M$M$M$M$M$M$M$MNet interest income7,3072,6951,404-1,3781,57773015,091Other banking income1,6957641,262-1922062044,323Total banking income9,0023,4592,666-1,5701,78393419,414Funds management income---1,83660-371,933Insurance income---575202-42819Total operating income9,0023,4592,6662,4111,8321,7831,01322,166Investment experience (2)---2025-28235Total net operating income before impairment and operating expense9,0023,4592,6662,6131,8371,7831,04122,401Operating expenses(3,173)(1,338)(943)(1,593)(805)(806)(841)(9,499)Loan impairment expense(582)(237)(61)-(51)(11)(11)(953)Net profit before income tax5,2471,8841,6621,02098196618911,949Corporate tax expense(1,569)(563)(410)(231)(239)(291)53(3,250)Non-controlling interests------(19)(19)Net profit after tax "cash basis" (3)3,6781,3211,2527897426752238,680Hedging and IFRS volatility----10-(4)6Other non-cash items--25(24)-(56)-(55)Net profit after tax "statutory basis"3,6781,3211,2777657526192198,631Additional informationAmortisation and depreciation(31)(35)(61)(22)(74)(106)(398)(727)Balance SheetTotal assets290,77394,455149,50020,75965,73676,79593,433791,451Total liabilities203,38462,135146,48224,13358,14945,671202,149742,103 
                                                                                                                                        
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 26 Financial Reporting by Segments (continued) 

Products and Services Information 

Revenue  from  external  customers  by  product  or  service  is  disclosed  in  Note  2.  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, Vietnam and South Africa. 
(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 27 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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    129 

GroupYear Ended 30 June201520142013Financial performance and position$M%$M%$M%IncomeAustralia37,67383. 237,60384. 839,11987. 3New Zealand5,18111. 44,63310. 53,8908. 7Other locations (1)2,4565. 42,0764. 71,7934. 0Total income45,310100. 044,312100. 044,802100. 0Non-Current Assets (2)Australia14,14991. 713,19991. 314,21192. 2New Zealand9946. 41,0577. 31,0236. 6Other locations (1)2971. 91961. 41881. 2Total non-current assets15,440100. 014,452100. 015,422100. 0Life InsuranceLife InvestmentContractsContractsGroup201520142015201420152014Summarised Income Statement$M$M$M$M$M$MNet premium income and related revenue1,9671,8432432162,2102,059Outward reinsurance premiums expense(296)(289)--(296)(289)Claims expense(1,421)(1,277)(73)(40)(1,494)(1,317)Reinsurance recoveries256223--256223Investment revenue (excluding investments in subsidiaries)4884557771,0621,2651,517Increase in contract liabilities(151)(242)(718)(946)(869)(1,188)Operating income8437132292921,0721,005Acquisition expenses(95)(96)(1)(2)(96)(98)Maintenance expenses(204)(192)(57)(56)(261)(248)Management expenses(10)(8)(11)(10)(21)(18)Net profit before income tax534417160224694641Corporate tax expense(103)(72)(36)(40)(139)(112)Policy holder tax expense(83)(53)(16)(73)(99)(126)Net profit after income tax348292108111456403 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 27 Insurance Businesses (continued) 

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. 

Capital Adequacy of The Group’s Life Insurance Company 

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. 

The  table  below  shows  the  Capital  Adequacy  Multiple  representing  the  ratio  or  assets  available  for  capital  over  the  capital 
reserve. 

130  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Life Insurance Life Investment Contracts Contracts Group 201520142015201420152014Sources of life insurance net profit$M $M $M $M $M $M The net profit after income tax is represented by:Emergence of planned profit margins25721910894365313Difference between actual and planned experience(20)(38)-16(20)(22)Effects of changes to underlying assumptions16--16Reversal of previously recognised losses or loss recognition on groups of related products14(1)--4Investment earnings on assets in excess of policyholder liabilities10710111108102Other movements2---2-Net profit after income tax348292108111456403Life insurance premiums received and receivable2,3772,2384336022,8102,840Life insurance claims paid and payable1,4781,3481,2961,3862,7742,734Life InsuranceLife InvestmentContractsContractsGroupReconciliation of movements in201520142015201420152014policy liabilities$M$M$M$M$M$MContract policy liabilitiesGross policy liabilities opening balance3,6313,4159,5359,58913,16613,004Movement in policy liabilities reflected in the Income Statement1833057189469011,251Contract contributions recognised in policy liabilities77140328147335Contract withdrawals recognised in policy liabilities(55)(68)(1,224)(1,349)(1,279)(1,417)Non-cash movements(19)(18)--(19)(18)FX translation adjustment5(10)(10)21(5)11Gross policy liabilities closing balance3,7523,6319,1599,53512,91113,166Liabilities ceded under reinsuranceOpening balance(325)(261)--(325)(261)Increase in reinsurance assets(32)(64)--(32)(64)Closing balance(357)(325)--(357)(325)Net policy liabilitiesExpected to be realised within 12 months5745121,5381,6682,1122,180Expected to be realised in more than 12 months2,8212,7947,6217,86710,44210,661Total net insurance policy liabilities3,3953,3069,1599,53512,55412,84120152014Capital Adequacy MultipleTimesTimesThe Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited, Australia1. 681. 88 
  
 
  
 
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 28 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 $8,254,111 (2014: $9,106,912) was paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers by way of fees for entities not consolidated into the Financial 

Statements. Of this amount, $6,295,642 (2014: $8,249,653) 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. 

Other services include project assurance, reviews of compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks, review of governance, risk 
and control frameworks as well as benchmarking reviews. 

Note 29 Lease Commitments 

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 $114 million as at 30 June 2015 (2014: $127 million). 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    131 

GroupBank2015201420152014$'000$'000$'000$'000a) Audit and audit related servicesAudit servicesPricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm15,57514,71911,46910,438Network firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm5,1543,997637577Total remuneration for audit services20,72918,71612,10611,015Audit related servicesPricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm3,4033,2322,2992,700Network firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm5697889093Total remuneration for audit related services3,9724,0202,3892,793Total remuneration for audit and audit related services24,70122,73614,49513,808b) Non-audit servicesTaxation servicesPricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm1,8081,6651,7211,487Network firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm1,3631,522732677Total remuneration for tax related services3,1713,1872,4532,164Other ServicesPricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm6,4433,3705,5082,766Network firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm9021--Total remuneration for other services6,5333,3915,5082,766Total remuneration for non-audit services 9,7046,5787,9614,930Total remuneration for audit and non-audit services (1)34,40529,31422,45618,738Group Bank 2015201420152014$M $M $M $M Lease Commitments - Property, Plant and EquipmentDue within one year 573561521509Due after one year but not later than five years 1,5701,4531,3981,300Due after five years 881994659753Total lease commitments - property, plant and equipment3,0243,0082,5782,562 
 
  
 
 
 
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 30 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.  The  credit  commitments 
shown in the table below 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. 

 (1)  Guarantees are unconditional undertakings given to support the obligations of a customer to third parties. 
(2)  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. 

(3)  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. 

(4)  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. 

(5)  Other commitments include underwriting facilities, commitments with certain drawdowns, standby letters of credit and bill endorsements. 

Contingent Credit Liabilities 

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 include guarantees, letters of credit, bill endorsements and other commitments 
to provide credit. 

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 irrevocable because they cannot be withdrawn at the 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. 

These transactions are categorised and credit equivalents calculated under APRA guidelines for the risk-based measurement of 
capital adequacy. The credit equivalent amounts are a measure of potential loss to the Group in the event of non-performance by 
the counterparty. 

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. 

132  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Group Face Value Credit Equivalent 2015201420152014Credit risk related instruments$M $M $M $M Guarantees (1)6,1816,1216,1816,121Documentary letters of credit (2)1,7644,7291,6214,546Performance related contingents (3)2,0071,5851,8811,409Commitments to provide credit (4)165,511151,135157,387143,270Other commitments (5)2,1132,3621,8521,901Total credit risk related instruments177,576165,932168,922157,247Bank Face Value Credit Equivalent 2015201420152014Credit risk related instruments$M $M $M $M Guarantees (1)5,7785,7245,7785,724Documentary letters of credit (2) 1,7044,6371,5734,499Performance related contingents (3)2,0071,5851,8811,409Commitments to provide credit (4)152,772140,209145,935133,469Other commitments (5)1,4681,2281,4381,189Total credit risk related instruments163,729153,383156,605146,290 
   
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 30 Contingent Liabilities, Contingent Assets and Commitments (continued) 

Contingent Credit Liabilities 

Exception Fee Class Actions 

In  May 2011,  Maurice  Blackburn  announced  that  it  intended 
to  sue  various  Australian  banks  with  respect  to  exception 
fees. Proceedings were issued against Commonwealth Bank 
of  Australia  in  December  2011  and  against  Bankwest  in 
April 2012. Neither claim has been progressed and both have 
been stayed since issue, and currently until December 2015, 
pending  the  outcome  of  similar  proceedings  against  another 
bank  where  an  appeal  process  to  the  High  Court  has  been 
commenced.  The  Group  denies  the  claims  and  the  financial 
impact, if any, is not anticipated to have a material impact on 
the Group. 

Other Contingent Liabilities 

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. 

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 2015 was $4.9 million (2014: $4.9 million). 

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. 

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  following 
each  exchange  during  the  business  day  or  at  9am  next 
business day. 

Litigation related Contingent Liabilities 

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 
liabilities  at  30 June 2015 
included: 

related  contingent 

Storm Financial 

Class  action  proceedings  were  commenced  in  the  Federal 
Court  against  the  Group  in  relation  to  Storm  Financial  on 
1 July 2010.  The  hearing  of  the  proceedings  concluded  in 
November 2013 and judgement was reserved. 

The parties exchanged a Deed of Settlement in an attempt to 
resolve  the  class  action  on  27 February 2015,  and  the 
the  proposed  settlement  on 
Federal  Court  approved 
7 July 2015. Any appeals of the Court’s decision must be filed 
by 18 August 2015.  

Pursuant to the Deed of Settlement, the Group has committed 
to make an amount of approximately $34 million (inclusive of 
compensation and legal costs) available under the settlement. 
The Group holds adequate provisions to cover this. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    133 

 
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

The Risk Committee oversees the Group’s Risk Management 
Framework and helps formulate the Group’s risk appetite for 
consideration  by  the  Board.  It  reviews  regular  reports  from 
management  on  the  measurement  of  risk  and  the  adequacy 
and  effectiveness  of  the  Group’s  risk  management  and 
internal controls systems. 

The  Risk  Committee  also monitors the  health  of  the Group’s 
risk culture, and reports any significant issues to the Board. 

Tax  and  accounting  risks  are  governed  by 
Committee. 

the  Audit 

Risk Infrastructure 

incorporates  people, 
infrastructure 
Risk  management 
processes  and  systems.  A  fundamental  aspect  of  this  is  the 
internal approach for risk management accountability which is 
structured according to a “Three Lines of Defence” model: 

 

 

 

Line 1 – Business  Management 
managing the risks for its business. 

is 

responsible 

for 

Line 2 – Risk  Management  teams  provide  independent 
expertise  and  oversight  for  Business  Management  risk-
taking activities.  

and  Assurance 

provides 
Line 3 – Group  Audit 
independent  assurance  regarding  the  adequacy  and 
effectiveness of the Group’s system of internal controls, 
risk  management 
governance 
procedures 
processes.  

and 

Note 31 Risk Management 

Risk Management Framework 

Managing  financial  risks,  especially  credit  risk,  and  non-
financial  risks  is  a  fundamental  part  of  the  Group’s  business 
activities. 

The  Group  has  an  integrated  Risk  Management  Framework 
in  place  to  manage  risks  (including  identifying,  measuring, 
assessing,  reporting  and  mitigating  risks)  and  risk-adjusted 
returns on a consistent and reliable basis. 

The  Framework  incorporates  the  requirements  of  APRA’s 
prudential  standard  for  risk  management  (CPS 220),  and  is 
structured  around  the  interaction  and  integration  of  its  key 
documentary components: 

 

 

 

The  Group’s  Risk  Appetite  Statement  (RAS)  articulates 
the  type  and  degree  of  risk  the  Board  is  prepared  to 
tolerate. 

The  Group’s  business  plan  summarises  the  Group’s 
strategy, including the strategic growth opportunities and 
capabilities  supporting  their  achievement,  and  the  risks 
to the strategy. Consideration of risk is an integral part of 
the  Group’s  strategic  planning  process  both  at  a  Group 
level  and  in  supporting  Business  Unit  (BU)  and  Line  of 
Business (LoB) strategic plans. 

The  Group’s  Risk  Management  Strategy  (RMS)  is 
guided  by  the  business  plan  and  RAS,  and  documents 
the Group’s approach to risk management for each of its 
material  risks  and  the  way  that  this  is  operationalised 
through governance, policy, reporting and infrastructure. 

This  framework  requires  each  business  to  plan  and  manage 
the  outcome  of  its  risk-taking  activities.  This  is  supported  by 
an internal risk-adjusted-performance measurement approach 
that  allows  for  “the  costs  of  risk”  and  on  which  results  are 
assessed and incentives are based. 

The framework requires that each business: 

 

 

 

proactively  manages  its  risk  profile  within  risk  appetite 
levels; 

uses risk-adjusted outcomes  and considerations as part 
of day-to-day business decision-making processes; and 

establishes and maintains appropriate risk controls. 

Risk Governance 

through 

Risk Management governance originates at Board level, and 
cascades 
the  Group  via  policies,  delegated 
authorities and committee structures. The Board and its Risk 
Committee  operate  under  the  direction  of  their  respective 
charters. 

The  Board  sets  the  foundation  for  risk  management  via  its 
articulated  RAS.  It  is  also  responsible  for  overseeing  the 
establishment  of  systems  of  risk  management  by  approving 
management’s  RMS  document  and  the  key  frameworks  and 
policy components. 

134  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 31 Risk Management (continued) 

Material Risks 

There  are  a  number  of  material  risk  types  that  could  adversely  affect  the  achievement  of  the  Group’s  strategic  or  financial 
performance objectives: 

Risk Type 

Description 

Credit Risk 

(refer to Note 32) 

Credit risk is the potential of 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 in 
bonds and notes, financial market 
transactions, providers of credit 
enhancements (such as credit default 
swaps and lenders mortgage 
insurance), securitisations and other 
associated activities. In the insurance 
business, credit risk arises from 
investment in bonds and notes, loans, 
and reliance on reinsurance. 

At a portfolio level, credit risk includes 
concentration risk arising from 
interdependencies among 
counterparties and concentration of 
exposure to countries, geographical 
regions, industry sectors and products. 

Market risk is the potential of an 
adverse impact on the Group’s 
earnings or capital from changes in 
interest rates, foreign exchange rates, 
equity and commodity prices, credit 
spreads, the resale value of assets 
underlying operating leases at maturity 
and economic drivers of the 
Commonwealth Bank Group Super 
Fund. 

The Group distinguishes between two 
main types of market risk:  
 

Traded market risk principally 
arises from the Group’s trading 
book activities within the 
Institutional Banking and Markets 
business and its subsidiary 
financial institutions.  

 

Non-traded market risk includes 
interest rate risk arising from the 
banking book (IRRBB), non-
traded equity risk, market risk 
arising from the insurance 
business, structural foreign 
exchange risk and lease residual 
value risk. 

Liquidity risk is the combined risks of 
not being able to meet financial 
obligations as they fall due (funding 
liquidity risk), and that liquidity in 
financial markets, such as the market 
for debt securities, may reduce 
significantly (market liquidity risk). 

Market Risk 
(including Equity 
Risk) 

(refer to Note 33) 

Liquidity and 
Funding Risk 

(refer to Note 34) 

Governing Policies and 
Key Management Forums 
 

The Group Credit Risk 
Framework and 
Policies, (including: 
Aggregation Policy, 
Portfolio Standards, 
Product Standards, 
Large Credit Exposure 
Policy; Country Risk 
Exposure Policy; and 
Industry Sector 
Concentration Policy) 

 

Key Forum: Executive 
Risk Committee 

Key Limits and Approaches 

 

 

 

 

Exposures to a single or groups of related 
counterparties (differentiated by 
counterparty type including individual, 
commercial, bank and government client 
groups; Probability of Default (PD) rating; 
security cover; and facility maturity); 

Industry limits in terms of exposure and 
risk adjusted concentration; 

Country exposure limits to control 
transfer/cross-border and sovereign 
default risks; and 

Exposures to consumer credit products 
managed within credit quality boundaries 
in BU RAS. 

The measurement of credit risk is based on an 
internal credit risk-rating system, which uses 
judgements on individuals or management, 
supported by analytical tools (including 
scorecards) to estimate expected and 
unexpected loss within the credit portfolio. 

 

The Group Market 
Risk Framework 
(including the Group 
Market Risk Policy 
and Trading Book 
Policy Statement) 

 

Key Forum: Asset and 
Liability Committee 

 

 

Group Liquidity Risk 
Management Policy 
and Strategy 

Key Forum: Asset and 
Liability Committee 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traded market risk (VaR and stress 
testing limits); 

IRRBB (Market Value Sensitivity and Net 
Interest Earnings at Risk limits); 

Lease residual value risk limits; 

Market risk in insurance business (VaR 
limits);  

Non-traded equity limits; and 

Super fund surplus and risk management 
reviews. 

The Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR), 
which requires liquid assets exceed 
modelled 30 day stress outflows; 

Additional market and idiosyncratic stress 
test scenarios; and 

Limits that set tolerances for the sources 
and tenor of funding. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    135 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 31 Risk Management (continued) 

Material Risks (continued) 

Risk Type 

Description 

Operational Risk 

Operational risk is risk of economic loss 
arising from inadequate or failed 
internal processes, people, systems or 
from external events. 

Governing Policies and 
Key Management Forums 
 
Operational Risk 
Management 
Framework (ORMF) 

 

Key Forum: Executive 
Committee 

Key Limits and Approaches 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investigation and reporting of loss and 
near miss incidents;  

Comprehensive risk assessment and 
control assurance processes; 

Quantitative Risk Assessment 
Framework, ORMF and Capital 
modelling; 

Support from skilled risk professionals 
embedded across the Group; and 

Single integrated operational risk and 
compliance system (RiskinSite) in use to 
enable consistent application of the 
ORMF/CRMF across the Group, 
transparency and reporting of risk 
management activities for business 
management and monitoring, and review 
activities. 

A structured hierarchy of committees and 
forums across the Group, each with 
specified accountabilities, primarily 
undertaken at the BU level; 

Maintaining pro-active relationships with 
our regulators at all times;  

Establishing appropriate policies, 
processes and procedures;  

Undertaking robust and well-informed 
advocacy and lobbying activities including 
participation in ‘quantitative impact 
studies’ for regulators; and 

Employing appropriate management, 
monitoring and reporting of compliance 
activities. 

Compliance Risk 
Management 
Framework (CRMF) 

Key Forum: Executive 
Committee 

Risk Management 
Frameworks (including 
RMS and RAS, and 
underwriting and 
claims standards) of 
insurance writing 
businesses 

Key Forum: Executive 
Committees of 
insurance writing 
businesses 

The management of insurance risk is an 
integral part of the operation of the Group’s 
insurance businesses. It is applied 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 customers understand the 
extent of their cover and that premiums 
are sufficient to cover the risk involved; 

 

 

 

Underwriting new customers to ensure 
that the cover provided and the premium 
rates quoted are appropriate for the level 
of risk accepted; 

Regular review of insurance experience, 
so that product design, policy liabilities 
and pricing remain sound; 

Claims management to ensure that 
claims are paid within the agreed policy 
terms and that these genuine claims are 
paid as soon as possible after 
documentation is received and 
reasonable investigations are undertaken; 
and 

 

Transferring a proportion of insurance risk 
to reinsurers to keep within risk appetite. 

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 requirements of 
relevant laws, regulatory bodies, 
industry standards and codes. 

Insurance Risk 

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

In the life insurance business this arises 
primarily through mortality (death) or 
morbidity (illness or injury) claims being 
greater than expected. 
In the general insurance business, 
variability arises mainly through 
weather-related incidents and similar 
events, as well as general variability in 
home, motor and travel insurance claim 
amounts. 

 

 

 

 

136  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 31 Risk Management (continued) 

Material Risks (continued) 

Risk Type 

Description 

Strategic 
Business Risk 

Strategic business risk is defined as the 
risk of economic loss resulting from 
changes in the business environment 
caused by macroeconomic conditions, 
competitive forces at work, technology, 
regulatory or social trends. 

Governing Policies and 
Key Management Forums 
 

Group RMS 

 

Key Forum: Executive 
Committee 

Reputational Risk  

Reputational risk arises from negative 
perception on the part of customers, 
counterparties, shareholders, investors, 
debt holders, market analysts, 
regulators and other relevant parties of 
the Group. In many, but not all 
respects, adverse reputational risk 
outcomes flow from the failure to 
manage other types of risk. 

 

 

 

Cultural Framework 
and Statement of 
Professional Practice 

Sustainability 
Framework 

Key Forum: Executive 
Committee 

Key Limits and Approaches 

Elements of other risk type policies and 
processes in addition to management controls 
including strategic planning and 
implementation, and financial management. 
The Board accepts or amends the Group’s 
overall strategy and each key BU’s strategic 
plans. They do so as they simultaneously 
consider: 
 

Development and consideration by the 
Board of the most significant risks 
(current and emerging); and 

 

 

 

 

BU’s RASs, which include references to 
key risk limits, and changes to the risk 
profile arising from adopting the strategy. 

Risk culture and behavioural standards 
are set out in the Group’s RAS and 
various other codes of conduct and 
related standards; 

Reinforcing Group-wide requirements on 
leadership values that support the 
Group’s vision to excel at securing and 
enhancing the financial wellbeing of 
people, businesses and communities; and 

Elements of other risk type policies and 
processes in addition to: 

– 

– 

– 

Crisis management testing of 
leadership team;  

Support from skilled risk 

professionals embedded across the 
Group;  

Sustainability framework which 

supports the Group in managing its 

Environmental, Social and 
Governance (ESG) risks. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    137 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 32 Credit Risk 

Credit Risk Management Principles and Portfolio 
Standards 

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 set the minimum requirements 
in  assessing  the  integrity  and  ability  of  debtors  and/or 
counterparties  to  meet  their  contracted  financial  obligations 
for repayment, acceptable forms of collateral and security and 
the frequency of credit reviews. 
The  principles  and  portfolio  standards  are  designed  to 
achieve  portfolio  outcomes  that  are  consistent  with  the 
Group’s risk appetite and risk/return expectations.  

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 risk portfolio has two major segments: 

(i) Retail Managed Segment 

This  segment  has  sub-segments  covering  housing  loans, 
credit  cards,  personal  loans,  some  leasing  products,  some 
unsecured commercial lending and most secured commercial 
lending up to $1 million. 

Auto-decisioning  is  used  to  approve  credit  applications  for 
eligible  customers  in  this  segment.  Auto-decisioning  uses  a 
the  Group’s  historical 
scorecard  approach  based  on 
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.  

(ii) Risk-Rated Segment 

This  segment  comprises  commercial  exposures,  including 
bank and government exposures. Each exposure is assigned 
an internal Credit Risk-Rating (CRR) based on Probability of 
Default (PD) and Loss Given Default (LGD). 

For  credit  risk  rated  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.  External  ratings  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. 

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 

138  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

rating at origination. Credit risk-rated exposures fall within the 
following categories: 

 

 

“Pass” – these credit facilities qualify for approval of new 
or increased exposure on normal commercial terms; and 

to 

“Troublesome  or  Impaired  Assets  (TIAs)”  –  these  credit 
facilities  are  not  eligible for  new  or  increased  exposure, 
unless  it  will  protect  or  improve  the  Group’s  position  by 
maximising 
facilitate 
recovery  prospects  or 
rehabilitation. Where a client is in default but the facility 
facility  may  be  classed  as 
is  well  secured, 
troublesome but not impaired. Where a client’s facility is 
not  well  secured  and  a  loss  is  expected,  the  facility  is 
classed  as  impaired.  Restructured  facilities,  where  the 
original contractual arrangements have been modified to 
provide  concessions 
financial 
difficulties,  are  rendered  non-commercial  to  the  Group 
and considered impaired. 

the  customer’s 

the 

for 

Default is usually consistent with one or more of the following: 

 

 

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  Group  in  full  without  taking  action,  such  as 
realising on available security. 

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. 

(i) Expected Loss 

Expected Loss (EL) is the product of: 

 

 

 

PD; 

Exposure at Default (EAD); and 

LGD. 

The  PD,  expressed  as  a  percentage,  is  the  estimate  of  the 
probability that a client will default within the next 12 months. 
It reflects a client's ability to generate sufficient cash flows into 
the  future  to  meet  the  terms  of  all  their  credit  obligations  with 
the Group. 

The dollar amount of EAD is the estimate of the amount of a 
facility  that  will  be  outstanding  in  the  event  of  default. 
Estimates are based on downturn economic conditions.  

EAD  for committed  facilities  is measured  as  a  dollar  amount 
based  on  the  drawn  and  undrawn  components  12  months 
prior  to  default.  It  comprises  the  drawn  balance  plus  an 
undrawn  amount  that  is  expected  to  convert  to  drawn  in  the 
period leading up to default. For most committed facilities, the 
Group  applies  a  credit  conversion  factor  of  100%  to  the 
undrawn amount.  

For uncommitted facilities the EAD will generally be the drawn 
balance  only.  For  retail  exposures,  a  modelling  approach 
based  on  limit  usage,  arrears  and  loan  type  is  used  to 
segment accounts into homogeneous pools for the calculation.  

LGD expressed as a percentage, is the estimated proportion 
of  a  facility  likely  to  be  lost  in  the  event  of  default.  LGD  is 
impacted by: 

 

 

 

 

Type and level of any collateral held; 

Liquidity and volatility of collateral; 

Carrying costs (effectively the costs of providing a facility 
that is not generating an interest return); and 

Realisation costs. 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 32 Credit Risk (continued)

Credit Risk Measurement (continued) 

Derivative Assets 

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 25 for information relating to regulatory capital. 

Credit Risk Mitigation, Collateral and Other Credit 
Enhancements 

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 

Collateral  is  not  usually  sought  on  the  majority  of  Cash  and 
liquid  asset  balances  as  these  types  of  exposures  are 
generally considered low risk. However, securities purchased 
under  agreement  to  resell  are  100%  collateralised  by  highly 
liquid debt securities. 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.  

included 
The  Group’s  cash  and 
$16,028 million (2014: $15,815 million) deposited with central 
banks and considered to carry less credit risk. 

liquid  asset  balance 

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).  

Trading Assets at Fair Value through Income Statement 
and Available-for-Sale (AFS) Investments 

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 mitigate the exposure to credit risk. 

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. 

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. 

Other Assets 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. 

The Group’s use of derivative contracts is outlined in Note 10. 
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 credit 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 
frequently 
for  corporate  or  government  counterparties) 
through  netting  agreements,  whereby  derivative  assets  and 
liabilities  with  the  same  counterparty  can  be  offset  and 
clearing of trades with Central Counterparties (CCPs). 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.  

to  be 

Collateral is obtained against derivative assets, depending on 
the  creditworthiness  of  the counterparty  and/or  nature  of  the 
transaction. The fair value of collateral held and the potential 
effect  of  offset  obtained  by  applying  master  netting 
agreements are disclosed in Note 43. 

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. Collateral may be sought depending on 
the  strength  of  the  counterparty  and  the  nature  of  the 
transaction.  Of  the  Group’s  off  Balance  Sheet  exposures, 
$93,047 million (2014: $85,613 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  cash,  scrips, 
inventory, fixed assets and accounts receivables; and 

  Guarantees received from third parties. 

Collateral security, in the form of real estate or a charge over 
income  or  assets,  is  generally  taken  except  for  government, 
bank  and  corporate  counterparties  that  are  often  externally 
risk-rated  and  of  strong  financial  standing.  Longer  term 
consumer  finance,  such  as  housing  loans,  is  generally 
secured  against  real  estate,  while  short  term  revolving 
consumer credit is generally not secured by formal collateral. 

Specifically,  the  collateral  mitigating  credit  risk  of  the  key 
lending  portfolios  is  addressed  in  the  table  notes  in  the 
collateral  held  against  Loans,  bills  discounted  and  other 
receivables section of this note. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    139 

 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 32 Credit Risk (continued) 

Maximum Exposure to Credit Risk by Industry and Asset Class before Collateral Held or Other Credit Enhancements 

The tables below 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)  Loans,  bills  discounted  and  other  receivables  is  presented  gross  of  provisions  for  impairment  and  unearned  income  on  lease  receivables  in  line  with 

Note 12. 

(2)  For the purpose of reconciling to the Balance Sheet, “Other assets” predominantly comprises assets which do not give rise to credit exposure, including 

Property, plant and equipment, Investment in Associates and Joint Ventures, Intangible assets, Deferred tax assets and Other assets. 

140  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

GroupAt 30 June 2015BankAssetOtherAgri-and OtherHomeConstr-OtherFinanc-Comm andSovereigncultureFinancialLoansuctionPersonalingIndust.OtherTotal $M $M $M $M $M $M $M $M $M $MAustraliaCredit risk exposures relating to on Balance Sheet assets:Cash and liquid assets--15,939------15,939Receivables due from otherfinancial institutions--3,284------3,284Assets at fair value throughIncome Statement:Trading10,477-2,087----10,267-22,831Insurance 696-7,269----3,885-11,850Other95-470----615-1,180Derivative assets1,28211529,319-48--6,898-37,662Available-for-sale investments34,795-28,510----1,040-64,345Loans, bills discountedand other receivables (1)5,5216,25815,157383,1742,72222,3138,356117,557-561,058Bank acceptances21,29961-353----1,715Other assets (2)786376,3126087051495912,83821,665Total on Balance Sheet Australia53,6547,709108,408383,7823,19322,3648,360141,22112,838741,529Credit risk exposures relating to off Balance Sheet assets:Guarantees10914149456797-4,759-5,762Loan commitments5771,5953,84566,4373,25322,605-40,482-138,794Other commitments50131,7272487421642,263-5,117Total Australia54,3909,331114,129450,2887,99944,9788,524188,72512,838891,202OverseasCredit risk exposures relating to on Balance Sheet assets:Cash and liquid assets--17,177------17,177Receivables due from otherfinancial institutions--8,256------8,256Assets at fair value throughIncome Statement:Trading1,010-1,358----1,225-3,593Insurance --2,238------2,238Other--98------98Derivative assets710245,848----1,910-8,492Available-for-sale investments7,092-3,133----114-10,339Loans, bills discountedand other receivables (1)12,9297,9907,57239,6774071,12855812,909-83,170Bank acceptances-------229-229Other assets (2)45-1,409111954771,6853,291Total on Balance Sheet overseas21,7868,01447,08939,6784081,14761216,4641,685136,883Credit risk exposures relating to off Balance Sheet assets:Guarantees1360-69--286-419Loan commitments5129891,4015,8871541,711316,060-26,717Other commitments71---5--691-767Total overseas22,3709,00648,55045,5656362,85861533,5011,685164,786Total gross credit risk76,76018,337162,679495,8538,63547,8369,139222,22614,5231,055,988 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 32 Credit Risk (continued) 

Maximum Exposure to Credit Risk by Industry and Asset Class before Collateral Held or Other Credit Enhancements 
(continued) 

(1)  Loans,  bills  discounted  and  other  receivables  is  presented  gross  of  provisions  for  impairment  and  unearned  income  on  lease  receivables  in  line  with 

Note 12. 

(2)  For the purpose of reconciling to the Balance Sheet, “Other assets” predominantly comprises assets which do not give rise to credit exposure, including 

Property, plant and equipment, Investment in Associates and Joint Ventures, Intangible assets, Deferred tax assets and Other assets. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    141 

GroupAt 30 June 2014BankAssetOtherAgri-& 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--8,249------8,249Receivables due from otherfinancial institutions--3,707------3,707Assets at fair value throughIncome Statement:Trading9,026-1,517----7,049-17,592Insurance767-7,425----4,816-13,008Other54-372------426Derivative assets4144821,989-19--3,268-25,738Available-for-sale investments32,097-24,795----947-57,839Loans, bills discountedand other receivables (1)5,9205,86410,179360,2182,67923,0478,078110,453-526,438Bank acceptances22,226128-536--2,092-4,984Other assets (2)77164,794642776939312,86818,882Total on Balance Sheet Australia48,3578,15483,155360,8603,24123,1238,087129,01812,868676,863Credit risk exposures relating to off Balance Sheet assets:Guarantees10326214-806--4,555-5,704Loan commitments8081,7012,57764,9041,83221,551736,316-129,696Other commitments 57204,634-490-1472,056-7,404Total Australia49,3259,90190,580425,7646,36944,6748,241171,94512,868819,667OverseasCredit risk exposures relating to on Balance Sheet assets:Cash and liquid assets--18,160------18,160Receivables due from otherfinancial institutions--4,358------4,358Assets at fair value throughIncome Statement:Trading1,426-571----1,870-3,867Insurance--2,134------2,134Other138-196------334Derivative assets181102,589----729-3,509Available-for-sale investments5,703-2,594----1-8,298Loans, bills discountedand other receivables (1)12,3097,3895,48639,4673781,08532710,221-76,662Bank acceptances-11-----32-43Other assets (2)35-76111449431,6482,542Total on Balance Sheet overseas19,7927,41036,84939,4683791,08937612,8961,648119,907Credit risk exposures relating to off Balance Sheet assets:Guarantees1350-82--281-417Loan commitments4915477225,5985431,689-11,849-21,439Other commitments73---6--1,193-1,272Total overseas20,3577,96037,62145,0661,0102,77837626,2191,648143,035Total gross credit risk69,68217,861128,201470,8307,37947,4528,617198,16414,516962,702 
  
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 32 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 and facility tenor. All exposures outside the policy limits require approval by the Executive Risk Committee and are 
reported to the 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  1  and 
Tier 2 capital): 

The  Group  has  a  high  quality,  well  diversified  credit  portfolio,  with  59%  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  13%  of 
loans and advances. 

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. 

Distribution of Financial Instruments by Credit Quality 

The table below segregates financial instruments 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.   

142  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Group20152014NumberNumber5% to less than 10% of the Group's capital resources2210% to less than 15% of the Group's capital resources--Group2015Neither PastPast dueTotal Provisions Due norbut notImpairedfor ImpairmentImpaired ImpairedAssetsGrossLossesNet$M$M$M$M$M$MCash and liquid assets33,116--33,116-33,116Receivables due from other financial institutions11,540--11,540-11,540Assets at fair value through Income Statement:Trading26,424--26,424-26,424Insurance14,088--14,088-14,088Other1,278--1,278-1,278Derivative assets46,154--46,154-46,154Available-for-sale investments74,684--74,684-74,684Loans, bills discounted and other receivables:Australia545,44813,4022,208561,058(3,322)557,736Overseas80,2902,39648483,170(296)82,874Bank acceptances1,944--1,944-1,944Credit related commitments177,413-163177,576(31)177,545Total1,012,37915,7982,8551,031,032(3,649)1,027,383 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 32 Credit Risk (continued) 

Distribution of Financial Instruments by Credit Quality (continued) 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    143 

Group 2014Neither PastPast DueTotal ProvisionsDue norbut notImpairedfor ImpairmentImpairedImpairedAssetsGrossLossesNet$M$M$M$M$M $MCash and liquid assets26,409--26,409-26,409Receivables due from other financial institutions8,065--8,065-8,065Assets at fair value through Income Statement:Trading21,459--21,459-21,459Insurance15,142--15,142-15,142Other760--760-760Derivative assets29,213-3429,247-29,247Available-for-sale investments66,137--66,137-66,137Loans, bills discounted and other receivables:Australia511,15412,6652,619526,438(3,599)522,839Overseas73,1882,92355176,662(267)76,395Bank acceptances5,027--5,027-5,027Credit related commitments165,769-163165,932(40)165,892Total922,32315,5883,367941,278(3,906)937,372Bank2015Neither PastPast DueTotal ProvisionsDue nor but notImpairedfor ImpairmentImpairedImpairedAssetsGrossLossesNet$M$M$M$M$M$MCash and liquid assets31,683--31,683-31,683Receivables due from other financial institutions9,720--9,720-9,720Assets at fair value through Income Statement:Trading25,135--25,135-25,135Insurance------Other989--989-989Derivative assets45,607--45,607-45,607Available-for-sale investments72,304--72,304-72,304Loans, bills discounted and other receivables:Australia540,26413,3922,170555,826(3,298)552,528Overseas21,8761114822,035(56)21,979Bank acceptances1,908--1,908-1,908Shares in and loans to controlled entities143,756--143,756-143,756Credit related commitments163,571-158163,729(31)163,698Total1,056,81313,4032,4761,072,692(3,385)1,069,307Bank2014Neither PastPast DueTotal ProvisionsDue norbut notImpairedfor ImpairmentImpairedImpairedAssetsGrossLossesNet$M$M$M$M$M$MCash and liquid assets24,108--24,108-24,108Receivables due from other financial institutions7,457--7,457-7,457Assets at fair value through Income Statement:Trading20,572--20,572-20,572Insurance------Other561--561-561Derivative assets29,582-3329,615-29,615Available-for-sale investments131,577--131,577-131,577Loans, bills discounted and other receivables:Australia507,95012,6582,576523,184(3,563)519,621Overseas16,6222123316,876(71)16,805Bank acceptances4,984--4,984-4,984Shares in and loans to controlled entities64,086--64,086-64,086Credit related commitments153,226-157153,383(40)153,343Total960,72512,6792,999976,403(3,674)972,729 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 32 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. 

  (1)  For New Zealand Housing Loans, PDs reflect Reserve Bank of New Zealand requirements resulting in higher PDs on average and lower grading. 

144  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Group2015OtherHomeOtherAssetCommercialLoansPersonalFinancingand IndustrialTotalCredit grading$M$M$M$M$MAustraliaInvestment254,7044,24767493,362352,987Pass107,52013,0467,26050,068177,894Weak9,6253,7222011,01914,567Total Australia371,84921,0158,135144,449545,448Overseas (1)Investment9,501-27328,32738,101Pass28,01183624312,64341,733Weak337--119456Total overseas37,84983651641,08980,290Total loans which were neither past due nor impaired409,69821,8518,651185,538625,738Group2014OtherHomeOtherAssetCommercialLoansPersonalFinancingand IndustrialTotalCredit grading$M  $M$M$M$MAustraliaInvestment236,4874,36759786,674328,125Pass104,14413,6477,06043,557168,408Weak9,1103,8452181,44814,621Total Australia349,74121,8597,875131,679511,154Overseas (1)Investment11,819-1223,80235,633Pass24,97973830011,14637,163Weak264-1127392Total overseas37,06273831335,07573,188Total loans which were neither past due nor impaired 386,80322,5978,188166,754584,342 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 32 Credit Risk (continued) 

Credit Quality of Loans, Bills Discounted and Other Financial Assets which were Neither Past Due nor Impaired 
(continued) 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    145 

Bank2015OtherHomeOtherAssetCommercialLoansPersonalFinancingand IndustrialTotal Credit grading$M$M$M$M$M AustraliaInvestment256,7844,44363889,964351,829Pass101,79413,7177,21050,890173,611Weak9,6063,9422011,07514,824Total Australia368,18422,1028,049141,929540,264OverseasInvestment128-25818,65919,045Pass37819-2,4162,813Weak6--1218Total overseas5121925821,08721,876Total loans which were neither past due nor impaired368,69622,1218,307163,016562,140Bank2014Other HomeOtherAssetCommercialLoansPersonalFinancingand IndustrialTotal Credit grading$M$M$M$M$M AustraliaInvestment236,2764,36654985,772326,963Pass102,49513,6477,01043,277166,429Weak9,1033,8452171,39314,558Total Australia347,87421,8587,776130,442507,950OverseasInvestment158-114,64514,804Pass3051331,4971,818Weak-----Total overseas46313416,14216,622Total loans which were neither past due nor impaired348,33721,8717,780146,584524,572 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 32 Credit Risk (continued) 

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 2015 
and 30 June 2014 were of investment grade. 

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 90 days past due. 

(1) 

Included in these balances are credit card facilities and other unsecured portfolio managed facilities up to 90 days past due. At 90 days past due, the loans 
are classified as impaired. 

146  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Group 2015OtherHomeOtherAssetCommercialLoansPersonal (1)Financingand IndustrialTotal Loans which were past due but not impaired$M$M$M$M$M AustraliaPast due 1 - 29 days6,131691598787,759Past due 30 - 59 days1,835204432042,286Past due 60 - 89 days839129271561,151Past due 90 - 179 days956-12181,175Past due 180 days or more7298-2941,031Total Australia10,4901,0321301,75013,402OverseasPast due 1 - 29 days1,41021883241,960Past due 30 - 59 days17732312224Past due 60 - 89 days711211195Past due 90 - 179 days491212183Past due 180 days or more195-1034Total overseas1,726279133782,396Total loans which were past due but not impaired 12,2161,3111432,12815,798Group 2014Other HomeOtherAsset Commercial LoansPersonal (1)Financing and Industrial Total Loans which were past due but not impaired$M $M $M $M $M AustraliaPast due 1 - 29 days5,639622667977,124Past due 30 - 59 days1,731185392552,210Past due 60 - 89 days830111111471,099Past due 90 - 179 days860--2741,134Past due 180 days or more67610-4121,098Total Australia9,7369281161,88512,665OverseasPast due 1 - 29 days1,82925392852,376Past due 30 - 59 days25439210305Past due 60 - 89 days952213121Past due 90 - 179 days57151578Past due 180 days or more277-943Total overseas2,262336133122,923Total loans which were past due but not impaired 11,9981,2641292,19715,588 
 
  
  
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 32 Credit Risk (continued) 

Age Analysis of Loans, Bills Discounted and Other Receivables that are Past Due but Not Impaired (continued) 

(1) 

Included in these balances are credit card facilities and other unsecured portfolio managed facilities up to 90 days past due. At 90 days past due, the loans 
are classified as impaired. 

Impaired Assets by Classification 

Assets in credit risk rated portfolios and retail managed portfolios are assessed for objective evidence that the financial asset is 
impaired.  

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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    147 

Bank2015OtherHomeOtherAssetCommercialLoansPersonal (1)Financingand IndustrialTotal Loans which were past due but not impaired$M$M$M$M$M AustraliaPast due 1 - 29 days6,126691598787,754Past due 30 - 59 days1,834204432042,285Past due 60 - 89 days838129261561,149Past due 90 - 179 days955-12181,174Past due 180 days or more7288-2941,030Total Australia10,4811,0321291,75013,392OverseasPast due 1 - 29 days7--18Past due 30 - 59 days-----Past due 60 - 89 days-----Past due 90 - 179 days1--12Past due 180 days or more---11Total overseas8--311Total loans which were past due but not impaired 10,4891,0321291,75313,403Bank 2014OtherHome OtherAssetCommercialLoansPersonal (1)Financingand IndustrialTotal Loans which were past due but not impaired $M$M$M$M$M AustraliaPast due 1 - 29 days5,635622667977,120Past due 30 - 59 days1,729185392552,208Past due 60 - 89 days829111101471,097Past due 90 - 179 days860--2741,134Past due 180 days or more67610-4131,099Total Australia9,7299281151,88612,658OverseasPast due 1 - 29 days15--318Past due 30 - 59 days1---1Past due 60 - 89 days-----Past due 90 - 179 days1---1Past due 180 days or more1---1Total overseas18--321Total loans which were past due but not impaired 9,7479281151,88912,679 
 
  
  
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 32 Credit Risk (continued) 

Impaired Assets by Classification (continued) 

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)  Collective provisions are held for these portfolios. 

Impaired Assets by Size 

148  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Group20152014201320122011$M $M $M $M $M AustraliaNon-Performing assets:Gross balances1,9402,1343,3163,9664,592Less individual provisions for impairment(775)(1,035)(1,564)(1,920)(2,031)Net non-performing assets1,1651,0991,7522,0462,561Restructured assets:Gross balances1443613469338Less individual provisions for impairment-----Net restructured assets1443613469338Unsecured retail products 90 days or more past due:Gross balances251236217204202Less provisions for impairment (1)(130)(131)(128)(120)(109)Unsecured retail products 90 days or more past due121105898493Net Australia impaired assets1,4301,5652,1872,2232,692OverseasNon-Performing assets:Gross balances454377356344467Less individual provisions for impairment(112)(92)(64)(88)(94)Net non-performing assets342285292256373Restructured assets:Gross balances542488770189Less individual provisions for impairment-----Net restructured assets542488770189Unsecured retail products 90 days or more past due:Gross balances121181014Less provisions for impairment (1)(9)(8)(3)(3)(3)Unsecured retail products 90 days or more past due335711Net overseas impaired assets399536384333573Total net impaired assets1,8292,1012,5712,5563,265GroupAustraliaOverseasTotalAustraliaOverseasTotal201520152015201420142014Impaired assets by size $M$M$M$M$M$MLess than $1 million1,2151181,3331,2031601,363$1 million to $10 million7171268439021251,027Greater than $10 million403276679626351977Total2,3355202,8552,7316363,367 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 32 Credit Risk (continued) 

Movement in Impaired Assets 

Impaired Assets by Industry and Status 

(1)  Write-offs, recoveries and net write-offs are not recognised against credit commitments or derivatives as these exposures are closed out and converted to 

loans and receivables on impairment. Write-offs and recoveries take place subsequent to this conversion. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    149 

Group20152014201320122011Movement in gross impaired assets$M $M $M $M $M Gross impaired assets - opening balance3,3674,3304,6875,5025,419New and increased2,0952,3933,0163,3894,156Balances written off(1,355)(1,697)(1,774)(1,687)(1,798)Returned to performing or repaid(1,903)(2,303)(2,165)(3,040)(2,740)Portfolio managed - new/increased/return to performing/repaid651644566523465Gross impaired assets - closing balance2,8553,3674,3304,6875,502Group2015GrossTotal ProvisionsNetTotalImpairedfor ImpairedImpairedNet (1)BalanceAssetsAssetsAssetsWrite-offs (1)Recoveries (1)Write-offs Industry $M$M$M$M$M$M$M Loans - AustraliaSovereign5,521------Agriculture6,258347(133)21465-65Bank and other financial15,15724(36)(12)36(9)27Home loans383,174835(148)68772(3)69Construction2,72230(20)1014-14Other personal22,313266(140)126686(125)561Asset financing8,35691(28)6345(4)41Other commercial and industrial117,557615(400)215404(24)380Total loans - Australia561,0582,208(905)1,3031,322(165)1,157Loans - OverseasSovereign12,929------Agriculture7,990146(14)1323-3Bank and other financial7,57210-1069-69Home loans39,677102(10)928(1)7Construction4075(1)4---Other personal1,12813(9)442(10)32Asset financing55829(10)19---Other commercial and industrial12,909179(69)11035-35Total loans - overseas 83,170484(113)371157(11)146Total loans644,2282,692(1,018)1,6741,479(176)1,303Other balances - AustraliaCredit commitments149,673127-127---Derivatives37,662------Total other balances - Australia187,335127-127---Other balances - OverseasCredit commitments27,90336(8)28---Derivatives8,492------Total other balances - overseas36,39536(8)28---Total other balances223,730163(8)155---Total867,9582,855(1,026)1,8291,479(176)1,303 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 32 Credit Risk (continued) 

Impaired Assets by Industry and Status (continued) 

(1)  Write-offs, recoveries and net write-offs are not recognised against credit commitments or derivatives as these exposures are closed out and converted to 

loans and receivables on impairment. Write-offs and recoveries take place subsequent to this conversion. 

Collateral held against Loans, Bills Discounted and Other Receivables 

150  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Group2014GrossTotal ProvisionsNetTotalImpairedfor ImpairedImpairedNet (1)BalanceAssetsAssetsAssetsWrite-offs (1)Recoveries (1)Write-offs Industry $M$M$M$M$M$M$M Loans - AustraliaSovereign5,920------Agriculture5,864326(123)203138-138Bank and other financial10,17973(68)5122(6)116Home loans360,218743(151)592113(4)109Construction2,67942(29)1352-52Other personal23,047260(145)115677(106)571Asset financing8,07885(30)5537(5)32Other commercial and industrial110,4531,090(620)470568(27)541Total loans - Australia526,4382,619(1,166)1,4531,707(148)1,559Loans - OverseasSovereign12,309------Agriculture7,38972(3)693(3)-Bank and other financial5,48630(15)15-(3)(3)Home loans39,467143(11)13213(1)12Construction3785(1)4---Other personal1,08511(8)330(8)22Asset financing3272-2---Other commercial and industrial10,221288(62)22660(2)58Total loans - overseas 76,662551(100)451106(17)89Total loans603,1003,170(1,266)1,9041,813(165)1,648Other balances - AustraliaCredit commitments142,804110-110---Derivatives25,7382-2---Total other balances - Australia168,542112-112---Other balances - OverseasCredit commitments23,12853-53---Derivatives3,50932-32---Total other balances - overseas26,63785-85---Total other balances195,179197-197---Total798,2793,367(1,266)2,1011,813(165)1,648Group2015OtherHomeOtherAssetCommercialLoansPersonalFinancingand IndustrialTotalMaximum exposure ($M)422,85123,4418,914189,022644,228Collateral classification:Secured (%)99. 314. 098. 740. 278. 7Partially secured (%)0. 7-1. 313. 74. 5Unsecured (%)-86. 0-46. 116. 8 
 
  
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 32 Credit Risk (continued) 

Collateral held against Loans, Bills Discounted and Other Receivables (continued) 

A  facility  is  determined  to  be  secured  where  the  ratio  of  the  exposure  to  that  facility  to  the  estimated  value  of  the  collateral 
(adjusted for lending margins)  is less than or equal to 100%. A facility is deemed to be partly 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%. 

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,  with  the  exception  of  some  relatively  small 
portfolios,  for  loans  with  a  Loan  to  Valuation  (LVR)  of  higher  than  80%  either  a  Low  Deposit  Premium  is  levied,  or  Lenders 
Mortgage Insurance (LMI) is taken out to cover 100% of the principal amount at default plus interest. 

Personal Lending 

Personal lending (such as credit cards), is predominantly unsecured. 

Asset Finance 

The Group leases assets to corporate and retail clients. When the title to the underlying 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 partly secured or unsecured. 

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 partly secured or unsecured. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    151 

Group2014OtherHomeOtherAssetCommercialLoansPersonalFinancingand IndustrialTotalMaximum exposure ($M)399,68524,1328,405170,878603,100Collateral classification:Secured (%)99. 314. 399. 043. 280. 0Partially secured (%)0. 7-1. 013. 54. 3Unsecured (%)-85. 7-43. 315. 7Bank2015OtherHomeOtherAssetCommercialLoansPersonalFinancingand IndustrialTotal Maximum exposure ($M)380,02223,4198,307166,113577,861Collateral classification:Secured (%)99. 214. 598. 439. 378. 7Partially secured (%)0. 8-1. 613. 14. 3Unsecured (%)-85. 5-47. 617. 0Bank2014OtherHomeOtherAssetCommercialLoansPersonalFinancingand IndustrialTotal Maximum exposure ($M)358,82423,0607,979150,197540,060Collateral classification:Secured (%)99. 214. 898. 942. 179. 8Partially secured (%)0. 8-1. 112. 84. 1Unsecured (%)-85. 2-45. 116. 1 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 33 Market Risk 

Market Risk Measurement 

The Group uses Value-at-Risk (VaR) as one of the measures 
of  Traded  and  Non-traded  market  risk.  VaR  is  a  statistical 
measure  of  potential  loss  using  historically  observed  market 
movements. 

VaR  is  modelled  at  a  97.5%  confidence  level.  This  means 
that there is a 97.5% probability that the loss will not exceed 
the VaR estimate on any given day.  

The VaR measured for Traded market risk uses two years of 
daily  movement  in market  rates. The  VaR measure for  Non-
traded  Banking  Book  market  risk  uses  six  years  of  daily 
movement in market rates.  

A  1-day  holding  period  is  used  for  trading  book  positions.  A 
20-day  holding  period  is  used  for  Interest  Rate  Risk  in  the 
Banking  Book,  insurance  business  market  risk  and  Non-
traded equity risk.  

the  maximum 

VaR  is  driven  by  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  additional  controls  to 
measure and manage market risk including stress testing, risk 
sensitivity and position limits.  

loss 

that 

(1)  Average VaR calculated for each 12 month period. 

Non-Traded Market Risk 

Interest Rate Risk in the Banking Book 

Interest rate risk is the current and prospective impact to the 
Group’s financial condition due to adverse changes in interest 
rates  to  which  the  Group’s  Balance  Sheet  is  exposed. 
Maturity  transformation  activities  of  the  Group  result  in 
mismatched  assets  and  liabilities  positions  which  direct  that 
the  propensity, 
rate 
movements  have  undesired  outcomes  over  both  the  short-
term  and  long-term.  The  Group’s  objective  is  to  manage 
interest rate risk to achieve stable and sustainable net interest 
income in the long-term. 

timing  and  quantum  of 

interest 

The Group measures and manages the impact of interest rate 
risk in two ways: 

(a) Next 12 months’ earnings 
Interest  rate  risk  from  an  earnings  perspective  is  the  impact 
based on changes to the net interest income over the next 12 
months. 

The risk to net interest income over the next 12 months from 
changes in interest rates is measured on a monthly basis. 

Earnings risk is measured through sensitivity analysis, which 
applies  an  instantaneous  100  basis  point  parallel  shock  in 
interest rates across the yield curve.  

The  prospective  change  to  the  net  interest  income  is 
measured  by  using  an  Asset  and  Liability  Management 
incorporates  both  existing  and 
simulation  model  which 
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 
the  Group  and  repricing 
historic  repricing  strategy  of 
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. 

(1)  Average VaR calculated for each 12 month period. 
(2)  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. 

Traded Market Risk 

Traded  Market  Risk  is  generated  through  the  Group’s 
participation in financial markets to service its customers. The 
Group  trades  and  distributes  interest  rate,  foreign  exchange, 
debt, equity and commodity products, and provides treasury, 
capital  markets  and  risk  management  services 
its 
customers globally.  

to 

The  Group  maintains  access  to  markets  by  quoting  bid  and 
offer prices with other market makers and carries an inventory 
of financial instruments, including a broad range of securities 
and derivatives. 

152  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Average (1)As atAverage (1)As atTotal Market RiskJuneJuneJuneJuneVaR (1-day 97.5% 2015201520142014confidence)$M$M$M$MTraded Market Risk 8. 98. 911. 07. 8Non-Traded Interest Rate Risk (2)15. 116. 711. 919. 0Non-Traded Equity Risk (2)14. 312. 920. 315. 6Non-Traded Insurance Market Risk (2)5. 03. 75. 84. 7Average (1)As atAverage (1)As atTraded Market RiskJuneJuneJuneJuneVaR (1-day 97.5% 2015201520142014confidence)$M$M$M$MInterest rate risk5. 85. 25. 44. 4Foreign exchange risk 2. 01. 91. 40. 8Equities risk 0. 60. 31. 20. 3Commodities risk 1. 52. 32. 30. 7Credit spread risk2. 73. 21. 82. 2Diversification benefit (7. 3)(7. 8)(6. 2)(4. 7)Total general market risk 5. 35. 15. 93. 7Undiversified risk 3. 43. 74. 93. 9ASB Bank 0. 20. 10. 20. 2Total 8. 98. 911. 07. 8 
 
  
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 33 Market Risk (continued) 
Non-Traded Market Risk (continued) 

(b) Economic Value  

Interest  rate  risk  from  the  economic  value  perspective  is 
based on a 20-day 97.5% VaR measure. 

Measuring  the  change  in  the  economic  value  of  equity  is  an 
assessment of the long-term impact to the earnings potential 
of  the  Group  present  valued  to  the  current  date.  The  Group 
assesses the potential change in its economic value of equity 
through  the  application  of  the  VaR  methodology.  A  20-day 
97.5%  VaR  measure  is  used  to  capture  the  net  economic 
value  impact  over  the  long-term  or  total  life  of  all  Balance 
Sheet  assets  and  liabilities  to  adverse  changes  in  interest 
rates.  The 
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 12 month period. 
(2)  VaR is only for entities that have material risk exposure. 
(3)  ASB data (expressed in NZD) is for the month-end date. 

Non-Traded Equity Risk 

The  Group  retains  Non-traded  equity  risk  through  business 
activities  in  divisions  including  Institutional  Banking  and 
Markets, and Wealth Management.  

A  20-day,  97.5%  confidence  VaR  is  used  to  measure  the 
economic impact of adverse changes in value.  

Market Risk in Insurance Businesses 

There  are  two  main  sources  of  market  risk  in  the  Life 
Insurance businesses: (i) market risk arising from guarantees 
made  to  policyholders;  and  (ii)  market  risk  arising  from  the 
investment of Shareholders’ capital. 

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  having  an 
asset and liability management framework which includes the 
use of hedging instruments. The Group also monitors the risk 
on a monthly basis. 

Shareholders’ Capital 

A  portion  of  financial  assets  held  within  the  Insurance 
in  the 
business,  both  within  the  Statutory  Funds  and 
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 
100%  in  income  assets  (cash  and  fixed  interest)  as  at 
30 June 2015. 

A  20-day  97.5%  VaR  measure  is  used  to  capture  the  Non-
traded market risk exposures. 

(1)  Average VaR calculated for each 12  month period. 
(2)  VaR in relation to the investment of shareholder funds. 
(3)  VaR  in  relation  to  product  portfolios  where  the  Group  has  guaranteed 

liabilities to policyholders. 

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 and Asian operations.  

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.  

Commonwealth Bank Group Super Fund 

The Commonwealth Bank Group Super Fund (the Fund) has 
a  defined  benefit  portion  that  creates  market  risk  for  the 
Group.  Wealth  Risk  Management  and  Human  Resources 
provide  oversight  of  the  market  risks  of  the  Fund  held  and 
managed  on  behalf  of  the  employees  receiving  defined 
benefit  pension  funds  on  behalf  of  the  Group  (refer  to 
Note 35). 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    153 

JuneJuneNet Interest20152014Earnings at Risk$M$MAverage monthly exposureAUD244. 490. 2NZD26. 221. 0High monthly exposureAUD360. 5134. 0NZD35. 729. 6Low monthly exposureAUD168. 943. 6NZD19. 412. 3As at balance dateAUD168. 9117. 4NZD35. 728. 4Average (1)Average (1)JuneJuneNon-Traded Interest Rate VaR20152014(20 day 97.5% confidence) (2)$M$MAUD Interest rate risk67. 353. 1NZD Interest rate risk (3)3. 22. 0As atAs atJuneJuneNon-Traded Equity VaR 20152014(20 day 97.5% confidence)$M$MVaR 58. 070. 0Average (1)Average (1)Non-Traded VaR in Australian JuneJuneLife Insurance Business 20152014(20 day 97.5% confidence)$M$MShareholder funds (2)13. 118. 9Guarantees (to Policyholders) (3)15. 115. 2 
  
  
  
 
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 34 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,  has  sufficient  liquid  assets  to  borrow  against  on  a 
secured  basis,  or  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  during  periods  of  unfavourable  market 
conditions. 

The  Group’s  funding  policies  are  designed  to  achieve 
diversified  sources  of  funding  by  product,  term,  maturity 
date,  investor  type,  investor  location,  jurisdiction,  currency 
and concentration, on a cost effective basis. This objective 
applies 
funding 
activities. 

the  Group’s  wholesale  and  retail 

to 

Liquidity and Funding Risk Management Framework 

The Group’s liquidity and funding policies, structured under 
a  formal  Group  Liquidity  and  Funding  Risk  Management 
Framework,  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 
funding 
Treasury  manages 
positions  in  accordance  with  the  Group’s  liquidity  policies 
and  has  ultimate  authority  to  execute  liquidity  decisions 
should  the  Group  Contingent  Funding  Plan  be  activated. 
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. 

liquidity  and 

the  Group’s 

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  small  banking  subsidiary  in  Indonesia  that  manages  its 
own  liquidity  and  funding  on  a  similar  basis.  The  Group’s 
Board  is  ultimately  responsible  for  the  sound  and  prudent 
management of liquidity risk across the Group. 

Liquidity and Funding Policies and Management 

The Group’s liquidity and funding policies provide that: 

 

An  excess  of  liquid  assets  over  the  level  prescribed 
(LCR) 
under  APRA’s  Liquidity  Coverage  Ratio 
requirement 
is  maintained.  Australian  ADIs  are 
required  from  1 January 2015  to  meet  a  100%  LCR, 
calculated  as  the  ratio  of  high  quality  liquid  assets  to 
30 day net cash outflows projected under a prescribed 
stress scenario; 

  Group ‘going concern’ funding and liquidity metrics are 
also calculated and stress tests additional to the LCR 
are run; 

154  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

 

 

 

 

Short  and  long-term  wholesale  funding  limits  are 
established,  monitored  and  reviewed  regularly.  The 
Group’s  market  capacity  is  regularly  assessed  and 
used as a factor in funding strategies; 

Balance Sheet assets that cannot be liquidated quickly 
are funded with deposits or term borrowings that meet 
minimum  maturity 
requirements  with  appropriate 
liquidity buffers; 

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 
securities. The second includes negotiable certificates 
of  deposit,  bank  bills,  bank 
term  securities, 
supranational  bonds  and  Australian  Residential 
Mortgage-backed  Securities  (RMBS),  securities  that 
meet  Reserve  Bank  of  Australia  (RBA)  criteria  for 
purchases  under  reverse  repo.  The  final  category  is 
internal  RMBS,  being  mortgages  that  have  been 
securitised  but  retained  by  the  Bank,  that  are  repo-
eligible with the RBA under stress; 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 

include 

international  and  domestic 

funding 
Its  wholesale 
programs  which 
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  regulatory  liquidity  management  reporting  system 
delivering  granular  customer  and  product 
type 
information 
inform  business  decision  making, 
in  a  greater 
product  development  and  resulting 
awareness  of  the  liquidity  risk  adjusted  value  of 
banking products; 

to 

A  liquidity  management  model  similar  to  a  “maturity 
that  allows 
“liquidity  gap  analysis”, 
ladder”  or 
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  “stress” 
liquidity  crisis  scenarios,  incorporating  both  systemic 
and  “name”  crisis  assumptions,  such  that  the  Group 
will  have  sufficient  liquid  assets  available  to  ensure  it 
meets all of its obligations as and when they fall due; 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 34 Liquidity and Funding Risk (continued)

Liquidity and Funding Policies and Management 
(continued) 

 

 

Central bank repurchase agreement facilities including 
the  RBA’s  open-ended  Committed  Liquidity  Facility 
that provide the Group with the ability to borrow funds 
on  a  secured  basis,  even  when  normal  funding 
markets are unavailable; and 

A  robust  Contingent  Funding  Plan  that  is  regularly 
tested so that it can be activated in case of need due 
to a liquidity event. 

funding  costs  experienced 
The  Group’s  wholesale 
generally little change over the course of the financial year 
as  high  levels  of  global  liquidity  and  a  generally  flat 
economic  global  outlook  combined  to  keep  credit  spreads 
in  domestic  and  international  debt  capital  markets  steady. 
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 to maintain a 
diversified funding base and  significant funding capacity in 
the  domestic  and  global  unsecured  and  secured  debt 
markets. 

Details of the Group’s regulatory capital position and capital 
management activities are disclosed in Note 25. 

Maturity Analysis of Monetary Liabilities 

Amounts shown in the tables below are based on contractual undiscounted cash flows for the remaining contractual maturities. 

(1) 

Includes 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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    155 

GroupMaturity Period as at 30 June 20150 to 33 to 121 to 5Over 5NotMonthsMonthsYearsYearsSpecifiedTotal$M$M$M$M$M$MMonetary liabilitiesDeposits and other public borrowings (1)441,29482,06823,334139-546,835Payables due to other financial institutions33,1423,297---36,439Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement3,0161,4042,1831,950-8,553Derivative financial instruments:Held for trading 22,765----22,765Held for hedging purposes (net-settled) 664102,4181,978-4,872Held for hedging purposes (gross-settled): Outflows2087,38230,76311,537-49,890Inflows(206)(5,962)(25,434)(10,025)-(41,627)Bank acceptances1,87074---1,944Insurance policy liabilities----12,91112,911Debt issues and loan capital22,21742,42179,05938,707-182,404Managed funds units on issue----1,1491,149Other monetary liabilities6,1761,320329-547,879Total monetary liabilities530,548132,414112,65244,28614,114834,014Guarantees (2)6,181----6,181Loan commitments (2)165,511----165,511Other commitments (2)5,884----5,884Total off Balance Sheet items177,576----177,576Total monetary liabilities and off Balance Sheet items708,124132,414112,65244,28614,1141,011,590 
 
 
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 34 Liquidity and Funding Risk (continued) 

Maturity Analysis of Monetary Liabilities (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)  All off Balance Sheet items are included in the 0 to 3 month maturity band to reflect their earliest possible maturity. 

156  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Group Maturity Period as at 30 June 20140 to 33 to 121 to 5Over 5NotMonthsMonthsYearsYearsSpecifiedTotal$M$M$M$M$M$MMonetary liabilitiesDeposits and other public borrowings (1)397,53880,47323,912584-502,507Payables due to other financial institutions23,3041,358345--25,007Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement3,1714102,9712,243-8,795Derivative financial instruments:Held for trading19,605----19,605Held for hedging purposes (net-settled)1301861,5122,461-4,289Held for hedging purposes (gross-settled):Outflows4478,55236,5029,872-55,373Inflows(333)(8,130)(34,180)(9,300)-(51,943)Bank acceptances5,01710---5,027Insurance policy liabilities----13,16613,166Debt issues and loan capital15,52744,51974,14635,154-169,346Managed funds units on issue----1,2141,214Other monetary liabilities5,5051,248370-427,165Total monetary liabilities469,911128,626105,57841,01414,422759,551Guarantees (2)6,121----6,121Loan commitments (2)151,135----151,135Other commitments (2)8,676----8,676Total off Balance Sheet items165,932----165,932Total monetary liabilities and off Balance Sheet items635,843128,626105,57841,01414,422925,483BankMaturity Period as at 30 June 20150 to 33 to 121 to 5Over 5NotMonthsMonthsYearsYearsSpecifiedTotal$M$M$M$M$M$MMonetary liabilitiesDeposits and other public borrowings (1)409,89270,02420,589139-500,644Payables due to other financial institutions32,3053,233---35,538Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement2,0151,2292,1701,950-7,364Derivative financial instruments:Held for trading22,527----22,527Held for hedging purposes (net-settled)272612,3392,036-4,663Held for hedging purposes (gross-settled):Outflows-6,72241,27220,695-68,689Inflows-(5,342)(33,776)(17,576)-(56,694)Bank acceptances1,84563---1,908Debt issues and loan capital20,10937,77762,33235,837-156,055Due to controlled entities6,5015,67823,36590,964-126,508Other monetary liabilities5,5356,58970-2112,215Total monetary liabilities500,756126,234118,361134,04521879,417Guarantees (2)5,778----5,778Loan commitments (2)152,772----152,772Other commitments (2)5,179----5,179Total off Balance Sheet items163,729----163,729Total monetary liabilities and off Balance Sheet items664,485126,234118,361134,045211,043,146 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 34 Liquidity and Funding Risk (continued) 

Maturity Analysis of Monetary Liabilities (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)  All off Balance Sheet items are included in the 0 to 3 month maturity band to reflect their earliest possible maturity. 

Note 35 Retirement Benefit Obligations 

Name of Plan 

Type 

Form of Benefit 

Assessment of the Fund 

Date of Last Actuarial 

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 2013 

(1)  The defined benefit formulae are generally comprised of final salary, or final average salary, and service. 

Regulatory Framework  

Both  plans  operate  under  trust  law  with  the  assets  of  the  plans  held  separately  in  trust.  The  Trustee  of  Commonwealth  Bank 
Group  Super  is  Commonwealth  Bank  Officers  Superannuation  Corporation  Pty  Limited.  The  Trustee  of  CBA  (UK)  SBS  is 
Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  (UK)  Staff  Benefits  Scheme  Trustee  Company  Limited.  Both  Trustees  are  wholly  owned 
subsidiaries of the Group. The Trustees do not conduct any business other than trusteeship of the plans. The plans are managed 
and administered on behalf of the members in accordance with the terms of each trust deed and relevant legislation. The funding 
of the plans complies with regulations in Australia and the UK respectively. 

Funding and Contributions 

An  actuarial  assessment  as  at  30 June  2012  showed  the  plan  remained  in  funding  surplus  at  that  time,  however  due  to 
accounting deficit and forecast funding deficit the actuary recommended that the Bank consider recommencing contributions from 
1 July 2013. The Bank commenced contributions of $20 million per month in January 2014 to Commonwealth Bank Group Super. 
Employer contributions paid to the plan are subject to tax at the rate of 15% in the plan. 

An actuarial assessment of the CBA (UK) SBS as at 30 June 2013 confirmed a funding deficit of GBP62 million ($127 million at 
the  30 June 2015  exchange  rate).  The  Bank  agreed  to  continue  the  deficit  recovery  contributions  of  GBP15 million  per  annum 
($31 million at the 30 June 2015 exchange rate) until 31 December 2017 to CBA (UK) SBS in addition to the regular GBP3 million 
per annum ($6 million at the 30 June 2015 exchange rate) contributions for future defined benefit accruals. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    157 

BankMaturity Period as at 30 June 20140 to 33 to 121 to 5Over 5NotMonthsMonthsYearsYearsSpecifiedTotal$M$M$M$M$M$MMonetary liabilitiesDeposits and other public borrowings (1)368,63570,08421,972593-461,284Payables due to other financial institutions22,9991,291336--24,626Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement8523712,9542,241-6,418Derivative financial instruments:Held for trading19,246----19,246Held for hedging purposes (net-settled)442491,6402,493-4,426Held for hedging purposes (gross-settled):Outflows-6,69641,42221,793-69,911Inflows-(6,476)(38,756)(20,392)-(65,624)Bank acceptances4,9768---4,984Debt issues and loan capital13,66339,15058,45033,076-144,339Due to controlled entities7,7716,45523,20681,490-118,922Other monetary liabilities4,9353,396106-178,454Total monetary liabilities443,121121,224111,330121,29417796,986Guarantees (2)5,724----5,724Loan commitments (2)140,209----140,209Other commitments (2)7,450----7,450Total off Balance Sheet items153,383----153,383Total monetary liabilities and off Balance Sheet items596,504121,224111,330121,29417950,369 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 35 Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued) 

Funding and Contributions (continued) 

The  Group’s  expected  contribution  to  the  Commonwealth  Bank  Group  Super  and  the  CBA  (UK)  SBS  for  the  year  ended 
30 June 2016 are $240 million and GBP18 million ($37 million at the 30 June 2015 exchange rate) respectively. 

Defined Benefit Superannuation Plans 

The amounts reported in the Balance Sheet are reconciled as follows: 

 (1)  Represents superannuation contributions required by the Bank to meet its obligations to members of the defined contribution division of Commonwealth 

Bank Group Super. 

158  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

CBA(UK)SBSTotal20152014 2015201420152014$M$M$M$M$M$MPresent value of funded obligations(3,184)(3,510)(672)(544)(3,856)(4,054)Fair value of plan assets3,4603,3886154754,0753,863Net pension assets/(liabilities) as at 30 June276(122)(57)(69)219(191)Amounts in the Balance Sheet:Assets (Note 16)276---276-Liabilities (Note 21)-(122)(57)(69)(57)(191)Net assets/(liabilities)276(122)(57)(69)219(191)The amounts recognised in the Income Statement are as follows:Current service cost(37)(38)(4)(4)(41)(42)Net interest expense(6)(8)(3)(3)(9)(11)Employer financed benefits within accumulation division (1)(251)(231)--(251)(231)Total included in superannuation plan expense(294)(277)(7)(7)(301)(284)Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligation are as follows:Opening defined benefit obligation(3,510)(3,269)(544)(472)(4,054)(3,741)Current service cost(37)(38)(4)(4)(41)(42)Interest cost (140)(145)(24)(23)(164)(168)Member contributions(8)(8)--(8)(8)Actuarial gains/(losses) from changes in demographic assumptions---16-16Actuarial gains/(losses) from changes in financial assumptions232(234)(47)(30)185(264)Actuarial gains/(losses) from changes in other assumptions56(14)3(3)59(17)Payments from the plan2231982019243217Exchange differences on foreign plans--(76)(47)(76)(47)Closing defined benefit obligation(3,184)(3,510)(672)(544)(3,856)(4,054)Changes in the fair value of plan assets are as follows:Opening fair value of plan assets3,3883,2044753993,8633,603Interest income1341372120155157Return on plan assets (excluding interest income)164328364200332Member contributions88--88Employer contributions2401403431274171Employer financed benefits within accumulation division(251)(231)--(251)(231)Payments from the plan(223)(198)(20)(19)(243)(217)Exchange differences on foreign plans--69406940Closing fair value of plan assets3,4603,3886154754,0753,863Commonwealth Bank Group Super   
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 35 Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued) 

Economic Assumptions 

During the year, the discount rate assumption applied to Commonwealth Bank Group Super changed from a blend of yields on 
long dated Commonwealth and State government securities with durations exceeding 10 years, to the yield on high quality long 
dated  corporate  bonds.  The  impact  of  the  change  was  a  reduction  in  the  defined  benefit  obligation  of  $496 million,  which  was 
recorded through other comprehensive income. 

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 (longevity) for pensioners are set out below: 

Sensitivity to Changes in Assumptions 

The table below sets out the sensitivities of the present value of defined benefit obligations at 30 June to a change in the principal 
actuarial assumptions: 

Average Duration 

The average duration of defined benefit obligation at 30 June is as follows: 

Risk Management 

The pension plans expose the Group to longevity risk, currency risk, interest rate risk, inflation risk and market risk. The Trustees 
perform Asset-Liability Matching (ALM) exercises to ensure the plan assets are well matched to the nature and maturities of the 
defined benefit obligations.  

The  Commonwealth  Bank  Group  Super’s  investment  strategy  comprises  45%  growth  and  55%  defensive  assets.  Inflation  and 
interest rate risks are partly mitigated by investing in long dated fixed interest securities which better match the average duration 
of liabilities and entering into inflation and interest swaps.  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    159 

Commonwealth BankGroup SuperCBA(UK)SBS   2015201420152014Economic assumptions% % % % The above calculations were based on the following assumptions:Discount rate4. 604. 103. 704. 20Inflation rate2. 252. 253. 503. 60Rate of increases in salary3. 503. 754. 504. 60Commonwealth BankGroup SuperCBA(UK)SBS   2015201420152014Expected life expectancies for pensionersYears Years Years Years Male pensioners currently aged 6029. 629. 528. 528. 4Male pensioners currently aged 6524. 724. 623. 723. 4Female pensioners currently aged 6034. 734. 531. 130. 9Female pensioners currently aged 6529. 529. 426. 125. 9Commonwealth BankGroup SuperCBA(UK)SBS   20152015Impact of change in assumptions on liabilities% % 0.25% decrease in discount rate3. 234. 700.25% increase in inflation rate2. 643. 000.25% increase to the rate of increases in salary0. 350. 30Longevity increase of 1 year3. 453. 10Commonwealth BankGroup SuperCBA(UK)SBS   20152015YearsYearsAverage duration at balance date1219 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 35 Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued) 

Risk Management (continued) 

The allocation of assets backing the defined benefit portion of Commonwealth Bank Group Super is as follows: 

(1)  Values based on prices or yields quoted in an active market. 
(2)  Values based on non-quoted information. 
(3)  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  Australian  equities  fair  value  includes  $134 million  of  Commonwealth  Bank  shares.  The  real  estate  fair  value  includes 
$41 million of property assets leased to the Bank. 

Note 36 Investments in Subsidiaries and Other Entities 

Subsidiaries 

A subsidiary is considered material if 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 more than 0.1% of the total assets of the Group.  

The key subsidiaries of the Bank including but not limited to those meeting the criteria above are: 

All the above subsidiaries are 100% owned and incorporated in Australia. 

160  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Commonwealth Bank Group Super20152014Fair value% of planFair value% of planAsset allocations($M)asset($M)assetCash1594. 62246. 6Equities - Australian (1)2898. 43299. 7Equities - Overseas (1)60817. 653115. 7Bonds - Commonwealth Government (1)59517. 244313. 1Bonds - Semi-Government (1)1,07131. 01,05331. 1Bonds - Corporate and other (1)782. 2722. 1Real Estate (2)2055. 92256. 6Derivatives (2)80. 2140. 4Other (3)44712. 949714. 7Total fair value of plan assets3,4601003,388100Entity Name   Entity Name   Australia(a) BankingCBA Covered Bond TrustMedallion Trust Series 2013-2CBA International Finance Pty LimitedMedallion Trust Series 2014-1GT USD Funding Pty LimitedMedallion Trust Series 2014-2Medallion Trust Series 2007-1GMedallion Trust Series 2015-1Medallion Trust Series 2008-1RPreferred Capital LimitedMedallion Trust Series 2011-1Residential Mortgage Group Pty LtdMedallion Trust Series 2013-1Series 2008-1D SWAN TrustSecurity Holding Investment Entity Linking Deals Limited Series 50(b) Insurance and Funds ManagementCapital 121 Pty LimitedCommonwealth Insurance LimitedColonial Holding Company LimitedThe Colonial Mutal Life Assurance Society LimitedCommonwealth Insurance Holdings Limited 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 36 Investments in Subsidiaries and Other Entities (continued) 

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. 

Significant Judgements and Assumptions 

Control and Voting Rights 

Holding  more  than  50%  of  an  entity’s  voting  rights  typically  indicates  that  the  Group  has  control  over  the  entity.  Significant 
judgement  is  involved  where  the  Group  either  holds  more  than  50%  of  the  voting  rights  but  does  not  control  an  entity,  which 
occurs  in  the  case  of  AHL  Holdings  Pty  Limited  (AHL)  as  outlined  below  or  where  the  Group  is  deemed  to  control  an  entity 
despite holding less than 50% of the voting rights. 

AHL Holdings Pty Limited (AHL) 

Management have determined that the Group does not control AHL despite owning 80% of the issued share capital of this entity. 
According to the Shareholders Deed agreed between the shareholders of AHL, unanimous consent is required from all parties to 
the  Deed  for  all  key  decisions.  This  results  in  joint  control  and  hence  the  Group  accounts  for  its  investment  in  AHL  as  a  joint 
venture using the equity method. 

Agent or principal  

The Group is deemed to have power over an investment fund when it holds either the responsible entity (RE) and/or the manager 
function of that fund.  Whether that power translates to control depends on whether the Group is deemed to act as an agent or a 
principal  of  that fund.  Management  have  determined  that the  Group  acts  as  a  principal  and  controls  a  fund  when  it  cannot  be 
easily  removed  as  a  manager  or  RE  by  investors  and  when  its  economic  interest  in  that  fund  is  substantial  compared  to  the 
economic interest of other investors. In all other cases the Group acts as agent and does not control the fund. 

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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    161 

Extent of BeneficialEntity Name  Interest if not 100%Incorporated inNew Zealand(a) BankingASB Bank LimitedNew Zealand ASB Covered Bond Trustee LimitedNew Zealand ASB Finance LimitedNew Zealand ASB Holdings LimitedNew Zealand ASB Term FundNew 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 Other Overseas(a) Banking CBA Capital Trust IIUSA CommBank Europe LimitedMalta Newport LimitedMalta PT Bank Commonwealth99%Indonesia Group 20152014$M $M Shareholders' Equity562537Total non-controlling interests562537 
 
  
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 36 Investments in Subsidiaries and Other Entities (continued) 

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. 

Significant Restrictions 

There were no significant restrictions on the ability to transfer cash or other assets, pay dividends or other capital distributions, 
provide  or  repay  loans  and  advances  between  the  entities  within  the  Group.  There  were  also  no  significant  restrictions  on  the 
Group's ability to access or use the assets and settle the liabilities of the Group resulting from protective rights of non-controlling 
interests. 

Associates and Joint Ventures 

An associate or joint venture is considered material if the Group’s share of the net assets at the end of the financial year of that 
associate or joint venture is more than 0.5% of the total assets of the Group. 

There  were  no  individually  significant  investments  in  associates  or  joint  ventures  held  by  the  Group  as  at  30 June 2015  and 
30 June 2014. In addition, there were no significant restrictions on the ability of associates or joint ventures to transfer funds to 
the Bank or its subsidiaries in the form of cash dividends or to repay loans or advances made.  

The Group’s investments in associates and joint ventures are shown in the table below.  

(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.  Aussie  Home  Loans  Pty  Limited  is  considered  a  structured  entity.  The  Group’s  maximum  exposure  to  loss  in  relation  to  its 
investment is its carrying value and the total assets of Aussie Home Loans equals $329 million (2014: $374 million). 

(2)  $96 million  of  this  investment  is  carried  as  Held  for  Sale,  as  the  carrying  amount  is  expected  to  be  recovered  through  sale  within  12  months,  and  is 

therefore measured at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. 

(3)  An impairment of $50 million was recognised at 30 June 2014. 

(1)  This  amount  is  recognised  within  Note 2  in  the  share  of  profits  of  associates  and  joint  ventures,  $268 million  for  the  year  ended  30 June 2015 

(2014: $150 million) and net funds management operating income, nil for the year ended 30 June 2015 (2014: $42 million) line items. 

Structured Entities 

A structured entity is an entity in which voting or similar rights are not the dominant factor in deciding control. Structured entities 
are generally created to achieve a narrow and well defined objective with restrictions around their ongoing activities. Depending 
on the Group’s power over the activities of the entity and its exposure to and ability to influence its own returns, it may consolidate 
the entity. In other cases it may sponsor or have exposure to such an entity but not consolidate it. 

Consolidated Structured Entities 

The Group has the following contractual arrangements which require it to provide financial support to its structured entities. 

Securitisation Structured Entities 

The Group provides liquidity facilities to Medallion, Swan and SHIELD 50 Structured Entities.  These facilities can only be drawn 
to cover cash flow shortages relating to mismatches in timing of cash inflows due from securitised asset pools and cash outflows 
due  to  note  holders.  These  ‘timing  mismatch’  facilities  rank  pari  passu  with  other  senior  secured  creditors.  The  facility  limit  is 
$1,970 million. 

The Group has no contractual obligations to purchase assets from its Securitisation Structured Entities. 

162  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Group2015201420152014OwnershipOwnershipPrincipalCountry ofBalance$M$MInterest %Interest % ActivitiesIncorporationDateAussie Home Loans Pty Limited (1)2672668080Mortgage Broking Australia 30-JunBank of Hangzhou Co. Limited1,2827722020Commercial Banking China 31-DecFirst State European Diversified Investment Fund (2)198161911Funds Management Luxembourg 31-DecQilu Bank Co. Limited4202542020Commercial Banking China 31-DecVietnam International Commercial Joint Stock Bank (3)1971642020Financial Services Vietnam 31-DecOther 273227Various Various Various Various VariousCarrying amount of investments in associates and joint ventures2,6371,844Group20152014Share of Associates' and Joint Ventures profits$M $M Operating profits before income tax336254Income tax expense(68)(62)Operating profits after income tax (1)268192 
 
  
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 36 Investments in Subsidiaries and Other Entities (continued) 

Consolidated Structured Entities (continued) 

Covered Bonds Trust 

The Bank provides funding and support facilities to the CBA Covered Bond Trust, a bankruptcy remote SPV that guarantees any 
debt obligations owing under the  US$30 billion CBA Covered Bond Programme.  The funding facilities allow the Covered Bond 
Trust  to  hold  sufficient  residential  mortgage  loans  to  support  the  guarantee  provided  to  the  Covered  Bonds.  The  Bank  also 
provides various swaps to the Covered Bond Trust to hedge any interest rate and currency mismatches. 

The  Bank,  either  directly  or  via  its  wholly  owned  subsidiary,  Securitisation  Advisory  Services  Pty  Limited,  provides  various 
services to the Covered Bond Trust including servicing and monitoring of the residential mortgages. 

Structured Asset Finance Structured Entities 

The Group has no contractual obligation to provide financial support to any of its Structured Asset Finance Structured Entities. 

Unconsolidated Structured Entities 

The Group has exposure to various securitisation vehicles via Residential Mortgage-backed Securities (RMBS) and Asset-backed 
Securities  (ABS).  The  Group  may  also  provide  derivatives  and  other  commitments  to  these  vehicles.  The  Group  also  has 
exposure to Investment Funds and other financing vehicles. 

Securitisations 

Securitisations involve transferring assets into an entity that sells beneficial interests to investors through the issue of debt and 
equity notes with varying levels of subordination. The notes are collateralised by the assets transferred to these vehicles and pay 
a return based on the returns of those assets, with residual returns paid to the most subordinated investor. 

The  Group  may  trade  or  invest  in  Residential  Mortgage-backed  Securities  and  Asset-backed  Securities  which  are  backed  by 
Commercial Properties, Consumer Receivables, Equipment and Auto Finance. The Group may also provide lending, derivatives, 
liquidity and commitments to these Securitisation entities. 

Other Financing  

Asset-backed  entities  are  used  to  provide  tailored  lending  for  the  purchase  or  lease  of  assets  transferred  by  the  Group  or  its 
clients. The assets are normally pledged as collateral to the lenders. The Group engages in raising finance for assets such as 
aircraft, trains, vessels and other infrastructure. The Group may also provide lending, derivatives, liquidity and commitments to 
these entities. 

Investment Funds 

The  Group  conducts  investment management  and  other  fiduciary  activities  as  responsible  entity,  trustee, custodian,  advisor  or 
manager for investment funds and trusts, including superannuation and approved deposit funds, wholesale and retail trusts. The 
Groups  exposure  to  Investment  Funds  includes  holding  units  in  the  investment  funds  and  trusts,  providing  lending  facilities, 
derivatives and receiving fees for services.  

The  nature  and  extent  of  the  Group’s  interests  in  these  entities  are  summarised  below.  Interests  do  not  include  plain  vanilla 
derivatives (e.g. interest rate swaps and currency swaps) and positions where the Group creates rather than absorbs variability of 
the Structured Entity, for example deposits. These have been excluded from the below table.  

(1)  Relates to undrawn facilities. 
(2)  Size  of  the  entities is  generally  the  total  assets  of  the  entities,  except  for  Real  Estate  Investment  Trusts  where  the  size  is based  on  the  Group’s  credit 
exposure of $13.7 billion and newly established securitisation vehicles that have no assets where the Group’s exposure is represented by undrawn credit 
facilities of $1,240 million. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    163 

2015OtherInvestmentExposures to unconsolidated RMBSABSFinancingFundsTotalstructured entities$M$M$M$M$MAssets at fair value through income statement - trading28--1,3741,402Available-for-sale investments7,6741,002-1868,862Loans, bills and discounted and other receivables1,8093912,55510,49915,254Other assets---210210Total on Balance Sheet exposures9,5111,3932,55512,26925,728Total notional amounts of off Balance Sheet exposures (1)1,5711,0271576,1188,873Total maximum exposure to loss11,0822,4202,71218,38734,601Total assets of the entities (2)52,9797,37310,102293,509363,963 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 36 Investments in Subsidiaries and Other Entities (continued) 

Unconsolidated Structured Entities (continued) 

(1)  Comparatives have been restated to align to presentation in the current period. 
(2)  Relates to undrawn facilities. 
(3)  Size  of  the  entities  is  generally  the  total  assets  of  the  entities,  except  for  Real  Estate  Investment  Trusts  where  the  size  is  based  on  the  Group’s  credit 

exposure of $12.9 billion. 

The  Group’s  exposure  to  loss  depends  on  the  level  of  subordination  of  the  interest  which  indicates  the  extent  to  which  other 
parties are obliged to absorb credit losses before the Group. An overview of the Group’s interests, relative ranking and external 
credit  rating,  for  vehicles  that  have  credit  subordination  in  place,  is  summarised  in  the  table  below,  and  include  securitisation 
vehicles and other financing. 

(1)  $11,025 million  of  RMBS  exposures,  $2,406 million  of  ABS  exposures  and  $1,506 million  of  other  financing  exposures  are  rated  investment  grade,  the 

remaining $1,173 million exposures are rated sub-investment grade. 

(2)  All RMBS and ABS exposures are rated investment grade, all other financing exposures are rated sub investment grade. 
(3)  All exposures are rated sub investment grade. 

(1)  $7,548 million  of  RMBS  exposures,  $1,503 million  of  ABS  exposures  and  $818 million  of  other  financing  exposures  are  rated  investment  grade,  the 

remaining $1,333 million exposures are rated sub-investment grade. 

(2)  All RMBS and ABS exposures are rated investment grade, all other financing exposures are rated sub investment grade. 
(3)  All exposures are rated sub investment grade. 

Sponsored Unconsolidated Structured Entities 

For  the  purposes  of  this  disclosure,  the  Group  sponsors  an  entity  when  it  manages  or  advises  the  entity’s  program,  places 
securities into the market on behalf of the entity, provides liquidity and/or credit enhancements to the entity, or the Group’s name 
appears in the Structured Entity.  

During  the  year  ended  30 June 2015,  the  Group  has  sponsored  two  unconsolidated  structured  entities  being  Security  Holding 
Investment  Entity  Linking  Deals  Limited  (SHIELD)  and  SHIELD  Trust  No.  2.  A  wholly  owned  subsidiary  of  the  Group, 
Securitisation Advisory Services Pty Limited (SAS), is the manager of SHIELD and SHIELD is the trustee of SHIELD Trust No. 2. 
The Group continues to hold an interest in these structured entities. 

There has been no income earned or expense incurred directly from these entities during the year ended 30 June 2015. There 
also have been no assets transferred by all parties to the sponsored entities during the year ended 30 June 2015. 

164  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

2014 (1)OtherInvestmentExposures to unconsolidated RMBSABSFinancingFundsTotalstructured entities$M$M$M$M$MAssets at fair value through income statement - trading82--1,3121,394Available-for-sale investments4,887678-1575,722Loans, bills and discounted and other receivables2,1525411,5929,99014,275Other assets---176176Total on Balance Sheet exposures7,1211,2191,59211,63521,567Total notional amounts of off Balance Sheet exposures (2)7763312624,8896,258Total maximum exposure to loss7,8971,5501,85416,52427,825Total assets of the entities (3)46,3634,36411,003265,471327,2012015OtherRanking and credit rating of exposuresRMBSABS FinancingTotalto unconsolidated structured entities$M$M$M$MSenior (1)11,0252,4062,67916,110Mezzanine (2)28143375Subordinated (3)29--29Total maximum exposure to loss11,0822,4202,71216,2142014OtherRanking and credit rating of exposuresRMBSABS FinancingTotalto unconsolidated structured entities$M$M$M$MSenior (1)7,8441,5371,82111,202Mezzanine (2)26133372Subordinated (3)27--27Total maximum exposure to loss7,8971,5501,85411,301 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 37 Key Management Personnel 

Detailed  remuneration  disclosures  by  Key  Management  Personnel  are  provided  in  the  Remuneration  Report  of  the  Directors’ 
Report on pages 56 to 64 and have been audited. 

Shareholdings 

Details of the aggregate shareholdings of Key Management Personnel are set out below. 

(1)  Reward  Rights  represent  rights  granted  under  the  GLRP  which  are  subject  to  performance  hurdles.  Deferred  Shares/Rights  represent  the  deferred  STI 
awarded under Executive General Manager arrangements, sign-on and retention awards received as restricted shares/rights. PERLS include cumulative 
holdings of all PERLS securities issued by the Group. 

(2)  Reward Rights and Deferred Shares/Rights become ordinary shares upon vesting. A portion of Ian Narev’s vested equity award was delivered in the form 

of cash, which was paid to registered charities pursuant to an option that the Board made available. 

(3)  Net Change Other incorporates changes resulting from purchases, sales, forfeitures and appointment of Executives during the financial year. 
(4)  30 June 2015 balances represent aggregate shareholdings of all KMP at balance date. The table is not a complete movement reconciliation as it does not 

include the impact of KMP departures. 

(5)  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). 

(6)  Opening balances have been restated. 
(7)  Other securities: As at 30 June 2015 Jane Hemstritch held CNGHA notes (2014: CNGHA notes). 

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). 

Details of aggregate loans to Key Management Personnel are set out below: 

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. A related party of an executive 
has also been employed by the Group, and is remunerated in a manner consistent with normal employee relationships. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    165 

GroupBank2015201420152014Key management personnel compensation$'000$'000$'000$'000Short-term benefits34,08634,05134,08634,051Post-employment benefits450443450443Share-based payments9,09011,6549,09011,654Long-term benefits1,3007081,300708Total44,92646,85644,92646,856Reward/Acquired/DeferredNetEquity Holdings of Key BalanceGranted asShares ChangeBalance(cid:10)Management PersonnelClass1 July 2014RemunerationVested (1)(2)Other (3)30 June 2015 (4)Non-Executive DirectorsOrdinary (5)(6)169,86420,892-13,000191,368PERLS 10,0806,600-(900)12,980Other securities (7)5,000---5,000ExecutivesOrdinary 483,770--94,939442,518Reward Shares/Rights1,281,437283,410(200,622)(98,779)1,092,787Deferred Shares51,05810,676(38,083)21,55545,20620152014KMP's$'000$'000Loans10,13014,188Interest Charged501522 
  
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 38 Related Party Disclosures 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia, which is incorporated in Australia, is the ultimate parent of the Group.  

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  a  separate  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. 

(1)  On  31 March  2015  internal  RMBS  issued  to  the  Bank  by  controlled  entities  of  $75,041 million  were  reclassified  to  Loans  to  controlled  entities.  Refer  to 

Note 11 for further detail. 

The Group also receives fees on an arm’s length basis of $24 million (2014: $66 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 
(2014: $5 million)  bank  guarantee  provided  to  Colonial  First  State  Investments  Limited  and  a  $40 million  (2014: $40 million) 
guarantee to AFS license holders in respect of excess compensation 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  $200 million  as  at  30 June 2015 
(2014: $252 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. 

166  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Bank20152014$M$MShares in controlled entities13,02714,234Loans to controlled entities (1)130,72949,852Total shares in and loans to controlled entities143,75664,086 
  
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 39 Notes to the Statements of Cash Flows 

(a) Reconciliation of Net Profit after Income Tax to Net Cash provided by Operating Activities 

 (b) Reconciliation of Cash 

For the purposes of the Statements of Cash Flows, cash includes cash and money at short call. 

(c) Non-cash Financing and Investing Activities 

(1)  Part of the Dividend Reinvestment Plan paid out in the 2015 financial year was satisfied through the on-market purchase and transfer of $704 million of 

shares to participating shareholders (2014: $722 million). 

(d) Disposal of Controlled Entities - Fair Value of Asset Disposal 

The  Group  disposed  of  certain  CFS  GAM  operations  including  Colonial  First  State  Property  Management  Pty  Limited, 
Commonwealth  Management  Investments  Limited  and  Colonial  First  State  Management  Pty  Limited  during  the  2014  financial 
year. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    167 

GroupBank20152014201320152014$M$M$M$M$MNet profit after income tax9,0848,6507,6348,9768,442Decrease/(increase) in interest receivable3(22)130(251)(33)Increase/(decrease) in interest payable14(295)(251)(70)(269)Net increase in assets at fair value through Income Statement (excluding life insurance)(5,490)(1,016)(3,472)(4,997)(1,433)Net (gain)/loss on sale of controlled entities and associates(13)(60)(7)-29Net gain on sale of investments-(2)--(2)Net movement in derivative assets/liabilities 6,1805,3752,3729,0585,887Net loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 8121449Equity accounting profit(268)(192)(210)--Loan impairment expense9889181,146837871Depreciation and amortisation (including asset write downs)803874716631705Increase/(decrease) in liabilities at fair value through Income Statement (excluding life insurance)975(1,674)1,5692,1051,788Increase/(decrease) in other provisions 354719161(14)(Decrease)/increase in income taxes payable(32)(617)45(423)(1,124)(Decrease)/increase in deferred tax liabilities(15)(104)133--Decrease/(increase) in deferred tax assets 131363(26)25281Decrease/(increase)in accrued fees/reimbursements receivable66(158)(272)8(1)Increase in accrued fees and other items payable3499431523040Decrease in life insurance contract policy liabilities(1,133)(1,082)(1,401)--Increase/(decrease) in cash flow hedge reserve20927(4)15(Gain)/loss on changes in fair value of hedged items(493)71(617)(660)(305)Dividend received - controlled entities---(1,972)(1,944)Changes in operating assets and liabilities arising from cash flow movements(4,658)(8,280)(2,411)(10,966)(10,881)Other3101,0921,124512797Net cash provided by operating activities7,1833,9636,5773,2042,858GroupBank20152014201320152014$M$M$M$M$MNotes, coins and cash at banks15,68312,4907,65314,82111,089Other short-term liquid assets3,5876,6384,9653,3446,389Cash and cash equivalents at end of year19,27019,12812,61818,16517,478Group201520142013$M$M$MShares issued under the Dividend Reinvestment Plan (1)571707929Group201520142013$M$M$MNet assets-440-Cash consideration received-569-Cash and cash equivalents held in disposed entities-38- 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 39 Notes to the Statements of Cash Flows (continued) 

(e) Acquisition of Controlled Entities 

The Group  acquired 100% of the issued share capital of the TYME Group and  gained control  on  26 January 2015. TYME is  a 
South African based global leader in designing, building and operating digital banking systems. This acquisition will support the 
Group in growing into emerging markets, as well as provide capability to enhance innovation in our core markets.  

The fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date are as follows: 

Note 40 Disclosures about Fair Values 

(a) Valuation 

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. 

Determination of the fair value of Over-the-Counter (OTC) derivatives includes credit valuation adjustments (CVA) for derivative 
assets to reflect the credit worthiness of the counterparty, and debit valuation adjustment (DVA) for derivative liabilities and other 
liabilities  at  fair  value  to  reflect  the  Group’s  own  credit  risk.  During  the  year,  the  Group  revised  the  valuation  methodology  for 
derivatives to incorporate funding valuation adjustments (FVA) into its fair value measurements. This resulted in an initial cost of 
$74 million when the change was adopted ($81 million year to date). FVA reflect the costs and benefits of funding associated with 
uncollateralised  derivative  assets and  uncollateralised  derivative liabilities.  FVA  was  implemented  prospectively  as  a change  in 
accounting estimate. These adjustments are applied after considering any relevant collateral or master netting arrangements. 

The Group utilises various valuation techniques and applies a hierarchy for valuation inputs that maximise the use of observable 
market data, if available.    

Under AASB 13 ‘Fair Value Measurement’ all financial and non-financial assets and liabilities measured or disclosed at fair value 
are categorised into one of the following three fair value hierarchy levels: 

Quoted Prices in Active Markets – Level 1 

This category  includes  assets  and  liabilities  for  which the  valuation  is  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 bonds, financial institution and corporate bonds, certificates 
of deposit, bank bills, listed equities and exchange traded derivatives. 

Valuation Technique Using Observable Inputs – Level 2 

This category includes assets and liabilities 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 commercial papers, mortgage-backed securities and OTC derivatives including 
interest rate swaps, cross currency swaps and FX options. 

Valuation Technique Using Significant Unobservable Inputs – Level 3 

This category includes assets and liabilities the valuation of which incorporates significant inputs that are not based on observable 
market  data  (unobservable  inputs).  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  certain  asset-
backed securities valued using unobservable inputs. 

168  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Group201520142013$M$M$MNet identifiable assets at fair value(2)--Add: Goodwill43--Purchase consideration transferred41--Less: Cash and cash equivalents acquired---41--Less: Contingent consideration(12)--Net cash outflow on acquisition29-- 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 40 Disclosures about Fair Values (continued) 

(b) Fair Value Hierarchy for Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value 

The classification in the fair value hierarchy of the Group’s and the Bank’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value is 
presented in the table below: 

(1)  At  30 June 2014,  level  3  Available-for-sale  investments  for  the  Bank  included  $67,457 million  of  internal  RMBS  issues.  These  were  reclassified  in  the 

current period to Loans to controlled entities. Refer to Note 11 for further detail. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    169 

GroupFair Value as at 30 June 2015Fair Value as at 30 June 2014Level 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total$M$M$M$M$M$M$M$MFinancial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basisAssets at fair value through Income Statement:Trading 18,6237,801-26,42415,7855,674-21,459Insurance5,3958,693-14,0885,4519,691-15,142Other951,183-1,278192568-760Derivative assets1246,0628046,1541929,09313529,247Available-for-sale investments64,34110,22811574,68458,0338,0079766,137Bills Discounted14,847--14,84719,244--19,244Total financial assets measured at fair value103,31373,967195177,47598,72453,033232151,989Financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basisLiabilities at fair value through Income Statement4,4374,056-8,4934,6122,896-7,508Derivative liabilities-35,1902335,213-27,2451427,259Life investment contracts-9,159-9,159-9,536-9,536Total financial liabilities measured at fair value4,43748,4052352,8654,61239,6771444,303BankFair Value as at 30 June 2015Fair Value as at 30 June 2014Level 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total$M$M$M$M$M$M$M$MFinancial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basisAssets at fair value through Income Statement:Trading18,2116,924-25,13515,7644,808-20,572Other-989-989137424-561Derivative assets745,5208045,6071829,35024729,615Available-for-sale investments (1)62,4359,75411572,30457,2216,06268,294131,577Bills Discounted 14,847--14,84719,244--19,244Total financial assets measured at fair value95,50063,187195158,88292,38440,64468,541201,569Financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basisLiabilities at fair value through  Income Statement4,4282,895-7,3234,606546-5,152Derivative liabilities-39,6112539,636-29,22511629,341Total financial liabilities measured at fair value4,42842,5062546,9594,60629,77111634,493 
 
  
 
  
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 40 Disclosures about Fair Values (continued) 

(c) Analysis of Movements between Fair Value Hierarchy Levels 

During  the  year  ended  30 June 2015  the  Group  and  the  Bank  reclassified  $1,379 million  of  available-for-sale  securities  and 
$525 million  of  trading  securities  from  Level  2  to  Level  1  due  to  changes  in  the  observability  of  inputs  (2014: $172 million  of 
available-for-sale securities and $722 million of trading securities). The table below summarises movements in Level 3 balance 
during the year. Transfers have been reflected as if they had taken place at the end of the reporting period. 

Level 3 Movement Analysis for the year ended 30 June 2015 

170  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

GroupAvailableDerivativefor SaleDerivative AssetsInvestments LiabilitiesTotal$M$M$M$MAs at 1 July 2013694(14)59Purchases1750-751Sales/Settlements(18)(155)2(171)Gains/(losses) in the period:Recognised in the Income Statement(3)311Recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income-(1)-(1)Transfers in8696(3)179Transfers out-(600)-(600)As at 30 June 201413597(14)218Gains/(losses) recognised in the Income Statement for financial instruments held as at 30 June 20149-110As at 1 July 201413597(14)218Purchases-8-8Sales/Settlements(122)(28)8(142)Gains/(losses) in the period:Recognised in the Income Statement703(13)60Recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income-1-1Transfers in934(7)36Transfers out(12)-3(9)As at 30 June 201580115(23)172Gains/(losses) recognised in the Income Statement for financial instruments held as at 30 June 201570-(14)56 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 40 Disclosures about Fair Values (continued) 

Level 3 Movement Analysis for the year ended 30 June 2015 (continued) 

In the current period, Available-for-sale investments of $75,041 million were reclassified to Loans to controlled entities. Refer to 
Note 11 for further detail. All other transfers in and out of Level 3 were 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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    171 

BankAvailableDerivativefor SaleDerivative AssetsInvestments LiabilitiesTotal$M$M$M$MAs at 1 July 20136268,610(14)68,658Purchases1750-751Sales/Settlements(23)(738)2(759)Gains/(losses) in the period:Recognised in the Income Statement9-110Recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income-176-176Transfers in19896(105)189Transfers out-(600)-(600)As at 30 June 201424768,294(116)68,425Gains/(losses) recognised in the Income Statement for financial instruments held as at 30 June 20149-211As at 1 July 201424768,294(116)68,425Purchases-7,967-7,967Sales/Settlements(235)(337)110(462)Gains/(losses) in the period:Recognised in the Income Statement713(15)59Recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income-106-106Transfers in934(7)36Transfers out(12)(75,952)3(75,961)As at 30 June 201580115(25)170Gains/(losses) recognised in the Income Statement for financial instruments held as at 30 June 201571-(16)55 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 40 Disclosures about Fair Values (continued) 

(d) Fair Value Information for Financial Instruments not measured at Fair Value 

The estimated fair values and fair value hierarchy of the Group’s and the Bank’s financial instruments not measured at fair value 
as at 30 June 2015 are presented below: 

172  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

GroupCarryingvalueFair valueTotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total$M$M $M$M$M Financial assets not measured at fair value on a recurring basisCash and liquid assets33,11619,27013,846-33,116Receivables due from other financial institutions11,540-11,540-11,540Loans and other receivables624,415--625,265625,265Bank acceptances of customers1,944--1,9441,944Other assets5,8944995,395-5,894Total financial assets 676,90919,76930,781627,209677,759Financial liabilities not measured at fair value on a recurring basisDeposits and other public borrowings543,231-529,73814,819544,557Payables due to other financial institutions36,416-36,416-36,416Bank acceptances1,9441,944--1,944Debt issues154,4291,010154,278-155,288Managed funds units on issue1,1491,149--1,149Bills payable and other liabilities8,963-8,963-8,963Loan capital12,8242,8529,454-12,306Total financial liabilities 758,9566,955738,84914,819760,623Financial guarantees, loan commitmentsand other off Balance Sheet instruments175,569--175,569175,56930 June 2015GroupCarryingvalueFair valueTotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total$M$M $M$M$M Financial assets not measured at fair value on a recurring basisCash and liquid assets26,40919,1287,281-26,409Receivables due from other financial institutions8,065-8,065-8,065Loans and other receivables578,537--579,070579,070Bank acceptances of customers5,027--5,0275,027Other assets4,7455094,236-4,745Total financial assets 622,78319,63719,582584,097623,316Financial liabilities not measured at fair value on a recurring basisDeposits and other public borrowings498,352-483,66015,903499,563Payables due to other financial institutions24,978-24,978-24,978Bank acceptances5,0275,027--5,027Debt issues142,2191,032142,208135143,375Managed funds units on issue1,214-1,214-1,214Bills payable and other liabilities7,888-7,888-7,888Loan capital9,5943,2596,565-9,824Total financial liabilities 689,2729,318666,51316,038691,869Financial guarantees, loan commitmentsand other off Balance Sheet instruments164,347--164,347164,34730 June 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 40 Disclosures about Fair Values (continued) 

(d) Fair Value Information for Financial Instruments not measured at Fair Value (continued) 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    173 

BankCarryingvalueFair valueTotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total$M$M $M$M$M Financial assets not measured at fair value on a recurring basisCash and liquid assets31,68318,16613,517-31,683Receivables due from other financial institutions9,720-9,720-9,720Loans and other receivables558,588--559,366559,366Bank acceptances of customers1,908--1,9081,908Loans to controlled entities130,729--130,441130,441Other assets5,0094884,521-5,009Total financial assets 737,63718,65427,758691,715738,127Financial liabilities not measured at fair value on a recurring basisDeposits and other public borrowings497,625-484,78113,660498,441Payables due to other financial institutions35,516-35,516-35,516Bank acceptances1,9081,908--1,908Due to controlled entities126,496-2,483124,013126,496Debt issues130,359-131,741-131,741Bills payable and other liabilities6,619-6,619-6,619Loan capital13,3641,70311,104-12,807Total financial liabilities 811,8873,611672,244137,673813,528Financial guarantees, loan commitmentsand other off Balance Sheet instruments161,722--161,722161,72230 June 2015BankCarryingvalueFair valueTotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total$M$M $M$M$M Financial assets not measured at fair value on a recurring basisCash and liquid assets24,10817,4776,631-24,108Receivables due from other financial institutions7,457-7,457-7,457Loans and other receivables516,003--516,553516,553Bank acceptances of customers4,984--4,9844,984Loans to controlled entities49,852--49,73249,732Other assets3,8004963,304-3,800Total financial assets 606,20417,97317,392571,269606,634Financial liabilities not measured at fair value on a recurring basisDeposits and other public borrowings457,571-443,96914,178458,147Payables due to other financial institutions24,599-24,599-24,599Bank acceptances4,9844,984--4,984Due to controlled entities118,920-3,498115,422118,920Debt issues119,548-120,817135120,952Bills payable and other liabilities6,039-6,039-6,039Loan capital9,9692,1198,061-10,180Total financial liabilities 741,6307,103606,983129,735743,821Financial guarantees, loan commitmentsand other off Balance Sheet instruments151,798--151,798151,79830 June 2014 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 40 Disclosures about Fair Values (continued) 

(d) Fair Value Information for Financial Instruments not measured at Fair Value (continued) 

The  fair  values  disclosed  above  represent  estimates  of  prices  at  which  these  instruments  could  be  sold  or  transferred  in  an 
orderly transaction between market participants. 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. 

The fair value estimates disclosed above have been derived as follows: 

Loans and Other Receivables 

The  carrying  value  of  loans  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 market interest rate. 

The fair value of fixed rate loans is calculated using discounted cash flow models  where the discount rate reflects market rates 
offered for loans of similar remaining maturities and creditworthiness as 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. 

Note 41 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  Vehicles  (SPVs).  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 Vehicles (SPVs). 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 SPV 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 
SPV. 

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  SPV  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 SPV, 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. 

174  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 41 Securitisation, Covered Bonds and Transferred Assets (continued) 

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 SPVs and held by external investors. 
(2)  Securitisation liabilities of the Bank include borrowings from securitisation SPVs, including the SPVs that issue only internally held notes for repurchase 

with central banks, recognised on transfer of residential mortgages by the Bank. 

Note 42 Collateral Arrangements 

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 17. 

The Group and the Bank have pledged collateral as part of entering repurchase and derivative agreements. These transactions 
are governed by standard industry agreements. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    175 

GroupRepurchaseAgreementsCovered BondsSecuritisation201520142015201420152014$M$M$M$M$M$MCarrying amount of transferred assets12,9769,96132,31634,14714,26412,982Carrying amount of associated liabilities (1)12,9769,96128,75525,28012,60311,426For those liabilities that have recourse only to the transferred assets:Fair value of transferred assets14,27312,992Fair value of associated liabilities12,60311,471Net position1,6701,521BankRepurchaseAgreementsCovered BondsSecuritisation201520142015201420152014$M$M$M$M$M$MCarrying amount of transferred assets13,0489,95829,01829,21693,19884,214Carrying amount of associated liabilities (2)13,0489,95826,00522,73293,19884,214For those liabilities that have recourse only to the transferred assets:Fair value of transferred assets93,25784,262Fair value of associated liabilities93,19884,214Net position5948GroupBank2015201420152014$M$M$M$MCash14,2494,64813,5434,518Securities13,8467,28213,5186,631Collateral held28,09511,93027,06111,149Collateral held which is re-pledged or sold9---GroupBank2015201420152014$M$M$M$MCash6,6873,7456,3673,477Securities (1)13,11310,30813,18610,306Assets pledged19,80014,05319,55313,783Asset pledged which can be re-pledged or re-sold by counterparty12,9769,96113,0489,958 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 43 Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities  

The table below identifies amounts that have been currently offset on the Balance Sheet and amounts that are covered by enforceable netting arrangements or similar agreements that do not qualify for set 
off.  Cash  settled  derivatives  that  trade  on  an  exchange  are  deemed  to  be  economically  settled  and  therefore  outside  the  scope  of  these  disclosures,  if  the  change  in  fair  value  of  the  derivative  is 
economically settled on a daily basis through the cash payment or receipt of variation margins. 

Includes amounts both subject and not subject to netting agreements. 

(1) 
(2)  For the purpose of this disclosure, the related amounts of financial instruments and financial collateral not set off on the Balance Sheet have been capped by relevant netting agreements so as not to exceed the net amounts of financial assets/ 

(liabilities) reported on the Balance Sheet, i.e. over-collateralisation, where it exists, is not reflected in the tables. As a result the above collateral balances will not correspond to the tables on page 175. 

176  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

Group30 June 2015Subject to Enforceable Master Netting or Similar AgreementsAmounts offset on the Balance SheetAmounts not offset on the Balance SheetGross BalanceReported on theFinancialFinancial CollateralNot subject toTotal BalanceSheet AmountAmount offset Balance Sheet (1)Instruments (2)(Received)/ Pledged (2)Net Amount Netting AgreementsSheet amountFinancial Instruments$M$M$M$M$M$M$M$MDerivative assets49,323(3,169)46,154(20,799)(14,016)5,1236,12646,154Securities purchased under agreements to resell13,846-13,846(264)(13,525)58-13,846Securities sold not delivered 1,969(710)1,259----1,259Total financial assets65,138(3,879)61,259(21,063)(27,541)5,1816,12661,259Derivative liabilities(40,045)4,832(35,213)20,7996,292(3,856)(4,114)(35,213)Securities sold under agreements to repurchase(12,976)-(12,976)26412,712--(12,976)Securities purchased not delivered (1,201)710(491)----(491)Total financial liabilities(54,222)5,542(48,680)21,06319,004(3,856)(4,114)(48,680)Group30 June 2014Subject to Enforceable Master Netting or Similar AgreementsAmounts offset on the Balance SheetAmounts not offset on the Balance SheetGross BalanceReported on theFinancialFinancial CollateralNot subject toTotal BalanceSheet AmountAmount offset Balance Sheet (1)Instruments (2)(Received)/ Pledged (2)Net Amount Netting AgreementsSheet amountFinancial Instruments$M$M$M$M$M$M$M$MDerivative assets29,247-29,247(18,009)(4,367)1,8734,99829,247Securities purchased under agreements to resell7,281-7,281(180)(7,062)39-7,281Securities sold not delivered 928(516)412----412Total financial assets37,456(516)36,940(18,189)(11,429)1,9124,99836,940Derivative liabilities(27,259)-(27,259)18,0093,128(2,156)(3,966)(27,259)Securities sold under agreements to repurchase(9,964)-(9,964)1809,782(2)-(9,964)Securities purchased not delivered (1,035)515(520)----(520)Total financial liabilities(38,258)515(37,743)18,18912,910(2,158)(3,966)(37,743) 
 
 
 
Note 43 Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (continued) 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Includes amounts both subject and not subject to netting agreements. 

(1) 
(2)  For the purpose of this disclosure, the related amounts of financial instruments and financial collateral not set off on the Balance Sheet have been capped by relevant netting agreements so as not to exceed the net amounts of financial assets/ 

(liabilities) reported on the Balance Sheet, i.e. over-collateralisation, where it exists, is not reflected in the tables. As a result the above collateral balances will not correspond to the tables on page 175. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    177 

Bank30 June 2015Subject to Enforceable Master Netting or Similar AgreementsAmounts offset on the Balance SheetAmounts not offset on the Balance SheetGross BalanceReported on theFinancialFinancial CollateralNot subject toTotal BalanceSheet AmountAmount offset Balance Sheet (1)Instruments (2)(Received)/ Pledged (2)Net Amount Netting AgreementsSheet amountFinancial Instruments$M$M$M$M$M$M$M$MDerivative assets48,776(3,169)45,607(21,107)(13,316)4,9026,17945,607Securities purchased under agreements to resell13,518-13,518(264)(13,196)58-13,518Total financial assets62,294(3,169)59,125(21,371)(26,512)4,9606,17959,125Derivative liabilities(44,468)4,832(39,636)21,1075,979(8,235)(4,160)(39,636)Securities sold under agreements to repurchase(13,048)-(13,048)26412,784--(13,048)Total financial liabilities(57,516)4,832(52,684)21,37118,763(8,235)(4,160)(52,684)Bank30 June 2014Subject to Enforceable Master Netting or Similar AgreementsAmounts offset on the Balance SheetAmounts not offset on the Balance SheetGross BalanceReported on theFinancialFinancial CollateralNot subject toTotal BalanceSheet AmountAmount offset Balance Sheet (1)Instruments (2)(Received)/ Pledged (2)Net Amount Netting AgreementsSheet amountFinancial Instruments$M$M$M$M$M$MDerivative assets29,615-29,615(17,618)(4,246)1,8395,91229,615Securities purchased under agreements to resell6,630-6,630(145)(6,446)39-6,630Total financial assets36,245-36,245(17,763)(10,692)1,8785,91236,245Derivative liabilities(29,341)-(29,341)17,6183,128(1,745)(6,850)(29,341)Securities sold under agreements to repurchase(9,961)-(9,961)1459,814(2)-(9,961)Total financial liabilities(39,302)-(39,302)17,76312,942(1,747)(6,850)(39,302) 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 43 Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities including Collateral 
Arrangements (continued) 

Related Amounts not Set Off on the Balance Sheet 

Derivative Assets and Liabilities 

The “Financial Instruments” column identifies financial assets and liabilities that are subject to set off under netting agreements, 
such as the ISDA Master Agreement. All outstanding transactions with the same counterparty can be offset and close-out netting 
applied  if  an  event  of  default  or  other  predetermined  events  occur.  Financial  collateral  refers  to  cash  and  non-cash  collateral 
obtained  to  cover the  net  exposure  between  counterparties  by  enabling  the collateral to  be  realised in an event of default or if 
other predetermined events occur. 

Repurchase and Reverse Repurchase Agreements and Security Lending Agreements 

The “Financial Instruments” column identifies financial assets and liabilities that are subject to set off under netting agreements, 
such  as  global  master  repurchase  agreements  and  global  master  securities  lending  agreements.  Under  these  netting 
agreements,  all  outstanding  transactions  with  the  same  counterparty  can  be  offset  and  close-out  netting  applied  if  an  event  of 
default  or  other  predetermined  events  occur.  Financial  collateral  typically  comprises  highly  liquid  securities  which  are  legally 
transferred and can be liquidated in the event of counterparty default. 

Note 44 Subsequent Events 

The  Board  of  Directors  approved  a  pro-rata  renounceable  entitlement  offer  of  new  ordinary  shares  to  eligible  existing 
shareholders after close of the ASX on 11 August 2015. This will comprise an accelerated institutional entitlements offer and a 
retail  entitlements  offer  with  retail  entitlements  trading.  This  is  expected  to  raise  approximately  $5 billion  and  will  result  in 
approximately 71 million new ordinary shares representing 4.3% of shares on issue. The capital raised will allow the Bank to meet 
future  requirements  including  the  new  APRA  capital  requirements  in  relation  to  residential  mortgages  being  implemented  on 
1 July 2016. 

The  Bank  expects  the  DRP  for  the  final  dividend  for  the  year  ended  30 June 2015  will  be  satisfied  by  the  issue  of  shares  of 
approximately $700 million. 

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. 

178  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

 
 
 
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 and the accompanying notes for the financial year ended 30 June 2015 in relation to the Bank and 
the consolidated entity (Group) 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 2015. 

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors. 

D J Turner 

Chairman 

11 August 2015 

I M Narev 

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer 

11 August 2015 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    179 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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  (the  Company),  which  comprises  the 
balance sheets as at 30 June 2015, 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  Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  and  the  Consolidated  Entity.  The 
Consolidated Entity comprises the Company and the entities it controlled at the year-end or from time to time during the financial 
year. 

Directors’ responsibility for the financial report 

The  directors  of  the  Company  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  the  Company  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.  Those  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.  

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinions. 

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. 

180  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of Commonwealth Bank of Australia 
(continued) 

Independence 

In conducting our audit, we have complied with the independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Auditor’s opinion 

(a) 

the financial report of Commonwealth Bank of Australia is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including: 

(i) 

(ii) 

giving a true and fair view of the Company’s and the Consolidated Entity's financial position as at 30 June 2015 
and of their performance for the year ended on that date; and 

complying with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the 
Corporations Regulations 2001. 

(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 44 to 65 of the directors’ report for the year ended 30 June 2015. The 
directors  of  the  Company  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 2015, complies with 
section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Marcus Laithwaite 

Partner 

Sydney 

11 August 2015 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    181 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholding Information 

Top 20 Holders of Fully Paid Ordinary Shares as at 7 August 2015 

Rank 

Name of Holder 

Number of Shares 

% 

1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 
J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited 
National Nominees Limited 
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 
BNP Paribas Noms Pty Ltd 
Bond Street Custodians Limited 
RBC Dexia Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited 
Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited 
UBS Wealth Management Australia Nominees Pty Ltd 
Navigator Australia Ltd 
Milton Corporation Limited 
Argo Investments Limited 
Dawnraptor Pty Limited 
Pacific Custodians Pty Limited 
UBS Nominees Pty Ltd 
Nulis Nominees (Australia) Limited 
Invia Custodian Pty Limited 
Questor Financial Services Limited 
Mr. Barry Martin Lambert 
McCusker Holdings Pty Ltd  

270,757,648 
168,399,464 
127,377,721 
86,227,061 
36,846,518 
23,666,301 
14,324,684 
8,482,900 
5,354,366 
3,661,180 
3,034,225 
2,952,895 
2,747,995 
2,356,942 
2,221,306 
2,213,025 
2,152,627 
2,027,086 
1,643,613 
1,435,000 

16.64 
10.35 
7.83 
5.30 
2.26 
1.45 
0.88 
0.52 
0.33 
0.22 
0.19 
0.18 
0.17 
0.14 
0.14 
0.14 
0.13 
0.12 
0.10 
0.09 

The top 20 shareholders hold 767,882,557 shares which is equal to 47.18% 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) as at 7 August 2015 

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 
582,440  
181,143  
18,000  
7,633  
199  
789,415  
12,795 

Percentage of 
Shareholders 
73.77 
22.95 
2.28 
0.97 
0.03 
100.00 
1.62 

Number of 
Shares 
189,855,444  
378,040,880  
123,072,869  
143,953,570  
792,669,950  
1,627,592,713  
33,832 

Percentage of 
Issued 
Capital 
11.67 
23.23 
7.56 
8.84 
48.70 
100.00 
0.02 

Under the Bank’s Constitution, each person who is a voting Shareholder 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 holder’s voting rights and the vote of each attorney shall be 
of no effect unless each is appointed to represent a specified proportion of the Equity holder’s 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. 

182  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

 
 
 
Shareholding Information 

Top 20 Holders of Perpetual Exchangeable Repurchaseable Listed Shares III (“PERLS III”) as at 7 August 2015 

Rank 

Name of Holder 

Number of Shares 

1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 

UBS Wealth Management Australia 
National Nominees Limited 
AMP Life Limited 
J P Morgan Nominees Australia 
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 
HSBC Custody Nominees 
Navigator Australia Ltd 
Nulis Nominees (Australia) 
The Australian National 
Catholic Education Office 
Australian Executor Trustees Limited 
Mutual Trust Pty Ltd 
RBC Dexia Investor Services 
Mr Walter Lawton 
Truckmate (Australia) Pty Ltd 
BNP Paribas Noms Pty Ltd 
Netwealth Investments Limited 
Mifare Pty Ltd 
Fleischmann Holdings Pty Ltd 
UBS Nominees Pty Ltd 

         218,283  
         153,517  
         135,309  
         125,628  
         115,228  
           72,400  
           69,261  
           55,758  
           51,614  
           49,750  
           41,206  
           39,338  
           37,597  
           35,799  
           35,000  
           31,793  
           27,928  
           25,000  
           22,500  
           22,477  

% 

3.74 
2.63 
2.32 
2.15 
1.98 
1.24 
1.19 
0.96 
0.88 
0.85 
0.71 
0.67 
0.64 
0.61 
0.60 
0.55 
0.48 
0.43 
0.39 
0.39 

The top 20 PERLS III shareholders hold 1,365,386 shares which is equal to 23.41% 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) as at 7 August 2015 

Range 

1 – 1,000 
1,001 – 5,000 
5,001 – 10,000 
10,001 – 100,000 
100,001 and over 
Total 
Less than marketable parcel of $500 

Voting Rights 

Number of 
Shareholders 
16,857 
554 
38 
28 
5 
17,482 
19 

Percentage of 
Shareholders 

Number of 
Shares 
96.42                2,975,547  
3.17                1,065,895  
0.22                   274,466  
0.16                   779,324  
0.03                   737,049  
100.00                5,832,281  
34 

0.11 

Percentage of 
Issued 
Capital 
51.02 
18.28 
4.71 
13.36 
12.64 
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,  then  the  voting  rights  of  the  ordinary  shares  will  be  as  set  out  on 
page 182 and the voting rights of the preferences shares will be as set out in the PERLS III prospectus. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    183 

 
 
 
Shareholding Information 

Top 20 Holders of Perpetual Exchangeable Resaleable Listed Securities VI (“PERLS VI”) as at 7 August 2015 

Rank 

Name of Holder 

1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 

UBS Wealth Management Australia 
Bond Street Custodians Limited 
J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited 
Questor Financial Services 
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 
National Nominees Limited 
Australian Executor Trustees Limited 
Snowside Pty Ltd 
Netwealth Investments Limited 
Nulis Nominees (Australia) 
BNP Paribas Noms Pty Ltd 
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 
Dimbulu Pty Ltd 
Eastcote Pty Limited 
RBC Dexia Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited 
Navigator Australia 
V S Access Pty Ltd 
Invia Custodian Pty Limited 
Marento Pty Ltd 
Junax Capital Pty Ltd 

Number of 

Securities 

     631,001  
             500,756  
             396,781  
              284,337  
              278,822  
              257,747  
              184,319  
             136,318  
              132,983  
              130,908  
                  130,077  
           104,986  
                 100,000  
                  100,000  
                    89,377  
                    84,032  
                    80,000  
                    58,282  
                    52,916  
                    50,000  

%  

3.16 
2.50 
1.98 
1.42 
1.39 
1.29 
0.92 
0.68 
0.66 
0.65 
0.65 
0.52 
0.50 
0.50 
0.45 
0.42 
0.40 
0.29 
0.26 
0.25 

The top 20 PERLS VI security holders hold 3,783,642 securities which is equal to 18.92% of the total securities on issue. 

Stock Exchange Listing 

PERLS VI are subordinated unsecured 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 Securities (PERLS VI) as at 7 August 2015 

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 
   26,551  
                2,575  
                    205  
           89  
                        9  
                 29,429  
7 

Percentage of 
Security Holders 
90.21 
8.75 
0.70 
0.30 
0.04 

Number of 
Securities 
        8,506,888  
5,364,480  
         1,547,527  
        2,273,662  
2,307,443  
100.00              20,000,000  
15 

0.02 

Percentage of 
Issued 
Capital 
42.53 
26.82 
7.74 
11.37 
11.54 
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,  then  the  voting  rights  of  the  ordinary  shares  will  be  as  set  out  on  page 182  for  the  Bank’s  ordinary 
shares.

184  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

 
 
 
 
Top 20 Holders of CommBank PERLS VII Capital Notes (“PERLS VII”) as at 7 August 2015 

Shareholding Information 

Rank 

Name of Holder 

1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 

UBS Wealth Management Australia 
Bond Street Custodians Limited 
HSBC Custody Nominees 
National Nominees Limited 
Questor Financial Services 
J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited 
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 
Netwealth Investments Limited 
Australian Executor Trustees Limited 
Navigator Australia 
Nulis Nominees (Australia) 
Avanteos Investments Limited 
Invia Custodian Pty Limited 
Trend Equities Pty Ltd 
Dimbulu Pty Ltd 
RBC Dexia Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited 
Randazzo C & G Developments 
BNP Paribas Noms Pty Ltd 
Tsco Pty Ltd 
JMB Pty Ltd 

Number of   

Securities   

1,802,742  
            734,347  
             690,665  
             484,614  
             396,931  
              254,392  
             241,559  
             209,736  
              198,149  
              188,196  
             186,105  
              139,807  
            115,109  
            102,934  
             100,000  
              89,789  
                84,286  
                 80,227  
                80,000  
                 67,850  

%  

6.01 
2.45 
2.3 
1.62 
1.32 
0.85 
0.81 
0.70 
0.66 
0.63 
0.62 
0.47 
0.38 
0.34 
0.33 
0.30 
0.28 
0.27 
0.27 
0.23 

The top 20 PERLS VII security holders hold 6,247,438 securities which is equal to 20.82% of the total securities on issue. 

Stock Exchange Listing 

PERLS VII are subordinated unsecured notes issued by the Bank. They are listed on the Australian Securities Exchange under 
the trade symbol CBAPD. Details of trading activity are published in most daily newspapers. 

Range of Securities (PERLS VII) as at 7 August 2015 

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 
               29,388  
             3,807  
                       299  
                   197  
                      14  
               33,705  
7 

Percentage of 
Security holders 
87.19 
11.30 
0.89 
0.58 
0.04 
100.00 
0.02 

Number of   
Securities   
   10,114,556  
         8,198,179  
            2,255,952  
        4,666,503  
  4,764,810  
    30,000,000  
29 

Percentage of  
Issued 
Capital 
33.72 
27.33 
7.52 
15.56 
15.88 
100.00 
0.00 

PERLS VII 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,  then  the  voting  rights  of  the  ordinary  shares  will  be  as  set  out  on  page 182  for  the  Bank’s  ordinary 
shares. 

Trust Preferred 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, then the voting rights of the ordinary shares will 
be  as  set  out  on  page 182  and  the  voting  rights  of  the  preference  shares  will  be  as  set  out  in  the  Trust  Preferred  Securities 
information memorandums. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    185 

 
 
 
International Representation 

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 
Chief Executive Officer  
Symon Brewis-Weston 

First State Investments 
ASB North Wharf 
12 Jellicoe Street 
Auckland Central 
Auckland 1010 
Telephone: +64 9 448 4922 
Facsimile: +64 9 486 7131 
Managing Partner, First State Stewart 
Harry Moore 

Africa 

South Africa 

TYME Group, 
Level 4, Global House, 
28 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank 
Johannesburg 2196 
Telephone: + 27 10 241 1326 
Managing Director, South Africa 
Rolf Eichweber 

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 
Managing Director, Americas 
Fiamma Morton 

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 

Asia 

China 

CMG, Beijing Representative Office 
Unit 2908, Level 29 
China World Tower 1, 
1 Jianguomenwai Avenue,  
Beijing 100004 
Telephone: +86 10 6505 5023 
Facsimile: +86 10 6505 5004 
China Chief Representative 
James Gao 

CBA Beijing Branch Office  
Room 4606 China World Tower,  
1 Jianguomenwai Avenue,  
Beijing 100004 
Telephone: +86 10 5680 3000  
Facsimile: +86 10 5961 1916 
Branch Manager Beijing 
Liang Zhang  

Additional Chinese representation  
The Group has established 15 County 
Banks in China in Henan Province 
(County: Jiyuan, Dengfeng, Lankao, 
Mianchi, Yichuan, Yongcheng, Wenxian) 
and Hebei Province (County: Xinji, 
Yongnian, Cixian, Luancheng, Cheng’an, 
Weixian, Shexian, Handan). 
Telephone: +86 216058 0100 

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 Partner, First State Stewart 
Michael Stapleton 

Hong Kong 

CommBank Management Consulting  
14F One Exchange Square 
8 Connaught Road, 
Central Hong Kong 
Telephone: +852 2844 7500 
Facsimile: +852 2845 9194 
Group Executive International Financial 
Services 
Robert Jesudason 

First State Investments 
6th Floor, Three Exchange Square 
8 Connaught Place, Central 
Hong Kong 
Telephone: +852 2846 7555 
Facsimile: +852 2868 4036 
Managing Partner, First State Stewart 
Michael Stapleton 

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) 
Vivienne Yu 

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 
Vivienne Yu 

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 
Ravi Kushan 

Indonesia 

PT Bank Commonwealth 
Level 3A, Wisma Metropolitan II 
Jl. Jendral Sudirman Kav. 29-31 
Jakarta 12920 
Telephone: +62 21 5296 1222 
Facsimile: +62 21 5296 2293 
President Director 
Tony Costa 

186  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International Representation 

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 

United Kingdom 

England 

CBA Branch Office 
Senator House 
85 Queen Victoria Street 
London EC4V 4HA 
Telephone: +44 20 7710 3999 
Facsimile: +44 20 7710 3939 
Managing Director, Europe 
Paul Orchart 

First State Investments 
Finsbury Circus House 
15 Finsbury Circus 
London EC2M 7EB 
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 

CBA Ho Chi Minh City Branch  
Han Nam Building 
65 Nguyen Du St., Dist. 1 
Ho Chi Minh City 
Telephone: +84 8 3824 1525 
Facsimile: +84 8 3824 2703 
General Director 
Ross Munn 

Europe 

France 

First State Investments 
14, Avenue d’Eylau 
75016 Paris 
Telephone: +33 1 7302 4674 
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 
Chief Financial Officer 
Brett Smith 

PT Commonwealth Life 
WTC 6, 8th Floor, 
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 21 515 0088 
Facsimile: +62 21 515 0033 
Managing Partner, First State Stewart 
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 Partner, First State Stewart 
Michael Stapleton 

Singapore 

CBA Branch Office 
One Temasek Avenue 
17-01 Millenia Tower 
Singapore 039192 
Telephone: +65 6349 7000 
Facsimile: +65 6224 5812 
Managing Director, Singapore 
Gregory Williams 

First State Investments 
One Temasek Avenue  
17-01 Millenia Tower 
Singapore 039192 
Telephone: +65 6538 0008 
Facsimile: +65 6538 0800 
Managing Partner, First State Stewart 
Michael Stapleton 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    187 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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.  

132 221 Lost or Stolen Cards 

To report a lost or stolen card 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

From overseas call +61 2 9999 3283. 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 and 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 132 221. 

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) 
available 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) 

For  enquiries  about  CommSec  products  and  services 
visit www.commsec.com.au. 

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), 
Monday to Friday or visit 
www.commbank.com.au/commonwealthprivate 

132 015 Commonwealth Financial Services 

For  enquiries  on  retirement  and  superannuation  products,  or 
to  6pm 
investments.  Available 
managed 
(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. 

188  Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

 
Corporate Directory 

Registered Office 

Ground Floor, Tower 1 
201 Sussex Street 
Sydney NSW 2000 
Telephone +61 2 9378 2000 
Facsimile +61 2 9118 7192 

Company Secretary 

David Cohen 

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. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Annual Report 2015 

    189 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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