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FBD HOLDINGS PLC

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FY2016 Annual Report · FBD HOLDINGS PLC
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FBD Holdings plc  
Annual Report 2016

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Protection. 
It’s in our nature.

 
 
 
 
 
CONTENTS

2

5

9

16

17

26

39

48

49

Financial Highlights 

Chairman's Statement 

Review of Operations 

Corporate Information

Report of the Directors 

Corporate Governance

Report on Directors’ Remuneration

Directors’ Responsibilities Statement

Independent Auditor’s Report

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

60

61

62

64

65

66

67

68

69

Consolidated Income Statement 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

Company Statement of Financial Position

Company Statement of Cash Flows

Company Statement of Changes in Equity

Notes to the Financial Statements

OTHER ITEMS (NOT FORMING PART OF THE 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS)

129

130

Alternative performance measures

Letter from the Chairman in relation to the Annual General 
Meeting

132 Notice of Annual General Meeting

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

1

Financial Highlights

Gross premium written

Net premium earned

2016
€000s

361,799

308,226

Restated*
2015
€000s

363,263

313,154

Restated*
2014
€000s

363,735

303,444

Result for the year – continuing operations

9,027

(74,628)

(4,239)

Restated*
2013
€000s

351,195

296,387

43,278

Restated*
2012
€000s

344,255

300,625

46,037

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share

Net asset value per share

Ordinary dividend per share

Calendar

Preliminary announcement

Annual General Meeting

*Restated to reflect sale of the Passage East Ferry Company

2016
Cent

26

651

-

2015
Cent

(216)

623

-

2014
Cent

(13)

786

51.00

2013
Cent

127

823

49.00

2012
Cent

135

721

42.25

27 February 2017

5 May 2017

2

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

1. FULL YEAR

€362m

GWP stable at €362m

99%

Combined Operating 
Ratio

2. STRONG PROGRESS IN 2016

110-
130% 1.9%

Investment return

Capital within target  
range of Solvency II 
Coverage Ratio (SCR)

SIMPLIFY

FOCUS

DE-RISK

STRENGTHEN

n  Pricing and underwriting 

n  Strengthen balance sheet

n	 Board streamlined

n  Reorganised customer 

n 

Improving claims 
settlement

actions

focus

n  Changed Financial 

n  De-risk pension scheme

n  Single brand – FBD new 

Solutions business model 

brand launch

n  Voluntary redundancy 

programme

n  Launch & rollout of  

IT system

n  Cost reduction

relationships

n  Follow on deferred 
members ETV offer

n  Focus on direct customer 

n  Capital actions

n  Management and  

Board appointments

n  Build out management team

n  New reinsurance programme

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

3

CHAIRMAN 
Michael Berkery

I am pleased to report  
that 2016 saw a marked 
turnaround in the fortunes  
of our company with FBD again 
returned to profitability

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

5

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

Performance
I am pleased to report that 2016 saw a marked 
turnaround in the fortunes of our company with FBD 
again returned to profitability. We achieved a group profit 
before taxation of €11m from continuing operations, 
benefitting from a one-time pension gain of €7m but 
importantly also generating an underwriting profit for  
the year. In addition we disposed of our shareholding in 
Passage East Ferries realising a net €1.9m.

Board Reorganisation and  
Governance Changes
Our streamlined business with its concentrated focus on 
the general insurance subsidiary, FBD Insurance plc, and 
our life, pensions and investment intermediary, FBD 
Financial Solutions is delivering the results and stability 
expected. The new streamlined governance structure of 
one Board for FBD Holdings plc and FBD Insurance plc is 
working very effectively.

The new governance arrangements implemented during 
the year necessitated significant changes in Board 
personnel which is now complete. In addition our Senior 
Independent Director, Mr. Sean Dorgan having served 
nine years on the Board is announcing his intention not 
to stand for re-election at the AGM. I am very grateful to 
have had Sean’s confidence and wise counsel over the 
last number of years. He has made a significant 
contribution to FBD and he takes our deep respect  
and best wishes with him for the future.

I am delighted to welcome five new non-executive Board 
members to FBD Holdings plc: Mr. Walter Bogearts,  
Ms. Mary Brennan, Mr. Dermot Browne, Ms. Orlagh 
Hunt and Mr. David O’Connor, as well as executive 
director & Chief Financial Officer, Mr. John O’Grady.  
The appointments demonstrate a breadth of talent and a 
strong diversity of insurance experience both home and 
abroad that I am certain will serve us well in the years 
ahead.

The Board is well advanced in selecting the new 
Chairman and we anticipate being in a position to 
announce this at the AGM (subject to regulatory 
approval). As I leave the Board, I am satisfied we have 
completed the necessary personnel changes to ensure 
continuity and stability for the future of FBD.

This stabilisation of our business and a welcome 
underwriting profit for the year, though modest, reflects 
the strong risk selection and pricing actions started in 
2015 and continued through this year.

At this early stage in my report I want to acknowledge  
the vital contribution of FBD staff throughout our 
organisation. Under the guidance and leadership of the 
Group Chief Executive Fiona Muldoon, we have achieved 
this turnaround within a relatively short time span, and 
this advances our return to normalised profitability for 
FBD. We look forward to future profitable growth and 
FBD is now well positioned and committed to generating 
sustainable returns for our shareholders.

Management Changes
With the support of the Board, our Group Chief Executive 
concentrated on strengthening the FBD senior 
management team throughout 2016 appointing a 
number of key individuals who will take our business 
forward. These include a new Chief Financial Officer, 
Chief Commercial Officer, Chief Claims Officer, Chief 
Technology & Operations Officer and Chief Risk Officer & 
Company Secretary. The changes ensure the Group is 
well positioned for the future through a mixture of both 
internal and external appointments. The Board looks 
forward to this team successfully executing our agreed 
strategic objectives.

There were some employee changes in 2016 that saw 
many longstanding staff leave the business through the 
voluntary redundancy programme. We wish all our FBD 
colleagues well in the next chapter of their careers and 
the Board is grateful for the hard work and commitment 
of both current and past employees during the transition. 
The restructuring is almost complete and has delivered a 
leaner FBD business for the future.

6

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

Brand
We have launched a new FBD brand and advertising 
campaign that tells our unique story in Ireland and in 
farming. It centres on our fundamental commitment to 
protect our customers. Our new brand shows FBD 
Insurance with a strap-line, ‘Protection. It’s in our nature’. 
Inspired by FBD’s rich heritage and building on our 
unique position as an indigenous Irish insurer, it is a 
reminder that we have been supporting local farms, 
businesses and communities across the country for 
almost fifty years. It is a departure from our previous 
advertising campaigns and I very much hope you like it 
and can see its value.

We believe both our shareholders and customers will 
engage with the brand as we continue to also broaden 
our appeal. We are aiming to foster relationships with 
new customers in selected markets and thus bring them 
into the FBD fold.

Claims Environment
The claims environment continues to be uncertain and 
the Government Cost of Insurance Working Group report 
sets out recommendations to drive further change. Many 
of the recommendations will help to reduce the cost of 
claims if implemented well.

The recognition that we must look outside the Irish 
market at court award levels and at other jurisdictions’ 
practices is important and benchmarking ourselves 
internationally is the first step.

Dividend
While 2016 has shown a modest underwriting profit, as  
a Board we will need to see sustained profitability before 
any return to paying a dividend. As such, the preservation 
of adequate capital levels remains a priority and the 
Board has decided that there will be no dividend paid  
in respect of the 2016 results. As the underlying 
profitability of the business continues to improve,  
the Board will revisit this position.

Conclusion
I want to extend my sincere thanks to the Board for their 
active involvement and support during 2016. I reiterate 
my thanks to all FBD staff and management for their 
commitment in delivering a solid result in 2016 in very 
difficult trading circumstances.

I would also like to thank our customers for their 
unwavering support. Their continued loyalty, trust and 
confidence have enabled the turnaround of our business. 
FBD is ready for the challenges ahead and I am confident 
the FBD Group will enjoy a successful future under the 
leadership of our new Chairman, the Board and 
management.

Finally, I want to record my sincere thanks to you, our 
shareholders, for staying the course with us. I believe 
there are better days ahead for FBD. It has been an 
honour and a privilege to serve as Chairman of FBD for 
the past 21 years and I wish my successor and the 
Company every success in the future. Thank you.

The intention to foster better co-operation between the 
industry and law enforcers through improved data, fraud 
initiatives and road safety can only be positive. We need 
to work together to get better results.

Michael Berkery 
Chairman

24 February 2017

In summary, the inflationary claims environment 
continues to affect our business and our customers and 
any attempts to improve the cost of claims will assist us 
in retaining our customers and driving sustainable 
profitability for our shareholders.

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

7

CHIEF EXECUTIVE 
Fiona Muldoon

During 2016, FBD continued to 
stabilise and returned to 
profitability. 

Actions taken by the Group to 
improve financial performance are 
starting to show the desired effect.

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

9

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS

During 2016, FBD continued to stabilise and returned to profitability.

The claims environment stabilised somewhat during 2016 but remains 
challenging, and this has led to continuing re-pricing of certain risk classes 
across the market. 

Actions taken by the Group to improve financial 
performance are starting to show the desired effect.  
The pricing and underwriting action, along with careful 
cost management have resulted in a welcome modest 
underwriting profit for 2016, albeit aided by benign  
winter weather during the year. 

New business volumes were lower than historic levels as 
the Group concentrated on improving the profitability of 
the business. The loss of policy volume slowed during the 
year with a volume reduction of 4% in the second half of 
2016, compared to 7% in the first half for business written 
directly. 

The increase in the cost of insurance in Ireland has  
been the subject of much public discourse. The Group 
welcomes the publication of the report from the 
Government’s Cost of Insurance Working Group, but 
notes that insurance premiums will only reduce when the 
cost of claims is reduced. FBD continues to believe that 
sustained public policy action is needed to improve the 
claims environment in Ireland. 

The Group recorded a profit before tax from continuing 
operations of €11.4m in 2016 (2015: loss of €85.9m).  
The Group delivered an underwriting profit of €3.2m, 
compared to the underwriting loss of €125.4m in 2015. 

Underwriting

Premium income

The Group continues to focus on its core Farm and SME 
customers, along with a single brand consumer strategy. 
During 2016 it reduced its exposure to business written 
through brokers. 

Overall, gross written premium has declined by €1.5m to 
€361.8m (2015: €363.3m), with increased premium from 
direct operations of €14.5m (+4%) offset by a €16.0m 
(-44%) reduction in business written through brokers. 
Excluding broker business, average rates across the book 
are up 9%, while policy volume has declined by 5% with 
an increase in average cover of 1%. However, certain 
classes of insurance have seen more substantial 
increases year on year (eg: Motor +16%). 

Claims 

Net claims incurred amounted to €217.5m (2015: €341.3m). 
Overall reserves are developing as expected. Adverse prior 
year development on public liability claims has largely 
been offset by positive development in other classes. This 
modest adverse development has been largely in 2014 and 
2015 accident years and was offset by modest releases 
from 2013 and prior. The comparable claims incurred 
figure for 2015 includes a charge of €95.8m for 
strengthening prior year claims reserves and  
increasing the margin for uncertainty.

The Group also incurred €7.8m (2015: €11.6m) relating to 
its MIBI levy obligation, which is calculated based on the 
Group’s expected share of the motor market for 2016 and 
the estimated levy call by the MIBI, which is lower than in 
the prior year.

Claims Environment 

The claims environment continues to be uncertain with 
claims inflation still prevalent, albeit with some emerging 
evidence of moderation in its growth. 

There are a number of factors which have impacted the 
claims settlement environment. These include:

10

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

n	 The release of the updated Book of Quantum by the 
Injuries Board has the potential to lead to greater 
consistency in personal injury awards, but its 
consistent adoption by the judiciary is critical in this 
regard. There is a concern that the increased number 
of injury categories may lead to inflation in award 
levels. It is too early yet to establish if this is the case 
and the Group will continue to monitor court awards 
carefully. 

n	 There is evidence of more claimants being 

represented in injury claims at an earlier stage in 
their lifecycle with a reduction in the proportion of 
claims settled directly with the claimant;

n	 The Group is continuing to see an impact from the 
increase in court awards following the change in 
Circuit Court jurisdiction from €38k to €60k;

n	 The protracted and contentious process for agreeing 
plaintiffs’ legal costs, despite the enactment of the 
Legal Services Regulation Act, is leading to higher 
legal costs for all; 

n	 On a more positive note, the level of general damages 
awarded in the High Court appears to have stabilised 
in recent months. The Court of Appeal reduced a 
number of original awards by close to 50% and it 
issued general guidelines on damages. These actions 
are beginning to influence lower courts and are 
removing some of the extreme volatility previously 
observed.

The net impact of the above factors is that the claims 
environment has stabilised somewhat but continues to 
be difficult. FBD has seen claim settlement rate increases 
in 2016 compared to observed slowdowns in 2014 and 
2015. However those 2016 settlements are being made in 
an inflationary environment. 

FBD welcomes the report prepared by the Cost of 
Insurance Working Group and the focus that the 
taskforce has brought to the complexities surrounding 
the rising cost of claims and in turn insurance costs for 
Irish customers. In particular, we are pleased to see the 
plans to create a Personal Injuries Commission to 
benchmark awards internationally and the proposals to 
strengthen the Injuries Board assessment process. These 
are measures we have previously advocated as tangible 

ways to improve the claims environment in Ireland. It is 
critical that these proposals are implemented if there is 
to be help for farmers, consumers and small Irish 
businesses to manage their insurance costs. Certain key 
recommendations would, if successful, lead to a 
reduction in the cost of claims. These include:

n	 Greater power given to the Personal Injuries 

Assessment Board with regard to non-co-operation 
and non-attendance at medicals and generally 
strengthening its powers;

n	 Benchmarking of awards with those in other relevant 
jurisdictions. Should awards be brought in line with 
other jurisdictions, it would have a significant impact 
on the cost of claims;

n	

Improved ability to data share between stakeholders 
to better identify and fight claims fraud. The effective 
implementation of automatic number plate 
recognition (ANPR) would combat the increased 
levels of uninsured drivers on Irish roads whose 
claims are ultimately paid by law-abiding motorists. 

Weather, Claims Frequency and Large Claims 

Weather during 2016 was relatively benign and there 
were no events of note. 

Motor injury frequency continued to decline with the 
underwriting and risk selection actions taken by the 
Group having an appropriate effect.

The net cost of large claims (greater than €500k) was 
€2m lower than the average over the previous three years 
driven by a lower incidence of such claims. 

Expenses

The Group’s expense ratio was 25.9% (2015: 27.4%). Net 
expenses reduced by €6.0m to €79.7m (2015: €85.7m) 
largely driven by the reduction in staff costs arising from 
the voluntary redundancy programme launched in the 
second half of 2015, and partially offset by technology 
costs. The Group’s new policy administration system was 
rolled out at the end of June 2016. Depreciation of the 
system has commenced and increased costs by €2.2m in 
the second half of 2016. 

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

11

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS (continued)

General

Profit/(loss) per share

FBD’s combined operating ratio was 99.0%, leading to an 
underwriting profit of €3.2m (2015: loss of €125.4m). 

The diluted profit per share from continuing operations 
was 26 cent per ordinary share, compared to a loss of 216 
cent (restated) per ordinary share in 2015. 

Investment Return

FBD’s total investment return for 2016 was 1.9%  
(2015: 2.0%), with 0.8% (2015: 2.2%) recognised in the 
consolidated income statement and 1.1% (2015: -0.2%) 
recognised in the consolidated statement of other 
comprehensive income. The better than expected 
investment return reflects market value gains in the 
corporate bond portfolio as corporate bonds spreads 
narrowed as well as a €1.9m revaluation of the Group’s 
investment property.

Financial Services
The Group’s financial services operations include 
premium instalment services and life, pension and 
investment broking (FBD Financial Solutions), less 
holding company costs. This generated a solid 
performance through a period of restructuring, delivering 
a profit of €2.0m (before restructuring charges) (2015: 
€3.5m, restated).

In 2015 the Group carried out a review of FBD Financial 
Solutions and concluded that there was further 
opportunity for FBD in the life and pensions area. 
However, the Group identified a need to transform the 
operating model to generate greater long term value. In 
2016, FBD Financial Solutions entered into a preferred 
provider arrangement with New Ireland, one of Ireland’s 
largest life companies. This arrangement enables FBD to 
provide a customer focussed life and pensions advisory 
service to customers, reduce expenses and increase the 
profitability of the business. The transformation project is 
complete and the business is expected to generate a 
profit from 2017 onwards. 

On 23 May 2016 FBD divested its 70% shareholding in 
Passage East Ferry Company for a total consideration of 
€2.7m, realising a profit on disposal of €1.9m. The Passage 
East Ferry Company was a non-core asset, and the 
proceeds realised will be used for general corporate 
purposes. 

Statement of Financial Position

Capital position

Equity Attributable to ordinary shareholders at 31 
December 2016 amounted to €225.5m (December 2015: 
€215.9m). The increase in shareholders’ funds is mainly 
attributable to the following: 

n	 Profit in the period of €10.7m;

n	 The increase in the defined benefit pension scheme 

obligation of €10.7m after tax driven mainly by a 0.7% 
reduction in the discount rate, recognised in the 
statement of other comprehensive income. The 
actions taken by the Group in 2015 for current 
members and in 2016 for deferred members to 
restructure and de-risk its defined benefit scheme 
limited the impact of the decrease in the discount 
rate;

n	 Mark to market gains on the Group’s Available for 

Sale investments of €9.1m after tax recognised in the 
statement of other comprehensive income.

Net assets per ordinary share are 651 cent, compared to 
623 cent per share at December 2015. 

Following on from the successful enhanced transfer 
value (ETV) programme for active members of the 
scheme in 2015, the Group launched an ETV programme 
for deferred members in 2016. The impact of the ETV 
programme for deferred members was a reduction in the 
IAS19 liability of €27.9m and a €7.2m income statement 
gain. This further reduces the inherent interest rate 
exposure of the scheme and its potential volatility on the 
capital position of the Group. 

12

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

Investment Allocation

This table shows the underwriting investment assets of the Group. 

Deposits and cash

Corporate bonds

Government bonds 

Equities

Unit trusts

Investment property

31 December 2016

31 December 2015

€m

270

493

177

24

24

16

%

27%

49%

18%

2%

2%

2%

1,004

100%

€m

398

432

101

24

25

15

995

%

40%

43%

10%

2%

3%

2%

100%

It appears likely that Britain departing the EU will have 
negative effects for business and business confidence in 
Ireland, particularly in the medium term and the Group 
believes this will continue to be a significant headwind to 
otherwise strong Irish economic prospects. 

FBD has begun a substantial brand campaign aimed at 
broadening its customer base, while giving the Group a 
differentiated proposition from its competitors. 
Specifically, the new campaign aims to grow a high quality 
urban segment by increasing its relevance outside rural 
Ireland. The Group will also position itself for future 
changes in buying patterns by further developing its 
digital capabilities.

Fiona Muldoon 
Group Chief Executive

24 February 2017

During 2016, FBD further increased its allocation to 
corporate and government bonds, and reduced its 
exposure to term deposits to move further towards its 
strategic asset allocation benchmark. 

Solvency

Solvency II became effective from 1 January 2016. The 
Group’s economic capital is within its target range of 
110-130% of SCR. 

Outlook
FBD has delivered on its commitment to simplify its 
strategy and stabilise the business. Over the past two 
years the Group has taken the necessary action to return 
the business to profitability. Its underwriting and rating 
actions mean that the Group is now well positioned to 
begin to deliver sustainable shareholder returns through 
growth in book value. 

It is the Group’s ambition to seek careful growth in 
consumer and small commercial business within its risk 
appetite and in line with Irish economic growth generally. 
As previously noted, the increasing likelihood of a hard 
“Brexit” introduces business and trading uncertainty for 
all indigenous Irish businesses, including FBD and its core 
customers in farming and other small businesses. 

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

13

It's in our nature  

to look
ahead

CORPORATE INFORMATION

Registered Office and Head Office
FBD House
Bluebell
Dublin 12
D12 Y0HE 
Ireland

Independent Auditors for 2016
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Audit Firm
One Spencer Dock
North Wall Quay
Dublin 1
Ireland

Solicitors
Dillon Eustace
33 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay
Dublin 2
Ireland

Registrar
Computershare Investor Services (Ireland) Limited
Heron House
Corrig Road
Sandyford Industrial Estate
Dublin 18
Ireland

Bankers
Allied Irish Banks plc
Bank of Ireland
Barclays Bank plc
BNP Paribas
Close Brothers International
Credit Suisse (UK) Limited
Danske Bank
Deutsche Bank AG
Lloyds TSB Bank plc
Mizuho Bank Limited, London Branch
Permanent TSB plc 
Rabodirect Ireland

Stockbrokers
Goodbody Stockbrokers
Ballsbridge Park
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
Ireland

Shore Capital
The Corn Exchange
Fenwick Street
Liverpool L2 7RB
United Kingdom

16

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

The Directors present their report and the audited 
Financial Statements for the financial year 2016.

Principal Activities
FBD is one of Ireland’s largest property and casualty 
insurers looking after the insurance needs of farmers, 
private individuals and business owners through its 
principal subsidiary, FBD Insurance plc. The Group also 
has financial services operations including a successful 
life and pensions brokerage, FBD Financial Solutions. The 
Company is a holding company incorporated in Ireland. 

Business Review
The review of the performance of the Group, including an 
analysis of financial information and the outlook for its 
future development, is contained in the Chairman’s 
Statement on pages 4 to 7 and in the Group Chief 
Executive’s Review of Operations on pages 8 to 13. 
Information in respect of events since the financial year 
end and a review of the key performance indicators are 
also included in these sections. The key performance 
indicators include gross premium written, earnings per 
share, loss ratio, expense ratio, combined operating ratio, 
profit for the year and net asset value per share.

The Group has continued to invest in its IT infrastructure 
during 2016, and successfully rolled out its new policy 
administration system. 

Results 
The results for the year are shown in the Consolidated 
Income Statement on page 60. 

Subsequent Events
There have been no subsequent events that would have a 
material impact on the Financial Statements.

Risk and Uncertainties
Risk Management is embedded across the Group through 
its Risk Management Framework. The Directors consider 
that the principal risk factors that could materially and 
adversely affect the Group’s future operating profits or 
financial position are as follows:

General Insurance Risk

The risk attached to any general insurance policy written 
is the possibility that an insured event occurs and the 
uncertainty of the amount of the resulting claim. The 
frequency and severity of claims can be affected by 
several factors, most notably weather events, the level of 
awards and inflation on settling claims. 

When estimating the cost of claims outstanding at 
financial year end, the principal assumption underlying 
the estimates is the Group’s past development pattern. 
This includes assumptions in respect of certain historic 
average claims costs, claims handling costs and claims 
inflation factors.

Profitability of general insurance is, by its nature, cyclical 
and can vary because of the actions or omissions of 
market participants, particularly inappropriate pricing 
decisions.

The extent of the Group’s exposure to general insurance 
risk is controlled within defined parameters by means of 
strict underwriting criteria, analysis of historical 
underwriting experience, formalised pricing structures 
and appropriate reinsurance treaties.

The claims environment continues to be uncertain with 
claims inflation still prevalent, albeit with some emerging 
evidence of moderation in its growth. There are a number 
of factors which have impacted the claims settlement 
environment. These include:

n	 The release of the updated Book of Quantum by the 
Injuries Board has the potential to lead to greater 
consistency in personal injury awards, but its 
consistent adoption by the judiciary will be critical in 
this regard. There is however a concern that the 
increased number of injury categories could lead to 
inflation in award levels. It is too early yet to establish 
this and the Group will continue to monitor it;

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

17

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS (continued)

n	 There is evidence of more claimants being 

represented in injury claims at an earlier stage in 
their lifecycle with a reduction in the proportion of 
claims settled directly with the claimant;

FBD Insurance maintained its required capital position 
and complied with all regulatory solvency margin 
requirements throughout both the year under review  
and the prior year.

The Solvency II directive introduced a requirement for 
undertakings to conduct an Own Risk and Solvency 
Assessment ”ORSA”. The ORSA is a very important 
process as it provides a comprehensive view and 
understanding of the risks to which the Company is 
exposed or could face in the future and how they 
translate into capital needs or alternatively require 
mitigation actions.

FBD Insurance plc has an investment committee, a 
pricing committee, a capital management forum, an 
audit committee, a reserving committee and a risk 
committee, all of which assist the Board in the 
identification and management of exposures and capital. 

The Group uses a number of sensitivity based risk-
analysis tools as part of its decision making and planning 
processes to understand and manage the volatility of 
earnings and capital requirements more efficiently. The 
Group measures key performance indicators, including 
compliance with solvency requirements, under a number 
of economic and operating scenarios so as to identify and 
quantify the risks to which the business and its capital are 
exposed.

In preparation for the Board’s annual review of the 
internal control system, senior management carry  
out a self assessment, in compliance with the Irish Stock 
Exchange Listing Rules as well as the U.K. Corporate 
Governance Code, of the significant risks, including 
capital risks, facing the organisation and the controls  
in place to mitigate or manage such exposures.

n	 The Group is continuing to see an impact from the 
increase in court awards following the change in 
Circuit Court jurisdiction from €38k to €60k;

n	 The protracted and contentious process for agreeing 
plaintiffs’ legal costs, despite the enactment of the 
Legal Services Regulation Act, is leading to higher 
legal costs for all; 

n	 The level of general damages awarded in the High 
Court appears to have stabilised in recent months. 
The Court of Appeal made a number of decisions that 
reduced the original awards by close to 50% and it 
issued general guidelines on damages. These actions 
are beginning to influence lower courts and are 
removing some of the extreme volatility previously 
observed.

The net impact of the above factors is that the claims 
environment has stabilised somewhat but continues to 
be difficult. FBD has seen claim settlement rates increase 
in 2016 compared to observed slowdowns in 2014 and 
2015, albeit those settlements are being made in a 
continuing inflationary environment. 

Capital Management Risk

The Group is committed to managing its capital so as to 
maximise returns to shareholders. The capital of the 
Group comprises of issued capital, reserves and retained 
earnings as detailed in notes 23 to 26. The Board of 
Directors reviews the capital structure frequently to 
determine the appropriate level of capital required to 
pursue the Group’s growth plans. 

The Group’s principal subsidiary, FBD Insurance must 
maintain an adequate regulatory solvency position and 
must satisfy the Central Bank of Ireland that it has done 
so. The capital position of FBD Insurance is reviewed 
frequently by its Board of Directors. To provide protection 
against material events or shocks, the Group ensures that 
its insurance subsidiary holds sufficient capital to 
maintain appropriate regulatory surpluses. 

18

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

Operational Risk

Operational risk could arise as a result of inadequately 
controlled internal processes or systems, human error or 
from external events. Operational risks are regularly 
assessed against financial, operational and reputational 
criteria.

Liquidity Risk

The Group is exposed to daily calls on its cash resources, 
mainly from claims. The Board sets limits on the 
minimum proportion of maturing funds available to meet 
such calls.

Market Risk

The Group has invested in quoted debt securities, quoted 
shares, unquoted shares and investment properties. 
These investments are subject to market risk, whereby 
the value of the investments may fluctuate as a result of 
changes in market prices, changes in market interest 
rates or changes in the foreign exchange rates of the 
currency in which the investments are denominated. The 
extent of the exposure to market risk is mitigated by the 
formulation of, and adherence to, strict investment 
policies, as approved by the Board of Directors, and the 
employment of appropriately qualified and experienced 
personnel to manage the Group’s investment portfolio.

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk of loss in the value of financial assets 
due to counterparties failing to meet all or part of their 
obligations.

All of the Group’s current reinsurers have credit ratings of 
A- or better. The Group has assessed these credit ratings 
as being satisfactory in diminishing the Group’s exposure 
to the credit risk of its reinsurance receivables.

Concentration Risk

Concentration risk is the risk of loss due to 
overdependence on a singular entity or category of 
business. While all of the Group’s underwriting business is 
conducted in Ireland, with a significant focus on the agri 
sector, it is spread over a wide geographical area with no 
concentration in any one county or region. The Group 
adheres to a strict investment policy and actively 

manages its investment portfolio to ensure that there is 
an optimum spread and duration of investments and with 
regard to the Group’s quoted debt securities and bank 
deposits, that these investments are only with 
institutions with an acceptable credit rating.

Macro-economic Risk

These are the risks faced by the Group as a result of 
macro-economic changes including economic downturn, 
increasing competition, changing market trends and the 
risk associated with changes in the taxation laws in the 
jurisdiction in which the Group operates. The success of 
the Group depends on its ability to react appropriately to 
these changes. The increasing likelihood of a hard “Brexit” 
introduces business and trading uncertainty for all 
indigenous Irish businesses, including FBD and the 
Group’s core customers in farming and other small 
businesses. It appears likely that Britain departing the  
EU will have negative effects for business and business 
confidence in Ireland, particularly in the medium term 
and the Group believe this will continue to be a significant 
headwind to otherwise strong Irish economic prospects.

Other Risks

n	 The risk that the strategy adopted by the Board is 

incorrect or not implemented appropriately resulting 
in sub-optimal performance.

n	 The risk that deterioration in economic conditions 
globally and particularly in Ireland may lead to a 
reduction in revenue and profits.

n	 The risk that the loss of a key executive officer or 

other key employee, the adoption of inappropriate 
HR policies or regulatory changes affecting the work 
force or the limited availability of qualified personnel 
may disrupt operations or increase cost structures.

n	 The risk that an interruption or failure of information 
systems, whether caused by security breaches, 
cyber-attacks or other failures or malfunctions,  
may result in a significant loss of business, assets,  
or competitive position.

n	 The impact of climate change may result in 

increasingly volatile weather patterns and more 
frequent severe weather events. 

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

19

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS (continued)

n	 The risk that processes and techniques to protect 
computer systems and information assets from 
unintended or unauthorised access, changes or 
destruction are inadequate.

All of the foregoing risks are dealt with in further detail in 
note 40.

Directors
The present Directors of the Company, together with a 
biography on each, are set out on pages 26 to 29. The 
Board has decided that all Directors continuing in office 
will submit themselves for re-election at each Annual 
General Meeting.

The Group has controls embedded within its systems to 
limit each of these potential exposures. The Board 
confirms that it has carried out a robust assessment of 
the principal risks facing the Group, including those that 
would threaten its business model, future performance, 
solvency or liquidity. 

FBD uses the 3 lines of defence model in the 
management of risk. Under the three lines of defence 
model:

The Directors who served at any time during 2016 were  
as follows:

Michael Berkery

(Chairman)

Walter Bogaerts Appointed 26 February 2016

Mary Brennan

Appointed 31 August 2016

Dermot Browne Appointed 5 July 2016

Emer Daly

Resigned 29 April 2016

Sean Dorgan 

(Senior Independent Director)

Eddie Downey

Resigned 29 April 2016

n	 Primary responsibility for risk management lies with 

Liam Herlihy

Brid Horan

Resigned 29 April 2016

Orlagh Hunt

Appointed 31 August 2016

Fiona Muldoon 

David O’Connor

Appointed 5 July 2016

Ruairí O’Flynn

Resigned 29 April 2016

John O’Grady

Appointed 1 July 2016

Padraig Walshe

Annual General Meeting
The notice of the Annual General Meeting of the 
Company which will be held at 11 a.m. on 5 May 2017 in 
the Irish Farm Centre, Old Naas Road, Bluebell, Dublin 12, 
is set out on pages 132 to 134. A letter from the Chairman 
detailing the business to come before the Annual General 
Meeting is included at pages 130 to 131.

line management.

n	 Line management is supported by the Risk Function, 

Compliance Function and Actuarial Function.

n	 The third and final line of defence is the Internal 
Audit function, which provides independent 
assurance to the Audit Committee of the Board on 
risk-taking activities.

FBD has developed a suite of risk policies to assist in the 
management of risk which include roles and 
responsibilities, risk management processes, risk limits 
and metrics and escalation processes. The risk policies 
including the Risk Management Framework and Risk 
Appetite are reviewed at least annually by the FBD 
Insurance Risk Committee and the Board or more 
frequent if a system, or area concerned undergoes 
significant change. FBD has a framework in place to 
identify, assess, manage and monitor risk and is actively 
reported and reviewed at Executive Risk Committee 
meetings and quarterly Board Risk Committee meetings. 

Subsidiaries 
The Company’s principal subsidiaries, as at 31 December 
2016, are listed in note 35. 

20

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

Directors’ and Company Secretary’s 
interests
The interests of the Directors and Company Secretary 
(together with their respective family interests) in the 
share capital of the Company, at 31 December 2016 and  
1 January 2016 (or date of appointment if later) were as 
follows:

Number of ordinary shares 
of €0.60 each

31 December 
2016

1 January 
2016*

30,000

30,000

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

3,000

3,000

0

0

1,500

0

1,100

0

0

0

0

1,100

Beneficial

Michael Berkery

Walter Bogaerts

Mary Brennan 

Dermot Browne

Sean Dorgan

Liam Herlihy

Orlagh Hunt

Fiona Muldoon

David O’Connor

John O’Grady

Padraig Walshe

Company Secretary

Derek Hall (appointed  
1 December 2016)

1,755

1,755

European Communities (Takeover  
Bids (Directive 2004/25/EC)) 
Regulations 2006
For the purposes of Regulation 21 of the European 
Communities (Takeover Bids (Directive 2004/25/EC)) 
Regulations 2006, the information on the Board of 
Directors on pages 20 and 21, the Performance Share 
Plan in note 38 and the Report on Directors’ 
Remuneration on pages 39 to 47 are deemed to be 
incorporated in this part of the Report of the Directors.

Substantial Shareholdings
As at 24 February 2017 the Company has been notified of 
the following interests of 3% or more in its share capital:

Ordinary shares of  
€0.60 each

Farmer Business 
Developments plc

No. % of Class

8,531,948

25%

FBD Trust Company Limited

2,984, 737

Prudential plc

2,561,622

Fidelity Management and 
Research LLC

1,969,044

Black Creek International

1,776,831

Fidelity Investments 
International Limited

1,671,948

9%

7%

6%

5%

5%

*or at date of appointment if later

Preference Share Capital

There has been no change in the interests of the Directors 
and Company Secretary (together with their respective 
family interests) in the share capital of the Company up to 
the date of this report. 

The interests of the Directors and the Company Secretary 
in conditional awards over the share capital of the 
Company under the shareholder approved share scheme 
are detailed in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration on 
pages 39 to 47.

14% Non-cumulative preference shares of €0.60 each

Farmer Business 
Developments plc

1,340,000

100%

8% Non-cumulative preference shares of €0.60 each

FBD Trust Company Limited

2,062,000

58.38%

Farmer Business 
Developments plc

1,470,292

41.62%

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

21

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS (continued)

Share Capital 
The Company had four classes of shares in issue at the 
end of the year. These classes and the percentage of the 
total issued share capital represented by each are as 
follows:

Voting shares

Number 
in issue

% of 
Total

Ordinary shares of €0.60 each

34,666,201*

87.7

Independent Auditors 
The independent auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers, 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Audit Firm, have 
signified their willingness to continue in office in 
accordance with the provisions of Section 383(2)  
of the Companies Act 2014.

Regarding disclosure of information to the Auditors,  
the Directors confirm that:

14% Non-cumulative preference 
shares of €0.60 each

8% Non-cumulative preference 
shares of €0.60 each

1,340,000

3,532,292

3.4

8.9

39,538,493

100.0

* excluding 795,005 shares held in treasury

The Company’s ordinary shares of €0.60 each are listed 
on the Main Securities Market of the Irish Stock Exchange 
and have a premium listing on the UK Listing Authority. 
They are traded on both the Irish Stock Exchange and the 
London Stock Exchange. Neither class of preference 
share is traded on a regulated market.

Each of the above classes of share enjoys the same rights 
to receive notice of, attend and vote at meetings of the 
Company.

Non-voting shares

Number in issue

‘A’ ordinary shares of €0.01 each

13,169,428

The rights attaching to the ‘A’ ordinary shares are clearly 
set out in the Articles of Association of the Company. 
They are not transferable except only to the Company. 
Other than a right to a return of paid up capital of €0.01 
per ‘A’ ordinary share in the event of a winding up, the ‘A’ 
ordinary shares have no right to participate in the capital 
or the profits of the Company.

 As far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit 
information of which the company’s statutory auditors 
are unaware; and they have taken all the steps that they 
ought to have taken as a Director in order to make 
themselves aware of any relevant audit information and 
to establish that the company’s statutory auditors are 
aware of that information.

Accounting Records
The Directors have taken appropriate measures to ensure 
compliance with Sections 281 to 285 of the Companies 
Act, 2014 – the requirement to keep proper accounting 
records – through the employment of suitably qualified 
accounting personnel and the maintenance of 
appropriate accounting systems. The accounting records 
are located at FBD House, Bluebell, Dublin 12, Ireland.

Directors’ compliance statement
The directors of the Company acknowledge that they are 
responsible for securing the Company’s compliance with 
its relevant obligations (as defined in the Companies Act 
2014 (the “2014 Act”)) and, as required by section 225 of 
the 2014 Act, the directors confirm that:

(i)  a compliance policy statement setting out the 

Company’s policies with regard to complying with the 
relevant obligations under the 2014 Act has been 
prepared;

(ii)  arrangements and structures have been put in place 
that they consider sufficient to secure material 
compliance with the Company’s relevant obligations; 
and

(iii)  a review of arrangements and structures has been 

conducted during the financial year to which the 
directors’ report relates.

22

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

Corporate Governance
The Corporate Governance Report on pages 26 to 38 
forms part of this report and in this the Board has set out 
how it has applied the principles set out in the UK 
Corporate Governance Code, which was adopted by both 
the Irish Stock Exchange and the UK Listing Authority, 
and the Irish Corporate Governance Annex.

Viability Statement
The Directors have assessed the prospects of the Group 
and its ability to meet its liabilities as they fall due in the 
medium term. The Directors selected a three year 
timeframe as this corresponds with the Board’s strategic 
planning process. The objectives of the strategic planning 
process are to consider the key strategic choices facing 
the Group and to incorporate these into a financial model 
with various scenarios. This assessment has been made 
with reference to the Group’s current position and 
prospects, the Group’s strategy, the Board’s risk appetite 
and the principal risks and uncertainties facing the 
Group, as outlined on pages 17 to 20.

The Directors review and renew the Group’s three year 
plan at least annually. Progress against the strategic plan 
is reviewed regularly by the Board and senior 
management. Associated risks are considered within the 
Board’s risk management framework. 

The strategic plan has been tested for a number of 
scenarios which assess the potential impact of some of 
the strategic and commercial risks facing the Group. The 
Group performs an ORSA at least annually which subjects 
FBD’s solvency capital levels to a number of extreme 
stress scenarios. This was last performed in December 
2016. Based on the results of these tests the Directors 
confirm that they have performed a robust assessment of 
the principal risks facing the Group, including those that 
would threaten its business model, its future 
performance and solvency and that they can have a 
reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to 
continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall 
due over the period of the assessment.

Going Concern
The Group’s business activities, together with the factors 
likely to affect its future development, performance and 
financial position are set out in the Chairman’s Statement 
and the Review of Operations, as are the financial position 
of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity position and 
borrowing facilities. In addition, note 40 of the Financial 
Statements includes the Group’s policies and processes 
for risk management. 

The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the 
Company and the Group have adequate resources to 
continue in operational existence for the foreseeable 
future being a period of at least twelve months from the 
date of this report. As a result they continue to adopt the 
going concern basis of accounting in preparing the 
Financial Statements. In forming this view, the Directors 
have reviewed the Group’s budget for 2017 and forecast 
for 2018 and 2019, which take account of reasonably 
foreseeable changes in trading performance, the key risks 
facing the business and the medium-term plans approved 
by the Board in its review of the Group’s corporate 
strategy along with the Group’s capital projections and 
requirements under the Solvency II regime. The Directors 
have concluded that there are no material uncertainties 
that cast significant doubt over the Group’s ability to 
continue as a going concern. 

Approval of Financial Statements
The Financial Statements were approved by the Board on 
24 February 2017.

Signed on behalf of the Board

Michael Berkery 
Chairman	

Fiona Muldoon 
Group Chief Executive

24 February 2017

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

23

It's in our nature  

to protect

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Your Board of Directors is committed to the highest 
standards of corporate governance. Good governance 
stems from a positive culture and well embedded values. 
FBD’s core values of integrity, entrepreneurship, 
customer focus and ambition are central to how the 
Board conducts its business and discharges its 
responsibilities. Equally, however, these values are as 
relevant to every employee working throughout the 
Group in their interactions with each other, and with  
our customers, shareholders and other stakeholders.

UK Corporate Governance Code and 
the Irish Corporate Governance Annex
The UK Corporate Governance Code (“the Code”) and the 
Irish Corporate Governance Annex (“the Annex”) codify 
the governance arrangements which apply to listed 
companies such as FBD. Combined, these represent 
corporate governance standards of the highest 
international level.

Throughout 2016 and to the date of this report, we 
applied the principles of the Code and except where 
otherwise expressly stated complied with the provisions 
of both the Code and the Annex.

This section of the Annual Report sets out the 
governance arrangements in place in FBD Holdings plc.

The Board of Directors and its Role
The Group is managed by the Board of Directors.

The primary role of the Board is to provide leadership and 
strategic direction while maintaining effective control 
over the activities of the Group. 

The Board has approved a Corporate Governance 
Framework setting out its role and responsibilities. This is 
reviewed annually as part of the Board’s evaluation of its 
performance and governance arrangements. The 
Framework includes a formal schedule of matters 
reserved to the Board for its consideration and decision, 
which includes:

n	

the approval of the Group’s objectives and strategy;

n	 approval of the annual budget including capital 

expenditure and the review of the Group’s systems of 
internal control;

n	 maintenance of the appropriate level of capital,  
the allocation thereof and decisions as to the 
recommendation or payment of dividends;

n	 approval of Financial Statements; and

n	

the appointment of Directors and the Company 
Secretary.

This schedule ensures that the skills, expertise and 
experience of the Directors are harnessed to best effect 
and ensures that any major opportunities or challenges for 
the Group come before the Board for consideration and 
decision. The schedule was last reviewed in January 2017.

Other specific responsibilities of the Board are delegated 
to Board appointed Committees, details of which are 
given later in this report.

Board Composition and Independence
At 31 December 2016 the Board comprised two executive 
Directors and nine non-executive Directors, including the 
Chairman. This structure was deemed appropriate by the 
Board. 

The Board deemed it appropriate that it should have 
between 8 and 12 members and that this size is 
appropriate, being of sufficient breadth and diversity to 
ensure that there is healthy debate and input on the main 
business to be dealt with by it. Four Directors retired and 
six were appointed during 2016.

Seven of the non-executive Directors in office at the end 
of 2016 were considered to meet all of the criteria 
indicating independence set out in the Code.

Date first elected 
by share-holders

Years from first 
election to the 
2017 AGM

Considered 
to be 
independent

Mary Brennan

31 Aug 2016

Dermot Browne

31 Aug 2016

Sean Dorgan

29 Apr 2008

Liam Herlihy

Orlagh Hunt

29 Apr 2016

31 Aug 2016

David O’Connor

31 Aug 2016

Walter Bogaerts

29 Apr 2016

0.75

0.75

9.0

1.0

0.75

0.75

1.0

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes 

26

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

Neither Mr. Walshe, who is chairman of the Group’s 
largest shareholder, Farmer Business Developments plc, 
nor the Board Chairman, Mr. Berkery, were considered to 
be independent.

The skills and experience identified by the Board as 
critical to its composition and that of its Committees at 
this time include expertise in insurance or other financial 
services, actuarial, general and farming/agri industry 
experience, corporate finance, corporate governance, 
regulatory and other compliance, financial accounting 
and executive reward principles and practice. The Board 
also considers it desirable to attract individuals with 
technology and consumer goods and services experience.

Directors’ Biographies
Biographical details of the Directors in office on the date 
of this Report are as follows:

Michael Berkery, Chairman 

Michael Berkery (aged 68) was elected Chairman of the 
Company in 1996. He was Chief Executive Officer of the 
Irish Farmers’ Association for 25 years until his 
retirement in March 2009. He served on the National 
Economic and Social Council for over 20 years and was  
a director of the Agricultural Trust (publisher of the Irish 
Farmers Journal). He is chairman of FBD Trust Company 
Limited, and a Director of Enable Ireland and a number  
of other companies. In September 2015 Mr. Berkery was 
appointed as a member of the EU High Level Group on 
simplification of European Structural & Investment 
Funds. Mr. Berkery joined the Board in October 1988.

Mr. Berkery’s extensive career at leadership level in the 
Irish Agriculture and Food Industry brings to the Board 
deep insights into the Irish farming and agri-related 
community, which together comprise a substantial 
customer base for the Group’s underwriting subsidiary, 
FBD Insurance plc. He brings to the Board and to its 
Committees his facilitation and communication skills, 
business and economic knowledge, independence of 
mind and experience of management and motivation  
of people.

Walter Bogaerts, Independent Non-Executive 
Director

Walter Bogaerts (aged 59) was General Manager of the 
Corporate Insurances Division of KBC Insurance based in 
Belgium prior to his retirement in 2013. He joined KBC 
Group (previously ABB Insurances) in 1979 and has gained 
extensive experience throughout his career with KBC in 
underwriting, reinsurance, audit, risk management and 
sales. He was general manager in charge of KBC Group’s 
Central-European insurance businesses until appointed 
to his most recent role in 2012. In that role he was 
member of the Supervisory Boards, Audit and Risk 
Committees of KBC’s insurance subsidiaries in Czech 
Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and Bulgaria. He 
holds a Commercial Engineering degree from the 
Economic University of Brussels. 

Mary Brennan, independent non-executive 
Director

Ms. Mary Brennan (aged 51) is a Chartered Director and  
a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland. In a career 
spanning over 30 years, Ms. Brennan has worked 
internationally in audit in a number of publicly listed 
companies, including Elan plc and Occidental Petroleum 
Corp. She is currently a non-executive Director of BNP 
Paribas Ireland where she also chairs the Audit 
Committee, and is an experienced non-executive Director 
of a number of life and non-life reinsurance companies.

Dermot Browne, independent non-executive 
Director

Mr. Dermot Browne (aged 54) is a Fellow of Chartered 
Accountants Ireland. Between 2007 and 2011, Mr. Browne 
held a number of senior executive roles in Aviva Ireland, 
including the position of CEO with responsibility for all 
Aviva businesses in Ireland across general insurance, 
health insurance and life assurance. Prior to this he was  
a senior executive with Zurich Life over a sixteen year 
period with responsibility for finance, sales, marketing 
and information technology. Between 2012 and 2016 he 
rejoined Zurich Group in a Global Strategy role based in 
Switzerland. He is currently a Non-Executive Director in 
one other financial services company in Ireland. 

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

27

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (continued)

Sean Dorgan, independent non-executive 
Director

Orlagh Hunt, independent non-executive 
Director

Sean Dorgan (aged 65) has had extensive experience as 
chairman and non-executive director in companies and 
organisations in the private and public sectors. He has 
previously served as Chairman of Ulster Bank Group, 
Tesco Ireland, the Governing Body of Dublin Institute of 
Technology and other boards. In his earlier career he was 
Secretary General of the Departments of Industry and 
Commerce and of Tourism and Trade, and CEO of 
Chartered Accountants Ireland and of IDA Ireland until 
his retirement from that position in 2007.

He joined the Board of FBD Holdings and the Audit 
Committee in January 2008. He was appointed as 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee in December 
2011, and as Chairman of the Audit Committee and Senior 
Independent Director in April 2014. He served as 
Chairman of FBD Insurance plc from July 2014 until 
February 2016 when the two boards were streamlined.

Mr Dorgan is a very experienced non-executive director 
and brings to the Board and its Committees substantial 
experience of corporate governance, compliance, 
accounting, HR and executive reward and general 
industry experience at leadership level.

Liam Herlihy, independent non-executive 
Director

Mr. Herlihy (aged 65) was, until May of 2015, Group 
Chairman of Glanbia plc, a leading Irish based 
performance nutrition and ingredients group, having 
served in that role for 7 years during which he presided 
over a period of significant structural change and 
unprecedented growth for Glanbia. Mr. Herlihy joined  
the Board in September 2015. 

Mr. Herlihy completed the Institute of Directors 
Development Programme and holds a certificate of merit 
in Corporate Governance from University College Dublin. 
He brings to the Board a wealth of commercial 
experience and some deep insights into the farming and 
general agricultural industries in Ireland which, together, 
comprise the Group’s core customer base.

Ms. Orlagh Hunt (aged 44) is a Fellow of the Chartered 
Institute of Personnel Development and is a human 
resources executive with extensive financial services 
experience in firms such as Allied Irish Banks plc, RSA 
Group and Axa Life Insurance, as well as with a number  
of FMCG and retail companies.

Fiona Muldoon, Group Chief Executive

Fiona Muldoon (aged 49) joined the Group in January 
2015 as Group Finance Director Designate and was 
appointed as an executive Director and member of its 
Board. In October 2015, Ms. Muldoon was appointed as 
Group Chief Executive. 

A Chartered Accountant, Ms. Muldoon was Director of 
Credit Institutions and Insurance Supervision at the 
Central Bank of Ireland from August 2011 until May 2014. 
Prior to this she was with XL Group for seventeen years 
and held a number of senior roles with this NYSE listed 
Property & Casualty Insurance firm in Ireland, London 
and Bermuda, including two years as Group Treasurer 
until July 2010. On 12 June 2015 Ms. Muldoon, was 
appointed as a non-executive Director of the Governor 
and Company of the Bank of Ireland.

David O’Connor, independent non-executive 
Director

Mr. David O’Connor (aged 59) is a Fellow of the Society of 
Actuaries in Ireland. He commenced his career in New 
Ireland Assurance before joining Allianz Ireland in 1988 to 
set up its non-life actuarial function. He was a member of 
Allianz Executive Management Board and held a number 
of senior management positions there prior to joining 
Willis Towers Watson in 2003 to set up its Property and 
Casualty consultancy unit in Dublin, where he worked 
until June 2016. 

John O’Grady, Group Finance Director

John O’Grady (aged 55) is a Chartered Accountant and an 
experienced insurance executive. He joined FBD from 
Liberty Insurance Limited where he held the role of 
Finance Director. Prior to his role in Liberty, Mr. O’Grady 
worked for Aviva and its predecessor companies in 

28

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

73%

27%

82%

18%

Executive/non-executive

Non-executive

Executive

Experience and skills

The percentage of the Board having the requisite skills 
and experience were as follows:

Insurance or financial services

Actuarial

General industry

Agri/farming

Corporate finance

Accounting and Auditing

Corporate Governance

Compliance

Executive reward

82%

9%

100%

27%

36%

45%

91%

73%

64%

Ireland in various roles between 1989 and 2012,  
including Finance Director, Claims Director and 
Operations Director.

Gender

Male

Female

Padraig Walshe, non-executive Director

Padraig Walshe (aged 59) is Chairman of Farmer Business 
Developments plc, the Company’s largest shareholder.  
He is a past President of COPA, the European Farmers’ 
Organisation and of the Irish Farmers’ Association.  
Mr. Walshe previously served on the Board of FBD 
between 2006 and 2010, and rejoined the Board in 
December 2011.

Mr. Walshe’s extensive leadership experience at national 
and international level and his deep understanding of 
Ireland’s farming community and the Irish food sector  
are of immense benefit to the Board.

Board Diversity
The Board values the major contribution which a mix of 
backgrounds, skills and experience brings to the Group 
and sees merit in increasing diversity at Board level in 
achieving the Group’s strategic objectives. Differences  
in background, skills, experience and other qualities, 
including gender, will continue to be considered in 
determining the optimal composition of the Board, the 
principal aim being to achieve an appropriate balance 
between them. 

While all appointments to the Board will have due regard 
to diversity, they will be made on merit, ensuring that the 
skills, experience and traits noted by the Board as being 
of particular relevance at any time are present on the 
Board and included in any planned refreshment. 

As at the date of this report, the Board was comprised as 
follows:

Tenure of Director

0 – 2 years

3 – 6 years

7 – 9 years 

Over 9 years

73%

9%

9%

9%

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

29

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (continued)

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Company Secretary

The Company Secretary acts as Secretary to the Board 
and to its Committees. In so doing, he:

n	 assists the Chairman in ensuring that the Directors 
have access, in a timely fashion, to the papers and 
information necessary to enable them to discharge 
their duties;

n	 assists the Chairman by organising and delivering 

induction and training programmes as required; and

n	

is responsible for ensuring that Board procedures are 
followed and that the Board and that the Directors 
are fully briefed on corporate governance matters.

Board effectiveness and performance 
evaluation
Board effectiveness is reviewed annually as part of the 
Board’s performance evaluation process. The Chairman is 
responsible for ensuring that each Director receives an 
induction on joining the Board and that he or she receives 
any additional training he or she requires. The induction 
itself is organised and delivered by the Company 
Secretary and other members of the management team.

Board Evaluation

Every year the Board evaluates its performance and that 
of its Committees. Directors are expected to take 
responsibility for identifying their own training needs and 
to take steps to ensure that they are adequately informed 
about the Group and about their responsibilities as a 
Director. Six Directors joined the Board during 2016 and 
received comprehensive induction training. The Board is 
confident that all of its members have the requisite 
knowledge and experience and support from within the 
Company to perform their role as a Director of the Group.

Chairman

The role of the Chairman is set out in writing in the 
Corporate Governance Framework. He is responsible, 
inter alia, for:

n	

the effective running of the Board, setting its agenda 
and ensuring that it receives accurate, timely and 
clear information;

n	 ensuring that the Board as a whole plays a full and 

constructive part in the development and 
determination of the Group’s strategy and overall 
commercial objectives; and

n	 ensuring that the views of shareholders are 

communicated to the Board.

Group Chief Executive

The role of the Group Chief Executive is set out in writing 
in the Corporate Governance Framework. She is 
responsible, inter alia, for:

n	

running the Group’s business;

n	 proposing and developing the Group’s strategy and 
overall objectives in close consultation with the 
Chairman and the Board; and

n	

implementing the decisions of the Board and its 
Committees.

Senior Independent Director

The Senior Independent Director is responsible for:

n	 being available to shareholders if they have concerns 
which they have not been able to resolve through the 
normal channels of the Chairman, the Group Chief 
Executive or the Finance Director, or for which such 
contact is inappropriate;

n	 conducting an annual review of the performance of 

the Chairman; 

n	 acting as a sounding board for the Chairman; and

n	

serving as an intermediary for the other non-
executive Directors as required.

30

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

Towards the end of 2015, the Board had its evaluation 
process externally facilitated by Praesta Ireland, an 
independent consultancy which has no other 
connections with the Group. The main conclusion from 
the evaluation process was that the Board, its 
Committees, the Chairman and individual Directors are 
performing very effectively with some suggestions made 
for further improvement. The Board intends to have its 
evaluation externally facilitated again at the end of 2018.

The evaluation process for 2016 took place in January 
2017. The purpose of the process was to identify areas 
which the Board can identify for improvement and to 
affirm positively those areas where it is playing an 
effective role in leading the Group. This was achieved 
through a combination of direct discussion between the 
Chairman and individual Directors and confidential 
written evaluation submissions which were collated by 
the Company Secretary and reported back to the Board in 
a non-attributable manner. The Board is satisfied that the 
confidentiality of the evaluation process ensured that 
objectivity was safeguarded. 

The output from the evaluation process for 2016 
reaffirmed that the Board is operating effectively and is 
fulfilling its role. 

Re-election of Directors

The Board has, since 2011, adopted the practice that all 
Directors will submit themselves for re-election at each 
Annual General Meeting regardless of length of service or 
the provisions of the Company’s Articles of Association.

Access to advice

All members of the Board have access to the advice and 
the services of the Company Secretary who is responsible 
for ensuring that Board procedures are followed and that 
applicable rules, regulations and other obligations are 
complied with.

In addition members of the Board may take independent 
professional advice at the Company’s expense if deemed 
necessary in the furtherance of their duties.

Attendance at Board and Board Committee 
Meetings during 2016

Board Audit Nomination Remuneration

M Berkery

14/14

-

5/5

W Bogaerts

11/12

2/2

M Brennan

5/5

D Browne

E Daly

7/7

4/4

1/1

2/2

1/1

S Dorgan

12/14

3/3

E Downey

4/4

L Herlihy

13/14

B Horan

O Hunt

3/4

5/5

F Muldoon

14/14

D O’Connor

7/7

R O’Flynn

J O’Grady

3/4

7/7

P Walshe

11/14

-

-

-

-

-

-

1/1

-

-

-

-

-

-

5/5

1/1

3/3

1/1

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2/2

-

-

2/2

4/4

-

-

2/2

1/1

-

-

-

-

-

If a Director is unable, for any reason, to attend a Board or 
Committee meeting, he or she will receive Board papers 
in advance of the meeting and is given an opportunity to 
communicate any views on or input into the business to 
come before the Board to the Chairman.

Board Committees
The Board has established three Committees to assist it 
in the execution of its responsibilities. These are:

n	

n	

n	

the Audit Committee;

the Nomination Committee; and

the Remuneration Committee.

Each of the Committees has written terms of reference 
which were approved by the Board and set out the 
Committees’ powers, responsibilities and obligations. 
These are available on the Group’s website  
www.fbdgroup.com. 

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

31

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (continued)

The Company Secretary acts as secretary to the 
Committees. Minutes of all of the Committees’ meetings 
are either circulated to all of the Directors in the case of 
the Audit Committee or are available to any Director on 
request in the case of the other two Committees.

Each of these Committees has provided a report in the 
sections following.

Report of the Audit Committee

Membership during the year

CURRENT 

S Dorgan

Senior Independent 
non-executive Director, 
Committee Chairman 

Length of time 
served on 
Committee

9 years

W Bogaerts Independent non-executive 

.83 years

Director, appointed 26 
February 2016

D Browne Independent non-executive 

.50 years

Director, appointed 5 July 
2016

M Brennan Independent non-executive 

.33 years

Director, appointed 31 
August 2016

PREVIOUS 

E Daly

Independent non-executive 
Director resigned 29 April 
2016

R O’Flynn Independent non-executive 
Director, stepped down from 
Committee on 29 April 2016

The Committee members have been selected to ensure 
that the Committee has available to it the range of skills 
and experience necessary to discharge its responsibilities. 

Objective of Committee

To assist the Board of the Group in fulfilling its oversight 
responsibilities for such matters as financial reporting, 
the system of internal control and management of 
financial risks, the audit process and the Group’s process 
for monitoring compliance with laws and regulations.

Key responsibilities delegated to the Committee

n	

reviewing the Group’s financial results 
announcements and Financial Statements;

n	 overseeing the relationship with the external auditors 
including reviewing their terms of engagement, 
independence and fees;

n	

reviewing the scope, resources, results and 
effectiveness of the Group’s internal audit function; 
and

n	 performing detailed reviews of specific areas of 

financial reporting as required by the Board or the 
Committee.

Meetings

The Committee met on three occasions during 2016. 
Meetings are attended by Committee members and the 
Chief Financial Officer. The Statutory Auditor and the 
Head of Group Internal Audit are invited to attend all 
scheduled meetings of the Committee. The Committee 
regularly meets separately with the Statutory Auditor and 
with the Head of Group Internal Audit, without members 
of management present.

The minutes of Committee meetings are circulated 
routinely to the Board. The Committee chairman also 
provides a verbal report to the Board after each 
Committee meeting. The Committee reports formally to 
the Board annually on the overall work undertaken and 
the degree to which it discharged the responsibilities 
delegated to it.

Activities of the Committee during 2016

The Board has resolved that all Members are considered 
to have recent and relevant financial experience.

During the year the following were the main activities 
undertaken:

n	 assessment of financial and other risks facing the 
Group and of the operation of internal controls;

32

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

n	 Accounting for the defined benefit pension scheme. 
The Group had a defined benefit pension scheme 
asset at €8.7m at 31 December 2016, and during 2016, 
undertook an Enhanced Transfer Value (ETV) 
programme for deferred members. In order to satisfy 
itself that the balance and the accounting for the ETV 
exercise were appropriately stated, the Committee 
reviewed papers prepared by management dealing 
with the accounting treatment of the defined benefit 
pension scheme and the impact of the ETV. The 
Committee concluded carrying value of the defined 
benefit pension scheme asset and the accounting for 
the ETV included in the financial statements are 
appropriate. 

n	 Recoverability of deferred tax asset. The Group had a 
deferred tax asset of €12.2m at 31 December 2016, 
primarily relating to losses forward. In order to 
determine whether the deferred tax asset is 
recoverable, the Committee reviewed the 
assumptions made by management in determining 
the recoverability of the deferred tax asset which 
included review of the strategic projections and 
underlying assumptions and also considered the 
progress made to date in implementing its 
turnaround strategy. The Committee concluded 
carrying value of the deferred tax asset included in 
the financial statements is appropriate.

PricewaterhouseCoopers were appointed as Auditors  
of the Company in respect of the financial year ended  
31 December 2016. 

In line with the “One Board” governance arrangements 
announced on 29 February 2016, the Committees of FBD 
Holdings plc and FBD Insurance plc have been 
streamlined. 

n	

review of all aspects of the relationship with the 
external auditors, including the statutory audit plan, 
audit findings and recommendations and 
consideration of the independence of the external 
auditors and the arrangement in place to safeguard 
this, including partner rotation, prohibition on share 
ownership and levels of fees payable to the statutory 
auditor for non-audit assignments;

n	 consideration of issues of financial reporting, 

particularly those involving substantial judgment and 
the risk of material misstatement including claims 
estimates and provisions;

n	

review of drafts of Annual Report and Half Yearly 
Report prior to their consideration by the Board;

n	 appraisal of the Internal Audit function, plan, work, 
reports and issues arising and monitoring the scope 
and effectiveness of the function; 

n	 assessment of compliance with laws, regulations, 
codes and financial reporting requirements; and

n	

reporting to the Board on its activities and confirming 
the degree to which the Committee’s delegated 
responsibilities had been discharged through verbal 
reports to the Board after each meeting and a formal 
written report presented annually.

The critical judgements and estimates used in the 
formulation of the financial statements are set out in 
note 3. All are considered by the Committee, with 
particular focus on the following in 2016:

n	

Insurance contract liabilities and related reinsurance 
assets. The Group had net claims outstanding of 
€676.2m and Net UPR of €166.7m at 31 December 
2016. In order to satisfy itself that the balances were 
appropriately stated, the Committee reviewed the 
Actuarial Reserve analysis prepared by Management, 
which is also subject to the approval of the Reserving 
Committee of FBD Insurance plc, and subject to both 
internal and external actuarial peer review. The 
Committee also reviewed the Margin for Uncertainty 
report. The Audit Committee concluded that the 
carrying value of claims outstanding and UPR 
included in the financial statements are appropriate. 

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

33

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (continued)

Fair, balanced and understandable

Report of the Nomination Committee

The committee formally advises the Board on whether 
the Annual Report and Financial Statements, taken as  
a whole, are fair, balanced and understandable, in 
accordance with section C.1.1 of the Code. The committee 
must ensure that the Annual Report and Financial 
Statements also provide the information necessary for 
Shareholders to assess the performance of the Group, 
along with its business model and strategy and the 
Committee is satisfied that the above requirements  
have been met. 

Evaluation

The Committee’s activities formed part of the Board’s 
evaluation process which found the Committee to be 
operating effectively.

Sean Dorgan 
On behalf of the Audit Committee

24 February 2017

Length of time 
served on 
Committee

12 years

1 year

.58 years

Membership during the year 

CURRENT 

M Berkery  Committee Chairman, 
non-executive Director, 
Board chairman 

S Dorgan

Senior Independent non 
executive Director

L Herlihy

Independent non executive 
director, appointed 5 July 
2016

PREVIOUS

B Horan

E Downey

Independent non-executive 
Director, resigned 29 April 
2016

Independent non-executive 
Director, resigned on 29 April 
2016

Objective of Committee

To ensure that the Board and its Committees are made up 
of individuals with the necessary skills, knowledge and 
experience to ensure that the Board is effective in 
discharging its responsibilities.

Key responsibilities delegated to the Committee

n	

n	

reviewing the structure, size and composition of the 
Board and making recommendations to the Board for 
any appointments or other changes;

recommending changes to the Board’s committees; 
and

n	 advising the Board in relation to succession planning 
both for the Board and the senior executives in the 
Group.

During the year the Committee consulted with a number 
of external firms to assist it in the identification of 
suitable individuals for appointment to executive and 
non–executive positions and in the drafting of 
employment contracts. 

34

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

Meetings

The Committee met five times during 2016 to consider 
potential candidates for appointment to the Board to fill 
vacancies which arose during the year and to oversee the 
detailed succession planning process undertaken in the 
Group’s principal subsidiary, FBD Insurance plc. At its 
meeting in December, the Committee reviewed and 
approved the Board succession plan. 

Evaluation

The Committee’s activities formed part of the Board’s 
evaluation process which found the Committee to be 
operating effectively.

The composition of the Committee at the end of 2016 
fully met the requirements of the Code as a majority of 
Committee members were Directors considered to be 
independent.

Michael Berkery 
On behalf of the Nomination Committee

24 February 2017

Report of the Remuneration 
Committee

Membership during year

CURRENT 

Length of time 
served on 
Committee

S Dorgan  Committee Chairman, and 

5 years

.66 years

.33 years

Senior independent 
non-executive Director

W Bogaerts Independent non-executive 
Director, appointed 29 April 
2016

O Hunt

Independent non-executive 
Director, appointed 31 
August 2016

PREVIOUS 

E Daly

B Horan

Independent non-executive 
Director, resigned 29 April 
2016

Independent non-executive 
Director, resigned 29 April 
2016

Objective of Committee

To assist the Board of the Group in ensuring that the level 
of remuneration in the Group and the split between fixed 
and variable remuneration are sufficient to attract, retain 
and motivate executive Directors and senior 
management of the quality required to run the Group in a 
manner which is fair and in line with market norms, while 
not exposing the Group to unnecessary levels of risk.

Key responsibilities delegated to the Committee

n	 determining the broad policy for the remuneration of 

the Group’s executive Directors, Company Secretary 
and other senior executives;

n	 determining the total remuneration packages for the 
foregoing individuals, including salaries, variable 
remuneration, pension and other benefit provision 
and any compensation on termination of office;

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

35

 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (continued)

n	 ensuring that the Group operates to recognised good 
governance standards in relation to remuneration;

n	 making awards of shares under the Group’s approved 

share scheme; and

Shareholder Engagement
The Board is committed to ensuring that excellent lines 
of communication exist and are fostered between the 
Group and its shareholders.

n	 preparation of the detailed Report on Directors’ 

Remuneration.

Meetings

The Group Chief Executive may attend meetings of the 
Committee but only by invitation and not at a time when 
his or her individual remuneration arrangements are 
discussed. The Committee met four times during 2016.

Activities of the Committee during 2016

The principal activities undertaken by the Committee 
during 2016 include:

n	 annual review of remuneration arrangements for 

executive Directors and other senior executives;

n	

review and approval of the Report on Directors’ 
Remuneration for 2016;

n	 making of a conditional award of shares under the 
FBD Performance Share Plan and setting the 
conditions attached; and

n	 Commissioned research from an external party 

aimed at improving the Group’s remuneration 
philosophy and further aligning executive and 
shareholder interests. 

Full details of Directors’ Remuneration are set in the 
Report on Directors Remuneration on pages 39 to 47.

Evaluation

The Committee’s activities formed part of the Board’s 
evaluation process which found the Committee to be 
operating effectively.

Sean Dorgan 
On behalf of the Remuneration Committee

24 February 2017

A planned programme of investor relations activities is 
undertaken throughout the year which includes:

n	 briefing meetings with all major shareholders after 
the full year and half yearly results announcements;

n	

regular meetings between institutional investors and 
analysts with the Group Chief Executive, Chief 
Financial Officer and/or Head of Investor Relations to 
discuss business performance and strategy and to 
address any issues of concern; and

n	

responding to letters and queries received directly 
from shareholders and from proxy adviser firms.

Should a significant proportion of votes be cast against a 
resolution at any general meeting, the Board will 
endeavour to identify the shareholders concerned and 
will initiate a contact with them with the view to 
understanding the reasons for the adverse vote.

The Board receives reports from the Head of Investor 
Relations which includes details of all meetings held, 
feedback received and issues either of interest or of 
concern raised.

Annual General Meeting
The Company’s Annual General Meeting is held each year 
in Dublin. The 2017 meeting will be held on 5 May 2017.

Who attends?

n	 All of the Directors;

n	 Senior Group executives;

n	 Shareholders; and

n	 Company Advisers;

n	 Members of the media are also invited and permitted 

to attend. 

36

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

What business takes place at the meeting?

n	

the Group Chief Executive makes a presentation on 
the results and performance to the meeting prior to 
the Chairman dealing with the formal business of the 
meeting itself;

n	 all shareholders present, either in person or by proxy 

can question the Chairman, the Committee 
Chairmen and the rest of the Board during the 
meeting and afterwards; and

All formal resolutions are dealt with on a show of hands. 
Once the vote is declared by the Chairman, the votes 
lodged with the Company in advance of the meeting  
are displayed prominently in the venue for those present 
to see. Immediately after the meeting is concluded  
the results are published on the Group’s website  
www.fbdgroup.com and also via the Irish and London 
Stock Exchanges.

The notice of the Annual General Meeting is issued to 
shareholders at least 20 working days in advance of the 
meeting.

Internal Control
The Board has overall responsibility for the Group’s 
system of internal control and for reviewing its 
effectiveness. Such a system is designed to manage 
rather than eliminate the risk of failure to achieve 
business objectives and can provide only reasonable and 
not absolute assurance against material misstatement or 
loss.

In accordance with the revised Financial Reporting 
Council (FRC) guidance for directors on internal control 
published in September 2014, “Guidance on Risk 
Management, Internal Control and Related Financial and 
Business Reporting”, the Board confirms that there is an 
ongoing process for identifying, evaluating and managing 
any significant risks faced by the Group, that it has been 
in place for the year under review and up to the date of 
approval of the Financial Statements and that this 
process is regularly reviewed by the Board. 

The key risk management and internal control 
procedures which cover all material controls include:

n	

n	

skilled and experienced management and staff in line 
with fit and proper requirements. 

roles and responsibilities including reporting lines 
clearly defined with performance linked to company 
objectives.

n	 an organisation structure with clearly defined lines of 
responsibility and authority;a comprehensive system 
of financial control incorporating budgeting, periodic 
financial reporting and variance analysis;

n	 a Risk Committee of the Board of FBD Insurance plc, 

the Group’s principal subsidiary, and a Risk 
Management Framework comprising a risk function 
headed by a Chief Risk Officer, a clearly stated risk 
appetite and risk strategy supported by approved risk 
management policies and processes in the areas of 
underwriting, reinsurance, claims reserving, 
investment and treasury;

n	 an Executive Risk Committee in FBD Insurance plc 

comprising senior management whose main role 
includes reviewing and challenging key risk 
information and to assist the Risk Committee, 
described earlier, in the discharge of its duties 
between meetings;

n	 an Internal Audit function; 

n	 an Audit Committee whose formal terms of reference 
include responsibility for assessing the significant 
risks facing the Group in the achievement of its 
objectives and the controls in place to mitigate those 
risks; 

n	 a disaster recovery framework is in place and is 

regularly tested;

n	 a business continuity framework is in place and is 

regularly tested;

n	

the risk strategy, framework and appetite are 
articulated in a suite of policies covering all risk types 
and supported by detailed procedural documents. 
Each of these documents is subject to annual review 
and approval by the Board; and

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

37

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (continued)

n	 performance of an Own Risk and Solvency 

Assessment “ORSA” linking to risk management, 
strategy and capital management. 

The Annual Budget, Half-Yearly Report and Annual 
Report are reviewed and approved by the Board. Financial 
results with comparisons against budget are reported to 
executive Directors on a monthly basis and are reported 
to the Board at each Board meeting. 

The risk management, internal control, reporting and 
forecasting processes are important to the Board in the 
exercise of its Governance and oversight role. It 
constantly strives to further improve their quality.

The Group has established a “Speak Up” Policy for 
employees the purpose of which is to reassure employees 
that it is safe and appropriate to raise any concern that 
they may have about malpractice and to enable them to 
raise such concerns safely and properly. This policy is 
reviewed by the Audit Committee annually and circulated 
thereafter to all Group employees.

The Board has reviewed the effectiveness of the Group’s 
system of internal control. This review took account of 
the principal risks facing the Group, the controls in place 
to manage those risks and the procedures in place to 
monitor them. The Board is satisfied that the systems of 
internal control in place were effective throughout the 
period covered by this report and up to the date of its 
approval.

38

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

REPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

Letter from the Remuneration Committee
Dear Shareholder,

On behalf of the Remuneration Committee and the Board, I am pleased to set out in the section following, the details of 
the Directors’ Remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2016.

Paying for Performance

There is a clear link between the performance of the Group and the remuneration of senior executives. Arrangements 
for salaries and Annual Performance Bonuses, as described later in the Report, fully reflect the challenges which faced 
the Group throughout 2016, our success in addressing those challenges as well as the need to attract, retain and reward 
strong insurance talent.

External Advice

During the year the Committee undertook an assignment with Willis Towers Watson aimed at improving FBD’s total 
compensation approach and to ensure best practice in the alignment of Executive and Shareholder interests. The work 
will conclude during 2017 and a new Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) is also required in the same time frame.

Shareholder Dialogue and Support

Despite the fact that there is no obligation to do so under Irish law, the Board, on the recommendation of this Committee 
table the Report on Directors’ Remuneration at the Annual General Meeting each year for an advisory vote. At the 2016 
AGM, this report received 86% support from shareholders 

The Committee requests shareholders to consider and approve the annual remuneration report set out on the pages 
following at the 2017 AGM.

Sean Dorgan 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

24 February 2017

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

39

REPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION (continued)

Role of Remuneration Committee
Responsibility for determining the levels of remuneration of the Executive Directors has been delegated by the Board to 
the Remuneration Committee whose membership is set out in the Corporate Governance Report. 

Policy

It is the policy of the Group to provide all members of executive management, middle management and employees of 
the Group with appropriate remuneration and incentives that reward performance and ensure that they are, in a fair and 
responsible manner, rewarded for specific contributions which align to the financial success of the Group. This is done by 
ensuring that the principles of sound, prudent, risk management are fully reflected and that excessive risk taking is 
neither encouraged nor rewarded.

It is also the policy of the Group to provide a remuneration framework that attracts, motivates and rewards Executives of 
the highest calibre who bring experience to the strategic decisions and the management of FBD and who will perform in 
the long term interests of the Group and its shareholders.

The following table sets out the key elements of remuneration policy for Executive Directors and senior Executives, their 
purpose and how they link to strategy.

Element and link to 
strategy

Policy and operation

Base Salary (fixed remuneration)

Changes to 
policy

To help recruit and retain 
senior experienced 
Executives

Base salaries are reviewed annually with effect from 1 April taking the 
following factors into account:

No change to 
policy.

n	 The individual’s role and experience
n	 Company performance 
n	 Personal performance
n	 Market practice and benchmarking

Although salaries are reviewed annually there is no automatic right of any 
Executive to receive a salary increase.

Benefits (fixed remuneration)

To provide market 
competitive benefits

Benefits provided take the form of a motor allowance and an agreed 
percentage contribution to health and other insurance costs.

No change to 
policy.

Pension Provision (fixed remuneration)

To provide market 
competitive benefits and 
reward performance over 
a long period, enabling 
Executives to save for 
retirement

All employees are provided with retirement benefits under a defined 
contribution arrangement from 1 October 2015. The Groups defined benefit 
pension scheme has been closed to future accrual since September 2015 
and to new members since 2005.

No change to 
policy.

Mr. O’Grady receives a taxable cash allowance in lieu of pension benefits.

40

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

Element and link to 
strategy

Policy and operation

Annual Performance Bonuses (variable remuneration)

To reward achievement of 
company targets, 
personal performance 
and contribution

The performance measures for annual performance bonuses for the 
Executive Directors and other senior Executives are based on attainment of 
the Combined Operating Ratio target for 2016, which was the measure used 
to reflect the company’s need to return to profitability.

For the CEO it is based 60% on Combined Operating Ratio and 40% based on 
achievement of four specific turn-around goals for 2016. The bonus potential, 
as a percentage of base salary for the Chief Executive for 2016, was 70%.

More detail on the actual operation of the Annual Performance Bonus 
arrangements appear later in this Report. 

Longer Term Incentives – the FBD Performance Share Plan (“LTIP”) (variable remuneration)

Changes to 
policy

There have 
been no 
changes to 
either the 
policy or the 
operation of 
annual 
performance 
bonuses.

To align the financial 
interests of Executives 
with those of 
shareholders 

The FBD Performance Share Plan (“LTIP”) was approved by shareholders in 
2007. This is the last year of its operation.

Under the LTIP, the Remuneration Committee may, at its sole discretion, 
make conditional awards of shares to Executives. Conditional awards of 
shares under the LTIP are limited to 10% of the Company’s issued ordinary 
shares of €0.60 each over a 10 year period.

The market value of the shares which are the subject of a conditional award 
to an individual may not, in any financial year, normally exceed 100% of the 
participant’s base salary as at the date of grant.

The period over which the performance conditions applying to a 
conditional award under the LTIP are measured may not be less than three 
years. The extent to which a conditional award may vest in the future will 
be determined by the Remuneration Committee by reference to the 
performance conditions set at the time of the award. These conditions are 
designed to ensure alignment between the economic interests of the plan 
participants and those of shareholders. Different conditions, or the same 
conditions in differing proportions, can be used by the Remuneration 
Committee in different years under the LTIP rules, provided that the 
Committee is satisfied that they are challenging targets and that they are 
aligned with the interests of the Company’s shareholders.

No changes are permitted to the conditions attaching to a particular award once they are set by the Remuneration 
Committee. 

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

41

REPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION (continued)

Conditional Awards of Shares in 2016
During 2016 one Conditional Award of Shares were made under the LTIP. This was made in March 2016 to executive 
directors and senior management. 

The conditions attached to the award, which reflect the Board’s turnaround plans, were as follows:

n	 One third based on total shareholder return (TSR), expressed in terms of FBD Holdings plc share price on  

31 December 2018;

n	 One third based on a weighted average Combined Operating Ratio over the three years ending 31 December 2018; 

and 

n	 One third based on a comprehensive, stretching business scorecard specific to the Board’s turnaround plan, the 
conditions for which will also be measured over the three years ending 31 December 2018. These are considered 
commercially sensitive and are not disclosed.

The targets for the other conditions and the thresholds for vesting are as follows:

TSR

COR

Threshold Level

Proportion vesting

Upper Level

Proportion vesting

€8.25

100%

50%

50%

€11.50

95%

100%

100%

Performance between the threshold and upper levels will result in the proportion vesting to increase on a straight line 
basis.

Outstanding Conditional Awards (2013-2015)
The Committee considered the extent to which the performance conditions underpinning this award were met in the 
three Financial Years 2013 to 2015 (the “Performance Period”). The Committee concluded that 16.7% of the award vested 
by virtue of the operation of the relative Market Share Condition during that period. The remainder of the 2013 
conditional award has now lapsed.

Under the award, former Executive Directors, Andrew Langford and Cathal O’Caoimh received 3,329 and 2,193 shares 
respectively.

Payment to former Director
Mr. Andrew Langford resigned from the company in 2015. Mr. Langford agreed to make his services available to the 
company on a consultancy basis for a monthly fee of €16,300 per month from the 1st February to the 31st December 
2016. Under the terms of this arrangement Mr. Langford undertook a strategic review of certain markets, the exact 
nature of which is considered commercially sensitive. He was paid €179,300 for his services, which have now terminated. 

Directors’ and Company Secretary’s Conditional LTIP Awards
Details of the conditional share awards made under the LTIP plan to the CEO and to the Company Secretaries are given 
in the table below. The number of shares is the maximum possible number which could vest for the individual 
concerned if all of the performance conditions previously described are met.

42

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

At 1 
January 
2016

Granted 
during  
year

Vested 
during 
year

Lapsed 
during  
year 

Forfeited 
during  
year 

At 31 
Dec 
2016

Performance 
Period

Earliest 
vesting 
date

Market 
price on 
award €

Executive Directors

Fiona Muldoon

54,545

-

-

54,961

Total

54,545

54,961

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

54,545

54,961

- 109,506

2016-2018 Mar-19

2016-2018 Mar-19

6.60

6.55

Company Secretary 
Derek Hall1

3,051

2,153

3,588

-

-

-

-

15,114

244

2,807

-

-

- 

-

-

 -

-

-

-

-

-

2013-2015 Mar-16

2014-2016 Mar-17

12.70

17.00

2015-2017 Mar-18

10.80

2016-2018 Mar-19

6.55

2,153

3,588

15,114

Total

8,792

15,114

244 2,807

- 20,855

Company Secretary
Conor Gouldson2

4,819

4,500

7,523

-

-

-

17,404

385

4,434

-

-

2013-2015 Mar-16

-

-

-

-

-

 -

406

4,094

2014-2016 Mar-17

3,254

4,269

2015-2017 Mar-18

10.80

13,113

4,291

2016-2018 Mar-19

6.55

12.70

17.00

Total

16,842

17,404

385 4,434

16,773

12,654

1  Mr. Hall was appointed Company Secretary on 1 December 2016 and Chief Risk Officer in January 2017.
2  Mr. Gouldson resigned as Company Secretary effective 30 November 2016. 

The total number of shares subject to conditional awards outstanding under the LTIP amounts to 478,014 being 1.4% of 
the Company’s ordinary share capital (excluding treasury shares) at 31 December 2016 (2015: 386,943 shares and 1.1% of 
ordinary share capital).

The aggregate limit of the number of shares over which conditional awards are permitted under the Scheme Rules is 
10% of the Company’s issued ordinary share capital. Since the establishment of the Scheme in 2007, there have been six 
conditional awards with an aggregate of 1,118,747 shares or 3.2% of the Company’s ordinary share capital (excluding 
treasury shares).

Share Ownership Policy
The Group incentivises its Executive Directors and senior Executives with equity based awards under the Group’s 
shareholder approved share schemes. Central to the philosophy underlying awards is the goal of aligning the economic 
interests of those individuals with those of shareholders. 

Executives are expected to maintain a significant long-term equity interest in the Company. The requirement, which is 
set out in a policy document by the Remuneration Committee, approved and reviewed annually, is to build and retain a 
valuable shareholding relative to base salary, at a minimum, as noted hereunder. Until such time as this requirement has 
been met, those to whom the Policy applies are precluded from disposing of any shares issued to them under the 
Group’s share schemes.

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION (continued)

Executive

Group Chief Executive

Other Executive Directors

Other senior Executives 

Share ownership requirement

2 times annual salary

1.5 times annual salary

1 times annual salary

Non-Executive Director Remuneration
The remuneration of the non-Executive Directors is determined by the Board, and reflects the time commitment and 
responsibilities of their role. In setting this level, the Board has regard to the fees payable to the non-Executive Directors 
of the other Irish publicly listed companies and also to the developments and policy for the remuneration of the 
employees in the wider Group.

The basic non-Executive Director fee was €39,600 per annum up to 30 June 2016. From 1 July 2016 the basic non-
Executive Director fee increased to €50,000. This fee had not increased since 2008. These fees ensure FBD attracts 
non-Executive Directors of the highest calibre, expertise and experience.

The Chairman, Mr. Michael Berkery received fees of €127,175 during the year (2015: €126,225) inclusive of the  
basic non-Executive Director fee. The Senior Independent Director, Mr. Sean Dorgan, received fees of €100,200  
(2015: €104,000) during the year inclusive of the basic non-Executive Director fee, and reflecting his additional 
responsibilities as Chairman of the Audit Committee and as Chairman of the Remuneration committee.

Non-Executive Directors are not members of the Group’s pension schemes and are not eligible for participation in the 
Group’s long-term incentive scheme or any share option schemes.

Service Contracts 
The service contract for the Group Chief Executive provide for the following periods of notice of termination of 
employment:

Executive

Fiona Muldoon

From Company

12 months

From CEO

6 months

External appointments held by the Executive Directors
In recognition of the benefits to both the Group and to our Executive Directors of serving as non-Executive Directors of 
other companies, our Executive Directors are, subject to advance agreement in each case, permitted to take on an 
external non-Executive appointment and to retain any related fees paid to them.

During the year, Ms. Muldoon served as a non-Executive Director of the Governor and Company of Bank of Ireland, for 
which she received fees of €70,875 in the period.

44

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

Determination of Annual Performance Bonus for the year ended 31 December 2016
As previously noted, the overall Annual Performance Bonus arrangements, the targets and their achievement are 
approved by the Remuneration Committee each year. Specifically the Remuneration committee approve the merit pay 
and bonus arrangements for the Executive Directors and review those of, in line with FBDs remuneration policy.

The 2016 annual performance bonus scheme was designed such that on plan Company performance for the year 2016 
(which was planned as a modest loss) would deliver 80% of the available target bonus. At 99% Combined Operating 
Ratio, a 90% pay out of the target is deemed payable and given the better than planned result and in line with the 
previously agreed stretch targets, the Remuneration committee has approved this bonus pool for all eligible employees 
to be split according to performance. 

As previously noted, in the case of Ms. Muldoon for 2016 60% of her annual performance bonus (of 70%), is determined 
by the Combined Operating Ratio for FBD Insurance plc. The remaining 40% is determined by the specific business 
objectives for 2016 as set by the Remuneration Committee. The committee has determined that she has achieved 100% 
of her assigned specific business objectives. Therefore, in accordance with the bonus scheme and in line with the strong 
results achieved, a bonus of €315,000 has been awarded to Ms. Muldoon.

In the case of Mr. O’Grady 100% of his annual performance bonus is based on the Combined Operating Ratio for FBD 
Insurance plc. Mr. O’Grady has been awarded a bonus of €50,000. This is also reflective of his service pro rata for 2016. 

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

45

REPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION (continued)

Executive and non-Executive Directors’ Remuneration details
The following table sets out in detail the remuneration payable by the Group in respect of any Director who held office 
for any part of the financial year:

Fees1
€000s

Salary2
€000s

Other
Payments3
€000s 

Benefits4
€000s

Pension
Contribution5
€000s

2016
Total
€000s

Executive Directors:
Fiona Muldoon 
John O'Grady6
Non-executive Directors:
Michael Berkery (Chairman)
Emer Daly7
Sean Dorgan
Eddie Downey8
Liam Herlihy9
Brid Horan10 
Ruairi O’Flynn11 
Padraig Walshe 
Dermot Browne12
Orlagh Hunt13
David O'Connor14
Walter Boegarts15
Mary Brennan16

-

-

127

16

100

14

47

15

15

45

29

18

28

66

18

450

110

315

50

43

7

90

17

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 -

-

-

-

 -

-

-

 -

-

-

-

-

-

898

184

127

16

100

14

47

15

15

45

29

18

28

66

18

538

560

365

 50

107

1,620

Notes (2016)
1  Fees are payable to the non-Executive Directors only.
2  Salaries are paid to Executive Directors only.
3  Bonuses of €315,000 and €50,000 were awarded to Ms Muldoon and Mr O’Grady under the bonus scheme in 2016. The 
bonus for Ms Muldoon was calculated in accordance with the Annual Performance Arrangements described earlier and 
both Ms Muldoon’s and Mr O’Grady bonuses were approved by the Remuneration committee on the 23rd February 2017. 

4  Benefits relate exclusively to a motor allowance and contribution towards health insurance costs.
5  Pension contributions relate to contributions to a defined contribution pension scheme or a payment in lieu.
6  John O’Grady was appointed Executive Director on 1st July 2016.
7  Emer Daly resigned as Director on 29 April 2016.
8  Eddie Downey resigned as a Director on 29 April 2016.
9  Liam Herlihy was appointed as a Director on 1 September 2015.
10  Brid Horan resigned as a Director on 29 April 2016
11  Ruairi O’Flynn resigned as Director on 29 April 2016. 
12  Dermot Browne was appointed as a Director on 5 July 2016
13  Orlagh Hunt was appointed as a Director on 31 August 2016.
14  David O’Connor was appointed as a Director on 5 July 2016.
15  Walter Bogaerts was appointed as a Director on 26 February 2016.
16  Mary Brennan was appointed as a Director on 31 August 2016.

46

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

The following table sets out the detail for the previous financial year (2015):

Fees1
€000s

Salary2 
€000s

Other
Payments3
€000s 

Benefits4
€000s

Pension
Contribution5
€000s

2015 
Total
€000s

Executive Directors:
Fiona Muldoon6
Andrew Langford3
Cathal O’Caoimh3
Non-Executive Directors:
Michael Berkery (Chairman)

Emer Daly

Sean Dorgan

Eddie Downey
Liam Herlihy7
Brid Horan 
Dermot Mulvihill8
Ruairi O’Flynn9
Padraig Walshe 

-

-

-

126

40

104

40

13

40

3

26

40

432

360

257

195

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

269

37

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

29

19

29

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

60

49

36

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

449

594

297

126

40

104

40

13

40

3

26

40

812

 306

77

 145

1,772

Notes (2015 Only)
1  Fees are payable to the non-executive Directors only.
2  Salaries are paid to executive Directors only.
3  Mr. Langford, who resigned from executive office on 31 July 2015 received pay in lieu of notice under his contract of 

employment in the amount of €269,000, representing six month’s salary and benefits. A bonus of €37,000 was awarded 
to Mr. O’Caoimh on the successful completion of a strategic project for which he had responsibility prior to his retirement 
on 30 September 2015, in accordance with Mr. O’Caoimh’s short term incentive arrangements approved by the 
Committee earlier in 2015.

4  Benefits relate exclusively to a motor allowance and contribution towards health insurance costs.
5  Pension contributions relate to contributions either to a defined contribution pension scheme or, in the case of Mr. 

Langford, payments to the Director concerned, on a defined contribution basis, in lieu of continued accrual in the Group’s 
defined benefit pension plan.

6  Ms. Fiona Muldoon was appointed as a Director on 19 January 2015, as Interim Group Chief Executive on 31 July 2015 and 

as Group Chief Executive on 7 October 2015.

7  Mr. Liam Herlihy was appointed as a Director on 1 September 2015.
8  Mr. Dermot Mulvihill resigned as a Director on 14 January 2015.
9  Mr. Ruairi O’Flynn was appointed as a Director on 14 May 2015.

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

47

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT 

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual 
Report and Financial Statements, in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2014 and the applicable regulations. 

Irish company law requires the Directors to prepare 
financial statements for each financial year. Under the law, 
the Directors have elected to prepare the financial 
statements in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union 
(“relevant financial reporting framework”). Under company 
law, the Directors must not approve the financial 
statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true 
and fair view of the assets, liabilities and financial position 
of the company as at the financial year end date and of the 
profit or loss of the company for the financial year and 
otherwise comply with the Companies Act 2014. 

In preparing each of the Company and Group Financial 
Statements, the Directors are required to:

n	

select suitable accounting policies for the Company 
and the Group Financial Statements and then apply 
them consistently;

n	 make judgements and estimates that are reasonable 

and prudent;

n	

state whether the financial statements have been 
prepared in accordance with the applicable 
accounting standards, identify those standards, and 
note the effect and the reasons for any material 
departure from those standards; and

n	 prepare the financial statements on the going 

concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume 
that the company will continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for ensuring that the Company 
and the Group keeps or causes to be kept adequate 
accounting records which correctly explain and record the 
transactions of the Company and the Group, enable at any 
time the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss 
of the Company and the Group to be determined with 
reasonable accuracy, enable them to ensure that the Annual 
Report and Financial Statements comply with the Companies 
Act 2014 and the Listing Rules of the Irish Stock Exchange and 
enable the financial statements to be audited.

They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the 
company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the 
prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

The Directors are also required by the Transparency 
(Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007 (as amended 
by the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) 
(Amendment) Regulations, 2012) to include a 
management report containing a fair review of the 
business and a description of the principal risks and 
uncertainties facing the Group.

Under applicable law and the requirements of the Listing 
Rules issued by the Irish Stock Exchange, the Directors are 
also responsible for preparing a Directors’ Report and 
reports relating to Directors’ remuneration and corporate 
governance that comply with that law and those Rules. The 
Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity 
of the corporate and financial information included on the 
Company’s website. Legislation in Ireland governing the 
preparation and dissemination of financial statements may 
differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

The Directors confirm that, to the best of their knowledge 
and belief:

n	

n	

n	

the Financial Statements, prepared in accordance 
with IFRSs, give a true and fair view of the assets, 
liabilities and financial position for the Group as at  
31 December 2016 and of the result for the financial 
year then ended; 

the Report of the Directors, the Chairman’s 
Statement and the Review of Operations include a 
fair review of the development and performance of 
the Group’s business and the state of affairs of the 
Group at 31 December 2016, together with a 
description of the principal risks and uncertainties 
facing the Group; and

the Annual Report and Financial Statements, taken 
as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and 
provides the information necessary for shareholders 
to access the performance, strategy and business 
model of the Company.

On behalf of the Board

Michael Berkery 
Chairman

Fiona Muldoon 
Group Chief Executive

24 February 2017 

48

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 
To the members of FBD Holdings plc

Report on the financial statements

Our opinion

In our opinion:

n	 FBD Holdings plc’s group financial statements and company financial statements 

(the “financial statements”) give a true and fair view of the group’s and the 
company’s assets, liabilities and financial position as at 31 December 2016 and of the 
group’s profit and the group’s and the company’s cash flows for the year then ended;

n	

n	

n	

the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) as adopted by the European 
Union;

the company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with 
IFRSs as adopted by the European Union as applied in accordance with the 
provisions of the Companies Act 2014; and

the financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2014 and, as regards the group financial 
statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

What we have audited

The financial statements, included within the Annual Report, comprise:

n	

n	

n	

n	

n	

the Consolidated and Company Statements of Financial Position as at 31 December 
2016;

the Consolidated Income Statement and Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive 
Income for the year then ended;

the Consolidated and Company Statements of Cash Flows for the year then ended;

the Consolidated and Company Statements of Changes in Equity for the year then 
ended; and

the notes to the financial statements, which include a summary of significant 
accounting policies and other explanatory information.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the 
financial statements is Irish law and IFRSs as adopted by the European Union and, as 
regards the company financial statements, as applied in accordance with the provisions 
of the Companies Act 2014.

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

49

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT (continued)

Our audit approach 
Overview

Materiality

n	 Overall group materiality: EUR4.0 million which represents 1% of revenue.

Audit 
scope

n	 We performed a full scope audit of the complete financial information of FBD 
Insurance plc and FBD Life & Pensions Limited, the group’s principal operating 
entities, and the holding company.

n	 Taken together, the entities where we performed our audit work accounted for 100% 

of group revenues and 100% of group profit before tax.

Areas of  
focus

n	 Valuation of claims outstanding.

n	 Valuation of defined benefit pension obligation.

n	 Recoverability of deferred tax assets. 

The scope of our audit and 
our areas of focus

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and 
Ireland) (“ISAs (UK & Ireland)”).

We designed our audit by determining materiality and assessing the risks of material 
misstatement in the financial statements. 

In particular, we looked at where the directors made subjective judgements, for example 
in respect of significant accounting estimates that involved making assumptions and 
considering future events that are inherently uncertain. As in all of our audits we also 
addressed the risk of management override of internal controls, including evaluating 
whether there was evidence of bias by the directors that represented a risk of material 
misstatement due to fraud.

The risks of material misstatement that had the greatest effect on our audit, including 
the allocation of our resources and effort, are identified as “areas of focus” in the table 
below. We have also set out how we tailored our audit to address these specific areas in 
order to provide an opinion on the financial statements as a whole. This is not a 
complete list of all risks identified by our audit.

50

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

Area of focus

How our audit addressed the area of focus

Valuation of claims outstanding 
Refer to page 33 (Corporate Governance Statement), page 
73 (group accounting policies), page 80 (critical 
accounting estimates and judgements), and pages 106 to 
108 (notes 28(a) to 28(c)) to the group financial 
statements).

The provision for claims outstanding is the group’s largest 
liability and its valuation involves considerable judgement.

The actuarial best estimate is determined using 
complex actuarial calculations and requires the 
consideration of detailed methodologies, multiple 
assumptions and significant judgements, particularly 
for the longer tails classes of business such as motor 
bodily injury and liability.

The key assumptions underlying the calculations are 
past development patterns, loss ratios and 
assumptions regarding frequency, severity and 
duration of claims.

The valuation is also dependent on the completeness 
and accuracy of the data used in the actuarial 
modelling, in particular data relating to amounts of 
claims paid and incurred in prior years.

The provision includes a margin over actuarial best 
estimate to provide for the risk of adverse claims 
development and to cater for known events not in the 
underlying data.

As a result, the valuation of claims outstanding was a 
key area of focus.

We evaluated the actuarial methodologies and key 
assumptions with the assistance of our actuarial 
specialists. This involved:

n	

n	

testing the design and operating effectiveness of the 
controls over claims processing and payment;

reconciliation of the data used in the actuarial models 
to the underlying systems;

n	 assessing the assumptions and methodologies 

underpinning management’s actuarial valuation;

n	 carrying out our own independent valuations for the 

main classes of business; and

n	

reconciliation of the actuarial valuation outputs to the 
financial statements.

Our work included an assessment of management’s 
analysis of the output of the calculations including 
consideration of the development of prior accident years’ 
estimates and analysis of the current accident year 
estimate. In making this assessment we considered the 
Group’s historic claims experience, development in the 
Irish claims environment and our broader knowledge of 
developments in the insurance industry.

We tested the calculation of the margin over actuarial best 
estimate and discussed the rationale for the level of this 
element of the provision with management with particular 
focus on the consideration of the appropriateness of 
changes in the amount since the prior year.

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

51

 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT (continued)

Area of focus

How our audit addressed the area of focus

Valuation of defined benefit pension obligation 
Refer to pages 33 (Corporate Governance Statement), pages 
76 and 77 (group accounting policies), page 80 (critical 
accounting estimates and judgements), and pages 110 to 114 
(note 31 to the group financial statements).

The group operates a defined benefit pension scheme 
which is been closed to future accrual and closed to 
new members. The scheme has an IAS 19 surplus of 
EUR8.7 million at 31 December 2016.

The surplus is the excess of the fair value of the scheme 
assets over the present value of the defined benefit 
obligation. We focused on the defined benefit obligation 
as its valuation is complex and requires judgement in 
choosing appropriate actuarial assumptions, especially 
the discount rate used and the inflation assumption.

These assumptions can have a material impact on the 
calculation of the defined benefit obligation.

The valuation is also dependent on the completeness 
and accuracy of the data used in the model, in 
particular membership data and payroll details.

Recoverability of deferred tax assets 
Refer to pages 33 (Corporate Governance Statement), 
pages 76 (group accounting policies), page 80 (critical 
accounting estimates and judgements), and pages 97 and 
114 (notes 17 and 32 to the group financial statements).

Deferred tax includes an amount of EUR13.8 million 
arising from tax losses carried forward.

In order for the group to recognise an asset for unutilised 
losses, it must have convincing evidence of future taxable 
profits against which the losses can be utilised. This relies 
on management’s judgements surrounding the 
probability, timing and sufficiency of future taxable 
profits, which in turn is based on assumptions concerning 
future economic conditions and business performance.

We focused on this area because the group’s deferred tax 
assets primarily arise from historical operating losses and 
a key judgement is whether there is convincing evidence 
of the availability of sufficient future taxable profits 
against which those losses can be utilised.

We considered the reasonableness of the key actuarial 
assumptions used to determine the defined benefit 
obligation with the assistance of our pension specialists.

We challenged management in relation to the 
assumptions and methodology applied including 
benchmarking to external data as appropriate.

Because the setting of the assumptions and the 
calculations relied to a significant extent on the advice of 
the group’s external actuarial experts, we considered their 
independence, reviewed reports prepared by them for 
management and discussed and challenged their 
recommended assumptions.

We also reconciled the underlying membership and 
payroll data used in the model to the Group’s records.

In determining the recoverability of tax losses carried 
forward, management have used the profit forecasts set 
out in the most recent strategic plan approved by the 
directors.

We considered whether the combination of the Group’s 
current profitability and the profit forecasts provide 
convincing evidence that sufficient taxable profits will be 
available to utilise the tax losses carried forward, 
particularly in the light of underwriting losses in 2015 and 
the continued challenges faced by the insurance sector.

We evaluated the relevant macroeconomic assumptions 
and growth assumptions underlying the profit forecasts in 
the light of market developments in both premium rate 
increases and claims trends.

52

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

 
 
How we tailored the  
audit scope

We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed sufficient work to be able 
to give an opinion on the financial statements as a whole, taking into account the 
structure of the group, the accounting processes and controls and the industry in which 
the group operates. 

Materiality

The group has two operating segments, underwriting and financial services. The group 
financial statements are a consolidation of individual reporting entities within these 
segments, primarily its two principal subsidiaries, FBD Insurance plc (underwriting) and 
FBD Life & Pensions Limited (financial services), and the holding company.

In establishing the overall approach to the group audit, we determined the type of work 
that needed to be performed at each reporting entity by us. The group engagement team 
performed all the required audit work in relation to the individual reporting entities.

We performed a full scope audit of the complete financial information of FBD Insurance 
plc, FBD Life & Pensions Limited and the holding company. We also tested the 
consolidation process. This gave us the desired level of audit evidence on each account 
balance and for our opinion on the financial statements as a whole.

This gave us coverage of 100% of the group’s revenue and 100% of the group’s profit.

The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain 
quantitative thresholds for materiality. These, together with qualitative considerations, 
helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our 
audit procedures on the individual financial statement line items and disclosures and in 
evaluating the effect of misstatements, both individually and on the financial 
statements as a whole.

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial 
statements as a whole as follows:

Overall group materiality

How we determined it

Rationale for benchmark applied

EUR4.0 million.

1% of revenue.

We have applied this benchmark as the 
group’s profit has fluctuated significantly 
in recent years and revenue is considered 
an appropriate benchmark given the 
circumstances and size of the group

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them misstatements 
identified during our audit above EUR0.2 million as well as misstatements below that 
amount that, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

53

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT (continued)

Going concern 

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the directors’ statement, set out on page 
23, in relation to going concern. We have nothing to report having performed our review.

Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you if we have anything material 
to add or to draw attention to in relation to the directors’ statement about whether they 
considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial 
statements. We have nothing material to add or to draw attention to.

As noted in the directors’ statement, the directors have concluded that it is appropriate 
to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. The going 
concern basis presumes that the group and company has adequate resources to remain 
in operation, and that the directors intend them to do so, for at least one year from the 
date the financial statements were signed. As part of our audit we have concluded that 
the directors’ use of the going concern basis is appropriate. However, because not all 
future events or conditions can be predicted, these statements are not a guarantee as to 
the group’s and company’s ability to continue as a going concern. 

Other required reporting

Consistency of other information

Companies Act 2014 opinion

In our opinion the information given in the Report of the Directors is consistent with the financial statements.

ISAs (UK & Ireland) reporting

Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:

n	

information in the Annual Report is:

We have no exceptions to report.

−  materially inconsistent with the information in the audited financial 

statements; or
apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent 
with, our knowledge of the group and company acquired in the course 
of performing our audit; or
otherwise misleading.

− 

− 

n	

n	

the statement given by the directors on page 34, in accordance with 
provision C.1.1 of the UK Corporate Governance Code (the “Code”), that they 
consider the Annual Report taken as a whole to be fair, balanced and 
understandable and provides the information necessary for members to 
assess the group’s and company’s position and performance, business 
model and strategy is materially inconsistent with our knowledge of the 
group and company acquired in the course of performing our audit.

the section of the Annual Report on pages 32 to 34, as required by provision 
C.3.8 of the Code, describing the work of the Audit Committee does not 
appropriately address matters communicated by us to the Audit 
Committee.

We have no exceptions to report.

We have no exceptions to report.

54

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

The directors’ assessment of the prospects of the group and of the principal risks that would threaten 
the solvency or liquidity of the group

Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you if we have anything material to add or to draw attention to 
in relation to:

n	

n	

n	

the directors’ confirmation on page 23 of the Annual Report, in accordance 
with provision C.2.1 of the Code, that they have carried out a robust 
assessment of the principal risks facing the Group, including those that 
would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or 
liquidity.

We have nothing material to add or 
to draw attention to.

the disclosures in the Annual Report that describe those risks and explain 
how they are being managed or mitigated.

We have nothing material to add or 
to draw attention to.

the directors’ explanation on page 23 of the Annual Report, in accordance 
with provision C.2.2 of the Code, as to how they have assessed the prospects 
of the group, over what period they have done so and why they consider that 
period to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether they have a 
reasonable expectation that the group will be able to continue in operation 
and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their assessment, 
including any related disclosures drawing attention to any necessary 
qualifications or assumptions.

We have nothing material to add or 
to draw attention to.

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the directors’ statement that they have carried out a robust 
assessment of the principal risks facing the group and the directors’ statement in relation to the longer-term viability 
of the group. Our review was substantially less in scope than an audit and only consisted of making inquiries and 
considering the directors’ process supporting their statements; checking that the statements are in alignment with 
the relevant provisions of the Code; and considering whether the statements are consistent with the knowledge 
acquired by us in the course of performing our audit. We have nothing to report having performed our review.

Directors’ remuneration 
and transactions

Under the Companies Act 2014, we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, the 
disclosure of directors’ remuneration and transactions specified by sections 305 to 312 
of that Act have not been made, and under the Listing Rules we are required to review 
the six specified elements of disclosures in the report to shareholders by the Board on 
directors’ remuneration. We have no exceptions to report arising from these 
responsibilities. 

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

55

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT (continued)

Corporate governance 
statement

n	

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit of the 
financial statements:

− 

− 

the description of the main features of the internal control and risk 
management systems in relation to the financial reporting process; and

the information required by Section 1373(2)(d) of the Companies Act 2014;

included in the Corporate Governance Statement, is consistent with the financial 
statements and has been prepared in accordance with section 1373(2) of the Companies 
Act 2014.

n	 Based on our knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment 
obtained in the course of our audit of the financial statements, we have not 
identified material misstatements in the description of the main features of the 
internal control and risk management systems in relation to the financial reporting 
process and the information required by section 1373(2)(d) of the Companies Act 
2014 included in the Corporate Governance Statement.

n	

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken during the course of our audit of the 
financial statements, the information required by section 1373(2)(a),(b),(e) and (f) is 
contained in the Corporate Governance Statement.

n	 Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the part of the Corporate 

Governance Statement relating to the company’s compliance with ten provisions of 
the UK Corporate Governance Code and the two provisions of the Irish Corporate 
Governance Annex specified for our review. We have nothing to report having 
performed our review. 

n	 We have obtained all the information and explanations which we consider necessary 

for the purposes of our audit.

n	

In our opinion the accounting records of the company were sufficient to permit the 
company financial statements to be readily and properly audited.

n	 The Company Statement of Financial Position is in agreement with the accounting 

records.

Other matters on which we 
are required to report by 
the Companies Act 2014

Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit

Our responsibilities and 
those of the directors

As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement set out on page 48, 
the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for 
being satisfied that they give a true and fair view.

Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in 
accordance with Irish law and ISAs (UK & Ireland). Those standards require us to comply 
with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the company’s 
members as a body in accordance with section 391 of the Companies Act 2014 and for no 
other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume responsibility for 
any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose 
hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

56

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

What an audit of financial 
statements involves

An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial 
statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free 
from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an 
assessment of: 

n	 whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the group’s and the company’s 
circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; 

n	

n	

the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the directors; and

the overall presentation of the financial statements. 

We primarily focus our work in these areas by assessing the directors’ judgements 
against available evidence, forming our own judgements, and evaluating the disclosures 
in the financial statements.

We test and examine information, using sampling and other auditing techniques, to the 
extent we consider necessary to provide a reasonable basis for us to draw conclusions. 
We obtain audit evidence through testing the effectiveness of controls, substantive 
procedures or a combination of both. 

In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the Annual Report 
to identify material inconsistencies with the audited financial statements and to identify 
any information that is apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially 
inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit. If 
we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we 
consider the implications for our report.

Paraic Joyce 
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Audit Firm 
Dublin 
24 February 2017

(a)  The maintenance and integrity of the FBD Holdings plc website is the responsibility of the directors; the work carried 

out by the auditors does not involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no 
responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the financial statements since they were initially presented 
on the website.

(b)  Legislation in the Republic of Ireland governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ 

from legislation in other jurisdictions.

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

57

It's in our nature  

to help 
businesses 
grow

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
For the financial year ended 31 December 2016

Continuing Operations

Revenue
Income
Gross premium written
Reinsurance premiums

Net premium written
Change in provision for unearned premiums

Net premium earned
Net investment return
Financial services income
Total income

Expenses
Net claims and benefits
Other underwriting expenses
Movement in other provisions
Financial services expenses
Revaluation of property, plant and equipment
Restructuring and other costs
Finance costs
Pension curtailment 

Result before taxation from continuing operations
Income taxation (charge)/credit

Result for the financial year from continuing operations

Discontinued operations
Result for the financial year from discontinued operations, including 
profit from sale
Result for the financial year

Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent
Non-controlling interests

Earnings/(loss) per share 
From continuing operations
Basic
Diluted

From continuing and discontinued operations
Basic
Diluted

Notes
4(a)

4(c)
4(c)

4(c)
4(c)

4(c)
5
4(a)

4(c)
4(c)
29
4(e)
14
6
30
31(c)

8
11

7

27

13
13

13
13

2016
€000s
397,003

361,799
(50,086)

311,713
(3,487)

308,226
8,338
8,542
325,106

(217,510)
(79,749)
(7,747)
(6,592)
(330)
(2,794)
(6,156)
7,214

11,442
(2,415)

9,027

1,653
10,680

10,759
(79)
10,680

2016
Cent
26
26

31
31

Restated
2015
€000s
401,889

363,263
(50,497)

312,766
388

313,154
20,260
12,634
346,048

(341,260)
(85,725)
(11,581)
(9,130)
175
(11,415)
(1,357)
28,340

(85,905)
11,277

(74,628)

1,061
(73,567)

(73,685)
118
(73,567)

Restated
2015
Cent
(216)
(216)

(213)
(213)

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Financial Statements.  
The above results derive from continuing operations and discontinued operations. 
The Financial Statements were approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 24 February 2017.

60

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the financial year ended 31 December 2016

Result for the financial year

Net gain/(loss) on available for sale financial assets during the year

Taxation (charge)/credit relating to items that will or may be reclassified to 
profit or loss in subsequent periods

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods:

Actuarial (loss)/gain on retirement benefit obligations

Taxation credit/(charge) relating to items not to be reclassified in subsequent 
periods

Other comprehensive (expense)/income after taxation

Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the financial year

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent

Non-controlling interests

Notes

31(d)

31(d)

27

2016
€000s

10,680

10,371

2015
€000s

(73,567)

(1,762)

(1,296)

698

(12,233)

15,914

1,529

(1,629)

9,051

9,130

(79)

9,051

(1,989)

12,861

(60,706)

(60,824)

118

(60,706)

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

61

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
At 31 December 2016

ASSETS

Property, plant and equipment

Investment property

Loans

Deferred taxation asset

Financial assets

Available for sale investments

Investments held for trading

Deposits with banks

Reinsurance assets

Provision for unearned premiums

Claims outstanding 

Retirement benefit asset

Current taxation asset

Deferred acquisition costs

Other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets 

Notes

14

15

16

17

18(a)

18(a)

18(a)

28(e)

28(e)

31(f)

19

20

21

22

2016
€000s

72,994

16,400

732

12,234

629,498

90,302

236,897

956,697

13,954

69,260

83,214

8,715

4,162

25,004

62,770

26,561

2015
€000s

72,617

14,550

832

13,139

489,837

94,375

371,333

955,545

15,332

64,751

80,083

9,110

8,813

27,545

59,506

22,244

1,269,483

1,263,984

62

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (continued)
At 31 December 2016

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

Equity

Called up share capital presented as equity

Capital reserves

Retained earnings

Other reserves

Equity attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent

Preference share capital 

Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Liabilities

Insurance contract liabilities

Provision for unearned premiums 

Claims outstanding 

Other provisions

Convertible debt

Deferred taxation liability

Payables

Total liabilities 

Total equity and liabilities 

Notes

23

24(a)

25

30

26 

27

28(d)

28(c)

29

30

32 

33(a)

2016 
€000s

2015 
€000s

21,409

19,041

166,866

18,232

225,548

2,923

228,471

-

228,471

180,692

745,490

926,182

11,247

51,136

3,347

49,100

1,041,012

1,269,483

21,409

18,553

157,670

18,232

215,864

2,923

218,787

451

219,238

178,584

748,144

926,728

10,938

50,036

2,990

54,054

1,044,746

1,263,984

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Financial Statements. 
The Financial Statements were approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 24 February 2017.

They were signed on its behalf by:

Michael Berkery 
Chairman	 Group  

Fiona Muldoon 
Chief Executive

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

63

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the financial year ended 31 December 2016

Cash flows from operating activities
Profit/(loss) before taxation
Adjustments for: 
Loss/(profit) on disposal of investments held for trading
Loss on investments available for sale
Interest and dividend income
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Share-based payment (credit)/expense
Revaluation of investment property
Revaluation of property, plant and equipment
Profit on the sale of investment property
Increase/(decrease) in insurance contract liabilities
Decrease in other provisions
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
Profit on disposal of discontinued operation
Joint venture trading result
Operating cash flows before movement in working capital
Decrease in receivables and deferred acquisition costs
Decrease in payables
Purchase of investments held for trading
Sale of investments held for trading
Cash generated from operations
Interest and dividend income received
Income taxes refunded /(paid)
Net cash from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of available for sale investments
Sale of available for sale investments
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Sale of property, plant and equipment
Sale of investment property 
Decrease in loans and advances
Decrease in deposits invested with banks
Net cash inflow from sale of subsidiary undertaking
Net cash inflow from sale of joint venture
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Ordinary and preference dividends paid 
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
Proceeds from issue of convertible bond
Proceeds of re-issue of ordinary shares
Net cash (used in)/generated from financing activities
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial year

Notes

14
38
15
14
15

29
15
7 (a)
7 (b)

14

15
16
18(a)

7 (b)

34
27
30

22
22

2016
€000s

(Restated)
2015
€000s

13,095

(84,789)

2,596
4,467
(14,233)
10,795
488
(1,850)
330
-
(3,677)
309
-
(1,916)
-
10,404
64
(17,252)
(13,996)
15,473
(5,307)
13,441
5,561
13,695

(322,503)
188,746
(12,113)
80
-
100
134,436
1,930
-
(9,324)

-
(120)
-
66
(54)
4,317
22,244
26,561

(535)
5,493
(13,123)
8,392
(203)
(3,450)
(175)
(8,915)
130,320
3,018
(485)
-
(1,461)
34,087
1,004
(30,408)
(32,561)
55,149
27,271
12,339
126
39,736

(408,318)
136,202
(18,209)
-
18,259
139
123,577
-
48,500
(99,850)

(11,950)
(150)
68,268
-
56,168
(3,946)
26,190
22,244

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Financial Statements.

64

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the financial year ended 31 December 2016

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€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

Balance at 1 January 2015

21,409

18,756

230,444

Loss after taxation

Other comprehensive expense

-

-

-

-

(73,685)

12,861

21,409

18,756

169,620

270,609

2,923

483

274,015

(73,685)

12,861

-

-

118

(73,567)

-

12,861

209,785

2,923

601

213,309

Dividends paid and approved on ordinary 
and preference shares

Issue of convertible bond

Recognition of share based payments

Dividend paid to non-controlling interests

-

-

-

-

-

-

(203)

-

(11,950)

(11,950)

-

-

-

18,232

18,232

-

-

(203)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(150)

(11,950)

18,232

(203)

(150)

-

-

-

-

-

Balance at 31 December 2015

21,409

18,553

157,670

18,232

215,864

2,923

451

219,238

Profit after taxation

Other comprehensive income

-

-

-

-

10,759

(1,629)

-

-

10,759

(1,629)

-

-

(79)

10,680

-

(1,629)

21,409

18,553

166,800

18,232

224,994

2,923

372

228,289

Reissue of ordinary shares

Recognition of share based payments

Dividend paid to non-controlling interests

Disposal of subsidiary undertaking

-

-

-

-

-

488

-

-

66

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

66

488

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(120)

(252)

66

488

(120)

(252)

Balance at 31 December 2016

21,409

19,041

166,866

18,232

225,548

2,923

-

228,471

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

65

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
At 31 December 2016

Notes

2016 
€000s

(Restated) 

2015
€000s

35(b)

110,063

106,079

1,498

2,346

-

113,907

55

2,109

1,141

117,212

21,409

19,041

49,020

18,232

107,702

2,923

110,625

264

6,323

117,212

1,248

8,195

-

115,552

64

2,600

3,435

121,621

21,409

18,553

54,521

18,232

112,715

2,923

115,638

325

5,658

121,621

ASSETS

Investments

Investment in subsidiaries 

Financial assets

Deposits with banks

Investment in joint venture

Cash and cash equivalents

Retirement benefit asset

Other receivables

Total assets

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

Equity

Called up share capital presented as equity

Capital reserves

Retained earnings

Other reserves

Shareholders’ funds – equity interests

Preference share capital 

Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent

Deferred tax liability

Payables

Total equity and liabilities

23

24(b)

30

26

33(b) 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Financial Statements. 
The Financial Statements were approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 24 February 2017.

They were signed on its behalf by:

Michael Berkery 
Chairman	 Group  

Fiona Muldoon 
Chief Executive

66

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the financial year ended 31 December 2016

Cash flows from operating activities

(Loss)/profit before taxation

Adjustments for: 

Profit on investments held for trading

Profit on disposal of subsidiary undertaking

Profit on disposal of joint venture

Share-based payment expense/(credit)

Operating cash flows before movement in working capital

Increase in receivables 

Decrease in payables

Purchase of investments held for trading

Sale of investments held for trading

Cash used in operations

Income taxes refunded

Net cash used in operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Increase in investment in subsidiaries

Decrease in deposits invested with banks

Net cash inflow from disposal of subsidiary undertaking

Net cash from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Ordinary and preference dividends paid 

Proceeds of re-issue of ordinary shares

Net cash generated from/(used in) financing activities

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial year

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Financial Statements.

2016
€000s

(Restated)
2015
€000s

(1,892)

1,851

(222)

(1,517)

-

488

(3,143)

2,829

(3,183)

(27)

-

(3,524)

-

(3,524)

(4,592)

5,849

2,305

3,562

-

66

66

(9)

64

55

(143)

-

(2,412)

(203)

(907)

(1,603)

(1,183)

(144)

5,193

1,356

161

1,517

(48,872)

10,752

48,500

10,380

(11,950)

-

(11,950)

(53)

117

64

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

67

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the financial year ended 31 December 2016

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€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

Balance at 1 January 2015 – Restated 

21,409

11,593

7,163

55,942

Profit after taxation

Other comprehensive income

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,824

8,705

21,409

11,593

7,163

66,471

-

-

-

-

96,107

2,923

99,030

1,824

8,705

-

-

1,824

8,705

106,636

2,923

109,559

Issue of convertible bond

Recognition of share based payments

Ordinary and preference 
dividends paid and approved

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(203)

-

-

-

(11,950)

18,232

18,232

-

-

(203)

(11,950)

-

-

-

18,232

(203)

(11,950)

Balance at 31 December 2015 - Restated

21,409

11,593

6,960

54,521

18,232

112,715

2,923

115,638

Loss after taxation

Other comprehensive income

-

-

-

-

-

-

(1,725)

(3,842)

-

-

(1,725)

(3,842)

-

-

(1,725)

(3,842)

21,409

11,593

6,960

48,954

18,232

107,148

2,923

110,071

Reissue of ordinary shares

Recognition of share based payments

-

-

-

-

-

488

66

-

-

-

66

488

-

-

66

488

Balance at 31 December 2016

21,409

11,593

7,448

49,020

18,232

107,702

2,923

110,625

68

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the financial year ended 31 December 2016

1 

GENERAL INFORMATION

FBD Holdings plc is an Irish registered public limited company. The address of the registered office is given on page 16. The 
nature of the Group’s operations and its principal activities are set out in the Report of the Directors on pages 17 to 23 and in 
the Review of Operations on pages 8 to 13.

2 

GOING CONCERN

The Directors have, at the time of approving the Financial Statements, a reasonable expectation that the Company and the 
Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt 
the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the Financial Statements. Further detail is contained in the Report of the 
Directors on page 23.

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BASIS OF PREPARATION

The Group and Company Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (“IFRSs”) adopted by the European Union and therefore the Group Financial Statements comply with Article 4 of the 
EU IAS Regulation. The Group and Company Financial Statements are prepared in compliance with the Companies Acts 2014.

Certain restatements have been made in the Company prior year Financial Statements to record the Company’s share of the 
Group’s defined benefit plan assets (€2,600,000), a deferred taxation liability thereon (€325,000) and a corresponding increase 
in retained earnings (€2,275,000), and to appropriately record the disposal of the joint venture separately in the Company 
statement of cashflows. 

Certain restatements have been made to the Group consolidated Income Statement and the Group consolidated Statement of 
Cashflows to appropriately reflect discontinued operations. 

ADOPTION OF NEW AND REVISED INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS (“IFRSs”)

Standards adopted during the period 

In the current year, the Group has applied a number of amendments to IFRSs issued by the International Accounting Standards 
Board (IASB) that are mandatorily effective for an accounting period that begins on or after 1 January 2016.

n	 Amendments to IAS 1 Disclosure Initiative.

n	 Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2012 – 2014 Cycle.

Amendments to IAS 1 Disclosure Initiative

The Group has applied the amendments to IAS 1 Disclosure Initiative in the current year. The adoption of this standard has not 
had a material impact of the financial statements in the current year.

Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2012 – 2014 Cycle

The Group has applied the amendments to IFRSs included in the Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2012 – 2014 Cycle for the first 
time in the current year. The adoption of this standard has not had a material impact of the financial statements in the current 
year.

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

69

 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Standards and Interpretations not yet effective

IFRS 9

IFRS 15

IFRS 16

Financial Instruments1 

Revenue from Contracts with Customers1

Leases2

Amendments IFRS 10 and IAS 28

Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture3

1 

Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018, with earlier application permitted.

2  Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019, with earlier application permitted.

3  Effective date has been deferred indefinitely.

The Directors have reviewed the implication of the adoption of IFRS 9 and IFRS 15. The adoption of these Standards is not 
expected to have a material impact (other than presentation and disclosure) on the Financial Statements of the Group in future 
periods. The Directors are currently assessing the implications of the adoption of IFRS 16.

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies adopted by the Board are:

A)  ACCOUNTING CONVENTION

The Group and Company Financial Statements are prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the 
revaluation of property, investments held for trading, available for sale investments and investment property, which are 
measured at fair value.

B)   BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the Financial Statements of the Company and its subsidiary undertakings, 
made up to 31 December. Control is achieved when the Company:

n	 has power over the investee;

n	

is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and

n	 has the ability to use its power to affect its returns.

The Company reassesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to 
one or more of the elements of control listed above.

When the Company has less than a majority of the voting rights of an investee, it has power over an investee when the voting 
rights are sufficient to give it the practical ability to direct the relevant activities of the investee unilaterally. The Company 
considers all the relevant facts and circumstances in assessing whether or not the Company’s voting rights in an investee are 
sufficient to give it power, including: 

n	

the size of the Company’s holding of voting rights relative to the size and dispersion of holdings of the other vote holders;

n	 potential voting rights held by the Company, other vote holders or other parties;

n	

rights arising from other contractual arrangements; and

n	 any additional facts and circumstances that indicate that the Company has, or does not have, the current ability to direct 
the relevant activities at the time that decisions need to be made, including voting patterns at previous shareholders’ 
meetings.

70

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

 
3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) 

Consolidation of a subsidiary begins when the Company obtains control over the subsidiary and ceases when the Company 
loses control of the subsidiary. 

Profit or loss and each component of other comprehensive income are attributed to the owners of the Company and to the 
non-controlling interests. Total comprehensive income of subsidiaries is attributed to the owners of the Company and to the 
non-controlling interests even if this results in the non-controlling interests having a deficit balance.

All intra Group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation. 

Changes in the Group’s ownership interests in subsidiaries that do not result in a loss of control over the subsidiaries are 
accounted for as equity transactions. The carrying amount of the Group’s interests and the non-controlling interests are 
adjusted to reflect the changes in their relative interests in the subsidiaries. Any difference between the amount by which the 
non-controlling interests are adjusted and the fair value of the consideration paid or received is recognised directly in equity 
and attributed to the owners of the Company.

The acquisition of subsidiaries is accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of the acquisition is measured as the 
aggregate of the fair values, at the date of exchange, of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity instruments 
issued by the Group in exchange for control of the acquiree. Any transaction costs incurred are expensed in the period in which 
they occur. The acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities that meet the conditions for recognition under 
IFRS 3 are recognised at their fair value at the acquisition date, except for non-current assets (or disposal groups), that are 
classified as held for sale in accordance with IFRS 5, Non Current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, which are 
recognised and measured at fair value less costs of sale.

Goodwill arising on acquisition is recognised as an asset and initially measured at cost, being the excess of the cost of the business 
combination over the Group’s interest in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities recognised. If, 
after reassessment, the Group’s interest in the net fair value of the acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities 
exceeds the cost of the business combination, the excess is recognised immediately in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries are identified separately from the Group’s equity therein. The interests of non-
controlling shareholders may be initially measured at fair value or at the non-controlling interests’ proportionate share of the 
fair value of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. The choice of measurement is made on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis. 
Subsequent to acquisition, the carrying amount of non-controlling interests is the amount of those interests at initial 
recognition plus the non-controlling interests’ share of subsequent changes in equity. Total comprehensive income is 
attributed to non-controlling interests even if this results in the non-controlling interests having a deficit balance.

When the Group loses control of a subsidiary, the profit or loss on the sale is calculated as the difference between (i) the aggregate 
of the fair value of the consideration received and the fair value of any retained interest and (ii) the previous carrying amount of 
the assets (including goodwill), less liabilities of the subsidiary and any non-controlling interests. Amounts previously recognised 
in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income in relation to the subsidiary are accounted for (i.e. reclassified to profit 
or loss or transferred directly to retained earnings) in the same manner as would be required if the relevant assets or liabilities are 
disposed of. The fair value of any investment retained in the former subsidiary at the date when control is lost is regarded as the 
fair value on initial recognition for subsequent accounting under IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement or, 
when applicable, costs on initial recognition of an investment in an associate or jointly controlled entity.

The Group’s share of the results and net assets of a joint venture are included based on the equity method of accounting. A joint 
venture is an entity subject to joint control by the Group and other parties. Under the equity method of accounting, the Group’s 
share of the post-acquisition profits and losses of joint ventures is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement and its share 
of post acquisition movements in reserves is recognised directly in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. In the 
Group’s holding company the joint venture is held at cost less provision for impairment. When the Group disposes of its interest in 
a joint venture, the profit or loss in the sale is calculated on the difference between the consideration received and the share of the 
net assets of the joint venture at the date of disposal less costs associated with the sale.

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

71

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) 

C)   REVENUE RECOGNITION

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents gross premiums written, 
broking commissions, fees, other commissions, interest and dividends receivable, rents receivable, net of discounts, levies, VAT 
and other sales related taxes. 

Revenue from insurance contracts is accounted for in accordance with Accounting Policy (D). 

Interest income is accrued on a time basis with reference to the principal outstanding at the effective interest rate applicable.

Insurance agency commissions that do not require any further services are recognised as revenue on the effective 
commencement or renewal date of the related policies. If further services are to be rendered, the commission, or part of it, is 
deferred and recognised over the period during which the policy is in force.

Fees for liability claims handling are recognised in the year to which they relate. 

Dividend income from investments is recognised when the shareholders’ rights to receive payment have been established.

Rental income is recognised on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

D)  

INSURANCE CONTRACTS

(i)  Premiums written

Premiums written relate to business incepted during the year, together with any difference between booked premiums 
for prior years and those previously accrued, and include estimates of premiums due. Premiums written exclude taxes 
and duties levied on premiums and directly related expenses e.g. commissions.

(ii)  Unearned premiums

Unearned premiums are those portions of premium income written in the year that relate to insurance cover after the 
year end. Unearned premiums are computed on a 365th of premium written. At 31 December each year, an assessment is 
made of whether the provision for unearned premiums is adequate as set out in accounting policy D (iv) below.

(iii)  Deferred acquisition costs

Deferred acquisition costs represent the proportion of acquisition costs, net of reinsurance, that are attributable to the 
unearned premiums. Acquisition costs comprise the direct and indirect costs of obtaining and processing new insurance 
business. These costs are recognised as a deferred acquisition cost asset and amortised on the same basis as the related 
premiums are earned, and are tested for impairment at 31 December each year.

(iv)  Unexpired risks

At 31 December each year, an assessment is made of whether the provision for unearned premiums is adequate. 
Provision for unexpired risks is made where the expected claims, related expenses and deferred acquisition costs are 
expected to exceed unearned premiums, after taking account of future investment income. At each reporting date, the 
Group reviews its unexpired risks and carries out a liability adequacy test for any overall excess of expected claims and 
deferred acquisition costs over unearned premiums, using the current estimates of future cash flows under its contracts 
after taking account of the investment return expected to arise on assets. If these estimates show that the carrying 
amount of its insurance liabilities (less related deferred acquisition costs) is insufficient in light of the estimated future 
cash flows, the deficiency is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement by setting up a provision in the 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

72

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) 

(v)  Claims incurred

Claims incurred comprise the cost of all insurance claims occurring during the year, whether reported or not, and any 
adjustments to claims outstanding from previous years.

Full provision, net of reinsurance recoveries, is made at the reporting date for the estimated cost of claims incurred but 
not settled, including claims incurred but not yet reported and expenses to be incurred after the reporting date in settling 
those claims. The Group takes all reasonable steps to ensure that it has appropriate information regarding notified claims 
and uses this information when estimating the cost of those claims. Claims reserves are not discounted. 

The Group uses estimation techniques, based on statistical analysis of past experience, to calculate the estimated cost of 
claims outstanding at the year end. It is assumed that the development pattern of the current claims will be consistent 
with previous experience. Allowance is made, however, for any changes or uncertainties that may cause the cost of 
unsettled claims to increase or reduce. These changes or uncertainties may arise from issues such as the effects of 
inflation, changes in the mix of business or the legal environment.

Receivables arising out of direct insurance operations are measured at initial recognition at fair value and are subsequently 
measured at amortised cost, after recognising any impairment loss to reflect estimated irrecoverable amounts.

(v)  Reinsurance

Premiums payable in respect of reinsurance ceded, are recognised in the period in which the reinsurance contract is 
entered into and include estimates where the amounts are not determined at the reporting date. Premiums are 
expensed over the period of the reinsurance contract, calculated principally on a daily pro rata basis.

A reinsurance asset (reinsurers’ share of claims outstanding and provision for unearned premium) is recognised to reflect 
the amount estimated to be recoverable under the reinsurance contracts in respect of the outstanding claims reported 
under insurance liabilities. The amount recoverable from reinsurers is initially valued on the same basis as the underlying 
claims provision. The amount recoverable is reduced when there is an event arising after the initial recognition that 
provides objective evidence that the Group may not receive all amounts due under the contract and the event has a 
reliably measurable impact on the expected amount that will be recoverable from the reinsurer.

The reinsurers’ share of each unexpired risk provision is recognised on the same basis.

(vi)  Funds withheld from Reinsurers

Some of the Company’s reinsurance contracts are on a funds withheld basis. Under the agreements, the Company retains 
an agreed percentage of the premiums that would have been otherwise paid to the reinsurer. 

E)   OTHER PROVISIONS

The Group’s share of Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland “MIBI” levy is based on its estimated market share in the current year at 
the balance sheet date, and an estimate of the levy to be called by MIBI in the following 12 months. 

F)  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

(i)  Property 

Property held for own use in the supply of services or for administrative purposes is stated at revalued amounts, being 
the fair value at the date of revaluation which is determined by professional valuers. Revaluations are performed with 
sufficient regularity such that the carrying amount does not differ materially from that which would be determined using 
fair values at the reporting date. Any revaluation increase arising on the revaluation of such property is credited to the 
revaluation reserve except to the extent that it reverses a revaluation decrease for the same asset previously recognised. 
A decrease on revaluation is charged as an expense to the extent that it exceeds the balance, if any, held in the 
revaluation reserve relating to previous revaluation of that asset.

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

73

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) 

The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an asset is determined as the difference between the sales 
proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement.

(ii)  Plant and equipment 

Plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated revaluation losses. 

(iii) 

 Depreciation

Depreciation is provided in respect of all plant and equipment, and is calculated in order to write off the cost or valuation 
of the assets over their expected useful lives on a straight line basis over a three to ten year period. Depreciation on assets 
in development commences when the assets are ready for their intended use.

G) 

INVESTMENT PROPERTY

Investment property, which is property held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation, is recognised initially at cost and stated 
at fair value at the reporting date being the value determined by qualified independent professional valuers. Gains or losses arising 
from changes in the fair value are included in the Consolidated Income Statement for the period in which they arise. 

An investment property is derecognised upon disposal or when the investment property is permanently withdrawn from use 
and no future economic benefits are expected. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the property (calculated as the 
difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset) is included in the Consolidated Income 
Statement for the period in which the property is derecognised.

H) 

JOINT VENTURE

Joint ventures are ownership interests where a joint influence is obtained through agreement. Joint ventures are accounted for in 
accordance with the equity method. Under the equity method, the investment in a joint venture is initially recognised at cost and 
adjusted thereafter for the post acquisition changes in the Group’s share of the net assets of the jointly controlled entity.

The Group’s share of results after taxes is reported in “Result for the financial year from discontinued operations”, included in 
the Consolidated Income Statement. Shares in earnings of joint ventures included in consolidated equity are reported in 
retained earnings in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. The value of the share of the net assets of a joint venture 
at the date of acquisition is reflected in the Company Statement of Financial Position. The value is reviewed for impairment on 
an annual basis.

The profit or loss on the disposal of a joint venture is calculated as the difference between the consideration received and the 
share of the net assets of the joint venture at the date of disposal less costs associated with the sale.

I) 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position when the Group 
becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

The Group derecognises a financial asset only when the contractual rights to the cash flows of the asset expire, or when it 
transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of the ownership of the asset to another entity. If the 
Group neither transfers nor retains substantially all the risk and rewards of ownership and continues to control the transferred 
asset, the Group recognises its retained interest in the asset and an associated liability for amounts it may have to pay. If the 
Group retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of a transferred financial asset, the Group continues to 
recognise the financial asset.

The Group derecognises financial liabilities when, and only when, the Group’s obligations are discharged, cancelled or they 
expire.

74

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) 

(i) 

Investments held for trading at fair value

Investments held for trading are stated at fair value and include quoted shares, quoted debt securities and UCITS. They 
are recognised on a trade date basis at fair value and are revalued at subsequent reporting dates at fair value, using the 
closing bid price, with gains and losses being included in the Consolidated Income Statement in the period in which they 
arise. 

Investments are held for trading if:

n	 they have been acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the near future; or

n	 they are part of an identified portfolio of financial instruments that the Group manages together and have a recent 

actual pattern of short-term profit-making; or 

n	 they are derivatives that are not designated and effective as hedging instruments.

Investments other than investments held for trading may be designated at FVTPL (fair value through profit or loss) upon 
initial recognition if: 

n	 such designation eliminates or significantly reduces a measurement or recognition inconsistency that would 

otherwise arise; or

n	 the investment forms part of a group of investments or financial liabilities or both, which is managed and its 

performance is evaluated on a fair value basis, in accordance with the Group’s documented investment policy.

Financial assets at FVTPL are stated at fair value, with any gains or losses arising on remeasurement recognised in the 
Consolidated Income Statement. The net gain or loss recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement incorporates any 
dividend or interest earned on the financial asset and is included in the ‘net investment return’ line item in the 
Consolidated Income Statement.

(ii)  Available for sale investments

Available for sale investments include quoted debt securities and unquoted investments, and are stated at fair value 
where fair value can be reliably measured. Fair value is calculated using closing bid prices. They are recognised on a trade 
date basis at fair value, and are subsequently revalued at each reporting date to fair value, with gains and losses being 
included directly in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income until the investment is disposed of or 
determined to be impaired, at which time the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in the Consolidated 
Statement of Comprehensive Income, is included in the Consolidated Income Statement for the year.

(iii)  Loans and other receivables

Loans

Loans are recognised on a trade date basis at fair value plus transaction costs and are subsequently measured at 
amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. When it is not possible to estimate reliably the cash flows or the 
expected life of a loan, the projected cash flows over the full term of the loan are used to determine fair value. 

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a debt instrument and of allocating 
interest income over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future 
cash receipts through the expected life of the debt instrument, or, where appropriate, a shorter period, to the net carrying 
amount at initial recognition.

Other receivables

Amounts arising out of direct insurance operations and other debtors are measured at initial recognition at fair value and 
are subsequently measured at amortised cost, after recognising any revaluation loss to reflect estimated irrecoverable 
amounts.

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

75

 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) 

(iv)  Deposits with banks

Term deposits with banks comprise cash held for the purpose of investment. Demand deposits with banks are held for 
operating purposes and included in cash and cash equivalents.

J) 

LEASES

All of the Group’s leases are classified as operating leases.

(i)  The Group as Lessor

Rental income from operating leases is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease. Initial 
direct costs incurred in negotiating and arranging an operating lease are added to the carrying amount of the leased asset 
and recognised on a straight-line basis over the operating lease term. 

(ii)  The Group as Lessee

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to income on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease. 
Benefits received and receivable as an incentive to enter into an operating lease are also spread on a straight-line basis 
over the operating lease term. 

K)  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and demand deposits with maturities of 3 months or less held for the 
purpose of meeting short-term cash commitments rather than for investment or other purposes.

L)  TAXATION

Income tax expense or credit represents the sum of income tax currently payable and deferred income tax. Income tax 
currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the Consolidated 
Income Statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and further 
excludes items that are not taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for income tax is calculated using rates that have been 
enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date. Income tax is recognised in the income statement except to the extent 
that it relates to items recognised directly in equity.

Deferred income tax is provided, using the liability method, on all differences between the carrying amounts of assets and 
liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred income tax assets and 
liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the year when the asset is expected to be realised or the 
liability to be settled. Deferred tax assets are recognised for all deductible differences, carry forward of unused tax credits and 
unused tax losses, to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary 
differences and the carry forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses can be utilised. The carrying amount of deferred 
income tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient 
taxable profit would be available to allow all or part of the deferred income tax asset to be utilised.

Deferred taxation liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries except 
where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that the temporary differences 
will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred taxation assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current taxation assets 
against current taxation liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Group 
intends to settle on a net basis.

M)  RETIREMENT BENEFITS

The Group provides either defined benefit or defined contribution retirement benefit schemes for the majority of its 
employees.

76

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) 

(i)  Defined benefit scheme

A full actuarial valuation of the scheme is undertaken every three years and is updated annually to reflect current 
conditions in the intervening periods for the purposes of preparing the Financial Statements. Scheme assets are valued 
at fair value. Scheme liabilities are measured on an actuarial basis and discounted at the current rate of return on a high 
quality corporate bond of equivalent term and currency to the liability. The projected unit credit method is used to 
calculate scheme liabilities. The surplus or deficit on the scheme is carried in the Consolidated Statement of Financial 
Position as an asset or liability. Any asset resulting from this calculation is limited to the future economic benefits 
available in the form of a reduction in future contributions or a cash refund. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised 
immediately in equity through the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

The current service cost and past service cost of the scheme are charged to the Consolidated Income Statement.

Past service cost is recognised as an expense when plan amendments or curtailments occur.

(ii)  Defined Contribution Schemes

Costs arising in respect of the Group’s defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged to the Consolidated 
Income Statement in line with the service received. 

N)  CURRENCY

For the purpose of the Consolidated Financial Statements, the results and financial position of each Group company are 
expressed in euro, which is the functional currency of the Company, and the presentation currency for the Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

In preparing the Financial Statements of the individual companies, transactions in currencies other than the entity’s functional 
currency (foreign currencies) are recognised at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates of the transactions. At each 
balance sheet date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates 
prevailing at that date. Non-monetary items carried at fair value that are denominated in foreign currencies are translated at 
the rates prevailing at the date when the fair value was determined. 

On consolidation, the assets and liabilities of the Group’s non Euro-zone operations are translated at exchange rates prevailing 
on the reporting date. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates for the period unless exchange 
rates fluctuate significantly, in which case the exchange rates at the date of transactions are used. Exchange differences that 
are classified as equity are transferred to the translation reserve. Such translation differences are recognised as income or 
expense in the period in which the operation is disposed.

O)  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS AND LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLANS

The Group operates a long-term incentive plan based on market and non-market vesting conditions. The fair value of the 
market based awarded shares is determined at the date of grant using either the Black Scholes or Monte Carlo Simulation 
models. The fair value of the non-market based awarded shares is determined with reference to the share price of the Group at 
the date of grant. The cost is expensed in the Consolidated Income Statement over the vesting period at the conclusion of 
which the employees become unconditionally entitled to the options. The corresponding amount to the expense is credited to 
a separate reserve in the Consolidated Statement of Financial position. At each period end, the Group reviews its estimate of 
the number of options that it expects to vest and any adjustment relating to current and past vesting periods is brought to the 
Consolidated Income Statement. The share awards are all equity settled.

P)  TREASURY SHARES

Where any Group company purchases the Company’s equity share capital, the consideration paid is shown as a deduction from 
ordinary shareholders’ equity. Consideration received on the subsequent sale or issue of treasury shares is credited to ordinary 
shareholders’ equity. Treasury shares are excluded when calculating earnings per share.

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

77

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) 

Q) 

IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS

(i) 

Impairment of tangible and intangible assets

At each reporting date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine 
whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the 
recoverable amount of the asset is estimated to determine the extent of the revaluation loss, if any. Where the asset does 
not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash 
generating unit to which the asset belongs.

The recoverable amount is the higher of the fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the 
estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-taxation discount rate that reflects current 
market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash 
flows have not been adjusted.

If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the 
carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. A revaluation loss is 
recognised as an expense immediately, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the 
impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.

Where a revaluation loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to 
the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying 
amount that would have been determined had no revaluation loss been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) 
in prior years. A reversal of a revaluation loss, other than in relation to goodwill, is recognised as income immediately, 
unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the revaluation loss is treated as a 
revaluation increase.

(ii)   Impairment of financial assets

Financial assets, other than those at FVTPL (fair value through profit or loss), are assessed for indicators of revaluation at 
each reporting date. Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more 
events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial assets, the estimated future cash flows of the investment 
have been impacted. For listed and unlisted equity investments classified as Available for Sale (“AFS”), a significant or 
prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its cost is considered to be objective evidence of impairment.

For all other financial assets, objective evidence of impairment could include:

n	 significant financial difficulty of the issuer or counterparty; or

n	 default or delinquency in interest or principal payments; or

n	

it becoming probable that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or financial re-organisation.

For certain categories of financial asset, such as trade receivables, assets that are assessed not to be impaired individually 
are, in addition, assessed for impairment on a collective basis. 

For financial assets carried at amortised cost, the amount of the impairment is the difference between the asset’s 
carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the financial asset’s original 
effective interest rate.

The carrying amount of a financial asset is directly reduced by the impairment loss for all financial assets.

When an AFS financial asset is considered to be impaired, cumulative gains or losses previously recognised in the 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income are reclassified to the Consolidated Income Statement in the period.

78

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) 

With the exception of AFS equity instruments, if, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the 
decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the previously recognised 
impairment loss is reversed through the Consolidated Income Statement, to the extent that the carrying amount of the 
investment at the date the impairment is reversed does not exceed what the amortised cost would have been had the 
impairment not been recognised.

In respect of AFS equity securities, impairment losses previously recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement are not 
reversed through the Consolidated Income Statement. Any increase in fair value subsequent to an impairment loss is 
recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

R)  RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER COSTS

The costs of the fundamental restructuring of the Group’s operations, such as redundancy costs, provision for lease 
termination costs or other rationalisation costs, are charged to the Consolidated Income Statement when the decision to 
restructure is irrevocable and has been communicated to the parties involved. 

S)  FINANCIAL SERVICES INCOME

Financial services income comprises income earned from premium installment services and life, pension and investment 
broking.

T) 

 COMPOUND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Compound financial instruments issued by the Group comprise convertible notes that can be converted to share capital at the 
option of the holder, when the number of shares to be issued is fixed. 

The liability component of a compound financial instrument is recognised initially at the fair value of a similar liability that 
does not have an equity conversion option. The equity component is recognised initially at the difference between the fair 
value of the compound financial instrument as a whole and the fair value of the liability component. 

Subsequent to initial recognition, the liability component of a compound financial instrument is measured at amortised cost 
using the effective interest rate method. The equity component of a compound financial instrument is not remeasured 
subsequent to initial recognition. 

Interest relating to the financial liability is recognised in the income statement. On conversion, the financial liability is 
reclassified to equity and no gain or loss is recognised. 

U)  CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS IN APPLYING ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies adopted by the Group are set out on pages 70 to 79. In the application of these accounting 
policies, the Directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and 
liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. 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. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised 
in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future 
periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. 

The following are the key critical judgments and estimates that the Directors have made in the process of applying the Group’s 
accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the Financial Statements.

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

79

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) 

Claims provisions 
Claims provisions represent the estimation of the cost of claims outstanding under insurance contracts written. Actuarial 
techniques, based on statistical analysis of past experience, are used to calculate the estimated cost of claims outstanding at 
year end. Allowance is made for any changes or uncertainties that may cause the cost of unsettled claims to increase or reduce. 
At each reporting date liability adequacy tests are performed to ensure the adequacy of the liabilities. Any deficiency is 
recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement. Further details are set out in note 28 to the Financial Statements.

Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (“MIBI”) 
The Group estimates its obligation to pay its share of the MIBI levy call for the following financial year based on its share at the 
Irish Motor market in the previous year, and the Groups estimate of the likely levy call to be made by MIBI in the following 
twelve months. The Directors have reviewed the assumptions used in arriving at the MIBI provision and are satisfied that the 
assumptions used were appropriate. 

Deferred taxation 
Deferred taxation is the taxation expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of assets 
and liabilities in the Financial Statements and the corresponding taxation bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and 
is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred taxation liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable 
temporary differences and deferred taxation assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be 
available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. 

The carrying amount of deferred taxation assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no 
longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

Deferred taxation is measured at the taxation rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which the temporary 
differences are expected to reverse based on taxation rates and laws enacted or substantially enacted at the reporting date. 

The Directors have reviewed financial projections for the Group and are satisfied that there is sufficient evidence that there will 
be sufficient future taxable profits to utilise the losses forward. 

Recoverability of pension asset 
The Director have concluded that when all members have left the scheme, any surplus remaining would be returned to the 
Employers in accordance with the trust deed. As such the full economic benefit of the surplus under IAS19 is deemed available 
to the employer and is recognised in the statement of financial position.

Other critical judgements and estimates applied by the Directors include:

Property, plant & equipment 
Property held for own use in the supply of services or for administrative purposes is included in the Statement of Financial 
Position at fair value. Property valuations are affected by general economic and market conditions. The fair value of property 
held for own use is determined by valuations conducted at the reporting date by independent professional valuers, CB Richard 
Ellis, Valuation Surveyors. A decrease in the valuation of the property is charged as an expense to the Consolidated Income 
Statement to the extent that it exceeds the balance, if any, held in the revaluation reserve relating to previous revaluation of 
that asset. 

As properties are valued on a regular basis and the Group policy is to maintain them in a state of sound repair, depreciation is 
not provided on them. 

Depreciation is provided in respect of all plant and equipment and is calculated to write off the cost or valuation of the assets 
over their expected useful lives. The useful life of plant and equipment is estimated to be five to ten years dependent on the 
asset. Depreciation on assets in development commences when the assets are ready for their intended use.

80

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) 

The Directors have carried out an impairment review of the investment in a new policy administration system which was put 
into use in the current year. They have concluded that the asset will deliver economic benefits into the future and the present 
value of future cash flows from the asset will be sufficient to recover the carrying value of the asset.

Investment property 
Investment property, which is property held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation, is recognised initially at cost and 
stated in the Statement of Financial Position at fair value at the reporting date. The fair value of investment property in Ireland 
is determined by valuations conducted at the reporting date by qualified independent professional valuers, CB Richard Ellis, 
Valuation Surveyors. Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value are included in the Consolidated Income Statement 
for the period in which they arise. 

Reinsurance recoveries 
The Group spends substantial sums to purchase reinsurance protection from third parties and substantial claims recoveries 
from these reinsurers are included in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at the reporting date. A reinsurance 
asset (reinsurers’ share of claims outstanding and provision for unearned premium) is recognised to reflect the amount 
estimated to be recoverable under the reinsurance contracts in respect of the outstanding claims reported under insurance 
liabilities. The amount recoverable from reinsurers is initially valued on the same basis as the underlying claims provision. The 
amount recoverable is reduced when there is an event arising after the initial recognition that provides objective evidence that 
the Group may not receive all amounts due under the contract and the event has a reliably measurable impact on the expected 
amount that will be recoverable from the reinsurer. To minimise default exposure, the Group’s policy is that all reinsurers 
should have a credit rating of A- or better or have provided alternative satisfactory security.

Valuation of financial instruments  
As described in note 18, the Group uses valuation techniques that include inputs that are not based on observable market data 
to estimate the fair value of certain types of financial instruments. Note 18 provides detailed information about the key 
assumptions used in the determination of the fair value of financial instruments. The Directors believe that the chosen 
valuation techniques and assumptions used are appropriate in determining the fair value of financial instruments.

As described in note 30, the Group has determined fair value of the liability component of its convertible bond with reference 
to the fair value of a similar liability without an equity conversion option. The equity component has been calculated as the 
difference between the fair value of the financial instrument as a whole and the value of the liability component. The Directors 
believe that the valuation technique used and the classification of the components of the convertible bond between liability 
and equity are appropriate.

Deferred acquisition costs 
Deferred acquisition costs represent the proportion of net acquisition costs which are attributable to the unearned premiums. 
Acquisition costs comprise the direct and indirect costs of obtaining and processing new insurance business. These costs are 
recognised as a deferred acquisition cost asset and amortised on the same basis as the related premiums are earned, and are 
tested for impairment at 31 December each year. 

Note 40, Risk Management identifies the Group’s key sensitivity factors and tests the impact of a change in each one of these 
factors has on pre-taxation profit and shareholders’ equity. 

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

81

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

4 

SEGMENTAL INFORMATION

(a)  

Operating segments

The principal activities of the Group are underwriting of general insurance business and financial services.

For management purposes, the Group is organised in two operating segments - underwriting and financial services. These two 
segments are the basis upon which information is reported to the chief operating decision maker, the Group Chief Executive, 
for the purpose of resource allocation and assessment of segmental performance. Discrete financial information is prepared 
and reviewed on a regular basis for these two segments.

The following is an analysis of the Group’s revenue and results from continuing operations by reportable segments.

2016

Revenue 

Profit before taxation

Income taxation charge

Profit after taxation

Other information

Capital additions

Revaluation of other assets

Depreciation and amortisation

Statement of Financial Position

Segment assets

Segment liabilities

Underwriting 
€000s

Financial services 
€000s

388,461

9,102

(2,188)

6,914

12,104

1,520

10,769

8,542

2,340

(227)

2,113

9

-

26

Total 
€000s

397,003

11,442

(2,415)

9,027

12,113

1,520

10,795

1,256,614

1,029,471

12,869

11,541

1,269,483

1,041,012

82

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

4 

SEGMENTAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

(a)  

Operating segments (continued)

2015

Revenue 

(Loss)/profit before taxation

Income taxation (charge)/ credit

(Loss)/profit after taxation

Other information

Capital additions

Revaluation of other assets

Depreciation and amortisation

Statement of Financial Position

Segment assets

Segment liabilities

Underwriting 
€000s

389,255

(90,266)

10,925

(79,341)

18,185

3,625

8,274

(Restated) 
Financial 
services
€000s

12,634

4,361

352

4,713

(Restated) 
Total 
€000s

401,889

(85,905)

11,277

(74,628)

24

-

118

18,209

3,625

8,392

1,249,387

1,038,528

14,597

6,218

1,263,984

1,044,746

Included above in the current period is a net non-cash revaluation charge relating to investment property and property held for 
own use of €1,520,000 (2015: €3,625,000), all of which relates to the underwriting segment.

The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as the Group accounting policies. Segment profit represents 
the profit earned by each segment. Central administration costs and Directors’ salaries are allocated based on actual activity. 
Restructuring costs and income taxation are direct costs of each segment. Segment profit is the measure reported to the chief 
operating decision maker, the Group Chief Executive, for the purposes of resource allocation and assessment of segmental 
reporting.

In monitoring segment performance and allocating resources between segments:

n	 All assets are allocated to reportable segments. Assets used jointly by reportable segments are allocated on the basis of 

activity by each reportable segment; and

n	 All liabilities are allocated to reportable segments. Liabilities for which reportable segments are jointly liable are allocated 

in proportion to segment assets.

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

83

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

4 

SEGMENTAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

(a)  

Operating segments (continued)

An analysis of the Group’s revenue by product is as follows:

Direct insurance – motor

Direct insurance – fire and other damage to property

Direct insurance – liability

Direct insurance – interest and other revenue

Direct insurance – other

Financial services revenue

Total revenue

2016 
€000s

171,857

115,637

68,662

26,487

5,818

8,542

(Restated) 
2015 
€000s 

164,343

121,242

71,710

25,991

5,969

12,634

397,003

401,889

The Group’s customer base is diverse and it has no reliance on any major customer. Insurance risk is not concentrated on any 
one area or on any one line of business.

(b)  

Geographical segments

The Group’s operations are located in Ireland.

84

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

4 

SEGMENTAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

(c)  

Underwriting result

2016 
€000s

2016 
€000s

(Restated) 
2015 
€000s

(Restated) 
2015 
€000s

Earned premiums, net of reinsurance

Gross premium written

Outward reinsurance premiums

Net premium written

Change in provision for unearned premium

Gross amount

Reinsurers’ share

Change in net provision for unearned premium

361,799

(50,086)

311,713

(2,108)

(1,379)

(3,487)

363,263

(50,497)

312,766

1,066

(678)

388

Premium earned, net of reinsurance

308,226

313,154

Claims paid, net of recoveries from reinsurers

Claims paid

Gross amount

Reinsurers’ share

(240,634)

15,962

Claims paid, net of recoveries from reinsurers

(224,672)

Change in provision for claims

Gross amount

Reinsurers’ share

Change in insurance liabilities, net of 
reinsurance

Claims incurred net of reinsurance

Motor insurers bureau of Ireland levy

Management expenses

Deferred acquisition costs

Gross management expenses

Reinsurers share of expenses

Broker commissions payable

Net operating expenses

Underwriting result

(225,541)

14,991

(210,550)

(154,161)

23,451

(130,710)

(92,307)

(882)

(93,189)

12,799

(5,335)

(341,260)

(11,581)

2,652

4,510

7,162

(85,742)

(2,541)

(88,283)

11,660

(3,126)

(217,510)

(7,747)

(79,749)

3,220

(85,725)

(125,412)

Net claims incurred in 2016 were €217,510,000, down 36% on the net claims incurred of €341,260,000 in 2015 and one of the 
main contributors to the Groups return to profitability during the year. Included within claims incurred in 2015 was a 
€95,800,000 strengthening of prior year claims and the margin for uncertainty. Improved claims frequency and a reduction in 
exposure have also led to an improvement in net claims incurred. 2015 comparatives for the above note have been restated to 
include the Group’s share of the Motor Insurers bureau of Ireland levy within the underwriting result. 

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

85

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

4 

SEGMENTAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED) 

The Group’s reinsurance policy dictates that all of the Group’s reinsurers must have a credit rating of A- or better, or provide 
appropriate security. The impact of buying reinsurance was a charge to the Consolidated Income Statement of €19,332,000 
(2015: credit of €66,000).

(d) 

Underwriting management expenses

Employee benefit expense

Rent, rates, insurance and maintenance

Depreciation

Other

Total underwriting management expenses

(e) 

Financial services expenses   

Employee benefit expense

Rent, rates, insurance and maintenance

Depreciation

Other

Total financial services expenses

2016
€000s

48,394

6,561

10,769

20,018

85,742

2016
€000s

3,938

658

12

1,984

6,592

2015
€000s 

59,131

7,165

8,268

17,743

92,307

(Restated) 

2015
€000s 

5,456

1,603

124

1,947

9,130

86

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

 
 
 
5 

INVESTMENT INCOME 

Actual return

Interest and similar income

Income from investment properties

Realised profits on investments 

Dividend income

Revaluation of investment properties 

Unrealised loss on financial investments

Total investment income 

By Classification of investment

Deposits with banks

Investments held for trading

Investment properties

Available for sale investments

Total investment income 

2016
€000s

13,760

585

(1,746)

657

1,850

(6,768)

8,338

121

105

2,435

5,677

8,338

2015
€000s 

12,276

410

7,330

506

3,450

(3,712)

20,260

2,832

2,801

13,260

1,367

20,260

Interest and similar income received by the Group’s underwriting segment during the period was €14,223,000 (2015: €11,918,000).

6 

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER COSTS

Restructuring costs

2016
€000s

2,794

2015
€000s 

11,415

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

87

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

7 

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS 

Disposal of Subsidiary, including profit/(loss) to date of disposal (a)

Sale of Joint Venture, including share of profits to date of disposal (b)

2016
€000s

1,653

-

1,653

2015
€000s

393

668

1,061

(a) 

Disposal of Subsidiary

On 23 May 2016 the Group disposed of its 70% shareholding in the Passage East Ferry Company Limited. In line with the 
Group’s strategic objective to focus resources on its insurance underwriting business, the Passage East Ferry Company was 
considered a non-core asset and was therefore disposed, with the proceeds of sale being reinvested within the business.

Profit on Sale:

Consideration received

Less carrying value of the investment

Less share of costs associated with the sale

Profit on the sale of subsidiary

Result for the Period:

Financial services income

Financial services expenses

(Loss)/profit before taxation

Income taxation charge

(Loss)/profit for the period to date of disposal/year

Result for financial year including profit on the sale

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent

Non-controlling interests

Result for financial year including profit on the sale

2016 
€000s

2,662

(583)

(163)

1,916

420

(501)

(81)

(182)

(263)

1,653

1,732

(79)

1,653

2015 
€000s

-

-

-

-

1,643

(1,196)

447

(54)

393

393

275

118

393

(b) 

Sale of Joint Venture 

On 24 August 2015, the Group announced it had entered a conditional agreement with Farmer Business Developments plc, its 
joint venture partner in FBD Property & Leisure Limited, for the sale of its 50% shareholding to them and the redemption of its 
loan notes in the business. Farmer Business Developments plc is the Group’s largest shareholder. The sale was approved by 
shareholders on 23 October 2015.

The key benefits of the disposal were:

n	

n	

n	

the disposal enabled the Group to focus its resources on insurance underwriting, its core strategic business;

this divestment significantly reduced the Group’s exposure to fluctuations in property values; and

the proceeds were used by the Group to subscribe for additional equity capital in the its core general insurance 
underwriting subsidiary, FBD Insurance plc, thereby increasing capital reserves in FBD Insurance plc and providing it an 
additional capital buffer prior to the introduction of the Solvency II regime from January 2016.

88

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

7 

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

(b) 

Sale of Joint Venture (continued)

Consideration received

Less investment in Joint Venture

Less costs associated with the sale

Loss on the sale of the Joint Venture

Share of profits for the period to date of disposal

Result for financial year including loss on the sale

8 

PROFIT/(LOSS) BEFORE TAXATION

2016
€000s

48,500

(48,628)

(665)

(793)

1,461

668

Profit/(Loss) before taxation has been stated after charging: 
Depreciation 

2016
€000s

2015
€000s 

10,795

8,392

The remuneration of the Directors is set out in detail in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration on pages 39 to 47.

9 

INFORMATION RELATING TO AUDITOR’S REMUNERATION

An analysis of fees payable to the statutory audit firm is as follows:

Description of service

Audit of individual accounts

Other assurance services

Taxation advisory services

Other non-audit services

Auditors remuneration

2016

2015

Company
€000s

Group
€000s

Company
€000s

Group
€000s

60

-

-

-

60

320

100

-

-

420

93

118

82

40

333

211

75

166

40

492

Fees payable by the Company are included with the fees payable by the Group in each category.

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

89

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

10 

STAFF COSTS AND NUMBERS

The average number of full time equivalent persons employed by the Group by reportable segment was as follows:

Underwriting

Financial services

Total

The aggregate employee benefit expense was as follows: 

Wages and salaries 

Social welfare costs 

Pension costs

Share based payments

Total employee benefit expense

11 

INCOME TAXATION CHARGE

Irish corporation taxation

Adjustments in respect of prior financial years

Current taxation charge

Deferred taxation (debit)/credit

Income taxation (charge)/credit

2016

859

38

897

2016
€000s

42,536

4,855

4,453

488

52,332

2016
€000s

(10)

(910)

(920)

(1,495)

(2,415)

2015

967

56

1,023

2015
€000s

52,262

5,514

7,014

(203)

64,587

(Restated)
2015
€000s

328

(185)

143

11,134

11,277

90

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

 
11 

INCOME TAXATION CHARGE (CONTINUED)

The taxation charge in the Consolidated Income Statement is higher than the standard rate of corporation taxation in Ireland. 
The differences are explained below: 

(Restated)
2015
€000s

(85,905)

(10,738)

(152)

(657)

85

185

(11,277)

13.1%

2015
€000s 

(1,989)

698

Profit/(loss) before taxation

Corporation taxation charge at standard rate of 12.5% (2015: 12.5%)

Effects of:

Differences between capital allowances for period and depreciation

Non-taxable income/unrealised gains/losses not 

chargeable/deductible for taxation purposes

Higher rates of taxation on other income

Adjustments in respect of prior years

Income taxation charge/(credit)

Taxation as a percentage of profit/(loss) before taxation

2016
€000s

11,442

1,430

-

65

10

910

2,415

21.1%

In addition to the amount charged to the Consolidated Income Statement, the following taxation amounts have been 
recognised directly in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income:

Deferred taxation

Actuarial loss/(gain) on retirement benefit obligations

(Gain)/loss on available for sale investments

2016
€000s

1,529

(1,296)

Total income taxation recognised directly in the Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income

(1,246)

(1,291)

12 

LOSS FOR THE YEAR

The Company’s loss for the financial year determined in accordance with IFRS, as adopted by the European Union, is €1,725,000 
(2015: profit of €1,824,000 (restated)). 

In accordance with section 304 of the Companies Act 2014 the Company is availing of the exemption from presenting its 
individual Income Statement to the Annual General Meeting and from filing it with the Registrar of Companies. 

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

91

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

13 

EARNINGS/(LOSS) PER €0.60 ORDINARY SHARE

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to the ordinary shareholders is based on the following 
data:

Earnings

Profit/(loss) for the year

Non-controlling interests loss/(profit)

Preference dividends

Profit/loss for the purpose of basic and diluted earnings per share 

Adjustments to exclude profit for the year from discontinued operations

2016
€000s

Restated
2015
€000s

10,680

(73,567)

79

-

10,759

(1,653)

(118)

(169)

(73,854)

(1,061)

Profit/(loss) from continued operations for the purpose of basic and diluted earnings 
per share excluding discontinued operations

9,106

(74,915)

Number of shares

2016

2015

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purpose of basic earnings per 
share (excludes treasury shares)

34,654,611

34,648,122

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purpose of diluted earnings per 
share (excludes treasury shares)

34,782,247

34,648,122

From continuing operations

Basic earnings/(loss) per share 

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share

From discontinued operations

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Cent

26

26

Cent

5

5

Cent

(216)

(216)

Cent

3

3

92

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

14 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Cost or valuation

At 1 January 2015

Additions

At 1 January 2016

Additions

Disposals

Disposal of subsidiary

At 31 December 2016

Comprising:

At cost

At valuation

At 31 December 2016

Accumulated depreciation and revaluation

At 1 January 2015

Depreciation charge for the year

Revaluations

At 1 January 2016

Depreciation charge for the year

Elimination on disposal

Revaluations 

Disposal of subsidiary

At 31 December 2016

Carrying amount  
At 31 December 2016

At 31 December 2015

Property held for
own use 
€000s

Plant and 
equipment 
€000s

Total property 
plant and 
equipment
€000s

20,975

100

21,075

-

(80)

-

127,165

18,109

145,274

12,113

(1,863)

(1,732)

148,140

18,209

166,349

12,113

(1,943)

(1,732)

20,995

153,792

174,787

-

153,792

20,995

20,995

-

153,792

153,792

20,995

174,787

Property held for
own use 
€000s

Plant and 
equipment 
€000s

Total property 
plant and 
equipment
€000s

4,900

-

(175)

4,725

-

-

330

-

5,055

15,940

16,350

80,615

8,392

-

89,007

10,795

(1,861)

-

(1,203)

96,738

57,054

56,267

85,515

8,392

(175)

93,732

10,795

(1,861)

330

(1,203)

101,793

72,994

72,617

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

93

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

14 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (CONTINUED)

Property held for own use

Property held for own use at 31 December 2016 and 2015 were valued at fair value which is determined by independent 
external professional valuers CB Richard Ellis, Valuation Surveyors. The valuers confirm that the properties have been valued 
by a valuer who is qualified for the purpose of the valuation in accordance with RICS Valuation – Professional Standards 2012 
(Red Book).

The valuation report states that the valuations have been prepared on the basis of “Market Value” which is defined in the report 
as “the estimated amount for which an asset or liability should exchange on valuation date between a willing buyer and a willing seller 
in an arm’s-length transaction, after proper marketing where the parties had each acted knowledgeably, prudently and without 
compulsion”. The report also states that the market value “has been primarily derived using comparable recent market transactions 
on arm’s length terms”. It also states that the properties have been valued individually and no account taken of any discount or 
premium that may be negotiated in the market if all or part of the portfolio was to be marketed simultaneously either as lots or 
as a whole.

The valuers state that they made various assumptions as to tenure, letting and town planning, condition and repair of buildings 
and sites, including ground and groundwater contamination. They have determined market value using a range of capital 
values per square metre based on appropriate local evidence. The valuer states that they have not viewed any tenancy 
agreements and have assumed for the purposes of valuation that the properties (with the exception of FBD House, Naas Road, 
Dublin 12) are subject to vacant possession. 

The Directors believe that the market value, determined by independent professional valuers is not materially different to fair 
value.

Had the property been carried at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated revaluation losses, their 
carrying amount would have been as follows:

Property held for own use

2016
€000s

14,886

2015
€000s

14,966

The most significant investment in plant and equipment over the past two years was in the underwriting policy administration 
system.

Fair value hierarchy disclosures required by IFRS13 Fair Value Measurement have been included in Note 18, Financial 
Instruments and Fair Value Measurement.

94

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

 
15 

INVESTMENT PROPERTY

Fair value of investment property

At 1 January

Fair value movement during the year

Sale of investment property

Effect of movement in foreign exchange

At 31 December

2016
€000s

14,550

1,850

-

-

16,400

2015
€000s

19,959

3,450

(9,344)

485

14,550

The investment property held for rental in Ireland was valued at fair value at 31 December 2016 and at 31 December 2015 by 
independent external professional valuers, CB Richard Ellis, Valuation Surveyors. The valuation was prepared in accordance 
with the RICS Valuation – Professional Standards 2012 (Red Book). The valuers confirm that they have sufficient current local 
and national knowledge of the particular property market involved and have skills and understanding to undertake the 
valuations competently.

The valuation statement received from the external professional valuers state that the valuations have been prepared on the 
basis of “Market Value” which they define as “the estimated amount for which a property should exchange on the date of valuation 
between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm’s-length transaction after proper marketing wherein the parties had each acted 
knowledgeably, prudently and without compulsion”. The valuer also states that landlord’s fixtures such as central heating and 
other normal service installations have been treated as an integral part of the building and are included within the valuation 
while process plant and machinery, tenants’ fixtures and specialist trade fittings have been excluded. Assumptions have been 
made that the property is not contaminated and is not adversely affected by any existing or proposed environmental law. In the 
absence of any information to the contrary, it has been assumed that there are no abnormal ground conditions nor 
archaeological remains, the property is free from rot, infestation, structural or latent defect, no hazardous materials or suspect 
techniques have been used in the construction or alteration and the services are in working order and free from defects.

The Directors believe that market value, determined by independent external professional valuers, is not materially different to 
the fair value.

There was an increase in the fair value in 2016 of €1,850,000 (2015: €3,450,000).

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

95

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

15 

INVESTMENT PROPERTY (CONTINUED)

The rental income earned by the Group from its investment properties amounted to €815,000 (2015: €1,419,000).  
Direct operating costs associated with investment properties amounted to €240,000 (2015: €1,009,000).

The historical cost of investment property is as follows:

Historical cost at 1 January 

Disposals

Historical cost at 31 December

Non-cancellable operating lease receivables

Not longer than 1 year

Longer than 1 year and not longer than 5 years

Total non-cancellable operating lease receivables

2016
€000s

20,080

-

20,080

2016
€000s

797

4,107

4,904

2015
€000s

22,266

(2,186)

20,080

2015
€000s

797

4,904

5,701

Fair value hierarchy disclosures require by IFRS13 Fair Value Measurement have been included in Note 18, Financial Instruments 
and Fair Value Measurement.

16 

LOANS

Other loans

Total loans

2016
€000s

732

732

2015
€000s

832

832

Fair value hierarchy disclosures required by IFRS13 Fair Value Measurement have been included in Note 18, Financial 
Instruments and Fair Value Measurement.

96

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

17 

DEFERRED TAXATION ASSET

Unrealised
 losses on
 investments 
& loans
€000s

Retirement 
benefit asset
€000s

Accelerated 
capital 
allowances
€000s

Insurance 
Contracts
€000s

Losses 
carried
 forward 
€000s

At 1 January 2015

6,782

(2,539)

1,329

Credited to the Consolidated Statement 
of Comprehensive Income

(Debited)/credited to Consolidated 
Income Statement

-

-

Reclassified to deferred taxation liability

(6,782)

At 31 December 2015

Debited to the Consolidated 
Statement of Comprehensive Income

Debited to Consolidated Income 
Statement

Reclassified to deferred taxation 
liability

At 31 December 2016

-

-

-

-

-

698

2,538

-

697

-

(1,743)

1,046

-

Total
€000s

5,572

698

-

-

-

-

-

15,826

18,226

(4,575)

-

(11,357)

(4,575)

15,826

13,139

-

-

-

1,830

(2,061)

(1,951)

-

-

1,046

-

(138)

-

1,191

-

23

-

1,214

(2,745)

13,780

12,234

A deferred taxation asset of €13,780,000 (2015: €15,826,000) has been recognised in respect of losses carried forward. The 
Directors have considered and are satisfied that the deferred taxation asset will be fully recoverable against future taxable profits.

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

97

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

18 

(a) 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

Financial Instruments

Financial Assets 

At Amortised Cost:

Deposits with banks

At fair value:

Loans

Other receivables

Investments held for trading 

Available for sale investments

At Cost:

Cash and cash equivalents

Financial Liabilities 

At Amortised Cost:

Convertible debt (note 30)

At Fair Value:

Payables

2016 
€000s

2015 
€000s

236,897

371,333

732

62,770

90,302

629,498

832

59,506

94,375

489,837

26,561

22,244

51,136

50,036

49,100

54,054

98

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

18 

(b) 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (CONTINUED)

Fair value measurement

The following table compares the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities with their carrying values:

Assets

Loans

Investment property

Property held for own use

Financial Assets

Investments held for trading

Available for sale investments

Deposits with banks

Cash & cash equivalents

Liabilities

Convertible debt

Assets

Loans

Investment property

Property held for own use

Financial Assets

Investments held for trading

Available for sale investments

Deposits with banks

Cash & cash equivalents

Liabilities

Convertible debt

2016 
Fair value 
€000s

2016 
Carrying value 
€000s

878

16,400

15,940

90,302

629,498

236,897

26,561

732

16,400

15,940

90,302

629,498

236,897

26,561

54,880

51,136

2015 
Fair value 
€000s

2015 
Carrying value 
€000s

998

14,550

16,350

94,375

489,837

371,333

22,244

832

14,550

16,350

94,375

489,837

371,333

22,244

50,036

50,036

The exemption from disclosing the fair value of short term receivables has been availed of. 

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

99

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

18 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (CONTINUED)

Certain financial instruments are measured in the statement of financial position at fair value using a fair value hierarchy of 
valuation inputs. The following table provides an analysis of financial instruments that are measured subsequent to initial 
recognition at fair value, grouped into Levels 1 to 3 based on the degree to which the fair value is observable.

Level 1  Fair value measurements derived from quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2  Fair value measurements derived from inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable  

for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).

Level 3  Fair value measurements derived from valuation techniques that include inputs for the asset or liability that are not  
based on observable market data (unobservable inputs). Among the valuation techniques used are cost, net asset or  
net book value or the net present value of future cash flows based on conservative operating projections.

Investments held for trading - quoted shares

24,188

2016

Assets

Loans

Investment property

Property held for own use

Financial assets

Investments held for trading - quoted debt 
securities

Investments held for trading - UCITs

AFS investments - quoted debt securities

AFS investments - unquoted investments

Deposits with banks

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Liabilities

Convertible debt

Total liabilities

Level 1 
€000s

Level 2 
€000s

Level 3 
€000s

-

-

-

878

16,400

15,940

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

41,956

24,158

628,654

-

236,897

26,561

982,414

Total 
€000s

878

16,400

15,940

24,188

41,956

24,158

628,654

844

236,897

26,561

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

844

-

-

33,668

844

1,016,926

-

-

51,136

51,136

-

-

51,136

51,136

100

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

 
 
 
18 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (CONTINUED)

Investments held for trading - quoted shares

25,671

2015

Assets

Loans

Investment property

Property held for own use

Financial assets

Investments held for trading - quoted debt 
securities

Investments held for trading - UCITs

AFS investments - quoted debt securities

AFS investments - unquoted investments

Deposits with banks

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Liabilities

Convertible debt

Total liabilities

Level 1 
€000s

Level 2 
€000s

Level 3 
€000s

-

-

-

998

14,550

16,350

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

44,082

24,622

488,993

-

371,333

22,244

976,945

31,898

844

1,009,687

-

-

50,036

50,036

Total 
€000s

998

14,550

16,350

25,671

44,082

24,622

488,993

844

371,333

22,244

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

844

-

-

-

-

2016
€000s

844

-

-

-

844

50,036

50,036

2015
€000s

948

-

(103)

(1)

844

A reconciliation of Level 3 fair value measurement of financial assets is shown in the table below: 

At 1 January

Additions

Disposals

Unrealised (losses)/gains recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement

At 31 December

Available for sale investments grouped into Level 3 comprise unquoted securities and consist of a number of small 
investments. The values attributable to these investments are derived from a number of valuation techniques including the net 
present value of future cash flows based on conservative operating projections. A change in one or more of these inputs could 
have an impact on valuations. The maximum exposure the Group has in relation to Level 3 valued financial assets is €844,000 
(2015: €844,000). The Directors’ do not consider it necessary to provide a sensitivity analysis on financial investments grouped 
into Level 3 as they do not consider them material.

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

101

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

19 

CURRENT TAXATION ASSET

Income taxation receivable 

2016
€000s

4,162

2015
€000s

8,813

20  DEFERRED ACQUISITION COSTS

The movements in deferred acquisition costs during the financial year were: 

At 1 January

Net acquisition costs released during the year

At 31 December

2016
€000s

27,545

(2,541)

25,004

All deferred acquisition costs are expected to be recovered within one year from 31 December 2016.

21 

OTHER RECEIVABLES

Policyholders

Intermediaries

Other debtors

Accrued interest and rent

Prepayments and accrued income

Total other receivables

2016
€000s

42,283

4,093

8,570

379

7,445

62,770

2015
€000s

28,427

(882)

27,545

2015
€000s

40,154

3,447

7,630

1,650

6,625

59,506

Receivables arising out of direct insurance operations are considered by the Directors to have low credit risk and therefore no 
provision for bad or doubtful debts has been made. There is no significant concentration of risk in receivables arising out of 
direct insurance operations or any other activities.

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of receivables is approximate to their fair value. All receivables are due within 
one year and none are past due.

102

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

22 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Demand deposits*

Cash in hand

Total cash and cash equivalents

*There are no restrictions on the use of demand deposits.

23 

CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL PRESENTED AS EQUITY

2016
€000s

24,938

1,623

26,561

2015
€000s

21,034

1,210

22,244

Number

2016
€000s

2015
€000s

(i) Ordinary shares of €0.60 each

Authorised:

At the beginning and the end of the year

51,326,000

30,796

30,796

Issued and fully paid:

At the beginning and the end of the year

35,461,206

21,277

21,277

(ii) ‘A’ Ordinary shares of €0.01 each

Authorised:

At the beginning and the end of the year

120,000,000

1,200

1,200

Issued and fully paid:

At the beginning and the end of the year

13,169,428

132

132

Total – issued and fully paid

21,409

21,409

The ‘A’ ordinary shares of €0.01 each are non-voting. They are non-transferable except only to the Company. Other than a right 
to a return of paid up capital of €0.01 per ‘A’ ordinary share in the event of a winding up, the ‘A’ ordinary shares have no right to 
participate in the capital or the profits of the Company.

The holders of the two classes of non-cumulative preference shares rank ahead of the two classes of ordinary shares in the 
event of a winding up (see note 26). Before any dividend can be declared on the ordinary shares of €0.60 each, the dividend on 
the non-cumulative preference shares must firstly be declared or paid.

The number of ordinary shares of €0.60 each held as treasury shares at the beginning (and the maximum number held during 
the year) was 813,084 (2015: 813,084). 18,079 ordinary shares were re-issued from treasury during the year under the FBD 
Performance Share Plan. The number of ordinary shares of €0.60 each held as treasury shares at the end of the year was 
795,005 (2015: 813,084). This represented 2.2% (2015: 2.3%) of the shares of this class in issue and had a nominal value of 
€477,003 (2015: €498,055). There were no ordinary shares of €0.60 each purchased by the Company during the year. 

 The weighted average number of ordinary shares of €0.60 each in the earnings per share calculation has been reduced by the 
number of such shares held in treasury.

All issued shares have been fully paid.

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

103

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

24 

CAPITAL RESERVES

(a) 

GROUP

Share
premium
€000s

Capital 
conversion
reserve
€000s

Capital 
redemption
reserve
€000s

Balance at 1 January 2015

Recognition of share-based payments

Balance at 31 December 2015

Recognition of share-based payments

Balance at 31 December 2016

5,540

-

5,540

-

5,540

1,627

-

1,627

-

1,627

4,426

-

4,426

-

4,426

(b)  

COMPANY

Share
premium
€000s

Capital 
conversion
reserve
€000s

Capital 
redemption
reserve
€000s

Balance at 1 January 2015

Recognition of share-based payments

Balance at 31 December 2015

Recognition of share-based payments

Balance at 31 December 2016

5,540

-

5,540

-

5,540

1,627

-

1,627

-

1,627

4,426

-

4,426

-

4,426

Share 
option
reserve
€000s

7,163

(203)

6,960

488

7,448

Share 
option
reserve
€000s

7,163

(203)

6,960

488

7,448

Total
Group
€000s

18,756

(203)

18,553

488

19,041

Total
Company
€000s

18,756

(203)

18,553

488

19,041

The capital conversion reserve arose on the redenomination of Company’s ordinary shares, 14% non-cumulative preference 
shares and 8% non-cumulative preference shares of IR£0.50 each into ordinary shares, 14% non-cumulative preference shares 
and 8% non-cumulative preference shares of 63.4869 cent. Each such share was then renominalised to an ordinary or a 
non-cumulative preference share of €0.60, an amount equal to the reduction in the issued share capital being transferred to 
the capital conversion reserve fund.

Capital redemption reserve arose on the buyback and cancellation of issued share capital.

Share option reserve arose on the recognition of share-based payments.

104

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

25 

RETAINED EARNINGS

Balance at 1 January 2015

Net loss for the financial year

Dividends paid and approved

Balance at 31 December 2015

Net profit for the financial year

Reissue of ordinary shares

Balance at 31 December 2016

26 

PREFERENCE SHARE CAPITAL

Authorised: 

At the beginning and the end of the year

14% Non-cumulative preference shares of €0.60 each

8% Non-cumulative preference shares of €0.60 each

Number

1,340,000

12,750,000

Issued and fully paid: 

At the beginning and the end of the year

14% Non-cumulative preference shares of €0.60 each

8% Non-cumulative preference shares of €0.60 each

1,340,000

3,532,292

2016
€000s

804

7,650

8,454

804

2,119

2,923

€000s

230,444

(60,824)

(11,950)

157,670

9,130

66

166,866

2015
€000s

804

7,650

8,454

804

2,119

2,923

The rights attaching to each class of share capital are set out in the Company’s Articles of Association. In the event of the 
Company being wound up, the holders of the 14% non-cumulative preference shares rank ahead of the holders of the 8% 
non-cumulative preference shares, who in turn, rank ahead of the holders of both the ‘A’ ordinary shares of €0.01 each and the 
holders of the ordinary shares of €0.60 each.

27  NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS

At 1 January

Share of result for the financial year

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

Disposal of subsidiary undertaking

At 31 December

2016
€000s

451

(79)

(120)

(252)

-

2015
€000s

483

118

(150)

-

451

On 23 May 2016 the Group disposed of its 70% shareholding in the Passage East Ferry Company Limited. In line with the Group’s 
strategic objective to focus resources on its insurance underwriting business, the Passage East Ferry Company was considered a 
non-core asset and was therefore disposed, with the proceeds of sale being reinvested within the business (see note 7).

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

105

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FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

107

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

28 

CLAIMS OUTSTANDING (CONTINUED)

(b)  

Net Claims Outstanding 2016 (continued)

Full provision, net of reinsurance recoveries, is made at the reporting date for the estimated cost of claims incurred but not 
settled, including claims incurred but not yet reported and expenses to be incurred after the reporting date in settling those 
claims. The Group takes all reasonable steps to ensure that it has appropriate information regarding notified claims and uses 
this information when estimating the cost of those claims.

The Group uses estimation techniques, based on statistical analysis of past experience, to calculate the estimated cost of 
claims outstanding at the year end. It is assumed that the development pattern of the current claims will be consistent with 
previous experience. Allowance is made, however, for any changes or uncertainties that may cause the cost of unsettled claims 
to increase or reduce. These changes or uncertainties may arise from issues such as the effects of inflation, changes in the mix 
of business or the legal environment.

At each reporting date, liability adequacy tests are performed to ensure the adequacy of the insurance liabilities. In performing 
these tests, current best estimates of future cash flows and claims handling and administration expenses are used. Any 
deficiency is immediately recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement.

(c) 

Reconciliation of claims outstanding

Balance at 1 January 2015 – restated 

Change in provision for claims

Balance at 31 December 2015 

Change in provision for claims

Balance at 31 December 2016

(d) 

Reconciliation of provision for unearned premium

The following changes have occurred in the provision for unearned premium during the year:

Balance at 1 January

Net premium written

Net premium earned

Changes in provision for unearned premium – reinsurers’ share

Provision for unearned premium at 31 December

Gross
€000s

593,983

154,161

748,144

Net
€000s

552,683

130,710

683,393

(2,654)

(7,163)

745,490

676,230

2016
€000s

178,584

311,713

(308,226)

(1,379)

180,692

2015
€000s

179,650

312,766

(313,154)

(678)

178,584

108

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

28 

CLAIMS OUTSTANDING (CONTINUED)

(e)  

Reconciliation of reinsurance assets

Balance at 1 January 2015

Movement during year

Balance at 31 December 2015

Movement during year

Balance at 31 December 2016

29  OTHER PROVISIONS

Balance at 1 January 

Provision for MIBI levy

Levy paid

Balance at 31 December

Claims 
outstanding
€000s

41,300

23,451

64,751

4,509

69,260

2016
€000s

10,938

7,747

(7,438)

11,247

Unearned 
premium 
reserve
€000s

16,011

(678)

15,332

(1,378)

13,954

 2015
€000s

7,920

11,581

(8,563)

10,938

The share of the Group’s Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland “MIBI” levy is based on its estimated market share in the current 
year at the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position date.

30 

CONVERTIBLE DEBT

Financial liabilities carried at amortised cost comprise convertible notes. 

Balance at 1 January 

Proceeds from issue of convertible notes (net of costs)

Amount classified as equity

Amortised during the year

Balance at 31 December

2016
€000s

50,036

-

-

1,100

51,136

 2015
€000s

-

68,232

(18,232)

36

50,036

On 23 September 2015, FBD Insurance plc issued a non-convertible bond of €70,000,000 carrying an interest rate of 11.66%.  
On 30 December 2015, following shareholder approval, this non-convertible bond was replaced with convertible notes. The 
convertible notes carry an interest rate of 7% and are convertible into equity of FBD Holdings plc at a conversion price of €8.50 
per share. They are convertible at any time between 23 September 2018 and 23 September 2025 at the option of the holder.  
A mandatory conversion of the notes occurs if the 30 day volume weighted average price of FBD holdings plc exceeds  
€8.50 for 180 days after 23 September 2018. On conversion, 8,235,294 new shares will be issued to the holder. 

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

109

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

30 

CONVERTIBLE DEBT (CONTINUED)

Unconverted notes will become repayable on 23 September 2025. The carrying value of the notes has been determined with 
reference to the fair value of a similar liability without an equity conversion option. The equity component is recognised initially 
at the difference between the fair value of the convertible note as a whole and the fair value of the liability component. Interest 
costs associated with the Convertible Bond totalling €6,156,000 (2015: €1,357,000) were incurred during the financial year. On 
initial recognition, €18,232,000 was recognised in equity and included in other reserves. 

31 

RETIREMENT BENEFIT ASSET

Defined Contribution Pension 

The Group operates defined contribution retirement benefit plans for qualifying employees who opt to join. The assets of the 
plans are held separately from those of the Group in funds under the control of Trustees. The Group recognised an expense of 
€4,132,626 (2015: €1,600,711) relating to these pension schemes during the year ended 31 December 2016. 

Defined Benefit Pension 

The Group also operates a legacy funded defined benefit retirement pension scheme for certain qualifying employees. This 
scheme was closed to new members in 2005 and closed to future accrual during 2015. The defined benefit pension scheme is 
administered by a separate Trustee Company that is legally separated from the entity. The Trustee Company, who is responsible 
for ensuring compliance with the Pensions Act 1990 and other relevant legislation, is composed of representatives from both 
the employers and current and former employees. The Trustees are required by law and by its articles of association to act in 
the interest of the fund and of all relevant stakeholders in the scheme, i.e. deferred members, retirees and employers. They are 
responsible for the investment policy with regard to the assets of the scheme. 

During 2015 the Group completed a review of the defined benefit pension scheme with the primary goal to reduce the IAS19 
deficit and the inherent volatility of the scheme. The outcome of the review was as follows:

n	 The defined benefit pension scheme ceased for future accrual of benefits

n	 The link to future salary increases was replaced with deferred pension increases

n	 FBD will no longer fund for future discretionary pension increases

n	 Current employees within the Scheme were offered membership in a new defined contribution arrangement for future service.

n	 Current Employees within the Scheme were provided with the option to take an enhanced transfer value (“ETV”) of their 

past benefits into the new defined contribution scheme. A significant majority took up this option.

n	 The investments in the scheme were significantly de-risked to reduce the volatility of the scheme and the IAS19 balance 

sheet position in the future.

During 2016, the Group made an enhanced transfer value offer to deferred members of the scheme. 

Under the defined benefit pension scheme, qualifying employees are entitled to retirement benefits of 1/60th of final salary for 
each year of service on attainment of a retirement age of 65. A full actuarial valuation of the defined benefit pension scheme 
was carried out on 1 July 2013, using the projected unit credit method, and the minimum funding standard was updated to 31 
December 2016 by the schemes’ independent and qualified actuary and confirms that the Scheme continues to satisfy the 
minimum funding standard. The next full actuarial valuation of the scheme is expected to be completed by 31 March 2017 
(once the enhanced transfer value exercise is complete) with a valuation date of 1 July 2016. 

The long-term investment objective of the Trustees and the Group is to limit the risk of the assets failing to meet the liabilities 
of the scheme over the long term., and to maximise returns consistent with an acceptable level of risk so as to control the 
long-term costs of the scheme. To meet these objectives, the scheme’s assets are primarily invested in bonds with a smaller 
level of investment in diversified growth funds and property. These reflect the current long-term asset allocation ranges, having 
regard to the structure of liabilities within the scheme. The scheme typically exposes the Group to actuarial risks such as: 
investment risk, interest rate risk, longevity risk and salary inflation risk.

110

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

31 

RETIREMENT BENEFIT ASSET (CONTINUED)

(a)  

Assumptions used to calculate scheme liabilities

Inflation rate increase

Salary rate increase

Pension payment increase

Discount rate

2016
%

1.70*

N/A**

0.00

1.70

* Inflation assumed to be 0% p.a. for the next 2 years from 2015 and 1.70% p.a. thereafter.
** No longer applicable as the scheme closed to future accrual with removal of salary link at 30 September 2015.

(b)   Mortality Assumptions

The average life expectancy of current and future retirees used in the scheme at age 
65 is as follows: 

Male

Female

2016
Years

21.2

23.7

2015
%

1.50*

N/A**

0.00

2.40

2015
Years

21.0

23.6

The weighted average duration of the expected benefit payments from the scheme is circa 17 years.

The basis used to calculate the discount rate was reviewed in 2012. 

During 2011, the Finance (No. 2) Act introduced an annual levy of 0.6% on the market value of assets held in pension schemes 
in Ireland from 2011 to 2013, .75% for 2014 and .15% for 2015. The levy was payable on the value of assets at 30 June or the 
previous year end date. The levy for 2016 was €nil (2015: €210,048).

The basis used to determine the expected return on plan assets is the money weighted rate of return achieved on the asset 
values used for the purpose of calculating the long-term funding rate. The actual return on the scheme assets for the year was 
a gain of €5,156,000 (2015: €6,275,000). 

(c) 

Consolidated Income Statement

(Credited)/charged to Consolidated Income Statement:

Service cost: employer’s part of current service cost 

Past service gains

Gain on curtailments and settlement

Net interest (credit)/expense

Costs associated with curtailment

Credited to Consolidated Income Statement

2016
€000s

493

-

(7,571)

(173)

357

(6,894)

2015
€000s

4,220

(11,010)

(18,430)

870

1,100

(23,250)

Charges to the Consolidated Income Statement have been included in other underwriting and financial services expenses 
while the credit of €7,214,000 (2015: €28,340,000) the curtailment has been reflected separately. 

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

111

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

31 

RETIREMENT BENEFIT ASSET (CONTINUED)

(d)  

Analysis of amount recognised in Group Statement of Comprehensive Income

Net actuarial losses/(gains) in the year due to:

- 

 Changes in financial and demographic assumptions

-  Experience adjustments on benefit obligations

Actual return on plan assets less interest on plan assets

Actuarial loss/(gain)

Deferred taxation (credit)/debit

Actuarial loss/(gain) net of deferred taxation

(e)  

History of experience gains and losses

Present value of defined benefit obligations

Fair value of plan assets

Net pension (asset)/liability

Experience gains and losses on scheme liabilities

2016
€000s

90,887

99,602

(8,715)

(266)

2016
€000s

14,394

266

(2,427)

12,233

(1,529)

10,704

2015
€000s

(13,060)

401

(3,255)

(15,914)

1,989

(13,925)

2015
€000s

2014
€000s

2013
€000s

2012
€000s

106,490

195,669

158,769

149,520

115,600

(9,110)

(401)

141,415

54,254

1,786

130,231

28,538

3,406

2,851

118,754

30,766

1,660

(9,345)

Actuarial (loss)/gain

(12,233)

15,914

(25,058)

The cumulative charge to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income is € 77,614,000 (2015: €84,508,000).

(f)  

Assets in scheme at market value

Bonds

Property

Managed funds

Cash deposits and other

Scheme assets

Actuarial value of liabilities

Net pension asset

2016
€000s

71,508

8,334

19,139

621

99,602

(90,887)

8,715

2015
€000s

76,730

7,530

27,190

4,150

115,600

(106,490)

9,110

The assets are part of unitised funds which have a broad geographical and industry type spread with no significant 
concentration in any one geographical or industry type. These unitised funds are managed by six investment managers.

112

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

31 

RETIREMENT BENEFIT ASSET (CONTINUED)

(g)  Movement in net surplus/(deficit) during the year 

Net surplus/(deficit) in scheme at 1 January

Current service cost

Past service gain

Employer contributions

Interest on scheme liabilities

Interest on scheme assets

Gains on curtailments and settlement

Actuarial (loss)/gain

Net surplus at 31 December

(h)  Movement on assets and liabilities 

Assets

Assets in scheme at 1 January

Actual return less interest on scheme assets

Employer contributions

Employee contributions

Interest on scheme assets

Assets paid as part of ETV exercise 

Benefits paid

Assets in scheme at 31 December

Liabilities

Liabilities in scheme at 1 January

Experience gains and losses on scheme liabilities

Changes in financial and demographic assumptions

Current service cost

Past service gain

Employee contributions

Interest on scheme liabilities

Liabilities extinguished as part of ETV exercise

Gain on curtailments 

Benefits paid

Liabilities in scheme at 31 December

2016
€000s

9,110

(493)

-

4,577

(2,546)

2,729

7,571

(12,233)

8,715

2016
€000s

115,600

2,427

4,577

-

2,729

(20,807)

(4,924)

99,602

106,490

266

14,394

493

-

-

2,546

(27,847)

(531)

(4,924)

90,887

2015
€000s

(54,254)

(4,220)

11,010

23,100

(3,890)

3,020

18,430

15,914

9,110

2015
€000s

141,415

3,255

23,100

40

3,020

(50,780)

(4,450)

115,600

195,669

401

(13,060)

4,220

(11,010)

40

3,890

(54,330)

(14,880)

(4,450)

106,490

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

113

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

31 

RETIREMENT BENEFIT ASSET (CONTINUED)

The sensitivities regarding the principal assumptions used to measure the scheme liabilities are as follows:

n	 A 1% increase in the discount rate would reduce the value of the scheme liabilities by €13.0 million. A 1% reduction in the 

discount rate would increase the value of the scheme liabilities by €16.9 million.

n	 A 1% increase in inflation would increase the value of the scheme liabilities by €4.7 million. A 1% reduction in inflation 

would reduce the value of the scheme liabilities by €4.0 million.

n	 The effect of assuming all members of the scheme will live one year longer would increase the scheme’s liabilities by 

 €3.3 million.

n	 The current best estimate of 2016 contributions to be made by the Group to the pension fund is €nil (2015: €1,240,000).

32 

DEFERRED TAXATION LIABILITY

Retirement 
benefit 
asset
€000s

Unrealised 
losses on 
investments &
 loans
€000s

-

1,989

5,932

(6,782)

1,139

(1,529)

1,479

-

1,089

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,046

1,046

Revaluation 
surplus on 
investment 
properties
€000s

-

-

1,155

-

1,155

Other timing 
differences
€000s

691

-

5

-

696

Total
€000s

5,266

1,989

7,092

(11,357)

2,990

1,296

-

(233)

(1,239)

(696)

(456)

-

1,212

-

-

1,046

3,347

Insurance 
Contracts
€000s

4,575

-

-

(4,575)

-

-

-

-

-

At 1 January 2015

Debited to the Consolidated 
Statement of Comprehensive 
Income

Debited to the Consolidated 
Income Statement

Reclassified from/to deferred 
taxation asset

At 31 December 2015 

Credited to the Consolidated 
Statement of Comprehensive 
Income

Debited/(credited) to the 
Consolidated Income 
Statement

Reclassified from deferred 
taxation asset

At 31 December 2016

A deferred taxation liability of €1,089,375 has been recognised in 2016 in respect of the retirement benefit obligation of 
€8,715,000. In 2015 a deferred taxation liability of €1,138,750 was recognised on the retirement benefit asset of €9,110,000.

114

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

 
 
33 

PAYABLES

(a)  

GROUP

Amounts falling due within one year:

Payables and accruals 

Employer contributions as part of ETV exercise

Restructuring accrual

PAYE/PRSI

Proposed dividends on preference shares 

Payables arising out of direct insurance operations

Total payables

(b)  

COMPANY

Amounts falling due within one year:

Payables and accruals 

Employer contributions as part of ETV exercise

Proposed dividends on preference shares 

Total payables

34  DIVIDENDS 

Paid during year:

2015 final dividend of nil cent (2014 final dividend: 34 cent) per share on ordinary 
shares of €0.60 each

2015 dividend of nil cent (2014 preference dividend : 4.8 cent) per share on 8% 
non-cumulative preference shares of €0.60 each

Total dividends paid

No dividends were paid or proposed in respect of the current or preceding financial years.

2016
€000s

27,014

4,577

1,011

1,511

-

14,987

49,100

2016
€000s

4,759

1,564

-

6,323

2015
€000s

27,751

-

8,180

1,375

169

16,579

54,054

2015
€000s

5,489

-

169

5,658

2016
€000s

2015
€000s

-

-

-

11,781

169

11,950

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

115

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

35 

PRINCIPAL SUBSIDIARIES

(a) Subsidiaries 

FBD Insurance plc 

Nature of Operations 

General insurance underwriter 

FBD Life & Pensions Limited

Investment services, pensions and life brokers

% Owned

100%

100%

The Registered Office of each of the above subsidiaries is at FBD House, Bluebell, Dublin 12. 

All shareholdings are in the form of ordinary shares.

The financial year end for the Group’s principal subsidiaries is 31 December.

FBD Holdings plc is an Irish registered public limited company. The Company’s ordinary shares of €0.60 each are listed on the 
Irish Stock Exchange and the UK Listing Authority and are traded on both the Irish Stock Exchange and London Stock 
Exchange.

(b)   In the Company Statement of Financial Position on page 66, €4.1 million of the increase in the investment in subsidiaries 

relates to an additional investment in the Group’s financial services subsidiary, FBD Life & Pensions Ltd.

36 

CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

Capital commitments at 31 December authorised by the Directors but not provided  
for in the Financial Statements:

Contracted for

Not contracted for

2016
€000s

-

-

2015
€000s

8,083

-

37 

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND CONTINGENT ASSETS

There were no contingent liabilities or contingent assets at either 31 December 2016 or 31 December 2015.

116

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

38 

SHARE BASED PAYMENTS 

FBD Group Performance Share Plan
The FBD Group Performance Share Plan (the “LTIP”) was approved by shareholders of FBD Holdings plc (Group), the Company’s 
parent, in May 2007. Conditional awards of ordinary shares under the LTIP are dependent on the Group meeting onerous 
performance targets in terms of, total shareholder returns, stretching combined operating ratio targets and other stretching 
business scorecard metrics. The extent to which these conditions have been met and any award (or part of an award) has therefore 
vested will be determined in due course by the Remuneration committee of the Board of FBD Holdings plc. 

Fair value calculations
Conditional awards were made in March 2013 over 140,940 ordinary shares, in April 2014 over 108,631 ordinary shares, in March 
2015 over 167,706 shares, in October 2015 over 54,545 shares and in March 2016 over 296,669 shares. 

The fair values of these conditional share awards have been calculated as follows using the assumptions noted in a Monte 
Carlo simulation model:

Share price at grant

Initial option/award price

Expected volatility

Expected life in years

Risk free interest rate

Expected dividend yield %

Fair value

LTIP award
March 2013

LTIP award
April 2014

LTIP award 
March 2015

LTIP award 
October 2015

LTIP award
March 2015

€12.70

 €12.70

30%

3

 0.5%

 n/a

€11.54

€17.00

 €17.00

25%

3

 0.3%

 n/a

€14.25

€10.80

 €10.80

30%

3

 0.0%

 n/a

€8.49

€6.65

 €6.65

35%

3

0.0%

n/a

€5.39

€6.55

 €6.55

35%

3

0.0%

n/a

€5.25

Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Group’s share price over the previous two to 
three years preceding the date of grant.

Accounting charge for share based payments

Vesting 
period
(years)

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

Number
of share
awards
 granted

140,940

108,631

167,706

54,545

296,669

Number 
vested
 during year

18,079

-

-

-

-

Number
 outstanding 
at 31
 December
 2016

% of options
 expected to 
vest
%

Share price 
at grant 
date
€

Fair value 
of share 
award at 
grant date
€

-

62,430

93,805

54,545

267,234

28%

0%

0%

100%

100%

12.70

17.00

10.80

6.65

6.55

11.54

14.25

8.49

5.39

5.25

2016
€000s

2015
€000s

(80)

18

66

92

392

488

(215)

(115)

107

20

-

(203)

Grant date

04.03.2013 LTIP

14.04.2014 LTIP

02.03.2015 LTIP

09.10.2015 LTIP

23.03.2016 LTIP

Total

Given the performance of the Company over the vesting period, the Directors estimate that 0% of the 2014 award will vest. For 
the March 2015 award, 0% of the award is expected to vest. Therefore only the charge relating to the market based conditions 
for the outstanding shares granted in these years have been charged to the consolidated income statement for the years ended 
31 December 2015 and 31 December 2016. 

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

117

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

39 

TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

Farmer Business Developments plc has a substantial shareholding in the Group at 31 December 2016. Details of their 
shareholding and related party transactions are set out in the Annual Report.

Included in the Financial Statements at the year-end is € Nil (2015: €nil) due from Farmer Business Developments plc. There 
were no transactions with Farmers Business Developments plc during the year. During 2015, the transactions with Farmers 
Business Developments plc consisted of recharges for services provided and recoverable costs. Any amount due is repayable 
on demand.

Transactions with Farmer Business Developments plc

Opening balance

Management charges

Payments by related party

Closing balance

2016
€000s

-

-

-

-

2015
€000s

67

75

(142)

-

For the purposes of the disclosure requirements of IAS 24, the term “key management personnel” (i.e. those persons having 
authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company) comprises the Board of 
Directors and Company Secretary of FBD Holdings plc and the Group’s primary subsidiary, FBD Insurance plc and the members 
of the Executive Management Team.

The remuneration of key management personnel (“KMP”) during the year was as follows:

Short term employee benefits1

Post-employment benefits

Share based payments

Charge to the Consolidated Income Statement

2016
€000s

3,005

222

183

3,410

2015
€000s

2,594

249

552

3,395

1  

Short term benefits include fees to non-executive Directors, salaries and other short-term benefits to Key Management 
Personnel.

Full disclosure in relation to the 2016 and 2015 compensation entitlements and share options of the Board of Directors is 
provided in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration. 

In common with all shareholders, Directors received payments/distributions related to their holdings of shares in the Company 
during the year, amounting in total to €Nil (2015: €56,280).

118

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

40  RISK MANAGEMENT

The Group has in place a risk management process the objective of which is to provide a systematic, effective and efficient way 
to manage risk in the organisation and to ensure the risks to which the Group is exposed to is consistent with the overall 
business strategy and the risk appetite of the Group. The key components of the Risk Management Framework include Risk 
Appetite; Risk Governance; Risk Process; People.

Risk Appetite 

Risk appetite is a measure of the amount and type of risks the Group is willing to accept or not accept over a defined period of 
time in pursuit of its objectives. The Group’s risk appetite seeks to encourage measured and appropriate risk-taking to ensure 
that risks are aligned to business strategy and objectives. 

The risk appetite in the Group’s underwriting subsidiary is driven by an over-arching desire to protect its solvency at all times. 
Through the proactive management of risk, it ensures that it does not take on an individual risk or combination of risks that 
could threaten its solvency. This ensures that it has and will have in the future sufficient capital to pay its policyholders and all 
other creditors in full as liabilities fall due.

Risk Governance 

Risk is governed through business standards, risk policies, oversight committees and clear roles and responsibilities and 
delegated authorities. 

FBD uses a ‘three lines of defence’ framework in the delineation of accountabilities for risk governance.

n	

1st Line – Accountable for the management of all risks relevant to the business 

n	 2nd Line – Provide objective challenge and oversight of 1st line management of risks 

n	 3rd Line – Internal Audit provides independent assurance to the Audit Committee of the Board on risk-taking activities.

Risk Process 

Identify and Measure

Risk is identified and assessed through a combination of top-down and bottom-up risk assessment processes. Top-down 
processes focus on broad risk types and common risk drivers rather than specific individual risk events, and adopt a forward-
looking view of perceived threats over the planning horizon. Bottom-up risk assessment processes are more granular, focusing 
on risk events that have been identified through specific qualitative or quantitative measurement tools. Top-down and 
bottom-up views of risk come together through a process of upward reporting of, and management response to, identified and 
emerging risks. This ensures that the view of risk remains sensitive to emerging trends and common themes. Risk are recorded 
on the Group Risk Register. FBD measures risk on the basis of economic capital and other bases (where appropriate) to 
determine materiality, potential impact and management. 

Monitor and Report

We regularly monitor our risk exposures against risk appetite, risk indicators, risk tolerances and limits and monitor the 
effectiveness of controls in place to manage risk. Risk reporting is dynamic and includes material risks, risk appetite, trends, 
changes in risk profile, risk mitigation programmes, strategy and emerging risks.

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

119

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

40  RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

People

Risk Management is embedded in the Group through leadership, governance and transparency, rewarding appropriate risk 
taking risk resources and training. 

For the purposes of managing risks, the Group classifies risks into the following categories

n	 General Insurance 

n	 Capital Management 

n	 Operational 

n	 Liquidity

n	 Market 

n	 Credit 

n	 Concentration

n	 Macro – Economic 

(a)  

General Insurance risk

The risk attached to any general insurance policy written is the possibility that an insured event occurs and the uncertainty of 
the amount of the resulting claim. The frequency and severity of claims can be affected by several factors, most notably 
weather events, the level of awards and inflation on settling claims. 

The history of claims development is set out, both gross and net of reinsurance in note 28, claims outstanding.

Underwriting 

The Group has developed its insurance underwriting and reserving strategy to diversify the type of insurance risks written and, 
within each of the types of cover, to achieve a sufficiently large population of risks to reduce the variability of the expected 
outcome. The principal insurance cover provided by the Group include motor, employers’ and public liability and property.

The Group manages these risks through its underwriting strategy, proactive claims handling and its reinsurance arrangements. 
The Group has developed its insurance underwriting strategy to diversify the type of insurance risks written and to reduce the 
variability of the expected outcome by each risk category. The only significant concentration of insurance risk is that all of the 
Group’s underwriting business is conducted in Ireland. Within Ireland there is no significant concentration risk in any one area. 

The Group’s underwriting strategy is incorporated in the overall corporate strategy which is approved by the Board of Directors 
and includes the employment of appropriately qualified underwriting personnel; the targeting of certain types of business that 
conform with the Group’s risk appetite and reinsurance treaties; constant review of the Group’s pricing policy using up-to-date 
statistical analysis and claims experience; and the surveying of risks carried out by experienced personnel. All risks 
underwritten are within FBD Insurance plc underwriting policies and within the terms of the FBD Insurance’s reinsurance 
treaties. 

The Group competes against major international groups with similar offerings. At times, a minority of these groups may choose 
to underwrite for cash flow or market share purposes at prices that sometimes fall short of the break-even technical price. The 
Group is firm in its resolve to reject business that is unlikely to generate underwriting profits. To manage this risk, pricing levels 
are monitored on a continuous basis. 

120

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

40  RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

Reserving

While the Group’s risk appetite is constantly reviewed and managed, there is no certainty that the cost of claims will not rise 
due to abnormal weather events, increased claims frequency, increased severity, changes in regulatory environment, change in 
economic activity or any other reason. Such an increase could have a material impact on the results and financial condition of 
the Group. 

The Group establishes provisions for unpaid claims, legal costs and related expenses to cover its ultimate liability in respect of 
both reported claims and incurred but not reported (IBNR) claims. These provisions take into account both the Group’s and the 
industry’s experience of similar business, historical trends in reserving patterns, loss payments and pending levels of unpaid 
claims and awards, as well as any potential changes in historic rates arising from market or economic conditions. The provision 
estimates are subject to rigorous review and challenge by senior management, the reserving committee and the Board. The 
provision includes a risk margin to minimise the risk that actual claims exceed the amount provided.

The estimation and measurement of claims provisions is a major determining factor in the Group’s results and financial 
position. The Group uses modern statistical and actuarial methods to calculate the quantum of claims provisions and uses 
independent actuaries to review its liabilities to ensure that the carrying amount of the liabilities is adequate. Where the 
liabilities, net of any related deferred acquisition costs, are deemed to be inadequate, the deficiency is recognised immediately 
in the Consolidated Income Statement. There is no certainty that the amount provided is sufficient – further claims could arise 
or settlement costs could increase as a result, for example of claims inflation, periodic payments or the size of court awards. 
Such an increase could have a material impact on the results and financial condition of the Group. 

Reinsurance

The Group purchases reinsurance protection to limit its exposure to single claims and the aggregation of claims from 
catastrophic events. The Group’s reinsurance is approved by the Board of Directors on an annual basis. The Group only places 
reinsurance with companies that it believes are strong financially and operationally. Credit exposures to these companies are 
closely managed by senior management. All of the Group’s current reinsurers have either a credit rating of A- or better. The 
Group has assessed these credit ratings and security as being satisfactory in diminishing the Group’s exposure to the credit risk 
of its reinsurance receivables. 

(b)  

Capital Management risk

The Group is committed to managing its capital so as to maximise returns to shareholders. The capital of the Group comprises 
of issued capital, reserves and retained earnings as detailed in notes 23 to 26. The Board of Directors reviews the capital 
structure frequently to determine the appropriate level of capital required to pursue the Group’s growth plans. 

The Group’s principal subsidiary, FBD Insurance plc, must maintain an adequate regulatory solvency position and must satisfy 
the Central Bank of Ireland that it has done so. The capital position of FBD Insurance plc is reviewed frequently by its Board of 
Directors. To provide protection against material events or shocks, the Group ensures that its insurance subsidiary holds 
sufficient capital to maintain regulatory surpluses. 

FBD Insurance plc maintained its robust capital position and complied with all regulatory solvency margin requirements 
throughout both the year under review and the prior year. Following the commencement of the Solvency II capital regime on 1 
January 2016, FBD Insurance plc maintained its Solvency Capital Requirement (SCR) coverage within its target range of 110% to 
130% throughout the year. 

The Solvency II directive introduced a requirement for undertakings to conduct an Own Risk and Solvency Assessment ”ORSA”. 
The ORSA is a very important process as it provides a comprehensive view and understanding of the risks to which the Company is 
exposed or could face in the future and how they translate into capital needs or alternatively require mitigation actions.

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

121

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

40  RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

FBD Insurance plc has an investment committee, a pricing committee, a capital management forum, an audit committee, a 
reserving committee and a risk committee, all of which assist the Board in the identification and management of exposures 
and capital. 

The Group uses a number of sensitivity based risk-analysis tools as part of its decision making and planning processes to 
understand and manage the volatility of earnings and capital requirements more efficiently. The Group measures key 
performance indicators, including compliance with solvency requirements, under a number of economic and operating 
scenarios so as to identify and quantify the risks to which the business and its capital are exposed.

In preparation for the Board’s annual review of the internal control system, senior management carry out a self assessment, in 
compliance with the Irish Stock Exchange Listing Rules as well as the U.K. Corporate Governance Code, of the significant risks, 
including capital risks, facing the organisation and the controls in place to mitigate or manage such exposures.

The Group regularly benchmarks each of its operating businesses relative to its peers. In this process the Group focuses on its 
capital requirement and efficiency as well as profitability, cost structures and market position.

The Group also devotes considerable resources to managing its relationships with the providers of capital within the capital 
markets, for example, existing and potential shareholders, financial institutions, stockbrokers, corporate finance houses, etc.

(c) 

Operational risk

Operational risk could arise as a result of inadequate or failed internal processes, or from personnel or systems or from 
external events.

This definition is intended to include all risks to which the Group is exposed and that are not considered elsewhere. Hence, 
operational risks include for example, information technology, information security, human resources, project management, 
outsourcing, taxation, legal, fraud and regulatory risks.

FBD Insurance plc is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and must ensure that it conducts its business in accordance with 
regulatory requirements at all times. FBD Insurance plc has no appetite for confirmed and quantified breaches of compliance 
with regulatory requirements and has established a compliance control group who provide assurance to the Board that 
compliance controls are operating effectively in the Company.

In accordance with Group policies, business unit management has primary responsibility for the effective identification, 
management, monitoring and reporting of risks. There is an annual review by executive management of all major risks. The 
FBD Insurance plc Board Risk Committee review executive management’s risk assessment to ensure that all risks are identified 
and evaluated. Each operational risk is assessed by considering the potential impact and the probability of the event occurring. 
Impact assessments are made against financial, operational and reputational criteria. 

The Group is dependent upon the quality, ability and commitment of key personnel in order to sustain, develop and grow its 
business. There can be no assurance that the Group will be able to retain all of its key employees. The success of the Group will 
depend upon its ability to retain, attract, motivate and develop key personnel.

The Group relies significantly on information technology to support the business and as such may be susceptible to risks 
associated with information security, be that through security breaches, cyber-attacks or other failures or malfunctions. 
Rigorous information technology controls are in place across the group, including a dedicated IT security team with overall 
responsibility for managing information technology security standards, which together with on-going employee training and 
regular cyber-risk reviews are used to mitigate such information technology risks. 

In addition, the Group has taken significant steps to minimise the impact of business interruption that could result from a 
major external event. A formal disaster recovery plan is in place for both workspace recovery and retrieval of communications, 
IT systems and data. If a major event occurs, these procedures will enable the Group to move the affected operations to 
alternative facilities within very short periods of time. The disaster recovery plan is tested regularly and includes disaster 
simulation tests. In the event of a loss of staff, for example as a result of a pandemic, a plan is in place to re-assign key 
responsibilities and transfer resources to ensure key business functions can continue to operate. 

122

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

40  RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

(d) 

Liquidity risk

The Group is exposed to daily calls on its cash resources, mainly for claims payments. The Group manages liquidity risk by 
continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows and ensuring that the maturity profile of its financial assets is shorter 
than or equal to the maturity profile of its liabilities and maintaining a minimum amount available on term deposit at all times.

The following tables provide an analysis of assets and liabilities into their relevant maturity groups based on the remaining 
period to contractual maturity. The contracted value below is the undiscounted cash flow. 

Assets – 2016

Financial assets

Reinsurance assets

Loans and receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Carrying 
value
total
€000s

907,506

83,214

63,502

26,651

Contracted
Value
€000s

935,105

83,214

63,502

26,651

Cashflow
within
1 year
€000s

330,489

29,926

63,502

26,651

Cashflow
1-5 years
€000s

434,751

41,866

-

-

Cashflow
after
5 years
€000s

169,865

11,422

-

-

Total

1,080,873

1,108,472

450,568

476,617

181,287

1,037,665

1,100,629

351,609

Liabilities – 2016

Insurance contract liabilities

Payables

Other provision

Convertible debt*

Total

*See note 30

Assets – 2015

Financial assets

Reinsurance assets

Loans and receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

926,182

49,100

11,247

51,136

926,182

49,100

11,247

114,100

Carrying 
value
total
€000s

904,408

80,083

60,338

22,244

Contracted
Value
€000s

932,281

80,083

60,338

22,244

Total

1,067,073

1,094,946

Liabilities – 2015

Insurance contract liabilities

Payables

Other provision

Convertible debt

Total

926,728

54,054

10,938

50,036

1,041,756

926,728

54,054

10,938

119,000

1,110,720

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

286,362

518,396

121,424

49,100

11,247

4,900

Cashflow
within
1 year
€000s

409,153

28,494

59,672

22,244

519,563

292,311

54,054

10,938

4,900

362,206

-

-

19,600

537,996

Cashflow
1-5 years
€000s

364,312

41,231

666

-

-

-

89,600

211,024

Cashflow
after
5 years
€000s

158,816

10,358

-

-

406,209

169,174

520,197

114,220

-

-

19,600

539,797

-

-

94,500

208,720

123

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

40  RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

(e)   Market risk

The Group has invested in quoted debt securities, investment property and quoted and unquoted shares. These investments 
are subject to market risk, whereby the value of the investments may fluctuate as a result of changes in market prices, changes 
in market interest rates or changes in the foreign exchange rates of the currency in which the investments are denominated. 
The extent of the exposure to market risk is managed by the formulation of, and adherence to, an investment policy 
incorporating clearly defined investment limits and rules, as approved annually by the Board of Directors and employment of 
appropriately qualified and experienced personnel to manage the Group’s investment portfolio. The overriding philosophy of 
the investment policy is to protect and safeguard the Group’s assets and to ensure its capacity to underwrite is not put at risk.

Interest rate & spread risk

Interest rate & spread risk arises primarily from the Group’s investments in quoted debt securities and deposits. The level of 
exposure to interest rate risk from trading is reviewed regularly to ensure it is appropriate. Factors taken into consideration are 
yield, volatility and historical returns.

At 31 December 2016, the Group held the following deposits and quoted debt securities: 

2016

2015

Weighted
average
interest
rate
%

1.52

1.18

1.12

2.51

1.42

1.38

Market
value
€000s

333,923

61,995

102,063

150,728

87,259

171,539

907,507

Weighted
average
interest
rate
%

0.77

4.93

1.75

1.47

1.84

2.17

Market
value
€000s

394,495

117,167

61,469

78,958

92,897

159,422

904,408

Time to maturity

In one year or less

In more than one year, but not more than two years

In more than two years, but not more than three years

In more than three years, but not more than four years

In more than four years, but not more than five years

More than five years

Total

Equity price risk

The Group is subject to equity price risk due to daily changes in the market values of its holdings of quoted shares. Equity price 
risk is actively managed using the framework set out in the Group’s investment policy which is approved annually by the Board 
of Directors. The Group places limits on the type of shares held, liquidity of shares, size of share-holding and exposure to any 
one sector. The amounts exposed to equity price risk are set out in note 18(a) (ii).

Foreign currency risk

The Group holds investment assets and equities in foreign currencies and therefore is exposed to exchange rate fluctuations. 
The impact of exchange rate fluctuations is monitored regularly. The Group is primarily exposed to Sterling and US dollars.

124

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

40  RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

The Group did not hold any derivative instruments at 31 December 2016 or 31 December 2015.

The carrying amount of the Group’s foreign currency denominated monetary assets at the reporting date is as follows:

GBP

USD

Other

(f) 

Credit risk

2016
€000s

4,792

3,547

1,419

2015
€000s

5,771

4,500

1,580

Credit risk is the risk of loss in the value of financial assets due to counterparties failing to meet all or part of their obligations. 

Financial assets are graded according to current credit ratings issued. AAA is the highest possible rating. Investment grade 
financial assets are classified within the range of AAA to BBB- ratings. Financial assets which fall outside this range are 
classified as speculative grade. All of the Group’s bank deposits are either with financial institutions which have a minimum 
A- rating or have a sovereign guarantee. The Group holds the following listed Government bonds and listed corporate bonds, 
with the following credit profile: 

2016

2015

Government bonds

AAA

AA

A

BB+

Total

Corporate Bonds

AAA

AA+

AA

AA-

A+

A

A-

BBB+

BBB

BBB-

Total

Market
value
€000s

10,132

10,236

101,133

55,791

177,292

2,414

-

7,895

55,648

55,927

83,500

96,051

116,511

58,545

16,827

493,318

Weighted
Average
Duration

1.7

1.4

1.5

3.5

2.1

 3.4 

- 

 3.8 

 2.6 

 3.2 

 2.9 

 3.6 

 3.6 

 3.4 

 3.9 

3.3

Market
value
€000s

-

-

101,279

-

101,279

2,433

1,007

14,778

58,718

51,924

104,058

69,365

85,852

32,175

11,485

431,795

Weighted
Average
Duration

-

-

2.5

-

2.5

 4.3 

 7.6 

 3.2 

 2.3 

 2.9 

 3.3 

 3.5 

 4.0 

 4.5 

 3.2 

3.4

All of the Group’s current reinsurers either have a credit rating of A- or better. The Group has assessed these credit ratings and 
security as being satisfactory in diminishing the Group’s exposure to the credit risk of its reinsurance receivables. At 31 
December 2016, the maximum balance owed to the Group by an individual reinsurer, including reinsurers’ share of insurance 
contract liabilities not yet called, was €6,755,000.

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

125

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

40  RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the Financial Statements, net of any allowances for losses, represents the 
Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk. There are no financial assets past due but not impaired.

Receivables arising out of direct insurance operations are considered by the Directors to have low credit risk and therefore no 
provision for bad or doubtful debts has been made. All other receivables are due within one year and none are past due.

(g)  

Concentration risk

Concentration risk is the risk of loss due to overdependence on a singular entity or category of business. The only concentration 
risks to which the Group is exposed are as follows:

n	 Listed corporate bonds carry an average credit rating of A-. The average duration of the fund is 3.3 years. Given the ratings, 
spread of investments and the duration of the listed corporate bond fund, the Group deems any concentration risk to be 
acceptable.

n	 While all of the Group’s underwriting business is conducted in Ireland, with a significant focus on the agri sector, it is spread 
over a wide geographical area with no concentration in any one county or region. The resultant concentration risk from 
adverse weather events, i.e. floods, storms or freezes in Ireland, are mitigated by a flood mapping solution and an 
appropriate reinsurance strategy.

Receivables arising out of direct insurance operations are a low credit risk and there is no significant concentration of risk. 
There is no significant concentration of risk in other receivables.

(h)  Macro-economic risk

Economic downturn

Fluctuations in demand or supply of insurance and any downturn in any of the markets in which the Group operates may have 
an adverse effect on the demand for its products and therefore could affect its overall financial condition. A deterioration or 
delay in economic recovery represents a material risk to the operating performance and financial position of the Group.

Increasing competition

The Group faces significant competition. Actions by existing competitors or new entrants may place pressure on the Group’s 
margins and profitability. In response to a changing competitive environment or the actions of competitors, the Group may 
from time to time make certain pricing, service or marketing decisions that could have a material effect on the revenues and 
results of their operations.

Changing market trends

The Group is exposed to changes in consumer trends. Although demand for insurance cover is expected to remain broadly 
stable, consumers’ purchasing patterns tend to change over time and especially when the economy is weak. To the extent that 
there is a negative shift in consumption, such changes in consumer demand may have materially adverse effects on the Group’s 
financial position.

The Group operates in competitive markets. Success is dependent on anticipating changes in consumer preferences and on 
successful new product development and product launches in response to such changes in consumer behaviour. The Group’s 
future results will depend on its ability to successfully identify, develop, market and sell new or improved products in these 
changing markets.

The success of the Group depends on its ability to react to changing trends with appropriate innovation to drive growth and 
performance. Failure to do so may result in material adverse effects on the operational performance and financial position of 
the Group.

126

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

40  RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

Taxation risk

If taxation laws were to be amended in the jurisdiction in which the Group operates this could have an adverse effect on its 
results. The Group continually takes the advice of external experts to help minimise this risk. Changes in taxation could 
decrease the post-taxation returns to shareholders.

(h) 

Sensitivity analysis 

The table below identifies the Group’s key sensitivity factors. For each sensitivity test the impact of a change in a single factor is 
shown, with other assumptions left unchanged.

Sensitivity factor

Description of sensitivity factor applied

Interest rate and investment return The impact of a change in the market interest rate by an increase of 1% or a decrease of 

0.25%. For example if a current interest rate is 2%, the impact of an immediate change to 
3% and 1.75%.

Exchange rates movement

The impact of a change in foreign exchange rates by ± 10%.

Equity market values

The impact of a change in equity market values by ±10%.

Available for sale investments

The impact of a change in corporate bond market values by ±5%.

Property market values

The impact of a change in property market values by ±10%.

Net loss ratios 

The impact of an increase in underwriting net loss ratios by 5%.

The pre-taxation impacts on profit and shareholders’ equity at 31 December 2016 and at 31 December 2015 of each of the 
sensitivity factors outlined above are as follows:

Interest rates

Interest rates

FX rates

FX rates

Equity

Equity

Available for sale investments

Available for sale investments

Investment property 

Investment property

Net loss ratio

2016
€000s

(10,159)

2,539

901

(901)

2,353

(2,353)

31,475

(31,475)

1,640

(1,640)

15,411

2015
€000s

4,878

(1,220)

1,185

(1,185)

2,567

(2,567)

22,492

(22,492)

1,455

(1,455)

15,658

1.0%

(0.25%)

10%

(10%)

10%

(10%)

5%

(5%)

10%

(10%)

5%

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

127

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

40  RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

The sensitivity of changes in the assumptions used to calculate general insurance liabilities are set out in the table below:

Change in
assumptions

+10%

+10%

8,811

+10%

+10%

31 December 2016

Injury claims IBNR

Other claims IBNR

Legal fees revert to pre PIAB levels

31 December 2015

Injury claims IBNR

Other claims IBNR

Legal fees revert to pre PIAB levels

Limitations of sensitivity analysis

Increase
in gross
technical
reserves
€000s

Increase
in net
technical
reserves
€000s

Impact on
profit
before
taxation
€000s

Reduction
in
 shareholders’
equity
€000s

3,311

410

8,811

3,594

1,038

8,597

3,267

306

7,930

3,561

864

7,737

(3,267)

(306)

(7,930)

(3,561)

(864)

(7,737)

2,859

268

6,939

3,116

756

6,770

The above tables demonstrate the effect of a change in a key assumption while other assumptions remain unchanged. In 
reality, there is a correlation between the assumptions and other factors. It should also be noted that these sensitivities are 
non-linear, and larger or smaller impacts should not be interpolated or extrapolated from these results. The sensitivity analysis 
does not take into consideration that the Group’s assets and liabilities are actively managed. Additionally, the financial position 
of the Group may vary at the time that any actual market movement occurs.

Other limitations in the above sensitivity analysis include the use of hypothetical market movements to demonstrate potential 
risk. They assume represent the Group’s view of possible near-term market changes that cannot be predicted with any 
certainty and assume that all interest rates move in an identical fashion.

41 

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

There have been no subsequent events which would have a material impact on the Financial Statements.

128

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES (APM’S)
For the financial year ended 31 December 2016

The Group uses the following alternative performance measures: Loss ratio, expense ratio, combined operating ratio, investment 
return and net asset value per share. 

Loss ratio (LR), expense ratio (ER) and combined operating ratio (COR) are widely used as a performance measure by insurers, and give 
users of the financial statements an understanding of the underwriting performance of the entity. Investment return is used widely as a 
performance measure to give users of financial statements an understanding of the performance of an entities investment portfolio. 
Net asset value per share (NAV) is a widely used performance measure which provides the users of the financial statements the book 
value per share. 

The calculation of the APM’s is based on the following data:

Loss ratio

Net claims and benefits

Movement in other provisions

Total claims incurred

Net premium earned

Loss ratio (total claims/Net premium earned)

Expense ratio

Other underwriting expenses

Net premium earned

Expense ratio (underwriting expenses/Net premium earned)

Combined operating ratio

Loss ratio

Expense ratio

Combined operating ratio

Investment return

Investment return recognised in consolidated income statement

Investment return recognised in statement of comprehensive income

Total investment return

Average underwriting investment assets

Investment return %

Shareholders’ funds – equity interests

Number of Shares

Number of ordinary shares in issue (excluding treasury)

Net asset value per share (NAV)

2016
€000s

217,510

7,747

225,257

308,226

73.1%

79,749

308,226

25.9%

%

73.1%

25.9%

99.0%

2016

€000s

8,338

10,371

18,709

2015
€000s

341,260

11,581

352,841

313,154

112.7%

85,725

313,154

27.4%

%

112.7%

27.4%

140.1%

2015

€000s

20,260

(1,762)

18,498

991,152

905,577

1.9%

225,546

2.0%

215,864

34,666,201

34,648,122

Cent

651

Cent

623

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

129

 
 
FBD Holdings plc

FBD House 
Bluebell 
Dublin 12 
Ireland 

T:  +353 1 409 3200 
F:  +353 1 455 4303 
www.fbdgroup.com

Letter from the Chairman in relation to the Annual General Meeting

31 March 2017 

Dear Shareholder,

The Notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company, which will be held at 11.00 a.m. on 5 May 2017 in the Irish Farm 
Centre, Old Naas Road, Bluebell, Dublin 12, follows this letter.

I want to set out in this letter details of the business to come before the meeting.

Ordinary Business (Resolutions 1 to 4)
Resolution 1 deals with the consideration of the Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2016.

Resolution 2 deals with the approval of the Report on Directors’ Remuneration. This Report is set out on pages 39 to 47 of the 
Annual Report and it has been the practice of the Board since 2010 to put the Report on Directors’ Remuneration to a 
shareholder vote. Shareholders should note that there is no legal obligation on the Company to put such a resolution to 
Shareholders. While it is therefore an “advisory” resolution and not binding on the Company, the Board recognises that the 
tabling of such a resolution is best practice in this area and is an acknowledgement of Shareholders’ rights to have a “say on 
pay”.

Resolution 3 deals with the proposed re-election of all of the Directors who are proposed for re-election. The Board has 
adopted the practice that all Directors continuing in office will submit themselves for re-election at each Annual General 
Meeting. This was done for the first time in 2011. Biographies of all the Directors proposed for re-election are set out on pages 
27 to 29 of the Annual Report in the Corporate Governance Section. A formal evaluation of the performance of each of the 
Directors has been undertaken. I can confirm that each of the Directors continues to perform effectively and demonstrates 
commitment to the role.

Resolution 4 is a standard resolution which authorises the Directors to fix the remuneration of the Auditors. Under Irish 
Company law, the Auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers, are deemed to be re-appointed in accordance with S.383 of the 
Companies Act 2014. The Audit Committee last put the provision of audit services to the Company out to tender in 2015.

Special Business (Resolutions 5 to 8)
Resolution 5 will be proposed as a Special Resolution to renew the Directors’ authority to issue shares for cash other than 
strictly pro-rata to existing shareholdings. The proposed authority, the renewal of which is usually sought every year, disapplies 
statutory pre-emption provisions in the event of a rights issue or any other issue of shares for cash and is limited to an 
aggregate nominal value of €1,063,836 (representing approximately 5% of the Company’s issued ordinary share capital at the 
date of this letter).

The Board currently has no intention to issue shares pursuant to this authority except for issues of ordinary shares under the 
Company’s share option plans and the Board will only exercise this authority if it considers it to be in the best interests of 
Shareholders generally at that time. This authority, if renewed, will expire on the earlier of the date of the next Annual General 
Meeting of the Company or 5 August 2018.

Registered in Ireland, Registration Number: 135882

Registered Office: FBD House, Bluebell, Dublin 12, Ireland.

Directors: M Berkery (Chairman), W Bogaerts, M Brennan, D Browne, S Dorgan, L Herlihy, O Hunt, F Muldoon (Group Chief Executive), D O’Connor,  

J O’Grady (Group Finance Director), P Walshe

130

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

 
 
Resolution 6 will be proposed as a Special Resolution to renew the authority, the renewal of which is usually sought 
every year, for the Company, or any subsidiary of the Company, to make market purchases of the Company’s ordinary 
shares up to 10% of the aggregate nominal value of the Company’s total issued share capital. The text of the resolution 
sets out the minimum and maximum prices which may be paid for ordinary shares purchased in this manner.

The total number of conditional awards over ordinary shares in the Company outstanding on 31 March 2017 is 478,014 
representing 1.4% of the total issued share capital. If the Directors were to exercise the authority being renewed by this 
resolution up to the maximum allowed and to cancel such shares and all other shares held in treasury, these conditional 
awards would represent 3.7% of the total issued share capital.

The Board will only exercise this authority if it considers it to be in the best interests of Shareholders generally at that 
time. This authority, if renewed, will expire on the earlier of the date of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company 
or 5 August 2018.

Resolution 7 will be proposed as a Special Resolution to set the price ranges at which the Company may re-issue 
treasury shares off-market.

The Board will only exercise this authority if it considers it to be in the best interests of Shareholders generally at that 
time. This authority, if renewed, will expire on the earlier of the date of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company 
or 5 August 2018.

Resolution 8 will be proposed as a Special Resolution to maintain the existing authority in the Company’s Articles of 
Association which permits the convening of an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company on 14 days’ notice where 
the purpose of the meeting is to consider an Ordinary Resolution only.

Form of Proxy
Those shareholders unable to attend the Meeting may appoint a proxy. The appointment may be submitted by post by 
completing the enclosed Form of Proxy and returning it to the Company’s Registrar, Computershare Investor Services 
(Ireland) Limited, PO Box 954, Heron House, Corrig Road, Sandyford Industrial Estate, Dublin 18, Ireland. Your Form of 
Proxy may also be submitted through the internet. Instructions on how to do this are set out on the Form of Proxy. 
CREST members who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies via the CREST electronic proxy appointment service should 
refer to footnote 5 on page 8 of that document.

All Proxy votes must be received by the Company’s Registrar not less than 48 hours before the time appointed for the Meeting. 
The submission of a Form of Proxy will not prevent you attending and voting at the Meeting should you wish to do so.

Recommendation
The Directors are satisfied that the resolutions set out in the Notice of the Annual General Meeting are in the 
best interests of the Company and its Shareholders. Accordingly the Directors unanimously recommend that you 
vote in favour of each of the resolutions set out in the Notice of Annual General Meeting, as they intend to do in 
respect of all of the ordinary shares which they own or control in the capital of the Company.

Yours faithfully,

Michael Berkery 
Chairman

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

131

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General 
Meeting of the Company will be held in the Irish Farm 
Centre, Old Naas Road, Bluebell, Dublin 12, Ireland on 
Friday 5 May 2017, at 11 a.m. for the following purposes:

As Ordinary Business 
1 

To receive and consider the Report of the Directors 
and the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 
December 2016.

2  To approve the Report on Directors’ Remuneration 
appearing in the Financial Statements for the year 
ended 31 December 2016 (Advisory Resolution).

3  To re-elect the following persons as Directors of the 

Company: 

(a)  Walter Bogaerts

(b)  Mary Brennan

(c)  Dermot Browne

(d) 

Liam Herlihy 

(e)  Orlagh Hunt

(f) 

Fiona Muldoon

(g)  David O’Connor

(h) 

John O’Grady

(i) 

Padraig Walshe

4  To authorise the Directors to fix the remuneration of 

the Auditors.

As Special Business 
5  To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following 

Special Resolution:

“That the Directors be and they are hereby 
empowered pursuant to Section 1023 of the 
Companies Act 2014 to allot equity securities (within 
the meaning of Section 1023 of the said Act) for cash 
pursuant to the authority conferred on them by the 
ordinary resolution of the Company passed on 30 
December 2015 as if sub-section (1) of Section 1022 of 
the said Act did not apply to any such allotment, 
provided that this power shall be limited to the 
allotment of equity securities up to but not exceeding 
an aggregate nominal amount of €1,063,836 and shall 
expire at the close of business on the earlier of the 
date of the next Annual General Meeting of the 
Company in 2018 or the date 15 months from the date 
of the passing of this resolution, and provided that 
the Company may before such expiry make an offer 
or agreement which would or might require equity 
securities to be allotted after such expiry and the 
Directors may allot equity securities in pursuance of 
such offer or agreement as if the power hereby 
conferred had not expired.”

6  To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following 

Special Resolution:

“That the Company and/or any of its subsidiaries (as 
defined by Section 7 of the Companies Act 2014) be 
and are hereby generally authorised to make market 
purchases (as defined in Section 1072 of the 
Companies Act 2014) of shares of any class of the 
Company (“the Shares”) on such terms and 
conditions and in such manner as the Directors may 
from time to time determine but subject, however, to 
the provisions of the Companies Act 2014, the 
Articles of Association of the Company and to the 
following restrictions and provisions:

(a)  the aggregate nominal value of the Shares authorised 

to be acquired pursuant to the terms of this 
resolution shall not exceed 10 per cent of the 
aggregate nominal value of the issued share capital of 
the Company as at the close of business on the date 
of the passing of this resolution;

(b)  the minimum price which may be paid for any Share 

shall be the nominal value of the Share;

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FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

  
 
(c)  the maximum price which may be paid for any Share 
(a “Relevant Share”) shall be an amount equal to 105 
per cent of the average of the five amounts resulting 
from determining whichever of the following ((i), (ii) 
or (iii) specified below) in relation to the Shares of the 
same class as the Relevant Share shall be appropriate 
for each of the five consecutive business days 
immediately preceding the day on which the 
Relevant Share is purchased, as determined from the 
information published in the Irish Stock Exchange 
Daily Official List reporting the business done on each 
of those five business days;

(i) 

(ii) 

(iii) 

if there shall be more than one dealing reported 
for the day, the average of the prices at which 
such dealings took place; or

if there shall be only one dealing reported for 
the day, the price at which such dealing took 
place; or

if there shall not be any dealing reported for the 
day, the average of the closing bid and offer 
prices for the day

and if there shall be only a bid (but not an offer) or an 
offer (but not a bid) price reported, or if there shall 
not be any bid or offer price reported, for any 
particular day then that day shall not count as one of 
the said business days for the purposes of 
determining the maximum price. If the means of 
providing the foregoing information as to dealings 
and prices by reference to which the maximum price 
is to be determined is altered or is replaced by some 
other means, then a maximum price shall be 
determined on the basis of the equivalent 
information published by the relevant authority in 
relation to dealings on the Irish Stock Exchange or its 
equivalent.

The authority hereby conferred will expire at the 
close of business on the date of the next Annual 
General Meeting of the Company or the date which is 
fifteen months after the date on which this resolution 
is passed or deemed to have been passed whichever 
is the earlier, unless previously varied, revoked or 
renewed in accordance with the provisions of Section 
1074 of the Companies Act 2014. The Company or any 
such subsidiary may before such expiry enter into a 
contract for the purchase of Shares which would or 
might be wholly or partly executed after such expiry 
and may complete any such contract as if the 
authority conferred hereby had not expired.”

7  To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following 

Special Resolution:

“That for the purposes of Section 1078 of the 
Companies Act 2014 the re-issue price range at which 
any treasury shares (as defined by the said 
Companies Act 2014) for the time being held by the 
Company may be re-issued off-market shall be as 
follows:

(a)  the maximum price shall be an amount equal to 120 
per cent of the Appropriate Price as defined in 
paragraph (c); and

(b)  subject to paragraph (c) hereof, the minimum price 

shall be:

(i) 

(ii) 

in the case of an Option Scheme (as defined in 
paragraph (d) below), an amount equal to the 
option price as provided for in such Option 
Scheme; or

in all other cases and circumstances where 
treasury shares are re-issued off-market, an 
amount equal to 95% of the Appropriate Price 
(as defined in paragraph (c)); and

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

133

 
 
 
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (continued)

(c) 

 “Appropriate Price” means the average of the five 
amounts resulting from determining whichever of 
the following ((i), (ii) or (iii) specified below) in relation 
to shares of the class of which such treasury shares to 
be re-issued shall be appropriate in respect of each of 
the five business days immediately preceding the day 
on which the treasury share is re-issued, as 
determined from information published in the Irish 
Stock Exchange Daily Official List reporting the 
business done on each of those five business days;

The authority hereby conferred shall expire at the 
close of business on the date of the next Annual 
General Meeting of the Company, or the date which is 
fifteen months after the date on which this resolution 
is passed or deemed to have been passed whichever 
is the earlier, unless previously varied or renewed in 
accordance with the provisions of Section 1078 of the 
Companies Act 2014”.

8  To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following 

Special Resolution: 

“That it is hereby resolved, in accordance with Section 
1102 of the Companies Act 2014, the Directors be and 
they are hereby authorised to call a general meeting, 
other than an annual general meeting or a meeting 
for the passing of a special resolution, on not less 
than 14 days’ notice and accordingly that the 
provision in Article 50(a) of the Company’s Articles of 
Association shall continue to be effective.”

By order of the Board

Derek Hall 
Company Secretary

FBD House, Bluebell, Dublin 12, Ireland

31 March 2017 

(i) 

(ii) 

(iii) 

if there shall be more than one dealing reported 
for the day, the average of the prices at which 
such dealings took place; or

if there shall be only one dealing reported for 
the day, the price at which such dealing took 
place; or

if there shall not be any dealing reported for the 
day, the average of the closing bid and offer 
prices for the day;

and if there shall be only a bid (but not an offer) or an 
offer (but not a bid) price reported, or if there shall 
not be any bid or offer price reported for any 
particular day, then that day shall not count as one of 
the said business days for the purposes of 
determining the Appropriate Price. If the means of 
providing the foregoing information as to dealings 
and prices by reference to which the Appropriate 
Price is to be determined is altered or is replaced by 
some other means, then the Appropriate Price shall 
be determined on the basis of the equivalent 
information published by the relevant authority in 
relation to dealings on the Irish Stock Exchange or its 
equivalent; and

(d)  “Option Scheme” means any scheme or plan which 
involves either the issue of options to acquire 
ordinary shares in the Company or the conditional 
award of ordinary shares in the Company which has 
been approved by the Company’s shareholders in 
General Meeting.

134

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

 
 
 
 
INFORMATION FOR SHAREHOLDERS

1.  Conditions for Participating in the Annual General 

Meeting (“AGM”)

Every shareholder, irrespective of how many FBD 
Holdings plc shares he/she holds, has the right to 
attend, speak, ask questions and vote at the AGM. 
Completion of a form of proxy will not affect your 
right to attend, speak, ask questions and/or vote at 
the meeting in person. The right to participate in the 
AGM is subject to the registration of the shares prior 
to the record date for the meeting (the “Record Date”) 
– see note 3 following.

2.  Appointment of Proxy

If you cannot attend the AGM in person, you may 
appoint a proxy (or proxies) to attend, speak, ask 
questions and vote on your behalf. For this purpose a 
Form of Proxy has been sent to all registered 
shareholders. A proxy need not be a member of the 
Company. You may appoint the Chairman of the 
Company or another individual as your proxy. You 
may appoint a proxy by completing the Form of Proxy, 
making sure to sign and date the form at the bottom 
and return it in the pre-paid envelope provided to the 
Company’s Registrar, Computershare Investor 
Services (Ireland) Limited, P.O. Box 954, Heron House, 
Corrig Road, Sandyford Industrial Estate, Dublin 18, 
Ireland to be received no later than 11 a.m. on 3 May 
2017. If you are appointing someone other than the 
Chairman as your proxy, then you must fill in the 
details of that person in the box located underneath 
the wording “I/We hereby appoint the Chairman of 
the Meeting OR the following person” on the Form of 
Proxy.

Alternatively, you may appoint a proxy via CREST, if 
you hold your shares in CREST, or you may do so 
electronically, by visiting the website of the Company’s 
Registrar at www.eproxyappointment.com. You will 
need your shareholder reference number, control 
number and your PIN number, which can be found on 
the Form of Proxy.

If you appoint the Chairman or another person as a 
proxy to vote on your behalf, please make sure to 
indicate how you wish your votes to be cast by ticking 
the relevant boxes on the Form of Proxy.

Completing and returning a Form of Proxy will not 
preclude you from attending and voting at the 
meeting should you so wish.

3.  Record Date for AGM

Pursuant to Section 1095 of the Companies Act, 2014 
and pursuant to Regulation 14 of the Companies Act, 
1990 (Uncertificated Securities) Regulations, 1996, 
the Company hereby specifies that only those 
Shareholders registered in the Register of Members 
of the Company as at 6 p.m. on the day which is two 
days before the date of the meeting shall be entitled 
to attend or vote at the Annual General Meeting in 
respect of the number of shares registered in their 
name at that time. Changes in the Register after that 
time will be disregarded in determining the right of 
any person to attend and/or vote at the meeting or 
the number of votes any Shareholder may have in the 
case of a poll vote.

4.  How to exercise your voting rights

As a Shareholder, you have several ways to exercise 
your right to vote:

n	

n	

n	

By attending the AGM in person;

By appointing the Chairman or some other 
person as a proxy to vote on your behalf;

By appointing a proxy via the CREST System if 
you hold your shares in CREST.

In the case of joint holders, the vote of the senior who 
tenders a vote, whether in person or by proxy, will be 
accepted to the exclusion of the votes of the other 
registered holder(s) and, for this purpose, seniority 
will be determined by the order in which the names 
stand in the register of members.

FBD Holdings plc  Annual Report 2016

135

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INFORMATION FOR SHAREHOLDERS (continued)

5.  Tabling Agenda Items

7.  Right to ask questions

If you or a group of Shareholders hold 1,186,155 or 
more ordinary or preference shares of €0.60 each in 
FBD Holdings plc (i.e. at least 3% of the issued share 
capital of the Company carrying voting rights), you or 
the group of Shareholders acting together have the 
right to put an item on the agenda for the AGM. In 
order to exercise this right, written details of the item 
you wish to have included on the agenda for the AGM 
together with a written explanation setting out why 
you wish to have the item included on the agenda, 
and evidence of the shareholding, must have been 
received by the Company Secretary at FBD Holdings 
plc, FBD House, Bluebell, Dublin 12, Ireland or by 
e-mail to company.secretary@fbd.ie no later than 11 
a.m. on Friday 24 March 2017 (i.e. 42 days before the 
time scheduled for the holding of the AGM). An item 
cannot be included on the agenda for the AGM unless 
the foregoing conditions are satisfied and it is 
received by the stated deadline.

6.  Tabling Draft Resolutions

If you or a group of Shareholders hold 1,186,155 or 
more ordinary and/or preference shares of €0.60 
each in FBD Holdings plc (i.e. at least 3% of the issued 
share capital of the Company carrying voting rights), 
you or the group of Shareholders acting together 
have the right to table a draft resolution for inclusion 
on the agenda for the AGM subject to any contrary 
provision in company law.

In order to exercise this right, the text of the draft 
resolution and evidence of shareholding must have 
been received by post by the Company Secretary at FBD 
Holdings plc, FBD House, Bluebell, Dublin 12, Ireland or 
by email to company.secretary@fbd.ie no later than 11 
a.m. on Friday 24 March 2017 (i.e. 42 days before the 
time scheduled for the holding of the AGM). A 
resolution cannot be included on the agenda for the 
AGM unless it is received in either of the foregoing 
manners by the stated deadline. Furthermore, 
Shareholders are reminded that there are provisions in 
company law, and otherwise, which impose other 
conditions on the right of shareholders to propose 
resolutions at a general meeting of a company.

Pursuant to Section 1107 of the Companies Act 2014, 
shareholders have a right to ask questions related to 
items on the AGM agenda and to have such questions 
answered by the Company subject to any reasonable 
measures the Company may take to ensure the 
identification of shareholders.

8.  How to request/inspect documentation relating 

to the meeting

The annual financial statements, reports of the 
Directors and the Auditors and the Report of the 
Remuneration Committee are contained in the 
Company’s Annual Report which was dispatched to 
Shareholders on 31 March 2017. The Annual  
Report is also available on the Company’s  
website www.fbdgroup.com. 

Should you not receive a Form of Proxy, or should you 
wish to be sent copies of any documents relating to 
the meeting, you may request these by telephoning 
the Company’s Registrar on +353 1 4475 101 or by 
writing to the Company Secretary either by post at 
FBD House, Bluebell, Dublin 12, Ireland or by e-mail 
to company.secretary@fbd.ie.

The Memorandum and Articles of Association of the 
Company are available on the Company’s website 
www.fbdgroup.com and may also be inspected during 
usual business hours on any weekday (Saturdays, 
Sundays and public holidays excepted) at the 
Company’s Registered Office at FBD House, Bluebell, 
Dublin 12, Ireland up to and including the date of the 
Annual General Meeting and at the Annual General 
Meeting itself.

9.  Further Information 

This AGM notice, details of the total number of 
shares and voting rights at the date of giving this 
notice, the documents to be submitted to the 
meeting, copies of any draft resolutions and a copy of 
the Form of Proxy are available on the Company’s 
website at www.fbdgroup.com. 

136

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