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FBD HOLDINGS PLC

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FY2017 Annual Report · FBD HOLDINGS PLC
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FBD Holdings plc  
Annual Report 2017

Protection. 
It’s in our nature.

Contents

Financial Highlights 

Chairman's Statement 

Review of Operations 

Corporate Information

Report of the Directors 

Corporate Governance

Report on Directors’ Remuneration

Directors’ Responsibilities Statement

Independent Auditors’ Report

Financial Statements

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)

Alternative Performance Measures

Letter from Chairman in relation to Annual General Meeting

Notice of Annual General Meeting

2

4

8

14

15

24

38

47

48

60

61

62

64

65

66

67

68

69

130

131

135

1

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Financial Highlights

Gross premium written

Net premium earned

Profit for the financial year

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Net asset value per share

Ordinary dividend per share

2017
€000s

372,459

325,932

42,696

2017
Cent

123

991

784

-

2016
€000s

361,799

308,226

10,680

2016
Cent

31

31

651

-

1Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential conversion of the convertible debt and share based payments

Calendar
Preliminary announcement

Dividend record date 

Annual General Meeting

Dividend payment date 

27 February 2018

6 April 2018

4 May 2018

11 May 2018

2

FBD Holdings at a glance

€372m

GWP is up 3%

86.2%

Combined Operating Ratio

€50m

Profit before Tax

2017: Progress in Developing our Business

NEW 
PRODUCTS

SALES & 
DISTRIBUTION

BRAND & 
MARKETING

PRICING & 
UNDERWRITING

n	 New CarProtect 

n  New Dublin branch 

n  Advertising campaign 

product introduced in 
Consumer channel 
providing greater choice 
for customer

n	 Travel and Car Hire 

(externally underwritten)

n	 Professional Indemnity 
and Directors & Officers 
(externally underwritten)

opened in Drumcondra – 
Branch on Southside 
planned

n  Enhancements to 
website including 
allowing on line claims 
notifications

n  Changes to Consumer 
call centre to align to 
customer buying patterns

building on brand re-launch

n  Sponsorship of “Bloom” 
festival, Marian Finucane 
Show and partnership with 
Toyota “Face It Down” 
Campaign

n  Continuing support for 
agricultural associations 
and events including the 
National Ploughing 
Championships

n  More granular rating 
facilitated by new 
CarProtect product

n  Changes to 

underwriting approach 
to support urban growth 
plans

n  All channels and 

products contributing to 
underwriting profit

3

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Chairman’s Statement

Performance
I am pleased to present to you our excellent financial results 
for 2017 and in particular I am very pleased to announce a 
proposed dividend payment to our shareholders. We achieved 
a Group Profit before Tax of €50m and our Net Asset Value 
(Book value) per share grew to 784 cents. Our Solvency 
Capital Ratio has improved from 126% in 2016 to 164%  
at the end of 2017.

Board Changes
The new Board and streamlined governance structure 
was steadily effective during the year. The group is 
focussed on its general insurance business, FBD 
Insurance plc, and our life, pensions and investment 
intermediary, FBD Financial Solutions.

During the year there were some Board changes that 
warrant noting and I would like to record my own and  
the Board’s deep appreciation of Mr. Michael Berkery, 
our former Chairman, and Mr. Sean Dorgan, our former 
Senior Independent Director, who both stepped down at 
our AGM last May. The Board and I thank them for their 
valued contributions to the Group over many years and 
we wish them continued success in the future. We were 
also delighted to welcome Joe Healy, President of the 
Irish Farmers’ Association as a new non-executive  
Board member. Joe brings valuable insight and excellent 
relationships with our core customer base. He has a deep 
knowledge of Irish farming and the Agri-sector and we 
look forward to working with him over the coming years.

Over the past three years we have successfully executed 
a significant turnaround in our business and we can now 
clearly see the results of the many strong and sometimes 
difficult actions taken in that time. We look forward with 
confidence to future profitability and growth. We intend 
to carefully grow our business while maintaining our 
underwriting discipline. It is in this way that FBD intends 
to generate sustainable growth in book value for our 
shareholders.

From the outset, I would like to acknowledge and thank 
our loyal FBD staff for their immense contribution to 
these strong financial results. Their dedication to our 
customers and to great customer service continues to  
be a key differentiator and competitive advantage for 
FBD and that dedication is a source of pride and 
confidence for the Board.

Management Changes
With the help of the Board, Ms. Fiona Muldoon our 
Group Chief Executive added further executive talent  
to the FBD senior management team during 2017. We 
welcomed a new Chief Commercial Officer, Chief Human 
Resources Officer and Chief Underwriting Officer. The 
depth and strength of our senior management team 
position the Group well for the execution of our strategy 
and any future challenges ahead. The Board looks 
forward with confidence to the continued successful 
implementation of this strategy.

4

Chairman’s 
Statement

Liam Herlihy 
CHAIRMAN

5

Chairman’s Statement (continued)

Our Heritage
This year, FBD celebrates its 50th year in business.  
We have a rich heritage and we are uniquely an Irish 
indigenous insurer, supporting and protecting our farm, 
business and consumer customers. With our nationwide 
branch network, we are based in and active participants 
in the communities we serve. We continue to be strong 
supporters of Irish farmers and Irish businesses down 
through the years. Our sponsorship of key events such  
as our on-going flagship sponsorship of The Ploughing 
Championship and many other associations and events 
across the length and breadth of the country continues 
 to ensure our commitment to rural Ireland’s success and 
prosperity is well known and understood.

We re-launched our brand in 2017 with the FBD Tree and 
our ‘Protection. It’s in our Nature.’ strap line. We believe 
this speaks to our heritage and our roots while also being 
relevant and modern to today’s customers. It has helped 
us retain our existing customers, broaden the appeal of 
FBD and foster relationships with new customers. 

During 2017 we formed new partnerships with Toyota 
(‘Face It Down’ Driving Safety Campaign), Chubb (Travel 
Insurance) and XL Catlin (Professional Indemnity and 
Directors & Officers Insurance). In addition, we were 
proud to become the first commercial sponsor of the 
Bord Bia-led Bloom Festival in the Phoenix Park and we 
became the sponsors of Ireland’s most listened to radio 
show: RTÉ’s Marian Finucane Show.

More recently, during 2017 we also extended our branch 
network in Dublin with the opening of our new office in 
Drumcondra on Dublin’s north side. This represented the 
first branch office opened in many years and was a cause 
of some celebration for staff and customers. We hope to 
soon follow with a further office in South Dublin. This 
further extends our presence into the important Dublin 
commercial business market and extends our brand 
reach and recognition into the most important consumer 
urban centre in the country; our capital city.

Claims Environment
The claims environment continues to be uncertain and, 
in the absence of reform, our customers will continue  
to pay higher insurance premiums than those seen in 
other EU countries. The progress made on the actions 
recommended by the Government Cost of Insurance 
Working Group is welcome. It is important that these 
proposals are followed through with legislation so that 
we see a reduction in the cost of claims. In October, 
Storm Ophelia hit the country and caused widespread 
damage to property. Our claims staff responded superbly 
to help our impacted customers. Insurance is for events 
such as these and as always, we can be proud of our 
claims paying record. Unfortunately, in addition, 2017 
was a very poor year for Farm safety and indeed there 
were a record number of deaths on Irish farms during the 
year. FBD will continue to work hard with its customers 
to change farm workplace practices. FBD supports many 
sponsorships and initiatives in this area and will continue 
to help educate and support a safety culture that would 
begin to change the very high level of death and injury in 
the farm workplace.

6

Dividend
The Board believes that it is in the long-term interest of 
all stakeholders to maintain strong solvency and liquidity 
margins and it is focussed on ensuring that the Group’s 
capital position continues to be robust and its financial 
position well managed.

Following the improvement in the financial performance 
of the business the Board proposes to pay a dividend  
of 24c per share for the 2017 financial year. This is 
equivalent to a pay-out ratio of approximately 20% in 
respect of 2017 profits. The Group will target a 20%  
to 50% annual pay-out range of full year profits when 
appropriate, recognising extreme weather events and 
inherent cyclicality are a feature of all insurance 
businesses.

This conservative policy is designed to recognise the 
importance of full year earnings in determining dividends 
while protecting the capital position of the Group. This 
dividend payment is a major milestone for FBD and 
reflects our confidence in the profitability and future 
prospects of the business.

Conclusion
I want to extend my sincere thanks to the Board for its 
active leadership and support during 2017. I also want to 
thank Fiona, the management team and our FBD staff for 
their commitment in delivering this very strong result.

Finally we thank our customers for their business. Their 
loyalty, trust and confidence in FBD has enabled this 
success. As we enter our 50th year of trading, FBD is 
strongly positioned for the future and I am confident  
that FBD will continue to grow and prosper over its  
next fifty years.

Thank you.

Liam Herlihy 
Chairman

26 February 2018

7

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017 
 
Review of Operations

Overview
FBD has had an excellent year and I am pleased to see  
our strong strategic delivery reflected in these results. In 
particular, I am delighted the Board has proposed a dividend 
of 24c per share for our shareholders. After three years of 
hard work and corrective action my colleagues and I have 
delivered a strong underwriting profit for the year. 

Storm Ophelia was managed to a net cost of €5.4m and 
our target return on equity has been exceeded a full twelve 
months ahead of schedule. FBD has displayed exceptional 
resilience and we are now well positioned to build on our 
loyal customer base. As we enter our 50th year of trading 
and as the only publicly quoted Irish insurer, FBD is here 
for farmers, businesses and consumers for the long-haul.

The Group’s profitability and balance sheet strengthened 
significantly in 2017. FBD delivered a 17% return on 
equity due to an exceptionally strong underwriting result 
and some positive prior year reserve development. Gross 
written premium increased by 3% to €372m (2016: 
€362m), profit before tax increased to €50m (2016: 
€11m) including an underwriting profit of €45m  
(2016: €3m).

Underwriting

PREMIUM INCOME

Gross written premium increased by €10.7m to €372.5m 
(2016: €361.8m), which is largely attributable to our 
farm, business and private motor products of €11.6m, 
offset by a €0.9m reduction in broker business. Moderate 
rate increases were carried across the book and the 
underlying performance of the business continues to 
improve. New business volumes grew by 12% largely  
in commercial, private motor and farm. We continue  
to see strong retention rates across our book.

REINSURANCE

The Group amended its reinsurance arrangements at  
the outset of 2017 to what it believes is a more effective 
programme, providing better cover in extreme events, 
while accepting more attritional property risk.

CLAIMS

Net claims incurred amounted to €203.1m (2016: 
€227.9m). We experienced positive prior year reserve 
development of €15.4m driven by the 2016 accident  
year which is now showing sustained frequency 
improvements. The MIBI levy reserve release of €5.6m  
is also reflected in these results following the Supreme 
Court ruling on the “Setanta” case. This case found that 
MIBI was not liable for third party motor insurer 
insolvency. In total the Group incurred a net charge of 
€1.9m (2016: €7.8m) relating to its MIBI levy and related 
obligation, which is calculated based on the Group’s 
expected share of the motor market for 2017 and 
includes the MIBI levy reserve release of €5.6m.

CLAIMS ENVIRONMENT

The claims environment has shown signs of moderation, 
but overall remains difficult. The average cost of claims 
continues to increase with higher levels of inflation 
observed in injury settlements, particularly for more 
minor injury levels. 

The amended Book of Quantum has increased the level 
of damages awarded by the Injuries Board for most 
categories of injury. Despite this development, the 
rejection rate of Injuries Board awards remains very high 
amongst claimants. FBD’s rejection rate has increased by 
30% since 2013, with significantly fewer claimants now 
accepting Injuries Board awards than previously. The 
enactment by the Government of the proposed PIAB 
(Amendment) Bill to tackle the non-co-operation of 
claimants and their legal representatives with the Injuries 
Board, is necessary to reduce the claimant rejection rate 
and lower the cost of claims.

8

Review of  
Operations

Fiona Muldoon 
GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE

9

Review of Operations (continued)

In January 2017 the Cost of Insurance Working Group 
published its report on Motor Insurance, with suggested 
reforms including strengthening the power of the Injuries 
Board, establishment of a Personal Injuries Commission 
and improved data sharing. The report on the cost of 
Employer and Public Liability insurance was published 
recently with some additional recommendations.

EXPENSES

The Group’s expense ratio was 23.3% (2016: 22.6%). 
Other underwriting expenses were €75.9m an increase 
of €6.5m. €4.5m of the increase relates to changes in the 
reinsurance arrangements. The balance relates to the 
increased full year depreciation charge from the Group’s 
new policy administration system. 

Progress to date on these recommendations includes:

n  The establishment of the Personal Injuries 

Commission and its first report, with a focus on 
standardisation of whiplash injuries.

n  The publication of the “First Motor Insurance Key 

Information Report” aimed at greater transparency 
on costs and trends.

n  Proposed increased powers for the Injuries Board as 

outlined in the PIAB (Amendment) Bill (enactment 
awaited).

n  Work started to establish an integrated insurance 

fraud database and the uninsured drivers database 
which can be updated to the Garda Automatic 
Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system.

While acknowledging the limited progress made to date, 
in order for costs to reduce we believe that these projects 
urgently need to reach conclusion and the required 
legislation must be enacted to deliver meaningful 
reform.

WEATHER, CLAIMS FREQUENCY AND LARGE 
CLAIMS

Storm Ophelia, the strongest eastern Atlantic hurricane 
on record, swept through the country on 16 October 
2017 causing significant wind damage. We received 
almost 2,200 claims with an approximate cost of 
€10-11m. The net cost to FBD is €5.4m net of 
reinsurance (inclusive of reinstatement premia).

Our underwriting approach has led to a sustained 
positive trend in motor injury frequency.

The gross cost of large claims in 2017 (greater than 
€0.5m) is €44m and is largely in line with the average  
of the past five years. On a net of reinsurance basis, our 
large claims cost is €5m lower than the five-year average 
as a result of the lower retentions in our 2017 
reinsurance programme.

The reclassification of claims handling expenses has 
reduced the reported expense ratio by 2.9 percentage 
points (2016: 3.4 percentage points) and increased the 
loss ratio by the same amount.

GENERAL

FBD’s Combined Operating Ratio (“COR”) was 86.2% 
generating an underwriting profit of €44.9m (2016: 
€3.2m).

INVESTMENT RETURN

FBD’s total investment return for 2017 was 1.2%  
(2016: 1.9%), with 0.9% (2016: 0.8%) recognised in  
the Consolidated Income Statement and 0.3% (2016: 
1.1%) recognised in the Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income. The modest returns are a 
reflection of the Eurozone low interest rate environment 
and the Group’s conservative investment portfolio (94% 
of total assets are invested in cash and bonds). The Group 
holds a small portfolio of risk assets including equities, 
investment property and UCITS funds. 

CAPITAL POSITION

Ordinary shareholders’ funds at 31 December 2017 
amounted to €271.6m (2016: €225.5m). The increase  
in shareholders’ funds is mainly attributable to the 
following:

n  Profit after tax for the year of €42.7m

n  Mark to market gains on Available for Sale 

investments of €2.5m after tax recognised in  
the statement of other comprehensive income

n  Share based payments of €0.7m

n  The decrease in the defined benefit pension scheme 
obligation of €0.2m after tax following a 5bps 
increase in the discount rate to 1.75%

Net assets per ordinary share are 784 cent, compared  
to 651 cent per share at 31 December 2016.

10

INVESTMENT ALLOCATION

The allocation of the Group’s underwriting investment assets is as follows:

Deposits and cash

Corporate bonds

Government bonds 

Equities

Unit trusts

Investment property

31 December 2017

31 December 2016

€m

230

499

259

22

24

18

%

22%

47%

25%

2%

2%

2%

€m

270

493

177

24

24

16

%

27%

49%

18%

2%

2%

2%

1,052

100%

1,004

100%

The Group has continued with its conservative 
investment policy during the period. FBD has increased 
its exposure to Government bonds towards a 30% target 
allocation. During 2018 FBD will move into the final 
phase of its strategic asset allocation.

SOLVENCY

The latest (unaudited) Solvency Capital Ratio (SCR)  
is 164%, increasing from 126% at the end of 2016.  
The improvement is driven by both the effect of the 
underlying profitability of the business on available 
capital and the impact of the paying down of older  
claims reserves on required capital.

Outlook
In 2017 FBD delivered a return on equity of 17% and a 
current year COR of 93%, helped by strong underwriting 
actions and improved rate adequacy. Storm Ophelia 
represented a net cost of €5.4m. In addition 2017 
included positive prior year and MIBI reserve releases  
of €15.4m and €5.6m respectively, both of which  
further improve the COR to 86%.

Strong progress has been made by the Group over the 
last three years and FBD is well positioned to deliver 
sustainable profitable growth and long-term  
shareholder value through growth in book value.

The claims environment has moderated although 
inflation is still evident. While the proposals made by the 
Cost of Insurance Working Group are sensible, they must 
be implemented in practice in order to deliver benefit to 
our customers. Farm safety remains a concern and the 
Group intends to continue to work hard in this area with 
its farm customers.

Brexit is likely to have a negative impact on our farm 
customers although Irish farming has proven resilient  
to setbacks in the past and has overcome all previous 
significant challenges. We remain confident in the 
sector’s ability to adapt and thrive.

FBD continues to target careful growth, specifically 
through a measured increase in its urban business  
while retaining its large market share in rural Ireland.

Fiona Muldoon 
Group Chief Executive

26 February 2018

11

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 201712

Continuing  
to protect our 
customers

13

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Corporate Information

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

Independent Auditors for 2017 
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
Goldman Sachs

Stockbrokers
Goodbody Stockbrokers
Ballsbridge Park
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
Ireland

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

14

Report of the Directors

The Directors present their report and the audited 
Financial Statements for the financial year 2017.

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 11. 
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.

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

Dividends
On 23 February 2018 the Board of FBD Holdings plc 
proposed a preference dividend of €113,000 on the  
14% preference shares, €169,000 on the 8% preference 
shares and €8,320,000 on the ordinary shares.  
The proposed dividends are subject to approval by 
shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 4  
May 2018. Please refer to note 35 for further details.

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  
nature of the event, 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 settlement environment continues to show 
emerging signs of greater stability, but remains difficult. 
Average cost of claims continues to increase with higher 
levels of inflation observed in injury settlements.

15

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Report of the Directors (continued)

The amended Book of Quantum has increased the  
level of damages awarded by the Injuries Board for  
most categories of injury. Despite this development, 
the rejection rate of Injuries Board awards remains high 
amongst claimants with legal representation. The 
rejection rate has in fact increased by 30% over the last 
number of years, with significantly fewer claimants now 
accepting Injuries Board awards than previously. These 
claims proceed to litigation where they incur significant 
legal costs. The enactment by the Government and 
enforcement by the judiciary of proposed PIAB 
(Amendment) Bill to tackle the non-co-operation  
with the Injuries Board by claimants and their legal 
representatives, is critical to reducing the claimant 
rejection rate and lowering the cost of claims.

There are a number of other factors driving higher 
underlying inflation in injury claims:

n  Upward pressure on the average cost of soft tissue 
injury claims of 18 months to 24 months duration,  
as a result of the amended Book of Quantum

n  Psychological injury accompanying soft tissue injury, 

to a much greater extent than previously 
experienced. We believe awards for this type of 
post-traumatic stress are excessive and extraordinary 
in the international context

n 

Increasing frequency of assistive care claims. Such 
claims were previously a feature of catastrophic 
injury claims but are becoming more prevalent  
in less serious claims

n  Wage inflation and higher levels of employment 
impacting past and future loss of earnings claims

CAPITAL MANAGEMENT RISK

The Group is committed to managing its capital to ensure 
it is adequately capitalised at all times and to maximise 
returns to shareholders. The capital of the Group 
comprises of issued capital, reserves and retained 
earnings as detailed in notes 24 to 27. 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.

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 Group is exposed 
or could face in the future and how they translate into 
capital needs or alternatively require mitigating actions.

FBD Insurance plc has an Investment Committee,  
a Pricing & Underwriting Committee, a Capital 
Management Forum, an Audit Committee, a Reserving 
Committee and Executive and Board Risk Committees, 
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.

16

OPERATIONAL RISK

CONCENTRATION 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, regulatory and 
reputational criteria.

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.

MARKET RISK

The Group has invested in term deposits, listed  
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 and external 
investment management specialists 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.

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 a credit rating 
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 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.

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 believes 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 key executive officers or 

other key employees, 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.

17

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Report of the Directors (continued)

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.

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

A detailed description of the Group’s Risk Management 
Process is provided in note 41.

place to identify, assess, manage and monitor risk  
and risk 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 
2017, are listed in note 36.

Directors
The present Directors of the Company, together with  
a biography on each, are set out on pages 25 to 26. 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.

The Directors who served at any time during 2017  
were as follows:

Liam Herlihy 

(Chairman/Appointed as Chairman  
5 May 2017)

Michael Berkery

(Chairman/Retired 5 May 2017)

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

Walter Bogaerts

Mary Brennan

Dermot Browne

n  Primary responsibility for risk management lies  

with 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 and 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 indicators and escalation processes. The risk policies 
including the Risk Management Framework and Risk 
Appetite are reviewed at least annually by the FBD 
Insurance Executive and Board Risk Committees and the 
Board or more frequently if a system, or area concerned 
undergoes significant change. FBD has a framework in 

18

(Senior Independent Non-Executive 
Director/Appointed Senior Independent 
Non-Executive Director 5 May 2017)

Sean Dorgan 

(Senior Independent Non-Executive 
Director/Retired 5 May 2017)

Joe Healy 

(Appointed 9 August 2017)

Orlagh Hunt

Fiona Muldoon 

David O’Connor

John O’Grady

Padraig Walshe

Annual General Meeting
The notice of the Annual General Meeting of the 
Company which will be held at 11 a.m. on 4 May 2018  
in the Irish Farm Centre, Old Naas Road, Bluebell,  
Dublin 12, is set out on pages 135 to 137. A letter from 
the Chairman detailing the business to come before the 
Annual General Meeting is included at pages 131 to 134.

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 2017 and 
1 January 2017 (or date of appointment if later) were as 
follows:

Number of ordinary shares 
of €0.60 each

31 December
2017

1 January
2017*

8,000

3,000

0

0

0

0

0

4,000

1,500

0

1,100

0

0

0

0

0

0

1,500

0

1,100

Beneficial

Liam Herlihy

Walter Bogaerts

Mary Brennan 

Dermot Browne

Joe Healy 

Orlagh Hunt

Fiona Muldoon

David O’Connor

John O’Grady

Padraig Walshe

Company Secretary

Derek Hall 

1,755

1,755

*or at date of appointment if later

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 Performance 
Share Plan are detailed in the Report on Directors’ 
Remuneration on pages 38 to 46.

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 18 and 19, the Performance Share 
Plan in note 39 and the Report on Directors’ 
Remuneration on pages 38 to 46 are deemed to be 
incorporated in this part of the Report of the Directors.

Substantial Shareholdings
As at 26 February 2018 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

2,770,253

Black Creek International

1,776,831

Fidelity Management and 
Research LLC

Fidelity International 
Limited

1,730,064

1,652,642

9%

8%

5%

5%

5%

Preference Share Capital

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%

19

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017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

14% Non-cumulative 
preference shares of €0.60 each

8% Non-cumulative preference 
shares of €0.60 each

1,340,000

3.4

3,532,292

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.

Independent Auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers, Chartered Accountants and 
Statutory Audit Firm, were appointed by the Directors in 
2016 to audit the Financial Statements for the financial 
year ended 31 December 2016 and subsequent financial 

periods. The period of total uninterrupted engagement is 
2 years, covering the financial years ended 31 December 
2016 to 31 December 2017. PricewaterhouseCoopers 
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:

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.

20

Corporate Governance
The Corporate Governance Report on pages 24 to 37 
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, 
the Irish Corporate Governance Annex, and the Central 
Bank of Ireland Corporate Governance Code for Credit 
Institutions and Insurance Undertakings.

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 15 to 18.

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 2017. 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 is the financial position 
of the Group. In addition, note 41 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 2018 and forecast 
for 2019 and 2020, 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 26 February 2018.

Signed on behalf of the Board

Liam Herlihy 
Chairman

Fiona Muldoon 
Group Chief Executive

26 February 2018

21

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 201722

Continuing to  
help businesses 
grow

23

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017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 2017 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.

LOCATION OF INFORMATION REQUIRED 
PURSUANT TO ISE LISTING RULE 6.8.1.C

Listing Rule

Information to be included:

6.8.1 (4)

Refer to Report on Director’s 
Remuneration on pages 38 to 46

No information is required to be disclosed in respect of 
Listing Rules 6.8.1 (1), (2), (3), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), 
(11), (12), (13), (14).

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 February 
2018.

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 2017 the Board comprised two 
executive Directors and eight 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. Two Directors retired and 
one was appointed during 2017.

Seven of the non-executive Directors in office at the end 
of 2017 were considered to meet all of the criteria 
indicating independence set out in the Code.

24

Date first elected 
by shareholders

Years from  
first election  
to 2018 AGM

Considered 
to be 
independent

Mary Brennan

31 Aug 2016

Dermot Browne

31 Aug 2016

Liam Herlihy

29 Apr 2016

Orlagh Hunt

31 Aug 2016

David O’Connor

31 Aug 2016

Walter Bogaerts

29 Apr 2016

Joe Healy

1.75

1.75

2.0

1.75

1.75

2.0

0.75

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Mr. Walshe, who is chairman of the Group’s largest 
shareholder, Farmer Business Developments plc, is  
not 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, 
compliance, financial accounting and executive reward.

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

LIAM HERLIHY, CHAIRMAN

Mr. Liam Herlihy (aged 66) is a farmer and 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.

WALTER BOGAERTS, INDEPENDENT  
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mr. Walter Bogaerts (aged 60) 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 52) 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 KPMG and in a number of 
publicly listed companies, including Elan plc and 
Occidental Petroleum Corp. She is a highly experienced 
non-executive director with a portfolio of companies, 
previously serving as Director and Audit Committee  
Chair of BNP Paribas Ireland.

DERMOT BROWNE, SENIOR INDEPENDENT 
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mr. Dermot Browne (aged 55) 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 two other financial services 
companies in Ireland.

25

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Corporate Governance (continued)

JOE HEALY, INDEPENDENT   
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

DAVID O’CONNOR, INDEPENDENT  
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mr. Joe Healy (aged 50) runs a dairy and cattle farm in 
Athenry, Co Galway with his family. He was elected the 
15th President of the Irish Farmers’ Association in April 
2016. Prior to that, he represented Galway IFA on the IFA 
National Farm Business Committee. Previously, he was 
actively involved in the young farmers’ organisation 
Macra na Feirme and was elected President of that 
organisation from 1995-1997. Mr Healy represents  
Irish farmers at EU level on COPA, which is the official 
umbrella representative body for European farmers.  
He chairs the COPA Food Chain Working Group, which  
is seeking a stronger position for farmers in the food 
supply chain. He is a non-executive director of Bord Bia 
– the Irish Food Board – which is responsible for the 
marketing of Irish food and drink abroad.

ORLAGH HUNT, INDEPENDENT   
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ms. Orlagh Hunt (aged 45) 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

Ms. Fiona Muldoon (aged 50) 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.

Mr. David O’Connor (aged 60) 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

Mr. John O’Grady (aged 56) 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 
Ireland in various roles between 1989 and 2012, 
including Finance Director, Claims Director and 
Operations Director.

PADRAIG WALSHE, NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mr. Padraig Walshe (aged 60) is Chairman of Farmer 
Business Developments plc, the Company’s largest 
shareholder, and a dairy farmer. 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.

26

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

GENDER

Male

Female

EXECUTIVE/NON-EXECUTIVE

Non-executive

Executive

80%

10%

10%

0%

70%

30%

80%

20%

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

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

Key Roles and Responsibilities

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.

Insurance or financial services

Actuarial

General industry

Agri/farming

Corporate finance

Accounting and Auditing

Corporate Governance

Compliance

Executive reward

70%

10%

100%

30%

30%

40%

80%

60%

50%

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.

27

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Corporate Governance (continued)

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. One Director joined the Board during 2017 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.

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. The Board intends to have its 
evaluation externally facilitated again at the end of 2018.

The evaluation process for 2017 took place in January 
2018. The purpose of the process was to identify areas 
where the Board can benefit from 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 the Chairman 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 2017 
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.

28

ATTENDANCE AT BOARD AND BOARD COMMITTEE MEETINGS DURING 2017

Board

Audit

Nomination

Remuneration

M Berkery

W Bogaerts

M Brennan

D Browne

S Dorgan

Joe Healy 

L Herlihy

O Hunt

F Muldoon

D O’Connor

J O’Grady

P Walshe

4/4

9/9

9/9

9/9

4/4

3/3

9/9

9/9

9/9

9/9

9/9

9/9

-

6/6

6/6

6/6

3/3

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

3/3

-

-

1/1

3/3

-

4/4

-

-

1/1

-

-

-

6/6

-

-

3/3

-

-

6/6

-

2/3

-

-

Risk

1/2

5/5

-

-

-

3/3

2/3

-

4/5

2/2

-

If a Director is unable for any reason to attend a Board  
or Committee meeting, he or she will receive Board/
Committee 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/Committee 
to the Board/Committee Chairman.

The Company Secretary acts as secretary to the 
Committees. Minutes of all of the Committees’  
meetings are available to the Board.

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

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

n 

n 

n 

n 

the Audit Committee;

the Risk 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.

29

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Corporate Governance (continued)

Report of the Audit Committee

MEMBERSHIP DURING THE YEAR

Current 

D Browne 

Committee Chairman, 
Senior Independent 
non-executive Director 

Length of time 
served on 
committee

1.50 years

W Bogaerts

Independent non-executive 
Director

1.83 years

M Brennan

Independent non-executive 
Director 

1.33 years

Previous 

S Dorgan 

Committee Chairman, 
Senior Independent 
non-executive Director, 
resigned 5 May 2017

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.

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

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 six occasions during 2017. 
Meetings are attended by Committee members. 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 2017

The principal activities undertaken by the Committee 
during 2017 include:

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

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;

30

n 

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

PricewaterhouseCoopers were reappointed as Auditors 
of the Company in respect of the financial year ended 31 
December 2017.

FAIR, BALANCED AND UNDERSTANDABLE

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 UK Corporate 
Governance 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.

Dermot Browne 
On behalf of the Audit Committee

26 February 2018

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 2017:

n 

Insurance contract liabilities and related reinsurance 
assets. The Group had net claims outstanding of 
€674.5m and Net UPR of €186.0m at 31 December 
2017. 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 
proposal. The Audit Committee concluded that the 
carrying value of claims outstanding and UPR 
included in the financial statements are appropriate.

n  Accounting for the defined benefit pension scheme. 
The Group had a defined benefit pension scheme 
asset of €9.8m at 31 December 2017, which is closed 
to future accrual and closed to new members. The 
valuation of the pension scheme is provided by the 
Group’s consultant actuaries. The valuation was 
reviewed by the Audit Committee and it was 
concluded that the carrying value of the defined 
benefit pension scheme included in the financial 
statements is appropriate.

31

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Corporate Governance (continued)

Report of the Risk Committee

MEMBERSHIP DURING THE YEAR

Current

Length of time 
served on 
committee

W Bogaerts Committee Chairman, 

1 year

L Herlihy 

Independent non-executive 
Director

Independent non-executive 
Director and Board 
Chairman 

1 year

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES DELEGATED TO THE 
COMMITTEE

n  Promote a risk awareness culture within the Group;

n  Ensure that the material risks facing the Group have 
been identified and that appropriate arrangements 
are in place to manage and mitigate those risks 
effectively;

n  Advise the Board on the effectiveness of strategies 
and policies with respect to maintaining, on an 
ongoing basis, the amounts, types and distribution of 
capital adequate to cover the risks of the Group;

D O’Connor

Independent non-executive 
Director

1 year

n  Review and challenge risk information received by 

the Chief Risk Officer from the business departments 
to ensure that the Group is not exceeding the risk 
limits set by the Board;

n  Present a profile of the Group’s key risks, risk 

management framework, risk appetite and tolerance 
and risk policies at least annually together with a 
summary of the Committee’s business to the Board.

MEETINGS

The Committee met on five occasions during 2017. 
Meetings are attended by Committee members. The 
Chief Risk Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Head  
of Actuarial Function and the Head of Internal Audit are 
invited to attend all scheduled meetings of the 
Committee.

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.

O Hunt 

Previous

S Dorgan 

Independent non-executive 
Director

0.66 year

Senior Independent 
non-executive Director 
resigned 5 May 2017

M Berkery  Non-executive Director and 

Board Chairman, resigned 
5 May 2017

J O’Grady 

Executive Director, 
resigned 5 May 2017

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

The Board Risk Committee is the forum for risk 
governance within FBD. It is responsible for providing 
oversight and advice to the Board in relation to current 
and potential future risk exposures of the Group and 
future risk strategy. This advice includes recommending 
a risk management framework incorporating strategies, 
policies, risk appetites and risk indicators to the Board  
for approval. The Risk Committee oversees the risk 
management function, which is managed on a  
daily basis by the CRO.

32

ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE DURING 2017

Report of the Nomination Committee

The principal activities undertaken by the Committee 
during 2017 include:

n  assisted the Board in the review and update of its  
risk policies, risk appetite, risk indicators and risk 
tolerance;

n  appraised the Risk Function plan to ensure that  

the plan is sufficient and appropriate to effectively 
identify, monitor, manage and report, on a 
continuous basis, the risks to which the  
Group could be exposed;

n  ensured that the material risks facing the Group  
have been identified and appropriately managed  
and mitigated;

n 

reviewed and challenged risk information reported to 
the Committee to ensure that the Group is operating 
within the risk limits set by the Board;

n 

reviewed the quarterly Solvency Capital Ratio;

S Dorgan

MEMBERSHIP DURING THE YEAR

Current

L Herlihy 

Committee Chairman, 
non-executive Director, 
Board Chairman 

Length of time 
served on 
committee

1.58 years

D Browne 

Senior Independent 
non-executive Director

0.66 years

D O’Connor 

Independent non-executive 
Director 

0.66 years

Previous

M Berkery

Committee Chairman, 
non-executive Director, 
Board chairman, resigned 
5 May 2017

Senior Independent 
non-executive Director, 
resigned 5 May 2017

n  considered the results of risk policy stress tests  
and peer reviews of the Actuarial Best Estimate  
that were performed by the Risk Function;

n  assessed the results of Control Design and 

Operational Effectiveness Reviews undertaken  
by the Risk Function; and

n 

reviewed the 2017 ORSA report prior to its 
consideration by the Board.

EVALUATION

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

Walter Bogaerts 
On behalf of the Risk Committee

26 February 2018

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.

33

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Corporate Governance (continued)

MEETINGS

The Committee met four times during 2017 to consider 
potential candidates for appointment as Chairman of 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  
and Senior Management succession plan.

The Committee reviewed and approved the composition 
of the Board Committees in 2017.

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 2017 
fully met the requirements of the Code as a majority of 
Committee members were Directors considered to be 
independent.

Liam Herlihy 
On behalf of the Nomination Committee

26 February 2018

Report of the Remuneration 
Committee

MEMBERSHIP DURING YEAR

Current

O Hunt 

Length of time 
served on 
committee

Committee Chairman, 
Independent non-executive 
director

1.33 years

W Bogaerts

Independent non-executive 
Director

1.66 years

D O’Connor

Independent non-executive 
Director

 0.66 years

Previous

S Dorgan

Committee Chairman, 
Senior independent 
non-executive Director, 
resigned 5 May 2017

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;

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

34

n  making awards of shares under the Group’s approved 

share scheme; and

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 six times during 2017.

ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE DURING 2017

The principal activities undertaken by the Committee 
during 2017 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 2017;

n  making of a conditional award of shares under  

the FBD Performance Share Plan and setting the 
conditions attached; and

n  Consider the new FBD Performance Share Plan 
which is to be presented to the Shareholders at  
the Annual General Meeting to be held in 2018

Full details of Directors’ Remuneration are set in the 
Report on Directors Remuneration on pages 38 to 46.

EVALUATION

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

Orlagh Hunt 
On behalf of the Remuneration Committee

26 February 2018

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

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 2018 meeting will be held on 4 May 2018.

WHO ATTENDS?

n  Directors;

n  Senior Group executives;

n  Shareholders;

n  Company Advisers; and

n  Members of the media are also invited and permitted 

to attend.

35

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Corporate Governance (continued)

WHAT BUSINESS TAKES PLACE AT THE 
MEETING?

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

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 

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 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 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 

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;

n  performance of an Own Risk and Solvency 

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

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; and

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.

36

n  a business continuity framework is in place and is 

regularly tested.

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.

37

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Report on Directors’ Remuneration

Introductory Letter from the Remuneration Committee Chair
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 2017.

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 strategic priorities for 
the Group in 2017, our success in achieving those priorities, as well as our on-going focus on attracting, retaining and 
rewarding strong talent.

External Advice
As the existing Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) reached the end of its ten-year lifespan during the year, the Committee 
undertook an assignment with Willis Towers Watson to design a new LTIP. Details of this new LTIP are explained later in 
the report.

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 2017 AGM, this report received 91% support from shareholders.

The Committee requests shareholders to consider and approve the annual remuneration report set out on the pages 
following at the 2018 AGM.

Orlagh Hunt 
Chairperson of the Remuneration Committee

26 February 2018

38

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 direction and 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.

No change to policy

The Groups defined benefit pension scheme has been closed to future 
accrual since September 2015 and to new members since 2005.

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

39

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Report on Directors’ Remuneration (continued)

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 2017, which was the measure 
used to reflect the company’s need to build sustainable profitability.

The maximum bonus potential as a percentage of base salary for the 
Chief Executive for 2017 was 105%.

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)

To align the financial 
interests of 
Executives with 
those of 
shareholders

The existing FBD Performance Share Plan (“LTIP”) was approved by 
shareholders in 2007 and is at the end of its ten-year lifespan. The 
Remuneration Committee is proposing a new plan to replace it.

The new plan, whilst similar in nature to the 2007 LTIP, has been 
designed to ensure the plan rules are in line with current best practice 
and to introduce flexibility for the Committee to make awards which will 
be subject to post-vesting holding periods and malus and clawback 
provisions.

As has been the case with the 2007 LTIP, the new plan will provide for the 
ability to make annual awards of performance shares, which will vest 
subject to the achievement of stretching three-year performance 
conditions. The Committee intends to continue its practice of making 
annual awards to Executive Directors as well as selected key individuals 
in our senior management team. Subject to approval by shareholders, 
the first awards under the new plan would be made shortly after the 
AGM.

The key features of the proposed new plan are as follows:

n  Life of the plan: Ten years from date of shareholder approval.

n  Overall plan limit: In aggregate with any other employee share plan, 

the maximum number of shares which may be granted will be 10% of 
the Company’s issued ordinary share capital over a rolling ten-year 
period.

n 

Individual limit: Maximum annual aggregate award level of 150% of 
base salary.

n  Post-vesting holding period: The new plan rules allow the Committee 
(at its sole discretion) to make awards which may be subject to an 
additional post-vesting holding period. Awards will vest after three 
years once applicable performance conditions have been achieved 
and the vested shares (net of tax) may be required to be held for a 
further two-year period to provide continued alignment with 
shareholders.

Changes to policy

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

The Committee has 
decided to increase its 
flexibility to award up 
to an individual limit 
of 150% of salary 
(previously 100%). 
This aligns FBD more 
generally with market 
practice and provides 
the Committee with 
sufficient flexibility 
over the ten-year 
lifespan of the plan.

The Committee has 
the discretion to apply 
a two year post-
vesting holding period 
to awards made under 
the new plan.

The Committee has 
the discretion to apply 
malus and clawback 
provisions to awards 
made under the new 
Plan.

40

Element and link 
to strategy

Policy and operation

Changes to policy

n  Malus and clawback provisions: The new plan includes provisions 
that allow the Committee to withhold, reduce or require the 
repayment of awards for up to two years after vesting (i.e. up to five 
years after grant) if there is found to have been (a) material 
misstatement of the company’s financial results or (b) gross 
misconduct on the part of the award holder.

The Remuneration Committee will set performance conditions each 
year, selecting appropriate metrics based on key strategic priorities. 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.

Conditional Awards of Shares in 2017
During 2017 one Conditional Award of Shares was made under the 2007 LTIP. This was made in March 2017 to 
Executive Directors and senior management.

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

n  50% based on the compound annual growth rate (cagr) of Net Asset Value (NAV) per share, relative to 2016 NAV,  
for the three years ending 31 December 2019. NAV has been chosen because the Committee considers it is the 
controllable measure most closely correlated to share price and ultimately to shareholder return.

n  40% based on a weighted average Combined Operating Ratio (COR) over the three years ending 31 December 2019. 
This is measured as simple average COR 2017 – 2019 with equal weighting to each year and to include a certain 
level of catastrophe weather events and all prior year reserve development. COR has been chosen as this is the 
most fundamental indicator of FBD’s underwriting discipline, profitability and sustainable competitive advantage.

n  10% based on the compound annual growth rate (cagr) of in-force policy count, relative to 2016’s end of year “live” 
policy count. Policy count has been chosen as a measure of careful sustainable growth. A low weighting is afforded 
to the in-force policy count as growth will not be at the expense of profitability.

The target ranges and thresholds for vesting are as follows:

Vesting levels range between a threshold level of 25% to a maximum of 100% for outperformance. The cagr target for 
NAV is up to early double digit %’s and for in-force policy count is up to 5%. The COR targets range from high 90’s for 

41

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Report on Directors’ Remuneration (continued)

threshold minimum vesting to low 90’s for maximum vesting. The actual percentages are not disclosed due to 
commercial competitor sensitivity and because to do so would also constitute forward looking guidance.

The Committee will publish details regarding targets and vesting levels at the end of the performance period (2020). 
The Committee has decided not to include relative performance to market targets as there is no relevant comparator  
in the Irish market and at this stage of the Company’s turn-around it was not deemed a suitable metric.

The maximum and threshold for vesting for these performance conditions are as follows:

NAV cagr

COR

Policy Count cagr

Threshold Level

Proportion vesting

Upper Level

Proportion vesting

>3%

High 90’s

0.5%

25%

25%

25%

Early double digits

Low 90’s

5%

100%

100%

100%

Outstanding Conditional Awards (2014-2016)
The Committee considered the extent to which the performance conditions underpinning this award were met in  
the three Financial Years 2014 to 2016 (the “Performance Period”). The Committee concluded that none of the 
performance conditions were met and therefore the conditional awards granted in 2014 will not vest. No current 
Executive Director was employed at FBD in 2014 and therefore none had any outstanding Conditional Award with  
the potential to vest in 2017. Company Secretary Derek Hall was employed in 2014 and the conditional award  
granted to him will not vest.

Directors’ and Company Secretary’s Conditional LTIP Awards
Details of the conditional share awards made under the LTIP plan to the CEO, CFO and to the Company Secretary 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 at stretch target level.

At 1 
January 
2017

Granted 
during 
year

Vested 
during 
year

Lapsed 
during 
year 

Forfeited 
during 
year 

At 31
Dec
2017

Performance 
Period

Earliest 
vesting 
date

Market 
price on 
award €

Executive Directors

Fiona Muldoon

54,545

54,961

-

-

-

45,283

Total

109,506

45,283

John O’Grady

Total

-

-

22,138

22,138

Company Secretary 

Derek Hall

2,153

3,588

15,114

-

-

-

-

11,006

Total

20,855

11,006

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 (2,153) 

-

-

-

 (2,153) 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

54,545

2016-2018 Mar-19

54,961

2016-2018 Mar-19

45,283

2017-2019 Mar-20

6.60

6.55

7.95

154,789

22,138

2017-2019 Mar-20

7.95

22,138

-

2014-2016 Mar-17

3,588

2015-2017 Mar-18

15,114

2016-2018 Mar-19

11,006

2017-2019 Mar-20

17.00

10.80

6.55

7.95

29,708

42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The total number of shares subject to conditional awards outstanding under the LTIP amounts to 511,343 being 1.5% 
of the Company’s ordinary share capital (excluding treasury shares) at 31 December 2017 (2016: 478,014 shares and 
1.4% 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 
eight conditional awards with an aggregate of 1,357,010 shares or 3.9% 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. Executive Directors have not built up 
to the requirement yet due to the relatively short time in role. 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.

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.

In July 2016 the basic non-Executive Director fee increased to €50,000. There was no increase to Director Fees in 2017.

The Chairman, Mr Liam Herlihy received fees of €102,000 during the year (2016: €47,000) inclusive of the basic 
non-Executive Director fee. The former Chairman Mr Michael Berkery received fees of €38,000 during the year  
(2016: €127,000) inclusive of the basic non- Executive Director fee. The Senior Independent Director, Mr Dermot 
Browne, received fees of €78,000 during the year (2016: €29,000) inclusive of the basic non-Executive Director fee,  
and reflecting his additional responsibilities as Chairman of the Audit 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.

43

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Report on Directors’ Remuneration (continued)

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

Executive

Fiona Muldoon CEO

John O’Grady CFO

From Company

From CEO/CFO

12 months

6 months

6 months

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.

Determination of Annual Performance Bonus for the year ended 31 December 2017
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 in line with FBDs remuneration policy.

The 2017 annual performance bonus scheme was designed such that on plan Company performance for the year 2017 
would deliver 100% of the target bonus. At >100% Combined Operating Ratio, no bonus is deemed payable. At <97% 
Combined Operating Ratio, a 100% pay out of the target is deemed payable and at <94% 130-150% is deemed payable. 
In 2017, a COR of 86% was achieved and in line with this excellent result which is well ahead of the target set, the 
Remuneration Committee has approved a maximum bonus pool of 150% for all eligible employees to be split according 
to performance.

In the case of Ms Muldoon and Mr O’Grady for 2017, 100% of the annual performance bonus is determined by the 
Combined Operating Ratio of FBD Insurance plc and accordingly the Remuneration Committee has decided  
bonuses of €472,500 and €168,000 are payable.

44

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

Executive Directors:

Fiona Muldoon

John O’Grady

- 

- 

450 

234 

473

168

38 

18 

90 

33 

Non-Executive Directors:

Liam Herlihy (Chairman)6

102 

Michael Berkery7

Sean Dorgan8

Joe Healy9

Padraig Walshe

Dermot Browne

Orlagh Hunt

David O’Connor

Walter Bogaerts

Mary Brennan

38 

30 

25 

50 

 78 

58 

59 

68 

57 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2017 
Total
€000s

1,051

453

102 

38 

30 

25 

50 

78 

58 

59 

68 

 57 

565 

684 

641

56 

123 

2,069 

Fees are payable to the non-Executive Directors only.
Salaries are paid to Executive Directors.

NOTES (2017)
1 
2 
3  Bonuses of €472,500 and €168,000 were awarded to Ms Muldoon and Mr O’Grady under the bonus scheme in 
2017. The bonuses for both Ms Muldoon and Mr O’Grady were calculated in accordance with the Annual 
Performance Arrangements described earlier and both Ms Muldoon’s and Mr O’Grady’s bonuses were approved  
by the Remuneration Committee on 22 February 2018.

Liam Herlihy was appointed as Chairman on 5 May 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 
7  Michael Berkery resigned as Chairman on 5 May 2017.
8 
Sean Dorgan resigned as a Director on 5 May 2017.
9 
Joe Healy was appointed as a Director on 9 August 2017.

45

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017 
 
 
Report on Directors’ Remuneration (continued)

The following table sets out the detail for the previous financial year (2016):

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 Bogaerts15
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

Fees are payable to the non-Executive Directors only.
Salaries are paid to Executive Directors only.

NOTES (2016)
1 
2 
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  
23 February 2017.

John O’Grady was appointed Executive Director on 1 July 2016.

Liam Herlihy was appointed as a Director on 1 September 2015.

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 
7  Emer Daly resigned as Director on 29 April 2016.
8  Eddie Downey resigned as a Director on 29 April 2016.
9 
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

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 (Transparency 
(Directive 2004/109/EC) (Amendment) (No. 2) 
Regulations 2015) 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 2017 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 2017, 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

Liam Herihy 
Chairman

Fiona Muldoon 
Group Chief Executive

26 February 2018

47

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Independent Auditors’ Report 
to the members of FBD Holdings plc

Report on the audit of the financial statements

OPINION

In our opinion, FBD Holdings plc’s group financial statements and company financial statements (the “financial 
statements”):

n  give a true and fair view of the group’s and the company’s assets, liabilities and financial position as at 31 December 

2017 and of the group’s profit and the group’s and the company’s cash flows for the year then ended;

n  have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) as adopted 
by the European Union and, as regards the company’s financial statements, as applied in accordance with the 
provisions of the Companies Act 2014; and

n  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.

We have audited the financial statements, included within the Annual Report, which comprise:

n 

n 

n 

n 

n 

the Consolidated and Company Statements of Financial Position as at 31 December 2017;

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 description of the significant accounting policies.

Certain required disclosures have been presented elsewhere in the Annual Report, rather than in the notes to the 
financial statements. These are cross-referenced from the financial statements and are identified as audited.

Our opinion is consistent with our reporting to the Audit Committee.

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (Ireland) (“ISAs (Ireland)”) and 
applicable law. Our responsibilities under ISAs (Ireland) are further described in the Auditors’ responsibilities for the 
audit of the financial statements section of our report. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient 
and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Independence
We remained independent of the group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the 
financial statements in Ireland, which includes IAASA’s Ethical Standard as applicable to listed public interest entities, 
and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

To the best of our knowledge and belief, we declare that non-audit services prohibited by IAASA’s Ethical Standard were 
not provided to the group or the company.

Other than those disclosed in note 9 to the financial statements, we have provided no non-audit services to the group 
and its subsidiaries in the period from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017.

48

Our audit approach

OVERVIEW

Materiality

n  Overall group materiality: €4.0 million (2016: €4.0 million).

Materiality

n  Based on 1% of revenue.

n  Overall company materiality: €1.1 million (2016: €1.1 million).

n  Based on 1% of equity attributable to equity holders of the company.

Audit 
scope

Key audit 
matters

Audit scope

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

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

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

Key audit matters

n  Valuation of claims outstanding.

n  Valuation of defined benefit pension obligation.

The scope of our audit
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed 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.

Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in the auditors’ professional judgement, were of most significance in the audit 
of the financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material 
misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) identified by the auditors, including those which had the greatest effect on: 
the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. 
These matters, and any comments we make on the results of our procedures thereon, were addressed in the context of 
our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate 
opinion on these matters. This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit.

49

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Independent Auditors’ Report (continued)

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Valuation of claims outstanding

Refer to page 31 (Corporate Governance Statement), 
page 73 (group accounting policies), page 80 (critical 
accounting estimates and judgements) and pages 107 to 
109 (note 29 (a) to (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 from the 
actuarial model 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.

We concluded that the methodologies and assumptions 
adopted were appropriate and that the claims 
outstanding figure was calculated in accordance with 
these.

50

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Valuation of defined benefit pension obligation

Refer to page 31 (Corporate Governance Statement), 
page 77 (group accounting policies), page 81 (critical 
accounting estimates and judgements), and pages 
111 to 115 (note 32 to the group financial statements).

The group operates a defined benefit pension scheme 
which is closed to future accrual and closed to new 
members. The scheme has an IAS 19 surplus of 
EUR9.8 million at 31 December 2017.

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.

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, and the reports prepared by them 
for management.

We considered the appropriateness of the 
methodologies and assumptions underlying the pension 
surplus valuation with the assistance of our pension 
specialists with particular focus on the discount rate 
used and the inflation assumptions.

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

We concluded that the methodologies and assumptions 
adopted were appropriate and that the defined benefit 
obligation was calculated in accordance with these.

51

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Independent Auditors’ Report (continued)

How we tailored the audit scope
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough 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.

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).

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, 100% of the group’s profit and 100% of the group’s total assets.

Materiality
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 in aggregate 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 materiality

€4.0 million (2016: €4.0 million)

€1.1 million (2016: €1.1 million)

Group financial statements

Company financial statements

How we determined it

1% of revenue

Rationale for 
benchmark applied

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

1% of equity attributable to equity holders of 
the company

We have applied this benchmark as it is 
considered appropriate given the company’s 
activity as a holding company

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above 
€200,000 (group audit) (2016: €200,000) and €55,000 (company audit) (2016: €55,000) as well as misstatements 
below that amount that, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.

52

Going concern
In accordance with ISAs (Ireland) we report as follows:

Reporting obligation

Outcome

We are required to report if we have anything material to 
add or draw attention to in respect of the directors’ 
statement in the financial statements about whether the 
directors considered it appropriate to adopt the going 
concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial 
statements and the directors’ identification of any material 
uncertainties to the group’s or the company’s ability to 
continue as a going concern over a period of at least twelve 
months from the date of approval of the financial 
statements.

We are required to report if the directors’ statement relating 
to going concern in accordance with Rule 6.8.3(3) of the 
Listing Rules for the Main Securities Market of the Irish 
Stock Exchange is materially inconsistent with our 
knowledge obtained in the audit.

We have nothing material to add or to draw 
attention to. However, because not all future 
events or conditions can be predicted, this 
statement is not a guarantee as to the group’s 
or the company’s ability to continue as a 
going concern.

We have nothing to report.

Reporting on other information
The other information comprises all of the information in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and 
our auditors’ report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial 
statements does not cover the other information and, accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion or, except to the 
extent otherwise explicitly stated in this report, any form of assurance thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing 
so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge 
obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify an apparent material inconsistency 
or material misstatement, we are required to perform procedures to conclude whether there is a material 
misstatement of the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information.

If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, 
we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report based on these responsibilities.

With respect to the Report of the Directors, we also considered whether the disclosures required by the Companies Act 
2014 have been included.

Based on the responsibilities described above and our work undertaken in the course of the audit, ISAs (Ireland), the 
Companies Act 2014 (CA14) and the Listing Rules applicable to the company (Listing Rules) require us to also report 
certain opinions and matters as described below (required by ISAs (Ireland) unless otherwise stated).

53

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Independent Auditors’ Report (continued)

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

n 

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, the information given in the Report of 
the Directors for the year ended 31 December 2017 is consistent with the financial statements and has been 
prepared in accordance with the applicable legal requirements (CA14).

n  Based on our knowledge and understanding of the group and parent company and their environment obtained in 
the course of the audit, we did not identify any material misstatements in the Report of the Directors (CA14).

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

n 

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the 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 (CA14).

n  Based on our knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the 
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 (CA14).

n 

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken during the course of the audit of the financial statements, the 
information required by section 1373(2)(a),(b),(e) and (f) is contained in the Corporate Governance Statement 
(CA14).

54

THE DIRECTORS’ ASSESSMENT OF THE PROSPECTS OF THE GROUP AND OF THE PRINCIPAL RISKS 
THAT WOULD THREATEN THE SOLVENCY OR LIQUIDITY OF THE GROUP

We have nothing material to add or to draw attention to regarding:

n	 The directors’ confirmation on page 21 of the Annual Report 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.

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

mitigated.

n	 The directors’ explanation on page 21 of the Annual Report 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 to report having performed a review of 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 UK Corporate Governance Code (the “Code”); and considering whether the statements 
are consistent with the knowledge and understanding of the group and the company and their environment obtained 
in the course of the audit (Listing Rules).

OTHER CODE PROVISIONS

We have nothing to report in respect of our responsibility to report when:

n	 The statement given by the directors on page 31 that they consider the Annual Report taken as a whole to be 
fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for the 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 obtained in the course of performing our audit.

n	 The section of the Annual Report on pages 30 and 31 describing the work of the Audit Committee does not 

appropriately address matters communicated by us to the Audit Committee.

n	 The directors’ statement relating to the company’s compliance with the Code and the Irish Corporate 

Governance Annex does not properly disclose a departure from a relevant provision of the Code specified, under 
the Listing Rules, for review by the auditors.

55

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Independent Auditors’ Report (continued)

Responsibilities for the financial 
statements and the audit

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities 
Statement set out on page 47, the directors are 
responsible for the preparation of the financial 
statements in accordance with the applicable framework 
and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view.

The directors are also responsible for such internal 
control as they determine is necessary to enable the 
preparation of financial statements that are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are 
responsible for assessing the group’s and the company’s 
ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing as 
applicable, matters related to going concern and using 
the going concern basis of accounting unless the 
directors either intend to liquidate the group or the 
company or to cease operations, or have no realistic 
alternative but to do so.

AUDITORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE AUDIT 
OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about 
whether the financial statements as a whole are free 
from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or 
error, and to issue an auditors’ report that includes our 
opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of 
assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit 
conducted in accordance with ISAs (Ireland) will always 
detect a material misstatement when it exists. 
Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are 
considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, 
they could reasonably be expected to influence the 
economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these 
consolidated financial statements.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit 
of the financial statements is located on the IAASA 
website at: 
https://www.iaasa.ie/getmedia/b2389013-1cf6-458b-
9b8f-a98202dc9c3a/Description_of_auditors_
responsibilities_for_audit.pdf

This description forms part of our auditors’ report.

Use of this report
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.

Other required reporting

COMPANIES ACT 2014 OPINIONS ON OTHER 
MATTERS

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.

COMPANIES ACT 2014 EXCEPTION REPORTING 

Directors’ remuneration and transactions

Under the Companies Act 2014 we are required to report 
to you if, in our opinion, the disclosures of directors’ 
remuneration and transactions specified by sections 305 
to 312 of that Act have not been made. We have no 
exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

56

Appointment
We were appointed by the directors on 10 August 2016 to 
audit the financial statements for the year ended 31 
December 2016 and subsequent financial periods. The 
period of total uninterrupted engagement is 2 years, 
covering the years ended 31 December 2016 to 31 
December 2017.

Paraic Joyce 
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Audit Firm 
Dublin 
26 February 2018

n  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.

n  Legislation in the Republic of Ireland governing the 

preparation and dissemination of financial 
statements may differ from legislation in other 
jurisdictions.

57

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 201758

Continuing  
to look ahead

59

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Consolidated Income Statement
For the financial year ended 31 December 2017

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 
Profit before taxation from continuing operations
Income taxation charge
Profit for the financial year from continuing operations

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

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

Earnings per share
From continuing operations
Basic
Diluted

From continuing and discontinued operations
Basic
Diluted

2017
€000s
397,741

372,459
(27,267)
345,192
(19,260)
325,932
9,361
8,733
344,026

(203,144)
(75,908)
(1,945)
(4,200)
(1,080)
(1,715)
(6,298)
-
49,736
(7,040)
42,696

-
42,696

42,696
-
42,696

2017
Cent
123
991

123
991

Restated
2016
€000s
397,003

361,799
(50,086)
311,713
(3,487)
308,226
8,338
8,542
325,106

(227,853)
(69,406)
(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

Note
4(a)

4(c)
4(c)
4(c)
4(c)
4(c)
5
4(a)

4(c)
4(c)
30
4(e)
15
6
31
32(c)
8
12

7

28

Note
14
14

14
14

1Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential conversion of the convertible debt and share based payments

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 26 February 2018.

60

 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the financial year ended 31 December 2017

Profit for the financial year

Items that will or may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods:

Note

2017

€000s

42,696

2016

€000s

10,680

Net gain on available for sale financial assets during the year

2,807

10,371

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

(351)

(1,296)

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

Actuarial gain/(loss) on retirement benefit obligations

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

Other comprehensive income/(expense) after taxation

Total comprehensive income for the financial year

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent

Non-controlling interests

32(d)

32(d)

28

275

(34)

2,697

45,393

45,393

-

45,393

(12,233)

1,529

(1,629)

9,051

9,130

(79)

9,051

61

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
At 31 December 2017

Note

15

16

17

18

19(a)

19(a)

19(a)

29(e)

29(e)

32(f)

20

21

22

23

2017

€000s

68,251

18,000

681

5,467

758,687

45,347

195,985

1,000,019

4

90,561

90,565

9,774

3,934

31,366

64,020

27,176

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

1,319,253

1,269,483

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 

62

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position (continued)
At 31 December 2017

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 

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 

Note

24

25(a)

26

31

27 

29(d)

29(c)

30

31

33 

34(a)

2017

€000s

21,409

19,726

212,259

18,232

271,626

2,923

274,549

186,008

765,012

951,020

6,647

52,525

3,845

30,667

2016

€000s

21,409

19,041

166,866

18,232

225,548

2,923

228,471

180,692

745,490

926,182

11,247

51,136

3,347

49,100

 1,044,704

1,319,253

1,041,012

1,269,483

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Financial Statements. 
The Financial Statements were approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 26 February 2018.

They were signed on its behalf by:

Liam Herlihy 
Chairman   

Fiona Muldoon 
Group Chief Executive

63

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the financial year ended 31 December 2017

Cash flows from operating activities

Profit before taxation

Adjustments for: 

(Profit)/Loss on investments held for trading

Loss on investments available for sale

Interest and dividend income

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

Share-based payment expense

Revaluation of investment property

Revaluation of property, plant and equipment

Increase/(decrease) in insurance contract liabilities

(Decrease)/increase in other provisions

Profit on disposal of discontinued operation

Operating cash flows before movement in working capital

(Increase)/decrease in receivables and deferred acquisition costs

Decrease in payables

Interest payments on convertible debt

Purchase of investments held for trading

Sale of investments held for trading

Cash generated from /(used in) operations

Interest and dividend income received

Income taxes refunded

Net cash generated 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

Decrease in loans and advances

Decrease in deposits invested with banks

Net cash inflow from sale of subsidiary undertaking

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

Proceeds of re-issue of ordinary shares

Net cash used in financing activities

Net increase 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

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

64

Note

2017

€000s

2016

€000s

49,736

13,095

(1,685)

5,981

(12,735)

11,426

685

(1,600)

1,080

17,486

(4,600)

-

65,774

(8,094)

(13,084)

(4,900)

(958)

47,597

86,335

13,218

228

99,781

(258,355)

125,989

(7,869)

106

51

40,912

-

(99,166)

-

-

-

615

26,561

27,176

2,596

4,467

(14,233)

10,795

488

(1,850)

330

(3,677)

309

(1,916)

10,404

64

(12,352)

(4,900)

(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

15

39

16

15

30

7 

15

17

19(a)

28

23

23

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the financial year ended 31 December 2017

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€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

Balance at 1 January 2016

21,409

18,553

157,670

18,232

215,864

2,923

451

219,238

Profit after taxation

Other comprehensive expense

-

-

-

-

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

Profit after taxation

Other comprehensive income

-

-

-

-

42,696

2,697

-

-

42,696

2,697

-

-

Recognition of share based payments

-

685

-

-

685

-

Balance at 31 December 2017

21,409

19,726

212,259

18,232

271,626

2,923

21,409

19,041

212,259

18,232

270,941

2,923

-

-

-

-

-

-

228,471

42,696

2,697

273,864

685

274,549

65

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company Statement of Financial Position
At 31 December 2017

ASSETS 

Investments

Investment in subsidiaries 

Financial assets

Deposits with banks

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

Note

2017 

€000s

2016 

€000s

36(b)

110,063

110,063

1

850

1,498

2,346

110,914

113,907

221

2,333

1,601

55

2,109

1,141

115,069

117,212

21,409

19,726

47,752

18,232

107,119

2,923

110,042

292

4,735

21,409

19,041

49,020

18,232

107,702

2,923

110,625

264

6,323

115,069

117,212

24

25(b)

31

27

34(b) 

The Company’s movement in retained earnings is a loss for the financial year of €1,268,000 (2016: loss €5,501,000). 
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Financial Statements. 
The Financial Statements were approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 26 February 2018.

They were signed on its behalf by:

Liam Herlihy 
Chairman   

Fiona Muldoon 
Group Chief Executive

66

Company Statement of Cash Flows
For the financial year ended 31 December 2017

Cash flows from operating activities

Loss before taxation

Adjustments for: 

Profit on investments held for trading

Profit on disposal of subsidiary undertaking

Share-based payment expense

Operating cash flows before movement in working capital

(Increase)/decrease 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 generated from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Ordinary and preference dividends paid 

Proceeds of re-issue of ordinary shares

Net cash generated from financing activities

Net increase/(decrease) 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.

2017

€000s

2016

€000s

(1,274)

(1,892)

(80)

-

685

(669)

(439)

(1,799)

-

1,577

(1,330)

-

(222)

(1,517)

488

(3,143)

2,829

(3,296)

(27)

-

(3,637)

-

(1,330)

(3,637)

-

1,496

-

 1,496

-

-

-

166

55

221

(4,592)

5,849

2,305

3,562

-

66

66

(9)

64

55

67

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Company Statement of Changes in Equity
For the financial year ended 31 December 2017

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€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

Balance at 1 January 2016 

21,409

11,593

6,960

54,521

18,232

112,715

2,923

115,638

Loss after taxation

Other comprehensive expense

-

-

-

-

-

-

(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

Loss after taxation

Other comprehensive expense

-

-

-

-

-

-

(1,257)

(11)

-

-

(1,257)

(11)

-

-

(1,257)

(11)

Recognition of share based payments

-

-

685

-

-

685

-

685

Balance at 31 December 2017

21,409

11,593

8,133

47,752

18,232

107,119

2,923

110,042

21,409

11,593

7,448

47,752

18,232

106,434

2,923

109,357

68

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 December 2017

1 

GENERAL INFORMATION

FBD Holdings plc is an Irish registered public limited company. The registration number of the company is 135882. The 
address of the registered office is given on page 14. The nature of the Group’s operations and its principal activities are set out 
in the Review of Operations on pages 8 to 11 and in the Report of the Directors on pages 15 to 21.

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 21.

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.

During the year, the Group changed its accounting policy with respect to the treatment of claims handling expenses. The Group 
now includes claims handling expenses within net claims and benefits. Prior to this change in policy, the Group included these 
expenses within other underwriting expenses. Refer to note 42 for details on the change in the accounting policy.

During the year the Group also changed the presentation of interest payments on convertible debt within cash flows from 
operating activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows by presenting these cash flows as a separate line item. The 
Group believes this new policy improves disclosure of cash flows from operating activities. This change has no impact on 
previously reported cash flows of the Group.

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 2017.

n  Amendments to IAS 7 Statement of cash flows on disclosure initiative

n  Amendments to IAS 12 Income taxes on recognition of deferred tax assets for unrealised losses

n  Annual improvements to IFRSs 2014 – 2016 cycle

The adoption of these standards has not had a material impact on the Financial Statements of the Group.

Standards and Interpretations not yet effective

IFRS 9

IFRS 15

IFRS 16

IFRS 17 

Financial Instruments1 
Revenue from Contracts with Customers1
Leases2
Insurance Contracts3

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 for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2021, with earlier application permitted.

69

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

IFRS 15 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018, with earlier application permitted. The adoption 
of IFRS 15 is not expected to have a material impact on the Financial Statements of the Group in future periods.

IFRS 16 Leases

IFRS 16 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019, with earlier application permitted.

IFRS 16 will result in almost all leases being recognised on the balance sheet, as the distinction between operating and finance 
leases is removed. Under the new standard, an asset (the right to use the leased item) and a financial liability (to pay rentals) 
are recognised. The standard will affect primarily the accounting for the group’s operating leases. As at the reporting date, the 
group has non-cancellable operating lease commitments of €11,787,000, see note 11. The Directors are currently assessing 
the impact of the adoption of the standard.

At this stage, the Directors do not intend to adopt the standard before its effective date. The Directors intend to apply the 
simplified transition approach and will not restate comparative amounts for the year prior to first adoption.

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments and IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments is effective from 1 January 2018. The standard sets out the requirements for classification and 
measurement, impairment and general hedge accounting.

The IASB published IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts on 18 May 2017 which supersedes IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts. This standard is 
effective from 1 January 2021. The Directors are currently assessing the implications of the adoption of IFRS 17 Insurance 
Contracts. The standard is expected to have a considerable impact on the Financial Statements of the Group.

The IASB amended IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts in September 2016 by issuing “Applying IFRS 9 Financial Instruments with IFRS 4 
Insurance Contracts (Amendments to IFRS 4)” which provides the option to apply a temporary exemption from the adoption of 
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments for periods beginning before 1 January 2021 should the insurer meet defined eligibility criteria. 
The Group is eligible and intends to apply the temporary exemption from 1 January 2018 per the amended IFRS 4 Insurance 
Contracts standard. Reassessment of qualification for the application of the temporary exemption will be carried out on an 
annual basis during the temporary exemption period.

In line with amended IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts, additional disclosures will be included in the Financial Statements of the 
Group during the temporary exemption period. These disclosures include:

(a)  How the Group qualifies for the temporary exemption;

(b)  The fair value of financial assets at the end of the reporting period and the amount of change in the fair value of financial 

assets during that period; and

(c)  Information about the credit risk exposure of financial assets.

The adoption of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments is not expected to have a material impact on the Financial Statements of the 
Group.

70

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

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.

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.

71

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

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.

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.

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.

72

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

(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.

(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.

(vi)  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.

73

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

(vi)  Reinsurance (continued)

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.

(vii)  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 and related payments 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.

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.

74

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

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)  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.

(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.

75

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

(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.

(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.

I)  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.

J)  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.

76

 
 
3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

K)  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.

L)  RETIREMENT BENEFITS

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

(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.

77

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

M)  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.

N)  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.

O)  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.

P) 

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.

78

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

P) 

IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS (CONTINUED)

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.

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.

Q )  RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER COSTS

The costs of the 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.

79

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

R)  FINANCIAL SERVICES INCOME

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

S)  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.

T)  CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS IN APPLYING ACCOUNTING 

POLICIES

The principal accounting policies adopted by the Group are set out on pages 69 to 80. 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.

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 29 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 of 
the Irish Motor market in the previous year, and the Groups estimate of the likely levy call to be made by MIBI and related 
payments in the following twelve months. The Directors have reviewed the assumptions used in arriving at the provision and 
are satisfied that the assumptions used were appropriate.

80

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

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 Directors 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 Consolidated 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.

Properties are held at fair value less any subsequent depreciation in line with the accounting standard.

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 three to ten years dependent on the 
asset. Depreciation on assets in development commences when the assets are ready for their intended use.

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 Consolidated 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.

81

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

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 19, 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 19 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 31, 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 41, 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.

82

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.

2017

Revenue 

Profit before taxation

Income taxation charge

Profit after taxation

Other information

Capital additions

Revaluation of other assets

Depreciation 

Statement of Financial Position

Segment assets

Segment liabilities

Underwriting 
€000s

389,008

45,206

(6,379)

38,827

Financial 
services
€000s

8,733

4,530

(661)

3,869

8,270

520

11,418

3

-

8

Total 
€000s

397,741

49,736

(7,040)

42,696

8,273

520

11,426

1,313,739

1,040,604

5,514

4,100

1,319,253

1,044,704

83

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

4 

SEGMENTAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

(a)  

Operating segments (continued)

2016

Revenue 

Profit before taxation

Income taxation charge

Profit after taxation

Other information

Capital additions

Revaluation of other assets

Depreciation 

Statement of Financial Position

Segment assets

Segment liabilities

Underwriting 
€000s

Financial 
services
€000s

Total 
€000s

388,461

8,542

397,003

9,102

(2,188)

6,914

12,104

1,520

10,769

2,340

(227)

2,113

9

-

26

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

Included above in the current period is a net non-cash revaluation charge relating to investment property and property held for 
own use of €520,000 (2016: €1,520,000), 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.

84

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

2017

€000s

181,141

113,333

72,239

16,549

5,746

8,733

2016

€000s

171,857

115,637

68,662

26,487

5,818

8,542

397,741

397,003

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.

85

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

4 

SEGMENTAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

(c)  

Underwriting result

2017

€000s

2017

€000s

Restated 
2016

Restated 
2016

€000s

€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

372,459

(27,267)

345,192

(5,311)

(13,949)

(19,260)

361,799

(50,086)

311,713

(2,108)

(1,379)

(3,487)

Premium earned, net of reinsurance

325,932

308,226

Claims paid, net of recoveries from reinsurers

Claims paid:

Gross amount

Reinsurers’ share

(217,136)

9,749

Claims paid, net of recoveries from reinsurers

(207,387)

Change in provision for claims

Gross amount

Reinsurers’ share

Change in insurance liabilities, net of 
reinsurance

Claims handling expenses

Claims incurred net of reinsurance

Motor insurers bureau of Ireland levy and 
related payments

Management expenses

Deferred acquisition costs

Gross management expenses

Reinsurers share of expenses

Broker commissions payable

Net operating expenses

Underwriting result

(240,634)

15,962

(224,672)

2,652

4,510

7,162

(10,343)

(75,399)

(2,541)

(77,940)

11,660

(3,126)

(227,853)

(7,747)

(19,522)

33,362

13,840

(9,597)

(81,751)

6,363

(75,388)

2,528

(3,048)

(203,144)

(1,945)

(75,908)

44,935

(69,406)

3,220

Net claims incurred in 2017 were €203,144,000, down 11% on the net claims incurred of €227,853,000 in 2016. The 
improvement is mainly as a result of positive prior year development in 2017.

86

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 credit to the Consolidated Income Statement of €4,423,000 
(2016: charge of €19,332,000).

(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

2017

€000s

43,987

6,118

11,824

19,822

81,751

2017

€000s

2,622

313

8

1,257

4,200

Restated
2016

€000s

40,732

6,175

10,769

17,723

75,399

2016

€000s

3,938

658

12

1,984

6,592

87

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

5 

NET INVESTMENT RETURN

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 

2017

€000s

12,650

547

(363)

568

1,600

(5,641)

9,361

(129)

2,296

2,147

5,047

9,361

2016

€000s

13,760

585

(1,746)

657

1,850

(6,768)

8,338

121

105

2,435

5,677

8,338

Interest and similar income received by the Group’s underwriting segment during the period was €13,474,000  
(2016: €14,223,000).

6 

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER COSTS

Restructuring costs

2017

€000s

1,715

2016

€000s

2,794

88

7 

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Disposal of Subsidiary, including result/profit to date of disposal 

2017

€000s

-

2016

€000s

1,653

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, Passage East Ferry Company Limited 
was considered a non-core asset and was therefore disposed, with the proceeds of sale being reinvested within the business.

Result/Profit on Sale:

Consideration received

Less carrying value of the investment

Less share of costs associated with the sale

Result/Profit on the sale of subsidiary

Result/Profit for the Period:

Financial services income

Financial services expenses

Result/(Loss) before taxation

Income taxation charge

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

Result/Profit for financial year including profit on the sale

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent

Non-controlling interests

Result/Profit for financial year including profit on the sale

8 

PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Profit before taxation has been stated after charging:

Depreciation 

2017

€000s

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2016

€000s

2,662

(583)

(163)

1,916

420

(501)

(81)

(182)

(263)

1,653

1,732

(79)

1,653

2017

€000s

2016

€000s

11,426

10,795

The remuneration of the Directors is set out in detail in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration on pages 38 to 46.

89

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

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 statutory financial statements

Other assurance services

Total auditors remuneration

2017

Company

€000s

2016

Group

€000s

Company

€000s

60

-

60

260

176

436

60

-

60

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

Other assurance services relate to Solvency II audit and CBI cyber security review, both of which are prescribed under 
legislation or regulation.

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

2017

846

25

871

2017

€000s

44,163

4,945

4,245

685

54,038

Group

€000s

320

100

420

2016

859

38

897

2016

€000s

42,536

4,855

4,453

488

52,332

90

11  OPERATING LEASE RENTALS

The total of future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases is set out in the following table:

Not later than 1 year

Later than 1 year but not later than 5 years

Later than 5 years

2017

€000s

1,176

5,206

5,405

2016

€000s

1,153

5,392

6,541

11,787

13,086

FBD Insurance plc holds a number of significant operating lease arrangements in respect of branches. The minimum lease 
terms remaining on the most significant leases vary from 1 year to 18 years.

There are no contingent rents payable and all lease payments are at market rates.

Operating lease payments recognised as an expense for the period were €1,472,000 (2016: €1,516,000).

12 

INCOME TAXATION CHARGE

Irish corporation taxation credit / (charge)

Adjustments in respect of prior financial years

Current taxation charge

Deferred taxation charge

Income taxation charge

2017

€000s

94

(254)

(160)

(6,880)

(7,040)

2016

€000s

(10)

(910)

(920)

(1,495)

(2,415)

91

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

12 

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:

Profit before taxation

Corporation taxation charge at standard rate of 12.5% (2016: 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

Taxation as a percentage of profit before taxation

2017

€000s

49,736

6,217

-

554

15

254

7,040

14.2%

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 on:

Actuarial (gain)/loss on retirement benefit obligations

Gain on available for sale investments

Total income taxation (charge)/credit recognised directly in the Consolidated 
Statement of Comprehensive Income 

2017

€000s

(34)

(351)

(385)

2016

€000s

11,442

1,430

-

65

10

910

2,415

21.1%

2016

€000s

1,529

(1,296)

233

13 

LOSS FOR THE YEAR

The Company’s loss for the financial year determined in accordance with IFRS, as adopted by the European Union, is 
€1,257,000 (2016: €1,725,000).

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.

92

14 

EARNINGS 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 for the year

Non-controlling interests loss

Profit for the purpose of basic and diluted earnings per share 

Adjustments to exclude profit for the year from discontinued operations

2017

€000s

42,696

-

42,696

-

2016

€000s

10,680

79

10,759

(1,653)

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

42,696

9,106

Number of shares

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

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

2017

No.

2016

No.

34,666,201

34,654,611

43,329,630

34,782,247

From continuing operations

Basic earnings per share 

Diluted earnings per share

From discontinued operations

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Cent

123

991

Cent

-

-

1 Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential conversion of the convertible debt and share based payments.

Cent

26

26

Cent

5

5

93

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

15 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Cost or valuation

At 1 January 2016

Additions

Disposals

Disposal of subsidiary

At 1 January 2017

Additions

Disposals

At 31 December 2017

Comprising:

At cost

At valuation

At 31 December 2017

Accumulated depreciation and revaluation

At 1 January 2016

Depreciation charge for the year

Elimination on disposal

Revaluations 

Disposal of subsidiary

At 1 January 2017

Depreciation charge for the year

Elimination on disposal

Revaluations 

At 31 December 2017

Carrying amount
At 31 December 2017

At 31 December 2016

94

Property held 
for own use

Plant and
equipment

Total property,
plant and
equipment

€000s

€000s

€000s

21,075

-

(80)

-

145,274

12,113

(1,863)

(1,732)

166,349

12,113

(1,943)

(1,732)

20,995

153,792

174,787

-

(106)

7,869

(62)

7,869

(168)

20,889

161,599

182,488

-

161,599

20,889 

20,889

 -

161,599

161,599

20,889

182,488

Property held 
for own use

Plant and
equipment

Total property,
plant and
equipment

€000s

4,725

-

-

330

-

5,055

-

-

1,080

6,135

14,754

15,940

€000s

89,007

10,795

(1,861)

-

(1,203)

96,738

11,426

(62)

-

€000s

93,732

10,795

(1,861)

330

(1,203)

101,793

11,426

(62)

1,080

108,102

114,237

53,497

57,054

68,251

72,994

15 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (CONTINUED)

Property held for own use

Property held for own use at 31 December 2017 and 2016 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 global 
January 2014 (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

2017

€000s

14,780

2016

€000s

14,886

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 19, Financial 
Instruments and Fair Value Measurement.

95

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

16 

INVESTMENT PROPERTY

Fair value of investment property

At 1 January

Fair value movement during the year

At 31 December

2017

€000s

16,400

1,600

18,000

2016

€000s

14,550

1,850

16,400

The investment property held for rental in Ireland was valued at fair value at 31 December 2017 and at 31 December 2016 by 
independent external professional valuers, CB Richard Ellis, Valuation Surveyors. The valuation was prepared in accordance 
with the RICS Valuation – Professional Standards global January 2014 (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 2017 of €1,600,000 (2016: €1,850,000).

The rental income earned by the Group from its investment properties amounted to €797,000 (2016: €815,000). Direct 
operating costs associated with investment properties amounted to €240,000 (2016: €240,000).

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

2017

€000s

20,080

-

20,080

2017

€000s

1,027

4,107

5,134

2016

€000s

20,080

-

20,080

2016

€000s

797

4,107

4,904

Fair value hierarchy disclosures require by IFRS13 Fair Value Measurement have been included in Note 19, Financial 
Instruments and Fair Value Measurement.

96

17 

LOANS

Other loans

Total loans

2017

€000s

681

681

Fair value hierarchy disclosures required by IFRS13 Fair Value Measurement have been included in Note 19, Financial 
Instruments and Fair Value Measurement.

18 

DEFERRED TAXATION ASSET

Unrealised
losses on
investments
& loans

Accelerated
capital
allowances

Insurance
Contracts

Losses
carried
forward 

2016

€000s

732

732

Total

€000s

At 1 January 2016

Debited to the Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income

(Debited)/Credited to Consolidated Income 
Statement

Reclassified to deferred taxation liability

At 31 December 2016

Debited to the Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income

(Debited)/Credited to Consolidated Income 
Statement

At 31 December 2017

€000s

697

-

(1,743)

1,046

-

-

-

-

€000s

1,191

-

23

-

€000s

€000s

(4,575)

15,826

13,139

-

-

-

1,830

(2,061)

(1,951)

-

-

1,046

1,214

(2,745)

13,765

12,234

-

-

-

-

(546)

668

915

(7,136)

(6,767)

(1,830)

6,629

5,467

A deferred taxation asset of €6,629,000 (2016: €13,765,000) 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.

97

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 20172017

€000s

2016

€000s

195,985

236,897

45,347

758,687

681

64,020

27,176

90,302

629,498

732

62,770

26,561

52,525

51,136

30,667

49,100

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

19 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

(a) 

Financial Instruments

Financial Assets 

At Amortised Cost:

Deposits with banks

At fair value:

Investments held for trading 

Available for sale investments

At Cost:

Loans

Other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Financial Liabilities 

At Amortised Cost:

Convertible debt (note 31)

At Cost:

Payables

98

19 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (CONTINUED)

(b) 

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

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

2017
Fair 
value

€000s

817

18,000

14,754

45,347

758,687

195,985

27,176

 2017
Carrying
value

€000s

681

18,000

14,754

45,347

758,687

195,985

27,176

66,406

52,525

2016
Fair 
value

€000s

878

16,400

15,940

90,302

629,498

236,897

26,561

2016
Carrying 
value

€000s

732

16,400

15,940

90,302

629,498

236,897

26,561

54,880

51,136

99

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

19 

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.

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

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).

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.

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

2017

Assets

Loans

Level 1

€000s

-

-

-

20,935

24,412

757,843

-

195,985

27,176

Level 2

€000s

817

18,000

14,754

-

-

-

-

-

-

Level 3

€000s

-

-

-

-

-

-

844

-

-

Total

€000s

817

18,000

14,754

20,935

24,412

757,843

844

195,985

27,176

1,026,351

33,571

844

1,060,766

-

-

66,406

66,406

-

-

66,406

66,406

Investment property

Property held for own use

Financial assets

Investments held for trading - quoted shares

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

100

19 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (CONTINUED)

2016

Assets

Loans

Investment property

Property held for own use

Financial assets

Level 1

€000s

-

-

-

Investments held for trading - quoted shares

24,188

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

41,956

24,158

628,654

-

236,897

26,561

982,414

Level 2

€000s

878

16,400

15,940

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Level 3

€000s

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

844

-

-

Total

€000s

878

16,400

15,940

24,188

41,956

24,158

628,654

844

236,897

26,561

33,218

844

1,016,476

-

-

54,880

54,880

-

-

54,880

54,880

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

2017

€000s

844

-

-

-

2016

€000s

844

-

-

-

At 31 December

844

844

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 (2016: €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.

101

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

20 

CURRENT TAXATION ASSET

Income taxation receivable 

This balance relates to corporation taxation refunds due.

21 

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

All deferred acquisition costs are expected to be recovered within one year from 31 December 2017.

22  OTHER RECEIVABLES

Policyholders

Intermediaries

Other debtors

Accrued interest and rent

Prepayments and accrued income

Total other receivables

2017

€000s

3,934

2016

€000s

4,162

2017

€000s

25,004

6,362

31,366

2017

€000s

42,828

6,813

7,119

183

7,077

2016

€000s

27,545

(2,541)

25,004

2016

€000s

42,283

4,093

8,570

379

7,445

64,020

62,770

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

23 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Demand deposits*

Cash in hand

Total cash and cash equivalents

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

24 

CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL PRESENTED AS EQUITY

2017

€000s

 26,508

668

27,176

2016

€000s

24,938

1,623

26,561

Number

2017

€000s

2016

€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 27). 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 795,005 (2016: 813,084). The number of ordinary shares of €0.60 each held as treasury shares at the end of the 
year was 795,005 (2016: 795,005). This represented 2.2% (2016: 2.2%) of the shares of this class in issue and had a nominal 
value of €477,003 (2016: €477,003). 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.

103

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

25 

CAPITAL RESERVES

(a) 

 GROUP

Balance at 1 January 2016

Recognition of share-based payments

Balance at 31 December 2016

Recognition of share-based payments

Balance at 31 December 2017

(b)  

COMPANY

Balance at 1 January 2016

Recognition of share-based payments

Balance at 31 December 2016

Recognition of share-based payments

Balance at 31 December 2017

Share
premium

Capital
conversion
reserve

Capital
redemption
reserve

€000s

5,540

-

5,540

-

5,540

€000s

1,627

-

1,627

-

1,627

€000s

4,426

-

4,426

-

4,426

Share
premium

Capital
conversion
reserve

Capital
redemption
reserve

€000s

5,540

-

5,540

-

5,540

€000s

1,627

-

1,627

-

1,627

€000s

4,426

-

4,426

-

4,426

Share 
option
reserve

€000s

6,960

488

7,448

685

8,133

Share 
option
reserve

€000s

6,960

488

7,448

685

8,133

Total
Group

€000s

18,553

488

19,041

685

19,726

Total
Group

€000s

18,553

488

19,041

685

19,726

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

26 

RETAINED EARNINGS

Balance at 1 January 2016

Net profit for the financial year

Reissue of ordinary shares

Balance at 31 December 2016

Net profit for the financial year

Balance at 31 December 2017

27 

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

1,340,000

12,750,000

Number

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

€000s

157,670

9,130

66

166,866

45,393

212,259

2016

€000s

804

7,650

8,454

804

2,119

2,923

2017

€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.

105

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

28  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

2017

€000s

-

-

-

-

-

2016

€000s

451

(79)

(120)

(252)

-

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).

106

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107

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

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29 

CLAIMS OUTSTANDING (CONTINUED)

(b)  

Net Claims Outstanding 2017 (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 2016

Change in provision for claims

Balance at 31 December 2016

Change in provision for claims

Balance at 31 December 2017

(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

748,144

(2,654)

745,490

19,522

765,012

2017

€000s

180,692

345,192

Net

€000s

683,393

(7,163)

676,230

(1,779)

674,451

2016

€000s

178,584

311,713

(325,932)

(308,226)

(13,944)

186,008

(1,379)

180,692

109

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

29 

CLAIMS OUTSTANDING (CONTINUED)

(e)  

Reconciliation of reinsurance assets

Balance at 1 January 2016

Movement during year

Balance at 31 December 2016

Movement during year1

Balance at 31 December 2017

Claims 
outstanding

€000s

64,751

4,509

69,260

21,301

90,561

Unearned 
premium 
reserve

€000s

15,332

(1,378)

13,954

(13,950)

4

1 The change in the net provision for claims in the Consolidated Income Statement does not agree to the movement during the year 
noted above owing to the closure of the Property Surplus Treaty that happened on 1 January 2017

30  OTHER PROVISIONS

Balance at 1 January 

MIBI levy reserve release

Provision for MIBI levy and related payments

Levy paid

Balance at 31 December

2017

€000s

11,247

(5,624)

7,569

(6,545)

6,647

2016

€000s

10,938

-

7,747

(7,438)

11,247

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.

110

31 

CONVERTIBLE DEBT

Financial liabilities carried at amortised cost comprise convertible notes.

Balance at 1 January 

Amortised during the year

Balance at 31 December

2017

€000s

51,136

1,389

52,525

2016

€000s

50,036

1,100

51,136

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. 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 €6,298,000 (2016: €6,156,000) were incurred during the financial year. On initial 
recognition, €18,232,000 was recognised in equity and included in other reserves.

32 

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 
€3,832,569 (2016: €4,132,626) relating to these pension schemes during the year ended 31 December 2017.

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.

111

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

32 

RETIREMENT BENEFIT ASSET (CONTINUED)

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 members 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 2016, using the projected unit credit method, and the minimum funding standard was updated to 31 
December 2017 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 2020 
with a valuation date of 1 July 2019.

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.

(a)  

Assumptions used to calculate scheme liabilities

Inflation rate increase

Salary rate increase

Pension payment increase

Discount rate

2017
%

1.75

N/A*

0.00

1.75

* 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

2017

Years

21.4

23.8

2016
%

1.70

N/A*

0.00

1.70

2016

Years

21.2

23.7

The weighted average duration of the expected benefit payments from the scheme is circa 16 years.

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

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 €1,357,000 (2016: €5,156,000).

112

32 

RETIREMENT BENEFIT ASSET (CONTINUED)

(c)  

Consolidated Income Statement

Charged/(Credited) to Consolidated Income Statement:

Service cost: employer’s part of current service cost 

Gain on curtailments and settlement

Net interest credit

Costs associated with curtailment

Charge/(Credit) to Consolidated Income Statement

2017

€000s

353

-

(160)

-

193

2016

€000s

493

(7,571)

(173)

357

(6,894)

Charges to the Consolidated Income Statement have been included in other underwriting and financial services expenses 
while the credit of €nil (2016: €7,214,000) for the curtailment has been reflected separately.

(d)  

Analysis of amount recognised in Group Statement of Comprehensive Income

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

– Changes in financial and demographic assumptions

– Experience adjustments on benefit obligations

Actual return less interest on scheme assets

Actuarial (gain)/loss

Deferred taxation debit/(credit)

Actuarial (gain)/loss net of deferred taxation

(e)  

History of experience gains and losses 

2017

€000s

(444)

(150)

319

(275)

34

(241)

2016

€000s

14,394

266

(2,427)

12,233

(1,529)

10,704

Present value of defined benefit obligations

Fair value of plan assets

Net pension (asset)/liability

Experience gains and losses on scheme liabilities

Actuarial gain/(loss)

2017

€000s

88,103

97,877

2016

€000s

2015

€000s

2014

€000s

2013

€000s

90,887

106,490

195,669

158,769

99,602

115,600

141,415

130,231

(9,774)

(8,715)

(9,110)

54,254

28,538

150

275

(266)

(401)

1,786

(12,233)

15,914

(25,058)

3,406

2,851

The cumulative charge to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income is €77,807,000 (2016: €77,614,000).

113

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

32 

RETIREMENT BENEFIT ASSET (CONTINUED)

(f ) 

 Assets in scheme at market value

Bonds

Property

Managed funds

Cash deposits and other

Scheme assets

Actuarial value of liabilities

Net pension asset

2017

€000s

79,189

8,773

7,865

2,050

97,877

(88,103)

9,774

2016

€000s

71,508

8,334

19,139

621 

99,602

(90,887)

8,715

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.

(g)   Movement in net surplus during the year

Net surplus/(deficit) in scheme at 1 January

Current service cost

Employer contributions

Interest on scheme liabilities

Interest on scheme assets

Gains on curtailments and settlement

Actuarial gain/(loss)

Net surplus at 31 December

2017

€000s

8,715

(353)

977

(1,516)

1,676

-

275

9,774

2016

€000s

9,110

(493)

4,577

(2,546)

2,729

7,571

(12,233)

8,715

114

32 

RETIREMENT BENEFIT ASSET (CONTINUED)

(h)   Movement on assets and liabilities

Assets

Assets in scheme at 1 January

Actual return less interest on scheme assets

Employer 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

Interest on scheme liabilities

Liabilities extinguished as part of ETV exercise

Gain on curtailments 

Benefits paid

Liabilities in scheme at 31 December

2017

€000s

2016

€000s

99,602

115,600

(319)

977

1,676

-

(4,059)

97,877

2,427

4,577

2,729

(20,807)

(4,924)

99,602

90,887

106,490

(150)

(444)

353

1,516

-

-

(4,059)

88,103

266

14,394

493

2,546

(27,847)

(531)

(4,924)

90,887

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 €12.3 million. A 1% reduction in the 

discount rate would increase the value of the scheme liabilities by €15.9 million.

n  A 1% increase in inflation would increase the value of the scheme liabilities by €4.4 million. A 1% reduction in inflation 

would reduce the value of the scheme liabilities by €3.7 million.

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

€3.2 million.

n  The current best estimate of 2017 contributions to be made by the Group to the pension fund is €nil (2016: €nil).

115

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

33 

DEFERRED TAXATION LIABILITY

Retirement
benefit 
asset

Unrealised
losses on
investments 
& loans

Revaluation
surplus on
investment
properties

At 1 January 2016

(Credited)/Debited to the Consolidated 
Statement of Comprehensive Income

Debited/(Credited) to the Consolidated Income 
Statement

Reclassified from deferred taxation
asset

At 31 December 2016 

Debited to the Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income

Debited/(Credited) to the Consolidated 
Income Statement

At 31 December 2017

€000s

1,139

(1,529)

1,479

-

1,089

34

99

1,222

Other timing
differences

€000s

696

Total

€000s

2,990

-

(233)

€000s

1,155

1,296

(1,239)

(696)

(456)

€000s

-

-

-

1,046

1,046

-

1,212

-

351

306

1,352

(292)

1,271

-

-

-

-

-

1,046

3,347

385

113

3,845

A deferred taxation liability of €1,221,750 has been recognised in 2017 in respect of the retirement benefit obligation of 
€9,774,000. In 2016 a deferred taxation liability of €1,089,375 was recognised on the retirement benefit asset of 
€8,715,000.

34 

PAYABLES

(a)  

GROUP

Amounts falling due within one year:

Payables and accruals 

Employer contributions as part of ETV exercise

Restructuring accrual

PAYE/PRSI

Payables arising out of direct insurance operations

Total payables

116

2017 

€000s 

25,740

-

204

1,426

3,297

30,667

2016

€000s

27,014

4,577

1,011

1,511

14,987

49,100

34 

PAYABLES

(b)  

COMPANY

Amounts falling due within one year:

Payables and accruals 

Employer contributions as part of ETV exercise

Total payables

35 

DIVIDENDS

Proposed:

Dividend of 8.4 cent (2016: nil cent) per share on 14% non-cumulative preference 
shares of €0.60 each

Dividend of 4.8 cent (2016: nil cent) per share on 8% non-cumulative preference 
shares of €0.60 each

Final dividend of 24.0 cent (2016: nil cent) per share on ordinary shares of  
€0.60 each

Total dividends proposed

2017

€000s

4,735

-

4,735

2017

€000s

113

169

8,320

8,602

2016

€000s

4,759

1,564

6,323

2016

€000s

-

-

-

-

The proposed dividend is subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 4 May 2018 and has not been 
included as a liability in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

36 

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, there was no change in investment in subsidiaries during the 

year.

117

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

37 

CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

There were no capital commitments authorised by the Directors but not provided for in the financial statements at either 31 
December 2017 or 31 December 2016.

38 

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND CONTINGENT ASSETS

There were no contingent liabilities or contingent assets at either 31 December 2017 or 31 December 2016.

39 

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), 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 shares, in April 2014 over 108,631 shares, in March 2015 over 
167,706 shares, in October 2015 over 54,545 shares, in March 2016 over 296,669 shares, and in March 2017 over 238,293 
shares.

The fair values of these conditional share awards have been calculated as follows using the assumptions noted in a Monte 
Carlo simulation model for all conditional awards except the March 2017 awards. The March 2017 awards are based on Group 
performance targets. There are no market based conditions attaching to these awards.

LTIP award
March 2013

LTIP award 
April 2014

LTIP award 
March 2015

LTIP award 
October 2015

LTIP award 
March 2016

Share price at grant

Initial option/award price

Expected volatility

Expected life in years

Risk free interest rate

Expected dividend yield %

€12.70

 €12.70

30%

3

 0.5%

 n/a

€17.00

 €17.00

25%

3

 0.3%

 n/a

Fair value

€11.54

€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.

118

 
 
39 

SHARE BASED PAYMENTS

Accounting charge for share based payments

Vesting
period
(years)

Number 
of share
awards
granted

Number
vested
during 
year

Number
outstanding
at 31
December
2017

% of
options
expected 
to vest

Share 
price
at grant
date

Fair value
of share
award at
grant date

2017

2016

Grant date

04.03.2013 LTIP

3.00

140,940

14.04.2014 LTIP

3.00

108,631

02.03.2015 LTIP

3.00

167,706

09.10.2015 LTIP

3.00

54,545

23.03.2016 LTIP

3.00

296,669

28.03.2017 LTIP

3.00

238,293

Total

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

63,922

54,545

200,019

192,857

511,343

%

n/a

0%

0%

100%

100%

100%

€

12.70

17.00

10.80

6.65

6.55

7.95

€

€000s

€000s

11.54

14.25

8.49

5.39

5.25

7.95

-

4

9

76

225

371

685

(80)

18

66

92

392

-

488

Given the performance of the Group 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 2017 and 31 December 2016.

40 

TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

Farmer Business Developments plc has a substantial shareholding in the Group at 31 December 2017. Details of their 
shareholding and related party transactions are set out in the Report of the Directors on page 19.

There were no transactions with Farmer Business Developments plc during the year.

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 Group) 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

2017

€000s

3,590

269

440

4,299

2016

€000s

3,005

222

183

3,410

1 Short term benefits include fees to non-executive Directors, salaries and other short-term benefits to all key management personnel.

119

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

40 

TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES (CONTINUED)

Full disclosure in relation to the 2017 and 2016 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 (2016: €Nil).

41 

RISK MANAGEMENT

Risk taking is inherent in the provision of financial services and FBD assumes a variety of risks in undertaking its business 
activities. FBD defines risk as any event that could impact the core earnings capacity of the Group; increase earnings or 
cash-flow volatility; reduce capital; threaten business reputation or viability; and/or breach regulatory or legal obligations.

The Group has adopted an Enterprise Risk Management approach to identifying, assessing and managing risks. This approach 
is incorporated in the Risk Management Framework which is approved by the Board and subject to annual update and review. 
The key components of the Risk Management Framework include Risk Appetite; Risk Governance; Risk Process and 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

The Board has ultimate responsibility for the governance of all risk taking activity in FBD. Risk is governed through business 
standards, risk policies and Oversight Committees with clear roles, 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 and 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. FBD measures 
risk on the basis of economic capital and other bases (where appropriate) to determine materiality, potential impact and 
appropriate management. Risks are recorded on the Group Risk Register.

120

 
 
 
41 

RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

Monitor and Report

We regularly monitor our risk exposures against risk appetite, risk tolerances and limits and monitor the effectiveness of 
controls in place to manage risk. Reporting to the Risk Committees is dynamic and includes material risks, risk appetite 
monitoring, changes in risk profile, risk mitigation programmes, reportable errors, breaches of risk policies (if any), results of 
independent assessments performed by the Risk Function and emerging risks.

People

Risk Management is embedded in the Group through leadership, governance and transparency. The Risk Management 
Framework establishes the roles and responsibilities of risk resources. A risk training programme is in place to ensure all risk 
resources have the knowledge and competency to perform their roles effectively.

In accordance with Group policy, business unit management has primary responsibility for the effective identification, 
management, monitoring and reporting of risks. There is an annual review by the Risk Committees of all major risks to ensure 
all risks are identified and evaluated. Each risk is assessed by considering the potential impact and the probability of the event 
occurring. Impact assessments are made against financial, operational, regulatory, reputational and customer impact 
criteria.

(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 29, Claims Outstanding.

Underwriting

The Group has developed its insurance underwriting 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 includes 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.

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, changes 
in economic activity or any other reason. Such an increase could have a material impact on the results and financial condition 
of the Group.

121

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

41 

RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

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 to ensure it is adequately capitalised at all times and to maximise returns to 
shareholders. The capital of the Group comprises of issued capital, reserves and retained earnings as detailed in notes 24 to 
27. 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 appropriate 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. FBD Insurance plc maintained its Solvency Capital Requirement 
(SCR) coverage within or above its target range of 110-130% of SCR.

The Solvency II directive introduced a requirement for undertakings to conduct an Own Risk and Solvency Assessment “ORSA” 
on an annual basis. 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 & Underwriting Committee, a Capital Management Forum, an 
Audit Committee, a Reserving Committee and Board and Executive Risk Committees, all of which assist the Board in the 
identification and management of exposures and capital.

122

41 

RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

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 inadequately controlled internal processes or systems, human error or from external 
events. Operational risks are regularly assessed against financial, operational, regulatory and reputational criteria.

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. Business Unit Management has primary responsibility for the effective 
identification, management, monitoring and reporting of operational risks which are overseen by the second and third line 
functions.

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.

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.

123

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

41 

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 – 2017

Financial assets

Reinsurance assets

Loans and receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Carrying 
value
total

€000s

953,830

90,565

66,314

27,176

Contracted
Value

€000s

1,001,725

90,565

66,314

27,176

Cashflow
within
1 year

€000s

220,630

25,331

66,314

27,176

Cashflow
1-5 years

€000s

631,242

45,856

-

-

Cashflow
after
5 years

€000s

149,853

19,378

-

-

Total

1,137,885

1,185,780

339,451

677,098

169,231

Liabilities - 2017

Insurance contract liabilities

Payables 

Other provision

Convertible debt*

Total

*See note 31

Assets – 2016

Financial assets

Reinsurance assets

Loans and receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

951,020

32,279

6,647

52,525

951,020

32,279

6,647

109,200

298,575

32,279

6,647

4,900

1,042,471

1,099,146

342,401

512,850

139,595

-

-

19,600

532,450

-

-

84,700

224,295

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

Liabilities – 2016

Insurance contract liabilities

926,182

49,100

11,247

51,136

926,182

49,100

11,247

114,100

286,362

518,396

121,424

49,100

11,247

4,900

-

-

19,600

537,996

-

-

89,600

211,024

1,037,665

1,100,629

351,609

Payables

Other provision

Convertible debt*

Total

*See note 31

124

41 

RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

(e)  

Market risk

The Group has invested in term deposits, listed 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 and external investment management specialists 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 listed 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 2017, the Group held the following deposits and listed debt securities:

2017

2016

Weighted
average
interest
rate

%

0.41

1.26

2.09

1.01

1.19

1.54

Market
Value

€000s

221,975

100,813

190,386

142,723

164,798

133,135

953,830

Weighted
average
interest
rate

%

1.52

1.18

1.12

2.51

1.42

1.38

Market
Value

€000s

333,922

61,995

102,063

150,728

87,259

171,539

907,506

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 19(b).

Foreign currency risk

The Group holds investment assets 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.

125

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

41 

RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

The Group did not hold any derivative instruments at 31 December 2017 or 31 December 2016. 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

2017
€000s
3,980
2,721
1,419

2016
€000s
4,792
3,547
1,419

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. 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 with financial institutions which have a minimum A- rating. The Group holds the following listed 
Government bonds and listed corporate bonds, with the following credit profile:

2017

2016

Government bonds
AAA
AA
A+
A
BB+
BBB+
BBB
Total

Corporate Bonds
AAA
AA
AA-
A+
A
A-
BBB+
BBB
BBB-
Total

Market
Value
€000s

55,217
14,634
44,098
-
69,347
29,532
45,978
258,806

2,331
9,574
35,667
71,267
77,041
93,902
119,250
73,888
16,118
499,038

Weighted
average
interest
rate

2.9
1.3
4.1
-
3.5
7.6
6.1
4.1

2.7
3.0
2.7
2.6
3.1
2.9
3.2
3.1
4.2
3.0

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
interest
rate

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

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 2017, the maximum balance owed to the Group by an individual reinsurer, including reinsurers’ share  
of insurance contract liabilities not yet called, was €21,313,000 (2016: €6,755,000).

126

41 

RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the Financial Statements, net of any allowances for losses, represents the 
Group’s most significant 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 investment or category of business. The main 
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 portfolio is 3.0 years. The 
sovereign bond portfolio carries an average credit rating of A and the average duration of the portfolio is 4.1 years.

n  Given the ratings, spread of investments and the duration of the listed corporate bond and sovereign bond portfolios,  

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 and other receivables have no significant concentration of risk.

(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 the 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.

127

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

41 

RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

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 believes this will continue to be a significant headwind to otherwise strong Irish economic prospects.

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.

(i) 

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 2017 and at 31 December 2016 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

128

2017

€000s

(12,759)

3,190

812

(812)

2,177

(2,177)

37,934

(37,934)

1,800

(1,800)

16,297

2016

€000s

(10,159)

2,539

901

(901)

2,353

(2,353)

31,475

(31,475)

1,640

(1,640)

15,411

1.0%

(0.25%)

10%

(10%)

10%

(10%)

5%

(5%)

10%

(10%)

5%

41 

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%

Increase
in gross
technical
reserves
€000s

7,230

317

6,599

Increase
in net
technical
reserves
€000s

5,166

352

5,939

+10%

+10%

6,111

(173)

8,811

5,293

(65)

7,930

Impact on
profit
before
taxation
€000s

Reduction
in
 shareholders’
equity
€000s

(5,166)

(352)

(5,939)

(5,293)

65

(7,930)

4,520

308

5,197

4,632

(57)

6,939

31 December 2017

Injury claims IBNR and IBNER

Other claims IBNR and IBNER

Legal fees revert to pre PIAB levels

31 December 2016

Injury claims IBNR and IBNER

Other claims IBNR and IBNER

Legal fees revert to pre PIAB levels

Limitations of sensitivity analysis

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 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.

42 

CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICY

During the year, the Group changed its accounting policy with respect to the treatment of claims handling expenses. The 
Group now includes claims handling expenses within net claims and benefits. Prior to this change in policy, the Group 
included these expenses within other underwriting expenses.

The Group believes the new policy is preferable as it aligns the Group to the industry standard by including claims handling 
expenses within net claim expenses.

The impact of this voluntary change in accounting policy is a reclassification of €9,597,000 (2016: €10,343,000) from other 
underwriting expenses to net claims and benefits. There is no change in the prior year profit of the Group, or in the opening 
shareholders’ funds of the Group as a result of this change.

This accounting policy is in place for 2017. There is no impact on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position for these 
changes.

During the year the Group also changed the presentation of interest payments on convertible debt within cash flows from 
operating activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows by presenting these cash flows as a separate line item.  
The Group believes this new policy improves disclosure of cash flows from operating activities. This change has no impact  
on previously reported cash flows of the Group.

43 

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

There have been no subsequent events which would have a material impact on the Financial Statements.

129

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Alternative performance measures (APMs)
For the financial year ended 31 December 2017

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 (Loss ratio + Expense 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 % (Total investment return/Average underwriting investment assets)

Net asset value per share

Shareholders’ funds – equity interests

Number of Shares

Number of ordinary shares in issue (excluding treasury)

Net asset value per share (NAV) (Shareholders funds / Closing number of ordinary shares)

130

2017

€000s

203,144

1,945

205,089

325,932

62.9%

75,908

325,932

23.3%

%

62.9%

23.3%

86.2%

9,361

2,807

12,168

1,027,637

1.2%

Restated
2016

€000s

227,853

7,747

235,600

308,226

76.4%

69,406

308,226

22.6%

%

76.4%

22.6%

99.0%

8,338

10,371

18,709

991,152

1.9%

271,626

225,548

34,666,201

34,666,201

Cent

784

Cent

651

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
29 March 2018 

Dear Shareholder,

The Notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company, which will be held at 11.00 a.m. on 4 May 2018 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.

Resolution 1 deals with the consideration of the Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2017.

Resolution 2 deals with the declaration of a dividend on the 14% non-cumulative preference shares for the year ended 31 December 
2017. A dividend cannot be declared on the ordinary shares unless and until the dividend on the 14% preference shares has been 
declared. 

Resolution 3 deals with the declaration of a dividend on the 8% non-cumulative preference shares for the year ended 31 December 
2017. A dividend cannot be declared on the ordinary shares unless and until the dividend on the 8% preference shares has been 
declared. 

Resolution 4 deals with the declaration of a final dividend of 24 cent per ordinary share for the year ended 31 December 2017.

Resolution 5 deals with the approval of the Report on Directors’ Remuneration. This Report is set out on pages 38 to 46 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 6 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 25 to 26 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 7 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.

Resolution 8 will be proposed as an Ordinary Resolution and seeks the approval of shareholders for a new incentive plan, the FBD 
Performance Share Plan (the “Plan”), for employees and executive directors of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. The Board has 
decided, based on recommendations of the Remuneration Committee and subject to shareholder approval, to introduce the Plan to 
reward, retain and incentivise key employees.

The principal features of the Plan are set out in the Appendix to this letter.

The rules of the FBD Performance Share Plan will be available for inspection at the Company’s Registered Office at FBD House, 
Bluebell, Dublin 12 from the date of this notice on any weekday (Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays excluded) until the close of 
the Annual General Meeting, and will also be available at the place of the Annual General Meeting for at least 15 minutes prior to and 
during the meeting.

Resolution 9 will be proposed as an Ordinary Resolution to renew the Directors’ authority under Section 1021 of the Companies Act 
2014 to allot shares up to an aggregate nominal value of €6,863,907 (representing approximately 33% of the issued ordinary share 
capital (excluding treasury shares) as at 29 March 2018 (the latest practicable date prior to the publication 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 4 August 2019.

131

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017 
Letter from the Chairman in relation to the Annual General Meeting (continued)

Resolution 10 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 in certain circumstances being, (a) in the event of a rights issue or any other issue of shares for cash 
and is limited to an aggregate nominal value of €1,039,986 (representing approximately 5% of the Company’s issued ordinary share 
capital (excluding treasury shares) as at 29 March 2018 being the latest practicable date prior to the publication of this letter) and/or 
(b) the allotment of equity securities pursuant to the Company’s share option schemes for the time being in force.

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 4 August 2019.

Resolution 11 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 29 March 2018 is 511,343 representing 
1.5% 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 3.8% 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 4 August 2019.

Resolution 12 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 4 August 2019.

Resolution 13 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 note 6 on the form of proxy.

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,

Liam Herlihy 
Chairman

132

Appendix

Summary of the principal terms of the FBD 
Performance Share Plan (the “Plan”)
The existing FBD Performance Share Plan was approved by 
shareholders in 2007 and is at the end of its ten-year lifespan. 
The Remuneration Committee (the “Committee”) is proposing 
the new Plan to replace it. 

The Plan has been designed to ensure the Plan rules are in line 
with current best practice and to introduce flexibility for the 
Committee to make awards which will be subject to post-vesting 
holding periods and malus and clawback provisions. The Plan 
will provide for the ability to make annual awards of 
performance shares, which will vest subject to the achievement 
of stretching three-year performance conditions. 

The key features of the proposed Plan are set out below.

ELIGIBILITY

All employees (including Executive Directors) of the Company or 
any of its subsidiaries are eligible for selection to participate at 
the discretion of the Board however it is the Company’s current 
intention to continue its practice of making annual awards to 
Executive Directors as well as selected key individuals in our 
senior management team who are capable of maximizing value 
for shareholders. 

TIMING OF AWARDS & LIFE OF THE PLAN

The Committee may grant an award:

(a)  during the period of 42 days after the date of adoption of the 

Plan;

(b)  during the period of 42 days immediately following the end 
of a closed period (as defined in market abuse legislation); 
and/or

(c)  at any time which the Committee considers that exceptional 
circumstances exist which justify the granting of an award.

Subject to approval by shareholders, the first awards under the 
new plan would be made shortly after the AGM. No award will be 
granted under the Plan more than ten years after the date on 
which the shareholders approve the Plan.

LIMITS

Overall plan limit: In aggregate with any other employee share 
plan, the maximum number of shares which may be issued in 
any rolling ten-year period will be 10% of the Company’s issued 
ordinary share capital.

Individual limit: An award may not be granted to an eligible 
employee if, as a result, the aggregate market value of the 
shares granted to that employee pursuant to the Plan during the 
relevant financial year would exceed 150% of his or her annual 
base salary. 

PERFORMANCE CONDITIONS

The Committee will set performance conditions each year, 
selecting appropriate metrics based on key strategic priorities.  
The period over which the performance conditions applying to a 
conditional award under the Plan 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 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 
Committee in different years under the Plan 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.

POST-VESTING HOLDING PERIOD 

The Plan rules allow the Committee (at its sole discretion) to 
make awards which may be subject to an additional post-vesting 
holding period. Awards will vest after three years once 
applicable performance conditions have been achieved and the 
vested shares may be required to be held for a further two-year 
period to provide continued alignment with shareholders. 

MALUS AND CLAWBACK PROVISIONS 

The Plan includes provisions that allow the Committee to 
withhold, reduce or require the repayment of awards for up to 
two years after vesting (i.e. up to five years after grant) if there is 
found to have been (a) material misstatement of the company’s 
financial results; (b) a material error in the assessment of any 
performance condition applicable to the award or in the 
information or assumptions on which the award was granted, 
vests or is released; or (c) gross misconduct on the part of the 
award holder.

CESSATION OF EMPLOYMENT

Except in certain circumstances referenced below, an unvested 
award will lapse immediately when a participant ceases to be 
employed by or to hold office with the Company’s group.

133

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017Appendix (continued)

If a participant has ceased to be employed because of injury, ill 
health or disability, retirement or the sale of the participant’s 
employing company or business out of the Company’s group, or 
in other exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the 
Committee, his award shall vest on a date determined by the 
Committee. The extent to which the awards will vest in such 
circumstances shall be determined by the Committee taking into 
account any performance conditions measured up to that point 
and, unless determined otherwise by the Committee, the 
proportion of the performance period which has elapsed at the 
date of cessation of employment.

CORPORATE EVENTS

In the event of a change of control of the Company, all awards 
shall vest. The extent to which any unvested awards vest will be 
determined by the Committee having regard to performance 
conditions and any other conditions imposed and, unless the 
Committee determines otherwise, the proportion of the 
performance period which has elapsed.

In the event of a reorganisation or other variation of share capital 
of the Company, the Committee may determine that the awards 
shall not vest but shall lapse in exchange for the grant of 
equivalent awards in the relevant acquiring entity controlling the 
Group.

RIGHTS ATTACHING TO SHARES 

Shares issued under the Plan shall, unless specified by the 
Committee as being subject to a holding period, rank equally 
with shares then in issue of the same class of shares.

AMENDMENTS 

The Board, acting on the recommendation of the Committee, 
may from time to time amend the rules of the Plan. The prior 
approval of the shareholders will be required in the case of any 
amendment to the advantage of existing or future participants 
which relate to the basis for determining eligible employee’s 
entitlements to awards, the persons to whom an award may be 
granted, individual or overall limits, the adjustment of awards in 
the event of any variation of the share capital of the Company. 
There are exceptions from this requirement to obtain 
shareholder approval in the case of minor amendments which 
benefit the administration of the Plan, to take account of a 
change in legislation or to obtain or maintain favourable tax, 
exchange control, securities law or regulatory treatment for 
participants. 

BENEFITS NOT PENSIONABLE 

The benefits received under the Plan shall not form any part of a 
participant’s remuneration or count as his/her remuneration for 
the purpose of any employer’s contribution to any pension or 
other benefit scheme operated by a member of the Group.

134

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 4 May 2018, at 11 
a.m. for the following purposes:

To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions as 
Ordinary Resolutions: 

1  To receive and consider the Report of the Directors and the 

Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2017.

2  To declare a dividend on the 14% non-cumulative preference 

shares. 

3  To declare a dividend on the 8% non-cumulative preference 

shares. 

4  To declare a final dividend of 24 cent per ordinary share. 

5  To approve the Report on Directors’ Remuneration 

9  That the Directors be and they are hereby generally and 

unconditionally authorised pursuant to section 1021 of the 
Companies Act 2014 , in substitution for all existing such 
authorities, to exercise all powers of the Company to allot 
relevant securities (within the meaning of section 1021 of 
the said Act) up to an aggregate nominal amount of 
€6,863,907 during the period commencing on the date of 
the passing of this Resolution and expiring at the earlier of 
the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of the 
Company in 2019 and close of business on the date 15 
months from the date of the passing of this Resolution, 
provided that the Company may before such expiry make an 
offer or agreement which would or might require relevant 
securities to be allotted after such expiry and the Directors 
may allot relevant securities in pursuance of such offer or 
agreement as if the authority hereby conferred had not 
expired.

appearing in the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 
December 2017 (Advisory Resolution).

To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions 
as Special Resolutions: 

6  To re-elect the following persons as Directors of the 

10  That the Directors be and they are hereby empowered 

Company: 

(a)  Walter Bogaerts

(b)  Mary Brennan

(c)  Dermot Browne

(d)  

Joe Healy 

(e) 

Liam Herlihy 

(f)  Orlagh Hunt

(g) 

Fiona Muldoon

(h)  David O’Connor

(i) 

(j) 

John O’Grady

Padraig Walshe

7  To authorise the Directors to fix the remuneration of the 

Auditors.

8  That the FBD Performance Share Plan (the “Plan”), the 

principal terms of which are summarised in the Appendix to 
the Chairman’s Letter attached to this Notice and as shown 
in the Rules of the Plan produced to the meeting and signed 
by the Chairman for purposes of identification, be approved 
and that the Directors be and are hereby authorised to do all 
such acts and things that they consider necessary or 
expedient to operate and implement the Plan.

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 Resolution 9 above 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:

(a)  

(b)  

the allotment of equity securities up to but not 
exceeding an aggregate nominal amount of 
€1,039,986; and/or

the allotment of equity securities pursuant to any 
employee share schemes or share incentive plans of 
the Company for the time being in force, 

such power to be effective from the time of passing this 
Resolution and shall expire at the earlier of the conclusion of 
the Annual General Meeting of the Company in 2019 and 
close of business on 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.

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FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017 
 
Notice of Annual General Meeting (continued)

11  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) 

(b) 

(c) 

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;

the minimum price which may be paid for any Share 
shall be the nominal value of the Share;

the maximum price which may be paid for any Share (a 
“Relevant Share”) shall be the higher of:

(i) 

(ii) 

an amount equal to 105 per cent of the average 
market value of a Relevant Share as determined 
in accordance with this paragraph (c); and

the price stipulated by the Commission 
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052, being the 
higher of the price of the last independent trade 
of any number of Relevant Shares and the 
highest current independent bid for any number 
of Relevant Share on the trading venue where 
the purchase pursuant to the authority conferred 
by this Resolution will be carried out, 

where the average market value of a Relevant Share 
for the purpose of sub-paragraph (i) shall be an amount 
equal to the average of the five amounts resulting from 
determining whichever of the following ((1), (2) or (3) 
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;

(1) 

if there shall be more than one dealing reported 
for the day, the average of the prices at which 
such dealings took place; or

136

(2) 

(3) 

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.

12  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) 

in the case of an Option Scheme (as defined in 
paragraph (d) below), an amount equal to the 
price payable in respect of the option or 
conditional award as provided for in such Option 
Scheme; or

 
 
 
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.

13  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 
29 March 2018

(c) 

(ii) 

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

 “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;

(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 a General 
Meeting.

137

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017 
 
Information for Shareholders

1.  Conditions for Participating in the Annual General 

3.  Record Date for AGM

Meeting (“AGM”)

Every shareholder registered at the record date for the 
meeting (the “Record Date”), 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. 

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 2 May 2018. 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.

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.

5.  Tabling Agenda Items

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 
23 March 2018 (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.

138

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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.

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 23 March 
2018 (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.

7.  Right to ask questions

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 29 March 2018. 
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.

139

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
140

Printed on paper sourced from sustainably managed forests.

FBD House, Bluebell, Dublin 12

fbd.ie