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FBD HOLDINGS PLC

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FY2018 Annual Report · FBD HOLDINGS PLC
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Protection. 
It’s in our nature.

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018

In the years report 

Strategic Report 

FBD at a Glance

Financial Highlights

2018 in Pictures

Chairman's Statement

Review of Operations 

Our Business Model

Our Strategy

Risk & Uncertainties Report

Corporate Social Responsibility 

Corporate Information

Governance

Board of Directors

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 Information

Alternative Performance Measures

Letter from the Chairman in relation to the  
Annual General Meeting 

Notice of Annual General Meeting 

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138

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FBD at a Glance

Established in the 1960s by farmers for farmers, 
FBD has built on those roots in agriculture 
to become a leading general insurer directly 
serving the needs of agricultural, small business 
and consumer customers throughout Ireland. 

2018 Performance Highlights

PROFIT BEFORE TAX

COMBINED OPERATING RATIO

GROSS WRITTEN PREMIUM

€50m

In line with €50m profit 
for 2017

81%

Improvement from 86%  
in 2017

€372m

Stable vs €372m 
premium written in 2017

RETURN ON EQUITY

PER SHARE DIVIDEND PROPOSED

NET ASSET VALUE

15%

50c

Building on 17% ROE  
for 2017

Increase vs 24c  
2017 dividend paid

818c

Increase from 784c  
in 2017

For more information visit www.fbd.ie

1

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORT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 proposed

Ordinary dividend per share paid

2018
€000s

371,504

337,903

42,383

2018
Cent

122

1121

818

50

24

2017
€000s

372,459

325,932

 42,696

2017
Cent

123

1112

784

24

-

1	 Diluted	earnings	per	share	reflects	the	potential	conversion	of	convertible	debt	up	until	the	date	of	purchase	 

and	cancellation	of	the	convertible	debt	and	the	potential	vesting	of	the	share	based	payments

2	 Diluted	earnings	per	share	reflected	the	potential	conversion	of	convertible	debt	and	the	potential	vesting	of	 

share	based	payments

Financial Calendar
Preliminary announcement

Dividend record date

Annual General Meeting

Dividend payment date

27 February 2019

12 April 2019

10 May 2019

17 May 2019

2

2018 in Pictures

Cellcheck	Awards	launch

National	Ploughing	Championship	launch

Lessons	for	Leaders	launch

Tullamore	Show	&	FBD	National	Livestock	
show	launch

FBD	Insurance	sponsored	show	garden	at	Bloom

FBD	Insurance	stand	at	Bloom

FBD	Insurance	continues	it’s	urban	expansion	
with	relocation	of	Cork	office

Official	sponsor	to	Ireland’s	Olympic	team

Women	&	Agriculture	conference

3

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTChairman’s Statement

Always keeping our  
customers at the heart  
of what we do

Performance
I am pleased to report to you our excellent financial results 
for 2018 and in particular I am very pleased to propose a 
doubling of our dividend payment to our shareholders. We 
have reported a Group Profit before Tax of €50m and our Net 
Asset Value (book value) per share grew to 818 cents. Our 
Solvency Capital Ratio continues to be very strong at 164%.

Following a very strong 2017, 2018 has seen a continuation 
of excellent financial results for our business. This 
represents continued successful implementation of our 
strategy. We have strong underlying profitability and we  
are maintaining our underwriting discipline.

I would like to thank our loyal FBD staff for their immense 
contribution to these strong results in the face of stiff 
competition. Their dedication to our customers and to great 
customer service continues to be a key differentiator for 
FBD. It continues to be a source of pride for the Board and to 
generate confidence in our ability to grow successfully and 
carefully in the years ahead.

Ms. Orlagh Hunt and Mr. Dermot Browne have announced 
their intention not to stand for re-election at the AGM.  
I would like to thank Orlagh and Dermot for their valued 
contribution and service over the past three years and wish 
them continued success in the future.

GROUP PROFIT BEFORE TAX

€50m

2017: €50m

 1%

NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE

818c

2017: 784c

 4%

PER SHARE DIVIDEND PROPOSED 

50c

2017: 24c

 108%

4

Fairfax Convertible Bond
Since 2015 a Canadian company (Fairfax Financial Holdings 
Ltd) has held a debt instrument in FBD that provided an 
option to convert to almost 20% ownership of our company 
from 23rd September 2018 at a share price of €8.50.

In October we announced an agreement to purchase and 
cancel this investment, known as the Fairfax convertible 
bond. This was a strong statement of strength for FBD. This 
transaction reinstates our independence and successfully 
ends Fairfax’s investment in FBD. We funded this purchase 
through our own cash reserves and by issuing a smaller,  
new €50m non-convertible bond with a lower interest rate. 
This new debt transaction is a key sign of our strength and 
credit-worthiness. Our capital solvency levels remain in a 
very strong position and FBD is now very well positioned 
with confidence for the future.

These two transactions were a key milestone for our 
business coming as they have only three years after we 
needed a capital partner. A strong FBD benefits staff, 
customers and our loyal shareholders. In 2015, Fairfax was 
required to stabilise FBD’s position and now, I am glad to say 
we no longer need this help. Fairfax supported our business 
when it was needed and we wish them well.

Team Ireland Sponsorship
In September we announced an exciting new major 
sponsorship for FBD Insurance. We officially launched our 
sponsorship of Team Ireland as they begin their qualification 
journey with the Olympic Federation of Ireland towards 
participation in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

This sponsorship will encompass all of the Olympic 
Federation of Ireland’s activity, both in Ireland and 
internationally. This partnership is very exciting for both 
FBD Insurance and the Olympic Federation of Ireland and 
shows our continued commitment to supporting and 
protecting all of the communities from which Ireland’s 
Olympic heroes emerge.

Local communities are the foundations of support that 
enable our Irish athletes to compete on the world stage.  
At FBD, we have a unique heritage of connection with our 
local communities through our nationwide branches and 
our direct customer relationships. As a truly local Irish 
insurer we are proud to partner with Team Ireland on what is 
sure to be an exciting journey for Ireland’s talented athletes, 
their coaches, their families and their communities as they 
progress to the biggest sporting stage of all in 2020, the 
Tokyo Olympic Games.

5

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTChairman’s Statement (continued)

This new major sponsorship joins the portfolio of our other 
national sponsorships including the National Ploughing 
Championships and Bloom. As part of our strategy to 
continue to protect and grow our rural customer base as 
well as to enable continued growth in urban Ireland, this 
sponsorship of Team Ireland will provide a big platform for 
FBD to further cement our local pride and commitment to 
communities across Ireland.

Our Heritage
In 2018, FBD celebrated its 50th year in business. We have  
a rich heritage, uniquely an Irish insurer, supporting and 
protecting our farm, business and consumer customers. 
With our nationwide branch network, we are active 
participants in the communities we serve. FBD has stood 
the test of time and we are proud to be the only truly Irish 
insurance company operating in Ireland today.

Since our foundation, we have worked hard for our 
communities and customers, and are committed to 
ensuring that farmers, local businesses and communities 
feel real economic and social benefits as a result of our 
business activities. FBD is a responsible member of the 
community. We set high standards for ourselves and insist 
that all of our business activities are conducted lawfully  
and ethically.

Farming is a hazardous occupation and the continuing rise  
in fatal accidents on farms is a cause for great concern.  
We continue to support initiatives that will make the family 
farm a safer place for all members of the family and for farm 
employees. In 2018 we had initiatives under the Farm 
Protect campaign, Champions for Safety seminars and  
the Farm Relief Services (FRS) tractor training skills.

This year FBD also invested in upgrading our branch 
network. We purchased the Mullingar Support Centre 
building in August. We launched the Post Insurance 
partnership. We opened our new Sales Office in Baggot 
Street. We relocated the Cork and Limerick branches and  
we continued to push forward with the rebranding and 
refurbishing of every branch. We want to ensure that  
the FBD Insurance brand is prominent in communities 
across Ireland.

Claims Environment
The cost of injury claims remains a concern for Irish 
customers. Two years ago FBD welcomed the Personal 
Injuries Commission report. However we now urge the 
Government to implement its recommendations and other 
actions from the Cost of Insurance Working Group proposals 
without further delay. A more sustainable claims 
environment benefits all insurance customers particularly 
Irish farms and businesses. FBD continues to lobby to 
ensure that these proposals are implemented and will 
deliver for Irish farmers, businesses and consumers.  
In the absence of implementation, all insurance customers 
continue to bear the cost of significantly higher premiums 
than those seen in other countries.

Storm Emma
Storm Emma hit the country in March and caused 
widespread damage. Our claims staff responded superbly to 
help our impacted customers. This is what insurance is for 
and as always, we can be proud of our claims paying record.

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

Following the excellent financial performance for 2018 the 
Board proposes to pay a dividend of 50 cent per share for the 
2018 financial year. This is equivalent to a pay-out ratio of 
approximately 40% in respect of 2018 profits. This is a 
significant increase on the 24 cents paid in the previous year 
and reflects our continuing confidence in the profitability 
and future prospects of the business. The Group continues 
to 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.

6

This conservative policy is designed to recognise the 
importance of full year earnings in determining dividends 
while protecting the capital position of the Group.

Conclusion
I want to record my sincere thanks to the Board for their 
active leadership and support during 2018.

I also want to thank our CEO Fiona, the Management Team 
and our entire staff for their hard work and dedication that 
has resulted in delivering this very strong result.

Finally as always I want to acknowledge and say thanks to 
our customers for their continuing support, loyalty, trust 
and confidence. FBD is strongly positioned for the future 
and I am confident the FBD Group will continue to grow  
and prosper.

Thank you.

Liam Herlihy 
Chairman

26 February 2019

7

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTReview of Operations

A €50 million profit  
for FBD’s 50th year  
in business

RETURN ON EQUITY

15%

2017: 17%

Above target ROE

UNDERWRITING PROFIT 

€63m

2017: €45m

 40%

NET CLAIMS 

€183m

2017: €203m

 10%

8

Overview
Our continued focus on underwriting discipline has 
delivered excellent underwriting profits for 2018. I am 
delighted the Board has proposed to more than double the 
dividend to 50c per share on the back of such strong results, 
rewarding our loyal shareholders. 

The successful purchase and cancellation of the Fairfax 
convertible bond in October demonstrated the financial 
strength of FBD. 

2018 is a great team result and we intend to continue to 
deliver on our strategy in the coming years. From fifty years 
in business we know that having the right insurance cover  
at the right price is in the long-term best interests of our 
customers. We will continue to maintain underwriting 
discipline in order to provide stability in our core market. 
FBD continues to offer the broadest cover available to farm 
customers for property damage and to mitigate the financial 
impact of tragic farm accidents which are still all too 
frequent.

In FBD’s 50th year of business the Group delivered a profit  
of €50.1m (2017: €49.7m) and a return on equity of 15%. 
This is an excellent performance underpinned by continued 
underwriting discipline and supported by positive prior  
year reserve development.

In October, FBD successfully purchased the Fairfax 
convertible bond for €86m and subsequently issued 
non-convertible debt of €50m at a lower coupon rate of  
5%. This is a strong result for the business demonstrating 
investor confidence in FBD’s stability and future.

The Board has proposed a dividend of 50c per share  
(2017: 24c) in respect of the 2018 financial year. The 
underwriting profit increased to €63.4m (2017: €44.9m) 
and includes Storm Emma net costs of €6.6m after 
reinsurance recoveries.

sustained improvements relative to previous expectations. 
There was a further release from prior year reserves of €1.8m 
as the timing of the introduction of the 2% Motor Insurance 
Insolvency Compensation Fund (MIICF) levy on insurers  
was delayed.

Underwriting

Premium income

Strong competition in all customer segments has resulted in 
a decrease in gross written premium of €1m to €371.5m 
(2017: €372.5m). Increases in Commercial business were 
offset by reductions in Agri and Consumer as we maintained 
our underwriting discipline in the face of strong competition. 
The underlying loss performance of the book is improving 
with minimal rate increases carried across the book. New 
business volumes grew by 11% primarily in personal lines. 
Retention rates generally held up across the book with the 
aid of sustained efforts and customer initiatives.

Reinsurance

The 2018 reinsurance programme provided strong 
protection to the business. Storm Emma was the only 
extreme weather event of 2018, with a net cost after 
reinsurance recoveries of €6.6m. There was limited 
additional exposure to weather events in the second  
half of the year.

Claims

Net claims incurred amounted to €183.4m (2017: €203.1m). 
There was positive prior year reserve releases of €26.9m, 
mainly from the 2015 to 2017 accident years, which showed 

The Group incurred a net charge of €7.1m (2017: €1.9m) 
relating to its MIBI levy and related obligation, which is 
calculated based on the Group’s expected share of the 
motor market for 2018. The 2017 charge includes the MIBI 
levy reserve release of €5.6m for the “Setanta” case.

Claims Environment

More moderate inflation is evident across the claims 
environment though the cost of claims continues to remain 
high. The level of increases in the average cost of smaller 
injury claims has slowed, though we have also observed a 
significant increase in the average cost of motor damage and 
property claims over the course of the year. 

We continue to await the enactment by the Government of 
the PIAB (Amendment) Bill to tackle the non-co-operation of 
claimants and their legal representatives with the Injuries 
Board. This legislation is necessary to reduce the rate at 
which claimants are rejecting compensation offers by the 
Injuries Board and to ultimately lower the cost of claims. 
The Judicial Council is expected to rewrite the Book of 
Quantum although no bill has yet been drafted. Overall we 
are very disappointed with the pace of reform, given that the 
key recommendations of the Cost of Insurance Working 
Group were published two years ago.

9

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTReview of Operations (continued)

We are hopeful claims awards will reduce following the 
Court of Appeal case “Byrne v Ardenhealth Company Ltd” 
where a unanimous judgement confirmed that the occupier 
had not breached their statutory duty to take reasonable 
care and can assume visitors will take reasonable care of 
their own safety, overturning the earlier High Court 
damages award.

We continue to vigorously contest suspected claims. We 
welcome the amendment to the Civil Liability and Courts 
Act where a judge can dismiss a claim if a claimant gives 
false evidence having provided a sworn affidavit. This change 
may act as a deterrent for dishonest or false claims.

The Personal Injuries Commission report published in 
September 2018 highlighted inconsistencies between Irish 
and international awards that must be tackled if we are to 
reduce insurance costs for Irish businesses, farmers and 
consumers alike.

Weather, Claims Frequency and Large Claims

In March 2018 Storm Emma was a combination of snow  
and strong winds which created blizzard-like conditions 
impacting the whole of Ireland, particularly the south. FBD 
received over 1,200 claims costing €6.6m net of reinsurance 
and reinstatement premia.

Stabilisation in motor injury frequency continued following 
reductions in 2016 and 2017.

The projected gross cost of large injury claims (greater than 
€0.5m) in 2018 is approximately in line with the five year 
average. While there has been a significant decrease in the 
number of personal motor large injury claims this year, this 
has been replaced by a significant increase in the number of 
employers liability claims, in particular large farm claims. 
We have also observed an improvement in the development 
of large claims from 2016 and 2017 relative to previous 
expectations.

Expenses

The Group’s expense ratio was 24.9% (2017: 23.3%). Other 
underwriting expenses were €84.1m, an increase of €8.1m. 
€4.6m of the increase relates to changes in the reinsurance 
arrangements and the balance reflects additional IT spend in 
respect of work for the introduction of GDPR, wage inflation 
and increased regulatory costs.

General

FBD’s Combined Operating Ratio (“COR”) was  
81.2% generating an underwriting profit of €63.4m  
(2017: €44.9m).

Investment Return

FBD’s total investment return for 2018 was -0.5%  
(2017: 1.2%). 0.2% (2017: 0.9%) is recognised in the 
Consolidated Income Statement and -0.7% (2017: 0.3%) 
recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Other 
Comprehensive Income (OCI). The returns are a reflection  
of the challenging investment conditions experienced during 
2018 especially Q4. The negative returns in OCI were driven 
by credit spread widening on the corporate bond portfolio 
and spread widening on some Eurozone sovereign bonds, 
particularly Italy.

Financial Services

The Group’s financial services operations delivered a  
profit before tax of €2.5m for the year (2017: €4.5m).  
The life, pension and investment broking operation (FBD 
Financial Solutions) increased revenue by 23% to €3.8m 
(2017:  €3.1m) with modest cost increases to support the 
increased activity. Other financial services fees decreased 
marginally. Holding company costs increased from €1.4m 
to €3.5m primarily due to significant legal expenses during 
2018 and higher allocated salary costs than prior year.

Capital position

Ordinary shareholders’ funds at 31 December 2018 
amounted to €283.5m (2017: €271.6m). The increase in 
shareholders’ funds is mainly attributable to the following:

n  Profit after tax for the year of €42.4m: Offset by 

n  €8.6m dividend payments in respect of the 2017 

financial year

n  Cancellation of the Fairfax bond of €21.0m

n  Mark to market losses on Available for Sale investments 
of €6.8m after tax recognised in the statement of other 
comprehensive income

n  Share based payments of €0.7m

n  The increase in the defined benefit pension scheme 
surplus of €2.8m after tax following a 5bps increase  
in the discount rate to 1.8% and drop in long-term 
inflation to 1.5%.

n 

IFRS 15 transitional adjustment of €2.4m.

Net assets per ordinary share are 818 cent, compared to 
784 cent per share at 31 December 2017.

10

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

Corporate bonds

Government bonds 

Deposits and cash

Equities

Investment property

Other risk assets

31 December 2018

31 December 2017

€m

498

297

146

24

18

55

%

48%

29%

14%

2%

2%

5%

€m

499

259

230

22

18

24

%

47%

25%

22%

2%

2%

2%

1,038

100%

1,052

100%

Investment Allocation

The Group adopts a conservative investment policy where it 
ensures that its technical reserves are well matched by cash 
and fixed interest securities of similar nature and duration. 
FBD has increased its allocation to Government bonds and 
risk assets during the year in line with the Company’s 
current Strategic Asset Allocation framework. There has 
been a corresponding reduction in deposits and cash of 
€36.1m as a result of the cancellation and repayment  
of the Fairfax convertible bond.

Solvency

The latest (unaudited) Solvency Capital Ratio (SCR) is 164% 
which is in line with the 2017 SCR of 164%, after the partial 
use of own funds to pay for the Fairfax Convertible Bond 
transaction and includes the foreseeable dividend of 
€17.6m.

Outlook
In 2018 FBD delivered a return on equity of 15% and a 
Current Year COR of 90%, through strong underwriting 
discipline and full price adequacy. This result includes 
Storm Emma net costs of €6.6m. In addition, the 2018 
result also includes positive prior year reserve development 
of €26.9m and a MIBI levy reserve release of €1.8m.

The injury claims environment is showing signs of 
moderation although inflation is still present, particularly  
in motor damage and property claims. Injury costs remain 
stubbornly high, even if they are no longer increasing as 
substantially as in previous years. We also see continued 
inflation in legal costs. We urgently need an injection of pace 
from policymakers in the delivery of the recommendations 

from the Cost of Insurance Working Group in order to deliver 
reform and reduce insurance costs for our customers.

Storm Emma demonstrated again the quality of our farm 
cover and our claims processes. We delivered for our 
customers when we were needed. The increase in farm 
related employers liability and tractor claims continues to 
emphasise the urgent need for better farm safety. FBD 
continues to invest significantly in this area. We understand 
the impact these accidents have on farmers and their 
families both financially and personally. 

FBD will continue to support farm safety organisations in 
education to change on-farm behaviour and help mitigate 
the personal impact of such tragic accidents.

Uncertainty still exists around Brexit and the likely impact is 
both unwelcome and hard to quantify for Irish farmers and 
businesses. Competition from other insurers is currently 
intense. FBD has been in Ireland for fifty years supporting 
our farm customers and we will maintain strong 
underwriting discipline in the face of both aggressive price 
competition and economic uncertainty in order to deliver 
stability for our customers. FBD is focussed on growing its 
urban presence in a measured fashion while continuing to 
maintain its large market share in rural Ireland through the 
delivery of outstanding products and outstanding customer 
service.

Fiona Muldoon 
Group Chief Executive

26 February 2019

11

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTSupporting Ireland’s Communities

Proud Sponsors  
of Team Ireland 
for the Tokyo 
2020 Olympics

FBD Insurance’s sponsorship of Team 
Ireland was launched in September 2018 
and will run throughout the current 
Olympiad until the end of the 2020 
Olympic Games in Tokyo. This major 
initiative shows FBD Insurance’s 
commitment to local communities 
from which Olympic heroes emerge. 

12

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018

13

GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTOur Business Model

How we create  
and share value

Inputs

Business Activities/Create Value

FBD empowers its people to deliver for customers  
and shareholders alike.

FBD creates value across all business activities  
through our customer centric focus and our expertise  
in the insurance industry.

Our People
FBD's 900 employees are central to how we support our 
customers. Their expertise, experience, dedication and local 
knowledge mean that we have a long term focus with all 
customers that is tailored to meet their needs.

Social & Relationships
FBD has deep relationships with customers, suppliers  
and stakeholders. As a responsible member of the local 
community, we provide significant support to business, farm 
and community groups throughout Ireland. We actively 
promote and support farm research, safety and social events. 

Financial
FBD maintains a resilient and stable balance sheet that is well 
reserved and has a low-risk investment portfolio. This enables 
us to support policyholders and deliver sustainable returns to 
our shareholders.

Intellectual
Our strong links to the community enable us to evolve with  
our customer's needs. Set up by farmers for farmers, FBD has  
an unrivalled knowledge of farm enterprises through 50 years  
of protection. 

Environment
Climate change and adverse weather have the potential to  
impact our customers significantly. FBD's reinsurance 
programme reduces our exposure to such events while 
maximising the protection we offer. FBD is committed to  
work place actions, that reduce our carbon footprint. 

Technology
FBD leverages technology, including data analytics, to deliver  
a better customer experience and better customer value. 

14

Customer  
Centric Focus
FBD aims to be truly customer 
centric. This means we want  
to deliver the best customer 
experience, no matter the 
way the customer chooses 
to shop with us.

Underwrite  
& Manage Risks
FBD focuses on profitable 
underwriting in the Irish general 
insurance market. We understand, 
Underwrite & manage 
risks

measure and model risk effectively 

enabling us to price accurately, 

competitively, and fairly for our 
customers.

How  
We Create 
Value

Manage Claims
Reserve appropriately
FBD pays claims quickly and efficiently 
through our experienced claims 
Text
inspectors and loss adjustors. FBD 
actively works to reduce incidents  
of claims fraud and exaggeration  
to the benefit of honest  
insurance customers. 

Reserve 
Appropriately

Capital management
FBD reserve its insurance liabilities 
Text
appropriately and is supported by 
strong governance including 
extensive peer reviews and 

regular external 

reviews.

Capital 
Management
FBD's conservative 
Manage claims
investment policy 
invests premiums in a 
Text
high quality, low risk 
portfolio. We manage our 
assets to ensure we deliver on 
our obligations to our  
policyholders.

In FBD, our customers and our communities are at the heart of what we do and who we 
are. As Ireland’s only indigenous insurance company, we provide a multi-product and 
multi-channel offering to Farmers, Commercial Businesses and Consumers. We are with 
our customers and always ready to protect them through our 34 local branches 
nationwide, on the phone, online, or through our broker network.

Outputs

Outcomes

FBD offers products through channels  
where our service capabilities deliver a  
unique underwriting advantage.

FBD strives to deliver for all it's stakeholders, protecting  
our customers through our quality product offering, and 
delivering returns to our shareholders. 

Our Products
FBD protects our customers through  
a wide range of personal, farm  
and business products.

Our Channels
FBD offers flexibility and great customer service  
across all of our channels, through our direct business, 
our small broker network, as well as new and exciting 
partnerships with Post insurance, Chubb and others.

Financial Advisory Services
FBD Life & Pensions provides advice to  
a diverse range of customers, both personal and 
corporate, through a team of financial planning 
advisors located in the Group's network of  
local offices. 

Our Stakeholders
We protect our customers and deliver products that meet 
their needs. For our shareholders we deliver sustainable 
returns through both value accretion and dividends.

Our Employees
We invest in our people, helping them grow their skills and 
expertise so that they can excel in their roles and careers.  
We provide competitive rewards and benefits linked to both 
individual and Group performance. 

Local Communities
We invest in the communities in which we operate through 
corporate sponsorship (Corporate Social Responsibility on 
page 25) and by partnering with charities, trusts and local 
events. 

Capital for Reinvestment
Through our capital accretion we reinvest and generate 
additional value in FBD.

15

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTOur Strategy 

Creating value  
for the long-term

Our Customer  
Evolution

We want to provide simple, personalised, easy to understand 
insurance to today's customers. We listen to and understand 
our customers. We understand different customers value 
different things. 

Our Vision
Be truly customer  
centric 

We aim to deliver the best customer experience, no matter  
the way the customer chooses to shop with us. We protect and 
innovate with our customers. 

Our Mission
To be the Irish  
insurer of choice

Our customers and communities are at the heart of what we  
do and who we are.

Our Values
Our Way

Open and friendly: we bring others along, communicate, collaborate & develop

Use our expertise: we deliver and innovate

Responsible and accountable: we own the challenge and drive the solution

We have integrity and we respect each other

Action-oriented, we get the right things done well and on time

You and I: we focus on our customer first

16

Our strategy positions FBD as the Irish insurer  
of choice by offering a truly customer centric experience 
with a strong, sustainable national insurer. 

Community
We are Irish, local, a trusted & 
knowledgeable insurer, envied for  
our closeness to our customers and  
our community roots.

Understand
We listen and understand our 
customers. We deliver for them. 
We understand that different 
customers value different things.

Protect
We promise to protect our  
customers & deliver on our promises 
when they need us.

Our customers  
and our community  
are at the heart of  
what we do and  
who we are 

Evolve
We evolve with, innovate  
& deliver for our customers.

Culture
Our employees are focused  
on value adding & deepening 
customer relationships.

Optimise
We invest in, integrate & optimise  
all our customer channels, striving for 
simplicity of access & transacting with 
FBD. We offer the best customer 
experience, no matter the way the 
customer chooses to shop  
with us.

17

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTRisk & Uncertainties Report

Overview
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 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.

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.

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	 Primary responsibility for risk management lies with line 

management.

n	 Line management is supported by the second line Risk, 
Actuarial and Compliance Functions who provide 
objective challenge and oversight of first line 
management of risks.

n	 The third and final line of defence is the Internal Audit 

function, which provides independent assurance to the 
Audit Committee of the Board on risk-taking activities.

RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

Role of the 
Board/BRC 
& Snr. Mgt.

Risk Appetite, 
Tolerance and 
Limits

Risk  
Framework  
and Policy

Mandate  
of the Risk 
Function

Risk  
Monitoring

Risk  
Resource

Risk 
Identification 
and 
Measurement

Risk  
Reporting

Embedding 
Risk 
Management

People  

  Governance

  Process

18

People

Risk Management is embedded in the Group through 
leadership, governance, decision making and competency. 
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 Committee 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.

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.

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.

19

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTRisk & Uncertainties Report (continued)

Key Risks and Mitigants

RISK

KEY MITIGANTS 

Capital  
Management Risk
The risk that the Group fails to maintain 
an adequate regulatory solvency 
position.

n  The Group 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.

n  The annual Own Risk and Solvency Assessment “ORSA” 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 mitigation actions.

n  An experienced Actuarial team is in place with policies and 

procedures to ensure that Technical Provisions are calculated  
in an appropriate manner and represent a best estimate.

n  Technical Provisions are internally peer reviewed every quarter, 

audited once a year and subject to external peer review every two 
years.

n  An approved Reinsurance Program is in place to minimise the 

Solvency Impact of Catastrophe events to the Group.

n  The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for consideration of 
the implications for capital position as part of the strategic planning 
process and key strategic decision-making and for ensuring 
appropriate action is taken as approved by the Board/CEO/relevant 
Committee.

n  On at least an annual basis, thresholds for Solvency Capital 

Requirements (SCR) Ratio, developed as part of the annual planning/
budgeting process, are approved by the Board as part of the Risk 
Appetite Statements in the Risk Appetite Framework.

n  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 and corporate finance houses.

20

RISK

KEY MITIGANTS 

Underwriting Risk
This is the risk that underwritten 
business is less profitable than planned 
due to insufficient pricing and setting of 
claims case reserves as a result of higher 
than expected claims frequency, higher 
average cost per claim and catastrophic 
claims.

The Group manages this risk through its underwriting strategy, proactive 
claims handling and its reinsurance arrangements.

Underwriting Strategy

n  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 the 
Company’s underwriting policies.

n  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 include, motor, employers’ 
and public liability and property.

n  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.

Reserving:

n  The Group uses 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. The provision includes a margin for uncertainty 
to minimise the risk that actual claims exceed the amount provided. 
The Reserving Committee assists the Board in its review of the 
adequacy of the Group’s claims provisions.

n  Case reserve estimates are subject to robust controls including 

system controls preventing claim handlers from increasing reserves 
above their reserve limits without supervisor approval and secondary 
review and challenge of case reserve estimates.

Reinsurance Arrangements

n  The Group purchases reinsurance protection to limit its exposure to 

single claims and the aggregation of claims from catastrophic events. 
The Group’s reinsurance programme is approved by the Board of 
Directors on an annual basis. FBD has purchased a reinsurance 
program which has been developed to meet the local domestic risk 
profile and tailored to FBD’s risk appetite. The program protects, 
Motor, Liability, Property and other classes against both individual 
large loss and events.

21

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTRisk & Uncertainties Report (continued)

RISK

KEY MITIGANTS 

Market Risk
The Group has invested in term 
deposits, listed debt securities, 
investment property and Collective 
Investment Schemes. 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.

Credit &  
Concentration Risk
This is the risk of loss in the value of 
financial assets due to counterparties 
failing to meet all or part of their 
obligations and/or over allocation to a 
single entity that may default or fall in 
value resulting in adverse financial 
impact.

n  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.

n  The Group will only invest in assets the risks of which can be properly 
identified, measured, monitored, managed and controlled. In this 
regard the approach adopted by the Group is to ensure funds are 
allocated primarily in Euro denominated Corporate/Government 
bonds and deposits.

n  The Company monitors its allocation to the various asset classes and 

has a long term Strategic Asset Allocation target. 

n  Credit and concentration risk is managed by the formulation of, and 
adherence to, an Investment Policy that is approved annually by the 
Board of Directors. The Investment Policy incorporates clearly 
defined investment limits and rules and ensures that there is an 
optimum spread and duration of investments.

n  The Group only places reinsurance with companies that it believes 
are strong financially and operationally. Credit exposures to these 
companies are closely monitored by senior management. All of the 
Group’s current reinsurers have either a credit rating of A- or better. 
The reinsurance programme structure ensures that there is no 
significant concentration of risk.

n  All of the Group’s fixed term deposits are with financial institutions 

which have a minimum A- rating. 

Liquidity Risk
This is the risk of insufficient liquidity to 
pay claims and other liabilities due to 
inappropriate monitoring and 
management of liquidity levels or 
inadequate Asset Liability Management.

n  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.

22

RISK

KEY MITIGANTS 

Strategy Risk
The risk that the strategy adopted by the 
Board is incorrect or not implemented 
appropriately resulting in sub-optimal 
performance and impact on 
profitability.

n  The Group has a strategic planning cycle which commences with a 

fundamental review of strategy at least every 5 years (normally every 
3 years). Further supporting this is an annual review of the strategy by 
the Board to determine the continuing relevance. To ensure the 
strategy is implemented effectively, the Group engages in a robust 
business planning and review process that results in an annual plan 
including key initiatives and budget.

Operational Risk
Operational risk could arise as a result  
of inadequately controlled internal 
processes or systems, human error or 
from external events.

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

Three Lines of Defence

n  Extensive second and third line challenge over the operational 

control environment.

Information Technology Controls

n  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.

Business Continuity Plans

n  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.

Personnel

n  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.

23

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTRisk & Uncertainties Report (continued)

RISK

KEY MITIGANTS 

Reputational Risk
The risk of reputational or brand 
damage arising from inadequate or 
failed processes and systems or badly 
executed strategy/poorly executed 
communication.

n  The Group’s Board and senior management set the ethical and 
behavioural tone for the Group. In support of this a number of 
Company Policies are utilised which influence employee behaviour, 
including a Reputational Risk Policy, Fitness & Probity Policy, an 
Anti-Fraud Policy, Code of Conduct Policy, Conflicts of Interest Policy 
and a Speak Up Policy.

n  The Group has established a Corporate Governance Framework 

which is in full compliance with the requirements of the Central Bank 
of Ireland’s Corporate Governance Requirements for Insurance 
Undertakings and the UK Corporate Governance Code.

n  Reputation risk assessments are performed for all business 
arrangements with material reputation risk and reassessed 
throughout the life of the relationship.

n 

Independent customer satisfaction research is undertaken and 
customer complaints are dealt with efficiently to ensure the quality  
of products and services offered to customers.

n  The Group’s published claims philosophy is to be “Fair to the 
customer and fair to FBD”. This philosophy guides the claims  
function in its handling of all customer claims.

Emerging Risks
One key aspect of the Risk Management Framework is to 
identify and if necessary take appropriate action in response 
to future risks which could impact the Group. We have a 
defined process in place for the identification of Emerging 
Risks, which is informed through the use of subject matter 
experts, workshops and consulting a range of external 
documentation. Key Emerging Risks include:

n  Technological advances changing the shape of the 
insurance industry and competitive environment.

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  Global deterioration in economic conditions and 
particularly in Ireland may lead to a reduction in  
revenue and profits.

n  Global socio-political uncertainty that may cause an 

adverse impact on profitability.

n  The impact of climate change may result in increasingly 
volatile weather patterns and more frequent severe 
weather events.

n  Regulatory legislative landscape and its associated cost 

to ensure continued compliance.

Brexit
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.  
The financial impact of Brexit on FBD is mitigated by our 
exclusive focus on the Republic of Ireland for insurance 
business and our low level of exposure to Sterling assets in 
our investment portfolio. We continue to review and plan for 
operational impacts which may arise including supporting 
the needs of our customers.

24

Corporate Social Responsibility

Since our foundation, FBD has worked for farm 
communities and customers, and is committed to ensuring 
that local businesses and rural communities feel real 
economic and social benefits as a result of our business 
activities. FBD is a responsible employer and an active 
member of the communities in which it operates. We set 
high standards for ourselves and insist that all business 
activities are conducted lawfully, sustainably and ethically.

Supporting our Communities,  
Supporting our Roots

The FBD TRUST

The FBD Trust was established to support and advance the 
interests of Irish farm families and their communities in 
Ireland. The FBD Trust supports research and educational 
scholarships for training and development. It also supports 
groups and organisations that advocate effectively for Irish 
farmers and their communities. The FBD Trust gives back to 
the communities that have been loyal to FBD over a 50 year 
period. Everyone at FBD is immensely proud of the 
numerous innovative projects and initiatives supported  
by the FBD Trust to the benefit of farmers and their 
communities alike.

Investing in Farm Excellence

The FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards

The FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards are organised by 
Macra na Feirme with financial and other resources from 
FBD. The aim of the competition is to recognise and  
reward the top-performing young farmers in the country. 
Adjudication is based on a number of criteria including farm 
business initiative and innovation, levels of farm efficiency 
and enterprise quality, farm safety and environmental 
protection awareness, as well as agricultural knowledge  
and community involvement.

The FBD National Farmyard Awards

The FBD National Farmyard Awards are organised by  
the Irish Farmers Journal with financial support and 
commitment from FBD. The awards were set up in 2015,  
at a time where many Irish farmyards were undergoing 
massive redevelopment as part of the Farm Waste 
Management Scheme. These awards are seen as an 
innovative development to recognise those with the best 
kept farmyards in the country. There is a strong link 
between tidy workplaces and safe workplaces, with farm 
safety being a key theme for the judging panel.

The Women and Agriculture Awards

These awards celebrate the essential role women play  
on farms. There are two categories in these awards; the 
‘Innovation on Farm’ award recognises women who are 
farming in their own right or in a partnership, and whose 
contribution has been essential to the success and 
profitability of the farm. The ‘Agribusiness and Innovation’ 
category rewards women who see opportunity through 
diversification of the farm business and made a success  
of that business idea. As sponsor of these awards, FBD is 
represented during the adjudication process and also at the 
award ceremony. The winners of this national competition 
go forward to represent Ireland in the European 
competition.

The Women and Agriculture Conference

This is a key date in the diary for women who are involved in 
the agricultural sector to network and engage with relevant 
discussions on topical agenda items.

FBD Student of the Year Award

The FBD Student of the Year awards are annual awards 
presented to top graduates from Teagasc Level 6 agricultural 
training programmes. A bursary and travel opportunity is 
presented to the overall winner. Nominees for these awards 
are the next generation of farm leaders and innovators.

The FBD National Dairy Open Day

The National Dairy Open Day is a flagship outdoor event in 
Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork. The event focuses  
on the latest world leading research and technologies that 
allow dairy farmers prosper and attracts forward looking 
farmers from across Ireland.

25

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTCorporate Social Responsibility (continued)

Nuffield Scholarships

FBD €uro-Star €200 competition

FBD sponsors the Nuffield Farming Scholarship Programme. 
Each year a large number of applicants apply for this 
scholarship and following a 2 stage interview process, the 
Nuffield Ireland Trust choose scholars. This programme 
provides scholars with a global perspective, exposure to new 
methods and ideas as well as the stimulus to become an 
influencer in their industry. FBD supports Nuffield 
scholarships as they promote excellence by developing and 
supporting individuals with leadership potential, thereby 
striving to positively influence all aspects of Irish agriculture.

ASA Conference Partner

The Agricultural Science Association is the professional 
body for graduates in agricultural, horticultural, forestry, 
environmental and food science. It is the voice of the 
Agricultural profession in Ireland. FBD provides financial 
support and assistance to the ASA two day annual 
conference.

FBD CellCheck Awards

Irish milk produce is globally renowned for its quality and 
unique taste. The CellCheck Milking for Quality Awards is an 
initiative in conjunction with Animal Health Ireland (AHI) to 
recognise and reward excellence on Irish farms specifically 
farmers currently achieving very high standards of udder 
health. Since the inception of the Awards in 2014, FBD has 
sponsored the ‘Best 500’ Award given to the 500 milk 
suppliers nationally with the lowest, weighted annual 
average somatic cell count.

Paddy Fitzgerald Memorial Awards

In 1998, the Paddy Fitzgerald Memorial Awards were 
established by the IFA in memory of the late Paddy 
Fitzgerald, a dairy and livestock farmer who worked 
tirelessly for farmers and his community. The awards 
recognise the immense contribution of the recipient to rural 
life in the Munster region. FBD has financially supported 
these biennial awards since their inception.

Recognising and assisting the development of Beef farming, 
FBD is title sponsor of newly unveiled awards. FBD €uro-Star 
€200 recognises excellence in beef breeding in both 
pedigree and commercial suckler herds.

Patron Member of Agri Aware

FBD is a founding member of Agri Aware whose mission  
is to improve the image and understanding of agriculture, 
farming and the food industry among the general public. 
FBD’s support assists Agri Aware in continuing its 
programme of educational and public awareness initiatives 
which promote greater awareness among the non-farming 
community of modern agriculture, the rural environment, 
animal welfare, food quality and safety particularly in 
Ireland’s National schools.

Focusing on Farm Safety
Farming is a marvellous way of life and can be very 
rewarding. However by its nature, it is also a hazardous 
occupation. The rise in fatal farm accidents is cause for great 
concern. FBD’s mission is to support initiatives which will 
make the farm a safer place for all. In addition we have 
dedicated employees who work directly with farms and 
businesses to help improve safety standards and awareness 
in the workplace.

Farm Protect

The aim of the FBD Farm Protect campaign is to encourage 
farmers to make small changes to their working behaviour. 
While farmers’ attitudes to health and safety are generally 
positive, simple changes can make a big difference. We 
focus on promoting awareness of the critical behavioural 
changes required through press and online adverts, social 
media and through distributing safety materials.

Champions for Safety

FBD annually brings a “Champions for Safety” Seminar to all 
the Agricultural Colleges. This programme has been running 
for the last 5 years. Speakers include FBD, Teagasc, the 
Health and Safety Authority, ESB Networks and those who 
have been directly involved in an accident.

Safeguarding the Future of Farming Conference

“Safeguarding the Future of Farming” was the main theme of 
this year’s safety conference supported by FBD Insurance 
and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).

26

UCD Farm Safety Lecturer

Dr. Aoife Osborne, whose role as farm safety lecturer in UCD 
is sponsored by The FBD Trust. Dr. Osborne’s role is key in 
educating the emerging generation of farming experts.

In 2018, FBD engaged with Vita Ireland to purchase 
voluntary carbon credits to offset the tonnes of carbon 
created by our claimed business kilometres, using carbon 
credits from Vita’s innovative Green Impact Fund.

Tractor Training Skills

FBD contributes towards the Farm Relief Services (FRS) 
tractor training skills for young people over the age of 14,  
to ensure that safe driving is learned early in a bid to prevent 
accidents on the farm.

Farm Safety Live

FBD joins forces with FRS and the HSA each year to bring 
‘Farm Safety Live’ to the Tullamore Show. This consists of an 
arena specifically dedicated to farm safety demonstrations 
throughout the day. Each year this popular and educational 
event provides farm safety tips through live and interactive 
demonstrations which can be taken home and implemented 
by farmers.

Employees Giving Back
FBD recognises the important part that we have to play in 
protecting and supporting our local communities. Our 
employees are very active in supporting a wide range of local 
and national charity and community based organisations. At 
a group level, FBD employees voted from a panel of charities 
to appoint the Jack & Jill Children’s foundation and the 
Alzheimer’s Society as our charity partners for 2018.

Taking responsibility for our Carbon Footprint

FBD aims to prevent environmental damage and at all  
times comply with legislative and regulatory requirements. 
We actively measure, manage and mitigate our carbon 
footprint. We have engaged with the Carbon Disclosure 
Project to understand and mitigate our environmental 
impact. Our initiatives also raise awareness amongst 
internal stakeholders and employees on how simple, 
effective and relevant activities can contribute to a  
healthier planet.

Small Measures can make a big difference

FBD promotes a recycling policy throughout the company 
and is committed to utilise where feasible the most energy 
efficient equipment that is available. With a large, dispersed 
workforce, small measures can make a big difference.  
A reduction in paper usage is actively promoted. While a 
major reduction in printed material has been achieved to 
date, further initiatives are planned for this area. FBD has 
committed to LED energy efficient lighting throughout its 34 
Branch network, Sales centre and Head office. As a first step 
this is expected to considerably reduce energy usage. To 
help reduce plastic waste, FBD eliminated the use of 
single-use plastic cups and stirrers. Each employee is 
provided with Bisphenol-A (BPA) free, reusable water 
bottles.

Working Responsibly

Protecting Information

FBD collects and retains information from and about our 
customers and third parties. This is a vital and necessary 
part of providing insurance products. Keeping information 
secure is a top priority for us. We continue to implement 
appropriate technical and organisational measures to 
protect data from unlawful or unauthorised processing  
and against accidental loss, destruction, damage, alteration 
or disclosure.

27

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTCorporate Social Responsibility (continued)

Diversity

FBD are proud members and supporters of the 30% Club. 
This International organisation was established with a goal 
of achieving a better gender balance on boards and in 
executive leadership. 30% of the Board of Directors  
of FBD Holdings plc is female along with 33% of Senior 
Management in FBD. FBD also supports the Women & 
Agriculture Awards, the Women & Agriculture Conference 
and initiated a female Young Farmer Event in 2018.

Guaranteed Irish

As Ireland’s only remaining indigenous insurance company, 
FBD has a proud heritage embedded in and supporting local 
communities. FBD is a member of the Guaranteed Irish 
programme. The Guaranteed Irish symbol is awarded to 
companies which create quality jobs, contribute to local 
communities and are committed to Irish provenance.

Other Ethics

Modern Slavery

FBD has a zero tolerance approach to modern slavery in all 
its forms in our own business and in our supply chain. This 
means not using forced or compulsory labour, and/or labour 
held under slavery or servitude.

Pay

FBD expects that all of our suppliers pay employees at least 
the minimum wage, and provides each employee with all 
legally mandated benefits.

Paying Suppliers

We understand how important prompt payment is. Our 
standard payment terms are net 30 days and we work hard 
to make sure we meet this.

Chambers of Commerce

Supply Chain

In 2018, FBD published a set of standards that we expect to 
see throughout our supply chain. We expect all companies 
that represent or provide services to us to have the same 
high standards as FBD. FBD has improved its supplier 
assessment and due diligence process at sourcing and 
on-boarding stage. We have also strengthened our  
standard legal agreement to make sustainability a  
condition of contract.

With 34 branches located around Ireland, FBD is a member 
of numerous local Chambers of Commerce. Working 
together with local businesses, these promote initiatives 
and knowledge sharing to assist local business in 
communities across Ireland.

Our Employees

FBD seeks to ensure that all employees are treated with 
dignity and respect, receive equality of opportunity and are 
not subject to discrimination. We work to ensure that 
respect for diversity, equality and inclusion are embedded in 
all the services we provide and in the work that we do. It is 
FBD’s policy that all employees may perform their work in 
an environment that is free of harassment, bullying and 
intimidation and where employees’ right to dignity at work  
is respected. Harassment and bullying is not tolerated.

Health & Safety

FBD conducts all aspects of its business activities in such a 
way as to achieve the best possible standards of Health and 
Safety and Welfare for its employees. We have an approved 
Health & Safety statement.

Using Language that everyone understands

We understand that some insurance terminology can be 
complex and difficult to understand. We aim to write all our 
customer documents in plain language to ensure that we are 
more readily understood. Our documents are approved by 
the National Adult Literacy Agency before they are 
published.

28

Corporate Information

Registered Office and Head Office

FBD House

Bluebell

Dublin 12

D12 Y0HE 

Ireland

Stockbrokers

Goodbody Stockbrokers

Ballsbridge Park

Ballsbridge

Dublin 4

D04 YW83

Ireland

Shore Capital

The Corn Exchange

Fenwick Street

Liverpool L2 7RB

United Kingdom

Independent Auditors for 2018 

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Chartered Accountants and Statutory Audit Firm

One Spencer Dock

North Wall Quay

Dublin 1

D01 X9R7

Ireland

Bankers 

Allied Irish Banks plc

Bank of Ireland

Ulster Bank

Barclays Bank plc

Close Brothers International

Credit Suisse (UK) Limited

Danske Bank

Deutsche Bank AG

Goldman Sachs

Solicitors

Dillon Eustace

33 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay

Dublin 2

D02 XK09

Ireland

Registrar

Computershare Investor Services (Ireland) Limited

3100 Lake Drive

Citywest Business Campus

Dublin 24

D24 AK82

Ireland

29

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORT30

Supporting Ireland’s Communities

Expanding  
our presence in 
Urban Markets

In 2018, FBD increased its urban 
presence with new branches 
opening in Baggot Street and 
Drumcondra, and relocation of  
our Cork and Limerick offices.

31

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTBoard of Directors
Biographical details of the Directors in office on the date of this Report are as follows:

Liam Herlihy

Fiona Muldoon

Walter Bogaerts

Mary Brennan

Dermot Browne

Group Chief Executive
Age: 51

Independent  
Non-Executive Director
Age: 61

Independent  
Non-Executive Director
Age: 53

Senior Independent  
Non-Executive Director
Age: 56

Ms. Fiona Muldoon 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. Walter Bogaerts 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.

Ms. Mary Brennan 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.

Mr. Dermot Browne 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.

Title

Chairman
Age: 67

Biography

Mr. Liam Herlihy is a 
farmer and was appointed 
Chairman in May 2018. He 
was appointed Chairman 
of the Teagasc Authority 
in September 2018 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 
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.

32

Joe Healy

Orlagh Hunt

David O’Connor

John O’Grady

Padraig Walshe

Independent  
Non-Executive Director
Age: 51

Independent  
Non-Executive Director
Age: 46

Independent  
Non-Executive Director
Age: 61

Group Finance Director
Age: 57

Non-Executive Director
Age: 61

Ms. Orlagh Hunt 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.

Mr. John O’Grady 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.

Mr. David O’Connor 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.

Mr. Padraig Walshe 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.

Mr. Joe Healy 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 (Committee of 
Professional Agricultural 
Organisations), 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.

33

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTReport of the Directors

The Directors present their report and the audited Financial 
Statements for the financial year 2018.

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 
intermediary. 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 page 4 and in the Group Chief Executive’s 
Review of Operations on page 8. 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, net asset  
value per share and return on equity.

Results
The results for the year are shown in the Consolidated 
Income Statement on page 70.

Dividends
On 26 February 2019 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 €17,333,000 on the ordinary shares. The proposed 
dividends are subject to approval by shareholders at the 
Annual General Meeting on 10 May 2019. Please refer to 
note 36 for further details.

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

Risk and Uncertainties
A description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Group 
are set out in the Risks and Uncertainties Report on pages 
18 to 24.

Subsidiaries
The Company’s principal subsidiaries, as at 31 December 
2018, are listed in note 37.

Directors
The present Directors of the Company, together with a 
biography on each, are set out on pages 32 to 33. The Board 
has decided that all Directors continuing in office will submit 
themselves for re-election at each Annual General Meeting.

The Directors who served at any time during 2018 were as 
follows:

Liam Herlihy 

Chairman

Walter Bogaerts

Independent	non-executive	Director

Mary Brennan

Independent	non-executive	Director

Dermot Browne

Senior	Independent	non-executive	Director

Joe Healy 

Independent	non-executive	Director

Orlagh Hunt

Independent	non-executive	Director

Fiona Muldoon 

Group	Chief	Executive

David O’Connor

Independent	non-executive	Director

John O’Grady

Group	Chief	Financial	Officer

Padraig Walshe

Non-executive	Director

Annual General Meeting
The notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company 
which will be held at 11 a.m. on 10 May 2019 in the Irish 
Farm Centre, Old Naas Road, Bluebell, Dublin 12, is set out 
on pages 142 to 144. A letter from the Chairman detailing 
the business to come before the Annual General Meeting is 
included at pages 140 to 141.

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 2018 and 1 January 
2018 (or date of appointment if later) were as follows:

34

Number of ordinary shares of €0.60 
each

31 December
2018

8,000

1 January 
2018

8,000

0

0

0

281

0

4,000

1,500

0

1,100

0

0

0

281

0

4,000

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

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 Plans 
are detailed in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration on 
pages 50 to 58.

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 32 and 33, the Performance Share Plans in note 40 
and the Report on Directors’ Remuneration on pages 50 to 
58 are deemed to be incorporated in this part of the Report 
of the Directors.

Substantial Shareholdings
As at 26 February 2019 the Company has been notified of 
the following interests of 3% or more in its share capital:

Ordinary shares of €0.60 each

No. % of Class

Farmer Business  
Development Plc

8,531,948

25%

FBD Trust Company Limited

2,984,737

Prudential plc

2,480,271

Fidelity Management and 
Research LLC 

1,901,169

Black Creek International

1,699,706

Highclere International 
Investors LLP

Invesco Asset  
Management Limited

1,652,369

1,619,743

9%

7%

5%

5%

5%

5%

Preference Share Capital
14% Non-cumulative 
preference shares of €0.60 each

Farmer Business  
Developments plc

No. % of Class

1,340,000

100%

8% Non-cumulative preference  
shares of €0.60 each

No. % of Class

FBD Trust Company Limited

2,062,000

58.38%

Farmer Business  
Developments plc

1,470,292

41.62%

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

Ordinary shares of €0.60 each

34,666,201*

14% Non-cumulative preference 
shares of €0.60 each

1,340,000

8% Non-cumulative preference 
shares of €0.60 each

3,532,292

% of 
Total

87.7

3.4

8.9

39,538,493

100.0

*	excluding	795,005	shares	held	in	treasury

35

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTReport of the Directors	(continued)

The Company’s ordinary shares of €0.60 each are listed on 
the Main Securities Market of Euronext Dublin and have a 
premium listing on the UK Listing Authority. They are 
traded on both the Euronext Dublin 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.

Non-Financial Statement
EU Non-Financial Disclosure Regulations (Directive 
2014/95/EU) were transposed into Irish law in Statutory 
Instrument No. 360 of 2017 and became effective for 
financial years commencing on or after 1 August 2017. 
Under these regulations, FBD Holdings plc must provide a 
brief description of the Company’s Business Model and 
disclose information in relation to:

n  Environmental matters

n  Social and employee matters

n  Respect for human rights, and

n  Anti-corruption and anti-bribery matters.

FBD’s Business Model

FBD’s business model is outlined on pages 14 and 15.  
Our model starts with a sound strategy, focusing on our 
customers and our community. Our strategy is delivered 
through our great people and the right culture. We create 
value through our business activities and unique level of 
service. We reinvest in the Company while providing positive 
returns to our shareholders, our local communities and our 
people.

Environmental Matters

FBD started measuring our use of energy eight years ago. 
This commenced through an engagement with the Carbon 
Disclosure Project (CDP). CDP is a not-for-profit charity that 
runs a global disclosure system for investors, companies, 
cities, states and regions to manage their environmental 
impacts.

Initially, this initiative was about understanding how the use 
of energy is measured and in turn managing FBD’s own use 
of energy. In 2016, a decision was made to undertake third 
party validation of the energy consumption data and in 2018 
a further step was taken in the journey to look beyond 
“Energy Management” to the consideration of Climate 
Change and the Environment. These decisions were driven 
by the growth of concern regarding climate change and the 
environment from shareholders, employees, the 
management team and the wider community. 

FBD Scope 1 and Scope 2 Emissions Data

Scope 1

Scope 2 – Location Based

Scope descriptions

Includes CO2 emissions generated 
from gas and heating oil.

Includes emissions from the purchase of electricity by 
location. Individual FBD Property consumption approach. 

2018 Consumption

2017 Consumption

Progress in 2018

88 tonnes CO2e

95 tonnes CO2e

985 tonnes CO2e

1137 tonnes CO2e

Scope 1 emissions are down 7% on 
the previous year. This is due to 
improved energy control 
equipment. 

Scope 2 location based emissions are down 13% on the 
previous year, due to a reduction in consumption and a 
reduction in the emission factor. As the grid uses more 
renewables, the All Ireland emission factor reduces. 

36

Overall emissions have decreased by 13% on the previous 
year. The savings have resulted from investment in energy 
efficient lighting and improved energy control equipment.

In addition, FBD have commenced the measurement of 
indirect emissions (Scope 3) and will extend the scope of  
this activity in 2019. In 2018, in recognition of FBD’s 
environmental responsibilities and the Global Community, 
FBD purchased voluntary carbon credits to offset our 
business kilometres with Vita Ireland. Please refer to our 
Corporate Social Responsibility Statement on page 25 for 
further details on this exciting new initiative.

Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption

FBD requires all employees at all times to act honestly and 
with integrity and to safeguard the resources for which they 
are responsible. Our Code of Conduct Policy sets out the 
professional and responsible behaviour expected to ensure 
that we are appropriately focused on delivering the right 
outcomes for shareholders and customers, meeting our 
legal and regulatory requirements and appropriately 
managing and mitigating risks.

This is further underpinned by our:

n  Delivery of mandatory ethics training to all staff 

Social and Employee Matters

annually;

FBD has a range of policies in place to ensure full 
compliance with legislation and with our commitment to 
providing a safe and supportive working environment for  
our employees. Fundamental to these policies and the 
embedded culture, is a regard for the individual, their rights 
and the mutual advantage of fostering our employees’ 
potential and supporting their career development.

These policies are communicated to all staff joining FBD as 
part of the on-boarding process. They provide information, 
guidelines and rules where appropriate in relation to every 
stage of employment including recruitment and selection; 
equality and diversity; probation; learning and 
development; all types of leave; benefits;  
remuneration; disciplinary and grievance.

These policies are reviewed regularly and updates are 
notified to employees. Additional policies are introduced 
from time to time to support the organisation’s focus on 
enhancing the working environment and ensuring full 
compliance with legislative requirements.

Respect for Human Rights

Under FBD’s Equality and Diversity Policy, all employees 
who work in FBD, and those who use services provided by 
FBD, are treated with dignity and respect, receive equality  
of opportunity and are not subject to discrimination. FBD 
seeks to ensure that respect for diversity, equality and 
inclusion are embedded in all the services we provide and 
the work we do. To this end, FBD’s Supplier Charter details 
how FBD supports the Universal Declaration of Human 
Rights and will work to enforce these rights within our 
supply chain.

n  The Anti-Fraud Policy which outlines the role and 

responsibilities for the reporting and investigation of 
fraud;

n  The Speak Up Policy which provides a framework for 

staff to raise concerns about unlawful or inappropriate 
conduct, financial malpractice, danger to the public or 
the environment, possible fraud or risks to 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 3 years, 
covering the financial years ended 31 December 2016 to 31 
December 2018. 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.

37

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTReport of the Directors	(continued)

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:

n  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;

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

n  a review of arrangements and structures has been 
conducted during the financial year to which the 
Directors’ Report relates.

Corporate Governance
The Corporate Governance Report on pages 40 to 49 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 Euronext 
Dublin 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 in the Risks and 
Uncertainties Report on pages 18 to 24.

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 2018. 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, the Risks and Uncertainties Report 
on pages 18 to 24 and note 42 of the Financial Statements 
include the Group’s policies and processes for risk 
management.

38

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 2019 and forecast for 2020 and 2021, 
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 2019.

Signed on behalf of the Board

Liam Herlihy 
Chairman

Fiona Muldoon 
Group	Chief	Executive

26 February 2019

39

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORT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 2016 (“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 2018 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 
Euronext Dublin 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 50 to 58.

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 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 2019.

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 2018 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.

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

Seven of the non-executive Directors in office at the end of 
2018 were considered to meet all of the criteria indicating 
independence set out in the Code.

40

Date first 
elected by 
shareholders

Years from 
first election 
to 2019 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

 4 May 2018

2.75

2.75

3.0

2.75

2.75

3.0

1.0

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Tenure of Director

0 – 2 years

3 – 6 years

7 – 9 years 

Over 9 years

Gender

Male

Female

Mr. Walshe, who is chairman of the Group’s largest 
shareholder, Farmer Business Developments plc, is not 
considered to be independent.

Non-executive

Executive

Executive/non-executive

10%

80%

10%

0%

70%

30%

80%

20%

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.

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

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

There have been no changes to the Board in 2018. The 
Board continues to comprise of a mix in backgrounds, 
experience and gender in line with the policy. As at the  
date of this report, the Board was comprised as follows:

Experience and Skills

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

Insurance or financial services

Actuarial

General industry

Agri/farming

Corporate finance

Accounting and Auditing

Corporate Governance

Compliance

Executive reward

70%

10%

100%

30%

30%

40%

80%

60%

50%

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.

41

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTCorporate Governance	(continued)

Group Chief Executive

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

n 

running the Group’s business;

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

n 

implementing the decisions of the Board and its 
Committees.

Senior Independent Director

The Senior Independent Director is responsible for:

n  being available to shareholders if they have concerns 
which they have not been able to resolve through the 
normal channels of the Chairman, the Group Chief 
Executive or the Group Chief Financial Officer, 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.

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. 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 2018, the Board had its evaluation 
process externally facilitated by Independent Audit, an 
independent consultancy which has no other connections 
with the Group.

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 
reviewing Board and Committee papers, observing Board 
and Committee meetings and comprehensive interviews 
with individual Directors and Executives.

The report from Independent Audit has been reviewed by 
the Board and a developmental plan agreed for 2019. The 
evaluation process recommended that the Board maintain a 
relentless focus on the customer and utilise the changes to 
the Corporate Governance Code to further enhance its ways 
of working.

The Board intends to have its evaluation externally 
facilitated again at the end of 2021.

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.

42

Attendance at Board and Board Committee Meetings during 2018

W Bogaerts

M Brennan

D Browne

J Healy 

L Herlihy

O Hunt

F Muldoon

D O’Connor

J O’Grady

P Walshe

Board

11/11

11/11

10/11

5/11

11/11

11/11

11/11

11/11

10/11

10/11

Audit

Nomination

Remuneration

7/7

7/7

7/7

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2/2

-

2/2

-

-

2/2

-

-

3/3

-

-

-

-

3/3

-

3/3

-

-

Risk

5/5

-

-

-

4/5

5/5

-

5/5

-

-

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.

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.

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.

43

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTCorporate Governance	(continued)

Report of the Audit Committee

Meetings

Dermot Browne 
Committee Chairman

Membership during the year

Current 

D Browne 

W Bogaerts

M Brennan

Committee Chairman, 
Senior Independent 
non-executive Director 

Independent  
non-executive Director

Independent  
non-executive Director 

The Committee met on seven occasions during 2018. 
Meetings are attended by Committee members. The Chief 
Financial Officer, the Statutory Auditor, the Head of Group 
Internal Audit, the Head of Actuarial Function and the Chief 
Risk Officer 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.

Length of time 
served on 
committee

2.50 years

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.

2.83 years

2.33 years

Activities of the Committee during 2018

The principal activities undertaken by the Committee during 
2018 include:

n  assessment of financial and other risks facing the Group 

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.

n 

and of the operation of internal controls;

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 judgement and 
the risk of material misstatement including claims 
estimates and provisions;

n 

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

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

n  assessment of compliance with laws, regulations, codes 

and financial reporting requirements; and

n 

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

The 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.

44

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 2018:

Evaluation

The Committee’s activities formed part of the Board’s 
evaluation process.

The composition of the Committee at the end of 2018 fully 
met the requirements of the Code. All Committee members 
were Directors considered to be independent.

Dermot Browne 
On behalf of the Audit Committee

26 February 2019

n 

Insurance contract liabilities and related reinsurance 
assets. The Group had net claims outstanding of 
€657.1m and Net UPR of €182.9m at 31 December 
2018. In order to satisfy itself that the balances were 
appropriately stated, the Committee reviewed the 
Actuarial Reserve analysis and margin for uncertainty 
prepared by Management, which are also subject to the 
approval of the Reserving Committee of FBD Insurance 
plc, and subject to both internal and external actuarial 
peer review. 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 surplus of 
€12.9m at 31 December 2018. The defined benefit 
pension scheme 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 surplus included in the financial 
statements is appropriate.

PricewaterhouseCoopers were reappointed as Auditors of 
the Company in respect of the financial year ended  
31 December 2018.

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.

45

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTCorporate Governance	(continued)

Report of the Risk Committee

Walter Bogaerts 
Committee Chairman

Membership during the year

Current

W Bogaerts

L Herlihy 

D O’Connor

O Hunt 

Committee Chairman, 
Independent non-
executive Director
Independent non-
executive Director and 
Board Chairman 
Independent non-
executive Director
Independent non-
executive Director

Length of time 
served on 
committee
2 years

2 years

2 years

1.66 years

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.

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;

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 2018. 
Meetings are attended by Committee members. The  
Chief Risk Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Head of 
Actuarial Function, the Head of Compliance 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.

Activities of the Committee during 2018

The principal activities undertaken by the Committee during 
2018 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;

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 Reviews, Blank 

Page Risk Reviews and Emerging Risks Reviews 
undertaken by the Risk Function; and

n  Reviewed the 2018 ORSA report prior to its 

consideration by the Board.

Evaluation

The Committee’s activities formed part of the Board’s 
evaluation process.

Walter Bogaerts 
On behalf of the Risk Committee
26 February 2019

46

Report of the Nomination Committee

Report of the Remuneration Committee

Liam Herlihy 
Committee Chairman

Orlagh Hunt 
Committee Chairperson

Membership during the year

Membership during year

Current

L Herlihy 

D Browne 

D O’Connor 

Committee Chairman, 
non-executive Director, 
Board Chairman 
Senior Independent 
non-executive Director
Independent non-
executive Director 

Length of time 
served on 
committee
2.58 years

Current

O Hunt 

1.66 years

W Bogaerts

1.66 years

D O’Connor

Committee Chairperson, 
Independent non-
executive Director
Independent non-
executive Director
Independent non-
executive Director

Length of time 
served on 
committee
2.33 years

2.66 years

 1.66 years

Objective of Committee

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;

n  Making awards of shares under the Group’s approved 

share scheme; and

n  Preparation of the detailed Report on Directors’ 

Remuneration.

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

n  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.

Meetings

The Committee met twice during 2018 to consider and 
oversee the detailed succession planning process undertaken 
in the Group and it’s principal subsidiary, FBD Insurance plc. 
At its meeting in November, the Committee reviewed and 
approved a proposal from Bank of Ireland to appoint Ms 
Muldoon to the Nomination and Governance Committee.

Evaluation

The Committee’s activities formed part of the Board’s 
evaluation process.

The composition of the Committee at the end of 2018 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 2019

47

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTCorporate Governance	(continued)

Meetings

The Group Chief Executive may attend meetings of the 
Committee but only by invitation and not at a time when her 
individual remuneration arrangements are discussed. The 
Committee met three times during 2018.

Activities of the Committee during 2018

The principal activities undertaken by the Committee during 
2018 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 2018;

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

Full details of Directors’ Remuneration are set in the Report 
on Directors Remuneration on pages 50 to 58.

Evaluation

The Committee’s activities formed part of the Board’s 
evaluation process.

The composition of the Committee at the end of 2018 fully 
met the requirements of the Code. All Committee members 
were Directors considered to be independent.

Orlagh Hunt 
On behalf of the Remuneration Committee

26 February 2019

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 reporting on shareholder engagement 
which includes details of 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 2019 meeting will be held on 10 May 2019.

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.

What business takes place at the meeting?

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

n  All shareholders present, either in person or by  

proxy can question the Chairman, the Committee 
Chairpersons and the rest of the Board during the 
meeting and afterwards.

48

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 Euronext Dublin and London Stock Exchange.

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

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

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

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

n  Skilled and experienced management and staff in line 

with fit and proper requirements;

n  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;

n  An Executive Risk Committee comprising senior 

management whose main role includes reviewing and 
challenging key risk information and to assist the Board 
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  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 
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.

49

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORT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 2018.

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 2018, our success in achieving those priorities, as well as our on-going focus on attracting, retaining and rewarding strong 
talent.

External Advice
During the year the Committee received advice from Willis Towers Watson in relation to the design of the 2018 LTIP 
approved by shareholders in May 2018.

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 2018 
AGM, this report received 93% support from shareholders.

The Committee requests shareholders to consider and approve the annual remuneration report set out on the pages 
following at the 2019 AGM.

Orlagh Hunt 
Chairperson of the Remuneration Committee

26 February 2019

50

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.

51

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORT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 Combined 
Operating Ratio (75%) and Gross Written Premium growth (25%) targets for 
2018.

The maximum bonus potential as a percentage of base salary for the Chief 
Executive for 2018 was 105%.

The maximum bonus potential as a percentage of base salary for the Chief 
Financial Officer for 2018 was 60%.

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

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

Changes to policy

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

To align the financial 
interests of 
Executives with those 
of shareholders

The FBD Performance Share Plan (“LTIP”) was approved by shareholders in 
2018.

No change to 
policy.

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

The market value of the shares which are the subject of a conditional award to 
an individual may not, in any financial year, normally exceed 150% of the 
participant’s base salary as at the date of grant.

The Remuneration Committee 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.

The LTIP rules allow the Remuneration 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.

The LTIP includes provisions that allow the Remuneration 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.

52

Conditional Awards of Shares in 2018
During 2018 one Conditional Award of Shares was made under the Performance Share Plan. This was made in August 2018 
to Executive Directors and senior management.

The conditions attached to the award, which reflect the Board’s strategic plans, were based 100% on the compound annual 
growth rate (CAGR) of Net Asset Value (NAV) per share, relative to the 1 January 2018 NAV for the three years ending  
31 December 2020. The target ranges will be adjusted to allow for the once off impact of the repurchase and cancellation  
of the 7% convertible bond during 2018. NAV has been chosen because the Committee considers it is the controllable 
measure most closely correlated to share price and ultimately to shareholder return.

The target ranges and thresholds for vesting are as follows:

Vesting levels range between a threshold level of 25% to a maximum of 125% for outperformance. The CAGR target for NAV 
is up to high single digit percentages. 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 (2021).

The Committee has decided not to include relative performance to market targets as there is no relevant comparator in the 
Irish market.

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

NAV CAGR

>3%

25%

High single digits

125%

Threshold Level

Proportion vesting

Upper Level

Proportion vesting

Outstanding Conditional Awards (2015-2017)
The Committee considered the extent to which the performance conditions underpinning this award were met in the three 
Financial Years 2015 to 2017 (the “Performance Period”). The Committee concluded that none of the performance 
conditions were met and therefore the conditional awards granted in March 2015 will not vest. No current Executive 
Director had any outstanding conditional award with the potential to vest in 2018. Company Secretary Derek Hall did have 
an outstanding conditional award with the potential to vest in 2018 and the conditional award granted to him will not vest.

53

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTReport on Directors’ Remuneration	(continued)

Directors’ and Company Secretary’s Conditional LTIP Awards
Details of the conditional share awards to the CEO, CFO and to the Company Secretary made under the 2007 and 2018 LTIP 
plans are given in the table below. In respect of the October 2015, 2016 and 2017 awards, 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. In respect of the 2018 award the number of shares could increase to a maximum of 
125% of the number of shares outlined below if the performance conditions previously described are met at stretch target 
level.

At 1 
January 
2018

Granted
 during 
year

Vested 
during 
year

Lapsed
 during 
year 

Forfeited
 during 
year 

At 31
Dec
2018

Performance
 Period

Earliest 
vesting 
date

Market 
price on 
award €

Executive Directors

Fiona Muldoon

54,545

54,961

45,283

-

-

-

-

33,256

Total

154,789

33,256

John O’Grady

22,138

-

-

17,737

Total

22,138

17,737

Company Secretary 

Derek Hall 

3,588

15,114

11,006

-

-

-

-

11,316

Total

29,708

11,316

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(3,588)

-

-

-

(3,588)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

54,545

2016-2018 Mar-19

54,961

2016-2018 Mar-19

45,283

2017-2019 Mar-20

6.60

6.55

7.95

33,256

2018-2020

Aug-21

10.83

188,045

22,138

2017-2019 Mar-20

7.95

17,737

2018-2020

Aug-21

10.83

39,875

-

2015-2017 Mar-18

10.80

15,114

2016-2018 Mar-19

11,006

2017-2019 Mar-20

6.55

7.95

11,316

2018-2020

Aug-21

10.83

37,436

The total number of shares subject to conditional awards outstanding under the 2007 and 2018 LTIP Schemes amount  
to 642,974 being 1.9% of the Company’s ordinary share capital (excluding treasury shares) at 31 December 2018  
(2017: 511,343 shares and 1.5% of ordinary share capital).

The aggregate limit of the number of shares over which conditional awards are permitted under the 2007 and 2018 LTIP 
Scheme Rules is 10% of the Company’s issued ordinary share capital over a rolling 10 year period. Since 2008, there have 
been nine conditional awards with an aggregate of 1,561,080 shares or 4.5% of the Company’s ordinary share capital 
(excluding treasury shares).

54

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 2018.

The Chairman, Mr Liam Herlihy received fees of €118,500 during the year (2017: €102,000) inclusive of the basic non-
Executive Director fee. The Senior Independent Director, Mr Dermot Browne, received fees of €84,500 during the year 
(2017: €78,000) 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 schemes.

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

55

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTReport on Directors’ Remuneration	(continued)

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 2018
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 2018 annual performance bonus scheme was designed such that on plan Company performance for the year 2018 
would deliver 100% of the target bonus. 75% of the bonus pool is determined by Combined Operating Ratio and 25% by 
Gross Written Premium growth. The Gross Written Premium growth measure came in below the minimum threshold target 
of €6m and therefore no bonus is deemed payable under this measure. For the remaining 75% of the bonus pool, at >95% 
Combined Operating Ratio, no bonus is deemed payable. At 91% Combined Operating Ratio, a 100% pay out of the target is 
deemed payable and at <91% 100-150% is deemed payable. In 2018, a COR of 81% was achieved and therefore 150% of 
the Combined Operating Ratio measure is deemed payable.

Accordingly the Remuneration Committee has approved a maximum bonus pool of 112.5% of target for all eligible 
employees to be split according to performance.

In the case of Ms Muldoon and Mr O’Grady for 2018, 75% of the annual performance bonus is determined by Combined 
Operating Ratio and 25% is determined by Gross Written Premium growth. Accordingly the Remuneration Committee has 
decided bonuses of €354,375 and €126,000 are payable.

56

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

2018 
Total
€000s

Executive Directors:

Fiona Muldoon

John O’Grady

Non-Executive Directors:

- 

- 

450 

268 

354

126

39 

18 

90 

33 

Liam Herlihy (Chairman)

119 

50 

50 

85 

60 

60 

70 

58 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

552 

718 

480

57 

123 

1,930 

933

445

119

50 

50 

85 

60 

60 

70 

 58 

Joe Healy

Padraig Walshe

Dermot Browne

Orlagh Hunt

David O’Connor

Walter Bogaerts

Mary Brennan

Notes (2018)

1.  Fees are payable to the non-Executive Directors only.

2.  Salaries are paid to Executive Directors.

3.  Bonuses of €354,375 and €126,000 were awarded to Ms Muldoon and Mr O’Grady under the bonus scheme in 2018. 
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 25 February 2019.

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.

57

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
 
Report on Directors’ Remuneration	(continued)

The following table sets out the detail for the previous financial year (2017):

Fees1 
€000s

Salary2
€000s

Other
 Payments3
€000s

Benefits4
€000s

Pension 
Contribution5
€000s

- 

- 

102 

38 

30 

25 

50 

 78 

58 

59 

68 

57 

450 

234 

473

168

38 

18 

90 

33 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

565 

684 

641

56 

123 

2017 
Total
€000s

1,051

453

102 

38 

30 

25 

50 

78 

58 

59 

68 

 57 

2,069 

Executive Directors:

Fiona Muldoon

John O’Grady

Non-Executive Directors:

Liam Herlihy (Chairman)6

Michael Berkery7

Sean Dorgan8

Joe Healy9

Padraig Walshe

Dermot Browne

Orlagh Hunt

David O’Connor

Walter Bogaerts

Mary Brennan

Notes (2017)

1.  Fees are payable to the non-Executive Directors only.

2.  Salaries are paid to Executive Directors.

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.

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.  Liam Herlihy was appointed as Chairman on 5 May 2017.

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.

58

 
 
 
 
 
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 Euronext 
Dublin 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 Euronext Dublin, 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 
2018 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 
2018, 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 Herlihy 
Chairman

Fiona Muldoon 
Group Chief Executive

26 February 2019

59

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORT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 

2018 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 

n 

the Consolidated and Company Statements of Financial Position as at 31 December 2018;

the Consolidated Income Statement for the year then ended;

the 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 8 to the financial statements, we have provided no non-audit services to the group or the 
company in the period from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018.

60

Our audit approach

Overview

Materiality

n  Group financial statements: €4.0 million (2017: €4.0 million)

Materiality

n  Based on 1% of revenue

n  Company financial statements: €0.8 million (2017: €1.1 million)

n  Based on 1% of equity attributable to equity holders of the parent

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, FBD Insurance Group Limited and FBD 
Corporate Services Limited and the holding company

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

of group revenues and 100% of group profit before tax

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.

61

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTIndependent Auditors’ Report (continued)

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Valuation of claims outstanding

Refer	to	page	45	(Corporate	Governance	Statement),	page	
84	(group	accounting	policies),	page	91	(critical	accounting	
estimates	and	judgements)	and	pages	115	to	117	(note	28	
(a)	–	(d)	to	the	group	financial	statements).

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

The booked amount comprises an actuarial best 
estimate and 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.

The actuarial best estimate is determined using 
complex actuarial calculations and requires the 
consideration of detailed methodologies, multiple 
assumptions and significant judgements.

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.

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  assessing the assumptions and methodologies 

underpinning management’s actuarial valuation; and

n  carrying out our own independent valuations for the main 

classes of business.

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 tested the design and operating effectiveness of the 
controls over claims processing and payment.

We tested the reconciliation of the data used in the actuarial 
models to the underlying systems and reconciled the actuarial 
valuation outputs to the financial statements.

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

62

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Valuation of defined benefit pension obligation

Refer	to	page	45	(Corporate	Governance	Statement),	page	
88	(group	accounting	policies),	page	93	(critical	accounting	
estimates	and	judgements),	and	pages	120	to	124	(note	32	
to	the	group	financial	statements).

The group operates a defined benefit pension scheme 
which has been closed to future accrual and closed to 
new members. The scheme has an IAS 19 surplus of 
€12.9 million at 31 December 2018.

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.

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 defined benefit obligation 
valuation with the assistance of our pension specialists with 
particular focus on the discount rate used and the inflation 
assumptions.

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

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

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

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 three principal subsidiaries, FBD Insurance 
plc (underwriting), FBD Insurance Group Limited (financial services) and FBD Corporate Services Limited (group services).

We performed a full scope audit of the complete financial information of FBD Insurance plc, FBD Insurance Group Limited, 
FBD Corporate Services 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.

63

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTIndependent Auditors’ Report (continued)

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 (2017: €4.0 million)

€800,000 (2017: €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 it 
provides a more stable measure as the 
group’s result has fluctuated significantly 
over the past four years

1% of equity attributable to equity holders 
of the parent

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

For each component in the scope of our group audit, we allocated a materiality that is less than our overall group 
materiality. The range of materiality allocated across components was between €250,000 and €800,000.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above 
€200,000 (group audit) (2017: €200,000) and €40,000 (company audit) (2017: €55,000) as well as misstatements below 
that amount that, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.

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.

64

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 
(excluding the information included in the “Non Financial Statement” as defined by that Act on which we are not required to 
report) 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).

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 (excluding the information included in the “Non Financial Statement” as defined by that Act on which we are 
not required to report) for the year ended 31 December 2018 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 company and their environment obtained in the course of 
the audit, we did not identify any material misstatements in the Report of the Directors (excluding the information 
included in the “Non Financial Statement” as defined by that Act on which we are not required to report). (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) of the Companies Act 2014 and regulation 6 of the European Union 
(Disclosure of Non-Financial and Diversity Information by certain large undertakings and groups) Regulations 2017 is 
contained in the Corporate Governance Statement. (CA14)

65

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORT 
Independent Auditors’ Report (continued)

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 38 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 38 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.

n  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 45 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 44 to 45 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 or the Annex specified, under the Listing 
Rules, for review by the auditors.

66

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 59, 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 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.

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 3 years, 
covering the years ended 31 December 2016 to 31 
December 2018.

Paraic Joyce 
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Audit Firm 
Dublin 
26 February 2019

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.

67

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORT68

Supporting Ireland’s Communities

At the heart  
of Ireland’s  
communities

FBD sponsor various shows throughout 
Ireland, including Bloom, The National 
Ploughing Championship, the Tullamore 
Show and many more. FBD’s presence at 
these events gives our staff a fantastic 
opportunity to engage with our existing 
and new customers, as well as local 
communities throughout the country.

69

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTConsolidated Income Statement
For the financial year ended 31 December 2018

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 – Revenue from contracts with customers

– Other financial services income

Total income

Expenses

Net claims and benefits

Other underwriting expenses

Movement in other provisions

Financial services and other costs

Revaluation of property, plant and equipment

Restructuring and other costs

Finance costs

Exceptional loss on purchase and cancellation of convertible debt 

Profit before taxation 

Income taxation charge

Profit for the financial year 

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent

Earnings per share

Basic

Diluted

Note

4(a)

4(c)

4(c)

4(c)

4(c)

4(c)

5

4(a)

4(a)

4(c)

4(c)

29

4(e)

14

6

30	&	31

30

7

11

13

13

2018

€000s

2017

€000s

396,003

397,741

371,504

(36,735)

334,769

3,134

372,459

(27,267)

345,192

(19,260)

337,903

325,932

2,482

3,754

5,282

9,361

3,059

5,674

349,421

344,026

(183,367)

(84,054)

(7,064)

(6,548)

(1,034)

-

(5,453)

(11,836)

50,065

(7,682)

42,383

(203,144)

(75,908)

(1,945)

(4,200)

(1,080)

(1,715)

(6,298)

-

49,736

(7,040)

42,696

42,383

42,383

42,696

42,696

122
1121

123
1112

1	 Diluted	earnings	per	share	reflects	the	potential	conversion	of	convertible	debt	up	until	the	date	of	purchase	and	cancellation	of	the	

convertible	debt	and	the	potential	vesting	of	the	share	based	payments

2	 Diluted	earnings	per	share	reflected	the	potential	conversion	of	convertible	debt	and	the	potential	vesting	of	share	based	payments

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 2019.

70

 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the financial year ended 31 December 2018

Profit for the financial year

Note

2018

€000s

42,383

2017

€000s

42,696

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

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

(7,845)

2,807

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

981

(351)

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

Actuarial gain on retirement benefit obligations

32(d)

Taxation charge relating to items not to be reclassified in subsequent periods 32(d)

Other comprehensive (expense)/income after taxation

Total comprehensive income for the financial year

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent

3,232

(404)

(4,036)

38,347

275

(34)

2,697

45,393

38,347

45,393

71

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTConsolidated Statement of Financial Position
At 31 December 2018

ASSETS

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible Assets

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 surplus

Current taxation asset

Deferred acquisition costs

Other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets 

Note

14

15

16

17

18

19(a)

19(a)

19(a)

28(e)

28(e)

32(f)

20

21

22

23

2018

€000s

68,492

355

18,310

615

1,081

2017

€000s

68,251

-

18,000

681

5,467

795,717

78,778

70,998

758,687

45,347

195,985

945,493

1,000,019

6

80,919

80,925

12,944

3,949

31,956

62,868

77,639

4

90,561

90,565

9,774

3,934

31,366

64,020

27,176

1,304,627

1,319,253

72

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position (continued)
At 31 December 2018

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

Subordinated debt

Deferred taxation liability

Current taxation liability 

Payables

Total liabilities 

Total equity and liabilities 

Note

24

25(a)

26

30

27	

28(d)

28(c)

29

30

31

33	

34

35(a)

2018

€000s

21,409

20,430

241,645

-

283,484

2,923

286,407

182,875

738,025

920,900

7,738

-

49,426

3,610

3,312

33,234

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

1,018,220

 1,044,704

1,304,627

1,319,253

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 2019.

They were signed on its behalf by:

Liam Herlihy 
Chairman		

Fiona Muldoon 
Group	Chief	Executive

73

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTConsolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the financial year ended 31 December 2018

Cash flows from operating activities

Profit before taxation

Adjustments for: 

Loss/(profit) on investments held for trading

Note

2018

€000s

2017

€000s

50,065

49,736

Exceptional loss on purchase and cancellation of convertible bond

30

Loss on investments available for sale

Interest and dividend income

4,411

11,836

4,825

(12,072)

Depreciation/amortisation of property plant and equipment and intangible 
assets

14	&	15

11,682

Share-based payment expense

Revaluation of investment property

Revaluation of property, plant and equipment

(Decrease)/increase in insurance contract liabilities

Increase/(decrease) in other provisions

Operating cash flows before movement in working capital

Decrease/(increase) in receivables and deferred acquisition costs

Increase/(decrease) in payables

Interest payments on convertible debt

Purchase of investments held for trading

Sale of investments held for trading

Cash generated from 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

Purchase of intangible assets

Decrease in loans and advances

Decrease in deposits invested with banks

Net cash generated from/(used in) investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Ordinary and preference dividends paid

Purchase and cancellation of convertible debt

Proceeds from issue of subordinated debt

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.

40

16

14

29

14

15

17

19(a)

36

30

31

23

23

704

(310)

1,034

(20,480)

1,091

52,786

3,390

7,883

(5,130)

(82,916)

45,075

21,088

11,992

-

33,080

(138,798)

89,101

(13,003)

90

(399)

66

124,987

62,044

(8,602)

(86,059)

50,000

(44,661)

50,463

27,176

77,639

74

(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

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the financial year ended 31 December 2018

l
a
t
i
p
a
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a
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h
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s
r
e
d
l
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h
e
r
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h
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y
r
a
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i

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e
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€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

Balance at 1 January 2017

21,409

19,041 166,866

18,232 225,548

2,923

228,471

Profit after taxation

Other comprehensive income

-

-

-

-

42,696

2,697

-

-

42,696

2,697

-

-

42,696

2,697

21,409

19,041 212,259

18,232 270,941

2,923 273,864

Recognition of share based payments

-

685

-

-

685

-

685

Balance at 31 December 2017

21,409

19,726 212,259

18,232 271,626

2,923 274,549

Transitional adjustment IFRS 151

Profit after taxation

Other comprehensive expense

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,404

42,383

(4,036)

-

-

-

2,404

42,383

(4,036)

-

-

-

2,404

42,383

(4,036)

21,409

19,726 253,010

18,232 312,377

2,923 315,300

Dividends paid and approved on ordinary and 
preference shares

Recognition of share based payments

Purchase and cancellation of convertible debt

-

-

-

-

(8,602)

704

-

-

-

(8,602)

704

-

(2,763)

(18,232)

(20,995)

-

-

-

(8,602)

704

(20,995)

Balance at 31 December 2018

21,409

20,430 241,645

- 283,484

2,923 286,407

1	 Refer	to	Note	3	for	details	on	transitional	adjustment	for	IFRS	15	Revenue	from	Contracts	with	Customers

75

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company Statement of Financial Position
At 31 December 2018

ASSETS 

Investments

Investment in subsidiaries 

Financial assets

Deposits with banks

Cash and cash equivalents

Retirement benefit asset

Deferred taxation 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

24

25(b)

30

27

35(b)	

Note

2018 

€000s

2017 

€000s

37(b)

91,831

110,063

1

-

1

850

91,832

110,914

59

3,006

1,158

-

221

2,333

707

894

96,055

115,069

21,409

20,430

46,647

-

88,486

2,923

91,409

368

4,278

96,055

21,409

19,726

47,752

18,232

107,119

2,923

110,042

292

4,735

115,069

The Company’s movement in retained earnings is total comprehensive income for the financial year of €7,497,000 and 
dividend paid of €8,602,000 (2017: loss for the financial year of €1,268,000).

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 2019.

They were signed on its behalf by:

Liam Herlihy 
Chairman		

Fiona Muldoon 
Group	Chief	Executive

76

Company Statement of Cash Flows
For the financial year ended 31 December 2018

Cash flows from operating activities

Profit/(Loss) before taxation

Adjustments for: 

Profit on investments held for trading

Share-based payment expense

Operating cash flows before movement in working capital

Decrease/(increase) in receivables 

Decrease in payables

Sale of investments held for trading

Cash generated from/(used in) operations

Net cash generated from/(used in) operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Decrease in deposits invested with banks

Net cash generated from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Ordinary and preference dividends paid 

Net cash used in financing activities

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial year

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

2018

€000s

2017

€000s

6,471

(1,274)

-

704

7,175

899

(484)

-

7,590

7,590

850

850

(8,602)

(8,602)

(162)

221

59

(80)

685

(669)

(439)

(1,799)

1,577

(1,330)

(1,330)

1,496

 1,496

-

-

166

55

221

77

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTCompany Statement of Changes in Equity
For the financial year ended 31 December 2018

l
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A

s
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e
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€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

Balance at 1 January 2017 

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)

21,409

11,593

7,448

47,752

18,232 106,434

2,923 109,357

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

Profit after taxation

Other comprehensive income

-

-

-

-

-

-

6,927

570

-

-

6,927

570

-

-

6,927

570

21,409

11,593

8,133

55,249

18,232 114,616

2,923 117,539

Dividends paid and approved on 
ordinary and preference shares

Recognition of share based 
payments

Purchase and cancellation of 
convertible debt

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(8,602)

704

-

-

-

-

-

(8,602)

704

(18,232)

(18,232)

-

-

-

(8,602)

704

(18,232)

Balance at 31 December 2018

21,409

11,593

8,837

46,647

-

88,486

2,923

91,409

78

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 December 2018

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 29. 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 34 to 39.

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 38.

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.

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 
2018.

n	

IFRS 15 Revenue	from	Contracts	with	Customers

n	 Applying IFRS 9 Financial	Instruments with IFRS 4 Insurance	Contracts (Amendments to IFRS 4)

n	 Amendments to IFRS 2 Share	Based	Payment

n	 Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2014 – 2016 Cycle (Amendments to IFRS 1 and IAS 28)

n	 Amendments to IAS 40

n	

n	

IFRIC 22 Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration

IFRS 9 Financial	Instruments (Company only Financial Statements)

The adoption of these standards has not had a material impact on the Financial Statements of the Group. Further 
detail with respect to IFRS 15, Applying IFRS 9 Financial	Instruments with IFRS 4 Insurance	Contracts (Amendments to 
IFRS 4) and IFRS 9 on the Company only Financial Statements are included below.

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

IFRS 15 Revenue	from	Contracts	with	Customers became effective on 1 January 2018 and was adopted by the Group on 
that date. Broking commissions were identified as the only element of the Group’s revenue to which the standard 
applies. The accounting standard for broking commissions (Note 3C) was changed as a result of adoption of the 
standard. The Group applied the modified retrospective transition approach in adopting the standard. 

Under the guidance of the accounting standard, an assessment was completed to determine the timing and amount 
of revenue to recognise by following the 5 step approach:

1. 

Identify the contract with the customer

2. 

Identify the performance obligations in the contract

3.  Determine the total transaction price

4.  Allocate the total transaction price to each performance obligation in the contract

5.  Recognise as revenue when (or as) each performance obligation is satisfied 

79

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORT 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	(continued)

The Group’s performance obligation in relation to broking commissions is satisfied at the point in time when the 
underlying policy has been contractually agreed between the insured and the provider. The transaction price is the 
expected commission income receivable by the Group for the satisfaction of this performance obligation. The 
transaction price includes a variable consideration estimation on the basis that elements of commissions receivable 
are dependent on the outcome of future events, namely the underlying policies sold remaining in force, and are paid 
in future periods. Thus an expected level of lapses is applied to policies sold in order to calculate an appropriate 
commission receivable in relation to the satisfaction of the performance obligation. 

Previously the element of commission receivable in future periods was recognised on a cash receipts basis. At the 
date of initial adoption, an adjustment was made to the Group Financial Statements in relation to the updated 
accounting policy described. The adjustment made is detailed below:

n	

n	

n	

Increase in “Other Receivables” 

€2.7m 

Increase in “Deferred Tax Liability” 

€0.3m

Increase in “Retained Earnings” 

€2.4m

Applying IFRS 9 Financial Instruments with IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts (Amendments to IFRS 4)

The Group applies the temporary exemption from IFRS 9 Financial	Instruments, as defined in the amendment 
“Applying IFRS 9 Financial	Instruments with IFRS 4 Insurance	Contracts – IFRS 4 amendments” issued by the IASB  
in September 2016, in its consolidated Financial Statements. This amendment allows an entity to defer the 
implementation of IFRS 9 if its activities are predominantly connected with insurance. As a result, the Group will 
continue to apply IAS 39, Financial Instrument: Recognition and Measurement in its consolidated Financial 
Statements until the reporting period beginning on 1 January 2022.

During 2017 the Group performed an assessment of the amendments and reached the conclusion that its activities 
were predominantly connected with insurance as at 31 December 2015. The Group percentage of its gross liabilities 
from contracts within the scope of IFRS 4 relative to its total liabilities at 31 December 2015 was 94.5% which is in 
excess of the 90% threshold required by IFRS 4. There has been no significant change to the activities of the Group 
requiring reassessment of the use of the temporary exemption from IFRS 9 to 31 December 2018.

IFRS 9 financial instruments deferral disclosures, as defined in IFRS 4 are included in Note 43.

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (Company only Financial Statements)

FBD Holdings plc adopted IFRS 9 Financial	Instruments on 1 January 2018 for the purposes of preparing its Company 
Financial Statements. The adoption of the standard led to a change in accounting policy for other receivables. 
Previously other receivables were measured at amortised cost less any identified impairment. Other receivables are 
now measured at amortised cost less expected credit loss. Expected credit loss is a forward looking measure of 
impairment calculated on a probability of credit losses basis. The change in accounting policy was applied 
prospectively from the adoption date in line with the transition provisions in the standard. No adjustment was made 
to opening equity on adoption as the impact calculated was immaterial. The adoption of the standard has not had a 
material impact on the Company.

Standards and Interpretations not yet effective

IFRS 16

IFRS 17 

IFRS 9

Leases1

Insurance	Contracts2

Financial	Instruments3

1	 Effective	for	annual	periods	beginning	on	or	after	1	January	2019,	with	earlier	application	permitted.
2	 Effective	for	annual	periods	beginning	on	or	after	1	January	2022,	with	earlier	application	permitted.	
3	 Consolidated	financial	statements	only.	Effective	for	annual	periods	beginning	on	or	after	1	January	2022,	with	earlier	

application	permitted.

80

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	(continued)

IFRS 16 Leases 

IFRS 16 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019. The adoption of IFRS 16 will result in a 
change in accounting policy for contracts where the Group is a lessee. With the exception of low value items and 
leases with a duration of less than one year, all lease contracts will be recognised on the statement of financial 
position as a right of use asset and a financial liability for lease payments. The asset and liability will initially be 
measured at the present value of lease payments. The right of use assets will be depreciated over the life of the 
underlying lease and the financial liability will accrete based on the effective interest method using a discount rate 
determined at lease commencement and reduced for lease payments. 

The selection of an appropriate discount rate will be an estimate under the new accounting policy. The impact of 
discounting is expected to be the primary difference between commitments under non-cancellable operating leases 
(Note 10) and the financial liability for lease liabilities recognised on adoption.

A project team lead by the Finance function is in place to implement the standard and the project is progressing in 
line with expectations. 

The Directors intend to apply the simplified transition approach and will not restate comparative amounts for the 
year prior to first adoption.

IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts

IFRS 17 Insurance	Contracts is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2022.

IFRS 17 is expected to have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Group. There is a 
project team in place and training has been provided on the impact of the new standard. The Group implementation 
programme is progressing in line with expectations.

IFRS 9 Financial	Instruments in respect of the consolidated Financial Statements is being considered as part of the 
project for the adoption of IFRS 17 Insurance	Contracts.

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies adopted by the Board are detailed below. All accounting policies are applicable to 
the consolidated and Company Financial Statements unless stated otherwise.

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.

81

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORT 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	(continued)

B)  BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION	(continued)

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.

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.

82

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	(continued)

C)  REVENUE RECOGNITION

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

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

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

Broking commission is recognised when the policy has been agreed contractually by the insured and the provider, 
and the provider has a present right to payment from the insured. The transaction price is the expected commissions 
to be received by the Group as a result of the sale of the underlying policy and is recognised as revenue on that date, 
but only if it is highly probable that there will not be a significant reversal of the revenue for commissions.

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.

(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.

83

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTNotes to the Financial Statements (continued)

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	(continued)

D) 

INSURANCE CONTRACTS (continued)

(v)  Claims incurred

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

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

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

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

(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.

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.

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.

84

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	(continued)

F)  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	(continued)

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

(ii)   Computer equipment and fixtures and fittings

Computer equipment and fixtures and fittings are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and 
accumulated impairment losses. 

(iii)   Depreciation

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

G) 

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets are valued at cost less accumulated amortisation and less any accumulated impairment losses. 
Intangible assets comprise computer software and these assets are amortised over expected useful lives on a 
straight line basis over a five year period.

H) 

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.

I) 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

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

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

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

(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.

85

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTNotes to the Financial Statements (continued)

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	(continued)

I) 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

Investments are held for trading if:

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

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

recent actual pattern of short-term profit-making; or

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

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

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

otherwise arise; or

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

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

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

(ii)  Available for sale investments

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

(iii)   Loans and other receivables

Loans

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

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

Other receivables

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

Other receivables (Company only)

Amounts arising out of other debtors are measured at initial recognition at fair value and are subsequently 
measured at amortised cost less expected credit losses. Expected credit losses is a forward looking measure of 
impairment calculated on a probability of credit losses basis.

86

 
 
 
3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	(continued)

I) 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

(iv)  Deposits with banks

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

(v)  Subordinated debt

Subordinated debt issued by the Group comprise callable dated deferrable subordinated notes.

The financial liability is initially recognised at fair value of the subordinated notes net of costs. Subsequent to 
initial recognition, the subordinated debt is measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate 
method.

Interest and amortisation relating to the financial liability is recognised in the income statement.

J) 

LEASES

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

(i)  The Group as Lessor

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

(ii)  The Group as Lessee

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

K)  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

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

L)  TAXATION

Income tax expense or credit represents the sum of income tax currently payable and deferred income tax. Income 
tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from profit before tax 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.

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3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	(continued)

L)  TAXATION (continued)

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

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

M)  RETIREMENT BENEFITS

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

(i)  Defined benefit scheme

A full actuarial valuation of the scheme is undertaken every three years and is updated annually to reflect 
current conditions in the intervening periods for the purposes of preparing the Financial Statements.

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

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

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

(ii)  Defined Contribution Schemes

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

N)  CURRENCY

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

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

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

88

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	(continued)

O)  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS AND LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLANS

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

P)  TREASURY SHARES

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

Q) 

IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS

(i)  

Impairment of tangible and intangible assets

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

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

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

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

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3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	(continued)

Q) 

IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS (continued)

(ii)  

Impairment of financial assets

Financial assets, other than those at FVTPL (fair value through profit or loss), are assessed for indicators of 
impairment 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.

R)  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.

S)  FINANCIAL SERVICES INCOME

Financial services income comprises interest on instalment premium which is recognised on an effective interest 
method and other financial services income as detailed in Accounting Policy (C).

90

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	(continued)

T)   COMPOUND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

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

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

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

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

U)   EXCEPTIONAL GAINS OR LOSSES

Exceptional gains and losses are recognised in the period in which they are incurred and are reported in the 
Consolidated Income Statement. Exceptional gains or losses are one-off items or items not in the ordinary course  
of business which have a material impact on the underlying profit.

V)  CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS IN APPLYING ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies adopted by the Group are set out on pages 79 to 91. 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 judgements 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.

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3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	(continued)

V)  CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS IN APPLYING ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

(continued)

Reinsurance assets

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.

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 the policy administration system. 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.

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.

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.

92

3 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	(continued)

V)  CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS IN APPLYING ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

(continued)

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.

Accounting for the Defined Benefit Pension surplus

The valuation of the pension scheme is provided by the Group’s consultant actuaries. The critical accounting 
estimates and judgements in recognising the defined benefit pension surplus are the measurement of the defined 
pension obligation and the recoverability of the defined benefit asset.

The valuation of the defined benefit obligation is sensitive to actuarial assumptions. These include demographic 
assumptions covering mortality and longevity, and economic assumptions covering price inflation and the discount 
rate used.

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.

Treatment of the purchase and cancellation of the Convertible Bond

The allocation of debt and equity for the consideration paid for the purchase and cancellation of the convertible bond 
is a matter of judgement. As per the guidance of the accounting standards, the loss is split between the debt and 
equity components based on the fair values of each component at the time of the transaction. The Director’s relied 
on the assistance of independent valuation experts in arriving at the allocation between the debt and equity 
components.

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.

93

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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.

2018

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

386,967

47,577

(7,165)

40,412

10,342

(724)

11,674

Financial 
services 
€000s

9,036

2,488

(517)

1,971

-

-

8

Total 
€000s

396,003

50,065

(7,682)

42,383

10,342

(724)

11,682

1,292,719

1,011,473

11,908

6,747

1,304,627

1,018,220

Included above in the current period is a net non-cash revaluation charge relating to investment property and 
property held for own use of (€724,000) (2017: €520,000), all of which relates to the underwriting segment.

94

4 

SEGMENTAL INFORMATION	(continued)

(a)  

Operating segments	(continued)

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

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.

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.

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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

2018

€000s

181,858

110,859

73,200

15,463

5,587

9,036

2017

€000s

181,141

113,333

72,239

16,549

5,746

8,733

396,003

397,741

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.

96

4 

SEGMENTAL INFORMATION	(continued)

(c)  

Underwriting result

2018

€000s

2018

€000s

 2017

€000s

 2017

€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

371,504

(36,735)

334,769

3,133

1

3,134

372,459

(27,267)

345,192

(5,311)

(13,949)

(19,260)

Premium earned, net of reinsurance

337,903

325,932

Claims paid, net of recoveries from reinsurers

Claims paid:

Gross amount

Reinsurers’ share

(203,793)

12,129

Claims paid, net of recoveries from reinsurers

(191,664)

Change in provision for claims

Gross amount

Reinsurers’ share

Change in insurance liabilities, net of reinsurance

Claims handling expenses

26,987

(9,642)

17,345

(9,048)

(217,136)

9,749

(207,387)

(19,522)

33,362

13,840

(9,597)

Claims incurred net of reinsurance

(183,367)

(203,144)

Motor insurers bureau of Ireland levy and  
related payments

(7,064)

(1,945)

Management expenses

Deferred acquisition costs

Gross management expenses

Reinsurers share of expenses

Broker commissions payable

Net operating expenses

Underwriting result

(84,220)

590

(83,630)

2,876

(3,300)

(81,751)

6,363

(75,388)

2,528

(3,048)

(84,054)

63,418

(75,908)

44,935

Net claims incurred in 2018 were €183,367,000, down 10% on the net claims incurred of €203,144,000 in 2017. 
The improvement is mainly as a result of positive prior year development in 2018.

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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 debit to the Consolidated Income Statement of 
€31,370,000 (2017: credit of €9,072,000).

(d)  

Underwriting management expenses

Employee benefit expense

Rent, rates, insurance and maintenance

Depreciation

Other

Total underwriting management expenses

(e)  

Financial services and other costs

Employee benefit expense

Rent, rates, insurance and maintenance

Depreciation

Other

Total financial services and other costs

5 

NET INVESTMENT RETURN

Actual return

Interest and similar income

Income from investment properties

Realised losses 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 

2018

€000s

46,418

6,497

11,674

19,631

84,220

2018

€000s

3,280

336

8

2,924

6,548

2018

€000s

11,899

596

(1,193)

94

310

(9,224)

2,482

81

(4,417)

906

5,912

2,482

2017

€000s

43,987

6,118

11,418

20,228

81,751

2017

€000s

2,622

313

8

1,257

4,200

2017

€000s

12,650

547

(363)

568

1,600

(5,641)

9,361

(129)

2,296

2,147

5,047

9,361

Interest and similar income received by the Group’s underwriting segment during the period was €12,589,000 
(2017: €13,765,000).

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6 

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER COSTS

Restructuring costs

7 

PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION

2018

€000s

-

2018

€000s

2017

€000s

1,715

2017

€000s

Profit before taxation has been stated after charging:

Depreciation and amortisation

11,682

11,426

The remuneration of the Directors is set out in detail in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration on pages 50 to 58.

8 

INFORMATION RELATING TO AUDITOR’S REMUNERATION

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

2018

2017

Company

€000s

Group

€000s

Company

€000s

Description of service

Audit of statutory financial statements

Other assurance services

Total auditors remuneration

60

-

60

275

142

417

60

-

60

Group

€000s

260

176

436

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

In 2018, other assurance services relate to Solvency II audit which are prescribed under legislation or regulation and 
fees in respect of the issue of the subordinated debt. In 2017, this category related to Solvency II audit and cyber 
security audit. 

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9 

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

2018

875

25

900

2018

€000s

45,803

5,236

4,907

704

56,650

2017

846

25

871

2017

€000s

44,163

4,945

4,245

685

54,038

10  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

2018

€000s

1,010

4,204

4,432

9,646

2017

€000s

1,176

5,206

5,405

11,787

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 35 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 €1,565,000 (2017: €1,472,000).

100

11 

INCOME TAXATION CHARGE

Irish corporation taxation (charge)/credit 

Adjustments in respect of prior financial years 

Current taxation charge 

Deferred taxation charge 

Income taxation charge

2018

€000s

(3,140)

186

(2,954)

(4,728)

(7,682)

2017

€000s

94

(254)

(160)

(6,880)

(7,040)

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% (2017: 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

2018

€000s

50,065

6,258

(94)

1,682

22

(186)

7,682

15.3%

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 on retirement benefit obligations

Loss/(gain) on available for sale investments

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

2018

€000s

(404)

981

577

2017

€000s

(34)

(351)

(385)

12 

PROFIT FOR THE YEAR

The Company’s profit for the financial year determined in accordance with IFRS, as adopted by the European Union, 
is €6,927,000 (2017: -€1,257,000). The Company’s other comprehensive income for the financial year is €570,000 
(2017: -€11,000).

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.

101

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTNotes to the Financial Statements (continued)

13 

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 for the purpose of basic earnings per share 

Profit for the year for the purpose of diluted earnings per share

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)

Basic earnings per share 

Diluted earnings per share

2018

€000s

42,383

46,639

2018

No.

2017

€000s

42,696

48,207

2017

No.

34,666,201

34,666,201

41,507,329

43,329,630

Cent

122

1121

Cent

123

1112

1	 Diluted	earnings	per	share	reflects	the	potential	conversion	of	convertible	debt	up	until	the	date	of	purchase	and	

cancellation	of	the	convertible	debt	and	the	potential	vesting	of	the	share	based	payments.

2	 Diluted	earnings	per	share	reflected	the	potential	conversion	of	convertible	debt	and	the	potential	vesting	of	share	 

based	payments.

102

14 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property held 
for own use

Computer
Equipment

Fixtures &
Fittings

Total property,
plant and
equipment

€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

20,995

-

(106)

20,889

3,555

-

(90)

133,636

6,850

-

140,486

5,366

2,465

-

20,156

1,019

(62)

21,113

1,022

595

-

174,787

7,869

(168)

182,488

9,943

3,060

(90)

Cost or valuation

At 1 January 2017

Additions

Disposals

At 1 January 2018

Additions

Assets under development

Disposals

At 31 December 2018

24,354

148,317

22,730

195,401

Comprising:

At cost

At valuation

At 31 December 2018

Accumulated depreciation and 
revaluation

At 1 January 2017

Depreciation charge for the year

Elimination on disposal

Revaluations 

At 1 January 2018

Depreciation charge for the year

Revaluations 

At 31 December 2018

Carrying amount

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

-

148,317

22,730

24,354

24,354

-

-

148,317

22,730

171,047

24,354

195,401

Property held 
for own use

Computer
Equipment

Fixtures &
Fittings

Total property,
plant and
equipment

€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

5,055

-

-

1,080

6,135

-

1,034

7,169

78,679

10,916

-

-

89,595

11,111

-

18,059

510

(62)

-

101,793

11,426

(62)

1,080

18,507

114,237

527

-

11,638

1,034

100,706

19,034

126,909

17,185

14,754

47,611

50,891

3,696

2,606

68,492

68,251

The property, plant and equipment disclosure has been updated in 2018, providing more granularity on the 
composition of the balance. “Assets under development” relate to assets that have not come into use and therefore 
no depreciation has been charged on these assets in 2018.

103

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTNotes to the Financial Statements (continued)

14 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	(continued)

Property held for own use

Property held for own use at 31 December 2018 and 2017 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 – Global Standards 2017 (Red Book) incorporating the IVSC International Valuation Standards issued  
June 2017.

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 and FBD Offices at Lakepoint Retail Park Mullingar, Mullingar,  
Co. Westmeath) 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

2018

€000s

17,111

2017

€000s

14,590

The most significant investment in computer 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.

15 

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Cost

At 1 January 2018

Additions 

At 31 December 2018

Amortisation

At 1 January 2018

Amortisation charge for the year

At 31 December 2018

104

2018

€000s

-

399

399

€000s

-

(44)

355

 
16 

INVESTMENT PROPERTY

Fair value of investment property

At 1 January

Fair value movement during the year

At 31 December

2018

€000s

18,000

310

18,310

2017

€000s

16,400

1,600

18,000

The investment property held for rental in Ireland was valued at fair value at 31 December 2018 and at 31 December 
2017 by independent external professional valuers, CB Richard Ellis, Valuation Surveyors. The valuation was prepared 
in accordance with RICS Valuation – Global Standards 2017 (Red Book) incorporating the IVSC International Valuation 
Standards issued June 2017. 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 2018 of €310,000 (2017: €1,600,000).

The rental income earned by the Group from its investment properties amounted to €1,028,000 (2017: €797,000). 
Direct operating costs associated with investment properties amounted to €250,000 (2017: €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

2018

€000s

20,080

-

20,080

2018

€000s

1,027

4,107

5,134

2017

€000s

20,080

-

20,080

2017

€000s

1,027

4,107

5,134

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

105

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTNotes to the Financial Statements (continued)

17 

LOANS

Other loans

Total loans

2018

€000s

615

615

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

Accelerated 
capital 
allowances

Insurance 
Contracts

Losses 
carried 
forward 

Other 
timing 
differences

€000s

1,214

€000s

€000s

€000s

(2,745)

13,765

At 1 January 2017

Debited to the Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income

(Debited)/Credited to Consolidated 
Income Statement

At 31 December 2017

-

-

-

(546)

668

915

(1,830)

(7,136)

6,629

Debited to the Consolidated Statement 
of Comprehensive Income

(Debited)/Credited to Consolidated 
Income Statement

At 31 December 2018

-

(82)

586

-

-

915

(915)

(5,389)

1,240

170

170

-

-

-

-

-

Total

€000s

12,234

-

(6,767)

5,467

-

(4,386)

1,081

A deferred taxation asset of €1,240,000 (2017: €6,629,000) 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.

106

19 

(a) 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

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 30)

Subordinated debt (Note 31)

At Cost:

Payables

2018

€000s

2017

€000s

70,998

195,985

78,778

795,717

45,347

758,687

615

62,868

77,639

681

64,020

27,176

-

52,525

49,426

-

33,234

30,667

107

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTNotes to the Financial Statements (continued)

19 

(b) 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT	(continued)

Fair value measurement

The following table compares the fair value of assets and 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

Subordinated 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

2018
Fair value

 2018
Carrying value

€000s

€000s

738

18,310

17,185

78,778

795,717

70,998

77,639

615

18,310

17,185

78,776

795,717

70,998

77,639

49,817

49,426

2017
Fair value

2017
Carrying value

€000s

€000s

817

18,000

14,754

45,347

758,687

195,985

27,176

681

18,000

14,754

45,347

758,687

195,985

27,176

66,406

52,525

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

108

19 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT	(continued)

Certain assets and liabilities 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 assets and liabilities 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 operating projections.

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

2018

Assets

Loans

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

Subordinated debt

Total liabilities

Level 1

€000s

-

-

-

262

78,516

795,094

-

70,998

77,639

Level 2

€000s

738

18,310

17,185

-

-

-

-

-

-

Level 3

€000s

-

-

-

-

-

-

623

-

-

Total

€000s

738

18,310

17,185

262

78,516

795,094

623

70,998

77,639

1,022,509

36,233

623

1,059,365

-

-

49,817

49,817

-

-

49,817

49,817

109

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTNotes to the Financial Statements (continued)

19 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT	(continued)

2017

Assets

Loans

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

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

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

At 1 January

Additions

Disposals

Unrealised gains recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement

At 31 December

2018

€000s

844

-

(250)

29

623

2017

€000s

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 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 €623,000 (2017: €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.

110

20 

CURRENT TAXATION ASSET

Income taxation receivable 

2018

€000s

3,949

2017

€000s

3,934

21 

DEFERRED ACQUISITION COSTS

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

At 1 January

Net acquisition costs further deferred during the year

At 31 December

2018

€000s

31,366

590

31,956

All deferred acquisition costs are expected to be recovered within one year from 31 December 2018.

2017

€000s

25,004

6,362

31,366

2017

€000s

42,828

6,813

7,119

183

7,077

2018

€000s

42,923

6,946

6,067

136

6,796

62,868

64,020

22  OTHER RECEIVABLES

Policyholders

Intermediaries

Other debtors

Accrued interest and rent

Prepayments and accrued income

Total other receivables

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.

111

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTNotes to the Financial Statements (continued)

23 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Demand deposits*

Cash in hand

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

24 

CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL PRESENTED AS EQUITY

2018

€000s

74,770

2,869

77,639

2017

€000s

 26,508

668

27,176

Number

2018

€000s

2017

€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 (2017: 795,005). The number of ordinary shares of €0.60 each held as treasury 
shares at the end of the year was 795,005 (2017: 795,005). This represented 2.2% (2017: 2.2%) of the shares of this 
class in issue and had a nominal value of €477,003 (2017: €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.

112

25 

CAPITAL RESERVES

(a)  

GROUP

Share
premium

Capital 
conversion
reserve

Capital 
redemption
reserve

Share 
option
reserve

Balance at 1 January 2017

Recognition of share-based payments

€000s

5,540

-

€000s

1,627

-

€000s

4,426

-

Balance at 31 December 2017

5,540

1,627

4,426

Recognition of share-based payments

-

-

-

Balance at 31 December 2018

5,540

1,627

4,426

(b)  

COMPANY

Balance at 1 January 2017

Recognition of share-based payments

Share
premium

Capital
conversion
reserve

Capital
redemption
reserve

€000s

5,540

-

€000s

1,627

-

€000s

4,426

-

Balance at 31 December 2017

5,540

1,627

4,426

Recognition of share-based payments

-

-

-

Balance at 31 December 2018

5,540

1,627

4,426

€000s

7,448

685

8,133

704

8,837

Share
option
reserve

€000s

7,448

685

8,133

704

8,837

Total
Group

€000s

19,041

685

19,726

704

20,430

Total
Company

€000s

19,041

685

19,726

704

20,430

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.

113

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTNotes to the Financial Statements (continued)

26 

RETAINED EARNINGS

Balance at 1 January 2017

Net profit for the financial year

Balance at 31 December 2017

Transitional adjustment IFRS 15

Net profit for the financial year

Dividends paid and approved

Loss on equity portion of Convertible debt

Balance at 31 December 2018

27 

PREFERENCE SHARE CAPITAL

Authorised: 

At the beginning and the end of the year

14% Non-cumulative preference shares of €0.60 each

1,340,000

8% Non-cumulative preference shares of €0.60 each

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

2018

€000s

804

7,650

8,454

804

2,119

2,923

€000s

166,866

45,393

212,259

2,404

38,347

(8,602)

(2,763)

241,645

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.

114

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115

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Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

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116

 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
28 

(b) 

CLAIMS OUTSTANDING	(continued)

Net Claims Outstanding 2018	(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 2017

Change in provision for claims

Balance at 31 December 2017

Change in provision for claims

Balance at 31 December 2018

Gross

€000s

745,490

19,522

765,012

(26,987)

738,025

(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

Net

€000s

676,230

(1,779)

674,451

(17,345)

657,106

2017

€000s

180,692

345,192

2018

€000s

186,008

334,769

(337,903)

(325,932)

1

182,875

(13,944)

186,008

117

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTNotes to the Financial Statements (continued)

28 

CLAIMS OUTSTANDING	(continued)

(e)  

Reconciliation of reinsurance assets

Balance at 1 January 2017

Movement during year1

Balance at 31 December 2017

Movement during year

Balance at 31 December 2018

Claims
outstanding

€000s

69,260

21,301

90,561

(9,642)

80,919

Unearned
premium 
reserve

€000s

13,954

(13,950)

4

2

6

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.

29  OTHER PROVISIONS

Balance at 1 January 

MIBI levy reserve release

Provision for MIBI levy and related payments

Levy paid

Balance at 31 December

2018

€000s

6,647

(1,812)

8,876

(5,973)

7,738

2017

€000s

11,247

(5,624)

7,569

(6,545)

6,647

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.

118

30 

CONVERTIBLE DEBT

Balance at 1 January 

Amortised during the year

Derecognition of convertible debt upon purchase and cancellation

2018

€000s

52,525

1,062

(53,587)

2017

€000s

51,136

1,389

-

Balance at 31 December

-

52,525

On 1 October 2018 FBD Holdings plc announced that its subsidiary FBD Insurance plc had entered into an 
agreement to purchase and cancel the €70,000,000 7% Convertible Notes which were in issue for €86,059,000. 
The below table shows the loss recognised as a result of the purchase and cancellation of the Notes.

Interest costs associated with the Notes totalling €4,864,000 (2017: €6,298,000) were incurred and recognised 
during the financial year up to the date of derecognition of the Notes.

Purchase and cancellation of the Convertible Notes

Carrying value of bond on date of settlement (as per above table)

Carrying value of equity on date of settlement 

Total carrying value of convertible debt on date of settlement 

Consideration paid for convertible bond

Loss on purchase and cancellation of the Convertible 

Loss	on	purchase	and	cancellation	of	the	bond	attributable	to:

A)   Statement of Changes in Equity:

– Loss on equity portion

B)   Consolidated Income Statement:

– Loss on debt portion 

2018

€000s

53,587

18,232

71,819

(86,059)

(14,240)

2,763

11,477

-

2017

€000s

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Further to the loss on the debt portion of the bond of €11,477,000 in the Consolidated Income Statement, 
redemption costs of €359,000 were incurred in the period. The total exceptional loss included in the Consolidated 
Income Statement is €11,836,000.

119

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORT 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

31 

SUBORDINATED DEBT

Balance at 1 January 

Recognition of subordinated debt on issue

Amortised during the year 

Balance at 31 December

2018

€000s

-

49,412

14

49,426

2017

€000s

-

-

-

-

On 2 October 2018 FBD Insurance plc successfully agreed to issue €50,000,000 of new Callable Dated Deferrable 
Subordinated Notes due 2028. The agreed coupon for the notes was 5%. Interest costs associated with the 
subordinated notes totalling €589,000 were incurred and recognised during the financial year.

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 €4,387,648 (2017: €3,832,569) relating to these pension schemes during the year ended 
31 December 2018.

Defined Benefit Pension

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

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

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

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

n  FBD will no longer fund for future discretionary pension increases

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

future service.

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

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

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

balance sheet position in the future.

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

120

 
 
32 

RETIREMENT BENEFIT ASSET	(continued)

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. This valuation was carried out using the projected unit credit 
method, and the minimum funding standard was updated to 31 December 2018 by the schemes’ independent and 
qualified actuary. This 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 and longevity risk.

(a)  

Assumptions used to calculate scheme liabilities

Inflation rate increase

Salary rate increase

Pension payment increase

Discount rate

2018
%

1.50

N/A*

0.00

1.80

*	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

2018
Years

21.5

23.9

2017
%

1.75

N/A*

0.00

1.75

2017
Years

21.4

23.8

The weighted average duration of the expected benefit payments from the scheme is circa 15 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 €2,259,000 (2017: €1,357,000).

121

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTNotes to the Financial Statements (continued)

32 

(c) 

RETIREMENT BENEFIT ASSET	(continued)

Consolidated Income Statement

Charged/(Credited) to Consolidated Income Statement:

Service cost: employer’s part of current service cost 

Net interest credit

Past service costs

Charge to Consolidated Income Statement

2018

€000s

347

(173)

132

306

2017

€000s

353

(160)

-

193

Charges to the Consolidated Income Statement have been included in other underwriting and financial services and 
other costs.

(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

Deferred taxation debit

Actuarial gain net of deferred taxation

(e) 

History of experience gains and losses

2018

€000s

(1,655)

(999)

(578)

(3,232)

404

(2,828)

2017

€000s

(444)

(150)

319

(275)

34

(241)

Present value of defined benefit obligations

Fair value of plan assets

2018

€000s

83,434

96,378

2017

€000s

88,103

97,877

2016

€000s

2015

€000s

2014

€000s

90,887

106,490

195,669

99,602

115,600

141,415

Net pension (asset)/liability

(12,944)

(9,774)

(8,715)

(9,110)

54,254

Experience gains/(losses) on scheme liabilities

999

150

(266)

(401)

1,786

Actuarial gain/(loss)

3,232

275

(12,233)

15,914

(25,058)

The cumulative charge to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income is €100,570,000 
(2017: €103,802,000).

122

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 surplus

2018

€000s

78,543

7,672

3,916

6,247

96,378

(83,434)

12,944

2017

€000s

79,189

8,773

7,865

2,050

97,877

(88,103)

9,774

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 in scheme at 1 January

Current service cost

Past service costs

Employer contributions

Interest on scheme liabilities

Interest on scheme assets

Actuarial gain

Net surplus at 31 December

2018

€000s

9,774

(347)

(132)

244

(1,508)

1,681

3,232

12,944

2017

€000s

8,715

(353)

-

977

(1,516)

1,676

275

9,774

123

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTNotes to the Financial Statements (continued)

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

Benefits paid

Assets in scheme at 31 December

Liabilities

Liabilities in scheme at 1 January

Experience gains and losses on scheme liabilities

Changes in financial and demographic assumptions

Current service cost

Past service costs

Interest on scheme liabilities

Benefits paid

Liabilities in scheme at 31 December

2018

€000s

2017

€000s

97,877

99,602

578

244

1,681

(4,002)

96,378

88,103

(999)

(1,655)

347

132

1,508

(4,002)

83,434

(319)

977

1,676

(4,059)

97,877

90,887

(150)

(444)

353

-

1,516

(4,059)

88,103

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 €11.3 million.  

A 1% reduction in the discount rate would increase the value of the scheme liabilities by €14.5 million.

n  A 1% increase in inflation would increase the value of the scheme liabilities by €3.8 million. A 1% reduction  

in inflation would reduce the value of the scheme liabilities by €3.3 million.

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

liabilities by €3.1 million.

n  The current best estimate of 2019 contributions to be made by the Group to the pension fund is €nil  

(2018: €244,000).

124

33 

DEFERRED TAXATION LIABILITY

Retirement 
benefit 
asset

Unrealised 
losses on 
investments
& loans

Revaluation 
surplus on
investment
properties

€000s

1,089

€000s

1,046

€000s

1,212

34

99

351

(45) 

-

59

At 1 January 2017

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

Debited/(Credited) to the  
Consolidated Income Statement

At 31 December 2017 

1,222

1,352

1,271

Debited to the Consolidated Statement 
of Comprehensive Income

404

(981)

Debited/(Credited) to the  
Consolidated Income Statement

At 31 December 2018

(8)

1,618

(46)

325

-

58

1,329

Other 
timing 
differences

€000s

-

-

-

-

-

338

338

Total

€000s

3,347

385

113

3,845

(577)

342

3,610

A deferred taxation liability of €1,618,000 has been recognised in 2018 in respect of the retirement benefit asset of 
€12,944,000. In 2017 a deferred taxation liability of €1,222,000 was recognised on the retirement benefit asset of 
€9,774,000.

34 

CURRENT TAXATION LIABILITY

Income taxation payable

This balance relates to corporation taxation payable.

35 

PAYABLES

(a)  

GROUP

Amounts falling due within one year:

Payables and accruals 

Restructuring accrual

PAYE/PRSI

Payables arising out of direct insurance operations

Total payables

2018

€000s

3,312

2017

€000s

-

2018 

€000s 

26,822

-

1,368

5,044

33,234

2017

€000s

25,740

204

1,426

3,297

30,667

125

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTNotes to the Financial Statements (continued)

35 

(b) 

PAYABLES	(continued)

COMPANY

Amounts falling due within one year:

Payables and accruals 

Total payables

36 

DIVIDENDS

Paid during year:

2017 dividend of 8.4 cent (2016: nil cent) per share on 14%  
non-cumulative preference shares of €0.60 each

2017 dividend of 4.8 cent (2016: nil cent) per share on 8%  
non-cumulative preference shares of €0.60 each

2017 final dividend of 24.0 cent (2016: nil cent) per share on  
ordinary shares of €0.60 each

Total dividends paid

Proposed:

2018 dividend of 8.4 cent (2017: 8.4 cent) per share on 14%  
non-cumulative preference shares of €0.60 each

2018 dividend of 4.8 cent (2017: 4.8 cent) per share on 8%  
non-cumulative preference shares of €0.60 each

2018 final dividend of 50.0 cent (2017: 24.0 cent) per share on  
ordinary shares of €0.60 each

Total dividends proposed

2018

€000s

4,278

4,278

2018

€000s

113

169

8,320

8,602

2018

€000s

113

169

17,333

17,615

2017

€000s

4,735

4,735

2017

€000s

-

-

-

-

2017

€000s

113

169

8,320

8,602

The proposed dividend is subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 10 May 2019 and 
has not been included as a liability in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

126

37 

PRINCIPAL SUBSIDIARIES

(a) Subsidiaries 

FBD Insurance plc 

Nature of Operations 

General insurance underwriter 

FBD Insurance Group Limited

Investment services, pensions and life brokers

FBD Corporate Services Limited

Employee services company

% Owned

100%

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 Euronext Dublin and the UK Listing Authority and are traded on both the Euronext Dublin and London 
Stock Exchange.

(b)  In the Company Statement of Financial Position on page 76, the investment in subsidiaries balance reduced by 
€18,232,000 in the year as a result of the purchase and cancellation of the Convertible Debt by FBD Insurance 
plc. See note 30 for further details on the transaction.

38 

CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

Capital expenditure contracted for at the end of 2018 but not recognised as liabilities for intangible assets is 
€711,000.

39 

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND CONTINGENT ASSETS

There were no contingent liabilities or contingent assets at either 31 December 2018 or 31 December 2017.

40 

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. The share plan was replaced with a new Share Plan which was approved by shareholders of FBD Holdings 
plc (Group) at last year’s AGM. 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, in March 2017 
over 238,293 shares, and in August 2018 over 204,069 shares.

127

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORT 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

40 

SHARE BASED PAYMENTS	(continued)

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 and the August 2018 
awards. The March 2017 and August 2018 awards are based on Group performance targets. There are no market 
based conditions attaching to these awards, and they have not been included in the table below.

Share price at grant

Initial award price

Expected volatility

Expected life in years

Risk free interest rate

Expected dividend yield %

Fair value

LTIP award 
April 2014

LTIP award 
March 2015

LTIP award 
October 2015

LTIP award 
March 2016

€17.00

 €17.00

25%

3

 0.3%

 n/a

€14.25

€10.80

 €10.80

30%

3

 0.0%

 n/a

€8.49

€6.65

 €6.65

35%

3

0.0%

n/a

€5.39

€6.55

 €6.55

35%

3

0.0%

n/a

€5.25

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

Accounting charge for share based payments

Vesting 
period
(years)

Number 
of share
 awards
 granted

Number 
vested 
during 
year

Number
 outstanding 
at 31 
December
2018

% 
of 
options
 expected 
to vest

Grant date

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

23.08.2018 LTIP

3.00

204,069

Total

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

54,545

195,313

189,046

204,069

642,973

Share 
price 
at 
grant 
date

€

17.00

10.80

6.65

6.55

7.95

%

0

0

75

75

90

Fair value 
of share 
award at 
grant date

2018

2017

€

€000s

€000s

14.25

8.49

5.39

5.25

7.95

-

16

(5)

11

420

262

704

4

9

76

225

371

-

685

125

10.80

10.80

Given the performance of the Group over the vesting period, the Directors estimate that 0% of the March 2015 
award will 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 
2018 and 31 December 2017. The Director’s estimate 75% of the October 2015 awards will vest, 75% of the March 
2016 awards will vest, 90% of the March 2017 awards will vest and 125% of the August 2018 awards will vest.

128

 
41 

TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

Farmer Business Developments plc and FBD Trust Company Ltd have a substantial shareholding in the Group at  
31 December 2018. Details of their shareholdings and related party transactions are set out in the Report of the 
Directors on page 35.

As part of the subordinated debt investment, Farmer Business Developments invested €20.0m and FBD Trust Ltd 
invested €13.0m. Please refer to note 31 for further details.

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

2018

€000s

3,545

297

316

4,158

2017

€000s

3,590

269

440

4,299

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

personnel.

Full disclosure in relation to the 2018 and 2017 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 €3,571 (2017: €Nil).

129

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTNotes to the Financial Statements (continued)

42 

(a) 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

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 Group 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.

The Group maintained its robust capital position and complied with all regulatory solvency margin requirements 
throughout both the year under review and the prior year. In 2018, the Group maintained its Solvency Capital 
Requirement (SCR) coverage above its target range of 120-140% of SCR.

An experienced Actuarial team is in place with policies and procedures to ensure that Technical Provisions are 
calculated in an appropriate manner and represent a best estimate. Technical Provisions are internally peer 
reviewed every quarter, audited once a year and subject to external peer review every two years.

An approved Reinsurance Program is in place to minimise the Solvency Impact of Catastrophe events to the Group.

The annual Own Risk and Solvency Assessment “ORSA” 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 mitigation actions.

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for consideration of the implications for capital position as part of  
the strategic planning process and key strategic decision-making and for ensuring appropriate action is taken as 
approved by the Board/CEO/relevant committee. 

On at least an annual basis, thresholds for SCR Ratio, developed as part of the annual planning/budgeting process, 
are approved by the Board as part of the Risk Appetite Statements in the Risk Appetite Framework.

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 and corporate 
finance houses.

130

42 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT	(continued)

(b)  

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 – 2018

Financial assets

Reinsurance assets

Loans and receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Carrying 
value
total
€000s

866,091

80,925

63,483

77,639

Contracted
Value
€000s

888,704

80,925

63,483

77,639

Cashflow
within
1 year
€000s

144,927

25,262

63,483

77,639

Cashflow
1-5 years
€000s

640,873

49,119

-

-

Cashflow
after
5 years
€000s

102,904

6,544

-

-

Total

1,088,138

1,110,751

311,311

689,992

109,448

920,900

300,983

510,677

109,240

Liabilities – 2018

Insurance contract liabilities

Payables 

Other provisions

Convertible debt*

920,900

33,234

7,738

-

33,234

7,738

-

Subordinated bond**

49,426

75,000

Total

*See	note	30
**	See	note	31

Assets – 2017

Financial assets

Reinsurance assets

Loans and receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

1,011,298

1,036,872

Carrying 
value
total
€000s

Contracted
Value
€000s

953,830

1,001,725

90,565

66,314

27,176

90,565

66,314

27,176

33,234

7,738

-

2,500

344,455

Cashflow
within
1 year
€000s

220,630

25,331

66,314

27,176

-

-

-

-

-

-

10,000

520,677

62,500

171,740

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

951,020

951,020

32,279

6,647

52,525

32,279

6,647

109,200

298,575

32,279

6,647

4,900

1,042,471

1,099,146

342,401

Payables

Other provisions

Convertible debt*

Total

*See	note	30

512,850

139,595

-

-

-

-

19,600

532,450

84,700

224,295

131

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTNotes to the Financial Statements (continued)

42 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT	(continued)

(c)   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 2018, the Group held the following deposits and listed debt securities:

2018

2017

Weighted
average
interest
rate

Market
Value

Weighted
average
interest
rate

%

€000s

%

1.13

2.19

1.03

1.25

1.17

1.57

221,975

100,813

190,386

142,723

164,798

133,135

953,830

0.41

1.26

2.09

1.01

1.19

1.54

Market
Value

€000s

135,517

182,949

133,480

181,957

129,182

103,006

866,091

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).

132

 
 
42 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT	(continued)

Foreign currency risk

The Group does not directly hold investment assets in foreign currencies, however, it does have exposure to 
non-euro exchange rate fluctuations through its UCITS fund holdings. The carrying amount of the Group’s foreign 
currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities at the reporting date are as follows: 

Assets

Emerging Markets 

GBP

USD

Other

2018

€000s

22,023

-

-

-

2017

€000s

-

3,980

2,721

1,419

The Group did not hold any derivative instruments at 31 December 2018 or 31 December 2017.

(d)  

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.

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:

2018

2017

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

Total

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

Total

Market
Value
€000s

55,181
21,067
41,023
41,288
42,039
-
96,786
-
297,384

2,252
12,584
34,710
62,939
73,793
91,648
115,365
78,759
25,659
497,709

Weighted
Average
Duration

2.1
4.6
3.2
3.2
7.2
-
3.5
-
3.8

1.6
2.5
2.3
2.6
2.4
2.7
2.8
2.8
2.5
2.6

Market
value
€000s

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

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

Weighted
Average
Duration

2.9
-
1.3
4.1
7.6
6.1
-
3.5
4.1

2.7
3.0
2.7
2.6
3.1
2.9
3.2
3.1
4.2
3.0

133

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORT 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

42 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT	(continued)

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 2018, the maximum balance owed to the Group by an individual reinsurer, including 
reinsurers’ share of insurance contract liabilities not yet called, was €19,790,000 (2017: €21,313,000).

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.

(e)  

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 2.6 years.  
The sovereign bond portfolio carries an average credit rating of A and the average duration of the portfolio is  
3.8 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.

(f) 

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%.

134

42 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT	(continued)

The pre-taxation impacts on profit and shareholders’ equity at 31 December 2018 and at 31 December 2017 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

2018

€000s

(13,536)

3,384

2,202

2,202

2,396

(2,396)

39,786

(39,786)

1,830

(1,830)

16,895

2017

€000s

(12,759)

3,190

812

(812)

2,177

(2,177)

37,934

(37,934)

1,800

(1,800)

16,297

1.0%

(0.25%)

10%

(10%)

10%

(10%)

5%

(5%)

10%

(10%)

(5%)

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%

+10%

+10%

Increase
in gross
technical
reserves
€000s

Increase
in net
technical
reserves
€000s

Impact on
profit
before
taxation
€000s

Reduction
in
 shareholders’
equity
€000s

8,207

204

7,220

7,230

317

6,599

5,593

177

6,498

5,166

352

5,939

(5,593)

(177)

(6,498)

(5,166)

(352)

(5,939)

4,894

155

5,686

4,520

308

5,197

31 December 2018

Injury claims IBNR and IBNER

Other claims IBNR and IBNER

Legal fees revert to pre PIAB levels

31 December 2017

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.

135

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORT 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

43 

IFRS 9 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS DEFERRAL DISCLOSURES

The tables below present an analysis of the fair value of classes of financial assets as at the end of the reporting 
period as well as the change in fair value during the reporting period. The classes are defined as follows:

(i)  Solely payments of principal and interest (“SPPI”): assets of which cash flows represent solely payments of 

principal and interest on an outstanding principal amount, excluding any financial assets that meet the definition 
of held for trading in IFRS 9, or that are managed and whose performance is evaluated on a fair value basis; and

(ii)  Other at fair value: all financial assets other than those specified in SPPI. Financial assets:

(a)  with contractual terms that do not give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of 

principal and interest on the principal amounts outstanding;

(b)  that meet the definition of held for trading in IFRS 9; or

(c)  that are managed and whose performance are evaluated on a fair value basis.

Fair Values as of 31 December 2018

Financial assets

Other receivables

Deposits with banks

Cash and cash equivalents

Available for sale investments

Investments held for trading

SPPI 
– Amortised 
cost

€000s

62,868

70,998

77,639

-

-

SPPI 
– Fair 
value

€000s

-

-

-

795,094

-

Total Financial Assets

211,505

795,094 

Fair Values as of 31 December 2017

Financial assets

Other receivables

Deposits with banks

Cash and cash equivalents

Available for sale investments

Investments held for trading

SPPI 
– Amortised 
cost

€000s

64,020

195,985

27,176

-

-

SPPI 
– Fair 
value

€000s

-

-

-

757,843

-

Total Financial Assets

287,181

757,843

Other 
– Fair 
value

€000s

-

-

-

623

78,778

79,401

Other 
– Fair 
value

€000s

-

-

-

844

45,347

46,191

Total 
Fair 
value

€000s

-

-

-

795,717

78,778

874,495

Total 
Fair 
value

€000s

-

-

-

758,687

45,347

804,034

136

 
 
43 

IFRS 9 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS DEFERRAL DISCLOSURES	(continued)

For financial assets whose cash flows represent SPPI as defined above, the table below provides information on 
credit risk exposure. The financial assets are categorised by asset class with a carrying amount measured in 
accordance with IAS 39 measurement requirements.

As at 31 December 2018

Rating

AAA

AA+

AA

AA-

A+

A

A-

BBB+

BBB

BBB-

Unrated

Total

Other 
receivables

Deposits 
with banks

Cash 
and cash
equivalents

Available 
for sale
investments

€000s

€000s

€000s

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

62,868

62,868

-

-

-

-

15,000

30,000

25,998

-

-

-

-

70,998

-

-

-

3,918

-

50,748

20,202

-

37

2,734

-

77,639

€000s

57,433

21,067

53,607

34,710

104,227

73,793

91,648

157,405

78,759

122,445

-

795,094

44 

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

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

137

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORT 
Alternative performance measures (APM’s)
For the financial year ended 31 December 2018

The Group uses the following alternative performance measures: Loss ratio, expense ratio, combined operating ratio, 
annualised investment return, net asset value per share, return on equity and gross written premium.

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. Return on equity (ROE) is also a widely used 
profitability ratio that measures an entity’s ability to generate profits from its shareholder investments. Gross written 
premium refers to the revenue of an insurance company and is widely used across the general insurance industry.

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)

2018

€000s

183,367

7,064

190,431

337,903

56.3%

84,054

337,903

24.9%

%

56.3%

24.9%

81.2%

2018

€000s

2,482

(7,845)

(5,363)

2017

€000s

203,144

1,945

205,089

325,932

62.9%

75,908

325,932

23.3%

%

62.9%

23.3%

86.2%

2017

€000s

9,361

2,807

12,168

1,047,711

1,027,637

-0.5%

1.2%

138

Net asset value per share

Shareholders’ funds – equity interests

Number of Shares

2018

€000s

2017

€000s

283,483

271,626

Number of ordinary shares in issue (excluding treasury)

34,666,201

34,666,201

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

Cent

818

Cent

784

Return on Equity

Weighted average equity attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent

Result for the period

Return on equity (Result for the period/Weighted average equity attributable to 
ordinary equity holders of the parent)

277,555

42,383

248,587

42,696

15%

17%

Gross premium written: The total premium on insurance underwritten by an insurer or reinsurer during a specified period, 
before deduction of reinsurance premium.

139

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORT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 2019

Dear Shareholder,

The Notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company, which will be held at 11.00 a.m. on 10 May 2019 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 
2018.

Resolution 2 deals with the declaration of a dividend on the 14% non-cumulative preference shares for the year ended  
31 December 2018. 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 2018. 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 50 cent per ordinary share for the year ended 31 December 2018.

Resolution 5 deals with the approval of the Report on Directors’ Remuneration. This Report is set out on pages 50 to 58 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 32 to 33 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 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 22 March 2019 (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 10 August 2020.

Resolution 9 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 22 March 2019 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.

140

 
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 10 August 2020.

Resolution 10 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 22 March 2019 is 642,974 
representing 1.9% 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 4.1% 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 10 
August 2020.

Resolution 11 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  
10 August 2020.

Resolution 12 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, 3100 Lake Drive, Citywest Business Campus, Dublin 24, 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

141

FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORT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 10 May 
2019, 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 2018.

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 50 cent per ordinary share.

5  To approve the Report on Directors’ Remuneration 

appearing in the Financial Statements for the year ended 
31 December 2018 (Advisory Resolution).

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

Company:

(a)  Walter Bogaerts

(b)  Mary Brennan

(c) 

Joe Healy

(d)  Liam Herlihy

(e) 

Fiona Muldoon

(f)  David O’Connor

(g) 

John O’Grady

(h)  Padraig Walshe

7  To authorise the Directors to fix the remuneration of the 

Auditors.

8  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 2020 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.

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

9  That the Directors be and they are hereby empowered 

pursuant to Section 1023 of the Companies Act 2014 to 
allot equity securities (within the meaning of Section 
1023 of the said Act) for cash pursuant to the authority 
conferred on them by Resolution 8 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 2020 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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10  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)  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

(ii)  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 Euronext Dublin 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

(2)  if there shall be only one dealing reported 

for the day, the price at which such dealing 
took place; or

(3)  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 Euronext Dublin 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.

11  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

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“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.

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.

12  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 2019

Notice of Annual General Meeting (continued)

(b) 

subject to paragraph (c) hereof, the minimum price 
shall be:

(d) 

(c) 

(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

(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 Euronext Dublin 
Exchange Daily Official List reporting the business 
done on each of those five business days;

(i) 

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

(ii)  if there shall be only one dealing reported for 
the day, the price at which such dealing took 
place; or

(iii)  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 Euronext Dublin or its 
equivalent; and

144

 
 
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, 3100 Lake Drive, Citywest Business 
Campus, Dublin 24, Ireland to be received no later than 
11 a.m. on 8 May 2019. 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	 By attending the AGM in person;

n	 By appointing the Chairman or some other person as 

a proxy to vote on your behalf;

n	 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 
investorrelations@fbd.ie no later than 11 a.m. on Friday 
29 March 2019 (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.

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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.

Information for Shareholders (continued)

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 investorrelations@fbd.ie no later than  
11 a.m. on Friday 29 March 2019 (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 2019. 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 
investorrelations@fbd.ie.

146

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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FBD Holdings plc Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORT148

Printed on paper sourced from sustainably managed forests.

FBD House, Bluebell, Dublin 12

fbd.ie