Fiducian Group
Annual Report 2023

Plain-text annual report

ANNUAL REPORT 2023 Contents Financial Highlights Five Year Financial Summary Executive Chairman’s Report Directors’ Report Auditor’s Independence Declaration Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Notes to the Financial Statements Directors’ Declaration Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members Shareholder Information Corporate Directory Financial Adviser Office Locations CONTENTS 2 4 5 12 24 26 27 28 29 30 71 72 77 79 80 Annual Report 2023 1 Financial Highlights For 2023 Fund Performance 3 yrs 5 yrs 7 yrs 10 yrs Cap Stable 46/103 24/94 14/90 8/84 Balanced 94/168 49/158 22/150 6/142 Growth 33/168 20/158 2/150 2/142 Ultra Growth 109/120 101/113 73/106 8/94 Flagship funds performance ranking for three, five, seven and ten years to 30 June 2023 against all funds in the Morningstar survey. FUMAA* $12.3b 13% increase from $10.9b at 30 June 2022 Revenue UEBITDA* $73.3m $20.9m Statutory NPAT Dividends $12.3m 30.30c per share Financial Advisers Offices 80 Aligned Advisers & Associates 45 Offices across Australia UNPAT* $15.1m Net Inflows* $364m * (UEBITDA) – Underlying Earnings Before Interest Tax Depreciation Amortisation, no AASB 16 adjustment on lease rent and interest on lease liability (UNPAT) – Underlying Net Profit After Tax, no AASB 16 adjustment on lease rent and interest on lease liability (FUMAA) – Funds Under Management, Administration and Advice Net Inflows – Includes $100m from Auxilium and badges 2 Fiducian Group Ltd Revenue ($ million) Underlying EBITDA ($ million) Underlying NPAT ($ million) 3 . 3 7 . 5 9 6 1 . 6 1 8 . 8 5 . 9 4 5 . 4 9 4 . 2 9 5 1 7 1 . 8 . 1 2 . 9 0 2 . 0 2 1 1 . 5 1 . 7 5 1 1 4 7 1 2 1 . . 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Dividends (cents) . 0 3 2 3 . 2 2 Share Price - 30 June Closing ($) EPS based on UNPAT (cents) . 7 9 9 2 6 2 . . 3 0 3 6 1 . 5 0 0 5 . 9 2 0 7 7 6 . . . 9 9 9 4 4 5 4 0 4 . . . 0 8 4 2 8 . 5 3 . 8 3 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Annual Report 2023 3 FINANCIAL SUMMARY Five Year Financial Summary For the years 2019 to 2023 Financial History Financial Performance Gross Revenue Underlying EBITDA (UEBITDA) Underlying Net Profit After Tax (UNPAT) Statutory Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) Cost To Income Ratio (CTI) - ex amortisation % Financial Position Total Assets Total Equity Cash 2019 $’000 2020 $’000 2021 $’000 2022 $’000 49,404 54,904 58,839 69,539 16,065 12,047 10,350 56% 17,499 12,725 10,463 55% 19,218 14,131 12,179 53% 21,791 15,697 13,317 55% 2023 $’000 73,311 20,856 15,110 12,319 60% 45,899 34,826 11,792 54,653 58,595 38,123 13,961 42,869 19,316 70,691 47,132 17,484 69,147 50,905 19,648 Performance over the Last Five Years 8% Annualised UNPAT Growth 7% Annualised EPS Growth 10% Annualised Gross Revenue Growth 9% 5% Annualised Dividend Growth Annualised Share Price Growth 4 Fiducian Group Ltd Executive Chairman’s Report Dear Shareholders, As Executive Chairman and on behalf of the directors, I am pleased to present this report on the consolidated operating performance of Fiducian Group Limited and its controlled operating entities for the year ended 30 June 2023. Highlights Fiducian is now in its 27th year of operation. Since inception, our objective to become and remain a profit generating company for the benefit of our shareholders has not wavered. Yes, we do get affected from time to time by geopolitical tensions and correspondingly financial market gyrations, but the Board’s mandate to management to operate a stable business that aims to deliver steady growth based on the principles of People, Profit and Planet is being delivered. Our Fintech capability continues to churn out new features and functionality for Force, our financial planning software and FasTrack our platform administration system. This has led to greater digital communication between financial advisers and their clients. As well, badged products and Auxillium, our platform for the Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) market have received accolades from users for the quality of administration service provided. The interest from IFAs has been encouraging. In a short period, we now have around $210 million under administration in Auxillium and badged products, which we expect could become a valuable revenue generator and add to our core business. The core Fiducian label businesses of Platform Administration, Funds Management and Financial Planning have operated efficiently and delivered revenue as expected. We began the year at $10.9 billion of Funds Under Management Advice and Administration (FUMAA) . Share markets, which are the key driver of our assets turned upward between October and January and then drifted sideways. This resilience of the market supported by inflows to our funds and platforms helped us end the financial year with FUMAA just over $12.3 billion. This is a high starting point and subject to market movements over the next twelve months, could deliver positive revenue growth. The platform administration fee adjustment that reduced revenue by almost $1 million in comparison with the 2021-22 financial year is now fully absorbed. So too is the revenue lost at integration and the additional salary cost of 40 new employees from the acquisition of the financial planning business of People’s Choice Credit Union (PCCU) in South Australia. The rate of improvement in South Australia is reassuring and the performance exhibited over recent months could well propel it to the position of our largest contributor to new funds inflow in 2023-24. Over the year, our advisers have spent a great deal of time adjusting portfolios of retiree clients by executing re-contribution strategies. On a client’s passing, this strategy will enable their beneficiaries to pay less tax when inheriting death benefits. Besides the effort and time spent on this “client best interest” strategy, our advisers have had to overcome client nervousness about the volatility arising from high inflation, rising interest rates and geopolitical turmoil. Net inflows to Fiducian platforms for the financial year have come in at $265 million. This excludes net inflows of around $100 million in the platform badges from external IFAs stated earlier. Over the next financial year, our expanded network of financial advisers is expected to deliver funds flows that exceed those of the current financial year. Investment markets have been fighting off the wall of worry, stemming from a global increase in interest rates to bring down inflation and also uncertainty coupled with some irresponsible nuclear related statements from Russia in its war to acquire Ukraine. Inflation is coming down, but it is still too high and the risk is that high interest rates could cause a recession in North America, Europe and Australia by the end of 2023 or early 2024; which depending upon its severity, might adversely impact financial markets. However, as has historically been the case, post-recession periods have delivered strong share market growth for years to come and we intend to capitalise on this transformation for the benefit of our shareholders, stakeholders and people. To expand sources of revenue generation, effort is being directed to distribution of platform administration services through Auxillium and badged products, which could disrupt the established platform market. We also remain on the lookout for further earnings per share accretive acquisitions of client bases and growing our Fiducian franchise network. While acknowledging that the strength of financial markets influence future performance, the Business Plan for the year ahead focuses on our competitive advantages to lift profits. Greater emphasis on promoting our successes through marketing is planned. Management remains committed to achieving the goals and objectives set down in the plan. Fiducian staff and management have done an exemplary job under difficult circumstances and need to be congratulated. Management and the Board remain positive for further growth of Fiducian in the future. Annual Report 2023 5 EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Financial Information Capital Management Results for the year The Underlying Net Profit After Tax decreased by 4% to $15.1 million (2022: $15.7 million). Statutory Net Profit After Tax decreased by 7% to $12.3 million (2022: $13.3 million) as a consequence of the uncertain economic environment when the average FUMAA declined early in the financial year. The underlying earnings per share decreased 4% from 49.9 cents in 2022 to 48.0 cents in the current year. However, in the last quarter of the year, markets have rebounded and as a result the combined FUMAA grew 13% to $12.3 billion (June 2022: $10.9 billion). Further recovery in financial markets should contribute more revenue increases in the year ahead. A key feature of the company is that it continues to maintain a clean Balance Sheet and remains debt free with a positive working capital and cash flow position. However, if circumstances dictate, a capital raising or debt funding may be considered where suitable acquisitions or business growth opportunities present themselves. Final Dividend The Board remains prudent, but is confident that the future of the business is positive and likely to continue to strengthen through organic growth and acquisitions of client bases that can benefit from the Fiducian process. As a result, a fully franked final dividend of 18.0 cents per share has been declared which will bring the total fully franked dividend declared for the 2023 financial year to 30.3 cents (2022: 29.7 cents). The full year dividend represents 63% of the Underlying NPAT (cash profit) for the year. The final dividend will be paid on 11 September 2023 on issued shares held on 28 August 2023. Financial highlights Year Ending 30 June 2023 2022 $ Change % Change Funds Under Management, Advice and Administration (FUMAA) 12.34 Billion 10.94 Billion 1.4 Billion 13% $’000 $’000 73,311 (18,849) 54,462 74% 22,442 (1,587) 20,855 (388) (5,357) 15,110 (2,772) ( 19) 12,319 48.0 39.1 69,539 3.8 Million 6% (18,356) 51,183 3.3 Million 6% 74% 23,156 0.7 Million 3% (1,365) 21,791 0.9 Million 4% (303) (5,791) 15,697 0.6 Million 4% (2,269) (111) 13,317 1.0 Million 49.9 42.3 7% 4% Operating Revenue Fees and Charges paid Net Revenue Gross Margin EBITDA Add back rent and deduct interest on lease liabilities Underlying EBITDA Depreciation Tax on underlying earnings Underlying NPAT (UNPAT) Amortisation AASB 16 Leases adjustment impacts - Office Lease Statutory NPAT Basic EPS based on UNPAT (in cents) Basic EPS based on NPAT (in cents) 6 Fiducian Group Ltd Growth in Funds Under Management Administration and Advice (FUMAA) (in $ billion) EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN’S REPORT +84% 9.33 11.51 10.94 10.44 12.34 11.85 8.20 8.03 7.40 14.00 12.00 10.00 8.00 6.72 6.30 6.00 4.00 2.00 - Jun 18 Dec 18 Jun 19 Dec 19 Jun 20 Dec 20 Jun 21 Dec 21 Jun 22 Dec 22 Jun 23 FUA FUM FUAdm On Market Buy-Back Financial Planning During the year, no shares were bought back on market leaving 31.44 million shares on issue at year end. During the year, Funds under Advice grew from $4.4 billion in June 2022 to $4.6 billion in June 2023. Cash Flow Net operating cash flows decreased from $18.7 million in 2022 to $14.2 million in 2023. Further, dividends of $8.6 million were paid during the period. Notwithstanding, net cash and cash equivalents increased by $2.2 million (2022: increase $1.8 million). Cash at year-end was therefore $19.6 million compared to $17.5 million at the end of 2022. Staff and Chairman Options In accordance with the terms and conditions of the approved Employee and Director Share Option Plan, no options will be issued to the Executive Chairman with respect to the year ended 30 June 2023. Financial advisers coming across from PCCU have already started placing clients in Fiducian platforms on a client best interest basis. In addition, the Group provided loan funding of $1.1 million to assist two franchisees to acquire financial planning practices. Net inflows of $265 million were received during the year from aligned advisers. We expect net inflows to rise in 2024 as newer financial advisers, particularly those from PCCU in South Australia and the Northern Territory along with new franchised offices, appreciate the many benefits of the Fiducian compliant process for clients. Fiducian expects the highest level of compliance and client service from its financial planning network. It is possible, that we may have one of the highest supervisory management to financial adviser ratios in Australia, but we feel this is necessary. Internal training programs have intensified face to face. They differentiate our financial advisers from the marketplace and enable them to deliver superior quality advice in a compliant manner. As a consequence, client retention remains high. Our focus will remain on generating inflows through organic and inorganic growth, while further acquisitions of client bases are being negotiated. Annual Report 2023 7 EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Salaried and Franchised Offices Superannuation The Superannuation Trustee Board established for Fiducian Superannuation Service, our public offer superannuation wrap fund in March 2015 with a majority of independent directors, operates professionally and with independence. The Trustee Board including new directors that joined last year, is functioning well and carrying out its duties diligently. The Board is supported by the Office of Superannuation Trustee and outsources key operational processes to specialist service providers. Funds Management Our in-house Manage-the-Manager system of investment continues to attract the majority of retail funds placed with us. Fiducian Funds have performed well over the medium to long-term in their respective categories as we diversify their assets through a range of underlying fund managers to reduce risk and volatility. Information Technology The Fiducian Information Technology development team has been busily working from both home and head office to provide system enhancements that deliver efficiency and wide-ranging functionality to FORCe our financial planning system and to ‘FasTrack’, our platform administration system. The improvements provide integration with our on-line reporting tools and give us an edge when competing for administration related business for Auxillium and as well scope to distribute FORCe on a standalone basis. Company owned offices with salaried financial advisers are now based in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, Northern Territory and Tasmania and continue to contribute to overall results. Salaried offices now comprise over 53.4% of Funds under Advice. We now have 41 salaried advisers. Franchised offices now comprise around 46.6% of our Funds under Advice. We have 39 franchised financial advisers nationally. Platform Administration Platform Administration offers portfolio wrap administration for superannuation and investment services to financial advisers and as well, Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs) which offer investors direct access to a small number of shares and funds that are managed separately for them. Therefore, Fiducian labelled platforms for Fiducian financial advisers are now complemented by badged platforms and Auxillium, which deal only with the external market. We have proven the capability of our administration system and are successfully competing against established players for such business. We have grown fund under administration to $210 million in this segment, one that we believe could become a major revenue earner for us. Funds under administration on our Fiducian labelled platforms stood at $3.27 billion on 30 June 2023. Overall growth in Net Funds under administration is driven by new inflows and market growth. Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs) Funds under Administration for IFAs is around 14% of total Funds under Administration. Efforts are underway to build new relationships and increase net inflows from non- aligned financial adviser groups, in particular, through SMA administration services and wider adoption of our existing platforms and funds. Net Funds Inflows - Six monthly (in $ million) 200 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 Jun 18 Dec 18 Jun 19 Dec 19 Jun 20 Dec 20 Jun 21 Dec 21 Jun 22 Dec 22 Jun 23 8 Fiducian Group Ltd EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Mr Robert Bucknell our founding Chairman and visionary for the company’s future has decided that he will retire from the Board at the AGM. Mr Bucknell has guided the company and mentored others through the last 27 years, for which we will remain forever grateful. He will be missed. Mrs Kerry Skellern who has operational experience and is also a consultant to other company directors has joined the Board. Her appointment should be ratified at the AGM. Community Support Despite the headwinds, Fiducian has continued providing support to community organisations and sporting teams linked to our financial planning network. We currently sponsor 18 teams across Australia. For the last three years we have supported the junior development program for coaching at Avondale Golf Club in Sydney. While our contribution is modest, we are proud that a young lady golfer from the club, qualified last year for the USLPGA and won a tournament in just her third event. Vision Beyond AUS (VBA), a charity supported by the Fiducian Group, has continued its services in hospitals in India, Myanmar, Nepal, Cambodia and Ethiopia. More than 50,345 men, women and children who live in abject poverty have had their eyesight restored. In addition, surgical equipment has been donated to overseas hospitals. Some 18,000 children have been screened for eye disabilities in rural areas of Nepal. Fiducian staff voluntarily provide accounting, administration and marketing support to VBA to ensure that every single dollar contributed by generous donors goes towards eliminating visual impairment in the world. Current Economic and Market Environment The global economy has continued to slow this year in response to severe measures taken by monetary authorities around the world, and especially across the advanced economies, to counter rising inflationary pressures. Inflation rose significantly from early last year due to what in retrospect appears to have been excessive stimulus provided to combat worldwide lockdowns imposed to stall the spread of the COVID pandemic. The Russian invasion of Ukraine that began in February 2022 added to the inflationary impulse by pushing up commodity prices. Inflation reached its highest level in more than 40 years in a number of jurisdictions before starting to trend lower towards the end of last year. This year, the International Monetary Fund is forecasting global growth to be 2.8%, with the US to grow by 1.6%, the Euro area by 0.8%, Japan by 1.3% and the UK to contract by 0.3%. Growth in the developing world is expected to be led by China (5.2%) and India (5.9%). It is also possible that contractionary policies could lead to recession in a number of countries, with the IMF noting that ‘risks to the outlook are heavily skewed to the downside’. It now appears that central banks have thus far been successful in reducing inflation, most notably in the case of the US, where the annual inflation rate in June came in at just 3.0%. Annual Report 2023 9 Human Resources Management and Staff At Fiducian we have always acknowledged staff as our most important and valuable asset and we continue to nurture and help them grow personally and into positions of responsibility. Our strategy to view our staff as a large Fiducian family standing alongside each other in difficult times has held us in good stead as staff have reciprocated with a show of superior performance and loyalty in volatile times. Management has taken a hybrid approach to working, with teams splitting their working days between the office and home while continuing to discharge their duties, meet regulatory obligations and remain connected with their colleagues and clients. This transformation of the work environment has been made possible by our IT enhancements. Fiducian has and will always be an equal opportunity employer. Our diversity policy encourages persons of different race, gender, sexual preferences, religion, national or ethnic origin, age or disability and skills to participate and receive recognition, reward and management responsibility commensurate with their performance. Employees are from 26 different countries of origin, 49% are female with 15% of female employees in senior roles. 22% of our employees are over 55 years of age. Advisers council The Advisers Council is drawn from our supporting financial advisers and has again made a significant contribution to the Company during the past year. It continues to fulfil its role as a sounding board for the Company’s management and Boards and is a valuable resource and forum to alert us on financial planning issues, FORCe enhancements and FasTrack changes that lift client care and operational efficiency. Board of Directors The Board of Directors and Management has worked together cohesively as a team with respect and candour for each other but with a clear mutual understanding of each other’s roles and responsibilities in achieving optimal performance. EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN’S REPORT While forecasts of average corporate earnings growth for this year are very soft for most economies, further tightening of monetary policy in Europe and the USA for example, could result in even weaker earnings outcomes. This year earnings are forecast to contract or stay flat in major economies expand in China and India (MSCI data as at 6 July, Yardeni Research). It now appears that restrictive monetary policy could stay in place until inflation is much lower and global earnings may not rebound until 2024, when they are forecast to rise by 11%. As monetary policy was steadily tightened last year, many key stock markets, as well as bond markets, lost value. Starting in October however, markets began to steadily rally, with a slight upward bias still in place by mid-2023. As a result, some markets, especially a narrowly focused part of the US tech sector, have begun to look fully priced. Nonetheless, for our diversified funds we continue to take a cautious approach and remain close to benchmark in our allocation to ‘growth’ assets. As always, we recommend that investors should consult a Fiducian financial adviser to develop financial plans with the aim of achieving diversified investment strategies that over time could help investors realise their financial goals. Outlook Consistent with our strategy over the last 27 years, our focus remains the establishment of a business with a rock-solid foundation and growth strategies to enable upscaling on existing capacity and leveraging our controlled, relatively low fixed cost base. This strategy has benefited us in difficult and uncertain times. The Board’s aim remains to build scale and deliver consistent double-digit earnings growth in coming years and Management is determined to stay committed and focused in this difficult climate, to achieve this goal. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank all participants for their individual contributions to the growth and success of Fiducian. Inderjit (Indy) Singh OAM Executive Chairman Sydney, 14 August 2023 Fiducian Community 10 Fiducian Group Ltd EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Vision Beyond AUS Fiducian Supported Charity Vision Beyond AUS (Public Benevolent Institution) Vision Beyond Australia Ltd, a charity proudly supported by the Fiducian Group, received Public Benevolent Institution status effective from 1 January 2019. The charity remains a registered charitable fund since 2011 with tax deductible gift recipient status, but is now able to remit donations directly to its overseas projects. The charity which is dedicated to restoring eyesight for people living in poverty, operates in Myanmar, Cambodia, Nepal, India and Ethiopia through 6 hospitals and has restored eyesight for over 50,345 men, women and children. We estimate that around 200,000 persons would have received medical attention during the process. IMAGE: A boy writing his name on the notebook provided by Vision Beyond Aus Annual Report 2023 11 DIRECTORS’ REPORT Directors’ Report Your directors present their report on the Fiducian Group Limited (“the Company”) and its wholly owned operating entities (referred to hereafter as “the Group”) for the year ended 30 June 2023. Directors The following persons were directors of Fiducian Group Limited during the financial year and up to the date of this report: • I Singh • R Bucknell • F Khouri • S Hallab • K Skellern (appointed 1 June 2023) Principal activities During the year the principal continuing activities of the Group consisted of: a. Operating an Investor Directed Portfolio Service through its wholly owned subsidiary, Fiducian Investment Management Services Limited; b. Acting as the Responsible Entity of the Fiducian Funds and Separately Managed Accounts service through its wholly owned subsidiary, Fiducian Investment Management Services Limited; c. Acting as the Trustee of Fiducian Superannuation Service through its wholly owned subsidiary, Fiducian Portfolio Services Limited; d. Providing specialist financial planning services through its wholly owned operating subsidiary, Fiducian Financial Services Pty Limited; e. Providing client account administration platforms to clients and corporate services to other entities within the Group through its wholly owned subsidiary, Fiducian Services Pty Limited; f. Development of IT software systems for financial planning and wrap platform administration through its wholly owned subsidiary, Fiducian Services Pty Limited; and g. Distribution of the products and service offerings of the Group companies through its wholly owned operating subsidiary, Fiducian Business Services Pty Limited. Dividends Dividends paid to members during the financial year were as follows: Dividends Final ordinary fully franked dividend for the year ended 30 June 2022 of 14.90 cents (2021: Fully franked 14.60 cents) per share paid on 12 September 2022. Interim ordinary fully franked dividend for the year ended 30 June 2023 of 12.30 cents (2022: Fully franked 14.80 cents) per share paid on 13 March 2023. Total dividends paid during the year 2023 $’000 4,690 3,872 8,562 2022 $’000 4,596 4,658 9,254 Subsequent to the end of the financial year, the directors of the parent entity, Fiducian Group Limited have declared a final fully franked dividend for the year ended 30 June 2023 of 18.0 cents per ordinary share held on 28 August 2023 and payable on 11 September 2023. 12 Fiducian Group Ltd DIRECTORS’ REPORT Review of operations A summary of consolidated revenues and results by significant industry segments is set out below: Funds Management Financial Planning Platform Administration Corporate Services Total Depreciation and amortisation Income tax expenses Segment Revenues Segment Results 2023 $’000 19,835 27,555 14,738 11,183 73,311 2022 $’000 20,760 22,287 14,974 11,518 69,539 2023 $’000 13,141 3,693 12,601 (6,992) 22,443 (4,775) (5,349) 2022 $’000 13,457 2,996 13,081 (6,378) 23,156 (4,092) (5,747) Net profit attributable to members of Fiducian Group Limited 12,319 13,317 Comments on operations and results Comments on the operations, business strategies, prospects and financial position are contained in the report of the Executive Chairman. Shareholder returns The Executive Chairman has outlined in his report to the shareholders how the Group delivered a solid result despite the considerable volatility in the economic environment, the global economic slowdown, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing impact of rising interest rates and inflation on the domestic economy. After consideration of the economic environment and the strength of the company’s debt-free balance sheet, the directors have decided on a dividend distribution of 18.0 cents per share for the second half, bringing the full year dividend to 30.3 cents per share (2022: 29.70 cents). Matters subsequent to the end of the financial year Mr Robert Bucknell, director, will not be seeking re- appointment as director at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 19 October 2023. As a consequence, he will retire as a director at the conclusion of the AGM. Fiducian is deeply indebted to Mr Bucknell for his substantial contribution to the ongoing success of Fiducian through 27 years as director, and for the majority of that time Non-Executive Chairman, of the Group. Other than this there has not arisen in the interval between the end of the financial year and the date of this report any item, transaction or event of a material or unusual nature likely, in the opinion of the directors of the Group, to impact the results of those operations or the state of affairs of the Group in subsequent years. Likely developments and expected results of operations The Executive Chairman has commented on expected results of operations in his Executive Chairman’s Report. Other than this, there are no likely developments that may have significant impact on the expected results or operations of the Group. Environmental regulation The Group is not subject to significant environmental regulations under a Commonwealth, State or Territory law. Employee diversity Fiducian is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. It endorses diversity and currently has a number of employees that bring different skill-sets from their countries of origin. We recognize that diversity includes, but is not limited to gender, age, ethnicity and cultural backgrounds. Our diversity policy encourages persons of different gender, ethnic backgrounds, ages and skills to participate and receive recognition, reward and authority commensurate with their performance. Employees are comprised of staff from over 29 countries of origin, 21% over 55 years, and 48% female with 20% in senior roles. The Group’s current gender diversity report is available to be viewed on the Group website. Annual Report 2023 13 DIRECTORS’ REPORT Key management personnel disclosures 1. Information on current Directors I Singh BTech, MComm (Bus), ASIA, ASFA, DipFP, CFP Executive Chairman Experience and expertise Founder and Managing Director of the Company since 1996 and Execuitve Chairman since 25 October 2018. General Management and hands-on experience in funds management and superannuation funds over the past 34 years. Other current directorships in listed entities None Former directorships in the last 3 years None Special responsibilities Executive Chairman of the Group. Interest in shares and options 10,942,685 ordinary shares in Fiducian Group Limited. R Bucknell FCA Independent non-executive director Experience and expertise Chairman from 1996 until 25 October 2018. Extensive experience in accounting and business management over the past 56 years as a Chartered Accountant. After 27 years as director, and for the majority of that time Non-Executive Chairman of the Group, Mr Robert Bucknell will not be seeking re-appointment as director at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 19 October 2023. As a consequence, he will retire as a director at the conclusion of the AGM. Other current directorships in listed entities None Former directorships in the last 3 years None Special responsibilities Chairman of the Group Remuneration Committee and member of the Audit Risk and Compliance Committee for Fiducian Group Limited and subsidiary entities, Fiducian Investment Management Services Ltd and Fiducian Financial Services Pty Limited. Interest in shares and options 500,000 ordinary shares in Fiducian Group Limited. F G Khouri BBus, FCPA, CTA Independent non-executive director Experience and expertise Appointed to the Board 6 July 2007. Public accountant, registered company auditor, financial adviser and business adviser since 1976 to small and medium enterprises. Other current directorships in listed entities None Former directorships in the last 3 years None Special responsibilities Director of Fiducian Portfolio Services Limited (Subsidiary) until his retirement from the board on 1 July 2022 after having served for 15 years. Member of the Audit Risk and Compliance Committees for Fiducian Group Limited and the subsidiary entities, Fiducian Investment Management Services Ltd and Fiducian Financial Services Pty Limited. Member of the Group Remuneration Committees. Interest in shares and options 268,323 ordinary shares in Fiducian Group Limited. S Hallab BEc (Accnt & Law), CA, GAICD, FAIST Independent non-executive director Experience and expertise Board member since 12 August 2016. Chartered Accountant and registered tax agent. Has over 40 years of experience in finance and superannuation. 14 Fiducian Group Ltd DIRECTORS’ REPORT Other current directorships in listed entities None Former directorships in the last 3 years Director of Ensurance Limited (ASX code: ENA) till his resignatation on 30 November 2022. Special responsibilities Director of Fiducian Portfolio Services Limited (Trustee Subsidiary). Chairman of the Audit Risk and Compliance Committees for Fiducian Group Limited and the subsidiary entities, Fiducian Investment Management Services Ltd and Fiducian Financial Services Pty Limited and a member of the Group Remuneration Committee. Member of the Trustee Subsidiary Audit Risk and Compliance Committee and Remuneration and Nominations Committtee in respect of the Fiducian Superannuation Service. Interest in shares and options 107,527 ordinary shares in Fiducian Group Limited. K Skellern BE (Chem, Hons), BSc, Grad Dip (Bus Admin), FAICD Independent non-executive director Experience and expertise Appointed as a director of Fiducian Group Limited on 1 June 2023. Has held non-executive director and chair roles in the building, infrastructure and aged care sectors, with extensive experience in strategic sales, marketing and R&D at senior executive levels. Other current directorships in listed entities None Former directorships in the last 3 years None Special responsibilities Member of the Group Remuneration Committee and member of the Audit Risk and Compliance Committee for the Fiducian Group Limited and the subsidiary entities, Fiducian Investment Management Services Limited and Fiducian Financial Services Pty Limited. Interest in shares and options Nil 2. Company secretary P Gubecka LLB, LLM, BCom, CPA, FGIA, FCG (CS, CGP) Company Secretary Experience and expertise Mr. P Gubecka is the Company secretary and the General Counsel of the Group. Mr. Gubecka is an Australian legal practitioner and CPA with over 16 years experience in financial services and superannuation. 3. Meetings of directors The number of meetings of the company’s Board of Directors and of each board committee held during the year ended 30 June 2023, and the number of meetings attended by each director were: Meetings of directors Meetings of committees Board Audit Risk & Compliance Remuneration A 5 5 5 5 1 B 5 5 5 5 1 A - 4 5 5 - B - 5 5 5 - A - 1 1 1 - B - 1 1 1 - I Singh R Bucknell F Khouri S Hallab K Skellern A = Number of meetings attended. B = Number of meetings held during the time the director held office or was a member of the committee during the year. Annual Report 2023 15 DIRECTORS’ REPORT 4. Other Directors’ fees The current base remuneration was last reviewed in July 2021. The non-executive directors are paid a fixed fee for participation in Board and Committee meetings plus a fee based on time spent on any additional matters as approved by the Board. Directors who are financial advisers, may have received remuneration from placing their financial planning business with the Group. Non-executive directors’ fees for the Company are determined within an aggregate directors’ fee pool limit, which is periodically recommended for approval by shareholders. The maximum pool is $450,000 per annum, which was previously approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 20 October 2016. Retirement allowance for directors There are no retirement allowances for non-executive directors other than superannuation accumulation arising from any compulsory superannuation guarantee contributions made on their behalf. (b) Executive Chairman Remuneration and other terms of employment for the Executive Chairman are formalised in a service agreement. The Executive Chairman’s agreement provides for the provision of performance based cash bonuses and, where eligible, participation in the Employee and Director Share Option Plan. Other major provisions of the agreement are set out below: I Singh, Executive Chairman • Term of agreement - until 30 June 2024 • Base salary, inclusive of superannuation, annual and long service leave and salary sacrifice benefits • Short-term performance incentives • Long-term incentives through the Fiducian Group Limited Employee and Director Share Option Plan (ESOP) • Retirement benefits, and • The employment agreement may be terminated by either party with six-month notice The combination of these comprises the executive’s total remuneration package. An external remuneration consultant advises the Remuneration Committee, at least every 3 years, to ensure that the Group has structured an executive remuneration package that is market competitive and complimentary to the reward strategy of the organisation. Their most recent review was in July 2021. Mr. I Singh as Executive Chairman of Fiducian Group Limited, had authority for and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group, directly or indirectly, during the financial year ended 30 June 2023. This authority and responsibility is unchanged from the previous year. 5. Remuneration report The remuneration report is set out under the following main headings: A - Principles used to determine the nature and the amount of remuneration B - Details of remuneration C - Service agreements and induction process D - Share-based compensation E - Additional information F - Director’s superannuation G - Loans to directors H - Other transactions with key management personnel The information provided under headings A - E include remuneration disclosures that are required under Australian Accounting Standard AASB 124 Related Party Disclosures. These disclosures have been included in the Directors’ Report and have been audited. A - Principles used to determine the nature and the amount of remuneration The objective of the Group’s executive reward framework is to ensure reward for performance is competitive and appropriate for the results delivered. The framework aligns executive reward with achievement of strategic objectives and the creation of value for shareholders, and conforms to market practice for delivery of reward. The Board seeks to ensure that executive reward satisfies the following key criteria for good reward governance practices: • Competitiveness and reasonableness • Acceptability to shareholders • Performance linkage / alignment of executive compensation • Transparency • Capital management (a) Non-executive directors Fees and payments to non-executive directors reflect the demands which are made on, and the responsibilities of, the directors. Non- executive directors’ fees and payments are reviewed annually by the Board. Non-executive directors are not entitled to options under the Employee and Director Share Option Plan. 16 Fiducian Group Ltd Base salary Mr. I Singh receives a base pay that comprises the fixed component of pay and the potential for rewards, which reflects the market value for his role. The base salary is reviewed annually by the Group Remuneration Committee at the commencement of each financial year. There are no guaranteed base pay increases fixed in the executive’s contract. Short-term incentives (STI) The STI aims to provide an incentive to the Executive Chairman to act in the best interests of the Company, its shareholders, clients, staff and all stakeholders, such that the Company achieves and possibly exceeds its targets for the financial year. In setting or paying a STI or bonus, the Group Remuneration Committee ensures that a bonus does not encourage undue risk taking that would be detrimental to any part of the Company or its clients. Board policy dictates that the Executive Chairman’s performance for a financial year is reviewed and evaluated by the Remuneration Committee. The cornerstone to assessing the performance of the Executive Chairman is the fulfilment of three broad objectives namely: a) Activities that ensure delivery of quality output to standards and timeliness which ensure compliance with statutory guidelines and as well, enhance client and stakeholder relationships; b) Production of results and growth outcomes that enable Business Plan objectives to be achieved; and c) Leadership, management of staff, strengthening good corporate culture and managing risks. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of the Executive Chairman are set by the Group Remuneration Committee. The Group Remuneration Committee uses both objective and subjective measures in its evaluation and on the basis of the methodology below, the Executive Chairman achieved 88% of the KPIs set for the financial year. DIRECTORS’ REPORT The business and operating areas considered are Financial Planning, Funds Management, Business Development and Distribution, and Fiducian Services comprising of Platform Administration, Risk Management, Legal, Information Technology, Marketing and Finance. Each business area’s Executive Leader has a number of underlying KPIs that lie within the broad objectives a), b), and c) outlined above. The underlying KPIs of each Executive Leader may differ and depend on their roles and responsibilities. The Executive Chairman sets the underlying KPIs for each Executive Leader and so each business area has a number of performance measures required to be delivered during the year. Achievement by Executive Leaders of all the KPIs identified for them would satisfy the Board that sufficient personal exertion has been contributed towards achievement of the targets set in the Business Plan for the year, which is approved by the Board. A failure to achieve or deliver on any KPI item within the three broad objectives by any business area stated above is therefore considered a failure by the Executive Chairman to achieve all his KPIs. The employment contract with the Executive Chairman stipulates that a maximum of 20% of that year’s fixed remuneration should be paid to the Executive Chairman if all KPIs are satisfied. The Executive Chairman was therefore entitled to a STI of $105,600 but chose to receive a bonus of $20,000. Long-term incentives Mr. I Singh is entitled to a discretionary performance bonus of up to 100,000 options per year determined as at 30 June each year, based on the following measures: • The Company’s pre-tax profit or • The Company’s underlying net profit after tax or • The 30-day average of June market value for ordinary shares in the company Group Performance and Shareholder returns Underlying Net Profit After Tax (UNPAT) (in ‘000) Statutory Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) (in ‘000) EPS based on UNPAT (in cents) EPS based on NPAT (in cents) Dividends (in cents) Share Price - 30 June closing (in $) 2023 15,110 12,319 48.0 39.1 30.3 5.82 2022 15,697 13,317 49.9 42.3 29.7 7.29 2021 14,131 12,179 44.9 38.7 26.9 6.70 2020 12,725 10,463 40.5 33.3 23.0 5.00 2019 12,047 10,350 38.3 33.0 22.3 5.16 Annual Report 2023 17 DIRECTORS’ REPORT The options are issued under the company’s ESOP at the rate of 5,000 options for each 1% increase in annual profit in excess of 15% or 5,000 options for each 1% increase in the 30-day average for June market value for ordinary shares in the Company, whichever is higher, and only after approval by the shareholders of the Company. For the year ended 30 June 2023, Mr. I Singh is not entitled to any options. Retirement and termination benefits Retirement benefits are delivered under the Fiducian Superannuation Service. This fund provides accumulation benefits based on the superannuation guarantee charge contributions for the specified executive, on commercial terms and conditions. Other retirement benefits may be provided directly by the Group only if approved by the shareholders. Payment of a termination benefit on early termination by the Executive Chairman or by mutual consent is equal to 6 months of the gross annual remuneration. B - Details of remuneration Details of the remuneration of the key management personnel are set out in the following table: Short-Term Employee Benefits Benefits Payment Post- Share- Employment Based Cash salary & fees $ Cash bonus $ Annual & long service leave $ Super- annuation $ Options $ Total $ 2023 Name Executive Chairman I Singh 1 572,501 18,100 37,077 27,499 16,329 671,506 Non-executive directors R Bucknell F Khouri 2 S Hallab K Skellern 3 Totals 86,878 50,488 104,816 3,469 818,152 - - - - - - - - 9,122 5,301 11,006 364 - - - - 96,000 55,789 115,822 3,833 18,100 37,077 53,292 16,329 942,950 1 Mr I Singh is not entitled to any options in respect of the year ended 30 June 2023. The amount shown as options payment relates to the options issued for the year ended 30 June 2021 and represents the remaining value of those options expensed over the remainder vesting period in accordance with the accounting standards. 2 This excludes fees of $339,332 for financial planning and other services paid to companies in which Mr F Khouri has an interest in his capacity as a financial adviser. 3 K Skellern was appointed on 1 June 2023. 18 Fiducian Group Ltd DIRECTORS’ REPORT Short-Term Employee Benefits Benefits Payment Post- Share- Employment Based Cash salary & fees $ Cash bonus $ Annual & long service leave $ Super- annuation $ Options $ Total $ 2022 Name Executive Chairman I Singh 1 558,317 13,000 30,207 27,500 47,828 676,852 Non-executive directors R Bucknell 2 F Khouri 3 S Hallab Totals 87,273 106,615 96,604 848,809 - - - - - - 13,000 30,207 8,727 10,662 9,660 56,549 - - - 96,000 117,277 106,264 47,828 996,393 1 Mr I Singh is not entitled to any options in respect of the year ended 30 June 2022. The amount shown as options payment relates to the grant for the previous year and represents the value of those options expensed over its term in accordance with accounting standards. The total amount of options relating to the previous year is $114,300 which will be expensed over the vesting period. 2 Excludes GST if paid to another firm. Including amounts paid to the director’s company only in respect to director’s duties. 3 This excludes fees of $367,029 for financial planning and other services paid to companies in which Mr F Khouri has an interest in his capacity as a financial adviser. C - Service agreements and induction process The service agreement of the Executive Chairman is detailed in paragraph A(b) earlier. There are no service agreements with non-executive directors or employees. In preparation for appointment to the Board, all non-executive directors undergo an induction program and receive an induction pack of documents necessary for them to understand Fiducian’s charters, policies, procedures, culture and ethical values to enable new directors to carry out their duties in an effective and efficient manner. Annual Report 2023 19 DIRECTORS’ REPORT D - Share-based compensation (i) Options compensation and holdings Options over shares in Fiducian Group Limited are granted under the Employee and Director Share Option Plan, which was approved by shareholders on 28 July 2000. The plan is described under Note 24. The number of options for ordinary shares in the Company held directly by the Executive Chairman of Fiducian Group Limited and details of options for ordinary shares in the Company provided as remuneration to the key management personnel of the Group are set out below. 2023 Name I Singh 1 Balance at the start of the year 90,000 Exercised - Granted during the year as remuneration1 Lapsed during the year Balance at the end of the year Vested and exercisable - - 90,000 90,000 1 Under the terms of his employment Mr I Singh is not entitled to any options relating to the year ended 30 June 2023. 2022 Name I Singh 1 Balance at the start of the year 35,000 Exercised 35,000 Granted during the year as remuneration1 Lapsed during the year Balance at the end of the year Vested and exercisable 90,000 - 90,000 - 1 Under the terms of his employment Mr I Singh is not entitled to any options relating to the year ended 30 June 2022. The options granted relate to the year ended 30 June 2021 and approved at the annual general meeting on 21 October 2021 and hence included above. 20 Fiducian Group Ltd (ii) Share holdings The numbers of shares in the Company held by current directors of Fiducian Group Limited, including their personally related and associated entities, are set out below. No shares were granted during the period as compensation. DIRECTORS’ REPORT 2023 Name I Singh R Bucknell F Khouri S Hallab K Skellern 2022 Name I Singh R Bucknell F Khouri S Hallab Balance at the start of the year Received during the year on the exercise of options Other changes during the year Balance at the end of the year 10,907,061 500,000 268,323 78,527 - - - - - - 35,624 10,942,685 - - 29,000 - 500,000 268,323 107,527 - Balance at the start of the year Received during the year on the exercise of options Other changes during the year Balance at the end of the year 10,872,061 35,000 500,000 268,323 74,527 - - - - - - 4,000 10,907,061 500,000 268,323 78,527 F - Directors’ superannuation Directors may have superannuation monies invested in Fiducian Superannuation Service. These monies are invested subject to the normal terms and conditions applying to this superannuation fund. G - Loans to directors No loans were made to directors during the financial year (2022: Nil). Shares provided on exercise of options During the year the Group did not issue any ordinary share (2022: 35,000). No amounts are unpaid on any shares issued on the exercise of options. E - Additional information Principles used to determine the nature and amount of remuneration: relationship between remuneration and company performance The overall level of executive reward takes into account the performance of the Group over a number of years, with greater emphasis given to the current and previous year. For the current year ended 30 June 2023 base salary of the Executive Chairman remained unchanged at $600,000 inclusive of superannuation while the cash bonus granted is $20,000 and the grant of options entitlements have been only in accordance with the incentive programs. The Executive Chairman is not entitled to any options in respect of the current year ended 30 June 2023 (2022: Nil). Annual Report 2023 21 DIRECTORS’ REPORT H - Other transactions with key management personnel A director, Mr. F Khouri, is an authorised representative under the Fiducian Financial Services Pty Ltd Australian Financial Services License and is a director and shareholder of Hawkesbury Financial Services Pty Ltd, which is a franchisee of Fiducian Financial Services Pty Ltd. Hawkesbury Financial Services Pty Ltd places business with and receives payments from the Company for financial planning services. All transactions are on normal commercial terms and conditions. Mr. R Bucknell, Mr. S Hallab and Ms K Skellern were paid director’s fees for their contribution as directors serving on the Board. Aggregate amounts of each of the above types of other transactions with directors of Fiducian Group Limited are as follows: Directors’ fees and committee fees * Financial planning fees paid or payable Total payments relating to other transactions with key management personnel Consolidated 2023 $ 271,445 339,332 610,777 2022 $ 316,899 367,029 683,928 * Details of these fees have been provided in the Remuneration report included in the Directors’ Report. Shares under option Unissued ordinary shares of Fiducian Group Limited under option at the date of this report are disclosed in Note 24 of the financial report. No option holder has any right under the options to participate in any other share issue of the Company or any other entity until after the exercise of the option. Shares issued on the exercise of options The details of ordinary shares of Fiducian Group Limited issued if any, during the year on the exercise of options granted under the Fiducian Group Limited Employee & Director Share Option Plan are disclosed under Note 24 to the Financial Report. Indemnification and insurance of officers Under the terms of its constitution, Fiducian indemnifies all past and present directors of Fiducian and its wholly-owned subsidiaries against certain liabilities and costs incurred by them in their respective capacities. The Constitution of Fiducian Group Limited provides the following indemnification of officers: • To indemnify officers of the Company and related bodies corporate to the maximum extent permitted by law. • To allow the Company to pay a premium for a contract insuring directors, the secretary and executive officers of Fiducian Group Limited and its related bodies corporate. The liabilities insured include costs and expenses that may be incurred in defending civil or criminal proceedings that may be brought against the officers in the capacity as officers of the company or a related body corporate. No liability has arisen under these indemnities as at the date of this report. During the year, Fiducian Group Limited paid a premium under a combined policy of insurance for liability of officers of the Company and related bodies corporate, professional indemnity and crime. In accordance with normal commercial practice, disclosure of the total amount of premium payable under, and the nature of the liabilities covered by, the insurance contract is prohibited by a confidentiality clause in the contract. 22 Fiducian Group Ltd DIRECTORS’ REPORT Proceedings on behalf of the company Rounding of amounts No person has applied to the Court under Section 237 of the Corporations Act 2001 for leave to bring proceedings on behalf of the Company, or to intervene in any proceedings to which the Company is a party, for the purpose of taking responsibility on behalf of the Company for all or part of those proceedings. No proceedings have been brought or intervened in on behalf of the Company with leave of the Court under section 237 of the Corporations Act 2001. Non-audit services The Company may decide to employ the auditor on assignments additional to their statutory audit duties where the auditor’s expertise and experience with the Company and/or Group are important. The Board of Directors is satisfied that the provision of non- audit services by the auditor did not compromise the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 for the following reasons: The Company is of a kind referred to in Instrument 2016/191, issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, relating to the “rounding off” of amounts in the Directors’ Report. Amounts in the Directors’ Report have been rounded off in accordance with that Class Order to the nearest thousand dollars, or in certain cases, to the nearest dollar. Corporate governance A description of the Group’s current corporate governance practices is available on the Group’s website and can be viewed at https://www.fiducian.com.au/about/corporate- governance/ This report is made in accordance with a resolution of the directors. • all non-audit services have been reviewed by the Audit Risk and Compliance Committee to ensure they do not impact the impartiality and objectivity of the auditor Inderjit (Indy) Singh OAM Executive Chairman • none of the services undermine the general principles relating to auditor independence as set out in APES110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants Sydney, 14 August 2023 The fees paid or payable for services provided during the year to the auditor (KPMG) of the parent entity, its related practices and non-related audit firms, are shown in Note 25 to the consolidated financial report. Auditors’ independence declaration A copy of the auditors’ independence declaration as required under Section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 is set out on page 24. KPMG remains the external auditor in accordance with section 327 of the Corporations Act 2001. Annual Report 2023 23 AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration under Section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 To the Directors of Fiducian Group Limited I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, in relation to the audit of Fiducian Group Limited for the financial year ended 30 June 2023 there have been: i. ii. no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements as set out in the Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the audit; and no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit. KPMG Andrew Reeves Partner Sydney 14 August 2023 24 ©2023 KPMG, an Australian partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organisation of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved. The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organisation. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. ©2023 KPMG, an Australian partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organisation of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved. The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organisation. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.. 24 Fiducian Group Ltd Auditor’s Independence Declaration DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION 71 Financial Statements Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Notes to the Financial Statements Directors’ Declaration Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members 26 27 28 29 30 71 72 Fiducian Group Limited is a company limited by shares, incorporated and domiciled in Australia. Its registered office and principal place of business is: Fiducian Group Limited Level 4, 1 York Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. These financial statements were authorised for issue by the directors on 14 August 2023. The directors have the power to amend and reissue the financial statements. Annual Report 2023 25 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income For the year ended 30 June 2023 Notes Consolidated Revenue from ordinary activities Other income Payments to Financial Advisers, Investment Managers and other service providers Employee benefits expense Amortisation and depreciation expense Other expenses Profit before income tax expense Income tax expense Profit for the year Other comprehensive income for the full year, net of tax Total comprehensive income for the year Profit attributable to: Owners of Fiducian Group Limited Earnings per share Earnings per share from profit from continuing operations attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company: Basic earnings per share (in cents) Diluted earnings per share (in cents) 3, 4 5 6(a) 6(b) 6(c) 7 30 2023 $’000 72,358 953 (18,849) (24,999) (4,775) (7,020) 17,668 (5,349) 12,319 - 12,319 2022 $’000 69,304 235 (18,356) (20,311) (4,092) (7,716) 19,064 (5,747) 13,317 - 13,317 12,319 13,317 39.13 39.03 42.31 42.23 The above statement of comprehensive income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 26 Fiducian Group Ltd Financial Statements Consolidated Statement of Financial Position As at 30 June 2023 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes Consolidated ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents Trade and other receivables Total Current Assets Non-current assets Loan receivables Property, plant and equipment Right-of-use assets Intangible assets Total Non-Current Assets Total assets LIABILITIES Current liabilities Trade and other payables Lease liabilities Current tax liabilities Total Current Liabilities Non-current liabilities Net deferred tax liabilities Lease liabilities Provisions Total Non-Current Liabilities Total liabilities Net assets EQUITY Contributed equity Reserves Retained profits Total equity 2023 $’000 19,648 9,548 29,196 7,079 874 3,488 28,510 39,951 69,147 9,655 1,171 959 11,785 2,788 3,068 601 6,457 18,242 50,905 7,788 114 43,003 50,905 2022 $’000 17,484 7,942 25,426 7,007 887 5,102 32,269 45,265 70,691 12,982 1,596 407 14,985 3,774 4,229 571 8,574 23,559 47,132 7,788 98 39,246 47,132 9 10 11 13 35 15 16 35 17 18 35 19 20 21 22 The above statement of financial position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. Annual Report 2023 27 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity As at 30 June 2023 Contributed Notes Equity Reserves Balance as at 30 June 2021 Profit for the year Other comprehensive income Total comprehensive income for the year Transactions with equity holders in their capacity as equity holders Shares issued on exercise of option Dividends paid Transfer to retained profits Transfer from reserves Options expense Total transactions with equity holders Balance as at 30 June 2022 Profit for the year Other comprehensive income Total comprehensive income for the year Transactions with equity holders in their capacity as equity holders Shares issued on exercise of option Dividends paid Transfer to retained profits Transfer from reserves Options expense Total transactions with equity holders 8 21 8 21 $’000 7,636 - - - 152 - - - - 152 7,788 - - - - - - - - - $’000 75 - - - - - (25) - 48 23 98 - - - - - - - 16 16 Retained Profits $’000 35,158 13,317 - Total $’000 42,869 13,317 - 13,317 13,317 - (9,254) - 25 - (9,229) 39,246 12,319 - 152 (9,254) (25) 25 48 (9,054) 47,132 12,319 - 12,319 12,319 - - (8,562) (8,562) - - - - - 16 (8,562) (8,546) Balance as at 30 June 2023 7,788 114 43,003 50,905 The above statement of changes in equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 28 Fiducian Group Ltd Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows For the year ended 30 June 2023 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes Consolidated Cash flows from operating activities Receipts from clients (inclusive of GST) Payments to suppliers and employees (inclusive of GST) Interest received Income taxes paid Net cash inflow from operating activities 29 Cash flows from investing activities Payments in relation to business acquisitions Business development loans granted to advisers Repayment of business development loans by advisers Payments for property, plant and equipment Net cash outflow from investing activities Cash flows from financing activities Lease principal payments Proceeds on issue of shares Dividends paid Net cash outflow from financing activities Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents held Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year 9 The above statement of cash flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 2023 $’000 78,424 (59,549) 18,875 953 (5,551) 14,277 (2,236) (1,076) 1,723 (375) (1,964) (1,587) - (8,562) (10,149) 2,164 17,484 19,648 2022 $’000 76,660 (51,444) 25,216 235 (6,772) 18,679 (8,118) (1,982) 973 (579) (9,706) (1,703) 152 (9,254) (10,805) (1,832) 19,316 17,484 Annual Report 2023 29 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to the Financial Statements 1. Summary of significant accounting policies The principal accounting policies adopted for the preparation of the financial report are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated. The financial report includes Fiducian Group Limited and its subsidiaries. A. Basis of preparation This general purpose financial report has been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, Australian Accounting Interpretations, other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board and the Corporations Act 2001. Fiducian Group Limited is a for-profit entity for the purpose of preparing the financial statements. Compliance with IFRS The financial report of Fiducian Group Limited also complies with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). Historical cost convention The financial report has been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss. Critical accounting estimates The preparation of financial reports requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgment in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgment or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements, are disclosed in Note 2. B. Principles of consolidation The consolidated financial report incorporates the assets and liabilities of all entities controlled by Fiducian Group Limited (Company or parent entity) as at 30 June 2023 and the results of all controlled entities for the year then ended. Fiducian Group Limited and its subsidiaries together are referred to in this financial report as the Group. Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power to direct the activities of the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are de- consolidated from the date that control ceases. Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for at cost in the parent entity’s financial report. The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for the business combinations by the Group. Intercompany transactions and balances on transactions between Group companies are eliminated. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of the impairment of the asset transferred. Non- controlling interests in the results and equity of subsidiaries are shown separately in the statement of comprehensive income. C. Revenue recognition Revenue is recognised, using the five step approach prescribed by the accounting standards, upon satisfaction of the performance obligations, which occur when control of the goods or services is transferred to the client. The key judgments in the recognition of revenue involves determining whether the contract is a single performance contract, whether the performance obligation is satisfied over time, as well as the timing and amount of variable consideration to be recognised. The primary revenue streams from contracts with clients for the Group are in the nature of management fee income earned from funds management, fees earned from offering platform services and fee income from offering advice to clients. 30 Fiducian Group Ltd FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) • Fees earned from the funds management services have been accounted for as single performance obligations to each fund satisfied over time. The fees received based on a fixed percentage on the assets under management are considered variable consideration but with the uncertainty in the variable element being resolved within the reporting period. Fund management services are held to be performed on an ongoing daily basis and therefore fees are accrued daily and paid monthly in arrears for the service provided. • Revenue streams earned from platform administration services are identified as separate single performance obligations to individual clients with clients exercising control over the funds transitioned onto the platform. Platform administration services are held to be performed on an ongoing daily basis and therefore fees are accrued daily and paid monthly in arrears for the service provided by the platform. • Fees earned from offering advice to financial planning clients are a combination of fees earned for ongoing service, and one-off fees. Ongoing fees based on Funds under Advice are treated as single performance obligations satisfied over time. The fees received based on a fixed percentage on the Funds under Advice are considered variable consideration but with the uncertainty in the variable element being resolved within the reporting period. Advice service fees are therefore accrued daily and paid monthly in arrears for the service period, and therefore the revenue is attributed to services provided for within the period and accounted for as such. One-off fees are identified as a single performance obligation with service performed at a point in time and revenue recognised in line with the service. D. Income tax The income tax expense or benefit for the period is the tax payable on the current period’s taxable income based on the national income tax rate for Australia adjusted by changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to temporary differences and unused tax losses. Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial reports. However, the deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting or taxable profit nor loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the statement of financial position date and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability is settled. Deferred tax assets are recognised for deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses only if it is probable that future taxable amounts will be available to use those temporary differences and losses. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are not recognised for temporary differences between the carrying amount and tax bases of investments in controlled entities where the parent entity is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that the differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and when the deferred tax balances relate to the same taxation authority. Current tax assets and tax liabilities are offset where the entity has a legally enforceable right to offset and intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. Tax consolidation Fiducian Group Limited and its wholly owned subsidiaries have implemented the tax consolidation legislation with Fiducian Group Limited as the head entity of the tax consolidated group. As a consequence, these entities are taxed as a single entity and the deferred tax assets and liabilities of these entities are set off in the consolidated financial statements. The head entity has entered into a tax sharing agreement and a tax funding agreement with the members of the tax consolidated group. Under the tax funding agreement, the members of the Group are required to contribute to the head entity for their current tax liabilities. The assets and liabilities arising under the tax funding agreements are recognised as intercompany assets and liabilities at call. Members of the tax consolidated group via the tax sharing agreement may be called to provide for the income tax liabilities between the entities should the head entity default on its tax payment obligations. No amount has been recognised in respect of this component of the agreement as the outcome is considered remote. Annual Report 2023 31 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) E. Operating leases H. Cash and cash equivalents The Group leases office space and equipment for which contracts are typically entered into for fixed periods and may include extension options. Leases are recognised as a right-of-use asset and a corresponding liability at the commencement date, being the date the leased asset is available for use by the Group. The accounting policy for the classification and accounting for leases has been explained in Note 1-O. F. Trustee company and Responsible Entity The Group acts as a Trustee of Fiducian Superannuation Service through a subsidiary, Fiducian Portfolio Services Ltd, and acts as the operator of an Investor Directed Portfolio Service, Fiducian Investment Service and the Responsible Entity of Fiducian Funds and Separately Managed Accounts (“the trusts”) through another subsidiary, Fiducian Investment Management Services Ltd. The accounting policies adopted by these companies in the preparation of their financial reports and that of the Group for the year ended 30 June 2023 reflect the fiduciary nature of these companies’ responsibilities and that of the Group for the assets and liabilities of the trusts. The financial reports do not include the trusts’ assets and liabilities as future economic benefits and obligations derived from the trusts’ assets and liabilities do not accrue to these companies or the Group. In accordance with AASB 137 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets, the trust assets and liabilities have not been disclosed as the directors consider the probability of these companies or the Group having to meet the liabilities of the trusts as remote. G. Impairment of assets Goodwill and intangible assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for impairment or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that they might be impaired. Other assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there are separately identifiable cash flows which are largely independent of the cash flows from other assets or groups of assets (cash- generating units). Non-financial assets other than goodwill that suffered an impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at each reporting date. For cash flow statement presentation purposes, cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, deposits held at call with financial institutions, other short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. I. Trade receivables Trade receivables are recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost, less provision for impairment. Trade receivables are due for settlement no more than 90 days from the date of recognition for trade receivables and financial planning fees, and no more than 30 days for other receivables. Trade receivables are written off where there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. Indicators that there is no reasonable expectation of recovery include, amongst others, the failure debtor to engage in a repayment plan with the Group, and a failure to make contractual payments for a period greater than 90 days past due. Significant financial difficulties of the debtor, probability that the debtor will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganisation, and default or delinquency in payments (outside settlement terms) are considered indicators that the trade receivable is impaired. The amount of the impairment allowance is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate. Cash flows relating to short-term receivables are not discounted if the effect of discounting is immaterial. The amount of the impairment loss is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income within other expenses. When a trade receivable for which an impairment allowance had been recognised becomes uncollectible in a subsequent period, it is written off against the allowance account. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against other expenses in the statement of comprehensive income. J. Business combinations The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for all business combinations, regardless of whether equity instruments or other assets are acquired. The purchase consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary comprises the fair values of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred and the equity interests issued by the acquirer. The purchase consideration transferred also includes the fair value of any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement and the fair value of any pre-existing equity interest in the subsidiary. 32 Fiducian Group Ltd FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase consideration and the acquisition-date fair value over the share of the net identifiable assets acquired, is recorded as goodwill. If those amounts are less than the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the subsidiary acquired and the measurement of all amounts has been reviewed, the difference is recognised directly in profit or loss as a bargain purchase. Where settlement of any part of cash consideration is deferred, the amounts payable in the future are discounted to their present value as at the date of exchange. The discount rate used is the entity’s incremental borrowing rate, being the rate at which a similar borrowing could be obtained from an independent financier under comparable terms and conditions. Contingent consideration is classified either as equity or a financial liability. Amounts classified as a financial liability are subsequently re-measured to fair value with changes in fair value recognised in profit or loss. K. Investments and other financial instruments The Group classifies its investments in the following categories: financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, loans and receivables, and other financial assets. The classification depends on the purposes for which the investments were acquired. Management determines the classification of its investments at initial recognition. Business Development Loans Fiducian provides financial support in the form of business development loans to aligned financial adviser franchisees to enable them to grow their business organically or through acquisition. Management have assessed the business model for these loans to be ‘Hold and Collect’ and the cash flows of these loans to be Solely Payments of Principal and Interest (SPPI) and therefore the business development loans are classified as Amortised Cost. Interest income was determined with reference to the financial asset’s effective interest rate and the gross carrying amount of the asset. Impairment Credit impairments are based on an Expected Credit Loss (ECL) approach where individual loans are categorized based on changes in the credit risk since origination. An unbiased and probability weighted ECL is then computed for the individual loan as the product of the Probability of Default (PD), the Loss Given Default (LGD) probability and the Exposure At the time of Default (EAD). The ECL is determined with reference to the following stages: Performing loans 12 month ECL At initial recognition and for financial assets for which credit risk was low, ECL was determined based on the PD over the next 12 months and the losses associated with such default, adjusted for forward looking information. Contractual loan repayments are recovered from the weekly and monthly revenue earnings of the advisers, which the dealer group collects from other platforms on behalf of the adviser. Due to the regularity of the revenue collections, the deferral of contractual payments for short periods of time has not been treated as an automatic indicator of SICR by and of themselves. Non-performing loans: Lifetime ECL The Group assessed whether there had been a Significant Increase in Credit Risk (SICR) of the loans since initial recognition, based on qualitative and quantitative factors, and reasonable forward looking information, which included significant management judgement. Qualitative factors included but were not limited to payment history, requests to modify contractual payments and compliance reviews. Quantitative analysis utilised an internally developed model based on loan to value ratios and forecasted cash flows, adjusted for forward looking indicators such as the level of the ASX 200 which impacts fees earned by the adviser. Where the Group’s modelling indicated a SICR, an ECL was determined with reference to the loan’s lifetime probability of default and the lifetime loss associated with that probability of default. Credit impaired loans: Lifetime ECL Where one or more events which have a detrimental impact on estimated future cash flows has occurred, the loans would be classified as credit impaired. Management have pre-defined some events that would objectively indicate credit impairment such as loan to value ratio increasing beyond a certain percentage and bankruptcy of the adviser. Lifetime ECL continues to be recognised but interest income is taken on a net of provision basis. As at 30 June 2023 the Group does not have any impaired business development loans. L. Fair value estimation Other than the business development loans discussed above, the carrying value less impairment provision of trade receivables and payables are assumed to approximate their fair values due to their short-term nature. The fair value of financial liabilities for disclosure purposes is estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows at the current market interest rate that is available to the Group for similar financial instruments. Annual Report 2023 33 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) and there is no indication that the amortization period is less than 10 years. Client portfolios are also tested for events or changes in circumstances that indicate that they may be impaired, and are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. IT development and software Costs incurred in developing products or systems and costs incurred in acquiring software and licences that will contribute to future period financial benefits through revenue generation and/or cost reduction are capitalised to software and systems where deemed appropriate. Costs capitalised include direct costs of materials and service and direct payroll and payroll related costs of employees’ time spent on the project. Amortisation is calculated on a straight-line basis over periods generally ranging from 3 to 5 years. Capitalised expenditure is tested for events or changes in circumstances that indicate that they may be impaired and whether they exceed their recoverable amount. O. Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities The Group recognises a right-of-use asset offset with a corresponding lease liability in respect of its rented premises from the date at which the premises became available for use by the Group. The right-of-use assets initially measured at cost will comprise the following: • The amount of the initial measurement of the lease liabilities • Any lease payments made at/or before the commencement date less lease incentives • Any initial directs costs incurred by the group and • Restoration costs The lease liabilities as at the commencement date will include the net present value of the following lease payments: • Any fixed payments less any lease incentives receivable • Variable lease payments based on an index or rate, initially measured using that index or rate at commencement • Amount expected to be payable by the Group under a residual value guarantee • Payments of penalties for termination the lease, if the lease term reflects the group exercising the option to terminate the lease • Exercise price of a purchase option if the Group is reasonably certain to exercise that option M. Property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less depreciation. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items. Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the statement of comprehensive income during the financial period in which they were incurred. Depreciation on assets is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate their cost or revalued amounts, net of their residual values, over their estimated useful lives, as follows: Furniture, office equipment and computers: 2 – 10 years Leasehold improvements: term of the lease The asset’s residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each reporting date. An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its estimated recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount. Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with carrying amounts. These are included in the statement of comprehensive income. N. Intangible assets Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the net identifiable assets of the acquired subsidiary or client portfolio at the date of acquisition. Goodwill on acquisitions is included in intangible assets. Goodwill is not amortised. Instead, goodwill is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired, and is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Gains or losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the purpose of impairment testing. Client portfolios Unpaid consideration for the acquisition of client portfolios is shown as an outstanding liability while the full amount of client portfolios acquired is booked as an intangible asset and amortised on a straight-line basis over a period of 10 years. The period is based on management’s internal assessment of the average life of an acquired client portfolio 34 Fiducian Group Ltd FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) The right-of-use asset is depreciated from the commencement date to the earlier of the end of the useful life of the right-of-use asset and the end of the lease term (including the extension option where applicable) on a straight-line basis. In determining the lease term, management has considered all facts and circumstances that create an economic incentive to exercise the extension option. If the Group is reasonably certain that it will exercise the option to renew the lease then the extended period has been taken into consideration for calculating the depreciation amount. The right-of-use assets held by the Group may be subsequently adjusted for any re-measurement of the lease liability to reflect any reassessment or lease modifications identified, or to reflect revised in-substance fixed lease payments. The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, where that is not available, by using the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate payable to borrow funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value in a similar economic environment with similar terms and conditions. Under the new standard the lease payments are allocated between the principal and finance cost. The operating expense in respect of lease payments in the profit and loss account has been replaced by the finance cost, calculated by applying the incremental borrowing rate on the remaining balance of the lease liability, and the depreciation cost for the right-of-use asset. This has typically resulted in higher expenses in earlier years and lower expenses in later years with flow on impacts to key metrics like EBITDA etc. The Finance cost component of the lease payment is treated as an operating cash outflow in the statement of cash flows while the principal payment has been treated as a financing cash outflow. Payments associated with short-term leases of equipment and premises with a lease term of less than 12 months continue to be recognised on a straight line basis as an expense in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. P. Trade and other payables These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Group before the end of the financial year and which are unpaid. The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition. Q. Provisions Provisions for legal claims are recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events; it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation; and the amount has been reliably estimated. Provisions are not recognised for future operating losses. Where there are a number of similar obligations, the likelihood that an outflow will be required in settlement is determined by considering the class of obligations as a whole. A provision is recognised even if the likelihood of an outflow with respect to any one item included in the same class of obligations may be small. Provisions are measured at the present value of management’s best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation at reporting date. The discount rate used to determine the present value reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. R. Employee benefits (i) Wages and salaries, annual leave and sick leave Liabilities for wages and salaries, and annual leave expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date are recognised in other payables in respect of employee services up to the reporting date and are measured at the amount expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. Personal/ carers and sick leave is brought to account as incurred. (ii) Long service leave The liability for long service leave is recognised in the provision for employee benefits and measured as the present value of expected future payments to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date using the projected unit cost method. Consideration is given to expected future wage and salary levels, experience of employee departures and periods of service. Expected future payments are discounted using market yields at the reporting date on corporate bonds with terms of maturity and currency that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash outflows. (iii) Share-based payments Share-based compensation benefits are provided to employees via the share option plans. Information relating to this scheme is set out in Note 24. Subsequent options issued to employees for no consideration have the fair value of options granted under the Fiducian Employee and Director Share Option Plan recognised as an employee benefit expense with a corresponding increase in equity. The fair value is measured at grant date and recognised over the period during which the employees become unconditionally entitled to the options. Annual Report 2023 35 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) The fair value at grant date is independently determined using a binomial option-pricing model that takes into account the exercise price, the term of the option, the impact of dilution, the share price at grant date, the expected price volatility of the underlying share, the expected dividend yield and the risk free interest rate for the term of the option. S. Contributed equity Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds. If the entity reacquires its own equity instruments, for example as the result of a share buy-back, those instruments along with the consideration paid is deducted from equity and the shares are regarded as treasury shares until they are cancelled. No gain or loss is recognised in the profit or loss and the consideration paid including any directly incremental costs (net of income taxes) is recognised directly in equity. Treasury shares are bought with the intention of cancellation and are not re-issued. T. Dividends Provision is made only for the amount of any dividend declared, being appropriately authorised and no longer at the discretion of the entity, on or before the end of the financial year but not distributed at balance date. U. Earnings per share (i) Basic earnings per share Basic earnings per share is determined by dividing the net profit after income tax attributable to equity holders of the company, excluding any costs of servicing equity other than ordinary shares, by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the financial year. (ii) Diluted earnings per share Diluted earnings per share adjusts the figures used in the determination of basic earnings per share to take into account the after-income tax effect of interest and other financing costs associated with dilutive potential ordinary shares and the weighted average number of shares assumed to have been issued for no consideration or at a discount in relation to dilutive potential ordinary shares. V. Goods and services tax Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of associated GST, unless the GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). In this case it is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense. Receivables or other payables are stated inclusive of the amount of GST receivable or payable. The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to the ATO is included with other payables in the statement of financial position. Cash flows are presented on a gross basis. The GST components of cash flows arising from investing or financing activities which are recoverable from, or payable to the ATO, are presented as operating cash flow. W. Rounding of amounts The Company is of a kind referred to in Legislative Instrument 2016/191 issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, relating to the “rounding off” of amounts in the financial report. Amounts in the financial report have been rounded off in accordance with that Legislative Instrument to the nearest thousand dollars, or in certain cases, to the nearest dollar. X. Comparative figures Figures of the previous year have been reclassed where necessary to make them comparable with the current year. Y. New Australian Accounting Standards and amendments to Australian Accounting Standards and interpretations that are either effective in the current financial year or have been early adopted The amendments made to existing standards that were mandatorily effective or have been early adopted for the annual reporting period beginning on 1 July 2022 did not result in a material impact on this Financial Report. There were no new Australian accounting standards that were mandatorily effective or have been early adopted for the Financial Report Z. New Australian Accounting Standards and amendments to Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations that are not yet effective for the financial year As at the date of this financial report, there are a number of new and revised accounting standards published by the Australian Accounting Standards Board for which the mandatory application dates fall after the end of this current reporting year. None of these standards have been early adopted and applied in the current reporting year. These changes are not expected to have a significant financial impact, but may result in additional disclosures in the future. 36 Fiducian Group Ltd FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2. Critical accounting estimates and 3. Segment information judgements In preparing the Annual Report, the Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future which management believes are reasonable. However, outcomes may differ from management’s assumptions and estimates and may require adjustments to the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities reported. These estimates and judgements are discussed below: (i) Estimated impairment of goodwill The Group tests annually whether goodwill has suffered any impairment, by comparing its current amount with its recoverable amount in accordance with the accounting policy stated in Note 1-N. (ii) Estimated impairment of client portfolios The Group assesses at the end of each reporting period whether there is any indication that the investment or client portfolios may be impaired in accordance with the accounting policy stated in Note 1-N. If any such indication exists, the Group shall estimate the recoverable amount of the asset. The recoverable amounts of cash-generating units have been determined based on earnings multiples requiring the use of sustainable revenue estimates and comparable market transactions. (iii) Estimated impairment of loans receivables The Group applies a three-stage approach to measuring the ECL based on changes in the business development loan’s underlying credit risk and includes forward-looking or macroeconomic information (FLI). The calculation of ECL requires judgement and the choice of inputs, estimates and assumptions around the product of the probability of default (PD), the loss given default (LGD) and the exposure of default (EAD). Outcomes within the next financial period that are different from management’s assumptions and estimates could result in changes to the timing and amount of ECL to be recognised. A. Description of segments Business segments The business activities of the Group have been segregated into business segments based on legal entities and reviewed by management accordingly. The business segments are as follows: Funds Management The Group acts as Responsible Entity for managed investment schemes and separately managed accounts through its subsidiary Fiducian Investment Management Services Limited. Financial Planning The Group continues its specialist financial planning services through its subsidiary, Fiducian Financial Services Pty Ltd. Platform Administration The Group acts as an Registrable Superannuation Entity (RSE) of a public offer superannuation fund which is offered on its wrap platform through its subsidiary Fiducian Portfolio Services Ltd. The Group also acts as an Operator of an Investor Directed Portfolio Service through another subsidiary Fiducian Investment Management Services Limited. Corporate Services This segment is an aggregation of the administration and professional services provided to the Group by a subsidiary, Fiducian Services Pty Ltd and Fiducian Business Services Pty Ltd, which provided distribution activities in the current period. Geographical segments The Group operates in the geographical segment of Australia. Annual Report 2023 37 - - - - - 72,358 - 953 73,311 22,443 (4,775) 17,668 (5,349) 12,319 69,147 18,242 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 3. Segment information (Continued) B. Primary reporting - Business segments Funds Management Financial Planning Platform Administration Corporate Services Segment Eliminations Consolidated $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 2023 Revenue from external clients 1 25,896 27,324 19,138 - Inter-segment sales 2 Other revenue (6,283) 222 (320) 551 (4,400) 11,003 - 180 Total segment revenue 19,835 27,555 14,738 11,183 13,141 3,693 12,601 (6,992) Profit from ordinary activities before income tax, depreciation and amortisation Depreciation, amortisation and impairment Profit from ordinary activities before income tax Income tax expense Profit from ordinary activities after income tax expense Segment assets Segment liabilities Acquisitions of plant and equipment, intangible and other non-current segment assets 11,995 45,712 3,273 100,345 (92,178) 49,250 (79,453) 3,482 44,963 - 234 - - - - 234 1 $1,296,000 CMA revenue relating to cash on Fiducian platform was reclassified from Funds Management segment to Platform Administration segment for FY2023. 2 Intersegment sales for the current period represents internal service charges from the Corporate Services segments to other business segments. 38 Fiducian Group Ltd FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 3. Segment information (Continued) B. Primary reporting - Business segments (Continued) Funds Management Financial Planning Platform Administration Corporate Services Segment Eliminations Consolidated $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 2022 Revenue from external clients 1 26,495 23,435 19,374 - Inter-segment sales 2 Other revenue (5,756) (1,350) (4,400) 11,506 21 202 - 12 Total segment revenue 20,760 22,287 14,974 11,518 - - - - 69,304 - 235 69,539 Profit from ordinary activities before income tax, depreciation and amortisation Depreciation, amortisation and impairment Profit from ordinary activities before income tax Income tax expense Profit from ordinary activities after income tax expense Segment assets Segment liabilities Acquisitions of plant and equipment, intangible and other non-current segment assets 13,457 2,996 13,081 (6,378) - 23,156 11,296 47,992 2,726 93,092 (84,415) 3,290 46,832 - 46,130 (72,693) (4,092) 19,064 (5,747) 13,317 70,691 23,559 - 15,170 - 573 - 15,743 1 $909,000 CMA revenue relating to cash on Fiducian platform was reclassified from Funds Management segment to Platform Administration segment for FY2022. 2 Intersegment sales for the current period represents internal service charges from the Corporate Services segments to other business segments. Annual Report 2023 39 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 3. Segment information (Continued) C. Other segment information (i) Segment revenue Sales between segments are eliminated on consolidation. The revenue from external parties in the statement of comprehensive income is reported in a manner consistent with the regular reporting provided to the board during the year. Segment revenue reconciles to total revenue from continuing operations as follows: Segment revenue Total revenue from continuing operations (Note 4) Consolidated 2023 $’000 72,358 72,358 2022 $’000 69,304 69,304 The Group is domiciled in Australia. The amount of its revenue from external clients in Australia is $72,358,000 (2022: $69,304,000. (ii) Segment assets Total assets are reported in a manner consistent with the regular reporting provided to the board during the year. These assets are allocated based on the operations of the segment and the physical location of the asset. All assets are located in Australia. (iii) Segment liabilities Total liabilities are reported in a manner consistent with the regular reporting provided to the board during the year. These liabilities are allocated based on the operations of the segment. 4. Revenue from ordinary activities Consolidated 2023 $’000 71,131 1,227 72,358 Consolidated 2023 $’000 953 953 2022 $’000 68,081 1,223 69,304 2022 $’000 235 235 From continuing operations Sales revenue Fees received 1 Other Revenue from ordinary activities 1 Includes expense recovery fee of $2,700,000 (2022: $2,700,000). For details refer the Note 6. 5. Other income Interest received/receivable Other income 40 Fiducian Group Ltd 6. Expenses and other payments Profit before income tax includes the following expenses: A. Payments to Financial Advisers, Investment Managers and other service providers Payments to Financial Advisers Payments to Investment Managers Payments to other service providers Total Payments to Financial Advisers, Investment Managers and other service providers B. Amortisation and depreciation expense Amortisation Capitalised computer software Client portfolio intangibles Total amortisation Depreciation Furniture, office equipment and computers Leasehold improvements Right-of-use assets Total depreciation Total amortisation and depreciation expense C. Other expenses Professional services Sales, marketing and travel Rental expense relating to operating leases Premises and equipment Communication and computing Printing and stationery Auditors’ remuneration (Note 25) Regulatory fees Administration and other Expense Recovery 1 Total other expenses FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Consolidated 2023 $’000 2022 $’000 11,978 6,583 288 18,849 5 2,767 2,772 330 58 1,615 2,003 4,775 1,237 2,001 203 320 1,243 23 687 497 2,799 (1,990) 7,020 10,946 7,147 263 18,356 10 2,259 2,269 303 - 1,520 1,823 4,092 735 2,064 154 231 1,302 33 629 443 3,077 (952) 7,716 1 Under the administration agreement entered into by the Trustee, Fiducian Portfolio Services Limited, on behalf of Fiducian Superannuation Service (FSS) with Fiducian Services Pty Ltd (‘the administrator”) the expenses of FSS are paid on the Trustee’s behalf by the administrator and are reimbursed by FSS by way of an Expense Recovery Fee. Additional out of pocket expense reimbursements of $1,257,330 (2022: $575,915) have been included in Expense Recovery in Note 6-C. Annual Report 2023 41 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 7. Income tax expense A. Income tax expense Current tax Deferred tax Income tax expense Deferred income tax (revenue)/expense included in income tax expense comprises: (Increase)/decrease in deferred tax assets (Note 14) (Decrease) in deferred tax liabilities (Note 18) Deferred tax B. Numerical reconciliation of income tax expense to prima facie tax payable Profit from continuing operations before income tax expense Tax at the Australian tax rate of 30% (2022: 30%) Tax effect of amounts which are not deductible/(taxable) in calculating taxable income: Entertainment Sundry items Income tax (over)/under provided in previous year Income tax expense C. Tax consolidation legislation Consolidated 2023 $’000 6,109 (760) 5,349 404 (1,164) (760) 2022 $’000 6,720 (973) 5,747 179 (1,152) (973) 17,668 5,300 19,064 5,719 44 52 (47) 37 37 (46) 5,349 5,747 Fiducian Group Limited and its wholly owned subsidiaries have formed a tax consolidated group. As a consequence these financial statements have been prepared on a tax-consolidated basis where the head entity has assumed the tax liabilities initially recognised by the standalone taxpayers. 42 Fiducian Group Ltd 8. Dividends Final ordinary fully franked dividend for the year ended 30 June 2022 of 14.90 cents (2021: Fully franked 14.60 cents) per share paid on 12 September 2022. Interim ordinary fully franked dividend for the year ended 30 June 2023 of 12.30 cents (2022: Fully franked 14.80 cents) per share paid on 13 March 2023. Total dividends paid during the year FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Consolidated 2023 $’000 2022 $’000 4,690 4,596 3,872 8,562 4,658 9,254 Subsequent to the end of the financial year, the directors of the parent entity, Fiducian Group Limited have declared a final fully franked dividend for the year ended 30 June 2023 of 18.0 cents per ordinary share held on 28 August 2023 and payable on 11 September 2023. Franked dividends The franked portions of the final dividends recommended after 30 June 2023 will be franked out of existing franking credits. Franking credits available for the subsequent financial year based on a tax rate of 30% Consolidated 2023 $’000 26,337 2022 $’000 23,485 The above amounts represent the balances of the franking account as at the end of the financial year, adjusted for: (a) franking credits that will arise from the payment of the amount of the provision for income tax. (b) franking debits that will arise from the payment of dividends recognised as a liability at the reporting date. (c) franking credits that will arise from the receipt of dividends recognised as receivables at the reporting date. The consolidated amounts include franking credits that would be available to the parent entity if distributable profits from subsidiaries were paid as dividends. The impact on the franking account of the dividend recommended by the directors since year end, but not recognised as a liability at year end, will be a reduction in the franking account of approximately $2,428,274 (2022: $2,010,071). 9. Current assets – Cash and cash equivalents Cash at bank and in hand Balance at end of the year Consolidated 2023 $’000 19,648 19,648 2022 $’000 17,484 17,484 Annual Report 2023 43 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 10. Current assets – Trade and other receivables Amounts receivable from related entities: Related trusts Business development loans * Other Prepayments Less: provision for impairment of trade receivables - Other * Refer to Note 11 for the non-current portion of these receivables. Movement in provision for impairment of trade receivables - Other Balance at beginning of the year Reduction/(Additional) provision during the year Balance at end of the year Consolidated 2023 $’000 5,865 1,753 1,018 968 9,604 (56) 9,548 (308) 252 (56) 2022 $’000 4,495 1,991 1,029 735 8,250 (308) 7,942 (308) - (308) At 30 June 2023, a provision for impairment exists for trade receivables outstanding greater than 90 days where management considers that the receivable is impaired. There is no material loss expected, other than the provisions made. Information about the Group’s exposure to interest rate risk in relation to trade and other receivables is provided in Note 32-A and details on the credit risk associated with Business Development loans in Note 32-B. 11. Non-current assets – Loan receivables Business development loans * Less: ECL Balance at end of the year Consolidated 2023 $’000 7,400 (321) 7,079 2022 $’000 7,328 (321) 7,007 * Refer to Note 10 for the current portion of these receivables. A. Impaired receivables and receivables past due The Group does not have any non-performing loans at the reporting date. However, to asses whether there has been a SICR, the Group has applied the methodology in Note 1-K. This allows the Group to identifiy underperfoming loans. As at the reporting date, the Group has identified potential underperforming loans. A provision of $321,000 (2022: $321,000) is considered adequate. 44 Fiducian Group Ltd 11. Non-current assets – Loan receivables (continued) Underperforming loans Impaired receivables and receivables past due Less: ECL Net impaired receivables and receivables past due FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Consolidated 2023 $’000 1,865 1,865 (321) 1,544 2022 $’000 2,868 2,868 (321) 2,547 The Group assessed semi-annually its business development loans and the related ECL to determine whether there has been a SICR. The review considered the macroeconomic outlook on the performance of the ASX 200, adviser credit quality, the type of collateral held, exposure at default and the effect of payment deferral options, if any, as at the reporting date. Contractual loan repayments are recovered from the weekly and monthly revenue earnings of the advisers, which the Group collects from other platforms on behalf of the adviser. Due to the regularity of the revenue collections, the deferral of contractual payments for short periods of time has not been treated as an automatic indicator of SICR by and of themselves. The SICR methodology used in the review is a relative credit risk based approach which considers changes in an underlying exposure’s credit risk since origination. The Group used three downsides scenarios anchored to a deterioration in the ASX 200, broadly representing low, medium and significant downside to determine a SICR. There has been no increases in the quantum of exposures indicating there has been no increase in credit risk since origination. Security Under the terms of agreement for business development loans, the Group has a security deed over the all the assets of the franchisee’s business registered in Personal Property Security Register. This security may be called upon if the franchisee defaults under the terms of the agreement. B. Fair values The fair values and carrying values of non-current receivables of the Group are as follows: Business development loans * 2023 2022 Carrying amount Fair value Carrying amount Fair value $’000 7,079 $’000 7,079 $’000 7,007 $’000 7,007 * Business development loans are carried at amortised cost; their carrying value is a reasonable approximation of fair value. Annual Report 2023 45 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 12. Investment in Subsidiaries The Group’s subsidiaries as at 30 June 2023 are set out below: Country of Equity Holding Name of Entity Incorporation Class of Shares Fiducian Investment Management Services Ltd (FIMS) 1 Fiducian Portfolio Services Ltd (FPS) 2 Fiducian Services Pty Ltd (FSL) 3 Fiducian Financial Services Pty Ltd (FFS) 4 Fiducian Business Services Pty Ltd (FBS) 5 Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary % 100 100 100 100 100 1 The Company acts as the Operator of Fiducian Investment Service and Responsible Entity for the Fiducian Funds and Separately Managed Account. 2 The Company acts as the Trustee for the Fiducian Superannuation Service. 3 The Company provides platform administration to clients and corporate services to other entities within the Group. 4 The principal activity of the Company is the provision of a specialist financial planning services network. 5 The Company is responsible for the distribution activities on behalf of the Group. 13. Non-current assets – Property, plant & equipment Plant and Equipment Cost Less: accumulated depreciation Total plant and equipment Consolidated 2023 $’000 3,575 (2,701) 874 2022 $’000 3,200 (2,313) 887 46 Fiducian Group Ltd FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 13. Non-current assets – Property, plant & equipment (continued) Movements Reconciliation of the carrying amount of each class of property, plant and equipment are set out below: Furniture and Office Leasehold Equipment Computers Improvements $’000 $’000 $’000 Consolidated at 30 June 2021 Cost Accumulated depreciation Net book amount Year ended 30 June 2022 Opening net book amount Additions Disposals Depreciation Closing net book amount At 30 June 2022 Cost Accumulated depreciation Net book amount Year ended 30 June 2023 Opening net book amount Additions Disposals Depreciation Closing net book amount At 30 June 2023 Cost Accumulated depreciation Net book amount 316 (296) 20 20 - - (10) 10 316 (306) 10 10 18 - (8) 20 334 (314) 20 1,471 (880) 591 591 464 - (293) 762 1,935 (1,173) 762 762 32 - (322) 472 1,967 (1,495) 472 834 (834) - - 115 - - 115 949 (834) 115 115 325 - (58) 382 1,274 (892) 382 Total $’000 2,621 (2,010) 611 611 579 - (303) 887 3,200 (2,313) 887 887 375 - (388) 874 3,575 (2,701) 874 Annual Report 2023 47 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 14. Non-current assets – Deferred tax assets The balance comprises temporary differences attributable to: Doubtful debts Employee benefits Accrued expenditure Provision for audit and taxation services Provision for FBT AASB 16 lease adjustments Deferred tax assets before set off Set off against deferred tax liabilities (Note 18) Movements: Opening balance at 1 July Addition during the year Taken to the statement of comprehensive income Deferred tax assets before set off Set off against deferred tax liabilities Consolidated 2023 $’000 17 1,135 573 189 11 1,265 3,190 (3,190) 3,594 - (404) 3,190 (3,190) - 2022 $’000 93 1,074 552 116 18 1,741 3,594 (3,594) - 3,149 624 (179) 3,594 (3,594) - 48 Fiducian Group Ltd 15. Non-current assets – Intangible assets Deferred expenditure Capitalised expenditure – computer software Less: Accumulated amortisation Client portfolios Cost of acquisition of client portfolios Less: Accumulated amortisation Goodwill Goodwill on acquisition Less: Impairment/amortisation Total intangible assets FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Consolidated 2023 $’000 5,260 (5,059) 201 31,243 (15,422) 15,821 13,242 (754) 12,488 28,510 2022 $’000 5,260 (5,054) 206 31,997 (12,655) 19,342 13,475 (754) 12,721 32,269 Annual Report 2023 49 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 15. Non-current assets – Intangible assets (Continued) A. Movements Movements in each category are set out below: Acquisition of Goodwill on Client Portfolios Acquisition Consolidated at 30 June 2021 Cost Accumulated amortisation/impairment 2 Net book amount Year ended 30 June 2022 Opening net book amount Additions/Work in progress 1 Sale of business Amortisation/impairment charge 2 Closing net book amount At 30 June 2022 Cost Accumulated amortisation/impairment 2 Net book amount Year ended 30 June 2023 Opening net book amount Additions Sale of business/adj. to net book value Amortisation/impairment charge 2 Closing net book amount At 30 June 2023 Cost Accumulated amortisation/impairment 2 Net book amount $’000 20,332 (10,396) 9,936 9,936 11,665 - (2,259) 19,342 31,997 (12,655) 19,342 19,342 180 (934) (2,767) 15,821 31,243 (15,422) 15,821 $’000 9,881 (659) 9,222 9,222 3,499 - - 12,721 13,380 (659) 12,721 12,721 54 (287) - 12,488 13,147 (659) 12,488 Capitalised Computer Software $’000 5,259 (5,044) 215 215 - - (9) 206 5,259 (5,053) 206 206 - - (5) 201 5,259 (5,058) 201 Total $’000 35,472 (16,099) 19,373 19,373 15,164 - (2,268) 32,269 50,636 (18,367) 32,269 32,269 234 (1,221) (2,772) 28,510 49,649 (21,139) 28,510 1 Capitalised computer software costs includes an internally generated intangible asset. The assets in this category have been amortised on the basis of 5 year useful life. 2 Amortisation of $2,772,000 (2022: $2,269,000) is included in depreciation, amortisation and impairment expense in the statement of comprehensive income. 50 Fiducian Group Ltd FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 15. Non-current assets – Intangible assets (Continued) B. Impairment tests for goodwill and client portfolios Goodwill and client portfolios are allocated to the financial planning business reportable segment which has been identified as the applicable cash-generating unit (CGU). The CGU is the lowest level within the entity at which the goodwill and client portfolios are monitored for internal management purposes on an ongoing basis. The recoverable amount of the CGU is determined based on market value calculations. These calculations apply income multiples consistent with the market valuations of similar financial services businesses to recurring revenue from the CGU at the year end, less cost to sell. Management considers the income multiple approach most appropriate for the valuation of the recoverable amount of the CGU as it is consistent with the valuation used by management while performing the due diligence of potential acquisitions for its salaried and franchisee network. C. Impact of possible changes in key assumptions The estimates and judgments included in the fair value calculations are based on historical experience and consistent with the valuation used by management while performing the due diligence of potential acquisitions for its salaried and franchisee network. There has been no impairment recognised for the Group’s CGUs in the impairment assessment performed at 30 June 2023. The key assumption made in the assessment of impairment of goodwill is the income multiple applied to recurring revenues. The income multiple assumption is compared to the market each year and adjusted appropriately using the economic environment to support maintaining the multiplier. Based on management’s current assessment, the recoverable amount of the Group’s CGU exceeds the carrying amount. An 8% change in the current multiples of 2.2 used in the assumption would be required before the carrying value of the CGU would exceed the recoverable amount. Based on the sensitivity analysis, the Group does not expect volatility in the securities market as a result of the global economic slowdown. To assess the accuracy of the market value calculation, management performed an alternative analysis using the value-in- use model which considers long term assumptions such as market growth rates, a terminal growth rate, inflation rates and a discount rate. Based on management’s value-in-use analysis which includes stress scenarios, the recoverable amount of the Group’s CGU exceeds the carrying amount and is consistent with the outcome of the market value approach. D. Impairment charge During the year, no impairment charge was recorded in the books (2022: Nil). Annual Report 2023 51 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS E. Business Combination During the year the Group made the following acquisitions: Segment Fiducian entity Acquisition Date Acquisition Description Ownership acquired Location 30 Jun 2023 Financial Planning 30 Jun 2022 Financial Planning Fiducian Financial Services Pty Ltd Fiducian Financial Services Pty Ltd 31 January 2023 Client Portfolio 100% 1 February 2022 Client Portfolio 100% Victoria South Australia and Northern Territory Funds Under Advice on acquisition date Annual recurring revenue on acquisition Maximum purchase price payable on acquisition Vendor staff employed by Group Value attributed on the Statement of Financial Position as at reporting date $16,000,000 $102,857 $180,000 No 100% $1,100,000,000 $7,600,000 $13,200,000 Yes 100% Business combination or asset only Business Combination Business Combination Provisional Fair value of assets recognised as a result of acquisition as at 30 June 2023: Intangible assets Deferred Tax Liabilities Net Identifiable intangible assets acquired Goodwill on acquisition Deferred consideration at reporting date Net Assets Acquired Funds Under Advice as at 30 June 2023 $180,000 ($54,000) $126,000 $54,000 $27,000 $180,000 $16,000,000 $11,664,632 ($3,499,390) $8,165,242 $3,499,390 $2,997,424 $11,664,632 $854,000,000 A number of synergies are expected to result to the Group with each acquisitions once the business combination has been fully implemented and for which goodwill is recognised in the books. The synergy results from leveraging the existing scale Fiducian has from its infrastructure in Risk, Compliance, IT, Legal, Finance, Marketing and other support functions, products and processes. The acquisitions of client portfolios and goodwill are recorded in the Financial planning business only and client intangibles are amortised over 10 years. Due to realignment of individual clients within the unit, Financial planning as a whole is considered the appropriate CGU for impairment testing purposes. The acquisitions are tested for impairment based on revenue generated by the financial planning business as well as revenue synergies generated in other areas resulting from the acquisition. The acquired businesses have commenced contributing to the Group’s current year profits though the business is still in the process of being assimilated into the Fiducian structure. Management estimates that the annualised on-going revenue is $80,000 from this acquisition. It is not practicable to estimate the profit contribution given the significant change in the cost bases to the operation of the business once within the Fiducian Group. Under the terms of the agreement for the acquisitions the deferred consideration may be reduced in respect of any clients that have not transferred to the Group within the period specified in the agreements or should the recurring income be lower than contracted for. 52 Fiducian Group Ltd 16. Current liabilities – Trade and other payables Trade payables Other payables Client portfolio deferred settlement Annual leave entitlements accrued Long service leave entitlements accrued Total trade and other payables Information about the Group’s exposure to credit and interest rate risk is shown in Note 32. 17. Current liabilities – Current tax liabilities Income tax Total current tax liabilities FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Consolidated 2023 $’000 3,097 3,347 27 1,256 1,928 9,655 2022 $’000 2,756 4,225 2,997 1,322 1,682 12,982 Consolidated 2023 $’000 959 959 2022 $’000 407 407 Annual Report 2023 53 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 18. Non-current liabilities – Deferred tax liabilities Consolidated The balance comprises temporary differences attributable to: Recognition and depreciation of ROU assets Recognition and amortisation of client portfolios Deferred tax liabilities before set off Set off against deferred tax assets Net deferred tax liabilities Movements: Opening balance at 1 July Addition during the year/(adjustments to book value) Taken to the statement of comprehensive income Deferred tax liabilities at 30 June before set off Set off against deferred tax assets Net deferred tax liabilities Expiration of net deferred tax liabilities within 12 months after 12 months Total deferred tax liabilities 19. Non-current liabilities – Provisions Employee benefits - long service leave Total provisions 2023 $’000 484 5,494 5,978 (3,190) 2,788 7,368 (226) (1,164) 5,978 (3,190) 2,788 1,287 1,501 2,788 Consolidated 2023 $’000 601 601 2022 $’000 1,531 5,837 7,368 (3,594) 3,774 4,632 3,888 (1,152) 7,368 (3,594) 3,774 1,356 2,418 3,774 2022 $’000 571 571 The provision for long service leave includes all pro-rata entitlements where employees have not yet completed the required period of service and also those where employees are entitled to pro-rata payments. 54 Fiducian Group Ltd 20. Contributed equity A. Share Capital Ordinary shares - fully paid Total share capital B. Movements in ordinary share capital Date Details 1 July 2021 Opening balance Shares bought back on market and cancelled 23 August 2021 Shares issued on exercise of options 30 June 2022 Balance Shares bought back on market and cancelled Shares issued on exercise of options FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Consolidated 2023 $’000 7,788 7,788 Number of shares 31,442,623 - 35,000 31,477,623 - - 2022 $’000 7,788 7,788 $’000 7,636 - 152 7,788 - - 30 June 2023 Balance 31,477,623 7,788 C. Ordinary shares F. Capital risk management Ordinary shares entitle the holder to participate in dividends and the proceeds on winding up of the company in proportion to the number of and amount paid on the shares held. On a show of hands every holder of ordinary shares present at a meeting in person or by proxy is entitled to one vote and, upon a poll each share is entitled to one vote. D. Share buy-back Between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023, the Company did not purchase and cancel any ordinary shares on-market. At 30 June 2023, 478,255 shares remained available to be repurchased under the most recently announced buy back notice to the ASX. The Group’s objectives when managing capital of the wholly owned subsidiaries within the Group are to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern, to individually continue to meet externally imposed capital requirements of APRA and ASIC under its Registrable Superannuation Entity (RSE) License, Responsible Entity (RE) Licence, Operator Licence and their Australian Financial Services (AFS) Licence, and to continue to provide returns to shareholders and benefits to other stakeholders. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to shareholders via an on-market share buy- back, or issue new shares upon exercise of outstanding options. There has been no borrowing to maintain capital adequacy. E. Options The externally imposed requirements are: Information relating to Fiducian Group Employee & Director options issued, exercised and lapsed during the year is set out in Note 24. a. Under its ASIC RE Licence, the RE, Fiducian Investment Management Services Limited, must maintain $5,000,000 net tangible assets at all times during the financial year. b. The requirement under the AFS Licence and RE Licence are maintained by placing cash on deposit with an Authorised Deposit taking Institution. The requirement under the AFS Licence is reported to the Board quarterly at each meeting. Annual Report 2023 55 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 21. Reserves Movements Share-based payments reserve Balance at 1 July Option expense Transfer to retained profits (on exercise of options) Balance at 30 June Consolidated 2023 $’000 2022 $’000 98 16 - 114 75 48 (25) 98 2022 $’000 35,158 13,317 (9,254) 25 39,246 The share-based payments reserve is used to recognise the fair value of options issued but not exercised. 22. Retained profits Movements Balance at 1 July Net profit for the year Dividends paid (Note 8) Transfer from share-based payment reserve (on exercise of options) Balance at 30 June Consolidated 2023 $’000 39,246 12,319 (8,562) - 43,003 56 Fiducian Group Ltd 23. Key management personnel disclosures A. Key management personnel Short-term employee benefits Post-employment benefits Share-based payment Total payments to key management personnel FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Consolidated 2023 $ 2022 $ 873,329 892,016 53,293 16,329 56,549 47,828 942,951 996,393 Detailed remuneration disclosures are provided in sections A-H of the Remuneration Report contained in the Directors’ Report. B. Equity instrument disclosures relating to key management personnel (i) Options provided as remuneration and shares issued on exercise of such options, together with terms and conditions of the options, can be found in section D of the Remuneration Report. (ii) Option holdings The number of options over ordinary shares in the Company held during the financial year by each director of Fiducian Group Limited, including their personally related and associated entities, are set out below. 2023 Name I Singh 1 Balance at the start of the year Exercised Granted during the year as remuneration Lapsed during the year Balance at the end of the year Vested and exercisable 90,000 - - - 90,000 90,000 1 Under the terms of his employment Mr I Singh is not entitled to any options relating to the year ended 30 June 2023. 2022 Name I Singh 1 Balance at the start of the year Exercised Granted during the year as remuneration Lapsed during the year Balance at the end of the year Vested and exercisable 35,000 35,000 90,000 - 90,000 - 1 Under the terms of his employment Mr I Singh is not entitled to any options relating to the year ended 30 June 2022. The options granted relate to the year ended 30 June 2021 and approved at the annual general meeting on 21 October 2021 and hence included above. Annual Report 2023 57 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 23. Key management personnel disclosures (continued) (iii) Shareholdings The number of shares in the Company held during the financial year by each director of Fiducian Group Limited, including their personally related and associated entities, are set out below. There were no shares granted during the period as compensation. 2023 Name I Singh R Bucknell F Khouri S Hallab K Skellern 2022 Name I Singh R Bucknell F Khouri S Hallab Balance at the start of the year Received during the year on the exercise of options Other changes during the year Balance at the end of the year 10,907,061 500,000 268,323 78,527 - - - - - - 35,624 10,942,685 - - 29,000 - 500,000 268,323 107,527 - Balance at the start of the year Received during the year on the exercise of options Other changes during the year Balance at the end of the year 10,872,061 35,000 500,000 268,323 74,527 - - - - - - 4,000 10,907,061 500,000 268,323 78,527 Shares provided on exercise of options During the year no ordinary shares were issued as a result of the exercise of remuneration options to the Executive Chairman of Fiducian Group Limited (2022: 35,000). No amounts are unpaid on any shares issued on the exercise of options. C. Loans to directors No loans were made to directors during the financial year (2022: Nil). 58 Fiducian Group Ltd FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 23. Key management personnel disclosures (continued) D. Other transactions with key management personnel A director, Mr. F Khouri, is an authorised representative under the Fiducian Financial Services Pty Ltd Australian Financial Services License and is a director and shareholder of Hawkesbury Financial Services Pty Ltd, which is a franchisee of Fiducian Financial Services Pty Ltd. Hawkesbury Financial Services Pty Ltd places business with and receives financial planning payments from the Group. All transactions are on normal commercial terms and conditions. Mr. R Bucknell, Mr. S Hallab and Mrs K Skellern were paid director’s fees for their contribution as directors serving on the Board. Aggregate amounts of each of the above types of other transactions with directors of Fiducian Group Limited: Directors’ fees and committee fees * Financial planning fees paid or payable Total payments relating to other transactions with key management personnel Consolidated 2023 $ 271,445 339,332 610,777 2022 $ 316,899 367,029 683,928 * Details of these fees have been provided in the Remuneration report included in the Director’s report. Shares under option Unissued ordinary shares of Fiducian Group Limited under option at the date of this report are disclosed in Note 24 of the financial report. No option holder has any right under the options to participate in any other share issue of the company or any other entity until after the exercise of the option. Shares issued on the exercise of options The details of ordinary shares of Fiducian Group Limited issued during the year ended 30 June 2023 on the exercise of options granted under The Fiducian Group Limited Employee & Director Share Option Plan is disclosed under Note 24 to the financial report. Annual Report 2023 59 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 24. Share based payments A. Employee and director share option plan (ESOP) The establishment of the Fiducian Group Limited ESOP was approved by shareholders at the 2000 Annual General Meeting. The ESOP is designed to provide long-term incentives for senior managers and directors to deliver long-term shareholder returns. Under the plan, participants are granted options which only vest if certain performance standards are met. Participation in the plan is at the Board’s discretion and no individual has a contractual right to participate in the plan or receive any guaranteed benefits. The parent entity has established the ESOP, which is designed to provide incentives to employees and directors. All grants of options under the ESOP are subject to compliance with the Corporations Act 2001 and ASX Listing Rules. The directors may, from time to time, determine which employees and directors may participate in the ESOP, and the number of options that may be issued to them. The directors have an absolute discretion to determine who will participate and the number of options that may be issued. The ESOP provides for an upper limit on the number of options that may be outstanding, the exercise price, exercise period and expiry, and adjustments in the event of capital restructuring. The directors have resolved that the ESOP no longer applies to non-executive directors. Options are granted under the plan for no consideration. Employee options are granted for a five-year period where 35% vest after one year, a further 45% vest after two years and the balance vest after three years. Director options vest after one year. Options granted under the plan carry no dividend or voting rights. When exercisable, each option is converted into one ordinary share on payment of the exercise price. The exercise price of options is based on the volume weighted average price at which the Company’s shares are traded on the Australian Securities Exchange during the month preceding the date the options are granted. During the year, no option was issued (2022: Nil) to the Executive Chairman in respect of his entitlement relating to financial year ended 30 June 2023 and no employee options expired during the same period (2022: Nil). Subject to prior approval by shareholders, the Company may issue each year a maximum of 100,000 options to the executive director for each year of service, subject to performance criteria being met in accordance with his executive agreement. The Directors have resolved not to issue any options (2022: Nil) to the Executive Chairman in respect of the year ended 30 June 2023. Set out below are summaries of options granted under last year’s option plan: Vested & Expiry Exercise Start of the During the During the During the End of the at the End of Balance at Granted Exercised Lapsed Balance at Exercisable Grant Date Date Price Consolidated 2023 ESOP-Executive Chairman 21 Oct 21 21 Oct 26 $6.47 Weighted average exercise price Year Number Year Number Year Number Year Number Year Number 90,000 90,000 $6.47 - - - - - - 90,000 90,000 $6.47 Year Number 90,000 90,000 The volume of weighted average remaining contractual life of share options outstanding at the end of the period was 3.31 years (2022: 4.32 Years). 60 Fiducian Group Ltd FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 24. Share based payments (Continued) A. Employee and director share option plan (ESOP) (Continued) Expiry Exercise Start of the During the During the During the End of the at the End of Balance at Granted Exercised Lapsed Balance at Exercisable Vested & Grant Date Date Price Consolidated 2022 ESOP-Executive Chairman 25 Oct 18 25 Oct 23 21 Oct 21 21 Oct 26 $4.35 $6.47 Weighted average exercise price Year Number Year Number Year Number Year Number Year Number Year Number 35,000 - 35,000 $4.35 - 35,000 90,000 90,000 $6.47 - 35,000 $4.35 - - - - - 90,000 90,000 $6.47 - - - - The volume of weighted average remaining contractual life of share options outstanding at the end of the period was 4.32 years (2021: 2.32 Years). B. Expenses arising from share-based payment transactions Expenses of $16,329 (2022: $47,828) arising from share-based payment transactions were recognised during the period as part of employee benefit expense. This expense is in respect of option entitlements relating to the year ended 30 June 2023 expensed over the term in accordance with the accounting standards. 25. Remuneration of the auditors KPMG remains the auditor of the parent entity and its related subsidiaries. The auditor remuneration in the table below was paid or payable for services provided by KPMG: Audit and review of financial reports Group Controlled entities and joint operations Funds Total audit and review of financial reports Other statutory assurance services Other assurance services Other services Total auditor remuneration Consolidated 2023 $ 61,950 110,220 244,040 416,210 2022 $ 80,000 120,500 227,500 428,000 162,790 151,750 91,000 49,500 17,410 687,410 - 629,250 Annual Report 2023 61 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 26. Contingent liabilities The parent entity and Group had contingent liabilities at 30 June 2023 in respect of bank guarantees for property leases of parent and group entities amounting to $742,472 (2022: $831,313). 27. Commitments Acquisition funding commitment payable within one year Other commitments Consolidated 2023 $’000 27 2022 $’000 605 The Group has also entered into a commitment to fund unindemnifiable liabilities of the Trustee / trustee directors of the Fiducian Superannuation Service. Details of this agreement have been provided in Note 28-F Related party transactions. 28. Related-party transactions A. Parent entity The parent entity within the Group is Fiducian Group Limited at year end. B. Subsidiaries Interests in subsidiaries are set out in Note 12. The consolidated financial report incorporates the assets, liabilities and results of the subsidiaries set out in Note 12 in accordance with the accounting policy described in Note 1-B. C. Key management personnel Disclosures relating to key management personnel are set out in Note 23. 62 Fiducian Group Ltd FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 28. Related-party transactions (Continued) D. Transactions with related parties (i) Transactions between the Group and other related entities include the following: a. Operator fee income received from related trusts b. Trustee fee income received from related trusts c. Recovery of group costs from related trusts d. Collection of fees by Responsible Entities from the related funds The above transactions were on normal commercial terms and conditions and at market rates. All transactions between Group entities are eliminated on consolidation. (ii) Transactions with related parties of directors include the following: a. Financial planning fees paid by Fiducian Financial Services Pty Limited to entities associated with the directors b. Financial planning fees paid by Fiducian Financial Services Pty Limited to entities associated with relatives of the directors The above transactions were on normal commercial terms and conditions and at market rates. The following transactions occurred with related parties: Related trusts Fiducian Investment Service Operator fees income Expense recovery Fiducian Superannuation Service Operator fees income Expense recovery Fiducian Funds Operator fees income Expense recovery Entities associated with directors or their relatives Hawkesbury Financial Services Pty Ltd 2 Financial planning fees paid Fiducian Financial Services Bondi Junction Pty Ltd 3 Financial planning fees paid Ownership Interest 1 Consolidated 2023 $ 2022 $ Nil Nil Nil 7,928,704 8,257,148 28,810 35,097 21,926,273 22,098,784 3,957,330 3,275,916 25,780,062 26,414,516 467,355 356,366 339,332 367,029 - 130,065 1 “Ownership Interest” means the percentage of capital of the Company held directly and/or indirectly through another entity by Fiducian Group Limited. 2 Payments to Franchisee associated with director, F Khouri in the normal course of business in arm’s length transactions. 3 Payments to Franchisee associated with a relative of R Bucknell, in the normal course of business in arm’s length transactions. Annual Report 2023 63 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 28. Related-party transactions (Continued) E. Outstanding balances arising from sales / purchases of services provided The following balances are outstanding at the reporting date in relation to transactions with related parties: Current receivables (income from related trusts) Total current receivables Consolidated 2023 $ 2022 $ 5,865,295 4,495,214 5,865,295 4,495,214 No ECL provisions for doubtful receivables have been raised in relation to any outstanding balances, and no expense is required to be recognised in respect of impaired receivables due from related parties. F. Commitment to fund unindemnifiable liabilities Fiducian Services Pty Ltd, a member of the Group, and the administrator of the superannuation service has entered into an agreement effective 30 June 2022 to fund Fiducian Portfolio Services Ltd, the Trustee of Fiducian Superannuation Service for unindemnifiable liabilities of up to an aggregate of $1,500,000. As at 30 June 2023, no events have arisen to create any unindemnifiable liability. 29. Reconciliation of profit or loss after income tax to net cash inflow from operating activities Consolidated 2023 $’000 12,319 212 4,775 (1,064) 552 384 (2,147) (754) 14,277 2022 $’000 13,317 1,231 4,092 387 (52) 264 412 (972) 18,679 Profit for the year Non-cash employee benefit Amortisation and depreciation Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Change in accounts receivable Change in income tax payable Change in trade creditors Change in other creditors Change in deferred income tax liability Net cash inflow from operating activities 64 Fiducian Group Ltd 30. Earnings per share FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Consolidated 2023 2022 Earnings per share using weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period: A. Basic earnings per share (in cents) Profit from continuing operations attributable to the ordinary equity of the company 39.13 42.31 B. Diluted earnings per share (in cents) Profit from continuing operations attributable to the ordinary equity and potential ordinary equity of the company 39.03 42.23 Consolidated 2023 Number 2022 Number C. Weighted average number of shares used as denominator Weighted average number of ordinary shares used as denominator in calculating basic earnings per share Adjustments for calculation of diluted earnings per share options 31,477,623 31,477,623 86,910 65,269 Weighted average number of ordinary shares and potential ordinary shares used as denominator in calculating diluted earnings per share 31,564,533 31,542,892 Consolidated 2023 $’000 2022 $’000 D. Reconciliation of earnings used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share Net profit and earnings used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share 12,319 13,317 E. Information concerning the classification of securities Options granted to employees under the Fiducian Group Limited Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP) are considered to be potential ordinary shares and have been included in the determination of diluted earnings per share to the extent that they are dilutive. The options have not been included in the determination of basic earnings per share. Details relating to the options are set out in Note 24. Annual Report 2023 65 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 31. Events occurring after balance date There has not arisen in the interval between the end of the financial year and the date of this report any item, transaction or event of a material or unusual nature likely in the opinion of the directors of the Group, to affect significantly the operations of the Company, the results of those operations or the state of affairs of the Group in subsequent years. 32. Financial risk management The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including interest rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The Group’s overall risk management program focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the financial performance of the Group. The Group holds the following financial instruments: Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents Trade and other receivables Business development loans Total financial assets Financial liabilities Trade and other payables A. Market risk (i) Foreign exchange risk Consolidated 2023 $’000 19,648 7,795 8,832 36,275 2022 $’000 17,484 5,951 8,998 32,433 10,256 13,552 The Group has no operations outside Australia and is not exposed to any material foreign exchange risk. (ii) Interest rate risk The Group’s main interest rate risk arises from deposits in Australian dollars and loans to advisers. The Group has no borrowings. Cash at bank and on deposit Business development loans 30 June 2023 30 June 2022 Weighted Average Interest Rate % 4.35% 6.54% Weighted Average Interest Rate % 0.62% 3.85% Balance $’000 19,648 8,832 28,480 Balance $’000 17,484 8,998 26,482 Bank deposits are at call and adviser loans have terms extending between 1 and 10 years, and may be repayable sooner in certain circumstances. Interest rates are reviewed and adjusted at least quarterly. The Group’s main interest rate risk arises from cash and cash equivalents and loans with variable interest rates. At 30 June 2023 if interest rates change by +/- 100 basis points (2022: +/- 100 basis points) from the year end rates with all other variables held constant, post-tax profit would have been $201,608 higher or lower (2022: $185,370). 66 Fiducian Group Ltd FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 32. Financial risk management (Continued) B. Credit risk Credit risk for the Group arises from trade receivables, cash at bank and on deposits, business development and staff loans. Risk Management The Group has low credit risk from trade receivables, as management fee and financial planning income is received within one month of it falling due. Financial planning fees to the franchisees are only paid following the receipt of the related income, thereby mitigating credit risk. For cash at bank and on deposits, the credit quality assessed against external credit ratings and only parties with minimum rating as detailed below in the table are accepted. For business development and staff loans which are unrated management assess the credit quality of the borrower based on credit rating scorecard taking into account financial position, collateral to provide security for the loan and cultural alignment to the business. The compliance with credit limits are monitored regularly by line management. The credit quality of other financial assets can be assessed against external credit ratings as follows: Cash at bank and on deposit AA- Business development loans Unrated Consolidated 2023 $’000 2022 $’000 19,648 17,484 8,832 8,998 Business development loans have been categorised in line with the Group’s internal credit classification as follows: Performing Under performing Non performing Loans written off Total gross loan receivables Less: ECL Less: Write off Loan receivables net of expected credit losses Consolidated 2023 $’000 7,288 1,865 - - 9,153 (321) - 8,832 2022 $’000 6,451 2,868 - - 9,319 (321) - 8,998 Security Under the terms of agreement for business development loans, the Group has a security deed over the all the assets of the franchisee’s business registered in Personal Property Security Register. This security may be called upon if the franchisee defaults under the terms of the agreement. The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the carrying amount of the financial assets as summarised on this page. Annual Report 2023 67 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 32. Financial risk management (Continued) C. Liquidity risk The Group maintains sufficient liquid reserves to meet all foreseeable working capital, investment and regulatory licensing requirements. D. Maturity of financial liabilities The table below analyses the group’s financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on their contractual maturities. Contractual Cash Flows Carrying Amount Trade and other payables and provisions Due in less than 1 year Due in more than 1 year Lease Liabilities Due in less than 1 year Due in more than 1 year Total financial liabilities E. Fair value estimation 2023 $’000 9,655 602 1,896 2,633 14,786 2022 $’000 12,982 570 1,896 4,517 19,965 2023 $’000 9,655 602 1,171 3,068 14,496 2022 $’000 12,982 570 1,596 4,229 19,377 The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities must be estimated for recognition and measurements or for disclosure purposes. (a) Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1); (b) Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (as prices) or indirectly (derived from prices) (level 2); and (c) Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs). The Group did not have any assets or liabilities recognised at fair value as at 30 June 2023. F. Assets and liabilities not carried at fair value but for which fair value is disclosed Cash and cash equivalents include deposits held with bank and other short-term investments in an active market. Trade receivables include the contractual amount for settlement of the trade debts due to the Group. The carrying amount of the trade receivables is assumed to approximate their fair values due to their short-term nature. Business development loans represent contractual payments by advisers over the period of loan. Loans classified as current have not been discounted as the carrying values are a reasonable approximation of fair value due to their short-term nature. Trade and other payables include amounts due to creditors and accruals and represent the contractual amounts and obligations due by the Company for expenses. The carrying amount of the trade and other payables are assumed to approximate the fair value due to their short-term nature. 68 Fiducian Group Ltd 33. Parent entity financial information The stand-alone summarised financial statements of the Company is as follows: A. Balance sheet Current Assets Non-Current Assets Total Assets Current Liabilities Non-Current Liabilities Total Liabilities Net Assets Equity Share capital Reserves Retained Earnings Equity B. Total comprehensive income Dividends from subsidiaries and other income FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Parent Entity 2023 $’000 41,031 12,849 53,880 - 31 31 2022 $’000 37,538 11,849 49,387 - 31 31 53,849 49,356 7,788 114 45,947 53,849 7,788 98 41,470 49,356 12,700 14,200 34. Deed of cross – guarantee The Company has in place a deed of cross-guarantee, substantially in the form of ASIC Pro Forma 24 with each wholly owned member of the Fiducian Group, with the exception of Fiducian Portfolio Services Ltd. This entity has been excluded from the Group deed of cross - guarantee following the release of an ASIC class order disallowing APRA regulated entities from being part of a closed group covered by a deed of cross-guarantee. Since the financial statement of this excluded entity are not material to the consolidated financial statements, management do not consider it necessary to disclose additional consolidation information related to the closed group excluding this entity. The effect of the deed of cross-guarantee is that each participating member has entered into the deed, guarantees to each creditor of any participating member of the Fiducian Group that has entered into the deed, payment in full of any debt owed to that creditor in the event of winding up of that relevant member of the Fiducian Group. Annual Report 2023 69 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 35. Lease assets and liabilities (i) Amount recognised in the Statement of Financial Position Right-of-use asset Property Equipment Lease Liabilities Current Non-Current Deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities (ii) Amount recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income Depreciation relating to the Right-of-use assets Interest Expense (Finance Cost) Expense relating to short term leases (iii) Total Cash outflows relating to operating leases Principal payments included under Financing activities Interest payments included under operating activities Consolidated 30 Jun 2023 30 Jun 2022 $’000 $’000 3,417 71 3,488 1,171 3,068 4,239 1,265 1,047 1,615 290 203 1,587 290 1,877 4,910 192 5,102 1,596 4,229 5,825 1,741 1,531 1,520 337 154 1,703 337 2,040 70 Fiducian Group Ltd Financial Statements Directors’ Declaration DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION In the directors’ opinion: (a) the financial statements and notes set out on pages 26 to 70 are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including (i) complying with Accounting Standards, the Corporations Regulations 2001 and other mandatory professional reporting requirements and (ii) giving a true and fair view of the Company’s and Consolidated Entity’s financial position as at 30 June 2023 and of their performance for the financial year ended on that date and (b) there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable. (c) at the date of this declaration, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the members of the wholly owned group identified in Note 12 will be able to meet any obligations or liabilities to which they are, or may become subject by virtue of the deed of cross-guarantee described in Note 34. Note 1-A confirms that the financial statements also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. The directors have been given the declarations by the Executive Chairman and Chief Financial Officer required by Section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001. This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the directors. Inderjit (Indy) Singh OAM Executive Chairman Sydney, 14 August 2023 Annual Report 2023 71 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT Independent Auditor’s Report To the shareholders of Fiducian Group Limited Report on the audit of the Financial Report Opinion We have audited the Financial Report of Fiducian Group Limited (the Company). The Financial Report comprises: • Consolidated Statement of financial position as at 30 In our opinion, the accompanying Financial Report of the Company is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including: • • giving a true and fair view of the Group’s financial position as at 30 June 2023 and of its financial performance for the year ended on that date; and complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. June 2023; • Consolidated Statement of comprehensive income, Consolidated Statement of changes in equity, and Consolidated Statement of cash flows for the year then ended; • Notes including a summary of significant accounting policies; and • Directors’ Declaration. The Group consists of the Company and the entities it controlled at the year-end or from time to time during the financial year. Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the Financial Report section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the Financial Report in Australia. We have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. ©2023 KPMG, an Australian partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organisation of independent member firms affiliated 72 with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved. The KPMG name and logo are ©2023 KPMG, an Australian partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organisation of independent member firms trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organisation. Liability limited by a scheme approved affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved. The KPMG under Professional Standards Legislation. name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organisation. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members 72 Fiducian Group Ltd INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT Key Audit Matters The Key Audit Matters we identified are: • Valuation of Goodwill; and • revenue recognition. Key Audit Matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the Financial Report of the current period. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the Financial Report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. Valuation of Goodwill – $12.4m Refer to Note 1N. Intangibles Assets and Note 15 Goodwill to the Financial Report The key audit matter How the matter was addressed in our audit A key audit matter for us was the Group’s testing of goodwill for impairment, given the size of the balance (being 18% of total assets). Working with our valuation specialists, our procedures included: At each year end, the Group performs an annual impairment test for goodwill. Due to recent volatility observed in the local economy, the Group assessed the valuation of goodwill using two methods being the value-in-use discounted cash flow model and the market multiple model. The key assumptions the Group applied in their annual impairment test for goodwill includes the following: • • Market multiples used by the Group in determining the estimated fair value of the acquired financial planning businesses. The Financial Planning Industry Group’s market multiple model is sensitive to changes in the market multiple. Forecast cash flows, growth rates and terminal growth rates. These rates can experience changes due to the movements in the economy. This increases the risk of inaccurate forecasts or a wider range of possible outcomes for us to consider. A cash generating unit (“CGU”) specific discount rate incorporating the appropriate risks. These are complicated in nature and vary according to the conditions and environment the specific CGU is subject to from time to time. • • We considered the appropriateness of the methods applied by the Group to perform the annual test of goodwill impairment against the requirements of the accounting standards. • We assessed the integrity of the value in use model and the market multiple model used, including the accuracy of the underlying calculation formulas. • We compared the implied multiples from comparable market transactions to the implied multiple from the Group’s market multiple model. • We independently developed a discount rate range using publicly available data for comparable entities, adjusted by risk factors specific to the Group’s CGU and the industry they operate in. • We challenged the forecast cash flows, growth rates and terminal value contained in the value in use models against our understanding of the relevant CGU and externally sourced industry-based growth rates. We assessed the application of key forecast cash flow assumptions for consistency across the Group’s CGUs. • We assessed the accuracy of previous Group forecasts to inform our evaluation of forecasts incorporated in the value in use model. • We considered the sensitivity of the value in use model by varying key assumptions, such as forecast growth rates and discount rates, within a reasonably 73 Annual Report 2023 73 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT We focused on the key assumptions applied and involved our valuation specialists to supplement our senior audit team members in assessing this key audit matter possible range. We considered key assumptions when performing the sensitivity analysis and what the Group consider to be reasonably possible. • We assessed the disclosures in the financial report using our understanding obtained from our testing and against the requirements of the accounting standards. Revenue recognition - $72.3m Refer to Note 1C. Revenue Recognition and Note 4 Revenue to the Financial Report misstated. The key audit matter How the matter was addressed in our audit The Group generates revenue from multiple products and services, including fees earned from the funds management services, platform administrations services and fees earned from offering advice to customers. Revenue recognition is a key audit matter given the audit complexity associated with the number of different revenue streams, and the significance of revenue to the Group’s results. We focussed on the: • Key revenue streams, each with varying fee rates and Product Disclosure Statements, which required significant audit effort to test the fees recognised. • Drivers of fee calculations, which include funds under management (FUM), funds under administration (FUAdm) and funds under advice (FUA). Information is sourced from the Group’s third- party service organisations which provide investment administration, custody and unit registry services. This required us to understand the key processes and assess the key controls of these service organisations relevant to the Group’s revenue recognition. members in assessing this key audit matter Our procedures included: • We assessed the Group’s revenue recognition policy against the requirements of AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers. • We obtained an understanding of the key processes, evaluated the design and tested the operational effectiveness of key controls related to the Group’s recognition of revenue. • We obtained and read the GS007 (Guidance Statement 007 Audit Implications of the Use of Service Organisations for Investment Management Services) assurance reports and management’s assessment thereof to understand the processes and assess the controls relevant to the third-party service organisations. • We recalculated the fee calculation of the platform administration services and funds management services revenue streams. We used the fee rates stipulated in the Group’s publicly available Product Disclosure Statements, Investor Guide and Additional Information Booklet multiplied by FUM and FUAdm based on custodial records. • We checked a sample of revenue transactions from fees earned from offering advice to customers to the relevant statement of advice, record of advice, and client application forms agreed and signed by the customer. • We checked a sample of fees earned from financial planning advice to external financial supplier statements and independent confirmations from external advisors. • We assessed the disclosures in the financial report using our understanding obtained from our testing, and against the requirements of the accounting standards. Other Information Other Information is financial and non-financial information in Fiducian Group Limited’s annual reporting which is provided in addition to the Financial Report and the Auditor’s Report. The Directors are responsible for the Other Information. Our opinion on the Financial Report does not cover the Other Information and, accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion or any form of assurance conclusion thereon, with the exception of the Remuneration Report and our related assurance opinion. In connection with our audit of the Financial Report, our responsibility is to read the Other Information. In doing so, we consider whether the Other Information is materially inconsistent with the Financial Report or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially We are required to report if we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this Other Information and based on the work we have performed on the Other Information that we obtained prior to the date of this Auditor’s Report we have nothing to report. Responsibilities of the Directors for the Financial Report The Directors are responsible for: • • • • • preparing the Financial Report that gives a true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001; implementing necessary internal control to enable the preparation of a Financial Report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; and assessing the Group and Company’s ability to continue as a going concern and whether the use of the going concern basis of accounting is appropriate. This includes disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the Group and Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the Financial Report Our objective is: to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the Financial Report as a whole is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; and to issue an Auditor’s 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 Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error. They 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 the Financial Report. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the Financial Report is located at the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board website at: https://www.auasb.gov.au/admin/file/content102/c3/ar1_2020.pdf description forms part of our Auditor’s Report. 74 Fiducian Group Ltd 74 75 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT Other Information Other Information is financial and non-financial information in Fiducian Group Limited’s annual reporting which is provided in addition to the Financial Report and the Auditor’s Report. The Directors are responsible for the Other Information. Our opinion on the Financial Report does not cover the Other Information and, accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion or any form of assurance conclusion thereon, with the exception of the Remuneration Report and our related assurance opinion. In connection with our audit of the Financial Report, our responsibility is to read the Other Information. In doing so, we consider whether the Other Information is materially inconsistent with the Financial Report or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. We are required to report if we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this Other Information and based on the work we have performed on the Other Information that we obtained prior to the date of this Auditor’s Report we have nothing to report. Responsibilities of the Directors for the Financial Report The Directors are responsible for: • preparing the Financial Report that gives a true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001; • • implementing necessary internal control to enable the preparation of a Financial Report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; and assessing the Group and Company’s ability to continue as a going concern and whether the use of the going concern basis of accounting is appropriate. This includes disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the Group and Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the Financial Report Our objective is: • • to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the Financial Report as a whole is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; and to issue an Auditor’s 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 Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error. They 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 the Financial Report. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the Financial Report is located at the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board website at: https://www.auasb.gov.au/admin/file/content102/c3/ar1_2020.pdf description forms part of our Auditor’s Report. 75 Annual Report 2023 75 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT Report on the Remuneration Report Opinion Directors’ responsibilities In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Fiducian Group Limited for the year ended 30 June 2023, complies with Section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. The Directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the Remuneration Report in accordance with Section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. Our responsibilities We have audited the Remuneration Report included in pages 16 to 22 of the Directors’ report for the year ended 30 June 2023. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Remuneration Report, based on our audit conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. KPMG Andrew Reeves Partner Sydney 14 August 2023 76 Fiducian Group Ltd 76 Shareholder Information SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION A. Distribution of equity security holders by size of holding Analysis of number of equity security holders by size of holding as at 1 August 2023: Distribution 1 - 1,000 1,001 - 5,000 5,001 - 10,000 10,001 - 100,000 100,001 and over Total holders Option holders Ordinary Share Holder - - - 1 - 1 444 579 180 223 24 1,450 There were 75 holders of a less than marketable parcel of ordinary shares. B. Equity security holders Twenty largest quoted equity security holders The names of the 20 largest registered shareholders of quoted equity securities as at 1 August 2023 are listed below: Name INDYSHRI SINGH PTY LIMITED HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED SHRIND INVESTMENTS PTY LTD LONDON CITY EQUITIES LIMITED J P MORGAN NOMINEES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED MR JOHN CHARLES PLUMMER SUPERNATURAL SUPER PTY LTD ASHCOL HOLDINGS PTY LTD 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 D R SMITH HOLDINGS PTY LTD 11 GARRETT SMYTHE LTD 12 BNP PARIBAS NOMS PTY LTD 13 BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD HUB24 CUSTODIAL SERV LTD 14 HFR PTY LTD 15 MR IAN HAROLD HOLLAND 16 MR ALISTAIR BRIAN CAMPBELL + MRS KAREN PATRICIA CAMPBELL 17 NATIONAL NOMINEES LIMITED 18 BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD 19 MRS JENNIFER MARGARET LEESON 20 CERTANE CT PTY LTD Percentage of Number Held Issued Shares 8,795,933 2,479,774 2,146,752 2,095,094 1,488,753 900,102 850,000 569,689 500,000 500,000 356,819 224,758 218,297 216,137 165,000 163,000 144,823 139,290 138,847 138,000 27.94 7.88 6.82 6.66 4.73 2.86 2.70 1.81 1.59 1.59 1.13 0.71 0.69 0.69 0.52 0.52 0.46 0.44 0.44 0.44 22,231,068 70.62 Annual Report 2023 77 SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION Shareholder Information (Continued) Unquoted equity securities As at 1 August 2023 Type of Security Options - Executive Chairman C. Substantial shareholders Number on Issue Number of Holders 90,000 1 Substantial shareholders and associates as at 1 August 2023 (more than 5% of a class of shares) in the company are set out below: Name INDYSHRI SINGH PTY LIMITED HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED LONDON CITY EQUITIES LIMITED Number Held Percentage 10,942,685 2,479,774 2,095,094 34.76 7.88 6.66 D. Voting rights The voting rights attaching to each class of equity securities are set out below: Ordinary shares On a show of hands each holder of ordinary shares has one vote and upon a poll one vote for each share held Options No voting rights 78 Fiducian Group Ltd Corporate Directory CORPORATE DIRECTORY Directors Share registry I Singh OAM, BTech, MComm (Bus), ASIA, ASFA, DipFP, CFP Executive Chairman R Bucknell FCA F Khouri B Bus, FCPA, CTA S Hallab B Ec (Accnt & Law), CA, GAICD, FAIST K Skellern BE (Chem, Hons), BSc, Grad Dip (Bus Admin), FAICD Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited Level 3, 60 Carrington Street Sydney NSW 2000 Auditor KPMG Chartered Accountants Tower Three, International Towers 300 Barangaroo Avenue, Sydney NSW 2000 Company secretary Bankers P Gubecka LLB, LLM, BCom, CPA, FGIA, FCG (CS, CGP) Notice of Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting of Fiducian Group Limited Will be held: Online and in person at Level 4, 1 York Street Sydney 2000 National Australia Bank Limited 500 Bourke Street Melbourne VIC 3000 ANZ Banking Group 388 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Time: Date: 10:00 am Australian Securities Exchange Listing Thursday, 19 October 2023 Fiducian Group Limited (ASX:FID) Principal registered office in Australia Website address Level 4 1 York Street Sydney NSW 2000 (02) 8298 4600 www.fiducian.com.au Wholly owned operating entities • Fiducian Business Services Pty Limited • Fiducian Financial Services Pty Limited • Fiducian Investment Management Services Limited • Fiducian Portfolio Services Limited • Fiducian Services Pty Limited Annual Report 2023 79 OFFICE LOCATIONS Financial Adviser Office Locations Australian Capital Territory Northern Territory Canberra Darwin New South Wales Albury Bathurst Parramatta Penrith Caves Beach Randwick Coffs Coast Sutherland Gosford Hunter Illawarra Kelso Macarthur Nowra Sydney CBD Tuggerah Ultimo Windsor Wynyard South Australia Adelaide North Adelaide Blackwood Queensland Victoria Bendigo Cobden Colac Ringwood Sale Sunbury Doncaster Surrey Hills Geelong Traralgon Mt Waverley Western Australia Osborne Park South Perth Bayside Toowoomba Caboolture Townsville Sunshine Coast Tasmania Hobart Launceston 80 Fiducian Group Ltd FIDUCIAN GROUP LIMITED Level 4, 1 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia GPO Box 4175, Sydney NSW 2001 Australia Telephone: +61 2 8298 4600 Fax: +61 2 8298 4611 www.fiducian.com.au 

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