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Manx Financial Group

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FY2009 Annual Report · Manx Financial Group
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ANNUAL REPORT 2009

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 Welcome to Manx Financial Group PLC
Integrity through innovation and independence

 An independent banking group since 1935, 
domiciled in the Isle of Man.

 Who we are

(“MFG”) 
Manx  Financial  Group  PLC 
(formerly  Conister  Financial  Group  PLC 
(“CFG”)) was formed as part of a “Scheme 
of  Arrangement” 
in  January  2008  to 
establish  a  parent  company  for  Conister 
Bank  Limited 
(formerly  Conister  Trust 
Limited) and TransSend Holdings Limited. 
MFG is listed on the Alternative Investment 
Market (“AIM”). 

The  shares  of  Conister  Bank  were  one 
of  the  first  companies  to  be  admitted  to 
trading on the AIM in 1995 and as part of 
the “Scheme of Arrangement”, the shares 
were  replaced  on  AIM  by  those  of  Manx 
Financial Group PLC.

Conister  Bank  Limited  (formerly  Conister 
Trust  Limited)  (“the  Bank”)  is  a  licensed, 
independent bank in the Isle of Man and a 
full member of the MasterCard® network. 

Since  its  inception  in  1935,  the  Bank  has 
assisted successive generations to achieve 
their financial goals by providing a variety of 
financial  products  and  services,  including 
taking deposits and the provision of credit 
facilities and asset finance for personal and 
business use.

The  Bank  has  also  diversified  into  the 
insurance  premium  finance  market  and 
fiduciary  deposits  for  corporate  and  high 
net  worth  clients  and,  through  Conister 
Wealth,  provides 
financial 
advice on a range of life assurance, pension 
and investment products to both personal 
and business customers.  

independent 

 Contents

 Highlights 

Chairman’s Statement 

Chief Executive’s Business and Financial Review 

Directors and Advisers 

Report of the Directors 

Directors’ Remuneration Report 

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 

Report of the Independent Auditor 

01

02

04

06

08

10

12

13

Consolidated Comprehensive Statement of Income  14

Consolidated and Company Statement of 
Financial Position 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 

Consolidated and Company Statement 
of Changes in Equity 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 

15

16

17

18

 ®MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated.

Conister Card Services (formerly TransSend) 
is  the  Group’s  prepaid  card  division. 
Conister Card Services provides business 
clients  with  payment  solutions  that  easily 
their  existing  payment 
integrate 
process  to  produce  highly  controllable, 
cost-effective  ways  of  moving  funds  and 
create new revenue opportunities.

into 

issuer 

The division is now positioned as a prepaid 
card 
leverage  the 
in  order  to 
strengths  of  the  existing  group,  and  has 
recently  built  further  strategic  alliances  to 
maximise  distribution 
and 
revenues.

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Manx Financial Group PLC
Highlights

01

 Financial Highlights

MFG, the Holding Company:

¥  The Group’s financial performance improved as its loss was reduced to £2.6 million (2008: £18.3 million) an improvement 
of £15.7 million. Excluding the ESS transaction the underlying result has improved by £6.1 million compared to last year.
¥  The trend towards consolidated profitability continues with the loss reducing in the second half of 2009 to £0.8 million 

(2008: £15.3 million) from £1.8 million in the first half of 2009 (2008: £3.0 million).

¥  The Group’s cost base reduced by £6.7 million year on year, the equivalent of a 42% decrease.
¥  The cost of the holding company excluding impairments reduced to £1.2 million (2008: £3.4 million), a 65% reduction 

year on year.

¥  The  Group  successfully  secured  £1.22  million  of  supplementary  capital  in  February  2010  to  facilitate  new  lending 

opportunities.

Conister Bank Limited:

¥  Despite the worsening economic climate the Bank’s financial performance from continuing operations was a reduced loss 

of £1.2 million (2008: £1.3 million) a 7.7% improvement.

¥  The trend back towards profitability continued with the second half loss reducing to £0.5 million (2008: £1.2 million) from 

£0.7 million in the first half of 2009 (2008: £0.1 million).

¥  The Bank’s cost base reduced by £1.5 million year on year, 18%.
¥  The Bank’s capital position has improved year on year with the Risk Asset Ratio remaining stable at 18% and with Tier 1 

capital, having adopted BASEL II reporting criteria, increasing to 20.9% (2008: 15.6% under BASEL I).

¥  Substantial liquidity surplus to regulatory requirements, £10.7 million (2008: £10.1 million).
¥  The  year  end  litigation  funding  net  asset,  a  business  segment  in  run  off,  has  reduced  by  87%  to  £0.2  million

(2008: £1.5 million). 

¥  The Bank has no exposure to the sub-prime sector or to mortgages.
¥  The Bank has no wholesale funding and has a loan book which matches the duration of the depositors’ terms.

Conister Card Services:

¥  Financial performance greatly improved as the loss was significantly reduced to £0.4 million (2008: £3.5 million) as the 

change in strategy started to impact positively on the income statement.

¥  In the second half of 2009 the business recorded a profit of £0.1 million (2008: loss of £1.9 million).
¥  Conister Card Services cost base reduced by £3.0 million, 72%, year on year. The number of active cards issued has 

increased to 73,150 (2008: 34,729) an increase of 111%. 

Operational Highlights

¥  The Bank has successfully installed a new banking system on time and under budget.
¥  The risk & compliance team has been strengthened to facilitate increased risk monitoring and reporting, and to support 

the new business lines established in 2009.

¥  The Bank’s recent rebranding to more fully represent the services now provided has been an acclaimed success.
¥  The Bank has successfully commenced its Wealth and General Insurance businesses in 2009.
¥  Conister Card Services has completed its repositioning within the prepaid card market becoming a BIN sponsor.

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Manx Financial Group PLC
 Chairman’s Statement

02

James Mellon
Chairman

Introduction
The  final  quarter  of  2009  has  shown  signs  that  the  global 
macroeconomic environment is stabilising; however, we remain in a 
period of high economic uncertainty. The US economy has emerged 
from  recession  in  the  third  quarter  and  the  UK  has  shown  signs 
of  improvement  and  recently  exited  recession.  Inflation  remains 
modest  and  the  consensus  amongst  UK,  US  and  Continental 
Europe commentators is that interest rates will not rise in the near 
term.

Quantitative  easing  programmes  by  central  banks  are  likely  to  
continue, or at least not be withdrawn, in an effort to support the 
recovery during its initial stages, furthermore there remains a need 
to support the main banks. Whilst this unprecedented and massive 
liquidity  injection  has  stimulated  demand  for  financial  assets  and 
saved some banks from collapse, it appears not to have stimulated 
consumer demand to any great extent.

Much  of  the  recovery  in  industrial  production  has  not  been  a 
result  of  stronger  consumer  demand,  as  consumers  worry  about 
rising  unemployment  and  taxes,  and  continue  to  reduce  their 
indebtedness rather than increase spending. In other words, in the 
UK and in the Isle of Man the savings rate has risen markedly.

The Group continues to be well insulated against the pressures of 
the economic environment due to its core focus on the Isle of Man, 
a market which has avoided the severe recessions experienced by 
its near neighbours and also, by avoiding any exposure to wholesale 
money markets, the property market and sub-prime loans.

The  macro  environment  has  had  two  key  effects  on  the  Group 
however, which are worth noting: 1. Default rates remain extremely 
low,  and  we  remain  more  than  adequately  provisioned  for  loan 
impairments. 2. As the savings rates rise, people are less keen to 
take on debt which makes it harder to grow our loan book, which 
is  our  key  objective.  The  last  point  is  being  addressed  and  with 
increased capital we are taking advantage of lending opportunities 
of the highest quality. 

We have experienced none of the severe systemic issues suffered by 
the major banks and today our capital ratios remain exceptionally high.

Manx Financial Group
During  2009  the  Group  changed  its  name  to  better  reflect  its 
heritage and roots, to the Manx Financial Group PLC, an important 
part in the evolution to a financial services company. The Group’s 
financial performance continues to improve with the loss reduced to 
£2.6 million (2008: £18.3 million), an improvement of £15.7 million 
(£6.1  million  excluding  the  ESS  transaction)  with  a  positive  trend 
towards profitability as the second half’s financial performance was 
£1.0 million ahead of the first half of 2009 and £12.3 million ahead 
of the corresponding period in 2008. 

Also in 2009 the Group undertook a balance sheet efficiency review 
resulting  in  the  bank  commencing  a  strategy  to  reconnect  the 
historical disconnection between its lending and how it was funded. 
As  a  result  our  deposit  balance  has  reduced  to  £49.5  million 

(2008:  £66.1  million)  which  more  closely  matches  our  advanced 
balances. This reconnection will improve the financial performance 
of  the  Group  through  reducing  its  cost  of  funds  and  it  will  more 
efficiently use its surplus liquidity which stood at £10.7 million (2008: 
£10.1 million) at the year end. 

The trend in improving profitability is projected to increase steadily 
and I am very confident of the outturn in the next few years.

The Board and Executive have now established one of the strongest 
banks, with about as clean a balance sheet as any bank could hope 
for. There are no hidden liabilities lurking in any part of our business 
and confidence is very high.

In  January  2010,  following  a  successful  EGM  where  all  resolutions 
were  approved  by  the  Shareholders  in  accordance  with  the 
Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, a convertible 
bond  was  issued  to  support  new  lending  opportunities.  It  is  the 
Board’s current intention to raise further capital this year through a 
general offer for subscription to all Shareholders to fund further new 
lending  opportunities  and  I  hope  you  will  take  up  this  opportunity 
to  support  the  continued  development  of  the  Group.  A  further 
announcement will be made in this regard if and when the details of 
the offer are finalised by the Board.

The Group continues to review opportunities to grow through the 
acquisition of businesses that complement the Bank or businesses 
that would benefit from being part of a Group that owns a Bank. 
However,  whilst  the  current  economic  environment  presents 
opportunities we are determined to ensure that we make decisions 
based  on  sound  financial  assessment  and  robust  business  due 
diligence.  We  shall  not  acquire  just  for  the  sake  of  growth  if  the 
business does not fit with our strategic vision.

Conister Bank
The  Bank’s  capital  has  remained  steady  with  a  Risk  Asset  Ratio 
of  17.9%  (2008:  17.6%)  and  a  Tier  1  capital  ratio  of  20.9%.
The  Bank  has  maintained  a  liquidity  position  in  excess  of  its
regulatory  requirements,  driven  by  a  higher  number  of  customers 
reinvesting  maturing  deposits  than  anticipated.  This  provides 
evidence  of  the  support  the  Bank  enjoys  from  its  core  retail 
customers  and  has  resulted  in  the  Bank  not  being  required  to 
compete  for  expensive  retail  deposits  during  2009  resulting  in  an 
improved margin position. 

The  Bank’s  financial  performance  also  improved  in  2009  with  the 
loss reducing to £1.2 million (2008: £1.3 million).

I  continue  to  oversee  the  work  of  the  executive  team  resulting  in 
improved processes and controls and this remains a focus of the 
Board. 

The  Risk  &  Compliance  team  has  been  strengthened  accordingly 
to  facilitate  increased  risk  monitoring  and  reporting  and  further 
develop operational processes and controls. 

Two  years  ago,  with  the  onset  of  the  global  downturn,  the  Bank 
tightened  its  underwriting  criteria  and  this  has  manifested  itself  in 
near static provisioning levels for asset financing in 2009.

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Manx Financial Group PLC

03

Conister Bank will continue as the Isle of Man’s only independent 
bank  and  will  continue  to  leverage  its  unique  position,  in  what  is 
its  75th  anniversary  year,  through  the  provision  of  straightforward 
products to strengthen and lengthen the customer relationship.

Conister  Card  Services  will  continue  to  exploit  the  Bank’s 
MasterCard® membership and seek out new opportunities and take 
advantage  of  strategic  opportunities  as  the  market  consolidates 
and grows.

The  Bank’s  balance  sheet  remains  strong  with  no  debt  or  toxic 
assets.  This  together  with  the  Board  and  Executives  will  drive 
forward  the  business  based  on  a  stable  and  sound  platform  ably 
assisted by an enthusiastic, motivated and customer focused team.

I would like to take this opportunity to again thank our staff and our 
Shareholders for their support throughout the year.

AGM Resolutions
As always the Board would recommend the shareholders consider 
and support the resolutions laid before them at the AGM.

James Mellon
Executive Chairman 
30 April 2010

There has also been significant progress in resolving the outstanding 
issues associated with the discontinued litigation funding business 
stream  with  net  assets  at  the  year  end  reduced  by  87%  to
£0.2 million (2008: £1.5 million) and we can now foresee a successful 
conclusion to this book.

Conister Card Services
The  repositioning  of  this  business  in  2009  from  a  Programme 
Manager to that of a BIN sponsor is now complete and the financial 
improvement  forecast  from  this  strategic  change  has  become 
evident in the year end results. The loss for the year was reduced to 
£0.4 million (2008: £3.5 million) and indeed the cards business made 
a small profit in the second half of 2009. The business continues to 
look  for  new  programme  managers  with  profitable  contracts  and 
ways to leverage the Bank’s MasterCard® licence. 

Our People
I  continue  to  be  impressed  by  the  commitment  and  dedication  of 
our staff to the Group and to its customers and I thank them for all 
their  continued  effort  during  2009.  I  am  pleased  to  welcome  Nick 
Sheard (Head of Risk and Compliance) and Douglas Grant (Group 
Finance Director) to the Board in September 2009 and January 2010 
respectively, both of whom bring valuable experience and skills.

Outlook
Market conditions appear to be improving, and if the global economy 
can avoid any unforeseen shocks, the outlook for your Company is 
very good over the next cycle.

The  withdrawal  of  major  banking  groups  from  our  core  lending 
market  and  the  increased  criteria  and  demands  made  by  others 
that have suffered from, sometimes, unconnected losses presents 
a significant opportunity. We will continue to work to seek out new 
business  opportunities  and  partners  to  distribute  our  products 
to  a  wider  audience  and  take  advantage  of  the  opportunities  this 
presents.

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Manx Financial Group PLC
 Chief Executive’s Business and Financial Review

04

Denham Eke
Chief Executive Officer

Manx Financial Group — the Holding Company
In  my  2008  report  I  stated  that  our  goal  was  to  build  upon  the 
strong  foundations  that  had  been  laid  and  make  a  steady  return 
to profitability. I am pleased to report that significant progress has 
been  made  with  the  Group  meeting  all  of  our  internal  business 
and financial objectives. The Group’s financial performance for the 
year  was  much  improved  with  the  loss  reducing  to  £2.6  million
(2008:  £18.3  million),  an  improvement  of  £15.7  million,  and  the 
operational  result,  excluding  the  ESS  share  transaction,  was  an 
improvement  of  £6.1  million.  I  am  pleased  to  report  a  steadily 
improving  financial  performance  with  the  loss  in  the  second  half 
of  the  year  cut  to  £0.8  million  (2008:  £15.3  million)  which  was
£1.0 million and £2.2 million ahead of the first half of 2009 and the 
first half of 2008 respectively.

As  part  of  our  balance  sheet  review  the  Board  started  to  correct 
the mismatch between lending returns and cost of funds which has 
historically had a negative impact on the income statement through 
the  expense  of  carrying  surplus  deposits.  With  the  uncertain 
economic environment the Board planned for a decrease in lending 
during 2009 and therefore took the necessary steps to more closely 
align deposit balances with lending expectations. Also throughout 
2009, the Bank historically carried high liquidity which enabled it to 
comfortably  absorb  the  shocks  suffered  by  the  rest  of  the  global 
banking  system  and  meet  the  possibility  of  increased  customer 
withdrawal requests, although this was subsequently found to have 
been unnecessary. 

This action has resulted in a step change to the Group’s asset base 
and,  looking  forward,  the  forecasted  increase  in  lending  will  be 
initially  absorbed  by  utilising  some  of  the  Bank’s  surplus  liquidity 
and then through increasing deposit balances. These actions have 
and will continue to improve the income statement. Capitalising on 
the Bank’s Isle of Man heritage and independence is a cornerstone 
of our strategy and in the third quarter of 2009 we rebranded and 
launched as Conister Bank with a focus on clearly communicating 
the  Bank’s  primary  product  propositions  and  repositioning  the 
Bank as the Island’s only independent Bank. This has been a great 
success.  We  also  rebranded  the  Manx  Financial  Group  and  re-
launched the new corporate website early in 2010.

In  the  current  uncertain  and  changeable  economic  environment 
the Bank will continue to focus on our core competencies and has 
made significant appointments in Marketing, Wealth Management  
and Customer Services to ensure that we build a strong and stable 
platform  with  an  experienced  management  team  to  deliver  future 
growth. The successful implementation of a new Banking Platform 
was delivered on time and under budget giving the Bank a market 
leading platform to further enhance customer service.

The  Risk  and  Compliance  team  was  restructured  during  2009  to 
enable support for business lines such as Wealth Management as 
well as providing greater support for the core businesses of Asset 
Finance  and  Deposits.  A  new  Executive  Risk  Committee  was 
established to coordinate a coherent risk management framework 

which has resulted in a greater focus at Board level on key risk issues. 
Treasury management has improved significantly with surplus cash 
being invested in capital efficient instruments to effectively manage 
excess liquidity and the Bank’s risk asset ratio.

I have continued our focus on cost reduction and I am pleased to 
report that significant savings, in the order of £6.7 million, have been 
made without significant job losses.

Conister Bank — Banking
Despite  the  poor  trading  conditions,  financial  performance  for 
the year improved by £0.1 million leading to a loss of £1.2 million 
(2008: -£1.3 million). The Bank’s trend back to profitability continued 
with the results for the second half of 2009, a reduced loss of £0.5 
million  (2008:  -£1.2  million),  from  £0.7m  in  the  first  half  of  2009, 
(2008: -£0.1 million).

The Bank has introduced new income streams to reduce its reliance 
on  net  interest  income  but  also  to  grow  the  products  that  it  can 
offer  customers  in  order  to  provide  an  alternative  to  the  offerings 
of  the  major  banking  groups.  The  Bank  commenced  the  sale  of 
Guaranteed  Asset  Protection  and  Payment  Protection  products 
during  2009  to  provide  added  security  for  customers,  and  also 
launched “Solo”, a packaged finance/GAP product initially through 
the Isle of Man Car dealer network.

One  of  our  most  important  strengths  is  our  staff,  who  work  and 
live  in  the  same  communities  as  the  majority  of  our  customers. 
This  gives  us  an  intimacy  that  centralised  international  banking 
groups cannot offer. The launch of the Bank’s Wealth Management 
proposition, Conister Wealth, towards the end of 2009, has been 
well received by both old and new customers alike and after only a 
few weeks of trading, assets under influence exceeded £2.5 million.

to  show 
The  Bank’s  deposit  customers  have  continued 
confidence  in  the  bank  with  reinvestment  rates  from  maturing 
customers  regularly  exceeding  70%  which  has  meant  the  Bank
has carried surplus liquidity throughout 2009. Cash balances stood 
at £18.0 million (2008: £20.6 million). Consequently, the Bank has 
not had to compete for expensive retail deposits in 2009 and has 
reduced deposit rates accordingly.

The  Bank  has  no  exposure  to  wholesale  funding  and  has  utilised 
its  surplus  liquidity  to  improve  capital  management  by  using  UK 
Government  Treasury  Bills  as  an  alternative  to  bank  deposits  to 
reduce further risk weighted assets. Unfortunately one consequence 
of the UK government’s quantitative easing programme has been 
to depress the return the Bank can achieve on such liquid assets.

The loan book has performed well with arrears remaining flat year 
on  year,  providing  evidence  to  support  the  Bank’s  decision  to 
tighten lending criteria as the “credit crunch” hit in the latter half of 
2008.  However,  we  continue  to  work  closely  with  our  customers 
during this difficult economic environment. Margins have improved 
throughout 2009 in line with the falling cost of deposits.

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Manx Financial Group PLC

05

As  part  of  my  continuing  review  of  operations,  we  reduced  our 
Premium  Finance  lending  through  2009  and  also  withdrew  from 
Military  Lending.  The  reduction  in  Premium  Finance  lending 
has  reduced  the  Bank’s  exposure  to  this  business  line.  This 
was,  effectively,  an  outsourced  operation  and  our  enhanced  risk 
management  process  had  identified  a  number  of  operational 
deficiencies  that  needed  to  be  addressed.  Military  Lending  is  a 
specialist niche and this line of business, being broker driven, was 
of  variable  quality  and  questionable  profitability.  With  regard  to 
Litigation Funding, a business segment in run off since 2007, the 
mediation process has been completed and the book’s net debtor 
is expected to run off to a successful conclusion by 2011. 

Conister Card Services — BIN Sponsorship
TransSend has been renamed as Conister Card Services and now 
acts as a BIN sponsor to prepaid card issuers in the Isle of Man and 
to appropriate opportunities that may arise elsewhere that comply 
with our regulatory requirements. This change in strategy is starting 
to  filter  into  the  Group’s  income  statements  and  it  is  pleasing  to 
report that Conister Card Services reported a profit for the second 
half of 2009, £0.1 million (2008: second half loss  of  £1.9 million). 
The full year result was a greatly reduced loss of £0.4 million (2008: 
£3.5  million)  but  encouragingly  our  position  within  the  prepaid 
market allowed card volumes to increase to 73,150 (2008: 34,729), 
an increase of 111%.

The Future
It is clear that all business in financial services will continue to face 
significant challenges for years to come with increased consumer 
scrutiny  and  regulatory  focus.  However,  the  Isle  of  Man  and  UK 
markets present significant opportunities for sustainable managed 
growth.

I firmly believe that the Group has now put its legacy issues behind 
it and is uniquely positioned to exploit the opportunities presented 
by the fall out from the past two years.

In  conclusion,  I  would  like  to  thank  all  of  our  staff  and  all  of  our 
business  partners  without  whom  I  would  not  have  been  able  to 
make the changes that are necessary to build a strong, profitable 
and compliant business for the future.

Denham Eke
Chief Executive Officer
30 April 2010

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Manx Financial Group PLC
Directors and Advisers

06

 James Mellon (53)‡

 Denham Eke (58)‡

Executive Chairman and Non-Executive Director

Chief Executive Officer

 David Gibson (63)*‡

Non-Executive Director

James  Mellon  holds  directorships  in  a  number  of 
publicly  quoted  companies,  many  of  which  are  in  the 
financial  services  sector.  He  is  a  life  tenant  of  the  trust 
which  owns  Burnbrae  Limited  which,  in  turn,  indirectly 
holds  approximately  20%  of  Manx  Financial  Group 
PLC.  He  is  the  founder,  principal  shareholder  and 
co-chairman  of  the  Regent  Pacific  Group  with  total 
assets  of  approximately  US$  250  million.  He  is  also 
founder,  principal  shareholder  and  a  non-executive 
director  of  Charlemagne  Capital,  based  on  the  Isle  of 
Man, which has approximately US$ 2.1 billion of assets 
under management.

Appointment
Appointed to the Board on 2 November 2007.

Denham  Eke  began  his  career  in  stockbroking  before 
moving into corporate planning for a major UK insurance 
broker. He is a director of many years’ standing of both 
public  and  private  companies  involved  in  the  retail, 
manufacturing  and  financial  services  sectors.  On  the 
Isle  of  Man,  he  is  Chairman  of  Webis  Holdings  PLC 
(internet wagering), Finance Director of Emerging Metals 
Limited (mining) and a Director of Speymill PLC (property 
management) – all quoted on AIM. He is also Managing 
Director of Burnbrae Group Limited.

Appointment
Appointed  to  the  Board  on  2  November  2007  and 
became Chief Executive on 12 February 2009.

David  Gibson  qualified  as  a  certified  accountant  whilst 
holding  posts  with  Shell-Mex  and  BP  and  CIBA-Geigy 
throughout  the  UK  and  abroad  before  transferring  into 
treasury  management  in  senior  positions  with  Turner 
and Newall and Westland Helicopters where he qualified 
as a corporate treasurer. He joined the Trustee Savings 
Bank of the Channel Islands as Finance Director prior to 
becoming General Manager Finance at TSB Retail Bank 
where  he  gained  his  formal  qualifications  as  a  banker. 
Prior  to  retiring  from  executive  life  for  family  reasons, 
he  was  Group  Finance  Director  of  Portman  Building 
Society  for  9  years.  He  is  currently  Vice  Chairman  of 
National Counties Building Society, Deputy Chairman of 
commercial  property  investment  companies  Chellbrook 
Properties plc and Mountstephen Investments Limited.

Appointment
Appointed to the Board on 12 February 2009.

 Alan Clarke (59)*†‡

Non-Executive Director

 Arron Banks (44)‡

Non-Executive Director 

 Simon Hull (45)‡

Executive Director

in  corporate 

Alan  Clarke  is  a  chartered  accountant  and  former 
senior  partner  of  Ernst  &  Young  during  which  time  he 
worked  closely  with  HSBC  offshore  operations  in  both 
the  Channel  Islands  and  the  Isle  of  Man.  Currently 
he  specializes 
finance  and  strategic 
consultancy, advising a variety of both listed and private 
companies. He holds several non-executive directorships 
and  is  Chairman  of  the  Investment  Committee  for  the 
University of Manchester Intellectual Property Company. 
He is also a registered auditor, being the senior partner of 
Downham Mayer Clarke. 

Appointment
Appointed  to  the  Board  as  a  Non-Executive  Director 
on  2  November  2007.  Chairman  of  the  Audit,  Risk 
and  Compliance  Committee  and  Chairman  of  the 
Remuneration Committee.

Arron  Banks  is  the  Co-founder  and  Insurance  Director 
of  Brightside  Group  PLC,  a  direct  insurance  group 
incorporating  Commercial  Vehicle  Direct,  One  Business 
Insurance  Solutions,  Motor  &  Home  Direct  Insurance 
Services,  Taxi  Direct,  eCar,  eBike,  eLife  and  eHome 
insurance,  as  well  as  other  non-insurance  products 
including  Panacea  Finance,  a  premium 
finance 
company. He has been involved in insurance since 1987, 
predominately  at  Director  level  with  Lloyds,  Haven  (NU) 
and Motorcycle Direct, which he co-founded.

Appointment
Appointed to the Board on 2 November 2007, became 
Chief Executive Officer on 25 April 2008. He subsequently 
resigned on 12 February 2009 as CEO.

Simon  is  a  Director  of  Manx  Financial  Group  plc  and 
Managing  Director  of  Conister  Bank  Limited.  He  has 
over  20  years  experience  within  the  banking  sector 
and  previously  held  the  position  of  Managing  Director 
of  Alliance  and  Leicester  International  Ltd  on  the  Isle 
of  Man  and  prior  to  that  held  other  senior  roles  within 
Alliance  and  Leicester  in  the  UK.  Graduated  from  the 
University  of  Wales  in  1985,  is  a  Chartered  Director,  a 
Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute and holds 
a  Post  Graduate  Certificate  in  Financial  Regulation  and 
Compliance Management.

Appointment
Appointed to the Board on 12 February 2009. 

 *  Member of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee.
† Member of the Remuneration Committee.
‡ Member of the Nominations Committee.

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Manx Financial Group PLC

07

 Ilyas Khan (47)†‡

Non-Executive Director

 Don McCrickard (73)‡

Non-Executive Director

Douglas Grant (45)‡

Executive Director

Mr Khan is Executive Chairman of Crosby Capital Limited 
which  he  co-founded  in  1998  in  Hong  Kong.  Prior  to 
founding Crosby Capital Limited, Mr Khan was a senior 
member  of  the  management  team  and  a  managing 
director  of  Nomura,  responsible  for  the  Asian  (non-
Japan)  investment  banking  and  fixed  income  business. 
Mr Khan has more than 25 years’ corporate finance and 
investment banking experience with financial institutions 
such as Citicorp, UBS and Schroders.

Appointment
Appointed to the Board on 2 November 2007.

Appointed as the Group Finance Director in January 2010 
having  worked  as  a  financial  consultant  to  the  Group 
since November 2008. He has over 25 years experience 
working  in  finance,  initially  with  Scottish  Power  before 
moving to the industrial sector to work with ICI and then 
Allenwest.  Prior  to  joining  Manx  Financial  Group  PLC 
he was the Group Financial Controller and later Finance 
Director  of  various  UK  and  Isle  of  Man  private  sector 
companies and has extensive capital raising experience. 

Appointment
Appointed to the Board on 14 January 2010.

From  1975  to  1983  Mr  McCrickard  was  employed  by 
American  Express  where  he  headed  their  businesses 
in  the  UK,  Europe/Middle  East/Africa  and  Asia/Pacific/ 
Australia  and  was  a  Director  of  American  Express 
International. Mr McCrickard was employed by the TSB 
Group (now Lloyds TSB Group) from 1983 to 1992 and 
became  group  chief  executive  as  well  as  Chairman  of 
Hill  Samuel,  the  group’s  merchant  banking  subsidiary. 
He  was  Chairman  of  the  group’s  executive  committee, 
a  member  of  the  executive  committee  of  the  British 
Bankers  Association  and  a  member  of  the  Bank  of 
England’s  Deposit  Protection  Board.  He  has  since  held 
Chairmanships  and  directorships  of  a  number  of  listed 
and  private  companies  and  specialises  in  Far  Eastern 
affairs.

Appointment
Appointed to the Board as a Non-Executive Director on 
2 November 2007.

 Advisers

 Company Secretary
Lesley Crossley

Registered Agent
CW Corporate Services Limited
(Appointed 15 January 2010)
50 Athol Street, Douglas
Isle of Man, IM1 1JB

Registered Office
Conister House, Isle of Man 
Business Park,
Cooil Road, Braddan,
Isle of Man, IM2 2QZ

Independent Auditors
KPMG Audit LLC,
Heritage Court,
41 Athol Street, Douglas, 
Isle of Man, IM99 1HN

Legal Advisers
Stephenson Harwood
1 St Paul’s Churchyard, 
London, EC4M 8SH

Principal Bankers
Barclays Private Clients
International Limited,
Barclays House
Victoria Street, Douglas,
Isle of Man, IM99 1AJ

 Nick Sheard (47)‡

Executive Director

Nick Sheard is a Director of Conister Bank Limited and 
Head  of  Risk  &  Compliance  for  Manx  Financial  Group 
PLC.  Previously  Nick  was  Deputy  Director  of  Banking 
Supervision  for  Jersey  Financial  Services  Commission 
having  previously  been  in  charge  of  the  Isle  of  Man 
Financial  Supervision  Commission  Banking  Supervision 
team. He has over 25 years experience in banking and 
financial markets having worked in senior roles in finance, 
compliance  and  risk  management  for  several  major 
investment banks, notably as Head of Regulatory Risk for 
NatWest Markets Equities Businesses and Deputy Head 
of Financial Regulation at CSFB Europe. Nick was born 
and educated on  the  Isle of Man  and  has  considerable 
international  experience  having  worked  in  London, 
Frankfurt  and  Belgium.  He  holds  an  MSc  in  Financial 
Regulation and Compliance Management and a BA Hons 
in Accounting and Finance.

Appointment
Appointed to the Board on 15 September 2009.

Consulting Actuaries
BWCI Consulting Limited, 
Albert House, South Esplanade,
St Peter Port,
Guernsey, GY1 3BY

 Presentation of Annual Report 
and Accounts
Presented here is the Annual Report 
and  Accounts  of  Manx  Financial 
Group PLC.

Pension Fund Investment 
Manager
Close International Asset 
Management Ltd
PO Box 373, Kingsgate House
55 Esplanade, St Helier
Jersey, JE4 8UQ

Nominated Adviser
Beaumont Cornish Limited, 
2nd Floor 
Bowman House
29 Wilson Street
London, EC2M 2SJ

Broker
Fairfax I.S. PLC,
46 Berkeley Square, 
London, W1J 5AT

of 

Company information
The  Annual  and  Interim  reports, 
along  with  other  supplementary 
information 
to 
Shareholders,  are  included  on  our 
website. The address of the website 
is  www.mfg.im  which 
includes 
investor  relations  information  and 
contact details.

interest 

Share dealing
Share dealing services are available 
through  Computershare 
Investor 
Services  PLC  which  can  be 
accessed  via  the  website  www.
computershare.com  where  further 
contact  details  of  Computershare 
are available for reference.

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Manx Financial Group PLC
Report of the Directors

08

 The Directors present their annual report and the audited financial 
statements for the year ended 31 December 2009.

Principal activities 
The  principal  activities  of  Manx  Financial  Group  PLC  (referred  to 
as the “Company”) and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the 
“Group”) are the provision of asset and personal finance (including 
premium finance), litigation finance, investing activities, the provision 
of  prepaid  cards  and  “BIN”  sponsorship  via  the  Conister  Card 
Services  division.  The  Company  ceased  to  provide  new  litigation 
finance in June 2007 and premium financing in January 2010.

Conister  Bank  Limited  (formerly  Conister  Trust  Limited),  a  wholly 
owned subsidiary of the Company (referred to as “the Bank”) holds 
a banking licence issued under the Isle of Man Banking Act 1998 
(as  amended).  Deposits  made  with  the  Bank  are  covered  by  the 
Depositors’  Compensation  Scheme  contained  in  the  Banking 
Business (Compensation of Depositors) Regulations 1991.

Change of Name
On  23  July  2009  the  Company  changed  its  name  from  Conister 
Financial Group PLC to Manx Financial Group PLC.

The Bank changed its name from Conister Trust Limited to Conister 
Bank Limited on 19 October 2009.

TransSend IOM Limited, a subsidiary of Manx Financial Group PLC, 
changed it name to Conister Card Services Limited on 14 January 
2010.

Conversion to a 2006 Company
On 15 January 2010 the Company converted to a 2006 Company 
as defined by Isle of Man Company Law.

Results and dividends
The proposed transfers to and from reserves are as set out in the 
Statement of Changes in Equity on page 17. The Directors do not 
recommend the payment of a dividend (2008: nil).

Share capital
Particulars  of  the  authorised  and  issued  share  capital  of  the 
Company are set out in note 27 to the financial statements.

Significant shareholdings
The number of shares held and the percentage of the issued shares 
which that number represented as at 31 March 2010 are:

Number 

12,000,000 
Bumbrae Limited 
7,889,645 
STM Fidecs Nominees Limited 
6,717,801 
Lynchwood Nominees Limited 
Island Farms Limited 
4,222,319 
Royal Bank of Canada Europe Limited  2,873,000 
ISI Nominees Limited 
2,275,000 
HSBC Global Custody
2,191,658 
Nominee (UK) Limited 
Vidacos Nominees Limited (CLRLUX)  1,792,102 
Vidacos Nominees Limited (CLRLUX2)  1,630,433 
1,534,124 
Rene Nominees (IOM) Limited 

%

18.92
12.44
10.59
6.66
4.53
3.59

3.46
2.83
2.57
2.42

The Directors are not aware of any other individual holding of greater 
than 3% as at 31 March 2010.

Directors and Directors’ share interests
Details of current Directors are set out on pages 6 and 7.

The number of shares held by the current Directors are as follows:

J Mellon* 
A Banks† 
A Clarke 
S Hull~  
I Khan‡ 
D Grant 
D Gibson^ 
D McCrickard> 

Number 
31/12/09 

Number
31/12/08

12,625,000  12,575,000
8,654,645
19,112
3,342
100,000
–
–
–

8,654,645 
 39,112 
264,744 
150,000 
100,000 
70,000 
50,000 

* 

 Burnbrae Limited holds 12,000,000 Ordinary Shares. J Mellon, Executive Chairman 
of MFG, is a Director of Burnbrae Limited. Burnbrae Limited is wholly owned by a 
trustee of a settlement of which J Mellon is a beneficiary. D Eke, CEO of MFG, is also 
a Director of Burnbrae Limited. Pershing Nominees Limited holds 125,000 Ordinary 
Shares on trust for J Mellon. J Mellon holds 500,000 Ordinary Shares in his own 
name.

†  STM Fidecs Nominees Limited holds 7,889,645 Ordinary Shares on trust for Rock 
Holdings  Limited  (5,278,645  Ordinary  Shares)  and  for  Southern  Rock  Insurance 
Company  Limited  (2,611,000  Ordinary  Shares).  Rene  Nominees  Limited  (IOM) 
Limited  holds  765,000  Ordinary  Shares  on  trust  for  Southern  Rock  Insurance 
Company Limited (740,000 Ordinary Shares) and A Banks (25,000 Ordinary Shares). 
A Banks, a Director of the Company, is beneficially interested in 51%. of the issued 
share capital of Rock Holdings Limited and is beneficially interested in 37.5%. of the 
issued share capital of Southern Rock Insurance Company Limited. A Banks is a 
Director of Rock Holdings Limited and Southern Rock Insurance Company.

~  Comprises 251,700 ordinary shares held by Rene Nominees (IOM) Limited on trust 
for S Hull and 13,044 ordinary shares held by Barclays Stockbrokers Nominees on 
trust for S Hull.

‡   Comprises 55,000 ordinary shares held by Vidacos Nominees on trust for I Khan 

and 95,000 ordinary shares held by Pershing Nominees on trust for I Khan.

^   Comprises  70,000  ordinary  shares  held  by  TD  Waterhouse  Nominees  Limited  on 

trust for D Gibson.

>   Comprises  50,000  ordinary  shares  held  by  Hargreaves  Landsdown  Nominees 

Limited on trust for D McCrickard.

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Manx Financial Group PLC

09

The Remuneration Committee has access to external professional 
advice and relevant company records and personnel. The primary 
purpose  of  the  Remuneration  Committee  is  to  attract,  retain  and 
motivate  Executive  Directors  and  managers  of  a  quality  to  drive 
the business forward. A proportion of the Executive Directors’ and 
senior managers’ remuneration is structured so as to link rewards 
to corporate and individual performance. The performance related 
elements of remuneration are designed to align Executive Directors’ 
and senior managers’ interests with those of the Shareholders and 
to give them keen incentives to perform at the highest level. In that 
regard, share options are not offered at a discount and no bonuses 
or benefits-in-kind are pensionable. Further details are provided in 
the Directors’ Remuneration Report.

The full Board forms the Nomination Committee which considers all 
new Board appointments and succession planning in the light of the 
needs of the Company from time to time. All Directors are required 
to submit themselves for re-election. One third of Directors who are 
subject to retirement by rotation shall retire from office by rotation at 
every Annual General Meeting.

By order of the Board

Lesley Crossley
Company Secretary
30 April 2010

Directors’ liability insurance
The Group maintains insurance cover for Directors’ liability.

Fixed assets
The movement in fixed assets during the year is set out in note 21 
to the financial statements.

Staff
At 31 December 2009 there were 39 members of staff, 7 of whom 
were part-time (2008: 58 members of staff, 8 of whom were part-
time). The staff numbers for 2008 included 18 members of staff, 3 
of  whom  were  part-time  who  were  made  redundant  as  part  of  a 
Group-wide restructure after the year end.

Investments in subsidiaries
Investments in the Company’s subsidiaries are disclosed in note 22 
to the financial statements.

Auditor
KPMG Audit LLC, being eligible, have expressed their willingness to 
continue in office.

Corporate governance
The Combined Code (“Code”) on Corporate Governance sets out 
standards  of  good  practice  in  relation  to  issues  such  as  board 
composition  and  development,  remuneration,  accountability  and 
audit  and  relations  with  Shareholders.  The  Company’s  Board, 
monitors the extent to which the Company’s established procedures 
and  corporate  governance  structures  comply  with  the  Code  and 
is  satisfied  that  the  Company  complies  with  the  provisions  of  the 
Code to the extent which is appropriate to the Company’s nature 
and  scale  of  operations.  The  Board  has  maintained  a  majority  of 
Non-Executive Directors throughout the year. The Board delegates 
authority to two main committees: the Audit, Risk and Compliance 
Committee  and  the  Remuneration  Committee.  Membership  of 
the committees is detailed on pages 6 and 7. The Audit Risk and 
Compliance  Committee  is  responsible  for  assisting  the  Board 
to  discharge  its  responsibilities  relating  to  accounting  policies, 
internal  control  and  financial  reporting  and  is  composed  of  two 
Non-Executive  Directors  chaired  by  Mr  A  Clarke.  The  external 
Auditors,  Executive  Directors  and  senior  managers  are  invited  to 
attend meetings as appropriate, while the external Auditors and the 
Internal Audit and Compliance functions have unfettered access to 
the Committee members.

The  Remuneration  Committee  recommends  to  the  full  Board 
the  terms  and  conditions,  including  annual  remuneration,  of  the 
Executive  Directors  and  senior  management.  It  is  composed  of 
two  Non-Executive  Directors  and  is  chaired  by  Mr  A  Clarke.  The 
members  are  independent  of  management  and  its  Chairman  is 
free from any business or other relationship which could materially 
interfere with the exercise of his independent judgement.

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Manx Financial Group PLC
Directors’ Remuneration Report

10

Introduction
As  an  Isle  of  Man  registered  company  there  is  no  requirement  to 
produce  a  Directors’  remuneration  report.  However,  the  Board 
follows best practice and therefore has prepared such a report. In 
preparing the report the Directors have referred to the regulations 
and rules in force for UK companies as a basis. There is no Isle of 
Man requirement for any part of this report to be audited.

Remuneration Committee
The Company has established a Remuneration Committee, which 
is  constituted  in  accordance  with  the  recommendations  of  the 
Combined Code. The members of the Committee are Mr A Clarke 
and  Mr  I  Khan,  both  independent  Non-Executive  Directors,  and 
the Committee is chaired by Mr A Clarke. The Committee makes 
recommendations  to  the  Board.  No  Director  plays  a  part  in  any 
discussion about his own remuneration.

Remuneration  policy  for  the  Executive  Directors’  remuneration 
packages  is  designed  to  attract,  motivate  and  retain  Directors  of 
the  high  calibre  needed  to  enhance  the  Group’s  position  and  to 
reward  them  for  improving  Shareholder  value.  The  performance 
measurement of the Executive Directors and key members of senior 
management  and  the  determination  of  their  annual  remuneration 
packages are undertaken by the Committee.

There are five potential elements of the remuneration package for 
Executive Directors and senior management:

 n Basic annual salary;

 n Benefits-in-kind;

 n Annual bonus payment;

 n Share option incentives; and

 n Pension arrangements.

Basic salary
An Executive Director’s basic salary is reviewed by the Committee 
prior  to  the  beginning  of  each  year  and  when  an  individual
changes  position  or  responsibility.  In  deciding  appropriate  levels, 
the Committee considers the Group as a whole.

Benefits-in-kind
No Directors receive benefits-in-kind.

Annual bonus payment
The Committee believes that any incentive compensation awarded 
should be tied to the interests of the Company’s Shareholders and 
that the principal measure of their interest is total Shareholder return. 
Account is also taken of the relative success of the different parts 
of the business for which the Chief Executive Officer or Executive 
Director  is  responsible  and  the  extent  to  which  the  strategic 
objectives set by the Board are being met.

Share option incentives
The Company believes these to be a key element of remuneration 
given the direct link with Shareholder interests. Those awarded at 
the  balance  sheet  date  are  disclosed  in  Note  27  to  the  financial 
statements.

Pension arrangements
Neither  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  or  the  Executive  Chairman 
receive pension contributions.

Performance graph
UK  Companies  Acts  require  the  performance  of  the  Group  to  be 
displayed  in  a  chart  form  against  the  performance  of  a  readily 
available broad equity market index. 

Although MFG is an Isle of Man company, it has chosen to adopt 
the UK requirement as best practice. The graph below shows the 
movement in share price in comparison to the price in the FTSE All 
Share Bank Index to give an indication of Shareholder return. The 
FTSE All Share Bank Index is a broadly based index of Shareholder 
return. The information provided covers the year from January 2009 
to December 2009.

Chief Executive Officer’s contract
On 12 February 2009 Mr D Eke was appointed as Chief Executive 
Officer.  The  overall  fee  payable  by  the  Group  for  the  services  of
Mr D Eke was unchanged on his appointment remaining at £25,000 
per annum.

Former Chief Executive Officer’s contract
On  12  February  2009  Mr  A  F  A  Banks  stepped  down  as  Chief 
Executive  Officer.  No  ex  gratia  payment  was  made  and  the 
entitlement  to  the  1,000,000  share  options  held  at  31  December 
2008 lapsed.

Non-Executive Directors
Non-Executive Directors have no fixed term of appointment. Non-
Executive Directors are subject to reappointment by Shareholders.

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Manx Financial Group PLC

11

 Remuneration/ 
Fees 
£ 

Bonus 
£ 

Pension 
£ 

2009 
Total 
£ 

2008
 Total
£

25,000 

— 

— 

25,000 

25,000

8,333 
142,000 
— 
82,846 

11,458 
37,500 
25,000 
36,458 
12,500 
37,500 
— 
418,595 

— 
— 
— 
1,000 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
1,000 

— 
1,141 
— 
7,618 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
8,759 

8,333 
143,141 
— 
91,464 

11,458 
37,500 
25,000 
36,458 
12,500 
37,500 
— 
428,354 

87,500
—
447,930
—

—
29,167
25,262
17,050
21,875
29,167
21,875
704,826

 Directors’ emoluments

Executive 
Chairman
J Mellon  
Executive
A F A Banks 
S Hull 
J F Linehan 
N Sheard 
Non-Executive 
A F A Banks 
A Clarke 
D Eke 
D Gibson 
I T Khan 
D C McCrickard 
P Stamp 
Aggregate emoluments  

Approval 
This report was approved by the Board of Directors on 30 April 2010 and signed on its behalf by: 

James Mellon
Chairman
30 April 2010

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Manx Financial Group PLC
 Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities in respect of the Directors’ Report 
and the Financial Statements

12

The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records 
that  disclose  with  reasonable  accuracy  at  any  time  the  financial 
position  of  the  Parent  Company  and  to  allow  for  the  preparation 
of financial statements. They have general responsibility for taking 
such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets 
of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of 
the corporate and financial information included on the Company’s 
website.  Legislation  governing  the  preparation  and  dissemination 
of financial statements may differ from one jurisdiction to another.

The  Directors  are  responsible  for  preparing  the  Directors’  Report 
and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and 
regulations. In addition, the Directors have elected to prepare the 
Group  and  Parent  Company  financial  statements  in  accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards.

The Group and Parent Company financial statements are required 
to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and 
Parent  Company  and  of  the  profit  or  loss  of  the  Group  for  that 
period. 

In  preparing 
required to:

these 

financial  statements, 

the  Directors  are 

 n select  suitable  accounting  policies  and  then  apply  them 

consistently;

 n make  judgements  and  estimates  that  are  reasonable  and 

prudent; 

 n state  whether  they  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with 

International Financial Reporting Standards; and

 n prepare  the  financial  statements  on  the  going  concern  basis 
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and Parent 
Company will continue in business.

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Manx Financial Group PLC
 Report of the Independent Auditor 

13

Basis of opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards 
on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing Practices Board. 
An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant 
to the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. It also 
includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgements 
made by the Directors in the preparation of the financial statements, 
and  of  whether  the  accounting  policies  are  appropriate  to  the 
Group’s  and  Company’s  circumstances,  consistently  applied  and 
adequately disclosed.

We  planned  and  performed  our  audit  so  as  to  obtain  all  the 
information  and  explanations  which  we  considered  necessary 
in  order  to  provide  us  with  sufficient  evidence  to  give  reasonable 
assurance  that  the  financial  statements  are  free  from  material 
misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. 
In forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the 
presentation of information in the financial statements.

Opinion
In our opinion the financial statements give a true and fair view, in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, of the 
state of the Group and Parent Company’s affairs as at 31 December 
2009 and of the Group’s loss for the year then ended.

 KPMG Audit LLC

Chartered Accountants
30 April 2010

Heritage Court 
41 Athol Street
Douglas
Isle of Man
IM99 1HN

Report of the Independent Auditor, KPMG Audit LLC, to the 
members of Manx Financial Group PLC (formerly Conister 
Financial Group PLC)

We  have  audited  the  Group  and  Parent  Company  financial 
statements  (the  “financial  statements”)  of  Manx  Financial  Group 
PLC  (formerly  Conister  Financial  Group  PLC)  for  the  year  ended 
31  December  2009  which  comprise  the  Group  Comprehensive 
Statement of Income, the Group and Parent Company Statement 
of Financial Position, the Group Statement of Cash Flows, and the 
Group and Parent Company Statement of Changes in Equity, and 
the related notes. These financial statements have been prepared 
under the accounting policies set out therein.

This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body. 
Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the 
Company’s  members  those  matters  we  are  required  to  state  to 
them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest 
extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility 
to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s members, 
as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we 
have formed.

Respective responsibilities of Directors and Auditor
The Directors’ responsibilities for preparing the financial statements 
in  accordance  with  applicable  law  and  International  Financial 
Reporting  Standards  are  set  out  in  the  Statement  of  Directors’ 
Responsibilities on page 12.

Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance 
with  relevant  legal  and  regulatory  requirements  and  International 
Standards  on  Auditing  (UK  and  Ireland).  We  report  to  you  our 
opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair 
view. We also report to you if, in our opinion, the Company has not 
kept proper accounting records, or if we have not received all the 
information and explanations we require for our audit.

We  read  the  Directors’  Report  and  any  other 
information 
accompanying the financial statements and consider the implications 
for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements 
or  material  inconsistencies  with  the  audited  financial  statements. 
Our responsibilities do not extend to any other information. 

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Manx Financial Group PLC
 Consolidated Comprehensive
Statement of Income

14

 For the year ended 31 December 2009 

 Interest income 
 Interest expense 

 Net interest income 

 Fee and commission income 
 Fee and commission expense 

 Net fee and commission expense 

 Net trading income 

 Other operating income 
 Programme costs 
 Foreign exchange (loss)/gain 

 Operating income 

 Personnel expenses 
 Depreciation 
 Other expenses 
 Provision for impairment of loan assets 
 Depositors’ Compensation Scheme 
 Realised loss on sale of available-for-sale financial instruments  
 Dividend income from financial assets carried at fair value 
 Realised gains on available-for-sale investments 
 Unrealised gain/(loss) on financial assets carried at fair value 

 Loss before specific items 

 Net impairment loss on available-for-sale financial instruments  
 Re-structure costs 
 Project costs 
 Legal costs related to net impairment of available-for-sale financial instruments 
 Scheme of arrangement costs 

 Loss before income tax expense 

 Income tax expense 

 Loss for the year  

 Other comprehensive income
 Available-for-sale gains taken to equity 
 Actuarial loss on defined benefit pension scheme 

 Total comprehensive loss for the period attributable to owners 

Notes 

3j, 6 
3j, 7 

3k 

3l 
3r 

3b, 21 

8 
11 

18 

19 
9 
10 
19 
12 

2009 
£000 

5,341 
(3,222) 

2008
 £000

7,140
(3,552)

2,119 

3,588

9 
(459) 

(450) 

18
(727)

(709)

1,669 

2,879

871 
(591) 
(26) 

805
(505)
31

1,923 

3,210

(2,425) 
(102) 
(1,395) 
(643) 
(89) 
— 
— 
30 
238 

(4,421)
(77)
(3,366)
(1,363)
—
(454)
6
—
(162)

(2,463) 

(6,627)

— 
(158) 
— 
— 
— 

(9,638)
(1,425)
(494)
(76)
(45)

(2,621) 

(18,305)

14 

— 

—

(2,621) 

(18,305)

3g, 26 

6 
(111) 

—
(43)

(2,726) 

(18,348) 

 Basic and diluted loss per share (pence) 

15 

(4.13) 

(32.8)

The notes on pages 18 to 48 form part of these Financial Statements. 

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Manx Financial Group PLC
Consolidated and Company
Statement of Financial Position

15

Group  

Company

Notes 

2009 
£000 

2008 
£000 

7,976 
374 
9,989 
37,554 
601 
— 
450 

20,589 
136 
— 
55,916 
192 
— 
1,389 

56,944 

78,222 

49,544 
1,282 
66 

66,058 
3,094 
314 

50,892 

69,466 

17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 

24 
25 
26 

27 
27 

2009 
£000 

— 
— 
— 
— 
6 
6,191 
24 

6,221 

— 
192 
— 

192 

15,854 
6,142 
(15,944) 

15,854 
6,142 
(13,240) 

6,052 

8,756 

56,944 

78,222 

15,854 
6,142 
(15,967) 

6,029 

6,221 

2008
£000

—
—
— 
—
—
9,610
472

10,082

—
1,059
—

1,059

15,854
6,142
(12,973)

9,023

10,082

 As at 31 December 2009 

 Assets
 Cash and cash equivalents 
 Financial assets at a fair value through profit or loss 
 Available-for-sale financial instruments 
 Loans and advances to customers 
 Property, plant and equipment 
 Investment in Group undertakings 
 Trade and other receivables 

 Total assets 

 Liabilities
 Customer accounts 
 Creditor and accrued charges 
 Pension liability 

 Total liabilities 

 Equity
 Called up share capital 
 Share premium account 
 Profit and loss account 

 Total equity 

 Total liabilities and equity 

The Financial Statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 30 April 2010 and signed on their behalf by:

James Mellon 
Chairman 

 Denham Eke 
 Chief Executive Officer 

The notes on pages 18 to 48 form part of these Financial Statements.

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Manx Financial Group PLC
 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

16

 For the year ended 31 December 2009 

 RECONCILIATION OF LOSS BEFORE TAXATION TO OPERATING CASH FLOWS
 Loss before tax on continuing activities 
 Realised loss on financial assets held at fair value through profit and loss 
 Unrealised (gain)/loss on financial assets carried at fair value  
 Net impairment loss on financial assets 
 Dividend income from financial assets carried at fair value through profit and loss 
 Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment  
 Depreciation charge 
 Available-for-sale gains taken to equity 
 Actuarial losses on defined benefit pension scheme taken to equity 
 (Decrease)/increase in pension liability 
 Share-based payment expense 
 Decrease/(increase) in trade debtors 
 (Decrease)/increase in trade creditors 

 Net cash outflow from trading activities 

 Decrease in loans and advances to customers 
 (Decrease)/increase in deposit accounts 

 Cash outflow from operating activities 

 CASH FLOW STATEMENT
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 Cash outflow from operating activities 
 Taxation paid 

 Net cash outflow from operating activities 

 Cash flows from investing activities
 Purchase of tangible fixed assets 
 Purchase of available-for-sale financial instruments 
 Sale of financial assets at fair value through profit and loss  
 Sale of tangible fixed assets 
 Dividend income from financial assets carried at fair value 

 Net cash outflow from investing activities 

 Cash flows from financing activities
 Issue of subordinated liabilities 

 Net cash inflow from financing activities 

 Decrease in cash and cash equivalents 

The notes on pages 18 to 48 form part of these Financial Statements.

Notes 

2009  
£000 

 2008
£000

21 

26 
26 
27 

19 

(2,621) 
— 
(238) 
— 
— 
2 
102 
6 
(111) 
(248) 
22 
939 
(1,812) 

(18,305)
454
162
9,638
(6)
104
77
—
(43)
9
315
(651)
1,057

(3,959) 

(7,189)

18,362 
(16,514) 

821
4,085

(2,111) 

(2,283)

(2,111) 
— 

(2,283)
(1)

(2,111) 

(2,284)

(526) 
(9,989) 
— 
13 
— 

(10,502) 

— 

— 

(96)
(909)
127
—
346

(532)

500

500

(12,613) 

(2,316)

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Manx Financial Group PLC
Consolidated and Company
Statement of Changes in Equity

 For the year ended 31 December 2009 
 Group 

 Balance as at 1 January 
 Loss for the year 
 Other comprehensive expense 

 Transactions with owners:
 Arising on shares issued in the year 
 Share-based payment expense 

Share 
capital 
£000 

15,854 
— 
— 

Share 
premium 
£000 

Retained
earnings 
£000 

6,142 
— 
— 

(13,240) 
(2,621) 
(105) 

2009 
£000 

8,756 
(2,621) 
(105) 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
22  

— 
22 

 Balance as at 31 December 2009 

15,854 

6,142 

(15,944) 

6,052 

17

2008
£000

17,473
(18,305)
(43) 

9,316
315

8,756

 For the year ended 31 December 2009 
 Company 

 Balance as at 1 January 
 Loss for the year 

 Transactions with owners:
 Scheme of arrangement 
 Arising on shares issued in the year 
 Share-based payment expense 

Share 
capital 
£000 

15,854 
— 

— 
— 
— 

Share 
premium 
£000 

Retained
earnings 
£000 

2009 
£000 

2008
£000

6,142 
— 

(12,973) 
(3,016) 

9,023 
(3,016) 

–
(13,288)

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
22  

— 
— 
22 

12,680
9,316
315

 Balance as at 31 December 2009 

15,854 

6,142 

(15,967) 

6,029 

9,023

The notes on pages 18 to 48 form part of these Financial Statements.

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Manx Financial Group PLC
 Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements

18

Reporting entity

 1. 
Manx Financial Group PLC is a Company domiciled in the Isle of Man. The consolidated financial statements of Manx Financial Group 
PLC (referred to hereafter as the “Company”) for the twelve months ended 31 December 2009 comprise the Company and its subsidiaries 
(together referred to as the “Group”). 

A summary of the principal accounting policies, which have been applied consistently, is set out below: 

Basis of preparation 

2. 
(a) Statement of compliance 
The  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  (IFRSs)  and 
International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) interpretations applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. 

The Group applies revised IAS 1 Presentation of Finance Statements (2007), which became effective as of 1 January 2009. As a result, the 
Group presents in the consolidated statement of changes in equity all owner changes in equity, whereas all non-owner changes in equity 
are presented in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. This presentation has been applied in these financial statements 
as of and for the year ended on 31 December 2009. Comparative information has been re-presented so that it also is in conformity with 
the revised standard.

Since the change in accounting policy only impacts presentation aspects, there is no impact on earnings per share.

(b) Basis of measurement 
The financial statements are prepared on a historical cost basis except: 

 n  financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss are measured at fair value; and
 n  equity settled share-based payment arrangements are measured at fair value. 

(c) Functional and presentation currency 
  These financial statements are presented in sterling,   which is the Group’s functional currency. Except as indicated,   financial information 
presented in sterling has been rounded to  the nearest thousand. All subsidiaries of the  Group have pounds sterling as  their  functional 
currency. 

(d) Use of estimates and judgements 
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application 
of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period 
in which the estimate is revised and in any future periods affected. 

In particular, information about significant areas of estimation, uncertainty and critical judgements in applying accounting policies that have 
the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements are described in note 3(o). 

3. 
Significant accounting policies 
(a) Basis of consolidation of subsidiaries 
Subsidiaries  are  entities  controlled  by  the  Group.  Control  exists  when  the  Group  has  the  power  to  govern  the  financial  and  operating 
policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. In assessing control, potential voting rights that presently are exercisable are 
taken into account. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control 
commences until the date that control ceases. 

Intra-Group balances, income and expenses and unrealised losses or gains arising from intra-Group transactions, are eliminated in preparing 
the consolidated financial statements. 

(b) Property, plant and equipment continued
Items of property, plant and equipment are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation (see below). Historical cost includes 
expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items. 

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Manx Financial Group PLC

19

Significant accounting policies continued 

3. 
(b) Property, plant and equipment continued
The assets’ residual values and useful economic lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each statement of financial position 
date. An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its 
estimated recoverable amount. 

When parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, those components are accounted for as separate items 
of property, plant and equipment.

Depreciation 
Assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis except furniture, which is written down on the reducing balance basis, so as to write off the 
book value over their estimated useful lives. 

Equipment 
Vehicles 
Furniture 

4–5 years
4 years
10% per annum

(c) Financial assets 
Management have determined the classification of the Group’s financial assets into one of the following categories: 

Loans and receivables 
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. 
They arise when the Group provides money directly to a customer with no intention of trading the receivable. This classification includes 
advances made to customers under hire purchase and finance lease agreements, premium financing, litigation finance loans, personal 
loans and stocking plans. 

Loans are recognised when cash is advanced to the borrowers. Loans and receivables are carried at amortised cost using the effective 
interest rate method with all movements being recognised in the comprehensive statement of income after taking into account provision 
for impairment losses (see (d)). 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 
A financial asset is classified in this category if it is acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the short term or if so designated by 
management. The fair value of the financial asset at fair value through profit or loss is based on the quoted bid price at the statement of 
financial position date. 

Available-for-sale financial instruments
Available-for-sale  investments  are  non-derivative  investments  that  are  designated  as  available-for-sale  or  are  not  classified  as  another 
category of financial assets. All other available-for-sale investments are carried at fair value.

Dividend  income  is  recognised  in  the  comprehensive  statement  of  income  when  the  Group  becomes  entitled  to  the  dividend.  Other 
fair value changes are recognised directly in equity until the investment is sold or impaired, whereupon the cumulative gains and losses 
previously recognised in equity are recognised in the comprehensive statement of income.

Investments in subsidiary undertakings 
Investments in subsidiary undertakings are measured at cost less any provision for impairment. 

(d) Impairment of financial assets 
The Group assesses at each statement of financial position date whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or Group of financial 
assets is impaired. This arises if, and only if, there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that occurred after the 
initial recognition of the asset (a ‘loss event’) and that loss event (or events) has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial 
asset, or Group of financial assets, that can be reliably estimated. Impairment losses are recognised in the comprehensive statement of income 
for the year. 

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Manx Financial Group PLC
 Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements

20

Significant accounting policies continued 

3. 
(d) Impairment of financial assets continued 
Objective evidence that financial assets are impaired can include default or delinquency by a borrower, restructuring of a loan or advance 
by the Group on terms that the Group would not otherwise consider, indications that a borrower or issuer will enter bankruptcy or other 
observable data relating to a Group of assets such as adverse changes in the payment status of borrowers.

Loans and other receivables are reviewed for impairment where there are repayment arrears and doubt exists regarding recoverability. The 
impairment allowance is based on the level of arrears together with an assessment of the expected future cash flows, and the value of any 
underlying collateral (after taking into account any irrecoverable interest due). Amounts are written off when it is considered that there is no 
further prospect of recovery. 

Where past experience has indicated that over time, a particular category of financial assets has suffered a trend of impairment losses, a 
collective impairment allowance is made for expected losses to reflect the continuing historical trend. 

(e) Cash and cash equivalents 
For the purpose of the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash and deposit balances with an original maturity 
date of three months or less. 

(f) Financial liabilities 
Financial  liabilities  consist  of  customer  deposit  accounts,  other  creditors  and  accrued  charges.  Customer  accounts  are  recognised 
immediately upon receipt of cash from the customer. Interest payable on customer deposits is provided for using the interest rate prevailing 
for the type of account. 

(g) Employee benefits 

Pension obligations 
The Group has pension obligations arising from both defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans. 

A  defined  contribution  pension  plan  is  one  under  which  the  Group  pays  fixed  contributions  into  a  separate  fund  and  has  no  legal  or 
constructive obligations to pay further contributions. 

Defined benefit pension plans define an amount of pension benefit that an employee will receive on retirement, usually dependent on one 
or more factors such as age, years of service and compensation. 

Under the defined benefit pension plan, in accordance with IAS19 Employee benefits, the full service cost for the period, adjusted for any 
changes to the plan, is charged to the comprehensive statement of income. A charge equal to the expected increase in the present value of 
the plan liabilities, as a result of the plan liabilities being one year closer to settlement, and a credit reflecting the long-term expected return 
on assets based on the market value of the scheme assets at the beginning of the period, is included in the comprehensive statement of 
income. 

The statement of financial position records as an asset or liability (as appropriate), the difference between the market value of the plan 
assets and the present value of the accrued plan liabilities. The difference between the expected return on assets and that actually achieved 
in the period, is recognised in the comprehensive statement of income in the year in which they arise. The defined benefit pension plan 
obligation is calculated by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method and a discount rate based on the yield on AA rated 
corporate bonds. 

The Group’s defined contribution pension obligations arise from contributions paid to a Group personal pension plan, an ex gratia pension 
plan, employee personal pension plans and employee co-operative insurance plans. For these pension plans, the amounts charged to the 
comprehensive statement of income represent the contributions payable during the year. 

Share-based compensation 
The  Group  maintains  a  share  option  programme  which  allows  certain  Group  employees  to  acquire  shares  of  the  Group.  The  change 
in the fair value of options granted is recognised as an employee expense with a corresponding change in equity. The fair value of the options 
is measured at grant date and spread over the period during which the employees become unconditionally entitled to the options. 

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Manx Financial Group PLC

21

Significant accounting policies continued 

3. 
(g) Employee benefits continued 
Share-based compensation continued 
At each statement of financial position date, the Group revises its estimate of the number of options that are expected to vest and recognises 
the impact of the revision to original estimates, if any, in the comprehensive statement of income, with a corresponding adjustment to equity. 

The  share  option  programme  was  originally  set  up  for  Group  employees  to  subscribe  for  shares  in  Conister  Bank  Limited.  Since  the 
Scheme of Arrangement, the shareholders of Conister Bank Limited became shareholders of Manx Financial Group PLC and the share 
option programme is now operated by Manx Financial Group PLC.

The fair value is estimated by an independent actuary using a proprietary binomial probability model. 

The proceeds received, net of any directly attributable transaction costs, are credited to share capital (nominal value) and share premium 
when the options are exercised. 

Other obligations 
Provision is made for short-term benefits payable for salaries, holiday pay, social security costs and sick leave on a prorated basis and is 
included within creditors and accrued charges. 

(h) Leases 
i) A Group Company is the lessor 
Finance leases and hire purchase contracts 
When assets are subject to a finance lease or hire purchase contract, the present value of the lease payments is recognised as a receivable. 
The  difference  between  the  gross  receivable  and  the  present  value  of  the  receivable  is  recognised  as  unearned  finance  income.  Hire 
purchase and lease income is recognised over the term of the contract or lease reflecting a constant periodic rate of return on the net 
investment in the contract or lease. 

Initial direct costs, which may include commissions and legal fees directly attributable to negotiating and arranging the contract or lease, 
are included in the measurement of the net investment of the contract or lease at inception. 

ii) A Group Company is the lessee 
Operating leases 
Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. 
Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) are charged to the income statement on a straight-
line basis over the period of the lease. 

(i) Deferred taxation 
Deferred taxation is provided in full, using the liability method, on timing differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities 
and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred taxation is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have 
been enacted or substantially enacted by the statement of financial position and are expected to apply when the related deferred income 
tax is realised. Deferred taxation assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against 
which the temporary differences can be utilised. 

(j) Interest income and expense 
Interest income and expense are recognised in the comprehensive statement of income using the effective interest rate method. 

Effective interest rate 
The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments or receipts of the financial instrument to the net 
carrying amount of the financial asset or financial liability. The discount period is the expected life or, where appropriate, a shorter period. 
The calculation includes all amounts receivable or payable by the Group that are an integral part of the overall return, including origination 
fees, loan incentives, broker fees payable, estimated early repayment charges, balloon payments and all other premiums and discounts. 
It also includes direct incremental transaction costs related to the acquisition or issue of the financial instrument. The calculation does not 
consider future credit losses. 

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Manx Financial Group PLC
 Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements

22

Significant accounting policies continued 

3. 
(j) Interest income and expense continued

Effective interest rate continued
Once a financial asset or a group of similar financial assets has been written down as a result of impairment, subsequent interest income 
continues to be recognised using the original effective interest rate applied to the reduced carrying value of the financial instrument. 

(k) Fees and commission income 
Fees and commission income other than that directly related to loans is recognised over the period for which service has been provided or 
on completion of an act to which the fees relate. 

(l) Programme costs
Programme costs are direct expenditure incurred in relation to prepaid card programmes. The costs are recognised over the period in which 
income is derived from operating the programmes.

(m) Segment reporting 
A segment is a distinguishable component of the Group that is engaged either in providing products or services (business segment), or in 
providing products or services within a particular economic environment (geographical segment), which is subject to risks and rewards that 
are different from those of other segments. The Group’s primary format for segment reporting is based on business segments. 

(n) New standards and interpretations not yet adopted 
A number of new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations are not yet effective for the year, and have not been applied in 
preparing these consolidated financial statements:

New/Revised International Accounting Standards/International Financial Reporting Standards (IAS/IFRS) 

IAS1 Presentation of Financial Statements (Revised 2009) 
IAS7 Statement of Cash Flows (Revised 2009) 
IAS17 Leases (Revised 2009) 
IAS24 Related Party Disclosures — Revised definition of related parties 
IAS27  Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements – Amendment relating to cost of an investment on 

first-time adoption (Revised 2008) 

IAS28 Investments in Associates — Consequential amendments resulting from amendments to IFRS3 (2008) 
IAS31 Interests in Joint Ventures — Consequential amendments resulting from amendments to IFRS3 (2008) 
IAS32 Financial Instruments: Presentation — Amendments relating to classification of rights issues 
IAS36 Impairment of Assets (Revised 2009) 
IAS38 Intangible Assets 
IAS39  Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement — Amendments for embedded derivatives when

reclassifying financial instruments 

IAS39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement — Amendments for eligible hedged items 
IAS39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement (Revised 2009) 
IFRS2 Share-based Payment — Amendments relating to Group cash-settled share-based payment transactions 
IFRS3 Business Combinations — Comprehensive revision on applying the acquisition method 
IFRS5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Revised 2008) 
IFRS5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Revised 2009) 
IFRS7 Disclosures for First-time Adopters (Amendment to IFRS1) 
IFRS8 Operating Segments (Revised 2009) 
IFRS9 Financial Instruments  

IFRIC Interpretations

IFRIC9 Reassessment of Embedded Derivatives 
IFRIC17 Distributions of Non-Cash Assets to Owners 
IFRIC18 Transfers of Assets from Customers 
IFRIC19 Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments 

Effective date
(accounting periods
commencing after)

1 January 2010
1 January 2010
1 January 2010
1 January 2011

1 July 2009
1 July 2009
1 July 2009
1 February 2010
1 January 2010
1 July 2009

30 June 2009
1 July 2009
1 January 2010
1 January 2010
1 July 2009
1 July 2009
1 January 2010
1 July 2010
1 January 2010
1 January 2013

30 June 2009
1 July 2009
1 July 2009
1 July 2010

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Manx Financial Group PLC

23

Significant accounting policies continued 

3. 
(n) New standards and interpretations not yet adopted continued
The Directors do not expect the adoption of the other standards and interpretations to have a material impact on the Group’s financial 
statements in the period of initial application.

(o) Key sources of estimation uncertainty 
Management believe that a key area of estimation and uncertainty is in respect of the impairment allowances on loans and advances to 
customers. Loans and advances to customers are evaluated for impairment on a basis described in note 4, credit risk. The Group has 
substantial historical data upon which to base collective estimates for impairment on HP Contracts, Finance Leases and Personal Loans. 
The  Litigation  Funding  loan  book  has  in  recent  years  seen  volatility  in  repayment  patterns  and  there  is  therefore  greater  uncertainty  in 
assessing impairment allowances on this loan book. The litigation described in note 32 has also made the assessment of the appropriate 
impairment allowances on this loan book more difficult and there is the possibility that further litigation will be necessary to collect a number 
of outstanding balances. This could delay the recovery of affected loans and make their recovery more costly than anticipated. Counter 
claims have been received and there is the possibility of litigation being necessary. There is a risk of an adverse outcome in all litigation and 
the costs and timescale to resolve these matters are uncertain. The costs of administering the future run off of the litigation funding loan 
book are also therefore uncertain. The accuracy of the impairment allowances and provisions for counter claims and legal costs depend on 
how closely the estimated future cash flows mirror actual experience. 

(p) Fiduciary deposits 
Deposits received on behalf of clients by way of a fiduciary agreement are placed with external parties and are not recognised on the 
statement  of  financial  position.  Income  in  respect  of  fiduciary  deposit  taking  is  included  within  interest  income  and  recognised  on  an 
accruals basis.

(q) Prepaid card funds 
The  Group  received  funds  for  its  prepaid  card  activities.  These  funds  were  held  in  a  fiduciary  capacity  for  the  sole  purpose  of  making 
payments  as  and  when  card-holders  utilise  the  credit  on  their  cards,  and  were  therefore  not  recognised  on  the  statement  of  financial 
position. 

(r) Foreign exchange
Foreign currency assets and liabilities (applicable to the Conister Card Services division only) are translated at the rates of exchange ruling 
at  the  year  end.  Transactions  during  the  year  are  recorded  at  rates  of  exchange  in  effect  when  the  transaction  occurs.  The  exchange 
movements are dealt with in the comprehensive statement of income.

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Manx Financial Group PLC
 Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements

24

Risk and capital management

 4. 
(a) Risk management

Introduction and overview
The Group has exposure to the following risks from its use of financial instruments:

 n credit risk
 n liquidity risk
 n operational risk
 n market risk

This note presents information about the Group’s exposure to each of the above risks, the Group’s objectives, policies and processes for 
managing risk and capital within the Bank. The Bank is the main operating entity exposed to these risks. 

Risk management framework 
The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the risk management framework within the Group.

The Board of the Bank has established the Executive Risk Committee (ERC) which reports to the Audit Risk and Compliance Committee 
(ARCC) and is responsible for developing and monitoring risk management policies in their specified areas. Operational responsibility for 
asset  and  liability  management  is  delegated  to  the  Executive  Directors  of  the  Bank,  and  management  through  the  Bank’s  Assets  and 
Liabilities Committee (ALCO). 

The Group’s risk management policies are established to identify and analyse the risks faced by the Group, to set appropriate risk limits and 
controls, and to monitor risks and adherence to limits. Risk management policies and systems are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in 
market conditions. The Group has a disciplined and constructive control environment, in which all employees understand their roles and 
obligations. 

The ARCC is responsible for monitoring compliance with the Group’s risk management policies and procedures, and for reviewing the 
adequacy of the risk management framework in relation to the risks faced by the Group. Internal Audit undertakes both regular and ad hoc 
reviews of risk management controls and procedures, the results of which are reported to the ARCC. 

i) Credit risk
Credit  risk  is  the  risk  of  financial  loss  to  the  Group  if  a  customer  or  counterparty  to  a  financial  instrument  fails  to  meet  its  contractual 
obligations. For risk management reporting purposes, the Group considers and consolidates all elements of credit risk exposure (such as 
individual obligor default, country and sector risk). 

The Group is principally exposed to credit risk with regard to loans and advances to customers, comprising HP and finance lease receivables, 
premium finance loans, litigation funding loans, unsecured personal loans and stocking plan loans. It is also exposed to credit risk with 
regard to cash balances and trade and other receivables. The administration of premium finance lending is outsourced and there is a credit 
risk with regards to the clearing balance maintained in the outsourcing Company’s bank account.

Management of credit risk 
The Board of Directors of the Bank has delegated responsibility for the management of credit risk to the Credit Committee (CC) for loans 
and ALCO for other assets. The following measures are taken in order to manage the exposure to credit risk: 

 n Explicit  credit  policies,  covering  collateral  requirements,  credit  assessment,  risk  grading  and  reporting,  documentary  and  legal 

procedures, and compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements.

 n A rigorous authorisation structure for the approval and renewal of credit facilities. Each opportunity is researched for viability, legal/
regulatory restriction and risk. If recommended, the proposal is submitted to Board of Directors or the CC. The CC reviews lending 
assessments in excess of individual credit control or executive discretionary limits.

 n Reviewing and assessing existing credit risk and collateral. The CC assesses all credit exposures in excess of designated limits, as set 

out in the underwriting manual (for asset and personal finance) or the Operating Model and Procedures (for premium finance). 

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Manx Financial Group PLC

25

Risk and capital management continued

4. 
(a) Risk management continued
Management of credit risk continued

i) Credit risk continued
 n Limiting concentrations of exposure to counterparties, geographies and industries (defining sector limits and lending caps).

 n Limiting the term of exposure to minimise interest rate risk.

 n Ensuring that appropriate records of all sanctioned facilities are maintained.

 n Ensuring regular account reviews are carried out for all accounts agreed by the CC. 

 n Ensuring Board approval is obtained on all decisions of the CC above the limits set out in the Bank’s Credit risk policy.

An analysis of the credit risk on loans and advances to customers is as follows:

 Loans and advances to customers 

 Carrying amount 

 Individually impaired1
 Grade A 
 Grade B 
 Grade C 

 Gross value 
 Allowance for impairment 

 Carrying value 

 Collective allowance for impairment 

 Past due but not impaired
 Less than 1 month 
 More than 1 month but less than 2 months 
 More than 2 months but less than 3 months 

 Carrying value 

 Neither past due nor impaired 

2009 
£000 

2008
£000

37,554 

55,916

1,361 
468 
4,004 

5,833 
(4,103) 

4,301
464
516

5,281
(3,397)

1,730 

1,884

(333) 

(768)

46 
6 
1 

53 

86
6
12

104

36,104 

54,696

 1  Loans are graded A to C depending on the level of risk. Grade A relates to agreements with the highest of risk, Grade B with medium risk and Grade C relates to agreements 

with the lowest risk.

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Manx Financial Group PLC
 Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements

26

Risk and capital management continued

 4. 
(a) Risk management continued
Management of credit risk continued

i) Credit risk continued
Impaired loans
Impaired  loans  are  loans  where  the  Group  determines  that  it  is  probable  that  it  will  be  unable  to  collect  all  principal  and  interest  due 
according to the contractual terms of the loan agreements. 

Past due but not impaired loans 
Past due but not impaired loans are loans where the contractual interest or principal payments are past due but the Group believes that 
impairment is not appropriate on the basis of the level of security, collateral available and/or the stage of collection of amounts owed to the 
Group. 

Allowances for impairment 
The Group establishes an allowance for impairment losses that represents its estimate of incurred losses in its loan portfolio. The main 
components  of  this  allowance  are  a  specific  loss  allowance  that  relates  to  individually  significant  exposures,  and  a  collective  loan  loss 
allowance,  which  is  established  for  the  Group’s  assets  in  respect  of  losses  that  have  been  incurred  but  have  not  been  identified  on 
loans subject to individual assessment for impairment. The collective loan loss allowance is based on historical experience, the current 
economic environment and an assessment of its impact on loan collectability. Guidelines regarding specific impairment allowances are 
laid out in the Bank’s Debt Recovery Process Manual which is reviewed annually. 

Write-off policy 
The Group writes off a loan balance (and any related allowances for impairment losses) when management determines that the loans are 
uncollectable. This determination is reached after considering information such as the occurrence of significant changes in the borrower’s 
financial position such that the borrower can no longer pay the obligation, or that proceeds from collateral will not be sufficient to pay back 
the entire exposure. 

Collateral 
The Group holds collateral in the form of the underlying assets (typically private and commercial vehicles, plant and machinery) as security 
for  Hire  Purchase  and  finance  lease  balances,  which  are  a  sub-category  of  loans  and  advances  to  customers.  Estimates  of  fair  value 
are based on the value of collateral assessed at the time of borrowing, and generally are not updated except when a loan is individually 
assessed as impaired. At the time of granting credit for Hire Purchase and finance leases the loan balances due are secured over the 
underlying assets held as collateral. 

Concentration of credit risk 

Geographical 
Lending is restricted to individuals and entities with United Kingdom or Isle of Man addresses. 

Segmental 
The Group is exposed to credit risk with regard to customer loan accounts, comprising Hire Purchase and finance lease balances, premium 
finance balances, litigation funding balances, unsecured personal loans and vehicle stocking plan loans.

ii) Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will encounter difficulty in meeting financial liability obligations as they fall due. 

Management of liquidity risk 
The Group’s approach to managing liquidity is to ensure that it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when due, under both 
normal and stressed conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Group’s reputation. 

The  Group  uses  various  methods,  including  forecasting  of  cash  positions,  to  monitor  and  manage  its  liquidity  risk  to  avoid  undue 
concentration of funding requirements at any point in time or from any particular source. Maturity mismatches between lending and funding 
are managed within internal risk policy limits. 

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Manx Financial Group PLC

27

 4.   Risk and capital management continued
(a) Risk management continued

ii) Liquidity risk continued
Minimum liquidity
The Isle of Man Financial Supervision Commission (FSC) requires that the Bank should be able to meet its obligations for a period of at 
least one month. In order to meet this requirement, the Bank measures and manages its cash flow commitments, and maintains its liquid 
balances in a diversified portfolio of short-term bank balances.

Bank balances are only held with financial institutions approved by the Board of Directors and which meet the requirements of the FSC.

Measurement of liquidity risk
The key measure used by the Group for managing liquidity risk is the asset and liability maturity profile.

The table below shows the Group’s financial liabilities classified by their earliest possible contractual maturity, on an undiscounted basis 
including interest due at the end of the deposit term. Based on historical data, the Group’s expected actual cash flow from these items vary 
from this analysis due to the expected re-investment of maturing customer deposits. 

Residual contractual maturities of financial liabilities as at the balance sheet date (undiscounted)

 31 December 2009

 Group 

Sight-  > 8 days  > 1 month > 3 months > 6 months 
 - 1 year 
8 days  - 1 month  - 3 months  - 6 months 
£000 
£000 

£000 

£000 

£000 

> 1 year  > 3 years

 - 3 years 
£000 

 - 5 years  > 5 years 
£000 

£000 

 Customer accounts 
 Other liabilities 

2,683 
782 

2,750 
— 

5,957 
— 

5,468 
— 

11,923 
— 

23,743 
— 

 Total liabilities 

3,465 

2,750 

5,957 

5,468 

11,923 

23,743 

— 
500 

500 

— 
66 

66 

Total
£000

52,524
1,348

53,872

 31 December 2008

 Group 
 Customer accounts 
 Other liabilities 

Sight- 
8 days 
£000 
782 
2,594 

> 8 days  > 1 month  > 3 months  > 6 months 
 - 1 year 
- 1 month  - 3 months  - 6 months 
£000 
£000 
38,050 
14,196 
18 
9 

£000 
3,441 
6 

£000 
3,101 
3 

> 1 year  > 3 years

 - 3 years 
£000 
12,125 
72 

 - 5 years  > 5 years 
£000 
— 
— 

£000 
— 
706 

Total
£000
71,695
3,408

 Total liabilities 

3,376 

3,104 

3,447 

14,205 

38,068 

12,197 

706 

— 

75,103

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Manx Financial Group PLC
 Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements

28

 4.  Risk and capital management continued
 (a) Risk management continued

 Measurement of liquidity risk continued
 Maturity of assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date

 31 December 2009

 Group 

Sight-  > 8 days  > 1 month > 3 months > 6 months 
 - 1 year 
8 days  - 1 month  - 3 months  - 6 months 
£000 
£000 

£000 

£000 

£000 

> 1 year  > 3 years

 - 3 years 
£000 

 - 5 years  > 5 years 
£000 

£000 

Total
£000

 Assets
 Cash and cash equivalents  7,976 
 Available-for-sale financial
 instruments 
 Customer accounts 
 receivable 
 Other assets 

597 
— 

— 

— 

— 

1,999 

7,990 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

7,976

9,989

2,577 
— 

6,383 
— 

6,544 
— 

7,832 
— 

12,300 
— 

1,321 
— 

— 
1,425 

37,554
1,425

 Total assets 

8,573 

4,576 

14,373 

6,544 

7,832 

12,300 

1,321 

1,425 

56,944

 Liabilities
 Customer accounts 
 Other liabilities 

1,907 
782 

2,200 
— 

3,668 
— 

6,493 
— 

8,882 
— 

25,335 
— 

 Total liabilities 

2,689 

2,200 

3,668 

6,493 

8,882 

25,335 

— 
500 

500 

1,059 
66 

49,544
1,348

1,125 

50,892

 31 December 2008

 Group 

Sight- 
8 days 
£000 

 Cash and cash equivalents  20,589 
 Customer accounts 
 receivable 
 Other assets 

2,556 
— 

> 8 days  > 1 month  > 3 months  > 6 months 
 - 1 year 
- 1 month  - 3 months  - 6 months 
£000 
£000 

£000 

£000 

> 1 year  > 3 years

 - 3 years 
£000 

 - 5 years  > 5 years 
£000 

£000 

Total
£000

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

20,589

3,841 
— 

9,119 
— 

11,026 
— 

11,345 
— 

15,980 
— 

2,049 
— 

— 
1,717 

55,916
1,717

 Total assets 

23,145 

3,841 

9,119 

11,026 

11,345 

15,980 

2,049 

1,717 

78,222

 Liabilities
 Customer accounts 
 Other liabilities 

781 
2,594 

2,970 
3 

3,400 
6 

10,900 
9 

37,240 
18 

10,767 
72 

 Total liabilities 

3,375 

2,973 

3,406 

10,909 

37,258 

10,839 

— 
706 

706 

— 
— 

— 

66,058
3,408

69,466

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Manx Financial Group PLC

29

  4.  Risk and capital management continued
 (a) Risk management continued

 Measurement of liquidity risk continued
 iii) Operational risk
Operational risk arises from the potential for inadequate systems (including systems breakdown), errors, poor management, breaches 
in internal controls, fraud and external events to result in financial loss or reputational damage. Operational risk also arises through the 
use  of an  outsourcing  partner,  which  is  the  case  with  the  premium  finance  loan  administration  provider.  The  Group  manages  this  risk 
through appropriate risk controls and loss mitigation actions. These actions include a balance of policies, procedures, internal controls 
and business continuity arrangements. 

Operational risk across the Group is analysed and discussed at all Board meetings, with ongoing monitoring of actions arising to address 
the risks identified.

iv) Market risk
Market risk is the risk that changes in the level of interest rates, changes in the rate of exchange between currencies or changes in the 
price of securities and other financial contracts (including derivatives) will have an adverse financial impact. The primary market risk within 
the Group is interest rate risk exposure in the Bank. 

During the year the Group was exposed to market price risk through holding available for sale financial instruments, and a financial asset 
carried at fair value through the profit and loss. There is no exposure at the year-end to the available for sale-financial instruments as the 
instruments have either been disposed of or fully impaired (Equity Special Situations Limited) during the year. The exposure remaining 
relates to the financial asset carried at fair value through the profit and loss in the Bank, which is an equity investment stated at a market 
value. Given the size of this holding, £374,000 at 31 December 2009 (2008: £136,000) the potential impact on the results for the Group 
is relatively small and no sensitivity analysis has been provided for the market price risk.

Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk exposure in the Bank arises from the difference between the maturity of capital and interest payable on customer deposit 
accounts, and the maturity of capital and interest receivable on loans and financing. The differing maturities on these products create 
interest rate risk exposures due to the imperfect matching of different financial assets and liabilities. The risk is managed on a continuous 
basis by management and reviewed by the Board of Directors. The Bank monitors interest rate risk on a monthly basis via the ALCO. 

The matching of the maturity interest rates of assets and liabilities is fundamental to the management of the Bank. The maturities of assets 
and liabilities and the ability to replace, at an acceptable cost, interest bearing liabilities as they mature are important factors in assessing 
the liquidity of the Bank and its exposure to changes in interest rates. 

Interest risk re-pricing table 
The following tables present the interest rate mismatch position between  assets  and  liabilities  over  the respective  maturity  dates. The 
maturity dates are presented on a worst case basis, with assets being recorded at their latest maturity and customer accounts at the 
earliest: 

 31 December 2009 

Sight-  > 1 month > 3 months > 6 months 
 - 1 year 
£000 

  - 1 month  - 3 months  - 6 months 
£000 

£000 

£000 

> 1 year  > 3 years

 - 3 years 
£000 

 - 5 years  > 5 years 
£000 

£000 

Total
£000

 Assets
 Cash and cash equivalents 
 Available-for-sale financial instruments 
 Customer accounts receivable 
 Other assets 

 Total assets 

 Liabilities
 Customer accounts 
 Other liabilities 
 Total capital and reserves 

 Total liabilities and equity 
 Interest rate 
 sensitivity gap 

7,976 
1,999 
2,761 
1,425 

— 
7,990 
6,463 
— 

14,161 

14,453 

4,107 
848 
6,052 

11,007 

3,668 
— 
— 

3,668 

— 
— 
6,544 
— 

6,544 

6,493 
— 
— 

6,493 

— 
— 
7,832 
— 

— 
— 
12,632 
— 

7,832 

12,632 

8,882 
— 
— 

25,336 
— 
— 

8,882 

25,336 

— 
— 
1,322 
— 

1,322 

— 
500 
— 

500 

— 
— 
— 
— 

— 

1,058 
— 
— 

7,976
9,989
37,554
1,425

56,944

49,544
1,348
6,052

1,058 

56,944

3,154 

10,785 

51 

(1,050) 

(12,704) 

822 

(1,058) 

 Cumulative  

3,154 

13,939 

13,990 

12,940 

236 

1,058 

— 

—

—

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Manx Financial Group PLC
 Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements

30

   4.  Risk and capital management continued
 (a) Risk management continued

 31 December 2008 

 Assets
 Cash and cash equivalents 
 Customer accounts receivable 
 Other assets 

Sight-  > 1 month  > 3 months  > 6 months 
 - 1 year 
£000 

- 1 month  - 3 months  - 6 months 
£000 

£000 

£000 

> 1 year  > 3 years

 - 3 years 
£000 

 - 5 years  > 5 years 
£000 

£000 

Total
£000

20,589 
6,395 
1,717 

— 
9,118 
— 

— 
11,025 
— 

— 
11,345 
— 

— 
15,979 
— 

— 
2,054 
— 

 Total assets 

28,701 

9,118 

11,025 

11,345 

15,979 

2,054 

 Liabilities
 Customer accounts 
 Other liabilities 
 Total capital and reserves 

 Total liabilities and equity 
 Interest rate 
 sensitivity gap 

3,751 
2,908 
8,756 

3,400 
— 
— 

10,900 
— 
— 

37,240 
— 
— 

10,767 
— 
— 

15,415 

3,400 

10,900 

37,240 

10,767 

— 
500 
— 

500 

13,286 

5,718 

125 

(25,895) 

5,212 

1,554 

 Cumulative  

13,286 

19,004 

19,129 

(6,766) 

(1,554) 

— 

* Sight to < 1 month also includes non-interest bearing funds.

— 
— 
— 

— 

— 
— 
— 

— 

— 

— 

20,589
55,916
1,717

78,222

66,058
3,408
8,756

78,222

—

—

 Sensitivity analysis for interest rate risk 
The Bank monitors the impact of changes in interest rates on interest rate mismatch positions using a method consistent with the FSC 
required reporting standard. The methodology applies weightings to the net interest rate sensitivity gap in order to quantify the impact of 
an adverse change in interest rates of 2% per annum (2008: 1%). The following tables set out the estimated total impact of such a change 
based on the mismatch at the balance sheet date.

With the adoption of Basel II on 31 March 2009 the Bank has moved to the appropriate FSC required reporting standard which applies 
weighting to the net interest rate sensitivity gap that quantifies the impact of an adverse change in interest rates of 2% per annum.

 31 December 2009 

 Interest rate 
 sensitivity gap  

 Weighting 

Sight-  > 1 month > 3 months > 6 months 
 - 1 year 
£000 

  - 1 month  - 3 months  - 6 months 
£000 

£000 

£000 

> 1 year  > 3 years

 - 3 years 
£000 

 - 5 years  > 5 years 
£000 

£000 

Total
£000

3,154 

10,785 

51 

(1,050) 

(12,704) 

822 

(1,058) 

0.000 

0.003 

0.007 

0.014 

0.027 

0.054 

0.115 

—

—

 Cumulative £000 

— 

34 

— 

(15) 

(352) 

48 

(122) 

(407)

Sight-  > 1 month  > 3 months  > 6 months 
 - 1 year 
£000 

- 1 month  - 3 months  - 6 months 
£000 

£000 

£000 

> 1 year  > 3 years

 - 3 years 
£000 

 - 5 years  > 5 years 
£000 

£000 

Total
£000

 Cumulative £000 

— 

11 

1 

(181) 

94 

44 

— 

13,286 

5,718 

125 

(25,895) 

5,212 

1,554 

— 

0.000 

0.002 

0.004 

0.007 

0.018 

0.028 

0.040 

—

—

(31)

 31 December 2008 

 Interest rate 
 sensitivity gap  

 Weighting 

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Manx Financial Group PLC

31

  4.  Risk and capital management continued
 (b) Capital management

 Regulatory capital
The Group considers capital to comprise share capital, share premium, reserves and subordinated loans. Capital is deployed by the Board 
of Directors to meet the commercial objectives of the Group, whilst meeting regulatory requirements in the Bank. The Group’s policy is to 
maintain a strong capital base so as to maintain investor, creditor, depositor and market confidence and to sustain future development of 
the business. 

In implementing current capital requirements the capital position in the Bank is also subject to prescribed minimum requirements by the 
FSC in respect of the ratio of total capital to total risk-weighted assets. This requirement applies to the Bank (a wholly owned subsidiary of 
Manx Financial Group PLC) as a component of Manx Financial Group PLC and has been adhered to throughout the year. 

The risk asset ratio of the Bank as a component of Manx Financial Group PLC was 18% (2008: 18%). This was above the minimum 
prescribed by the FSC. 

 5.  Segmental analysis
Segment information is presented in respect of the Group’s business segments. The Directors consider that the Group currently operates 
in one geographic segment, the Isle of Man and UK. The primary format, business segments, is based on the Group’s management and 
internal reporting structure. The Directors consider that the Group operates in three product orientated segments in addition to its investing 
activities: Asset and Personal Finance (including provision of HP contracts, finance leases, personal loans and premium finance); Litigation 
Finance; and a Prepaid Card division, Conister Card Services. The Group ceased to provide new Litigation Finance in June 2007.

Included  within  personnel  expenses  in  the  Consolidated  Income  Statement  is  £362,064  (2008:  £1,579,000)  relating  to  direct  salary 
costs for Conister Card Services. 

 For the year ended 31 December 2009

 Net interest income 
 Operating income 
 Provision for impairment  
 Loss before unallocated items 
 Group central costs 

 Loss before specific items 

 Capital expenditure 

 Total assets 

 Total liabilities and equity  

Asset and  
Personal 
Finance 
£000 

Litigation 
Finance 
£000 

Conister
Card 
Services 
£000 

Investing 
Activities 
£000 

1,866 
1,447 
28 
(922) 
— 

526 

56,183 

56,598 

253 
253 
(671) 
(468) 
— 

— 

188 

188 

— 
223 
— 
(225) 
— 

— 

199 

158 

— 
— 
— 
268 
— 

— 

374 

— 

Total
2009
£000

2,119
1,923
(643)
(1,347)
(1,116)

(2,463)

526

56,944

56,944

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Manx Financial Group PLC
 Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements

32

  5.  Segmental analysis continued

 For the year ended 31 December 2008

 Net interest income 
 Operating income 
 Provision for impairment  
 Loss before unallocated items 
 Group central costs 

 Loss before specific items 

 Capital expenditure 

 Total assets 

 Total liabilities and equity  

Asset and  
Personal 
Finance 
£000 

Litigation 
Finance 
£000 

3,337 
2,842 
(948) 
(460) 

96 

76,425 

76,719 

163 
187 
(415) 
(737) 

— 

1,503 

1,503 

Conister
card 
services 
£000 

88 
181 
— 
(3,721) 

— 

158 

— 

Investing 
Activities 
£000 

Total
2008       
£000      

— 
— 
— 
(610) 

— 

136 

— 

3,588
3,210
(1,363)
(5,528)
(1,099)

(6,627)

96

78,222

78,222

Segment capital expenditure is the total cost incurred during the year to acquire equipment and fund leasehold improvements.

Interest income

  6. 
Interest receivable and similar income represents charges and interest on finance and leasing agreements attributable to the year after 
adjusting for early settlements, income on litigation funding receivables and premium financing and interest on bank balances.

  7. 

Interest expense

 Payable to depositors 
 Payable on subordinated loan (note 30) 

2009 
£000 

3,162 
60 

3,222 

2008
£000

3,551
1

3,552

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Manx Financial Group PLC

33

2008
£000

1,388
180
(251)
(67)
(7)

1,243

2008
£000

229
(109)

120

1,363

2009 
£000 

1,163 
319 
(401) 
— 
(3) 

1,078 

2009 
£000 

35 
(470) 

(435) 

643 

 8.  Allowance for impairment

 The charge in respect of specific allowances for impairment comprises:

 Specific impairment allowances made  
 Amounts written off 
 Reversal of allowances previously made 
 Recovery of amounts previously made 
 Recovery of amounts previously written off 

 Total specific provision for impairment 

  The charge in respect of collective allowances for impairment comprises:

 Collective impairment allowances made 
 Release of allowances previously made 

 Total collective provision for impairment 

 Total provision for impairment 

 9.  Restructure costs
  Restructure costs comprise: the cost of closure of the UK Conister Card Services operation, the costs of closure of two branch offices in 
the UK, and the reorganisation of Isle of Man operational processes. 

 Closure of UK Conister Card Services operation 
 Administration expenses 
 Programme costs 
 Redundancy costs 

 Closure of UK branch offices 
 Redundancy costs 

 Reorganisation of Isle of Man operations process
 Redundancy costs 
 Director’s ex gratia cost  
 Director’s share option cost 

The ex gratia and share option costs in prior year relates to Mr J F Linehan. 

2009 
£000 

2008
£000

— 
— 
101 

101 

— 

57 
— 
— 

57 

320
127
117

564

61

429
264
107

800

158 

1,425

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Manx Financial Group PLC
 Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements

34

 10.   Project costs

 Costs of Conister Card Services sale  
 Costs of potential acquisition  

 11.   Depositors’ Compensation Scheme

 Provision in respect of Kaupthing Singer & Friedlander (Isle of Man) Limited 
 Recovery in respect of Bank of Credit & Commerce International SA  

2009 
£000 

— 
— 

— 

2009 
£000 

150 
(61) 

89 

2008
£000

133
361

494

2008
£000

—
—

—

On 27 May 2009, the Isle of Man Government Depositors’ Compensation Scheme (“the Scheme”) was activated in connection with the 
liquidation of Kaupthing Singer & Friedlander (Isle of Man) Limited. An initial payment of £73,880 was made into the Scheme during the 
year. In addition, a further provision of £76,120 has been made resulting in a total charge for the year to the comprehensive statement of 
income of £150,000. 

On 3 August 2009, the Bank recovered £61,054 from the Scheme in respect of The Bank of Credit & Commerce International SA, a 
Luxembourg banking company, the Bank of Credit and Commerce Overseas Limited, a Cayman bank, and various other companies in the 
BCCI Group, which closed in July 1991. 

 12.   Scheme of Arrangement costs (Prior Year)
Conister Bank Limited, following an Isle of Man Court sanctioned Scheme of Arrangement, became a wholly owned subsidiary of Manx 
Financial Group PLC with effect from 31 January 2008. The legal and professional expenses attributable to the Scheme of Arrangement in 
2008 totalled £45,000. No costs were incurred in 2009.

 13.   Loss before taxation 
 The loss before taxation for the year is stated after charging: 

 Depreciation 
 Loss on sale of fixed assets 
 Share option expense 
 Directors’ remuneration and fees 
 Directors’ pensions 
 Directors’ bonuses 
 Directors’ ex gratia fees 
 Auditors’ remuneration 

as Auditor current year 
as Auditor, under-accrual for prior year 
non-audit services 

Pension cost defined contribution scheme 
Operating lease rentals for property 

2009 
£000 

2008
£000

102 
2 
22 
433 
33 
12 
— 
75 
11 
108 
122 
92 

77
104
315
409
9
20
264
84
2
128
188
93

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Manx Financial Group PLC

35

 14. 

Income tax expense

(a) The Group and Company made losses during the year and therefore no change to taxation has been included in the comprehensive 
statement of income.

(b) Statement of Financial Position at 31 December 2009
As a result of the Group and Company making continuing losses there is no outstanding liability to taxation at the end of the year.

15.  Loss per share

 Loss for the year 

 Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue 
 Basic and diluted loss per share 

2009 
£000 

2008
£000

(2,621) 

(18,305)

Number 

Number

  63,416,450  55,866,457

(4.13)p 

(32.8)p

The basic loss per share calculation is based upon loss for the year after taxation and the weighted average of the number of shares in 
issue throughout the year.

The diluted loss per share calculation is based upon loss for the year after taxation and the weighted average of the number of shares in 
issue after adjustment to assume conversion of all dilutive potential shares. Other than the employee share option scheme, there are no 
other potentially dilutive instruments.

 16.  Company loss
The loss on ordinary activities after taxation of the Company is £3,016,000 (2008: £13,288,000). 

 17.  Cash and cash equivalents

 Cash at bank and in hand 
 Short-term deposits 

Group  

Company

2009 
£000 

3,908 
4,068 

7,976 

2008 
£000 

12,989 
7,600 

20,589 

2009 
£000 

— 
— 

— 

2008
£000

—
—

—

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Manx Financial Group PLC
 Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements

36

 17.  Cash and cash equivalents continued
Cash at bank includes an amount of £107,296 (2008: £164,045) representing cheques issued in the course of transmission. The remaining 
maturity of short-term deposits is as follows:

 Less than 8 days 
 8 days to less than 1 month 

Group  

Company

2009 
£000 

4,068 
— 

4,068 

2008 
£000 

7,600 
— 

7,600 

2009 
£000 

— 
— 

— 

2008
£000

—
—

—

 18.  Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
The investment represents shares in Billing Services Group PLC, a UK quoted company, which was elected to be classified as a financial 
asset at fair value through the profit or loss. The investment is stated at market value. The cost of the shares was £471,000. The unrealised 
difference between cost and market value has been taken to the income statement. Dividend income of £340,000 has been received from 
this investment since it was made.

 19.  Available-for-sale financial instruments

 UK Government Treasury Bills 

Group  

Company

2009 
£000 

9,989 

9,989 

2008 
£000 

— 

— 

2009 
£000 

— 

— 

2008
£000

—

—

 UK Government Treasury Bills are stated at fair value and changes in the fair value are reflected in equity.

During  the  prior  year  the  Group  acquired  shares  in  Equity  Special  Situations  Limited  (ESS),  an  AIM  listed  strategic  investment  company 
incorporated in Guernsey. The transaction was done in two stages by way of a share-for-share exchange with a cash top up as detailed below:

 Investment in ESS 

 Additions
 23 June 2008 
 9 September 2008 

 Total shareholding 

 Impairment loss on available-for-sale financial instruments 

 Carrying value of available-for-sale financial instruments 

% 
Holding 

Number 
of Shares 

9.9% 
8.7% 

2,042,705 
2,206,090 

£000

4,453
5,185

18.6% 

4,248,795 

9,638

(9,638)

—

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Manx Financial Group PLC

37

Total
£000

4,126
5,184

9,310

328

9,638

Share 
Premium 
£000 

Share
Capital 
£000 

2,732 
3,409 

6,141 

1,394 
1,775 

3,169 

  19.  Available-for-sale financial instruments continued

 Consideration comprised: 

 Share capital issued to ESS
 23 June 2008: Issue of 5,575,150 ordinary MFG shares at 74p 
 9 September 2008: Issue of 7,101,798 ordinary MFG shares at 73p 

 23 June 2008: Cash paid 

 Total consideration 

On 25 November 2008, the Directors of ESS announced the cancellation of the admission of the ordinary shares in ESS to trading on AIM. 
ESS had been granted an interim injunction against Landsbanki and its agents, under which Landsbanki was prohibited from attempting 
to sell certain shares owned by ESS, which were held at Landsbanki as security for a long-term loan facility with ESS. ESS subsequently 
filed a legal claim against Landsbanki on 24 October 2008 and has been in discussions with certain creditors and other debt providers. The 
value of the Company’s holding in ESS is uncertain, the Board believes it appropriate to fully impair the carrying value of the Company’s 
holding in ESS and carry it at a £nil value. It is however possible that some recovery of value may be made in the future. Legal fees of 
£76,000 were incurred during 2008 in relation to this matter.

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Manx Financial Group PLC
 Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements

38

  20.  Loans and advances to customers

 Group 

 Hire purchase balances 
 Finance lease balances 
 Premium financing 
 Litigation funding 
 Unsecured personal loans 
 Vehicle stocking plans 

 Specific allowance for impairment 

 Balance at 1 January  
 Specific allowance for impairment made  
 Recoveries 
 Write-offs 

 Balance at 31 December  

 Collective allowance for impairment 

 Balance at 1 January  
 Collective allowance for impairment made 
 Release of allowances previously made 

 Balance at 31 December  

 Total allowances for impairment 

Gross 

2009 
Impairment 
Amount  Allowance 
£000 

£000 

24,058 
1,407 
7,198 
2,443 
5,961 
923 

(1,063) 
(285) 
— 
(2,289) 
(719) 
(80) 

Carrying 
Value 
£000 

22,995 
1,122 
7,198 
154 
5,242 
843 

Gross 
Amount 
£000 

30,921 
2,436 
17,726 
3,182 
5,260 
556 

2008
Impairment 
Allowance 
£000 

(1,508) 
(247) 
(137) 
(1,679) 
(584) 
(10) 

Carrying
Value
£000

29,413
2,189
17,589
1,503
4,676
546

41,990 

(4,436) 

37,554 

60,081 

(4,165) 

55,916

2009 
£000 

3,397 
1,025 
— 
(319) 

4,103 

2009 
£000 

768 
35 
(470) 

333 

2008
£000

2,262
1,389
(74)
(180)

3,397

2008
£000

648
229
(109)

768

4,436 

4,165

Advances on preferential terms are available to all Directors, management and staff. As at 31 December 2009, £161,283 (2008: £82,338) 
was lent on this basis. In the Group’s ordinary course of business, advances may be made to Shareholders but all such advances are 
made on normal commercial terms. 

At the end of the current and prior financial years no loan exposure exceeded 10% of the total capital base of the Group (2008: nil).

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Manx Financial Group PLC

39

  20.  Loans and advances to customers continued
 HP and Finance Lease Receivables
 Loans and advances to customers include the following HP and finance lease receivables. 

 Gross investment in HP and finance lease receivables 

 Less than one year 
 Between one and five years 

 Unearned future income on finance leases 

2009 
 £000 

16,041 
13,858 

29,899 
(4,434) 

 2008
£000

18,078
21,138

39,216
(5,859)

 Investment in HP and finance lease receivables net of unearned income 

25,465 

33,357

  The investment in HP and finance lease receivables net of unearned income comprises: 

 Less than one year 
 Between one and five years 

 Net investment in HP and finance lease receivables 

 21.  Property, plant and equipment

 Group 

 Cost
 As at 1 January 2009 
 Additions 
 Disposals 

 As at 31 December 2009 

 Depreciation
 As at 1 January 2009 
 Provided in the year 
 Eliminated on disposals 

 As at 31 December 2009 

 Carrying value at 31 December 2009 

 Carrying value at 31 December 2008 

 Leasehold  

 Furniture &
  improvements  equipment   equipment 
£000 

£000 

£000 

IT 

22 
7 
— 

29 

4 
3 
— 

7 

22 

18 

154 
517 
(2) 

669 

98 
71 
(2) 

167 

502 

56 

183 
2 
(13) 

172 

121 
8 
(12) 

117 

55 

62 

2009 
 £000 

13,662 
11,803 

25,465 

 2008
£000

15,077
18,280

33,357

 Vehicles 
£000 

 Total
£000

106 
— 
(22) 

84 

50 
20 
(8) 

62 

22 

56 

465
526
(37)

954

273
102
(22)

353

601

192

Fixed assets with a net book value of £25,000 (2008: £56,000) are held by Conister Finance & Leasing Ltd. These comprise motor vehicles 
of £25,000 (2008: £54,000) and furniture and equipment of £nil (2008: £2,000). The depreciation charge in respect of these assets was 
£15,000 (2008: £16,000). 

Fixed assets comprising a motor vehicle with a net book value of £nil (2008: £nil) are held by Conister Legal Management Services Limited. 
The depreciation charge in respect of this asset was £nil (2008: £3,000).

Fixed assets comprising IT equipment were transferred from Conister Card Services to Manx Financial Group PLC at opening net book 
value of £8,000 during the financial year.

The depreciation charge in respect of these assets was £2,000 and the closing net book value was £6,000.

Fixed assets with a net book value of £571,000 (2008: £129,000) are held by Conister Bank Limited. These comprise motor vehicles of 
£nil (2008: £2,000), furniture and equipment of £53,000 (2008: £59,000), leasehold improvements of £22,000 (2008: £19,000) and IT 
equipment of £496,000 (2008: £49,000).

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Manx Financial Group PLC
 Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements

40

  22.  Investment in Group undertakings
 The Company has the following investments in subsidiaries incorporated within the Isle of Man:

 Carrying value of investments 

  31 December 
2009 

Nature of  
Date of  
business  % Holding  incorporation 

 Conister Bank Limited 
 TransSend Holdings Limited 

Asset and personal finance 
Holding Co for prepaid card division 

100 
100 

5.12.1935 
5.11.2007 

Total 
2009 
£000  

6,191 
— 

6,191 

Total
2008
£000

9,610
—

9,610

 23.  Trade and other receivables

 Trade debtors 
 Prepayments and other debtors 
 Payments in advance for new banking system 
 VAT Recoverable 
 Loans to subsidiary undertakings:
 TransSend Holdings Limited 

 24.  Customer accounts

 Retail customers: Term deposits 
 Corporate customers: Term deposits 

Group  

Company

2009 
£000 

34 
378 
— 
38 

— 

450 

2008 
£000 

511 
504 
342 
32 

— 

1,389  

2009 
£000 

— 
18 
— 
6 

— 

24 

2008
£000

15
—
—
32

425

472

2009 
£000 

47,994 
1,550 

2008
£000

64,842
1,216

49,544 

66,058

Fiduciary deposits 
At 31 December 2009 the Bank acted as agent bank to a number of customers, for balances totalling £8,411,145 (2008: £50,863,000). 
The Bank invests these customer assets with third party banks on their behalf and in return for this service receives a fee. These balances 
are not included within the balance sheet.

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Manx Financial Group PLC

41

Group  

Company

2009 
£000 

780 
— 
— 
500 
2 

1,282 

2008 
£000 

1,526 
607 
447 
500 
14 

3,094 

2009 
£000 

192 
— 
— 
— 
— 

192 

2008
£000

534
391
127
—
7

1,059

  25.  Creditors and accrued charges 

 Creditors and accruals 
 Redundancy costs 
 Closure of UK TransSend operation 
 Subordinated loan (note 30) 
 Short-term employee benefits 

 26.  Pension liability 
The Group operates a funded defined benefit pension scheme, the Conister Trust Pension and Life Assurance Scheme (the Scheme), 
providing benefits to members based on final pensionable pay. The Scheme was closed to new entrants on 31 March 1997. Contributions 
to the Scheme are determined by a firm of independent actuaries employed by the Trustees. 

The  most  recent  full  actuarial  valuation  was  carried  out  at  1  April  2007  showed  that  the  market  value  of  the  Scheme’s  assets  was 
£952,000, representing 75.9% of the benefits that had accrued to members, after allowing for expected future increases in earnings. As 
required by IAS19 this valuation has been updated by the actuary as at 31 December 2009.

 The actuarial assumptions used to calculate scheme liabilities under IAS19 are as follows: 

 Rate of increase in salaries 
 Rate of increase in pension in payment: 
 — service up to 5 April 1997 
 — service from 6 April 1997 to 13 September 2005 
 — service from 14 September 2005 
 Discount rate applied to scheme liabilities 
 Return on assets 

2009 
% 

3.80 

— 
3.50 
2.30 
5.70 
5.95 

2008 
% 

2.80 

— 
2.70 
2.00 
6.70 
6.60 

2007 
% 

3.40 

— 
3.40 
2.40 
5.80 
7.90 

2006 
% 

3.10 

— 
3.10 
2.30 
5.10 
2.90 

2005
%

2.90

—
2.80
2.00
4.90
2.90

 The  assumptions  used  by  the  actuary  are  best  estimates  chosen  from  a  range  of  possible  assumptions,  which  due  to  the  timescale 
covered, may not necessarily be borne out in practice.

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Manx Financial Group PLC
 Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements

42

  26.  Pension liability continued
 The amounts recognised in the Consolidated Balance Sheet are as follows:

 Total underfunding in funded plans recognised as a liability 

 Fair value of plan assets 
 Present value of funded obligations 

 Plan assets consist of the following:

 Equity securities 
 Corporate bonds 
 Government bonds 
 Property  
 Cash 
 Other 

 Movement in the liability for defined benefit obligations: 

 Opening defined benefit obligations at 1 January 
 Benefits paid by the plan 
 Current service cost 
 Interest on obligations 
 Actuarial loss/(gain) 

 Liability for defined benefit obligations at 31 December 

 Movement in plan assets: 

 Opening fair value of plan assets at 1 January 
 Expected return on assets 
 Contribution by employer 
 Actuarial gain/(loss)  
 Benefits paid 

 Closing fair value of plan assets at 31 December 

2009 
£000 

1,325 
(1,391) 

2008
£000

827
(1,141)

(66) 

(314)

2009 
% 

2008
 %

35 
24 
34 
— 
5 
2 

45
39
—
—
6
10

100 

100

2009 
£000 

1,141 
(55) 
— 
75 
230 

1,391 

2009 
£000 

827 
59 
375 
119 
(55) 

1,325 

2008
£000

1,319
(55)
—
75
(198)

1,141

2008
£000

1,014
81
28
(241)
(55)

827

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Manx Financial Group PLC

43

2008
£000

—
75
(81)

(6)

160

2008
£000

(241)
198

(43)

2009 
£000 

— 
75 
(59) 

16 

(178) 

2009 
£000 

119 
(230) 

(111) 

Number 

£000

  150,000,000 

37,500

  150,000,000 

37,500

Number 

£000

  63,416,450 

15,854

  63,416,450 

15,854

  26.  Pension liability continued

 Expense recognised in income statement: 

 Current service costs 
 Interest on obligation 
 Expected return on plan assets 

 Total included in personnel costs 

 Actual (return)/loss on plan assets 

 Income recognised in statement of recognised income and expense: 

 Actuarial gain/(loss) on plan assets 
 Actuarial (loss)/gain on defined benefit obligations 

 The Bank also paid an ex gratia pension to one former employee amounting to £1,320 in 2008.

 27.  Called up share capital and share premium

 Authorised: Ordinary shares of 25p each 

 As at 31 December 2009 

  As at 31 December 2008 

 Issued and fully paid: Ordinary shares of 25p each  

 As at 31 December 2009  

 As at 31 December 2008 

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Manx Financial Group PLC
 Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements

44

  27.  Called up share capital and share premium continued

 Dates Exercisable 

Executive Plan Options

 Grant date 

 On 9 June 2003 
 Balance at 31 December 2008 
 Lapsed 

 Balance at 31 December 2009 

 On 28 April 2004 
 Balance at 31 December 2008 
 Lapsed 

 Balance at 31 December 2009 

Performance 
Conditions 

From 

To 

Exercise 
Price 

Fully vested 

9 June 2009 

9 Dec 2013 

34p 

Fully vested 

28 Apr 2004 

27 Apr 2014  

29p 

Number
of ordinary
25p shares

2,092,500
59,000
(22,500)

36,500

350,000
111,000
(20,000)

91,000

 On 25 April 2005 

Fully vested 

25 Apr 2005  

24 Apr 2015  

32p 

205,500

 Balance at 31 December 2008 
 and at 31 December 2009 

 On 1 November 2006 
 Balance at 31 December 2008 
 Lapsed 

 Balance at 31 December 2009 

 On 6 July 2007  
 Balance at 31 December 2008 
 Lapsed 

 Balance at 31 December 2009 

 On 1 February 2008 
 Balance at 31 December 2008 
 Lapsed 

 Balance at 31 December 2009 

(a) 

1 Nov 2006  

31 Oct 2011 

54.1p 

(b) 

6 July 2007  

6 July 2017  

65p 

(c) 

1 Feb 2008  

1 Feb 2018  

70p 

32,500

1,375,000
1,375,000
(1,250,000)

125,000

625,000
625,000
(475,000)

150,000

1,275,000
1,275,000
(1,075,000)

200,000

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Manx Financial Group PLC

45

27.  Called up share capital and share premium continued
Performance conditions attached to share options that have not fully vested

(a)   The options granted on 1 November 2006 will vest if:

 n the share price of 100p is achieved within 5 years from the date of grant (i.e. 1 November 2011) or 

 n earnings per share (EPS) as measured in the 2008 Audited Financial Statements of 4.5p per share as calculated in accordance with 

prevailing accounting standards. 

No shares resulting from the exercise of an option may be sold less than four years from the date of grant (i.e. 1 November 2010). The 
share price target will be deemed achieved only if the mean average of the mid-market share price over 30 consecutive calendar days is 
at least equal to 100p. 

On 25 April 2008 dispensation over 1,000,000 2006 options was granted such that they vested, were exercisable and tradable: 500,000 
at a price of 54.1p and 500,000 at a price of 65p. 

(b)  The options granted on 6 July 2007 will vest as follows: 

 n 30% on the first anniversary of grant (i.e. 6 July 2008) 

 n 30% on the second anniversary of grant (i.e. 6 July 2009) 

 n 40% on the third anniversary of grant (i.e. 6 July 2010) 

No shares resulting from the exercise of an option may be sold by the employee until he/she has worked a minimum of three years for Manx 
Financial Group PLC or a subsidiary company from the date of grant (i.e. 6 July 2010). 

(c)   The options granted on 1 February 2008 will vest if a mid market share price of 175p, over 30 consecutive days is achieved within three 

years from the date of the grant. 

No shares resulting from the exercise of an option may be sold unless the individual is an employee of the Company on 1 February 2011.

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Manx Financial Group PLC
 Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements

46

  27.  Called up share capital and share premium continued
 The fair value of services received in return for share options granted is based on the fair value of share options granted, measured using 
a binomial probability model with the following inputs for each award.

 Fair value at date of grant 
 Share price 
 Exercise price 
 Expected volatility 
 Option life 
 Expected dividends 
 Risk-free interest rate (based on government bonds) 
 Forfeiture rate 

* modified on 25 April 2008

 Fair value at date of grant 
 Share price 
 Exercise price 
 Expected volatility 
 Option life 
 Expected dividends 
 Risk-free interest rate (based on government bonds) 
 Forfeiture rate 

 Expense in comprehensive statement of income 

 Share options granted in: 
 2003 
 2004 
 2005 
 2006 
 2007 
 2008 

9 June 
2003 

28 April 
2004 

0.08 
0.34 
0.34 
30% 
10 
0.00% 
4.11% 
0% 

0.03 
0.29 
0.29 
30% 
10 
0.00% 
4.96% 
30% 

25 April  1 November  6 July 2007
(Tranche 1)

2006* 

2005 

0.03 
0.32 
0.32 
30% 
10 
0.00% 
4.62% 
60% 

0.14 
0.55 
0.54 
35% 
10 
0.00% 
4.40% 
100% 

0.24
0.60
0.65
36%
10
0.00%
5.71%
16%

  6 July 2007  9 July 2007  1 February
2008

(Tranche 2) 

(Tranche 3) 

0.27 
0.64 
0.65 
36% 
10 
0.00% 
5.71% 
0% 

0.31 
0.67 
0.65 
36% 
10 
0.00% 
5.71% 
0% 

2009 
£000 

— 
— 
— 
1 
16 
5 

22 

0.31
0.77
0.81
35%
10
0.00%
4.28%
0%

2008
£000

10
1
1
199
64
40

315

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Manx Financial Group PLC

47

2009 
£000 

22,496 
— 
— 
— 
— 

2008
£000

—
12,686
3,169
6,141
500

22,496 

22,496

  28.  Analysis of changes in financing during the year 

 Analysis of changes in financing during the year  

 Opening balance 
 Issue of shares by way of scheme of arrangement 
 Issue of shares by way of share for share exchange   — share capital 

— share premium 

 Issue of subordinated liabilities 

 Closing balance 

The closing balance is represented by £15,854,000 share capital, £6,142,000 share premium and £500,000 subordinated liabilities. 

 29.  Regulator 
 Conister Bank Limited is licensed to undertake banking activity by the Isle of Man Government Financial Supervision Commission.

 30.  Related party transactions 
 NewLaw
“Loans  and  advances  to  customers”  include  a  loan  due  to  Conister  Bank  Limited  from  NewLaw,  a  UK  firm  of  solicitors.  The  loan 
carries interest at 7.3% per annum and is repayable over 36 months. As at 31 December 2009 the balance on the loan was £139,084
(31 December 2008: £305,986). NewLaw is a related party of Mr Arron Banks who is a Non-Executive Director and significant Shareholder. 
The loan is secured by a personal guarantee from Mr Banks. 

 Premium finance
Conister Bank Limited has an agreement with Group Direct Limited, a UK insurance broker, to provide premium financing of insurance 
policies brokered by Group Direct. The majority of these policies are issued by Southern Rock Insurance Company Limited. In 2009 the 
Group provided financing of £19 million (31 December 2008: £30.8 million), earning interest income of £1,024,000 (31 December 2008: 
£1,280,000). Group Direct Limited and Southern Rock Insurance Company Limited are related parties of Mr Banks. 

 Cash deposits
 During the year the Bank held cash on deposit on behalf of the following related individuals:

 J Mellon and a Company related to him (Executive Chairman and Non-Executive Director)
 A Company related to D Eke (Chief Executive Officer)
 J Hemuss (Conister Trust Limited, Executive Director)
 D Grant (Executive Director)

 Normal commercial interest rates are paid on these deposits. 

 Subordinated Loan
On 22 December 2008 the Bank entered into a subordinated loan agreement for £500,000 with J Mellon. The loan was unsecured, bore 
interest on commercial terms and no repayment of the loan was necessary in the first 5 years. This loan represented a Related Party 
Transaction  in  accordance  with  AIM  Rule  13.  Accordingly,  the  Independent  Directors  consulted  with  the  Group’s  Nominated  Adviser, 
considered the terms of the transaction to be fair and reasonable in so far as the shareholders of the Company were concerned.

On 3 March 2010 this loan was repaid by the Bank and the capital formed part of the convertible loan arrangement as detailed in note 34.

 Staff loans
 Details of staff loans are given in note 20 to the financial statements.

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Manx Financial Group PLC
 Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements

48

 30.  Related party transactions continued
 Key management personnel (including Executive Directors’) compensation 

 Short-term employee benefits 
 Share-based payments 

 Total 

2009 
£000 

729 
9 

738 

2008
£000

1,640
211

1,851

Short-term employee benefits include £nil (2008: £655,000) in respect of redundancy and settlement costs as a result of the reorganisation 
of Isle of Man operational processes (note 9).

The 2008 share-based payment charge includes £107,000 in respect of the modifications to the share options held by J F Linehan.

 31.  Operating Leases 
 Non-cancellable operating lease rentals are payable in respect of property as follows: 

 Less than one year 
 Between one and five years 
 More than five years 

 Total operating lease rentals payable 

2009 
£000 

86 
301  
—  

387 

2008
£000

86
387 
—

473

Restructure costs in the prior year as detailed in note 9 to the financial statements, include a provision of £185,000 for rent and rates for 
the closed UK office previously used by Conister Card Services.

  32.  Litigation 

Manx  Financial  Group  PLC’s  wholly  owned  subsidiary,  Conister  Bank  Limited,  entered  into  litigation  with  a  firm  of  solicitors  involved  in 
litigation finance, following their refusal to repay loans made to a number of their clients. Mediation occurred on 6 May 2009 and agreement 
was reached between the parties to settle this matter on 20 May 2009. As at 31 December 2009 the firm of solicitors had no outstanding 
loan balance (2008: £387,000).

The Bank is vigorously pursuing the repayment of litigation funding loans made to clients of other solicitor firms and further litigation may 
be required in this regard. Counter claims have been received and there is the possibility of litigation being necessary. There is a risk of an 
adverse outcome in all litigation and the costs and timescale to resolve these matters are uncertain.

 33.  Transfer of investment in Conister Card Services to MFG 
On 31 January 2008, following the Isle of Man Court sanctioned Scheme of Arrangement, the Bank became a wholly owned subsidiary of 
MFG and ceased to govern the financial and operating policies of Conister Card Services, which comprises TransSend Holdings Limited, 
TransSend Payments Limited and Conister Card Services Limited (formerly TransSend (IOM) Limited) with MFG becoming the controlling 
party. The net assets were transferred to MFG at net book value. 

 34.  Post-balance sheet events 
On 15 January 2010 the Company converted to a 2006 company as defined by Isle of Man company law.

On 3 March 2010 MFG entered into a convertible loan agreement with J Mellon for £1.25 million. The loan is convertible into shares from 
the first anniversary of the loan drawdown at £0.09 per share and bears interest until conversion at a rate of 9%. MFG also entered into an 
identical agreement with Rock Holdings Limited (a company linked to A Banks) for £0.46 million on 26 March 2010. These loans represent 
a Related Party Transaction in accordance with AIM Rule 13. Accordingly, the Independent Directors, having consulted with the Group’s 
Nominated Adviser, consider the terms of the transaction to be fair and reasonable in so far as the shareholders of the Company are 
concerned.

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Manx Financial Group PLC

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Conister House
Isle of Man Business Park
Cooil Road
Braddan
Isle of Man
IM2 2QZ

Tel: (01624) 694694
Fax: (01624) 624278

www.mfg.im

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