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Manx Financial Group

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FY2011 Annual Report · Manx Financial Group
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M A N X   F I N A N C I A L
GROUP PLC

ANNUAL REPORT 2011

Welcome to Manx Financial Group PLC
Integrity through innovation and independence

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

Manx Financial Group PLC (MFG) is an
AIM listed company which holds the
entire issued share capital of a suite of
financial service companies based in
the  UK  and  the  Isle  of  Man.  These
companies offer financial services  to
both retail and commercial customers.
MFG's strategy is to grow organically
and  through  strategic  acquisition  to
further augment the range of services
it offers.
Principal wholly owned subsidiaries:
•   Conister Bank Limited
•   Conister Card Services Limited
•   Edgewater Associates Limited
•   ECF Asset Finance PLC

Contents

Financial Highlights                                                          01

Chairman’s Statement                                                     02

Directors and Advisers

                         04

Report of the Directors                                                    06

Directors’ Remuneration Report                                      09

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities                           11

Report of the Independent Auditors                                 12

Consolidated Comprehensive Statement of Income        13

Consolidated and Company Statement of
Financial Position                                                             14

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows                           15

Consolidated and Company Statement of
Changes in Equity                                                            16

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements             17

Conister Card Services Limited (CCS)
is  the  Group's  prepaid  card  division
providing  business  clients  with
payment  solutions  that  are  cost-
effective  and  create  new  revenue
opportunities.  CCS  has  in  excess  of
180,000 MasterCard® prepaid cards in
issue and loading circa £795 million a
year.

Conister  Bank  Limited  (CBL)  is  a
licensed independent bank in the Isle
of  Man  and  a  full  member  of  the
MasterCard® network and the Isle of
Man's Association of Licensed Banks.
Since its inception in 1935, CBL, has
assisted  successive  generations  by
providing a variety of financial products
and 
saving
accounts,  fiduciary  deposits,  asset
financing,  personal  loans,  loans  to
small  and  medium  sized  entities
(SMEs), block discounting and other
specialist  secured  credit  facilities  to
both  the  Isle  of  Man  and  the  UK
consumer and business sectors.

including 

services, 

ECF Asset Finance PLC was acquired
to  become  the  Group’s  UK  hub  for
asset finance sales focusing on loans
to SMEs.

Edgewater Associates Limited (EWA)
is one of the pre-eminent independent
financial  advisers  in  the  Isle  of  Man,
with  offices  in  both  Douglas  and
Ramsey.  It  provides  a  bespoke  and
personal  service  to 
Isle  of  Man
residents and to the Group's business
and personal customers and manages
assets in excess of £130 million.
EWA  specialise 
the  areas  of
mortgages,  wealth  management  and
retirement  planning  and  combines
superior  service  with  extensive  local
knowledge.

in 

® MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated

Manx Financial Group PLC
Financial Highlights

01

Financial Highlights

Manx Financial Group PLC:

Net interest income £4.59 million (2010: £3.24 million)
Net trading income £5.04 million (2010: £3.19 million)
Operating income £5.45 million (2010: £3.80 million) 
Loss before specific items £0.14 million (2010: profit £0.09 million) 
Loss for the year £0.78 million (2010: £0.19 million) 
Headcount 68 (2010: 82) 

Conister Bank Limited:

Profit for the year £0.02 million (2010: £1.04 million) 
Net loans and advances £49.59 million (2010: £48.76 million) 
Deferred income £7.60 million (2010: £7.14 million) 
New advances £27.60 million (2010: £24.47 million) 
Deposits £55.91 million (2010: £52.75 million)

Edgewater Associates Limited:

Profit for the year £0.01 million (2010: £0.22 million)
Assets under management £130 million (2010: £110 million)
Renewal commission income £0.57 million (2010: £0.29 million)
Acquired a general insurer, Three Spires Insurance Services Limited

Conister Card Services Limited:

Profit for the year £0.18 million (2010: £0.14 million)
Cards in issue 0.18 million (2010: 0.12 million) 

Manx Financial Group PLC
Chairman’s Statement

02

Review of performance

Manx Financial Group PLC

When I wrote to you at the Interim stage, I commented upon
the pessimism surrounding the British economy. Seven months
on, nothing has really changed and thus the economic situation
within  which  we  operate  remains  unpredictable  and
challenging. We have, however, adapted and have grown our
asset  base  in  the  face  of  this  tough  environment.  It  is
encouraging to note that our loan book arrears per cent has
remained constant throughout the year and remains historically
low and our bad debt write-offs only represent approximately
1%  of  net  loans  and  advances.  Whilst  this  prudent  and
conservative  underwriting  policy  has  ensured  a  tightly
controlled risk profile, it has also meant that we have not been
able to grow interest income to the level which we anticipated
at the beginning of the year and this has had a consequent
impact on this year’s profitability.

We  have  maintained  our  liquidity  throughout  the  current
economic  turmoil.  Indeed  our  issue  has  been  an  ability  to
deploy that liquidity to fully maximise our returns by transacting
that  meet  our  underwriting
business  with  borrowers 
requirements.  As  I  discussed  in  last  year’s  review,  we
recognised that the need to develop new business lines, either
through  partnership  or  acquisition,  is  paramount.  We  are,
therefore,  placing  a  high  priority  on  diversifying  our  loan
portfolio, and introducing new lending opportunities which will
allow us to gain efficiencies through the greater use of IT.

We have been successful seeking out new business lines, both
at Conister Bank by providing ‘blocking’ facilities to third-party
lenders and at Edgewater Associates by enhancing our general
insurance  offering,  and  we  anticipate  that  these  and  other
initiatives will increase our income in the coming months. In
addition,  we  have  secured  significant  cost  savings  in  both
headcount and infrastructure as we have continued to develop
a more efficient distribution network, especially serving the UK,
and  we  expect  most  of  the  benefit  of  these  savings  to  be
reflected in the second half of the 2012 financial year. Our new
business lines now represent over 26% of our gross receivable
(2010:  11.7%)  and  the  strategy  of  diversifying  our  lending
portfolio through partnering with existing niche market leaders
is continuing successfully. 

Notwithstanding, our overall financial performance for the year
was  disappointing  despite  growing  our  consolidated  net
income to £4.59 million (2010: £3.24 million) which generated
a consolidated operating income increase of 43% to £5.45
million  (2010:  £3.80  million).  Our  consolidated  operating
expenses  increased  significantly,  however,  following  the
previous  year’s  acquisition  of  ECF  Asset  Finance  PLC,  but
much  of  this  expense  has  been  addressed  by  subsequent
cost-cutting. The loss before specific items, which excludes
any  goodwill  impairment  or  restructuring  costs,  was  £0.14
million (2010: profit £0.09 million) for the year.

Jim Mellon
Chairman

In summary, we recognise that in order to achieve our targets
we will need to return to a sustainable level of profit and we are
continuing to restructure the business to achieve that goal but
without accepting an unacceptable level of risk. Sustainable
profitability will transform the business by allowing a continuing
ability  to  increase  net  interest  income  at  Conister  Bank  by
utilising our strong capital base. 

Conister Bank Limited

As reported previously one of the Bank’s targets was to better
manage the relationship between interest income and interest
expense. This year the Bank grew this income by £1.54 million
to  £6.65  million  (2010:  £5.11  million)  with  only  a  modest
increase  in  associated  expenses  of  £0.16  million  to  £1.90
million (2010: £1.74 million). This allowed us to grow net interest
income by £1.38 million to £4.75 million (2010: £3.37 million).
This gain was negated by last year’s one-off impairment credit
of  £1.03  million  and  the  full  year  impact  of  the  ECF  Asset
Finance  PLC  (ECF)  cost  base.  This  cost  base  has  been
reduced to reflect ECF’s role of being the supplier of UK asset
backed lending opportunities to the Bank. The majority of this
cost reduction will flow through the financial statements in the
second half of 2012. Also the costs for the year under review
have  been  lessened  by  the  inclusion  of  a  one-off  VAT
recoverable following our appeal against the application of the
Partial Exemption Special Method by the Isle of Man Customs
and Excise. Your Board is confident that the amount included
will  be  eventually  recovered  but  will  continue  to  review  the
position as described in note 21 to these accounts should there
be any significant change. We have also, in conjunction with
our auditors, carefully reviewed our provisioning policy and the
level of provisions taken and the Board is comfortable that our
approach  is  both  prudent  and  conservative,  reflecting  the
uncertainty in the general business environment. 

The Bank remains solidly funded by retail deposits and this
funding model ensures ample access to liquidity to satisfy the
Bank’s new lending forecasts. The Bank is also not exposed
to the same market pressures as its competitors, who continue
to find their funding cost volatile as a result of the high levels of
political and fiscal uncertainty within the UK and the Eurozone. 

The  combination  of  plentiful  access  to  liquidity  and  new
emerging distribution networks allowed the Bank to increase
advances  by  £3.13  million  to  £27.60  million  (2010:  £24.47
million) which in turn grew net deferred income by £0.46 million
to £7.60 million (2010: £7.14 million). The deferred income
balance has grown by over 67% in the last two years. 

Manx Financial Group PLC

03

Edgewater Associates Limited

Outlook

In previous Statements I have discussed acquisitions as a key
component in generating the scale of operations the Group
requires. I and the Board are still determined to pursue this
process. We have reviewed many financial service businesses
as  potential  purchases  in  the  year  under  review  and  in
subsequent months but without securing any targets to date.
We are committed to only acquiring businesses that operate
in profitable niche sectors with strong defensive qualities and
unfortunately such businesses are in short supply. However,
we continue to review candidates and I hope to be able to
make an announcement in this area in the coming months. In
the meantime, we will continue to grow a diversified distribution
network for the Bank and to introduce new products. 

It  is  clear  that  there  is  no  immediate  resolution  to  current
economic uncertainty and this will be the environment in which
we operate throughout 2012 and beyond. In times like these,
we  believe  that  we  are  correct  to  maintain  our  prudent
approach  to  underwriting  quality  by  only  granting  loans  to
customers with satisfactory credit quality. Thus I do not expect
an immediate return to profitability at the end of the first half of
2012, but I do expect a significant reduction in any losses by
the year end. I remain confident that despite this we will deliver
on  executing  our  strategy  of  growing  into  a  profitable,
sustainable  and  diversified  financial  services  company.  We
continue to maintain a strong balance sheet where others have
faltered. 

Finally,  I  would  like  to  thank  you  for  your  support  as
shareholders as we continue to develop the Group.

Jim Mellon
Executive Chairman
25 May 2012

Whilst Edgewater is an Isle of Man licensed IFA and the Island
continues to show good GDP growth despite its major trading
partner being in recession, Edgewater has been impacted by
the turmoil in global and, in particular, European markets this
year. The FTSE opened the year at 6,000 and apart from brief
periods  in  February  and  April  has  traded  below  this  figure
throughout. The second half of the year witnessed large falls,
with the Index mostly trading at well below 5,500 and at times
as low as 5,000. These trends are indicative of Global Markets,
with  more  pronounced  losses  in  most  European  bourses.
Renewal income is becoming an increasingly important source
of revenue for Edgewater but this is dependent on the quantum
of assets under management (AUM). As the value of the AUM
reduced so did income, particularly in the second half of the
year. Notwithstanding, Edgewater managed to grow its AUM
to £130 million in the year (2010: £110 million).

Despite the adverse market conditions, Edgewater’s renewal
income  has  increased  by  280%  in  the  last  two  years  and
represented 49% of the business’s turnover in the year under
review. This is an undoubted and solid base from which to grow
future revenues. 

The  business  is  well  placed  for  the  introduction  of  Retail
Distribution Review and the recruitment of additional qualified
consultants will contribute positively from 2012 onwards. 

Also, during the year the business acquired an Isle of Man
based general insurer who will offer general insurance products
to existing customers of both Edgewater and Conister Bank.

Conister Card Services Limited

The  renewal  of  our  major  pre-paid  contract  for  a  minimum
period of 12 months has allowed us to consider the future of
this area of our business. Innovation continues to revolutionise
this market place, for example the partnering of pre-paid/debit
cards with mobile phones to allow cash to be loaded onto the
card via a mobile phone. Innovation such as this will continue
as mobile connectivity replaces traditional banking methods
and opportunities are most likely to arise initially in countries
with less developed banking systems. With all this in mind we
continue to discuss ways to further leverage our MasterCard™
membership and grow the card business.

Our People

I take great pleasure in welcoming Juan Kelly both to the Board
and as Managing Director of Conister Bank and subsidiaries.
Juan has already made a significant contribution to operations,
particularly with regard to our restructuring the sales, customer
functions  to  ensure  greater
service  and  underwriting 
efficiencies.

As always, I take this opportunity to thank all our staff for the
continuing loyalty and contribution to the Group, particularly in
a challenging year.

Manx Financial Group PLC
Directors and Advisers

04

Jim Mellon (55)‡
Executive Chairman

Denham Eke (60)‡
Chief Executive Officer

Juan Kelly (41)‡
Executive Director

Jim  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  Group  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, quoted on the Hong Kong Stock
Exchange,  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 and quoted on the London AIM market, which
has  approximately  US$  3.48  billion  of  assets  under
management.

Appointment

Appointed  to  the  Board  on  2  November  2007  and
appointed as Executive Chairman on 12 February 2009.

Denham  Eke  began  his  career  in  stockbroking  before
moving into corporate planning for a major international
insurance broker. He is a director of many years' standing
of  both  public  and  private  companies  involved  in  the
financial  services,  property,  mining,  and  manufacturing
sectors.  On  the  Isle  of  Man,  he  is  Chairman  of  Webis
Holdings PLC, Chief Operating Officer of Speymill PLC,
Finance Director of Emerging Metals Limited and Finance
Director of Copper Development Corporation - all quoted
on the London AIM market. He is also Managing Director
of Burnbrae Group Limited.

Appointment

Appointed  to  the  Board  on  2  November  2007  and
appointed as Chief Executive on 12 February 2009.

Juan Kelly was appointed as an Executive Director of Manx
Financial Group PLC and Managing Director of Conister
Bank Limited on 19th September 2011.

His  career  started  with  Maersk  before  moving 
into  structured  finance  with  ABN  AMRO  in  Chile  and
subsequently The Netherlands. Following this he joined SG
Hambros  in  London,  acting  as  adviser  to  a  range  of
transactions.  In  2004,  he  joined  the  London  based
Structured Finance team of Allied Irish Banks with a focus
on  large  ticket  asset  finance,  before  being  posted  to
Sydney as Head of Corporate & Asset Finance in the Asia
Pacific region.

Juan has a wide range of experience within commercial and
investment banking including building quality loan books
and reviewing merger and acquisition opportunities.

Appointment

Appointed to the Board on 19 September 2011.

Douglas Grant (47)‡
Executive Director

Nick Sheard (49)‡
Executive Director

Don McCrickard (75)‡
Non-Executive Director

Douglas  Grant  was  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.

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.

From  1975  to  1983  Don  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. He
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 on 2 November 2007.

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

Manx Financial Group PLC

05

Arron Banks (46)‡
Non-Executive Director

Alan Clarke (61)‡†*
Non-Executive Director

David Gibson (65)‡†*
Non-Executive Director

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 
insurance  since  1987,
in 
predominately at Director level with Lloyds, Haven (NU) and
Motorcycle Direct, which he co-founded.

involved 

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  in
corporate  finance  and  strategic  consultancy,  advising  a
variety  of  both  listed  and  private  companies.  He  holds
several non-executive directorships and is Chairrnan of the
Investment Committee for the University of Manchester. 
He is also a registered auditor, being the senior partner of
Downham Mayer Clarke.

Appointment

Appointment

Appointed to the Board on 2 November 2007.

Appointed to the Board on 2 Novernber 2007. Chairman
of  the  Audit,  Risk  and  Compliance  Committee  and
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee.

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 forrnal 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  Deputy  Chairman  of  commercial  property
investment  companies  Chellbrook  Properties  pic  and
Mountstephen Investments Limited and a Non-Executive
Director for Rivington Street Holding PLC, an Isle of Man
Finance Media conglomerate.

Appointment

Appointed to the Board on 12 February 2009.

Advisers
Company Secretary
Lesley Crossley

Registered Agent
CW Corporate Services
Limited
Bank Chambers,
15-19 Athol Street,
Douglas,
Isle of Man, IM1 1LB.

Registered Office
Clarendon House,
Victoria Street, Douglas,
Isle of Man, IM1 2LN.

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.

Long & Humphrey
The Old Courthouse,
Athol Street, Douglas,
Isle of Man, IM1 1LD.

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

Lloyds TSB Offshore
PO Box 103, 
Peveril Buildings,
Peveril Square, Douglas,
Isle of Man, IM99 2LB.

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

Pension Fund
Investment Manager
Thomas Miller Investment
(Isle of Man) Limited
Level 2,
Samual Harris House,
5-11 St George’s Street,
Douglas,
Isle of Man, IM1 1AJ.

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.

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

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

Oliver Hare (47)‡
Non-Executive Director

Appointed as a Non-Executive Director in January 2011.
Oliver Hare is currently Managing Director of Commercial
Intellingence  Funds  Group  and  Executive  Director  of
Hawksburn Capital.  He was previously Vice Chairman of
Helvetica Wealth Management Partners S.A. in Geneva.
Before founding Helvetica Wealth Management Partners in
2004, Mr Hare was a Managing Director at Banque Piguet,
a boutique Private Bank in Geneva.  Prior to this he was a
Managing  Director  within  the  Equities  division  of  UBS
(formerly  S.G.  Warburg),  where  he  worked  for  over  15
years.  His career started in UK equity trading and sales
before he took on management positions, including taking
charge of an equity sales team in Madrid, then the servicing
of institutional clients and product distribution in Paris, and,
finally  being  responsible  for  institutional  equity  and
derivatives distribution in Switzerland.  He is also a partner
of Unicos Partnership LLP in Singapore.

Appointment

Appointed to the Board on 14 January 2011.

Manx Financial Group PLC
Report of the Directors

06

The Directors present their annual report and the audited financial
statements for the year ended 31 December 2011. 

The  Directors  are  not  aware  of  any  other  individual  holding  of
greater than 3% as at 14 February 2012. 

Principal activities 
The principal activities of Manx Financial Group PLC (the Company)
and  its  subsidiaries  (together  referred  to  as  the  Group)  are  the
provision of asset and personal finance, investing activities, wealth
management,  the  provision  of  prepaid  cards  and  “BIN”
sponsorship via the Conister Card Services division.  

Conister Bank Limited (the Bank), a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company 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. 

Edgewater Associates Limited is authorised by the Isle of Man
Financial Supervision Commission under section 7 of the Financial
Services Act 2008 to conduct investment business as a class 2,
sub-classes (3) and (7) licence holder. 

Results and dividends 
The proposed transfers to and from reserves are as set out in the
Statement of Changes in Equity on page 16. The Directors do not
recommend the payment of a dividend (2010: nil). 

Share capital 
Particulars  of  the  authorised  and  issued  share  capital  of  the
Company are set out in note 26 to the financial statements. 

Significant shareholdings 
The number of shares held and the percentage of the issued shares
which that number represented as at 14 February 2012 are: 

Burnbrae Limited
Rene Nominees (IOM) Limited
Lynchwood Nominees Limited
J M Finn Nominees Limited
Island Farms Limited
David Hathersich-Jones

Number
16,000,000
15,049,825
7,505,912
5,289,144
4,222,319
4,154,291

%   
17.86   
16.80   
8.38   
5.91   
4.71   
4.64   

Directors and Directors’ share interests 
Details of current Directors are set out on pages 4 and 5. Details of
changes in Directors in the year are shown below: 

Oliver Hare was appointed on 14 January 2011. 

Juan Kelly was appointed on 19 September 2011. 

Simon Hull resigned on 11 March 2011. 

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

Jim Mellon*
Arron Banks†
Alan Clarke
David Gibson^
Douglas Grant
Oliver Hare¶
Don McCrickard>

Number
31/12/11
17,585,332
14,899,825
52,149
178,853
580,821
751,212
66,666

Number   
31/12/10   
17,085,332   
14,899,825   
52,149   
178,853   
580,821   
751,212     
66,666

* Burnbrae Limited holds 16,000,000 Ordinary Shares. Jim Mellon, Executive
Chairman of MFG, is a director of Burnbrae Limited. Burnbrae Limited is
wholly owned by a trustee of a settlement of which Jim Mellon has a life
interest. Denham Eke, CEO of MFG, is also a director of Burnbrae Limited.
Pershing Nominees Limited holds 918,666 Ordinary Shares on trust for Jim
Mellon. Jim Mellon holds 666,666 Ordinary Shares in his own name. 

† Rene Nominees Limited (I0M) Limited holds 6,750,799 Ordinary Shares on
trust for Southern Rock Insurance Company Limited, 7,038,193 Ordinary
Shares on trust for Rock Holdings Limited and 1,110,833 Ordinary Shares
on trust for Arron Banks (1,077,500 Ordinary Shares held on trust for his
SIPP  and  33,333  directly).  Arron  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 48.41% of the issued share capital of
Southern Rock Insurance Company Limited. Arron Banks is a director of
Rock Holdings Limited and Southern Rock Insurance Company. 

¶ Comprises 751,212 Ordinary Shares held by HSBC Global Custody Nominee

(UK) Limited on trust for Oliver Hare. 

^ Comprises 178,853 Ordinary Shares held by TD Direct Investing Limited on

trust for David Gibson. 

> Comprises  66,666  Ordinary  Shares  held  by  Hargreaves  Landsdown

Nominees Limited on trust for Don McCrickard. 

Manx Financial Group PLC

07

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

■ Oversight of Group operations. 

■ Changes to structure and capital. 

Fixed assets 
The movement in fixed assets during the year is set out in note 19
to the financial statements. 

Staff 
At 31 December 2011 there were 68 members of staff (2010: 82),
of whom 10 were part-time (2010: 9). 

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

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

Corporate governance 
The  UK Corporate  Governance  Code  (the  Code)  sets  out
standards of good practice in relation to issues such as board
composition and development, remuneration, accountability and
audit and relations with shareholders. As an AIM listed company,
MFG materially complies with the provisions of the Code to the
extent which is appropriate to the Company’s nature and scale of
operations. 

The Board of Directors 
The Board currently consists of ten Directors. Five of these are Non-
Executive Directors and five are Executive Directors, including the
Chairman. Oliver Hare was appointed as a Non-Executive Director
in January 2011 and Juan Kelly was appointed as an Executive
Director in September 2011. The role of Executive Chairman is
undertaken  by  Jim  Mellon  and  the  role  of  Chief  Executive  by
Denham Eke. Brief biographical details of the Directors are provided
on pages 4 and 5 of the Report and Accounts. 

Of  the  five  Non-Executive  Directors  four  are  considered
independent.  These  are  Alan  Clarke,  David  Gibson,  Don
McCrickard  and  Oliver  Hare.  The  fifth,  Arron  Banks  is  not
considered  independent  as  he  has  a  significant  interest  in  the
issued ordinary share capital of the Company. 

The Company’s Articles of Association require that all Directors
seek election by Shareholders at the first Annual General Meeting
following their appointment and all Directors seek re-election at
least every three years. 

The Board of Directors meets at least once a quarter and more
often if required and its responsibilities include: 

■ Strategy  and  management  of  the  Company  including  the 

long-term objectives and commercial strategy.

■ Approval  of  the  annual  operational  and  capital  expenditure

budgets. 

The maintenance of effective financial reporting and controls. 

Ensuring maintenance of a sound system of internal control and
risk management. 

■ Approval of major capital projects. 

■ Communication with Shareholders. 

It is within the power of the Board, unless expressly forbidden by
the Articles of Association or statute, to delegate authority to a duly
authorised committee or a member of the Executive. Typically this
would relate to operational issues or processes which are within
agreed policy and not of strategic impact. 

The Board has implemented a share dealing policy for the Directors
and applicable employees of all Group entities requiring observance
of AIM rules, the Model Code and the Takeover Code requirements. 

All Non-Executive Directors may take independent professional
advice at the Company’s expense in order to fulfil their duties. 

Risk management and internal control 
The  MFG  risk  management  systems  are  designed  to  provide
assurance  that  risk  is  appropriately  identified  and  effectively
managed. The Board has overall responsibility for risk management
and reviewing the effectiveness of internal controls with assistance
from the Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee. The Executive is
responsible for the implementation of Board strategies and the
maintenance of effective systems of control. 

Board Committees 
The Board has established three committees, The Audit, Risk &
Compliance Committee, The Remuneration Committee and The
Nomination Committee. The duties of each are formally delegated
by  the  Board  and  are  detailed  in  specific  Terms  of  Reference
approved  by  the  Board  each  year.  Copies  of  the  Terms  of
Reference are on the MFG website www.mfg.im. 

The Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee (ARCC) 
The  ARCC  meets  quarterly  or  more  often  as  required.  It  is
responsible for assisting the Board to discharge its responsibilities
relating  to  accounting  policies,  internal  control  and  financial
reporting. The Committee members, Alan Clarke (Chairman) and
David Gibson, are qualified accountants and both of whom are
independent  Non-Executive  Directors  with  recent  and  relevant
financial experience. 

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 Committee members. 

■
■
Manx Financial Group PLC
Report of the Directors

08

The ARCC also monitors the provision of non-audit services by
the external Auditors to ensure the provision of such services does
not impair the external Auditors’ independence of objectivity. 

The Remuneration Committee 
Refer to the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 9 for further
details. 

The Nomination Committee 
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. 

By order of the Board 

Lesley Crossley
Company Secretary
25 May 2012 

Manx Financial Group PLC
Directors’ Remuneration Report

09

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 Remuneration Committee is constituted in accordance with
the recommendations of the Combined Code. It comprises two
Independent Non-Executive Directors, Alan Clarke (Chairman) and
David Gibson. 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: 

■ Basic annual salary; 

■ Benefits-in-kind; 

■ Annual bonus payment; 

■ Share option incentives; and 

■ Pension arrangements. 

Basic salary 
Executive  Directors  and  senior  management  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 or senior management currently receive benefits-in-
kind. 

Annual bonus payment 
The Committee believes that any incentive compensation awarded
should be aligned 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 26 to the financial
statements. 

Pension arrangements 
Neither the Chief Executive Officer nor the Executive Chairman
receive pension contributions. 

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

Manx Financial Group PLC
Directors’ Remuneration Report

10

Directors’ emoluments

Executive Chairman
Jim Mellon
Executive
Denham Eke
Juan Kelly*
Simon Hull*
Douglas Grant
Nick Sheard
Non-Executive             
Arron Banks
Alan Clarke
David Gibson
Oliver Hare^
Ilyas Khan
Don McCrickard

Aggregate emoluments

Remuneration/
Fees
£

Bonus
£

Pension
£

2011
Total
£

2010
Total
£

25,000

25,000
39,519
48,308
127,917
91,833

12,500
37,500
37,500
23,782
–
37,500

506,359

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–

25,000

25,000

–
3,425
3,418
12,500
8,683

–
–
–
–
–
–

25,000
42,944
51,726
140,417
100,516

12,500
37,500
37,500
23,782
–
37,500

25,000   

–
164,400
154,584     
101,940   

12,500   
37,500   
37,500
–

12,500   
37,500

28,026

534,385

608,424  

*Simon Hull resigned on 11 March 2011.
*Juan Kelly was appointed on 19 September 2011.
^Oliver Hare was appointed on 14 January 2011.
Approval 
This report was approved by the Board of Directors on 16 May 2012 and signed on its behalf by:

Alan Clarke
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
25 May 2012

Manx Financial Group PLC
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities in respect of the
Directors’ Report and the Financial Statements
11

The  Directors  are  responsible  for  keeping  proper  accounting
records  that  are  sufficient  to  show  and  explain  the  Parent
Company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy
at any time its financial position. 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. 

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 financial statements in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standards. 

The 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 Company for that year. 

In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required
to: 

select  suitable  accounting  policies  and  then  apply  them
consistently; 

■ make  judgements  and  estimates  that  are  reasonable  and

prudent; 

state whether they have been prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards; and 

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. 

■
■
■
Manx Financial Group PLC
Report of the Independent Auditors

12

Report of the Independent Auditors, KPMG Audit LLC, to the
members of Manx Financial Group PLC 

We have audited the financial statements of Manx Financial Group
PLC for the year ended 31 December 2011 which comprise the
Group  Statement  of  Comprehensive  Income,  the  Group  and
Parent  Company  Statements  of  Financial  Position,  the  Group
Statement of Cash Flows and the Group and Parent Company
Statements  of  Changes  in  Equity  and  the  related  notes.  The
financial  reporting  framework  that  has  been  applied  in  their
preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRSs). 

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 Auditors 

As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement
set  out  on  page  11,  the  Directors  are  responsible  for  the
preparation of financial statements that give a true and fair view.
Our  responsibility  is  to  audit,  and  express  an  opinion  on,  the
financial  statements  in  accordance  with  applicable  law  and
International  Standards  on  Auditing  (UK  and  Ireland).  Those
standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s
(APB’s) Ethical Standards for Auditors. 

Scope of the audit of the financial statements 

An  audit  involves  obtaining  evidence  about  the  amounts  and
disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable
assurance  that  the  financial  statements  are  free  from  material
misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an
assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate
to the Group’s circumstances and have been consistently applied
and  adequately  disclosed;  the  reasonableness  of  significant
accounting  estimates  made  by  the  Directors;  and  the  overall
presentation of the financial statements.

Opinion on the financial statements

In our opinion the financial statements: 

give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and Parent
Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2011 and of the Group’s
loss for the year then ended; and 

have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs. 

Emphasis of Matter – Reclaim of Value Added Tax

In forming our opinion on the financial statements, which is not
modified, we have considered the adequacy of the disclosures
made in note 21 to the financial statements concerning the reclaim
of Value Added Tax (VAT).

Conister Bank Limited, as the Group VAT registered agent, has for
some  time  considered  the  VAT  recovery  rate  obtained  by  the
business to be neither fair nor reasonable, specifically regarding
the attribution of part of the residual input tax relating to the Hire
Purchase business not being considered as a taxable supply and
have raised a number of queries with the Isle of Man Government
Customs and Excise Division (C&E) in this regard over a number
of years.

The  Group  considers  that  the  Volkswagen  Financial  Services
Limited decision in August 2011 by the First Tier Tax Tribunal  (the
Tribunal) of HM Revenue & Customs in relation to the basis of
calculation of VAT recovery on instalment credit transactions adds
significant weight to the case put forward by the Group to C&E,
including  the  request  to  C&E  for  a  revised  Partial  Exemption
Special Method as submitted in December 2011.  HM Revenue &
Customs  have  appealed  the  decision  of  the  Tribunal,  and  it  is
presently anticipated that the result of this Appeal will be available
in autumn 2012.

The  Directors  believe  that  the  Group  will  be  able  to  recover  a
reclaim  of  VAT  retrospectively,  utilising  the  revised  Partial
Exemption Special Method.  The Directors are satisfied that the
Group  will  ultimately  recover  an  amount  of  £684,000,  and
accordingly this has been included in the financial statements for
the  year  ended  31  December  2011.    Due  to  the  inherent
uncertainty  associated  with  the  determination  of  the  Tribunal
appeal and its impact on negotiations with C&E, the amount of
retrospective VAT recovered may differ materially from the amount
at which it is stated in the financial statements. 

KPMG Audit LLC
Chartered Accountants 
25 May 2012 
Heritage Court, 
41 Athol Street,
Douglas,
Isle of Man, 
IM99 1HN.

■
■
Manx Financial Group PLC
Consolidated Statement
of Comprehensive Income
13

Notes

6
7

19

21
8
10

16

9

11

12

25

13

2011
£000

6,650)
(2,065)

2010
£000

5,103)
(1,866)

4,585)

3,237)

1,191)
(739)

452)

654)
(700)   

(46)   

5,037)

3,191)

903)
(485)
(10)

1,041)

(449)  
12)

5,445)

3,795)

(3,314)
(234)
(2,309)
684)
(463)
–)
41)
15)

(135)
(111)
(537)

(783)

–)

(2,713)   
(163)
(1,688)
–)
1,027)
2)
26)
(200)   

86)
–)
(274) 

(188)  

–)

(783)

(188)   

3)
(19)

(799)

(0.88)

–)
5)

(183)   

(0.24)

For the year ended 31 December

Interest Income
Interest expense

Net interest income

Fee and commission income
Fee and commission expense

Net fee and commission income/(expense)

Net trading income 

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

Operating income 

Personnel expenses
Depreciation
Other expenses
VAT recoverable
Provision for impairment of loan assets
Depositors’ Compensation Scheme
Realised gains on available-for-sale investments
Unrealised gain/(Ioss) on financial assets carried at fair value

(Loss)/profit before specific items
Impairment of goodwill
Acquisition and restructuring 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)/gain on defined benefit pension scheme

Total comprehensive loss for the period attributable to owners

Basic and diluted loss per share (pence)

The notes on pages 17 to 48 form part of these Financial Statements.

The Directors believe that all results derive from continuing activities.        

Manx Financial Group PLC
Consolidated and Company
Statement of Financial Position
14

As at 31 December 

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
Commissions receivable 
Property, plant and equipment
Investment in Group undertakings
Trade and other receivables
Goodwill

Total assets

Liabilities
Customer accounts
Creditors and accrued charges
Amounts owed to Group undertakings
Loan notes
Deferred consideration
Pension liability

Total liabilities

Equity
Called up share capital
Profit and loss account

Total equity

Group

2011
£000

2010
£000

Company   

2011
£000

2010   
£000

Notes

15
16
17
18

19
20
21
20

22
23

24
23
25

26

2,335)
189)
10,495)
49,525)
234)
814)
–)
1,260)
2,344)

4,795)
174)
7,292)
48,678)
237)
760)
–)
449)
2,203)

–)
–)
–)
–)
–)
–)
12,067)
31)
–)

–)
174)
–)
–)
–)
–)
12,067)
15)
–)

67,196)

64,588)

12,098)

12,256)

55,910)
855)
–)
2,210)
492)
79)

52,745)
978)
–)
1,710)
475)
60)

–)
93)
2,962)
2,210)
492)
–)

–)
209)
2,418)
1,710)
475)
–)

59,546)

55,968)

5,757)

4,812)

18,433)
(10,783)

18,258)
(9,638)

18,433)
(12,092)

18,258)
(10,814)   

7,650)

8,620)

6,341)

7,444)

Total liabilities and equity

67,196)

64,588)

12,098)

12,256)

The Financial Statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 25 May 2012 and signed on its behalf by:

Jim Mellon
Executive Chairman

Denham Eke
Chief Executive Officer

Douglas Grant 
Group Finance Director 

The notes on pages 17 to 48 form part of these Financial Statements. 

Manx Financial Group PLC
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended 31 December

RECONCILIATION OF LOSS BEFORE TAXATION TO OPERATING CASH FLOWS         
Loss before tax on continuing activities    
Unrealised (gain)/loss on financial assets carried at fair value
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Depreciation charge
Realised gains on available-for-sale investments
Shares issued in lieu of bonuses
Available-for-sale gains taken to equity
Actuarial (loss)/gain on defined benefit pension scheme taken to equity
Increase/(decrease) in pension liability
Share-based payment expense/(credit)
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables
Decrease in trade and other payables
Decrease in commission debtors
Impairment of goodwill

Notes

11,19

26

25
25
26

Net cash outflow from trading activities

Increase in loans and advances to customers
Increase in deposit accounts

Cash inflow from operating activities

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

Net cash inflow from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(Purchase)/sale of available-for-sale financial instruments
Sale of property, plant and equipment
Acquisition of subsidiaries net of cash acquired
Payment of deferred consideration

Net cash outflow from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Issue of loan notes
Issue of ordinary share capital
Repayment of subordinated loan

Net cash inflow from financing activities

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

The notes on pages 17 to 48 form part of these Financial Statements.         

19
17

20

24
26
29

15

2010
£000

(188)  
200)
3)
163)
(26)     
26)
–)
5)
(6)   
(178)  
69)
(589)  
55)
–))

2011
£000

(783)
(15)
6)
234)
(41)
–)
3)
(19)
19)
4)
(820)
(123)
3)
111)

(1,421)

(466)   

(1,058)
3,165)

(13)  

3,202)

686)

2,723)

686)
–)

686)

(323)
(3,162)
29)
(32)
(158)

2,723)
–)

2,723)

(179)  

2,723)
12)
(11,573)
–

(3,646)

(9,017) 

500)
–)
–)

500)

1,710)
1,903)

(500)     

3,113)

(2,460)

(3,181)  

Manx Financial Group PLC
Consolidated and Company
Statement of Changes in Equity
16

For the year ended
Group

Balance as at 1 January
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive (expense)/income

Transactions with owners:               
Arising on Shares issued in the year
Adjustment to deferred consideration
Shares to be issued (see note 23)
Share-based payment expense

Share
capital
£000

18,258)
–)
–

175)

–)
–)

Retained
earnings
£000

(9,638)
(783)
(16)

2011
£000

8,620)
(783)
(16)

2010
£000

6,052)

(188)   
5)

(175)

(175)
4)

–)

2,404)

(175)
4)

–)
347)

Balance as at 31 December

18,433)

(10,783)

7,650)

8,620)

For the year ended
Company

Balance as at 1 January
Loss for the year

Transactions with owners:               
Arising on Shares issued in the year
Adjustment to deferred consideration
Shares to be issued (see note 23)
Share-based payment expense

Share
capital
£000

18,258)
–

Retained
earnings
£000

(10,814)
(932)

2011
£000

7,444)
(932)

2010
£000

6,029)
(1,336)   

175)

–)
–)

(175)

(175)
4)

–)

2,404)

(175)
4)

–)
347)

Balance as at 31 December

18,433)

(12,092)

6,341)

7,444)

The notes on pages 17 to 48 form part of these Financial Statements.             

Manx Financial Group PLC
Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements
17

Reporting entity 

1.
Manx Financial Group PLC is a company incorporated in the Isle of Man. The consolidated financial statements of Manx Financial Group
PLC (the Company) for the twelve months ended 31 December 2011 comprise the Company and its subsidiaries (the Group). 

A summary of the principal accounting policies, which have been applied consistently, are 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 has continued to apply the accounting policies used for the 2010 annual report. 

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

financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss are measured at fair value; and 
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(p). 

Significant accounting policies 
3.
(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. 

■
■
Manx Financial Group PLC
Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements
18

Significant accounting policies (continued) 

3.
(b) Accounting for business combinations 
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method as at the acquisition date, which is the date on which control
is transferred to the Group. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from
its activities. In assessing control, the Group takes into consideration potential voting rights that currently are exercisable. 

The Group measures goodwill at the acquisition date as: 

The fair value of the consideration transferred; plus 
The recognised amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree; plus 
If the business combination is achieved in stages, the fair value of the existing equity interest in the acquiree; less
The net recognised amount (generally fair value) of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. 

When the excess is negative, a bargain purchase gain is recognised immediately in the statement of comprehensive income. 

The consideration transferred does not include amounts related to the settlement of pre-existing relationships. Such amounts are
generally recognised in the statement of comprehensive income. 

(c) Property, plant and equipment 
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. 

The assets’ residual values and useful economic lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each reporting 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. 

Leasehold improvements
Equipment 
Vehicles 
Furniture 

7 years
4-5 years
4 years
10% per annum 

(d) 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 HP and finance lease agreements, litigation finance loans, personal loans, block discounting,
secured commercial 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 (e)). 

■
■
■
■
Manx Financial Group PLC

19

Significant accounting policies (continued) 

3.
(d) Financial assets (continued) 
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 reporting
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 in other comprehensive income until the investment is sold or impaired, whereupon the cumulative gains
and losses previously recognised in other comprehensive income 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. 

(e) Impairment of financial assets 
The Group assesses at each reporting 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 statement of
comprehensive income for the year. 

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. 

(f) 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. 

(g) 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. 

(h) 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. 

Manx Financial Group PLC
Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements
20

Significant accounting policies (continued) 

3.
(h) Employee benefits (continued) 
Pension obligations (continued) 
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 remuneration. 

Under the defined benefit pension plan, in accordance with IAS 19 Employee benefits, the full service cost for the period, adjusted for
any changes to the plan, is charged to the statement of comprehensive 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 statement
of comprehensive 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 statement of comprehensive 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 statement of comprehensive 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. 

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 statement of comprehensive income, with a corresponding
adjustment to equity. 

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

(i) Leases 
i) A Group company is the lessor 
Finance leases and HP contracts
When assets are subject to a finance lease or HP 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. HP 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. 

Manx Financial Group PLC

21

Significant accounting policies (continued) 

3.
(i) Leases (continued) 
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 statement of comprehensive
income on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease. 

(j) 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 reporting date 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. 

(k) Interest income and expense 
Interest income and expense are recognised in the statement of comprehensive 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. 

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. 

(I) 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. 

(m) 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. 

(n) Segmental 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 segmental reporting is based on business
segments. 

Manx Financial Group PLC
Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements
22

3.
Significant accounting policies (continued) 
(o) 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. These are detailed below:

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

Effective date
(accounting periods
commencing  on or after)

IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements - Amendments to revise the way
other comprehensive income is presented (June 2011) 
IAS 12 Income Taxes – Limited scope amendment (recovery of underlying assets) (December 2010)
IAS 19 Employee Benefits -  Amendment resulting from the Post-Employment Benefits
and Termination Benefits projects (as amended in June 2011)
IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements – Reissued as IAS 27
Separate Financial Statements (as amended in May 2011)
IAS 28 Investments in Associates – Reissued as IAS 28 Investments in Associates
and Joint Ventures (as amended in May 2011)
IAS 32 Financial Instruments Presentation – Amendments to application guidance
on the offsetting of financial assets and financial liabilities (December 2011)    
IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures – Amendments enhancing disclosures
about transfers of financial assets (October 2010)
IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures – Amendments enhancing disclosures
about offsetting of financial assets and financial liabilities (December 2011)
IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures – Amendments requiring disclosures about
the initial application of IFRS 9 (December 2011) 
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments - Classification and measurement of financial assets
(as amended in December 2011) 
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments – Accounting for financial liabilities and derecognition
(as amended in December 2011)  
IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements (May 2011)
IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements (May 2011)
IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities (May 2011)
IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement (May 2011)

1 July  2012
1 January 2012

1 January 2013

1 January 2013

1 January 2013

1 January 2014

1 July 2011

1 January 2013

1 January 2015

1 January 2015

1 January 2015
1 January 2013
1 January 2013
1 January 2013
1 January 2013

In 2009 and 2010, the IASB issued IFRS 9 Financial Instruments which contains new requirements for accounting for financial assets
and liabilities, and will contain new requirements for impairment and hedge accounting, replacing the corresponding requirements in IAS
39. It will lead to significant changes in the way that the Group accounts for impairment provisions.  Expected losses (rather than only
incurred losses) will be reflected in impairment allowances for financial assets that are not classified as fair value through profit or loss.

Adoption is not mandatory until periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015. Earlier adoption is possible. At this stage, it is not possible
to fully determine the potential financial impacts of adoption of IFRS 9 on the Group.

In addition, the IASB has indicated that it will issue a new standard on accounting for leases. Under the proposals, lessees would be
required to recognise assets and liabilities arising from both operating and finance leases on the balance sheet. 

The Directors do not expect the adoption of the standards and interpretations to have a material impact on the Group’s financial
statements in the period of initial application. 

(p) 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(i), 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
surrounding it. The accuracy of the impairment allowances and provisions for counter clairns and legal costs depend on how closely
the estimated future cash flows mirror actual experience.

Manx Financial Group PLC

23

Significant accounting policies (continued) 

3.
(q) Fiduciary deposits 
Deposits received on behalf of clients by way of a fiduciary agreement are placed with external parties and are not recognised in the
statement of financial position. Income in respect of fiduciary deposit taking is included within interest income and recognised on an
accruals basis. 

(r) 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 in the statement of financial
position. 

(s) 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 reporting date. Transactions during the year are recorded at rates of exchange in effect when the transaction occurs. The
exchange movements are dealt with in the statement of comprehensive income. 

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: 

credit risk 
liquidity risk 
operational risk 

■ 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 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 Board of Directors of the Bank (the Board of the Bank) delegated responsibility for risk management to the Executive Risk Committee
(ERC) which reports to the Audit Risk and Compliance Committee (ARCC). It is responsible for the effective risk management of the
Group. Operational responsibility for asset and liability management is delegated to the Executive Directors of the Bank, through the
Bank’s Assets and Liabilities Committee (ALCO). 

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
obligation. 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, secured commercial loans, block discounting
and stocking plan loans. It is also exposed to credit risk with regard to cash balances and trade and other receivables.

■
■
■
Manx Financial Group PLC
Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements
24

Risk and capital management (continued) 

4.
(a) Risk management (continued) 
i) Credit risk (continued) 
Management of credit risk 
The Board 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: 

Explicit credit policies, covering collateral requirements, credit assessment, risk grading and reporting, documentary and legal
procedures, and compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements. 

■ 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 the Bank or the CC. The CC reviews lending
assessments in excess of individual credit control or executive discretionary limits. 

■ 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). 
Limiting concentrations of exposure to counterparties, geographies and industries (defining sector limits and lending caps). 
Limiting the term of exposure to minimise interest rate risk. 
Ensuring that appropriate records of all sanctioned facilities are maintained. 
Ensuring regular account reviews are carried out for all accounts agreed by the CC. 
Ensuring Board of the Bank 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
1 month but less than 2 months
2 months but less than 3 months
3 months and over

Carrying value

Neither past due nor impaired

2011
£000

2010
£000

49,525)

48,678)

189)
29)
5,954)

6,172)
(4,305)

193)
74)
6,267)

6,534)
(4,174) 

1,867)

2,360)

(225)

(490) 

1,996)
849)
207)
334)

3,386)

1,333)
823)
29)
25)

2,210)

44,497)

44,598)

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

the lowest risk.

■
■
■
■
■
■
Manx Financial Group PLC

25

Risk and capital management (continued) 

4.
(a) Risk management (continued) 
i) Credit risk (continued) 
Management of 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 HP, finance leases, vehicle stocking plans, block discounting and secured commercial loan balances, which are sub-categories 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  within  the 
sub-categories listed above, the loan balances due are secured over the underlying assets held as collateral, see note 18 for further details.

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 HP and finance lease balances, litigation funding
balances, unsecured personal loans, secured commercial loans, block discounting 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.

Manx Financial Group PLC
Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements
26

Risk and capital management (continued) 

4.
(a) Risk management (continued) 
ii) Liquidity risk (continued) 
Management of 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 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 the Bank 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 2011

Sight-
8 days
£000

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

- 1 month - 3 months - 6 months
£000

£000

£000

> 1 year
- 3 years
£000

> 3 years
- 5 years
£000

> 5 years
£000

Customer accounts
Other liabilities

1,482
855

2,132
–

2,021
–

4,262
334

20,179
–

20,158
158

10,230
2,210

Total liabilities

2,337

2,132

2,021

4,596

20,179

20,316

12,440

31 December 2010

Customer accounts
Other liabilities

Sight-
8 days
£000

3,319
978

> 8 days
- 1 month - 3 months
£000

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

£000

2,381
–

1,697
1,710

2,021
158

21,971
–

> 1 year
- 3 years
£000

19,810
317

> 3 years
- 5 years
£000

4,921
–

Total liabilities

4,297

2,381

3,407

2,179

21,971

20,127

4,921

–
79

79

> 5 years
£000

–
60

60

Total
£000

60,464
3,636

64,100

Total
£000

56,120
3,223

59,343

Manx Financial Group PLC

27

> 1 year
- 3 years
£000

> 3 years
- 5 years
£000

> 5 years
£000

Total
£000

Risk and capital management (continued) 

4.
(a) Risk management (continued) 
ii) Liquidity risk (continued)
Management of liquidity risk (continued) 

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

31 December 2011

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

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

£000

£000

£000

Assets
Cash and cash equivalents 2,335
Available-for-sale financial
instruments
Customer accounts
receivable
Commission debtors
Other assets

2,322
–
–

1,000

–

9,495

1,226
73
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3,274
143
–

5,103
7
–

8,720
11
90

23,532
–
179

5,348
–
179

–
–
4,159

2,335

10,495

49,525
234
4,607

Total assets

5,657

10,794

3,417

5,110

8,821

23,711

5,527

4,159

67,196

Liabilities
Customer accounts
Other liabilities

1,478
856

2,091
–

1,978
–

4,130
333

19,179
–

18,585
158

8,469
2,210

Total liabilities

2,334

2,091

1,978

4,463

19,179

18,743

10,679

–
79

79

55,910
3,636

59,546

31 December 2010

Sight-
8 days
£000

Assets
Cash and cash equivalents 4,795
Available-for-sale financial
instruments
Customer accounts
receivable
Commission debtors
Other assets

1,803
237
76

–

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

£000

£000

> 1 year
- 3 years
£000

> 3 years
- 5 years
£000

> 5 years
£000

Total
£000

–

7,292

1,644
–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

4,298
–
–

5,846
–
–

9,576
–
348

22,239
–
–

3,264
–
–

8
–
3,162

4,795

7,292

48,678
237
3,586

Total assets

6,911

8,936

4,928

5,846

9,924

22,239

3,264

3,170

64,588

Liabilities
Customer accounts
Other liabilities

4,205
978

1,470
–

1,673
1,710

1,975
158

21,040
–

18,360
317

4,022
–

Total liabilities

5,183

1,470

3,383

2,133

21,040

18,677

4,022

–
60

60

52,745
3,223

55,968

Manx Financial Group PLC
Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements
28

Risk and capital management (continued) 

4.
(a) Risk management (continued) 

iii) Operational risk
Operational risk arises from the potential for inadequate systems (including systems breakdown), errors, poor management, breaches in
intemal 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 Marsh 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 profit and loss. The only significant exposure relates to the financial asset carried at fair value through profit
and loss, which is an equity investment stated at market value. Given the size of this holding, £189,000 at 31 December 2011 (2010:
£174,000) the potential impact on the results of 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 2011

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

- 1 month - 3 months - 6 months
£000

£000

£000

> 1 year
- 3 years
£000

> 3 years
- 5 years
£000

> 5 years
£000

Total
£000

Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
2,335
Available-for-sale financial instruments 10,495
3,548
Customer accounts receivable
72
Commission debtors
2,263
Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities
Customer accounts
Other liabilities
Total capital and reserves

Total liabilities and equity

Interest rate sensitivity gap

Cumulative

18,713

3,568
856
7,650

12,074

6,639

6,639

–
–
3,274
144
–

3,418

1,978
–
–

1,978

1,440

8,079

–
–
5,103
7
–

5,110

4,130
333
–

4,463

–
–
8,720
11
–

8,731

19,179
–
–

–
–
23,532
–
–

23,532

18,586
158
–

–
–
5,348
–
–

5,348

8,469
2,210
–

19,179

18,744

10,679

–
–
–
–
2,344

2,344

–
79
–

79

647

(10,448)

8,726

(1,722)

4,788

3,066

(5,331)

(2,265)

2,265

–

2,335
10,495
49,525
234
4,607

67,196

55,910
3,636
7,650

67,196

–

–

Manx Financial Group PLC

29

> 1 year
- 3 years
£000

> 3 years
- 5 years
£000

> 5 years
£000

Total
£000

Risk and capital management (continued) 

4.
(a) Risk management (continued)
(iv) Market risk (continued)
Interest risk re-pricing table (continued)

31 December 2010

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

- 1 month - 3 months - 6 months
£000

£000

£000

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

Total assets

Liabilities
Customer accounts
Other liabilities
Total capital and reserves

Total liabilities and equity

Interest rate sensitivity gap

Cumulative

4,795
7,292
3,447
–
76

15,610

5,674
978
8,620

15,272

338

338

–
–
4,298
237
–

4,535

1,673
1,710
–

3,383

1,152

1,490

–
–
5,846
–
–

5,846

1,975
158
–

2,133

–
–
9,576
–
348

9,924

21,040
–
–

–
–
22,239
–
–

22,239

18,360
317
–

21,040

18,677

3,713

(11,116)

3,562

–
–
3,264
–
–

3,264

4,023
–
–

4,023

(759)

5,203

(5,913)

(2,351)

(3,110)

–
–
8
–
3,162

3,170

–
60
–

60

3,110

–

4,795
7,292
48,678
237
3,586

64,588

52,745
3,223
8,620

64,588

–

–

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 (2010: 2%). The following tables set out the estimated total impact of such a
change based on the mismatch at the balance sheet date.

31 December 2011

Interest rate
sensitivity gap

Weighting

£000

31 December 2010

Interest rate
sensitivity gap

Weighting

£000

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

- 1 month - 3 months - 6 months
£000

£000

£000

> 1 year
- 3 years
£000

> 3 years
- 5 years
£000

> 5 years
£000

Total
£000

6,640

1,440

646

(10,448)

4,788

(5,331)

2,265

0.000

0.003

0.007

0.014

0.027

0.054

0.115

–

–

–

4

5

(146)

129

(288)

260

(36)

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

- 1 month - 3 months - 6 months
£000

£000

£000

> 1 year
- 3 years
£000

> 3 years
- 5 years
£000

> 5 years
£000

Total
£000

338

1,152

3,713

(11,116)

3,562

(759)

3,110

0.000

0.003

0.007

0.014

0.027

0.054

0.115

–

–

–

3

26

(156)

96

(41)

358

286

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

Manx Financial Group PLC
Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements
30

Risk and capital management (continued) 

4.
(b) Capital Management (continued) 

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. 

Segmental analysis 

5.
Segmental 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 four product orientated segments in addition to its investing
activities: Asset and Personal Finance (including provision of HP contracts, finance leases, personal loans, commercial loans and block
discounting); Litigation Finance; a Prepaid Card division, Conister Card Services; and a Wealth Management division, Edgewater
Associates Limited. The Group ceased to provide new Litigation Finance in June 2007. 

Included within personnel expenses in the Consolidated Income Statement is £172,452 (2010: £265,316) relating to direct salary costs
for Conister Card Services. 

For the year ended 31 December

Net interest income
Operating Income
Provision for impairment
Profit 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

4,242
3,565
(252)
448)
–

307

63,336

65,594

343
343
(211)
131
–

–

1,137

1,137

Conister
Card

Wealth
Services Management
£000

£000

–
369
–
181
–

–

144

10

–
1,168
–
6
–

16

2,389

455

Investing
Activities
£000

–
–
–
16
–

–

Total
2011
£000

4,585
5,445
(463)
782
(917)

(135)

323

190

67,196

–

67,196

Manx Financial Group PLC

5.

Segmental analysis (continued)

For the year ended 31 December

Net interest income
Operating Income
Provision for impairment
Profit/(loss) before unallocated items
Group central costs

Profit before specific items

Capital Expenditure

Total assets

Total liabilities and equity

Asset and
Personal
Finance
£000

2,999)
2,339)
361)
209)
–)

335)

61,042)

62,953)

Litigation
Finance
£000

238)
238)
666)
861)
–)

–)

1,011)

1,011)

Conister
Card

Wealth
Services Management
£000

£000

–)
579)
–)
107)
–)

–)

116)

59)

–)
621)
–)
274)
–)

1)

2,245)

565)

31

Total
2010
£000

3,237)
3,777)
1,027)
1,251)
(1,165)

86)

336)

Investing
Activities
£000

–)
–)
–)
(200)
–)

–)

174)

64,588)

–)

64,588)

Segmental 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 interest on bank balances.

7.

Interest expense

Payable to depositors
Payable on subordinated loan (note 29)
Payable on loan notes

2011
£000

1,901)
–)
164)

2010
£000

1,730)
10)
126)

2,065)

1,866)

Manx Financial Group PLC
Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements
32

8.

Allowance for impairment

The charge/(credit) in respect of specific allowances for impairment comprises:

Specific impairment allowances made
Reversal of allowances previously made

Total charge/(credit) for specific provision for impairment

The charge/(credit) in respect of collective allowances for impairment comprises:

Collective impairment allowances made
Release of allowances previously made

Total (credit)/charge for collective allowances for impairment

2011
£000

781)
(62)

2010
£000

194)
(1,250)

719)

(1,056)

2011
£000

129)
(385)

(256)

2010
£000

53)
(24)

29)

Total charge/(credit) for allowances for impairment

463)

(1,027)

9.

Acquisition and restructuring costs

Restructuring costs in the current year relate to a reorganisation and rationalisation across the Group.

Acquisition and restructuring costs in the prior year related to the purchase of Edgewater Associates Limited and ECF Asset Finance
PLC and the subsequent restructuring of the UK operations.

Acquisition costs
Legal and professional fees
Reorganisation of UK and IOM operations
Salary and redundancy costs

10. Depositors’ Compensation Scheme

Provision in respect of Kaupthing Singer & Friedlander (Isle of Man) Limited

2011
£000

–)

537)

537)

2011
£000

–)

–)

2010
£000

181)

93)

274)

2010
£000

(2)

(2)

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. A payment of £73,880 was made in the current period, in addition
to advances of £73,880 made into the Scheme during each of the previous two financial periods. The current year’s payment is
expected to be repaid, therefore no charge has been made to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. The £2,000
credit in 2010 reflects the reversal of the over provision from 2009.

Manx Financial Group PLC

33

2010
£000

163)
3)
(178)
352)
188)
35)
33)
72)
–)
138)
68)
141)

2011
£000

234)
6)
4)
307)
199)
28)
–)
79)
4)
131)
122)
322)

11. Loss before taxation

The loss before taxation for the year is stated after charging/(crediting):

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

as Auditors current year
as Auditors under-accrual for prior year
non-audit services

Pension cost defined contribution scheme
Operating lease rentals for property

12.

Income tax expense

The main rate of income tax in the Isle of Man is 0% (2010: 0%), however the profits of the Group’s Manx banking activities are taxed at
10% (2010: 10%). The profits of the Group’s subsidiaries that are subject to UK corporation tax are taxed at a rate of 26.5% (2010: 28%). 

The Group had sufficient tax losses brought forward to offset any profits in income streams that are taxable at a rate above 0% and
therefore no provision is required. 

The Group had unrecognised deferred assets of £0.5 million (2010: £0.5 million) in respect of tax losses carried forward, net of accelerated
capital allowances. 

13. Loss per share 

Loss for the year

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

2011
£000

(783)

2010
£000

(188)

Number

Number

89,213,979)p
(0.88)p

76,143,178)p
(0.24)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. 

Diluted earnings per share is the same as basic loss per share, as for the year ended 31 December 2010 there is no dilution from potential
ordinary shares. 

14. Company loss 
The loss on ordinary activities after taxation of the Company is £932,000 (2010: £1,336,000). 

Manx Financial Group PLC
Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements
34

15. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank and in hand
Short-term deposits

Group

2010
£000

2,656
2,139

4,795

2011
£000

1,789
546

2,335

Company

2011
£000

2010
£000

–
–

–

–
–

–

Cash at bank includes an amount of £8,949 (2010: £29,040) representing cheques issued in the course of transmission. The remaining
maturity of short-term deposits is as follows:

Less than 8 days

Group

Company

2011
£000

546

546

2010
£000

2,139

2,139

2011
£000

–

–

2010
£000

–

–

16. 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 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. 

17. Available-for-sale financial instruments 

UK Government Treasury Bills

Group

Company

2011
£000

10,495

10,495

2010
£000

7,292

7,292

2011
£000

–

–

2010
£000

–

–

UK Government Treasury Bills are stated at fair value and unrealised changes in the fair value are reflected in equity, see page 13. 

Manx Financial Group PLC

18. Loans and advances to customers

Group

HP balances
Finance lease balances
Litigation funding
Unsecured personal loans
Vehicle stocking plans
Block discounting
Secured commercial loans

Gross
Amount
£000

33,810)
5,640)
2,972)
3,399)
1,397)
3,724)
3,113)

2011
Impairment
Allowance
£000

(624)
(628)
(1,835)
(434)
–)
(9)
(1,000)

Carrying
Value
£000

33,186)
5,012)
1,137)
2,965)
1,397)
3,715)
2,113)

Gross
Amount
£000

30,420)
11,306)
2,634)
3,602)
1,341)
989)
3,049)

2010
Impairment
Allowance
£000

(1,062)
(1,209)
(1,623)
(522)
–)
–)
(247)

35

Carrying
Value
£000

29,358)
10,097)
1,011)
3,080)
1,341)
989)
2,802)

Collateral is held, in the form of underlying assets, for HP, finance leases, vehicle stocking plans, block discounting and secured commercial
loans. An estimate of the fair value of collateral on past due or impaired loans and advances is not disclosed as it would be impractical
to do so.

54,055)

(4,530)

49,525)

53,341)

(4,663)

48,678)

Specific allowance for impairment

Balance at 1 January
Provisions as a result of acquisition of business
Specific allowance for impairment made
Write-offs

Balance at 31 December

Collective allowance for impairment

Balance at 1 January
Provisions as a result of acquisition of business
Collective allowance for impairment made
Release of allowances previously made

Balance at 31 December

Total allowances for impairment

2011
£000

4,173)
–)
781)
(649)

2010
£000

4,103)
1,510)
(1,125)
(315)

4,305)

4,173)

2011
£000

490)
–)
129)
(394)

225)

2010
£000

333)
129)
52)
(24)

490)

4,530)

4,663)

Advances on preferential terms are available to all Directors, management and staff. As at 31 December 2011 £166,710 (2010: £144,539)
was lent on this basis. In the Group’s ordinary course of business, advances may be made to Shareholders but all such advancves are
made on normal commercial terms.

At the end of the current financial year three loan exposures exceeded 10% of the capital base on the Group see details below (2010:
two loan exposures).

Exposure

Finance lease
Secured commercial loan
Block discounting facility

On 29 March 2012 the full amount outstanding under the finance lease noted above was settled.

Outstanding Outstanding
balance

balance
2011
£000

Facility
limit
2010 (if applicable)
£000
£000

1,037
1,849
767

1,655
1,870
437

N/a
1,870
1,000

Manx Financial Group PLC
Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements
36

18. 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

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

19. Property, plant and equipment

Group

Cost
As at 1 January 2011
Additions
Disposals

As at 31 December 2011

Accumulated depreciation
As at 1 January 2011
Charge for year
Disposals

As at 31 December 2011

Carrying value at 31 December 2011

Carrying value at 31 December 2010

Leashold

IT Furniture &
Improvements Equipment Equipment
£000

£000

£000

31)
170)
(31)

170)

(11)
(6)
16)

(1)

169)

20)

763)
96)
(73)

786)

(286)
(147)
73)

(360)

426)

477)

593)
13)
(24)

582)

(415)
(45)
24)

(436)

146)

178)

2011
£000

19,295)
26,962)

2010
£000

20,131)
28,000)

46,257)

48,131)

2011
£000

16,049)
23,401)

2010
£000

16,951)
24,775)

39,450)

41,726)

Motor
Vehicles
£000

167)
44)
(27)

Total
£000

1,554)
323)
(155)

184)

1,722)

(82)
(36)
7)

(111)

73)

85)

(794)
(234)
120)

(908)

814)

760)

Fixed assets with a net book value of £629,000 (2010: £542,000) are held by Conister Bank Limited. These comprise furniture and
equipment of £43,000 (2010: £46,000), leasehold improvements of £168,000 (2010: £20,000) and IT equipment of £418,000 (2010:
£477,000). 

Fixed assets with a net book value of £71,000 (2010: £69,000) are held by Conister Finance and Leasing Ltd, all of which relate to
motor vehicles. 

Fixed assets with a net book value of £92,000 (2010: £86,000) are held by Edgewater Associates Limited. These comprise furniture
and equipment of £84,000 (2010: £86,000) and IT equipment £8,000 (2010: £nil). 

Fixed assets with a net book value of £22,000 (2010: £63,000) are held by ECF Asset Finance PLC. These comprise furniture and
equipment of £19,000 (2010: £46,000) and motor vehicles of £3,000 (2010: £17,000). 

Manx Financial Group PLC

37

Investment in Group undertakings 

20.
The Company has the following investments in subsidiaries incorporated in the Isle of Man: 

Carrying value of investments

Nature of
Business

31 December
2011

Date of
% Holding incorporation

Total
2011
£

Total
2010
£

Conister Bank Limited
TransSend Holdings Limited
Bradburn Limited
Edgewater Associates Limited

Asset and personal finance
Holding Company for prepaid card division
Holding Company
Wealth Management

100
100
100
100

5.12.1935
5.11.2007
15.05.2009
24.12.1996

10,067,000
–
1
2,000,000

10,067,000
–
1
2,000,000

Goodwill

Goodwill

Edgewater Associates Limited (EWA)
ECF Asset Finance PLC (ECF)
Three Spires Insurance Services Limited (Three Spires)

Acquisition adjustment ECF
Impairment ECF

12,067,001

12,067,001

Group
2011
£000

1,849
354
41

2,244

211
(111)

Group
2010
£000

1,849
354
–

2,203

–
–

2,344

2,203

Following a detailed review of the acquired ECF loan book at 30 June 2011 an adjustment was made to the fair value of the assets
acquired under the provisions of IFRS 3. A reduction of £211,000 (2010: nil) was made to the value of certain loan assets where evidence
from the review identified that the recoverable value assumed at the date of acquisition was overstated.

Goodwill on the ECF acquisition was reviewed for impairment based on anticipated future business and an impairment provision of
£111,000 (2010: nil) was made during the year.

Goodwill impairment
The goodwill is considered to have an indefinite life and is reviewed on an annual basis by comparing its estimated recoverable amount
with its carrying value.  The estimated recoverable amount in relation to the goodwill generated on the purchase of EWA is based on
the forecasted 3 year profit numbers, extrapolated to 10 years using a 5% annual increment, and then discounted using a 10% discount
factor.  The sensitivity of the analysis was tested using additional discount factors of 15% and 20% and stable profit levels.

The estimated recoverable amount in relation to the goodwill generated on the purchase of ECF is based on forecasted 3 year sales
interest income (calculated at 5% margin), extrapolated to 10 years using a 5% annual increment, and then discounted using a 10%
discount factor. The sensitivity of the analysis was tested using additional discount factors of 15% and 20% and varying sales volumes.

On the basis of the above reviews no impairment to goodwill has been made in the current year other than that noted separately above.

The goodwill generated on the purchase of Three Spires has not been reviewed at the current year end due to the short amount of time
between the acquisition and year end.  The goodwill will be reviewed for impairment in a similar way to both EWA and ECF for future
years.

Manx Financial Group PLC
Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements
38

20.

Investment in Group Undertakings (continued) 

Acquisitions

Three Spires

On 21 June 2011, EWA (a subsidiary of Manx Financial Group PLC) acquired the entire share capital of Three Spires, an Independent
Financial Advisor and General Insurance broker based in the Isle of Man. Three Spires is regulated by the Insurance and Pensions
Authority.

The following summarises the major classes of consideration transferred, and the recognised amounts of assets acquired and liabilities
assumed at the acquisition date:

Consideration transferred

Cash
Deferred consideration

Deferred consideration 

2011
£000

57)
20)

77)

The deferred element of the consideration was payable in cash over the three month period from July to September 2011 on the last
day of the month.

Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed

Cash
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables

Total identifiable net assets

Goodwill

Total consideration transferred
Fair value of identifiable net assets

Goodwill

2011
£000

45)
4)
(13)

36)

2011
£000

77)
(36)

41)

The goodwill attributable to Three Spires is in relation to its established IFA and general insurance client base and the skills and experience
of its staff.

Manx Financial Group PLC

39

Group

2010
£000

207
242
–

449

2011
£000

114
462
684

1,260

Company

2011
£000

2010
£000

–
20
11

31

–
9
6

15

21. Trade and other receivables 

Trade debtors
Prepayments and other debtors
VAT recoverable

Included in trade and other receivables is an amount of £684,000 relating to a reclaim of value added tax (VAT).  

Conister Bank Limited (the Bank), as the Group VAT registered entity, has  for some time considered the VAT recovery rate being obtained
by the business was neither fair nor reasonable, specifically regarding the attribution of part of the residual input tax relating to the HP
business not being considered  as a taxable supply. Queries have been raised with the Isle of Man Government Customs & Excise Division
(C&E), and several reviews of the mechanics of the recovery process were undertaken by the Company’s professional advisors. 

The decision of the first-tier Tax Tribunal released 18 August 2011 in respect of Volkswagen Financial Services (UK) Limited v HM Revenue
& Customs (TC01401) (“VWFS Decision”) added significant weight to the case put by the Bank and a request for a revised Partial
Exemption  Special Method was submitted in December 2011. The proposal put forward by the Bank is that the revised method would
allocate 50% of costs in respect of HP transactions to a taxable supply and 50% to an exempt supply. In addition at this time a Voluntary
Disclosure was made as a retrospective claim for input VAT under-claimed in the last 4 years, HM Revenue & Customs have appealed
the decision. 

Discussions regarding the retrospective claim are ongoing, however, there has been an acknowledgement that the old partial exemption
special method was neither fair nor reasonable, and the revised Partial Exemption Special Method has been agreed to be not unreasonable
but is unlikely to be agreed prior to the appeal being heard. C&E have also confirmed that they are happy for this method to have been
applied in Quarter 4 2011, and to apply to future returns pending approval.

On the basis of the discussions and correspondence with C&E in addition to the VWFS Decision, the Directors believe that the VAT
claimed retrospectively will be secured.

22. Customer accounts

Retail customers: Term deposits
Corporate customers: Term deposits

2011
£000

54,569)
1,341)

2010
£000

50,878)
1,867)

55,910)

52,745)

Fiduciary deposits 
The Bank acts as agent bank to a number of customers, for balances totalling £18,982,000 (2010: £48,396,641). 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 statement of financial position.

Manx Financial Group PLC
Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements
40

23. Creditors and accrued charges

Creditors and accruals
Redundancy costs
VAT payable
Short-term employee benefits

Deferred consideration

Edgewater Associates Limited

Group

Company

2011
£000

698
–
81
76

855

2011
£000

492)

492)

2010
£000

672
102
135
69

978

2010
£000

475

475

2011
£000

93
–
–
–

93

2011
£000

492)

492)

2010
£000

209
–
–
–

209

2010
£000

475)

475)

Deferred consideration 
The deferred consideration is payable to the previous shareholders of Edgewater Associates Limited between 2012 and 2013 on approval
of the respective company’s accounts for each of the financial years ending 31 December 2011 and 2012. The deferred element, payable
on the approval of the respective accounts, is: 

31 December 2011: £333,000 in cash; 
31 December 2012: £159,000 in cash and £175,000 payable in Consideration Shares; and 
Total deferred cash and share consideration payable is £492,000 and £175,000 respectively. 

The Consideration Shares shall be issued on the basis of the mean average offer price of the Group’s ordinary shares for the five business
days immediately preceding the date on which the obligation arises. The cash consideration will be financed from existing cash resources.

In March 2012 it was agreed by all parties that the full amount of deferred consideration due in respect of the 31 December 2011 Financial
Statements would be paid in cash and no Consideration Shares would be issued. 

Incentive commission 
It was also agreed that an incentive commission would be paid to Edgewater’s principals, calculated as 40% of the EBITDA in excess of
£400,000, £450,000 and £500,000 thresholds in each of the financial years ending 31 December 2010, 2011 and 2012 on a cumulative
basis so as to make good any prior year or years’ shortfall before triggering any additional consideration. The incentive commission will
be payable 50% in cash and 50% in the Group’s shares. Such additional shares will be issued at the same price as the Consideration
Shares for that year. 

No incentive commission has been paid to date, and based on current expectations no provision has been made in the accounts of the
Group in respect of the incentive commission.

24. Loan notes 

On 31 May 2011 MFG entered into a loan agreement with a related party company guaranteed by Burnbrae Limited for £0.5m. The loan
was repayable within one year and bore interest at a rate of 3.5% per annum. On 21 December 2011 this loan was repaid and another
loan agreement was entered into directly with Burnbrae Limited. This loan is repayable within five years and bears interest at 3.5% per
annum.

On 3 March 2010 MFG entered into a convertible loan agreement with the Company and Group’s Executive Chairman, Jim 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 Arron
Banks, a Non-Executive Director of MFC) for £0.46 million on 26 March 2010. These loans represent Related Party Transactions 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 insofar as the Shareholders of the Company are concerned. The Directors consider
that there is no equity element to these convertible loans.

■
■
■
Manx Financial Group PLC

41

25. 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 of the Scheme. 

The most recent full actuarial valuation carried out at 1 April 2010 showed that the market value of the Scheme’s assets was £1,346,464,
representing 97.7% 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 2010. 

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

2011
%

N/A

–
2.90
2.10
5.70
3.10

2010
%

3.70

–
3.40
2.20
5.70
5.20

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

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. 

The amounts recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 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
Cash
Other

2011
£000

1,192)
(1,271)

2010
£000

1,357)
(1,417)

(79)

(60)

2011
%

2010
%

24)
20)
18)
38)
–)

24)
25)
37)
7)
7)

100)

100)

Manx Financial Group PLC
Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements
42

25. Pension liability (continued)

Movement in the liability for defined benefit obligations

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

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
Acturial (loss)/gain
Benefits paid

Closing fair value of plan assets at 31 December

Expense recognised in income statement

Interest on obligation
Expected return on plan assets

Total included in personnel costs

Actual return on plan assets

Income recognised in other comprehensive income and expense

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

2011
£000

1,417)
(200)
75)
(21)

1,271)

2011
£000

1,357)
65)
10)
(40)
(200)

1,192)

2011
£000

75)
(65)

10)

(25)

2011
£000

(40)
21)

(19)

2010
£000

1,391)
(55)
78)
3)

1,417)

2010
£000

1,325)
79)
–)
8)
(55)

1,357)

2010
£000

78)
(79)

(1)

(19)

2010
£000

8)
(3)

5)

Manx Financial Group PLC

43

26.  Called up share capital 
Following the approval by its Shareholders at the Company’s Extraordinary General Meeting held on 14 January 2010, it has now re-
registered as a company incorporated under the Isle of Man Companies Act 2006 (as amended). 

As a result, the Company’s authorised share capital consists of 150,000,000 ordinary shares of no par value and the share premium
account was transferred to reserves.

Additional shares were issued as part consideration in the acquisition of Edgewater Associates Limited.

Authorised: Ordinary shares of no par value

At 31 December 2011

At 31 December 2010

Issued and fully paid: Ordinary shares of no par value

At 31 December 2010
Issued as part consideration for shares in Edgewater Associates Limited

As at 31 December 2011

Number

150,000,000

150,000,000

Number

88,186,853
1,383,399

£000

18,258
175

89,570,252

18,433

Manx Financial Group PLC
Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements
44

26. Called up share capital (continued)

Dates Exercisable

Executive Plan Options

Grant date

On 9 June 2003
Balance at 31 December 2010   
Lapsed   

Balance at 31 December 2011   

On 28 April 2004
Balance at 31 December 2010  
Lapsed

Balance at 31 December 2011  

On 25 April 2005
Balance at 31 December 2010
Lapsed 

Balance at 31 December 2011   

On 1 November 2006
Balance at 31 December 2010
Lapsed

Balance at 31 December 2011             

On 6 July 2007
Balance at 31 December 2010 
Lapsed 

Balance at 31 December 2011

On 1 February 2008
Balance at 31 December 2010
Lapsed

Balance at 31 December 2011   

On 25 June 2010
Balance at 31 December 2010             
Lapsed

Balance at 31 December 2011

Perfomance
Conditions

From

To

Exercise
Price

Fully vested

9 June 2009

9 Dec 2013

34p

Fully vested

28 Apr 2004

27 Apr 2014

29p

Fully vested

25 Apr 2005

24 Apr 2015

32p

1 Nov 2006

31 Oct 2011

54.1p

(a)

6 July 2007

6 July 2017

65p

(b)

1 Feb 2008

1 Feb 2018

70p

(c)

25 June 2010

25 June 2020

10.95p

Number
of ordinary
shares

2,092,500
28,500
–

28,500

350,000
68,500
–

68,500

205,500
25,000
(12,500)

12,500

1,375,000
–
–

–

625,000
50,000
–

50,000

1,275,000
100,000
–

100,000

1,410,447
1,410,447

634,293   

776,154

Manx Financial Group PLC

45

26. Called up share capital (continued)
Performance conditions attached to share options that have not fully vested 

(a) The options granted on 6 July 2007 vested as follows: 

30% on the first anniversary of grant (i.e. 6 July 2008) 
30% on the second anniversary of grant (i.e. 6 July 2009) 
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 (e.g. 6 July 2010). 

(b) The options granted on 1 February 2008 will vest if a mid market share price of £1.75, 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. 

(c) The options granted on 25 June 2010 will vest if the mid market share price of £0.30 is achieved during the period of grant (10
years ending 25 June 2020). 

No shares resulting from the exercise of an option may be sold for at least three years from the date of grant. 

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

9 June
2003

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

28 April
2004

25 April 1 November 6 July 2007
(Tranche 1)
2006*

2005

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

£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%

■
■
■
Manx Financial Group PLC
Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements
46

26. Called up share capital (continued)

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 statement of comprehensive income

Share options granted in:
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2010

6 July 2007 6 July 2007
(Tranche 3)
(Tranche 2)

1 February
2008

25 June
2010

£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%

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

£0.03
£0.11
£0.11
47%
10
0.00%
2.24%
0%

2011
£000

2010
£000

–
–
–
–
–
–
4

4

–
–
–
–
1
–
5

6

2011
£000

19,968)
–)
–)
175)
–)
–)
500)

2010
£000

22,496)
1,903)
26)
475)
(6,142)
(500)
1,710)

20,643)

19,968)

27. Analysis of changes in financing during the year

Analysis of changes in financing during the year

Balance at 1 January
Issue of ordinary shares by way of general offer
Issue of ordinary shares in lieu of bonus to Executive Directors
Issue of ordinary shares as part consideration for purchase of subsidiary undertaking
Transfer of share premium account to reserves
Repayment of subordinated liabilities (note 29)
Issue of loan notes

Balance at 31 December

The 2011 closing balance is represented by £18,433,000 share capital and £2,210,000 of loan notes.

The 2010 closing balance was represented by £18,258,000 share capital and £1,710,000 of loan notes.

Manx Financial Group PLC

47

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

29. Related party transactions 
Staff loans 
Details of staff loans are given in note 18 to the financial statements. 

Convertible loans and loan notes 
Details of convertible loan arrangements and loan notes are given in note 24 to the financial statements.  

Subordinated loan (prior year)
On 22 December 2008 the Bank entered into a subordinated loan agreement for £500,000 with Jim 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 insofar as the Shareholders of the Company were concerned. 

On 3 March 2010 this loan was repaid by the Bank. 

Key management personnel (including Executive Directors’) compensation 

Short-term employee benefits
Share-based payments

Total

2011
£000

336)
–)

336)

The share based payments expense in prior year related to Shares in lieu of cash bonuses to two of the Executive Directors.

30. Operating leases 
Non-cancellable lease rentals are payable in respect of property and motor vehicles as follows: 

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

2011

2010

Leasehold
Property
£000

257)
789)
673)

1,719)

Other
£000

14)
6)
–)

20)

Leasehold
Property
£000

245)
658)
–)

903)

2010
£000

395)
26)

421)

Other
£000

15)
18)
–)

33)

Manx Financial Group PLC
Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements
48

31. Litigation 

The Bank is vigorously pursuing the repayment of litigation funding loans made to clients of 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.

M A N X   F I N A N C I A L
GROUP PLC

Conister House
Clarendon House
Victoria Street
Douglas
Isle of Man
IM1 2LN

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

www.mfg.im