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Manx Financial Group

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FY2023 Annual Report · Manx Financial Group
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Consolidated  
Annual Financial Statements  
2023

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Putting  
people first

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Integrity through  
independence and service 

Contents

Strategic report

4  Chairman’s Statement

8 

11 

Business Model and Strategy

 Environmental, Social and Governance 
Report

16 

 Risk Management

Corporate Governance

23 

28 

31 

34 

37 

 Corporate Governance Report

 Directors, Officers and Advisers

 Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee

 Directors’ Remuneration Report

 Directors’ Report

Financial Statements

40 

41 

50 

52 

53 

54 

55 

56 

58 

59 

 Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities

 Independent Auditor’s Report

 Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss 
and Other Comprehensive Income

 Company Statement of Profit or Loss and 
Other Comprehensive Income

 Consolidated Statement of Financial 
Position

 Company Statement of Financial Position

 Consolidated and Company Statements of 
Changes in Equity

 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

 Company Statement of Cash Flows

 Notes to the Consolidated and Company 
Financial Statements

2023: The year at a glance

1

Remaining focused on investing in resilient profitable sectors with high potential for growth 
MFG PLC reported a record performance in 2023, while making significant strides on its strategic 
journey, including obtaining a UK deposit taking licence.

Financial highlights

Profit before tax

+35.2%

Balance sheet 
growth

+26.7%

Advances

+52.3%

2023 

2022  

£7.0m

2023 

£480.7m

2023 

£352.5m

£5.2m

2022  

£379.3m

2022  

£231.4m

Basic EPS (pence) +21.8%

Cost income 
ratio

(11.6)%

Return on equity

+1.9%

2023 

2022  

4.59p

2023 

43.3%

2023 

20.6%

3.77p

2022  

54.9%

2022  

18.7%

Non-financial highlights

Professional Pathway 
Programme

Acquisition of UK deposit-taking 
licence

Migration on IT infrastructure  
to Azure

The Professional Pathway 
programme demonstrates our 
commitment to diversity and 
professional growth, fostering an 
inclusive environment. This two-
year program offers an immersive 
experience in critical business 
projects, professional studies, and 
mentorship by senior management. 
Through this programme, we affirm 
our commitment to not just career 
advancement but to creating a 
more inclusive environment where 
every talent is recognised and 
celebrated.

The authorisation from the 
Prudential Regulation Authority 
(PRA) for Conister Bank’s UK branch 
to accept deposits underscores 
both a major achievement in our 
strategic development and the trust 
placed in us by our main regulatory 
body and UK authorities. This 
milestone in our Group’s journey 
not only validates our expansion 
strategy but also enhances 
Conister’s liquidity through access 
to UK deposits.

The Group has migrated its 
infrastructure to a Microsoft Azure 
environment as part of its first step 
towards implementing its Digital 
Transformation plan. Not only does 
this provide the Group with better 
connectivity options with third 
party solutions and application 
programming interfaces, it also 
enhances the Group’s security 
environment and allows for greater 
scale and flexibility for computing 
resources as the Group expands in 
the years ahead.

Strategic report  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 2

Who we are

An independent banking and financial services 
group founded in 1935, domiciled in the Isle of Man.

Manx Financial Group PLC (“Company” or “MFG”) is an 
AIM-listed company (LSE: MFX.L) which has subsidiaries 
(together referred to as “Group”) offering a suite of 
financial services to retail and commercial customers, 
both in the Isle of Man and the UK. MFG’s strategy is to 
combine organic growth with strategic acquisition to 
further augment the range of services it offers and to 
gain greater market share in its preferred markets. 

The Group’s main subsidiaries are: 

•  Conister Bank Limited

• 

 Conister Finance & Leasing Ltd

•  MFX Limited

•  Payment Assist Limited

• 

 Blue Star Business Solutions Limited

• 

 Edgewater Associates Limited

• 

 Ninkasi Rentals & Finance Limited

• 

 The Business Lending Exchange Limited

Our Main Operating Subsidiaries 

Conister Bank Limited (“Bank”) 
is a licenced independent bank, 
regulated by the Isle of Man Financial 
Services Authority (“FSA”) and the 
UK’s Prudential Regulatory Authority 
(“PRA”) and the UK’s Financial 
Conduct Authority (“FCA”). 

The Bank provides a variety of 
financial products and services, 
including savings accounts, asset 
financing, personal loans, loans to 
small and medium sized enterprises, 
block discounting and other 
specialist secured credit facilities to 
the Isle of Man and the UK consumer 
and business sectors.

Conister Finance & Leasing Ltd 
(“CFL”) is a subsidiary of the Bank. 
It is a credit broker providing 
hire purchase (“HP”) and leasing 
finance facilities in the UK. 

CFL is regulated by the FCA 
in the UK and registered as a 
designated business by the FSA 
in the Isle of Man.

Strategic report  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Who we are 
continued

3

MFX Limited (“MFX”) provides 
access to competitive foreign 
exchange and international 
payment processing facilities.

MFX’s target customers are 
corporates and private clients 
who have a foreign exchange 
and international payment 
requirement via their UK foreign 
exchange providers.

Blue Star Business Solutions 
Limited (“BBSL”) is a finance 
broker providing asset finance 
and commercial loans in the UK 
to the small and medium sized 
enterprises market.

BBSL was acquired as part of 
the Group’s strategy to increase 
its distribution in the UK broker 
credit market.

Edgewater Associates Limited 
(“EAL”) is the largest firm of 
Independent Financial Advisors 
(“IFA”) in the Isle of Man and is 
regulated by the FSA. 

EAL provides a bespoke and 
personal service to Isle of 
Man residents and to the 
Group’s business and personal 
customers and advises on 
assets in excess of £328 million 
(2022: £319 million).

Payment Assist Limited (“PAL”) 
is the UK’s leading automotive 
repair point-of-sale finance 
provider and offers diversified 
lending including insured 
products and retail. 

PAL was acquired as part of the 
Group’s strategy to increase its 
access to underserved UK credit 
markets.

Ninkasi Rentals & Finance 
Limited (“NRFL”) was acquired 
as part of the Group’s strategy 
to increase its access to 
underserved UK credit markets.

NRFL provides equipment 
finance and rental products 
to UK based craft and micro-
breweries.

The Business Lending Exchange 
Limited (“BLX”) was acquired 
as part of the Group’s strategy 
to increase its access to 
underserved UK credit markets.

BLX is regulated by the FCA in 
the UK and primarily lends to 
start-up companies and small 
businesses which require asset 
backed finance.

Strategic report  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Chairman’s Statement

4

Despite this negative backdrop, thus far the Group 
has not experienced a corresponding increase in 
arrears. This reflects positively on the integrity of our 
underwriting, the products we offer, and the markets 
we continue to serve. 

Our financial performance for the year also reflects 
this resilience and I am pleased to report another 
set of record results with a 35.0% increase in Profit 
Before Tax to £7.0 million (2022: £5.2 million), with our 
basic Earnings Per Share increasing to 4.59p (2022: 
3.77p) – an improvement of 21.8%. At the Profit After 
Tax payable level of £6.1 million (2022: £4.7 million), 
£5.3 million (2022: £4.3 million) was due to the Group’s 
shareholders, and £0.9 million (2022: £0.3 million) was 
due to minority interests. This improvement was due 
to a number of factors including operating income 
growth – augmented with a full year’s impact from 
Payment Assist Limited, a gain in debt securities and a 
lower charge for provisioning and impairments.

Our financial performance also strengthened our 
balance sheet with total assets increasing by £101.4 
million to £480.7 million (2022: £379.3 million), and 
our shareholder equity increased by £6.2 million 
to £36.0 million (2022: £29.8 million). This outcome 
allows the Board to recommend continuing our 
policy of returning 10% of the Group’s profit available 
to shareholders in the form of cash and/or shares. 
This year the total dividend available for payment is 
£0.53 million (2022: £0.43 million). Thus, the amount 
recommended for shareholder approval at our Annual 
General Meeting will be 0.4551 pence per share (2022: 
0.3764 pence per share) - a 20.9% uplift.

On a separate note, I appreciate there has been 
a lot of media comment surrounding the FCA 
announcement that they are reviewing whether 
customers have lost out as a result of variable 
commission arrangements on lending to the motor 
finance sector. The outcome and potential impact 
of the FCA’s review will not be known until they report 
their findings, expected to be sometime later this year. 
Despite having some exposure in this area, our initial 
review suggests that any liability will be minimal with 
no present need for any provision. Notwithstanding, 
the Board recognises the requirement to plan for a 
range of possible outcomes but currently it does not 
expect the issue to materially impact the Group’s 
results, if at all.

Financial Performance

This year’s financial performance is again a record 
despite the previously mentioned economic 
headwinds impacting on both of our trading locations. 

“I am pleased to report 
another set of record results 
with a 35.0% increase 
in Profit Before Tax to 
£7.0 million”

Jim Mellon
Executive Chairman

Dear Shareholders

Introduction

With the continuing conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine, 
together with rising energy costs and the disruption 
in the Red Sea to world supply chains, the global 
economy remained inflationary and fragile. Our home 
markets in the Isle of Man and UK were not immune to 
these factors. Indeed, the Bank of England continued 
to grapple with stubbornly high inflation throughout 
the year and, as a consequence, approved five 
interest rate increases as part of their strategy to bring 
inflation back into their target range of less than 2%. 
The higher than targeted inflation rate was not offset 
by a corresponding increase in wages which has put 
many families and businesses under a real cost of 
living crisis.

Strategic report  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Chairman’s Statement 
continued

5

For the third year running, Conister Bank Limited 
(“Conister”) set a new lending record of £352.5 million 
(2022: £231.4 million), an increase of 52.3%. With 
increases in the cost of deposits reflecting the five 
increases in the UK interest rate, our cost of funds was 
negatively impacted with yield compression of 12.7% 
to 71.3% (2022: 84.0%) in the year. Nevertheless, our net 
interest income increased substantially by £8.0 million 
to £32.4 million (2022: £24.4 million). 

With other operating subsidiaries again making a 
positive contribution, notably Conister Finance & 
Leasing Ltd, Payment Assist Limited and MFX Limited, 
this resulted in operating income increasing by £5.4 
million to £31.5 million (2022: 26.1 million). Operating 
income has now increased by 57.0% over the last two 
years.

Operating expenses, excluding provisions, increased 
by £3.4 million to £20.3 million (2022: £16.9 million), 
reflecting the full cost of consolidating Payment Assist 
Limited into the Group along with an incremental 
increase in overheads relating to obtaining our UK 
Branch deposit taking licence. Provisions increased by 
£0.1 million to £4.1 million (2022: £4.0 million). 

Turning to the Group’s balance sheet, total assets 
increased by £101.1 million to £480.7 million (2022: 
£379.3 million). This was driven by a £71.2 million 
increase in the net loan book and a £35.5 million 
increase in Treasury Bills to support regulatory 
liquidity requirements. Isle of Man deposits 
grew by £86.2 million to £390.4 million (2022: 
£304.2 million). Total liabilities stood at £444.7 million 
(2022: 349.5 million), leading to an increase in equity 
of £6.2 million to £36.0 million (2022: £29.8 million). The 
debt to asset ratio, measured as being total debt as a 
percentage of total tangible assets, remains robust at 
95.5% (2022: 95.5%) meaning liabilities are covered by 
assets 1.1 times (2022: 1.1 times).

Key Objectives

After a period of economic uncertainty, I am cautiously 
optimistic that over the next 24 months we will move 
to a more normalised interest and inflation rate 
environment. Until we get to that position, our key 
objective will continue to be to increase shareholder 
value as prudently as possible. Thus, our strategic 
focus remains unchanged, namely to:

• 

• 

 Provide the highest quality of service throughout 
our operations to all customers, ensuring that their 
treatment is both fair and appropriate

 Continue adopting a pro-active strategy to 
managing risk, including climate risk, within a 
structured and compliant manner

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Concentrate on developing our core business by 
considered acquisitions, increasing prudential 
lending, and augmenting the range of financial 
services we offer

 Prudently progress the implementation of an 
enhanced and scalable IT infrastructure to 
better service the operational requirements of 
a growing Group without the requirement for a 
disproportionate increase in headcount and other 
associated operational costs

 Continue to develop our Treasury management 
to improve the return on the liability side of our 
balance sheet; and

 Manage our balance sheet to exceed the 
regulatory requirements for capital adequacy 

To continue to grow shareholder value, we will need 
to grow the balance sheet as our scale is still sub-
optimal. With organic growth this year partially 
dependent upon an improved economic environment, 
we need to re-focus our non-dilutive acquisition 
strategy. Further details are included under “Business 
Model and Strategy” on page 8.

Environmental, Social and Corporate 
Governance

The Group takes social responsibility seriously and 
remains committed to reducing its impact on the 
environment, and to making a positive contribution to 
the communities in which we live and work.

Our Environmental, Social, and Governance (“ESG”) 
initiatives, are integral to our commitment to 
sustainable development and corporate responsibility. 
This year, more than ever, we have witnessed the 
importance of resilience and adaptability, and our 
ESG policy has been at the heart of our strategy 
to navigate these challenges. We have made 
significant strides in embedding our ESG principles 
across all levels of operations. Our commitment 
to a whole business approach, focusing on what 
matters, applying best practices, using our influence 
responsibly, and ensuring accountability, has driven 
meaningful progress towards our sustainability goals.

In particular, our efforts towards better understanding 
our carbon footprint, enhancing product development 
for sustainability, and embedding diversity, equity, 
and inclusion into our corporate culture have been 
noteworthy. We are also proud of the progress 
made in upskilling our workforce on ESG matters and 
integrating these principles. The financial results for 
this period reflect not only our economic resilience 
but also our commitment to social and environmental 

Strategic report  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Chairman’s Statement 
continued

6

responsibility. Our financial performance, while robust, 
is just one aspect of our success. The true measure 
of our achievements lies in our positive impact 
on society and the environment, as guided by our 
comprehensive ESG policy.

Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to advancing 
our ESG commitments, aware that our journey towards 
sustainability is continuous. We will keep pushing the 
boundaries of what is possible and fostering a culture 
of responsibility and inclusiveness.

Our ESG progress is available on page 11 and our 
Corporate Governance Report outlining our adherence 
to the Quoted Companies Alliance Code is detailed on 
page 23. 

Operating Unit Review

Our principal operating subsidiaries continued with 
their strategy of growth through gaining market 
share in recession-proof markets as demand for our 
products remained buoyant which resulted in record 
advances in the year. 

Conister Bank Limited and Conister Finance & 
Leasing Ltd

Conister, together with its wholly owned subsidiary, 
Conister Finance & Leasing Ltd, remained the driver of 
the Group’s financial performance recording a Profit 
After Tax of £2.2 million (2022: £1.8 million).

In its home market, Conister continues to grow its loan 
book, lending £56.3 million (2022: £50.5 million) during 
the year. The net loan book stands at £78.1 million 
(2022: £68.4 million). This book continues to have 
exceptionally low arrears, 1.89% (2022: 1.95%).

In the UK, growth has been driven by our Structured 
Finance products with lending increasing by £93.1 
million to £246.2 million (2022: £153.1 million). The 
structuring of these facilities continues to minimise the 
risk of default and is proving a successful mechanism 
for growth in this difficult environment.

The Isle of Man deposit base has again proved very 
loyal with an 77% retention rate (2022: 78%). This, 
along with new deposits of £156.0 million (2022: £106.3 
million), provided ample liquidity to allow Conister to 
achieve its record growth and to provide support for 
the future. 

In October 2023, Conister obtained its UK Branch 
Deposit Taking permissions which, as well as providing 
an alternative source of liquidity, will allow the Bank 
to access new lending and liquidity opportunities. We 
anticipate taking UK deposits in the second half of 
2024, principally via a user-friendly online process.

Overheads, excluding provisions, increased by £1.5 
million to £11.9 million (2022: £10.4 million) as the 
business geared up to become operationally ready to 
take deposits in the UK. Prudently, it has bolstered its 
Credit and Collections teams to continue to protect 
Conister during these challenging times.

Provisions reduced by £0.3 million to £9.3 million (2022: 
£9.6 million) and now represent 2.6% of the net loan 
book (2022: 3.3%). This reduction provides a positive 
reflection on the quality of the loan book. 

The Bank’s total assets have increased by £97.8 million 
to £451.8 million (2022: £354.0 million), driven by loan 
book growth of £68.0 million. Liabilities have increased 
by £90.8 million, with deposits increasing by £86.2 
million to £390.4 million. As a result, Conister’s equity 
has increased by £7.0 million to £41.5 million (2022: 
£34.5 million).

Following the award of the UK Banking Licence, 
Conister Finance & Leasing Ltd will be restructured 
during 2024, with the regulated activities merged into 
Conister. The Basingstoke office will continue as the 
Conister’s UK branch for deposit taking and regulated 
lending.

MFX Limited

Our foreign exchange brokerage continued with an 
impressive performance considering these turbulent 
times and earned a profit of £0.7 million (2022: £1.4 
million). Dividends paid to the Group in the year were 
£0.8 million (2022: £1.8 million).

Payment Assist Limited

This is the first full financial year that this business’s 
result has been consolidated into the Group’s annual 
accounts. The business operates mostly in the short-
term lending market and exceeded our financial 
expectations in the year by delivering £4.0 million to 
the Group in terms of interest income to Conister and 
recharges for Group services.

Turnover was £10.8 million (2022: £10.1 million), 
Operating Profit was £2.7 million (£2022: £1.8 million) 
leading to a Profit After Tax of £2.1 million (2022: £0.8 
million). As previously reported, the Group owns 50.1% 
of Payment Assist Limited, with the opportunity to 
acquire the remaining percentage from the beginning 
of 2027.

Edgewater Associates Limited

We restructured the company at the end of 2023 
and, as a result, there are signs of a more sustained 
profitability for the future. Edgewater Associates 
Limited contributed £0.4 million (2022: £nil) in dividends 
to the Group.

Strategic report  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 7

Chairman’s Statement 
continued

Other operating subsidiaries

All other operating subsidiaries contributed positively 
to the Group’s results.

Outlook

I believe that the high interest rate environment will 
persist during 2024 and this will continue to dampen 
our net interest margin, but it should not reduce the 
demand for our products. Shorter term lending in 
particular - loans less than 12 months - will continue 
to be much in demand for small businesses and 
consumers alike. Whilst I remain cautious about 
overall organic growth this year, accretive acquisition 
opportunities are available. We will remain prudent in 
our approach to these opportunities, and we will only 
progress such acquisitions if they can be delivered 
without any shareholder dilution. 

Looking further ahead, the unwinding of the pressure 
on our net interest margin will naturally drive organic 
growth. This, along with any accretive acquisitions 
we make in the meantime, will create an even more 
robust, diversified financial services Group which 
will support our ongoing objective of continuously 
enhancing shareholder value.

Conclusion

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff 
and Board of Directors for their support in making this 
result possible and for setting the Group on the right 
footing for the opportunities and challenges that lie 
ahead. I would also like to thank the Executives for 
gaining the new UK Branch deposit taking licence in 
less than 12 months – a magnificent achievement and 
well done to all involved. Finally, I would like to thank 
my fellow shareholders for their continued support.

Jim Mellon
Executive Chair

25 March 2024

Strategic report  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Business Model and Strategy 

8

MFG has subsidiaries engaged in a suite of financial services based in 
the Isle of Man and the UK.

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 and 
gain market share in sectors in which it has proven 
experience. A summary of the strategic objectives for 
each principal subsidiary is set out below.

Conister Bank Limited (“Bank”) 

The Bank’s Board of Directors (“Bank’s Board”) has 
set strategic objectives, aligned to its strategic plan. 
These objectives provide the framework for setting risk 
appetite statements and tolerances for all material 
risks. The strategic objectives set are:

•  Maintain capital adequacy;

•  Deliver stable earnings growth;

• 

• 

 Secure stable and efficient access to funding 
and liquidity;

 Treat customers fairly with the highest service 
standard possible

•  Maintain stakeholder confidence; and

• 

 Progress its Environmental Social and Governance 
(“ESG”) strategy.

These strategic objectives provide the link between 
the Bank’s strategic planning and its risk management 
framework, using risk appetite statements, measures 
and tolerances, to control risk on a day-to-day basis 
and are reviewed at-least annually and approved 
by the Bank’s Board. Key in considering the Bank’s 
judgement of appetites is its assessment of its 
regulatory environment both in the Isle of Man (“IOM”) 
and the UK; the IOM and UK deposit markets; access 
to regulatory capital; the IOM and UK credit markets; 
the suitability of its product range; concentrations of 
advances and historic arrears. The aim is to deliver 
controlled growth, by providing adequate returns with 
strong credit profiles. 

Having considered the above in light of the difficult 
economic conditions in the UK, and less so in the IOM 
plus the wars in Europe and the Middle East, drawing 
on both internal and external resources, the Bank 
continues to believe the credit markets in which it 
operates will deliver growth with liquidity sourced 
from its Balance Sheet; its IOM deposit base and the 
UK retail deposit market. This growth will be achieved 

through the organic expansion of existing products  
through acquisition. This strategy can be analysed 
by the geographical area the Bank operates within, 
namely the IOM and the UK.

The Bank is proud of its heritage and remains heavily 
IOM centric but recognises that, as its UK loan book 
grows, it will need to create a more substantial UK 
presence to manage and grow this aspect of its 
business.  Contributing to this UK growth was the 
application for, and approval to, take retail deposits in 
the UK.  This licence was granted in October 2023.

Sourcing reliable funding underpins the Bank’s growth 
objectives. The Bank’s strategy in this area is to secure 
a diversified, low-cost suite of liquidity alternatives 
to draw upon in order to support its lending strategy. 
The IOM deposit market remains a key source of 
liquidity which the Bank accesses through its fixed-
term deposit and notice account products. The Bank’s 
recently obtained  UK deposit taking licence will play a 
significant part in the Bank’s growth strategy. 

The Bank recognises that it has an opportunity to 
increase its market share because of the reduction 
in competition experienced in this market and / 
or by increasing interest rates. As such, the Bank 
believes that it has sufficient reliable alternatives to 
be confident that it can raise the necessary deposits 
when required. 

The Bank’s acquisition strategy is to increase market 
share in sectors within which it already operates or to 
gain access to a desirable market through an existing 
reputable, profitable operator. 

Regarding the former, the Bank continues to enjoy 
a positive lending experience within the structured 
finance and UK credit broker market and currently has 
circa £280 million  (2022: £220 million) of net loans 
outstanding. 

The Bank’s decision in 2022 to include Environmental, 
Social, and Corporate Governance (“ESG”) within its 
strategic objectives has seen great progress made. 
The Bank’s Sustainability Report setting out its material 
ESG issues and objectives, work completed and ESG 
performance can be found on the Bank’s website, 
www.conisterbank.co.im. The Group now has a clear 
plan to expand its ESG reporting to cover all of its 
operating subsidiaries.

Strategic report  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Business Model and Strategy 
continued

9

During the year, the Group engaged with its external 
consultants who assisted the Group with formulating 
its ESG goals. The Group’s external consultants were 
instrumental in rebasing its 2030 target to realistic 
measures and expressed in clearly defined amounts. 
See the ESG report for more details.

MFX Limited (“MFX”)

The strategic objectives of MFX are:

Blue Star Business Solutions Limited (“BBSL”)

The strategic objectives of BBSL are to continue to grow 
its direct model to niche suppliers whilst growing its 
traditional pipeline to allow it to migrate to its ordinary 
course of business as these schemes conclude.  

BBSL will expand its panel of alternative funders, apart 
from the Bank, to place loans to further maximise its 
sources of revenue. 

 To be the first choice for international payments 
and foreign exchange of corporations in the IOM;

Finally, BBSL will continue to develop its sales force to 
allow greater market penetration. 

• 

• 

• 

 To maintain, develop and strengthen existing 
relationships; 

 To increase the number of referrals to their 
foreign exchange business partners with a view of 
onboarding new accounts.

MFX target customers are corporates and private clients 
who have a foreign exchange and international payment 
requirement via its UK foreign exchange providers.

The IOM offers a diversified range of industries and 
sectors. For the next 12 months MFX will concentrate its 
efforts in developing new business opportunities both 
on IOM and in other jurisdictions. 

MFX can negotiate upfront agreed foreign exchange 
margins and ensure price transparency, underpinning 
the professional relationship it provides. The 
international payment fees offer competitive value 
compared with local high street banks.

Payment Assist Limited (“PAL”)

PAL provides the option for customers to spread the 
cost of ad-hoc expenses over monthly instalments 
through a range of fee free, interest-free or interest-
bearing products. The Group acquired an initial 50.1% 
of PAL in May 2022.

The strategy is to build and develop the business by 
continuing to be the largest finance provider in the 
UK automotive after-market,  whilst diversifying into 
alternative markets offering both short term and 
longer-term finance. This expansion will be executed 
on a selective basis with business partners who share 
our values for the highest level of customer service.

Edgewater Associates Limited (“EAL”)

EAL is regulated by the Isle of Man Financial Services 
Authority (“FSA”). Its strategic objectives are to:

• 

• 

• 

 Provide superior service to its client base;

 Increase assets under advice; and

 Grow and develop its staff skill set.

EAL is a full-service IFA practice with a diverse mix 
of clients requiring a broad range of products and 
solutions covering:

• 

• 

• 

 Newly qualified professionals - protection, savings, 
school fees;

 Established clients - wealth management, 
retirement planning; and

 General insurance clients - home, travel, 
commercial and specialist.

EAL has an active client base of approximately 7,000  
(2022: 7,000) with associated assets under advice of 
£328  million (2022: £319 million).

Whilst EAL continues to grow and develop its standard 
business model, it is always open to new opportunities. 
It remains nimble and ready to move in line with 
economic and regulatory changes as they arise. Its 
team remains current with industry standards and 
trends. It retains an appetite for growth, either through 
additional acquisition opportunities that may arise, or 
via organic growth from existing clients and business 
partners with whom it has built strong relationships.

Diversification opportunities are encouraged and 
pursued, including the successful programme to 
develop bespoke Employee Benefit Group Schemes. 
These incorporate staff pensions (including pension 
freedom), protection, private medical, and death in 
service cover.

Strategic report  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 10

Business Model and Strategy 
continued

EAL trains talented people to progress into rounded, 
professionally qualified advisers who can fit within 
succession planning opportunities. To supplement this, 
it also recruits quality experienced advisers and para-
planners who can further enhance its team.

Ninkasi Rentals & Finance Limited (“Ninkasi”)

This business remains well positioned to gain 
additional market share through its unique equipment 
leasing options for the brewing industry.  

In addition, Ninkasi is considering expanding its 
coverage to include Europe, either by a direct 
distribution strategy, or in partnership with a 
complementary business.

Further, Ninkasi will manage its utilisation demand 
through the acquisition of additional fermentation 
tanks.

The Business Lending Exchange Limited 
(“BLX”)

BLX will continue to grow their loan book prudently in 
existing markets through the UK credit broker network, 
utilising existing market to offer attractive asset-
backed products in a customer focused way to ensure 
the best possible customer outcome.

Strategic report  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 11

Environmental, Social and Governance Report

The following report provides an overview of MFG’s 
operational carbon footprint in 2023 and supporting 
information including: 

• 

 Calculation methodology and reporting 
boundaries;

• 

the Group’s carbon footprint report 2023;

•  Carbon footprint report 2022 (base year) v5 2023;

•  Carbon reduction target (2030); and

•  2024 focus areas

Methodology

The Group’s  carbon footprint is assessed in accordance 
with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol methodology, following 
the principles of relevance, completeness, consistency, 
transparency and accuracy. Scope 3 emissions are 
calculated based on the “The Corporate Value Chain 
(Scope 3) Accounting & Reporting Standard” methodology.

Unless otherwise stated all scope 1-3 carbon emissions 
have calculated data using Defra’s 2023 Conversion 
factors for company reporting of greenhouse gas 
emissions.

Over 90.0% of carbon footprint has been calculated 
based on primary activity and spend data extracted 
from its business management system. Where data 

MFG (2023) EMISSIONS REPORTING BOUNDARY

SCOPE 1 – DIRECT EMISSIONS

Fuel (mains gas) combustion 

has not been available we have made reasonable 
estimations using (for example) published energy 
benchmarks and annual extrapolation. Data from third 
parties have been validated for completeness and 
accuracy. 

Flight distances have been have verified (using 
the great circle method); flight emissions include 
radiative forcing (RF) in line with UK government 
recommendations and the GHG protocol. 

MFG organisational reporting boundary

The Group’s operational carbon footprint 
organisational boundary includes the following wholly-
owned MFG subsidiaries: 

•  Conister Bank Limited (Douglas, IOM) 

•  Edgewater Associates Limited (Douglas, IOM) 

•  MFX Limited (Douglas, IOM) 

• 

• 

 Conister Finance Ltd & Leasing Ltd (Basingstoke, 
England)  

 Blue Star Business Solutions Limited (Basingstoke, 
England) 

•  Manx Collections Limited (Manchester, England) 

• 

 The Business Lending Exchange Limited  
(Peterborough, England) 

CURRENTLY OUT OF SCOPE  
SCOPE 3

Cat 1: Purchased Goods & Services

Fugitive emissions (refrigerant leaks from office air-conditioning systems)

Cat 2: Capital goods

SCOPE 2 – INDIRECT EMISSIONS

Purchased electricity

SCOPE 3 – INDIRECT EMISSIONS

Category 3 - Fuel- and energy-related activities

Category 5 - Waste generated in operations

Category 6 - Business travel

• Flights

• Hotels

•  Mileage (private cars)

• Trains

• Taxis & car hire

• Boats

Category 7 - Working from home

Cat 4: Upstream transportation & 
distribution

Cat 8: Upstream leased assets

Cat 9: Downstream transportation & 
distribution

Cat 10: Processing of sold products

Cat 11: Use of sold products

Cat 12: End-of-life treatment of sold 
products

Cat 13: Downstream leased assets

Strategic report  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance Report 
continued

12

Notes on the emissions reporting boundary

• 

 Scope 1 mains gas and office air-conditioning refrigerant leakage are the only scope 1 sources currently 
applicable to the Group as it has no company vehicles.

•  Scope 2 purchased electricity is assessed and reported using location-based power generation activity data. 

• 

• 

• 

 The scope 3 carbon emissions sources reported are those for which MFG currently has the most accurate and 
complete datasets and/or practical control and influence over. 

 MFG aims to include scope 3 category 1 Purchased Goods & Services within the 2024 carbon footprint 
assessments.

 As a financial services Group MFG is  aware that Category 15 (Investment) emissions represent the substantial 
majority of its de facto scope 3 emissions and climate change impact. The Group is reviewing the Partnership 
for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) methodology to understand the approach to measuring emissions 
relevant to the asset classes and financial services it provides.

The Group’s carbon footprint 

The 2023 operational carbon footprint expressed in defined amounts is 141.3 tonnes CO2 equivalent.

Emissions source

Scope 1, 2 & 3

Scope 1 and 2 (location)

Scope 1 

Fuels (natural gas)

Fugitive emissions (air-conditioning)

Scope 2 (location-based) Purchased electricity

Scope 3 - operations

Category 3 - Fuel- and energy-related activities

Electricity transmission & distribution (T&D) losses

Business travel Well-to-Tank (WTT) emissions

Category 5 - Waste generated in operations

Category 6 - Business travel

Flights

Hotels

  Mileage (private vehicles)

Taxis and car hire

Trains

Boats

Category 7 - Working from home

Emissions intensity ratio

Scope 1 and 2 tCO2e per FTE

Scope 1-3 tCO2e per FTE

Energy usage (MWh)

Electricity

Gas

tCO2e
2023

141.28

54.17

9.22

5.28

3.94

44.95

87.11

13.80

3.89

9.91

1.18

66.03

54.20

3.35

6.59

1.15

0.67

0.07

6.12

0.44

1.15

217

29

Strategic report  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13

Environmental, Social and Governance Report 
continued

MFG  scope 1, 2 & 3 carbon emissions 2023

Scope 1

9.22

Scope 2 -
location

Scope 3

44.95

87.11

0.00

20.00

40.00

60.00

80.00

100.00

Tonnes CO2 equivalent

MFG’s scope 3 emissions 2023 by source (%)

MFG’s scope 1 & 2 emissions 2023 by source (%)

Fuel- and energy-related 
activities
15.80%

Waste
1.30%

WFH
7.00%

Category 6 - 
Business travel 
75.80%

Scope 1 Gas / heating 
fuel 
3.70%

Scope 1 Refrigerants 
(Air-conditioning)
2.80%

Scope 2 (location-based) 
Purchased electricity
31.80%

MFG’s scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions in 2023 per business entity

e
2
O
C

t

100.00

80.00

60.00

40.00

20.00

0.00

Conister
Bank

Edgewater

Manx FX

Conister
Finance &
Leasing

Bluestar

Manx
Collections

BLX

MFG

Scope 1

Scope 2 - location

Scope 3

Strategic report  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 14

Environmental, Social and Governance Report 
continued

Carbon footprint 2022-2023 variance

In compliance with The GHG Protocol, re-calculation 
of the carbon footprint is required due to significant 
changes in operational and/or organisational 
boundaries, for example:

• 

• 

 Changes in the calculation methodology or 
improvements in the accuracy of emission factors 
or activity data that result in a significant impact 
on the base year emissions data; and

 Discovery of significant errors, or the accumulation 
of a significant number of minor errors that, in 
aggregate, have relevant consequences on the 
level of emissions.

Significant changes in the calculation of the 
Group’s 2023 footprint include the following:

• 

• 

 Improved or granular categorisation of activity and 
cost data within our business management system 
– primarily for mileage, taxis or car hire.

 Calculating annual energy consumption and 
costs using primary activity data rather than as a 
proportion of annual service charges (as in the 2022 

calculation) for two of the Group’s UK mainland 
offices.
 More robust and accurate monitoring and 
recording of days worked remotely or at home 
across the business.

 Obtaining more granular waste management data 
from the building manager (IOM offices).

• 

• 

Further significant changes in emissions between 
2022 and 2023 include:

• 

 75.0% reduction in mileage some of which is clearly 
a result of data re-categorisation, the majority 
(>60.0%) of which is a result of:

–  Less frequent and more efficient use of private 

vehicle for business trips; and

–  Better or more frequent use of IT services for 

business meetings. 

• 

 Significant increase in emissions from business flights 
primarily due to an uplift in international travel.

The table below shows the changes in the Group’s 
carbon footprint between 2022 and 2023.

MFG’s operational carbon footprint 2022 (base year) and 2023

Emissions source

Scope 1, 2 & 3

Scope 1 and 2 (location)

Scope 1 

Fuels (natural gas)

Fugitive emissions (air-conditioning)

Scope 2 (location-based) Purchased electricity

Scope 3 - operations

Category 3 - Fuel- and energy-related activities

Electricity transmission & distribution (T&D) losses

Business travel Well-to-Tank (WTT) emissions

Category 5 - Waste generated in operations

Category 6 - Business travel

Flights

Hotels

  Mileage (private vehicles)

Taxis and car hire*

Trains

Boats

Category 7 - Working from home

Emissions intensity ratio

Scope 1 and 2 tCO2e per FTE

Scope 1-3 tCO2e per FTE

Energy usage (MWh)

Electricity

Gas

*  Taxis and car hire emissions were included in ‘mileage’ in 2022.

tCO2e
2022

120.38

47.32

6.65

3.20

3.45

40.67

73.04

12.93

3.72

9.21

8.08

50.32

20.61

3.27

24.87

-

1.20

0.37

1.71

0.37

0.95

210

18

tCO2e
2023

Variance

141.28

54.18

9.23

5.28

3.95

44.95

87.13

13.80

3.89

9.91

1.18

66.03

54.20

3.35

6.59

1.15

0.67

0.07

6.12

0.44

1.15

217

29

+17.4%

+14.5%

+38.5%

+65.0%

+14.4%

+10.5%

+19.3%

+6.7%

+4.5%

+7.6%

-85.4%

+31.2%

+163.0%

+2.3%

-73.5%

-44.4%

-82.1%

+258.1%

+18.2%

+21.2%

+3.2%

+62.5%

Strategic report  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15

Environmental, Social and Governance Report 
continued

Carbon reduction target (2030)
The Group has used the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi) tool and methodology (cross-sector pathway 
decarbonisation) to develop decarbonisation targets for scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions as currently measured. The 
SBT approach uses three broad climate-warming scenarios; MFG’s targets align with the most stringent (1.5C 
warming) scenario. The table below summarises the Group’s 2022 and 2023 emissions against the 2030 target; 
the scope 3 categories included are:

•  Category 3 - Fuel- and energy-related activities

•  Category 5 - Waste generated in operations

•  Category 6 - Business travel

•  Category 7 - Working from home

The Group notes a rise in flight and fuel increases, which is explained by a normalisation of travel post-Covid 
lockdown restrictions and the establishment of the UK Branch. The Group expects these to reduce in future 
periods as it progresses towards its 2030 target.

MFG decarbonisation target 

Emissions source

Scope 1 + 2 emissions 

Scope 3 emissions

Total

2022 (base year) 
tCO2e

2023 
tCO2e

2030 target 
tCO2e

Variance  
2022-2030

47.3

73.1

120.4

54.2

87.1

141.3

27.5

42.4

69.9

-41.9%

-42.0%

-42.0%

The Group aims to submit its scope 1 and 2 targets to SBTi for validation by 2025.

2024 focus areas

Widening the  

footprint boundary

•  Emissions sources to include in ongoing assessments:

  –  Scope 3 Category 1 – Purchased Goods & Services – using spend-based emission factors (such 

as CEDA/VitalMetrics database) and (where possible) product LCA data.

  –  Scope 3 Category 7 - Employee commuting – implementing a non-intrusive survey to record 

employee commutes.

Scope 3 – Cat 15

•   Using The Partnership for PCAF methodology to understand or develop a realistic and relevant 

approach to measuring emissions related to the financial services we provide.

Strategic report  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 16

Risk Management

Risk management overview

RMF

Effective risk management is crucial to MFG’s 
sustainability. The MFG Board of Directors (“Board”) is 
ultimately accountable for the effective governance 
of risk management. The Board maintains its oversight 
and responsibilities in terms of the three lines of 
defence risk governance model as set out below. 

Determining the Group’s risk tolerance and appetite 
through enterprise risk management is a key element of 
MFG’s corporate governance framework. It is primarily 
designed to assist the Group in enhancing its corporate 
governance and intended to reinforce the key elements 
of Quoted Companies Alliance (“QCA Code”) corporate 
governance principles, adopted by the Group. 

A fundamental principle contained in the Code, is 
for effective risk management: MFG has in place a 
Risk Management Framework (“RMF”) to support the 
implementation of some of the principles of the MFG 
Governance Framework at the subsidiary level. The RMF 
supports the Board and senior management in fulfilling 
their respective duties in relation to the sustainable 
operation of the business. This includes the integration 
of ESG in the business. The risk management system is 
supported by policies, processes and activities relating 
to the taking, management and reporting of risk.

Management and accountability

The Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee (“ARCC”) 
is operated at a Group and Bank level and currently 
comprises of three experienced Independent 
Non‑executive Directors, two of which are qualified 
accountants. Only members of the ARCC have the right 
to attend ARCC meetings to allow for independence. 
However, other individuals representing Executive 
Management, Risk, Compliance and Internal and External 
Audit are invited by the Chairman of the ARCC to attend 
all or part of any meeting as and when appropriate.

The main objectives of the ARCC are to review 
operations and ensure that they are conducted to 
the highest possible standards. This is accomplished 
by providing an independent objective assurance 
function specifically for, but not limited to: 
Internal Controls and Risk Management Systems; 
Whistleblowing and Fraud; Risk and Compliance; 
Internal Audit and External Audit.

It provides oversight of compliance with all legislation, 
regulation, and applicable codes of practice in the 
jurisdictions that MFG conducts business; and reviews 
policies, procedures and processes to effectively 
identify, quantify and manage all material risks and to 
advise on best practice.

The following overview of the key governance 
components that make up the MFG system of 
governance illustrates the crucial role of the RMF: 

RMF - Culture

The risk culture, which forms part of MFG’s overall culture, 
encompasses the tone at the top of the organisation 
and a set of shared attitudes, values, behaviours, and 
practices that characterise how individuals at MFG 
consider risk in their day‑to‑day business activities. 
Analysis of previous incidents and ongoing assessment 
ensure continuous improvement in the management 
of risk. 

All individuals are trained to understand the 
importance of effective risk management and ensure 
that risks associated with their role are appropriately 
understood, managed and reported. Individuals at all 
levels communicate risk related insights in a timely, 
transparent, and honest manner.

This culture is driven from the top by the Board 
and Executive Management through how they 
communicate, make decisions, and motivate the 
business. Managers and leaders ensure that in all their 
actions and behaviours they continually reinforce the 
culture that the effective management of risk is critical 
to MFG’s success and that every individual plays a role 
in the management of risk.

RMF - Appetite

Risk appetites are currently only set at subsidiary level 
and determine the maximum amount of risk that 
it is prepared to accept in the pursuit of delivering 
business objectives. The risk appetite considers all the 
risks detailed under “Principal risks”‑ on page 18 and is 
reviewed annually, and, as the operating environment 
changes, it is constantly measured against stated 
appetite to take appropriate action. 

RMF - Risk identification, measurement, and 
control

Having a robust understanding of the risks to which 
the business is exposed is crucial to ensure that all 
material risks are appropriately monitored, managed, 
and reported on. An understanding of risk is developed 
through the identification, assessment and, where 
appropriate, measurement of risks to which the 
business is exposed. 

These processes are performed as part of strategy 
setting, strategy execution and day‑to‑day operations 
and are referred to as risk and control assessments. 
The Risk team provides tools to aid managers and 
individuals in developing an understanding of risk 
within their respective business responsibilities.

Strategic report  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Risk Management 
continued

17

The risk and control assessment process of 
understanding risk and reviewing the adequacy and 
effectiveness of related controls and risk mitigation 
approaches is performed on a regular basis, as a 
minimum annually, and is reported to and governed by:

• 

• 

• 

• 

 A high‑level assessment to identify the principal risks 
enabling work to progress in a focused manner in 
completing risk and control assessments, to build a 
key control monitoring programme;

 Management Committees, including a review of 
roles and responsibilities, ensure that all material 
risks are captured and formally considered prior to 
presentation to the ARCC and the Board;

 Procedures within the framework ensure that the 
relevant Management Committee is accountable 
for the policies that support their risk, and to reduce 
the workload for the ARCC and the Board, enabling 
them to focus on overseeing and challenging the 
RMF; and

 Board approved risk appetite statements, and the 
design of an underlying risk appetite measures 
framework, to be owned and monitored by the 
relevant Management Committee.

RMF - Three lines of defence and key 
assurance functions 

As part of its overall RMF, MFG has adopted best 
practice monitoring and control mechanisms 
by implementing the three lines of defence 
governance and combined assurance model. Thus 
the responsibility for governance and oversight is 
allocated throughout the organisation according to 
the three lines of defence principles. 

This governance model is regarded as international 
best practice for ensuring good governance (including 
governance within risk and capital management) 
across an organisation. The emphasis is placed on 
ownership, responsibility, independence, assurance, 
communication, oversight, and transparency across 
MFG’s governance. 

The term ‘key assurance function’ refers to a properly 
authorised function, whether in the form of a person, 
unit, or department, serving as a control or ‘checks and 
balances’ function from a governance perspective, 
and which carries out such activities. These functions 
typically are second and third line of defence functions. 

First line of defence 

The first line of defence e.g., business management 
is primarily accountable for the day‑to‑day risk 
origination and management in accordance with risk 
policy and strategy. This includes identifying, assessing 
risks, and implementing responses. 

Second line of defence 

The second line of defence is responsible for the 
development and maintenance of the frameworks 
and policies. The second line provides oversight of, 
and challenge to, the first line of defence and drives 
the implementation of the frameworks and policies.

Third line of defence 

The third line of defence is the independent assurance 
function providing overall assurance to the Board on 
governance, risk management, and internal controls. The 
third line of defence comprises of internal audit, external 
audit, and other independent assurance providers. The 
third line of defence is completely independent from the 
management of the day‑to‑day business activities.

RMF - MFG assurance functions 

MFG has effective systems of risk management and 
internal control. The tasks, processes and obligations 
of the key assurance functions are transparent and 
clearly defined, with regular exchange of information 
between the functions. Each of the functions is 
structured to ensure that it has the necessary 
authority, independence, resources, expertise and 
access to the Board and all relevant employees and 
information to exercise its authority. The minimum 
assurance departments within MFG include: 

• 

• 

• 

 Risk management function; 

 Compliance function; and

 Internal Audit function. 

The departmental head of each of these key functions 
possesses the necessary skills, experience and 
knowledge required for the specific positions they 
exercise and meet all suitability and ‘fit and proper’ 
requirements. Written guidelines for these functions 
are in place, and compliance with them is assured on 
a regular basis. All of the key independent functions 
within MFG have a direct reporting line to the ARCC 
and the Board. 

RMF - Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment 
Process (“ICAAP”)

Overview

ICAAP is a key strategic and risk management tool for 
the Bank. It is a key component of the Bank’s planning 
process during the short and medium‑term. The 
Bank’s lead regulator, the FSA, requires the Bank to 
establish and maintain an ongoing internal adequacy 
assessment process which is appropriate to the 
nature and scale of its business and reviews that 
process annually and evidences that review.

Strategic report  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Risk Management 
continued

18

Methodology

The Bank’s ICAAP process is as follows:

Formulation of the Bank’s strategy and budget 

Strategic plans are prepared annually for the 
forthcoming year, which consider the Bank’s risk 
appetite, key market sectors to target, products to 
leverage / introduce, headcount, operational and 
capital investment required.

Risk assessment

The Executive Team will liaise with the Risk and 
Compliance department to determine the material risks 
in the Bank based on incidents and breaches, Internal 
Audit reports, Risk and Compliance report findings and 
issues raised at the Board and Committee meetings.

Stress testing and reverse stress testing

The Finance department uses Bank of England market 
assumptions for stress testing and stress the five‑year 
forecasts to identify any capital deficiencies. Reverse 
stress testing is also used based on the assumption 
that the Bank ceases to trade, coupled with a run‑off 
scenario to determine the capital distribution. 

Reverse stress testing is used to explore the 
vulnerabilities to extreme adverse events in the Bank’s 
strategy and plans that might cause the business to 
fail, in order to facilitate contingency planning.

Calculation of capital requirement and buffers

Following the setting of strategy, risk assessment and 
stress tests, the Bank will then calculate its capital 
requirements by considering the following areas:

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Pillar I – The calculation is based on the minimum 
regulatory requirement under Pillar I of 10.0% of risk 
weighted assets for material risks;

 Pillar II – Assessment of any additional business 
risks not covered by the minimum Pillar I 
requirement, plus an assessment of Pillar II risks 
based upon the current material risk assessment 
and stress tests, to determine whether any 
additional capital buffers are deemed appropriate;

 Pillar III – Pillar III establishes measures to make 
better use of market discipline. Pillar III applies only 
at the top consolidated level of a banking group 
and is therefore generally not considered to be 
applicable to IOM incorporated banks as per FSA 
ICAAP guidance; and 

 Buffers – The Bank assesses its position against 
industry standards for regulatory buffers and 
calculates its position based on its overall 
exposures to different jurisdictions.

Review, challenge and adoption of the ICAAP

The ICAAP is prepared by the Finance department in 
conjunction with the Risk and Compliance department, 
and reviewed by the Bank’s Executive Team, Risk 
Management Committee, ARCC, Internal Audit and the 
External Auditor. It is used to measure and benchmark 
the Bank’s risk appetite and to forecast capital usage 
under both stressed and normal conditions. The ICAAP 
is challenged at all stages of the review process and 
presented to the Bank’s Board by ARCC for approval 
prior to being submitted to the FSA. The ICAAP is 
regularly reviewed and updated throughout the year 
by management and referred to the ARCC and the 
Bank’s Board.

ICAAP Results

The Bank has completed its ICAAP testing for 2022 in 
compliance with regulatory requirements. Despite 
the severity of the risk scenarios modelled, the Bank 
satisfied the capital and leverage requirements for the 
purpose of the stress test. 

Principal risks

As a result of the RMF, identified on page 16, the Group 
has exposure to the following key risks:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Strategic;

 Credit risk including counterparty credit; 

 Operational risk including regulatory;

 Conduct;

 Liquidity;

 Interest rate;

 Regulatory; and

 Reputation.

The Group has considered the above key risks that it 
faces and the mitigating controls against those risks:

Strategic risk

Strategic risk is the risk to the Group’s revenue and 
operational costs as set within the budget and the 
medium‑term plans arising through sub‑optimal 
implementation of the strategic plan due to either 
internal or external factors faced by its subsidiaries.

Controls and mitigation

The Group controls and mitigates this risk via a 
number of measures:

• 

 Subsidiaries generally commence their formal 
planning process in September for the forthcoming 
year, to inform the budget submitted to the boards 

Strategic report  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Risk Management 
continued

• 

• 

• 

throughout the Group for approval. In reality, the 
planning process is continuous and responsive to 
change in the internal and external environment;

 Barriers to delivering the strategic plan, and 
changes to planned activity are captured in the 
various subsidiary ‘Managing Directors’ Reports’ 
which are submitted to their respective boards 
and then ultimately reported to the Group Board 
at each Board meeting. The reports take account 
of input from the Group Executive Directors and 
current financial performance versus budget 
and seek to highlight strategic responses for the 
relevant subsidiary;

 Key strategic projects are managed under formal 
project governance with progress of key projects 
tracked, and communicated and discussed at 
regular project meetings; and

 The impact of limited capital, liquidity, operational 
capacity, and regulator restriction on the 
achievement of strategy is captured by the 
planning process, with exceptional items dealt with 
under the relevant risk category, where the impact 
on risk appetite and mitigating actions will be 
formally recorded. 

Credit risk including counterparty credit risk

Credit risk is defined as the risk that counterparties fail 
to fulfil their contractual obligations. A material decline 
in credit quality, or the failure of a counterparty, could 
result in higher levels of arrears and ultimately in 
increased provisions and write‑offs, which impacts 
upon profitability, potentially eroding the capital 
position for the Group’s subsidiaries. 

Controls and mitigations applied

• 

• 

 Delegated authorities: The Group operates to a 
schedule of delegated lending authorisation limits 
linked to an individual underwriter’s knowledge 
and experience. This is bolstered by validations 
of all significant credit exposures over set limits 
and ongoing monitoring of credit positions of key 
suppliers and intermediary networks;

 Distribution strategy: The Group actively monitors 
and controls the credit risk of all business 
undertaken to ensure that it is treating customers 
fairly and as a safeguard against the failure of any 
business relationship. Mitigation of counterparty 
credit risk is supported through the maintenance, 
where appropriate, of cash reserves and loss pools 
to fund any buy‑back indemnity. Comprehensive 
due diligence processes are also performed; 

19

• 

• 

 Monitoring of credit quality exposure: The Group 
monitors its credit risk exposures via an internal 
credit risk grading methodology that assigns each 
individual exposure with one of three credit grades 
based upon the probability of default at product 
and distribution channel level. This allows for better 
monitoring of credit quality and impairment of 
its current book as well as forecasting and stress 
testing on a more accurate basis; 

 Concentration risk: To protect against the 
unintentional build‑up of exposures where 
deterioration could materially impact the Group’s 
sustainability and profitability. The Group seeks to 
maintain a diverse portfolio of products across 
a variety of geographical regions, customers, 
sectors, and asset classes. This diversity protects 
the Group against any deterioration in a particular 
geographical region, the economic environment, 
commercial sector etc; 

Operational risk including regulatory risks

Operational risk is the risk of loss resulting from 
human error, inadequate or failed internal processes 
or controls, system failure, improper conduct, fraud, 
or external events.

The principal operational risks for the Group arise from 
the following areas:

• 

• 

 Resilience of the IT environment: The IT environment 
is under constant review ensure operational 
continuity. The Group’s IT Steering Committee 
(“ITSCO”) identifies and implements efficiencies to 
enable enhanced customer service through the 
provision of additional facilities and products, and 
to automate manual tasks wherever possible to 
minimise the potential for human error. ITSCO also 
reviews and monitors current service standards, 
highlighting any deficiencies and mitigates 
accordingly. There are a number of exception 
reports and scheduled tasks on a daily basis to 
ensure that any controls within the IT systems are 
being reported on adequately; and

 Third Party administration services: The key 
operational controls ensure that partners are 
fulfilling their legal and regulatory obligations in 
accordance with their service‑level agreement with 
the Group. The Group has an outsourcing policy to 
ensure obligations are monitored and met. Internal 
reviews and audits are conducted on counterparties 
to ensure terms agreed are being adhered to.

Strategic report  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Risk Management 
continued

20

Controls and mitigation

• 

 Adherence to internal limits and approval 
processes through: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

 Delegated authorities: The Group operates to 
a schedule of delegated credit authorisation 
limits and payment approval limits, linked to an 
individual’s knowledge and experience;

 Segregation of duties: There is appropriate 
segregation between those authorising 
transactions and those executing them, with 
four eyes principles in place where required;

 Exception reporting: Daily reporting ensures that 
any regulatory and internal limits are reviewed 
regularly by the appropriate Management 
team; and

 New Business approval policy: All material new 
business is approved in line with a formally 
approved policy, with ultimate decision making 
resting with the applicable Executive Committee.

 Change control: The Group ensures that both, 
changes to existing products and services and new 
products and services, are delivered in a controlled 
manner with the appropriate checks and controls 
in place;

 Onboarding: A comprehensive on‑boarding 
process is in place for new outsourced partners in 
the IOM and UK;

 Due diligence checks: The operational risk from 
the Group’s third‑party administrators is mitigated 
by a comprehensive due diligence process which 
includes a comprehensive take‑on appraisal and a 
full review of the partner’s policies, procedures and 
financial stability;

 Key Operational Controls: Key controls are 
monitored through a combination of management 
oversight, Risk and Compliance monitoring and 
Internal Audit reviews;

 New Business Policy and Process: New business 
and material business change is outlined in a 
formal policy, which requires that a sequence of 
assessment and approval is followed. This ensures 
that all relevant input is included, and material risks 
considered; and

 Exception reports: Exception reporting allows the 
Group to identify weaknesses in processes and 
controls which in turn allows for adequate training 
and the bolstering of systems and processes.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Conduct risk

The Group is exposed to conduct risk through its 
operations and interactions with consumers, either 

directly or through third parties (brokers, or other 
counterparties).

Controls and mitigation

The Group has policies to ensure adherence to 
conduct related regulatory standards and to promote 
continual focus on good customer outcomes. 
Appropriate policies also govern where good conduct 
is contracted to third parties, either directly or through 
distribution chains. In all cases, compliance with 
standards is appropriately monitored through the 
collection and assessment of relevant data, partner 
attestation, and onsite audits where appropriate.

General conduct principles including Consumer Policy 
and Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) principles, are well 
embedded across the Group’s activities.

Liquidity risk

Financial institutions are subject to liquidity risk as an 
inherent part of their business. Liquidity risk is the risk 
that the Group may not hold sufficient liquid funds 
meaning it would be unable to meet its contractual 
liabilities as they fall due. 

Liquidity risk arises where the Group, through its 
subsidiaries, has contractual credit obligations that 
can be placed under stress during times of illiquidity. 
Should this ever occur, the Group would access the 
capital markets. In addition, it has built a core portfolio 
of liquid assets or buffers as additional sources of 
liquidity that can be utilised during such times. 

Controls and mitigation

Overall, the Group’s liquidity profile is resistant to stress 
as the Group:

• 

• 

• 

 Has a positively matched funding profile and does 
not engage in maturity transformation. This means 
that on a cumulative mismatch position, the Group 
is forecast to be able to meet all liabilities as they 
fall due; 

 Maintains an adequate liquidity buffer; and

 Has no exposure to the interbank lending market. 

The Group’s liquidity position is monitored daily 
against internal and external agreed limits. The Group 
also has a Liquidity Contingency Policy and Liquidity 
Contingency Committee should a liquidity crisis or 
potential liquidity disruption event ever occur. 

Interest rate risk

Interest rate risk refers to the current or prospective 
risk to the Bank’s capital and earnings arising from 
adverse movements in interest rates that affect the 
Bank’s banking book positions.

Strategic report  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023  
 
 
 
 The Bank matches its deposit taking to its funding 
requirements to the greatest extent possible; 

The Group remains well placed to meet the regulatory 
challenges that bring change to the macro environment. 

21

Other regulated entities in the Group are PAL, BLX and 
MCL principally for Consumer Credit and Debt Collection.

The risk of regulatory breach arises through a failure 
to identify, assess, and apply applicable regulation; 
or a failure to adhere to the applicable regulation 
as applied.

Monitoring and complying with the requirements of 
existing regulation across numerous regulatory bodies, 
along with the rapid pace and volume of regulatory 
change is a key risk. The risk is compounded due to the 
size of the Group.

Controls and mitigation

Regulatory risks continue to be mitigated by themed 
and ad‑hoc compliance monitoring reviews which 
are driven using a risk‑based approach to ensure 
resource is directed to areas of potential material 
risk. The monitoring plan is approved annually by 
the ARCC. Monitoring reviews are supplemented by 
ongoing staff training and guidance.

Wherever possible, legislative, and regulatory 
requirements are built into relevant administration 
systems, with appropriate monitoring and exception 
reporting processes in place to monitor compliance.

The Group maintains a watching brief on the regulatory 
environment and, as active members of a number of 
IOM and UK trade bodies, it receives additional regulatory 
updates and guidance on proposed legislative and 
regulatory issues. Upstream regulatory changes are 
tracked and assessed for impact by the Compliance 
Department and material items reported to the ARCC.

Reputation risk

Reputation risk is the risk of loss resulting from 
damages to the Group’s reputation, in lost revenue or 
increased costs, or destruction of Shareholder value.

Controls and mitigation

The Group mitigates this risk by ensuring that its 
key risks are identified and managed, with an 
impact assessment of any potential or actual issues 
considering the impact to the Group’s reputation. 
The Group actively seeks to minimise the occurrence 
of events or issues which could give rise to loss or 
negative feedback, and actively manages the impact 
should issues occur. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Risk Management 
continued

The principal potential interest rate risk that the Group 
is exposed to is the risk that the Bank’s fixed interest rate 
and term profile of its deposit base differs materially from 
the fixed interest rate and term profile of its asset base. 

Controls and mitigation

 Funding profile: Interest rate risk for the Group is 
not deemed to be material currently due to the 
Bank’s positively matched funding profile. In a rising 
interest rate environment, due to the nature of the 
Group’s products and its matched funded profile, 
it should theoretically be able to change the Bank’s 
lending rate to match any corresponding change 
in its cost of funds; 

 The maturity profile of the Bank’s loan book through 
staged repayments means interest risk is difficult 
to hedge effectively so the Bank does not currently 
hedge against this risk, and is not exposed to any 
additional market interest rate risk in this respect; and

 Funding cost: The Group would be exposed to 
potential risk if the Bank’s cost of funds, which is 
linked to the cost of retail deposits, and ultimately 
the UK banks’ base rate, was to increase and it was 
unable, due to a competitive lending environment, 
to raise its lending rate correspondingly. 
The Group’s three‑year plan allows for an increase 
in its cost of funds, but the Group accepts that 
these assumptions may not reflect the timing 
of any interest rate rise or the quantum of any 
increase. 

Regulatory risk

Regulatory risk is the risk of material breach of regulation. 

The risk of regulatory breach arises through a failure to 
identify, assess, and apply applicable regulation; or a 
failure to adhere to the applicable regulation as applied.

The Group holds, via the Bank, a Class 1 (1) Banking 
Licence in the IOM and is accordingly regulated by the 
Financial Services Authority (“FSA”) and a UK deposit 
taking licence with the Prudential Regulatory Authority 
(“PRA”). The Bank also holds permissions with the UK’s 
Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) pertaining to 
regulated credit activities, and other specified regulated 
products and services in the UK.

The Bank is in the process of applying for a UK deposit 
taking licence with the Prudential Regulatory Authority.

The Group also holds, via EWA, an IOM Class 2 licence 
to conduct investment business and is licenced as 
a general insurance intermediary, both regulated by 
the FSA.

Strategic report  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Corporate Governance  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023

22
22

Corporate Governance

In this section

23 

28 

31 

34 

37 

 Corporate Governance Report

 Directors, Officers and Advisers

 Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee

 Directors’ Remuneration Report

 Directors’ Report

Corporate Governance  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023Corporate Governance Report 

23

Corporate governance report 

The Board is committed to best practice in corporate 
governance. Directors have agreed to comply with 
the provisions of the Quoted Companies Alliance 
Corporate Governance Code for Small and mid‑size  
Quoted Companies (“QCA Code”) to the extent which 
is appropriate to its nature and scale of operations. 
This report illustrates how the Group complies with 
those principles.

QCA Principle 1: Establish a strategy and 
business model which promote long-term 
value for Shareholders

The immediate strategy and business operations of 
the Group are set out in the Strategic Report.

The Group’s strategy and business model and 
amendments thereto, are developed by the Chief 
Executive Officer (“CEO”) with his senior management 
team and approved by the Board. The management 
team, led by the CEO, is responsible for implementing 
the strategy and managing the business at an 
operational level. 

The Group’s overall strategic objective is to grow 
organically and through strategic acquisitions to 
further augment the range of services it offers and 
gain market share in markets in which it has proven 
experience.

The Group has a balanced portfolio of regulated and 
unregulated operations, all of which are managed on 
a risk‑based and prudential approach. The principal 
activities include: deposit taking; lending to consumer 
and commercial markets in the IOM and the UK; the 
provision of dedicated financial advice, especially in 
the areas of pensions and general insurance; and 
foreign currency and payment services.

The Group has adopted a portfolio approach to 
its strategic assets and is not dependent on one 
particular platform technology. The Directors 
believe that this approach helps to mitigate any 
concentration risk.

The Group operates in some heavily regulated sectors, 
and this is reflected in the emphasis on compliance 
and the provision of excellent customer service.

In executing the Group’s strategy and operational 
plans, management will typically confront a range 
of day‑to‑day challenges associated with risks and 
uncertainties and will seek to deploy the identified 
mitigation steps to manage these risks as they 
manifest themselves. 

QCA Principle 2: Seek to understand and meet 
Shareholder needs and expectations

The Group, via the CEO, seeks to maintain a regular 
dialogue with both existing and potential new 
Shareholders to communicate the Group’s strategy 
and to understand the needs and expectations of 
Shareholders.

Beyond the Annual General Meeting, the CEO and, 
where appropriate, other members of the senior 
management team will meet with investors and 
analysts to provide them with updates on the Group’s 
business and to obtain feedback regarding the 
market’s expectations of the Group.

The Group’s investor relations activities encompass 
dialogue with both institutional and private investors. 
From time‑to‑time, MFG attends private investor 
events, providing an opportunity for those investors to 
meet with representatives from the Group in a more 
informal setting.

QCA Principle 3: Take into account wider 
stakeholder and social responsibilities and 
their implications for long-term success

The Group is aware of its corporate social 
responsibilities and the need to maintain effective 
working relationships across a range of stakeholder 
groups. These include not only the Group’s employees, 
partners, suppliers, regulatory authorities, but also 
customers, be they depositors, borrowers or those 
seeking financial advice. The Group’s operations 
and working methodologies take account of the 
requirement to balance the needs of all stakeholder 
groups while maintaining focus on the Board’s primary 
responsibility to promote the success of the Group for 
the benefit of its members as a whole.

• 

• 

 Customers – are at the heart of the business, and 
the Group operates with a shared vision and set of 
values. These values instil a sense of how all staff 
form a part of the customer journey. Feedback is 
encouraged at all points of contact; it is proactively 
enacted upon as it aids the identification of 
process and system enhancements; 

 Shareholders – where appropriate Shareholder 
feedback is discussed at the Board, with any 
actions agreed being tracked to completion by 
the Company Secretary. Shareholders have an 
opportunity to raise questions to the Board, in 
person, at the Annual General Meeting. In addition, 
the CEO meets with and addresses Shareholder 
concerns where appropriate;

Corporate Governance  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 202324

The senior executives meet weekly to consider new 
risks and opportunities for presentation to the Group, 
making recommendations to ARCC and or the Board 
as appropriate.

The Directors consider they are provided with all 
necessary information to assess the Company’s 
position, performance, business model and strategy.

QCA Principle 5: Maintain the board as a 
well-functioning, balanced team led by the 
chair

The Board currently comprises four Non‑executive 
Directors and four Executive Directors.

Each of the Directors are subject to election by 
Shareholders at the first Annual General Meeting after 
their appointment to the Board and will continue to 
seek re‑election at least once every three years.

Directors’ biographies are set out on page 28.

The Board is responsible to the Shareholders for the 
proper management of the Group and meets at 
least four times a year to set the overall direction 
and strategy of the Group, to review operational and 
financial performance, and to advise on management 
appointments. All key operational and investment 
decisions are subject to Board approval.

The Board considers itself to be sufficiently 
independent. The QCA Code suggests that a board 
should have at least two independent non‑executive 
directors. The Board considers three Non‑executive 
Directors, namely Alan Clarke (Chairman of the ARCC), 
Gregory Jones and John Spellman, are independent 
under the QCA Code’s guidance for determining such 
independence.

Non‑executive Directors receive their fees in the form 
of a basic cash emolument. The CEO and Finance 
Director are the only Directors who hold Restricted 
Stock Units (“RSUs”) or options over the Group’s shares. 
The number and terms are found on page 36.

The RSUs or option grant concerned are not deemed 
to be significant, either for the individual Executive 
Director or in aggregate. The current remuneration 
structure for the Board’s Non‑executive Directors is 
deemed to be proportionate.

Corporate Governance Report 
continued

• 

• 

• 

 Employees – the Group collates employee 
feedback on an annual basis, engages employees 
via workshops, with all outputs analysed and visibly 
addressed by the Executives of the operational 
subsidiaries that form the Group; with the aim 
being to build an engaged, committed and 
enthusiastic workforce; 

 Partners and suppliers – the Executive and 
Management regularly meet with our partners 
and suppliers to ensure the needs of all parties are 
understood to achieve continued excellent working 
relations; and

 Environment ‑ The Group recognises the QCA 
Code recommendations on the integration of 
ESG and alignment with a reporting framework 
across organisations. This is a fast‑moving agenda 
with the consolidation of voluntary frameworks 
and growth of international statutory reporting 
frameworks, and the Group continues to monitor 
this evolution and what it means with interest. 
Notwithstanding, integration of ESG across the 
Group is on‑going as material ESG issues are 
identified. The Bank is now into its fourth year of 
responding to ESG integration and provides the 
model that other Group subsidiaries are following.

QCA Principle 4: Embed effective risk 
management, considering both opportunities 
and threats, throughout the organisation

The Board is responsible for the systems of risk 
management and internal control and for reviewing 
their effectiveness by a series of committees, overseen 
by the ARCC, and reviewed by Internal Audit. The 
internal controls are designed to manage rather than 
eliminate risk and provide reasonable but not absolute 
assurance against material misstatement or loss. 
Through the activities of the ARCC, which meets at least 
six times per year, the effectiveness of these internal 
controls is formally reviewed four times per year.

A comprehensive budgeting process is completed 
once a year and is reviewed and approved by the 
Board. The Group’s results, and comparison to budget, 
are reported to the Board monthly.

The Group maintains appropriate insurance cover in 
respect of actions taken against the Directors because 
of their roles, as well as against material loss or claims 
against the Group. The insured values and type of 
cover are comprehensively reviewed on at least an 
annual basis.

Corporate Governance  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 202325

to address any concerns that may arise, escalating 
these to Board level as necessary.

The Group is committed to providing a safe 
environment for its staff and all other parties for 
which the Group has a legal or moral responsibility in 
this area. This is enshrined in the Group’s health and 
safety policy.

QCA Principle 9: Maintain governance 
structures and processes that are fit for 
purpose and support good decision-making 
by the board

The role of the Board 

The Board is collectively responsible for the long‑term 
success of the organisation. Its principal function is 
to determine the strategy and policies of the Group 
within an effective control framework which enables 
risk to be assessed and managed. The Governance 
Framework is reviewed to ensure it remains fit for 
purpose on an annual basis and is approved by 
the Board.

The Board ensures that the necessary financial and 
human resources are in place for the Group to meet 
its objectives and that business and management 
performances are reviewed. Furthermore, the Board 
ensures that the Group operates within its constitution, 
relevant legislation and regulation and that proper 
accounting records and effective systems of business 
control are established, maintained, documented, 
and audited. 

There are at least four formal Board meetings each 
year. All Board members have the benefit, at the 
Group’s expense, of liability insurance in respect of 
their responsibilities as Directors and have access 
to independent legal or other professional advice 
if required. The Board has a formal schedule of 
matters which are reserved for its consideration, 
and it has established three committees to consider 
specific issues in greater detail, being the ARCC, 
the Remuneration Committee and the Nomination 
Committee. The Terms of Reference for each of these 
Committees are published on the Group’s website 
www.mfg.im. 

There is a clear separation of the roles of CEO and 
Executive Chairman.

Corporate Governance Report 
continued

QCA Principle 6: Ensure that between them 
the directors have the necessary up-to-date 
experience, skills and capabilities

The Board considers that all the Non‑executive 
Directors are of sufficient competence and calibre to 
add strength and objectivity to its activities, and bring 
considerable experience in regulatory, financial and 
operational development within the financial service 
sector in both the IOM and the UK.

The Directors’ biographies are set out on page 28.

The Board regularly reviews the composition of the 
Board to ensure that it has the necessary breadth and 
depth of skills to support the ongoing development of 
the Group.

The Chairman, in conjunction with the Company 
Secretary, ensures that the Directors’ knowledge is kept 
up to date on key issues and developments pertaining 
to the Group, its operational environment and to the 
Directors’ responsibilities as members of the Board. 
During the year, Directors receive updates from the 
Company Secretary and various external advisers on 
a number of corporate governance matters.

Directors’ service contracts or appointment letters 
make provision for a Director to seek personal advice 
in furtherance of his or her duties and responsibilities, 
normally via the Company Secretary.

QCA Principle 7: Evaluate board performance 
based on clear and relevant objectives, 
seeking continuous improvement

The Board has an internal process for evaluation 
of its own performance, that of its committees and 
individual Directors, including the Chairman. This 
process is conducted annually and last took place in 
October 2023, with no substantive issues arising. 

The Board may utilise the results of the evaluation 
process when considering the adequacy of the 
composition of the Board and for succession planning.

QCA Principle 8: Promote a corporate 
culture that is based on ethical values and 
behaviours

The Board seeks to maintain the highest standards 
of integrity and probity in the conduct of the 
Group’s operations. These values are enshrined in 
the written policies and working practices adopted 
by all employees in the Group. An open culture 
is encouraged within the Group, with regular 
communications to staff regarding progress and staff 
feedback sought. The senior management team seeks 

Corporate Governance  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 202326

the External Auditor. The ARCC reviews and monitors the 
External Auditor’s objectivity, competence, effectiveness, 
and independence, ensuring that if it or its associates 
are invited to undertake non‑audit work it will not 
compromise auditor objectivity and independence.

Group Remuneration Committee (“REMCO”)

The REMCO meets at least twice a year and currently 
comprises of two Independent Non‑executive 
Directors, currently Alan Clarke (Chairman), and 
Gregory Jones, with the Executive Directors, Head of 
Human Resources and external advisers attending by 
invitation where appropriate. It is responsible, amongst 
other matters, for determining the remuneration of the 
Executive Directors, the Company Secretary, and other 
members of management. Committee members 
do not take part in discussions concerning their own 
remuneration. The Chairman and CEO determine 
Non‑executive Director fees.

Group Nomination Committee (“NOMCO”)

The NOMCO is comprised of the whole Board. It is chaired 
by the Chairman of the Board and is responsible for 
making recommendations to the Board on matters 
relating to the composition of the Board, including 
Executive and Non‑executive Director succession 
planning, the appointment of new Directors and 
re‑election of existing Directors.

Appointments to the Board 

The principal purpose of the Nomination Committee is 
to undertake the assessment of the balance of skills, 
experience, independence and knowledge on the 
Board and subsidiary boards against the requirements 
of the business, with a view to determining whether 
any shortages exist. Having completed the 
assessment, the Committee makes recommendations 
to the Board accordingly. Appointments to the Board 
are made on merit, with due regard to the benefits of 
diversity. Within this context, the paramount objective 
is the selection of the best candidate, irrespective 
of background, and it is the view of the Board that 
establishing quotas or targets for the diversity of the 
Board is not appropriate. 

All Group Director appointments must be approved by 
the Company’s Nominated Adviser, as required under 
the AIM Rules, before they are appointed to the Group 
Board. 

Corporate Governance Report 
continued

Chairman 

The Chairman is responsible for leading the Board, 
ensuring its effectiveness in all aspects of its role, 
promoting a culture of openness of debate, and 
communicating with the Group’s members on behalf 
of the Board. The Chairman sets the direction of the 
Board by facilitating the effective contribution of 
Non‑executive Directors and ensuring constructive 
relations between Executive and Non‑executive 
Directors. The Chairman also ensures that Directors 
receive accurate, timely and clear information. This 
fosters a positive corporate governance culture 
throughout the Group. 

CEO

The CEO is responsible for managing the Group’s 
business and operations within the parameters set by 
the Board. 

Non-executive Directors 

The Non‑executive Directors are responsible for 
bringing independent judgement to the discussions 
held by the Board, using their breadth of experience, 
and understanding of the business. Their key 
responsibilities are to constructively challenge and 
contribute to strategic proposals, and to monitor 
performance, resources, and standards of conduct, 
compliance, and control, whilst providing support to 
executive management in developing the Group.

Prior to appointment, Non‑executive Directors are 
required to demonstrate that they are able to allocate 
sufficient time to undertake their duties.

The Board has established an ARCC, a Remuneration 
Committee and a Nomination Committee with 
formally delegated duties and responsibilities. 

Group Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee 
(“ARCC”)

The ARCC meets at least six times each year and 
comprises of three Independent Non‑executive 
Directors, currently Alan Clarke (Chairman), Gregory 
Jones and John Spellman. Representatives from 
Compliance and Risk, the Internal and External Auditor 
and executive management attend by invitation. Its 
role is to be responsible for reviewing the integrity of the 
financial statements and the balance of information 
disclosed in the accompanying Directors’ Report, to 
review the effectiveness of internal controls and risk 
management systems, to monitor and review the 
effectiveness of the Internal Audit function and to 
consider and recommend to the Board (for approval by 
the members) the appointment or re‑appointment of 

Corporate Governance  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023Corporate Governance Report 
continued

27

Re-election 

The Group’s Rules require that all Directors are 
submitted for election at the AGM following their 
first appointment to the Board and one third of the 
Directors are subject to retirement by rotation on 
an annual basis to refresh the Board, irrespective of 
performance.

The Corporate Governance Manual also contains a 
schedule of matters specifically reserved for Board 
decision or approval and sets out the Company’s 
share dealing code and its public interest disclosure 
(“whistle‑blowing”) policy and procedures.

The results of voting on all resolutions in future 
general meetings will be posted to the Group’s 
website, including any actions to be taken because 
of resolutions for which votes against have been 
received from at least 20 per cent of independent 
Shareholders.

Approval 

This report was approved by the Board on 25 March 
2024 and signed on its behalf by:

Board and committee attendance

The number of formal scheduled Board and 
Committee meetings held and attended by Directors 
during the year was as follows: 

Jim Mellon 
Executive Chairman  
25 March 2024

Jim Mellon 

Denham Eke

Douglas Grant

James Smeed

Gregory Bailey

Alan Clarke

Gregory Jones 

John Spellman

Board

ARCC

REMCO

NOMCO

5/8

8/8

8/8

7/8

5/8

6/8

6/8

8/8

‑

‑

‑

‑

‑

8/8

5/8

8/8

‑

‑

‑

‑

‑

11/11

11/11

‑

3/3

3/3

3/3

3/3

1/3

2/3

2/3

3/3

QCA Principle 10: Communicate how the 
company is governed and is performing by 
maintaining a dialogue with Shareholders 
and other relevant stakeholders

The Group places a high priority on regular 
communications with its various stakeholder 
groups and aims to ensure that all communications 
concerning the Group’s activities are clear, fair, 
and accurate. The Group’s website is regularly 
updated, and users can register to be alerted when 
announcements or details of presentations and events 
are posted onto the website.

Notices of General Meetings of the Company can 
be found on: https://www.mfg.im/investor‑centre/
regulatory‑news.

Corporate Governance  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 202328

Directors, Officers and Advisers 

Executive Directors

Jim Mellon (67)‡
Executive Chairman

Denham Eke (72)‡
Executive Vice Chairman 

Douglas Grant (59)‡ 
Chief Executive Officer 

James Smeed (39)‡ 
Group Finance Director 

Denham Eke is the 
Managing Director of 
Burnbrae Group Limited, 
a private international 
asset management 
company. He began his 
career in stockbroking 
with Sheppards & Chase 
before moving into 
corporate planning for 
Hogg Robinson plc, a major 
multinational 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. 

Douglas Grant has over 
40 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 finance 
director of various UK 
and Isle of Man private 
sector companies and 
has extensive capital 
markets experience. He is 
a professionally qualified 
banker with an executive 
MBA.

James Smeed has over 
15 years’ financial services 
experience, having started 
his career with KPMG in audit 
and assisting in transaction 
services. He joined the 
Group in August 2012 as 
Group Head of Finance 
and was appointed to the 
Bank’s Board as Finance 
Director in 2017. He is both a 
Chartered Accountant and 
a Chartered Tax Adviser and 
Treasurer of the Isle of Man 
Bankers Association.

Jim Mellon is a well‑known 
and successful 
entrepreneur, author and 
economic commentator, 
starting his career in fund 
management and now 
includes biopharma, 
property, mining and 
information technology 
amongst his many 
investments. He holds 
directorships in a number 
of companies, both quoted 
and unquoted, including 
the chairmanship of 
Juvenescence Limited and 
being an executive director 
of Agronomics Limited. 
He, together with Burnbrae 
Group Limited, of which 
he is the beneficial owner, 
hold a 18.83% shareholding 
of Manx Financial Group 
PLC. He is the founder, 
principal shareholder and 
chairman of the Endurance 
RP Limited, quoted on the 
Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

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

Appointment
Appointed to the Board 
on 2 November 2007 and 
Executive Vice Chairman 
on 3 November 2021. 

Appointment
Appointed to the Board 
on 14 January 2010 and 
Chief Executive Officer on 
3 November 2021.

Appointment
Appointed to the Board as 
Group Finance Director on 
3 November 2021.

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

Corporate Governance  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 202329

Directors, Officers and Advisers 
continued

Non-executive Directors 

Alan Clarke (73)‡†* 
Independent  
Non-executive Director 

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 specialises 
in corporate finance and 
strategic consultancy, 
advising a variety of 
both listed and private 
companies. He holds 
several non‑executive 
directorships and is a 
past President of ICAEW 
Manchester.

Appointment
Appointed to the Board 
on 2 November 2007. He is 
Chairman of the Audit, 
Risk and Compliance 
Committee and Chairman 
of the Remuneration 
Committee. 

Gregory Bailey (68)‡ 
Non-executive Director 

John Spellman (57)‡* 
Independent 
Non-executive Director

Gregory Jones (65)‡†* 
Independent  
Non-executive Director 

Gregory Jones was called 
to the UK Bar in 1982 and 
subsequently joined KPMG 
Isle of Man where he spent 
29 years before retiring in 
October 2019 as Head of 
Tax. He currently provides 
tax advice for a leading 
Isle of Man based firm of 
advocates and is a director 
of a local Corporate 
Service Provider. He is a 
member of the Chartered 
Institute of Taxation.

Gregory Bailey, founded 
Palantir Group Inc 
which made successful 
investments in bio‑tech 
company start‑ups 
and financings, and is 
co‑founder and currently 
executive chairman 
of Juvenescence Ltd, 
non‑executive director 
of Portage Biotech Inc, 
a NASDAQ‑traded drug 
development company 
and non‑executive director 
of NYSE traded Biohaven 
Ltd. He is also founder 
and chairman of Chelsea 
Avondale, a property and 
casualty insurance and 
founder and chairman of 
Culminant Reinsurance. 
Along with comprehensive 
experience in finance and 
healthcare, he has served 
on many public company 
boards and brings to 
the Group an extensive 
involvement in corporate 
governance. 

John Spellman is both 
a qualified accountant 
and banker. He spent his 
early years in banking, 
fund management and 
accountancy, specialising 
in the various parts of the 
offshore industry before 
being appointed managing 
director of Clerical Medical 
Offshore. He transferred to 
the UK as chief operating 
officer within Clerical 
Medical Financial Services 
before being appointed 
managing director of HBoS 
Financial Services. He has 
worked with and created 
a number of successful 
businesses and has wide 
experience liaising with 
government regulators. He 
has held approved status 
with the Isle of Man FSA in 
various roles and has acted 
as strategic advisor to the 
Isle of Man government, 
specialising in finance and 
foreign direct investment for 
over 11 years. 

Appointment
Appointed to the Board on 
7 February 2018.

Appointment
Appointed to the Board on 
4 May 2020. He is Chairman 
of Conister Bank Limited.

Appointment
Appointed to the Board 
3 November 2021.

Corporate Governance  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 202330

Directors, Officers and Advisers 
continued

Company Secretary 

Advisers

Registered Office

Registered Agent

Legal Advisers

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

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

As to Isle of Man law
Long & Co Limited
Eyreton, Quarterbridge Road
Douglas, IM2 3RF

As to English law
Hill Dickinson LLP
The Broadgate Tower, 20 Primrose Street
London EC21 2EW

Independent Auditor

Principal Banker

Consulting Actuaries

Nominated Advisor and 
Broker

KPMG Audit LLC
Heritage Court, 41 Athol Street
Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 1LA

National Westminster Bank plc
250 Bishopsgate
London EC2M 4AA

Boal & Co Ltd
Marquis House
Isle of Man Business Park
Douglas
Isle of Man IM2 2QZ

Beaumont Cornish 
Building 3
Chiswick Park
566 Chiswick High Road
London W4 5YA

Registrar

Computershare Investor Services (Jersey) Limited
13 Castle Street, St Helier, Jersey JE1 1ES

Presentation of Annual  
Report and Accounts

Presented here are 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 its website. The address of the website 
is www.mfg.im which includes investor relations 
information and contact details.

Lesley Crossley (56)
Company Secretary

Lesley Crossley is a 
Fellow of The Chartered 
Governance Institute (UK & 
Ireland) and an Associate 
of the Chartered Insurance 
Institute. Lesley has over 
35 years of wide‑ranging 
experience in the financial 
services industry both in 
the UK and the Isle of Man 
and has held the position 
of Company Secretary 
with a number of Isle of 
Man, UK and international 
companies.

Appointment
Re‑appointed as the 
Company Secretary on 
2 September 2019 after 
re‑joining the Group. 
She also held the position 
from September 2008 to 
June 2018.

Corporate Governance  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 202331

Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee 

Dear Shareholders

Execution of functions

I am pleased to set out below an account of the 
ARCC’s role and activities during 2023 and up to the 
date of publication of this Annual Report. 

Membership

Members of the ARCC are appointed by the Board, on 
the recommendation of the Nomination Committee, 
in consultation with the Chairman of the Committee. 
The Committee shall be made up of at least 2 members. 
All members of the Committee shall be Non‑executive 
Directors and at least one of whom shall have recent 
and relevant financial experience with a professional 
qualification from one of the professional accountancy 
bodies. The Chairman of the Board shall not be a 
member of the Committee. 

Appointments to the Committee shall be for a period 
of up to 3‑years, which may be extended by the 
Board for a further 3‑year period (or, in exceptional 
circumstances, two further 3‑year periods), provided 
the Director remains independent. The Board may 
approve annual extensions to any Director who has 
served 3 consecutive terms.

The Board shall appoint the Chairman of the Committee 
who shall be a Non‑executive Director. In the absence of 
the Chairman of the Committee and / or an appointed 
deputy, the remaining members present shall elect one 
of themselves to chair the meeting.

The Committee shall meet at least six times a year. 
Of these, two will be held to review the annual and 
interim financial statements. Outside of the formal 
meeting programme, the Chairman of the Committee 
will maintain a dialogue with key individuals involved in 
the Company’s governance.

Members

Appointed 

Alan Clarke (Chairman)

2 February 2008

Gregory Jones

John Spellman

3 November 2021

4 May 2020

Number of 
meetings
attended

8/8

5/8

8/8

Only members of the Committee have the right to attend 
Committee meetings. However other individuals may be 
invited by the Chairman of the Committee to attend all or 
part of any meeting as and when appropriate. 

The ARCC holds separate meetings with Internal Audit, Risk 
and Compliance and our External Auditor, KPMG Audit LLC.

The Chairman of the Board, the Executive Directors 
and management may be invited to meetings of the 
ARCC but are excluded from the separate meetings 
held between the ARCC and the External Auditor.

The ARCC has executed its duties and responsibilities 
during the year in accordance with its terms of 
reference as it relates to auditor independence, 
assisting the Board in its evaluation of its control 
environment and internal controls including 
information systems and accounting practices.

Due to its adoption of the QCA Corporate Governance 
standard, the Committee reassessed the adequacy of 
its terms of reference and its function bearing in mind 
the requirements of this standard.

During the year under review, the Committee 
considered among other matters, the following:

Financial reporting and annual financial 
statements:

• 

 Considered the annual financial statements 
with the External Auditor, Executive Directors and 
management and reviewed the appropriateness of 
significant judgements, estimates and accounting 
policies;

• 

 Reviewed and recommended to the Board for 
adoption:

– 

 Unaudited condensed interim results for the 
period‑ended 30 June 2023;

– 

 The Bank’s ICAAP for 2022;

– 

 Audited MFG PLC Group and subsidiary annual 
financial statements for the year‑ended 
31 December 2023; and

• 

 Discussed any significant and unusual accounting 
matters including key audit matters identified by 
the External Auditor.

External audit:

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Monitored and assessed the independence of the 
External Auditor based on reports received and 
inquiries made into work performed;

 Determined the nature and extent of non‑audit 
services performed by the External Auditor;

 Reviewed and assessed the significance of 
non‑audit fees compared to audit fees;

 Reviewed and agreed the external audit plan in 
advance for the year‑end audit which set out the 
scope of audit, significant risks, areas of audit focus 
and audit timetable;

• 

 Tendering process as part of the external audit 
process;

Corporate Governance  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 
 
 
Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee 
continued

32

• 

• 

 Received a presentation from the External Auditor 
on the findings from their execution of the audit 
plan; and

• 

• 

 Satisfied itself as to the experience and 
independence of the engagement partner.

 Recommended a revision of the Risk and 
Compliance policies for Board approval; and

 Recommended a revision of the Internal Capital 
Adequacy Assessment Process for Board approval.

Internal audit:

• 

• 

• 

 Reviewed and approved the Internal Audit plan;

 Reviewed Internal Audit’s findings including the 
design and operating effectiveness of the internal 
control environment and control activities; and 

 Reviewed Internal Audit’s findings on the adequacy 
and reliability of management information.

Risk and compliance:

• 

• 

 Assessed the effectiveness of the Group Risk and 
Compliance function;

 Reviewed the Group Risk and Compliance 
department findings on the effectiveness of the 
Group’s regulatory controls;

External Auditor’s independence 

KPMG Audit LLC has been the Group’s external auditor 
since 2007.

Consideration was given to the non‑audit work 
performed by the External Auditor. The ratio of 
non‑audit fees to audit fees for the year was 0.05 
to 1 (2022: 0.03 to 1). Non‑audit services related to 
tax advisory services. Services were performed by a 
separate team to the audit team to safeguard against 
the self‑review threat to independence.

The ARCC obtained assurance from the External 
Auditor that internal governance processes within 
KPMG Audit LLC support and demonstrate its claim of 
independence. This assurance was provided through 
the receipt of an ISA (UK) 260 letter.

The ARCC is satisfied with the independence of KPMG 
Audit LLC and is recommending that KPMG Audit LLC 
be reappointed as the Group’s auditor at the 2024 
Annual General Meeting.

Key accounting matters

The ARCC considered key accounting matters in relation to the Group’s financial statements and disclosures. The 
primary areas in relation to 2023 and how they were addressed are detailed below:

Key accounting matter

ARCC response

Loan impairment – wholesale funding and individual finance agreements

The ARCC satisfied itself that the internal control 
environment and control activities are appropriately 
designed and implemented. This was supported by review 
of Internal and External Audit reports and findings.

The ARCC reviewed reports from management on the 
application of IFRS 9 requirements and key changes to 
internal processes and controls. The ARCC reviewed the 
key assumptions used by management such as Loss Given 
Default, Loss Rates, Probability of Default on a quarterly 
basis.

The entity is required by the financial reporting framework 
to calculate impairment using the expected credit loss 
model. Impairment is measured on an instrument‑by‑
instrument basis except where instruments are grouped, 
for impairment to be measured on a collective basis 
under the expected credit loss model. 

Loan impairment provisions reflect estimates of the 
amount and timing of future recoveries which require 
an assessment of matters such as future economic 
conditions and the value of collateral. Estimates, by their 
nature, give rise to a higher risk of material misstatement 
due to error or fraud. 

The effect of these matters is that, as part of the External 
Auditor’s risk assessment, they determined that the 
impairment provision has a high degree of estimation 
uncertainty, with a potential range of reasonable outcomes 
greater than their materiality for the financial statements as 
a whole, and possibly many times that amount.

Corporate Governance  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 202333

Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee 
continued

Key accounting matter

ARCC response

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

Goodwill and intangible assets are significant and the 
estimated recoverable amount of these balances is 
subjective due to the inherent uncertainty involved in 
forecasting and discounting future cash flows for the 
goodwill impairment test and in performing a review for 
indicators of impairment for intangible assets.

The effect of these matters is that, as part of the External 
Auditor’s risk assessment, they have determined that the 
value in use of goodwill has a high degree of estimation 
uncertainty, with a potential range of reasonable 
outcomes greater than their materiality for the financial 
statements as a whole.

The ARCC satisfied itself that the internal control 
environment and control activities are appropriately 
designed and implemented. This was supported by review 
of Internal and External Audit reports and findings.

The ARCC reviewed management’s assessment of Goodwill 
and Intangible Asset impairment and concluded that the 
recoverable amount is appropriate. (See note 34).

Recoverability of Parent Company’s subordinated loans to and investment in subsidiaries

The carrying value of the  Parent Company’s investment 
in subsidiaries and loans and amounts due from Group 
undertakings represents 97.0% (2022: 94.0%) of the Parent 
Company’s total assets. 

The ARCC is satisfied that the going concern assessment 
over the Group provides sufficient assurance over the 
recoverability of the Company’s subordinated loans and 
investment in subsidiaries.

The assessment of carrying value is not at a high risk 
of significant misstatement or subject to significant 
judgement as the carrying value is supported by the 
audited net asset value of the subsidiaries.

However, due to its materiality in the context of the MFG 
financial statements, the External Auditor considered this 
to be the area that had the greatest effect on their audit 
of the Company.

The ARCC has complied with and discharged its responsibilities as set out in its Terms of Reference.

Alan Clarke
Chairman 
25 March 2024

Corporate Governance  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023Directors’ Remuneration Report

34

Dear Shareholders

Areas of focus for 2023

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report for the year ended 
31 December 2023.

Membership

Members of the Remuneration Committee (“REMCO”) 
are appointed by the Board, on the recommendation 
of the Nomination Committee in consultation with the 
Chairman of the Committee. The Committee shall 
be made up of at least 2 members. All members of 
the Committee shall be Non‑executive Directors. The 
Chairman of the Board shall not be a member of the 
Committee.

Appointments to the Committee shall be for a period 
of up to 3‑years, which may be extended by the 
Board for a further 3‑year period (or, in exceptional 
circumstances, two further 3‑year periods), provided 
the Director remains independent. The Board may 
approve annual extensions to any Director who has 
served 3 consecutive terms.

The Board shall appoint the Chairman of the 
Committee who shall be a Non‑executive Director. 
In the absence of the Chairman of the Committee 
and / or an appointed deputy, the remaining 
members present shall elect one of themselves to 
chair the meeting.

The Committee shall meet at least twice a year and at 
such other times as the Chairman of the Committee 
shall require.

Membership

Appointed

Alan Clarke (Chairman)

13 February 2009

Greg Jones

8 November 2021

Number of 
meetings 
attended

11/11

11/11

Only members of the Committee have the right 
to attend Committee meetings. However, other 
individuals may be invited by the Chairman of the 
Committee to attend all or part of any meeting as and 
when appropriate.

During the year, the Committee considered the 
following:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Reviewed the overall pay of Executive Directors;

 Reviewed the non‑contractual discretionary annual 
performance related pay scheme for Group staff; 

 Reviewed and approved the provision of RSUs to 
Group staff;

 Reviewed and approved all new Group staff 
appointments where gross basic salary exceeded 
£75,000 (increased from £50,000 in May 2022); and

 Reviewed and approved all changes to terms 
and conditions of staff where gross basic salary 
exceeded £75,000 (increased from £50,000 in 
May 2022).

Remuneration policy

The Group’s Remuneration Policy reflects the Group’s 
business strategy and objectives as well as sustained 
and long‑term value creation for Shareholders. 
In addition, the policy aims to be fair and provide 
equality of opportunity, ensuring that: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 the Group is able to attract, develop and retain 
high‑performing and motivated employees in the 
competitive local IOM and wider UK markets;

 employees are offered a competitive remuneration 
package to encourage enhanced performance 
and are, in a fair and responsible manner, 
rewarded for their individual contribution to the 
success of the Group;

 it reflects the Group’s culture and values; and 

 there is full transparency of the Group’s 
Remuneration Policy.

In line with the Board’s approach, which reflects that 
adopted within other comparable organisations, the 
Group’s Remuneration Policy provides for the reward of 
Executive Directors through salaries and other benefits. 

Corporate Governance  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023Directors’ Remuneration Report 
continued

35

Executive Directors’ Emoluments

The remuneration for Executive Directors reflects their 
responsibilities. It comprises basic salary, performance 
related bonus when this is considered appropriate, 
and various benefits detailed below. 

As with staff generally, whose salaries are subject to 
annual reviews, basic salaries payable to Executive 
Directors are reviewed each year with reference to 
jobs carrying similar responsibilities in comparable 
financial organisations, market conditions generally 
and local employment competition in view of the 
Group’s geographical position. 

The Group operates a non‑contractual discretionary 
annual performance related pay scheme based 
on the trading performance of the Group and the 
individual employee’s performance assessed for the 
period under review in a manner which promotes 
sound risk management and does not promote 
excessive risk taking. 

The non‑contractual discretionary annual 
performance related pay scheme may be paid in 
one year but that does not confer any entitlement in 
future years. 

Performance assessments are conducted annually to 
determine the performance rating of each employee’s 
achievements against a mix of targets set and 
agreed at the beginning of each year between the 
employee and their manager. No incentives are paid 
to employees or executives where the performance 
rating reflects below an agreed expected level for the 
role employed.

The non‑contractual discretionary annual 
performance related pay scheme may be disbursed 
as a cash payment through payroll, share based 
instruments including RSUs and / or options. An 
element of deferment to align the interests of the 
employee to the longer term performance of the 
Group may also be included.

EAL’s Financial Advisors are salaried and commission 
is calculated on a pre‑agreed percentage over 
target which is typically set at between 2 to 3 times 
annual gross salary depending on the size of the 

Financial Advisor’s client base and their historical 
performance. Each Financial Advisor is set objectives 
at the beginning of the year including a 100% pass 
in all compliance requirements. Where indemnified 
commission is paid and the underlying client policy 
lapses and the commission is clawed back then this is 
reviewed by an Executive Director in order to monitor 
trends and is then clawed back from the relevant 
Financial Advisor.

Where the Group operates contractually guaranteed 
performance related pay, the contractual conditions 
must be approved by the REMCO. 

Executive Directors’ contractual terms

In keeping with current recommended practice, the 
standard term for Executive Director appointments, 
which have a contractual notice period, is 6 months. 

Non-executive Directors’ remuneration

Non‑executive Directors do not receive any benefits 
other than their fees and travelling expenses for which 
they are reimbursed. The level of fees payable to 
Non‑executive Directors is assessed using benchmarks 
from a group of comparable financial organisations. 

The procedure for determining Director 
remuneration

The REMCO, comprising two Non‑executive Directors, 
is responsible for setting the remuneration of the 
Executive Directors. Committee members do not take 
part in discussions concerning their own remuneration. 
The basic Non‑executive Director fee is set by the 
Group Chairman and CEO. The Chairman of the 
Committee reports at the Board meeting following a 
committee meeting.

Implementation report

It is the view of the Committee that Directors’ 
remuneration awarded across the Group for the year 
has been in accordance with the Group’s stated 
Remuneration Policy and, on behalf of the Committee 
I recommend that you endorse this Group report. 
An analysis of Directors’ emoluments is as follows:

Corporate Governance  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023Directors’ Remuneration Report 
continued

Directors’ emoluments

Executives

Jim Mellon

Denham Eke

Douglas Grant

James Smeed

Non-executives

Gregory Bailey

Alan Clarke

Gregory Jones 

John Spellman

Remuneration/
Fees
£

Performance 
Related Pay
£

53,725

64,470

282,208

168,468

568,871

59,496

54,708

53,600

91,400

259,204

–

–

75,000

23,500

98,500

–

–

–

–

–

Pension
£

–

–

28,221

16,771

44,992

–

–

–

–

–

2023
Total
£

53,725

64,470

385,429

208,739

712,363

59,496

54,708

53,600

91,400

259,204

36

2022
Total
£

50,000

60,000

327,393

187,813

625,206

25,000

45,000

25,000

76,675

171,675

Aggregate emoluments

828,075

98,500

44,992

971,567

796,881

Approval

This report was approved by the Board of Directors on 25 March 2024 and signed on its behalf by: 

Alan Clarke
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 
25 March 2024

Corporate Governance  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 202337

its future capital and liquidity requirements. Based 
on these factors, management has a reasonable 
expectation that the Group has and will continue to 
have adequate resources to continue in operational 
existence for a period of at least 12 months from 
approval of the financial statements.

Accordingly, the Directors continue to adopt the going 
concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Share capital

The authorised and issued share capital of the Company 
are set out in note 29 to the financial statements. 

Significant shareholdings

The number of shares held and the percentage of the 
issued shares which that number represented as of 
6 March 2024 are:

Lynchwood Nominees Limited1

Jim Mellon2

Gregory Bailey3

Vidacos Nominees Limited

Interactive Investor Services 
Nominees Limited 

Island Farms Limited

Rock Nominees Limited

Number

23,316,734

21,748,214

18,022,674

7,082,252

4,589,894

4,425,644

3,965,003

% of 
issued capital

20.07

18.72

15.51

6.10

3.95

3.81

3.41

Directors and Directors’ share interests

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

Number
06/03/24

Number
31/12/23

Number
31/12/22

Jim Mellon2

21,748,214

21,748,214

21,669,314

Gregory Bailey

18,022,674

18,022,674

17,957,290

Douglas Grant

1,243,129

1,243,129

Alan Clarke

55,994

55,994

533,951

55,048

1 

2 

 Lynchwood Nominees Limited holds 17,039,623 Ordinary Shares 
in trust for Aeternitas Imperium Privatstiftung.

 Burnbrae Limited holds 19,420,232 Ordinary Shares. Burnbrae 
Limited is 100% beneficially owned by Jim Mellon. Denham Eke, 
Executive Vice‑Chairman of MFG is also a director of Burnbrae 
Limited. Vidacos Nominees Limited also holds 2,327,982 Ordinary 
Shares in trust for Jim Mellon.

3 

 Vidacos Nominees Limited holds 18,022,674 Ordinary Shares in 
trust for Gregory Bailey.

Directors’ Report

The Directors present their annual report and the 
audited financial statements for the year ended 
31 December 2023.

Principal regulated activities

The principal activities of the Group are the provision 
of asset and personal finance, investing activities, 
foreign exchange brokerage services and wealth 
management.

The Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, 
holds an IOM Class 1(1) deposit taking licence and 
UK deposit taking licence. Deposits made with the 
Bank are covered by the Isle of Man Depositors’ 
Compensation Scheme contained in the Banking 
Business (Compensation of Depositors) Regulations 
1991 and the UK FSCS. 

The Bank and CFL are authorised by the FCA to 
conduct brokerage services.

EAL is authorised by the FSA under section 7 of the 
Financial Services Act 2008 to conduct investment 
business as a Class 2, sub‑classes (3), (6) and (7) 
licence holder. 

Results and dividends

The Group profit before tax for the year was £7,043,000 
(2022: £5,211,000).

On 30 May 2023, MFG declared a dividend of £433,000 
(2022: £279,200) which could either be taken up in 
cash or new ordinary shares. 418,948 new shares 
(2022: 781,349 new shares) were admitted to the 
Alternative Investment Market (“AIM”) at 21,8974 pence 
per share (2022: 8.0205 pence per share), at a total 
cost of £91,000 (2022: £62,000). 

On 30 November 2023, Douglas Grant, Chief Executive 
Officer, exercised options over 700,000 ordinary 
shares of no par value (“New Ordinary Shares”) in 
the Company (the “Options”), at an exercise price of 
14 pence per New Ordinary Share, for an aggregate 
consideration of £98,000 (2022: £nil).

The proposed transfers to and from reserves are as set 
out in the Statement of Changes in Equity on page 55. 

Going Concern

The Group has recognised a profit for the year after 
taxation of £6,140,000 (2022: £4,674,000). As at the 
year ended 31 December 2023, the Bank had a total 
capital ratio of 15.90% (2022: 15.10%) which exceeded the 
regulatory minimum requirement of 15.29% (2022: 14.0%). 
The Group has also considered its Internal Capital 
Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP) to assess 

Corporate Governance  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 202338

Directors’ Report 
continued

The number of share options or RSUs held by the 
current Directors is as follows: 

Number
06/03/24

Number
31/12/23

Number
31/12/22

Douglas Grant

1,925,000

1,925,000

1,075,000

James Smeed

475,000

475,000

175,000

Directors’ liability insurance

The Group maintains insurance cover for Directors’ 
potential liability.

Fixed and intangible assets

The movement in fixed and intangible assets during 
the year are set out in notes 22 and 23 respectively to 
the financial statements. 

Staff

At 31 December 2023, there were 193 members of staff 
(2022: 168), of whom 16 were part‑time (2022: 13).

Investment in subsidiaries

Investments in the Company’s subsidiaries are 
disclosed in note 31 to the financial statements. 

Auditor

KPMG Audit LLC, being eligible, has expressed its 
willingness to continue in office. 

On behalf of the Board

J Mellon
Executive Chairman 
25 March 2024

Corporate Governance  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023Financial Statements | Manx Financial Group PLC | Annual Financial Statements 2023 

39

Financial Statements

In this section

40 

41 

50 

52 

53 

54 

55 

56 

58 

59 

 Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities

 Independent Auditor’s Report

 Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and 
Other Comprehensive Income

 Company Statement of Profit or Loss and Other 
Comprehensive Income

 Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

 Company Statement of Financial Position

 Consolidated and Company Statements of 
Changes in Equity

 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

 Company Statement of Cash Flows

 Notes to the Consolidated and Company 
Financial Statements

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities

40

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual 
Report and the Group and Parent Company financial 
statements in accordance with applicable law and 
regulations. 

• 

 use the going concern basis of accounting unless 
they either intend to liquidate the Group or the 
Parent Company or to cease operations or have no 
realistic alternative but to do so. 

Company law requires the Directors to prepare Group 
and Parent Company financial statements for each 
financial year. Under the AIM Rules of the London Stock 
Exchange they are required to prepare the Group 
financial statements in accordance with UK-adopted 
international accounting standards and applicable 
law and they have elected to prepare the Parent 
Company financial statements on the same basis.

Under company law the Directors must not approve 
the financial statements unless they are satisfied that 
they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of 
the Group and Parent Company and of the Group’s 
profit or loss for that period. In preparing each of the 
Group and Parent Company financial statements, the 
Directors are required to: 

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate 
accounting records that are sufficient to show and 
explain the Parent Company’s transactions and 
disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the Parent Company and enable 
them to ensure that its financial statements comply 
with the Isle of Man Companies Act 2006. 

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

• 

• 

• 

• 

 select suitable accounting policies and then apply 
them consistently; 

 make judgements and estimates that are 
reasonable, relevant and relevant and reliable;   

Under applicable law and regulations, the Directors 
are also responsible for preparing a Strategic Report 
and a Directors’ Report that complies with that law 
and those regulations.

 state whether they have been prepared in 
accordance with UK-adopted international 
accounting standards; 

 assess the Group and Parent Company’s ability 
to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as 
applicable, matters related to going concern; and 

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and 
integrity of the corporate and financial information 
included on the Company’s website. Legislation in 
the UK governing the preparation and dissemination 
of financial statements may differ from legislation in 
other jurisdictions.

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 202341

Independent Auditor’s Report, to the Members 
of Manx Financial Group plc

Our opinion is unmodified

Basis for opinion

We have audited the consolidated financial 
statements and company financial statements of 
Manx Financial Group PLC (the “Company”) and its 
subsidiaries (together, the “Group”), which comprise 
the consolidated and company statement of financial 
position as at 31 December 2023, the consolidated 
and company statements of profit or loss and other 
comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash 
flows for the year then ended, and notes, comprising 
material accounting policies and other explanatory 
information.

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated 
financial statements and company financial 
statements:

• 

• 

• 

 give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s 
and of the Company’s affairs as at 31 December 
2023 and of the Group’s and of the Company’s 
profit for the year then ended;

 have been properly prepared in accordance with 
UK-adopted international accounting standards; 
and

 have been properly prepared in accordance with 
the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

We conducted our audit in accordance with 
International Standards on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs (UK)”) 
and applicable law. Our responsibilities are described 
below. We have fulfilled our ethical responsibilities under, 
and are independent of the Company and Group in 
accordance with, UK ethical requirements including the 
FRC Ethical Standard as applied to listed entities. We 
believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is a 
sufficient and appropriate basis for our opinion.

Key audit matters: our assessment of the risks 
of material misstatement

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our 
professional judgment, were of most significance in 
the audit of the consolidated financial statements and 
company financial statements and include the most 
significant assessed risks of material misstatement 
(whether or not due to fraud) identified by us, including 
those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit 
strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and 
directing the efforts of the engagement team. These 
matters were addressed in the context of our audit of 
the consolidated financial statements and company 
financial statements as a whole, and in forming our 
opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate 
opinion on these matters. In arriving at our audit opinion 
above, the key audit matters were as follows:

Key audit matter

The risk 

Our response

Impairment of loans and advances 
to customers - wholesale funding
Loans and advances to customers - 
being wholesale funding arrangements, 
block discounting facilities and vehicle 
stocking plan agreements included 
in note 20 for loans and advances to 
customers.

£70,996,000; (2022: £79,116,000)

Impairment provision £nil; (2022: £nil)

Expense for the year £nil; (2022: £nil)

Refer to page 32 of the Audit, Risk 
and Compliance Committee Report 
(“ARCC”), note 4 (Use of Judgements 
and Estimates - Assumptions and 
Estimation Uncertainties), note 7(A) 
(Credit Risk), note 13 (Impairment on 
Loans and Advances to Customers), 
note 20 (Loans and Advances to 
customers), note 42(B) (Financial 
Risk Management - Credit Risk) and 
note 44(G)(vi) (Accounting Policy for 
Impairment of Financial Instruments).

Basis:
The entity is required by the financial 
reporting framework to calculate 
impairment using the expected credit 
loss model. Impairment is measured 
on an instrument by instrument basis 
except where instruments are grouped, 
for impairment to be measured on a 
collective basis under the expected 
credit loss model.

Wholesale Funding comprises 
Block Finance, Wholesale Funding 
Agreements and Stocking Plans. These 
books comprise individually significant 
loan balances and are in the nature of 
a secured business loan. The security is 
principally an underlying pool of loans.

Loan impairment provisions reflect 
estimates of the amount and timing 
of future recoveries which require an 
assessment of matters such as future 
economic conditions and the value of 
collateral.

Our audit procedures included:

Internal Controls:
Understood the design and 
implementation of controls in respect 
of the origination and monitoring of 
wholesale funding loans, including 
borrower due diligence.

Understood the design and 
implementation of controls in respect 
of the Group’s loan impairment 
process such as the timely recognition 
of impairment provisions, the 
completeness and accuracy of reports 
used in the loan impairment process 
and management review processes 
over the calculation of collective and 
specific provisions.

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 42

Independent Auditor’s Report, to the Members of Manx Financial Group plc 
continued

Key audit matter

The risk 

Our response

Risk:
Estimates, by their nature, give rise to 
a higher risk of material misstatement 
due to error or fraud.

The effect of these matters is that, 
as part of our risk assessment, we 
determined that the impairment 
provision has a high degree of 
estimation uncertainty, including 
increased uncertainty from the 
residual economic impacts of COVID19 
as well as the increased financially 
volatile environment caused by 
inflation and interest rate pressure, 
with a potential range of reasonable 
outcomes greater than our materiality 
for the financial statements as a 
whole, and possibly many times that 
amount.

Use of KPMG Specialists:
We involved KPMG specialists to 
examine the methodology and 
assumptions of the Group’s expected 
credit loss model and its compliance 
with the requirements of accounting 
standards. This included examining 
the macro-economic variables and 
scenarios used in the determination of 
the expected credit loss provisions. 

Challenging managements’ 
assumptions and inputs:
We agreed the specific provisions 
included in the financial statements 
to the Group’s provisioning schedule 
and vouched that this schedule was 
correctly extracted from the loans 
and advances system, including the 
arrears information.

We tested all specific provisions. 
This included challenging Group’s 
assessment of the specific provision, 
taking account of such factors as: 
amount of arrears; compliance with 
covenant requirements, evaluating 
collateral, financial standing of 
the business – by inspecting latest 
available accounts and status and 
value of underlying security – by 
inspecting a sample of security 
documentation.

Assessing observable inputs:
We challenged the inputs used in 
collective impairment models by 
comparison to default and recovery 
experience across each of the loan 
finance categories.

Assessing disclosures:
We assessed the adequacy of the 
Group’s disclosures about the degree 
of estimation uncertainty involved 
at arriving at the provisions in 
accordance with the relevant financial 
reporting framework and specific 
circumstances of the Group.

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 202343

Independent Auditor’s Report, to the Members of Manx Financial Group plc 
continued

Key audit matter

The risk 

Our response

Impairment of loans and advances 
to customers - individual finance 
agreements
Loans and advances to customers 
- being loan facilities other for 
wholesale funding included in note 20 
for loans and advances to customers.

£291,657,000; (2022: £210,191,000)

Impairment provision £19,615,000; 
(2022: £16,177,000)

Expense for the year £4,135,000; (2022: 
3,990,000)

Refer to page 32 of the ARCC 
Report, note 4 (Use of Judgements 
and Estimates - Assumptions and 
Estimation Uncertainties), note 7(A) 
(Credit Risk), note 13 (Impairment on 
Loans and Advances to Customers), 
note 20 (Loans and Advances to 
customers), note 42(B) (Financial 
Risk Management - Credit Risk) and 
note 44(G)(vi) (Accounting Policy for 
Impairment of Financial Instruments).

Basis:
The entity is required by the financial 
reporting framework to calculate 
impairment using the expected credit 
loss model. Impairment is measured 
on an instrument by instrument 
basis except where instruments 
are grouped, for impairment to be 
measured on a collective basis under 
the expected credit loss model.

Individual finance agreements include 
hire purchase finance leases and 
unsecured loans to individuals and 
companies. Any security is typically 
the specific assets financed.

Loan impairment provisions reflect 
estimates of the amount and timing 
of future recoveries which require an 
assessment of matters such as future 
economic conditions and the value of 
collateral.

Risk:
Estimates, by their nature, give rise to 
a higher risk of material misstatement 
due to error or fraud.

The effect of these matters is that, 
as part of our risk assessment, we 
determined that the impairment 
provision has a high degree of 
estimation uncertainty, including 
increased uncertainty from the 
residual economic impacts of COVID19 
as well as the increased financially 
volatile environment caused by 
inflation and interest rate pressure, 
with a potential range of reasonable 
outcomes greater than our materiality 
for the financial statements as a 
whole, and possibly many times that 
amount.

Our audit procedures included:

Internal Controls:
Understood the design and 
implementation of controls in respect 
of the origination and approval 
of loans, including borrower due 
diligence.

Understood the design and 
implementation of controls in respect 
of the Group’s loan impairment 
process such as the timely recognition 
of impairment provisions, the 
completeness and accuracy of 
reports used in the loan impairment 
process and management review 
processes over the calculation of 
collective and specific provisions.

Use of KPMG Specialists:
We involved KPMG specialists to 
examine the methodology and 
assumptions of the Group’s expected 
credit loss model and its compliance 
with the requirements of accounting 
standards. This included examining 
the macro-economic variables and 
scenarios used in the determination of 
the expected credit loss provisions.

Challenging managements’ 
assumptions and inputs:
We agreed the specific provisions 
included in the financial statements 
to Group’s provisioning schedule 
and vouched that this schedule was 
correctly extracted from the loans 
and advances system, including the 
arrears information.

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 44

Independent Auditor’s Report, to the Members of Manx Financial Group plc 
continued

Key audit matter

The risk 

Our response

We tested a sample of specific 
provisions. This included challenging 
management’s assessment of the 
specific provision, taking into account 
such factors as: the number of 
repayments in arrears; the known 
whereabouts of the borrower and 
of the assets under finance; and the 
amounts received under agreed 
repayment plans, where scheduled 
repayments under the original 
agreement are no longer being met.

Assessing observable inputs:
We challenged the inputs used in 
collective impairment models by 
comparison to default and recovery 
experience across each of the loan 
finance categories.

Assessing disclosures:
We assessed the adequacy of the 
Group’s disclosures about the degree 
of estimation uncertainty involved 
at arriving at the provisions in 
accordance with the relevant financial 
reporting framework and specific 
circumstances of the Group

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 202345

Independent Auditor’s Report, to the Members of Manx Financial Group plc 
continued

Key audit matter

The risk 

Our response

Impairment of goodwill and 
intangible assets
Goodwill 
£10,576,000; (2022: £10,576,000)

Intangible assets 
£4,268,000; (2022: £2,703,000)

Impairment loss on goodwill 
£nil; (2022: £200,000)

Refer to page 33 of the ARCC 
Report, note 4 (Use of Judgements 
and Estimates - Assumptions and 
Estimation Uncertainties), note 23 
(Intangible Assets), note 34 (Goodwill), 
44(A) (Basis for Consolidation of 
Subsidiaries and Separate Financial 
Statements of the Parent Company), 
note 44(K) (Intangible Assets and 
Goodwill) and note 44(L) (Impairment 
of Non-Financial Assets).

Basis:
Goodwill and intangible assets 
are significant and the estimated 
recoverable amount of these 
balances is subjective due to 
the inherent uncertainty involved 
in forecasting and discounting 
future cash flows for the goodwill 
impairment test and in performing a 
review for indicators of impairment 
for intangible assets. Goodwill and 
intangible assets have arisen on the 
Group’s acquisition of businesses 
including lenders, independent 
financial advisers and finance brokers, 
each of which is identified by the 
Group as a Cash Generating Unit.

Risk:
The effect of these matters is that, 
as part of our risk assessment, we 
determined that the value in use of 
the Cash Generating Units containing 
goodwill and/or intangible assets 
has a high degree of estimation 
uncertainty, including increased 
uncertainty from the residual 
economic impacts of COVID19 as well 
as the increased financially volatile 
environment caused by inflation and 
interest rate pressure, with a potential 
range of reasonable outcomes 
greater than our materiality for the 
financial statements as a whole. 
The financial statements (note 34) 
disclose the sensitivity estimated by 
the Group.

Our audit procedures included:

Use of KPMG Specialists:
We involved our own valuation 
specialists who have tested the 
reasonableness of the significant 
assumptions used in particular those 
relating to the discount rates applied 
and the valuation method used.

Challenging managements’ 
assumptions and inputs:
Compared the Group’s assumptions 
to externally derived data in relation 
to key inputs such as projected 
economic growth and cost inflation.

Indicators of impairment for 
intangible assets
Analysed latest financial data for 
the cash generating unit related to 
the relevant goodwill and intangible 
asset to assess whether there are 
any indicators of impairment, such as 
losses being made or a downturn in 
sales.

Sensitivity analysis
Performed stress testing of the 
assumptions noted above to 
determine the sensitivity of the 
recoverable amount.

Assessing disclosures:
Assessed the adequacy of the Group’s 
disclosures about the sensitivity 
of the outcome of the impairment 
assessment to changes in the key 
assumptions used in the valuation of 
goodwill and intangible assets.

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 46

Independent Auditor’s Report, to the Members of Manx Financial Group plc 
continued

Key audit matter

The risk 

Our response

Recoverability of Parent Company’s 
subordinated loans to and 
investment in subsidiaries
Investment in subsidiaries 
£28,097,000; (2022: £23,597,000)

Loans and amounts due from Group 
undertakings 
£24,922,000; (2022: £17,635,000)

Refer to page 33 of the ARCC report, 
note 35 (Loans and amounts due from 
group undertakings) and note 44(A)
(v) (Separate Financial Statements of 
the Company).

Basis:
The carrying value of the Parent 
Company’s investment in subsidiaries 
and loans and amounts due from 
Group undertakings represents 97% 
(2022: 94%) of the Parent Company’s 
total assets.

Risk:
The assessment of carrying value 
is not at a high risk of significant 
misstatement or subject to significant 
judgement as the carrying value is 
supported by the audited net asset 
value of the subsidiaries. However, due 
to its materiality in the context of the 
Parent Company financial statements, 
this is considered to be the area that 
had the greatest effect on our overall 
Parent Company audit.

Our audit procedures included:

Tests of detail
Compared the carrying amount 
of 100% of the Parent Company’s 
investments in subsidiaries and 
loans and amounts due from 
Group undertakings with the 
relevant subsidiaries’ and Group 
undertaking’s audited statement of 
financial position to identify whether 
their financial position supported 
the carrying amount of the Parent 
Company’s investments in those 
subsidiaries and loans and amounts 
due from Group undertakings, 
assessing whether those subsidiaries 
and Group undertakings have 
historically been profit-making and 
evaluating budgeted forecasts in line 
with our knowledge of the respective 
subsidiaries and the current economic 
conditions in which those subsidiaries 
operate.

Our application of materiality and an 
overview of the scope of our audit

Materiality for the consolidated financial statements as a 
whole was set at £351,000 (2022: £206,000), determined 
with reference to a benchmark of group profit before 
tax of £7,043,000 (2022: £4,120,000), of which it represents 
approximately 5.0% (2022: 5.0%).

Materiality for the company financial statements as a 
whole was set at £211,000 (2022: £123,000), determined 
with reference to a benchmark of the company total 
assets, of which it represents approximate 0.4% (2022: 
0.3%).

In line with our audit methodology, our procedures 
on individual account balances and disclosures were 
performed to a lower threshold, performance materiality, 
so as to reduce to an acceptable level the risk that 
individually immaterial misstatements in individual 
account balances add up to a material amount across 
the consolidated financial statements as a whole. 
Performance materiality for the group was set at 75% 
(2022: 75%) of materiality for the consolidated financial 
statements as a whole, which equates to £263,000 (2022: 
£154,000) for the Group and £158,000 (2022: £92,000) 
for the Company. We applied this percentage in our 
determination of performance materiality because we 
did not identify any factors indicating an elevated level 
of risk.

We reported to the Audit Committee any corrected 
or uncorrected identified misstatements exceeding 
£17,500 (2022: £10,000) for the Group and £10,550 (2022: 
£6,150) for the Company, in addition to other identified 
misstatements that warranted reporting on qualitative 
grounds. 

Our audit of the Group was undertaken to the materiality 
level specified above, which has informed our 
identification of significant risks of material misstatement 
and the associated audit procedures performed in those 
areas as detailed above. 

An audit for group reporting purposes was performed 
by a component auditor at one reporting component 
in the United Kingdom, Ninkasi Rentals & Finance Limited 
(“NFRL”), which represents 1% (2022: 2%) of the Group’s 
assets. The audit undertaken for group reporting 
purposes at the reporting component was performed to 
materiality levels set by, or agreed with, the group audit 
team.

Detailed audit instructions were sent to the auditor of 
NFRL. These instructions covered the significant audit 
areas that should be covered by these audits (which 
included the relevant risks of material misstatement 
detailed above) and set out the information required to 
be reported back to the group audit team. 

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023Independent Auditor’s Report, to the Members of Manx Financial Group plc 
continued

47

Going concern

The directors have prepared the consolidated financial 
statements and company financial statements on the 
going concern basis as they do not intend to liquidate 
the Group or the Company or to cease their operations, 
and as they have concluded that the Group and 
the Company’s financial position means that this is 
realistic. They have also concluded that there are no 
material uncertainties that could have cast significant 
doubt over their ability to continue as a going concern 
for at least a year from the date of approval of the 
consolidated financial statements and company 
financial statements (the “going concern period”).

In our evaluation of the directors’ conclusions, we 
considered the inherent risks to the Group and the 
Company’s business model and analysed how those 
risks might affect the Group and the Company’s 
financial resources or ability to continue operations 
over the going concern period. The risks that we 
considered most likely to affect the Group and the 
Company’s financial resources or ability to continue 
operations over this period were:

• 

• 

 the availability of capital to meet operating costs 
and other financial commitments; and

 the recoverability of financial assets subject to credit 
risks as a result of economic downturn due to the 
residual impacts of COVID-19 and the financially 
volatile environment caused by inflation and interest 
rate pressures.

We considered whether these risks could plausibly 
affect the liquidity in the going concern period by 
comparing severe, but plausible downside scenarios 
that could arise from these risks individually and 
collectively against the level of available financial 
resources indicated by the Company’s financial 
forecasts.

We considered whether the going concern disclosure 
in the Directors’ report gives a full and accurate 
description of the directors’ assessment of going 
concern.

Our conclusions based on this work:

• 

• 

 we consider that the directors’ use of the going 
concern basis of accounting in the preparation 
of the consolidated financial statements and 
company financial statements is appropriate;

 we have not identified, and concur with the 
directors’ assessment that there is not, a material 
uncertainty related to events or conditions that, 
individually or collectively, may cast significant 
doubt on the Group and the Company’s ability to 

continue as a going concern for the going concern 
period; and

• 

 we found the going concern disclosure in the notes 
to the consolidated financial statements and 
company financial statements to be acceptable.

However, as we cannot predict all future events or 
conditions and as subsequent events may result in 
outcomes that are inconsistent with judgements that 
were reasonable at the time they were made, the 
above conclusions are not a guarantee that the Group 
and the Company will continue in operation.

Fraud and breaches of laws and regulations – 
ability to detect

Identifying and responding to risks of material 
misstatement due to fraud

To identify risks of material misstatement due to fraud 
(“fraud risks”) we assessed events or conditions that 
could indicate an incentive or pressure to commit 
fraud or provide an opportunity to commit fraud. Our 
risk assessment procedures included:

• 

• 

• 

 enquiring of management as to the Group’s 
policies and procedures to prevent and detect 
fraud as well as enquiring whether management 
have knowledge of any actual, suspected or 
alleged fraud;

 reading minutes of meetings of those charged with 
governance; and

 using analytical procedures to identify any unusual 
or unexpected relationships.

As required by auditing standards, we perform 
procedures to address the risk of management 
override of controls, in particular the risk that 
management may be in a position to make 
inappropriate accounting entries. On this audit we 
do not believe there is a fraud risk related to revenue 
recognition because the Group’s revenue streams 
are simple in nature with respect to accounting policy 
choice, and are easily verifiable to external data 
sources or agreements with little or no requirement for 
estimation from management. We did not identify any 
additional fraud risks.

We performed procedures including

• 

 Identifying journal entries and other adjustments 
to test based on risk criteria and comparing any 
identified entries to supporting documentation; 
and

• 

 incorporating an element of unpredictability in our 
audit procedures.

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Independent Auditor’s Report, to the Members of Manx Financial Group plc 
continued

48

Identifying and responding to risks of material 
misstatement due to non-compliance with laws 
and regulations

We identified areas of laws and regulations that could 
reasonably be expected to have a material effect on 
the consolidated financial statements and company 
financial statements from our sector experience and 
through discussion with management (as required 
by auditing standards), and from inspection of the 
Group’s regulatory and legal correspondence, if any, 
and discussed with management the policies and 
procedures regarding compliance with laws and 
regulations. As the Group is regulated, our assessment 
of risks involved gaining an understanding of the 
control environment including the entity’s procedures 
for complying with regulatory requirements.

The Group is subject to laws and regulations that 
directly affect the consolidated financial statements 
and company financial statements including financial 
reporting legislation and taxation legislation and we 
assessed the extent of compliance with these laws 
and regulations as part of our procedures on the 
related financial statement items.

The Group is subject to other laws and regulations 
where the consequences of non-compliance could 
have a material effect on amounts or disclosures in 
the consolidated financial statements and company 
financial statements, for instance through the 
imposition of fines or litigation or impacts on the 
Group and the Company’s ability to operate. We 
identified financial services regulation as being the 
area most likely to have such an effect, recognising 
the regulated nature of the Group’s activities and its 
legal form. Auditing standards limit the required audit 
procedures to identify non-compliance with these 
laws and regulations to enquiry of management and 
inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if 
any. Therefore if a breach of operational regulations 
is not disclosed to us or evident from relevant 
correspondence, an audit will not detect that breach.

Context of the ability of the audit to detect fraud or 
breaches of law or regulation

Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is 
an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected 
some material misstatements in the consolidated 
financial statements and company financial 
statements, even though we have properly planned 
and performed our audit in accordance with auditing 
standards. For example, the further removed non-
compliance with laws and regulations is from the 
events and transactions reflected in the consolidated 
financial statements and company financial 
statements, the less likely the inherently limited 
procedures required by auditing standards would 
identify it. 

In addition, as with any audit, there remains a 
higher risk of non-detection of fraud, as this may 
involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, 
misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. 
Our audit procedures are designed to detect material 
misstatement. We are not responsible for preventing 
non-compliance or fraud and cannot be expected to 
detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations.

Other information

The directors are responsible for the other information. 
The other information comprises the information 
included in the annual report but does not include 
the consolidated financial statements and company 
financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. 
Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements 
and company financial statements does not cover 
the other information and we do not express an audit 
opinion or any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the consolidated 
financial statements and company financial 
statements, our responsibility is to read the other 
information and, in doing so, consider whether the 
other information is materially inconsistent with the 
consolidated financial statements and company 
financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the 
audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. 
If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude 
that there is a material misstatement of this other 
information, we are required to report that fact. We 
have nothing to report in this regard.

We have nothing to report on other matters on 
which we are required to report by exception

Respective responsibilities

Directors’ responsibilities

As explained more fully in their statement set out 
on page 40, the directors are responsible for: the 
preparation of the consolidated financial statements 
and company financial statements including being 
satisfied that they give a true and fair view; such 
internal control as they determine is necessary to 
enable the preparation of consolidated financial 
statements and company financial statements that 
are free from material misstatement, whether due to 
fraud or error; assessing the Group and Company’s 
ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, 
as applicable, matters related to going concern; 
and using the going concern basis of accounting 
unless they either intend to liquidate the Group or the 
Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic 
alternative but to do so. 

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023Independent Auditor’s Report, to the Members of Manx Financial Group plc 
continued

49

Auditor’s responsibilities

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

A fuller description of our responsibilities is 
provided on the FRC’s website at www.frc.org.uk/
auditorsresponsibilities.

The purpose of this report and restrictions on 
its use by persons other than the Company’s 
members, as a body

This report is made solely to the Company’s members, 
as a body, in accordance with section 80(C) of 
the Companies Act 2006. 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.

KPMG Audit LLC
Chartered Accountants
Heritage Court
41 Athol Street
Douglas
Isle of Man 
IM1 1LA 

26 March 2024

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and 
Other Comprehensive Income

For the year ended 31 December

Notes

Interest revenue calculated using the effective interest method

Other interest income

Interest expense

Net interest income

Fee and commission income

Fee and commission expense

Depreciation on leasing assets

Net trading income

Other operating income

Gain / (loss) on financial instruments

Realised gain on debt securities

Operating income

Personnel expenses 

Other expenses

Provision for impairment on loans and advances to customers

Depreciation

Amortisation and impairment of intangibles

Share of profit of equity accounted investees, net of tax

Profit before tax payable

Income tax expense

Profit for the year 

9

10

10

22

19

18

11

12

13 

22

23

30

14

15

2023
£000

45,356

1,535

(14,530)

32,361

3,997

(7,327)

-

29,031

364

195

1,893

31,483

(12,170)

(6,627)

(4,135)

(825)

(683)

-

7,043

(903)

6,140

50

2022
£000

28,978

1,765

(6,391)

24,352

4,719

(3,569)

(16)

25,486

314

(19)

292

26,073

(9,764)

(5,806)

(3,990)

(738)

(582)

18

5,211

(537)

4,674

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and other Comprehensive Income 
continued

For the year ended 31 December

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income: 

Items that will be reclassified to profit or loss 

Unrealised gain on debt securities

Related tax

Items that will never be reclassified to profit or loss

Actuarial gain on defined benefit pension scheme taken to equity

Related tax

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the period attributable to owners 

Profit attributable to:

Owners of the Company

Non-controlling interests

Total comprehensive income attributable to:

Owners of the Company

Non-controlling interests

Earnings per share – Profit for the year

Basic earnings per share (pence)

Diluted earnings per share (pence)

Earnings per share – Total comprehensive income for the year

Basic earnings per share (pence)

Diluted earnings per share (pence)

Notes

18

28

32

32

16

16

16

16

The notes on pages 59 to 111 form part of these financial statements. 

The Directors believe that all results derive from continuing activities.

2023
£000

6,140

324

(32)

29

(3)

318

6,458

5,288

852

6,140

5,606

852

6,458

4.59

3.51

4.86

3.71

51

2022
£000

4,674

131

-

407

–

538

5,212

4,331

343

4,674

4,869

343

5,212

3.77

2.93

4.24

3.28

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Company Statement of Profit or Loss and Other 
Comprehensive Income

52

For the year ended 31 December

Notes

Interest income calculated using the effective interest method

Dividend income

Other income

Operating income

Personnel expenses

Administration expenses

Depreciation expense

Amortisation expense

Profit before tax payable

Tax payable

Profit for the year 

11

22

23

Total comprehensive income for the year

The notes on pages 59 to 111 form part of these financial statements.

The Directors believe that all results derive from continuing activities.

2023
£000

862

1,200

584

2,646

(62)

(61)

(63)

(57)

2,403

-

2,403

2,403

2022
£000

522

1,575

69

2,166

(127)

-

(65)

(2)

1,972

-

1,972

1,972

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

53

As at 31 December 

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Debt securities

Equity held at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss

Loans and advances to customers

Trade and other receivables

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Investment in associates

Goodwill

Total assets

Liabilities

Deposits from customers

Creditors and accrued charges

Deferred consideration

Loan notes

Pension liability

Deferred tax liability

Total liabilities

Equity

Called up share capital

Profit and loss account

Revaluation reserve

Non-controlling interest

Total equity

Notes

17

18

33 

20

21

22

23

30

34

24

25

26

27

28

15

29

22

32

2023
£000

12,107

76,129

138

362,653

8,227

6,410

4,268

197

10,576

480,705

390,421

14,409

20

39,317

162

392

444,721

19,384

15,544

15

1,041

35,984

2022
£000

22,630

40,675

122

291,475

4,211

6,714

2,703

155

10,576

379,261

304,199

13,108

262

31,332

237

353

349,491

19,195

10,371

15

189

29,770

Total liabilities and equity

480,705

379,261

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 25 March 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

Jim Mellon 
Executive Chairman 

Denham Eke 
Executive Vice-Chairman 

Douglas Grant
Chief Executive Officer 

The notes on pages 59 to 111 form part of these financial statements.

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023  
 
 
Company Statement of Financial Position

As at 31 December 

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Amounts due from Group undertakings

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Investment in subsidiaries

Subordinated loans

Total assets

Liabilities

Creditors and accrued charges

Amounts due to Group undertakings

Loan notes

Total liabilities

Equity

Called up share capital

Profit and loss account

Total equity

Notes

17

21

35

22

23

31

35

25

35

27

29

2023
£000

373

123

10,694

139

861

28,097

14,228

54,515

544

608

39,317

40,469

19,384

(5,338)

14,046

54

2022
£000

1,761

562

9,907

201

25

23,597

7,728

43,781

440

122

31,332

31,894

19,195

(7,308)

11,887

Total liabilities and equity

54,515

43,781

The notes on pages 59 to 111 form part of these financial statements. 

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Consolidated and Company Statements  
of Changes in Equity

Group

Balance as at 1 January 2022

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income

Transactions with owners

Dividends declared

Acquisition of subsidiary with 
non-controlling interest

Share
 capital
£000

19,133

-

-

62

-

Balance as at 31 December 2022

19,195

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income

Transactions with owners

Dividend declared (see note 29)

Share issue (see note 29)

-

-

91

98

Attributable to owners of the Company

Profit 
and loss 
account
£000

Revaluation 
reserve
£000

5,781

4,331

538

(279)

-

10,371

5,288

318

(433)

-

15

-

-

-

-

15

-

-

-

-

Non-
controlling 
interests
£000

56

343

-

-

(210)

189

852

-

-

-

Total
£000

24,929

4,331

538

(217)

-

29,581

5,288

318

(342)

98

55

Total 
equity
£000

24,985

4,674

538

(217)

(210)

29,770

6,140

318

(342)

98

Balance as at 31 December 2023

19,384

15,544

15

34,943

1,041

35,984

Company

Balance as at 1 January 2022

Profit for the year

Transactions with owners

Dividends declared (see note 29)

Balance as at 31 December 2022

Profit for the year

Transactions with owners

Dividend declared (see note 29)

Share issue (see note 29)

Balance as at 31 December 2023

The notes on pages 59 to 111 form part of these financial statements.

Share
 capital
£000

19,133

-

62

19,195

–

91

98

Profit 
and loss 
account
£000

(9,001)

1,972

(279)

(7,308)

2,403

(433)

-

Total 
equity
£000

10,132

1,972

(217)

11,887

2,403

(342)

98

19,384

(5,338)

14,046

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended 31 December

Notes

Reconciliation of profit before taxation to operating cash flows

Profit before tax

Adjustments for:

Depreciation

Amortisation of intangibles

Impairment of loans and advances to customers

Net interest income

Realised gains on debt securities

Share of profit of equity accounted investees

Contingent consideration interest expense

Pension charge included in personnel expenses

(Loss) / gain on financial instruments

Changes in:

Trade and other receivables

Creditors and accrued charges

Net cash flow from trading activities

Changes in:

Loans and advances to customers

Deposits from customers

Pension contribution

Cash used in operating activities

22

23

30

6(ii)

28

19

28

2023
£000

7,043

825

683

4,135

(34,726)

(1,893)

-

4

11

(195)

(24,113)

(4,016)

1,953

(26,176)

(75,590)

88,116

(57)

(13,707)

56

2022
£000

5,211

754

582

3,990

(26,064)

(292)

(18)

102

14

19

(15,702)

(2,228)

1,436

(16,494)

(56,313)

46,061

(57)

(26,803)

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 
continued

For the year ended 31 December

CASH FLOW STATEMENT

Cash from operating activities

Cash used in operating activities

Interest received

Interest paid

Income taxes paid

Net cash from / (used in) operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment, excluding right-of-use assets

Acquisition of intangible assets

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

Acquisition of subsidiary or associate, net of cash acquired

(Purchase) / Sale of debt securities

22

23

22

34

Deferred consideration on acquisition of subsidiary

6(ii),26

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Receipt of loan notes

Payment of lease liabilities (capital)

Dividend paid

Share issue

Net cash from financing activities

Net (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December

27

37

29

29

57

Notes

2023
£000

2022
£000

(13,707)

47,168

(14,059)

(1,337)

18,065

(1,280)

(2,248)

759

-

(33,237)

(67)

(36,073)

7,985

(256)

(342)

98

7,485

(10,523)

22,630

12,107

(26,803)

30,136

(6,184)

(157)

(3,008)

(1,473)

(504)

2,083

(1,785)

734

(937)

(1,882)

7,660

(202)

(217)

-

7,241

2,351

20,279

22,630

There are £42,000 of non-cash investing activities with respect to the Group’s acquisition of 10.0% shareholding in 
Lesley Stephen & Co Limited. (see note 30).

The notes on pages 59 to 111 form part of these financial statements. 

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Company Statement of Cash Flows 

For the year ended 31 December

Reconciliation of profit before taxation to operating cash flows

Profit before tax

Adjustments for:

Depreciation

Amortisation

Interest income

Dividend income

Changes in:

Amounts due from group undertakings

Trade and other receivables

Creditors and accrued charges

Amounts due to Group undertakings

Cash from / (used in) operating activities

CASH FLOW STATEMENT

Cash from operating activities

Cash from / (used) in operating activities

Interest received

Dividends received

Net cash from / (used in) operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

Acquisition of intangible assets

Issue of subordinated loans

Increase in investment in group undertakings

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from issue of loan notes

Payment of finance lease liabilities

Proceeds from issue of shares

Dividend paid

Net cash from financing activities

Notes

22

23

27

Net  (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December

The notes on pages 59 to 111 form part of these financial statements. 

2023
£000

2,403

63

57

(862)

(1,200)

461

(787)

439

312

486

911

911

1,200

862

2,973

(1)

(893)

(6,500)

(4,500)

(11,894)

7,985

(117)

98

(433)

7,533

(1,388)

1,761

373

58

2022
£000

1,972

63

2

(522)

(1,575)

(60)

(3,803)

(90)

100

(4,187)

(8,040)

(8,040)

522

1,575

(5,943)

-

(8)

-

-

(8)

7,660

(99)

-

(279)

7,282

1,331

430

1,761

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 59

Notes to the Consolidated and Company 
Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2023 

1.  Reporting entity

Manx Financial Group PLC (“Company”) is a company incorporated in the Isle of Man. The Company’s registered 
office is at Clarendon House, Victoria Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2LN. The consolidated financial statements 
of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2023 comprise the Company and its subsidiaries (“Group”) 
including Conister Bank Limited (the “Bank”). The Group is primarily involved in the provision of financial services.

The Company’s financial statements are the separate financial statements of the Company.

2.  Basis of accounting

The consolidated and the separate financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance 
with international accounting standards in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards 
(“UK-adopted IFRS” or “IFRSs”), on a going concern basis as disclosed in the Directors’ Report.

3.  Functional and presentation currency

These financial statements are presented in pounds sterling, which is the Company’s functional currency. 
All amounts have been rounded to the nearest thousand, unless otherwise indicated. All subsidiaries of the 
Group have pounds sterling as their functional currency.

4.  Use of judgements and estimates

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. 

Assumptions and estimation uncertainties

Information about assumptions and estimation uncertainties at year-end that have a significant risk of resulting 
in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the next financial year is included in 
the following notes:

• 

• 

 Note 23 and 34 – impairment test of intangible assets and goodwill: key assumptions underlying recoverable 
amounts; and

 Note 44(G)(vi) and Note 7(A) – key assumptions of Expected Credit Loss (“ECL”) allowance for loans and 
advances to customers and assessment of impairment allowances where loans are in default or arrears.

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 60

Total 
carrying 
amount
£000

12,107

76,129

138

Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

5.  Financial instruments – Classification

For description of how the Group classifies financial assets and liabilities, see note 44(G)(ii).

The following table provides reconciliation between line items in the statement of financial position and 
categories of financial instruments.

Mandatorily 
at FVTPL
£000

Designated 
as at FVTPL
£000

FVOCI 
– debt 
instruments
£000

FVOCI – 
equity 
instruments
£000

Amortised 
cost
£000

Group
31 December 2023

Cash and cash 
equivalents

Debt securities

Equity held at Fair Value 
Through Profit or Loss

Loans and advances to 
customers

Trade and other 
receivables

Total financial assets

Deposits from customers

Creditor and accrued 
charges

Deferred consideration

Loan notes

Total financial liabilities

Group
31 December 2022

Cash and cash 
equivalents

Debt securities

Equity held at Fair Value 
Through Profit or Loss

Loans and advances to 
customers

Trade and other 
receivables

Total financial assets

Deposits from customers

Creditor and accrued 
charges

Deferred consideration

Loan notes

Total financial liabilities

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

138

–

–

138

–

–

20

–

20

–

76,129

–

–

–

76,129

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Mandatorily 
at FVTPL
£000

Designated 
as at FVTPL
£000

FVOCI 
– debt 
instruments
£000

FVOCI – 
equity 
instruments
£000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

122

–

–

122

–

–

262

–

262

–

40,675

–

–

–

40,675

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

12,107

–

–

362,653

362,653

8,227

8,227

382,987

390,421

14,409

–

39,317

444,147

Amortised 
cost
£000

22,630

–

–

459,254

390,421

14,409

20

39,317

444,167

Total 
carrying 
amount
£000

22,630

40,675

122

291,475

291,475

4,211

318,316

304,199

13,108

–

31,332

348,639

4,211

359,113

304,199

13,108

262

31,332

348,901

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

61

Company
31 December 2023

Cash and cash 
equivalents

Trade and other 
receivables

Amounts due from Group 
undertakings

Subordinated loans

Total financial assets

Creditor and accrued 
charges

Amounts due to Group 
undertakings

Loan notes

Total financial liabilities

Company
31 December 2022

Cash and cash 
equivalents

Trade and other 
receivables

Amounts due from Group 
undertakings

Subordinated loans

Total financial assets

Creditor and accrued 
charges

Amounts due to Group 
undertakings

Loan notes

Total financial liabilities

Mandatorily 
at FVTPL
£000

Designated 
as at FVTPL
£000

FVOCI 
– debt 
instruments
£000

FVOCI – 
equity 
instruments
£000

Amortised 
cost
£000

Total 
carrying 
amount
£000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

373

123

9,613

14,228

24,337

453

608

39,317

40,378

373

123

9,613

14,228

24,337

453

608

39,317

40,378

Mandatorily 
at FVTPL
£000

Designated 
as at FVTPL
£000

FVOCI 
– debt 
instruments
£000

FVOCI – 
equity 
instruments
£000

Amortised 
cost
£000

Total 
carrying 
amount
£000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,761

562

9,907

7,728

19,958

440

122

31,332

31,894

1,761

562

9,907

7,728

19,958

440

122

31,332

31,894

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

62

6.  Financial instruments – Fair values

For description of the Group’s fair value measurement accounting policy, see note 44(G)(v).

The following table shows the carrying amounts and fair values of Group financial assets and financial liabilities, 
including their levels in the fair value hierarchy. It does not include fair value information for financial assets and 
financial liabilities not measured at fair value if the carrying amount is a reasonable approximation of fair value.

31 December 2023

Financial assets measured at fair value

Debt securities

Equity held at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss

Financial assets not measured at fair value

Cash and cash equivalents

Loans and advances to customers

Trade and other receivables

Financial liabilities measured at fair value

Deferred consideration

Financial liabilities not measured at fair value

Deposits from customers

Creditors and accrued charges

Loan notes

31 December 2022

Financial assets measured at fair value

Debt securities

Equity held at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss

Financial assets not measured at fair value

Cash and cash equivalents

Loans and advances to customers

Trade and other receivables

Financial liabilities measured at fair value

Deferred consideration

Financial liabilities not measured at fair value

Deposits from customers

Creditors and accrued charges

Loan notes

Carrying 
amount

Total
£000

76,129

138

76,267

12,107

362,653

8,227

382,987

20

20

390,421

14,409

39,317

444,147

Carrying 
amount

Total
£000

40,675

122

40,797

22,630

291,475

4,211

318,316

262

262

304,199

13,108

31,332

348,639

Fair value

Level 1
£000

Level 2
£000

Level 3
£000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

76,129

–

76,129

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

138

138

–

–

–

–

20

20

–

–

–

–

Fair value

Level 1
£000

Level 2
£000

Level 3
£000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

40,675

–

40,675

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

122

122

–

–

–

–

262

262

–

–

–

–

Total
£000

76,129

138

76,267

–

–

–

–

20

20

–

–

–

–

Total
£000

40,675

122

40,797

–

–

–

–

262

262

–

–

–

–

All Company financial assets and liabilities carrying amounts are deemed to be reasonable approximation of 
fair value.

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

63

Measurement of fair values
i. Valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs

Type

Debt securities

Valuation technique

Market comparison / discounted cash flow: 
The fair value is estimated considering a net 
present value calculated using discount rates 
derived from quoted yields of securities with 
similar maturity and credit rating that are 
traded in active markets.

Equities at Fair Value 
Through Profit or Loss

Net asset value

Deferred consideration Discounted cash flows: The valuation model 
considers the present value of the expected 
future payments, discounted using a risk-
adjusted discount rate.

Significant 
unobservable inputs

Inter-relationship between 
significant unobservable inputs 
and fair value measurement

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Expected net cash flows 
derived from the entity

The estimated fair value would 
increase (decrease) if the expected 
cash flows were higher (lower).

Expected cash flows 
£20,000 (2022: £291,340).

The estimated fair value would 
increase (decrease) if:

Risk-adjusted discount 
rate 14.0% (2022: 14.0%).

-the expected cash flows were 
higher (lower); or

-the risk-adjusted discount rate 
was lower (higher).  

ii. Level 3 recurring fair values
Reconciliation of Level 3 fair values
The following table shows a reconciliation from the opening balances to the closing balances for Level 3 fair 
values.

Balance at 1 January

Finance costs

Net change in fair value (unrealised)

Payment (note 26)

Balance at 31 December

Sensitivity analysis

2023
£000

262

4

(179)

(175)

(67)

20

2022
£000

1,023

102

74

176

(937)

262

For the fair value of contingent consideration, reasonably possible changes at the reporting date to one of the 
significant unobservable inputs, holding other inputs constant would have the following effects.

31 December 2023

Expected cash flows (10.0% movement)

Risk-adjusted discount rate (1.0% movement)

31 December 2022

Expected cash flows (10.0% movement)

Risk-adjusted discount rate (1.0% movement)

Profit or loss

Increase
£000

Decrease
£000

2

–

(2)

–

Profit or loss

Increase
£000

Decrease
£000

29

5

(29)

(3)

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023  
Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

64

7.  Financial risk review

Risk management

This note presents information about the Group’s exposure to financial risks and the Group’s management of 
capital. For information on the Group and Company’s financial risk management framework, see note 42. 

A. Group Credit risk
For definition of credit risk and information on how credit risk is mitigated by the Group, see note 42.

i. Credit quality analysis
Loans and advances to customers
Explanation of the terms ‘Stage 1’, ‘Stage 2’ and ‘Stage 3’ is included in note 44(G)(vi).

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

2023

2022*

Group

Grade A

Grade B

Grade C

Stage 1
£000

341,953

–

–

Gross value

341,953

Stage 2
£000

Stage 3
£000

Total
£000

Stage 1
£000

Stage 2
£000

Stage 3
£000

Total
£000

–

7,822

2

7,824

–

341,953

273,332

3,700

28,791

32,491

11,522

28,793

–

391

382,268

273,723

–

5,006

–

5,006

–

273,332

9,347

19,576

28,923

14,353

19,967

307,652

Allowance for 
impairment

(184)

(6)

(19,425)

(19,615)

(303)

(3)

(15,871)

(16,177)

Carrying value

341,769

7,818

13,066

362,653

273,420

5,003

13,052

291,475

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

The following table sets out information about the overdue status of loans and advances to customers in Stage 1, 
2 and 3:

Group
31 December 

Current

Overdue  
< 30 days

Overdue  
> 30 days

Stage 1
£000

333,740

8,213

2023

2022*

Stage 2
£000

Stage 3
£000

Total
£000

Stage 1
£000

Stage 2
£000

Stage 3
£000

–

–

–

–

333,740

269,130

8,213

4,593

–

604

–

–

Total
£000

269,130

5,197

–

7,825

32,490

40,315

–

4,402

28,923

33,325

341,953

7,825

32,490

382,268

273,723

5,006

28,923

307,652

For Stage 3 loans and advances, the Bank holds collateral with a value of £13,410,000 (2022: £12,927,000) 
representing security cover of 35.0% (2022: 48.0%).

* Please refer to Note 20.

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

Debt securities, cash and cash equivalents
The following table sets out the credit quality of liquid assets: 

 Group

Government bonds and treasury bills

Rated A to A+

Cash and cash equivalents

Rated A to A+

Trade and other receivables

Unrated

65

2023
£000

2022
£000

76,129

40,675

12,107

22,630

8,227

96,463

4,211

67,516

The analysis has been based on Standard & Poor’s ratings. The above debt securities, cash and cash equivalents 
are considered to be Stage 1 as there is no evidence of significant deterioration in credit quality and hence no 
material expected credit loss allowance is observed.

ii. Collateral and other credit enhancements
The Group holds collateral in the form of the underlying assets (typically private and commercial vehicles, plant 
and machinery) to loan arrangements as security for HP, finances leases, vehicle stocking plans, block discounting, 
wholesale funding arrangements, integrated wholesale funding arrangements and secured commercial 
loan balances, which are sub-categories of loans and advances to customers. In addition, the Group will take 
debentures, mortgages, personal and corporate guarantees, fixed and floating charges on specific assets such as 
cash and shares.  

The terms of enforcing such security can only occur on default, and when realised can only be used to settle the 
amount of debt and related collection fees.  On occasion the Bank may realise a surplus if the defaulting party 
loses title to the underlying security as part of enforcement. In addition, the commission share schemes have an 
element of capital indemnified.  

As at 31 December 2023, 13.0% of loans and advances had an element of capital indemnification (2022: 4.0%).  

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.

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 20 for further details). Collateral is valued at the time of borrowing, 
and generally are not updated except when a loan is individually assessed as impaired.

For portfolios where the Group has never had a default in its history or has robust credit enhancements such as 
credit insurance or default indemnities for the entire portfolio, then no IFRS 9 provision is made. At 2023 year-end, 
28.0% had such credit enhancements (2022: 29.0%).

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023  
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

66

The following table sets out the principal types of collateral held against different types of financial assets.

Group

HP balances

Finance lease balances

Unsecured personal loans

Vehicle stocking plans

Wholesale funding arrangements

Block discounting

Secured commercial loans

Secured personal loans

Government backed loans

Property secured

2023
%

100

100

-

100

100

100

100

100

2022

% Principal type of collateral held

100

100

Property and equipment

Property and equipment

-

None

100 Motor vehicles

100

100

100

100

Floating charges over corporate assets

Floating charges over corporate assets

Floating charges over corporate assets

Property

70 – 100

100

70 – 100 Government guarantee

100

Property

There have been no significant changes in the quality of collateral as a result of a deterioration or changes to 
the Group’s collateral policies during the reporting period. 

iii. Amounts arising from ECL
Inputs, assumptions and techniques used for estimating impairment
See accounting policy in note 44(G)(vi).

Significant increase in credit risk
When determining whether the risk of default on a financial instrument has increased significantly since initial 
recognition, the Group considers reasonable and supportable information that is relevant and available without 
undue cost or effort. This includes both quantitative and qualitative information and analysis, based on the 
Group’s historical experience and expert credit assessment and including forward looking information.

• 

• 

 A Significant Increase in Credit Risk (“SICR”) is always deemed to occur when the borrower is 30 days past due 
on its contractual payments.  If the Group becomes aware ahead of this time of non-compliance or financial 
difficulties of the borrower, such as loss of employment, avoiding contact with the Group then a SICR has also 
deemed to occur. 

 A receivable is always deemed to be in default and credit-impaired when the borrower is 90 days past 
due on its contractual payments or earlier if the Group becomes aware of severe financial difficulties such 
as bankruptcy, individual voluntary arrangements, abscond or disappearance, fraudulent activity or other 
similar events.

Credit risk grades
The Group allocates each exposure to a credit risk grade based on a variety of data that is determined to be 
predictive of the risk of default and applying experienced credit judgement. Credit risk grades are defined using 
qualitative and quantitative factors that are indicative of risk of default. These factors vary depending on the 
nature of the exposure and the type of borrower.

Credit risk grades are defined and calibrated such that the risk of default occurring increases exponentially 
as the credit risk grade deteriorates. Loans are graded A to C depending on the level of risk. Grade A relates to 
agreements with the lowest risk, Grade B with medium risk and Grade C relates to agreements with the highest 
of risk.

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

67

Each exposure is allocated to a credit risk grade on initial recognition based on available information about 
the borrower. Exposures are subject to ongoing monitoring, which may result in an exposure being moved to a 
different credit risk grade. The monitoring typically involves the use of the following data:

Corporate exposures

Retail exposures

All exposures

Information obtained during periodic 
review of customer files – e.g. audited 
financial statements, management 
accounts, budgets and projections. 
Examples of areas of particular focus 
are: gross profit margins, financial 
leverage ratios, debt service coverage, 
compliance with covenants

Internally collected data on customer 
behaviour – e.g. repayment behaviour

Payment record – this includes 
overdue status as well as a range of 
variables about payment ratios

Data from credit reference agencies

Affordability matrix

Requests for and granting of forbearance

External data from credit reference 
agencies, including industry-standard 
credit scores

Existing forecast changes in business, 
financial and economic conditions

Definition of default
The Group considers a financial asset to be in default when: 

• 

• 

• 

 the borrower is unlikely to pay its credit obligations to the Group in full, without recourse by the Group to 
actions such as realising security (if any is held);

the borrower is more than 90 days past due on any material credit obligation to the Group; or

 it is becoming probable that the borrower will restructure the asset as a result of bankruptcy due to the 
borrower’s inability to pay its credit obligations.

In assessing whether a borrower is in default, the Group considers indicators that are:

•  qualitative: e.g. breaches of covenant;

• 

 quantitative: e.g. overdue status and non-payment on another obligation of the same issuer to the Group; 
and

•  based on data developed internally and obtained from external sources.

Inputs into the assessment of whether a financial instrument is in default and their significant may vary over time 
to reflect changes in circumstances. The definition of default largely aligns with that applied by the Group for 
regulatory capital purposes.

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

68

Incorporation of forward-looking information
The Group incorporates forward looking information into the measurement of ECL.

The Group has identified and documented key drivers of credit risk and credit losses its financial instruments 
and using an analysis of historical data, has estimated the relationship between macroeconomic variables and 
credit risk and credit losses. The key drivers for credit risk for corporate, retail and wholesale portfolios include 
gross domestic product (GDP) growth, unemployment rates and consumer price index (CPI) inflation. The Group 
estimates each key driver for credit risk over the active forecast period of three years. The table below lists the UK 
macroeconomic assumption used in the base scenarios over the five year forecast period:

31 December 2023

GDP growth rate

CPI inflation

Unemployment rate

31 December 2022

GDP growth rate

CPI inflation

Unemployment rate

2024

0.5

4.2

4.8

2023

0.0

1.8

n/a

2025

1.0

2.4

4.9

2024

0.4

0.8

n/a

2026

1.3

1.8

4.9

2025

n/a

n/a

n/a

2027

1.5

2.0

4.9

2026

n/a

n/a

n/a

2028

1.7

2.0

5.0

2027

n/a

n/a

n/a

Predicted relationships between the key indicators and default and loss rates on various portfolios of financial 
assets have been developed based on analysing historical data over the past 8 years.

Changes to ECL assumptions from the prior year
As of 31 December 2023, the Group has updated its economic projections utilised in the expected credit loss 
calculation, shifting from the 2022 figures. This adjustment is prompted by a higher than anticipated inflation and 
GDP growth rate. Additionally, the forecast duration has been prolonged from two to five years, and an additional 
key indicator, unemployment rate, has been incorporated.

iv. Concentration of credit risk
Geographical
Lending is restricted to individuals and entities with Isle of Man, UK or Channel Islands addresses. 

Segmental
The Bank is exposed to credit risk with regard to customer loan accounts, comprising HP and finance lease 
balances, unsecured personal loans, secured commercial loans, block discounting, vehicle stocking plan 
loans and wholesale funding agreements.  In addition, the Bank lends via significant introducers into the UK. 
There was one introducer that accounted for more than 20.0% of the Bank’s total lending portfolio at the end of 
31 December 2023 (2022: none).

B. Group Liquidity risk
For the definition of liquidity risk and information on how liquidity risk is managed by the Group, see note 42.

i. Exposure to liquidity risk
The key measure used by the Group for managing liquidity risk is the ratio of net liquid assets to deposits from 
customers and short-term funding. For this purpose, net liquid assets includes cash and cash equivalents and 
investment-grade debt securities for which there is an active and liquid market.

Details of the reported Group ratio of net liquid assets to deposits from customers at the reporting date and 
during the reporting year were as follows:

At 31 December 

Average for the year

Maximum for the year

Minimum for the year

2023

23.0%

19.0%

23.0%

15.0%

2022

20.0%

22.0%

25.0%

19.0%

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023  
Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

69

ii. Maturity analysis for financial liabilities and financial assets
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 reporting date (undiscounted):

31 December 2023

Deposits 

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

31 December 2022

Deposits 

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Sight-
8 days
£000

17,261

55

>8 days
- 1 month
£000

>1 month 
- 3 months
£000

>3 months
- 6 months
£000

>6 months
- 1 year
£000

>1 year
- 3 years
£000

>3 years
- 5 years
£000

>5 years
£000

Total
£000

13,767

257

29,718

1,407

31,125

77,801

6,395

122,719

18,997

125,205

24,076

–

410,547

18,188

13,108

37,184

554

58,961

554 

469,508

17,316

14,024

84,196

141,716

143,393

Sight-
8 days
£000

10,878

691

>8 days
- 1 month
£000

>1 month 
- 3 months
£000

>3 months
- 6 months
£000

>6 months
- 1 year
£000

6,838

27,346

65,153

104,662

116

1,796

3,717

13,196

>1 year
- 3 years
£000

81,670

22,354

>3 years
- 5 years
£000

14,557

6,697

11,569

6,954

29,142

68,870

117,858

104,024

21,254

>5 years
£000

–

590

590

Total
£000

311,104

49,157

360,261

The table below shows the carrying amount of the Group’s assets and liabilities by their expected maturities.

Expected maturity of assets and liabilities at the reporting date:

31 December 2023

Assets

Cash 

Debt securities

Loans and advances 

Other assets 

Total assets

Liabilities

Deposits 

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

31 December 2022

Assets

Cash 

Debt securities

Loans and advances 

Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Deposits 

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Sight-
8 days
£000

>8 days
- 1 month
£000

>1 month 
- 3 months
£000

>3 months
- 6 months
£000

>6 months
- 1 year
£000

>1 year
- 3 years
£000

>3 years
- 5 years
£000

>5 years
£000

Total
£000

12,107

3,499

17,720

180

–

7,976

23,854

–

–

28,275

41,805

–

–

36,379

42,293

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

12,107

76,129

54,800

131,666

49,445

1,070

362,653

–

9,580

–

5,057

14,999

29,816

33,506

31,830

70,080

78,672

64,380

131,666

54,502

16,069

480,705

16,884

12,750

27,084

–

100

1,000

74,397

5,800

118,029

118,434

18,421

16,160

16,884

12,850

28,084

80,197

136,450

134,594

22,843

12,265

35,108

–

390,421

554

554

54,300

444,721

Sight-
8 days
£000

>8 days
- 1 month
£000

>1 month 
- 3 months
£000

>3 months
- 6 months
£000

>6 months
- 1 year
£000

>1 year
- 3 years
£000

>3 years
- 5 years
£000

>5 years
£000

Total
£000

22,630

3,986

8,038

122

–

7,987

10,952

–

–

20,785

27,913

–

–

7,917

40,730

–

–

–

–

–

47,813

5,786

106,755

–

34,776

18,939

48,698

48,647

53,599

106,755

10,878

650

11,528

6,380

26,552

–

1,500

64,251

3,286

103,561

12,399

6,380

28,052

67,537

115,960

78,984

20,627

99,611

–

–

46,176

5,140

51,316

13,593

6,240

19,833

–

–

3,098

13,433

16,531

22,630

40,675

291,475

24,481

379,261

–

304,199

590

590

45,292

349,491

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023  
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

70

Company
All the Company’s assets (excluding Investment in subsidiaries, Property, plant and equipment, Intangible assets, 
Investment in subsidiaries and Subordinated loans) are due within one year. The Subordinated loans are due in 
more than five years.

All the Company’s creditors (excluding Loan notes) are due within one year. The maturity profile £12.3 million of 
loan notes are due within one year, £14.8 million within 3 years and £12.3 million within five years.

iii. Liquidity reserves
The following table sets out the components of the Group’s liquidity reserves:

Balances with other banks

Unencumbered debt securities

Total liquidity reserves

2023
Carrying 
amount
£000

12,107

76,129

88,236

2023 
Fair 
value
£000

12,107

76,129

88,236

2022
Carrying 
amount
£000

22,630

40,675

63,305

2022 
Fair 
value
£000

22,630

40,675

63,305

C. Group Market risk
For the definition of market risk and information on how the Group manages the market risks of trading and 
non-trading portfolios, see note 42. 

The following table sets out the allocation of assets and liabilities subject to market risk between trading and 
non-trading portfolios:

31 December 2023

Assets subject to market risk

Debt securities

Equity held at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss

Total

 31 December 2022

Assets subject to market risk

Debt securities

Equity held at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss

Total

Market risk measure

Trading 
portfolios
£000

Non-trading
 portfolios
£000

–

–

–

76,129

138

76,267

Market risk measure

Trading 
portfolios
£000

Non-trading 
portfolios
£000

–

–

–

40,675

122

40,797

Carrying
amount
£000

76,129

138

76,267

Carrying
amount
£000

40,675

122

40,797

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023  
Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

71

i. Exposure to interest rate risk 
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 deposits from customers at their earliest.

Sight-
1 month
£000

>1 month
- 3 months
£000

>3 months
- 6 months
£000

>6 months
- 1 year
£000

>1 year
- 3 years
£000

>3 years
- 5 years
£000

>5 years
£000

Debt securities

11,475

28,275

36,379

12,107

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

41,574

41,805

42,293

54,800

131,666

49,445

1,070

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

29,816

29,816

65,156

70,080

78,672

54,800

131,666

49,445

1,070

29,816

480,705

29,634

27,084

74,397

118,029

118,434

22,843

100

–

1,000

5,800

5,370

16,160

12,265

–

–

–

–

–

29,734

28,084

80,197

123,399

134,594

35,108

–

162

–

162

–

390,421

13,443

35,984

54,300

35,984

49,427

480,705

35,422

41,996

(1,525)

(68,599)

(2,928)

14,337

908

(19,611)

35,422

77,418

75,893

7,294

4,366

18,703

19,611

–

Sight-
1 month
£000

>1 month
- 3 months
£000

>3 months
- 6 months
£000

>6 months
- 1 year
£000

>1 year
- 3 years
£000

>3 years
- 5 years
£000

>5 years
£000

22,630

–

–

Debt securities

11,973

20,785

7,917

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

18,990

27,913

40,730

47,813

106,755

46,176

3,098

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

53,593

48,698

48,647

47,813

106,755

46,176

3,098

Non-
Interest
Bearing
£000

Total
£000

–

–

–

12,107

76,129

362,653

–

–

Total
£000

22,630

40,675

291,475

24,481

379,261

Non-
Interest 
Bearing
£000

–

–

–

24,481

24,481

31 December 2023

Assets

Cash & cash 
equivalents

Loans and advances 
to customers

Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities and equity

Deposits from 
customers

Other liabilities

Total equity

Total liabilities and 
equity 

Interest rate 
sensitivity gap

Cumulative

31 December 2022

Assets

Cash & cash 
equivalents

Loans and advances 
to customers

Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities and equity

Deposits from 
customers

Other liabilities

Total equity

Total liabilities and 
equity

Interest rate 
sensitivity gap

Cumulative

17,258

26,552

64,251

103,561

78,984

13,593

650

–

1,500

–

3,286

–

905

–

20,627

6,240

–

–

17,908

28,052

67,537

104,466

99,611

19,833

–

237

–

237

–

304,199

11,847

29,770

45,292

29,770

41,617

379,261

35,685

20,646

(18,890)

(56,653)

7,144

26,343

2,861

(17,136)

35,685

56,331

37,441

(19,212)

(12,068)

14,275

17,136

–

–

–

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023  
 
Non-
Interest
Bearing
£000

(19,611)

–

–

Non-
Interest
 Bearing
£000

Total
£000

–

–

(46)

Total
£000

–

–

1,082

Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

72

The Bank monitors the impact of changes in interest rates on interest rate mismatch positions using a method 
consistent with the FSA 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 2.0% per annum 
(2022: 2.0%). The following tables set out the estimated total impact of such a change based on the mismatch 
at the reporting date:

31 December 2023

Interest rate sensitivity 
gap

Weighting

Sight-
1 month
£000

>1 month
- 3 months
£000

>3 months
- 6 months
£000

>6 months
- 1 year
£000

>1 year
- 3 years
£000

>3 years
- 5 years
£000

>5 years
£000

35,422

41,996

(1,525)

(68,599)

(2,928)

14,337

0.000

–

0.003

126

0.007

0.014

0.027

(11)

(960)

(79)

0.054

774

908

0.115

104

31 December 2022

Interest rate sensitivity 
gap

Sight-
1 month
£000

>1 month
- 3 months
£000

>3 months
- 6 months
£000

>6 months
- 1 year
£000

>1 year
- 3 years
£000

>3 years
- 5 years
£000

>5 years
£000

35,685

20,646

(18,890)

(56,653)

7,144

26,343

2,861

(17,136)

Weighting

0.000

0.003

0.007

–

62

(132)

0.014

(793)

0.027

193

0.054

1,423

0.115

329

–

–

D. Group Capital Management
i. Regulatory capital
MFG and its subsidiaries maintain sufficient capital stock to cover risks inherent in their principal operating activities. 
The lead regulator of the Group’s wholly owned subsidiary, the Bank, is the FSA. The FSA sets and monitors capital 
requirements for the Bank. The Bank maintains a capital base to meet the capital adequacy requirements of the 
FSA.  There have been no changes to its approach to capital management from the prior year.

The Bank’s regulatory capital consists of the following elements.

• 

• 

 Common Equity Tier 1 (“CET1”) capital, which includes ordinary share capital, retained earnings and reserves 
after adjustment for deductions for goodwill, intangible assets and intercompany receivable.

 Tier 2 capital, which includes qualifying subordinated liabilities and any excess of impairment over 
expected losses.

The Bank’s Tier 1 and Total Capital regulatory ratios stood at 11.52% (2022: 12.20%) and 15.90% (2022: 15.10%) 
respectively as at 31 December 2023.  The Bank complied with all capital requirements externally imposed 
on it in the year with minimum Tier 1 and Overall Capital ratio of 8.73% (2022: 8.50%) and 15.29% (2022: 14.00%) 
respectively.

The FSA’s approach to the measurement of capital adequacy is primarily based on monitoring the relationship 
of the capital resources requirement to available capital resources. The FSA sets individual capital guidance 
(“ICG”) for the Bank in excess of the minimum capital resources requirement. A key input to the ICG setting 
process is the Bank’s internal capital adequacy assessment process (“ICAAP”).

The Bank is also regulated by the FCA in the UK for credit and brokerage related activities.

Further details of the Bank’s management of capital are described in the Risk Management Report on page 16.

ii. Capital allocation
Management uses regulatory capital ratios to monitor its capital base. The allocation of capital between specific 
operations and activities is, to a large extent, driven by optimisation of the return achieved on the capital allocated. 
The amount of capital allocated to each operation or activity is based primarily on regulatory capital requirements.

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

73

E. Company Financial Risk Review
i. Credit risk
The Company is exposed to credit risk primarily from deposits with banks and from its financing activities of 
Group entities. These balances include Trade and other receivables, Amounts due from Group undertakings, 
Investment in subsidiaries and Subordinated loans. Cash balances are held with institutions with a credit rating of 
A to A+. The Group’s primary credit exposure is to the Bank. The Investment in subsidiary and subordinated loan 
balance counterparties are disclosed in Notes 31 and 35 respectively. Amounts due from Group undertakings 
relate to balances advanced to the Group’s subsidiary (MVL) for the acquisition of other subsidiaries including PAL, 
BBSL, BLX and NRF. The Group manages its credit risk by ensuring that sufficient resources are allocated to credit 
management and capital allocation and using reputable financial institutions to hold its cash balances.

ii. Liquidity risk
The value and term of short term assets are monitored against those of the Company’s liabilities. The Company 
maintains sufficient liquid assets to meet liabilities as they fall due either by retaining Interest income from the 
Subordinated loan, Dividend income from subsidiary companies or raising  funds through the issue of Loan 
notes. Amounts due to / from Group undertakings are unsecured, interest-free and repayable on demand. The 
capital on subordinated loan notes is repayable to the Company in more than 5 years. £12.3m (2022: £6.1m) of 
loan notes are repayable within one year.

iii. Market risk
The Company does not have exposure to foreign exchange risk as transactions are made in and balances held 
in Sterling. The Company has both interest-bearing assets and liabilities. In order to manage interest rate risk, the 
Companies Subordinated loans and Loan notes are charged exclusively at fixed rates.

8. Operating segments

Segmental information is presented in respect of the Group’s business segments. The Directors consider that 
the Group currently operates in one geographic segment comprising of the Isle of Man, UK and Channel Islands. 
The primary format, business segments, is based on the Group’s management and internal reporting structure. 
The Directors consider that the Group operates in three (2022: three) product orientated segments in addition to 
its investing activities: Asset and Personal Finance (including provision of HP contracts, finance leases, personal 
loans, commercial loans, block discounting, vehicle stocking plans and wholesale funding agreements); 
Edgewater Associates Limited (provision of financial advice); and MFX Limited (provision of foreign currency 
transaction services).

 For the year ended 31 December 2023

Interest revenue calculated using the 
effective interest method

Other interest income

Interest expense

Net interest income

Components of Net Trading Income

Net trading income

Components of Operating Income

Operating Income

Depreciation

Amortisation and impairment of intangibles

Share of profit of equity accounted 
investees, net of tax

All other expenses

Profit / (loss) before tax payable

Capital expenditure

Total assets

Total liabilities

Asset and
Personal
Finance
£000

45,356

1,535

(14,538)

32,353

(6,410)

25,943

2,450

28,393

(739)

(545)

–

(20,294)

6,815

2,627

438,916

418,794

Edgewater 
Associates
£000

MFX 
Limited
£000

Investing
Activities
£000

–

–

–

–

2,032

2,032

2

2,034

(22)

(76)

–

(1,972)

(36)

6

1,578

279

–

–

–

–

1,048

1,048

–

1,048

(1)

(5)

–

(364)

678

–

267

10

–

–

8

8

–

8

–

8

(63)

(57)

–

(302)

(414)

895

39,944

25,638

Total
£000

45,356

1,535

(14,530)

32,361

(3,330)

29,031

2,452

31,483

(825)

(683)

–

(22,932)

7,043

3,528

480,705

444,721

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

 For the year ended 31 December 2022

Interest revenue calculated using the 
effective interest method

Other interest income

Interest expense

Net interest income

Components of Net Trading Income

Net trading income

Components of Operating Income

Operating Income

Depreciation

Amortisation and impairment of intangibles

Share of profit of equity accounted 
investees, net of tax

All other expenses

Profit / (loss) before tax payable

Capital expenditure

Total assets

Total liabilities

Asset and
Personal
Finance
£000

28,978

1,765

(6,391)

24,352

(2,696)

21,656

587

22,243

(640)

(494)

–

(17,226)

3,883

1,794

332,689

316,921

Edgewater
Associates
£000

MFX 
Limited
£000

Investing
Activities
£000

–

–

–

–

2,096

2,096

–

2,096

(31)

(81)

–

(1,943)

41

55

2,248

513

–

–

–

–

1,734

1,734

–

1,734

(2)

(5)

–

(314)

1,413

3

543

163

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(65)

(2)

18

(77)

(126)

1

43,781

31,894

74

Total
£000

28,978

1,765

(6,391)

24,352

1,134

25,486

587

26,073

(738)

(582)

18

(19,560)

5,211

1,853

379,261

349,491

Included in other expenses above is Goodwill impairment of £0.2 million relating to the Edgewater Associates 
segment (see note 34). All revenues are earned from the entity’s one geographic segment. All non-current 
assets are located in the entity’s one geographic segment.

9. Net interest income

Interest income

Loans and advances to customers

Total interest income calculated using the effective interest method

Operating lease income 

Total interest income

Interest expense

Deposits from customers

Loan note interest

Lease liability

Contingent consideration: interest expense

Total interest expense

Net interest income

2023
£000

45,356

45,356

1,535

46,891

(12,072)

(2,361)

(93)

(4)

(14,530)

32,361

2022
£000

28,978

28,978

1,765

30,743

(4,601)

(1,610)

(78)

(102)

(6,391)

24,352

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023  
Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

75

10. Net fee and commission income

In the following table, fee and commission income from contracts with customers in the scope of IFRS 15 – Revenue 
from Contracts with Customers is disaggregated by major type of services. The table includes a reconciliation of 
the disaggregated fee and commission income with the Group’s reportable segments. See note 44D regarding 
revenue recognition.

Major service lines

Independent financial advice income

Foreign exchange trading income

Asset and personal finance: Brokerage services income

Debt collection

Fee and commission income

Fee and commission expense

Net fee and commission income

2023
£000

2,032

1,049

421

495

3,997

(7,327)

(3,330)

2022
£000

2,096

1,743

590

290

4,719

(3,569)

1,150

Fee and commission expense relates to commission paid to Brokerages which introduce new business to the Bank.

11. Personnel expenses

Staff gross salaries 

Executive Directors’ remuneration

Non-executive Directors’ fees

Executive Directors’ pensions

Executive Directors’ performance related pay

Staff pension costs

National insurance and payroll taxes

Staff training and recruitment costs

Equity Settled Restricted Stock Units – 
key management personnel

Equity Settled Restricted Stock Units – employees

Group

2023
£000

(9,060)

(569)

(259)

(45)

(99)

(537)

(1,134)

(354)

(67)

(46)

2022
£000

(7,403)

(507)

(207)

(41)

(68)

(397)

(818)

(305)

(9)

(9)

Company

2023
£000

–

–

(62)

–

–

–

–

–

–

2022
£000

–

–

(127)

–

–

–

–

–

–

The Company’s personnel expenses consist exclusively of Directors remuneration and fees for services rendered 
to the Company. 

(12,170)

(9,764)

(62)

(127)

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023  
Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

12. Other expenses

Professional and legal fees

Marketing costs

IT costs

Establishment costs

Communication costs

Travel costs

Bank charges

Insurance

Irrecoverable VAT

Other costs

Impairment loss on goodwill (See Note 34)

76

2022
£000

(1,427)

(363)

(1,210)

(366)

(152)

(297)

(314)

(333)

(362)

(782)

(200)

2023
£000

(1,586)

(452)

(1,534)

(635)

(177)

(319)

(936)

(338)

(383)

(267)

–

13. Impairment on loans and advances to customers

The charge in respect of allowances for impairment comprises, excluding loss allowances on financial assets 
managed on a collective basis.

(6,627)

(5,806)

Impairment allowances made

Release of allowances previously made

2023
£000

(6,998)

2,837

(4,161)

2022
£000

(7,642)

3,612

(4,030)

The credit in respect of allowances for impairment on financial assets managed on a collective basis comprises:

Collective impairment allowances made

Release of allowances previously made

Total credit for allowances for impairment on financial assets managed on a collective 
basis

2023
£000

(656)

682

26

2022
£000

(244)

284

40

Total charge for allowances for impairment

(4,135)

(3,990)

14. Profit before tax payable

The profit before tax payable for the year is stated after charging:  

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the 
audit of the Group’s financial statements

Other fees payable to the Company’s auditor:

Audit of the Company’s subsidiary undertakings

Other assurance service fees

Other services – tax compliance

Pension cost defined benefit scheme

Expenses relating to short-term leases and low 
value assets

Group

Company

2023
£000

(85)

(4)

(221)

(10)

(4)
(11)

(81)

2022
£000

(78)

(11)

(197)

(6)

(4)
(14)

(92)

2023
£000

(58)

–

–

–

–

–

–

2022
£000

(54)

–

–

–

–

–

–

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

15. Income tax expense

Group

Current tax expense

Current year

Deferred tax expense

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

Tax expense 

Group

Reconciliation of effective tax rate

Profit before tax 

Tax using the Bank’s domestic tax rate

Effect of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions

Tax exempt income

Non deductible expenses

Tax expense

%

(10.0)

(5.9)

3.1

–

(12.8)

2023
£000

7,043

(704)

(416)

217

–

(903)

77

2022
£000

(366)

(366)

(171)

(537)

2022
£000

5,211

(521)

111

–

(127)

(537)

2023
£000

(899)

(899)

(4)

(903)

%

(10.0)

2.1

–

(2.4)

(10.3)

The main rate of corporation tax in the Isle of Man is 0.0% (2022: 0.0%). However, the profits of the Group’s Isle of 
Man banking activities are taxed at 10.0% (2022: 10.0%). The profits of the Group’s subsidiaries that are subject to 
UK corporation tax are taxed at a rate of 25.0% (2022: 19.0%). The Company is subject to 0.0% tax.

The value of tax losses carried forward reduced to nil and there is now a temporary difference related to 
accelerated capital allowances resulting in a £392,000 liability (2022: £353,000 liability). This resulted in an 
expense of £171,000 (2022: £171,000) to the Consolidated Income Statement.

16. Earnings per share  

Profit for the year attributable to owners of the Company

Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue (basic)

Basic earnings per share (pence)

Diluted earnings per share (pence)

2023

2022

£5,288,000

115,330,589

4.59

3.51

£4,331,000

114,763,883

3.77

2.93

Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to owners of the Company

£5,606,000

£4,869,000

Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue (basic)

115,330,589

114,763,883

Basic earnings per share (pence)

Diluted earnings per share (pence)

4.86

3.71

4.24

3.28

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

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

78

As at:

2023

2022

Reconciliation of weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue between basic and 
diluted

Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares (basic)

Number of shares issued if all convertible loan notes were exchanged for equity

Dilutive element of share options if exercised

Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares (diluted)

Reconciliation of profit for the year between basic and diluted

Profit for the year (basic)

Interest expense saved if all convertible loan notes were exchanged for equity 

Profit for the year (diluted)

115,330,589

37,916,667

2,460,929

114,763,883

38,225,772

830,035

155,708,185

153,819,690

£5,288,000

£171,415

£4,331,000

£171,415

£5,459,415

£4,502,415

The diluted earnings per share calculation assumes that all convertible loan notes and share options have been 
converted / exercised at the beginning of the year where they are dilutive. 

As at:

2023

2022

Reconciliation of total comprehensive income for the year between basic and diluted

Total comprehensive income for the year (basic)

£5,606,000

£4,869,000

Interest expense saved if all convertible loan notes were exchanged for equity 

£171,415

£171,415

Total comprehensive income for the year (diluted)

£5,777,415

£5,040,415

The weighted average number of ordinary shares and earnings per share have been adjusted retrospectively.

17. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank and in hand

Fixed deposit (less than 90 days)

Group

Company

2023
£000

12,107

–

12,107

2022
£000

20,651

1,979

22,630

2023
£000

373

–

373

2022
£000

1,761

–

1,761

Cash at bank includes an amount of £1,653,000 (2022: £24,000) representing receipts which are in the course of 
transmission.

18. Debt securities

Financial assets at fair value through other 
comprehensive income:

UK Government treasury bills

Group

2023
£000

76,129

76,129

2022
£000

40,675

40,675

Company

2023
£000

–

–

2022
£000

–

–

UK Government Treasury Bills are stated at fair value and unrealised changes in the fair value are reflected in 
other comprehensive income. There were realised gains of £1,893,000 (2022: £292,000) and unrealised gains of 
£324,000 (2022: £131,000) during the year.

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

19. Financial assets

Financial assets at FVOCI:

(Loss) / gain on Deferred consideration 
(See note 6(ii))

Gain on equity instrument

Group

2023
£000

179

16

195

2022
£000

(74)

55

(19)

Company

2023
£000

–

–

–

79

2022
£000

–

–

–

The Bank acquired a new equity instrument in the previous financial year (see note 33).

20. Loans and advances to customers

Group

HP balances

Finance lease balances

Unsecured personal loans

Vehicle stocking plans

Wholesale funding arrangements

Block discounting

Secured commercial loans

Secured personal loans

Government backed loans

Property secured

2023

2022

Gross
Amount
£000

Impairment
Allowance
£000

Carrying
Value
£000

Gross
Amount
£000

Impairment
Allowance
£000

Carrying
Value
£000

119,533

24,878

88,647

1,973

21,503

47,520

25,788

1,075

41,283

10,068

(4,143)

(3,050)

(10,833)

–

–

–

(516)

–

(1,073)

–

115,390

21,828

77,814

1,973

21,503

47,520

25,272

1,075

40,210

10,068

87,142

21,513

49,689

1,918

30,904

46,294

12,753

1,867

55,572

–

(4,093)

(3,782)

(7,236)

–

–

–

(595)

(90)

(381)

–

83,049

17,731

42,453

1,918

30,904

46,294

12,158

1,777

55,191

–

382,268

(19,615)

362,653

307,652

(16,177)

291,475

Collateral is held in the form of underlying assets for HP, finance leases, vehicles stocking plans, block discounting, 
secured commercial and personal loans and wholesale funding arrangements.

Allowance for impairment

Balance at 1 January

Acquisition

Allowance for impairment made

Release of allowances previously made

Write-offs

Balance at 31 December

Collective allowance for impairment

Balance at 1 January

Collective allowance for impairment made

Release of allowances previously made

Balance at 31 December

Total allowances for impairment

2023
£000

15,962

–

6,998

(2,837)

(697)

19,426

2023
£000

215

656

(682)

189

19,615

2022*
£000

8,464

5,030

7,642

(3,612)

(1,562)

15,962

2022
£000

255

244

(284)

215

16,177

* The gross value and impairment allowance as at 31 December 2022 has each been adjusted from £305,698k 
and £14,223k by £1,954,000 to appropriately reflect the gross value and impairment allowances of the loans 
and advances to customers. The adjustment did not have any impact on the carrying value of the loans and 
advances to customers nor of the statement of profit or loss or cash flows.

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

80

The following table provides an explanation of how significant changes in the gross carrying amount of financial 
instruments during the period contributed to changes in loss allowance:

Loans and advances to customers

Acquisition of subsidiary

Unsecured personal loans originated during the period

2023
£000

–

5,551

2022
£000

4,620

–

The contractual amount outstanding on financial assets that were written off during the reporting period and 
are still subject to enforcement activity are £nil (2022: £nil).

Advances on preferential terms are available to all Directors, management and staff. As at 31 December 2023 
£1,699,794 (2022: £1,228,334) had been lent on this basis. In the Group’s ordinary course of business, advances 
may be made to Shareholders, but all such advances are made on normal commercial terms (see note 36). 

At the end of the current financial year 8 loan exposures (2022: 13) exceeded 10.0% of the capital base of the Bank:

Exposure

Block discounting facility

Wholesale funding agreement

HP and finance lease receivables

Outstanding 
Balance
2023
£000

47,520

21,503

Outstanding
Balance
2022
£000

68,209

34,975

Loans and advances to customers include the following HP and finance lease receivables:

Less than one year

Between one and five years

Gross investment in HP and finance lease receivables

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

Less than one year

Between one and five years

Net investment in HP and finance lease receivables

21. Trade and other receivables

Other debtors

Prepayments

Group

Company

2023
£000

7,730

497

8,227

2022
£000

3,380

831

4,211

2023
£000

–

123

123

2023
£000

72,372

72,039

144,411

2023
£000

68,767

68,451

137,218

Facility
 Limit
2023
£000

78,088

26,005

2022
£000

51,368

57,287

108,655

2022
£000

47,646

53,134

100,780

2022
£000

494

68

562

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

22. Property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets

Group

Cost

As at 1 January 2023

Additions

Disposals

As at 31 December 2023

Accumulated depreciation

As at 1 January 2023

Charge for year

Disposals

As at 31 December 2023

Carrying value at 31 December 2023

Carrying value at 31 December 2022

Buildings and
 Leasehold
Improvements
£000

IT
Equipment
£000

Furniture and
Equipment
£000

Motor
Vehicles1
£000

Right-of-use 
assets
£000

745

93

– 

838

443

40

– 

483

355

302

603

127

– 

730

456

97

– 

553

177

147

5,739

941

(787)

5,893

1,160

427

(98)

1,489

4,404

4,579

196

119

(98)

217

85

39

(28)

96

121

111

1,960

– 

– 

1,960

385

222

– 

607

1,353

1,575

81

Total
£000

9,243

1,280

(885)

9,638

2,529

825

(126)

3,228

6,410

6,714

1  Included in motor vehicles are operating leases with the Group as lessor. Depreciation on leasing assets was £nil 
(2022: £16,000).

Buildings with an original cost of £160,000 were revalued by independent valuers Vospers Limited to £175,000 on the 
basis of market value as at 15 September 2021. The valuation conforms to International Valuation Standards and 
was based on recent market transactions on arm’s length terms for similar properties. The Directors consider the 
valuation of the buildings as at 31 December 2023 remains £175,000. The carrying amount that would have been 
recognised had the building been carried under the cost model would be £150,400 (2022: 153,600).

Company

Cost

As at 1 January 2023

Additions

As at 31 December 2023

Accumulated depreciation

As at 1 January 2023

Charge for year

As at 31 December 2023

Carrying value at 31 December 2023

Carrying value at 31 December 2022

Leasehold
Improvements
£000

IT
Equipment
£000

Furniture and
Equipment
£000

Right-of-use 
assets
£000

234

–

234

234

–

234

–

–

20

1

21

6

1

7

14

14

18

–

18

11

2

13

5

7

424

–

424

244

60

304

120

180

Total
£000

696

1

697

495

63

558

139

201

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

23. Intangible assets

Group

Cost

As at 1 January 2023

Additions

As at 31 December 2023

Accumulated amortisation

As at 1 January 2023

Charge for year 

As at 31 December 2023

Carrying value at 31 December 2023

Carrying value at 31 December 2022

Company

Cost

As at 1 January 2023

Additions

As at 31 December 2023

Accumulated amortisation

As at 1 January 2023

Charge for year 

As at 31 December 2023

Carrying value at 31 December 2023

Carrying value at 31 December 2022

24. Deposits from customers

Retail customers: term deposits

Corporate customers: term deposits

Customer 
Contracts 
£000

Intellectual 
Property Rights
£000

IT Software 
and Website 
Development
£000

2,930

7

2,937

1,161

214

1,375

1,562

1,769

1,245

757

2,002

523

218

741

1,261

722

2,549

1,484

4,033

2,337

251

2,588

1,445

212

IT Software 
and Website 
Development
£000

31

893

924

6

57

63

861

25

2023
£000

377,899

12,522

390,421

25. Creditors and accrued charges

Other creditors and accruals

Commission creditors

Lease liability

Taxation creditors

Group

Company

2023
£000

12,623

174

1,358

254

14,409

2022
£000

10,096

1,398

1,614

–

13,108

2023
£000

453

–

91

–

544

82

Total
£000

6,724

2,248

8,972

4,021

683

4,704

4,268

2,703

Total
£000

31

893

924

6

57

63

861

25

2022
£000

291,238

12,961

304,199

2022
£000

232

–

208

–

440

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

83

26. Deferred consideration

Deferred consideration relates to contingent payments due to the sellers on the acquisition of BBSL and BLX 
respectively.

On the acquisition of BLX on 11 October 2021, the Group agreed that a further conditional consideration of up 
to £483,663 is payable to the sellers in addition to the cash consideration paid. The total amount payable is 
contingent on the recovery of certain loans and advances found to be in default at acquisition. The fair value 
on acquisition date was determined to be £387,000. The Group made a payment of £67,000 (2022: £156,093) to 
the sellers during the period.

BLX

27. Loan notes

Related parties

J Mellon

Burnbrae Limited

Culminant Reinsurance Ltd

Unrelated parties

Notes

JM

BL

CR

UP

Group

2023
£000

1,750

3,200

1,000

5,950

33,367

39,317

2022
£000

1,750

3,200

1,000

5,950

25,382

31,332

2023
£000

20

20

Company

2023
£000

1,750

3,200

1,000

5,950

33,367

39,317

2022
£000

262

262

2022
£000

1,750

3,200

1,000

5,950

25,382

31,332

JM - Two loans, one loan of £1,250,000 maturing on 26 February 2025 with interest payable of 5.4% per annum, 
convertible to ordinary shares of the Company at a rate of 9.0 pence, one of £500,000 maturing on 31 July 2027, 
paying interest of 7.5% per annum and convertible to ordinary shares of the Company at a rate of 8.0 pence.

BL - Three loans, one of £1,200,000 maturing on 31 July 2027, paying interest of 7.5% per annum, convertible to 
ordinary shares of the Company at a rate of 8.0 pence, one of £1,000,000 maturing 25 February 2025, paying 
interest of 5.4% per annum, and one of £1,000,000 maturing 28 September 2025 paying interest of 6.0% per 
annum. Jim Mellon is the beneficial owner of BL and Denham Eke is also a director. 

CR - One loan consisting of £1,000,000 maturing on 12 October 2025, paying interest of 6.0% per annum. Greg 
Bailey, a director, is the beneficial owner of CR. 

UP – Forty loans (2022: Forty), the earliest maturity date is 22 January 2024 and the latest maturity is 
10 October 2028. The average interest payable is 5.87% (2022: 5.52%).

With respect to the convertible loans, the interest rate applied was deemed by the Directors to be equivalent to 
the market rate at the time with no conversion option. 

28. Pension liability

The Conister Trust Pension and Life Assurance Scheme (“Scheme”) operated by the Bank is a funded defined 
benefit arrangement which provides retirement benefits based on final pensionable salary. The Scheme is 
closed to new entrants and the last active member of the Scheme left pensionable service in 2011.

The Scheme is approved in the Isle of Man by the Assessor of Income Tax under the Income Tax (Retirement 
Benefit Schemes) Act 1978 and must comply with the relevant legislation. In addition, it is registered as an 
authorised scheme with the FSA in the Isle of Man under the Retirement Benefits Scheme Act 2000. The Scheme is 
subject to regulation by the FSA but there is no minimum funding regime in the Isle of Man. 

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

84

The Scheme is governed by two corporate trustees, Conister Bank Limited and Boal & Co (Pensions) Limited. 
The trustees are responsible for the Scheme’s investment policy and for the exercise of discretionary powers in 
respect of the Scheme’s benefits.

Exposure to risk

The Company is exposed to the risk that additional contributions will be required in order to fund the Scheme as 
a result of poor experience. Some of the key factors that could lead to shortfalls are:

• 

• 

investment performance – the return achieved on the Scheme’s assets may be lower than expected; and

 mortality – members could live longer than foreseen. This would mean that benefits are paid for longer than 
expected, increasing the value of the related liabilities.

In order to assess the sensitivity of the Scheme’s pension liability to these risks, sensitivity analysis have been 
carried out. Each sensitivity analysis is based on changing one of the assumptions used in the calculations, with 
no change in the other assumptions. The same method has been applied as was used to calculate the original 
pension liability and the results are presented in comparison to that liability. It should be noted that in practice 
it is unlikely that one assumption will change without a movement in the other assumptions; there may also 
be some correlation between some of these assumptions. It should also be noted that the value placed on 
the liabilities does not change on a straight line basis when one of the assumptions is changed. For example, a 
2.0% change in an assumption will not necessarily produce twice the effect on the liabilities of a 1.0% change.

Exposure to risk 

No changes have been made to the method or to the assumptions stress-tested for these sensitivity analyses 
compared to the previous period. The investment strategy of the Scheme has been set with regard to the liability 
profile of the Scheme. However, there are no explicit asset-liability matching strategies in place. 

Restriction of assets

No adjustments have been made to the statement of financial position items as a result of the requirements of 
IFRIC 14 – IAS 19: The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their Interaction, issued 
by IASB’s International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee.

Scheme amendments

There have not been any past service costs or settlements in the financial year ending 31 December 2023 
(2022: none).

Funding policy

The funding method employed to calculate the value of previously accrued benefits is the Projected Unit Method. 
Following the cessation of accrual of benefits when the last active member left service in 2011, regular future 
service contributions to the Scheme are no longer required. However, additional contributions will still be required 
to cover any shortfalls that might arise following each funding valuation.

The most recent triennial full actuarial valuation was carried out at 31 March 2022, which showed that the market 
value of the Scheme’s assets was £1,432,000 representing 65.2% of the benefits that had accrued to members, 
after allowing for expected future increases in earnings. As required by IAS 19: Employee Benefits, this valuation 
has been updated by the actuary as at 31 December 2023.

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

2023
£000

1,359

(1,521)

(162)

2022
£000

1,289

(1,526)

(237)

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
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

Liability for defined benefit obligations at 31 December

Movement in plan assets

Opening fair value of plan assets at 1 January

Interest on plan assets

Contribution by employer

Return on plan assets

Benefits paid

Closing fair value of plan assets at 31 December

Expense recognised in income statement

Net interest cost recognised in the statement of profit and loss

Actuarial gain / (loss) recognised in other comprehensive income 

Return on plan assets

Actuarial gain on defined benefit obligations

Plan assets consist of the following

Equity securities

Corporate bonds

Government bonds

Cash

Other

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

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

Rate of increase in deferred pensions

Discount rate applied to scheme liabilities

Inflation

85

2022
£000

2,230

(75)

44

(673)

1,526

2022
£000

1,543

30

57

(266)

(75)

1,289

2022
£000

14

2022
£000

(266)

673

407

2022
%

61

13

21

2

3

100

2022
%

–

3.1

2.1

5.0

5.0

3.2

2023
£000

1,526

(77)

74

(2)

1,521

2023
£000

1,289

63

57

27

(77)

1,359

2023
£000

11

2023
£000

27

2

29

2023
%

45

20

28

2

5

100

2023
%

–

3.1

2.1

5.0

5.0

3.2

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023  
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

Life expectancy

Current pensioner aged 65 (male)

Current pensioner aged 65 (female)

Future pensioner aged 65 in 10 years (male)

Future pensioner aged 65 in 10 years (female)

86

2022
%

21.6
23.9

22.1

24.7

2023
%

21.3
23.8

21.8

24.5

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. 

Sensitivity analysis

Reasonably possible changes at the reporting date to one of the relevant actuarial assumptions, holding other 
assumptions constant, would have affected the defined benefit obligation by the amounts shown below.

2023

2022

Increase

Decrease

Increase

Decrease

(76)

20

58

84

(18)

(58)

(79)

18

53

87

(20)

(55)

Effect in £’000

Discount rate (0.5% movement) 

Inflation rate (0.5% movement)

Life expectancy (1 year movement)

29. Called up share capital 

Ordinary shares of no par value available for issue

At 31 December 2023

At 31 December 2022

Issued and fully paid: Ordinary shares of no par value

At 31 December 2023

At 31 December 2022

Number

200,200,000

200,200,000

Number

116,191,936

115,072,988

£000

19,384

19,195

2022
£000

43,113

7,659

-

62

-

(99)

50,735

A. Analysis of changes in financing during the year

Group

Company

Balance at 1 January

Issue of loan notes

Issue of lease liability

Issue of shares via scrip dividend

Issue of shares

Payment of lease liabilities

Balance at 31 December

2023
£000

52,141

7,985

–

91

98

(256)

60,059

2022
£000

44,100

7,660

521

62

–

(202)

52,141

2023
£000

50,735

7,985

-

91

98

(117)

58,792

The 2023 Group closing balance is represented by £19,384,000 share capital (2022: £19,195,000), £39,317,000 of 
loan notes (2022: £31,332,000) and £1,358,000 lease liability (2022: £1,614,000).

The 2023 Company closing balance is represented by £19,384,000 share capital (2022: £19,195,000), £39,317,000 of 
loan notes (2022: £31,332,000) and £91,000 lease liability (2022: £208,000).

B. Dividends

On 30 May 2023, MFG declared a dividend of £433,000 (2022: £279,000) which could either be taken up in cash or 
new ordinary shares of 418,993 new shares (2022: 781,349 new shares) were admitted to the Alternative Investment 
Market (“AIM”) at 21.8974 pence per share (2022: 8.0205 pence per share), at a total cost of £91,000 (2022: £62,000).

C. Convertible loans

There are three convertible loans totalling £2,950,000 (2022: £2,950,000) (refer to note 27). 

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023  
Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

87

D. Share options and Restricted Stock Units

i. Issued during the financial year ended 31 December 2023
On 5 July 2022, 27 October 2022 and 29 November 2023 MFG granted Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) under 
its 2022 RSU Plan. The Group has issued, in total, RSUs over 4,687,500 ordinary shares representing 4.1% of the 
issued share capital of the Group, including 2,900,000 to certain directors and 1,787,500 to certain employees. 
The RSUs will have a 2-year term and are subject to certain vesting conditions based upon an overall growth 
in profitability. Any RSUs granted will fall away should the recipient leave employment before the 2-year term 
expires. Should the individual vesting conditions be satisfied at the end of the term, the stock will be exercised at 
nil cost. 

The Group directors who received RSUs are as follows:

• 

• 

 Douglas Grant, Group Chief Executive Officer was issued 1,925,000 RSUs. Including the 1,243,129 Ordinary Shares 
in the Company he currently owns, he would hold a total of 3,168,129 on a fully diluted basis, being 2.0% of the 
new issued share capital of the Company; and

 James Smeed, Group Finance Director, was issued 475,000 RSUs. On the same basis, he would hold 0.3% of the 
new issued share capital of the Company.

The terms and conditions of the grants are as follows: and will be settled by the physical delivery of shares.

Grant date/employees entitled

Number of Units

Contractual life of options

RSUs granted to key employees at 5 July 2022

RSUs granted to directors at 5 July 2022

RSUs granted to key employees at 27 October 2022

RSUs granted to directors at 27 October 2022

RSUs granted to directors and key employees at 29 November 2023

Total RSUs

Lapsed RSUs

Remaining RSUs

1,020,000

1,100,000

165,000

150,000

2,252,500

4,687,500

(135,000)

4,552,500

2 years

2 years

2 years

2 years

2 years

The fair value of employee services received in return for restricted stock units granted is based on the fair value 
of them measured using the Black-Scholes formula. Service related and non-market performance conditions 
were not taken into account in measuring fair value. The inputs used in measuring the fair values at the grant of 
the equity-settled restricted stock unit payment plans were as follows.

Fair value of restricted stock units and assumptions

Share price at grant date

Exercise price

Expected volatility * ^

Expected life (weighted average)

Risk-free interest rate (based on government bonds) * ^

Forfeiture rate

Fair value at grant date

^ Based on past 3 years
* Annual rates

Grant at 
5 July 2022

Grant at
27 October 2022

Grant at 
29 November 2023

8.5 pence

14.0 pence

17.5 pence

nil

55.14%

2 years

1.65%

0.00%

nil

107.71%

2 years

3.15%

0.00%

nil

638.12%

2 years

4.43%

0.00%

8.5 pence

14.0 pence

17.5 pence

The expected volatility is based on both historical average share price volatility and implied volatility derived 
from traded options over the group’s ordinary shares of maturity similar to those of the employee options.

The charge for the year for share options granted was £113,000 (2022: £18,000).

ii. Issued during the financial year ended 31 December 2014
On 23 June 2014, 1,750,000 share options were issued to Executive Directors and senior management within the 
Group at an exercise price of 14 pence per share. 

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

88

The options vest over three years with a charge based on the fair value of 8 pence per option at the date 
of grant. The period of grant is for 10 years less 1 day ending 22 June 2024, with the condition of three-years 
continuous employment being met.

Of the 1,750,000 share options issued, 350,000 (31 December 2022: 1,050,000) remain outstanding.

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:

On 30 November 2023, Douglas Grant, Chief Executive Officer, exercised options over 700,000 ordinary shares of 
no par value (“New Ordinary Shares”) in the Company (the “Options”), at an exercise price of 14 pence per New 
Ordinary Share, for an aggregate consideration of £98,000.

Fair value at date of grant

Share price at date of grant

Exercise price

Expected volatility

Option life

Risk-free interest rate (based on government bonds)

Forfeiture rate

30. List of associates

Set out below is a list of associates of the Group: 

Payitmonthly Ltd (“PIML”)

Lesley Stephen & Co Limited (“LSC”)

23 June 2014

£0.08

£0.14

£0.14

55.0%

3

0.5%

33.3%

Group
2022
£000

155

–

155

Group
2023
£000

155

42

197

In August 2018, 30% of the share capital of PIML was acquired for £90,000 consideration. The Group’s resulting 
share of the associate’s total comprehensive income during the year was £nil (2022: £18,000).

As part of the Bank providing loan finance to LSC, on 29 June 2023 the Group acquired 10% of its issued share 
capital for nil consideration. The receipt of the issued share capital is considered to be linked to the loan facilities 
financed and therefore its term and interest rate implicit in the finance agreement have been used as the basis 
to discount the fair value of the gratis shares issued. 

The Group possesses the capacity to engage in policy-making processes within LSC through its right to 
designate an individual to attend all board meetings as an observer. Via its representative, the Group also holds 
the ability to introduce topics for discussion on the agenda, although it doesn’t have voting rights in this regard. 
Moreover, the Group has introduced constraints on LSC’s board, effectively preventing specified significant 
actions from being taken without the Group’s consent. The fair value of the financial instrument received has 
been determined as £42,000 at initial recognition based on the proportionate share of the net asset value of LSC. 
As part of the transaction, the Group has been granted two warrants to acquire further shares. The first warrant 
is for 10% of the share capital and the second warrant is for a further 10% of the share capital. The two warrants 
are exercisable dependent upon the profit before tax achieved by LSC relative to target profit before tax for the 
relevant financial period. The fair value of the two warrants has been determined to be nil due to the significant 
uncertainty that exists at acquisition date of achieving such targets. For these reasons the financial instrument 
is accounted for as an Associate in accordance with IAS 28. The Group’s resulting share of the associate’s total 
comprehensive income during the year was £nil (2022: £nil).

Moreover, the Group has introduced constraints on LSC’s board, effectively preventing specified significant 
actions from being taken without the Group’s consent.

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

89

The Group continues to obtain information necessary to measure the fair value of the shares obtained. The fair 
value of the financial instrument received has been provisionally determined as £42,000 at initial recognition 
based on the proportionate share of the net asset value of LSC. As part of the transaction, the Group has been 
granted two warrants to acquire further shares. The first warrant is for 10% of the share capital and the second 
warrant is for a further 10% of the share capital. 

The two warrants are exercisable dependent upon the profit before tax achieved by LSC relative to target profit 
before tax for the relevant financial period. The fair value of the two warrants has been determined to be nil due 
to the significant uncertainty that exists at acquisition date of achieving such targets.

For these reasons the financial instrument is accounted for as an Associate in accordance with IAS 28.

31. List of subsidiaries

Set out below is a list of direct subsidiaries of the Group: 

Carrying value of investments

Nature of
Business

Conister Bank Limited 

Asset and Personal Finance

Edgewater Associates Limited  Wealth Management

TransSend Holdings Limited 

Holding Company

Manx Ventures Limited 

Holding Company

31 December
2022
% Holding

100

100

100

100

Date of
Incorporation

05/12/1935

24/12/1996

05/11/2007

15/05/2009

All subsidiaries are incorporated in the Isle of Man.

Set out below is a list of indirect significant subsidiaries of the Group:

2023
£000

26,092

2,005

–

–

2022 
£000

21,592

2,005

–

–

28,097

23,597

Carrying value of investments

Conister Finance & Leasing Limited

MFX Limited

Payment Assist Limited

Blue Star Leasing Limited

Ninkasi Rentals & Finance Limited

The Business Lending Exchange Limited

Principal place  
of business

Country of 
incorporation

Ownership  
interest

UK

IOM

UK

UK

UK

UK

IOM

IOM

UK

UK

UK

UK

100.0%

100.0%

50.1%

100.0%

90.0%

100.0%

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

90

32. Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries

The following table summarises the information about the Group’s subsidiaries that have material NCI, before 
any intra-group eliminations.

31 December 2023
£000

NCI percentage

Cash and cash equivalents

Loans and advances to customers

Trade and other receivables

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Loans and borrowings

Creditors and accrued charges

Deferred tax

Net assets

Carrying amount of NCI

Revenue

Profit

OCI

Total comprehensive income

Profit allocated to NCI

OCI allocated to NCI

Operating activities cashflows

Investing activities cashflows

Financing activities cashflows

Net (decrease) / increase in cashflows

31 December 2022
£’000

NCI percentage

Cash and cash equivalents

Loans and advances to customers

Trade and other receivables

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Loans and borrowings

Creditors and accrued charges

Deferred tax

Net assets

Carrying amount of NCI

Revenue

Profit

OCI

Total comprehensive income

Profit allocated to NCI

OCI allocated to NCI

Operating activities cashflows

Investing activities cashflows

Financing activities cashflows

Net increase / (decrease) in cashflows

PAL

49.9%

1,249

15,965

1,013

–

380

(4,036)

(12,593)

–

1,978

987

10,822

1,700

–

1,700

848

–

973

(185)

(2,122)

(1,334)

PAL

49.9%

2,584

9,818

1,116

15

251

(3,089)

(10,416)

–

279

140

3,407

645

–

645

322

–

585

124

–

709

NRF

10%

369

–

1,133

4,275

23

(145)

(4,884)

(232)

539

54

1,478

42

–

42

4

–

339

(151)

–

188

NRF

10%

219

-

941

4,507

27

(4,355)

(628)

(217)

494

49

1,660

207

–

207

21

–

87

(158)

(12)

(83)

Total

1,041

852

–

Total

189

343

–

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

91

33. Financial Instruments 

Rivers Finance Group PLC (“RFG”)

On 9 June 2021 the Group acquired 10% of the issued share capital of RFG for nil consideration. The receipt of the 
issued share capital is considered to be a commitment fee receivable by the Group in order to originate loan 
facilities in aggregate not exceeding £6,250,000 to RFG. The commitment fee is an integral part of the effective 
interest rate of the associated loan facilities issued to RFG. 

The Group is not considered to have a significant influence over RFG as it holds less than a 20% shareholding and 
is not considered to participate in the policy making decisions of the entity. The 10% shareholding has thus been 
classified as a financial instrument.

The Group continues to obtain information necessary to measure the fair value of the shares obtained. The 
fair value of the financial instrument received has been determined as £138,000 (2022: £122,000) based on the 
proportionate share of the net asset value of RFG. There has been no change to fair value at year-end.

As part of the transaction, the Group has been granted two warrants to acquire further shares. The first warrant is 
for 5% of the share capital and the second warrant is for a further 5% of the share capital. 

The two warrants are exercisable dependent upon the Group’s banking subsidiary, the Bank, contracting with 
RFG, for a larger facility. The fair value of the two warrants has been determined to be nil due to the significant 
uncertainty that exists at acquisition date and the period end in issuing a further debt facility.

34. Goodwill

Cash generating unit

PAL (see below)

EAL

BLX

BBSL

NRFL

Manx Collections Limited (“MCL”)

Three Spires Insurance Services Limited (“Three 
Spires”)

Group
2023
£000

4,456

1,649

1,908

1,390

678

454

41

Group
2022
£000

4,456

1,649

1,908

1,390

678

454

41

10,576

10,576

Company
2023
£000

Company
2022
£000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Management has determined that a reasonably possible change in the key assumptions would not result in the 
carrying amount to exceed the recoverable amount of the following CGU’s and accordingly no impairment of 
goodwill.

Payment Assist Limited (“PAL”)

On 16 May 2022, the Group (through MVL) announced that it entered into an agreement to acquire 50.1% of the 
shares and voting interests in UK focused, point of sale lender PAL for a total consideration of £4.244 million 
payable in cash. The acquisition was completed in September 2022. In addition to the acquisition, MVL has 
agreed an option to acquire the remaining 49.9% of Payment Assist for a variable cash consideration of 2 times 
the average net profit per share at the point of exercise, subject to a maximum of £5 million (the “Option”). The 
Option can be exercised by MVL at any time for the period until PAL has declared a dividend for the financial year 
ended 31 December 2026.

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

92

General

The key assumptions used in the estimation of the recoverable amount are set out in this note. The recoverable 
amount of the CGUs discussed in this note were each based on value in use. The values assigned to key 
assumptions represents management’s assessment of future trends in the relevant industries and have been 
based on historical data from both external and internal sources.

The estimated recoverable amount in relation to the goodwill generated on the purchase of PAL is based on 
10-year forecasted cash flow projections and then discounted using a 14.2% (2022: 14.0%) discount factor. The 
sensitivity of the analysis was tested using additional discount factors of up to 20.0% on single interest income 
growth rates.

The estimated recoverable amount in relation to the EAL CGU (including also goodwill generated on acquisition 
of EAL) is based on 10-year forecasted cash flow projections using a 2.0% annual increment, and then discounted 
using a 13.9% (2022: 14.0%) discount factor. The sensitivity of the analysis was tested using additional discount 
factors of 15.0% and 20.0% on stable profit levels. An impairment loss on EAL goodwill of £200,000 has been 
recognised in the prior year.

The estimated recoverable amount in relation to the goodwill generated on the purchase of BLX is based on 
10-year forecasted cash flow projections using a 0% annual increment and then discounted using a 14.2% 
(2022: 14.0%) discount factor. The sensitivity of the analysis was tested using additional discount factors of up to 
20.0% on single interest income growth rates.

The estimated recoverable amount in relation to the goodwill generated on the purchase of BBSL is based on 
10-year forecasted cash flow projections using a 2% annual increment with a terminal value calculated using a 
2.0% growth rate of net income and then discounted using a 14.2% (2022: 14.0%) discount factor. The sensitivity of 
the analysis was tested using additional discount factors of up to 20.0% on single interest income growth rates.

The estimated recoverable amount in relation to the goodwill generated on the purchase of NRFL is based on  
10-year forecasted cash flow projections using a 0% annual increment, and then discounted using a 14.2% 
(2022: 12.0%) discount factor. The sensitivity of the analysis was tested using additional discount factors of up to 
20.0%. On the basis of the above reviews no impairment to goodwill has been made in the current year.

The estimated recoverable amount in relation to the goodwill generated on the purchase of MCL is based on 
10-year forecasted cash flow projection using a 2.0% annual increment, and then discounted using a 14.2% 
(2022: 11.0%) discount factor. The sensitivity of the analysis was tested using additional discount factors up to 
20.0%. 

The goodwill generated on the purchase of Three Spires has been reviewed at the current year end and is 
considered adequate given its income streams referred to EAL. Based on the above no impairment to goodwill 
has been made in the current year.

35. Loans and amounts due from Group undertakings

Amounts due from and to Group undertakings

Amounts due from and to Group undertakings relate to intra-group transactions and are unsecured, 
interest-free and repayable on demand. The amounts will be settled either through cash or net settlement.

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

Subordinated loans

MFG has issued several subordinated loans as part of its equity funding into the Bank and EAL.

Creation

Conister Bank Limited

11 February 2014

27 May 2014

9 July 2014

17 September 2014

22 July 2013

25 October 2013

23 September 2016

14 June 2017

12 June 2018

23 March 2023

Edgewater Associates Limited

21 February 2017

14 May 2017

Maturity

11 February 2034

27 May 2034

9 July 2034

17 September 2026

22 July 2033

22 October 2033

23 September 2036

14 June 2037

12 June 2038

23 March 2043

21 February 2027

14 May 2027

Interest rate
% p.a.

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

2023
£000

500

500

500

400

1,000

1,000

1,100

450

2,000

6,500

150

128

14,228

36. Related party transactions

Cash deposits

During the year, the Bank held cash on deposit on behalf of Jim Mellon (Executive Chairman of MFG). 
At 31 December total deposits amounted to £4,502 (2022: £94,475), at normal commercial interest rates in 
accordance with the standard rates offered by the Bank. 

Key management remuneration including Executive Directors

Remuneration – executive Directors

Remuneration – non-executive Directors

Performance Related Pay

Pension

Equity Settled Restricted Stock Units (see note 11)

2023
£000

569

259

99

45

67

1,039

93

2022 
£000

500

500

500

400

1,000

1,000

1,100

450

2,000

– 

150

128

7,728

2022
£000

516

172

68

41

9

806

Employment benefits include gross salaries, performance related pay, employer defined contributions and 
restricted stock units (See note 29D).

At 31 December 2023, Douglas Grant had three amortising loans outstanding to Conister Bank Limited with 
capital outstanding of £315,524 (2022: £376,163). The maximum original term of the three loans is 61 months and 
the average interest is 2.57% (2022: 7.0%). James Smeed had an amortising loan outstanding to Conister Bank 
with capital outstanding of £10,847 (2022: £15,463). The original term of the loan is 49 months and the average 
interest is 3.01% (2022: 3.01%). No impairment is held in respect of these amounts.

Intercompany recharges

Various intercompany recharges are made during the course of the year as a result of the Bank settling debts in 
other Group companies. 

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

94

Loan advance to PIML

On 24 May 2018, a £500,000 loan facility was made available to PIML by the Bank in order to provide the 
finance required to expand its operations. The facility is for 12 months. Interest is charged at commercial rates. 
At 31 December 2023, £2,677,000 (2022: £1,241,000) had been advanced to PIML. No impairment is held in respect 
of these amounts. This loan facility is repayable in cash.

Loan advance to Lesley Stephen & Co Limited (“LSC”)

A total £10 million loan facility is available to LSC to provide the finance required to expand its operations. 
Interest is charged at commercial rates. At 31 December 2023, £10 million had been advanced to LSC. As part of 
a finance arrangement between the Bank and LSC, Manx Ventures Limited (“MVL”) (a related entity) acquired a 
10% shareholding in RFG. This loan facility is repayable in cash.

Subordinated loans

The Company has advanced £13,950,000 (2022: £7,450,000) of subordinated loans to the Bank and £278,000 
(2022: £278,000) to EAL as at 31 December 2023. See note 35 for more details.

37. Leases

A. Leases as lessee

The Group leases the head office building in the Isle of Man. The lease’s term is 10 years with an option to renew 
the lease after that date. Lease payments are renegotiated every 10 years to reflect market rentals.

The Group leases an office unit in the United Kingdom and IT equipment with contract terms of 2 to 3 years. 
These leases are short-term and / or leases of low-value items. The Group has elected not to recognise 
right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for these leases.

Information about leases for which the Group is a lessee is presented below.

i. Right-of-use assets
Right-of-use assets related to leased properties that do not meet the definition of investment property are 
presented as property, plant and equipment.

Group

Cost

As at 1 January 2023

Acquisition of subsidiary

Additions

As at 31 December 2023

Accumulated depreciation

As at 1 January 2023

Charge for the year

Eliminated on disposals

As at 31 December 2023

Carrying value at 31 December 2023

Carrying value at 31 December 2022

For company only right of use asset disclosure, refer to note 22.

Land and 
Buildings
£000

1,960

– 

– 

1,960

385

222

– 

607

1,353

1,575

Total
£000

1,960

– 

– 

1,960

385

222

– 

607

1,353

1,575

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

ii. Amounts recognised in profit or loss

Group

Company

Interest on lease liabilities

Depreciation expense

Expenses relating to short-term leases and low-
value assets

iii. Amounts recognised in statement of cash flows

Interest paid

Capital paid

Total cash outflow for leases

38. Regulators

2023
£000

93

222

81

Group

2023
£000

93

256

349

2022
£000

78

180

92

2022
£000

78

202

280

2023
£000

–

60

–

Company

2023
£000

–

117

117

95

2022
£000

–

63

–

2022
£000

–

99

99

Certain Group subsidiaries are regulated by the FSA and the FCA as detailed below.

The Bank and EAL are regulated by the FSA under a Class 1(1) - Deposit Taking licence and Class 2 - Investment 
Business licence respectively. The Bank is also regulated by the UK’s Prudential Regulatory Authority (“PRA”) and 
the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”).

39. Contingent liabilities

The Bank is required to be a member of the Isle of Man Government Depositors’ Compensation Scheme which was 
introduced by the Isle of Man Government under the Banking Business (Compensation of Depositors) Regulations 
1991 and creates a liability on the Bank to participate in the compensation of depositors should it be activated.

The possibility of an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits for all other contingent liabilities of the 
Group are considered remote and thus do not require separate disclosure.

40. Non-IFRS measures

Non-IFRS measures included in the financial statements include the following:

Measure

Description

Net trading income

Operating income

Net trading income represents net interest income and contributions from non-interest income 
activities.

Operating income represents net trading income other operating income and gains or losses on 
financial instruments 

41. Subsequent events

There were no subsequent events occurring after 31 December 2023. 

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 96

Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

42. Financial risk management

A. Introduction and overview

The Group has exposure to the following risks from financial instruments:

• 

• 

• 

• 

 credit risk;

 liquidity risk;

 market risk; and

 operational risk.

Risk management framework
The Board has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Group’s risk management 
framework. The Board has established the ARCC, which is responsible for approving and monitoring Group risk 
management policies. The ARCC is assisted in its oversight role by Internal Audit. Internal Audit undertakes both 
regular and ad hoc reviews of risk management controls and procedures, the results of which are reported to 
the ARCC.

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. The risk management policies 
and systems are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in market conditions and the Group’s activities. The Group, 
though its training and management standards and procedures, aims to develop a disciplined and constructive 
control environment in which all employees understand their roles and obligations.

B. Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to 
meet its contractual obligations, and arises principally from the Group’s loans and advances to customers and 
investment debt securities. Credit risk includes counterparty, concentration, underwriting and credit mitigation risks.  

Management of credit risk
The Bank’s Board of Directors created the Credit Committee which is responsible for managing credit risk, 
including the following:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Formulating credit policies in consultation with business units, covering collateral requirements, credit 
assessments, risk grading and reporting, documentary and legal procedures, and compliance with regulatory 
and statutory requirements;

 Establishing the authorisation structure for the approval and renewal of credit facilities. Authorisation limits 
are allocated in line with credit policy;

 Reviewing and assessing credit risk: The Credit Committee assesses all credit exposures in excess of 
designated limits, before facilities are committed to customers. Renewals and reviews of facilities are subject 
to the same review process.

 Limiting concentrations of exposures to counterparties, geographies and industries, by issuer, credit rating 
band, market liquidity and country (for debt securities);

 Developing and maintaining risk gradings to categorise exposures according to the degree of risk of default. 
The current risk grading consists of 3 grades reflecting varying degrees of risk of default;

• 

 Developing and maintaining the Group’s process for measuring ECL: This includes processes for:

• 

• 

• 

 initial approval, regular validation and back-testing of the models used; 

 determining and monitoring significant increase in credit risk; and

 the incorporation of forward-looking information; and

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023  
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

97

• 

 Reviewing compliance with agreed exposure limits. Regular reports on the credit quality of portfolios are 
provided to the Credit Committee which may require corrective action to be taken.

C. Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with its financial 
liabilities that are settled by delivering cash or another financial asset. Liquidity risk arises from mismatches in the 
timing and amounts of cash flows, which is inherent to the Group’s operations and investments.

Management of liquidity risk
The Group’s approach to managing liquidity is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will always have enough 
liquidity to meet its liabilities when they are due, under both normal and stressed conditions, without incurring 
unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Group’s reputation. The key elements of the Group’s liquidity 
strategy are as follows:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Funding base: offering six-months to five-year fixed term deposit structure with no early redemption option. 
This means the Bank is not subject to optionality risk where customers redeem fixed rate products where 
there may be a better rate available within the market; 

 Funding profile: the Bank has a matched funding profile and does not engage in maturity transformation 
which means that on a cumulative mismatch position the Bank is forecast to be able to meet all liabilities as 
they fall due;

 Monitoring maturity mismatches, behavioural characteristics of the Group’s financial assets and financial 
liabilities, and the extent to which the Group’s assets are encumbered and so not available as potential 
collateral for obtaining funding; 

 Liquidity buffer: the Bank maintains a liquidity buffer of 10.0% of its deposit liabilities, with strict short-term 
mismatch limits of 0.0% for sight to three months and -5.0% for sight to six months. This ensures that the Bank 
is able to withstand any short-term liquidity shock; and

 Interbank market: the Bank has no exposure to the interbank lending market. The Bank has no reliance on 
liquidity via the wholesale markets. In turn, if market conditions meant access to the wholesale funding was 
constrained as per the 2008 credit crisis, this would have no foreseeable effect on the Bank. 

The Bank’s liquidity position is monitored daily against internal and external limits agreed with the FSA 
and according to the Bank’s Liquidity Policy. The Bank also has a Liquidity Contingency Policy and Liquidity 
Contingency Committee in the event of a liquidity crisis or potential liquidity disruption event occurring.

The Treasury department receives information from other business units regarding the liquidity profile of their 
financial assets and financial liabilities and details of other projected cash flows arising from projected future 
business. Treasury then maintains a portfolio of short-term liquid assets, largely made up of short-term liquid 
investment securities, loans and advances to banks and other inter-bank facilities, to ensure that sufficient 
liquidity is maintained within the Group as a whole.

Regular liquidity stress testing is conducted under a variety of scenarios covering both normal and more severe 
market conditions. The scenarios are developed considering both Group-specific events and market-related 
events (e.g. prolonged market illiquidity).

D. Market risk

Market risk is the risk that of changes in market prices; e.g. interest rates, equity prices, foreign exchange rates 
and credit spreads (not relating to changes in the obligor’s / issuer’s credit standing), will affect the Group’s 
income or value of its holdings of financial instruments. The objective of the Group’s market risk management 
is to manage and control market risk exposures within acceptable parameters to ensure the Group’s solvency 
while optimising the return on risk.

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

98

Management of market risks
Overall authority for market risk is vested in the Assets and Liabilities Committee (“ALCO”) which sets up limits 
for each type of risk. Group finance is responsible for the development of risk management policies (subject to 
review and approval by the ALCO) and for the day-to-day review of their implementation.

Foreign exchange risk
The Bank is not subject to foreign exchange risks and its business is conducted in pounds sterling.

Equity risk
The Group has investment in associates which are carried at cost adjusted for the Group’s share of net asset 
value. The Bank has access to these accounts. The Bank’s exposure to market risk is not considered significant 
given the low carrying amount of the investment.

The Group’s does not hold any investments in listed equities. 

Interest rate risk
The principal potential interest rate risk that the Bank is exposed to is the risk that the fixed interest rate and term 
profile of its deposit base differs materially from the fixed interest rate and term profile of its asset base, or basis 
and term structure risk. 

Additional interest rate risk may arise for banks where (a) customers are able to react to market sensitivity and 
redeem fixed rate products and (b) where a bank has taken out interest rate derivate hedges especially against 
longer-term interest rate risk, where the hedge moves against the bank. However, neither of these risks apply to 
the Bank.

Interest rate risk for the Bank is not deemed to be currently material due to the Bank’s matched funding profile. 
Any interest rate risk assumed by the Bank will arise from a reduction in interest rates, in a rising environment 
due to the nature of the Bank’s products and its matched funded profile. The Bank should be able to increase its 
lending rate to match any corresponding rise in its cost of funds, notwithstanding its inability to vary rates on its 
existing loan book. The Bank attempts to efficiently match its deposit taking to its funding requirements.

E. Operational risk

Operational risk is the risk of direct or indirect loss arising from a wide variety of causes associated with the 
Group’s processes, personnel, technology and infrastructure, and from external factors other than credit, market 
and liquidity risks – e.g. those arising from legal and regulatory requirements and generally accepted standards 
of corporate behaviour. Operational risks arise from all of the Group’s operations.

Management of operational risk
The Group’s objective is to manage operational risk so as to balance the avoidance of financial losses and 
damage to the Group’s reputation with overall cost effectiveness and innovation. In all cases, Group policy 
requires compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

The Group has developed standards for the management of operational risk in the following areas:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Business continuity planning;

 Requirements for appropriate segregation of duties, including the independent authorisation of transactions;

 Requirements for the reconciliation and monitoring of transactions;

 Compliance with regulatory and other legal requirements;

 Documentation of controls and procedures;

 Periodic assessment of operational risks faced, and the adequacy of controls and procedures to address the 
risks identified;

• 

 Requirements for the reporting of operational losses and proposed remedial action;

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 99

Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Development of contingency plans;

 Training and professional development;

 Ethical and business standards;

 Information technology and cyber risks; and 

 Risk mitigation, including insurance where this is cost-effective.

Compliance with Group standards is supported by a programme of periodic reviews undertaken by Internal 
Audit. The results of Internal Audit reviews are reported to the ARCC.

43. Basis of measurement

The financial statements are prepared on a historical cost basis, except for the following material items:

Items

Measurement basis

FVTPL – Trading asset

FVOCI – Debt securities

Land and buildings

Deferred consideration

Fair value

Fair value

Fair value

Fair value

Net defined benefit liability

Fair value of plan assets less the present value of the defined benefit obligation

44.  Material accounting policies

There were no new standards, amendments or interpretations issued and made effective during the current 
year which have had a material impact on the Group. The Group has adopted the following new standards and 
amendments to standards, including any consequential amendments to other standards, with a date of initial 
application of 1 January 2023:

• 

• 

• 

 Definition of Accounting Estimates – Amendments to IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting 
Estimates and Errors 

 Disclosure Initiative: Accounting Policies – Amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements and IFRS 
Practice Statement 2 Making Materiality Judgements 

 Deferred Tax Related to Assets and Liabilities Arising from a Single Transaction – Amendments to IAS 12 
Income Taxes

No significant changes followed the implementation of these standards and amendments.

The Group has not early adopted any standard, interpretation or amendment that has been issued but is not yet 
effective. New standards and amendments to standards, adopted but not yet effective with an initial application 
of 1 January 2024:

•  Amendments to IAS 12 – International Tax Reform – Pillar Two Model Rules

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback – Amendments to IFRS 16 Leases

 Classification of liabilities as Current or Non-Current and Non-current Liabilities with Covenants – 
Amendments to  IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements

 Amendments to IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows and IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures – Supplier 
Finance Arrangements

IFRS S1 General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information

IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

100

The Group has assessed the impact of these amendments and expects they will not have a material impact, 
when adopted, on the Group Financial Statements.

The Group has consistently applied the following accounting policies to all periods presented in these financial 
statements. 

Set out below is an index of the material accounting policies, the details of which are available on the pages that 
follow:

Ref.

Note description

A.

B. 

C.

D. 

E.

F.

G.

H.

I.

J.

K.

L.

M.

N.

O.

P.

Basis of consolidation of subsidiaries and separate financial statements of the Company

Interest in equity accounted investees

Interest

Fee and commission income

Leases

Income tax

Financial assets and financial liabilities

Cash and cash equivalents

Loans and advances

Property, plant and equipment

Intangibles assets and goodwill

Impairment of non-financial assets

Employee benefits

Share capital and reserves

Earnings per share (“EPS”)

Segmental reporting

No.

100

101

101

101

102

103

104

108

108

108

109

109

110

111

111

111

A. Basis of consolidation of subsidiaries and separate financial statements of the Company

i. Business combinations
The Group accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method when control is transferred to the 
Group. 

Any contingent consideration is measured at fair value at the date of acquisition. Contingent consideration is 
remeasured at fair value at each reporting date and subsequent changes in the fair value of the contingent 
consideration are recognised in profit or loss.

ii. Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. The Group controls an entity if it is exposed to, or has rights 
to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its 
control over the entity. The Group reassesses whether it has control if there are changes to one or more of the 
elements of control. This includes circumstances in which protective rights held (e.g. those resulting from a 
lending relationship) become substantive and lead to the Group having power over an investee. The financial 
statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date on which control 
commences until the date on which control ceases.

iii. Non-controlling interests (“NCI”)
NCI are measured initially at their proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets at the date of 
acquisition.

Changes in the Group’s interest in a subsidiary that do not result in a loss of control are accounted for as equity 
transactions.

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

101

iv. Transactions eliminated on consolidation
Intra-group balances and transactions, and any unrealised income and expenses arising from intra-group 
transactions, are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements. Unrealised losses are eliminated 
in the same way as unrealised gains, but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment.

v. Separate financial statements of the Company
In the separate financial statements of the Company, interests in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures are 
accounted for at cost less impairment.

B. Interests in equity accounted investees

The Group’s interests in equity accounted investees may comprise interests in associates and joint ventures.

Associates are those entities in which the Group has significant influence, but not control or joint control, over the 
financial and operating policies. A joint venture is an arrangement in which the Group has joint control, whereby 
the Group has rights to the net assets of the arrangement, rather than rights to its assets and obligations for its 
liabilities. 

Interests in associates and joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method. They are initially 
recognised at cost, which includes transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, the consolidated financial 
statements include the Group’s share of the profit or loss and OCI of equity accounted investees, until the date 
on which significant influence or joint control ceases.

C. Interest 

Interest income and expense are recognised in profit or loss using the effective interest method. 

i. 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 gross carrying amount of the financial asset or amortised cost of the financial 
liability. When calculating the effective interest rate for financial assets, the Group estimates future cash flows 
considering all contractual terms of the financial instruments, 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.

ii. Amortised cost and gross carrying amount
The amortised cost of a financial asset or financial liability is the amount at which the financial asset or financial 
liability is measured on initial recognition minus the principal repayments, plus or minus the cumulative 
amortisation using the effective interest method of any difference between that initial amount and the maturity 
amount and, for financial assets, adjusted for any expected credit loss allowance. 

The gross carrying amount of a financial asset is the amortised cost of a financial asset before adjusting for any 
expected credit loss allowance.

iii. Calculation of interest income and expense
In calculating interest income and expense, the effective interest rate is applied to the gross carrying amount of 
the asset (when the asset is not credit-impaired) or to the amortised cost of the liability.

However, for financial assets that have become credit-impaired subsequent to initial recognition, interest 
income is calculated by applying the effective interest rate to the net carrying amount of the financial asset. If 
the asset is no longer credit-impaired, then the calculation of interest income reverts to the gross basis.

D. Fee and commission income

The Group generates fee and commission income through provision of independent financial advice, insurance 
brokerage agency, introducer of foreign exchange services and commissions from brokering business finance 
for small and medium sized enterprises. 

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

102

Independent financial advice and insurance brokerage agency
Income represents commission arising on services and premiums relating to policies and other investment 
products committed during the year, as well as renewal commissions having arisen on services and premiums 
relating to policies and other investment products committed during the year and previous years and effective 
at the reporting date. Income is recognised on the date that policies are submitted to product providers with an 
appropriate discount being applied for policies not completed. As a way to estimate what is due at the year-end, 
a “not proceeded with” rate of 10.0% for pipeline life insurance products and 0.0% for non-life insurance pipeline is 
assumed. Renewal commissions are estimated by taking the historical amount written pro-rata to 3 months. 

Other
Income other than that directly related to the loans is recognised over the period for which service has been 
provided or on completion of an act to which the fee relates. 

E. Leases

At inception of a contract, the Group assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or 
contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in 
exchange for consideration.

i. As a lessee
At commencement or on modification of a contract that contains a lease component, the Group allocates the 
consideration in the contract to each lease component on the basis of its relative stand-alone prices. However, 
for the leases of property the Group has elected not to separate non-lease components and as a result, 
accounts for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.

The Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. The right-of-use 
asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease 
payments made at or before the commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred, less any lease 
incentives received.

The right-of-use asset is subsequently depreciated using the straight-line method from the commencement 
date to the end of the lease term, unless the lease transfers ownership of the underlying asset to the Group by 
the end of the lease term or the cost of the right-of-use asset reflects that the Group will exercise a purchase 
option. In that case the right-of-use asset will be depreciated over the useful life of the underlying asset, which 
is determined on the same basis as those of property and equipment. In addition, the right-of-use asset is 
periodically reduced by impairment losses, if any, and adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liability.

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the 
commencement date, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily 
determined, the Group’s incremental borrowing rate. Generally, the Group uses its incremental borrowing rate as 
the discount rate.

The Group determines its incremental borrowing rate by obtaining interest rates from various external financing 
sources and makes certain adjustments to reflect the terms of the lease and the type of the asset leased.

Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise the following:

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Fixed payments, including in-substance fixed payments;

 Variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, initially measured using the index or rate as at 
the commencement date;

 Amounts expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee; and

 The exercise price under a purchase option that the Group is reasonably certain to exercise, lease payments 
in an optional renewal period if the Group is reasonably certain to exercise an extension option, and penalties 
for early termination of a lease unless the Group is reasonably certain not to terminate early.

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103

The lease liability is measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. It is remeasured when 
there is a change in future lease payments arising from a change in an index or rate, if there is a change in the 
Group’s estimate of the amount expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee, if the Group changes 
its assessment of whether it will exercise a purchase, extension or termination option or if there is a revised 
in-substance fixed lease payment.

When the lease liability is remeasured in this way, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount 
of the right-of-use asset, or is recorded in profit or loss if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset has been 
reduced to zero.

The Group presents right-of-use assets that do not meet the definition of investment property in ‘property, plant 
and equipment’ and lease liabilities in ‘loans and borrowings’ in the statement of financial position.

Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets
The Group has elected not to recognise right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for leases of low-value assets 
and short-term leases, including IT equipment. The Group recognises the lease payments associated with these 
leases as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. 

ii. As a lessor
At inception or on modification of a contract that contains a lease component, the Group allocates the 
consideration in the contract to each lease component on the basis of their relative stand-alone prices.

When the Group acts as a lessor, it determines at lease inception whether each lease is a finance or an 
operating lease.

To classify each lease, the Group makes an overall assessment of whether the lease transfers substantially all of 
the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the underlying asset. If this is the case, then the lease is a finance 
lease; if not, then it is an operating lease. As part of this assessment, the Group considers certain indicators such 
as whether the lease is for the major part of the economic life of the asset.

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. 

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 profit or loss and other comprehensive income on a straight-line basis over the period of 
the lease.

F. Income tax

Current and deferred taxation
Current taxation relates to the estimated corporation tax payable in the current financial year. Deferred taxation 
is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets 
and liabilities and their carrying amounts. Deferred tax is not recognised for taxable temporary differences 
arising on the initial recognition of goodwill and temporary differences related to investments in subsidiaries and 
associates to the extent that the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences 
and it is probable that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

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 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.  

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104

G. Financial assets and financial liabilities

i. Recognition and initial measurement
The Group initially recognises loans and advances, deposits, debt securities issued and subordinated liabilities 
on the date on which they are originated. All other financial instruments including regular-way purchases and 
sales of financial assets are recognised on the trade date, which is the date on which the Group becomes party 
to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

A financial asset or financial liability is measured initially at fair value plus, for an item not at FVTPL, transaction 
costs that are directly attributable to its acquisition or issue.

ii. Classification
Financial assets
On initial recognition, a financial asset is classified as measured at amortised cost, FVOCI or FVTPL.

A financial asset is measured at amortised cost if it meets both of the following conditions and is not designated as 
at FVTPL:

• 

• 

 The asset is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets to collect contractual cash 
flows; and

 The contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely 
payments of principal and interest (“SPPI”).

A debt instrument is measured at FVOCI only if it meets both of the following conditions and is not designated as 
FVTPL:

• 

  The asset is held within a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash 
flows and selling financial assets; and

• 

 The contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are SPPI.

On initial recognition of an equity investment that is not held for trading, the Group may irrevocably elect to 
present subsequent changes in fair value in OCI. This election is made on an investment-by-investment basis.

All other financial assets are classified as measured at FVTPL.

In addition, on initial recognition, the Group may irrevocably designate a financial asset that otherwise meets 
the requirements to be measured at amortised cost or at FVOCI as at FVTPL if doing so eliminates or significantly 
reduces an accounting mismatch that would otherwise arise.

Business model assessment
The Group makes an assessment of the objective of a business model in which an asset is held at a portfolio 
level because this best reflects the way the business is managed and information provided to management.

Assessment of whether contractual cash flows are solely payments of principal and interest
For the purposes of this assessment, ‘principal’ is defined as the fair value of the financial asset on initial 
recognition. ‘Interest’ is defined as consideration for the time value of money and for the credit risk associated 
with the principal amount outstanding during a particular period of time and for other basic lending risks and 
costs (e.g. liquidity risk and administrative costs), as well as profit margin.

In assessing whether the contractual cash flows are SPPI, the Group considers the contractual terms of the 
instrument. This includes assessing whether the financial asset contains a contractual term that could change 
the timing or amount of contractual cash flows such that it would not meet this condition.

Financial liabilities 

The Group classifies its financial liabilities, other than financial guarantees and loan commitments, as measured 
at amortised cost.

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105

iii. Derecognition
Financial assets
The Group derecognises a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset 
expire, or when it transfers the rights to receive the contractual cash flows in a transaction in which substantially 
all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset are transferred or in which the Group neither 
transfers nor retains substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership and it does not retain control of the 
financial asset.

On derecognition of a financial asset, the difference between the carrying amount of the asset (or the carrying 
amount allocated to the portion of the asset derecognised) and the sum of (i) the consideration received 
(including any new asset obtained less any new liability assumed) and (ii) any cumulative gain or loss that had 
been recognised in OCI is recognised in profit or loss.

Financial liabilities
The Group derecognises a financial liability when its contractual obligations are discharged or cancelled, or expire.

iv. Offsetting

Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount presented in the statement of financial 
position when, and only when, the Group currently has a legally enforceable right to set off the amounts and it 
intends either to settle them on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Income and expenses are presented on a net basis only when permitted under IFRS, or for gains and losses 
arising from a group of similar transactions such as in the Group’s trading activity.

v. Fair value measurement
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly 
transaction between market participants at the measurement date in the principal or, in its absence, the 
most advantageous market to which the Group has access at the date. The fair value of a liability reflects its 
non-performance risk.

The Group recognises transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy as of the end of the reporting period 
during which the change has occurred.

The Group measures fair values using the following fair value hierarchy, which reflects the significance of the 
inputs used in making the measurements: 

• 

• 

• 

 Level 1: inputs that are quoted market prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical instruments;

 Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable either directly (i.e. as 
prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices). This category includes instruments valued using: quoted market 
prices in active markets for similar instruments; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets 
that are considered less than active; or other valuation techniques in which all significant inputs are directly 
or indirectly observable from market data; and

 Level 3: inputs that are unobservable. This category includes all instruments for which the valuation technique 
includes inputs not based on observable data and the unobservable inputs have a significant effect on 
the instrument’s valuation. This category includes instruments that are valued based on quoted prices for 
similar instruments for which significant unobservable adjustments or assumptions are required to reflect 
differences between the instruments.

The fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities that are traded in active markets are based on quoted 
market prices or dealer price quotations. For all other financial instruments, the Group determines fair values 
using other valuation techniques.

For financial instruments that trade infrequently and have little price transparency, fair value is less objective, 
and requires varying degrees of judgement depending on liquidity, concentration, uncertainty of market factors, 
pricing assumptions and other risks affecting the specific instrument. 

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106

vi. Impairment
A financial instrument that is not credit-impaired on initial recognition is classified in ‘Stage 1’ and has its credit 
risk continuously monitored by the Group.  

If a SICR since initial recognition is identified, the financial instrument is moved to ‘Stage 2’ but is not yet deemed 
to be credit impaired. 

• 

• 

 An SICR is always deemed to occur when the borrower is 30 days past due on its contractual payments.  If the 
Group becomes aware ahead of this time of non-compliance or financial difficulties of the borrower, such as 
loss of employment, avoiding contact with the Group then an SICR has also deemed to occur; and 

 A receivable is always deemed to be in default and credit-impaired when the borrower is 90 days past due 
on its contractual payments or earlier if the Group becomes aware of severe financial difficulties such as 
bankruptcy, individual voluntary arrangement, abscond or disappearance, fraudulent activity and other 
similar events. 

If the financial instrument is credit-impaired, the financial instrument is then moved to ‘Stage 3’. Financial 
instruments in Stage 3 have their ECL measured based on expected credit losses on a lifetime basis.

Loss allowances for lease receivables are always measured at an amount equal to lifetime ECL.

12-month ECL are the portion of ECL that result from default events on a financial instrument that are possible 
within the 12 months after the reporting date. Financial instruments for which a 12-month ECL is recognised are 
referred to as ‘Stage 1 financial instruments’.

Lifetime ECL are the ECL that result from all possible default events over the expected life of a financial 
instrument. Financial instruments for which a lifetime ECL is recognised but which are not credit-impaired are 
referred to as ‘Stage 2 financial instruments’.

Measurement of ECL
After a detailed review, the Group devised and implemented an impairment methodology in light of the IFRS 9 
requirements outlined above noting the following:

• 

• 

• 

 The Group has identified and documented key drivers of credit risk and credit losses its financial instruments 
and using an analysis of historical data, has estimated the relationship between macroeconomic variables 
and credit risk and credit losses;

 The ECL is derived by reviewing the Group’s loss rate and loss given default over the past 8 years by product 
and geographical segment; and

 If the Group holds objective evidence through specifically assessing a credit-impaired receivable and 
believes it will go on to completely recover the debt due to the collateral held and cooperation with the 
borrower, then no IFRS 9 provision is made.

ECL are probability-weighted estimates of credit losses. They are measured as follows:

• 

• 

• 

 Financial assets that are not credit-impaired at the reporting date: as the present value of all cash shortfalls 
(i.e. the difference between the cash flows due to the entity in accordance with the contract and the cash 
flows that the Group expects to receive);

 Financial assets that are credit-impaired at the reporting date: as the difference between the gross carrying 
amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows; and

 Undrawn loan commitments: as the present value of the difference between the contractual cash flows that 
are due to the Group if the commitment is drawn down and the cash flows that the Group expects to receive.

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continued

107

Credit-impaired financial assets
At each reporting date, the Group assesses whether financial assets carried at amortised cost and debt 
financial assets carried at FVOCI, and finance lease receivables are credit-impaired (referred to as ‘Stage 3 
financial assets’). A financial asset is credit-impaired when one or more events that have a detrimental impact 
on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset have occurred.

Evidence that a financial asset is credit-impaired includes the following observable date:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Significant financial difficulty of the borrower or issuer;

 A breach of contract such as a default or past due event;

 The restructuring of a loan or advance by the Group on terms that the Group would not consider otherwise;

 It is becoming probable that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or another type of financial reorganisation; or

 The disappearance of an active market for a security because of financial difficulties.

A loan that has been renegotiated due to a deterioration in the borrower’s condition is usually considered to 
be credit-impaired unless there is evidence that the risk of not receiving contractual cash flows has reduced 
significantly and there are no other indicators of impairment. In addition, a retail loan that is overdue for 90 days 
or more is considered credit-impaired even when the regulatory definition of default is different.

In assessing of whether an investment in sovereign debt is credit impaired, the Group considers the following 
factors:

•  The market’s assessment of creditworthiness as reflected in the bond yields;

•  The rating agencies’ assessments of creditworthiness;

• 

• 

• 

 The country’s ability to access the capital markets for new debt issuance;

 The probability of debt being restructured, resulting in holders suffering losses through voluntary or 
mandatory debt forgiveness; and

 The international support mechanisms in place to provide the necessary support as ‘lender of last resort’ to 
that country, as well as the intention, reflected in public statements, of governments and agencies to use 
those mechanisms. This includes an assessment of the depth of those mechanisms and, irrespective of the 
political intent, whether there is the capacity to fulfil the required criteria.

Presentation of allowance for ECL in the statement of financial position
Loss allowances for ECL are presented in the statement of financial position as follows:

• 

• 

• 

 Financial assets measured at amortised cost: as a deduction from the gross carrying amount of the assets;

 Loan commitments: generally, as a provision; and

 Debt instruments measured at FVOCI: no loss allowance is recognised in the statement of financial position 
because the carrying amount of these assets is their fair value. However, the loss allowance is disclosed and 
is recognised in the fair value reserve.

Write-off
Loans and debt securities are written off (either partially or in full) when there is no reasonable expectation 
of recovering a financial asset in its entirety or a portion thereof. This is generally the case when the Group 
determines that the borrower does not have assets or sources of income that could generate sufficient cash 
flows to repay the amounts subject to the write-off. This assessment is carried out at the individual asset level.

Recoveries of amounts previously written off are included in ‘impairment losses on financial instruments’ in the 
statement of profit or loss and OCI.

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108

Financial assets that are written off could still be subject to enforcement activities in order to comply with the 
Group’s procedures for recovery of amounts due.

H. 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. 

I. Loans and advances

Loans and advances’ captions in the statement of financial position include:

• 

 Loans and advances measured at amortised cost (see note 44 (G)). They are initially measured at fair value 
plus incremental direct transaction costs, and subsequently at their amortised cost using the effective 
interest method; and

• 

 Finance lease receivables (see note 44 (E)).

J. 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. Buildings are 
carried at a revalued amount, being fair value at the date of revaluation less subsequent depreciation and 
impairment and are revalued annually.

If an asset’s carrying amount is increased as a result of a revaluation, the increase shall be recognised in other 
comprehensive income and accumulated in equity under the heading of revaluation surplus. However, the 
increase shall be recognised in profit or loss to the extent that it reverses a revaluation decrease of the same 
asset previously recognised in profit or loss.

If an asset’s carrying amount is decreased as a result of a revaluation, the decrease shall be recognised in 
profit or loss. However, the decrease shall be recognised in other comprehensive income to the extent of any 
credit balance existing in the revaluation surplus in respect of that asset. The decrease recognised in other 
comprehensive income reduces the amount accumulated in equity under the heading of revaluation surplus.

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 and amortisation
Assets are depreciated or amortised on a straight-line basis, so as to write off the book value over their estimated 
useful lives.  The estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment and intangibles are as follows:

Property, plant and equipment

Leasehold improvements

to expiration of the lease

IT equipment

Motor vehicles

Furniture and equipment

Plant and machinery

4 - 5 years

2 - 5 years

4 - 10 years

5 - 20 years

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Notes to the Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 
continued

109

K. Intangible assets and goodwill

i. Goodwill 
Goodwill that arises on the acquisition of subsidiaries is measured at cost less accumulated impairment losses.

ii. Software
Software acquired by the Group is measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and any accumulated 
impairment losses. 

Expenditure on internally developed software is recognised as an asset when the Group is able to demonstrate: 
that the product is technically feasible, its intention and ability to complete the development and use the 
software in a manner that will generate future economic benefits, and that it can reliably measure the costs 
to complete the development. The capitalised costs of internally developed software include all costs directly 
attributable to developing the software and capitalised borrowing costs, and are amortised over its useful life. 
Internally developed software is stated at capitalised cost less accumulated amortisation and any accumulated 
impairment losses.

Software is amortised on a straight-line basis in profit or loss over its estimated useful life, from the date on which 
it is available for use.  Amortisation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each reporting date 
and adjusted if appropriate.

iii. Other
Intangible assets that are acquired by an entity and having finite useful lives are measured at cost less 
accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses. 

Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives that are acquired or built are carried at cost less accumulated 
impairment losses. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortised but instead are subject to 
impairment testing at least annually. 

The useful lives of intangibles are as follows: 

Customer contracts and lists

to expiration of the agreement

Intellectual property rights

Website development costs

IT Software and website development costs

4 years - indefinite

indefinite

5 years

Included in intellectual property rights is capitalised costs for acquiring a UK Banking licence.

The banking licence is assumed to have an indefinite life as there is no foreseeable limit to the period over which 
the asset is expected to generate benefits for the business. Costs related to obtaining this asset are held at cost 
and are not being amortised.

L. Impairment of non-financial assets

At each reporting date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its non-financial assets (other than deferred 
tax assets) to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, the asset’s 
recoverable amount is estimated. Goodwill and indefinite useful life intangible assets are tested annually for 
impairment.

For impairment testing, assets are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that generates cash 
inflows from continuing use that is largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets or Cash Generating 
Units (“CGUs”). Goodwill arising from a business combination is allocated to CGUs or groups of CGUs that are 
expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination.

The recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less cost to sell. 
Value in use is based on the estimated future cash flows, discounted to their present value using a pre-tax 
discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the 
asset or CGU.

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continued

110

An impairment loss is recognised if the carrying amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable amount.

The Group’s corporate assets do not generate separate cash inflows and are used by more than one CGU. 
Corporate assets are allocated to CGUs on a reasonable and consistent basis and tested for impairment as part 
of the testing of the CGUs to which the corporate assets are located.

Impairment losses are recognised in profit or loss. They are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any 
goodwill allocated to the CGU, and then to reduce the carrying amounts of the other assets in the CGU on a pro 
rata basis.

An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. For other assets, an impairment loss is reversed only 
to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been 
determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.

M. Employee benefits

i. Long-term employee benefits
Pension obligations
The Group has pension obligations arising from both defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans. 

A defined contribution pension plan is one under which the Group pays fixed contributions into a separate fund 
and has no legal or constructive obligations to pay further contributions. Defined benefit pension plans define 
an amount of pension benefit that an employee will receive on retirement, usually dependent on one or more 
factors such as age, years of service and remuneration. 

Remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability, which comprise actuarial gains and losses, the return on 
plan assets (excluding interest) and the effect of the asset ceiling (if any, excluding interest), are recognised 
immediately in OCI. The Group determines the net interest expense (income) on the net defined benefit liability 
(asset) for the period by applying the discount rate used to measure the defined benefit obligation at the 
beginning of the annual period to the then-net defined benefit liability (asset), taking into account any changes 
in the net defined benefit liability (asset) during the period as a result of contributions and benefit payments. Net 
interest expense and other expenses related to defined benefit plans are recognised in profit or loss.

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 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 high quality 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 income statement represent the contributions payable 
during the year. 

ii. 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 reporting 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 income statement, with a corresponding 
adjustment to equity. 

The fair value is estimated 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. 

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continued

111

N. Share capital and reserves

Share issue costs
Incremental costs that are directly attributable to the issue of an equity instrument are deducted from the initial 
measurement of the equity instruments.

O. Earnings per share (“EPS”)

The Group presents basic and diluted EPS data for its Ordinary Shares. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the 
profit or loss that is attributable to ordinary Shareholders of MFG by the weighted-average number of Ordinary 
Shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is determined by adjusting profit or loss that is attributable to 
Ordinary Shareholders and the weighted-average number of Ordinary Shares outstanding for the effects of all 
dilutive potential Ordinary Shares, which comprise share options granted to employees.

P. 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. 

An operating segment is a component of the Group that engages in business activities from which it may 
earn revenues and incur expenses, including revenues and expenses relating to transactions with any of the 
Group’s other components, whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the CEO who is the chief operating 
decision maker (“CODM”) to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its 
performance, and for which discrete financial information is available.

Segment results reported to the CEO include items that are directly attributable to a segment as well as those 
that can be allocated on a reasonable basis.

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Shareholder Notes

112

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 113

Appendix:  
Glossary of terms 

ALCO

ARCC

BBSL

BL

BLX

Bank

Assets and Liabilities Committee

Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee

Blue Star Business Solutions Limited

Burnbrae Limited

The Business Lending Exchange Limited

Conister Bank Limited

Bank’s Board

The Bank’s Board of Directors

BOE

BSL

CEO

CET1

CFL

CGU

CODM

Company

EAL

ECF

ECL

ESG

EPS

FCA

Bank of England

Beer Swaps Limited

Chief Executive Officer

Common Equity Tier 1

Conister Finance & Leasing Ltd

Cash Generating Unit

Chief Operating Decision Maker

Manx Financial Group PLC

Edgewater Associates Limited

ECF Asset finance PLC

Expected Credit Loss

Environmental, Social and Governance

Earnings Per Share

UK Financial Conduct Authority

Fraud risks

Risk of Material Misstatement Due to Fraud

FSA

FVOCI

FVTPL

Group

HP

IAS

ICAAP

ICG

IFA

IFRIC

IFRS

Interim financial 
statements

IOM

ISA

Isle of Man Financial Services Authority

Fair Value Through Other Comprehensive Income

Fair Value Through Profit or Loss

Comprise the Company and its subsidiaries

Hire Purchase

International Accounting Standard

Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process

Individual Capital Guidance

Independent Financial Advisors

International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee

International Financial Reporting Standards

Condensed consolidated interim financial statements

Isle of Man

International Standards of Auditing

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Appendix: Glossary of terms 
continued

114

JM

LSE

MBL

MCL

MFG

MFX

MFX.L

MVL

NEC

NOMCO

NRFL

OCI

PAL

PIML

QCA

REMCO

RFG

RMF

SBA

Scheme

SICR

SPPI

SR

Jim Mellon

London Stock Exchange

MBL Financial Limited

Manx Collections Limited

Manx Financial Group PLC

Manx FX Limited

Manx Financial Group PLC ticker symbol on the LSE

Manx Ventures Limited (previously Bradburn Limited)

Notice of Error Correction

Nomination Committee

Ninkasi Rentals & Finance Limited (previously Beer Swaps Limited)

Other Comprehensive Income

Payment Assist Limited

Payitmonthly Limited

Quoted Companies Alliance

Remuneration Committee

Rivers Finance Group Plc

Risk Management Framework

Share Buyback Agreement

The Conister Trust Pension and Life Assurance Scheme

Significant Increase in Credit Risk

Solely Payments of Principal and Interest

Southern Rock Insurance Company Limited

Subsidiaries

MFG’s subsidiaries being Bank, BBSL, BLX, CFL, ECF, EAL, MFX, MVL, NRFL

TCF

Treating Customers Fairly

Three Spires

Three Spires Insurance Services Limited

UK

UP 

United Kingdom

Unrelated parties

Financial Statements  |  Manx Financial Group PLC  |  Annual Financial Statements 2023 Clarendon House
Victoria Street
Douglas
Isle of Man
IM1 2LN

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

www.mfg.im