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Omni Bridgeway Limited

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FY2020 Annual Report · Omni Bridgeway Limited
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Annual Report 2020

In November 2019 IMF Bentham and 
Omni Bridgeway merged to form the 
largest dispute funding team in the 
world and subsequently adopted 
the global name Omni Bridgeway. 
Omni Bridgeway includes the 
leading funders formerly known as 
IMF Bentham Limited, Bentham 
IMF and ROLAND ProzessFinanz 
as well as a joint venture with IFC 
(part of the World Bank Group).

Omni Bridgeway is the global leader in dispute resolution 
finance, with expertise in civil and common law legal 
and recovery systems, and operations spanning Asia, 
Australia, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, the UK and 
the US. We offer dispute finance from case inception 
through to post-judgment enforcement and recovery. 

With IMF Bentham listing on the Australian Stock 
exchange in 2001, and Omni Bridgeway commencing 
operations in Europe in 1986, our merged business 
has an established track record of funding disputes 
and enforcement proceedings around the world.

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Contents

Highlights  ....................................................................................2

C. CAPITAL STRUCTURE 

81

Chairman’s and Managing Director’s Report ........................4

Note 15:  Financial risk management ................................. 81

Directors’ Report ..................................................................... 19 

Note 16:  Cash and cash equivalents ................................. 87

Auditor’s Independence Declaration ................................... 50

Note 17:  Debt securities ...................................................... 88

Statement of Comprehensive Income ................................. 51

Note 18:  Contributed equity ............................................... 89

Statement of Financial Position ............................................ 52

Note 19:  Retained earnings and reserves ........................ 90

Statement of Cash Flows ....................................................... 53

Statement of Changes in Equity ........................................... 54

Notes to the Financial Statements ....................................... 56

About this Report .................................................................... 56

A. RESULTS FOR THE YEAR 

61

Note 1: 

Segment information ........................................... 61

Note 2: 

Revenue from contracts with customers ......... 65

Note 3: 

Interest revenue  .................................................. 67

Note 4:  Net gain/(loss) on derecognition  

of intangible assets .............................................. 67

Note 5:  Other income  ....................................................... 68

Note 6: 

Expenses ................................................................ 68

D. WORKING CAPITAL, OTHER ASSETS AND OTHER 
LIABILITIES 

91

Note 20:  Receivables from litigation contracts  

and other ............................................................... 91

Note 21:  Contract costs ....................................................... 92

Note 22:  Other assets .......................................................... 92

Note 23:  Plant and equipment ........................................... 93

Note 24:  Trade and other payables ................................... 95

Note 25:  Provisions .............................................................. 95

Note 26:  Lease liabilities ...................................................... 97

Note 27:  Other liabilities ..................................................... 99

Note 28:  Commitments and contingencies .................... 100

Note 7: 

Income tax ............................................................. 70

E. THE GROUP, MANAGEMENT AND RELATED PARTIES 101

Note 8: 

Earnings per share ............................................... 73

Note 9:  Dividends paid and proposed by  

Omni Bridgeway Limited (the parent entity) ....74

Note 10:  Statement of cash flows reconciliation ............. 75

B. INVESTMENTS AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

76

Note 29:  Key management personnel ............................ 101

Note 30:  Share-based payment plan............................... 101

Note 31:  Business combination ....................................... 103

Note 32:  Parent entity information ................................. 108

Note 33:  Material partly-owned subsidiaries  ................111

Note 11:  Claims portfolio .................................................... 76

Note 34: 

Investment in associates and joint ventures . 114

Note 12:  Purchased claims  ................................................. 76

Note 35:  Related party disclosure ................................... 115

Note 13: 

Intangible assets – litigation contracts 
in progress ............................................................. 77

Note 14:  Goodwill ................................................................. 80

Note 36:  Auditor’s remuneration ..................................... 115

Note 37:  Events after the reporting date ....................... 115

Directors’ Declaration .......................................................... 116

Independent Auditor’s Report ............................................ 117

Shareholder Information ..................................................... 123

Corporate Information ......................................................... 126

Glossary of Terms ................................................................. 127

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Financial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
 
 
 
Highlights

Cash and Receivables

35% 
to $329.114m
Significant cash reserves and receivables are 
enabling us to continually grow our business, 
finance increasingly large investments 
and support clients through the disruptive 
world-events of 2020 and beyond.

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1
9
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3

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3
3
4
2

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7
1
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1

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7
1
9
1

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9
5
8
1

Investments
47% 
to $627.929m
The carrying amount of investments 
has grown 47% and average size 
increased. Our Investment Committees 
and teams are busier than ever and 
we continue to generate investments 
for future returns. 

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9
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6

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4

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1

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

The global leader in financing and managing legal risks
Supporting clients from case inception through to post-judgment  
enforcement and recovery for 30+ years

2001
World’s first 
publicly listed 
litigation 
funder (ASX) 
Perth  
Sydney

2003
Melbourne

2007
Brisbane

2009
Adelaide

2011
New York

2013
Los Angeles

1990
Distressed  
asset recovery  
& restructuring

2001
Asset tracing  
& enforcement 
intelligence

1986
Founded as 
Omni Finance 
– distressed 
debt trading, 
Amsterdam

2009
Geneva

m
a
h
t
n
e
B
F
M

I

y
a
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e
g
d
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B

i

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O

2

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020 
 
Total Gross Investment  
Revenue and Income
727% 
to $290.304m
Investment completions generated 
record revenue and income. This 
reinforces our robust financial position.

.

8
9
9

.

3
3
1
1

.

1
5
3

.

2
1
7

EPV

67%
to $15,831m*
Our EPV continues to increase, 
representing potential future 
returns. 

.

3
0
9
2

1
3
8
,
5
1

6
5
4
9

,

9
6
8
5

,

8
3
4
3

,

6
9
0
4

,

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

*   Portfolio value since 2017 includes conditionally funded 
investments and investments approved for funding by 
our Investment Committees, but not yet funded.

2017
Fund 1  
US$172m 
Funds 2 & 3  
A$180m
Houston  
Singapore

2018
Fund 4 
US$500m
Hong Kong  
Montreal 
London

2015
San Francisco

2016
Toronto

2019
Fund 5  
US$500m

NOV 2019

IMF Bentham /  
Omni Bridgeway merger

2015
Singapore

2016
Fund 6
€150m

2017
Cologne 
(ROLAND 
ProzessFinanz)

2018
Dubai

2019
Fund 7 
US$100m 
(DARP)

  ~160 people

 A$2.2 billion FUM (7 Funds)

3

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report   
Chairman’s and Managing Director’s Report

This financial year has 
been the strongest 
in our history, with 
record income, an 
unprecedented number 
of resolutions for clients, 
a record number of 
applications and more 
funds committed to 
investments than 
ever before.

Image top, left to right: 
Raymond van Hulst  
Executive Director, Managing Director EMEA
Wieger Wielinga  
Managing Director Enforcement & EMEA
Andrew Saker  
Managing Director and CEO

4

Introduction 
We are pleased to report to shareholders 
that this financial year has been the 
strongest in our company’s history. We 
have achieved record gross income of 
$314.302 million, profit before tax and fair 
value adjustments on financial liabilities 
of $47.086 million, and final profit before 
tax of $33.489 million. This has been 
generated from an unprecedented 
number of 45 partial and complete 
resolutions, delivering wonderful 
outcomes for our clients around the 
world, including the PFAS contamination 
cases and Murray Goulburn investor 
class action.

As we transition our capital structure 
from balance sheet to Fund management 
(and from first to second generation 
funds within that model), profit 
attribution shifts from shareholders to 
Fund investors, and ultimately returns to 
shareholders again. Although much of our 
net profit in FY20 is attributed to Fund 
investors, this accelerates us towards the 
time when shareholders will benefit from 
the first generation Fund structures.

This year we also received a record 
number of 1,296 applications for 
finance and, in the face of increased 

opportunities to fund, we upheld 
our rigorous underwriting process 
to preserve our success rate. Our 
conversion rate has remained around  
3 – 5% throughout FY20. 

We committed more funds to 
investments in FY20 than any prior year, 
in total $313.214 million in conditional 
and unconditional commitments, 
continuing the annual trend reported 
by our business. Our commitments 
have had a compound annual growth 
rate of over 40% since 2015.

We are pleased that FY21 has also started 
strongly with a number of unconditional 
completions and we remain hopeful that 
our clients in the Wivenhoe matter will 
see a positive outcome soon.

One of our other key highlights this year 
was the successful merger between 
IMF Bentham and Omni Bridgeway to 
complete our strategic expansion in 
EMEA. We are now the largest dispute 
funding team in the world, offering a 
major, diversified global dispute funding 
platform across common law and civil 
law jurisdictions in developed and 
emerging markets. 

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Integration Progress

Marketing and Business Development

People and Culture

Commenced numerous co-investments and 
investment collaborations across legacy IMF 
Bentham and Omni Bridgeway Funds and teams, 
growing the portfolio

Global name Omni Bridgeway adopted

New branding

Global website

Global digital marketing

Industry leadership recognised (market feedback, 
Chambers & Partners, Leaders’ League, Who’s 
Who Legal, LawDragon)

On-boarding and skill-development program 
focusing on business development and 
leadership capability

Business Platform (Operations & IT)

IT infrastructure and security platforms 
consolidated

Proprietary databases and applications 
deployed globally

Global General Manager, People & Culture and 
Global Human Resources Business Partner 
appointed

Employment contracts and policies streamlined 
and employees transitioned to consistent global 
contracts and incentive structures

Well-being programs 

Global internal communications

People strategy ratified by Board (including post-
COVID workplace agility, employee well-being, 
revised performance management framework 
and cultural integration)

Legal and Risk

Global Head of Risk and Compliance appointed

Legal and Risk team structure formalised under 
leadership of Group General Counsel

Investment documents and processes harmonised 
for joint merits and enforcement investments

Finance

Global communications platform deployed

Group finance platforms amalgamated

Global re-branded intranet

Class actions portal on website

Group reports FY20 consolidated

Group budgets FY21 consolidated

Over recent years IMF Bentham and Omni Bridgeway had 
worked together on business development and other projects 
and delighted in the mutual trust and respect experienced 
by all. We found our businesses to be culturally aligned, with 
commonalities in our histories and our vision for the future. 
We are now proud to come together globally under the 
name Omni Bridgeway and to share a mission to develop 
a formidable global organisation.

Our merged business now has 18 offices in 10 countries, 
with approximately 160 experts speaking 25+ languages, 
with over $2.200 billion in funds to invest in dispute resolution 
and recovery across the globe.

With significant world events largely outside our control, 
we operate in an industry in which returns are uncorrelated, 
and to some extent counter-cyclical, to economic conditions. 
The long-range Strategic Plan we set in motion five years ago 
has positioned us well for the macro-economic environment 
in which we now operate and has laid a platform for our future. 
We have significant cash and receivables, a service offering that 
delivers value in today’s environment, an income and supply 
chain that is not dependent upon any one market, and an 
agile team of knowledge workers who transitioned without 
interruption in March 2020 from 18 offices to approximately 
160 ‘virtual’ home offices around the world.

This year our team accomplished a merger and associated 
capital-raising, name-change, re-brand, commenced and 
largely completed the integration of global operations, 
adjusted to working-from-home during a global pandemic 
and, during all this, took care of ‘business as usual’ and 
grew the business.

In addition to assisting clients and prudently managing 
investments on behalf of our Fund investors and 
shareholders, it has been particularly important to assist 
others in a year when so many are facing substantial 
challenges. We support our communities – through 
contributions to Australia’s bushfire relief efforts, 
foodbanks around the world, underprivileged children 
in Vietnam, and others.

We are also actively advocating for the introduction of 
industry standards in Australia, to ensure that all recipients 
of dispute finance receive the same comfort around capital 
adequacy, adverse costs cover and acceptable returns, 
that Omni Bridgeway’s clients experience.

In FY20 we achieved significant progress towards integrating 
our market offering and business operations globally. We 
are pleased to report the achievements in the list above 
and will continue this focus in FY21.

5

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Chairman’s and Managing Director’s Report

continued

This year we re-confirmed our core values during our merger and re-branding. Our business growth and value proposition to all 
our stakeholders will continue to be guided by the principles of transparency, accountability, rigour, entrepreneurship, partnership 
and engaging our talent.

We have also exceeded the goals we set in our 2015-2020 Strategic Plan. 

1 July 2015

30 June 2020

Increased jurisdictional coverage

Australia, USA, UK

Australia, USA, Canada,  
Asia, UK, EMEA

Increased investments

41

304*

Increased EPV

$2.0 billion

$15.8 billion

Increased team

35

~160

Funds management

–

7 Funds (~$2.2 billion)

* 

Includes Investment Committee Approved and Conditionally Funded investments

Each year we seek feedback on our performance and why 
the market comes to us. Around the world the themes are 
consistent. Omni Bridgeway is highly regarded because:

 – We provide more than just capital. Our professionals 

are experts in funding and in specialist areas of law and 
enforcement management. We know how to achieve 
recovery for our clients. 

 – Our people are likeable and collaborative and integrity 

is non-negotiable.

 – We are on-the-ground with our clients and investments 
so we understand jurisdictions, we have expansive 
networks and we are culturally-sensitive.

 – Our track record and transparency engenders trust and 
respect. Clients know we are with them for the duration. 

 – We are entrepreneurial and adaptive in finding ways to 
meet clients’ funding requirements and case strategies. 

Businesses, governments, individuals and groups enlist our 
capital and know-how to recover what is rightfully theirs, 
and we are glad to be in a position to assist.

We are now poised to embark on our 2020-2025 vision 
to solidify our position in an industry that is fast becoming 
a mainstream financial services offering.

FY20 Results

Profit 
Our FY20 profit before tax and fair value adjustments on 
financial liabilities of $47.086 million represents a $94.748 
million turnaround since FY19. Following our acquisition 
of Omni Bridgeway Holding B.V. (OBE), we now have 
financial liabilities to the OBE vendors that require fair 
valuing and associated changes to be booked through 
our statement of comprehensive income. Given our 
substantial share price increase from $3.40 at the time of 
the OBE acquisition to $4.77 at 30 June 2020, a fair value 
adjustment of $13.597 million is captured within our profit 
for the year. Similar non-cash fair value adjustments may 
occur in the future until the consideration liabilities are 
extinguished in conjunction with share price movements. 
Subject to AUD:EUR exchange fluctuations, the number of 
shares owed to the OBE vendors remains the same and 
there is no additional dilution to shareholders.

Cash Generation
This year the completion of a number of our investments 
has converted into cash or debtors. 13% of our 30 June 2019 
EPV has completed during the year.

In FY20 we generated $295.064 million in cash and receivables 
comprising $111.867 million from balance sheet investments 
and $183.197 million for our Funds. $90.813 million arose from 
completed US investments, $44.772 million from completed 

6

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Sources and Applications of Cash and Receivables – Non-IFRS (unaudited)

Cash and receivable generation

Proceeds from litigation funding

Proceeds from claims portfolio investments

Proceeds from disposal of financial asset

NCI contribution to OBE costs

Net interest

Other proceeds

Movement in receivables

Cash burn

Operational cash expenditure

Transaction costs - purchase of Omni Bridgeway (one-off)

Professional advisors (one-off)

Income tax received / (paid)

Net cash and receivable generation1

Cash and net receivables

Balance Sheet

Funds

Movement in receivables

FY 2020
$’000

FY 2019
$’000

170,978

15,004

9,675

4,500

(4,694)

817

117,864

314,144

43,179

–

–

–

(4,630)

–

(8,824)

29,725

(68,550)

(57,506)

(4,838)

(300)

(3,904)

(77,592)

236,552

133,205

61,179

117,864

312,248

–

(1,600)

3,459

(55,647)

(25,922)

132,827

93,633

(8,824)

217,636

1.  Net cash generation is categorised as non-IFRS information. This information has not been audited or reviewed.

UK and EMEA investments, $6.056 million from completed 
Canada investments and $153.423 million from completed 
Australian investments. We also collected $7.572 million on 
investments that had completed in FY19.

During FY20 a number of investments completed with an 
estimated $179.335 million of income to be accounted for in 
FY21 and beyond (assuming court approvals and satisfaction 
of other conditions). 

A number of Australian and EMEA investments also advanced 
towards completion during the year, with favourable 
judgments and awards. In some cases, we are now funding 
the enforcement and recovery of those awards (an example 
of our service offering that assists clients from case inception 
through to ultimate recovery). 

Our results were impacted by the loss of a few cases. However, 
we are now funding the appeal in some of these cases.

Balance Sheet
Our net assets are $767.201 million representing an increase 
of more than 49% from $515.497 million (53% increase in 
respect to movement in equity attributable to equity holders 
of the parent). Our balance sheet investments continue to run-
off and, with the anticipated completion in the Wivenhoe class 
action, will be substantially wound down.

World-wide Portfolio
Adding a strong presence in the EMEA region to 
our geographic footprint enhances our resilience 
to jurisdictional dynamics. 

10

23

18

6

EPV by 
Geography  
(%)

43

Asia

Australia

Canada

UK & EMEA

United States

7

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Chairman’s and Managing Director’s Report

continued

Non-Controlling Interest (NCI)
We have continued to grow and diversify our investment 
portfolio significantly throughout FY20, with results to be 
reflected in our P&L over future years. Our average realised 
investment gestation is 2.7 years from initial commitment of 
funds to final resolution and return on investment. Market 
dynamics (such as court closures and delays during COVID-19) 
may alter that lifespan.

Expenses increased during the year reflecting our strategy to 
diversify, establish new offices in new jurisdictions and address 
competition. Transaction costs and professional advisor fees 
were higher because of the merger and capital raising in the 
first-half, but decreased significantly in the second-half. In 
addition to the merger, we also grew our team organically, with 
senior appointments in each jurisdiction, and this is reflected 
in a corresponding increase in employee benefits expense.

Australian Regulatory Reform
We address our regulatory landscapes elsewhere in this 
Report. However, legislative reform proposed in Australia 
this year warrants specific mention here.

In May 2020, the Australian Federal Government announced 
regulatory changes to litigation funding and class actions 
and initiated a Parliamentary Joint Committee Inquiry (PJC) 
to consider these two areas further. The PJC has completed 
its initial hearings and is due to issue a report in December 
2020. This follows the 2018 Australian Law Reform Commission 
Inquiry into Class Action Proceedings and Third-Party Litigation 
Funders and the Victorian Law Reform Commission Inquiry 
into Litigation Funding and Group Proceedings.

The Australian class action regime is almost thirty years 
old and regulatory reform is to be expected, as is a review 
of the third-party litigation funding industry, whose role in 
protecting claimants’ rights and providing access to justice 
is now well established.

Omni Bridgeway welcomes improvements to the class actions 
system and appropriate regulation of the dispute funding 
industry in Australia. We detailed our position in a number 
of written submissions to the Parliamentary Inquiry in June 
and July 2020. Andrew Saker also attended a hearing of the 
Parliamentary Joint Committee conducting the Inquiry in 
July 2020. As the pioneer of litigation funding in Australia, we 
support the recommendation for the introduction in Australia 
of a licensing regime for funders that sets minimum onshore 
capital adequacy requirements, disclosure obligations and 
reporting standards. Having previously held an Australian 
Financial Services Licence (AFSL) we have reapplied for 
a licence in the context of these anticipated reforms. 

The application of the managed investment scheme regime 
to class actions requires some modifications via regulatory 
relief to be fit for purpose. We have outlined our views on this 
to ASIC and are currently preparing for the initiation of the 
new regulatory position on 22 August 2020.

We also recommended that any licensing requirements extend 
to law firms acting as funders of class actions, under ‘no win, 
no fee’ arrangements or pursuant to the recent Victorian 
legislation that permits law firms to charge contingency 
fees in class actions in that State.

We have also advocated this year for other measures to 
enhance the integrity of the class action system including: 
a six-month moratorium from May 2020 on new class actions 
that are associated with COVID-19 related disclosures; 
legislated minimum level of returns for claimants in a class 
action; and legislation to end the use of common fund orders. 

We have expanded upon each of the above in ASX 
Announcements and media statements throughout the year.

Strategic Capital Management

Acquisition of European Business and Associated 
Equity Raising
As announced on 15 October 2019, the Group agreed to 
acquire 100% of the shares in Omni Bridgeway Holding 
B.V. (OBE), an un-listed company headquartered in the 
Netherlands, in exchange for cash and share consideration. 
The transaction completed on 8 November 2019. At acquisition 
the purchase consideration included a cash payment of 
EUR31.177 million; deferred consideration with a fair value 
of EUR22.983 million and contingent variable deferred 
consideration, subject to new business generation targets, with 
a fair value of EUR41.250 million. Shareholders have approved 
the payment of any contingent variable deferred amount in 
Omni Bridgeway shares and will vote on the payment of the 
deferred amount in shares at the forthcoming AGM.

The accounting for the acquisition has been provisionally 
determined as at 30 June 2020. Provisionally, goodwill 
of $103.072 million has been recognised and $103.065 
million of fair value adjustment was required to individually 
identifiable assets.

As the OBE Group was a leading funder of litigation, 
arbitration and enforcement proceedings, focusing on civil 
law jurisdictions primarily in Continental Europe and Central 
Asia, this acquisition provides complementary investment 
strengths and expertise, expanded geographic presence 
and portfolio and financing diversification for the Group.

The OBE Group was founded in the Netherlands in 1986 and 
had built a strong reputation as a leading financier of high-
value claims and global specialist in cross-border enforcement, 
including against sovereign governments. The OBE Group 
included ROLAND ProzessFinanz, a leading German litigation 
funder which became part of the OBE Group in 2017. It also 
included a joint venture with IFC (part of the World Bank 
Group), comprising a dedicated Fund and Dubai-based 
expertise centre aimed at assisting banks with funding and 
managing the enforcement of non-performing loans and 
related disputes in the Middle East and Africa region.

8

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020To facilitate the acquisition, we raised $138.471 million 
(excluding costs) in new equity from institutional and retail 
shareholders. We issued (i) 23,939,201 shares to institutional 
investors as a 1 to 5.8 accelerated non-renounceable rights 
entitlement offer at $3.40 per share and 5,291,608 shares 
under a placement to institutional investors at $3.50 per 
share, and (ii) 11,340,259 shares under the retail portion 
of the entitlement offer at $3.40 per share. The rights offer 
and placement attracted strong support.

Notes Refinanced
As foreshadowed in last year’s Annual Report, we extended 
the maturity profile of our debt, aligned covenants (including 
the allowed debt ceiling) across debt facilities and reduced 
our borrowing rate.

On 20 December 2019, we refinanced our Fixed Rate Notes, 
which were due to mature on 30 June 2020, with the issue 
of new Fixed Rate Notes with a maturity date of 8 January 
2026 and a fixed interest rate of 5.65% per annum payable 
quarterly. The new Fixed Rate Notes have an equal ranking 
with the existing Bonds and are secured by a security 
interest over all present and after-acquired property of 
Omni Bridgeway Limited and guarantees from certain 
wholly owned subsidiaries.

Investment Portfolio

Portfolio Overview
Our global investment portfolio has grown as a result of the 
merger and the business development drive of our investment 
team. The portfolio is now larger and more diverse in terms of 
geography, type and size of investments than ever before. 

As at 30 June 2020 our diversified portfolio comprised 
over 300 investments, not counting underlying portfolio 
investments separately, with 16 remaining on the balance 
sheet and the rest within Fund structures. Having prioritised 
the diversification of our portfolio over recent years to mitigate 
the risks of competition and adverse regulatory intervention, 
our investments now represent a suitable range by investment 
type and geography.

Our annual investments on a conditional and unconditional 
basis total $313.214 million in capital commitments. Our 
FY20 target to commit $276.000 million was exceeded by 
14% (with funded and conditionally funded investments). 

We are experiencing demand for increasingly larger 
investments and expect that trend to continue. 

Geographically, the portfolio is well diversified with the US 
being the largest portion at 43%, with UK & EMEA representing 
23% and Australian investments down to 18% of EPV. We 
expect the US proportion of the total portfolio will increase in 
future. While multi-party investments in Australia, Canada and 
Europe continue to represent an important part of our global 
portfolio, we anticipate this will decrease as a percentage of 
investment type within the global portfolio.

Our portfolio increasingly reflects a corporate client base who 
seek our capital and expertise to prosecute claims and enforce 
judgments and awards.

Funding Applications
Our investment committees are busier than ever. This year we 
recorded 1,296 applications, representing a greater than 30% 
increase on last year and nearly a 200% increase since the 
beginning of FY16. This is attributable to a number of factors. 

Number of Funding Applications

1400

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

0

669

309

301

59

FY16

827

371

345

104

7

FY17

866

356

302

127

55

26

FY18

1,296

651

218

136

172

119

974

440

201

130

84

119

FY19

FY20

Consolidated

Australia

USA

Canada

Asia

UK & EMEA

9

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Chairman’s and Managing Director’s Report

continued

Our leading market reputation and business development 
activities are generating opportunities and these are now 
amplified by the cross-border collaboration of our expanded, 
post-merger team. Our competitor landscape has also 
changed with a favourable impact on Omni Bridgeway’s market 
share. An increasing general awareness of dispute finance is 
also growing the total market and is expected to result in an 
increase in funding applications.

Although the long-term impact of COVID-19 is yet to crystallise, 
business and consumer claims across numerous industries 
are expected to result in funding applications.

Estimated Portfolio Value
During FY20 we committed, or agreed to commit, $313.214 
million, translating to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) 
of over 40% since FY15. Our increased portfolio produced 
an EPV of $15.831 billion in FY20 (including IC approved and 
conditionally funded investments), representing a CAGR of 
>45% over five years. 

Funds Management
In total, we now have close to A$2.200 billion in funds under 
management to invest in dispute resolution and recovery. 
The majority of our investments sit within seven Funds. 

Funds 1, 2 and 3 are fully committed. The commitment 
periods for those Funds are complete and they are now 
in their ‘harvest phase’.

Estimated Portfolio Value growth change 
(2016-2020)

16,000

12,000

8,000

4,000

0

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Balance Sheet

Fund 4

Fund 1

Fund 5

Funds 2&3

Fund 6

Less than 6% of our investments (by number) remain on our 
balance sheet. These investments continue to ‘run-off’ and, 
following the anticipated completion in the Wivenhoe class 
action, will be substantially wound down.

New investments are made from Funds 4, 5, 6 and 7, with 
each Fund at a different stage of maturity. Given the increasing 
size of some of our individual investment opportunities, we 
may establish an ‘overflow’ mechanism to accommodate 
investments that exceed the concentration limits of Funds 
4 and 5. Fund 6 is rapidly approaching its capacity. The 
establishment of new Funds is under consideration. 

Our Fund investors have been selected in part because of their 
low credit risk, their commitment to the Fund arrangements 
and because their capital is non-discretionary. Our strategy is 
to remain a meaningful minority investor in each of our Funds, 
to harness investment returns as an equity participant, with 
management and performance fee revenue from returns on 
third party capital. 

Investment Portfolio Profile

Number 
of current 
investments

Number of 
completed 
investments

Average 
current 
investment 
length 
(years)

Average 
completed 
investment 
length 
(years)

Success rate 
on dollar 
weighted 
average 
(%)*

ROIC 
excluding 
overhead  
(%)

IRR excluding 
overhead  
(%)

Investment 
Costs 
$ million

EPV  
$ million

FY2021

FY2022

FY2023

FY2024+ 

Possible completion EPV $ million

Balance 
sheet

Fund 1

Funds 2 & 3 

Fund 4 

Fund 5

Fund 6

Fund 7

16

30

31

9

11

180

–

88

19

8

1

–

138

n/a

4.7

3.7

1.4

0.5

n/a

n/a

n/a

2.9

2.1

1.0

0.3

n/a

3.2

n/a

75

70

92

100

n/a

n/a

n/a

137

20

314

16

n/a

306

n/a

80

11

513

93

n/a

158

n/a

121.1

1,110.7

869.8

234.2

5.7

1.0

191.2

2,798.8

1441.3

798.6

258.3

300.6

62.1

2,939.9

935.3

1,180.0

791.1

33.5

93.7

3,847.9

101.2

1,549.5

1,336.0

861.2

5.9

706.3

290.1

110.9

288.7

16.6

153.9

2,112.2

264.7

537.5

537.2

772.8

–

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Data covers the period from 1 July 2011 for the direct balance sheet investments and each of the funds from their dates of inception.

* 

 A successful investment is one where the income (including cost recovery) exceeds investment costs. Costs for successful investments compared to total 
costs for completions.

10

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Funds Summary – Non IFRS (unaudited)

Fund 1
100% 
 committed
USD million

Capital called

Total

Investors

166.7

Distributions

Total USD

AUD equivalent

125.0

(69.6)

 55.4 

 80.8 

Funds 2&3
99% 
committed
AUD million

Capital called

Total

Investors

80.9

Distributions

Total AUD

64.7

(14.6)

 50.1 

OBL

41.7

–

 41.7 

 60.8 

OBL

16.2

–

Uncalled capital

Total

Investors

5.0

n/a

 5.0 

 7.2 

Total

99.1

n/a

3.8

n/a

 3.8 

 5.5 

Uncalled capital

Investors

79.3

n/a

 79.3 

 16.2 

 99.1 

Fund 4
22% 
committed
USD million

Capital called

Total 

Investors

89.8

Distributions

Total USD

 71.8 

 n/a 

(1.1)

 70.7 

OBL

 18.0 

 n/a 

(0.3)

 17.7 

Uncalled capital

Total 

Investors

 410.2 

 328.2 

 n/a 

 n/a 

 n/a 

 n/a 

 410.2 

 328.2 

AUD equivalent

 103.2 

 25.8 

 598.5 

 478.8 

 119.6 

Fund 5
20% 
committed
USD million

Capital called

Total 

Investors

 39.1 

Distributions

Total USD

AUD equivalent

 31.3 

–

 31.3 

 45.7 

Uncalled capital

Total 

Investors

 460.9 

 n/a 

 460.9 

 368.7 

 n/a 

 368.7 

OBL

 7.8 

–

 7.8 

OBL

 92.2 

 n/a 

 92.2 

 11.4 

 672.5 

 537.9 

 134.5 

OBL

1.2

n/a

 1.2 

 1.8 

OBL

19.8

n/a

 19.8 

OBL

 82.0 

 n/a 

 n/a 

 82.0 

Accumulated 
preferred 
return 

Accumulated 
special 
distribution

Accumulated 
management 
fee

Investors

Investors

34.5

(8.3)

 26.2 

 38.3 

1.8

–

 1.8 

 2.6 

OBL

4.3

–

 4.3 

 6.3 

Accumulated 
preferred 
return 

Accumulated 
special 
distribution

Accumulated 
management 
fee

Investors

Investors

16.4

–

 16.4 

3.6

–

 3.6 

Recycled proceeds

Total 

Investors

–

 18.5 

–

 18.5 

 30.3 

–

 14.8 

–

 14.8 

 24.2 

OBL

1.4

–

 1.4 

OBL

–

 3.7 

–

 3.7 

 6.1 

Recycled proceeds

Total 

Investors

OBL

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

OBL

–

 0.7 

–

 0.7 

 1.1 

Fund 6
42% 
called
EUR million

Capital called

Total 

Investors

 63.4 

Distributions

Total EUR

AUD equivalent

 60.4 

 n/a 

–

 60.4 

 98.9 

Uncalled capital

Total 

Investors

 86.6 

 n/a 

 n/a 

 86.6 

 82.1 

 n/a 

 n/a 

 82.1 

 141.9 

 134.5 

OBL

 3.0 

 n/a 

–

 3.0 

 4.9 

OBL

 4.5 

 n/a 

 n/a 

 4.5 

 7.4 

Recycled proceeds

Total 

Investors

–

 15.0 

–

 15.0 

 24.6 

–

 14.3 

–

 14.3 

 23.4 

Fund 7
4% 
called
USD million

Capital called

Uncalled capital

Recycled proceeds

Total 

Investors

Fund 6

Total 

Investors

Fund 6

Total 

Investors

Fund 6

 3.5 

Distributions

Total USD

AUD equivalent

 1.0 

–

 1.0 

 1.5 

 2.5 

–

 2.5 

 3.6 

 96.5 

 n/a 

 96.5 

 140.8 

 49.0 

 n/a 

 49.0 

 71.5 

 47.5 

 n/a 

 47.5 

 69.3 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

11

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Chairman’s and Managing Director’s Report

continued

Updates from Around the World
Our team continues to grow in response to increased demand 
for dispute finance and is in the process of achieving full 
integration, following the merger. We have active global focus 
groups and operate cohesively with success already evident 
in cross-referrals and co-funding of matters across the team. 

Competition
We have the largest dispute funding team in the world with the 
most extensive geographic coverage including on-the-ground 
permanent presence in our key jurisdictions. This is particularly 
evident in jurisdictions in which dispute funding is relatively 
new and growing, such as in Asia, Canada and the Middle East. 

In some of our jurisdictions, notably the US, UK and Australia, 
there have been an increasing number of funders active in 
recent years. However, many of these funders do not have our 
extensive on-the-ground geographic coverage or expertise and 
cannot support the multi-jurisdictional, high value claims we 
fund, and few offer the full suite of merits funding coupled with 
enforcement and recovery. In some of our European markets, 
for example the Netherlands and Germany, only a few global 
funders operate, along with some smaller domestic funders. 
However, again, Omni Bridgeway has a leading combination of 
access to significant capital, geographic presence, specialist 
legal skills, language abilities, local cultural understanding and 
longstanding relationships in continental Europe.

Fundedi,ii and/or managed (litigation, arbitration and/or enforcement and recovery)

Assessedii

Omni Bridgeway offices

Non-recourse financing of domestic or international arbitration, litigation (individual claimant or group litigation) and enforcement and recovery actions.

Reflects locations of parties, disputes, proceedings, enforcement actions.

i 

ii 

12

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Asia-Pacific
Our Asia investment team doubled in size this year as a result 
of organic growth and the merger. In November 2019, the team 
was strengthened by the recruitment of one of the pioneers 
of the dispute funding industry in Asia and, as a result of the 
merger, the team also includes two enforcement specialists. 
In addition to their expertise in funding and management 
capabilities, all of the new team members bring considerable 
local knowledge and extensive professional networks. The 
team now offers full-service funding from case inception 
through to enforcement and recovery, in common law and 
civil law disputes.

In Australia, the investment team has grown with four new 
team members joining in early 2020 in Sydney and Melbourne. 
The new team members are all experienced former 
commercial litigators. One of the new joiners strengthens 
our insolvency and restructuring team in anticipation of 
shifting economic conditions. Another new team member 
brings extensive in-house corporate experience to assist our 
corporate funding. In addition, the Australian team is working 
closely with our enforcement and other specialists around 
the globe.

We have also expanded our geographic footprint to New 
Zealand, where we are funding two class actions and assessing 
a broad range of cases, including commercial, insolvency and 
insurance claims. We currently service this market on a fly  
in/fly out basis from Australia and Asia.

Regulatory Environment
As we reported last year, Singapore and Hong Kong, the two 
leading centres for international dispute resolution in Asia, 
have actively embraced third-party funding in arbitration and 
insolvency proceedings. Both jurisdictions are now reviewing 
the position with respect to a form of contingency fee 
agreement for lawyers in arbitration. In Singapore, the Ministry 
of Law issued a consultation paper in late 2019 seeking 
views. In Hong Kong, the issue is being considered by a sub-
committee of the Law Reform Commission of Hong Kong.

In Australia, we are participating in the Commonwealth 
Government Parliamentary Inquiry into litigation funding 
and the regulation of the class action industry, as we have 
set out in more detail elsewhere in this Report. We are also 
providing input on the implementation of the new licensing 
regime. In June 2020, the Victorian State Government passed 
legislation which permits lawyers in that State to charge 
“percentage- based” or contingency fees in class actions. 
This was a recommendation of the Victorian Law Reform 
Commission which conducted an inquiry and published a 
report into litigation funding and class actions in June 2018. 

UK & EMEA
Prior to the merger, our UK and EMEA team comprised two 
investment managers in London with fly in/fly out support 
from the wider global investment team. Post-merger, our 
UK and EMEA team comprises over 50 members located in 
Amsterdam, Cologne, Dubai, Geneva and London. In early 
2020, the team expanded further by the hire of a senior 
commercial lawyer, based in Amsterdam, who joined as 
director of collective redress.

Many of the EMEA team are enforcement and recovery 
specialists who operate across the globe, depending on 
the jurisdiction-specific needs of clients. Enforcement and 
recovery often involves parties and assets across multiple 
jurisdictions and requires a multi-cultural, multi-lingual and 
multi-disciplined team. Our enforcement team includes 
seasoned litigators and recovery specialists, as well as 
economists, financial experts, business intelligence and 
asset tracing professionals. 

Our Dubai team is actively progressing the joint venture with 
the IFC (part of the World Bank Group) known as the MENA 
DARP program. This program is designed to assist banks 
in the MENA regions with funding and cross border legal 
enforcement of high value non-performing loans.

Regulatory Environment
In England, the dispute funding industry is self-regulated 
and there is a voluntary code of conduct promoted by the 
Association of Litigation Funders of which Omni Bridgeway 
is a member. Previously, if an English case was unsuccessful 
and an adverse costs order was made against the funded 
party, a commercial funder’s liability for the adverse costs was 
limited to the amount of funding it had provided (known as the 
“Arkin cap” 1). However, there have been a number of decisions, 
most recently in February 2020, where the English Court of 
Appeal confirmed that the Arkin cap was not a binding rule 
and does not automatically apply in all cases2. 

We have the largest dispute 
funding team in the world with 
the most extensive geographic 
coverage including on-the-ground 
permanent presence in our 
key jurisdictions.

1 

2 

After Arkin v Borchard Lines (Nos 2 and 3) [2005] 1 WLR 3055. 
 Chapelgate Credit Opportunity Master Fund Limited v Money and Others 
[2020] EWCA Civ 246.

13

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Chairman’s and Managing Director’s Report

continued

The wider EMEA region comprises mainly civil law jurisdictions 
where litigation funding is permitted and is currently largely 
unregulated. However, in Germany the funding of larger scale 
collective cases/ group claims can be unpredictable and 
requires specialist expertise. In several cases, competitors 
have had adverse decisions against them. For example, in 
February 2020, the Lower Regional Court of Munich dismissed 
a claim brought by a funder on the basis that the claim vehicle 
did not comply with the German laws on debt collection 
and the provision of legal services. While the judgment is 
not yet final, the assignment model for funding is unlikely 
to be used for group claims in Germany for the time being. 
The questions raised in the case may also lead to additional 
regulatory attention. 

In general, EU jurisdictions await harmonisation of collective 
redress regimes. Through inter-institutional negotiations, 
the EU has agreed a new class action regime for consumer 
disputes and published the Collective Redress Directive in 
June 2020. This Directive requires Member States to ensure 
their domestic laws for collective redress meet specified 
minimum standards. The Council of the European Union and 
the European Parliament will now finalise the wording of the 
Directive and, once finalised, Member States will have twenty 
four months to transpose the Directive into domestic law and 
a further six months to enact the provisions. In the meantime, 
the most reliable collective action regime for international 
claims in Europe continues to be in the Netherlands. 
This regime can be used in cases where there is a Dutch 
anchor defendant or another adequate connection with 
the Netherlands.

To date there is no opt out class action regime for international 
claimants. However, the assignment model which is a group 
mechanism has been used positively in Omni Bridgeway’s 
elevators and air cargo cartel cases. The general view is that 
the Dutch courts have undertaken an active and constructive 
approach to handling these large and complex group claims. 

In January 2020, the Dutch Settlement of Large-scale Losses 
or Damage (Class Actions) Act (WAMCA) came into effect. 
Under the WACMA, an exclusive representative is appointed 
to act on behalf of the class of aggrieved parties residing 
in the Netherlands. These Dutch resident parties have the 
opportunity to opt-out. In principle, a different regime applies 
to aggrieved parties residing abroad: they are not bound 
by the court’s decision unless they have already opted-in. 
The WAMCA has not yet been tested but will be of potential 
interest for claims with Dutch claimants and/or a Dutch 
anchor defendant or other connection with the Netherlands, 
establishing admissibility under this new regime.

North America
The US investment team has also grown this year with three 
new team members. Given increasing demand, the team is 
expected to expand further in the near future.

The US team strengthened its capabilities in recent years 
with the addition of senior and highly regarded specialists in 
practice areas including international arbitration, insurance, 
bankruptcy and intellectual property. This specialist expertise 
has led to significant growth and diversification of the US 
portfolio, as well as the ability to choose quality investments 
to fund. The US team’s specialists in insolvency and 
restructuring are proving invaluable in the current economic 
conditions. The team is also working closely with the EMEA-
based enforcement specialists, as well as other international 
colleagues in the global focus groups.

The Canada investment team was also strengthened with 
the addition of an international arbitration specialist, based 
in Montreal. The investment team now comprises seven 
members who continue to advance the case law relating to 
litigation funding in Canada which is now a popular solution 
for corporates and individuals alike. 

Regulatory Environment
Third-party funding has become much more accepted in 
the most active litigation jurisdictions in the United States. 
Various attempts - often led by the US Chamber of Commerce 
- to regulate the industry at the federal and state level have 
largely been unsuccessful to date, as have attempts to impose 
extraordinary discovery requirements on claimants and law 
firms using third-party dispute financing (as distinguished from 
any other type of financing) in the courts. 

In Canada, the dispute funding industry is still largely 
unregulated. However, the jurisprudence is developing rapidly. 
In January 2020, Canada’s highest court, the Supreme Court 
of Canada, considered litigation funding for the first time and 
approved an Omni Bridgeway funding agreement to support 
a large commercial claim in an insolvency matter3. This case 
has highlighted the importance of funding in the insolvency 
and restructuring context. It will be particularly helpful to 
insolvency and restructuring professionals in Canada as 
an option to finance litigation claims and seek to maximise 
recoveries for a company’s creditors.

In the province of Ontario, we were asked to comment on 
proposed changes to the class proceedings regime which 
seek to codify rules around dispute funding in the class action 
context. The proposals again demonstrate how dispute 
finance is now part of the legal landscape.

14

3 

9354-9186 Québec Inc. v. Callidus Capital Corporation 2020 SCC 10.

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Global Risk, Compliance and Governance

Risk Management
Investing in assets where our income is contingent upon 
successful resolution of a dispute or recovery from 
enforcement action, involves inherent risks and these 
are often magnified in non-portfolio early stage financing 
(especially in loser pays jurisdictions). Effective management 
of those inherent risks, together with broader risks common 
to many enterprises in a global economy, is instrumental 
to our success. Accordingly, risk management is core to our 
diversification and growth strategy.

We identify our key risks through an analysis of our internal 
and external operating environments and outline below 
some of these and the mitigations we deploy to minimise 
their impact.

Quality of Investment Decisions
Like all investment managers, the quality of our investment 
decisions is fundamental to our success and sustainability. 
We continue to build on the processes which have served 
the Group well to date and have augmented our three 
investment committees with appointments of senior advisers 
with deep experience in litigation, bankruptcy and arbitration 
and our Global Chief Investment Officer joining the Fund 
6 (EMEA) investment committee following our merger. We 
have undertaken a comprehensive update to our investment 
management governance documentation, consolidating 
our global best practice. 

Competitors
We compete in a growing industry from a position of depth 
in capability and strength. We have a differentiated strategy, 
strong vertical and horizontal relationships throughout 
the market, and agile business operations. Our fully global 
footprint provides us access to established, maturing and 
developing markets. Our culture and reputation are core 
to our retention and attraction of the best talent across all 
aspects of our business. 

We have a long track record and a long-term focus and 
strategy. There are competitors seeking market share 
through under-pricing, who will ultimately fail a sustainability 
test, akin to the Australian market for directors and 
officers insurance which is now remediating its under-
pricing. Success in our asset class is built upon long range 
development of a diversified portfolio across a range of 
metrics, with sustainable returns for clients, Fund investors, 
shareholders and employees.

Regulatory Change
The regulatory environment in our key markets is summarised 
elsewhere in this Report. The advantages of dispute financing 
as a business risk management tool and a powerful vehicle 
for access to justice have been broadly accepted in global 
jurisprudence. However, our developing industry engenders 
debate between proponents and opponents of third-party 
dispute finance, with some high profile global lobbying 
groups often pushing for greater levels of regulation. We 
engage in constructive dialogue with regulators and support 
appropriate industry regulation to safeguard the interests of 
all participants. We are currently regulated by the US Securities 
and Exchange Commission, ASIC and the ASX in Australia.

Time and Open-ended Capital Commitments
Two primary factors, beyond the quality of an investment 
decision, have a major impact upon our financial returns: 
the duration of, and amount of capital committed to, an 
investment. 

Across all dispute finance investments, it is largely 
unknown how long it will take for a dispute to conclude, 
by settlement, final judicial or arbitral determination and 
potentially, subsequent enforcement of that decision. This 
risk is exacerbated, particularly at present in the US, by 
the slowdown in the judicial and arbitration systems as 
a consequence of COVID-19. 

While our returns often step up over the life of an investment, 
increases are invariably capped and uncertainty in the 
timing of income creates capital management and liquidity 
challenges. In addition, outside the US, most of our non-
portfolio investments are an open commitment to fund the 
costs of bringing the case to completion. The commitment 
is based on a budget from the lawyers to whom we seek to 
transfer a portion of the risk of ‘budget creep’ in order to 
align our respective interests in efficient cost management. 
However, there are a myriad of reasons over the life of 
complex, hard-fought litigation or arbitration against well-
resourced defendants, why unforeseen costs can arise. With 
our return being fully contingent on a successful outcome, we 
meet these additional costs. A MOIC based return structure 
mitigates the return compression risk, provided the ultimate 
return is sufficient, but the capital management and liquidity 
challenges remain. 

15

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Chairman’s and Managing Director’s Report

continued

Cyber Security
Cyber-attacks continue to be a risk faced by businesses around 
the world. Their sophistication and volume increases year 
on year. We employ a variety of people-centric cybersecurity 
tactics, including regular training and simulated attack 
scenarios for our people in order to customise preventative 
measures. We enlist all our people throughout our global 
company as the first line of defence in protecting our data 
and commercially sensitive know-how.

The Future
Looking forward, Omni Bridgeway will be expanding our 
product and service offering and global footprint to capitalise 
on increasing demand. Focusing inwards, we are likely to adjust 
aspects of our operations to achieve even greater efficiencies 
such as increased workplace agility through remote working 
arrangements and ongoing streamlining of our global 
operations. We also intend to expand team capabilities 
to ensure resilience for the future.

We invest significantly in security hardware, software, systems 
and policies to prevent attacks and detect (and learn from) 
new attack tools, methodologies and targets. Cyber security 
risks are ever-present and we remain vigilant throughout 
our business at all times.

We have developed our new Business Plan which sets our 
strategy to 2025. This has been ratified by our Board and we 
have already commenced implementation. We look forward 
to reporting progress on the objectives which traverse each 
aspect of our business: 

Compliance
As our business has expanded into different regions, including 
as a result of the merger, and diversified in capital sources 
via the Funds management model, we face an increasing 
breadth of compliance obligations both regulatory and 
contractual. In recognition of this we have hired a Global Head 
of Compliance & Risk with deep financial services experience 
and are enhancing our compliance and risk management 
frameworks across our network. 

Governance
It has been a busy year from a governance perspective, with 
ten board meetings and twenty committee meetings. We have 
reviewed, refreshed and updated our corporate governance 
policies and procedures in line with the ASX Corporate 
Governance Principles and Recommendations 4th Edition 
and have issued a separate Environmental, Social and 
Governance Statement. This can be accessed at  
https://omnibridgeway.com/investors/corporate-governance.

 – Capital management and Fund investors
 – Business operations and integration
 – People and culture
 – Business development and marketing
 – Product and service expansion
 – Ongoing risk mitigation through continued diversification

We would like to thank our shareholders for your support, 
our Fund investors for your endorsement and partnership 
and our wonderful team for your dedication and hard work. 

Together, we are expanding world-wide awareness and 
appetite for dispute finance, affirming its importance and 
asserting Omni Bridgeway’s leadership in this exciting market.

Andrew Saker 
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

Michael Kay 
Chairman

16

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020 
17

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Contents

Directors’ Report ..................................................................... 19 

C. CAPITAL STRUCTURE 

81

Auditor’s Independence Declaration ................................... 50

Note 15:  Financial risk management ................................. 81

Statement of Comprehensive Income ................................. 51

Note 16:  Cash and cash equivalents ................................. 87

Statement of Financial Position ............................................ 52

Note 17:  Debt securities ...................................................... 88

Statement of Cash Flows ....................................................... 53

Note 18:  Contributed equity ............................................... 89

Statement of Changes in Equity ........................................... 54

Note 19:  Retained earnings and reserves ........................ 90

Notes to the Financial Statements ....................................... 56

About this Report .................................................................... 56

D. WORKING CAPITAL, OTHER ASSETS AND OTHER 
LIABILITIES 

91

A. RESULTS FOR THE YEAR 

61

Note 20:  Receivables from litigation contracts  

Note 1: 

Segment information ........................................... 61

Note 2: 

Revenue from contracts with customers ......... 65

Note 3: 

Interest revenue  .................................................. 67

Note 4:  Net gain/(loss) on derecognition  

of intangible assets .............................................. 67

Note 5:  Other income  ....................................................... 68

Note 6: 

Expenses ................................................................ 68

Note 7: 

Income tax ............................................................. 70

Note 8: 

Earnings per share ............................................... 73

and other ............................................................... 91

Note 21:  Contract costs ....................................................... 92

Note 22:  Other assets .......................................................... 92

Note 23:  Plant and equipment ........................................... 93

Note 24:  Trade and other payables ................................... 95

Note 25:  Provisions .............................................................. 95

Note 26:  Lease liabilities ...................................................... 97

Note 27:  Other liabilities ..................................................... 99

Note 28:  Commitments and contingencies .................... 100

Note 9:  Dividends paid and proposed by  

E. THE GROUP, MANAGEMENT AND RELATED PARTIES 101

Omni Bridgeway Limited (the parent entity) ....74

Note 10:  Statement of cash flows reconciliation ............. 75

B. INVESTMENTS AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

76

Note 29:  Key management personnel ............................ 101

Note 30:  Share-based payment plan............................... 101

Note 31:  Business combination ....................................... 103

Note 11:  Claims portfolio .................................................... 76

Note 32:  Parent entity information ................................. 108

Note 12:  Purchased claims  ................................................. 76

Note 33:  Material partly-owned subsidiaries  ................111

Note 13: 

Intangible assets – litigation contracts 
in progress ............................................................. 77

Note 14:  Goodwill ................................................................. 80

Note 34: 

Investment in associates and joint ventures . 114

Note 35:  Related party disclosure ................................... 115

Note 36:  Auditor’s remuneration ..................................... 115

Note 37:  Events after the reporting date ....................... 115

Directors’ Declaration .......................................................... 116

Independent Auditor’s Report ............................................ 117

18

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report

The directors of Omni Bridgeway Limited submit their report for the year 
ended 30 June 2020.

Directors
The names and details of the Company’s directors in office during the financial year and until the date of this report are noted 
below. Directors were in office for the entire period unless otherwise stated.

Names, Qualifications, Experience and Special Responsibilities

Michael Kay 
Non-Executive Chairman
Michael Kay has been the Non-Executive Chairman since 1 July 
2015. He brings a wealth of commercial experience, with a sound 
track-record of building successful businesses. Most recently 
he was Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of salary 
packaging company McMillan Shakespeare Limited. He was 
previously Chief Executive Officer of national insurer AAMI 
and before that spent 12 years in private legal practice.

Mr Kay is Non-Executive Director of RAC Insurance Pty 
Limited, and Chairman and Non-Executive Director of City 
Chic Collective Limited.

Mr Kay is a member of the Audit and Risk Committee, 
Remuneration Committee, Corporate Governance Committee 
and Nomination Committee. 

During the past three years he has not served as a Director of 
any listed company other than Omni Bridgeway Limited (formerly 
IMF Bentham Limited), Quintis Limited, Lovisa Holdings Limited 
(retired October 2018), ApplyDirect Limited (retired March 2019) 
and City Chic Collective Limited.

Mr Kay holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of 
Sydney, Australia.

Andrew Saker
Managing Director and CEO
Andrew Saker was appointed Managing Director and Chief 
Executive Officer on 5 January 2015. Since then, he has led a 
transformational strategy of geographic expansion, product 
diversification, and migrating the company’s business model 
from capital management to fund management.

Mr Saker began his career at Ferrier Hodgson (now KPMG), 
a leading provider of corporate recovery, insolvency 
management and restructuring services throughout Australia 
and Asia. Appointed partner in 1998, he went on to establish 
the firm’s Indonesian practice in Jakarta. In his 26 years at Ferrier 
Hodgson, he was involved in over 500 corporate insolvencies 
and restructurings in Australia, Asia, North and South America. 

During the past three years he has not served as a Director 
of any listed company other than Omni Bridgeway Limited 
(formerly IMF Bentham Limited).

Mr Saker holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and 
Finance from the University of Western Australia. He is a Member 
of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. Until his appointment 
as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, he was an 
Official Liquidator of the Supreme and Federal Courts.

19

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Directors’ Report

continued

Hugh McLernon 
Executive Director
Hugh McLernon is one of the founders 
and pioneers of the contemporary dispute 
finance industry. He has been an Executive 
Director and member of the company’s 
Investment Committee since 2001. He also 
oversees Special Projects for the company.

Mr McLernon is a lawyer by training. 
After graduation, he worked as a Crown 
Prosecutor for eight years and then as 
a barrister at the independent bar for a 
further nine years, before joining Clayton 
Utz for three years as a litigation partner.

In 1988, he retired from legal practice and 
introduced the secondary life insurance 
market into Australia through the Capital 
Life Exchange. He also pioneered the 
funding of large-scale litigation in Australia 
through McLernon Group Limited in 
1992. In 1997 Mr McLernon faced and 
overcame the first claim of champerty in 
the modern era made in the Federal Court 
before French J (as he then was) in Penale 
-v- McLernon Group Limited. From 1996 
to 2001, he was the Managing Director of 
McLernon Group Limited, as well as the Hill 
Group of companies which operates in the 
finance, mining, property, insurance and 
general investment arenas of Australia. 

In 2001, Mr McLernon promoted the listing 
of Insolvency Management Fund Limited 
(now Omni Bridgeway Limited) onto the 
ASX. He was the inaugural Managing 
Director from 2001 to 2004, and again 
from 2009 to 2015.

During the past three years Mr McLernon 
has not served as a Director of any listed 
company other than Omni Bridgeway 
Limited (formerly IMF Bentham Limited).

Mr McLernon holds a Bachelor of Laws 
degree from the University of Western 
Australia.

The American Lawyer included 
Mr McLernon in its list of the Top 50 
innovators for Big Law in the US during 
the course of the previous half century.

20

Michael Bowen 
Non-Executive Director
Michael Bowen was a founding partner 
of the Perth law firm Hardy Bowen and 
became a partner of global law firm DLA 
Piper in 2015. He practices primarily 
corporate, commercial and securities law 
with an emphasis on mergers, acquisitions, 
capital raisings and resources. Mr Bowen 
assists the Managing Director on matters 
concerning corporations law.

Mr Bowen was appointed to the Board 
as a Non-Executive Director in December 
2001. He is Chair of the Remuneration 
Committee, was Chair of the Audit and 
Risk Committee until 4 April 2019 and is 
a member of the Corporate Governance 
Committee and Nomination Committee. 

Mr Bowen is also a Non-Executive 
Director of Trek Metals Limited 
(appointed 22 February 2017).

During the past three years he has not 
served as a Director of any listed company 
other than Omni Bridgeway Limited 
(formerly IMF Bentham Limited) and 
Trek Metals Limited.

Mr Bowen holds Bachelor of Laws, 
Jurisprudence and Commerce from the 
University of Western Australia. He has 
been admitted as a barrister and solicitor 
of the Supreme Court of Western Australia 
since 1979, and is also admitted as a 
solicitor of the High Court of Australia. 
He is a Certified Public Accountant and 
a member of the Australian Society of 
Accountants.

Karen Phin
Non-Executive Director
Karen Phin has over 20 years’ experience 
advising Australian listed companies 
in the retail, banking, industrial and 
natural resources sectors on capital 
management, capital raisings and mergers 
and acquisitions. Until 2014, she was a 
Managing Director and Head of Capital 
Advisory at Citigroup in Australia and 
New Zealand. Prior to joining Citigroup, 
she spent 12 months at ASIC as a Senior 
Specialist in the Corporations group. From 
1996 to 2009, Ms Phin was a Managing 
Director at UBS AG, where she established 
and led the Capital Management Group.

Ms Phin was appointed to the Board as a 
Non-Executive Director in August 2017. 
Ms Phin is a member of Omni Bridgeway’s 
Audit and Risk Committee, Remuneration 
Committee, Nomination Committee 
and Chair of the Corporate Governance 
Committee.

She is currently a Non-Executive Director 
of Magellan Financial Group Limited and 
ARB Corporation Limited and is a member 
of the Takeovers Panel.

During the past three years, she has not 
served as a Director of any company other 
than Omni Bridgeway Limited (formerly 
IMF Bentham Limited), Magellan Financial 
Group Limited and ARB Corporation 
Limited.

Ms Phin holds a Bachelor of Arts and 
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the 
University of Sydney, Australia and is 
a graduate of the Australian Institute 
of Company Directors.

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Christine Feldmanis
Non-Executive Director
Christine Feldmanis is a qualified 
accountant, investment, governance and 
risk management specialist with over 
30 years’ experience in the finance and 
investment industry. She was previously 
Managing Director of an ASX-listed 
boutique funds management incubator 
business and Chief Finance Officer of the 
NSW Treasury Corporation.

As a professional Non-Executive Director 
and experienced Board Committee Chair, 
Ms Feldmanis’ current Non-Executive 
Director roles include Perpetual Equity 
Investment Company Limited, FIIG 
Securities Limited, Bell Financial Group Ltd, 
Bell Asset Management Limited and not-
for-profit organisation, Foodbank NSW.

Ms Feldmanis was appointed to the Board 
as a Non-Executive Director in November 
2018. Ms Feldmanis is Chair of the Audit 
and Risk Committee and a member of the 
Remuneration Committee, Nomination 
Committee and Corporate Governance 
Committee.

During the past three years she has not 
served as a Director of any listed company 
other than Omni Bridgeway Limited 
(formerly IMF Bentham Limited), Bell 
Financial Group Ltd and Perpetual Equity 
Investment Company Limited.

Ms Feldmanis holds a Bachelor of 
Commerce from the University of 
Wollongong, Australia and Master 
of Applied Finance from Macquarie 
University, Australia. She is a Fellow of the 
Australian Institute of Company Directors, 
Trustee Fellow of the Association of 
Superannuation Funds of Australia, 
Senior Fellow of the Financial Services 
Institute of Australasia and a Certified 
Practising Accountant.

Raymond van Hulst
Executive Director –  
appointed 9 April 2020
Raymond van Hulst was a Managing 
Director of the Omni Bridgeway Holding 
B.V. business that was acquired by Omni 
Bridgeway Limited (then IMF Bentham 
Limited) in November 2019. Mr van Hulst 
has close to two decades of experience 
in structuring innovative solutions for 
complex and high value litigation funding 
and legal enforcement matters. He has 
a successful track record of managing 
the asset identification processes, 
enforcement strategies and settlement 
negotiations for multiple prominent 
(sovereign) awards and judgments. 

In addition, Mr van Hulst has established 
two institutionally backed funds aimed at 
funding legal disputes and enforcement 
matters, including in joint venture with 
the International Finance Corporation, 
part of the World Bank for the Distressed 
Asset Recovery Program. He leads Omni 
Bridgeway’s Investment Committee for 
these funds. Mr van Hulst also led Omni 
Bridgeway’s acquisition of its German 
funding business, Roland ProzessFinanz, 
in 2017.

Before joining Omni Bridgeway, Mr van 
Hulst was with ABN AMRO Bank Structured 
Finance, based out of India and Europe. 

During the past three years he has not 
served as a Director of any listed company 
other than Omni Bridgeway Limited.

Mr van Hulst holds an MBA from INSEAD 
and a Master’s Degree in Management 
(University of Groningen, the Netherlands). 

21

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Directors’ Report

continued

Officers

Stuart Mitchell 
Group Chief Financial Officer
Stuart Mitchell joined the company in 
November 2018. He was previously 
Chief Financial Officer, Legal Counsel 
and Company Secretary for Ironbridge 
Capital, an Australian- based investment 
and private equity firm, providing 
funding for domestic and international 
businesses. His role encompassed 
financial management, budgeting, 
modelling, reporting and disclosure, 
governance, compliance, risk assessment, 
accounting, taxation, licensing and 
control issues of the manager, funds 
and associated structures across Asia 
Pacific, the Caribbean and Europe.

Mr Mitchell has over 20 years’ commercial 
experience in Australia and the UK in 
the financial services sector, including 
private equity, funds management and 
venture capital.

Mr Mitchell holds a Bachelor of 
Commerce from the University of New 
South Wales, Australia. He was admitted 
to practise as a solicitor in New South 
Wales and is a qualified Chartered 
Company Secretary and Chartered 
Accountant.

Jeremy Sambrook
Group General Counsel 
and Company Secretary
Jeremy Sambrook is an experienced 
corporate lawyer with a broad in-house 
legal and private practice background, 
having practised in the UK, Hong Kong, 
the Channel Islands and Australia.

Immediately before joining the company 
Mr Sambrook was a Special Counsel in the 
Corporate team at DLA Piper Australia in 
Perth, Australia.

Following seven years working at a leading 
London law firm, Mr Sambrook moved to 
one of Europe’s largest international hedge 
fund managers as Corporate Legal Counsel 
with responsibility for a wide variety of 
corporate group projects. He became a 
partner in 2010 and went on to manage 
the off-shore head office before moving 
with his family to Australia in 2013.

Mr Sambrook was appointed as General 
Counsel and Company Secretary in 
January 2016 and has become Group 
General Counsel and Company Secretary 
from 2020 following the expansion of the 
Legal and Risk team.

Mr Sambrook holds a Bachelor of Laws 
from the University of Bristol, UK.

22

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Interests in shares, bonds and performance rights of the Company
As at the date of this report, the interests of the directors in shares, Omni Bridgeway Bonds, Fixed Rate Notes and share 
performance rights of the Company were: 

Michael Kay

Andrew Saker

Hugh McLernon

Raymond van Hulst

Michael Bowen

Karen Phin

Christine Feldmanis

Total

Number of
Omni 
Bridgeway 
Bonds

Number of
Fixed Rate
Notes

Number of
performance
rights

Number of
ordinary
shares

417,023

180,190

5,394,990

50,000

1,103,124

27,266

45,185

 – 

 – 

7,500

 – 

1,500

 – 

 – 

7,217,778

9,000

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

80

80

 – 

2,283,813

2,160,688

–

 – 

 – 

 – 

4,444,501

Further details of the interests of the Directors in the shares, bonds and options of the Company as at the date of this report are 
set out in the Remuneration Report included within the Directors’ Report. 

Dividends paid by Omni Bridgeway Limited

Declared 
date

Record 
date

Payment 
date

Cents

$m

Dividends paid in the year:

Interim for the year

On ordinary shares

Final for 2019, as recommended 
in the 2019 financial report

On ordinary shares

20/02/2020

27/02/2020

20/03/2020

3.0

7.482

n/a

n/a

n/a

nil

–

Where dividends are paid by Omni Bridgeway Limited, shareholders are able to elect to participate in the dividend reinvestment 
plan in relation to these dividends. 

The directors have determined they will consider, and where appropriate, implement, a regular semi-annual dividend which 
reflects the cash position and performance of the Company at the time of the dividend and the likely demand for cash over the 
ensuing 12-month period. The Company has put in place a dividend reinvestment plan and, on appropriate occasions, may arrange 
underwriting to reduce the impact a particular dividend might otherwise have on cash.

The Directors have today declared a final fully franked dividend of 4.0 cents per share as a final dividend for the period, totalling 
$9,995,000. The record date for this dividend is 2 September 2020 and the payment date will be 25 September 2020.

Shareholders are able to elect to participate in the dividend reinvestment plan in relation to this dividend.

23

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report OBL does not consider that the pandemic has had a negative 
impact on its solvency or going concern. Possibly, COVID-19 
related causes of action may result in more investment 
opportunities to be available for consideration by the Group.

Nature of operations
The Group undertakes new investing activities through its 
Funds (or Fund-like structures) as outlined below. The Group 
continues to hold and further invest directly into existing 
investments that were created prior to the origination of the 
Funds. The Group operates through 18 offices in 10 countries 
around the world. Originating in Australia in 2001, the Group 
expanded into the US, opening an office in New York in 2011, 
Los Angeles in 2013, San Francisco in 2015 and Houston 
in 2017. 

In 2016 the Group expanded into Canada, opening an office in 
Toronto followed by a presence in Montreal in 2018. Our UK and 
EMEA activities were supplemented in 2018 with the opening of 
a London office. Our legacy businesses each established offices 
in Singapore in 2015 and 2017 and a Hong Kong office was 
opened in 2018. 

On 8 November 2019, the Group completed the acquisition 
of Omni Bridgeway Holding B.V. (OBE), a non-listed company 
headquartered in the Netherlands, in exchange for cash and 
share capital consideration. OBE is a leading provider of funding 
and specialised skills for litigation, arbitration and enforcement 
proceedings, and for the work-out and monetisation of claims 
and non-performing loans focusing on civil law jurisdictions 
primarily in Continental Europe, and the Middle East, North 
Africa and Central Asian regions. This acquisition added 
offices in Amsterdam, Cologne, Dubai and Geneva to the 
global footprint.

In 2017 the Group established its first-generation Funds 
(Fund 1, and Funds 2 & 3) with external investor capital 
commitments. During the 2019 financial year the Group 
established its second-generation Funds (Fund 4 (series I), 
and 5 (series I)). The acquisition of OBE in November 2019 
included two more Funds (Fund 6 and Fund 7).

Operating and financial review

Principal activities 
The principal activities of the entities within the consolidated 
Group during the financial year were (i) the investment into and 
the management of Funds (or Fund-like structures) that are 
focused on investing into litigation and dispute resolution and 
enforcement matters globally and (ii) the continued holding of 
direct investments into similar litigation and dispute resolution, 
and enforcement matters.

The Group (either via the Funds or directly) invests by 
purchasing awards, claims or rights to action, or entering into 
funding agreements with claimants, liquidators, creditors 
or law firms to provide funding, recovery, enforcement and 
associated services. The Group does not provide legal advice. 

The key business driver is to make investments which 
ultimately result in a successful conclusion. If the litigation, 
arbitration, recovery or enforcement action is successful, the 
Group earns a return from the realised amount. The return 
may be structured as either a multiple of the amount invested 
or as a percentage of the settlement or judgment proceeds; 
and may be in addition to or inclusive of the amount invested; 
or a combination thereof. Generally, the multiple or percentage 
changes over time and may be lower the earlier the litigation 
is resolved. 

If the litigation, arbitration, recovery or enforcement is 
ultimately unsuccessful the Group does not generate any 
return and will realises/derecognise its investment for a 
loss in the profit and loss account.

In certain jurisdictions, the litigation funding agreement 
contains an undertaking to the client that the Group will 
pay any adverse costs that may arise in respect of the costs 
incurred by the defendant(s) to the funded litigation.

The Group may also receive fees for successful performance 
of the Funds. Additionally, fees for managing and servicing 
the Funds will provide an ongoing regular revenue stream 
independent of litigation investment returns. 

COVID-19 pandemic impact 
Whilst the pandemic has interrupted dispute resolution 
systems to different degrees in jurisdictions where the 
Group has investments, generally they have continued to 
operate. This has led to some delays in completions, or the 
expected completion date. In assessing the carrying value and 
associated impairment of investments, the most up to date 
estimates of success and timing have been used. This has not 
led to significant impairments. Additionally, the Group has 
specifically considered the impact of COVID-19 in assessing 
the values of its assets (including intangibles, inventories, 
receivables/loans, investments, other financial assets, contract 
assets and deferred tax assets) and liabilities. No significant 
adjustments have been required.

24

continuedDirectors’ ReportOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Operating and financial review (continued)

Fund 1
In February 2017, the Group launched its first fund, Fund 
1 for US investments. The Group and an external investor 
have committed up to US$171.670 million to this Fund to be 
deployed on US cases over a three year investment period. 
The external investor’s capital commitment is for 75% 
with OBL funding 25%. Under the Fund’s NCI waterfall, the 
external investor is entitled to a capped priority return on 
invested capital and a further preferred return on committed 
but undrawn capital, after which OBL is entitled to a manager 
return and its invested capital. The residual net cash 
flows received are distributed 85% to OBL and 15% to the 
external investor. 

By 30 June 2020, the Fund’s exclusivity period had 
completed; and it had committed 100% of its available 
capacity as shown graphically below. Future US investments 
will be made by Fund 4. 

Funds 2 & 3 
In October 2017, the Group launched its second fund, 
(collectively) Funds 2 & 3 which are mandated to make 
non-US investments. Funds 2 & 3 invest in litigation in 
jurisdictions outside the USA. The external investors’ 
capital commitment is for 80% with OBL funding 20%. 
The Funds’ economics and NCI waterfall profile for 
investors and OBL is similar to Fund 1, except that 
(i) the preferred return is a slightly different rate and 
(ii) the residual net cash flows received on investments 
are distributed 80% to OBL and 20% to the external 
investors.

At 30 June 2020, Funds 2 & 3 were committed to 98.5% 
of available capacity as shown diagrammatically below:

US$16.7m

US$7.3m

$15.4m

$2.7m

Deployed

Deployed

$99.2m

Fund 1 
100% Committed

Start Date – 10 Feb 2017

Fund Size – US$171.7m

Investments Committed  
US$165.0m

Investments Deployed  
US$148.3m

Funds 2 & 3 
98.5% Committed

Start Date – 03 Oct 2017

Fund Size – $180.0m

Investments Committed  
$161.9m

Investments Deployed  
$62.7m

Committed (fully funded, IC approved,  
conditionally funded)

Remaining for Investment

Other Costs

Committed (fully funded, IC approved,  
conditionally funded)

Remaining for Investment

Other Costs

25

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Operating and financial review (continued)

Fund 4
In November 2018, OBL successfully raised its fourth fund, 
a US centric investment structure established to follow on 
from the US investment activity of Fund 1. It has capital 
commitments of US$500.000 million (series I), with the 
potential to increase to US$1.000 billion (with Series II). 
20% of the capital is to be provided by OBL, 80% is from 
external investors. 

OBL will periodically receive management, advisory, 
administration and performance fees in relation to the 
Fund from the external investors in the Fund.

Fund 5
On 20 June 2019, OBL successfully launched its fifth fund, 
Fund 5. This is a non-US-centric investment structure 
established to follow the rest of world investment activity of 
Funds 2 & 3. It has capital commitments of US$500.000 million 
(series I), with the potential to increase to US$1.000 billion 
(with series II). 20% of the capital is to be provided by OBL, 
and 80% is from external investors. 

OBL will periodically receive management, advisory, 
administration and performance fees in relation to the Fund. 

OBL will receive its investor return on its committed capital 
pari passu with the external investors.

OBL receives its investor return on its committed capital 
pari passu with the external investors.

At 30 June 2020, the Fund has committed 20.0% of its 
available capacity as shown graphically below. 

At 30 June 2020, the Fund has committed 21.9% of its 
available capacity as shown graphically below. 

US$4m

(US$3m)

Deployed

US$21.3m

US$44.9m

Deployed

U$63.4m

Fund 4 
21.9% Committed

Start Date – 01 Apr 2019

Fund Size – US$500m

Investments Committed  
US$108.3m

Investments Deployed  
US$63.4m

Fund 5 
20.0% Committed

Start Date – 27 Sep 2019

Fund Size – US$500m

Investments Committed  
US$78.5m

Investments Deployed  
US$15.1m

US$390.7m

US$400.2m

Committed (fully funded, IC approved,  
conditionally funded)

Remaining for Investment

Recycled receipts

Other Costs

Committed (fully funded, IC approved,  
conditionally funded)

Remaining for Investment

Other Costs

26

continuedDirectors’ ReportOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Operating and financial review (continued)

Fund 6
Fund 6 was created in 2016 and was acquired by the Group as 
part of the November 2019 acquisition of OBE. This is an EMEA 
focused investment structure established to invest in litigation, 
arbitration and enforcement proceedings, and for the work-
out and monetisation of claims. It has capital commitments 
of EUR $150.000 million, 5% of the capital is to be provided by 
OBL, and 95% is from external investors.

OBL will periodically receive management, advisory, 
administration and performance fees in relation to the Fund. 

OBL will receive its investor return on its committed capital 
pari passu with the external investors. Under the Funds’ 
economics and NCI waterfall profile returns are attributed 
between OBL and investors based on the category of 
underlying case.

At 30 June 2020, the Fund was 42.3% called as shown 
graphically below. 

Fund 7
Fund 7 was created in 2018, as a joint initiative with the 
International Finance Corporation (part of the World Bank) 
and was acquired by the Group as part of the November 2019 
acquisition of OBE. The Fund began operations during the year. 
This is a MENA focused investment structure established to 
focus on Bank non-performing loans in the Middle East and 
North Africa. It has capital commitments of USD $100.000 
million, 50% of the capital is to be provided by Fund 6, and 
50% (comprising 20% of capital and 30% by way of a loan) from 
International Finance Corporation as an external investor.

OBL will periodically receive management, advisory, 
administration and performance fees in relation to the Fund. 

Under the distribution waterfall, funds will be applied firstly to 
repay the IFC debt, after which Fund 6 is entitled to its investor 
return on its committed capital pari passu with the external 
investor.

At 30 June 2020, the Fund was 3.5% called as shown 
graphically below.  

Committed  
to Fund 7  
EUR 42.3m

EUR 44.3m

US$3.5m

Fund 6 
42.3% Capital Called

Start Date – 2016

Fund Size – EUR 150m

Fund 7 
3.5% Capital Called

Start Date – 2018

Fund Size – US$100m

EUR 63.4m

US$96.5m

Undrawn Capital

Capital Called

Undrawn Capital

Capital Called

27

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report EPV by investment type (%)

0

1

13

13

0

11

21

27

10

2

1
0

Appeal

Law Firm

Arbitration
Commercial
Corporate Funding
Defence Funding
Insolvency

Multi-party
Other IP
Patent
Whistleblower
Inclusion of OBE Group

Operating and financial review (continued)
In any given year the Group’s profitability is significantly 
dependent upon the outcome of funded investments 
that complete in the year. However, the successful 
completion of an investment and the timing of that 
completion is not ultimately within the Group’s control. 
Legislative, regulatory, judicial and policy changes may 
have an impact on future profitability.

The Group endeavours to have a mix of cases it 
is funding at any one time. These can broadly be 
categorised as law firm portfolios, patent and intellectual 
property claims, commercial, insolvency, corporate, 
arbitration claims, appeal, whistle-blower claims and 
multi-party actions. The global expansion also creates 
diversification across jurisdictions. 

At 30 June 2020, there were 277 investments in the 
Group’s portfolio. During the year 51 new investments 
commenced, 183 were purchased as part of the OBE 
acquisition and 40 investments completed including 
withdrawals. In aggregate the 277 investments at 30 June 
2020 had an Estimated Portfolio Value of $13.516 billion. 

Rest of the World
Since its acquisition of Omni Bridgeway Holding B.V., 
the Group has funded 21 new investments, and 15  
pre-existing investments have completed. 

At 30 June 2020 there are a total of 235 non-US 
investments in the entire rest of the world portfolio: 
13 on balance sheet investments; 31 in Funds 2&3; 
11 in Fund 5 and 180 in Fund 6. During the year a total 
of 42 new investments commenced and 33 completed 
(including withdrawals). There were four losses (2019: 
1) and there were five withdrawals (2019: 1). Two 
investments are currently on appeal (2019: 2).

Since 2001, there have been a total of 246 funded non- 
US investments, with 189 completions. Since August 
2011, there have been a total of 123 funded non-US 
investments and 92 completions, excluding withdrawals.

28

continuedDirectors’ ReportOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Operating and financial review (continued)

US
Since entering the US in 2011, a total of 81 investments have 
been funded, with 39 completions.

At 30 June 2020 there are 42 US investment in the portfolio: 
3 being on the balance sheet, 30 in Fund 1 and 9 in Fund 4. 
During the year 9 new US investments commenced and 7 
completed (2019: 10), one of which was a loss (2019: 3) and 
there were no withdrawals (2019: 0). 

Investment Returns Metrics
Since the purchase of Omni Bridgeway Holding B.V., 
its investment completions have demonstrated a (i) 1.98 
times ROIC on the purchased fair values and (ii) 3.83 times 
ROIC on their invested cost.

The Group in total has completed 227 (2019: 192) 
investments since listing, excluding withdrawals, with an 
average investment period of 2.7 years (2019: 2.6 years). 
The Group has generated a ROIC of 1.32 times (excluding 
overheads) (2019: 1.34 times). 

The ”two Ws”
The Wivenhoe Dam and Westgem investments are direct 
balance sheet investments.

The Wivenhoe Dam class action involves people who suffered 
loss in the Brisbane floods of 2011, who alleged the increased 
flooding was caused by the negligence of the dam operators. 
There is a participation agreement between OBL and a co-
funder to share the costs (including any adverse costs) and any 
return from this claim. A positive judgment for OBL’s funded 
client was received on 29 November 2019. However two of the 
three defendants have appealed that decision with the hearing 
of the appeal scheduled in May 2021.

The Westgem investment concerns a property developer 
alleging improper conduct in relation to loans for a property 
development by a bank. The trial commenced in March 2018 
and concluded in July 2018. Judgment is reserved.

Employees
At 30 June 2020, the Group employed 159 permanent staff 
(full time equivalents and including the three executive 
directors), who provide investigative, information technology, 
accounting and management expertise (2019: 97 full time 
equivalent permanent staff).

The non-US business employs 136 staff (2019: 75) including 
67 investment managers and legal counsel; 49 of these are 
within the Omni Bridgeway Holding B.V. business. The US 
business has 23 staff (2019: 22) including 17 investment 
managers and legal counsel.

Operating results for the financial year
The following summary of operating results reflects the Group’s performance for the year ended 30 June 2020:

Shareholder Returns

Basic loss per share (cents per share)

Diluted loss per share (cents per share)

Return on assets (NPAT/average assets)

Return on equity (NPAT/average equity)

Net debt/equity ratio % *

2020

2019

(4.90)

(4.90)

1.9%

2.7%

N/A

(24.40)

(24.40)

(5.8%)

(8.2%)

N/A

The comparatives have not been restated for the impact of adopting AASB16 Leases (AASB16) with effect from 1 July 2019 using the 
modified retrospective approach. 

*  Net debt (cash and short term deposits less total debt) is positive as cash and short term deposits are greater than total debt.

29

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Operating and financial review (continued)

A summary of the impact of investment completions and impairment on the profit and loss for the year is below: 

Intangible derecognition

Net gain/(loss)

Attributed to

ROIC

IRR

Date 
commenced

EPV 
(crystallised)

$’000

Proceeds

$’000

incl 
capitalised
overheads

excl 
capitalised 
overheads

incl 
capitalised 
overheads

excl 
capitalised 
overheads

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

OBL

$’000

NCI

$’000

incl 
capitalised 
overheads

excl 
capitalised 
overheads

excl 
capitalised 
overheads

Name

INTANGIBLES

Forge securities

20/2/14

16,500 

7,540 

(5,497)

(3,897)

2,043 

3,643 

2,043 

Confidential

Confidential

24/2/14

6,000 

–

(2,234)

(1,910)

(2,234)

(1,910)

(2,234)

27/2/15

43,000 

9,342 

(9,453)

(8,232)

(111)

1,110 

(111)

UGL securities

31/3/17

18,000 

9,040 

(5,637)

(5,115)

3,403 

3,925 

3,403 

Sirtex Medical Group

19/12/17

50,000 

11,344 

(4,810)

(4,216)

6,534 

7,128 

6,534 

Williamtown

4/8/16

86,000 

31,413 

(12,674)

(10,456)

18,739 

20,957  18,739 

Bellamy's Australia

23/2/17

30,000 

11,384 

(3,789)

(2,849)

7,595 

8,535 

7,595 

Department of Defence 15/3/17

34,000 

15,828 

(8,758)

(7,616)

7,070 

8,212 

7,070 

Ongoing investments

 N/A 

12,300 

(3,156)

(3,156)

9,144 

9,144 

9,144 

Other

 N/A 

475 

(1,145)

(659)

(670)

(184)

(670)

Direct balance sheet investments

108,666 

(57,153)

(48,106)

51,513 

60,560  51,513 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

0.4x 

0.9x 

29% 

(1.0x)

(1.0x)

(0.0x)

0.1x 

 – 

9% 

0.6x 

0.8x 

59% 

1.4x 

1.5x 

2.0x 

0.8x 

N/A

1.7x 

107% 

2.0x 

62% 

3.0x 

105% 

1.1x 

N/A

Confidential

Confidential

Confidential

Confidential

28/11/17  205,135 

32,172 

(21,052)

(20,219)

11,120 

11,953 

(833) 11,953 

18/4/19

 98,544 

10,751 

(7,477)

(7,404)

3,274 

3,347 

(73)

3,347 

21/9/18

 54,217 

6,093 

(3,293)

(3,105)

2,800 

2,988 

(188)

2,988 

22/10/18

 13,303 

1,369 

(860)

(829)

Ongoing investments

 N/A 

13,518 

(13,401)

(13,341)

509 

117 

540 

177 

(31)

(60)

540 

177 

Other

 N/A 

397 

(2,743)

(2,571)

(2,346)

(2,174)

(172)

(2,174)

55% 

N/A

N/A

26% 

71% 

52% 

83% 

N/A

N/A

0.9x 

1.3x 

0.5x 

0.4x 

0.9x 

0.6x 

0.6x 

0.5x 

1.0x 

0.7x 

 N/A 

 N/A 

Fund 1 investments

64,300 

(48,826)

(47,469)

15,474 

16,831 

(1,357) 16,831 

0.3x 

0.4x 

Confidential

26/10/18

 21,612 

1,112 

(625)

(568)

487 

544 

(57)

544 

Murray Goulburn

29/6/18

 42,000 

12,615 

(3,159)

(2,630)

9,456 

9,985 

(529)

9,985 

RAAF Base Tindal

13/6/18

 92,500 

29,966 

(8,324)

(7,362)

21,642 

22,604 

(962) 22,604 

0.8x 

3.0x 

2.6x 

1.0x 

63% 

3.8x 

396% 

3.1x 

205% 

Confidential

10/9/19

 15,913 

3,485 

(585)

(500)

2,900 

2,985 

(85)

2,985 

5.0x 

6.0x 

2657% 

Other

 N/A 

 – 

(446)

(1,252)

(446)

(1,252)

806 

(1,252)

N/A

Funds 2 & 3 investments

47,178 

(13,139)

(12,312)

34,039 

34,866 

(827) 34,866 

2.6x 

3.1x 

Confidential

21/6/19  198,716 

29,465 

(25,384)

(25,323)

4,081 

4,142 

(61)

4,142 

0.2x 

0.2x 

149% 

Ongoing investments

 N/A 

263 

(78)

(78)

185 

185 

 – 

185 

 N/A 

 N/A 

Other

 N/A 

1,208 

(1,541)

(1,506)

(333)

(298)

(35)

(298)

N/A

N/A

Fund 4 investments

30,936 

(27,003)

(26,907)

3,933 

4,029 

(96)

4,029 

0.1x 

0.1x 

Other

Fund 5 investments

 – 

 – 

(68)

(68)

(68)

(68)

(68)

(68)

(68)

(68)

 – 

 – 

(68)

(68)

(1.0x)

(1.0x)

30

continuedDirectors’ ReportOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Operating and financial review (continued)

Intangible derecognition

Net gain/(loss)

Attributed to

ROIC

IRR

Date 
commenced

EPV 
(crystallised)

$’000

Proceeds

$’000

incl 
capitalised
overheads

excl 
capitalised 
overheads

incl 
capitalised 
overheads

excl 
capitalised 
overheads

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

OBL

$’000

NCI

$’000

incl 
capitalised 
overheads

excl 
capitalised 
overheads

excl 
capitalised 
overheads

4,180 

(2,775)

(2,084)

1,405 

2,096 

(691)

2,096 

739 

115 

356 

(164)

(104)

 – 

 – 

(400)

(221)

575 

115 

(44)

635 

115 

(60)

 – 

135 

(179)

635 

115 

135 

0.5x 

3.5x 

1.0x 

6.1x 

0.0x 

0.0x 

N/A

N/A

1,043 

(1,512)

(2,558)

(469)

(1,515)

1,046 

(1,515)

6,433 

(4,851)

(4,967)

1,582 

1,466 

116  1,466 

0.3x 

1.2x 

257,513  (151,040)

(139,829) 106,473  117,684  49,349  57,124 

0.7x 

0.9x 

Amortisation of claims

Net gain/(loss)

Attributed to

ROIC

IRR

incl 
capitalised 
overheads

excl 
capitalised 
overheads

incl 
capitalised 
overheads

excl 
capitalised 
overheads

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

Revenue

$’000

OBL

$’000

NCI

$’000

incl 
capitalised 
overheads

excl 
capitalised 
overheads

excl 
capitalised 
overheads

14,115 

(7,401)

(1,767)

6,714 

12,348 

(5,634) 12,348 

7,678 

(5,340)

(2,435)

2,338 

5,243 

(2,905)

5,243 

0.9x 

0.4x 

7.0x 

2.2x 

(99)

(1,779)

(1,678)

(1,878)

(1,777)

(101)

(1,777)

Name

Confidential

Confidential

Confidential

Ongoing investments

Other

Fund 6 investments

TOTAL INTANGIBLES

Name

CLAIMS PORTFOLIO

Confidential

Confidential

Other

TOTAL CLAIMS PORTFOLIO

21,694 

(14,520)

(5,880)

7,174 

15,814  (8,640) 15,814 

0.5x 

2.7x 

Name

IMPAIRMENT EXPENSE

Expense

Net gain/(loss)

Attributed to

incl 
capitalised 
overheads

excl 
capitalised 
overheads

incl 
capitalised 
overheads

excl 
capitalised 
overheads

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

OBL

$’000

NCI

$’000

Direct balance sheet investments

(5,116)

(4,692)

(5,116)

(4,692)

(5,116)

–

Fund 1 investments

Funds 2 & 3 investments

Fund 4 investments

Fund 6 investments

(9,867)

(7,174)

(9,867)

(7,174)

(2,693)

(7,174)

(1,430)

(1,193)

(1,430)

(1,193)

(237)

(1,193)

6 

6 

6 

6 

(772)

(772)

(772)

(772)

–

–

6 

(772)

TOTAL IMPAIRMENT EXPENSE

(17,229)

(13,825)

(17,229)

(13,825)

(8,096)

(9,133)

TOTAL

279,207 

(182,789)

(159,534)

96,418  119,673  32,613 63,085

0.5x 

0.8x 

31

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
 
 
 
Operating and financial review (continued)
OBL’s share price closed at $4.77 per share on 30 June 2020 (2019: $2.92). OBL entered the ASX top 200 companies on 22 June 
2020. Since entering the ASX 300 index in 2011, OBL has outperformed the major indices on an annualised basis from 30 June 
2011 to 30 June 2020 as detailed below: 

)

%

(

s
n
r
u
t
e
R
d
e
s

i
l

a
u
n
n
A

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

IMF Share Price

ASX 200 AXIO

ASX All Ordinaries AORD

Annualised Return with Dividend Reinvestment

17.8%

7.3%

7.4%

Liquidity and capital resources
The consolidated Statement of Cash Flows illustrates that there was a decrease in cash and cash equivalents for the year 
ended 30 June 2020 of $33.982 million (2019: increase of $63.435 million). Operating activities used $50.181 million of net cash 
outflows (2019: net cash outflow of $36.796 million), whilst cash flows used in investing activities were $77.406 million (2019: 
net cash outflow of $80.862 million), and financing activities raised $93.605 million (2019: net cash inflow of $181.093 million) 
principally as a result of cash inflows from issue of shares. 

32

continuedDirectors’ ReportOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020 
 
Operating and financial review (continued)

Asset and capital structure 

Cash and short term deposits

Total interest-bearing debt

Net cash

Total equity

Working Capital Ratio

2020
$’000

194,384 

(149,468)

44,916

767,201

3.7:1

2019 
$’000

Change 
%

226,460 

(143,972)

82,488 

515,497 

2.2:1

(14%)

4%

(46%)

48%

66%

There are 760,000 Bonds on issue with a face value of $100 each. The Omni Bridgeway Bonds have a variable rate of interest based 
on the Bank Bill rate plus a fixed margin of 4.20% per annum, paid quarterly. The maturity date is 22 December 2022, with a first 
issuer call date of 8 January 2022 and an increase in the margin of 1.0% applying from 1 January 2022 to the maturity date.

On 20 December 2019, the Company refinanced its Fixed Rate Notes by early redemption of the existing notes by payment of 101% 
of the outstanding principle and accrued interest to the date of redemption. Of the notes on issue, 34,284 notes were redeemed 
and reissued to new noteholders and 37,716 notes were exchanged for new notes. The interest rate payable to new noteholders 
is 5.65% per annum payable quarterly. The Fixed Rate Notes are due to mature on 8 January 2026 and are secured by a security 
interest over all present and after-acquired property of OBL, with guarantees provided by certain wholly-owned subsidiaries. 
OBL has the discretion to redeem the Notes prior to the maturity date on 8 January in each year between 2022 and 2024 (inclusive), 
and again on 8 July 2025. To the extent OBL exercise its early redemption right it will pay a redemption premium, of between zero 
and 2%.

Profile of interest-bearing debt
The profile of the Group’s interest-bearing debt finance is as follows:

Current

 Omni Bridgeway Bonds 

 Fixed Rate Notes

 Leases

Non-current

 Omni Bridgeway Bonds 

 Fixed Rate Notes

 Leases

Total interest-bearing debt1

2020  
$’000

2019  
$’000

Change 
%

–

 – 

2,870

2,870

73,942

69,842

2,814

146,598

149,468

 – 

71,455

 – 

71,455

72,517

 – 

 – 

72,517

143,972

100%

(100%)

100%

(96%)

2%

100%

100%

102%

4%

1 

 Face value of the Bonds and Notes is $148.000 million. $76.000 million relates to the Omni Bridgeway Bonds restructured in December 2018, while 
Fixed Rate Notes of $72.000 million were refinanced in December 2019. The carrying value of the debt is net of transaction costs and debt premium 
(See Note 17).

33

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Operating and financial review (continued)

Shares issued during the year
On 23 October 2019, the Company issued 23,939,201 shares to 
institutional investors as a 1 to 5.8 accelerated non-renounceable 
rights entitlement offer at $3.40 per share and 5,291,608 
shares under a placement to institutional investors at $3.50 per 
share. On 5 November 2019, the Company issued 11,340,259 
shares under the retail portion of the entitlement offer at 
$3.40 per share. 

Capital expenditure
For the year ended 30 June 2020, capital expenditure has 
remained consistent from the prior year at $0.416 million. 
The total additions to the carrying amount of property, plant 
and equipment has increased to $9.241 million during the 
year ended 30 June 2020 from $0.442 million in the prior 
year, primarily due to assets acquired through the business 
combination with the OBE Group and the recognition of right-
of-use assets. 

Risk management
The Group’s major risk continues to be the choice of cases 
to be funded. The Company has an investment protocol in 
relation to case selection and a rigorous due diligence process 
which ensures that only cases with very good chances of 
success are accepted for funding. The Group also insures 
a portion of the adverse costs order exposure in relation 
to certain investments on its own balance sheet and all 
investments in Funds 2 & 3 and Fund 5 are covered by After-
The-Event insurance policies.

Another risk which requires constant management is 
liquidity. OBL’s strategic plan addresses this risk through the 
introduction of fund structures that reduce OBL’s direct capital 
exposure to potential investment losses. 

There is currently portfolio concentration risk associated 
with investments in the Wivenhoe and Westgem investments. 
However, the company’s diversification strategy has reduced 
this risk for future periods. There are 277 investments in the 
current portfolio (2019: 83). The overall average investment 
size for the group’s entire portfolio is $2.267 million. The OBE 
Group’s cases average $0.840 million. Excluding the new OBE 
Group portfolio, the average investment size is $5.139 million 
(2019: $5.144 million).

OBL also constantly monitors proposed legislative, 
regulatory, judicial and policy changes that may affect 
litigation funding in the markets in which it operates. 

OBL, like all businesses, faces the risk of damage to its 
reputation, name or brand which could materialise from 
various sources. The Group aspires to maintain an excellent 
reputation for strong risk management discipline, a client-
centric approach and an ability to be flexible and innovative. 
The Group recognises the serious consequences of any 
adverse publicity or damage to reputation, whatever the 
underlying cause. We have various policies and practices 
to mitigate reputational risk, including strong values that 
are regularly and proactively reinforced. Strategic and 
reputational risk is mitigated as much as possible through 
detailed processes and governance involving escalation 
procedures from investment managers to management 
and from management to the board, and from regular, 
clear communication with shareholders, clients and all 
stakeholders. Whilst seeking to clearly differentiate itself in 
the industry, OBL may suffer indirect reputational damage 
from the actions of other participants that draw criticism 
of the industry more broadly.

Significant changes in the state of affairs
Total equity increased 49% to $767.201 million from $515.497 
million at 30 June 2020. There have been no significant changes 
in the Company’s state of affairs during this reporting period 
other than as is disclosed in this report.

Significant events after reporting date
There have been no significant events after the reporting date. 

Likely developments and expected results
Based upon EPV, approximately 29% of the investment 
portfolio at 30 June 2020 is anticipated to complete in FY21. 
(2019: 38%)

The estimated completion period is OBL’s current estimate 
of the period in which the case may be finalised. The case may 
finalise earlier or later than the identified period for various 
reasons. Completion means finalisation of the litigation by 
either settlement, judgment or arbitrator determination, 
for or against the funded client. It may not follow that 
the financial result will be accounted for in the year of 
finalisation. Completion period estimates are prepared at 
case inception and reviewed and updated where necessary 
on a quarterly basis.

34

continuedDirectors’ ReportOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020The Group does not provide forecasts in light of the difficulty 
in estimating the finalisation of its investments but provides an 
indication of its view of the possible completion dates and EPV 
in the quarterly portfolio reports. 

OBL expects demand for its funding to continue in each of 
its markets. Competition is expected to increase in coming 
years with new entrants in each market. Litigation funding 
is considered non-cyclical or uncorrelated to underlying 
economic conditions. 

Environmental regulation and performance
The consolidated entity’s operations are not presently subject 
to significant environmental regulation under the laws of the 
Commonwealth and the States.

Share options

Unissued shares
As at the date of this report there were 17,302,007 share 
performance rights on issue (2019: 15,601,589). 

Indemnification and insurance of directors 
and officers
During the financial year the Company has paid premiums 
in respect of an insurance contract insuring all the directors 
and officers of the Group against any legal costs incurred 
in defending proceedings for conduct other than, amongst 
others:

(a)  wilful breach of duty; or

(b)   contravention of sections 182 or 183 of the Corporations 
Act 2001, as may be permitted by section 199B of the 
Corporations Act 2001.

The total amount of premiums paid under the insurance 
contract referred to above was $1,261,000 during the current 
financial year (2019: $678,000). 

Indemnification of auditors
To the extent permitted by law, the Company has agreed to 
indemnify its auditors, EY, as part of the terms of its audit 
engagement against claims by third parties arising from the 
audit (for an unspecified amount). No payment has been 
made to indemnify EY during or since the financial year.

35

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Letter from the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

Dear Shareholder,

On behalf of the Board of directors (“Board”) and as Chairman of the Remuneration Committee, I am pleased to present 
OBL’s 2020 Remuneration Report. 

Our 2015 five-year Strategic Business Plan resulted in OBL implementing a variable remuneration framework designed 
to align executive reward and shareholder value and to incentivise the achievement of our strategic vision over the 
longer term. The variable remuneration framework was developed to reflect industry standards and to ensure that 
Key Management Personnel (“KMP”) and executives are aligned to and rewarded for delivering sustained Group 
performance. 

We will undertake a review of our variable remuneration framework as part of the implementation of the new five year 
strategic business plan with the aim of ensuring the optimum alignment of remuneration outcomes with sustained 
Group performance. 

The levels of fixed remuneration of the Group’s senior employees are reflective of the private practice professional 
services market within which OBL competes for talent. Investment managers are invariably at or around the partner 
level of legal practices prior to joining OBL. Under the total remuneration arrangements, a material portion of staff 
remuneration is ‘at-risk’ and linked to both short-term and long-term performance.

The Group’s variable remuneration framework for KMP, senior executives and investment managers (collectively “Senior 
Staff”) consists of two components: 

 – a Short-Term Incentive Plan (“STIP”) which provides for an annual cash payment, subject to the achievement of key 

financial and non-financial performance objectives; and

 – an equity-based Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) that provides for an annual grant of performance rights. Vesting 
of performance rights is contingent on performance against two metrics, positive relative Total Shareholder Return 
(“TSR”) and Compound Annual Growth Rate (“CAGR”) of the intangible asset balance (“Funds Deployed”), both 
measured over a three-year performance period. 

For those employees participating in the STIP, the target STIP payment for the 2020 financial year is capped at 40% of 
an employee’s Total Fixed Remuneration (“TFR”). Following two years when no STIP payments have been earned due to 
losses being recorded, we are pleased to report that in light of the profit level for the 2020 financial year, STIP payments 
will be made and the exact level of those payments will vary depending on individual performance against KPIs.

The LTIP for Senior Staff is designed to complement the STIP as a form of ‘at-risk’ remuneration tied to long-term 
performance for the key contributors to the business. The LTIP directly aligns shareholders’ and participants’ interests. 

We are pleased to report that the metrics assessed over the three-year vesting period, for the performance rights 
granted in FY2018, have been exceeded and 100% vesting will be effected. For the TSR performance metric, we note that, 
consistent with the last two years, the vesting result would have been unaltered had the comparator group for current 
awards been in effect for the FY18 performance rights. This is largely a reflection of the share price appreciation over the 
three year performance period.

The Board remains confident that OBL’s remuneration policies support the Group’s financial and strategic goals and we 
will continue to review the target metrics to ensure the consistent alignment of employees’ and business focus with those 
of shareholders. We are committed to transparency and an ongoing dialogue with shareholders on remuneration.

On behalf of the Board, I invite you to review the full report and thank you for your continued interest.

Yours faithfully

Michael Bowen 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

36

continuedDirectors’ ReportOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020 
Remuneration Report (Audited)
This Remuneration Report outlines the director and KMP 
remuneration arrangements of the Group in accordance 
with the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and 
its Regulations. For the purposes of this report, KMP of the 
Group are defined as those persons having authority and 
responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the major 
activities of the Group, directly or indirectly, including any 
director (whether executive or otherwise) of OBL.

Key management personnel
Details of OBL’s Key Management Personnel for the 2020 
financial year are: 

Remuneration philosophy
The performance of the Group is heavily dependent upon the 
quality of its directors and KMP. Accordingly, the Company 
must attract, motivate and retain highly skilled directors 
and executives.

The Group embodies the following principles in its 
remuneration framework: 
 – determination of appropriate market rates for the fixed 

remuneration component recognising that the majority of 
investment professionals are most comparable to partners 
in private practice professional services businesses; and
 – establishment of appropriate performance hurdles for 

the variable remuneration component.

(i) Directors

Michael Kay

Andrew Saker

Chairman and Non-Executive Director 

Managing Director and 
Chief Executive Officer 

Hugh McLernon

Executive Director

Raymond van Hulst

Executive Director 
(appointed 9 April 2020)

Michael Bowen

Non-Executive Director 

Karen Phin 

Non-Executive Director 

Christine Feldmanis

Non-Executive Director 

(ii) Executives

Stuart Mitchell

Group Chief Financial Officer

Jeremy Sambrook

Group General Counsel 
and Company Secretary

Due to the Company’s shift towards funds management, Clive 
Bowman and Charlie Gollow are no longer considered KMP. 
There were no other changes to OBL’s KMP after the reporting 
date and before the financial report was authorised for issue. 

Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee of the Board of directors of 
the Company is responsible for determining and reviewing 
remuneration arrangements for the Board and KMP.

The Remuneration Committee assesses the appropriateness 
of the nature and amount of the emoluments of the Board and 
KMP on a periodic basis by reference to relevant employment 
market conditions, with the overall objective of ensuring the 
best stakeholder benefit from the Board and KMP. During the 
year, the Comparator Group used for the Long Term Incentive 
Plan (LTIP) was assessed with involvement from PwC, who 
provided two alternative Comparator Groups that could be 
adopted by the Remuneration Committee. PwC were paid 
$37,000 for remuneration consulting services and no other 
services were provided by PwC during the 2020 financial year. 
The Board is satisfied that the recommendation provided was 
free from undue influence by eligible participants of the LTIP. 

Remuneration structure
In accordance with best practice corporate governance, the 
structure of non-executive director and KMP remuneration is 
separate and distinct. The STIP and LTIP are products of an 
external remuneration review that was conducted in 2015 
and are reflective of industry standards. The Remuneration 
Committee will undertake a review of the STIP and LTIP 
structures as part of the implementation of the new five year 
strategic business plan with the aim of ensuring continued 
alignment of remuneration outcomes with sustained Group 
performance.

Non-executive director remuneration
Fees and payments to non-executive directors reflect the 
demands which are made on, and the responsibilities of, the 
non-executive directors. Non-executive directors’ fees and 
payments totalled $525,000 (including superannuation), as 
disclosed in the following tables in this report. At the 2015 
Annual General Meeting, shareholders approved payments 
up to $700,000 to non-executive directors.

There are no retirement allowances for non-executive directors, 
nor do they participate in any incentive programs. Non-executive 
directors may, however, elect to have a portion of their 
remuneration paid into their personal superannuation plans.

Executive remuneration

Objective
The Group aims to reward executives with a level and mix of 
compensation elements commensurate with their position 
and responsibilities, within the following framework:

 – reward executives for Group and individual performance 

against targets set to appropriate benchmarks;
 – align the interests of executives with those of 

shareholders;

 – link rewards with the internal strategic goals of the Group; 

and

 – ensure total compensation is competitive by market 

standards.

37

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
Remuneration Report (Audited) (continued)

Key features of the STIP include:

Structure
It is the Remuneration Committee’s policy that employment 
contracts are entered into with all KMP. Details of these 
contracts are provided below (see Executive Employment 
Contracts).

Compensation consists of the following key elements:

 – fixed remuneration consisting of base salary, 

superannuation and benefits; and

 – variable remuneration consisting of a cash component 
short term incentive plan (STIP) and performance right 
component long term incentive plan (LTIP).

Fixed remuneration
The levels of fixed remuneration of OBL’s senior employees are 
reflective of the private practice professional services market 
within which the Company competes for talent. Investment 
managers are invariably at or around the partner level of legal 
practices prior to joining OBL.

Fixed compensation is reviewed periodically by the 
Remuneration Committee. The process consists of a review 
of Group and individual performance, relevant comparative 
compensation in the market and internally and, where 
appropriate, external advice on policies and practices. 

Variable remuneration

Objective
The objective of the variable compensation incentive is to 
reward executives in a manner that aligns this element of 
their compensation with the values, strategic objectives and 
internal key performance indicators of the Group. The total 
potential incentive available is set at a level which balances 
the aim of providing sufficient incentive to the executive to 
achieve operational targets with the participation interests 
of shareholders in the outcomes of such achievements.

Structure

Short Term Incentive Plan
The purpose of STIP is to provide an annual ‘at-risk’ incentive to 
participants linked to the achievement of specific financial and 
non-financial performance objectives. The STIP performance 
measures were chosen as they reflect the core drivers of 
short - term performance and also provide a framework for 
delivering sustainable value to the Group, its shareholders and 
other stakeholders.

 – Applicable employees will be eligible to be considered by 
the Remuneration Committee to participate in the STIP, 
which will be delivered as an annual cash payment.

 – The STIP opportunity is expressed as a percentage of their 

total fixed remuneration.

 – At the beginning of the financial year, financial and non-

financial performance objectives will be set with reference 
to an employee’s role and contribution to the Group. Key 
performance indicators are set for individuals aligned to 
the strategic and commercial objectives of the business 
incorporated in the approved business plan and budget, 
risk and compliance policies and procedures, and cultural, 
leadership and behavioural expectations. The KPIs are 
targeted to the individual roles and their ability to influence 
each of these pillars of performance, from an outcome 
perspective and in respect to how they go about achieving 
the results. 

 – If elected prior to the start of the financial year, and with 

approval of the remuneration committee, senior executives 
have the option of foregoing their STIP allocation and 
electing to receive 100% of their at-risk remuneration in 
performance rights, under the same terms as the existing 
LTIP structure. 

 – At the end of the financial year, actual performance will be 
assessed against the pre-set financial and non-financial 
performance objectives set at the beginning of the year. 

The maximum STIP incentive for participating employees 
is 40% of TFR. The STIP metrics set for the 2020 financial 
year were: 

i.  Target 1 – Between 25% and 50% of the STIP 

opportunity (or 10% to 20% of the employees’ fixed 
salary) will be awarded to employees if the Group 
achieves growth in net profit before tax (before bonus) 
of between 5% and 15%; and 

ii.  Target 2 – 50% of the STIP opportunity (or 20% of the 
employees’ fixed salary) will be awarded if employees 
achieve their non-financial objectives (which are set 
individually).

In financial years where no net profit before tax (before 
bonus) is achieved, it is at the discretion of the Remuneration 
Committee as to whether to pay STIP.

38

continuedDirectors’ ReportOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Remuneration Report (Audited) (continued)

Long Term Incentive Plan
The LTIP complements the STIP as a form of ‘at-risk’ remuneration tied to long-term performance. The LTIP encourages 
equity ownership and directly aligns shareholders’ and participants’ interests. 

Key features of the LTIP include:

 – Eligible participants include employees and contractors performing an investment role, senior employees or 

contractors in non-investment roles, directors and company secretaries. 

 – Awards will be granted annually as performance rights over OBL ordinary shares. 
 – The LTIP opportunity will be expressed as a percentage of TFR.
 – The value of the LTIP opportunity is set at 60% (or 100%, if LTIP has been elected and approved to replace forgone STIP) 
of TFR calculated on face value by reference to Omni Bridgeway Limited’s volume weighted average share price at the 
start of the applicable period. 

 – If elected prior to the start of the financial year, and with approval of the remuneration committee, senior executives 

have the option of foregoing their STIP allocation and electing to receive 100% of their at-risk remuneration in 
performance rights, under the same terms as the existing LTIP structure.

 – Two performance metrics have been set and the performance rights, or a portion thereof, will vest in three years 

on the following basis:

i.  Target 1 – TSR measurements will comprise 50% of the LTIP opportunity:

 – TSR must be positive overall between the issuance of the performance rights and the vesting date.
 – The Company’s TSR will then be compared to a peer group, at 30 June 2020, which will include listed entities in 
the ASX 300 Diversified Financials industry group with a market capitalisation below $10 billion. For the 2020 
financial year, this group consists of the following companies: 
 – Magellan Financial Group Limited
 – Janus Henderson Group PLC
 – Eclipx Group Limited
 – IOOF Holdings Limited
 – Netwealth Group Limited
 – OFX Group Limited
 – Pinnacle Investment Management Group Limited
 – Pendal Group Limited
 – Platinum Asset Management Limited
 – Flexigroup Limited
 – AMP Limited
 – Money3 Corporation Limited
 – Hub24 Limited
 – Challenger Limited
 – Perpetual Limited
 – Credit Corp Group Limited
 – Navigator Global Investments Limited

39

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Remuneration Report (Audited) (continued)

 – The TSR component will vest in accordance with the following vesting schedule:

TSR Percentile Ranking

Percentage Vesting

Less than the 50th percentile

Equal to the 50th percentile

Nil vesting

50% vesting

Between the 50th and 75th percentile

Between 50% and 100%, determined on a straight-line basis

Equal to the 75th percentile or above

100% vesting

ii.  Target 2 – The Group will measure the compound annual growth rate of Funds Deployed which will comprise 50% of the 

LTIP opportunity:
 – CAGR of the Funds Deployed component will vest in accordance with the following schedule:

Funds Deployed CAGR

Percentage Vesting

Below 5% CAGR

At 5% CAGR

Nil vesting

50% vesting

Between 5% CAGR and 7% CAGR

Between 50% and 100%, determined on a straight-line basis

7% CAGR and above 

100% vesting

These performance conditions have been chosen to ensure the remuneration of executives and KMP is aligned with the Group’s 
strategy to increase the OBL portfolio, invest in future income and potential earnings capacity, and create shareholder wealth. 

In addition to the above, shareholder approval was obtained at the General Meeting on 14 February 2020 to amend the LTIP for 
future issues as follows: 

 – The number of Performance Rights issued to an Eligible Participant is determined by reference to their Total Fixed 

Remuneration and the Company VWAP to an applicable date of 

i.  30 June of the preceding Financial Year; or 

ii.  31 December of the preceding Half Financial Year, depending on when a participant became eligible to participate in the 

LTIP. 

 – The definition of “Comparator Group” to mean 

i. 

such companies or entities, being not less than 6, selected by the Remuneration Committee with effect from the applicable 
Start Date, and each being in the diversified financial industry sector, listed on the ASX and having a market capitalisation 
of between 50% and 200% of the Company’s market capitalisation on the applicable date of invitation, save that the 
Remuneration Committee may at any time thereafter during the relevant Performance Period, add any other company or 
entity to such group which satisfies the above criteria (as at the date of such addition) and may remove any company or 
entity within the group which no longer satisfies such criteria (as at the date of such removal), save that where such removal 
results in the group comprising less than 6 companies and entities, the Remuneration Committee shall, to the extent such 
company or entity exists, add another company or entity to such group which satisfies the above criteria (as at the date of 
such addition) in order to maintain, so far as possible, that the group comprises a minimum of 6 companies or entities; or 

ii.  such industry or market index selected by the Remuneration Committee, in its absolute discretion, with effect from the 

applicable Start Date. 

40

continuedDirectors’ ReportOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Remuneration Report (Audited) (continued)

Group Performance
The objectives and philosophy of the Remuneration Committee are based upon aligning the performance of the Group’s 
employees with increasing value to shareholders. The graph on page 32 shows the performance of the Group as measured by 
its share price and compared to other shares listed on the ASX.

The following is a summary of the Group’s earnings per share (shown as cents per share) over the last five years:

OBL share price at 30 June ($)

Dividends paid per share (cents)

Earnings / (loss) per share (cents)

Diluted earnings / (loss) per share (cents)

2016

1.53 

7.50 

12.08 

12.08 

2017

1.89 

7.00 

8.82 

8.47 

2018

3.00 

3.00 

(6.25)

(6.25)

2019

2.92 

–

(24.40)

(24.40)

2020

4.77

7.00

(4.90)

(4.90)

Note, comparatives have been restated for the impact of the bonus element of the entitlement offers during the 2020 financial 
year. Comparatives have not been restated for the impact of adopting AASB 9, Financial Instruments and AASB 15 Revenue from 
Contracts with Customers in 2019 and AASB 16 Leases in 2020. 

Executive Employment Contracts

Andrew Saker, Managing Director and CEO:

 – contract commenced 5 January 2015;
 – gross salary package of $1,250,000 pa including superannuation; 
 – salary may be reviewed by the Board from time to time; 
 – notice period by the employee is 12 months and 6 months’ notice by the Company; and 
 – As approved by shareholders at the AGM held on 21 November 2018, upon termination on good terms, the following 

termination payment arrangements apply: 

i. 

the notice periods specified above; 

ii.  12 months’ salary; and
iii.  statutory entitlements. 

 – As approved by shareholders at the AGM held on 21 November 2018, if termination occurs due to the provision of six 

months notice by OBL, or the provision of notice by Mr Saker in situations where either a material breach of his executive 
services agreement occurs, there is a material diminution of Mr Saker’s role or if Mr Saker is unfit due to illness or injury 
then in addition to the above the following benefit is paid:

i.  A payment calculated by reference to the number of shares Mr Saker would have retained from any unvested 
performance rights multiplied by the 5-day VWAP calculated at the date such performance rights would have 
vested had they continued to be held.

Hugh McLernon, Executive Director:

 – contract commenced 1 July 2007;
 – gross salary package of $1,200,000 pa including superannuation;
 – salary to be reviewed annually;
 – notice period by either the employee or the Company is 12 months; and
 – no other termination payment arrangements (excluding statutory entitlements) apply other than the notice period 

specified above.

41

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Remuneration Report (Audited) (continued)
Raymond van Hulst, Executive Director:

 – contract commenced 21 April 2020;
 – gross salary package of CHF518,376 pa;
 – salary to be reviewed annually;
 – notice period by either the employee or the Company is 3 months; and
 – no other termination payment arrangements (excluding statutory entitlements) apply other than the notice period 

specified above.

Stuart Mitchell, Chief Financial Officer:

 – contract commenced 12 November 2018;
 – gross salary package of $450,000 pa including superannuation;
 – salary to be reviewed annually;
 – notice period by either the employee or the Company is 6 months; and
 – no other termination payment arrangements apply other than the notice periods specified above.

Jeremy Sambrook, General Counsel and Company Secretary:

 – contract commenced 18 January 2016;
 – gross salary package of $420,000 pa including superannuation;
 – salary to be reviewed annually;
 – notice period by either the employee or the Company is 6 months; and
 – no other termination payment arrangements apply other than the notice periods specified above.

(a)  Remuneration of Key Management Personnel
Table 1: Remuneration for the year ended 30 June 2020

Short-term benefits

Post- 
employment

Long term 
benefits

Share based 
payments

 Salary & 
 fees 
 $ 

Cash
 bonus 
accrued1
 $ 

Super-
annuation 
 /pension 
 $ 

Leave 
entitlements
 $ 

Share
performance
rights
 $ 

Termination
payments
 $ 

Total 
remuneration
 $ 

Performance
related
 % 

2020

Directors

Michael Kay
Andrew Saker
Hugh McLernon
Raymond van Hulst2
Michael Bowen
Karen Phin
Christine Feldmanis

205,488 
1,228,997 
1,178,997 
512,313 
91,324 
91,324 
91,324 

–
–
–
97,179 
–
–
–

19,512 
21,003 
21,003 
25,209 
8,676 
8,676 
8,676 

–
49,740 
112,421 
29,340 
–
–
–

–
1,044,170 
994,545 
26,391
–
–
–

Executives
Stuart Mitchell
Jeremy Sambrook

428,997 
398,997 

180,000 
168,000 

21,003 
21,003 

37,592 
19,708 

168,798 
224,490 

Total

4,227,761 

445,179 

154,761 

248,801 

2,458,394

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

–

225,000 
2,343,910 
2,306,966 
690,432
100,000 
100,000 
100,000 

836,390 
832,198 

7,534,896

0%
45%
43%
15%
0%
0%
0%

42%
47%

1 

2 

The 2020 bonus has been accrued and will be paid in the 2021 year. 

 Performance rights relating to the FY2020 issue have not been granted to Mr van Hulst during the 2020 financial year as they are subject to shareholder approval. 
Should shareholder approval be obtained, Mr van Hulst will receive 31,946 performance rights (Tranche 1:15,973 and Tranche 2: 15,973) on the same terms as the 
FY20 LTIP disclosed in Note 30 of the financial statements.

42

continuedDirectors’ ReportOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020 
Remuneration Report (Audited) (continued)
Table 2: Remuneration for the year ended 30 June 2019

Short-term benefits

Post- 
employment

Long term 
benefits

Share based 
payments

 Salary & 
 fees 
 $ 

Cash
 bonus 
accrued1
 $ 

 Super- 
 annuation 
 $ 

Leave
entitle-
ments
 $ 

Share
performance
rights
 $ 

Total 
remuneration
 $ 

Performance
related
 % 

205,384 
1,200,000 
1,129,469 
91,324 
39,182 
91,324 
56,912 

904,469 
579,469 
248,150 
379,469 

4,925,152 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

19,616 
20,531 
20,531 
8,676 
3,722 
8,676 
5,407 

20,531 
20,531 
14,153 
20,531 

– 
35,166 
(53,987)
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
693,946 
654,148 
– 
– 
– 
– 

225,000 
1,949,643 
1,750,161 
100,000 
42,904 
100,000 
62,319 

(40,211)
8,883 
5,831 
7,976 

462,775 
300,178 
39,510 
170,012 

1,347,564 
909,061 
307,644 
577,988 

162,905 

(36,342)

2,320,569 

7,372,284 

0%
36%
37%
0%
0%
0%
0%

34%
33%
13%
29%

2019

Directors

Michael Kay
Andrew Saker
Hugh McLernon
Michael Bowen
Wendy McCarthy
Karen Phin
Christine Feldmanis

Executives
Clive Bowman
Charlie Gollow
Stuart Mitchell
Jeremy Sambrook

Total

1  No bonus in respect of the 2019 financial year was accrued for KMP.

The following table outlines the proportion of maximum STIP earned by KMP in the 2020 financial year.

Andrew Saker2

Hugh McLernon2

Raymond van Hulst

Stuart Mitchell

Jeremy Sambrook

Maximum STIP 
opportunity 
(% of TFR)

% of  
maximum 
earned

0%

0%

40%

40%

40%

0%

0%

100%

100%

100%

2 

Elected to receive 100% of variable remuneration as LTIP.

In recognition of the financial performance of the Group, the Remuneration Committee has determined that the maximum STIP 
is payable for the 2020 financial year. The Group expects to pay the STIP in FY21. In considering the payment of the STIP and bonus 
the directors considered the impact of COVID-19. The performance of the Group has not been impacted such that there has been 
an impact in this regard. Refer to Note 25 for the bonus provision recorded as at 30 June 2020.

43

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Remuneration Report (Audited) (continued)

(b) Share performance rights awarded, vested and lapsed during the year

 Tranche 1 
performance 
rights awarded 
during the 
year 
 Number 

Fair value 
of Tranche 1 
performance 
rights at grant 
date1
 $ 

 Tranche 2 
performance 
rights awarded 
during the 
year 
 Number 

Fair value 
of Tranche 2 
performance 
rights at grant 
date1
 $ 

 Total 
performance 
rights awarded 
during the 
financial year 
 Number 

 Grant  
date 

 Vesting  
date 

Expiry  
Date

 Value of 
performance 
rights granted 
during the 
year 
 $ 

 Total 
performance 
rights vested 
during the 
year 
 Number 

 Value of 
performance 
rights 
remaining to 
be expensed to 
profit & loss 
 $ 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 217,366 

 3.93 

 217,366 

 4.33 

 434,732  14/02/2020

30/06/2022 1/07/2034

 1,795,661 

 420,104 

 1,455,917 

 208,671 

 3.93 

 208,671 

 4.33 

 417,342  14/02/2020

30/06/2022 1/07/2034

 1,723,831 

 395,984 

 1,393,075 

– 

 – 

 – 

 – 

– 

 – 

 – 

 – 

– 

 – 

 – 

 – 

– 

 – 

 – 

 – 

– 

 – 

 – 

 – 

– 

 – 

 – 

 – 

– 

 – 

 – 

 – 

– 

 – 

 – 

 – 

– 

 – 

 – 

 – 

– 

 – 

 – 

 – 

– 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 46,951 

 3.93 

 46,951 

 4.33 

 93,902  14/02/2020

30/06/2022 1/07/2034

 387,862 

 – 

 298,085 

 43,821 

 3.93 

 43,821 

 4.33 

 87,642  14/02/2020

30/06/2022 1/07/2034

 362,005 

 120,518 

 291,568 

2020

Directors

Michael Kay

Andrew 
Saker

Hugh 
McLernon 

Raymond 
van Hulst2

Michael 
Bowen

Karen Phin

Christine 
Feldmanis

Executives

Stuart 
Mitchell

Jeremy 
Sambrook

Total

 516,809 

 516,809 

 1,033,618 

 4,269,359 

 936,606 

3,438,645

 Tranche 1 
performance 
rights awarded 
during the 
year 
 Number 

Fair value 
of Tranche 1 
performance 
rights at grant 
date1
 $ 

 Tranche 2 
performance 
rights awarded 
during the 
year 
 Number 

Fair value 
of Tranche 2 
performance 
rights at grant 
date1
 $ 

 Total 
performance 
rights awarded 
during the 
financial year 
 Number 

 Grant 
date 

 Vesting 
date 

Expiry  
Date

 Value of 
performance 
rights granted 
during the 
year 
 $ 

 Total 
performance 
rights vested 
during the 
year 
 Number 

 Value of 
performance 
rights 
remaining to 
be expensed 
to profit & loss 
 $ 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 205,405 

 1.35 

 205,405 

 2.43 

 410,810  21/11/2018 30/06/2021 1/07/2033

 776,431 

 543,588 

 704,427 

 193,535 

 1.35 

 193,535 

 2.43 

 387,070  21/11/2018 30/06/2021 1/07/2033

 731,562 

 512,688 

 663,789 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 93,402 

 1.60 

 93,402 

 2.67 

 186,804 

1/07/2018 30/06/2021 1/07/2033

 398,266 

 412,380 

 407,142 

 60,585 

 1.60 

 60,585 

 2.67 

 121,170 

1/07/2018 30/06/2021 1/07/2033

 258,334 

 267,490 

 264,091 

 27,798 

 1.60 

 27,798 

 2.67 

 55,596 

1/07/2018 30/06/2021 1/07/2033

 118,531 

 – 

 79,020 

 35,341 

 1.60 

 35,341 

 2.67 

 70,682 

1/07/2018 30/06/2021 1/07/2033

 150,694 

 144,890 

 154,053 

 616,066 

 616,066 

 1,232,132 

 2,433,818 

 1,881,036 

 2,272,522 

2019

Directors

Michael Kay

Andrew Saker

Hugh McLernon 

Michael Bowen

Wendy McCarthy

Karen Phin

Christine 
Feldmanis

Executives

Clive Bowman

Charlie Gollow

Stuart Mitchell

Jeremy 
Sambrook

Total

1 

 The fair value of performance rights is determined at the time of grant as prescribed in AASB 2. For details on the valuation of performance rights, 
including models and assumptions used, refer to Note 30.

2 

Performance rights relating to the FY2020 issue have not been granted to Mr van Hulst during the 2020 financial year as they are subject to shareholder approval.

44

continuedDirectors’ ReportOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Remuneration Report (Audited) (continued)

Share performance right holdings of Key Management Personnel

2020

Directors

Michael Kay

Andrew Saker

Hugh McLernon

Raymond van Hulst1

Michael Bowen

Karen Phin

Christine Feldmanis

Executives

Stuart Mitchell

Jeremy Sambrook

Total

 Balance 
1 July 2019 
 Number 

 Granted as 
remuneration 
 Number 

 Performance 
rights 
exercised 
 Number 

 Balance 
30 June 2020 
 Number 

 Exercisable 
 Number 

 Not 
exercisable 
 Number 

– 

1,849,081 

1,743,346 

– 

434,732 

417,342 

–

– 

– 

– 

–

– 

– 

– 

55,596 

336,090 

93,902 

87,642 

3,984,113 

1,033,618 

– 

– 

– 

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

– 

2,283,813 

2,160,688 

– 

1,438,272 

1,356,276 

– 

845,541 

804,412 

–

– 

– 

– 

149,498 

423,732 

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

265,408 

–

– 

– 

– 

149,498 

158,324 

5,017,731 

3,059,956 

1,989,721 

1 

Performance rights relating to the FY2020 issue have not been granted to Mr van Hulst during the 2020 financial year as they are subject to shareholder approval.

2019

Directors

Michael Kay

Andrew Saker

Hugh McLernon

Michael Bowen

Wendy McCarthy

Karen Phin

Christine Feldmanis

Executives

Clive Bowman

Charlie Gollow

Stuart Mitchell

Jeremy Sambrook

Total

 Balance 
1 July 2018 
 Number 

 Granted as 
remuneration 
 Number 

 Performance 
rights 
exercised 
 Number 

 Balance 
30 June 2019 
 Number 

 Exercisable 
 Number 

 Not 
exercisable 
 Number 

– 

1,438,271 

1,356,276 

– 

410,810 

387,070 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1,090,920 

707,622 

– 

323,466 

186,804

121,170

55,596 

70,682 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(58,058)

– 

1,849,081 

1,743,346 

– 

1,018,167 

960,292 

– 

830,914 

783,054 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1,277,724

828,792

55,596 

336,090 

772,410 

501,022 

– 

144,890 

505,314

327,770

55,596 

191,200 

4,916,555 

1,232,132 

(58,058)

6,090,629

3,396,781 

2,693,848

45

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Remuneration Report (Audited) (continued)

(c)  Shareholdings of Key Management Personnel

2020

Directors

Michael Kay

Andrew Saker

Hugh McLernon

Raymond van Hulst

Michael Bowen

Karen Phin

Christine Feldmanis

Executives

Stuart Mitchell

Jeremy Sambrook

Total

2019

Directors

Michael Kay

Andrew Saker

Hugh McLernon

Michael Bowen

Wendy McCarthy

Karen Phin

Christine Feldmanis

Executives

Clive Bowman

Charlie Gollow

Stuart Mitchell

Jeremy Sambrook

Total

Balance
1 July 2019

Received as 
remuneration

Share 
performance 
rights exercised

Net change
other1

Balance
30 June 2020

313,049 

168,863 

5,104,402 

– 

1,019,978 

23,256 

– 

– 

8,298 

6,637,846 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

103,974 

11,327 

290,588 

50,000 

83,146 

4,010 

45,185 

417,023 

180,190 

5,394,990 

50,000 

1,103,124 

27,266 

45,185 

3,941 

61 

3,941 

8,359 

592,232 

7,230,078 

Balance
1 July 2018

Received as 
remuneration

Share 
performance 
rights exercised

Net change
other1

Balance
30 June 2019

307,692

163,506

5,299,045

1,009,264

 – 

23,256

 – 

533,172

467,058

 – 

8,298

7,811,291

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

5,357

5,357

(194,643)

10,714

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

58,058

58,058

(58,058)

(231,273)

313,049

168,863

5,104,402

1,019,978

 – 

23,256

 – 

533,172

467,058

 – 

8,298

7,638,076

1  Net change other relates to shares subscribed for or transacted on market. 

46

continuedDirectors’ ReportOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Remuneration Report (Audited) (continued)

(d) Loans to Key Management Personnel
There have been no loans provided to KMP in 2020 (2019: nil).

(e)  Transactions with Key Management Personnel
During the year, the Group obtained legal advice from DLA Piper, a legal firm associated with Michael Bowen, totalling $2,035,577 
(2019: $499,176). The legal advice was obtained at normal market prices. OBL engages a number of different law firms for its 
external legal advice and hence the relationship with DLA Piper is not exclusive. Michael Bowen does not participate in any board 
decisions to appoint external counsel when DLA Piper is being considered for engagement. 

During the year, OBL refinanced its Fixed Rate Notes. This resulted in transaction costs totalling $1,776,243 (2019: nil) paid to FIIG 
Securities, for which Christine Feldmanis is a mutual director. The services were provided at normal market rates. 

Refer to Note 35 for details. 

– End of Remuneration Report –

47

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Directors’ Meetings
The number of meetings of directors held during the period under review, and the number of meetings attended by each director, 
were as follows:

Total number of meetings held: 

Meetings Attended:

M Kay

A Saker 

H McLernon

R van Hulst

M Bowen

K Phin

C Feldmanis

Board 
Meetings 

Project Sub-
Committee 
Meetings

Audit and Risk 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

Corporate 
Governance 
Committee

10

10

10

10

51

10

10

10

12

12

122

–

–

7

12

8

2

2

23

–

–

2

2

2

2

2

23

–

–

2

2

2

1

1

13

 – 

–

1

1

1

3

3

33

–

–

3

3

3

1  Mr van Hulst attended 2 meetings as a board member and 3 meetings by invitation (as he was not eligible to attend other meetings at the time)

2  Mr Saker attended 11 meetings as a member of the sub-committee and 1 meeting by invitation 

3 

Attended by invitation.

Committee membership
As at the date of this report, the Company had an Audit and Risk Committee, a Remuneration Committee, a Nomination Committee 
and a Corporate Governance Committee. Directors acting on committees of the board during the year were as follows:

Audit and Risk Committee

Remuneration Committee

Nomination Committee

Corporate Governance Committee

C Feldmanis (Chair)

M Bowen (Chair)

M Kay

K Phin 

M Bowen

M Kay

K Phin 

C Feldmanis

M Kay (Chair)

C Feldmanis

M Bowen

K Phin 

A Saker

K Phin (Chair)

M Kay

M Bowen 

C Feldmanis

The Project Sub-Committee heading is an amalgam of the various Project Sub-Committees appointed by the board through the 
year. The purpose of the project sub-committees is to progress strategic matters intra-board meetings and to spread the workload 
evenly across the non-executive board members. The Project Sub-Committees have been chaired by Michael Kay and vary as to 
the other non-executive director participants.

48

continuedDirectors’ ReportOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020 
 
Rounding
The amounts contained in the financial report have been rounded to the nearest $1,000 (where rounding is applicable) where 
noted ($000) under the option available to the Company under ASIC Corporations Instrument 2016/191. The Company is an 
entity to which this legislative instrument applies.

Auditor’s Independence Declaration 
EY, the Company’s auditors, have provided a written independence declaration to the directors in relation to its audit of the 
Financial Report for the year ended 30 June 2020. This Independence Declaration which forms part of this report, can be found 
at page 50.

Non-audit services
The directors are satisfied that the provision of non-audit services by EY to the Group is compatible with the general standard 
of independence for auditors imposed by the Corporations Act 2001. The nature and scope of each type of non-audit service 
provided means that auditor independence was not compromised.

EY received or are due the following amounts for the provision of non-audit services:

1.  Tax compliance services and other non-audit services: $439,000 (2019: $12,000).

For further detail regarding auditors’ remuneration, refer to Note 36.

Corporate Governance
The Company has an extensive Corporate Governance Manual which enables the Company to interact with its clients and 
the public in a consistent and transparent manner. For further information on corporate governance policies and procedures 
adopted by the Company please refer to our website https://omnibridgeway.com/investors/corporate-governance.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the directors.

Michael Kay 
Chairman 

Sydney 24 August 2020

Andrew Saker 
Managing Director

49

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Auditor’s Independence Declaration

Ernst & Young 
11 Mounts Bay Road 
Perth  WA  6000  Australia 
GPO Box M939   Perth  WA  6843 

  Tel: +61 8 9429 2222 
Fax: +61 8 9429 2436 
ey.com/au 

Auditor’s independence declaration to the directors of Omni Bridgeway 
Limited 

As lead auditor for the audit of Omni Bridgeway Limited for the financial year ended 30 June 2020, I 
declare to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been: 

a.  No contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in 

relation to the audit; and 

b.  No contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit. 

This declaration is in respect of Omni Bridgeway Limited and the entities it controlled during the 
financial year. 

Ernst & Young 

Robert A Kirkby 
Partner 
24 August 2020 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

RK:DA:IMF:012 

50

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of Comprehensive Income

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Continuing Operations

Revenue from contracts with customers

Interest revenue

Net gain/(loss) on derecognition of intangible assets

Net gain on disposal of financial assets

Other income

Total income

Finance costs

Amortisation of claims portfolio

Depreciation expense

Employee benefits expense

Corporate and office expense

Other expenses 

Share of loss in associates

Profit/(loss) before tax and fair value adjustments

Loss on fair value of financial liabilities 

Profit/(loss) before tax

Income tax expense/(benefit)

Profit/(loss) for the year

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent

Non-controlling interests

Other comprehensive income

Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit and loss:

 Movement in foreign currency translation reserve

Items that will not be subsequently reclassified to profit and loss:

  Movement in foreign currency translation reserve attributed to non-controlling 

interests

Other comprehensive (loss)/income net of tax

Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent

Non-controlling interests

Consolidated

Note

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

2

3

4

12

5

6(a)

6(b)

6(c)

6(d)

6(e)

6(f)

31

7

8

33

23,128 

3,579 

106,473 

3,848 

20,419 

157,447 

1,336

14,520

2,912

50,336

20,043

21,056

158

47,086

13,597

33,489

15,890

17,599

114 

4,181 

(4,247)

–

5,686 

5,734 

117 

–

676 

28,541 

12,773 

11,289 

–

(47,662)

–

(47,662)

(11,514)

(36,148)

(11,542)

29,141 

(36,098)

(50)

(10,981)

(1,810)

4,091 

(6,890)

10,709

12,533 

10,723 

(25,425)

(22,523)

33,232 

(38,008)

12,583 

Earnings per share attributable to the equity holders of the Company (cents per share)

Basic loss per share (cents per share)

Diluted loss per share (cents per share)

8

8

(4.90)

(4.90)

(24.40)

(24.40)

The above Statement of Comprehensive Income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

51

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
 
Statement of Financial Position

as at 30 June 2020

ASSETS

Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables from litigation contracts and other
Contract costs
Other assets
Income tax receivable
Total Current Assets

Non–Current Assets
Receivables from litigation contracts and other
Plant and equipment
Claims portfolio
Purchased claims
Intangible assets – litigation contracts in progress
Goodwill
Investment in associates and joint ventures
Contract costs
Other assets
Deferred tax assets

Total Non–Current Assets

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES

Current Liabilities
Trade and other payables
Income tax payable
Provisions
Lease liabilities
Debt securities
Other liabilities
Total Current Liabilities

Non–Current Liabilities
Provisions
Lease liabilities
Debt securities
Deferred income tax liabilities
Other liabilities
Total Non–Current Liabilities
TOTAL LIABILITIES

NET ASSETS

EQUITY
Contributed equity
Reserves
Retained earnings

Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent
Non–controlling interests

TOTAL EQUITY

Consolidated

Note

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

16
20
21
22

20
23
11
12
13
14
34
21
22
7

24

25
26
17
27

25
26
17
7
27

194,384 
128,987 
939 
5,024 
–
329,334 

5,743 
6,922 
93,680 
17,019 
517,230
103,072
4,596
4,461 
12,409 
26,004 

791,136

1,120,470

24,044 
9,557 
14,923 
2,870 
–
38,336
89,730

677 
2,814 
143,784 
30,747 
85,517
263,539
353,269

226,460 
16,866 
939 
1,901 
1,116 
247,282 

–
1,112 
–
–
426,977 
–
–
5,400 
9,324 
18,848 

461,661 

708,943 

23,992 
–
15,192 
–
71,455 
915 
111,554 

432 
–
72,517 
8,943 
–
81,892 
193,446 

767,201

515,497 

347,630 
(5,032)
(6,597)

336,001
431,200

767,201

205,558 
893 
12,494 

218,945 
296,552 

515,497 

18
19(b)
19(a)

33

The above Statement of Financial Position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

52

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Statement of Cash Flows

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Cash flows from operating activities

Proceeds from claims portfolio investments

Proceeds from deferred recognition of performance fees

Payments to suppliers and employees

Payments for transaction costs of acquiring a business

Interest income

Interest paid

Income tax (paid)/received

Consolidated

Note

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

15,004 

817 

 – 

 – 

(53,374)

(35,625)

(4,838)

2,811 

(7,460)

(3,904)

 – 

4,308 

(8,938)

3,459 

Net cash flows used in operating activities

10

(50,944)

(36,796)

Cash flows from investing activities

Proceeds from litigation funding

Payments for litigation funding – external costs

Payments for litigation funding – capitalised overhead and employee costs

Payments for claims portfolio investments – external costs

Proceeds from disposal of financial asset

Payments for plant and equipment

Loans to related parties

Loans to third parties

Payments for investment in an associate

Payments for acquisition of business

Net cash acquired in a business combination

Net cash flows used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Dividends paid

Proceeds from raising capital

Payments for costs of raising capital

Proceeds from issue of debt

Repayment of debt

Payments for costs of issuing debt

Payments of lease liabilities

Contributions from non-controlling interests

Distributions to non-controlling interests

Payments for fund establishment costs

Receipts for reimbursement of fund establishment costs 

Net cash flows from financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents held

Net foreign exchange difference

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

31

31

170,978 

(183,611)

(7,341)

(23,210)

9,675 

(416)

(938)

(933)

(1,743)

(50,212)

10,345 

(77,406)

(41,051)

138,471 

(6,276)

34,284

(34,284)

(2,183)

(1,515)

43,179 

(116,851)

(6,826)

 – 

 – 

(364)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(80,862)

 – 

76,105 

(2,327)

26,000

–

(3,016)

 – 

69,092 

121,844 

(62,254)

(28,299)

(652)

736 

94,368 

(33,982)

1,906 

(10,331)

1,117 

181,093 

63,435 

2,794 

226,460 

160,231 

16

194,384 

226,460 

The above Statement of Cash Flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

53

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
 
 
Statement of Changes in Equity

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Consolidated

At 1 July 2019 - as 
previously reported

Effect of adoption of 
AASB 16 Leases

At 1 July 2019 - 
restated

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive 
income
Total 
Comprehensive 
Income for the Year

Equity Transactions:

Dividend paid / 
declared

Proceeds from 
shares issued

Transaction costs 
associated with share 
issue, net of tax

–

–

–

–

138,471 

(4,259)

–

–

–

–

–

–

Shares issued

6,021 

(6,021)

Share based payments, 
net of tax

Shares issued 
under Dividend 
Reinvestment Plan

Contributions from 
non-controlling 
interests

Distributions to non-
controlling interests

Changes in the 
proportion of 
equity held by non-
controlling interests

Non-controlling 
interests arising on a 
business combination

–

12,190 

1,839 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Share 
based 
payments 
reserve
$’000

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve
$’000

Issued 
capital
$’000

Option 
premium 
reserve
$’000

Convertible 
note 
reserve
$’000

Fund 
equity 
reserve
$’000

Retained 
Earnings
$’000

Non-
controlling 
interests
$’000

Total
$’000

Total 
equity
$’000

205,558 

17,749 

(427)

3,404 

3,832 

(23,665)

12,494 

218,945 

296,552 

515,497 

–

–

–

–

–

–

(67)

(67)

–

(67)

205,558 

17,749 

(427)

3,404 

3,832 

(23,665)

12,427 

218,878 

296,552 

515,430 

–

(10,981)

(10,981)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1,113)

–

(11,542)

(11,542)

29,141

17,599

–

(10,981)

4,091 

(6,890)

(11,542) 

(22,523)

33,232 

10,709

(7,482)

(7,482)

–

138,471 

(4,259)

–

12,190 

1,839 

–

–

–

–

–

(7,482)

138,471 

(4,259)

–

12,190 

1,839 

–

–

69,092 

69,092 

(71,778)

(71,778)

(1,113)

1,993 

880 

–

102,109 

102,109 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

At 30 June 2020

347,630 

23,918 

(11,408)

3,404 

3,832 

(24,778)

(6,597) 336,001

431,200

767,201

54

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Share 
based 
payments 
reserve
$’000

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve
$’000

Issued 
capital
$’000

Option 
premium 
reserve
$’000

Convertible 
note 
reserve 
$’000

Fund 
equity 
reserve 
$’000

(Accumulated 
loss)/ 
 Retained 
Earnings 
$’000

Non-
controlling 
interests
$’000

Total
$’000

Total 
equity
$’000

At 1 July 2018

127,630 

15,251 

1,383 

3,404 

3,832 

(7,760)

48,592 

192,332 

175,504 

367,836 

Loss for the year
Other comprehensive 
income
Total Comprehensive 
Income for the Year

Equity Transactions:

Proceeds from 
shares issued

Transaction costs 
associated with share 
issue, net of tax

Share based payments, 
net of tax

Contributions from 
non-controlling 
interests

Distributions to non-
controlling interests

Changes in the 
proportion of equity 
held by non-controlling 
interests

Transaction costs 
- disposal of non-
controlling interests, 
net of tax

–

–

–

76,105 

(766)

–

–

–

–

–

2,589 

2,498 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1,810)

(1,810)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(36,098)

(36,098)

(50)

(36,148)

–

(1,810)

12,533 

10,723 

(36,098)

(37,908)

12,483 

(25,425)

–

–

–

–

–

76,105 

(766)

5,087 

–

–

–

76,105 

(766)

5,087 

–

–

121,844 

121,844 

(28,299)

(28,299)

(15,905)

–

(15,905)

15,905 

–

–

–

–

(885)

(885)

At 30 June 2019

205,558 

17,749 

(427)

3,404 

3,832 

(23,665)

12,494 

218,945 

296,552 

515,497 

The above Statements of Changes in Equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

55

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year ended 30 June 2020

About this Report
The financial report of Omni Bridgeway Limited, formerly IMF 
Bentham Limited, (“OBL”, “the Company” or “the Parent”) and its 
subsidiaries (“the Group” or “consolidated entity”) for the year 
ended 30 June 2020 was authorised for issue in accordance with 
a resolution of the directors on 24 August 2020. The principal 
activities of the entities within the consolidated group are:

c. Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial 
statements of Omni Bridgeway Limited and its subsidiaries 
as at 30 June 2020. Control is achieved when the Group is 
exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement 
with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns 
through its power over the investee.

i. 

the investment into and management of Funds (or 
Fund-like structures) that are focused on investing into 
litigation and dispute resolution matters globally; and

ii. 

the continued holding of direct investments into similar 
litigation and dispute resolution matters.

The Group includes Fund collective investment vehicles over 
which Omni Bridgeway Limited has the right to direct the 
relevant activities of the Fund under contractual arrangements 
and has exposure to variable returns from the Fund collective 
investment vehicles. See Note 33. 

Omni Bridgeway Limited (ABN 45 067 298 088) is a for profit 
company incorporated and domiciled in Australia and limited 
by shares that are publicly traded on the Australian Securities 
Exchange (ASX code: OBL, formerly IMF). 

This section sets out the basis upon which the Group’s 
Financial Statements are prepared. Specific accounting 
policies are described in the respective notes to the Financial 
Statements. This section also shows information on new or 
amended accounting standards and interpretations and their 
impact on the financial position and performance of the Group.

a. Basis of preparation
The financial report is a general purpose financial report, which 
has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of 
the Corporations Act 2001, Australian Accounting Standards 
and other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian 
Accounting Standards Board. The financial report has been 
prepared on a historical cost basis, except for deferred and 
variable deferred consideration that have been measured at 
fair value.

The financial report is presented in Australian dollars, being 
the functional currency of the Parent.

The amounts contained within this report have been rounded 
to the nearest $1,000 (where rounding is applicable) under 
the option available to the Company under ASIC Corporations 
(Rounding in Financial/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 
2016/191.

b. Compliance with IFRS 
The financial report also complies with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as issued by the International 
Accounting Standards Board.

The financial results of the subsidiaries are prepared for the 
same reporting period as the Company, using consistent 
accounting policies.

A change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary, without a 
loss of control, is accounted for as an equity transaction. 

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, all 
intercompany balances and transactions, income and 
expenses and profits and losses resulting from intra-group 
transactions have been eliminated in full.

Foreign currency 
The Group’s consolidated financial statements are presented 
in Australian dollars, which is also the Parent’s functional 
currency. The Group determines the functional currency of 
each entity in the Group. The Group uses the direct method of 
consolidation and on disposal of a foreign operation, the gain 
or loss that is reclassified to profit or loss reflects the amount 
that arises from using this method.

Transactions and balances
Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded by each 
entity in the Group at their respective functional currency spot 
rates at the date the transaction first qualifies for recognition. 
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign 
currencies are converted at the functional currency spot rates 
of exchange at the reporting date. 

Exchange differences arising on settlement or conversion 
of monetary items are recognised in profit or loss.

Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical 
cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange 
rates at the dates of the initial transactions. Non-monetary 
items measured at fair value in a foreign currency are 
translated using the exchange rates at the date when the fair 
value is determined. The gain or loss arising on translation of 
non-monetary items measured at fair value is treated in line 
with the recognition of gain or loss on change in fair value of 
the item (i.e. translation differences on items whose fair value 
gain or loss is recognised in other comprehensive income 
or profit or loss are also recognised in other comprehensive 
income or profit or loss, respectively).

56

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020About this Report (continued)
Group companies
On consolidation, the assets and liabilities of foreign 
operations are translated into Australian dollars at the rate of 
exchange prevailing at the reporting date and their statements 
of profit or loss are translated at exchange rates prevailing at 
the dates of the transactions. The exchange differences arising 
on translation for consolidation purposes are recognised 
in other comprehensive income. On disposal of a foreign 
operation, the component of other comprehensive income 
relating to that particular foreign operation is recognised 
in profit or loss.

d.  New and amended accounting standards and 

interpretations adopted during the year

The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of 
the previous financial year, except for changes to accounting 
policies as a result of adopting new and amended standards and 
interpretations effective as of 1 July 2019 and the adoption of 
accounting policies during the year relating to new transactions 
and events, as follows: 

 – Claims portfolio (Note 11); 
 – Purchased claims (Note 12); 
 – Goodwill (Note 14); 
 – Other liabilities (Note 27); 
 – Business combination (Note 31); and
 – Investment in associates and joint ventures (Note 34).

The Group applied AASB 16 Leases (“AASB 16”) for the first time. 
The nature and effect of the changes as a result of adoption of 
the new accounting standard are described below. Several other 
amendments and interpretations were applied for the first time 
in 2020, but do not have an impact on the consolidated financial 
statements of the Group. The Group has not early adopted 
any standards, interpretations or amendments that have been 
issued but are not yet effective.

AASB 16 Leases
AASB 16 was issued in January 2016 and replaces AASB 117 
Leases (“AASB 117”), AASB Interpretation 4 Determining whether an 
Arrangement contains a Lease, AASB Interpretation -115 Operating 
Leases – Incentives and AASB Interpretation 127 Evaluating the 
Substance of Transactions Involving the Legal Form of a Lease. 

AASB 16 sets out the principles for the recognition, 
measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases and 
requires lessees to account for all leases under a single 
on-balance sheet model similar to the accounting for finance 
leases under AASB 117. The standard includes two recognition 
exemptions for lessees – leases of “low value” assets and 
short-term leases (ie. leases with a lease term of 12 months 
or less). 

At the commencement date of a lease, a lessee will recognise 
a liability to make lease payments (ie. the lease liability) and 
an asset representing the right to use the underlying asset 
during the lease term (ie. the right-of-use asset). Lessees will 
be required to separately recognise the interest expense on 
the lease liability and the depreciation expense on the right-of-
use asset. 

Lessees will also be required to remeasure the lease liability 
upon the occurrence of certain events (e.g. a change in the 
lease term, a change in future lease payments resulting 
from a change in an index or rate used to determine those 
payments). The lessee will generally recognise the amount of 
the remeasurement of the lease liability as an adjustment to 
the right-of-use asset. 

Lessor accounting does not apply to the Group as it has no 
assets that it provides to third parties under lease agreements. 

AASB 16, which is effective for annual periods beginning on 
or after 1 January 2019, requires lessees and lessors to make 
more extensive disclosures than under AASB 117. 

Prior to the adoption of AASB 16, the Group classified each 
of its leases at inception as either operating or finance leases 
based on the extent to which, risks and rewards incidental to 
ownership of the leased asset were transferred to the Group. 

Operating lease payments were previously recognised as an 
expense in the profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the 
lease term, excluding contingent rentals which were expensed 
as incurred. Operating lease incentives were recognised 
as a liability when received and subsequently reduced by 
allocating lease payments between rental expense and 
reduction of the liability.

Transition to AASB 16 
The Group has leases of office space, car parking and office 
equipment that fall within the scope of AASB 16. 

In accordance with AASB 16, the Group applied AASB 16 
retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying 
the Standard recognised at the date of initial application, 
being 1 July 2019, as an adjustment to the opening balance of 
retained earnings and did not restate comparative information. 
On transition, the Group has measured the right of use 
assets as though the new Standard had been applied since 
commencement of the lease using the Group’s incremental 
borrowing rate, at the initial application date of the Standard. 

The only practical expedient the Group elected to use was the 
practical expedient of hindsight when determining lease terms 
where contracts contain a right to extend or terminate. 

57

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report About this Report (continued)
The impact of the adoption of AASB 16 on transition is 
reflected as follows: 

Assets

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

Property, plant and equipment - leasehold 
improvements

Prepayments

Lease incentive receivable

Liabilities

Lease liabilities

Lease incentive liabilities

Provisions

Net impact on equity (retained earnings)

1 July 2019 
$’000

3,054 

(114)

(91)

(478) 

2,371

3,205 

(915)

148 

2,438 

(67)

A reconciliation of operating lease commitments disclosed at 
30 June 2019 to total lease liabilities recognised under AASB 16 
at 1 July 2019 is below:

Total operating lease commitments 
disclosed at 30 June 2019

Recognition exemption - leases with term 
of less than 12 months

Effect of discounting using the Group's 
incremental borrowing rate

Total lease liabilities recognised under 
AASB 16 at 1 July 2019

30 June 2019 
$’000

7,769 

(12)

(4,552)

3,205

The Group’s weighted average incremental borrowing rate was 
6% at the date of initial application of AASB 16.

AASB Interpretation 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax 
Treatments (“Interpretation 23”)
Interpretation 23 is applied by the Group from 1 July 2019. 
Interpretation 23 clarifies the application of the recognition 
and measurement criteria in AASB 112 Income Taxes 
where there is uncertainty over income tax treatments. 
It requires assessment of each uncertain tax position as to 
whether it is probable that a taxation authority will accept the 
position. Where it is not probable, the effect of the uncertainty 
is reflected in determining the relevant taxable profit or loss, 
tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits or tax rates. 
The amount is determined as either the single most likely 
amount or the sum of the probability weighted amounts in 
a range of possible outcomes, whichever better predicts the 
resolution of the uncertainty. Judgments are reassessed as and 
when new facts and circumstances come to light. No material 
impact was noted on the application of Interpretation 23.

e.  New and amended accounting standards and 
interpretations issued but not yet effective

The following accounting standards relevant to the Company 
and/or the Group have been issued but are not yet effective 
and have not been applied in these financial statements. New 
and amended accounting standards that are issued but not yet 
effective that are not listed below have been deemed to either 
be not relevant or have no material impact on the Group.

Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting and 
relevant amending standards
The revised Conceptual Framework was issued by the AASB 
in May 2019 and applies to the Group for the financial year 
beginning 1 July 2020. It includes some new concepts, provides 
updated definitions and recognition criteria for assets and 
liabilities and clarifies some important concepts. It is arranged 
in eight chapters, as follows:

 – Chapter 1 – The objective of financial reporting
 – Chapter 2 –  Qualitative characteristics of useful 
financial information

 – Chapter 3 –  Financial statements and the reporting entity
 – Chapter 4 – The elements of financial statements
 – Chapter 5 – Recognition and derecognition
 – Chapter 6 – Measurement
 – Chapter 7 – Presentation and disclosure
 – Chapter 8 – Concepts of capital and capital maintenance

58

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020About this Report (continued)
Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework 
in AASB Standards has also been issued, which sets out 
the amendments to affected standards in order to update 
references to the revised Conceptual Framework. The changes 
to the Conceptual Framework may affect the application of 
AASB in situations where no standard applies to a particular 
transaction or event. In addition, relief has been provided 
in applying AASB 3 and developing accounting policies for 
regulatory account balances using AASB 108, such that entities 
must continue to apply the definitions of an asset and a liability 
(and supporting concepts) in the 2010 Conceptual Framework, 
and not the definitions in the revised Conceptual Framework. 
The Group is in the process of assessing the impact of the 
changes and is not yet able to reasonably estimate the impact 
on its financial statements.

f.  Significant accounting judgments, 

estimates and assumptions

The preparation of the Group’s consolidated financial 
statements requires management to make judgments, 
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts 
of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities, and the 
accompanying disclosures, and the disclosure of contingent 
liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements.

Key judgments
In the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies, 
management has made the following judgments, which have 
the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the 
consolidated financial statements:

Consolidation of entities in which the Group holds less than 
a majority voting right (de facto control)
The Group has assessed the entities in which it has an interest 
to determine whether or not control exists and the entity is, 
therefore, consolidated into the Group. These entities are listed 
in Note 32. For those entities consolidated with an interest 
less than 51%, the Group uses judgment to determine that 
it has power to direct the relevant activities of the investee 
under contractual arrangements and sufficient exposure to 
variable returns. In reviewing whether the Group has power 
and sufficient exposure to variable returns the Group considers 
whether it is acting as a principal or as an agent of the entity.

Taxation
The Group’s accounting policy for taxation requires management’s 
judgment in assessing whether deferred tax assets and certain 
deferred tax liabilities are recognised on the Statement of Financial 
Position. Deferred tax assets, including those arising from tax 
losses, capital losses and temporary differences, are recognised 
only where it is considered more likely than not that they will be 
recovered, which is dependent on the generation of sufficient 
future taxable profits.

Assumptions about the generation of future taxable profits 
depend on management’s estimates of future cash flows 
as contained in the Group’s yearly budget. These depend 
on estimates of future income, operating costs, capital 
expenditure, dividends and other capital management 
transactions.

Judgments and assumptions are also required about the 
application of income tax legislation. These judgments and 
assumptions are subject to risk and uncertainty, hence 
there is a possibility that changes in circumstances will alter 
expectations, which may impact the amount of deferred 
tax assets and deferred tax liabilities recognised in the 
Statement of Financial Position and the amount of other 
tax losses and temporary differences not yet recognised. In 
such circumstances, some or all of the carrying amounts of 
recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities may require 
adjustment, resulting in a corresponding credit or charge to the 
Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Lease term of contracts with renewal and termination 
options – Group as lessee
The Group determines the lease term as the non-cancellable 
term of the lease, together with any periods covered by an option 
to extend the lease if it is reasonably certain to be exercised, or 
any periods covered by an option to terminate the lease, if it is 
reasonably certain not to be exercised.

The Group has several lease contracts that include extension 
and termination options. The Group applies judgment in 
evaluating whether it is reasonably certain whether or not to 
exercise the option to renew or terminate the lease. That is, it 
considers all relevant factors that create an economic incentive 
for it to exercise either the renewal or termination. After the 
commencement date, the Group reassesses the lease term 
if there is a significant event or change in circumstances that 
is within its control and affects its ability to exercise or not to 
exercise the option to renew or to terminate (eg, construction 
of significant leasehold improvements or significant 
customisation to the leased asset).

The Group does not include the renewal period as part of the 
lease term for leases of motor vehicles because the Group 
typically leases motor vehicles for not more than five years 
and, hence, is not exercising any renewal options. The periods 
covered by termination options are included as part of the 
lease term only when they are reasonably certain not to 
be exercised.

Refer to Note 26 for information on potential future rental 
payments relating to periods following the exercise date of 
extension and termination options that are not included in 
the lease term.

59

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report About this Report (continued)
Intangible Assets - Litigation Contracts in Progress
Classification of litigation investments as Intangible Assets 
- Litigation Contracts in Progress requires judgment 
on the circumstances and contracts attached to the 
investment. Refer to Note 13 on the accounting policy on 
and significant judgments for Intangible Assets - Litigation 
Contracts in Progress. 

Significant estimates and assumptions
The key assumptions concerning the future and other key 
sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date, 
that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment 
to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the 
next financial year, are described below. The Group based its 
assumptions and estimates on parameters available when 
the consolidated financial statements were prepared. Existing 
circumstances and assumptions about future developments, 
however, may change due to market changes or circumstances 
arising that are beyond the control of the Group. Such changes 
are reflected in the assumptions when they occur.

Covid 19 pandemic
Whilst the pandemic has interrupted dispute resolution 
systems to different degrees in jurisdictions where the 
Group has investments, generally they have continued to 
operate. This has led to some delays in completions, or the 
expected completion date. In assessing the carrying value and 
associated impairment of investments, the most up to date 
estimates of success and timing have been used.

Impairment of non-financial assets 
The Group assesses impairment of all required non-financial 
assets at each reporting date by evaluating conditions 
specific to the Group and to the particular asset that may lead 
to impairment. Impairment exists when the carrying value 
of an asset or cash generating unit exceeds its recoverable 
amount, which is the higher of its fair value less costs of 
disposal and its value in use. The group primarily relies on 
value in use calculations based on DCF models. The cash flows 
are derived from either the Group’s budget or from estimates 
made by investment managers. The recoverable amount is 
sensitive to the discount rate used for the DCF model as well as 
the expected future cash-inflows and the growth rate used for 
extrapolation purposes. These estimates are most relevant to 
goodwill and other intangibles recognised by the Group. Refer 
to individual notes for further information around impairment 
of non- financial assets.

Fair value measurement of financial assets and net assets 
acquired in a business combination
The Group measures financial instruments at fair value at each 
balance sheet date and the net assets of an acquired Group in 
a business combination at fair value at acquisition date.

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, regardless 
of whether that price is directly observable or estimated 
using another valuation technique. The principal or the most 
advantageous market must be accessible by the Group.

The fair value of an asset or a liability is measured using the 
assumptions that market participants would use when pricing 
the asset or liability, assuming that market participants act 
in their economic best interest.

A fair value measurement of a non-financial asset takes into 
account a market participant’s ability to generate economic 
benefits by using the asset in its highest and best use or by 
selling it to another market participant that would use the 
asset in its highest and best use.

All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or 
disclosed in the financial statements are categorised within the 
fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest 
level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as 
a whole:

 – Level 1 – Quoted (unadjusted) market prices in active 

markets for identical assets or liabilities

 – Level 2 – Valuation techniques for which the lowest level 
input that is significant to the fair value measurement is 
directly or indirectly observable

 – Level 3 – Valuation techniques for which the lowest level 
input that is significant to the fair value measurement is 
unobservable

Fair value measurement of financial liabilities through 
profit and loss
Deferred and variable deferred consideration, resulting from 
business combinations, is valued at fair value at the acquisition 
date as part of the business combination. When the deferred 
and variable deferred consideration meets the definition of a 
financial liability, it is subsequently remeasured to fair value 
at each reporting date. The determination of the fair value 
is based on option pricing methodology. The key inputs are 
detailed in the Notes 15, 27 and 31.

60

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020About this Report (continued)
Provision for adverse costs
The Group raises a provision for adverse costs when the 
underlying litigation, arbitration, enforcement or recovery 
which was funded is lost and the jurisdiction requires adverse 
costs to be paid to the counter party. When an investment is 
lost and an appeal is lodged, the Group still raises a provision. 
The provision raised is the Group’s best estimate of the 
amount of adverse costs it will have to remit. Typically this 
estimate is between 40% to 70% of the amount spent by the 
plaintiff, on the basis that there is only one defendant per case. 
Refer to Notes 25 and 28 for further details on adverse costs.

Measurement of non-controlling interests (“NCI”) 
Profits and losses are attributed to non-controlling interests in 
line with the allocation of profit distributions under the terms 
of the respective agreements with non-controlling investors. 
Therefore, at the end of each reporting period, the non-
controlling interests represents the non-controlling 
shareholders’ share of net assets, as would be distributed 
under the relevant shareholders or investors agreements 
at the balance date.

Revenue recognition – estimating variable consideration 
on management and performance fees 
The Group estimates variable considerations to be included in 
the transaction price for management and performance fees 
charged. Management fees are based on the level of external 
investors net deployed capital per quarter and any uncertainty 
is resolved at the end of the same quarter. Therefore, 
management fee revenues are recognised quarterly in arrears, 
corresponding with the delivery of performance obligations. 
The calculation of performance fees are subject to some 
uncertainties. Accordingly, performance fee revenue is not 
recognised until it is highly probable that a significant reversal 
in the amount of cumulative revenue recognised will not occur. 

A. RESULTS FOR THE YEAR

Note 1:  Segment information
The Group only operates in one industry, being funding and 
provision of services in relation to dispute resolution. For 
management purposes, the Group is organised into operating 
segments comprising the OBL Group’s corporate operations, 
and the Group’s fund structures.

With the changing structure, the Group has chosen to alter the 
presentation of its segments. The presentation of the Fund 
segments has remained consistent with that of prior periods, 
however, the parent entity and wholly owned subsidiaries 
have been combined for internal reporting purposes and are 
now shown as Corporate. Comparative information has been 
restated to align with the new segments.

 – Corporate reflects the parent entity and its wholly owned 
subsidiaries which own historical litigation in progress 
investments and provide investment management 
advisory and administration services to the Group’s fund 
structures in the following locations: 
 – Australia
 – United States
 – Canada
 – Asia
 – EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa), including corporate 
costs associated with the OBE Group that was acquired 
in a business combination on 8 November 2019. 

 – The Group’s Funds include:

 – Fund 1 – This comprises Omni Bridgeway (Fund 1) LLC 
(formerly Bentham IMF 1 LLC), Security Finance (Fund 
1) LLC (formerly Security Finance 1 LLC) and HC 1 LLC. 
The Fund invests in litigation investments in the United 
States. Fund 1 is consolidated into the Group;

 – Funds 2 & 3 – This comprises Omni Bridgeway (Fund 2) 

Pty Ltd (formerly IMF Bentham (Fund 2) Pty Ltd) 
and Omni Bridgeway (Fund 3) Pty Ltd (formerly IMF 
Bentham (Fund 3) Pty Ltd) and IMF Bentham ROW 
SPV 1 Limited. These entities jointly invest in litigation 
investments outside the United States. Funds 2&3 are 
consolidated into the Group;

 – Fund 4 – This Fund invests in litigation investments 
in the United States. It consists of a series of parallel 
investing entities comprising Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) 
Invt 1 LP (formerly Bentham Investments 1 LP); Omni 
Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 2 LP (formerly Bentham 
Investments 2 LP); Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 3 LP 
(formerly Bentham Investments 3 LP); Omni Bridgeway 
(Fund 4) Invt 4 LP (formerly Bentham Investments 4 LP); 
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 5 LP (formerly Bentham 
Investments 5 LP); Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 6 LP 
(formerly Bentham Investments 6 LP); Omni Bridgeway 
(Fund 4) Invt 7 LP (formerly Bentham Investments 7 LP); 
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 8 LP (formerly Bentham 
Investments 8 LP); Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 9 LP 
(formerly Bentham Investments 9 LP); Security Finance 
(Fund 4) LLC (formerly Security Finance 2 LLC) and 
Bentham HPCR LP. Fund 4 entities except for Bentham 
HPCR LP are consolidated into the Group.

 – Fund 5 – Consists of a collective investment group 
comprising Omni Bridgeway (Fund 5) LP (formerly 
IMF Bentham (Fund 5) LP), Omni Bridgeway (Cayman) 
Limited (formerly IMF Bentham (Fund 5) Cayman 
Investments Ltd), Omni Bridgeway (Fund 5) Australian 
Invt Pty Ltd (formerly IMF Bentham (Fund 5) Australia 
Investments Pty Ltd) as well as parallel joint investor, 
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 5) GPA Pty Ltd (formerly IMF 
Bentham GPA 5 Pty Ltd). This Fund invests in litigation 
investments outside the United States. Only the 
parallel joint investor is consolidated within the Group. 
The segment note includes the parallel joint investor 
as well as Omni Bridgeway (Cayman) Limited which 
is the investment advisor to Fund 5.

61

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Note 1:  Segment information (continued)

 – Fund 6: This is an EMEA focused investment structure 
that was acquired in a business combination on 
8 November 2019 and includes the entity responsible 
for providing the management of Fund 7. Fund 7 itself 
is not consolidated into Fund 6. It was established 
to invest in litigation, arbitration and enforcement 
proceedings, and for the work-out and monetisation 
of claims. Revenue is derived from enforcement and 
recovery services and other income is derived from 
litigation contracts in progress investments and 
purchased claims. OBL retains control and ownership 
of Fund 6 via its equity interests. Legal ownership of the 
investments are spread across the entire OBE Group. 
Fund 6 is consolidated into the Group.

For Fund 1 and Funds 2 & 3, the non-controlling interest is 
comprised of an equity interests which carry an entitlement 
to receive a capped priority return on drawn capital and a 
further preferred return on committed but undrawn capital. 
OBL retains control and ownership of the Funds via its equity 
interests. Upon satisfaction of the non-controlling interests’ 
priority returns, OBL is entitled to a manager return. After 
satisfaction of the priority return and the manager returns, 
the residual net cash flows are to be distributed (i) for Fund 
1: 85% to OBL and 15% to the non-controlling interests: (ii) 
for Funds 2 & 3, 80% to OBL and 20% to non-controlling 
interests. The Funds have an infinite life and all distributions 
are discretionary.

For Fund 4 the non-controlling interest is comprised of an 
equity interest which, together with OBL’s interest, carries an 
entitlement to receive return of capital plus a hurdle return 
on invested capital; and a pro-rata share of any residual after 
OBL’s periodic management fee and transactional based 
performance fee. OBL retains control and ownership of the 
Funds via its equity interest. The Fund has an infinite life and 
all distributions are discretionary. 

For Fund 5, there is no non-controlling interest as only OBL’s 
100% owned parallel joint investor vehicle is consolidated. 
OBL is entitled to periodic management fees and transactional 
based performance fees.

For Fund 6, the non-controlling interest is comprised of an 
equity interest which, together with OBL’s interest, carries 
a case by case entitlement to receive return of capital plus 
a return on invested capital after OBL’s transactional based 
performance fee. OBL retains control and ownership of 
the Funds via its equity interest. The Fund has an infinite 
life and all distributions are discretionary during the 
investment period.

Intersegment revenue comprises interest revenue on 
intercompany loans and management fees. 

Intercompany interest revenue is recognised in accordance 
with AASB 9 using the effective interest method. 

The intercompany management fee revenue earned during the 
year was derived from management and advisory agreements 
between the group entities. The consideration received is 
determined by reference to costs plus a percentage mark-up. 
The revenue is recognised over the period in which costs are 
incurred as it is deemed that the Group transfers control of the 
management services over this period and, therefore, satisfies 
its performance obligations and recognises revenue over time.

Adjustments and eliminations relate to certain finance and 
overheads costs that are not allocated to individual segments 
as the underlying expenses are incurred within wholly owned 
operations. These costs are capitalised into litigation funding 
contracts on consolidation of the Group. The associated tax 
effect accounting for these items are also managed on a Group 
basis and not allocated to the individual segments.

Inter-segment revenues and expenses are eliminated 
on consolidation and reflected in the “adjustments and 
eliminations” column.

Adjustments made in the balance sheet include adjustments 
to non-current assets to eliminate intercompany loans and 
investments in subsidiaries on consolidation. 

62

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Note 1:  Segment information (continued)

Segment result for the year ended 30 June 2020

Interest revenue

Purchased claims interest revenue

Inter-segment

Revenue from contracts with customers

Segment revenue

Group 
(excl 
Funds)

Funds

Consolidation

Corporate 
$’000

1 
$’000

2&3 
$’000

4 
$’000

5 
$’000

6 
$’000

Adjustments 
and 
eliminations 
$’000

Consolidated 
$’000

2,141 

836 

18,038 

1,293 

192 

–

–

–

413 

896 

–

–

22,308 

192 

1,309 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

76 

–

–

(975)

4,069 

(22,107)

141 

21,694 

–

141 

25,839 

(23,082)

2,822 

757 

–

23,128 

26,707 

Net gain/(loss) on derecognition of intangible assets

51,513 

16,831 

34,866 

4,029 

(68)

1,466 

(2,164)

106,473 

(Loss)/profit before tax and fair value adjustments on financial liabilities

(19,964)

9,802

34,674

3,874

(1,151)

Fair value adjustments on financial liabilities

(13,597)

–

–

–

–

Net gain/(loss) on disposal of financial assets

Other income

Total Income

Impairment expenses

Amortisation of claims portfolio

Expenses

Share of loss in associates 

(Loss)/profit before tax

Income tax

Segment result

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent

Non-controlling interests

Segment assets and liabilities at 30 June 2020

Cash1

Other current assets 

Claims portfolio

Purchased claims

Intangible assets

Provision for impairment

Goodwill

Other non-current assets

Total segment assets 

Current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities

Total segment liabilities 

Net assets

Equity attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent

Contributed equity - NCI

Earnings - NCI

Total equity

–

19,815 

–

–

–

(32)

–

(5)

–

3,848 

(736)

1,314 

–

63 

3,848 

20,419 

93,636 

17,023 

36,143 

4,024 

(663)

32,467 

(25,183)

157,447 

5,166 

7,174 

1,193 

–

108,434 

–

–

47 

–

–

276 

–

(6)

–

156 

–

–

–

772 

2,930 

14,520 

–

17,229 

14,520 

488 

16,274

(47,221)

78,454

–

158 

743

–

743

–

158 

19,108

47,086

–

(13,597)

19,108

33,489

(33,561)

9,802

34,674

3,874

(1,151)

(1,056)

(143)

(10,213)

–

(342)

(3,704)

(1,116)

(15,890)

(34,617)

9,659

24,461

3,874

(809)

(2,961)

17,992

17,599

(34,617)

–

5,399

968

(809)

(475)

17,992

(11,542)

–

9,659 

19,062 

2,906 

–

(2,486)

–

29,141

Group 
(excl 
Funds)

Funds

Consolidation

Corporate 
$’000

1 
$’000

2&3 
$’000

4 
$’000

5 
$’000

6 
$’000

Adjustments 
and 
eliminations 
$’000

Consolidated 
$’000

133,205 

17,366 

6,671 

28,533 

49 

8,560 

 – 

194,384 

80,956 

5,886 

39,390 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

5,726 

3 

 – 

1 

1,368 

16,199 

(8,852)

134,950 

 – 

93,680 

3,032 

8,260 

 – 

 – 

93,680 

17,019 

126,655 

191,339 

51,902 

92,017 

1,874 

33,244 

48,199

545,230

(8,086)

(13,149)

(1,813)

103,072

170,618

 – 

(1)

 – 

6,894 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(898)

(4,054)

(28,000)

 – 

 – 

103,072

(7,243)

173,791

(283,924)

60,135 

606,420 

201,441 

108,770  120,554 

(920) 332,836

(248,631)

1,120,470

31,741 

1,181 

11,721 

3,311 

(141)

51,725

(9,808)

89,730

198,824 

 – 

5,018 

 – 

 – 

83,823

(24,126)

263,539

230,565 

1,181 

16,739 

3,311 

(141) 135,548

(33,934)

353,269

375,855  200,260 

92,031 

117,243 

(779)

 197,288

(214,697)

767,201

374,098 

32,103 

23,681 

23,190 

(779)

96,648

(214,697)

336,001

 – 

 – 

127,511 

54,871 

94,479 

40,646 

13,479 

(426)

 – 

 – 

98,609

2,031

–

–

375,470

55,730

375,855  200,260 

92,031 

117,243 

(779)

 197,288

(214,697)

767,201

1 

Cash in Funds can only be used for litigation matters and expenses in the Funds.

63

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 1:  Segment information (continued)

Segment result for the year ended 30 June 2019

Interest revenue

Purchased claims interest revenue

Inter-segment

Revenue from contracts with customers

Segment revenue

Net gain/(loss) on derecognition of intangible assets

Net gain/(loss) on disposal of financial assets

Other income

Total Income

Impairment expenses

Amortisation of claims portfolio

Expenses

(Loss)/profit before tax

Income tax

Net (loss)/profit 

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent

Non-controlling interests

Segment assets and liabilities at 30 June 2019

Cash1

Other current assets 

Claims portfolio

Purchased claims

Intangible assets

Provision for impairment

Goodwill

Other Non-current assets

Total segment assets 

Current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities

Total segment liabilities 

Net assets

Equity attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent

Contributed equity - NCI

Earnings - NCI

Total equity

Group 
(excl 
Funds)

Funds

Consolidation

Corporate 
$’000

1 
$’000

2&3 
$’000

4 
$’000

5 
$’000

6 
$’000

Adjustments 
and 
eliminations 
$’000

Consolidated 
$’000

3,473 

 – 

14,235 

114 

17,822 

55 

 – 

 – 

 – 

55 

653 

 – 

 – 

 – 

653 

4,608 

(5,203)

(854)

 – 

6,099 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(73)

28,529 

(5,148)

(274)

1,113 

6,545 

620 

 – 

73,251 

 – 

91 

(45,835)

(11,784)

14,843 

(69)

 – 

51 

(945)

218 

(30,992)

(11,853)

(727)

(30,992)

(11,838)

(727)

 – 

(15)

 – 

Group 
(excl 
Funds)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

42 

(42) 

 – 

(42) 

(7)

(35)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(14,235)

 – 

4,181 

 – 

 – 

114 

(14,235)

4,295 

(2,798)

(4,247)

 – 

(340)

(17,373)

 – 

5,686 

5,734 

1,291 

9,569 

 – 

 – 

(29,608)

43,827 

10,944 

(47,662)

(3,478)

11,514 

7,466 

(36,148)

7,466 

(36,098)

 – 

(50)

Funds

Consolidation

Corporate 
$’000

1 
$’000

2&3 
$’000

4 
$’000

5 
$’000

6 
$’000

Adjustments 
and 
eliminations 
$’000

Consolidated 
$’000

132,827 

49,680 

38,326 

5,627 

28,003 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

740 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

154,287 

200,846 

34,663 

28,456 

(1,112)

(6,594)

(620)

 – 

 – 

 – 

276,359 

16,544 

9,294 

 – 

 – 

(1)

590,364 

260,476 

82,403 

34,082 

111,018 

2,313 

4,239 

2,839 

155,716 

 – 

 – 

 – 

266,734 

2,313 

4,239 

2,839 

323,630 

258,163 

78,164 

31,243 

323,630 

55,635 

9,590 

5,793 

 – 

 – 

185,242 

58,639 

25,485 

17,286 

9,935 

(35)

323,630 

258,163 

78,164 

31,243 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

226,460 

(7,921)

20,822 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

18,347 

436,599 

(1,296)

(9,622)

 – 

 – 

(267,512)

34,684 

(258,382)

708,943 

(8,855)

111,554 

(73,824)

81,892 

(82,679)

193,446 

(175,703)

515,497 

(175,703)

218,945 

 – 

 – 

269,366 

27,186 

(175,703)

515,497 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

1 

Cash in Funds can only be used for litigation matters and expenses in the Funds.

64

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 1:  Segment information (continued)
Geographically, non-current assets, excluding financial assets and deferred tax assets, can be represented geographically 
as follows:

Australia

United States

Canada

EMEA

Asia

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

238,041

295,443

17,844

58,512

15,627

161,758 

243,604 

15,585 

659 

6,482 

625,467

428,088 

Note 2:  Revenue from contracts with customers
Revenue from contracts with customers is recognised when control of the service is transferred to the customer at an amount that 
reflects the consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled in exchange for those services.

(i) Enforcement and recovery services

The nature of services
Revenue is generated from enforcement and recovery services. The revenue generated from recovery services consists of revenue 
earned for the recovery services provided for various claims such as court judgments, non-performing loans and unpaid account 
receivables.

Performance obligations
At contract inception, the Group assesses the services promised in its contracts with customers and identifies performance 
obligations in each promise to transfer to the customer funds recovered from various claims such as court judgments, non- 
performing loans and unpaid account receivables. Performance obligations are satisfied at a point in time, upon the recovery 
of each dollar of a judgment.

Transaction price
Almost all revenues from enforcement and recovery services are based on a no success, no fee basis. The entire transaction price 
is variable as the Group only receives a contingent fee on achievement of recovering funds on behalf of the customer. The Group 
includes variable consideration (a portion or all) in the transaction price only when it is highly probable that the recognised revenue 
will not incur a significant revenue reversal. The revenue is based on a percentage of the funds recovered so the uncertainty is 
typically removed when the funds have been received or settlement agreement has been signed and where applicable, court 
approval obtained as then the revenue formula can be applied to the outcome.

(ii) Management fees 
The management fee revenue earned during the year was derived from Investment Management Agreements with the investors 
in Fund 4 and Fund 5. The services provided are for the administration of the investor accounts and fund structures. The 
consideration receivable is considered to be variable consideration and is determined with reference to the net invested capital 
attributable to the Investor’s accounts. The revenue is recognised over the period in which there is net invested capital in the 
fund as the Group transfers control of the services over this period and, therefore, satisfies its performance obligations over time. 
Variable consideration is recognised to the extent that it is highly probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative 
revenue recognised will not occur. As the net invested capital is known at the end of each quarter the management fees are 
able to be calculated and recognised as it is then highly probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue 
recognised will not occur.

65

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Note 2:  Revenue from contracts with customers (continued)

Corporate 
$’000

Fund 5  
$’000

Fund 6 
$’000

Total 
$’000

2020

Type of service

Enforcement and recovery services

Management fees

2019

Type of service

Management fees

2020

Geographical markets

Europe

Australia

United States

Cayman Islands

2019

Geographical markets

United States

2020

Timing of revenue recognition

Services transferred at a point in time

Services transferred over time

2019

Timing of revenue recognition

Services transferred over time

–

1,293 

1,293 

114 

114 

–

109 

1,184 

–

1,293 

114 

114 

–

1,293 

1,293 

114 

114 

–

141 

141 

21,694 

–

21,694 

21,694 

1,434 

23,128 

–

–

–

–

–

141 

141 

–

–

–

141 

141 

–

–

–

–

114 

114 

21,694 

21,694 

–

–

–

109 

1,184 

141 

21,694 

23,128 

–

–

114 

114 

21,694 

–

21,694 

21,694 

1,434 

23,128 

–

–

114 

114 

Not included in revenue is $0.812 million (2019: $nil) of performance fees that relate to the completion of an investment in Fund 4 
that has not satisfied the requirements to recognise variable consideration. This is held as deferred revenue in other liabilities on 
the balance sheet.

Within enforcement and recovery services income there is revenue from one customer totalling $14.115 million and another 
totalling $7.678 million. Both are in the Fund 6 segment and Europe geographic market.

66

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Interest revenue 

Note 3: 
Interest revenue is recognised using the effective interest rate method. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts 
estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to the net carrying amount of the financial asset.

The Group earned 91% (2019: 99%) of its interest revenue in Australia. The purchased claims interest revenue relates to the Europe 
geographical market.

Interest revenue 

Interest revenue calculated using effective interest rate method

Purchased claims interest revenue calculated using the effective interest rate method

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

2,822 

757 

3,579 

4,181 

–

4,181 

Note 4:  Net gain/(loss) on derecognition of intangible assets
Net gain/(loss) on derecognition of intangibles assets is derived from the disposal of the Group’s Litigation Contracts in Progress. 
The accounting policy for Litigation Contracts in Progress is outlined in Note 13.

Net gain/(loss) on derecognition of intangible assets

Litigation funding contracts - proceeds

Litigation funding contracts - derecognition of intangible (successful investments)1

Litigation funding contracts - derecognition of intangible (unsuccessful investments)2

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

257,513 

(134,393)

(16,647)

106,473

35,021 

(22,432)

(16,836)

(4,247)

1 

2 

 This consists of costs related to the Group’s derecognition of litigation contracts intangibles on cases that have settled or been won. It includes 
derecognition of fair value adjustments of $912,000. 

 This consists of costs related to the Group’s derecognition of litigation contracts intangibles on (i) cases lost by the Group, (ii) cases not pursued by the 
Group due to the cases not meeting the Group’s required rate of return, and (iii) any adverse costs provision raised when a litigation contract in progress 
has been lost. It includes derecognition of fair value adjustments of ($221,000).

Net gain/(loss) on derecognition of intangible assets can be represented geographically as follows:

Australia

United States

Canada

EMEA

Asia

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

82,964

19,343

3,317

1,150

(301)

2019 
$’000

5,670 

(8,755)

(1,658)

554 

(58)

Total net gain/(loss) on derecognition of intangible assets

106,473

(4,247)

67

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Note 5:  Other income 

Other income

Foreign exchange gain

Other income 

Fair value gain on equity instruments at fair value through profit or loss 

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

17,843 

2,221 

355 

20,419 

4,269 

1,417 

–

5,686 

Note 6:  Expenses

Finance costs
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition and development of a qualifying asset (i.e. an asset that necessarily takes 
a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale) are capitalised as part of the cost of that asset. All other 
borrowing costs are expensed in the period they occur. Borrowing costs consist of interest and other costs that the Group incurs 
in connection with the borrowing of funds. Detailed information is provided in Note 17.

Amortisation of claims portfolio
Amortisation of claims portfolio represents the amortisation of the previously capitalised contract costs relating to the claims 
portfolio assets due to the completion of the underlying enforcement or recovery claims. Detailed information is provided in 
Note 11.

Depreciation
The depreciation policy is disclosed in Note 23.

Employee benefits
Provision is made for employee benefits accumulated as a result of employees rendering services up to the end of the reporting 
period. These benefits include wages, salaries, annual leave, long service leave and bonuses. Liabilities in respect of employees’ 
services rendered that are not expected to be wholly settled within one year after the end of the periods in which the employees 
render the related services are recognised as long-term employee benefits. These liabilities are measured at the present value 
of the estimated future cash outflow to be made to the employees using the projected unit credit method. Liabilities expected to 
be wholly settled within one year after the end of the period in which the employees render the related services are classified as 
short-term benefits and are measured at the amount due to be paid.

Share based payments
The policy for share based payments is disclosed in Note 30.

Impairment of intangible assets
The policy for intangible assets is disclosed in Note 13.

68

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020 
Note 6:  Expenses (continued) 

(a) Finance costs

Interest on lease liabilities (Note 26)

  Other finance charges

(b) Amortisation of claims portfolio

  Amortisation of claims portfolio

(c) Depreciation expense

  Depreciation

(d) Employee benefits expense

  Wages and salaries

Superannuation expense

  Directors' fees

  Payroll tax

Share based payments

Long service leave provision

(e) Corporate and office expense

Insurance expense

  Network expense

  Marketing expense

  Occupancy expense

Professional fees expense

Recruitment expense

Travel expense

(f) Other expenses

ASX fees

  General expenses

Amortisation of contract costs

Postage, printing and stationery

Repairs and maintenance

Share registry costs

Staff training, development and conferences

Impairment of intangible assets

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

263

1,073

1,336

14,520 

–

117

117

–

2,912 

676 

39,307

19,459 

1,524

496

1,682

7,313

14

1,509 

464 

1,898 

5,266 

(55)

50,336

28,541 

2,711

1,544

1,708

538

11,416

557

1,569

20,043

267

1,438

939

788

41

111

243

17,229

21,056

1,203 

903 

1,381 

1,244 

5,723 

995 

1,324 

12,773 

201 

661 

235 

481 

32 

31 

77 

9,571 

11,289 

69

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 7: 

Income tax

Income tax
Current income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation 
authorities based on the current period’s taxable income. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are those that 
are enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.

Deferred income tax is provided for using the full liability balance sheet method.

Deferred income tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences except:
 –   when the deferred income tax liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or of an asset or liability in a transaction 
that is not a business combination and that, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable 
profit or loss; or

 –   when the taxable temporary difference is associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates or interests in joint ventures, 
and the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary difference 
will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred income tax assets are recognised for all deductible temporary differences, carry-forward of unused tax assets and 
unused tax losses, to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary 
differences and the carry-forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses can be utilised, except:

 –   when the deferred income tax asset relating to the deductible temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of an 
asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the 
accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss; or

 –   when the deductible temporary difference is associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates or interests in joint 

ventures, in which case a deferred tax asset is only recognised to the extent that it is probable that the temporary difference 
will reverse in the foreseeable future and taxable profit will be available against which the temporary difference can be utilised.

The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer 
probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred income tax asset to be utilised.

Unrecognised deferred income tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognised to the extent that it has 
become probable that future taxable profit will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the year when the asset 
is realised or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the 
reporting date.

Income taxes relating to items recognised directly in other comprehensive income are recognised in equity and not in profit or loss.

Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset only if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against 
current tax liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.

Australian consolidated tax group
The Parent Company and its Australian resident wholly owned subsidiaries have formed a tax consolidated group. The Parent 
Company has entered into tax funding arrangements with its Australian resident wholly owned subsidiaries, pursuant to which 
each subsidiary has agreed to pay or receive a tax equivalent amount based on the net taxable amount or loss of the subsidiary 
at the current tax rate. The tax consolidated group has applied the separate taxpayer approach in determining the appropriate 
amount of current taxes to allocate to each entity.

Other taxes
Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST, except:

 –  when the GST incurred on a purchase of goods and services is not recoverable from the taxation authority, in which case 
the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense item, as applicable; and

 –  receivables and payables, which are stated with the amount of GST included.

The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is included as part of receivables or payables 
in the Statement of Financial Position.

Cash flows are included in the Statement of Cash Flows on a gross basis and the GST component of cash flows arising from 
investing and financing activities, which is recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is classified as part of cash 
flows from operating activities.

70

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Note 7: 
Commitments and contingencies are disclosed net of the amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority.

Income tax (continued) 

Statement of Comprehensive Income

The major components of income tax expense are:

Current income tax

 Current income tax charge

 Adjustment in respect of current income tax expense of previous year

 Refund of foreign state-based taxes

 Current year losses moved to deferred tax asset

 Other

Deferred income tax:

 Relating to origination and reversal of temporary differences

 Current year losses moved to deferred tax asset

 Adjustment in respect of deferred income tax of previous year

 Deferred tax assets derecognised

 Other

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

8,762

(14,354)

(14)

23

5,150

(545)

3,649

(5,150)

563

3,019

433

24 

254 

14,910 

(108)

3,367 

(14,910)

(592)

–

(105)

Income tax expense/(benefit) reported in the Statement of Comprehensive Income

15,890

(11,514)

Deferred income tax related to items charged or credited directly to equity

 Deferred tax associated with share-based payments

 Deferred tax associated with transaction costs recognised in equity

Income tax expense reported in equity

(7,240)

(763)

(8,003)

(1,112)

(1,049)

(2,161)

A reconciliation between tax expense and the product of accounting profit before income multiplied by the Group’s applicable 
income tax rate is as follows:

Accounting profit/(loss) before income tax

At the Group’s statutory income tax rate of 30% (2019: 30%)

 Foreign tax rate adjustments

 Adjustment in respect of income and deferred tax of previous years

 Expenditure not allowable for income tax purposes

 Non-assessable income

 State income tax

 Relating to deductible temporary differences not previously recognised

 Deferred tax assets derecognised

 Other

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

33,489

10,047

2,605

548

5,418

(3,742)

(1,363)

(514)

3,019

(128)

(47,662)

(14,298)

2,154 

(568)

3,940 

 – 

(1,539)

(874)

–

(329)

Income tax expense/(benefit) reported in the Statement of Comprehensive Income

15,890

(11,514)

71

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Note 7: 

Income tax (continued) 

Statement of  
Financial Position

Statement of  
Comprehensive Income

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

Deferred income tax at 30 June relates to the following:

CONSOLIDATED

Deferred income tax liabilities

 Intangibles

 Accrued interest & unrealised foreign exchange differences

 Right-of-use assets

 Receivables

 Other

59,220 

38,348 

22 

1,425 

–

72 

3 

 – 

38 

 – 

Gross deferred income tax liabilities

60,739 

38,389 

Deferred income tax assets

 Net operating losses

 Accruals and provisions / bonds raising costs

 Share based payments

 Leases

 Expenditure deductible for income tax over time

Gross deferred income tax assets

Net deferred income tax liabilities

Foreign deferred tax assets

 Accruals and provisions

 Intercompany

 Expenditure deductible for income tax over time

 Leases

 Share based payments

 Deferred tax assets - Foreign net operating losses  
 - federal and state

Deferred tax assets

Net deferred income tax 

Movement in foreign exchange 

Deferred tax expense

1,042

(19)

(1,425)

38 

(69)

(433)

2,028

(2,277)

(4,918)

71 

(795)

(5,891)

1,365 

27 

1,288 

1,215 

(5,468)

84 

 – 

(38)

5 

(5,417)

11,628 

(210)

1,363 

 – 

(1,154)

11,627 

(111)

(510)

212 

–

19,330 

16,204 

1,980 

6,409 

71 

2,202 

29,992 

30,747 

1,369

55 

1,500 

1,215 

4,537 

4,257 

6,750 

 – 

2,235 

29,446 

8,943 

4 

28 

212 

–

4,398 

(2,524)

1,698 

17,328

26,004

14,206 

18,848 

3,122 

4,493 

(1,830)

(685)

(2,515)

5,204 

6,493 

12,703 

(463)

12,240 

Unrecognised temporary differences and tax losses
At 30 June 2020, the Group had $3.019 million (30 June 2019: nil) of unrecognised deferred tax assets. This relates to temporary 
differences and tax losses in its Canadian subsidiaries.

Deferred tax assets relating to USA operations
The deferred tax assets balance includes $17.362 million (30 June 2019: $13.350 million) of assets relating to carried forward tax losses 
of Omni Bridgeway Holdings (USA) Inc (formerly Bentham Holdings Inc). Under existing tax regulations, these losses are available to 
be carried forward indefinitely and have no expiry date. The US business has a recent history of incurring tax losses. The losses have 
arisen primarily from the implementation of the expansion of the administrative base in the United States to support strategic growth 
initiatives that are, according to plan, yet to realise their full value. The Group has considered the utilisation of these tax losses within 
the expanded US business and has determined that, based on approved budgets and existing case matters, that it is probable that 
the US tax group will earn sufficient taxable income to utilise the losses. Further, in assessing the utilisation of the tax losses, the 
Group considers there to be convincing other evidence to support the recoverability of these tax losses including:

72

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Note 7: 
(i) 

Income tax (continued) 

 The US business has been in an expansion and infrastructure growth phase. Additional costs have been incurred in the business 
related to the expansion of activity and changes in operations to a Fund management structure. Investments in people, systems and 
infrastructure have been made ahead of the expected investment activity of the Funds. Fund 1 commenced in 2017 and Fund 4 in 
2019. Whilst Fund 1 is fully invested; Fund 4 (with an approved portfolio size of US$500 million of which the US business has a 20% 
interest) is commencing its investment commitment activity. With an average investment life of approximately 3 years, a significant 
portion of the expected income is in the future. This income generation will be by way of both investment returns and fee revenues; 

(ii)   The US business has raised substantial external capital over the past three years via its Fund structures. Fund 1 raised 

US$171.670 million (75% external commitments) and Fund 4 raised US$500 million (80% external commitments). The external 
capital raised is the foundation of the investing activity that enables the US business to grow and generate returns to realise 
future taxable income. OBL has access to more investment capital than at any time in its history; 

(iii)   There are 42 US investments. The carrying value of intangibles assets (investments) has increased from $241.151 million at 

30 June 2019 to $293.237 million at 30 June 2020. The US business historically has an 83% success rate, based on number of 
investments. The US business has historically had a return on invested capital (“ROIC”) (refer to Glossary) of 0.4x, including 
losses and excluding overheads. The growth in the Group’s investments together with the Group’s historical performance 
provides an indication of growth in future taxable income. 

Note 8:  Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is calculated as net profit attributable to members of the Parent, adjusted to exclude any costs of 
servicing equity (other than dividends), divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the 
financial year, adjusted for any bonus element. 

Diluted earnings per share is calculated as net profit attributable to members of the Parent, adjusted for:
 – costs of servicing equity (other than dividends);
 – the after-tax effect of dividends associated with dilutive potential ordinary shares that have been recognised; and
 – other non-discretionary changes in revenue or expenses during the period that would result from dilution of potential 

ordinary shares; 

 – divided by the weighted average number of shares and dilutive shares, adjusted for any bonus element.

At 30 June 2020, 17,302,007 performance rights (2019: 15,601,589) were on issue as detailed in Note 30. Upon meeting certain 
performance conditions over the three-year performance period, the vesting of each right will result in the issue of 1 ordinary 
share. The performance shares are contingently issuable and are therefore not considered dilutive.

The following reflects the income and share data used in the basic earnings per share computation:

(a) Earnings used in calculating earnings per share

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

For basic and diluted earnings per share

Total net loss attributable to equity holders of the Parent

(11,542)

(36,098)

(b) Weighted average number of shares

2020 
’000

2019 
’000

Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding

235,709 

194,897 

Effect of dilution:

 Performance rights1

Weighted average number of ordinary shares

–

– 

235,709

194,897 

1 

 Performance rights granted under the Long Term Incentive Plan are only included in diluted earnings per ordinary share where the performance hurdles 
are met as at year end and they do not have an anti-dilutive effect. As at 30 June 2020, there were 17,302,007 performance rights on issue that were not 
included in diluted earnings per share as they were either contingently issuable or were anti-dilutive potential ordinary shares. Details of contingently 
issuable shares related to deferred and variable deferred consideration that were not included in the diluted earnings per share as they were either 
contingently issuable or were anti-dilutive potential ordinary shares are detailed in Note 31. 

73

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
 
Note 8:  Earnings per share (continued) 
The weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding includes:

i.  The bonus element arising from an institutional offer during the period reflecting the pricing of the offer at a discount to 

the market value. All periods prior to the institutional offer have been restated to reflect the impact of the bonus element 
using a bonus adjustment factor of 1.03.

ii.  The bonus element arising from a retail offer during the period reflecting the pricing of the offer at a discount to the market 
value. All periods prior to the retail offer have been restated to reflect the impact of the bonus element using a bonus 
adjustment factor of 1.01.

There have been no transactions involving ordinary shares or potential ordinary shares that would significantly change the number 
of ordinary shares outstanding between the reporting date and the date of completion of these financial statements.

Note 9:  Dividends paid and proposed by Omni Bridgeway Limited (the parent entity)

(a)  Cash dividends on ordinary shares declared and paid

Final dividend for 2019: nil cents per share (2018: nil cents per share)

Interim dividend for 2020: 3.0 cents per share (2019: nil cents per share)

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

– 

7,482

7,482

2019 
$’000

–

–

–

On 24 August 2020, the Directors declared a final fully franked dividend of 4.0 cents per share for the 2020 financial year, totalling 
$9,995,000. The record date for this dividend is 2 September 2020 and the payment date will be 25 September 2020. Shareholders 
are able to elect to participate in the dividend reinvestment plan in relation to this dividend.

On 20 February 2020 the Directors declared a fully franked interim dividend of 3.0 cents per share totalling $7,482,000. The 
record date for this dividend was 27 February 2020 and the payment date was 20 March 2020. Shareholders were able to elect 
to participate in the dividend reinvestment plan in relation to this dividend.

(b) Franking credit balance

The amount of franking credits for the subsequent financial year are:

– Franking account balance as at the end of the previous financial year at 30%

– Franking debits arising from the payment of current year’s interim dividend

–  Franking credits arising from the payment of income tax instalments paid during the 

financial year

–  Franking debits arising from the income tax refund received during the financial year

(c)  Tax rates
The tax rate at which paid dividends have been franked is 30% (2019: 30%).

Omni Bridgeway Limited

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

14,766 

(3,207)

 – 

(1,309)

10,250 

19,056 

 – 

1,644 

(5,934)

14,766 

74

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Note 10: Statement of cash flows reconciliation

Reconciliation of net profit after tax to net cash flows used in operations:

Net gain/(loss) after tax

Adjustments for:

  Fair value adjustments to financial liabilities

  Net impact of the reclassification of litigation intangibles related cashflows to investing 

activities

 Receipts of reimbursement of fund establishment costs 

 Fund establishment costs in net loss after tax

 Amortisation of claims portfolio

 Amortisation of contract costs

 Depreciation

 Share based payments

 Unrealised foreign exchange gain

 Lease incentive adjustments

Changes in assets and liabilities

 (Increase)/decrease in receivables

 Increase in other current assets

 Increase in other liabilities

 Increase in lease liabilities

 Increase in intangibles

 Increase in trade creditors and accruals

 (Decrease)/Increase in provisions

 Increase in deferred tax assets and liabilities

 Increase in current income tax payable 

 Net cash used in operating activities

Disclosure of financing facilities
Refer to Note 16 and Note 17.

Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities
Refer to Note 17 and Note 26.

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

17,599

(36,148)

(33,225)

–

13,364

73,672

(736)

–

14,520

939

2,912

9,084

(17,843)

(289)

(117,864)

(3,123)

122,938

5,684

(1,117)

1,461 

 – 

 – 

676 

6,952 

(3,535)

209 

1,393 

(490)

 – 

 – 

(90,253)

(105,709)

52

(24)

14,648

10,673

5,945 

691 

14,865 

4,339 

(50,944)

(36,796)

75

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
 
B. INVESTMENTS AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Note 11:  Claims portfolio
The claims portfolio assets consist of the capitalised costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer. These contracts 
with customers comprise the litigation funding enforcement investment contracts and certain merits-based funding contracts.

Costs incurred to obtain a contract are only capitalised to the investment when it is expected that a contract will be executed, and 
where those costs will be recoverable. The Group recognises an asset for costs incurred to fulfill a contract if those costs relate 
directly to the contract, the costs generate or enhance resources of the Group to satisfy performance obligations in the future and 
the costs are expected to be recovered. All capitalised contract costs are amortised to the profit and loss on a systematic basis 
that follows delivery of performance obligations to the customer. The satisfaction of performance obligations on the contracts 
are aligned with each individual dollar of recovery to the customer.

The carrying value of the claims portfolio is measured at cost less amortisation and any impairment loss. At each reporting date 
an assessment is made on an individual investment by investment basis to determine if the carrying amount of a contract exceeds 
its recoverable amount. In order to determine the recoverable amount a cashflow model is used which includes forecast revenues 
and expenses, together with an estimate of directly attributable overheads to complete the contract. If the carrying value exceeds 
the recoverable amount the difference is recognised as an impairment expense in the profit or loss.

Acquisition through business combination1

Additions to claims portfolio investments 

Amortisation of claims portfolio2

Foreign currency adjustment

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

98,330

8,123

(14,520)

1,747

93,680

–

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

1 

2 

 Included in the cost of claims portfolio acquired in a business combination was $74.180 million of fair value adjustments booked as part of the accounting 
for the acquisition of OBE. Refer to Note 31 for further information.

 Amortisation of claims portfolio represents the amortisation of the capitalised contract costs due to successful closing of claims. It includes $8.540 million 
of fair value adjustments that originally arose from business combination.

Note 12: Purchased claims 
Purchased claims are litigation assets requiring enforcement which have been acquired by the Group. They are classified as 
purchased credit-impaired financial assets which are initially recognised at fair value.

The credit-adjusted effective interest rate on these financial assets is calculated taking into account the initial lifetime expected 
credit loss in the estimated cash flows. In determining the lifetime expected credit losses for these financial assets, the Group has 
taken into account the financial position of the counterparties, the legal environment in which the enforcement occurs, historical 
default experience and considering various external sources of actual and forecast information, as appropriate.

Purchased claims are subsequently measured at amortised cost by applying the credit-adjusted effective interest rate. The Group 
recognises –

i. 

ii. 

Interest income through the application of the credit-adjusted effective interest rate to the amortised cost of the purchased 
claims; and

Impairment losses and gains, when material, due to the changes in estimated lifetime expected credit losses. At each 
reporting period the Group reviews the estimated cash flows from purchased claims on an investment by investment 
basis, estimating the expected recovery, its timing and any other cashflows that may be attributable to the counterparties. 
The net present value of the cashflows are then determined using the credit-adjusted effective interest rate and the value 
compared to the carrying value. Where there is a material gain, this gain is recognised by adjusting the gross carrying 
amount of the receivable. Where there is a material loss, it is recognised as a loss allowance account.

76

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020 
Note 12: Purchased claims (continued)

Acquisition through business combination1

Interests recognized using the effective tax rate method

Additions to Purchased claims

Purchased claims expenses2

Foreign currency adjustment

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

12,028

757

9,830

(5,815)

219

17,019

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

At 30 June 2020 the fair value of the purchased claims amounted to $17.019 million and a gross contractual amount of $173.343 million.

1 

2 

 Purchased claims were acquired through the business combination. Refer to Note 31 for further information.

Included in the purchased claims expense was $5.595 million of fair value adjustments that originally arose from business combination.

Net Gain on disposal of Purchased claims

Proceeds from purchased claims disposed

Carrying value of purchased claims disposed1

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

9,663 

(5,815)

3,848

 – 

 – 

 – 

1 

Included in the carrying value of purchased claims disposed of was $5.595 million of fair value adjustments that originally arose from business combination.

Note 13:  Intangible assets – litigation contracts in progress

(a) Recognition and measurement

Litigation Contracts in Progress 
Litigation Contracts in Progress are recognised as an intangible asset in the financial statements of the Group as they represent 
future economic benefits controlled by the Group. The Group is able to control the expected future economic benefit as the 
Litigation Contracts in Progress may be exchanged or sold. The litigation funding contract does not give rise to an unconditional 
right to receive cash. Rather, it provides the Group with a right to a share of litigation proceeds which may be in the form of cash 
or other non-financial assets. 

The Group’s litigation contracts are not considered contracts with customers as they are collaborative arrangements and there 
is no vendor-customer relationship established in the contract. 

Litigation Contracts in Progress are measured at cost on initial recognition. Litigation Contracts in Progress are not amortised as 
the assets are not available for use until the determination of a successful judgment or settlement, at which point the assets are 
realised through disposal.

Gains or losses arising from derecognition of Litigation Contracts in Progress are measured as the difference between the net 
disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and are recognised in the profit or loss when the asset is derecognised.

The following specific asset recognition and derecognition rules have been applied to Litigation Contracts in Progress:

77

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
Note 13:  Intangible assets – litigation contracts in progress (continued)

(i) Actions still ongoing:
When litigation is ongoing and pending a determination, Litigation Contracts in Progress are carried at cost (subject to any 
provision for impairment). Subsequent and ongoing expenditure is capitalised when it meets all the following criteria:

(a)   the Group is able to demonstrate its ability to complete the litigation so that the asset will be available for use and the benefits 

embodied in the asset will be realised;

(b)  the Group retains control of the asset; 

(c)  the Group can demonstrate that it intends to complete the litigation;

(d)   the Group is able demonstrate the availability of adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the litigation; 

and

(e)   the Group can measure reliably the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during the life of the Litigation Contracts 

In Progress.

Impairment is considered in line with policy described in (c) Impairment testing of intangible assets, below.

(ii) Successful completion:
Where the litigation has been finally determined in favour of the client or a positive settlement has been agreed, such that there 
is not considered to be a significant risk of reversal, this constitutes a disposal transaction and a gain or loss on disposal of the 
intangible asset is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive income. Control of the intangible asset is considered to be 
transferred as follows:

 – For judgments, typically after a judgment has been determined in favour of the Group and the relevant appeal periods have 

expired; and

 – For settlements, typically when settlement agreement is reached and if relevant, court approval is obtained.

(iii) Unsuccessful completion:
Where the litigation is unsuccessful at trial, this is an indication for impairment consideration. If there is a successful appeal 
decision, this is an indication for reassessment of the impairment. If there is no appeal or the appeal is subsequently lost the 
asset is written off.

If the claimant, having been unsuccessful at trial, appeals against the judgment, then the future costs incurred by the Group 
on the investment in relation to the appeal are expensed as incurred.

(b) Reconciliation of carrying amounts 

Balance at 1 July

Additions through business combination

Additions - external funding costs

Additions - capitalised borrowing costs

Additions - capitalised employee costs

Additions - capitalised overheads

Derecognitions - external expenditure (successful investment)

Derecognitions - capitalised borrowing costs and overheads (successful investment)

Derecognitions - external expenditure (unsuccessful investment)

Derecognitions - capitalised borrowing costs and overheads (unsuccessful investment)

Provision for impairment

Effect of movement in foreign currency

Balance at 30 June

78

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

426,977

53,435

177,578

10,385

10,424

465

(124,297)

(10,096)

(14,501)

(2,146)

(17,229)

6,235

321,268 

–

125,634 

10,127 

7,274 

1,239 

(18,503)

(3,929)

(15,197)

(1,639)

(9,571)

10,274 

517,230

426,977 

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Note 13:  Intangible assets – litigation contracts in progress (continued)
The carrying value of Litigation Contracts In Progress includes external costs such as solicitors’ fees, counsels’ fees and experts’ 
fees funded by the Group, the capitalisation of certain directly attributable internal costs of managing the litigation funding 
investment, such as certain wages, occupancy costs, other out of pocket expenses and the capitalisation of borrowing costs as 
described below. The capitalised wages in 2020 equated to approximately 22.6% of the Group’s total salary costs (2019: 22.6%). 
The other internal capitalised expenses equated to approximately 46.3% of related overhead costs (2019: 49.8%).

The Group has determined that Litigation Funding Contracts In Progress meet the definition of qualifying assets and that all 
borrowing costs are eligible for capitalisation. The weighted average cost of borrowing was 7.9% (2019: 7.6%).

The carrying value of Litigation Contracts In Progress can be summarised as follows:

External costs funded by the Group

Capitalised internal costs

Capitalised borrowing costs

Gross carrying amount at cost

Accumulated impairment

Balance at 30 June

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

473,170

376,285 

39,000

33,060

33,078 

27,185 

545,230

436,548 

(28,000)

517,230

(9,571)

426,977 

(c) Impairment testing of intangible assets
Based on the below assumptions, the recoverable amount of each of the Litigation Contracts in Progress is determined based on 
a value in use calculation using cash flow projections based on financial budgets approved by management for the expected length 
of each investment.

The following describes each key assumption on which management has based its cash flow projections when determining the 
value in use of Litigation Contracts in Progress:

 – The estimated cost to complete a Litigation Contract in Progress is budgeted based on estimates provided by the external legal 

advisors handling the litigation.

 – The value to the Group of the Litigation Contracts in Progress, once completed, is estimated based on the successful 

conclusion and the resulting expected settlement or judgment amount of the litigation and the fees due to the Group under 
the litigation funding contract.

 – The discount rate applied to the cash flow projections is based on the Group’s weighted average cost of capital and other 
factors relevant to the particular Litigation Contracts in Progress including country risk. The discount rate applied ranged 
between 8.5% and 10% (2019: between 10.0% and 11.5%).

At 30 June 2020, a provision for impairment has been recognised for $28,000,000 (2019: 9,571,000). The impairment related to 
twenty-six litigation contract funding investments, with a combined total carrying value prior to impairment of $40,232,000. During 
the impairment review, management have determined that either a successful outcome for the case was no longer likely to occur 
or that the likely award would not recover the current carrying value of the investment. The discount rate used in the impairment 
assessment of these assets was 8.5%. After taking into account the impairment, at 30 June 2020, the fifteen litigation contract 
investments have a combined carrying value of $12,232,000. This amount reflects the net recoverable amount expected to be 
received from the investments.

79

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Note 14: Goodwill
Goodwill is initially measured at cost (being the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the amount 
recognised for non-controlling interests and any previous interest held over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired 
and liabilities assumed). Goodwill is subsequently measured at cost less any impairment. 

Goodwill arose on the acquisition of Omni Bridgeway Holding B.V. and its subsidiaries (collectively known as the OBE Group) 
accounted for as a business combination. For impairment purposes, Goodwill has been solely allocated to the OBE Group. 
As at reporting date the goodwill generated has been accounted for provisionally. Refer to Note 31 for further information.

The Group performs its annual impairment test on the goodwill associated with the OBE Group at 30 June each year. 

The impairment test performed on the OBE Group goodwill is done via a value-in-use calculation using the following inputs –

i.  Cashflows generated over a 5 year period from the OBE Group’s annual budget. The annual budget includes an estimation 
for all cashflows from operations of the OBE Group, including returns from investments and payments of overheads. 
The budget cashflows are sensitive to the timing and amount of investment completions. The investment completions 
refer to income earned from claims portfolio, purchased claims and intangible assets – litigation contracts in progress. 
The timing of completion and amount of investment income are based on the relevant investment manager’s best 
estimates during the Group’s annual budget process and are reviewed internally by management. The cashflows from 
investment completions have a compound annual growth rate of 25.3% over the cash flow period. This is reflective 
of the management’s estimate of the OBE Group’s expected future growth in business activity.

ii.  Discount rate of 12%. The discount rate represents the current assessment of the risks specific to OBE Group CGU, 
taking into consideration the time value of money and individual risks of the underlying OBE Group investment that 
have not been incorporated in the cash flow estimates. The discount rate was arrived using the OBL’s weighted average 
cost of capital (“WACC”) as a starting base.

iii.  No reasonably possible change in key assumption would result in the carrying amount of the CGU exceeding its 

recoverable amount.

Balance at 1 July

Provisional goodwill recognised on acquisition

Foreign currency adjustment

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

–

101,342

1,730

103,072

2019 
$’000

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

80

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020C. CAPITAL STRUCTURE

Note 15:  Financial risk management
The Group’s principal financial instruments comprise cash and short-term deposits, purchased claims, receivables, payables, debt 
securities (bonds and fixed rate notes), lease liabilities, deferred consideration and variable deferred consideration.

The Group manages its exposure to key financial risks, including interest rate risk and currency risk in accordance with the Group’s 
financial risk management policy. The objective of the policy is to support the delivery of the Group’s financial targets whilst 
protecting its future financial security.

The main risks arising from the Group’s financial instruments are interest rate risk, foreign currency risk, credit risk and liquidity 
risk. The Group uses different methods to measure and manage different types of risks to which it is exposed. These include 
monitoring levels of exposure to interest rates and currencies and assessments of market forecasts for interest rates and foreign 
currencies. Aging analyses and monitoring of specific credit allowances are undertaken to manage credit risk. Liquidity risk is 
monitored through the development of future rolling cash flow forecasts.

Risk exposures and responses

Interest rate risk
The Group’s exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates relates primarily to: 

 – the Group’s cash holdings with a floating interest rate; and
 – the Group has a $76,000,000 variable rate bond debt outstanding as at 30 June 2020. These Omni Bridgeway Bonds require 
that the Group make a quarterly coupon payment based on the Bank Bill Rate plus a fixed margin of 4.20% per annum.

At reporting date the Group had the following financial instruments exposed mainly to variable interest rate risk:

Financial instruments

Cash and cash equivalents

Omni Bridgeway Bonds

Net exposure

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

194,384

(73,942)

120,442

226,460 

(72,517)

153,943 

The Group regularly analyses its interest rate exposure. Within this analysis, consideration is given to expected interest rate 
movements and the Group’s future cash requirements, potential renewals of existing positions, alternative financing available, 
and the mix of fixed and variable interest rates. 

The following sensitivity analysis is based on the interest rate risk exposures in existence at the reporting date.

At 30 June 2020, if interest rates had moved with all other variables held constant, post-tax profit and equity would have been 
affected as follows: 

+0.25% (25 basis points) (2019: +0.25%)

-0.25% (25 basis points) (2019: -0.25%)

Post Tax Profit
Higher/(Lower)

Equity
Higher/(Lower)

2020
$’000

211

(211)

2019
$’000

269

(269)

2020
$’000

211

(211)

2019
$’000

269 

(269)

81

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
Note 15:  Financial risk management (continued)

Credit risk
Credit risk arises from the financial assets of the Group, which comprises cash and cash equivalents, purchased claims 
and receivables from litigation contracts and other. The Group’s exposure to credit risk arises from potential default of the 
counterparty, with a maximum exposure equal to the carrying amount of these instruments. Exposure at reporting date is 
addressed in each applicable note. Apart from ratings on cash held and litigation contract receivables, as detailed below, the 
remainder of the Group’s receivables typically do not carry and credit risk rating from a ratings agency.

To mitigate credit risk on litigation contract receivables the Group assesses the defendants in the investments funded by the 
Group prior to entering into any agreement to provide funding and continues this assessment during the course of funding. 
Wherever possible, the Group ensures that security for settlement sums is provided, usually with the settlement funds placed into 
solicitors’ trust accounts. As at 30 June 2020 there are no funds within solicitor’s trust accounts relating to receivables. The Group’s 
continual monitoring of the defendants’ financial capacity mitigates this risk. As at 30 June 2020 there were $78.204 million of 
litigation contract receivables that were due to be paid by the AAA rated government (30 June 2019 $nil).

To mitigate credit risk on purchased claims, the Group assesses the defendants in the investments funded by the Group prior 
to purchasing the claim. The Group’s continual monitoring of the defendants’ financial capacity mitigates this risk.

To mitigate credit risk on cash and cash equivalents, the Group holds over 95% of its cash with Australian and American AA 
rated banks.

Refer to each financial asset’s respective note for information on how impairment and credit loss is determined.

Liquidity risk
The liquidity position of the Group is managed to ensure sufficient liquid funds are available to meet the Group’s expected financial 
commitments in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Management continually reviews the Group’s liquidity position, including the preparation of cash flow forecasts, to determine 
the forecast liquidity position and to maintain appropriate liquidity levels. All financial liabilities of the Group, except the 
Omni Bridgeway Bonds, Fixed Rate Notes, consideration liabilities and non-current lease liabilities, are current and payable 
within 30 days.

The maturity profile of the Group’s financial liabilities based on contractual maturity on an undiscounted basis are:

< 6 months
$’000

6-12 months
$’000

1-5 years
$’000

>5 years
$’000

Total
$’000

2020

Financial Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Bonds and Notes – principal

Bonds and Notes – interest

Lease liabilities

Deferred and variable deferred consideration1

2019

Financial Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Bonds and Notes – principal

Bonds and Notes – interest

24,044 

 – 

3,668 

1,356 

42,786

71,854

23,992 

 – 

4,720 

28,712 

 – 

 – 

3,668 

1,356 

–

 – 

76,000 

22,059 

2,795 

76,030

 – 

24,044 

72,000 

148,000 

2,140 

666 

–

5,024

176,884

74,806

 – 

72,000 

4,720 

76,720 

 – 

76,000 

8,223 

84,223 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

31,535 

6,173 

118,816

328,568

23,992 

148,000 

17,663 

189,655 

1  Deferred and variable deferred consideration is expected to be satisfied by issuing shares of the Company.

82

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 15:  Financial risk management (continued)

Equity price risk
The fair value of the deferred and variable deferred consideration for the acquisition of the OBE Group (refer to Note 27 and 31) 
is exposed to changes in the Company’s share price. There is no hedging or policies in place to mitigate the changes in share price. 
Refer to Fair Value section of Note 15 for sensitivity analysis of this risk.

Fair value
The methods for estimating fair value are outlined in the relevant notes to the financial statements. The carrying amounts of 
financial assets and liabilities of the Group carried at amortised cost approximate their fair values, except for the Omni Bridgeway 
Bonds and Fixed Rate Notes. The Omni Bridgeway Bonds fair value has been determined using the quoted market price at 30 June 
2020, as quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange, and the Fixed Rate Notes fair value has been determined using the price 
from FIIG, an independent privately-owned corporate bonds and government bonds specialist.

For the purposes of disclosure, the fair value measurements used for the Bonds are level 1 on the fair value hierarchy and the 
Notes level 2. Level 3 inputs were used for all other assets and liabilities below to determine that the carrying value approximates 
fair value.

Financial assets

Receivables from litigation contracts and other

134,730 

16,866 

134,730 

16,866 

Carrying Value

Fair Value

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

Purchased claims

Other assets/security deposits

Financial liabilities

Trade and other payables

Debt securities

Deferred consideration

Variable deferred consideration

Variable consideration – Purchased claims

17,019 

17,396 

169,145 

 – 

11,212 

28,078 

17,019 

17,396 

169,145 

 – 

11,212 

28,078 

24,044 

23,992 

24,044 

23,992 

143,784 

143,972 

144,947 

150,950 

42,786

76,030

4,884

–

–

–

42,786

76,030

4,884

 – 

 – 

 – 

291,528

167,964

292,691

174,942 

83

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Note 15:  Financial risk management (continued)

Description of significant inputs to valuation of deferred and variable deferred consideration
The significant inputs used in the fair value measurements of deferred and variable deferred consideration, categorised within 
Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, together with a quantitative sensitivity analysis as at 30 June 2020 are shown below:

Item

Variable deferred 
consideration

Valuation 
technique

Black Scholes  
Option Pricing 
Model

Significant  
unobservable 
inputs

Exercise price

Volatility

Range  
(weighted average)

Theoretical exercise 
price based on the 
floor price of $3.407

55% at 8 November 
2019 and 45% at 
30 June 2020

Underlying 
share price

$3.40 at 8 November 
2019 and $4.77 at 
30 June 2020

Dividend yield

4%

Risk free rate

0.98% at 8 November 
2019 
0.41% at 30 June 2020

Discount 
for non-
performance

2020: 3.25% 
2019: –

Sensitivity of the input to fair value

At 8 November 2019:  
An absolute 5% increase in the volatility would 
result in a $1,117,000 increase in the value of 
the liability. An absolute 5% decrease in the 
volatility would result in a $1,151,000 decrease 
in the value of the liability.

At 30 June 2020:  
An absolute 5% increase in the volatility would 
result in a $1,293,000 increase in the value of 
the liability. An absolute 5% decrease in the 
volatility would result in a $1,285,000 decrease 
in the value of the liability.

At 30 June 2020:  
A relative 5% increase in the share price would 
result in a $2,755,000 increase in the value of 
the liability. A relative 5% decrease in the share 
price would result in a $2,699,000 decrease in 
the value of the liability.

An absolute 3% increase in the discount 
for non-performance would result in a 
decrease in the value the variable deferred 
consideration liability of $2,044,000.

An absolute 3% decrease in the discount 
for non-performance would result in an 
increase in the value the variable deferred 
consideration liability of $2,044,000.

FX forward rate  
(AUD/EUR)

At 8 November 2019: 
8-Nov-20: 1.630 
8-Nov-21: 1.657 
8-Nov-22: 1.685 
8-Nov-23: 1.715 
8-Nov-24: 1.747 

At 8 November 2019:  
A relative 5% increase in the forward exchange 
rates would result in a $3,304,000 increase 
the value of the liability. A relative 5% decrease 
in the forward exchange rate would result 
in a $3,295,000 decrease in the value of 
the liability.

At 30 June 2020: 
8-Nov-20: 1.632 
8-Nov-21: 1.648 
8-Nov-22: 1.668 
8-Nov-23: 1.689 
8-Nov-24: 1.714

At 30 June 2020: A relative 5% increase in 
the forward exchange rate would result in 
a$3,776,000 increase the value of the liability. 
A 5% decrease in the forward exchange rate 
would result in a $3,781,000 decrease in the 
value of the liability.

84

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 15:  Financial risk management (continued)

Item

Deferred 
consideration

Valuation 
technique

Black Scholes  
Option Pricing 
Model

Significant  
unobservable 
inputs

Exercise price

Volatility

Range  
(weighted average)

Theoretical exercise 
price based on the 
floor price of $3.407

55% at 8 November 
2019 and 45% at 
30 June 2020

Underlying 
share price

$3.40 at 8 November 
2019 and $4.77 at 
30 June 2020

Dividend yield

4%

Sensitivity of the input to fair value

At 8 November 2019:  
An absolute 5% increase in the volatility would 
result in a $430,000 increase in the value of 
the liability. An absolute 5% decrease in the 
volatility would result in a $440,000 decrease 
in the value of the liability.

At 30 June 2020:  
An absolute 5% increase in the volatility would 
result in a $571,000 increase in the value of 
the liability. An absolute 5% decrease in the 
volatility would result in a $553,000 decrease 
in the value of the liability.

At 30 June 2020:  
A relative 5% increase in the share price would 
result in a $1,683,000 increase in the value of 
the liability. A relative 5% decrease in the share 
price would result in a $1,630,000 decrease in 
the value of the liability. 

Risk free rate

FX forward rate  
(AUD/EUR)

0.98% at 8 November 
2019 
0.41% at 30 June 2020

At 8 November 2019: 
8-Nov-20: 1.630 
8-Nov-21: 1.657 
8-Nov-22: 1.685 
8-Nov-23: 1.715 
8-Nov-24: 1.747 

At 30 June 2020: 
8-Nov-20: 1.632 
8-Nov-21: 1.648 
8-Nov-22: 1.668 
8-Nov-23: 1.689 
8-Nov-24: 1.714

At 8 November 2019: 
A relative 5% increase in the forward exchange 
rates would result in a $1,984,000 increase 
the value of the liability. A relative 5% decrease 
in the forward exchange rate would result 
in a $1,983,000 decrease in the value of 
the liability.

At 30 June 2020: 
A relative 5% increase in the forward exchange 
rate would result in a $3,378,000 increase 
the value of the liability. A 5% decrease in 
the forward exchange rate would result 
in a $3,382,000 decrease in the value of 
the liability. 

For reconciliation of fair value measurement of financial liabilities classified as financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit and loss, refer to 
Note 27. 

85

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Note 15:  Financial risk management (continued)

Foreign currency risk 
The Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures, primarily 
with respect to the US dollar. Foreign exchange risk arises from commercial transactions and recognised assets and liabilities 
denominated in a currency that is not the functional currency in which they are measured. The risk is monitored using sensitivity 
analysis and cash flow forecasting. The Group is also exposed to foreign exchange translation risk arising from its foreign 
operations. The Group’s investments in its subsidiaries are not hedged as those currency positions are considered to be long 
term in nature. In addition, the parent entity has intercompany receivables from its subsidiaries denominated in Australian 
Dollars which are eliminated on consolidation. The gains or losses on re-measurement of these intercompany receivables from 
foreign currencies to Australian Dollars are not eliminated on consolidation as the loans are not considered to be part of the 
net investment in the subsidiary.

The Group’s exposures to foreign currency risk at 30 June was as follows:

2020

AUD
$’000

USD
$’000

GBP
£’000

EUR 
€’000

SGD
$’000

CAD
$’000

HKD
$’000

CHF
₣’000

AED
$’000

JPY
¥’000

Financial Assets

Cash and cash 
equivalents

Receivables from 
litigation contracts 
and other1

Total assets

Financial Liabilities

Trade Payables

Deferred and 
variable deferred 
consideration 
liabilities

Total liabilities

–

–

–

–

26,821 

81 

2,573 

813 

1,225 

10,434 

89 

567 

21,219 

1,973 

1,700 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

64 

 – 

48,040 

2,054 

4,273 

813 

1,225 

10,434 

89 

567 

64 

18 

 – 

349 

1,125 

(1)

 – 

307 

 – 

 – 

118,816

118,816

 –

18 

–

 – 

–

–

349 

1,125 

–

(1)

–

 – 

–

307 

–

 – 

–

 – 

2019

AUD
$’000

USD
$’000

GBP
£’000

EUR
€’000

SGD
$’000

CAD
$’000

HKD
$’000

CHF
₣’000

AED
$’000

JPY
¥’000

Financial Assets

Cash and cash 
equivalents

Receivables from 
litigation contracts 
and other1

Total assets

Financial Liabilities

Trade Payables

Total liabilities

–

–

–

–

–

18,172 

11 

522 

76 

1,241 

11,321 

26,290 

895 

 – 

2,417 

6,321 

 – 

44,462 

906 

522 

2,493 

7,562 

11,321 

49 

49 

 – 

 – 

18 

18 

11 

11 

114 

114 

1 

1 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

1 

 The receivables from litigation contracts and other balance includes the intercompany loan receivable that Omni Bridgeway Limited has with Omni 
Bridgeway Holdings (USA) Inc (formerly Bentham Holdings Inc) (USD), Omni Bridgeway Capital (Canada) Limited (formerly Bentham IMF Capital Limited) 
(CAD) and Omni Bridgeway (Singapore) Pte Limited (formerly IMF Bentham Pte Limited) (SGD).

The Group’s exposure to foreign currency risk on cash and cash equivalents primarily relates to foreign cash holdings within the 
parent entity. The USD foreign currency risk for receivables is predominately due to the Group’s Euro denominated subsidiaries which 
have USD receivables. The AUD foreign currency risk for deferred and variable deferred consideration is due to Omni Bridgeway 
(Storm) Holdings BV’s acquisition of the OBE Group and its requirement to deliver AUD denominated shares in the Company.

86

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 15:  Financial risk management (continued)

Sensitivity
The following table summarises the sensitivity of financial instruments held at balance date to movement in the exchange rate 
of the subsidiary’s functional currency to the listed currencies, with all other variables held constant. The sensitivity is based on 
management’s estimate of reasonably possible changes over the financial year.

AUD

USD

GBP

EUR

SGD

CAD

HKD

CHF

AED

JPY

Impact on profit or loss before tax ($’000)

2020

 +10%

14,308 

(7,006)

 -10% (14,326)

7,006 

(368)

368 

(700)

700 

(85)

85 

20191

 +10%

 -10%

–

–

(6,327)

6,327 

(164)

164 

(85)

85 

(263)

263 

1 

2019 sensitivity has been updated to correct the disclosure.

(131)

131 

(811)

811 

(196)

196 

 – 

 – 

33 

(33)

 – 

 – 

(23)

23 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

Note 16: Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents in the Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Cash Flows comprise cash at bank and on hand, 
and short-term deposits with an original maturity of three months or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash on 
hand and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.

Cash and cash equivalents comprise the following at 30 June:

Cash at bank

Short-term deposits

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

101,037 

93,347

94,446 

132,014 

194,384 

226,460 

Cash at bank earns interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents 
represent fair value. Of the cash at bank, $1,089,000 is restricted as it is held within Stichting vehicles on behalf of customers. The 
Stichting vehicles were founded as separate, independent foundations to ensure the cash flows related to the claims were secured.

Short-term deposits are made for varying periods depending on the immediate cash requirements of the Group. As at 30 June 
2020, all short-term deposits are due to mature in less than 90 days from inception and earn interest at the respective short-term 
deposit rates.

Bank Guarantees
Bank guarantees have been issued by the Group’s bankers as security for leases over premises, banking facilities and as security 
for adverse costs orders for investments funded under litigation contracts. As at 30 June 2020, guarantees of $1,204,000 were 
outstanding (2019: $1,138,000). The Group has a total guarantee facility limit of $1,474,000 (2019: $1,462,000) that is secured by 
an offset arrangement with deposits of $1,674,000 (2019: $1,662,000).

87

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Note 17:  Debt securities
All loans and borrowings are initially recognised at fair value less directly attributable transaction costs.

After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective 
interest method.

The borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability 
for at least 12 months after the balance date.

Current

Omni Bridgeway Bonds

Fixed Rate Notes

Non-Current

Omni Bridgeway Bonds

Fixed Rate Notes

Cash and non-cash movements in debt securities are shown below:

Balance 1 July

Proceeds from issue of debt

Repayment of debt

Payments for costs of issuing debt

Gain on debt modification

Amortisation of costs of issuing debt

Balance 30 June

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

 – 

–

–

–

71,455 

71,455

73,942 

69,842 

72,517 

–

143,784 

72,517 

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

143,972 

34,284

(34,284)

(2,183)

 – 

1,995 

120,462 

26,000 

–

(3,016)

(700)

1,226 

143,784 

143,972 

There are 760,000 Bonds on issue with a face value of $100 each. The Omni Bridgeway Bonds have a variable rate of interest based 
on the Bank Bill rate plus a fixed margin of 4.20% per annum, paid quarterly. The maturity date is 22 December 2022, with a first 
issuer call date of 8 January 2022 with an increase in the margin of 1.0% applying from 1 January 2022 to the maturity date.

On 20 December 2019, the Company refinanced its Fixed Rate Notes by early redemption of the existing notes by payment of 101% 
of the outstanding principle and accrued interest to the date of redemption. Of the notes on issue, 34,284 notes were redeemed 
and new notes issued to new noteholders and 37,716 notes were exchanged for new notes. The interest rate payable to new 
Noteholders is 5.65% per annum payable quarterly. The Fixed Rate Notes are due to mature on 8 January 2026 and are secured 
by a security interest over all present and after-acquired property of the Group. OBL has the discretion to redeem the Notes prior 
to the maturity date on 8 January in each year between 2022 and 2024 (inclusive), and again on 8 July 2025. To the extent OBL 
exercises its early redemption right it will pay a redemption premium of between zero and 2%.

The application of AASB 123 Borrowing Costs (revised 2007) has resulted in the capitalisation of $10,385,000 (2019: $10,127,000) 
during the current financial year as part of the Litigation Contracts in Progress intangible assets which are deemed to be qualifying 
assets post the application date of AASB 123 (revised) on 1 July 2009 (refer to Note 13). 

88

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Note 17:  Debt Securities (continued)
In relation to the debt securities held by the Group, there were no breaches in covenants. The following ratios are applicable to the 
Group for the financial year: 

Gearing ratio1 

Working capital ratio2 

Interest cover3

Consolidated

2020

46%

3.67

N/A

2019

38%

2.22

N/A

1 

2 

3 

 The gearing ratio is calculated as total liabilities over total equity in accordance with CO 14/1276. It is categorised as non-IFRS information prepared in 
accordance with ASIC Regulatory Guidance 230 – Disclosing non-IFRS financial information, issued in December 2011. 

 The working capital ratio is calculated as current assets over current liabilities in accordance with CO 14/1276. It is categorised as non-IFRS information 
prepared in accordance with ASIC Regulatory Guidance 230 – Disclosing non-IFRS financial information, issued in December 2011.

 The interest cover ratio is calculated as EBITDA over net interest expense in accordance with CO 14/1276. It is not applicable as interest is capitalised on 
qualifying assets.

In accordance with clause 4.3(a)(ii)(C) of Schedule 2 of the OBL Bond Trust Deed, no wholly owned subsidiary held cash on 
its balance sheet in an amount which at any time exceeds the subsidiary cash limit at that time for a period of more than 30 
consecutive calendar days, unless the relevant wholly owned subsidiary has provided an unconditional guarantee of all amounts 
owing on the bonds then outstanding in favour of the Trustee.

Note 18: Contributed equity
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Issued and paid up capital is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received by 
the Company. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net 
of tax, from the proceeds.

Contributed equity

Issued and fully paid ordinary shares

(a) Ordinary shares
Fully paid ordinary shares carry one vote per share and the right to dividends.

Movement in ordinary shares

At 1 July 2018

Shares issued during the year (Placement and Share Purchase Plan)

Shares issued upon exercise of performance rights

At 30 June 2019

Shares issued during the year (Entitlement offer and Placement)

Shares issued upon exercise of performance rights

Shares issued under the Dividend Reinvestment Plan

At 30 June 2020

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

347,630 

205,558 

Number  
‘000

$’000

173,863 

127,630 

27,180 

3,566 

204,609 

40,571 

4,231 

454 

75,339 

2,589 

205,558 

134,212 

6,021 

1,839 

249,865

347,630 

On 23 October 2019, the Company issued 23,939,201 shares to institutional investors as a 1 to 5.8 accelerated non-renounceable 
rights entitlement offer at $3.40 per share and 5,291,608 shares under a placement to institutional investors at $3.50 per share. 
On 5 November 2019, the Company issued 11,340,259 shares under the retail portion of the entitlement offer at $3.40 per share.

89

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
 
Note 18: Contributed equity (continued)

(b) Performance rights
As at 30 June 2020, there were 17,302,007 unissued ordinary shares in respect of which share performance rights were 
outstanding (30 June 2019: 15,601,589).

(c) Capital management
Capital includes bonds, notes, lease liabilities and equity attributable to the equity holders of the Parent. When managing capital, 
management’s objective is to ensure the Group continues as a going concern while maintaining optimal returns to shareholders 
and benefits for other stakeholders. Management also aims to maintain a capital structure that ensures the lowest cost of capital 
available to the Group.

The Group’s earnings often vary dramatically, and this is expected to continue in the future. Management’s policy is to pay 
dividends to shareholders from earnings where there is capital surplus to the needs of the business. 

The Group is not currently subject to any externally imposed capital requirements. Omni Bridgeway Limited’s retained earnings are 
disclosed in Note 32.

Note 19: Retained earnings and reserves

(a) Movements in retained earnings were as follows: 

Balance at 1 July

Effect of adoption of AASB 16 Leases

Net profit/(loss) for the year

Dividend paid

At 30 June

(b) Movements in reserves were as follows: 

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

12,494

48,592 

(67)

 – 

(11,542)

(36,098)

(7,482)

(6,597)

 – 

12,494 

Share based 
payment 
reserve
$’000

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve
$’000

15,251 

2,498 

17,749 

6,169 

1,383 

(1,810)

(427)

(10,981)

Option 
premium 
reserve
$’000

3,404 

 – 

3,404 

 – 

Convertible 
note reserve
$’000

Fund equity 
reserve
$’000

3,832 

 – 

(7,760)

(15,905)

3,832 

(23,665)

 – 

(1,113)

Total  
reserves
$’000

16,110 

(15,217)

893 

(5,925)

At 1 July 2018

Movements in reserves during 
the period

At 30 June 2019

Movements in reserves during 
the period

At 30 June 2020

23,918 

(11,408)

3,404 

3,832 

(24,778)

(5,032)

90

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Note 19: Retained earnings and reserves (continued)

(c) Nature and purpose of reserves

i.  Share-based payment reserve

 The share-based payments reserve is used to recognise the value of equity-settled share-based payments provided to 
employees, including Key Management Personnel as part of their remuneration. Refer to Note 30 for further details of this plan.

ii.  Foreign currency translation reserve

This reserve is used to record differences on the translation of the assets and liabilities of foreign operations.

iii.  Option premium reserve

 This reserve is used to record the value of equity benefits provided to employees and directors, including Key Management 
Personnel, as part of their remuneration. This reserve relates to the previous plan for options already vested.

iv.  Convertible note reserve

 This reserve was used to record the equity portion on the convertible notes (issued on 13 December 2010), which were fully 
redeemed by the Company during December 2013.

v.  Fund equity reserve

 This reserve is used to record changes in the proportion of equity held by non-controlling interests within the Group.

D. WORKING CAPITAL, OTHER ASSETS AND OTHER LIABILITIES

Note 20: Receivables from litigation contracts and other
Receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently remeasured at amortised cost using the effective interest 
rate method, less an allowance for any uncollectible amounts. 

Collectability of receivables from litigation contracts is reviewed on an ongoing basis. The Group recognises an allowance for 
expected credit losses (ECLs) for all receivables based on the difference between the contractual cash flows due and all the cash 
flows that the Group expects to receive, discounted at an approximation of the original effective interest rate. The expected 
cash flows may include funds that are already held within a solicitor’s trust account. ECLs are recognised in two stages. For credit 
exposures for which there has not been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, ECLs are provided for credit 
losses that result from default events that are possible within the next 12-months (a 12-month ECL). For those credit exposures 
for which there has been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, a loss allowance is required for credit losses 
expected over the remaining life of the exposure, irrespective of the timing of the default (a lifetime ECL). Refer to Note 15 for 
impairment of financial assets. As at 30 June 2020 the value of the ECL allowance is nil (30 June 2020 nil).

Current

Receivables from litigation contracts1

Other receivables2

Non-current

Receivables from litigation contracts1

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

118,701

10,286

128,987 

5,743 

5,743 

14,098 

2,768 

16,866 

 – 

 – 

1 

2 

Receivables from litigation contracts are non-interest bearing and generally on 0 - 90 day terms. 

 Other receivables comprise interest receivable upon the maturity of the Group’s short-term deposits (between 30 and 90 days), receivables from 
co-funders of litigation contracts in progress, short term loans and deposits receivable. 

Fair value and credit risk
Due to the nature of these receivables, the carrying value of the current receivables approximates its fair value. The maximum 
exposure to credit risk is the carrying value of receivables. It is not the Group’s policy to transfer (on-sell) receivables.

91

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
 
 
 
 
Note 21:  Contract costs
The Group holds management and advisory contracts in respect of Fund 4 and Fund 5. Incremental costs incurred in obtaining 
a contract are capitalised when the Group expects to recover the costs and are amortised on a systemic basis that is consistent 
with the Group’s transfer of related services to the customer.

The amounts have been capitalised as shown below. The amounts are amortised on a straight line basis over a period of seven 
years, being in reference to the initial four-year commitment period of the fund plus the estimated litigation funding contract life 
of three years.

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

6,339 

–

(939)

5,400 

939 

4,461 

5,400 

2019 
$’000

–

6,339 

–

6,339 

939 

5,400 

6,339 

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

2,274 

2,750 

 – 

5,024 

11,522

–

887

12,409

959 

753 

189 

1,901 

9,022 

289 

13

9,324 

Balance at 1 July

New contracts

Amortisation of contract costs

At 30 June

Current

Non-current

Note 22: Other assets

Current

Prepayments 

Rental deposits

Lease incentive receivable

Non-current

Prepayments 

Lease incentive receivable

Other

92

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020 
Note 23: Plant and equipment

Plant and Equipment
Plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment. Such cost includes the cost of 
replacing parts that are eligible for capitalisation when the cost of replacing parts is incurred. All other repairs and maintenance 
are recognised in the profit or loss as incurred.

Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The major categories of property, 
plant and equipment are depreciated as follows:

 – Equipment  
 – Furniture 
 – Leasehold 
 – Right-of-use 

2 to 5 years; 
2 to 6 years;
2 to 11 years; and
2 to 7 years. 

The assets’ residual values, useful lives and amortisation methods are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each financial year 
end. An item of plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when no further future economic benefits are expected 
from its use or disposal.

Right-of-use assets
The Group recognises right-of-use assets at the commencement date of the lease (ie. the date the underlying asset is available for 
use). Right-of-use assets are measured at cost, less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, and adjusted for any 
remeasurement of lease liabilities. The cost of right-of-use assets includes the amount of lease liabilities recognised (Refer to Note 
26), initial direct costs incurred, and lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received. 
Unless the Group is reasonably certain to obtain ownership of the leased asset at the end of the lease term, the recognised right-
of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of its estimated useful life and the lease term. Right-of-use 
assets are subject to impairment. Refer to Note 26 for further information regarding leases.

Gross carrying amount - at cost

Accumulated depreciation

Net carrying amount

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

12,833 

(5,911)

6,922 

2019 
$’000

3,592 

(2,480)

1,112 

93

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Note 23: Plant and equipment (continued)

Reconciliation of carrying amounts at the beginning and end of the year 

Equipment
$’000

Furniture, 
Fixtures and 
Fittings
$’000

Leasehold 
Improvements
$’000

Right-of-use 
assets
$’000

Gross carrying amount

Balance as at 1 July 2018

Additions

Disposals

Effect of movement in foreign currency

At 30 June 2019

Adjustment on adoption of AASB 16

Additions recognised at acquisition

Additions

Disposals

Effect of movement in foreign currency

867 

212 

 – 

6 

1,085 

 – 

788 

166 

 – 

2 

423 

47 

(4)

16 

482 

 – 

442 

103 

 – 

10 

At 30 June 2020

2,041 

1,037 

Accumulated depreciation

Balance as at 1 July 2018

Depreciation charge for the year

Disposals

Effect of movement in foreign currency

At 30 June 2019

Depreciation recognised at acquisition

Depreciation charge for the year

Disposals

Effect of movement in foreign currency

At 30 June 2020

603 

152 

–

5 

760 

379 

221 

–

(19)

1,341 

213 

104 

(3)

9 

323 

378 

118 

–

(11)

808 

1,829 

183 

 – 

13 

2,025 

 – 

 – 

138 

(231)

6 

1,938 

971 

420 

–

6 

1,397 

–

379 

(183)

(25)

1,568 

Total
$’000

3,119 

442 

(4)

35 

3,592 

3,054 

3,223 

3,177 

(231)

18 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

3,054 

1,993 

2,770 

 – 

 – 

7,817 

12,833 

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,194 

–

–

2,194 

1,787 

676 

(3)

20 

2,480 

757 

2,912 

(183)

(55)

5,911 

Plant and Equipment of the Company is subject to a fixed charge to secure the Company’s debt due to Bondholders. See Note 17 
for further details. Refer to Note 26 for further information on Right-of-use assets and their associated leases.

94

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020 
 
 
 
 
Note 24: Trade and other payables
Trade payables, other payables and accruals are carried at amortised cost. Due to their short-term nature they are not discounted. 
They represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Group or liabilities to provide funding in relation to an investment 
to the end of the financial year that are unpaid and arise when the Group becomes obliged to make future payments in respect of 
the purchase of these goods and services or deployment against investment commitments. The amounts are unsecured, non-
interest bearing and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition.

Trade payables

Wage accruals

Interest accruals

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

20,333

1,833

1,878

24,044

2019 
$’000

21,481 

1,374 

1,137 

23,992 

Fair Value
Due to the nature of trade and other payables, their carrying value approximates their fair value. 

Note 25: Provisions

General provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable 
that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be 
made of the amount of the obligation.

Provisions are measured at the present value of management’s best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present 
obligation at the balance date. If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are discounted using a current pre-tax 
rate that reflects the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. 

The increase in the provision resulting from the passage of time is recognised in finance costs.

Employee benefits
Provision is made for employee benefits accumulated as a result of employees rendering services up to the end of the reporting 
period. These benefits include wages, salaries, annual leave, long service leave and bonuses.

Liabilities in respect of employees’ services rendered that are not expected to be wholly settled within one year after the end of the 
periods in which the employees render the related services are recognised as long-term employee benefits. These liabilities are 
measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflow to be made to the employees using the projected unit credit method. 

Liabilities expected to be wholly settled within one year after the end of the period in which the employees render the related 
services are classified as short-term benefits and are measured at the amount due to be paid. 

Current

Annual leave and vested long service leave

Adverse costs

Bonus

Non-Current

Premises lease make good

Long service leave

Consolidated

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

3,498

672

10,753

14,923

282 

395 

677 

2,575 

12,617 

–

15,192 

153 

279 

432 

95

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Note 25: Provisions (continued)

(a)  Movement in provisions

At 1 July 2019

Arising during the year

Utilised 

Effect of movement in foreign 
currency

At 30 June 2020

Current 2020

Non-current 2020

Current 2019

Non-current 2019

Adverse
costs
$’000

12,617 

4,086 

(16,031)

–

672 

672 

–

672 

12,617 

–

12,617 

Annual 
leave
$’000

Long service 
leave
$’000

Premises 
lease
make good
$’000

1,668 

2,354 

(1,333)

1,186 

31 

(17)

4

–

153 

129 

–

–

Bonus
$’000

–

10,753 

–

–

Total
$’000

15,624 

17,353 

(17,381)

4

2,693 

1,200 

282 

10,753 

15,600 

2,693 

–

2,693 

1,668 

–

1,668 

805 

395 

1,200 

907 

279 

1,186 

–

282 

282 

–

153 

153 

10,753 

–

10,753 

–

–

–

14,923 

677 

15,600

15,192 

432 

15,624 

(b) Nature and timing of provisions

Adverse costs
The Group raises a provision for adverse costs when the underlying litigation, arbitration, enforcement or recovery which was 
funded is lost and the jurisdiction requires adverse costs to be paid to the counter party. When an investment is lost and an appeal 
is lodged, the Group still raises a provision. The provision raised is the Group’s best estimate of the amount of adverse costs it will 
have to remit. Typically this estimate is between 40% to 70% of the amount spent by the plaintiff, on the basis that there is only one 
defendant per case. Refer to Note 28 for further details on adverse costs.

During the 2020 financial year, the Group raised provisions of $4,086,000 for estimated adverse costs obligations. The provisions 
raised are the Group’s estimate of the amount of adverse costs it will have to remit. During the year, some of this provision was 
utilised and at 30 June the balance of the provision was $672,000 relating to one investment which is on the Group’s balance sheet.

During the 2019 financial year, the Group raised a further provision of $617,000 for estimated adverse costs obligations against 
a particular litigation investment that is held on the Group’s balance sheet which was lost and which is currently being appealed. 
The provision raised is the Group’s best estimate of the amount of adverse costs it will have to remit.

Premises lease make good
The make good provision relates to amounts recognised for make good requirements on leases of office space. 

Bonus
The bonus provision relates to amounts accrued based on management’s estimate to be paid to employees (including STIP).

96

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Note 26: Lease liabilities
The Group has lease contracts for rental property and motor vehicles. These leases generally have lease terms between 3 and 
7 years. The Group’s obligations under its leases are secured by the lessor’s title to the leased assets. Generally, the Group 
is restricted from assigning and subleasing the leased assets. There are several lease contracts that include extension and 
termination options and variable lease payments, which are further discussed below.

The Group assesses at contract inception whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. That is, if the contract conveys the right 
to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration.

Group as lessee

Lease liabilities
At the commencement date of the lease, the Group recognises lease liabilities measured at the present value of lease payments 
to be made over the lease term. The lease payments include fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments) less any lease 
incentives receivable, variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, and amounts expected to be paid under residual 
value guarantees. The lease payments also include the exercise price of a purchase option reasonably certain to be exercised 
by the Group and payments of penalties for terminating a lease, if the lease term reflects the Group exercising the option to 
terminate. 

In calculating the present value of lease payments, the Group uses the incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement 
date if the interest rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable. After the commencement date, the amount of lease 
liabilities is increased to reflect the accretion of interest and reduced for the lease payments made. In addition, the carrying 
amount of lease liabilities is remeasured if there is a modification, a change in the lease term, a change in the in-substance fixed 
lease payments or a change in the assessment to purchase the underlying asset.

Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets
The Group applies the short-term lease recognition exemption to its short-term leases of machinery and equipment (ie those 
leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less from the commencement date and do not contain a purchase option). It 
also applies the lease of low-value assets recognition exemption to leases of office equipment that are considered of low value. 
Lease payments on short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognised as expense on a straight-line basis over 
the lease term. 

Set out below are the carrying amounts of right-of-use assets recognised and the movements during the period:

At 1 July 2019 on adoption of AASB 16

Additions

Depreciation expense

At 30 June 2020

Rental
property
$’000

Other
equipment
$’000

3,001 

4,763 

(2,171)

5,593 

53 

 – 

(23)

30 

Total
$’000

3,054 

4,763 

(2,194)

5,623 

97

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Note 26: Lease liabilities (continued)
Set out below are the carrying amounts of lease liabilities and the movements during the period:

Balance at 1 July on adoption of AASB 16

Additions

Accretion of interest

Payments

At 30 June

Current

Non-current

The following are the amounts recognised in profit or loss:

Depreciation expense of right-of-use assets

Interest expense on lease liabilities (included in finance costs)

Expense relating to short-term leases

Expenses relating to leases of low-value assets (included in corporate and office expense)

Total amount recognised in profit and loss

Consolidated

2020
$’000

3,205 

4,494 

263 

(2,278)

5,684 

2,870 

2,814 

5,684 

Consolidated

2020
$’000

2,194 

263 

205 

189 

2,851 

The Group had total cash outflows for leases of $2,278,000 in 2020. The future cash outflows for these non-cancellable lease 
contracts are disclosed in Note 28. 

The Group has several lease contracts that include extension and termination options. These options are negotiated by 
management to provide flexibility in managing the leased-asset portfolio and align with the Group’s business needs. Management 
exercises significant judgment in determining whether these extension and termination options are reasonably certain to be 
exercised. 

Set out below are the undiscounted potential future rental payments relating to periods following the exercise date of extension 
and termination options that are not included in the lease term:

Extension options not expected to be exercised

Within
five years
$’000

More than
five years
$’000

531 

 – 

Total
$’000

531 

98

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Note 27: Other liabilities
Variable consideration relating to purchased claims is initially measured at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost 
using the effective interest rate method.

Deferred and variable deferred consideration is valued at fair value at the acquisition date as part of the business combination. The 
deferred and variable deferred consideration meets the definition of a financial liability, and it is subsequently remeasured at fair 
value at each reporting date.

Current

Deferred consideration

Variable deferred consideration

Other

Non-Current

Deferred consideration

Variable deferred consideration

Variable consideration – Purchased claims

Other liabilities

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

20,681

17,655

–

38,336

22,105

58,375

4,884

153

85,517

 – 

 – 

915

915

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

Deferred and variable deferred consideration
Deferred and variable deferred consideration relates to the acquisition of OBE Group. The determination of the fair value is 
designated as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Refer to Notes 31 and 15 for further information. 

The following table reconciles the movements in recurring fair value measurements categorised within level 3 of the fair value 
hierarchy:

Current

At 30 June 2019

Additions recognised through business combination

Fair value remeasurement recognised through profit and loss

Effects of movement in foreign currency

At 30 June 2020

Non-Current

At 30 June 2019

Additions recognised through business combination

Fair value remeasurement recognised through profit and loss

Effects of movement in foreign currency 

At 30 June 2020

Deferred 
consideration 
$’000

Variable 
Deferred 
consideration 
$’000

–

17,565

2,816

300

20,681

–

19,452

2,321

332

22,105

–

14,997

2,402

256

17,655

–

51,440

6,058

877

58,375

Total 
$’000

–

32,562

5,218

556

38,336

–

70,892

8,379

1,209

80,480

99

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Note 28: Commitments and contingencies

Lease commitments
The Group has various lease contracts as at 30 June 2020. The future lease payments for these non-cancellable lease contracts are 
$2,712,000 within one year, $2,795,000 within five years and $666,000 thereafter.

Remuneration commitments

Commitments for the payment of salaries and other remuneration under long-term employment 
contracts in existence at the reporting date but not recognised as liabilities payable:

Within one year

After one year but no more than five years

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

4,383 

 – 

4,383 

5,064 

 – 

5,064 

Amounts disclosed as remuneration commitments also include commitments arising from the service contracts of, and bonuses 
payable to, directors and executives referred to in the Remuneration Report of the Directors’ Report that are not recognised as 
liabilities and are not included in the compensation of Key Management Personnel.

Contingencies
In certain jurisdictions litigation funding agreements contain an undertaking from the Group to the client that the Group will 
pay adverse costs awarded to the successful party in respect of costs incurred during the period of funding, should the client’s 
litigation be unsuccessful. It is not possible to predict in which cases such an award might be made.

In addition, the Group has insurance arrangements which, in some circumstances, will lessen the impact of such awards. The entire 
Funds 2 and 3 portfolio has an after the event (“ATE”) insurance policy that will respond to claims for adverse costs in aggregate in 
excess of $7.5m. The entire Fund 5 portfolio has an ATE insurance policy that will respond to claims for adverse costs in aggregate 
in excess of USD25 million. Based on past experience, an award of adverse costs to a defendant will approximate 40% to 70% 
(depending on jurisdiction) of the amount paid by the plaintiff to pursue the litigation (although in some cases there may be more 
than one defendant).

Accordingly, an estimate of the total potential adverse costs exposure of the Group which has accumulated from time to time may 
be made by assuming all cases are lost, that adverse costs equal 40% to 70% of the amount spent by the plaintiff and that there is 
only one defendant per case.

At 30 June 2020, the total amount spent on currently funded investments by the Group where undertakings to pay adverse costs 
have been provided was $129,856,000 (2019: $136,112,000). The potential adverse costs orders using the above methodology 
would amount to $75,735,000. Subject to impairment considerations, around expected investment success and recovery, the 
Group does not currently expect that any of the investments will be unsuccessful. The Group maintains a large cash holding in the 
event that one or more investments are unsuccessful and an adverse costs order is made which is not covered by its insurance 
arrangements.

A portion of the consideration relating to the acquisition of OBE Group is contingent upon the OBE Group meeting performance 
targets. This is outlined in Note 31.

100

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020E. THE GROUP, MANAGEMENT AND RELATED PARTIES

Note 29: Key management personnel

Details of Key Management Personnel
There were no changes to Key Management Personnel after the reporting date and before the date the financial report was 
authorised for issue.

Compensation of Key Management Personnel

Short-term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits

Long term employee benefits

Share based payments

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

4,673

155

249

2,458

7,535

2019 
$’000

4,925 

163 

(36)

2,321 

7,373 

Note 30: Share-based payment plan

(i)  Equity-settled transactions
The Company’s LTIP awards share performance rights to key senior employees. The cost of equity-settled transactions with 
employees is measured by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments at the date at which they are granted. The fair value 
is determined using a Monte Carlo or Black Scholes Model depending on the type of LTIP.

In valuing equity-settled transactions, no account is taken of any vesting conditions, other than conditions linked to the price of the 
shares of OBL (i.e. market conditions) if applicable.

The cost of equity-settled transactions is recognised, together with a corresponding increase in the share-based payment reserve, 
over the period in which the performance and/or service conditions are fulfilled (the vesting period), ending on the date on which 
the relevant employees become fully entitled to the award (the vesting date).

The charge to the profit or loss for the period is the cumulative amount as calculated above less the amounts already charged in 
previous periods. There is a corresponding credit to equity.

Equity-settled awards granted by OBL to employees of subsidiaries are recognised in the Parent’s separate financial statements 
as an additional investment in the subsidiary with a corresponding credit to equity. These amounts are eliminated through 
consolidation. As a result, the expenses recognised by the Company in relation to equity-settled awards only represents the 
expense associated with grants to employees of the Parent. The expense recognised by the Group is the total expense associated 
with all such awards.

Until an award has vested, any amounts recorded are contingent and will be adjusted if more or fewer awards vest than were 
originally anticipated to do so. Any award subject to a market condition is considered to vest irrespective of whether or not that 
market condition is fulfilled, provided that all other conditions are satisfied.

If the terms of an equity-settled award are modified, as a minimum an expense is recognised as if the terms had not been 
modified. An additional expense is recognised for any modification that increases the total fair value of the share-based payment 
arrangement, or is otherwise beneficial to the employee, as measured at the date of modification.

If an equity-settled award is cancelled, it is treated as if it had vested on the date of cancellation, and an expense not yet recognised 
for the award is recognised immediately. However, if a new award is substituted for the cancelled award and designated as a 
replacement award on the date that it is granted, the cancelled and new award are treated as if they were a modification of the 
original award, as described in the previous paragraph.

Where outstanding rights do not have an anti-dilutive effect and are currently meeting the performance criteria, the dilutive effect, 
if any, is added to share dilution in the computation of diluted earnings per share.

101

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Note 30: Share-Based Payment Plan (continued)

(ii)  Cash-settled transactions
The Group does not provide cash-settled share-based benefits to employees or senior executives.

Long Term Incentive Plan
LTIP awards are delivered in the form of performance rights over shares which vest after a period of three years subject to meeting 
performance measures. The Group uses relative TSR and CAGR of Funds Deployed as the performance measures. 

For the portion of the LTIP subject to the relative TSR performance measure, the fair value of share performance rights granted 
is estimated at the date of grant using a Monte-Carlo simulation model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which 
the share performance rights were granted. For the portion of the LTIP based on the achievement of CAGR of Funds Deployed, the 
Black-Scholes model is used. 

5,431,814 share performance rights were issued during 2020 (2019: 4,255,816). Specific assessment for performance rights issued 
in the period is below:

Grant Date

Share price at grant date

Expected Volatility (%)

Dividend yield (%)

Risk-free rate (%)

Performance period

Models used

Tranche 1 - relative TSR (value per right $)

Tranche 2 - CAGR (value per right $)

The expense recognised for share based payments during the year is shown below:

Share based payments expense

14 February 
2020

$4.75 

30%

4.00%

0.75%

3 years ending 30 June 2022

Monte Carlo & Black Scholes

$3.93 

$4.33 

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

7,313 

5,266 

The following table illustrates the number and weighted average exercise prices (WAEP) of, and movements in, share performance 
rights during the year:

2020 
Number

2020 
WAEP

2019 
Number

2019 
WAEP

15,601,589 

5,431,814 

(2,425,845)

(1,305,551)

17,302,007 

7,862,485 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

14,355,887 

4,255,816 

(2,398,473)

(611,641)

15,601,589 

6,699,191 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

Movements during the year

Outstanding at 1 July

 Granted

 Exercised

 Forfeited

Outstanding at 30 June

Exercisable at 30 June

102

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Note 31:  Business combination
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of 
the consideration transferred, which is measured at acquisition date fair value, and the amount of any non-controlling interests in 
the acquiree. For each business combination, the Group elects whether to measure the non-controlling interests in the acquiree at 
fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred 
and included in administrative expenses.

When the Group acquires a business, it assesses the financial assets and liabilities assumed for appropriate classification and 
designation in accordance with the contractual terms, economic circumstances and pertinent conditions as at the acquisition date. 
This includes the separation of embedded derivatives in host contracts by the acquiree.

Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the acquirer will be recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Contingent 
consideration classified as equity is not remeasured and its subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity. Contingent 
consideration classified as an asset or liability that is a financial instrument and within the scope of AASB 9 Financial Instruments, 
is measured at fair value with the changes in fair value recognised in profit or loss in accordance with AASB 9. Refer to Note 15 and 
27 for further information.

Acquisition of Omni Bridgeway Holding B.V.
On 15 October 2019, the Group agreed to acquire 100% of shares in Omni Bridgeway Holding B.V. (OBE Group), a non-listed 
company headquartered in the Netherlands, and its subsidiaries in exchange for cash and share capital consideration. The primary 
purpose for the acquisition was to expand the Group’s geographical footprint and also expand the types of litigation dispute 
resolution investments that it engages in. The transaction completed on 8 November 2019, for $122.737 million with a cash 
payment of EUR31.177 million ($51.003 million); a fair value of deferred consideration payable of EUR22.984 million ($37.017 million 
at acquisition) and a fair value of contingent variable deferred consideration amount payable of up to EUR41.251 million ($66.437 
million at acquisition), subject to new business targets. The accounting for the OBE Group acquisition has been provisionally 
determined, as the process of fair valuing OBE Group’s net assets is still in progress. Provisionally, goodwill of $101,342 million has 
been recognised and $103.065 million of fair value adjustment was required to individually identifiable assets. Goodwill remains 
provisional at 30 June 2020 as the Group continues to assess the assumptions used in calculating the fair values of the claims 
portfolio, purchased claims and intangible assets, together with any impacts on tax and non-controlling interest.

103

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Note 31:  Business combination (continued)

(a)  Assets acquired and liabilities assumed
The fair values of the identifiable assets and liabilities of the OBE group as at the date of acquisition have been provisionally 
determined, as follows:

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Other receivables

Other financial assets

Plant and equipment

Right-of-use assets

Claims portfolio

Purchased claims

Intangible assets – litigation contracts in progress

Investment in associates and joint ventures

Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Provisions

Deferred income tax liabilities

Lease liabilities

Total identifiable net assets at fair value

Non-controlling interests

Goodwill arising on acquisition1

Purchase consideration

Provisional  
fair value
recognised on
acquisition
$’000

10,345

39,914

4,923

473

1,993

98,330

12,785

53,435

19

222,217

44,174

1,490

20,127

1,993

67,784 

154,433

(102,109)

101,342

153,666

1  

 Goodwill recognised is primarily attributable to the future investment performance of the OBE Group and expected synergies and other benefits 
from combining the assets and activities of the OBE Group with those of the Group. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.

From the date of acquisition, the OBE Group has contributed revenue of $25.839 million, total income of $32.467 million and 
$1.299 million loss before tax. If the combination had taken place at the beginning of the year, revenue from continuing operations 
would have been $30.097 million and the loss before tax from continuing operations for the Group would have been $9.670 million.

The fair value of the trade receivables amounted to $7.753 million which was approximately the same as the gross amount of trade 
receivables. It is expected that the full contractual amounts can be collected from the trade receivables. Other receivables with a 
carrying value amounting to $32.161 are related party receivables which are fully collectable. Purchased claims had a fair value of 
$12.785 million with a gross contractual amount of $127.680 million.

104

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020 
Note 31:  Business combination (continued)
The value of non-controlling interests acquired has been calculated with reference to the non-controlling interests’ share of the fair 
value of net assets acquired.

Purchase Consideration

Cash consideration

Deferred consideration

Variable deferred consideration

Total consideration

Analysis of cash flows on acquisition

Cash consideration (included in cash flows from investing activities)

Transaction costs of the acquisition (included in cash flows from operating activities)

Net cash acquired with the subsidiary (included in cash flows from investing activities)

Net cash flow on acquisition

$’000

50,212

37,017

66,437

153,666

(50,212)

(4,838)

10,345 

(44,705)

Transaction costs of $4.838 million were expensed and are included in professional fees within corporate and office expenses 
on the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

(b) Deferred consideration
As part of the purchase agreement with the vendors, an amount of deferred consideration of EUR18.132 million ($29.202 million 
at acquisition) was agreed, payable in two equal instalments 12 months and 36 months after completion.

Subject to shareholder approval the deferred consideration will be satisfied by the issue of shares in Omni Bridgeway at an issue 
price of $3.407 per share. If the deferred consideration is satisfied by the issue of OBL shares and the market value of those shares 
is less than $3.407 per share at the time of issue, OBL shall be obliged to make a further payment by way of deferred consideration 
of the difference in value. If shareholder approval is not obtained for the deferred consideration to be satisfied by way of the issue 
of OBL shares, OBL will be obliged to make the payment in cash at the higher of EUR18.132 million ($29.202 million at acquisition) or 
the value of the OBL shares which would have been issued had shareholder approval been obtained. The fair value is determined 
using the Black Scholes option pricing model. The key assumptions are detailed above in Note 15. As at the acquisition date, the fair 
value of the deferred consideration payable was estimated to be $37.017 million.

As at 30 June 2019

Liability arising on business combination

Fair value remeasurement recognised through profit and loss

Effect of movement in foreign currency

As at 30 June 2020

$’000

–

37,017 

5,137 

632 

42,786 

105

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
 
Note 31:  Business combination (continued)

(c) Variable deferred consideration
As part of the purchase agreement with the vendors., an amount of variable deferred consideration of up to EUR32.500 million 
($52.343 million at acquisition) was agreed. This will be payable over a five year period subject to performance milestones. On 
14 February 2020, the Company obtained shareholder approval for the issue of up to a maximum of 17,328,712 shares toward 
satisfaction of the variable deferred consideration liability that may become payable.

The variable deferred consideration will (to the extent it becomes payable) be satisfied by the issue of shares in the Company at 
an issue price of $3.407 per share. If the market value of those shares is less than $3.407 at the time of issue, the Group shall be 
obliged to make a further payment by way of variable deferred consideration for the difference in value. The payment schedule 
for the variable deferred consideration is:

i.  EUR8.000 million per year, over the period of 1 to 3 years following acquisition date, if the entity meets stipulated 

performance milestones; and

ii.  EUR4.250 million per year, over the period of 4 to 5 years following acquisition date, if the entity meets stipulated 

performance milestones.

The milestones are focused on cumulative annual new business generation of the OBE Group.

As at the acquisition date, the fair value of the variable deferred consideration was estimated to be $66.437 million. The fair value 
of the variable deferred consideration has been determined using a probability weighted payout approach incorporating a Black 
Scholes option pricing model. The probabilities of meeting the business hurdles have been estimated by management and the 
valuation method is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The key assumptions take into consideration the probability of 
meeting each target performance milestone % at both acquisition and balance sheet date. As at date of acquisition, the past key 
performance indicators of Omni Bridgeway show that it is highly probable that the target performance milestones will be achieved. 
The fair value of the variable deferred consideration determined at date of acquisition reflects this scenario. 

As at 30 June 2019

Liability arising on business combination 

Fair value remeasurement recognised through profit and loss

Effect of movement in foreign currency

At 30 June 2020

$’000

 – 

66,437

8,460

1,133

76,030

106

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Note 31:  Business combination (continued)
ASX has granted the Company a waiver from Listing Rule 7.3.4, to permit the Company to seek Shareholder approval for the issue 
of the Variable Deferred Consideration Shares in respect of the Variable Deferred Consideration later than 3 months from the date 
of the Meeting but no later than 60 months after the date of Completion (ASX Waiver). The ASX Waiver was granted subject to the 
following conditions:

i. 

ii. 

the Annual Targets not being varied;

the maximum number of Variable Deferred Consideration Shares to be issued is calculated based upon the Minimum Deemed 
Issue Price and is stated in the Notice, along with adequate details regarding potential dilution; 

iii.  for any annual reporting during which any of the Variable Deferred Consideration Shares have been issued or any of them 
remain to be issued, the Company’s annual report sets out in detail the number of Variable Deferred Consideration Shares 
issued in that annual reporting period, the number of Variable Deferred Consideration Shares that remain to be issued and the 
basis on which the Variable Deferred Consideration Shares may be issued;

iv. 

in any half year or quarterly report for a period during which any of the Variable Deferred Consideration Shares have 
been issued or remain to be issued, the Company must include a summary statement of the number of Variable Deferred 
Consideration Shares issued during the reporting period, the number of Variable Deferred Consideration Shares that remain to 
be issued and the basis on which the Variable Deferred Consideration Shares may be issued; and

v. 

the notice of shareholder meeting contains the full terms and conditions of the Variable Deferred Consideration Shares and the 
conditions of the Waiver.

During the period, there were no shares issued in settlement of this obligation.

Variable Deferred Consideration shares

Maximum approved as permissible to issue

Previously issued

Issued during the period

Total issued

Remaining shares to be issued

Number 
000

17,329 

 – 

 – 

 – 

17,329 

The remaining balance may be issued per the payment schedule above if the cumulative annual business generation milestones 
are met.

107

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
Note 32: Parent entity information

Information relating to Omni Bridgeway Limited:

Current assets 

Total assets 

Current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets

Issued capital 

Retained earnings

Reserves

Total shareholders’ equity 

Profit or loss of the Parent 

Total comprehensive income of the Parent

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

201,473 

564,818 

151,920 

453,535 

(21,524)

(165,826)

398,992 

(103,995)

(179,262)

274,273 

345,548 

204,553 

25,449 

27,995 

46,190 

23,530 

398,992 

274,273 

(13,315)

(13,315)

(20,476)

(20,476)

The Parent has not entered into any guarantees with any of its subsidiaries.

Details of the contractual commitments and contingent liabilities of the Parent are contained in Note 28. 

108

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Note 32: Parent entity information (continued)
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of OBL and the subsidiaries listed in the following table:

Name

Fund 1
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 1) LLC (formerly Bentham IMF 1 LLC)

HC 1 LLC

Security Finance (Fund 1) LLC (formerly Security Finance 1 LLC)

Funds 2 & 3
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 2) Pty Ltd (formerly IMF Bentham (Fund 2) Pty Ltd)

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 3) Pty Ltd (formerly IMF Bentham (Fund 3) Pty Ltd)

IMF Bentham ROW SPV 1 Limited1

Australia

Australia

United Kingdom

Percentage owned

Country of
Incorporation

2020
%

2019
%

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

37

7

37

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

28

7

28

20

20

 – 

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

Australia

100

100

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

Singapore

Switzerland

Switzerland

Germany

Guernsey

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

United Arab Emirates

81

41

81

81

81

81

81

81

81

81

N/A

N/A

N/A

65

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

109

Fund 4
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 1 LP (formerly Bentham Investments 1 LP)

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 2 LP (formerly Bentham Investments 2 LP)

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 3 LP (formerly Bentham Investments 3 LP)

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 4 LP (formerly Bentham Investments 4 LP)

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 5 LP (formerly Bentham Investments 5 LP)

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 6 LP (formerly Bentham Investments 6 LP)

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 7 LP (formerly Bentham Investments 7 LP)

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 8 LP (formerly Bentham Investments 8 LP)

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 9 LP (formerly Bentham Investments 9 LP)

Security Finance (Fund 4) LLC (formerly Security Finance 2 LLC)

Fund 5
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 5) GPA Pty Ltd (formerly IMF Bentham GPA 5 
Pty Ltd)

Fund 6
Omni Bridgeway BV2

Omni Bridgeway LegalTech BV2

Omni Bridgeway Emerging Markets BV2

Omni Bridgeway Collective Redress BV2

Omni Bridgeway Asia Pte Ltd2

Omni Bridgeway Holding (Switzerland) SA2

Omni Bridgeway SA2

Omni Bridgeway AG (formerly Roland ProzessFinanz AG)2

Minories Capital Ltd2

Omni Bridgeway Finance BV2

Stichting Client Accounts Omni Bridgeway2 3

Stichting Cartel Compensation2 3

Stichting Trucks Cartel Compensation2 3

Fund 7
Omni Bridgeway Advisory Ltd2

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Note 32: Parent entity information (continued)

Name

Group Subsidiaries
Omni Bridgeway Holdings (Fund 1) LLC (formerly Bentham IMF 
Holdings 1 LLC)

Omni Bridgeway Capital GP (Fund 4) LLC (formerly Bentham Capital 
GP LLC)

Omni Bridgeway (USA) LLC (formerly Bentham Capital LLC)

Omni Bridgeway Management (USA) LLC (formerly Bentham Capital 
Management LLC)

Omni Bridgeway Holdings (USA) Inc (formerly Bentham Holdings Inc)

Security Finance LLC

Omni Bridgeway Capital (Canada) Limited (formerly Bentham IMF 
Capital Limited)

Lien Finance Canada Limited

Omni Bridgeway (Singapore) Pte Limited (formerly IMF Bentham 
Pte Limited)

Omni Bridgeway (UK) Limited (formerly IMF Litigation Funding 
Services Limited)

Omni Bridgeway (Cayman) Limited (formerly IMF Bentham Cayman 
Advisory Services Limited)

Omni Bridgeway (Storm) Holdings Pty Ltd (formerly IMF Bentham 
Holdings Pty Ltd4)

Percentage owned

Country of
Incorporation

2020
%

2019
%

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

Canada

Canada

Singapore

United Kingdom

Cayman Islands

Australia

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

 – 

 – 

–

 – 

 – 

Omni Bridgeway (Storm) Holdings BV (formerly IMF Bentham BV5)

The Netherlands

Omni Bridgeway Investment Management Ltd6

Omni Bridgeway Holding B.V.2

Omni Bridgeway Investment BV2 7

Australia

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

This entity was incorporated 26 July 2019.

Acquired through business combination with Omni Bridgeway Holding B.V. Group.

The Stichting vehicles were founded as separate, independent foundations to ensure the cash flows related to the claims were secured.

This entity was incorporated on 27 September 2019.

This entity was incorporated on 9 October 2019.

This entity was incorporated 26 June 2020.

 This holding this represents 100% of type A shares and voting rights. Type B shares, with no voting rights, represent 90% of share capital and receive 10% 
of yearly profits. Type A shares receive the remaining yearly profits.

For all subsidiaries where there is less than 51% ownership interest, the Group has power to direct the relevant activities of the 
investee under contractual arrangements and exposure to variable returns the Group is considered to be acting as principal and 
thus has control.

110

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Note 33: Material partly-owned subsidiaries 
Financial information of subsidiaries that have material non-controlling interests is provided below:

Non-controlling interest

Country of
Incorporation

2020
%

2019
%

Proportion of equity interest held by non-controlling interests:

Fund 1

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 1) LLC (formerly Bentham IMF 1 LLC)1
HC 1 LLC1
Security Finance (Fund 1) LLC (formerly Security Finance 1 LLC)1

Funds 2 & 3

USA

USA

USA

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 2) Pty Ltd (formerly IMF Bentham (Fund 2) Pty Ltd)2
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 3) Pty Ltd (formerly IMF Bentham (Fund 3) Pty Ltd)2
IMF Bentham ROW SPV 1 Limited2

Australia

Australia

United Kingdom

Fund 4

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 1 LP (formerly Bentham Investments 1 LP)3
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 2 LP (formerly Bentham Investments 2 LP)3
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 3 LP (formerly Bentham Investments 3 LP)3
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 4 LP (formerly Bentham Investments 4 LP)3
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 5 LP (formerly Bentham Investments 5 LP)3
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 6 LP (formerly Bentham Investments 6 LP)3
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 7 LP (formerly Bentham Investments 7 LP)3
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 8 LP (formerly Bentham Investments 8 LP)3
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 9 LP (formerly Bentham Investments 9 LP)3
Security Finance (Fund 4) LLC (formerly Security Finance 2 LLC)3

Fund 6

Omni Bridgeway BV4
Omni Bridgeway LegalTech BV4
Omni Bridgeway Emerging Markets BV4
Omni Bridgeway Collective Redress BV4
Omni Bridgeway Asia Pte Ltd4
Omni Bridgeway Holding (Switzerland) SA4
Omni Bridgeway SA4
Omni Bridgeway AG (formerly Roland ProzessFinanz AG)4
Minories Capital Ltd4
Omni Bridgeway Finance BV4

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

Singapore

Switzerland

Switzerland

Germany

Guernsey

The Netherlands

63

93 

63

80 

80 

80 

80 

80 

80 

80 

80 

80 

80 

80 

80 

80 

19 

59 

19 

19 

19 

19 

19 

19 

19 

19 

72 

93 

72 

80 

80 

 – 

80 

80 

80 

80 

80 

80 

80 

80 

80 

80 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

111

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
 
 
 
 
 
Note 33: Material partly-owned subsidiaries (continued)

Accumulated balances of material non-controlling interest:

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 1) LLC1
HC 1 LLC1
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 2) Pty Ltd2
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 3) Pty Ltd2
Fund 43
Fund 64
Fund 7
Transaction costs, net of tax - disposal of non-controlling interest (Fund 1)
Transaction costs, net of tax - disposal of non-controlling interest (Funds 2 & 3)

Profit allocated to material non-controlling interest:

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 1) LLC1

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 2) Pty Ltd2

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 3) Pty Ltd2

Fund 43

Fund 64

Fund 7

1 

2 

3 

4 

The results and non-controlling interests of these entities comprise the results of Fund 1, included in Note 1 Segment Information.

The results and non-controlling interests of these entities comprise the results of Funds 2 & 3, included in Note 1 Segment Information.

The results and non-controlling interests of these entities comprise the results of Fund 4, included in Note 1 Segment Information.

The results and non-controlling interests of these entities comprise the results of Fund 6, included in Note 1 Segment Information.

Movements in NCI’s during the year were as follows:

Fund 5

$'000

Fund 6

$’000 

At 1 July 2018

Contributions

Distributions

Change in share of net assets 
attributable to NCI

Loss

Other comprehensive income

Transaction costs

At 30 June 2019

Business combination

Contributions

Distributions

Change in share of net assets 
attributable to NCI

Profit

Other comprehensive income

Fund 1

Funds 2 & 3

$'000

$'000

146,951 

59,494 

(24,247)

7,259 

(50)

13,112

–

202,529 

–

–

28,553 

36,865 

(4,052)

8,092 

–

–

(885)

68,573 

–

–

(57,753)

(10,561)

8,686 

9,659 

5,036 

(8,724)

19,062 

–

Fund 4

$'000

–

25,485 

–

554 

–

(589)

–

25,450 

–

69,092

(3,464)

(137)

2,906 

206 

As at 30 June 2020

168,157 

68,350 

94,053 

112

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2020
$'000

2019
$'000

126,987 
47,104 
53,455 
17,804 
94,053 
100,640
–
(5,934)
(2,909)
431,200

9,659 

14,325

4,737

2,906

(2,486)

–

29,141

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

102,109 

–

–

2,168 

(2,486)

(1,151)

161,369 
47,092 
53,613 
17,871 
25,450 
 – 
 – 
(5,934)
(2,909)
296,552 

(15)

 – 

 – 

(35)

 – 

 – 

(50)

Total

$'000

175,504 

121,844 

(28,299)

15,905 

(50)

12,533

(885)

296,552 

102,109 

69,092

(71,778)

1,993

29,141 

4,091 

100,640 

431,200 

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Note 33: Material partly-owned subsidiaries (continued)

Funds 2 & 3
On 13 September 2017, the Group established Omni Bridgeway (Fund 2) Pty Ltd (formerly IMF Bentham (Fund 2) Pty Ltd) and Omni 
Bridgeway (Fund 3) Pty Ltd (formerly IMF Bentham (Fund 3) Pty Ltd) (collectively “Funds 2 & 3”). 

On 3 October 2017, the Group undertook a transaction to dispose of a non-controlling interest in Funds 2 & 3. The change in equity 
of the Group was recorded as follows:

Change in equity on disposal of non-controlling interest:

Transaction costs net of tax - disposal of non-controlling interest

2020
$'000

2019
$'000

 – 

 – 

(885)

(885)

Fund 4
On 26 October 2018, the Group established Omni Bridgeway Capital GP (Fund 4) LLC (formerly Bentham Capital GP LLC). On 
29 November 2018, the Group established Security Finance (Fund 4) LLC (formerly Security Finance 2 LLC). On 4 December 2018, the 
Group established Bentham Investments 1 – 9 LP (collectively “Fund 4”). Fund 4 has been part of the Group and consolidated into the 
results since this time as it was controlled by the Group.

The summarised financial information of controlled entities with material non-controlling interests provided below is based on 
amounts prior to intercompany eliminations:

Fund 1

Funds 2 & 3

Fund 4

Fund 5

Fund 6

2020
$'000

2019
$'000

2020
$'000

2019
$'000

2020
$'000

2019
$'000

2020
$'000

2019
$'000

2020
$'000

2019
$'000

Summarised statement  
of cash flows

Operating

Investing

Financing

Net increase in cash  
and cash equivalents

(98)

(77)

6,797 

(988)

(310)

(43)

25,507 

(15,469)

(27,923)

(18,690)

(66,042)

(25,059)

(57,724)

57,760 

(10,561)

42,042 

91,965 

30,729 

(32,315)

42,214 

(31,687) 22,364 

25,613 

5,627 

Cash and cash equivalents at 
the beginning of the period

49,680 

7,466  38,326 

15,889 

5,627 

Foreign exchange

 – 

 – 

32 

73 

6 

 – 

 – 

Cash and cash equivalents 
at the end of the period

17,365 

49,680 

6,671 

38,326  31,246 

5,627 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(49,682)

58,143 

 – 

 – 

8,461 

 – 

 – 

 – 

95 

 – 

8,556 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

113

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 34: Investment in associates and joint ventures
An associate is an entity over which the Group has significant influence. Significant influence is the power to participate in the 
financial and operating policy decisions of the investee, but is not control or joint control over those policies.

A joint venture is a type of joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the net 
assets of the joint venture. Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control of an arrangement, which exists only when 
decisions about the relevant activities require the unanimous consent of the parties sharing control.

The considerations made in determining significant influence or joint control are similar to those necessary to determine control 
over subsidiaries. The Group’s investment in its associate and joint venture are accounted for using the equity method.

Under the equity method, the investment in an associate or a joint venture is initially recognised at cost. The carrying amount 
of the investment is adjusted to recognise changes in the Group’s share of net assets of the associate or joint venture since the 
acquisition date. Goodwill relating to the associate or joint venture is included in the carrying amount of the investment and is not 
tested for impairment separately.

The statement of profit or loss reflects the Group’s share of the results of operations of the associate or joint venture. Any change 
in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) of those investees is presented as part of the Group’s OCI. In addition, when there has been 
a change recognised directly in the equity of the associate or joint venture, the Group recognises its share of any changes, when 
applicable, in the statement of changes in equity. Unrealised gains and losses resulting from transactions between the Group 
and the associate or joint venture are eliminated to the extent of the interest in the associate or joint venture.

The financial statements of the associate or joint venture are prepared for the same reporting period as the Group. When 
necessary, adjustments are made to bring the accounting policies in line with those of the Group. 

After application of the equity method, the Group determines whether it is necessary to recognise an impairment loss on its 
investment in its associate or joint venture. At each reporting date, the Group determines whether there is objective evidence 
that the investment in the associate or joint venture is impaired. If there is such evidence, the Group calculates the amount of 
impairment as the difference between the recoverable amount of the associate or joint venture and its carrying value, and then 
recognises the loss within ‘Share of profit of an associate and a joint venture’ in the statement of comprehensive income.

Upon loss of significant influence over the associate or joint control over the joint venture, the Group measures and recognises 
any retained investment at its fair value. Any difference between the carrying amount of the associate or joint venture upon loss 
of significant influence or joint control and the fair value of the retained investment and proceeds from disposal is recognised in 
profit or loss.

The Group acquired 21% of The Flight Refund Company GmbH, 40% of TCF Ltd and 5% of OB Capital Coop U.A. through the 
acquisition of Omni Bridgeway Holding B.V. in October 2019. TCF Ltd is a joint venture accounted for using the equity method.

OB Capital Coop U.A and The Flight Refund Company GmbH are associates accounted for using the equity method.

Investment in OB Capital Coop U.A. for the relevant financial year is provided below. Investments in The Flight Refund Company GmbH 
and TCF Ltd are immaterial to the Group.

Current assets 

Non–current assets 
Current liabilities 
Non–current liabilities 

Equity

Group's share in equity – 5% (2019: nil)

Group's carrying amount of the investment

114

2020
$'000

696 

101,245
(11,195)
–
90,746

4,537

4,537

2019
$'000

 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 

–

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Note 35: Related party disclosure

Transactions with director related entities
The following table provides the total amount of transactions that were entered into with related parties for the relevant financial year. 

Transactions with DLA Piper1
Transactions with FIIG Securities2

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2,036 

1,776 

3,812 

2019 
$’000

499 

 – 

499 

1 

2 

 During the year, the Group obtained legal advice from DLA Piper, a legal firm associated with director Michael Bowen. The legal advice was obtained at 
normal market rates. Michael Bowen recuses himself from all discussions regarding the appointment of DLA Piper and review of its service provision. 
The Group uses several different legal service providers across its network.

 During the year, the Group obtained services from FIIG Securities, for which Christine Feldmanis is a mutual Director. The services were provided at normal 
market rates. Christine Feldmanis recuses herself from all discussions regarding the appointment of FIIG Securities and review of its service provision.

Note 36: Auditor’s remuneration
The auditor of Omni Bridgeway Limited is EY.

Consolidated

2020
$'000

2019
$'000

Fees to Ernst & Young (Australia)

Fees for auditing the statutory financial report of the parent covering the group and auditing the 
statutory financial reports of any controlled entities

500 

398 

Fees for other assurance and agreed-upon procedures services under other legislation or 
contractual arrangements where there is discretion as to whether the service is provided by the 
auditor or another firm

Fees for other services

 – Due Diligence Report

85 

354 

939 

12 

– 

410 

Note 37: Events after the reporting date
Apart from that disclosed in this report, no other circumstances have arisen since 30 June 2020 that have significantly affected, 
or may significantly affect the consolidated entities’ operations, the results of those operations, or the consolidated entities state 
of affairs in the future financial years.

115

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
Directors’ Declaration

In accordance with a resolution of the Directors of Omni Bridgeway Limited, we state that:

In the opinion of the Directors:

(a)   the financial statements and notes of Omni Bridgeway Limited for the financial year ended 30 June 2020 are in accordance 

with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

i. 

ii. 

 giving a true and fair view of its financial position as at 30 June 2020 and performance for the year ended on that date; 
and 

 complying with Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Corporations 
Regulations 2001;

(b)   the financial statements and notes also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as disclosed in the notes to 

the financial statements; 

(c)   there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and 

payable; and

(d)   this declaration has been made after receiving the declarations required to be made to the directors in accordance with 

section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001 for the financial year ended 30 June 2020. 

On behalf of the board

Michael Kay 
Non-Executive Director  

Sydney, 24 August 2020

Andrew Saker 
Managing Director

116

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report

Ernst & Young 
11 Mounts Bay Road 
Perth  WA  6000  Australia 
GPO Box M939   Perth  WA  6843 

  Tel: +61 8 9429 2222 
Fax: +61 8 9429 2436 
ey.com/au 

Independent auditor's report to the members of Omni Bridgeway 
Limited  

Report on the audit of the Financial Report 

Opinion 

We have audited the financial report of Omni Bridgeway Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries 
(collectively the Group), which comprises the consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 
June 2020, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes 
in equity and consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, notes to the financial 
statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies, and the directors' declaration. 

In our opinion, the accompanying financial report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations 
Act 2001, including: 

a)  giving a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 30 June 2020 

and of its consolidated financial performance for the year ended on that date; and 

b)  complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 

Basis for opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under 
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial 
Report section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor 
independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the 
Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional 
Accountants (including Independence Standards) (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the 
financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with 
the Code.  

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 
for our opinion. 

Key audit matters 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in 
our audit of the financial report of the current year. These matters were addressed in the context of 
our audit of the financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, but we do not provide 
a separate opinion on these matters. For each matter below, our description of how our audit 
addressed the matter is provided in that context. 

We have fulfilled the responsibilities described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the 
Financial Report section of our report, including in relation to these matters. Accordingly, our audit 
included the performance of procedures designed to respond to our assessment of the risks of 
material misstatement of the financial report. The results of our audit procedures, including the 
procedures performed to address the matters below, provide the basis for our audit opinion on the 
accompanying financial report. 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

RK:DA:IMF:013 

117

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
 
Independent Auditor’s Report

continued

Impairment of litigation related assets 

Why significant 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

The Group has recognised three different types of 
litigation assets which include: 

  Claims portfolio;  

  Purchased claims; and 

  Litigation contracts in progress. 

Whilst the assets are different from an accounting 
perspective, they are considered for impairment by 
the Group on a similar basis, using cash flow forecasts. 

The carrying values are contingent on future cash 
flows and there is a risk that if these cash flows do not 
meet the Group’s expectations, or if significant 
judgments such as the discount rates change, the 
assets may be impaired. 

This was a key audit matter because it requires a high 
level of judgment and changes in these assumptions 
might lead to a significant change in the carrying 
values of the related assets. 

Refer to Note 11 Claims portfolio, Note 12 Purchased 
claims and Note 13 Intangible assets – litigation 
contracts in progress of the financial report for the 
amounts recognised by the Group as at 30 June 2020 
and related disclosures. 

We evaluated the Group’s assessment of the carrying value 
of litigation related assets. Our audit procedures included 
the following: 

  Assessed, through testing a sample, the effectiveness 
of the Group’s controls in relation to the review of 
carrying values for litigation assets, including controls 
over the valuation model and assumptions applied. 

  Discussed significant case matters with respective 
Case Investment Managers, in order to understand 
case status and assess judgements made by the Group 
that impacted the impairment model including 
litigation completion timing, litigation revenue, 
budgeted costs to complete and intention to continue 
the litigation funding. 

  Discussed with Case Investment Managers and Chief 
Investment Officers the impact on case matters, if 
any, arising from the Covid-19 global pandemic. 

  Examined the Group’s impairment assessment model 
and tested the reasonableness of key assumptions 
including cash flow forecasts considering the accuracy 
of previous forecasts, estimated completion dates and 
discount rates, with the involvement of our valuation 
specialists. 

  Tested the mathematical accuracy of the cash flow 

models. 

  Conducted sensitivity analyses to ascertain the impact 
of reasonably possible changes to key assumptions on 
the available headroom. 

  Assessed the adequacy of the financial statement 

disclosures regarding impairment and the recoverable 
amount of the Group’s litigation assets. 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

RK:DA:IMF:013 

118

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020 
 
 
 
Taxation and recoverability of tax losses 

Why significant 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

At 30 June 2020, the Group had deferred tax assets 
including tax losses of $23.49 million recorded in the 
statement of financial position. AASB 112 Income 
Taxes outlines the requirements necessary to 
recognise a deferred tax asset. The recoverability of 
the deferred tax assets is reliant on taxable profits 
being earnt by Group subsidiaries. 

Given the magnitude and judgment involved in 
determining the recoverability of deferred tax assets, 
it was considered as a key audit matter. 

Refer to Note 7 of the financial report for the amounts 
recognised by the Group as at 30 June 2020 and 
related disclosure. 

We evaluated the Group’s assessment of the recoverability 
of recognised deferred tax assets. Our audit procedures 
included the following: 

  Examined the Group’s deferred tax asset 

recoverability assessment and evaluated the 
reasonableness of key assumptions including forecast 
taxable profits of Group entities. 

  Assessed sensitivity analyses prepared by 

management to ascertain the impact of possible 
changes to key assumptions on the timing of 
recoverability. 

  Assessed the adequacy of the financial statement 

disclosures regarding the Group’s deferred tax assets. 

Accounting for the acquisition of Omni Bridgeway 

Why significant 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

On 8 November 2019, Omni Bridgeway Limited 
completed the acquisition of Omni Bridgeway Holdings 
BV (“OBE Group”) for a purchase consideration with a 
fair value of $153.666 million. The acquisition has 
been accounted for as a business combination (refer 
to Note 31 of the financial report). The acquisition 
date accounting for the business combination is still 
provisional at 30 June 2020. 

The deferred consideration component of the 
purchase consideration is required to be carried at fair 
value. 

We focused on this area because it required a high 
level of judgment to determine the fair value of 
identifiable assets and liabilities acquired and the 
resultant goodwill recognised. There was also a high 
level of judgment required to determine the value of 
the deferred and variable deferred consideration. 

Refer to Note 31 of the financial report for the 
amounts recognised by the Group as at 30 June 2020 
and related disclosure. 

We evaluated the Group’s assessment of the accounting for 
the acquisition of the OBE Group. Our audit procedures 
included the following: 

  Read the purchase agreement to gain an 

understanding of the key terms. 

  Assessed the appropriateness of the acquisition 

accounting applied. 

  With the assistance of our valuation specialists, we 

evaluated the Group’s determination of the purchase 
consideration with reference to the share purchase 
agreement and cash consideration paid. 

  Assessed the provisional fair value of assets and 

liabilities acquired, including considering whether the 
valuation methodologies and assumptions applied, 
with the assistance of our valuation specialists, were 
in accordance with the requirements of Australian 
Accounting Standards. 

  With the assistance of our valuation specialists, we 
assessed the valuation of and accounting for the 
deferred consideration as at 30 June 2020. 

  Evaluated the adequacy of the Group’s disclosures in 
the financial report relating to the acquisition of OBE 
Group. 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

RK:DA:IMF:013 

119

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report

continued

Information other than the Financial Report and Auditor’s Report thereon 

The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the 
information included in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report, but does not include the financial report 
and our auditor’s report thereon. 

Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and accordingly we do not 
express any form of assurance conclusion thereon, with the exception of the Remuneration Report 
and our related assurance opinion. 

In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information 
and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial 
report or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. 

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. 

Responsibilities of the directors for the Financial Report 

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a 
true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001 
and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the 
financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to 
fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s ability to 
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters relating to going concern and using the 
going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease 
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the Financial Report 

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

As part of an audit in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards, we exercise professional 
judgment and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also: 

 

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to 
fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit 
evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not 
detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from 
error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the 
override of internal control. 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

RK:DA:IMF:013 

120

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020 
  Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit 

procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an 
opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control. 

  Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting 

estimates and related disclosures made by the directors. 

  Conclude on the appropriateness of the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting 
and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to 
events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going 
concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in 
our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial report or, if such disclosures are 
inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up 
to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Group to 
cease to continue as a going concern. 

  Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial report, including the 

disclosures, and whether the financial report represents the underlying transactions and events 
in a manner that achieves fair presentation. 

  Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or 

business activities within the Group to express an opinion on the financial report. We are 
responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the Group audit. We remain solely 
responsible for our audit opinion. 

We communicate with the directors regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of 
the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we 
identify during our audit. 

We also provide the directors with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical 
requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other 
matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related 
safeguards. 

From the matters communicated to the directors, we determine those matters that were of most 
significance in the audit of the financial report of the current year and are therefore the key audit 
matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s report unless law or regulation precludes public 
disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter 
should not be communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of doing so would 
reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication. 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

RK:DA:IMF:013 

121

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report

continued

Report on the audit of the Remuneration Report 

Opinion on the Remuneration Report 

We have audited the Remuneration Report included in pages 37 to 47 of the directors' report for the 
year ended 30 June 2020. 

In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Omni Bridgeway Limited for the year ended 30 June 
2020, complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Responsibilities 

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the 
Remuneration Report in accordance with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. Our 
responsibility is to express an opinion on the Remuneration Report, based on our audit conducted in 
accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. 

Ernst & Young 

Robert A Kirkby 
Partner 
Perth 
24 August 2020 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

RK:DA:IMF:013 

122

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder Information

The information set out below is current as at 31 July 2020.

(a)  Distribution of Shareholders 

Ordinary Share Capital 
249,865,242 fully paid ordinary shares are held by 3,836 individual shareholders. All issued ordinary shares carry one vote per 
share and carry the right to dividends.

Omni Bridgeway Bonds 
There are 760,000 bonds issued held by 1,041 individual bond holders. The Omni Bridgeway Bonds do not carry the right to vote at 
any shareholders meeting.

Options
There are no options issued over ordinary shares.

Performance Rights 
17,302,007 performance rights were issued to 97 rights holders. 

Fixed Rate Notes 
There are 72,000 Fixed Rate Notes.

Distribution of Securities
The number of shareholders by size of holding, in each class are as at 31 July 2020:

1 – 1,000

1,001 – 5,000

5,001 – 10,000

10,001 – 100,000

100,001 and over

Fully paid 
ordinary 
shares

% of issued 
capital

Number

Bonds

Number

1,023

1,352

622

768

418,306

3,773,847

4,610,211

20,618,182

71

220,444,696

3,836

249,865,242

0.17

1.51

1.85

8.25

88.22

100.00

975

59

2

4

1

1,041

160,411

112,618

15,170

130,950

340,851

760,000

Non-marketable Parcels
There were 275 holders of less than a marketable parcel of ordinary shares.

(b) Substantial Shareholders
The names of the substantial shareholders listed in the Company’s register as at 31 July 2020 are:

Shareholder

Kabouter Management, LLC

Perpetual Investment Management

Eley Griffiths Group

Vanguard Group

Number of 
ordinary 
Shares 

% of  
issued 
capital

20,576,033

19,110,072

13,129,626

12,657,019

8.23

7.66

5.25

5.07

65,472,750

26.21

123

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Shareholder Information

continued

(c)  20 Largest Holders of Quoted Equity Securities as at 31 July 2020

Ordinary Shares

1. HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED 

2.

J P MORGAN NOMINEES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED 

3. CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED 

4. NATIONAL NOMINEES LIMITED 

5. HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED-GSCO ECA 

6. UBS NOMINEES PTY LTD 

7. BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD 

8. MCLERNON GROUP SUPERANNUATION PTY LTD 

9. HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED - A/C 2 

10. PACIFIC CUSTODIANS PTY LIMITED 

11. BNP PARIBAS NOMS PTY LTD 

12. HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED 

13. CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED 

14. MR DENNIS JOHN BANKS 

15. MR PETER FREDERICK PHILLIPS & MRS ALICE SAU HAN PHILLIPS 

16. MR HUGH MCLERNON 

17. BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD 

18. PACIFIC CUSTODIANS PTY LIMITED 

19. BOUCHI PTY LTD 

20. B F A PTY LTD 

(d) Options as at 31 July 2020 – unquoted
There are no options issued. 

(e)  Securities subject to escrow
There are no securities subject to escrow.

Number of 
ordinary 
Shares  
‘000

52,213 

41,033 

30,227 

22,996 

18,080 

12,035 

7,044 

4,156 

3,941 

3,532 

2,669 

2,487 

1,623 

1,287 

1,054 

1,002 

971 

888 

722 

687 

% of  
issued  
capital

20.90

16.42

12.10

9.20

7.24

4.82

2.82

1.66

1.58

1.41

1.07

1.00

0.65

0.52

0.42

0.40

0.39

0.36

0.29

0.27

208,647

83.50

124

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020(f) 20 Largest Holders of Quoted Omni Bridgeway Bonds as at 31 July 2020 

Bond Holders

1. HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED 

2.

J P MORGAN NOMINEES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED 

3. HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED 

4. CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED 

5. NATIONAL NOMINEES LIMITED 

6. MUTUAL TRUST PTY LTD 

7. MCLERNON GROUP SUPERANNUATION PTY LTD 

8. CARRIER INTERNATIONAL PTY LIMITED 

9. PSTAR PTY LTD 

10. SANCTUARY GATE PTY LTD 

11. MR CHIA-HO CHEN 

12. CITER INVESTMENTS PTY LTD 

13. ROBROZ PTY LTD 

13. VOSBURG PTY LTD 

13. MS CAROLYN MARGARET EARL & MR JOHN WILLIAM NISSEN 

14. DYSPO PTY LIMITED 

14. BJM INCOME INVESTMENTS PTY LTD 

14. SINGAPORE INVESTMENTS PTY LTD 

15. THE GOLF NUT PTY LTD1

16. BRIGHTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOUNDATION LTD 

17.

JOWENE PTY LIMITED 

18. JENONDA INVESTMENTS PTY LTD 

18. AGED CARE GROUP PTY LTD 

18. D & M COE PTY LIMITED 

18. LEVIEN FOUNDATION PTY LTD 

18. MELPEAT PTY LTD 

18. MORBEN NOMINEES PTY LTD 

18. SPACE DOOR PTY LTD 

18. TUDOR FARM PTY LTD 

18. MR COLLIN MERVYN TURNER & MRS VICKI JUNE TURNER 

18. MALACHI THREE TEN PTY LTD 

18. COLIN WISE CONSULTING PTY LTD 

19. MRS ROSEMARIE HANICH 

20. THE GOLF NUT PTY LTD1 

1  Held in different accounts

Number of 
Bonds 

% of 
units

340,851

44.85

60,667

24,744

23,608

21,931

7,670

7,500

4,580

4,269

4,000

3,185

3,002

3,000

3,000

3,000

2,500

2,500

2,500

2,446

2,250

2,124

2,000

2,000

2,000

2,000

2,000

2,000

2,000

2,000

2,000

2,000

2,000

1,981

1,969

7.98

3.26

3.11

2.89

1.01

0.99

0.60

0.56

0.53

0.42

0.40

0.39

0.39

0.39

0.33

0.33

0.33

0.32

0.30

0.28

0.26

0.26

0.26

0.26

0.26

0.26

0.26

0.26

0.26

0.26

0.26

0.26

0.26

555,277

73.06

125

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Corporate Information

This annual report covers both Omni Bridgeway Limited as an individual entity and the consolidated entity comprising Omni 
Bridgeway Limited and its subsidiaries. The Group’s functional and presentation currency is AUD ($).

A description of the Group’s operations and of its principal activities is included in the review of operations and activities in the 
Directors’ Report. The Directors’ Report is not part of the financial report.

Directors
Non-Executive Chairman 
Michael Kay  
Managing Director 
Andrew Saker  
Executive Director  
Hugh McLernon  
Executive Director 
Raymond van Hulst  
Non-Executive Director  
Michael Bowen  
Karen Phin 
Non-Executive Director 
Christine Feldmanis  Non-Executive Director

Company Secretary 
Jeremy Sambrook

Registered office and principal place of business in Australia
Level 18, 68 Pitt Street 
Sydney NSW 2000

Phone: (02) 8223 3567 
Fax: (02) 8223 3555

Solicitors 

DLA PIPER
Level 31, Central Park 
152-158 St George’s Terrace 
Perth WA 6000

Share registry

LINK MARKET SERVICES
Locked Bag A14 
Sydney South NSW 1235

Phone: 1300 554 474

Auditors

EY
The EY Building 
11 Mounts Bay Road 
Perth WA 6000

Bankers

WESTPAC BANKING CORPORATION
Level 18, 275 Kent Street 
Sydney NSW 2000

Internet address
www.omnibridgeway.com

The Company is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange with Sydney, Australia as its home exchange. 

Its ASX code is “OBL” and its shares were trading as at the date of this report. 

126

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2020Glossary of Terms

AASB

CAGR

CGU

DCF

EMEA

EPS

Estimated 
Portfolio 
Value (EPV)

Australian Accounting Standards Board

Compound Annual Growth Rate

Cash Generating Unit

Discounted Cash Flow

Europe, Middle East and Africa

Earnings Per Share

EPV for an investment where the funding entity earns: 

i. 

a percentage of the resolution proceeds as a funding commission, is the current estimate of the investment’s 
recoverable amount after considering the perceived capacity of the defendant to meet the claim and any 
other pertinent factors. Such amount is not necessarily the amount being claimed by the claimants, nor is it an 
estimate of the return to the group if the investment is successful; 

ii.  a funding commission calculated as a multiple of capital invested is arrived at by taking the estimated potential 

income return from the investment and grossing this up to an EPV using the Long-Term Conversion Rate; and 

iii.  a funding commission calculated on a combination of the above bases or on an alternative basis, may utilise 
one of the above methodologies, or a hybrid construct, or an alternative methodology depending upon the 
components of the funding commission. 

OBE Group’s EPV has been estimated on a conceptually consistent basis; enforcement case investments may 
have a multi-layered approach from a timing and value perspective. Where OBE Group have not yet been able to 
ascertain an EPV consistent with the disclosed methodology an EPV of zero has been used.

However calculated, an EPV is an estimate and is subject to change over time for a number of reasons, including, 
but not limited to, changes in circumstances and knowledge relating to an investment or the defendant(s) 
perceived capacity to meet the claim, partial recovery and, where applicable, fluctuations in exchange rates 
between the applicable local currency and the Australian dollar. Possible EPV’s are reviewed and updated 
where necessary.

The portfolio’s value is the aggregation of individual investments’ EPVs as determined above.

EU

FUM

IC

IFC

IFRS

IRR

LTIP

European Union

Funds Under Management

Investment Committee

International Finance Corporation

International Financial Reporting Standards

Internal Rate of Return

Long Term Incentive Program

MENA DARP Middle East and North Africa Distressed Asset Recovery Program. A joint venture with the IFC (part of the World Bank 

Group) designed to assist banks in the MENA regions with funding and cross border legal enforcement of high value 
non-performing loans.

MOIC

NCI

OBE

Multiple on Invested Capital

Non-Controlling Interest

Omni Bridgeway Holding B.V. (ie ‘Omni Bridgeway Europe’)

OBE Group

OBE Group included Omni Bridgeway Holding B.V., Omni Bridgeway AG (formerly ROLAND ProzessFinanz),  
and a joint venture with IFC (part of the World Bank Group)

OBL

OCA

ROIC

STIP

TFR

TSR

Omni Bridgeway Limited, also referred to in this Report as “Omni Bridgeway”, “the Company” or “the Parent”

On-line Client Administration Proprietary Database

Return on Invested Capital

Short Term Incentive Program

Total Fixed Remuneration

Total Shareholder Return

Non-IFRS financial information included in this Report has been prepared in accordance with ASIC Regulatory Guidance 230 – Disclosing Non-IFRS financial 
information, issued December 2011. This information has not been audited or reviewed.

Disclaimer
None of the content in the Omni Bridgeway Limited (“OBL”) Annual Report is an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities of OBL or any other 
company affiliated with OBL. In addition, nothing herein should be construed as an offer to buy or sell, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, any security 
or other financial instrument, or to invest assets in any account managed or advised by OBL or its affiliates. This Annual Report is for the use of OBL’s public 
shareholders and is not an offering of any OBL private fund.

127

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Asia

Australia

Canada

United States

Europe, Middle East & Africa

Hong Kong
+852 3978 2629

Level 27 
World-Wide House 
19 Des Voeux Road 
Central 
Central, Hong Kong

Singapore
+65 6813 2647

Level 13-03 
6 Battery Road  
Singapore 049909

Adelaide
+61 8 8122 1010

50 Gilbert Street 
Adelaide SA 5000

Brisbane
+61 7 3108 1311

Level 18 
175 Eagle Street 
Brisbane QLD 4000

Melbourne
+61 3 9913 3301

Level 3 
Bourke Place 
600 Bourke Street 
Melbourne VIC 3000

Perth
+61 8 9225 2300

Level 6 
37 St Georges Terrace 
Perth WA 6000

Sydney 
+61 2 8223 3567

Level 18 
68 Pitt Street 
Sydney NSW 2000

Montreal
+1 514 257 6971

Houston
+1 713 965 7919

Amsterdam 
+31 70 338 4343

60 Rue St Jacques 
Bureau 401 
Montréal QC H2Y 1L5

Toronto
+1 416 583 5720

250 The Esplanade 
Suite 127 
Toronto ON M5A 1J2

LyondellBasell Tower 
1221 McKinney Street 
Suite 2860 
Houston TX 77010

Schiphol Boulevard 121 
1118 BG Schiphol  
Amsterdam 
The Netherlands

Los Angeles
+1 213 550 2687

555 W. Fifth Street 
Suite 3310 
Los Angeles CA 90013

Cologne
+49 221 801155-0

Gereonstr. 43-65 
50670 Cologne 
Germany

New York
+1 212 488 5331

Geneva
+41 22 818 6300

437 Madison Avenue  
19th Floor 
New York NY 10022

Rue de la Rôtisserie 4 
1204 Geneva 
Switzerland

San Francisco
+1 415 231 0363

London
+44 203 968 6061

50 California Street  
Suite 2550 
San Francisco CA 94111

81 Chancery Lane  
London WC2A 1DD 
United Kingdom

Dubai
+971 4 514 4608

Unit 1905, Level 19 
Index Tower 
Dubai International  
Financial Centre 
507152 Dubai 
United Arab Emirates

www.omnibridgeway.com