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Omni Bridgeway Limited

obl · ASX Financial Services
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Employees 51-200
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FY2021 Annual Report · Omni Bridgeway Limited
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Annual Report 2021

Omni Bridgeway is the global leader 
in financing and managing legal risks

We have significant expertise in civil and common law legal and 
recovery systems and offer dispute finance from case inception 
through to post-judgment enforcement and recovery.

We are the world’s largest dispute finance team and have 
operations around the globe.

Since 1986, Omni Bridgeway has established a record of 
financing disputes and enforcement proceedings, and in 
2021 our company marks numerous anniversaries that 
reflect decades of delivering results for clients.

All figures are in Australian Dollars (AUD, A$) 
unless otherwise stated.

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021Contents

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

C. CAPITAL STRUCTURE 

80

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

Note 15:  Financial risk management ................................. 80

The Omni Bridgeway advantage .......................................... 14

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

Directors’ Report ..................................................................... 17

Note 17:  Debt securities ...................................................... 87

Auditor’s Independence Declaration ................................... 49

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

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income ........ 50

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position ................... 51

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows ............................... 52

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity ................... 53

Notes to the Financial Statements ....................................... 55

About this Report .................................................................... 55

Note 19:  Retained earnings/(accumulated losses)  

and reserves .......................................................... 90

D.  WORKING CAPITAL, OTHER ASSETS  

AND OTHER LIABILITIES 

91

Note 20:  Receivables from litigation contracts  

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

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

A. RESULTS FOR THE YEAR 

59

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

Note 1: 

Segment information ........................................... 59

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

Note 2: 

Revenue from contracts with customers ......... 63

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

Note 3: 

Interest revenue  .................................................. 65

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

Note 4:  Net gain on derecognition of intangibles  

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

assets  ..................................................................... 65

Note 5:  Other income  ....................................................... 66

Note 6: 

Expenses ................................................................ 66

Note 7: 

Income tax ............................................................. 68

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

Note 28:  Commitments and contingencies .................... 101

E. THE GROUP, MANAGEMENT AND RELATED PARTIES 102

Note 8: 

Loss per share ....................................................... 72

Note 29:  Key management personnel ............................ 102

Note 9: 

 Dividends paid and proposed by  
Omni Bridgeway Limited (the parent entity) ... 73

Note 10:  Statement of cash flows reconciliation  .............74

Note 30:  Share-based payment plan............................... 102

Note 31:  Business combination ....................................... 104

Note 32:  Parent entity information ................................. 109

B. INVESTMENTS AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

75

Note 33:  Material partly-owned subsidiaries  ............... 112

Note 11:  Claims portfolio .................................................... 75

Note 12:  Purchased claims  ................................................. 75

Note 13: 

Intangible assets – litigation contracts  
in progress ............................................................. 76

Note 34: 

Investment in associates and joint ventures . 114

Note 35:  Related party disclosure ................................... 116

Note 36:  Auditor’s remuneration ..................................... 116

Note 37:  Events after the reporting date ....................... 116

Note 14:  Goodwill ................................................................. 79

Directors’ Declaration .......................................................... 117

Independent Auditor’s Report ............................................ 118

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

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

Glossary of Terms ................................................................. 128

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1

Financial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
 
 
 
Highlights

EPV
$20.1bn

.

5
9

9
5

.

1
4

.

.

1
0
2

.

8
5
1

Gross investment proceeds 
$276.0m

0.6

.

3
0
9
2

135.0

9.8

.

0
6
7
2

.

2
1
7

.

1
5
3

.

3
3
1
1

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

CAGR > 42% over 5 years

CAGR > 33% over 5 years

Fund 5 component that is not 
consolidated within the group
Income yet to be recognised from 
substantially completed investments

Supporting clients from case inception through to post-judgment  
enforcement and recovery for 30+ years

NOV 2019
Merger 
IMF Bentham /  
2001
Omni Bridgeway
Public listing 
(ASX) 
A$2.2 billion FUM2  
(7 Funds)
Perth  
Sydney

2019
2003
Fund 5  
Melbourne
US$500m

2018
Fund 4 
US$500m
Hong Kong  
2007
Montreal 
London
Brisbane

2017
Fund 1  
US$172m 
Funds 2 & 3  
A$180m
2009
Houston  
Singapore
Adelaide

2021
Auckland 
Madrid

2016
2011
Toronto
New York

2015
San Francisco

2013
Los  
Angeles

2013

2015
San Francisco

Los  

Angeles

2016

2011

Toronto

New York

2018

Fund 4 

Funds 2 & 3  

US$500m

2017

Fund 1  

US$172m 

A$180m

Houston  

2009

Singapore

Adelaide

NOV 2019

Merger 

IMF Bentham /  

2001

Public listing 

Omni Bridgeway

(ASX) 

A$2.2 billion FUM2  

Hong Kong  

Montreal 

2007

Brisbane

London

2019

2003

Fund 5  

Melbourne

US$500m

Perth  

(7 Funds)

Sydney

2021

Auckland 

Madrid

1990
Distressed  
asset recovery  
& restructuring

2021
35 years  
in business

1986
Founded as 
Omni Finance 
– distressed 
debt trading, 
Amsterdam

20 years  
Germany, public  
listing, asset tracing

2001
Asset tracing  
& enforcement 
intelligence

2019
Fund 7 
US$100m 
(DARP1)

2018
Dubai

2009
2017
Cologne 
Geneva
(ROLAND 
ProzessFinanz)

2016
Fund 6 
€150m

2015
Singapore

2015
Singapore

2016

Fund 6 

€150m

2017

2009

Cologne 

Geneva

(ROLAND 

ProzessFinanz)

2018

Dubai

2019

2001

1990

2021

1986

Fund 7 

Asset tracing  

US$100m 

& enforcement 

Distressed  

35 years  

Founded as 

asset recovery  

in business

Omni Finance 

(DARP1)

intelligence

& restructuring

10 years  
US

5 years  
Asia and Canada

1 | Distressed Asset Recovery Program
2 | Funds under management

1 | Distressed Asset Recovery Program
2 | Funds under management

m

a

h

t

n

e

B

F

M

I

y

a

w

e

g

d

i

r

B

i

n

m

O

20 years  

– distressed 

Germany, public  

debt trading, 

listing, asset tracing

Amsterdam

10 years  

US

5 years  

Asia and Canada

m
a
h
t
n
e
B
F
M

I

y
a
w
e
g
d
i
r
B

i

n
m
O

2

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
Annual investment commitment
$412.6m

Investments
$524.8m

.

6
2
1
4

.

2
2
1
3

.

0
3
2
2

.

0
7
4
1

.

0
6
0
1

19.9

.

9
7
2
6

112.9

40.5

.

8
4
2
5

.

0
7
2
4

.

3
1
2
3

.

9
0
9
1

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

CAGR > 38% over 5 years

CAGR > 35% over 5 years

Fund 5 component that is not 
consolidated within the group
Westgem & Fund 4 IFRS impaired investment

2013
Los  
Angeles

2013
Los  
Angeles

2013
Los  
Angeles

2011
2015
New York
San Francisco

2011
New York

2016
Toronto

2009
Adelaide

2009
Adelaide

2017
Fund 1  
US$172m 
Funds 2 & 3  
A$180m
2007
Houston  
Singapore
Brisbane

2007
Brisbane

2018
Fund 4 
US$500m
Hong Kong  
2003
2003
Montreal 
London
Melbourne
Melbourne

2001
2001
Public listing 
Public listing 
(ASX) 
(ASX) 
2019
Perth  
Perth  
Fund 5  
Sydney
Sydney
US$500m

NOV 2019
Merger 
IMF Bentham /  
Omni Bridgeway

A$2.2 billion FUM2  
(7 Funds)

m
a
h
2021
t
n
e
Auckland 
B
Madrid
F
M

I

m
a
h
t
n
e
B
F
M

I

1990

Distressed  

2001

2019

2019

Fund 7 

Asset tracing  

Fund 7 

2018

2018

Dubai

Dubai

2017

2017

2009

2016

2016

2015

2015

Cologne 

Cologne 

Geneva

Fund 6 

Fund 6 

Singapore

Singapore

2015
Singapore

asset recovery  

US$100m 

& enforcement 

US$100m 

& restructuring

(DARP1)

intelligence

(DARP1)

(ROLAND 

(ROLAND 

€150m

€150m

ProzessFinanz)

ProzessFinanz)

2009
Geneva

2016
Fund 6 
€150m

2009
Geneva

2017
Cologne 
(ROLAND 
ProzessFinanz)

2018
Dubai

2001
2001
2019
Fund 7 
Asset tracing  
Asset tracing  
US$100m 
& enforcement 
& enforcement 
(DARP1)
intelligence
intelligence

1990
1990
Distressed  
Distressed  
asset recovery  
asset recovery  
& restructuring
& restructuring

y
a
w
e
g
d
i
r
B

y
a
w
e
g
d
i
r
B

2021
1986
1986
35 years  
Founded as 
Founded as 
in business
Omni Finance 
Omni Finance 
n
– distressed 
– distressed 
20 years  
m
debt trading, 
debt trading, 
Germany, public  
O
Amsterdam
Amsterdam
listing, asset tracing

n
m
O

i

i

1 | Distressed Asset Recovery Program

1 | Distressed Asset Recovery Program

2 | Funds under management

2 | Funds under management

1 | Distressed Asset Recovery Program
2 | Funds under management

10 years  
US

5 years  
Asia and Canada

3

NOV 2019

NOV 2019

Merger 

Merger 

IMF Bentham /  

IMF Bentham /  

Omni Bridgeway

Omni Bridgeway

A$2.2 billion FUM2  

A$2.2 billion FUM2  

(7 Funds)

(7 Funds)

2018

2018

Fund 4 

Fund 4 

2017

2017

Fund 1  

Fund 1  

US$172m 

US$172m 

Public listing 

US$500m

US$500m

Funds 2 & 3  

Funds 2 & 3  

Hong Kong  

Hong Kong  

A$180m

A$180m

2001

(ASX) 

2019

2019

Fund 5  

Perth  

Fund 5  

US$500m

Sydney

US$500m

t

n

2021

2021

Auckland 

Auckland 

B

F

Madrid

Madrid

Montreal 

2003

Montreal 

2007

Houston  

Houston  

2009

2016

2016

2011

2015

2015

Melbourne

London

London

Singapore

Brisbane

Singapore

Adelaide

Toronto

Toronto

San Francisco

New York

San Francisco

m

a

h

e

M

I

y

a

w

e

g

d

i

r

B

i

n

m

2021

1986

2021

35 years  

35 years  

Founded as 

in business

in business

Omni Finance 

20 years  

– distressed 

20 years  

Germany, public  

Germany, public  

debt trading, 

O

listing, asset tracing

listing, asset tracing

Amsterdam

10 years  

10 years  

US

US

5 years  

5 years  

Asia and Canada

Asia and Canada

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

Introduction 
As is the nature of our business and sector, where completions 
are driven by court availability and counterparties’ willingness 
to settle, revenues within short timeframes (such as half-year 
financial reporting) will inevitably be episodic. Performance 
should be assessed over a longer period, reflecting the duration 
of the underlying investment class.

Our second half results reflect an increase in the number of 
completions, revenue generated and profitability. Our annual 
results based on IFRS, after provisions for impairments, reflects 
an overall loss.

Notwithstanding this IFRS result, this year reflects the 
overwhelming benefits of our diversification strategy, with a:

 – record number of investment applications
 – record amount of capital committed for new investments, 

up 32% from last year

 – record growth in EPV to $20.1 billion, up 27% from last year

We now manage over 300 investments around the world, 
with exposure to common and civil law jurisdictions, 
geographies within those jurisdictions, types of cases, sources 
of opportunities and service providers, and with a growing 
exposure to the northern hemisphere.

In addition, we completed some of the most significant 
investments in our portfolio, including the partial settlement 
of the long- standing Wivenhoe case. Income of $95.3 million 
was recognised during the year from the Wivenhoe investment 
and we estimate potential future income from the remainder 
of the investment to be in the range of $103 to $238 million 
(subject to the commentary and assumptions detailed in our 
ASX announcement dated 10 May 2021).

Wivenhoe is one of our remaining, historical balance sheet 
investments and its partial completion transitions us closer to 
our strategic objective of Fund manager and co-investor model.

Our portfolio increasingly reflects the use of dispute finance 
as a capital and risk management tool, with companies 
representing a large proportion of our funded clients.

We now operate seven Funds, providing the capacity to 
invest in a broader range of opportunities, generate a return 
in management fees and performance fees as a manager 
of those Funds, thereby diversifying risk, expanding our 
income generation capacity and providing the opportunity 
to stabilise our earnings.

Our first-generation Funds are now fully committed (including 
conditional commitments) with over $387 million in current 
investments and $5 million remaining for deployment. 
Investment commitments in our second- generation Funds 
are in the middle of their investment period.

Like most enterprises, the COVID-19 pandemic has had 
some impact on our operations. In some jurisdictions, 
notably the US, COVID-19 related court delays slowed 
completions and extended our investment lifecycle. 
In the US this was compounded by political and social unrest, 
along with strong competitor activity as existing participants 
and new contenders attempted to gain market share through 
financing investments at margins below our risk-return 
threshold. These factors affected our capital commitments 
in our largest market this year. 

The pandemic forced some fly-in, fly-out dispute finance 
participants to retreat from some markets while Omni 
Bridgeway continued to expand its operations with recruitment 
in APAC, EMEA and North America. These hires, with more to 
come in FY22, reinforce Omni Bridgeway’s growth strategy.

We found that across our global footprint, the presence of 
our local teams with local knowledge and extensive networks 
allowed Omni Bridgeway to remain highly competitive during the 
pandemic, when fly-in, fly-out providers found it challenging to 
source and service investments on-the-ground.

Although we adapted our business development initiatives for 
an on-line world, our origination activities were also challenged 
by COVID-19 restrictions. As vaccinations approach a critical 
mass in the community, the legal industry is resuming court 
trials and clearing court backlogs in the US.

Fortunately, our business model is one that allowed a smooth 
transition to work-from-home, and our return to office or hybrid 
working arrangements in 2021 are proving equally seamless 
where restrictions are easing in some jurisdictions. Some of our 
markets are already witnessing a resumption of conventional 
business development methods including in-person meetings, 
relationship and networking activities, conferences and events. 
Our Chief Executive Officer, Mr Andrew Saker, was also able to 
relocate from Australia to New York City in April 2021 to lead 
our strategic expansion in the world’s largest legal market.

Since our 2019 merger, we have successfully integrated our 
legacy businesses and we experience the benefits of the 
alliance every day. Our global team collaborates on sourcing 
and winning funding mandates across jurisdictions and we 
have exceeded our new business generation targets by 
collaborating on cross-border pitches and co-investing in over 
$550 million of new mandates since the merger. We now offer 
comprehensive solutions from case inception to recovery and 
regularly supplement merits-funding with enforcement services 
where clients seek help to recover from evasive debtors. 
Our strong geographic footprint and origination network 
provide a significant comparative advantage and our market 
knowledge, marketing intensity, speed of response and personal 
relationships are all levers to generating a high quality and 
quantity of funding opportunities world-wide.

4

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021This year we expanded our geographic footprint with remote 
servicing, offices, agencies and other arrangements, to service 
Japan, India, Latin America, New Zealand and Spain and are 
already funding matters in those countries and successfully 
onboarded many new colleagues remotely during COVID-19 
restrictions.

We are now the largest funding team in the world, with 180+ 
legal and finance professionals including civil and common law 
litigators, enforcement lawyers and recovery specialists from 
premier international law firms, along with economists, financial 
experts, business intelligence and asset tracing professionals, 
educated at the world’s leading institutions.

We are preparing for the departure of one of our company 
founders, Executive Director Mr Hugh McLernon who will retire 
in FY22. Mr McLernon’s entrepreneurialism and foresight not 
only contributed to the formation of our company, but also to 
the development of the contemporary dispute finance industry. 
On the back of his determination and effort, many litigants 
have gained the access to justice they could not have otherwise 
afforded, and many stakeholders (including shareholders 
and employees) have been rewarded through the growth 
of a billion-dollar business from inception.

We express our gratitude for his contribution, guidance, and 
wisdom throughout the years. He leaves a wonderful legacy for 
us and we will miss his invaluable input.

We will also farewell Director Mr Michael Bowen who retires 
from our Board in FY22. Mr Bowen has been a Director of our 
company since our 2001 public listing and a valuable member 
and chair of numerous Committees during that time. His 
expertise, insights, and camaraderie will be missed.

We also say thank you to Dr Arndt Eversberg who retired from 
Omni Bridgeway on 30 June after developing our German 
business for almost 10 years.

Having achieved, and exceeded, our last five-year Business 
Plan, we launched our 2020-25 Business Plan this year and 
are advancing in its execution. The pandemic has reminded 
everyone that the landscape is always dynamic, and success 
requires a strong foundation and dedication, coupled with 
agility. Our Plan involves continuing to grow and diversify our 
portfolio, expand our team and geographic footprint and extend 
our product offering, while remaining adaptable to an ever-
changing world stage.

We look forward to navigating the future together with our 
stakeholders.

Goal

Strategy

Status

Geographical  
expansion

Americas

APAC

EMEA

•  US team growth, office expansions underway, exploring new  

office locations

•  Canada team growth, exploring Calgary
•  Latin America market assessment, strategy and remote servicing

•  Auckland, New Zealand resources in situ
•  Exploring India 

•  Madrid, Spain resources in situ
•  North Africa exploring debt servicing operation

Expanded  
service  
offerings

•  Acquiring claims,  
judgments awards

•  Funding law firm receivables
•  Downside risk management

•  14 purchased claims in the portfolio
•  Assessing M&A opportunities

Capital  
Structure

• 
•  Launch new fund
•  Increase commitments  

via Funds

•  EPV up 27% on FY20 to $20.1 billion 
•  FY21 capital commitments $413m, up 32% on FY20 

Funds

•  Scale and diversification

•  Exploring secondary market opportunities for accelerating  

recoveries in Funds

5

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

continued

FY21 Results 

Income and cash generation
This year we saw the completion of a number of our 
investments being converted into cash or debtors. 
10% of our 30 June 2020 EPV has completed during the year.

The total income generated from investments was $276.0 
million, second only to our record FY20 result. $139.6 million 
from balance sheet investments and $136.4 million for our 
Funds. $81.2 million arose from US Funds investments, 
$55.2 million from Rest of World Funds investments. This 
generated cash and receivables of $192.7 million.

Additionally, several investments completed with an 
estimated $135.0 million of future income to be accounted 
for in FY22 and beyond (assuming court approvals, 
satisfaction of other conditions and qualifications in ASX 
announcements).

A number of 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).

Profit
Whilst our full year 2021 result is a loss of $18.4 million, we 
generated a profit of $92.4 million in the second half of the year.

Additionally, within that result is provision for a non-cash 
investment impairment allowance of $120.7 million relating to 
investments that experienced negative judgments.

Two of the material underlying cases are being appealed (with 
our funding) based upon legal advice on the grounds and 
prospects of overturning the first instance judgment. The 
aggregate impairment and adverse cost provision relating 
to those two investments is $121.6 million. The level of each 
investment’s impairment will be continually assessed and may 
be reversed as appropriate depending upon developments 
in the future. If the investment is ultimately successful it may 
generate proceeds to the Group in excess of its carrying value. 
The possible completion period of these investments may 
occur in FY23 or later.

Balance sheet
Our overall portfolio continues to grow. Group net assets 
are consistent with prior year, even with large investment 
completions occurring, and but for two significant impairments 
would have reflected a 14.1% increase. Our direct balance sheet 
investments continue to run-off and are substantially wound 
down following the partial completion of Wivenhoe in May 2021.

Sources and applications of cash and receivables - non-IFRS (unaudited)

$m

Cash generation

Proceeds: from litigation funding

Proceeds: from claims portfolio investments

Proceeds: from disposal of a financial asset

Net interest

Other income

Movement in receivables balance

Cash burn

Net operational cash expenditure

Income tax paid

Net cash generation1

Cash and receivables balance

Cash: direct balance sheet

Cash: consolidated funds

Receivables balance: direct balance sheet

Receivables balance: consolidated funds

Total cash and receivables balance

FY21

FY20

183.5

11.0

–

(6.8)

0.4

73.1

261.2

(60.7)

(7.8)

(68.5)

192.7

100.0

42.7

117.2

80.4

340.3

171.0

15.0

9.7

(4.6)

0.8

110.3

302.2

(67.2)

(3.9)

(71.1)

231.1

133.2

61.2

70.0

54.4

318.8

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

6

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021Non-controlling interest (NCI)
Throughout the year we have continued to utilise Fund capital 
and drawn down capital to meet our investment commitments. 
FY21 saw aggregate drawdowns in excess of $100 million, 
the highest in Omni Bridgeway’s history. A large component 
of these drawdowns is from external capital and reflects an 
increase in NCI. We would expect this dynamic to continue 
during the investment period of the Funds.

Expenses increased during the year reflecting our strategy 
to diversify, establish new offices in jurisdictions and 
address competition.

Investment portfolio

Portfolio overview
We continue to grow and diversify our global investment 
portfolio year on year to mitigate risk.

As at 30 June 2021 our diversified portfolio comprised 
over 300 investments, not counting underlying portfolio 
investments separately, with the majority within Fund 
structures.

Our annual investments on a conditional and unconditional 
basis total $412.6 million in capital commitments. We 
achieved 95% of our FY21 target to commit $436.6 million 
(a 58% increase on last year’s target) even with the challenges 
of COVID-19. 

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

North America represents 39% of the EPV with EMEA 
representing 29% and Australian investments sitting at 21%. 
We expect the US proportion will increase in future.

Funding applications
This year we reached 1,727 funding applications (nearly 
160% increase since the beginning of FY16).

Our leading market reputation and business development 
activities are generating opportunities and these are amplified 
by the collaboration of our post-merger team. Our competitor 
landscape has changed with a favourable impact on Omni 
Bridgeway’s market share. An increasing awareness of dispute 
finance is also growing the total market.

Our average realised investment gestation has increased 
from 2.7 to 2.8 years in no small part due to COVID-19.

Cash and receivables
$340.3m

19.5

.

3
0
4
3

6.0

.

8
8
1
3

.

4
3
4
2

.

7
1
9
1

.

9
5
8
1

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Fund 5 component that is not 
consolidated within the group

Number of funding applications

1800
1,800

1600
1,600

1400
1,400

1200
1,200

1000
1,000

800
800

600
600

400
400

200
200

0
0

827

866

449

378

483

357

26

974

570

285

119

1,726

1,727

786

603

337

750

662

315

FY17

FY18

FY19

FY20

FY21

Consolidated

North America

APAC

EMEA

7

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

continued

Investment portfolio profile

CURRENT INVESTMENTS

COMPLETED INVESTMENTS

EPV possible completion (million)

Success rate

ROIC

IRR

Legal 
outcome 

Financial outcome

Avg. age 
(yrs.)

#

Total

FY22

FY23

FY24

FY25+

#

Avg. age 
(yrs.)

EPV million

Income / EPV 
conversion

#

#

$ weighted 
avg.

(excl. overheads)

Balance 
sheet

Fund 1

13  6.2 

 $838.2 

 $437.0 

 $400.3 

 $0.9 

– 91 3.0

 $3,570.4  21%

85%

76%

75%

146%

82%

22  4.5 

 $2,065.4 

 $227.4   $1,310.9 

 $186.3 

 $340.8  26 2.9

 $1,287.7  13%

88%

69%

74%

54%

22%

Funds 2 & 3 

29  2.1 

 $4,131.6   $1,003.6   $2,068.7 

 $332.3 

 $727.0  13 1.4

 $395.2  18%

77%

77%

45%

91% 113%

Fund 4 

Fund 5

Fund 6

Fund 7

16  0.9 

 $4,581.0 

 $189.8   $1,005.5   $2,425.7 

 $959.9 

2 0.4

 $198.7  15%

100% 100% 100%

22% 201%

31  0.7 

 $3,777.6 

 $341.9   $1,245.0 

 $1,197.5 

 $993.2 

3 0.8

 $96.0  29%B

67%

67%

99%

 49%B 

 30%B

187  5.0 

 $3,178.8 

 $399.3 

 $844.9 

 $606.8 

 $1,327.8  172 3.3

 n/a 

n/a

– n/a

 n/a 

–

–

–

– n/a n/a

 n/a 

n/a

n/a

n/a

68%

72%

298% 160%

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

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

* 

 A successful legal outcome is one where the client wins a return through settlement or judgment; a successful financial outcome requires the Group’s 
income to exceed investment costs.

B 

Audit adjustments to constrain income recognised at this point in time.

Funds management
In total, we have close to $2.4 billion in funds under 
management which have been invested or are available to 
invest in dispute resolution and recovery. The majority of 
our investments sit within seven Funds.

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

New investments are made from Funds 4, 5, 6 and 7, with 
each Fund at a different stage of maturity. Fund 6 is rapidly 
approaching its capacity. The establishment of new Funds 
is under consideration.

Less than 5% of our investments (by number) remain on 
our balance sheet. 

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.

Estimated portfolio value
During FY21 we committed, or agreed to commit, $412.6 
million, translating to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) 
of over 40% since FY15. Our increased portfolio produced 
an EPV of $20.1 billion in FY21 (including IC approved and 
conditionally funded investments), representing a CAGR 
of more than 45% over six years.

EPV growth 
($m) 

20,000

16,000

12,000

8,000

4,000

0

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Balance sheet

Fund 4

Fund 7

Fund 1

Fund 5

Funds 2&3

Fund 6

8

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021Funds summary (unaudited)

Fund 1
100% 
 committed
US$ million

Capital called

Total

Investor

166.7

Distributions

Total US$

$ equivalent

125.0

(82.7)

42.3 

56.3 

Funds 2&3
98% 
committed
$ million

Capital called

Total

Investors

118.5

Distributions

Total $

94.8

(41.6)

53.2 

Fund 4
34% 
committed
US$ million

Capital called

Total 

Investors

121.2

Distributions

Total US$

97.1

n/a

– 

97.1

Omni

41.7

–

41.7 

55.5 

Omni

23.7

.

3
2
2
1

– 

23.7 

Omni

24.1

n/a

–

24.1

Uncalled capital

Accumulated 
preferred 
return 

Accumulated 
special 
distribution

Accumulated 
management 
fee

Total

Investor

Omni

Investor

Investor

Omni

3.8

n/a

3.8 

5.0 

1.2

n/a

1.2 

1.6 

46.1

(8.3)

37.8 

50.4 

1.8

– 

1.8 

2.3 

5.5

–

5.5 

7.3 

Uncalled capital

Accumulated 
preferred 
return 

Accumulated 
special 
distribution

Accumulated 
management 
fee

Investors

Omni

Investors

Investors

Omni

5.0

n/a

5.0 

6.6 

Total

70.5

n/a

70.5 

56.4

n/a

56.4 

Uncalled capital

Total 

Investors

378.8

302.9

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

378.8

302.9

14.1

n/a

14.1 

Omni

75.9

n/a

n/a

75.9

24.0

– 

24.0 

5.0

–

5.0 

3.0

–

3.0 

Recycled proceeds

Total 

Investors

Omni

–

19.7 

–

19.7

31.2 

–

15.8 

–

15.8

25.0 

–

3.9 

–

3.9

6.2 

Recycled proceeds

Total 

Investors

Omni

–

15.2

–

15.2

–

12.2

–

12.2

–

3.0

–

3.0

4.0 

$ equivalent

129.3 

32.1 

504.2 

403.2 

101.0 

Fund 5
35% 
committed
US$ million

Capital called

Total 

Investors

57.0

Distributions

Total US$

45.6

n/a

–

45.6

Omni

11.4

n/a

–

11.4

Uncalled capital

Total 

Investors

443.0

354.4

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

443.0

354.4

Omni

88.6

n/a

n/a

88.6

$ equivalent

60.7 

15.2 

589.7 

471.7 

117.9 

20.2 

16.2 

Fund 6
92% 
committed
EUR million

Fund 7
4% 
called
US$ million

Capital called

Uncalled capital

Recycled proceeds

Total 

Investors

Omni

Total 

Investors

Omni

Total 

Investors

Omni

70.0

Distributions

Total EUR

66.5

n/a

–

66.5

$ equivalent

105.3

3.5

n/a

–

3.5

5.5

80.0

n/a

n/a

80.0

76.0

n/a

n/a

76.0

126.7

120.4

4.0

n/a

n/a

4.0

6.3

–

30.7

–

30.7

48.6

–

29.2

–

29.2

46.2

–

1.5

–

1.5

2.4

Capital called

Uncalled capital

Recycled proceeds

Total 

Investors

Fund 6

Total 

Investors

Fund 6

Total 

Investors

Fund 6

 3.5 

Distributions

Total US$

$ equivalent

 1.0 

–

 1.0 

1.3 

 2.5 

–

 2.5 

3.3 

 96.5 

 n/a 

 96.5 

128.5 

 49.0 

 n/a 

 49.0 

65.2 

 47.5 

 n/a 

 47.5 

63.2 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

9

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

continued

Addressable market
The world-wide legal services market continues to grow, and the dispute finance sector is expanding concurrently as various 
jurisdictions deregulate, more capital becomes available and market participants become more familiar with the offering. The 
overall annual legal spend for the global legal services market is estimated at A$868.8 billion6. This does not include disputes 
or other legal matters that are managed in-house or not progressed, nor does it capture all enforcement-related services. 
Omni Bridgeway estimates only a small proportion of the addressable market currently uses dispute finance, representing 
a substantial opportunity for the continued growth of our business and our sector.

UNITED  
KINGDOM8

CONTINENTAL  
EUROPE (excl UK)5

CANADA4

$64.7b

$15.1b

$7.5b

$160.5b

$37.8b

$18.9b

$15.3b

$5.1b

$2.5b

UNITED STATES9, 10

GLOBAL6

$868.8b

$421.3b

$164.3b

$82.2b

ASIA1

$104.1b

$31.2b

$15.6b

AUSTRALIA2, 3

$23.0b

$4.8b

$2.4b

NEW ZEALAND7

$3.0b

$0.3b

$0.2b

Total market legal spend AU$ 
Estimated litigation portion of total legal spend AU$ 
Estimated total addressable market as % of total legal spend AU$ 

Figures may be rounded 
All figures converted to AU$ as at 30 June 2021 
The ability to finance defences as well as claims could increase the potential addressable market %

1.  MarketLine Industry Profile, “Legal Services in Asia-Pacific”, November 2020, page 2.

2.  Baikie, Victoria, AU Industry (ANSIC) Report M6931, “Legal Services in Australia” IBISWorld, February 2021, page 10.

3. 

Thomson Reuters, 2020 ‘Australia: State of the Legal Market’, Thomson Reuters & Peer Monitor, page 6.

4.  Koronios, Eva, CA Industry (NAICS) Report 54111CA, “Law Firms in Canada”, IBISWorld, September 2020, page 7.

5.  MarketLine Industry Profile, “Legal Services in Europe”, November 2020, page 2.

6.  MarketLine Industry Profile, Reference 0199-0423, “Global Legal Services”, MarketLine, November 2020, pp 8-13.

7. 

Kyriakopoulos, Arthur, NZ Industry (ANZSIC) Report M6931 NZ, “Legal Services in New Zealand”, IBISWorld, August 2020, pp 7-9.

8.  Dinev, Krasimir, UK Industry (UK SIC) Report M69.100, “Legal Activities in the UK”, IBISWorld, February 2021, page 7-8.

9. 

Thomson Reuters Institute & Georgetown Law Center on Ethics and the Legal Profession, “2021 Report on the State of the Market”, page 4.

10.  Schulman, Gabriel, US Industry (NAICS) Report 54111, “Law Firms in the US”, IBISWorld, January 2021, page 7.

10

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021Updates from around the world

Asia-Pacific
Our team provides end-to-end dispute finance solutions to 
Asia-Pacific and global clients, across common and civil law 
matters. Our operations in Singapore have expanded with 
a new hire to meet the ever-growing market demand. We 
also grew the Australian team and in FY22 will open our first 
office in New Zealand.

As the number of class action claims return to pre-pandemic 
levels, Omni Bridgeway is anticipating some increased 
competition from contingency law firms in markets such 
as Australia, where the State of Victoria has introduced 
legislation supportive of contingency fees. However, 
increased regulation is likely to deter other competitors. 

Europe Middle East Africa (EMEA)
We expanded our EMEA operations with key hires in Germany, 
Spain, the UK and the Netherlands, with more to come in FY22.

Omni Bridgeway also continued to build its pan-EMEA group 
claims capability as harmonised collective redress legislation 
begins to roll out across Europe, as well as its arbitration 
capability.

While we have observed the emergence of the first dedicated 
Continental European funders, as well as Anglo-Saxon origin 
contingency-fee law firms setting up representative offices 
in (Continental) Europe, our local presence, global network 
and expanding capabilities will enable us to take advantage 
of expansion opportunities across the region.

North America
The North American team faced a particularly challenging 
operating environment in the past financial year. COVID-19 
caused significant closures and delays to the court systems, 
some of which are only now clearing thanks to the vaccination 
programs. Despite these challenges, our US and Canadian 
teams maintained a leading position in our respective markets.

The US team successfully onboarded two new members and 
has launched a robust recruitment program for FY22 to catch 
up with growth plans put on hold due to the restrictions in 
place during the past year; the team continues to explore 
opportunities to expand its specialist expertise and diversify 
its talent, with insurance, insolvency and restructuring 
specialists proving in high demand given the challenging 
economic conditions.

The Canadian team was also strengthened with the addition of 
a dedicated corporate counsel. Omni Bridgeway is considering 
expanding its footprint to open an office in Calgary in FY22.

The success of the merger is evidenced by strong client 
interest in our enhanced skills and capabilities for the funding 
of enforcement mandates.

Omni Bridgeway is servicing Latin America remotely from the 
North American teams and across our organisation.

The LatAm team has extensive contacts and work experience 
in the region and is exploring opportunities to expand our 
operations there.

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

Assessedii

Omni Bridgeway 
offices & resources 
on-the-ground

i 

ii 

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.

11

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

continued

Global risk, compliance and governance

Regulatory environment
We have seen a number of initiatives for regulatory reform 
in several jurisdictions.

Globally, a working group of the United Nations Commission 
on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) is proposing 
some changes to Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) 
arbitrations that involve litigation funding.

In Australia the Government has implemented rules requiring 
licensing for litigation funders and for class actions to be 
conducted as managed investment schemes. This has 
reduced the number of funders operating class actions in 
Australia, leading to an increase in activity for Omni Bridgeway. 
Additional regulatory reform is currently before Parliament 
in relation to changes to disclosure rules will not have a 
material effect on our business. There is also consideration for 
imposing a minimum return requirement to group members. 
Whether this proceeds, and in what form, is unclear at the time 
of finalising this Report.

In Europe, some preliminary regulatory proposals have been 
initiated but it remains to be seen if there is any real prospect 
of these being progressed.

In the US, we have seen a new rule in New Jersey that now 
requires litigation funders to disclose their involvement in 
proceedings in that State.

Risk management
With growth and diversification at the heart of our strategic 
direction over recent years, we have continued to evolve our 
risk management focus to respond to new and emerging risks 
whilst remaining focused on the quality of our investment 
management processes.

Over the last five years, we took some key strategic steps to 
develop the business, each of these had a risk management 
driver. We:
 – raised non-recourse third party funds for investments 

which reduced our balance sheet exposure to any single 
litigation outcome and simultaneously delivered an 
additional revenue line via management and performance 
fees. This leveraged the skills of our investment teams 
whilst dialling back our capital exposure to idiosyncratic 
litigation risks;

 – increased the number of markets in which we operate and 
worked hard to develop and evolve the global market for 
legal risk asset management. This reduced our exposure 
and dependency on any one market and limited the risks 
associated with a sole or dual market focus;

 – invested ahead of our revenue growth in front and back 
office resources required to grow the portfolio and build 
a bridge to more stabilised and consistent earnings; and
 – acquired the complementary business of Omni Bridgeway 
and merged global market leaders in the pre-judgment 
financing and post judgment enforcement arenas. This 
further diversified the operations and revenue sources of 
the business and created a combined capability to finance 
and manage the most complex of disputes and recoveries.

12

Quality of investment decisions
While all of the above developments were important and 
significant for the business, the largest single risk remains 
the ongoing quality of investment decisions and resulting 
investment assets. Unlike many asset classes, whether 
traditional or alternative, a poor decision to invest into a 
dispute financing asset, will invariably see the investor not 
only lose 100 per cent of the capital deployed but can, in cost 
shifting jurisdictions, result in similar sized amounts being 
payable to reimburse the defendant for its costs. Whilst it is 
possible to take actions like those which we have to reduce 
the impact of any one individual poor investment decision, this 
dynamic ensures that Omni Bridgeway remains laser focused 
on all aspects of the investment process, from the first client 
engagement through to an investment’s conclusion.

We continue to add resources to our investment committees 
where they are accretive to the quality of decision making. In 
FY21, Benjamin Hughes joined our US and RoW investment 
committees for arbitration investments and we consider 
that adding niche expertise for particular investment types 
complements the broad skills of the permanent members 
of these committees.

We regularly review our internal and external operating 
environments to determine our key risks and whether 
any incremental mitigating actions are appropriate when 
considering the associated costs and the existing post 
mitigation rating attributed to that key risk.

COVID-19
The impact on Omni Bridgeway’s business has been relatively 
contained. Court closures, most acutely in the US, increased 
average investment durations within Omni Bridgeway’s 
portfolio. Whilst this is a delay rather than a loss of income, it 
has a dilutive impact on fund performance returns, particularly 
in Omni Bridgeway’s first-generation funds due to the 
subordinated nature of all of the manager’s returns. As courts 
reopen, we see encouraging signs for the resolution of our 
investments, either by court determination or settlement.

The global pandemic has spurned a significant volume of 
commercial disputes, not least in the business interruption 
insurance market. 

Our primary assets are our people and the restricted 
and remote working practices have placed a strain on our 
people and curtailed a number of business development 
opportunities. We are not alone in that regard and we 
have placed an emphasis in all our operating markets 
on maintaining the health and wellbeing of our people 
throughout this period. Notwithstanding the pressures of 
COVID, we have had a tremendous year developing business 
and have increased EPV 27% ($4.3 billion).

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021Governance
Omni Bridgeway has issued a detailed Environmental, Social 
Governance statement containing full details of its corporate 
governance practices and a review of FY21 developments.

Andrew Saker 
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

Michael Kay 
Chairman

Time and open-ended capital commitments 
Once an investment is made, the two biggest impacts on 
Omni Bridgeway’s return, outside of the amount the claim 
resolves for, or is otherwise monetised for, are the duration 
of the investment and the amount of capital deployed to the 
investment. Financing commissions are generally designed 
to mitigate the risk of delays by increasing over the life of 
the investment but such ratchets have a cut off which if 
exceeded, cause return dilution. Outside of the US, most of 
our capital commitments to investments are uncapped and 
based upon the budgeted costs at the outset. Predicting 
the path of dispute resolution is fraught with inaccuracy and 
budget overruns are a risk we have to manage. We do so 
invariably through risk sharing with the lawyers, but for some 
investments the impact of budget overruns can be highly 
dilutive to returns because there is generally no positive 
correlation between the amount expended in legal costs 
and the ultimate resolution amount.

Cyber security
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.

We invest in security hardware, software, systems and policies 
and regularly submit to external IT audits 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.

Compliance
The Group is regulated by the Securities and Exchange 
Commission in the US as a registered investment adviser and 
in Australia by both the Australian Securities and Investment 
Commission and the Australian Securities Exchange with 
regard to its Australian financial services licence and the listing 
of both Omni Bridgeway’s shares and bonds. The group has an 
evolved compliance framework which is continually enhanced 
and regular training is undertaken across our international 
network to instill best practice.

13

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
The Omni Bridgeway advantage

Despite significant barriers to entry in our industry, the desire for non-correlated returns and the success of 
market leaders like Omni Bridgeway will always attract contenders. However, resilience and success over time 
in this industry requires a special formula that is not easily replicated. Omni Bridgeway has carefully honed its 
unique value proposition over 35 years.

Global talent
•  180+ specialists 
•  30+ languages
•  ‘On-the-ground’ throughout the world
•  Local knowledge and cultural awareness
•  Collaboration with professional advisers
•  Expansive networks
•  Tactical insights, project management 
capability and legal cost monitoring

World-leading  
enforcement capabilities
•  30+ years’ experience  

funding, devising strategies  
for and managing  
preventative  
measures  
and enforcements

•  Un-matched experience 

recovering in 100+ 
jurisdictions, no matter  
how challenging the 
jurisdiction

•  Asset tracing specialists 

who find, freeze and attach 
assets and navigate legal 
challenges

Commercial acumen
•  Prompt assessment
•  Strategic insights
•  Creative, bespoke solutions 

from case inception to 
enforcement and recovery

•  Entrepreneurialism

Capital and transparency
•  Significant funds world-wide
•  Resources to overcome strong  
opponents or evasive debtors

•  Public company with transparent financial 

position and corporate governance (ASX:OBL)

Track record
•  Financing disputes and 

enforcement proceedings 
around the world 
since 1986

•  Enviable success rate  
over hundreds of cases

•  Significant returns for 

clients

•  Formidable partner by 

your side

•  Premier brand to enhance  

your reputation with 
stakeholders and 
opponents

•  Trusted by courts and 

leading advisers around 
the world

Regulatory compliance
•  Holder of Australian Financial 
Services Licence (AFSL) and 
authorised to operate Litigation 
Funding Schemes1

•  Registered investment adviser 
with US Securities Exchange 
Commission (SEC)2

•  Compliant with Hong Kong 

Department  
of Justice (DOJ) Code of Practice 
for Third Party Funding of 
Arbitration

The global 
The global 
leader in financing 
leader in financing 
and managing 
and managing 
legal risks
legal risks

Downside cover
•  Security for costs and adverse costs 
cover in cost-shifting jurisdictions

1 

Issued September 2020 to Omni Bridgeway’s wholly owned subsidiary Omni Bridgeway Investment Management Ltd.

2  Omni Bridgeway Management LLC.

14

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 202115

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Contents

Directors’ Report ..................................................................... 17

C. CAPITAL STRUCTURE 

80

Auditor’s Independence Declaration ................................... 49

Note 15:  Financial risk management ................................. 80

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income ........ 50

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

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position ................... 51

Note 17:  Debt securities ...................................................... 87

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows ............................... 52

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

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity ................... 53

Notes to the Financial Statements ....................................... 55

About this Report .................................................................... 55

A. RESULTS FOR THE YEAR 

59

Note 19:  Retained earnings/(accumulated losses)  

and reserves .......................................................... 90

D.  WORKING CAPITAL, OTHER ASSETS  

AND OTHER LIABILITIES 

91

Note 20:  Receivables from litigation contracts  

Note 1: 

Segment information ........................................... 59

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

Note 2: 

Revenue from contracts with customers ......... 63

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

Note 3: 

Interest revenue  .................................................. 65

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

Note 4:  Net gain on derecognition of intangibles  

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

assets  ..................................................................... 65

Note 5:  Other income  ....................................................... 66

Note 6: 

Expenses ................................................................ 66

Note 7: 

Income tax ............................................................. 68

Note 8: 

Loss per share ....................................................... 72

Note 9: 

 Dividends paid and proposed by  
Omni Bridgeway Limited (the parent entity) ... 73

Note 10:  Statement of cash flows reconciliation  .............74

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

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

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

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

Note 28:  Commitments and contingencies .................... 101

E. THE GROUP, MANAGEMENT AND RELATED PARTIES 102

Note 29:  Key management personnel ............................ 102

B. INVESTMENTS AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

75

Note 30:  Share-based payment plan............................... 102

Note 11:  Claims portfolio .................................................... 75

Note 12:  Purchased claims  ................................................. 75

Note 13: 

Intangible assets – litigation contracts  
in progress ............................................................. 76

Note 31:  Business combination ....................................... 104

Note 32:  Parent entity information ................................. 109

Note 33:  Material partly-owned subsidiaries  ............... 112

Note 34: 

Investment in associates and joint ventures . 114

Note 14:  Goodwill ................................................................. 79

Note 35:  Related party disclosure ................................... 116

Note 36:  Auditor’s remuneration ..................................... 116

Note 37:  Events after the reporting date ....................... 116

Directors’ Declaration .......................................................... 117

Independent Auditor’s Report ............................................ 118

16

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report

The directors of Omni Bridgeway Limited submit their report for the year 
ended 30 June 2021.

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 Chairman and Non-Executive Director of City Chic 
Collective Limited and Non-Executive Director of Pharmacy Guild 
Australia (appointed February 2021).

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

During the past three years he has been a Director of Omni 
Bridgeway Limited (formerly IMF Bentham Limited), Lovisa 
Holdings Limited (retired October 2018), ApplyDirect Limited 
(retired March 2019), City Chic Collective Limited, Pharmacy Guild 
Australia and RAC Insurance Pty Limited (retired June 2021).

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.

In 2019 Mr Saker led the merger, and subsequent integration, 
of the IMF Bentham and Omni Bridgeway legacy businesses to 
form the global Omni Bridgeway Group. Omni Bridgeway is now 
the largest funding team in the world and the global leader in 
financing and managing legal risks.

Mr Saker and the Board have now set Omni Bridgeway’s 
corporate strategy for the next five years to 2025, prioritising 
further geographic expansion, product extensions and team 
augmentation.

Mr Saker is a member of the 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).

Mr Saker has lived and worked in Australia, Asia and the United 
States.

Mr Saker holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and 
Finance from the University of Western Australia. He is an 
Associate Member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New 
Zealand. Until his appointment as Managing Director and Chief 
Executive Officer, he was a Registered Company Liquidator of 
the Australian Securities & Investments Commission and an 
Official Liquidator of the Supreme and Federal Courts.

17

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.

Raymond van Hulst
Executive Director 
Raymond van Hulst was a Managing 
Director of the legacy Omni Bridgeway 
business that was acquired by Omni 
Bridgeway Limited (then IMF Bentham 
Limited) in November 2019. Mr van 
Hulst was appointed to the Board as an 
Executive Director in April 2020.

Mr van Hulst is responsible for several 
special projects and for the company’s 
strategic initiatives, operations and 
investment activities across the EMEA 
region. He leads one of the largest teams 
of litigators, recovery, business intelligence 
and asset-tracing specialists in the 
industry.

Mr van Hulst has 20 years experience 
in structuring and managing innovative 
solutions for complex and high value 
litigation funding and legal enforcement 
matters. 

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.

Mr van Hulst was previously 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 has lived and worked in 
The Netherlands, India, France and 
Switzerland.

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

Karen Phin
Non-Executive Director
Karen Phin has over 25 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.

18

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021Michael Bowen 
Non-Executive Director
Michael Bowen was a partner of global 
law firm DLA Piper and joined Thomson 
Geer in 2021. He practises 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, is a member of the Audit and 
Risk Committee (and was Chair 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 Lotus Resources Limited (appointed 
22 February 2021).

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), Lotus 
Resources Limited and Trek Metals Limited 
(resigned 4 September 2020).

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.

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 FIIG Securities 
Limited, Bell Financial Group Ltd, Bell Asset 
Management Limited, Rabobank Australia 
Ltd 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.

19

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Directors’ Report

continued

Officers

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 
2016 and has built out the global legal, 
compliance and risk function, in line with 
the international growth of the business, to 
a team of legal and compliance specialists 
across APAC, North America and EMEA. 
He became Group General Counsel and 
Company Secretary in 2020 following the 
expansion of the Legal and Risk team.

He leads the company’s in-house legal and 
secretariat functions and is responsible 
for all Group legal, risk, compliance and 
corporate governance.

Mr Sambrook has lived in the United 
Kingdom, Channel Islands and Australia.

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

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. 

He has held senior finance and legal 
roles, leading all aspects of corporate 
finance, administration, compliance, 
risk, accounting and tax. Mr Mitchell has 
worked in London in business analysis 
and finance, control and compliance 
and lending and derivatives. He has 
also worked in private legal practice, 
specialising in litigation and held 
accounting, audit and advisory positions 
in Australia.

Mr Mitchell has lived in Australia, the 
United Kingdom and Italy.

Mr Mitchell holds a Bachelor of Commerce 
from the University of New South Wales, 
Australia and a Diploma in Law from 
the New South Wales Legal Profession 
Admission Board and a Graduate Diploma 
in Legal Practice from the University of 
Technology Sydney, Australia. He was 
admitted to practise as a solicitor in New 
South Wales and is a qualified Chartered 
Company Secretary and Chartered 
Accountant.

20

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021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

470,000

182,068

4,185,982

2,153,551

1,114,620

27,266

45,656

 – 

 – 

7,500

 – 

1,500

 – 

 – 

8,179,143

9,000

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

80

80

 – 

2,527,171

2,390,355

92,652

 – 

 – 

 – 

5,010,178

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 2020, as recommended 
in the 2020 financial report

On ordinary shares

n/a

n/a

n/a

nil

–

24/8/20

2/9/20

25/9/20

4.0

10,139

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 Group 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 that shareholders may elect to participate 
in, and, on appropriate occasions, may arrange underwriting to reduce the impact a particular dividend might otherwise have 
on cash.

The Directors have not declared a dividend for the period (2020: 4.0 cents per share totaling $9,995,000). 

21

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report 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, non-performing 
loans and distressed debt or entering into funding agreements 
with claimants, liquidators, banks, 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 completion. 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 realised amount; and may 
be in addition to or inclusive of the amount invested; or a 
combination thereof. Generally, the multiple or percentage 
increases as the duration of an investment increases.

If the litigation, arbitration, recovery, or enforcement is 
ultimately unsuccessful the Group does not generate any 
return and will realise/derecognise its investment for a loss in 
the profit and loss account. Additionally, in certain jurisdictions, 
the investment may require the Group to pay any adverse 
costs that may arise in respect of the costs incurred by the 
defendant(s) to the funded litigation.

The Group also receives fees for managing and servicing the 
Funds and depending on the Funds’ performance may also 
receive a performance fee.

Operating results for the financial year
Total gross investment proceeds and income of $276.0 
million was generated for the year ended 30 June 2021 
(2020: $290.3 million).

The Group experienced a loss for the year of $18.4 million 
(2020: profit $17.6 million); primarily reflecting the impact of 
the impairment to two significant investments. Additionally, 
the result reflects the lumpiness of investment returns, 
with binary outcomes.

The impact of portfolio theory adopted over recent years 
around asset management is yet to translate into smooth 
earnings. The first half saw the Group experience a loss of 
$110.9 million generated from gross investment proceeds 
and income of $45.3 million, and impairment cost of $107.0 
million, whereas the second half saw a profit of $92.4 million 
from gross investment proceeds and income of $230.7 million, 
and impairment costs of $13.7 million.

There are investments that had substantially completed 
prior to 30 June 2021 but did not fully satisfy the revenue 
recognition accounting standards and our policies. 

To the extent that delays impact an investment’s IRR 
or distribution from a Fund there may be an indirect 
decrease in the ultimate return to the Company.

During the year there were 44 completions. The greatest 
area of delay related to US investments where COVID-19 
disrupted the Jury-trial system. 

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.

The Group specifically considered the impact of COVID-19 
in assessing the values of its assets (including intangibles, 
receivables/loans, investments, other financial assets, contract 
assets and deferred tax assets) and liabilities. No significant 
adjustments have been required.

OBL does not consider that the pandemic has had a 
negative impact on its solvency or going concern.

22

continuedDirectors’ ReportOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021Operating and financial review (continued)
Across the Group applications for funding are up on last 
year, although commitment to new Investments, particularly 
in relation to Fund 7 and US have been restricted. Delayed 
commitment to investments has not negatively impacted the 
Fund as it was in start-up phase with nominal drawn capital 
and no investments at the commencement of the pandemic. 
The investment opportunity is potentially even stronger 
today, with the potential investment universe remaining 
as it was, if not larger, and at possibly lower cost.

COVID-19 related causes of action may result in more 
investment opportunities being available for consideration 
by the Group. 

Nature of operations
In any given year the Group’s profitability is significantly 
dependent upon the outcome of funded investments that 
complete. 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 investments 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.

2

3

7

12

15

36

EPV by 
investment  
type 
(%)

25

Single party
Arbitration
Law firm
Other*

Multi party

Fund 6 - merit

Fund 6 - enforcement

* 

 Includes appeal, commercial, corporate funding, 
patent and other IP. 

16

4

11

EPV by  
funding source  
(%)

21

26

29

32

EPV by 
geography  
(%)

23

39

Balance sheet

Fund 4

Fund 1

Fund 5

Funds 2&3

Fund 6

APAC

EMEA

North America

23

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Operating and financial review (continued)
The Group invests across the globe with a physical operating 
presence in APAC, North America and EMEA. During the year 
we extended our resources into New Zealand and Spain.

The Group undertakes new investing activities through its 
Funds (or Fund-like structures), with $412.6 million committed 
(2020: $313.2 million) to investments during the year.

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).

No new investments are being made directly on-balance 
sheet. The investment periods of the first-generation 
Funds have expired and are in their “harvest” period. The 
second-generation and acquired Funds continue within 
their respective investment periods.

Rest of the World
At 30 June 2021 there are a total of 257 (2020: 235) non-US 
investments in the portfolio: 10 are direct on-balance sheet 
investments (2020: 13) and 247 are in Funds 2&3; Fund 5 and 6 
(2020: 222). 

During the year a total of 62 new investments commenced 
(2020: 42) and 36 completed (2020: 33).

The Estimated Portfolio Value was $11.8 billion 
(2020: $6.7 billion).

US
At 30 June 2021 there are 41 US investments in the portfolio 
(2020: 42): 3 are direct on-balance sheet investments (2020: 3) 
and 38 are in Funds 1 and 4.

During the year a total of 9 new investments commenced 
(2020: 9) and 8 completed (2020: 7).

The Estimated Portfolio Value was $6.8 billion 
(2020: $6.8 billion.)

Investment Activity
As at 30 June 2021, there were 298 investments in the 
Group’s funded portfolio (2020: 277). There were an 
additional 25 conditional investments. During the year 
71 new investments commenced (2020: 51), and 44 
investments completed (2020: 40). 

The total Estimated Portfolio Value was $20.1 billion 
(2020: $15.8 billion); for unconditional investment it 
was $18.6 billion (2020: $13.5 billion).

24

continuedDirectors’ ReportOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021Operating and financial review (continued)

Fund 1
The Group and an external investor have committed up to 
US$171.7 million to this Fund to be deployed on US cases over 
a three-year investment period which has now expired.

Funds 2 & 3 
Funds 2 & 3 invested in litigation in jurisdictions outside 
the USA over a three-year investment period which has 
now expired.

The external investor’s capital commitment was 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. In accordance with the waterfall, the total amount to 
be paid to the investor (net of receivables and cash) is US$50.6 
million after which OBL receives its capital and fees.

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. 

ii. 

the preferred return is a slightly different rate and

the residual net cash flows received on investments are 
distributed 80% to OBL and 20% to the external investors.

USD 1.1m

USD 7.6m

AUD 3.7m

AUD 14.9m

Undeployed
USD 11.8m

Deployed
USD 151.2m

Undeployed 
AUD 72.9m

Deployed
AUD 97.5m

Fund 1  
100% Committed

Start date – Feb 2017
Fund Size – USD 171.7m

Funds 2&3  
98% Committed

Start date – Oct 2017
Fund Size – AUD 189m

Committed (incl. funding approved, conditionally funded)
Available capital

Committed (incl. funding approved, conditionally funded)
Available capital

Other costs

Other costs

25

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

Fund 4
This US centric investment structure was established 
to follow on from the US investment activity of Fund 
1 over a four-year investment period. It has capital 
commitments of US$500.0 million (series I), with the 
potential to increase to US$1.0 billion (with series II).

Fund 5
This non-US-centric investment structure was established to 
follow the rest of world investment activity of Funds 2 & 3 over 
a four-year investment period. 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.

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 from the external investors in the Fund.

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

(USD 2.1m)

USD 4.3m

Deployed
USD 104.0m

Undeployed 
USD 64.6m

Fund 4  
34% Committed

Start date – Apr 2019
Fund Size – USD 500m

USD 329.2m

(USD 2.5m)

USD 325.1m

USD 19.4m

Deployed
USD 27.9m

Undeployed 
USD 130.1m

Fund 5  
35% Committed

Start date – Sep 2019
Fund Size – USD 500m

Committed (incl. funding approved, conditionally funded)
Available capital
Recycled receipts

Committed (incl. funding approved, conditionally funded)
Available capital
Recycled receipts

Other costs

Other costs

26

continuedDirectors’ ReportOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021Operating and financial review (continued)

Fund 6
Fund 6 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 $150.0 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.

Fund 7
This joint initiative with the International Finance Corporation 
(part of the World Bank) was acquired by the Group as part of 
the November 2019 acquisition of OBE. This is a Middle East 
North Africa (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 $100.0 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. 

(EUR 30.7m)

EUR 37.8m

USD 3.5m

EUR 14.2m

DARP  
remaining
EUR 44.0m

Fund 6  
92% Committed

Start date – Jan 2017
Fund Size – EUR 150m

Deployed
EUR 62.3m

Undeployed
EUR 59.9m

Fund 7  
3.5% Capital called

Start date – Jul 2019
Fund Size – USD 100m

USD 96.5m

Committed (incl. funding approved, conditionally funded)
Available capital
Recycled receipts

Other costs

Capital called
Undrawn capital

27

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Fund 4 investment impairment
In January 2021 summary judgment was granted against a 
Fund 4 funded client. The investment is for USD 40.0 million 
regarding an anti-trust claim in the US. 

Following legal advice on the grounds and prospects of 
overturning the summary judgment the funded client has 
lodged an appeal. This appeal is supported by the Group. 
The client does not require funding from the Group to 
pursue the appeal. 

In accordance with our IFRS compliant accounting policy 
the summary judgment is considered to be an impairment 
trigger. Accordingly, notwithstanding management’s continued 
support of the appeal process, the Group has fully impaired 
this investment. The investment has not been derecognised 
and the Group intends to pursue the investment to achieve a 
positive outcome. The level of impairment will be continually 
assessed and may be reversed as appropriate pending 
developments in the future. 

If the investment is ultimately successful it may generate 
proceeds to the Group in excess of its carrying value. 
Completion is anticipated to occur in FY24.

Investment Returns Metrics
The Group in total has completed 271 (2020: 227) investments 
since listing, excluding withdrawals, with an average investment 
period of 2.8 years (2020: 2.7 years). The Group has generated 
a ROIC of 1.27 times (excluding overheads) (2020: 1.32 times).

Employees
At 30 June 2021, the Group employed 180 permanent staff 
(2020: 159).

Operating and financial review (continued)

Wivenhoe
The Wivenhoe Dam class action (a direct balance sheet 
investment) 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.

OBL’s funded client has settled with The State of Queensland 
and Sunwater for their collective 50% share of the $440 
million.

OBL has derecognised the related 50% of its intangible and 
recognised $95.3 million from the Settlement, representing 
costs reimbursement, project management fee and funding 
commission.

Seqwater’s appeal against the judgment was heard in May 
2021. A decision has not been received yet.

Westgem
The Westgem balance sheet 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. First instance 
Judgment was received in favour of the defendant in 
August 2020.

Following legal advice on the grounds and prospects of 
overturning the first instance judgment the funded client 
lodged an appeal by September 2020. The decision to appeal 
was supported by senior counsel’s advice that the merits of 
the appeal are positive. The appeal is supported and will be 
funded by Omni.

In accordance with our IFRS compliant accounting policy the 
first instance judgment is considered to be an impairment 
trigger. Accordingly, notwithstanding management’s continued 
support of the appeal process, the Group has fully impaired 
this investment. The investment has not been derecognised 
and the Group intends to pursue the investment to achieve a 
positive outcome. The level of impairment will be continually 
assessed and may be reversed as appropriate depending upon 
developments in the future.

If the investment is ultimately successful it may generate 
proceeds to the Group in excess of its carrying value. The 
investment has a possible completion period of FY23.

28

continuedDirectors’ ReportOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021Operating and financial review (continued)

Status of Omni Bridgeway Holding B.V purchase 
Since acquisition of Omni Bridgeway Holding B.V., it has funded 51 new investments (2020: 21), and 42 (2020: 15) investments have 
completed.

Its investment completions have demonstrated a (i) 2.43 times ROIC on the purchased fair values (2020: 1.98) and (ii) 3.29 times 
ROIC on their invested cost (2020: 3.83).

The new investments had an applicable value of 180% of the first annual new business growth target entitling the sellers to 
their full first year variable consideration payment. The excess will be carried towards next year’s hurdle. The annual variable 
consideration calculation for the each of the remaining four years is a dynamic calculation and factors in both new investments 
and any variation in the value of investments from prior years. The payment was satisfied by the issue of shares in the Company.

Australian Financial Services License (AFSL)/MIS
In September 2020 Omni became the first litigation funder in Australia to obtain an AFSL authorising it to fund class actions under 
the newly revised regulatory landscape. Since then, Omni Bridgeway has commenced 6 class action Managed Investment Schemes.

Auditor
In May 2021 Ernst and Young (EY) resigned as the auditor of Omni Bridgeway Limited (Omni Bridgeway) and was replaced by BDO. 

EY has provided audit services to the Company since 2001 and its resignation has been accepted by Omni Bridgeway following the 
consent of Australian Securities and Investments Commission. 

Shareholder Returns 
The following summary of operating results reflects the Group’s performance for the year ended 30 June 2021:

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 %*

2021

(9.86)

(9.86)

(1.7%)

(2.4%)

N/A

2020

(4.90)

(4.90)

1.9%

2.7%

N/A

*  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:

Number of completions

Intangible derecognition

Net gain/(loss)

Attributed to

Full

Partial

EPV million1 
(crystallised) 

Proceeds

incl. 
capitalised 
overhead

excl. 
capitalised 
overhead

incl. 
capitalised 
overhead

excl. 
capitalised 
overhead

OBL

NCI

3

7

5

1

3

25

44 

3

5

2

1

1

12

24 

117.0  137,280 

(32,654)

(22,201)

104,626  115,079  104,626 

 – 

437.7 

73,751 

(32,651)

(28,658)

41,100 

45,093 

(3,993)

45,093

186.0 

23,975 

(24,348)

(20,841)

(373)

3,134 

(373)

430.6 

7,526 

(7,399)

(7,306)

96.0 

1,256 

(764)

(591)

127 

492 

220 

665 

(49)

492 

 – 

176 

 – 

81.2 

22,140 

(8,000)

(7,645)

14,140 

14,495

(357)

14,497 

1,349  265,928  (105,816)

(87,242)

160,112  178,686 100,346

59,766

Amortisation of  
purchased claims

Net gain/(loss)

Attributed to

Collection 
of proceeds

incl. 
capitalised 
overhead

excl. 
capitalised 
overhead

incl. 
capitalised 
overhead

excl. 
capitalised 
overhead

OBL

NCI

$’000

INTANGIBLES

Direct balance sheet investments

Fund 1 investments

Funds 2 & 3 investments

Fund 4 investments

Fund 5 investments

Fund 6 investments

TOTAL INTANGIBLES

$’000

PURCHASED CLAIMS

Fund 5 investments

Fund 6 investments

TOTAL PURCHASED CLAIMS

4,003 

(2,721)

(2,721)

1,282

1,282

1,282

3,958 

(2,742)

(2,742)

1,216 

1,216 

1,216 

45 

21

21

66

66

66 

–

–

–

$’000

CLAIMS PORTFOLIO

Fund 6 investments

TOTAL CLAIMS PORTFOLIO

Amortisation of  
claims portfolio

Net gain/(loss)

Attributed to

incl. 
capitalised 
overhead

excl. 
capitalised 
overhead

incl. 
capitalised 
overhead

excl. 
capitalised 
overhead

Revenue

OBL

NCI

1,696 

(1,559)

(1,474)

1,696 

(1,559)

(1,474)

137

137

222 

222 

44

44

93 

93 

30

continuedDirectors’ ReportOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021  
Operating and financial review (continued)

$’000

IMPAIRMENT EXPENSE

Direct balance sheet investments

Fund 1 investments

Funds 2 & 3 investments

Fund 4 investments

Fund 5 investments

Fund 6 investments

Expense

Net gain/(loss)

Attributed to

incl. 
capitalised 
overhead

excl. 
capitalised 
overhead

incl. 
capitalised 
overhead

excl. 
capitalised 
overhead

Proceeds

OBL

NCI

(57,830)

(35,205)

(57,830)

(35,205)

(57,830)

–

2,952 

2,504 

2,952 

2,504 

448 

2,504 

(3,475)

(2,918)

(3,475)

(2,918)

(3,475)

–

(57,936)

(56,850)

(57,936)

(56,850)

(12,456)

(45,480)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(4,445)

(4,425)

(4,445)

(4,425)

(791)

(3,654)

TOTAL IMPAIRMENT EXPENSE

(120,734)

(96,894)

(120,734)

(96,894)

(74,104)

(46,630)

TOTAL

271,627 

(230,830)

(188,331)

40,797

83,296

27,568

(13,229)

1 

 EPV is categorised as non-IFRS information prepared in accordance with ASIC Regulatory Guidance 230 - Disclosing non-IFRS financial information, issued 
in December 2011. This information has not been audited or reviewed. Refer to the Glossary for additional information. The EPV above relates only to full 
completions.

31

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Operating and financial review (continued)
OBL’s share price closed at $3.75 per share on 30 June 2021 (2020: $4.77).

OBL entered the ASX top 200 companies on 22 June 2020. Since 1 July 2016, OBL has outperformed the major indices on an 
annualised basis up to 30 June 2021 as detailed below:

)

%

(

s
n
r
u
t
e
R
d
e
s

i
l

a
u
n
n
A

25

20

15

10

5

0

Annualised Return with Dividend Reinvestment

OBL Share Price

S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index

ASX All Ordinaries Accumulation Index

22.6%

11.2%

11.5%

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 2021 of $47.5 million (2020: $34.0 million). Operating activities used $97.9 million of net cash outflows (2020: $74.2 million), 
whilst cash inflows from investing activities were $46.8 million (2020: net cash outflow of $54.2 million), and financing activities 
raised $3.7 million (2020: $94.4 million). 

There was an increase in receivables from litigation contracts of $73.1 million (2020: $110.3 million). 

32

continuedDirectors’ ReportOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
Operating and financial review (continued)

Asset and capital structure 

Cash and short term deposits

Total debt

Net cash

Total equity

Working Capital Ratio

2021
$’000

142,648 

(151,365)

(8,717)

762,347 

4.9:1

2020 
$’000

Change 
%

194,384 

(149,468)

44,916 

767,201 

3.7:1

(27%)

1%

(119%)

(1%)

32%

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 Fixed Rate 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

 Leases

Non-current

 Omni Bridgeway Bonds 

 Fixed Rate Notes

 Leases

Total interest-bearing debt1

2021  
$’000

2020  
$’000

Change 
%

2,449

2,449

75,290

70,232

3,394

148,916

151,365

2,870

2,870

73,942

69,842

2,814

146,598

149,468

(15%)

(15%)

2%

1%

21%

2%

1%

1 

 Face value of the Bonds and Fixed Rate Notes is $148.0 million. $76.0 million relates to the Omni Bridgeway Bonds restructured in December 2018, 
while Fixed Rate Notes of $72.0 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 Directors’ Report

continued

Operating and financial review (continued)

Shares issued during the year
On 4 December 2020, the Company issued 8,120,290 shares to 
the Vendors of Omni Bridgeway Holding B.V., being 4,311,789 
shares for the variable consideration, together with 3,808,501 
shares for the first tranche of the deferred but unconditional 
consideration.

Significant changes in the state of affairs
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 14% of the investment 
portfolio at 30 June 2021 is anticipated to complete in FY22 
(FY20: 29%).

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.

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.

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 Fund 6, and 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 were portfolio concentration risks associated with 
investments in the Wivenhoe and Westgem investments.
However, the Company’s diversification strategy has reduced 
this risk for future periods. There are 298 investments in the 
current portfolio (2020: 277). The overall average investment 
size for the Group’s entire portfolio is $2.5 million. The OBE 
Group’s cases average $0.9 million. Excluding the new OBE 
Group portfolio, the average investment size is $3.9 million 
(2020: $5.1 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.

34

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021Share options

Unissued shares
As at the date of this report there were 18,528,532 share 
performance rights on issue (2020: 17,302,007).

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 $2.4 million during the current 
financial year (2020: $1.3 million).

Indemnification of auditors
To the extent permitted by law, the Company has agreed 
to indemnify its auditors, 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 (ceased) or BDO (commenced) during or since 
the financial year.

35

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

Dear Shareholder,

I am pleased to present OBL’s 2021 Remuneration Report on behalf of the Board of directors (“Board”).

The Group has 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 is 
designed to reflect industry standards and to ensure that Key Management Personnel (“KMP”) and executives are 
aligned to and rewarded for delivering sustained Group performance.

As we proceed into our next 5- year strategic plan, we are in the process or reviewing the group’s remuneration 
structures. We have engaged Mercer Consulting (“Mercer”) to conduct a review of our current Short-Term Incentive 
(“STIP”) and Long-Term Incentive (“LTIP”) plans against best market practice. The Remuneration Committee will review 
Mercer’s report together with assessing whether the current performance milestones of the plans are optimally 
aligned with the new strategic business plan and shareholders’ interests. 

 Any changes will be implemented with effect from FY22 and will, where relevant, be presented for consideration at our 
upcoming annual general meeting for shareholder consideration.

The current 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 current 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 2021 financial year is, consistent with 
prior years capped at 40% of an employee’s Total Fixed Remuneration (“TFR”). No STIP payments have been made 
or accrued for the period; this is the 3rd year out of the last four where no STIP payment has occurred.

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.

The metrics assessed over the three-year vesting period, for the performance rights granted in FY2019, have allowed 
for a 95% vesting.

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 2021 
Remuneration Report (Audited)
This Remuneration Report outlines the director and Key 
Management Personnel (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 Omni Bridgeway Limited (OBL).

Key management personnel
Details of OBL’s KMP for the 2021 financial year are:

(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 

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

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 2020 
financial year, the Comparator Group used for the Long Term 
Incentive Program (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. During the FY21 year Mercer were engaged to review the 
STIP and LTIP plans against best market practice.

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.

Remuneration structure
In accordance with best practice corporate governance, the 
structure of non-executive director and KMP remuneration is 
separate and distinct. The Short Term Incentive Program (STIP) 
and LTIP are products of an external remuneration review 
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 FY2021 
– FY2025 strategic business plan with the aim of ensuring 
continued alignment of remuneration outcomes with sustained 
Group performance. 

Non-executive director remuneration
All non-executive directors enter into service agreements 
with the Company in the form of a letter of appointment. The 
letter summarises the Board policies and terms, including 
remuneration, relevant to the office of Director.

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 $570,101 (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 
save for ongoing indemnification and rights to insurance, 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 Company 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 Company and individual 
performance against targets set to appropriate 
benchmarks;

 – align the interests of executives with those of shareholders;

37

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
Remuneration Report (Audited) (continued)
 – link rewards with the internal strategic goals of the Group; 

and

 – ensure total compensation is competitive by market 

standards.

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 annually 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 objectives and internal key 
performance indicators of the Group. The total potential 
incentive available is set at a level so as to provide sufficient 
incentive to the executive to achieve the operational and 
strategic targets and such that the cost to the Group is 
reasonable in the circumstances.

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.

Key features of the STIP include:

 – 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 2021 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. STIP is paid in cash at 
the end of the financial year, or performance rights’ after the 
Participant’s election.

38

continuedDirectors’ ReportOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021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 up to 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 (VWAP) at the 
start of the applicable period. 

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

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. 
 – Each Performance Right is issued for no consideration and shall have no exercise price.
 – Performance rights issued pursuant to the Plan (“Performance Rights”) shall be issued at no cost to the recipient and 

are rights to receive fully paid ordinary shares in the Company in the future, if certain conditions are satisfied within the 
period specified.

 – The Company’s TSR will then be compared to a peer group, at 30 June, which will include listed entities in the ASX 300 
Diversified Financials industry group with a market capitalisation below $10 billion. For the 2021 financial year, this 
group consists of the following companies:
 – Janus Henderson Group PLC
 – Eclipx Group Limited
 – IOOF Holdings Limited
 – Netwealth Group Limited
 – OFX Group Limited
 – Pinnacle Investment Management Limited
 – Australian Ethical Investment Limited
 – Money3 Corporation Limited
 – Hub24 Limited
 – Challenger Limited
 – Perpetual Limited
 – Credit Corp Group Limited
 – Navigator Global Investments Limited
 – Centuria Capital Group
 – Pendal Group Limited
 – ZIP Co Ltd
 – Platinum Asset Management Limited
 – Humm Group Limited
 – AMP 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. 

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 are aligned with the Group’s 
strategy to increase the OBL portfolio, invest in future income and potential earnings capacity, and creation of 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 TFR 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 2021Remuneration Report (Audited) (continued)

Group Statutory Performance Indicators
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)

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)

2021

3.75 

–

(9.86)

(9.86)

Note, comparatives have been restated for the impact of issue of bonus shares. Comparatives have not been restated for the impact 
of adopting AASB9, AASB15 and AASB16.

Executive Employment Contracts

Andrew Saker, Managing Director and CEO:

 – contract commenced 5 January 2015;
 – gross salary package of $1,250,000 pa including superannuation; 
 – a cost of living allowance for his relocation to the United States;
 – 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;

iii.  statutory entitlements; and

iv.  any unvested LTIP will lapse. 

 – 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, 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 and any unvested LTIP will lapse.

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 and any unvested LTIP will lapse.

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 and any unvested LTIP 

will lapse.

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 and unvested LTIP 

will lapse.

(a)  Remuneration of Key Management Personnel
Table 1: Remuneration for the year ended 30 June 2021

Short-term benefits

Post- 
employment

Long term 
benefits

Share based 
payments

 Salary & 
 fees1
 $ 

Cash
 bonus 
accrued
 $ 

Super-
annuation/
pension1 
 $ 

Employee 
entitlements1
 $ 

Share
performance
rights2 
 $ 

Termination
payments
 $ 

Total 
Remuneration
 $ 

Performance
related
 % 

2021

Directors

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

213,943
1,433,354
1,228,309
761,974
95,130
106,796
115,834

Executives
Stuart Mitchell
Jeremy Sambrook

Total

447,057
415,807

4,818,204

 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –

 –
 –

–

20,325 
21,694 
21,694 
33,027 
9,037 
9,037 
 –

 –
(14,182)
97,720 
17,639 
 –
 –
 –

 –
1,294,755
1,233,321
106,235
 –
 –
 –

21,694 
21,694 

23,569 
32,120 

262,141
258,019

158,202

156,866

3,154,471

1 

Fixed remuneration ( Salary & Fees, Superannuation and employee entitlements)

2   Variable remuneration (share performance entitlements)

 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –

 –
 –
 –

234,268
2,735,621
2,581,044
918,875
104,167
115,833
115,833

754,461
727,640

8,287,743

0%
47%
48%
12%
0%
0%
0%

35%
35%

42

continuedDirectors’ ReportOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021 
Remuneration Report (Audited) (continued)
Table 2: 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
 $ 

Employee
entitlements
 $ 

Share
performance
rights
 $ 

Termination
payments
 $

Total 
Remuneration
 $ 

Performance
related
 % 

2020

Directors

Michael Kay

205,488 

Andrew Saker

1,228,997 

Hugh McLernon

1,178,997 

 –

 –

 –

19,512 

21,003 

 – 

 –

49,740 

1,044,170

21,003 

112,421 

994,545 

Raymond van Hulst2

512,313 

97,179 

25,209 

29,340 

26,391 

Michael Bowen

Karen Phin

91,324 

91,324 

Christine Feldmanis

91,324 

 –

 –

 –

8,676 

8,676 

8,676 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 –

 –

 –

Executives

Stuart Mitchell

428,997 

180,000 

Jeremy Sambrook

398,997 

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 was paid in the 2021 year.

 Performance rights relating to the FY2020 issue were not granted to Mr van Hulst during the 2020 financial year as they were subject to shareholder 
approval. Shareholder approval was obtained in the 2021 financial year and Mr van Hulst received 31,946 performance rights (Tranche 1: 15,973 and 
Tranche 2: 15,973) on the same terms as the FY21 LTIP disclosed in Note 30 of the financial statements.

The following table outlines the proportion of maximum STIP earned by KMP in the 2021 financial year.

Andrew Saker1

Hugh McLernon1

Raymond van Hulst

Stuart Mitchell

Jeremy Sambrook

Maximum STIP 
opportunity 
(% of TFR)

Maximum STIP 
opportunity  
($)

% of  
maximum 
earned

% of STIP 
forfeited

0%

0%

40%

40%

40%

 –

 –

185,000

 180,000 

 168,000 

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

100%

100%

100%

1 

Elected to receive 100% of variable remuneration as LTIP.

In light of the financial performance of the Group, the Remuneration Committee has determined that no STIP is payable for the 
financial year. 

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
 $ 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 131,949 

 2.53 

 131,949 

 4.47 

 263,898 

1/07/2020

30/06/2023 1/07/2035

 923,115 

 390,270 

 1,343,650 

 124,510 

 2.53 

 124,510 

 4.47 

 249,020 

1/07/2020

30/06/2023 1/07/2035

 871,072 

 367,717 

 1,279,824 

 46,326 

 2.23 

 46,326 

 4.11 

 92,652 

27/11/2020 30/06/2023 1/07/2035

 293,847 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 165,940 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 28,015 

 2.53 

 28,015 

 4.47 

 56,030 

1/07/2020

30/06/2023 1/07/2035

 195,993 

 52,816 

 287,962 

 26,147 

 2.53 

 26,147 

 4.47 

 52,294 

1/07/2020

30/06/2023 1/07/2035

 182,924 

 67,148 

 268,763 

2021

Directors

Michael Kay

Andrew 
Saker

Hugh 
McLernon 

Raymond 
van Hulst

Michael 
Bowen

Karen Phin

Christine 
Feldmanis

Executives

Stuart 
Mitchell

Jeremy 
Sambrook

Total

 356,947 

 356,947 

 713,894 

 2,466,951 

 877,951 

 3,346,139 

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

 516,809 

 516,809 

 1,033,618 

 4,269,359 

 936,606 

3,438,645

2020

Directors

Michael Kay

Andrew Saker

Hugh McLernon 

Raymond 
van Hulst2

Michael Bowen

Wendy McCarthy

Karen Phin

Christine 
Feldmanis

Executives

Stuart Mitchell

Jeremy 
Sambrook

Total

1 

2 

 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.

 Performance rights relating to the FY20 issue have not been granted to Mr van Hulst during the 2020 financial year as they were subject to shareholder 
approval.

44

continuedDirectors’ ReportOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021Remuneration Report (Audited) (continued)

Share performance rights holdings of Key Management Personnel

2021

Directors

Michael Kay

Andrew Saker

Hugh McLernon

Raymond van Hulst

Michael Bowen

Karen Phin

Christine Feldmanis

Executives

Stuart Mitchell

Jeremy Sambrook

Total

2020

Directors

Michael Kay

Andrew Saker

Hugh McLernon

Raymond van Hulst1

Michael Bowen

Wendy McCarthy

Karen Phin

Christine Feldmanis

Executives

Stuart Mitchell

Jeremy Sambrook

Total

 Balance  
1 July 2020
 Number 

 Granted as 
remuneration 
 Number 

 Performance 
rights 
exercised 
 Number 

Performance 
rights lapsed
Number

 Balance 
30 June 2021 
 Number 

 Vested
 Number 

 Un-vested
 Number 

– 

2,283,813 

2,160,688 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

263,898 

249,020 

92,652 

– 

– 

– 

149,498 

423,732 

56,030 

52,294 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

- 

(265,408)

– 

– 

– 

(20,540)

2,527,171 

1,828,542 

(19,353)

2,390,355 

1,723,993 

– 

– 

– 

– 

92,652 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

698,629 

666,362 

92,652 

– 

– 

– 

(2,780)

(3,534)

202,748 

207,084 

52,816 

67,148 

149,932 

139,936 

5,017,731 

713,894 

(265,408)

(46,207)

5,420,010 

3,672,499 

1,747,511 

 Balance 
1 July 2019 
 Number 

 Granted as 
remuneration 
 Number 

 Performance 
rights 
exercised 
 Number 

 Performance 
rights lapsed
 Number 

 Balance 
30 June 2020 
 Number 

 Vested
 Number 

 Un-vested
 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 

1,438,272 

2,160,688 

1,356,276 

– 

845,541 

804,412 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

149,498 

423,732 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

265,408 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

149,498 

158,324 

5,017,731 

3,059,956 

1,957,775 

1 

 Performance rights relating to the FY20 issue have not been granted to Mr van Hulst during the 2020 financial year as they were subject to shareholder 
approval. 

45

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

(c)  Shareholdings of Key Management Personnel

2021

Directors

Michael Kay

Andrew Saker

Hugh McLernon

Raymond van Hulst

Michael Bowen

Karen Phin

Christine Feldmanis

Executives

Stuart Mitchell

Jeremy Sambrook

Total

Balance
1 July 2020

Received as 
remuneration

Share 
performance 
rights exercised

Net change
other1

Balance
30 June 2021

417,023 

180,190 

5,394,990 

50,000

1,103,124 

27,266 

45,185 

3,941 

8,359 

7,230,078

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

265,408

265,408

52,977

1,878

(1,209,008)

2,103,551

11,496

–

471

470,000 

182,068 

4,185,982 

2,153,551

1,114,620 

27,266 

45,656 

131,000 

(265,321)

827,044

134,941 

8,446 

8,322,530

1  Net change other relates to shares obtained or sold on market. 

Shares above are held nominally by the Directors or the other key management personnel.

(d) Loans to Key Management Personnel
There have been no loans provided to KMP in 2021 (2020: nil).

(e)  Transactions with Key Management Personnel
During the year, the Group obtained legal advice from the following legal firms associated with Michael Bowen (i) DLA Piper - 
$708,710 (2020: $2,035,577) and (ii) Thomson Geer - $151,604 (2020: nil). Mr Bowen was an associate of DLA Piper for less than 
half of FY21. The legal advice was obtained at arm’s length. The Group engages a number of different law firms for its external legal 
advice and neither the relationship with Thomson Geer or DLA Piper is exclusive. Michael Bowen does not participate in any board 
decisions to appoint external counsel when Thomson Geer or DLA Piper is being considered for engagement. 

During the previous year, the Group obtained services from FIIG Securities, for which Christine Feldmanis is a mutual Director. 
This resulted in transaction costs totalling $1,776,243. The services were provided at arm’s length. 

Refer to Note 35 for details. 

– End of Remuneration Report –

46

continuedDirectors’ ReportOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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:

Board 
Meetings 

Project Sub-
Committee 
Meetings

Audit and Risk 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

Corporate 
Governance 
Committee

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

3

3

21

–

–

1

2

2

5

5

51

11

–

5

5

5

4

4

41

–

–

4

4

4

1

1

1

 – 

–

1

1

1

2

2

11

–

–

2

2

2

Total number of meetings held: 

Meetings Attended:

M Kay

A Saker 

H McLernon

R van Hulst

M Bowen

K Phin

C Feldmanis

1 

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

47

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
 
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 
BDO, 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 2021. This Independence Declaration which forms part of this report, can be found 
at page 49.

Non-audit services
The directors are satisfied that the provision of non-audit services by BDO 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.

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

1.  Tax compliance services and other non-audit services: $621,000. 

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 19 August 2021

Andrew Saker 
Managing Director

48

continuedDirectors’ ReportOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021Auditor’s Independence Declaration

Tel: +61 8 6382 4600 
Fax: +61 8 6382 4601 
www.bdo.com.au 

38 Station Street 
Subiaco, WA 6008 
PO Box 700 West Perth WA 6872 
Australia 

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE BY GLYN O'BRIEN TO THE DIRECTORS OF OMNI BRIDGEWAY 
LIMITED

As lead auditor of Omni Bridgeway Limited for the year ended 30 June 2021, I declare that, to the best 
of my knowledge and belief, there have been: 

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

relation to the audit; and 

2. 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 
period. 

Glyn O'Brien  

Director 

BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd 

Perth, WA  

19 August 2021 

BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd ABN 79 112 284 787 is a member of a national association of independent entities which are all members of BDO Australia Ltd ABN 77 050 110 275, 
an Australian company limited by guarantee. BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd and BDO Australia Ltd are members of BDO International Ltd, a UK company limited by guarantee, and 
form part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

49

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

for the year ended 30 June 2021

Continuing Operations

Revenue from contracts with customers

Interest revenue

Net gain 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 

Impairment expense

Share of loss in associates and joint ventures

(Loss)/profit before tax and fair value adjustments 

Profit / (loss) on fair value adjustment of financial liabilities

(Loss)/profit before tax

Income tax (benefit)/expense

(Loss)/profit 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 net of tax

Total comprehensive (loss)/profit for the year

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent

Non-controlling interests

Consolidated

Note

2021
$’000

2020
$’000

2

3

4

12

5

6(a)

6(b)

6(c)

6(d)

6(e)

6(f)

6(g)

27

7

8

33

6,084 

9,854 

23,128 

3,579 

160,112 

110,627 

1,282 

524 

177,856 

1,472 

1,559 

3,119 

57,458 

17,245 

24,361 

120,734 

664 

(48,756)

16,290

(32,466)

(14,035)

(18,431)

3,848 

20,419 

161,601 

1,336 

14,520 

2,912 

50,336 

20,043 

7,981 

17,229 

158 

47,086 

 (13,597)

33,489 

15,890 

17,599 

(25,451)

7,020 

(11,542)

29,141 

(16,997)

(10,981)

(20,617)

(37,614)

(56,045)

4,091 

(6,890)

10,709 

(42,448)

(13,597)

(22,523)

33,232 

Loss 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

(9.86)

(9.86)

(4.90)

(4.90)

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

50

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

as at 30 June 2021

ASSETS

Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables from litigation contracts and other
Contract costs
Other assets
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
Other financial liabilities
Total Current Liabilities

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

NET ASSETS

EQUITY
Contributed equity
Reserves
Retained earnings / (accumulated losses)

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

TOTAL EQUITY

Consolidated

Note

2021
$’000

2020
$’000

16
20
21
22

20
23
11
12
13
14
34
21
22
7

24

25
26
27

25
26
17
7
27

142,648 
209,389 
939 
5,009 
357,985 

21,916 
5,905 
95,059 
38,754 
391,034 
99,645 
4,453 
3,522 
17,769 
30,490

708,547

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 

1,066,532

1,120,470 

21,009 
6,083 
24,414 
2,449 
19,717 
73,672 

855 
3,394 
145,522 
19,620
60,975 
147 
230,513
304,185

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

677 
2,814 
143,784 
30,747 
85,364 
153 
263,539 
353,269 

762,347 

767,201 

389,501 
(15,441)
(42,187)

331,873 
430,474 

762,347 

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

336,001 
431,200 

767,201 

18
19(b)
19(a)

33

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

51

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

for the year ended 30 June 2021

Cash flows from operating activities

Proceeds from claims portfolio investments

Payments for claims portfolio investments - external costs1

Proceeds from deferred recognition of performance fee

Payments to suppliers and employees

Payments for transaction costs of acquiring a business

Interest income

Interest paid

Income tax paid

Net cash flows used in operating activities

10

Cash flows from investing activities

Proceeds from litigation funding

Payments for litigation funding - external costs

Payments for litigation funding - capitalised overhead and employee 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 / (from) 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 decrease 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 

Consolidated

Note

2021
$’000

2020
$’000

11,008

(13,933)

383

15,004 

(23,210)

817 

(80,765)

(53,374)

–

592

(7,367)

(7,843)

(97,925)

183,510

(126,775)

(6,868)

–

(220)

(2,848)

–

–

–

–

46,799

(7,872)

–

–

–

–

–

(3,508)

80,540

(65,499)

–

–

(4,838)

2,811 

(7,460)

(3,904)

(74,154)

170,978 

(183,611)

(7,341)

9,675 

(416)

(938)

(933)

(1,743)

(50,212)

10,345 

(54,196)

(41,051)

138,471 

(6,276)

34,284 

(34,284)

(2,183)

(1,515)

69,092 

(62,254)

(652)

736 

3,661

94,368 

(47,465)

(33,982)

(4,271)

1,906 

194,384

226,460 

16

142,648

194,384 

1 

 In the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, the Payments for claims portfolio investments - external costs have been reclassified to better reflect the 
nature of the expenditure.

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

52

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

for the year ended 30 June 2021

Consolidated

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/ 
Accumulated 
losses
$’000

Non-
controlling 
interests
$’000

Total
$’000

Total 
equity
$’000

At 1 July 2020

347,630 

23,918 

(11,408)

3,404 

3,832 

(24,778)

(6,597) 336,001 

431,200  767,201 

Profit/(loss) for the 
year

Other comprehensive 
income/(loss)

Total comprehensive 
income/(loss) for the 
year

Equity Transactions:

Dividend paid / 
declared

Shares issued

Share based 
payments, net of tax

Shares issued to 
settle deferred and 
variable deferred 
consideration

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

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

6,064 

(6,064)

–

10,473 

33,537 

2,270 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(16,997)

(16,997)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,179 

(25,451)

(25,451)

7,020 

(18,431)

–

(16,997)

(20,617)

(37,614)

(25,451)

(42,448)

(13,597)

(56,045)

(10,139)

(10,139)

–

10,473 

33,537 

2,270 

–

–

–

–

–

(10,139)

–

10,473 

33,537 

2,270 

–

–

80,540 

80,540 

(65,499)

(65,499)

2,179 

(2,170)

9 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

At 30 June 2021

389,501 

28,327 

(28,405)

3,404 

3,832 

(22,599)

(42,187) 331,873 

430,474 

762,347 

53

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

continued

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/ 
Accumulated 
losses
$’000

Non-
controlling 
interests
$’000

Total
$’000

Total 
equity
$’000

At 1 July 2019

205,558 

17,749 

(427)

3,404 

3,832 

(23,665)

12,427 

218,878 

296,552  515,430 

Profit/(loss) for the year
Other comprehensive 
income/(loss)
Total comprehensive 
income/(loss) 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 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(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 

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

54

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year ended 30 June 2021

About this Report
The financial report of Omni Bridgeway Limited (“OBL”, “the 
Company” or “the Parent”) and its subsidiaries (“the Group” 
or “consolidated entity”) for the year ended 30 June 2021 was 
authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the 
directors on 19 August 2021. 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 2021. 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). 

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).

55

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report 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 
followed in the preparation of the Group’s annual consolidated 
financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2020. All 
new and amended accounting standards and interpretations 
effective from 1 July 2020 were adopted by the Group with no 
material impact.

e.   New and amended accounting standards and 
interpretations issued but not yet effective
The new and amended standards and interpretations that are 
issued, but not yet effective, up to the date of issuance of the 
Group’s financial statements that the Group reasonably expects 
will have an impact on its disclosures, financial position or 
performance when applied at a future date, are disclosed below. 
The Group intends to adopt these new and amended standards 
and interpretations, if applicable, when they become effective. 
Of the other standards and interpretations that are issued, but 
not yet effective, as these are not expected to impact the Group, 
they have not been listed.

Amendments to IAS 1: Classification of Liabilities as Current 
or Non-current
In January 2020, the IASB issued amendments to paragraphs 
69 to 76 of IAS 1 to specify the requirements for classifying 
liabilities as current or non-current. The amendments clarify:

 – What is meant by a right to defer settlement
 – That a right to defer must exist at the end of the reporting 

period

 – That classification is unaffected by the likelihood that an 

entity will exercise its deferral right.

That only if an embedded derivative in a convertible liability 
is itself an equity instrument would the terms of a liability not 
impact its classification.

The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2023 and must be applied 
retrospectively. The Group is currently assessing the impact 
the amendments will have on current practice and whether 
existing loan agreements may require renegotiation.

Reference to the Conceptual Framework – Amendments to 
IFRS 3
In May 2020, the IASB issued Amendments to IFRS 3 Business 
Combinations - Reference to the Conceptual Framework. 
The amendments are intended to replace a reference to the 
Framework for the Preparation and Presentation of Financial 
Statements, issued in 1989, with a reference to the Conceptual 
Framework for Financial Reporting issued in March 2018 
without significantly changing its requirements. The Board 
also added an exception to the recognition principle of IFRS 3 
to avoid the issue of potential ‘day 2’ gains or losses arising 
for liabilities and contingent liabilities that would be within the 
scope of IAS 37 or IFRIC 21 Levies, if incurred separately. At 
the same time, the Board decided to clarify existing guidance 
in IFRS 3 for contingent assets that would not be affected by 
replacing the reference to the Framework for the Preparation 
and Presentation of Financial Statements. The amendments 
are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 
1 January 2022 and apply prospectively.

Property, Plant and Equipment: Proceeds before Intended 
Use – Amendments to IAS 16
In May 2020, the IASB issued Property, Plant and Equipment —
Proceeds before Intended Use, which prohibits entities 
deducting from the cost of an item of property, plant and 
equipment, any proceeds from selling items produced while 
bringing that asset to the location and condition necessary 
for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by 
management. Instead, an entity recognises the proceeds 
from selling such items, and the costs of producing those 
items, in profit or loss. The amendment is effective for annual 
reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2022 and 
must be applied retrospectively to items of property, plant and 
equipment made available for use on or after the beginning 
of the earliest period presented when the entity first applies 
the amendment. The amendments are not expected to have 
a material impact on the Group.

Onerous Contracts – Costs of Fulfilling a Contract – 
Amendments to IAS 37
In May 2020, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 37 to specify 
which costs an entity needs to include when assessing whether 
a contract is onerous or loss-making. The amendments 
apply a “directly related cost approach”. The costs that relate 
directly to a contract to provide goods or services include both 
incremental costs and an allocation of costs directly related 
to contract activities. General and administrative costs do not 
relate directly to a contract and are excluded unless they are 
explicitly chargeable to the counterparty under the contract. 
The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2022. The Group will apply 
these amendments to contracts for which it has not yet fulfilled 
all its obligations at the beginning of the annual reporting 
period in which it first applies the amendments. 

56

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021About this Report (continued)
Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Phase 2 – Amendments 
to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16 
On 27 August 2020, the IASB published Interest Rate 
Benchmark Reform – Phase 2, Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, 
IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16. The amendments provide temporary 
reliefs which address the financial reporting effects when an 
interbank offered rate (IBOR) is replaced with an alternative 
nearly risk-free interest rate (RFR). The amendments include a 
practical expedient to require contractual changes, or changes 
to cash flows that are directly required by the reform, to be 
treated as changes to a floating interest rate, equivalent to a 
movement in a market rate of interest. Inherent in allowing 
the use of this practical expedient is the requirement that 
the transition from an IBOR benchmark rate to an RFR takes 
place on an economically equivalent basis with no value 
transfer having occurred. Any other changes made at the 
same time, such as a change in the credit spread or maturity 
date, are assessed. If they are substantial, the instrument is 
derecognised. If they are not substantial, the updated effective 
interest rate (EIR) is used to recalculate the carrying amount 
of the financial instrument, with any modification gain or loss 
recognised in profit or loss. The Group has limited exposure to 
benchmark interest rates and is finalising its assessment of the 
impact of these amendments.

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 33. 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.

Intangible Assets - Litigation Contracts in Progress
Classification of litigation investments as Intangible Assets

The classification of 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.

57

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report About this Report (continued)
COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted dispute resolution 
systems to different degrees in jurisdictions where the 
Group has investments. Whilst this has led to some delays in 
completions, or the expected completion date, this has not 
led to significant impairments. 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 other assets (including goodwill, receivables/loans, 
other financial assets and deferred tax assets) and liabilities. 
No significant adjustments have been required.

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

Impairment of financial and non-financial assets
The Group assesses impairment of all required financial and 
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 Discounted Cash Flow (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 financial and non-financial assets.

Fair value measurement of financial assets and net assets 
acquired in a business combination
The Group measures 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.

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 at fair value through profit and loss, 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.

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 80% 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.

58

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021About this Report (continued)
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 is 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.

Net gain/loss on derecognition of intangible assets
The Group recognises income on successful completion of 
litigation contracts. The income is recognised in accordance 
with the Litigation Funding Agreement (LFA) terms. In some 
instances, the income calculation requires certain estimates and 
assumptions to be made. Refer to Note 13 for further information.

Expected credit losses of receivables 
The Group uses Investment Managers’ best estimate to 
calculate ECLs for receivables. The provision is based on 
assessment customer segments that have similar loss 
patterns. Refer to Note 20 for further information.

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.

The OBL Group’s wholly owned subsidiaries 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 
 – The Group’s Fund structures include:

 – Fund 1 – This comprises Omni Bridgeway (Fund 1) LLC, 
Security Finance (Fund 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, Omni Bridgeway (Fund 3) Pty Ltd, IMF 
Bentham ROW SPV 1 Limited and IMF Bentham ROW 
SPV 2 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; Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 2 LP; Omni 
Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 3 LP; Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) 
Invt 4 LP; Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 5 LP; Omni 
Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 6 LP; Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) 
Invt 7 LP; Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 8 LP; Omni 
Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 9 LP; Security Finance (Fund 4) 
LLC; JPV 1 LP 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, Omni 
Bridgeway (Fund 5) Cayman Invt. Limited, Omni 
Bridgeway (Fund 5) Australian Invt Pty Ltd, Omni 
Bridgeway (Fund 5) Canada Investments Ltd, 
2238319 Alberta Ltd as well as parallel joint investor, 
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 5) GPA 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.

 – 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. 

59

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Note 1:  Segment information (continued)
For Fund 5, there is no non-controlling interest as only OBL’s 100% owned investment 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 rate 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. 

Segment result for the year ended 30 June 2021

Interest revenue on cash and deposits

Interest revenue on receivables from litigation contracts

Interest revenue on purchased claims

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

483 

29 

– 

17,470 

2,355 

20,337 

50 

– 

– 

– 

– 

8 

130 

– 

9 

1,574 

(118)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1,017 

6,682 

– 

(10)

– 

– 

(17,470)

541 

1,175 

8,138 

– 

567 

3,162 

– 

6,084 

50 

1,712 

(109)

567 

10,861 

(17,480)

15,938 

Net gain/(loss) on derecognition of intangible assets

104,649 

45,093 

1,397 

220 

663 

14,143 

(6,053)

160,112 

Net gain on disposal of financial assets

Other income

Total Income

Impairment expenses

Amortisation of claims portfolio

Other expenses

– 

165 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1,215 

– 

67 

359 

– 

– 

1,282 

524 

125,151 

45,143

3,109 

111 

2,445 

25,430 

(23,533)

177,856 

57,830 

(2,502)

3,218 

56,850 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

4,445 

1,559 

893 

120,734 

– 

1,559 

112,308 

(17)

6,462 

485 

1,506 

16,993 

(34,082)

103,655 

Share of loss in associates and joint ventures

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

664 

– 

664 

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

(44,987)

47,662 

(6,571)

(57,224)

939 

1,769 

9,656 

(48,756)

Profit / (loss) on fair value adjustment of financial liabilities

16,290 

– 

– 

– 

(28,697)

47,662 

(6,571)

(57,224)

(15,824)

63

(2,095)

– 

(12,873)

47,599 

(4,476)

(57,224)

– 

939 

134

805 

– 

1,769 

2,006

(237)

– 

16,290 

9,656 

(32,466)

1,681

7,975 

(14,035)

(18,431)

(12,873)

– 

(4,476)

(11,419)

805 

(5,463)

7,975 

(25,451)

– 

47,599 

– 

(45,805)

– 

5,226 

– 

7,020 

(Loss)/profit before tax

Income tax (benefit)/expense

Segment result

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent

Non-controlling interests

60

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021Note 1:  Segment information (continued)

Group 
(excl 
Funds)

Funds

Consolidation

Segment assets and liabilities at 30 June 2021

Cash and cash equivalents1

Receivables from litigation contracts

Other current assets 

Claims portfolio

Purchased claims

Corporate 
$’000

1 
$’000

2&3 
$’000

4 
$’000

5 
$’000

6 
$’000

99,960

10,836

3,018 

19,056 

300 

9,478 

109,790

43,936

7,819

31,430

– 

– 

–

– 

– 

15,397

– 

– 

549 

– 

7,414 

8,214 

– 

–

– 

– 

14,110

6,416

93,784 

23,126 

Adjustments 
and 
eliminations 
$’000

Consolidated 
$’000

– 

– 

142,648 

175,655

(14,110)

39,682

1,275 

– 

95,059 

38,754 

Intangible assets - litigation contracts in progress

108,327 

150,283 

59,022 

121,389 

8,021 

54,867 

30,424 

532,333 

Intangibles impairments

Goodwill

Investments in funds

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

(65,860)

(9,671)

(5,031)

(54,346)

99,645 

267,870 

157,797

– 

– 

–

– 

– 

32,633 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(1,548)

(4,843)

(141,299)

– 

– 

99,645 

4,453

(267,870)

4,360 

11,267

(126,455)

4,453

79,602

808,959

195,384

120,272 

94,862 

12,681

215,953 

(381,579)

1,066,532

44,095 

433 

22,106 

599 

12,522 

27,317 

(33,400)

73,672 

140,526

184,621

– 

– 

– 

– 

81,589 

8,398 

230,513

433 

22,106 

599 

12,522

108,906 

 (25,002)

304,185

624,338

194,951

98,166 

94,263 

159 

107,047 

(356,577)

762,347 

624,338

47,481

17,767 

9,143 

159 

(10,438)

(356,577)

331,873 

– 

– 

91,339 

73,439 

132,427 

56,131 

6,960 

(47,307)

– 

– 

110,412 

7,073 

– 

– 

407,617 

22,857 

624,338

194,951

98,166 

94,263 

159 

107,047 

(356,577)

762,347 

1 

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

61

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

Segment result for 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 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

141 

141 

76 

– 

– 

(975)

4,069 

(22,107)

21,694 

– 

25,839 

(23,082)

2,822 

757 

– 

23,128 

26,707 

Net gain/(loss) on derecognition of intangible assets

55,667

16,831 

34,866 

4,029 

(68)

1,466 

(2,164)

110,627

Net gain/(loss) on disposal of financial assets

Other income

Total Income

Impairment expenses

Amortisation of claims portfolio

Other expenses

Share of loss in associates and joint ventures

– 

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)

161,601

5,166 

7,174 

1,193 

– 

112,588

– 

– 

47 

– 

– 

276 

– 

(6)

– 

156 

– 

– 

– 

772 

2,930 

14,520 

– 

17,229 

14,520 

488 

16,274 

(47,221)

82,608

– 

158 

743 

– 

– 

158

19,108 

47,086 

– 

(13,597)

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

(19,964)

9,802 

34,674 

3,874 

(1,151)

Profit / (loss) on fair value adjustment of financial liabilities

(13,597)

– 

– 

– 

– 

(Loss)/profit before tax

Income tax (benefit)/expense

Segment result

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent

Non-controlling interests

Segment assets and liabilities at 30 June 2020

Cash and cash equivalents1

Other current assets 

Claims portfolio

Purchased claims

(33,561)

9,802 

34,674 

3,874 

(1,151)

743 

19,108 

33,489 

1,056

143

10,213

– 

(34,617)

9,659 

24,461 

3,874 

(342)

(809)

3,704

1,116

15,890

(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 

Intangible assets - litigation contracts in progress

126,655 

191,339 

51,902 

92,017 

1,874 

33,244 

48,199 

545,230 

Intangibles impairments

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

(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 

375,855 

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.

62

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 1:  Segment information (continued)
Non-current assets, excluding financial assets and deferred tax assets, can be represented geographically as follows:

Australia

United States

Canada

EMEA

Asia

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

162,552 

234,241 

17,374 

61,587 

20,830 

238,041 

295,443 

17,844 

58,512 

15,627 

496,584 

625,467 

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 transaction price 
contains various components, with each component being either fixed or variable. 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 Investment Advisory Agreements with each of Fund 5 and Fund 7. The services provided are for the administration 
of the investor accounts and fund structures. For Fund 4 and Fund 5 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. Fees for management of Fund 7 
is based on the operational costs of the managing entity. 

63

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

Corporate 
$’000

Fund 5  
$’000

Fund 6 
$’000

Total 
$’000

2021

Type of service

Claims portfolio proceeds

Management fees

2020

Type of service

Claims portfolio proceeds

Management fees

2021

Geographical markets

Europe

Australia

United States

Cayman Islands

2020

Geographical markets

Europe

Australia

United States

Cayman Islands

2021

Timing of revenue recognition

Services transferred at a point in time

Services transferred over time

2020

Timing of revenue recognition

Services transferred at a point in time

Services transferred over time

– 

2,355 

2,355 

– 

1,293 

1,293 

– 

360 

1,995 

– 

2,355 

– 

109 

1,184 

– 

1,293 

– 

2,355 

2,355 

– 

1,293 

1,293 

– 

567 

567 

– 

141 

141 

– 

– 

– 

567 

567 

– 

– 

– 

141 

141 

– 

567 

567 

– 

141 

141 

1,696 

1,466 

3,162 

1,696 

4,388 

6,084 

21,694 

– 

21,694 

21,694 

1,434 

23,128 

3,162 

– 

– 

– 

3,162 

3,162 

360 

1,995 

567 

6,084 

21,694 

21,694 

– 

– 

– 

109 

1,184 

141 

21,694 

23,128 

1,696 

1,466 

3,162 

21,694 

– 

21,694 

1,696 

4,388 

6,084 

21,694 

1,434 

23,128 

Not included in revenue is $1.144 million (2020: $0.812 million) of performance fees that relate to the completion of investments in 
Fund 4 that have not satisfied the income recognition requirements yet. $1.144 million (2020: $0.812 million) is disclosed in other 
liabilities on the balance sheet.

64

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021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 85% (2020: 91%) of its interest revenue on cash and deposits in Australia. Interest revenue on matter 
receivables relates to the EMEA region. The purchased claims revenue relates to the geographic markets of Europe, Canada and 
the United States. 

Interest revenue 

Interest revenue on cash and deposits

Interest revenue on receivables from litigation contracts

Interest revenue on purchased claims

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

541 

1,175 

8,138 

9,854 

2,822 

–

757 

3,579 

Note 4:  Net gain on derecognition of intangibles assets 
Net gain 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 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, 3

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

265,928 

(77,453)

(28,363)

160,112 

257,513 

(134,393)

(12,493)

110,627 

1 

2 

3 

 This consists of costs related to the Group’s derecognition of litigation contracts intangibles on cases that have settled or been won. 

 This consists of costs related to the Group’s derecognition of litigation contracts intangibles on cases lost by the Group and cases not pursued by the 
Group due to the cases not meeting the Group’s required rate of return.

 Adverse cost expenses are presented in other expenses instead of being part of the gain/loss on derecognition of intangible assets. The change in 
presentation has been made to better reflect the nature of the expenditure.

Net gain on derecognition of intangible assets can be represented geographically as follows:

Australia

United States

Canada

EMEA

Asia

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

98,819 

40,473 

7,663 

21,015 

(7,858)

2020 
$’000

84,533 

19,343 

5,902 

1,150 

(301)

160,112 

110,627 

65

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

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

–

524 

–

524 

17,843 

2,221 

355 

20,419 

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 capitalised contract costs relating to the claims portfolio due 
to 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.

66

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021 
Note 6:  Expenses (continued) 

(a) Finance costs

Interest on lease liabilities

  Other finance charges

(b) Amortisation of claims portfolio

  Amortisation of claims portfolio (Note 11)

(c) Depreciation expense

  Depreciation

(d) Employee benefits expense

  Wages and salaries

Superannuation expense

  Directors' fees

  Payroll tax

Share based payments

Long service leave

(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

Adverse costs1

Foreign exchange loss

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

(g) Impairment expense

Impairment2

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

750

722

1,472 

263 

1,073 

1,336 

1,559 

14,520 

3,119 

2,912 

38,512 

39,307 

1,723 

501 

2,686 

13,755 

281 

57,458 

2,929 

1,414 

1,179 

677 

10,489 

390 

167 

17,245 

206 

888 

939 

1,035 

14 

17 

53 

15,280 

5,868 

61 

24,361 

1,524 

496 

1,682 

7,313 

14 

50,336 

2,711 

1,544 

1,708 

538 

11,416 

557 

1,569 

20,043 

267 

1,438 

939 

788 

41 

111 

243 

4,154 

–

–

7,981 

120,734 

17,229 

1 

2 

 Adverse cost expenses from previous period of $4.154 million are presented in other expenses instead of being part of the gain/loss on derecognition of 
intangible assets. The change in presentation has been made to better reflect the nature of the expenditure. 

 This includes impairment expense of $112.911 million in respect to Westgem and a Fund 4 investment. Whilst a provision for impairment was raised for 
accounting purposes, management continues to support the appeal process for these investments. Please refer to Note 13 section(a) for details. 

67

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.

68

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021Note 7: 

Income tax (continued)

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.

Commitments and contingencies are disclosed net of the amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority.

Statement of Comprehensive Income

The major components of income tax expense/(benefit) 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

 Current year utilisation of carried forward tax losses

 Other

Deferred income tax:

 Relating to origination and reversal of temporary differences

 Current year losses moved to deferred tax asset

 Reduction in deferred tax asset for loss utilisation

 Adjustment in respect of deferred income tax of previous year 

 Deferred tax assets derecognised

 Other

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

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

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

15,178 

61 

–

8,383 

(18,388)

(944)

(28,814)

(8,383)

18,388 

173 

–

311 

8,762 

(14)

23 

5,150 

–

(545)

3,649 

(5,150)

–

563 

3,019 

433 

(14,035)

15,890

1,381 

–

1,381 

(7,240)

(763)

(8,003)

69

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Note 7: 

Income tax (continued) 

Reconciliation between tax expense/(benefit) and the product of accounting profit/(loss) 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% (2020: 30%)

 Foreign tax rate adjustments

 Adjustment in respect of income and deferred tax of previous years

 Expenditure not allowable for income tax purposes

 Amounts deductible for income tax purposes (permanent)

 Non-assessable income

 State income tax

 Relating to deductible temporary differences not previously recognised

 Deferred tax assets derecognised

 Other

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

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

(32,466)

(9,740)

1,397 

128 

912 

(3,326)

(1,138)

(1,106)

226 

–

(1,388)

(14,035)

33,489 

10,047 

2,605 

548 

5,418 

–

(3,742)

(1,363)

(514)

3,019 

(128)

15,890 

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

Gross deferred income tax liabilities
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

Statement of  
Financial Position

Statement of  
Comprehensive Income

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

37,769 

12 

1,250 

–

–

59,220 

22 

1,425 

–

72 

21,451 

10 

175 

–

72 

39,031 

60,739 

21,708 

6,214

6,856

4,405

71

1,865

19,411

19,620

19,330 

(13,150)

1,980 

6,409 

71 

2,202 

29,992 

30,747 

4,709 

(623)

–

(337)

(9,401)

1,042 

(19)

(1,425)

38 

(69)

(433)

2,028 

(2,277)

(4,918)

71 

(795)

(5,891)

70

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021Note 7: 

Income tax (continued) 

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

Movements in foreign exchange

Deferred tax expense

Statement of  
Financial Position

Statement of  
Comprehensive Income

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

766 

(23)

971 

3,474 

1,359 

1,369 

55 

1,500 

1,215 

4,537 

23,943 

30,490 

17,328 

26,004 

(603)

(78)

(529)

(1,063)

144 

6,615 

4,486 

16,793 

1,534

18,327 

1,365 

27 

1,289 

1,215 

(2,524)

3,122 

4,494 

(1,830)

(685)

(2,515)

Unrecognised temporary differences and tax losses
At 30 June 2021, the Group had $2.604 million (2020: $3.019 million) of unrecognised deferred tax assets relating to temporary 
differences and tax losses in its Canadian subsidiaries.

Deferred tax assets relating to USA operations
The deferred tax assets balance includes $23,298 million (2020: $17.362 million) of assets relating to carried forward tax losses of 
Omni Bridgeway Holdings (USA) Inc. Under existing tax regulations, the losses incurred prior to financial year ended 30 June 2019 can 
be carried forward for 20 years and losses incurred thereafter can be carried forward indefinitely. 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. Fund 1’s NCI waterfall, by design, 
priorities the NCI investor’s return initially and then swings to favor Omni. Omni 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, 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, Omni considers there to be 
convincing other evidence to support the recoverability of these tax losses including:

(i) 

 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 circa 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$171.7 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. Omni has access to more investment capital that at any time in its history.

(iii)   There are 41 US investments. The carrying value of intangibles assets (investments) was $238.920 million at 30 June 2021. The US 
business historically has an 78% 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.

(iv)   The coronavirus pandemic and other political events in the US have temporarily delayed US investment completions, as the court 
process has been significantly disrupted during 2021. Once the normalcy in the US court system resumes, completion rates are 
expected to return to normal.

71

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Note 7: 

Income tax (continued) 

Deferred tax assets relating to ROW funds
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 2) Pty Limited and Omni Bridgeway (Fund 3) Pty Limited carried combined total deferred tax assets 
balances of $5.892 million as at 30 June 2021 (2020: $0.059 million), the deferred tax assets balances were predominantly related 
to the loss of Australian investments and Asian investments during this reporting period. The Funds are 98% committed with 
litigation investments that are expected to generate significant taxable income in the future.

Note 8:  Loss per share
Basic (loss) per share is calculated as net profit/loss 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/loss attributable to members of the Parent, adjusted for:
 – costs of servicing equity (other than dividends);
 – the after-tax effect of interest 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 2021, 18,528,532 performance rights (2020: 17,302,007) 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 not considered dilutive. 

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

(a) Earnings used in calculating earnings per share

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

For basic and diluted loss per share

Total net loss attributable to equity holders of the Parent 

(25,451)

(11,542)

(b) Weighted average number of shares

Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding

Effect of dilution:

 Performance rights

Weighted average number of ordinary shares

2021 
$’000 

2020 
$’000 

257,994 

235,709 

–

– 

257,994 

235,709 

Variable Deferred Consideration and Deferred Consideration are payable by the issue of fully paid ordinary shares in 
Omni Bridgeway Limited (OBL). Please refer to Note 27 for details.

These shares have not been included for the following reasons:

 – Variable Deferred Consideration shares have not been included as their performance milestones for future tranches have yet 
to be met. Deferred Consideration shares have not been included as shareholder approval will be required for tranche 2.

 – In addition to the above, the inclusion of any of these shares would be considered antidilutive.

72

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021 
 
Note 8:  Loss per share (continued)

The weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding only includes performance rights granted under the Long Term 
Incentive Plan where the performance hurdles are met as at period end and they do not have an anti-dilutive effect. As at 30 June 
2021, there were 18,528,532 (2020: 17,302,007) performance rights calculated as meeting the performance criteria for inclusion 
in diluted earnings per share, however these were not included due to their anti-dilutive effect.

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 2020: 4.00 cents per share (2019: nil cents per share)

Interim dividend for 2021: nil cents per share ( 2020: 3.00 cents per share)

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

10,139 

–

10,139 

2020 
$’000

–

7,482 

7,482 

The Directors have determined not to pay a final dividend for the year ended 30 June 2021. Omni Bridgeway Limited’s retained 
earnings are disclosed in Note 32.

On 24 August 2020 the Directors declared a final fully franked dividend of 4.00 cents per share for the 2020 financial year, totalling 
$9,955,000. The record date for this dividend was 2 September 2020 and the payment date was 25 September 2020. Shareholders 
were able to elect to participate in the dividend reinvestment plan in relation to this dividend.

The Directors have determined they will consider, and where appropriate, implement, a regular semi-annual dividend which 
reflects the cash position 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, will arrange underwriting to 
reduce the impact a particular dividend might otherwise have on cash. 

(b) Franking credit balance

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

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

– Franking debits arising from the payment of last year's final dividend

– Franking debits arising from the payment of last year's interim dividend

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

Balance at 30 June

(c)  Tax rates
The tax rate at which paid dividends have been franked is 30% (2020: 30%). 

Omni Bridgeway Limited

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

10,250 

(4,345)

–

–

5,905 

14,766 

–

(3,207)

(1,309)

10,250 

73

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Note 10: Statement of cash flows reconciliation 

Reconciliation of net profit / (loss) after tax to net cash flows used in operations:

Net (loss)/profit after tax

Adjustments for:

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

(18,431)

17,599 

 Fair value adjustments to financial liabilities

16,290

(33,225)

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

activities and claims portfolio

 Receipts of reimbursement of fund establishment costs 

 Amortisation of claims portfolio

 Amortisation of contract costs

 Depreciation

 Share based payments

 Unrealised foreign exchange loss /(gain)

 Lease incentive adjustments

Changes in assets and liabilities

 Increase in receivables

 Increase in other current assets

 (Decrease)/Increase in other liabilities

 Increase in lease liabilities

 Decrease /(Increase) in intangibles

 Increase in trade creditors and accruals

 Increase in provisions

 (Increase)/decrease in deferred tax assets and liabilities

 Increase in current income tax receivable/(payable)

 Increase in claims portfolio and purchased claims

 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.

(70,704)

–

1,559

939

3,119

16,642

5,868

–

13,364 

(736)

14,520 

939 

2,912 

9,084 

(17,843)

(289)

(96,575)

(117,864)

(4,406)

(43,014)

159

126,196

(3,035)

9,669

(15,613)

(3,474)

(23,114)

(97,925)

(3,123)

122,938 

5,684 

(90,253)

52 

(24)

14,648 

10,673 

(23,210)

(74,154)

74

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021 
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.

Balance at 1 July

Acquisition through business combination1

Additions – external funding deployment 

Amortisation of claims portfolio2

Claims portfolio impairment

Foreign currency adjustment

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

93,680 

–

9,618 

(1,559)

(3,565)

(3,115)

95,059 

2020 
$’000

–

98,330 

8,123 

(14,520)

–

1,747 

93,680 

1 

2 

 Included in the acquisition through business combination was $nil (2020: $74.180 million) of PPA. Refer to Note 31 for further information.

Represents the amortisation of the capitalised contract costs due to successful and unsuccessful completion of investments. 
 It includes $nil (2020: $8.540 million) of PPA, the aggregate amortisation of value adjustments from business combination since the purchase of OBE 
in October 2019 is $8.540 million (2020: $8.540 million).

Note 12: Purchased claims 
Purchased claims are litigation assets 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.

75

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
Note 12: Purchased claims (continued)

Balance at 1 July

Acquisition through business combination1

Interest revenue

Additions – external funding deployment

Purchased claims expenses2

Purchased claims impairment

Foreign currency adjustment

Balance at 30 June

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

17,019 

–

8,137 

20,518 

(2,721)

(3,797)

(402)

38,754 

2020 
$’000

–

12,028 

757 

9,830 

(5,815)

–

219 

17,019 

1 

2 

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

 Included in the purchase claim expense during the year ended 30 June 2021 was $nil (2020: $5.595 million) of fair value adjustments that originally arose 
from business combination.

At 30 June 2021 the fair value of the purchased claims amounted to $38.754 million (2020: $17.019 million) and the gross contractual 
amount of $181.9 million (2020: $173.343 million).

Net gain on disposal of Purchased claims

Proceeds from purchased claims disposed

Carrying value of purchased claims disposed1

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

4,003 

(2,721)

1,282 

9,663 

(5,815)

3,848 

1 

 Included in the purchased claims disposed of during the year ended 30 June 2021 was $nil (2020: $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, 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.

76

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021 
Note 13:  Intangible assets – litigation contracts in progress (continued)
The following specific asset recognition and derecognition rules have been applied to Litigation Contracts in Progress:

(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 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, the cost of the intangible asset net of accumulated impairment is derecognised and a loss is 
recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

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

Acquisitions through business combination

Additions - external 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)

Net derecognition of fair value adjustments

Intangibles impairment

Effect of movement in foreign currency

Balance at 30 June

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

517,230 

–

107,762 

8,961 

9,723 

522 

(62,693)

(14,152)

(24,550)

(4,222)

(197)

(113,373)

(33,977)

391,034 

426,977 

53,435 

177,578 

10,385 

10,424 

465 

(124,297)

(10,096)

(14,501)

(2,146)

–

(17,229)

6,235 

517,230 

77

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report 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 2021 equated to approximately 16.4% of the Group’s total salary costs (2020: 22.6%). 
The other internal capitalised expenses equated to approximately 43.6% of related overhead costs (2020: 46.3%).

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 6.3% (2020: 7.9%). 

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

External costs1

Capitalised internal costs

Capitalised borrowing costs

Gross carrying amount at cost

Accumulated impairment

Balance at 30 June

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

459,371 

473,170 

38,262 

34,700 

39,000 

33,060 

532,333 

545,230 

(141,299)

391,034 

(28,000)

517,230 

1 

 Included in the carrying value was $21.527 million (2020: $53.435 million) of fair value adjustments from business combination. Refer to Note 31 for further 
information.

(c) Impairment testing of intangible assets
Except for specific Litigation Contracts in Progress subject to an unfavourable judgment, 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. Litigation Contracts in Progress that are subject to 
an unfavourable judgment are impaired down to their recoverable amount based on their estimated fair value less costs of disposal. 

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 11.7% and 15.9% for this reporting period (30 June 2020: between 8.5% and 10%).

At 30 June 2021, a provision for impairment has been recognised for $141.299 million (2020: $28.000 million). The impairment comprised –
 – $58.135 million relating to the Westgem investment. The provision raised is for the full carrying value of the investment, 

including internal overheads. During the year, the Supreme Court of Western Australia delivered judgment in the Westgem 
litigation and dismissed in full all of the claims of Omni Bridgeway’s funded clients. An appeal was lodged with the Supreme 
Court of Western Australia on 17 September 2020. The provision for impairment is in accordance with the Group’s accounting 
policy which reflects IFRS accounting standard requirements and reflects the first instance Supreme Court judgment in favour 
of the defendant being a trigger for impairment. The investment has not been derecognised and the Group intends to pursue 
the investment to achieve a positive outcome. The level of impairment will be continually assessed and may be reversed as 
appropriate pending developments in the future.

 – $54.776 million relating to a Fund 4 investment. The provision raised is for the full carrying value of the investment, including 
internal overheads. During the period, Summary Judgment against a funded claimant within Fund 4 was granted. The funded 
claimant has lodged a notice to appeal the decision. The provision for impairment is in accordance with the Group’s accounting 
policy which reflects IFRS accounting standard requirements and reflects the first instance summary judgment in favour of 
the defendant being a trigger for impairment. The investment has not been derecognised and the Group intends to pursue 
the investments to achieve a positive outcome. The level of impairment will be continually assessed and may be reversed as 
appropriate depending on developments in the future.

78

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021Note 13:  Intangible assets – litigation contracts in progress (continued)
 – The remainder of the impairment, $28.388 million at 30 June 2021 ($28.000 million at 30 June 2020) relates to forty-two 
investments (30 June 2020: twenty-six) across the remainder of the portfolio. The majority of which are not individually 
material. The $113.299 net million movement in the period reflects (i) $121.738 million of new impairments; (ii) the net impact 
of investment completions and the asset derecognised and (iii) foreign exchange variance. For new or increased impairments, 
during the impairment review, management have determined that either a successful outcome for the investment was no 
longer likely to occur or that the likely outcome would not recover the current carrying value of the investment. The discount 
rate used in the impairment assessment of these assets was 15%. After taking into account the impairment, at 30 June 2021, 
the forty-one investments have a combined carrying value of $26.709 million. This amount reflects the net recoverable 
amount expected to be received from the investments.

(d) Additional information
The Group has one Litigation Contract in Progress asset that is significantly complete.

Wivenhoe partial settlement
A positive NSW Supreme Court judgment for OBL’s funded client was received on 29 November 2019. Two of the defendants (with 
a court determined 50% portion of liability) have accepted that judgment and a settlement was approved by the Supreme Court on 
26 February 2021; whilst the remaining defendant has appealed. The Group has recognised revenue from the partial settlement 
and has derecognised 50% of the investment. The Group continues to carry the remaining 50% investment as a Litigation contract 
in Progress at cost.

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. 
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 24.7% 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 15% (2020:12%). 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

Balance at 30 June

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

103,072 

2020 
$’000

–

–

101,342 

(3,427)

99,645 

1,730 

103,072 

79

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report 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 2021. 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 Australian variable interest rate risk: 

Financial instruments

Cash and cash equivalents

Omni Bridgeway Bonds

Net exposure

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

142,648 

(75,290)

67,358 

194,384 

(73,942)

120,442 

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 2021, if interest rates had moved with all other variables held constant, post-tax profit/(loss) and equity would have been 
affected as follows:

+0.10% (10 basis points) (2020: +0.25%)

-0.10% (10 basis points) (2020: +0.25%)

Post Tax Profit
Higher/(Lower)

Equity
Higher/(Lower)

2021
$’000

47 

(47)

2020
$’000

211 

(211)

2021
$’000

47 

(47)

2020
$’000

211 

(211)

80

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021 
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 2021 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 2021 there were no litigation contract receivables 
that were due to be paid by the AAA rated government (2020: $78.204 million).

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 91% (2020: 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

2021

Financial Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Bonds and Fixed Rate Notes – principal

Bonds and Fixed Rate Notes – interest

Lease liabilities

Deferred and variable deferred consideration

2020

Financial Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Bonds and Fixed Rate Notes – principal

Bonds and Fixed Rate Notes – interest

Lease liabilities

Deferred and variable deferred consideration

21,009 

–

3,645 

1,437 

14,647 

40,738 

24,044 

–

3,668 

1,356 

42,786 

71,854 

–

–

2,118 

1,437 

5,070 

8,625 

–

–

3,668 

1,356 

–

–

148,000 

14,355 

6,339 

60,975 

229,669 

–

76,000 

22,059 

2,795 

76,030 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

21,009 

148,000 

20,118 

9,213 

80,692 

279,032 

24,044 

72,000 

148,000 

2,140 

666 

–

5,024 

176,884 

74,806 

31,535 

6,173 

118,816 

328,568 

81

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
 
 
 
 
 
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) are 
exposed to changes in the Company’s share price. There are 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, 
and the Fixed Rate Notes fair value has been determined using the price from FIIG, a 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 3. Level 3 inputs were used for all other assets and liabilities below to determine that the carrying value approximates 
fair value.

Carrying Value

Fair Value

2021
$’000

2020
$’000

2021
$’000

2020
$’000

231,305

38,754

389 

21,859 

134,730 

231,305

134,730 

17,019 

38,754

17,019 

–

389 

17,396 

21,859 

292,307 

169,145 

292,307 

21,009 

75,290 

70,232 

17,783 

48,533 

14,376

24,044 

73,942 

69,842 

42,786 

76,030 

4,884 

21,009 

76,760 

73,690 

17,783 

48,533

14,376

–

17,396 

169,145 

24,044 

75,808 

69,139 

42,786 

76,030 

4,884 

247,223

291,528 

252,151

292,691 

Financial assets

Receivables from litigation contracts and other

Purchased claims

Financial investments

Other assets/security deposits

Financial liabilities

Trade and other payables

Omni Bridgeway bonds

Fixed rate notes

Deferred consideration

Variable deferred consideration

Variable consideration – Purchased claims

82

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021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 are shown below:

For the DC and VDC valuations, the basis of the selected valuation assumptions are as follows:

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

40% at 30 June 2021 
and 45% at 
30 June 2020

Underlying 
share price

$3.75 at 30 June 2021 
and $4.77 at  
30 June 2020

Dividend yield

Risk free rate

As at 30 June 2021: 
0% for 8-Nov-21 
payment 2% for 
8-Nov-22 payment 
2% for 8-Nov-23 
payment 2% for 
8-Nov-24 payment (as 
at 30 June 2020: 4%)

As at 30 June 2021: 
0.01% for 8-Nov-21 
payment 0.02% for 
8-Nov-22 payment 
0.09% for 8-Nov-23 
payment 0.34% for 
8-Nov-24 payment 
(as at 30 June 2020: 
0.41%)

Sensitivity of the input to fair value

At 30 June 2021: 
An absolute 5% increase in the volatility would 
result in a $879,000 increase in the value of 
the liability. An absolute 5% decrease in the 
volatility would result in a $885,000 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 2021: 
A relative 5% increase in the share price would 
result in a $1,462,000 increase in the value of 
the liability. A relative 5% decrease in the share 
price would result in a $1,359,000 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.

At 30 June 2021: 
An absolute 1% increase in dividend yield 
would result in a $312,000 decrease in the 
value of the liability. An absolute 1% decrease 
in dividend yield would result in a $332,000 
increase in the value of the liability.

83

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

Item

Valuation 
technique

Significant  
unobservable 
inputs

FX forward rate  
(AUD/EUR)

Deferred 
consideration

Black Scholes  
Option Pricing 
Model

Exercise price

Volatility

Range  
(weighted average)

At 30 June 2021: 
8-Nov-21: 1.58 
8-Nov-22: 1.59 
8-Nov-23: 1.60 
8-Nov-24: 1.63 

At 30 June 2020: 
8-Nov-21: 1.648 
8-Nov-22: 1.668 
8-Nov-23: 1.689 
8-Nov-24: 1.714

Theoretical exercise 
price based on the 
floor price of $3.407

40% at 30 June 2021 
and 45% at  
30 June 2020

Underlying 
share price

$3.75 at 30 June 2021 
and $4.77 at  
30 June 2020

Dividend yield

Risk free rate

2% at 30 June 2021 
and 4% at 
30 June 2020

0.02% at 30 June 2021 
and 0.41% at  
30 June 2020 

84

Sensitivity of the input to fair value

30 June 2021: 
A relative 5% increase in the forward exchange 
rates would result in a $2,403,000 increase 
the value of the liability. A relative 5% decrease 
in the forward exchange rate would result 
in a $2,403,000 decrease in the value of the 
liability.

At 30 June 2020: 
A relative 5% increase in the forward exchange 
rates would result in a $3,776,000 increase 
the value of the liability. A relative 5% decrease 
in the forward exchange rate would result 
in a $3,781,000 decrease in the value of the 
liability.

At 30 June 2021: 
An absolute 5% increase in the volatility would 
result in a $334,000 increase in the value of 
the liability. An absolute 5% decrease in the 
volatility would result in a $334,000 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 2021: 
An absolute 5% increase in the share price 
would result in a $525,000 increase in the 
value of the liability. An absolute 5% decrease 
in the share price would result in a $491,000 
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.

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021Note 15:  Financial risk management (continued)

Item

Valuation 
technique

Significant  
unobservable 
inputs

FX forward rate  
(AUD/EUR)

Range  
(weighted average)

At 30 June 2021: 
8-Nov-21: 1.58 
8-Nov-22: 1.59 
8-Nov-23: 1.60 
8-Nov-24: 1.63

At 30 June 2020: 
8-Nov-21: 1.648 
8-Nov-22: 1.668 
8-Nov-23: 1.689 
8-Nov-24: 1.714

Sensitivity of the input to fair value

At 30 June 2021: 
relative 5% increase in the forward exchange 
rates would result in a $889,000 increase the 
value of the liability. A relative 5% decrease in 
the forward exchange rate would result in a 
$889,000 decrease in the value of the liability

At 30 June 2020: 
A relative 5% increase in the forward exchange 
rates would result in a $3,378,000 increase 
the value of the liability. A relative 5% decrease 
in the forward exchange rate would result 
in a $3,382,000 decrease in the value of the 
liability.

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 exposure to foreign currency risk at 30 June were as follows: 

2021

AUD
$’000

USD
$’000

GBP
$’000

EUR 
$’000

SGD
$’000

CAD
$’000

HKD
$’000

CHF
$’000

AED
$’000

JPY
$’000

–

–

–

–

14,676 

270 

1,196 

63 

76 

9,257 

53 

38 

55 

10,071 

–

108 

–

16,533 

30,194 

(644)

–

(1,661)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

54,941 

(374)

1,304 

(1,598)

16,609 

9,257 

53 

38 

55 

Financial Assets

Cash and cash 
equivalents

Receivables from 
litigation contracts 
and other

Intercompany loan 
receivable

Total assets

Financial Liabilities

Trade Payables

Deferred 
consideration 
liabilities

80 

66,315 

919 

–

167 

–

319 

–

Total liabilities

66,395 

919 

167 

319 

1 

–

1 

48 

–

97 

–

48 

97 

3 

–

3 

4 

–

4 

(34)

–

(34)

85

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

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

Financial Liabilities

Trade Payables

Deferred 
consideration 
liabilities

–

–

–

–

118,816 

26,821 

81 

2,573 

813 

1,225 

10,434 

89 

567 

64 

21,219 

1,973 

1,700 

–

–

–

–

–

–

48,040 

2,054 

4,273 

813 

1,225 

10,434 

89 

567 

64 

18 

–

–

–

–

349 

1,125 

–

–

349 

1,125 

(1)

–

(1)

–

–

–

307 

–

307 

–

–

–

–

–

–

118,816 

18 

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.

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. 

Impact on profit or loss before tax ($’000)

AUD

USD

GBP

EUR

SGD

CAD

HKD

CHF

AED

JPY

30 June 2021

 +10%

6,584 

(7,191)

 -10%

(6,584)

7,191 

100 

(100)

(156)

156 

158 

(1,779)

(158)

1,779 

(157)

157 

(7)

7 

30 June 2020

 +10%

14,308 

(7,006)

 -10% (14,326)

7,006 

(368)

368 

(700)

700 

(85)

85 

(131)

131 

(196)

196 

33 

(33)

(1)

1 

(23)

23 

–

–

–

–

86

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021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

2021 
$’000

88,107 

54,541 

2020 
$’000

101,037 

93,347 

142,648 

194,384 

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, $1,313,000 (2020: $1,089,000) is restricted as it is held within Stichting vehicles on behalf 
of customers. The Stichting vehicles were founded as a separate, independent foundation 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 
2021, 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 2021, guarantees of $1,163,000 were 
outstanding (2020: $1,204,000). The Group has a total guarantee facility limit of $1,432,000 (2020: $1,474,000) that is secured by 
an offset arrangement with deposits of $1,632,000 (2020: $1,674,000). Cash in Funds can only be used for litigation matters and 
expenses in the Funds.

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 rate 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.

Non-Current

Omni Bridgeway Bonds

Fixed Rate Notes

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

75,290 

70,232 

73,942 

69,842 

145,522 

143,784 

87

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Note 17:  Debt securities (continued)

Cash and non-cash movements in debt securities are shown below:

Balance at 1 July

Proceeds from issue of debt

Repayment of debt

Payments for costs of issuing debt

Amortisation of costs of issuing debt

Balance at 30 June

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

143,784 

–

–

–

1,738 

2020 
$’000

143,972 

34,284 

(34,284)

(2,183)

1,995 

145,522 

143,784 

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 principal 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.

The application of AASB 123 Borrowing Costs (revised 2007) has resulted in the capitalisation of $8.961 million (2020: $10.385 
million) 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). 

In relation to the debt securities held by the Group, there were no material breaches in covenants. The following ratios are 
applicable to the Group for the financial year: 

Gearing ratio1 

Working capital ratio2 

Interest cover3

Consolidated

2021

40%

4.86

N/A

2020

46%

3.67

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.

88

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021Note 17:  Debt securities (continued)

In accordance with the Financial covenants required per OBL Bonds Trust Deed and OBL Note Trust Deed, the current resources of 
the Issuer Group as at 30 June 2021 was $233.002 million (2020: $203.857 million) which comprised:

Cash at bank

Deposits

Financial instruments

Receivables from litigation contracts & other

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

98,664 

132,463 

–

–

–

–

134,338 

233,002 

71,394 

203,857 

In accordance with clause 5.9(a)(ii) of the OTC Note terms and in accordance with clause 4.5(a)(ii) of Schedule 2 of the OBL Bond 
Trust Deed, OBL confirms that at all times during the previous six months 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 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

Shares issued during the year (Deferred and Variable Deferred Consideration)

Shares issued upon exercise of performance rights

Shares issued under the Dividend Reinvestment Plan

At 30 June 2021

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

389,501 

347,630 

Number  
’000

$’000

204,609 

40,571 

4,231 

454 

249,865 

8,120 

3,604 

591 

205,558 

134,212 

6,021 

1,839 

347,630 

33,537 

6,064 

2,270 

262,180 

389,501 

On 25 September 2020, the Company issued 590,734 shares at $3.84 per share under its Dividend Reinvestment Plan.

89

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
 
Note 18: Contributed equity (continued)

(b) Performance rights
As at 30 June 2021, there were 18,528,532 unissued ordinary shares in respect of which share performance rights were 
outstanding (2020: 17,302,007). 

(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 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 subject to any externally imposed capital requirements. Omni Bridgeway Limited’s accumulated losses/retained 
earnings are disclosed in Note 32.

Note 19: Retained earnings/(accumulated losses) and reserves

(a) Movements in retained earnings/(accumulated losses) were as follows: 

Balance at 1 July

Effect of adoption of AASB 16 Leases

Net loss for the year

Dividend paid

Balance at 30 June

(b) Movements in reserves were as follows: 

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

(6,597)

12,494 

–

(25,451)

(10,139)

(42,187)

(67)

(11,542)

(7,482)

(6,597)

Share based 
payment 
reserve
$’000

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve
$’000

Option 
premium 
reserve
$’000

Convertible 
note reserve
$’000

Fund equity 
reserve
$’000

17,749 

6,169 

23,918 

4,409 

(427)

(10,981)

(11,408)

(16,997)

3,404 

3,832 

(23,665)

–

–

(1,113)

3,404 

3,832 

(24,778)

–

–

2,179 

Total  
reserves
$’000

893 

(5,925)

(5,032)

(10,409)

Balance at 1 July 2019

Movements in reserves during 
the year

Balance at 30 June 2020

Movements in reserves during 
the year

Balance at 30 June 2021

28,327 

(28,405)

3,404 

3,832 

(22,599)

(15,441)

90

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021Note 19: Retained earnings/(accumulated losses) 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. 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). As at 30 June 2021 the value of the ECL allowance is nil (2020: nil).

Current

Receivables from litigation contracts1

Other receivables2

Non-current

Receivables from litigation contracts3

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

175,655

33,734

209,389 

118,701 

10,286 

128,987 

21,916 

21,916 

5,743 

5,743 

1 

2  

The gross value of current receivables before ECLs at 30 June 2021 is $221.332 million (2020: $118.701 million)

 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. 

3 

The gross value of non-current receivables before ECLs at 30 June 2021 is $26,080 million (2020: $5,743 million)

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. Settlement funds may be held as security. 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 being 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. 

Balance at 1 July

Amortisation of contract costs

Balance at 30 June

Current

Non-current

Note 22: Other assets

Current

Prepayments 

Deposits

Non-current

Prepayments 

Deposits

Financial investments

Other

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

5,400 

(939)

4,461 

939 

3,522 

4,461 

2020 
$’000

6,339 

(939)

5,400 

939 

4,461 

5,400 

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

2,216 

2,793 

5,009 

8,735 

7,445 

389 

1,200 

17,769 

2,274 

2,750 

5,024 

11,522 

 – 

 – 

887 

12,409 

Financial Investments
Financial investments represent the Group’s investments made into Managed Investment Schemes (“MIS”) relating to Australian 
Class Action Lawsuits. The Group participates in these investments via its’ 20% participation in Fund 5 investments.

As at 30 June 2021 there were six separate investments into MIS’s as follows –

1.  The Prawn White Spot Litigation Funding Scheme (ARSN 647 887 027)
2.  The Certain Underwriters at Lloyds Group Litigation Funding Scheme (ARSN 647 497 229)
3.  Spring Farm Litigation Funding Scheme (ARSN 649 089 912)
4.  Freedom Foods Group Litigation Funding Scheme (ARSN 646 754 378)
5.  The Lloyds BII Claim Litigation Funding Scheme (ARSN 650 744 228)
6.  The QBE BII Claim Litigation Funding Scheme (ARSN 650 744 415)

92

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021Note 22: Other assets (continued)
These investments are not consolidated into the Group and are classified as financial assets at fair value through the profit or loss. 
The investments are initially recognised at fair value plus any attributable transaction costs and are subsequently measured at fair 
value at each reporting date. Management judgement is required when calculating the fair value of the investments. Level 3 inputs 
are used in the fair value calculation and estimation of fair value is inherently uncertain.

Typically the fair value of investments are equivalent to the Group’s deployed capital on the investment, being the Group’s share of 
funded costs of the litigation plus any associated other funded costs of the MIS, until there is some material objective positive or 
negative event in the underlying litigation that would cause a change in value.

The responsible entity of the MIS’s is Omni Bridgeway Managed Investments Limited, which is part of the consolidated Group.

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 5 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. 

Gross carrying amount - at cost

Accumulated depreciation

Net carrying amount

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

14,181 

(8,276)

5,905 

2020 
$’000

12,833 

(5,911)

6,922 

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 at 1 July 2019

Adjustment on adoption of AASB16

Additions recognised at acquisition

Additions

Disposals

Effect of movement in foreign currency

Balance at 30 June 2020

Additions

Disposals

Effect of movement in foreign currency

Balance at 30 June 2021

Accumulated depreciation

Balance at 1 July 2020

Depreciation charge recognised at 
acquisition

Depreciation charge for the year

Disposals

Effect of movement in foreign currency

Balance at 30 June 2020

Adjustment on adoption of AASB16

Depreciation charge for the year

Disposals

Effect of movement in foreign currency

Balance at 30 June 2021

1,085 

 – 

788 

166 

 – 

2 

2,041 

266 

(154)

(73)

2,080 

760 

379 

221 

 – 

(19)

1,341 

 –

414 

(91)

(70)

1,594 

482 

 – 

442 

103 

 – 

10 

1,037 

42 

 – 

(111)

968 

323 

378 

118 

 – 

(11)

808 

 –

3 

 –

(35)

776 

2,025 

 – 

 – 

138 

(231)

6 

1,938 

5 

 – 

(12)

1,931 

1,397 

 – 

379 

(183)

(25)

1,568 

 –

249 

 –

(3)

1,814 

 – 

3,054 

1,993 

2,770 

 – 

 – 

7,817 

1,778 

 – 

(393)

9,202 

 – 

 – 

2,194 

 – 

 – 

2,194 

(363)

2,453 

 –

(192)

4,092 

Total
$’000

3,592 

3,054 

3,223 

3,177 

(231)

18 

12,833 

2,091 

(154)

(589)

14,181 

2,480 

757 

2,912 

(183)

(55)

5,911 

(363)

3,119 

(91)

(300)

8,276 

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 2021 
 
 
 
 
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

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

18,688 

20,333 

501 

1,820 

1,833 

1,878 

21,009 

24,044 

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

2021
$’000

2020
$’000

4,637 
19,100 
677 
24,414 

278 
577 
855 

3,498 
672 
10,753 
14,923 

282 
395 
677 

95

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Note 25: Provisions (continued)

(a)  Movement in provisions 

Balance at 1 July 2020

Arising during the year

Utilised 

Effect of movement in foreign 
currency

Balance at 30 June 2021

Current 2021

Non-current 2021

Current 2020

Non-current 2020

Adverse
costs
$’000

672 

18,428 

–

–

19,100 

19,100 

–

19,100 

672 

–

672 

Annual 
leave
$’000

Long service 
leave
$’000

Premises 
lease
make good
$’000

2,693 

2,001 

(892)

(69)

3,733 

3,733 

–

3,733 

2,693 

–

2,693 

1,200 

281 

–

–

1,481 

904 

577 

1,481 

805 

395 

1,200 

282 

–

–

(4)

278 

–

278 

278 

–

282 

282 

Bonus
$’000

10,753 

999 

(11,077)

2 

677 

677 

–

677 

10,753 

–

10,753 

Total
$’000

15,600 

21,709 

(11,969)

(71)

25,269 

24,414 

855 

25,269 

14,923 

677 

15,600 

(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 80% 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.

As at 30 June 2021, adverse costs provision of $19.1 million (2020: $0.7 million) had been recognised for two on-balance sheet 
investments and one investment in the Funds that received an unfavourable judgment. Of that amount, $9.4 million will be 
recovered from insurance proceeds ($8.6 million) and as part of a co-funding agreement ($0.8 million) and this amount has been 
recognised as a receivable. As a result, $15.3 million has been expensed and is included in other expenses.

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 best estimate to be paid to employees.

96

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021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 year: 

Balance at 1 July 2019

Additions

Depreciation expense

Balance at 30 June 2020

Additions

Depreciation expense

Effects of movement in foreign currency

Balance at 30 June 2021

Rental
property
$’000

Other
equipment
$’000

3,001 

4,763 

(2,171)

5,593 

2,141 

(2,429)

(201)

5,104 

53 

–

(23)

30 

–

(24)

–

6 

Total
$’000

3,054 

4,763 

(2,194)

5,623 

2,141 

(2,453)

(201)

5,110 

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 year: 

Balance at 1 July

Additions

Accretion of interest

Payments

Effects of movement in foreign currency

Balance at 30 June 

Current

Non-current

The following are the amounts recognised in profit or loss: 

Depreciation expense on 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

2021
$’000

5,684 

2,657 

750 

(2,947)

(301)

5,843 

2,449 

3,394 

5,843 

Consolidated

2021
$’000

2,453 

750 

352 

209 

3,764 

2020
$’000

3,205 

4,494 

263 

(2,278)

–

5,684 

2,870 

2,814 

5,684 

2020
$’000

2,194 

263 

205 

189 

2,851 

The Group had total cash outflows for leases of $3,508,000 in 2021 (2020: $1,515,000). The future cash outflows relating to leases 
that have not yet commenced 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 2021Note 27: Other financial 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 at FVPL 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

Variable consideration - Purchased claims

Non-Current

Deferred consideration

Variable deferred consideration

Variable consideration - Purchased claims

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

 –

14,647 

5,070 

19,717 

17,783 

33,886 

9,306 

60,975 

20,681 

17,655 

 –

38,336 

22,105 

58,375 

4,884 

85,364 

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 15 and 31 for further information.

99

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Note 27: Other financial liabilities (continued)
The following table reconciles the movements in recurring fair value measurements categorised within level 3 of the fair value 
hierarchy:

Current

Balance at 1 July 2020

Fair value remeasurement recognised through profit and loss

Issue of shares to satisfy the liability

Reclassification from Non-Current

Effect of movement in foreign currency

Balance at 30 June 2021

Non-Current

Balance at 1 July 2020

Fair value remeasurement recognised through profit and loss

Reclassification to Current

Effect of movement in foreign currency

Balance at 30 June 2021

Current

Balance at 1 July 2019

Additions recognised through business combination

Fair value remeasurement recognised through profit and loss

Effect of movement in foreign currency

Balance at 30 June 2020

Non-Current

Balance at 1 July 2019

Additions recognised through business combination

Fair value remeasurement recognised through profit and loss

Effect of movement in foreign currency

Balance at 30 June 2020

Deferred 
consideration 
$’000

Variable 
Deferred 
consideration 
$’000

Total 
$’000

20,681 

(2,793)

17,655 

(3,403)

38,336 

(6,196)

(17,808)

(15,729)

(33,537)

–

(80)

–

16,194 

16,194 

(70)

(150)

14,647 

14,647 

22,105 

(3,628)

–

(694)

17,783 

–

17,565 

2,816 

300 

20,681 

–

19,452 

2,321 

332 

22,105 

58,375 

(6,465)

(16,194)

(1,830)

33,886 

–

14,997 

2,402 

256 

17,655 

–

51,440 

6,058 

877 

58,375 

80,480 

(10,093)

(16,194)

(2,524)

51,669 

–

32,562 

5,218 

556 

38,336 

–

70,892 

8,379 

1,209 

80,480 

100

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021Note 28: Commitments and contingencies

Capital commitments
Omni Bridgeway Limited has $373.038 million in aggregate Investor Capital commitments to its Funds 1, 2 & 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 
collectively, of which $240.880 million is undrawn as at 30 June 2021.

The Funds have made aggregate funding commitments to Investments totalling $1,096.550 million, of which $523.554 million is yet 
to be deployed as at 30 June 2021.

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

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

5,461 

–

5,461 

4,383 

–

4,383 

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 up to the policy indemnity limit. The entire Fund 5 portfolio has an after the event (“ATE”) insurance policy that 
will respond to claims for adverse costs in aggregate in excess of USD20 million up to the policy indemnity limit. Based on past 
experience, an award of adverse costs to a defendant will approximate 40% to 80% (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 80% of the amount spent by the plaintiff and that there is 
only one defendant per case.

At 30 June 2021, the total amount spent on currently funded investments by the Group where undertakings to pay adverse 
costs have been provided was $107.476 million (2020: $129.856 million). The potential adverse costs orders using the above 
methodology would amount to $45.315 million (2020: $75.735 million). Subject to impairment considerations, 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.

Further to the contingent comment above, in respect to a number of investments where the Group has a potential exposure 
to adverse cost exposure OBL has provided a security deed poll. The group has invested $65,080,000 to these investments 
collectively. Where the investment is within a Fund OBL is indemnified by the respective Fund.

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.

101

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report 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

Note 30: Share-based payment plan

Share-based payment transactions

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

4,818

158

157

3,154

8,287

2020 
$’000

4,673 

155 

249 

2,458 

7,535 

(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.

102

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021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. 

4,528,546 share performance rights were issued during 2021 (2020: 5,431,814). Specific assessment for performance rights issued 
in the period is below: 

Grant Date

Share price at grant date

Exercise price

Expected Volatility (%)

Dividend yield (%)

Risk-free rate (%)

Performance period

Models used

Tranche 1 - relative TSR (value per right $)

Tranche 2 - CAGR (value per right $)

1 July  
2020

$4.670 

Nil

40%

1.50%

0.27%

27 November  
2020

$4.250 

Nil

40%

1.50%

0.11%

3 years ending

30 June 2023

3 years ending

30 June 2023

Monte Carlo & Black Scholes Monte Carlo & Black Scholes

$2.530 

$4.466 

$1.812 

$4.089 

The expense recognised for share based payments during the year is shown below: 

Share based payments expense

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

13,755 

2020 
$’000

7,313 

The following table illustrates the number and weighted average exercise prices (WAEP) of, and movements in, share performance 
rights during the year: 

Movements during the year

Outstanding at 1 July

 Granted

 Exercised

 Forfeited

Outstanding at 30 June

Exercisable at 30 June

30 June 2021 
Number

30 June 2021 
WAEP

30 June 2020 
Number

30 June 2020 
WAEP

17,302,007 

4,528,546

(2,297,814)

(1,004,207)

18,528,532 

4,829,705 

–

–

–

–

–

–

15,601,589 

5,431,814 

(2,425,845)

(1,305,551)

17,302,007 

7,862,485 

–

–

–

–

–

–

103

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report 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 BV
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. Goodwill of $101.342 million was 
recognised and $103.065 million of fair value adjustment was required to individually identifiable assets. 

104

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021Note 31:  Business combination (continued)

(a)  Assets acquired and liabilities assumed
The fair values of the identifiable assets and liabilities of Omni Bridgeway as at the date of acquisition have been 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

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.

For the current year the OBE Group was fully consolidated in the revenue and profit/(loss), refer to segment note. From the date 
of acquisition to 30 June 2020, the OB Group contributed revenue of $25.839 million and $1.299 million loss before tax. If the 
combination had taken place on 1 July 2019, revenue from continuing operations would have been $30.097 million and loss before 
tax from continuing operations for the Group would have been $9.670 million for the year ended 30 June 2020.

105

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
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 outflow on acquisition

At 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 for the year ended 30 June 2020.

(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. 

The fair value of the deferred consideration at acquisition 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. The issue of shares in relation to tranche 1 of the deferred consideration payment was approved 
on at the OBL general meeting held on the 27 November 2020. The remaining tranche 2 deferred consideration payment will be 
satisfied by the issue of shares in Omni Bridgeway subject to shareholder approval 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 EUR9.066 million or the value of the OBL shares which would have been 
issued had shareholder approval been obtained.

Balance at 30 June 2019

Liability arising on business combination

Fair value remeasurement recognised through profit and loss

Effect of movement in foreign currency

Balance at 30 June 2020

Fair value remeasurement recognised through profit and loss

Issue of shares to satisfy the liability

Effect of movement in foreign currency

Balance at 30 June 2021

106

$’000

–

37,017 

5,137 

632 

42,786 

(6,421)

(17,808)

(774)

17,783 

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021 
 
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 focussed on cumulative annual new business generation. 

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.

Balance at 30 June 2019

Liability arising on business combination

Fair value remeasurement recognised through profit and loss

Effect of movement in foreign currency

Balance at 30 June 2020

Fair value remeasurement recognised through profit and loss

Issue of shares to satisfy the liability

Effect of movement in foreign currency

Balance at 30 June 2021

$’000

–

66,437 

8,460 

1,133 

76,030 

(9,868)

(15,729)

(1,900)

48,533 

107

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report 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.

Shares were issued in settlement of this obligation: 

Variable Deferred Consideration shares

Maximum approved as permissible to issue

Previously issued

Issued during the year (Note 18)

Total issued

Remaining shares to be issued

2021  
 Number 
'000

17,329 

–

(8,120)

(8,120)

2020  
Number 
'000

17,329 

–

–

–

9,209 

17,329 

The remaining balance may be issued per the payment schedule above if the cumulative annual business generation milestones 
are met.

108

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021 
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/Accumulated losses

Reserves

Total shareholders’ equity 

Loss of the Parent 

Total comprehensive loss of the Parent

2021
$’000

2020
$’000

217,248 

593,376 

201,473 

564,818 

(38,991)

(21,524)

(178,524)

(165,826)

414,852 

398,992 

385,940 

345,548 

(5,603)

34,515 

25,449 

27,995 

414,852 

398,992 

(20,867)

(20,867)

(13,315)

(13,315)

Details of the contractual commitments and contingent liabilities of the Parent are contained in Note 28.   

109

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report 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 

HC 1 LLC

Security Finance (Fund 1) LLC 

Funds 2 & 3
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 2) Pty Ltd 

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 3) Pty Ltd 

IMF Bentham ROW SPV 1 Limited

IMF Bentham ROW SPV 2 Pty Ltd1

Fund 4
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 1 LP 

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 2 LP

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 3 LP 

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 4 LP 

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 5 LP 

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 6 LP 

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 7 LP

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 8 LP 

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 9 LP 

JPV I LP6

Fund 5
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 5) GPA 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 GmbH2

Minories Capital Ltd2 7

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

110

Percentage owned

Country of
Incorporation

2021
%

2020
%

USA

USA

USA

Australia

Australia

United Kingdom

Australia

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

50

12

50

24

24

24

24

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

37

7

37

20

20

20

–

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

–

Australia

100

100

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Singapore

Switzerland

Switzerland

Germany

Guernsey

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

United Arab Emirates

81

41

81

81

81

81

81

81

81

81

N/A

N/A

N/A

65

81

41

81

81

81

81

81

81

81

81

N/A

N/A

N/A

65

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021Note 32: Parent entity information (continued)

Name

Group Subsidiaries
Omni Bridgeway Holdings (Fund 1) LLC

Omni Bridgeway Capital GP (Fund 4) LLC

Omni Bridgeway (USA) LLC

Omni Bridgeway Management (USA) LLC

Omni Bridgeway Holdings (USA) Inc

Security Finance LLC

Omni Bridgeway Capital (Canada) Limited

Lien Finance Canada Limited

Omni Bridgeway (Singapore) Pte Limited

Omni Bridgeway (UK) Limited

Omni Bridgeway (Cayman) Limited

Omni Bridgeway (Storm) Holdings Pty Ltd

Omni Bridgeway (Storm) Holdings BV

Omni Bridgeway Investment Management Ltd5

Omni Bridgeway Holding B.V.2

Omni Bridgeway Investment BV2 4

Percentage owned

Country of
Incorporation

2021
%

2020
%

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

Canada

Canada

Singapore

United Kingdom

Cayman Islands

Australia

Netherlands

Australia

Netherlands

Netherlands

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

100

100

100

100

100

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

This entity was incorporated 15 March 2021.

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 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.

This entity was incorporated 26 June 2020.

This entity was incorporated 7 July 2020.

This entity is currently under liquidation.

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.

111

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Note 33: Material partly-owned subsidiaries 
Financial information of subsidiaries that have material non-controlling interests is provided below: 

Proportion of equity interest held by non-controlling interests:

Percentage owned

Country of
Incorporation

2021
%

2020
%

USA

USA

USA

Australia

Australia

United Kingdom

Australia

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Singapore

Switzerland

Switzerland

Germany

Guernsey

Netherlands

50 

88 

50 

76 

76 

76 

76 

80 

80 

80 

80 

80 

80 

80 

80 

80 

80 

100 

19 

59 
19 

19 

19 

19 

19 

19 

19 

19 

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 

Fund 1

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 1) LLC1
HC 1 LLC1
Security Finance (Fund 1) LLC1

Funds 2 & 3

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 2) Pty Ltd2
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 3) Pty Ltd2
IMF Bentham ROW SPV 1 Limited2
IMF Bentham ROW SPV 2 Pty Ltd2

Fund 4

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 1 LP3
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 2 LP3
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 3 LP3
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 4 LP3
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 5 LP3
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 6 LP3
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 7 LP3
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 8 LP3
Omni Bridgeway (Fund 4) Invt 9 LP3
JPV I LP
Security Finance (Fund 4) LLC3

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 GmbH4
Minories Capital Ltd4
Omni Bridgeway Finance BV4

112

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 33: Material partly-owned subsidiaries (continued)

Accumulated balances of material non-controlling interests:

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/(loss) allocated to material non-controlling interests:

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 1) LLC1

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 2) Pty Ltd2

Omni Bridgeway (Fund 3) Pty Ltd2

Fund 4

Fund 6

Fund 7

2021
$'000

2020
$'000

106,266 
47,138 
62,481 
20,827 
85,120 
117,485 
 – 
(5,934)
(2,909)
430,474 

47,599 

 – 

 – 

(45,805)

5,226 

 – 

7,020 

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 

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: 

Balance at 1 July 2019

Business combination

Contributions

Distributions

Change in share of net assets 
attributable to NCI

Profit/(loss)

Other comprehensive income

Balance at 30 June 2020

Contributions

Distributions

Change in share of net assets 
attributable to NCI

Profit

Other comprehensive loss

Balance at 30 June 2021

Fund 1

Funds 2 & 3

$'000

$'000

Fund 4

$'000

Fund 5

$'000

Fund 6

$’000 

Total

$'000

202,529 

68,573 

25,450 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(57,753)

(10,561)

8,686 

9,659 

5,036 

168,157 

43 

(8,724)

19,062 

 – 

68,350 

30,080 

(36,213)

(27,036)

 – 

69,092 

(3,464)

(137)

2,906 

206 

94,053 

38,614 

(2,250)

73,630 

(47,599)

(10,548)

147,470 

9,005 

(81,840)

 – 

 – 

80,399 

45,805 

(9,262)

85,120 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

296,552 

102,109 

 – 

 – 

2,168 

(2,486)

(1,151)

102,109 

69,092 

(71,778)

1,993 

29,141 

4,091 

100,640 

431,200 

11,803 

 – 

(2,965)

8,814 

(807)

80,540 

(65,499)

(2,170)

7,020 

(20,617)

117,485 

430,474 

113

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
Note 33: Material partly-owned subsidiaries (continued)

Funds 2 & 3
On 13 September 2017, the Group established Omni Bridgeway (Fund 2) Pty Ltd and Omni Bridgeway (Fund 3) Pty Ltd Pty Ltd) 
(collectively “Funds 2 & 3”). 

Fund 4
On 26 October 2018, the Group established Omni Bridgeway Capital GP (Fund 4) LLC On 29 November 2018, the Group established 
Security Finance (Fund 4) LLC. On 4 December 2018, the Group established Bentham Investments 1 – 10 LP (collectively “Fund 4”). 
On 7 July 2020, the Group established JPV 1 LP.

Fund 5
On 20 June 2019, the Group established Fund 5, a non-US-centric investment structure. 

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.

The summarised financial information of controlled entities with material non-controlling interests is provided below is based on 
amounts prior to intercompany eliminations: 

Fund 1

Funds 2 & 3

Fund 4

Fund 5

Fund 6

2021
$'000

2020
$'000

2021
$'000

2020
$'000

2021
$'000

2020
$'000

2021
$'000

2020
$'000

2021
$'000

2020
$'000

Summarised statement of 
cash flows

Operating

Investing

Financing

12 

(98)

(7,510)

6,797 

(3,255)

(310)

(5,060)

25,507 

(6,707)

(27,923)

(50,517)

(66,042)

41 

(57,724) 10,564 

(10,561) 45,825

91,965 

Net increase in cash and 
cash equivalents

(5,007)

(32,315)

(3,653)

(31,687)

(7,947)

25,613 

Cash and cash equivalents at 
the beginning of the period

17,365 

49,680 

6,671 

38,326  31,246 

5,627 

Foreign exchange

(1,521)

 – 

 – 

32 

(2,897)

6 

Cash and cash equivalents 
at the end of the period

10,837 

17,365 

3,018 

6,671  20,402 

31,246 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(17,047)

(49,682)

7,182 

58,143 

11,803 

– 

 – 

1,938 

8,461 

 – 

 – 

8,556 

(1,016)

 – 

95 

 – 

9,478 

8,556 

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.

114

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 34: Investment in associates and joint ventures (continued)
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 aggregate of the Group’s share of profit or loss of an associate and a joint venture is shown on the face of the statement of 
profit or loss outside operating profit and represents profit or loss after tax and non-controlling interests in the subsidiaries of 
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 profit or loss.

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.

During the year, TCF a joint venture to the Group was wound down and deregistered. Also, during the year, Flight Refund Company 
Gmbh an associate to the Group was disposed-of. Both entities had immaterial balances to the Group at the time of disposal.

Interest in associates and joint ventures for the relevant financial year is provided below:

Income

Total expenses

Operating loss

Equity accounted investment result

Net profit/(loss)

Share of profit/(loss) in associates and joint ventures1

Current assets 

Non-current assets 

Current liabilities 

Equity

Group's share in equity - 5% (2020: 5%)

Group's carrying amount of the investment

1 

The balances do not include immaterial associates and joint ventures.

2021
$’000

– 

121 

(121)

7,390 

7,269 

363 

2020
$’000

143 

304 

(161)

(13,425)

(13,587)

(679)

322 

696 

86,942 

101,245 

309 

86,955 

4,453 

4,453 

(11,195)

90,746 

4,596 

4,596 

115

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report 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
Transactions with Thomson Geer1

Consolidated

2021 
$’000

709

 – 

152

861

2020 
$’000

2,036 

1,776 

–

3,812

1 

2 

 During the year, the Group obtained legal advice from the following legal firms associated with Michael Bowen (i) DLA Piper - $0.7 million and (ii) Thomson 
Geer - $0.2 million (2020: $2.0 million). Mr Bowen was an associate of DLA Piper for less than half of FY21. The legal advice was obtained at arm’s 
length. The Group engages a number of different law firms for its external legal advice and neither the relationship with Thomson Geer or DLA Piper is 
exclusive. Michael Bowen does not participate in any board decisions to appoint external counsel when Thomson Geer or DLA Piper is being considered 
for engagement.

 The Group obtained services from FIIG Securities during the year ended 30 June 2020, for which Christine Feldmanis is a mutual Director. The services 
were provided at arm’s length 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
Ernst & Young resigned as Auditors during the financial year and BDO was appointed on 17 May 2021.

The auditor of Omni Bridgeway Limited is BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd.

Fees to BDO and 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

 BDO

 Ernst & Young 

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

 BDO

 Ernst & Young 

Fees for other services

 Due Diligence Report - Ernst & Young

 Taxation - BDO

Consolidated

2021
$'000

2020
$'000

728

502

85

–

 – 

536

1,851

 – 

500 

 – 

85 

354 

 – 

939 

Note 37: Events after the reporting date
Apart from that disclosed in this report, no other circumstances have arisen since 30 June 2021 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.

116

Notes to the Financial StatementscontinuedOmni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021 
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 2021 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 2021 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 2021. 

On behalf of the board

Michael Kay 
Non-Executive Director  

Sydney, 19 August 2021

Andrew Saker 
Managing Director

117

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
 
Independent Auditor’s Report

Tel: +61 8 6382 4600 
Fax: +61 8 6382 4601 
www.bdo.com.au 

38 Station Street 
Subiaco, WA 6008 
PO Box 700 West Perth WA 6872 
Australia 

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 
(the Group), which comprises the consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 June 2021, the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of changes in equity and 
the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes to the financial report, 
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:  

(i) 

Giving a true and fair view of the Group’s financial position as at 30 June 2021 and of its 
financial performance for the year ended on that date; and  

(ii) 

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 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 confirm that the independence declaration required by the Corporations Act 2001, which has been 
given to the directors of the Company, would be in the same terms if given to the directors as at the 
time of this auditor’s report. 

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 judgement, were of most significance in 
our audit of the financial report of the current period.  These matters were addressed in the context of 
our audit of the financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide 
a separate opinion on these matters.  

BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd ABN 79 112 284 787 is a member of a national association of independent entities which are all members of BDO Australia Ltd ABN 77 050 110 275, 
an Australian company limited by guarantee. BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd and BDO Australia Ltd are members of BDO International Ltd, a UK company limited by guarantee, and 
form part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

118

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impairment of litigation related assets  

Key audit matter  

How the matter was addressed in our audit 

As disclosed in Notes 11, 12 and 13 to the Financial 

Our procedures included, but were not limited to:

Report, the Group recognises three different types 

of litigation assets, including: 







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 discounted cash 

flow models.  

As a result, 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 estimates and judgements such as the 

estimated completion dates and/or discount rates 

change, the assets may be impaired.  

Furthermore, as disclosed in Note 13, significant 

impairment charges were recognised in the current 

year predominately relating to select Fund 1 and 

Fund 4 investments.  

This was a key audit matter because it requires a 

high level of estimate and judgement and changes in 

these assumptions might lead to a significant change 

in the carrying values of the litigation related assets.  



on a sample basis, assessing the effectiveness of

the Group’s controls in relation to the review of

carrying values for litigation related assets,

including controls over the discounted cash flow

models and assumptions applied;



discussing significant investments with

respective Case Investment Managers, in order

to understand investment status and assess

estimates and judgements made by the Group

that impact the discounted cash flow models

including litigation completion dates, litigation

proceeds, budgeted costs to complete and

intention to continue the litigation matter;

assessing the reasonableness of key assumptions

including cash flow forecasts and considering the

reliability of previous forecasts;

using our internal valuation specialists to assess

the appropriateness of the discount rates         
applied;

testing the mathematical accuracy of the

discounted cash flow models;

performing sensitivity analysis on key

assumptions including cash flow forecasts and

discount rates;

reviewing Board minutes, ASX announcements

and other publicly available information to

ensure the Group has not decided to discontinue

or has been unsuccessful in investments; and













assessing the adequacy of the related disclosures

in Notes 11, 12 and 13 to the Financial Report.

119

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report

Carrying value of goodwill  

Key audit matter  

How the matter was addressed in our audit 

As disclosed in Note 14 to the Financial Report, the 

Our procedures included, but were not limited to:  

Group recognises goodwill in respect to the Fund 6 

(OBE Group, EMEA) cash generating unit (CGU).  

 

evaluating the Group’s CGU identification and 

the allocation of goodwill and other assets to the 

The Group is required under Australian Accounting 

carrying value of the CGU based on our 

Standard AASB 136 Impairment of Assets (“AASB 

understanding of the CGU’s business;  

136”), to perform an annual impairment test of the 

carrying value of goodwill. 

 

assessing the reasonableness of key assumptions 

including cash flow forecasts, considering the 

As a result, the Group’s impairment assessment is 

reliability of previous forecasts and consistency 

undertaken using a value-in-use model.  

with discounted cash flow models for the CGU’s 

This was a key audit matter because it requires a 

high level estimate and judgement, in particular in 

estimating future growth rates, discount rates and 

the expected cash flows of the CGU to which the 

goodwill and other assets have been allocated. 

litigation related assets;  

 

 

 

 

 

comparing the CGU’s forecast cash flows to the 

board approved budget;  

using our internal valuation specialists to assess 

the appropriateness of the discount rate 

applied;  

performing sensitivity analysis on key 

assumptions including cash flow forecasts, 

growth and discount rates; 

testing the mathematical accuracy of the value-

in-use model; and  

assessing the adequacy of the related disclosures 

in Note 14 to the Financial Report. 

120

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
Other matter  

The financial report of Omni Bridgeway Limited, for the year ended 30 June 2020 was audited by 
another auditor who expressed an unmodified opinion on that report on 24 August 2020. 

Other information  

The directors are responsible for the other information.  The other information comprises the 
information in the Group’s annual report for the year ended 30 June 2021, but does not include the 
financial report and the auditor’s report thereon.  

Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and we do not express any 
form of assurance conclusion thereon.  

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 ability of the group to 
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related 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 has 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.  

121

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report  
 
Independent Auditor’s Report

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial report is located at the 
Auditing and Assurance Standards Board website (http://www.auasb.gov.au/Home.aspx) at:  

https://www.auasb.gov.au/admin/file/content102/c3/ar1_2020.pdf 

This description forms part of our auditor’s report. 

Report on the Remuneration Report 

Opinion on the Remuneration Report  

We have audited the Remuneration Report included in pages 37 to 46 of the directors’ report for the 
year ended 30 June 2021. 

In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Omni Bridgeway Limited, for the year ended 30 June 2021, 
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.  

BDO Audit (WA)  

Glyn O’Brien  

Director 

Perth, 19 August 2021 

122

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder Information

The information set out below is current as at 31 July 2021.

(a)  Distribution of Shareholders 

Ordinary Share Capital 
262,180,473 fully paid ordinary shares are held by 4,712 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 518 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 
18,528,532 performance rights were issued to 106 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 2021:

1 – 1,000

1,001 – 5,000

5,001 – 10,000

10,001 – 100,000

100,001 and over

Number

1,299

1,714

768

855

76

572,915

4,684,257

5,693,100

22,688,590

228,541,611

Non-marketable Parcels
There were 331 holders of less than a marketable parcel of ordinary shares.

4,712

262,180,473

Fully paid 
ordinary 
shares

% of issued 
capital

Number

Bonds

0.22

1.79

2.17

8.65

87.17

100.00

449

62

2

4

1

155,351

124,595

12,528

136,554

330,972

518

760,000

(b) Substantial Shareholders
The names of the substantial shareholders listed in the Company’s register as at 31 July 2021 are:

Shareholder

Perpetual Limited

Challenger Limited

Greencape Capital Pty Ltd

Amitell Capital Pte Ltd

Number of 
ordinary 
Shares 

% of  
issued 
capital

20,586,061

19,762,368

19,762,368

15,798,137

7.85

7.54

7.54

6.03

75,908,934

28.96

123

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Shareholder Information

continued

(c)  20 Largest Holders of Quoted Equity Securities as at 31 July 2021

Ordinary Shares

1. HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED

2. CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED

3.

J P MORGAN NOMINEES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED

4. NATIONAL NOMINEES LIMITED

5. HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED 

6. UBS NOMINEES PTY LTD

7. BNP PARIBAS NOMS PTY LTD 

8. CPU SHARE PLANS PTY LTD 

9. BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD 

10. HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED

11. MCLERNON GROUP SUPERANNUATION PTY LTD

12. BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD SIX SIS LTD

13. CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED 

14. HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED

15. CPU SHARE PLANS PTY LTD

16. MR PETER FREDERICK PHILLIPS + MRS ALICE SAU HAN PHILLIPS 

17. RIVERDOOR CAPITAL B.V

18. MR DENNIS JOHN BANKS 

19. BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD 

20. MERRILL LYNCH (AUSTRALIA) NOMINEES PTY LIMITED 

(d) Options as at 31 July 2021 – unquoted
There are no options issued.

(e)  Securities subject to escrow
There are no securities subject to escrow.

Number of 
ordinary 
Shares  
‘000

61,280 

41,228 

40,947 

18,172 

8,212 

7,640 

7,085 

4,830 

4,035 

3,717 

3,136 

2,839 

1,972 

1,766 

1,278 

1,274 

1,209 

1,097 

1,075 

1,057 

% of  
issued  
capital

23.40

15.73

15.62

6.93

3.13

2.91

2.70

1.84

1.54

1.42

1.20

1.08

0.75

0.67

0.49

0.49

0.46

0.42

0.41

0.40

213,849

81.59

124

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021(f) 20 Largest Holders of Quoted Omni Bridgeway Bonds as at 31 July 2021 

Bond Holders

1 HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED

2

J P MORGAN NOMINEES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED

3 NATIONAL NOMINEES LIMITED

4 CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED

5 MUTUAL TRUST PTY LTD

6 MCLERNON GROUP SUPERANNUATION PTY LTD

7 NETWEALTH INVESTMENTS LIMITED 

8

SANCTUARY GATE PTY LTD 

9 CARRIER INTERNATIONAL PTY LIMITED 

10 MELPEAT PTY LTD 

11 MR CHIA-HO CHEN

12 PSTAR PTY LTD

13 CITER INVESTMENTS PTY LTD

14 BRIGHTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOUNDATION LTD

14 MS CAROLYN MARGARET EARL + MR JOHN WILLIAM NISSEN 

14 MORBEN NOMINEES PTY LTD 

14 ROBROZ PTY LTD 

14 SINGAPORE INVESTMENTS PTY LTD 

14 VOSBURG PTY LTD 

20 JOWENE PTY LIMITED

Number of 
Bonds 

% of 
units

330,972

43.55

60,845

39,841

23,608

12,260

7,500

5,028

5,000

4,580

3,500

3,435

3,269

3,002

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

2,585

8.01

5.24

3.11

1.61

0.99

0.66

0.66

0.60

0.46

0.45

0.43

0.40

0.39

0.39

0.39

0.39

0.39

0.39

0.34

523,425

68.85

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 9, 480 Queen Street 
Brisbane City QLD 4000

THOMSON GEER
Level 27, Exchange Tower 
2 The Esplanade 
Perth 6000

Share registry

COMPUTERSHARE
Level 3, 60 Carrington Street 
Sydney NSW 2000

Phone: (02) 8234 5000

Auditors

BDO AUDIT (WA) PTY LTD
38 Station Street 
Subiaco WA 6008

Bankers

NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK LIMITED 
255 George 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 report.

126

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021The ordinary shares (Shares) of Omni Bridgeway Limited (OBL) are subject to ownership restrictions applying to residents of the 
United States.

The Shares have not been registered under the US Securities Act of 1933 or the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction 
of the United States. In addition, OBL has not been registered under the US Investment Company Act of 1940 in reliance on an 
exemption from registration.

Accordingly, the Shares may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of US Persons except in 
accordance with an available exemption from, or a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the US Securities 
Act, the US Investment Company Act and applicable US state securities laws.

In order to qualify for an exemption under the US Investment Company Act, the constitution of OBL provides that where a holder 
is an Excluded US Person:

 – OBL may refuse to register a transfer of Shares to that Excluded US Person; and
 –  the Excluded US Person may be requested to sell such person’s Shares and, if the Excluded US Person fails to do so within 
30 business days, to be divested of such Shares and to receive the proceeds of sale (net of transaction costs, including any 
applicable brokerage) as soon as practicable after the sale.

In addition, OBL’s constitution provides that a holder may be required to complete a statutory declaration in relation to whether 
they (or any person on whose account or benefit it holds Shares) are an Excluded US Person. Any holder who does not comply with 
such a request will be deemed to be an Excluded US Person.

The Shares are issued on terms under which each holder who is or becomes an Excluded US Person agrees to the above terms 
and irrevocably appoints OBL as that holder’s agent and attorney to do all acts and things and execute all documents which OBL 
considers necessary, desirable or reasonably incidental to effect the above actions.

Definitions
An “Excluded US Person” means a holder of Shares (or a person who seeks to be registered as a holder of Shares) whom the 
directors of OBL have determined (i) is a US Person who is not a Qualified Purchaser or a Knowledgeable Employee or (ii) holds or 
will hold Shares for the account or benefit of any US Person who is not a Qualified Purchaser or a Knowledgeable Employee.

The term “Qualified Purchaser” has the meaning given in Section 2(a)(51) of the US Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules 
and regulations of the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

The term “US Person” has the meaning given in Rule 902(k) of Regulation S under the US Securities Act of 1933. 

127

HighlightsFinancial Report Shareholder Information  OverviewDirectors’ Report Glossary of Terms

AASB

Australian Accounting Standards Board

Addressable 
Market

Is OBL’s estimate of the annual amount spent by plaintiff/applicants on external costs of litigation/ dispute 
resolution that could be addressed by OBL’s litigation funding service offering.

CAGR

EMEA

EPS

Compound Annual Growth Rate

Europe, Middle East and Africa

Earnings Per Share

Estimated 
Portfolio Value 
(EPV)

EPV for an investment where the funding entity earns:

i. 

ii. 

iii. 

 a percentage of the resolution proceeds as a funding commission, is OBL’s current estimate of the claim’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 OBL if the investment is successful; 

 a funding commission calculated as a multiple of capital invested shall be calculated by taking OBL’s estimate 
of the potential income return from the investment and grossing this up to an EPV using OBL’s Long-Term 
Conversion Rate; and 

 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.

IC

ICC

ICSID

IFRS

IRR

LTIP

MOIC

NCI

OCA

ROIC

SIAC

STIP

TFR

TSR

Investment Committee

International Chamber of Commerce

International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes

International Financial Reporting Standards

Internal Rate of Return

Long Term Incentive Program

Multiple on Invested Capital

Non-Controlling Interest

On-line Client Administration Proprietary Database

Return on Invested Capital

Singapore International Arbitration Centre

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.

128

Omni Bridgeway | Annual Report 2021129

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 54 
111 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
www.omnibridgeway.com